Ditch the stage fright and boost your stage presence
You love singing, you’ve been preparing for years, but when performance day arrives, you’re consumed with stage fright. What can you do? Read More.
Live Performance
A collection of articles from the Disc Makers blog that relate to the live music performance, including advice from top coaches and experienced musicians.
How to book high exposure music gigs as an independent artist
Here’s the strategy I used to book high exposure music gigs opening for Rick Derringer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joan Jett, Fuel, and many others. This same method will work for booking gigs at local venues as well. Read More.
Six examples of the Talk Box done right
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to integrate this inventive effects pedal into your own work, check out the following performances of the Talk Box done right. Read More.
How to make a detailed input list for your live shows
An input list should include every instrument, DI, and vocal that’s part of your stage set-up. Here are some tips to help you put together an effective input list with minimal headache. Read More.
The details your live sound engineer wants to know
Think you’ve told your live sound engineer everything he needs to know for your big gig? Don’t forget these important details. Read More.
Set yourself up for success with an accurate stage plot
A well-crafted stage plot – customized to the lineup and tech needs of your band – can go a long way towards setting yourself up for success once you hit the stage, especially for a multi-band event. Read More.
A new release strategy for a new music economy
Indie artist Megan Slankard is finding success in the new music economy through the fan-support platform of Patreon – reducing risk and rewarding trust among her steadily growing fan base. Read More.
Being a musician for hire: how to make it as a freelance side-musician
Whether contributing backing vocals, laying down beats, or anything in between, playing the role of a musician for hire can be complicated. Here are some tips to help you make it. Read More.
Tips for a smooth transition at your next music gig
The fifteen minutes between one artist’s final note and the next group’s first “hello” are precious. How you handle the transition can set you up for your best performance at your next music gig. Read More.
Five fixes to improve your chances for success as a singer/songwriter
If you want success as a singer/songwriter, I already know these five things need to be addressed without even seeing your show. Read More.
Ninth chords add space, dissonance, and ambiance to your arrangements
There are many diverse kinds of ninth chords, and they are used in different ways. In this post, we’ll explore different kinds of ninth chords, how to use them, and provide examples of their use in popular music. Read More.
Five Takes on “Black Hole Sun” – Remembering Chris Cornell
Though he covered tunes by many diverse artists, Cornell was no stranger to having his own songs covered as well; perhaps none has become as popular amongst other artists as Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun.” Read More.
Six things I learned watching Chris Cornell cover other people’s songs
Listening to Chris Cornell cover various songs from a wide range of styles can teach you a lot about how to make the most of your own attempts. Read More.
Spice up your musical arrangements with substitution chords
Jazz musicians know and integrate substitution chords (also known as chord substitution or reharmonization) on a regular basis, but musicians who play other genres of music can also employ this concept to great effect. Read More.
Four Unusual Keyboard Instruments That Can Inspire New Music
When you think “keyboard,” you might think of a grand piano or Hammond organ, old-school analog synth or cutting-edge Korg digital workstation. But the possibilities for keyboard instruments go far beyond. Read More.