Welcome to Claes Place. Sean Claes is a Content Manager and Social Media expert who has worked as a Journalist, Photographer, Event Planner, Consultant, Marketer and Copywriter. He's got over 20 years of experience advising small business and musicians about their marketing and social media.
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 seanclaesATseanclaes.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/.
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
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/.
So, I took 2 weeks off… I’ve been busy being sick. Instead of writing the column, I’ve been sleeping. It’s amazing what sleeping for 8 hours a night for a few nights can do for you.
About a month ago, a question was posed to me from a friend of mine, who happens to be a guitarist, Sonny Bihl. The question? Well, it’s the subject of my new column.
The question: Which do you recommend…
Getting a band together, playing shows, garnering fans, build from live shows?
or
Getting a band together, get a Website, market online, record a CD or EP, and mass promote all before the first show?
If there was a mixture of the two, I’d probably go there. But I’ll pick apart both scenarios as I see them.
Play Live First
I think this is the direction most bands take. You get yourself 3 or 4 other folks together and jam in a garage or practice space for a few weeks and then take your show to a bar or club. If you’re lucky, one will let you play there on a weeknight for a few months.
If you do your homework, promote the shows, get fans to sign up for your email list, and create a bankable draw (meaning the bar doesn’t lose money on you) you can ask for a weekend show opening for a bigger band. The more fans you get, the more clubs will want you to play there, and the more money you may make. Pro:
You’re honing your stage presence and that will take you far.
The more you play live, the tighter and better the band will sound.
You are getting the band’s name out there and, if you’re worthwhile, creating a buzz
Earning $$ that can be used to record debut CD, which you’ll have a demand for when done.
Con:
You may have begun playing before you have actually arrived at the sound you’d like your band to have, which means the shows will be rough.
If you aren’t giving people anything to walk away with. How are they going to remember you?
If you don’t have a Website, Facebook page, Twitter account, Google+ for the band… how are people hearing about you?
Overall, this isn’t a bad direction to take. The more you play live, the more comfortable the band will be together and as long as you’re looking longer term and looking at actually making it, you’ll be releasing a full-length CD within a year of forming the band.
Produce A Record First
If you have OCD or was a perfectionist, I’d imagine this is the route you’d want to take as a musician. I’ve known a few bands that go this route as well and it’s not a bad one. What you do is assemble your band, work in the studio for a few months until you have an album together, then produce it, print it, and use that as your calling card to get bigger gigs and to have merchandise at the shows.
While you’re in the studio, you’re also establishing a Facebook, Twitter, Website, and using other outlets to start a buzz about your band.
Since you already recorded the songs, the band should be tighter from the get-go and the sound of your band will be established. With a CD you can pitch your band to bigger-named acts and perhaps get to open for them.
Pro:
Having a CD shows you’re a serious band, one a booking agent can bank on being around for a while.
You have something to give or sell to people at shows.
You will have had time to get to know your band, so you’re going to be more comfortable playing with them.
Con:
You are going to try and sell a product having never played live, meaning you probably won’t sound great those first few shows.
If any of the band members quits, that CD is not representative of your band.
The money for the recording has to come directly out of pocket.
A Little of Both
My recommendation would be this… Once you get your band together and settle on a name, publish it. Make a Facebook account, twitter account, link to it from your personal accounts, invite your friends.
Then, start working on your sound. If you have one track in particular that you think it a good one, record it. Get some of your music out there.
When you’ve got a 30-45 minute set down and you think you’ve got a solid band together, hit up a few clubs. Maybe you have a few friends in bands that play at the club you’re hoping to gig at. Call them up, see if they’ll vouch for you and see if you can get a spot opening up for them.
When you play your first few shows, be sure and give away that track to anyone and everyone… include it as a free download if people sign up for your mailing list, or hand them an actual CD with it burned onto it. Make sure they leave knowing who they just saw play. There are millions of bands in the world… and you are just one. Make sure you are the one they think of when they wake up the next day.
Make sure you’re collecting e-mails for your mailing list and using all the social media outlets you can to reach new fans and keep existing ones informed.
Once you’ve got a few shows under your belt, you know how a crowd is responding to your sound. You have a better idea of which songs work and which songs don’t… you can use the crowds in the early shows as a test group for your music. If you have their butts shaking, you win… if you have their butts moving towards the door… consider revising the song.
After playing for a few months, you’ll have a good idea of what to record, and if you’ve been a smart band you’ve saved a little bit of money as well. Use the money to record the debut CD.
Once your CD is done, you should have a decent sized mailing list and a good amount of friends on Facebook and Twitter…. It’s time to have a CD release show.
Rinse and repeat if necessary.
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/.
There are very few artists I can think of that have walked away from a major label and recreated themselves into what they desired to become, musically, and been successful.
Ian Moore is the textbook definition of DIY.
He began his career as an Austin-based blues axeman who was being poised to be the next Stevie Ray Vaughan. One small problem... he didn't WANT to be the next Stevie Ray Vaughan.
So, after two successful blues-rock albums on Capicorn Records (1993's Ian Moore and 1995's Modern Day Folklore) he walked away from the label and started crafting his own sound on his terms. And the world is better for it.
This week, my column is going to be dedicated to Ian Moore, whom I interviewed for INsite Magazine.
And if you're in Austin, come out TONIGHT (9/6/11) to The Scoot Inn to see him play with his current outfit, Ian Moore and the Lossy Coils.
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/.
What do you want to do with your band’s life? I know.. you wanna rock. Thank you Dee Snider. But, really, if you’re serious about music, you should make a decision. You should make a plan. Are you just playing to play, or is this something you’re counting on doing for a long time, and/or as a career?
Maybe you're not out for the big festival scene... that's OK.
It doesn’t matter if you got into music because it was anti-authority. It doesn’t matter if you picked up a guitar to piss off your parents, to win a girl, or because you have a special gift you need to share with the world. You’re sitting in the position of being 1 piece of a puzzle that is the size of your band. It’s no longer just about you. It’s about the band now. It’s about contributing to the one great song that is music.
The way I see it, there’s three basic plans that bands can embark upon. Argue all you want that there’s more… but for the sake of this blog, I’m limiting it to three.. and I’ll bet your argument, no matter how valid it may be… can fall into one of these big buckets below.
JUST PLAY MUSIC
There’s the band that just wants to play music, in a garage, dive bar, someone’s party, empty parking lot… anywhere. This band doesn’t care if there’s 1 person or 1000 people in the crowd. They focus their energy into having a good time and playing music with friends. This band will likely never play in front of 1,000 people, though, because it’s not about that. It’s not about getting their music to the masses, distribution, labels, getting on MTV (or whatever station actually plays music these days), or fame. It’s more about having a good time with some friends, and everyone is welcome to the party. It’s just about the individuals who are in the band playing the music they love. You know, that’s fine. As long as everyone in the group KNOWS that’s what the band is about and is happy with that decision.
There are many, many bands out there that aren’t trying to grab the brass ring. Most of the bands in Austin would fall into this category. Some of my favorite bands fall into this category. They’ll never be famous, but they throw a heck of a good party.
Plan:
Write and learn songs that make the band happy.
Play when invited to play.
Find a few clubs that caters to your sound.
Record CD of originals.
Goal: Make enough money to supplement the money you spend on your music, and remain happy about playing.
MISSION DRIVEN MUSIC
Some bands have something loftier to prove than just playing music. An example of this type of band would be Rage Against The Machine. They had a political motivation. They were trying to change minds, get people plugged in, and make a difference. If you’d like to prove a point and use music as your tool… that’s fantastic. Make sure everyone in the band is on board… then pull the trigger.
Please do me a favor and have something worthy to say, and be informed about the machine you’re raging against. Don’t do it for shock value or just because you heard Public Enemy once and thought it’d be fun to rattle some cages. Nothing is sadder than an ill-informed drunk front man trying to pontificate on a subject he learned about by watching Fox News.
Plan:
Get informed and know the subject you’re talking about
Write informed songs about subject.
Use songs as a platform to voice your opinions.
Find groups, clubs, and individuals who will support your right deliver your message.
Find controversy, find injustice, find your niche in the world
GOAL: Play until you’re heard. Play until you see the change you are trying to achieve. Play to shine a light on the things you wish to see changed. Then play through the change.
COVER OF ROLLING STONE
This is what most people think a band’s mission is. To become wildly popular. To sell a million records and land on the cover of Rolling Stone. In order to do this, chances are you’re going to have to “sell out” in more ways than one. You have to promote, pander, pucker-up and parade around until the whole world sees you and invites you into their lives. You are likely going to have to work your way up the ladder and change and adapt at each stop along the way. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking this track if you know this is where you’re heading.
Of course, you have to be moldable. You are working to get into a position where someone is going to “help” you achieve the sound and look that may propel you into mega-stardom. This is why I mentioned that most of the bands I know are in the “Just Play Music” category. You’ve got to be OK with losing your soul a little.
Now.. this isn’t how every star is born, but the wheels of the music industry are always looking for another band they can turn into another Katy Perry, Coldplay, Garth Brooks, or Taylor Swift. Heck.. Imagine if they found another cash cow like KISS?
Plan:
Find out what music is selling.
Write to the largest demographic of fans.
Make videos, play benefits, eat, sleep, and drink the band.
Cut a full length album and promote it like it’s the new Bible and everyone’s soul is going to hell unless they listen to it.
Find similar bands, more popular than you and open for them.
Bother booking agents, talent agents, labels, magazines, newspapers, and blog writers until they see you live… and have a favorable reaction.
Be prepared to change your music, ditch band members, do special “favors” and completely give yourself over to a person who will turn you into the music superstar you never knew you wanted to be (i.e. become a sellout).
Do everything you can to avoid being spit out of the wood-chipper that is people’s waning taste in popular music.
GOAL: Sell out major stadiums worldwide, make millions of dollars, and get the cover of the Rolling Stone.
So, which plan do you fall into? Do you like it there?
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/.
Hey, got a Smartphone? Pick it up and look at it. Do you know you’re holding what could be the center of your band’s promotional efforts? With what you’re holding you can e-mail, call, surf the web, and interact with the world at large, or just one person at the tap of a screen.
Confession time. I just joined the ranks of the iPhone, so I’m pretty new at this. And yes, “Angry Birds” was the first app I downloaded. But, I quickly realized that this is a much bigger animal than an app about flinging birds at pigs and monkeys. PLUS, it has some great social and promotional tools. So, I’m dedicating this week’s column to a few thought on how you can make that phone work for you.
NOTE: All of these things are free, or included with your service plan (provided you have a data package and unlimited texting…which I think I may be one of the last people in the world to get).
5 Things You Can Do To Promote
Your Music from Your Phone
1. Store Media contacts and USE them – yes, you can store thousands of phone numbers on that little device, but do you use them to promote yourself? Shoot a text to the writer at the local newspaper/magazine/entertainment blog when you release a new song or have a show… or just to tell them you enjoyed their review of Dog Face Cow’s new album. Tip: ALWAYS include your name and band name.
2. Use Gowalla and FourSquare – When you’re doing band things, “check in” on one of the apps that let people know where you are and what you’re doing. If you’re checking out another band.. share the love.. and share the pictures too.
You may even use one of these for promotions. “Anyone who is coming to the show and checks in here can get $1 off cover if they show the doorman when paying.”
3. Photos – Use them, take them, and encourage them. When you’re at a show, take photos and post them to your Facebook page, Twitter account, Flickr… anywhere you can. I use a free app called Instagram (the “free” version of the popular Hipstamatic). It takes “square” photos and gives you the option of posting it to Twitter, Facebook, Email, Flickr, Tumblr, Foursquare, and Posterous. I don’t use all of these... but if you did.. it’s one stop-shopping.
4. Play Games – I’m currently playing “Words With Friends” and “Hanging With Friends” with members of several Austin bands. It‘s fun, it’s relaxing, and it’s keeping me top of mind with these bands. Nobody has pitched anything to me while playing, they’ve shot me some Facebook invites (like every other band that’s vying for my time out there) and you know what? I read theirs. Why? Because we have a bigger connection than an ominous e-mail or Event Listing. I play Hangman with them. Yes, on the surface it seems trite, but think about it. If you had the ability to play a game with your fans one on one… and it brought them closer to your music… would you?
5. Is there an App for that? – I have seen a few bands that have their own apps. So, I googled and found a few companies who do this service, there’s Mobbase, who has, among others, a Rebelution app, Mobile Roadie, who handles the likes of Train and Xenodium has several bands represented on their “Artist” page. I used Xenodium to create a version of what an app for my fictitious band Dog Face Cow could look like.
I didn’t get a Smartphone for a long time because I thought it was too expensive. I still think paying over $100 for a phone is robbery, but I’m doing my best to make things happen to allow it to earn it’s keep. Now, I just came up with 5 things you could do. I’ll bet you could come up with 20 more. If you do, let me know. Oh, and if you friend me on Facebook, you can challenge me to Words with Friends and Hanging With Friends. As long as you’re not Dave Madden or Twinky P (from Full Service)… I think I have a shot at beating you.
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/.
It may be too late to talk about this for you and your current band. Chances are if you’ve played out in public, you’ve got a name. I hope you took the time to research and think about the name before you actually used it.
It’s important. It’s how people will know you. If your band breaks through, it’s a name that will follow you the rest of your life. So, I thought I’d give you three “Dos” and three “Don'ts” to think about when coming up with your bands name.
DO - Research the name to see if there’s another band by that name.
There used to be two Slayers. The Slayer we all know well, that was formed in 1981… and one from San Antonio, Texas that was formed in 1982. I never heard the San Antonio one, but I’ll bet that really put a hurt on their style… because they had to bill themselves as “S.A. Slayer.”
DO - See if you have a good Website Name.
Here’s something that bands before the 1990s ago didn’t have to worry about. When choosing a name for your band, check to see if you can buy the Website domain of the same name. Make sure you don’t have to put the word “music,” “band,” “online,” or “rock” after your name. When people look you up, you want them to be able to find you as easy as possible. They shouldn’t have to guess and your band’s name shouldn’t direct them to a convenience store in Coldwater, Michigan… or worse.. to another band.
DO - Make your name easy to spell
Quick… without looking at this screen, spell Evanescence. How about Okkervil River? You can’t… can you? Do you think ANYONE can? Now, that hasn’t exactly been keeping them from making it big, but do you really need an extra problem?
DON'T - Pick a name based on current news.
If you choose to be funny, make sure it’ll last. Don’t base your name on a joke, unless it has staying power, or is an iconic name. You know… like Mufreesboro, TN’s Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza (saw them at Emo's last year). You’ve got to know that In a few years the Irish band named “I Got Shot By Dick Cheney” is going to have no people recalling the reference.
DON'T - Get sued for Copyright Infringement.
Did you know that Green Jellÿ used to be Green Jellö? Seems “Jello” took exception to the name. The band Chicago was originally “Chicago Transit Authority” before they were threatened with legal action. Do yourself a favor, don’t name your band after a product or group.
DON'T - Use the auto Band Name Generator or pick a random word in the dictionary.
Your band name should have SOME meaning to you. If it doesn’t, you better come up with one because reporters will ask… and I don’t think “aw.. I just threw open Webster’s Dictionary” (Evanescence actually did this) is a sound bite you want as part of your band’s history. And the Band Name generator. It’s a fun game, but if you’re serious… leave that to the laughs when you get “Phat Crayon” and “Meaning of Stool” (I actually got those from http://www.bandnamemaker.com/) to twitter posts about band name generators.
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Actually, if you’ve been reading this column all the way through, you may have noticed I made up a band name for an example. The name I came up with is “Dog Faced Cow.” It’s a little funny, the URL is available, and easy to remember. My wife called me this a few times (I think it was as a substitute for “you bastard”). Love you darling.
Of course, you could throw all of these suggestions away and just use your last name. Nobody can fault you for that.
From xkcd
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/.
In case you don’t know me, I support local music. I really am a fan of homegrown talent. Luckily, I live near Austin, Texas so it’s pretty easy to find good music (although I’ll admit there is A LOT of music I wouldn’t want to hear again that I’ve heard in Austin). Sometimes bands and entertainers make it harder than it should be to support them though.
One thing could make it much easier. This is the subject of this week’s message. Know your schedule. If you’re gigging, know where you’ll be next. It’s pretty simple. Like I’ve said many times before, music is your job. Treat it as such. Know your work hours.
Now, I’ve had two separate instances happen this week that made me want to write about this subject.
The Facebook Music Share Incident
I’m a member of the Facebook group “I Support ATX Hip-Hop. Do You?” There’s a member who posts songs, videos, and the like almost every day to promote himself. That’s great. I finally asked him where he played so I might be able to catch his performance. His response was “anywhere that pays.” I still don’t know where he actually performs. Promoting your music doesn’t work too well if you can’t tell someone where they can go to support you.
Roots and Branches of Americana Taping
Tuesday night I was invited to be a member of the audience of a live-broadcast radio show. It was New Braunfels radio station KNBT’s Roots and Branches of Americana, hosted by Ray Wylie Hubbard. The set-up is, there are 2-3 performers who sit up on stage, perform a few songs and in between Hubbard interviews them. Pretty simple.
One of the performers did a song and afterwards, Hubbard asked him where he was playing next. He didn’t know. I looked him up (because I recorded 2 videos of him and wanted to get the song names), come to find out he’s got 9 gigs in the next 3 weeks, and one of them is in the town where the radio station broadcasts out of. You know, KNBT is a REALLY big deal in Americana music circles. This is where many artists consider having gotten their start. All this is to say, it’s not a Podunk radio station in a town where nobody is listening. If you get a chance to be on the show KNOW WHERE YOU’RE PLAYING NEXT.
Now, I’m not saying anything negative about the music. I loved all three performers from the Roots and Branches gig (walked away with 2 autographed CDs, including the person I mentioned above) and I’m sure the Hip-Hop guy would be great live. That isn’t the issue. My issue is, nobody is going to be able to see you live if YOU don’t know when you’ll be playing.
These are just two examples of things that I saw this week. It happens more than you know. Musicians on every step of the fame ladder fault at this one, so to the two I mention above, just know you’re not alone. But, as a professional, it is something that should be second nature to you. You should always know where your next few gigs are going to be. ESPECIALLY if you’re doing a radio show.
You want to play to THIS crowd? It takes a PLAN. (Ozzfest 2007)
