Don’t be afraid to ask for favors. Some people LIKE doing favors. It’s like asking for directions in New York City. People’s egos get stroked when they know the answer … Continue reading
Derek’s Archive
Musician Advice : Don’t Always Be Selling Yourself
Some people, out of the thousands I know, actually contact me on a regular basis. I consider them friends. But some of those always stick with a strict business “script” … Continue reading
Musicians, Always Think How You Can Help Someone
As you’re meeting all of these people in your life and career, always keep in mind how you can help someone. You should practically meditate on it before contacting them. There … Continue reading
Musician Advice : Meet Three New People Every Week
One of the best books about the music business was called “Making It in the New Music Business” by James Riordan. He suggested that, as an aspiring musician (or producer/agent/writer/etc.) … Continue reading
Get Used to the Idea of Database and Quantity
If you want any level of success beyond the admiration of friends and family, you have to get used to the idea of dealing with great numbers of people. One good … Continue reading
Musician Advice : Stay in Close Touch with Hundreds of People
It’s a shame when you get lost in a project, or go out on a tour, or get stuck in a demanding relationship, and find out that all of your … Continue reading
Musicians! Persistence is Polite
As teenagers, we painfully learned that if you call someone and they don’t call you back, they’re just not into you. If you keep calling, you must be a total … Continue reading
Musicians and Bands : Be a Friend, Not a Mosquito
When you see a room full of people, make sure you are not thinking like a mosquito, looking at them as something to suck dry, to get what you want … Continue reading
Musicians and Bands : Someone You Know
Everything great that happens in your career always starts with someone you know. Don’t think that the big opportunities are somewhere else. You don’t need to surf the ‘net. Your … Continue reading
Musicians and Bands : Business is Creative
Do not turn off your creativity when doing business. Business is as creative as music. I see so many musicians who are wildly creative when writing, playing, performing, and recording. … Continue reading