If you’re at all involved with the music industry, you know how fast everything changes and evolves. One year everyone is illegally downloading music, and the next everyone you know is streaming it legally. The examples of rapid change are too many to name, but the point is that the only thing consistent about the…
Attentive, engaged, and buying audience members. A cozy, intimate environment. A solid pay check, and maybe even food and accommodations for the night. All the marketing handled on your behalf. Every artist has different dreams, but for some, the above describes the perfect gig. If this sounds intriguing to you, you’ll be glad to know…
A capo is on practically every guitarist’s recommended accessory list. Why is that? Does every guitarist use a capo? No. But do many guitarists use them? Absolutely. Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, there are no rules against using a capo. You are not a lesser or better guitarist for using one. It really…
Artists don’t always find themselves with a bit of extra cash lying around. But if you do, it’s important to invest some of it back into your career – namely, for promotion. This is particularly beneficial leading up to a release, tour, or new video. Whether you spend it on ad buys, promotion services, or…
There are a variety of different channels you can use to market your music, from traditional methods like radio and TV, to modern digital marketing tools like Snapchat and Periscope. Some are free. Others cost a bit of money. And still others cost a lot of money. The old idiom, “nothing ventured, nothing gained” certainly…
Are you interested in learning classical guitar? Are you new to guitar altogether? Then you’re in the right place. We’re about to take a look at what you need to know to get started in classical guitar, a musical style some consider an art form unto itself. Classical guitar can be difficult, but anyone can…
There’s more to the music industry than just being an artist. The music business is a big industry, generating more than $130 billion annually. And if you’re thinking of moving into the business side of music, I can’t blame you. Sure, it can be an unstable industry, but it’s definitely not as unstable as being an artist….
If you want your music to be heard, you have no choice but to promote it. But not all promotional plans are effective, and unless you have some experience in marketing, putting together a winning strategy can be difficult. Fortunately, if you’re committed to the cause, you will find a way. And if you’re reading…
In general, blues guitar is relatively easy to play. You just need to learn the 12-bar form, identify the key you’re playing in, and you’re off to the races. But the forefathers of the blues – like Robert Johnson – didn’t stop there. Some of the most revered blues players either picked out complex patterns…
For many, many artists, signing a record deal is at the top of their priority list. Despite what you may hear, labels are not dead. Nearly every single artist that is on any chart ever has a record label behind them. The resources that a record label has to offer an indie artist are invaluable….
Lyrics. Just say the word, and some musicians will immediately freeze up. What is it about writing lyrics that’s so hard? Why do we place so much importance on the words that we put to music? For the recording of Check Your Head, The Beastie Boys were said to have locked themselves in a room…
A harmonic is a tool that helps you create variety in your musical ideas. It’s a lot like playing any other note on the guitar, except that harmonics have a very distinct bell-like sound to them, and they give you access to notes you wouldn’t otherwise be able to play. With harmonics, we are definitely…
Have you ever been told that your artist name sucks? Do you find yourself having to tell people over and over again what your name is? Or do people frequently misspell it? Have you thought about changing your name? I say do it. Don’t delay, do it now. There is never a “good time” to…
There’s an age-old debate in the music industry: is it better to try to appeal to everyone, or to find an audience for the unique music you create? First of all, not even The Beatles are liked by everyone, so appealing to the entirety of the human race is a ridiculous idea. But even if…
The best thing about two-hand tapping is that it’s easy to do, and it sounds cool to boot. If you’ve already developed a bit of a comfort level with basic lead guitar techniques, then you’re ready to give it a try. If not, then you may want to spend some time working on your hammer-ons…