July 8, 2011

Networking With the Makers -- the Watchers -- The Wonderers




There are three kinds of people in this world: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened after it happened. Which one are you? Oh yeah, then there is the lazy, the kind of lazy, and the workers. I hope you're getting my drift.


Somewhere along the line, there has become a misconception that being in the music industry is a way to get out of plain old putting your nose to the grindstone work. This is so far from the truth that it hurts.


Let's talk about networking, which is the single most important thing you have to do after you've developed your talent. If you want to be a success in this business, you need to roll up your sleeves and get busy networking. If you don't do this one thing you are doomed to failure. You've heard the term six degrees of separation? Well it's true. So who do I network with? Simple answer- everyone! You never know who the next person you network with may introduce you too. It just may be the one that changes your life.


At AMP we are driven to helping you learn how to network. Come join us for our live web TV show or click on justin.tv/amptv to watch the show and learn more.

July 7, 2011

An Important word from the GRAMMYs.

If you're interested in the music business, this is an important statement from the GRAMMYs. We all must stay on top of what is going on in the business. Be a part of the business! Join the GRAMMYs; it's an important part of the music business. We at AMP endorse this message.  J. Grady, president and founder of AMP and amp TV. Watch AMP TV at -- justin.tv/amptv June 22 Click on link to hear message www.grammy.com/announcement

July 1, 2011

The ART IN MUSIC. Is it lost???????

Is the ART of music lost???? Absolutely not! However, there is the money machine driving the prefabricated commercial pod auto-tuned synthesized sound that is making millions for them. We know who they are; right? This money driven machine makes it nearly impossible for the true artist to get a break and be heard by the masses.
Now we have to ask ourselves, where are we in this picture? Then do some serious soul searching and ask, why do we create music? Is it for fame, fortune, or for the Art? If you answered the first two, you are a true blue member of the machine. There's nothing wrong with that, this exercise is just to help you find your place in all the madness.
Remember there will always be Art in music and it has nothing to do with mass appeal or what others do. We should not begrudge or become jealous or resentful of the machine. Just remember this ART comes from the heart, not the wallet. J. Grady Pres. and Founder of AMP The Association Of Music Professionals.

June 27, 2011

I finished the song! Now what?


I can't begin to tell you how many calls and emails I've received over the years where writers are looking for a way to get their songs heard. Don't take this the wrong way, however most writers I've met don't have the drive to do what it takes to get out there. That's not a bad thing; that's just the way it is. Another thing I get is -- I've written several songs can you pitch them for me? Sure, send me all you've got. WRONG!!!!! sSo what do I do then?
AMP is working very hard on what I like to call the Unsigned Writers Holy Grail. It's called Nashville-in-a-Box, which is a virtual publishers, producers, and record label's music row. For now, you have to do it the old fashioned way: network, network, network. Another tool we are developing is AMP street. This is where you will have access to networking with literally hundreds of writers and artists like yourself when you become a member of AMP.  We are endorsed by the Grammy's and many other professional groups. If you're serious, you have to invest in your career, both time and money. No one is going to do it for free. Let us help you; come join us at www.myamp.org and evolutionofasong.blogspot.com and justin.tv/amptv and learn who we are. Get plugged in!!!!!!!!!

June 23, 2011

AMP supports this article from the Grammy's

Navigating Digital Distribution: Mysteries Revealed" posed the question, “What’s the upload?” The digital landscape has opened up tremendous, previously unthinkable opportunities for artists to get their work out into the marketplace, but the roads through that landscape can be tremendously confusing. This panel brought together entrepreneurs and experts in the field of digital distribution, all of whom offered unique insights, advice and angles on how an artist can best move from hopeful upload to registered sale. The panelists included Kevin Arnold, founder and CEO of comprehensive digital music service IODA; Jeff Price, founder and CEO of digital distribution company TuneCore; Derek Sivers, founder and president of Web-based indiemusic seller CD Baby; and Bruce Taylor, VP of marketing and PR of SNOCAP Inc., a service that allows artists to set up their own Web-based stores. The panel was moderated by Eric Garland, CEO of BigChampagne Media Measurement, which provides analysis on issues involving the intersection of entertainment and technology.

"Unsigned And Making It" discussed the gloominess in the industry generally stemming from the fact that traditional industry business models are in a period of uncertain transition. But if the old models aren’t working, what about some new ones? There’s more music being created, and listened to, than ever before and artists are increasingly exploring new ways to get their songs heard. This positive view of the shifting musical landscape was enthusiastically addressed by Danny Benair, ex-punk/pop drummer, former music publishing exec and current chief of music placement service Natural Energy Lab; music supervisor extraordinaire Alexandra Patsavas, whose Chop Shop Music Supervision company works with such hit TV shows as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Rescue Me,” and “Without A Trace”; Tommy Tallarico, composer, video game industry icon and founder of the Game Audio Network Guild; and Adam Merrin and Keith Slettedahl, members of up-and-coming indie rock band the 88. The discussion was moderated by producer/engineer Mike Clink, whose much-respected work with artists such as Guns ’N Roses, Aerosmith and Metallica qualified him to lead a discussion on non-traditional approaches to musical career-building.

The next burning question on everyone’s mind is “You’ve got your music online, now what?” The latest panel in the series will bring together the marketing and PR experts to help you figure out how to get your music heard. Panelists will include Brooke Burt, co-founder and publicity director of Indigenous Promotions; Nathan Hoy, vice president of music of ReverbNation; Anne Litt, KCRW-FM DJ and music supervisor; Brad Barish, Head of Operations at Topspin; and Jeff Varner, artist manager, the Collective. This stellar panel will be moderated by Carmen Rizzo, two-time GRAMMY-nominated engineer, producer/remixer/musician.

Join us for what is sure to be an informative, enlightening discussion on June 23, either in person or live on GRAMMY365.