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No matter how many music conferences I go to, no matter how many panels I sit on, I continue to hear the same half-baked advice doled out to unsuspecting artists. I've come to call them the 3BL-- the three biggest bits of non-advice given to musicians. Here they are:
1) Run your music career like a business
2) It's a small industry so be nice to everyone
3) Your demo should sound radio ready.
I find it astonishing how many musicians can't answer that question in a way that will make people remember them or want to hear them play. It seems simple enough. You may be one of the best bands of all times, but once you stumble on that question or answer with what could be considered blatant hype, you've already lost a great opportunity. In the music business, knowing who you are is as important as everything else you do.
Financial Management for Musicians' Author Offers Tax Tips (Part I)
The Songwriters Guild of America Nashville Office recently hosted a tax and accounting seminar with Certified Public Accountant Cathy McCormack of Nashville, TN. Cathy McCormack is co-author of the book, "Financial Management for Musicians," (Hal Leonard) by Pam Gaines and Cathy McCormack. Many of McCormack's clients are musicians and songwriters. "Financial Management For Musicians" is the title of the book, but she says it is really more about organizing your financial life for what she calls this business of music. Below is a summary of her presentation:
INDIE NEWS BEAT May 24, 2004 Edition 
The Songwriters Guild of America Nashville Office recently hosted a tax and accounting seminar with Certified Public Accountant Cathy McCormack of Nashville, TN. Cathy McCormack is co-author of the book, "Financial Management for Musicians," (Hal Leonard) by Pam Gaines and Cathy McCormack. Many of McCormack's clients are musicians and songwriters. "Financial Management For Musicians" is the title of the book, but she says it is really more about organizing your financial life for what she calls this business of music. Below is a summary of her presentation: