Hello, I am a new member here. Just wanted to express my appreciation for John Oszajca's Music Marketing Manifesto program. I am about halfway through, learning a ton and really digging it! đ
OK, so I've been working on my Squeeze Page, and have it close, (I think? lol), but am stuck on the headline. I know I need to communicate more of an experience a person will have while listening to Widetrack's music, but that is precisely where I'm having trouble, as branding is proving to be difficult for me, personally speaking. Therefore, I am focusing on this point until I get it right, as it seems to be the foundation on which everything else rests...
Here is the link to the squeeze page thus far: http://www.widetrackmusic.com/free-track
And here is a link to some of my music: https://soundcloud.com/widetra.....elect-cuts
(Don't wish to be high-maintenance, just wondering if anybody might have a take on our sound/branding that could help me get clearer on what experience this music offers.)
*Just to put forth some background, Widetrack's music is influenced by Progressive Rock bands like Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, etc., in terms of mood and image approach, but with a higher volume/energy/intensity, a' la Soundgarden, Queens Of The Stone Age, Deftones, The Mars Volta, etc. Basically, we love the vibe/mood of Progressive, but with less musical tangents, more relationship-oriented lyrics, and a higher level of Hard Rock (not Metal) energy.Â
(Sorry about the complicated description - it's the closest I can get so far... lol)
Thanks so much! đ
Hey Ron,
Good to have you hear and thanks for the kind words.
It might be a bit of a dated reference, but for whatever it's worth your music reminded me of Dinosaur Junior a bit. The first thing that popped in my mind anyway.
A couple of suggestions...
In your headline "If youâre a fan of Alternative Hard Rock with a Progressive edge, get yourself some FREE music from this exciting new bandâŚ" the only real stand out words are alternative hard rock and progressive. By themselves they don't mean enough to me. You might start by making a list of adjectives and descriptive terms that describe what you like about alternative rock. Is it the "dirty guitar riffs" or the "angst-ridden lyrics"? Show your visitors what is special about the music you make.
In your subheadline I would add the bands name so people know what is up for offer. Download Four FREE 4Â Tracks from up and coming indie rock band "Wide Track" today!... or something more like that.
That make sense?
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Indeed, sir! "Show your visitors what is special about the music you make." I can't imagine better advice a musician could get in this day and age!Â
Thank you, really appreciate the feedback/insights. Finally getting the "marketing bug" after so many years of simply "being a musician"... Eye-opening, to finally care about this side of the music business world that, contrary to what many might believe, when done well, can be both sustainable and artistically satisfying... The idea that the more "you" you are, the better... So artistically inspiring!
Will keep ya' posted! Thanks again! đ
 Â
Hi Ron,
Steve here. I know you also asked about squeeze page suggestions over in the MMM members area. I'm glad to see you came to get some more feedback. I know that coming up with a captivating headline can be really tough.
That said, I just visited and I see it's now, "Your soundtrack to breaking free from the demands of modern life, as if you just kept on driving past your street and into some new, unknown horizonâŚ"
Â
To me, listening to the tracks, this feels more like a step in the right direction. Maybe not perfect yet, or a perfect match for the audience, but to me it feels a lot closer to the mark.
If anything, when I'm listening to your music, I get a feeling that some of this is more exploratory, than your typical, plowing straight forward rock music. Especially the first track you linked above. The music marches very calmly and reserved, then bursts into an energetic double time, which kind of feels to me like finally getting onto a highway, after drowning in 2-lane traffic for miles. If that means anything to you at all...
Hope that helps a bit.
Hi, Steve! Thanks so much for the helpful feedback man. I am only halfway through the MMM course, so I'm tweaking things as I go along. Absolutely, so much of where I am right now is about getting clear on branding. As such, I've been watching the Insider Circle Monthly Training modules, "Squeeze Page Headline Bootcamp" and "Developing Your brand" today, (great stuff!), and trying to apply what I'm learning to things as I go along...
This leads me to a question:
My first two and only albums were released in 2007 and 2009. I am just now in the process of recording the third. It is a sort of "concept album" with a general theme of midlife crisis/divorce/rebirth/etc., done in a hopefully more accessible to male and female, less "out-there" style that is typically found in Progressive Rock concept albums.
Anyway, the "imagined video" I have in mind for the first song on the album is kind of a 'Twilight Zone'/'Black Mirror'-type scenario, where two separately married people develop an online chatting rapport, and eventually "accidentally" fall in love. They initially decide not to take their feelings to a physical level, and instead share them completely in the virtual-chat world. In this "world", they fantasize about going "on the lam" - driving off into the sunset together, leaving everything behind... but this only increases their internal frustrations of "time is passing me by", "I feel stifled and trapped", "I long to break free" type feelings.
Anyway, this is kind of the idea of the first track on the new album, and I feel it speaks to the heart of what I get fired up about putting out there to my brand/tribe: (roughly,) the struggle to reconcile the nagging feeling that life has something more to offer, that could make one become "more alive"; and the "rebirth pains" required to get to that place.
A recurring main theme that drives my musical ideas and imagery, is the whole "escape the Matrix", "break free and become alive", "it's never too late for self-actualization" type of "heavy" subject matter; only in a more conversational, intimate relationship language lyrical tone.
So, my question is: Should I hold off on bringing this stuff live until I have the new album recorded and pressed? This could take a few months... The themes mentioned above can easily be applied to the existing first two albums as well. Just wondering if I should give free older music, make some kind of "pre-order" offer for the new album, etc., etc... There are a few different directions to go in here, and just looking for some ideas...
One more thing: When people ask what my music is like, I've only been able to come up with a vague desciption, based on what my main influences are - something to the effect of, "Imagine Pink Floyd's kids formed an Alternative Hard Rock band..."
Thanks so much for the insights. Sorry about the long-winded post! đ
Hi Ron,
I think if those themes and "moods" are applicable to your previous work, I'd start testing thing along those line, to draw on some of those heavier feelings you've mentioned. That way you'll have some good testing to reference, for when your next album is completed.Â
In other words, you can start to develop a feel now, for how the audience will respond to some of these heavier emotional elements.
Let us know how you make out.
Sounds good, Steve. I am more inclined to go in this direction as well, thinking of it in the context of what you're saying here. Appreciate your feedback. đ
One more question:
With my initial follow-up/time-sensitive offer, which would your recommendation be:Â offer a bundle of the first two albums at a bargain price as a "primer" for new subscribers, or sell them separately?
Ron Tippin said
Indeed, sir! "Show your visitors what is special about the music you make." I can't imagine better advice a musician could get in this day and age!ÂThank you, really appreciate the feedback/insights. Finally getting the "marketing bug" after so many years of simply "being a musician"... Eye-opening, to finally care about this side of the music business world that, contrary to what many might believe, when done well, can be both sustainable and artistically satisfying... The idea that the more "you" you are, the better... So artistically inspiring!
Will keep ya' posted! Thanks again! đ
 Â
Happy to help. Thanks for chiming in Steve.
Having trouble with your marketing? Wish you could have an experienced direct-to-fan marketing expert look over your actual campaigns, music, or content and offer feedback? Or perhaps youâre just looking for a little one-on-one assistance so you can ask questions that pertain to your specific goals and get a second, more experienced, perspective? Click here to book a session with me now.
One more question regarding the squeeze page: Should I reference other bands somewhere on the page? If so, how many? It seems a good way to get people clear on what your music sounds like, but I've gotten mixed opinions on this. Thanks! đ
Hey Ron,
My apologies. I remember answering this but it doesn't look like the post saved. Either that or I answered a very similar question in a different thread. Sorry you had to wait so long for a response.
Referencing other bands has pros and cons. It helps connect your prospect with music they are familiar with, very quickly. But it's also a bit of a crutch if not used correctly. I think the most important thing to always do is be asking yourself what conversation is already taking place in your prospect's mind. For some genres it's all about being similar to existing artists, for others it's about the lifestyle and experience that you and your music offer the listener. You need to weigh those two things out and decide what the best approach is for you. If in doubt, create two versions of the squeeze page and split test đ
Having trouble with your marketing? Wish you could have an experienced direct-to-fan marketing expert look over your actual campaigns, music, or content and offer feedback? Or perhaps youâre just looking for a little one-on-one assistance so you can ask questions that pertain to your specific goals and get a second, more experienced, perspective? Click here to book a session with me now.
Appreciate the insight, John. You answered this on the coaching sessions as well, so much appreciated! đ
Love the idea of split-testing the Squeeze Page. Will let you know how it goes.Â
Sounds good Ron. Good luck going forward.
Having trouble with your marketing? Wish you could have an experienced direct-to-fan marketing expert look over your actual campaigns, music, or content and offer feedback? Or perhaps youâre just looking for a little one-on-one assistance so you can ask questions that pertain to your specific goals and get a second, more experienced, perspective? Click here to book a session with me now.
OK, just wanted to get some feedback on my Squeeze Page at this point. Would certainly welcome and be grateful for any useful feedback I can get. Thanks so much! đ
Hey Ron,
I think that looks pretty good, and it's worth driving some traffic to it to see what happens.
If I had any constructive criticism to offer I would say that the idea of the headline is good, but the wording tripped me up a bit.
Just one guy's opinion, but maybe instead of...
Your soundtrack to breaking free from the demands of modern life, as if you just kept on driving past your street and into some new, unknown horizonâŚ
You could go with something like...
Wish you could break free from the demands of modern life? WIDETRACK's latest single will transport you into some new unknown.
As I look at the above, I think the idea of escaping the demands of modern life will connect with a lot of people, but in order for the above to be effective you need to target people who you know for a fact feel that way. That might be tricky. If you are able to do that, then I think your headline might be well served by showing/describing how your music will do that. Right now you make the claim that your music offers an escape from modern life, but I feel you could back that up a bit more with a follow up sentence. What qualities of your music will create that feeling in the listener? Also make sure to make it clear that this is an offer for free music, in the headline.
I think the headline is really the only trouble area right now. The rest looks good.
Having trouble with your marketing? Wish you could have an experienced direct-to-fan marketing expert look over your actual campaigns, music, or content and offer feedback? Or perhaps youâre just looking for a little one-on-one assistance so you can ask questions that pertain to your specific goals and get a second, more experienced, perspective? Click here to book a session with me now.
John, thanks for the above feedback. For some reason, I initially missed your above post. I received your response to the one I posted earlier today, so, again, thank you. I will get back to the drawing board and tweak things some more. I think I'm starting to get the hang of what is missing here. As always, I appreciate your input. đ
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Ps.S. Earlier, you said that the second link didn't work. Hopefully this one will. Is this an approach that might be effective? (Still trying different approaches.): http://www.widetrackmusic.com/.....track-alt/
Or this link might be better?: http://www.widetrackmusic.com/.....track-alt/
Hey Ron,
You mind if we keep this conversation going just on the other thread? It's hard to follow when I need to jump around to old and new threads and can't just scroll up to refresh my memory?
Having trouble with your marketing? Wish you could have an experienced direct-to-fan marketing expert look over your actual campaigns, music, or content and offer feedback? Or perhaps youâre just looking for a little one-on-one assistance so you can ask questions that pertain to your specific goals and get a second, more experienced, perspective? Click here to book a session with me now.
Thanks Ron đ
Having trouble with your marketing? Wish you could have an experienced direct-to-fan marketing expert look over your actual campaigns, music, or content and offer feedback? Or perhaps youâre just looking for a little one-on-one assistance so you can ask questions that pertain to your specific goals and get a second, more experienced, perspective? Click here to book a session with me now.