—
Author of a new book, Keith Thompson who lives and works in The Beatles’ home town of Liverpool, is convinced that success in the music industry is just as achievable for any artist as it was 50 years ago when the first studio album, 'Beatles for Sale' was released to the world in March 1963.In 'Music PR,' Thompson, who is now a PR lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, shows how artists can adapt to challenges such as illegal downloading and still succeed.
The major record companies that launched 60s icons like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan to a hungry worldwide public are all but gone and yet the methods they used are still open to artists.
“The downsizing of record companies doesn’t mean that an aspiring band can’t make an honest living out of making music. Many think that talent shows like X Factor are the answer. I don’t agree. We now have bands like Mumford and Sons who play their own instruments and going from strength to strength," said Thompson.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), 30 billion songs were illegally downloaded between 2004 and 2009 but there are signs of green shoots.
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (US) reported that in 2012 global recorded music revenue is up 0.3 percent over 2011, reaching $16.5 billion (£10.9 billion), the first sign of a rise since Napster launched their revolutionary download site in 1999.
Even during this scant period, some bands did show how it could be done. By using social media skillfully, Nine Inch Nails managed to gross £9m by harnessing social media. Household names like Neil Young have often dispensed with record companies and published themselves.
“Musicians though now have to combine their talent with far more business acumen than they did 50 years ago. To duplicate the success of better known brands of the modern era, artists should build a fan base. That is fundamental to the whole strategy but that is where many give up,“ said Keith Thompson.
The book shows how to attract new fans both through modern as well as the more traditional tactics.
“If the Beatles were still together now, they’d be touring to make it all worthwhile. The albums are now adverts for tours. In 1963, tours were adverts for albums,” said Thompson.
Having also been a music journalist, Thompson illustrates the challenges in the other side of the media too.
“Anyone associated with the band just needs to treated civilly. Gone are days when trashing hotel rooms is good for reputation.”
'Music PR' has its own Facebook page and is available on Amazon Kindle.
Contact Info:
Name: Keith Thompson
Email: Send Email
Organization: Effective Media
Address: 52 Moreton Road, Upton Cheshire, UK
Phone: 441789 266 2634 or keith.thompson3797 on skype
Website: http://musicprbook.info
Release ID: 7127
Google
RSS