Above the Noise

Today it is my pleasure to be talking with branding expert and authority, Karen Kang.

Karen Kang is a recognized brand strategist and the CEO and founder of BrandingPays LLC, a corporate and personal branding company (www.brandingpays.com). She is the author of BrandingPays: The Five-Step System to Reinvent Your Personal Brand. She has trained thousands of professionals on the unique BrandingPays™ System for personal branding.

She was a principal and partner with Regis McKenna Inc., the legendary marketing firm that created and launched the Apple brand. She’s consulted to more than 150 organizations in the US, Europe and Asia from Fortune 100 companies to non-profits and startups. Her broad experience has included such diverse clients as Ariba, AT&T, Genentech, HP, iCharts, Lavante, Synopsys, Maxtor, NCR, Park Systems, SigmaQuest (Camstar), UC Davis Health System, Webroot and VoyagePrive.

Karen’s marketing and communications background gives her a 360-degree view of branding. A former newspaper journalist on both the East and West Coasts, she has held executive positions in marketing consulting, advertising and public relations firms. Karen is a frequent speaker at leading business schools and professional organizations.

She has served on the boards of The Friends of the Palo Alto Library and the Women’s Technology Cluster (Astia). She has also donated her time to such worthy non-profit organizations as Girls for a Change, CORO, Asian Business League of San Francisco and Ascend. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Mills College, where she holds her B.A. degree in English, and has earned her M.S. degree in Journalism from Boston University.

In our conversation we discuss personal branding, Karen's five steps to brand positioning, qualities of a good brand, qualities of a bad brand, brand positioning, selling experiences, bad behaviour equals a bad brand, branding from the inside out, shifting the mind set from me to we, and a whole lot more!

Aaron Bethune. Music Specialist. Creative Collaborator.

http://www.playitloudmusic.com http://www.abovethenoise.ca http://www.twitter.com/playitloudmusic

For more information on Karen please visit:

http://www.brandingpays.com

http://www.twitter.com/karenkang

To purchase Karen's Book:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0988437503/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Today's interview is with digital music and media strategist, music technology educator, singer/songwriter, Nashvillian, and bioinformacist, Charles Alexander. Charles is also founder of Outside The Box Music, a digital media development, strategy and artist services company.

Charles helps artists, musicians and songwriters create and extend their online presence. He implements strategies and runs campaigns to increase fan acquisition, engagement and create brand awareness. The intent of these efforts are to acquire and nurture a fan base that would help artists build and maintain sustainable careers.

He has been quoted in The Washington Post and The Tennessean and featured on the front page of the international music technology blog, HypeBot.Com. He has spoken at events held by ASCAP, Americana Music Association, The Folk Alliance International, NSAI and has contributed to the national discussion on SOPA, the online piracy bill.

Charles performs at venues like The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee on a regular basis. He speaks at national and regional indie and digital music events and is an ardent advocate for independent music.

Today we go in depth on how to use analytics to build an online strategy, get your pen and paper ready!

Aaron Bethune. Music Specialist. Creative Collaborator.

http://www.playitloudmusic.com

http://www.abovethenoise.ca

http://www.twitter.com/playitloudmusic

For more information on Charles you can visit his websites here:

http://www.outsidetheboxmusic.com

http://www.charlesalexander.com

http://www.twitter.com/musiccharles

Today's interview is with digital music and media strategist, music technology educator, singer/songwriter, Nashvillian, and bioinformacist, Charles Alexander. Charles is also founder of Outside The Box Music, a digital media development, strategy and artist services company.

Charles helps artists, musicians and songwriters create and extend their online presence. He implements strategies and runs campaigns to increase fan acquisition, engagement and create brand awareness. The intent of these efforts are to acquire and nurture a fan base that would help artists build and maintain sustainable careers.

He has been quoted in The Washington Post and The Tennessean and featured on the front page of the international music technology blog, HypeBot.Com. He has spoken at events held by ASCAP, Americana Music Association, The Folk Alliance International, NSAI and has contributed to the national discussion on SOPA, the online piracy bill.

