Regards

DEC [Cluskey]

dec@makehits.co.uk

 

LIVE SALES AND ON THE INTERNET? Question (2) you said u worry a little about my plans to sell through the internet. you said it's necessary to also sell through shops. but: i also wanna sell at live gigs, do merchandising (CDs, Shirts, cups,...), spread Flyers. So... isn't that a good possibility to do "live sales" and also do internet marketing? i look at it like this: i don't need to earn the most money with internet sales. i plan on making the most money out of live merchandising, but it can't be wrong to also give the possibility to buy on the internet... am i wrong? and i cant just go up to the CD shops and be like "Hi, please sell my CD in here", can i? thanks for your advice again. M*****

>>>>>>>>>but: i also wanna sell at live gigs, do merchandising (CDs, Shirts, cups,...), spread Flyers.<<<<<<<<<<

Absolutely right...merchandising is powerful stuff....and you will learn phenomenal techniques from me in the 'Art Of Live Performing' sessions. By the way, T.shirts are the lowest profit items...useless!

>>>>>>>> i plan on making the most money out of live merchandising. but it can't be wrong to also give the possibility to buy on the internet... am i wrong?<<<<<<<<

You are right...always remember that The Internet only works ALONGSIDE a successful main business. You must have the 'real world' success first.

>>>>>>>>>>and i cant just go up to the CD shops and be like "Hi, please sell my CD in here", can i?<<<<<<<<

That is precisely what you have to do!

Make sure you provide advertising, maybe a 'future release' banner.....also make sure the CD cover is a hot marketing CD cover...one that grabs attention. A GREAT PHOTO OF A DESIRABLE FELLA/GIRL ALWAYS DOES THIS....AND EVEN BETTER, A GREAT LOOKING BAND.

Regards

DEC [Cluskey]

dec@makehits.co.uk

 

I WANT TO BE A MANAGER? Question (3) It’s my intention to be a manager in the music industry and I had been working with an unsigned band when they decided they were going to use some other management services.  These people spun them a line about how they were going to do this, that, and the other for them which never materialised. Now its two years down the line and I still believe this band have got what it takes but I could do with your advice on how to approach the band to get into some kind of dialogue. Yours faithfully, G*** L****

G***

My advice comes very quick and to the point.

Forget them!

If a band or an artist once behaves in a devious or untrustworthy way, then trust is lost IMMEDIATELY. You will, most probably, find that this band will never have success. Because all the successful guys in our business are as straight as a die...they don't lie, they don't cheat. And they are just plain 'nice'.

You could possibly get back with that band and they will do exactly the same to you again.

Learn from the mistake....be hard....

Never, ever, work with anyone unless you have them signed up tight! Never spend one cent on a project unless you are 100% sure that they are going to make a $fortune for you. I am speaking from great experience here...I have been sh*t on, just the same as a lot of my friends. It won't happen again! 

I have no interest whatsoever in managing, in agency, in anything that relies on the talent of others.

DEC [Cluskey]

dec@makehits.co.uk

The Boss, Dec helping Nicko McBrain celebrate Iron Maiden's UK chart entry.

The Serious Writers Guild is run by real, successful, active music people....not faceless businessmen.

 

MY FIRST ALBUM - WHAT DO I NEED? Question (4) hi dec, thank you so much for the second release of "the art of liveperforming". it's powerful stuff, you know it! i've got a few questions: i'm planning on creating my first all professional website. i've found a guy from a good german internet agency who will create it. he'll also create my whole "corporate identity" (house style, font design, cards, flyer, cover design, etc.). i'm planning a web shop. (CD's, merchandising). The question is: Now that my first album is gonna come (in April/May..something) would it be non-professional or stupid to mix english and german songs on that album? is that gonna work?  second question: how professional has this first album to be? (cover design, artwork, burn all the CD's at home or do they have to be "real silver shop CD's" ?) I guess i also need to get a label code (i don't really know what that means though, so do i have to have a label first?) I just want to do everything right in the first place and i know you can tell me what's right! thank you tons. your member m*****

Hi M*****

Sorry for slight delay - I am in the middle of my Winter tour. [I reply within 10 hours, 24 if on tour]

Your plans worry me slightly.

An Internet Business will only be successful as an adjunct to an existing successful business. In other words, running alongside, and part of, an existing successful business. So your record business has got to be successful in selling records to shops and the public before you can have success on the Internet.

