Streetcredmusic: Pete Carma, 'My2cents' Indie Artists: Why Are You Not Selling Merch?

Having been in the business world, rat race if you will, for 52 years, music for just 5 as an observer...
and investor...

I see only 1% of the artists I know selling merchandise other than their music. AND since the selling of CDs or EPs only brings back a profit if you sell out, would it not be cool to get a 100% mark up or more on some 'merch'?

I know it's an up front expenditure, so is going to see Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, or The Stones.
Tickets, drinks, food. One event like that could get you enough 'merch' to bring in 400/500 bucks.
....and it won't spoil like the warm beer you drank, to support the millionaires, and billionaires who promoted the 'concert' you almost saw, but you could catch it on that big screen they provided for you.

Nikki Yanofsky

 Some info:: 'Merch' for you career is deducible. 'Merch' never goes bad. It sells when you are asleep, your store is open 24/7....So what's the down side? You have a web site ADD a 'store' page that includes 'merch'.

At gigs... Get a credit card reader for your phone....have an informed, polite person at you merch table at all times, you should be there B4 and after the show, go there straight from the stage.
Have PRICES on everything....give a tee shirt, if that's what ur selling to the bartender, doorman if they will wear it...tell your fans they will get a 'door' discount if they wear your shirts to your gigs...

Or.....never mind. Let the venue make all the $$ off your work.

follow me:: Pete Carma

StreetcredMusic: Conjuring Up A 'Tempest' at The HiveNYC

Once again TheHiveNYC is giving New York City a wonderful, cultural event, come June.
A nonprofit arts space overflowing with young creators, they will conjure up a classic, Shakespeare's "The Tempest".

They are now giving us all a chance to contribute, and to help fund this wonderful event, that will run every Wednesday and Friday in June. They are not asking to make a profit, they just want to make expenses. (space, utilities for that space, sets, dry ice, transportation, printing programs, etc.)

Contribute: HERE!

I was at at recent rehearsal, here is some info on the production::
The director will be Kate Szekely, who will also play the role of Prospero, her most favorite role.
The score will be done by Yula Beeri. There will be a cast of 11 very talented young people. A movement and vocal director, a choreographer, and Ariel will be played by Emilly Ben Ami.

Director, Kate Szekely:: "This will be a really collaborative production, I'm taking everything the actors can give me, and making it into an organism that self builds".

                                          Opening night is June 3d!!

Here are Director, Kate (r) and Yula watching Kelly McAuliffe. 

Yula Beeri, (Kelly McAuliffe), and director Kate Szekely, at TheHive.

  The Tempest
                                                 

Director Kate, 3d from left, with part of the cast.

A message from the cast~~~By Video

The fund raiser will run for another 5 weeks, please if you can, no matter how small, help a totally nonprofit Arts Space, TheHiveNYC, bring this classic to us all!

Contribute here:: The Tempest          ... Get TheHive, news letter:: HERE

follow me:: Pete Carma