Who is Sean Claes, you may ask? Well, I am a copywriter, a freelance entertainment writer,and a photographer. Thanks for stopping by. My main homepage is http://www.seanclaes.com
1/12: I'm embarking on a new challenge in 2012. I'm attempting to feature 52 Austin bands in 52 Weeks.This will happen from 1/10/12 - 1/1/13.
Are you a musician or member of an Austin, Texas Band?
Want to be interviewed?
What I Need: 1. You to reach out to me at seanATinsiteaustin.com with a Subject Line that reads "52 Weeks Interview." We'll touch base with each other and schedule a date for publishing.
What I'd LIKE to have happen is, the interview is published within a week of you playing a show. That was it's some promo for you. If you'd like to shoot me your poster for the show, I will try and promote it as well.
Timeline: On or before Monday of the week before your interview will publish, I will shoot you an e-mail with 10-15 questions, and I ask that you return it asap, or at least a few days. I publish every Tuesday by end of day. Example? Let's say I'm publishing an interview with Art vs. Industry on March 6, 2012. I'd have the questions to them by February 27.
Why?
You may be wondering why I'm doing this. Well, I'm a big fan of Austin music. I have been an entertainment writer for about 15 years and a magazine owner for about 5. It's never been about the money (although I wish it was a $100k a year job), but about advancing the music. In 2009-10 I did 52 Weeks of Austin CD Reviews. In 2010-11 I completed 52 Weeks of DIY Music Advice (Both of which are fully archived via those links).
Sean Claes is the owner of Austin's INsite Magazine and has been a freelance entertainment writer since 1996. If you like what you read... please share. To visit Claes' homepage, go here - http://www.seanclaes.com/.
I saw a couple people posting on Facebook that they were headed somewhere exotic for a weird number of months...
Here's the code breaker.
You use the month and day you were born on.
Write: "I am going to live in (month you were born [see below) for (day you were born) months!
January - Mexico
February - London
March - Miami
April - Dominican Republic
May - France
June - St. Petersburg
July - Austria
August - Germany
September - New York
October - Amsterdam
November - Las Vegas
December - Columbia
A few days ago I was in Wal Mart and I checked in on FourSquare… mostly because I have delusions of grandeur and think two things:
People really care about where I’m at all day long and it’s important to note that I’m looking for a winter hat for kickball; and
That by becoming “mayor” of as many places as possible, it will somehow grant me better customer service and more friends than you… albeit all virtually.
Anyhow… I was at Wal Mart and when I checked in I read the “Tips” that people left. Every one of them were complaining about the service, the prices, the cleanliness, and other nit-picky things. I posted up my own tip, which reads: “It’s a Wal Mart… get over it. Complain all you want, you’ll be back.”
What does that have to do with DIY Music Advice? Has Sean finally lost his mind on the last entry of his 52 Week mission?
Rest easy, my pretty little ponies. I’m just as insane as I was on Week 1, and let me tell you how this comes back around to Music. You see, Wal Mart is Nickleback. They are Creed. They are the “goods and services” version of the band that is raking in millions of dollars and laughing all the way to the bank when people complain and cry about them. They are a joke… a multi-million dollar earning joke.
So, that made me think even more… every band fits into this category of different sized businesses. You’ve got the garage bands all the way up to the most legendary band ever.
If you’re a band, where are you currently? Where would you like to be? How do you get there?
With that mindset, think about this. If your band was a store, which one of these 7 would they be?
A Website with a phone number to order:
You think you’ve got a good idea so you make a few things, set up a Website and wait for the world to discover you. You don’t really tell anyone about your store except family, because you think if it’s good enough SOMEONE will do that for you. (Example: Your sister/aunt/cousins/nephews tchotchke site)
Band equivalent: You never get out of your garage or backyard unless your Aunt hires you to play her kid’s birthday party. You’re not a band; you’re a hobby with a name.
