Book Your Own Gig: Have a House Concert

Performing often is important to keep your stage chops in good form, but some artists are unable to do shows as often as they would like. In some cases, there might not be enough venues in town that showcase your style of music, such as hip-hop or bluegrass. Or perhaps you’re under 21, and are too young to perform in places that serve alcohol. Or perhaps you need to build a larger audience before you can get a club gig. If you fall into any of these categories, there are still ways to get yourself out there: have a house concert.

What’s a house concert? Basically, it’s a performance that you give in someone’s home. I’ve done a couple of house concerts myself, and I’ve found them to be a lot of fun. The host (you or another music lover) chooses a date, and invites friends over to hear you play. The friends pay for entry (or at least donate to a tip jar if you feel weird about that), and they have the option to buy your CDs and join your mailing list. Great, huh?

House concert audiences are fantastic because they’re there to actually listen to your music. An intimate listening room vibe is created, and there’s often a lot of love in the room, which we performers need People sitting on couches, the floor, or at a picnic are relaxed and receptive. They also have the opportunity to really hear your lyrics, as well as experience your personality. Afterwards, the event becomes a party where you can connect with your listeners for as long as you want. That’s my kind of gig!

I was reminded about house concerts when I came across an awesome article about house concerts by Madalyn Sklar. Madalyn is the founder of GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest and largest online community of indie women musicians (”cuz chicks rock!”). Among other things, Madalyn is a music business coach & consultant and blogs at Madalyn’s Music Biz Blog, which is where I found inspiration for today’s blog post.

Additional inspiration came from a video from a teenage singer named Sara Niemietz, who started a “Living Room” series of performances on YouTube. She sounds great in a living room, and I’m sure that her voice will sound awesome in a club. But for now, she’s winning worldwide fans from her home. Below is a clip from one of her house concerts (notice audience members sitting on the staircase!).

One of my favorite parts of this video is at the end when a family member says to the camera: “The Living Room Series is getting bigger! Now there are people in the living room!”

Sara Niemietz - People Get Ready - LIVE @ The Living Room

For even more info on House Concerts, you can also check out
The Complete Guide to House Concerts by Nyree Belleville

Popularity: 9% [?]

Good Morning: If You Could Eat Music, You’d Want This CD for Breakfast

Joy Ike, one of Pittsbugh’s hardest working singer/songwriters has released her new CD, Good Morning.

Marked by Allhiphop.com as “one of the artists who will ultimately be responsible for placing Pittsburgh’s music scene firmly on the map,” Ike’s music has been compared to the likes of Corinne Bailey Rae, Norah Jones, Fiona Apple…and every once in a while she’ll get a random “Bjork” (just not as weird). Good Morning is a beautiful mix of soul, pop, and jazz that sucks in both indie lovers and individuals who appreciate more traditional music.

To give her a listen, head to Myspace.com/joyike. She’s giving away a FREE download of her song “Strongman”. You can also find plenty of other information at JoyIke.com.

Eat it up ya’ll!

Popularity: 20% [?]

Should You Use Auto Friend Adders in MySpace, et al?

In the world of social media, I understand that everyone wants to have a lot of “friends”. This has opened up a new world for software development that has the ability to add friends for you, and send messages to your friends without you having to do too much.

I admit, I even bought a friend adder product myself a few years ago. I knew of other musicians using it, and I was jealous of their friend numbers. But I just couldn’t bring myself to install it. My conscience wouldn’t let me, and it wasn’t just because auto friend adders are against the “Terms of Service” of most social media websites. In my opinion, using auto friend adders is basically gaming your friend numbers, and it just doesn’t feel kosher to me.

I know that everyone has other things they need to do with their time, like write songs and rehearse, but I believe that building your friend lists should be organic - like the way you make friends in real life.

My friend Carmelina uses MySpace as her main social media website, and she has amassed over 16,000 friends, and over 270,000 plays of her song “Mueve Las Caderas” (Move Your Hips) the old fashioned way. She has a full-time job, and plenty other things going on in her life, but she swears that she only dedicates an hour a day to making new friends, and connecting with old ones. Consistency and time management are her methods of choice, and they seem to be working. (By the way, I sing backup vocals in “Mueve Las Caderas”, which you can listen to here)

That’s just my two pennies, which was inspired by a great blog post by Andrew Dubber at New Music Strategies that gives his two pennies. Check out his blog here and don’t be afraid to chime in with your own opinion on this debate.

Popularity: 19% [?]

New CD Release from Siji - Adesiji

A few years ago, my ASCAP membership rep (Bill Brown) introduced me to a British songwriter, Siji (pronounced shee-gee), whose talent was only exceeded by his cool vibe. He’s released a new CD, and here’s the info from his press release:

PRESS RELEASE
Artist: SIJI
Title: ADESIJI
Label: IVY Records
Release date: September ‘08

After a migratory existence; living in Baltimore, Lagos, London, New York and more recently San Francisco, British born Singer, songwriter and producer, Siji has emerged bearded and now based back in New York, and in contrast to his newly acquired American permanent residency, with his most African inspired record to date. 

