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10 Tips to Conquer Writer's Block

We’ve all been there at one time or another, with a pen in hand, guitar on our lap and a completely blank mind. Writer’s block can be seriously frustrating, but tapping into inspiration can help lead you out of this dark hole.

Inspiration comes from within and can be as random as something you see in a magazine ad, or as traumatic as a death in the family. Whatever it is, it breaks down the dam of sensibility and streams you through a completely creative space where nothing is beyond limits. There are things to get this process moving along quicker, which is good news for you and your wallet.

1. Change Your Routine

Sometimes we get into the hang of following a strict routine, and life seems to hit a flat line. Try changing your routine, whether it’s going to bed later and sleeping in an extra hour, going to the gym in the morning or going out for coffee after work instead of heading straight home. You may notice something off your beaten path that stirs that instinct to write.

2. Go Outside

Many artists quote the great outdoors as being a source of inspiration. Go to the beach and watch the waves roll in, take the family for a hike in the woods, go mountain biking, for a jog or sit with a glass of wine on the patio and watch the sunset. You may feel a connection with your surroundings that will emit feelings perfect for words.

3. Read

Reading new material helps build new ideas. Read that novel you’ve been meaning to pick up, grab a morning newspaper or have a look through the latest copy of your favorite magazine. It’s better than television because you can stop and reread something if it perks your interest. You’ll come across new ideas, life situations, world events and even other inspirational quotations, or prose that will set you in a new direction.

4. Try Something New

While this doesn’t necessarily mean to dabble in psychedelics, change is a good thing for songwriters. Many of the great songwriters like Bob Dylan and Neil Young went through countless transformations which inspired new music for them. Try sky diving, cooking or even a new instrument. Change stimulates us and gets us excited about life.

5. People Watch

This might sound odd, but people are so interesting, especially if you live in a big city. Spend some time at your favorite café, drink coffee and watch the people go by. You’ll notice comments and judgments float up through your mind about these people, or one particular person that interests you—characters in a story. Make up a theme song in your head for them, and go from there. Learning to be observational will take you a long way in songwriting.

6. Listen to Music

Pull out that old Led Zeppelin record you haven’t listened to in years and throw it on. Try listening to new music, or revisiting songs that touched you emotionally. Pick the songs apart like a critic or just lay out on the sofa with your eyes closed and enjoy it. This is similar to reading in that music offers new ideas and sounds which tap into our creative brain.

7. Go on Vacation

Take a break from songwriting and jump on a plane somewhere. The more exotic and unfamiliar the better, though going camping for the weekend free of electronics is also a good option. Explore, meet new people, learn new cultures or languages and try new things. Keep it relaxing, stress doesn’t write good songs.

8. Head Out for a Night on the Town

This doesn’t necessarily mean get smashed and hit every downtown bar you can find. Go out and catch a live show, no matter how significant the band, DJ or solo artist is. Being in a crowd of people all enjoying the same thing is a riot, and can inspire some good feelings and great lyrics. It may get you excited about writing again.

9. Explore Your Inner Workings

A lot of classic songs are emotionally charged. While this comes a lot from the performers themselves, the lyrics explaining these feelings are essential. Tap into your emotions, or significant events in your life. This can be something happy like your wedding day, or sad like the day your old dog passed away. While it can cause a bit of a rollercoaster effect you’ll find some organic thoughts will spring forth. Just remember to come back to normal afterwards.

10. Forget Reason

Try laying on your back or some other relaxed position, guitar in hand or fingers on the keys and completely forget about everything you know about music. Put away all the theory, chords, and notes and just close your eyes and see where your fingers land. This could end up in just a lot of noise, but you may find a new melody or riff by accident. This meditational practice is worth a try.

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5 Ways to Collaborate (or Partner) with Other Bands

The music industry is one giant community. Take away the corporate jungle, and you get a group of artists who enjoy making music and love to share it. Collaborating with other artists is a great way for both of you to tap into each other’s fan bases and learn about other musical styles.

1. Remixes

While admittedly there are some terrible remixes out there, it’s another way of getting your song heard in a different atmosphere. Team up with an electronic musician and see what comes out of it. Your song may end up funkier and maybe unrecognizable but people will be hearing it at clubs and parties, and as long as your name or band is listed as the original recording artist you’re set.

