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April 18th, 2010 | by Greg Barker

Promote Your Voice – NEW Contest


You could win a free consultation with a world-class agent.

Share any idea that has worked in getting the word out on your voice and your music and you may be one of several winners in an exciting new contest from VoiceCouncil Magazine.

Simply leave a comment at the end of this post on an idea that has worked for you in getting the word out—you’ll be contributing to the worldwide vocalist community.

Our top winner will receive a free consultation with a world-class agent. All 5 winners will receive valuable exposure in an upcoming VoiceCouncil article and free feedback from our anonymous Web design expert!

Your comment below can be anything from ideas about selling more CDs to social networking successes and finding new venues – ANYTHING that has led to sharing your voice with more people – no idea is too small or too large.

There will be 5 winners!

Contest closes on May 14th

Wordmap created with www.wordle.com

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  • http://www.myspace.com/martindebourge Martin DeBourge

    This may not be “new” information to many singers networking themselves, but it's information I learned the old fashioned way – from trial & error, otherwise referred to as experience.

    I found myself a little older and less marketable in a world of younger up and comers with a lot of drive and ambition. I decided the best route for me was to head up a massive recording project in the genre that always enticed me: progressive metal. The problem was, the musician pool available to me locally was depressing. I needed to branch out.

    It seemed to me that finding the group of musicians I wanted to call upon to lay down tracks for the album were to be found on social networking sites. So I dived right in and sent friend request after useless friend request. Quickly discovering that what I was left with was quantity but no quality, the plan of attack needed changing.

    Within a week of sending out meaningful friend requests, the core group of musicians I would use for carrying out my recording project were practically beating down my cyber door. The secret… compliments. That's right, we're all human and in this crazy mixed up world of self promotion, truth be told we love to be liked and told we're great. So each and every friend request I sent out was accompanied by an honest note about something very specific directed to each artist. It could be as quick and easy as “I listened to your song, Beelzebub on His Cell Phone, and loved how you handled the key change before the solo”.

    People almost feel obligated to go listen to YOUR music and generate a like minded comment, then BAM – conversation started. Granted, this is time consuming and it doesn't amount to twenty thousand friends. But what it does amount to is each and every “friend” actually having a personal connection. True and true networking.

    Thanks to this learned approach, I scored a couple industry pros as well as a couple soon-to-be-discovered prodigies for the album project. In the meantime, by default, I've picked up session work (via my home studio) that has helped to finance the project I started this whole thing with anyway!

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  • http://www.myspace.com/voxiferfation Brian K. Stevenson

    Hello Friends…I've adopted what I like to call the 3Ps Protocol (Practice, Promote, Perform). Granted this particular forum engages PR but I feel each of these approaches, in consecutive order, have helped me to acquire the best results!!!

    PRACTICE:

    First and foremost I've always felt that anything to do with music begins and ends with the song, it's vibration, the emotions conveyed, and the way each voice and instrument fills its unique space in any given tune. There's no better way to discover where you fit in, vocally, than to rehearse over and over (of your own accord) before showing up to jam with the band.

    I tend to create a bit backward. As a young singer I would write a string of lyrics and then try and force them into the song at hand. My writing style is a complete 180 from that now. As I begin to develop a piece, I simply scat (mostly vowels), to discover rhythms and melodies that marry up to the song quite nicely…this creates and immediate space for the vocal to push through as well as offering up guidelines to what vowels and syllables resonate well when approaching lyrical content.

    Usually I will have acquired the best sounding recording of whatever song I might have written or be working on from band mates or other production counterparts. I take it home and literally spend hours recording these “scats” until something just pings!!! Now, here's the weird part…I let the story write itself. As I match up words and meanings that rhyme with my most dominant scats, I let the universe take over and the lyrical message begins to unravel before me. Eventually, I have a cohesive statement applicable to the music and emotion of the piece. No more forcing anything! Using the scat technique I'm able manufacture the best melody, most dynamic rhythms and vocal power that I can personally muster up for any given song.

    Once I've created a strong and effective vocal I practice the heck out of it. I rehearse nearly every day (don't hurt your voice though), and I alter my practice patterns in the following progression:

    1) Practice in the CANS (Headphones), so that everything sounds perfect, clean and crispy! Usually I pipe my ipod into the AUX input of my Voice Live 2, which keeps setup and break down a breeze for this type of rehearsal. All I need is one electrical outlet and I'm ready to rawk~

    2) Practice to the PA. I pump the song into the mains and use floor monitors to create a live and less controlled environment, just in case I get the the venue and things are a mess.

    3) Practice as you would perform. Here, I blast the PA, but don my in-ear monitors as I would perform in a live setting.

    Finally, once the music and vocal sound good together, I practice triggering my effects and stage movement in front of a mirror. This affords me the experience to maneuver quickly through presets and performance without the appearance that I'm struggling to keep up or flailing about in an amateur fashion

    PROMOTE:

    This is a HUGE part of getting yourself out there and making sure your being heard by as many people as possible. If you have the cash flow, definitely hire a solid PR team. If you're a budding artist, incorporate friends and family. However, you really need to make sure you're involved with responsible individuals that are as motivated to getting your name out there as you are.

    I have a small but formidable PR team. There has to be a Chief, which often is perceived as the Lead Singer, but it takes more than being called “lead,” to be a true leader. I'm terribly anal retentive, but press hard not to come off as controlling. I keep a large white board in my studio, which is constantly evolving, and offers me a real time view of my short and long term commitments. Staying organized is paramount as there are so many variables in this career, and each must be given due diligence. Setting goals, with dates, is a great way to create timely turnarounds.

    In this day and age it takes more than making phone calls and mailing out schedules. Thank God for the internet…I can't tell ya' how many stamps I've licked from days gone by :) I have established an internet team and a street team. Each team has a leader that corresponds with me. I leave it up to them to find the right people to help them out. A formidable teammate will pride themselves on the ability to perform their jobs to its fullest potential. I don't micro-manage, in fear that I might squelch their true capability. This has worked well for me over the years. Don't be afraid to call a spade a spade though…I do this in privacy, in order to retain a respectful work environment that is nearly as hard to come by these days as is finding good help.

    There are costs involved in everything. Given that most of us are on limited budgets, you may find that offering band swag or free passes to shows gets folks prepped to help as much as money might. The people that help you out will desire recognition, so piping out to them during a show or presenting accolades in front of peers is a great way to seal their commitment to your cause without breaking the bank.

    My internet team keeps me abreast of trend changes, concerning social network sites, and makes an effort to make me a part of cutting edge interfaces for my music. I require that my internet team take the time to respond on a personal level and they are always sure to forward high profile correspondence to me directly.

    Since we live in a fast paced world, it's paramount that I'm able to respond quickly and effectively with any professional entity that expresses interest in my career as a singer and performance artist. They are also tasked with finding performance opportunities for me, acquiring logistical information for these types of shows and verifying said requests against my personal calendar so as not to double book.

    Often I have to be at more than one location in a given day…it's up to me to stay healthy and ready and up to my team to keep me from making foolish commitments. We share a “strike while the iron's hot” mentality and it's served us well thus far.

    Regardless the amount of digital hype that is available to us there is still no substitute for getting your fan base to help you champion your causes. Whenever I am tasked to meet a performance obligation, the internet team immediately goes out to my fan base with requests to help promote the show at hand.

    My street team lead works directly with my internet team lead, and both marry up their information with my personal manager/booking agent, who represents the band and I on a physical front. The street team lead responds, personally, to radio stations, merchants, distributors, concert venues and relays all logistical information to the personal manager for action.

    Another task of the street team is to follow up with our new fans from each new city that I might perform in. She is also responsible for establishing other, physical, street teams in other cities, which often maintain a web presence as well. Soooo, you're starting to see how keeping my trusty white board can be really handy right?!

    A lot can become misconstrued in mere seconds and it only takes one bad happenstance to demolish months of hard work and financial obligation. Dependent on your music, you'll want to approach each town's enclaves that respond best to your genre and age group of music. IOW, know your fan base, their age and where they are most likely to travel to view your type of concert in specific. Young people still make up a good portion of concert goers, so hitting up colleges and youth gatherings can be pretty helpful as well. I guess my point is if you're a biker band and you show up at a teeny bop club, you may gain some fans, but not as many as would have showed up to a bike fest!

    PERFORMANCE:

    The proof is in the pudding. All of your practice and promotion will be for not if you do not pick a venue as unique as your performance style. You have got to deliver the goods!!! My promotional teams do a lot of research when I'm entering a new area that I haven't been to yet.

    This all starts several months in advance of the gig. The early bird gets the goods!!! And, they don't stop promoting until the show's over, which is followed up by promotion for the next show at hand. You have got to treat these people well because they can break your back in a minute. If I am warranted the opportunity, my production team, band mates, and I show up early in the day to set up the stage, sound check, and get the recording/video rig ready to feed off of the board. If there's a projector & screen handy, we also set that up before going back to our collective hotel rooms.

    All of this takes hours to complete, in order to secure a near flawless performance later in the evening. I try to leave as little to chance as possible, while maintaining a relaxed stance when faced with problems that WILL arise! My fans pay good money and travel far…it is out of sheer respect for them that I work this hard to put on not just a show, but a memorable experience for them.

    This ensures word of mouth accolades and internet chatter. Hyping yourself is often perceived as arrogant or heady. By doing a great job, the fans create the hype for you. All I have to do is show up with the band and give them what they came for!!! Equally important to your performance is having affordable merchandise available at each show. Without merc, you'll hardly make enough money to put on the next show + it offers up free advertisement. Be prepared to throw some swag into the crowd. Everyone loves something for free and the fact that you throw a few pieces into the audience shows that anyone stands the chance of winning a lotto-like moment in view of the masses…just be careful not to jettison anything with sharp edges! Well, I've written enough. I hope you enjoy this article. I look forward to reading and learning from other singers that might post to this contest.

    Namaste,

    Brian

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  • http://www.webones.es Paco

    Very wise strategy. Dale Carnegie 100%. I am impatient to hear your work.

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  • http://www.webones.es Paco

    Hi, Brian. This is by far the longest article I have read from you so far. But also the one I kiked best. The “scats” technique for building melodies is my favourite. I use it too. Somehow, it allows to master the feelings arising from the music before putting them in black and white. Haven´t we all heard great lyrics which just don´t fit or match with what the score is expressing?

    Regarding the rest of the article, thanks for sharing your experience. I believe the merchandise part is very true. Will have to be over it more closer than I am now.

    Namaste???? You always sign with this strange word. What does this mean?

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  • http://www.myspace.com/voxiferfation Brian K. Stevenson

    Hi Paco,

    Yes you've caught me on a gloriously long winded day :) I always enjoy your comments the most my friend…hands down, I'm a Paco fan! Glad to find another singer using the scatting technique…just one of the many odd things we do to get where we need to be! Bobby McFerrin was one of the kings! I totally agree that it really opens things up and lets the best come forth.

    Namaste? It means “bowing to you.”

    Namaste,

    Brian :)

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  • http://www.webones.es Paco

    Me, and my band, are not professionals, as friends who have posted before seem to be. Although we have been together for nine years now, we have other works to pay the bills and we can't play as much as we would like to. But there is something we do which I'd like to share, for people in a similar situation.

    The actual music industry crisis together with internet has caused an atomization of the radios. Now, you have the big ones as before, which move for profit, risk very little and behave following strict commercial procedures. But on the other side, thousands of small ones are appearing, both in local areas as well as at internet. And what's more, many of them are in both platforms at the same time. That is, they have their traditional open air broadcasting and they have an on-line radio as well.

    Many of these on-line radios have very little reaching. But their audience is looking exactly for what they find there. And the people who work them only broadcast the style of music they like. Many of them actually make no profit and do it for pleasure, the same I sing for. So, you have to find out which are the ones in which your music fits and make sure you reach them with your material mailings. The peole who listen to these radios will pay much more attention to your music because they are not mass listeners. They are a specialized audience who have freely decided to search for and listen to that station on the believe that it matches exactly their preferences.

