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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474 |
Dear friends out there in music land.
I am trying to build a website to try to get some more gigs.
When we are adwertising ourself, I read somthing like "Don`t be shy" and things like that.
Easy to say, but more difficult to do.
I consider myself as a relatively realistic person.
I have played and performed the most of my life, and people seems to like what I do,but the truth is:
I am an intermediate guitarplayer and an intermediate singer.
When I listen to music in this forum or look and listen at the net, there are so many tallented people out there that It is realistic to say that to many of them I don`t ewen reach them ancles.
Also, I am a bit alergic to bigmouths.
So, how do I cope with that?
Best regards
Tono
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436 |
I am an average guitar player and an average singer also. There is always a place for everyone. Someone will always be better than you, and worse. Personally, I don't think Kris Kristopherson (sp) is a good singer, but he does write hit songs. I love Neil Young, but he is not a great singer, but his lyrics are really memorable. That is the fun of it all. Just do what you do, and work with others on what you don't do well. It all works out. You will get a following. Just post your best demos, and they will come. The internet is international. You might find a following in another country. I personally quit thinking so much about getting signed, like I used to, because there is such a huge $$$$$$ engine behind some of these people, that we will never be able to keep up. So now, I just don't think about making alot of money at music, and just have fun, and learn, and practice, and practice... If you don't think you are reaching high enough, write an "ankle" song.
Gene
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John Conley
Musica est vita
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345 |
Why not ask some people who enjoy your music to write some things about you?
Remember...if they compliment you above your beliefs of yourself, you should use it anyway.
To disagree with them would be insulting.
Very few performers actually think they're as good as their fans think they are.
Humility has it's place. But not in marketing.
Mick
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I agree with Mick.
See if you can get some others to write bios about you, then select and cull their writing into one bio that works.
Also -- if you have already performed work for people, get them to write a short testimonial from a customer to add to your website.
--Mac
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
Tono,
A few years ago I went to the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, to catch some songwriters who were performing that night. They were all unpublished writers, looking for exposure and a deal of course. The exception was Craig Weisman who was and is a great writer.
To make it a short story, the writers were required to perform their own songs with just a guitar or piano, and their voice. No tracks, no backup vocals, etc. After about the third person, I had just about decided to hang it up as a writer. No point in competing when these people who by the way were fabulous writers and great performers as well, couldn't get much attention for their act or material.
There are people standing on the street corner in Nashville who are better writers than I'll ever be, and can't even get a free lunch. Even so, after beating myself up for awhle, I decided to just write for the enjoyment of it and try to improve each song based on suggestions from people whose opinions I respect, like many on this forum.
I'm still, writing, still unpublished, but still enjoying it as well. I am about an intermediate guitarist, keyboard hack, decent bassist, and ok vocalist. I'll never be a star, and I know it, but it doesn't keep me from working from time to time and having the honor of sharing the stage with some really cool people over the years.
You don't have to be the best, there will always be plenty of others who think you are at least one of the best, simple because they like what you do.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474 |
Thanks to all of you for your support.
I am wery well aware of, and I am not reaching for the stars, that train past by many years ago. Like most of you I have music as a hobby that have stayed with me since I was a kid, and probably will stay with me until my last day on this planet.Some of you mentioned that maybe someone that liked what I did could write a little about this.The problem is that my audience is mostly "working class" people. They are great people. Great car mechanics, farmers and factory workers, but they are not writers, and they newer want to be. There seems to be a strange phenomen in my part of the world. Of course there are clewer musicians and writers in my comunity. But the story goes like this: ( short short wersion) Some years back I made a professional CD. People that I don`t personally know was crossing the street only to tell me "well done" But, the closest people ( other musisians and writers) newer mentioned it, not with ONE word. I find this a little strange, because if they did something I like, I am not afraid to say "well done"
I guess sucsè also have to do with nettwork and connection and not nessesarely always with tallent.
And I find it wery difficult to play strategi and make strategichal friends,( I was raised the old fasioned way)
So I guess I have to do the web side more or less by myself.
Best regards
Tono
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Joined: May 2000
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Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
If people aren't writers, consider *interviewing them* yourself with a portable tape or digital recorder.
Ask them questions, let them answer, take the thing home and pick parts to type out on your publicity pages.
You could even put them in quotations and cite the person who gave you the aural recommendation...
