Tag: performance
How-To Article: Boosting Band Revenue with a Merchandise Table
by claybutlermusic on Nov.05, 2009, under Band Management, Marketing & Promotion, Uncategorized
Greetings! I’ve just published an article on eHow on How to Boost Band Revenue with a Merchandise Table. After dealing with a couple of bands recently in a management capacity, I thought it was prudent to touch on this topic again. I’ve posted a similar article here on the Butler Productions Blog, but this one digs a little deeper. Here’s a brief overview:
- Treating your band like a business
- Accumulating product
- Dressing it up
- Keeping an organized cash box
- Manning the Table during the show
- Post show activity
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Are You Leaving Money on the Table by Not Having a Table?
by claybutlermusic on Aug.19, 2009, under Band Management, Career Building, Marketing & Promotion, Uncategorized
An odd question, right? But as a band, you may be missing out on money-making opportunities from your live show by not having a table–a merchandise table.
There’s more to the music industry than just music. Much of the music industry is also in your image as a band, and, perhaps more importantly, how marketable that image is. Extending beyond CD sales, a band has other lucrative avenues to explore. Here are a few examples:
- CD’s
- Glossy photos for autographs
- Posters
- Stickers and decals
- Buttons and pins
- T-Shirts
- Hats
Taking the merch booth one step further, it’s also a hub of post-show activity. It’s a place to meet and greet your adoring fans, sign autographs, take pictures, etc. It can also act as in information kiosk, where you include a sign-up sheet for your mailing list, order forms for other merch, registrations for contests and drawings, flyers, bios, and so on. The ideas and opportunities to solidify fans and make more money with a merch booth are virtually limitless.
As a general rule of thumb, always negotiate with a venue to have a merchandise table or booth on-site when you play. This rule is particularly significant if you are playing for free. Most venues, clubs, or events won’t mind if you have a table, but beware of the ones that won’t allow you to have one. They’re making money off of you for virtually nothing in return, and that’s always a shady deal.
So, in closing, don’t forget to set up your merchandise booth at your gigs. They can be a real income booster for your gigs. In fact, there were times when my old band would make as much (or more) from merchandise than our performance fee. Double your money is always a great deal!
Can You Answer this Essential Question About Your Music?
by claybutlermusic on Jun.19, 2009, under Band Management, Marketing & Promotion, Uncategorized
Part of what I do at Butler Productions is to help fledgling bands get started, whether it’s with demos, albums, or management, or just to give some advice. When bands approach me looking for a producer, for management, or for consultation services, there’s one question that I always ask when we get started: “Can you define your sound?” While that sounds like an easy enough question, I bet you’d be surprised at many groups’ inability to tell me effectively what they sound like. I’ll get responses like, “we’re a rock band.” Worse yet, I’ll get, “it’s hard to describe.” Or, worst of all, the ever-dreaded, “we’re versatile.” The answer to this question often holds the key to a band’s future.
Why Define Your Sound
I’ve learned (the hard way), when I was in a touring band that was shopping for a record deal, that labels look for bands that fit a narrowly-defined niche or sound. When you’re asked the question, “what do you sound like,” they want to know how easily you can be marketed. Say “We’re versatile,” and you’ll quickly get shown the door. I can hear you saying, “Isn’t versatile good?” Very simply, no. Labels aren’t looking for acts to fit into multiple genres. They’re looking for acts that fit into one primary category–easy to define, easy to market.
The same rule applies for bands who are trying to get gigs. Club owners want to know specifically what style you perform. Most of all, they want to know if you will appeal to their crowd. Narrowly focusing your sound also helps you as a band know which clubs to try and, more importantly, which ones will be a waste of your time. You wouldn’t play death metal in a honky-tonk country bar. The outcome could get ugly.
Your Pitch
Marketers tell small business owners to develop a 30-second elevator speech. These are concise descriptions of your business and products. Simply, it tells who you are and what you do. This tactic is a vital one for musicians and bands as well. Your music is your business, right? Use the speech to describe your style, sound, and similar bands. Also tell them how strong your fan base is, or how many of your loyal fans you can (realistically) put into their club. Labels and clubs are far less concerned with your artistry than with how much money you can make for them. When you begin describing yourself in these terms, you begin speaking their language. That’s when doors start to open.
Where to begin
If you don’t know where to start in identifying your sound, try asking your friends or fans. Then reflect on which artists or bands you closely resemble. Having a comparison to a popular or easily identifiable group is a good thing. For example, I’m currently working with a hard rock/metal band that describes themselves as thus: “Iron Maiden with the vocals of Disturbed”. Now that paints a vivid mental picture for any club or an A&R person.
Here are a few of helpful books about marketing yourself as a musician:
For more information, consultation, or other production services, contact Butler Productions. We’ll be glad to help.
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