Lennon Cihak - Building a Massive Network Through Writing for Blogs and How Musicians can Get Featured on Music Blogs
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A common thing we always hear in the music industry, “it’s all about relationships.” I’ve always said that promoting shows is the ultimate gateway drug into the music business and building relationships because you get to work with venues, agents, managers, publicists, labels, and artists. However, promoting shows comes with huge risk. You could fall on your face, and lose a ton of money. Lennon Cihak is an example of being genuine, organized, and putting in really hard work can build a massive network. As of the release of this episode, he is a recent college grad from Full Sail University and is already build a powerful network through writing for blogs.
Lennon Cihak is a writer for EDM.com, Noiseporn, Magnetic Magazine, and Digital Music News. He’s also started his own blog EDMinaSoda, where he explores his writing covering other interests in the world of EDM. In this episode, you’ll learn about Lennon’s journey, how he organized his homework schedule so he could take on more projects, how to build genuine relationships, how to get write-ups on music blogs, and much more. Lennon is already doing some amazing things, and he hasn’t even scratched the surface of his potential. He’s approaching the music business with a positive attitude, hustle, and with kindness, and therefore, has built a great network.
Highlights from this Episode
[3:02] Time at Full Sail University
[4:28] Students, Classes, and Professors that inspired Lennon
[6:52] Getting involved and decision making process of what to get involved with
[11:13] The journey of Lennon Cihak
[17:28] How students can get started getting experience
[19:48] Journey in writing
[21:10] Opportunities from Blogging
[24:50] Building long lasting relationships
[29:08] Lennon’s writing schedule
[33:25] Research and energy management for writing
[36:16] Decision process on which artists to feature and write about
[38:33] Email format when reaching out to a writer for a feature
[51:44] Working with Phil Pallen and tactics for Twitter
[57:36] Getting to know Lennon Cihak
Quotes from Lennon Cihak
“I would start some of my projects even before class so I could ask questions.”
“It’s this maze you can follow, and pinpoint other opportunities you can follow.”
“In marketing, you’re going to meet a lot of people.”
“Step out of your comfort zone and try something new.”
“I’m silently taking note of who’s where.”
“Know your worth. You’re worth something and your time is worth something. Regardless to how much experience you have.”
“Work with people who show you respect back.”
“A relationship is working with somebody, and getting to know them beyond their work life.”
“Trying to reach everybody is a big marketing NO NO.”
“The fewer messages we have to get back and forward on, the better.”
“There is a reason you wrote that song, tell us why you wrote that song.”
“If someone can relate to it, it’s going to be more powerful.”
“Be personable.”
“When I meet you, I want that persona [from email impression] to flow.”
“Give them a reason to follow you.”
An article by Lennon Cihak (mentioned in this conversation).
Links to people, places, and things mentioned
Full Sail University
Pro Tools
Logic
SPARK
WWE
EDM.com
Noiseporn
EDM Tunes
Dancing Astronaut
Magnetic Magazine
Phil Pallen
Jamvana
EDM in a Soda
Steve Aoki
Greg Rollett
Tim Ferriss
Davey Jay (Music Attorney)
Ari Herstand
Lewis Howes
Rachel Platten
Jonny Lang
Crazy Frog
Fanburst
Article on Fanburst by Lennon Cihak
Elon Musk
Michael Jackson
Prince
Adam Lambert
John Lennon
Lady Gaga
Deadmau5
[BOOKS]
Shut Up and Tweet by Phil Pallen
Lennon Cihak’s Definition of Making It:
“Working hard, staying persistent, never give up, find your niche, love what you do, and you’ll never work a day of your life.”
Get in touch with Lennon Cihak
Lennon@lennoncihak.com
Lennoncihak.com
Twitter: @lennoncihak
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennoncihak/
Related Articles & Episodes:
1. Davey Jay - A Copyright & Publishing Foundation Masterclass - Episode #056
2. Angela Mastrogiacomo - Building Your Story Through Written Form - Episode #062
Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg
Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp
