A new study by New York University’s Stern Business School tracked blog chatter for 108 albums for four weeks before and after their release dates.

The study showed that the volume of blog posts led to future sales, but that large increases in an artist’s MySpace friends had a weaker correlation to sales. According to the study, if 40 or more blog posts were made before an sales ended up being three to four times times the average for both indie and major releases. If blog posts crossed 250, album sales rose to six times the average regardless of label.

But don’t throw out the old school rules just yet. Albums released by major labels and albums with a number of reviews from mainstream sources like Rolling Stone also tended to have higher future sales.

Advertising has always been about impressions, but previous marketing efforts were often aimed at big scores – a magazine cover, a TV appearance or even a major national tour slot – and the bump in sales they provided. But in a fractured media landscape it seems to be the cumulative effect of a multitude of impressions that matters. This study provides some early clues for music marketers interested in assessing the relative importance of Web 2.0 sites and metrics and suggest that looking at cumulative online action appears to provide predictive value far beyond looking at each in isolation.

Article Source: http://blog.youlicense.com

For more education on careers in the music industry, check out: www.Music-Career-Guide.com

***

Pursuing a career in the music industry means finding unique and creative ways to get the attention of music industry executives, and other industry professionals that can help to guide you towards a record deal. If you’re a singer, or a member of a band and it’s your dream to land a lucrative record deal, then ask yourself, “What am I doing to break into the industry?”

One way that many solo artists and bands are getting the attention of music industry executives is by producing, recording and distributing their own material. Solo artists and bands that have developed their image, written great material and have developed a fan base are very attractive to record labels. While executives will still want to help you groom your talent, the success you’ve achieved on your own let’s them know that you’ve got amazing potential, you’re hardworking and that you have a great chance at excelling in the industry.

Unfortunately it can be quite costly to produce and distribute an entire album. But don’t let that get you down. If you want to take your talent to the next level, but you don’t have the funds to produce an entire album, try producing a single.

A band that I met recently wrote, produced and recorded their first single. They then had it professionally dubbed and packaged. Once that was completed, they then sent their single out to hundreds of radio stations, club DJs, and A&R executives at major and independent labels, along with their press kit, and an invitation to their live show.

On the day of their show, the venue was filled with family, friends and fans as well as several key players in the music business. Not only did they have a successful show, but they also lined up meetings with several A&R scouts and their song is now being played on several college radio stations. It looks like they are well on their way to a record deal, and they couldn’t be more thrilled!

Are you a solo artist or band looking for opportunities in the music business? Be sure to log on to www.StarSearchCasting.com to review the casting notices. We’ve got lots of auditions for aspiring singers and musicians. Let us help you put your talent on the map!

Article Source: http://starsearchcasting.wordpress.com

For more education on careers in the music industry, check out: www.Music-Career-Guide.com

***