crows to burnaby

The musicians I know who make a living at it (and I'm no longer one of them -- most of my income comes from other sources) do it by diversifying: they play in several bands, some performing their own material, some playing covers, some backing up more established performers, or both. They have the skills and talent to work in studios or for hire, recording jingles or producing other artists' material. They teach.

Very few who are full-time musicians accomplish it simply by writing and performing their original tunes, touring, and selling recordings, which is what people imagine is what happens. Working players play in all sorts of different places, for different people and different audiences, and they're always taking on new things.

Even I, who tried the stereotypical route in the mid'-90s, and who now have a day job and a family, keep my musical interests diverse. I play in a couple of cover bands and make good money for those shows. I record and release podsafe instrumentals on the Web for fun -- but that has led to my getting paid to create custom music for other people. And I've put some of my music to use in creating training and marketing videos for my day-job employer, so I'm effectively getting paid for it there too.

But I almost never see any money from SOCAN, and I've only sold a few dozen of my CDs. Yet I'm having fun, and musical income appears on my tax return. You gotta work it.

Oh, and as for Marissa Marchant, she could probably get $1000 for her CD if she custom recorded it for one specific client who paid her that. That's what a plumber's doing -- coming to YOUR house and fixing YOUR specific plumbing problem. I don't think anyone would pay $1000 for a how-to plumbing book, no matter how famous the plumber.

Yes, I don't think she thought it through very carefully... then again, unless someone was impersonating her, she seems to be a bit impulsive.

It is pretty unusual for a musician to survive solely on CD sales and performances; most of the musicians I know have a day job (related or not) or teach. I probably won't ever be a full-timer unless the fates swing in my favour - I'm willing to work towards it, and I hope for it, but I'm aware of the odds. Personally I would like to be able to support myself solely on music-related work someday - a blend of performance, production, promotion, web sites, etc. There are some non-megastar touring musicians who can do this, and also support a few people who help them out and run their business as well; they aren't looking for a rock-star lifestyle, just a comfortable living.

A model I like is Radiohead's w.a.s.t.e., which manages all the fan interaction, ticket sales, merchandise sales, web site, and various other sundries associated with the band. They keep a few trusted people hired to run the ship so that a) the band doesn't have to worry about it and b) the label doesn't control it. It's a nice arrangement.

Marissa Marchant doesn't understand the difference between selling a CD and selling your music (as in publishing rights, licensing, etc.).

The lead singer in my band has a patron for some of her other endeavors. But she's hot, which I'm pretty sure was a major factor in her getting his patronage. :P

Hotness aside (if possible), that's interesting - does the patron commission songs, or support her financially in general, or just buy her dinner once in a while?

If I were a better-known bassist I could try to get some kind of sponsorship... I know three musicians backed by guitar or amp manufacturers. But I gotta earn my stripes first. ;)

I think he does #1 and #3, but I'm not sure. #2...I think there's the odd gift now and then, but she isn't kept. It isn't something I inquire about. At least, not until the day comes where some older woman thinks I'm hot and wants to become my patron. ;)

Well, keep that pirate costume around after the movie comes out... you never know when it'll come in handy ;)

So you don't have a life? IS that why you are posting this?
Question, is she is a real artist? I am not talking about commerical or famous, I am talking about creativity.
Is she a real artist? Isn't that the most important issue? who cares what she is charging.
I don't if a real artist charges 1000's for their album.
If someone isn't signed that doesn't mean they are not a real talent or a great artist?
They can charge anything they want. I see nothing wrong with what she did.

this is woman is laid back. not stiff.
I heard her song, and it was not stiff, not contrived. i won't mention which songs.
impulsive in your opinion is a person who is stiff, rigid and someone who says things like a windup doll.

You do know what bohemians are right? they have long hair.
They are free about speech, music, art, and they are not uptight people worrying about conformity. Why are you worried about conformity?
You seem to have a problem with people who are not conformist?
Are you are conformist?
Do you live in fear?
Should this artist live in fear and conform to a rigid world?
should she conform to the radio and the rules of our marketplace?
should she cut her hair?
should she take a bath, and ride in a stationwagon?

Most musicians that people know DON't make a living from creative and original material?
Why not?
What is wrong with a world that doesn't think that creativity and talent is worth money?
If musicians can't make a living doing creative music, the answer is one of two things;
our society is impressed with rehash and not open minded and into stationwagons and short hair, or that extremely creative and talented people are not being funded.

Question, do you think there is something wrong in the entertainment industry?
Do you think they are not opened to new ideas, or creative people? I do.
They love short hair and stationwagons.
Short hair is in for a reason.
it is called, "uptight, rigid and not into beauty."

I agree with her. I think the music is low quality and not creative.

I don't think she is impulsive or weird. I think you are trying to find fault with people who not short haired, and uptight and you are finding fault because you don't understand laid back bohemians.
You think they should conform.
You are conformist.

I think long hair is real nice.

The pirate costume belongs to the wardrobe department, not me. :( I would rather have a dashing and handsome pirate getup than a dirty and gross one anyway. :D

As for everything that came after that post, I needed a good laugh this morning.

that is why I occasionally listen to the mindless people who follow like sheep to even the most rigid and unartistic of trends.
people who are sheep get together and question why people who are not weak minded followers can't follow like the good sheep.
weak people need each other to feed off of, to validate their own weakness. people who are conformist, mindless and can't make decisions for themselves will question people who don't follow rules. they are uncomfortable with people who don't conform easily, and people who think for themselves.
it is laughable how people can't tolerate people who don't conform like weak minded sheep. too bad you are people who have no life outside of wondering why people who are not weak are not speaking with you.

Do you know this artist marissa?
No.
She just received a donation from someone who was in a major film and was a major part in a play that won a Tony award. the film that was major won oscars.
He and his friends donated money to miss marchant.
.from california. he is not into fame. he isn't a big star and doesn't want to be, but is well known from being a serious artist.
he is also a writer.

marchant has numbers of patrons that is why she has the equipment she has right now.
unfortunately, you don't know enough about this person to know if they have no supporters.
but you are not bringing this artist down. the kind of people who support her are real talents.
they may not be very commerically known, but they support people like marchant.

he also has a important role in the major film that won oscars.
but he is not famous.
the reason, he is into quality, more they hype. he is trying to be a real artist.
they not only sent money but alot of moral support for this artist you are laughing at.
this man is respected in the arts.
He is playing serious roles.
not really into fluff. that is why they recognize people like m

I don't *think* anyone here ever judged Marchant's music, creativity, talent, originality or potential, did we?

All we said was the $1000 CD idea didn't exactly take off.

yes, it sounds like people are implying that marchant has no partronage because she is not hot, and the implications are loud and clear.
the insults and the fault finding are evident.
why not look in the mirror and call yourselves impulsive before you judge others?
but that was years ago? don't you have anything else to talk about except something was long ago?
this subject is kinda of boring you know.

what is it to you whether it took off or not?

It means nothing to me.

This is not something worth talking about.

The subject is not a new one and not worth discussing.
You are not experts in the area of art and music I am sure of that.
Music is not something that needs to be discussed but experienced.
..and enjoyed.
Playing it safe can bring money in but after awhile people don't want to hear the same old music.
They will lose money in the end if they don't promote, new and fresh people.

Why are we discussing it then?

because you are fault finders in anything that is not yourselves.

You know... you're absolutely right about everything.

You must not be into music very much to spend so much energy talking about how to make money and become known in music.

I spend more time enjoying music then talking about money or whatnot.

People who really are good and very creative don't talk about how they are making money with music.
It is just not important who wins, but how you play the game.
It isn't important how much money is made from music, but how good the music is. I suggest all of you spend your time listening to music rather then talking about money!

OK, I will.

when i think of marchant, i think of great improvizational skills, unique vocals, strong vocals, diversity, strong material, multi-talented, good looking. I don't think of numbers, or money.
I think marchant doesn't need to sell a cd at 1000 dollars to gain attention with her unusual talent.

Wow, it just keeps getting better. Got an IP for this joker?

Yeah, the same one for all (starts with 24.149.*.*) So I find it even more amusing how some of the posts are meant to look like they're coming from different people...

I never would have guessed! Mari...I mean, random anon Visitor is just too clever and sneaky around teh intarweb for me.

(Okay, that was just wrong. I promise never to use leetspeak ever again.)

I think I'll borrow her marketing tactic too: "When I think of JC, I think of great pocket feel, blazing chops, unique style, well-hung." How good would that look on a flyer?

BTW:

http://www.transbuddha.com/index.php/buddha/comments/invitationtomarissa/

I think you are very stupid people. YOu are a waste of precious time.
Your stupidity is entertaining to only other stupid people.

Your jealousy of this person is going to help her.

People are sending donations her way.

All your negative publicity and attention has been bringing in alot of money. She and I are good friends.

I know, I have seen the pay pal emails.
You are giving her alot of attention, negative or otherwise, some people realize you are phonies. Thankyou for helping this artist make money and to get a following.

The negative public comments is helping this artist gain a real following.

It isn't hurting her.

It is helping, because alot of intelligent people realize that you are stupid and send money in spite of this. That is why this artists is buying all this equipment now, enough donations are coming in to support what she does. Not everyone talks to her on the corkboard, they send money and letters directly.

Thankyou for helping this artist get attention.

All this is true. this artist is a True Artist and no hype is needed.
All the statements are true.
This is not a marketing tactic..and she keeps making money, and has tons of hits..
This woman has an underground following.
No hype. All the negativity and lies, are helping her. thx..i love her too. If you didnt think she was great or a true artist ,. you would not be constantly talking about her.

The only reason you keep insulting her and giving tons of attention is because she is a true artist and fantastic.

You go on and on and on, because she is a great.

There is no other reason to give someone this kind of attention.

If you don't think she is great, and don't want to talk about her fantastic talent, then why talk about her at all?

the real reason you constantly give this woman attention, links and negative links, is because she is great.

it is not because of some 1000 dollar cd thing that was done for kicks for a week. the reason is because she is a real artist.
People can see beyond the lies. enough people see that she is gifted to support her.

Oh, you're 100% right. I see the error of my ways now. Of course, she's an absolute gifted genius. Her music is the best I've ever heard. What a fantastic talent. That's obviously why I'm constantly talking about her and going on and on about her. I'm sorry I wasted your precious time. Will you forgive me?

Actually, I don't really have an opinion of her or her music. But whether it's great or whether it's crap, you are still a Grade-A Moron.

Awww, JC, I just wanted to see what she'd say if there wasn't anything for her to argue with... ;)

I am a 25-year-old singer, songwriter, and pianist living in Toronto. I've been supporting myself through acting in theatre, teaching piano and musical theatre, writing and performing my own music, and working odd jobs since 1999 (before my graduation from high school). I moved to Toronto in 2005 after being cast in the world premiere stage production of The Lord of the Rings, which I subsequently worked on for 11 months. The show closed early, before I was able to pay off all of the debt I had incurred from moving and audition costs, and I am now back to working retail and teaching piano in Toronto to support myself and try to pay down my debt.

I think now is the perfect time for me to go back to school as a mature student because I have no other commitments as far as career or family. I applied to the best school possible: the Berklee College of Music in Boston, which is North America's premiere non-classical music school, on par with Juilliard in NYC. Others encouraged me to apply locally to Humber College for their jazz program, but I didn't; I had complete faith that I would be accepted to Berklee, and as it was my first choice, I maintained my "all or nothing" attitude.

I auditioned for them as a singer at the beginning of March, and it went very well. I found out last week that not only have I been accepted, but as of yesterday I have been awarded a $10 000 US yearly scholarship to the school. This is no small achievement; they will often award $2500 scholarships as an incentive to get students to come to the school and anti up the rest of the tuition fees, but a $10 000 scholarship means they truly want me to succeed at the school as one of the top students; this is nearly half of the $26 000 tuition and fees. However, as I am a mature student with very little support from my family, I am exploring all other options for funding to ensure my attendance at this school in the fall of 2007. The total cost including tuition, fees, and living expenses will be over $40 000 US yearly.

