Background history of Lil Wayne

Lil wayne is originally named as Dwayne Michael Carter Jr, he was born in the year 1982, at Louisiana, USA, he is an Grammy nominated rapper. Lil wayne began rapping at the block parties when he was a child. His first hip hop contact was Cash Money records.

Lil wayne is known for his freestyle abilities in singing, although he has a talent he wasn't signed at first with Lil slim, Lil wayne use to record freestyles and haunted cash money offices almost every day.

In the year 1997, lil wayne first debut was released, the record was a great success and earned a huge fans for lil wayne from south and Midwest. His next debut, Guerilla warfare was released in the year 1998, followed by the next release in the year 2003 which Let Em Burn.

In the year 1999, Wayne decided to launch his own career with the new release of "Than Block is Hot", and than it went on to some releases of three albums after that. In 2004, Lil Wayne was known to be perfected in the trade of singing and earned popularity amongst teenagers during 2004-2006.

Lil Wayne has earned a lot since he first started his debut as a singer in the rappers industry, In spite of much competition in the Industry he earned his caliber and came through in his career.

Lil Wayne being involved in drugs was arrested few times, but his weaknesses don't come as an hindrance to his singing career where he has performed his best and is well known amongst the younger public.

Lil Wayne is a popular icon amongst many youngsters and so the site http://www.mp3-lil-wayne.com/ is a debut to his singing career and the potentiality in his songs. His personal life is as distorted and not recognized, as much as his singing.

The site www.mp2-lil-wayne.com has got many freestyles videos and much more, the testimonials on the site prove that the site is worth a try for the downloads and when it is free than there is no fear what so ever!

Aretha Franklin - The Story Of The Queen Of Soul

No matter who you are or where you've been, chances are that you've heard one or more of Aretha Franklin's songs. Chances are also that you've had one of those classics ringing pleasurably in your head for hours on end. The Queen of Soul has that effect on people everywhere, and she's heading out on the road again this summer to provide millions of her fans with another reason to cherish her work.

Life Story

Franklin was born in Memphis on March 25, 1942. After a bit of moving around, her family settled in Detroit when Aretha was seven. She was exposed to music at an early age, and began singing in her father's church. She was soon a very popular member of the choir, and she produced her first recording at the age of 14.

Subsequent to this first recording, Franklin entered "adulthood" almost immediately. She signed a recording contract with Columbia Records and became a mother when she was 15, having her first son, Clarence, Jr. Franklin had another son, Eddie, when she was 16.

At this point, Franklin had to make a choice - be a full-time mother or pursue her music career. She chose the latter, as her grandmother helped her care for her sons while she continued to record songs. Franklin married Ted White in 1962 and had another son, "Teddy" White, Jr. in 1969.

She stayed with Columbia Records until 1967, when she moved to Atlantic Records, and the results were almost immediate due to the expanded artistic freedom she had with her new label. Franklin dabbled in gospel, soul and blues themes with her music, and several of her songs from this time period became top hits.

Blossoming Career

However, it was her R&B work that earned her the nickname, "The Queen of Soul" in the 1960's. Franklin's work with Atlantic Records made her an international star, and several of her most famous songs, including Respect were released during this period.

Franklin continued to not only tour but to record, and her career totals are astonishing. She has released a total of 52 albums, and has had 17 singles reach the Top Ten of the US Hot 100 Singles chart.

Franklin has also won 17 Grammy Awards in several categories, but that is far from her only entry into her list of accomplishments. Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and was the second woman to gain entry into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

The Queen of Soul has also been recognized by more than one President of the United States. In 1999, President Bill Clinton awarded Franklin with the National Medal of Arts, and President George W. Bush bestowed upon Franklin the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.

What It All Means

All of these accomplishments should make it clear that Aretha Franklin is a national icon. She has appeared in movies like The Blues Brothers in 1980 and sang the national anthem in her adopted hometown of Detroit prior to Super Bowl XL.

Her songs are timeless, and the memories from her live shows live on in the minds of all who are lucky enough to be able to attend a concert. Franklin will be providing those same memories this summer.

Are you Looking for an Family Discount Coupon Book

Want to enjoy with your family but worried about your budget here is family discount coupon book is filled 100's of discount coupon with all sort of discount available offering you big saving on restaurant, shopping, entertainment, malls and many more.

Family discount coupon book has most of discount like 2 for 1 deal, which is the real a great saving for anyone who plans for holidays with family. All the quality discount coupons are there if it's not a quality offering you great value, such discounts are not there in coupon book.

With family discount coupon book you can have food at a great restaurant, go for an shopping at big malls, together can go to watch a movie at theaters and play at fabulous golf courses while saving hundreds of dollars, which earlier never have been possible for us.

Family discount coupon book allows you to quickly save hundreds of dollars. Save more at restaurants, Take the kids to Old Pro Golf and save on each visit, Golf at several local courses and more. Many of the coupons can be used multiple times or for several people at once. Only coupons that offer serious savings make it into the book so that one can enjoy fullest and his savings.

This book has complete list of discount coupon and it is easily available you can also find it online where all the details are given so that one can enjoy all the facilities available with online. When you use the Coupon Book on your next vacation, you'll return home with more dollars in your pocket.

Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website <a href=" http://www.borders-couponbook.info/"> Borders Coupon Book</a>. For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com

Are you going to buy an MP3 player?

If you wish to buy a Mp3 player then you should be clear as what you are going to bring in home. Mp3 player is an effective tool for them who have moved their music collection to their computers because they are digital without any movable parts.

<b> While shopping you should take care of the following: </b>

<b>1. </b>Mp3 players can range anywhere from $60 to $500 for example Apple iPod. There are many popular Mp3 players available in the market such as Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic.

<b>2. </b>You should go for a player with storage that you can easily afford. Player with more storage capacity can hold more music. Since one minute of Mp3 music takes approximately one megabyte of memory therefore 128 megabyte Mp3 player can hold two hours of tunes. In small Mp3 players storage is made of flash memory chips.

<b>3. </b>To make your player purchase worth you should make sure that your player works with your computer because many mp3 players don't work with Macintosh computers.

<b>4. </b>You should try all controls of the player you are going to purchase. Inexpensive players have control panels that work minimum.

<b>5. </b>Get an idea of the size and weight of the player so that if you want to carry it in your pocket or belt you can easily do so.

<b>6.</b> You should check the life of the battery as advertised because the claims made by the manufacturers are not exact very often.

<b>7. </b>Choose an mp3 player unit with a USB connection or Fire wire instead of parallel connection to your computer. This is because Fire wire is fast and flexible.

<b>8. </b>You can also choose from a player having a radio Fm receiver so that you could easily download music from the radio and identify the music and artist each time you connect the player to the computer.

<b>9. </b> Give preference to players having expandable storage such as Compact Flash, Secure Digital, and Memory Stick. There are also new models available with extra storage that can store more computer data.

<b>10. </b>Listen to the Mp3 player and also use stereo headphones. If you don't like normal headphones you can choose from wide variety available.

To know more log on to <a href="http://www.freedownloadmp3song.info">freedownloadmp3song.info </a>

Are we moving back to the future sheet music?

Sheet music is hand written upon paper or printed form of musical notations. In other words, sheet music is the written representation of music. It is also known as score and is used as a guide or means to perform a piece of music. It is very helpful for a musician who is preparing for his upcoming performances.

Except in the case of solo performers who need to memorize the music notes, classical musicians usually have this sheet music in their hands while they are performing. It is used to give basic indications of melodies, chord changes and arrangements in jazz music. It is a platform where a new musician can write the music down and serves as a visual record of music. Different types of sheet music includes full score, miniature score, piano score, vocal score, short score and lead sheet.

In the 15th century, western music was mostly hand written and preserved as manuscripts. Later, in the 18th century, music was being printed. By 19th century and later, sheet music was available in computer readable format. Then Music OCR, software to read sheet music that could be manipulated made the process even simpler.

A music notation program or score writer software is used to automate the task of writing and engraving sheet music.  Such score writer allows you to input, edit or print music notes to different specifications. These score writers range from programs that can write simple programs to programs that handle complexities of orchestral music and music engraving.

<b> What is digital music sheet? </b>
Digital sheet music is very much similar to the printed version of the sheet music but it has certain advantages over the print version. It doesn't goes out of print so it can be offered in titles that are unavailable anywhere else.  These titles could be downloaded for guitars, piano, vocal, violin and other instruments.

Find more information at our recommended website <a href="http://www.music-future.com"> music-future.com</a>

An interview with drummer Mykill(mike) aresco of Dead skin mask, pawns of christ and formerly of Lost Soul

Tribute bands usually play the music of a certain to get people through the door to see the bands OWN songs thrown in between the artist of tribute. Since December 2004, I have been watching one band in particular, a Slayer tribute act. Not once, has this band added their own music to their set list. NOT ONCE. When a fan of a band (particularly Slayer) is out on the town checking out live entertainment, they what to see what they are paying for, a tribute. Not a little of this and a little of that. So, do they have their own songs? According to the drummer of the band, yes. Dead Skin Mask is the most accurate Slayer tribute band I have ever seen. Monster drum kit, stacks of amps, and most important, the ability to convey the music through that equipment. That is what really counts. There is no Slayer act out there better than Dead Skin Mask, well except for the metal masters themselves. To date I have checked out a handful of them, since I have lived all around the USA. I have contacted the drummer of the band, to get the inside info on the Dead Skin Mask project and the progress of their original music as well as the scoop on what he is up to…

Slayer Girl: So Dead Skin Mask isn't "dead"!

Mykill: (Laugh) Nah! We are around. There are a lot of different things I'm doing. Sometimes one is put on "hold" for a bit. But, with exception of one in particular, I really enjoy my bands.

SG: Which one do you not?

M: Hahaha! I .. uhh.. Yup!

Sg: I see. DSM is writing originals now?

M: Oh yeah. It has been talk for a while, but we are in the process now. Between The 3 of them (Danny M, Joey K, Romeo V) there are some great ideas. One of the last projects, the guy wanted to write poseur ass ballads, like love song sh*t! I hate that crap. The "hair band" and bullsh*t spandex days are fortunately dead and buried. This band is into some serious music, not like the ridiculous sh*t that other guy is into.

SG: So I take it you don't like love songs?

M: No, not really. There is what I listen to… What I buy… and what I compose. All 3 are VERY different. My CD collection would make you think I'm schizophrenic. 

SG: How many projects are you involved with right now?

M: Well, a new development has arisen. A while back, I came up with this name the last band (1 person) did not like. It could have been used as a song or album title. I really wanted to use it as the name of the band, but certain people were/are set in their ridiculous ways. So, on one of the many hiatus's this particular band had, three of us used it. The name I came up with is PAWNS OF CHRIST. Angel F, Romeo V, and I decided that we 3 will go on working together, and that will be our band name. It will have absolutely NO connection to the "other" band we were in. NOTHING at all! The music will be a combination of all our tastes combined. Not so much just that of one like before. The past endeavor was discouraging. Idiots not showing up, scheduling a practice… then not showing up, canceling shows, and so on. Real childish sh*t. Well, the three of us are sick of it. All 3 of us will now go on leaving the "problem" behind, so to speak.

 SG: Issues?

M: Me? Nah!

SG: So you must practice a lot?

M: ahhll, mostly the only time I play is when we practice or play a show. The way my life is situated right now, does not really allow me to. When I need to write something, I pretty much compose it in my head, and am fortunate enough to be able to "play my thoughts". Yea, it takes a run through or so, but not much more than that. I recall a time when what I would "play in my head" was way more difficult than I could actually do. I am glad that I have been able to develop the skills, in actual ability, to be able to do that. Real glad.

SG: What do you do to get ready before a live performance?

M: I try to get my hands on as much coffee as I can! (laugh) Usually that is difficult, though. I think we will have to add fresh coffee to our rider! I stretch a bit, do some little things to get the blood flowin. Usually the pre-show nerves and adrenalin are enough for that.

SG: So no pre-show rituals or superstitious activities?

M: Of course, blood drinking and we all talk in 3 word sentences.

SG: Really?!

M: No. I'm kidding. How are you recording this anyway?

SG: I have a receiver-mounted microphone that goes to a micro cassette. A suction cup holds it to the earpiece and it picks up both ends of the conversation.

M: Ahh.

SG: So how many songs are played at "sound check"?

M:(laugh) None! There are many factors that prevent it. Most of the time, it is because of the lame-assed bands ahead of us. They all have to COMPLETELY disassemble their sh*t in the stage. F*cking losers. There are so many reasons, it is pathetic.

SG: Who is the biggest name you have shared the stage with?

M: Biggest to me, or the "biggest" name?

SG: Both.

M: Well to the general public, the biggest names would be Judas Priest, Budgie, and George Lynch. There are a few more, but I don't want to be obnoxious. To me, though, it has to be Fear Factory and Exodus. Once again, there are more, but I'll stop there.

SG: What band(s) did you do that with?

M: …………(silence)

SG: Okay! What is Pawns of Christ about?

M: What does the name mean, or what is the project about?

SG: Both again.

M: Well, the definition of the project is simple, fast. The material is a style that the 3 of us could not do before due to… whatever. As for the name, uhm. Supposedly we are all here and really have no control of what is to happen. Call is fate, karma, God, whatever. There is some force that controls everything. I heard the metaphor that life is a tape that is playing. We don't know what is ahead, but it is already recorded. We just have not "heard" it yet. We're puppets, so to speak, no control over anything. Our actions seem like our doing, but some say it is not. Something is controlling us, moving us…just as in chess. The pawns are of the least value, therefore, they are sacrificed first. They are almost worthless. Just as humanity is, or seems to be if you look at it a certain way. Just look around you. Life is not exactly great. All the sh*t balls around, and whatnot.  I don't want to step on too many toes, so I'll stop there. Hope I answered you somewhat.

SG: Somewhat, damn!

M: Alrighty!

SG: So 'Pawns' will be heavy, musically?

M: You could say that. Lyrically….I don't want to even consider the bullsh*t it will contain. All of us are pretty god dam angry about something or other.

SG: I see in all you interviews with other people talk of your drum set. You seem to love talking about your "stuff". What are you using?

M: And oh how I do.  I am using the best. Just like when I first started back when I was 12 or 13. But today, it is on a lager scale. The drums I use are the strongest I have EVER seen.. TAMA, of course. I have somewhat older ones. The toms are a combination of older ROCKSTAR DX, and newer SWINGSTAR's. My Kicks are ROCKSTAR PRO. Also a bit older. The pedals I use vary from time to time. Mostly I use my HP-25's. I believe they are called FLEXIFLYER. Other times I use modified IRON COBRA JR's. I have 2 18X22 SWINGSTAR kicks still in the boxes. I just have to replace my older toms with the same sizes of newer ones. I don't need to, but I do want to. My gear is fine as is, but new is good! So I have, right now, 2 26" kicks, 2 MTH 100's, 1 MTH 900, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 mounted toms and a 16 floor. Maple 3.5 X 14" piccolo snare.
 Cymbals are also top notch, especially. PAISTE. I use a combination of almost series line they came out with! RUDE, 2002, 3000, SIGNATURE, 2000, DIMENSIONS, ALPHA, PST 3, PST 5, 802, 502's (new and older), 2000 COLORSOUND…I think that is all. If I keep going, I'll rattle off all the sizes of each and every one!

SG: NA, NA, NA…

M: Okay, then… Sticks are VATER 3A FATBACK nylon. With VATER stick and finger tape.

SG: You wear gloves, too.

M: Yeah.

SG: I see! Are you about your projects?

M: Well, very. I will take what talent, or whatever you want to call it, as far as I'm allowed to, whatever that means.

SG: Whom do you admire, or, who influenced you?

M: DAM! No short answers for these 2! Shhhewww, where do I start? Growing up, it was Ron Bushy. My parents had 2 Iron Butterfly records I adored. Ron Tutt from Elvis fame caught my ear as well. I heard a solo he did way back when….WOW!!! During that time The Police were pretty popular. Stewart Copeland was cool. I liked his riffs. Well, I still do.  Around then I was finding Alex Van Halen. I focused on him for years. As a younger kid, he was the most sought after in my little world. I really dug his work. You have to remember, ALL these drummers, I really admire. There is no order to which are "better" or not. All are so different, musically, that this is in no way a comparison.

SG: OKAY, OKAY!

M: I just want to stress that fact, that's all. Later I got into heavier music. Drummers like Dave Lombardo, Louie Clemente, Charlie Benante, Sid Falck, Paul Bostaph, Raymond Herrera, Scott Travis…wow, I just realized that most if not all use TAMA and or PAISTE! Sh*t, coincidence? Hmm. All of them are great drummers, it only makes sense that they would also use great gear as well.

SG: So sharing the stage with JP must have been an honor and a thrill?

M: Those 2 words don't even express what I feel when I recollect that show!

SG: What is this Internet Band I saw on the Lost Soul Forum?

M: Oh yeah, Lost Soul was my old band from back in Connecticut. The guitar player (Bryan Reilly) and I are collaborating again. It, as of yet, is just in a real beginning phase. He is putting together some riffs, and I have some drum ideas I need to record and e-mail him. I don't know exactly what to expect with this type of arrangement. Bryan (Reilly) is great, so as for quality of the material, I am not concerned at all. It will be very good, with out a doubt. So Bryan and I are going to send ideas to one and other, and see what pops up….

SG: Sorry to cut you off, but won't that be expensive and extremely time-consuming?

M: In today's digital age, it is a lot easier and quicker than one would think.. The worst part is writing the music. The easy part is recording and transferring files via FTP or e-mail. It is instantaneous. No more waiting for an ADAT tape or cassette through the Postal System. Don't get me wrong. I love ADATS. That is what I record everything on. I'll transfer the 8 tracks to the computer then convert them to a WAV or MP3 for FTP.

SG: How's it going?

M: Software and computer glitches have delayed this way more than necessary. I'm very optimistic, though. Bryan is amazing on the geetar. Your phone bill is gonna kill you for this conversation!

SG: Nah, it is a cell and after 7pm.

M: …alright.

SG: I guess this will be my last one. I'm sure you are busy…

M: (sarcastically) OH YEAH, SURE AM!!!!

SG: …anyway, what is the largest group you have played for at one time?

M: Something close to 2,500. A bit less or bit more. Around there.

Wow! A very entertaing interview. Most musicians I interview to are way too serious. Some act as if they're out to cure the world of its ails. RIGHT!
A big thanks to Mike for his time and cooperation. I truly appreciate it.
Check out some of his sites:

http://www.mykill.net
http://www.lostsoulband.com
http://www.pawnsofchrist.com
http://www.deadskinmask.com

Later,
SLAYER GIRL.

An Easy To Learn Guitar Tunes

When you first start learning to play the guitar you really want easy to learn guitar tunes to start with.  Otherwise it is the equivalent of trying to understand German when you have only learnt the basic words.

By starting with easy to learn guitar tunes you are setting yourself up for a much quicker learning curve and you will find that you will pick up learning the guitar much quicker and easier then without using tunes or songs to base your guitar skills on.

How to find easy to learn guitar tunes?

There have been many books written on easy to learn guitar tunes, usually the book is written from a guitar teachers point of view so you know you are getting great advice on how to pick and learn guitar tunes/songs.

Can I Just Learn Any Guitar Tune?

Yes you could start at any guitar tune and try to learn it, but why would throw yourself in the deep end?  You are much better trying to learn an easy guitar tune then starting off on a more advanced tune.

The entire purpose behind easy to learn guitar tunes is that they focus on the basics of learning guitar which ensures that not only are you having fun learning your guitar tunes but you are also building your core guitar skills at the same time.

This will eventually lead to you playing much better guitar and having a better learning experience.

Also when trying to pick an easy to learn guitar tune it is usually best if you can listen to that tune as well as reading the sheet music.  This lets you attack the songs from both angles.

1. You are learning the tune through sheet music so you are getting a feel for how to read guitar sheet music.
2. You are developing your play by ear skills which will be extremely helpful for you later when you are trying to learn the more advanced tunes..

So just remember, when you are looking for easy to learn guitar tunes don't go for just any old tune, pick a nice simple basic tune or riff to start with and build yourself up from there.

If you practice learning tunes each day you will be surprised at how quickly you pick it up.

Final tip: Start with easy to learn guitar tunes.

An Alternative Way To Adjust Your Guitar Nut

Most new guitars arrive from the factory with the nut just barely playable. Older guitars may have the nut filed or worn down so much that fret buzz cannot be eliminated by neck or string height adjustment. If you have a new guitar, or you are replacing the nut with a new one, here is an alternative method to file and adjust the nut material to make your guitar play like the professionals guitars play.

Before adjusting anything, make sure your guitar is strung up correctly and that your neck is straight and not bowed or warped. If your neck is bowed you first need to adjust the truss rod. If your neck is warped it will require a more extensive repair. For the lowest possible action or to avoid fret buzz all across your finger board it may be necessary to have your frets leveled and crowned first.

You will need a set of nut files (available from Stewart MacDonald), and a good set of feeler gauges as well. Different grades of sandpaper are very useful too.

Fret each string individually, starting with the High E, between the second and third fret, use your feeler gauge to check the amount of space between the bottom of the string and the first fret. You should have approximately .005" of space between each one, with the string barely touching the second fret. If this measurement is close or dead on then move on to the next string right up to the Low E string. You may want to record the gap on a scrap piece of paper as you move across the fret board, to see the nut slot's height in relation to the fret board as you do so.

For most players a string height (also known in guitar slang as "action") of 3/64" of an inch is considered normal. Some players choose a higher sting height such as 4/64" of an inch while players which tend to have a light touch and want the fastest action possible strive to lower the action as close as possible to 2/64" which in many case's is very hard to setup and maintain without fret buzzing somewhere on the finger board.

Of course, you can use the traditional method to set your string height in relation to the nut, by using multiple feeler gauges below the nut, and filing down to the factory depth and width. However, I have found this method to provide a better and more consistent feel while playing near the nut.

American Idol’s Last Four Finalists

American Idol is getting stronger and this season has got to its most serious part. There are only four contestants left trying to achieve a goal that will change their lives. Fame and money will come along with the chance of developing what they like to do most: singing. The fifth season of American Idol began on January 17th, 2006.

Auditions for this season took place in Boston, Austin, Chicago, San Francisco, Denver, Greensboro, North Carolina and Las Vegas. Memphis auditions were cancelled due to Hurricane Katrina. 12 men and 12 women were selected as semi-finalists. American Idol's fifth season has been noted for the diversity among its participants.

At the beginning, the favorite picks to become the new American Idol were: Paris Bennett, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, Katharine McPhee and Mandisa Hundley. But at the end there are four contestants: Chris Daughtry, Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee and Elliott Yamin.

Chris Daughtry is an intense and charismatic rocker.

Taylor Hicks, the gray-haired who knows how to entertain the audience has a very strong talent.

Katharine McPhee, the only girl left in the American Idol's contest. Besides her ability to sing and stage presence she has her look on her side.

Elliott Yamin has a soft voice and a good personality. Plus, one of the judges: Paula Abdul said he was most consistent than any of the finalists.

Some analysts believe Katherine McPhee will be the first one to leave the foursome and then Elliot Yamin even though he has a refreshing personality and a smooth voice he has been victim of a bad selection of songs. And there would be just Chris Daughtry and Elliot Yamin running towards becoming the next American Idol. Tonight's decision will depend on Elvis Presley's songs, since they have a different style every week. The American Idol contestants have performed songs with themes like: 1950's, the Billboard charts, country, Queen, The Great American Songbook, Stevie Wonder, Classic Love Songs and the 21st century.

American Idol Auditions Aren’t About Talent

Anyone who follows American Idol knows that there are times when there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to who is selected - and who is rejected.  According to the 'American Idol Advantage,' this is because the judges aren't selecting candidates on the principles we think they are.

"Talent is not the most important factor in making it past these first auditions," said Andy West, a marketing specialist and representative of www.AmericanIdolTips.com.  "The singers who have a clearer understanding of this are the ones who make it past the judges."

If there is anything that gets results in the American Idol auditions, it's not talent - it's how much time and effort people have put into their presentation.  Singers who desperately want the opportunity stand out from the crowd, not because they're talented, but because they have done their homework: they know how to market themselves in order to get the judges' attention. 

'American Idol Advantage' explains the factors that actually determine the judges' choices in the first round of American Idol auditions - those that separate the chosen few from the rest of the crowd.  The e-book is full of trends, tips, and other information that reveals how American Idol auditions are really won: songs that boost a candidate's chances, versus those that bomb; how successful candidates tend to dress; and how to interpret the judges' reactions to you and your audition.  'American Idol Advantage' also includes analysis and interpretation of past American Idol auditions, showing real-life examples of what works - and what doesn't.

"There's a lot more to these initial auditions than just singing," said Mr. West.

As with everything else in life, the American Idol auditions are about more than just showing up - they're about being prepared.  'American Idol Advantage' provides everyday people with a shot at making it onto American Idol - by teaching them how to prepare.

"The singers that do their homework and are the most prepared will make it on to the show, plain and simple," Mr. West said.  For more information about American Idol Advantage, check out the website  www.AmericanIdolTips.com.

Alternative Rock Band Soul Asylum Bio

Soul Asylum was an outgrowth of a previous band, Loud Fast Rules, formed in 1981 by guitarist and vocalist Dave Pirner, guitarist and backing vocalist Dan Murphy, bassist Karl Mueller, and drummer Pat Morley.. Soul Asylum began performing around the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and they quickly developed a core following. Pat Morley was later replaced by Grant Young in 1984.

Shortly before the group signed with Twin/Tone Records in 1984, they had changed their name to Soul Asylum. They released their debut album, Say What You Will in 1984 and quickly developed a core following and became known for their powerful, dynamic stage shows. Although the young band's inexperience was apparent, the album was a hellafied post-punk romp. Unfortunately it was largely overshadowed by releases from fellow Minnesotans Husker Du and the Replacements.

1986 was both a productive and distressing year for the band. Early in the year they released Made To Be Broken, an album that showcased their growth as musicians. After touring for several months and releasing a collection of outtakes and live tracks called Time's Incinerator, the band recorded and released their third album, While You Were Out before year's end. A collection of smartly written punk songs, the album received good reviews, but once again failed to break through to a national audience.

The improvements in the band were enough to get them their first major label contract. The band signed to A&M in 1987 and released Hang Time the following year, a stunning, riff-heavy record that finally provided the band the sound it deserved. However, after playing a series of acoustic shows in the early 1990's Soul Asylum was picked up by Columbia Records.

In 1992 they released Grave Dancers Union, which became their most popular album. The magical third single, "Runaway Train," propelled by a public service announcement-style video for missing children, helped push the single to number five and the album to number 11, and turned the band into a household name. The next year, Soul Asylum received the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song for "Runaway Train."

Soul Asylum's 1995 release, Let Your Dim Light Shine, saw the track "Misery" reach the Top 20, followed in 1998 by Candy from a Stranger which would be their last studio album on Columbia Records.

In May 2004, bassist Karl Mueller was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent treatment. Karl Mueller's diagnosis hastened the band's resolve to commit another album together. His insistence on finishing the record became the driving force behind (and in front of) its completion. Karl Mueller recorded his last Soul Asylum album that year (2006's The Silver Lining). However, the cancer later returned, and he died at his home on June 17, 2005.

Renewed and revitalized, Soul Asylum founders Dave Pirner and Dan Murphy returned to rock's front line with the July 2006 release of The Silver Lining, their first studio release of new material in 8 years since Candy from a Stranger. The Silver Lining, Soul Asylum's ninth full-length album is every bit as quirky and off-centered rock as their fans have come to expect, an indication that the Minneapolis-bred band has lost none of its edge hardcore.

The album was not as commercially successful as some had hoped and the band was dropped from Columbia Records' roster. Pirner said, "It's sort of sad to say, but you could see the whole grunge-rock-band thing getting totally over-saturated and people were looking for something new." The band took a step back.

