As you know, the visual aspects of a performance are important, and we work on making songs look different from each other. This is easy for guitar players and singers, but I get approached all the time, by keyboard players asking, ‘What do I do? I’m stuck behind a piano or a keyboard set-up!’ It’s […]
Three Things Keyboard Players Can Do
Upping Your on Screen Show
I was just watching a replay of MTV’s inaugural show on its 40th anniversary, and chuckling at their choice for first video out of the shoot being the song ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’. I immediately thought about today’s music world, where at one point I wondered if we’d be singing, ‘Video Killed the Live […]
Your Audience – at Ease or on Edge?
Recently, I was part of a private audience at a magic show in a relative’s home. You know…card tricks, disappearing doves, guy-in-a-tux. Fun, right? Should have been, but turns out it was basically a front-row seat to a train wreck. The magician – whom I’ll re-name ‘Hocus’ – got off to a rough start by […]
Rehearsing Virtually – Creative Ideas
Missed you guys so much! I’m ready to get back to some live shows. How about you? This shutdown is, hopefully coming to an end soon, and I’m excited to see venues open back up and people flock (positive thinking!) to live shows – now that we’ve all been deprived of them! Be. Ready. Polish […]
Winning the Crowd – What YOU can learn from Nashville’s Honky Tonks
Nashville is unique in many ways and is home to many types of venues, artists and genres. We have larger concert venues for international touring artists, smaller rooms showcasing both signed and indie artists, smaller ‘listening’ rooms that cater to songwriters, and everything in-between. Then, there’s a six block area – downtown on Broadway and up […]
Making Peace with the Headset Mic
Yeah, yeah, yeah….we know what you’re thinking. I can hear you screaming now, “Using a headset mic will make me look like Britney or Garth or Justin! I’m not THAT kind of artist”. Well, we doubt if you’re making the same judgement when you see someone playing a certain kind of guitar…ie: “Oh, she’s […]
Unleashing Your Lead Player (Help, I’m Strapped Part II)
In my previous blog geared toward guitar players, I wrote about what you can do to be more interesting on stage. I covered some excuses you may have for not moving, then gave you some solutions for that, plus gave you some basics in regards to movement. Check out the article here. Here in Part […]
Help, I’m Strapped! [Setting Guitar Players Free]
I want to talk to you guitar players out there who are in a band, but not singing lead. You might be wondering what YOU’RE supposed to do to be interesting onstage. [Part 2 will focus on some additional things more applicable to lead players.] We’ve found that a typical rehearsal involving guitar players usually […]
Three Ps = A Great Live Show
In watching and working with artists over the years, I’ve learned a lot – and unlearned what I thought I knew. I think most people would assume it’s talent that leads to success. And they would be partly right. In some cases, talent alone can get you ‘discovered’, signed, famous…but if that’s ALL there is, […]
Green Room Comments - Pass Required
Vee Patrick on Three Things Keyboard Players Can Do
I have seen both you guys work at extreme conference last year...Amy Wolter on How Soon Should You Work on Your Show?
So happy you had the foresight to prepare for the 'what IF's'!...Tom Jackson on How Soon Should You Work on Your Show?
William, thank you for the encouragement. I love your attitude . If...