How to make it in the music industry (cid:2)(cid:2)
music business is full of them. For musicians, times are hard too but the process is basically the same. Play as many gigs as you can get. Rehearse, rehearse and rehearse. It’s no good your friends and family telling you you’re great; they’ll tell you that anyway. You need to get some real feedback on what you are doing to make it better. Don’t get complacent with your songs – keep working on them until they blow you away. That’s the acid test.
The record store boss ANDREW TULLY, MANAGER OF AVALANCHE RECORDS I’ve been working here 20 years, man and boy. I started part-time, helping run Avalanche’s record label, then went full- time. I see my role as manning the barricades against the rising stench of corporate rock; giving people choice, giving record labels an outlet and generally acting as a hub for people of independent mind. We stocked the first Belle & Sebastian album on vinyl, three years before they won a Brit. Stuart Murdoch just came in and asked if we’d put it on the shelf. We still sell music from unsigned bands – a CD-R will do, all we ask is that they supply some artwork, with their name clearly on the sleeve, then we take a 20 per cent cut on the sale price. If you’re really serious, we always prefer vinyl copies – it shows real commitment. Call back within three months to check if they’re sold, or they may end up in the basement.
I’d advise young bands to be a bit self- deprecating when starting out; arrogant wee shites get racked at the back. Also, don’t say your music is ‘hard to define’ when we ask you what it is, we just want to know where to stock it so it’s got more chance of selling well.
The trade unionist BEN JONES, MEDIA OFFICIAL FROM THE MUSICIANS’ UNION Members use us as a sort of insurance. We provide advice on all aspects of the music
industry – including performance, management, marketing, distribution and publishing. If a musician needs a contract drawn up, say for a new manager or with a label, we supply templates, and then send the draft away to be vetted by a solicitor. For bands starting out, they might want to sort out who owns the equipment, or what would happen if one person left, so we provide what we call ‘partnership advice’, allowing bands to put these kinds of things in writing. We also provide guidelines on fees, and what to do if you don’t get paid properly. can
Because it’s becoming so much easier to record and release your own music, compared to 20 years ago for example, bands and artists are finding themselves getting far more involved in the legalities and the financial side of what they do. We help make musicians aware of their rights, and who to contact if they don’t have the time or the inclination to take care of the paperwork. There’s a huge diversity of people that are members, from session drummers, concert violinists to pop stars, and we try to provide support, so they can keep on being creative whilst also making a living.
The talent booker GRAINNE BRAITHWAITE, RUNS SYNERGY CONCERTS I was supposed to do a course in music marketing, but the music booker at the Liquid Rooms was leaving and they offered me the job. I was flyering at the time, but they knew I was pretty dorky about my music, so they trusted me. I was 18 then, and 11 years later I still can’t believe my luck I’ve ended up booking bands and putting on shows across Scotland. I never wanted an admin job in music; I wanted to book the bands I wanted to see. Over the
Punt your wares at shops like, Avalanche, Monorail and Lost in Music (pictured) 24 THE LIST 27 Nov–11 Dec 2008
GET OPEN Here’s a selection of open mic nights around the cities. Some allow booking a slot, some are just turn up, plug in and play. Call ahead for details. Mondays Glasgow ■ Nice n Sleazy 421 Sauchiehall St, 333 0900. 8pm. The Monday Acoustic Jam, 8pm–midnight. Free to all performers. Bring your instrument and join in the fun. ■ Open Mic NIght Pivo Pivo, 15 Waterloo Street, 564 8100. 6pm. Weekly open mic, followed by featured performances from different artists.
Edinburgh ■ Open Mic Whistlebinkies, 4–6 South Bridge, 557 5114. 9pm. Just turn up and perform. All styles all level of experience. The perfect way to get a first gig. ■ Bannermans 212 Cowgate, 0131 556 3254 Every week from 8pm onwards. It’s free to play, and there’s a great wealth of musical talent on offer. Tuesdays Glasgow ■ Acoustic Sessions and Open Mic Oran Mor, 731–735 Great Western Road, 357 6200. 8pm. Acoustic night hosted by Ross Clark every second Tuesday, unless there’s a previously booked performance. It’s worth giving the venue a ring beforehand to check. There’s the occasional guest performer, too. ■ Glasgow Songwriters Blackfriars, 36 Bell Street, 552 5924. 8pm. Fortnightly gathering of the musicians’ collective with featured artists, open mic and a strict original material policy.
Edinburgh ■ Open Mic Whistlebinkies, 4–6 South Bridge, 557 5114. 9pm. New bands always wanted to play this weekly spot. Call or email in advance to secure a slot. info@whistlebinkes.com Wednesdays Glasgow ■ Open Stage The Halt Bar, 160 Woodlands Road, 352 9996. 8.30pm. Weekly open mic session.
Thursdays Edinburgh ■ Out of the Bedroom The Waverley Bar, 3-5 St Mary’s St, 557 1050. 9pm–Midnight. This regular singer-songwriter night demands original music from its performers but is incredibly friendly and welcoming. To book a slot come down before 8.30pm on the night. ■ Dr Ruby’s Musical Surgery The Jazz Bar, 1 Chambers Street, 220 4298. 5–8pm. Open stage for singer-songwriters to showcase their material.
Fridays Edinburgh ■ Dr Ruby’s Musical Surgery The Jazz Bar, 1 Chambers Street, 220 4298. 5–8pm. Open stage for bands to come and show what they’ve got. Sundays Edinburgh ■ Open Mic The Tron, 9 Hunter Square, High Street, 226 0931. 8.30pm. Comedy band Lazyhand host this open mic shindig.
Monthly Glasgow ■ Seeds of Thought CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, 352 4900. 7.30pm. Live spoken word, acoustic music, drama sketches and open mic. Edinburgh ■ Exposed The Jazz Bar, 1 Chambers Street, 220 4298. 8.15pm. £3. Monthly singer-songwriters/new bands night which sees pre-selected acts displaying their finest musical wares.