Devlin's Dish

The Voice Auditions This Saturday!

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:25:38 GMT

Thanks to the suggestion of my fan Holly- MWWWAH. I am scheduled to audition for the NBC's The Voice. I will see if I can get some snippets for you while I am there! Love your Invisible Rockstar http://www.nbcthevoice.com

Devlin Miles Book Pass

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:20:00 GMT

I believe things come to you for a reason. I have stumbled across messages on the subway that seem to have been written just for me at that moment, like "hang in there", "I hear you", who knows if they are heaven sent or just evangelistic angels here on earth planting messages for all those who seek. I am a seeker, a seeker of answers, seeker of understanding, a seeker of clarity. I want to share with my fans and hopefully vice versa books that have inspired me along the way. So I begin with my first book finished in 2012 "Does The Noise In My Head Bother You" by Steven Tyler. I found it incredibly helpful on my journey and entertaining, it reads exactly like the title as Tyler interrupts himself while telling stories. I am passing it on to one of my fans Lilie who came to see me in Norwood, MA at Perks Coffee House- her mom gave me permission to give it to an under 18 year old and the audience agreed- she is an avid Aerosmith fan and away the Book Pass has began. I will post as I pass the books along that have found me and inspired me. May you "Go Green" and share what inspires you too. Big Apple Hugs! Devlin

Devlin joins BR & Timebomb for Live in Studio Webcast- Invite Only

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:21:09 GMT

I am so excited to be joining BR & Timebomb, my favorite live band, for a live in studio show. They will be celebrating their 9th Anniversary as a band and we will be raising the roof at AM Studios. There are 2 ways to get an invite 1. Comment below 2. Tweet @DevlinMiles & @brandtimebomb that you want your invite! It's gonna be a great time with great artists- BR & Timebomb, Devlin Miles, Melanie Edwards, Shelley Nicole's Blakbushe, and hosted by Ms. P of The Ntuned Show. I will also be on the air with Ms. P of The Ntuned show Sunday January 29th, more on that later. You can also donate a little cash for their Anniversary gift, which would be some studio time for sure, right here! Tell them Devlin sent you and I highly recommend a donation of $10+ to support the cause, but for the link to the webcast you can donate $5+. DONATE HERE! So tweet me for your invite! Can't wait to share this with you! I will be playing some new tunes that I have co-written with Jibrail Nor of Timebomb. Big Apple Hugs! Devlin

What Makes This Country Tick?

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:24:43 GMT

I have recently assigned myself a mission to read the US Constitution. I had to read it when I was in college government class, but I have been inspired lately by the 99-1% discussions. I want to understand my rights, so I can also speak up about my grievances. It is quite facinating to know that our forefathers had the insight to stand-up for something that are the principals and standards on which this country has been run. Do you know your rights? Do you also realize that it has taken large movements of people to bring about Amendments to abolish slavery, to allow blacks to vote, then women. It trully is facsinating and I emplore you all to join me to refresh yourself with patriotism and get familiar with the Constitution of the United States! So you the 99% can bring about change! It is available in apps on your phone as well as the internet. Share and test your friends- we need to understand the past movements to strengthen our current convictions! A copy of the text The Constitution The text and history of The Constitution

Ford Escape Routes- Be a Part of Our Team!

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT

I have entered to be a part of the reality web series to race around America in a Ford Escape. The cool thing is you can be a part of it too. When, my partner Kim and I, are selected to be fierce competitors we will need a mighty team of strong social networkers to assist us with information or clues that we do not know. We will have to reach out to our social networks for answers- you know like a "life line"! We are looking for the fittest fingers and clickers out there, we want those who are looking to learn more, expose more, and win more! Yes, the team of social networkers can win something as great as a Ford Escape. Now who wouldn't love to be escaping on their own adventure in their new Ford Escape. I am not only excited about the opportunity to travel and compete to win 2 Ford Escapes and some serious prize money, but I have been a secret admirer from afar of how Ford has handled themselves during this economic down turn, so I am happy to promote this strong American company. To join my team follow me on any or all of the sites- linked below Facebook, Twitter, Reverbnation, YouTube, etc.

