Bob Baker, musician, former music magazine publisher, author of several books and music resources.

Guerrilla Musicians

For decades, aspiring musicians thought the only legitimate route to success was landing a recording contract with a major record label. The times have definitely changed. The Internet and low-cost recording technologies have created a thriving do-it-yourself music movement. Unfortunately, thousands of songwriters and artists still believe the road to widespread recognition can only be traveled through a record deal.

Whenever you take action to promote your music, you must know exactly what your purpose is and why you're taking the action to begin with. The way to make sure you're going about things effectively is to come up with a plan that makes sense, have very focused goals and realize that you need to provide a benefit (or solution) to everyone you connect with in the music business.

Think outside of your mental box. Human beings are creatures of habit. We become victims of our own routines. Therefore, it's no surprise that we slip into a narrow way of doing things.  Habits are quite useful when they involve brushing your teeth, getting dressed and driving a car. But when it comes to promoting your music, this routine way of thinking--and acting--is stunting your progress. When you market yourself the same way you've always done it or the same way a thousand other artists have done it, you become part of the great indie music swamp in which everyone looks and sounds the same.