You must view an Internet site as an entry in the Phone Book Yellow Pages...nothing more, nothing less. It doesn't matter how great the site looks, how 'cool'. It doesn't matter who designs it.....it will not draw one visit unless it is promoted and advertised.

>>>>>>>>> would it be non-professional or stupid to mix english and german songs on that album? is that gonna work? <<<<<<<<

Sounds excellent....there are many albums with mixed languages. It simply depends on the 'product' and mainly the 'look' of the product. The image, style, presentation. Modern day sales are 80% down to 'looks' and 20% down to the music.

>>>>>>>>>>how professional has this first album to be?
(cover design, artwork, burn all the CD's at home or do they have to be "real silver shop CD's" ?)<<<<<<<

Always remember that you are competing with Sugababes, Beyonce, Madonna, and all the rest of the top ten artists. 12 year olds do not give any thought to the fact it is your first attempt. The 'look' of the front cover is of the utmost importance. Go to a big record store and check out the covers that hit you in the eye from 10 meters. Then, model your cover on the best one.

>>>>>>>>I guess i also need to get a label code (i don't really know what that means though, so do i have to have a label first?)<<<<<<<<

You probably mean 'bar code'. Look up on the Internet how to get a bar code in your country. Bar coding is essential for chart entry.

DEC [Cluskey]

dec@makehits.co.uk

 

SHOULD I BUY A BMW? Question (5) Hi Dec, I am currently working on the Make a $Million from your Music as well as the Publishing Company Course. This e-mail is in regards to buying a new car. I think you might be able to help... I definitely like the way that you say it in the Grade Three Release in regards to driving a BMW. I would LOVE to drive a BMW! A couple of quick questions - - Is it a better investment to buy a BMW or a house? - Can I write off the BMW as part of my publishing/music business? If so what percentage can I write off? - What model would you suggest? Also should I Lease it/ or finance it to own? I know that there's definitely a few questions here but I could really use your expert advice! Much Thanks!, S***** Z******* Serious Writers Guild Member NET0872030W

Hi S****

Thanks for your question.

Although I drive a BMW at the moment, I could not, in all honesty, advise Members, any longer, to consider purchasing one.....for a number of reasons.

I change my cars each 3 years to avoid any complications with British M.O.T. [vehicle testing] problems.

Due to the number of faults in my current BM and the inadequate service response of Chandlers BMW [the person to speak to is never available, and never rings back] I had to have the vehicle MOT'ed. I have just picked it up having paid out £40.75 plus £77 to sort out problems.

For Show Business/Music Business guys I would have to say that this last BMW was a disaster. Ran out of oil continuously, until eventually part of the engine head was replaced. I still have to check the oil level continuously....in a BMW? The hand brake failed, bulbs failed continuously, the clutch has shuddered on gear change for the past 18 months despite this being brought to the attention of the dealer. All highly embarrassing, in the company I keep.

Due to an on board computer failure the clock is stuck on British Summer Time...highly embarrassing with High Profile music friends in my car.

The on-board computer will finally be attended to [late December] after failing in October. When it failed, I called Chandlers BMW to find where the fuse was located [to apply the Microsoft re-boot technique] ... would you believe it, they did not know! The failure has meant driving with no dashboard warning lights [high beam etc] which meant being stopped by traffic police frequently ... not a pleasant experience for an advanced driver.

Apart from the extreme unreliability experienced, my biggest reason for advising Members against purchasing BMW would be the, more than dramatic, loss in value over a three year period [£14,000 ... almost $25,000 ... Euro 20,000].

Yes, a great looking car, a joy to drive ... it gets you noticed, but sadly, my experience has been that of a dealership that has lost it's sense of pride in customer service and a Car Manufacturer that does not realise that modern business is run according to the principles laid down by Faith Popcorn in her best seller trend prediction book which is read by 99% of top businessmen, 'The Popcorn Report': "don't lie, don't cheat - you can't fool us anymore".

As you know, The Serious Writers Guild at www.makehits.co.uk has set the trend with 'money back at any time, for any reason, at any time in your life...no questions asked'. We have had 18 refunds in our history and that includes 4 rip-offs. An extraordinary performance which demonstrates our quality and our attention to customer service.

