Paying Your Dues DOES Pay Off
Nobody likes clichés and, in particular, in the music business no performer likes to hear the “paying your dues” cliché. The good news is, though, that there is a light at the end of the paying your dues tunnel.
Put the Phone Down and Watch the Performance
Yesterday in the local newspaper there was an article about a national problem. Heck, we might as well call it an international issue. The pop music/culture critic wrote about the epidemic that is fans going to concerts and recording video of the show with their smartphone.
Maximizing Your Time at Festivals and Events
As you know from last week’s blog, I was at the 8th Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival when this month started. True, longtime Now Hear This client Melissa Brethauer was performing there. This was our sixth time at that event together and i
Collaboration IS Alive and Well in the Music Community
Having just returned late last night from the 8th Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival, I can’t help but be inspired by the days spent at that event, as it relates to crafting this week’s blog.
Get Booked on Your Merits, Not by Cheapening Yourself
I don’t want to get started on the whole “don’t promise a venue that you’ll fill up their place with fans (patrons), knowing full well that you’re not going to bring them any kind of crowd.” So, this blog is not about that. While I am, in fact, writing about talking to venues regarding getting booked, it’s a different aspect thereof that I want to shed some light on today.
Inviting Your Suggestions, Questions, Comments, Feedback
I’m picturing a teacher standing at the front of the classroom, writing furiously on the board while also glancing at a document filled with text that’s being projected onto an adjacent screen. The teacher is talking and so dedicated to and passionate about the subject matter that neither a breath is being taken nor a glance is being made toward the class. If so, the students raising a hand to as
Professional Development – For the Well-Rounded Indie Artist
You’re performing regularly, which in itself (“getting the reps”) gives you more experience and helps you to constantly improve and hone your craft, whether singing, playing an instrument, or both. You’re also writing songs and seeing growth that way too, as the content and the structure improves over time. And you’re even recording, making sure you’re getting the sound yo
Creative Bliss – Artistic Mania!
This week features a guest blog from Dominick Pages, who was the guest on Episode 8 and on Episode 56 of our weekly show, “Now Hear This Entertainment.” He is the owner of Crystal Blue Sound Studios and also plays and sings in longtime classic rock band Crystal Blue. Plus, he’s the executive producer of the Web series, “Abbey Rid
Facebook friends? But, we just met!
One Sunday morning in church a few years ago a little boy sat next to me while the rest of his family was just across the aisle from him. While being respectful of the fact that we were in church, there was just enough conversation to make a nice little connection. Not too long before dismissal he looked up at me and asked, “Do you want to be friends?” It was very cute. I believe the boy told me
How to Use Radio & Music Blogs to Promote Your Tour
This week’s guest blog is fitting for two reasons. First is because there has been a blog published on this site every week for what will be two years as of the end of next month and they’re always focused around entertainment. (See the headline above?) Second is because it’s provided by MusicSubmit, who are the folks that we’ve gotten a good number of guests from for our weekly show, “Now Hear This Entertainment.”