Mom & Pop Convenience Store:You have a neighborhood appeal, there are millions of you, you’ll never make it rich, but you’re happy doing what you’re doing and are used to the same 100 people knowing who you are. (Example: Austin’s Whip-In)
Band Equivalent: Every band beginning to play clubs at local venues.
Chain Convenience Store:
There are still millions of you, but you’ve got a little name recognition and people in several cities know you. Still, you’ll never be the first band on their mind, but you’re comfortable knowing that they know who you are, where you’ll be, and they can rely on you being there when they decide to stop in. (Example: Diamond Shamrock)
Band Equivalent: These would be bands that play the circuit, have been on a “national” tour where they play some major cities. In between sleeping on couches, Ramen noodles, and meager gig wages they will survive to do it all over again. For the most part, we’re talking about an unknown band on a “road show” night.
Regional Grocery Store:
You’re big in Texas. People relate to you in that aspect. You’re not “too big” to be called a sell-out, but you’re a pretty big blip on the radar for your region. You’re less a specialty shop and more a one-stop experience (Example: HEB)
Band Equivalent: Bands have actually made a decent living at this level. They won’t be rich, but they are able to be full-time musicians and support themselves on their music. They won’t sell out stadiums, but they can sell-out 200-300 seat venues on a regular basis. You’ve heard them on the radio and seen them on TV; maybe you’ve downloaded a song or two.
Big Box Store:
You’re a sell-out. Don’t let that bother you, because it’s all those punks who are loyal to their “Mom & Pop Shops” that call you a sell-out because you’re “stealing their customer.” They secretly wish they were you, but they’ll never admit THAT. People all over the nation know who you are and most have visited once or twice. (Example: Wal Mart)
Band Equivalent: Really popular bands that people like to make fun of. This is the slot for bands like Nickleback. They have good company on this level too. Creed, Korn, Poison, Jonas Brothers, Avenged Sevenfold, Queensryche, Bon Jovi, Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow… I could go on.
A Major Draw:
You’ve surpassed sell-out and become THE meal ticket. There’s only a handful of you in the country, and as long as you keep doing what you are doing, and doing it well, people will come from hundreds of miles around just to see you. You own your marketplace and everyone who is anyone knows who you are. (Example: IKEA, Cabela's)
Band Equivalent: This is where every band hopes to be someday. Internationally recognizable and loved (for the most part) AND banking hardcore. These are the ones you will travel 100 miles to catch live, and when you get there you have to get a t-shirt and some other swag to prove you were there. Bands like Metallica and KISS are the two that I happily spend too much money whenever I go to their show.
Legendary: You carved your own path and created something that only you can own. Sure there’s going to be copycats, but they pretty much named the category for you. Universal appeal, everyone has heard of you, and by everyone I mean everyone from kids to grandparents have uttered your name. (Example: Amazon.com)
Band Equivalent: There are very, VERY few who reach this category, and for those The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was created. You know the words to several of their songs by heart and when you’ve had a little too much to drink you sing them at the top of your lungs. The Eagles, Elvis, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Willie Nelson, and Bob Dylan are examples.
So, where are you in the mix? Where would you like to be? What is your plan to get there? I’ve given you 52 individual blogs containing advice… have you taken it in? If so, please let me know how it’s working (or not working) for you. If not… well… thanks for reading the last one and I invite you to read the others.
The Wrap Up
I began this journey in September 2010. My original intention was to wrap it up in 1 year, one a week for 52 weeks. I got sidelined along the way with life, but I persisted and wrapped it up on 1/5/12. It was a personal challenge, and I hope some of what I have said in the last year or so has helped encourage you that you’re doing the right things or pointed you in a good direction.
I’ve completed this, but please know that if you have any questions on which you’d like advice, first, take a look at my offerings here... and if the answer isn't there, I’ll happily lend an ear, and try and help you out. Just leave a comment or shoot an e-mail to me and I’ll do my best to respond.
Thanks for reading and now I’ll move on to my next 52 Week Project, which I’ll unveil soon.
Sean Claes is the owner of Austin's INsite Magazine and has been a freelance entertainment writer since 1996. For an introduction to his "52 Weeks of DIY Music Advice" visit this link - http://www.tinyurl.com/Claes52DIY. If you like what you read... please share. To visit Claes' homepage, go here - http://www.seanclaes.com/.
The first week of music in January in Austin, Texas has been known as “Free Week” for almost a decade. It started when Graham Williams (Transmission Entertainment/Fun Fun Fun Fest) was booking at Emo’s and was an attempt to get folks out to a bar during the cold weather in between college semesters.
From a marketing / bar standpoint, it’s a really good idea. And you know what? I’ll probably take a show or two in. There are a couple bands in town I’d like to see, but not enough to pay for them. Did I just write that? Ahem… I mean… well… I mean I’m a very, very cheap person. It’s true. I’ve often said that my family motto is “It’s All About The Free Stuff.”
Of course, I’m a 38 year-old father of two that lives in Kyle, Texas who happens to have been an entertainment writer for the last 15 years. I’m really not your average music fan.
So, I’ve put my thoughts to paper on a few questions you may have (and should have if you’re trying to advance your musical career). It’s too late to be booked for Free Week 2012… but if you’re playing it… or hoping to play it next year, this may be for you.
See the bands playing Free Week 2012 on do512.com/freeweekaustin
1. Does Free Week bring average music fans out?
There is definitely a buzz between the Red River/ 6th Street area during the first week in January. So, yes, there is a lot more people on the street this week because of the event, but they are all craving something free.
The question is, how do you get that average music fan* to see you during free week? Remember it’s not up to the club to promote you. YOU are in charge of getting butts into that club. There are going to be more than 15 clubs in Austin within a mile of each other with bands playing for free.
How are you doing getting people to your show? Did you use the social media? Did you poster up the area? Did you hand out hand-bills? Are you creating a buzz about your show? Did you e-mail media? Try to get on a radio show? Get some press on a local blog? Post your show on places like DO512.com and Showlist Austin? In short… have you done ANYTHING to tell people about your show?
If not, you’re just playing to play… and that's OK... it shows you’re not serious about the progress of your band, and when you’re done playing your show you can go back to the garage and tinker like you enjoy doing. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. But, I write this article for musicians who may want a little more out of their musical career.
2. Do you really gain any fans?
You get out what you put in. I’ve seen bands play Free Week that have their entire merch booth set up, I’ve seen others that didn’t have a thing for sale and still others who gave away their album. Remember, there’s a BUNCH of bands playing at the same time. Last year I jumped between 4 different bars. The only bands I remembered were the ones I had something in my pocket from at the end of the night.
3. Who WAS that band?
As mentioned above, I checked out a few bands last year for Free Week. I probably heard 10-15 bands in one evening. I was taking photos AND video. There were a few bands I shot that nobody knew who they were. If you don’t have a sign up letting people know who you are… or at least mention it a few times (or hand something out), how are they going to find you again?
Eagle Eye Williamson playing Free Week 2011 @ Club Deville
4. Is playing “FREE WEEK” any different than the other free shows you do in town?
The ONLY difference is, there will be 15+ other free choices around you. Everyone is offering their talent for no charge. The question is….well.. #5.
5. How is your band going to stand out?
That’s more of a question for YOU. And you should think outside the box on this one. Here’s a few ideas:
a. Commission an artist to paint a piece of art during your set… and tell people that if they sign up to your mailing list, they have a chance to win a drawing to get to keep the artwork.
b. Give away your CD to everyone who wants it, and go by after the show and offer to autograph it, as an added bonus… or at least say hello and thanks.
c. Costumes. Funny hats. Something outlandish. WARNING, this only works if you have good music… or else you’ll be remembered as that crappy band in English soldier uniforms.
d. Be dynamic from stage. Treat the show like you’re trying to win something. You may be… winning a fan, or maybe a slot opening up for a larger band at that venue.