www.escaperoutes.com

Fingers crossed and ready to click!
Devlin

0.2 Miles to Falcon Ridge Folk Festival

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 06:55:00 GMT

As I looked at my GPS, it read "0.2 miles to destination," we are in the middle of the Catskill and Berkshire Mountains in Hillsdale, NY and there are lots of beautiful green trees and rolling hills, yet no signs indicating that there was a large folk festival about to go down for 3 days. With only one other car on the road and no traffic, I was about to give my GPS a good whack because it has, once again, driven me to the middle of nowhere. Then it appeared, like a desert mirage, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival- hundreds to thousands of RVs and campers lined up in rows in a little valley and the hillside was alive- covered with multicolored tents, rows of parked cars, and a music buzz was happening and we were about to take part of history. Falcon Ridge had a feel like I imagined Woodstock to have been- beatnik artists running around with their instruments trying to figure out where they needed to be and the campers all settled in, now milling about the make-shift downtown- getting well-water and making a trip to the "Ice House" for ice in this 101 degree heat. It was better than I imagined, everything was running like clockwork and everyone had a job, teens were volunteering, the well-water had been tapped for showers and drinking water from a creek, which appeared to be bone dry, port-o-potties all around, and a general store right up front for the forgotten tube of sunblock, etc.

I had no idea what a special event this would be. I was not only invited to showcase, but there were plenty of different song circles to take part in after hours. As the sun went down and the music finished on the main stage the fever began to rise from the hillside as the fans were not only music fans, but also musicians. I was not able to partake in the after hours this year, but know that by next year I will be better prepared to not only partake in the song circles, but to listen to what the rest of the campers were singing about. Now every time I hear about how the music industry is changing and how piracy has killed the record companies and labels I will think of Falcon Ridge and be reminded at how this is where it all begins, this IS how all music starts at the roots- the place where families gather for reunions, where friends gather to drink and be merry, and where artists come with hopes to be heard. Falcon Ridge is not a new festival- it has been around since 1988, however it is building momentum by being a staple in an ever changing industry. Fans know that they can come here to Hillsdale, NY in the middle of July and maybe find what they have been looking for- a spiritual lift, new friends, reunite with old friends, or connect with a new artist that speaks to their soul.

Sometimes you have to travel to the middle of nowhere to find exactly what you are looking for, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival is an experience not to be missed in this lifetime, be a part of a community again, not just an individual. Find those incredible moments that are so rare- when you can pop on over to your neighbors and sing the blues and he will harmonize right along with you. I applaud Falcon Ridge for remaining through the years true to the music and letting the audience decide.

Brooklyn Thank yous!

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:40:00 GMT

A big thank you to BoCoCa Festival, BR & Timebomb, MakeMusicNY, and ErinYes for allowing me to rock Brooklyn with you this week. I had a great time visiting the unique neighborhoods of Brooklyn, like Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights, and Cobble Hill! Thank you to all the fans that showed up and and for the new ones, who welcomed me into their neighborhood by singing along. Thanks to Jibrail Nor, Matt Basile, and Udi Levy for playing along. Happy to see that Brooklyn Fans were there- have a look, click here!

This week off on a mini-Northeast Tour! See you at Six Flags- Lake George or in Greenfield, MA as we go out with a town bang as we play the pre-firework concert!
Thanks for sharing my music! Tweet me when you are listening!
Devlin

Thank You To My Fans with My Top 40 from Ourstage.com

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 05:45:00 GMT

As a huge thank you for listening and voting through the year on Ourstage.com. I have compiled my Top 40 list of Indie Artists that I have discovered since I have been voting and listening on Ourstage. I am loving it, it has become like my own personal radio station. If you have an iphone or smart phone you can listen from your phone after you download the free ourstage app or you can listen right from your computer at home or work. Let me know what you think! A big shout out to all the artists that have been in the competitions this year. Congratulations to the following indie artists that have made my frequently played list. I would be honored to join you at a live show sometime, so keep this NYC girl in mind as we continue to break down doors for Independent artists. I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store! I would qualify this list as an Alternative Country/Southern Rock/Acoustic mix perfect for work. Next year maybe some more boys will make the list, men consider yourself special, chicks rule!

