Who gets the name? by Justin Haddock, associate, and Sheri Hunter, counsel, of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP Your band might break up. It’s hardly the most optimistic forecast, but it’s one that, realistically, every musician needs to consider. With that consideration may come the realization that you — or one or more of your bandmates — may want to … [Read more...]
Sponge’s Vinnie Dombroski
Detroit’s comeback kid plows ahead by Brian McKinny, senior editor Vinnie Dombroski is very important to the history of rock and roll in Detroit, Mich. As the front man of no less than three working bands — Sponge, Crud and the Orbitsuns — his vocal talents and force of personality seemingly know no bounds. Unlike the city from which he hails, … [Read more...]
Forward into Battle
17 ways to be victorious by Gene Baker At some point in your musical career, you will likely enter a Battle of the Bands contest. For many of us, this starts at a young age, as we escape the garage and start playing real gigs. For others, it’s a good way to launch a new band. Regardless of your age, you can test the waters, see the … [Read more...]
Grammar Tips
5 major turnoffs by Tamara Halbritter “Grammar: the difference between knowing your shit and knowing you’re shit,” says the mysterious grammar man who recently wrote a craigslist.org rant and rave meant for rednecks in Allentown. As a musician, you may not always use proper grammar in a song, on social media or when talking in person to your … [Read more...]
Financial Planning
Insurance and investment tips for musicians by Jefferson Smith In my experience as a financial planner for musicians, I’ve found that many people don’t know how their car and homeowners insurance policies work. If you get into a car accident on the way to a gig, and your favorite guitar is ruined, it is NOT covered under your car insurance. … [Read more...]
Why Your $500 Website Could Cost You Thousands
You need a fast, functioning Website. (warning some bias here towards Studio Press themes and affiliate links may be attached) by John Overall, WordPress Specialist, Training, Design, Consulting and setup A website is no longer an option for a business or organization in today’s marketing world if you want to reach the max number of people. … [Read more...]
The Winery Dogs’ Richie Kotzen …
Destined for success by Brian McKinny, senior editor The Winery Dogs are the latest power-trio from California to make a big splash with their eponymous debut album on Loud & Proud Records. With the infamous Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, UFO, David Lee Roth, Steve Vai) on bass, Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Adrenaline Mob) on drums and Richie … [Read more...]
Online Marketing and Social Media
3 ways to hype your music by Vickens Moscova and Tamara Halbritter Online marketing and social media have become a huge part of everyday life. For musicians, the World Wide Web provides the opportunity for simple, instant access to almost anything you need to promote your music. To become successful in the music industry, you must have a … [Read more...]
Dave Pirner | The Heart of Soul Asylum
Most people don’t know that Dave Pirner started his career as a drummer in a punk band. A native of Green Bay, Wis., he moved to Minneapolis, Minn. as a teenager. By age 20, he had started playing drums in Loud Fast Rules, together with Karl Mueller (bass) and Dan Murphy (guitar) in the Minneapolis sub-punk scene. When Pat Morley joined the band … [Read more...]