HAMMERHEAD BLOG

HAMMERHEAD BLOG presents a candid discussion pertaining to the ever evolving Music Industry. Written exclusively by Mark “The Shark” Druery. This series of articles covers everything from how to get your music on Satellite Radio to how to set up your own Regional Tour. No matter if you’re a seasoned professional or a DIY Artist looking to make your statement to the world, HAMMERHEAD BLOG covers it all.

Don’t be a “yes” Artist

For new bands, artists, writers the music business will probably not be a lucrative venture at first. It’s so true that you have to start somewhere, and you must prove yourself on a smaller scale before you can do it on a larger scale. It can also be said that …

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What makes an Effective Band Manager

Any band or artist that’s either paid their dues, or spent time on the Front Lines knows how much work is involved in becoming a paid professional. Logistically it can be way to much for a band to handle, and it’s easy to get in way over your head. If …

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Something every Roadie should read

Sure being a roadie is the toughest job in the Music Business, but keep you head up, you just might be a Rock Star one day. –        David Gilmour was a roadie for Pink Floyd before Nick Mason asked him if he would be interested in joining the band as …

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Treat Every Show like it’s your Last

Many years ago I went and saw a popular local band play at a small club in downtown Seattle then called the OFF RAMP now called the GRACELAND. I convinced a prominent label representative who was in town at the time for a local Music Festival to come out and check out the band. I …

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Right Before the Gig

So you’ve arrived at the set, set up and performed a blinding gig to a lively and appreciative crowd. All that remains is packing up equipment and collecting your fee right? Guess again. Over the years I’ve seen many bands fail to do the following immediately after a show. You …

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Pre-Booking Advice

Below are just a few hints and reminders for anyone aiming to get their own gigs by telephone or “cold calling.” For most new bands don’t forget you have to start somewhere – so this article mostly applies to you. –        Make a top to bottom venue listing within your locale and adjacent regions. –        …

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Join a Booking Agency

So there you were, your band was ready to play a smash mouth gig, a popular watering hole on a Saturday night. The music has been rehearsed, the equipment leased, the stage arrangements all set up. But three weeks out, the club owner discovered that tickets hadn’t been sold, and …

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Booking Letter (example)

I have supplied you an example of booking letters you should check out. There is a comprehensive Entertainment Agencies contract sample and a very basic letter used by acts/bands/venues to confirm bookings, both of which can be adapted to your requirements. *** NOTE – The Contract and Booking letter is …

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Hitting the Local Club Circuit

Being in a band and playing for fun is great if you have no aspirations for quitting your day job. But if the dream is to make a living in the music industry, you need to be play live period! Attacking the local live circuit is a great place to start. In …

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