Tribute Acts - Part 3

We've taken a look at how to create a tribute act. But the question remains, 'which band to emulate?'

When deciding which band will be the focus of tribute act, answer the following questions:

• What is the target demographic of my intended audience?


• How popular is the band with my intended audience?


• Will my target demographic come out to venues to see my band or any band?

One of the most successful tribute bands around is the Bon Jovi tribute band, 'Slippery When Wet.' Let's take a look at why they have a good 'draw.'

1. They've chosen a band to cover that has had an amazing career spanning two decades. They have a fan base with ages from the 20s-50s.


2. Their lead-singer looks and sounds like Bon Jovi.


3. They have gone out of their way to have to whole band look and sound like Bon Jovi.


4. They book themselves into venues where their target audience will attend.

Another successful tribute band is A1A out of Atlanta. They have done an extraordinary job of capturing the essence of a live Jimmy Buffet show. They figured out why Jimmy Buffet is so popular after 30-years of performing, people like to party!

There are many successful tribute bands earning a good living making music. Do your research, choose wisely, practice, and you too can have a successful tribute act.

Tribute Acts - Part 2

In my last post, I talked about the virtues and money-making potential of creating a 'tribute act.' Now that you've had some time to think about how you might take advantage of the 'tribute act revival,' let's look at what you'll need prior to launch.

Your Capabilities - Take a close look at the configuration and capabilities of your band, or of yourself if you're going solo. Make sure that everyone can play their role. It's not enough just to 'cover' songs. You must be able to convince the audienc that they're actually seeing and hearing a close replica of the original act.

Lead Singer - Since the lead singer is usually the 'front-man,' and therefore the person that is most recognizable by the audience, his/her role bears special consideration. Make sure that the lead singer is a very close match to the original act. If you get this part right, your chances of success rise exponentially. A vocal match is more important that an appearance match. Try to get both.

Build An Act - If you want to get serious about making money with a tribute act, build one. Start with yourself and advertise for exactly what you need. Use Craigslist and the host of music-related websites to get the word out.

Ad Example: Wanted: Lead singer for a new Journey tribute band. Must have the 'pipes' of Steve Perry and be dedicated to making a living on the road. Band is located in L.A. and performs throughout the Southwest.

In my next post, I'll examine tribute act genres in terms of their popularity and earnings potiential.

Tribute Acts - Part 1

Tribute acts, a performer or band that primarily plays the music of one band, have been around forever. Over the last decade, or so, they've grown in popularity.

Elvis impersonaters are probably the best known purveyors of this craft. There's 'real money' in the tribute arena, so, let's take a closer look.

There's a chain of 'chicken joints' that feature 'live' music in the Southeast called, Wild Wing Cafe. They locate primarily around big-cities and colleges, drawing on the 20-something crowd. They have incredible draws by featuring 'big hair' tribute bands. A popular act is, 'Slipery When Wet,' a Bon Jovi tribute band.

Before you scoff and say, 'I ain't cheesy, I'm a musician,' know that these tribute bands are pulling up to $1,500 from bars for a single night!

In my next post, I'll give you some suggestions of what you'll need to do prior to launching your tribute act.

Outdoor Gigs

The idea of playing a gig 'out by the pool' sounds very nice. And, it is nice, given the right preparations.

Shade - Make sure that your host has planned for your 'stage' to be out of the sun. Direct sun is bad for you and your gear.

Music Clip - If the wind is blowing, which it will, your music will blow away at just the wrong moment. A plastic 'chip clip' works well. Also, an extra capo does the trick.

Dry Surface - I've setup in the lawn for parties that go late into the night. We didn't have any rain, but the dew soaked all the gear. Lay down some plywood if you can't wrangle a covered patio.

Plan "B" - Make sure that your host has somewhere for you to setup if it rains. Also, make arrangements to get paid if the event is 'weather permitting.' I usually get 1/2 up-front, non-refundable.

Bring a Fan/Heater - If it's hot, a fan will save you. In the cold, a heater will keep the 'digits' moving.

Playing outside is great. Prepare well and enjoy!

Voice Lessons

How many hours have you dedicated to learing how to play an instrument? How many hours have you spent learning how to sing properly?

If you're like most people, singing is just something that you do, not something that you have to learn to do. Wrong!

My mom, Sue Singleton, was a professional singer and a vocal coach for decades. I have watched mediocre singers blossom into great singers through coaching and practice.

Singing is all about technique and execution. First you learn the proper way to sing and then you practice. In time, your voice will improve dramatically.

Having the confidence that you are singing properly, will change your life.

Drop-dime on some voice lessons.

Adding A Harmonica To Your Act

Bob Dylan, Steve Tyler, Neil Young, and John Popper, are just a few of the famous musicians that use a harmonica in their act.

A harmonica, played during select songs, can lend 'depth' to your performance. Audiences love it when a performer slides on the harp brace and goes to town.

Here a a few key reasons why you should consider adding a 'harp' to your act:

• It's easy to play.
• You can fill-up those pesky 'lead-breaks' with some lead of your own.
• You'll be considered a 'multi-instrumentalist.'
• Audiences love it.
• It's cool.

I use a harmonica when I'm covering Neil Young songs. I love it!

Hohner just introduced a new harmonica model, the 'Blues Bender.' It is a pro-quality harp that retails for only $20. Go get one and start playing today!

Using A Vocal Harmonizer

Over the last few years, a number of companies have come out with products that produce vocal harmonies and they are all quite amazing.

A vocal harmonizer uses complex technology to read both your voice and your guitar to produce 'spot on' harmonies. One, two, three, or more harmony parts can be achieved.

I've use them and I've watched other performers using them. If used to enhance key parts of a song, say the chorus, audiences are quite impressed.

Like any technical 'gadget,' a vocal harmonizer should be used with restraint. Over-use will result in your performance slipping into the 'cheesy' category, and we don't want that, do we?