You have my number....call for any additional information. Sadly, the managing director of BMW is not available [extraordinary - in today's customer service climate] .... but I am! All the top business bosses are totally available, like me....you know what? Customers rarely ring... but when they do, the problem is sorted instantly and the Company gets fantastic word-of mouth promotion....you can't buy that kind of publicity.

I once had a steam iron that went on fire .... the then boss of Asda/Walmart, Archie Norman, actually answered the phone when I rang!

Answers to questions [this should not be construed as financial or legal advice within the meaning of a current or future law of any country]

>>>>>>>>Is it a better investment to buy a BMW or a house?<<<<<<<<

Definitely a house ... although from a career point of view it is important to be seen in the most sensible, expensive, good looking car....Mercedes? 

>>>>>>>>> - Can I write off the BMW as part of my publishing/music business? If so what percentage can I write off? <<<<<<<<

Absolutely, it is even better to own the car through a VAT registered company and hire the car back to yourself or whichever business you wish to use the car - talk to me about this. As regards percentage, see next answer

>>>>>>>>>>> > - What model would you suggest? Also should I Lease it/ or finance it to own?<<<<<<<<<<<

The diesel cars of today are superbly efficient and cost effective as regards fuel consumption. I prefer a 'driver's car' rather than a limousine type. I have an MG Sports for fun and also a 1929 Speed Six Le Mans open topped Bentley for that special occasion...sadly, it is housed in a museum and has not been out for years...last valued at £678,000. 

Mercedes would be top of the list. Or consider the Rover 75 [Jeremy Clarkson's recommendation]. The Jaguars still can't seem to shake off the 'old man' image. Lexus are a bit too 'limousine' like. Audi are fast becoming a very sought after car, but don't have that 'driving up to a venue in style' look to them [I have owned a few Audi's]. VW just don't seem to have that 'glamour' about them. [I have owned 3, including two GTI convertibles...nowhere to put a guitar?]

Leasing would be my unfavourite way of having a car. Just like renting a house/apartment, you gain nothing at the end of the day, only the use of the car. I have always encouraged folk to use the best finance terms [banks offer great deals at the moment]. In using the finance terms as a guideline, you can, in theory, put aside that much money per month as your motoring costs per month in your accounts. Also, by continuously paying out that fixed amount, then, again, in theory, the amount you pay out per month for the next car should be lower, and then lower still. Tragically, this does not seem to work with BMW.

Bob Sharples [the successful jingle writer and Musical Director] introduced me to that theory years ago while he was driving brand new Rollers!

Note: I have since bought yet another brand new BMW!  It is stunning!

Regards

DEC [Cluskey]

dec@makehits.co.uk

 

THERE ARE OTHER MARKETS? Question (6) I am worried. I am not so much worried about feeling the industry having a down on me, as YOU having a down on me. I keep hoping we can agree on certain things but when ever I bring them up you seem to either miss my point completely, or under-estimate my abilities and/or the strength of my feeling. I maintain that monkey with a labotomy can put a dance track together.  That is not nerves talking, it's fact. WHY, should I practice my instruments, know what I do about music, know what my potential is, know what I do about what people want and know what I want to express, then press one button on a drum machine and let it do all the work that I can do better? I remember being a teen. I remember being a kid, (many would say I still am a kid) *shrugs!* I know why I'm unhappy with current music today and I know why others are.  Because you need soul, feeling, passion, truth and consistency. You need people, (artists and bands), who you feel you can believe in. You need people that aren't going to let you down. You need people who you feel are, "on your side", especially when you are a young teen. This is why I feel genre is paramount.  Genre, politics, opinions, life, they all have very strong connections in music and not even the mighty industry can change that... Thank God! As for selling to the 8-12 market, well, I am sorry but that is not the market I, EXCLUSIVELY, want to aim for. But I will STILL not, "get out now", because, there ARE other markets. G***  (NET0892030W)

G***

It is not in my nature to have a 'down' on anyone....my raison d'etre is to
show guys the way to make $Million....pure and simple...and a lot of that
means taking away the pre conceptions.  What you really want to hear is that
you are perfectly right with your perception of what the public should want
to buy and that Cathy Dennis, Diane Warren, Paul Williams, Emminem, Dr Dre, R
Kelly, Sugababes are totally wrong::

For instance:

>>>>>>>>>I maintain that monkey with a labotomy can put a dance track
together. <<<<<<<

I have heard this so many times from talentless producers...and my answer to
you and to them is:

DO IT ......let me have the results by Friday and we shall put it up against
a current dance track.

