Mercenary Musician

This week's episode focuses on room awareness.  Peter delivers some cues to help you better prepare for your next gig, especially if it's a new venue. Listen closely to these various cues to look out for when you're playing new venues. Learn how to properly communicate with the staff to ensure you understand the preferred volume and general vibe.  Take notes, as there are several tips to help you along the way.   *Remember to send any questions or comments to Peter and Chad at: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com. Episodes dropped weekly!

Happy New Year to all of our listeners! We've spoken on the topic of going wide vs going deep. In today's episode, we are going to expand on this how this approach can be applied to various areas within the field of live performances. Peter touches on the distinction of playing covers vs original music, proper ways to dress for your gigs, the benefit of playing a variety of venues, compromise songs, and of course we touch on volume.    Remember to send any questions or comments to both Peter and Chad at: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly!

It's story time ladies and gentlemen. In today's episode, Peter shares with the audience a story from a recent experience at one of his weekly gigs. You never know what to expect when out gigging, so make sure to listen in to see what happens and how Peter went about addressing the situation.    Remember to send any questions, comments, or stories to both Peter and Chad at: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly!

The boys are back with a new episode this week. If you're experiencing issues or have questions on how to book your first gig, then this is the episode for you. Peter breaks down the best methods for seeking out your first gig. There are some tips and tricks sprinkled in, so make sure to take notes.    Remember to send any questions or comments to Peter and Chad at: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly!

We are officially back!   Apologies for our long absence, but know we are back and ready to continue pushing on with tons of new content. We begin with our latest episode dubbed “The Catch Up Episode” we bring everyone up to speed on what's been happening in our world since we last spoke.    Remember to send any questions, comments, or free hugs to Peter and Chad at: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, in this week's episode we focus on an issue some of us know all too well, stage fright. Peter offers up some great tips to help you overcome stage fright, so buckle up, make sure you take notes, and get ready for another wild episode of the mercenary Musician podcast!   Email all questions to: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly.

In this week's episode on The Mercenary Musician Podcast, we examine some of the ways you can better position yourself for long-term financial success with this line of work. Peter shares what has helped him maintain a healthy financial situation throughout his eight years in the business. Understanding the importance of developing smart savings strategies can be crucial to ensuring your finances are one less headache you have to worry about in this industry.    Email all questions to: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly. 

****IMPORTANT EPISODE ALERT****   All of you Mercenary Musicians out there, you do not want to miss this episode!    Today the boys are giving away valuable information that can take your career to the next level.    Master the art of converting customers into regular patrons by using this episode as a reference moving forward.   Email all questions to: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly. 

In today's episode, the boys ask an important question everyone should address. Why Are You Doig This?  Listen close as Peter explains why this question is so crucially important to help you develop and manifest your WHY. How to develop your why and how to use it to establish an action plan to help you achieve success in whatever it is you want to accomplish.   Email any questions to: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly. 

In this week's episode, Peter lays down some canned jokes that you can take note of and recycle at your next gig. The boys will be releasing shorter episodes moving forward to ensure they have sufficient content teed up and ready for release every week. Don't forget to email both Peter and Chad with any questions, comments, or canned jokes you have used successfully in the field.    Email all questions to: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly. 

This week's episode focuses on burnout. We take a deep dive into some of the habits and actions that can ultimately lead you to burnout and how you can identify them before they get out of hand. Burnout can be detrimental to your livelihood, so make sure you take notes, and if you are going through something, we encourage you to reach out to us directly.   Email all questions to: Peter@mercenarymethods.com or Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly. 

The boys are back with another tangent episode! We bring you Lateral Thinking 2.0. Strap in and brace yourself for a wild ride through some of the off-the-wall experiences Peter has recently encountered.    Don't forget to email any and all questions to: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly. 

Today's episode focuses on the final leg of the Triangle Theory. Arguably the most important piece of this theory is showmanship. You can expect to learn how to incorporate the usage of showmanship to completely transform the way you connect with your crowd members when gigging. Take notes and remember to review these four episodes over time as a reference, to ensure you are firing on all cylinders when out in the field.   Don't forget to email all questions to: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly. 

This week's episode focuses on the second leg of the Triangle Theory. Peter delves into the ways you can continue to perfect your instrumental abilities and why it's so incredibly important to make sure you are practicing daily. The boys discuss the need to continue growing by the use of lessons either in person or online. Stick around for the final leg of the triangle dropping next week!   Don't forget to email any and all questions to: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly.    *Episode Notes   Chord Chart App - UltimateGuitar: Chords & Tabs (search in the app/google play store)

Today's episode focuses on leg one of the triangle, which we previously discussed in last week's episode.  The boys explain several ways to work on your vocals and several ways to properly rehab your vocal cords following your gigs. There's some priceless information in this episode on meditation and how you can get started today with meditation. Make sure you check out the info provided in the episode notes section.   Don't forget to email any and all questions to: Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.   Episodes dropped weekly!    *Episode Notes: Jacobs vocal academy on YouTube    Wynton Marsalis - https://wyntonmarsalis.org/about/bio   Waking Up - Meditation App   10 Percent Happier - Meditation App   Headspace - Meditation App

Episode 21 focuses on the Triangle Theory. Peter explains how using the Triangle Theory can mold you into a well-rounded Mercenary Musician. Clocking in as one of our shorter episodes, we assure you it promises not to disappoint. Take notes, and feel free to submit any questions you have to https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/

In this week's episode, the boys break down the various way to properly address the tip jar. This is the episode where you learn how to pull in additional tips by using a multitude of tactics Peter has developed over the years to ensure your trips continue to flow as you grow in this industry. You can expect to learn how to inform the crowd of your tip jar, ways to decorate and make your tip jar stand out, locations for displaying the tip jar, and the additional marketing material you can place next to the tip jar to help promote your material. You won't want to miss this episode! Weekly episodes dropped every Sunday.  Remember to email both Peter and Chad with any questions or comments you have at  Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.

Welcome back for episode two of the Common Characters series. Today's episode breaks down all of the various audience characters you will encounter while out gigging. This episode will encompass everyone from drunk hecklers, drunk fans, attention whores, neutral individuals, the too-loud crowd, enthusiastic non-musician music lovers to other musicians and old folks. Make sure you stick around until the end of this episode to ensure you know how to properly identify and address these characters.    *Weekly episodes dropped every Sunday.    Remember to email both Peter and Chad with any questions or comments you have at Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com.

In the first of two episodes focusing on Common Characters, the boys break down all of the individuals you will be working with within this industry. Including everyone from the Owner of the venue, the various managers, bartenders, servers, host/hostesses, and even the valets. Pay close attention to how Peter breaks down how to interact with these individuals to ensure you're building lasting relationships that can result in positive growth as your progress in this industry.   Weekly episodes dropped every Sunday.    Remember to email both Peter and Chad with any questions or comments you have at https://www.juniperrecording.com  Beat Gig - Booking Agency - https://beatgig.com 

Today's episode focuses on volume control. This is one area not to be looked over, as it can make or break your set.  Peter gives you some great ways to ensure you're never too loud and never too soft. We aim to be right in the middle here at Mercenary Musician, so sit down and buckle up and make sure you are taking notes because there are some pretty valuable tidbits in this week's episode.    *Episode Notes: Weekly episodes dropped every Sunday.  Remember to email both Peter and Chad with any questions or comments you have at Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com 

Back with another new episode in which the boys delve into ways you can leverage your relationships with your family, friends, coworkers, and other musicians to position yourself to be successful in this industry. Peter breaks down ways you can address the various situations you might encounter and how to properly ask for help when the time comes, and if you've been listening, you know that time will eventually come.    Weekly episodes dropped every Sunday!   Remember to email both Peter and Chad with any questions or comments you have at https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034 

This week's episode covers the ways you can deal with the unexpected. This week's episode covers the ways you can deal with the unexpected. Peter covers everything from the importance of being prepared, technical difficulties, how to handle the event when double-booked, tough crowds, injuries, weather, management changes, and what to do in the event you forget a piece of gear. Check it out and stick around for weekly episodes dropped every Sunday!   *Episode Notes:  Remember to email both Peter and Chad with any questions or comments you have at Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com 

This week's episode is the first of an additional new mini-series entitled "Little Tricks". Peter drops over a dozen little tips and tricks he's implemented over the years, and how you can adopt them into your act as well.    Stick around for weekly episodes!   Remember to email both Peter and Chad with any questions or comments you have at Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com    *Episode notes:   Moises music app- Search in the Apple App Store under MOISES

In today's episode of The Mercenary Musician Podcast, the boys break down the importance of time management. How using time management skills can lead to your future success. They cover the perks of using these skills to ensure you get time back to yourself without having to worry about losing out on potential gigs and income.    *Episode Notes:    Tim Ferris Author of the hit book “The 4 Hour Work Week“ - https://fourhourworkweek.com    Canva (content creation for social media or marketing promotional material - Canva.com     Stick around for new episodes dropped weekly!    Remember to email both Peter and Chad with any questions or comments you have at Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com 

This week's episode is short and sweet. It's the first episode of a new mini-series entitled Lists. Peter and Chad delve into several 'annoying' questions you can expect to hear regularly in this industry and some examples of how you can effectively respond to them.    Remember to email both Peter and Chad with any questions or comments you have at Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com 

Today's episode covers the ins and outs of pricing. We dive into everything you need to know in order to be an expert in rates and pricing.  Including simple economics with the breakdown of supply and demand. How to determine and establish your floor rate and rates for holidays and special events. Understanding exactly what a day truly means to you and how you can use that to your advantage when booking gigs and negotiating your pricing. Plus, you can expect to find a few tangents sprinkled into the mix.    Stick around for new episodes dropped weekly!    *Episode Notes:   Beat Gig: https://beatgig.com    Keefe Klug: @Keefeklugmusic   ***Get in touch with both Peter and Chad by emailing them at Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com

