The Maestro of Minneapolis is at it again. Perhaps you've heard. Anyone who buys a ticket to Prince's current concert tour automatically gets a copy of his new "Musicology" CD (released on his own indie label).

Here are a couple of links to news stories that cover it:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?Y5D323D48

http://makeashorterlink.com/?L1A322D48

This sales technique is controversial within the industry because SoundScan is allowing every copy purchased with a concert ticket to apply toward sales charts. Prince is now showing up on charts higher than he has in many years. Some people think it's unfair; others think it's revolutionary.

Forget the SoundScan angle for a moment. What a great marketing tactic. I'm sure the costs of the CD are figured into ticket prices, so there's profit built into the equation. Plus, the more people who own the CD and play it, the more other people hear it -- which boosts additional sales at retail and on the Web.

Perhaps you're reading my mind ... How can you use this tactic for your own music? Not so much to inflate sales figures, but to get your recordings into the hands of more fans.

Perhaps CD Release Parties where the cost of admission includes the CD itself. Or how about gigs with two separate cover charges -- one with and one without the CD? Or ... buy the T-shirt for $15 or $20, get the CD for no additional cost.

You get the idea. Keep thinking, and find a way to make this work for you. Just don't go changing the name of your band to some ancient Egyptian fertility symbol :)

Reprinted from Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor, featuring marketing tips and self-promotion ideas for songwriters, musicians and bands on a budget. For details, visit http://www.TheBuzzFactor.com