Well…it’s time to dust off the laptop and get with the program! It has come to mind over the past couple of weeks that we have a section of musicians needing a little TLC… Young singer/songwriters! From my experience, they benefit tremendously from artist development and some music business knowledge. Some of the most valuable lessons we learned were from a manager in Nashville, Tennessee. Knowing the road to a record deal or a successful music career is an expensive endeavor; we still chose to invest in a one-on-one weekend with her. She gave us a crash course in music business, the movers and shakers in Nashville, a hard lesson to The Lucas Brothers about the art of performing and more live music venues around town than should be legal in ten square miles! My life is about to be about put up or shut up. Someone chose to invest in me and my passion for music. That person has seen where and when my eyes light up…and that’s when I’m watching a client perform their best after we have worked on all the nuances and colors of their music. So, here I go! Getting serious about being an Artist Manager is a scary step at this point of my life. But you know what, there’s no place like home….backstage! Check out my new website...it will be growing along with me. PAM

Some Advice for Young Singers

When my sons were just beginning their country music journey at ages 11 and 14, it was difficult to imagine in just a couple of years how far they would progress as entertainers. Some of the best experiences they had were with house bands in small live venues in Arkansas, Texas and Missouri. There was no better experience for them than to work with experienced musicians that play simply because they love music, not because they are making a ton of money doing it! Young children and teen usually start out by learning to sing with Karaoke tracks and progress to professional accompaniment tracks. Those work in the beginning because that process teaches them to listen closely to intros, bridges and breaks so they know when to come back in singing. It also helps them develop better pitch because the musicians on those tracks are usually tuned correctly. Although, I can’t say much for the demo singers, more often than not, unless it’s the original artist or band, the singers have bad vocal habits or pitch issues. My advice to my students has usually been, listen to the original artist rather than the demo to learn the music if we didn’t have sheet music to follow. After the boys, The Lucas Brothers got through the first couple of years of practicing, competing and performing; it was time to start the live venue experience. My oldest son, Neal, had already begun playing the guitar and would play for hours. Nick had started forming his own particular style of being the “ladies man” with his soulful, smooth voice. Neal had this raw, edgy, energy that really caused you to focus on every move he made. But, together, they were phenomenal! Being prepared to work with a live band was key…the boys always had their lyric sheets and the keys they needed to sing them in, costumes, headshots and anything else that might be needed for promotion. I had taught them to be professional when they spoke to anyone, especially in the music industry. They always had fun during rehearsals with the bands, but were very attentive and respectful. There are so many live venues in Arkansas, Texas, Missouri and Tennessee and really in just about every state that welcome young, talented singer/songwriters. Also, don’t forget about the plethora of fairs and festivals in every state in the union that need entertainment! If you have put in your time learning much about your music, and can talk intelligently about the business of music and performing, then the sky is the limit! Don’t let another day go by just wishing you could be on that stage…. Our favorite places to perform: Arlington Country Music Revue, Grapevine Opry, and Silver Dollar City. Here is a link to the multitude of venues in the great state of Texas: http://governor.state.tx.us/music/directory/venues/venues-country Nick, 13, singing at the former Johnnie High's Country Music Revue in Arlington, Texas. Neal, 16, performing at JHCMR in Arlington, Texas. Together, they were The Lucas Brothers.

Songs That Make A Difference!

What’s the purpose of singing a song you ask? Quite simply…to tell a story. All of you know, there are tons of lyrics out there with little substance to them. My pet peeve is a song that repeats one set of lyrics…over and over. It’s almost as if the songwriter didn’t think his audience was capable of thinking very deeply. Or, the songwriter just had great connections in the industry to record such inane lyrics. (flickr.com) Nashville’s Muzik Mafia Founders Big Kenny, Kenny Alphin and John Rich (former lead singer for Lonestar) of Big and Rich; John Nicholson and Cory Gierman began their journey as the Muzik Mafia in October 2001 in Nashville, Tennessee. The group is made of singers, songwriters and musicians as well as a painter. Their purpose in forming this group was, as John Rich put it: "We wanted to do it on the worst night of the week in the weirdest place in town, so that if anybody showed up, they'd be there because they wanted to hear music, not because they wanted to schmooze." (About.com, 2012) (myspace.com) Some of the Muzik Mafia’s songs tend to shock the sensibilities, but if you listen closely, you hear the simple joy of making music. Others, are honest, tear-jerker ballads about real life. Founders Big and Rich recorded two of the most moving songs: “Holy Water” and “8th of November”. Both address social issues of rape and recovery and a poignant story about a particular Vietnam conflict. "> (YouTube.com) (YouTube.com) These songs are not the only ones with relevant stories to tell…there have been hundreds over the years since the first pressing. As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t matter the story if it’s told honestly and with conviction. Something else that impresses me is the mantra of the Muzik Mafia – “music without prejudice”, - which means anything goes, fiddles and conga drums, steel guitars and saxophones. It also says much for them that the entire group believed in writing and performing music for the sake of music, not for the sake of the industry standards (CMT.com, 2004). References: Big & Rich - 8th Of November (Video) - YouTube . (n.d.). YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozpdBvB0hek Billboard. (n.d.). Big & Rich Music News & Info|Billboard.com. Music News, Reviews, Articles, Information, News Online & Free Music|Billboard.com. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.billboard.com/artist/big-rich/592506#/artist/big-rich/592506 Fabian, S. (n.d.). Big & Rich - Biography of Country Music Duo Big & Rich. Country Music. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://countrymusic.about.com/od/bigrich/p/BigandRich_pr.htm Gilbert, C. (2004, May 27). CMT : News : Muzik Mafia Make Vegas an Offer It Couldn't Refuse. Country Music Television - News, Videos, Artists : Online Radio, Song Lyrics, TV Shows and More. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1487969/muzik-mafia-make-vegas-an-offer-it-couldnt-refuse.jhtml Home. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.lonestarnow.com/ Music Group. (n.d.). Big & Rich - Holy Water (Video) - YouTube. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dXLC1butGc Music Nashville. (n.d.). Big and Rich. Big and Rich. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.bigandrich.com/

Miranda's Way

Miranda Lambert is the epitome of the modern country music woman. From her early beginnings at her father’s knee, she learned the fine art of songwriting. Her first competition at age 10 was just the start of her long and winding road to country music stardom. In choosing people to emulate and pattern a career after, Miranda definitely sets the standard high! She gained notoriety and acceptance from her first fans on the stage at Johnnie High’s Country Music Review in Arlington, Texas. Inspired at 17, she chose to start her own band, “Texas Pride Band”. In the meantime, she learned to play the guitar and was penning her famous songs. The premise behind great artists is the road they chose to take to build their career and their fan base. Starting at the bottom, earning every lesson and award teaches performers and others alike the importance of knowing your craft from the bottom up! Performers have a multitude of things to learn while they are honing their craft such as: timing, stage presence, song selection, songwriting and a plethora of other issues that given any one negative could delay or kill a career. Miranda herself says she didn’t come from typical family upbringing. Her parents ran a detective agency and because her dad was a singer, songwriter on the side influenced her choices in lyrics she shoes to write about life, as she knew it growing up. The video from YouTube is one of my favorites and could have been a song about my life. Although this song is not one Miranda wrote, it clearly tells her story from the beginning! In each of her albums, Miranda gets better and more polished as a singer songwriter. For each of your life experiences begins a song and clearly, Miranda Lambert has the guts, brains and talent to pull off anything thrown at her…and lives life Miranda’s Way… Television Network. (n.d.). Miranda Lambert Print - Biography.com . Famous Biographies & TV Shows - Biography.com. Retrieved March 18,2012, from http://www.biography.com/print/profile/miranda-lambert-369610 Lambert, M. (n.d.). Miranda Lambert. Miranda Lambert. Retrieved March 18, 2012, from http://www.mirandalambert.com/ Miranda Lambert Biography - Facts, Birthday, Life Story - Biography.com . (n.d.). Famous Biographies & TV Shows - Biography.com.Retrieved March 18, 2012, from http://www.biography.com/people/miranda-lambert-369610

Keep It Real….

This past week was stressful to say the least! My part-time job at a prominent Christian university felt as though it should have been full-time with all the past rehearsals and preparations for the 6 recitals I am responsible for accompanying.

An issue I want to address is when working with professional musicians; artists need to remember we have a multitude of experiences under our belt. The head of the vocal department reminded me: a little power goes a long way. That was in reference to a situation between myself and a student who was preparing for a senior recital. Because of the privilege of directing a play, this student felt she had the right to dictate to her instructor and myself how the music was going to be performed. What she failed to realize, I have the ability to either make her look really polished or very inept and her skills/musicianship left a lot to be desired.

A little perceived power corrupts and can destroy your career quickly. The smart singer/songwriter usually realizes early on who ultimately keeps them on the charts. A couple of country artists that come to mind are: Willie Nelson and Hank Williams, Jr. Both of these artists have seen the ups and downs of a career over many years and are considered part of the outlaw country movement that had it’s roots in the mid-70’s.

Nelson and Williams have always been outspoken. Just like the Dixie Chicks in their debacle over the comment about President Bush which ultimately led in ruining their career, these guys have also felt the sting of paying the price from untimely comments; Nelson through his support of legalized marijuana and Williams’ recent fiasco with ESPN last fall.

In looking back at these prominent and still performing artists, I realized that we all could learn valuable lessons on how to make it in any genre of the performing arts industry! Most important is keeping your integrity and your passion for what you do best. But, most of all…keep it real….and filter your comments!

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=4936719

www.willienelson.com

content.usatoday.com


References:
CMT.com : Dixie Chicks : Biography. (2009, October 18). Country Music Television - News, Videos, Artists : Online Radio, Song Lyrics, TV Shows and More. Retrieved March 4, 2012, from http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/dixie_chicks/bio.jhtml

CMT.com : Willie Nelson : Biography. (2009, October 18). Country Music Television - News, Videos, Artists : Online Radio, Song Lyrics, TV Shows and More. Retrieved March 4, 2012, from http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/nelson_willie/bio.jhtml

Corporation. (n.d.). Explore: Outlaw Country | AllMusic. AllMusic. Retrieved April 1, 2012, from http://www.allmusic.com/explore/style/outlaw-country-d2685

Hiestand, M. (2011, October 4). ESPN drops Hank Williams Jr. from 'Monday Night Football'. News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. Retrieved March 4, 2012, from http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/10/ready-for-some-controversy-hank-williams-compares-golf-with-obama-to-hitler/1#.T1QWdcyfA2Y

Reuters. (2003, March 14). CNN.com - Dixie Chicks pulled from air after bashing Bush - Mar. 14, 2003. CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. Retrieved April 1, 2012, from http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/14/dixie.chicks.reut/

We’re Gonna Do What?

            Yes, I said you are going to make a personal appearance at a *******, give a private performance and make x-amount of money for a 2 hour gig!

            Because of the record label’s decline in the past 20 years, many of us as artists and managers look for unique ways to promote our client’s careers.  It is forcing us to be more creative to produce a steady income stream.

            New artists pay their dues by beginning in churches, bars, fairs, festivals and private parties.  It was a huge accomplishment 30 years ago to land a record deal. Now, the possibility and reality of new artists making their own recordings and uploading them to the Internet for sale and distribution is commonplace.   Typically, having a contract with a label means: they get paid first.  Reason is, they put out the majority of the money necessary for recording, promotion, touring, booking, etc. 

The great advantage of having access and knowledge of the Internet is that not only is it easy to upload a single song recording or complete album, but the resources are there to find out how.

            If an new artist, or even an established one kicking the traces of being tied to a label, is savvy with research and maybe even has a manager or someone in the industry to guide them, finding out ways to make money off their music is simple.

            The article I found by David Sherbow, gives an extensive list of ideas for creating income streams from multiple paths.  There are the traditional album sales and digital downloads, royalties, publishing opportunities, merchandise and sponsorships. But, there are also some more creative ideas such as paying an artist to write a song for you and maybe even you pay that artist to record with him/her.  For the most practical of us, teaching in some capacity offers a great source of revenue when you are starting our in your career.  But, my favorite piece of advice was the “Any job available to survive and keep making music” at the bottom of the list! 

            Good luck everyone in your search for a dream…if you find a unique way to support your music habit…would you leave me a comment?  I am always looking for ways to help my clients succeed in this very fickle business!

Sherbow, D. (n.d.). A List Of Income Streams For Musicians - hypebot. hypebot. Retrieved   February 19, 2012, from http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2010/01/a-list-of-income-streams-for-  musicians.html

Survival for New Artists 101

            With the advent of the digital downloads, obtaining music as we knew it becomes a thing of the past and is a much simpler process now.  An article by David Byrne gives a multitude of interesting facts about the history of music to current, albeit 2007, standards in which we obtain music for our use.

            I loved Byrne’s description of the history of music.  He described music in the past was used strictly for social function and entertainment.  Nearly every possible social avenue you could think of from pubs to soirees to the church as well as the home.  Once music was performed, that was the extent of your experience. You could only relive it in your mind. 

            As he relates, music in the 20^th century is part of our “social fabric”; indeed, it permeates our lives.  There are few instances where you do not associate music with events in your life.

            I said all of that to give hope to the new, emerging music artist.  Our technology is reinventing itself almost daily!  Think of how far the recording industry has traveled in 135 years: from the first phonograph in 1877 by Thomas Edison to the current mp3 and digital downloads.

            Now, there are several different distribution models for the music industry:

             If you want to have a stress-free and hands-off experience, then the 360 deal is for you.  Every aspect of your career and music distribution is handled for you with a wider degree of promotion.  Byrne lists the Pussycat Dolls, Korn and Robin Williams as artists letting one organization handle their touring, recording, merch but with little creative control. The one positive of such a deal would be the money often offered up front.  The recent signing of Madonna to Live Nation will be a model worth watching to see how she maintains control of her career.

            On the other end of the spectrum is the self-distribution model where “the music is self-produced, self-written, self-played, and self-marketed.”  (¶33).  The upside to this approach would be the advantage of having complete control over your music, how it is produced, recorded and distributed. The downside, not very cost effective if you are on limited funds.

            Check out the rest of the article to find out more about the other distribution models available for new artists.  Byrne has several charts and statistics to back up his information.  Just like each of us is unique, one of these models will fit your needs. 

Byrne, D. (2007, December 18). David Byrne's Survival Strategies for Emerging Artists.    Wired.com . Retrieved February 19, 2012, from http://www.wired.com/print/entertainment/music/magazine/16-01/ff_byrne