Dmc 2008

100 Tips to Market Your Music - Part 1

2010-10-04T18:33:00.000-07:00

Marketing is all the activities and processes of planning, communicating and executing a product, with a price, the promotion and the placement of an item to an end user. Your music is your product which you are then supplying to the end user - the music fan. Between you and the fan is a big space on how to bridge this gap. You may think that if you just get a record deal with some label, your prayers are answered and this instant bridge is built across that space. This is for the most part, not how things work today.

As an aspiring indie or unsigned singer, songwriter, or a musician in a band you can not do just a few things to promote yourself and expect success in your music career. Offline and online music promotion and marketing exposure is an ongoing process in this DIY age. Music companies are looking for artists that already have fan bases, sold CDs, and are proven ready to move up to a higher level. Presented here are more than 100 tips and ideas for you to think about and tweak as you will, to get noticed, gain fans, and get heard. You have to find a way to stand above the crowd, for talent alone is not enough.

Promo Tip #1 A music artist must start somewhere, that's usually locally, but it's better to not just dive in without a plan. But begin you must. Create a plan with some ideas and set goals as to what you need to accomplish weekly, monthly, and yearly. Start small and make it progressive. Reach bench marks and keep at it.

Promo Tip #2 Image is everything. Image is the complete package - artist/band name, look, performance, merchandise, and style, to how that brand is marketed. A stage name can be a descriptive statement of the image you or your band project. Be unique and interesting to look at in some way....build your own unique stage persona.

Promo Tip #3 Word of mouth has always been the best promotion - tell people what you do. Get people talking. Create your buzz by just giving enough info to get people interested, but hold some secrets close.

Promo Tip #4 Those that promote the most win.

Promo Tip #5 You may be a truly great talent, but without getting out there and consistently marketing yourself, networking, meeting the right people, maintaining your image, and being humble, your talent will only get you so far.

Promo Tip #6 Be innovative in your promotional efforts! The Internet has made it possible to hear a LOT more music, from a LOT more artists. You are now a very small fish in a very large pond - you will need to find a way to stand out, above and glow in the dark. Think beyond the box on every promo tip.

Promo Tip #7 Learn web basics to use the Net to your advantage. The Internet thrives on links, quality content, keywords and consistency. Properly use the tools of the Internet to build your online brand.

Promo Tip #8 Create a web site. Buy your own artist name or band name URL for your web site, keep it simple, easy to remember, make sure it loads quickly and is easy to navigate.

Promo Tip #9 Submit your web link to online music directories, search engines, good music resource sites, in the best possible descriptive category. Use niche sites like tour date sites, lifestyle, regional, music magazine, music ezines, music Blogs and similarly themed sites.

Promo Tip #10 Use Myspace, Tagworld, Frappr, Facebook and any of the good social networks and extend your fan base. Update on a regular schedule.

Promo Tip #11 Go beyond the social networks and sign up to the best indie and unsigned music artist sites. Add a full profile, good photos, your best music, update the info regularly and DO NOT REDIRECT them with only a little info to find out more at another site. These indie communities are built to attract music biz personnel as well, to browse for the talent needed for various projects. While you have the viewers attention and time, have the important info right there, don't waste their time with a redirect link! Include a link to your main site, if they want to learn more they will go to it.

Promo Tip #12 Hand out your CDs (or demos). Have your web link printed on the CD. Include your band name and contact info as well. Remember, your name on the work is more important than the name of the work. Hand the CD to club owners that feature your type of music.

Promo Tip #13 Send press releases and reviews of your shows to local print newspapers, magazines and event papers. When writing press releases, read up on "press release tips" and the like to tweak your presentation.

Promo Tip #14 Professional photos mean you take yourself seriously. All photos in your press kit should be quality photos, not just your main bio picture. The money spent on a photographer that can capture your music "image" is money well spent.

Promo Tip #15 Collect addresses and email addresses (email is free!) to keep your fans current on what you are up to. When building your lists, try to list their location - city, state and zip with a bit of personal input about that fan. This is a great way to create a more personal and targeted mailing list without bombarding people that are too far away to attend a show.

Promo Tip #16 Practice and practice and practice. Longevity in the music business means learning new things, constantly creating, and always improving.

Promo Tip #17 Zero in on your target. Know where they hang out, where they shop, what they do for fun, and hit them where they live - online and off. Your audience is a specific crowd of people so don't waste time being where they are not.

Promo Tip #18 Play, play and play some more. Get gigs in one part of town on Friday and another part of town on Saturday. Do mini tours outside of your town.

Promo Tip #19 Create your own support group of family, friends, and school mates - communicate well with them on your plans and goals to help spread the word on you, where you plan to go and how you plan on getting there. Delegate tasks to the appropriate people.

Promo Tip #20 Online send out press releases and reviews of shows via all appropriate sites.

Promo Tip #21 Get online air play. There are a lot of indie radio webcasts, join sites and do what you have to do to get on the playlists.

Promo Tip #22 Create an interesting banner to drop in your forum signatures or other online locations. Many message boards will let you leave a link and/or banner in your signature, but don't like blatant advertising.

Promo Tip #23 Brand your name across the world and be ever mindful of the image you wish to portray whenever out in public or online. When it's in print, it's permanent.

Promo Tip #24 There is such a thing as overkill, in that it is better to describe your band/music as "we sound similar to the Beatles" rather than "we are the biggest thing since Led Zeppelin!" (or better than). So word your description accordingly.

Promo Tip #25 The music business is in the business to make money. If your career is in music, know when to be businesslike.

Promo Tip #26 Learn every area of the business you are in. Knowledge is power.

Promo Tip #27 You must network. Meet people, get out there, shake hands, listen to them as well and let them know about your music. Build those relationships.

Promo Tip #28 Be on friendly terms with other bands and artists in your area.

Promo Tip #29 Create a "street team", online and/or offline...they are core people that wish to help you further your marketing efforts. Give away free tickets, CDs or merchandise to your street team as incentive.

Promo Tip #30 Announce every song, every CD, decent chart position, contest win, top sales on releases, announce anything and everything to stay in the public's eye. If you can't write a decent article up for the press release, get someone that can. Write a review of every gig and get feedback from local VIPs, fans, whomever matters and include the best quotes. Is it news worthy? Write and promote it. Get the most mileage you can from your promotional tactics.

Promo Tip #31 Never mail your CD without a purpose or a contact person's name on it and expect miracles. Far better that the contact person knows to expect your CD, his or her name is spelled correctly, and you are mailing it to a company that actually works with your style of music.

Promo Tip #32 Wear your band! Get a jacket, t-shirts (etc) and add your band name or logo on it. Wear it everywhere and be a walking advertisement. If you have a niche fan base, think of a merchandise item that they need that of course has your name on it!

Promo Tip #33 Create an interesting band logo. It can be a conversation starter or a potential contest question.

Promo Tip #34 Join a Songwriting Circle. This is a local idea (though it is possible through the Internet), to meet with other songwriters in your own area and share your songs. You can get feedback on your work, share ideas and tips, possibly collaborate on work, learn about what's happening locally, help each other in many ways. If you wanted to start your own circle or look for one, you could use Craigslist for your Wanted or Needed post. Most ask that you be open minded and dedicated, with a willingness to listen and give feedback.

Promo Tip #35 Burn your best song as a single. On the CD and cover include ALL contact info, website, names, etc and distribute that CD wherever you go, for free.

Promo Tip #36 Have a custom vinyl car wrap created about your music/band and put it on your car. OR a use a magnetic door sign for your vehicle will work as well.

Promo Tip #37 Cross promote online on your web sites with local bands as well. You give them a boost on your site and they give the same back to you. Ask other people to LINK TO YOUR music site from their website!

Promo Tip #38 Introducing your band whether in person or online has a lot of similarity in speech writing techniques, in that you have to grab the reader or listener or viewer in the first 30 seconds. Your opening line needs to have punch, snag the audience and reel them right in. Remember the rock group KISS and "Are you ready to Rock?!!" Find your attention getting line and use it. Don't fall victim to the less inspiring, "um, hi guys, um, we are the 'Example' band..."

Promo Tip #39 Use Internet class ads as well as local newspapers to promote upcoming events and possible collaborations with others. Print papers and magazines need advance notice so plan accordingly.

Promo Tip #40 Create an online newsletter, with content of value to the receiver. This is an invaluable way to keep fans informed on gigs, news, gossip, new releases and other great info. Send out your newsletter about once a month.

Promo Tip #41 Be outrageous or controversial. Shock value can work, but it can backfire too. Can you maintain the image? It has worked for many, but was a disaster for many more. Think this tip out.

Promo Tip #42 Create a fan club online and get them to spread your banners, links and provide content for them to spread.

Promo Tip #43 Who are the VIPs in your community - who are the popular people in your area? Get to know them, give them a free CD and invite them to your show. When they speak, others will listen.

Promo Tip #44 Create a video and get on YouTube. Place your video on all relevant video sites. Video Scrapbook (or Diary) your music band's progress, accomplishments, and jam sessions. This could make for good clips in other projects.

Promo Tip #45 Have a CD, digital download and other merchandise for sale. Generate some sales so you have something to invest in other areas of your marketing effort.

Promo Tip #46 Have star quality, but don't be a big-head. Let people know you are professional and have the ability to be a long lasting star in this business.

Promo Tip #47 Never Spam email.

Promo Tip #48 Have a press kit ready to send out or email. Have it neatly organized with a brief bio, a short description (about 30 words or less) on what you sound like, full length bio, quality photos, music samples, current press releases and quality newsworthy items, song lyrics, radio airplay and chart position information, and detailed contact information.

Promo Tip #49 Join online music groups and newsgroups.

Promo Tip #50 Be a bit mysterious, hold back and leave them wanting more. Timing is everything for some info, releases, etc.

Promo Tip #51 Create a music slogan of up to 8 words (less is better) that quickly, accurately and in a catchy manner describes your music in a real way.

Promo Tip #52 Give a review to get a review, honestly is the best policy, but never brutality. Many times someone will return the favor and it shows your knowledge, your twist, on the music created.

Promo Tip #53 Print up posters and/or flyers about your upcoming show and post them wherever your type of fans would hang out and include your web link, show date, name of CD, where CD can be purchased.

Promo Tip #54 Get into podcasting and videocasting yourself or making your music available for podcasting.

Part 2 of 100 Tips to Marketing Your Music continues the remaining promo tips plus some bonus ideas!

Artistopia - The Ultimate Artist Development Resource http://www.artistopia.com is an artist development and community on the web providing music artists, songwriters and bands all the tools needed for displaying their talent, music business collaboration, marketing and networking. Online since 2003, Artistopia develops advanced technology solutions that leverage the Internet to both the music artist and music companies respective advantage.

100 Tips to Market Your Music - Part 2

2010-10-04T18:24:00.001-07:00

Even if an artist has an outstanding talent, record deals do not fall out of the sky and land in your lap without music marketing. In this Internet age, A&R at most record labels is not what it once was, so those reps are looking for artists that already have CD sales, a great fan base, and already have the look and feel of being made even more marketable.

We started a list of marketing tips in 100 Tips To Market Your Music and continue more great ideas here, so tweak any of them as you will!