I have complete faith that the money for school will come to me: I am releasing a new album of my music that will be heard across Canada, and I hope to sell thousands of copies to help with my tuition; I have a few CD release parties and other concerts lined up... The money keeps coming. I believe in the power of positive thinking, and I refuse to be discouraged by what looks to be an impossible price tag; I don't believe it is impossible, and I will do whatever it takes to be at Berklee in September.

That said, I want to be 100% sure that this opportunity will not pass me by merely because I cannot demonstrate to the school that I have the funds available to me.

I need a patron or patrons. A letter of support can be filled out by a sponsor (friend or family member) to state their financial commitment to send the student to school. I could provide them with a breakdown of the costs associated with two semesters at Berklee. As I would be giving up my home base in Toronto, I would likely continue to live in Boston or travel and tour during the spring and summer months between semesters; this would give me an opportunity to make inroads in the States as a singer, songwriter, and performer.

In the past, patrons of the arts would provide exceptional creators with the environments they needed to make some of the most enduring masterpieces of our cultural heritage. This practice has been largely forgotten; in modern times, popular culture usually dictates which artists make the money and have the greatest success. All I want is a chance to shine.

You can check out the links below to learn more about me and what I've accomplished so far. Tracks from my newest album can be heard on myspace. I'll be happy to send along copies of both the albums as well as press and other material to anyone who is interested in sponsoring me, for their consideration. Thanks for looking at all this, and best wishes.

Sincerely,

Bryce Kulak
bryce@brycekulak.com
647 400 6313
-------------------------
BUY
the albums online

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kulak

LISTEN
if you haven't heard his music before

http://radio3.cbc.ca/bands/bryce-kulak

LISTEN
to cuts from the new album

http://www.myspace.com/brycekulak

VISIT
the official website

http://www.brycekulak.com

ENJOY
the music

sarah mcgloughlin just received over hal a million dollars in grant money for her fine project to teach muisic to under priveleged children

the problem is: most musicians will never make a living from music
the majority of musicians will never become famous nor ever receive what they are worth
check the statistics
so my point
why bother puttin g so much effort and money to lure children nto a field that often is doomed to failure and where one can expect to live in poverty
i mean music for music sake fine
but i see no poin t to this grant
if a child want to learn music and if they have talent they will learn

a waste of money i find this!!!

????????????????????

sarah mcgloughlin just received over hal a million dollars in grant money for her fine project to teach muisic to under priveleged children

the problem is: most musicians will never make a living from music
the majority of musicians will never become famous nor ever receive what they are worth
check the statistics
so my point
why bother putting so much effort and money to lure children nto a field that often is doomed to failure and where one can expect to live in poverty?
i mean music for music's sake fine
but i see no point to this grant
if a child want to learn music and if they have talent they will learn

a waste of money i find this!!!

????????????????????

sarah mcgloughlin spellin?
just received over half a million dollars in grant money for her fine project to teach muisic to under priveleged children

the problem is: most musicians will never make a living from music
the majority of musicians will never become famous nor ever receive what they are worth
check the statistics
so my point
why bother putting so much effort and money to lure children nto a field that often is doomed to failure and where one can expect to live in poverty?
and in depression from working to no or little avail
i mean music for music's sake is fine
but i see no point to this grant
if a child want to learn music and if they have talent they will learn

a waste of money i find this!!!

????????????????????

Re: Sarah M's Grant:

That's not the point; music education develops creative thinking, analytical skills, math skills, participation skills, and self esteem in young people. OF COURSE they aren't all going to make a living at music. Most of them won't even continue to play or sing. But all young people deserve to have music in their lives for developmental reasons. There is no agenda to "lure them into a field", only to enrich their lives with the experience and provide them with a background for the appreciation of music later in their lives.

Make sense?

What happens with those that download music from the Internet and they don't have a license for it? I'm curious if the fine is large or not...

I had no idea that selling something on the internet requires paying taxes. I was visiting a site selling local crafts and then I checked the efile and saw their name in there.