Newbie Nectar
Ramblings for those just beginning their musical journey
By Joe Kleon

Hello,

My name is Joe Kleon.  I live in Cleveland, Ohio and have spent my adult life (almost 40 years) working in the music business.  I started off spending 20 years working full time in commercial radio, mostly at rock stations, but also doing network broadcasting, commercial voice work, and audio production.  I spent five years working for Warner/Elektra/Atlantic Records and transitioned into music photography.  I have photographed over 1,700 shows in the last 25 years.  You can hear my radio aircheck here and check out my photo portfolio here.

I have worked with bands of all types, from those just starting out to those who are well established.  For the last 14 years, I have worked with SongCast, immersing myself into the world of indie music.  I have seen a lot  bands do things the right way and many more do things the wrong way.  

Here are just a few thoughts to hopefully help those who are beginning their journey into making and distributing their own music.  This blog is mostly geared for newbies.  Hopefully reading this will help you avoid some common mistakes that can hurt the beginning of your career and negatively impact the way your music is absorbed by the world.

I will make references to a series of self-help videos I produced a few years ago called “The Indie Artist Insider.”  You can check out a list of the first 100 episodes, with links to the episodes on YouTube and Soundcloud, by downloading this PDF file.  

First, pick an artist or band name that is easy to find in today’s digital world.  If your artist name is “John Smith” or “Pretty Flowers,”  NOBODY is going to find you on social media, or any search engine.  Find a name that is unique and easy to find when searching.  Stay away from common phrases that will be lost in the vast world of internet searching.  I have seen releases under artist names of “Steve” or “Chris.”  Who is ever going to find you, using those generic and common names? 

In today’s trying political times, stay away from political discussions and fights on your artist social media page(s), unless politics and/or social issues define your music.  Why post inflammatory topics that will anger and turn away half your audience?  Avoid being dragged into political arguments or fights of any kind.  Delete these posts when they appear and block those that post them.  Take a listen to Episode #32, Improving And Enhancing Your Internet Reputation and Episode #62, Avoiding Online Negativity.  You only have one chance to make a good first impression.  See Episode #48, Making A Good First Impression.

Check out this Indie Artist Insider #8 called “Your Digital Presence” for a longer discussion on this topic.

Your band’s visual and audio image is so important.  Make it the absolute best you can.

It is pretty easy these days to get a decent recording of your original music.  Digital Audio Workstations are easy to set up at home and are more inexpensive than ever.  Amazing software such as Pro Tools Intro and Audacity are FREE!  Don’t be afraid to ask to spend time online learning digital recording techniques.  Ask friends and associates for help and advice.  

Check out this Indie Artist Insider #68 called “Common Digital Recording Mistakes” for a longer discussion on this topic and Episode #23, Mixing And Mastering. 

Hire a professional, or good amateur photographer, who is experienced doing music photos.  Relying on cell phone photos is usually never a good idea.  Your visuals can make or break if a new potential fan pushes the play button and listens to your music, or if they don’t.  Get good promo photos taken.  If you are just starting out, hire a photographer to shoot a live gig and shoot some promo photos an hour before the gig.  You have just accomplished two photo shoots, without hiding two photographers!  See Episode #63, Photography, Artwork, And Everything Visual.

The same applies to video.  Having a good video is essential.  It doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars or have movie studio production.  However, it should be better than a blurry, choppy cellphone video.  Take a look at Episode #26, The Importance Of Video

Make the most of your live performances, no matter how big or small.  Use them to network, build relationships with venue owners, promoters, front of h ouse sound engineers, new fans, and other bands.  Archive these performances by getting soundboard recordings, if possible, and video.  Going back over your performances will allow you to see what works and what doesn’t.  

See Indie Artist Insiders #9, Professional Etiquette, #14, Booking And Playing Your First Gigs, #15 Networking, #18 Fine Tuning Your Live Performance, Episode #42, Stage Presentation. Episode #45, Your First Headlining Gig.

Finally, get the most mileage out of everything!  Make the most out of every second you put into your new musical journey.  See Episode #54, Getting The Most Mileage Out Of Everything.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN!