Deron 5L Newsletter - February 2005

Working full time as a musician is different than many might realize. For example, even putting this newsletter together, and building a subscribers list, is a part-time job in itself. Don't get me wrong, I really like what I do, especially sending out this newsletter!

There are many other things that I do besides simply play music. I spend much of my time pushing forward on an upcoming CD, booking gigs at current venues, finding new places to play, researching and planning for my tour coming up, maintaining my guitar and equipment (and truck), keeping my web site updated, promoting up and coming shows & events, studying the music business through books and audio (and mentors), and making sure I have bills paid in a timely manner, just like any independent business owner, plus many other miscellaneous tasks.

Fortunately I don't have any huge loans out there or anything like that tied to my business. It's just that most of what I make goes back into the business. It's a viscous cycle that I hope will get easier over time. Still, my ultimate goal is to turn this business or I should say "career" into something great. By great, I mean the purpose of being great though positive results by sharing my music.

Recently I played at an open mic and got recorded live, then the host (Rich) posted the songs online. I wanted to make this really neat live recording available. The recording quality is very nice. You'll get a good taste of what's coming up on my new CD here http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamM3U.m3u?ID=1948655&q=Hi

This Month's Lesson: Something I am just learning is just how important it is to go out there and play, and sell CDs at shows. It's called "Tour Distribution". It is the best way to sell music as an independent Musician. I really like playing coffee houses, and venues where I play all originals. It gives me a chance to really do what I like doing, sell CDs, and share my music.

Another big thing I learned not too long ago was just how important it is to connect with each person at gigs, and stay in touch. That's why this newsletter is such a nice thing to have as a Musician. By the way thanks so much for reading.

I've got an up close & personal show coming up at Raven Coffeehouse on Saturday, February 12th. This is one of the best coffee houses in Michigan, if not the USA. You can get more info. at http://www.calendar.deron5l.com

Do you have something to say? Say it in my guestbook at http://www.guestbook.deron5l.com

SURVEY!!! I want to do something interesting. Do me a favor and hit "reply" to this email. Write down where you are reading this from (ex: "at work with my moring coffee", "on my home computer in my office", "at a coffee house late at night", etc.. I look forward to hearing from you.

Peace Dudes,

Terrance (Deron 5L)
http://www.deron5l.com


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