The Creative Musicians Coalition (CMC, http://www.aimcmc.com)

is a fellowship of independent artists and labels. Our purpose

is to share our knowledge and experiences toward helping new music

thrive and independent artists survive. We sell and market our works

through our sister organization, the Music Discovery Network (MDN,

http://www.MusicDiscoveryNetwork.com). Our unique marketing methods

reach far beyond the web to real world brick and mortar communities.

We encourage you to join the Creative Musicians Coalition as an active

and enthusiastic participant. To learn more, visit http://www.aimcmc.com,

look for the words "Join With Us" and complete the form.

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Subscribe to the award-winning free ezine/webzine MUSIC MORSELS

- the music industry's monthly publication featuring self-help for

musicians and songwriters including interviews with national and

unsigned recording artists, industry profiles, CD reviews and much

more. Just send an email to MusMorsels@aol.com with the word

"Subscribe" in the subject field.

MUSICIANS & LABELS: Send your presskits (must send complete presskit

(photo, bio, clippings), not just a CD) to us for possible upcoming

reviews or interviews in Music Morsels. We cover all genres. Mail t

Sandy Serge, Editor, Music Morsels, PO Box 672216, Marietta, GA

30006-0037 USA URL - http://www.serge.org/musicmorsels.htm

Published since 1995 targeting musicians, songwriters and music

industry professionals serving over 35,000 readers.

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EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about: starting a band, getting signed,

getting radio airplay, playing live, booking a tour, starting a record

label, building a fan base, becoming a record producer, growing an indie

music career, getting FREE press and much much more!

Free daily music 'biz articles and career advice from music industry legends:

Only at http://www.getsigned.com

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Indie-Music.com - Where Serious Musicians Surf

One of the original musician resource websites, Indie-Music.com offers

thousands of contacts - venues, studios, media, radio, labels, and more.

Plus, an extensive archive of how-to's for the music business, and

up-to-date commentary on the industry. The Indie News newsletter provides

a free tip sheet with listings for radio airplay, record label submissions,

gig opportunities, and more. http://www.indie-music.com

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SONICBIDS is an online service that connects musicians and music

promoters. Instead of mailing out traditional, bulky press kits,

Sonicbids' members email Sonicbids Electronic Press Kits (EPKs).

Soncbids EPKs - which contain the MP3 files, pictures, press

reviews and contact information - can be easily emailed to anyone,

anywhere! In addition, members can directly submit their EPKs

to some of the world's biggest festivals, clubs, and conferences

for free. Members are also eligible for exclusive Sonicbids spots

at some of the hottest conferences around the world. Promote your

band in a powerful new way, for only $49.95 a year.

Go to http://www.sonicbids.com/default.asp?pID=1435

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http://www.galaris.com/GMD.html?icb

If you are serious about pushing your music career to the

next level, getting your music into the right hands, promoting

yourself to others and creating a buzz, YOU NEED THE GMD!

Visit us to check out the demo, and see what industry

professionals say about the GMD.

http://www.galaris.com/GMD.html?icb

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IMC2003 ANNOUNCES SHOWCASE APPLICATION
SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The first ever Independent Music Conference, a national conference by

and for indie musicians, has begun accepting Showcase Performance

Workshop applications from those interested in performing at the event.

The event promises to be radically different from typical music

conferences in many ways, not the least of which is its DIY ethos.

Organized and presented entirely by indie musicians and organizations,

the IMC2003 will focus most heavily on education. Even the showcases

have been upgraded to "Performance Workshops" to maximize the learning

value of this event for its attendees.

Artists wishing to be considered are encouraged to visit the web site

where information and a printable application form can be found:

http://www.IMC2003.com

If you need more info, you may call anytime: (203)606-4649

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5. SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s

OR VIDEOS

Celtic MP3s Music Magazine

Marc Gunn marc@thebards.net

http://www.celticmp3s.com

A free weekly Celtic Music magazine featuring free mp3 downloads

from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Nova Scotia, and beyond. Subscribe

to win free Celtic CDs. Accept submissions. Visit the site for details.

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GET YOUR CD REVIEWED. GUARANTEED...

Indiemusicreview.com is a new website that empowers

independent artists by offering them CD REVIEWS as well as in-

depth CRITIQUES of their works by an award winning producer.

