As you may or may not know, a new version of Haulix is nearing completion with each passing day. This update will bring a wealth of new features and tools to Haulix, as well as revamped versions of the components our clients love. This is the biggest undertaking we have ever attempted, and we want everyone in the world to have access to it once it’s live.
From now until January 14 sign up for HAULIX using promo code ‘HLX2016’ and receive a LIFETIME 20% discount each month. This means every month you use our service you will be saving money while also ensuring the security of your unreleased media. Should leaks occur, Haulix has the tools needed to combat piracy without pulling you from the day-to-day demands of promotion.
A lot has been written about the supposed dire state of the music industry, but truth be told there are a number of successful and growing companies, including record labels, that are thriving in 2016. In this column we bring together every job opening we can find from the companies responsible for building the future of the business and present them to you, our reader, in hopes of aiding you on your journey to join the global music industry professional family.
Each week we scour the internet for the latest and greatest job postings throughout the music industry. You can help us better serve our community by sending any job openings you find or have to james@haulix.com. Be sure to include the name of the company hiring, a detailed description of the position being offered, a desired start date, contact information, and any additional supplemental information you feel may be needed.
Job summary: World Cafe Live is looking to add a Talent Buyer to its dynamic team. Responsible for booking shows in Wilmington, DE and Philadelphia, PA, this person is a team player with strong agent relationships and solid negotiation skills. The Talent Buyer is full time salaried position.
Job summary: We are looking for an outstanding Ad Sales Account Director to join our team in Atlanta. We’re looking for someone with a proven record of revenue generation and a deep interest and passion for online media and innovation. We want someone who loves our product and knows how to sell creative solutions for clients and partners. You should be confident without ever being arrogant and you work hard, but know how to have fun. Above all, your work will impact the way the world experiences music.
Job summary: Aivvy is looking for a passionate team member who will work in Aivvy’s eCommerce team. The position will be initially focused on eCommerce-related content creation, including copywriting, production, publishing to website, blog and different social media channels, with future growth into customer services, community management and online sales.
Job summary: Project Coordination Team is accountable for managing the Customer installation experience of our cutting-edge World Class products and services.
Job summary: Reporting to the Publicist, is responsible for coordinating and executing publicity programs and campaigns for eOne Films ensuring that these publicity activities are in-line with the corporate strategy to achieve the company’s annual goals. This position is responsible for the timely execution of all publicity and social media campaigns for all eOne Films titles. Further, this position will also act as a liaison, between the Marketing team and other departments, as well as clients and the media.
Job summary: The Director of Public Relations is responsible for maintaining and positively positioning the public image of the Kennedy Center through local, national, and international media placements, new media, self-generated content and storytelling, and by influencing a range of internal platforms including the Center’s social media and website. The Director will manage the day-to-day media operations of a fast-paced PR office, directing artistic and program announcements, leveraging publicity opportunities, driving media cultivation, and determining positioning of institutional news and issues. He/She will be the chief strategist and partner for the Kennedy Center’s Education staff in shaping compelling stories that highlight the educational programs and initiatives both locally and across the nation. By building productive relationships with media, artistic partners and internal staff, he/she will generate significant and high-impact coverage of more than 2,000 performances and events held at the Center each year. This position will work closely and proactively with the VP of Public Relations and other senior leadership to guide the voice and messaging around pivotal institutional projects including the ongoing capital expansion project, the John F. Kennedy Centennial Celebration, and preparations for the Center’s 50th Anniversary. The Director may serve as spokesperson on occasion and when appropriate.
Job summary: We are looking for an outstanding Ad Sales Account Director to join our team in San Francisco.We’re looking for someone with a proven record of revenue generation and a deep interest and passion for online media and innovation. We want someone who loves our product and knows how to sell creative solutions for clients and partners. You should be confident without ever being arrogant and you work hard, but know how to have fun. Above all, your work will impact the way the world experiences music.
Job summary: The iHeartMedia Account Executive will identify and solicit new business; service and grow existing account. They are responsible for developing persuasive proposals in response to client needs and/or opportunities. They will guide their clients based on market, platform or station information. They are responsible for ensuring client satisfaction through cooperative communication. They will also negotiate rates consistent with iHeartMedia operating goals and budgets and ensure prompt payment. They will utilize all available iHeartMedia resources to create effective marketing campaigns. This is a commission based outside sales position.
Job summary: The Manager Special Events at the Chicago Theatre is responsible for booking Special Events at The Chicago Theatre; a role that involves both sales and management functions, as well as working with both existing and new clients. The role includes negotiating contracts and financial terms as well as oversight over all aspects of event implementation to ensure client satisfaction and retention. The Manager Special Events role requires a strong team orientation and focused interaction with various executives at The Chicago Theatre and here in the New York office in order to succeed. This role will also be on an on site presence during events and work with the Special Events team on marketing strategies.
Job summary: We are looking for a vibrant, creative, part-time Social Media Coordinator to join our team and help us grow. This person will help develop social content and strategies for all of our clients. The role requires the ability to manage multiple, concurrent projects and initiatives while maintaining a high level of energy and a positive attitude.The Social Media Coordinator will serve as a community manager for multiple brands, including monitoring all social properties, creating unique, engaging content and participating on social media on behalf of the brands.
Job summary: MTV seeks a full-time Communications Assistant to support the SVP and VP of Communications for MTV. The Communications Assistant will be responsible for maintaining schedules and phones, preparing travel arrangements, filing expense reports and additional administrative tasks in a fun, fast-paced office environment. The Communications Assistant will run the MTV Communications social media accounts including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and manage the MTV Press website. The Communications Assistant will also assist in the development and implementation of communications campaigns for MTV’s original programming and work closely with the team to execute media outreach, internal communications, live events including the MTV Video Music Awards.
Job summary: Reverb.com is looking for a genuine music-gear obsessive to help moderate our rapidly expanding community of musicians. This role will involve supporting all users as they buy and sell on the site, arbitrating disputes between different users, and working to prevent fraudulent and suspicious activity. Other responsibilities will include curating listings and contributing to our marketing and social media content.
Job summary: In this role you’ll be tasked with developing cutting-edge multiplatform marketing campaigns, writing inspiring proposals and presenting concepts to potential clients to win business while working in a fun environment with a group of forward thinking individuals.
Job summary: The Branded Music Licensing Coordinator will mainly support the Branded Music Supervisor on all the day-today licensing needs of an international branded program.
Job summary: Provide administrative and marketing support for Vice President of Marketing. Responsible for developing comprehensive strategies for marketing our artists as well as coordinating all efforts (internally and with outside parties) on all projects.
Job summary: The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, quick-thinking and open to working in a fast-paced, team-oriented office environment where he/she is capable of performing administrative tasks. The individual should be adaptable, highly organized and detail oriented, and able to effectively multi-task. Strong knowledge of, or interest in learning about, music touring is a plus. Administrative duties include heavy phones, coordinating meetings and schedules, preparing expense reports, producing correspondence, issuing contracts, special projects and personal assistance as needed.
Job summary: The Programming Specialist, Digital Music will program owned and third-party playlists to get Red Bull Sound Select artists heard millions of times over, across leading and emerging music platforms. The Programming Specialist, Digital Music is responsible for choosing the best tracks and creating the best playlists for all of Red Bull Sound Select’s third party streaming partnerships, including: Soundcloud; Spotify; 8Tracks and more. He/She will have a through understanding of how and where consumers listen to digital music today. This person will ensure that the right Sound Select songs are delivered to the right consumers on the right platforms at the right time. Just like a DJ carefully curates his song catalog based on venue and audience, this role will expertly curate the Sound Select song catalog for each music platform to delight listeners every day. ch music platform to delight listeners every day.
Job summary: C+C is looking for a Production Designer with at least 3-5 years of experience, who is interested in joining a team of 40 or so communications experts and one piñata. Job responsibilities will include overseeing a print or web project from the initial phase of reviewing client requirements to the final stages of production and distribution. Also you’ll be expected to use expertise in design and computer applications to finalize designs and layouts as well as create holiday party invites and put together embarrassing photoshop mash-ups. Other technical duties may include scaling, cropping, retouching, repositioning and preflighting. But the main thing is that you like to have fun and like doing work that actually means something in the grander scheme of things. Oh yeah, you’ll also be responsible for archiving, updating graphic files, and on occasion, donuts.
Job summary: This position offers the opportunity to work with influential people in the EDM community via press, blogs, social media, newsletters and other cross promotional projects.In this position, you will work with a closely knit team of rave fashion enthusiasts who have a passion for festivals. You will be the trendsetter for rave fashion and have an opportunity to be a part of a passionate movement in youth culture.You will have the opportunity to be involved with our daily social networking strategy, sponsorship and influencer programs, event marketing, new product marketing, and much more.
Job summary: Direct the public relations, social media and other communications strategies for the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), NAMM trade shows, and the NAMM Foundation.
Job summary: Frontrunner Magazine, a quarterly online arts magazine founded in New York City in 2009, is seeking music writers to interview and review indie rock, folk, and electronic musicians for future editions. We are in search of self-starters with sharp ears for new sounds. Experience developing contacts with press agents, marketing agencies, music managers, and record publicity companies are a bonus.
Job summary: We are looking for a new Account Executive to come and join our LA based Ad Sales team. A background in mobile Ad Sales is a must, as is a knowledge of the entertainment landscape and a creative mind when it comes to how we might be working with the brands we aren’t already working with – or how we might support the ones we already work with differently.
Job summary: We’re looking for someone to spearhead our marketing strategy. That someone is philosophical about messaging and analytical about results. Cares deeply about music and the people who make it. Is passionate about technology, can keep up with the speed of innovation. Wants to be a part of something positive, and can infect others with their excitement about it.
Job summary: Seasoned professional with excellent relationships across artist managers, publicists, and record companies. Must have background in booking musical artists for performance and editorial video pieces. Should have a basic understanding of music publishing, music rights, video/editorial creative and production, and artist and management psychology. Position will either be located in our New York, NY offices or Atlanta, GA offices.
