September 1, 2008

Networking Outside the Box

Standard Podcast [24:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Networking Tips

From Anthony Kammerhofer of the band http://www.my-other-brother.com/ and he works with http://www.sonicbids.com/wilhelmpfeiffer and is an active contributor to http://www.dmet.eu/ his day job is at http://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/ You can check out and buy his music at http://www.manymusics.org/album.asp?d=1000&id=A-004215

“Hope it’s not too odd for the podcast to talk about the Classical music genre there, but I think it could inspire listeners to also search for alternative ways in booking, especially drawn against the background of more and more typical live venues going out of business both over here in Europe and in North America. I work with Classical singer Wilhelm Pfeiffer and we’ve been connecting with piano retailers for in-store performances and them even recommending the act for traditional venues and stuff. It all boils down to getting connected, which, of course, eats up a considerable amount of time in one’s music career, but definitely helps boost that career.”

Great Tip Anthony! - Dave

Free Bob Baker Book “How to Recession-Proof Your Music Career….”

I got an email from Bob Baker to let me know he has a new FREE ebook out. It’s called “How to Recession-Proof Your Music Career: 39 Ways Musicians, Bands and Record Labels Can Reduce Expenses and Prosper in Today’s Economic Times.” All you have to do is sign up for Bob’s email list “The Buzz Factor.” This is a phenomenal e-zine with great music marketing tips. If you’ve never heard of Bob Baker (which for me is hard to believe) you need to get to know Bob. All of his books are great.

No More Practicing Alone

This tip comes from Jasmine Commerce who you can find at www.myspace.com/jasminecommerce

One EXCELLENT way to practice in front of a crowd instead of alone in your room is to call your local rehab centers/nursing homes/retirement communities/senior centers/centers for the developmentally disabled, etc. and speak with their activities director about “booking” a gig. It’s the rule, not the exception, that these types of places RARELY get quality live entertainment (I’ve played at them for the past 5 years with my brother, and the residents are always so excited to have us come and just PLAY MUSIC). So many of these residents are unable to get out and see live performances, and sometimes if you’re good, you may strike a deal with an activities department and even be paid for entertaining.

It is not hard to convince the activities director to give you a chance to play (esp. if you’re willing to do it for free), and these are daytime gigs unlike most other “performances”. In fact, very often you can fit performances like this into YOUR schedule…a Saturday morning, a Sunday evening, Tuesday at two, Thursday at 4….you get it. It’s quite likely you’ll find the activities directors have flexible schedules when they know you’ll come and fill an hour with solid entertainment.

I’ve found great benefit in “practicing” in front of people (in addition to practicing on your own of course). For one, it’s much similar to “the real thing” than practicing alone…in fact, it IS the real thing as all audiences are just PEOPLE…but of course there is rarely a “stage” at these places, nor ambient lighting, and you are your own sound engineer!

These are for the most part (save certain very ritzy retirement homes) forgiving audiences, who are grateful you came. But do them a favor: know your songs, be professional, and do your BEST, for no one likes to be forced to listen to bad music!

That’s a bit of advice I have for other musicians wishing to hone their acts and/or potentially seeking a small supplemental income playing music. All around it’s a win-win

Today in Cooler History

September 2007

September 2006

September 2005

Make Your Song The Next Anthem

Dona Oxford has made a great video just using photographs and her song Step Up. This would be a great campaign for Democratic candidate. You can check out the video on You Tube

or buy the CD (or download) from CDBaby.

Share and Enjoy: