Artist Access | OurStage.com

Awarding top OurStage artists 1-on-1 sessions and opening spots with industry veterans:

Music Prizes:	Video Prizes:
Manager of Incubus, Steve Rennie	Nick Goosen
Curt Smith of Tears for Fears	Bobby Logan
Tim Palmer	Hunter Weeks & Josh Caldwell

Artist Access also includes advice for all aspiring artists — see what they have to say below!

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Highlights from Sick Puppies Artist Access Interview:

“Definitely keep your merchandise. Keep your merchandise and keep your touring, because that is now where a lot of bands are making their money…”

“…The brand belongs to the band. At least, that’s how the band should see it.”

“What you have to do now is create more of a community with the people that you’re working with, cause you’re working with you’re fans, asking them to come to your shows and be part of this thing. It’s not just your band. It’s their band.”

About Sick Puppies:

Originating from Sydney, Australia, the Sick Puppies are a cut-and-dry example of how to market your band…without selling out. The band formed in 1997 at Mosmon High School’s music room. By 1999, The Sick Puppies were ready to release their first EP called Dog’s Breakfast. This was independently recorded and produced. Only 500 copies were pressed, making the album a collectors item. In 2005 the band made the move to the LA, seeking a record deal in the US.

While taking meetings, performing showcase gigs for recording companies, and recording their next album, Shimon Moore created a video get-well card for a friend of his who had recently suffered a death in the family. This was created from footage that Shim himself had shot of his friend (Juan Mann) about 18 months before offering Free Hugs to passers-by in Sydney. He used one of the songs finished from the sessions for their album in progress - "All the Same" - as a soundtrack. The video was also posted on YouTube and became a instant sensation, spawning the Free Hugs Campaign. As a result there were TV appearances on 60 minutes (US and Australia), Good Morning America, Oprah and Jay Leno.Currently, the “Free Hugs” video has gotten over 25 million views, making it YouTube’s most watched videos of the year.

Following the Free Hugs success, an EP, Headphone Injuries, was digitally released in June 2006. Which was then followed by a CD single release of 'All The Same’. The album 'Dressed Up As Life' followed a few months later on April 3, 2007 via Virgin Records. On April 21st, the album debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart in the U.S.