Vinyl is Back Baby!

Over the past week a fellow musician Erik Peterson and I got into some heavy vinyl and cassette chat over on Google Plus (Click if you need an invitation).

He shared a few articles that were great food for thought if you are thinking of some alternative ways to release your album,have a fanbase that is receptive to these types of media or are looking at cracking a new marketing of people looking for new music on these formats. Read the rest of this entry

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Even with the right strategy the battle is only half won if the strategy succeeds only with professional execution of tactics. In today’s music industry….the important thing is to get started.

Many potentially great artist spend too much time in the ” waiting for something to happen stage. ” The artist who get that phone call, that one much needed connection or that big break that they’ve always dreamed of are the ones who shake themselves out of that waiting stage and make something happen.

It is far better to engage in some form of simultaneous planning and implementation. Tactical plans must be shaped in relation to reality with the information learned form contact. The Master Bruce Lee said it best in relation to training: ” Boards don’t hit back. ” Read the rest of this entry

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I saw this Mashables Cover Song Faceoff today and it reminded me of how powerful doing cover songs on YouTube can be especially if you do it right.

The two things I noticed is how some of the artists are really missing the boat and how others are really maximizing the exposure. Let me explain. Read the rest of this entry

It was only just over 11 years ago that CD sales hit their peak but what a difference the past 10 years has been in terms of music technology.

Download Versus CD’s…

Music downloads have superseded CD sales quite staggeringly. In fact, the ability to download music has changed every aspect of the music industry from record labels to artists to the end listener. CD sales have dropped to an all time low Music downloading has even changed how our high street looks with the demise of the music stores such as Zavvi and Woolworths which were found in the top locations of nearly every town and city up and down the country. With HMV consisting reporting huge losses and the closing of branches, it maybe won’t be long before they have the same outcome.

10 Years Ago..

10 years ago, club DJ’s were using increasingly more CD’s when mixing but vinyl was still the mainstay of their record bag. Who would have thought it 10 years ago that the Official UK Chart would be made up of download and CD sales and that households would be getting rid of their CD collections completely as they only purchase downloadable music formats! It wasn’t all that long ago that people were ditching their vinyl in favour of CD’s!

The widespread choice, availability and ease of music downloads now has completely changed how we buy and listen to music. Whether you have an ipod or any one of hundreds of different mp3 players on the market, downloading music is what we are all doing. It is practical, easy and cheap which is a winning combination. Read the rest of this entry

One of the most common things I hear from fellow guitar players when I ask them if they’ve been playing at all is “man I just don’t have the time”. I totally understand since I’ve been there before myself so I usually throw out this simple guitar playing  tip.

It’s real simple….make sure you see your guitar at all times. Just set that sucker next to the TV, computer or somewhere else where you will be able to see it alot. If it is there you will pick it up, trust me. It will call to you. I started doing it with my PRS Guitar all the time and it worked like a charm.

Hell, even if you pick it up for just two minutes and it doesn’t do anything for you that time, that’s fine, I guarantee there will be that time where a quick pick-up turns into a stress relieving marathon or an inspiring journey of learning and discovery (how’s that for cheesy?). Read the rest of this entry

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One of the most overlooked parts of the guitar, for many beginners, is the strings. These thin strands of metal can make all the difference in your sound and even influence how much fun you are having when you are playing.

Here are a few facts about strings and a few guidelines to follow to stay on top of your sound.

Why Change Them

The biggest reason you will want to change your strings on a regular basis is because new strings simply make your instrument sound better.

New strings also results in better playability. Older strings tend to tarnish and which creates this rough texture (especially on your lower strings) that tends to slow you down a bit when you are sliding to and fro. Read the rest of this entry

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Do you create an on-line buzz to get the fans along to the gig, or use the energy created at the gig to get the fans to sign up your Facebook page and follow you on Twitter?

Real life and internet marketing aren’t as segregated as you might think. You need to combine on-line and off-line marketing to create the big picture. And get the big audience. But you still need to turn these fans into paying customers. Read the rest of this entry

Get A Free Snark Guitar Tuner!

As a performer and guitar player, I often get asked questions about playing guitar. So I figured I would get them out of my brain and in writing. Today, lets talk guitar tools.

Here are a few that I use that make life with my ax easier and more productive .

1. Electric Tuner - It is ideal knowing how to tune your guitar by ear but if your pitch is a little off, your guitar – and therefore your songs – may sound a little off. Tuners are very inexpensive (as low as $10-$15) and they will ensure that your instrument and your songs are sounding their best. (psst..here’s how you can get one free).
2. Metronome – If you ever want to play in a band or are looking to record anything, it is a good idea to practice with a metronome. These handy little devices will help you stay in time. Again, these are a pretty inexpensive devise to have around ($10-$15). Also, there are some great beat generators that are free to download too. The cool thing about them is that they sound a little more like a drum beat. HammerHead Rhythm Station is one I can think of off the top of my head and you can usual set something up in a DAW’s .
3. Digital Recorder – This little device can really help you improve by keeping you honest. You may think you are sounding good but when you listen to a recording of yourself, you might find out otherwise. Digital recorders always tell the truth and will help you hone your skills. Also, if you are thinking about doing some songwriting, this thing will become your closest friend. You always want to record your ideas because they can escape your mind almost as fast as they came in to it.
4. Small Tool Kit – Get yourself a small tool box or small plastic container and fill it with the following items: string winder, wire cutter, peg puller, cotton cloth, extra picks, extra strings, toothbrush and toothbrush. Read the rest of this entry