I had started writing some posts and giving advice on my social media pages, as my way of giving some advice regarding some of the things that I see and hear, both at shows, and on artists’ social media pages. It always seemed to be the same things, coming from “artists,” who excel in playing the blame game: making excuses for why they aren’t succeeding. So, I thought that I would try to be helpful, by calling artists out on their behaviors! It may not be popular, or politically correct, but if an artist can’t handle the truth and some constructive criticism, then they are in the completely WRONG business. This industry of show business can be BRUTAL at best, and before you enter into such an endeavor, that can cost you tons of money, time, blood, sweat and tears…you need to make sure that you can handle some criticism, can take a good hard look in the mirror, and are willing to take accountability for things you may be falling short on. Most of all, you need to be willing to make a change, and implement the advice you are given, no matter how uncomfortable it might make you feel. Believe me, nothing great was ever achieved in someone’s “comfort zone.” This is one of the biggest mistakes that artists can make: surrounding themselves with “yes” people, who will tell them exactly what they want to hear, all the time, just to build the artists’ egos and to be their BFF. Forget that…it’s not going to help you EVER. I AM A “NO” MAN! That being said, I hope that I can offer a frank, honest, unabridged opinion and give helpful, thought-provoking advice, based on my experiences and successes in this wonderful business of ours.
Let’s start by talking about live performances: If you aren’t connecting with your audience and making memories at your shows, you may as well be singing in your shower. It’s simply not good enough to be a great singer. Do you know how many “GREAT singers” there are? Literally millions. So, that alone will not get you where you want to be. Nor will all the promotion in the world. Hype only takes you so far. It comes down to YOU and YOUR audience. CONNECT, MAKE MEMORIES, BE A FAN and ask yourself, “Would I want to go to my show?” You can create a long lasting memory without big production. You just have to know how to DELIVER a song and make the audience FEEL what you’re singing, whether it’s 2 people in a coffeeshop or 10,000 people in an arena. Connecting with your audience is the SECRET…so don’t tell anyone! lol. But, practice it every time you get on stage. If you can sell your performance to the audience, I guarantee you will sell your music/t shirts/posters, etc. at the merch table. I’ll even go one step further, too…if you’re hanging out in the dressing room for longer than the time it takes you to get dressed, you’re losing money!!
I hope that this article will make you think and evaluate your performances. How can you connect with YOUR audience? How can you make them FEEL the words you are singing? How can you get them to talk about you, long after the last chord has been played, or the last note has been sung..or will you just sing your songs and be forgotten by the time they hit the door to leave? The choice is up to you. If you have questions, feel free to contact me via my website at http://www.mtsmanagementgroup.com.
ABOUT MICHAEL STOVER:
A 30 year industry veteran, Michael Stover is the President of MTS Management Group/MTS Records. The company is more than just an artist management/publicity/promotions company…It is where INDIE artists get MAJOR exposure! Specializing in full-service artist management, publicity and promotions, radio and social media campaigns for new and established independent artists and indie labels, MTS Management Group and MTS Records are on the cutting edge of today’s new music business.
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