Entries by Johnnydwinell

10 Music Marketing Facts

By Johnny Dwinell Here are 10 facts for your consideration with regards to the music business, marketing your music, and overall perspective on what some of your favorite stars had to go through to “make it.” Even back in the heyday of the record business, it still required hard work, y’all. You would also be […]

How To Deal With Rejection

By Johnny Dwinell Rejection Ugh. We all fear rejection, we all could learn better ways on how to deal with rejection.  Men especially fear not only rejection but also commitment.  As the buyer, a man is reluctant to purchase anything out of fear of commitment.  As the seller, a man is afraid to ask for […]

5 Ways To Find Artistic Courage

By Johnny Dwinell   cour·age [kur-ij, kuhr-] Show IPA noun 1.   the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. I wholeheartedly disagree with this definition of courage that I pulled from Dictionary.com.  I know I am quite courageous; however I have never been […]

10 Worst Song Demo Mistakes

This week I got the call to produce new record for an artist on a NY label.  It was a rush project as they wanted it “in the can” by 1st week of December in time to ship for Christmas.  Mostly the songs were already chosen, however, at the last minute, the label decided they […]

5 Strategies That Guarantee Success

By Johnny Dwinell Artists are mostly brooders; we are, let’s face it.  We worry too much.  We are constantly tripping about where we should be and therefore look down on ourselves about where our careers currently are and as a result, we get depressed, crotchety, upset, and some of us get downright mean. I got […]

Are You Failing or Conceited?

A reporter came and asked Thomas Edison, “How many times are you going to fail at creating the light bulb?” Mr. Edison replied, “Son, I haven’t failed! I’ve simply discovered another way not to invent the light bulb!” Are You Failing or Conceited? “Failure is really a matter of conceit. People don’t work hard because, […]

Are You A Sellout?

By Johnny Dwinell What is the tribal dynamic that we encounter when other artists and purists admire a great artist (and for that matter great art) upon discovery and reject them (or at least get sour) after the work ascends into the stratosphere of pop culture and begins making pant-loads of money? Should You Sellout? […]

What Is The Best Predictor Of Success?

By Johnny Dwinell   Answer:  True Grit For months now I have been telling y’all that you should be reading the Lefsetz Letter.  Bottom line, if you’re in the music business, Bob Lefsetz always provides and intelligent perspective for indie artists backed up by real data.  I REALLY want to share this blog that Lefsetz […]

How To Successfully Produce Yourself

By Johnny Dwinell Ok, ready for the answer?? YOU DON’T. At least most of you don’t and shouldn’t. Why would you produce yourself? Money? Huh? I mean would you home school yourself for college to save money and claim you’re an economics major? Then go forth unto the economics world with a “home spun” degree […]

Professional Artists Don’t…

By Johnny Dwinell Professionals Artists Don’t – Talk about being professional because they are. Professionals Artists Don’t – Procrastinate Professionals Artists Don’t – Let life get in the way of their mission Professionals Artists Don’t – Make excuses as to why they can’t be professional. Professionals Artists Don’t – Have to win every creative debate/argument, […]