--Mac
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Joined: Dec 2006
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
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I think it makes a difference if you can get permission to use a name, or their website along with the quote, so people know the comments were real. I did something much like this on my web sites Here's a sample- http://foryoursound.com/referrals.htmlJust a pile of simple quotes, and a way to let people know they were real.. because anybody could type in a bunch of great compliments and give no way to back them up.. Just a thought if the option is available ..and this reminds me that I need to get in there and get these updated from recent clients..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Veteran
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Joined: Dec 2003
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there is a great FREE resource available at your nearest college or university media or journalism department. you can get help from students who need 'real life' experience for class credits. they will have access to the art department and can do a complete profile on you for free. i did it once to have my company logo and letterhead designed as a class project.
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Quote:
I am an average guitar player and an average singer also. There is always a place for everyone. Someone will always be better than you, and worse.
a word of advice spoken from personal experience: never let the town drunk play during your band's breaks! you may not be able to get the crowd back again. been on both sides of that equation. boy, was that guy talented.  
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
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Joined: Mar 2004
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Tono,
I have developed a very short multiple choice evaluation form that I ask people who hire me (usually after the first gig) to fill out when they have the time. Tell them that information gathered from this form will help you improve and develop the best possible entertainment for them and future audiences. Also ask for their permission to use their comments on your website and possibly in future publications. I do something similar as to what rharv explained above except I place them on a "Reviews" page on my website highlighted below my signature below.
Don't forget about canvassing venues in which you are interesting in performing. Find out the person who books the talent, make an appointment and drop in with a CD and some "press" gathered via the good advice offered above. And as Mac says don't forget the retirement facilities.
Later,
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Quote:
Dear friends out there in music land.
I am trying to build a website to try to get some more gigs.
When we are adwertising ourself, I read somthing like "Don`t be shy" and things like that.
Easy to say, but more difficult to do.
I consider myself as a relatively realistic person.
I have played and performed the most of my life, and people seems to like what I do,but the truth is:
I am an intermediate guitarplayer and an intermediate singer.
When I listen to music in this forum or look and listen at the net, there are so many tallented people out there that It is realistic to say that to many of them I don`t ewen reach them ancles.
Also, I am a bit alergic to bigmouths.
So, how do I cope with that?
Best regards
Tono
As someone once said, if a man can do a thing, it's not boastful for him to talk about it. I doubt if any of us are the 'best', fastest, funniest, or anything else-est. But we are each the sum of our talents and experience, unlike any other--unique in that way. You do something in a way that no one else does. Try to be secure in that.
A performer I worked with once told me, "If you're going to do something, DO it." You're a performer. You get up in front of groups of people and do what you do. And you may be a shy person, but it's kind of silly to think about being shy about what you do. Have confidence in that.
Then do what everybody before me said. It's all good, practical advice. I wish you all success.
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Journeyman
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Good adwice Ryszard.
Sometimes it helps a lot when people make you look things from a different angle.
Best regards
Tono
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Quote:
The problem is that my audience is mostly "working class" people. They are great people. Great car mechanics, farmers and factory workers, but they are not writers, and they newer want to be.
Best regards
Tono
When the labourer says something in his own words, you know he isn't making it up. Slick words written by advertising types aren't nearly as convincing as the real words from real "working class" people. These people have a habit of speaking from the heart.
Glenn
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474 |
You are absolutely true Glenn.
And this cind of people have my greatest respect.
When I was young my naborhood was all working class people.
Honestky hard working people. I remember their pholosophy was something like this, If you call it work, It make noise and/or make you dirty.
If it don`t make noise and/or make you dirty, it was not work.
They also (as you said) speak directeky from the heart. And wery often they have an ability to be on the spot with their words and comon sence.
Best regards
Tono
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
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Posts: 436 |
Tono;
You will be fine with the way that you are, and the way you see life. That is why I love music so much. I do not even have to speak the same language as you, to understand, enjoy and get the full emotion that you put into your songs. Music goes beyond the limits of language. If you need help putting together a good web site to promote your music, you have already gotten some good advice, and I'm sure anyone would help you get it all working and sounding good. Then you just play, and the music will speak for itself. Most people don't enjoy the technical, business end of things, nearly as much as just sitting down and jamming. I know I don't. But someone has to do it. Once you get the "promotional" end of things worked out, you will have everything good. I will help you with some of the writing or whatever you need to get your website going. Just post what you need. This forum is such a good one. Some day I would love to have a PG picnic, and have a chance to meet everyone that has helped me so much. That would be a great day.
Best regards,
Gene
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I absolutely agree with you Luvs3rds.
This forum is FULL og great people.If you make the PG picnic in the future.
Please joing me in. It would (as you say) be a great day to met all these people.
Well, It looks like the thread is at its end.
Thank you for great help everyone.
Best regards
Tono
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
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Also, your songs are great Louvs3rds
Another great example of what could be done with a little help from BIAB.
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