If you've been reading consistently, you may be getting the impression that I'm taking on the role of some old grump that just wants to put kids in their place... That's not my intention. I purely/genuinely would like people to read this, and reflect.... reflect on yourself and your band, and maybe find a few things that you could work on. I want you to get there, and I honestly hope that you find success.... but 9 out of 10 bands that I witness, whether it's on Facebook or in my studio, have a HUGE sense of urgency to "make it," but aren't putting in the proper work, or approaching this with the proper business savvy that it really takes.
Assuming you're in a good band, and assuming that you all play your instruments well, get along, and have an equal passion for making this your long-term career... there are still things that you can be doing to further your career:
By now, you probably know how to get your songs on iTunes (and/or all other online retailers), you probably have a Twitter and a Facebook... you might even have merch for sale at shows and online... and those are all things that I definitely love seeing. This is a brand that you're creating, and you've gotta be able to sell it.... I'll keep on assuming that you've been following my advice, and you have yourselves set up as an LLC, and you have a band bank account... If you have all that stuff in place, give yourself a huge pat on the back. you are the 1%. ;)
NOW, do you have a publishing company set up? Are you registered with ASCAP or BMI? have you done any research on copyright law? ... didn't think so.
Think about this... What if, out of the blue, someone called you and said "Hey! I'm a big-shot placement agent, and I want to use your song in a movie/ad/tv show!" ... would you be prepared for that? would you know what to do? ... if you don't have your band properly set up, you may just miss out on opportunities like that.
First: Research ASCAP and BMI ... decide which you want to go with, and register. They will, first and foremost, let you know if your "company name" (band name, or what you want to call your publishing company) is taken or not. IF you have a band name that has already been registered, don't worry, you can call your publishing company whatever you want. It's really just a formality, so that they know who to write the checks to.
***NOTE*** Register as both Writer and Publisher.
Then register your publishing company with the state. It's different in some states, so just Google it, and you'll find plenty of info...
After those steps are done, and you're properly registered (can take a while... sometimes weeks, sometimes months) ... Then you need to submit your songs (lyrics, tabs, written notation, whatever you can) with the Copyright Office under whatever you've called your publishing company. Submit everything you've done as a band, and then from now on, submit everything BEFORE it's released.
These steps basically ensure that if your song is ever used on anything, for profit or advertising, you will get paid. If you sign to a label, they will make you do most/all of these steps as well... but it really looks good, and makes you seem much more professional if you've taken these steps preemptively.
Okay, Next...
You've taken all these steps, and before going to record your new songs, you've submitted your intellectual material to the Copyright Office... you go record, and you're ready to release and sell your songs (digitally or in hard copy)... do you have a digital fingerprint embedded on your songs? ... did you even know that you can (and SHOULD) do that?? ...
The best, most common way of doing this is through ISRC. You register with them, and set up an account.... and basically, what they do is give you a formula to create your own "ISRC Codes" ... it's a 12-digit code that your mastering engineer will digitally embed on your master. This way, no-matter how many times it's duplicated, copied, or whatever... it will always have a digital fingerprint that can be traced back to you. (If your mastering engineer can't do it, find a new one... but last-resort, most CD duplication places can help you out with that.)
All of these things may seem like overkill... but trust me, if you're serious about the music you're creating, you can never be too careful. Being properly set up for the big boy stuff is really crucial.
-Ryan
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Reputation is everything
For any of you who have booked shows, recorded bands, booked tours, or anything involving the need for a band to show up, be on time, and be professional... you will know exactly where I'm headed with this post.
Now more than ever, there is so much competition in the music scene/industry... It's a fast-paced, churning stew of bands out there, all fighting like dogs to get their name out. This has created opportunities, and also a lot of new problems that didn't exist when I was trying to make a run at the "career-band" thing. This is why reputation is SO important. It always has been, and always will be, but it's a much bigger deal now. Most promoters/producers/labels/managers/booking agents/whatever will not give you a second opportunity if you fuck up, and none of them will even think of working with you, if you have developed a reputation of being fuck-ups.
Some very simple/easy things to keep in mind, and ways to keep your reputation clean:
1. BE ON TIME... this is so huge. It is easily the most controllable part of being in a band. If you are late to a show, or a meeting, or a recording session... this displays the image that you don't give very many fucks. Why would anyone want to invest/work with a band that doesn't give very many fucks??? Get it together. Make sure your transportation is working properly, or secure another way of getting there. Make sure that if Mapquest says "33 minutes" you leave at least an hour before that even applies. If something goes awry, you need to have some time to be able to come up with a "plan B." Of course, shit happens... and if it's legitimately out of your control (sudden death, car crashes into you, government shut-down of all major highways and thoroughfares due to a disease outbreak or zombie apocalypse...) most professionals will be irritated, but understanding.
2. Don't be a dick. To ANYONE. EVER.... if you have someone in your band that thinks it's cool to be a dick to fans, or doesn't have time to take a picture with someone/sign something... sit them down, and show them baby pictures of themself.... reminding them "you used to shit in the tub just like everyone else... get over yourself." .... This is extremely important these days. You don't know, that kid you blow off might have 2,000 friends on Facebook or Twitter, make one post about you, and you've just lost yourselves some serious respect. If this happens consistently, you're on your way to becoming a band that no one wants to go see.
This also applies to promoters, local/opening bands, soundguys, etc.... Just be nice. It's not that hard... and if you treat these people right, they will treat you right. Remember, pissing off a sound guy is like pissing off a waiter... the waiter might spit in your food, and the sound guy might shit on your mix.
I always hated seeing the local/opening bands getting treated poorly. If you are one of those bands, you probably know what it feels like. If you're in a band that's in a position to be headlining local shows, or co-headlining regional shows, take the extra 20 minutes to catch some of the openers set, and find something nice to say to them after the show. Chances are, they worked as hard, if not harder than you to bring in whatever kids are there...
3. Be professional. (this is a broad statement... It will most likely need it's own post someday, but here are a few things that tell me a band is in it to win it.)
Whether you show up in your mom's minivan, or a brand new Econoline with a big matching trailer, you need to at least look like you know what you're doing, and look like you've done it before. Nothing creates more lulz for the big-boy bands than seeing a band show up at different times, in different cars, with gear that doesn't have proper cases. Sometimes, until you can afford a better way of doing things, this is your reality... but if you've gotta do it this way, at LEAST show up at the same time, load in quickly and efficiently... and before you set out for the show, make sure you're organized, so that you can at least get your shit out of your hatchbacks and sedans before the other bands have much time to pay attention.
Spend the necessary time and money making sure that you have reliable, decent sounding gear. I don't expect everyone to be able to afford top of the line stuff... but for people who know a thing or two, it's really easy to spot the bands that are super new to the game. People tend to not pay attention to you if you look like you're rocking a guitar you bought at Wal-Mart and your drummer looks like he doesn't know how to properly set up a drum set (let alone, if you also SOUND like that). Spend time dialing your tones, learning how to properly tune/set up drums, and even if you have the worst gear on earth, you still need to know how to pull the best possible sound out of it. Then, if you are sounding legit, and overall looking like you know what you're doing... you can be taken seriously. This also includes making sure that your guitars are all in tune, all the time. Have them properly set up by a professional. Make sure that you have fresh strings before every gig, and you stretch them, and tune them as much as possible before the show, and then tune as much as possible during the show (without creating super long, awkward silences between songs)
BIG TIME LISTEN THE FUCK UP: Have at LEAST one backup guitar. Tune it before the set, and have it easily accessible. (when shit hits the fan, you need to be able to snag that thing before your stupid breakdown drops.. or else you will all look like fools). Also, make sure you have extra strings, drumsticks and picks... and make sure EVERYONE has their own tuner (in their signal chain, for quick tuning). If you can't afford these things, cancel your fucking shows, get a job for a month, and THEN present yourself to the world.
I really believe that your reputation is everything. Chances are, you sound a lot like a bunch of other bands... and you probably have similar haircuts, and similar tattoos or piercings... Your band name might even have some of the same words in it... so, if you're not going to change any of those things, you need to be able to separate yourselves from the herd.... and your reputation is what does that.
-Ryan
Now more than ever, there is so much competition in the music scene/industry... It's a fast-paced, churning stew of bands out there, all fighting like dogs to get their name out. This has created opportunities, and also a lot of new problems that didn't exist when I was trying to make a run at the "career-band" thing. This is why reputation is SO important. It always has been, and always will be, but it's a much bigger deal now. Most promoters/producers/labels/managers/booking agents/whatever will not give you a second opportunity if you fuck up, and none of them will even think of working with you, if you have developed a reputation of being fuck-ups.
Some very simple/easy things to keep in mind, and ways to keep your reputation clean:
1. BE ON TIME... this is so huge. It is easily the most controllable part of being in a band. If you are late to a show, or a meeting, or a recording session... this displays the image that you don't give very many fucks. Why would anyone want to invest/work with a band that doesn't give very many fucks??? Get it together. Make sure your transportation is working properly, or secure another way of getting there. Make sure that if Mapquest says "33 minutes" you leave at least an hour before that even applies. If something goes awry, you need to have some time to be able to come up with a "plan B." Of course, shit happens... and if it's legitimately out of your control (sudden death, car crashes into you, government shut-down of all major highways and thoroughfares due to a disease outbreak or zombie apocalypse...) most professionals will be irritated, but understanding.
2. Don't be a dick. To ANYONE. EVER.... if you have someone in your band that thinks it's cool to be a dick to fans, or doesn't have time to take a picture with someone/sign something... sit them down, and show them baby pictures of themself.... reminding them "you used to shit in the tub just like everyone else... get over yourself." .... This is extremely important these days. You don't know, that kid you blow off might have 2,000 friends on Facebook or Twitter, make one post about you, and you've just lost yourselves some serious respect. If this happens consistently, you're on your way to becoming a band that no one wants to go see.
This also applies to promoters, local/opening bands, soundguys, etc.... Just be nice. It's not that hard... and if you treat these people right, they will treat you right. Remember, pissing off a sound guy is like pissing off a waiter... the waiter might spit in your food, and the sound guy might shit on your mix.
I always hated seeing the local/opening bands getting treated poorly. If you are one of those bands, you probably know what it feels like. If you're in a band that's in a position to be headlining local shows, or co-headlining regional shows, take the extra 20 minutes to catch some of the openers set, and find something nice to say to them after the show. Chances are, they worked as hard, if not harder than you to bring in whatever kids are there...
3. Be professional. (this is a broad statement... It will most likely need it's own post someday, but here are a few things that tell me a band is in it to win it.)
Whether you show up in your mom's minivan, or a brand new Econoline with a big matching trailer, you need to at least look like you know what you're doing, and look like you've done it before. Nothing creates more lulz for the big-boy bands than seeing a band show up at different times, in different cars, with gear that doesn't have proper cases. Sometimes, until you can afford a better way of doing things, this is your reality... but if you've gotta do it this way, at LEAST show up at the same time, load in quickly and efficiently... and before you set out for the show, make sure you're organized, so that you can at least get your shit out of your hatchbacks and sedans before the other bands have much time to pay attention.
Spend the necessary time and money making sure that you have reliable, decent sounding gear. I don't expect everyone to be able to afford top of the line stuff... but for people who know a thing or two, it's really easy to spot the bands that are super new to the game. People tend to not pay attention to you if you look like you're rocking a guitar you bought at Wal-Mart and your drummer looks like he doesn't know how to properly set up a drum set (let alone, if you also SOUND like that). Spend time dialing your tones, learning how to properly tune/set up drums, and even if you have the worst gear on earth, you still need to know how to pull the best possible sound out of it. Then, if you are sounding legit, and overall looking like you know what you're doing... you can be taken seriously. This also includes making sure that your guitars are all in tune, all the time. Have them properly set up by a professional. Make sure that you have fresh strings before every gig, and you stretch them, and tune them as much as possible before the show, and then tune as much as possible during the show (without creating super long, awkward silences between songs)
BIG TIME LISTEN THE FUCK UP: Have at LEAST one backup guitar. Tune it before the set, and have it easily accessible. (when shit hits the fan, you need to be able to snag that thing before your stupid breakdown drops.. or else you will all look like fools). Also, make sure you have extra strings, drumsticks and picks... and make sure EVERYONE has their own tuner (in their signal chain, for quick tuning). If you can't afford these things, cancel your fucking shows, get a job for a month, and THEN present yourself to the world.
I really believe that your reputation is everything. Chances are, you sound a lot like a bunch of other bands... and you probably have similar haircuts, and similar tattoos or piercings... Your band name might even have some of the same words in it... so, if you're not going to change any of those things, you need to be able to separate yourselves from the herd.... and your reputation is what does that.
-Ryan
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Spending Money to Make Money
Sorry for the delay! It's been a few days...
During the last post, I briefly mentioned something that I now realize needs it's own post.... Band finances.
It's really hard for bands to pay for things, and I understand that certain situations prevent certain bands from having money... BUT, as a general rule of thumb, there are a few simple things that you can do to make sure that your band is set up well, financially.
First of all, I recommend that every single band that's trying to "make it" gets set up as an LLC immediately (Google it, it takes very little time, and if you do it right, very little money). It's an important step to becoming a professional band. This way, you can get a band bank account setup, and any time you're paid as a band, you can put it in a safe, communal place. Also, if you're ever paid by check, you can have the checks written out to the band, rather than putting that trust into one member.
After you have taken those steps, I urge you to set up a budget for each member to contribute monthly. If you're all working, even making minimum wage, try to make sure that you can set aside a small amount of your paycheck and equally deposit money into your band bank account every month... even if it's $20/month for starters, it's an important gesture... this builds unity, equality, and above all; a bankroll. Proper bands need to have a solid foundation, and though this might not apply to all bands (trust fund babies, or groups that have been assembled by a central leader), if you're one of the millions of start-up rock/metal/hardcore/alternative/indie/whateverthefuck bands that are trying to make a career out of this, you need to take these words to heart.
Once you have your band officially registered as a business (because that's what this is...), and after you have a bank account, and every member is contributing equal shares (because that's how it should be...), you need to budget WISELY.
There are so many expenses, your head might start spinning if you give it some real thought, but sooner or later, you'll need to sit down, figure out your priorities, and figure out a way (via long or short-term budget planning) to pay for them.
You should feel really fortunate though, because you're a band in a very exciting time. There are more ways than ever for you to make money. There are more venues than ever, and more outlets for your to sell your music independently... BUT, this is all part of a vicious cycle, and if you don't enter the cycle under the right circumstances, it'll chew you up and spit you out.
Here's what I mean:
Without money, you probably can't afford a place to rehearse... and you need to rehearse to be a good band (see post 1) ... Without being a good band, you often can't get good shows that actually pay... then you can't afford to record with anyone decent, so if you put songs online for people to buy, they'll probably suck AND sound bad... so no one will buy them... then you STILL can't afford a place to rehearse, and it starts the cycle all over again... get my drift?
So, if you enter the cycle as a band that has been paying it's dues (by everyone working and contributing to the band account), then you can usually find ways to afford the necessities, which will make you a better band, and then you will be able to use the band to make money, and further pay for things that will help build your career.
I'll get into more ways out of this cycle, and clever ways of making money on my next post. I've gotta pace myself. ;) Rome wasn't built in a day, and good bands aren't either.
-Ryan
During the last post, I briefly mentioned something that I now realize needs it's own post.... Band finances.
It's really hard for bands to pay for things, and I understand that certain situations prevent certain bands from having money... BUT, as a general rule of thumb, there are a few simple things that you can do to make sure that your band is set up well, financially.
First of all, I recommend that every single band that's trying to "make it" gets set up as an LLC immediately (Google it, it takes very little time, and if you do it right, very little money). It's an important step to becoming a professional band. This way, you can get a band bank account setup, and any time you're paid as a band, you can put it in a safe, communal place. Also, if you're ever paid by check, you can have the checks written out to the band, rather than putting that trust into one member.
After you have taken those steps, I urge you to set up a budget for each member to contribute monthly. If you're all working, even making minimum wage, try to make sure that you can set aside a small amount of your paycheck and equally deposit money into your band bank account every month... even if it's $20/month for starters, it's an important gesture... this builds unity, equality, and above all; a bankroll. Proper bands need to have a solid foundation, and though this might not apply to all bands (trust fund babies, or groups that have been assembled by a central leader), if you're one of the millions of start-up rock/metal/hardcore/alternative/indie/whateverthefuck bands that are trying to make a career out of this, you need to take these words to heart.
Once you have your band officially registered as a business (because that's what this is...), and after you have a bank account, and every member is contributing equal shares (because that's how it should be...), you need to budget WISELY.
There are so many expenses, your head might start spinning if you give it some real thought, but sooner or later, you'll need to sit down, figure out your priorities, and figure out a way (via long or short-term budget planning) to pay for them.
You should feel really fortunate though, because you're a band in a very exciting time. There are more ways than ever for you to make money. There are more venues than ever, and more outlets for your to sell your music independently... BUT, this is all part of a vicious cycle, and if you don't enter the cycle under the right circumstances, it'll chew you up and spit you out.
Here's what I mean:
Without money, you probably can't afford a place to rehearse... and you need to rehearse to be a good band (see post 1) ... Without being a good band, you often can't get good shows that actually pay... then you can't afford to record with anyone decent, so if you put songs online for people to buy, they'll probably suck AND sound bad... so no one will buy them... then you STILL can't afford a place to rehearse, and it starts the cycle all over again... get my drift?
So, if you enter the cycle as a band that has been paying it's dues (by everyone working and contributing to the band account), then you can usually find ways to afford the necessities, which will make you a better band, and then you will be able to use the band to make money, and further pay for things that will help build your career.
I'll get into more ways out of this cycle, and clever ways of making money on my next post. I've gotta pace myself. ;) Rome wasn't built in a day, and good bands aren't either.
-Ryan
Friday, January 20, 2012
Haters gunna hate.
The world is full of hate... and it's something that you can't really
escape. When you put your music out to the world, you're inviting hate
to come knocking. I'm sure that anyone reading this has experienced it,
at least to a certain extent.
I want to give you some advice for how you/your band should internalize it, and how you should deal with it.
First and foremost, realize that everyone in the world has the RIGHT to say whatever they feel... and the internet has opened up the floodgates, and turned off the censors (unless you're in China) ... so it can get pretty brutal. The sooner you realize this fact, the sooner you can realize that just because you're band is experiencing negative comments on Facebook or YouTube does not necessarily mean that you're doing anything wrong. In fact, most of the time, the bands that draw the most haters are the ones that also manage to sell the most records. (most of the time, hate is just a form of jealousy or envy).
It's how your band deals with this crap that can make you or break you.
Rule #1: Don't feed it. ... don't comment back from your band's account, and don't log in to your personal accounts to fight back (usually, this is very easily detectable, and kind of a "rookie mistake"). Let your fans fight for you. Let your music speak for itself.
Rule #2: Don't change what you're doing because of "haters" or "trolls" ... bands often let this kind of thing get to them, become self-conscious about what they're putting out, and completely alter their sound and identity to appease the few assholes that have nothing better to do than talk shit.
Rule #3: Learn to tell the difference between "haters" and people who are genuinely giving constructive criticism (especially if these people are reputable). This is important, because a lot of bands get a really headstrong attitude after listening to "haters" ... and then they miss out on some really valuable advice/critiques from people that have a lot to offer them.
At the end of the day, the music you and your band create is for you and the people that appreciate it... not the ones that don't like it. Stop trying to win those people over. Not everyone has to like your music, and if you start trying to write stuff that everyone will like, you'll just turn into Coldplay or some shit. No one wants that.
-Ryan
I want to give you some advice for how you/your band should internalize it, and how you should deal with it.
First and foremost, realize that everyone in the world has the RIGHT to say whatever they feel... and the internet has opened up the floodgates, and turned off the censors (unless you're in China) ... so it can get pretty brutal. The sooner you realize this fact, the sooner you can realize that just because you're band is experiencing negative comments on Facebook or YouTube does not necessarily mean that you're doing anything wrong. In fact, most of the time, the bands that draw the most haters are the ones that also manage to sell the most records. (most of the time, hate is just a form of jealousy or envy).
It's how your band deals with this crap that can make you or break you.
Rule #1: Don't feed it. ... don't comment back from your band's account, and don't log in to your personal accounts to fight back (usually, this is very easily detectable, and kind of a "rookie mistake"). Let your fans fight for you. Let your music speak for itself.
Rule #2: Don't change what you're doing because of "haters" or "trolls" ... bands often let this kind of thing get to them, become self-conscious about what they're putting out, and completely alter their sound and identity to appease the few assholes that have nothing better to do than talk shit.
Rule #3: Learn to tell the difference between "haters" and people who are genuinely giving constructive criticism (especially if these people are reputable). This is important, because a lot of bands get a really headstrong attitude after listening to "haters" ... and then they miss out on some really valuable advice/critiques from people that have a lot to offer them.
At the end of the day, the music you and your band create is for you and the people that appreciate it... not the ones that don't like it. Stop trying to win those people over. Not everyone has to like your music, and if you start trying to write stuff that everyone will like, you'll just turn into Coldplay or some shit. No one wants that.
-Ryan
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The Difference Between Goals and Expectations
Tonight, I really want to dive into something that will most likely be a common subject matter for this blog: Your band's expectations.
By expectations, I simply mean what you want to accomplish as a band, and what you THINK you deserve to accomplish as a band.
I see a trend growing more and more every day where brand new bands, that are just starting out, start talking about "getting signed" and "touring." To me, this behavior is ridiculous. I know you love to dream, and I don't necessarily think it's a bad idea to keep some long-term goals in the back of your mind... but lets put it this way; what makes you think you've earned these things?
I firmly believe that you need to just BE a band... work hard at it, play together as much as possible, play for as many people as possible (because that IS the goal), and those things will come if you earn them ... but chances are, if you've been a band for less than a year, you are not ready for these things. You are probably not even ready to even start talking about these things...
In my experience, this method most often leads to success:
1. Make sure that your lineup is strong. Spend as much time together as possible, and keep in mind that if you DO get signed and start touring, these are the people that you are going to be spending every waking moment with, for weeks/months on end, in a very tight space... you NEED to be compatible. I personally don't believe that you can know these things if you've been together for a short period of time.
2. Get good. This seems like a no-brainer... but it's really the most overlooked step with bands right now. This means any/all of the following: write as many songs as possible, and find your sound. Play as many local/weekend-warrior shows as possible and make sure that you're not embarrassingly bad live. Make sure your gear is up to par, and you have a good, solid sound. Film/record yourselves playing (both in your rehearsal space and at any local shows you get)... review that shit like an NBA team reviews last night's game. Figure out what you're doing wrong, so you can fix it. If YOU wouldn't go see your band, you can't expect anyone else to want to do the same.
3. Get set financially. If you're booking your own tours, or getting put on small opening slots... there is little to no money. If your tour pays for itself, you're doing well. With the price of gas, the cost of a proper van and trailer, insurance, and food... there are some pretty major expenses. Even the smallest tours still cost thousands of dollars, and unless there's a good amount of people at all the shows, and you have somehow arranged for strong guarantees... you're probably going to be paying for most of this stuff out of pocket.
4. Make sure there is an audience! ... It really helps to be a band for a while before heading out, so that you can have time to record proper albums, get a substantial local and online following, build up a demand for your tour to come through certain cities.... THEN it's time to head out. This is tough work, and takes years to do properly.
Obviously, if your band is one of the lucky few (very, very, very few) that happens to put some demos online, and a couple months later gets scooped up by a label, and gets shipped off on a big fancy tour, all expenses paid (hahahahahaha.... we can all dream, right?) ... take the opportunity and run.... but be warned, 9 times out of 10, those bands burn out in a year or two, because they didn't go through the steps mentioned above.
After spending 3 years touring a LOT, and doing everything from the worst, shitty, self-booked tours to decent guaranteed tours booked by booking agents with reputable/big bands, it still ended up being too much of a grind for everyone in my band to handle.... and we had been together for years, and been best friends since middleschool... of course I don't regret a second of it though... Those were some of the best times of my life... which is why you want to tour!!! I get it! It's super fucking fun!! ... but just please take my advice and make sure that you're ready before you jump into it.
We also got signed when I was only 15 (first to Rise Records... then to Hopeless/Subcity Records when I was about 18.... not trying to name-drop, just giving you a frame of reference) ... and again, it was amazing... it opened up doors for us that would have been otherwise unattainable.... BUT, we weren't necessarily ready for it. We thought we were, and once again, I don't regret anything that we did.... but if we would have matured a little bit (both as a band, and as people), and THEN got signed/started touring... who knows what could have happened.
In short, it's super fun to dream... but you may just jeopardize your band's future by jumping into things before you're ready for them.
-Ryan
By expectations, I simply mean what you want to accomplish as a band, and what you THINK you deserve to accomplish as a band.
I see a trend growing more and more every day where brand new bands, that are just starting out, start talking about "getting signed" and "touring." To me, this behavior is ridiculous. I know you love to dream, and I don't necessarily think it's a bad idea to keep some long-term goals in the back of your mind... but lets put it this way; what makes you think you've earned these things?
I firmly believe that you need to just BE a band... work hard at it, play together as much as possible, play for as many people as possible (because that IS the goal), and those things will come if you earn them ... but chances are, if you've been a band for less than a year, you are not ready for these things. You are probably not even ready to even start talking about these things...
In my experience, this method most often leads to success:
1. Make sure that your lineup is strong. Spend as much time together as possible, and keep in mind that if you DO get signed and start touring, these are the people that you are going to be spending every waking moment with, for weeks/months on end, in a very tight space... you NEED to be compatible. I personally don't believe that you can know these things if you've been together for a short period of time.
2. Get good. This seems like a no-brainer... but it's really the most overlooked step with bands right now. This means any/all of the following: write as many songs as possible, and find your sound. Play as many local/weekend-warrior shows as possible and make sure that you're not embarrassingly bad live. Make sure your gear is up to par, and you have a good, solid sound. Film/record yourselves playing (both in your rehearsal space and at any local shows you get)... review that shit like an NBA team reviews last night's game. Figure out what you're doing wrong, so you can fix it. If YOU wouldn't go see your band, you can't expect anyone else to want to do the same.
3. Get set financially. If you're booking your own tours, or getting put on small opening slots... there is little to no money. If your tour pays for itself, you're doing well. With the price of gas, the cost of a proper van and trailer, insurance, and food... there are some pretty major expenses. Even the smallest tours still cost thousands of dollars, and unless there's a good amount of people at all the shows, and you have somehow arranged for strong guarantees... you're probably going to be paying for most of this stuff out of pocket.
4. Make sure there is an audience! ... It really helps to be a band for a while before heading out, so that you can have time to record proper albums, get a substantial local and online following, build up a demand for your tour to come through certain cities.... THEN it's time to head out. This is tough work, and takes years to do properly.
Obviously, if your band is one of the lucky few (very, very, very few) that happens to put some demos online, and a couple months later gets scooped up by a label, and gets shipped off on a big fancy tour, all expenses paid (hahahahahaha.... we can all dream, right?) ... take the opportunity and run.... but be warned, 9 times out of 10, those bands burn out in a year or two, because they didn't go through the steps mentioned above.
After spending 3 years touring a LOT, and doing everything from the worst, shitty, self-booked tours to decent guaranteed tours booked by booking agents with reputable/big bands, it still ended up being too much of a grind for everyone in my band to handle.... and we had been together for years, and been best friends since middleschool... of course I don't regret a second of it though... Those were some of the best times of my life... which is why you want to tour!!! I get it! It's super fucking fun!! ... but just please take my advice and make sure that you're ready before you jump into it.
We also got signed when I was only 15 (first to Rise Records... then to Hopeless/Subcity Records when I was about 18.... not trying to name-drop, just giving you a frame of reference) ... and again, it was amazing... it opened up doors for us that would have been otherwise unattainable.... BUT, we weren't necessarily ready for it. We thought we were, and once again, I don't regret anything that we did.... but if we would have matured a little bit (both as a band, and as people), and THEN got signed/started touring... who knows what could have happened.
In short, it's super fun to dream... but you may just jeopardize your band's future by jumping into things before you're ready for them.
-Ryan
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
What I really mean....
So, after re-reading last night's post, I still stand behind everything I said. I do, however, want to point out that this blog is not always going to be about dwelling on the negatives. I am a believer in this industry, and if I hated it, I would be gone by now.
I don't want to come across as being rude or condescending. It's just a topic that I'm very passionate about, and passion sometimes leads to anger. I WANT YOU TO SUCCEED. That's the real core of this blog.
Tonight's topic: Technology and you!
This is a subject that I grapple with constantly. Being an audio engineer, I rely on technology to do my job. I lust over every single piece of new technology that hits the market, and I pay close attention to how other producers and engineers are utilizing technology, so that I can try to keep up.
Here's the dilemma; where do we draw the line? ... when do listeners stop becoming a fan of the band, and start becoming a fan of the technology that helped deliver that band's sound to their ears? The lines are being blurred to the point where I doubt the average listener can even tell if the drums on any given record are played by a drummer, or programmed (you'd really be surprised). Are the vocal harmonies actually someone singing, or have they been created using Melodyne? ... as engineers, we're getting really clever at pulling the wool over the listener's eyes (ears)... and if I really boil it down, it's for one reason in particular: the music just isn't special anymore... so we have to use technology to create something sonically exciting/perfect to attract listeners and keep their attention.
This, ofcourse, does not apply to all genres, and not even all bands in any specific genre. Some bands, some engineers, and some producers still manage to keep it relatively "real" ... but the vast majority are churning out shit that has been quantized, triggered, auto-tuned and squashed to the point of basically being one big digital clusterfuck. Yes, even I have fallen victim to that mentality a time or two. I gotta eat.
Now more than ever, technology gets you on both ends too... due to this sudden explosion of online media outlets, bands are being tempted and forced into a mentality that says "in order to be cool, or stay cool, you need to get music out NOW." ... 10-20 years ago, a band would release one record every year or two... sometimes several years would go by between formal releases. This gave them time to create something meaningful... something with "staying power" ... And it was so good that their loyal fans would be happy with that one record, and anxiously await their next release. These days, if your band goes more than a year without releasing something new, you are forgotten.
But is that the listener's fault? or your fault for not putting enough time into your songs? ... honestly, it's both.
Technology has made it so that bands feel the need to get music out ASAP.... which makes it so that they don't put much thought or energy into writing good songs, but they can use technology to make up for those shortcomings... and then they use technology to promote the garbage they just created. It's a vicious cycle.
Are we all fucked? nope. not yet, anyhow.
LUCKILY, there are still bands/artists/musicians in the world that use this technology for something good... something creative... and they use it to enhance what they're doing, rather than compensate for what they aren't doing. ... I just wish the world would praise these people more, and stop falling for the same tricks over and over.
Please keep this all in mind the next time you go to write a song. If you think that you'll need the aid of technology to make it listenable, maybe try some different approaches. Don't rely on glitchy breakdowns and subdrops to make your song interesting... just try writing good music. Spend time on your songs. This is your craft, and you want to be good at it, right??? ... And above all, don't be so concerned about getting music out to the world so fast. The people aren't going anywhere, and if you do spend some extra time making a special piece of music, I guarantee the response will be better than if you would have crapped something out, just to make your Facebook page "legit."
Technology is amazing... but it's a double-edged sword that is being used primarily for evil right now... All it takes is a few of the right people to say "this is bullshit" ... and we might have a chance of swaying it in the right direction.
-Furry
I don't want to come across as being rude or condescending. It's just a topic that I'm very passionate about, and passion sometimes leads to anger. I WANT YOU TO SUCCEED. That's the real core of this blog.
Tonight's topic: Technology and you!
This is a subject that I grapple with constantly. Being an audio engineer, I rely on technology to do my job. I lust over every single piece of new technology that hits the market, and I pay close attention to how other producers and engineers are utilizing technology, so that I can try to keep up.
Here's the dilemma; where do we draw the line? ... when do listeners stop becoming a fan of the band, and start becoming a fan of the technology that helped deliver that band's sound to their ears? The lines are being blurred to the point where I doubt the average listener can even tell if the drums on any given record are played by a drummer, or programmed (you'd really be surprised). Are the vocal harmonies actually someone singing, or have they been created using Melodyne? ... as engineers, we're getting really clever at pulling the wool over the listener's eyes (ears)... and if I really boil it down, it's for one reason in particular: the music just isn't special anymore... so we have to use technology to create something sonically exciting/perfect to attract listeners and keep their attention.
This, ofcourse, does not apply to all genres, and not even all bands in any specific genre. Some bands, some engineers, and some producers still manage to keep it relatively "real" ... but the vast majority are churning out shit that has been quantized, triggered, auto-tuned and squashed to the point of basically being one big digital clusterfuck. Yes, even I have fallen victim to that mentality a time or two. I gotta eat.