Instead of funding the site with money from subscribers or

advertisers, any artist may submit their disc along with a small

fee. REVIEWS are posted on the site and detailed CRITIQUES are

emailed directly to you. For more info, click over to

http://www.indiemusicreview.com/indiebible

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Get started selling your CDs at IndieGate.com for FREE!

Have you wanted to get involved with the online indie pioneers at the

InterMixx IndieGate, but those pesky $$$ were holding you back? Well,

not any more! Sell your indie CD through the InterMixx IndieGate and get

started right now at absolutely NO COST. All membership and set-up fees

have been waived until further notice, so let the company that's been

helping the indie market grow for over 14 years help YOUR market to grow

as well! Selling through the IndieGate couldn't be simpler and we only

keep 20% of each sale. Plus, we heavily advertise the store through the

pages of our independent music magazine which has had a loyal readership

for over 14 years, and is distributed to thousands of locations in print

form, and online as a PDF publication. We also give one FREE gift to

your customers for each CD they buy!!! These are just a couple of the

powerful promotional tools available at the IndieGate to help you sell,

and they cost you nothing!

Please visit http://www.IndieGate.com and become a Merchant Member

right now!

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6. HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND

MusiCares

Dee Dee deedee@grammy.com

http://www.grammy.com/musicares

Established in 1989 by the Recording Academy, it is the mission of

MusiCares to ensure that music people have a place to turn in times

of financial, medical or personal crisis. MusiCares' primary goal is

to focus the attention and resources of the music industry on human

services issues that directly impact the health and welfare of music

people.

Local Band Finder

Ray (Webdude) support@localbandfinder.com

http://www.localbandfinder.us

Linking local bands, promoters, Clubs and recording companies and

other music resources on one site.

SignHere Online, Inc.

Michael O'Kane mok2@msn.com

http://www.signhereonline.net

This site intends to take full advantage of a broad Web audience

and provide unsigned artists with an opportunity to promote original

material. Artist acceptance and popularity is rated based upon survey

results that site visitors voluntarily provide. This information is

shared with interested music companies.

Devious Semantics

Omnilab devioussemantics@yahoo.com

htttp://devioussemantics.com

Devious Semantics is a coaliton(label) bringing you sounds and

shows in the NYC area. We rally for toying with mass culture and

emphasizing on important ideas from the individual entity.

Global Zero International

Rob Zero rob_zero@hotmail.com

http://gzi.8m.com

Sacramento, CA - helping unsigned/undeground bands with promotion

and gig network...

Crossroads Music Festivals

Gary Hunt turtle-guy@worldnet.att.net

Based in Roanoke, Virginia, and is the promoter for 2 benefit

concerts a year- in May, we do a show for Ronald McDonald House-

the world's biggest children's charity... no explanation needed

here... In October we do a show for the Music Makers Relief

Foundation- a benefit by musicians for an organization that helps

musicians.... I may be able to assist in arranging a tour in this

area by sending contact numbers and e-mails to local "club

sponsors" willing to schedule paid gigs to accommodate bands

that agree to perform at one of the 2 annual benefits. There is

no charge, or promoter's cut, for this service...

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ARTIST TOOL

If you sell CD's at live shows or retail..

Check it out http://www.sumadek.com/indiebible.html

WHAT'S THAT DO-HICKY?

".I've already ordered a second one directly from the company (since

CDBaby was sold out). Thanks." - Eric Campbell, Artist

"Thanks Deirdre! I LOVE my Sumadek, used it for the first time at a

show last night, and the results were amazing. people came over just

to see what the heck that thing was, and ended up buying! Thanks again,

awesome product!" Holly Figueroa -Artist and CEO indiegrrl.com

FREE SHIPPING for a limited time

http://www.sumadek.com/indiebible.html

7. WHAT'S A BUSINESS PLAN AND WHY DO YOU NEED ONE? - PART II by

John Stiernberg

© 2002 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission

Here is a brief description of the contents of each of five

main sections or "chapters".

Chapter 1: Description of your company, business, and industry. This

is where you talk about the music industry and your role in it.

Chapter 2: Description of products and services. This is where you

describe what you do in detail, plus the features, benefits, and

advantages of your product vs. the competition. "Products" are what

you get paid for. Examples of products include:

o Songwriter: original compositions, songbooks, records

o Agent or manager: business services, sales (bookings), advice, support

o Music Teacher: lessons, original teaching materials

Chapter 3: Market overview and marketing strategy. This is where you

describe the size and growth of target segments, the competitive

environment, your promotional strategy, product distribution channels,

types of performance venues, your salesforce, and target audience. The

marketing section is a "plan within a plan", and is the most important

section of the whole document.

