Showing posts with label Solo artist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Solo artist. Show all posts

Saturday

Why does my band keep failing?


Having trouble getting success with your band? Yeah, I don't doubt it. There is ALOT of competition out there.

A great many of the bands out there playing are not as good as you, but they bring a crowd -so they'll get booked LONG before you and 3 times as often.


Of course sound quality is important, but without a crowd, your sound doesn't matter. Here are a few tips to help you build that crowd.

1. Always make the effort to make your crowd feel special. This means take the time to LISTEN to them when they are talking to you. They believe that you are worth the cover charge and are excited to have your attention. Listen to what they have to say and engage in true conversation with them. It goes a long way.


2. We musicians are a strange lot...we are arrogant and uncompromising, but often we need reassurance that our direction is right. We can get that from an outside source or build it in ourselves but having supreme confidence is like a poker player having an extra card.
Not Confident? GET confident.


3. Whatever you do....COMMIT to it. Don't go in tentative and apologetic. There is nothing worse than some middle-aged guy half-heartedly wandering his way through a Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, or Adele song. You're thinking of singing "Let it Go"? BELT it out. Some people might hate it, but at least they will respect the courage you had to give it your all. When I sing "Baby, One More Time" I give it all I've got. If passion pays the bills....my bills are paid: and everyone in the room knows it.

4. Stop compromising on the members you choose for your band. Wait for someone you gel with. Like a car, a band NEEDS a destination, guidance, and motion. If you ain't steering, why are you surprised when you end up in a ditch? TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR BAND. Lead, guide and direct it. Sometimes that comes from a mutual understanding of 'common sense'. Sometimes someone has to step up and say, "NO. We need to spend more time promoting THIS show than trying to find another one next month.". Drive your snowmobile-It's cold out there.

5.  I'll also add, wait until you're ready before you get out there. You got a gig coming up? Are you at your peak performance wise? No? GET AT YOUR PEAK. You can't afford to put on a shitty show.
Don't know if you're ready? Then you're not. Stop booking gigs and go back to the garage. You're screwing up the music scene with your out of key, off time, amateurish demeanor. GET IT RIGHT. Then get out there and kick butt.

6. BRING a crowd. Nothing attracts a crowd, like a crowd. Promote. Advertise. Be consistent with your logo. Offer incentives to your followers. Know that your niche helps you target your customer. Know your niche. Dress for your niche. Name your band for your niche. Let your niche dictate your bands 'personality'. Your niche should be painfully evident in every ad, post, pic, comment or interview you do. YOUR crowd will be able to find you, and they will be more dedicated to you than the ones just looking for something to do. A RABID following of 20 is 10 times better than a "doesn't care" crowd of 100.

Now ......Quit whining and get to work.

Friday

Phenomenal Cherry Blossom Music Tidbits

I attended the Cherry Blossom Festival Thursday, March 22, where I witnessed Bobby Ferguson perform his original song,"Carolyn," acoustically at the Cherry Blossom Festival. Amazing song writer! Bobby followed with three cover songs including Tom Petty's "Last Dance with Mary Jane."

Bobby spoke with me briefly after his performance on The Coca-Cola stage. This performance was actually a milestone for Bobby, who has not played for an audience in some time. Bobby had surgery five months ago in regards to a nerve in his right hand, with determination to play, Matt Moncrief worked with Bobby to help regain his ability to play guitar. With due diligence, Bobby plans to release an album in June with his band, Interlude featuring Matt Moncrief.
www.reverbnation.com/bobbyfergusonandinterlude


As Bobby and I spoke, Freejay took the stage and caught my attention with the energy coming from the stage! This three member rock band blew me away as the lead vocalist/guitarist swapped places with the drummer during their show. Freejay played original songs, "Price of Gas,""Notion of Fear," Disappointed," "Game," "Sleep," "A Place," and "Goat Man." Freejay also performed Sad'e cover "No Ordinary Love". Incredible talent to say the least! I spoke with band manager, Jessica, to assure I will collaborate more with these guys to get all the details!


http://www.myspace.com/freejsupreme








I returned to the Cherry Blossom Festival for more music on Friday, March 23. This time I caught a young country music talent from Dacula by the name of David Leon! David has a star-like voice, considering he is only 19! David is quiet the entrepreneur, as he sells his own CDs and pictures (with his Mom's help). To deepen the experience, David is prepared to autograph his CDs and pictures for his fans! I certainly plan to share more about David Leon in the future!
www.reverbnation.com/DavidLeon
http://facebook.com/DavidLeonMusic

As David Leon surrendered the stage, Louise Warren was the starlet with her scarlet guitar! This young artist strummed solo and sang her original songs for a growing crowd including "This Could Be Love," "Security Breach," "Tom Cat," "Every Soldier," "My Heart Is Yours," "Camaro," "Siren," "Lavendar Sound," and her country song, "A Little Bit Yours."
http://www.louisewarrenmusic.com
http://m.facebook.com/louisewarrenmusic

Louise Warren gracefully gave up the stage to Birmingham, Alabama talent Christa Jordan! Christa has a voice that reminds me of Paramore with a clean metal/rock vibe! This being the band's first show this year, Christa Jordan shared a brand new song, "Stand Against the Storm," with an unbelievable instrumental twist that reminds me of Nirvana. Christa expressed she turned to her faith at a time she felt insignificant and unloved and in turn she wrote a very special song called "Yours," that starts out with a solo acoustic guitar and is joined collectively by the band. Christa Jordan closed with another band original, as Christa introduced band mates(each with a solo part upon introduction): Brandon Watson on guitarist, Kyle Bolton on Bass, and Hunter Reid, on drums. The purple clad band continued to play "Dreams Come True," which cleverly incorporates Aerosmith's "Dream On" at the end and back into their original artistry. Amazing (I am so going to sound bias right now, but these guys were my favorite)!

After their riveting performance, Christa Jordan was ready to cash in on her talent as she and the band sold their new CD, "Dreams Come True," to fans! I should have made the purchase, I am ready to drive to Alabama for more! Definitely keep an eye out this rock goddess Christa Jordan in the future, if you are a rock/metal fan you will love her (and if she is willing to make the trip back to Macon, I will be there)!



http://www.myspace.com/officialcjordan/music>
http://www.christajordanmusic.com/
Other sites to follow Christa Jordan at:
www.myspace.com/officialcjordan
www.facebook.com/officialcjordan
www.reverbnation.com/christajordan
www.youtube.com/christajordanrocks
Follow Christa on Twitter!
www.twitter.com/christa_jordan




I would certainly say in two days, and only a few hours at the Cherry Blossom Festival, I took in five phenomenal performances!






Tuesday

A Note-Worthy Night at Joshua Cup with Louise Warren

Saturday, March 10, I arrived at Joshua Cup at 7:24 PM. I walked up to the counter for assistance in choosing a cup of "Wake Me Up". Will, a friendly Joshua Cup employee, narrowed my choices down to three and then recommended his favorite,the White Bo. As my latte was being prepared, I noticed the Georgia Coffee cake and had to have that as well! I was ready to take on what the evening had to offer as I enjoyed my delectables.

Louise Warren arrived at Joshua Cup and began to prepare for her set as I diminished my sweet tooth. Louise warmed up and greeted everyone as I noticed she had yet to obtain her water. I also needed a water to chase the sugar, so I went back to the counter and ordered two waters. I casually dropped Louise's water to her stage (yes, on this night this was her stage), and Louise graciously accepted my gesture of kindness.

Louise Warren officially took the stage at 8 PM, opening her first set of the evening with, "Charmed." Among the fifteen Louise Warren original songs, she included her self proclaimed jazz song "Hunt Me Down" and new songs, "Forgiven," and "Smile." Louise played "Wake Me Up, paying a special homage to Joshua Cup in changing lyrics from, "Wake me up with your coffee, " to "Wake me up with your J-Cup," through some help of the Joshua Cup employees. The lyric change up produced a few laughs, Louise's humor continued through the evening, as she also shared stories with her audience.

During the brief intermission, I shared with Louise's mom that in every show and in speaking with Louise, I see her as a role model, not just for girls, but for me as well. Louise has me wanting to improve myself in many ways.

Following intermission, Louise Warren's second set opened with her sassy original, "Tom Cat." Humor and excitement exuded as Louise shared a story about singing "Tom Cat" during a song-writer's performance at The Opening Act called "In The Round," where she recieved her best reaction to the song to date. Louise's songs, jokes, and stories continued to flow. Will helped Louise out with a couple beats from behind the counter as he prepared coffee for patrons. Louise foretold that "Every Soldier," is actually her most heart-felt written song to date, the most personally expressed thru a metaphor. Louise strummed her red guitar and sang, "You're A Dork," with fun and humor to lighten the mood again. The final song of the night was "Stay", (raising the song count for the night to somewhere around thirty). Fans did stay to chat with Louise before exiting the previously harmonious and aromatic coffee house. I also spoke with the young, delightful talent, Louise affirmed, "playing here (Joshua Cup) feels like home". Louise also added that she is greatful to all the venues that have given her opportunity, there are many that have been good to her.

Joshua Cup has more than coffee to offer Macon, the pastries are delicious, the pleasant employees are willing to help in any way they can, and live music to top it all off! You never know who you may catch there next, although Will admits he can be found musically entertaining at "J-Cup" often. I can honestly say I was in attendance of a (music) note-worthy, fun performance by Louise Warren!

http://www.louisewarrenmusic.com

Friday

Juliette Opry

Remeber that time that you were going through a particularly rough patch? Remember how that one song reflected what you were feeling, and it made you feel SO much better to crank it up and sing along? Sometimes, music does what nothing else on earth can do....It reaches in and gives us just what we need to make life easier to deal with.

The Juliette Opry offers that....
This locally-owned venue is open the first Saturday night of the month, March through November.

Local musicians gather up and jam on the front porch starting around 6 p.m. and then the featured act is inside on stage at 8 p.m. The venue generally features country, bluegrass and gospel, sometimes even a little Allman Brothers (Midnight Rider with a dobro is one of the most awesome things I have ever heard).
The venue is free but donations are accepted and needed for both the Artist and venue. They offer light refreshments, sodas, popcorn and homemade cupcakes at very low cost.
In today's ridiculous economy free is a good thing but they need folks and donations to keep this venue running. If you try them once I promise that you will come back .

The Juliette Opry cuts out all the fog and commercialism that distracts from the music. So, if at any point in your life a song has grabbed you by the heart.... You can relive those moments in Juliette.... at the Opry.

You can email us: Julietteopry@yahoo.com
This is just one of the featured acts you'll find at the Juliette Opry!!
http://forsythmonroe.13wmaz.com/news/arts-culture/69897-catherine-kimbro-juliette-opry

How to get a gig at MidGaLive

  If you are a new local band, WELCOME! It is my goal to revive Middle Ga's music scene by bringing new musicians into the fold.  Let me...