In the dynamic landscape of the music industry, live performances have evolved into a captivating visual experience. The era when exceptional sound alone guaranteed success is fleeting. Today, concerts are immersive spectacles, incorporating video walls, dazzling lights, and unwavering energy. The belief that great music alone ensures triumph is being challenged, even for the smallest local bands. As a venue owner and musician, my experiences as well as others I have talked to have led me to a crucial realization: a band’s sound might not be the most important or the ultimate key to success and growth.
It’s said, the music business sells records, but bands performing live are unequivocally in the entertainment business. Having witnessed technically proficient and great sounding bands struggle for engagement and less technical and worse sounding ones amass devoted followings, I can affirm that charisma and entertainment value often outweigh musical prowess.
This article is tailored for those stuck in a gigging rut or feeling like the fan base is not growing. Here are some strategies, ranging from free to mid-priced options, to enhance your entertainment value.
Free Strategies to Increase Entertainment Value:
All-Out Charisma:
Radiate infectious vibes by showing you’re having a blast on stage. A genuine smile can go a long way. The too cool for school went by the wayside. Simply showing you are having a great time will encourage others to do the same. It works.
Communicate with Authority:
Embrace your role as an entertainer; engage the audience with enthusiasm. Acknowledge the venue, city, and express appreciation. Do this with conviction and don’t forget to thank those watching and the staff who gave you an opportunity. Own the mic.
Move Like Jagger:
Harness the power of body language. Infuse energy into your performance; simple movements like jumping can resonate with the crowd. You would be surprised to see that the crowd will follow your movement. Think big concert, wave those hands in the air.
Dress for Success:
Consider your stage appearance. Dressing uniquely can leave a lasting impression. Make it known you’re in a band and the entertainment. Wearing the same clothes from your job site is likely not going to give off that special vibe.
Strategic Song Choices:
Craft a well-thought-out setlist to transform your concert into a cohesive narrative. Play what resonates with the audience to gain and retain fans. The songs you play are directly related to the entertainment experience of the listeners.
Lower-Cost Enhancements:
Banners/Branding:
Invest in impactful banners to convey a professional image. Include band name, website, or QR code for lasting recognition. This is my first and foremost thing I mention to bands. A $100-$300 investment can pay thousands in dividends and give the gift that keeps on giving when folks who see a video recording now know the band name in the video thanks to the banners.
Cheap RGB Lights:
Purchase budget-friendly RGB lights for a visually stimulating performance. 8 of them is just over $100. Even in auto or sound mode, it can provide an enhancement to the show.
Smoke Machine:
Enhance your light show and stage visuals with a smoke machine, but be mindful of its impact on the singer. $50 – $150
Cheap RGB Lights / Banners
Mid to High Priced Investments:
RGBW Lights:
Upgrade to brighter RGBW lights with presets for a visually enhanced show. Incorporate a DMX controller for greater control. $60 – 80 per light and up.
Moving Lights:
Consider moving lights with a DMX controller for dynamic effects. Exercise caution though using presets that just randomly flash and have no real visual design. It can be annoying. $100 and up per light (they go into thousands)
Hazer:
Upgrade the smoke to a hazer which produces a lingering haze that enhances the visual impact of lights, creating a dynamic atmosphere. ($200 and up)
Trussing:
Elevate your stage with lighting truss for a professional concert environment. ($200 and up)
Drum Riser:
Invest in a drum riser for a visually striking and acoustically beneficial stage setup. ($200 and up)
You can spend as much money as you want going down the bells and whistles rabbit hole, trust me. However, the bells and whistles should NEVER be a substitute for human interaction. The foundation of entertainment / entertaining is within the people on stage and their ability to connect to the audience.
It important to also note a connection doesn’t always mean high energy either, it’s whatever it takes to get that listener / viewer engaged and part of the show. Telling folks they are beautiful or telling them to grab a hold of each other has a impact which causes unity.
As we’ve written before, the performance / entertainment process is passing energy back and forth from the audience to the band. However, IT STARTS WITH THE BAND. It’s extremely important to remember the band has to start the fire to create the entertainment. Too many bands wait for the audience to give them energy first or use it as an excuse to say “I only get into it when others get into it”, which is a sign they are not truly being entertainers. As many previous articles state, people hear with their eyes. Just as people will judge whether a band is good or great on how they look, perform, and more importantly, entertain.
Hopefully this article can give you some ideas. I have employed each of these as seen in the pictures and found they greatly enhance opportunities (financially, gigs, and frankly fun). Rock on!
In the dynamic world of the music industry, artists and bands often find themselves navigating a delicate balance between artistic expression, marketing, and maintaining a positive relationship with their fan base.
When I started this article, I wanted to title it “Don’t believe your own bullshit” but felt if that might be a little too harsh for some readers. After all, I write these articles in hope to encourage and direct young or inexperienced musicians on the right path.
If it was not already hard enough just playing music, you’ll quickly find the world of music today requires even more strategy than ever before. Failure to know boundaries can can quickly lead to someone crossing the line (until it’s too late).
As an example, marketing. In today’s world, it’s extremely challenging to stand out with all the “hype”. The days of “we are a 90’s cover band”, struggles to stand up against something like “The Ultimate 90’s Rock Experience” when found on google. It’s almost a necessity to over hype.
But.. are they “The Ultimate 90’s Rock Experience”? Maybe to some or maybe not to others but it’s not outside the possibility and is not unreasonable. Moreover, I think it’s safe to say that the statement will not create a storm of negative publicity and generally will gather better results with talent buyers over those who don’t create “hype”.
However, imagine if that same local band said something outlandish like “We’re going on tour with (insert big national touring artist)” or “Our last video of us playing cumbersome (filmed at a local bar on a cell phone) was on at the half time show for the super bowl”.
BS! LOL.
The truth is, the odds of that happening are up there with winning the lottery and honestly require more money than you could possibly imagine (nothing is free).
I don’t want to sound like a Grinch or bah humbug during our Christmas season but… let’s manage our expectations and be real for a moment knowing all other outlets for the band such as followers, video views, and likes don’t represent that level of success.
For the believers of those outlandish remarks, some would congratulate (it’s on the internet, it must be true). However, that generally puts a couple things in motion which become detrimental.
– The ones who congratulated them unknowingly become enablers, encouraging more outlandish statements than the last to maintain “hype”
– Eventually, those who supported the band slowly start to feel deceived and become resentful when those events don’t happen for some other outlandish reason as an excuse.
For me, if I know them and see this activity, I first feel worried for the band and then start to feel like I’m doing a disservice for not speaking to them. The impacts of these activities are not just on fans, the music community, but the members of the band both personally and professionally. When honesty is compromised and lies permeate the artist-fan dynamic, the consequences can be severe. Saying nothing in my opinion is irresponsible. Especially if you know the impacts.
Bottom line: Don’t believe your own bullshit.
Here are 5 reasons to not “oversell”, “overhype”, “stretch the truth”, or other term to somehow dilute the word lie.
1. Erosion of Trust:
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and the artist-fan connection is no exception. When artists deceive their fans, whether it’s about personal matters, artistic intentions, or promotional strategies, trust erodes. Fans invest not only in the music but also in the persona and authenticity of the artist. Once that trust is shattered, rebuilding becomes an uphill battle.
2. Loss of Authenticity:
Authenticity is a precious commodity in the music industry. Fans are drawn to artists who present genuine emotions, experiences, and stories through their work. Lying undermines this authenticity, turning an artist into a mere facade rather than a sincere storyteller. The result is a loss of connection with fans who seek a genuine and relatable artist to support.
3. Negative Public Perception:
In the age of social media, news travels fast. When an artist is caught in a lie, the repercussions extend beyond just disappointed fans. Negative publicity can tarnish an artist’s reputation, making it harder to secure collaborations, partnerships, or even future performance opportunities. The music industry is a close-knit community, and word-of-mouth can significantly impact an artist’s career trajectory.
4. Decline in Fan Base:
Fans are discerning and can quickly distance themselves from artists who engage in deceptive practices. Social media platforms empower fans to voice their opinions and share their disappointment, potentially leading to a decline in an artist’s fan base. This decrease not only affects immediate album or merchandise sales but also has long-term implications for an artist’s overall career sustainability.
5. Impact on Revenue Streams:
Beyond the emotional and reputational costs, lying can hit an artist where it hurts the most—their income. A loyal fan base is crucial for sustaining revenue streams such as concert ticket sales, merchandise purchases, and streaming numbers. When fans feel betrayed, they are less likely to invest in these revenue-generating avenues, resulting in financial setbacks for the artist.
Conclusion:
For artists and bands, maintaining honesty and transparency with their fans is not just a matter of moral responsibility but a strategic necessity. The consequences of lying extend far beyond the immediate fallout, affecting an artist’s trustworthiness, authenticity, public perception, fan base, and revenue streams. In an industry where success relies heavily on the support of a dedicated audience, preserving integrity should be a top priority for any artist seeking long-term prosperity. If you recall previous articles, you’ll likely see a theme on integrity. Integrity has been found to be a common character trait across successful people.
For the majority, this article should not apply (thankfully), but if you find this article just hit you in the face, it’s time for a change. Please do yourself a service and be truthful to reestablish your integrity and character for a successful run in this world we call the Music business. The majority of us want you to succeed. Cheers.
In the dynamic world of the music business, a band’s name serves as a powerful identifier that encapsulates its identity, brand, and artistic vision. As a band invests time, effort, and passion into creating its unique sound, it becomes vital to protect the name associated with that sound. Trademarks serve as an official identifier for you to execute commerce under the name, and yes, help you remove others who infringe on your name.
Important note: I’m not an attorney and the information below is based on my own experience doing trademarks without an attorney (the process does not require you have an attorney but if you are not into doing research and legal stuff, probably best to get one).
So what will a trademark help me do?
Preserving Your Identity: Your band’s name is more than just a combination of words; it represents your artistic identity and the impression you leave on your audience. Trademarking your band name helps preserve its uniqueness and prevents others from capitalizing on your success or confusing fans with a similar name. It ensures that your band maintains exclusive rights to its identity, reinforcing your market presence and long-term success.
Establishing Brand Recognition: Trademarks create a powerful brand presence by associating specific qualities and values with your band’s name. Registering a trademark enhances brand recognition among fans, industry professionals, and potential collaborators. By protecting your name, you make it easier for audiences to find you, leading to increased visibility, opportunities, and potential revenue streams.
Expanding Commercial Potential: Trademarking your band name offers numerous commercial advantages. It enables you to license your name for merchandise, such as t-shirts, posters, and other memorabilia, providing additional revenue streams beyond music sales and performances. Moreover, securing a trademark strengthens your negotiating position with sponsors, record labels, and promoters, demonstrating your commitment to protecting your brand and making you a more attractive partner.
Legal Protection: Trademark registration empowers you with legal recourse against any unauthorized use or infringement of your band’s name. It provides you with a legal shield to prevent others from using similar names that might confuse or dilute your brand, ultimately safeguarding your artistic reputation and preventing any potential damage to your career. Additionally, trademark protection extends beyond national borders, ensuring global coverage and protection.
Ok, how do I process a trademark for my band name?
Step 1 is research:
Before embarking on the trademark registration process, conduct thorough research to ensure that your band name is available and doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks. This involves checking online databases, music industry directories, and engaging legal assistance if necessary. I’d suggest first searching TESS (Trademark Electronic Search System) at https://tess2.uspto.gov/ . See if anyone already has your name registered or in the process of registering. In your search you may see fully registered marks, abandoned marks, cancelled marks, as well as marks in process.
Step 2 is to determine eligibility:
Review the requirements for trademark eligibility in your jurisdiction. Typically, trademarks should be distinctive and not descriptive, generic, or already in use. Your band name should meet these criteria to proceed with the registration process.
Step 3 is to file an application:
Submit a trademark application to the appropriate governmental body responsible for trademarks in the country you perform. In the case of the U.S., the would be through the United States Patent and Trademark Office online at https://www.uspto.gov/ . Read through the process and the use of the TEAS Plus process makes it very easy. Most of the bands will fall under the IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S, which is Entertainment, namely, live performances by musical bands
Step 4 is the examination and publication:
Upon receiving your application, the trademark office will examine it for compliance with legal requirements and perform a search to identify any potential conflicts. If no issues arise, your application will be published for opposition, allowing third parties to raise objections within a specified period. This is a LONG waiting process…. Almost a year. Be patient as you will not receive any correspondence until they are ready to process your application or review it.
Step 5 is the registration and maintenance:
If no oppositions or objections are raised, your trademark will be registered, and you will receive a certificate of registration. It’s crucial to understand the maintenance requirements, including periodic renewals, to ensure continued protection of your band name.
After all of that, you will have the freedom to use your band name under commerce and allow your band the right to sole use of the mark regarding your musical performance and more. Boom!
Why Playing Locally Too Often Is Bad For Your Band.
Two main traits of bands able to sell out gigs (talent aside) is their tendency not to excessively gig in the same area and their commitment to giving each show a purpose.
Every time someone sees that you’re playing this weekend they weigh the pros and cons of coming to your show. It is all too easy to become the band that someone disregards because you’ll probably be playing again soon or they just saw you 2 weeks ago at a venue down the road and they doubt seeing you again will be worth the time, money, energy, and backache if they’re over 30!
Taking every opportunity to play in your hometown or in the same area can be tempting. So tempting, it can lead some artists to become oblivious to the fact there is only a certain number of people in any given scene. And yes, that goes for big cities too.
There is irony in the fact that most local venues are hesitant booking out of town acts because they won’t realistically bring their fans to fill the venue. Even if you do have a huge local fanbase, don’t assume that they have got so little going on in their lives that they will constantly be there to support you.
If you’re still under the impression that the more gigs, regardless of the location, the better, consider how excited you would be if you knew that you could go down the road and see your favorite band EVER play every week.
Unless there is something wrong with you (which means that you keep getting excited about having the same experience over and over again) the excitement would quickly wear off of your favorite band/artist being available and demanding your attention. Even the greatest pleasures have the potential to become monotonous. “Things” are only as good as the measure of them.
If you play gigs less frequently in your hometown, you will get MORE of a draw because you will create a sense of exclusivity. Music consumers thrive on scarcity. Demand being greater than the supply is a consumer’s kryptonite.
If you do become a band known for selling out venues – regardless of the size – in your hometown, people will be more likely to come to the show to avoid the fear of missing out! You will become infinitely more attractive to venues outside of your local area and festival bookers when you can show them a crowd eager to inch its way to the front of your shows. You’re not fooling anyone by posting gig photos taken a long way from the stage that don’t show a single audience member.
How Often Should You Play Local and How Should You Play It?
There is no short answer. The general rule of thumb for playing in your local circuit tends to be four times a year, or at least playing gigs 6 – 12 weeks apart in the same area, the number also depends on another factor; the quality of your shows.
Every show should be an event. If you don’t have new music to promote at your shows, get creative in coming up with why fans should see you for the first time AND the next times. Go acoustic. Come up with a concept, beyond just giving your run of shows a clever name. And never underestimate the impact of creating something that seems unmissable to fans old and new.
Hopefully, I have pulled you out of the “but, but, but EXPOSURE!!!” trap by this point. Because even if it does seem like common sense that “more shows = more fans” the effect is almost always the reverse. Any good band leader would tell you not to overplay your local area, but with all the 100% independent artists doing everything themselves, there is no-one to give them this sound advice.
If you are playing gigs needlessly and aimlessly, that time/energy could be far better spent on networking, self-promotion, writing and recording new material and actually coming up with a long-term plan. There may be no glory like blowing the roof off a venue and hearing the demand of an encore, but for that to be sustainable your plan has to be solid.
For some all of the above will be a bitter pill to swallow and I have undoubtedly burst some bubbles by speaking harsh truths over blowing smoke up your ass. Check it out though, don’t get hooked in the big fish in a small pond mentality.
It’s been a moment since I’ve written an article. This particular article was written because I’ve been asked by several bands how to effectively market. I can only speak on my experience which has worked for me but I’m sure results vary. Below is a list of 5 things which provide great value in marketing for my own band and businesses.
1. Create an effective website.
I hear ya, “Facebook, Instagram, tiktok, and every other social channel is all I need”. Although social platforms provide the “push” of info effectively, it falls short in the ability for you to have total control of your message or content, furthermore is subjected to comments, scrolling, and other advertising. More importantly, you’re missing out on what most folks do when they are looking for bands.. search. Social media platforms are great if someone knows your band but if not, you’ll want to consider the power of a website which provide a 24/7 marketing opportunity to stand out from all the other bands in your area. Because you’ll have full control, you will be able to craft your content in a way which sells the band with video, audio, event dates, as well as reviews. Just make sure you keep it updated, make it mobile friendly, and remember you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Hit up Harlow Media if you need more info.
2. Create an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) for your band
An EPK is a digital collection of content or promotion material which is provided to talent buyers, venues, and just about anywhere you want to play. Having one can set you apart from masses of bands who tend to rely on just saying they are a good band without anything to back them. The key ingredients to an EPK are Bio, Photos, Video, Music, Reviews or Testimonials, Website and Social Media Links, Highlights, and Contact info. Many bands feel like they just don’t have enough material to start one, however, an EPK can be a living product which is updated as your band and content grows.
3. Network / Make friends with other bands and venue owners
I’ve always found that you are a product of who you hang around but I think Sylvester Stallone says it best
“If you hang around with nice people you get nice friends, hang around with smart people and you get smart friends, hang around with yo-yos and you get yo-yos for friends. It’s simple mathematics.”
Sylvester Stallone
Point is the entire world of any business is based on relationships. Making connections with great humans who have the same passion as you is powerful. I cannot count the number of gigs I’ve gotten because I’ve simply known people or other bands who have recommended my band or venue owners who I’ve befriended. I’ve also watched bands completely get blackballed by folks because of the way they treated people or talked with venues. The good news is we’re extremely fortunate in this area to have some amazing humans who support our scene, and most will go out of their way to support you. Whether it’s making friends with venue owners or people, please be genuine, real, and respectful.
4. Video Posts
Music as a medium has always been just that, an audio representation of art. Back in the old days (not too long ago LOL) people would sit back and listen to records and let the music take over their bodies and mind. It literally was a way to escape and imagine things while the music played. As technology evolved and music television appeared “MTV”, music slowly became only half of the equation with video actually making or breaking the song itself.
Fast forward to today and video is just about the only thing which will catch someone’s attention for maybe 10 seconds.
So why is video important? Because the content you shoot or provide, even if it resonated for 10 seconds put your band in the mind of that individual and the law of leadership in marketing is “the first in the mind is the first to succeed”.
Don’t overdo it but people like to be connected to what is going on in bands lives. Consider shooting a bit of a song here and there, producing a promo video, or maybe talk to folks on your way to a show to promote it. Statistically you will have a better chance of connecting with user bases, certainly a better retention rate than just words.
Example Promotion:
5. Stand out / invest in visuals
Standing out is a simple statement but hard to execute without the right tools. As your band grows and you can afford it, recommend investing in your brand and look.
Produce a logo or have a professional do it (vector format if possible)
Produce digital flyers for your shows (use logos for your band and venue with clear show dates)
Invest in a banner backdrop to display when you play out will pay massive dividends to implant your bands name in those listeners heads. Scrims also provide for a good visual.
Wear outfits at shows that distinguish you from the listeners (not going to get into the cargo shorts debate! LOL)
Invest in lighting elements, stage props, or visuals which can have a great impact on your performance and growth.
Invest in merch such as shirts and even give them out if you have too.. walking billboards yo!
Consider doing the other things in this article!
Thanks for reading and supporting our local music scene. I’m hopeful that these tips may provide you or your band success in your endeavors.
ve·loc·i·ty: the speed of something in a given direction.
In this article, I’ll scratch the surface into its meaning specifically with project management and how it might assist your band in delivering on your goals and managing expectations.
In no way is this short article going to explain the principles of waterfall, sprints, agile, scrum, critical paths, or any other type of project management lingo but it should give you a small primer to consider that project management methodologies can actually assist in band management, if used properly.
One caveat: Like any tool, it only works when placed upon the right objects and in the case of bands and members, those who are open to the concepts of tracking progress as well as setting goals. Frankly, these types of things are difficult to implement because some will consider it too “serious” and the entire morale could shift for the worse. In other words, if you are just jamming for fun, this probably is not the article for you or your band (most bands in reality). For those remaining, use at your own risk.
Bridging project management and band management (it can be the same), Velocity encapsulates movement, forward projection, and specifically defines what a band should be able to achieve during a time period. In agile methodologies, we call those time periods “sprints” but for this article and in regards to band management, we’ll just call it “next rehearsal.”
In the simplest terms, Velocity is a measurement of movement or accomplishments.
So, “How do I use it?” or the better question, “What do I use it on?”
To keep it high level, this article will use the concept on learning new songs with a band. Learning new songs is something every band will certainly do and the struggle is real. The below story is fictitious, or is it?
The scenario: You just formed the ultimate rock band “Crotch Rocket”. The players are the best in the area and you plan to do some of the more complex songs on the Nickel Back albums.
The goal: You got a gig lined up at Madison square garden (Ms. Madison, the old lady that has a nice little garden in her back yard down the street). The gig is only 3 months away and your band needs 40 songs to be able to play the event (it will surely have record label executives watching you ready to sign you for playing the cover tunes so well).
The bands response:“Too easy, we can totally learn 10 songs the first week, and then maybe 15 the next week since we’re kicking ass, and then another 15 more the next week. We’ll be ready in 3 weeks and we’ll be ROCK GODS! Matter of fact, let’s go ahead and book us in 3 weeks, we don’t even have to wait 3 months!”
The plan: Band Leader: “By next rehearsal (next week), learn the first 10 tracks from Nickel Backs first album. Because I’m a good band leader, here are the official tabs so we’re all on the same sheet of music.”
The band:“No problem boss, we’re gonna kill this. This is gonna be awesome, we’re fully committed.” “We’re already the best band in the area!”
The next rehearsal:
Guitarist: “Hey man, uh, man, I got busy at work and didn’t have time to learn any of the new songs”
Singer: “what songs were we suppose to learn?”
Bass Player: “man, I learned it in a different key”
Drummer: “I learned my parts” (they didn’t.. but nobody can tell)
Band leader: “FML”
And… that starts the measurement. The velocity is the measurement of what actually occurred. The bands desire was 10 songs, the bands actual velocity was 0, zilch, nadda. 0 is bad.
Ok, I’m being a little dramatic, let’s give the band Crotch Rocket some credit and say they actually were able to accomplish 3 songs (in a week). And just like that, the band velocity is 3.
The problem: 3 is not 10.
The bigger problem: Turmoil is brewing and they don’t even know it. Without setting expectations and valid achievable goals quickly, Crotch Rocket may not make it to even see the gig.
Where velocity comes in: Based on this new velocity number, the band leader is now armed with some realities. The band, as much as they wanted to do 10 songs a rehearsal, was able to only really produce 3. That velocity of 3 is the new standard (which hopefully will increase).
Side note: It also important to note that songs, like tasks, in project management can vary in complexity so velocity can change and would need to be measured over multiple rehearsals to really determine the capability of the members versus their perceived abilities internally. By a few more rehearsals, the band leader can generally access what the real velocity is (an average).
The math: With a little math, we can gather that timeline in reality looks a bit different from the original expectation:
40 songs / velocity (3) = 13.3 weeks (rehearsals)
Uh oh! That means that 13.3 rehearsals put Crotch Rocket over 3 months (13.3 / 4) before they will be able to perform!! They are gonna have to cancel Madison square garden!!
Fortunately, for Crotch Rocket, they realized that building the ultimate rock band is hard and armed with this new reality of velocity, the members were able to prioritize some things, decrease complexity in song choices and increase their velocity to a solid 5 to make the gig.
And that’s the thing, velocity is something which you continue to measure to effectively manage what can be done. It resolves so many issues with false hope, missed expectations, and unproductive rehearsals.
There are so many facets I could go into but this article would then be a book but I’ll mention that effective planning and asking members to determine their own velocity is important to measure so it’s not constantly a struggle for members. Being in a band is about having fun after all and I can tell you even more fun when you have a high performing band where expectations are managed.
Ok, let’s wrap this article up:
Velocity can help your band analyze what you have delivered in a previous rehearsals and what is achievable going forward, making the process more efficient and attainable. Not only will it make your band more efficient, it is also a great communication technique for all the band members when it comes setting expectations.
Common Challenges
A common issue within even committed bands is 80% of the members will learn all the material but 20% do not. Unfortunately, with this case, the velocity is still the same, it’s based on the entire band and not individuals (i.e. the bands performance is based on the worst members performance). This process can quickly put a spotlight on members who constantly don’t meet the standard which can be a bad experience. Some members will be encouraged to get things together and others may just not care which can lead to lots of other issues to include resentment and removal of the member.
Band members typically don’t want to be held accountable. Many will start to consider the concept of having predefined tasks “a job” and worse, being “tested” at rehearsals. If not properly explained that it’s not a test or job, the members can start to resent the entire process, leading to a negative experience.
This concept doesn’t need to be forced on every little thing within a band. Use it where it works best for your band and make sure everyone on is on board with the concept, or, as a band leader, execute these measurements in private and just forecast within your internal plans.
This doesn’t solve band problems like drama, arrogance, girlfriends, or really anything other than helping to plan effectively. If anything, it can lead to more problems if not effectively implemented with willing members.
I hope you found the article interesting and if you implement it, I hope you have the same successes I’ve had with my bands I’ve used the process with. The current band I perform with went from a properly managed plan to 2 rehearsals to playing a festival. Finding members who can adopt the process and have the same commitments can do extraordinary things. It can work, just over communicate and give it a chance. Cheers.
