Way Beyond The Music: Texas Music Tip Of The Day

Are You Ready???

So, are you really ready? As a new musician that just started performing are you ready for that next step. Listen, one of the most important things you can do as a new performing musician is be REALISTIC and HONEST with yourself. Let's face it, everyone and their mother is trying to get out there and play live shows (especially in the state of Texas). We even have musicians moving here from other states because our scene is so amazing. The point of this blog post is to BEG you to make sure you're ready for the next step in your career. Let's dive in!!!

So, you've got your set list practiced and rehearsed and polished up and you're ready for that 3-4 hour show at your local dive bar for $100 (or less) a man. You've been working really hard and you've played a few open mic nights. You know in your heart and mind it's time for you to "take this show on the road" and finally "get your name out there". You tell yourself "I know I'm better than (insert the name of the last guy you saw lay an egg at the venue you've got your eye on). Are you really ready though???

Let's assume you have a solid 2-4 set list of covers down and you have done your homework. Let's assume you have been told by all your "friends", family, and fans that you need to go play at (insert venue name here). I mean you feel you've done everything right, correct??? You have been practicing hard and really getting better!!! Well cool!!! That is what this is all about. However, before you contact that venue, rather its a dive bar or a well established venue; I would suggest you read the checklist below and make sure YOU ARE READY!!!

AM I READY CHECKLIST:

DO I HAVE PROFESSIONAL SOUND EQUIPMENT AND THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO RUN IT?
DOES MY GUITAR STAY IN TUNE?
DO I TAKE A MINUTE BETWEEN SONGS TO TUNE MY GUITAR IF ITS OUT OF TUNE?
DO I HAVE BACK UP STRINGS, PICKS, CAPO'S, BATTERIES, MIC, GUITAR, CABLES, ETC.?
DO I HAVE A COMPLETE WEBSITE?
DO I HAVE SOCIAL MEDIA SITES UP AND RUNNING?
DO I HAVE ALL THE SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS WORKING CORRECTLY WITH UPDATED INFORMATION?
AM I ABLE TO CREATE EVENTS AND MARKET MY SHOWS?
DID I TAG THE VENUE IN MY MARKETING OF MY SHOW?
DID I INVITE OR EMAIL MY FAN BASE? WAIT DO I HAVE A FAN BASE TO MARKET TO?
DO I HAVE A PROFESSIONAL RECORDING OF A COUPLE OF MY SONGS TO EVEN USE FOR BOOKING AND BUILDING MY FAN BASE?
DO I HAVE ANY DECENT VIDEOS OF ME PERFORMING OR COVERING A SONG?
DO I HAVE DECENT PHOTOS TO USE FOR MARKETING?

Let us take a break and answer these questions. If you answered no to any of these you probably should hold off on trying to book a paid show. Now, I'm not saying this to tear you down or tell you that you're not good enough. I'm simply trying to save you from making a huge mistake I watch hundreds of musicians make on a regular basis. Listen, I totally get it...and guess what I MADE THESE MISTAKES and IT COST ME!!!

Guys and Gals this isn't a race!!! YOU WILL GET THERE but IT TAKES TIME. I am simply trying to encourage you to take your time and do things right so you're not spinning your wheels. You need to keep your day job and invest your money into good equipment, a social media presence, a website, and all the tools that will make you successful. A simple Acoustic recording can work miracles for your booking efforts. A simple homemade video of you covering a song looks better than NOTHING!!! Take your time and do this right. If this was easy, everyone would be doing this for a living.

I hope this sinks in and makes sense. I have been where you are at and I know it is very very frustrating. I know you want this so bad. In closing, here is the simple truth; you will either listen to and apply my advice or you won't!!! The choice is yours and I'm here to help!!! Please share and follow this blog!!! Thank you for your support!

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