    There is a lovely book by Gim Gillette (The sound of the city) which describes perfectly well the importance that local radios played in the popularization of rock&roll music. It looks as if we are going back to this, once the prostitution to which the industry have pushed music is beginning to be over.

    One pair or ears who listen to you is much more valuable than a thousand ones who only hear you.

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  • http://www.myspace.com/voxiferfation Brian K. Stevenson

    Amen to that brother. We definitely have to love what we do coz Lord knows it's not an easy plight! I sing for a second band called uJiya…and our only success so far has been through avenues similar to what you are describing.

    We're stretching into a genre called “New Thought,” which seems to be found in unity churches and internet enclaves most often. It's roots are along the lines of folk, new age, and chant styles. Alas, we're making some great strides but slowly. It's exactly as you say though…the listeners that connect with us truly want to be part of that particular sound.

    My other band, Sonic Erotica, is a polar opposite in that it's definitively poised at the electronic pop market…still not as widely accepted by Western culture, but much more prevalent than the New Thought genre. It's suits my Geminian nature to have a little dark & light in my life :) Sonic is the flesh and uJiya is the spirit.

    Alas, working a day job and singing for two bands all but wears me thin at moments. But…I've grown accustomed to accepting that success means being tired all of the time – LOL! I'm just lucky that I can work the 9-5 remotely or I'd never be able to meet my goals effectively.

    I'll have to check out “The Sound of the City.” Sounds like a good read. I most enjoyed your last sentence…it resonates well with Joey's “The Singer who dares to Listen” article. You remind me to be mindful of why I got into music in the first place…because I love it…if we lose sight of that the magic dries up. Thanks for sharing :)

    Namaste,

    Brian

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  • reggievanburen

    right on Brian… Love is Love

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  • channon1

    Wow! Brian, I had no idea about your “3P's Protocal”. Until now, I had only been naively aware of the final “P”, your performance (and you're all keenly aware of how I feel about that)! For some reason, I simply thought you guys just come to the venue, setup, and then share your uncanny talents with those of us fortunate enough to be on the receiving end.

    Now that I think of it, I've been one of the recipients of the “swag” you mentioned; when I caught that T-shirt (cant' remember if it was Ybor, St. Pete or Winter Haven), I DID feel like I'd won the lottery, and I wear it all the time. Interesting. I'm a psychologist, you'd think I would have figured that out.

    Just WOW, Brian. The method you use to create, then practice, promote, and lastly perform. I'm in awe. Kudos to you and your entire team… I thought it was just magic!

    (And btw, if you should ever need any help, don't hesitate to contact me.)

    Namaste,
    Connie H

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  • gomonkey

    Brian K. Stevenson !!!!!! Rawwwkksss Tampa Bay!!!

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  • Mirror_Man

    Well I may be speaking from a position of bias however, I had to start down this road somewhere…

    I had first seen Brian singing front with Sonic Erotica in 1995. They were playing at a little hole in the wall venue in Tampa. A seven foot square piece of carpet was all that defined a stage, in a smokey bar not much wider than a one car garage. The place was packed with people of varying ages and backgrounds, many of whom had come to see Sonic Erotica. I was there that night just by chance just looking for a beer and a place to park my then narrow a$$. I had nearly taken a wack in the head from a spinning mic stand as I was trying to make my way from the bar past the “stage”!

    If it were any other band on any other night, I probably wouldn't have been paying attention and I would've been hit. Then again, any other front man probably wouldn't have been performing as Brian had and, the microphone stand wouln't have been airborn to begin with! Oh the paradox just hurts my brain…blah blah blah….Where was I? Oh yeah….

    With Brian, it didn't matter how small the venue was, he would be ON! The only thing that had saved me from knot on my head and a spilled beer, was that he and the boys had already gained my full attention! I was drawn in that night and had never been the same.

    You see, there was nothing in the Bay Area (or anywhere to my knowledge) that had sounded even remotely like Sonic Erotica and, there certainly was no one that sounded like Brian. This “kid” was something else entirely. The crowds loved the band and other bands hated to have to follow them. I can't say that I blamed them!

    Orginality? Oh Yes!
    Showmanship? Without a doubt!
    The ability to connect with the people? Well, fifteen some-odd years later and we're still here wanting more! So you, the reader do the math!