>>>>>>>> WHY, should I practice my instruments, <<<<<<<<<

You should practice to be as good at presenting 'today' music as my pals who
practice incessantly....but they practice stuff that is going to increase their
'toady music' skills.

>>>>>>>>then press one button on a drum machine and let it do all the work
that I can do better?<<<<<<<<<

Prove it! By the way, I don't know any drum machine that can do that?

>>>>>>>>I know why I'm unhappy with current music today and I know why
others are. Because you need soul, feeling, passion, truth and
consistency>>>>>>>

You mean like Rachel Stevens [stunning!] Iron Maiden [at Number 7 with
Rainmaker] Black Eyed Peas [probably the most innovative record in
years...'Shut Up']

>>>>>>>>> You need people, (artists and bands), who you feel you can
believe in.<<<<<<<<<<

Like Coldplay, Jamie Callum, Madonna, Limpbiskit, Katie Welua?

>>>>>>>>> You need people who you feel are, "on your side", especially
when you are a young teen.<<<<<<<<

Why should anyone do you a favour...a brain surgeon has to prove himself, a
footballer has to prove himself....a barrister has to prove himself....why
should the music industry be different?

>>>>>>>>>>>. But I will STILL not, "get out now", because, there ARE
other markets.<<<<<<<<<<

And the question is WHERE? If you know, can you kindly tell the Record
Companies because they have searched [through market research] and they
certainly cannot find them!

G****, like so many music guys [the last Email was precisely the same!] you
are convinced that the whole of the Industry is wrong and you are right.

If you were right then you would be packing venues, selling thousands of
white labels, posters, photos, tour brochures, you would have a fanbase of
40,000+ and the industry would be queuing at your door. But is all that
happening? If not....why not?

Change your attitude, think like Cathy Dennis: "I can be bitter and twisted
and cynical but I enjoy writing stuff that I think will connect with the
masses". You have to learn to enjoy providing the music that the public
want...and not just the stuff you are capable of producing.

PS: If you can let me know where I can find a drum machine on which there is a button and it will make a Hit record....will you tell me? I can sell thousands of them [grin!] Curiously, I've never seen, or heard of, one.

Regards

DEC [Cluskey]

dec@makehits.co.uk

 

HOW DO I FIND AN IMAGE? Question (7) Hi Dec  it's hard to know what kind of image will match your music. Does it have to be raunchy?  I'm trying to get an idea of what singers in magazines and things are wearing at the moment. When will that bit arrive in 'How to make a $Million',? About the record release party, i would've thought that would be the best place to give them my demo (once i get it done!) i've got an appointment to see someone at quince studios.  Also, i really want to go and perform my songs but can't seem to find anyone or a band, i live in the middle of nowhere really! i was thinking maybe using backing tracks of my songs and going to showcases, what do you think? A***** M********

  

Hi A*****

There are people who work for TV and Record Companies who specialise in dressing and image making ...so you just have to think like them....ask around your friends for advice....check out a friend who is really 'together' and gets all the attention in a 'today' sense.

Constantly check out TV shows, Pop magazines....particularly check out the USA stars...UK stars tend to dress down rather than dress 'up'. The trend will be to dress 'up' in the future...we've been through the rough and ready look.

>>>>>>>>>About the record release party, I would've thought that would be the best place to give them my demo <<<<<<<<

Absolutely wrong....it's all set out in the releases. Those parties are to make you 'famous before you are famous'...that is a technique that will get you talked about...invited to more parties and launches so that the time will come when they will actually ask you for material...not the other way around.


>>>>>>> I really want to go and perform my songs but can't seem to find anyone or a band<<<<<<<

Again, it's all in the releases....just get out there and do it! No one will do it for you.....

Regards

DEC [Cluskey]

dec@makehits.co.uk

   

When you get involved with DEC you get ten months of two knowledge packed books a month, stunning advice, today's methods for writing music, making music and promoting it. 24/7 access to the man himself. And you get a 'LIFETIME' guarantee. If you ever pay DEC for anything, if you are not happy at anytime in your life with the product then return it for a complete, no-quibble, courteous refund! DEC means it! That's not only a guarantee it's a personal promise "There Is No Catch" "There Is No Risk" Become a Member of the 'The Serious Writers Guild' PROGRAM CLICK HERE       Quick Credit Card order hotline: UK office hours +44 (0)1323.728005