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This show originates at www.musicianscooler.com our sponsor is Budget rental car. Get 30% off weekly rentals or 10% off other time periods. Go to http://www.budget.com/musician

Attracting New Members To Your Band

I recently started a new podcast about Online Dating Resources and one of the things I’ve found is that your personal profile should be positive. Nobody is attracted to someone who complains. You can approach the marketing for your band. If you are putting an advertisement for a new band member, don’t fill it with what you are NOT looking for. Instead, you should simply put what you are looking for in a band member.

Instead of saying “Looking for a guitarist. No druggies, ego maniacs, no alcoholics, with no transporation.” Why not spin this into, “Looking for a reliable sober guitarist who is a team player.”

I Need a Way to Keep All My Social Networking Tools Updated

Jimmy from www.myspace.com/jimmyyukka asks:

The second point  is that currently I have a facebook profile Fast Hands (the drummer) has a facebook profile, I have the myspace for jimmy yukka and potentially a proper website for the band. I would love to be able to edit a blog in one place and have the info appear everywhere. Is there a service you or any of the listeners know of that allows this? I have experimented with rss feeds but both facebook and myspace can be a bit funny about it.

Jimmy,

Thanks for writing. Check out www.ping.fm

He was also looking for a tool for Text Messaging in Australia.  

Why Don’t Clubs Let You Eat and Stay For Free?

James from http://churchofnoise.dyndns.org wants to know about the horror stories of touring.

Unfortunately, its very hard to operate a club in the USA. There is a TON of competition for clubs. Things like a higher drinking age, video games (WII, XBOX, Playstation), there were no ONLINE DATING SITES all of which took some of the fun out of going to a club. Also, in the past some bands have taken advantage of a clubs hospitality.

You Band’s Bio - Who Are You, Where Are You, And Who Do you Sound Like?

Today Dave reviews the Band Conspiracy’s band bio (it needs some work). Remember to get to the point and tell people who you are (band name) where you are (city and state), and what type of music you play.

Review Conspiracy’s “New World Order”

 Today we try a new idea of playing a song and let people comment on it. You can reply in the forums or leave comment.

Other Sites Mentioned

www.chicagoguitar.com should check out the episode about playing Weddings

Need to take information from your fans? Check out www.wufoo.com and www.surveymonkey.com

www.onlinegigs.com and www.geologicpodcast.com were mentioned as they provided IDs.

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This show originates from www.musicianscooler.com This is show 214

The Positive Side of Negative Comments

When I was a customer service representative there was a simple way to find out someting from your customers. YOU ASK. Now I know they may say something negative, but then you have the opportunity to remedy the situation and make them fans for life.

The problem is not everyone is interested in filling out a survery. So to make it worth their trouble, you need to offer them something for free (like give away a CD).

Contests Can Help Build Site Interactivity and Feedback

I found a cool tool at www.contestfreemachine.com which makes it very easy to obtain feedback, and at the end the system e-mails the winner and gets their mailing address. It also blocks duplicate vots and more. There are other sites if you are just looking for a survey like www.surveymonkey.com

Here is my survey where yo ucan win a free copy of my ebook ‘Get your band out of the basement and keep them out of the asylum.”

Tales From The Road - It’s “Snot” Funny.

For several years I worked for Yamaha Music UK, programming all sort of keyboards and demonstrating them at trade shows / music fairs etc. 
I was once playing solo piano on stage at a UK Music Fair, PA, lights, foldback the works. Playing to about 200 people. So it was winter approx 1995-ish and I was suffering from a heavy cold whilst working at a large music exhibition in Manchester England. My job was to demonstrate products on stage 3 times a day and talk to customers on the exhibition stand inbetween shows. So there I was on stage with my new Jaeger jacket on, 200 people, and 30 minutes of music prepared to hype the audience up. All going well except for 2 things:
during a Chopin Etude, I suddenly sneezed projecting an almighty mess onto the beautifully polished music rest, embarrassing to have to scrape that off.

This was then topped when I was playing “Nutrocker” by Bee Bumble and the Stingers. This is a great one to end a show, and to sound most impressive I had carefully programmed drum and guitar parts into the digital piano I was playing, I then played live over the top, but obviously couldn’t pause mid way if the backing tracks were preprogrammed, very flashy and a great end to the show. It only lasted about 3 minutes and always went down really well with me finishing with schorching blues piano run going down through 3 octaves and me energetically standing up immediately after the last note, which looked very dramatic and audiences loved it.

