KarmaList wishlist?
2010-08-07
I recently checked in with some old CD Baby clients and customers.
Many emailed back saying things like:
- “I'm running a venue here in Boston that's always looking for good folk artists.”
- “We have good-paying gigs 4 nights a week, but our singer is moving. Know someone good?”
- “I have a radio show in Sydney, so if you want to send me some music...”
Unfortunately, all of this is just chaotically in my email inbox. I have no way to organize these opportunities. I can't keep it all in my head.
I've been planning on making KarmaList an open database of music industry contacts. (Programmers, see the tech specs here.)
But now I'm thinking I should also make it an organized list of who's looking for what.
I'd hire someone to go back through my email archive, and update the database with who's looking and who's offering. Visit URLs and validate everything, then post it on KarmaList, if they say OK.
(Maybe I'll make it invitation-only, so the website will just be verified high-quality listings?)
I do all this for fun, not money, so it will always be completely free. (No ads, either.)
But because I'm making this more for you than me, I might as well ask first:
Any wish-list for this kind of service?
Go for it
Sounds great. A way to filter "local" vs. "anywhere/internet" option would be nice
I know more and more people also looking for parts on recorded tunes. Also, maybe paid vs. free?
Good luck!
Of course!
It is very kind of you, hope that it materializes soon! Peace
A way of differentiating real, heartfelt recommendations from the froth. Perhaps somehow making explicit links between recommendations and own reputation within the service. Kudos points for recommendations, suggestions and valued links?
this is a great idea! sounds almost like another sonicbids, but better. probably just something clean & simple looking, with ease of being able to filter through location and opportunity type would be best.
-- Derek
(and free)
I am looking for a list of college radio stations doing old school country music shows.
That's a killer idea, if done properly.
I wonder if/how it would differ from craigslist.
Either way, thanks so much for your consideration and efforts.
Hey Derek,
Love the idea.
Would definitely like the genre info to be an important part of the wish list. Good point re local search option.
And a list of clear keywords to define services offered and searched for. Management is such a wide field for example...and i.e. Publicity (U.S., Europe, UK, East Coast,...?)
Invitation only would be an absolute plus point for me.
Thanks!
Great idea! I second the local vs internet option. I know you're in tune with the music aspect, but I think it'd be useful to have related things like, ahem, graphic designers to do signage and flyers and websites for events, as well as event organizers, etc. It'd be great if there were some controlled way of connecting people with sponsors, too. I say controlled because I wouldn't want it to get too commercial, but sometimes it's nice to get the "so and so knows a guy" type of connection.
I have been working to get independent music out more by getting a collection for the college I teach at.
More music would always be nice.
But how many people are happy with Sonic Bids? Not many i hazard? We know from the past that this is more likely to be ETHICAL. The predicament is: gazillion bands - limited opportunities = tastemaker middlemen = lots of unique original (but not mainstream) music falling by the wayside.
Hi Derek,
Sounds great. Go for it. I look forward to hear you
Thanks,
János
Hey Derek -- I've been using Sonic Bids alot and... it's awful, and expensive. I really don't mind paying a little to have access to a site or service like you're talking about, but the application charges for the venues on Sonic Bids are really over the top, and the lack of responses from venues that we PAY to apply to is rude and exploitative. Given how AWESOME CDBaby is, I KNOW you can do better than SonicBids, and I'm happy to pay a reasonable fee or see ads for that.
How about starting something up like Broadjam or Taxi? There seems to be a lot of music placement opportunities out there, but we need something that has the professional reviewing and contacts of Taxi, combined with the affordability of Broadjam.
I'm a little skeptical of the industry contacts part . Most of the time, I can find out contact information of just about anybody with not too much effort. In some sense, the easier it is to get said contact information, the less valuable it becomes, if everyone is inundating that person.
The who-needs-what part sounds great, though! Verified, high-quality listings would be key. Otherwise, it's just another craigslist.
Finding me a record or publishing deal would be grand.Thank You! Paul
What a simple but awesome idea Derek! I guess you would 'categorize' into Genres etc and it would work great both ways for musicians and venues alike.
Good luck
JB
A service like this would certainly be invaluable. Perhaps there could be different parts to it: a jobs-board, a services-offered board, a looking-for-gigs board, etc.
I've always thought eventually recording studios and other such professionals would want a place to transfer files, too. A mastering engineer could work with an artist on the west coast using some private chat service that was orchestrated all around a single website that specialized in networking artists(both literally and figuratively). Of course, server space is costly, perhaps certain members could pay for just that much extra while the rest of us could use just the forum-based tools.
Anyways, just some ideas... whatever you do and however you implement it, i'm sure it will be a beautiful help to us all.
Oh yes, it will be fabulous. You'll work your tail off on it for a while and then.. after months of suffering the hassle, the rude complaints and over the top expectations you get from utter TWITS, you'll probably take it down..BEFORE THAT HAPPENS HOWEVER, I'll be eager to see how it flies. Very cool, D! Good luck with it and we'll all be supportive.
In keeping with your "who's looking for what" service idea. I see this as not unlike the way dating sites and recommendation engines work (e.g. like on Amazon).
Once there is enough information to build a profile of the individual and their request it becomes possible with the right algorithm (e.g. Bayesian analysis, neural nets, etc) to match up others with similar interests, wants, needs, etc. It could function like Craigslist in a way without the ugly undercurrent and in a much more elegant way. Think along the lines of eharmony.com but geared for those involved with, or interested with, music in some way.
Imagine having a dialog with the system to convey what is it you want (e.g. service, gigs, fellow musicians, lessons, gear, etc). Tell the system a little bit about yourself (or a lot), provide some demographics to provide localized services and...voila...presto chango! It should be possible to match up musicians with other musicans, fans with new music, producers with artists, venues, music manufacturers with endorsees, etc.
Ultimately, I'd really love to be able to connect and interact with other musicians in realtime, around the world with my instrument, voice and a webcam. I can cobble something together but there isn't really anything that works seamlessly or is an elegant socially-oriented solution. I like using Reverbnation to get my music out there (as little as it is) but it is still an asynchronous and flat experience. I'd love to see some interactivity and social networking tools coupled with the ability to upload, collaborate, record, jam, etc.
Isn't that how we all learned to play when we were in our first bands? That is also where some of my fondest memories are too. When we are in the process of learning, connecting and growing with others is where life really happens. The trappings of success that we see paraded around on TV.
Thanks for listening to my disconnected ramblings... I hope something pans out with this idea of Derek's.
If anyone is interested in chatting on a separate thread about how to turn the music business upside down and hand the power back to the artists and fans...let me know. I'd like nothing better than to see musicians make enough money doing what they so they can stop worrying about how to ends meet...doing what they love. If the fat cats and lawyers in the publishing empires are put out business in the process...I'd be okay with that.
Actually, why stop at music. Why not make it more open to any art form (painters, sculpters, dancers, poets, authors, filmakers, actors, songwriters, etc)?
Cheers,
Brad
This is a wonderful opportunity for honest people to make honest contributions. I hope it can stay productive and positive, that's for sure.
Like I said in my email...I'm looking to help start a sitar school/class in our local temple here in Bothell, WA. It would be great if someone could set us up with some "above-firewood" sitars. We're blessed to have a teacher, the next hardest task is the instruments....God bless anyone who can assist....
Great Idea, Derek! Thanks for the great work. In the interim, if anyone is looking for a great film piece, find: Love In the Making at www.broadjam.com/jouleslahae Just getting the new studio up and running... have other tunes if anyone is looking. Currently published in gospel genre with a good enough past track record of mucho awards... money to follow. 8-)
This will be a bit long, but it comes from the heart.
First off, I appreciate people like you, Derek, who have relentlessly given excellent advice over the years and, from all appearances, are the 'real deal' -- interested in musicians having opportunities. More than the 'if I make money, you make money' (and they/we never do) and the 'give me $$$ and I'll see what I can do' (and they never do) types, you are in it for us.
Here's my story -- I'm 64 and I've been singing and making music since I was in my twenties. At first I wanted to be a rock and roll star, then I wanted to make a living wage doing music, and finally, when reality set in (actually, I expect that to happen any day now), I realized that it was about my tenacity and love of singing more than it was about turning a profit. I now have (at least) one more CD to make and it'll be good...like my last one was. But I don't expect to necessarily sell one copy. No, it's more of a page in my family album -- for my wife who died 15 years ago, for my kids who listen to (and like) everything I've ever done, for history, for my girlfriend who I treasure, but most of all for ME...selfish me.
So if you're doing it for anything other than the love of the doing it, prepare to be disappointed. If it IS for the love of the music, you will have a wonderful time.
