Recording Artist Advocate: You are selling Merch...

I admire musicians. I admire good musicians. OK, I admire good musicians who are smart.

Some time ago I met a really good musician who wasn't very smart. He refused to "sell out" (his words) and sell anything at his shows. He wouldn't even sell CD's. His audience always asked for them and he'd direct them to a website managed by his promoter.

When someone wants a CD you have to get on that while they are willing. Later that night or tomorrow they are not likely to even remember to visit that site. Plus, when someone wants to give you money, you need to make it easy for them. I worked a merch booth with a very smart girl who would just ask if they wanted a t-shirt and CD. Most of the time the person would say yes. There was no discount for buying both, but when asked most thought it was a good idea. 

So always have CD's to sell at your shows. T-shirts are good too. Women's shirts are cut different, and are definitely appreciated. Most artist say they sell girl shirts 2 to 1 over regular t's. That's up to you, but if you pay attention at your shows you'll know what sizes to order.

If you're not selling merch, you are turning your back on money.  

Recording Artist Advocate: Better Sound Systems...

A band I work with recently upgraded their sound system with a sound board that allows for mixing on an iPad. (...really any tablet with connectivity.) These have been out for a while and several companies have them, but I had not had a chance to hear one in action. It was great how the sound guy could move around the venue making tweaks in volume and eq without being tied to one spot. 

He really put it to work standing at the back of the room, in front of the stage, and everywhere in between. In no time the PA sound was fantastic. 

We didn't get to it that night, but individual band members can have access to their own monitor mix using their smart phones. Some may not want to do that, but it's good to know they can.

When you play out you need to sound as good as you do on your recordings. Good monitoring allows you to really hear yourself and give a better performance. A good sound guy is important to present you as well as the circumstances allow. This kind of system makes his (...or her) job a lot easier.

Before too long you may need this just to keep up with all the other bands.

Recording Artist Advocate: Pendulum Still Swings...

I wanted to go over the timeline of music through the pendulum cycles. I found a link to a video that explains this better than I was able.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrAm1Q871U8   

The next video that came up was this one.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04c8e_W8jmg

(Pay attention at 15:30, it applies directly to you!) 

It explains the cycle without as much music, but continues the theme.

Watch both if you can and you'll start to pay attention differently. 

It may help you find your place in the hearts of your audience. 

They need someone to connect to. Is it you?

Recording Artist Advocate: The Ponies...

A long time ago a wise man said something... I don't remember exactly, but it went something like, "Pay attention to which way the horses are running. At least you'll be facing the right direction in the saddle." 

I think he meant that you could do your own thing, but be aware of the rest of the world so you don't get trampled. If you are at least in the saddle your doing better, but to really be in the race you need to face the right direction.

I would add to be enough a student of history to see the trends and try to get in ahead of them. There really is a predictable 40 year cycle... or 80 year cycle that keeps repeating. We're swinging back and forth repeating the same cycle. So pay attention. You can swing on that pendulum or get whacked by it.

I've recommended Roy Williams book; Pendulum, and I'm sure I will again. He uses a lot of examples that have to do with music and how a nations self image is reflected in the music they decide will be popular.

You thought that was just good music? Well, it is, but it's good music that resonates with the listener... at that time... in that mood . If they are in a different mood, they'll choose someone else's music.  

So pay attention. Read the news and watch whats going on around you. Look past the manufactured news stories and see what gets attention and why. Read Roy's book. If you see what was going on 80 or so years ago repeating itself, at least you have a roadmap for what's coming next.

One of the things that comes up a lot is how an innovator stands up to the status quo and makes a name for himself (...or herself) and soon everyone is imitating their style. It gets so bad that the people piling on don't even know what they are imitating. The audience gets tired of all the sameness. Then someone else is standing in the road saying, "This is crap! Lets do something else!" and when they get successful it starts ovar again.  

This post is getting long. I'm trying to be more concise. I'll give the timeline as I remember it next week. 

Recording Artist Advocate: The Scariest Thing...

So for Halloween, lets talk about scary things.

The scariest thing I can think of is not recording bands. Or not being exited about recording bands, or becoming a hack that does the same recording every time. 

I've met those guys. They had some success and now they record a lot of bands and make them all sound the same. Producer Zombies.

Bring me "Baby" is a funny story I heard about a producer who thought he was holding court, telling bands his stories, amazing them with his wisdom... when actually they couldn't wait to get away from him. He said, "Bring me Baby" when he thought it was time for him to play his instrument. (I won't say what that was. It's too funny and might reveal his identity.) But my point is that I never want to be like that guy.  Scary!

You probably know artist who destroy their relationships or damage their careers with stupid, self destructive behavior. That's scary too. 

Pay attention long enough and you'll see artist get drunk and fall off the stage or throw a tantrum or get political, or any number of things that kill their chances to connect with their audience. 

That is what people seek, and what you need to seek too; a connection. When your audience feels that, you are part of them and they will follow you wherever you gently lead them.

The world is scary. You can make it a little less scary. A little more understandable.

They need you.