Making predictions is always risky business. Nobody really knows what to expect in a year (or 10), but we all like to guess. I would like to forewarn you that I could be completely wrong with these predictions, but they represent my best guesses. According to MIDiA Research, 2016 was the year of the video….
There’s one inescapable truth about music careers – you need money to make them happen. And though it’s perfectly fine to work a day job or a side gig to piece together the funding you need for your recording projects, tours, merch and other expenses, it’s also good to be aware of other sources of…
OK, so today we’re going to look at how to get a record deal. If you’ve ever had dreams of signing to a record label and have them propel you to fame and fortune, this is a must-read guide. In it we’re going to look at two often overlooked truths of getting a record deal,…
In some ways, getting started is the hardest part about playing the guitar. Once you’ve built some finger strength, things get a lot easier. But until then, everything you try will feel awkward, because you’ve literally never had to use your fingers in this way before. Your goal should be to get passed that awkward…
Should bands pay to play? Let’s face it, it happens. At some point in your career as an artist, you will be offered the “opportunity” to pay to play a show. These offers come in all shapes and sizes. From sneaky promoters looking to take advantage of naive bands to legitimate opportunities that may be…
I recently showed you how to become a better rapper, focusing on how to improve your voice, delivery and the like. Today though, I’m going to show you how to write good rap lyrics. You could have the best delivery in the world, but if your lyrics aren’t saying anything people want to hear, it…
Lead guitar looks impressive, which is one of the reasons why a lot of students also tend to be intimidated by it. But basic lead guitar – and I do mean basic – is much easier to learn than basic rhythm guitar. Surprised? After all, with lead guitar, you only have to play one note…
Facebook Live. I’m sure you’ve heard of it or seen it by now – Facebook literally sends people notifications when friends and Pages go live – basically, you can live stream whatever you’re doing, and have people interact with you live. Facebook Live is possibly the best feature on Facebook you can use right now,…
Whether or not you read music, knowing what a time signature is and differentiating between different time signatures is hugely important when you’re learning and writing songs. Have you ever been tapping along to a song and been thrown off? You’re groovin’ out on 2 & 4 and suddenly your foot is tapping in a…
Today we’re going to look at how to become a famous singer in 6 steps. If you’re a beginner singer and want to know what it takes to give yourself the best chance of making it in the music industry, be sure to read to the end for all the details. If you want a…
Sweep picking is cool and flashy, and players like Yngwie Malmsteen make it look appear effortless. As it so happens, it is considered advanced technique by many. But if you’re going to start, you might as well start now. There aren’t that many advantages to waiting to learn how to sweep. It’s an aspect of…
Shazam – an app that allows users to identify a song they don’t recognize by letting their phone “listen” to it – is no longer a newcomer to the digital music scene. Shazam was so successful right from the get-go that they have literally become a verb. Fans will say they “Shazamed” a song, and…
Recently, I’ve adopted the habit of frequenting open mic events. An open mic is an event where all types of performers go to perform in front of an audience. Anyone can perform. There’s no need to get booked by an agent or call anyone in advance. All you have to do is sign up when…
Believe it or not, children’s artists can make quite a bit of money with CD sales, gigs, and even merch. After all, it’s not the kids who are spending the money, it’s the parents, and parents love to spend money on their kids. Children’s music also has real value for kids. Music makes for better…
If you’re looking to start making music, there are generally two schools of thought. In the hip-hop and rap world, in particular, there are artists who buy beats from producers and artists who make their own beats. While members of each camp might be quite convinced that they’re thinking is the right way to do…