INDEPENDENT ARTIST GUIDE:
GETTING YOUR MUSIC DISTRIBUTED IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

As we all know, Florida’s underground scene is looking promising these days, with the recent successes of artists like Khia, Smilez & Southstar, Thrill da Playa, White Dawg, Red Dogg, and others. Many aspiring Central Florida artists want to know their paths, and what these successful artists did to get to where they are. Get a pen, pad, and a business frame of mind and get ready to take notes. You can always use the tried and true method of hustling out of the back of your car, but when it comes time to take it to that next level, I’m going to tell you how to get your CDs carried in some of Central Florida’s hottest record stores.

Make a name for yourself. Your reputation is the most important thing you have. How many times have you walked into a record store, looked at somebody’s CD, and wondered, "Who the hell is this?" Building a name for yourself can only be achieved by hard work. Ask local mixtape DJs to let you freestyle on their mix CDs, hand out promotional CDs, perform in local talent shows – anything you can do to get your name out there. On that note, make sure you narrow it down to just ONE name that you’re promoting – there’s too many artists with five different aliases.

Promote yourself. Don’t ever underestimate the little things. If you’re truly dedicated, print up flyers, even if they’re cheap flyers, and put them under car windshields on a Friday or Saturday night. You can also make promo CDs with snippets of your songs, and hand them out at radio stations, studios, or nightclubs. You never know who might be listening.

Biography. Let people know who you are, and what you are about. It’s good to have a short biography, no more than 4 paragraphs. You don’t want to give your life story, just the basic essentials: how you got started, when you got started, and who you run with. It’s not the right time to shout out your block, though. Whatever you do, keep it professional.

Photos. Having a photo on your CD makes it more appealing to the customer (unless you’re the Mad Rapper). A group photo of you and all your mans-and-em from up the street isn’t necessary if you are a solo artist. If the photos aren’t professional, don’t bother. Your image says a lot about what level you are on as a music artist. If you are submitting your music to a record label, radio station, or DJ, include a professional black & white headshot.

Something new. There can only be one of you, so take that into consideration and be an ill individual. Do something that has never been done before. Say something that has never been said before. Be spontaneous and keep your listeners on the edge of their seats. Don’t have more punch lines in one song than you do on the whole CD. Have variety, and most importantly, do you!

Most stores that sell local CDs work through consignment contracts, which consists of the price you want to sell your product for, how much the store gets for selling your CD, and how many CDs or tapes you want to put on the shelf. Here’s some Central Florida record stores that support local artists:

CD Warehouse:

407-339-6005, State Rd. 436 in Fern Park

407-896-7015, 2525 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando

407-302-0145, 400 N. Entrance Rd. in Sanford

At most CD Warehouses, a particular CD or tape has to be in demand. "In order to sell CDs, we need to have a request. We’ll buy the CDs, but if nobody buys them, you have to come pick them up and return the money," says Brian Murphy, manager of the Orlando store. When I asked him why artists should pick his store as opposed to others, he says, "Low prices. We give them the outlet to sell where others won’t."

Platinum Music and Studios

407-323-1255, 2100 French Ave. in Sanford

A consignment contract is required to sell CDs at Platinum. If you decide to bring in a single, they’ll put it on a mixtape. "Basically, bring the CD in and talk to Grill, the owner, and he’ll have you sign a consignment contract," says Eric, a store employee.

Mystic Vibes

2711 N. Pine Hills Rd.

Orlando, FL 32808

Mystic Vibes has been in business for 12 years, and has been selling local artist’s music since day one. Equipped with a studio and mixtape circuit in the back, Mystic Vibes is best known to the reggae crowd. A consignment contract is also required to sell your music in Mystic Vibes. "Just come in and talk to me, or call," says owner Danny Selassie. He says that CD sales depend largely on radio play, advertising, and marketing. When asked why artists should bring their music to his store, the owner replies, "Because we are the Mystic Vibes! We keep the vibes flowing, and we deal with a variety of people."

Mega DJ Warehouse

407-929-4075

Mega DJ’s is a well-known store both to local artists who are trying to push their music and to fans. A consignment contract is usually required to sell your CDs or tapes in the store. For more information, contact Debbie at 407-929-4075.

Stick with a store that will help you, and stay away from stores that are more interested in getting the bigger half of your money. There’s too many people out there getting raped by the game. You control your own destiny, so have fun, but most of all remember that the music business is exactly that – a business. Always conduct yourself as a professional, no matter what.

- Sheneather Burns, unladelyke@blackplanet.com

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