Job summary: Rooster Teeth is seeking a Marketing Coordinator who will be responsible for collaborating with internal constituencies to bring to completion marketing and promotional projects. This role will also identify, socialize, and steward to completion new marketing strategies and aspects of distribution and content creation programs to ensure industry competitiveness and growth. This role requires an understanding of the dynamics of television, film, and long and short-form content marketing, including media strategies, publicity strategies, advertising best practices, talent engagement, creative visuals copywriting, and more in order to achieve success across digital distribution platforms and a content development studio. Key goals will include coordinating and tracking all consumer promotions executed through content marketing in support of driving digital distribution acquisition and retention, as well as Studio content releases. The ideal candidate would have a passion for and knowledge of YouTube, digital entertainment, and the world of Internet influencers.
Job summary: This is a hands-on media relations staff position with the primary responsibility to raise awareness and tell the story of NPR – with a focus on NPR News, NPR Music, programming and journalists – through creative and comprehensive media outreach and effective placement in national and regional outlets. The successful candidate will handle a portfolio of NPR news programs, desks and beats, staying in constant cmmunication with these editorial units, editors, producers and journalists to effectively identify opportunities for publicity. S/he will create and execute effective strategies to publicize show and desk-generated reports, series, breaking news and investigations, and work to grow the external profile for related journalists, hosts editors and producers. S/he will work extensively throughout NPR, NPR member stations and the public broadcasting system to help generate awareness of NPR in national, regional and local media. The position reports to the Director, Media Relations.
Job summary: Provides support in the coordination and supervision of programs in the area to which the job is assigned. May supervise subordinate staff, student employees and/or volunteers.
Job summary: To provide artistic, musical and administrative leadership for the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra. Recruits and trains performers. Plans and conducts rehearsals and performances. Responsible for associated administrative duties.
On this episode of INSIDE MUSIC, host James Shotwell calls Evan Couture, vocalist for Avion Roe, to discuss the reality of being a newly signed band in 2015. Avion Roe has been building a fervent cult following since the release of their first record in 2011, but with the aide of Epitaph the band is now poised to be bigger than ever. Together, James and Evan discuss the history of Avion Roe, as well as how life has changed since the band signed their deal.
The music you hear in this episode is “Sing Me To Sleep” by Avion Roe. The song is available now on iTunes.
You may already know this, but ‘Inside Music’ is now available on iTunes! Click here to subscribe.
A lot has been written about the supposed dire state of the music industry, but truth be told there are a number of successful and growing companies, including record labels, that are thriving in 2015. In this column we bring together every job opening we can find from the companies responsible for building the future of the business and present them to you, our reader, in hopes of aiding you on your journey to join the global music industry professional family.
Each week we scour the internet for the latest and greatest job postings throughout the music industry. You can help us better serve our community by sending any job openings you find or have to james@haulix.com. Be sure to include the name of the company hiring, a detailed description of the position being offered, a desired start date, contact information, and any additional supplemental information you feel may be needed.
Job summary: We are looking for an outstanding Ad Sales Account Director to join our team in San Francisco.We’re looking for someone with a proven record of revenue generation and a deep interest and passion for online media and innovation. We want someone who loves our product and knows how to sell creative solutions for clients and partners. You should be confident without ever being arrogant and you work hard, but know how to have fun. Above all, your work will impact the way the world experiences music.
Job summary: The iHeartMedia Account Executive will identify and solicit new business; service and grow existing account. They are responsible for developing persuasive proposals in response to client needs and/or opportunities. They will guide their clients based on market, platform or station information. They are responsible for ensuring client satisfaction through cooperative communication. They will also negotiate rates consistent with iHeartMedia operating goals and budgets and ensure prompt payment. They will utilize all available iHeartMedia resources to create effective marketing campaigns. This is a commission based outside sales position.
Job summary: The Manager Special Events at the Chicago Theatre is responsible for booking Special Events at The Chicago Theatre; a role that involves both sales and management functions, as well as working with both existing and new clients. The role includes negotiating contracts and financial terms as well as oversight over all aspects of event implementation to ensure client satisfaction and retention. The Manager Special Events role requires a strong team orientation and focused interaction with various executives at The Chicago Theatre and here in the New York office in order to succeed. This role will also be on an on site presence during events and work with the Special Events team on marketing strategies.
Job summary: We are looking for a vibrant, creative, part-time Social Media Coordinator to join our team and help us grow. This person will help develop social content and strategies for all of our clients. The role requires the ability to manage multiple, concurrent projects and initiatives while maintaining a high level of energy and a positive attitude.The Social Media Coordinator will serve as a community manager for multiple brands, including monitoring all social properties, creating unique, engaging content and participating on social media on behalf of the brands.
Job summary: MTV seeks a full-time Communications Assistant to support the SVP and VP of Communications for MTV. The Communications Assistant will be responsible for maintaining schedules and phones, preparing travel arrangements, filing expense reports and additional administrative tasks in a fun, fast-paced office environment. The Communications Assistant will run the MTV Communications social media accounts including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and manage the MTV Press website. The Communications Assistant will also assist in the development and implementation of communications campaigns for MTV’s original programming and work closely with the team to execute media outreach, internal communications, live events including the MTV Video Music Awards.
Job summary: Reverb.com is looking for a genuine music-gear obsessive to help moderate our rapidly expanding community of musicians. This role will involve supporting all users as they buy and sell on the site, arbitrating disputes between different users, and working to prevent fraudulent and suspicious activity. Other responsibilities will include curating listings and contributing to our marketing and social media content.
Job summary: In this role you’ll be tasked with developing cutting-edge multiplatform marketing campaigns, writing inspiring proposals and presenting concepts to potential clients to win business while working in a fun environment with a group of forward thinking individuals.
Job summary: The Branded Music Licensing Coordinator will mainly support the Branded Music Supervisor on all the day-today licensing needs of an international branded program.
Job summary: Provide administrative and marketing support for Vice President of Marketing. Responsible for developing comprehensive strategies for marketing our artists as well as coordinating all efforts (internally and with outside parties) on all projects.
Job summary: The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, quick-thinking and open to working in a fast-paced, team-oriented office environment where he/she is capable of performing administrative tasks. The individual should be adaptable, highly organized and detail oriented, and able to effectively multi-task. Strong knowledge of, or interest in learning about, music touring is a plus. Administrative duties include heavy phones, coordinating meetings and schedules, preparing expense reports, producing correspondence, issuing contracts, special projects and personal assistance as needed.
Job summary: The Programming Specialist, Digital Music will program owned and third-party playlists to get Red Bull Sound Select artists heard millions of times over, across leading and emerging music platforms. The Programming Specialist, Digital Music is responsible for choosing the best tracks and creating the best playlists for all of Red Bull Sound Select’s third party streaming partnerships, including: Soundcloud; Spotify; 8Tracks and more. He/She will have a through understanding of how and where consumers listen to digital music today. This person will ensure that the right Sound Select songs are delivered to the right consumers on the right platforms at the right time. Just like a DJ carefully curates his song catalog based on venue and audience, this role will expertly curate the Sound Select song catalog for each music platform to delight listeners every day. ch music platform to delight listeners every day.
Job summary: C+C is looking for a Production Designer with at least 3-5 years of experience, who is interested in joining a team of 40 or so communications experts and one piñata. Job responsibilities will include overseeing a print or web project from the initial phase of reviewing client requirements to the final stages of production and distribution. Also you’ll be expected to use expertise in design and computer applications to finalize designs and layouts as well as create holiday party invites and put together embarrassing photoshop mash-ups. Other technical duties may include scaling, cropping, retouching, repositioning and preflighting. But the main thing is that you like to have fun and like doing work that actually means something in the grander scheme of things. Oh yeah, you’ll also be responsible for archiving, updating graphic files, and on occasion, donuts.
Job summary: This position offers the opportunity to work with influential people in the EDM community via press, blogs, social media, newsletters and other cross promotional projects.In this position, you will work with a closely knit team of rave fashion enthusiasts who have a passion for festivals. You will be the trendsetter for rave fashion and have an opportunity to be a part of a passionate movement in youth culture.You will have the opportunity to be involved with our daily social networking strategy, sponsorship and influencer programs, event marketing, new product marketing, and much more.
Job summary: Direct the public relations, social media and other communications strategies for the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), NAMM trade shows, and the NAMM Foundation.
Job summary: Frontrunner Magazine, a quarterly online arts magazine founded in New York City in 2009, is seeking music writers to interview and review indie rock, folk, and electronic musicians for future editions. We are in search of self-starters with sharp ears for new sounds. Experience developing contacts with press agents, marketing agencies, music managers, and record publicity companies are a bonus.
Job summary: We are looking for a new Account Executive to come and join our LA based Ad Sales team. A background in mobile Ad Sales is a must, as is a knowledge of the entertainment landscape and a creative mind when it comes to how we might be working with the brands we aren’t already working with – or how we might support the ones we already work with differently.
Job summary: We’re looking for someone to spearhead our marketing strategy. That someone is philosophical about messaging and analytical about results. Cares deeply about music and the people who make it. Is passionate about technology, can keep up with the speed of innovation. Wants to be a part of something positive, and can infect others with their excitement about it.
Job summary: Seasoned professional with excellent relationships across artist managers, publicists, and record companies. Must have background in booking musical artists for performance and editorial video pieces. Should have a basic understanding of music publishing, music rights, video/editorial creative and production, and artist and management psychology. Position will either be located in our New York, NY offices or Atlanta, GA offices.
Job summary: Rooster Teeth is seeking a Marketing Coordinator who will be responsible for collaborating with internal constituencies to bring to completion marketing and promotional projects. This role will also identify, socialize, and steward to completion new marketing strategies and aspects of distribution and content creation programs to ensure industry competitiveness and growth. This role requires an understanding of the dynamics of television, film, and long and short-form content marketing, including media strategies, publicity strategies, advertising best practices, talent engagement, creative visuals copywriting, and more in order to achieve success across digital distribution platforms and a content development studio. Key goals will include coordinating and tracking all consumer promotions executed through content marketing in support of driving digital distribution acquisition and retention, as well as Studio content releases. The ideal candidate would have a passion for and knowledge of YouTube, digital entertainment, and the world of Internet influencers.
