You've Got To Play Live If You Want To Be a Rock n Roll Star
View PDF | Print View
by: BillShor
Total views: 13
Word Count: 807
It doesn't matter what kind of music you play, if you want to make it big in the music world, you can't just dream about it. You have to get off your bottom, and get out there and do whatever it takes to make it happen. You can visualize whatever you want, but until you do something to make it happen, all it is a wish, not a reality.
While playing live may sound old fashioned in this day and age of the internet, it is still an important part of your marketing arsenal. According to information at the MusicMarketingCenter.com, right now is a great time to build your career. There's no 'big thing' right now. If you have something unique to your sound, there's no reason you couldn't become the next music phenomenon. If you fit into an existing style of music, people are always looking for something new yet familiar.
One of the most important things you need to do is to figure out what niche your music fits. In a future article, we'll go more into depth on that topic along with all kinds of ways to get yourself heard in the digital world. But, for this article, we are going to concentrate on playing live.
Does your music fit into a category? If it does, then that's where you start. Look for venues in your area that support the music you play. Even if it's a place where you get paid by the money that's put in a hat that's passed around, it doesn't matter. You've got to start somewhere. This is the way to create a following in the real world.
That following... your fans is your number one asset. You need to bring whatever you need to create a mailing list. This is the most important thing you can do to nurture your career, and is the subject of quite a few posts at the MusicMarketingCenter.com. Try to get them to sign up right then and there for your mailing list (or fan club). Strike while they are excited about your music... when hearing it live. Bring a computer with an internet connection and let them sign up for your mailing list right there. If you can't do that, at least bring a pad of paper and some pens. Just get that info so you can keep in touch with your fans. The better they get to know you, the more likely they are to tell their friends, and increase your fan base.
You can even make money directly from your list. Make a t-shirt and offer it in an email at a profit. People love to wear a shirt from their favorite band, especially a new band that people don't know about. They feel like they know something special that others don't know, and they are happy to tell anyone how great you are when they ask about the shirt. It will keep those coins coming in in a number of different ways.
When you finish your set, and even in the middle, mention signing up for your mailing list. Stick around after you play. Talk to the audience, and tell them to be sure to sign up for your list so they know what you are up to. You may not think talking to you is a big deal, but to someone who doesn't know you and liked your music, you are a star, and it makes them feel special to have actually talked to you (yes, you). Be nice, thank the fans, and allow them to love you and think you love them back. Don't put on the punk attitude. Even in the late 70's when the punk scene and attitude was at it's height, the people loved talking to them, and plenty of the 'stars' would be really nice to people off stage. Fans eat it up.
If your music doesn't fit a specific genre, colleges and clubs have always prided themselves on being the first to bring their audiences innovative work.
Be sure to scour the newspapers for audition and open microphone nights. Why not? It's another chance to play and practice your live skills. Tons of famous bands and musicians started out playing on these free nights, even if only one or two songs. Don't ignore the opportunity just because you may think it sounds cheesy.
The point is, if you want to succeed in the music business, you need to be heard. And the best way to be heard is live, in front of an audience. There are plenty of other ways to get your music in the hands of consumers, but nothing else has the impact of a live performance.
About the Author
Make money with music! Music Marketing Center is the best resource for musicians who want to make their living with music. Promote your music with tons of tips, resources and articles you won't find anywhere else at the Music Marketing Center dot com.
Rating: Not yet rated