Top 40 Indie's Click Here

Katie Todd- Face Down
Victoria Prince- Even When You're Gone
Christina Martin- You Come Home
Christine Santelli- Guilty
Rachel Allyn- Gettin' By
CC Coletti- Quit You
Michael Thomas- Bonafide Country Boys
Jackie- Always
Jess Domain- Spirits Dancing
Devin Belle- Someday, Someday
Devln Belle- Whisper
The Mieka Canon- We're All Gonna Die
Jess Domain- Before It's Gone
Rachael Sage- Big Star
Brandi Carlile- Looking Out
Steph Macpherson- Letters
Jacelyn Holmes- Growin' Up
Katie Cole- Lost Inside A Moment
The Sweet Remains- Dance With Me
Katie Todd- Love Love Love You
Michael Thomas- Speed of LIfe
Annie Marleau- Something's Gotta Give
Talain Rayne- Dear Sister, Your Brother
Nick Heward- Mary Jane
Carolyn Wonderland- Misunderstood
Jordan Kyle Reynolds- Take It Out On Me
Meghan Beaudry- Shallow
Marie Hines- Worth The Fight
Sara Lindsay- Best of Me
Fast Forward Romance- Turn It Up
Alli Beaudry- Nothing But Trouble
Tim Blane- Tennessee
Jeremy Lesley Band- White Knuckle Ride

Week 9: Finding the Cher in You!

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 04:35:00 GMT

Week 9 of the Music Success in 9 Weeks Blog Challenge is probably the most important after you have established a fan base. It’s time to map out a plan of action of when to reach out to your fans in order to keep them interested. This is a true challenge for any artist to keep things interesting. Madonna was a master at this for years, others who evaded age in the music industry, Cher, Tina Turner. (My idols, if you have never seen them in concert run don’t walk and be sure to do it in 6-inch heels because Tina will dance circles around you!)

Back to finding the Cher/Tina/Madonna in You: You want to entice your fans to keep them coming back to shows by perhaps having a themed concert, like a costume contest or a special give away. This is the time where your creativity can run wild. I enjoy a holiday themed show, something based around the holiday like Valentine’s day- I had a Black Valentine’s day party- and any good party needs a couple of things to be a success a signature drink and mind you it does not have to be alcoholic, but something that will make the party or event memorable. I think it is extremely important to put people at ease. You want them to feel a part of something and help the less social people become more social, so I give them something to do. If I do nametags, I do something funny around the table like “house rules”: For example at my Black Valentine’s Day Party- (because singles hate this holiday)

Black Valentine’s Party: Rules
1. All people are single upon entry (to make everyone feel at ease)
2. Flirt responsibly
3. All bonds formed at the party are null-n-void upon exit

The nametags: (I gave people flirty names, no real names were used, the sassier the better)
1. Foxy Lady
2. Hot Chick
3. Big Daddy
4. Slippery When Wet

People were immediately at ease when they came in and began right away labeling each other and helping people come up with new ones. This gave a boost of confidence immediately to the attendees and gave those that arrived early a sense of ownership. (I think it is time to resurrect this party! ;-) I am laughing thinking about how everyone behaved, very fun!)

As I am currently working on booking shows forward, I have some great ideas for some themed shows that will really help the audience be a part of the show and allow people to feel more a part of something, it will help create an environment that people can’t wait to return to. I am grateful for the little reminder that Ariel has put in my head of how to not only represent my music well, but also bring a piece of me back to the show that I really think my fans will connect with. Watch out for the “Black Valentine’s Party” this year, then there is the “Glitter or Be Gay” party- oh how exciting the ideas are rolling in! I have a “T-shirt” in the works to help me to identify my 1,000 true fans, so be sure to swing by a show and see how I am doing at keeping up with my continuum program.

Now that this contest is coming to a close, I really have to reflect on all that I have accomplished. I increased my on-line presence; made some important edits to streamline my websites, (although I will say Myspace evades me, what did they do to their layout? yikes everything loads slowly, I hope they improve the Beta version because it is killing me to work with it. Anyone else having this problem?) won a big contest with the Subway Fresh Artist at Ourstage. Alas, the point is you need to stay on top of things with constantly updating and improving your live shows because at the pace that everyone is moving today, you will be passed over and I can truly reflect back on moments in my career where I have had such moments. Keep it fresh, keep it real, and for god sakes keep it movin! ;-) Best of luck to you! Much thanks to Ariel and her tremendous cast for allowing me this opportunity to compete amongst you, the ever-growing independent army of artists, we are changing the way music is heard. If you are not on Ourstage.com yet, get there today because you will have exposure to a whole group of fans looking for new music. You can listen to my Top 40 list that I have compiled this year from voting in certain competitions below and be sure to link to me via Twitter, Facebook, or where ever and let me know how you found me! (I love surprise visitors!)

Devlin's Top 40

Week 8: Turn Yourself On, Don't Be Selfish, Make It Memorable!

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 04:27:24 GMT

Turn Yourself On!
How many times have you said to yourself “This year I am going to lose that 10 pounds” but then proceeded to have cookies everyday and not modified your actions? Or said “This year I am going to meet new people” and you never change your routine to expose yourself to new people? I am a firm believer that the energy we put out to the world is often times the energy that is returned to us. In week 8 of the Music Success in 9 Weeks blog challenge, Ariel gives some tips of encouragement on how to grow your mailing list and make great personal connections that can help your business grow stronger for years. She suggests taking a few minutes before you go to an event to think about what you hope to accomplish at the event and either write it down or say aloud. This is the moment to “flip the switch” turn the networker inside of you on, the rockstar, the focused, intelligent, and succinct you. This is the moment you chose to engage with others and can visualize yourself doing it.

Don’t Be Selfish!
If you approach networking with a willingness to help others make connections there will be less pressure on you to entertain or win someone over. Listen more than you speak and connect the dots for people and tow them to the next stop. If the person you are talking to at the event doesn’t seem to be someone to help you, get yourself out of the way (meaning take the “I” out of it) and tow the person to someone else who you can help them, you can either literally do that by introducing them to someone else at the event you met earlier or putting them in touch with someone that will help their business grow. This is not meant as a technique to blow someone off, but more to get you out of the thinking- “How can they help ME” mode and start thinking “how can I help them?” so you tow them to someone else. This will leave a favorable impression on the tow recipient and they will be more likely to remember you when opportunities appropriate for you present themselves.

Make It Memorable!
Another key tip is to go to events that are outside of your industry to network, you are more likely to be remembered and make great new connections when you are at an event that is not related to music. This will allow you to be “Devlin Miles- the artist” or (fill in the blank ________ artist) rather than artist #212. Put yourself in situations where you will be remembered!

Week 7: Plant, Water, & Grow That Mailing List

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:55:00 GMT

Since week 6 & 7 of Music Success in 9 Weeks by Ariel Hyatt apply to fan communication and growing your mailing list, it is appropriate that I should include it in the same week. I am really going to utilize the tips in this chapter to improve the rate at which my email list grows. Until this point I have taken pride in having built relationships with my fans and never taking advantage of someone’s information and automatically adding them to my list, however I realize how many people have fallen through the cracks in the process because I didn't think that I should add them. Fanbridge has a great feature that allows artists to send a welcome message when you add someone to your list, this is a great opportunity to reintroduce yourself to the contact give them an option to unsubscribe should they chose to do so, don't shoot yourself in the foot!

Plant- Find a service you are comfortable with to help you organize your Fan List. (*I recommend Fanbridge, others include Bandletter, ReverbNation, Emma)
Water- try new ways to get new contacts; in-person networking, on-line with social media or music sites such as Myspace, Reverbnation, Ourstage
Grow- keep on top of new contacts and additions and be sure they actually make it to your list, no one slips through the cracks

Ariel suggests assigning a time once a week to focus on growing your mailing list, which is an excellent idea because if I have not added someone to the list within a few days I find myself staring at a business card a month or two later and not remembering what I was suppose to do with it. Another great option to growing the list is to begin a texting campaign as well. This is where I am focusing my next phase of growth, so if you want to know how you’ll have to come to a live show soon. I have set a goal to try and double my list by next summer and I implore you to be a part of the adventure by signing up on my list here. Come on, you know you want to keep tabs on me.

Week 6: Shock Your Fans Into Taking Action!

