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4 Rules to Follow So You are the Opening Act they Remember

by Backstage: Sneak Peek Greenroom: 8 Comments

In 1991, Pearl Jam opened for the Smashing Pumpkins and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In Kim Neely’s Pearl Jam book Five Against One, drummer Dave Abbruzzese said, “We’d play for 30 minutes, and it was like the Smashing Pumpkins had to earn their 30 minutes, and the Peppers had to earn theirs. By the […]

How Your Perspective Effects Your Success (or Your Failure)

by Backstage: Sneak Peek Greenroom: 8 Comments

Looking out into your audience, it’s hard to know why they react the way they do — or why they don’t react at all! The reason it’s hard to know is because you’re facing the wrong direction. You’re not sitting in the seats out front like they are. Perspective is everything. And it’s not just […]

Get Creative Before the Show

by Backstage: Sneak Peek Greenroom: 1 Comment

Most people think planning their live show will make it less creative or even make it boring. They’re “artists,” after all, and real artists are spontaneous, instinctive, organic, led by the Spirit… you name it. Really, it’s what I call “winging it.” Unfortunately for most musicians, planning and preparation means to: learn the songs in […]

Why Knowing Your Audience is Crucial to Planning Your Success

by Backstage: Sneak Peek Greenroom: 3 Comments

What are you focused on? I mean with your music. On songwriting? On how well you play your instrument? On booking shows, getting a manager, or handling your social media? Most of you know my main focus is on the live show. That’s because I believe it’s where an artist gets the most satisfaction, fulfills […]

You Can Learn Charisma

by Backstage: Sneak Peek Greenroom: 1 Comment

It’s 1979 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Newly signed Warner artist Prince had just finished a showcase. Warner had a problem. Prince wasn’t good enough to take out on tour. So what’s a label to do? They sent him into the studio to record a second album. (And that’s a whole-nuther subject which I won’t get into […]

Should I Be Spontaneous – or Plan My Show?

by Backstage: Sneak Peek Greenroom: 2 Comments

It’s a question we get a lot. And the answer is yes. “Don’t confuse me, Tom!” Sorry! But the real answer depends on multiple things. I can count on one hand (maybe two) the artists I’ve worked with over 20 years who don’t think they are great with spontaneity. I admit, I really don’t understand […]

Share a Bit of Yourself Next Time You Perform

by Backstage: Sneak Peek Greenroom: Leave a Comment

We listen to music through ear buds and stereo systems, on our laptops and iPhones, and in restaurants and elevators. We buy downloads, CDs, and albums. The majority of music we experience on a day-to-day basis comes through recorded music. But there is nothing that compares to seeing your favorite artist live! Being in the […]

A 12-Letter Word: 1 Secret to a Great Live Show

by Backstage: Sneak Peek Greenroom: 4 Comments

It was years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. My experience that night gave me the best illustration of how a simple 12-letter word can be one of the secrets to a great live show! CeCe Winans, best selling Gospel artist of all time and friend of Whitney Houston, was singing at […]

5 Ways to Make More Money as a Musician

by Backstage: Sneak Peek Greenroom: 1 Comment

In the traditional music industry, you toured to sell your recording. In the new music industry, you record and distribute a CD so you can get out in front of the public and play. In either model, 90% or more of an artist’s revenue comes from their live show. But for most bands, CD sales […]

I Could Have Sold Guitars

by Backstage: Sneak Peek Greenroom: 14 Comments

Years ago I had to make a decision. I’d been playing in a band for quite a while. I’d helped build a studio and done some producing, engineering, and mixing. But I was on the verge of getting married, was a little tired of life on the road… I had to make a career decision. […]