5 emails you shouldn't send

5 types of pitch emails all music journalists hate getting from indie bands Pitches from brand-new bands and artists not tied to a public-relations company are – before they even look at it — the ones that catch the most skepticism from journalists. Sometimes it only takes an unfamiliar name amid an avalanche of emails from recognizable PR reps for a writer to pass you over. If they’ve actually opened your message, then any sort of blunder could easily cost you. Play it smart: don’t do this stuff.    3 easy and creative fan engagement ideas for 2015 If you don’t take risks and try out new things, you’ll never know how much further you can get. I recommend that instead of taking a huge leap and trying to do too much at once, take little steps, gradually making small tweaks in your strategy. This is easy, won’t take you very much time, and is a good way to jumpstart your career in 2015. What kind of little steps am I talking about? The kind you can start today — right now!    CD Baby will handle new VAT changes for EU artists Have recent changes to EU tax law got you down? Don’t worry: CD Baby is handling it for you! Many of our European artists have voiced concerns about how a new law in the EU concerning VAT (value-added tax) will affect them. The short answer (at least in terms of your sales on CD Baby) is: not at all! Have specific questions? Click through to read more, add your comments, or share your experience.