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 08:15:00 GMT

Having trouble getting recognized in today’s busy media frenzy with social networks taking over and influencing the traditional media outlets? You have to have something important or imperative to say to get people to stop and pay attention. Although there is a lot of discussion that it is a great time to be an independent artist because of all the opportunities to have a direct relationship with your fans via Twitter, Facebook, and other social media outlets. It has been incredibly challenging to get someone’s attention and to keep it. So, in week 6 of Music Success in Nine Weeks- Ariel Hyatt emphasizes the importance of keeping in contact with your fans via your newsletter and to not take too lightly the structure of your newsletter, the key to fans reading and sharing your information. Be sure to keep the relationship open to participation and have fan surveys to learn a bit more about whom your actual followers are to also get a better understanding of how to proceed in marketing and fan engagement. I have been writing fan letters for years and through the years have kept an eye on what simply gets people to open the email and the subject line is sooo important. If you don’t have a catchy headline, like a newspaper headline- enough to interrupt a busy fans schedule then you will end up in that ‘read later file’ and may never be opened, so be sure to put some serious thought into your brief subject heading. I have found that people respond to statements that are shocking, disturbing, flirty, leading or maybe even a bit misleading. As your relationship with your fans grow, they will understand your humor or way of writing and they will look forward to getting your newsletters, I actually get a lot of compliments on my newsletters and have had a 25-35% open rate, which is supposedly quite good according to Fanbridge, my mailing list service. I highly recommend that you have a service for this delicate part of your fan relationship, as does Ariel Hyatt because you will be able to track how effective your communications are with your fans. I also suggest that you pay the small monthly fee to have back-up lists sent to your email, it would be a shame to lose your list because your membership has expired. I appreciate the “call to action” suggestion to end your email by Ariel. I have in the past overwhelmed my fans with 3-4 calls to action, like “vote here”, “come to a live show”, “share with a friend” and to be honest it was too much. I have recently been blessed with a lot of little successes and I have been dying to share it with my fan base immediately, but I have really tried to time the news release with a good “call to action”, this way I can use the good news to get them excited about what is going on and then they will want to come to the show or better yet feel excited to bring a friend or colleague to a show. One thing that I have realized that is very important to growing your fan base is validation! Fans want to know that if they share your music with others that they will appreciate it, they need to know that their opinions matter, so be sure to share your successes with them to create an excitement and a will to help. This way they will take great pride in the fact that they found you first! Please feel free to share any tips that you have learned along the way too in the comments section. Good luck and feel free to join my mailing list on the home page here.

Week 5: Ready, Set, Blog!

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:00:36 GMT

This week in the Music Success in 9 Weeks is a bit involved, hence why I have taken a little bit of time to review it and try to attack some of the suggested tasks that Ariel Hyatt suggests. Blogging is a whole new world to me in the last year and I have to say- I get it! People have basically taken back the reigns on their own media, the internet has allowed people to share their opinions- good or bad; find like minded individuals; cut out the middle man and has allowed artists to have more personal connections with their fans and peers.

I am so damn happy that Ariel has pressed us to take her blog challenge to get familiar with regular blogging. The other side to blogging is the interaction, being out there reading and commenting on other blogs too, the best tip is to have your website and ID coded every time you leave a note on someone’s blog, so people can easily find you. This chapter has sooo many great tips, that I am sure I will refer to it quite a bit as I am entering the blogging world. I will post follow-ups as I discover new things.

Week 4 Wake Up the Social Butterfly in You!

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 05:34:41 GMT

I got some amazing news this week! I won the Subway Fresh Artist regional competition on Ourstage.com, which is affiliated with Mtv, and Clear Channel. I couldn’t wait to share this news with my fans, as they played an essential role in voting my song “You & Me” to the Top 10. The quickest way to do this would be to plug into my own social network that I had already set up per Arial Hyatt’s recommendation in Week 4 of the Music Success in 9 Weeks. I was able to announce the news on Twitter, Facebook, ReverbNation, and Myspace. I am continually growing my network of fans via the help of all these sites and recommend that you jump in and take the plunge into the social networking scene. These sites are the quickest way to share important information, like show changes, last minute events, or new cd releases. Also these sites make it so easy for your fans to share your music with their friends. I also, highly recommend that all artists be on Ourstage.com competing with other indie artists, it is a tremendous platform for exposure and if you can’t quite figure out what genre a song should be in you can try different channels.

In the book we also learn tips on ways to continue to interact with our fans, like having contests, or opening up the two way conversations with your fans and chime in on their comments. When we weren’t looking the world went digital completely and if you aren’t plugged in you are literally missing out! In terms of news and updates, I find Twitter to be the most insightful because you can chose to follow people, celebrities, and businesses that will discuss things that you are interested in, it is like having your own personal newspaper filled with things you are interested in. So sign up and link up with me by scrolling to the bottom of this blog for the “My Social Butterflies” section with links to each individual site.