Thanks Derek, for the help, the advice, and the forum.
Herman
I would really love that! I spend a ton of time looking for legitimate music opportunities, so I would use it a ton!
Thank you so much for thinking again of us!
"Any wish-list for this kind of service?"
1. searchable by country, city, genre, date.
2. option to receive automatic updates based on the geographic area I choose
3. might expand the power of what you are doing if it was a wiki type system where people across the globe could contribute information.
hmmmm... a wish list from the santa claus of indy music; interesting concept.
well, I guess, for me, the hardest thing as an indy songwriter/producer is promo. I gig over 1oo times a year on average, sell on average between 5 and 20 CDs a show, and am really tired of hearing people say.. "Why aren't u famous???" (sounds pretty conceited, but I promise u it's true..) sooo. What indy musicians need is a better way to access radios and TVs that don't even open an unknown package, yet moan about finding new talent... Making albums and playing gigs is the easy part. hitting a wider public is rough... a website that facilitates inter- disciplinary interchange maybe ? (ie radios- musicians/ venues - live players?) a sort of "music couch surfing?")
brilliant! please include contacts for touring artists (i.e. tour managers, vehicle rentals, regional support acts, etc.) tour marketing (i.e. regional and local rags, regional PR, indy radio, etc.)
can't wait!
Organizing topics is paramount
1. gig ops listed by country and state and pay
2. Booking agents
3. musicians available to tour
4. non gig ops like film soundtracks,TV, NPR contacts!!!!
U RK IT DEREK!!!!
Derek- You're brilliant! So good to have you on our side!-peace, Shelley King
GENIUS I LOVE IT!!!! Your own social media site for the entertainment industry would be outstanding. To connect the artists with work, managers, A&R's, booking agents, PR, tour managers, producers, investors and major labels.
Yes!
great idea. Ghostowne would love to be involved. keep us posted.
I've been wanting something like this for, like, ever. For me, it's about connecting the dots on "who needs to hire someone" and "who needs work." The critical issue, though, is trust. If someone emails me directly, it's usually because they'd rather get a personal recommendation than open the call up to the entire internet.
So... if you wanna be my favorite developer in the world, I'd recommend:
1) My friend doesn't have to be a member of this site in order for me to share their lead. I can post it, and the people who are interested can get in touch with me directly (or to a contact form that route's to my friend's inbox, if that's cool).
2) (assuming you're building in "friend" network capabilities, which i think would be critical for how i'd want to use it)... when I post a lead, I get to choose if the lead becomes available to
a) a select group of contacts
b) all of my contacts
c) all of the contacts of my contacts (out as many degrees as I determine), or
d) all members of the site
e) the general public (non-members too)
(hm... this is starting to sound vaguely LinkedIn-like...)
3) if my friend posts a lead and gives me permission to share/endorse it, I should be able to help amplify the message to my network, with my own two cents added somewhere.
---
Get it touch if you want to co-brainstorm. I'm the bald chick you met at SXSW two years ago who likes to crowdsource creatively.
xo
There is a need for something.
Craigs List is "too" free and not focused, BandMix seems to have some reasonably good qualities for getting a band site set up, but does not seem to have achieved critical mass that you need, eBay provides a reasonable way for the community to extend votes of "trust", most national musician sites are not "local" enough.
I am a software developer, as are 50% of musician community...I do wonder why this has been so hard to get going, here in 2010.
A Services Offered category would be good. I am thinking of Help with Lyrics; Translation of Lyrics; Musical Analysis with Constructive Critique...that sort of (paid) online help.
Sounds like a great idea! Resources for musicians (such as my son Derek --- http://derekevry.com) are so haphazard, it makes it impossible to separate the wheat from the chaff, or to separate the legit from the con.
Please keep us informed of the direction things are going.
There is a lot to be learned from you. It's as much or more about intentions as it is about what you actually do. Plus, it doesn't hurt that you are darn smart on top of it all.
Watching, listening, and learning. Thanks.
I'm impressed that someone is willing to do this... Keep it up and you will have a good thing going. I will definitely invest my time in something like this!
Networking for musicians/music versus social networking are sometimes too close together.
To have a "Wish List/Karma List" specifically for connecting those in need of products and services would be a very proactive move. A must for people to connect is knowing who and what is available...all in one place would be a bonus.
I think a trial run with topics such as:
Musicians needing Musicians
Musicians needing venues
Venues needing bands/musicians
Trade-buy-sell
Musicians giving reports from the field of particular geographic locations; "How the gig scene is in Tampa Bay, FL these days..." etc.
Recording studios in need of musicians services; Pro Tools/Sampling/Engineering/Producing
Engineers and Producers needed/wanted/ready for hire etc.
Studio construction advice
Internet Radio - FM and AM also
Photographers/graphic artists
Video editors - Final Cut/Premier/Avid systems etc
DVD Authoring
CD/DVD Duplication
Distribution options?
To name a few...
Good luck with this...
I believe what can set this apart from so many other site out there is perhaps the "Turn-key" solution aspect?
Best,
Michael B.
The name says it! Very good.
It would evolve too, but nice to have all the major functions in the mix at the start for the geek squad I guess. That person/group probably get enlightened writing the code!
It would be great if the venues with opportunities would consistently specify whether:
* they have a piano/weighted keyboard
* the gig showcases music or it's background atmosphere
* pay is guarantee or based on draw
And while I'm wishing, let's make those answers "of course," "showcase—especially original music," and "always a fair guarantee PER musician, plus a meal & bonus if you pack the place." ;)
Derek, great idea, keep it simple, definetely sortable by locale, genre, and payscale. Great to include access to services that surround all aspects of event promotion and production. Great work!
It's people like you that will help the music world keep turning. We are a better band because we know you. Fight the Fight!
Sounds good. It would be great if
it was organize according to location with option to narrow things down to genre.
This is great!
Do it ,do it without hesitation we all need a really reliable network of contacts associates, and thinkers of plans, and doers of plans... Kind of what we discussed. But better cause one could find leads to what they are after! Yes do it, yes we like!!!!!
Hey folks! you can count on my vote!I'm a visual artist who loves music and musicians.I create old school hand done illustration, experimental stop motion animation and sound collages,and although my artistic vision is rather brazen I'm not as scary as people might think,I promise!!!
I love this idea, but I guess I'm wondering about the industry contacts. Would this be a list of industry people that are actively looking for new artists? I have tried emailing & talking to local DJs in Salt Lake to try to get some of my favorite unsigned artists played or at least listened to. But I always get the same answer, "We don't program our own music" When did radio stations become big conglomerates that are all programmed out of Nowhere, Texas?
I know it's hard for these guys who'll travel just about anywhere to get a gig, to really get anyone to listen to them. So it would be nice to know that if they were to post there information & maybe music or videos on your site that there was a REAL chance that someone would at least listen.
Wonderful and brilliant. Over the years, I have shared my info with everyone, always free, and now would like to see the rest of the world open up and share. Unfortunately is it all based on selling. I do not take part in Sonic Bids or any of the showcases that one has to pay for. It is the music business ripping off artists yet again. Good luck and I would love to help by sorting out info.
Without question great idea. According to my experience it's all about personal contacts. So the pivotal question would be if it's possible to create personal contacts via such a database ? All helpful contacts I've made up to now came into existence via myspace and facebook. My interested followers tend to tell me my music is outstanding and so on. And it really makes a difference if you know somebody face-to-face or not. I'm not sure if the database thing will work out the right way and I don't want to disavow this welcome database idea. Please keep in mind that it's all about personal contacts and how it could be possible to achieve such contacts. Any idea ?
nice idea!
This idea is not going to fly without some kind of filter. When people email you asking to recommend music/bands (or whatever) you're the filter. If you just freely publish these requests who becomes the filter? The next big internet opportunity is providing a quality filter for information. Now there's a programming challenge!
Okay, I'm the owner/creator of a software that's designed to help bands on social networks through building their following. I am all about seeing the independent music industry topple the existing junta of music industry execs. Music has never been about the money and never will be about the money. Only catch is that money is needed to survive in the world.
I read through all the comments on this page as well as the original idea. I think that it would be awesome if you created a way to filter out what bands were talking about at the time... subject matter and context. The thing is that you're looking at a situation where it's both bands looking for gigs, and venues looking for bands. Despite the fact that the idea started from venues looking for bands, I'm sure you know that the reverse is going to be a much more common situation. This is where the problem lies.
As of right now, as a venue looking for a group to play at my show or a recording label looking for a new act, I have lots of places I can look on the internet to scout talent. The main problem though is that there are so many bands out there, that it would literally take 3 lifetimes to hear one song from everyone. Give these people a place where they can go and put in one word or a set of keywords, and then they're taken not directly to a result, but to a display of a sort of interactive context map surrounding that keyword phrase. As they interact with and browse through the context field, they can hone in on a set of maybe 1 to 5 bands that would be perfect in the context of what they're looking for.
Besides that, you already have a huge database of groups I'm sure. This information (descriptions of groups and albums, reviews) any large set of data can be broken down to it's keywords, then the keywords put into a context matrix. Once this is done, it's just a matter of having a place where venues can go and use this tool to find exactly what they're looking for. This is keeping in mind that you want a place for those searching for bands to be able to find them efficiently without much headache.
If the search can be narrowed down easily (not by the adding of keywords to the search term, but by the browsing of the venues through the context matrix [clicking through]), it can make the searcher's job much quicker. On the band/group side of things, it would be great because without much interaction on the site, they could land a deal or an important contact.
The main message in this long comment is that it's important to remember that this idea is not something that serves bands (CDBaby does an awesome job at that), it's something that serves those looking for bands.
Thanks for being a bad ass,
Nathaniel Gibson
Sounds fantastic! I'm in the uk so area-based filtering (even country filtering!) would be great! I might be working for Heart Radio sometime soon so some opportunity for airtime on a London station could come up!
Good idea. It would be great to have a list of categories such as 1) Musicians available and their instruments, perhaps a very brief resume 2) Support (sound, graphic design, CD manufacturing, instrument repair, etc) etc.
Sounds great. I wish you all the best with this endeavor, and will gladly support you as much as possible.
How about a CDBaby sponsored concert tour featuring different genres of music?
This would give CDBaby as well as Artists a lot of exposure. CDBaby onsite vending etc.
We did TourBaby back in 2001. Didn't go well. Won't try again. Sorry! -- Derek
An ongoing, updated list of current licensing opportunities would be very helpful.
Coming at it from independent literature point of view, my dream networking list would be something like this:
1. Sortable by service offered/available. This would include your usual music and production stuff, venues, etc. But also people who can help with the backend promotional stuff like band bios, graphic design, etc.
2. location filter
3. genre filter
Now, the real question is, do you want this to be a one-stop shop where you can integrate everything you need? Or would it be something that's just a directory?
Cause, if you want a one stop shop:
Think about how cool it would be if you could link the venue directory into a google map. That way you could plan your tour, see what the venue is like, etc. What about combining it with yelp.com? That way you can see if it's a crappy venue the locals hate, the bartenders are above average sleezes, etc.
Just my 2 cents, you know.
Yes do it. That would help so many artist out.
Make the whole thing an online website sign up type deal. Where venues create an account, post what they are looking for and can search artist's postings online too and pick an artist or a few artists and can contact them about playing for their gig. And the artists create an account and search for what and where they want to play. And maybe post that they are offering to play certain places and what type of music or juggling or magic or whatever they do so venues can also seach through listings and they can pick and contact the artist too. And the artists are able to contact the venue through the website and enter their name on the list of people the venue can contact to play at their gig. Space to upload your bio and pictures and music and video and blogs or whatever... Other artists and bands and venues can look you up and see if you are what they are looking for. This would be different than just having your website "out there" because you are stating in the where and when fields that you are looking to perform in certain areas at certain times. It's a way the performers and venues can connect and make it more personal. A new way to create and maintain professional relationships. A sort of entertainment/performer/venue driven "Facebook/LinkedIn/Myspace" thing all roled into one. Not to get too ahead of myself, but maybe add a "PayPal" feature too so business could actually be conducted through the site. Bands could get paid through links on the site and they could verify the funds are in their accounts before they play or in-between their sets or if venues put down a deposit or something-however that works... venues wouldn't have to worry about paying the group at the door, they could just buy the group for the night and then the service (the group) arrives and does their thing and leaves and you don't have to worry about the payments. How do the big acts do it? They sign a contract and the money is transfered before the artist even shows up right? You could sign the contract "on-line" by agreeing to perform and the venue agrees to host you and not cancel because they, by paying you, have agreed to have you.
I want to get a call or e-mail saying there is some openings-people are looking for someone like you to play these dates. Are you available - or I've already given my dates when I'm available and the phone or e-mail says you are playing on these dates and times. Be there. Kind of like selling your items on Amazon Marketplace or Half.com. You list your service. And your price and when some one buys it, you get an a-mail and basically ship the item (in this case yourself) out. You'd get an address of the gig in the e-mail. And you already know what you are gonna do because that was listed in detail on your posting and that is what the venue agreed to when they "added you to their cart." The money will be transferred into your account one week before the gig or held by a middle-man company until after the gig and dispersed to the artists a couple times a month or something. That could be worked out later.
You are an exceptional human being, Derek, and I will always be a fan for keeping your heart in a virtuous place. My fundamental aspiration is simply to write songs that satisfy myself, but I look forward to absorbing your words of wisdom and will commit myself to tracking your progress here. Wishing you all the fulfillment you so richly deserve.
anything to promote struggling artist is a good thing
This could be a *great* thing if it can filter by city, and as has been implied: a musical craig's list type thing. I fought the piano. The music lost. So I married cameras and audio gear, and the music won. Only problem: the paying gig limits my time a fair bit.
Derek,
you think in ways that seem to always benefit us.
No advertising and free. How would this work.
I think a nominal fee would make it worth your while to actually make this site. I suggest that because I'd love for this to happen.
Sonic bids charges an annual fee and per submission, that makes it hard to tell who is selling is a scam.
I have heard club owners say they do this just to make money and rarely hire bands.
Good idea. Make a message board too with divided forums for each music industry classification. Auditions, job opportunities, schools, Performance opportunities, buy sell swap, etc.
-Bobby
Really sounds good, Derek.
I'd just love to have opportunities to get "Connected" with other people, to play music, record, swap drum loops, bass lines, melodies, Moog lines, other instrumental "parts" to make a multicultural/otherworld song/songs.
Hey; write, record distribute songs with stimulus, musical contributions from around the world. Possible?
Perhaps I've gotten off course, but, really, anyway to meet others and interact in creative (musical and other) ways. I'm excited, Derek!!! When, how...keep me in the loop Let's DO THIS!!
Love you, brothaMan. Thanks!
Drummerdrumming, Brad4DAD
ps- liked #40 "Michael Barton 2010_08_07",(read his comments) is coming from (Thanks!)
That would be wonderful! What a guardian angel you are for all who love to make music. Your willingness to share and help keeps the good Karma flowing for all!
Cheryl Murdock
I started The Bucket Room in Sydney about 4 years ago and music mates run it as I've moved to Melbourne where I set it up there too. The Bucket Room now runs at 3 venues in Sydney and the one in Melbourne. It's a great concept for musicians to play their own music on a Thursday night. We even created a website http://www.thebucketroom.com so if there's any other artists living in, or coming to Sydney or Melbourne who haven't heard about it, check it out, get in touch and come and play
Sounds great, KarmaList has a lot of potential. My only suggestion for this service is to have some element of exclusivity - as in, make it invite-only or implement a referral system (like back when Facebook required referrals to join a network). This is not meant to exlude people neccessarily; if someone wants in on the site there should be a method for them to get referrals, etc. It is meant to prevent this service from becoming saturated, like craigslist - if I'm looking for a singer, I can go to craigslist and find literally hundreds, but without links I have no idea if they're good or not. And even if they are good, they might flake. Anyone can put up anything on craigslist. To separate karmalist from craigslist, it would have to be at least a little exclusive - exclusive, but not elitest.
Great ideas /s.
Filters do help.
We are interested in promoting musicians through our community radio station in NSW Australia - bring it on.
cheers
JeT
Hi. Your heart is very much in the right place. I'm not sure what the best way to focus this would be.
I'm always open to more networking. So if anyone can use the services of a mostly classical violin soloist who communicates very well with audiences, I'm your guy! I'll soon be releasing my 2nd CD, and I have a Youtube solo performance with orchestra at www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ul2QUc5Gqc
Why not? Venue in Decatur, GA
I like the categories in comment 40, and RSS feeds with clarifying checkboxes (local/national, etc) would be a great addition.
"I'd hire someone to go back through my email archive, and update the database..."
I'll do it. Email me if you're still looking for someone!
Oscarian
I would love to see a section that links
actual listings from music supervisors with specific song types they are looking for and the deadlines they have, and how to submit them and know that they are heard. Getting placements in film and TV has always been so difficult, even though I know many music supes, it all seems to be such a timing thing....and it's overwhelming to try and keep up with individual supes and their ever changing projects and needs(not to mention they don't want to be called constantly). If what they were looking for was in one place and you could scroll thru and see who was looking for what that week, and just submit mp3s online to them. THAT would be awesome!
Support form Lithuania
Derek, if you need any voluntary help, dealing with admin etc, I am happy to assist.
I'm happy to share my info.......great idea D. You're a real team player.
Derek,
Sounds like an intriguing idea. The trick of course will be to straddle the line between a comprehensive resource and simple ease of use. How to organize all these opportunities in an easy to use way and separate the wheat from the chaff on both ends.
Thanks for everything,
John
Hi Derek,
On the lookout for a good online music blogger, plugger and youtube video viral promoter for more traffic to my videos.
I think whether you're a venue, artist, or someone that has something to offer, ie web design, CD/DVD authoring/dupilication,you should be able to create a profile that would link you to any/all people looking for what you have. Of course one of the most important filters would be location. If I'm a band looking for a venue in a particular city (or 50 mile radius?) that's how I'm going to look. Potential I could book myself an indy tour that day. If I'm a venue that has a last minute cancellation I can find bands in my town that might jump at a chance to fill in. Potentially musicians for hire, recording studios, everything else musicians need. If I'm on the road and I need a couple hundred CDs ripped real quick because I ran out, I can find a local independent person to help. Of course filters for genres as well.
I love it! Like Craigslist for Musicians! A way to search specific states would be great, but rather than a local" or "regional" setting, how about a list of the states (maybe plus Canada?) that musicians can click on?
I suggest this because we often have a bare-bones schedule committed at the beginning of the year, and finding complimentary gigs in the same area is one of the best ways to put money in our pockets. For example, we tour Texas, Wisconsin, Ohio, Maryland and North Carolina every year. Searching just those states (and adding other states we'll be close to, like Illinois) will let us find nearby gigs that won't kill us with all-night drives and empty gas tanks!
Great idea, Derek, thanks for everything!
Great idea!
Let me know if I can help!
Excellent- thanks for continuing to support indie artists!
cut the trees
plow the fields
sow the seeds
water the crops
weed the pests
harvest the bounty
share the joy
give our thanks
(isn't there a story of a hen baking a pie like that?)
like your approach Derek!
thanks
I think it's a great idea but it would be tricky to offer something beyond what free classifieds already offer as well as premium services like SonicBids. The problem with free classifieds is you have to pour through massive amounts of garbage and scams. The problem with SonicBids is it's an impersonal money pit. In addition to your membership you have to pay money to submit to most postings. After spending all that money (which can be quite difficult as a struggling musician) you have no way of knowing if they ever really considered you or not.
Having said that, if you were able to avoid both pitfalls then HELL YES it would certainly be a service I would use. How to avoid those pitfalls though, I have no idea :D
Absolutely! Go for it.
Thanks for writing to solicit my thoughts. I’ve been in the game for 25 years now, so but here’s my take. Smart people inside the music industry (Bob Lefstez) have illustrated, in every detail, the implosion of the music industry as we know it. (Money screwed it all up. But we’re not about “the money!” We’re about music and art.) The small acts that have no marketing machines behind them are ready to fill the void. The days of getting a big paycheck are over for the majors, and it’s time for a new paradigm in the music industry on the performing/touring side. (We’ve already taken control of our CDs, MP3’s and such).
The reason you are getting inquiries is because there is a void left by [agents] who don’t see large enough profits in small acts to help facilitate getting us in the door. (I could name names, but we all know who they are.) In a sense, because these agents have been part of the old system, the venues are turning to you and asking if you can help fill that void. And you have the street cred to change the entire industry, just as you did with Disk Makers. Seems you’re the right person, in the right place, at the right time (for us musicians and our audiences).
If you could just light a fuse that would result in “legions” of people who are thinking like you, and have your juice, we could bypass the gatekeepers and agents who own the current system, and offer the public a more diverse selection of music, at a “very” reasonable price, where everyone would get a fair deal: Musicians, consumers, and venue owners. Then artists like Susan Boyle wouldn’t be such mystery.
The public wants it, the artists want it (indie), and the venues are probably sick of Live Nation, et al who are part of the problem, not the solution.
Derek, use some of the advice from my colleagues above, and start small, then if you can create a path for others to emulate, they will. You have tapped into one of the most powerful natural resources we have—great American music talent. No, we can’t claim Bach and Mozart among America’s contributions to music, but we invented jazz, blues and rock and roll. And we play it damn well!
Go for it, Derek, start a new revolution! If you build it, we’re there. Then, hopefully, others will see the beauty of what you are trying to do, and then we can build a new system that isn’t so corrupted by corporate king makers, who are (hopefully) seeing the last of their paychecks. I say, throw gasoline on the fire of the current system, and we’ll bring the marshmellows, and our instruments, and it will be bigger than Woodstock, I can assure you.
Great idea! Craigslist has too much spam and seems to have alot of dreamers posting ads. I'm looking to record another CD and have tried to locate a singer using Craigslist on the west coast, but have had no luck. I think MP3's and Pictures should be a must for anyone to post, but also have a "newbie" page for those starting out. Goodluck and hope to hear about more news on the project soon! Thanks Derek!
love this idea. nothing like keeping it all in house.
thanks
Killing idea!!
We need more people like u, great ideas, amazing driving!
If i can help u in some point, just let me know!
HH
Derek, as to suggestions in organizing music opportunities, here are a few. Here, in NYC, we have a number of outdoor venues, private and public: Central Pk's. Bandshell, Stadiums, etc. Also, are a host of indoor ones, from small and medium clubs that pay bands, to The Beacon Theater, Carnegie Hall & Madison Sq. Garden. A revue with, maybe, 4 different groups each doing 1/2 hr sets, might prove interesting and profitable!
All the best,
Larry
Good ideas Derek. I just skimmed through a few of the messages and it looks like a lot are thinking along the Craigslist, Facebook lines. I think you can come up with something more innovative than that based on your brilliance with CDBaby. I look forward to following your progress with this.
also, if any of them accept poets that would be swell too! thanks for this!
Hi Derek ~ I think there needs to be some open jam sessions around the country where people can connect with other kindred spirits, sing if they want to sing, play guitar, drums or whatever without judgment. There is so much criticism in the business that it would be nice to recover the joy of being artistic.
Hope that helps ~
Best,
Jodi
What a wonderful idea!
I live in Tokyo, so I may be able to contribute by helping people make contacts here.
Thank you for all you're doing, Derek!
Hiro
Any indie labels that like our sound and with the capabilities to help us get on a tour please get a hold of us.
theroundbooking@gmail.com
Ummm, yeah. I think that organizing contacts by region, state, and city will create some great and relevant networking opportunities. So.... let me kick it off.
Mercury Descends is an American band originally formed in Tokyo, Japan in 2004, now based in Corpus Christi, Texas. Visit http://www.mercurydescends.com for free music, tour dates and chat.
It's a good idea. What I've been thinking about for the last two days is how to avoid this from being cluttered because it's easy to set up an info page, but sooner or later people are too lazy too update it and so forth.
My current idea to solve this is that entries will be suspended after a (user-adjustable, but 1 month maximum) amount of time, like eBay, basically. Notifications will be sent before entry is suspended.
Users can to subscribe to whatever combination of entries/categories they want to know about.
Since the front-end is (in most cases) only ONE way to display the data, the user can choose to do have another. Organizing stuff by country and region is logical at first, but what do I do when I want to invite/be invited by a Death Metal band from the US? Or Peru? Skim through all the regions? No way.
I'm pretty optimistic you've already put some serious thought into this and will come up with a great approach. You're a good man.
Best,
Erik
Great Idea Derek...
Cross between SonicBids, Facebook & EHarmony. For me I would love to hook up with Musicians all over the world to record with and collaborate. Help finding the cool gigs would be nice also. Having a community like you have here in your blog, interacting like on Facebook would be a blast.
I look forward to seeing what you come up with..
PS I thought I was the only one who hates SonicBids and the practices!!
Believe it or not it's hard to find musicians in Nashville. We're not trying to be famous - just love playing great music and love recording. Looking for a great bassist and keyboards - people who are good at their craft but have day jobs too. Can't pay for practice and our show money goes to recording new music. www.honeylamb.org - cds are there for free.
Derek,
Great idea. No time to read all of the comments so forgive if redundant, or perhaps redundancy demonstrates a need. A way to put in house concerts for musicians and hosts would also be useful.
Thanks for thinking of us, your karma will reflect this.
patrick
I agree, that LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION, matters most to a performer. CD baby is for records.
I personally could be filed as someone in Toronto Canada, who would like to perform on recordings: Acoustic Guitar. Electric Guitar. Banjo. Processed Keyboard Background Sounds. Vocals. Background Vocals. Crazy "can't play in public" Processed Fiddle Background Sounds. Percussion.(Brushes Primarily). I would also like to perform live on Tuesday and or Thursday night with beer included in the pay. Performing "The Race Is On" made famous by George Jones and a cross section of new country sounds like an Eagles meets Buck Owens meets someone who doesn't like this whole "meets" business.
I would also like to be connected to a "Glee" type group of Country/Rock?/folk performers who form a workshop of sorts in a studio with large areas of shiny hard-wood floors and an amazing sounding piano.
There is that not a wish list?
email = mailbox@jamiewatling.com
-jamiewatling
Opportunities to link internationally. Mangers looking for artist abroad etc., so the networking & possible jobs stretch beyond the local area.
Make it stritcly proffesional..not a garage band looking for singer to do £40 gigs in local pub as thats what gumtree & star now are for. Also I like what Jenny bird said:
Organizing topics is paramount
1. gig ops listed by country and state and pay
2. Booking agents
3. musicians available to tour
4. non gig ops like film soundtracks,TV, NPR contacts!!!!
Hi Derek,
Thanks for doing this! I think it should be organized by categories...jazz, rock, folk, etc..
Then under each of those categories listings for venues, Labels, managers, agents, radio, gigs so folks can go directly to the right category for their kind of music. I'm a jazz singer (jazz, brazilian, latin, blues) so I'd be interested in all of the above plus hooking up with musicians in different locations worldwide in my field. Also, I sing background vocals for Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks (folk, swing, blues, jazz) and tour with that band... I've had a lot of experience in the studio as well and looking for more work that I could possibly pick up while on the road, so opportunities for studio sessions could be a category. I'll keep thinking! Thanks for doing this! You're a great guy! Namaste.
Thank you so much for your time and efforts. I think this is a great idea. I agree with an earlier posting about a local option vs anywhere. Take care and thanks again.
Kristin
This is SUCH a cool idea. Being a Smooth Jazz/Gospel Artist in SoCal has it's disadvantages when it comes to finding venues to perform. I like the network aspect of this.
Derek, that is a brilliant idea! You are so generous to the music community and I want to thank you for all the time and energy you've put towards artists! I would love to have the opportunity to get jobs from something like this...keep me posted on the progress, thanks again Derek!
Rock on!
GR
Hey Derek,
I'm looking for help with composition on a socio-political Christmas Pageant. I have the story line basically a revamping of traditional Christmas Carols--I just don't know if I have time to learn the craft and language of composition to really do the production justice. Christmas is right around the corner and there are many other elements that have to be attended to on top of composition .Any thoughts are gratefully accepted.
Oh and by the way, attempting this project scares the hell out of me while simultaneously singing to my soul. Which, if I am to understand from some of your other blogs is just the type of project to grab on with both hands and hang on for the ride.
Many blessings to you and yours-
Cheers,
-Renee
Derek, You have such a big heart. God bless you every day of your life! You remind me of what Jesus said, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
btw... to all reading this, I have some free music i'd like to give all of you - @ www.reflectworship.com - enjoy!
contact wedding planners - wedding dress shops, you could leave some cards, don't have cards, got to vistaprint.com they have awsome cards for really reasonable price, anyone can afford them, and suggest they hire a band or just a singer. they could ask for demo cd and go from there, brides are always looking for live music, esspecialy if it is reasonable.
D. You rock, but of course, you knew that!
Do you know of Quentin's Friends? By invitation only. You vouch for who you recommend to join. The point being (and I read through many of the suggestions, all good) that INTEGRITY is the most important element, whether you are looking for booking, musicians, etc. Here's the link (I'm a member if you need a recco . . .): http://www.quentinsfriends.com/
Talk when you come back "online", I hope ...
xx
Renee
I think this would be a great service
Yes, IF you can filter the music that comes in to fill the requests. The industry needs better filters right now.
Gosh just about everybody I know would be your bff if you could make this happen, how can we help?!
sounds great im in derek make sure you make a section for hip hop and venues and a networking
www.westcoasthiphopawards com
I think this would be great for indie artists. A great chance to save some money instead taking risks with Taxi, Broadjam, etc. A FREE way to contact people who are in need of something that you may be able to provide. You are a true inspiration to me Derek.
Thanks,
Dan O
In my mind it all comes down to being heard by the music buying listener which in my book boils down to creating airplay in the right markets. Might it therefore be a good idea to combine your karma list to a web radio that plays tunes hooked up to cd baby? I have a couple of tunes that just might make a big difference if aired in the middle east - or wherever christians and muslims stand tall, proud and dogmatic - so yeah - you got my support if you can find a way to make the music jungle a bit more transparent. "Guitarplayers for peace" still carry the most potent weapon for peace and harmony - so let´s rumble. ; )
Keep it simple.
People get caught up in 'big ideas' and lose the original intent.
Not to mention, they end up over complicating a great idea, rendering it useless.
It would be a great service, thanks. Date, location, category, and description are essential; category will be hardest part to define. eHarmony matchups seem over-the-top, would prefer craigslist simplicity. I've seen other attempts drown under various forms of spam and bs, so invitation-only or other trust/review mechanism is probably needed. Again, thanks for even thinking about it.
yup - a derek curated listings receives two thumbs up from hackney in london
Hi Derek,
My uncle (Tim Martin) told me about Muckwork. I am an abstract artist and would love to sell my work for use on
album covers...maybe you could have a services directory that could list me and other artists. I would also entertain advertising on the site. Anyway, I think I would be a good asset to your target market. You can see my work at http://www.christopherleemartin.com
Thanks and keep the awesome ideas coming!
Christopher Martin
Derek
I think it's a great concept that could provide a number of helpful information.For instance, I would love to do informational lectures internationally on TV Sit-com music ( How to get into the business;what it takes to write it; how to get paid; Copyright Infringement, and a sortment of other key topics in the music industry that I've found out that these topics very few music and performing art's students have little if any professional information or clarification.
I had this idea too; baptized it "bandbase" but it stranded as a demo version on our website www.freakydeakydutchrecords.com I am a php programmer by trade and didn't have enough marketing skills to mold it into a product. All the code is there.
Thanks for being innovating and helping us musicians.
Even though it's for a different purpose, Indeed.com is a great example of huge database that is keyword searchable. Maybe there could be a couple of parts: "I need" and "I do". If I were a country singer in Michigan, I could go into the "I do" section, type in "country singer Michigan" and come up with some pretty useful opportunities. That sounds kind of obvious, I know, but I've found the keyword search on Indeed to be helpful for finding things when I really didn't know what I was looking for.
Sounds great
Great idea Derek! I'm a children's musician and often find that so many sites (including Youtube) do not include a Children's Music Section. Information on Children's Theatres, Agents, Managers, Gigs etc. would be Awesome! Thanks for continuing to do all the GREAT things you do! Much Appreciated!
I think this is an excellent opportunity for musicians worldwide. Please keep me informed. Thanks a million!!!
Soundz ggrrrrreat!
craigs list does perform that function to a degree. i'm sure that your opportunities would be unique. though with all the response it could become unwieldy.
there is so much opportunity on the internet it becomes difficult to choose a direction.
Sounds wonderful. Good on you. I would like it to have a link for musicians who would like to work with songwriters. xxx
One World, One Love, One People
Great idea. It would be nice if the user could sort the results by location - perhaps by zip code. Or maybe it could have a google-maps like interface where a person can look up potential gigs geographically.
I think it would be great to have a list of venues that are seeking musicians by locality. Half the work is trying to find a suitable place to play.
Great what you are doing, if you need any help with this project I am available. I am working on a second project, in studio now, but I would love for you to see the video. Entitled "I Like" by KB Soul it is on youtube. Please keep in touch I have a band now and I am presently looking for gigs. call me when you get a chance. Love Ya KB
Excellent idea. Would be good if it were set up by: venues looking for artists, booking agencies looking for support for what act and where, radio (internet and otherwise) looking for music, which states, etc. I, too have seen other attempts like this that bombed, turned into a lot of spam with no results. Good luck. If anyone can make this happen and be successful, you can.
cool - Ian Franklin would love to be kept up to date and involved!
i'm not sure i understand completely but i trust your initiatives so i'll say go for it...
Great idea! As a band member sure interested in such a listing; notified about a publishing deal, management deal, a venue looking for bands etc.
Amazing idea Derek, I say run with it! I've always organized my inbox by sub folder after sub folder, but that's just a file system. I really like where you're going with this, best of luck with it!
Great idea.
