You’re browsing Craigslist and you see “bass player wanted”. You click the link and read the description. “looking for bass player to jam with/possibly start a band with. Call me if you’re interested.” You think this sounds interesting and you make the call. You’re going to your first jam session. Jam sessions can be intimidating event. While it’s immensely satisfying to … [Read more...] about 3 Things to Know Going Into Your First Jam Session
For Bands
How to Make it in Music If You Live in a Small Town
Lets face it. Not all of us live in a major music city like Nashville, Atlanta, New York City, London, Boston or Chicago, where the opportunity for making it in music is very present and without this opportunity as a musician, you're probably wondering how to make it in music. How can it be done? Where do I start? What should I know? Though major acts have … [Read more...] about How to Make it in Music If You Live in a Small Town
Use Google Docs to as Your Band’s Rolodex and Never Lose Another Venue Contact
The worst feeling in the world is playing a great gig at a fantastic venue, getting the contact information of someone inside the venue that can get you a show anytime you want it....and then losing the contact information. That has happened a good handful of times from my personal experience. One would think simply writing the information down would be enough but the … [Read more...] about Use Google Docs to as Your Band’s Rolodex and Never Lose Another Venue Contact
Be Your Own Best PR Team The Next Time You Want Your Music Heard
Picture this: you've spent the last month working on an album. You're putting the final touches on it and you and your bandmates are now sitting back and listening to the final product for the hundredth time. You're pleased with the result. No- you're ecstatic! This album is a massive accomplishment that you're proud to say you completed and to share with all who will … [Read more...] about Be Your Own Best PR Team The Next Time You Want Your Music Heard
A Practical Guide to Hosting and Putting On Your Own Shows
Estimated read time: 3 minutes (pretty short, actually!) One of my favorite musical projects that went on during my college years took place in Narragansett and Providence, Rhode Island. If you're not familiar with Rhode Island..well.. there's not much going on there 9 months out of the year It's an old industrial state (cotton mills, farm equipment) It's the … [Read more...] about A Practical Guide to Hosting and Putting On Your Own Shows
When Looking For How To Get More Fans, Focus on True Fans
Getting more fans to our shows is always something that has plauged musicians. Audiences are the lifeblood - they give our songs and music ears and wings and help to build meaningful, memorable experiences. When we do get fans, however, we want more - instantly, failing to see the importance of the fans we already have. This "essay" is a look at fans and what they mean to … [Read more...] about When Looking For How To Get More Fans, Focus on True Fans
How to Find Like Minded Musicians to Play With The Right Way
HAPPY TUESDAY EVERYONE! This week, I tried something different: an audio blog post/podcast-y sounding thing. Specifically one geared towards how to find like minded musicians. Whether you're seeking other musicians to jam with or to be part of your band or looking for someone to fill a vacancy already existing in your band, everyone who plays music is expecting to find a … [Read more...] about How to Find Like Minded Musicians to Play With The Right Way
How a Small Change In Perspective Can Get You New Fans (and Keep Them!)
How to get big is always something on the mind of musicians. Asking yourself, "how do I promote my band" or "how do I promote my latest musical project" is one of the most challenging and perplexing things about playing live music. When showtime comes around, all musicians will approach it the same way: this is OUR moment. "WE finally are getting to play this awesome … [Read more...] about How a Small Change In Perspective Can Get You New Fans (and Keep Them!)
Soo..Where Do I Stand?: Best Place to Feel the Drummer On Stage
Standing on stage is an easy thing to do. WHERE to stand on stage to maximize your ability to lock into the drummer is something of debate among bass players. Different areas of the stage can give you a different sense of how your music sounds and accentuate different parts of the band for you to hear. Too far up towards the front and you're in the space of the singer and … [Read more...] about Soo..Where Do I Stand?: Best Place to Feel the Drummer On Stage