Chapter 4: Management and organizational overview. This section

describes your business experience, history, and personnel needs. This

is the place to identify key people, their job functions, and

credentials. In addition to yourself, comment here on agents, managers,

accountants, lawyers, or other service providers who round out your team.

Future needs refers to people who will be added to the business as it

grows.

Chapter 5: Financial summary. This section includes $ projections for

sales revenue, expenses, sources and uses of working capital (cash) over

a three year period. These are summarized briefly in the text of the

plan, and shown in full detail in the appendix.

Good business plans also include an Executive Summary. This is a one or

two page document that includes the essence of the whole business plan.

Executive summaries are helpful when seeking financing, especially when

many people are reviewing the plan.

What If This All Seems a Little Scary?

You may be a great performer, songwriter, teacher, salesperson,

recording engineer, promoter, networker, or fan businessperson. You may

find that aspects of running your business are tedious or even scary.

That's OK, but it does not take away the need for a business plan.

Here are three key points:

1. Double the planning time and cut the implementation time in half.

This is a tried-and-true rule of time management. It's easier and less

costly to do the planning on paper than to learn by trial and error.

This points to the value of constructing your business plan early in the

game.

2. The biggest challenge is competing for attention. We are continually

bombarded with information today, and things are unlikely to change.

This points to the value of the marketing section of your business plan

in the overall scheme of things.

3. Someone has to handle the business. If not you, find someone who

will your strengths and weaknesses and building your team as your

business grows.

The Payoff

Are you (or your friend, spouse, or partner) already in the music

business? Are you thinking about "turning pro"? Constructing a

business plan is essential for long term success. Your business

plan will guide you and help you prevent mistakes and disappointment.

Once you are implementing your business plan, you'll find that you are

spending more time making great music, bringing entertainment to new

audiences, and making a good living doing something you love. From my

standpoint, it's worth the effort!

=============================================

John Stiernberg is principal consultant with Stiernberg Consulting,

the Sherman Oaks, CA-based business development firm. John has over

25 years of music industry experience including eight years as musician

and agent, twelve years working for sound equipment manufacturers, and

nine years as business analyst and consultant. In addition to

entertainment technology industry affiliations, he is a member of

IAJE, IBMA, NARAS, the Folk Alliance, and the American Federation of

Musicians.

John's book "Succeeding In Music: A Business Handbook for Performers,

Songwriters, Agents, Managers, and Promoters" is published by Backbeat

Books. For details, visit http://www.succeedinginmusic.net or e-mail

John at askjohn@succeedinginmusic.net

============================================

WE HAVE THE A&R CONTACTS YOU NEED!

The Music Business Registry has been publishing the contact directories

the Music Industry has relied on for over 10 years. The A&R Registry,

Publisher Registry, Music Attorney, Legal & Business Affairs Registry and

the Film & Television Music Guide are the four directories no Professional

or Musician should be without if you are serious about your career. Each

directory covers the US, Canada and UK markets and comes complete

with direct dial phone numbers, fax numbers, email addresses, assistant

names and company websites. Whether you are looking for a record deal,

legal representation, a publishing deal or wanting to get your music into

film and television, these are the contacts you or your manager need. For

more information, sample listings or to place an order, go to our website

at http://www.musicregistry.com or call us at 800-377-7411 or 818-995-7458.

"The A&R Registry is the most accurate and up-to-date A&R source I have

ever seen. No producer should be without this." - Jellybean, Producer

"The A&R and Publisher Registry are the most complete and reliable

information sources...assembled by someone who really knows the

business." - Mike McCarty, President, EMI Music Publishing Canada

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USA INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION

Songwriters, bands & artists! Enter to win a grand prize of over

US$50,000 in cash, merchandise and more! This the largest prize

package in any annual songwriting competition. Also, winners'

songs will be featured on a nationally syndicated radio program

serving over 60 cities in the US and Canada. Judges include A&R

Managers from Major Record labels and publishers.

BONUS: Early bird entrants receive a FREE gift.

Hurry, visit: http://www.songwriting.net

8. BUILD CAREER AWARENESS BY INCREASING YOUR INTERNET PRESENCE

- PART I by Bobby Borg

© 2002 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission

Most of you are already up to speed on the vast opportunities the

Internet provides, but in case you've missed out on something, lets take

a quick look at some of the ways you can be more proactive about your

career by promoting yourself over the World Wide Web. In PART ONE of this

article I'll discuss online stores, digital downloads and web radio.