Art vs. Industry play Stubbs during Free Week 2011
My FREE advice (worth much more than it cost you)
So, if you are asking me, playing for no pay is acceptable, as long as you and your band mates have a plan for Return-On-Investment (ROI). Make sure that the time you put into the night… lugging equipment, paying for parking, time away from loved ones, practice time, drinks, etc… is either understood to be a loss, or you have figured out a way to come in even or ahead.
If you’ve read a few of my posts in this series, it should be no surprise when I say that you need to run your band like a business. It’s called the “MUSIC BUSINESS.” The clubs are your stores and your band is your product. You will not get very far if you keep giving away your product, but it’s a good idea to give folks a free sample now and again as long as you’re monitoring the ROI.
Personally, if I were in a band that played the bar scene, I would probably rail against Free Week, unless there was some kind of deal going on behind the scenes with a promoter that promised a bigger (and paying) gig for a positive performance. I’d actually want to play a gig with a cover charge that week… and out-promote and out-rock the freebie clubs.
I asked a few Facebook friends what they thought of playing for Free. My friend Jose Santacruz made a good point, which pretty much encompasses my thoughts as a whole.
“I think as musicians, we sell ourselves short and we let others do it as well. A freebie for charity, for a good cause, for a friend... sure,” he said. “But to go to a club and not get paid while you are keeping the bar full? I don't think so. Owners will make it seem like people will stay no matter what, but what a coincidence that they are staying while you are there too? You did not run them off and you should be paid.”
Another friend chimed in with this sad, but true nugget.
“Let's not forget most weeks in Austin are free weeks,” David Love said.
So, think about this bands playing Free Week: If there’s no ROI, you’re just feeding the bar some money and walking away with less money than you began with.
In a live music scene that is losing more clubs by the day, (the latest casualty is Momo’s Club on 12/27/11), is trying to pack clubs by offering the musicians up for free what will save it? Is that winning? I think not.
To paraphrase and misquote Trey Parker (all apologies to Team America)
“Free Week isn't free! No there's a hefty f’n fee.
And if you don't throw in your buck o'five who will?”
So, next time you go to a live music venue, pay the cover or if there isn’t, throw the band their buck o’five. They deserve it.
Happy New Year everyone. Hope your 2012 is amazing.
The most entertaining people at Free Week 2011 were in the crowd.
* I’m defining “average music fan” as one who hits up at least 1 show a month and pays the cover to see a show.. yes... they are a dying breed
Those who know my wife Jodie and I... you know we have put together a Christmas CD every year for the last 11 years. What we try to do is introduce people to some of our favorite songs that motivated us in the previous year. Many of these songs are from bands/artists from the Austin, TX area.Of course, it's a Christmas CD, so we find a cool/different Christmas track to include (this year there's 3).
We burn 50-100 CDs and make a cover with liner notes. Within the liner notes we drop the link to the band so if you like what you hear.. you can pick up their work... and we sincerely hope you do.
Well.. here is our Christmas 2011 CD liner notes. Hope you enjoy. And if you're a member of one of the bands who are included and you'd like a copy, please shoot me a message.
Magdalena - Ian Moore Band (The First Third)
This is from a 1995 album that was shelved by the record company and was FINALLY released in 2011. (ianmoore.com)
Racing the Angels - Matraca Berg (The Dreaming Fields)Matraca Berg has been one of my favorite singer/songwriters for almost 20 years. You hear her work on the radio, you just don’t know it. From “Strawberry Wine” to “You and Tequila” she writes a powerful song (and not all are about alcohol). (matracaberg.com)
I’m Not Who I Was - Brandon Heath (Don’t Get Comfortable)
It’s almost biographical about me. The good news is, I was able to reconnect with a lost friend this year and we realized that we’ve both grown up and neither of us are “who we were.” (brandonheath.net)
Wiregrass - Stoney LaRue (Velvet)
Stoney LaRue is one of those singers that has the Americana vibe streaming through his veins. A rock-and-roll storyteller with a country twang. (stoneylarue.com)
Lookin’ For A Job - Todd Snider (The Devil You Know)
I began this year working for a company that had no respect for me at all. This could have been my theme song for that place (toddsnider.net)
Back To The Country - John David Kent (John David Kent)
Saw him at a recording of Ray Wylie Hubbard’s “Roots and Branches of Americana” a few months ago. Got his CD & an autograph. (johndavidkent.com)
Let The Good Times Roll - Brandon Rhyder (Live At Billy Bob’s Texas)
If you’re used to getting our Christmas CDs, you’re used to hearing Brandon Rhyder. This is a studio-track bonus from his 2011 live CD. (brandonrhyder.com)
In The Afternoon - Shawn Nelson (San Juan Street)Shawn Nelson was gracious enough to volunteer his time for a Movember concert in Austin I helped book. (shawnnelsonmusic.com)
Another Day - D.C. Bloom (New Man)
A former INsite writer. He’s got a fun-quirky style that I dig. You should too. (dcbloom.com)
Christmas in Austin – Shelley King (Holiday HAAM JAM V1)This is part of a charity CD that is benefitting the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM). I downloaded this at haamjam.com. If you like it, do me a favor and download another song from there. It’s charity. (myhaam.org)
Dinosaur For My Birthday - Will Dupuy (Dinosaur For My Birthday)“Mr. Will” was in a band Jodie and I liked…then in 2011 he was the music teacher at Harper’s daycare. If you have kiddos, pick this CD up - http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mrwilldupuy
Deck the Halls - Steve Wariner (Guitar Christmas)
A classic Christmas song done instrumental-style with Steve Wariner’s amazing acoustic guitar work. (stevewariner.com)
Let It Fade - Jeremy Camp (Beyond Measure)
Our pastor gave me this CD, which was released in 2006, to listen to about a year or so ago. This song jumped out to me. (jeremycamp.com)
Man Or Muppet - Jason Segel (The Muppets)You know that moment when your childhood meets your children’s childhood and they get along swimmingly? (disney.go.com/muppets)
Uki-Buki-Kuki-Duki-Fuki-Guki-Huki-Juki Island - The Biscuit Brothers (Get Up & Go)
This song makes Jodie smile. It’s sung by “Tiny Scarecrow,” one of the supporting characters in The Biscuit Brothers’ kids show. (biscuitbrothers.com)
Realizando - Grupo Fantasma (El Existential)Our family was one of the few folks that ventured into the Kyle Music Festival this year from the fair grounds and we were privileged to see Grupo Fantasma perform their set. The kids danced. A lot. (grupofantasma.com)
Silly Things - Wild Child (Pillow Talk)
Usually bands that are getting attention in Austin don’t do it for me, but these guys have that creeping music coupled with some interesting and tongue-in-cheek comical lyrics. (wildchildsounds.com)
Postcard From Somewhere Cold -Dead Black Hearts (The Southern Front)
One of the coolest things about working in Austin is the fact that I get to “discover” co-workers who are in bands. My co-worker Brian is the singer for the Dead Black Hearts. Neat song. (deadblackhearts.com)
Beautiful Things – Gungor (Beautiful Things)
This song has righted me many times this year as I struggled with being unsure of my purpose and potential. (gungormusic.com)
Shake It Out - Florence + The Machine (Ceremonials)After Gungor sets me straight, this song really helps me get over the things that bother me. (florenceandthemachine.net)
We Three Kings - Full Service
Full Service are one of those bands that I’ve come to know rather well over the years. This is a clip they recorded, not really meant to be released but they decided to share online. I thought it’d make a nice end cap to this CD. (fullservicemusic.com)
One of my favorite bands of all time is KISS. I got my first KISS album, Dynasty, in 1978. I’m not quite sure what would compel my parents to buy a 5 year-old a KISS album, but I’m glad they did. I spent the next 10-15 years trying to play air-bass like Gene Simmons. I’ve bought more records, then tapes, then CDs from KISS than any other band. Of course, they have a bigger discography than just about any band I know of as well. I never had a chance to see them live until the first reunion tour in 1996. All original members. I’ve since seen them three more times and got to photograph them once.