Her is the link to the Subway Fresh Artist announcement http://tiny.cc/1kix6

Week 3 Hard Pressed!!!

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 02:10:00 GMT

Let’s face it, we are all hard pressed for time these days, so we need to be very direct in our communications with our fans and potential fans as they surf around the web, so in week 3 of the Music Success in 9 weeks Blog Challenge we are asked to sync all our information. To make things easy to find on our web pages with our Unique Selling Point placed right up front, so people can immediately identify with the artist or music. After years of having a web presence this challenge has encouraged me to go back and see where my information is not clear. Asking the main question “if I were a fan or a media representative what would I need to find quickly?” (Music, Bio, Tour Dates, Press, etc.). Then as an indie artist I am faced with the question- “How can I get a fan’s information easily and willingly?” This has been my greatest challenge as an artist. At live gigs I am focused on performance and reaching the audience, it sometimes feels out of character to switch gears into “the promoter”. I find this has not worked for me at all. I have needed really aggressive people in the audience passing the mailing list around because fans are much more guarded with their private information, so I am starting a new campaign with my fans. I am moving to a more direct line of communication. In order to preserve the integrity of the relationship with my fans you will have to come to a live show to find out what this new tactic is. Believe me, when it is a success you will hear about it! I am excited about this next step and can’t wait to share it with my fans and the cool thing is- it will only be something extended to my fans that are at live shows, not even those on the mailing list! Can’t wait to see you at a show soon as I continue to define the Devlin Miles Brand! This month I am hitting Connecticut and Canada for the first time and lots of good news on the horizon, so I am thrilled that Arial Hyatt is helping me get my act together, so I can take it on the road.

Week 2: My Life's a Pitch!

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:55:00 GMT

When you are a singer pitch is everything, you have to sing on pitch in order to be taken seriously. As a writer it is equally as important to be able to quickly and succinctly sell your story, your side, your song. In week 2 of the Music Success in 9 Weeks challenge we have to begin to work on our pitch. So, I took a minute to think about all the different uses of the word “pitch”.

Pitch in = To help
Pitch a tent = anchor and assemble
Pitch fork = Dig in and get dirty
Pitch perfect = Right on target
“Let’s hear your pitch” = Sell yourself
Pitch of a roof = Degree of rise

In short, your pitch helps to anchor you, so that you can dig in and get dirty to be right on target to sell yourself and watch your degrees rise! So, that is just what I am doing here in week 2 of this challenge. After using the tips on how to help craft my pitch I have integrated the following pitch:

“Devlin Miles rocks like a Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Pat Benatar smoothie for the soul.”

I have tested with fans and they agree that it is an accurate description of my music. As I continue to grow as an independent artist my pitch may continue to evolve as well, so I will review and edit my pitch as Ariel Hyatt suggests in her book “Music Success in 9 Weeks”.

Taking the Plunge, Music Success in 9 weeks Week 1

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 05:30:00 GMT

As a consumer I read reviews of a product before I buy, listen to a song a few times before I really like it, write and rewrite a song before I really capture the emotion. The same is true for Ariel Hyatt, I was originally exposed to her at a Taxi Road Rally in California, a conference for songwriters, artists, and music industry. She caught my attention just as Twitter/Facebook were really beginning to take off and she spoke about the importance of being socially connected and using all the tools out there on the web to get your word and music out there to the world. I was motivated by her experience and passion for her business, so I joined her mailing list. I was overwhelmed at how fast the industry was changing and apprehensive about where I should have a presence on the web and then there was the whole pirating of music fear. I purchased her book Music Success in 9 Weeks after reading about it for months, but I knew this book could possibly help bridge the gap between the indie artist in me and the entrepreneur that I needed to be. I grew tired of waiting for others to give me a break and realized I needed to create my own path. However, in order to achieve success with my music career, I desperately needed knowledge- knowledge on where I should be, what events are legit, and how I could organize my business in order to be successful.

