Skype

So many as you may know that when you're on the road and away from loved ones, those calls just to say hi (or more) can hit your pocket book, right? Well there is this site called Skype. Its a great site that can let you make telephone and video calls through YOUR COMPUTER using its software...and the Net of course. Check out the site and hopefully those calls to friends and family won't cut into your gas money.

mtvU and EPIC Records Record Deal

Hey sorry long time no see, finals are here! Besides that, I thought I'd let all you know that mtvU and EPIC Records are going to hook up one very lucky artist or band with a record deal! Yep! Not only are they going to give one of you lucky participants a deal, but also produce TWO VIDEOS! The prize doesn't stop hear, you'll even score marketing and promo support for the release of your album! So stop reading this, click on the title and sign up for this amazing opportunity! Best of luck!

Suretone Unsigned Band Contest

Get ready to upload one of your band's track if you want to win some kick ass gear and maybe even do a little opening act for The Pink Spiders! That's right baby! One lucky band will get to open for The Pink Spiders (for a future show), get their track on the upcoming Suretone 2007 sampler, and win some amazing gear autographed from other Suretone artists!

All you have to do is join the Suretone Records community, upload a song and pray to God that everyone votes for your band. Good luck!

International Drum Month

This month is International Drum Month and what better way to honor our drummers than with some kick ass prizes?! Themusicedge.com is giving away 12 prize packages for all you drummers! Sign up at:

http://www.themusicedge.com/moxie/news/inthenews/contest.shtml

Good luck!



(Note: Sorry about the links, for some reason I'm having problems with them.)

Win a recording contract!

Netmusicmakers.com is offering a recording contract! Register your band or yourself, send in your best 3 songs and get a chance to win a recording contract for 5! Check it out at:

www.netmusicmakers.com

Life on the Road

So the other day I received my newsletter from Alternative Press and read that the Unseen has a book about being out in the road. The book is "SO THIS IS READING? Life on the road with THE UNSEEN," by Tripp Underwood of The Unseen. If you want to buy the book or CD, go to:

http://www.hopelessrecords.com/index.php?http://www.hopelessrecords.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=274&cat=0&page=1

Part of the first chapter is up and isn't too shabby. Check it out.

....

Hey everybody....
unfortunately I've been out of state...there was a death in the family and I had to leave. However, I just wanted to let you know that I will be updating the blog as soon as I can with more info to help out my fellow commrades. In the mean time, for all you unsigned bands, go to http://fuse.tv/unsigned to get your band's video on "Steven's Untitled Rock Show." In the mean time, ROCK ON!

Long time no see...

Hey there! So its been a really long time (actually too long) since I've posted on here but I'd figured I'd start again. So as I mentioned already, this blog is specifically for those interested in the music industry with tips and research I've done pretty much done all on my own.

So now let's get started. So here's some info for bands (but also might come in handy for those of you who need to add people to your network)who need professional photography work done. His name is Phil and he's a professional photographer. His work is awesome! Check his site out at:

http://modelmayhem.com/member.php?id=2496

or at the famous myspace!

http://www.myspace.com/sincityimagery

His skills include band and DJ promo, commerical and print work! So hit this guy up if your band or you know a band that needs work done!

Music Info

From left to right: MC Lars, Anthony Pagan of Life with Jonas, Bowling for Soup

Hi,
First of all I would like to introduce myself, my name is Nicole and thanks for checking out my blog. The primary reason I'm setting up this blog is to help others in the position that I am in, which is a young person trying to make it in the music industry. My dream is to be a Tour Manager and so far I've have been researching and speaking to anyone I can think of or get in touch with...which is somewhat difficult. However, I am willing to share tips and advice I have learned along the way from coming across Tour Managers, Merch (Merchandise) People, and many others. So here goes!

Research

Research! Research! Research! I can't say it enough! RESEARCH! Its all about getting information about the position you want or just general information within the field. Believe me you should have an idea more or less about what you want to do because if you don't...you could possibly look like an idiot to the person you're speaking with and they don't appreciate you wasting their time (because it is precious) if you have no idea what you want to do! Note to this, the Internet is your friend! I suggest you take full advantage of it! Or if you're not sure...still research!

Now as part of the research you should go to sites that are music related. Of course this would seem like common sense, but you wouldn't believe how easily it is to overlook something so simple. Some sites that have helped me are:

www.idobi.com A great site for daily updates and news on all artists across the board.

www.absolutepunk.net You can get info here as well but if you feel like joining, do it fast because last I heard it was only going to let so many join the site and that was it.

www.berkleemusic.com Berklee offers an extension of its music school with online classes to recieve different certificates. In fact, I am hoping to take classes with the school as soon as I can...or let's say afford it.

www.myspace.com Believe me this is such a great place to get bands as "friends" or make "friends" with others that are into what you are interested in...yes it is a big risk due to all the incidents that have occured lately in the news but you shouldn't let this stop you...but do becareful. In fact, two up and coming artists have asked me to help or book shows for them. Unfortunately, I had to turn them down because I am inexperienced but with the information I have found from others, I was able to lead them to someone who could possibly help them.

www.roadcrewstouring.com Now I saved this site for last on purpose...this site is full of Tour Managers, Guitar Techs, Keyboard Techs, etc. the list goes on. Now why would I be mean and safe this for last. Simple, its part of the research and learning how to find out how to get information the hard way before getting it the easy way. Of course, you're probably confused but there's a method to my madness...this is exactly how you're going to get information when you first start contacting people. It will be hard at first but as you continue on, it will start to get somewhat (but not entirely) easily.

I DO SUGGEST that before you contact any of these people, try at least to get some information on the position(s)/job(s) you are possibly interested in. Knowing a little bit about the area you are possibly intersted in helps and proves (somewhat) to them you are serious and not wasting their time. Remember their time is precious. Please do remember that these are very busy people and do not get offended or hurt if they don't respond within a timely manner or at all...remember to take rejection lightly not to the heart.

Note, if you are fortunate to get a response, thank the person ALWAYS for their time and information...some of them do take note of this. And if possible, try to ask more questions to their responses if you see fit or take advantage of this opportunity and try to build on this as a possible mentor/mentee relationship if possible. If not, something at least so that you could always e-mail the person in the future about another question or advice. Stick with the ones who e-mail you back at least twice, forget the other ones....this is their way of saying "I'd like to help you, but not really" or "I have no time for you." Don't bother e-mailing them, but don't forget them either. As I recently found out today as I spoke with the Tour Manager for Yellowcard's tour and two others from the production team, never burn your bridges! It will surely come back to you later in the end.

Concerts

Now that you have researched all information needed and required, its time to hit those concerts! Meaning if you want to do this, you have to put yourself out there and go for it. As FUSE's great Mistress Julia once said to a caller who called in about writing for a magazine, "No one is going to say you're a really great writer and pat you on the back or hold your hand, you have to prove it and do it." (More or less that's what she said as I recall) But the point is no one is going to hold your hand and do it for you, YOU HAVE TO GET YOUR BUTT OFF THE COUCH AND DO IT! Sorry for the harsh tone, but I would rather have you hear it from me than someone you are contacting...and so would you.

As I just said, hit those concerts, I meant it! Hit those concerts! Now I'm fortunate to have concerts held at the school I'm attending. The area is somewhat small compared to a large arena. Deftinitely try smaller venues. I would try to talk to anyone who is willing and has time to talk to you. Remember, if this is the day a band is in town/city...the crew/staff is going to be busy setting up but it doesn't hurt to try. Again, don't get offended/hurt if they don't give you the time of day. Just a couple of weeks ago, I tried talking to a Merch (Merchandise) person and he would not stop walking fast and wouldn't and didn't help me at all.

Tools

Before approaching anyone or heading out to a concert, make sure you have some paper and a pen or pencil, but pen is preferred. Also make sure to have some contact info in case someone wants to get in contact with you. Remember not only are you in an "interview" but you're also selling yourself. Try getting some cards at www.vistaprint.com, this site offers cards at a very inexpensive price.

Who to spot out at a concert

Make sure to look out for people with passes walking around, this is a key sign that they're with the tour. Now where's the person YOU want to meet? Hiding. I'm just playing, the person you want to meet is probably inside (where you're not allowed), working or doing something else very important. But that doesn't mean you can't find someone to talk to. Just look around and see who catches your eye. Do try to find someone who is away from security, because security will try to chase you away. But remember, its their job! If possible try to find one person or two that are away from others. This will give you more of a one-on-one setting. Do remember to go with who your conscience calls out to! Not someone you feel a creepy vibe from because you want to be just as comfortable!

How to approach someone at a concert

Now the next question you're probably asking is how do I approach these people? Simple I'll give you an example of what I do:

I approach whoever I have my eye on and walk over and say "Hello, my name is Nicole and I was wondering if I could possibly ask you some questions and take a few moments of your time if you don't mind?"

You can also add on "I'm a student aspiring to be a Tour Manager and I'm trying to get some information about the job and any other information relating to the position" or whatever title you're seeking info about.

DON'T FORGET TO SHAKE YOUR HAND AND MAKE EYE CONTACT! This could be the one opportunity to get your foot in the door. BE PROFESSIONAL! You may be young but don't give them a reason to turn you down. And don't forget to relax! I know its hard, but once you get the hang of it, I PROMISE YOU IT WILL COME NATURAL. TRUST ME!

Now that you have their attention and have agreed to answer some questions, make sure you have some questions or maybe ask them what they do?

A couple of weeks ago, I couldn't get a hold of any of the managers on tour (Taste of Chaos) but I was able to speak with a Merch (Merchandise) person. This is what I did,

"Hi I was wondering if you are working with the tour?"

Yes it may seem dumb but do it. Once he/she or they have said yes, continue on,

"Well my name is Nicole and I'm actually aspiring to be a Tour Manager but I'm also trying to find out more information about tours as well and I was wondering if I could possibly ask you some questions about you and what you do on the tour?"

Be polite as possible, people will definitely want to help you out with as much as they can. Remember to give them your contact info as well. The Merch person I spoke with turned out to be friends with one of the Tour Managers and was more than happy to give him my card after having a nice little conversation.

Afterwards

After every encounter make sure to evaluate what just happened. Were you rude? Did you speak low? Did you take notes? etc. Remember these places may not seem like an "interview" setting but in this case they are and you are definitely being evaluated as well. Its just like any other interview...did you make a good impression on the person or not? And will they remember you or not? Always point out what you did right (you'll know when you feel really good...believe me) and what you did wrong or could possibly improve on. Don't worry, we all make mistakes but do try to work on them for the next time. Like I said, its just like an any other interview. And from what I just learned recently...its all about presence...meaning how people see you. Take note of this as well. Its not something I can explain but it has to do with how you approach the person, includes your personality and everything from the time you walk up to the person to the time you walk away. The only thing I can suggest is be comfortable and confident...even if you don't know that much...don't show it.

Last thoughts

Now that you have gained some insight on what to do....GO DO IT! At least try because if you don't you never know what could have possibly happened. I would also like to tell you that if this is what you want to do, you have to do it for yourself! If you want to work in this field, its because you cannot live without it and not what some relative, friend, etc., wants you to. Don't let anyone stop you ever! If you know this is what you want, ignore everyone else...besides its your life! I say this because I know people who don't like the fact that this is what I want to do or approve of it...I really don't care what they think because this is my life. If you have a feeling in your gut, heart or mind that this what you want to do, DON'T IGNORE IT...embrace it and go with it. Your gut feeling, heart or mind or whatever it is that you listen to, will never stir you wrong. Good luck! You're going to need it.