Hardcore Knowledge Base for MusiciansSource: indierec.com
A good checklist for singer/songwriters especially those that think it's the easy life. It isn't. But this article and barcode service provided by Independent Records will help your bottom line.
You Are Already Your BrandSource: Entrepreneur.com
Entrepreneur Magazine's article hits a home-run when it comes to the new music business, or any business. It's not a matter of creating a good facade, it's about who you are as a person and the choices you make.
Google Music SearchSource: Hypebot.com
Google is on the right track with search engine for ALL music. Thanks to this daily newsletter on Hypebot I can see the latest envisioneering in the rapidly changing music business. Google's idea seems like a game changer to me.

I can see why P2P free sharing of music is enough to make the blood boil of both corporations and creative individuals. But It reminds me of the joke about why dogs lick their balls.....because they can.
Musicians As EntrepreneursSource: hypebot.com
There seems to be a growing sense that musicians must cover all the bases in this devolving industry. The argument rages about the benefits of focusing our energy vs staying in the game. This is the atom bomb of questions and the comments on this article are a fascinating read.
The Brand Bandwagon - Build Your OwnSource: Advertising Age
Sometimes singer/songwriters are tempted to write songs targeting an existing "brand" in hopes of hopping on the PR (or even more crazy-making trying to respond to Taxi's hot sheets.) Forget that noise.
Musicians-Think Like A CEO!Source: Hypebot.com
Now we're talking! A new company called Polyphonic has been started to fund indie musicians who want to operate as a business entity. Another is in the works called "Self Serve" at William Morris Endeavor.
Branding Ideas for Indie MusiciansSource: bestbizpractices.org
If Indie musicians start thinking in business terms, they could get out of the starting blocks a lot faster. You would pay a business manager a lot of money to give you this same advice and information about branding.
Luckily Googling Yourself Doesn't Result in Hairy PalmsSource: The New York Times
How many times a day do you do it? Well now you can add your profile to Google. As singer/songwriter Google has turned out to be very useful. When I first started my music seriously, I noticed that I only had 3 citations on the internet.
Paypal Gets Close To Paydirt With MicrochargesSource: hypebot.com
This is big news for Indies: Paypal has started a new program that reduces their fee to 5%+$.05. So for a $.99 track they would only charge about $.10. Now how do you get it to work with a download file directly from an iWeb site. Anyone out there have a clue?
Derek Sivers is Hiring-The Guru of CD Baby On To New ThingsSource: musicianwages.com
Derek Sivers, founder of the incredible indie cd distribution company, CD Baby which he recently sold to DiscMakers, is on to something new that I think may also revolutionize the industry. A service oriented towards aspiring indies to provide the services they need.
Songs To Aging Children Come-Mike Hale Is Answer To Tom Rush DreamsSource: hypebot.com
Here's some actual numbers for independent artist Mike Hale. This is the face of reality without the propped up platinum perspective. His new album "Lives Like Mine" is being released on his own website with a FREE DOWNLOAD. The album is not even listed on iTunes. Pretty gutsy.
Billboard Hires 2 Top Music Industry BloggersSource: hypebot.com
Billboard Magazine hires edgier bloggers as editors - good news for those of us following the INDIE path in a period of devolution. Hypebot e-zine keeps and eye out for the small indicators of big things.
Innovators From Inside the Music IndustrySource: The Huffington Post
Mike McCready is going in the right direction with Music Xray. A new way for songwriters to present their material across the web in a professional manner directly to content users with intelligent "screening" and sophisticated hit monitoring for feedback to the writer/artist.
Creative Vines in the New PR WorldSource: bigmethod.com
If you are embarking on the INDIE music path, the best strategy is to keep your eyes and ears open to the new ways for exposure to your audience, kind of like swinging on vines through the jungle.
Creative YouTube for MusiciansSource: hypebot.com
A performing musician can take advantage of free and almost free tools to get video of themselves on the net. Here's some interesting suggestions for assembling clips, like getting your fans involved.