Buy Rap Beats - Are They Safe To Buy Online?

If you got to this article your probably wondering how legit is it to buy beats online?

Is it really a safe option for me?

Well actually it's no different than buying beats offline, actually some people might say it's safer.

Let me explain, let's say if in the real world (offline) you give a producer some money for a beat and he says he'll give you the beat later and you don't end up ever getting it, there's not much you can (legally) do there.

Unless you hire an attorney for that, there's no company in between you two that's making sure everyone gets what they want and the process goes smoothly. Also, if your just making a name for yourself you most likely aren't dealing with lawyers quite yet.

This is where buying beats online can actually be safer and easier. I say this because as long as the producer has some sort of 3rd party shopping cart to handle the beat purchase then you'll have a company that has your back and will do everything in their power to make sure you get what you paid for.

This is simply because most 3rd party shopping carts (such as PayPal and Google Checkout) have to keep the consumers happy or not word will get around and people will look for other companies to do business with.

With PayPal you have their "PayPal Purchase Protection" which allows you to not have to pay if you don't receive your beat. So PayPal has the power to suspend the money from the producer's account if you didn't receive the beat.

Also, with Google Checkout they have similar protection through their "fraud protection policy". So you can actually see that you'll be BETTER off doing business online when your buying beats for your album.

Another important thing when your using these 3rd party solutions you don't have to worry about your credit card information being stolen or being seen by the producer. To make sure your credit card info never gets revealed just follow this easy quick tip.

EASY QUICK TIP TO PROTECT YOUR CREDIT CARD INFO

Look up at the top left on your Internet browser when your on a page where you have to enter your card info and look for a https:// instead of http://, which means that they have a secure site with an SSL certificate.

Now if you come across a site that doesn't use a 3rd party shopping cart then I would stay on my toes and make sure your super safe when it comes time to buy your beats. You can do some additional research on the producer's website to look for testimonials, reviews, comments and see if other people are safely doing business with them.

If you just happen to be looking to buy rap beats from a producer with serious fire that also happens to be a PayPal verified member then visit http://www.howtobuybeats.com/listen-to-rap-beats.

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How To Make DJ Music - Online Resources

The Benefits If You Make DJ Music

Even if your tracks don't see the same success that Justice, Deadmau5 and other artists do, even if you are relatively well-known or just well know to a few, there are still lots of advantages when you make DJ music.

The top DJ produces don't get the best gigs because they sweated through clubs with their little DJ kits, reading guides on how to DJ and trying to mix.

It's because they made a few dancefloor filling bomb-dropper tunes that electronic music fans around the world ALL know about!

That gives them license to DJ at Ibiza nightclubs, capital city top clubs and the best festivals around.

Make DJ music that gets played in 10 or 20 different countries and make it work. Then watch the offers for gigs ROLL in.

Get yourself an agent! You're going to need one.

I discussed this in my interview with DJ Sean Gallagher recently. We've noticed how certain new music producers get huge gigs really fast and we were wondering how they learn to DJ so fast.

If you start make DJ music yourself AND you're good at it, you could well be one of those guys who gets amazing gigs right away!

The Benefits If You Make DJ Music

Even if your tracks don't see the same success that Justice, Deadmau5 and other artists do, even if you are relatively well-known or just well know to a few, there are still lots of advantages when you make DJ music.

Don't be this DJ

Imagine, you sweat for years working your way into clubs as a DJ, competing hard with other guys to get a coveted residency. But you have no remixes or tracks to your name.

Then, on the day of a huge event, you get pushed aside because the promoter and owner want someone else to DJ instead.

They want a producer who's only ever DJed once in his life to play instead of you! This producer has just made one killer track in his life, but everyone knows it and loves it!

This happens all the time. Regular DJs who don't make their own tunes are forced to make way for producers whose music is known by everyone.

Don't be that DJ who gets pushed off the decks! Make your own DJ music instead.

If you need a few reminders why you should start, I'll give them to you:

1. Better for getting gigs

You can get club gigs a lot easier if you have a few of your own tracks.

Put yourself in the place of the promoter. They get emailed and called all the time by DJs claiming that they're the next big thing. He or she will be reassured if you're a DJ with a few tunes to your name.

As well as sending the promoter a link your DJ website and video of you mixing, you'll throw in the links to your youtube tracks (where you've added some comments!).

Promoters are far more easily swayed by DJs with their own music.

2. Prestige

As soon as you start making your first tracks, your status changes.

When you talk about your DJing, you'll be able to introduce yourself as a DJ Producer. You'll no longer just be a DJ!

This is better for you in terms of prestige. Add it to your business card, put it on your website tell it to your friends.

The DJ Producer is in town!

3. Chances of massive success

It doesn't happen to everyone who makes DJ music by themselves, but some get to experience huge success.

