Get ahead the independent way, Reeperbahn Festival

Everyone seems to want to be an "Independent music producer". They want to be in control of their own destiny, decide on their music direction, artwork, recording process, but they also want a "Big Label" to pay for it all. Well if you are the type of person that like to do it on your own, I will recommend going to the numerour music conferences world wide. One that is coming up shortly is the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, Germany. Or.. Deutschland for you multilingual readers. Reeperbahn Festival Read all about it. I have represented people at conferences like this for years. It is a music convention, conference and showcase. The reason everyone needs to have much better connections in the industry, and be booked with major acts on a big tour. You will NEVER get a big support gig tour, unless you are on a major record label with bands that are similar, or with a major booking agent. Start small, but get prepared!!! There are lots of small companies that will help you climb the ladder. IF you do go to this festival, you will also have a bit of work to do. Mainly research and letting the labels, publishers, and your favorite bands that you want to support, and which labels you think suit your music that you will be there. MAKE A MEETING!!! Keep in contact with them. There is no point in applying for a meeting with a classical label for a rock band. Etc.. Also, there are SO many people attending, you would not be able to email all of them. When you buy a ticket you get access to the list of people coming, delegates, and contact details for them. It is a major plus. All meetings must be organised before you get there, or nobody will meet you, it must be organised. Make a definable and reachable goal for Reeperbahn. Get you name in the ears of people so that when you come over next year, you go to the Reeperbahn, try to get on the festival playing, and meet people that you already have a connection to. Long term commitment is important to the big labels. So start now, and don't give up. Cheers, Steve Iorio Epic-tourin.com