Online Stores

Digital recording equipment and home studio gear has made it far easier

for artists to record their musical compositions. The cost of CD

duplication and packaging is also more affordable. But if the thought of

selling 1,000 or more CDs seems like a daunting undertaking, then you

should know that there are a number of "online stores" who can provide

you with some help. Highly traveled websites such as Amazon.com,

Mp3.com, and CD Baby will advertise your CD on their sites and process

orders. You'll receive a percentage of sales, and in some cases, you'll

even receive detail tracking information about the fans who purchased

your music. Surely you can also sell your music on your own website, but

keep in mind that you'll not only have to design an interesting website

that people frequent, but you'll have to set up a system that accepts

credit card payments, and/or you'll have to deal with the lengthy

process of accepting personal checks in the mail. Visit Amazon.com at

http://www.amazon.com, MP3.com at http://www.mp3.com, and CD Baby at

http://www.cdbaby.com

Digital Downloads

Taking your music online, Web sites, such as MP3.com, allow you to

upload MP3 music files, as well as biographical information and

photographs. People surfing the web can both listen to your music and

download files for a small fee for which you'll be compensated! This is

a great way to get both your name and music out over the world wide web,

make new fans, and essentially get immediate feedback from the "net

community"- you'll be happy to know that A & R scouts at record labels

also keep their eyes glued to the Internet for new talent. MP3.com also

provides a number of special services such as the "payback for playback"

program where you can earn money every time someone visits your home

page and listens to your music. There's also a music "licensing program"

where your music is made available to producers and directors who may be

interested using your music in television commercials and movies. If

that weren't enough, MP3.com also has an "on demand" CD manufacturing

program where they'll manufacture CDs as people request them and send

them out for a reasonable price-of course, you'll be compensated for

every CD sold. Some of MP3.com's services are free, while others require

a small monthly fee. Visit MP3.com's website, at http://www.MP3.com. Other

websites worth checking out are Ampcast.com at http://www.ampcast.com, and

Vitaminic at http://www.vitaminic.com.

Net Radio

Another interesting way to get your music exposed on the Internet is to

get it played on net radio stations. Net radio stations are just that;

radio stations that broadcast over the Internet. With nothing more than

your computer, a modem, and speakers, you can tune into radio shows

around the world. Sites such as Radio Sonicnet (http://www.radiosonicnet.com),

Virtual radio (http://www.virtualradio.com), and Knac.com (http://www.knac.com)

are just a few of the many net radio stations that exist. By sending out

your music to net radio stations like these, you may even find that you

get some exposure. However, to take even a more proactive approach, you

can actually create your own net radio station and broadcast your own

music. That's right! it's not entirely difficult to do, and in fact,

SHOUTcast radio (www.shoutcast.com) is one site that can help make it

possible. From what I'm told, SHOUTcast allows anyone-you, me, and our

moms to broadcast our MP3 collections. Be sure to check this site out.

Next month, we'll look at live web casting, chat rooms, web rings,

newsgroups, mailing lists, webzines, and personal websites!

=============================================

Bobby Borg is the author of "The Musician's Handbook"-A Music Business

Primer soon to be published by "Billboard" books in May 2003, and is

also a staff writer for Music Biz magazine. He is a graduate of Berklee

College of Music in Boston with a B.A in Professional Music, and a

graduate of the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) with a

certificate in music business. Borg is also a composer, artist, and

performer. He has performed extensively throughout the United States,

Japan and Europe with a variety of artists ranging from pop to R & B to

rock. As a signed artist with both Atlantic Records, BMG, and sevral

other labels, Borg has worked alongside some of the world's best

personal managers, attorneys, producers, and agents. For more

information please visit his website: http://www.bobbyborg.com. Or e-mail

him at: bborg@earthlink.net

============================================

BOOST TRAFFIC TO YOUR WEBSITE WITH THE INDIE LINK EXCHANGE!

The Indie Link Exchange is a list of music sites that wish to exchange

links with other music related sites. With over 500 current listings,

it's a great way to get some FREE exposure for your site.

It's a simple one-to-one exchange of text links or banners. ALL styles

of music sites are welcome! http://www.indielinkexchange.com/ile