New to the Music Scene-You Need The Renman and ReverbNation!

If you are new to the music scene, as barleycove is, then there are many sites to help you understand the business and how it works.  Personally, I have been a musician since I was a child, but putting your own music out there and actually trying to do it for a living brings you to a whole different realm.  One site, dubbed the "home school" for musicians,  that has helped us gain invaluable information is Renman Music and Business: http://www.renmanmb.com/ .  It is not only for musicians, but for anyone who desires to have a career in the music field.  The site was created by Steve Rennie, aka the Renman, who is notoriously known for being the manager for Incubus.  Under the f-bomb dropping exterior, this guy has the heart of a saint and gives his advice free of charge.  Bands/ musicians can upload their profile, songs, videos to the site and build communication/networking skills with other artists along with those that desire to be promoters, producers, and managers.  The Renman produces weekly 101 segments on YouTube and Music Maker on topics such as "Producers" or "Managers".  He picks a song of the day and video of the week to help promote unsigned artists/acts.  He even does livestreaming web chats twice a week to answer any questions under the sun that you may have.  His answers are not sugarcoated, and he will set you straight with his blunt honesty.  The Renman also has many "friends" in the biz who stop by the weekly live chats to offer their expertise as well.  It has been well worth our time to be a part of this "pay it forward" community.  

Another site that has been very beneficial for getting our music out into cyberspace is that of ReverbNation.  This site gives you the tools to promote your band/music on a larger scale by becoming a part of this community.  You will be given opportunities to submit your works in order to open for other acts, play music festivals, and enter contests.  This site does have a free of charge option, or you can upgrade to pay a monthly fee which will give you more promotional tools. The link is:  www.reverbnation.com/barleycove .

Bottom line, as with anything else, there are peaks and valleys with going into the music business.  It takes a true love for it, passion, patience, and dedication.  I hope that by blogging about our adventure from the bare beginnings to whatever the future holds, you will  be inspired to go for it if you have ever dreamed about pursuing music as a career.  

XO,

Laura

barleycove playing at Smiley's Acoustic Cafe