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Media Arrow asked:


About Media Arrow:

 

Music is experiencing perhaps its most dramatic shift in media.  CDs have become as asinine as cassette tapes, laser discs, and vinyl while record companies struggle to attract new listeners.  In response, we have created Media Arrow, a digital platform catering to musicians, labels, and listeners alike.  Our web designers have managed to facilitate a website that allows artists to reach audiences across the world by posting their latest songs and videos, uploading newscasts, and communicating directly with fans.  Media Arrow even authorizes participants to distribute and sell individual songs or entire albums on-line with DRM-protected technology.  Listeners and industry A & R workers will listen to our members, both signed and unsigned, granting the opportunity to be discovered and break in the digital music world.  In a changing market, you need someone who understands how to reach the right people. With innovative marketing and groundbreaking promotion, Media Arrow can turn your dreams of musical success into a reality.

 

Competition:

/bands

Think you have what it takes to win a multi-thousand dollar studio contract with a reputable music label?  Media Arrow is searching for the best bands and artists across the country for the opportunity of a lifetime.  We have assembled a panel of judges from some of the top American music companies as well as representatives from around the world to choose an artist with the most dedication, passion, and talent for a one album studio contract with a hefty signing bonus.  Contestants will compete for fame, fans, and fortune, under the careful gaze of the music industry, waiting to sign and produce the next big act.  Could it be you?  Take a step towards success and sign up today!

 

/spokes model

Do you have what it takes to be a spokes model?  Media Arrow is conducting a nationwide spokesperson search, looking near and far for individuals who’ve got the looks, the voice, and the attitude.  You’ll have the chance to build a fan base and network your image while marketing yourself to industry managers looking to sign young, attractive models who have the right mentality and performance charisma.  And if the possibility of getting a contract isn’t enough, how about a multi-thousand dollar award for the winner?  Sign up today!

 

/networking and interviews

For the casual listener or the social networker, Media Arrow is the perfect place to discover hip new music and hot models, learn about upcoming shows and festivals, contact and receive information from local clubs and venues, and read groundbreaking articles and interviews conducted by our very own Media Arrow spokesmodel contestants.  Media Arrow is constructing the ideal online music community for artists, fans, and industry workers alike.  Whether you’re posting the next big hit, learning about the hottest underground acts, or looking to sign that fresh new sound, Media Arrow is the premier online music experience.    

K Mac asked:


Picture this… an old dreary 100,000 sq ft warehouse on the second floor. 20ft ceilings, a wide open space filled with 1800 people dressed in black concert shirts, leather, tattooed and piercings anxiously waiting metal bands to start. The stage with 4 full mesa boogie stack guitar amps on each side of a monstrous Tama drum set up. A band banner hung behind behind the set with a Paiste banner right below. Lights off, stage lights on and BOOM, the mushroom cloud of speed metal mayhem envelops the mass of metal heads!

This is Maseration!

Kathrynn MacAnders: My brother and I came from Massachusetts to see this show (at a warehouse complex on West Street between Quay and Noble Streets in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.)

Mykill Aresco: Wow! Are you asking for gas money?

Kathrynn: Nah, dude! haha! That was one hell of a show.

Mykill: Yeah, we had a blast with all the other 3 bands tonight. Getting all this together was real hell for some, I’ve heard. Between finding the building, getting the permits to do this show, buying the radio commercials, and all the other BS with out sponsors… WOW! Headless Torso Productions really did some major work! That’s quite a name, huh! hahaha.

Kathrynn: Yeah, the event posters were sick! (cool)

Mykill: Yeah, if you use a scan for this, use one….of…. theses (hands me a plain jane flyer from off the wall) Some people don’t wanna see all that stuff, me being one!

Kathrynn: So, when will Maseration have a disc out?

Mykill: Well, we are new as a band. Everyone has other bands that are their main focus. Yeah, Maseration is my band, but Dead Skin Mask and Sa Sanctuary are my main deals. So, to answer the question, we mainly got together to to this fest of sorts. Jim and Brad are in Destroyed Youth, and Robert is from H5N1, so to be able to get these 9 tunes together, at the quality of which they are, was quite amazing.

Kathrynn: So, No Maseration Cd?

Mykill: At the moment, I’d say no. Unless the sound guy recorded it and releases it on his own! haha.

Kathrynn: You have new cymbals PLUS a gong now!?

Mykill: I’m impressed! The average listener will usually not notice that stuff. Do you play?

Kathrynn: No, My brother does. He pointed that out to me.

Mykill: Oh, nice. New as in brand… No. I still play Paiste. I have since I was 12. Sadly, that was some time ago now. But yeah, I have a Paiste 36" Symphonic gong back there. The stand is rented. Mine is on order, actually. I’m using all RUDE set up tonight except my ride and X hat. Usually I have a combination of different series, but This one is 97.1% RUDE. 14" HH, 3 17" (1 Wild Crash / 1 Crash Ride / 1 Thin Crash), 3 18" (1 Wild Crash / 1 Crash Ride / 1 Thin Crash), and 3 19" (1 Wild Crash / 1 Crash Ride / 1 Thin Crash). 1 18" Rude China and a 20" 2002 Rude china. My ride is a Signature Series 22" Dry Heavy, and my X-hat is a 14" 802 HH. as far as my sticks, a year or 2 ago I found a company from the Czech Republic called Pellwood. I really like their Hornbeam 2B Nylon. Really durable. I have to get them direct, cause no one around me sells Pellwood. Ivan (the owner) is a really nice guy, so the extra wait for postal shipping from another country is well worth it. These Pellwood sticks are real sweet.

Kathrynn: Note to self… don’t ask Mike about his drums again.

Mykill: (laughs hard) Sorry. Us drummers are like muscle car gear heads. we like to talk specs.

Kathrynn: Yeah, I see that. So, your main band projects are so far from here. What is the deal?

Mykill: Well, they are ‘far from here’ at the moment. I’m just here in the NE for a small stretch. Sa Sanctuary has a DVD coming out called Point Of Failure. Maybe in Feb or March that will be out. They are getting new material together, as soon as I get there, we are gonna go at the world 1000%. DSM, well, that is a project I do in the down time of Santary. I have to play. If I don’t for too long… I get real bummed out and pissy! Drums have been such a big part of my life, that with out them, I am not me. It is hard to explain, but Unless I play, things are not right and I feel well, crappy. Hey, I gotta go and make sure my equipment is handled and packed up right. Thanks for coming ALL the way out here to see us, and next time tell your bro to come back here and talk drums.

Kathrynn: Will Do! Thanks Mike!

Thanks to Headless Torso Productions for the passes and letting me back in the band only area for this interview. A special thanks to Mike for taking the time out of the hectic packing up time to talk to me!

Ibrahim Machiwala asked:


Introduction to the IELTS test

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test of English language proficiency, developed by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. Today IELTS is accepted as evidence of a prospective student’s level of English by most universities in English speaking countries.

There are two different IELTS tests that you can do: Academic and General. But this test is usually taken for university admissions. IELTS is not just a test that you can pass or fail. Your English proficiency skills are reported according to a scale from bands one to nine.

Tests and tasks conducted have been designed keeping in view the general interests of the educated people, so the person taking the test needs not to do any specialist courses. The test contains four parts – Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

The reading component of the IELTS test

The IELTS reading test duration is one hour. During this time the candidate has to read three texts of between 500 and 900 words each. The texts and questions increase in difficulty. He has to answer 40 questions within the time limit of 60 minutes. Most students find it difficult to complete the whole paper, so it is important for candidates to be completely prepared for all the tests.

The writing component of the IELTS test

The IELTS writing test takes one hour. During this one hour the candidate has to complete two tasks.

• TASK ONE: Task one is a report based on some graphic information provided on the question paper. The graphic information will come in one of five forms. The candidate is required to describe the information in 15 words. Task One should be completed in 20 minutes. It is important that the candidate is familiar with the language to produce a strong report.

• TASK TWO: The next task is an essay based on a topic given on the question paper. The candidate should write at least 250 words in 40 minutes.

It is recommended that the candidate should follow the advised time limits as Task Two carries more Band weight than Task One. Remember that unreadable handwriting will cost the final score.

The listening component of the IELTS test

The IELTS listening test takes approximately 30 minutes.

The listening material is recorded on a cassette tape which the candidate will hear only once. The test is divided into four sections in order of increasing difficulty. First two sections are based on general interest such as a report of a bank robbery or a speech from a politician. Section one will be a dialogue and section two will be a monologue.

Sections three and four will have an education focus. There will be a lecture and a discussion between two to four people.

As the candidate listens he should write his answers on the question booklet. At the end of the recorded material he will be given ten minutes to copy his answers onto the fresh answer sheet.

The candidate should be well prepared for the listening test as many people don’t feel confident of giving a smooth test.

The speaking component of the IELTS test

The IELTS speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and is in the form of an oral interview between the candidate and an examiner.

During the interview the candidate has to answer the questions asked by the interviewer.

The interview consists of:

• Some general questions about yourself, your life and your interests

• A short talk on a particular topic

• A discussion of issues

It is strongly recommended that the candidate should relax and speak as confidently as he can because candidates losing their confidence in this test can affect their band scores.

Expert Interview Agent asked:


Types Of Hemorrhoids And The Symptoms

Hemorrhoid symptoms should not be ignored because early prevention can avoid a lot of unnecessary pain, discomfort and expense.

Usually Hemorrhoids Present Themselves In Two Different Ways.

‘External Hemorrhoids‘ – Which can become very large and painful, in this condition a thrombosed or clotted hemorrhoid may form due to blood pooling under the skin causing a painful lump, signs of bleeding may also be present.

Symptoms can include itching, burning, pain, and bleeding of these veins, (or Hemorrhoids).

‘Internal Hemorrhoids‘ – Which are commonly associated with streaks of blood on stools or toilet paper and itching around the anal area.

In some cases external hemorrhoids may become so severe they end up forming what is known as a prolapsed condition where the hemorrhoid actually protrudes from the anus during a bowel movement, it can usually be placed back inside the rectum.

What Can I Do To Relieve My Hemorrhoid Symptoms?

* Make sure you keep the affected areas clean

* Avoid irritation with toilet paper or wipes

* No Heavy Lifting

* Avoid standing and sitting for long periods

* Use a Cushion to take pressure off the area

* Sitz Bath

* Aloe Vera

The 1st and most popular type are Hemorrhoid Creams and Ointments

This is where a topical treatment is rubbed on your outer rectal area and aims to soothe the blood vessels. This creates a relaxation of the tissue so that it does not bulge out so much. Once the tissue does not protrude the hemorrhoid will be less likely to flare up. This is great for temporary relief , but unfortunately the condition is practically guaranteed to reoccur.

The 2nd type that is very popular as well is in the form of Suppositories

These are inserted inside the rectum for the purposes of delivering moisture to the hemorrhoid and creating a lubricating effect for when the next bowel movement occurs. The aim is to ensure the hemorrhoid heals without rupturing again. This method seems to work for some but not so well for others and should be used with care during pregnancy.

The 3rd type is Pills that are taken to regulate blood pressure in the body

This can have effect and work by altering vein tissue so that the hemorrhoid is less susceptible to problems in the future. It’s a very unpredictable approach that has its benefits, but can also induce real side effects and big pharmacies like to push this option.

4 Natural Hemorrhoid Cures : Many People are raving about an ‘Old Geezer’ Remedy that Effectively Cures Bleeding Internal & External Hemorrhoids Permanently and in as soon as 2 days!

Thousands of people have already successfully cured their Hemorrhoids At Home and have reported amazing results such as ‘almost instant pain relief’ to ‘Shrinking Hemorrhoids The Size of Golf Balls’.

Here is some of the information included in the system and as you can see, the approach in not only beneficial to your Hemorrhoids, but to your entire body!

The Secret Chinese “Fargei” Remedy that they don’t want you to learn. (Even Chinese herbalists don’t always know this). Learn An exact 4-element diet used to get rid of huge-sized piles in a matter of days! The one “aroma” ingredient that makes the difference between a average digestive feeling and a great one. “Nature Stool” method that will ensure you never cause unnecessary pressure down there. 5 fruits and vegetables that will ensure you NEVER have a hemorrhoid ever again. BONUS: Visit Us To Download Your Free Healthy Recipes Including 120 Delicious SmoothiesThat Are Guaranteed to Boost your Energy Levels and Improve Overall Well Being. JustWhip Up One Of These Yummy Smoothies Whenever You Need An Energy Boost!

5. Surgical Procedures

In extreme cases the hemorrhoid may have to be removed surgically or by ligation a procedure that involves tying a rubber band around the base, this restricts the blood supply causing it to fall off.

The most affective medical treatment involves the use of laser technology where the hemorrhoid is affectively vaporized and the vessel and nerve endings are sealed off Which leads to a much faster and pain free recovery.

How Do I Avoid Hemorrhoids In The First Place?

There are several reasons why hemorrhoids occur but they are a condition that can be avoided by the majority of people by taking a few simple steps such as maintaining a proper diet that includes plenty of fiber, fresh fruit and whole grains, it is also important to reduce the intake of processed foods and drink plenty of water.

It is important to get regular exercise and avoid sitting and standing for long periods as lack of movement is also a contributing factor in developing the condition. By following this simple advice most people will avoid suffering this painful and often embarrassing condition.

Does Constipation Cause Hemorrhoids?

Is most cases Yes. If you are having difficulty passing stools on a regular basis due to constipation the excess straining of trying to pass harder stools results in trauma to the anal area by irritating the veins causing them to become enlarged and eventually bleed.

Hope this information will lead you to a speedy recovery.

Ryan P Blomster asked:


When preparing for your college interview, take the time to be presentable. That doesn’t mean wearing a three-piece suit or an evening gown. Wear something nice that you feel comfortable in.

Chances are your interviewer will also be wearing something nice, but not particularly formal clothing. Don’t out-dress your interviewer. And don’t wear your grungiest jeans either. Middle of the road is what you’re aiming for.

If you have a favorite shirt, skirt, or jacket, go ahead and wear it if it’s clean and otherwise inoffensive. The idea is to wear something that makes you feel confident and attractive.

Avoid clothes that require your constant attention. In general, anything too revealing or too confining will have you fidgeting and readjusting throughout the interview. This will distract both you and your interviewer.

Don’t chew gum: it’s distracting and disrespectful.

Brush your teeth and do something with your hair so that you can forget about it during the interview. If you’re sporting a pink Mohawk, chances are this will neither hurt nor help your chances of admission. In other words, you don’t need to lose your personal sense of style completely, just make an effort to be presentable. This will suggest that you actually care about the interview.

By the way, if you’ve got a Mohawk, try offsetting it with your mother’s pearls or a crisp Oxford button-down (Sarcasm).

Don’t Worry About the Time

Students are sometimes told that the sign of a good college interview is a long one.

This is a myth.

During college interviewing season, which stretches from September to January, most colleges schedule interviews back-to-back with no breaks for the interviewer. So, even if you happen to be having a conversation that your interviewer would really like to continue, he or she is on a tight schedule and will probably not be able to do so.

If you notice you’re interviewer checking the time, this is not an indication that you’re boring. He or she simply needs to make sure that the next interviewee is not kept waiting.

Most college interviews will last approximately 30 minutes. Occasionally they’ll run as long as 45-60 if your interviewer is a talker.

If you’re done in twenty minutes sharp, don’t sweat it. Your interviewer will appreciate getting the information he or she needs as quickly as possible. Remember, the interviewer has many more interviews to conduct. Do your part to make sure that the interview lasts at least twenty minutes by responding to questions using complete sentences, expressing curiosity about the school, and bringing questions that you’re genuinely interested in.

As uncomfortable as you may be feeling, imagine what it’s like to interview students who cannot or will not reveal much about themselves. Conversely, it can be frustrating to interview a student who talks endlessly without regard to the interest of the interviewer.

Although you won’t be able to control the length of your college interview, you can do your part by listening carefully, offering thoughtful answers and asking questions whose answers cannot be found elsewhere.

Grandma Says: Always Send a Thank-you Note

Sending a thank-you note is the kind of thoughtful gesture that makes you seem mature and gracious. Your interviewer will appreciate getting it, and you’ll feel good about sending it.

The best notes are hand-written on a card that you really like. If it’s a really interesting or beautiful card it may end up taped to the wall of your interviewer’s office.

Keep the contents of the card simple, honest, and clear. If there’s something specific about the interview that was helpful to you, let your interviewer know. If you connected with your interviewer over a band you’re both into, or a book, experience, etc., mention this. If there was nothing particularly memorable about the interview simply thank him or her for taking the time to meet with you.

Express your continued interest in the college, and wish him or her the best. You don’t need to send a card that sounds stiff and contrived. Simple, clear, and honest is the way to go.

If it’s difficult for you to send a card, go ahead and email your interviewer.

The point is to acknowledge that he or she took the time to meet with you, answer your questions, and get to know you better. Reach out in any way you’re able to.

The card is a nice gesture, but a thoughtful email gets the point across. Don’t worry about finding an expensive email card or signing your name electronically.

Sending thank-you notes or emails is not something that will earn you huge points in the college admissions game. It’s just the right thing to do, and you’ll feel better when you do it.

If you’re sending a card, you might ask someone to look it over before sending it. You’ll definitely lose points for typos. Make every effort possible to present yourself as someone who takes the college application process seriously.

Mario Churchill asked:


Picture this, you have an awesome resume that shows that you are more than qualified for the position you are applying for. You submit it Company XYZ and wait for your phone to ring, which you are sure it will be moments after they receive your resume. Hours go by…no phone call. Days go by…no phone call. You call Company XYZ to confirm that they received your resume and are told briskly that yes they have it, but they are still reviewing your resume. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months and still the phone never rings. You did everything right, your resume was stellar. Your resume showed you had all the qualifications if not more. Why did your phone never ring? Why did no one ever contact you for an interview? Where did you go wrong?

Well the answer is simple. Your resume was stellar, but where was your stellar cover letter? Did you send a cover letter? No?!?! Well here is what a stellar cover letter can you do for you, it can get you noticed! Yes your resume is impressive with all your experience but it doesn’t show an inkling of your personality. This is where the cover letter comes in. Yes, your resume shows that you have the qualifications to do the job, but how will a company know if you are the type of person who will fit with the job? Most applicants believe that they can wait until the interview to sell themselves to the company. This is not a smart idea, because nowadays most companies aren’t even going to call you for an interview without a great cover letter.

So what is a stellar cover letter? How does it differ from just a cover letter? Essentially it’s a sales letter and you are the product. You are selling yourself to the employer. Your cover letter needs to be tailored to the employer needs, not to your needs. This means that for every different company you apply to, you will probably need a different cover letter. Why you might ask. Well the answer is simply this you are essentially are telling the employer how you meet its company’s needs and as we all know each company has different needs. So why would you send the same cover letter to an employer whose needs you aren’t meeting? You wouldn’t. You would be wasting your time as well as theirs. A stellar cover letter is customized to show how you fit that employers needs.

Another thing to keep in mind is to reiterate the most important aspects of your resume. Especially those that fit the job description. You might even have to do a little research on the position you are applying for. You may be extremely active in your community or sing with a local band, but unless the employer is a talent agent, they do not need nor do they want to know that. . Stick to what they need to know in the cover letter. Emphasize the skills that are required to do the job and do it better than any other applicant. Show enthusiasm for the position, show how passionate your are about work and how you are willing to learn new skills all the time.

Don’t forget to educate yourself on the company. Just as the employer wants to know why you fit with the company, you should find out why the company fits with you. Mention the company’s accomplishments and how that only makes you want to work for them more. Impress them with your knowledge of the company. Your letter should end with your availability for an interview. It is key to be aggressive when asking for the interview. If its possible state that you will follow up with them in a few days to set up the interview. Go a step further and give a specific date and make sure you follow up. If you say you are going to contact them on the 15th, do not wait until the 17th to contact them.

You’ve worked really hard to build up that resume and you finally find an employer whose qualifications you meet. Perhaps more importantly they meet your qualifications for what you want in a job. Why miss the opportunity to make a great first impression, with a great stellar resume?

Indie Joe asked:


The computer revolution of the last ten years has radically changed the tools available for individual content creators. I recently spent an hour talking to Vicki Silbert of Bittybox, who recorded much of her indie album “Smalltime” in her home studio. I wanted to know what can really be accomplished these days with home recording, and can an indie project come anywhere close to the quality big budget recordings?

