Better Band Bureau Podcast

It's been a great run, and we couldn't have done it without you, our listeners. Thank you so much for listening to one episode, 20, or all 215! If you shared an episode with a friend, you get a high five. Aw, fine, make it a hug. For real, without folks listening to the show, we wouldn't have made it to 215 episodes. We wouldn't have been able to get the fantastic guests we've had over the last few years. And last, but definitely not least, we wouldn't have been able to get to know so many of you. So for the last time (for now), thank you for listening, we won't be back next Tuesday at 6AM Eastern. Have a great year, stay safe, and of course as always… Keep rockin! What you'll learn: What we all enjoyed most about the podcastLessons learned from the showComing at our goals with different perspectivesHow we can all learn from each otherWhy you absolutely need to back up your filesRemoving the gatekeepers from the sceneEmbracing failure For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/215

Last time John Ryan was on the show, we talked about Keep Flying's relentless touring schedule, fan acquisition methods, and targeting the right demographics. A few months ago, Keep Flying went on their first international tour of the UK. John has been to the UK many times as a tour manager and crew member, but only once before for his own music - 15 years ago. Planning an international tour is quite different from a tour of your homeland, involving acquiring visas, renting/borrowing gear, and countless other factors. Listen now to learn about international touring as an independent artist from tour manager extraordinaire, John Ryan of Keep Flying! What you'll learn: Why we love planning toursWho Keep Flying isPlanning and running an international tour as a DIY bandHow a canceled flight turned out to be a good thing for Keep FlyingIt's time: just do the thing! Whatever it is you want to do, figure it outWorking with a promoter vs. booking your own showsTouring and personal financeGetting visas for international touringDriving a van in the UKLooking towards personal growth in all aspects of your life For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/214

Matt Bacon is a jack of all trades - but that title isn't followed by the typical “master of none” caveat. Matt does lots of things, and he does them really well. In the past we've talked to Matt about record labels and Facebook ads. This week on the show, we're talking about artist management. Are you ready to hire a manager for your band? Would a manager even be able to help you? Listen now to learn about artist management, how to attract a manager, and when you're truly ready for management! What you'll learn: Why you already know Matt BaconWhat an artist manager does for their clientsThe artist/manager hierarchyDetermining what each artist needs from a managerWhich tasks an artist needs to focus on if they don't have a teamAuthenticity as a bandPutting your audience firstHow to present live photos and content without looking cringeTelling stories by constructing a narrative - vs. letting people make their ownWhen a legitimate manager will reach out to youWorking within the vision a manager has for youHow to get new opportunities for your band For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/213

Todd Barriage is a regular on the Bandhive Podcast - and for good reason. When Todd first came on the show, we talked about the grind, and how everyone needed to do it. Then our opinions shifted and we both drifted away from the grind. Recently, Todd stopped observing a schedule for his releases and switched entirely to a “when I feel like it” model. Who could be a more fitting guest to have on when I announce the podcast going on hiatus? I couldn't think of anyone better! Listen now to learn how Todd maintains a healthy work/life balance, while keeping his fans and followers happy and engaged! What you'll learn: Why Todd isn't afraid to start from scratch on his recordingsThe power of quality over quantityThe end of the Bandhive Podcast is nighAvoiding burnout to create better artKnowing when to take a breakKeeping funds flowing when you take a breakWhy the latest videos Todd released are outperforming every other video he releasedWhat's next for Todd For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/212

The internet is in outrage over Spotify's endless war on independent artists - or, at least, that's the accusation. But, taking a step back and viewing the change with a lens of reason, it's clear that this isn't Spotify trying to rip off smaller artists. In fact, it's a change that will benefit any artist who puts in even a modicum of effort for their music. The cutoff equates to roughly $4 a year, and if you aren't earning that much I'll be honest… You aren't really trying. Listen now to learn why Spotify's latest change isn't going to hurt artists, and how you can be sure to hit the payout threshold consistently! What you'll learn: Why Spotify's royalty change doesn't matterHow the royalty redistribution helps legitimate artistsPromoting your song to get traction and playsUsing playlists to boost your song and train Spotify's algorithmSpending time on the things that matter, rather than complainingHow to get legitimate plays on Spotify For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/211

We've only had a small number of guests on the show multiple times - and I can count three-peats on one hand. This week I'm stoked to welcome back Troy Millette of The Fire Below for his third appearance! This time, we're going to talk about Troy's annual holiday benefit concert, Home for the Holidays. He's been hosting the event for a whopping eleven years, showing that giving back is a huge part of who he is. Are you eager to make a difference in your own community? Listen now to learn how you can launch and grow a benefit concert or series of your own! What you'll learn: Building a benefit concert series as part of your artist brandScaling your events over a decade to create continuing growthHow Troy is going to The Good Place with one good deed per yearTreating others in the music scene with respect and careEarning your opportunities - and not screwing them upWhy promoting the shows you play is incredibly importantSupporting small venues by marketing your shows effectivelyHow to start your own benefit series! For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/210

For every band, there comes a time when a venue will ask for a stage plot and input list. If you're lucky, that will be early on - it means you're progressing to more professional venues quickly! It's important to have this information available, and not only that, your information should be properly organized and well put together. If it's not, it might be worse than not having any at all! Listen now to learn more about stage plots, input lists, and why they're important to have on hand for any show you play! What you'll learn: Why you need to have a stage plot and input list prepared for your bandThe importance of tech rehearsals for your showsBeing prepared - pro artists vs. amateur artistsStage directions and stage plotsHow being prepared for a show helps build relationships with venuesPutting on your best show by having good production For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/209

It's a question that we've gone far too long without answering on the podcast: should you buy a van for your band, or rent one for touring? There's no easy answer, and it comes down to your touring habits, but in this episode we'll break down the pros and cons for you so you can make an informed decision. Listen now to learn more about planning your tour transportation, including whether or not you should rent or buy! What you'll learn: The pros and cons of owning a van vs. renting one for your toursWhy getting the rental insurance is always a good ideaMonetizing your owned van(s)Which is cheaper, renting or buying a van?What do you do with a van you own when you're not touring?Why borrowing a van can be riskyWhat to consider when deciding to rent or buy a van For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/208

When it comes to promoting your music, one of your first thoughts is likely to be “I'll try SubmitHub!”, or alternatively, “SubmitHub is a scam.” If you're in the first group, you'll enjoy hearing about the updates SubmitHub is making to improve the platform - or if you're in the second, be ready to learn about the core of the platform and what the real goal of the site is. Listen now to hear from Jason Grishkoff, founder of SubmitHub, on how and why artists should use the platform and the big changes that have taken place on SubmitHub recently. What you'll learn: Why Jason started SubmitHubBuilding the core of SubmitHub to solve a specific problemWhat's new at SubmitHubAdvantages of using the new SubmitHub MarketplaceHow SubmitHub is improving the experience of their usersWhy premium submissions are worth itThe long tail of playlistingHow the wrong playlists can mess up your Spotify profileHarnessing the power of internet marketing to grow your careerWhy SubmitHub is the best in the game For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/207

In this episode I'm fired up because, shockingly, I discovered a local musician who has little to no respect for their fellow artists. This episode is a lesson in etiquette when you're invited to play a show. Promotion is key in the world of live music, and not promoting a show you're playing is a slap in the face to everyone else on the bill, as well as the venue. What happens when you decide to ignore this advice? Well, you burn bridges. That's because the value of music is subjective. In the context of live music, the value is in how many people you bring, not how good your music is. Listen now to learn how you can avoid burning bridges and take steps to protect yourself from lazy, rude locals who don't care about your show! P.S. enjoy my Glenn Fricker impression… What you'll learn: What to do when someone asks you to play their showHow to promote your showsWhy you need to promote every show you playBad behavior burns bridgesAdding value to the shows you playWhy your music is not valuable in the context of live musicMaking openers agree to a radius clause for any show you playWho this episode is aboutProtecting yourself from the artists who don't care about etiquette For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/206

Being in a band is fun when you have the right group of people around you and you're playing music that makes you feel alive. That's how it should be! But as soon as you step off that stage (and before you ever get on it, in fact), the other 90% of running your band's business kicks in. The time where you have to schedule social posts, book shows, review agreements, network with other artists, etc. etc. That's why we want to highlight all the work outside of playing music in this episode - so you can understand the true scale of what's needed for a music career. Listen now to learn how you can handle the 90% of being in a band that isn't music - from driving the van to crafting your branding! What you'll learn: What being in a band means - aside from playing musicWhich tasks in your back are easily delegatedEffectively managing your social media brand to grow your fanbaseHiring a driver for your toursThe way to getting consistent sound for your showsWhat happens when you sign a bad record dealHow to pay your manager and agentWhen to pay flat rate vs. a percentageThe importance of having a good circle of contractors and staff For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/205

Sometimes the best guests are right in front of your nose… I'm ashamed to say it's taken 204 episodes to get my long time friend Brian LaClair of Better Things on the show. There's a silver lining, though, because this interview has perfect timing - we dive deep into the creative digital marketing techniques Brian and Better Things are using for their long-awaited reunion show. Listen now to learn how you can get creative with your marketing efforts to bring more people out to your shows on a consistent basis! What you'll learn: Why James no longer manages bands (hint: it's Brian's fault)How Better Things began their career as a bandPlanning your first show in six years - at the state's best venueBuilding a lineup for a massive comeback showUsing creative promotion to generate awareness of your showsHumor in marketing? Yes, please!Why images with lots of text are terrible for social media postsUnderstanding why venues rely on artists to bring their fansThe perks of saving your best content for your archive For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/204

When it comes to booking and playing shows, there's a hidden person who doesn't get nearly enough of the credit for making the show happen: your promoter. Whether the promoter is independent or working for a company, they are investing hours, even days, of their time into making your show a success. They also happen to be someone who can break up your band if you make them mad… Take a listen to find out how. That aside, there are many ways to mess up your relationship with a promoter - as well as tons of ways to grow that relationship. Listen now to hear promoter Derek Flores discuss his experience as a promoter and artist, and how you can keep promoters happy! What you'll learn: Derek's journey: From music biz novice to expert promoterLaunch secrets: How to kickstart your band and sustain momentumPower of community: The key to supercharging your band's successBreaking new grounds: Booking shows in new marketsAvoiding pitfalls: The most common and costly mistakes artists makeExpanding your horizon: The underrated magic of looking beyond your hometownStrategic sellouts: Why playing smaller venues can be a master moveThe delicate dance between artist and promoter: A mutual success storyStand out: Promote your own shows for a memorable impactBuilding lasting relationships: How to become a promoter's next big thing For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/203

Building a community is something we've discussed often on the Bandhive Podcast - but Ky Farrar and Late 9 take a slightly different approach. Instead of funneling all the fans to one platform, they meet their fans where they are - fostering connections on their social media pages rather than behind closed doors. Ky even became friends with Chris Motionless, and got to perform on stage with Motionless In White, because of his skills at nurturing relationships online. Listen now to hear Ky share his thoughts on growing a digital fanbase, and how you can do the same! What you'll learn: What inspired Ky to start playing music and launch Late 9Using collaborations to grow your digital followingGrowing a community as an artistUsing posts from fans as free content - and showing your appreciationWhat makes a good song that fans can connect toHow being somewhat ambiguous helps fans connect with your lyricsGrowing your Spotify Monthly Listeners with organic marketingBuilding a fan community for a long-lasting careerHow to end up performing on stage with your favorite bandUsing social media to nurture relationships For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/202

We all have that one Facebook friend who constantly whines about the littlest things - everything in their life is awful, and they want the world to know that they're a victim. In some cases, people really do get dealt a bad hand… But many times, it's simply a case of victim mentality, where the person feels as if everything is beyond their control and life is out to get them. The bad news is, victim mentality is highly prevalent in amateur music circles. The good news, on the other hand, is that it's possible to overcome a victim mentality to grow your career as a musician. It all starts with recognizing what's going on. Listen now to learn more about victim mentality, and how you can help someone who is struggling to grow in life. What you'll learn: Why victim mentality is a toxic attitude for musicians - and everyone else, tooHow this mindset limits a person's long-term growthSigns of victim mentality to look out for in yourself and your networkHow taking accountability gives you higher chances of successMethods of helping your friends who have victim mentalityControlling your reactions to situationsSetting realistic goals so you don't feel defeatedUnderstanding what is within your control and how you can achieve the best outcomePracticing self care to keep a healthy mentality and mindsetThe importance of a growth mindset For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/201

It's hard to believe that we've made it to 200 episodes over the past four years, but here we are! Even more mind boggling is the fact that the world shut down for two of those four years, yet live music is back and bigger than ever before. Join us for this special episode of the Bandhive Podcast as Matt and I reminisce on our favorite episodes and industry-changing news over the last four years! What you'll learn: What changes we've seen in the industry since we launched the podcastHow touring has changed in the last few yearsWhy live streaming shows are a thing of the pastOur ten favorite interviews on the Bandhive PodcastWhy these interviews are important for you to hearLessons learned over 4 years of the podcastHow to suggest guests for the showThe big news we've observed during the last 4 yearsHow you can get on the road now if you want to! For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/200

A lot of bands ask me about setting up a basic in-ear monitoring rig so they can hear themselves better, and use… shhh… come closer. Backing tracks (collective gasp). Here's the thing, even though holier-than-thou amateur musicians scoff at backtracking elements of a live set, when done with taste backing tracks can add impact and power to your set, without making a show “less live”! The key is not to replace what's happening on the stage, but to supplement it. For example you can add synths, piano, strings, or some extra percussion elements, all without hiring an extra member of the band (or trying to get your drummer to grow a third arm). Listen now to learn more about IEM setups and backtracking so you can make your stage show more exciting for your fans! What you'll learn: How you can add extra production elements to your set without breaking the bankWhat's needed for basic backing track usageWhy it isn't “cheating” to use backtracks in your live shotA proper mix for backing tracksWhat tools my band, NRVS, uses for backing tracksA crash course for in ear monitoringWhy extra production elements are important (and fun!) for your band For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/199

Whether you're a seasoned musician on tour or a new band gearing up for your first shows, the unpredictability of the road looms above your head. From vehicle breakdowns to personal emergencies, the journey is riddled with potential hiccups. Are you prepared? The key to a smooth tour isn't just about nailing your performances, but also having all your bases covered off the stage.  Planning ahead for emergencies on the road, in the venue, or the human body, is absolutely vital to playing shows - you may think “we don't need to do that”, but emergencies can happen at any time. When those bad moments happen to you, you'll thank yourself for thinking ahead! So, whether you're about to hit the road or just planning your next gig, this episode is your go-to guide for a quick and dirty emergency plan. Listen now to learn how to be truly prepared for the rollercoaster that is a musician's time on the road. What you'll learn: How you can be prepared for anything on the roadSetting aside an emergency fund for your bandBasic vehicle maintenance practicesWhy planning is more important than the plan itselfPreparing for personal emergenciesBasic first aid essentials for your vanStaying charged up in the digital age For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/198

Today on Bandhive, we dive into one of the most transformative aspects of music: guest features and collaborations. Every artist big or small can benefit from joining forces with another artist for their next release, including you! Through these connections, both artists can tap into new audiences, create amazing connections, and foster a network of genuine relationships. But collaborations aren't as simple as just calling up a friend to join a track. We'll be exploring the nuances of choosing the right collaborator, the line between guest spots and co-writing, and how to “make the ask”. Listen now to learn more about guest features and collaborations, from choosing your collaborator to ensuring your song gets exposure on Spotify. What you'll learn: Why collaborations are incredibly important for artists of all sizesWho to look for as a potential collaboratorGuest vocals/instrumentals vs. co-writingHow guest appearances can benefit larger artists, and vice versaConnecting with your collaboratorsThe reason not to let all your friends have guest spots on your songsHow to approach someone for a collabMaintaining professionalism when negotiating with potential collaborators For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/197