I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I own hats, shirts, jerseys, a clock, figurines, stickers, a terrible Towel… and probably a bunch of other Steelers items. The last time they won a Superbowl, it was on my birthday. I’ve been following them my entire adult career. I’ve even got a jersey that says “CLAES” on the back. It all started with a winter hat with a pom-pom on the top that I was given when I was about 6.
Why am I telling you this? It’s not because I really want you to know me better (although Christmas IS coming up). It’s because I want you to be aware that fans are real people who somehow associate something you do with a memory or feeling or way of life. Don’t get me wrong… your music is important. It’s got to be good. BUT touching someone’s life in a profound way is how you gain solid life-long fans.
Sometimes you have some control over gaining fans by your actions.
This last month was Movember. It’s where men make a commitment to donate their face to men’s health issues by growing an ironic mustache. I’ve been taking part in Movember’s Team Austin for the last 2 years. This year, there was an event called ScandeMOnium, a high-tech scavenger hunt that culminated in a concert. All 4 of the bands who played donated their time. I personally asked Shawn Nelson (http://shawnnelsonmusic.com/) and john Arthur martinez (http://www.johnarthurmartinez.net/) to play, and they did. I have been a fan of both of them before this, but by donating their time to support a cause I believe in, thy have solidified a fan for life.
THAT, my friends, is how you do it. Volunteer to play for charity events. Support your fellow musicians and their families by caring about them. Support YOUR music scene by going to shows. Be prepared to play anywhere and anytime. Take over a parking lot of a major show (Full Service did this and it net them a spot opening for 311).
Sometimes you are just an unwitting piece of someone’s life, like the Steelers and KISS is for me. Nobody within either one of the organizations made me a fan… but they have both kept me as a fan by continually representing themselves as I hoped. Sure… KISS is 40 years old as a band and they have changed out a few players, but they give the fans just what they want. Every night they go out there are they are the best KISS they can be. They are a rock show. Comic book characters come to life. KISS is songs that define young-adulthood and an image that defined a 1970s childhood. It doesn’t matter how old they get… the make-up means we never have to see the wrinkle. They are icons.
But, you know what? It was the music that got me into KISS. Everything else made me a fan, but their music was solid. I still think that 1992’s KISS Revenge was a great album. I think it suffered from aging musician perception. Then they put their make-up on again and forgot the previous 15 years of music. It’s probably best they donned the make-up again, but I’d love to hear Demon Gene do “Domino” is full make-up.
See what happens when I start talking KISS? Anyhow, Back to the point. Bands come and go, but if you can somehow become important in a person’s memory and life, you will be immortal.
So think about it. Are you on someone’s CD player/iPod, or are you in their life?
BONUS
Five musicians / bands that have been important in my life through music and experiences.
Jodie and I w/ the Derailers 10/6/2001
The Derailers – They played my wedding reception. Well.. they played where my wife and I went after our wedding reception. We were married in San Marcos, Texas, had a reception in Seguin, and honeymooned in Gruene. We happened upon Gruene Hall on our wedding night and The Derailers were playing the Gruene Wine and Music Festival. We danced.. and had an amazing time. They played “There Goes The Bride” and we took off.
Monte Montgomery – His “Girl Like You” is my wife and I’s wedding song. He was the concert we went to on our first “date.” I’ve had the honor to chat him up a few times and the even bigger honor of seeing him in concert quite a few times. To this day, my favorite concert photo I’ve ever taken is him at Gruene Hall in 1998.
John Prine – A roommate I had and I were channel surfing one day and came across his “Ain’t Hurtin’ Nobody” and thought it was great. To this day, when I hear that song, I’m taken back to that dingy apartment and those days. When I went to college, and a buddy there handed me Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings and I was hooked.
KISS – I was born in 1973. I grew up on KISS. They merchandised their way into my heart. The music remained awesome, their live show is still spectacular… and I think I gushed enough above to just leave it at that. I’m still hoping someday Gene will give me a battle-axe bass. I guess my “key track” from KISS would be “I Was Made For Loving You,” which is a HORRIBLE song, but it’s the one I used to act out while playing it on our record player when I was a kiddo.
