Category Archives: Music business

An Army of Lovers Saves Me from a Nightmare on Commercial Street

Posted on October 27, 2019 by

First things first. MY SECOND BOOK IS OUT! I am the proud mama of An Army of Lovers: Women’s Music of the ‘70s and ‘80s. A fan described the book well; she also pumped up my already-substantial musician’s ego: “I … Continue reading →

Posted in LGBT music, music, Music business, Women's Music | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Open mikes: they’re more than lousy guitar players

Posted on September 15, 2019 by

A wanna-be rock star mashes through chords he can barely play while singing notes unknown to humankind as you sit, patiently waiting your turn to perform. Many of us have been there. There’s an open mike in my town that … Continue reading →

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The perfect set: Intros, stories & other tips for musicians on stage

Posted on April 16, 2018 by

We’ve all seen that performer in concert who has a great voice and musical chops but runs off at the mouth between songs. Or doesn’t talk to the audience at all. If you’re Miles Davis you can get away with … Continue reading →

Posted in music, Music business | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

House concerts rock. And folk.

Posted on September 8, 2017 by

Musicians, dump that noisy bar crowd and get a sober audience that listens and buys a lot of product. House concerts are the way to go. I’ve done them for thirty years – before it was fashionable, yes, I’m that … Continue reading →

Posted in Folk music, music, Music business | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Musicians: ten phrases to avoid in your bio

Posted on July 27, 2017 by

I’ve been a music journalist for years and I’ve read enough lifeless bios to wallpaper Mar-a-Lago. Are potential fans, bookers, and media snoozing through your bio? Rewrite it and avoid these mistakes: 1. Susie Blahblah writes songs from the heart. … Continue reading →

Posted in Music business, Writing | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Musicians, what to do with those unsold CDs?

Posted on March 24, 2017 by

Back in the day when CDs were flying off the merch table at concerts, you thought you’d sell all those discs now gathering dust in your basement. Welcome to the modern age where even your grandpa is downloading music. Plastic … Continue reading →

Posted in music, Music business | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

How a writer-musician-teacher-parking lot attendant spends her time

Posted on May 13, 2016 by

I haven’t written a blog post in a few months. Lest you think I’ve been slumped in front of the TV with a box of bonbons by my side, here’s an update, numbered for convenience. I’m all about convenience, unless … Continue reading →

Posted in music, Music business, Music instruction, Playing the guitar, Playing the ukulele, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

I’ve written a great song, how do I sell it?

Posted on September 18, 2015 by

Guest blogger Karen E. Reynolds is an award-winning songwriter, longtime radio DJ, and respected music industry consultant. She’s taught songwriting and music business at the University of Tennessee and Kent State. ******** You’ve written your song. You’ve done a rewrite … Continue reading →

Posted in music, Music business, songwriting | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

You Become What You Hum

Posted on March 26, 2015 by

This week’s guest blogger is Carolyn Gage. She’s the author of twelve books and more than sixty-three plays, including musicals. The winner of numerous awards, her work is widely published and performed. ************************ Music is powerful. That’s why I like … Continue reading →

Posted in LGBT music, Music business, songwriting, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Eight tips for getting the gig

Posted on March 20, 2015 by

Over the years I’ve been on both sides of the booking game, as a performer and as a booker. It’s like a first date — you don’t have a lot of time to make a good first impression. Beyond being … Continue reading →

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