Chapter 13: Is the Music Business Not A Business?

Posted by admin on April 9th, 2010 | 1 Comment »

My band and I are playing a gig in Harrisburg Pennsylvania tomorrow night.  In line with my last post about hard work etc, I thought I would shed some light on some of the non-musical aspects of this business that are REQUIRED for success.  This is why artists have managers, so they don’t have to focus on all these details, but here is a taste of just the logistics aspects of what is needed to successfully put on one electric show out of town.

Here is the reason why I’m posting this: If you want to be a successful artist you have to understand that you are not just a musician, you are an entrepreneur.  Period.  End of Story.  And part of being an entrepreneur is dealing with the business side of things…and part of that is dealing with details and logistics.

Events Checklist for Zach Maxwell Music

Equipment:

o Guitar

o Amp

o Effects pedal board w/

o Power strip

o All power adapters

o Guitar chords

o Capo

o Guitar picks

o Extra batteries

o Extra guitar strings

o Microphone (if needed)

o Microphone stand (if needed)

o Microphone cable (if needed)

o Guitar stand (if needed)

o Stool (if needed)

o Computer

o Computer charger

o USB chord for iphone

o Blue Snowball microphone for recording show

o Phone

Merchandise

o Box of CD’s

o Newsletter mailing list

o Pens and markers for people to write their info on

o Business Cards

o Cash box

o Starters cash

o Other merchandise

o Banner

o Download cards

Clothing and Misc:

o Stage clothes and shoes

o Washed and Ironed if needed

o Travel clothes and shoes

o Headphones

o Hands free device

o Overnight clothes (for overnights)

o Toiletry kit (for overnights)

o Leathermen

o Lighter

o Dog food for Samson (on overnights where he comes)

o Leash for Samson (on overnights where he comes)

Venue Logistics

o Confirmed time for Soundcheck

o Confirmed Yes or No for soundboard recording

o Confirmed backline

o Drums or Bring your own (BYO)

o Bass Amp or BYO

o Guitar Amp or BYO

o Keyboards or BYO

o PA system or BYO

Travel Logistics

o Vehicle

o Aux cable for music in car

o Address of venue

o Directions

o Phone number of venue

o Estimated travel time

o Cash to pay band

o Reservations for Hotel (overnights)

o Expense Sheet

This has been a busy week in terms of rehearsals and preparation for our first electric gig (we have many more to come, check out the Live Shows tab) so I will be back next week with story updates.

A Break from the Story: You Aren’t Special

Posted by admin on April 6th, 2010 | 1 Comment »

I keep coming across more “artists” who think that simply because they can sing or play an instrument they are somehow “special,” different from all the rest and entitled to success.  Now, they are special, everybody is special in their own way but I’m talking about a different kind of special.  “Entitlement,” might be a better word, but the general attitude is that simply because you are an artist you feel entitled to success.

Well sorry.  That’s not how it works.

Do you want to be successful?  Do you want to make a difference, get your message across, reach millions of people, touch the lives of many?  Then work your fucking ass off.  Period.

Talent will get you as far as about a mile in a 26 mile marathon.  It will give you a one minute headstart, but then all the people who put in the work, the sweat, the time and the hours for their dreams will plow you down before you even get a taste of that you might win.

And here is the real truth.  Even when you are pursuing your absolute dream in life, there will be many times when you have to do shit that you don’t feel like doing.  Yes, even when it’s your total dream to be a musician, there will be times you don’t feel like singing, practicing, even performing!

Why are so many people in this country averse to hard work?  What is it about mediocrity that we so love?