QUESTION: I have recorded a collection of songs and want to release it for sale, I am currently unsigned and I have gotten different opinions on the issue, can you help me please? -KUNLE
ANSWER
If you are sure you have good enough material, you can have an online release on sale. There are several music sites that can host this, itunes, wakoki music, reverbnation, etc. However, you need to realize you probably won't sell much but it's a good start, and it gives you good online presence. you should also use the social media platforms to release one or two singles, and you should also invest in on-air promotions and online media as well. If you're as talented and as hot as Drake when he first came out then I'd suggest you drop the whole thing and give us something to really scream about "and all other things shall be added unto you".
QUESTION: Can #DearArtiste help with marketing of my Album? - STEVE
ANSWER
Sorry Steve, #Dearartiste for now concentrates on Online media promotion, publicity and PR, we do not have the platform for marketing services just yet.
QUESTION: Where can I find a song writer to give me great songs to sing since I don't seem to be able to write very good lyrics for my songs? -MICHAEL
ANSWER
Most artistes write their own material but it would be wise to ask around and see what you come up with, talk to other artistes and industry professionals you come across, they'll be able to point you in the right direction and some artistes usually have their own song writers and some may be willing to write for you for the right fee.
QUESTION: Where can I get great advice for my career? - DEOLA
ANSWER
Keep tabs on #DEARARTISTE hashtag on twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/search/dearartiste
QUESTION: I think my manager is ripping me off, what can I do to make sure he isn't? - EDWIN
ANSWER
Check the financials, if you're not sure how much a particular person is paying you for a performance or promotion have someone double check, besides these things are usually written in the contract engaging you. There are a million and one solutions for a million and one different scenarios, until we know specifics, it's difficult to say.
QUESTION: I'm not quite ready to get a manager, what can I do to get shows? - JIDE
ANSWER:
Well you hire a publicist and see how that goes, but asides from the whole 'recording and keep recording' line people like to throw, you need to get yourself and your name out there. But if your money is stuck to your hands like glue, then you could start from your local night club see if they'll let you perform once a month or at least give you a one off chance to perform, and if you're really good you might become a regular and then who knows what could happen.
Also If you're really good, you'll need to jump around a bit and go for other shows and hustle to be part of the opening for those shows as a build up to other well established acts; as long as you do not expect to get paid initially and are ready to do this for a while, you should be okay but sooner or later you'll have to go shopping for a manager.
QUESTION: Do I need a record label? - JOHN
ANSWER
Well that's a very valid question and there are two answers to that, yes and no. While I won't go into this too much, for the NO, most labels in the country are merely promoters while a few are well structured, so in a manner of speaking no you do not NEED a label based on the way the industry is at the moment but the industry is evolving and you do not want to be left behind. On the YES side, let's just say a good label will do things for your career you can't do for yourself and gets you to the top (if you get there) faster than you would have been able to do on your own.
QUESTIONS: How do I get my material on your site? - FEMI
ANSWER
Email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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