Can somebody say freakin' cold? Welcome to Ohio. The snow glistens beautiful as I gaze out the window, but since my too-sled-stricken-to-care days have faded, I'm now more content to watch the brave little snow frontiersmen from my blanketed java-warmed sofa. Ok, enough with the imagery. You know it's cold when you bugers freeze, that's what I always say. =)
So what's new in music world, you ask? This has been an interesting week...maybe discouraging at times, but I can clearly see that God is trying to teach me some lessons. I worked a late job last Monday night (I started at 3am), and I've spent nearly a week trying to get my sleep patterns back in line. I have some doctor friends, and I don't know how they can handle those 24 hour shifts. I used to pull some all nighters in college, but something changed abruptly when I hit 25. You teenagers who laugh from your nocturnal pedestals...just you wait...you're turn is soon arriving.
Why was the week discouraging? Well, I think because my perspective was off again. I can be a control freak, and sometimes when "things aren't happening," I get a little concerned. A friend and I have been trying to make contact with a number of churches (for concert reasons), and few people have responded. I've been wondering, "God, if this is what you've called me to do, why can't I even get in the doors of some of these places? I mean, I'm ready to go...what's the hold up?" Again, I've had to step back and recommit my path to the Lord. His timing is perfect, and more than likely, He is working behind the scenes more dramatically than I could ever imagine.
We're all bombared daily with advertisement...on the tv and even in our churches...so unsurprisingly, most of us are pretty guarded and quick to turn down the unsolicited salesman. It's just a tough balance trying to "get the word out" without "promoting yourself" in subtle arrogance. I would love to be doing shows at various venues, but how will people know if I don't share my heart and my ministry ambitions? In talking with several friends, I've decided to try to meet these youth pastors, pastors, and ministry leaders individually...take them out for coffee and talk one on one. This will give them the opportunity to share their ministry vision, and it will also give me the chance to share my heart. Basically, the "cold calls/emails" haven't been terribly "successful"...as my friend put it..."an unknown guy named Matt is telling these people about an unknown guy named Marc." So, for those of who are praying for this ministry, please ask that God would give me patience and wisdom as I call and hopefully meet with folks of various churches and ministries. God has His plan and timing, and one of the worse things I can do is to attempt to microwave His slow cooker handiwork.
One other minor setback...I recently began the process of registering "Backstage Pass" with ASCAP (www.ascap.com), but as it turns out, I went about it in the wrong way. I thought I was supposed to register as a writer...however, it would have been better had I instead set up a company as a publisher. As a writer, I would have to register every one of my songs individually...a major pain in the caboose...as a publisher, I can put all my music under one umbrella...even instrumentals and future compositions. It's not a terribly big problem that I mistakebly signed up as a writer...it just brings about another time setback of potentially getting my songs on the radio. Not every radio station will require that I am an ASCAP (or BMI) member, but most will. I've been told it will take several weeks for everything to go through for my publisher's membership.
In the meantime, I am starting to create a special "only-for-radio stations" webpage which will contain audio downloads and additional information which they may find useful. I've been considering the idea of mailing out CD singles (with one or two songs), but the related expenses have caused me to strongly consider the alternate webpage idea. Besides, most radio stations end up transferring any music you give them on CD to their massive hard drives. Why not save them the work by posting high quality mp3s or even wav files to your website?
There are basically 4-5 songs I am considering for radio: Pull Through, Hurricane, After Everything, Making of a Rock Star, and A Thousand Gods. I will select specific songs for specific radio stations based on the stations' particular musical format. Sorry...this will be a private webpage, so those of who want to get the music for free, sorry. =( You can however download the songs from "Backstage Pass" for a minimal fee at www.napster.com.
Enjoy the snow!
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Savoring the Journey
We can spend our entire lives wondering what tomorrow holds, in the meantime, missing out on all the joyous nuances of today. I think I've had the wrong attitude recently. I've really been buying into this idea that contentment will find me when I reach a certain "settled" place in life. Personally, I'd love to be married someday and I'd also really like to be doing music fulltime, in one form or another. For so long, I've lived with this belief that I would discover peace when I found the right woman, or maybe when I finally landed the "perfect" job. These are all great blessings that we can enjoy, but nothing on this earth will really fulfill us in the deepest sense. Only a relationship with Christ can give us "stability." I'm reminded of a particular illustration. Have you ever riden down a highway while starred at the "green flags" on top of the cement medium? (Hopefully, you aren't doing this while driving) If you look directly out your side window, you will simply see a green blur, but if you gaze through the flags at a slight angle, you will see trees, houses, and other sites along the road. Sometimes, we live life "starring directly at the green flags"...in the other words, the "markers" in our lives. Markers are simply times of transition...what we often interpret as "arrival." Graduating from a college or getting engaged could be markers. Often, all we focus on are the markers, and we may very well be missing all the lessons, and even blessings God is trying to show us along the way.
I personally am pursuing music as a fulltime career/ministry, but I think this illustration goes for anybody. I may or may not end up in music fulltime. Regardless, God is more concerned about my heart and how I respond to His voice along this highway of life. Have you been starring at the green flags?
I personally am pursuing music as a fulltime career/ministry, but I think this illustration goes for anybody. I may or may not end up in music fulltime. Regardless, God is more concerned about my heart and how I respond to His voice along this highway of life. Have you been starring at the green flags?
Friday, January 14, 2005
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Registration Day
Well, I finally received my membership card from ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers). Today, I began the registration process for "Backstage Pass" (on ASCAP's webpage www.ascap.com) I'm not sure how long the entire process takes, but I was told to check back in two days to see the status of the registration. I was quite surprised at the benefits which are offered to ASCAP members...health insurance, life insurance, studio/tour/travel insurance, software and music store discounts...and much more. Many radio stations require that an artist's music is registered with either ASCAP or BMI. These companies pay royalties to the writers/publishers involved...and in my case, I'm both. Regardless, it is a very small amount of money...a little bit each time one of your songs is played. However, it opens a whole new door of possibilities of getting my songs on radio.
Have been working to set up some more shows. I'm really realizing the importance of prayer. As I mentioned before, the Lord was totally involved in last Thursday's chapel and concert. A lot of prayer went in that...not just from me, but many of my friends and family were praying as well. It's easier to complain and worry about things than to take them before the One who owns the "cattle on a thousand hills" (Ps 50:10). Today, I'm going to the park to walk and pray and then I'm heading to a coffee shop to hopefully finish up "The Great Divorce" by C.S. Lewis. Great book. I recommend it.
Have been working to set up some more shows. I'm really realizing the importance of prayer. As I mentioned before, the Lord was totally involved in last Thursday's chapel and concert. A lot of prayer went in that...not just from me, but many of my friends and family were praying as well. It's easier to complain and worry about things than to take them before the One who owns the "cattle on a thousand hills" (Ps 50:10). Today, I'm going to the park to walk and pray and then I'm heading to a coffee shop to hopefully finish up "The Great Divorce" by C.S. Lewis. Great book. I recommend it.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Beware of the Industry
It’s funny how often I’ve been cautioned about “The Industry.” “It’s so hard to break into the industry”…”These days, it’s about who you know”…”The Christian music industry is corrupt”…”Do you know what you’re getting into?”…”Record companies won’t even look at you if you don’t already have a following”…so let me ask all the lawyers, politicians, construction guys/gals, business men, and may I even say it, “ministry folk” out there…were you ever warned about the field you were going to? Were you continually discouraged to drop what you loved because other people had given your “calling” a bad name?
Let me start by saying this…I do know and have noticed that the entertainment industry is pretty twisted…I noticed that a long time ago. It’s often all about competition…even among Christian musicians…C.S. Lewis says it quite rightly that “pride is not about being good; it’s about being better.” (Mere Christianity) Believe me, the whole “Rock Star” attitude totally annoys me, and I pray I will never be so full of myself that I think I’m any better or any higher than anyone else. We’re all parts of the body of Christ, and every part is equally important. “Making of a Rock Star” is not about me…it’s about a concept/idea that I don’t want to be a part of. Anything we have is from God, so why play arrogant? Read this verse: “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” I Corinthians 4:7. I am a fool if I start putting people on pedestals, or sub-labeling them for what “type of gift” they’ve been given. Aren’t we all guilty of doing this? The silly thing about the music industry is how people are often either considered “gods” or “morons.” I’ve never heard of a kid being mocked for going to school to be an accountant…however, a kid going into music fulltime…especially as an entertainer…you’d better believe it. Let me explain.
Gods: (little g) Anyone who is afforded the opportunity of mass advertising (MTV, CCM magazine, etc.) is easily labeled as “successful”…yet the guy/gal who is just starting off in music is more often than not told to turn around and “go back to his/her day job.” I’m all about encouraging young Christian musicians because unfortunately, music is one of the highest accessed sources of theology these days. It seems like a lot of kids are quicker to believe what comes out of their mp3 player than what their parents or even youth pastor has to say. Sad, I know. Go to any high school and hang out for week. Tell me if you don’t catch that impression.
Morons: Now this is an extremely touchy subject. I think we all have to be wise with our resources, and I’m not going to tell any kid that he should drop college and go try to get on tour with Aerosmith. I personally went to college for communications, so that I can always have something to fall back on, if I just “can’t make a living” doing music. I think the “cast your bread on many waters” is a great illustration (Ecclesiastes 11:1)…talk to any investment counselor, and he will tell you the same thing…”don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” I often come back to this verse: “A man's mind plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9. There is nothing wrong with lots of planning and dreaming, if you constantly remember that God is the one directing your steps. That can also be an encouragement when people around you tell you you’re a “moron” for trying. There are many days when I feel that weight. Sometimes, I feel like people are looking down on me for not having a better car, or a better paying job…and this is the reality I stick to: God is my strength and my source of confidence. When people label me as a “starving musician,” I again look to Christ, my source of meaning and value.
For the aspiring musician, I don’t know that there is much of an in between. When you’re “low” (poor but trying), you may get ridiculed…and if you’re ever “high” (famous on MTV), you’ll have to battle away the thought that you’re above everyone else, as people will more than likely pour undue praise upon you.
In conclusion, I would agree, the music industry is an incredibly tough one. I live it every day. You’re talking to a guy who laid down a $30,000+ job for what some would call a “pipe dream.” Am I financially poor? Absolutely. Am I famous? Not that I know of. Am I loved and secure? Yes. Beyond a doubt.
We all seek after security…whether that means a steady job, a beautiful wife, a healthy 401K…but here’s the reality: any of those things can be pulled out from us at any given moment. The tragedies of our world are a testament. There is a bigger, more dangerous industry than the music industry…above all else, my friend, let’s remain cautious of the industry we’re all a victim of…materialism.
Let me start by saying this…I do know and have noticed that the entertainment industry is pretty twisted…I noticed that a long time ago. It’s often all about competition…even among Christian musicians…C.S. Lewis says it quite rightly that “pride is not about being good; it’s about being better.” (Mere Christianity) Believe me, the whole “Rock Star” attitude totally annoys me, and I pray I will never be so full of myself that I think I’m any better or any higher than anyone else. We’re all parts of the body of Christ, and every part is equally important. “Making of a Rock Star” is not about me…it’s about a concept/idea that I don’t want to be a part of. Anything we have is from God, so why play arrogant? Read this verse: “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” I Corinthians 4:7. I am a fool if I start putting people on pedestals, or sub-labeling them for what “type of gift” they’ve been given. Aren’t we all guilty of doing this? The silly thing about the music industry is how people are often either considered “gods” or “morons.” I’ve never heard of a kid being mocked for going to school to be an accountant…however, a kid going into music fulltime…especially as an entertainer…you’d better believe it. Let me explain.
