Comments

1. roger tolley - January 2, 2011 @ 5:48 pm

   Hi Alun,
   Whatever you had for Xmas dinner has certainly inspired some brilliant ideas.
   A musician of course now thanks to the web has the power to create and communicate on equal footing surely allowing vital independence and creativity to inspire.Though finance may rear its ugly side in trying to keep independent ,so rather than risk too much debt why not ask for sponsorship etc for new projects, some artists are already doing this.Why not plug this at concerts/clubs were they perform.
   Due to the recent bad weather a ‘live’ gig came directly from the artists house over the web, seems a great idea, though of course not the same as being there but maybe ensures the artist keeps in touch with fans.
   As we are once again being dragged into the doldrums through no fault of our own can we make a new year resolution of supporting music wherever we can.I think they deserve it.Hats off to those who are already doing there bit in welcoming unsung artists bring thier music out to the wider public. 2011 ‘ year of music’ ? I wonder.

2. John Blakeney - January 4, 2011 @ 8:01 pm

   * Blogs.
   yes…..everybody seems to have blogs these days…

   * Monthly podcast looking at other songs in the same genre.
   how about songs including other genres? then you can expand peoples perception of your own musicial taste as well has an already known like.

   * mp3 tracks to download.
   again now standard in music outlets……
   * Full album.

   * Regular videos of the artist giving their point of view on things of interest.
   yep……..we are all more than one dimensional in our thoughts..
   though whether folkies from Somerset will be interested in Wirral council matters is another issue..

   * Regular videos of the artist singing something
   most of your fans already watch you on youtube, so yes again

   * Tshirts, sweaters, mugs, keyrings, etc (they call this merchandise)
   nowt wrong with self promotion…..yes again… but you will need to get the contracts with small businesses. large ones will chew you up financially..

   * Concert tickets
   sometimes freebies for a show do result in a sort of snobbery.ie:
   names on the door and all that..

   * A Special Event of some sort (not a concert)
   yep…educational music techniques and political talks to kids and young adults

   * Sponsor an album track.
   the problem with that is when your sponsor objects to a lyric and asks you to change it…

   * Attend a rehearsal
   * A day in the studio as the artists record
   YES.groupies and stalkers like myself would love a day in a studio with a musician, seriously, this would be very popular with music lovers.

   * Song book of the artist’s songs with lyrics and chords.
   * A book about the stories behind the artists songs.

   yes again. all music lovers love to have the words and the individual story behind a song..

   * Have your name in the album sleeve notes.
   * Have your photo in the album sleeve notes.
   * Have your organisation’s logo on the album sleeve.

   dodgy. again that could create a wall between you and your fans…
   “Parry wanted £50 off me……he’s sold out !!

   * Have the artist learn and record a particular cover song of your choice.
   oh yea. Roy Harper once sang a song for my girlfriend at the Witchwood.
   even better when on a record….
   cost me a couple of beers….and a toke [ ahem]

   * Original handwritten lyrics from when the artist was first writing the song.
   Probably end up on Ebay.. yes, but you sell it at a value for more than a resellable price.

   * Have the artist speak at a conference or a panel discussion.
   yes again. but they may restrict you in what you could say..

   * Subscription to a fan club or VIP section of the artists website.
   an official fan club is great.but a VIP section could turn into snobbery between fans. a little click could develop.

   * Have the artist perform at a private show.
   dead right…if you dont mind covering “agadoo” and “we are sailing” for the lucky people.

   cheers Alun.
   when I think of my own ideas, i’ll comment again

3. John Blakeney - January 8, 2011 @ 6:34 pm

   Hi Alun

   seeing you are doing a local tour this year.
   have you ever thought about releasing a live album ?
   you only need to record 3-4 shows and then choose the best recordings.
   recording solo as well is easier then mixing the band harmonics.
   you can even record just one special new song later on, if one pops up.
   most places will have a board for to record the show….

4. Alun - January 8, 2011 @ 6:54 pm

   Hiya John

   I’ve been slow to reply to stuff lately so sorry for being tardy on the lengthy post you wrote. I’ll do that one first…

   Thanks loads for the info you’ve put on. I know what you mean about cliques and everything so that point is well taken.

   On the sponsorship thing though, I was thinking in terms of unions or social enterprises or other organisations that I feel okay with. They’d be joining me rather than the other way around.

   Anyone who asked me to change what I say or sing would be out on their ear, but it’s a valid point to raise nonetheless. Thing is though, I’d rather throw out an album that was recorded on a mobile phone and not sell it, than record something that controlled what I said, so we’re of one mind.

   The live album thing. I’ve considered that. I have a mate who is a great front of house person.

   I won’t rule it out but I do like to give the songs a bit of a treat when I’m recording by putting some bass and percussion on it. I think I’m motivated by the songs, so recording puts the songs in the best light.

   If I did the unrecorded stuff live, i’d probably still want to record them the usual way too.

   But that aside, I like the rawness of the live idea. I think the songs have a slightly different character performed totally solo and I know I always like to hear that from singers that I follow.

   Good thoughts there John. I’ll go and suck on my pen and see what else they foster.