Submit Your Tracks and Get a Video Response from Pro Producers!

[Ron H. Bt Co_founder]

Ron, what's up. I know what you are trying to do. I thank you for it. but the way you are doing it is back failing. people are broke. I don't know Rich personally, but his former manager and I are cool. his name is Brooke, I think. I'm terrible with names. and I lost dudes number. so I can't check. but back to the point.

People are going to thing that you are trying to scam them until they know otherwise. you need to get success stories. people who won form the site. I'm responsible for a few wins. I helped create Writing Sessions, Live Radio, The Premier A&R Showcase, The FIRM, and a few other projects. Right now, we have 3 radio singles that we (The FIRM) are responsible for in one way or another. (Luda's "How Low", Kells "Superman High", and Kells "Echo") not to mention several several placements (but placements don't really matter, singles do). Hell we are responsible for 4 placement on Kells album alone, and all from new producers, some this is their first placement. There was a reason why I was thanked on Kells albulm (Shameless plug, check the liner notes). My main focus is too find new muisic and get it out. so I know what you are trying to do. but you need several success stories for people to put up cash. and regular placements may not do it, not for $150. you need radio singles, several of them, from unkown producers to do it. but in the mean time if you cut the price, you might do fine.

I know you are Rich's brother, that will open doors, but it's up to you to keep them open. I know too many brothers of so and so's, that are failing. But I also know several brothers who are doing quite well because they used that open door to open other doors.

I also know charging a buck fiftey will filter out alot of bullshyt music. it will. but sometimes it will filter out some really good music at the same time. especially right now when everybody is starving, not hungry.

anyway I wish the best of luck to you and your projects

What up Dwells, I agree with most of what you are saying. i actually agree that some of the prices may be too high, but each pro puts their own value on themselves. We dont want to get in the business of saying Darkchild is worth more that Rich, or viceversa. So they decide the fees individually for each request. We let you the public determine what is market value for the pro. Its lot easier for Blazetrak to say, "in the last month you got zero submissions, so maybe u need to lower your price so people can afford you, but then again, if Darkchild charges $20 he will get ambushed and it will create another myspace, and the quality of the responses he gives will go way down since he will probably just plow through them, and we would have to issue a ton of refunds.

We definitely need success stories and we are aware of that, but that only comes if people take a RISK FREE chance. If you are not happy, request a refund. In the 1st month of operations we have had ZERO refunds and not one complaint. We had 3 connections when the pro actually reached out to the submitter. So clearly, even the people who havent be contacted are still satisfied with the level of service and video response they each received

 

[dwells]

Actually I think that having your 'guest'/marquees dictate the price is a good idea. I didn't pick that up until now, nor did I realize that there were different prices that were an option. I thought it was $150 thru the board. but having the marquees choose the price is a good idea.

Hit me up with a PM with more info, I might be able to get you more people (producers, A&Rs, etc) after I check out what you got. right now everyone is looking for a few extra bucks, i might be able to help.

 

[dwells]

But success stories are a big deal!!! i advise you to try to create some and make sure they are shared. success stories are the best way to create word of mouth.

 

[dwells]

Seeing how a lot of people are not doing their homework and/or are quite ignorant... you'd better explain what a "marquee" artist is lol
Other than that, helpful as usual...
Thanks Dwells !

marquee is a main attraction. it is the reason people are there. when Jay-z peforms he's the Marquee.

marquee artists is another way of saying a label priority. the big acts.

for instance marquee artists for Jive are R.Kelly, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, etc.

it's pretty much an asset vs liability thing. labels are going to do more for their artist that make them alot of money, their marquee artists happy.

 

[Live a Dream]

@dwells

At the same time there are enough people that became a force over the internet.
I always wonder when people say things like "they can put you on", f*ck about someone else putting you on, become a force and put yourself on. Everybody is talking about others opening the doors for you, how about you kick in the door with a 44 ?


I know this example is played out but it just fits so well here, I *promise* you when Soulja Boy became more and more successful, there were for sure a huge lot of people that would have kept the doors closed for him or they even would have went as far to hinder him on his success, yet he was such a force just by his internet hustle that there was no other way than reaching the top. When they asked his label why they even signed Soulja Boy, they just responded with "we had to sign him", simple.

50 Cent might have gotten a door opened by getting signed to Aftermath, but he still utilized the internet for his success and still does it.

"The internet and social media is not for lazy people, you gotta put the work in and provide the people quality they can gain something from." - Jermaine Dupri

And just by the way, when people talk about the internet, then people that really have an understanding talk mostly about the POSSIBILITIES, because the internet way of hustling is still in development and it's just the beginning with Web 2.0 and social media, there will come a lot more in the future.

I think to myself I better start now educating myself on this internet hustle so I have an advantage in the future.

For me personally, I've just sold a track 10 minutes ago from the convenient of my home, the internet is only then a business if you handle it like one, you shouldn't be talking about how you're going to the bathroom on Twitter, you gotta keep it professional and keep putting the work in - IMO the internet is not anymore just something for boredom and entertainment.

As a side note tho, this does not mean that you shouldn't get out of your home and meet real people lol, you get the best results when you do both at the same time, just some people don't feel like putting the amount of work into online hustle, which I can understand, some people just don't seem to get the hang out of it, and fail with a bad designed site.

I'm just saying don't underestimate the power of the internet, if used right it can be very effective, and it will be even more effective and relevant in the future.

 

[Isk2009]

I saw a few of the reviews, n I donno, ish seems lacking. Rich don't seem too much into it.

 

[dwells]

dude, I'm confused. I'm not doubting the internet. I'm all about new technology and STAYING AHEAD OF TRENDS. I was on myspace when there was less than a million on it. I tried to get on facebook early, but back then it was only for college kids, I've never been to school.

What I was saying is you need to be ahead of trends! that is how you break in. you said break in the door with a 44, that is called shock and awe. it's a great strategy. but you need to shock and awe for it to work. it won't work for the 1000th guy doing the same thing. it's no longer shock and awe, you end up getting pistol whipped in the back of the head from the guy behind the door expecting some dumb ass to try to do the same thing.

you need to be ahead of trends. let me use your examples.

Souja Boy- used a new trend called youtube. he was a force on youtube before people caught on. he pioneered that trend. He rewrote marketing, he got people paying attention to social media. I learn this first hand when I was in Colliparks office. Souja Boy was a pioneer

50cent - Although mixtapes have been around for a while, but he was the one who pioneered artist mixtapes. He was a pioneer.

myspace and mixtapes now are old trends, they have been used up and now they don't work. not the same way. I have rubbermaid bins filled with mixtapes I haven't listened to yet. (i'm talking about artist mixtapes, noy dj mixtapes. DJ mixtapes are great! artist mixtapes are not!)

I've been talking about social media based social networkd for almost 2 years!

You are behind, you are following trends. Web 2.0 is old news.

learn about Web 3.0 and 4.0 when everyone is on 2.0. stay ahead of the curve, be the pionneer.

 

[dwells]

Web Startup Links Music Biz Professionals, Novices
August 25, 2009 - Digital and Mobile

By Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter

With everyone in the media and entertainment industry exploring ways to make money online, a startup is looking to help entertainment professionals digitize and monetize the talent discovery and mentoring process, while giving hopefuls a shot at stardom.

Blazetrak.com plans to launch Sept. 15 to connect aspiring talent with registered professionals of their choice who will provide feedback on submitted materials, such as audio or video files, for a fee the pros set themselves.

Blazetrak has already signed up about two dozen pros, mainly from the music industry, while it also eyes the film, TV, sports and fashion worlds, and expects to announce partners in these fields around launch time.