This normally went well, got applause, and lots of interest in the product which was the whole idea of me being there.  So on this demonstration I had already splattered the music rest and then my problems got worse because my nose started running really badly but I had no handkerchief, and I was not going to ruin my new posh jacket, so I sniffed with increasing frequency throughtout the demo, but of course with a head mic you can’t sniff loudly can you, so things degenerated until during Nutrocker I lost the battle and my nose streamed in the worst way, i.e. long and stringy. So picture it, a professional Yamaha player playing the latest music technology on a professional stage with PA lights, sound man, compere etc. and during the “piece d’resistance” the pianist is hacking his way through some flashy rock and roll, with nose streaming down between his legs onto the floor, and the audience howling with laughter. At the end I broke the stream with my finger, turned to the audience and got a standing ovation !!!    That’s the only time it’s ever happened to me, thank god.
After a few more years at Yamaha I decided to change tack and now work for a very large IT company, not so much fun but I have my own function band, the T6 Band (www.T6band.com) which is great fun.
 
Keep up the good work,
Cheers matey!
Jeremy

Battling Bands Coming Back?

I used to host a podcast at www.battlingbands.com but it went away becuase people cheated. I am thinking of brining it back for free. Bands interested need to meet a criteria.

1. You need to have a CD at CDBaby.com
2. You need to have music on www.podsafemusicnetwork.com
3. It would be beneficial if you have a maling list but not mandatory
4. You would be willing to (possibly) email/send downloads to a random recipiant of the voting population.

If you are interested please send an e-mail ot musicianscooler “at” gmail “dot” com with the title batting bands and let me know where I can find your music.

Other Sites Mentioned

Loking to put audio on your website check out http://www.myflashfetish.com

Looking to save money on a domain? Try www.godaddy.com and use the Godaddy coupon code cooler3, or cooler1, and cooler2 to see which saves you the most.

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This show originates at www.musicianscooler.com

Dancing with the Stars is Going to Make Me Gauge My Eyes Out

I was at a club this weekend and the band was playing some old 60’s tunes. They launch into Journey to the Center of your mind by Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes, and a couple gets up to do their “Cross Country Ballrom Dancing” routine. This included lots of  posing, and (of course) a dip at the end. This has to stop.

Cool MySpace Widget

I was over at www.jimmiebratcher.com when I was he was using some social networking widget called “Gydget.”

You can find it at http://www.gydget.com/home/bands This seems to really boost alot of intereactivity at myspace and facebook, etc. You can sell tickets, ringtones, music and more while you add “top fans” to your widget. From what I’ve seen it’s free.

Cover Band Tips

I saw a band this weekend called Cosmic Candy. They were really talented and did a great job of paying attention to their fans (as in playing requests immediately when people request them). They also took the song “Funky Town” and made it their own.  On the other hand their website promotes their myspace page (www.myspace.com/thecosmiccandyband ) their website is www.cosmiccandy.org I went over there and found it odd that there was no “about the band” that says:

1. Who they are
2. Who they sound like
3. Who is in the band

Remember if someone is looking for a member of the band it won’t work if they are not listed on their website.

Also, if you list where you are playing (and you SHOULD), put the club’s address. This way people can use sites like mapquest, and google maps and get directions. Make it easy for your fans to find you. The other thing I noticed is there was no contact name on the business card (I realize this means anyone can pass out cards).  Business cards are cheap if someone quits and you have to make new cards, its not going to kill you (and you can use those in the event you run out).

Survey Question: Cover bands, Are there songs you thought were going to go over (and didn’t) and songs you thought might lay an egg and instead went over like gangbusters.

Let me know 888-563-3228 (or email me at musicianscooler “at” gmail “dot” com)

Matthew Ebel Launches Membership Site

I talked about this in a previous episode that one way musicians can make money is by having a “Fan site.” Matthew Ebel is doing this exact thing with memberships starting at $5 a month going up to $15 a month. You can read about all the bonus material he will be giving away at www.matthewebel.net I believe he is using the Amember membership script to pull this off.  Amember is around $179 for the script. If you interested in membership scripts check out this list of membership sites at Weekly Web Tools

Tunecore Get Your Music Into iTunes

It appears Tunecore.com now has a deal with guitar center that gets your music into iTunes (you keep all the royalties). Thanks to Marcus Couch of the The Scene Zine Hard Rock Podcast.

Music “Green Bananas” from the news album “Electric Rev” courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network

Save Money and Support The Show

Get a domain name for $6.95 a year at www.godaddy.com using the coupon code cooler3

Save 10% off at www.petmeds.com and get free shipping on orders of $39 or more using the coupon music

Get 35 free songs at Emusic by using coupon code at www.emusic.com/musicnews

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Props From Randy at the Ryhme and Melody Podcast. Check them out at http://www.rhymeandmelody.com/

Tips on Creating a Set List

How to choose and effective Set lists From Andy at  www.myspace.com/jesuistrois

Practice and record various set lists once you have decided on/written your songs

Record Various Sets at 30 60 90 minutes, and listen back, see how they sound, which songs work together, (these dont yet need to be studio recordings)

One way to test how well songs go is to use media player, make up play lists including the different songs you have recorded

At any point you may be usually asked to play, 30 minutes, 60 Minutes, or 2*45 minutes

Prepare and rehearse before accepting work

Always ask about expected playtime!!

An Effective set should include some of the following elements

• Contrast + Shape
• Loud- Quiet
• Fast Slow
• Rhythmic Melodic
• Dense Sparse
• Relaxed Tense
• Serious Humorous

1^st song Impact + confident about playing

Build up set to a climax point 1/2 of the way through then final number can be more intimate or sing along save quieter numbers for later. If not enough of own songs do covers. Always have an encore in mind can repeat first number repeat what audience enjoys

Peter Woolston is Using Chip In To Get His Music to Romania

If your band is trying to raise some fund s to go into the studio, buy a bus, etc. You an use www.chipin.com like Peter Woolston who is using it to raise money for a trip to Romania. Pete has raise (as of today) $70 to go to Romania and take his music to people who are in a bad way. Its a great mission trip. You can help get to Romania to do volunteer work at www.peterwoolston.com You can also download his song “Giant Killer.”

Big Event Software

JT From the Free Musicians List at http://www.ryppl.com/ProductDetails.aspx?View=7416 Told us about the The Big Even Software. He says its a cross between Twitter and RSS.

Free Ebook “How To Design A Winning And Profitable Music Business”

You can find out more about this book at http://www.innerrhythm.org/blog/winning-music-business-report/ its from Indie Band Consultant Kavit Haria.  He also has a new video at
http://www.innerrhythm.org/blog/nonconformity-video-presentation/

Build Some Buzz About Your Next DIY Recording

The band Lamb of God is using web cams to record all of their activity in the studio. This will build the buzz and their fans get get excited about their future CD. You can find them at www.lamb-of-god.com

Dave’s New Podcast “Dates From Hell Show.”

Got a story call 1-866-97-DATES This will be funny stories as well as tips for finding love online. You can find out more at www.datesfromhellshow.com

Sponsors:

Pet Meds

Save 10% off all orders and get free shipping on order of $39 or more by using the coupon code music.

Go Daddy

Get your own .com domain name for $6.95 using the coupon code cooler3 (also try cooler1 and cooler2).

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This podcast originates at www.musicianscooler.com This is show 211 (listen to show).

We hear how musicians are “starving” and how there isn’t enough money.  Well it’s true, the potential to make less money than a lawyer is greater. However, becuase we accept this, we need to manage our money better  than the average Joe. Today we talk with Veteran Musician Doug Ross who has been writing financial advice for musicans (and non musicians) on savng money, and making money. You can find Doug at www.dougross.net

There is a great book that Doug Mentiones that you can download as a pdf called “Common Sense” by Art Williams”

Get Bob Baker’s Free Report “How to Recession-Proof Your Music Career: 39 Ways Musicians, Bands and Record Labels Can Reduce Expenses and Prosper in Today’s Economic Times.” at http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/recession-proof-music.html Check out Bob’s

Other Sites Mentioned

www.xpenser.com where you can easily track your expenses.

www.gnucash.org is an open source (free) software alternative to quicken

I use http://home.ingdirect.com/index.html to create his “Oh crap” fund. He earns 3% interest.

I mentioned Dave Ramsey on the podcast. Everyone is raving about his Book Total Money Makeover. There is even a total money makeover workbook. How am I going to save money? By going to the library and reading it for free.

www.betterthanavan.com is a way to find places to stay on the road.

www.fool.com is a great site to learn about investing.

Music on This Episode (from the Podsafe Music Network)

“Distractions” from the self-titled Doug Ross CD. You can buy it at his website www.dougross.net or at CDBaby

Show Sponsor

Save 10% on your order and FREE SHIPPING on orders over $39 at www.1800petmeds.com when you use the code music

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Networking Tips

From Anthony Kammerhofer of the band http://www.my-other-brother.com/ and he works with http://www.sonicbids.com/wilhelmpfeiffer and is an active contributor to http://www.dmet.eu/ his day job is at http://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/ You can check out and buy his music at http://www.manymusics.org/album.asp?d=1000&id=A-004215

“Hope it’s not too odd for the podcast to talk about the Classical music genre there, but I think it could inspire listeners to also search for alternative ways in booking, especially drawn against the background of more and more typical live venues going out of business both over here in Europe and in North America. I work with Classical singer Wilhelm Pfeiffer and we’ve been connecting with piano retailers for in-store performances and them even recommending the act for traditional venues and stuff. It all boils down to getting connected, which, of course, eats up a considerable amount of time in one’s music career, but definitely helps boost that career.”

Great Tip Anthony! - Dave

Free Bob Baker Book “How to Recession-Proof Your Music Career….”

I got an email from Bob Baker to let me know he has a new FREE ebook out. It’s called “How to Recession-Proof Your Music Career: 39 Ways Musicians, Bands and Record Labels Can Reduce Expenses and Prosper in Today’s Economic Times.” All you have to do is sign up for Bob’s email list “The Buzz Factor.” This is a phenomenal e-zine with great music marketing tips. If you’ve never heard of Bob Baker (which for me is hard to believe) you need to get to know Bob. All of his books are great.

No More Practicing Alone

This tip comes from Jasmine Commerce who you can find at www.myspace.com/jasminecommerce

These are for the most part (save certain very ritzy retirement homes) forgiving audiences, who are grateful you came. But do them a favor: know your songs, be professional, and do your BEST, for no one likes to be forced to listen to bad music!

Today in Cooler History

September 2007

• 164 Niche Happens with Christine Kane
• MC163 Putting on a Show with Phil X of PowderThe Musicians Cooler - Where Musicians Trade Advice › Edit — WordPress
• EZ Drummer Feedback - PMN Discussion
• 161 Interactive T-shirts
• 160 Blake Morgan Shows Up Big

September 2006

• 95: Home vs Professional Studio Which One Makes Sense For You
• 94 Anthony Gomes “It’s All About the Fans” - Getting Airplay in 7 Days
• 93: How to Be a Hit Songwriter Reviewed
• 92 Dipping Your Toe in the ProTools Pool

September 2005

• Mentoring Moment with Judith Owen
• #33 Interview with the Booker
• #32 Podsafe Music Network - The Results Are in
• #31 Americas Biggest - Here I am Dave

Make Your Song The Next Anthem

Dona Oxford has made a great video just using photographs and her song Step Up. This would be a great campaign for Democratic candidate. You can check out the video on You Tube

or buy the CD (or download) from CDBaby.

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This show originates at www.musicianscooler.com this is show 208.

Musicians Guide to Brides

Today I talk with Anne Roos who is the author of the book Musician’s Guide to Brides How to Make Money Playing Weddings and has a huge amount of experience playing weddings. There are some great tips in the book (and this interview). If you’ve been afraid to play a wedding, this book walks you through the whole process. The tips in the book are great for the music business in general (so if you’re playing clubs, the marketing tips will work for club bookers as much as brides).

Some great points include:

“Showing up late with a great excuse does not equal “on time.”

“It’s all about the bride.”

“Coming up with the right price.”

She has had some fun experiences such as the time someone wanted to hear Chuck Berry’s “My Ding a Ling.” Keep in mind Ann plays the harp.

There are some strange issues with the Audio where Anne occasionally drops out. This was a skype issue, but these wasn’t anything that stopped us from understanding her main point.

For more about Ann check out http://www.celticharpmusic.com

Special thanks to Bob Baker at http://www.thebuzzfactor.com

Repost? - The original recording of this had an “Edit point”that I forget to edit out. Then my wordpress blog would not let me update the original post with the new mp3 file. The end result? A repost. Sorry for the hassle.

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This show originates from www.musicianscooler.com This is show 209

Get your own .com domain name by using the coupon code cooler3 at www.godaddy.com

Kadoink Widget Music Promotion Tool

Rich Palmer from Blog Views and Blues podcast Reviews www.kadoink.com which is a great widget to promote your music. He is using at his www.RichDesoto.com website.

4 Resources for Musicians

Paul from www.mesasand.com he got it from www.isound.com the artcile states:
Sunrise Promotions
http://www.sunrise-promotions.com/

Sunrise Promotions is a great inexpensive newsletter service that allows you to connect with your fans on a monthly basis.