Band Chemistry

Band Chemistry
Here are a few top tips to help with your band. Getting this bit right makes everything else far easier. Battle the world, not each other!

Quick Advice
Pick your band members wisely (the easiest way to avoid bad band chemistry)
Talent isn't everything. Sounding good is only half the battle - you need to gel as a band. If you're having fun together, the audience will feel it. If the guitarist and singer can't stand each other, the crowd will pick up on that, too. You might be able to fake your way through it, but you better be great at it. Otherwise, your audience won't respond well.

Know your goals.
If you each know what you want out of the band, you'll have a lot less problems. If you agree on what you want (just playing locally versus becoming world famous versus something in between) then you're all set. But what if the drummer loves playing shows, the singer desperately wants to be famous, and the bassist is just hoping to pick up a date? Well, now you know that your drummer will say yes to any kind of tour, the singer will want to tour in big cities, and the bassist will want big crowds and post-show mixers. Know what will make everyone happy, and go for it.

Let go of the egos.
Just because it's your idea, doesn't mean it's the best one. Be flexible - especially with the minor stuff. Does it really matter if the guitarist wants to move the third song on the set list up a spot? Be civil to each other, and try not to take anything too personally. Remember, you are in this to have fun, right?

Know when to cut your losses.
If someone in your band isn't working out, know when to say goodbye. Don't avoid it because no one wants to be the bad guy. Draw straws if you have to, or approach it together, but take care of it. It's always better than the alternative - practices becoming further apart until one day you realize you broke up without knowing it.

Have fun.
It will solve virtually any problem.

Buying a PA system advice

Buying a PA System advice

The P.A (public address) system is the most expensive and important part of the professional singers equipment.

It should be said at this stage that you can invest in the best and most expensive equipment but if you don't learn to sing properly you will have wasted your money.No equipment in the world can compensate for someone who has not had singing lessons and learned how to sing properly.
Before we go any further it should be noted that a p.a. system is only as good as the weakest link. What do I mean by this statement?Well, if you buy an expensive amplifier but connect it to cheap speakers, the sound will only be as good as the cheap speakers and vice versa.
The same can be said for having an expensive p.a. system and then using a cheap microphone, the sound quality will only be as good as the the microphone can produce and the same can be said for all parts of the system including connection leads.

Some venues will have their own in-house p.a. system however as a professional singer it is your responsibility to supply a p.a. system adequate for the job.The type of p.a. system depends on whether you are self contained (working solo and using backing tracks) or working with a band where the p.a. system may only have to contend with the your vocals going through it.

There are numerous makes and prices for p.a. systems and the best way to be educated on what is required, is to visit you local musical instrument shop for their advice and it is always advisable to spend as much as possible on the equipment.To give you some knowledge so that you will have an idea of what to look for, lets look at the different parts of the p.a. system.
AmplifierThe amplifier is what amplifies the sound from the mixer and sends it to the speakers so that the audience can hear the music.The amount of power which they can produce is measured in 'amps',and most are stereo (they have both left and right outputs).The power output required depends on the size of the room and the amount of people and what is being amplified i.e.: vocals only, vocals and backing music or vocals and band.

Lets take a small venue which holds 100 people and it's a self contained act (singer using backing tracks).An amplifier with an output of 500W would be sufficient.It is advisable to have the most powerful amplifier available as this will allow for plenty of headroom and be less likely to be overdriven and cause distortion.

Mixer

The mixer is where we connect the equipment we want to hear coming from the sound (PA) system and to balance the volume, EQ (bass and treble) and any effects such as reverb, echo etc. Mixers come with various amounts of channels and controls depending on needs and price.For a solo singer using backing tracks a four-channel mixer would be sufficient. Channels one and two could be used for the backing track player (panned left and right to give a stereo sound), channel three would be for the microphone, leaving channel four as a spare channel.Some mixers come with a built in amplifier thus lessening the need for more cables.

Speakers

The speakers used should be of as good a quality as the rest of the equipment, should be sat on speaker stands at height of at least 6ft 6in (2m).The speakers total impedance should never be lower than that of the minimum impedance of the amplifier and should have a lesser output in amps than the amplifier.I would recommend 15in speakers if they are being used full range (not in conjunction with bass bins).

Microphone and leads

There are numerous microphones on the market and they are all dependent on budget and preference but for someone new to professional performing there is none better to get you started than the shure sm58 microphone.It is industry standard, still used by some of the worlds top performers and is reasonably priced.You should always have good quality leads which should be wound up carefully at the end of the gig in order that they don't get damaged.They should also be taped to the floor where necessary, to prevent anyone tripping and causing damage to either themselves or the equipment.Spare leads and microphone should always be carried in case of breakdowns and a circuit protection plug should be used to plug into the mains for safety.

Band Gig Tips

Whether you’re in a new band just starting out or an experienced musician familiar with the scene, you will always take something away from every gig you play. If could be something that didn’t go as planned that you will know not to try at the next gig, something that was a huge crowd pleaser that will definitely make a reappearance, or something as simple as your own personal set of rituals that gets you and your band ready for each show.

Below are a number of helpful tips and suggestions to keep in mind at your next gig. Whether you play the guitar or the violin, these are all good general things for any musician to know, and could also help your next big show to run a little bit smoother.

Music Stand: This is for those of us that have set lists and key structures written out. The music stand is better than picking all your guitar tabs and sheet music up of the floor after they fall off of your amp.

Instrument stand: I can't even count the times that my guitarist kept forgetting his, he'd prop up his electric guitar and I would watch it fall across the amp after just a few minutes...oh well, save your own instrument. If you want to avoid potential costly damage, be sure to invest in a sturdy instrument stand.

Ear plugs: For obvious reasons, ear plugs are a necessity for anyone that plays an excessively loud instrument such as an electric guitar, bass guitars or the drums, as well as anyone in close proximity to any such instrument on stage.

At the Gig: Don't drink excessively or dope up. It shows in your playing and your professionalism or lack thereof.
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Practice: Be courteous. Send a flier to the neighbors letting them know what time and when you practice ... so if there is a problem they don't call the cops first, they call you.

Band Politics: The band sits at a round table - no egos, everyone gets a say - democracy - discuss your goals, tunings, who knows what, song dynamics, etc. A happy band is a successful band.

Bring a Towel (or five): To sop up the spilled beer on your amp that your guitarist denies he did. This will also help to keep the stage cleaner and safer for everyone in the band.

Cable: Loop your cable through your amp handle and your strap so it doesn't fall out.

Guitar Picks: Different gauges for anyone in your band who uses one.

Spare Cords and Cables: Oh yeah it worked yesterday why doesn't it work today? BTW, wrap your cords when you are done - the copper wire has a memory.

Spare Microphones: If you sing it is always good to have a back up. There is nothing like watching, in slow motion, a microphone hitting the ground and splitting into pieces.

Tuner: Guaranteed your guitarist thinks he's in tune and everybody else is out.

Extra Batteries: For the tuner (which proves your guitarist wrong) or effects pedals.

Extra bass guitar and guitar strings: Obviously for yourself but even a set of guitar strings. Guaranteed when a guitar string breaks, it's always the high E ... and it's on a Sunday and the music store is closed and the gig is in an hour.

Drum Key: Drummer arrives and can't tune his set, or can't put a new skin on.

Power Strip/Surge Protector: For some reason, clubs always have problems with their power, go figure - too many surges or blown circuit breakers than I care to remember.

Screwdriver: To get into your instrument or amp if there are any problems.

Allen Wrenches: A must have if you want or do any instrument adjustments.

Tubes: For all of you oldies out there.

Fuses: GK amps especially.

Pen/Paper: Whether for a song idea that pops into your head mid-show, or just any random idea you happen to think of, a pen a paper always seen to come in handy.

Crazy Glue: For your fingers or your guitarist's mouth.

Duct Tape: Repairs anything ... also for guitarist ... oh yeah broken drum skins.

Duffel Bag: To carry everything you are secretly supplying.

Spare Cloths: For yourself, not the kinky kind but something that is comfortable for either relaxing in before/after the show, or to change into should you or someone else have an accident with a drink.

Take every suggestion on this list to heart, and you are good to go for your next gig. I know you will feel like a walking hardware store, but trust me you will thank me in the end.

Good Gig Advice

Get Ready for the Big Gig
So your cool new band has lined up a live show and you're ready to rock the house and become overnight stars. Awesome! But are you sure you're ready for the gig? Are you GOSH DANG sure? Now then, here is some advice as to how to prepare for the big show, so that it doesn't turn into a disaster... READ ON!

Guitarists: The worst thing that can happen during a show is to break a string. You don't want to stop the show to change a string, no. Make sure you always bring a backup guitar to each show! Make sure that guitar is in tune, and is set out on stage (or nearby) with it's own strap and pick, ready to be picked up and played at a moment's notice. If you have two guitarists, they should each bring a backup guitar. Also, you should put new strings on your axe a few days before a big gig - this will cut down on broken strings. Just make sure you play your axe a few times before the show, so that the strings are properly stretched. A big mistake is to restring THE NIGHT of the show - chances are the guitar will go hideously out of tune AT LEAST A FEW TIMES during the set. You should also always carry an extra guitar chord, extra batteries (for your stomp boxes), extra picks, and if you can afford it - an extra set of power tubes for your amp head. You never know when something will go wrong with your gear, but rest assured it WILL HAPPEN eventually... be prepared!

