# data[].attributes.body
This week, I booked a free Small Pond studio session to record trumpet for both 'Faucet' and 'Stranger'. I arranged this with my producer and trumpet player, Alex. However, Alex informed me a few days before that he couldn't make the studio date anymore as he double booked it with something else and asked to reschedule. This was frustrating as it is delaying the recording process further.

# data[].attributes.body
Going forward, I have decided to put my proposed project idea for WB10 on the back burner as I felt this is something that will be too heavy of a workload me as I am already overstretched with current projects. I have instead decided to take a different path and release a single. This is an area in which I have some experience and a whole lack of experience in which should ultimately help me refine my skills and gain new knowledge in this chosen path.

The components of my single release will include:

Collaborating with a producer, chose a song to record, mix and master a single whilst recording my next single simultaneously - I already have a producer willing to work with me

Signing up for PRS, distribution services, copywrite etc...

Creating a brand and identity (logo, aesthetics, sound, merchandise)

Linktree (EPK, link to socials, link to gigs, link to merchandise)

Marketing campaign (social media)

Press release

Behind the scenes mini doc

I will need to chose a single and create a single release plan that includes a timeline, a pre-release, release and post release strategy. The aim of this is to keep me on track and ensure that my song can get the most attention and my following/audience can grow.

I will need to research into release strategies and how I can best utilise social media as a promotional tool.

Alongside this, I will also be playing shows with 'Faucet' and 'Stranger' in the setlist. This is to get my audience familiarised with the songs before releasing them. I will also include content especially of 'Faucet' on my social media.

My goals for next week are:

To communicate with my bassist Bonnie who does graphic design and ask her if she would create a logo for me

Chose the two singles I want to record and what I want to release as my debut single

Create a release plan with my producer

# data[].attributes.body
The overall aim of the project is to release a single that I am proud of and that I believe reflects my authentic sound and style as an artist by February 2024. This will involve showing my development as artist with the intention of gaining independent record label interest. Although my goal is to be signed to a successful independent label, I will have to work as a DIY artist, in the mean time, to gain a reputation and following in order to demonstrate my work ethic and drive to the label. I will also do this by using performing as a way to promote myself further and get my music heard as much as possible. I hope to develop this fully and have the interest of record labels by December 2024.

# data[].attributes.body
This week I have made progress and taken steps towards completing my project by contacting Bonnie to start work on a logo. I have also chosen the two songs I want to release and which one I want to make my debut release. Prior to this project, I have already had a session at South Lanes Studios where I recorded drums, saxophone and trombone for a song called ‘Faucet’ and a song called ‘Stranger’.

I met up with my producer on Thursday to discuss a single release plan. I have attached our plan to my Padlet. The lady Martha, mentioned in the plan, is George’s connection at the record label ‘Tru Thoughts’ who is keen to give feedback on my work.

# data[].attributes.body
This week I had a gig on Monday which led to a man, named Fred, approaching me about managing me. He sent me a message via Instagram and we arranged to meet on Wednesday at 1pm.

Fred is currently studying an MA in music business at WaterBear. Prior to this, he completed a degree in music law - specifically in copywriting rights. During the meeting, he asked me a number of questions regarding where I’m at right now, where I want to be in two years and what my reasoning behind doing music is. We discussed Frankie LG as a ‘brand’ and also what I’m planning on releasing. He asked me these questions in order to see if our ethos’s lined up and if we’d be a good fit. He also told me he would see himself as my employee and wanted to tailor his service to suit my needs. Fred also said we could start out by only being contracted project by project so that way I am protected if things don’t work out. I told him about how I struggle with organisation and he offered two services to me.

The first being a hands on approach where he would be my full time manager and complete my day to day admin tasks, take care of communication with promoters/booking agents and organise rehearsals with the band.

The second being a hybrid approach where we would work together as a kind of ‘co manager’ role which meant that I still had some workload.

We discussed this and both agreed the first approach would be the most beneficial and helpful to me as I want to have the freedom to focus on the music and to not have to deal with the trivial things.

We then spoke briefly about money as he didn’t want to overload me with information. He said he wanted 15% of my earnings which is the lowest a manger should offer (5 things to look for in an artist management deal, 2018).

That evening, Fred messaged me asking how was doing after our meeting as he wanted to give me some time to think through what we had discussed. I asked him if we could set up another meeting to catch him up to speed with what I am doing and how I run things within ‘Frankie LG’. We have arranged to meet next Wednesday at 3:15.

Bibliography:

5 things to look for in an artist management deal (2018) Lawyer Drummer. Available at: https://lawyerdrummer.com/2012/05/management-deal/#:~:text=Managers%27%20commissions%20are%20typically%20between,a%20net%20commission%20on%20merchandise. (Accessed: 23 November 2023).

# data[].attributes.body
Reflection and Next Steps:

This project is taking all sorts of turns of events, however I have been fortunate to land myself in a position where I am making positive moves in the right direction which are:

The biggest being I now have a manager. This is a step up from my previous work as a gigging musician as I am expanding my team which takes a lot of the pressure off of myself.

Having a logo and an identity for my 'brand' as an artist. This means I am easily identifiable therefore recognisable.

Playing lots of gigs which are leading to bigger opportunities

These are positive steps however, I still find myself struggling to get these last bits recorded which is a major issue as I want everything recorded by the new year. I am finding this quite overwhelming as I feel like I keep hitting dead ends.

I met a producer with a studio after a show I played Saturday last week who has offered me cheap recording at his. We discussed maybe I hire a microphone from somewhere like Brighton Electric and bring it to his studio to record on. I will need to message him and work out logistics but I feel this is the way forward in terms of recording vocals. I will then also be able to use his studio to record acoustic guitar and trumpet.

Update:

I have messaged him. You can see the messaged below.

# data[].attributes.body
After conversing back and forth with Bonnie, I now have a logo for my brand. She created two versions for me - a circle version and a square version. This can be found in my portfolio of evidence.

My goals for next week are:

to book recording for trumpet

product test my demos in the state they are already in

# data[].attributes.body
Upon further reflection and discussing with both my manager and producer, I have decided to book a free Small Pond Studios session through WaterBear for Trumpet and Acoustic Guitar. This will save me money and get me booked in within my timeframe. I have booked the studio for 14th December at 1pm. I contacted a videographer who recorded my behind the scenes footage for the session at South Lanes Studios, however, he wasn't available so I have decided to bring someone with me to record footage on my phone.

In terms of vocals, I have made the decision to go to South Lanes Studios to record. I have asked Sam Clines, my lecturer who took part in my product testing, to record me as he owns the studio and I also felt that he'd be able to help me implement the feedback he gave me the best. After my manager liaised with the studio, I have booked in with him on 11th January 5pm-9pm.

# data[].attributes.headline
Confirmation Email For South Lanes Studios

# data[].attributes.subject
Confirmation Email For South Lanes Studios

# data[].attributes.body
This link contains all my evidence for WB10. In this link you will find my logo, demos of both 'Faucet' and 'Stranger', live performances of the 'Faucet' and 'Stranger, Studio 'behind the scenes' footage, promotional headshots and my instagram engagement and authentic marketing style.