Soul Asylum completed their American tour in support of The Silver Lining in late 2006. In November and December 2006 they opened for Cheap Trick on their American tour. On March 10th, 2007, Soul Asylum joined Cyndi Lauper, Mint Condition, and Lifehouse to hold a concert to benefit Wain McFarlane, the leader of the legendary reggae band Ipso Facto, to help pay for the expenses of a kidney transplant.

All The Music Lyrics You Ever Wanted At Your Fingertipss

It is very often that  you hear a song that touches your heart and becomes one of your most favorite ones; yet when you want to hum along you are unable to get the lyrics clearly and wish you had a place where you could get the words of the song. If you have been through such a situation and prayed for a way out - your wish has just come true.
A Website Dedicated To Bring You He Lyrics

The website <a href="http://www.dailyrics.com">dailyrics</a> does just that - it collects the lyrics of all the songs it finds and has them posted on the website so you could get the lyrics of your song as and when you like it. This is a great boon for all music lovers all over the world. It does not matter where in the world you live - you can have any lyrics you ever wanted at just a click of the mouse.
There is much more there for those music fans out there:

A.Search songs - you can use the <a href="http://www.dailyrics.com">dailyrics</a> to find your favorite songs on the net along with the lyrics it has. Now, if you have a karaoke party or a full fledged music band you could play as good as your favorite stars.  It is all there for the asking.

B.Search artists - just the same way some people search for songs, lyrics and other information, others like to learn more about the artists who sang them. The details of  about half a few hundred thousand artists are indexed on <a href="http://www.dailyrics.com">dailyrics</a> so you could find out practically about anyone who ever sang a popular song.

C. Albums - are you looking for a certain album? Check out the <a href="http://www.dailyrics.com">dailyrics</a>. The lyrics huge database consists of half a million songs all indexed by title for easy search. It would take you a few minutes to find everything you ever needed to know about any album released in the last three decades.

D. Daily updates - it is true that the <a href="http://www.dailyrics.com">dailyrics</a> database is simply huge. Even so, it is updated daily so you can have access to the lyrics, song and artists details of the song that hit the top 10 list yesterday. This database is phenomenal. If you cannot get the information you are seeking here, you might as well give up. There would be very few databases as big and as comprehensive as this one anywhere else on the Net.

E. Indexed for easy search - the <a href="http://www.dailyrics.com">dailyrics</a> has all its data neatly indexed alphabetically so you could have the answer to your query in a matter of seconds. You would be able to find lyrics, songs, artists' information as well as details on various albums on this data base at one click of the mouse.

All The Music Lyrics You Ever Wanted At Your Fingertips

It is very often that  you hear a song that touches your heart and becomes one of your most favorite ones; yet when you want to hum along you are unable to get the lyrics clearly and wish you had a place where you could get the words of the song. If you have been through such a situation and prayed for a way out – your wish has just come true.

A Website Dedicated To Bring You He Lyrics
The website http://www.dailyrics.com does just that – it collects the lyrics of all the songs it finds and has them posted on the website so you could get the lyrics of your song as and when you like it. This is a great boon for all music lovers all over the world. It does not matter where in the world you live – you can have any lyrics you ever wanted at just a click of the mouse. There is much more there for those music fans out there:

A.Search songs – you can use the http://www.dailyrics.com to find your favorite songs on the net along with the lyrics it has. Now, if you have a karaoke party or a full fledged music band you could play as good as your favorite stars.  It is all there for the asking.

B.Search artists – just the same way some people search for songs, lyrics and other information, others like to learn more about the artists who sang them. The details of  about half a few hundred thousand artists are indexed on http://www.dailyrics.com so you could find out practically about anyone who ever sang a popular song..

C. Albums – are you looking for a certain album? Check out the http://www.dailyrics.com. The lyrics huge database consists of half a million songs all indexed by title for easy search. It would take you a few minutes to find everything you ever needed to know about any album released in the last three decades.

D. Daily updates – it is true that the http://www.dailyrics.com database is simply huge. Even so, it is updated daily so you can have access to the lyrics, song and artists details of the song that hit the top 10 list yesterday. This database is phenomenal. If you cannot get the information you are seeking here, you might as well give up. There would be very few databases as big and as comprehensive as this one anywhere else on the Net.

E. Indexed for easy search – the http://www.dailyrics.com has all its data neatly indexed alphabetically so you could have the answer to your query in a matter of seconds. You would be able to find lyrics, songs, artists' information as well as details on various albums on this data base at one click of the mouse.

All About Sheet Music

Sheet music is an important tool for established musicians and those who want to learn.  If you do not know how to read sheet music, don't worry.  There are many online tutorials that will take you step by step on learning how to read sheet music.  Sheet music can speed the time in learning new songs.  Sheet music can also help you capture your own original compositions to paper which will help in publishing and copyright issues.

Finding sheet music is relatively easy given the popularity of sheet music download sites.  You can find sheet music for every genre of music and to suit every instrument.  Whether you are a beginner or an advanced musician, sheet music can be found for your experience level.  Searching the Internet will bring up a variety of sites where you can choose the sheet music most desirable for you.

When downloading sheet music, please be aware of copyright laws.  The musician or composer usually holds the copyright to their sheet music.  Some copyright owners will allow the download of their sheet music only under certain conditions.  Others do not allow the download of their sheet music for free or at all.  Be aware of the applicable copyrights so you do not have a problem.

Many artists who compose original works will provide sheet music to get their songs out to the public.  Composers will use sheet music to try to sell their song to a band that can perform it with the hopes of getting a record deal.  Whatever the motivation behind allowing public access to original sheet music, it is readily available for download at a variety of sites.  Downloading sheet music is a great way to learn songs and increase your play set.

Musicians who are just starting out may not have a vast repertoire of songs.  Downloading sheet music to learn can increase this much faster.  Having a wide variety of available songs to perform will increase the likelihood of getting paid for performances.  Sheet music can also help you during a performance.  Sometimes a play set is so vast that no matter how many times you practice, it's difficult to remember all the words and chord changes.  Using sheet music as a guide can help you build confidence during a performance.

Sheet music can be found for download at a number of sites.  Sometimes sheet music is available for free, others a small fee is required.  Please be aware of any copyright issues, especially if downloading free sheet music.  Do not steal sheet music or otherwise violate copyright as it harms the artist.  If you are a composer, allowing others to view or download your sheet music is a great way to expose your art to the public.  Use sheet music to learn, write and perform original works and songs by your favorite artists.

Alexander Lunev - The Precursor Of New-Wave Music

Alexander Lunev is a rising star of the music industry and is one of today's most talented, versatile and consistent hit composers. Not surprisingly, he has worked so successfully with many high-profile stars with mega-hit status.  He not only established himself as a prolific composer, musician, but also as a star producer in his own right!

Widely regarded as a composer of immense talents and variations, Alexander Lunev caught the imagination of the world by collaborating with award winning Russian pop star "Five Stars" and Dima Koldun.

Only recently, Alexander wrote a brilliant song entitled "Lilac Flowers" for the super Russian pop-diva Sofia Rotaru, and another song for a tremendously talented and world-renown Russian singer, the dashing and sexy Nicolai Baskov.

Having rocked the Russian music industry in 2006 when he received the "Best Russian Act" nomination for RMA (Regional Music Awards) at MTV's 13th annual European Music Awards held in Copenhagen on November 2nd 2006, Alexander Lunev is going strength-to-strength in challenging his own high standards of music.

Lunev's song "Never Let You Go" was brilliantly portrayed by Dima at the Euro vision 2006 and became a runaway hit. The song was bestowed with MTV Russian Music Awards 2006 Best Composition. Some of the other top-shelf songs composed by the legend himself include "Through The Eyes Of The Eagle", "Following the Trail", "Above the Ocean", "Drowning Man", "Return to the Heavens", "Never Let You Go", and "Lady Flame".

Alexander's composition talent has taken him places. His songs have been performed at places like Los Angeles historic Wilshire Ebell Concert Hall, San Francisco's pride Palace of Fine Arts, besides New York and Miami.

Alexander is also involved with composing music for the movies. The Russian movie "Frenchman" includes Lunev's two masterful compositions. Alex has shown tremendous interest in diversifying his music vision by writing and producing the rock-opera "Prodigal Son", based on classical evangelic texts.

After remaining unsigned with any major recording label in his initial months of glory, Alex has established his own production company in June 2007. Aptly named, 'Columbus, Lunev's new venture has signed hot and happening Dima Koldun of Euro vision '07 fame. Dima, the 22 years old from Belarus, is a nominee for MTV's Russian Music Awards 2007, besides finishing at 6th place in Euro vision '07. Dima recently recorded Lunev's song "I am for you", which is already creating waves among music enthusiasts.

Alex's talents got a special recognition from the organizers of "Five Stars". This prestigious Russian music contest was held in the city of Sochi during September 5 - 8 2007 and Lunev was one of the five judges to pick the winner who will declare open the Winter Olympics at Sochi in 2014. This contest offers a great opportunity to the participants to display their musical talent that has remained untapped so far. Besides, the contest also serves as a fishing pond for the top producers, record labels, agents and media, including Channel 1, MTV, Europe +, and Russian Radio.

The depth of Lunev's compositions has made him an instant hit among all age groups of people. However, teenagers and youth have lapped up the new-wave music with both hands. But there's more good news in the offing! Alexander Lunev is not yet satisfied with his achievements. He wants to compose music that everyone can enjoy for long times to come. And considering his oozing potential, the "ageless" music is not something beyond Lunev's capabilities. In fact, Alex is already on the job to compose the music that redefines every contemporary boundary in the music world.

After Mp3 players it time to switch to portable video players

Technology is taking manifolds with each day passing by whereby once mobile phones, computers used to be considered as technological tools. Then MP3 players and iPods came into picture for them who had a passion for music and entertainment. But now there are portable video players that have captured the market.

These portable video players make it easier for you to take the A/V excitement out from your house onto the road.. Portable video players are getting smaller, lighter weight and also at the same time more advanced. Portable DVD players let you watch all your favorite movies in any kind of place whereas digital video portables have other range of capabilities.

Convenient, lightweight portable DVD players are a smash hit in the market. Most of these players are slim, laptop style pieces with a DVD deck and a built in, flip up screen. These usually include a headphone output plus a wide variety of digital and analog outputs for other connection possibilities. Other portable DVD players lack an attached screen but they could be easily plugged into TV monitors wherever you go in a car, boat or vacation house. You have also the option to use one as regular player at your home. There are even portable video players especially designed to be used inside a car some of which could be installed and others can be hooked up for long road trips or put away for regular about town driving.

There are certain other players which rely on digital video files stored on to a tiny hard drive instead of the DVD's. These players are great when they are used in conjunction with a computer with in-built TV tuner because then you can easily record your favorite TV shows and store them as videos or load them onto your portable and carry them with you. These players usually handle MP3 files and digital photos as well.

It doesn't matters which type of portable you choose but you should consider buying a pair of headphones separately. Most of the portable players include headphones but you could get better sound by replacing them with an inexpensive pair.

And if you are used to a great sound at the time when you watch DVD movies on your player, then you should look around for a set of Dolby Digital headphones and you can enjoy impressive surround sound from your portable DVD player.

For more information, visit <a href="http://www.freedownloadmp3song.info">freedownloadmp3song.info </a>

Aerosmith Just Keeps On Rockin’

For over three decades, Aerosmith have been one of rock's most revered and popular bands, crafting classic songs full of raw guitar runs and intensely energetic vocals. The band first reached fame in the 1970's with a string of hits including "Dream On," "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way." During this period, Aerosmith's music defied easy categorization, falling somewhere between hard rock/blues and early punk, with occasional power ballads here and there. The band enjoyed major popularity throughout the 1970's, but a split from 1979-84, and the serious substance abuse and drug addictions that contributed to their decline, would nearly relegate them to the annals of history. However, in 1984, Aerosmith was born again. They went on to enjoy resurgence in popularity that has made them one of the top-selling and most popular rock bands in the world today.

Throughout their rough and rocky history, Aerosmith defied failure and even defied mediocrity in a fast-paced rock-and-roll world abundant in tragedy and also-rans. Aerosmith signed with Columbia in 1972 and debuted their first album simply titled Aerosmith, which included a hit single, "Dream On". After constant touring, the band released Get Your Wings in 1974, which did quite well on the charts, but it was Toys in the Attic in 1975 that established Aerosmith as international superstars. Originally pegged as Rolling Stones clones, Toys in the Attic showed that Aerosmith was a unique and original talent in their own right. Part heavy metal, part glam rock, and part punk, Toys in the Attic was an immense success, starting with the single "Sweet Emotion", then a successful re-release of "Dream On", and a new song from the album, "Walk This Way". Both of the band's previous albums re-charted as a result. Aerosmith's next album, Rocks, went platinum swiftly and featured two hits, "Back in the Saddle" and "Last Child".

Their next album, Draw the Line, was not nearly as successful, though the title track proved to be a minor hit. While continuing to tour and record into the late 1970's, Aerosmith acted in the movie version of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, covering the Beatles hit "Come Together." As their popularity waned and drug abuse began affecting their output, Joe Perry left the band in 1979 during the recording of their sixth studio album Night in the Ruts and formed The Joe Perry Project. Perry's role in Aerosmith was initially taken by longtime friend and songwriter Richie Supa and then later by guitarist Jimmy Crespo who recorded the remainder of the album.

Aerosmith released its mammoth-selling Greatest Hits album in 1980, and in 1981 the band suffered another loss with the departure of Brad Whitford. Rick Dufay replaced Whitford and the band recorded their seventh album, Rock in a Hard Place. The album was considered a relative failure. The tour that followed this release is notable for Steven Tyler's collapse onstage during a 1983 performance.

On Valentine's Day 1984, Perry and Whitford went to see Aerosmith play. They officially rejoined the ranks of Aerosmith once more in April of that year. Steven Tyler recalls, "You should have felt the buzz the moment all five of us got together in the same room for the first time again. We all started laughing - it was like the five years had never passed. We knew we'd made the right move."

Aerosmith embarked on a lucrative reunion tour entitled "Back in the Saddle", which produced the live album Classics Live II. Their problems were still not behind them when the group signed with Geffen Records and began working on a comeback.

1985 saw the release of Done with Mirrors, their first studio album since the highly publicized reunion. It fared relatively well commercially, but it did not produce a hit single or generate much hope for their comeback. By the time the record was released, Tyler and Perry had exited drug rehabilitation. The group appeared on Run D.M.C.'s incredibly successful cover of "Walk This Way", blending rock and roll and hip-hop and successfully beginning Aerosmith's comeback. The group's next release was Permanent Vacation (1987), which included the hits "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)", "Rag Doll", and "Angel". Their next album, Pump, was received even better; Pump featured four Top Ten singles: "Janie's Got a Gun", "What It Takes", "Love in an Elevator", and "The Other Side". Aerosmith was definitely in the midst of a major resurgence.

Despite significant shifts in mainstream music at the beginning of the 1990's, the band's 1993 follow-up to Pump, Get a Grip, was just as successful commercially. Though many critics were unimpressed by the focus on power-ballads in promoting the album, three songs ("Cryin' ", "Crazy" and "Amazing") proved to be huge successes on radio and MTV.  The music videos featured then fresh up-and-coming actress Alicia Silverstone; her provocative performances earned her the title of "the Aerosmith chick" for half a decade. Steven Tyler's daughter, Liv Tyler, was also featured in the "Crazy" video. Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records again in the early 1990's, but they had to complete two contractual albums for Geffen before recording for the new label..

The next album, Nine Lives, was plagued with personnel problems, including the firing of manager Tim Collins. Reviews were generally mixed, and Nine Lives initially fell on charts, although it had a long chart life and sold double platinum in the US alone. It was followed by a series of late '90's releases, mostly earlier material that was live or retrospective. The albums sold relatively well, but also marked a second decline in popularity and critical respect for the band.

Aerosmith's biggest hit of the '90's, and its only #1 single to date, was the love theme from the film Armageddon, "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing". This song was conceived by Joe Perry and Diane Warren, although Warren alone received songwriting credit. Steven Tyler's daughter Liv was featured in the movie. In 1999, they were in the Disney-MGM Studios ride (and later in the Walt Disney Studios Park ride), Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.  Aerosmith provided the soundtrack and theme for the ride, which is based on their recording session and following concert.

The band started its next decade with the release in 2001 of Just Push Play, which charted well. They were also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Later that year, the band appeared as part of the United We Stand concert in Washington D.C. for 9/11 victims and their families. Stubbornly, the band flew back to Indianapolis for a show the same night, refusing to interrupt their Just Push Play tour schedule.

In 2002, Aerosmith released the 2-disc compilation O Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits and embarked on the Girls of Summer tour with opening acts Kid Rock and Run-DMC. In 2003, Aerosmith co-headlined with Kiss on the Rocksimus Maximus tour. Their long-promised blues album, Honkin' on Bobo, was released in 2004. The Album continues to be a success, helping to inspire the resurgence of blues and roots music across the US and Europe. A live DVD, You Gotta Move, followed it in December 2004. The band also lent its well-known "Dream On" to an advertising campaign for Buick in 2004, targeting their audience, which is now composed largely of people who were teenagers when the song first charted.

In 2005, guitarist Joe Perry released his eponymous solo album. Many claim that it is in many ways truer to the Aerosmith of the '70's than any of their recent output. This is mostly due to its raw energy and lack of song doctoring. In October 2005, Aerosmith released a CD/DVD named Rockin' the Joint. The band hit the road for the Rockin' The Joint tour on October 30th with Lenny Kravitz and is still touring.

They expect to be on the road until some time around Spring 2006. Rumor has it that they will begin work on a new album at that time. It was announced in January that the band will embark on a 5-week tour with Cheap Trick in the spring. Rumors of a tour started a week before the announcement when Cheap Trick front man Robin Zander joined the band onstage for "Come Together" during a concert in Tampa, Florida. Early reports also indicate that the band plans to resume touring in the fall of 2006, most likely in support of the new album. According to insiders, an upcoming tour may see them alongside Motley Crue.

Accordions Are Enjoying a Resurgence in Popularity

Although the mainstream music world has often relegated accordions to second-class status, squeezeboxes are once again coming into their own. Making appearances in productions ranging from those of Cirque du Soleil to albums from top name rock stars, the accordion's unique sound is getting some well-deserved attention.

Although most people can conjure up a mental picture of an accordian, many do not realize that there are several different kinds of accordions, developed over the years for specific musical genres. As free reed instruments, the opening and closing of an accordion's bellows (or squeezebox) causes the air to flow over the reeds, which makes the sound. An accordion also has buttons, or both buttons and a keyboard. These serve to direct the airflow to certain reeds and not others, thereby controlling the tones played.

