When you’re a working band, you never know whether your next call is going to be a gig or a message from your drummer telling you he’s decided to leave the band for a project involving a performance artist who imitates furniture. Fortunately for Mab O’Connor, it was ABC television calling.

So, you’re ready to take the plunge and professionally record your CD. Where do you go? Kelly Marsh points out that shopping for the cheapest studio may not give you the greatest results and may in fact end up costing you more money than you’d planned!

Paying attention to the dynamics of a song can make you a better musician.This article discusses song dynamics and offers some examples of what to listen for.

Having all the right equipment brings a sense of professionalism to your craft. It might also just save the day for you and your band mates. Bassist Joe Benedetto gives us a run down of practical items to bring to your gig.

Auditioning new members is a task you must take seriously. If you want to find serious musicians you have to be prepared. Here are some great tips on how to go about finding new band members.

You are never too old to rock and roll. Tracy’s empty nest project is playing bass for Drew’s Cruisers, house band for Jammer’s Bluenote Ballroom in Bemidji, Minnesota. This classically trained flute player is now playing songs by the Grateful Dead, Van Morrison, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.

A contract is necessary for the protection of you and the club that’s decided to book you. It’s important that once dates are settled and price has been negotiated, that you put everything down in writing.

Dealing with people on the phone is an important part of being a working musician. If you want things to pan out with the people you meet it’s a good idea to make sure you have all your bases coverd beforehand. Asking the right questions will make sure your next audition isn’t a waste of anybody’s time.

The life blood of any band is advertising. The old saying is true: “any press is good press.” For your band to get gigs, you need people to hear about you, say your name, and talk about you.

Keeping track of names and phone numbers of band members and other musicians you meet is a habit that will pay off. Almost as important as remembering the names of the people you meet, is remembering how to get in touch with them. Starting a little black book is a valuable tool that will pay off when you need it most.

First impressions always count for a lot. A band’s promo package is what sells them to a club. Most club managers are busy and will only spend a few minutes looking at your promo. Here are some valuable tips that will help you get the gig by making a lasting first impression.

Many aspiring musicians have the misconception that being a star means they won’t have to worry about business, corporate dealings, and the usual rat race that every other career has. Hans Fahling writes about a wider range of skills that have served him well as a professional musician.

You are never too old or too young to be in a band. Mab O’Connor, lead singer of Yasgur’s Farm Band, writes about growing up and playing music in the heart of San Francisco. Her working band plays a selection of great songs from the Woodstock Era.

Musicians can get a bad reputation if they don’t act like professionals. This article lists some of the things you can do to give a favorable impression when gigging, and ultimately, get you more work.

Payday Daddy is one of the hardest working bands in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. They have been voted the best band in West Puget Sound for 4 years in a row. This quartet often plays 3-night weekends at any of the local casinos, playing extra long sets and drawing top dollar. They play classic rock and roll as well as a varied list of originals.