Go Produce

“A good composer borrows a great composer steals.” - Tom Westin

“If you don’t try, nothing will happen.” - Tom Westin

Welcome to SZN 5 of Go Produce! I’m your Show Host, Big Lou! Our mission is to be the go-to community for Indie Artists looking to kick off or level up their careers and to empower the creative entrepreneur providing them with all the resources they require to reach and exceed their goals. We seek to have all committed Indie Music Artists - and their communities -  profit off of their passion.

SmArtist Shoutout
Anastasia - Music Enthusiast and Event Organizer!

Show Notes
SmArtists, Tom Westin is a co-founding partner, composer, producer, and creative director of the Grayson Music Group. It has become one of the premier music production companies in North America, growing to a staff of 40 in its studio facility in Toronto, with an office in Nashville. Grayson MG handles music and sound for over 400 brand projects a year, has composed and supervised hundreds of series and feature films, plus has countless co-writes with artists. Tom was also a finalist for best score at MASA 2019 and has been part of hundreds of award-winning advertising campaigns from Cannes, The One Show, and LIA. 

Key Questions I Asked
1. How would you summarize your early career in 90 seconds? What would have been beneficial to learn earlier in your career?
2. What is the best way to start composing original music?
3. How do you record your song ideas? How do you organize them?
4. What are common types of song structure and how do you know when to apply each?

Hot Topics
1. Qualities that successful artists have.
2. Getting out of your way as an artist.
3. Various layers to brand structure.
4. What to do before spending money as an artist.
5. Songwriting/production drills.

My Favourite Quote
“Everyone experiences that ‘flip of the switch’ differently.” - Tom Westin

Have you had this moment in your life? Maybe you had a couple of ‘switches’. For some people, it can be a near-death experience. For others, it can be meeting a person that helps them change their lives. I had a series of events that happened back to back that contributed to ‘flipping my switch.’ It’s different for everyone. 

Connect with Tom Westin:

• Grayson Music Group

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“If you’re getting into music to earn a quick buck you’re going to learn very quickly that you’re not going to do that.” - Drives

“Having a good song is only 10% of this game.” - Drives

Welcome to SZN 5 of Go Produce! I’m your Show Host, Big Lou! Our mission is to be the go-to community for Indie Artists looking to kick off or level up their careers and to empower the creative entrepreneur providing them with all the resources they require to reach and exceed their goals. We seek to have all committed Indie Music Artists - and their communities -  profit off of their passion. 

SmArtist Shoutout
Emilie Scott - One of the most loving and loyal fans a local artist can have!

Show Notes
SmArtists, Drives The Common Man is a Mi’kmaq (Mig-maw) First Nation singer/songwriter out of Southern Ontario, Canada. One of his most recent releases is called ‘Logged Off’ which I had on repeat for about a week so make sure to check that out. He has experienced virality on social media specifically with his covers and mashups on TikTok. Drives has a long history with music and in this episode, he geared up to share his experience.

Key Questions I Asked
1. What was the biggest obstacle that you've overcome in your career?
2. How often do you work on your craft? 
3. How has your experience been as an Indigenous artist? 
4. What was it like performing at your most challenging show? What did you learn from it?

Hot Topics
1. The School of Rock effect.
2. Will rock music die?
3. What to do when no one cares about your music.
4. Finding ways to recharge as an upcoming artist.
5. The importance of music industry knowledge.

My Favourite Quote
“Cuz I don’t want to go out and get a real job.” - Drives

I understand and agree that ‘following your dreams’ isn’t the most typically taken path. Just because following your dreams isn’t what most people do doesn’t mean that it isn’t real. This is very real. I like to tell the people around me that I am no longer following my dreams but I am creating my reality.

Connect with Drives The Common Man: 

• Instagram
• ‘Logged Off” Music Video

Support the show

This episode will cover preparing and crushing your first performance. Before you sign up for your first open mic or before you get on your first bill there are some steps you’re going to want to take. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do any of these. You can just get in front of people and rap over your song but that isn’t a pleasant experience for the crowd. Let’s take the proper steps to make sure you are entertaining.

