I've interviewed musicians since I was a teenager, and in that time,
I've learned two main lessons. The first lesson is that playing in a
band is the greatest job in the world. For months at a time you and your
friends get to travel from place to place sharing your art and ideas
with audiences who are excited to see you play. The second lesson is
that playing in a band is the worst job in the world. For months at a
time you're away from your family and loved ones, performing songs you
poured your heart into for minuscule crowds that are only there for the
beer.
There are a lot of highs and lows for touring
musicians. Anyone who has spent time on the road can tell you that one
of the biggest concerns is figuring out where they're going to spend the
night post concert. Recently I sat down with a handful of bands and
asked about the worst place they've ever slept.
How often do you go into a venue to see some act play and stand in amazement thinking on how great a particular band is. They could be on fire that particular show and melt faces and then poof, nothing. This happens more than you think as many fans tend to forget what they did five minutes ago, let alone go online or chase down a band to help support them.
One huge notion to remember is that if you just had a thirty minute set, there are 23:30:00 hours left for that 24 hour time period. Now is the time to go and really build your fan base. I don't think we will ever see the likes of a band such as the Beatles again. The world wide hysteria, the young kids screaming with excitement by the millions. Well, maybe a few boy bands can do this, but in our specific genres of dirty rock n' roll, real country and punk, it is just not the norm.
If you really want to make a difference and be heard it takes a lot more than just writing great songs. You have to cultivate who you are as an individual relating to your music and sell yourself. Yep, we said it, sell yourself. Fans don't want pussies, they want the dream. They want to live vicariously through the words, the music and most of all the artist. Is there any other reason why individuals are put on pedestals? Take a look at all the Waylon, Pantera, Metallica, Hank Williams, etc. tattoos. Fans want to emulate their hero's. So buckle down, man up and make your career happen. History is written by the winners. Think on the topics below and see what you can do to further your career. The world is waiting...
"Dealing with the local music scene these days is very challenging for management, booking, promotion companies and record labels. To be able to get any artist to the next level requires being able to take the package and sell it to the public or other entertainment professionals or companies. Unfortunately, too often the product is rarely worth buying or even helping to promote further. Bands and artists tend to have this notion that, “Without the music you have nothing,” when dealing with industry professionals. While this is true to an extent, it’s not the whole story. In the industry, we can hire songwriters that have a proven track record, hire musicians to record it and make our own successful bands that we own completely and can control. We don’t need local artists with attitudes, little work ethic or strive not be productive in furthering their own careers. We all do what we love for a reason. It’s not always about being successful but for the satisfaction for seeing someone achieve their dreams so we keep diving into the murky waters of local musicians to find those that are worth partnering with.
The package, as we refer to the artist’s business plan or presentation, has to be ready to go and that is the artist’s responsibility to get there. It doesn’t fall on anyone’s shoulders to make this happen except for you. There is no excuse, what with all the free info out on the internet in books and magazines, that an artist can’t figure out the basics of the business, create a presentation and become attractive to the people who can help them get to the next level. Until that happens, it’s hard to get a manager, booking agent or anyone else to be excited about making 0% of 0% because the artist has created absolutely no demand for themselves. The money isn’t available in the industry for developmental deals as it was say 15-years ago. Thus the artist’s chances of getting signed on with professional representations are slimmer if they don’t present an attractive market value. Here are a few of the reasons that artists intentionally shoot themselves in the proverbial foot. This is by no means a comprehensive list, just some very obvious points.
Not Booking Enough Shows: Most bands/artists want others to do this for them but in truth and reality, the artist should be booking their own shows until they are gigging at least 80-dates a year regionally and making money doing it. Why would anyone in the industry want to waste time booking a band that isn’t willing to do it themselves, does not understand the basics of promotion and end up making a small percentage of absolutely nothing for their work? There are no short cuts here. Pick up the phone and dial for dollars.