Get excited ladies and gentlemen! Today's episode is going to be a staple piece moving forward. We give you the TANGENT episode. Over 40 minutes of Peter enlightening you on various topics within the industry that ultimately drive him mad.   Stick around for weekly episodes dropped every Thursday!    *Course Notes: Email: Peter@mercenarymethods.com & Chad@mercenarymethods.com

Today's episode focuses on the topic of networking and connections. We break down how you should approach networking in this industry by offering tactics to get you started. You can expect to learn how to use these networking tactics to form and build lasting connections and relationships within the industry. Remember, these connections can lead to new gigs, higher-paying gigs, and better overall exposure.   Stick around for new episodes dropped weekly!       *Episode notes:   Business cards and branding items- Vista Print - https://www.vistaprint.com/?couponAutoload=1&GP=11%2f04%2f2021+20%3a16%3a46&GPS=6095611857&GNF=0   Email: Peter@mercenarymethods.com & Chad@mercenarymethods.com 

In today's episode, Peter and Chad take an in-depth look into how you should go about pitching yourself to bars, restaurants, and other venues. Learn how to use your mercenary skills to seek out local music venues and how to network and eventually approach booking agents and managers for hire.    Stick around for new episodes dropped weekly!   *Episode notes:   Chord chart app- UltimateGuitar: Chords & Tabs (search in the app/google play store)   Tim Ferris page - https://tim.blog/2008/05/19/5-tips-for-e-mailing-busy-people/   ***Contact Info: Peter@mercenarymethods.com &  Chad@mercenarymethods.com 

Today's episode picks up where we left off last week. We continue to explore the gear needed to ensure you are mercenary ready for your next gig and all future gigs. You can expect to learn about the little things that can lead to big problems if not taken into account. Check out the course notes for links to all of the gear discussed and ways to get in touch with Peter and Chad. Make sure to check back in for new episodes airing every Thursday. If you enjoyed today's episode, we encourage you to like and subscribe to the page for all future episodes and updates.   *Episode Notes: Gear Bag: Hercules tool bag - https://hercules.tool-bag.org Tuner app: Pano tuner - (search in the app/google play store) Cell Phone Mount: Xenvo squid grip - https://www.xenvopro.com/pdp/squidgrip/ Earplugs - Eargasm - https://eargasm.com Light Controller: Happy lights app - (search in the app/google play store) Pedals: RC-20XL BOSS Looping pedal - https://www.boss.info/us/products/rc-20xl/ Business cards and branding items- Vista Print - https://www.vistaprint.com/?couponAutoload=1&GP=11%2f04%2f2021+20%3a16%3a46&GPS=6095611857&GNF=0   **Contact Info:  Peter@mercenarymethods.com  Chad@mercenarymethods.com 

The day has finally arrived! Today's episode is part one of a two-part event, in which we take a deep dive into the gear needed to be successful in this industry. We cover the core essentials instruments, speakers, mixers, and cables. You won't want to miss a minute of this episode. Check out the episode notes below for direct links to all of the gear discussed in the show, and stick around for part 2 dropping next Thursday. Please Like and subscribe for all future content.    *Episode Notes: QSC Speakers - https://www.qsc.com/solutions-products/loudspeakers/portable/powered/portable-pa/k2-series/ Sm58 mic - https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/sm58 Furman surge protector - https://furmanpower.com/compact-power-120v/ Gaffers tape - https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Gaffer-Power-Non-Reflective-Multipurpose/dp/B00GZE3UJ8

On todays episode of The Mercenary Musician Podcast, we delve into the ideal conditions for the city, region and venue. We cover everything from touristy and coastal regions to mecca and non-mecca cities. What inclusions and red flags to look for when choosing a venue, and how to better identify what venue works best for you.  *Course Notes: Big shoutout to Keefe Klug @Keefeklugmusic check out his page, and show him some love! ***Get in touch with both Peter and Chad by emailing them at Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mercenarymethods.com

Today we're discussing things Peter wished he would have known when initially starting out in the music industry. We will be covering material that will help you tremendously when just starting out. Make sure to drop a like and subscribe, and if you have any questions or comments, we encourage you to leave them in the comments section, or email Peter and Chad at Peter@mercenarymethods.com and Chad@mecenarymethods.com.    *Episode Notes:   Seth Godin book - The Practice: Shipping Creative Work https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Shipping-Creative-Work/dp/0593328973   Chord Chart App - UltimateGuitar: Chords & Tabs (search in the app/google play store)

Today we're taking a broad overview of general mindsets and concepts to help cover musicians make more money, book more and better gigs, understand their value, and run a better business. *Episode Notes:   Atomic Habits by: James Clear (Book on the benefit of Habits)   Audible.com (Audio books/podcasts)   Chord Chart App - UltimateGuitar: Chords & Tabs (search in the app/google play store)   Essay “A thousand true fans” - https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/  

Welcome to the first official Mercenary Musician Podcast. Today we will be discussing what the Mercenary Musician Podcast is, and what you can expect to learn from listening to the show. If you're currently a skilled musician looking to monetize your talents, this is the show for you.