With the sun shining like this, who can resist a cool, new, summer-lovin' melody? You may have just finished recording your awesome EP in the studio, or perhaps you've just wrapped up a fantastic performance from your tour in Phoenix, Arizona. Either way, whatever the plans are, take some time to kick back, relax, and enjoy these top 10 most read articles from Sonicbids this week!
1. How to Get an Artist Endorsement Deal, According to an Actual Artist Relations Exec
Bev Fowler and Rich Hannon of Paul Reed Smith Guitars. (Image via sosstudio.com)
What do companies like Paul Reed Smith Guitars look for when making artist endorsement deal decisions? An exec pulls back the curtain and lays it all out for you!
2. 4 Types of People You Can Get Gigs From (And How to Ask Them)
Image via worthwithtomcoleman.com
Scoring that next great gig might be as simple as saying "hi" to your neighbors once in a while!
3. 3 of the Most Commonly Misunderstood Music Copyright Laws
Weird Al's music might be covered under parody or fair use, but he typically asks an artist's permission before creating a derivative work. (Image via nbcbayarea.com)
Before you record that parody of "Uptown Funk," here are three copyright laws that could save you from getting legally "funked."
4. 4 Social Media Mistakes Your Band Can't Afford to Make
D.C. punk band Chain and the Gang takes a different approach to a group photo on Instagram. (Image via instagram.com)
Committing one of these four social media faux pas could cost your band real-life fans and, even worse, your reputation.
5. How to Get Past the Beginner Musician's Plateau: The Top Down/Bottom Up Approach
Joe Marson. (Image via joemarson.com)
What REALLY propels music careers: grassroots hustling or that one lucky industry connection you made? Truth is, you need both.
6. Making the Transition From Playing Unpaid Shows to Earning a Living From Gigging: Advice From Angela Sheik
Photo by Sunny Miller
Angela Sheik has checklists she uses to evaluate whether a gig is worth her time (if non-paying) and a good decision (if paying). Do you?
7. What Does Apple's New Streaming Service Mean for Indie Musicians?
Image via Wikimedia Commons
Here's how Apple plans to change the music industry – again – and how it affects you right now as an independent musician.
8. How to Successfully Achieve Analog Warmth With Digital Tape Plugins
Image via performermag.com
Who needs a clunky machine and reels of tape when an audio plugin can give you that much-loved analog sound?
9. How Monetization Works on YouTube
Image via 731design.com
Making money from YouTube ads sounds great, but how does it really work? The system is a bit more complex than you might think.
10. 3 Industry Pros Reveal Exactly What They Look for in Talent
Photo by Kevin Winter
Here's what Oscar-nominated and Grammy-winning industry hotshots look for when working with artists. Spoiler alert: don't be a jerk.
