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Allen Johnston's Blog (10)

No Positive Reputation = VULTURES

Today’s entertainment industry has created a totally new type of divisive character. The person who makes the saying “shady business”, a reality. The main reason this person exists is due to the lack of Positive Reputation among today’s industry players. The contemporary music business has created a host of new players and new positions, unfortunately the honesty of these players is not based on their actions. A few examples of the new breed hustler starts with their ability to consistently fin… Continue

Added by Allen Johnston on September 15, 2009 at 8:16pm — No Comments

DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE

If you think that you can go to a conference, play a song or perform and someone will give you a deal. HELLO you are almost a complete fool. Most NEW conferences are about separating you from as much of your money as possible and this happens by selling you dreams. These NEW conferences are long on conference performance slots, nightclub showcases, and DJ panels and short on education and real business networking. Just tell me what artist ever "BLEW UP" from having a DJ, an A&R rep or a reco… Continue

Added by Allen Johnston on April 23, 2009 at 1:10pm — 2 Comments

Games People Run On Our Youth

This is one for the grown folks. I’ve finally come to the decision that something has to be said about the Games people run on our youth. The entertainment industry has currently become a massive money machine for Hip Hop music and culture. The undeniable creative geniuses in this genre of music are Black youth. However the role models they see and goals that these very youth seek to obtain are tainted. Major corporations now control the sources that our youth read, watch and listen to. So the… Continue

Added by Allen Johnston on November 14, 2008 at 8:06pm — 4 Comments

THE FIGHT FOR RADIO DOLLARS - PPM

THE FIGHT FOR RADIO DOLLARS Allen Johnston – The Music Specialist www.asha.com Arbitrons Portable People Meter has created a real stir within the Black, Latino and minority radio communities and now has caused a definite division of corporate interests. Let me explain. The Portable People Meter (PPM) is a passive electronic measurement device worn by a listener that allows Arbitron to know what radio signals the wearer has listened to during the day. It not only measures AM / FM radio signals… Continue

Added by Allen Johnston on October 9, 2008 at 4:25pm — 4 Comments

Getting Paid From Labels

While sitting in a music conference panel recently it dawned on me that the Independent labels had created a whole new series of individual and small group owned independent SUPPORT businesses . These businesses are flourishing while the independent labels that use them are not. As a Hip-Hop / R&B / Neo Soul / Rock / Country or Gospel artist you feel that your material should be the hottest in the country. You just don’t know what to do to get started, so based on what you’re seeing and hea… Continue

Added by Allen Johnston on September 23, 2008 at 1:09pm — 4 Comments

10th Annual Great American Song Contest

Submissions to the 10th Annual Great American Song Contest will be accepted through this year's deadline of October 10, 2008. This annual event features top music-industry judges who are publishers, producers, recording artists and hit songwriters. Entrants receive written ev… Continue

Added by Allen Johnston on September 14, 2008 at 11:58am — 1 Comment

DALLAS SONGWRITERS SONG CONTEST

Amateur songwriters from around the world are once again invited to compete in the 19th annual Song Contest, hosted by the Dallas Songwriters Association (DSA). This year's Contest will feature ten categories judged by established music industry professionals, and the grand prize winners will be judged by Broadjam CEO and founder Roy Elkins. DSA will offer over $5,000 in cash and prizes to the top winners in each category. This year, two new categories have been added to the annual Song Contest… Continue

Added by Allen Johnston on September 14, 2008 at 11:56am — No Comments

Staying In The Business

Here’s something to think about. It’s extremely easy today to have a music project recorded and released. Everybody pretty much has the ability to record, press and distribute a cd of some sort. Add to that the ease of finding a person with a digital camera and passable HTML skills and you have the making of an Artist website. Then you have the online outlets like CD Baby, Craigslist, MySpace, Friendster and Tribe.net as well as independent promotion, marketing and publicity people, plus untold… Continue

Added by Allen Johnston on September 6, 2008 at 2:16pm — 4 Comments

Music Specialist Seminar now CLE Qualified

My team has been chosen to give a CLE (Continuing Legal Education) seminar at the Americana Music Associations Conference. 9th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference The 9th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference will bring over 1000 artists and industry professionals together from all over the world, representing all facets of our genre, to the Nashville Convention Center and premiere venues throughout the city from September 17 – September 20. The AMA Festival will… Continue

Added by Allen Johnston on September 6, 2008 at 9:06am — 2 Comments

Who is the enemy ??

The customer is not the enemy. He's your key to success, he's your road to riches. Let him record the music. Let him trade it. Give him whatever he needs to be addicted. And don't worry about informing anybody BUT fans. Continue

Added by Allen Johnston on August 1, 2008 at 9:59am — No Comments