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 […]
7 Basic Mic Stand Techniques
A fig leaf… or a microphone stand. Which one do you use? That may sound like a strange question. But I’ve noticed that most artists prefer hiding their nakedness by standing behind a mic stand (unlike Adam and Eve who chose the fig leaf). You know what I’m talking about: you’re standing on the stage […]
Music For A Living
When I speak at events around the world, one of the questions I usually ask is “how many of you want to play music for a few years and then quit?” Not one person ever raises their hand. Part of my Live Music Method is my Live Music Business Principles: investing in your music career […]
It’s Who You Are
You just moved into a new house. You want it to have your personality and style, right? It should be unique and express who you are. It’s the same thing with your onstage performance. Although you need to have certain basic elements, it should also be different from everyone else’s. I’m guessing you’re in agreement […]
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 […]
Rethinking Your Live Show
Most of you know that I work with bands and artists of all levels and genres; from Grammy winners to indie artists, making a go of it on their own. Most of the major artists I work with are always rethinking their live shows and how to make them better. It keeps it fresh for them […]
From One Song to the Next
Do you know what your rehearsal should look like? Because how your rehearsals look is a huge part of how your live show will look! Almost every artist I know thinks “rehearsal” means going through your songs over and over again until you’ve got the music just right. Maybe they decide where to stand during […]
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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'!...