Think of one hit wonder kings Stardust and their tune, "Music Sounds Better With You". This tune went around the world and kept going!

I'm not saying you should aim to make a one hit wonder but you do have the chance of making the same impact that these guys did.

4. Better money

If you manage to sell 40,000 downloads of your cool track by marketing it yourself, you'll be in for a nice payday.

You can keep the royalties and get as much as 70% of the cash back for yourself!

If you sell your tune for $1 and keep around 70% of proceedings:

70% of $40 000 = $28 000

Knock out 5 tracks a year and you're doing ok!

But the real money is in the gigs you'll get. As soon as you make DJ music and one of your tracks takes off, you'll get offered gigs all over the world!

Legacy

How long will it be before people forget Fatboy Slim's first album?

Never.

Our musical memories are so good they seem to be better than any other parts of our memory.

And Fatboy Slim's tracks will be getting played and danced to in 20 years time, I can guarantee it.

Imagine being the one that made those great tracks. You'll rock and be remembered for years and years.

Find out more with my articles on how to make DJ music and where to start.

This article and many more other DJ tips, reviews, advice and a free guide to getting DJ gigs can be found at The Total DJ Blog

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Buying Your First Guitar Online

Buying a guitar for the first time is a difficult process. If you've never done it before, it's almost certain that you won't even know where to start. But never fear! This handy guide will take you through the process so that you buy the right instrument for YOU, and at the right price.

The first question you need to ask is whether you're going to by new or used. Obviously buying a new instrument means you are guaranteed an instrument in pristine condition - but you are going to pay for it. The benefit of a warranty, as well as having someone who will listen (and hopefully respond) to your complaints if something goes wrong is something that will sway some potential buyers into taking this route.

The benefit of second-hand, of course, is cost. It's likely that you'll be able to find a better quality instrument for a much better price if you're willing to buy second-hand. A good rule of thumb when buying your first instrument used is to only buy instruments you can play prior to purchase. Don't buy your first instrument from Ebay; if you can't play it before buying it, it's likely you'll be in for a bad surprise when the instrument arrives.

The next question to ask is what kind of guitar you are going to purchase. This includes things such as the size, sound production method (acoustic or electric) and shape. For adults, a full size guitar is recommended. You can also purchase half and three quarter size instruments for younger players; although depending on age it may be worthwhile going straight for the full-size guitar (children grow quite quickly, after all). In terms of sound production type, this will depend on personal preference and living arrangement (roommates or family members might have something to say about this).

Choosing a guitar model or shape will depend on your personal preference, aesthetic preference and (of course) price range. It is recommended that you play many different guitars to find which one suits you (in terms of appearance, feel and sound). The best way to do this is to go to a guitar store with a friend that already plays. If you don't know any one, do your research. Search online and find reviews for instruments that notoriously have quality construction and play well. Ask the store clerk to set up the instrument for you, and (if possible) give you a rundown on the features and benefits of the instrument.

In terms of buying an electric guitar, you'll need some additional accessories to get started. Make sure you have a spare set of strings (as you'll learn quite quickly, broken strings are not an uncommon occurrence). A good quality carry case is also recommended to keep your instrument in tip-top condition. You'll need a guitar cable to connect your instrument to an amplifier; don't go for the cheapest available as they are likely to break. You'll also need picks (buy a few different types so you can work out which you prefer) and a strap to play while standing. Obviously an amplifier is also required - but this is another article entirely.

When buying guitars online it's very important that you've played the instrument in real life before buying a particular make or model. A good practice is to find the guitar you want by visiting physical stores and playing a selection of instruments, then go online and purchase it. This way you get the best of both worlds: first-hand experience that the instrument is right for you AND the best price available.

Hopefully this guide has helped you in your quest to purchase the perfect first instrument. Best of luck purchasing your guitar. Rock on!

Buy Electric Guitars Now is the one-stop-shop for everything electric guitar related. Created BY guitarists, FOR guitarists.

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The Difficulties of Getting Your Music Noticed Online

Hi Guys,

Today I am going to talk to you about getting your music noticed online. Everyone shares free songs online and I am going to explain why it is so difficult and how you can boost the number of people it reaches.

Over the years we've seen some talented people getting noticed through sharing their music online, through social media platforms, such as, Lily Allen and Sean Kingston. Obviously, both of these acts have gone on to great success with their music being played worldwide. These two artists, clearly talented, were lucky when they were sharing free songs during the early days when there was not so much material being batted about through social media and personal websites.

With so many free songs being shared online from every different genre and every corner of the world, standing out is a much more difficult prospect. Everybody, whether they are current UK number 1 or playing in a local pub with 5 people, including the barmen, are offering free songs for you, me and everyone to listen to. When a market is like this, it becomes saturated, people always want to listen to music, but you need to make sure it's your music that they listen to.

