Musicgoat.com » Live Music Review

Tips for Winning a “Battle of the Bands”

Susan — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:22:46 +0000

Guest post: Susan Kemman resides in South Park (no kidding), is a Prog music nut and is the Assistant Director of - and talent scout for – the The Highest Independent Music Tour in the World, The South Park Music Tour. Take it away Susan!

The Summer will be brimming with competitions, festivals, tours and holiday bashes; many opportunities for getting your Band a gig or a little name recognition. Talent Searches, Tours and Battle of the Bands pay out prize money or comps equal to what you would earn at a gig, ALL for just a one hour performance. Networking with the Bands and Industry people at these Events can offer tremendous earning potential by breaking you into new Venues.

Here are some simple tips to get an edge over your competitors:

1. Play original songs. You’re allowed only one cover song and it’s got to be perfect.
2. Your song should have basic structure. Like in writing; intro, body and conclusion.
3. Songs shouldn’t be longer than 5 minutes.
4. Play for your allotted time or less, but never more.
5. Move. Everyone in the Band needs to be active at the same time.
6. Your timing needs to be impeccable. It proves a Band is well rehearsed.
7. Spend very little time with sound checks; one song only with minor quick adjustments if absolutely required.
8. Get the audience moving. Play your hottest beats and most gut punching riffs from song one and don’t stop.
9. Demonstrate your instrument or vocal talent with a solo. Have a focus song. 45 seconds of fame.
10. Try to go last in the line-up, leaving a lasting impression.

These competitions not only put cash in your hand but promote your Band. You will need to register early or go through an acceptance process with small fees to be a performer. They’re usually sponsored by radio stations, sound companies or huge corporations. Seek out Talent Searchs, Tours and Battle of the Bands to compete and “be seen” in your area. No matter how small the Venue; if you come out as the winner, it’s a feather in your cap so toot your own horn and post that big win on your message boards.

Check Out the E Town Podcast

Corey Koehler — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 03:03:00 +0000

As I prepare my next podcast – which will feature acoustic music by the way – I just wanted to share another great podcast with you. I discovered a few weeks ago and is headed for the blogroll. The name of the podcast is E Town. Their moto is “Music. Ideas. Community.”

I just love the format of the show. It is recorded in a theatre in front of a live audience – the sound quality is impeccable. It features interviews and short sets by two different artists that come from separate backgrounds and influences. At the end of the show the two artist – who may have never met – get together for an impromptu jam on some cover tune.

Some of the bigger names that I’ve heard on the show are Ben Harper, Steve Earle and Jakob Dylan. But, you will – without a doubt – find yourself Googling some of the other names that you hear. All the artists on E Town are top notch.

Other than the music, there something which also makes the show stand out. Each show they give an “Echievement” award to someone who is out there making a difference in the world. Some of the things that these everyday individuals are accomplishing in the name of helping out their fellow man are unbelievable. Inspiring to say the least.

Overall, here are all the words that come to mind when I think E Town; mellow, laidback, thought proving, feel good, inspiring, acoustic, absorbing. It is just a great show to listen to if you just want to kick back or be inspired (and who doesn’t want that). Also, the fact that it is live in front of a studio audience gives it a warm, personal and ambient quality just sucks you in.

Now do your soul a favor and check out E Town.org.

Check Out Cross Canadian Ragweed ASAP

Corey Koehler — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:47:17 +0000

I don’t have ton of time to give an entire review of the Cross Canadian Ragweed show I attended last night at the House of Rock in Eau Claire, WI but I just wanted to let you know that they were great. Great songs, great energy, great playing and just an all around great show. After seeing them live I am a believer and a big fan.

They seem like pretty cool guys and genuinely appreciative of everyone that came to the show. They reminded me of why I play music and why I need to get my ass out and play more.

So anyway, get your ass over to their website and – if at all possible – find a live show in your area and go check them out ASAP. Take your wife, girlfriend or both and grab a few buddies because you will have a good time. You just can’t beat live music.

In the meantime, grab a CD or download a few tunes. They have a pretty deep catalog but a good start would be there newest release “Mission California.” It doesn’t have a bad song on it.

P.S. I want to thank Jason from Mudstone Music for turning me on to these guys and for inviting me to the show.

Concert Review: Airbourne and Endeverafter Flat Out Rock

Corey Koehler — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:49:12 +0000

I just wanted to share a few quick thoughts with you concerning the Airbourne and EndeverafteR show I attended the other night at The Rock Night Club in Maplewood, MN.

The guys from EndeverafteR were polished and extremely entertaining. Throughout the show all I was thinking was “these guys get it.” Speaking as a child of the 80′s hard rock/metal scene, these guys could hang with the best of them.

They brought great energy and were able to sound as close to “record quality” while maintaining that live feel and without sounding canned. Props to the guitar players for their precision guitar harmonies – very cool to hear live!

Next up, Airbourne. Before I continue, read this quote by drummer Ryan O’Keeffe – which I found on Airbourne’ website – discussing their approach to live shows

“It comes from growing up in Warrnambool [Australia] and being pissed off with people telling us that all the bands we listened to were old and we should be playing Blink-182. So we always go onstage and try to prove a point about how good rock ‘n’ roll is.”

After witnessing this angst first hand, all I can say is WOW! They must be pretty pissed off. Airbourne bring an intensity that I can’t remember seeing at a live show in a long, long time – if ever. Myself – and everyone else – I went with were completely jacked up after the show.

Now I hate to bring up the AC/DC comparison but I couldn’t stop thinking of how much lead singer-guitarist Joel O’Keeffe reminded me of a combination of both Bon Scott and Angus Young rolled up into one ass kicking, rock God.

He was singing, playing guitar and keeping the energy level high between songs. Hell, the man went from the stage to the bar – on the opposite end of the club – to get himself get a beer, open it himself and rock out on the bar all without missing a beat.

Headbanging was commonplace. Whipping their heads around non-stop. In fact we actually joked about how it was their heads were still attached to their heads.

Bottom line, they worked their ass off on every song and put on one hell of a show. They have raised the bar – for future live shows – really, REALLY high. Thank you Airbourne.

Possibly the most amazing part of the night was the fact that I only paid $8 for the ticket. In fact – after such a great show – I almost feel like I owe them. I would easily pay quite a bit more than that to see either of them again.

If they are coming anywhere near you get your ass to the show. Trust me, you will not regret it.

Update: I was fortunate enough to get my audio review of this show played on the Rock and Roll Geek Show (one of my favorite podcasts and highly recommended). Go listen to the EndeverafteR and Airbourne review on the Rock and Roll Geek Show now.