Los Lobos – Every time I listen to Los Lobos I think of Laredo. I think of growing up, all of the interesting turns that took. Probably my key track to reminisce is “One Time, One Night”
I call this my NedMOterhead
(Combination Ned Flanders and Lemmy)
It's DAY 29 of my luxurious ironic Movember mustache. It may look silly, but the fact that 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime is not funny... at all.
That's why I'm growing this...with Movember Team Austin. I'm trying to get 20 people to be aware and to donate to my Movember page. I've got 10 donations thus far. If you have a buck or five to spare... please donate here: http://mobro.co/seanclaes.
Please.
From Movember.com.
It’s time men face some startling health facts: - In 2011, more than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer - In 2011, more than 33,000 men will die from prostate cancer - One new prostate cancer case occurs every 2.2 minutes - A man dies from prostate cancer every 15.6 minutes - Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men - The incidence rates are significantly higher in African American men - Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men - 97% of prostate cancer cases occur in men age 50 and older - 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, 1 in 3 women will be. - 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. - 48% of testicular cancer cases occur in men between the ages of 20 and 34. - 1 in 271 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer during their lifetime. - Men commit suicide four times as often as women. - An estimated 8.7 million adult men over the age of 20 in the US have diabetes- and a third do not know it. - Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 34. - Approximately 50 million men and women in the US have high blood pressure- almost 30 per cent of them do not know it.
Just for looking at my blog... enjoy this show of photos I've taken throughout the month of the growing of my Mo.
They did it. This candy tastes exactly like an inside-out caramel apple. Each one of the Sugar Babies is individually coated with a green candy coating that is flavored like a Granny Smith apple. The inside is the same caramel goodness you expect from Sugar Babies.
Let me tell you how to eat one of these. 1. You put one individual piece in your mouth and roll it around on your tongue. This will wear the candy shell down and release the apple flavor. 2. Then you bite down and “break” the shell (it’s not a hard shell). Be careful not to bite all the way down, you just want to release the inner caramel to meld with the apple flavor. 3. Enjoy until it’s dissolved.
I suggest you eat this way because the alternative of popping a few in your mouth and chewing the candy will make the caramel stick to your teeth and that’s just plain annoying (unless that’s how you roll). Also, eating them individually will make them last longer too.
If you are a fan of the classic caramel apple, you will find happiness in the Caramel Apple Sugar Babies.
Do you have a pitch? Do you know how you’re going to present yourself? Do you know how you’re going to act on stage? There is a persona. There is an “other person” you can sink your soul into when you hit that stage and those can lights shine down on you. You just need to find it.
The best performers I have seen live are the ones who flip a switch when they get on stage. They aren’t the same person I was chatting with 10 minutes before the show. And you know what? A crowd digs that. They feed off of it. They fall for that persona.
Kimberly Freeman, who performs as “One-Eyed Doll” is a prime example. She is the nicest person you could ever meet, gentle, happy, and lovable. Then she hits stage and she transforms into an anime-esque guitar slinger who acts as the leader of a legion of metal-punk-black lipped-rejected kids. If you’ve never seen her show, treat yourself. You’ll love it or hate it.
Here’s a glimpse:
Of course, sometimes it’s the opposite. Edwin McCain is one of the funniest musicians I’ve ever talked to. When he launches into a song, though, you’re taken to another place. He presents a place of love, a place of loss, a place where he poetically and beautifully weaves in and out of personal stories.
Then there are the ones who create a spectacle every time they hit the stage: GWAR, KISS, Black Veil Brides (who bear a striking resemblance to Mötley Crüe a la “Looks That Kill”), Alice Cooper, or Rammstein.
And the ones who play up their looks to gain attention: Backstreet Boys, Ashlee Simpson, Shakira, Ke$ha, Usher, or Bon Jovi.
Who are you? Think about it. Be yourself is a good thing. But you need to find the “yourself” that you can amp up a few notches in order to get that crowd going. You need to be the best yourself on your best day every time you hit that stage.
