Posted by Mike McCready | February 13th, 2010 | No responses
There are few better indicators as to the future success of a song or artist than how industry insiders react to your music. These are the people who are
trained to (and make a living by) knowing whether money can be made with a song or an artist. They aren’t always right. But it’s their job and they do it
more consistently than anybody else.
We’re building this company because we saw a need for artists to be able to get quick and inexpensive feedback on their songs from people who make
music their business. It’s hard to access these people. Let’s face it. Most people will spend a lot of time and money trying to get their song into the hands
of people who can truly help them get to the next level.
So, if I had a couple new songs this is how I’d use Music Xray to find out if I have a hit.
I would submit them to 5 or 6 top music industry people to get some real, pure, objective feedback. If most of the feedback is positive you know you’ve
got something hot on your hands. If the general consensus is that your song needs some work, then you’ll get some valuable feedback from people who
aren’t easily accessible and who really know their stuff. You can use the feedback to make adjustments to your work and get more feedback.
For example, let’s say I have a pop act with a couple really good tracks. I would submit the first song (the best one) for a critique and coaching to a few
guys that know the space (for example):
and Peter Rafelson
Keep in mind that each submission enables you to send a note to the industry professional so write a short introduction (not your whole bio and
everything. That goes somewhere else.) and then ask the questions you most want answered.
What do you think of the song itself?
What do you think of the production and the arrangement?
Where would you make improvements?
What do you think about this song’s and this artist’s viability?
Then, wait a few days for the answers.
Once each of them has answered, you submit your next song. In the message section you remind the industry professional who you are and that they just
critiqued your previous song. Then, you ask your follow-on questions.
Can you give me feedback on this song similar to the way you gave me feedback on the previous one?
Do you like this artist enough to see a place for her in any projects you know of?
Where do you think I should take this song next?
Now, that’s a pretty inexpensive and fast way to really and truly know how my song is likely to do in the market. And who knows? I might get signed in the
process. Each of the people I will have just accessed are people who aren’t likely to pass up a sure deal.
Oh, if others say my song is pretty good but I still don’t get a deal, I’d consider submitting it to The
Music Umbrella. They license and place a lot of songs and they don’t seem to let too many good ones go by.
Lastly, whether you’re submitting already created Music Xray Song Presentation Packs or you are just uploading MP3’s be sure to go back and fill in as
much information on your presentation pack as possible. Industry professionals like to be able to see everything in one place. If you upload MP3’s for your
submissions you will receive an email explaining how to fill out your presentation packs. You can also check our FAQ section.
Good luck. I look forward to hearing your success stories.
Mike McCready is an entrepreneur at the crossroads of music and technology. He pioneered the introduction of Hit Song Science into the music industry and followed up with Music Xray, the company he co-founded and serves as CEO. His companies have been the subject of case studies at Harvard Business School, IESE and he frequently guest speaks at many of the top business schools around the world. He helps the music industry identify high potential songs and talent and helps musicians get deals, get fans, & get better: http://musicxray.com