Matthew Ebel » Amazon http://matthewebel.com Piano Geek Rock Mon, 21 May 2012 16:00:37 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Where should I post my music online? http://matthewebel.com/2009/09/22/where-should-i-post-my-music-online/ http://matthewebel.com/2009/09/22/where-should-i-post-my-music-online/#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:02:07 +0000 Matthew Ebel http://matthewebel.com/?p=1699 Continue reading →]]> I am asked this question quite frequently by new musicians looking to expand their presence on the web. I don’t blame them; the legion of music sites are both numerous and constantly changing. Ten years ago I would have pointed you straight towards the great behemoth that was MP3.com, but we all know how badly that turned out.

Photo by Easternblot

Photo by Easternblot

If you want a small sample of the sites that feature my music, hit my Contact Page and check out the grid. Do I visit these sites regularly? Hell no… but some people do, and I need my music to be there. With so many options, how do you choose which sites to hit and which sites to ignore?

To be honest, most music sites are a waste of time. Unless it’s iTunes, Facebook, or Amazon, the only people that visit the site are other musicians. Not fans, other musicians. If you’ve ever played an open mic night, you know how this works: You’re onstage baring your heart and soul for a crowd of people who are disinterested and just waiting for their turn to do the same. Posting your music to these sites would be like trying to sell time-share condos at a telemarketing convention.

My advice, for the curious, is simple: Go where your fans are. I say “your” fans, not “the” fans because there are so few “music fans” and so many “songs about robots” fans or “electric bluegrass” fans. If your fans are into manga comics, go post your music on art sites that feature manga comics. Are you an activist? Go post your music where people are supporting the cause. If you don’t know what your fans are interested in, that should be your first step: ask them.

It’s so much easier (and effective) to spread the word in communities you’re already a part of, rather than trying to build a taller billboard than the band next to you.

]]> http://matthewebel.com/2009/09/22/where-should-i-post-my-music-online/feed/ 4 The Life of a Salesman http://matthewebel.com/2009/03/18/the-life-of-a-salesman/ http://matthewebel.com/2009/03/18/the-life-of-a-salesman/#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:47:34 +0000 Matthew Ebel http://matthewebel.com/?p=1033 Continue reading →]]> I’m frequently asked, when new fans want to buy a track or album, “what method gives you the most money?” I’m touched that a lot of people want to make sure I get the most of their hard-earned dollars when they decide to support my music. The fact is, though, that I want you to pay the sales staff.

(Wait a second, he doesn’t have a sales staff, what is he talking about?)

Photo by <A HREF='http://www.flickr.com/photos/aroberts/2282881973/' TARGET='_blank'>Andyrob</A>

Photo by Andyrob

Here’s my official take: I want you to support the people that brought you my music. If you found me on Pandora, I want you to use their affiliate links to iTunes or Amazon. If you heard me on a podcast, use their links. If you’re at one of my concerts, buy a CD and a beer along with it.

If someone or some service is actually introducing you to my music, I want them to stay in business. I want them to get a piece of my good fortune. I want to reward anyone who is helping spread the word about my music, so long as they’re doing it legitimately.

So if you’re worried about the extra $2 per CD or 9ยข per track, don’t be. Please just do what you can to keep my sales people in business. If they’re making a living, then I’m making a living!

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