K'Naan on the state of Hip Hop in Canada

K'Naan speaks out on the state of hip hop music in Canada. I have to admit I agree with most of what he is saying, but it is hard for Canadian artists to compete with U.S. artists. U.S. artists have bigger budgets and more opportunities. Not to mention the fact that the Canadian population is only 11% of the U.S. population.

Here are a few quotes:

“I do think there’s a little bit of an inconsistency with just how the music industry in general works with regards to urban music, especially urban music from Canada."

“We have a lot of artists in Canada who are hip-hop artists and so on, but not a lot of the young people out there who are making music are actually putting out consistent work, you know what I mean?”

Do you agree?

Read the full article here - Toronto Sun

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1 Artist 1 Beat

How to get into Canadian Music Week Free

In order to get your music to the right people you have to be where the right people are. In Canada that place is CMW or Canadian Music Week. Usually, this conference takes place the first or second weekend every March in Toronto. Everyone who is anyone in the business is there "making moves" why shouldn't you?

Well maybe because you don't have any money. According to their website if you wanted to register and attend the conference, you need to pay:

TuneUp MUSIC Badge:
includes access to 3 days of TuneUp seminars, exhibits and festival showcases.
Register on or before March 5, 2010...........................................$250.00
Walk-Up Rate..........................................................................$300.00

This is the best value for your money but do you have $250.00 to throw around? Didn't think so. Well I've gone to the conference 4 times and I didn't pay a cent. It was FREE! How did I do it?

1) Create 3-4 high quality songs.
2) Go to www.cmw.net and apply in September to be a showcase performer.
3) Best case scenario you make it in and have to perform in front of important people who will help your career. Worst case scenario they send you complementary tune-up passes for you and your crew. That easy.

or

If you've missed the deadline you could always contact them and ask to volunteer. If you want to make it you've got to do whatever it takes to network with the right people and in Canada those people are at CMW.

www.yourprosound.com
1 Artist 1 Beat

Essential items every artist should have: (Part 2 of 5) Where is your business card?

Traditionally in business when two people meet for the first time they exchange business cards. Although this is changing, it is still professional to engage in this practice. This is important to note because not everyone has their demo (music business card) on them at all times. It is bulky and hard to carry around, but business cards are easier. You can keep them in your wallet and by having a business card ready shows that you are not just an artist but that you are responsible and professional. So what is in a business card?

1) Your card must look professional. Make sure that all the information is on the card free of mistakes and easily readable.

2) All relevant contact information should be clearly marked. (Full Name, phone number, email address, website address) Also, you might consider adding other sites where you or your music can be found. Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and Linkedin are a few good choices.

3) Always ask for the other person’s card or information. You do this so that you can follow up with a quick email note a few days later. This will remind them of who you are, where you met, and

By investing a little money, as little as $20 can get you a professional looking business card which might just cause a few doors to crack open just enough for you to bust them down later. Here is a link to purchase business cards for very cheap.

Vista Print

www.yourprosound.com
1 Artist 1 Beat