Make sure to like, follow, and share with your artist friends! We want to help you and your artist friends turn your passion into profit. Let us help you. Subscribe now to not miss the next episodes!

Prepare a performance track and explain what it is. You don’t want your vocals competing with the track. If your pitch doesn’t match or if your flow is a little off it creates dissonance and the listeners get turned off without even knowing why. This will happen even if your song is good!

Design your songs and set them to be optimal for a performance instead of just having a listening experience. This can involve taking out the verses, lowering the volume of your hook, and including ad-libs. 

Rehearse multiple times before your first performance. Use a mirror or record yourself and then study your moves. Do you like how the hook sounds? Do you need more elements for the performance track? Remember that while performing you will have a greater challenge breathing compared to being in the studio. Practice what you are going to say in between songs. Be intentional. Don’t rap to the ground. Make eye contact. What are you going to wear?

Get a lot of rest the night before and make sure that you have eaten and are hydrated. Don’t eat anything an hour before and don’t eat anything too heavy at all beforehand. Chugging water an hour before won’t do the trick. Start 24 hours before. Give your voice a rest if you can. This is your instrument and it needs to be taken care of. There are various exercises that you can do to warm up your vocals in anticipation of a performance.

Get there early for any sort of preparations and to introduce yourself to other artists and people at the event beforehand. Do not forget the Sound Person! Befriend people, grow your community, be interesting, be interested, and have fun. This will help build your confidence. Do not leave immediately after your performance. Stay to watch the other artists. Study what they do. Socialize with the guests at the venue and tell them where they can find more of your work. Be enthusiastic about the event. 

With your first show in the books, it is now time to reflect on the experience and prepare for the next one. With focused effort, you will only continue to improve! 

Artists, I see a world where all committed Indie Music Artists - and their communities -  profit off of their passion. Thank you for being here and contributing to that vision!

Support the show

This episode specifically will cover marketing your first release. This can take as much time as you give it. Try and give it as much time as you possibly can because there is typically a positive return on investment. We’ve already created our single and we’ve properly registered and distributed it. If you don’t know how to do that then make sure to check out those videos first. 

Make sure to like, follow, and share with your artist friends! We want to help you and your artist friends turn your passion into profit. Let us help you. Subscribe now to not miss the next episodes!

Show Notes
This episode specifically will cover marketing your first release. This can take as much time as you give it. Try and give it as much time as you possibly can because there is typically a positive return on investment. We’ve already created our single and we’ve properly registered and distributed it. If you don’t know how to do that then make sure to check out those videos first. Revisit your goals. Keep them in mind. Refine them. Make sure it is a challenge.

Preparing your artwork. Talk to designers to come up with artwork for your single. I took it a step further and also created a logo. You can pay for these items or you can trade services. Be creative with this always but especially on a low budget. You want your artwork to capture your essence. Communicate subliminally.

Figure out a plan around how you are going to achieve the goal you set. Questions that you can ask when building your plan are what does your network look like? What can you do to nurture those relationships? What can you do to grow your network? What or who are you going to reference? Where are my potential listeners hanging out? There are so many more.

If you want even more information on music marketing then check out Adam Ivy! He is an absolute wealth of knowledge and is one of the leaders in this space.

Once you see the plan you may get overwhelmed. I did. Face yourself. Look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself if you are interested in doing this or if you’re committed. If you’re committed you’re going to do it even when you don’t feel like it. This requires a strong mindset. A strong mindset comes from working on yourself consistently. This is why it is important to know if this is a hobby for you or if you are taking your business to the next level. 

I have 3 main takeaways I’ve gathered from researching music marketing. They are to be aware of the power of 1, To focus on 1 or 2 social platforms at a time, and to be your genuine self. You haven’t escaped all of the marketing after this but for now, we can begin discussing getting ready for your first show which we will do in the next episode. 