Social media is a daunting, massive landscape with few rules for bands to follow - and the rules that we do know about seem to change almost daily. Unfortunately, careful social media creation and curation is vital to any band's success these days. That doesn't mean you have to be on every platform (go ahead, take that sigh of relief). There are a few key platforms, though, which are not optional - and others that will be best for your band. Listen now to learn which social media platforms will work best for your band, and how you can grow your fanbase with a digital presence! What you'll learn: Why paying attention to social media is important for bandsHow to choose your main social media platformWhich social media platforms are optional - and which are requiresPreparing yourself for a music careerNurturing a connection with your fans via social mediaThe differences in content and vibe on various social media platformsWhy TikTok is so incredibly powerfulApps to use to make social media management easier for your bandThe importance of consistent branding across your social mediaWhy getting consistent engagement is vital to your success For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/196

Spotify pays less than half a cent per stream, on average. That's incredibly low… What's not understood about their payouts, though, is that “doubling the royalty” simply isn't possible. Not without doubling pricing - which I'm in support of. Listen now to learn why Spotify can't just change their royalty payouts, and how you can use Spotify as intended - a powerful promotional tool for your music! What you'll learn: Why you're wrong about SpotifyWhy musicians need SpotifyThe math behind a sale vs. the streams needed to break evenThe reason major artists get barely anything from SpotifyUsing Spotify as a free marketing toolHow Spotify can increase royalty payoutsUsing Spotify to your advantage as an independent musicianThe problem with people who complain about Spotify royalties but won't pay more For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/195

“How can I promote my music?” is a question I'm often asked. Probably one of the most common questions I hear, in fact. The problem is there's no one-size-fits-all approach to marketing your music - it all depends on what fits best with your specific target demographic. I have good news, though: if your audience leans younger, a social media campaign might just hit the spot. That's why this week we have Tyler Johnson of Don't Blink Music Group on the show. Tyler recently worked with In Shallows on an influencer campaign, and the campaign resulted in over 200,000 streams of the band's latest single, as well as Spotify listener growth from 1,000 per month to over 50,000 per month! The best part? This promotional push didn't break the bank. Listen now to learn more about influencer marketing and what other benefits a publicist can bring in this interview with Tyler from Don't Blink Music Group! What you'll learn: Why influencer marketing is valuable for bandsThe results of a successful influencer campaign for an independent bandStreaming is better for artists than selling CDsThe pros and cons of record labelsGetting content to share from micro-influencersWhy ads to cold audiences are rarely effectiveHow retargeting ads can boost your merch salesTesting your music via social media marketing For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/194

Do you have unhealthy habits? You probably do, because guess what… We all do. Quitting unhealthy habits can be incredibly difficult to do, but if you instead replace the bad habits with good habits, you'll have a much better chance of success. This week on the show, Elijah of Father Before Me joins us to discuss forming healthy habits, using those habits to grow his career as an independent artist and streamer, and how he works to eliminate unhealthy habits. Listen now to learn more about breaking your habits and forming new, good habits, in this chat with Elijah from Father Before Me! What you'll learn: How your bad habits in life echo across your passionsWorking towards healthy habits for personal growthStaying consistent on social mediaThe perks of being a jack of all tradesLeading indicators vs. lagging indicatorsWhy excuses are holding you backThe cumulative impact of habitsHow to break bad habits For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/193

You may be tempted to keep the meanings of your songs to yourself, or you could be tempted to tell the world. Either way, it's important to relate to your audience so they can understand where you're coming from and connect to your music - whether it's their perception or the meaning you shared with them. Listen now to learn why a connection to your fans is so important for your career, and how you can build and nurture those relationships! What you'll learn: Why it's important to offer relatable lyrics for your fansHow your passion can connect your audience to your musicYour job as an artist: manipulating emotionsThe solidarity of a fanbase and what it means for youBuilding and nurturing relationships with your fans For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/192

The DIY scene has a lot of gatekeepers - and to be entirely blunt, most of them have no sense of what makes music “good”. Saying it's not real music if it wasn't recorded in one take, live, is something teenage boys do to seem cool. Over the years, I've noticed that independent artists in the punk and alternative scenes in the UK and Australia are much more likely to embrace good production than artists in the US. Conversely, US artists tend to have poorer production quality - and songs - than their international counterparts. This results in smaller chances of success as only a certain amount of people are willing to forgo “good” music for what they believe to be authenticity. Listen now to hear my bandmate Joe Aabye and I discuss the benefits of working with a greta producer for your next release! What you'll learn: Why production value is so importantWhen self-producing might be worthwhile (it usually isn't)The definition of DIY in the music worldThe important of trusting your producerUsing social media to promote your bandWhy artists need to put effort into their craftSloppy noodles vs. true prog bandsWhy some artists are objectively better than others For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/191

I've talked about planning tours on the podcast before, but never from this angle… The thing is I discovered that planning a tour for my own band is a different experience than planning a tour for a client. From the initial phases through to completion of the tour, there are changes I've picked up on. Listen now to learn how you can plan your own tours effectively and efficiently to save time and money on the road! What you'll learn: The difference between planning a tour for yourself vs. for someone elseHow to frame discussions around touringThe hold system venues useThe importance of starting the booking process earlyPhases of booking showsConsidering the venue capabilities before confirming a showRenting a van vs. taking your own vehiclesBudgeting for your tourHow to make your band more appealing to promoters For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/190

Brendan Frey and Hostile Array aren't your typical DIY band. They're not afraid to market themselves, or to hire a team to help them on their journey. Instead, Hostile Array embraces collaboration where necessary, and the band is better off for it. Brendan discusses the shift from the “Myspace days” to the current situation on social media, harnessing the waterfall method to grow your streaming numbers, and having the confidence to promote your music. Listen now to learn how you can market your music to grow your streaming numbers and build an engaged audience! What you'll learn: How the music industry has changed since the “Myspace days”Using the internet to promote your musicWhy paying for Spotify placements is a terrible ideaUsing tools like SubmitHub to get placements100 people at your show vs. 100 people onlineUsing the Waterfall method to grow plays on your songsWhy rock artists seem afraid to promote their musicStaying consistent on social media for your bandHow to run social media adsMaintaining your ethos as a DIY band while hiring the right team For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/189

Let me tell you now, no one gets excited for a $5 show. I'd rather play a free show than any show with a $10 (or under) ticket. Playing ridiculously cheap shows just makes a band look bad, as if they are desperate and don't feel they are worthy of payment. A free show, on the other hand, can be marketed as a special event, a treat, or even a party. Everyone can imagine having a good time there, while a $3 show will drive people away with the thought “they can't be any good!” Listen now to learn why it's important to pay attention to ticket prices for any show you play, and how you can negotiate with promoters! What you'll learn: The downfalls of a cheap showWhy touring bands deserve more than a $5 ticketHow to frame shows in your mindNormalizing higher ticket prices for local showsSetting ticket prices the smart wayCreative ways of increasing revenuesFinding venues who value your musicProtecting your band from sketchy promotersVarying price points by venue typeNegotiating ticket prices for your band For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/188

It's not every day I get to have a chat with someone as knowledgeable and experienced as Nick Mishko of 10 and 8 Management. Not only has Mishko worked for “the big guys”, he's also a well-known artist manager for independent artists. From finding $85,000 in royalties owed to his clients within a few months of starting, to coaxing artists into using social media, Mishko has a handle on the situation. Listen now to learn more about the value of social media and promotion, and how you can optimize content creation for your band! What you'll learn: How Mishko got started in the music industryFinding $85,000 in “missing” royalties for clientsWhy TikTok and short-form content are key to your strategyWhere the name “10 and 8” came fromWhen to block people on social mediaStaying on top of current trends to promote your musicWhy social media is not optional for musiciansThe mind-boggling marketing practices in K-popBeing nice to everyone pays offThe importance of having fun For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/187

Summer tours come with some of my best memories - as well as flashbacks of sunburns, busses exploding, heat stroke, you name it. Even if it hasn't happened directly to me, I know someone who it's happened to. As much fun as a summer tour can be, if you dive in head first without any preparation, chances are it won't go well. That's why in this episode, Matt and I discuss what we've learned over our years on Warped Tour and other summer tours. Listen now to learn how you and your band can survive and thrive on summer tours, so you can enjoy every tour to its fullest potential! What you'll learn: What to consider when booking and playing summer showsThe dangers of summer touringKeeping an eye out for the safety of your fansHow to avoid getting dehydrated - without flushing your electrolytesWhat to eat and whenThe value of a plan B for when your gear overheatsSafety first: don't be afraid to walk away!Using rain to your advantageGetting your needed rest and space during a summer tourPacing yourself to make it through the entire summer For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/186

We've all seen a band getting raked over the coals on social media for an “insanely priced” VIP package, right? Well, it's time for you to be that band - but without the negative reaction. Ultimately, what makes a VIP package “worth it” depends on the level of the band, what the offer contains, and how exclusive it is. Paying $1,000 to meet a local band for a photo? No way. Justin Bieber? Take my money! On the other hand, sitting down with your favorite regional band for dinner, at a $100 price point? Many people might consider that worthwhile, especially if a merch bundle is included as well. Realistically, you're likely barely breaking even on a deal like that… But what you do get is a closer connection to one of your top fans. It's well worth a shot. Listen now to learn why even DIY bands should consider offering VIP packages to their audience, and how to handle it without facing backlash. What you'll learn: Why small acts should consider VIP packagesWhat major artists offer to VIP customersHow to make VIP worth it to your fansOffering a premium package as a smaller artistThe challenges - and solutions - of a VIP experience as a diy bandActivities to share with your fansMarketing and planning your VIP experienceConsiderations for your VIP packages For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/185

Ticket fees are a divisive subject, and with good reason: they're often excessive, equal to nearly 50% of the face value of a ticket. Reasonable ticket fees are justified though, as they keep money in the artist's pocket - money that the artist would be spending if ticket fees were built into the price of tickets. Listen now to learn when fees are appropriate and why they're charged, as well as some background on excessive fees and dynamic pricing! What you'll learn: Why ticket fees are increasingThe advantage of ticket fees being levied on top of the ticket priceWhat makes fees excessive at some venuesHow to avoid losing money on fees“Dynamic pricing” isn't a Ticketmaster problemThe greed of major artists' management companies in the industryHow to handle people who complain about taxes and fees For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/184

When it comes to playing shows, you'd think it's all about just showing up and playing the set, right? Wrong! There's so much more that goes into playing a show, and it's important to follow proper etiquette every step of the way - otherwise you might not get a chance to play that venue again. Listen now to learn how you can make the most of every aspect of booking and playing a show, so you can be sure you'll have an open invitation to play again! What you'll learn: What goes into show etiquette for every part of playing a showWhy polite and effective communication is an important skill to learnPlaying a sloppy set is rude… Not even kiddingThe importance of backups for everything vital to your live setWhat goes into a good stage plot and input listMoving off stage quickly to keep bands, staff, and the audience happyInteracting with fans at the show to properly show appreciationTracking all your shows for data-driven booking For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/183

The Bandhive Podcast may be focused on business most of the time… But, sometimes, we need to have a little fun, too! That's why this week, we'll dissect what you can learn from the music video for "The Rock Show" and Blink-182's musical journey. Listen now as we explore the genius behind Blink-182's brand and help you understand how to apply these insights to your own music career! What you'll learn: What made Blink-182's music videos uniqueWhy “The Rock Show” is no more than a dream come true for most peopleShock value and music videosWhat independent artists can learn from “The Rock Show” and Blink-182The magic behind the videoWhy Blink has lasting power while others do notThe genius behind Blink-182's brandTakeaways from this episode For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/182

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of communication. From using the right tools for efficient group chats to maintaining an empathetic tone with your bandmates, you'll learn best our practices. We'll share valuable advice  to help your band streamline communication, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and miscommunication is kept to a minimum. But that's not all – we'll also provide insights on how to communicate with external parties in the music industry. From timely email responses and leveraging email and social media tools, we'll help you enhance your communication with fans, promoters, and other industry professionals. Listen now to learn more about communication and your band can improve to build a happier, healthier business! What you'll learn: The importance of communication in your bandUsing non-violent communication to maintain healthy relationshipsHow the Android user ruins the group chatThe advantages of flexible bandsWhy fans will never understand what really goes into planning a tourHow communication leads to opportunitiesWhy changing plans need to be communicated to all partiesTimely responses in an industry known for slow repliesHow to set up templates for common responses For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/181

Hey, we all know live sound engineers can get a little cranky… Or sometimes very cranky. Well, it's my turn to vent a bit - I'm spilling the beans on 16 ways you can annoy the sound engineer at your shows, and how that could totally mess up your night. At best, they won't put much effort into mixing your sound, and at worst, they might even make you sound terrible on purpose. But let's be real, you usually want to be invited back to the venue, right? To make that happen, it's critical to leave a positive impression on everyone you meet, and that definitely includes not ticking off the engineer. Tune in now to discover how to keep the sound engineer happy, so your band can rock the stage and sound fantastic! What you'll learn: Why responding to emails quickly is importantThe lessons you learn when ignoring the sound engineerPitfalls of complaining or arguing with venue staffAvoiding feedback from your vocal micsHow to make friends with the engineer so your set will sound betterThe ways you might self-sabotage your band's setWhat bands can do to get themselves banned from a venueThe problems of playing lateSet change: why it's not the time to chat with fansWhy I published such a whiny episode For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/180

You know what's super awkward? When a band plays a show and afterwards asks to get paid - even though payment was never discussed before the event. Yeah, not getting paid sucks, but why would you expect pay if nothing was offered in advance? If the talent buyer doesn't make a clear offer, then it's your responsibility to ask about payment terms before confirming the show. Ideally the venue or promoter makes an offer that outlines all the deal terms but that can't be expected, unfortunately. Listen now to learn how and why you should ask for payment information and get those terms in an email before you book your next show! What you'll learn: The importance of getting deals in writingWhy asking about pay for the first time after playing is tastelessThe signs of a bad or incompetent promoterWhen the artist is in the wrong for asking for payWhy bands who don't ask about payment in advance are amateursProfessional communication about payWhat items need to be covered when discussing payHow to offer yourself a bit of protection as a DIY band For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/179

When you're playing shows, there is one key element that sets the amateurs apart from the pros: the advance. Amateurs will show up entirely unprepared, sometimes even clueless, as to what is being requested if the venue asks for a stage plot and input list. Professionals will proactively send the necessary information and more to the promoter, venue, and production manager, to ensure the show goes smoothly. Listen now to learn how Robbie Litchfield of Saving Vice advances shows for his band, and why you should do the same! What you'll learn: Why advancing your shows is importantOrganizing your advance emailsWhat to ask in your advanceHow to establish a dialog with day of show contactsThe importance of making friends with the bartenders at every venueDiscussing promotional efforts with the local promoter and local bandsBeing respectful of venue and promoter guestlistsFinagling your way into getting cateringWhy good songs aren't enough these daysWhat to include in your advance packet For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/178

Let's say you're about to head out on your first real tour. Are you using a cohesive, well-branded promotional campaign, or is your tour branding a messy mix of random posters created by the locals in every market? To really make a dent and turn heads, having a well-defined brand is not an option. That's why Saving Vice plans out all of their assets in advance and makes it incredibly easy for promoters and venues to use those assets. Listen now to hear Robbie Litchfield of Saving Vice talk about digital assets, graphic design, and the marketing materials you need for your tour! P.S. there is some screen sharing in this episode - I'd recommend watching on YouTube if you can! What you'll learn: Turning a joke into a real opportunity - it works better than you expectHow Saving Vice has recovered from headliners bailing… Three timesWhat kinds of digital assets you need for a tourCreating cohesive assets to promote your showsThe benefits of hiring a designer for your graphicsWhy doing everything yourself is not the path to takeThe importance of putting business fundamentals in placeKeeping track of your to do list to get things done! For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/177

Want to make it big as a musician in the 21st century? It's all about being easy to find online! Your band name and song titles play a massive role in your discoverability. Let's face it - if people can't find your music on streaming services, they're not gonna listen to them. It's that simple! Tune in now to learn the secrets of picking killer song titles for your tracks and how to dodge common blunders that can keep your music hidden from potential fans. What you'll learn: Why “clever” song titles are a terrible ideaPutting your best foot forward in a digital music worldHow “SMS spelling” ruins your chances of getting played by voice assistantsEmbracing your song titles in your brandingAvoiding common song titles so your songs are easily searchableThe importance of giving listeners the right cues to search for your songWhere to find your song titlesCreating catchy song titles to increase viralityWhy inside jokes make terrible song titles For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/176

It takes a lot to keep one project going for over a decade - and even more to do so while being known as one of the nicest people in the music scene. Troy Millette has managed to both. Not only has he made amazing friends along the way, he's become known as one of Vermont's leading artists. He even played 143 shows during 2022, that's 2.75 shows per week, on average! So how can you build up what Troy has built? Listen now to learn the tricks of the trade that Troy has employed throughout his lengthy career! What you'll learn: Making the transition from solo project to full bandWhy it's important to have genuine friendships with your bandmatesSpilling the beans on shows before they are announcedThe key to getting invited to open for Jackson BrowneWhy being flexible gets you the return inviteNegotiating pay for your showsHow you can grow your network to get better opportunitiesBeing a Go-Giver to create more opportunities for those around youThe advantage of being honest when venues ask for your drawSplitting the definitions between “different” and “bad” For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/175

Chad Kowal has been in bands. He's been a professional topliner. But there's something new in Chad's life, too… He's now a solo artist performing under his own name. Navigating the change from band to solo act isn't easy, but it becomes a lot more palatable if you build a good team around yourself, and that's exactly what Chad has done. Listen now to learn how you can apply what Chad is doing to your own band or solo project in an effort to grow your fanbase and create a dedicated, long-term following! What you'll learn: Crafting music videos that your audience will actually care aboutHow to sell out every show you playWhy fans buying tickets to support without attending is badCreating stories your fans will tell for the rest of their livesInteracting with your audience via SMSBlending genres yet still gaining fansBuilding a team around yourself to get the best productWhy “selling out” isn't a thingThe toxicity of gatekeeping a scene For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/174

A long time ago, in a land far, far away, we interviewed Todd Barriage about the work he was putting into growing his fledgling YouTube channel. Ok, it wasn't that long. It took about two years of grinding away before Todd realized he needed a break - and that's what we're here to talk about today. You see, if we stay on the grind too long we'll become burned out. That will lead to any chance of a music career falling apart before it begins. Todd's decision to slow down may well have saved the momentum his YouTube channel is building. Listen now to learn more! What you'll learn: Why Todd enjoys covers more than originalsWhen to take a break from the grindGrowing your audience by making music for the right peopleCreating content without gating the best partsUsing the “Netflix of learning stuff”Consuming worthwhile educational contentWhy YouTube channel networks are worth signing a deal withFostering a healthy environment for your fansBuilding a Patreon membershipPlanning? Where we're going we don't need planningWhy “the grind” isn't supposed to be forever For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/173

Connor Frost's band Dizzy Bats spent two weeks in January on the road, traveling from city to city to bring their music to fans across the country. Along the way, they faced challenges such as amps blowing up as they navigate life on the road. But it's not all hard work - we'll also see some of the fun and exciting moments that make touring with Dizzy Bats such a thrilling experience. From meeting fans who traveled 3 hours to see the band to playing with friends they'd just met the night before, there were many highlights for this run of shows. Listen now to learn how Connor prepared for the tour, and what you can do if you'd like to improve your core songwriting skills! What you'll learn: Filling out your live sound without a bassistUsing networking to book shows for your bandHow to book a 10-12 date tourHow to handle equipment malfunctions on tourUsing the internet to connect with new fansThe key elements of a songSetting missions for your weekBuilding habits to become a better songwriter For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/172

You've heard it a billion times by now: merch is where touring artists make their money. That's truer than ever, because according to the 2022 atVenu merch report, merch income is up over 40% compared to 2019. Great news for artists - if you know how to harness the power of your merch table! Listen now to hear us dig into the 2022 atVenu merch report, as well as our takeaways on how this will affect your merch sales. What you'll learn: Taking a deep dive into the 2022 merch statesHow the number 1 merch selling genre makes their moneyWhy your band needs to take credit cards at showsHandling cash deposits across the countryWhy merch sales are going up across the industryHow to calculate your per headWhere I disagree with the atVenu reportAvoiding hall fees/merch cuts wherever possibleWhy black t-shirts are not optional - you need at least one black shirt designNarrowing down your product line to sell more merch For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/171

Mental health is often swept under the rug in the music world - only noticed when a celebrity has a public meltdown or takes their own life. The good news is that the stigma surrounding mental health has been eroding over the past two decades, making it more acceptable to seek help and discuss mental health openly. Going to a therapist can seem daunting, or even terrifying, but the reality is they are there to help you. No one will judge you - instead it's a collaborative effort to help you become your best self. Daniel Rinaldi of Bedlight for Blue Eyes joins the show this week to share his experience and knowledge as a mental health counselor. Listen now to hear his incredibly important message! What you'll learn: Removing the stigma of mental health in the music worldHow mental health in music has changed in recent decadesWhen to seek help from a professionalWays to find help quickly when you are in needStarting the day on the right footThe role of a therapist in mental healthOpening the discussion around mental health for productive collaborationRecognizing the people who need to be held accountable and doing soCreating a healthy environment in the music sceneUsing curiosity to build adventure and hope into your life For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/170

Bandhive is all about teaching you how to run your DIY band as a business… But we always say that DIY does not mean do everything yourself. Instead, it's decide it yourself - making informed decisions about your business while harnessing the power of a team. For some of you, that might include working with a label, so we're stoked to have Jason Davis of One One 7 on the podcast this week to discuss how he prepares artists for label deals! Jason has worked with household names like Boyz II Men, Dolly Parton, Neon Trees, and Jimmy Eat World – you may not know Jason, but you sure know his clients. Listen now to learn how you can prepare your band for success - whether you want a label deal or not - by using Jason's tips! What you'll learn: Why an important mission is the key to a successful music careerBuilding a team for your DIY bandThe definition of “success” as a musicianMaking a case for artists to sign to a labelUsing live streams on social media to bootstrap your bandJust ask: you never know what will happenThe importance of great songsInspiration vs. copyingThe pros and cons of signing a record dealWhat to know before signing any record deal For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/169

Are you an extrovert or an introvert? For extroverts, making friends and maintaining relationships can seem easy… But you need to heed the introvert. Introverts often need space, and if an extrovert comes on too strong they will retreat back into their shell. That doesn't change the fact that musicians need to build relationships with each other and their fans to have a successful career. The good news is the more you learn about the human mind and generating goodwill towards yourself and your band, the better equipped you'll be for your career. Listen now to learn how you can set yourself apart by building quality friendships to grow personally and professionally! What you'll learn: Working together vs. working aloneMaintaining relationships in the long termThe two personality types in the music businessBeing humble in the music worldHow to pass “the funeral test”Creating a win/win environment for the people in your lifeKeeping up with people as an introvert in an extroverted worldManaging your relationships with friends and family For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/168

This week on the Bandhive Podcast, I'm speaking with Ryan Camuto of Royal Hearts. At first glance, Royal Hearts may seem like any other regional band… But that's where you'd be wrong. You see, not only can Royal Hearts bring 50 people to a show, Ryan does it (almost) alone as the rest of the band lives several hours away and can't offer “boots on the ground” promotional efforts. Royal Hearts are doing the work, and have been rewarded with opening slots for bands such as Cane Hill, Emery, and We Came as Romans - and they didn't even have to ask. Listen to now to hear Ryan discuss how Royal Hearts has harnessed their strengths to put on a great show, grow their fanbase, and stay active online! What you'll learn: How your market affects the attitude of the local sceneWhy local shows should be earlierGetting your band booked with national headlinersSelling more merch by raising pricesRelocating to a new market and growing your band to new heightsWhy your first fans are probably going to be musiciansGetting other artists and companies to reshare your content for freeCreating a community for your core supportersHow being present and a good hang improves your careerPeople who spend money on tickets are the same people who would buy merch For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/167

Are you a musician who's feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from the demands of your band? Are you struggling to balance a crazy schedule and a busy personal life while creating content, booking shows, and creating music? If so, this episode is for you. In it, we'll look at how to effectively manage life as a musician and avoid burnout. We'll discuss how you can avoid spreading yourself too thin and getting to the point of burnout. We'll also discuss some of the warning signs of burnout, and how to recognize them early in order to take action. With the help of these tips, you'll be able to take control of your time, energy, and emotions and find success in your career as a musician.  If you're ready to learn how to effectively manage work and life as a musician, click play and let's get started. What you'll learn: The snowball effect of spreading yourself too thinTaking breaks during your set to put on the best live showKeeping your schedule and routine consistent on the roadA healthy mind and healthy body lead to a long careerStaying on the same page with your bandmatesPlanning ahead to avoid burnoutWhat causes fans to fall in love with an artistUsing capacity defense to avoid spreading yourself thinCommunication with your bandmates For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/166

As an up and coming band, you're probably looking for new ways to grow your fanbase and earn some money. One of the best ways to do this is by playing live shows - and not just a few shows, but lots of them! The caveat is, it's important to spread them out and avoid saturating any single market by playing too many shows in the same city. By playing in different cities, you'll have a chance to reach new audiences and grow your fanbase. Booking shows can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be painful. With the right mindset and approach, you can book more shows and grow your band's audience while having fun and bringing in revenue. Join us now to learn how you can book shows that will help boost your band to the next level! What you'll learn: How to book shows for your bandChoosing the right type of venue to bookHow to find venues to playSetting expectations for promotersResearching venues to playHow to get booked more oftenFollowing up with venues or show promotersHow your band can play more shows and get invited back! For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/165