    Simply put, I've seen Brian in many forms over the last fifteen years. He's always evolving and refining his craft and passion. From the psycho-sensual to the hard rocker, he puts his heart in everything he does and has put it all out there! I've never seen a more gifted vocalist in my life. Combine that with his technical knowledge, creativity and passion to learn and evolve, You've got something truely phoenomenal!

    Perhaps I AM speaking from a position of bias. But remember, it was the music that drew me in first. The friendship with him and everyone else was an unexpected side-effect that I've been happy to live with!

    “Mirror Man”

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  • 2upeacenlove

    I can see why you are so successful. Thanks for the great article! Peace…

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  • angelwolf73

    I started listening to Sonic Erotica on the recommendation of a great friend. Thanks Vince! You have an awesome voice and deserve to go to the top. Your article was very inspiring and goes to show you have the brains as well as the lungs! Keep Rocking and keeping it real!

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  • http://www.soniceroticaband.com Brian K. Stevenson

    Awe thanks ya' big ape but it's those of you who keep believing that keep us going! As Paco commented it takes friends that join us because they listen to the sound of our music and it resonates with them vs. just hearing and playing along. I really appreciate your help :) Thanks for the kind words my friend…Go Monkey Go!!!

    Namaste,

    Brian

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  • http://www.soniceroticaband.com Brian K. Stevenson

    Thank you kindly Angel Wolf! Believe it or not I get a lot of really great vocal tricks from the various forums here at the voice council website. There's tons of great reviews and information and myriad ways to get real time advice from industry professionals.

    Thanks for taking the time to check out our music and correspond on the forum. Check out the peer reviews on this site…Some great, budding, artists have posted videos there. If you do, please take the time to comment and lend the same inspiration you've afforded me today :) All the best!

    Namaste,

    Brian

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  • http://www.soniceroticaband.com Brian K. Stevenson

    What more can I say than thank you and peace to you as well my friend :)

    Namaste,

    Brian

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  • melekepal

    Brian's voice is a gift. He is a master as a vocalist, as a band member, as an entertainer and as a human being. I am a better person for knowing him and hearing his gift.

    In addition, he is with 3 other Master's and that makes for a whole lot of creative energy and tight hard hitting grooves that draw the people in. I am grateful that that I was one of those people over 14 years ago… peace, love and SONIC EROTICA.

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  • http://www.soniceroticaband.com Brian K. Stevenson

    Oh my!

    You are superb my friend. Humbling…but I can't be responsible for all of that! I play my part and do my best to stay out of my own way :) You are a testament to the kind of relationship that can be born from creativity and that is what makes music so wonderful to me! It affords us the vehicle to communicate certain tones and vibrations that resonate within unique enclaves of humankind.

    Check out Joey Elkins' article on the Technique page of this website. I was absolutely moved by her words, the video from Bobby McFerrin, and how it all ties together. It's truly a great time to be alive and to have the chance to communicate in this way, exchange ideas, soak up and share so much. Technology has always fascinated me and singing! TC married up my two favorite things – I've died and gone to Heaven :)

    I thought your comment was heart felt and fabulous. Since you're a good writer and have witnessed a lot more of the band's “behind-the-scenes” efforts than most…how about writing another comment referencing angles we've worked and obstacles we've come in relationship to promotion? Even better, you've worked the back scenes of music for most of your adult life…Tell us what you've seen and what we all can do to better shape our promo skills in this new age?

    Namaste,

    Brian

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  • http://www.soniceroticaband.com Brian K. Stevenson

    Hi Connie!

    Yes, I'm terribly anal retentive but I do try and keep feelings relaxed, when working…more bees with honey so-to-speak :) I do have a wonderful team…the amount of blood, sweat, and tears they pour in to me is humbling.

    Alas that is the fuel to my fire…it just seems wrong to be lazy or complacent when other people are sharing life energy to help push my goals forward. The reward is that we all get to express our talents together, laugh, and smile big for a while – hahaha…I may never grow up :)

    In the end it's about the songs and making people re-connect with wily emotions. Your promo team generally connects to your music in a passionate way that drives them to get it out there. It's a sheer privilege for any artist to ever have a single fan. I suppose that could be where the magic that you speak of is birthed from. It takes tons of work, communication, and some bills to transform an idea into a real world production.

    The 3Ps works for me but it boils down to staying focused, organized, and real about what we're doing that will lend anyone success. I encourage young artists to at least keep a journal of their progress, goals, and visions.

    My voice teacher use to have me draw “ME Papers.” His recommendation was to draw a circle in the center of a large piece of paper and then draw lines out, as tendrils, away from the center. These tendrils connected me to what I thought I wanted for my life in a way that I could visually organize on paper.

    I've kept this practice for years and have actually turned them into colorful works of art…always good to enjoy when reflecting :) Thanks again for the kind words and interest. And, thank you for acknowledging my team as the power behind the prowess :)

    Namaste,

    Brian

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  • http://www.soniceroticaband.com Brian K. Stevenson

    You are King LOVE my friend!

    Namaste,

    Brian

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  • Katie Takas

    Brian, For a person like you, I believe the three Es apply: Entertain, Enrich, Enlighten. There is no question that you and Sonic Erotica have provided many hours of Entertainment for me, the Groovenauts and countless others with timeless music you make. You have Enriched our lives by bringing together people from all walks of life who have become friends beyond the dance floor. You have Enlightened us with the uplifting music you make, and it's no surprise why we are all smiling and happy when listening to you and watching you perform. Thank you Brian, for giving me countless hours of the three Es and here's to many, many more!

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  • reggievanburen

    Right on my brother, i'll be seein ya soon… The next gig for sure… Keep fighting the good fight.
    much love Donny(aka Reggie)

    ________________________________

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  • Lynn

    voting for Brian Stevenson

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  • http://www.soniceroticaband.com Brian K. Stevenson

    Thanks,

    However this is more of a chance to explain how you've seen promo work for the band or for freinds in music…not really to vote for me – too kind though. So tell us about how Carol's work for the group, in the way of Promo, reaches you all the way in Maryland!

    Namaste,
    Brian

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  • http://www.soniceroticaband.com Brian K. Stevenson

    Right on…nice to hear it from your perspective. The 3 Es – I like it :)

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  • http://www.soniceroticaband.com Brian K. Stevenson

    Thank you kindly! So tell us of the myriad ways the band's promotional tricks have drawn ya' in…how do you see promo for SE on the other side?

    Namaste,

    Brian

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  • http://www.soniceroticaband.com Brian K. Stevenson

    Martin,

    What a fresh and modern way to approach an old topic. Man, I feel ya…I'm creeping in on 40 this May – yikes! I've also used this approach to write with musicians abroad – it's a great time to be alive…no?! :) I'm so happy you found an outlet for what moves you most in your musical career. I agree, the older we get the less likely we are to find neighborhood pals to chime in and write some good songs. Given the information highways and myriad recording wares available…the world is our oyster! Hats of to you for taking the time to reinvent yourself and stay fresh with your musical community.

    Oh, you “more bees with honey” approach is paramount! I couldn't agree more :) It's so true that a lil' love goes a long way and to actually take the time to notice intricacies in other people is a sure way into their hearts and minds. You go brother…thanks for sharing – this is something any of us could learn from.

    Namaste,

    Brian

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  • SweetKT

    Brian, For a person like you, I believe the three Es apply: Entertain, Enrich, Enlighten. There is no question that you and Sonic Erotica have provided many hours of Entertainment for me, the Groovenauts and countless others with timeless music you make. You have Enriched our lives by bringing together people from all walks of life who have become friends beyond the dance floor. You have Enlightened us with the uplifting music you make, and it's no surprise why we are all smiling and happy when listening to you and watching you perform. Thank you Brian and Sonic Erotica, for giving me countless hours of the three Es and here's to many, many more! Katie

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  • DivaM

    I've been working as a musician for a few years now, and have mostly just stumbled onto things that have worked to build recognition and great fan base.
    The newest things that I have been intentionally working on are in the area of online social media and marketing.

    Twitter has become an AMAZING resource for me as a musician combined with using the software HootSuite. This is a great way to build friends and fans and more recognition.
    I've met some amazing social net work gurus who have already invented the wheel, I've connected with some of them and asked a few questions now I just have to apply it to my life and business.

    In Particular, HootSuite has been great to link me to all my social net works, such as Myspace, Facebook, LinkedIn and Facebook Pages. The software is simple to use and connects to your status updates in all those applications.
    “It's a one stop status update shop!” and I can designate which status get updates and with what particular content. This has saved me time and has made my 'alive and active' presence known, which in turn has connected me to more people.
    I've only been tweeting for a short time and have seen how my tweet from my city in Victoria Canada was retweeted by a woman in Nashville USA and then retweeted again by another organization in Nashville.
    Music and promotion isn't the only thing I talk about on Twitter either, I am a real person with ideas, stories, jokes, questions just like everyone else. So in 140 characters or less, I can share some pretty neat ideas, and have some fun.

    I also use Reverbnation as my main music website. This free software is amazing, again easy to use and the features are to amazing to list. It also is connected to Twitter and I am able to update my twitter and facebook from within Reverbnation too.

    Lastly I have found the more the applications and software connects to each other the closer your connection and online presence becomes huge.
    I have added as many connected links to each site so that they connect each other. So CDBABY, ReverbNation, my Blog, Website, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Myspace LASTFM.com, NUMUBU.com are all connected to each other in at least one way and some 7 ways.
    Putting in this effort to work hard, I have almost doubled my fan base on Reverbnation, increased my followers on Twitter and made some amazing new friends online from all over the world!

    Now the easy part, sit back connect and sing my heart out!!

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  • http://www.soniceroticaband.com Brian K. Stevenson

    Hi Diva!

    There's some really great advice in your comment…especially concerning the myriad ways we can network through the information highways. It sounds as though you're really on top of your social networking, which is no easy task when mixed with the other variables of being a successful frontperson. Loved your “Tweet” story…that's what people need to hear…not just what's available, but real world adventures such as this…really thorough write up…I better check out some of thise sites as well :) Thanks for sharing!

    Namaste,

    Brian

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  • ThePress_Cop1

    I like the three “p”'s. Not everyone realizes that to have any form of success it takes work. It is not simply putting your gear on stage and performing. It takes many rehersals, promotion, networking etc…. Upon reading your three “p''s I feel everyone would benefit in their “career” and succeed and whatever level they achieve by following your guidelines. I promote thru various websites, market thru many avenues and work each show promoting the band. I make the fan feel a part of the family and a part of the show. You boys work hard on stage and off. It shows in your work and in your fanbase….Keep it up – I know you are going places!!

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  • http://www.soniceroticaband.com Brian K. Stevenson

    Congrats Diva, on winning the contest! Please revisit this site and let us know what comes of your winnings? I'd love to read about what you glean from this exciting experience :)

    Namaste,

    Brian

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  • audrea lambert

    Im gonna make this simpleI try it out on my family and friends first,that gets my confidence going!Then I post it ,burn iit and give it to anyone who will listen!Self promotion has worked the best for me !!!!!

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  • Lambert audrea

    Letting people in on what your doing,exposing them to it by surprize or any other meens,idk what else more I can say short of knowing an uncle that went to berkley in boston,I have yet to tap that resourse,he taught media at saint rose colledge ,just retired i think its time to take my VOICE to him and see what he can find in former friends,sounds like a plan?

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  • http://www.reverbnation.com/ashleyweir Ashley Weir

    What helped me get my voice and music out was by doing any opportunity that cane my way. Whether you are paying, being paid, or doing it for free every appearance helps you to meet people in the industry and grow as an artist. I am a singer/songwriter/actress and after years of waiting for my big “shot” I decided to put my ego to the side and never say no. I began collaborating with numerous other artists and dabbling in every style of music. What started as a few non paid gigs and courses have now turned into to paid gigs. What started as just me and my guitar have now turned into produced music with other artists and labels. Even though I am becoming a more established artist I still have the mental mentality to NEVER SAY NO! I am in this industry because I love what I do, and the only way for people to hear you voice is if you DO IT!

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