Among big names already on board are Outkast's Big Boi, R&B/hip-hop producer Rich Harrison, country music king Paul Worley, country star John Rich and Swedish producer Kalle Engstrom, who has worked with the likes of Celine Dion and Lindsay Lohan.

Pros can register with Blazetrak and then create one or more requests. They also get to specify in what form they want submissions, how they will rate them and what fee they charge for each submission. For example, a music insider could create one standing request for video submissions from female R&B singers within a certain age range and charge $200 for each feedback video he provides, plus a separate temporary search for male or female dancers for a new music video that charges $50 per submission.

Meanwhile, hopefuls can -- after a quick sign-up -- search for pros looking for the kind of talent they bring to the table and submit whatever is needed, from photos or documents to audio and video, directly to them. Blazetrak charges their credit card and retains a 35% cut, with the rest going to the celebrity.

Blazetrak guarantees audio or video feedback from the pro within 30 days and says its integrated recording system that requires no extra software allows the creation of a feedback message within minutes. If a pro wants to work with a new talent, they can reach out to them directly or via the Blazetrak team. They can also search their archive of received submissions later based on ratings, keywords and the like.

Blazetrak is also looking at potentially running Web portions of TV talent competitions a la "American Idol" in the future.

"The professional on Blazetrak is one who is looking for talent or simply wants to connect with a fan. They also want to be compensated for their time," Blazetrak co-founder Corey Stanford explains the premise, calling the business model a win-win situation.

Will aspiring hopefuls really pay what could be several hundreds of dollars for feedback from a star they adore?

Stanford points out that some hopefuls fly across the world to meet with "non-decision-makers" or spend thousands to attend workshops.

The birth of the Blazetrak idea in 2007 may also provide a clue. Back then, Stanford was partnered with a record label that was looking for a way to streamline the demo submission process. They started charging a fee for a guaranteed review -- only to get even more demos than before.

For celebs, Blazetrak positions itself as a chance to get paid for a streamlined A&R or mentoring process without the need to stockpile CDs, DVDs or stacks of paper. "They are bombarded on a daily basis via MySpace, Facebook and especially in person with pitches from people that want them to see their stuff," co-founder Nate Casey said.

Word-of-mouth is a key part of the Web site's promotion strategy. The founders say professional partners will push hopefuls to Blazetrak. Plus, any pro who brings on another client gets 2% of that person's Blazetrak revenue.

The original Blazetrak co-founders are Casey, Stanford and Harrison brother Ron. They were later joined by fourth partner McKinley Joyner, who provided seed funding.

from a small magazine called Billboard. not a random blog (no offense to anyone)

http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3id7aa74bd2d86729b02710115db03d5a4

 

[[F_or_DEAF]]

so what's the main difference between blazetrak & pmp???

 

[dwells]

random vs 1 on 1.

from what i see. pmp does mass track dumps. and the marquess don't really care. but Blazetrak the marquees are being paid for 1 on 1. anytime you are giving money to someone, you got their attention. even if it's only for a second. try it. give someone 5 bucks, i guarantee they will pay attention, even if they got 200 in their pocket.

I don't pmp gives marquees any money, they just pass the dump (dump as in crap) along. and the marquees move on because it is a waste of time. but blazetrak seems to make sense. I'm actually interested.

 

[joey tunez]

so what's the main difference between blazetrak & pmp???

pretty much just time. like i said earlier, pmp uses the same tactics of advertising as blaztrack is doing so i don't see the problem.
in fact, pmp doesn't even gaurantee a moment of documented time with a top level producer like bt does.

 

[Legal Dollaz]

I just find it funny how industry producers are resorting to alternative revenue streams that are designed to milk the dreams of the up and comers. Don't they understand the majority of us are not focused on "Getting On" anymore? The traditional music industry is no longer profitable for people like us. We represent a new way of thinking. A generation of entrepreneurs whose innovations will save the music industry.

At least ONE person gets it...

 

[[F_or_DEAF]]

anytime you are giving money to someone, you got their attention. even if it's only for a second. try it. give someone 5 bucks, i guarantee they will pay attention, even if they got 200 in their pocket.

good point dwells!

 

[[F_or_DEAF]]

ok...after just watching the video, i don't think BT is a bad idea @ all...

they are basically saying that you can submit WHATEVER YOU WANT to WHOEVER YOU WANT for a fee...

right?

 

[dwells]

there saying if they deal with that person and they are accepting submission, they will for a fee based on what the person reviewing decides.

 

[[F_or_DEAF]]

hmmm...

lucrative indeed.

 

[Dot_Robinson]

Bigrome, whats up homie? Let me point out that everyones price is not $150.....we have prices that range from $20 up to several thousands to spend the day with someone. For example Jimi Kendrix is offering an in person studio session at Quad in NYC. That is a whole day, 3 songs, airfare included.
is there not value in that? How about Ryan West (nominated for 5 Grammys) he is offering a 3 hour 1-1 engineering training for $350. Do you know how much he charges a major for 3 hours to mix a Rhianna record???

If you dont see value in that, then u probably never will.

There lies the value. The ability to spend PERSONAL time with the producer of your choosing is something I'm sure many of us would pay for. The EXPERIENCE is what you should have been selling since page one, not the $150 for a head bob shot in HD. Now your starting to get to the meat and bone of the meal.

I would still recommend people reevaluate their business strategy and decided for themselves if this service is necessary for them.

 

[Nomen est Omen]

I'd like to see some IP checks done on this thread.

 

[jyri]

I'd like to see some IP checks done on this thread.

Second that.. https://www.futureproducers.com/forums/search.php?searchid=2180908

 

[Live a Dream]

dude, I'm confused. I'm not doubting the internet. I'm all about new technology and STAYING AHEAD OF TRENDS. I was on myspace when there was less than a million on it. I tried to get on facebook early, but back then it was only for college kids, I've never been to school.

What I was saying is you need to be ahead of trends! that is how you break in. you said break in the door with a 44, that is called shock and awe. it's a great strategy. but you need to shock and awe for it to work. it won't work for the 1000th guy doing the same thing. it's no longer shock and awe, you end up getting pistol whipped in the back of the head from the guy behind the door expecting some dumb ass to try to do the same thing.

you need to be ahead of trends. let me use your examples.

Souja Boy- used a new trend called youtube. he was a force on youtube before people caught on. he pioneered that trend. He rewrote marketing, he got people paying attention to social media. I learn this first hand when I was in Colliparks office. Souja Boy was a pioneer

50cent - Although mixtapes have been around for a while, but he was the one who pioneered artist mixtapes. He was a pioneer.

myspace and mixtapes now are old trends, they have been used up and now they don't work. not the same way. I have rubbermaid bins filled with mixtapes I haven't listened to yet. (i'm talking about artist mixtapes, noy dj mixtapes. DJ mixtapes are great! artist mixtapes are not!)

I've been talking about social media based social networkd for almost 2 years!

You are behind, you are following trends. Web 2.0 is old news.

learn about Web 3.0 and 4.0 when everyone is on 2.0. stay ahead of the curve, be the pionneer.

I capitalized the word POSSIBILITIES, kept talking about the FUTURE and what's going to be possible, and you're telling me I'm behind and I'm relying on old news.
Yes, right now I'm using tools that is out there that anyone can use or that anyone is already using, but I'm also educating myself on things that will be possible. It is said that in 10 years all the social media sites we know like Twitter and Facebook won't even exist anymore. It's about knowing your environment and having a sense for what's happening around you and then reacting accordingly fast.

Nevertheless I agree with you on the points you made about 50 Cent and Soulja Boy.

The mixtape game never impressed me because of the bad quality music. That MySpace is dead is pretty obvious, they didn't go with the time and never kept improving, always went by the old formula until it was too late, then they started to switch it up, but no one really has faith that MySpace is going to make it successfully.