The creative power of a stage name
Artist stage names run the gamut from run-of-the-mill to sublimely poetic to utterly ridiculous — but they can serve a useful purpose. Read the post.
Author: Michael Gallant
Is a music plug-in subscription right for you?
Virtual instruments, studio effects, and a vast variety of digital tools are becoming available on a subscription basis. Here’s how to figure out what’s right for you. Read the post.
Musical lessons: Six things I learned from Pentatonix
Pentatonix — the groundbreaking, five-person a cappella group — enjoys widespread success due to their soul, skill, and creativity. Their music contains valuable lessons for indie artists of any genre. Read the post.
Why every indie artist should record a solo album
Recording a solo album can expose weaknesses and push your limits — which are two great reasons to give it a try. Read the post.
Prepping for a big music performance: Managing nerves and expectations
Putting a big music performance in perspective is one way to manage your nerves, and here are a few other ideas to help you prepare to play your best. Read the post.
What a Grammy award could mean for your career
Independent children’s hip-hop artists Alphabet Rockers captured their first Grammy award this year. This is what the award means for their mission and music. Read the post.
The moment you knew music was your calling
The pivotal performances that convinced two renowned artists to build their lives around music are not what you might expect. Read the post.
Mirror, mirror: How watching yourself perform can elevate your music
Watching yourself in a mirror while you perform or practice can help you elevate your music and performance, so find opportunities to gaze while you play and learn from what you see. Read the post.
Songwriting and writer’s block: 11 tips to help the songwriter get unstuck
What do you do when you hit a wall when you’re writing a song? Here are tips from experienced songwriters to help you overcome writer’s block. Read the post.
Choosing the right microphone to elevate your productions
Mic selection can help shape the color, mood, and impact of your next song. Here’s advice on how to choose microphones that best fit your music. Read the post.
Avoid overproducing your music
If you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to go overboard editing, processing, and tweaking your recordings-in-progress. Here’s some advice on how to make your productions sound their best — and knowing when to stop. Read the post.
Producing a new track? Don’t take a day off.
When producing a new track, try working on it — even for a very short time — every single day until it’s done. Read the post.
What’s the best key for your song?
There are a lot of factors that play into choosing the right arrangement for a song — but choosing the best key for you and the musicians might be the most important. Read the post.
How to produce a vocal session (when you’re also the singer)
Singing and producing at the same time creates a unique set of challenges. It can also offer freedom and a work-flow that’s all yours. Read the post.
How to produce with soft synths
Software synthesizers can open up huge musical possibilities when you’re producing music. Here’s how to get started. Read the post.