Tips and Tricks Archive

  • I don't want to be one to rain on a parade, even if the parade is a fantasy one, but it amazes me how many musicians and songwriters I meet who aren't actually doing anything related to music. I'm not going to sit here and judge what music business

    [Music Marketing] Your Music Career

    Posted on April 21, 2010 | No Comments
    I don't want to be one to rain on a parade, even if the parade is a fantasy one, but it amazes me how many musicians and songwriters I meet who aren't actually doing anything related to music. I'm not going to sit here and judge what music business"success" is, because that is relative, but I will make this judgment when it comes to the music itself...

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  • If you're like most musicians, you can't stand working a dayjob. And if you're like most musicians, you've probably been fired a time or two. Like these guys...

    Have You Ever Been Fired From Your Dayjob?

    Posted on April 15, 2010 | No Comments
    If you're like most musicians, you can't stand working a dayjob. And if you're like most musicians, you've probably been fired a time or two. Like these guys...

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  • The other day I was talking about using parametric EQ and I realized that there were a couple of simple techniques I should have included.

    More EQ Tips

    Posted on April 15, 2010 | No Comments
    The other day I was talking about using parametric EQ and I realized that there were a couple of simple techniques I should have included.

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  • My sister Pamala (www.pamalastanley.com) and I were talking about mastering and premastering and she was telling me how she had to go thru an entire stereo master track and take down the kick drum every place in over modulated. I asked her why she didn’t just use a parametric eq and dial in the offending frequency and then diminish that by a db or two.

    Parametric EQ – Simplified Use Of…

    Posted on April 15, 2010 | No Comments
    My sister Pamala (www.pamalastanley.com) and I were talking about mastering and premastering and she was telling me how she had to go thru an entire stereo master track and take down the kick drum every place in over modulated. I asked her why she didn’t just use a parametric eq and dial in the offending frequency and then diminish that by a db or two.

    Continue Reading...

  • Do it now.

    Music Marketing Tips

    Posted on April 15, 2010 | No Comments
    Do it now.

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  • I just did something that I don’t believe I have ever done before. I saved the Saturday night of the tour because I knew I was going to do it at a club where I always do extremely well.

    What is an Anchor Gig?

    Posted on April 15, 2010 | No Comments
    I just did something that I don’t believe I have ever done before. I saved the Saturday night of the tour because I knew I was going to do it at a club where I always do extremely well.

    Continue Reading...

  • Today I am finishing up my taxes and can get back to my new solo recording, Backstage At The Resurrection. And one of my goals when I return to it, after not hearing it for almost a week, is to see what I can take out; what I can do to simplify the recording and still leave it happening.

    Serve the Song, Part II

    Posted on April 15, 2010 | No Comments
    Today I am finishing up my taxes and can get back to my new solo recording, Backstage At The Resurrection. And one of my goals when I return to it, after not hearing it for almost a week, is to see what I can take out; what I can do to simplify the recording and still leave it happening.

    Continue Reading...

  • So you’ve booked a gig. Now you have one mission: To make it so unforgettable that the people who attend can’t stop talking about it. You want them to come to your next show, and bring their friends. So what can you do to make your gig the best it can be?

    Top 10 Ways to Make Your Gig Unforgettable

    Posted on April 11, 2010 | No Comments
    So you’ve booked a gig. Now you have one mission: To make it so unforgettable that the people who attend can’t stop talking about it. You want them to come to your next show, and bring their friends. So what can you do to make your gig the best it can be?

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  • Have you ever asked yourself these questions about your online music marketing?

    Your Online Music Marketing Report Card

    Posted on April 11, 2010 | No Comments
    Have you ever asked yourself these questions about your online music marketing?

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  • Just recorded an episode of Music Business Radio with Ed Bazel of CorporateArtists.com. One of the things we talked about was the various venues for musiciansto perform, including clubs, corporate events, symphony events,casinos, colleges, and fairs

    Being an Original Artist

    Posted on April 9, 2010 | No Comments
    Just recorded an episode of Music Business Radio with Ed Bazel of CorporateArtists.com. One of the things we talked about was the various venues for musiciansto perform, including clubs, corporate events, symphony events,casinos, colleges, and fairs

    Continue Reading...

  • Just as citizens of a nation must beeducated about their rights to ensure that they are protected andupheld, so too must those who compose words and music know the rightsthat support their own acts of creation. Without these rights, whichdirectly emanate from the U.S. Constitution, many who dream of focusingtheir talents and energies on music creation would be economicallyunable to do so - an outcome that would diminish artistic expressiontoday and for future generations. At this time, when so manyforces are seeking to diminish copyright protections and devalueartistic expression, this Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composerslooks to clarify the entitlements that every music creator enjoys.

    A Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers

    Posted on April 9, 2010 | No Comments
    Just as citizens of a nation must beeducated about their rights to ensure that they are protected andupheld, so too must those who compose words and music know the rightsthat support their own acts of creation. Without these rights, whichdirectly emanate from the U.S. Constitution, many who dream of focusingtheir talents and energies on music creation would be economicallyunable to do so - an outcome that would diminish artistic expressiontoday and for future generations. At this time, when so manyforces are seeking to diminish copyright protections and devalueartistic expression, this Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composerslooks to clarify the entitlements that every music creator enjoys.

    Continue Reading...

