Whether your playing at a private party or bar gig, chances are, some folks will want to dance.
Nothing gets the 'energy' up like having people hit the dance floor. Many times, it will 'make or break' the night. If people dance, they smile and have a good time. If you leave 'em with a smile on their faces, they'll think you were great.
Many times I've played gigs and knocked out a 'sure thing' dance tune, like 'Brown Eyed Girl' or 'Mustang Sally,' only to have nobody dance. When this happens, I pull out a 'little secret' tactic.
I start by approaching a couple. If your playing a private party, it can be the host couple, but, if not, any couple will do. I ask them to dance to the next song, as a way to 'get things going.' Then, After one-verse/one-chorus I stop the music and tell them to both to, 'pick a new partner.'
I repeat the process until everyone in the room is dancing.
This tactic works time and time-again and always makes the event just a little better.
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Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Volume Control
Everyone knows that, "it goes to eleven," but rarely is it appropriate to do so!
I've played in dozens of venues and I've hosted thousands of open mics, and the most prevalent 'issue' with musicians is 'volume control.'
There's a time and a place for 'blowin' it out,' but that time/place is not in a small bar with twenty-five people sitting within thirty-feet of the stage.
Most people go to bars/restaurants to socialize. They can't socialize if they can't have a conversation. These are the people that approach management and complain about the volume.
At many of our Atlanta open mics, venues management uses them to audition new acts. The number-one reason that good acts don't get hired is that they were 'too loud.'
Try this... Purposely make your volume 'too low' and try to get someone to ask you to 'turn it up.' It's a weird feeling. You'll love it!
I know this sounds 'preachy,' but if this gets through to just one musician, then I've done my job.
Get free gig leads at PartyBand.US / Join the online community for musicians at OpenMic.US
I've played in dozens of venues and I've hosted thousands of open mics, and the most prevalent 'issue' with musicians is 'volume control.'
There's a time and a place for 'blowin' it out,' but that time/place is not in a small bar with twenty-five people sitting within thirty-feet of the stage.
Most people go to bars/restaurants to socialize. They can't socialize if they can't have a conversation. These are the people that approach management and complain about the volume.
At many of our Atlanta open mics, venues management uses them to audition new acts. The number-one reason that good acts don't get hired is that they were 'too loud.'
Try this... Purposely make your volume 'too low' and try to get someone to ask you to 'turn it up.' It's a weird feeling. You'll love it!
I know this sounds 'preachy,' but if this gets through to just one musician, then I've done my job.
Get free gig leads at PartyBand.US / Join the online community for musicians at OpenMic.US
Sunday, July 12, 2009
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:
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.
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
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.'
- 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.
- Their lead-singer looks and sounds like Bon Jovi.
- They have gone out of their way to have to whole band look and sound like Bon Jovi.
- 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.
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
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.
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
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.
Get FREE gig leads at PartyBand.US
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
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