I was recently in Whitehorse Yukon. Amy Wolter and I were there working with some of the top bands in Whitehorse. The bands we worked with will be showcasing at the WCMA's next month. We had the privilege to spend 3 hours of one-on-one rehearsal and than working with all 8 bands the last day.
The diversity in music was very intriguing. We had everything from Folk, Pop, Rock to Rap! The one thing that I wanted to emphasize was that rules never changed. Each genre of music had the same goal...an emotional connection with the audience. Working with the rap artist really helped reinforce that. We had no instruments to work with, no back up singers, nothing to manipulate other than the rapper himself (Kelvin Smolers)!
Every artist had to find a way to create a connection. We had singer songwriters with either a piano or guitar, we had full bands in costumes! I was once again reminded of the simplicity of our goal. Create Moments, Capture and Engage, and see lives moved to change by the power of your music...by the power of the CONNECTION. Tom explains this so well - check out this DVD Series: ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE STAGE
The DVD series is the most comprehensive in the industry. No one else explains our reason for performing like Tom does. No one can give you the insight as to why and HOW we do what we do as musicians.
Without an emotional connection there is no way we can communicate our music to it's fullest potential!
I relearned that while working in the Yukon! We do not hit the stage to play music!! We hit the stage to connect with a group of people, the method for this is the music!! I challenge you to take off your musicians hat and place it to the side while putting on the hat of a performer. Allow yourself to be transformed into a communicator, a story teller, an emotional conduit! Allow your audience to feel what you felt when you were stirred to write the song, or the feeling you had when you decided to sing that song!
Tom always says, " People do not buy songs, they buy moments!" GO CREATE MOMENTS!!!
Kevin Pauls
Showing posts with label Live Music Producer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Live Music Producer. Show all posts
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
DUDE, but we Rock!!!
If I had a quarter for every time I heard that!!
The majority of bands think that unbridled energy equals a great show. What they do not see is the impact on the audience. To take your show to the "next level" you need to understand what is happening to the audience during your show. You need to give them what they want and set them up for the big payoff. We often give them everything we got in the first 3 songs. After the 3rd song, if the audience left, they would have missed nothing!!
It doesn't matter what type of music you play. It doesn't matter the age demographics of your audience. You cannot play every song the same way...they don't sound the same, therefore they should not look the same!! (Tom Jackson)
We need to get creative. We need to think about timing. When do you come forward and give the audience everything you got and put pressure on them? When do you let a song "simmer" and allow the audience to anticipate what is next? When is ok for unbridled energy to rule the stage...and when is standing completely still appropriate???
Tough questions...These questions can be answered better with direction. This will start to take form once you truly have a vision for your show!! You need to get this DVD series from Tom called 7 DEADLY SINS
Purchase this DVD Series and it will change the way you approach the show. You need to catch a vision...understand how to make your show more than crazy energy. Learn to pour your heart and soul into your craft, in a way that communicates to your audience. In a way your audience wants to be communicated to!!
Don't be satisfied with being loud and crazy!!! Take time, invest in your music, and become a band with a purpose and vision!! Your product sales will increase and you will create FANS everywhere you go!!!
Kevin
The majority of bands think that unbridled energy equals a great show. What they do not see is the impact on the audience. To take your show to the "next level" you need to understand what is happening to the audience during your show. You need to give them what they want and set them up for the big payoff. We often give them everything we got in the first 3 songs. After the 3rd song, if the audience left, they would have missed nothing!!
It doesn't matter what type of music you play. It doesn't matter the age demographics of your audience. You cannot play every song the same way...they don't sound the same, therefore they should not look the same!! (Tom Jackson)
We need to get creative. We need to think about timing. When do you come forward and give the audience everything you got and put pressure on them? When do you let a song "simmer" and allow the audience to anticipate what is next? When is ok for unbridled energy to rule the stage...and when is standing completely still appropriate???
Tough questions...These questions can be answered better with direction. This will start to take form once you truly have a vision for your show!! You need to get this DVD series from Tom called 7 DEADLY SINS
Purchase this DVD Series and it will change the way you approach the show. You need to catch a vision...understand how to make your show more than crazy energy. Learn to pour your heart and soul into your craft, in a way that communicates to your audience. In a way your audience wants to be communicated to!!
Don't be satisfied with being loud and crazy!!! Take time, invest in your music, and become a band with a purpose and vision!! Your product sales will increase and you will create FANS everywhere you go!!!
Kevin
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Please!! Do not use that 4 letter word!!!
WORK!!!! There I said it! This is worse than a swear word to many artists...now you might think I am overstating it. Not all artists are lazy! I am not saying that artists are lazy at all (Well than Kevin, what are you saying??) Thanks for asking!!
I work with artist's that are signed to a major label, have #1 hits, and are just starting out...and the same issues are there. They often think they are working, but they are focused on what they like...They love to "work" on the music, the chords, the beat, the tempo, the lyrics...the MUSIC...Artist's often think they are working...but when you cut through all the smoke and mirrors you find they are continuing to "work" on what they like...not what they need! The tedious nature of repeating and going over the same thing and making sure the entire band knows their roles, their placements, the arrangement change...this is the WORK!! Once you are happy with your show...once you think you like the live arrangement of the tunes and how it is looking...you now need to play the show in rehearsal...10, 20, 50 times!! This needs to become second nature. This kind of rehearsal is called "muscle memory". When the nerves kick in, and when the monitors go down, when the lights don't work, when you lose focus you need to have your muscle memory. You need to build a show that will play itself! If you know the show cold, when you have a bad day, the show will still work, because your muscle memory will take over! If you have a great show, but dont work it until it becomes second nature...when the nerves kick in you will return to what you always did.
I know this sounds like a blanket statement, and it can also sound a little harsh. I do not mean to be unkind, but I want to shed the myth. The MUSIC is not the only thing...The music needs to be communicated. The best band in the world playing the best music - without focusing on how it is "landing" on the audience will not be heard by the masses. In fact, the only people that get that kind of performance...is other musicians - and we all know that they never buy your music or pay to see you perform!!
Now let me clarify...The music is VERY important, the ability to play is VERY important...BUT the MOST IMPORTANT THING = did the audience get it!!!
So, once you know the music, you have to spend time WORKING on the show!! Rehearsal must take on a new look. Watch the Tom Jackson Videos
You need to take the time to rehearse the show, not just the songs. If you do have great musicianship, and great songs...combined with a GREAT show...this will equal - UNSTOPPABLE!!
Work on your show...Work on your show!!! Create moments and make fans...THAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO WORK ON!!
I work with artist's that are signed to a major label, have #1 hits, and are just starting out...and the same issues are there. They often think they are working, but they are focused on what they like...They love to "work" on the music, the chords, the beat, the tempo, the lyrics...the MUSIC...Artist's often think they are working...but when you cut through all the smoke and mirrors you find they are continuing to "work" on what they like...not what they need! The tedious nature of repeating and going over the same thing and making sure the entire band knows their roles, their placements, the arrangement change...this is the WORK!! Once you are happy with your show...once you think you like the live arrangement of the tunes and how it is looking...you now need to play the show in rehearsal...10, 20, 50 times!! This needs to become second nature. This kind of rehearsal is called "muscle memory". When the nerves kick in, and when the monitors go down, when the lights don't work, when you lose focus you need to have your muscle memory. You need to build a show that will play itself! If you know the show cold, when you have a bad day, the show will still work, because your muscle memory will take over! If you have a great show, but dont work it until it becomes second nature...when the nerves kick in you will return to what you always did.
I know this sounds like a blanket statement, and it can also sound a little harsh. I do not mean to be unkind, but I want to shed the myth. The MUSIC is not the only thing...The music needs to be communicated. The best band in the world playing the best music - without focusing on how it is "landing" on the audience will not be heard by the masses. In fact, the only people that get that kind of performance...is other musicians - and we all know that they never buy your music or pay to see you perform!!
Now let me clarify...The music is VERY important, the ability to play is VERY important...BUT the MOST IMPORTANT THING = did the audience get it!!!
So, once you know the music, you have to spend time WORKING on the show!! Rehearsal must take on a new look. Watch the Tom Jackson Videos
You need to take the time to rehearse the show, not just the songs. If you do have great musicianship, and great songs...combined with a GREAT show...this will equal - UNSTOPPABLE!!
Work on your show...Work on your show!!! Create moments and make fans...THAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO WORK ON!!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The band is a part of the show as well!
The show is not only about the frontman or the person with their name on the bus!! LOL
I often watch shows where the band is really just a backdrop. Often, you could play a well recorded track and most people might not event notice the difference. You should not have a band just to play the music, you have a band to play TO the audience!!
Guitar solo's are much better from the front! The bass player needs to have visual contact with the audience! The horn section needs their moment in the sun! The drummer needs to be creative and find a way to connect the people!
Not every song, not every solo, not every big or slow song needs to look the same, but all of those moments need to happen as a unit! The more we allow the band to be a part of the show, the more the frontman looks good!
When each part of the band plays their specific role, the more the WHOLE BAND wins!! The frontman looks more in control. The frontman (or woman) needs to allow each instrument to enjoy their moment and each musician needs to know how and when to have their moment.
Check out and buy BAND DVD from TOM JACKSON!
This video from Tom Jackson talks about the band as a unit and describes the roles and responsibility of each member. You want your show to connect and generate fans? Make sure your entire band is a part of that! You cannot do it on your own...you need the band and the band needs you!
Kevin
I often watch shows where the band is really just a backdrop. Often, you could play a well recorded track and most people might not event notice the difference. You should not have a band just to play the music, you have a band to play TO the audience!!
Guitar solo's are much better from the front! The bass player needs to have visual contact with the audience! The horn section needs their moment in the sun! The drummer needs to be creative and find a way to connect the people!
Not every song, not every solo, not every big or slow song needs to look the same, but all of those moments need to happen as a unit! The more we allow the band to be a part of the show, the more the frontman looks good!
When each part of the band plays their specific role, the more the WHOLE BAND wins!! The frontman looks more in control. The frontman (or woman) needs to allow each instrument to enjoy their moment and each musician needs to know how and when to have their moment.
Check out and buy BAND DVD from TOM JACKSON!
This video from Tom Jackson talks about the band as a unit and describes the roles and responsibility of each member. You want your show to connect and generate fans? Make sure your entire band is a part of that! You cannot do it on your own...you need the band and the band needs you!
Kevin
Sunday, March 6, 2011
i just sing wtih tracks...
Until recently i had been strictly a track performer...UGH!! I traveled for over 20 years and performed over 95% of my concerts with tracks. Trying to capture and engage an audience when you are the only thing to look at is not easy! I started to bore myself!!
You have to get very creative. Within the Christian Music scene there is a lot more artist's that travel with tracks. There are a few obstacles to playing with tracks...tracks can be so boring, you are limited to the same arrangement everynight, you are limited to the same dynamics etc...EVERYTHING IS THE SAME!! The other concern is this - YOU have to do everything...You can't rely on a guitar solo to divert attention, you don't have backup singers to do something on their own - if YOU don't do it, it doesn't happen!
So with that in mind i want to share some things you can do while using tracks to enhance your show!
1. Song selection
- this is huge. You really need to study Tom Jackson video that teaches on the flow of a show! There is a method to this. You need to know the rules...and you need to understand why they exist!
2. Transitions (speaking)
- Take all the speaking out of your show...Then, very carefully put it back in, where it is needed and LEARN it, STUDY it!! Insert speaking that makes sense. Do not feel the need to insert talking between every song. Less is more...stop winging it. Also, get vulnerable...tell a story that lets people into your world!
