Does anyone work in or know anyone...

Who works in the music business?  Particularly in the pacific NW region of the United States? 

 

I have a brother is just an outstanding musician in the Portland Oregon area.  The problem is that like most musicians, he has no idea how to market his product or string together a good run of well paying gigs.  I am a marketer but have very little experience in the music business.  He has come up with some $$$ and put together a VERY good CD that is professional and origional.  He is in the process of getting the music copyrighted (sp?)  right now as we speak.  Trader Joes has expressed interest in carrying the CD in their stores. 

 

I can easily get you the cd to listen to and judge for yourself.  He is a blues guitar player/songwritter with one hell of a band.  Long story short, I would see it as a personal favor if any of you covers bretheren who are in a possition to help find gigs or market music would take a listen and let me know what you think.

 

I would not have posted this on here if I didn't truly feel that this music needs to be marketed to the public in a way that we just don''t know how to do.  Any advice would be helpful as well.  I will be happy to send some samples to folks who just enjoy good independent music as well.

 

Does he have a myspace? If he does I would like the link and if he doesn't that is a great way to get his music out there.

purevolume.com is a good way to get your music out there and heard, might lead to some good contacts or at least a fan base

Guys, thanks for the responses.  He has myspace but hasn't put the music up yet.  I just e-mailed him to do just that.  I guess I could get a list of clubs in that part of the country and just start hammering the telephone to try and book him some gigs.  I guess a myspace link would be cheaper and easier than sending demos cds via mail like I used to do for myself. 

Definitely do the purevolume account too though, its free to put up like 4-5 songs and its a good community for musicians, producers, agents, and others in the music industry, good talent on their gets noticed quick and word will spread...it leads to making good contacts.

I was the VP of sales/marketing for a special events company in the WASH DC area  and booked bands , DJ's among other things  ..

 

See if a coffee house , local music club would give him a show on an 'off night' like mid week and then build up to weekends and more consistent gigs ..

 

also try the local music festival or other local festival route that most cities have during the year -usually summer , spring , fall..

 

gl -

He finally got his myspace music page up. 

i forwarded the link to a guy i know in seattle who's been involved in the music business in the NW in various capacities since the days of "mother love bone."

Thank you.  He's young and everything he puts out is way better than the last.  I can't believe how far he''s come in his playing.

I'm on Garageband.com.....Good way to get your songs listened to...I've made a few rock CDs,but its a tough business

Rackjaw, I just listened to your stuff (I assume that "rackjaw" is you).  You've got a voice on you.  Sounds good, very hearfelt.  I like the site as well.  I'm a musician as well but I never really had to worry about marketing since I was just a hired gun lead guitar player for country singers in Texas.  You are right about the business being tough.  You ever want to travel north for some gigs let me know and I'll talk to some people here in the myrtle beach area.

Yea I am digging Dave's new CD.

Listen to it almost every day.  The instrumentals are rediculous on there.  Really like the vibe of the instrumental songs.  He has come a long way.  Probably a result of all the times he wipped our asses down playing that guitar all night long.

BTW -- The Drive By Truckers are awesome.

Happy Thanksgiving Bro

 

I've got a lot of brothers as you can see.