Sharing The Load
To Make It Happen
The dictionary definition of band: a company of persons functioning together; a group of instrumentalists playing music of a specialized type; to unite in a troop, company, or confederacy.
Since you and your band mates are part of a whole focused on achieving the same end result, dividing and delegating band business makes the workload easier and more successful. Let’s begin.
On Tour
Some tasks are more daily responsibility than others, depending how often you tour.
Right off the bat, I suggest whoever is the main vehicle owner/driver should be considered signed up for a big enough job as it is.
If there are 2 main drivers, I suggest they share Merch. Management.
Whichever one isn’t driving that day, is the one who sets up, tears down, and keeps track of Merch sales, and makes sure you have a bank. You can also pull from the Merch $ to pay for gas. Be sure to keep the receipts together in there, and write down the venue you played on each one.
If not on the road, team up and research new hat/tee shirt/sticker ideas/better deals. Navigator/Co-Pilot should ALWAYS be taken in turns, especially since involves helping the Driver stay alert sometimes.
Whoever has experience waiting tables, bar tending etc – is usually a good person to do the Radio and Press. This is because it involves approaching folks you don’t know, basic friendly salesmanship, assembling detailed contact. info, collating information as far who is best specific DJ/Reporter to approach; and FOLLOW UP. Did they get that extra hot sauce? If successful as far as emailing, this could lead to telephone interviews and other opportunities, where its helpful to have an approachable/forthcoming personality.
Booking tends to be the biggest, and most consuming, often frustrating job. Sometimes it feels like you shoot an arrow and get nothing back. Again, FOLLOW UP is the hard part. The singer songwriter/band leader tends to be the best one to take this on, since the band are singing your original songs, and you can choose the clubs you would rather play. You’re also building a healthy contact list. Small clubs now, might be bigger venues tomorrow. Part time/newcomer promoters now, may be prestigious bookers/talent buyers in the future. (See the Musician’s Atlas Archives for ‘The Do’s and Don’ts of Booking’)
If you’re a Solo Artist – try out a writer’s group/ acoustic jam /open mic – and invest your energy and ideas in that community. If there aren’t any where you live – why not make one happen at the local café/community center/book store? As a singer/songwriter, initiative is one of your greatest assets. If you’ve never hosted such an event before, go to one and imagine how you might do it differently.
Band Meeting
Next time you get together to rehearse, plan an hour after to write up a To- Do List, and share out the work. Keep it to an hour, say while you’re getting something to eat, or going out for a drink. Try and schedule this once a month.
Trade and Barter/How can you help others?
You’re not alone! You probably know many people building toward their dreams. Consider your own skills and availability. I once traded baby sitting in exchange for recording studio time. The Studio owner gave me a terrific discount, because to him and his wife (performing musicians) knowing they could count on me while they played their weekly gigs, was a huge weight off their minds. Look around, and see where you can help folks who may be able to help you.
So many people have home offices now. Would they help cut your costs as far as printing/copying/graphics etc? See if their dog needs walking/plants watering/cat sitting/dry cleaning picked up/post office run/fed ex drop off/gardening/lawn mowing/car cleaning……I know you get it! So go out and get it done! Most of all, keep a positive attitude. You never know where a little good will might get you!
The main thing is communication and unity = Community.
AKA : A thriving, hard working, and successful BAND!
Jan Bell is a singer songwriter / band leader /booker / presenter and performer based in Brooklyn NY.
"Songs for Love Drunk Sinners" - by Jan Bell and the Cheap Dates, Produced by Samantha Parton of The Be Good Tanyas was named
7th Annual
INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS FINALIST:
Alt.Country Album of the Year AND IMA Vox Populi Winner.
HEAR MORE, LEARN MORE SEE MORE AT: www.janbellmusic.com
Upcoming shows: www.myspace.com/janbell
Sing Out! says "Jan Bell and the Cheap Dates completely won me over!" Pick up a copy of Winter 2008 Issue to see the full rave review!
