Spring cleaning and my top 5 information sites for musical artists.

Hey everyone, just wanted to put these links out to you again, in case you are spring cleaning.

Spring is the time when we usually feel we need some movement, some fresh ideas and new starts; so if things are not going the way you want them to in your music world, maybe it's time for a spring clean. Time to look at and reassess what's working and what's not.

I was emailing with an artist tonight who is looking for a change and some forward momentum. There is so much good information out there, but before you can look at marketing, you have to very carefully, and honestly look at what you have to market.

There are millions of artists out there trying to do the same thing as you, so do the very best you can. (And don't let that seem daunting, because no matter what, you are an original and will have your own audience - you just have to either find it or make it!).

My checklist of marketing 'readiness' includes:

1) Product - make it as good as it can possibly be.
2) Web presence - again, make it as good as possible (my 3 C's - clear, concise and clever).

3) Live show - literally - have your act together! Be comfortable and confident.

And while you are working on these things, and to make the time go faster if you are indeed waiting on sessions/income/web designers etc!, read and study and learn about marketing your own product.

My top 5 music information sites (and their twitter names) include (in no particular order):

Pitchfork | ( pitchforkmedia on Twitter )

The essential guide to independent music and beyond.

Derek Sivers | ( sivers on Twitter )

Entrepreneur + programmer. I help musicians.

Artists House Music | ( artistshouse on Twitter )

Helping Musicians and Music Entrepreneurs Build Sustainable Careers

ariel publicity | ( cyberpr on Twitter )

I run Cyber PR, a digital PR & Social Media firm for musicians. I also wrote Music Success in Nine Weeks www.cyberprbook.com

ThornyBleederRecords | ( thornybleeder on Twitter )

The Bleeder Blog: Home to Thorny Bleeder Records. Music Commentary, and Indie Advice.

It's so important to get your ducks in a row before you put yourself out to the world. First impressions still matter.

And good luck to all of our artists playing out at Olympic venues this month - to check out schedules go to raveonstudio.com/news .....all our shows are FREE!