Hey All,
I have been enjoying the music of a great mostly instrumental band, and I thought it would be worthwhile to pass the information along.
The band is called "Visual Cliff", and they have multiple CDs available via their website. This is mostly a "studio" band, and they are independent. The very cool part is that they told me they are doing a majority (if not all) of their production via Cakewalk Pro 9. Now, as many of you may be aware, CakeWalk Pro 9 is an older versionof the CakeWalk product. However, these guys are putting out an amazing product using this software.
The point is that you don't necessarily need the "latest and greatest" software or hardware to create some outstanding music. Excellent musicians who have a good understanding of their own gear, are able to frequently get better results than the guy with all the new stuff but no knowledge. So, my advice today is to stop worrying about whether you have the latest gear, and just get to be the best at using what you currently have.
Personally, this is a challenge also to myself, as I tend to be a person who thinks the latest versions will give me that added boost I need to get going. It hasn't worked out yet, and I'm slowly learning my lessons.
Take what you got, and make some great music with it!!!
Blessings,
Hammster
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Monday, July 17, 2006
"What Is Indie" Movie
Hey All,
Just wanted to let you know about a new independent movie that is getting some press around the independent music scene.
The movie is called "What Is Indie?" and it is a documentary covering a bunch of independent musicians. Some are coffeehouse musicians, while others are in different styles.
The movie is truly a documentary, and does include course language from some musicians. Because of this, I would have to give the movie an "R" rating, although there is no nudity. The movie is "unrated" due to the director's choice.
You can find more out at www.whatisindiemovie.com
Check it out, if you are interested in a good discussion about what actually makes a musician an "Indie artist". Definitely made me think a bit about it.
Later,
Tim
www.timhamm.com
Monday, February 27, 2006
But Everyone Likes Us!
Lately, I’ve been reading quite a few books on indie music marketing, and there is a common theme that I think many Christian artists have neglected. The issue is with “branding” yourself.
You see, the casual music fan likes to have some sort of reference point for what to expect from this “new music” you are offering. The idea is to come up with a brief description of your music, which is also narrow in focus. Simply stating you play “Christian music” or “rock music” includes such a wide spectrum of styles that the term isn’t specific enough to connect with the music fan. The typical fan needs something that gives them a reference point. For example, “Christian 80s Synth Pop Music (but without the big hair)” gives a much more specific word picture. You have a fairly decent idea of what to expect from the description.
It’s a fact that you have a much better chance of being recognized, when in smaller crowds. Thus, the smaller you can identify the specific musical niche or genre, the more likely you will be more successful in that market. Many bands do not want to be “typecast” into a specific style, and purposefully try to appeal to a wide range of fans. Simple consideration concludes this method will be much more difficult to be found by music fans, while also being quite difficult to maintain.
So, make your life a bit easier, and spend some time chipping away at your musical identity, working to find the most specific description you can achieve. With some work, you should be able to get yourself out of the ocean and into a nice sized swimming pool.
On the plus side, you certainly won’t waste as much time and money, when you are dealing with those who are already interested in your style of music, right?
Feel free to post comments, or email me.
Tim Hamm
www.timhamm.com
You see, the casual music fan likes to have some sort of reference point for what to expect from this “new music” you are offering. The idea is to come up with a brief description of your music, which is also narrow in focus. Simply stating you play “Christian music” or “rock music” includes such a wide spectrum of styles that the term isn’t specific enough to connect with the music fan. The typical fan needs something that gives them a reference point. For example, “Christian 80s Synth Pop Music (but without the big hair)” gives a much more specific word picture. You have a fairly decent idea of what to expect from the description.
It’s a fact that you have a much better chance of being recognized, when in smaller crowds. Thus, the smaller you can identify the specific musical niche or genre, the more likely you will be more successful in that market. Many bands do not want to be “typecast” into a specific style, and purposefully try to appeal to a wide range of fans. Simple consideration concludes this method will be much more difficult to be found by music fans, while also being quite difficult to maintain.
So, make your life a bit easier, and spend some time chipping away at your musical identity, working to find the most specific description you can achieve. With some work, you should be able to get yourself out of the ocean and into a nice sized swimming pool.
On the plus side, you certainly won’t waste as much time and money, when you are dealing with those who are already interested in your style of music, right?
Feel free to post comments, or email me.
Tim Hamm
www.timhamm.com
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Welcome
Welcome to my own personal blog page.
Here I will offer tips and insight into independent music, as well as how it applies to Christian musicians. I will also offer insights into various issues related to this topic.
If you have any suggestions for topics, feel free to contact me via my website www.timhamm.com
Thanks,
Tim
Here I will offer tips and insight into independent music, as well as how it applies to Christian musicians. I will also offer insights into various issues related to this topic.
If you have any suggestions for topics, feel free to contact me via my website www.timhamm.com
Thanks,
Tim
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