About this Playlist
If you build it they will come.
I mean – it’s a nice sentiment – worked for Kevin Costner in a cornfield – but the less mystical of us who’ve been around the block will tell you that – if you’re not telling people about “it” – no-one’s gonna find you.
I met Vinny Ribas when we were out in the world actively sharing enthusiasm for our projects. Vinny’s a cat – been around more blocks than I have and we had an instant connection. Where musicto supports independent artists by moving their music onto playlists – Cartne supports artists by teaching them how to move through the insanely complex ecosystem that is the music industry.
“Our mission is to make choosing a career in music a viable, profitable and scalable option for anyone who has a marketable talent or skill and the passion, drive and work ethic to make it happen.”
I asked Vinny if he minded pulling together a 22 track playlist where he could feature some of the artists he’s worked with alongside some of the classics. It’s great stuff – I’ve already fallen for Liz Longley, Liz Kate and Aslin – and will going back to listen again. I also threw him a few questions to get a deeper look into how he sees the world. You’ll find more information about Vinny and Cartne at the end of the post.
How important are playlists and streaming services to early-stage artists?
It depends on what the artist is looking for. If you’re trying to build a huge following, they can play a vital role. If you’re a local bar band or a wedding band, they may not be as vital.
What are you curious about at the moment? Why?
How artists are using AI without compromising their creativity.
If you had $2,500 to spend on marketing a new band, where would you spend it and why?
If the goal is to get gigs, I’d start with a killer EPK. If the goal is to build a following, I’d invest in social media ads and Google Adwords.
What is a piece of music that has changed you?
Neil Diamond’s Hot August Nights album. It was the first time that I understood how important it is to captivate an audience from the opening minute through the encore. Before that, I would just throw a random set list together and run with it.
Do you believe music matters? Why?
Absolutely. It can cure just about all mental and often physical ailments. Plus, we all need to escape sometimes, and music is a cheap but very satisfying date.
Where are you incorporating AI/ChatGPT into your life?
I use it primarily for research and for creating photos of specific things that I can’t find in the stock libraries. But I have looked at the music-related AI platforms and they amaze me. I have written a 90-minute stage show that is nonstop music. I need to have charts made up for the band, which can be quite costly. I discovered that I can use one platform to separate the songs into stems, and another to chart the stems. I have not done it because I know it might be illegal and it almost completely eliminates needing an arranger.
Are you optimistic about the future? Why?
Absolutely. New opportunities arise every day. I am very entrepreneurial, so I help artists build a solid business around their music. And sometimes the most fun part of it is coming up with creative ideas for marketing, for making money, and for engaging fans long-term.
Cartne is an e-learning platform that helps artists and songwriters navigate the music industry effectively, seamlessly and safely. It was developed by Vinny Ribas, an artist manager and consultant who has coached over 1K artists and songwriters. Vinny realized pretty much everyone has the same questions and challenges regarding growing their music careers.
In 2022, Vinny set out to get and share the answers to these dominant questions. Every week he interviews reputable industry experts worldwide and asks them to address the issues artists and songwriters face. As of Sept. 1 2024, the over 120 reputable industry pros worldwide have contributed their expertise to over 160 powerful, straight-to-the-point videos. No fluff. No sales pitches. Always relevant. Cartne even has an ongoing series on how to avoid scams and rip offs. The result is a how-to map that helps artists and songwriters avoid wasting time and money or being ripped off. That is why many have referred to it as ‘MasterClass for the music industry’.
Vinny Ribas CEO – Indie Connect & Cartne
www.indieconnect.com
www.cartne.com
[email protected]
615-852-7548
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinnyribas
Track Listing
- Rescue My Heart – Liz Longley
- You Will Love This Song – Amber Rubarth
- I Am…I Said – Neil Diamond
- the world in my head – Liz Kate
- keep me from blowing away – Aslin
- Photographs and Memories – Jim Croce
- Mirror Image (Piano Version) – Nicole De La Cruz
- What Matters Most – Kenny Rankin
- Regrets – LP / Single Version – Kenny Rankin
- Somewhere In My Broken Heart – Billy Dean
- Closer To Home (I’m Your Captain) – Grand Funk Railroad
- Over The Rainbow – 2023 Remaster – Eva Cassidy
- Die First – Kaylin Roberson
- Love Hurts – Nazareth
- Mountain Move – Dale Vernon
- Popsicle Toes – Michael Franks
- Oh Very Young – Yusuf / Cat Stevens
- I Don’t Want to Talk About It – Rod Stewart
- I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt
- I Choose Love – Shawn Gallaway
- I Hate Hate – Razzy Bailey
- Evil Woman – Crow
Playlist image by Cartne Logo