The album, ‘ADESIJI’, which features collaborations with noted DJ/Producer(s) King Britt and Rich Medina, is currently scheduled for release in September 2008.  The experience of recording his sophomore album puts Siji on a more mature plane in terms of sound, with layers like a full rhythm and horn section recorded in Chicago and what Siji refers to as “more attention to the‘African’.” The overall sound of the record is still a mesmerizing
‘fusion of soul,jazz, highlife, gospel and traditional African folk rhythms’. But, this album ventures deeper into the classical African,6/8, polyrhythmic groove. This is what defines the album and makes it stand apart. 

The other character in this story is Gritty ‘ol Charm City (or Harm City, as it is more affectionately known), Baltimore, which formed the backdrop for most of the album’s
recording and gave Siji a ‘proper glimpse into inner-city American life’. Locked away for months on end, Siji was able to tap into something only glimpsed on Television shows like ‘The Wire’. Completing the album and needing to change his environment, Siji sought the warmth of San Francisco and after a brief respite returned to the East Coast.

“My self-titled sophomore album ‘ADESIJI’, is a full portrayal of where I currently stand as an artist and human being and the experiences that have come to shape my character. A few of the songs are about the current war, the environment, my yearning to take a closer peek at my ancestral homeland (Nigeria), where I grew up in as well as the spiritual” side of his roots, said Siji.

 The new digital release will be available on  Itunes  and sijimusic.com

Siji will be appearing alongside the Yorubasoul Orchestra on Friday August 15th, ‘08 at New York’s Central Park Summerstage.

###

Popularity: 17% [?]

Glen Campbell Reinvents Himself with New CD of Contemporary Covers

While checking out the Stereogum blog today, I learned that country music legend Glen Campbell is coming out with a contemporary covers record:

“Country Music Hall of Famer, “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Gentle On My Mind” crooner, True Grit actor, ex-host of The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, and all-around music legend Glen Campbell has himself a contemporary covers collection…On Meet Glen Campbell, the septuagenarian gives U2, Foo Fighters, the Replacements, John Lennon, Jackson Browne, Travis, and the Velvet Underground, among others, the Campbell treatment.”

Here’s the video trailer from YouTube:

Meet Glen Campbell CD

Track List

1 “Sing” (Travis)
02 “Walls” (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)
03 “Angel Dream” (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)
04 “Times Like These” (Foo Fighters)
05 “These Days” (Jackson Browne)
06 “Sadly Beautiful” (The Replacements)
07 “All I Want Is You” (U2)
08 “Jesus” (Velvet Underground)
09 “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)” (Green Day)
10 “Grow Old With Me” (John Lennon)

Meet Glen Campbell is out August 5th on Capitol Records.

Popularity: 20% [?]

Crystal Blue Radio Podcast Interview with Carla Lynne Hall

Earlier this week I participated in the 3rd Annual Digital Press Conference, which was an awesome opportunity to get interviews with tons of podcasters, internet radio DJs, and other new media maven. I’m gathering photos and other stories to prep it for Rock Star Life Lessons, but in the meantime, here’s a link to my interview for the Crystal Blue Radio podcast with Dan Herman.

More about Radio Crystal Blue

**To hear Radio Crystal Blue live, please tune into the Live365 network Sundays 7pm ET http://live365.com/stations/142950

**To subscribe to the Live365 podcasts, go to the RSS link or click inside the FeedPlayer:
http://bigcontact.com/radiocrystalblu/rss

**To stream the podcasts for Live365 Go to http://radiocrystalblue.com and look for the FeedPlayer window, with mp3s of previous shows. Use the different buttons to subscribe, to syndicate, or to simply listen.

Popularity: 22% [?]

Digital Media Is The New Hip Hop - Quincy “QD3″ Jones III

Quincy “QD3″ Jones (son of musician/producer Quincy Jones)

I love the blogosphere, can I tell you? I just found a great article about digital media is the future from musician/producer Quincy Jones’ son, Quincy “QD3″ Jones. Wow.

In QD3’s blog, he writes: “I can see artists figuring out a way to go direct to consumer, creating sites and virtual worlds where they can present their undiluted vision to their audience (with user input of course). Upon building a nice-sized audience, they may possibly have their albums and videos underwritten by brands that feel their products are aligned with the creative direction of the artists.

Instead of pre-packaged albums, perhaps the artists upload songs, videos, and taped live shows periodically on their site as they finish them, and you, the consumer, can create your own track listing. Imagine your favorite group periodically releasing songs, using your input in part to make creative decisions, and thus having a more personal relationship with their fans. That could be pretty cool.”