Drummers: It's always a good idea to replace your drum heads occasionally, especially the snare head. Not only will the drums sound better for it, but this will help you avoid busting a drum head during a gig. Bring a couple spare pair of sticks to the show -- we all know how easily they break in the heat of the moment, don't we? Also, at the show do not wait til the last minute to assemble your drums. You should be assembling them while the band going on before you starts playing, if not sooner, so that when it's your time you simply just carry your set up on stage ready to play. Bass players: Well, just make sure you're in tune, dang it! Bass strings don't break that easily, but it's always a good idea to have a spare set with you, and if you have two basses BRING 'EM BOTH! The bass player in a band I was in once broke TWO strings during a show, and he was not prepared. We had to beg for a new string from the other bands... very embarrassing.

Singers: I read in an interview with Don Dokken once, that he'd always drink a shot of whiskey before a concert to lube up his vocal chords. I tried it myself, and IT REALLY WORKS! 'Course, more than one shot may slur your speech. You can also try hot tea with lots of honey... mmmm, good! I recommend drinking your shot 5 minutes before you take the stage and you will sing like an angel.

The whole band: Okay, you're at the show on time to load in, you've tuned up, checked your gear -- all systems are go. Now, you feel like having a few pre-show brewskis... STOP! A couple beers is allright, but DON'T GET DRUNK BEFORE THE SHOW!!! That is, if you want to sound good and have everyone in the band remember how to play the songs... Save the free drink tickets for after you've played. It's also a good idea to get a couple pitchers of water on stage before you play, in case you get thirsty... especially for the drummer and the vocalist. Those stage lights can get pretty hot... Also, it's always a good idea to do some stretches back stage to loosen up before you go on. I always lead my band in jumping jacks, stretches and tai chi before we take the stage. You don't want to pull a muscle while doing a crazy stage maneuver, do ya? Very embarrassing!

Make sure you have SET LISTS for the show, on large (11x17) paper written with a jumbo marker or even better, printed out by a laser printer. Make a copy of the set list for each member of the band.

Drum AND sing?

Drum and Sing

Drumming and singing is a very hard skill to learn and whilst most drummers have no aspirations to be the next Phil Collins most can be great back up singers. So todays blog comes from a drummer with some tips on mastering this difficult technique.

Recommendations to Enable Simultaneous Singing and Drum Kit Playing:

1). Go to a classical vocal instructor and have your voice evaluated. I took classical vocal lessons for a year to learn the techniques necessary to breath and project without damaging my vocal chords. This also helped me learn how to setup my drum stool for optimum singing and playing posture (I brought my drum throne to each lesson - and my instructor thought I was nuts).

2). As I was taking lessons, I slowly began learning backup harmonies while playing in various bands - but I still didn't drum and sing into the mics.

3). Before I "opened my mouth" officially behind the kit, I found for me, that it was best to get all of my drum parts down "cold" first. I figured this was the case because I wouldn't have to consciously think "too much more" as I added a vocal part into the mix. Heck, we're all already using all of our limbs when we play anyway! We have so much more "going on" then most other musicians!

4). Next, I started learning singing parts "in sections" (and not at a rehearsal). Personally, I would repeat a section of a piece until I know that I was playing smoothly and was singing on pitch. I still find this to be a successful approach. Based on this, I recommend that you don't move on to the next vocal phrase until you've gotten both your drumming and vocal parts down in the previous phrase. Oh, to know whether you're doing everything correctly use a metronome (for time analysis) and a recording device (for pitch). When you like what you hear, move on to the next phrase... and so on.

5). I recommend learning/singing backing vocal parts first. These parts are not as constantly occurring as lead parts, but they still require you attain the right words and notes while others are singing with you. This allows you to gain confidence continually.

6). Use a headset mic for performing if you can. Even the best overhead boom stands are distracting and take up too much space. One of the absolute best headset mics that I've found for drummers is Crown's "CM 311 series" (and I don't work for Crown). This mic is able to reject essentially all drum sounds (including the snare drum) while you sing and play! This is a very unique capability - and a VERY important one

Social Media for Unsigned Bands

Using Social Media

Social Media is most certainly not a fad, and if all your fans are there, it would seem a pretty good idea for you to be there too. You cannot expect to just create a Facebook or Twitter account and instantly have masses of people following you. You have to interact, be personal, and lure them into your fan page. In this article I’ll share with you three ways you can effectively drive more fans to your social media networks through creating a good first impression, connecting with people who share similar interests, and using video marketing to build hype and personally engage with your fans.