  • No one wants tohave to do it, but there may come a point when a single member of theband really is holding everyone back. It isn’t a decision to be madelightly, but if it is really keeping you from seeing your potential,you need to make your decision with your head, not your heart. How doyou know if it’s time to fire a band member? Here are some signs tolook out for:

    10 Signs It’s Time to Fire a Band Member

    Posted on April 9, 2010 | No Comments
    No one wants tohave to do it, but there may come a point when a single member of theband really is holding everyone back. It isn’t a decision to be madelightly, but if it is really keeping you from seeing your potential,you need to make your decision with your head, not your heart. How doyou know if it’s time to fire a band member? Here are some signs tolook out for:

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  • No man—or band—is an island. The success of anymusician is the cumulative effort of many people. As you set out tobecome a legend, there are ten people you want to surround yourself andyour band with. Whether you hire these folks, or simply find them andbuild a mentoring relationship with them—they have the expertise youneed to get where you want to be: on top.

    10 People to Surround Your Band With

    Posted on April 9, 2010 | No Comments
    No man—or band—is an island. The success of anymusician is the cumulative effort of many people. As you set out tobecome a legend, there are ten people you want to surround yourself andyour band with. Whether you hire these folks, or simply find them andbuild a mentoring relationship with them—they have the expertise youneed to get where you want to be: on top.

    Continue Reading...

  • If you want to get a record deal, get people to your shows, or sell music like crazy, the answer isn't some kind of

    10 Mistakes Bands and Musicians Make

    Posted on April 9, 2010 | No Comments
    If you want to get a record deal, get people to your shows, or sell music like crazy, the answer isn't some kind of "magic pill" website that you post your music on, blindly sending out a bunch of demos, or anything to do with having good music...although good music certainly helps -- the answer is to develop a "mindset" that naturally attracts people to what you're doing as well as an understanding of how the music business game is played.

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  • David Hooper Quitting your band is one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make. You’ve devoted time, money, and your heart and soul in to this group. Every band sees...

    10 Signs It’s Time to Quit Your Band

    Posted on April 9, 2010 | No Comments
    David Hooper Quitting your band is one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make. You’ve devoted time, money, and your heart and soul in to this group. Every band sees...

    Continue Reading...

  • For an up-and-coming band every gig is a vital step toward your success: your shows are where you get the chance to prove yourself; they are your opportunity to do what you do best. A good gig can also have a ripple effect, securing you a loyal fan base and ensuring good crowds at future shows. So when you land a gig, the key is to make it count. Hours of practice and rehearsal won’t matter unless you have a decent crowd that can go back and tell their friends how great you are. Your mission is not only to kick ass on stage—but to convince other people to come and see you. Sure, it would be nice to be able to just focus on your music and let someone else handle the promotions, but few unsigned bands have those kinds of resources. It’s up to you to get people in the door.

    10 Ways to Create a Better Draw

    Posted on April 8, 2010 | No Comments
    For an up-and-coming band every gig is a vital step toward your success: your shows are where you get the chance to prove yourself; they are your opportunity to do what you do best. A good gig can also have a ripple effect, securing you a loyal fan base and ensuring good crowds at future shows. So when you land a gig, the key is to make it count. Hours of practice and rehearsal won’t matter unless you have a decent crowd that can go back and tell their friends how great you are. Your mission is not only to kick ass on stage—but to convince other people to come and see you. Sure, it would be nice to be able to just focus on your music and let someone else handle the promotions, but few unsigned bands have those kinds of resources. It’s up to you to get people in the door.

    Continue Reading...

  • Do it now. Sounds simple, and perhaps you're wondering,

    Music Marketing Tips

    Posted on April 8, 2010 | No Comments
    Do it now. Sounds simple, and perhaps you're wondering, "Do what now? I don't know what to do!!"

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  • You are an artist, it's true. But just because you’re an artist doesn’t mean you don’t need to get paid. Money makes a lot of things possible, including time in a recording studio, new and better instruments, and paying your rent so you don’t have to live in a cardboard box and burn your guitar for warmth. There’s nothing wrong with making money from your shows, and if you’re smart you’ll try to optimize that earning power. You don’t have to be a marketing genius or a public relations guru—just think outside the box and make the most of what you already have going for you.

    10 Ways to Get More Gig Money

    Posted on April 8, 2010 | No Comments
    You are an artist, it's true. But just because you’re an artist doesn’t mean you don’t need to get paid. Money makes a lot of things possible, including time in a recording studio, new and better instruments, and paying your rent so you don’t have to live in a cardboard box and burn your guitar for warmth. There’s nothing wrong with making money from your shows, and if you’re smart you’ll try to optimize that earning power. You don’t have to be a marketing genius or a public relations guru—just think outside the box and make the most of what you already have going for you.

    Continue Reading...

  • In the past, major labels were the Holy Grail for musicians. To sign with a major label meant a real recording budget, tour support, a PR department, a booking agent, a distribution machine with the ability to not only distribute, but collect, and an actual cash advance against the monies that they thought you were going to make.

    Do You Need A Major Label?

    Posted on April 8, 2010 | No Comments
    In the past, major labels were the Holy Grail for musicians. To sign with a major label meant a real recording budget, tour support, a PR department, a booking agent, a distribution machine with the ability to not only distribute, but collect, and an actual cash advance against the monies that they thought you were going to make.

    Continue Reading...

  • Everyone who bothers to show up for an audition wants the gig; that's a given. So how do you stand out from the other five, twenty-five, or fifty people who are all dying for the same job? Thank God we have

    What “American Idol” Teaches Us About Auditioning

    Posted on April 8, 2010 | No Comments
    Everyone who bothers to show up for an audition wants the gig; that's a given. So how do you stand out from the other five, twenty-five, or fifty people who are all dying for the same job? Thank God we have "American Idol" -- just watching these folks suffer through their own amazing blunders is all the education you need to know what NOT to do.

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