Promo Tip #55 Tag your MP3s with your name or band name, not just the song name. They need to know WHO did this material when they happen across it months later.

Promo Tip #56 Know who you are! Get into an appropriate category so that you can be found. People have to be able to identify your sound into a category that they can identify with. You may want to portray a new edgy sound, which is fine, but there are still general categories that people search on in record stores or online and you have to be found in one of them.

Promo Tip #57 Throw a listen-in. Contact record stores, coffee shops, book stores, malls, recreational areas, galleries, cool clothing stores or nightclubs that are willing to support local music. The free listen-in could have talk session and discounted CDs with coupons.

Promo Tip #58 Keep it simple silly, web sites that take a long time to load, are not easy to navigate, and are not interesting will not keep the viewer's attention long enough for them to get to know you. So don't make your personal website or any site that can be customized, so frilly that it turns a potential opportunity away.

Promo Tip #59 Join local communities and organizations and go to meetings periodically and pay attention. Listen for opportunities in what they are saying and perhaps volunteer. Help them and they will help you. Nonprofit organizations are likely to have access to media outlets that may give your some exposure.

Promo Tip #60 Check your public and local radio stations that play your type of music and try to get some air time.

Promo Tip #61 You will hear a lot of no's and negativity. That is to be expected as everyone's taste is different. Hopefully someone will give you some constructive criticism. Learn from it what you can but keep moving forward.

Promo Tip #62 Develop yourself as a complete package. Record labels do not spend the money on A&R as in the day. Educate yourself as a well-rounded music artist and present yourself as such.

Promo Tip #63 Elevator Pitch - If you only have one shot to make an impression in 30 seconds or less, can you do it? You will need to, so practice it!

Promo Tip #64 Post your gigs on your website(s), class ads, Craigslist, Backpage and other sites for your location.

Promo Tip #65 Submit your music to songwriting competitions, musician competitions, singing contests - try out for American Idol, for gosh sakes!

Promo Tip #66 Do a free conference call to chat with fans using your website. Record the call and follow up by posting the MP3 on your site. Promote it for all its worth.

Promo Tip #67 Never release an inferior product, send out professional, and only your very best demos and new releases.

Promo Tip #68 Get testimonials and reviews from people that matter and start locally if you have to. Add them to your press kit.

Promo Tip #69 Make sure you make it easy for potentials sales to happen whether on your site or at a show. Make the payment process, safe, secure and EASY.

Promo Tip #70 Have a house concert. Invite the neighborhood to your backyard.

Promo Tip #71 Give your fans insider, behind the scenes, back stage with the band info and videos. This is great info to include in newsletters - people that signed up to learn more about you on purpose.

Promo Tip #72 Take the good with the bad, and take it all graciously. You must keep your image clean or at least maintain the aforementioned image.

Promo Tip #73 Don't waste time, prioritize and go with the best bets. Put your energy into the correct market for YOUR music.

Promo Tip #74 If you can write well about a music subject, write and distribute articles. Always source the article back to your website. Let it be redistributed with the bottom author source info to spread your message and link.

Promo Tip #75 Gig swap with other bands from another area to widen your fan base.

Promo Tip #76 A music profile or bio, press kit and press releases should all be well written, free of misspellings, kept current, and to the point. Schedule updates of your various online activities.

Promo Tip #77 Find a business in your area that you can partner with for mutual benefit. If something about a song, style, or image would boost a local business, develop a cross promotional relationship.

Promo Tip #78 Respond to all your correspondence in a timely, businesslike, and correct manner - appropriate to the sender. Be considerate of your audience.

Promo Tip #79 Give people what they want. It's all about the fans. If they come to your website, give them information that makes THEM feel good. If they come to your show, entertain them, thank them and thank the venue for the experience.

Promo Tip #80 Don't disappear. Once you have started building your momentum, it is a continuous onslaught.

Promo Tip #81 Attend music conferences, indie showcases, music festivals. Gain exposure and network.

Promo Tip #82 Be easy to work with and be flexible. A good reputation carries a lot of weight. Flexibility can also mean possibly adjusting areas of your work or image so as to get your foot in the door if need be.

Promo Tip #83 Have a cause. Create an event to promote that cause. Team up with other like-minded bands and make a news worthy event out of that cause.

Promo Tip #84 Business Cards - When talking to anyone, hand one out. You must include the link to your website. Consider your link as your online business card.

Promo Tip #85 Rolodex your contact list (some sites have contact managers in their member consoles). Make a list and keep it current of all the places online and offline that you need to post to when you need to send out reoccurring press releases of news and events. Be aware that many sites have limits in number and/or time frames, be careful to not exceed them.

Promo Tip #86 Invoke your personality into your writings to make your invitations, announcements and introductions fun and effective.

Promo Tip #87 Clearly define what you are about - quickly, online or offline. People have short attention spans and are short on time - not just the music industry, but most people in general. This is very important! Don't waste words. Make anything you have to say about yourself or band enough to give the important necessary information and cut out the nonsense.

Promo Tip #88 Create a band calendar with some humorous photos of the various band members at various events.

Promo Tip #89 You heard it through the grapevine. Share "some" inside knowledge with other bands and songwriters in your area. Start your own information highway.

Promo Tip #90 Create an automated template for emails. Take the time to add the person's name with a personal tidbit, but save time with a ready made email guide. Respond to unsolicited emails with your own personalized marketing message and a link to your website.

Promo Tip #91 Play for free if you have to, any where, any time. Create an event, an event with a cause and donate the proceeds to a charity. This can open up some interesting contacts and opportunities. Sponsor an event.

Promo Tip #92 Reach out and touch your fans. Whether someone else is maintaining your online presence or not, occasionally touch base with fans personally.

Promo Tip #93 Include every ounce of contact info needed upon every available surface.

Promo Tip #94 Borrow an idea from other sources, even outside the music industry. If it works for that company, perhaps you can adapt the idea to market your music as well. Find a way to put a new twist or slant on a successful bands tactics.

Promo Tip #95 Send birthday cards to your fans...of course you need to get their birthday info when they sign up for mailing lists.

Promo Tip #96 Get involved in the music forums and message boards that target your music segment and ALWAYS include your signature URL (aka web link)!!

Promo Tip #97 Start a Music or Band Blog, well written and kept current. Submit it to music Blog directories.

Promo Tip #98 Create a novelty song that topics a holiday, a hot news item, your city or town, sports team, political event or other idea and gain exposure on promoting this song.

Promo Tip #99 Listen to your fans and learn what brought them to your show. This is very effective to giving you feedback on which promotional tool worked.

Promo Tip #100 Success does not happen to those that wait. A record label , music deal, stardom, just creating a website "and they will come" does not just land in your lap with you doing nothing. You have to make success come to you. Be persistent, be confident, roll up your sleeves, it is going to take some serious work.

But wait, there's more! We could not stop at 100! Here are a few more great tips:

Promo Tip #101 Use the Internet to research and keep current on new ways and new sites to market your music.

Promo Tip #102 Strength in numbers. Build joint ventures, collaborations and/or online partners on a project and both of you market that project.

Promo Tip #103 Have a professional email address.

Promo Tip #104 Don't burn your bridges. Even with the increasing number of music "wanna-be's" the music industry is a relatively small and close knit community. A wrong done to you by someone early in your career, may be that "someone" in a position of music power one day that you just might need to do business with.

Promo Tip #105 Join the party, even if not in the mood. Don't respond to the inevitable "what do you do" question with your day job, but tell your potentially new fan you are a musician and hand them your business card.

Promo Tip #106 Keep a journal of your marketing efforts with what worked and what did not work. This can be used in many ways down the road besides tracking your efforts. A book or e-book maybe?

Promo Tip #107 If out partying, have a designated friend or band mate for image control. If you get into something that could potentially land you in trouble, that controller gets you out of the situation before it can hurt your image. Video can be on the Internet before you even get home, so protect your image at all costs if you happen to get out of control.

Promo Tip #108 Business is business. There is a time and place for slang/explicit language, behavior, and the like. Project yourself in a professional manner. Know when you are onstage and when you are not.

Promo Tip #109 Get your own competition going about your band or a new release. Give something away, have fans register at local record stores, find a way to get buzz going by asking a great question.

Promo Tip #110 Self promote everyday, in every way, one way or the other.

Some of these pointers may not be for you. That's fine. Do what you need to do, just make sure we ALL hear about you. Very true that many artists do not have the funds to do some of these tips, well, with the Internet and some ingenuity it possible to get around this to an extent.

The difference between you and another band that made it may not be that their music was better. It might be that they found a way to get noticed better. The music industry needs music talent and is constantly on the look out for something that stands out. If you have the guts and perseverance, it can be you.

Professional DJing - Here’s What to Play!

2009-08-31T01:34:00.001-07:00

So you are a professional DJ going to give a rocking performance and are all set to put the party on fire. Well, are you prepared enough? Yes, you may say. After all you have been practicing so hard in your bedroom (and bathroom?) using all your incredible collection of hot MP3s and CDs which can never ever be found anywhere else in the world. But still, before your performance, you feel that nervousness each time. You still feel unprepared.
Whether or not to prepare in advance has been a matter of hot discussion. Planning your DJ set is necessary to ensure a seamless, powerful and electrifying performance.
So how do you plan the right way? Here’s how –
Research Your Audience and Theme Properly
You must always be aware what kind of music you are supposed to play at any particular event. You cannot carry a bang-bang techno stuff on a night full of blissful old people gathering together to share the stories of their lifetimes.
Study Your Crowd
Well, your audience’s mood may just change a little anytime. So are you prepared for the change? Also, you must continuously keep your senses alert to notice the feedback you are getting from your performance. Keep adjusting until you can see most of them smiling. Hey, forget about those few grim faces, you can’t make everyone happy.

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Get On ‘Ortofon’

2009-08-31T01:33:00.001-07:00

In this age of opportunities, there are many people in this world who want to do something more than a 9 to 5 job; they want to let out their creativity in some way or the other. Painting, writing, cooking all these hobbies have become passé; nowadays people are more interested in bar tending, becoming a DJ, learning international forms of dances, etc, but among these, aspiring to become a DJ has become more rampant.

Many websites exist which will inform you a lot about all the activities in the DJ world and Ortofon DJ Vinyl Preservation Academy is one of the websites where you will find all the latest news and arrivals in the DJ world on it. All the latest events and championships are on air on Ortofon so as to help you stay connected with the DJ world.

They also have subscriptions for several DJ magazines and their very own Ortofon TV displays these events and performances of the DJs worldwide. Even if you want to hire DJs for any occasion, Ortofon is helping you by displaying their profiles online. The latest Elektro news, articles, interviews and updates are also available on Ortofon.

Joining a DJ Record Pool

2009-08-31T01:32:00.002-07:00

Joining a DJ pool can help you either make your presence in the world of DJing or if you are already established, pave a way for you to increase your reputation.

Basically, DJ record pools are associations of DJ’s (and mobile DJ’s), radio stations and nightclub music directors. The ultimate purpose of all the record pools is to let listeners enjoy current music in return for valuable feedbacks which help them improve considerably.

Their functions also include providing a platform for those artists who otherwise are unable to receive an opportunity to present their music online. This makes them an incredible platform for start-ups who not only get a strong platform but also have a chance to become famous quick due to the credibility these pools have for launching and promoting careers of new artists.

