Band Banter: What Should You Say in Between Songs?

Band banter can sometimes make or break a concert – and it's something that's especially important for a musician who's just getting started. But every band is different: some are really good at being slightly awkward and making a small joke while taking a sip of their water... and others, not so much.

It's not something that comes naturally to everyone, but it is something that can be learned over time if you practice enough. Tom Jackson at Discmakers wrote a helpful blog article with specific tips for what musicians should say on stage. As an audience member, here's what I like to see in those small moments:

1. Show emotions

Don't be afraid to get a little emotional in between breaks. I don't mean that you need to cry, or try and make us cry. But if you get a little teared up because it's your biggest show, or that last song is very special to you, your fans will always remember that you showed them your soft side. It makes us feel like you trust us, and that makes us want to support you even more.

How to be your own manager - DIY Band Edition

If you're just starting out or are gaining a following, what do you do when you don't have a manager yet? 

Trying to make it big as an artist is a rough ride met with a variety of good and bad experiences. It's even harder when you're an indie musician and trying to manage yourself, build your following, write your music and, on top of all of that - book shows. Moreover, if you're not earning money yet, you're probably in school or working a part-time job, so, what do you do when you don't have a manager or friend with enough free time to try and organize your life? Sure, mastering the art of DIY band management can go great, but you probably want to have a manager - so how do you find structure so you can get someone to notice your potential? PledgeMusic did an interview with band manager Gav McCaughey, where he discusses the relationship between a band and their manager. But, maybe before you let someone invest in you, you should take a moment to assess a few things about your career and find structure so you understand how someone could help you:

1. Where are you at? If someone reached out to you today, what would be the first thing you'd want them to help you with? Let's start simple: Do you even have an EPK? Are you trying to build your online presence? Maybe you're looking to build a strong YouTube page and need help figuring out what that is?  Ask yourself these questions and determine which is your starting point. Figure out where you're doing well and where you need some work so you can focus in on where you're at and how to get where you want to be.