American Idol starts again this week. Then in a few weeks, The Voice will begin its new season. The Sing Off, The X Factor, America’s Got Talent… all these shows continue season after season. And why not?! It’s exciting for the audience and the singers & bands. Who wouldn’t want the chance to have someone […]
American Idol, Playing the Lottery, and Good Investments
New Beginnings: Start with Endings
Before I tell you a little about “beginnings” and “endings,” you need some background information… I just finished getting Winter Jam started (Winter Jam is the largest tour in the world first quarter every year). There are ten acts – it’s like a traveling festival that goes to about 40+ cities. Each of the acts […]
“If Only They Could Hear Us”
Getting exposure is necessary for a career in music. Artists often say, “if only people could hear us,” or “when you hear our music, you’ll realize how much we have to offer!” And if you can get someone to hear a stellar recording with great music, it could take you to the next step. You […]
Getting Through
I don’t know about you, but I want to go to a show and feel something. Be moved. Inspired. Jubilant. Maybe even angered, if I’m already mad and need someone to pour a little fuel on the fire — just to feel some commonality! Having your audience “get” what you are giving them at your […]
Stay Thirsty My Friends
Sometimes I’m asked if artists I work with end up not doing what I ask them to do. The answer is yes, unfortunately. Or, the artist might work it in rehearsal, but when I later go see them live, it’s as if we’d never even met! And I walk out dejected and sad, feeling let […]
Why The Boss is The Boss
Sometimes it’s hard to explain to music purists why Tom’s Live Music Method is important to learn and why your live show is so important. That’s why I love reading reviews and hearing people talk about their own experiences watching a great performance. The following review was written by Steve Harrison at reporterconnection.com (the original […]
It’s a Mistake if You’re Just Playing Songs
It is a distinct craft and art to create the “hit” song. That’s why the best producers in the world get paid extraordinary sums – to produce those hits for the artist! But even well written songs don’t necessarily become hits. If that were the case, the well crafted, lyrically clever, well arranged, tens of […]
Extend Your Set List: What to do for 90 Minutes
I get this a lot: “Your Graph is great for a 45-60 minute set list… but we play 90 minute shows.” And I hear this question to accompany it, “should we just repeat the Graph?” The short answer is no. But I want you to understand a little more about the reasoning behind it all. […]
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Amy Wolter on Three Things Keyboard Players Can Do
Glad to hear this Vee. Yes, it’s a process and takes some...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'!...