So, this week I begin the Music Success in 9 Weeks Blogging Challenge and am looking forward to the next step as I challenge myself to achieve new goals, follow through, and create my own path. I have been a singer/songwriter for years and recently achieved a life long dream of my first independent cd Autumn’s Fires, which you can hear below. I worked with exceptional producers and musicians and together we produced a fantastic album (yes I said album, this IS an album), something I am completely proud to promote. This is by far a very important part of my process, the album needed to be exceptional from recording all the way through to artwork. I knew from my years of scrutinizing products and services that I needed the product to be exceptional. Yes, it is art, but I also know it to be a product. Don’t’ get me wrong Autumn’s Fires is full of passion and emotions and many a tear was shed writing this album but I knew the passion that I put into making the album needed to be captured from start to finish. So, now I have a passionate product that really needs exposure, so I am beginning this challenge to see if I can’t cause a raucous. I want to be in the Top 3% of people that achieve their long-term life goals. Now that I have put them on paper I can begin to work on a clearer path to getting there. Music has always been my passion and my love sometimes to excess and I have missed the mark on some opportunities because I was not prepared from a business standpoint. Feel free to join me over the next 9 weeks as I work through the book and make strides in my music career and perhaps you can pick up the book and do it with me.

Indie Girl Seeks Nomination

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:05:00 GMT

I have about 10 days to get the Grammy, so to speak! 10 days to find those who are Recording Academy members who might consider nominating a little indie girl! Do you know any of them? I am making it my personal mission to see if I can get that nomination. Please join me in pulling together all the people that you know in the industry to raise a little indie raucous and to get that nomination. Please tweet, Facebook share, blog, and email anyone who knows anyone. We are going to test that 6 degrees of separation theory! Let's just go right to the source- who knows Kevin Bacon? I have selected "This Guy" to be the free download because it is such a catchy little ditty- it's like giving someone the finger with a smile! Please take your free download and share, share, share the music! Thank you big time! "This Guy" Download here http://fburls.com/72-B7dlOBc0

Rockstar's Birthday Wish!

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:50:00 GMT

I have great news, my song "You and Me" is climbing the charts at Ourstage.com to win an Intel competition for a home recording studio and I could qualify to win 5K. Ohhh that would be so wonderful- we could do a video! Which song, hmmm?

So could you grant a silly little Leo 1 birthday wish and click on over to Ourstage and vote for me. Here are the steps as a refresher- in case you forgot how to swing your gavel! Have I told you, you look terrific today! ;-)

Voting Steps

STEP 1: (if you are not registered yet)

Register http://www.ourstage.com/register_judge

STEP 2: (if you are not a fan on Ourstage yet)

Become a fan here: (this will guarantee that you can vote for me within the first 20 voting rounds, approx 10 mins)

http://www.ourstage.com/profile/devlinmiles/fans

STEP 3: *out of 1466 competitors we are in the Top 50

Next come back here and click on this link to vote in the Intel Pop* competition:

http://www.ourstage.com/judge4?channel=359-intel-superstars-pop

STEP 4:

Now that you are all set up, please post on Facebook, Myspace,

Twitter, or blast email friends to help vote! You are the best as we are making history together

OPTIONAL

STEP 5:

If you are by now a professional voter and have a little extra time come back and vote in Soft Rock Channel for "Autumn's Fires" that is currently #31 out of 433

http://www.ourstage.com/judge4?channel=80-soft-rock

Thanks for granting me my 1 birthday wish, a big win on Ourstage.com. Enjoy your final days of summer- I am hitting the Atlantic Ocean with my family and can't wait for the giggles to begin! Dare to giggle once in awhile, just saying the word makes me smile!

BR and Timebomb "Hit You In The Head"

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:50:00 GMT

I love when I am listening to music in the background as I multi-task through the rest of my life and suddenly I am "hit in the head" with a lyric or phrase that just sticks out at me. Such is the case when I was listening to BR and Timebomb the other day. A local band to NYC, whom I have been following for years. The band's live performance is originally what drew me into their world. A hip hop band with a flavor of Black-Eyed Peas or OutKast as they have two female singers, Olivia Martinez who plays the violin and Shanelle Jenkins who plays the trumpet, then BR- the rapper. BR has great command of the mic and writes very prolific raps that get you thinking like their song "Hit 'em In The Head" that did just that as I was out and about doing errands. I highly recommend checking them out and you'll love their other catchy song "Fuegissimo" and "More Power". I will be at there next live show in Manhattan at Kenny's Castaways, Friday, September 10th at 7pm. Tell them Devlin sent ya and look for me- I will be the dancin fool! Check them out here.