How a Band Works

Music Social Networking

2011-06-22T12:13:00.001-07:00

So you think your band or music doesn't need Social Networking or a Web Presence?? Read this article below and look at some hard data and get back to me if you still don't think so. :)

http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/06/the-social-network-effect-facebook-twitter-linkedin-tumblr-hit-new-comscore-highss.html

New Music Strategies

2011-06-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

http://newmusicstrategies.com/ampnms/

Watched a little of this today and thought it was such a great idea! Lot's of great information for bands and artists.. Look for the times it airs and check it!!

Start Here

2011-05-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

So I guess I should explain why this blog exists or why I have purpose to write it.

I might be coming to a very elitist paradigm to some.. but to other purists and musicians that don't enjoy leaving their music to the hands of other people (facets of The Music Industry) Then this blog will inspire you. And for The Music Industry that has never suffered long months in a van tour towing your gear everywhere.. but has instead sentenced your artists to those to squeeze every single drop of money you can squeeze from them before you drop em... Well to put it bluntly this blog will only make you mad I'm sure.

But you can't be mad that I'm here not to divide necessarily but to empower. I firmly believe that Artists should feel in control of their art. Instead of letting someone who understands nothing about it to exploit it and burn the artist out by taking it to fantastical avenues of marketing to only benefit one party.

I sat through too many meetings and have heard too many stories of The Music Industry trying to make bands almost wear monkey suits to sale their music. Why have us artists stooped to such levels to let everyone hear our music when we could cut the middle man out and do that ourselves??!

Believe me, I sat in a lot of vans with signed artists on "big" tours while a manager and record label looked on reaping all the benefits. While reaping all the benefits I was beating my body to death..

So I come from the perspective of the "sideman" .. And I also come from the perspective of the Artist who respects their Art enough to not sell it out.. But to make a comfortable living doing what they love without selling their soul.

So Anyways, Start Here... I'm no Bob Lefsetz .. But I do agree with about everything he says.

We live in a great time to be independent musicians. And I'll be doing my best to help you all see where you can be better at succeeding in your craft.

New Sites and Articles for the DIY Musician

2011-05-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

We are living in great days as Independent Musicians.. The amount of genius ideas to help get your music out to the masses and connect with fans is continuing to eclipse the Music Industry. Here are a few articles and sites that I found helpful for you DIY'ers out there. Enjoy

The Case Against Artist Management
http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/02/the-case-against-artist-management.html

Manage your Fans and Email Lists with this App
http://www.fanbridge.com/index.php?src=bmi&partner=bmi&utm_source=bmi&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=bmi

How Jonathan Coulton Made $500,000 Last Year As A D.I.Y. Musician
http://ht.ly/4VLaJ

Sell your music online/ on your website(s) without incurring fees -- SoundRain
http://soundra.in/

And one more like Sound Rain -- VibeDeck
http://vibedeck.com/?src=hypebot

My choice for Digital Distribution to itunes and the Major Digital Download Sites
www.catapultdistribution.com

All that should give you a good start or at least give you more to think about as you work your scene :)

New Myspace Scam

2010-03-30T16:45:00.000-07:00

So you're informed.. Don't fall for the following scam.. Google it and you'll find thie same form letter everywhere.. Here's the letter you'll receive on myspace.

How are ya? My name's Alyssa Jamison and I'm an Independent A&R scout for several companies in the music industry. Anyway, I was listening to your tracks and I think they are pretty good, especially "subway blues". I'd like the opportunity to speak with you over the phone so I could find out more about your music in general. Right now, I'm scouting for mainly music supervisors for TV and Film placements and listening to your music, I think they're great for that kind of stuff.

Anyway, I should be available all day today and throughout this week. If you want, just respond back to this email with your number and I'll call you when I'm free.

Alyssa Jamison,
Song Placements
323-988-3442

It's a pay as you go scam.. Basically they tell you that they will place your music for a fee.. There's no credentials for them.. it's shady from the get go. We gotta stop these people from ruining dreams. These are the things that burn out the people who are good hearted and talented in this world. Just be wary.. Since the dawn of the internet we've had this crap and since the internet is not going anywhere then we're bound for more creative scamming. Cheers

How A Band Works: Clinics for 2010

2009-11-15T15:07:00.000-08:00

I have worked with countless worship leaders, singer/songwriters, bands, and musicians in my 16 yr touring and studio musician career. I love passing on any invaluable information that I have attained to help your church, band, or artist career. I basically work with your band, worship team, tech staff, studio, and/or solo act to attain the best possible sound, look, and feel that you can possibly attain. With my guide called How A Band Works: We will study the anatomy of a band, worship team, and/or solo act. With my method we will study Rhythm Section Basics, Role of Guitarists, Tasteful Playing, Stage Presence, Tone, Sound Production, Technical Aspects of Sound and Instrument Gear, and etc. If you are in need of work with your vocal team, or any single instrument with your band or team I have the staff and indvidual instrumentalists to help with any of my sessions to attain your goals. Please inquire at my email jonskaggs@hotmail.com or call 970-420-3852 for more Rates, Info, and Schedules.

I really look forward to working with you.. Please don't let lack of budget keep you from working with me or your team. I'm willing to work with your budget in order work with you. So don't be afraid to ask..

Look Below at a few videos I've compiled with some artists I've been fortunate enough to play for over the years.

Playing Drums for Brandon Heath at the 2009 40th Annual Dove Awards w/ the great Dan Muckala ..s/BGV's and the solid Gabe Ruschival on Bass. Also the Nashville Steppers showin us some dance moves

Playing Drums for Chris Sligh on the GMC. Also with the guitar virtuoso skills of Clint Milburn and the cool rock bass stances of my friend Walton B. Smith

Playing Drums for Nichole Nordeman at Celebrate Freedom in Dallas, TX. Also with the amazing Clint Lagerberg on Guitar and BGV's and my buddy and kid bass genius, Mr. Scott Lee

ALL ARTIST'S AND BANDS PLAYED FOR:

Lance Beaumont
Nichole Nordeman
Bethany Dillon
Brandon Heath
Warren Barfield
Josh Hoge
Chris Sligh
Casting Crowns
Meredith Andrews
Aaron Shust
The Afters
Josh Bates
Andrew Carlton
Jason Walker
Jeff Johnson Band
Shane and Shane
Matt Wertz
Dropknee
Joel Johns
Jourdan Burkes
The Black Bonnets
April Geesbreght
The Blue Hotel
Tim Bach
Flying Machine
Caleb Carruth
Chach Luevano
Noel Johnston
Mark Cuthbertson
Forty Days
John Carlson
Rodrigo Rodriguez
Moriah/Life of Riley
Tin Roof Riot
Tom Hemby
Tim Ward Band
Sean McCurley
Five Stone Canvas
Pherigo
Joey Wright
Union
Justin Cofield Band
Quentin Hope
Mark Philpot
Jordan Critz
Destination Known
The Continental Singers
Jeff Berry Band
Jared Wood

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:

John Phillip Sousa Award (Trumpet - 1995)
Louie Armstrong Jazz Award (Trumpet/Drums - 95)
The Director's Award (Trumpet - 1992)
National School Choral Award - 1995