Streaming Music Pricing: Inelastic Stretching

midia music subscriber projectionsPricing has long been an issue for streaming music subscriptions, with the $/€/£ 9.99 price point above what most people spend on music each month. Streaming services have navigated around the issue with a combination of tactics such as telco bundles and aggressive price discounts (e.g. $1 for 3 months). However, these tactics place long term pressure on the 9.99 price point as they create a consumer perception that streaming music should be cheaper than it is. There is no doubt that discounts are doing a great job of converting users and of easing otherwise reluctant consumers into the 9.99 pricing, but the next phase of the streaming market requires a more sustainable approach to pricing strategy, coupled with some serious product innovation.
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How To Get Booked At Music Festivals

FestivalsThis post was written by Lisa Occhino and originally appeared on the Bandzoogle Blog

Booking a music festival gig is one of the most effective ways to grow your fanbase and grab the attention of industry tastemakers. Earning a coveted slot on a festival lineup is a key indicator that you’re not only an extremely talented band, but also that you’re serious about putting in the work to take your music career to the next level.

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Celebrate Success: 4 Party Ideas For Musicians And Artists

Music PartyIf you’re the creative type, a generic party will be an affront to the very work that you put into the world. You need an inventive celebration to reflect your inventive soul. But what if you could use a little help coming up with party themes, games and activities? Here are just a few ideas to get the inspiration flowing.
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HOW TO FIND OUT IF A RECORD LABEL IS ACCEPTING MUSIC

LabelThe music industry may be changing, but most artists, especially those who are still building their careers, remain interested in signing record deals and being part of a label’s roster. It may or may not be necessary to making a living in music (depending on who you ask and what kind of music one is making), but it is still something millions of artists aspire to.

 Because of that reason (among many others), getting your music heard by someone at a label can be incredibly difficult, let alone actually landing a deal. 

No matter what anybody says, there is nothing you can do to ensure a record deal is in your future. You can make the best music, sell a million copies, or even become a viral sensation, but nothing is promised. Having made that clear, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. If there are people out there interested in buying your music, streaming it over and over, and seeing you live, there’s a chance at least one record label is willing to sign you and your band up to some sort of deal. The first step is getting your music heard by the right people, but it’s a very tricky first step.

 Here are a few tips to help you find out which record labels are accepting demos and how you can actually submit to them.
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Don’t Scratch It! How To Safely Relocate Your Instruments While Moving

Moving Instruments takes effortIf you’re a musician, then there’s a good chance that your instruments mean more to you than words can describe. You play and care for them every single day, always making sure that they’re in tip-top condition. But what happens when it’s time for you and your instruments to move into new digs? Here are four tips to help you move your instruments safely without scratching, dinging or denting them.

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Going Mobile: 4 Great Ways Your Band Can Save Money On The Road

Save Money on the roadThree words on the first-time DIY tour experience: exhilarating, difficult, and rewarding. Sandwiched between the positives – between the thrill and the sense of accomplishment – there’s the reality of what it takes to get it done. If you don’t understand DIY is going to be difficult, you’re coming at your first tour with expectations akin to fantasy.  When my band embarked on a three-week West Coast tour three years ago, we had no idea what we were doing. We weren’t rich, but we didn’t even look at advice on inexpensive touring. And we were at each other’s throats. But we survived. I’m here now to impart some of what I learned to you, so you don’t make some of the same money mistakes we did. I can just hear you now, saying, “Thanks, Dad.”

You’re welcome.

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How The Music Industry Can Change

Industry Changes2016 was a big year for the music industry, both in terms of lawsuits and lobbying, although whether these were to the industry’s benefit is debatable. Here we look at major issues with the music business in desperate need of resolution in the coming year.

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Is It Too Late to Learn Music Theory?

Music TheoryFor many musicians, understanding music theory seems an unattainable goal.  They know what sounds good to them, but they have no understanding of why. That also means that breaking “the rules” to make better music seems risky, if not impossible.  Fortunately, there is a solution.
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Where Your Concert Ticket Money Goes

Ticket MoneyThe concert ticket you buy today is more expensive than ever, but that doesn’t seem to hinder music lovers from shelling out their cash anyway. With a typical ticket going for well over $100 and VIP tickets going in the thousands, it begs the question – where does the money I just spent for my ticket go? The Guardian just ran a comprehensive article on the subject and the numbers might surprise you.
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