Because Everybody Wants to be a Cat….

The Aristocats has always been my favourite childhood movie.  Why am I telling you this?  Because “when playing Jazz you always have a welcome mat…”

In May 2017, I was at the Jazz Bistro attending a Tune Up Toronto event co- presented by MusicOntario, TD and JAZZ.FM91. The day was filled with expert industry panelists giving their valuable advice to a packed audience, followed by an awesome showcase.

I have to be honest.  I don’t have a lot of experience with Jazz musicians. That being said, the people I met at the event have the same challenges and concerns around their financial wellbeing than the other music genres I have been dealing with.

Be “Unfogettable”

at Industry Conferences.  Present yourself in ways that develop relationships.  Reach out to presenters, and invite other artists to come see your shows. Always make contact afterwards, and follow up. Keep track of who you are talking to and find out who the delegates at a conference are beforehand, so you can ask for a meeting in advance.

“Don’t Cry me a River”.

You need to take the “starve” out of starving artist. Be aware of all the funding sources that are available to you.  Regardless of the source of the funding, there are some things to keep in mind that are paramount.

  1. Tailor the application to the funder. Be realistic and specific.
  2. Proofread, proofread, proofread! Get someone else to proofread. Did I mention proofread?
  3. Don’t be a male cow manure advocate. (Clearly I am trying to say something else here, but need to be compliant).   People can see through the nonsense.
  4. Don’t rush the deadlines. Some of the applications can take a long time and you many need to go back several times to get it right.
  5. Read the applications thoroughly and answer the questions properly.
  6. Have back up material, such as letters of support, sales and performance history.
  7. Consider becoming a juror for FACTOR. You are doing a service to your community.

Oh, a rinky tinky tinky…

I’m talking about the Octopus of Social Media here, which I myself am tinkering more with. Social media is the conduit for content.  Are you using it as promotion tool or a communications tool?  Tweet sparingly.  Use YouTube to promote awesome live performances, not ones shot on an old iPhone4.  Follow other people you respect, and build your audience.  Be precise and concise in your bio, and always be truthful and engaging.
FACTOR

OMDC (Ontario Media Development Corporation)
MROC (Musicians Rights Organization of Canada)
Music Ontario