Poor Promotion: Most artists spend very little time and effort promoting and usually post a gig once or twice on some form of social media expecting people to see it and show up on such short notice. This is absolutely pathetic. Especially in a band with several members, usually only one person promotes it. In no way shape or form is this acceptable, nor will anyone in the industry look kindly on an artist that does this. You don’t deserve to get paid at all if this is how you sell your band. Believe it or not, we all look at this and notice how well people promote themselves. Also, social media sites are not the only form or promotion needed. You still need flyers, advertisements and many other forms of creative promotion. It is not everyone else’s job to do all your promotion. When you are looking for opportunities with your gigs and no one shows up for your shows, you lose on many levels and miss out on opportunities.
Misuse Of Social Media: If all you do is complain about the venues, management or any other form of the music business, you are signing your death warrant. Again, people in the industry and your peers see this and who would want to book you back at a venue or assist your band if this is your level of professionalism. You are a business, act like it. Grow up and quit using your bands page to complain. If you want to do that, do it in private where we can’t see it. This is common sense that seems to have escaped many artists.
Wasting Time Goofing Off On Facebook: If you have time to post a million personal things on Facebook but don’t promote your show then you aren’t serious about this business. Stop spending time goofing off and start making things happen for your music. Facebook is a great networking tool when used right. The excuse, “I am so busy,” is quite weak when we can see your profile. This goes for both sides of the business, not just artists.
Not Getting Back To People: When you approach someone and ask for their advice, services or whatever else and say, “I’ll get back to you,” then do it. The usual excuse again is, “Sorry, I was so sick” or “I have been so busy” but again we can see your social media so if you are well enough or have time to do that, you are well enough to practice a common courtesy and get back in touch with people, regardless of the outcome you decide on. This applies to getting back to people on booking a show, a meeting, or any other situation involving your band, music or related promotions. It is also basic good business manners.
Not Doing Your Research: Approaching people about services they don’t even offer. This happens all of the time. You see a business name and just assume at what they do but don’t even research the company. You are wasting everyone’s time and showing how lazy and unprofessional you are.
Not Accepting Gigs Because You Don’t Have The Money: “Sorry we don’t have the money to drive that far,” is a ridiculous excuse for a local or regional booking. You don’t have the money to drive to open a new market but you do have money to buy beer, party with your friends, buy drugs, go camping or visit someone three states away. Again, your Facebook page gives this all away. If you do not want to play a show for specific reasons, then politely decline, thus hopefully leaving the door open for future shows. If you aren’t able to be dedicated to your vision and dream by planning in advance and having a band fund for specific use: gear, travel, other expenses then don’t even bother approaching anyone. You can’t build a solid fan base if you aren’t playing out.
Not Having An Appropriate Press Kit: Everyone has been doing this long enough to know you need one. No matter if you are a band, solo artist or musician looking for extra work. Everyone should have an electronic press kit (EPK) and/or hard copy press kit. Sending someone to Facebook, Myspace, Reverbnation, YouTube or other social music site, while a plus, is not a replacement for a professional media kit. If you don’t have one, you do not show serious business regard for your own career so why should anyone in the industry.
Sending One Line Emails Saying You Need Representation: Again if you don’t have a press kit and you can’t take the time to compose a proper business letter and introduction about yourself or your band, don’t even bother. All you are doing is showing how lazy you really are. Be professional, always.
Only Being Able To Play Weekends: We are all looking for bands than can tour, not just play every now and then. It’s hard to break a new market and build a fan base when you can only play one quarter of the year. Not only that, but you are competing with so many other bands for these bookings when weeknights are so much easier to get. This is why people with families often get passed by. It’s too hard to coordinate everything. We all make choices in life and once you decide to get married and have kids more often than not you aren’t able to be on the road enough. This does not apply to everyone, as many do have support systems in place to allow for travel. If you are serious about your career, have this support system in place. No one makes any money if you can’t play so they won’t sign you. It may not be fair but everyone involved has to pay their bills so why would anyone sign a band that can’t make them money? It’s not about the music when it comes to getting signed, it’s about people earning a living.
Expecting To Work Without A Contract: First of all, one of the main rules of the music business is…always get a contract, so why you would you even consider asking someone to work with you without one? Why would a smart business owner work relentlessly to help you further your career just so you can walk away with the success they brought you? If another agency comes along and offers you a deal and you choose to go with them, without a contract featuring a ‘buy-out clause’ your former manager or agent is screwed and may be liable for future booking, promotions or business deals being worked for your project. The standard industry rap goes that the “industry and music business” people are the ones that screw over the artists but I know from experience that artists are fabulous about breaching contracts because they do not want to pay someone. Our courts are full of artists being sued by companies for breach of contract so it goes both ways. No one should EVER work without a contract, period. No one should risk his or her business on a promise or handshake agreement. You will get the short end of the stick every time.
After years of doing this and dealing with all types and genres of artists, the most common reason for artists not getting signed is that they are not focused on their end goal. They spend money on things they don’t need such as alcohol, drugs or video games instead of putting it into their careers and business package where it needs to go. To be successful means spending money on your career, missing friends because you are busting your butt working hard, and taking your act on the road into new markets. Don’t expect your team to do it for you, to be focused on you and your career when you can’t even do it for yourselves. This makes no sense what so ever. Again, no one in the industry will get involved with an artist that can’t and won’t work as hard as everyone else.
These are also many of the reasons most artists will be let go by a professional company. More often than not, these reasons make it very, very difficult to promote you and sell your package and product or in general, make anything happen for you. This is a business and the artist needs to treat it like one. Be professional at all times, work hard always and get focused. Quit blaming everyone else for what you are not doing for yourself.
Without having a great package to work with and sell, people just aren’t interested in not being able to make any money. It is the artist’s responsibility to build their business to an appropriate level before expecting or seeking help. Remember this is business and everyone needs to make money, not just the artist.
Leave it up to Jesse, frontman from the Eagles of Death Metal to give a candid point of view about life on the road and who makes up a road crew. If you plan or want to know what it is like to eat three meals from truck stops and then have different drinks in different cities each night, well keep watching. In this multi part series from the fine folks over at Vice Magazine, you can get the inside scoop on the roles within a road crew and where ya just might fit in.
Many a famous roadie has gone on to being in a band. Take for example Toby from H20 who used to be on the road with Sick Of It All or you have Frank Bello who roadied for Anthrax and now plays bass or for the coup de gras, Lemmy actually roadied for Jimmy Hendrix. Just a few examples to get you warmed up on what it is possible if you can't actually play the music and be in a band, doesn't mean you can't be part of the show.
Great tools you will need for this job
• Leatherman combo of light and multi tool
• Surefire flashlight (makes nighttime daytime)
• Learn how to drink professionally, yes know yer limits and how to drink when needed
• Can fix anything on the fly
• Quick wit as you will live on 1 to 2 minute conversations
• Hotel fitness regiment or grassy knoll at a truckstop (amps are heavy, get prepped)
• Network like a mofo
• Realize everyone always knows everyone else, whether you do or not, keep yer trap shut
In Episode 1 of Marshall Headphones: On The Road Jesse goes to The Wiltern theatre in LA to meet legendary soundman Hutch as he works on a special performance by Queens of the Stone Age. He also talks to Josh Homme and Troy Van Leeuwen from the band about the band/roadie relationship and why Hutch is essentially a member of QOTSA.
Word is circulating online about the shitty way in which Imelda May kicked off The Ettesfrom their US tour that was supposed to start in Boston. If you read the interview in which the Ettes are talking about telling Imelda "To watch her back", it is painfully clear that the band is speaking on some stage competition to help make a better show for both bands.
Who knows whether it was Imelda May herself or the road manager, but they did kick off the Ettes from a tour in which they could have received great exposure. We have posted several times how much we enjoy Imelda May's music, so hopefully with the bad PR her camp can realize their actions look quite shallow and vain. In our minds a high tide floats all boats. Imelda May should ask them back out on the road and even maybe a European tour to offer an apology. Forget talking trash, raise the bar and do it the right way. This goes out to the Ettes and oh yeah, every band better watch their backs as all of the bands we work with are stalking the stages as we speak!
The Ettes, from left, are bassist Jem, drummer Poni and Coco.
PAT HEALY/METRO
BOSTON
Published: September 28, 2011 4:39 p.m.
Last modified: September 28, 2011 4:44 p.m.
Lindsay Hames has always been weird. At least that’s what her
family says. According to the singer and guitarist for the Ettes, who
goes by the stage name of Coco, her father saw her band’s show and found
it in keeping with her character.
“My dad came to see us when we played Asheville, and my dad was like:
‘You’ve always been this way. You are so weird,’” she reveals with an
almost mischievous giggle. “In our house, I painted all the walls black
when I was like 10, and I’d always have the shades down like some crazy
cave den.”
Whether she realizes it or not, Coco has actually made a pretty accurate
metaphor for the most recent Ettes album, “Wicked Will.” And just like
“some crazy cave den,” it is dark and creepy, yet there is a playful
energy that might turn into a pillow fight at any moment.
“I like creeping people out, and I like being creeped out a little bit,” says Coco.
Many of the songs on “Wicked Will” have themes of sizing up opponents.
Hames jokes that she doesn’t start fights, but she ends them. “I like
all art forms when it has an air of menace about it,” she says.
Chips fall where they May
The Ettes are currently opening up for Irish rockabilly revivalist
Imelda May. Coco says that May is not necessarily an opponent that she
is sizing up; but still, she had better watch her back!
“We kind of rock the same, whether it’s a tiny club or a massive
stadium, we’re just polite about time,”says Coco. “We’re really good
about that, we just might be better than you, that’s all. We might blow
you off the stage and play a show that you can’t possibly come up
against, but we’ll do it in the time frame.”
The Ettes (and who the fuck is Imelda May anyway?!)
I have heard of The Ettes before. I own a couple of their albums and
enjoy listening to them. I have however never heard of Imelda May. Or I
hadn't until last night anyway... It was my fourth and last shift of
the week at the bar, and I was feeling a little tired and fragile, just
chatting away to my friend in an otherwise empty bar, when in walked
three lovely people who proceeded to tell me the story of their night.
They happened to be The Ettes, and instead of performing in Boston as
they were supposed to that night, were having a drink at 200 Orchard. I
mean, I love my work, and love working in one of my favourite bars in
NYC, but I don't think I would have chosen drinking there instead of
playing a gig... So after serving them few drinks and introducing
ourselves, it appears that The Ettes had been asked to support Imelda
May on her US tour. Just fresh off another tour, they packed up there
gear, rented a van and set out on the road again. Along the way from
Nashville to Boston, a small interview was posted HERE.
A little tongue in cheek, a little playful, but nothing harmful at
all... But apparently Imelda May didn't appreciate it and kicked them
off the tour. Yes, kicked them off the tour while they were already in Connecticut, having driven all the way from Nashville that day for the first gig.
Coco
(Lindsay) explained that the journalist had taken her out of context,
and basically changed her words so they sounded like she was telling
Imelda to watch her back, but even so, the article just sounds playful!
Was it really worth actually kicking them off her tour? What was she
worried about? That they would actually be better than her and literally
blow her off the stage?! Who gets scared of a little fun competition?
Don't you actually want to have a good support band to warm up the crowd
before you go on? And also, does she Google herself everyday and
scrutinize every article that says something about her? Because this
tiny article would never have been noticed if she didn't! And how many
people actually bought tickets for the shows because they wanted to see
The Ettes? What are Imelda's team going to do about that?!
Sometimes
I just wonder what happened to rock n roll. Who cares about image? It's
all about the bloody music... Or apparently it isn't for some
musicians...
To me it all sounds like a big pile of terrible PR
BS on the part of Imelda May and her team. Having had the pleasure to
actually meet the members of The Ettes, and talk to them for a few
hours, I found that they are the most lovely, down to earth and
interesting people, and obviously never wanted to hurt anyone's
feelings. They just wanted to play their music for their fans.
I
just had to write about this as it made me so angry last night. I hope
The Ettes get back to Nashville safely, are able to get some of the
money they spent on all of this back, and are able to forget all of this
crap. They didn't deserve this to happen to them. Even the journalist
who wrote the article is mortified as he never meant it to be taken that
way... I guess some "stars" think way too highly of themselves.
I still don't know who Imelda May is and really don't have any need to find out.
I
hope they make it back to NYC soon - they were an absolute pleasure to
meet and talk to, and made me want to visit Nashville even more now!