Sending your music to another artist to remix is another possibility. Perhaps they have an idea for your sound that you’d never thought of. The possible outcome of a better track is a great reason to share your music. Hopefully the artist knows what they’re doing.

2. Jam Sessions

Getting together for a good old jam session can be an energizing experience that will bring life back into your music and inspire new sound and progressive songwriting. Make new songs together or rework old ones to develop a new sound for them. You’ll likely learn a thing or two from each other, another building block to becoming a well rounded musician.

3. Music Festivals or Live Events

Live events offer a great stage for you and another band to jam or play songs together. While rehearsal is recommended, an encore provides good space for spontaneous collaboration. If you know each other’s songs this will be a lot easier and sound better.

Music festivals are great places to come across other musicians and bands you’d be interested in working with in the future. Make a lot of friends and be open to new ideas. Consider partnering with another band if you’re a solo artist for a music festival, to be able to player a fuller, more complex sound.

4. Charity Events

While this also falls under live events, many great artists have collaborated for charity events and benefits like Live 8. Not only is your partnership helping raise money for a great cause, but it leaves artists who value the same things open to working with each other.

5. Cover Songs

By sharing music with other artists and producing good covers of their songs you’re both paying homage and reaching out to a wider fan base. If another band produces a cover of one of your songs and it becomes a hit—you’ll find that fans will start searching out the original or recognizing that song as yours.

Collaborating and partnering with other bands helps not only strengthen your musical chops by giving you opportunities to learn new techniques, sounds and songs, but it’s also great for your creative process. Always be open to new ideas, styles and genres and your music will feel timeless and progressive.

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5 Reasons to Record in a Professional Studio (Instead of a Home Studio)

It can seem tempting for home bodies, or those who are just starting out recording to gear up at home and just do it yourself. While it’s becoming easier to get every basic thing you need to record at home, there are many reasons why using a professional studio is a better idea.

1. Studios have Trained Professionals

Unless you have some very knowledgeable friends it’s hard to pass up the chance to record with highly skilled recording professionals. These people, from engineers to producers, know how to get the sound you want, and are familiar with all the studio equipment, helping to cut down time in terms of searching out that perfect sound.

If you’re going to a professional studio search be sure to check their credits, or who they’ve worked with and what they’ve produced before. This will give you a good idea of their abilities and genres of expertise.

You’ll find at a professional studio you’ll save a lot of time by having skilled pros at hand who know what they’re doing and how to do it. It saves the frustration of you and your band sitting around tinkering with piece after piece, track after track and still being unable to come across the sound you’re hearing inside your head.

2. Objective Recording

This is another reason you’ll want professionals around. If you’re recording at home you might hear what you want to hear. Having someone else critique your work can be the difference between an okay track and a polished hit. These people have experience in making hit records and they know what works and doesn’t work. Be ready for a little constructive criticism.

3. Top of the Line Equipment

Check out the equipment in a professional recording studio and you’ll understand that, unless you have the bucks to put behind tens of thousands of dollars of different instruments and hardware, a home studio in no way compares. Professional studios will usually have over $25,000 just in different mics to help you achieve perfect sound. Not only that but you’ll find different percussion, keys—you name it, it’s all at your fingertips, so if you get the sudden whim that a song needs a keyboard dubbed in it’s there for you.

The production equipment is also what makes pro studios superior. While there are some great home studios out there, you can’t beat having top of the line computers, mixers, compressors and amps right there in one studio.

4. Acoustics

Unless you’re prepared to fork up some cash to sound treat a room specifically for recording, you’ll find you won’t be as happy with the sound, especially in regards to percussion.

Professional studios are built to acoustic standards so that everything sounds clean and pristine, and not like you recorded in your dad’s garage. You’ll get fuller sound, and the percussion will be tighter when you use a good studio room.

5. Don’t Take Your Work Home with You

While this is hard or impossible for many musicians, it feels good to be out of the house recording somewhere entirely dedicated to making music. Not only is this atmosphere more inspiring but will actually energize you to get the job done and avoid the distractions you’d find at home. It feels more like you’re getting something accomplished, and with so much equipment at your beck and call you’ll find recording much easier.