3. Learn to emote!
- tracks can for the most part be emotionless. Often the sound in most churches is too low and the audience can't feel the track so the feeling is left to you. Emote with your eyes! Emote with your body language...physically represent the song! Emote with your voice. Don't give us everything on every verse of every song! Take your time, hold back, sing straight, sing soft with breath...than belt it! We often do all we can all the time and it loses its effect!
Get a band! If you can possibly add musicians to your show...DO IT! BUT - if you need to be a track artist, learn your craft, plan the show and be the professional by communicating with your body, your eyes and your voice!
Kevin
You have to get very creative. Within the Christian Music scene there is a lot more artist's that travel with tracks. There are a few obstacles to playing with tracks...tracks can be so boring, you are limited to the same arrangement everynight, you are limited to the same dynamics etc...EVERYTHING IS THE SAME!! The other concern is this - YOU have to do everything...You can't rely on a guitar solo to divert attention, you don't have backup singers to do something on their own - if YOU don't do it, it doesn't happen!
So with that in mind i want to share some things you can do while using tracks to enhance your show!
1. Song selection
- this is huge. You really need to study Tom Jackson video that teaches on the flow of a show! There is a method to this. You need to know the rules...and you need to understand why they exist!
2. Transitions (speaking)
- Take all the speaking out of your show...Then, very carefully put it back in, where it is needed and LEARN it, STUDY it!! Insert speaking that makes sense. Do not feel the need to insert talking between every song. Less is more...stop winging it. Also, get vulnerable...tell a story that lets people into your world!
3. Learn to emote!
- tracks can for the most part be emotionless. Often the sound in most churches is too low and the audience can't feel the track so the feeling is left to you. Emote with your eyes! Emote with your body language...physically represent the song! Emote with your voice. Don't give us everything on every verse of every song! Take your time, hold back, sing straight, sing soft with breath...than belt it! We often do all we can all the time and it loses its effect!
Get a band! If you can possibly add musicians to your show...DO IT! BUT - if you need to be a track artist, learn your craft, plan the show and be the professional by communicating with your body, your eyes and your voice!
Kevin
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The art of worship leading...
The debate continues...is leading worship an art form? Is there a technique to this or is this simply a feel thing? Have you witnessed both? When have you been to a church service where you were lost in worship? Has that happened...if it did, than what was different? IF this has not happened, why not?
Leading in worship tends to be hit and miss...in my experience. Sometimes the emotion, the passion, the creativity all seem to be on the same page and it is magical...other times the passion seems to be non-existent. What is the difference?
I don't want to be the one to answer this! I want to stir up conversation...
What is the role of the Worship Leader?
What makes a good leader?
What creates the emotion and the passion?
Is this a technique that can be learned?
I really want to hear from you! All of us complain about music in our church...we are either the one they are complaining about or we find something we don't like...BE HONEST!!!!!
Talk to me...what can we do to make it better...I have some ideas...BUT FIRST - let me hear what you think...
is it the music, the delivery, emotion...too much emotion?
What? Talk to me...
Kevin
Leading in worship tends to be hit and miss...in my experience. Sometimes the emotion, the passion, the creativity all seem to be on the same page and it is magical...other times the passion seems to be non-existent. What is the difference?
I don't want to be the one to answer this! I want to stir up conversation...
What is the role of the Worship Leader?
What makes a good leader?
What creates the emotion and the passion?
Is this a technique that can be learned?
I really want to hear from you! All of us complain about music in our church...we are either the one they are complaining about or we find something we don't like...BE HONEST!!!!!
Talk to me...what can we do to make it better...I have some ideas...BUT FIRST - let me hear what you think...
is it the music, the delivery, emotion...too much emotion?
What? Talk to me...
Kevin
songs or singing...which came first!?
Which came first, the song, or the art of singing? The question is usually about the chicken or the egg...not a musical reference!
It is a question that doesn't even need an answer...does it?? Do we care? Does it matter which came first? The answer...I HAVE NO IDEA!! Here is what I do care about...without the singing, the song has no voice. BUT without a song, the singer is silent! These are very profound and DEEP thoughts...deeper than Jack Handey (a SNL reference if you didn't know!)