Job summary: This is a hands-on media relations staff position with the primary responsibility to raise awareness and tell the story of NPR – with a focus on NPR News, NPR Music, programming and journalists – through creative and comprehensive media outreach and effective placement in national and regional outlets. The successful candidate will handle a portfolio of NPR news programs, desks and beats, staying in constant cmmunication with these editorial units, editors, producers and journalists to effectively identify opportunities for publicity. S/he will create and execute effective strategies to publicize show and desk-generated reports, series, breaking news and investigations, and work to grow the external profile for related journalists, hosts editors and producers. S/he will work extensively throughout NPR, NPR member stations and the public broadcasting system to help generate awareness of NPR in national, regional and local media. The position reports to the Director, Media Relations.
Job summary: Provides support in the coordination and supervision of programs in the area to which the job is assigned. May supervise subordinate staff, student employees and/or volunteers.
Job summary: To provide artistic, musical and administrative leadership for the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra. Recruits and trains performers. Plans and conducts rehearsals and performances. Responsible for associated administrative duties.
Job summary: The Grant Park Orchestral Association in Chicago, Illinois seeks a Marketing Manager at the Grant Park Music Festival (the Festival). This position will report to the Director of Marketing and Media Relations. The Marketing Manager works in collaboration with the Marketing and Patron Services team to assist in the planning and management of the Festival’s membership campaign. Strong candidates will demonstrate a passion for the arts and the mission of the Festival.
Job summary: The Manager, Ad Sales Marketing is a key member of Ad Sales Marketing team, supporting all aspects of the sales and marketing process. The Manager is responsible for the development and execution of select marketing proposals and programs. Additionally, the position is responsible for development of ad-based opportunities across programming and to identify key opportunities to the sales team. Other responsibilities include the writing and updating of all sales materials across all channels. This position handles on air executions as pertains to advertiser sponsored programs.
Job summary: With its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, Warner Music Group is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Cordless, East West, Elektra, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Rykodisc, Sire, Warner Bros. and Word, as well as Warner/Chappell Music, one of the world’s leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than one million copyrights worldwide. The Marketing assistant will be responsible for developing comprehensive strategies for marketing our artists as well as coordinating all efforts (internally and with outside parties) on all projects.
Job summary: Seeking dynamic, self-motivated individual to help assist with our marketing and promotions for a group of live music / dance themed venues, festivals, and events. We need someone who is detail-oriented, focused, can work quickly and efficiently with distractions in an easy-going, fun workplace. This person should be passionate about new music and the Los Angeles/Southern California events scene. We are looking for someone who loves live music and will represent the company with pride and enthusiasm at our venues and other events around the city.
Job summary: The Classics Coordinator is responsible for the administrative work required to ensure the execution of all sales, marketing, publicity and distribution functions, as well as elements of the planning and implementation of marketing and advertising initiatives.
Job summary: This senior executive position with the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, will oversee global and internal marketing initiatives, image development and partnerships for a vibrant, 78-year-old fraternal society of 22,000 organized and passionate singers in North America, who are part of 70,000 affiliated singers worldwide. This individual will lead the marketing efforts of a deeply-committed volunteer membership and an experienced marketing staff and executive team.
On this episode of INSIDE MUSIC, host James Shotwell calls MC Lars to discuss his new album, The Zombie Dinosaur LP. Lars and James go way back, but like most friends in the music business they rarely have a chance to sit down and chat with one another. This conversation covers the release of Lars’ new record, the inspiration behind the material, and the future outlook of the nerdcore community. The Zombie Dinosaur LP is available now.
The music you hear in this episode is pulled directly from Vanna’s most recent album, Void, which is available now.
You may already know this, but ‘Inside Music’ is now available on iTunes! Click here to subscribe.
If you’re anything like me, you probably started the day by recognizing that the start of a new work week had indeed arrived and then immediately began shaking your fists at the sky in anger. Monday is rarely anyone’s favorite day, and from what I have seen firsthand it feels safe to say it’s the one day of the week some people outright hate. I guess to them the arrival of the work week symbolizes the end of their quote/unquote freedom, and as a result they head into the office/factory/restaurant/store with a negative outlook already on their mind. This leads to bad attitudes, which only makes the experience of being at work worse, and for some reason it also seems to make time slow to a crawl. We’re not about that life, and we hope this post can do the same you that the song contained within it did for us.
Anyone who reads this column on a semi-regular basis knows the title of each post typically highlights the artist or album I have chosen to write about, but this week is a little different. Christmas is coming in just four short days, and like many of you I have a longstanding belief that the vast majority of seasonal music is garbage. If not garbage, then at least far too middle of the road to elicit much, if any, emotional response from the listener. It’s as if all holiday songwriters knew their music would largely be background noise to other happenings, be it a dinner, holiday party, shopping, or something else altogether, so they spent very little time worrying about the feelings their words would evoke beyond the notion that, “Oh yea, it’s Christmas.”
That last paragraph may make me sound like a bit of a grinch, but having grown up in a house with two parents who adore classic holiday music I think have experienced enough to make these claims. I’m not saying all holiday music is bad, but I do think surface level holiday music is fairly forgettable. Songs like “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” will be sung and taught for hundreds of years to come most likely, but their prolonged presence in Christmas culture does not equate to musical greatness. If anything, the continued interest in these songs is proof they have become staples of this time of year, much like “Monster Mash” is a consider a staple of Halloween.
As I continue to age, I have come to realize that you can complain all you want about the music that is played around the holidays, but unless you’re going to shut out the outside world completely there is very little you can do to avoid sleigh bells between the day after Thanksgiving and December 25. You can cry foul all you want, of course, but the only thing you are really going to accomplish is annoying the friends and family members who believe experiencing such music is key to having a fulfilling holiday season. You don’t want that, and I don’t want that for you, so I have written today to provide the only solution I have found.
The key to surviving Christmas as someone who dislikes Christmas music is to find holiday themed albums and songs you actually enjoy. That may seem simple, and if you’re lucky it will be, but for others such a task may be akin to climbing Everest. Not every genre has a wealth of great seasonal material, but many do, and if you are willing to put in the effort to search through the various holiday releases that exist in the genres prefer I can guarantee there will be something you can stand to hear while preparing for Santa’s arrival. I cannot promise that your family will understand your selection, especially if the lyrics are depressing or overly explicit, but if they see you making an effort to get into the quote/unquote ‘Christmas spirit’ they will be pleased.
James Shotwell is the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. He is also a professional entertainment critic, covering both film and music, as well as the co-founder of Antique Records. Feel free to tell him you love or hate the article above by connecting with him on Twitter. Bonus points if you introduce yourself by sharing your favorite Simpsons character.
Hello, everyone. We, like many of you, are counting down the final hours of our work week in hopes of seeing the latest Star Wars film before anyone spoils it for us. That has been a mission of our since the film was announced, but we don’t think anyone could have predicted just how hard avoiding spoilers would prove to be. This site, however, is a safe place. We don’t even write about Star Wars! We’re here to talk about the music business, and to be far more specific this post is about our role in the business of music, as well as how that role is changing. It’s also a place where we share songs we love, like this:
As I mentioned above, each and every weekend we like to take a brief break from our regularly scheduled programming to update and reflect on everything happening at Haulix HQ. We are far more than a music blog, as many of you already know, and posts like this give us an opportunity to share more our efforts with all of you.
Development News:
This is similar to the update from last week, which is another way of saying we are still working on our long-gestating site wide relaunch. Our development continued to work on the new version of Haulix all week long, and we will tell you first that a great deal of progress has been made. We know we originally planned to have this massive update done in time for the new year, but right now we are looking at a release closer to March. If that feels like forever away, trust us, we feel the same. Every effort is being made to complete this project as fast as possible, but we refuse to cut corners. We pride ourselves on having a product of the highest quality, and we refuse to let that slip in order to be a bit more timely with our release.
Blog News:
This week was the first of the holiday seasons where we noticed many of our peers logging off for the year. There is always an industry slowdown around Christmas, but some seem to be getting an early start on their vacation in 2015. Not us! We will be posting content right up to, and immediately following, Christmas Day. We don’t want you to spend a single day without having a place to turn for new lessons on music, so our efforts won’t stop anytime soon.
If you missed anything we ran this week, use the links below to get caught up…
The post you’re about to enjoy was written by Lance Waste, vocalist and founding member of the indie punk band Darling Waste. Lance has spent more than a decade of his life building a career in music, and along the way he has been able to secure some amazing opportunities, including multiple song placements on major television networks. Through it all however, Lance has struggled to continue chasing his dreams while barely making enough to pay his bills and keep a roof over his head. Still, where there is a will there is a way, and in today’s guest post Lance shares the biggest lessons he has learned from his time in music.
After you read Lance’s words, please head over to Bloody-Disgusting and watch the new video from Darling Waste. From there, follow the band on Twitter and give them a ‘Like’ on Facebook. Helping one another succeed is the fastest way for any of us to make it where we want to be, and we thank you for helping us help Lance further pursue his dreams.
Hi there. My name is Lance. Over the past 12 years I’ve been in an indie rock band. I’ve also ran a record label, ran an artist management firm and worked for various labels and management firms. A couple times over the years I’ve been approached to write books on touring or marketing your band and various things like that, but I’m really no expert and I’m not sure I have much to contribute that hasn’t been said a thousand times before. This is a list you’ve probably already read before, and you will probably roll your eyes at how obtuse and general these “Lessons” are, but I promise, they come from a place of honesty. If you follow them, you will succeed.
1. ART COMES FIRST. ALWAYS.
BE ORIGINAL BUT BE ACCESSIBLE. DEFINE WHAT YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU STAND FOR. Work harder than anyone else. be obsessed. The first thing I will say is this. Always put the music first. If you want to be romantic about it, art is the reason we are doing what we do. If you want to be practical about it, you are selling a product. That product is your music. It doesn’t matter how good of a salesman you are or how flashy your pitch and branding is, if the product ain’t there, nobody’s buying. Spend time thinking about who you are, what your music wants to say. Find your voice. Find that line between being original but being accessible. Don’t ape your favorite bands. But find a perfect blend of your influences while finding your original voice. Be tireless in perfecting your craft.
