No live show. Am I screwed?

[diogenes]

I was in the same boat with regards to being a one man show and not playing out. After years of pursuing music from my bedroom I realized that it probably wasn't going to happen unless I started to perform live. I had two problems 1) Like you I am a total control freak and 2) I live an hour away from the nearest city that would have any musicians. So in 2002 I started a band with my two best friends. Neither of which played an Instrument! So, had to teach them how to play, and more importantly how to play in a band. The beauty of it is that neither really cares about their instrument per se, it's all about the songs and how we sound as a unit. Granted, i didn't know if we were ever gonna get out of the garage, but with a lot hard work and dedication we did. We actually had our first gig less than two months after forming. Were still together. Since we started we've played all over the midwest, opened for some notable national acts and released out own cd! And we have a total blast doing it. My advice is to get out there no matter what it takes. It's also a great way to test out your material. You may find that your style may need tweaking a bit or maybe that you need a new style all together. All sorts of things change when you start taking it to the stage. Good luck.

[daviddeschain]

There's some very good advice here. ggalen- that's a shame about CD's only promoting the live show. I can see that though, with the horrible CD sales of the last few years. I suppose the route I originally had in mind has been nullified by this. diogenes- then you know how I feel I'm an engineer at a studio, and luckily I get to meet a lot of musicians, and many have asked to work with me. It would be more like "I'm telling you what to play" unfortunately, but people seemed cool with it. Problem is the scene here is lame. I'm in Normal, IL and it's a college with a subdivision and a mcdonalds. But if I'm just starting to play live I gotta start small anyway, right?I would LOVE to play a live show- I love playing open mics etc. I just don't want a "band". And if by dumb luck I get signed, I would put together a touring band. That's my ideal situation. But until that day, I really am starting to think about calling some musicians I know and seeing if they're interested.Davewww.taxi.com/davedeshanewww.myspace.com/davedeshane

[daviddeschain]

Oh, and ggalen- your playing is excellent just watched "every little thing she does". I only play fingerpicked too, but I'm nowhere near that clean.Ed- your music wants to make me drink a martini and stare at the sky. Lovely.Everyone else put links to your music, I would love to hear it. You're all helping me out here with MY career and I'd love to hear what you're all doing.Davewww.taxi.com/davedeshanewww.myspace.com/davedeshane

[instantminstrel]

Welcome aboard Dave,My sense of this, from assorted conventions and seminars, is that a 'record deal' in the traditional sense is the best, or only way to go for an artist. Especially for a "control freak". A combination of live gigs/CD sales/web marketing can yield a fruitful career for a solo practitioner. check out 'Gilli Moon' , who has presented at the road Rally before, and her work on DIY artists.Peace and Good Luck,Dave

[arkjack]

One other choice that is very viable.... join someone else's band..... just remember to check your ego at the door... if you got some chops as a player, that will get you into a situation where you can network, play live, meet musicians that are better than you and farther along.... and best of all, a chance to test the chemistry for co-writing, or later on getting a song or two of yours into the act.... and it may be someone who already has an indy deal.... or major.... Just remember, at this point... its all about the headliner of the act... not you.... your job becomes making the artist reach their highest potential..... and you really have to let someone else be the control.... I think Aub D did this recently.....ArkJack

[instantminstrel]

Oops, Time to add proof-reading to my skill set. I, of course, meant to say 'record deal' NOT the best , or only, way to go.Sorry.Dave

[ggalen]

Quote:Oh, and ggalen- your playing is excellent just watched "every little thing she does". Thank you, David.