If you’ve been humming and hawing about whether to splurge for the gear and do it all yourself or to record in a professional studio, hopefully this has given you something to think about. Skills, plus experience, plus top of the line equipment and recording space prove invaluable to a great record. 

Any other reasons? Post them below...

5 Benefits of Recording at Home

With the availability of cost effective home recording equipment, building a home studio is becoming more attractive to bands and soloists out there who can’t afford to spend time in a professional studio. There are benefits to recording at home instead of in a studio, mainly involving time and money—your two most precious resources.

1. Save Some Cash

Professional recording studios can cost upwards of $100 to $300 an hour, making the recording of even a demo pricey. While you’ll need to invest initial time and money to build your own studio you’ll save money in the long run, especially if you’re doing a lot of recordings.

Consider buying recording equipment like mics and mixers online on Craigslist or Ebay. Just make sure they have the owner’s manual still attached (or you can download a copy from the company website) as you’ll need it to learn the components and proper setup. This can help you save a lot of money in the beginning, and you can always upgrade once you’ve earned some more cash back.

2. Do it on Your Own Time

Because every hour of recording costs you at a professional studio, home studios are desirable for letting you work at your own pace. You can start, stop and record any time you want and as long as you have good time management and motivational skills you’ll be more comfortable recording at home. Plus you’ll be able to do as many takes as you need to get the sound you’re looking for. You can also tinker away at your leisure to get the song right where you need it.

3. Make Your Own Money

Once you get comfortable with all the equipment and recording process, getting friends’ bands or bands looking to get an economical start can help you make the money back you spent on the studio. Invite them in to do demos and charge what you think is a reasonable price, as long as it is below a professional studio rate.

4. Build Your Recording Chops

Learning how to work your own recording studio is empowering. As long as you have a basic knowledge of the equipment going into it you’ll be able to pick it up and build your own process. Consider mentoring with someone at a professional studio if you feel you need to know more about all the equipment involved. Many technical schools also offer recording certificates, though this would be a hefty added cost.

5. Produce Your Own Sound

If you have a good home recording studio with a proper tracking room and isolation booth you’ll be able to create excellent sound that will make for a more appealing demo, or album. You can spend as much time as you need to try different sounds, dubs, instruments, and effects. This is more appealing if you’re trying to explore something like a concept album or a distinct, unique style or sound. You can build your signature, so to speak.

While nothing beats working in a professional studio, a home studio is great if you are looking for something more affordable or if you’re interested in building your own sound from the bottom up. By investing in quality equipment, and building a proper studio you’ll not only save money in the long run, but may even have the opportunity of making some cash back from other artists.

8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time in the Studio

You’ve compiled a list of songs, and you’re ready to head into the studio. Whether you’re recording at home or in a professional studio there are ways in which to make your time spent more efficient and worthwhile. By speeding up the process you not only rid yourself of excess expenditures, but also effort, time and frustration.

1. Get Prepared

Before heading into the studio rehearse the tracks you’re going to record with your band for a few days. Practice the full songs with solos, intros and any other extras you think you’d like on the track. This way there are no big surprises once you begin recording and less screw-ups due to people not knowing their parts well enough.

If you’re the vocalist, know your lyrics. Practice them, memorize them and even experiment with different keys to see what sounds best to you.

This also includes preparing your instruments. Change strings or replace drum skins if you need to. Make sure everything is in good working order.

2. Be Healthy

While many artists claim that the use of drugs and alcohol help their creative process or sound, it’s likely you can find that space without them, and end up saving a ton of time. One tip for vocalists—avoid dairy products like milkshakes as they’re not good for vocal chords. Drink water instead. Make sure everyone is feeling good, no broken fingers or tennis elbow. Get a good sleep before recording, and don’t over exert your vocals. Everyone should be at their top performance level.

3. Get into the Right Headspace

Come together as a team. Prepare yourself mentally for recording. Remove distractions, even if this includes friends or family members, from the studio. While it’s nice to have them there, you’ll only be wasting more of your time. Concentrate on the music and your job.

4. Inform Your Engineer and Producer

Have a chat with your engineer and producers about what sound you’re looking for. If there are any other tracks or performers out there who have a sound you’re looking for let them know, as it will help them in the long run to get you exactly what you’re looking for. Play around with mic settings, amps and other equipment before recording to test the sound, instead of fooling around with it after every take—you may be doing this anyway, though.