Gods: (little g) Anyone who is afforded the opportunity of mass advertising (MTV, CCM magazine, etc.) is easily labeled as “successful”…yet the guy/gal who is just starting off in music is more often than not told to turn around and “go back to his/her day job.” I’m all about encouraging young Christian musicians because unfortunately, music is one of the highest accessed sources of theology these days. It seems like a lot of kids are quicker to believe what comes out of their mp3 player than what their parents or even youth pastor has to say. Sad, I know. Go to any high school and hang out for week. Tell me if you don’t catch that impression.
Morons: Now this is an extremely touchy subject. I think we all have to be wise with our resources, and I’m not going to tell any kid that he should drop college and go try to get on tour with Aerosmith. I personally went to college for communications, so that I can always have something to fall back on, if I just “can’t make a living” doing music. I think the “cast your bread on many waters” is a great illustration (Ecclesiastes 11:1)…talk to any investment counselor, and he will tell you the same thing…”don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” I often come back to this verse: “A man's mind plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9. There is nothing wrong with lots of planning and dreaming, if you constantly remember that God is the one directing your steps. That can also be an encouragement when people around you tell you you’re a “moron” for trying. There are many days when I feel that weight. Sometimes, I feel like people are looking down on me for not having a better car, or a better paying job…and this is the reality I stick to: God is my strength and my source of confidence. When people label me as a “starving musician,” I again look to Christ, my source of meaning and value.
For the aspiring musician, I don’t know that there is much of an in between. When you’re “low” (poor but trying), you may get ridiculed…and if you’re ever “high” (famous on MTV), you’ll have to battle away the thought that you’re above everyone else, as people will more than likely pour undue praise upon you.
In conclusion, I would agree, the music industry is an incredibly tough one. I live it every day. You’re talking to a guy who laid down a $30,000+ job for what some would call a “pipe dream.” Am I financially poor? Absolutely. Am I famous? Not that I know of. Am I loved and secure? Yes. Beyond a doubt.
We all seek after security…whether that means a steady job, a beautiful wife, a healthy 401K…but here’s the reality: any of those things can be pulled out from us at any given moment. The tragedies of our world are a testament. There is a bigger, more dangerous industry than the music industry…above all else, my friend, let’s remain cautious of the industry we’re all a victim of…materialism.
Friday, January 07, 2005
An Incredible Day
Thursday's morning chapel at Worthington Christian High School and evening concert at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship (Worthington, OH) were awesome!! I totally believe God brought the right people together for this event...I could see His fingerprints all over the details. Pictures from the morning chapel are coming soon. To see photos from the evening concert, visit: http://www.marcandremusic.com/concertphotos.html
A special thanks to all the players and those involved:
Brian Houts (drums) /Joey Bradley and Shawn Wright (bass - morning & evening)) / Rich Barrett (piano/keys) / AJ Maynard & Garett Boham (guitars) / Adam Schlanker & Brent Dye (sound) / Bryan Parrish (lights) / Nate Paulus (powerpoint) / Jonathan Kistler (stage hand) / Phil Stoll & Tim Adams (CD table) / Cornerstone Christian Fellowship (food & decorations) / Jeremy Slagle (photography).
Check out recent reviews of "Backstage Pass" in The Columbus Dispatch and The Other Paper (Columbus, OH). Click here to read the articles: http://www.marcandremusic.com/comments.html
I'm taking a little break for the weekend, but plan to work on future concerts starting next week. Am also planning to launch a "radio campaign" in the near future to get songs from "Backstage Pass" on the airwaves. Most of my time recently has been consumed in preparing for the two concerts we had yesterday. God is good.
A special thanks to all the players and those involved:
Brian Houts (drums) /Joey Bradley and Shawn Wright (bass - morning & evening)) / Rich Barrett (piano/keys) / AJ Maynard & Garett Boham (guitars) / Adam Schlanker & Brent Dye (sound) / Bryan Parrish (lights) / Nate Paulus (powerpoint) / Jonathan Kistler (stage hand) / Phil Stoll & Tim Adams (CD table) / Cornerstone Christian Fellowship (food & decorations) / Jeremy Slagle (photography).
Check out recent reviews of "Backstage Pass" in The Columbus Dispatch and The Other Paper (Columbus, OH). Click here to read the articles: http://www.marcandremusic.com/comments.html
I'm taking a little break for the weekend, but plan to work on future concerts starting next week. Am also planning to launch a "radio campaign" in the near future to get songs from "Backstage Pass" on the airwaves. Most of my time recently has been consumed in preparing for the two concerts we had yesterday. God is good.
Cue the Fire Alarm!!
The chapel and concert went great yesterday! The highlight was probably in the evening concert when the fog machine set off the fire alarm, 3 fire trucks came, and everyone had to evacuate the building. =) Photos coming soon...
Monday, January 03, 2005
Wow!!
What an incredible practice tonight! These guys are on fire!!!! Everyone seems to be really pumped about the chapel and concert on Thursday. We're having one more practice tomorrow night. All I can say is God is in this. All the glory goes to Him.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Concert Preparation (Part 2)
Tomorrow evening, we have another band practice. I really have to give God the glory on how the band is coming together. Last week was pretty discouraging as I had knocked on so many doors and was having trouble finding a couple guitarists to play for Thursday's show. I've actually been planning for this concert for over a month, and it's taken me this long to actually get some guys together who can pull the songs off live. Anyway, I am thankful as I've seen God provide in the nick of time. For every door that's been closed, there's been an opened window.
I will be spending a lot of time this week simply practicing on my own, and figuring out exactly what I'm going to say between songs, etc. Some final details include finding out how we can get in the building early on Thursday morning to set up as well as testing some intelligent lights to see if they work with the venue's light board. I've had a number of people tell me that they are coming to concert...that's been encouraging.
Stay tuned for the background of "Making of a Rock Star" (track #6).
I will be spending a lot of time this week simply practicing on my own, and figuring out exactly what I'm going to say between songs, etc. Some final details include finding out how we can get in the building early on Thursday morning to set up as well as testing some intelligent lights to see if they work with the venue's light board. I've had a number of people tell me that they are coming to concert...that's been encouraging.
Stay tuned for the background of "Making of a Rock Star" (track #6).
Monday, December 27, 2004
Concert Preparation
I've recently been spending a lot of time preparing for upcoming concerts, including the two on Thursday, Jan 6th at the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus' Administration Center (across from Worthington Christian High School). Click here for details: http://www.marcandremusic.com/news.html
Trying to get a five piece band together to practice has been quite a challenge. This is a busy time of the year, and everyone has different schedules and commitments. We're trying to have at least three practices before Jan 6th. Some of the players involved are Brian Houts (drums), Shawn Wright (bass), Todd Alex (guitar), and Rich Barrett (piano/organ). All of these guys are great friends of mine, and I'm looking forward to getting out and doing some shows with them. We're actually having a three hour practice this evening.
With every concert comes the need for an experienced sound guy...and generally, most "good" audio people are going to want to be paid...and you really do often get what you pay for. I've tried having shows without a dedicated sound guy, and generally these shows are a nightmare, especially if you have a substantial band. I'm also looking for someone who would be willing to run/program lights. We hope to have some intelligent lights (moving) at the concert, so that should be fun. =)
Promotion is always an exciting part of any concert. Actually, I'm terrible at it...so I prefer to leave a lot of that up others who don't get so stressed out about it. When I promote concerts by myself, no one shows up and I end up spending all my money paying the players/engineers involved...not to mention all the players leave bummed because the crowd never came. There are some other people involved in the promotional side of the January 6th concerts...so hopefuly, Lord willing, there'll be a good show of folks. The best situations are when you and the band just show up and the people are already there...ie. youth groups, outreach/community events, camps, etc. I remember hearing Moby (the singer) say once that things really started to pick up for him once he started focusing on the things he was good at, and left other stuff to people who were gifted in those areas (publicity, booking, etc.).
Trying to get a five piece band together to practice has been quite a challenge. This is a busy time of the year, and everyone has different schedules and commitments. We're trying to have at least three practices before Jan 6th. Some of the players involved are Brian Houts (drums), Shawn Wright (bass), Todd Alex (guitar), and Rich Barrett (piano/organ). All of these guys are great friends of mine, and I'm looking forward to getting out and doing some shows with them. We're actually having a three hour practice this evening.
With every concert comes the need for an experienced sound guy...and generally, most "good" audio people are going to want to be paid...and you really do often get what you pay for. I've tried having shows without a dedicated sound guy, and generally these shows are a nightmare, especially if you have a substantial band. I'm also looking for someone who would be willing to run/program lights. We hope to have some intelligent lights (moving) at the concert, so that should be fun. =)
Promotion is always an exciting part of any concert. Actually, I'm terrible at it...so I prefer to leave a lot of that up others who don't get so stressed out about it. When I promote concerts by myself, no one shows up and I end up spending all my money paying the players/engineers involved...not to mention all the players leave bummed because the crowd never came. There are some other people involved in the promotional side of the January 6th concerts...so hopefuly, Lord willing, there'll be a good show of folks. The best situations are when you and the band just show up and the people are already there...ie. youth groups, outreach/community events, camps, etc. I remember hearing Moby (the singer) say once that things really started to pick up for him once he started focusing on the things he was good at, and left other stuff to people who were gifted in those areas (publicity, booking, etc.).
Friday, December 17, 2004
Long Time, No Blog
Yeah, I know. It's bee a while. Things have been busy lately. Working on a lot of "behind the scenes" stuff...calls, emails, making contacts, sending out promo packs to churches and radio stations, working to set up concerts, band practices. I have to be honest, it's recently been easier to work hard than to pray hard. I often find myself at this place where I maybe have done a lot, without really committing any of it to the Lord. God has again recently reminded me of the importance of including Him in all the details, even the small, sometimes annoying stuff. We can serve Him doing anything, even in making mailing labels. =)
I have not kept up with the weekly Monday "Behind the Songs" entry...but the "making of 'After Everything (track #5)'" is soon on its way.
I have not kept up with the weekly Monday "Behind the Songs" entry...but the "making of 'After Everything (track #5)'" is soon on its way.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Friday, December 03, 2004
The Path Beyond The Road
This surely has been an interesting week. My sister-in-law was in surgery on Tuesday (for C-section complications), and I've been in the doctors office a couple times over the past several days for some tests...some tightness/pain in my side, which may very well be related to stress (as all the tests have so far shown that everything is normal).
Work has been pretty thin this week. The winter season (especially December and January) can be very slow for audio/video production work. Last week, I was really stressing over how I was going to pay the bills at the beginning of the month, and it's been amazing to see how God has provided. One source of money came through returning a keyboard case which I know I shouldn't have bought. I knew God didn't want me to buy it, but I did anyway, and I ended up having to take it back...which included a 15% restocking fee. Again, this reminds me of the story of the Israelites and God's provision of manna. The manna would spoil if anyone took more than he/she needed. I bit off a bit more than I could handle, and I got bit in the process. Anyway, God has provided in amazing ways. Tonight, I received some money from CD sales just in time to pay a bill which needs to go out the beginning of next week.
It's very interesting talking to people about the CD. People often ask "are you selling lots of CDs?"...and sometimes, I feel that there is an expectation that the CDs should be selling world around after only being on the market for four weeks. The reality is, this is going to be a long process. There is a lot of ground work which needs to be laid before I can even start doing shows regularly...before the songs can be played on the radio...before the CDs can be available in stores. It just takes time, and I really see December as a period to get the ducks in a row. I hope (Lord willing) that I will continue to sell more CDs as time goes on. I would guess most CDs are going to sell at concerts. That's usually when people are the most apt to buy.
