Welcome to the Music Industry - Beginners Guide to Independent Music Promotion

Regardless of whether you're in your mom's basement hammering out your first few riffs, or you've got enough tracks written to start a CD, it's important to know the basics of the independent music promotion, and how to get your foot in the door of the music industry. There have been some changes in the music industry over the past few decades that have changed the face of independent music promotion-you no longer have to be "discovered" by a label and hence exploited. Both a blessing and a curse, independent music promotion is much more accessible these days thanks to the glory of the internet. Though you cant rely solely on social networking sites and online radio stations to get the word out, these can be incredibly valuable resources. Utilizing these online venues as well as doing some physical footwork will help you along your path to independent music promotion, and get your foot in the music industry.

First thing's first, you must record a CD. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources for this. If you are just starting out and don't have a whole lot of cash to fund a high-quality recording, you can try your hand at recording your music at home. There are plenty of online resources available for helping you through this process. Recording is essential for independent music promotion, because you need a product to sell, something to show for yourself. Obviously the better quality the recording, the better you or your band is going to sound. With better quality tracks you will sound legitimate, and professional. You can also improve the sound of your recording using music mastering, which will also make your performance sound more solid and give you a better chance of being successful in your independent music promotion.

After you have music recorded, you must start thinking about how to market it. Much independent music promotion is done on the internet, through the use of social networking sites such as Myspace or Facebook. These sites are great for a couple reasons. The first reason being that you can upload your recordings to your page-this allows your music to be available to potential listeners. You can also acquire a group of friends if you like, which will attract more listeners and help you market with other musicians and venues in your area. The other great thing these sites have to offer your independent music promotion is a place to post dates of your shows-and invite people to attend them. Social networking sites are a great way to gain listeners and fans, and make a name for yourself in the music industry.

Now that you have a social networking page you can use to refer potential listeners, it's time to start marketing your music to different venues. Independent music promotion involves both online and off-line venues-including bars, clubs or coffee shops as well as online music communities and online radio stations. Getting gigs will be easier with great recordings and a solid fan base on your social networking sites. Venues hire musicians to increase their own profits, so they'll be looking for musicians who already have a following. Having a large number of fans or friends on your social networking site will show this. The same goes for online radio stations. This is a good chance to expand the number of listeners you have, as oftentimes these online radio stations are free to listeners. They are a good opportunity for you to get your music out, and help promote other independent musicians.

Once all that is set, you're ready to get going. Performing solid independent music promotion online will allow you to expand your horizons, get more gigs, and get your music heard. Take advantage of all the resources you have and don't skip a beat. Eventually, when you gain a bit of revenue from your gigs you'll be able to put that money back into your independent music promotion and your following will grow in the music industry as a result of it. Perhaps you'll be the next one discovered by a label, and will be selling millions of records. Remember, anything is possible. You just need to know the right way to achieve those goals.