Universal Music Portugal

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Imagine Dragons

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Bridgit Mendler

Paul McCartney

'Wings over America' is released next week. To celebrate we're taking you behind the scenes of the tour with exclusive photos and scans from Linda's diary.

Check it all out HERE: http://po.st/J3ZbSW

25-05-2013 13:41:51

Julian Perretta

Cut through the noise.

My tips on getting heard in the ever changing music business. How do you get noticed? What should an unsigned artist do to get heard above thousands of new upcoming singer songwriters each year? Is the major label route always the best route?

What's up guys. I'm asked constantly this in Interviews and via twitter how can you break through in the current climate in music. So I thought I'd give my advice based on my experience being in the industry now since I'm 17.

I was signed to Columbia, Sony Music at 18. Recorded an album which was shelved and 18 months later I was dropped. I was lucky enough to find my new home, Universal in 2010 who released the same record and I went on to have a number 1 single and album in Europe. My journey was an interesting one!

On the eve of the release of my first single from my second Album, penned for release October this year I feel it time to shed some light on my experiences.

If your a new act, take a read of some of my tips, they may help, they may not. But everyone needs a friendly bit of advice entering into one of the toughest and most competitive industry's in the world.

Musicians know that their career depends on building a loyal relationship with as many fans as possible. But before you can start to build that relationship, you have to get people’s attention.

So how do you cut through the noise?

a simple rule i learnt? What stands out gets remembered and talked about. What blends in gets forgotten - or worse - goes unnoticed.

If you want to be remembered and talked about, here are some simple and effective ways to do it. Of course these are just pointers from my experience.

Every year an artist surprises the music Industry by cracking through on his or hers own terms and shakes up the game. Lets take an example.

This years biggest selling single (so far) is 'Thrift Shop' by Seattle born rapper Macklemore.
Many of their choices-starting with releasing their debut, "The Heist," independently last October to the topics they rap about-seem counterintuitive in an age when acts rely on brand sponsors for tour financing and crucial revenue, and major labels for marketing and radio promotion, to say nothing of rap's long-standing celebration of swag and flash. But the soft-spoken duo from the Pacific Northwest wouldn't have it any other way. Or as Wanz says, "It's like the emperor is actually wearing the clothes. They check themselves with everything they do." Even merchandising. Which is not only revolutionary to our business but also proving with a magically catchy record like, 'Thrift Store' help of some local dj's, touring and support slots you can break through on your own. 10 million digital sales later, they are well and truly living the dream leaving tens of executives who passed on signing them or tried to tie them up creatively and financially lost for words.

There are no rules. So however you do it the bottom line is and will always be, great songs sang by a great artist will prevail. My ideas behind writing this piece is not a shot at labels, I'm not saying doing it the unsigned way is the best way, but it is an option, if you failed to find a label which most acts sadly do, there are other ways to get yourself heard.

One big point is don't get side tracked by trends or what seems to be fashionable and current at one specific moment in time. There is nothing more annoying than having a song played all year by one act, and suddenly for the next 6 months we hear 15 block copies of the same record. For example, Daft Punk are currently putting disco back on the map. So should I write a couple tracks like 'Get Lucky' and dress as a robot from the future? No. Be you. Be real. Be honest. People will see through you.
The first thing a label or even a perspective fan listening to you for the first time will say is, 'What does this sound like? Who is he/she trying to base her sound on?'
Try and find your sound based on your earliest and most favorite influences. This will steer you to being unique, without sounding like your copying the top 40.

Whatever your style is hold to it wether it feels current or 'trendy' or not. Great music will always be the key. But here's e few other tips.

1. Use Stunning Visuals

We live in the age of visual culture. Social networks like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and others are built around images. Images are effective because they capture a message or emotion that we can experience in an instant (that’s great because everyone’s short on time). When you bundle your music with beautiful, inspiring visuals, people will not only notice, but also pass it along. Make your visual appearance a priority - it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to get more attention.

2. Give People What They Already Want

Whenever you’re trying to motivate someone to take a specific action - like listening to your song, or signing up for your email list - you need to give him or her a good reason to do so. That means you have to offer something they value (or are at least curious about) in return.
Unfortunately your music alone is usually not enough - even if you give it away for free. You need to offer what your ideal fan already wants - before he/she knows you exist.
Here’s an idea: a cover version of a popular song and make it sound different: play a rock tune with no guitars, or a jazz version of a rap song. The original artist’s fans will be curious to hear your version - now you’ve got their attention. Ed Sheeran is one person who did this very well.

3. Inspire Or Enrage

Don’t try to please everyone. If you don’t stand for anything - why should anyone care about what you have to say? Are you an atheist? Write a controversial song about it. By alienating some, you’ll connect more deeply with others. Plus, when you tap into high-arousal emotions like inspiration or anger, people are more likely to take action. Whether you’re evoking positive or negative feelings - make sure you get people fired up, and they’ll pay attention to you.

With hundreds of records released every single week on major and Indies, it needs to be your priority to give people something fresh. Lyrically or musically.

Finally. Good luck!

25-05-2013 13:28:37

Guns N' Roses

About last night... here's the set list http://paradisecity.com/post/51a0624b2227668f770000d3 along with some pics from the fans and crew.

Photo credit: Rocklahoma Instagram

25-05-2013 13:20:01

The Wanted

25-05-2013 13:20:01

Fergie

Kelly Osbourne, so glad u made it!!! Ahhh Vienna!!!!! #lifeball amfAR The Foundation for AIDS Research http://instagram.com/p/ZvDgjIEDPU/

25-05-2013 12:54:58

aggrosantos

Just found out I'm booked in for The Hit Factory studio.. #miami

25-05-2013 14:03:12

elliegoulding

RT @bbcthree: @elliegoulding Tune in from 7pm TONIGHT on @bbcthree to see Ellie Goulding's #bigweekend performance! Woop Woop!

25-05-2013 13:53:57

PaulMcCartney

Wings over America is released next week. Take a look behind the scenes of the tour HERE: http://t.co/8CAi2TGIlj http://t.co/1W0VruEMH6

25-05-2013 13:42:35

julianperretta

RT @_AudreyP: "Musicians know that their career depends on building a loyal relationship with as many fans as possible." Good words @julian…

25-05-2013 13:39:02

julianperretta

Cut Through The Noise. Aspiring musician? Read Julian's blog now on http://t.co/bEbh5xeD3Z

25-05-2013 13:29:57