From late afternoon last Wednesday to late last night I drove a combined total of approximately one thousand miles, immersing myself in the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival in the Florida panhandle. For those of you that have been reading this blog and/or listening to my weekly “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast long enough, you know that I’ve been attending that event for many years.
This time around I not only had recording artist client Frankie Raye booked to perform three times during the festival, but, for NHTE, I was able to do interviews with five participating songwriters.
Along the way I made observations that warrant passing along to you because I’m optimistic that you’ll find something you can use from this list (in no particular order).
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I do have to start by commending Frankie Raye for getting the most out of her first time performing at this event. Late last year I’d gotten her booked at the massive Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, which (attending for the first time) could be a little overwhelming because of its size (something like 200 songwriters, compared to 78 this past weekend in Pensacola Beach), length (eleven days versus four-ish), and its history (37th edition last year for Frank Brown while this past weekend was number twelve for PBSF).
These events go by fast, and you need to maximize your time there. She did her three shows but also made sure to not only attend others but talk with songwriters she performed with and watched. She even got business cards from the person who handles the booking at a couple of venues. Certainly, I made sure she walked away with lots of pictures (one of them shown above) and video too. There’s also something to be said for the value in listening to others’ original songs; lyrics, structure, chord progressions, plus just watching their stage presence, their guitar playing, and, of course, listening to the story telling.
Meanwhile, one artist gave me a complimentary CD. When I noticed that it was from 2014 it gave me pause until I realized what a great strategy this could be. Once someone listens to and enjoys it, they’re going to want to hear more – and something newer. And boom, that sends you looking for more by that artist and now they’ve got you hooked in.
In this day and age where everyone is trying to figure out how to get more social media followers, I also enjoyed witnessing an artist say from the stage, before starting their next song, that they would – after the song – select two winners from anyone new that follows on Instagram. I have done this sometimes at my speaking engagements and can say firsthand that it’s a great tactic to employ.
It also did my heart good to practice what I preach, meaning, doing some networking. Specifically, I went to see someone who I know perform because I wanted to introduce that person to Frankie Raye. Those handshakes, pats on the back, “good to see you again” moments can go a long way. In this case it was being told that this individual would be happy to put my client in their writers round up in Nashville. This is where I tell you that an opportunity for one of those coveted spots doesn’t come easily. It’s “getting the reps,” though, meaning, putting in the (face) time at these events and building those relationships that eventually bring these kinds of results. And it’s important that I add that I didn’t even ask for that favor!
Don’t overlook that the five interviews I recorded mean more than just getting content for a quintet of episodes. Sitting face-to-face with those guests for the length of time I did only helped to start new relationships.
I’ll be on the road again in a few weeks to go to this year’s edition of the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. And you can rest assured I’ll be employing parts of this same blueprint to ensure that it’s time well spent there.
Are you getting the results you want for your indie music career? I have been helping artists from across the U.S. since 2004 and am available for a private, one-on-one online video consultation to provide help with what you’re doing. Book a session with me and let’s have a confidential conversation aimed at answering your questions and discussing options for the challenges you’re facing. I’d welcome the opportunity to assist you in that way.