Artists, I see a world where all committed Indie Music Artists - and their communities -  profit off of their passion. Thank you for being here and contributing to that vision!

Support the show

The first step is to determine the purpose and goal of this song. This will help you remember why you are doing this work that can be more tedious than creating. If you are not sure how to do this then reach out to me and I can help you!

Make sure to like, follow, and share with your artist friends! We want to help you and your artist friends turn your passion into profit. Let us help you. Subscribe now to not miss the next episodes!

Show Notes
The first step is to determine the purpose and goal of this song. This will help you remember why you are doing this work that can be more tedious than creating. If you are not sure how to do this then reach out to me and I can help you! 

We artists, or composers, for that matter, have several options when it comes to working with PROs (performance rights organizations) and we do so that we as writers and publishers can get paid. We have even more options around distribution so let’s dive into it just enough for you to do it properly. Do not rush this. Start 8 weeks early. You’re going to need to wait for the approval. 

Register for SOCAN as soon as you have your first song ready to go to get it out of the way. One key piece of information that you are going to need here is your IPI# which is pretty much your bank account number for your music.  This is key for collecting money around the world from people playing your music but also for sync licensing. Check out Craig Dodge for more information on that! 

Determine which distributor you want to go with (DistroKid, CDBaby, etc.). There are so many out there and it deserves a whole video to itself but what you need to know is that you need this if you are serious about your work. You can make an impact with YouTube or Soundcloud or even TikTok but this is the inevitable next step so take it as soon as your first song is ready. I went with DistroKid as I believed that it fit what I needed most. Once you’ve registered your song you can promote it within your communities. 

If you want your music on YouTube you have to upload it there separately. If you want your music on Spotify then make sure to register for Spotify For Artists as soon as you’ve selected a distributor so that you can build your profile and submit your song for editorial playlists. One critical piece of information that you’re going to need here is your URI code. Without this, you won’t be able to claim your artist profile or submit your music to editorial playlists. 

With your music now ready to be shared with the world you have to figure out how you are going to present it to them. This is the marketing aspect of this business which we’ll get into in the next episode. 

Artists, I see a world where all committed Indie Music Artists - and their communities -  profit off of their passion. Thank you for being here and contributing to that vision!

Support the show

This episode specifically will cover starting the creative process.
There are so many ways that artists will find inspiration. I’ve seen various ways in use and neither is better than the next.

Make sure to like, follow, and share with your artist friends! We want to help you and your artist friends turn your passion into profit. Let us help you. Subscribe now to not miss the next episodes!

Show Notes
Some start with an instrument/beat/lyrics. A lot of artists look for beats and one of the most effective places I’ve found is TheCharts.com. 
Finding a beat before or after the lyrics are written is all part of the creative process. For beginners, I’d recommend writing to a beat. This will help with matching the lyrics to the beat instead of trying to fit lyrics onto something that it shouldn’t

I began by finding a beat and writing out what comes to mind and I’ve written out an outline and then found a beat to match. Make sure to get stems and record with a competent engineer. The most fun is jumping into the studio with a crew to do work. Make the beat your own, make adjustments, and make room for your melody and your hook. Be creative.

Recording takes time. Don’t worry if you don’t get it on your first attempts. You are going to want to take several takes and then put together what sounds best to you. You must be patient with this. Don’t strive for perfection because that doesn’t exist but make sure that you are happy with the product. I’d recommend recording when you are high energy so that you can bring your everything to the mic. 

I like to be with the engineer while they mix but I understand that sometimes they prefer to work alone. Remember that you hired them for a reason. I believe that artists should at least have a basic understanding of what the engineer is doing. This will allow you to communicate better what you would like.

The creative process doesn’t end once the song is finished. You’re going to have to come up with creative marketing strategies for this, you’re going to have to come up with a performance, and you’re going to have to do some administrative work which we’ll get into in the next episode. 

Artists, I see a world where all committed Indie Music Artists - and their communities -  profit off of their passion. Thank you for being here and contributing to that vision!

Support the show

With another season in the books, it is time to take the next steps. The first is a couple of episodes highlighting some of the best moments from Season 4. After that, we are going to release a 4-part Series called 'Start Your Indie Artist Career' which will help upcoming artists develop themselves by providing them with tips from experienced music industry professionals. 

Make sure to like, follow, and share with your artist friends! We want to help you and your artist friends turn your passion into profit. Let us help you. Subscribe now to not miss the next episodes!

Support the show

With another season in the books, it is time to take the next steps. The first is a couple of episodes highlighting some of the best moments from Season 4. After that, we are going to release a 4-part Series called 'Start Your Indie Artist Career' which will help upcoming artists develop themselves by providing them with tips from experienced music industry professionals. 

Make sure to like, follow, and share with your artist friends! We want to help you and your artist friends turn your passion into profit. Let us help you. Subscribe now to not miss the next episodes!

Support the show

This is Debbie Egel! An attorney with over a decade of experience working with independent labels. She owns and operates a small indie label called E Music Entertainment for indie artists. Debbie has managed legendary and upcoming artists, is knowledgeable of the Economics of Music & the DIY process, has experience finding music, negotiating the purchase of music, writing producer contracts, registering music with the PRO’s, producing music videos, registering copyrights & trademarks, and soliciting radio play. She has also developed marketing and promotion strategies that include social media, merchandising, and PR. She’s even been on the road. Debbie has written an instruction manual called “For the Record” teaching independents working in the industry the basics from beginning a career to putting out music.

Episode theme: What’s an Entertainment Lawyer’s OPINION on the best way to protect yourself as an Artist in the Music Industry? We got into topics that every upcoming artist will have as their paths unfold. Contrary to popular belief, Debbie, thinks that it is still smart to get signed by a Major Record Label. She is an attorney with over a decade of experience working with independent labels who owns and operates a small indie label called E Music Entertainment for indie artists. If you are debating whether or not you want to get signed to a label then this episode is for you. Watch HERE.

This episode is brought to you by TheCharts.com! If you're a producer or beatmaker looking to build your beat-commerce business in less time, TheCharts.com can help. With an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly interface and built-in marketing tools, TheCharts.com will help you grow your brand, build your fanbase, and scale your income. Sign up for free and start selling your beats and instrumentals today at TheCharts.com.

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These are The Vybe Kingz! Vybe Kingz Entertainment is a Canadian-based, urban-cultural entertainment company founded in 2015 by Delany Odanga and Chad Wickham. Vybe Kingz consists of DELO (DJ/Producer), DJ Wickham (DJ/Producer) & DJ Kul (DJ/Business Advisor). After meeting earlier in 2015, they quickly embarked on several collaborations as DJs, creating a buzz within London, ON. Subsequently, Vybe Kingz was formed as a true testament to their style and vision. Vybe Kingz's mission is to become a leader in urban-cultural entertainment worldwide.

Episode theme: How do you maintain the front lines of this turbulent Music Industry as DJs? It is quite obvious to all of us in the Music Industry that it is constantly changing. Hopefully, it continues to change for the better but that has been a grueling process. This pair of DJs share with us their story. Vybe Kingz Entertainment is a Canadian-based, urban-cultural entertainment company founded in 2015 by Delany Odanga and Chad Wickham. They quickly embarked on several collaborations as DJs, creating a buzz within London, ON. If you are looking to grow your DJing business then this episode is for you. Watch HERE.

This episode is brought to you by TheCharts.com! If you're a producer or beatmaker looking to build your beat-commerce business in less time, TheCharts.com can help. With an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly interface and built-in marketing tools, TheCharts.com will help you grow your brand, build your fanbase, and scale your income. Sign up for free and start selling your beats and instrumentals today at TheCharts.com.

Support the show