The amazing David Hooper is the author of Music Marketing [dot] com
which is one of the most highly respected places on the web for musicians to find music career help and advice. He is also host of Music Business Radio where he gets up-close and personal with musical legends on a regular basis.
David uses these platforms to help up-and-coming musicians to sell more music, get more fans and make money in the music business. He has been online since 1982 and helping out bands online since 1995!
If you follow him on Twitter or sign up to his email list you’ll find that he is always making himself available for proactive musicians to tap into his vast well of experiences, which I respect immensely.
You really should take note of what he has to say because there are few people around who have so much experience in using the Internet to bridge the gap between you and your perfect fan.
On behalf of everyone who benefits from the advice below I want to thank David so much for his time.
Enjoy,
- Chris
Quick Fire Questions
Favourite Music Career Book or Course? – I think the best thing somebody can do to learn about the music business is to attend a music conference. Not only will you learn from the speakers and panelists, you’ll also be able to connect with other musicians and learn from them.
Best Music Marketing Tool? – The best music marketing tool is word-of-mouth. If you can get people to tell their friends about your music, you’ve got it made.
Biggest Inspiration? - Evey week, I’m inspired by the very creative guests we have on Music Business Radio. It’s amazing to sit so close to these amazing artists and songwriters because you can really feel the passion they have for both the art and business of music.
Favourite Website? – Probably the most liberating website for musicians has been CD Baby. Before that was started, it was tough to get music distributed. The fact that people can get your music so easily, thanks to CD Baby and its partners, makes a good career in this business so much easier.
Main Interview
How I Started and What I’m Doing At The Moment… I was born in Nashville and started playing music at a very young age. I thought I was going to be a professional musician and actually studied music in college. I was better at bringing people to my shows than I was actually playing, so it kind of took off from there.
My Biggest Achievement in Music and How It Happened… I’ve never actually thought about this! I’ve had a lot of cool experiences, like starting and hosting Music Business Radio, promoting hit records, and helping a lot of upcoming artists, which is all great. I started in 1995, while I was still in college. The fact that I’m still here is probably my greatest achievement and that I credit to being consistent about moving forward every day. Bands can do the same thing. Stick at it and you’ll get where you want to go eventually.
The Most Effective Way I Have Found To Increase Your Fan Base… Get in front of people and connect with them. Live show is the best way, since people can see what you do personally and really get a feel for the passion you have. Just hearing the music, whether it be online or though something like radio, doesn’t have the same effect.
You Will Become Successful Sooner If… Keep at it. Have a BIG GOAL in mind. Every day ask, “What can I do today to get me closer to my big goal?” Then do it.
You Should Not Be Focusing On… It’s easy to waste time on things that won’t make you money or increase your fanbase. 10,000 “friends” on Facebook isn’t worth nearly as much as 100 people coming to a show.
Final Thoughts… Two things…
1. The music business is made up of people. Major labels are made up of people. Everybody in this business has a real love of music. I think that is sometimes lost since the only exposure most people have to major labels is the ultra-pop stuff.
2. Send me music, I’ll play it on the radio, and have the person I’m interviewing, usually a record label person or well-known artist, critique it…
Tuned In Broadcasting, Inc.
ATTN: Music Business Radio
1310 Clinton St. Suite 200
Nashville, TN 37203
You Can Find Me At…
http://www.musicmarketing.com is my blog. http://www.musicbusinessradio.com is the radio show I host.
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