Getting back to performing live after quarantine
The pandemic froze many indie artists’ live concert careers. If you’re ready to start playing for in-person audiences again, the right preparation can set you up for success. Read the post.
performing live
How to plan, perform, and rock your Zoom gigs
Live-streaming has opened new opportunities for many musicians. It has also created new categories of challenges. These prep and performance tips can make your Zoom gigs the best they can be. Read the post.
Gigging over Zoom: A case study
Throughout the pandemic, live-streamed performances have been a lifeline for many musicians, but the technical challenges can be significant. Here are some tips to help you share your music via Zoom. Read the post.
How to produce a compelling live stream show
Creating compelling live streams goes beyond setting up a camera and performing like you do on stage. Use these techniques to create a better performance, get more viewers, and make more money from your live stream show. Read the post.
Work To Create A Killer Live Show
To create a show that packs the house, you have to do more than just play your recorded music live. You have an entire stage to create a spectacle that draws people in and makes an emotional connection. Read the post.
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.
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.
Use visual and musical cues to lead your audience
Your audience wants to respond, they just don’t know what you want them to do – they don’t know what’s going through your head when you’re on the stage – so you have to use verbal, visual, and musical cues to lead them where you want them to go. Read More.
How to survive four hour marathon gigs
Not everybody wants to pursue the path of marathon gigging, but for those with a deep love of music and a desire to share it, it can be a great way to get paid for doing what you love. Read more.
Changing the pressure during your live performances
Being intentional with different visual presentations for the variety of moods your songs invoke is part of what Tom Jackson calls changing the pressure on your audience during your live performances. “I’m not talking about acting or choreography, I’m talking about thinking, “What should this song look like?'” Read more.
How to survive as a solo cover musician
It’s a cliché to say that show business is tough, but the reality is that it’s worse than that. It eats good people alive. Here are three survival skills I’d like to pass along that have helped me get through 15 years playing solo acoustic cover songs in bars, restaurants, private parties, corporate events, and pig roasts in cemeteries. Read more.
Is it time to take the plunge or hang up the axe?
A personal exploration into this writer’s lack of enthusiasm for performing live. It’s been a part of my life for over 30 years, I’ve been at this for so long. I’ve been practicing with my buddy and collaborator for three years, and we can be impressive when we play to our strengths. – what’s holding me back? Read more.