Charles performs at venues like The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee on a regular basis. He speaks at national and regional indie and digital music events and is an ardent advocate for independent music.

Today we go in depth on how to use analytics to build an online strategy, get your pen and paper ready!

Aaron Bethune. Music Specialist. Creative Collaborator.

http://www.playitloudmusic.com

http://www.abovethenoise.ca

http://www.twitter.com/playitloudmusic

For more information on Charles you can visit his websites here:

http://www.outsidetheboxmusic.com

http://www.charlesalexander.com

http://www.twitter.com/musiccharles

Today's music industry podcast is with the world's number one live music producer, Tom Jackson.

While I was down visiting Nashville recently I met up with Tom in a coffee shop in Franklin, TN. I was really excited to get together with Tom because I am a huge fan of his work and his live music method. There are so many people that are experts in the marketing of music, the branding, the licensing, etc... but there is only one person that is recognized in the world of live performance producing and that is Tom Jackson.

All roads lead to the stage is something Tom says and it is so true. At the end of the day it doesn't matter what else you do, no matter how well you do your business, how great of an album you record, how good you look, etc... If your live show isn't amazing you will never be a career artist.

Whether you have one song to perform for an audition or a late night tv show, a world tour or an opening slot at Madison Square Gardens, Tom teaches musicians to create unforgettable moments. These moments result in more merch sales, more fans, endorsements, and a lasting career!

Tom is author of the bookTom Jackson’s Live Music Method and the All Roads Lead to the Stage DVD series, is a master at transforming an artist’s live show into a magical experience for the audience!

He has worked with hundreds of artists in nearly every genre, including major artists like Taylor Swift, The Band Perry, Jars of Clay, and others, along with countless indie artists and bands, giving them a foundation and direction to define their unique voice and style to showcase their talent.

As a highly demanded speaker, Tom shares his expertise at music conferences and events around the world – from North America to Europe to Down Under – impacting tens of thousands of artists every year. Tom has been guest speaker and on panels at New Music Seminar, Canadian Music Week, Hillsong-Australia, CMJ, and more, as well as major music schools such as Berklee, University of Miami, and Anderson University.

Here’s what music industry professionals say about Tom:

“Tom makes a major impact…he’s a a true creative partner who helps realize the artist’s full performance potential.” Matt Serletic, Producer (Santana, Celine Dion, Aerosmith, Matchbox Twenty, Rob Thomas)

“You are only hurting your music career if you are not listening to what Tom Jackson has to say about your onstage performance. If you are a singer, performing artist or in a band performing live and can only do one thing to further your career, take my advice, listen to Tom!” Derrick Ross, Slaight Music (formerly with Feldman & Associates – Avril Lavigne, Diana Krall, Barenaked Ladies)

In our interview we discuss:

Becoming a live music producer

Increasing merch sales through live music experience

Creating difference through performance

Developing authenticity in onstage performance

Are you married to your audience or are you dating your audience?

Hi Tech and Hi Touch

Keeping the fans and building your audience

The Middle Class Musician

Revenue Streams

Sponsorships

Selling from the stage

Characteristics of successful artists

Being ready

Being present in the moment

The three reasons people go to a show

Maintaining success

Do you move to where the action is?

The live music method

Aaron Bethune. Music Specialist. Creative Collaborator.

http://www.playitloudmusic.com

http://www.abovethenoise.ca

http://www.twitter.com/playitloudmusic

For more information on Tom and to purchase his book and DVD's please visit:

Tom Jackson Productions

http://tomjacksonproductions.com

Onstage Success

http://www.onstagesuccess.com

Today's music industry podcast is with the world's number one live music producer, Tom Jackson.

While I was down visiting Nashville recently I met up with Tom in a coffee shop in Franklin, TN. I was really excited to get together with Tom because I am a huge fan of his work and his live music method. There are so many people that are experts in the marketing of music, the branding, the licensing, etc... but there is only one person that is recognized in the world of live performance producing and that is Tom Jackson.

All roads lead to the stage is something Tom says and it is so true. At the end of the day it doesn't matter what else you do, no matter how well you do your business, how great of an album you record, how good you look, etc... If your live show isn't amazing you will never be a career artist.

Whether you have one song to perform for an audition or a late night tv show, a world tour or an opening slot at Madison Square Gardens, Tom teaches musicians to create unforgettable moments. These moments result in more merch sales, more fans, endorsements, and a lasting career!

Tom is author of the bookTom Jackson’s Live Music Method and the All Roads Lead to the Stage DVD series, is a master at transforming an artist’s live show into a magical experience for the audience!

He has worked with hundreds of artists in nearly every genre, including major artists like Taylor Swift, The Band Perry, Jars of Clay, and others, along with countless indie artists and bands, giving them a foundation and direction to define their unique voice and style to showcase their talent.

As a highly demanded speaker, Tom shares his expertise at music conferences and events around the world – from North America to Europe to Down Under – impacting tens of thousands of artists every year. Tom has been guest speaker and on panels at New Music Seminar, Canadian Music Week, Hillsong-Australia, CMJ, and more, as well as major music schools such as Berklee, University of Miami, and Anderson University.

Here’s what music industry professionals say about Tom:

“Tom makes a major impact…he’s a a true creative partner who helps realize the artist’s full performance potential.” Matt Serletic, Producer (Santana, Celine Dion, Aerosmith, Matchbox Twenty, Rob Thomas)

“You are only hurting your music career if you are not listening to what Tom Jackson has to say about your onstage performance. If you are a singer, performing artist or in a band performing live and can only do one thing to further your career, take my advice, listen to Tom!” Derrick Ross, Slaight Music (formerly with Feldman & Associates – Avril Lavigne, Diana Krall, Barenaked Ladies)

In our interview we discuss:

Becoming a live music producer

Increasing merch sales through live music experience

Creating difference through performance

Developing authenticity in onstage performance

Are you married to your audience or are you dating your audience?

Hi Tech and Hi Touch

Keeping the fans and building your audience

The Middle Class Musician

Revenue Streams

Sponsorships

Selling from the stage

Characteristics of successful artists

Being ready

Being present in the moment

The three reasons people go to a show

Maintaining success

Do you move to where the action is?

The live music method

Aaron Bethune. Music Specialist. Creative Collaborator.

http://www.playitloudmusic.com

http://www.abovethenoise.ca

http://www.twitter.com/playitloudmusic

For more information on Tom and to purchase his book and DVD's please visit:

Tom Jackson Productions

http://tomjacksonproductions.com

Onstage Success

http://www.onstagesuccess.com

Today I am talking with graphic designer, photographer and branding expert, Josh Nychcuk. He designed the "Above The Noise" logo and is my go to guy when it comes to design for the projects I work on.

I thought Josh would be the perfect person to ask some questions regarding building a brand identity. I wanted to get some "nuts and bolts" answers that could be directly applicable to developing your brand's visual identity.

When asked to described what he does and why, Josh says this:

I work in the field of visual communication as a graphic designer and photographer. I firmly believe in the potential of design—it's ability to create a better and more meaningful world. To me good design is a delicate balance between research, rational thinking, and intuition. When these 3 acts are in harmony, design has the ability to create positive lasting change.

Design is a tremendous tool for improving and simplifying education and learning; creating experiences that are more delightful, functional and meaningful; developing businesses, organizations and initiatives that will have sustainable long-term growth, and a positive effect on the community and environment.

Josh shares a ton of hands on advice in this interview that will be invaluable to building your brand's visual identity.

In our conversation we discuss:

Typography, Colours, Emotion, Imagery, Consistency, Contrast, values

Aaron Bethune. Music Specialist. Creative Consultant.

http://www.playitloudmusic.com http://www.abovethenoise.ca http://www.twitter.com/playitloudmusic

For more information on Josh please visit:

http://www.nychukdesign.com

http://www.lookglassblog.com

http://www.joshnychuk.tumblr.com

Today I am talking with graphic designer, photographer and branding expert, Josh Nychcuk. He designed the "Above The Noise" logo and is my go to guy when it comes to design for the projects I work on.

I thought Josh would be the perfect person to ask some questions regarding building a brand identity. I wanted to get some "nuts and bolts" answers that could be directly applicable to developing your brand's visual identity.

When asked to described what he does and why, Josh says this:

I work in the field of visual communication as a graphic designer and photographer. I firmly believe in the potential of design—it's ability to create a better and more meaningful world. To me good design is a delicate balance between research, rational thinking, and intuition. When these 3 acts are in harmony, design has the ability to create positive lasting change.

Design is a tremendous tool for improving and simplifying education and learning; creating experiences that are more delightful, functional and meaningful; developing businesses, organizations and initiatives that will have sustainable long-term growth, and a positive effect on the community and environment.

Josh shares a ton of hands on advice in this interview that will be invaluable to building your brand's visual identity.

In our conversation we discuss:

Typography, Colours, Emotion, Imagery, Consistency, Contrast, values

Aaron Bethune. Music Specialist. Creative Consultant.

http://www.playitloudmusic.com http://www.abovethenoise.ca http://www.twitter.com/playitloudmusic

For more information on Josh please visit:

http://www.nychukdesign.com

http://www.lookglassblog.com

http://www.joshnychuk.tumblr.com

Today it is my pleasure to be talking with established social media marketing authority and New York Bestselling Author, Chris Brogan!

I have been really interested in interviewing people that are not directly related to the music industry, but that can share a ton of insight as to how what they do can benefit the careers of musicians. It is always interesting to get a different angle on this industry!

A musician in his free time, chris has surprisingly good knowledge of the current music industry and has a ton of great comparisons and examples to share.

Chris is a New York Times Bestselling author of books like The Impact Equation and Trust Agents (cowritten with Julien Smith), Social Media 101, and Google Plus for Business.

He has appeared in several magazine and news articles from Forbes, The Boston Globe, Success, USA Today, and has appeared on TV shows like The Dr Phil Show. (Oddly, in conversations with people who aren’t into the online world, people are always more impressed with the Dr. Phil appearance than the New York Times bestseller thing.)

Chris is also the cofounder of the PodCamp new media conference series, exploring the use of new media community tools to extend and build value.

He has 12 years of experience in online networks, social communities, and other elements of digital business.

He has 16 years of enterprise telecommunications and wireless experience prior to all this.

Aaron Bethune. Music Specialist. Creative Consultant.

http://www.playitloudmusic.com & http://www.abovethenoise.ca

Today's interview covers:

Don't just be interesting, connect

Build Relationships

Deadmau5

Clictivisim Vs. Activism

Record Labels that buy "Likes"

Giving before you ask

90% for free

Finding out who your audience is

Fans are a community

Selling the experience

Hanging out with NIN drummer

Adele at The Royal Albert Hall

Bravery

Ingredients to Success

Overnight Success

Creating offline viral sensations

Storytelling

Being Passionate

Cutting through the noise

Getting a "real job"

1000 True fans vs. the 150 Rule (Robin Dunbar number)

For more information on Chris Brogan please visit:

Chris Brogan Blog: http://www.chrisbrogan.com

Chris Brogan's Weekly Newsletter: http://hbway.com/nl or

http://www.humanbusinessworks.com/newsletter

Human Business Works: http://humanbusinessworks.com

About Human Business Works: http://www.humanbusinessworks.com/about

Human Business Works Courses: http://www.humanbusinessworks.com/courses

The Human Business Way Radio Show (Podcast):

http://www.humanbusinessworks.com/radioshow

Other DIrect Links:

iTunes: http://hbway.com/itunes

Stitcher: http://hbway.com/stitcher

Blackberry: http://hbway.com/blackberry

RSS via a podcatcher of your choice: http://hbway.libsyn.com/rss

Today it is my pleasure to be talking with established social media marketing authority and New York Bestselling Author, Chris Brogan!

