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APRIL Features:

With live performances being one of the main sources of income for musicians these days, it's no secret how important touring is. However, before you let your eagerness get the best of you, there are several "reality check" moments you need to be aware of before going on your first tour. As you become more well traveled and gain experience, these lessons will become engrained in your head. But when first starting out, you may not know what to expect when it comes to life on the road and performing on stages where no one knows your name (yet!)

Often in the lead up to a performance, novice singers and band members feel the strain; running a band is a big commitment and requires some strategic planning! All you have to do is consider the main areas you want to cover or things you want to achieve and send them a timeline for the rehearsal. In a recent charity event my band were very complimentary during on stage interviews about the way I kept them informed

It would be an extreme understatement to say that local cover bands are not paid near as much as they should be. There are many reasons why bands do not make the money that they should be, such as the bands not being worth the money or that their song selection is mediocre. But no decent venue will hire a band that they have not previewed (throwing the song selection concept out the window).

We've all heard of those infamous band meetings where members arrive late only to talk (and sometimes scream) about important (and sometimes completely unimportant) matters in a disorganized fashion. Just watch Metallica's documentary, Some Kind of Monster, for a shocking dose of band dysfunction.

All independent musicians at some point are going to go through the process of booking their own shows. This means identifying, contacting, and performing at venues across your hometown and beyond. But all venues are not created equally. Sometimes it's because the management is shady; other times it's because the sound system will give you tinnitus. Either way, you shouldn't play a show just for the sake of playing a show, and you shouldn't book a venue just because they'll have you.

Whenever you book a gig at a fresh venue, you’re on a learning curve. Circumstances are different in every room and if you don’t know the deal, the night can go off the rails before you hit the first downbeat. As any well-gigged player will tell you, gathering a little information ahead of time can prevent some big headaches.

A band is simultaneously a friendship, a collaborative partnership and a business. Although it might be less personal and intimate than a romantic relationship, it is quite possibly more complicated. That's because there are usually more than two people involved, and everyone has an opinion. We are artists after all, so being sensitive and having opinions come with the territory of creating things.

Performing live music is a nerve-racking experience. No amount of singing in the mirror or head-banging in the garage can quite prepare you for the moment when the lights come up and you're there. The center of attention. The subject of scrutiny. "Here we are now, entertain us." Your body language can convey a confidence in your music that's contagious to your audience, but can also betray self-doubt that will be perceived just as acutely. It's your goal to put a room at ease, whether that's them leaping into a mosh pit with selfless abandon or applauding politely at a seated jazz club. Here are six notorious "tells" that can subtly indicate that you’re actually feeling more of a Woody Allen than a Buddy Holly underneath those bright lights.

Some people are born with an innate sense of confidence that they carry with them through life. For others, confidence is trait that has to be won in battle. Among all of the talent that exists in the world and the unfortunate realities of the music industry, it's easy for somebody who doesn't have innate confidence to feel intimidated. Below are six tips on what to do when your confidence starts to falter, and what you can do to improve the confidence you already have.

Too many people fail to see the bigger picture of life as a musician and the miserable state of the industry. If you are one of these people and catch yourself feeling in some way cheerful, stop right away and follow this simple 12 step plan to guarantee your return to a completely horrid existence on this miserable rock. Warning: Contains strong language. If you don’t like that, then you should probably still read on anyway as it will just give you more reasons to be pissed off.

 

March Features:

With live performances being one of the main sources of income for musicians these days, it's no secret how important touring is. However, before you let your eagerness get the best of you, there are several "reality check" moments you need to be aware of before going on your first tour. As you become more well traveled and gain experience, these lessons will become engrained in your head. But when first starting out, you may not know what to expect when it comes to life on the road and performing on stages where no one knows your name (yet!)

Often in the lead up to a performance, novice singers and band members feel the strain; running a band is a big commitment and requires some strategic planning! All you have to do is consider the main areas you want to cover or things you want to achieve and send them a timeline for the rehearsal. In a recent charity event my band were very complimentary during on stage interviews about the way I kept them informed

It would be an extreme understatement to say that local cover bands are not paid near as much as they should be. There are many reasons why bands do not make the money that they should be, such as the bands not being worth the money or that their song selection is mediocre. But no decent venue will hire a band that they have not previewed (throwing the song selection concept out the window).

We've all heard of those infamous band meetings where members arrive late only to talk (and sometimes scream) about important (and sometimes completely unimportant) matters in a disorganized fashion. Just watch Metallica's documentary, Some Kind of Monster, for a shocking dose of band dysfunction.

All independent musicians at some point are going to go through the process of booking their own shows. This means identifying, contacting, and performing at venues across your hometown and beyond. But all venues are not created equally. Sometimes it's because the management is shady; other times it's because the sound system will give you tinnitus. Either way, you shouldn't play a show just for the sake of playing a show, and you shouldn't book a venue just because they'll have you.

Whenever you book a gig at a fresh venue, you’re on a learning curve. Circumstances are different in every room and if you don’t know the deal, the night can go off the rails before you hit the first downbeat. As any well-gigged player will tell you, gathering a little information ahead of time can prevent some big headaches.

A band is simultaneously a friendship, a collaborative partnership and a business. Although it might be less personal and intimate than a romantic relationship, it is quite possibly more complicated. That's because there are usually more than two people involved, and everyone has an opinion. We are artists after all, so being sensitive and having opinions come with the territory of creating things.

Performing live music is a nerve-racking experience. No amount of singing in the mirror or head-banging in the garage can quite prepare you for the moment when the lights come up and you're there. The center of attention. The subject of scrutiny. "Here we are now, entertain us." Your body language can convey a confidence in your music that's contagious to your audience, but can also betray self-doubt that will be perceived just as acutely. It's your goal to put a room at ease, whether that's them leaping into a mosh pit with selfless abandon or applauding politely at a seated jazz club. Here are six notorious "tells" that can subtly indicate that you’re actually feeling more of a Woody Allen than a Buddy Holly underneath those bright lights.

Some people are born with an innate sense of confidence that they carry with them through life. For others, confidence is trait that has to be won in battle. Among all of the talent that exists in the world and the unfortunate realities of the music industry, it's easy for somebody who doesn't have innate confidence to feel intimidated. Below are six tips on what to do when your confidence starts to falter, and what you can do to improve the confidence you already have.

Too many people fail to see the bigger picture of life as a musician and the miserable state of the industry. If you are one of these people and catch yourself feeling in some way cheerful, stop right away and follow this simple 12 step plan to guarantee your return to a completely horrid existence on this miserable rock. Warning: Contains strong language. If you don’t like that, then you should probably still read on anyway as it will just give you more reasons to be pissed off.

 

February Features:

With live performances being one of the main sources of income for musicians these days, it's no secret how important touring is. However, before you let your eagerness get the best of you, there are several "reality check" moments you need to be aware of before going on your first tour. As you become more well traveled and gain experience, these lessons will become engrained in your head. But when first starting out, you may not know what to expect when it comes to life on the road and performing on stages where no one knows your name (yet!)

The experience of playing your very first show is likely to send your nerves into overdrive. Pre-gig anxiety is somewhat inevitable. Planning the show as a brand-new band, though, doesn't have to be so riddled with worry. If you're fearful of looking inexperienced or unprofessional, don't be.In terms of booking and the relationships you develop with venues and talent buyers, it's far better to ask questions first, rather than ask forgiveness later. In fact, the folks in charge will likely appreciate your efforts to ensure a problem-free show.

Often in the lead up to a performance, novice singers and band members feel the strain; running a band is a big commitment and requires some strategic planning! All you have to do is consider the main areas you want to cover or things you want to achieve and send them a timeline for the rehearsal. In a recent charity event my band were very complimentary during on stage interviews about the way I kept them informed

It would be an extreme understatement to say that local cover bands are not paid near as much as they should be. There are many reasons why bands do not make the money that they should be, such as the bands not being worth the money or that their song selection is mediocre. But no decent venue will hire a band that they have not previewed (throwing the song selection concept out the window).

We've all heard of those infamous band meetings where members arrive late only to talk (and sometimes scream) about important (and sometimes completely unimportant) matters in a disorganized fashion. Just watch Metallica's documentary, Some Kind of Monster, for a shocking dose of band dysfunction.

All independent musicians at some point are going to go through the process of booking their own shows. This means identifying, contacting, and performing at venues across your hometown and beyond. But all venues are not created equally. Sometimes it's because the management is shady; other times it's because the sound system will give you tinnitus. Either way, you shouldn't play a show just for the sake of playing a show, and you shouldn't book a venue just because they'll have you.

Whenever you book a gig at a fresh venue, you’re on a learning curve. Circumstances are different in every room and if you don’t know the deal, the night can go off the rails before you hit the first downbeat. As any well-gigged player will tell you, gathering a little information ahead of time can prevent some big headaches.

A band is simultaneously a friendship, a collaborative partnership and a business. Although it might be less personal and intimate than a romantic relationship, it is quite possibly more complicated. That's because there are usually more than two people involved, and everyone has an opinion. We are artists after all, so being sensitive and having opinions come with the territory of creating things.

Performing live music is a nerve-racking experience. No amount of singing in the mirror or head-banging in the garage can quite prepare you for the moment when the lights come up and you're there. The center of attention. The subject of scrutiny. "Here we are now, entertain us." Your body language can convey a confidence in your music that's contagious to your audience, but can also betray self-doubt that will be perceived just as acutely. It's your goal to put a room at ease, whether that's them leaping into a mosh pit with selfless abandon or applauding politely at a seated jazz club. Here are six notorious "tells" that can subtly indicate that you’re actually feeling more of a Woody Allen than a Buddy Holly underneath those bright lights.

Some people are born with an innate sense of confidence that they carry with them through life. For others, confidence is trait that has to be won in battle. Among all of the talent that exists in the world and the unfortunate realities of the music industry, it's easy for somebody who doesn't have innate confidence to feel intimidated. Below are six tips on what to do when your confidence starts to falter, and what you can do to improve the confidence you already have.

Too many people fail to see the bigger picture of life as a musician and the miserable state of the industry. If you are one of these people and catch yourself feeling in some way cheerful, stop right away and follow this simple 12 step plan to guarantee your return to a completely horrid existence on this miserable rock. Warning: Contains strong language. If you don’t like that, then you should probably still read on anyway as it will just give you more reasons to be pissed off.

 

It would be an extreme understatement to say that local cover bands are not paid near as much as they should be. There are many reasons why bands do not make the money that they should be, such as the bands not being worth the money or that their song selection is mediocre. But no decent venue will hire a band that they have not previewed (throwing the song selection concept out the window).

We've all heard of those infamous band meetings where members arrive late only to talk (and sometimes scream) about important (and sometimes completely unimportant) matters in a disorganized fashion. Just watch Metallica's documentary, Some Kind of Monster, for a shocking dose of band dysfunction.

All independent musicians at some point are going to go through the process of booking their own shows. This means identifying, contacting, and performing at venues across your hometown and beyond. But all venues are not created equally. Sometimes it's because the management is shady; other times it's because the sound system will give you tinnitus. Either way, you shouldn't play a show just for the sake of playing a show, and you shouldn't book a venue just because they'll have you.

Are you a guitar or bass player looking for an instrument that will give you the classic feel of a vintage with custom features only found in some of the most high end custom shop models? Usually this may involve a price tag high enough to buy yourself a new car. Whether you are a musician on a budget or just looking for a great instrument that will play like a dream right from the first time... then you need to check this out.

Whenever you book a gig at a fresh venue, you’re on a learning curve. Circumstances are different in every room and if you don’t know the deal, the night can go off the rails before you hit the first downbeat. As any well-gigged player will tell you, gathering a little information ahead of time can prevent some big headaches.

A band is simultaneously a friendship, a collaborative partnership and a business. Although it might be less personal and intimate than a romantic relationship, it is quite possibly more complicated. That's because there are usually more than two people involved, and everyone has an opinion. We are artists after all, so being sensitive and having opinions come with the territory of creating things.

Performing live music is a nerve-racking experience. No amount of singing in the mirror or head-banging in the garage can quite prepare you for the moment when the lights come up and you're there. The center of attention. The subject of scrutiny. "Here we are now, entertain us." Your body language can convey a confidence in your music that's contagious to your audience, but can also betray self-doubt that will be perceived just as acutely. It's your goal to put a room at ease, whether that's them leaping into a mosh pit with selfless abandon or applauding politely at a seated jazz club. Here are six notorious "tells" that can subtly indicate that you’re actually feeling more of a Woody Allen than a Buddy Holly underneath those bright lights.

Try to avoid these deadly mistakes. Your fans will apprceiate it

Some people are born with an innate sense of confidence that they carry with them through life. For others, confidence is trait that has to be won in battle. Among all of the talent that exists in the world and the unfortunate realities of the music industry, it's easy for somebody who doesn't have innate confidence to feel intimidated. Below are six tips on what to do when your confidence starts to falter, and what you can do to improve the confidence you already have.

Too many people fail to see the bigger picture of life as a musician and the miserable state of the industry. If you are one of these people and catch yourself feeling in some way cheerful, stop right away and follow this simple 12 step plan to guarantee your return to a completely horrid existence on this miserable rock. Warning: Contains strong language. If you don’t like that, then you should probably still read on anyway as it will just give you more reasons to be pissed off.

 

December Features:

Maybe you’re just not that good. Sorry. Most bands aren’t. Most bands are starry eyed and spend more time bitching about the breaks they’re not getting than in the rehearsal space tightening their show. Get good first. Record your rehearsals AND your shows. Do you LOVE listening to your live set? If not, then why do you think other people will? I’ve been in the room with bands who listen back to their shows recorded from the board and they actually hear how shitty they sounded. How off key they sang. How the bassist missed the bridge. How the harmonies were off. But they pass it off as a bad board mix. This is sad. Get your shit together. Double your rehearsal schedule and double your at home practice time.

We've all heard of those infamous band meetings where members arrive late only to talk (and sometimes scream) about important (and sometimes completely unimportant) matters in a disorganized fashion. Just watch Metallica's documentary, Some Kind of Monster, for a shocking dose of band dysfunction.

All independent musicians at some point are going to go through the process of booking their own shows. This means identifying, contacting, and performing at venues across your hometown and beyond. But all venues are not created equally. Sometimes it's because the management is shady; other times it's because the sound system will give you tinnitus. Either way, you shouldn't play a show just for the sake of playing a show, and you shouldn't book a venue just because they'll have you.

Are you a guitar or bass player looking for an instrument that will give you the classic feel of a vintage with custom features only found in some of the most high end custom shop models? Usually this may involve a price tag high enough to buy yourself a new car. Whether you are a musician on a budget or just looking for a great instrument that will play like a dream right from the first time... then you need to check this out.

Whenever you book a gig at a fresh venue, you’re on a learning curve. Circumstances are different in every room and if you don’t know the deal, the night can go off the rails before you hit the first downbeat. As any well-gigged player will tell you, gathering a little information ahead of time can prevent some big headaches.

A band is simultaneously a friendship, a collaborative partnership and a business. Although it might be less personal and intimate than a romantic relationship, it is quite possibly more complicated. That's because there are usually more than two people involved, and everyone has an opinion. We are artists after all, so being sensitive and having opinions come with the territory of creating things.

Performing live music is a nerve-racking experience. No amount of singing in the mirror or head-banging in the garage can quite prepare you for the moment when the lights come up and you're there. The center of attention. The subject of scrutiny. "Here we are now, entertain us." Your body language can convey a confidence in your music that's contagious to your audience, but can also betray self-doubt that will be perceived just as acutely. It's your goal to put a room at ease, whether that's them leaping into a mosh pit with selfless abandon or applauding politely at a seated jazz club. Here are six notorious "tells" that can subtly indicate that you’re actually feeling more of a Woody Allen than a Buddy Holly underneath those bright lights.

Try to avoid these deadly mistakes. Your fans will apprceiate it

Some people are born with an innate sense of confidence that they carry with them through life. For others, confidence is trait that has to be won in battle. Among all of the talent that exists in the world and the unfortunate realities of the music industry, it's easy for somebody who doesn't have innate confidence to feel intimidated. Below are six tips on what to do when your confidence starts to falter, and what you can do to improve the confidence you already have.

Too many people fail to see the bigger picture of life as a musician and the miserable state of the industry. If you are one of these people and catch yourself feeling in some way cheerful, stop right away and follow this simple 12 step plan to guarantee your return to a completely horrid existence on this miserable rock. Warning: Contains strong language. If you don’t like that, then you should probably still read on anyway as it will just give you more reasons to be pissed off.

October Features:

Somewhere in your home town this weekend, the latest up-and-coming noise-psyche-garage-doom band will blaze through a set of original material for a half-empty basement of glass-eyed twenty-somethings. Meanwhile, across town, Better than Better than Ezra -- a fictional band, feel free to take the name -- is trudging through Pixies’ “Where is My Mind” for a bar full of people who couldn’t be more thrilled to hear one of their favorite songs.

Sometimes soundchecks are quick and dirty. A total of 15 minutes to set up, do the "check 1, check 2" thing and then you're already launching into your first set. This means: No one can hear themselves. No one can hear anyone else. No one has a clue if the sound in the house is any good. The enjoyment factor is significantly lower. The reality is that the majority of gigs are in locations where setup and sound check happen while patrons are munching on nachos and chicken wings, and time is compressed.

When you desire to improve upon a skill, regardless of what the skill is, consistency is key. Practicing your instrument for 90 minutes every day will produce much better results than trying to fit six hours of practice into two days per week. This holds true for every aspect of the music industry. Consistent, daily work will be much more efficient and keep you much more sane than trying to fit a week's worth of work into your single day off.I've got a number of tasks that I try to invest time into on a daily basis. Though everybody's priorities and daily schedules will vary, here are a few ideas to get you thinking about what you should be doing every day.

Odds are good that the person working sound at your next local gig — positioning mics, balancing the mix, tweaking your monitors — is a musician just like you. But players don’t always treat them as one of their own, even though the sound engineer is a critical extension of the band in a live situation. Here are the top wishes and pet peeves from behind the board, as learned through countless shows and actually taking the time to talk to engineers. Make sure your gear is in good working order. Know before you go that all of your equipment is performance-ready. It’s not the sound engineer’s job to bail you out before or during a set, and you can’t expect them to have a stock of cables, batteries or spare drumsticks if you left things at home. Performing musicians should always have backup on hand.

When you are in charge of a group of people, there are several responsibilities that fall on your shoulders. If you've never been in a management position or haven't had any business training, this can be a challenging endeavor. The truth is that it's really not all that difficult, as long as you know what to do. The most successful leaders in any capacity practice certain fundamentals that have proven to be repeatedly effective. It may seem like a lot to remember, but you'll find that the majority of the responsibility as a leader will involve troubleshooting and problem solving. This is the real world, and that's the reality. You'll have much more success dealing with all of the variables that come into play if you first commit to having the basics covered

You get a call or text that you’re needed to fill in with a band you’ve never played with before. Naturally, you try to get all the information you’ll need; compensation, songs, style, time and place. You may even get a rehearsal with the group. Despite all your efforts to prepare, you can’t avoid some unexpected twists. Here’s five common surprises that happen when you are subbing on a gig.

It's tempting, especially as a new band, to say yes to every show you're offered. You want to take advantage of every opportunity you get to make a mark in your local scene. But even groups just starting out can't or shouldn't accept every gig they're extended. Sometimes a show can actually be detrimental to your efforts.

Try to avoid these deadly mistakes. Your fans will apprceiate it

Some people are born with an innate sense of confidence that they carry with them through life. For others, confidence is trait that has to be won in battle. Among all of the talent that exists in the world and the unfortunate realities of the music industry, it's easy for somebody who doesn't have innate confidence to feel intimidated. Below are six tips on what to do when your confidence starts to falter, and what you can do to improve the confidence you already have.

Too many people fail to see the bigger picture of life as a musician and the miserable state of the industry. If you are one of these people and catch yourself feeling in some way cheerful, stop right away and follow this simple 12 step plan to guarantee your return to a completely horrid existence on this miserable rock. Warning: Contains strong language. If you don’t like that, then you should probably still read on anyway as it will just give you more reasons to be pissed off.

 

September Features:

When his father noticed his son’s abilities, he gave him the Stevie Ray Vaughan album "Texas Flood" and told him, "If you're going to play guitar, play it like that” after listening to the album that, that is what JL wanted to do with his life and has stuck with guitar ever since. At one time he considered being a professional golfer when younger and also studied mechanical engineering a little bit in college. But always knew that he was a performer. It's one of those things he just knew he was born to do.

When you are in charge of a group of people, there are several responsibilities that fall on your shoulders. If you've never been in a management position or haven't had any business training, this can be a challenging endeavor. The truth is that it's really not all that difficult, as long as you know what to do. The most successful leaders in any capacity practice certain fundamentals that have proven to be repeatedly effective. It may seem like a lot to remember, but you'll find that the majority of the responsibility as a leader will involve troubleshooting and problem solving. This is the real world, and that's the reality. You'll have much more success dealing with all of the variables that come into play if you first commit to having the basics covered

You get a call or text that you’re needed to fill in with a band you’ve never played with before. Naturally, you try to get all the information you’ll need; compensation, songs, style, time and place. You may even get a rehearsal with the group. Despite all your efforts to prepare, you can’t avoid some unexpected twists. Here’s five common surprises that happen when you are subbing on a gig.

It's tempting, especially as a new band, to say yes to every show you're offered. You want to take advantage of every opportunity you get to make a mark in your local scene. But even groups just starting out can't or shouldn't accept every gig they're extended. Sometimes a show can actually be detrimental to your efforts.

Try to avoid these deadly mistakes. Your fans will apprceiate it

Some people are born with an innate sense of confidence that they carry with them through life. For others, confidence is trait that has to be won in battle. Among all of the talent that exists in the world and the unfortunate realities of the music industry, it's easy for somebody who doesn't have innate confidence to feel intimidated. Below are six tips on what to do when your confidence starts to falter, and what you can do to improve the confidence you already have.

Too many people fail to see the bigger picture of life as a musician and the miserable state of the industry. If you are one of these people and catch yourself feeling in some way cheerful, stop right away and follow this simple 12 step plan to guarantee your return to a completely horrid existence on this miserable rock. Warning: Contains strong language. If you don’t like that, then you should probably still read on anyway as it will just give you more reasons to be pissed off.

Never leave promotion to the other guy. Depending on your point of view don't count on the label, band or publicist to do their jobs. Do it yourself or it may not get done. Know your niche market(s) or hire/befriend someone who does.Always think of the fans first when making Decisions. Start early. Pre-promote. It allows time for viral buzz (aka free promotion) to build and ensures you’ll get you a larger share of a discretionary spending.Take the time and spend the money to get a great publicist to get free media.

The key to singing high notes (once diaphragmatic support is established) this to concentrate first time support then on vowel placement. Each vowel has a specific resting place in the throat. A “pocket” so to speak. It is important to find these pockets with the least amount of pressure or strain. You will find that once you experience what I like to refer to as the amphitheaters in the back of your throat that it’s not about a note value at all. It’s about support and placement.

 

August Features:

It doesn’t take a big-shot music executive or a statistician to see that the music industry is in a major period of upheaval. Sales of recorded music are at or near all-time lows, digital downloads and concert revenues aren’t doing enough to stop the bleeding, and technology has made recording and sharing music easier than ever, driving up competition in an already traditionally competitive industry.

When you are in charge of a group of people, there are several responsibilities that fall on your shoulders. If you've never been in a management position or haven't had any business training, this can be a challenging endeavor. The truth is that it's really not all that difficult, as long as you know what to do. The most successful leaders in any capacity practice certain fundamentals that have proven to be repeatedly effective. It may seem like a lot to remember, but you'll find that the majority of the responsibility as a leader will involve troubleshooting and problem solving. This is the real world, and that's the reality. You'll have much more success dealing with all of the variables that come into play if you first commit to having the basics covered

You get a call or text that you’re needed to fill in with a band you’ve never played with before. Naturally, you try to get all the information you’ll need; compensation, songs, style, time and place. You may even get a rehearsal with the group. Despite all your efforts to prepare, you can’t avoid some unexpected twists. Here’s five common surprises that happen when you are subbing on a gig.

It's tempting, especially as a new band, to say yes to every show you're offered. You want to take advantage of every opportunity you get to make a mark in your local scene. But even groups just starting out can't or shouldn't accept every gig they're extended. Sometimes a show can actually be detrimental to your efforts.

Try to avoid these deadly mistakes. Your fans will apprceiate it

Some people are born with an innate sense of confidence that they carry with them through life. For others, confidence is trait that has to be won in battle. Among all of the talent that exists in the world and the unfortunate realities of the music industry, it's easy for somebody who doesn't have innate confidence to feel intimidated. Below are six tips on what to do when your confidence starts to falter, and what you can do to improve the confidence you already have.

Too many people fail to see the bigger picture of life as a musician and the miserable state of the industry. If you are one of these people and catch yourself feeling in some way cheerful, stop right away and follow this simple 12 step plan to guarantee your return to a completely horrid existence on this miserable rock. Warning: Contains strong language. If you don’t like that, then you should probably still read on anyway as it will just give you more reasons to be pissed off.

Never leave promotion to the other guy. Depending on your point of view don't count on the label, band or publicist to do their jobs. Do it yourself or it may not get done. Know your niche market(s) or hire/befriend someone who does.Always think of the fans first when making Decisions. Start early. Pre-promote. It allows time for viral buzz (aka free promotion) to build and ensures you’ll get you a larger share of a discretionary spending.Take the time and spend the money to get a great publicist to get free media.

The key to singing high notes (once diaphragmatic support is established) this to concentrate first time support then on vowel placement. Each vowel has a specific resting place in the throat. A “pocket” so to speak. It is important to find these pockets with the least amount of pressure or strain. You will find that once you experience what I like to refer to as the amphitheaters in the back of your throat that it’s not about a note value at all. It’s about support and placement.

Improving a career in music is easily attainable using simple concepts in your everyday affairs. When these three concepts here are used your ability to get jobs will improve a lot. You will come across as a professional and put people at ease when a task is given to you. Remember, the most important part is implementing these tips into your everyday life.

Before the internet, you would have to cold-call places out of the phone book and hit the pavement in whatever weather to gain new prospects. Or even mail out mass quantities of post cards in order to get your brand in front of the masses. Now that we have the ability to reach online, one flyer posted on a social media website like Facebook or Instagram can reach a town's worth of people. This makes networking a whole lot easier than it once was.

The dream goal of most musicians is to get an illustrious record deal from a major recording label. But what most don't know is that record deals come in a range options and can often be confusing for neophyte artist (and some legends who should know better!!).In order to forge through the music business, knowing the types of agreements, some legal terms and insider jargon, will certainly be a great asset when the opportunity for that recording contracting is on the table.

A raving, loyal fan base, premium high priced gigs and worldwide recognition. Isn't that what all bands and musicians hope and pray for? Of course it is. If they're honest... But these are just some of the surface rewards of what an effective band promotions campaign can do for you. The deeper satisfaction of knowing you can be a full time musician without having to slave away at a 9-5 is where the REAL satisfaction comes from.

It kinda sucks, and I've even been guilty of this sin as well, but when most musicians and music business "experts" discuss how to market a band, they tend to turn into corporate slinging business monsters. I'm sure you've heard it before - and probably more than once or twice from me - you've got to treat your music like a business. It's the only way you'll find any success in the incredibly competitive music industry. The bottom line is that although this can sometimes take the fun out of being a musician, it's 100% bang-on true. But... the good news is the methods you use to market your music don't necessarily have to be boring and they're certainly not difficult to put into action.

 

JULY Features:

It's tempting, especially as a new band, to say yes to every show you're offered. You want to take advantage of every opportunity you get to make a mark in your local scene. But even groups just starting out can't or shouldn't accept every gig they're extended. Sometimes a show can actually be detrimental to your efforts.

Try to avoid these deadly mistakes. Your fans will apprceiate it

Some people are born with an innate sense of confidence that they carry with them through life. For others, confidence is trait that has to be won in battle. Among all of the talent that exists in the world and the unfortunate realities of the music industry, it's easy for somebody who doesn't have innate confidence to feel intimidated. Below are six tips on what to do when your confidence starts to falter, and what you can do to improve the confidence you already have.

Musicians know that it’s a drag. But is it even legal? We have minimum wage laws and other worker protections mandated by law. Why aren’t musicians granted these same rights? How do they get away with it?Venue owners ask musicians to play for free. And many performers, desperate for an opportunity to showcase their skills, agree to do just that. I don’t blame the musicians. In most instances, they struggle to survive and have to grasp at any opportunity, however meager. But the owners are a different matter.

Too many people fail to see the bigger picture of life as a musician and the miserable state of the industry. If you are one of these people and catch yourself feeling in some way cheerful, stop right away and follow this simple 12 step plan to guarantee your return to a completely horrid existence on this miserable rock. Warning: Contains strong language. If you don’t like that, then you should probably still read on anyway as it will just give you more reasons to be pissed off.

Never leave promotion to the other guy. Depending on your point of view don't count on the label, band or publicist to do their jobs. Do it yourself or it may not get done. Know your niche market(s) or hire/befriend someone who does.Always think of the fans first when making Decisions. Start early. Pre-promote. It allows time for viral buzz (aka free promotion) to build and ensures you’ll get you a larger share of a discretionary spending.Take the time and spend the money to get a great publicist to get free media.

Artists can develop relationships with local sellers and national manufacturers and get Live show promotion, Free merchandise, and Credibility in the eyes of the public, as well as in the eyes of club bookers who might be interested in having that artist perform.

The key to singing high notes (once diaphragmatic support is established) this to concentrate first time support then on vowel placement. Each vowel has a specific resting place in the throat. A “pocket” so to speak. It is important to find these pockets with the least amount of pressure or strain. You will find that once you experience what I like to refer to as the amphitheaters in the back of your throat that it’s not about a note value at all. It’s about support and placement.

The ascent of the concert technician reflects a seismic shift in the economics of the music industry. As concerts and festivals increasingly become a vital source of profits, cultural “middlemen”—label executives, talent scouts and other traditional tastemakers—are losing clout, experts say. Technical middlemen—artist managers, concert promoters, festival organizers, and social-media promoters, as well as DJs and roadies who mix sound at shows—are gaining it.

Follow these steps and maybe you will see a change in the results. Pay it forward and keep your eyes on the end goal!

Your press photos help define who you are as an artist. Poor quality, generic, or uninteresting photos generally get the same type of preconceptions with the music (quality, marketability, etc.) Local media love featuring artists, but won’t include photographs unless they are captivating or interested. It would be nice to say that it’s all about the music but the first impression drawn is almost always from the photos (they come up on any website and I end up staring at the photos until the music starts up). Like anything else you do with your career, you want something that stands out. You want it to reflect yourself and your band. You want good quality.

 


June Features:

Try to avoid these deadly mistakes. Your fans will apprceiate it

Some people are born with an innate sense of confidence that they carry with them through life. For others, confidence is trait that has to be won in battle. Among all of the talent that exists in the world and the unfortunate realities of the music industry, it's easy for somebody who doesn't have innate confidence to feel intimidated. Below are six tips on what to do when your confidence starts to falter, and what you can do to improve the confidence you already have.

Musicians know that it’s a drag. But is it even legal? We have minimum wage laws and other worker protections mandated by law. Why aren’t musicians granted these same rights? How do they get away with it?Venue owners ask musicians to play for free. And many performers, desperate for an opportunity to showcase their skills, agree to do just that. I don’t blame the musicians. In most instances, they struggle to survive and have to grasp at any opportunity, however meager. But the owners are a different matter.

Too many people fail to see the bigger picture of life as a musician and the miserable state of the industry. If you are one of these people and catch yourself feeling in some way cheerful, stop right away and follow this simple 12 step plan to guarantee your return to a completely horrid existence on this miserable rock. Warning: Contains strong language. If you don’t like that, then you should probably still read on anyway as it will just give you more reasons to be pissed off.

Never leave promotion to the other guy. Depending on your point of view don't count on the label, band or publicist to do their jobs. Do it yourself or it may not get done. Know your niche market(s) or hire/befriend someone who does.Always think of the fans first when making Decisions. Start early. Pre-promote. It allows time for viral buzz (aka free promotion) to build and ensures you’ll get you a larger share of a discretionary spending.Take the time and spend the money to get a great publicist to get free media.

Artists can develop relationships with local sellers and national manufacturers and get Live show promotion, Free merchandise, and Credibility in the eyes of the public, as well as in the eyes of club bookers who might be interested in having that artist perform.

The key to singing high notes (once diaphragmatic support is established) this to concentrate first time support then on vowel placement. Each vowel has a specific resting place in the throat. A “pocket” so to speak. It is important to find these pockets with the least amount of pressure or strain. You will find that once you experience what I like to refer to as the amphitheaters in the back of your throat that it’s not about a note value at all. It’s about support and placement.

The ascent of the concert technician reflects a seismic shift in the economics of the music industry. As concerts and festivals increasingly become a vital source of profits, cultural “middlemen”—label executives, talent scouts and other traditional tastemakers—are losing clout, experts say. Technical middlemen—artist managers, concert promoters, festival organizers, and social-media promoters, as well as DJs and roadies who mix sound at shows—are gaining it.

Follow these steps and maybe you will see a change in the results. Pay it forward and keep your eyes on the end goal!

Your press photos help define who you are as an artist. Poor quality, generic, or uninteresting photos generally get the same type of preconceptions with the music (quality, marketability, etc.) Local media love featuring artists, but won’t include photographs unless they are captivating or interested. It would be nice to say that it’s all about the music but the first impression drawn is almost always from the photos (they come up on any website and I end up staring at the photos until the music starts up). Like anything else you do with your career, you want something that stands out. You want it to reflect yourself and your band. You want good quality.



Improving a career in music is easily attainable using simple concepts in your everyday affairs. When these three concepts here are used your ability to get jobs will improve a lot. You will come across as a professional and put people at ease when a task is given to you. Remember, the most important part is implementing these tips into your everyday life.

Before the internet, you would have to cold-call places out of the phone book and hit the pavement in whatever weather to gain new prospects. Or even mail out mass quantities of post cards in order to get your brand in front of the masses. Now that we have the ability to reach online, one flyer posted on a social media website like Facebook or Instagram can reach a town's worth of people. This makes networking a whole lot easier than it once was.

The dream goal of most musicians is to get an illustrious record deal from a major recording label. But what most don't know is that record deals come in a range options and can often be confusing for neophyte artist (and some legends who should know better!!).In order to forge through the music business, knowing the types of agreements, some legal terms and insider jargon, will certainly be a great asset when the opportunity for that recording contracting is on the table.

A raving, loyal fan base, premium high priced gigs and worldwide recognition. Isn't that what all bands and musicians hope and pray for? Of course it is. If they're honest... But these are just some of the surface rewards of what an effective band promotions campaign can do for you. The deeper satisfaction of knowing you can be a full time musician without having to slave away at a 9-5 is where the REAL satisfaction comes from.

It kinda sucks, and I've even been guilty of this sin as well, but when most musicians and music business "experts" discuss how to market a band, they tend to turn into corporate slinging business monsters. I'm sure you've heard it before - and probably more than once or twice from me - you've got to treat your music like a business. It's the only way you'll find any success in the incredibly competitive music industry. The bottom line is that although this can sometimes take the fun out of being a musician, it's 100% bang-on true. But... the good news is the methods you use to market your music don't necessarily have to be boring and they're certainly not difficult to put into action.


May Features:

What many promise, but few can guarantee is what the loud and proud WHITESNAKE have always delivered and with their 12th studio opus The PURPLE Album once again their hard core fans are about to be surprised again by the ‘SNAKE. All the songs on the new album are presented as a respectful tribute to his former colleagues & pay homage to the band who started him on an amazing musical journey over 40 years ago that continues today.