I've been working to get promo packs together, and it's crazy how long it's taking to collect all the elements. I just picked up 50 8x10 photos today. Tomorrow, I will probably pick up a "Backstage Pass" stamp which I had made for stamping the fronts of the promo packs. The other day, I bought some paper and pocketed folders from a paper surplus store. I'm still waiting on some reference letters from a couple of people. I am also trying to figure out the most cost effective way of creating demo CDs (with 4-5 songs from the album). I may need to end up buying a new printer which I can use to print on the surfaces of the CDRs. All these things add up. In the end, each promo pack with probably be worth about $3.00. It's been tough to cough up this money with the work situation, but I've had to as this a crucial part of the marketing process.
Along this path, I've really been trying to ask God what He would have me do. It's easy to believe that you are wasting your time and resources when it comes to marketing. Only God knows what doors will open. I doubt many people will throw away their "Backstage Pass" CDs, but a lot of promo packs may get tossed or buried under a pile of paperwork. Regardless, I'd rather spend $3.00 on something which has a better chance of catching someone's eye compared to a $1.00 promo pack which might more easily find its way to the paper stack of bands who cut corners on the marketing side of things. An extra bit of color, design, and thought can go a long way.
Work has been pretty thin this week. The winter season (especially December and January) can be very slow for audio/video production work. Last week, I was really stressing over how I was going to pay the bills at the beginning of the month, and it's been amazing to see how God has provided. One source of money came through returning a keyboard case which I know I shouldn't have bought. I knew God didn't want me to buy it, but I did anyway, and I ended up having to take it back...which included a 15% restocking fee. Again, this reminds me of the story of the Israelites and God's provision of manna. The manna would spoil if anyone took more than he/she needed. I bit off a bit more than I could handle, and I got bit in the process. Anyway, God has provided in amazing ways. Tonight, I received some money from CD sales just in time to pay a bill which needs to go out the beginning of next week.
It's very interesting talking to people about the CD. People often ask "are you selling lots of CDs?"...and sometimes, I feel that there is an expectation that the CDs should be selling world around after only being on the market for four weeks. The reality is, this is going to be a long process. There is a lot of ground work which needs to be laid before I can even start doing shows regularly...before the songs can be played on the radio...before the CDs can be available in stores. It just takes time, and I really see December as a period to get the ducks in a row. I hope (Lord willing) that I will continue to sell more CDs as time goes on. I would guess most CDs are going to sell at concerts. That's usually when people are the most apt to buy.
I've been working to get promo packs together, and it's crazy how long it's taking to collect all the elements. I just picked up 50 8x10 photos today. Tomorrow, I will probably pick up a "Backstage Pass" stamp which I had made for stamping the fronts of the promo packs. The other day, I bought some paper and pocketed folders from a paper surplus store. I'm still waiting on some reference letters from a couple of people. I am also trying to figure out the most cost effective way of creating demo CDs (with 4-5 songs from the album). I may need to end up buying a new printer which I can use to print on the surfaces of the CDRs. All these things add up. In the end, each promo pack with probably be worth about $3.00. It's been tough to cough up this money with the work situation, but I've had to as this a crucial part of the marketing process.
Along this path, I've really been trying to ask God what He would have me do. It's easy to believe that you are wasting your time and resources when it comes to marketing. Only God knows what doors will open. I doubt many people will throw away their "Backstage Pass" CDs, but a lot of promo packs may get tossed or buried under a pile of paperwork. Regardless, I'd rather spend $3.00 on something which has a better chance of catching someone's eye compared to a $1.00 promo pack which might more easily find its way to the paper stack of bands who cut corners on the marketing side of things. An extra bit of color, design, and thought can go a long way.
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