I have been really interested in interviewing people that are not directly related to the music industry, but that can share a ton of insight as to how what they do can benefit the careers of musicians. It is always interesting to get a different angle on this industry!

A musician in his free time, chris has surprisingly good knowledge of the current music industry and has a ton of great comparisons and examples to share.

Chris is a New York Times Bestselling author of books like The Impact Equation and Trust Agents (cowritten with Julien Smith), Social Media 101, and Google Plus for Business.

He has appeared in several magazine and news articles from Forbes, The Boston Globe, Success, USA Today, and has appeared on TV shows like The Dr Phil Show. (Oddly, in conversations with people who aren’t into the online world, people are always more impressed with the Dr. Phil appearance than the New York Times bestseller thing.)

Chris is also the cofounder of the PodCamp new media conference series, exploring the use of new media community tools to extend and build value.

He has 12 years of experience in online networks, social communities, and other elements of digital business.

He has 16 years of enterprise telecommunications and wireless experience prior to all this.

Aaron Bethune. Music Specialist. Creative Consultant.

http://www.playitloudmusic.com & http://www.abovethenoise.ca

Today's interview covers:

Don't just be interesting, connect

Build Relationships

Deadmau5

Clictivisim Vs. Activism

Record Labels that buy "Likes"

Giving before you ask

90% for free

Finding out who your audience is

Fans are a community

Selling the experience

Hanging out with NIN drummer

Adele at The Royal Albert Hall

Bravery

Ingredients to Success

Overnight Success

Creating offline viral sensations

Storytelling

Being Passionate

Cutting through the noise

Getting a "real job"

1000 True fans vs. the 150 Rule (Robin Dunbar number)

For more information on Chris Brogan please visit:

Chris Brogan Blog: http://www.chrisbrogan.com

Chris Brogan's Weekly Newsletter: http://hbway.com/nl or

http://www.humanbusinessworks.com/newsletter

Human Business Works: http://humanbusinessworks.com

About Human Business Works: http://www.humanbusinessworks.com/about

Human Business Works Courses: http://www.humanbusinessworks.com/courses

The Human Business Way Radio Show (Podcast):

http://www.humanbusinessworks.com/radioshow

Other DIrect Links:

iTunes: http://hbway.com/itunes

Stitcher: http://hbway.com/stitcher

Blackberry: http://hbway.com/blackberry

RSS via a podcatcher of your choice: http://hbway.libsyn.com/rss

Today's interview is with music marketing expert, author and host of Music Business Radio, David Hooper.

I've always enjoyed listening to David's interviews, so when planning my trip down to Nashville recently I reached out to him on Twitter. I asked if he was up for being on the other side of the mic and answering some of my nosy questions.

I was especially interested in interviewing David as he has interviewed many movers and shakers as well as artists in the industry, so I knew he was bound to have a ton of insight to share!

David helps upcoming artists and songwriters to make more money in the music business. Since 1995, it’s what he's done on a daily basis. Last week David published his latest book "6 Figure Musician - How to Sell More Music, Get More People to Your Shows, and Make More Money in the Music Business. This music marketing book comes with the guarantee that if you follow his recommendations you will make $100,000 or more. It is packed with a ton of great information and best of all it is absolutely free! As you can imagine I was very curious to ask David some of his marketing secrets!

We recorded the interview in the lobby of the hotel, amongst bustling musicians and other guests, so expect some interesting background noises!

Among other topics we discuss how to make $100k in the new music industry, what we can learn from spam e-mails, techniques to building a mailing list, engaging fans, touring, traits of success, and much more!

Aaron Bethune. Music Consultant. Creative Collaborator.

http://www.playitloudmusic.com & http://www.abovethenoise.ca

For more information on David Hooper please visit:

For a free download of his new book 6 Figure Musician : http://www.musicianbook.com

For up to date music marketing advice: http://www.musicmarketing.com

For Music Business Radio: http://www.blog.musicbusinessradio.com

To Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidhooper