Question/Answer # 8

Hey Tai,

What would you consider the most important thing for a new band to do to get their name and sound out there? Obviously gigs are key, but is there anything that you see a lot of new bands doing right or wrong as they try to catch a break in the constantly evolving music industry?

Posted by: Jake | May 09, 2008 at 01:02 PM

Great question. I could talk about this all day. I've been thinking about this a lot lately as we've been pouring in some energy to try and help REVIVE get off the ground here in the states.

I think that playing live is absolutely key. But, more than just playing your music, you have to be connecting with the audience. I've seen a lot of great bands through the years with great music that have just not made it in Christian music. Sometimes, that's too bad, and a lot of people get very frustrated with the Christian audience. They want and should be appreciated just on their musical merits. But, you have to keep in mind that there are a ton of musical options out there. If a Christian band doesn't minister to the audience, I think the audience finds itself asking , "Why not just go to DMB?" They want to feel encouragement and a spiritual connection at a Christian show.

The ones that make it not only have great music but great front men or women that can really communicate and minister to the audience. Think Peter Furler, Mac Powell, Toby Mac, Barlow Girl, Rebecah St. James, Mark Stuart, Mark Hall, SCC. It's kind of hard to think of too many successful Christian acts that don't have an engaging front person.

With that in mind, many bands should probably spend more time focusing on that aspect of their presentation. As much as practicing music, they should be studying affective communicators. That doesn't have to just be preachers. There is plenty to be learned from Bono, Barack Obama, Billy Graham, Anderson Cooper, Oprah, etc.

I think if that is happening at your concerts, the word will spread and you'll find your sphere increasing. With that in mind, as I alluded to in another answer, you have to find contentment where you are. If you're always looking at the next career milestone, you'll never enjoy where you are right now.

A lot of bands these days are doing a lot of things very right. I think the internet has allowed bands to let their fans have better access than they used to. I remember for years having to lick stamps and sort out mailing lists and newsletters as the only way to communicate with fans. It was expensive and time consuming. With the internet, so many bands are doing a great job of taking their fans along for the ride.

What are they doing wrong? Well, I think that too many artists, too quickly, adopt an entitlement attitude. We, by and large, don't sign autographs in the lobby any more at shows because, honestly, it presents a lot of logistical problems for the venue, security, crew, etc. (Look closely, and you'll see us discreetly wandering around before the show!) However, if you're a new band, and you're not willing to make yourself available to the people you're asking to buy your product, you might as well pack it up right now.

Comments

[Brian Helm]

This was much-needed advice...thanks for posting it!