Songwriters always believe the song is the only thing that matters. The singers always feel that without them the song will be left unheard!
The fact is, as much as the music business is always song driven, the LIVE show...the place where MOST artists make their living, is all about the delivery of that great song. How many shows have you been to where a band with a great song, delivered the song with no passion, with very little creativity and sounded just like the CD...only worse...and you were left thinking the song was not as good as you remembered!!
On the other hand...have you ever gone to a show where a band with average songs...delivered them with punch, creativity enthusiasm and passion...you leave thinking their songs were better than they actually are...does this sound familiar?
We sometimes think so highly of our GREAT SONGS, we think they will perform themselves! The crowd that "got it" on the radio or at home listening to the CD version, will instantly connect when we perform it LIVE.
The pain, sweat and tears that go into the craft of writing a great song, need to be used when putting together a great show. You hear the language on American Idol. This is a singing competition, but they constantly refer to connection...emotion, passion, owning the song...and they are all performing GREAT SONGS!!!
Don't have the crowd at your show say..."the song was bigger than you dawg.."
Which came first...the song...the singer...who cares! SING the SONG well enough that the crowd will believe they arrived at the same time!!!!
Kevin
It is a question that doesn't even need an answer...does it?? Do we care? Does it matter which came first? The answer...I HAVE NO IDEA!! Here is what I do care about...without the singing, the song has no voice. BUT without a song, the singer is silent! These are very profound and DEEP thoughts...deeper than Jack Handey (a SNL reference if you didn't know!)
Songwriters always believe the song is the only thing that matters. The singers always feel that without them the song will be left unheard!
The fact is, as much as the music business is always song driven, the LIVE show...the place where MOST artists make their living, is all about the delivery of that great song. How many shows have you been to where a band with a great song, delivered the song with no passion, with very little creativity and sounded just like the CD...only worse...and you were left thinking the song was not as good as you remembered!!
On the other hand...have you ever gone to a show where a band with average songs...delivered them with punch, creativity enthusiasm and passion...you leave thinking their songs were better than they actually are...does this sound familiar?
We sometimes think so highly of our GREAT SONGS, we think they will perform themselves! The crowd that "got it" on the radio or at home listening to the CD version, will instantly connect when we perform it LIVE.
The pain, sweat and tears that go into the craft of writing a great song, need to be used when putting together a great show. You hear the language on American Idol. This is a singing competition, but they constantly refer to connection...emotion, passion, owning the song...and they are all performing GREAT SONGS!!!
Don't have the crowd at your show say..."the song was bigger than you dawg.."
Which came first...the song...the singer...who cares! SING the SONG well enough that the crowd will believe they arrived at the same time!!!!
Kevin
Friday, October 22, 2010
Investing in your career
I want to talk about the money that musicians spend on their careers...from a sampling of what I have heard, seen and experienced in the industry. Your spending speaks volumes about what you think is important. And I'm hoping to challenge the "status quo" thinking when it comes to your money and your music!
Let's breakdown a fairly typical example: A singer/songwriter, has been playing in clubs for a while and fans are looking for some music to buy. The Artist decides to do a recording and make a presence online (iTunes, a website, YouTube, social media etc). Now, the artist needs to create actual "in your hand" product to sell at their shows. The artist duplicates 5oo units, pays for artwork and design as well as any royalties (if recording covers)
Investment (the "status quo" approach)
Recording/Duplication - $22,000
Social Media, Website (ie.Bandzoogle)Artwork/Design - $500
Live Show - $0
Cost: $22,500
Now, let's look at a DIFFERENT approach:
Recording/Duplication - $17,000
Social Media, Website, artwork/design - $500
Live Show - $5,000
Cost: $22,500
The cost/output is the same...so what's the difference?
