So you have spent lots of time learning how to play an instrument or two, collaborated some lyrics and blended them together into songs. That is the main focus when you are building your talent as a polished musician. Many know how much effort is needed into achieving a high standard of musicianship. I follow many original artists as it is a serious hobby of mine, however I see many musicians making the same mistakes when it comes to exposure. Firstly presentation is everything, you need to get your image of what you are trying to portray across to an audience. Many people just think it may be about the music and songs and yes I have heard some great artists. If you are going to take music seriously, you need to be able to present in the correct manner before maximum exposure is reached. I have done my research and the industry is just not the same as what it was 10 years ago. You need to be a lot more tech savvy, uniquely presentable and know how to expose yourself on music stage. There is a vast music audience waiting to listen to your music and follow you as an artist. Myspace music, facebook music, twitter for music, reverb nation assist with broadcasting your shows and gigs and itunes music are just the beginning. Then you need web designers, hosting servers, the right artist branding and artworks. The list can be endless not to mention equipment and cost for travelling around. So how can we assist musicians stream live performance videos and music over the web. You really need to link into all internet ventures and have a presence if you are going to get anywhere. Music stage has been designed to assist an artist with extra exposure on the internet that they would normally never achieve on their own. It is a central point where the only thing to look at are musicians, live performance at venues around the globe, video clips and live events. For an internet visitor, it is preferable when looking at an artist that their websites are professional and easy to view so sign up to all sites possible and make it easy to view them. With a high level of online viewers going to one point with easy search criteria to view country, city or broad genre an artist (when signed up to musicstage.com as a member) can maximise visits back to their websites. Good luck with your music career and don’t forget to compare other successful artists and take note.

Whether you’re an established artist with a rock band or a solo artist searching for a gig or attempting to recruit a manager or record label, the way you present yourself and your music is of high importance. Make your presence stand out and be yourself. Make an effort to increase your chance by creating a polished presentation.

Take out some time and read other artists lyrics and bio. A great photo would be a brilliant idea. Grab some tips from other well-promoted artists to get an idea of what looks professional. If you can get on music forums, in music news or keep in the spot light in the right way it is going to help you dramatically. (more…)

The easiest way to find a venue is to use some of the search engines that are available online. There are quite a few to gain insight into however google.com, yahoo.com, ask.com, baidu.com, bing.com are some of the largest and will help by either searching for live music and the city name or open mic + the city your in. You will need to either read the reviews or find a site that lists all venues. They often give details about singer songwriter societies or groups. This is a great way of finding out most places in one location.

Another thing to remember is when applying for your artist website to be indexed on a search engine there are many to apply to. You can submit your website to a list of search engines. If you need some help email info@musicstage.com and we will give you some suggestions on where to start.

In my many years of travel, I find it thrilling to play at a venue when I am traveling somewhere new. As I travel around for work it is a hobby of mine to look up open mic nights in different areas where venues allow you to play without much notice. It is very fulfilling to hear other people’s music and also perform on stage for others to listen. I guess as a songwriter myself it is something I have grown a custom to. However every time I hear someone new it allows the ideas to start flowing through my head when I write and create music. You can hear all types of different styles, sounds and rhythm, which can be a great inspiration.

If you feel like you are stuck for material to write a song. It does not take much to look around you and often all the ingredients to a great song are always around you. Creating is only your ability to be aware, feel and express yourself and your emotions. If you can change your perspective for just a moment it is amazing what you can do. If you write alone you can always try writing with another artist, it can help you create music also. To find an artist in your area, do a search on musicstage.com and select a country or city and see if there is a musician near you to contact. There is even a skype feature on the members page and if you are signed in with your skype details then it is easy to chat and call an artist. It is also set up so that you can have a jam session and play with an artist from your home if your internet connection is fast enough.

Music stage is a tool to assist artists that write and perform their own music. To take advantage of this website that is a central point to view live music all you have to do is register a profile. If you have a myspace, facebook and other music related websites you use to promote yourself you can link back to from your member profile.

The link is http://www.musicstage.com/register.php

Once you have uploaded a profile and you are approved by the site admin, you can then upload your live music video. The easiest way to do this is to upload your performance on you tube directly then once you select add video in your membership profile, you will then be able to embed the you tube video onto your profile. This will appear on musicstage.com when someone searches for the country you are in, or if a search is conducted with your criteria they will be able to view your performance.

This is an inexpensive way of gaining more fans and it is a free service. Many venues around the world will be displayed on the site with many fans, friends and talent scouts browsing for new talent or musicians to play at live gigs. Ensure that you upload your details correctly as you may be contacted to further your musical career.

Understand the business of music is a critical element not only in succeeding but thriving and surviving. We call it the music business, there two aspects, the music and there is business.

You could be a great player but if you have an attitude problem, or do not know the correct way to carry yourself then it could be some part of your presentation that turns people away from you. It is the art of being fun and having people happy to be around you and your work.

Understanding how speech patterns work and how we communicate can help when dealing with other musicians, audiences and the right people to get ahead.

Marketing yourself is so important, and enhancing the difference you can contribute to your musical ability and present it in a way that is appealing to others will give you a huge advantage. These are the types of things that will make you stand out from the other musicians and make people want to be around you and follow you.

Building websites are another must that you need to work towards so that people can relate to you and your music. If you need more assistance in how to create an online presence for a cost effective solution email info@musicstage.com for more information.

It is important to obtain an online presence and once you have a following, then shows, merchandise, record sales, radio play and performance royalties are achievable. When you actually do the research about payments and income you may get discouraged, however there are people making plenty of money in the music business. The more research you do the better educated you are to succeed.

Playing at a venue is another important aspect of the music business, as well as recording a song / EP / album. These are great ways to make your music professional and gain a greater interest. One of the most effective ways to market on the Internet is by music video. Once you have done all of this then you are on your way to being an accomplished artist. Good luck – May the force be with you!!!