Be sure to let them know if you’re unhappy with a sound. Don’t be too nice, this is your album we’re talking about. On the other hand, be respectful to your engineers and producers so that they have the enthusiasm to put into helping you make your album.

5. Make Clean Takes and Don’t Fool Around Between Recordings

Wait until the tape is rolling before you turn your volume up and wait for all the sounds to fade out before you turn it back down. Between takes don’t jam or fool around. This just wastes time and often frustrates everyone around you.

6. Take Breaks

If you need one, take one. Make sure the recording process is comfortable for you so that you can put forth your best work. Drink water, go for a walk or whatever you need to get back into that headspace.

7. Don’t Over Listen

Once you’ve got the tracks down, avoid listening to them over and over again. Take a break if you feel tired of the song, or move on to the next one. You’ll find your mind playing tricks on you if you listen to the same music over and over again.

Once you have the rough mix, this tip also applies. Listen to it a couple times and take notes, then put it away for a few days and take your mind off of it. Even though this is hard, you’ll find you’ll be able to come back to it with a fresh perspective. Take notes on each track so that you know exactly what you want to get out of the sound.

8. Stay Calm

The recording process can be both frustrating and stressful. Don’t freak out if at first you don’t succeed. You have the opportunity to take multiple takes if you need to. Don’t be in a rush either, and if you’re not hitting something perfectly consider coming back to that song later. An agitated artist will only upset everyone else in the room, and will not help your endeavor whatsoever.

Now that you’re prepared and ready to head into the studio, use these tips as a guideline on how to get the most out of your time and effort there. By being mentally, physically and creatively ready for your sessions, you’ll find that recording becomes less stressful and more fun.

7 Qualities to Look for in a Good Music Manager

Now that you’ve got a solid band, and some songs to back you up it’s time to look for a manager. Of course, you could try managing your own band, but if you want to get places and make money, searching out a good music manager is essential.

The band manager’s responsibilities include financial planning, publicity and marketing and acting as your personal advisor in all band-related business ventures. There are many qualities you can look for when looking for an excellent manager—someone who will stand by your band and help you find success.

1. Experience

When you’re first starting off you may come across or be approached by potential managers looking to get into the business. While it’s always great to help a friend out, you need someone with the experience and knowledge of how to make it in the music business. Music management covers everything from booking your tours to making sound business decisions, choosing your label to helping you pick out the right songs to put on an album—and everything in between.

Check your potential manager’s roster, and see what other artists they’ve managed or are currently managing. Ask a lot of questions about their plans and aspirations for your band, and make sure they’re not just talking out of their backside.

2. Trustworthiness

Your music manager will take care of nearly everything for you, from transportation to bookings and beyond. Choose someone you feel good about, and know that you can trust with your career. If you’re not 100 per cent sure, keep looking. The trust factor has to be mutual for this relationship to work.

Some of this you can rely on gut instinct, and some of it you can attribute to the above category: experience. Ask yourself if this is the person you’d trust to run your life for you, transport you around the world, and book packed shows. Do they seem humble, but able to stand their ground against pushy salespeople and promoters? See how they conduct other business relationships.

3. Enthusiasm

Your manager will act at times as part of the band, helping you to pick songs for the album as well as marketing your product! You want someone who is excited to be there, and is interested in the music you’re making. Your music manager’s input, especially if they have experience in the business, can be essential in getting radio play or press coverage. A great manager wants to be there with you every step of the way, kind of like a dad.

4. Well-Connected

This can tie into experience. A music manager with good connections in the industry will not only get your career going faster but will also lend to better publicity, and ins for live performances. They should be able to find you a studio, a booking agent, PR rep or a gig without any wasted time. Someone with good connections, and this means good connections and not just being able to rattle off a list of names, will be able to find you opportunities you would not be able to find yourself.

5. A Good Human Being

This factor can often be overlooked when choosing a music manager. Someone who is a good human being, is liked by people and is accessible and approachable signifies a person who will be trustworthy and reliable. Oftentimes a band manager will step in and act as the cheerleader, psychiatrist and shoulder to cry on, and someone who does this well will make your whole team feel closer. A close knit team is solid and can withstand hardships.

6. Financially Responsible

Pick a manager who knows how to handle finances, above all else. Many, many bands have unfortunately lost a lot of money because of irresponsible financial management. This includes everything from signing with a label, to touring and recording expenses, to their own cut in your income.

A music manager makes their money from part of your income. If you don’t see any money, then they shouldn’t either. Do not get wheeled and dealed into some contract that offers them more than you receive.

7. Firm Business Person

Experience will bring a manager knowledge of how to make sound and profitable business decisions. Personal traits, education and good business instincts may be the difference between your band making it or breaking up. Make sure your manager is not a push over, or has the overeager need to please—unless it’s you they’re dealing with. Choose a manager who knows how to get what they want, where they want and when they want it. Negotiation skills are key.

Above all, you want a manager who will work with you and has your best interests at heart. This can be a lifelong relationship, so think of your manager like family. How will they fit in and lead your group to success? By looking for these seven essential traits and skills you’ll be on your way to not only making great music, but great music that everyone hears.

10 Songs Every Cover Band Should Know

Whether you’re a full fledged cover band, or just starting out as a new band there are a group of songs essential to your set list. Cover songs should be songs people will know, recognize and love—and please do the original bands proud by putting all your effort into it. Even if it’s not your song, make it your own and your audience will love you for it.

Cover songs are made mostly out of top classic rock songs, everything from The Beatles to The Ramones. Stick with songs people recognize or they’ll think you’re doing original material. Cater your set list to the event you’re doing and everything should go off without a hitch.

My list...

1. Brown Eyed Girl — Van Morrison

This one will have everyone singing along. It’s a simple song with memorable lyrics that almost anyone can sing. Get the whole band in on the “sha-la-la’s” and you’ll have a happy, involved audience.

2. I Walk the Line — Johnny Cash

Arguably known as everybody’s favorite country song, I Walk the Line works for rockers and country folk alike. If your lead singer has that deep, rich voice you’ll score even more points!

3. Satisfaction — The Rolling Stones

This classic tune will have everybody rocking. With an easy to pick up guitar lick, and great rock and roll lyrics anyone with swagger can pull off you’ll have everyone in the crowd pumping fists.

4. Mustang Sally — Mack Rice/Wilson Pickett

This memorable rhythm and blues number features sing-a-long lyrics that get everyone groovy. Everyone knows it and so should you.

5. Rock and Roll All Night — KISS

Turn it up a notch, and explore your inner Simmons. This song is simple on all instruments and it’s an old rocker’s crowd pleaser.

6. Wild Thing — The Wild Ones/The Troggs

It’s hard to count how many great artists have covered this classic. Rock it like Hendrix or throw in a synth and spice it up. It's only three chords, so you have no excuse not to do something!

7. Sweet Home Alabama — Lynyrd Skynyrd

Who doesn’t like Sweet Home Alabama? You’ll have the audience playing air guitar to that memorable—and easy to learn—lick, and your southern friends will be in adoration.

8. I Want You to Want Me — Cheap Trick

It may be a little cheesy, but this song makes crowds happy. It’s a great song to cover for weddings, birthdays or to rock out in clubs. Get into the solos and you’ll be making Cheap Trick proud. Plus, you can have fun with the intro, "This is the first song off our new album..."

9. These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ — Nancy Sinatra

It may inspire line dancing, but “These Boots” is a great, sexy song that will have all the women going wild. This is a great song to show off your bass player, and make use of a tambourine.

10. Come Together — The Beatles

Getting this Beatles classic under your belt will be very rewarding. Everyone knows it, everyone loves it and it’s a fun song for an edgier vocalist.

If you’re playing at a special event, it’s always recommended to know what your host is in to. These ten songs will please any crowd and have them asking for more. Remember that you’re playing tribute to the greats and even though it’s not your song, you have to play it like it is.

Add your favorite cover songs below...

Top 10 Songwriting Clichés

Have you ever listened to a song, only to wonder where you heard the lyrics from before? You scroll through your lyrical library, wondering if this is a cover song and come across the old familiar friend—the cliché. Unfortunately scores of hit songs are chock full of clichés, but you’re a better song writer than that, right?