Check out some great tips to help you getthe most from your practice time. There is a logical way that you can get more out of the time you spend

Sometimes, it’s easy to slack off. Getting stuck in a rut can happen to many artists, unfortunately, but this can often mean death to a budding music career. Here are a list of five areas that will allow you and your band to improve on your live music performance, as well as your offstage careers! Listen to more music, too! There’s an entire world of music to explore, and you never know when you’ll come across something in the archives that will inspire you to make your next great hit. Too many bands fall into a rut, writing the same basic songs over and over.

Never leave promotion to the other guy. Depending on your point of view don't count on the label, band or publicist to do their jobs. Do it yourself or it may not get done. Know your niche market(s) or hire/befriend someone who does.Always think of the fans first when making Decisions. Start early. Pre-promote. It allows time for viral buzz (aka free promotion) to build and ensures you’ll get you a larger share of a discretionary spending.Take the time and spend the money to get a great publicist to get free media.

Artists can develop relationships with local sellers and national manufacturers and get Live show promotion, Free merchandise, and Credibility in the eyes of the public, as well as in the eyes of club bookers who might be interested in having that artist perform.

The key to singing high notes (once diaphragmatic support is established) this to concentrate first time support then on vowel placement. Each vowel has a specific resting place in the throat. A “pocket” so to speak. It is important to find these pockets with the least amount of pressure or strain. You will find that once you experience what I like to refer to as the amphitheaters in the back of your throat that it’s not about a note value at all. It’s about support and placement.

The ascent of the concert technician reflects a seismic shift in the economics of the music industry. As concerts and festivals increasingly become a vital source of profits, cultural “middlemen”—label executives, talent scouts and other traditional tastemakers—are losing clout, experts say. Technical middlemen—artist managers, concert promoters, festival organizers, and social-media promoters, as well as DJs and roadies who mix sound at shows—are gaining it.

Let’s imagine you and your musician friends want to host a special performance at your home. You are sitting down to plan this event and begin thinking about this really great restaurant that would provide excellent wine and hors d’oeuvres for all of the guests. It’s a newer joint in the neighborhood; you’ve been there before and really dig the food. So you call up the place and get the owner on the phone, asking him if he’d like to come cater his wine and food at your gig. The guy agrees right away, desperate and excited for this new opportunity.

Follow these steps and maybe you will see a change in the results. Pay it forward and keep your eyes on the end goal!

Your press photos help define who you are as an artist. Poor quality, generic, or uninteresting photos generally get the same type of preconceptions with the music (quality, marketability, etc.) Local media love featuring artists, but won’t include photographs unless they are captivating or interested. It would be nice to say that it’s all about the music but the first impression drawn is almost always from the photos (they come up on any website and I end up staring at the photos until the music starts up). Like anything else you do with your career, you want something that stands out. You want it to reflect yourself and your band. You want good quality.

 

In The Biz:

Improving a career in music is easily attainable using simple concepts in your everyday affairs. When these three concepts here are used your ability to get jobs will improve a lot. You will come across as a professional and put people at ease when a task is given to you. Remember, the most important part is implementing these tips into your everyday life.

Before the internet, you would have to cold-call places out of the phone book and hit the pavement in whatever weather to gain new prospects. Or even mail out mass quantities of post cards in order to get your brand in front of the masses. Now that we have the ability to reach online, one flyer posted on a social media website like Facebook or Instagram can reach a town's worth of people. This makes networking a whole lot easier than it once was.

The dream goal of most musicians is to get an illustrious record deal from a major recording label. But what most don't know is that record deals come in a range options and can often be confusing for neophyte artist (and some legends who should know better!!).In order to forge through the music business, knowing the types of agreements, some legal terms and insider jargon, will certainly be a great asset when the opportunity for that recording contracting is on the table.

A raving, loyal fan base, premium high priced gigs and worldwide recognition. Isn't that what all bands and musicians hope and pray for? Of course it is. If they're honest... But these are just some of the surface rewards of what an effective band promotions campaign can do for you. The deeper satisfaction of knowing you can be a full time musician without having to slave away at a 9-5 is where the REAL satisfaction comes from.

It kinda sucks, and I've even been guilty of this sin as well, but when most musicians and music business "experts" discuss how to market a band, they tend to turn into corporate slinging business monsters. I'm sure you've heard it before - and probably more than once or twice from me - you've got to treat your music like a business. It's the only way you'll find any success in the incredibly competitive music industry. The bottom line is that although this can sometimes take the fun out of being a musician, it's 100% bang-on true. But... the good news is the methods you use to market your music don't necessarily have to be boring and they're certainly not difficult to put into action.

APRIL Features:

Never leave promotion to the other guy. Depending on your point of view don't count on the label, band or publicist to do their jobs. Do it yourself or it may not get done. Know your niche market(s) or hire/befriend someone who does.Always think of the fans first when making Decisions. Start early. Pre-promote. It allows time for viral buzz (aka free promotion) to build and ensures you’ll get you a larger share of a discretionary spending.Take the time and spend the money to get a great publicist to get free media.

Artists can develop relationships with local sellers and national manufacturers and get Live show promotion, Free merchandise, and Credibility in the eyes of the public, as well as in the eyes of club bookers who might be interested in having that artist perform.

The key to singing high notes (once diaphragmatic support is established) this to concentrate first time support then on vowel placement. Each vowel has a specific resting place in the throat. A “pocket” so to speak. It is important to find these pockets with the least amount of pressure or strain. You will find that once you experience what I like to refer to as the amphitheaters in the back of your throat that it’s not about a note value at all. It’s about support and placement.

The ascent of the concert technician reflects a seismic shift in the economics of the music industry. As concerts and festivals increasingly become a vital source of profits, cultural “middlemen”—label executives, talent scouts and other traditional tastemakers—are losing clout, experts say. Technical middlemen—artist managers, concert promoters, festival organizers, and social-media promoters, as well as DJs and roadies who mix sound at shows—are gaining it.

Let’s imagine you and your musician friends want to host a special performance at your home. You are sitting down to plan this event and begin thinking about this really great restaurant that would provide excellent wine and hors d’oeuvres for all of the guests. It’s a newer joint in the neighborhood; you’ve been there before and really dig the food. So you call up the place and get the owner on the phone, asking him if he’d like to come cater his wine and food at your gig. The guy agrees right away, desperate and excited for this new opportunity.

Follow these steps and maybe you will see a change in the results. Pay it forward and keep your eyes on the end goal!

Your press photos help define who you are as an artist. Poor quality, generic, or uninteresting photos generally get the same type of preconceptions with the music (quality, marketability, etc.) Local media love featuring artists, but won’t include photographs unless they are captivating or interested. It would be nice to say that it’s all about the music but the first impression drawn is almost always from the photos (they come up on any website and I end up staring at the photos until the music starts up). Like anything else you do with your career, you want something that stands out. You want it to reflect yourself and your band. You want good quality.

In The Biz:

Improving a career in music is easily attainable using simple concepts in your everyday affairs. When these three concepts here are used your ability to get jobs will improve a lot. You will come across as a professional and put people at ease when a task is given to you. Remember, the most important part is implementing these tips into your everyday life.

Before the internet, you would have to cold-call places out of the phone book and hit the pavement in whatever weather to gain new prospects. Or even mail out mass quantities of post cards in order to get your brand in front of the masses. Now that we have the ability to reach online, one flyer posted on a social media website like Facebook or Instagram can reach a town's worth of people. This makes networking a whole lot easier than it once was.

The dream goal of most musicians is to get an illustrious record deal from a major recording label. But what most don't know is that record deals come in a range options and can often be confusing for neophyte artist (and some legends who should know better!!).In order to forge through the music business, knowing the types of agreements, some legal terms and insider jargon, will certainly be a great asset when the opportunity for that recording contracting is on the table.

A raving, loyal fan base, premium high priced gigs and worldwide recognition. Isn't that what all bands and musicians hope and pray for? Of course it is. If they're honest... But these are just some of the surface rewards of what an effective band promotions campaign can do for you. The deeper satisfaction of knowing you can be a full time musician without having to slave away at a 9-5 is where the REAL satisfaction comes from.

It kinda sucks, and I've even been guilty of this sin as well, but when most musicians and music business "experts" discuss how to market a band, they tend to turn into corporate slinging business monsters. I'm sure you've heard it before - and probably more than once or twice from me - you've got to treat your music like a business. It's the only way you'll find any success in the incredibly competitive music industry. The bottom line is that although this can sometimes take the fun out of being a musician, it's 100% bang-on true. But... the good news is the methods you use to market your music don't necessarily have to be boring and they're certainly not difficult to put into action.


Experience a piece of our American heritage as you bask in the shadows of New Orleans.  Famous for it's music,New Orleans features some of the best Blues, Jazz and Rock & Roll you will find anywhere.  

Guitarist Steve Price is packing his bags to board a plane to attend the Slamdance Film Festival in Utah to view “I Am Thor”, a documentary about playing guitar with the hammer-wielding rock warrior Thor, a body builder turned glam rock metal god popular in the early 1980s. The independent film documents Thor's precarious early career and the past thirteen years of his attempted comeback and is interwoven with footage from the band's early tour days.

Email lists are still one of the best direct-communication tools available, and you should use that to your advantage. The people on your email list have signed up because they want to hear from you, or they've purchased something from you in the past. Send regular updates about your upcoming online event to your email list. Make it special and exclusive. Don't make the mistake of sending just one email highlighting your upcoming gig. Schedule reminders and add new info each time.

Only a small percentage of musicians will ever become professionals. This is because many of them spend years wasting their time with things that do not lead them closer to their musical goals. Although a lot of musicians really try hard to make it in this industry, they only become more disappointed when their efforts don't pay off in the end. Here are six reasons why you have not become a professional musician yet, and what you should do to immediately move your career forward.

When you put your heart and soul into something for years and years, it can be hard to leave it behind. It can be even harder, however, to tell whether something's truly right for you after a certain point. The biggest reasons to be in a band are to find fulfillment from making music and to have a good time. If neither of those things are happening for you, then it could be possible that quitting the band will actually improve the rest of your life. Here are five signs that your band isn't right for you.

Follow these steps and maybe you will see a change in the results. Pay it forward and keep your eyes on the end goal!

Your press photos help define who you are as an artist. Poor quality, generic, or uninteresting photos generally get the same type of preconceptions with the music (quality, marketability, etc.) Local media love featuring artists, but won’t include photographs unless they are captivating or interested. It would be nice to say that it’s all about the music but the first impression drawn is almost always from the photos (they come up on any website and I end up staring at the photos until the music starts up). Like anything else you do with your career, you want something that stands out. You want it to reflect yourself and your band. You want good quality.

Those of us who have been around for over 40 years know a little bit more about the evolution of the music industry than our younger counterparts. Remember the 45? You know back when the Jackson 5 was a group and Michael Jackson had an afro? You had an A side and a B side. Then there was the LP and the 8 tracks. Most of us bought singles in those days because it was all we could afford. However, we got the music we wanted and record labels made money. Even when the tape recorder came out and we started recording our favorite songs off of the radio the industry still made money.

A band is a unique and complex relationship, and with so many different personalities and goals among band members, things can sometimes get tricky. Some people are direct, some are passive, some are more organized than others. "Musicians are sensitive and odd creatures," says songwriter/guitarist Paul Hansen of indie folk band The Grownup Noise. "So inevitably, it will be a dysfunctional, but hopefully loving, family."

Mental illness and music isn't a subject that is often discussed, but it is one that affects a disproportionate number of musicians. Many, probably most of us, can think of a time that music listening to it, playing guitar, writing and performing songs helped us through a difficult time in our lives. I know I can. Playing music is a way of achieving catharsis, to deal with our emotions by expressing them. I'm a long way from the troubled teenager I once was, but even now, there's nothing like grabbing an axe and rocking out to lift my mood if I get low.

These are some of the worst and most common hoaxes because they seem so benign but they can easily cost you a lot of money without getting you anywhere. They tend to disguise themselves in the form of some sort of legitimate opportunity from a legitimate business whether it be getting your song played on the radio, getting you a record deal, or letting you play a showcase in front of a big time A&R rep. The common thread though is that they will all ask you for money to get access. With the exception of membership-based organizations like ASCAP or The Recording Academy, press, marketing, or radio promotion agencies, or a qualified professional industry consultant (determining that requires research though), there are hardly any legitimate music businesses that will charge you in order to get access to a career opportunity (and honestly the aforementioned companies aren't charging you for access, they're charging for their services- but I didn't want to confuse anyone into thinking they are not legitimate businesses because they cost money).

Congratulations, your album is finally finished and you are ready to share your masterpiece with the world! You have already read "The Secret to Using Social Media to Build a Massive Base" and you are eager to implement those ideas and promote your project. You have gathered a list of websites, DJs, booking agents, A&R's and promoters to begin networking. Well... on that list is a sketchy promoter, an unethical booking agent and a commercial DJ waiting to take your money. There are members of the music community who prey on unsigned musicians. "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."-Hunter S. Thompson.

 

February Features:

Experience a piece of our American heritage as you bask in the shadows of New Orleans.  Famous for it's music,New Orleans features some of the best Blues, Jazz and Rock & Roll you will find anywhere.  

Guitarist Steve Price is packing his bags to board a plane to attend the Slamdance Film Festival in Utah to view “I Am Thor”, a documentary about playing guitar with the hammer-wielding rock warrior Thor, a body builder turned glam rock metal god popular in the early 1980s. The independent film documents Thor's precarious early career and the past thirteen years of his attempted comeback and is interwoven with footage from the band's early tour days.

Email lists are still one of the best direct-communication tools available, and you should use that to your advantage. The people on your email list have signed up because they want to hear from you, or they've purchased something from you in the past. Send regular updates about your upcoming online event to your email list. Make it special and exclusive. Don't make the mistake of sending just one email highlighting your upcoming gig. Schedule reminders and add new info each time.

Only a small percentage of musicians will ever become professionals. This is because many of them spend years wasting their time with things that do not lead them closer to their musical goals. Although a lot of musicians really try hard to make it in this industry, they only become more disappointed when their efforts don't pay off in the end. Here are six reasons why you have not become a professional musician yet, and what you should do to immediately move your career forward.

When you put your heart and soul into something for years and years, it can be hard to leave it behind. It can be even harder, however, to tell whether something's truly right for you after a certain point. The biggest reasons to be in a band are to find fulfillment from making music and to have a good time. If neither of those things are happening for you, then it could be possible that quitting the band will actually improve the rest of your life. Here are five signs that your band isn't right for you.

Follow these steps and maybe you will see a change in the results. Pay it forward and keep your eyes on the end goal!

Your press photos help define who you are as an artist. Poor quality, generic, or uninteresting photos generally get the same type of preconceptions with the music (quality, marketability, etc.) Local media love featuring artists, but won’t include photographs unless they are captivating or interested. It would be nice to say that it’s all about the music but the first impression drawn is almost always from the photos (they come up on any website and I end up staring at the photos until the music starts up). Like anything else you do with your career, you want something that stands out. You want it to reflect yourself and your band. You want good quality.

Those of us who have been around for over 40 years know a little bit more about the evolution of the music industry than our younger counterparts. Remember the 45? You know back when the Jackson 5 was a group and Michael Jackson had an afro? You had an A side and a B side. Then there was the LP and the 8 tracks. Most of us bought singles in those days because it was all we could afford. However, we got the music we wanted and record labels made money. Even when the tape recorder came out and we started recording our favorite songs off of the radio the industry still made money.

A band is a unique and complex relationship, and with so many different personalities and goals among band members, things can sometimes get tricky. Some people are direct, some are passive, some are more organized than others. "Musicians are sensitive and odd creatures," says songwriter/guitarist Paul Hansen of indie folk band The Grownup Noise. "So inevitably, it will be a dysfunctional, but hopefully loving, family."

Mental illness and music isn't a subject that is often discussed, but it is one that affects a disproportionate number of musicians. Many, probably most of us, can think of a time that music listening to it, playing guitar, writing and performing songs helped us through a difficult time in our lives. I know I can. Playing music is a way of achieving catharsis, to deal with our emotions by expressing them. I'm a long way from the troubled teenager I once was, but even now, there's nothing like grabbing an axe and rocking out to lift my mood if I get low.

These are some of the worst and most common hoaxes because they seem so benign but they can easily cost you a lot of money without getting you anywhere. They tend to disguise themselves in the form of some sort of legitimate opportunity from a legitimate business whether it be getting your song played on the radio, getting you a record deal, or letting you play a showcase in front of a big time A&R rep. The common thread though is that they will all ask you for money to get access. With the exception of membership-based organizations like ASCAP or The Recording Academy, press, marketing, or radio promotion agencies, or a qualified professional industry consultant (determining that requires research though), there are hardly any legitimate music businesses that will charge you in order to get access to a career opportunity (and honestly the aforementioned companies aren't charging you for access, they're charging for their services- but I didn't want to confuse anyone into thinking they are not legitimate businesses because they cost money).

Congratulations, your album is finally finished and you are ready to share your masterpiece with the world! You have already read "The Secret to Using Social Media to Build a Massive Base" and you are eager to implement those ideas and promote your project. You have gathered a list of websites, DJs, booking agents, A&R's and promoters to begin networking. Well... on that list is a sketchy promoter, an unethical booking agent and a commercial DJ waiting to take your money. There are members of the music community who prey on unsigned musicians. "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."-Hunter S. Thompson.

 

January Features:

When you put your heart and soul into something for years and years, it can be hard to leave it behind. It can be even harder, however, to tell whether something's truly right for you after a certain point. The biggest reasons to be in a band are to find fulfillment from making music and to have a good time. If neither of those things are happening for you, then it could be possible that quitting the band will actually improve the rest of your life. Here are five signs that your band isn't right for you.

We’ve all been there—those moments just before downbeat when you realize something is terribly wrong. Yes, as professional as we like to think we are, even the most seasoned touring veteran has those “oh crap” moments, where a piece of equipment is either malfunctioning or missing altogether.. A million things can go wrong in the minutes just before a gig; however, it’s usually the little things (that could have been avoided) that cause the biggest headaches. We think if you have a pre-packed emergency kit with all of the essentials above, you’ll be set for most challenges that might come your way. Good luck!

My #1 advice is to do as much as you can to alienate your audience. Make them feel like you're not someone who could even be spoken to or approached. I find an air of superiority is always quite useful. One of the easiest way to go about this is to make sure you look down on everyone around you, including your peers. Remember, people that are more successful than you are just 'sell outs' with no artistic integrity. Also, look really disinterested at all times. Treat everyone like this and they'll be thinking "who the hell is this guy?" in no time.

Follow these steps and maybe you will see a change in the results. Pay it forward and keep your eyes on the end goal!

Your press photos help define who you are as an artist. Poor quality, generic, or uninteresting photos generally get the same type of preconceptions with the music (quality, marketability, etc.) Local media love featuring artists, but won’t include photographs unless they are captivating or interested. It would be nice to say that it’s all about the music but the first impression drawn is almost always from the photos (they come up on any website and I end up staring at the photos until the music starts up). Like anything else you do with your career, you want something that stands out. You want it to reflect yourself and your band. You want good quality.

The end of the year is upon us, and that means it's time for resolutions! We've all made the typical resolutions before – get in better shape, stop eating junk food, quit smoking, spend less money – but what about those specific to you as a musician? There are plenty of things you may want to do in 2015, but we'd suggest starting with these six resolutions to really kick your music career into high gear. Don't forget to customize them (e.g. "I'm going to release one new song a month," or "I'm going to attend at least three music conferences by the end of the year") to align them with what you personally want to achieve!

In The Biz:

Those of us who have been around for over 40 years know a little bit more about the evolution of the music industry than our younger counterparts. Remember the 45? You know back when the Jackson 5 was a group and Michael Jackson had an afro? You had an A side and a B side. Then there was the LP and the 8 tracks. Most of us bought singles in those days because it was all we could afford. However, we got the music we wanted and record labels made money. Even when the tape recorder came out and we started recording our favorite songs off of the radio the industry still made money.

A band is a unique and complex relationship, and with so many different personalities and goals among band members, things can sometimes get tricky. Some people are direct, some are passive, some are more organized than others. "Musicians are sensitive and odd creatures," says songwriter/guitarist Paul Hansen of indie folk band The Grownup Noise. "So inevitably, it will be a dysfunctional, but hopefully loving, family."

Mental illness and music isn't a subject that is often discussed, but it is one that affects a disproportionate number of musicians. Many, probably most of us, can think of a time that music listening to it, playing guitar, writing and performing songs helped us through a difficult time in our lives. I know I can. Playing music is a way of achieving catharsis, to deal with our emotions by expressing them. I'm a long way from the troubled teenager I once was, but even now, there's nothing like grabbing an axe and rocking out to lift my mood if I get low.

These are some of the worst and most common hoaxes because they seem so benign but they can easily cost you a lot of money without getting you anywhere. They tend to disguise themselves in the form of some sort of legitimate opportunity from a legitimate business whether it be getting your song played on the radio, getting you a record deal, or letting you play a showcase in front of a big time A&R rep. The common thread though is that they will all ask you for money to get access. With the exception of membership-based organizations like ASCAP or The Recording Academy, press, marketing, or radio promotion agencies, or a qualified professional industry consultant (determining that requires research though), there are hardly any legitimate music businesses that will charge you in order to get access to a career opportunity (and honestly the aforementioned companies aren't charging you for access, they're charging for their services- but I didn't want to confuse anyone into thinking they are not legitimate businesses because they cost money).

Congratulations, your album is finally finished and you are ready to share your masterpiece with the world! You have already read "The Secret to Using Social Media to Build a Massive Base" and you are eager to implement those ideas and promote your project. You have gathered a list of websites, DJs, booking agents, A&R's and promoters to begin networking. Well... on that list is a sketchy promoter, an unethical booking agent and a commercial DJ waiting to take your money. There are members of the music community who prey on unsigned musicians. "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."-Hunter S. Thompson.

 

 
 
 
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