In the dynamic landscape of the music industry, live performances have evolved into a captivating visual experience. The era when exceptional sound alone guaranteed success is fleeting. Today, concerts are immersive spectacles, incorporating video walls, dazzling lights, and unwavering energy. The belief that great music alone ensures triumph is being challenged, even for the smallest local bands. As a venue owner and musician, my experiences as well as others I have talked to have led me to a crucial realization: a band’s sound might not be the most important or the ultimate key to success and growth.
It’s said, the music business sells records, but bands performing live are unequivocally in the entertainment business. Having witnessed technically proficient and great sounding bands struggle for engagement and less technical and worse sounding ones amass devoted followings, I can affirm that charisma and entertainment value often outweigh musical prowess.
This article is tailored for those stuck in a gigging rut or feeling like the fan base is not growing. Here are some strategies, ranging from free to mid-priced options, to enhance your entertainment value.
Free Strategies to Increase Entertainment Value:
All-Out Charisma:
Radiate infectious vibes by showing you’re having a blast on stage. A genuine smile can go a long way. The too cool for school went by the wayside. Simply showing you are having a great time will encourage others to do the same. It works.
Communicate with Authority:
Embrace your role as an entertainer; engage the audience with enthusiasm. Acknowledge the venue, city, and express appreciation. Do this with conviction and don’t forget to thank those watching and the staff who gave you an opportunity. Own the mic.
Move Like Jagger:
Harness the power of body language. Infuse energy into your performance; simple movements like jumping can resonate with the crowd. You would be surprised to see that the crowd will follow your movement. Think big concert, wave those hands in the air.
Dress for Success:
Consider your stage appearance. Dressing uniquely can leave a lasting impression. Make it known you’re in a band and the entertainment. Wearing the same clothes from your job site is likely not going to give off that special vibe.
Strategic Song Choices:
Craft a well-thought-out setlist to transform your concert into a cohesive narrative. Play what resonates with the audience to gain and retain fans. The songs you play are directly related to the entertainment experience of the listeners.
Lower-Cost Enhancements:
Banners/Branding:
Invest in impactful banners to convey a professional image. Include band name, website, or QR code for lasting recognition. This is my first and foremost thing I mention to bands. A $100-$300 investment can pay thousands in dividends and give the gift that keeps on giving when folks who see a video recording now know the band name in the video thanks to the banners.
Cheap RGB Lights:
Purchase budget-friendly RGB lights for a visually stimulating performance. 8 of them is just over $100. Even in auto or sound mode, it can provide an enhancement to the show.
Smoke Machine:
Enhance your light show and stage visuals with a smoke machine, but be mindful of its impact on the singer. $50 – $150
Cheap RGB Lights / Banners
Mid to High Priced Investments:
RGBW Lights:
Upgrade to brighter RGBW lights with presets for a visually enhanced show. Incorporate a DMX controller for greater control. $60 – 80 per light and up.
Moving Lights:
Consider moving lights with a DMX controller for dynamic effects. Exercise caution though using presets that just randomly flash and have no real visual design. It can be annoying. $100 and up per light (they go into thousands)
Hazer:
Upgrade the smoke to a hazer which produces a lingering haze that enhances the visual impact of lights, creating a dynamic atmosphere. ($200 and up)
Trussing:
Elevate your stage with lighting truss for a professional concert environment. ($200 and up)
Drum Riser:
Invest in a drum riser for a visually striking and acoustically beneficial stage setup. ($200 and up)
You can spend as much money as you want going down the bells and whistles rabbit hole, trust me. However, the bells and whistles should NEVER be a substitute for human interaction. The foundation of entertainment / entertaining is within the people on stage and their ability to connect to the audience.
It important to also note a connection doesn’t always mean high energy either, it’s whatever it takes to get that listener / viewer engaged and part of the show. Telling folks they are beautiful or telling them to grab a hold of each other has a impact which causes unity.
As we’ve written before, the performance / entertainment process is passing energy back and forth from the audience to the band. However, IT STARTS WITH THE BAND. It’s extremely important to remember the band has to start the fire to create the entertainment. Too many bands wait for the audience to give them energy first or use it as an excuse to say “I only get into it when others get into it”, which is a sign they are not truly being entertainers. As many previous articles state, people hear with their eyes. Just as people will judge whether a band is good or great on how they look, perform, and more importantly, entertain.
Hopefully this article can give you some ideas. I have employed each of these as seen in the pictures and found they greatly enhance opportunities (financially, gigs, and frankly fun). Rock on!
In the dynamic world of the music industry, artists and bands often find themselves navigating a delicate balance between artistic expression, marketing, and maintaining a positive relationship with their fan base.
When I started this article, I wanted to title it “Don’t believe your own bullshit” but felt if that might be a little too harsh for some readers. After all, I write these articles in hope to encourage and direct young or inexperienced musicians on the right path.
If it was not already hard enough just playing music, you’ll quickly find the world of music today requires even more strategy than ever before. Failure to know boundaries can can quickly lead to someone crossing the line (until it’s too late).
As an example, marketing. In today’s world, it’s extremely challenging to stand out with all the “hype”. The days of “we are a 90’s cover band”, struggles to stand up against something like “The Ultimate 90’s Rock Experience” when found on google. It’s almost a necessity to over hype.
But.. are they “The Ultimate 90’s Rock Experience”? Maybe to some or maybe not to others but it’s not outside the possibility and is not unreasonable. Moreover, I think it’s safe to say that the statement will not create a storm of negative publicity and generally will gather better results with talent buyers over those who don’t create “hype”.
However, imagine if that same local band said something outlandish like “We’re going on tour with (insert big national touring artist)” or “Our last video of us playing cumbersome (filmed at a local bar on a cell phone) was on at the half time show for the super bowl”.
BS! LOL.
The truth is, the odds of that happening are up there with winning the lottery and honestly require more money than you could possibly imagine (nothing is free).
I don’t want to sound like a Grinch or bah humbug during our Christmas season but… let’s manage our expectations and be real for a moment knowing all other outlets for the band such as followers, video views, and likes don’t represent that level of success.
For the believers of those outlandish remarks, some would congratulate (it’s on the internet, it must be true). However, that generally puts a couple things in motion which become detrimental.
– The ones who congratulated them unknowingly become enablers, encouraging more outlandish statements than the last to maintain “hype”
– Eventually, those who supported the band slowly start to feel deceived and become resentful when those events don’t happen for some other outlandish reason as an excuse.
For me, if I know them and see this activity, I first feel worried for the band and then start to feel like I’m doing a disservice for not speaking to them. The impacts of these activities are not just on fans, the music community, but the members of the band both personally and professionally. When honesty is compromised and lies permeate the artist-fan dynamic, the consequences can be severe. Saying nothing in my opinion is irresponsible. Especially if you know the impacts.
Bottom line: Don’t believe your own bullshit.
Here are 5 reasons to not “oversell”, “overhype”, “stretch the truth”, or other term to somehow dilute the word lie.
1. Erosion of Trust:
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and the artist-fan connection is no exception. When artists deceive their fans, whether it’s about personal matters, artistic intentions, or promotional strategies, trust erodes. Fans invest not only in the music but also in the persona and authenticity of the artist. Once that trust is shattered, rebuilding becomes an uphill battle.
2. Loss of Authenticity:
Authenticity is a precious commodity in the music industry. Fans are drawn to artists who present genuine emotions, experiences, and stories through their work. Lying undermines this authenticity, turning an artist into a mere facade rather than a sincere storyteller. The result is a loss of connection with fans who seek a genuine and relatable artist to support.
3. Negative Public Perception:
In the age of social media, news travels fast. When an artist is caught in a lie, the repercussions extend beyond just disappointed fans. Negative publicity can tarnish an artist’s reputation, making it harder to secure collaborations, partnerships, or even future performance opportunities. The music industry is a close-knit community, and word-of-mouth can significantly impact an artist’s career trajectory.
4. Decline in Fan Base:
Fans are discerning and can quickly distance themselves from artists who engage in deceptive practices. Social media platforms empower fans to voice their opinions and share their disappointment, potentially leading to a decline in an artist’s fan base. This decrease not only affects immediate album or merchandise sales but also has long-term implications for an artist’s overall career sustainability.
5. Impact on Revenue Streams:
Beyond the emotional and reputational costs, lying can hit an artist where it hurts the most—their income. A loyal fan base is crucial for sustaining revenue streams such as concert ticket sales, merchandise purchases, and streaming numbers. When fans feel betrayed, they are less likely to invest in these revenue-generating avenues, resulting in financial setbacks for the artist.
Conclusion:
For artists and bands, maintaining honesty and transparency with their fans is not just a matter of moral responsibility but a strategic necessity. The consequences of lying extend far beyond the immediate fallout, affecting an artist’s trustworthiness, authenticity, public perception, fan base, and revenue streams. In an industry where success relies heavily on the support of a dedicated audience, preserving integrity should be a top priority for any artist seeking long-term prosperity. If you recall previous articles, you’ll likely see a theme on integrity. Integrity has been found to be a common character trait across successful people.
For the majority, this article should not apply (thankfully), but if you find this article just hit you in the face, it’s time for a change. Please do yourself a service and be truthful to reestablish your integrity and character for a successful run in this world we call the Music business. The majority of us want you to succeed. Cheers.
In crafting this article, I want to make it clear from the outset that this is, above all, an opinion. It reflects my personal views, shaped by my conversations with numerous fellow venue owners over the past four years. That said, I’m always open to hearing diverse perspectives from others who own a venue. If you have a different take, I encourage you to share it. We’re all here to learn from one another.
So, why write this article in the first place? In a word: purpose. I aim to assist aspiring musicians and bands on their journey by sharing insights that may save them time, headaches, and offer lessons learned from my own mistakes and in this case, my experience I’ve seen as a venue owner. Successful bands make venues successful and I believe we need to revive what live music is about before venues give up on it.
Now, let’s dive into the crux of the matter: what makes a band successful from a venue owner’s perspective? To keep things concise, I’ve distilled this down to 5 easy things that I believe can significantly contribute to a band’s success. These are not revolutionary ideas and probably some you are doing them. If so, rock on. However, if not, these are for your consideration.
Familiarity with the Venue and visiting it
Effective booking is closely tied to being aware of where you wish to perform. When bands submit their work via email for consideration at our venue (almost daily), it’s noticeable when they have not taken the time to even look at the venue, what we offer, or our purpose. Of course, we understand that some may be templated emails (not effective) or they are just fishing for work and hoping bulk submissions will land a gig but overall, do they really want to play a venue they know nothing about? Did the email actually help or hurt their reputation? In most cases, it hurts them. It shows lack of investment and in general, venues don’t respond to things readily available on their websites and get tired of answering the same questions.
Live at Harlow’s fortunately still responds to the emails as we get them because it’s important to us but it’s likely because we are also musicians and we get little response as well via email solicitations. We know how it feels! (time to change the way we communicate as musicians!).
If email has not been effective (EPK in the email?), there is a more effective option for those who are in the area of the venue. What is it? Visiting the venue you want to play.
Visiting the venue and personally connecting with staff goes a long way in building rapport. After all, a physical connection beats a string of emails any day. If you are a local band and not doing this, you are missing a great opportunity.
I vividly recall a band from Andalusia that came to see a show. Their presence left an impression because it showcased their investment in time and effort. They took the time to come see what the venue was about, likely to see if they wanted to actually play the venue (smart) rather than just sending an email.
In the process, they connected with other fellow musicians and bands in the scene.
Local bands, take the time to visit venues and become part of the “scene”. It will opens door and foster valuable networks, an asset that will surely pay dividends. I can’t stress this enough.
Song Selection for the Audience
Playing your personal favorites, obscure B-sides, or attempting to tackle an entire album may not engage the crowd as you’d hope. Song choice is pivotal and popular songs connect with people, making them sing, dance, and feel a connection.
Time and time again, I see bands perform their personal favorite and they lose the crowd every time. Was it worth it? From a venue perspective no. From a crowd perspective, no.
As an example, take my own band The Rock Mob. We meticulously curated our setlist by referencing Billboard charts, streaming services, and other resources. As a result, most every song we play resonates with our audience. It’s a simple formula that pays dividends in more ways than you can imagine. No more arguing over if Krokus will go over in a crowd! if it was not in the top 20, it probably won’t go as good as we expected. LOL.
It’s important to note that a popular hit song will get you 80% of the way in terms of engagement but don’t underestimate the importance of performing it well. Straying into songs that surpass your band’s abilities won’t leave a favorable impression.
We all know that one karaoke singer who attempts an impossible song, and it usually ends terribly. Please, don’t be that musician. Stick to your strengths and choose songs that your band can confidently deliver.
Entertainment Factor
Talent is undoubtedly essential, but it’s just one aspect of being a successful band or musician. The stage is your platform, and you’re an entertainer as much as a musician. To quote Ken Kirkland’s favorite statement, “people hear with their eyes.”
A technically flawless performance can still fall flat if the band members are glued to their instruments, phones, or tablets, disengaging from the crowd.
To gauge your success, look at your audience. If they’re seated or absorbed in their phones, you might have missed the mark. Music is about sharing and having fun, so let loose, rock out, and connect with your audience. Embrace the inner rockstar within you; it’s what people expect and appreciate. Smiles are contagious, and there’s no harm in enjoying yourself onstage.
5. Be Genuine, Humble, and Kind:
Common sense but I want to emphasize the importance of being a good person. Some of the most successful bands I’ve seen have risen to the top because they’re genuinely great humans. They steer clear of drama, support everyone around them, and don’t flaunt themselves as the best in the area. They value the connections they make with people and venues, and their fan bases continue to grow as a result. It’s a simple formula: talk to your fans, let them know they matter, and thank them for their support.
6. Promote and sell product
A band’s role is to entertain but most importantly, make a venue money to pay for you.
Contrary to popular belief, most live music venues have little margins to even pay for a band. The expenses to run a venue is high and frankly why many live music venues have closed or no longer book bands.
Breaking it down, it’s simple: the more you sell products and encourage your fans and spectators to buy products, the more the venue will value you and the more valuable you become. As a musician, we tend to value ourselves on how much money, practice, time, and equipment we bring to the table. Matter of fact, we demand venues to pay us because of all that hard work and investment. Unfortunately though, none of that matters to a venue. It just doesn’t. As an example, a solo artist or duo that brings 2x the amount of people to a show buying product is more valuable than a full band with pink floyds laser light show that brings 10 people. It’s ugly, but it’s the truth and something which should encourage all bands rather than upset them. Up the sales game and be on target to grow your real value from a venue perspective, or not… but don’t get mad at the venue for your growth or for them doing what is good for their business (please).
In closing, venues want bands to succeed because successful bands mean successful venues. In today’s music industry, understanding your role and collaborating effectively with venues can pave the way for mutual success. I can personally attest to many bands who have taken on these exact mindsets and have expanded from small shows with ok attendance to large shows with amazing attendance and a large fan base. Rock and roll may be about rebellion but business and growth is about being smart and understanding the landscape and where you fit. I hope these opinions will provide some perspective and serve you on your path to rock ‘n’ roll success. Rock on!
Come visit us at Live at Harlow’s, we’ve got Live Music showcases throughout each month.
Recently, I posted a picture that shared comments from Adam Levine regarding cover bands. Although you can’t trust everything you see on the internet, the image and content did spark some mixed feelings.
I’ve always been one who intentionally tries to explore different avenues of thinking outside what most would consider “the norm.” It’s been part of my business strategies ever since I read the book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.”
That book taught me that the way you think has a lot to do with the opportunities you can get, as opposed to just going with the same thought processes as most everyone. Has that thought process worked out every time? Not at all. However, in all cases, it’s provided me insight into opportunities, missed opportunities, and a whole lot of experience that I couldn’t see for myself without going against the grain and purposefully thinking differently.
So, considering Adam and his comments, let’s break it down and try to glean opportunity from it, regardless if he is right or wrong.
Do I agree with Adam’s dumb-ass comments? Not really. But will I use it as fuel and food for thought? Absolutely.
“Just because you’ve learned an instrument and started a band doesn’t mean you should get paid for it.” But you pay a plumber for their services, so why wouldn’t you pay a musician? A plumber provides a necessary service that not everyone can do.”
Adam’s comment seems to be based on the thought process that anyone and everyone can become a musician and that it’s a commodity. While it’s true that there are more musicians than plumbers (making most plumbers more valuable), the thought process is one of ignorance and is likely based on not being in touch with the real world. Whether you’re a plumber or a musician, the opportunity for payment comes from effective marketing or providing an exceptional product. If you suck as a plumber, don’t expect to get paid.
Point is, if the product you’re selling or marketing, regardless of what it is, doesn’t fulfill a need, it becomes hard to sell, which tends to be less valuable.
Adam’s comment, though dumb, helps me remember that I need to identify the market I wish to sell to and effectively market to them. And most importantly, not settle for good enough to secure those paying gigs. The failure to position my band where our service “is needed” is on me.
“When there are four different bands playing “Don’t Stop Believin'” within a two-block radius, what makes you think you’re providing a special service?”
Adam’s comment completely misses the point of what cover bands are all about – playing songs that people want to hear and connecting in a live, real-time music environment.
However, using his comments as fuel, what would make a band special? I’d start by saying that if there are four bands in the area playing the same songs, those are probably very popular songs, and I’d congratulate you for playing what people want to hear. That’s step 1 to being a successful cover band, song choice.
As for the song “Don’t Stop Believin’,” it’s one of the greatest songs ever recorded – which, by the way, has 1.6 billion streams compared to your biggest song “Lost Stars” at 327 million, so suck it, Adam.
Anyway, if you’re aiming to be special, I’d propose it’s a combination of various factors, such as
Your performance (how well you play those songs),
Your visuals (light show, appearance, attire, stage setup),
Your connection with the audience
Your energy
Your song list
Your attitude
Your willingness to partner with others
“A jukebox is a cheaper form of the same entertainment.”
Believe it or not, I think he is partially right. A jukebox is not only cheaper, but it also pays venues and is, frankly, an adversary to live music. Most jukeboxes generate revenue ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per month for venues. Is it the same entertainment? No, Adam. You dumb ass.
There is no substitute for the energy and engagement of a live band performing songs. However, many venues are opting for this route because live entertainment is either too expensive or not generating enough income to support it. (Fellow musicians, we got to fix this).
The opportunity: Create a band that engages the audience more than a DJ, karaoke, or jukebox ever could. Recognize that you’re competing with cheaper options but deliver an experience that convinces the venue that your band and live music reign supreme and are worth the investment. BTW, this also means musicians, you need to attend live shows in the area (yes, I’m talking to you, the guy in the band who never seems to attend other people’s shows or has never even been to a performance at the venue where you want to play – LOL).
“No one forced you into playing music, so you’re not allowed to complain about working conditions until you provide a musical product that large numbers of people want to consume.”
I’ll agree with some of this. You’re exactly where you want to be. If you don’t want to perform at a location due to working conditions or any other reason, then don’t. However, whether a large number of people or a small number of people consume your product, do it well and enjoy the journey, because, Adam, you’re still a dumb ass. Music is about having fun and being part of something bigger than your own self.
“You’re not special.”
Adam, lick my nuts. My mom told me I’m special, so I am. Truth is, Adam’s words carry no weight. Personal validation trumps external opinions. Each of us have the opportunity to create something different or special.
I hope you enjoyed reading the article. The main point of this article is that business is about identifying opportunities and acting on them. It’s about trying to adopt a different perspective (whether positive or negative) and seizing opportunities.
I’ll conclude with this: I recently mentored a band on “business”. The group believed that business was solely about “making money” and chose not to perform at a festival due to the pay. While I respect their decision, I feel this was a critical error regarding how real business works. Worse, I encounter this mindset quite often when speaking to bands and they wonder why they have little growth.
It’s crucial to contemplate the opportunity before defaulting to responses like “not enough money” or “we’re more valuable.” because in this instance, they missed a fantastic opportunity to perform at a festival that draws thousands of “customers.” I explained to them that money is a byproduct of seizing opportunities and that, in this case, they prioritized money over opportunity, which ultimately would deliver money at a higher rate of return due to having a pedigree (perception or whatever word you want to use for doing what other bands have not had the chance to do).
When doing the math, at their current rate, the band would need to perform 50 shows to reach the number of people they could have reached with just one festival show. Be wise and always be on the lookout for opportunities. They are not always easily visible which requires doing a little deeper looking.
Last, Adam, even if you didn’t say those comments, you’re still a dumb ass in my book based on the comments that you have said in the past. It’s cover bands that keep live music in venues and your paychecks coming through the performances of material. Thanks for reading and rock on!
In the dynamic world of the music business, a band’s name serves as a powerful identifier that encapsulates its identity, brand, and artistic vision. As a band invests time, effort, and passion into creating its unique sound, it becomes vital to protect the name associated with that sound. Trademarks serve as an official identifier for you to execute commerce under the name, and yes, help you remove others who infringe on your name.
Important note: I’m not an attorney and the information below is based on my own experience doing trademarks without an attorney (the process does not require you have an attorney but if you are not into doing research and legal stuff, probably best to get one).
So what will a trademark help me do?
Preserving Your Identity: Your band’s name is more than just a combination of words; it represents your artistic identity and the impression you leave on your audience. Trademarking your band name helps preserve its uniqueness and prevents others from capitalizing on your success or confusing fans with a similar name. It ensures that your band maintains exclusive rights to its identity, reinforcing your market presence and long-term success.
Establishing Brand Recognition: Trademarks create a powerful brand presence by associating specific qualities and values with your band’s name. Registering a trademark enhances brand recognition among fans, industry professionals, and potential collaborators. By protecting your name, you make it easier for audiences to find you, leading to increased visibility, opportunities, and potential revenue streams.
Expanding Commercial Potential: Trademarking your band name offers numerous commercial advantages. It enables you to license your name for merchandise, such as t-shirts, posters, and other memorabilia, providing additional revenue streams beyond music sales and performances. Moreover, securing a trademark strengthens your negotiating position with sponsors, record labels, and promoters, demonstrating your commitment to protecting your brand and making you a more attractive partner.
Legal Protection: Trademark registration empowers you with legal recourse against any unauthorized use or infringement of your band’s name. It provides you with a legal shield to prevent others from using similar names that might confuse or dilute your brand, ultimately safeguarding your artistic reputation and preventing any potential damage to your career. Additionally, trademark protection extends beyond national borders, ensuring global coverage and protection.
Ok, how do I process a trademark for my band name?
Step 1 is research:
Before embarking on the trademark registration process, conduct thorough research to ensure that your band name is available and doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks. This involves checking online databases, music industry directories, and engaging legal assistance if necessary. I’d suggest first searching TESS (Trademark Electronic Search System) at https://tess2.uspto.gov/ . See if anyone already has your name registered or in the process of registering. In your search you may see fully registered marks, abandoned marks, cancelled marks, as well as marks in process.
Step 2 is to determine eligibility:
Review the requirements for trademark eligibility in your jurisdiction. Typically, trademarks should be distinctive and not descriptive, generic, or already in use. Your band name should meet these criteria to proceed with the registration process.
Step 3 is to file an application:
Submit a trademark application to the appropriate governmental body responsible for trademarks in the country you perform. In the case of the U.S., the would be through the United States Patent and Trademark Office online at https://www.uspto.gov/ . Read through the process and the use of the TEAS Plus process makes it very easy. Most of the bands will fall under the IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S, which is Entertainment, namely, live performances by musical bands
Step 4 is the examination and publication:
Upon receiving your application, the trademark office will examine it for compliance with legal requirements and perform a search to identify any potential conflicts. If no issues arise, your application will be published for opposition, allowing third parties to raise objections within a specified period. This is a LONG waiting process…. Almost a year. Be patient as you will not receive any correspondence until they are ready to process your application or review it.
Step 5 is the registration and maintenance:
If no oppositions or objections are raised, your trademark will be registered, and you will receive a certificate of registration. It’s crucial to understand the maintenance requirements, including periodic renewals, to ensure continued protection of your band name.
After all of that, you will have the freedom to use your band name under commerce and allow your band the right to sole use of the mark regarding your musical performance and more. Boom!