2. LEARN HOW TO PROPERLY RECORD YOUR MUSIC
There are no short cuts while being a DIY musician. You’ve got to write the songs, perform the songs, find like minded individuals who want to play your music, teach them your music, sometimes even write their parts for them and sometimes even teach them how to play their instruments.
When it comes time to record you need to know your stuff as well. You could pay to go into a studio but the reality is you probably won’t have a good enough budget to get the sound you are looking for. So get a DAW, get an interface, get a couple of decent mics and start recording. Just like anything, practice makes perfect. Be diligent. Can’t get the sound you want? Unsure of how something works in your DAW? Youtube it. The answers are all there.
3. BOOK AND PROMOTE YOUR OWN SHOWS
Booking shows in your region is as simple as doing our homework and putting in the calls and emails. Often times I look up bands that are slightly larger than mine, I research their tour schedule and contact all of the venues and promoters they are working with in my region. I ask for available dates and send them a one sheet. Make sure you follow up. Don’t ask for more money than you are worth. If you can only bring 5 people to an out of town show don’t ask for $100 for gas. Why should a club or promoter pay out of their pocket for you to live out your rock n roll fantasy? Take door splits. Ask for food. You may lose a little money the first couple times out but nothing burns a bridge faster than getting a big guarantee you didnt earn.
4. PLAN YOUR LIVE SHOW
Growing up, I loved music, comedy and magic. As i got older, I realised something they have in common: Each artform takes something that involves a ton of preparation and makes it seem effortless. In jazz, you can’t improv and solo before you have mastered the basic track. This is true for live music. You can’t have those “magic moments” during your live show if you don’t have your songs down perfect. Your will see your songs begin to evolve and take on lives of their own the more you play them. Over the years I learned to drive to the next town after the show. This way we would be hours early to the venue. We would have time to meet locals, promote the show, do radio interviews, lineup in store performances and get a great sound check. All while not being rushed or stressed for time.
We play roughly the same set each night. We play around 45-60 minutes if we are headlining and 30-40 if we are opening. We have our first three songs and our last three songs practiced perfectly. They stay the same each show. Then we add in songs to the middle as needed. Before we start our tour we think of what type of set list we would like to have. We plan our lighting schemes (we use foot switches, smoke machines and work lights most of the time), and even plan out the segways and interludes between songs. I like to think of our live show as a Vegas show or a Broadway play. I always want it to be an experience the fans will remember.
5. TOUR SMART
You don’t need to stay in hotels. That drains all of your cash. Sleep in the van. Or set up places to crash with your friends,fans and family. Ask the clubs and promoters for places to crash. Also as I said earlier, I like to drive to the next town after each show. Part of the reason is to have a great show the next day in the next town, but part of it is also to save on places to sleep. Rotate your drivers. One person drives for two hours, the copilot stays awake and plays the music. The Copilot is so vital to keep the driver awake and keep you all alive. Everyone else sleeps in the back. Every two hours, rotate. The Copilot drives, the driver sleeps, and every two hours one of the sleepers becomes the Copilot.
Also, try and plan your routes so there are no days off on tour. Nothing bankrupts a tour more than a day off. No income is coming in, everyone is bored and hungry and spending money. Book every day of the tour. Days off will happen anyway. Vans will break down, clubs will cancel, clubs will close unexpectedly.
6. BUY INTO THE LIFE …..
If you are in this to get rich, get out. Save yourself the years of disappointment. Spoilers: you won’t make millions. Especially if you are in a subgenre. My biggest idols barely make ends meet. Lead singers are living with girlfriend’s parents and their children are on WIC.
On the other end of things, you also can’t half ass this life. If you want to work a full time job, have a nice house and a social life, just resign now to make music a hobby. If you are going for the brass ring, mentally prepare yourself for the life of crashing on couches, eating dollar menus and having no real friends or relationships.
Understand that touring at this level is to grow your name and your brand. It’s to show your music to people and to build a fanbase. Do not tour with the frame of mind that you will make money or even break even. If this is what you want out of life. Do it while you can. Do it full on. Take no prisoners.
7. ….BUT NOT THE LIFESTYLE
You are about to run a sleepless, thankless marathon with no monetary reward. No need to destroy your body in the process. The best way to not become an addict is to never start. Don’t cloud your mind with drugs and drinking. You aren’t a rockstar, no need to party like one. Also, most of them die. And being dead probably sucks, so no need to rush to it.
8. REFUSE DRAMA
When I was young, I would watch football with my dad. I love the endzone celebrations. He loved when a player would score and hand the ball to the ref on his way back to the bench. He loved the quote “Act like you’ve been here before.” The older I get, the more I realize how right he was.
One thing I see at almost every local show is the one band (or one member of one band) kicking off. Getting loud and angry over something stupid. Usually time slots, sound checks, drink tickets etc. For some reason, bands think that being the loudest makes it look like you are important. It is absolutely the opposite. The pros have seen it all before. We all want to play right in the middle of the show, in front of the biggest audience, but at the end of the day, we get that it’s just music, and it’s just not worth getting upset over most nights.
This also goes for drama in your band. If something happens on stage, wait until later to discuss it. Nothing is less professional than a band arguing before, after, or god forbid during the show. Also remember that things seem a lot less dire after a good night’s sleep.
