Is your music copyrighted....

     Is your music copyrighted or do you have the “poor man’s copyright;” which doesn’t stand up legally in court that is if you expect to get paid for copyright infringement?  By law your music is copyrighted as soon as it is fixated on a hard copy.  But the only true way to establish a copyright is through the U.S. Copyright office; legal way that is.  It will establish the date and time your work was first written or song plus of course by whom.  This information is important if you have to go to court to establish ownership of your work.
     You go through the U.S. Copyright office and guess what?  They are online at www.copyright.gov or you can call them to acquire the information you need at (202) 707-3002 or 1-877-476-0778 (toll free).  I always file my copyrights online because it’s easier and I can copyright a whole album for the same price I would pay to copyright one song; currently it cost only $35 on-line.  First you have to establish an account through the eCo login by hitting the heading registration on the copyright webpage at www.copyright.gov then you hit the little blue circle (there’s an arrow pointing right to it).  Once you get into the system you just fill in the blanks.  It’s so easy.
     One more thing, make sure that the work being copyrighted is by the same authors.  You can’t have one work by Little big foot and Plain Jane and have another work by Little big foot and Ugly Joe.  Sorry, but they have to be by the same authors.     Now if you decide to mail your work into the copyright office then it will cost you $65.  You can still go to the website and download the forms or you can call and request copies, there’s also a link on this page http://www.copyright.gov/eco/ where you can request the forms.  They make everything so convenient.  Below is the mailing address to the copyright office:
U.S. Copyright Office101 Independence Avenue SEWashington, DC 20559     Okay, that’s your basic information on copyrighting your work.  If you don’t understand how to do this then maybe you should call a Lawyer; just to be safe.  Okay, much love to you all.  This is your girl Lady PJ and information is power so be informed.

Possible Advertisement site: Promo FM

     I found this site online and if they can deliver all that they advertise you may want to go and check them out.  They are currently the promo for Nick Cage new movie.  Interesting!  The Company name is PromoFm and you can hit the link that follows in order to go and check them out:  http://www.promofmmusic.com/.
     "PromoFM claims to be the next step for any musician, label, individual, or small business who wants to promote themselves using radio, television or web advertising. Their online community is claimed to be the first online community that give you the tools to promote your music, events, physical and digital products both online and through traditional media (radio, TV). All accounts come equipped with a fully functional online storefront to sell anything from CD’s to Mp3’s to E- books, Show tickets and more!
Purchasing airtime is suppose to be easy through PromoFM Store where you can select from several available packages. They're the one stop promotion and business platform for your band or brand."
     I would love to know what your recommendation would be for this company.  Just hit me back in the comments and we will go from there.     

Two business sites that I recommend for entrepreneur's:

     You know you can really find so many things when you know where to look.  For instance I found these two sites that I think you, the entrepreneur, might be interested in.  One of the sites is “Bigcommerce” and the other is “Focalprice”(5th Focalprice.com Anniversary Celebration, Free Shipping).

      On the Bigcommerce site you can set-up your own store.  I’m so serious.  So you say you don’t have a product, then you go on over to Focalprice (under the wholesale link) but I think you have to have an EIN to get the wholesale price.  You do know how to get your business EIN from the IRS; form SS-4.  Here’s a link to help you out:  http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/How-to-Apply-for-an-EIN.  In order to make your business legal you must obtain a business license and yes there is a fee.   You’ll have to call The Business License division in your area to find out what that fee is and if there are any other requirements.

    The one thing I really like about Bigcommerce is… if you have a question that you just need to ask they have a person waiting to answer any question you might have.  How cool is that?  I checked the prices and was completely surprised by the price.  Their plans start as low as $24.95 a month.  Wow!  It’s got me thinking about a store.  I also checked to see if you could set your store up to download; like music or poetry.  Guess what?  You can so do that.  Imagine your own store with your music on it and other products.  Sounds really good, right?  Bigcommerce can also provide you with a merchant account so you can accept credit cards and the payments go directly into your account. 

     Focalprice carries a long list of products; from toys, to electronics, and even men's wigs.  Cause you guys need some help sometimes too.  I'm just saying, so check it out.
     I have to say that I’ve made it really easy for so just hit the links and they will direct you to the sites.  This is for that Entrepreneur that keeps saying they don’t have the opportunity; well here’s the opportunity.  The question is, are you bold enough to follow your dream?

     As always I’m Lady PJ and information is power, so be informed.

How to create a Press Kit/Media Kit

How to create a Press Kit/Media Kit for your band or artist?
Things you will need to complete your press kit:
·         A Cover page
·         Your band or artist bio
·         Artist fact sheets
·         A CD of your songs
·         Artist/Band Photos
·         All press clippings that mention you as an artist/band
 1.       First create a cover page:  The cover page should be a letter addressed to the person you are giving the press kit to.  Keep in mind that this is the first thing that person will see, so make it stand out.   The cover page should always have your contact information, website, and basic details about your music and band/artist.  In fact put your band contact information on every page of your press kit.
2.       Band Bio:  Your bio should be a one-page sheet that contains a brief history about your band/artist and its accomplishments.  Never over sell your band.  Include anything unique that sets your band or act apart from others.
3.       Any press clippings, reviews, or positive mentions:  If you have press coverage (favorable press coverage), include a page of quotes and reviews of your band, live shows, or albums.  Make sure press clippings are presented in a visually appealing format.
4.       A three song CD:  I would suggest that you send your three best songs because more than likely the person you’re sending your kit too doesn’t have a lot of time to go through all of your songs if you include a full album.  Also, make sure all of your contact information is on the CD itself, in case it gets separated from the rest of your kit and the case.
5.       An 8x10 photo:  Most press wants to be able to download digital versions of your photos from your website.  Creativity is important even in your promo photo.  The photo should be black and white so it can be easily duplicated in newspapers.  Venues can use this to create ads for upcoming shows featuring your band, so it is important that the picture represents the band/artist.
6.       A fact sheet about your band:  A fact sheet is a one page references sheet with basic facts about your band/artist.  This can Include:
Ø  Band name
Ø  Style and genre of music
Ø  Band members names
Ø  Where and date you were formed
Ø  Hometown
Ø  Notable coverage or facts about your band
Ø  A list of established bands or artist you sound like
Ø  Tagline (if you have one)
7.       Make this information available on your website:  You should have a section or page on your website that includes all the above information so the press can download the information at their convenience.  FYI, you can use an online blog to house this information and not spend a dime.
P.S.  If you find that you don’t have all the information, don’t make it up.   You will only be starting your career out on a bad foot.   Well, that’s it.  If you’re not that gifted at putting things together creatively then I suggest you hire someone to do it for you.  As always I’m Lady PJ and information is power, so be informed.

Build A Presence As An Artist In The Music World

     So you want to build a presence in the music world and your question is how do you go about establishing that presence?  My answer is simple; hard work.   You have to work every day and try to come up with new and exciting ways to put yourself out there for fans because no fans, no career.
     First, you have to see yourself differently, you are an artist but you’re also a commodity (you are a product) and an individual business.  In that regard you have to find ways to market you the artist like you would market any other commodity or business.  I have to add that taking some business classes would be helpful but nothing is better than life experience.  If you’re like me and you’re one of those people who learn by doing then you just have to get to work.
     Something simple you can do to get going is start a webpage by using sites like Reverbnation.com, Phlobuzz.com, Youtube.com, and Myspace.com or you can build your own website.  You would be amazed to find out how many web hosting sites have user friendly software (GUI) to set your webpage up plus you can be up and running in less than a day.  The good thing is… the prices of some of these sites will amaze you; I pay $4.44 monthly for my webpage.  Surprising I know; that’s what I thought.
     Another thing you can do is pass out business cards.  Business cards are so convenient to use.  You just go up to someone and introduce yourself then give them your card; don’t forget to ask them to check out your site and to listen to your music.  Then you thank them for their time and go on your way to the next person.  See how absolutely simple that is?  The purpose of your business card is to usher them to your webpage or website; then the website should do the rest.
***Note:  Don’t overload your business card with unnecessary information; just your artist name, genre of music, your skills (singer, songwriter, poet, composer, and producer), webpage address, website address, and contact information (email and phone number).  That’s all you need.
     The final thing I’m going to talk about is getting accepted in a few internet groups.  These groups are beneficial in that you will find like-minded people whom you can network with, advertise to, maybe go on gigs together, and establish some close relationships with.  Make sure to post your website address on these sites whenever you get online.
     I hit you with quite a bit to do but if you start out just doing a little at a time it will become second nature and you won’t even see it as work.  I’m Lady PJ and information is power so be informed.

A3C Hip Hop Festival in Atlanta, Ga

One of the largest hip-hop festivals in the US; A3C showcases a cross-section of hip-hop music with live performances from some of hip-hop’s most promising and renowned artists & DJs from across the world. In 2012 A3C included performances from 300+ artist and DJ representing 30+ states and 7 different countries. There were 30+ sponsored showcases in over a dozen different venues in the metro Atlanta area. Stage capacities ranged from 3,000+ outdoor music park to an intimate lounge.

A3C has partnered with Sonicbids and Reverbnation to find talented up-and-coming artists from around the world. Submit your EPK through Sonicbids or Reverbnation. If you do not have an account with either, it is simple and easy to create a new account.

All artists who submit via Reverb or Sonicbids, and are NOT selected, will receive a discount code for an all access A3C pass.

2012 Highlight Performances 

Big Boi, Raekwon, GZA, Tech N9ne, Yelawolf, Just Blaze, Twista, The Liknuts (The Beatnuts & Tha Alkaholiks), Ab-Soul, Devin the Dude, Trinidad James, DJ Red Alert, Hopsin, Dungeon Family, Nipsey Hussle, Killer Mike, 9th Wonder, Freeway, Chris Webby, Prodigy (Mobb Deep), Da Beatminerz, Cyhi The Prynce, Starlito, Rapsody, Mr. MFN Exquire, Nappy Roots, CunningLynguists, Oddisee, Slum Village, Phil Ade, King Chip, DJ Shiftee, Los, Emilio Rojas, Fat Trel, Don Trip, Rich Kidz, Smoke DZA, OCD: Moosh & Twist, Jarren Benton, GLC, Iamsu, Alley Boy, Los Rakas, Grande Marshall, Killy Kyleon, Dizzy Wright, Kirko Bangz, On No, Trae The Truth, Skyzoo, Trouble, Roach Gigz and Young Guru.

If you would like to perform at this event or to know more about it go to this link http://www.a3cfestival.com/perform.

This is your girl Lady PJ and information is power so be informed.

Recommendations http://www.sonicbids.com/

     Hello everyone I just wanted you to know about this site that I use called SonicBids.com. You would be completely amazed to find out about all the shows and events searching for artist like yourself or just artist who make music to license for movies, TV shows, or plays.
     Once you've registered with SonicBids and agree to pay the small monthly fee you're then invited to apply for the vast array of shows and events.  If I'm not mistaken you can try the service for a month free.
     I recommend this site if you're currently interested in touring or just wanting to know what your options are for future gigs.
     Here's the link, http://www.sonicbids.com/, now go and check it out for yourself.  It may be what you need to go to the next level in your music career.
     As always I'm your girl, Lady PJ, and information is power so be informed.

FYI:  I would so love to hear about your experience with this company.  Thank you.