Chapter 15: The Thick Skin of an Artist

Posted by admin on April 16th, 2010 | 2 Comments »

After my set last saturday I got off stage, took my mailing list and a handful of CD’s and walked around to everybody in the audience to introduce myself and ask them if they would like a free CD or sign up for the mailing list.  Why do I do this?  If your thinking it’s because I want as many people to take CD’s, give money or sign up as possible then that’s not correct.  If your thinking it’s because I want to meet the right people, the people that actually loved the show, listened, would come back again, shake their hand and have them get to know me, even for five minutes to build intimacy and direct relationships with fans, then you are correct. This may seem obvious but it’s not.

“I’d rather but 9 people’s favorite thing, than 100 people’s 9th favorite thing” is a lyric from a show called [Title of Show]  That’s not a typo, that’s actually what it’s called, and the reason I would rather be 9 people’s favorite thing is because who really talks about their 9th favorite thing?

Most of the people that I walked around and met were happy to meet me.  Some were very happy, loved the performance and called themselves “new fans.”  Others didn’t want a CD, or even to have anything to do with me.  This would have hurt me a year ago.  Now, with thicker skin, I can be present to the fact that I’m doing something right.  Now I know that I’m being specific enough in my “brand” that I appeal to a certain kind of person with a certain worldview and that my music tells a story to that kind of person, and not to others.  This will assure my success.

Stay tuned.

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.