Guest Blog: All Musicians Peak in Their 20s

By Marc McMaster

I've been thinking about something for awhile. The subject line states the obvious - It's pretty common knowledge that nearly all notable musicians embark on their success in their 20's.

But why is that? Is it because humans tend to have their creative peak during this period? I am not sure if that is the case, as other creative arts had notable people arise in their 30's to even 70's. Eg acting, painting, sculpture. 

 

I once thought it was related to the music industry and our current time period (ie, young people "sell"). I'm no longer convinced of this however, because Beethoven was pretty young during his rise to fame. Contrast this with non-musical artists like some painters who die penniless and only gain fame posthumously.

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The Debate Over Music Streaming Services, Round...Hell, I Don't Know

Each passing day, more and more music fans are indicating that they're okay with renting music (i.e. subscribing to a streaming service that allows music to live on a device until you stop paying a monthly feel).  For music consumers, streaming's all-you-can eat promise is fantastic.

Most record labels are cool with the technology, too.  They've figured out that they need to get music to consumers in new legal ways.  Bring it on, they say.

What's left out in this food chain are the musicians and composers.  While they're anxious to get their music out there, streaming isn't the financial answer--at least not yet.  From Pando Daily:

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7 Apps and Websites That Still Need Inventing

As of this morning, I have 164 apps on my iPhone of which close to two dozen are music-related. Yet somehow, I feel like something is missing.

Digital Music News feels the same way, too.  They have a list of music apps and websites that still need to be invented.

1. A sample checker to keep artists safe and protected.

2. The ultimate music business accounting/contract site for artists

3. A Spotify/Napster hybrid

4. A proper way to view/listen to music from YouTube

5. An open source music database

6. A transparent ticketing website

7. A hub for session musicians, studios and producers

There's a bonus suggestion, too--and it's my favourite.  Read up here for the full explanations. Meanwhile, do you have any ideas for new apps and websites?

I'm All For the Vinyl Revival, But...

I think it's great that people are getting back into vinyl.  I love seeing all these reissues of old albums on proper plastic, even if some of them cost upwards of $30.  Played on a good turntable through nice speakers, the new generation of vinyl can be a fantasitc listening esperience.

But not all old recordings deserve to be reissued.  What, for example, was the motivation behind this week's re-release of Kenny Rogers' 1977 album, The Gambler?

It's not only time to walk away, it's time to run.

(Via AV Club)

Advice on How Indie Artists Can Sell More Music

Some advice from The Music Goat (thanks to Corey for the link):

These days, the question should no longer be “why should we release singles” but “how to release singles in the most effective way possible.”

To answer that question in the best way possible, I figured that you and I could put our heads together and build a great resource.

I figured I’d get the ball rolling by listing all of the things I do. Then, open it up to you to see if there is anything we can tweak or add to the list. That way, we can really kick some ass every time we release a single.

But before we do all of that, lets take a few seconds to revisit why we should release singles (in case you are still on the fence or can’t remember why it is a good idea).

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