if you are Paris Hilton or Linday Lohan it's easy. you don't even need to practice the no knickers look. you just get to be famous for being famous. of course if you happen to be loaded then you are perfectly entitled to flaunt that irresistible combination of being rich and famous.
for those of you who are neither rich or famous but would like to be, blatant self-promotion is a pre-requisite. now this is not as easy as it seems. you don't need a shred of artistic talent, but you do need to have a very good front – and an endless supply of ego. not to mention an extremely thick skin. it also helps if you can post your private sex videos on the net to get you kick-started.
it also helps if you can line up an impeccably connected publicist, a screw you manager, a big shot lawyer, a flamboyant plastic surgeon, and a succession of celebrity lovers with fake tans and drug addictions to help your cause.
you must also diligently and with great flair learn to go the opening of a toilet seat. as long as the media is there of course. They are your life-blood. you cannot exist without them. and the more famous you get the more they cannot exist without you. at least until some one new and more fascinating comes along to knock you off the fragile perch of fame.
but wait, do I hear you say this is not your scene. do I hear you say you will never audition for Idol or besmirch yourself with cheap and tawdry publicity stunts. am I hearing those incredulous words artistic credibility, ethical behaviour, indie cool. am I getting the big yes for self-determination and informed choice.
then, welcome, you've come to the right place. you will still need a manager, and agent, a publicist, and a lawyer. but you can probably keep your kickers on in public.
here's a list of web sites and resources that can help you help yourself. Fame or Flame will be updating this section of our site on a regular basis, so be sure to check back.
the australasian music directory
priced at $50 and at 188 pages this is the essential information and resource directory for anyone who wants to know the who, what, and where of the australian music industry. coming in at over 5000 listed companies and individuals in 70 categories and updated twice yearly it consists of “highly detailed listings consist of addresses, phone, fax and mobile numbers, emails & urls (both hotlinked online), complete staff rosters”.
the online edition at www.immedia.com.au is available as a six ($40) or twelve month ($80) subscription and is updated on a regular basis. a six or twelve month subscription to our online edition gives you access to our continually updated website and includes a fortnightly email with updates and changes to current listings.
categories include: artists (cross referenced by management & record label) & songwriters; agents (booking agencies cross referenced by acts, plus uni bookers); associations & music industry organisations: internet music Sites, download wholesalers & retailers; lawyers, accountants, consultants & special services; media (print, music press, radio, tv & pay tv); merchandising & printing, publicity & promotion; promoters; producers & engineers; publishers; major & indie labels, cd/dvd distributors; retailers (including chains and online etailers & download etailers); record/cd/dvd manufacturers & mastering; studios (recording and rehearsal); trade fairs & events (including festivals, conferences & awards); arenas, stadiums, pubs, clubs & venues; plus all aspects of production, design, education, promotion & much more.
with over 100,000 members from 100 countries sonic bids offers users a well balanced mix of information, forums, and promotions. for around $US 50 per year you get your own electronic press kit and access to a range of licensing, A&R, song writing competition, and live gig opportunities. recommended.
if you're an indie act looking for retail and online distribution in the usa then cd baby is definitely worth a shot. It's still up to you how you market your music – so don't go expecting to shift multi-platinum over night.
since 1998 cd baby has helped over 150,000 artists sell $US40 million in physical cds, digital downloads, and live sales.
it costs $US 35 to setup and means cd baby can get your music selling worldwide on cdbaby.com, apple iTunes, yahoo music, best buy, rhapsody, napster, msn music.
they get to keep a 9% cut, paying 91% of all income directly to you the artist. (for physical cds, they keep $4 per cd sold.)
your cd is also available to over 2400 traditional retail cd stores in the usa. you get paid full retail price for these sales. highly recommended.
the australian council for the arts. this is the official site for the australian government's arts funding and advisory body. whether you are a first timer or a seasoned veteran of the grants game this is where you come to get the low down on what's available, and how and when to apply.
the council provides over 1700 grants each year to artists and arts organisations across the country in the fields of aboriginal and torres strait islander arts, community cultural development, dance, literature, music, new media arts, theatre and visual arts/craft.
individual grants range from $5000 to $50,000+.
don't limit your search for arts funding and promotion to the australia council. be sure to check out your local state or territory funding opportunities.
victoria
arts victoria is the government body charged with advising on and implementing
arts policy, developing the arts and cultural industries across the
State and ensuring access for all Victorians. www.arts.vic.gov.au
vichealth
vichealth is an organisation committed to promoting the health of all
victorians. vichealth provides funding for community based arts programs
through its community arts participation program. www.vichealth.vic.gov.au
nsw
the nsw ministry for the arts, advises the nsw government on all aspects
of the arts and cultural activity. it supports excellence and innovation
in the arts. www.arts.nsw.gov.au
queensland
arts queensland, a department of the Queensland Government, develops
and implements cultural policy and administers cultural funding and
capital works programs that support arts and cultural development for
the benefit of the community. www.arts.qld.gov.au
australian capital territory
artsact is located within the arts and cultural services branch, department
of urban services, act government. Its role is to: advise the minister
for the arts, mr bill wood mla, on a broad range of arts related issues;
implement stated government policies relating to the arts, to provide
administrative and professional support to the act cultural council;
and administer the act arts funding program, and act festival funding
program. artsa also oversees the management of a range of act cultural
facilities, manages the public art program and maintains links with
other arts and cultural organisations and agencies. www.arts.act.gov.au
tasmania
arts tasmania forms part of the department of tourism, parks heritage
and the arts. arts tasmania provides the secretariat functions for the
tasmanian arts advisory board in its peer assessment and policy development
roles. www.arts.tas.gov.au
south australia
south australian youth arts board (sayab) encourages participation and
excellence in the arts through a range of scholarship, grants and funding
programs. sayab programs are administered by carclew youth arts centre.
www.sayab.org.au
arts sa is a division of the department of the premier and cabinet within the south australian government. it provides leadership in the strategic development of a strong and sustainable arts and cultural industry in south australia. arts sa assists artists and arts activities by providing policy advice, grants management, development programs and corporate administration services. www.arts.sa.gov.au
western australia
artswa is responsible for the development and support of the arts sector
in western australia. project funds are distributed annually through
artswa's assessment panels – arts development, indigenous arts, young
people and the arts and the artflight program. www.cultureandarts.wa.gov.au
yculture regional is a development and funding program for youth arts and culture. it is unique because it enables young people to actively create, plan, manage and deliver their own arts projects. as a young person, you can feel safe and confident in taking the first steps in making your creative dreams a reality! speak to rebecca cockram, regional youth Arts development officer at country arts wa about yculture funding for your project idea. 94810077, 1800 811 883 (freecall), or by email ryado@countryartswa.asn.au or check out www.countryartswa.asn.au for application forms and guidelines.
northern territory arts nt's primary function is to support and develop the artistic and cultural potential of the territory through policy, operational and financial support and advice to the arts sector and to government. arts nt aims to ensure that all territory residents have access to a variety of arts & cultural activities. www.dcdsca.nt.gov.au/dcdsca/intranet
• with thanks to young people and the arts in australia
www.writersdigest.com
it's an american based site, but if you're a writer and looking for
a serious entrée into the global writing life this is a good place to
begin.
publications include: writer's yearbook, published annually, scriptwriting secrets, getting started in writing, start writing now and a variety of other special interest publications for writers.
book imprints include writer's digest books, walking stick press and, writer's digest book club.
writer's digest school and writersonlineworkshops.com allow writers to further their craft either online or off.
writersmarket.com "instant access to thousands of editors and agents" is the writer's wired key to publishing success, providing the most comprehensive—and always up-to-date—market contact info available.
www.thylazine.org
this is one of the best arts, ethics, and literature zines on the web.
founded run by the remarkable writer and activist dr coral hull, you
won't find a more inspirational place to visit.
www.noise.net
noise is nowhere near as much fun as fameorflame, but it is an important
and wonderfully integrated site that promotes the works of all types
of artists aged between 12-25 years. highly recommended.
