Original Article: https://bandzoogle.com/blog/the-8-things-that-should-be-in-every-band-s-digital-press-kit Today on ManageMental, Blasko and Mike answer a question from Chris, a loyal listener, and discuss an article written by their buddy Dave Cool of Bandzoogle to talk about press kits and EPK’s. You might remember Dave from Episode 55, check it out if you haven’t already. This is gonna be killer, so let’s get mental! I have an idea for a topic to be covered on the podcast, as I haven't heard...
Mar 26, 2018•51 min•Ep. 61
Here we are at Episode 60 over a year after episode 1. On that episode 1 we had no listeners, no comments on iTunes, no one writing us asking questions or sending messages of support. We had no sponsors and no guests. No one knew what this podcast was gonna be all about, nor did any of our listeners know that they should be listening to us. Over the course of the last 60 episodes we have delivered concise information, input, strategies and opinions about the music business for 30 minutes one day...
Mar 19, 2018•31 min•Ep. 60
This week Blasko and Mike take some questions about starting a promotion and management company from Tim, one of our loyal listeners that is also an aspiring manager. This is gonna be killer, so let’s get mental! I just wanted to start off by saying thank you guys for doing the podcast shows on management mental. I really do appreciate it a lot and listen to your shows more than I even listen to music. It is a really amazing show. I am planning doing a promotion and a management company. I just ...
Mar 12, 2018•36 min•Ep. 59
This is How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2018: https://later.com/blog/how-instagram-algorithm-works/ Tip #1: Spend More Time Posting To Instagram Stories. A great “hack” to get around the algorithm is to take advantage of Instagram Stories engagement opportunities, including the polling feature or “Swipe Up” option (if you have over 10k followers). Tip #2: Keep Tabs On Your Instagram Comments. This year it will be more important than ever to stay on top of your incoming comments, especially ...
Mar 05, 2018•41 min•Ep. 58
This week Blasko and Mike check out a guest post on Revolver by Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe on his top 5 tips for up-and-coming artists. This is gonna be killer, so let’s get mental! Original Article: https://www.revolvermag.com/music/lamb-god-singer-randy-blythes-top-5-tips-aspiring-rock-stars Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe is the anti-rock-star rock star, a salt-of-the-earth punk at heart who happens to front a world-famous metal band. And yet, in that capacity he excels — hence his r...
Feb 26, 2018•30 min•Ep. 57
This week Blasko and Mike talk about how to find a music career mentor. This is gonna be killer, so let’s get mental! Hypebot Guest post by Angela Mastrogiacomo: How To Find A Music Career Mentor http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2018/02/how-to-find-a-music-career-mentor.html In the music industry, it can sometimes feel like you’re going it alone. There’s so many tasks to be done, decisions to be made, and moves to make, and oftentimes it falls on you to make it all happen. Sometimes this is due to...
Feb 18, 2018•46 min•Ep. 56
This week Blasko and Mike sit down with Dave Cool from Bandzoogle and why websites are important to your bands marketing strategy. Today’s episode of ManageMental is powered by Rockabilia.com. This is gonna be killer, so let’s get mental! Band Marketing Basics Original Article: https://bandzoogle.com/blog/marketing-your-band-13-essential-strategies Author: Lisa Occhino is the founder of SongwriterLink and the Director of Marketing & Communications at Soundfly. She’s also a pianist, award-win...
Feb 11, 2018•40 min•Ep. 55
When Is The Right Time to Begin Touring? Original Article: https://www.joinmyband.co.uk/classifieds/american-solo-artist-seeking-band-for-uk-tour-t1049842.html?sid=055fb84ca9da25fa2da3e9ac0c8ebe0c Amanda Palmer Kickstarter (referenced in episode): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/amandapalmer/amanda-palmer-the-new-record-art-book-and-tour/description This week on ManageMental, Blasko and Mike talk about when it is the right time for a band to begin touring, inspired by a question from one of...
Feb 05, 2018•27 min•Ep. 54
This week Blasko and Mike dissect the Hypebot article ‘5 Myths of Making it in the Music Industry’ and chat about some music business myths that could be detrimental to your career. Tune in to hear what the dynamic duo has to say. This is gonna be killer, so let’s get mental! In this industry it can be easy to get overwhelmed with all the information being blasted at us 24/7. Do this, don’t do that. This works, that doesn’t. It can be tough to know which advice to follow, and which to stay far a...
Jan 28, 2018•31 min•Ep. 53
This week Blasko and Mike check out an article by Bobby Owsinski and talk about developing the image of your brand. http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2017/12/8-steps-to-brand-development-as-an-artist.html Make sure your brand image accurately portrays your music and personality. If you’re a biker band, you probably don’t want a website that’s all pink and flowery. On the other hand, the pink works great for Katy Perry. Likewise, if you’re an EDM artist you wouldn’t want your site to show the woods ...
Jan 19, 2018•35 min•Ep. 52
Article: http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2017/12/etiquette-for-opening-bands.html Author: Rich Nardo. Rich is a freelance writer and editor, and is the Director of Public Relations and Creative at NGAGE. This week we are talking about the proper etiquette for opening bands. Tune in to hear more. This is gonna be killer, so let’s get mental! 1. Headliner is King (or Queen) Whether you’re the local opener for a touring band or actually on the road with someone, the headliner will set the tone. Ther...
Jan 15, 2018•32 min•Ep. 51
This week on ManageMental, Mike and Blasko take inspiration from one of their loyal listeners on the subject of either hiring or collaborating with guest musicians on your songs: The Question: Guest vocals. Is it worth it for underground bands to shell out big money to get reputable and well known artists to feature on tracks. It seems this is a promotional tactic that has increased in popularity over the recent years, and I'd like to hear your and Mike's input. Seeking Advice: Recently my band ...
Jan 08, 2018•33 min•Ep. 50
Happy New Year! In this week’s episode, Mike and Blasko go over their Top 10 music industry predictions for 2018. Here is a brief overview of what was discussed: 1. Traditional record sales will continue to decrease. 2. Apple we begin to shut down the iTunes music store with an estimated final closure date of Jan 2019. 3. Spotify will go public. 4. VR technology will not replace the live experience. 5. Cryptocurrency will not become an overly accepted form of payment for anything music related. ...
Dec 31, 2017•41 min•Ep. 49
In last week’s episode Blasko and Mike walked you through examples of industry scams and how to avoid them, referencing the Digital Music News article How I Got 10,000 Spotify Plays For a Totally Fake Song. This week they take on a listener’s questions and concerns based on a specific scam that was mentioned last week: So I was listening to ManageMental, Episode 47, and I believe I was almost suckered into one of the scams you and Mike were talking about. So I flew out to Denver on my own dime, ...
Dec 18, 2017•45 min•Ep. 48
In this episode Blasko and Mike walk you through examples of industry scams and how to avoid them, referencing the Digital Music News article How I Got 10,000 Spotify Plays For a Totally Fake Song. Several months ago, a playlist plugging service offered popular independent musician Ari Herstand $500 for 50,000 to 100,000 plays on Spotify. Another offered him a four-month plugging campaign for $5,000. A third offered him 50,000 streams for just $150. Herstand chose that one. Herstand’s songs were...
Dec 11, 2017•37 min•Ep. 47
In this week’s episode Blasko and Mike revisit one of the first ever episodes and discuss how their predictions for 2017 and Paul Resnikoff’s article: http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2016/12/19/music-industry-anti-predictions/ Wireless headphones won’t take over the world (yet). Apple won’t close its iTunes download store (yet). Streaming music won’t reach 250 million paying subscribers. (Currently at 100 million.) *According to IFPI’s Global Music Report, streaming now makes up the majority (ro...
Dec 04, 2017•41 min•Ep. 46
This week we take some questions about playing live from one of our loyal listeners. Tune in and follow along as we address the following questions: Thanks for answering my questions a few months back. I have more, this is a random list related to touring and live shows. I get frustrated when I go to a show intending to see band #2 or #3 (in addition to #1) on a bill and they only play 30-35 minutes. Is it strategically better to be low on a 3 or 4 band bill and play shorter sets, or play with f...
Nov 24, 2017•36 min•Ep. 45
The Vans Warped Tour has announced 2018 will be the last year for the seminal summer festival that has run across the country for 23 years. Mike and Blasko reflect on the history of Warped Tour, what the end of this era means for summer tours, and consider what could be next for the Warped brand. To learn more about the final Vans Warped Tour head to http://vanswarpedtour.com/2017/finaltour/ --- The hosts also comment on the current sexual harassment allegations in entertainment, specifically in...
Nov 20, 2017•34 min•Ep. 44
Article: http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/music-distribution/biggest-myths-music-streaming/ Author: Chris Robley http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/author/chris-r-at-cd-baby/ This week Blasko and Mike get into the myths of music streaming and digging into the article “The Biggest Myths About Music Streaming” by Chris Robley, tackling the following points: There’s no money in itFor artists who own 100% of their publishing and sound recording rights, all their streaming revenue flows to them. No label adv...
Nov 06, 2017•32 min•Ep. 43
Join Mike Mowery tonight at 8pm EST for an Outerloop Coaching Facebook Live event at facebook.com/outerloop.group. For more information on Outerloop Coaching visit www.outerloopcoaching.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 02, 2017•3 min
This week Mike and Blasko go off script and discuss the value of awards shows in the underground music scene. Listen in as they provide an honest take on whether these shows are needed or not, and if they are, how can they be improved. Hot off the heels of the Loudwire Music awards, Blasko and Mike review the diversity of award winners at this past week's event - http://loudwire.com/avenged-sevenfold-stone-sour-iron-maiden-win-big-at-the-2017-loudwire-music-awards-2/ We want to hear from you so ...
Oct 30, 2017•51 min•Ep. 42
Welcome to episode 41 of the Managemental podcast! This week we’re going to get into how to properly write an email to industry professionals, so let’s get on with it! Tune in for our full commentary on the examples below. GOOD EXAMPLE: Hi Blasko, My name is Michael, and I’m the frontman of the hard rock, progressive metal band, (BAND NAME), based in LA. I was speaking with Steve Rennie recently and your name came up as we were discussing the music business and managers who are innovating and su...
Oct 20, 2017•36 min•Ep. 41
In this week’s episode hosts Blasko and Mike Mowery assess Paul Resnikoff’s article “Why A Major Label Doesn’t Want to Sign You”. Let’s dig in… The major labels — Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment — are sometimes referred to as the ‘big three’. They own a bunch of other sub-labels and have major publishing interests as well. They are big-time global entities. Generally, major labels have more money and stronger relationships with platforms like Spotify. In f...
Oct 16, 2017•28 min•Ep. 40
In this episode Blasko and Mike take your questions! Tune in for the discussions and answers from the following questions from listeners Rob, Cory, and Alex. Hey Blasko, long time listener of the podcast. I was wondering if you and Mike could talk about buying onto tours. Is it a good idea for a developing band? Is it essentially the same as pay to play or is it more like a deposit to reserve the slot? I've heard people mention it and I was hoping you could elaborate. ~ RobHey, absolutely love t...
Oct 02, 2017•37 min•Ep. 39
This week Blasko and Mike take on a fan question from Todd, a loyal listener and 60 Days to Signable student (via Outerloop Coaching). Todd writes: Hey there! This is Todd, student of 60 Days to Signable and Unleash It Right and long-time listener of the podcast. My band recorded a 5-song EP with a well-known producer last year. We paid a lot of money for it and without really taking time to learn about the industry or business side of things, or consider self-releasing, we jumped the gun and si...
Oct 02, 2017•29 min•Ep. 38
This week Blasko and Mike dissect Paul Resnikoff’s article “The Young Persons Guide to Getting Into The Music Industry” via Digital Music News. #1. Meet Anyone and Everyone You Can In This Business. Before you’re desperate for a job, before your loans are due, and before you need something from people, it’s critical to start meeting people who are actually working in the industry. You will be investing heavily in your future network, one that will pay very rich dividends down the line. So take a...
Sep 25, 2017•36 min•Ep. 37
In this episode Blasko and Mike take questions from listener Brandon on where to best spend time and effort as an independent band, how to get on larger tour packages, and benefits of an agent. Read Brandon’s letter and tune in to hear Blasko and Mike weigh in! --- Hi guys, Love the show. I found out about it a few months ago and have since managed to binge all the episodes. #1 I play for a rather noisy, chaotic hardcore band out of Phoenix, AZ I've found that in promoting and booking shows for ...
Sep 18, 2017•26 min•Ep. 36
Article: 11 Things Millennial Musicians Just Don’t Get https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2017/07/27/millennial-musicians/ By Ari Herstand, author of How To Make It in the New Music Business, a Los Angeles based musician and the creator of the music biz advice blog Ari’s Take. Follow him on twitter @aristake In this episode Blasko and Mike Mowery discuss tips and strategies for how to succeed in 2018 as they dive into the following points made by Ari Herstand’s article “11 Things Millennial Musici...
Sep 08, 2017•33 min•Ep. 35
In this week’s episode Blasko and Mike take on questions from listener and aspiring manager, Zach. His letter reads: I understand there are "friend managers" that take on the title early in a band's career who are only in it to hopefully ride the coattails of their creative buddies' success...and not really deserving, nor qualified to take on the work and responsibility that comes with being a good artist manager as you've outlined in previous episodes. I am referencing the up and coming artist ...
Sep 02, 2017•30 min•Ep. 34
“9 Reasons Why You Aren’t Getting Signed” by Paul Resnikoff Article: https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2016/05/18/get-band-signed-within-two-years/ Author: https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/author/presnikoff/ In his article Paul Resnikoff interviewed a few industry executives to find reasons why bands are not getting signed today. Blasko and Mike will take you point by point through these reasons, give their personal opinions and real world experiences. (1) You want it too much. The most interesti...
Aug 28, 2017•34 min•Ep. 33