If you need any help from spain, that will be an amazing work
Great idea, if done right. Like the other comments I don't want another Sonicbids, but something in between Craigslist and Sonicbids would be good. Again I wouldn't mind paying a small admin fee per month similar to that of the MusicJobs website which works really well. I find serious employers reply to your ads whereas venues/clients just looking for a specific thing don't bother and take your money without a second thought.
On something like MusicJobs, everyone pays to be a member, that way whether you're applying or posting a job we're all in the same boat, no-one holds a monopoly over the other, after all the person with the services is giving the client what they want with a simple email to their inbox and all they have to do is place the ad.
I think date order only is a good idea instead of "submission deadlines" order. You can have an application deadline but everyone still needs to be considered within that period so maybe keep them short without so it gives both the client and applicant an ensentive to get their details emailed quickly. Categories would be good and location and who is allowed to apply.
Thanks! xx
Great Idea! Go for it!
Sounds great!! Make it happen
Great ideas eric, Labels can be better informed also with these ideas. I'll stay in touch with you and prepare a list of ideas that can help you also. Take care..
Country Artist John Keaton
If anyone can pull it off, it's you Derek. We need an alternative to the pricey and hit and miss Sonicbids. Such a service would be most welcome.
I like #40's concepts a lot.
There are a number of references to craigslist in this thread and there are a number of reasons I like c/l but I've never gone there to find a gig or musician. I do look at the musical instruments for sale every day.
When I was on garageband.com my focus was on blues even though there were numerous discussions about what "blues" is. I think "genrezation" should be left out of the equation as much as possible on this KarmaList. From my standpoint garageband.com fell when it split up into genres. Back in the sixties a good AM radio station played everything from the Beatles and Stones to The Temptations to Johnny Cash and Frank Sinatra the Aretha Franklin because the music was good. The music business is suffering because of all the genres.
If you have original material that's any good at all, and that, of course, is a matter of opinion - the whole concept behind garageband.com was musicians critiquing each other, an artist with a half a brain should be able to decide what "category" they fit into when they are looking for venues to play.
*Quick aside - The garageband.com blues artists were the only genre to get a festival together featuring gb artists from all over the country. We came up with a concept for a two day fest, organized it and put it on just outside of Branson, MO in June of 2001. I am still in contact with some of those folks. The jam sessions were great. There were no egos involved and we actually made enough money to pay our expenses from Wisconsin.
Technically speaking, I'm not. My browser is old. My Macs are old. Youtube videos do not play on my computers because the technology has passed me. I can't afford to upgrade because I am a working musician. Gig money buys groceries, gas, etc. What I would like KarmaList to be is like c/l - very user friendly as far as the browser goes. Load fast. No bullsh*t pictures. No profile pages that you can customize that take forever to load. Links to artist's web pages are cool, of course. But that should be the extent of it. Laugh all you like but reverbnation on facebook is way too bloated an app for me.
I don't think it should be a social network as much as an information/contact tool. There are plenty of social networks out there already.
One other thing. I have been in both sides of the music business in the last forty years starting with my first nightclub gig in 1970. I booked music acts for a club for a while, I've managed clubs and now I'm back to working as a musician trying to place my band into venues. Almost never, in my experience, has a bar or club come looking for me. They don't have to look for musicians. Musicians go to them. As a booker I listened to no more than two songs in a promo pack. And if I was interested what I wanted to hear was live stuff not studio. Even if the quality was one mike in front of the band and a line off the board mixed into mono I could tell if a band was going to be worth having. I think it would be great if there was a site dedicated to artist's live work. Something where if a venue was trolling for musicians they could listen to something real no matter how simple the quality was. It would also be a place where joe-internet-user could just click on to a "genre" and let it roll. Sort of like somafm.com. The playlist could have the song title, artist, website etc. The genre page could have a rolling list of what's playing now and back for an hour or so in case you wanted to find and connect with music you liked.
No matter how this shapes up, it's a great idea. Thanks, Derek and thanks for the note back.
my wish is to work with more artistes from all over the world and it doesn't matter the type of music I'm very open minded
You are the right one to make something like this work. You are probably the most respected person in the independent music scence.
Do it Baby.
You are always doing the right think in directing new artist and musician like myself how to succeed in the music buisness you are highly appreciated and I am very much in support to the fullest of whats intented to be done from here on. keep up the good work.
I think it's a great idea! Let me know what I can do to help!
I think this is a great idea. I have several projects that are stylistically diverse, so I'd like to see things organized by genre. Maybe that's really obvious, I don't know! Cheers,
Davy Mooney
Hey Derek,
That's great to hear! Please keep us updated as I'd love to see the finished product. Should be a fun and exciting journey as well!
Cheers,
Mandy
Love the idea. Go for it!
Maybe some inspiration could be taken from, or even the data could be modeled and hosted: http://www.freebase.com/
Hi Derek,
Not much I can add here that hasn't already been articulated...just so happy that you're doing this, and I look forward to seeing what form it takes. Please keep me in the loop!
Laura Pursell
Thank you Derek ! is a great idea. There is always who going to need a hand, and some who will need something to offe
I host a radio show.
By all means do it !
Great idea !
Scott
Derek,
I think that is a wonderful idea!
dear derek always thinking about musicians!
a great idea!please keep me updated-
i am actually interested in options not in usa,more about europe.
thanks,Amos
film soundtracks/TV contacts would really be helpful.
As a former band manager who used Sonicbids extensively and spent a bunch of money there with very mixed results, here are the things that suck about Sonicbids IMHO:
1. No "reputation scoring" for gig solicitors. Some of the gigs are just bait for unscrupulous types to collect application fees.
2. No feedback on rejected bids. That's fine that you don't want my band in your showcase, but can you give me some feedback to let me know *why*?
3. No time limits on responses. Ok, so your mini-festival is more popular than you thought it would be, and it's taking a while to get through 3000 submissions. How about a time limit, otherwise I get my application fee back?
4. No way to validate if they actually read/listened to a submission. This one might be tough to solve but perhaps reputation scoring minimizes the number of gigs where they collect responses and reject them out-of-hand.
5. Some way for selected participants in a gig to connect with each other. We got selected for a festival/contest in NYC, it would have been nice to be able to connect with other bands online through the gig page, versus having to get contact info at the gig itself, and try to remember who was who.
6. Someone else mentioned this, but a local search, regional search, country search, and *internet* gig search (i.e. gigs that don't involve travel, magazines, interviews, compilations, etc).
Here's what I liked about Sonicbids:
1. Saved searches viewable in RSS, so I don't have to go to the site to look at the latest opportunities.
2. Online press kit tools and resource to use both within and outside of Sonicbids.
3. User roles so that I could, as a band manager, have several acts within my account that could all manage their own content, but I could use my role to create submissions on my own.
Looking forward to what you come up with, Derek!
I like the idea of listings for all kinds of music biz from players to recording to teaching. Especially if it is information not profit oriented. It's a huge project, don't kave any ideas where to begin but will check back as it begind to form.
If I'm not mistaken, this wishlist is now just chaotically listed under your "KarmaList wishlist?" post. I don't see a way for you to now organize all of this these opportunities and wishes into something cohesive. I don't see how you can "keep it all in your head."
OK, it's a paraphrasing, but for a point.
I see and sense a need for structure in all the many projects and project ideas that can't seem to get near the execution/deployment stage, rather, cycling from initiation to planning back to initiation, and back and so on and so on, until it becomes much easier to move on and to simply envision another great new project idea.
You need some kind of yin to your yang. An Allen to your Gates, a Woz to your Jobs, and 'H' to your 'P'. Just a thought.
It sounds exciting. How about a list of links on the left:
Radio looking for music
Music looking for radio
Bands looking for Musicians
Musicians looking for bands
Bands looking for gigs
Gigs looking for bands
Studios looking for musicians
Musicians looking for studios
Well you get the idea.
Or...You could have a very simple google type page that just has two drop down boxes with the words "LOOKING FOR" between them linked to a searchable database.
New categories could easily be added or deleted.
Jonah:
Isn't what your talking about done here:
http://www.musiciansconnection.com/html/mchome.asp
and a few dozen other places? Where's the value add?
sounds fancy! i'd lurk the list!
Just got back from two weeks in Colorodo. Did the Lyons Folk Fest and Song School. Network, network, network....
I'm in.
I wish you every success and nothing but good for the new venture.
I wish myself to America where good funky music was born and is still appreciated.
I wish people to put the name Parisian Living into iTunes and download "Incredible" (Websingle) and get an earful of Kim's voice- especially the way she sings the word "vibe" in the last verse. Apologies for plugging.
Yup go for it man!
Derek,
I think there is a need for some interpretation and vetting of the MANY resources and options out there. It'd be nice to have a database of proven and serious pros to partner with - with the junk weeded out. I think a minimal annual fee (a couple bucks) and/or membership by referral would be good to help keep bad actors from piling up.
I'd check anything out you put together!
The key is keeping the database updated. So many things are so constantly in flux especially regarding indie venues/bands/publications. I can imagine it'd be tiring. Would there be a way of having it as a sort of monitored wiki that could be updated by the folks using it? Then if we follow a lead to venue x but venue x has closed its doors we can go back and make note of it. On the flipside, if we start up or play at venue y we could post about it or update. Maybe having three divisions would be good too: one for venues, one for bands/artists and one for press/promotional folks and resources.
Hi Derek
This sounds like a great idea.
But! I know what I'm looking for is not only a booking agent (whose role could be fulfilled with this program), but licensing opportunities for my music to be used in tv/film/commercials etc.
I've been playing at the Bowery Ballroom and have a great fan base in NYC. But I need to expand and I don't know how to do it!
You're the best - as always!!!
Sounds Like a good plan. Helping people to connect. This could help many of us out.
Thanks
Rob
Fantastic idea - go for it!
Rock On Derek,
I like this idea! Hopefully a new and more innovative spin on networking and doing business in the arts and other platforms.
My wish list is simply that I too want a place to log all of MY opportunities and contacts!
This is an absolutely superb idea.
Perhaps there is a way in which you can encourage people from different countries to get involved and represent their local scenes / niches - that way it wouldn't just be focused on the US and guitar music / bands as much of the musicians tools I see are... It would be great to see some focus on electronic music in Europe for example (my interest).
Anyway Derek I think the answer is right in front of you. Certainly so given how many responses you have gotten. From a quick skim of most of the posts they seem overwhelmingly positive.
Furthermore, it would seem that you are in the right place, have the right contacts, reputation and skill set to pull this off...
I hope this is something that happens...
Yup, this sounds like a great idea Derek! But it seems like you and all your friends already knew that! I would love to be kept in the loop as things develop!
cheers,
chris
It sounds like a great idea.
I guess you'd have to start with
some different categories to cover the bases and of course rules so
you didn't get swamped by the internet abusers
This is a bit off-topic but how about convert musical scores from one language to another like from classical indian music to contemporary English music.
People making a living ripping off quality music in one language to another . May be some thing can be done in this area.
Any local (Austin) or touring SAX gigs. Placing original music on soundtracks for film & TV. Laying sax tracks at studios as well as horn arrangement work. Main horn is tenor but also play alto, bari, and soprano.
I like the sound of it.
is this just for USA? would love to see UK angle too.
It's a great idea.
I'd like it if there were a section for those seeking composers/producers for video games, web sites, films, radio, TV etc.
Thank you for giving your time and money to something like this. I like the idea of an "invite" policy on your part. How would you go about screening? Thanks so much again, LY
Thanks. Radio station info is always useful.
Great idea D! ...like the who-needs-what part the most but the whole package sounds nothing but great to me. I'm sure that with your experience and sight it would work well.
Internationally as friendly as possible would be something I wish for (as a Scandinavian musician). In many cases location is important and I'd hope to see presentations from all around - but home too.
Go for it! It's good to know there's someone supporting us the ways you do, so thanks. I wish this idea will grow rich and succesfull.
Great Idea! I think verifying is a must and some form of invitation... everyone is invited by someone they know (keeps spammers out); the entire list is connected to one another by a few degrees. Let the good Karma flow!
This is so great! Thanks derek let me know what I can do to help.
Go for a craig's list vibe and cover all the usual suspects
band needed
licensing opp
radio
press
compilation
etc.
I'm sure however you do it. it will be yet another great tool you develop.
Derek,
I like the idea, especially coming with no strings attached. Probably a good idea to qualify listers since there is so much spamming and scamming.
Categories are a necessity, or it will be tedious to find what you want on the list.
Not a big fan of SonicBids, or any fee-based gig list. Pay to play is a sucker deal, especially with no feedback or guarantee if you don't get the booking. Free is good. Ads would be ok if it grows to the point where it's too costly to maintain. It's a noble cause.
Keep us posted on this one. -W
Thanks Derek, Filtering by location and style would be most useful. I am fairly narrowly defined as; semi-classical,romantic fingerstyle folk guitar instrumentals. I am not sure how searching for that would be implemented.
Hi Derek,
We really appreciate your interest in good music and all the efforts you would like to make to match musicians, venues and all other music lovers.
We'll support it from Belgium, Europe!
Derek, I have had the same thought but think that, unlike my Wiki of services, this is fraught.
Technically, it's simple enough to provide a space for the connections: supply meets demand, like a free Sonicbids. But what people are really asking for here is a personalised filter of quality. THAT is almost impossible to turn into an algorithm because it relies on intuitions that are often inconsistent.
The result of building a facility that meets this need technically will be that artists will self-assess their suitability and the inboxes of the venues will be flooded with inappropriate applications, leading to dissatisfaction on both sides.
My 2c ...
Cheers,
Huge
I use my website,Sonicbids, and
Jango to market myself but, I still need some help getting a live gig in the Bay Area or Sacramento. My style is Easy-Listening Instrumental Pop. Thanks
for caring!
Hi Derek,
First, I appreciated you sharing information that all of us (musicians) can use to enhance our pursuit to be the best that we can be.
My wish is to do music for commercials, movie soundtracks, to write for aspiring and major artist in the music industry.
Sounds like a great useful idea, make it so!
Hi Derek,
As per your request, but first I'd like to say that if this helps artist, promoters, etc... It would be awesome! Now what I am looking for is working siituations, I am a producer and musician. I have produced all types of music and have performed with artist of all genre of music. I would like to form collaborations to produce recordings, artist, concerts, festivals. And I am always available to perform. So there you have it and I hope someone reads this and is interested in my talents and ideas!
Thank you
Ronnie Burrage
I think it's amazing that you're devoting your energy to help us! The whole taxi dispatch thing is interesting... I'm sure you'll create something that will blow that out of the water! Thank you so much for all of your effort and hard work just to help all of us reach our dreams
.
You rock!
Probably won't apply since it's not your genre, but if people have asked you for vocal jazz finds, I'm there.
Thanks as always for sharing.
Elli (the 73-year-old relaunching jazz vocalist).
Well..
Making proper catagories would be the challenge I think. It has to be easy to navigate or folks won't use it. A "Looking for" catagory for band stuff, broken out by country and or State? Instrument and singers? Then a distribution catagory(for finished music), broken out similair to above. With subs cats for country and othere subs like digital, stores, radio stations, etc..
As an electronica guy, Europe is a better market for me than US is. If I could somehow search resources out there more targeted for my needs that would be helpful.
Just throwing pasta at the fridge to see if anything sticks. ;)
Tom
How i Believe "Derek Sivers" will ultimately succeed better then the current "Artist Opportunity Websites" (like Sonicbids -or- Exploretalent.com, etc..) . is asking the Industry Proffesionals (Radio DJ's, Labels,publishing companies, etc..) to be Very Specific with their criteria. about what they are Looking for with The "SONG OPPORTUNITY CRITERIA" Genre, Concept, Mood, Production, Vocals.. and have a "Keyword search", for Each Opportunity, that if your song doesn't match 4 out of 5 of the Criteria. then you both don't have to waste your time. by You Submitting Music & Presskits, or Them Recieving Music & Presskits.
Criteria Example -
Genre - HipHop, Production - "Eastcoast" Lyrics- "Upbeat" Hook/Chorus - "Party Anthem" Vocals- Male
The REASON (I Believe) My idea of the "Song Opportunity Criteria" and "Keyword Search" will Acheive Success and Seperate "Derek Sivers New Music Opportunity Website and/or Wishlist" From other sites, is Described below.
Although it is nice to know about opportunities as an aritst. it's like a driver saying "the Highway is crowded, but I know about a "Short cut" (opportunity) that most of the thousands of other Drivers/Artists Dont know about, so i have the advantage. But the reality is , once everybody is put onto the opportunity/Shortcut, it Gets Over Congested just like a Highway or Street. And the Industry Proffesional giving the opportunity - Now has to listen to thousands of Songs/MP3's. instead of getting "Specific Criteria Matching music" from possibly only a hundred artists that match up for the Opportunity. Not "Unsolicited material" from every arist who knows your email. and has a E.P.K to send. and over kill your email box with Hundreds of MP3's, Presskits, etc.. when that is a full time job just like sorting through emails from who's who, So i my opinion , its a very fine line between sharing info to help out artists, Versus actually making it ten times harder by spamming the Industry proffesional's email box by putting so many artists on to the opportunity.. After years of researching Online for Music opportunities, with several websites & Services. This is what i've ultamitely come up with, that i believe will save both artists and Industry proffesionals countless hours of time that they can't get back !!