9. BE KIND ALWAYS
One of the keys to our longevity is our kindness. Sure there are people I’ve fought with over the years, promoters and other bands who hate me. You can’t please all the people all the time. But I’ve learned the easiest way to exist in the DIY scene is to hold no grudges. There are promoters and bands I don’t work with anymore. Maybe they screwed us out of money or were just personalities I don’t gel with. That’s fine. I don’t hold any ill will. It’s just entertainment at the end of the day. Kindness is important and will get you far. Don’t yell at the sound guys. Don’t fight with the bartenders. Strive to be the nicest guy in the room. Don’t back down on what your band needs to have a successful show. Don’t be a pushover. But find the nicest way to express yourself.
This goes for your fans as well. Don’t blow them off. The cute ones aren’t your personal playthings. Have restraint. And this should go without saying but never ever ever touch another band’s merch or gear. Ever.
10. TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND ENJOY.
Just by writing a song, releasing an album or getting up on stage in front of people ,you are doing something most people only dream of. If you are on tour, take lots of pictures. Keep a journal. Live blog each day. Record your memories and share them with others. This is a very special time in your life. Meet new people. Explore each new town. These will be the memories you cherish for a lifetime and the stories you tell your family for the rest of your life. Remember, live in the moment, don’t stay mad. Band members will quit. People will flake out on you. Your songs may flop. Fans will abandon you. You will make mistakes. Promoters will fuck you over. And it’s still awesome. Take a deep breath, relax and have fun.
Christmas is right around the corner, and with it comes a unique opportunity to show your appreciation for fan support that happens only once a year. Your fans, like those you look to please with your holidays shopping list, deserve to be reminded of just how much their continued faith in you matters. We don’t suggest attempting to buy every single person who supports you work a gift, though you absolutely could if money and time allows, but we do believe there are several ways musicians can express their gratitude that will resonate with fans for months and years to come.
1. Free Music
There is an old adage about the easiest course in life often being the most obvious one, and that is very much the case with this suggestion. Your fans support you all year long in hopes that you will both come to their town and continue to release music that touches their lives. Though you are unable to be everywhere at once on Christmas, you can make your music available for anyone who has yet to add it to their personal collection. Whether you choose to make a song, album, or even your entire catalog available as a free download, you should see a rise in engagement as a result. People who have been waiting to buy your album when they see you live won’t be able to resist the free download, and there is a high likelihood they will recommend your friends take advantage of the offer as well.
2. Record and release a holiday cover (maybe give it away as well)
The world has heard countless covers of holiday classics, but the world has yet to hear your take on famous seasonal staples, and that is why you can still use them to give back to fans this Christmas. I know my favorite Christmas covers are those performed by my favorite bands, and I’m willing to bet the same can be said for most music fans. Record a holiday cover, be it in a studio or in your own home, and share it with fans in the days leading up to December 25. You can even take things one step further and ask fans about their favorite holiday songs in advance, that way your cover will have an even higher likelihood of being shared by your followers.
3. Surprise your fans with free stuff (no contest necessary)
Everyone is thinking of others during the holiday season, or at least they should be, so many fans may not have money to buy the limited edition winter merch items you have available in your online store. To show fans you understand their dilemma, consider offering a give away where you send a prize pack including numerous merch items, as well as items not available in your store (handwritten lyrics, drum head, etc) to one lucky fan. Don’t make it a contest and don’t ask for contact information in exchange for consideration. Simply pick a fan, or four, and send them a present. With any luck, the fan(s) will share their surprise with the world, and you will earn brownie points for being one of the more thoughtful artists in music today.
4. Stream an acoustic performance from your home/studio/van/bus/basement
There are few things music fans love more than seeing their favorite artists playing bare-boned versions of their favorite songs. Since there is no way everyone who follows you could attend a single performance, especially one planned close to Christmas, make the event special by broadcasting your set on one or more of the popular live streaming services that have risen to prominence over the last year. If those services require you to charge consumers, like with StageIt, then you should also consider giving all the money earned to charity. This way, fans feel like they are giving back by tuning in, and you walk away having established yourself as an artists who hasn’t lost sight of the problems that exist outside your immediate surroundings. Win-Win.
James Shotwell is the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. He is also a professional entertainment critic, covering both film and music, as well as the co-founder of Antique Records. Feel free to tell him you love or hate the article above by connecting with him on Twitter. Bonus points if you introduce yourself by sharing your favorite Simpsons character.
On this Episode of INSIDE MUSIC, host James Shotwell calls Davey Muise of Vanna to discuss his life and career. Davey joined Vanna after the group had already established themselves as one of the leading post-hardcore groups in North America, but since the addition of Davey on vocals the band has seen their status continually rise year over year. The group is currently putting the finishing touches on their third full length recording with Davey, and in this episode he offers a little insight as to what fans can expect from the group in 2016 and beyond. Davey also talks about his work as an inspirational speaker, which James highly suggest everyone make time to see in person if possible.
The music you hear in this episode is pulled directly from Vanna’s most recent album, Void, which is available now.
You may already know this, but ‘Inside Music’ is now available on iTunes! Click here to subscribe.
