Weve seen it coming for several years, but its here full on and in our faces nowso what do artists do? The word artist means: One whose work shows skill. (The American Heritage Dictionary)

However, with the arrival of unskilled, but nice artists being signed to contracts and marketed to the public and the public is hearing the call and purchasing their music, what is the secret?

We all know William Hung of American Idol fame. This gentleman is sweet and seems kind, but frankly, cant sing a note and is artistically disturbed and challenged to say the least. So how did he land a record deal and sell over a 100,000 units right off the block? How is it that even after what would normally be a one-hit-wonder scenario, the novelty didnt wear off and he has a Christmas CD out that also sold quite well?

Then we find a Princess on the show Love in the Heir, who cant sing, cant write, but I am pretty sure will be getting a deal, if she hasnt already. The credits read, Asylum Entertainment. Could this be a resurfacing of Asylum Records?

So how do these obscure people get deals and move product when talented artists cant get a CD on the shelf?

The answer, its all about marketing. We have heard it time and time again and thats what it is. A rock packaged and sold as a rock, is just a rock. But a rock packaged and marketed as a friend, becomes a cultural phenomenon.

First these companies find a way to pull at our heart strings. With William, it was his sweet genuine spirit that seemed to say I am the underdog, but I dont know it. Everyone loves an underdog, especially and unknowing one. With Princess Ann, there is the royalty novelty, but they play up the unspoiled victim and everyone roots for the vicitim. They have been marketed as the person next door, the underdog and our friends. We can personalize and associate with their lives. That grabs us at our heart strings, which then grabs us in our bank accounts. We dole money out to help support ourselves really. We are buying the product because it reminds us of our dreams unrealized. The marketing has then worked. You have to reach a common ground. Let me take the word

Statistics have shown that most buys are done from emotional buying. Not from a planned excursion.

So how can the average Joe grab the marketing media, without having access to being on a reality show? Its hard, but obtainable. Tell a story that captures the hearts of the world. One that they can relate too. You must communicate to the general public a story that they can relate too. You must give them a value a reason for buying your product. Let me give you an example. A simple word picture presented two different ways.

The growth of such a digital delivery system will result in the balance of power shifting away from large-scale entertainment companies in favor of musicians no longer dependent upon large record companies for manufacturing and distribution of the musician's work. Under the traditional model of distribution, artists earn around $1.50 per CD, while digital delivery garners them about $6 for the same CD. However, the major labels still win out over the indies in the minor leagues why? Marketing. Its all about marketing and PR. YOU MUST DO IT. YOU MUST HAVE IT.

2005 Copyright Jaci Rae