Keith’s Korner: Use Your Resources
By: Keith Kennedy
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

In a world so convoluted with music, how does one set itself apart from the pack?  This week, we will discuss a few topics that will help you and your project get a step ahead.  There are many factors that make one project a success while another crashes, but we will specifically touch on utilizing resources.

Resources can be any number of things that will fuel your cause.  In fact, you can even look at it as gas for the tank of your vehicle for success.  These can include money and network but aren’t limited by them.  And before we continue, let’s get this out of the way, YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE A LOT OF MONEY TO BE SUCCESSFUL.  Certainly it helps, but with the proper planning and strategic moves, your network can serve as a substitute.  Here is another little nugget of truth, the music business is based off of the barter system.  In other words, if you have something I need, let’s exchange it for something I have that you may need.  For instance, if I’m a DJ and you’re a record label that has a car wash as a side hustle, if I can get my car washed as a hook up, I might be more inclined to play your record or work your mixtape release party at a discounted price, if not for free.  That’s the barter system at its finest.

Money generally comes into the picture when the time and effort involved aren’t comparable to any favors you might provide.  Such as, your record is not very good so it may take a few dollars to grease the wheels.  Versus, if you have a fiya (that’s fire for the hip-hop declined) record that people will be falling all over the place to be a part of with no fees involved.  Why?  Because at the end of the day, those associated with a great project increase their credibility to which they can charge others for their “expertise.”  A phrase was brilliantly explained as if you don’t have the knowledge, you must pay for someone else’s.  So if the knowledge gained is perceived as being expert through the attachment of successful projects, best believe an expert fee will be included.

Resources can also be gained through proper research.  The internet is a wonderful tool if utilized correctly.  There you can find a site for everything you need with competing prices from business literally around the world.  And if you’re not sure on how to do something, just google it and you’d be amazed at the info you can find.  You just have to be dedicated enough to look for it.  

One last little bit of information, if you are label, utilize record pools.  By definition, record pools are organizations of DJs who serve as marketing directors for your project.  When used properly, these DJs can tell you if you have a great project or a lemon.  And most often, all it costs you is the shipping charges and the time it takes to follow up on your project; which, oddly enough is a pitfall that many labels are subject to.  If you spend time and money on sending something, don’t you think it would be wise to at least call to see if one, they received it, and two, if anybody is playing it?

So, these are just a few tips for you to help further your cause and add fuel to your tank.  And with gas prices the way they are, aren’t you glad I’m not charging by the gallon for this priceless info?