1. Create an Enticing Facebook Landing Page

If Facebook were a country it would be the 4th largest in the World, so you have a free opportunity to share your music on a global scale. People who land on your page want to know about you immediately (the world of social media is an impatient one) so to increase your conversion rate from visitors to fans you should make the first page a visitor lands on as compelling as you can. Thankfully ReverbNation have created an app to make this process a whole lot easier:

Reverb Nation’s Band Profile Tool

ReverbNation just recently upgraded its popular Facebook app, and have integrated some interesting new features to help grow your fan base. The free app incorporates a brand new feature called ‘Fan Boosters’ where you can activate features including ‘require like to access media content,’ ‘require share to for music download’ and require email sign up for music downloads,’ each addressing today’s key social networking goals; getting fans to share, like and subscribe to your content.

This app is also very easy to set up and has a simplistic interface that is easy on the eye. It shows visitors all your releases, upcoming gigs, biography, videos, photos and press quotes, all to give a great first impression to your visitors, compelling them to ‘like’ or ‘share’ your fan page to increase your followers.

2. Connect With People Who Share Similar Interests in Music
Often you will find artists new to social networking following all of their friends or sendingeverybody invites to follow their fan page. One must ask, are they really interested in your music? Rather than adding everyone you know, you want to be connecting and engaging with people who have a genuine interest in your music. Twilert is free web app that enables you to receive email updates containing tweets mentioning any keyword you choose. This is an invaluable tool to help you connect with people who share the same musical interests as yourself, and if you follow them they will most likely give you a follow in return.!

3. Use Live Video Streaming to Personally Engage with your Fans and Build Hype
A lot of big artists are now using live video streams to connect more personally with their fans. By using live video streams it allows your fans to ask questions and share feedback on your music and can be used further as a marketing tool to build hype prior to a release, or even to broadcast a live performance that could possibly attract thousands of users within the live streaming website. To reach the largest audience you can, you should consider becoming a dedicated user of all the top live video streaming sites:

Ustream.tv – ‘Ustream is the leading live interactive broadcast platform. Anyone with an internet connection and a camera can start engaging with their family, friends or fans anytime, anywhere.’

Qik – ‘Qik, the leading mobile video sharing service, lets you record and share the experience with your friends, family and your favorite social networks’

Justin.tv – ‘Justin.tv is the easiest way to create live video and show anyone in the world what’s happening right now. Using only a laptop, you can share your event, class, party or thoughts, live, to anyone in over 250 countries while they chat in real-time with you and with other viewers.’

Vokle – ‘With the Vokle platform you can hold your own live video streaming event in real time right on your own website without directing your watchers and participants to a different website’

Explore each of these three ways in which to expand your fan base using social media comprehensively, and you will see an increase in the amount of relevant followers on each of your social networks, but the size of this increase will be determined by how hard you are willing to work. Go for it!

How to Use Remixes to Grow your Band Fanbase

One of the most exciting things about new media is the move from people being passive listeners to collaborators by producing content of their own, based on your output. One example of this is a growing trend is for people to offer their music to be remixed. Artists from Gang Of Four to Radiohead to DIY artists such as Brad Sucks and lots of electronic artists have all offered their tracks up to be remixed by their fans.

Remixes are great because they give you a new perspective on your music and allow you to crossover with another artists audience. All you need to do is to get the stems (individual parts from the multitrack) for your songs in a folder on an online hosting site as an archived zip file for people to download (4shared.com seems as good as any). You can either export the stems from your recordings yourself or ask your Producer or Engineer to provide them if you record at a commercial studio. You can then link to the folder from your website/blog/Facebook or Twitter and ask people to start remixing. Remember to let people know what the BPM of the track is, it really helps when people are importing stems into Pro Tools or Logic or any other recording software.

There are also sites like CC Mixter that can host the files for you and have the added bonus of a community of remixers looking for tracks to remix. You can use a general Creative Commons license to allow people to use the stems for non-commercial use (and spread the word about your music). Once you have a few remixes in you can then post them on your blog to show how talented and clever your listeners are. This also gives you something to talk about via Twitter and Facebook and gets people talking about your music.

Remixes are also good to submit to podcasters and can even sometimes get your music on podcasts that don’t cover your usual genre. Its been known for a house remix of a rock tune to get a lot of play and even be used for adverts and films (depending on agreement for commercial use between the the artists and the remixer). This is another opportunity to build your listener base (depending on how tight a hold you want to retain on your music).

Also can you remix other peoples music? You can ask for the stems from other artists, its worth a try and its a brilliant way to build a relationship with an artist if you like their work and to get more exposure for both of you. This works fantastically on a local level

You could even release the best of the remixes as an EP on Bandcamp.This is a lot of new music created with very little work by the artists themselves, but with a lot of engagement from listeners and fans. Regular releases are vital to keep acts in the public eye, the days of one album every 18 months to 2 years are long gone.

Really the key to social media for musicians is to have interesting things to talk about and lots of content to enable you to start conversations and to be social, then hopefully the content will be shared by influential people across Twitter, Facebook, Podcasts and Blogs. Remixes are a great opportunity to start people talking and collaborating.