What Is A Cover Band?
Audience. Photo credit: toddmoritz
This definition shocks a lot of people
A cover band is a band that forms to play other people's songs with the goal of entertaining an audience to make money. I have taken a lot of jokes, insults and even out-right anger from people when they find out I play in a cover band.
- "Can't you write you own songs?""I'd never cheapen myself like that"
- "You're a capitalist for making money out of music."
If you play in a cover band you've probably heard these before. I really want to hear the best insults you've had. Or the best insults you've ever given someone for playing in a cover band! Leave your replies in the comments. With this much stigma, why would you do it? Why would
Print This Post
How I Got Paid $445 To Hang Out With My Best Friends At New Year
Easy Money. Photo credit: FireChickenTA99
Ok, I'm a little embarressed about the title
I'm sitting here at the coffee shop thinking that this look likes I'm showing off. Or exaggerating. Or even straight-out lying. But I'm not. It's just what actually happened. In fact, it's what being a musician is all about. You earn stupid amounts of money doing what you love, with the people you love, for the people you love. Awesome.
My band got booked to play New Year's Eve and the night of New Years Day for a venue in Scotland that's out in the middle of nowhere (sorry to all the great people who follow me on Twitter. I couldn't wish you a happy new year because there wasn't even any phone reception there!)
Here is the story: We left home about 6pm on New Year's Eve and drove to the venue with some friends and family. We set up, met new people, played a few songs, talked, ate some food, had a few drinks and generally had a great time.
I saw in the New Year on stage, sitting at my drum kit, surrounded by 3 of my best friends. That's pretty cool. The only bad thing was
Print This Post
Which Drum Cases Are Best For Gigging?
Its taken 10 years, 3 strained shoulders, 2 near death experiences and a cracked cymbal...
but I've finally figured out the best cases you can use to gig. This combination of cases will give you the maximum protection, maneuverability and packing space that you need to get out and gig worry free. Leave your own suggestions and opinions in the comments below.
Drums
Use hard cases. Definitely hard cases. Your drums are fragile and expensive so you're going to need to invest a bit of money to protect them. But if you get some good cases they will outlast your drum kit (I've had mine for 6 years).
Why you should use hard cases
Print This Post
How To Set Up Your Drum Kit In 7 Minutes 20 Seconds
In this video you'll see me set up my drum kit from its cases onto the stage in 7 minutes 20 seconds. Sounds crazy but it can be done. It's all about practise. I actually think I could've done this faster but our bass player's daughters packed away my equipment at our gig the night before. Although they did a great job, things weren't where I expected them to be so this added on a bit of extra time.
Listen to the commentary I made for this video to get even more valuable information about setting up your kit at gigs.
From watching the video you will learn:
- How you should prepare the stage for your set up
- The correct order for
Print This Post
7 Essential Items for the Gigging Drummer
You won't ever realise you need to carry spares until its too late. Realistaion usually sinks in when you get to a gig and something breaks or you realise that you've forgotten something. I know because I've been there. I have learned the hard way that you need to take these items to every gig. If you're still not convinced, here's a great story showing you why you need to be prepared from M. Peer Mohamed Sardhar:
"Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals.
Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him. "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man.
Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, Hired him. The little man
Print This Post
The Number 1 way to Entertain Yourself while on Tour
Very busy this last week and a half but managed to get some time to make you a quick video.
Touring can be boring and sometimes you can't
Print This Post