The Blog

Written by Wes Riley When you're in a band, the moments on stage are electrifying. But just as essential are “The Space Between”—the times before and after the show and those valuable minutes between sets. Here’s how to make the most of them and keep the crowd engaged...

Holy crap! You see the band "Cod Fish Diaries", they are blowing up!!Well, are they? This topic frequently generates questions from ranging from "Are those views real?" to "Are they paying to look bigger?" to "Should I buy followers for my band?". For those that don't...

There I am, 18 years old, criticizing band after band. “Angus young sucks because he can’t play arpeggios”, “Yngwie has no feel”, “Poison sucks because they look like girls – maybe that’s still true LOL”. Point is, I’m reminded of that guy often and how much I want to...

As our local music scene welcomes new bands, I've always been eager to facilitate connections among musicians, hoping they'll create something fresh and impactful in our community. Yet, the journey of forming and sustaining a band is undeniably challenging. Keeping a...

Harmony is a vital part of what makes a band sound great. The ability to harmonize throughout a melody immediately causes listeners to take note. However, many leaders fail to recognize that the most important harmony in a band is not audible. It’s the harmony that’s...

This short article was inspired by our own local legend Val Smith, from the band Midlife Crisis. If you are on the Facebook, inevitably you will see posts and shares from Val in regards to just about any live music event and band. What's most impressive is that he...

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...

Introduction: 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...

Safeguarding your band name or finding out you are infringing on another band using the same name!

By Ken Kirkland OVERPLAY ? at Pinky's Pub.... Again..... 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...

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...

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...

In any profession I know of, being professional is what sets you apart and makes you desirable. It puts you at the top of your game and creates credibility in each of your actions. It builds trust and relationships. However, for whatever reason, there are always some...

By Ken KirklandWhat exactly is "groove"? I've spoken with other musicians about it and there's not really a clear cut definition. Most people say it's just something you feel. But what if you don't? Let's try to dive in and figure it out exactly what groove is and how...

It’s Christmas time and as I think about something to write about, it seems appropriate to maybe write something about a wish list. I’m not talking about that perfectly tuned and amazing SUHR or LUXXTONE guitar (hint hint – tele style with tremolo please LOL), rather...

By Ken Kirkland In some of my other pro tips I've mentioned the importance of playing often. However, I need to add a disclaimer: it isn’t just about the quantity of shows played, it’s also about the quality. While in theory, it sounds good to perform as much as...

by Ken Kirkland "His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti, He's nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready" I have a musician friend (yes I have like 4 of those) who confessed to me that she feels...

Written by Jason Harlow The band is melting faces, the music sounds better than ever and the energy in the show is electric. You’ve got that amazing moment where you are like “this can’t be real; this is way too much fun and it sounds too good to be true!”. The song...

By Ken Kirkland We've all been there. You are trying to find new band members. You put out flyers, ads, or even post on social media. Then, whenever someone shows interest in your band (they call you or audition), they do not have the same drive and ambition that you...

Maybe the article should be called "10 Questions and considerations to finding the magical number, or more specifically, value worth playing" but please read on. This is a controversial article to write and I expect people to totally disagree, which is cool. If you...

Written by Jason Harlow I was in Church yesterday and the message touched on something personally I’ve dealt with in my entire music career or life in general. For those that know me, I’m somewhat ambitious, I like to sometimes go against the grain to simply prove...

by Ken KirklandIt happens more often than you might think. Especially when you’re playing at a new venue. Maybe they had booked a different band that cancelled at the last second and you're filling in. Maybe you’re playing on a Monday, or the venue down the street has...

by Sam WilderWith all the money we spend on guitars, effects, amps, and more guitars it’s hard to imagine how a little piece of plastic that costs almost nothing can make such a noticeable difference in your playing. And up until right now you probably didn’t even...

By Sam WilderMy band, the G.O.A.M.F.T. is, well, the greatest band of all MF time. We’re so awesome, in fact, that bands on the same bill as us never ask my group to play another show with them because they know they just can’t keep up. We just end up embarrassing...

By Sam Wilder At a live show, music lovers get to taste music in a whole different way. It is an epic experience for both the musicians and the fans which allow them to connect through the performance. Whether you are an amateur or you have done it so many times...

By Sam Wilder Engaging with your audience while you are performing live will allow you to connect with them on a deeper level. It’s like giving them an open invitation to your world while performing on stage. The more engaged your audience is with your performance,...

By Sam WilderPracticing and rehearsing are not at all the same thing. When a rehearsal doesn’t go well or when it seems to drag on with very little being accomplished, it’s usually because someone went to the rehearsal expecting to practice…So what’s the difference?...

By Sam Wilder I was asked, “How do I get my musical passion back? I know what I want but it's always being put on hold because of reality.” This is a really hard question to answer because it's a struggle that musicians face everyday. I'm going to try to answer that...