Some accordions have one row of buttons; some have two rows of buttons; and still others have three rows. Accordions with one row of buttons include the Hohner Concertina and the Hohner Ariette. The latter is often used for playing Cajun, Quebecois, Zydeco, and Irish folk music. These buttons typically play the diatonic scale, with each button able to play two notes: one when the bellows is squeezed in and another when it is spread apart. An accordian with one row of buttons is often tuned for the type of music being played. For example, certain reeds may be filled in order to produce the sounds typically associated with Cajun music. The Hohner Ariette, for instance, has ten treble buttons, two bass buttons, four sets of treble reeds, and three sets of bass reeds.

A two-row button accordion typically has 21 treble buttons, eight bass/chord buttons, and two sets of treble reeds. Such an accordian is available in key combinations like GC, AD, CF, and DG. A three-row button accordion, such as the Hohner Corona, has 31 treble buttons and two sets of treble reeds. The third row of keys means that the key combinations differ from those of a two-button accordion, and might be, for example, GCF, FBbEb, EAD, and ADG.

A piano accordion is fully chromatic instrument with a varying number of piano keys, depending on the size of the instrument. From the gold standard Gola piano accordion to the Hohnica piano accordion for the budget minded, there truly is a piano accordion for everyone.

One of the most beautiful aspects of accordions is that they can't be completely mass-produced and assembled. Like other fine musical instruments, the handmade components (in the case of accordions, most notably the reeds) are what give the instrument its unique sound.

There's no doubt that the accordian has traveled far from its stereotypical uses as an instrument for polkas. From Cajun and Zydeco to Klezmer and Classical music, from Lawrence Welk to Sheryl Crow, accordions are here to stay.

ABC's of the Music Industry

<b>Music is an art, however, when it comes to the music industry Music is about money! </b>

If anyone or any company feels that your music will not make them money, there will be absolutely no interest in your music. That's it in the nut shell. Remember, to always remember this. The Music Industry is about Money!

There are a few sources of money to be made in the music industry. They include but are not limited to:


ท Record sales

ท Songs played on the radio

ท In movies and television

ท Concerts

ท Song writing

ท Producing

ท Merchandising

ท Advertising

ท CD-ROMs/DVDs

If you are an artist and want to get into the music business, you need 3 very important very good people in your corner batting for you on a daily basis. They include:

ท <b>Personal Manager</b> – The most of important of the three. They should have contacts in the music industry, keep on eye on all your affairs, advise you on things to do, help promote your music, producers to hire, who to sign with when to go on tour, etc. The personal manager will receive 15% and 20% of an artists gross earnings and have good contacts with record companies A&R, Marketing / Sales, and Promotion departments.

ท <b>Music Attorney</b> – A good attorney specializing in the music will know how to properly negotiate and structure the deals an artist makes. They should have good contacts and be trust worthy. Expect to pay between 100 and 200 per hour for a good music attorney. If an attorney thinks you will get signed, they forego a set fee and charge a percentage of artist's earnings. In bigger cities, you'll pay more than in smaller cities.

ท <b>Music Agent</b> – Book concerts and special appearances. A Personal Manager will help the artist with selecting a good agent.

If you blow up and start generating the big money, then a good Manager / Accountant will be needed to handle your tax situation, review royalty statements, financing tours, offer invest advice and how to manage your money.

Getting recognized by mailing your demo to record labels isn't impossible, however, 99.9% of the time your material will not get listened to. Even if you have the best song on the planet, it will not be listened to. Record labels want to limit their liability, so they do not listen to unsolicited music. Record labels don't want to listen to numerous songs and then be held liable if someone claims their material was copied.

If you do decide to mail your CD to record label, send the "solicited" material. First get a contact, preferably an individual in the Artists & Repertoire (A&R) department. Call and first speak to someone. After sending your CD follow up to determine if the targeted individual received your material and another follow up call to determine if it was listened to. Submit 3 to 6 songs and send a bio and picture of yourself. Again this isn't the preferred way to submit your material to major record labels.

Until you have music business advisors in your corner trying to promote you and there is a "buzz" going around about you, your demo will not reach the decision makers at the record labels. Record companies on a daily basis receive thousands of unsolicited CDs. Most likely your CD will be tossed into a bin located in a remote room filled with overflowing bins of CDs.

Record labels like to deal with artists who have a history of record sales. These are artist that may have produced and sold their own CDs locally or regionally. Record labels like to deal with artists who have performed their material and there is this "buzz" going on about them. MC Hammer, before he became famous, performed his own materials and sold his own records until a major record label signed him. MC Hammer had a lot of leverage in negotiating a good contract because he already proved on a local basis he could sell records.

Record companies want to limit their liability. If you are signed, you are considered an investment that will require some money and they want to see a premium return on their money invested in you. The more you can prove that you can sell record, the better chance you can get signed.

If you get signed to a record company, you the artist will go into the studio and record songs for the record company. The record company makes copies of the master recording and ships it to a distributor. The distributor is a wholesaler who then sells the CDs to retail outlets like Best Buy, Sam Goody and Tower Records. The record company then pumps money into marketing by advertising and promoting your music with hopes of selling records, thus making you a superstar and becoming rich!

It is not as easy as it sounds. It takes a lot of hard work by a talented group of people. Everyone has to work together to make this happen. There are usually many people behind the scenes working to make an artist a superstar.

Record companies often categorized into 4 groups: ท Major label record companies - have the recording and operating resources to complete all function to sell records. Major label record companies are integrated in that they can handle the promotion, sales, marketing, and distribution to sell music. Major label record companies are Arista, Atlantic, Capital, and Sony.

ท <b>Major label affiliate labels</b> – have special agreements with the major label record companies, where the major label may fund the smaller labels recording and operating expenses in exchange for a portion of the smaller label profits.

ท <b>Independent labels</b> - distributes records through major labels. Independent labels have few employees. They tend to find talent, sign the talent, sees to it the music is recorded and contracts with major record labels to perform the promotion, marketing, and other functions.

ท <b>True independent labels</b> – Has no association with a major label and distribute their music through independent distributors.

<b>The A&R (Artists & Repertoire) Department</b>

The A&R department is the talent scout. They are in charge of finding new talents. They are the eyes and ears of the record company. However, not because you get signed to a record label because an A&R representative likes you it doesn't mean your CD will ever get produced and released. Executives higher in the company could cancel your deal if they feel your CD will not sell. A record company will have to invest several hundred thousands of dollars to release your CD, so they will be extremely cautious on whom they release.

<b>The Marketing and Sales Department</b>

This department is responsible for getting the public excited about your music and first selling to retail stores the idea of carrying your CD. They are responsible for promotional merchandise, advertising your CD, in store displays, publicity, your CD cover, etc.

<b>The Promotions Department</b>

This department is responsible for getting your music played on the radio. The individuals in this department will visit the various radio stations to convince them to play your material. If your material doesn't get played, no one will now how you are. People will look at your CD in the retail store and wonder who you are. There is also a direct correlation with CD sales vs. how many times a song for that CD gets played on the radio. More air time on the radio equals more CD sales for the record companies.

Remember music is art, but to the record companies, it's about money. Keep in mind that it's a business. Keep in mind everyone is out to make money. The minute people believe that you will not make money for them, you will be dropped and these same people will turn to seek other new artists that they believe will make them money. Unfortunately, the record business doesn't believe in grooming people. If your first CD isn't a success, you are out. There are rarely second chances. There are always other talented people behind you who what their shot at fame.

<b>Distribution</b>

Most major retailers such as Tower records will not carry a CD unless the record has a distributor. A strong distributor ensures that your CD will be available in enough places so your CD will sell to ultimately make money. Major labels use large distributors who are better able to get record stores stocked. After years of consolidation, there are only 5 major national wholesale distributors in the US who are owned by conglomerates who also own major record labels. They are:

ท BMG (distributes Arista, BMG and RCA)

ท EMI (distributes Capital and Virg.)

ท Sony Music (distributes Columbia, Epic and Sony)

ท Universal Music Group (distributes Interscope, Island/Def Jam, and MCA)

ท WEA (distributes Atlantic, Elektra and Warner Bros.)

Distribution via the Internet Record labels and artists are increasingly using the web to distribute their music. Unknown artists can also use sites like this mZeus.com, http://www.mZeus.com, to generate buzz about their music. However, unknown artists will still have to work hard to get the buzz going about their music. Ultimately, signing a contract with a major record label is the way to go. The major record labels have the financial muscle and people to give you a good shot at becoming famous.

Let's face it. It's all about money! Yes, the entertainment industry seems fun and exciting, but people are in it to make money.. As an artist the most important contract in the music industry is the record contract. The royalty is a portion of money from record sales paid to the artist for his/her music. The record contract which is a negotiated legal agreement between the record label and artist will state how much royalty an artist is entitled to among other things.

An artist should have a good understanding of how royalties are calculated. A good music attorney will help with this process by making sure the artist is paid what he/she deserves. A 13% royalty for one artist may be a lot of money, however a 13% royalty for another maybe "chump change".

So this is how the numbers work. An artist successfully signs a record contract. The artist goes to the studio and work diligently to create a CD that the record company fully supports. The record company via its distributor sells the CD with a suggested retail list price (SRLP) of $17.99 to a retailer for about $10.99. The distributor will take 10% - 14% of the $10.99. Therefore the record company will get about ฝ the SRLP of $17.99. Independent record companies may receive less than ฝ the SRLP. Major record companies will pay artist royalty as a percentage of SRLP.

