Storytelling and Rap Music?
Well, I mentioned I was in the Yukon working with some of their artists, preparing for the WCMA’s (Western Canadian Music Awards). One of the artists I was to work with was a rap artist. I was thinking this could be a disaster or a real adventure. Most rap artists have no instrumentation, just tracks [...]
The Yukon Makes Moments
I was recently in Whitehorse Yukon. Amy Wolter and I were there working with some of the top bands in Whitehorse, who will be showcasing at the WCMA’s (Western Canadian Music Awards) next month. We had the privilege of spending 3 hours of one-on-one rehearsal with each of them, and then working with all eight [...]
Invest in Your Career
Let’s talk about the money musicians spend on their careers…from a sampling of what I have heard, seen, and experienced in the industry. Your spending speaks volumes about what you think is important. And I’m hoping to challenge the “status quo” thinking when it comes to your money and your music! Let’s break down a [...]
Really – You Want to Go There?
Did you just say that? Seriously? You want to take on that topic online? REALLY? Did this controversial opening line hook you, or did you just read on because you wanted to? What did you think I was going to talk about? Sex, Religion… Downloading music? Did you say downloading music?? Yeah… that’s right. I [...]
4 Things to Look for When Hiring a Band
I have seen this problem many times: a solo act gets an amazing opportunity, the gig pays well, so the artist hires a band. The band, being “pros” don’t need to rehearse… “I just need the CD and I will make a chart!” The band comes to the gig and the music sounds great, but… [...]
DUDE, but we Rock!
A majority of bands think unbridled energy equals a great show. What they do not see is the impact on the audience. To take your show to the “next level” you need to understand what is happening to the audience during your show. You need to give them what they want and set them up [...]
Please, Do Not Use that 4-letter Word!
WORK! There I said it! This is worse than a swear word to many artists. Now, you might think I am overstating it (“not all artists are lazy, Kevin”). I am not saying that artists are lazy at all. (“Well then Kevin, what are you saying?”) Thanks for asking! I work with artists that are [...]
The Band is Part of the Show as Well
The show is not only about the front man or the person with their name on the bus! LOL I often watch shows where the band is really just a backdrop. Often, these artists could play a well recorded track and most people might not even notice the difference. But you should not have a [...]
Be More Creative in a Coffee House
A coffee house can be a very intimidating venue. We often feel we are background music, so we never take authority onstage. Or we think we need to over perform just to get everyone’s attention. These kind of gigs are often overlooked and not prepared for properly. “It’s just a simple coffee house.” Well, it [...]
The Voice Alone?
I was watching American Idol and saw an ad for the new series called “The Voice.” I am very interested in how this will play out. In real life, I don’t think you can ever separate the voice from the person, the character, the looks, the actions… (If we could, there would be a lot [...]
