I like this Tim Sweeney Email…Sell More CD’s

01Jun09

I got this email from Tim Sweeney…….I liked it!

Tim Sweeney & Associates

31805 Temecula Parkway #551
Temecula, CA 92592
Map It!

How To Increase Your Sales By Not Raffling Off Your CD At Shows!

By Tim Sweeney (www.TimSweeney.com)

It has been suggested by some that raffling off your CD at your shows will increase your mailing list and CD sales. Actually, it hurts your sales!

Here is a better, more proven strategy that has worked for years by the music artists I work with. While it is true that you can get people on your list by raffling off your CD (except for those who have already bought it), you will find that you can get even greater results (meaning almost everyone) by raffling off items from local businesses. For example, my artists have been given free cell phones to I Pods to car tune-ups to free pizzas to give away. Local businesses are looking for new customers and new ways to partner with people.

If you were offering to give away items like these at your next show, how many people would put their name and email address in the drawing? Better yet, how many people sitting on your mailing list would suddenly come to your next show to try to win this stuff?!

The key is to get more people to your show (especially new ones) so the venue will pay you more. Bond with your fans before the show and start selling your CD and get everyone on your list then! If you meet with your fans before the show and build a better relationship with them, you will see you sales increase like my artists.

Need help? Email me questions through the website, www.TimSweeney.com

Physical inquires can be sent to: 31805 Temecula Parkway #551, Temecula, CA, 92592, US


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Find a Songwriter Association in your area

10May09

If you are a songwriter, one of the best ways to grow is to be around other writers and learn from each other. You should find a songwriter association in your area. Here in the Twin Cities I am a member of the Minnesota Association of Songwriters. It is a great way to meet other writers and get out and perform your songs and get critiques.
You should google for associations in your area and if you are in MN, then check out the Minnesota Association of Songwriters.


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Songwriter Gift Idea

09May09

Are you looking for a great gift idea for a songwriter?
What about buying them studio time to record a demo of one of their songs??
They would love it!
If they write words and need music put to their words, then you should think about getting them some studio time!
C-Sharp Productions is a great place to start!


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Google Your Recording Studio

08May09

If you are a recording artist that is shopping for a recording studio to record your project, you should use Google to help you research the studios. One of the best ways to find out about a studio is to Google their name. See what they have going on. What have they done? Who have they worked with? What does their work sound like?

I have my own Minneapolis Recording Studio called C-Sharp Productions. Google C-Sharp Productions for fun. I work with singers and songwriters from all over the country, not just in Minneapolis.


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Paula Abdul

08May09

Did you see Paula on Idol on Wednesday? She debuted her new song. It was a fun performance, but she totally lip syched. That makes sense, since she was dancing up a storm and getting thrown all around by her young boy dancers. The song is actually pretty good. It is called, “Here for the Music.” She also seems to be popping up in magazines all over. She must have a full CD coming.

Are you a singer and want to record a song like Paula? Check out our production services at C-Sharp Productions.


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Let Your Music Producer Produce

07May09

Would you hire your car mechanic to give you a dental exam? Do you tell your dentist how he should fill your tooth? I didn’t think so. Then why do so many recording artists hire music producers, and then tell them what to do, or better yet ask them to do things they are not suited for?
When you hire a music producer you should be hiring them because you like their previous work. You should hire them with the idea in mind that they know alot about what they do, and may have better ideas than you. If you like their style give them freedom. You should let them do what they do, allow them to be creative. You will get a much better music project that way. You will be pleasantly surprised.


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Recording Demos: Don’t bring your posse

05May09

I have had my music production company, C-Sharp Productions for 13 years. I have worked with singers and songwriters in almost all styles of music. It is alot of fun to help people record demos and make their music a reality. There is one thing, though, that always amazes me. I am always shocked at how many artists want to bring every one of their friends with to the sessions. I understand that most people do not get a chance to see how music is produced and it can be very interesting. However it is also a major distraction for the engineers and producers. Your posse will more than likely get bored way before you do since they are not actively involved in the process. Also they take up space. Most studios are not that big these days. In fact most project studios are in homes now.
Do your studio and yourself a favor….don’t bring your friends to the session, unless they have an important part of the actual song.
Need to record a demo? Check out C-Sharp Productions


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Take Your Music to the ‘Next Level’: Independent Artist tips

22Apr09

I have my own recording studio in Minneapolis, and if I had a dollar for every time I hear independent singers and songwriters say, “I want to take my music to the next level.” I would have as much money as Simon Cowell. Seroiusly, I hear it over and over again. It got me thinking about that statement today. What does that actually mean?

If you are a singer or songwriter and you say, “I want to take my music to the next level,” what does that mean to you? I can almost guarantee that it means that you want to be rich and famous. You want to quit your crappy day job and do, “what I have wanted to do since I was a little kid.” Am I right? Well the first thing you really should do is ask yourself what level you are really on right now. I would dare to bet that 98.67% of you are at level 1. Level 1 is where you sing karaoke every once in a awhile, or you sing around the house and your friends and family think you are the next American Idol. Other than singing to the radio or the occasional live karaoke experience, you probably aren’t doing much more for your music career. You are not one step away from stardom. That may be hard to hear, but you have to be honest with yourself. If the previous description describes you, your next level is not being a platinum recording artist. You need to be realistic. Your ‘next level’ should be to get a high quality demo recorded. Get an actual product that you can start marketing yourself with. Keyword there is ‘yourself.’ You are dreaming if you think one demo recording is going to attract someone who will ‘make you a star.’ It could get you attention, but you are the one who needs to develop your career. Labels and agents do not want to spend money or time developing artists anymore. They want someone who is already making money, so they know there is already an audience. It takes the risk out.

So what is the next level?? You really should invest the time and money yourself and make a demo that you can sell to friends and family…since they obviously think you are a star already, they should throw out some cash. Then once you have your CD or downloads ready, you NEED, NEED , NEED to get a good website that showcases your music and your image. THEN, you need to start booking yourself to sing at whatever you can find. Yes, this means singing for FREE at even small gigs where there may be 3 people. Look for open mics, art festivals, fairs, school events, churches….anywhere they may want someone to come entertain. Do it for the exposure and ask to sell your CD’s. Now you have some gigs you can actually promote on your website, and an avenue to sell more CD’s and get more fans. After you do this for awhile, the next level would be starting to look for PAYING gigs. By this time, you should have a pretty extensive resume of places you have performed and you are starting to get known as an artist. These paying gigs may not be much bigger than your free ones, but it is the next step on the ladder. Only after you are performing on a very regular basis, bringing in fans and selling lots (thousands) of CD’s, would you be close to moving into the level that you dream of.
You may actually be surprised how much money and satisfaction you get from doing everything on your own. You will start to see that having a ‘record deal’ is not what it is always cracked up to be.

So for those of you looking to take your music to the ‘next level’….figure out what level you are at right now. What are you doing this week to advance your music career? — Chad C-Sharp Productions


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Wanna see Jearlyn Steele perform songs from A Prairie Home Companion? Win Tickets!

21Apr09

Jearlyn has given C-Sharp Productions and readers of our blog a chance to get free tickets to her concert at the Fitzgerald Theatre in Saint Paul, MN this Saturday!
If you are one of the first 5 people to email us from http://www.sharpmusic.com we can get you and a guest on the guest list.
To get more info on what Jearlyn has planned check this out:
Jearlyn Steele Visits WCCO, Returns To ‘Companion’

WCCO-TV

Jearlyn Steele Visits WCCO, Returns To ‘Companion’

http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=58931@wcco.dayport.com

Jearlyn Steele Visits WCCO, Returns To ‘Companion’


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Kristinia DeBarge

17Apr09

Last week, I heard about a new singer named Kristinia DeBarge. My first thought was, “hmmm, I wonder if she is of the famous DeBarge family?” Well tonight I found out she is. I instantly thought of the Jackson lineage. The other fun thing I found out was that she is signed to a new labe that Babyface has started called SodaPop Records. From what I read online, it is a sub of Island Def Jam, which is closely tied to LA Reid.
It is fun to know Babyface is still in this music game. He is a very talented producer and has been an inspiration to me as I have worked to grow C-Sharp Productions.


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