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On this Day in Music...

For some fun at your next gig, check out the #1 Song Database to see what the #1 song was on a certain date.

This tool can come in handy with anything which has a date...and that's just about everything.

For example, if you're got a fan you want to honor, find out his birthday and play the #1 song from the day he was born?

Of maybe go back in time and play the #1 song from 20 years ago?

The possibilities are limitless, and it's a great way to do material you wouldn't normally be able to, so use your imagination.  Your audience will appreciate that you're doing something other than the same old show.

Podcasts for Musicians

Obviously, you'll want to get my show, Music Business Radio...

But if you're looking for some other great music business and recording related material check out the Home Recording Network.

Want to start your own?  Visit howtostartapodcast.com for everything you need to know.

How to Talk to a Crowd

Crowd interaction is important for musicians and bands.  And one of the guys who does it best is Paul Stanley of Kiss.

Sure, it's cheesy at times, but the guy has been around forever, so I'm sure you can learn something from him.

Paul Stanley Stage Rant Collection

Viral Marketing Idea

One of the best ways to get more people to your web site is to get the visitors you already have to tell their friends.  That's easier said than done though...

Tenacious D has a "website makeover" program which helps the process along.  You type in a website, such as indiemusician.com, and get something like this.

Great for Tenacious D, but what about you?

You can do the exact same thing with your site via a custom program, specifically made to promote your music.  It's easy...just figure out what you want, hit Scriptlance, and post the project.  Done.

Protesting the Dixie Chicks

Another documentary on the Dixie Chicks vs. George Bush...  This one follows how fans viewed the situation.

Christmas Already? - Here's an Idea!

Dropped by the grocery last night to grab a few things...  And what kind of music were they play?  You guessed it, Christmas carols.

Every musician needs a Christmas/holiday record.  This stuff has a shelf-life of FOREVER and will sell year after year.  Learning some of these songs will enable you to pick up some extra gigs around this time of year also.

Music Promotion on YouTube

Somebody sent me this video and I thought it was a great idea for all the musicians reading this blog...  If you've got a song with a particular "theme" like this, why not attach it to some video clips?

Gratitude

Today is Thanksgiving in the US.  This holiday is a celebration of what we have to be thankful for.

With life as it is, there are times when it's easy to get caught up in what we don't have...or what we want in the future.  Doing this misses what is happening now though.

I've worked with hundreds of bands of various levels, from the garage to the arena.  It's interesting to watch how much people desire something, a national tour for example, only to get it and wish for something different.

You are where you are.  Those who keep wishing for something that hasn't yet happened, miss out on what is currently happening, which is what they've wished for in the past, and that's a real shame.

Damage Control

Ran into a publicist friend a couple of days ago...  This was right after the Michael Richards story broke and we talked about spin control.

Is it true that all publicity is good publicity?  Maybe...

Michael Richards was quick to jump on the situation by going on David Letterman, but coming through via satellite rather than being there in person is a hard sell.  But he did get my respect in that he didn't pull a Mel Gibson and say he was drunk.

We talked about Faith Hill also, by the way.  This person, who was close to the situation, said that Faith's reaction was indeed a joke.  Unfortunately, she can't do comedy...as you already know, if you saw The Stepford Wives.

Regardless, this is a great lesson for people to be mindful when doing something.  Most things can be fixed by an apology on Oprah, but why put yourself through that kind of hassle?

The Famous Guy

Those looking for instant stardom will want to check out The Famous Guy. He's trying to go from a "Holiday Popcorn Tin Delivery Guy" to a celebrity within 12 months.

Personally, I found the site very interesting.  And the idea is probably something you could swipe for your band...

The downside, if you're a musician, is that people won't take your music seriously.  When you do something like this, you go into the world of "celebrity."  Great for somebody like the Famous Guy, but probably not for you, if you want to be known for more than a publicity stunt.

I just gave him a call at 214-455-9444 and left him a message.  Will he get it?  We'll see...