Although DJ records pools are non-profit in nature (well, mostly), they are not free to join. You have to pay a membership fee which may cost anywhere from $200 or above, depending upon the type of DJ record pool that you are joining. Sometimes you get the advantage of being a local since you can pick your records yourself, so your membership fee will be considerably lower.

Setting up a Home Recording System

2009-08-31T01:32:00.001-07:00

You will definitely need an industry-standard home recording DJ equipment for your recording needs, however, more than hardware, right software is the first thing you should look out for.

Setting up a recording studio at your home is not a cheap option at all. But fortunately, with all the great software available in the market, all set to meet all your requirements, you don’t have to worry at all about anything else. And you can do all this without putting too much pressure on your pocket.

However, your choice of right hardware will determine a lot of things. So here are a few tips you should keep in mind while making your choice to get the most out of your mini home studio:

Software: Everything else will depend on your choice of right software. So choose carefully.

Mixer: Well, every DJ has a mixer (digital or analog) you can fix into your audio card.

Audio Card: Hey, we almost forgot this one.

CD Burner: After you have done your work, you’ll need to burn it to a CD. You can get a CD burner with almost any computer hardware these days by default.

Mastering: Ordinary CD burning won’t give you ‘that’ effect. You need to master your CD as well.

Groove with the DJ’s

2009-08-31T01:31:00.002-07:00

Are you an aspiring DJ but don’t know how to showcase your talents? We have the perfect place for you, its none other than DMC World DJ Championships 2009. The 2009 DMC World DJ championships are on the move all around the world. The special sponsors of this event are CKIn2U and DrunknMunky whose perfume and clothes are as famous as the DMC DJ world Championship.

Many of the famous DJs who have won previous championships like DJ Shiftee (World Battle Champion 07), DJ Switch (World Battle Champion 08) and the famous Cutmaster Swift (World Champion 89) will be there and it will be hosted by INJA. The UK final will be held on Thursday 9^th July at Islington Academy, London and the World finals are due on Friday 11^th and Saturday 12^th September at Indig02, London.

The entire schedule of this year’s championship is up on http://dmcdjchamps.com/ and you can also watch the whole event videos and some of the juicy backstage footages on DMC TV by logging on to the same website. The cost of the ticket to this event is ₤12.50 and you can buy this from the above same website. Don’t wait, just groove…

Get DJ equipment cheaper

2009-08-31T01:31:00.001-07:00

DJ’s around the world now have a reason to be happy. Professional DJ equipment which previously used to be incredibly expensive is now available at much cheaper prices and can be found easily online.

The advent of internet has made DJs’ lives easier. And if you are certain of what you are looking for, you can be assured that getting online will be the ultimate solution for buying your equipment at much lower prices than you would get at the market. Just keep the following things in mind while making your purchase.

Firstly, look out only for reputable merchants. Scan their whole website to see if they meet your standards. If you find grammatical mistakes, broken links or a sense of amateurship in the website, just move on the next. Also, see if they provide a valid contact address and a way to contact them easily.

Also, a good merchant always has a return policy. Look out for guarantees or free shipping. Also see if the company they ship with has enough credibility and can be trusted.

In the end, make comparisons. Internet is a place where comparisons can be made at a click of your mouse’s button and various reviews can be read in a matter of few minutes. Due to all the competition around, the prices are incredibly low.

Get Flashy with DrunkNMunky

2009-08-31T01:30:00.001-07:00

Are you a DJ or looking to become one soon?

Want to look cool for all your DJ nights? But well, finding great clothes isn’t an easy job.

The best place for you to visit then is DrunknMunky; it has each and every type of cool clothing to make you look different from the rest of the crowd. For both male and female DJs they possess a range of clothes like tees, sweats, pants, shirts and tunics for female DJs and tees, polos, sweats, knits, shorts, pants, jeans, jackets, accessories and their all new arrival 36⁰summer wear for male DJs. The men’s Techno wear also includes a range of exclusive shirts which you will not find with any other brands. The DrunknMunky logo itself makes you look so happening that everyone would want to get one.

They have clothes in varied prints and colors to suit everyone’s style. Their accessories and Desert Nomad wear will make you look very stylish. If you are participating in a DJ competition, grooving and scratching in this cool clothing will definitely make you a winner and you may also get dedications and requests from all your female listeners.

So what are you waiting for, go do your mixes in these trendy clothing and accessories by DrunknMunky.

DJ World Updates on DMC TV

2009-08-31T01:29:00.000-07:00

Want to know what all is going on in the DJ world but don’t really know where to go? No worries just log on to http://dmcdjchamps.com and click on the DMC TV to view all the latest championships and performances of the current year, all set to rock and thrill you!

In DMC TV you can find many videos and backstage footages of DJs grooving and scratching on their discs and making good music of not only this year’s but also the pervious year’s championships so that you can groove on their beats. There is also an upcoming telecast of the recent DJ Championship of 2009 whose finals are due on 9^th July.

The latest video to be showed on DMC TV is the Exclusive Beat Torrent Teaser which will make you jump on your feet. You will also be able to view pictures and listen to all the DJs’ music on DMC TV.

This is a very effective way of showing people what are the latest events going on in the DJ world. Many youngsters do get influenced to become the next most rocking DJs of their time with the all the information offered to them through DMC TV.

DJ Equipment – Here’s what to get!

2009-08-31T01:28:00.002-07:00

So are you all set to DJ with vinyl? But just want to make sure all the stuff you’ll be requiring to get started. Well, here’s a list you can use right away and start spreading your magic like a wildfire.

