Getting The Gig

This week, I thought I would touch on the topic of getting the gig. Its great when you know someone to help you get your foot in the door, but what about beyond that? Well, you need a Press Kit. Attempting to book a gig is basically a sales pitch. Before you begin looking for gigs, you should prepare your presentation, usually in the form of a press kit. The press kit, similar to a personal resume, is often the first impression of your band (or product). It is imperative that a band with professional aspirations invest adequate time and money into making the best presentation possible. Each band's press kit will be different, and kits can be modified to fit an individual situation. Here are a few items which will likely be included in any press kit.--Recorded material, live or studio recordings--A concise biography or history of the band--Any positive press, include the date/publication--Photograph, A good live photo will work in a pinch--A listing or reference from venues already played. The best advice we can give is to keep your kits efficient and as inexpensive as possible. Check out these books on how to build killer press kits. With good press kits built you are ready to attack the challenges of booking original music. As you have probably already learned, this is where it gets tough. DO NOT get discouraged! This is a tough business and club managers and bookers are some of the toughest people to impress. Many times the rejections or unresponsiveness you will undoubtedly encounter have nothing to do with your presentation, music or salesmanship. You must keep yourself focused and excited about each new prospect. Proper follow-up can sometimes turn a 'dead' prospect into an opportunity.

Killin' It!!!

Killin' It! Thats what these local guys did last night. Second Story Alibi (check them out on myspace www.myspace.com/secondstoryalibi ), playing at a pub in Auburn. No fancy set up, just showing up to play for the love of it, and they did! Playing with a passion and love for what they do was so evident it was infectious. The whole place was groovin. No one leaving, just bobbin heads, singing along when they new some of the words and completely enjoying themselves. The band and the patrons, connecting and digging it! Thats what its all about. Do it because you love it, practice until its polished because you love it, share it because you love it, and the listener too, will love it!

Connection

We are living in turbulent times. Thats an obvious understatement, but the question I ask is why care about music in these times? Because music breathes life. It allows the creative person a way to express and connect to others. It allows the listener to take a moment out of time and simply ENJOY. It allows the business owner who is hosting the performer a boost in their own livelihood, and most of all it allows everyone a chance to CONNECT. Live music is the essence of breaking down the walls of seclusion and creating an atmosphere of community. It doesnt cost much if anything, yet going out to see your local music scene allows a moment to breathe. Take the moment, you'll be glad you did.

Connecting with Fans

The live show is where its at. I know I say this all the time, but its true. Last night I had conformation of this on the largest scale. I usually go to local shows, first because that's my job, but also the intimacy and energy that up and coming artists bring to their fans and the music. I avoid most large shows by big acts because they often disappoint. Disconnected from the audience, ticket prices are astronomical and general burn out is palpable while watching. Its an execution of notes and words vs. a connection and exuberance by the artist with the audience. I am completely reeling from a show I saw last night that proved not all large acts fall into that category! Papa Roach and Nickleback played in No. Cal, and they were PHENOMENAL! Papa Roach (considered locals boys here) was so high energy and tight, as well as COMPLETELY there for the fans!! They left it ALL on the stage! Pure energy and exuberance! Nickleback, touring for the Dark Horse record, were the consummate LIVE performers! Connecting with the audience, great sound, happy to be there and kicked ASS!!! If they are experiencing burn out you would NEVER know! Constantly connecting with the audience, happy to fricken be there!! THAT'S WHAT A LIVE SHOW SHOULD BE!!!! Hats off to both bands! Not a butt a seat for both bands!! Now we're talking. Go see the show if you get a chance, best tour this year I would bet. And its for "ALL THE RIGHT REASONS"! ;)

More Live Music

Rather than building a one time event, keep your audience engaged! They might want to know what esle your doing, but most of all they want your music! Instead of holding back for the "breakthrough album" give it to them as it organically develops. It doesnt have to be perfect, far from it. It just needs to be good, and passionate and something they can connect to. Live music brings this, and enables the artist to work on ideas and INCLUDE the fans in the process. Give them a free dowload from your website, myspace or face book. Feeling included and a part of the process is what makes the jam bands that remain on perpetual tour able to do so. Many of the large acts are struggling between the rape and pillage of the wallet to buy tickets and the complete disconnect with the audience. The way to get fans to generate more fans is to give them what they want. Your music.

Live Recording Flavor of the day:Flamenco

One of the great percs of this job, is that once you schlep your gear in and get set it all set up, signal flow/sound checked, I get to kick back and listen to some good live music! That is the case tonight at the Monkey Cat in Auburn. I will be recording Musical de la Guitara Flamenco y Classico. An acoustic performance by John Morris, who will be playing at 6:30. This will be a demo, so we need at least 4 cuts to be great. I think the whole show will be because he has skills, and I have a great mics! So come out if your near Auburn, check out some great flamenco y classico guitar. I will be kickin it, recording the demo and have a chill glass of wine after! Peace and Music, K~

Live Recording!

Why does it matter? Live recording is the way to get the music in the hands of people relatively inexpensively. People want to take music home, share it with their freinds, tell the world about this great band they heard! The way to build a fan base is to get people out to your shows. Period. But without a calling card (a cd of your music), how will anybody know if they want to go out and hear you? Record it! Get it in the hands of the people! They are waiting to be a part of this new and undiscovered band. Everybody loves turning other people onto great music, so what are you waiting for? Build your fan base, record your music and put it out there. Music is coming full circle, back to the human experience and the live show. Capture the heart and soul of what you do! Record it!