Jazz as a business model
June 9, 2010OK, let’s face it. It’s not easy making money as a jazz musician. As a matter of fact, today it is probably more difficult than it has ever been. The audience is understandably small because the music is sophisticated. It requires the listener’s complete attention and an inherent interest in the format. Nonetheless there are…
Taking care of business – We’re all self-employed
June 9, 2010Reading Paul Resnikoff’s essay this morning it occurred to me that the ‘vehicle’ for the future of the music business will be a completely individualized start-up mentality. Everything has changed; what it means to be a performer, a recording artist, a songwriter, an instrumentalist, a composer, a music publisher, a record label… As long as…
Career Tracks: Killola
May 20, 2010Photo by Thaddeus Bridwell I recently had the opportunity to speak with the excellent folks in Killola, a four piece “Hardpop Altcore” band formed in 2003 and based in Los Angeles. Consisting of Lisa Rieffel (lead vocals), Mike Ball, (guitar), Dan Grody (drums) and Johnny Dunn (bass), the band’s indie work ethic and unique blend…
Making a profit by adding real value..
May 12, 2010If we learn anything from the Wall St. crisis it should be this: Sustainable businesses make a profit by creating and adding value to the world. Windfall “paper” transactions are unsustainable and eventually lead to financial disaster, and/or the degeneration of industry. Take a look at this heated debate between 37signals principal, David Heinemeier Hansson…