Indie Joe: Just to set the groundwork for this discussion, maybe you should tell us briefly about the Bittybox project?

Vicki Silbert: Sure… I had been through the whole band experience in the 1980′s. We played the Los Angeles club scene for 6 years, but we never had much opportunity to record. Years later I was making my living on the Macintosh computer and it occurred to me that maybe there was software for recording music. So I looked into that and sure enough there was! This was the start of Bittybox, I made a decision to learn about digital audio recording software and finally record an album.

I.J.: So you had no previous experience recording?

V.S.: Well, my band had been in the studio a couple of times. We recorded a pretty good single, and another time we spent way too much money to record a bad demo, but that was in the days of 24 track tape. We also did some 4 track cassette recording with a Fostex X-15. Don’t know if you’re old enough to remember those? Strangely enough we were happier with the X-15 recordings than when we paid a bunch of money to record with a producer. I guess it was partly that experience that led me try home recording. But no, I had no previous experience with recording on the computer, and I was certainly not an engineer. I didn’t even know what midi was at the time!

I.J.: How did you get started?

V.S.: I got on the internet and researched the different programs for audio recording. When you’re totally new to something it can be pretty confusing, and you don’t really have much to base a decision on. Ultimately I chose Digital Performer Software, mainly because of the Motu-Mac Mailing List. It’s a mailing list of Digital Performer users who network and help each other with the program. It looked like a great resource, which is what it turned out to be!

I.J.: At that early stage did you think you would record a project for commercial release, or were you just experiementing?

V.S.: I always had the idea that I would record the album I had always wanted to release. I was actually way over-optimistic about how long it would take me to finish. I thought I would have a CD to release in 6 months, but it actually took me years!

I.J.: How many years?

V.S.: Don’t ask! I think I made pretty much every mistake in the book that home recordists make. I was working primarily with samplers and didn’t really know what was possible. So I spent endless hours programming drum tracks, all of which got thrown away in the end. Also the recording software is very deep and there are endless technical challenges and a huge learning curve. You have no idea when you start, what you’re getting into. Truthfully if I had any clue I probably wouldn’t have even tried!

I.J.: All the drum tracks got thrown out! How much of the stuff you recorded at home got used in the final album?

V.S.: I think maybe about half of my programmed tracks got used. We kept all the keyboard parts. Most of the programmed horn parts are still there under the one real horn part, there’s some programmed cello under what Novi Novog played on viola, one or two of the programmed bass parts got used, and some of the scratch vocals I recorded at home got used. Also a couple of my guitar parts made it onto the final CD but mostly it’s Ken Lasaine on guitar.

I.J.: Was this because the parts weren’t good enough or the recording quality wasn’t good enough?

V.S.: I really didn’t understand to what degree getting some live players would contribute to the final sound of the CD until after I started down that path. What really turned me away from trying to finish by myself was how long it was taking me. I started trying to record guitar parts, and realized that at the rate I was working the album would never get finished. I had played guitar back when I had my band, but hadn’t really kept up with it, so it was really a struggle for me. Once I got into the studio with some session players, it was like a huge weight lifted.

I.J.: So what do you think about the question of whether a home recording can stand up to the big budget projects?

V.S.: I’m sure there are people out there who have the skills that would allow them to do that successfully. It would be different for a band that just wants to make a record of the songs they play live, as opposed to a solo project like mine where all the parts had to be created from scratch. But unless someone involved has an audio engineering background it would be pretty hard to do a completely professional job in a home studio.

At least in my case, the decision to use some session players and an engineer in a real studio made a huge difference in the final outcome. And even so there are things that could have been better, but at some point you have to stick a fork in it…both because of the expense and because you totally burn out after a while. You just want to be done with it!

So in the end my “Smalltime” CD is about half home recording with samplers and half in the studio with real players. At least in this case that turned out to be a nice balance.

I.J.: Well thanks for taking the time to chat about the project!

V.S.: Yeah, you bet! Thanks for writing about it!

