Andrea
for Prayer/Life

well i’m a bit late in posting my comment here (though i did a few days ago to Lior who suggested i post it here)

well, i myself think it’s a great idea…except for one little thing:

as a musician whose music mostly falls under the “world music” umbrella, i was disappointed to see that your idea doesn’t include my genre. i would encourage you to consider a 6th category to include “world/roots/folk” or something to that affect. there is so much talent in this genre and many pop, rock, folk and such musicians turn to “world music” to find inspiration and fresh ideas.

just my thoughts. i do also write music that could fall under the “pop” umbrella, so i would give it a try…nothing to lose but much to learn.

thanks for your consideration.

Zani

zanimusica.com

From your comments, it appears that “feedback” for everyone who enters is still crucial, free song contest or otherwise.

Am I right?

On the other hand the other hand somebody has to pony up the prize money. Chances are they want something out of the deal, which is fine, but just a thought I had.

On a recommendation side, nothing says free song contest like playing impromptu at a public place (bookstore, restaurant, etc.) and getting some feedback from your local scene, and earning a few fans.

There are far too many ‘con-contests’ around, and vulnerable indie artists fall into the hype because of the need for exposure in the industry – its a sad fact that so many organizations take full advantage of artists who are genuinely doing their best to get into the market.

Wishing all a healthy, prosperous and peaceful new decade.

Gabriella
BBNB MUSIC
AUSTRALIA/USA
~~~~~~~~~

It’s time for a reality check everyone. Times have changed and it’s basically every man for himself in this industry now. It’s a sad truth, but a reality non the less. So the better informed you are as an artist and the more research and homework you do before dolling out money to ANYONE, the more successful you’ll be at getting what you want. There are a few very reputable companies and organizations out there that have the capacity and have earned the trust they deserve, such as Wearelistening. Another is Tinderbox Music who went above and beyond the call of duty in helping me get exposure for my music, and with fantastic results. Through them I managed to get my disc on the desk of Mark Berry of Attack Media Group, who called me the moment he listened to my CD. He’s the epitome of professional and knows anybody you’ll ever need to know. Sure, it costs money to do a campaign with someone like this, but as he puts it, the money that will come back through licensing etc will cover my contract fee, CD pressings etc and then some! Of course there are never promises of success in this business because it’s impossible, and if anyone promises you success, as long as you pay them first, then stay as far away as you can from them. But people in the biz that have reputations and credentials like Mark wouldn’t waste their time or want to attach their name to your music if it’s garbage in the first place. These are the ones that will NOT scam you or take advantage of you. But they also aren’t necessarily cheap, but you do get what you pay for! It’s the best money I’ve ever spent in this biz.

Now… first of all, your songs have to be good, and unless you start with that, then there’s no point in continuing because the only guarantee will be a dark dead end road. If you can hire a professional that believes in your music and your talent and has a proven and honest track record, then by all means, this is the best way to go. I’ve already signed 2 major deals through Mark in the first 6 weeks of our 12 month contract. The campaign has already paid for itself and the rest is going to be icing on the cake.

Anyway, all this to say, trust your instincts and make sure you get constructive, valid reviews and assessments of your songs before a shark takes a bit out of you and your wallet. So a free contest is an absolutely awesome way to go. But get as many independent critiques of your work as you can before you jump into a very cruel and cut-throat business. A lot of scammers will say they love your stuff and that you have huge potential, and that they want to help bring you there, but click the Paypal button first. Jeeze. in that case RUN. I mean come on. Would you buy a car before test driving it and researching the reviews and features?
Another excellent music service is Music Xray, a concept developed by Mike McCreedy. They’re a very unique concept and well worth looking into!! I highly recommend you take at least a look into it. They’ve helped me quite a lot with some of their opportunities and i’ve gotten everything from single song reviews to complete album reviews. And submission fees range from FREE to upwards of $90 for a full blown song critique by top of the ladder industry pros that know their stuff. It’s free to join and create your Xrays for each of your songs, and each song Xray has a unique url that can be sent to anybody and your music is presented the way you want it to be with as little or as much info as you want to include about the track.

Sorry my response to this was so long, but hopefully you got something good out of it. Lior asked me to submit my comments and suggestions, so there you have it. Good luck to all and may it be a creative and prosperous 2010 for all of us!! Now go make some money with your music!!!!

Claudette