by harlowmedia | Dec 19, 2021 | Pro Tips
It’s Christmas time and as I think about something to write about, it seems appropriate to maybe write something about a wish list. I’m not talking about that perfectly tuned and amazing SUHR or LUXXTONE guitar (hint hint – tele style with tremolo please LOL), rather a wish list compiled from what a community member, venue owner, and musician might want.
This article was written with the intent to hopefully share that regardless of the role we play, we’re all the same, and we simply want to enjoy our passions and have the best times of our lives. Although I’m sure there are more wishes, this list might invoke some thought and perspective. Ultimately, if we respected the wishes of all roles, I believe we would have an unstoppable music scene and find more joy together in this world called the Music Entertainment Business.
The Community Wish List
We would like…
- A prosperous local community where members support and promote each other.
- To be respected regardless of what genre of music we play, what type of gear we use, or what level we are on our journey.
- Musicians / bands to share experiences with one another.
- For musicians / bands to quit talking trash about each other (we all know who you are).
- To work with cities / venues to establish a better music scene.
- To put on a huge concert celebrating our diverse community (hint hint).
The Venue Wish List
We would like…
- Musicians / bands to come see the venue, introduce themselves, and create long lasting relationships.
- Musicians / bands to respect the amount of time, energy, money, and risks associated to allow bands to perform.
- Musicians / bands to have a video, bio, or Electronic Press Kit (EPK) prior to trying to get booked.
- Musicians / bands to be punctual, professional, and respectful to the team.
- Musicians / bands to connect to the audience and entertain and for patrons to purchase merch from the musicians / bands.
- To see musicians / bands supporting each other and promoting the venue.
- To partner with musicians / bands to find a winning strategy for everyone.
- To not resort to other entertainment options and keep the doors open.
The Musician / Band List
We would like…
- The opportunity to share music with people and have fun.
- For venues to give a chance to play original music or covers.
- For venues to respect the amount of time, energy, and money invested in a single performance.
- For other musicians to share venues names, contacts, and experiences or lessons learned.
- For players to commit at the same level, learn their material, and be reliable.
- To be able to record my songs.
- To be able to make a living doing music or get paid for my talent.
- For people to realize just how hard it is to be a musician.
As I wrote those rather quickly, I realized the list could go on and on but if you break it all down, the theme is all about Respect and Relationships. As a musician, we must respect what the venue provides for you. As a venue, we must respect what the musician provides to you. As a community member, we must respect each other. None of this works great until we can gain respect.
It’s my personal wish that this next year is filled with opportunity for everyone, regardless of the role you perform. Each of us has been impacted greatly by the pandemic and the ever-growing alternative entertainment choices available (karaoke, digital jukeboxes, Netflix, football..etc).
Live music has not gotten easier, and it’s time we all work together. Other than the really big shows, live music has been greatly declining at the local levels with venue closures across the country. I wish that relationships be forged across all roles to realize again we’re all the same and simply want to enjoy our passions.
Thanks for reading this and I wish you a Merry Christmas and rocking New Year!
by harlowmedia | Nov 5, 2021 | Pro Tips
By Ken Kirkland
In some of my other pro tips I’ve mentioned the importance of playing often. However, I need to add a disclaimer: it isn’t just about the quantity of shows played, it’s also about the quality. While in theory, it sounds good to perform as much as possible because you can gain more exposure, the results can be quite different. There is such a thing as playing too often, especially in the same market. Here are some of the biggest reasons why you should limit the number of shows you play:
It Hurts Your Draw
Even your most die-hard fans won’t want to see you every week or two. Playing too many shows close together will limit your ability to draw. This in turn hurts your relationship with the venue. In fact, some promoters actually make you sign an agreement that prevents you from booking in the vicinity for 2-4 weeks around a show. Unless you are invited to play a residency, try not to play the same town more than once a month.
It Diminishes Your Value
We tend to think of things that are rare, collectable, or limited as more valuable. The same is true with your show. Not only will your supporters consider it a special opportunity to support you (especially when they’re only being invited a few times a year instead of a few times per month), you’re more likely to get a higher turn out as a result.