To hear music by Bittybox visit:

http://www.bittybox.com/

http://www.myspace.com/bittyboxdotcom

kenyetta mckinney asked:


With the popularity of social networking websites emerging, and people finding, seemingly, more popularity than they have ever acquired in their whole entire lives because of such social vehicles.  Being an owner of a built from scratch social community – Grindmodeconnect, I have found that there are endless possibilities that derive from these communities, but I would like to use this time to caution artists that depend solely on these websites, to make them ‘famous.’  Artists need to realize that there takes more efforts than simply creating a page, adding the most friends – who are, 9 times out of 10, artists themselves, trying to get noticed for their music, just as you are, so this means that you have to expand your publicity plan beyond the confounds of those social walls, and also try other mediums to help in your expansion process.

The Media

No matter how conniving some outlets can be (while there are some that are not), let’s face it, you need them, because nothing gives more credibility than appearing in several interviews – giving you validated exposure – if you are validated by the media, then this means that your chances of going further are even greater.  The person that gets the coveted review, story, radio play, is the person that is diligent, shows that they have put their self together, and are ready to be signed to a record deal if they are already not.  The way that they get most of these things, is by announcing it to media, and that is through a press release and/or a press kit.  A press release can make or break you, but nonetheless, it is you announcing to the world about you, and what you have going on.  Most people either write these themselves or have a publicist add their flair to it, but it is a must have, and no getting around it.  A press kit, simply put, is your musical resume, and is a must have, no matter how many times you may say that you have a MySpace or a Facebook page, because chances are, the journalist (print, online, radio, television), will not click onto your link, so you have to entice them in other ways. You just would not send an editor a package and say to them, ‘oh, if you would like more information on me, then log onto my Myspace page’ – it simply does not work that way, and they will immediately trash your press kit, if that is all that you send to them in a letter or an e-mail.

Advice from an Editor

I have been an editor-in-chief  of a publication for many years and before that, I worked in the newsroom on assignments, and I obtain press kits and press releases all day long – 90% of my e-mail inboxes are flooded with nothing but press releases, and the reality is that, some are so poorly written and formatted, that I automatically trash them, some people have the arrogance to tell me that if I want to know more about them, then click onto the link below, to check out their MySpace page or whatever site they’re on, but they do not realize that my time is very limited, and that the reality is that they have to grab my interest right away, or they’ll lose me in the first 10 seconds -after all, they contacted me, so shouldn’t they make it as easy as possible for me?   I have also seen press kits that were horribly put together, and did not have the correct information enclosed, to peak my interest.  When I was in the newsroom, I used to see press kits tossed to the side all of the time, because they lacked what was needed, and likewise with e-mails obtained, as the reporter gets bombarded with hundreds of pitches a day, but would actually look through them, and select the ones that had the best presentation, to at least give it a chance.

The Bottom Line

You have to go beyond social websites.  On our website at www.grindmodeconnect.com, we even help you by giving you music resources, advice and further exposure within the industry, but, that is not enough – it takes being signed up to different websites.  Creating press releases and press kits, and getting your story out beyond being signed up to a website, and having the most friends.  You have to keep in mind that in order to be the best – you have to exhaust all possibilities, because no one will come to you, so you have to go to them.  You need exposure in all mediums.  So, make sure to get yourself together with your media and publicity campaign.  We also encourage you to check out www.grindmodepress.com to at least find out how to format your press releases, and to create an EPK (electronic press kit), and if you do not go with the aforementioned service, then make sure to go with someone, to have your full game plan in tact.  Good luck, and please feel free to contact me personally, anytime.  Yes, you have a lot of friends on your social networking page, but ask yourself this; do you have the right friends, because of your publicity and promotional efforts? 

 

George Meszaros asked:


There are many excellent choices for your wedding music. Your wedding music not only depends on your musical taste, but your budget as well. No DJ can compete with the energy of a great live band, but bands are usually much more expensive than DJs. It is not unusual to receive price quotes from live bands that are several times more expensive than that of DJs.

Both bands and DJs are normally charging you by the hours of service performed. Four hours of music is standard in the industry. Music normally begins during the cocktail hour. For how long the band plays should be discussed during the initial negotiations. Both parties should understand what is needed and what is possible.

There are many ways to find wedding music. You can ask for recommendations from friends and family. If you are working with a wedding coordinator, she should be more than happy to assist you with wedding music. It is best to meet with several wedding music professionals before you make a decision. Never hire the first one you meet, even if you fall in love with them. You are doing yourself a disservice, if you don’t interview several bands. Ask to see the bands and DJs in action. Ask for demos to help you to make your decision. Ask for references to see what others think of the band.

