6 Things to Keep in Mind Before You Pitch Any Music Journalist

If you’re preparing to send out your next pitch email to a slew of music journalists, there are a few boxes to check before you blast your carefully crafted message. Our hope, as writers, is that you’ve already thought through most of the things below, but, unfortunately, each one of these elements gets overlooked more than you might think.

Some pitch preparation is mental and some is material, but to make sure you have your bases covered, keep these six things in mind before pitching a music journalist.

Krissy6 Things to Keep in Mind Before You Pitch Any Music Journalist
read more

How To Break Out of Your Songwriting Rut

If you’re a serious songwriter, you’re probably used to wrestling with the beasts of routine and boredom every so often. Even songwriters brimming with talent and promise have fruitless writing sessions sometimes. It’s all part of the process. But when a songwriter experiences weeks, months or even years of uninspired frustration with their work, it’s an entirely different story. If this sounds like you, I’ve got some practical guidance that can help break you out of your songwriting rut.

KrissyHow To Break Out of Your Songwriting Rut
read more

I Am Nice: Sammy Brue’s Debut Album & Interview

He’s been described as a “15-year-old folk hero of the future,” a “wunderkind,” and an “Americana prodigy,” while simultaneously holding on to his teenager-ness; hanging with friends, playing video games, and skateboarding different spots. Sammy Brue just released his debut album, I Am Nice, on Friday, June 16th, and the Portland, Oregon native is undoubtedly about to become a household name. We spent some time with him, asking questions about life as a young artist, musical inspiration, and the grabbing inside scoop on that infamous hat of his.

KrissyI Am Nice: Sammy Brue’s Debut Album & Interview
read more

If Haircuts Could Make Playlists

Did you know that the hairstyle parked on top of your head controls your mind and music taste? It actually doesn’t, but what if it did? We recently performed a hair follicle analysis (as music companies do) to create haircut soundtracks. Hair are the results.

KrissyIf Haircuts Could Make Playlists
read more

Busting Nashville Myths For Musicians

“It’s basically a city of songwriters and that’s what gives it its strength, that’s what gives it its lasting ability. You’ve got people making all different kinds of music and that’s what attracts me to Nashville as Music City.” – Emmylou Harris

Before visiting or moving to Nashville, many people have misconceptions about this place. Take it from a local: They either get the shock of their lives and adapt, or leave disillusioned. My hope is that this post will help you avoid some of those pitfalls that beset many fresh-faced hopefuls. Read on if Nashville is a place you hope to experience some day.

KrissyBusting Nashville Myths For Musicians
read more

Meet The Latest Artists Selected For ReverbNation Opportunities

Everyday the music industry seeks out ReverbNation artists to book on stages, license their songs, sign to labels and more through exclusive opportunities. To celebrate the hundreds of emerging artists selected for these opportunities, we’re going to share a random sample of five every week on this blog. Let’s go!

KrissyMeet The Latest Artists Selected For ReverbNation Opportunities
read more

7 Free (or Cheap) Music Software Programs

Music and technology have become inseparable friends, and more and more often musicians are using software to create original music rather than doing it purely organically. But accessing that software can be difficult, in particular because most musicians – especially if they’re just starting out – are on a pretty tight budget for investing in the tools they need to create.

However, a big range of digital audio workstations and software platforms that are either freeware or superbly low in price are available for musicians on a shoestring budget. Here are seven of the best free or cheap music software programs available.

Krissy7 Free (or Cheap) Music Software Programs
read more