First of all, if you want to buy cheap yet high quality equipment, get online. There are various places over the world-wide web where you can easily find what you want, make comparisons, read reviews and make your final choice. Also, online merchants usually have their own mini warehouses due to which they can ship you at much cheaper prices, and sometimes, for free (Yes, that’s true).

Ok, here are the things that will require to at least get started to DJ:

One Mixer
Two turntables
Two needles and cartridges – one for each
Headphones
Amplifier and Speakers
Stereo System
Two slipmats

Make sure you get good quality ONLY! When you aim for cheaper things, your audience soon comes to know your lack of professional. So be professional, it’s after all a matter of your reputation.

You may want to visit Zzounds.com or MusiciansFriend.com to get some really good DJ equipment at highly affordable prices.

CKIn2U – Become Magnetic With a Touch

2009-08-31T01:28:00.001-07:00

Calvin Klein has launched a new perfume-CKIn2U for her and him- both being sensational fragrances and perfect for giving them as gifts. HER is a fresh but warm fragrance a feeling that will produce a kind of sexiness in you. It’s a fresh floral smell which opens with a lighthearted burst of sparkling pink grapefruit fizz, splashed over red currant leaves and invigorating sicilian bergamot. The middle fragrance of CKIn2U HER is a sugar-coated desire that intermingles and grows with the exciting nectar of the white cactus. The entire opening and middle base of grapefruit fizz, red currant and white cactus ends with a dash of succulent vanilla soufflé and a fiery red cedar.

According to some users the first time they applied this perfume it created a kind of sexiness in them and made the opposite sex feel mesmerized by it. Their friends wanted to buy CKIn2U so that

They can also stand out in a crowd.

It comes in a beautiful white bottle in a golden box and the sparkling golden color of CKIn2U HER makes it a perfect gift for your loved one. Don’t wait any longer, don’t think too much just go and grab this latest treat by Calvin Klein as this is One for Her.

Understanding Your Crowd as a DJ

2009-08-31T01:27:00.001-07:00

Being able to handle a large number of things at one thing, that is, being a multi-tasker will make your life much easier as a DJ. Not only that, it will ensure the achieving of your ultimate destination of becoming a great DJ. By performing various things at one time, you exercise your creativity at a continuous level. After all, to see how your crowd is responding to your performance as well as adjust your performance at the same time can really be a very energy consuming task. But well, as a DJ, this is what is demanded from you though never mentioned clearly.

Every winning performance is a result of effectively multi-tasking and complete presence of mind. Just win at every task at hand and you create a winning performance easily. The first and the foremost is your ability to read a crowd. Imagine yourself giving an opening performance (it’s easy if you love to). With this great responsibility in your hands, you now have the task to effectively read your audience and make sure they enjoy to the fullest with your electrifying performance. Well, easier said than done. Many things play their role in this.

Focus on how your audience is behaving. How people are standing, moving and reacting to your performance. Are only a few of them actually responding and others standing at the bar talking to girls? Well, you can pull them in too. All you need to know is to adjust your strategy until you hit the mark. There are many other factors too but get proficient in reading your audience properly and you are on your way to become a great DJ.

Feedback is important in learning and improving yourself in every skill. However, being a DJ and looking for feedback is not an easy job. For this, you have to be alert and cautious all the time and see where and how you can improve your performance and make your audience thrilled with your magnetized presence.

How to Increase Your Booking Rates

2009-08-31T01:26:00.001-07:00

So you are now a DJ?

Well, you have finally decided to pursue your career as a DJ but well, your challenge begins here. In the tough world of professional DJing, you will find that your challenges are more than what you originally thought would be. And THE biggest of all challenges is to promote you successfully as a DJ.

Are you just started out? It can certainly be very confusing for promoting yourself when you are just a starter. But well, put yourself and your promotions in just the right places and you’ll achieve considerable success in the form of heavily increased bookings which you may have to hire a secretary to keep track of. Hey, I’m serious. It can happen if you just do things right. Here’s how -

First of all, determine what kind of a DJ you are. Secondly, decide your personal style of music and your choice of venue where you would love to perform. You certainly wouldn’t want to perform where your kind of music doesn’t have any value. This narrowing down will help you become more proficient and help you in your easy promotions.

A lot of work is easily available in the market and it’s very important that you keep your eyes on for the opportunities all the time. Not only you but others also have their eyes open. The point is not to pull work away from someone but to secure work by getting on the opportunity first if you will and providing real value which makes you popular in your DJing skills positively.

Also, everything depends on you completely. You must first be adaptable to the ever-changing world only after which you can become really proficient in securing proper place in the market. You must always be out in the world and mingling socially. Also make sure you are always aware where the hot season is up, may be in a college or somewhere you can find a lot of work. This will ensure your success for sure!

Getting the Right Gear

2009-08-31T01:25:00.002-07:00

When you the DJ, that is, the star of the night your gear must also reflect adequate preparation and power. The reason is simple – there’s a considerable difference between an amateur DJ and a professional DJ. You and your audience both know when your gear is not letting you performance to your fullest. What’s worst – your reputation will take a good blow if you are unable to perform right due to your equipment and your audience comes to know about it.

So, as a professional DJ preparation is the key to great success and ever-increasing reputation. Here’s how to ensure that you are up to date with the right and latest gear.

First of all, buying the good equipment is a must which only comes with a good price. Don’t go for cheaper ones just because good DJ equipment is pretty costly, for the reasons discussed above. To buy everything that you need, get ready to spend anywhere close to $1000 when you buy just the right mixers and headphones separately (Headphones are used to mix songs in a consistent and seamless pattern). It would be wise to ask a professional DJ (one who’s really professional) to buy the right stuff for you.

Mid-grade systems that meet all your needs and provide you with all the gear are also available for purchase, however, be careful in making your final choice. You can for example, get Stanton DJLab 3.0 for around $700, however, this is the lowest you should go (this is a pretty good one to get). If you go any lower than this, you will be compromising seriously on the quality factor, whether on external or internal parts and will show up in your performance.

But in the end, the most important that matters is your dedication for work and your ultimate performance when your audience is looking over to you for a time of their life!

DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIP

2009-08-31T01:25:00.001-07:00

Can you imagine a party without the presence of a DJ or his hippy music? The music that we all enjoy when we are out clubbing and high on the party spirits are sapling out from some corner. The platform served to these DJs is DMC World DJ Championship. It was first started in London in 1985 at DMC’s first DJ convention. The first event was won by Roger Johnston a young Londoner. Its venue was at Hippodrome – London’s largest club then.

Like every competition, the DMC World DJ Championship has its rules that are religiously followed without any compromise. It states that the participant must be a bonafide citizen of his country and must have resided for at least six years.

The event comprises of different verticals such as the DMC World DJ Championship which is a solo competition. The DMC Battle for World Supremacy is another event that is a knock out round which has the highest spirits of excitement. Here, the judgment is passed immediately by the jury by flashing their flash cards No.1 or No.2. The last segment is a team event called the DMC World DJ Team Championship. The teams can comprise of two, three or four members.

The DMC World DJ Championship is a very famous event that takes place year. It is a very strong platform for those interested in pursuing a career of a disc jockey. So those there, who feel you have the music flowing in your veins, wake up, get your discs and amps all set up for the great competition. DMC waits to judge your DJ talent.

DJ’s Thing To DO!

2009-08-31T01:19:00.000-07:00

If you a professional DJ, you must sometimes wonder how great DJ’s become as great as they are. Well, it’s just the right way that needs to be followed in order to achieve considerable success and become a powerful, professional and electrifying DJ. You can become on too. Eager to know how? Well, here it is…

During the progression of an event, the most important thing to do as a DJ to maintain the volume of mixing channels and volume of house system. This one steps decides everything else. It determines whether or not your audience will have a great, memorable night or not. If you just do this one thing right, you’ll become a great DJ soon, very soon!

Many DJ’s think that volume is something you just set once and leave alone. Well, it’s not so. It certainly takes far more than that. There are many different factors which manipulate and estimate sound. Time, Frequency and volume are those three factors of sound which have to be taken care of during your performance and all these factors are subject to change with the passing night. All your professional equipment is completely able to take care of all these factors and process them in the right manner.

Many professional DJ’s forget the importance of mixing channels and volume of house system during a performance. Understand this: your ability as a professional DJ is estimated by the ups and down your audience feels throughout your entire performance. And if you do this one thing correctly, one thing you can be assured of is that you will never have to worry about entertaining your audience. In fact, you may have to keep them from getting out of control with fun and thrill you have in store for them. After all, you know the DJ’s thing to DO!

What is takes to be a DJ

2009-08-31T01:17:00.001-07:00

Ok…here we go…all the wannabes and bedroom/bathroom DJs…pay attention!! A little reading here can help you decide whether you really have it in you to be a good DJ/Turntablist and if yes, then how can you come out of your cocoon and be known to the world.

The first and foremost pre-requisite is that you should be a music addict and not only enjoy listening to the music but also be interested in beat-matching. You got to hear a song or two over and over again so that the transition between them becomes smooth and then do the same with another set of songs. And for novices who aren’t established, letting away an opportunity to play even at a local pub in front of even a bunch of blokes can prove to be a disaster. Bottom-line is: take up any opportunity that comes your way and be ready to play any genre of music. Agreed that it’s good to have a “genre identity” but keeping a plethora of options always pays off.

DJing is not exactly an art form but it isn't any bit inferior to it either so what if you are experimenting with the already produced soundtracks. So if you are a musician of the sorts, then do try your hand at DJing or turntables because the above mentioned pre-requisites will come naturally to you and you can also exploit your fame(if you have any, that is) to establish yourself as a good DJ/Turntablist.

You just can’t afford despising gadgets because in the process of being a good DJ, you just can’t skip those Turntables, Digital Media Controllers, Mixers, Headphones and other sophisticated gadgets. Fooling around with them should be your favorite hobby (sorry for the phrase).

There aren’t many DJ agencies yet, so it’s more of self-employment. Once you are sure you have it in you, then practice and polish your skills at the same time trying out ways to promote yourself, taking up gigs here and there. Money is modest to lavish depending upon where you play and the disadvantage it that there may be days when you have no work, so it’s always wise to save for the rainy day.

So get your turntables set and screw and chop that old school record and set the crowd cheering.

Turntablism

2009-08-31T01:16:00.000-07:00

Turntablism and Djing are terms used interchangeably these days by oh-not-so-musically-informed people. But there is a fundamental difference between the two that sets them apart though not as much as east and west. Today even a DJ makes use of turntable techniques to lend innovation to his music. Which gets me back to describing what Turntablism exactly is? Well, it helps you lend a personal touch to the music/ sound you are playing as you have to physically touch and move the records and manipulate the sound using stylus and mixer.

According to John Oswald, its like “A phonograph in the hands of a 'hip-hop/scratch' artist who plays a record like an electronic washboard with a phonographic needle as a plectrum, produces sounds which are unique and not reproduced -- the record player becomes a musical instrument”. Talking of turntable techniques like beat mixing/matching, scratching, back spinning, cutting, and blending and beat juggling, it is worthwhile to mention that it isn’t exactly an art form. After all you are manipulating someone else’s music. But at the same time it is also a feat of innovation and it all depends on the skills of the Turntablist whether he is able to make ‘music out of scratch’ or no. well by scratch here I mean the scratching noise fit into the original tracks at regular rhythmic intervals. This is exactly how DJ Babu described the phenomenon on Turntablism as and he is the one credited with having coined the term.