1. The Drunk and Depressing Country Song

It’s a common joke that country songs are all basically about some guy drinking away his sorrows because his wife left him for another man, his dog got ran over and his tractor broke down. Country songs have become bar anthems, and while this can be a good thing commercially, there tends to be a lot lacking in the actual lyrics of the song. Avoid phrases about how much whiskey you drank last night, or anything that contains “broken heart”. It’s been said and done.

2. Self Explanatory Rock Songs

We all love to rock out, but when you’re in a rock band or writing rock lyrics about rock, could you avoid using the word “rock”. Between phrases like “gonna rock you”, “like a rock”, “keep on rockin’” or “rock this/that—enter noun” we finally get the point. You’re having a good time! It’s time to come up with something a little more sophisticated, and original.

3. Profanity Taking the Place of Real Words

Yeah, your bling is shiny and you talk tough—but let’s get out of this groove of lazy rhyming. In hip hop or rap using favorite four letter words followed by “this” or “you” only portrays your lack of vocabulary skills. There are over 170,000 words in the dictionary, so make use of them!

4. All About California

It’s the sunshine state, and a pretty nice place, so why do songwriters feel the need to whine about it so much. There are more songs about California than any other U.S. state. Once you’ve heard the theme song for The OC television drama you’ll understand. It’s probably because so many bands call California home, but how about using metaphors or just leaving it out altogether. Try writing a song about Vermont or New Mexico. They’re pretty nice places too.

5. Love Songs

There are a lot of great, touching love songs out there but there are a lot of terrible ones too. Avoid the typical “missing you”, “I still love you”, “I’ll always love you” cliché. It’s a nice word to hear but once overused it loses its meaning and let’s face it—love is an ever changing thing. The 80’s was all about sappy love songs dripping with cheese, and maybe they should be left there. Top 40 music is unfortunately by far the worst offender of this.

6. We Know You’re Emotionally Disturbed

Great songwriters are not usually born from a free, great upbringing. A lot of what great songwriting is, is opening doors for emotional connection with your audience. But many take it a step too far. As if the world wasn’t already depressing enough at times, we find the need to write songs about how depressing we are. Nirvana arguably did it best, but it seems to have mutated into something else—Emo perhaps. Please, no more songs about how you hate yourself, or how bad you’ve got it. We’re all in the same boat so deal with it or find another way to write about it.

7. Booty

Booty is a good thing, but it’s time we come up with a new word for it. Songs about shaking your booty, or about how great your booty is have become old news. Go for timeless if you want to be a great songwriter. We encourage you to shake what your mama gave you—how about that for cliché—but walk the walk instead of talking the talk.

8. How Rich and Famous You Are

Most of America, most of the world in fact, is not rich and famous and writing countless songs about this is not only a cliché, but completely self obsessed. Songs are meant to connect with an audience, your fans. Frankly, writing about the amount of cars you own, how big your house is, or how much gold is in your grille is not only uninteresting, but overdone. How about songs about how much you’d like to give the rest of us a taste of that solid gold?

9. Punk Covers of Pop Songs

While it can be funny, don’t expect to make a  good hit reworking a pop song for punk music. We’ve heard enough Sweet Carolines, thank you very much. This almost doesn’t fall under the category of songwriting, except that it’s so annoying it must be entered somewhere.  We get it, you’re being ironic. Don’t rewrite lyrics from a pop song into a punk song, they mix like oil and water.

10. Overused Rhymes

Understandably it can be hard to come up with rhymes on the fly, but a little effort will go a long way for songwriters. Avoid all those overused, easy rhymes like the dance, chance, romance trio. Miss you and kiss you also fall into this cliché trap.

Hopefully you’ve spotted the clichés used to describe clichés in this article. Songwriting should be original, straight from the heart, and hard hitting. Use the aforementioned rules to avoid clichés in your songwriting and original, great material will be the result.

Add clichés below... 

10 Ways to Show Fan Appreciation

They come to your shows, they buy your albums, and they wear your t-shirts.  They are your fans, and you love them as much as you need them.  Show how can you show them that you appreciate their support and dedication?  Here are ten ways!

1. Give Out Free Music

Everybody loves free music, and your fans would love a free MP3 or two that they can download from your website.  You may even make brand new singles available before your CD release to your dedicated fans who register on your site.  This is a great way to show appreciation and find out what the interest is in your upcoming album.  If you don’t have a website yet, consider handing out CD’s or even mini-CD’s with a couple songs on them at your shows or other venues.  Music is what it’s all about, after all. 

2. Make a Badass Website

Give your fans a home on the internet to come and find out everything they need to know about you and your music.  Your website can be interactive, informative, and fun.  Include links to your blog, music and video from your shows, a place to buy your CD’s and merchandise, a press kit, band member profiles, and pictures.  It doesn’t have to cost a fortune—there are lots of ways to get a website going up and running even if you’re not a web developer—but the more you are able to put in to your site, the more benefit you (and your fans) will see from it.

3. Online Forums for Interaction

There are message boards for every possible subject you can think of—from dirt bike racing to religion to Chinese cooking.  These forums allow people with a common interest to meet up online and “hang out” together online to discuss their favorite subject as well as other topics of interest.  These forums take on a real community feeling and can be a great asset, keeping your fans entertained.  You’ll also be able to read conversations between fans and find out what they like—or don’t like—about your music. Most people feel much more confident posting their opinions anonymously on a message board and you’ll have a chance to read some really honest feedback.

4. Respond to Fans Who Write and Email

Unless you’re a platinum selling artist, you probably don’t have millions of fans.  This gives you the opportunity to really connect with the fans you do have, especially the ones who take the time to send you an email or post on your MySpace page or blog.  Set aside an hour or two each week to respond to your people who contact you online.  They will be thrilled to have a personal response from you—even if it is just a quick one line message like “Thanks for your support!”

5. Free T-shirts

The power of a free t-shirt is the stuff of legends.  It is incredible what people will do for a free shirt, and giving them out to your fans is a great way to show them how much you appreciate their loyalty.  Not only will they enjoy having a new addition to their wardrobe, but if it looks great they will wear it everywhere and advertise your band for you.  It’s really a win/win situation.  Put as much effort as you can in to making it cool—something people will want to put on and wear around in public.

6. Offer to Play an Event for Free

Consider having a contest and offering to play a party for free for the winners.  Who wouldn’t love to have a live band at their next block party or birthday?  A contest is a great way to generate interest in both your band and your website—and playing a personal show for a loyal fan is just about the ultimate prize for someone who loves your music.  You can also play a local charity event or fundraiser as a way to contribute toward the success of an organization you care about.  You’ll have a place on all their marketing and advertising which is a great way to get your name out in public eye, too.

7. Give Out Free Passes to the Show

For every show you play, keep a pocket full of free passes and make sure you hand them out liberally.  Give some to DJs to give out to their listeners, and offer some in a random drawing on your website.  Free passes give your fans extra incentive to show up at your performances, and you may even gain a few new fans, too.  If you don’t have a cover at your show, offer a special table that is reserved for your guests or consider planning a ‘dinner with the band’ promotion.

8. Do Interviews

Taking an hour out of your week to sit down with a loyal blogger or reporter can show your appreciation for the people who promote you for free.  Giving a blogger the ‘inside scoop’ on your next CD or show is a great way to help them help you—they will be able to offer information that no one else has, and you will get plenty of publicity. 

9. Hang Out After the Show

Spend time after the show meeting the people who have come to watch you.  There’s no need to make it a formal event; just grab your beer and walk around.  A simple, “Thanks for coming to see the show” will suffice and you never know who you will meet.  This is a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with your fans and make your show memorable—something they will go to work and tell all their friends about the next day.

10. Say Thank You

It’s simple, but effective.  Say “Thank You”.   When you are finished playing, when someone emails you, when someone writes a blog post about you, and when someone volunteers to hand out flyers.  Having the attitude that you are grateful at all times is the key to showing genuine appreciation to your fans. 

10 Ways to Fit Music Promotion in the Rest of Your Life

Chances are good that you will be wearing several ‘hats’ as you attempt to establish your new band on the scene.  Sure, you make great music and that’s the most important thing.  But you are also the only one who is promoting your music—so you act as a marketer, PR rep, advertiser, web guru, and business manager—sometimes all in the same day!  And of course, you probably have a whole existence outside the band, too.  Family, friends, a day job—you know— a life.

You don’t have to bring your whole life to a standstill just to be in a band.  Your music is a part of who you are—so take it with you everywhere you go.   Here are some ways that you can promote your band while going about your daily business.

1. Cards and flyers

Get stacks of business cards and flyers and keep them in your car and on your person.  You never know when you will come across a bulletin board or strike up a conversation with someone who you just know would love your music.  A card or flyer gives you an edge because it allows you to leave something behind.  Long after your conversation is over, they’ll have it in their hand to remind them to come to your show or visit your website. 

2. Wear your own merchandise

Get cool t-shirts and hats made to sell—and then wear them around.  It’s hard to miss a walking billboard and if the design is nice enough, you’ll have people asking you what it means and where you got it.  You can also put your band’s name and website on the shirt.  People you don’t even make personal contact with will see you and have the chance to check your music out online.  Just make sure you don’t do anything mean and nasty while wearing your band t-shirt, or this idea could drastically backfire.

3. Talk to Strangers

Some people are naturally more outgoing than others.  Even if you’re not the talk show host type, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone you’ve never met before.  If you see someone browsing music in a store, ask if they’ve heard music by a band with a similar sound to yours; or just come right out and ask if they’ve heard of your band and give them a card.  Talk to people waiting in line at the store or coffee shop; or just hanging out on a smoke break.  You don’t have to be a salesman—but getting your name out there is most effective when it is done face-to-face in a conversational manner.

4. Ask for Help

Ask your friends and family and most loyal fans to help you.  Anyone with half a brain knows that making it in the music business is hard.  These people care about you and want to see you succeed—so asking them nicely to spread the word or let people know about your shows and your new music is just smart.  They’ll go the extra mile to tell other people about you—just because they care.  Make sure they have cards and flyers or a shirt to wear—and remember to say thank you.

5. Your Email Signature

Depending on what you do for a living, you could send upwards of 200-500 emails a week—or more!  A simple line in your email signature that points people to your band website is one of the easiest ways to get your name out there hundreds of times on a daily basis.  Your personal email could even have part of some song lyrics in it or a flat-out announcement about an upcoming show.  Just be sure that if you are working for an employer, you keep their email policies in mind before putting anything in your signature.  Find out what is allowed, and then do it!

6. Volunteer in the Name of Your Band

You probably volunteer anyway, so why not do it in the name of your band for a little extra recognition?  Even if it is working at the food bank for an hour a week—you can announce your efforts on your band’s website and let people know that your band is giving back to the community.  You could even organize a regular volunteer effort with your fans or friends and get a big group to go to your favorite charity weekly, monthly, or annually to support their event.

7. Comment on Other People’s Blogs

Blogs aren’t just for moms and angry political pundits anymore!  There are millions of blogs on different subjects—including music.  Make a list of 20-50 good music-related blogs and read them regularly.  Then leave comments for the bloggers along with the link to your band’s website.  This is a great way to build relationships online and you’ll generate all kinds of traffic to your site.  Plus, you’ll have a chance to read up on the music scene and stay informed on something you love anyway.

8. Don’t Quit Your Day Job

Besides being a great source of income, your day job puts you in contact with all kinds of people—many of whom are NOT in the music business.  Why is that important?  Perspective!  When you’re talking to musicians all day, you don’t get to hear what brings everyone else to shows.  Chatting up a guy in accounting or IT is a great way to get an overall idea of what appeals to people musically and in every other way.  You’re reaching a group of people who may be totally removed from “the scene” but who might still really like your music, buy your album and come to your show. 

9. Always be Prepared for a Great Idea

Different things work for different people.  A small digital recorder.  A journal or notebook.  A day planner.  Whatever it is, make sure you have it ready any time you need to jot down a brilliant idea, amazing lyrics, or the contact information of someone you meet.  Don’t rely on your memory.  Keep your ideas logged and refer back to them.  Even if it isn’t something you are going to use right now, it may be something you can pursue in the future…which is even more of a reason to have it written down.

10. Have a Routine

It doesn’t have to be a boring routine, but the key to real success in marketing and promotions is consistency.  Have certain days that you read and comment on blogs, update your website, and respond to emails.  Plan for specific nights to go out and hear other bands play.  Try to spend a couple of hours each week on certain tasks that will give you a regular presence online and off.  Try visiting your favorite coffee shop every week at the same time and ask if you can leave a stack of flyers there.  They may be more inclined to let you if you’re one of the ‘regulars’.