Now more than ever, technology gets you on both ends too... due to this sudden explosion of online media outlets, bands are being tempted and forced into a mentality that says "in order to be cool, or stay cool, you need to get music out NOW." ... 10-20 years ago, a band would release one record every year or two... sometimes several years would go by between formal releases. This gave them time to create something meaningful... something with "staying power" ... And it was so good that their loyal fans would be happy with that one record, and anxiously await their next release. These days, if your band goes more than a year without releasing something new, you are forgotten.
But is that the listener's fault? or your fault for not putting enough time into your songs? ... honestly, it's both.
Technology has made it so that bands feel the need to get music out ASAP.... which makes it so that they don't put much thought or energy into writing good songs, but they can use technology to make up for those shortcomings... and then they use technology to promote the garbage they just created. It's a vicious cycle.
Are we all fucked? nope. not yet, anyhow.
LUCKILY, there are still bands/artists/musicians in the world that use this technology for something good... something creative... and they use it to enhance what they're doing, rather than compensate for what they aren't doing. ... I just wish the world would praise these people more, and stop falling for the same tricks over and over.
Please keep this all in mind the next time you go to write a song. If you think that you'll need the aid of technology to make it listenable, maybe try some different approaches. Don't rely on glitchy breakdowns and subdrops to make your song interesting... just try writing good music. Spend time on your songs. This is your craft, and you want to be good at it, right??? ... And above all, don't be so concerned about getting music out to the world so fast. The people aren't going anywhere, and if you do spend some extra time making a special piece of music, I guarantee the response will be better than if you would have crapped something out, just to make your Facebook page "legit."
Technology is amazing... but it's a double-edged sword that is being used primarily for evil right now... All it takes is a few of the right people to say "this is bullshit" ... and we might have a chance of swaying it in the right direction.
-Furry
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
First post
So, it recently came to my attention/realization that I have a lot on my mind, and a lot of advice for young bands trying to make something of themselves in the industry. After 10 years in the music industry (4 years in a touring/signed band, 6 years running a studio and producing records)... I've seen a lot of my friends "make it" ... and many more fail. Along the way, I've noticed consistencies on both ends of that spectrum... and with the growing popularity of what I like to call the "Band Boom" ... I'll be touching on some of those observations.
I'm simply starting this blog, for the same reason that most people do, because I have opinions. You don't have to agree, but this may help some of you.
Each night, I will try to hit on one or two specific topics... because lets face it, you're not in a band because you turned down Harvard... your attention spans are very short.
Tonight's topic: "Practice makes perfect"
Every time I record a new band, or see a new band live, I can tell immediately how often you pick up your instrument, and actually practice. I can usually tell if you're self-taught or have had formal instruction (no strong opinion on this matter, some of my favorite musicians have had little-to-no formal training) ... I've just been doing this a long time, and I can usually tell.
Most of the time, there is a whole spectrum of competency levels throughout the band. Sometimes there is a "ringer" keeping the rest of the band together, and sometimes there is just one turd holding the whole thing back.
My philosophy on this is simple: choose the people that you play music with wisely. Steel sharpens steel. When I see a band that I can TELL has overall equality and proficiency, my heart flutters... because this is SO fucking rare.
You NEED to practice... you need to practice by yourself, you need to practice together... usually equal parts of both. Please don't be the dude letting everyone else down because you can't hold your shit together... no one wants to be that dude, and really, no one wants that dude in their band. If you don't love your instrument enough to play it by yourself, you don't love it enough to play it with other musicians, and you're doing this for ALL the wrong reasons. Please, stop before you're given a real opportunity, only to fuck it up.
Back to selecting your band-mates....
If you're just doing this "for fun" ... and don't intend on making a run at this for a legitimate career, this doesn't really apply to you... friends are friends, and I know how it is.... you have a buddy that isn't really that great, but REALLY wants to be in your band... you hand him a bass, and turn him down in the mix a little... let him hop around on stage without causing too much damage to your sound... whatever... I get it.
BUT, if you're really doing this because you have a deep passion for music, and really can't see yourself doing ANYTHING else in life, PLEASE (I'm begging you) weed out the crap. I know it's hard to look someone in the eyes and tell them they aren't good enough. No one likes to do this... but watch a few episodes of Kitchen Nightmares with chef Gordon Ramsay, and take some pointers from him... tough love is sometimes the best kind. You cannot go far if you're constantly hiding/compensating for a band member that can't get their shit together.
This gets complicated though... Sometimes, the person holding your band back is honestly talented... maybe even a genius.... but for whatever reason, can't pull their head out of their ass long enough to see it. Maybe you have a member that you KNOW deep down is amazing, and when you're writing or recording is a huge asset to your band... but maybe that person is tough to get along with, or drinks too much, or any number of things that prevents them from fulfilling their potential when it comes to actually playing your songs in front of people. I feel for bands that have this problem, because some bands would not be the same without "this" person. Some bands are maybe even formed BY "this" person... I will only give this advice to bands in this particular situation: do your best to help them realize how important they are to you. Be a friend. If they have issues that are deeper than they are willing to let you get to, try to help them put that down on paper, or on to tape. .... But if you try and try, and just can't make it work... you may need to find someone else.
Usually, this person is either why people love you or hate you (in the music industry, those emotions are actually quite close, and even related... both can be a good thing for your career.) ... so if you end up replacing them, be prepared for most of your fans to jump-ship. Van Halen is a perfect example of this (for you young'ns, maybe "Dance Gavin Dance" or "Saosin" would be easier to relate with) ... once the original singer was gone, everyone who came after was EXTREMELY talented, and maybe even better than the original... and they still managed to sell tons of records... but for every one person who embraced the change, you had a dozen people saying "yeah, it's good, but it's not as good as the original" ... these days, we refer to those people as "haters" .... (that will be another night's topic). ... then someday the original guy inevitably comes back, and no one really gives a fuck anyway. (by this time, the band has usually run it's course anyhow)
These are things that happen to bands EVERY day. I watch it happen. I've witnessed several bands kicking members out, on the spot, in my studio... It's no fun, but if your band doesn't go through any lineup changes at any point, you are the minority.... but this all irritates me SO much, because it can USUALLY all be solved if everyone commits to practicing.
Let me sum this all up with a few key points:
If you aren't willing to practice your instrument, you shouldn't be willing to waste your parent's money trying to "follow your dreams."
If you are awesome, but you have someone in your band who sucks, don't be afraid to part ways... they'll get over it... and in-fact, it may help them find their passion, and give them the kick in the ass they need to actually do something with their life.
If you suck, but think you're awesome, you aren't going to listen to a word of this, and probably think I'm dumb.
If this is really (and I mean REALLY) what you want to do, please be warned that it is not an "easy way out" ... full-time jobs are 40 hours a week... full-time bands (when done RIGHT) are 24/7/365.
-Furry.
I'm simply starting this blog, for the same reason that most people do, because I have opinions. You don't have to agree, but this may help some of you.
Each night, I will try to hit on one or two specific topics... because lets face it, you're not in a band because you turned down Harvard... your attention spans are very short.
Tonight's topic: "Practice makes perfect"
Every time I record a new band, or see a new band live, I can tell immediately how often you pick up your instrument, and actually practice. I can usually tell if you're self-taught or have had formal instruction (no strong opinion on this matter, some of my favorite musicians have had little-to-no formal training) ... I've just been doing this a long time, and I can usually tell.
Most of the time, there is a whole spectrum of competency levels throughout the band. Sometimes there is a "ringer" keeping the rest of the band together, and sometimes there is just one turd holding the whole thing back.
My philosophy on this is simple: choose the people that you play music with wisely. Steel sharpens steel. When I see a band that I can TELL has overall equality and proficiency, my heart flutters... because this is SO fucking rare.
You NEED to practice... you need to practice by yourself, you need to practice together... usually equal parts of both. Please don't be the dude letting everyone else down because you can't hold your shit together... no one wants to be that dude, and really, no one wants that dude in their band. If you don't love your instrument enough to play it by yourself, you don't love it enough to play it with other musicians, and you're doing this for ALL the wrong reasons. Please, stop before you're given a real opportunity, only to fuck it up.
Back to selecting your band-mates....
If you're just doing this "for fun" ... and don't intend on making a run at this for a legitimate career, this doesn't really apply to you... friends are friends, and I know how it is.... you have a buddy that isn't really that great, but REALLY wants to be in your band... you hand him a bass, and turn him down in the mix a little... let him hop around on stage without causing too much damage to your sound... whatever... I get it.
BUT, if you're really doing this because you have a deep passion for music, and really can't see yourself doing ANYTHING else in life, PLEASE (I'm begging you) weed out the crap. I know it's hard to look someone in the eyes and tell them they aren't good enough. No one likes to do this... but watch a few episodes of Kitchen Nightmares with chef Gordon Ramsay, and take some pointers from him... tough love is sometimes the best kind. You cannot go far if you're constantly hiding/compensating for a band member that can't get their shit together.
This gets complicated though... Sometimes, the person holding your band back is honestly talented... maybe even a genius.... but for whatever reason, can't pull their head out of their ass long enough to see it. Maybe you have a member that you KNOW deep down is amazing, and when you're writing or recording is a huge asset to your band... but maybe that person is tough to get along with, or drinks too much, or any number of things that prevents them from fulfilling their potential when it comes to actually playing your songs in front of people. I feel for bands that have this problem, because some bands would not be the same without "this" person. Some bands are maybe even formed BY "this" person... I will only give this advice to bands in this particular situation: do your best to help them realize how important they are to you. Be a friend. If they have issues that are deeper than they are willing to let you get to, try to help them put that down on paper, or on to tape. .... But if you try and try, and just can't make it work... you may need to find someone else.
Usually, this person is either why people love you or hate you (in the music industry, those emotions are actually quite close, and even related... both can be a good thing for your career.) ... so if you end up replacing them, be prepared for most of your fans to jump-ship. Van Halen is a perfect example of this (for you young'ns, maybe "Dance Gavin Dance" or "Saosin" would be easier to relate with) ... once the original singer was gone, everyone who came after was EXTREMELY talented, and maybe even better than the original... and they still managed to sell tons of records... but for every one person who embraced the change, you had a dozen people saying "yeah, it's good, but it's not as good as the original" ... these days, we refer to those people as "haters" .... (that will be another night's topic). ... then someday the original guy inevitably comes back, and no one really gives a fuck anyway. (by this time, the band has usually run it's course anyhow)
These are things that happen to bands EVERY day. I watch it happen. I've witnessed several bands kicking members out, on the spot, in my studio... It's no fun, but if your band doesn't go through any lineup changes at any point, you are the minority.... but this all irritates me SO much, because it can USUALLY all be solved if everyone commits to practicing.
Let me sum this all up with a few key points:
If you aren't willing to practice your instrument, you shouldn't be willing to waste your parent's money trying to "follow your dreams."
If you are awesome, but you have someone in your band who sucks, don't be afraid to part ways... they'll get over it... and in-fact, it may help them find their passion, and give them the kick in the ass they need to actually do something with their life.
If you suck, but think you're awesome, you aren't going to listen to a word of this, and probably think I'm dumb.
If this is really (and I mean REALLY) what you want to do, please be warned that it is not an "easy way out" ... full-time jobs are 40 hours a week... full-time bands (when done RIGHT) are 24/7/365.
-Furry.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)