Rates will vary of each artist depending on how successful their record sells. For a new artist who never had a record deal or has sold less than 100,000 albums will get a typical royalty rate of 12% to 14% of the SRLP. For an independent record label it maybe 10% to 14% of the SRLP. For established artists who have a track record of selling 200,000 to 500,000 albums the royalty rate maybe 14% to 16%. For artists who have sold over 750,000 albums the royalty rates maybe 16% to 18%. As you can see, the more successful the artist is, the higher the royalty. Additionally, royalty maybe based on how well the record sells. For instance, the record contract may state that an artist will get 12% for the first 100,000 units sold, 14% for 100,001 to 300,000 units sold, and 16% for over 300,000 units sold.

But hold your horses. If you sell 500,000 albums and have a royalty rate of 12% doesn't mean you will get 12% of 500,000 at a SRLP of $17.98 which would equal $1,078,800. This is because as specified in the record contract, there are deductions (expenses) that have to be deducted.

To start off the bat, the record company will deduct a "packaging charge" from the SRLP which is typically 20% for cassettes and 25% for CDs.

Second, more often the artist is responsible for paying the record producer a portion of his/her royalties.. Typically a producer will receive 3% to 4% of the SRLP.

Third, in the record business, the contract may state that the artist's only generates royalties on 85% of the unit sales. For every 100 albums sold, 15 albums sold, the artist gets no royalty.

Forth, the record company will hold a portion of the royalty money because the distributor typically has an agreement with the retail outlets to take back and credit the retail stores money from unsold units. This is very important, because a good portion of your album could be returned to the record company if the album doesn't sell! The money that's held back is called a reserve. Reserves maybe held for 2 years before it's paid to the artist. Typically a major record label will hold a reserve of 25% to 40% of the royalties.

Fifth, advances paid from the record company to the artist are deducted from the artist's royalty. Advances include but are not limited to the:

ท Recording studio expenses (new artists to an independent my get an advancement of $0 to $80,000, new artist to a major record label $150,000 to $400,000

ท Hiring independent promoters to help sell the albums

ท Cost of making a music video (promotions and an inexpensive music video can cost $150,000 to $200,000.

When money is made for the record sales, these costs are deducted from the artist's royalties. This is called re-coupment. Therefore, if the artist's record isn't successful, the artist may never see a dime. If the royalties are less than the deductions, they artists may well owe the record company money by being in the red! This negative cost maybe carried over to the next album release. A good record contract will not allow a negative cost from one album to be carried over to another album (cross collateralization). If there isn't another album the record company generally eats the loss.

There are many other costs that the record company will not charge the artists. This includes marketing and in-house promotions (free CD give away, etc.).

So how much does an artist make for a gold album (500,000 albums sold).

<b>Check out the math:</b>

CD (suggested retail list price SRLP) = $ 17.99 Less CD Packaging of 20% = $ -4.50 NET = $ 13.49 Times: Net artist royalty rate (12% - 3% to producer) = X 9% Gross royalty per CD (9% of $13.48) = $ 1.21 Times 500,000 albums = $ 500,000 SUB TOTAL = $ 605,00 Times: Royalty bearing % (15% o = no royalty) = X 85% Gross Royalty = $ 514,250 Less advances: Recording, promo, music video, tour = $ -350,000 TOTAL ROYALTY TO ARTIST = $ 164,250 - Reserves (35%) returned by retailer) = $ -57,487.50 (1) ACTUAL ROYALTY PAID TO ARTIST = $ 106,762.50

(1)Reserves will be paid to artist in 2 years if no CDs returned by retailer

Remember the artist still has to pay TAXES! Don't forget Uncle Sam has to get his cut! Also, don't forget the Personal Manger, the Attorney, the Accountant, the Agent and other numerous expenses.

However, there are many other royalties that an artist can acquire. They include, Record Clubs, Compilation CDs, Samplers (low-priced albums in which a few artists are featured), Premiums (albums sold with other products, such as cereal), Film Soundtrack Album, Music Video Sales, Greatest Hit's Album, Foreign Royalties (song played in some foreign country radio stations pay royalties, unlike the US), Master Use License (music used in a movie, television, commercial, the Internet, CD-ROM and DVD), etc.

Of course because of the Internet, the rules royalties are changing. Many people now buy their music via the Internet. Just think, no packaging required and no distribution to traditional retail stores needed. Some websites allow customers to buy individual songs as oppose to an album. Changes are currently taking place on how royalties are calculated because of the Internet. Many attorneys are pushing to have royalties be based on each song sold as oppose to each album sold. So stay tuned!

A Study In Banjo Lessons

Ah, I remember the good old days when I had my first banjo lesson. Actually, it wasn't exactly my first lesson. I had been using the internet to improve my "skill" for a while, and I was slightly conceited since I thought I had some idea about what I was doing. I watched videos of a real expert playing the banjo while the tabs were available as well.. I learned a few songs and techniques that sounded interesting, but that was about the extent of my knowledge.

When I had my first real lesson, it broke down all those illusions I had of being a decent player. I tried to show off, but as soon as his deep eyes met mine I missed a chord. It was my first time to ever play any instrument in front of anyone, and I didn't think I would get nervous. After all, I've always been a gifted public speaker. The only one in the room was my teacher, and I was having a terrible time.

I'm having a hard time seeing my future in banjo playing, especially since I can't even whack up the ginger to play something in front of my own teacher. He's a nice guy, and he can play the banjo like no other. He's already taught me several exercise I can use for my next lesson. It's also a great experience just to watch him play, since his skill far outweighs mine. I just hope I will sound at least slightly more decent the next time I have a lesson.

But if I always freeze up when I try to play at my lessons, I'm worried that my instructor will never be able to give me the help I truly need. It's impossible to get feedback and constructive criticism if everything I play is absolute garbage. I think I will start recording my lone practice and playing it back for him. Hopefully I won't freeze up just knowing that he will be listening to it soon…

A Perfect Houston Wedding includes a Houston DJ

If you're planning a Houston wedding, you'll confront the million-and-one decisions that all brides face. Who should you ask to be in your bridal party? Where will you find the perfect wedding dress? What do you need to pack for your honeymoon? In the process, it's important to remember that the enjoyment of your guests is also your responsibility. To ensure that they have a wonderful time at your reception, you should select a professional wedding DJ in Houston who can take some of that responsibility off your shoulders. These simple guidelines will help you find the Houston disc jockey that is a perfect fit for your wedding.

Find the Right Houston Wedding DJ

Initially, the thought of having to find the right wedding DJ in Houston can be overwhelming. Take some time to cruise the Internet and locate DJs in Houston who specialize in weddings. Make a list and run the names by your caterer, photographer, and the manager of your reception venue. They should be familiar with Houston DJs and can help you narrow down your list.

Is it the Right Music for You?

Once you have narrowed the field, it's time to start making calls. If you have a particular type of music you'd like played at your reception, check to see if he has that music available. Keep in mind, though, that your reception is likely to include guests ranging in age and musical preferences. A professional Houston DJ will have an eclectic mix of music that will get everyone to his or her feet. By all means, ensure that the songs you want are on his play list, but also realize that part of his job is to set the cadence for your reception. By starting your reception off with light music, your DJ will help to put everyone at ease. Through music, he'll help to move the event along, from your first dance with your new husband, to the cutting of the wedding cake, the tossing of your bouquet, and the departure of you and the groom.

A Houston Wedding DJ Provides More than Music

When choosing from among DJs in Houston, remember that you not only want him to provide terrific musical entertainment, but also to act as an emcee. For that reason, you need to check out the DJ's attitude, personality, promptness, and ability to please the wedding guests. The best way to ensure your wedding reception will be handled in a professional manner is to stop by another wedding reception and watch him in action. By seeing him perform, you will get to know his personality, the quality of his performance, and reaction he receives from the guests.

Important Things to Consider when Hiring a Wedding DJ

Before you sign a contract with a Houston wedding DJ, make sure that he has (or will get) the songs you would like played at your reception. Make sure that he accepts requests, as your guests will enjoy being able to dance to their favorite tunes.

Even if you don't know much about sound equipment ask about it. A professional DJ in Houston should have top quality equipment and high-end professional lighting, both of which will make your reception more enjoyable for your guests.

If you don't have the opportunity to watch him perform, be sure to ask the DJ what he will be wearing at your reception. Most Houston DJs wear tuxedos to weddings, but there are some who don't. By discussing this with the DJ in advance, you'll eliminate any problems or embarrassing moments on your big day.

Having the right Houston DJ will not only guarantee that your special day is well-organized, but will add to wonderful, lifelong memories.

A Music Lesson At Your Own Pace, What A Concept!

A good music lesson is simply the best way to learn how to play the piano. This is because most people need the discipline they get from learning how to play music in a certain sequence of time. Once you master one lesson, you will be able to move on to the next with a great deal of confidence as your skills start to improve. It's this confidence that is going to keep you wanting to play the piano and increase your musical knowledge and ability.

The piano is one of the most popular musical instruments today. Most people who are starting out choose to play the piano because of its diversity and simplicity. Once you learn to play the piano, you'll be able to pick up almost any other instrument and be able to produce some type of quality sound.

When looking for the right style of piano to play, you should consider how serious you are about learning. You will find some pianos are extremely expensive, and this type of piano may not be necessary for someone who is just starting out. Pianos do tend to hold their value, and if you take good care of it you can probably sell it many years later for a decent price when you are ready to replace it with something newer.

The music of the piano can be heard almost anywhere including clubs, schools, churches, symphonies, and at home. Once you get into a routine for each music lesson you take, you'll find that making time to practice is something you look forward to.

Learning online through an online piano course is a great way to play in your own home without having to fuss with scheduling or finding a teacher. You decide when you want to learn your next lesson, as well as when you have the confidence to move on to the next music lesson. Many people are already finding out how easy it so to learn how to play the piano on their own.

Each music lesson is designed to teach you what you need in order to advance to the next level. All of the notes and chords for the next set of songs are presented at the beginning of the lesson. You don't move forward until you feel you are ready. This means you can spend more time on one lesson over another if you'd like. And it also means you can go back to a lesson at any time to review what you've already learned.

At Hear and Play, we know that finding the right music lesson to get you started at learning to play the piano is the key to creating a successful new hobby or passion. We offer online learning guides and reference tools to effectively help you learn to play music by ear. Contact us today at http://www.hearandplay.com/ to learn more.

A History Of Country Music

Musicians have long been playing fiddle music in the Appalachians for years, but it wasn't until 1927 in Bristol, Tennessee that the first recording country music recording deal was signed. In this year, Victor Records signed Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family.

Jimmie Rodgers was born in Meridian Mississippi, in 1897. Originally he worked on the railroads until his ill health got the better of him and it was only during this time that he followed his earlier love of entertaining. In 1927 he followed word that Victor Records were setting up a portable recording studio and made his way there. He was immediately signed and continued recording and playing music until he died in 1933.

In 1965 he was one of the very first musicians to be added to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 along with Hank Williams and Fred Rose. On the same day as Jimmie Rodgers signed with Victor Records, so did the Carter Family, who would become one of the most famous country music bands of all time. They remained with Victor Records until 1936. Not even divorce could separate the band though and they continued to record with Decca until 1939. Things started to hit a rough patch at this stage and despite signing for Universal and eventually Victor Records again, the band split in 1941.

It is widely acknowledged that that big day in 1927 was the introduction of country music to the rest of the country. Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family were met with huge critical acclaim and became incredibly popular helping to sell a great many records. Country music singers and bands of today will often talk about the Carter Family or Jimmie Rodgers as being their major influence and with very good reason.

A guitarist guide to surviving the gig from Hell!

Scenario

Joe is a lead guitarist in a covers / remake band. He is a good guitarist and cool under pressure. He plays for a band called the Psycho Nymphos. They are a five piece band with two guitarist, keys, bass and drums. The other guitarist also doubles as the singer. Yet this is Joe's nightmare. As a guitarist, this scenario should induce uncontrollable trembling of all body parts and have you soiling your underwear.. This, is the gig from hell.

Thinking that he starts at 10:00, Joe shows up at the venue with two hours to spare. Well, it would be two hours to spare, but Joe got given the wrong information. The Band is due to start at 8:30 and Joe hasn't even unpacked his gear yet, let alone set up. They had been trying to call Joe on his phone, but it was switched off. Joe, keeping cool, unpacks his car in a hurry and somehow manages to get everything set up only 10 minutes late. The crowd is getting restless and the bar manager is furious. Joe is keeping his cool.

No sooner than finishing his finally tune up, the Nymphos start. After another minute of working out what song to play, the Nymphos kick off their first song. It sounds terrible, with Joe's guitar to quiet and bass guitar too loud. The band plays the song half heartedly while they adjust levels and try to get things right. The crowd is wondering what the hell is going on, and the bar manager is wondering who the hell he hired and why. Joe is a little frustrated..

After standing around working out what to play next, the band begins the second song as suggested by the drummer. This one sounds better until the first chorus. Half way through the first chorus… TWANG…. Joe busts a string. Joe makes do for the time being until the solo, when he realizes that the guitar solo is going to be somewhat difficult with only 5 strings. Joe fumbles his way through until the end of the song. Joe is very embarrassed.

The band stands around for a minute or two while Joe replaces the broken string. Once that is done they kick off into the next song. This one goes OK, and the crowd seems to be getting into it a little bit more. The bar manager is starting to relax, and Joe is starting to enjoy himself.

In fact, everyone is enjoying themselves. And their beers.. A little too much. The Nymphos are starting to get a little sloppy and starting to miss cues. Especially the singer. He is starting to miss when he is supposed to be coming in, and slurring words. While the boys in the band are finding it hilarious, the crowd are not. Joe is starting to get tipsy.

The next song Joe's guitar starts making funny noises, and the sound starts cutting out. Eventually Joe's guitar disappears. He randomly stomps on some pedals and realizes that there is no power. He was sure those 9 volt batteries were still good. Joe unplugs his guitar lead from the pedal board and plugs it straight into his amp. Joe is getting angry, just like the crowd and the bar manager.

Two songs from the end, the stage goes black. All the amps turn off and all that can be heard is the drummer pounding away. After a few seconds all of the Nymphos are standing around, looking stupid wondering what is going on. About 30 seconds later, the power returns. The band chats quickly and decides to start the song again. This time they get through it all. They play there last song the few remaining patrons, pack up, pick up their cheque and leave the bar, never to return.

Could it get any worse for Joe and his band, the Psycho Nymphos? I doubt it. But they could have survived all of these problems by being prepared. It may seem insurmountable, but I have played a gig where nearly all of this happened in one night, and we survived. It's all preparation. This is what you need to do to survive this nightmare.


ALWAYS STAY IN CONTACT

There is no excuse to be late to a gig. With today's modern communications technology, everyone has the potential to be contactable all of the time. Even if Joe got the time wrong, a simple phone call would have solved all the problems. However, it is always a great idea for a band to meet at a central location at some point before a show, and travel together "convoy" style if possible. This is a sure fire way to make sure everyone arrives on time, doesn't get lost, or can get assistance if something does go wrong.

The spill over effect of this is that when you arrive on time, you can take your time and set up properly, sound check, as well as check your equipment for problems and in general, relax before the show starts.

KNOW WHAT SONG COMES NEXT

Unless you are some freeform jam rock improv jazz type thing, you need to know what you are going to play. Every member of the band should know what song is coming next so they can prepare for it without having to debate first what song to play in the first place. Have a set list in sight for every member of the band. Know in advance what songs may require guitar changes or change of tuning so that you don't kick off the tune until everyone is ready. Moments like that are easily filled with some banter, usually between the singer and the audience.

ALWAYS KEEP A SPARE

It's not always possible, but you should aim to have a backup guitar ready to go at all times. This is especially true for a band with two guitarists like the Nymphos. With the second guitarist still playing, and your backup guitar primed for playing, it is more than feasible to switch guitars mid song. It takes about 10 seconds and looks very professional. Even if you are the only guitarist, depending on the song you can sometimes get away with it as well. However sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and get through it. Once the song is over you can grab you backup guitar and play the rest of the set without keeping everyone hanging around while you change a string. Change it between sets or if you only have one set then don't bother.

If you can't keep a spare guitar handy and need to change strings, have some backup material. This applies to all band members. You should have a song that can be played when any member of the band is incapacitated. Then any running repairs can be made while the rest of the band covers.

STAY SOBER / CLEAN / STRAIGHT

It doesn't matter what you think, you do not sound better when you are smashed. Sure, maybe to your ears, but not to mine or anyone else's. A few years ago, I remember playing a huge New Years Eve show where there were two bands. There was us playing inside, and the main band playing on the outside stage. The other band I had seen many times before and they were great. In fact they were one of the most popular bands to play this particular venue. In between sets, they were heading up to their rooms, getting stoned and drunk, then coming back down to play their set is a semi comatose state. We were inside, enjoying a few drinks between sets and keeping it together. Our sets overlapped slightly and by the end of the night, whenever both bands were playing, inside was packed and outside the other band was ignored. The following year, we were asked back to play New Years again as the only band. In fact after that New Years gig we were booked regularly to play both nights of the weekend every month (think about that for a second, we were booked for 25% of that venues available shows). It may be fun to get tanked and play, but it won't get you anywhere.

NEVER TRUST A BATTERY

To this day I still cannot believe people run their effects off batteries. It is just a disaster waiting to happen. Sure, I have batteries in my pedals that I swap out every few months. But they are the BACKUP for when some drunken idiot in the crowd falls onto the stage and pulls out a power lead or something similar. Or perhaps you accidentally leave a cable plugged in between sets and the battery drains on you. If you do need to run off battery, work out how long they last and change the battery in half that time. This should help avoid unwanted failures at critical times, and make sure you have extra batteries.

By the way, have you ever heard the sound a Tube Screamer makes when it's failing? It's awful.

WE DON'T NEED NO STINKING ELECTRICITY

There is not a lot you can do about this but ride it out. Although it's not as bad as it sounds. When a venue looses power, you can be sure it will be up in less than minute unless something MAJOR has gone wrong, in which case the venue will normally shut if it is a building wide blackout. So for the next 60 seconds, what do you do? It's easy. Nobody stops. The entire band keeps playing.. The singer goes to the front of the stage and starts yelling the lyrics at the crowd. I am yet to see this not work. The crowd will start singing back. When the power kicks back in the band hasn't missed a beat and the crowd will go crazy. It is slick and professional and will fire up the crowd for the rest of the night.

If it goes over the 60 seconds just finish the song and wait. Not much more you can do, but at least you tried.

JUST BE PREPAIRED

If you are prepared and use common sense, you can cope with any disaster. I personally have had all these issues, besides the drunken stupidity, happen in one night, and we survived by having an escape plan and sticking to it. It's not that hard to come up with your own emergency escape route, and I hope these examples can inspire you to be even more gig ready.