Make sure you understand what the band members will be wearing. Remember they are your employees, for the few hours you hire them. They have to dress appropriately, and you not the band members determine what is appropriate. You should ask to see if they could play the songs that you want to hear. Will they take requests from guests? If possible, make sure the bandleader visits the venue before the event to make sure it has all the space and electrical requirements.

If you think you found the band or DJ you want to hire, put all the details in writing. Don’t just take someone’s word for it. Unless it is in writing, it was never part of the deal. If it is important to you put it in writing. It is better to be too careful than to get burned.

David Usui asked:


Education of any sort is in effect, the process of communication. Whenever we seek education we are looking for instruction that is imparted to us in a way that is understandable. This notion is no different when you are seeking the music school that fits your needs. As much as you would like to be granted entry into a music school, you have to remember that the interviewing process is a fast but firm two way street. You are also interviewing the music school of your choice to make sure that they can meet your criteria just as much as you (or your child) need to fit theirs.

One of the best ways to interview a music school is to start your own process before you ever start researching which one you’d like to attend. For many eager student musicians, this step has already been mistakenly sidestepped and you believe you already found the perfect choice. Regardless, with as little information as possible rambling around in your brain, try to conjure up the five most important elements you believe a music school should offer. For instance, some people believe that all music schools should teach the classics, even when they are teaching additional elements and genres. Some students feel strongly that if their interest is in blues that they should be permitted to study the blues and nothing else. Whatever you feel your criteria should look like is of your own choosing, and you can develop a list with significant ease if you keep your own vision clear and your needs on the top shelf.

Once you have determined the five most important elements in your music school of choice, start researching. Chances are pretty good that the school you have created in your head doesn’t exist, at least not an absolute perfect match. However, there is a serious likelihood that there are music schools that will match enough of your own self proclaimed criteria to warrant further investigation. As you make your appointments to determine which music schools fit your notions and ideals as closely as possible, it wouldn’t be unheard of to find yourself becoming nervous. You want to attend. This is the time to remember that you are also interviewing them.

When you interview a music school, listen to everything that is said, and don’t be afraid to take notes. While this may seem like a no-brainer, it is human nature to filter out the information that we don’t particularly want to hear, because we want the school of our choice to be perfect. Just because you are hearing information that doesn’t match entirely the scenario in your head doesn’t mean that the music school you’re interviewing won’t be a good match. Discuss points of interest as well as concerns. In some cases, during the interview process, you are being given general information while the reality can be deemed much more flexible. Perhaps you are concerned about tuition, but when you press for payment options, you find that there are numerous flexible payment arrangements that are available.

If you are uncomfortable, beyond the usual I-want-to-get-in jitters, pay attention to those signals. If someone is treating you in a way that is making you feel uncomfortable before you are even a student, you can take this as a sign that you will feel uncomfortable as a student to a higher degree. Music schools generally have significant tuition. You are paying for a service, and you should feel comfortable with the service you are receiving. Once you maintain such a perspective, it is not so difficult to realize that discomfort during the interview process is not necessary.

Always ask to hear the fruit of the school’s labor. Whether that means popping into a class, listening to other students play, or being introduced to private instructors who can demonstrate their own talents (however talent to play doesn’t always indicate talent to teach) before making any type of decision. You want to know the background of the instructors, but their achievements as a musician is not nearly as important as their ability to impart their wisdom unto their students.

Keep in mind as well, that you’re not in it alone. Perhaps the best resource in finding the best school has been around you the entire time. Be sure to ask the opinions of both your private music teachers and your band or orchestra teachers. Chances are they’ve consulted many other students and have done research of their own. In addition, they may be able to point out other considerations you may not have thought of. Another similar resource are your peers. Do you have other friends who are looking to study music as well? Friends of the family? Other people will be happy to share the information and experiences they have had.

Lastly, trust your judgment. If you are comparing music schools against the list you originally made, and they all come out meeting some most of your prerequisite criteria, listen to your instincts. How you felt during your interview in their presence and within their company is a good indicator of how you’ll be encouraged to achieve and excel as their student.