I do know that most of the time they're angling for some exposure, but more often than not I may pass on some of the knowledge I've amassed in over 20 years of playing new music on the radio.
I've lost count of the times folk have asked me about managing their band, but if the truth be told I can't even manage my own affairs… but I've certainly interacted with many a manager. Same goes with A&R, radio and press (though I have actually done radio & press).
The idea is to hire myself out to up and coming musicians, in a consultancy role. For a fee, the band/act will get my services for a minimum of 3 hours/half a day. A couple of bands may even like to club together and share the costs.
They might choose for me to come along to a rehearsal, and see what they are all about, or just at their local hang-out. I could also do a bit of media training, including interview techniques and writing press releases. It's up to the act what they get out of me, and the sort of advice they are looking for.
Rather than preaching how things should be done, it would be more of an informal discussion… and hopefully they would come away feeling that they'd learnt something and that their money had been wisely spent.
Thanks for reading this. I'd be hoping to roll it out in the next couple of weeks, but would much appreciate any thoughts, so please do get in touch either via email or by leaving a comment below.
Does it sound like a good idea, or am I wasting my time?
Jim
8 comments:
I am Dominik Diamond, and I endorse this message! Great idea Jim.
Great idea jim think any up and coming band would or should jump at the chance bud.
A good idea Jim but think you need to firm up what you have on offer.
A band may not have the best of ideas what they need to know or indeed where to start.
you could maybe tailor a package to different levels.
ie - starting out, a few songs, no experience
Getting some interest, reasonable amount of gig experience.
Looking to make a big push etc.
This could give a more tailored package to the band, be more worthwhile to you, give you better feedback and probably enjoyment from it.
Jim I believe that this could be something very beneficial to grass roots acts who a lot of the time can get lost looking for help and relevant information from what is a very wide (and for the most part) disorganised music community.
Thanks for all the comments, emails, tweets and facebook messages about this. I'm certainly going to make the most of it.
Some folk aren't 100% sure as to what I'd be offering, but I'd make that clear before any booking. Indeed, I'm currently contructing an information sheet and for for potential clients to fill in.
Good luck with this Jim. You could be the new Mickie Most or Andrew Loog-Oldham, but without the penchant for drugs and ridiculous clothes.
I reckon that's a great plan - and I agree with WeknowSFA's comment.
I also get inundated with requests for information from bands and I too struggle to reply to everyone. As you know, we now have a database of over 700 bands that have been in touch regarding The Mill, yet we only have slots for about 25% of those.
We also listen to all submissions and pass info on but in some cases we will suggest a band for something else, yet not even have time to tell said band that we have put them forward. If they knew about more potential opportunities, they could chase them themselves.
Scotland has always had a strong reputation in music that I am sure will continue, but in the times of this ever changing music industry, it's important for bands to get as much up to date info as possible.
Thanks again to everybody who has been in touch. I'm now in a position to offer my services. Details are available on request at jimgellatly@btinternet.com
Jim
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