SERVICES

MANAGEMENT

I am currently managing an act:  www.Waltz-n-Black.com

STUDIO AND PRODUCTION SERVICES

You can see from our studio page that we have quite a good recording studio.  It is adequate to record solo artists or bands for either demo or release quality material.  I also have a certificate in Arranging & Composition from the Sydney Conservatorium Access Centre so I have the skill to do arrangements for songs including vocal harmonies, strings and horns; and generally 'polish' the songs.  We can also arrange for some world class session musicians to play on your recordings if required.  This is not a commercial 'studio for hire' but I take on projects selectively. 

If you want to work with me I really don't need your money so I would be looking on "points on the release" deal rather than cash up front.  I am very interested in how you would market the material we will produce together.

For further information call Mark at Digital Harmony Australia Pty Ltd on 0412 252588 or e-mail:  info@digitalharmony.com.au

**********************

READER FEEDBACK - E-MAIL WE HAVE HAD IN RESPONSE TO OUR SITE 
I have put in the bad responses too.  I found them funny.

******************************

From: Name withheld 
Sent: Friday, 18 September 2009 7:59 PM
To: mark@digitalharmony.com.au
Subject: RE: Music Industry Scams
Hi Mark.

Just a note to say that the information on scammers is  succinct, informative  & a realistic representation of the Music Industry. 
 
As an ex High School Careers Adviser & Graduate in Music (Audio), the reference to Universities/Institutes not providing appropriate courses which  reflect the  demands of the workplace, emphasizes the need for:
*  Up-to- date statistics/information &  Curriculum reform in Vocational Training & Education 
*  Integrity, regarding the monitoring of student intake numbers & the dash for their cash.
 
I am glad that you mentioned lawyers, managers, producers are not "all bad", & the good ones are jewels. May we all meet them at some stage in our musical/creative  pursuits.
 
I particularly  enjoyed the sarcasm & humorous layers which unfold the harsh realities of life in the music lane(s). .Cheers & thanks for all your hard work.
 
Kind regards

Name withheld 

******************************

What a fascinating web site you have their Mark, I love it.

Michael Stavrou

******************************

Took a look at your page and studio - all looks great, so much help for up and coming artists who are a bit green. You are obviously a good guy.

Cheers

Kevin Malpass

*******************************

From:  Andrea
Sent:   Tuesday, 30 September 2008 3:58 PM
Subject:   Your site

Hi

I teach music business at TAFE. Teach to both students who are doing music business stream & those doing music stream, with the ones studying music full of misconceptions about the industry.

Came across your site while browsing & love it. It is the type of plain speak that I use in class & exactly what the industry needs. You have put a lot of people on the right track.

Well done.

Andrea

********************************

From: Ben 
Sent: Monday, 23 March 2009 9:10 PM
To: info@digitalharmony.com.au
Subject: Feedback

Loved the two pages that I've gotten to read thru so far. I just got to Syd a month ago and started an audio engineering degree at SAE. I've made a friend when I first got here with a guy in a band that has some of the key components that you talked about on the website like the guitarist/ song writer/ lyricist is brothers with the drummer and been playing gigs since they were little together. I see great things for these guys especially since they go against the grain. The days of feeling depressed grunge are fleeting and the vibe of happiness is coming back just like that Grand Theft Auto Coke-Cola commercial. Happy is making a comeback. Thank god right. Anyways, just wanted to say I really enjoyed your site. So awesome that its so concise and right there to read for free. Really got the juices flowing cause I want to promote these guys and Im new to the whole promoting a band experience. Keep up the great work!

-Ripp

********************************

From: eden altman 
Sent: Thursday, 31 January 2008 8:44 AM
To: info@digitalharmony.com.au
Subject: "why play live"


Thank you for this great piece of information. I am in a band signed to an indy label who have just hired a new label manager to on-sell us. she is kicking my ass to get a real presentation together about my band. marketing, marketing, marketing is her rant. your essay has given me hope and solidified something I've been feeling about gigs on the road for a long time. music biz is torture. 
all the best, 
Eden

******************************

From: Edward ******
Sent: Sunday, 18 November 2007 9:48 PM
To: info@digitalharmony.com.au
Subject: Dude- you ROCK

Thanks for the most clear, and useful info on being a successful muso....

good on you for sharing!- I am a singer songwriter, (amateur) who is thinking about expanding into the music world - and your advice will be my foundation. ie- record a cd in my home studio, and sell the bugger to all and sundry. I do believe live gigs on the web will be one of the new waves! And I must get a loop machine for my solo work. And sell a few old effects boxes on ebay (you're right, the tone all comes from the fingers- it always amazes me how different my guitar sounds when someone else plays it) 

I decided about 4 years ago I wanted to work for myself (I am a veterinarian)- and about 3 years later decided to learn about marketing.... Up until then, I wondered why I wasn't making any money (DUH).... 

Then, this year, after last year only just grossing enough to be considered a business by the tax department (but making a loss), I have passed that landmark already, and am consistently making profits... so I would at least have a good handle on the small business side of things. Still haven't got a web site up, that is the next challenge. 

A few more things you might like to put on your website- a very important skill I didn't see you mention in the starting a band- communication/people skills- so vital to everything in my personal success has been learning and developing this (my main key is to ask people all about them, anything I can think of- the more you ask someone about themselves, the more they like you! strange, but so, so true) I could write a little about this for you, if you like! email and ask me , if so. 

