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.
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
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.
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
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.
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
Monday, June 1, 2009
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!
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
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!
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
Monday, May 18, 2009
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.
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
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.
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
Monday, May 4, 2009
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:
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!
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
Monday, March 30, 2009
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?
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
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?
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
Use A 'Looper' To Gain An 'Edge'
Most major metro areas are overrun with talented solo performers. These musicians often compete for a limited number of paid gigs. Finding a way to gain and 'edge' on the competition is always a challenge.
Whenever I observe a performer using a 'looper,' I notice that the audience seems to be more engaged than normal.
If you haven't looked into the possibilities that a 'looper' presents, you should. It enables you to record guitar/vocals 'on the fly,' and then play over top of the recorded 'loop' during a live-performance.
The most practical uses are to record rhythm for a couple of bars and then play lead over it, and to record percussion that you can then play over.
The 'looper' is technology that can give you the 'edge' over your competition.
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
Whenever I observe a performer using a 'looper,' I notice that the audience seems to be more engaged than normal.
If you haven't looked into the possibilities that a 'looper' presents, you should. It enables you to record guitar/vocals 'on the fly,' and then play over top of the recorded 'loop' during a live-performance.
The most practical uses are to record rhythm for a couple of bars and then play lead over it, and to record percussion that you can then play over.
The 'looper' is technology that can give you the 'edge' over your competition.
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
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