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
How Soon Should You Work on Your Show?
I’ve gotten both kinds of calls — the kind where I’m asked to help an artist with their show 1-2 months in advance of a tour or showcase, and the kind where I’m supposed to be the “fix-it” guy working with someone a few days before a big, important show. So when is the best […]
When 30 Minutes Is Too Much and 2 Hours Isn’t Enough
I went to a show at the arena here in town to see someone I’d worked with – a #1 artist with lots of #1 hit songs. It was totally sold out…lots of excitement in the room. The first opening act had some great songs, lots of energy, and did a decent job onstage. Unfortunately, […]
4 Steps to a Unique Show
When explaining how to create a unique show, I always offer the analogy of building a house. There are 4 steps to making it happen. And for those of you who’ve worked with contractors to build a home recently, who are thinking to yourself right now, “Well, that’s pretty over simplified – 4 steps? What […]
Built for the System or Not
I was recently inspired by a Seth Godin blog, “Is a famous thinker better than a great one?” Seth’s concept applies to artists and musicians, I think. Only the question for us becomes, “is a famous artist’s music, creativity, & show better than yours?” Because someone is famous, are they more creative, is their show […]
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 […]
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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...