- HipHop Artist "CANE MURPHY" aka "Redrum"
Without you Creating CDbaby.com
I wouldn't have been able to distribute my Debut Album Worldwide. Now that I'm facing an reconstructive spine operation with titanium screws and rods drilled into my spine. I am humbled and sincerly thankful that i get to share my story and music with Fans before i step onto the operating table. So To me Your "KarmaList" has already Spear headed the Music Industry. Proof of this is right here on this page with all the Indcredible Feedback from thankful Music Artists Worldwide for your undeniably useful and appliable opportunities , Knowledge, and Love for Music and the artists who create it. Thank You Derek.
Sincerely, Cane Murphy
http://www.CDbaby.com/CaneMurphy
Great idea !! We can only be happy with it as we are still happy with CD Baby.
GOD bless 'ya Derek. Thank you, for all of your insight and help.
How about a reference site to put together musicians in local areas, such as: Bass player needed Rice Lake WI. area in the Electro Dylan
mode, (Genre). http//:electrofolks.com
it would be great to have a place where musicians of all types can hookup without all the BS. that is what makes CDBABY a blessing.do it derek! do it!
I would love if there were listings to music licensing and music supervisors who truly have the capability to review the actual music that is being submitted.
If no one else has mentioned it, the problem with SonicBids is it gives an incentive to create a bogus or crummy event and charge to apply for it.
That is all. You are welcome.
Hey Derek:
Organization:
First, I'd suggest categorizing all opportunities by region:
International? (a whole different can of worms so I'll focus on):
National
North East
South East
East Coast
Heartland
North West
South West
West Coast
I. Gigs (Venues Seeking Music)
Type of Music Being Sought:
Rock, Folk, Country, Blues, Soul, Hip-Hop, etc. (with appropriate Sub-genres)
Amenities offered: PA, Lighting, Sound and/or Light Tech, Food?, Lodging? etc
Payment arrangements: Guarantee? Door? Guarantee vs. Door? etc
Dates Needed: Ongoing, Specific date
II: Opportunities: Song Contests, Licensing Opportunity, Compilation CD, Radio Opportunities, Podcast Opportunities, Social Networking and Online Outlet Links etc.
III. Resources and Musician's Services: Equipment; Recording Services; Personnel: Management, Booking Agents, Publicists, Legal;
Accident/Health/Equipment Insurance deals and opportunities; etc.
A friend recently suggested, also, a BB where musicians can list equipment that has been lost or stolen.
I'd like to find a manager list...people who could find professional gigs for me as a solo harpist. I need much time to practice, and would be so helpful to find a person to help do the booking legwork!
Peace!!
A Manager and/or a gig list for Dj's.
With the responses, we could link up with other and tour.
a way to stay in touch with real artists.
Would both artist and professional be invite-only? Like Gmail is (or used to be)...? And perhaps someone ELSE in the community would need to recommend the artist for the gig option? I think this would make it more authentic, less "pitch thyself" and also give artists a chance to ask for help/include others in their success organically - like a street team, only in the community. Maybe a LinkedIn-style recommendation option, too. Lots of great ideas here... thanks for continuing the love of the love, Derek. Service, generosity, community - love your stance, friend.
xo ~ Heather
Hi Derek,
This is a fab idea. I think adding an international aspect to it too could be good, especially for people who are already travelling with their music work anyway. This part could be divided into continental regions, ie, Asia, Africa, The Americas, etc. How about a film music area where filmmakers can list projects and what they're looking for musically (paid or unpaid), and where composers can connect with projects of interest? Thank you for considering creating KarmaList and I do hope you get it going!
Hell yeah my man,
I'm always looking for fans of or connections through my music ! I'm not a stingy artist so, I don't mind giving away music. For a good cause that is. Of course it's two times better when your making money out of it but, I have fun translating my feelings into music ! Any kind of leads , tips, gigs,internet,college radio connections etc. I'm for it ! Nothing comes for free where i'm from so I'd be taking full advantage. Thanks
Balacke
When floating in a sea of apathy it's encouraging to have someone that is obviously looking out for us musician types.
Love the idea. New CD "Unexpected Light" out next month...and throughout the process...I have had to search for musicians for the band. The recording part was no problem...but people are all overcommitted during the month of December so hard to get band for performance then. Thanks for all your great ideas and help. Leah
Sounds fantastic, Derek!
Derek...you are a Saint! I love the idea. My problem with Sonic bids is its expensive and I think it's a scam for the most part. Ok so seriously how can I help you do this? I will help with feedback or whatever you need. It is rough out there for artists to figure out whats real and whats not real so yes...do it!!! Keep me in the loop oxoxo T
looks like some great ideas out there!
don't know if anyone's suggested it yet, but maybe have a way to connect to social media (fb, linked in, etc) as a way to promote gigs or get a group of people to an event...basically get the word out about an upcoming shindig.
also might help with "checking out" potential asks if you can link to their social network pages.
Derek you legend!!!! Yet another fantastic idea.
Awesome ideas and feedback too. =)
Definitely an international focus would suit Sexy Gun, being a predominantly electronic label based out of Adelaide, South Australia we're quite far away from Europe and co so being able to network not just in Australia but all over the world is paramount to getting the word out there.
Keep up the great work mate!
Yes please!!! Another non corrupt and much needed idea from one of the few non corrupt souls in the "music" biz. (More the "life" biz, actually.
A superb idea, if I had a brilliant way to organize it (aside from obvious categories) I would share it.
Really appreciate your care for the musician in this day and age.
Love the ideas you have. I would add "Transcription Services" under a category of "Resources & Services"
All the best in your new endeavors.
- David
You are a rare breed in this business. Thank you for taking the time to care about music and musicians. I would love to have an opportunity email pop up once a week.
Hope its coming along.
best to you!
Hi Derek,
I think this is a fantastic service that you are providing! Thank for everything. I would love to be considered for any gigs anywhere, any singing opportunities live or recorded and co-writing!
Thanks lots and lots,
Jennifer
Along with everyone else, this is a great idea. It seems it could be open for a lot of dishonesty I fear. If it were set up like a niche Craigslist I can see emerging artists looking for opportunities could be taken advantage of.
Keep it a free service with a once a week industry insider guest blog with recommendations for booking, branding, merchandising, networking, licensing, protecting themselves, and innovative funding options outside the label.
Reinventing the wheel is seldom ever necessary. Elance has a great structure for finding opportunities and listing services across various industries. KarmaList would be very cool if it were like that allowing people to list themselves for a variety of different opportunities. How many musicians do you know that are multi-instrumentalists, lyricists, and/or recording engineers? I bet we all know a few. Can't wait for this to happen, I can't believe it's already been six months!
Thanks for all the great work,
~Steve
I'd happily offer my assistance to get this organized. I don't have a lot of invested interest, but I really like what you get behind.
Let me know if you want a free, dedicated hand.
I´ll contribute my bite
Someone already said it, its a question of trust. Say I want to fix a tour in the US for one of the bands on my roster, I´m up against not knowing the right venues, any tour promoters, ans support bands, any accomodation , ... you get it. Now get to this list, I could ask local bands for advice and I´d like to see a comment section where you can report your previous experience, thus giving credibility to the opps. I´d like to establish some cross continental connections, a network of trusted bands, venues and labels who work in with each other to help promo and touring and getting in toch with local radio and so on.
Dear Derek,
As discussed via email I'll post my hint for innovative musicians and producers here:
If you know any German musicians who want to find out what the GEMA does and when to join (GEMA = like BMI, ASCAP, SEASAC) you might want to send them my GEMA-info-rap. http://www.bandologie.de/gema-rap.html
Maybe you like the idea of "info songs" and a musician you know (or you) will do an informational song about BMI, ASCAP, SEASAC or any other theme. I'd be interested to embed innovative music ideas like that on bandologie.com.
Best regards
Nils
Personally, I would love a reliable way to connect casually with musicians in my area - without having to sort through hundreds of questionable Craigslist posts...
Cool Site!! Hi Derek
Derek, you have a LOT of interesting projects in lined up
How's your progress?
Great Idea!! I'm always looking for certain things and really have no way of finding what's authentic.. I would definitely use this site.
Great stuff...found you thru a friend stateside and astonished at much you say I agree with and how many similar ideas I've had - I'm a successful entrepreneur, bit older than you - bit less successful!
What puzzles me with your background and offers of help - why so many projects not started. I have about 15 in build and employ a muck works type person out of retirement for $8 an hour. So they feel valued too.
Just a life change. I was going full-speed from the age of 14 to 38, so enjoying a few years of chillin'. -- Derek