And also, from personal experience, heavy use of any drug is not consistent with success in life.

I like your investment advice!- and I will be buying some gold, as well- very sensible- I'm only just getting to the place where I have anything to invest- had chronic fatigue for about 3-4 years about 8 years ago, kinda meant I had to start again with it all. (life , I mean) 

Anyway- if you'd like to listen to a couple of my chunes, check out www.triplejunearthed.com/edwardbassingthwaighte

be well, be happy, thanks for a fantastic resource (I am about to forward a link to yr site to our folk club email list, as well) 

cheers for now, ed

**********************

i want to know the secrets to success please sir

IF YOU WANKERS THINK YOU KNOW THE SECRETS TO SUCCESS THEN YOU WOULDN'T HAVE TO PUT THOSE PETTY ADDS IN THE DRUM BECAUSE YOU WOULD ALREADY BE SUCCESSFUL!  AND STOP TAKING ADVANTAGE OF PATHETIC PENNILESS NO HOPER MUSOS THAT MIGHT BUY INTO YOUR FICTIONAL CRAP !

kellykaos@hotmail.com 
(Kelly, what makes you think I am not successful?  Taking advantage of ... musos"?  Haven't you noticed this information is free?  I am not asking anyone for any money or anything else.  Other people appear to have found value in it. - Regards,  Mark Ellis.)

****************************

Hi Mark - thanks for your PopTarts support and your feedback - very much appreciated. I did visit your website and it was impressive. I actually teach Music Business (Marketing) one day a week at TAFE (my many and varied past mistakes in the industry are part of my qualification to do this!) and the advice I offer is very much along the same lines as yours - I don't think you're cynical, just honest!
Best Regards,
Amanda Easton
 www.amandaeaston.com

**********************

G'day Mark, Thanks again for the last article it was printed in the Bandwagon for the month of Feb.  Excellent response as your articles are getting quite popular up here in the north amongst the musicians.  We will always accept so keep sending them ...

Cheers
Kieran Moran

Manager
barFly/Bandwagon

**********************

Hello Mark,
I'm just responding to your public invitation for some feed back. Firstly the Drum Media... I only get it for the ads, all else in it is sheer crap.... then I read your article in the latest edition. Man that was so good I cut it out and pinned it up in my studio. Went to your website and found it a wealth of information, straight to the point, tell it like it is. Congratulations on a job well done. Do I have your permission to place a pointer to it in website's "Lynx" page?

Cheers,
CJ
www.shantali.com

****************************

From: sharon raihman
To: info@digitalharmony.com.au 
 
Wow man, I am blown away by the information you're "putting out there" to help the little people make the right moves to pave their way into the music industry.
 
As the "wife" of a singer/ songwriter/ guitarist, I thought it was my duty to get their demo heard by the A&R people, knowing well how an unknown band may just as easily get lost in the flood of other hopeful's CDs.
 
Man, After reading only 2 subjects on your website (Recording Contracts and Start Band), I am inspired to shift my focus from what "I" can do, to how I can support the band to make their way into the live scene, and develop a name for themselves.
 
When that happens, perhaps we'll come back for more advice.
 
Thanks - Sharon

*****************************

From: Thom - Wayne Thompson 
Sent: Thursday, 7 May 2009 12:25 AM
To: info@digitalharmony.com.au
Subject: feedback

Hi Mark,
 
i just wanted to let you know how informative and true to life your site is. fantastic work!
 
I have been performing live for over 15 years now from the Espy front Bar to the Roxy in LA. Along the way I have attempted to make a long term career by studying marketing and computers, reading and learning about money (in addition to your readings I also recommend Paul Clithero Money).
 
In my early twenties... all my friends were heading overseas to live for a year on two in London. I decided to buy a cheap property and focus on my music career.. I knew that bumming around working in a bar in London was not going to do much for my music... so I moved to Melbourne, rented out my property and lived in share house in St Kilda.
 
as a result.. I've been able to record 4 EP's and a Full Length Album under my own steam without going broke.
 
Good on you for helping out the young crew!
 
Cheers
 
Thom - Wayne Thompson

*******************************

 

From: Ladeda Sings 
Sent: Wednesday, 4 July 2007 3:35 PM
To: info@digitalharmony.com.au
Subject: Why Are you Still Hanging Around
You scary freak. Your so called wisdom is tainted by your dark personality. When will you realise women are not their sex parts. You should be locked up. Serial killers start off like you.

(This one was really funny.  I think Ladeda has a few issues.  - Mark Ellis.)

*****************************

 

Hey Mark,

Cool site. I loved the mistakes page, very funny. Thanks for all the sweet free info and I'm sure there are heaps of others thanking you as well. Keep the free world rockin.

Matt Silver.

**********************

gday mark
this site is nothing short of sensational buddy-where were you 2 years ago when i embarked on my fruitless journey. 
unfortunately it is so good I am fairly close to throwing in the towel right now!! anyway-a good reality check.
are you still playing in a band? or just specialising in management?
gotta get back to reading your site!!
cheers
nevene jayatilaka

**********************

Hi Mark

Have read through your website and like the honesty and reality check it provides.

Kind regards

e (edwardo)
Listen to current internet hits by going to
www.mp3.com.au/e
Email:edwardjohnfilm@aol.com

 

Copyright © 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010  Mark Ellis

HOME PAGE