Breaking Into the LDS Music Industry - Audio & PDF Download

For the past 7 years, people from across the United States and from around the world have attended the popular LDS Music Industry Workshops presented by Jenny Phillips and Tyler Castleton. For the first time ever, invaluable information from these highly acclaimed workshops is available as an exclusive audio download.  In this 2.5-hour presentation, Jenny and Tyler answer the 30 most frequently asked questions about breaking into the LDS music industry, covering topics ranging from recording a demo, approaching record labels, balancing music and family, and music copyrights and contracts.  This collection of information about breaking into the LDS music industry is a must for anyone who is serious about becoming a professional LDS singer, songwriter or recording artist.

* Includes a PDF download with the following documents:
1. A list of current LDS record labels & distribution companies and how to contact them
2. List of recommend studios and how to contact them
3. List of Arrangers and how to contact them
4. Example Album Budget
6. Example Demo Budget

*This is an MP3 download (not a CD that will be mailed to you). Download links will be on the screen after you checkout, and the download links will instantly be emailed to you.

$59.99 On sale for $49.99 until July 24th, 2012

*You will need zip software to unzip these files. You can download one free here: www.winzip.com/free

Audio Download Outline

Question #1: (Jenny) I like to sing and/or write LDS music, and I’d like to get my voice and/or songs out there. How do I get started in the  LDS Music Industry?

Question #2: (Tyler) Does it help/is it required to write your own songs in order to be an LDS artist? Do I need to live in Utah? What challenges do I face not living in Utah? What age is best to get started ? Is there a point where I’m too old to get started?

Question #3: (Jenny) How do I know if I should do music professionally of just as a hobby?

Question #4: (Jenny) What is the difference between a label artist & independent artist and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each? What kind of time commitment is required?

Question #5: (Tyler) LDS Record Labels: How do I approach LDS record labels to pitch myself as an “artist?” How do I follow up with them if I don’t hear back? What are LDS labels looking for? How do I get my foot in the door and stand out above the rest?

Question #6: (Jenny) How did you get started in the LDS music industry? How did you eventually find success?

Question #7: (Tyler) What information is important to include when sending the demo? Do I need a headshot? What should a cover letter say?

Question #8: (Tyler) Do I need to get permission, licenses, etc. to use other people’s songs on my demo?

Question #9: (Tyler) How much does a demo generally cost to make?

Question #10: (Tyler) What do I need to know about making a good demo? How many songs should I put on a demo CD? What quality does a demo CD need to be? Can I record it at home? Do I need a vocal producer?

Question #11: (Tyler) Once the demo is done: Who do I send it to? Can I expect a response and how soon? Can I follow up and how do I follow up if I don’t receive a response?

Question #12: (Jenny) What if I don’t have a spouse that wants to support my music financially or through the time and effort needed?

Question #13: (Jenny) How much does it cost to produce a CD? How do I put together a budget?

Question #14: (Tyler) What role does a producer play? Should I be my own producer? How much does a producer cost?

Question #15: (Tyler) How did you get started in the music business, and how have you managed to make a living in such a volatile and uncertain profession?

Question #16: (Tyler) How important is it to stay current on music trends, technologies, and digital developments in music?  What impact has new technology and the internet had on your songwriting, your producing, and how you make a living in the music business? How do I know if I should do music for a living?  How realistic is it that I can succeed in such a competitive profession?

Question #17: (Jenny) Is there Studio Etiquette I need to understand?

Question #18: (Jenny) What is the process of recording a CD?

Question #19: (Tyler) How do I get honest and helpful feedback on my voice and on my songs?

Question #20: (Tyler) Connections: How do I find a mentor who is competent in the industry? How do I make connections and network in the LDS Music Industry?

Question #21: (Tyler) Getting my songs out there: What is the demand like for new, good songs? Are arrangers/music producers on the constant lookout for new, high-quality, wholesome songs? How do I find out about projects that are looking for songwriting submissions? How do I submit my songs for EFY?

Question #22: (Jenny) Getting my voice out there:  How do I find people who need vocalists? How much do studio vocalists get paid? Is there a lot of work out there for studio vocalists? Do you have to sight-read well? Do you get the music beforehand? How much can I/should I add my own style when recording other people’s songs? How do you find the "right" voice teacher to coach you? What are the most common problems in vocal demos?

Question #23: (Tyler) If I write songs and want to sell them, how do I go about that?  Can I really make money as a songwriter?  What kind of realistic income can be made from writing songs?

Question #24: (Tyler) What is a publishing company, and if I'm a songwriter do I need to be affiliated with one to have success and get my songs heard?

Question #25: (Tyler) I have written a lot of songs and I need to get them copyrighted.  How do I go about doing that?  Shouldn't I be concerned about other people stealing my songs?

Question #26: (Tyler) What kinds of contracts and licenses do I need to be aware of as an artist and/or a songwriter?  if I'm an artist signing a contract with a record label, should I have an attorney review the contract?  What kind of things should I watch out for and avoid in an artist contract?

Question #27: (Tyler) I've heard of ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.  What are these organizations?  How do they affect me as an artist or songwriter?  Do I need to join one of them?  How do they work, and how do I decide which one to join?

Question #28: (Jenny) How do you find time to balance it all with kids?

Question #29 (Jenny) How do you avoid getting caught up in fame and success? How has success affected you?

Question #30: (A: Tyler and B: Jenny) What is the most important advice you could give someone who is trying to get into LDS music?