It Doesn’t Increase Your Fanbase (that much)
If you are playing with unknown acts that don’t draw well, you’re going to only end up playing to the other bands. These days, most venues(always exceptions) don’t have a steady built-in crowd that you can perform for. Music venues rely heavily on the bands to make the show a success. That extra time you spend booking your local shows could be spent finding better acts to play with instead.
It’ll Cost You Other Shows
Playing too many shows in your region will crowd your calendar and might cause you to lose opportunities opening for larger acts or special events that you could be invited to. If you stay in good standing with promoters you can work with them to be more strategic about the calendar.
It Wears Your Band Out
Too many shows can also stress the band out: your gear, your vehicles, interpersonal relationships, etc. You don’t want to burn yourselves out playing small shows every weekend when, if spaced out properly, those shows could be doubled in size.
It Takes You Away From Building Your Potential Career
Shows take up a lot of time. You have to book the gig, haul gear, setup, play, tear down, etc. That’s extra time that could be spent on writing music, working on your music career’s long term strategy, booking a tour (different than regional gigs), networking, or even visiting someone else’s show to get some inspiration for your work.
Instead of trying to fill the calendar, use your efforts to fill up the venue. Think about your long term goals. Add some variety to the calendar with the types of venues, locations of shows, the kinds of events you could be playing. If your goal is to play 100 shows this year, 90 of them should be out of town.
Try this: imagine that your band can only play four local shows this year. Where would you want those to be? Which acts do you want to play with? If you value your time and believe that each show needs to be a part of an integral part of a long-term goal, you’ll be more careful about the kinds of shows you book or accept. Being strategic about your shows will get you closer to your goals than conquering one dive or bar patron at a time.
by harlowmedia | Oct 21, 2021 | Pro Tips
by Ken Kirkland
“His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, There’s vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti, He’s nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready”
I have a musician friend (yes I have like 4 of those) who confessed to me that she feels like she’s gonna throw up everytime she goes on stage. So I did some homework and wrote this to help her and anyone else suffering from performance anxiety.
Your palms start sweating, your muscles tense up, your heart beats so loud you think that the whole audience can hear it. Stage fright, a.k.a. “performance anxiety” is common and affects many musicians from beginners to professionals. If you’re one of the millions who suffer from stage fright know that you’re not alone. That it’s not your fault, and that there are activities and exercises you can do to help overcome the anxiety.
What is Stage Fright?
First, let’s understand why we feel stage fright. It’s a natural reaction due to the body’s fight or flight response, a biological survival adaptation that kicks in when we feel threatened. We naturally want the approval of others and when we’re front and center, under a spotlight, we can experience the threat of not gaining that approval. Even after performing hundreds of times and getting nothing but praise many people still experience stage fright. I found some examples:
Barbra Streisand is known to use a teleprompter during live performances due to anxiety. Adele has spoken openly about her fear of audiences, and John Lennon would get physically ill prior to performing as a symptom of stage fright.
But fear not, there are measures we can take to lessen the severity of our stage fright symptoms on gig day and between performances. I found 10 activities and exercises that you can rely on to perform without fear.
1. Prepare
We all know the importance of practice prior to a big show but if you suffer from stage fright it might be helpful to take it one step further. While practicing your piece, envision exactly what you’ll think about while performing. Visualize upcoming difficult parts while you play and immerse yourself in the rhythm. Don’t allow yourself to go into auto-pilot practice mode. Instead, fully engage with the music. Instead of practicing by yourself at home, ask close friends and family that you feel comfortable playing in front of to serve as your audience.
The bottom line is that you should know your music like the back of your hand. Memorization can be a huge stressor on performers, so do yourself a favor and eliminate it from the get go!
2. Skip the Coffee
You may think it’ll help you be more alert, but caffeine and sugar can actually agitate the symptoms of stage fright. It’s best to avoid sugary foods or caffeinated beverages the day of your performance. Be aware if you’re sipping something to sooth a tired or sore throat, it should be caffeine free! Believe me, the natural pre-show adrenaline boost will be more than enough to keep you alert and energized. If you’re feeling overly energized or anxious try eating a banana. Its natural beta-blockers may help regulate your energy levels.
3. Accept the Fear
A lot of times when people experience stage fright they tend to blame themselves thinking that there is something bad about feeling nervous. Accepting that what you’re feeling is a natural biological response can be incredibly freeing and will allow you to work past your stage fright.
4. Don’t Focus on Yourself
Try not to think about the way you look, sound, or feel. Instead, think about how cool it is that you have an opportunity to bring enjoyment and fun to others!
5. Be Confident
Don’t fixate on what could go wrong, but rather imagine all your preparation, skills, and musical talent aligning perfectly. Remember that your audience is there to support and encourage you. Avoid any and all feelings of self-doubt.
6. Listen to Music
Sports psychologists have long encouraged athletes to listen to music prior to big competitions. Some of the same benefits can cross over to musicians as well. For one, we can choose songs to put us into the right mood. If you need a boost, pick a song that fires you up. If you need to relax, listen to your favorite chill-out song.
7. Relax and Focus
We all have our own way of entering ‘the zone.’ Practice your relaxation technique ahead of time, so that it’s ready to go when you need it. One suggestion is to find a quiet spot to sit. Slowly take 10 full breaths, in and out, through your nose. Count each breath as you go.
8. Stretch
Stretching will help loosen tense muscles and allow you to focus on something other than your jitters right before the show. Take it easy, concentrate on your movements, and shake it out when you’re done. Imagine all the negative energy leaving your body. If you’re feeling extra jittery, do a few exercises (like push-ups or jumping jacks) to release some adrenaline.
9. Use the Facilities
It may sound silly, but DON’T FORGET TO USE THE BATHROOM. Believe us, we speak from experience when we say there’s nothing worse for stage fright than having to “go” when you step on stage.
10. Enjoy Every Moment
Smile as you walk on stage and look at the crowd. Imagine all the people who have supported you out there cheering you on. Perform like you know you can and graciously accept applause at the end. Not only will you SLAY your performance, but you’ll overcome your stage fright too!
I hope these tips have been helpful for you and that you will be motivated to perform through your stage fright. I’m rooting for you, and I know you’ve got this!
by harlowmedia | Oct 13, 2021 | Pro Tips
Written by Jason Harlow
The band is melting faces, the music sounds better than ever and the energy in the show is electric. You’ve got that amazing moment where you are like “this can’t be real; this is way too much fun and it sounds too good to be true!”. The song ends and the fans are screaming, clapping, and going crazy! Life is sooooo good! And just then, you realize, I got to say something to these people. You start to panic, you swallow deeply, oh crap, what do I say? The silence is now deafening and you let out a uhhh…. Uhhh… you start to sweat and turn red, you’ve got nothing. You yell “How yall doing tonight”.. but it’s during the day. You realize, oh my gosh, my talent is not enough to be an entertainer.
As a guy who was extremely shy growing up (yes, true statement), I am no stranger to the emotional nightmare of being put into a situation where all eyes and ears seemed to be focused on everything you say or do. If you are the guy or gal who is the “frontman” of a band, you’ll quickly realize that your vocal talent is maybe 50% of what makes a great entertainer and that public speaking and playing music are two completely different things.
In this article, we’re going to discuss some things to consider to prevent those moments of anxiety, hopelessness, and fear in speaking to the audience.
The term most used for this type of dialog to the audience is called “banter” and pending your bands “brand”, it can be everything from the use of comedy to engaging in storytelling.
First and foremost, if you want to be good at anything, it requires practice and dedication. There is NO moment where “it will be good when I get in front of an audience”. Public speaking requires lots of practice and execution before you become comfortable. Until you are able to get a PhD in BS, don’t expect your improv skills to get you by all the time.
Solution: Consider scripting banter and practicing it.
Like Politicians, comedians, or even TV show hosts, they are not shooting from the hip, they have scripts or have memorized dialog. This is crucial to deliver a message that resonates with pin point precision to an audience.
When I took a speech class in college, the instructor alerted me to listen to the “umm’s”. Interestingly enough, you would be surprised if you record yourself in dialog because “umm’s” happens constantly. I remember “shooting from the hip” with a speech presentation on a guitar. I knew I was going to slay it because, hey, I know guitar…right? Well, I did indeed get a standing ovation for my performance (likely because I actually played guitar more than speaking), however, I apparently said “umm” about 25 times and I never realized how much I say “umm” if I have to think. It’s something we all do and something I work hard not to do these days. Could you imagine if I was writing this article “shooting from the hip” or “improvised”, it would be like “you should… umm… umm… try and memorize what ummm you are gonna say”.
As a public speaker now, I still look back at my idiotic thoughts that magically things would just “come to me”. Point is, practice makes perfect and with experience, you’ll be able to read the crowd and nail the banter! But before then, consider scripting some things and doing lots of practice!
So, what does a scripted banter look like? What is some stuff I can talk about?
The examples below are just that. Examples. One thing for sure, they are intended to be delivered larger than life. Not just spoken. When reading these, awaken your inner rockstar and imagine being in front of a screaming audience.
The area / city / venue
Example: ALABAMA! We’ve heard about the wild and crazy folks in (insert city) and at this venue (insert venue). It’s such a pleasure to be here to play some music for you. We’re going to have a great time tonight!
translation:
- You made it personal to the area
- You made the venue happy
- You told them they are going to have a good time (yes, it’s ok to tell people what is about to happen)
The song / story telling
Example: Thank you very much!! This next song is one of our personal favorites we all grew up listening to. This song inspired guitar players to think outside the box and taught singers how to be front man, formed by two brothers with the last name “van halen”, sing this next song with us, JUMP!
translation:
- You let folks know you appreciate their energy
- You told a story about it being personal to you
- You set it up so folks were ready for the keyword “van halen”
- You told the crown to sing along to create more energy
The band / members
Example: Thank you very much! We are “Band Name”, we’ve been doing this since “Year” and so happy to be here. We’ve traveled the nation but you guys are the best! I’d like to take this time to introduce the band. On drums, the baddest in the south, all the way from Atlanta Georgia, John Doe! (let them clap.. then go to the next)
translation:
- You let folks know you appreciate their energy
- You made it personal for the audience
- You gave some background on the band
- You encouraged your bandmates by giving them some extra love and dialog
- You gave opportunity for others in the same location to cheer (use bigger cities for more response unless it’s a local gig)
The venue / staff / promotor / other bands
Example: Thank you so much, you folks are incredible! Before we go to the next song, let’s give it up to (insert band name), they were amazing! We would like to also thank (insert venue, promoter, staff) for such an amazing time.
Translation:
- You let folks know you appreciate their energy
- You promoted another band (built community)
- You made it personal for the venue, promoter, and staff
- You let the audience know you are having an amazing time
Your social links / how to connect
Example: Thank you so much! We would love to connect with you! Pull out your phones and please like us at XYZ on facebook and instrgram or you can check out our website for our dates at XYZ. We appreciate your support in our musical journey!
translation:
- You let folks know you appreciate their energy
- You let them know you want to hear from them
- You gave them instructions to connect (you would be surprised how many will do it on the spot)
- You let them know their support directly supports your journey
Merch / Album
Example: This next song “ummm” is off our 2nd album titled “Public Speaking Nightmare” and is available on iTunes, Spotify, and all streaming services or you can pick up a copy at our merch booth right after the show where we would love to meet you and hang out.
translation:
- You let folks know you have multiple albums
- You let them know the song title and the album title
- You let them know how to find it
- You encouraged them to purchase on the spot
- You encouraged them to come meet you (i.e. make a fan for life)
Those are just a handful of ideas you can consider but know that it takes work. You may want to tell a joke if the audience is in the mood or you might want to let them on a special secret about an upcoming song or something that makes the audience feel special.
You’ll want to remain calm and confident in your execution which comes from practice.. yes, practice this stuff in the car or in the shower.
Don’t be afraid to learn from others as well. Go out and see some shows and learn what works well and what doesn’t work so well. If you’ve read any of my articles, I’m a fan of visiting the venue or location you are going to play to get a feel for the audience and environment. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! I’ve seen bands completely bomb because they thought the “comedy routine” works every time… not. When you find the magic thing that works, keep doing it. This is a long journey and it only gets better with practice and experience (surviving mistake)
The last bit of wisdom I’ll share is that when you are on stage, people perceive you differently. The person they may know to be shy is not the same person on stage. The person on stage is expected to be different. As an entertainer, it’s part of the job to be bigger than life and to exaggerate movement and action. Much like a wrestler doesn’t walk around town puffed up 24 hours a day, they play a role (yes, spolier, wrestling is an act of entertainment). If you are standing there expecting to look cool just because you have lights on you, think again. This is the entertainment business and people hear with their eyes. Don’t be afraid of the mirror, taking video of yourself, and rehearsing this stuff so it’s natural. In other words, practice like you play and you’ll be ready to slay the next crowd.
I hope some of these ideas can be put in use. As always, I’m open for comments, ideas, and your own war stories. Rock on.
by harlowmedia | Sep 20, 2021 | Pro Tips
By Ken Kirkland
We’ve all been there. You are trying to find new band members. You put out flyers, ads, or even post on social media. Then, whenever someone shows interest in your band (they call you or audition), they do not have the same drive and ambition that you have. This situation actually occurs for most bands throughout the music business. Unfortunately, most bands do not know how to solve this problem in order to find the right members. Remember this general rule: If you are in the company of band members who are truly success minded, there are no boundaries to what you can accomplish. If you have a band full of unmotivated band members, the chances of succeeding in the music business are close to zero. Here are some tips for finding committed musicians.
Tip 1: In order to build success for your band, you will need to consistently put out a great deal of effort (this applies even once you’ve begun to “make it”). If your band only contains a couple of people who do all of the work, the amount of work will simply be too much to handle on your own. As a result, the band will likely not achieve significant success. Once you start to notice that the other musicians in your band are not putting out much effort to help the band, bring this up with them. Tell them that they have only one chance to change their ways. If you then notice that they have not made any efforts to turn things around, cut them from the band. These people will only drag your band down.
Tip 2: It is very common for potential band members to talk about becoming successful, but not actually follow up on what they say. Every musician wants to become highly successful in music, but very few musicians will truly put out the effort in order to achieve success. You will run into these kinds of people all the time. People like this will want to join your band, but won’t be able to help your band in the long run (they will only slow down your progress). Keep away from these types of musicians at all costs.
Tip 3: Some musicians make for excellent band members from a purely musical standpoint. However, it is a very common situation that talented musicians actually prevent their band from making progress in music. This is because talented musicians (like any musician) can still be the “wrong” people for your band. If you want to achieve great success with your band, you will need to focus on the wider scope of where the band is going. This means, if someone is the wrong person for your band, you need to let them go (even if they can play great).
Tip 4: Finding the right band members may sometimes seem like an impossible task. However, remember that the most dedicated musicians are also looking for you at the same time that you are looking for them. These people are also going through the same difficulties as you, and share the same desire to play in a successful band as you do.
Tip 5: There are many bands that have already achieved high success in music who are unsatisfied with some of their current band members. It is a mistake to assume that because a band is already successful, they are not actively looking to find the right musicians. It is possible that people from these bands could join with your band instead or even that you could replace a member in their band.
Think about all that you will be able to do once you have found the right musicians for your band. This means being surrounded by musicians who not only talk big but do big. These are people who are highly motivated, and work hard on a continual basis to make progress in their music. Once you have these people on your side, you will become a totally unstoppable force.