Turntablism has attracted much criticism but nevertheless it is still a widely respected form. It is at least better than ‘studio-bound’ music because as pointed out earlier it helps you lend personal touch to the music you create.

Another derived phenomenon, visual Turntablism is on the rise these days where a DJ or a VJ includes pictures, video, and computer generated effects into live performances with the help of a distinct and separate video mixer along with their Turntablist equipment.

Technics

2009-08-31T01:15:00.001-07:00

A DJ without his turntable and headphones is like a fish in the water without its gills and

fins.

For those whose have no clue what I am speaking about, a DJ (disc jockey) is a person who selects and plays recorded music for an audience. A disc jockey needs his equipment to be of the best quality, the price not being a factor whatsoever. The equipment may include his recordings, speakers, headphones, microphones, turntables and DJ mixers… to name a few. And TECHNICS has been one of the most popular brands with DJs for over 4 decades.

‘TECHNICS’ or techniques as the guys at Panasonic would want to pronounce it has been providing an array of products to the DJing world. Technics is a brand name of Panasonic Corp. which produces a variety of electronic products. It has been manufacturing music instruments under its very popular brand name Technics.

Technics has produced a variety of products such as turntables, amplifiers, receivers, tape decks, CD players and speaker systems for sale in various countries. DJing equipment and electronic pianos are especially popular in the United States and all over Europe.

The latest turntables produced by Technics are based upon the internationally used direct drive technology. With a brushless DC motor and an RPM rivaling the best in the business, it goes from 0 – 33 1/3 RPM in a mere 0.7 seconds. Weighing just around 12 kgs and a power consumption of around 13 W, it leaves the competition far behind.

The headphone from the company has outperformed the competition in the market by miles with its best possible frequency response and design, especially for DJ use. These headphones also pack in an Extra Bass System, with an XBS port which enhances lower frequency response. It has also realized higher sensitivity and frequency response using a magnet 8 times powerful than ordinary ones.

Needless to say it has achieved above par responses from its users and more are becoming Technic loyalists by the day.

So the next time you are out hunting for a pair of headphones for your computer or for your DJing you know which brand to buy.

Rane’s brilliant DJ equipments prodigy

2009-08-31T01:03:00.000-07:00

If you aim for quality in your music and excellence in your music mixing work then you have to own some of the equipments from the wide range of equipments that RANE CORPORATION is offering. As Rane’s mission, they are a recognized leader in every market served, and to do so profitably while remaining consistent with our core values.

Rane offers about nine mixers and four scratch live interfaces. Rane has established is name by providing performance, quality, and reliability in their 40 years of experience. Their product value comprises of robust Integrity excellent Quality & Durability Innovation in Design.

Rane is the market leader in providing Scratch Live. Through is scratch live interfaces and offers two types of interface with unique specifications and accessories. . Rane promises ultimate solution is you wish to bridge vinyl’s (analog) and computer audio files (digital). It has 4 types of scratch live interfaces, SL 1 and SL 3 being the famous with most of the DJ’s. SL 1 and SL 3 both can connect 2 vinyls and turntables.

Rane provides with 9 mixers, out of which 2 are scratch lives too. Many of the DJ’s in the industry trust Rane’s equipment over any other equipment because the promise undoubtedly brilliant quality. Now at a regular you can use 6-output matrix mixer (MM 12) which can create six different monitor mixes and can drive stage monitor speakers for you to listen to yourself. What Rane provided was new, compactly designed, affordable mixers to do so. Rane has equipments like Empath, MP 2S, MP 4, MP 44, MP 2016S, TTM 56S, TTM 57SL which provide you with 4 to 9 stereo in and o or 2 mic in.

Indeed Rane’s equipment helps you solve the many problems of on-stage monitoring and mixing providing problem-solving professional audio tools, affordably priced, with uncompromising reliability. Hence various artist and sound technicians like Luke Bryan, Alter Bridge and Another Animal, The Hooters. Robert Scovill, etc trust Rane’s equipment to deliver the crow the required enigma and adrenaline that their work projects.

The Glorious History of DJ Championship

2009-08-31T01:02:00.000-07:00

The world’s famous DMC DJ Championship is an excellent platform for the talented DJ’s around the world. It all started at the DMC’s first Convention in London in the year 1985 and DMC saw Roger Johnston as its first winner. His performance though hardly featured any scratches. It was held at Hippodrome first, which was London’s largest club then. The Hippodrome saw five thousand fans when an American proclaimed as DJ God walked in from Philly to show the new face of turntabilism.

The DMC World DJ Championship has a vast Hall Of Fame. It witnessed DJ Cheese in 1986 from America who backed his victory with the first World DJ Title. Then in 1989, DMC was sponsored by the global sponsor Technics who introduced the SL1200 Turntables, which was also placed as a prize for the DMC crowned Champion.

In 1990 it also saw a change in the venue. It was no more at the clichéd Hippodrome but now at Wimbley Arena – which is a 7000 capacity venue cupped with the rock and pop elite. It served as an excellent launch pad for Germany’s DJ David, who his famous for his DJ tricks which one him yet another title in the year 1991.

DMC championship always saw a rise in its participation quality every year. It has always been a favorite for the all the DJ’s and every DJ wishes to get there to the top of the DMC championship. America has been on the dominating front due to its consecutive wins in 1992, 93 and 94. But the hunt still, is on the jog for the DMC to judge the world’s best DJs to keep backing the World DJ Title.