From Ken Kirkland COVID-19 is infecting our health and our wealth. That might not be too big of a deal to Wall Street and large corporations but for us normal working-class musicians and venue owners it definitely is. Musicians who put all their work and money into...

By Sam Wilder So you always wanted to be a professional musician? See your name in magazines, your band logo on album covers or postered all over town, hear your songs on the radio, and don't forget that rock star life you dream of. But without a doubt there are a ton...

By Sam Wilder "People hear more with their eyes than they do their ears" - Some random musician in Kansas He's right though. Here's 9 things you can do to improve your stage presence: 1. Break the sugar bowl2. Look interesting3. Be energetic4. Involve the crowd5....

   By Sam Wilder      A band is a friendship, a collaborative partnership and a business all rolled into one. Although it might be less personal and intimate than a romantic relationship, it is quite possibly more complicated. That's...

By Lisa Occhino     Once you’ve decided that you’re getting pretty serious about this whole music career thing, you know that you have to start putting in the work to come up with effective band marketing ideas.    But if you haven’t...

Written by local Shawn Pawloski (Guitarist from Midlife Crisis) There is a drastic difference. Some people climb up on that stage and strap on their instrument. They may get behind the drums. They strap on that awesome bass or get behind the mic. The very first song...

It's not a no brainier.by Sam Wilder How many times have you wished you could be better at your instrument? Or wished you could be a better singer? We all know that the best way to get better is to practice our craft. It’s the biggest no-brainer there is about being a...

By Sam Wilder Whether you answered a musician "want ad" or someone reached out to you, the next step in the process is actually going to the audition. So let's talk about it. I’ve played in several bands and projects over the years and have been to my share of band...

By Sam Wilder So your show is booked and your band is heading out to the venue, ready to play a great show. Nothing else to worry about, right? Not necessarily. You see, while wowing the crowd from the stage is definitely a priority at any gig, your off-stage antics...

By Sam Wilder Ok so you want to be in a band (who doesn't) but there's some things you need to know in order to build a successful band. We'll call them rules for the sake of this Pro Tip. Rule 1: If you are surrounded by musicians who are truly success minded, there...

Written by Ken Kirkland "What do you want to do with your life?!” the crazed dad shouts to the 14 year-old kid, barging into the bedroom, fed up with the sound of loud, non-stop music practicing. “I wanna rock!” the kid says. (Enter long-haired rock musicians. Cue...

Written by Judy Rodman "We know that there are some for whom music is so compelling and innately powerful, they are unable to contain it within themselves. They can no more separate themselves from music as they could their own limb.” - Musicians and the link to...

Thanks to Mary at band-vans.net for this excellent article. Many bands think that if they master their instruments, write good songs and maybe even have some fans that the rest will somehow fall into place. They forget to ask themselves how other potential fans shall...

This article was taken from Tom Hess, professional touring guitarist and recording artist. I couldn't of said it better! Have you ever been in this scenario? You are trying to find new band members. You put out flyers, ads, or even post on forums online. Then,...

If you read part 1, you probably were thinking I was saying we should all play for free (don't do it, unless a charity) and we should all just hug and sing John Denver songs (real name Deutschendorf  BTW). Nope, I'm like any warm blooded human and American, show...

“Hey dude, you playing at Wombats, that new bar in town?” Hell no man. “Why dude?” Not enough money man. “What do you mean? Isn’t some money better than no money? No man, we know our value. As someone who has booked myself and artists, I have actually used the phrase...

By Carey Henderson I’ve been playing guitar for nearly 31 years. I started like many people: my parents bought me an inexpensive guitar, because they were smart enough to start this way to see if I’d stick with the instrument first, I took lessons (from Jason Harlow...

Oh no, pucker factor 10! (pucker factor – the amount your butthole clinches up during a tense situation) In a world far far away, this is a fictional story. Jim Smuckatelli, bass player who played with the band “Sasquatch” comes into rehearsal with a new band called...

Written by Jason Boyd - Professional Drummer When Jason Harlow invited me to write an article, I knew exactly what I wanted to write about first… Groove. Groove is such an important element of music that I find is too often overlooked. In my opinion it is what makes...

Have you ever stepped back and considered all the moving parts of a band? It’s a miracle things actual happen at all given how humans interact.Ever thought about your role in a band? Am I a support or lead musician?Am I a volunteer or getting paid?Will I be allowed...

“Dude, we should totally be a Slayer tribute band” / “no man, I think we should only do country music!”. Yeah, that’s real. It exists. Two musicians discussing their goals and desires to form the ultimate band. Houston, we have a problem. Most of the bands I’ve seen...

“Great Job Man”... for some, the most important thing you could ever say. More powerful than money, gifts, or acts. Why? Because these folks respond to “words of affirmation”. Admittedly, this is what drives me and I think it probably drives most musicians. At the end...

Note: These are some perspectives, opinions, and truths I’ve found from my travels and dealing with humans for many years in music and business. These are no brainers for many but I hope these thoughts may assist you in building a great band and make you a better band...