Believe me, I know how hard it is to get up on stage. I’ve done it a few times. Of course, for me I have a much more forgiving crowd. I sing in my church praise band. I know... it’s not the same… but when I first got on stage, it was really, really hard. I’ve been at it for over a year and I’m just now getting comfortable enough to move around and have fun. But… I don’t consider myself an indie musician. I sing in church. I’m not making any money, trying to cut an album, trying to get media to notice me, or trying to make this a career. You are.
Think about it. Would you rather go see your friend that you just had lunch with walk up on stage and perform the same way he acted while eating that burger and fries… or do you want him to rock out and get into his set? I know when I see a band perform; I’m as interested in the music as I am in the actual performance.
I’ve seen a lot of bands. More than most people. I remember a few. Very few.
Bono and Co. won me over with an AMAZING performance. I tried to hate the show because I really, really didn’t like their new music, but it was amazing.
Picture an 11 piece (at least) band fit into the front of a single-wide trailer. That was pretty much what they looked like on stage (and pouring over into the front half) of the Triple Crown. They impressed the hell out of me and the 40-50 people who fit into the club. Now, they are Grammy Award Winners.
I’d seen One-Eyed Doll on the smaller stages and she impressed, but this was a big crowd and she commanded it. It was amazing to watch. I posted a video from that performance where I mentioned her above.
I’d just finished interviewing him and he strolled onto the small stage at Stubbs and tore up 3 sets worth of material – A country set, hellblly set, and punk set. Amazing.
Edwin McCain w/ my wife, Jodie and I
- Edwin McCain – One World Theatre (Austin, TX) 2009
It was like sitting in the living room and listening to a friend, except the friend would break into amazing and beautiful songs.
- Terri Hendrix – Cheatham Street Warehouse (San Marcos, TX) 2000
A Terri Hendrix Show will change your attitude. You can walk in pissed off and walk out loving the world. She is a poet, a beautiful person, and a dedicated and amazing musician.
- Loblolly – Gordo’s (San Marcos, TX) 1998
These guys were Redneck Punk at it’s finest. Songs like “Going To Jail (To Visit Dad),” “Love Is A Horse,” and “White Trash America” and a band that included a washboard player, a drummer named Mojo, and a lead vocalist that would spend the last song stripped down to his underwear and wearing a Tweetybird head. They were my favorite college band.
Technically this was my wife and I’s first date, but it was masqueraded as work. We got in free w/media passes and I took photos and got mesmerized by the amazing guitar work and lyrics of this man. This is one of the reasons his “Girl Like You” is my wife and I’s wedding song.
Full Service @ Backwoods Bash
- Full Service – Backwoods Bash Music Festival @ ThunderMoon Ranch (Mannford, OK) 2008
They drove up from Austin, Texas on my word that they’d have a great time and played the first ever Backwoods Bash… and it was epic. You had to be there. This video I got doesn’t really do it justice.
Don’t get me wrong, I would probably list out another 10 easily, but these shows, to me, were them performing as their best selves on their best day. Impressed the heck out of me.
I don’t care how personable and easy going a person looks up there on stage, they’ve worked at that banter, they’ve rehearsed the stories, they know what they are doing up there. There is no room for “um” moments and there’s no use in getting up on a stage and trying to entertain if you look, dress, and sound like you’d rather be at home playing Madden 2012.
Of course, I’ve stated this before on this blog. I’m writing this assuming you are a good band who plays music people will WANT to hear and you’re trying to make music your full-time occupation. This column is just to try and give you some advice to get to that next level.
So, figure out who you are… and who you will be on stage. It matters.
Sean Claes is the owner of Austin's INsite Magazine and has been a freelance entertainment writer since 1996. For an introduction to his "52 Weeks of DIY Music Advice" visit this link - http://www.tinyurl.com/Claes52DIY. If you like what you read... please share. To visit Claes' homepage, go here - http://www.seanclaes.com/.