Revenue from the live show typically accounts for over 90% of a band or artist's revenue!! When you talk to managers, artists and record companies - they consistently indicate that every band they work with will generate well over 90% of their revenue from their live show. (Now, this does not include the "lottery winners" - The bands and artists that hit the jackpot and get a #1 record or a #1 single etc.)A great Live Show will not only create higher paying gigs but when you connect with an audience and create moments...you create FANS and FANS BUY MERCH! Your overall revenue from the show will increase exponentially! This will translate into more sales at the gig, more promoters re-booking you, higher fees for playing - ITS ALL GOOD!
My experience with 25 years in the industry would back up these numbers. Artists/bands typically spend 100% of their resources trying to make great recordings. They then do not have the resources to market their product effectively. If you do not win the "lottery" you are stuck playing crappy gigs to hopefully earn a living. This model of a "career" does not allow artists to thrive - it allows you to MAYBE survive at best!! In other words, your investment is not earning ANY interest!
SO, now we are left with a decision. Here are the facts:
We make more revenue from playing music than we do selling it.
What do we do with that information? How do we plan a career based on this kind of data?
Here is my suggestion:
Invest in the recording for sure - you need to have that music available. BUT - if you have a limited budget be creative - don't blow 100% of your budget on the music side and ignore the LIVE SHOW!!!
Look at your money...where have you invested it? Do you have more guitar pedals than Van Halen? Do you have boxes of hundreds of CD's? Do you have more sound gear than your local studio??
Invest in your LIVE SHOW!!! Than, you will generate more revenue and create fans that will follow your entire career!!!
Kevin Pauls
LIVE MUSIC PRODUCER
Let's breakdown a fairly typical example: A singer/songwriter, has been playing in clubs for a while and fans are looking for some music to buy. The Artist decides to do a recording and make a presence online (iTunes, a website, YouTube, social media etc). Now, the artist needs to create actual "in your hand" product to sell at their shows. The artist duplicates 5oo units, pays for artwork and design as well as any royalties (if recording covers)
Investment (the "status quo" approach)
Recording/Duplication - $22,000
Social Media, Website (ie.Bandzoogle)Artwork/Design - $500
Live Show - $0
Cost: $22,500
Now, let's look at a DIFFERENT approach:
Recording/Duplication - $17,000
Social Media, Website, artwork/design - $500
Live Show - $5,000
Cost: $22,500
The cost/output is the same...so what's the difference?
Revenue from the live show typically accounts for over 90% of a band or artist's revenue!! When you talk to managers, artists and record companies - they consistently indicate that every band they work with will generate well over 90% of their revenue from their live show. (Now, this does not include the "lottery winners" - The bands and artists that hit the jackpot and get a #1 record or a #1 single etc.)A great Live Show will not only create higher paying gigs but when you connect with an audience and create moments...you create FANS and FANS BUY MERCH! Your overall revenue from the show will increase exponentially! This will translate into more sales at the gig, more promoters re-booking you, higher fees for playing - ITS ALL GOOD!
My experience with 25 years in the industry would back up these numbers. Artists/bands typically spend 100% of their resources trying to make great recordings. They then do not have the resources to market their product effectively. If you do not win the "lottery" you are stuck playing crappy gigs to hopefully earn a living. This model of a "career" does not allow artists to thrive - it allows you to MAYBE survive at best!! In other words, your investment is not earning ANY interest!
SO, now we are left with a decision. Here are the facts:
We make more revenue from playing music than we do selling it.
What do we do with that information? How do we plan a career based on this kind of data?
Here is my suggestion:
Invest in the recording for sure - you need to have that music available. BUT - if you have a limited budget be creative - don't blow 100% of your budget on the music side and ignore the LIVE SHOW!!!
Look at your money...where have you invested it? Do you have more guitar pedals than Van Halen? Do you have boxes of hundreds of CD's? Do you have more sound gear than your local studio??
Invest in your LIVE SHOW!!! Than, you will generate more revenue and create fans that will follow your entire career!!!
Kevin Pauls
LIVE MUSIC PRODUCER
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