To stand out from the crowd, you need to make your music as accessible as possible. Having your own personal website for your band is great, but the only people that visit it are people who have already heard of you. By restricting yourself to one or two sites you a reducing your exposure, you need to put you material in as many places as possible. There are free social media and free dedicated music sites around the internet that have been created to help you, if they are not costing anything then use them, why not? There is no reason not to. Even if they are new and do not have a massive member list, it makes sense to use it as you are more likely to stand out from the crowd. By placing free songs on more platforms you are not just gaining a wider passing trade, but you are also gaining the regular visitors of the site that you have put your music on.

So get out there and get your music heard by as many ears as possible. Placing it in more places and promoting it with social media sites, such as, Twitter, will only gain you more fans, or at least some great feedback.

Cheers for reading and good luck.

Jack Hillaby
CEO of bustars.com
http://bustars.com/

bustars.com is a brand new creative community for upcoming and unsigned bands, dj's, musicians, artists, singer/songwriters, rappers, photographers and more. We are a platform that allows members to upload their music, pictures and videos so that they can gain feedback and exposure. So, become a bustar and see your music reach a wider audience.

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Promote Your Band Online Today!

When you promote your band online, you are no longer limited by the fans in your hometown. The internet gives you the power to reach music fans on the other side of the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. "There's no reason to just think nationally anymore," says Valencia Wood website developer for Giga Glaze,"There's tons of fans out there who would love to hear your stuff. Anybody can be a star in this internet age."

If you don't have a way for web surfers to hear your music online yet, then you need to move fast. Your fans are waiting, so check out the following tips:

YourBand.com

Get a real website address that you own. A company like GoDaddy.com can get YourBandName.com for under $10 for a year. Search even deeper online, and you can find even cheaper rates. Having your own domain name makes it easy for people to find you without a long URL address or unwanted advertising.

Web Style

Get a one-stop shop web designer to get your online point across. He or she should be able to design a great site, help you choose a web host for your domain, and update future information as needed. "Before you hire a web designer, ask for references, and to see samples of his or her work," says Bob Baker, author of Guerrilla Music Marketing, "Hopefully the designer can show you active online sites, as opposed to speculative offline experiments. Show the designer other sites that appeal to you. You certainly want to ask the web designer for suggestions, but the site must ooze your personality and style." Surf the net for ideas and don't hesitate to contact the designers with the style you like.

Email Newsletter

In addition to having an online spot where fans can hang out, you can also go to them. Keep in touch via an email newsletter, also known as an ezine. "An artist's goal should never to be to reach a certain number of hits on the web site," continues Baker, "It should be to establish ongoing relationships with a growing number of fans. Place a sign up form on every web page of your site, and give them a compelling reason to sign up. Once you have a database of people interested in your music, you can communicate with them by email on a regular basis. When a fan has given you permission to contact him or her about your musical activities, it puts you in control of the relationship. A web site without an email component is a crap shoot."

Toot Your Horn

Get other sites to work for you by building online relationships with fans, as well as other artists. Get a blog, and update it often. Visit other blogs and leave comments. Find music Sites that will review your music for free, and link fans back to your home site, where they can join your email list. "Go to a search engine like Google and type in keywords related to your music or the names of popular artists similar to you," says Baker. "You'll have to wade through a lot of unusable stuff, but you'll find many sites that review the kind of music you perform."

Ka-Ching!

Have music samples that can be streamed quickly and whet the appetite. As soon as your music is ready to sell, make it available online for your fans to buy. PayPal.com makes it easy to sell merchandise on your site via secured credit card servers. Online music retailers like CDBaby.com specialize in selling all types of indie music online. These hub sites are helpful since fans interested in hearing new music in your style can also find you there. "It's encouraging to see 500 orders a day come in here, "says CD Baby Founder, Derek Sivers, "They're usually for CDs that people hadn't heard hours before."

Carla Lynne Hall is a musician and music marketing consultant based in New York City. Her mission is to make music and share her knowledge with other musicians. As a musician, she has released three CDs on her own label, and has toured the world as a singer/songwriter, and professional vocalist. In addition, she also has spent a number of years behind the scenes in the music industry, in publishing, management, publicity, and radio promotion.

Carla has given indie music lectures at many venues, including ASCAP, Songwriter's Hall of Fame, The Indie Music Forum, and Philadelphia Music Conference. As well as being the former music business columnist for Vibe Magazine, Carla has written articles for http://www.musicdish.com/ and other publications around the world, and is the author of The DIY Guide to the Music Biz and Twitter for Musicians. Carla blogs about the life of the indie musician at http://rockstarlifelessons.com/

Promote your band, build your fanbase, and sell your music!

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