That is poetry! Read the rest of his post from his QD3 Blog here:

Popularity: 26% [?]

The Joys of Working From (Someone Else’s) Home

One of the great things about working from home, and not in a corporate office, is working in natural light. I get an expansive feeling when I’m able to see the sky as I write, and it just feels good. I’m also only a room away from popsicles, but that’s another story!

The actual view that I have from my home desk isn’t perfect, but I wouldn’t trade it any day for flourescent lights and unnecessary office politics.

My Beloved Home Office

The View from my Home Office

Another benefit about working from home is the ability to take your office with you. In the past week and a half, I visited Worthington, Massachusetts to visit my dear friend Lian, who originally introduced me to the wonders of working in natural light. As a fellow musician and independent music consultant, she’s been working from home for almost 10 years now, running her company Lotus Flower Productions in (mostly) natural light in various towns around the US. To tell you the truth, I’ve always coveted her lifestyle, and I’m so happy to be able to follow her inspiration.

Lian has a gift for natural beauty, and I have to share photos of her home office:

My View from Lian’s Home Office
(Notice the hand-picked wild flowers!)

Another Country View from Lian’s Home Office

Lian prefers country living, and she usually lives someplace with acres of open spaces. What a gift that is. I’m very much a city girl myself, but I’ve discovered an appreciation for the great outdoors, and I love to get away when I can.

And as she works from home, it was quite cool to bring my office with me and spend some quality time with her while she worked. I’d do my work in the morning, and spend the rest of the day hanging out or reading, which was a nice change of pace. We balanced it quite well actually, and I returned to NYC rested.

I’ve visited Lian’s home office in at least three towns so far, and her next move is to Austin, Texas. Can’t wait to see what her next home office looks like!

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 - August 6, 2008 in NYC

Popularity: 17% [?]

Who Do You Know?

As I create frequent blog posts today about my indie music friends, I realize that I’ve known many of them for more than 10 years. And at the time we first met, we weren’t where we are now.

For example, I met Derek Sivers of CD Baby fame in a 4 week songwriting workshop at the National Association of Popular Music. I met Bob Baker online when we were both writing articles online about indie music. I met Ariel Hyatt “on the scene” at various music conferences. As the years passed, we all continued to follow our particular path and stay in touch. And now we’ve all progressed to major milestones in our careers, and I’m quite proud of them.

Who knew that Derek would one day create this online CD store that would enable him to pay indie musicians millions of dollars? Who knew that Bob would one day create his own music conference? Who knew that Ariel would one day be THE go-to person for online music publicity? Who knew that I’d start a music biz column for Vibe magazine, write an eBook, start this blog, or produce four successful CDs?

The fact is, we didn’t know. And when I think of all the great things that they have accomplished, I am proud of my friends, and what they’ve been able to achieve.

Often we get caught up in trying to meet the industry bigwig. Nothing is wrong with wanting to meet or work with a bigwig, but they are often harder to reach.

Next time you attend a networking event, get to know the person sitting at your right and your left - not just the person who’s speaking on the panel. That person may one day co-write your first hit, hire you for a tour, or even sign you to a production deal. But you’ll never know until you make the connection.

Go ahead. Make that connection.

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 - August 6, 2008 in NYC

Popularity: 11% [?]

Bob Baker’s Indie Buzz Bootcamp, June 20-22, 2008

Today, June 20th is also quite auspicious because it marks the date of Bob “Mr. Buzz Factor” Baker’s foray into creating a slam dunk indie music event. Bob Baker’s “Indie Buzz Bootcamp” will take place this weekend, June 20-22 in St. Louis, MO at the Sheraton Plaza Tower at Westport, near St. Louis International Airport.

Bob Baker

I’ve known Bob Baker for a few years as a cyber colleague, as we read and write about music in some of the same online places, and I’ve always loved his writing and ideas. He coined the phrase “Guerrilla Music Marketing”, and has been such a great source of inspiration over the years.

Bob has attended tons of music conferences over the years, and he’s finally taken the plunge to create one of his own, which I am sure will live up to the promise of being “a life-changing, one-of-a-kind experience”. Bob has such great energy and spirit, that I know that his event will be unlike any other that you’ve attended.

Bob will also be joined by other indie music mavens Ariel Hyatt, Derek Sivers from CD Baby, live music producer Tom Jackson, indie success story John Taglieri, and more! For a whole weekend, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to take their music careers to the next level, network, and perform too.

For more info on my buddy Bob Baker, aka “Mr. Buzz Factor”, visit his site.

Man, I wish I was in St. Louis!

Brought to you by the Music Marketing Machine Course: July 16 - August 6, 2008 in NYC

Popularity: 8% [?]