Sunny Days Ahead

The weather is slowly warming in Southeastern Pennsylvania and working outside again has become a daily thing. To tell you the truth, I can't stand the cold unless I am hunting, fishing, or camping in it. I've worked in all types of elements in the past eight years and I hope my next job is indoors. Being outdoors has its benefits like not becoming a zombie or a machine created by the boring work you do indoors. Instead, you have the freedom to walk around, smoke cigarettes, and watch the sun set or rise. Those aspects of the job I will miss the most as well as the people I worked with.

Now it is time to move on down the road and find another job. I have thought about finding another job and leaving the Rail Road, but I was always too afraid that other jobs won't be as good. I guess staying out of contract work is something more to look out for! I guess I am looking for a third-shift job so it won't interfere with my college I will keep you updated on how that goes.

New things coming...

I am losing my full-time job on March 5th, due to contract renewal. This means unemployment and music time until I get another job! I have already had two interviews, so it isn't like I am trying to milk the system. I would rather just go straight to another job, but alas, sometimes it doesn't work out that way.

Anyways, new things are coming for sure in the coming months. I am going into a recording studio tomorrow to check some things out. It would honestly cost me a fortune to do it in a studio, which makes me think going the digital multi-tracker route is still the best bet. I don't have a problem with the quality of the TASCAM, but I do have a problem with my quality. Anyways, we will see how the next few weeks pan out. Take care!

The Best Way to Release Your Album

So do you think you are just going to release an album and then advertise on your Facebook? Unless you played your ass off the previous year, or already have a large following, then you will fail. It takes dedication to make it as a musician...and in some cases that isn't even enough. Here is a great scenario that will get you on the right track.

First thing is first. Record the best damn album possible with what equipment you have. Be sure to hire a photographer and do a couple of photo sessions. We don't need anymore album covers with selfies of you and your guitar walking on the rail road tracks. Besides, you might get run over by a train that way. I know because I work for the rail road. Your image is important. Another thing you could do is make a lyric video for one of your tracks. Be sure to pick out which track you think people would like the most, or which would make the better video. Doing all of this beforehand prepares you for your release. The next part will then be fun.

The next step is to get your name out there. Start with all of the open mics in your area and then branch out to close towns/cities. Find local musicians on Facebook and follow them and follow their friends too because chances are they are musicians. Keep track of all the places they advertise and go to those places. Be a regular at some of these venues. Plan your whole month out with open mics and meet and play with local musicians. Play your ass off for the next six months. Be sure to introduce yourself before you start playing and tell them your social media tags so they can find you and follow you. Once you get followers, use Facebook Live and Periscope to interact with your followers. Once you have people stomping their feet, singing your lyrics, and stalking you, then its almost time to release your album. First, drop your video you made months ago and tell your fans to share it on their social media. A week after you drop the video, upload two songs on Soundcloud and tell them to share that too. Make sure it isn't the same song as your video. Finally, have a CD release party at one the venues you visited regularly for the past year and enjoy! Be sure to bring CD's to sell and enjoy your fan's reactions!