screw montreal, they only have standing waves. come to the shwa and I show you to surf the stink!

www.myspace.com/vondrats
www.myspace.com/therobotssurfband

Seeing a band live is rarely how a person gets into a band. However, a band's status and popularity has everything to do with playing shows.

Playing shows gets you noticed by those who matter. Labels send out talent scouts who either happen by your show or hear about your shows from local newspapers, blogs, et cetera. If it appears you are capable of a fan base the record company is going to sign you, have you make some demos, and finally work on getting a record released. Then you go on tour to support the album. This is how you make your name and your money. As we all know bands gets paid so little from labels that you need to tour to make money.

Then you get radio play due to the label, and the radio says to check out tour dates in your area. You check those out, buy the CD, and then you may go to a show if you enjoy it enough. And here one of two things may happen. You might think the show is okay, or you might fall in complete love with the band. This is possible without seeing them live, but it is much easier seeing them live. And then you tell all of your friends about the band.

So... it is pretty necessary to build up a name for yourselves so you can get attention at first and then so you can get paid.

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In a somewhat related note, I saw an ad on Craigslist soliciting music for a surfing movie being produced in SoCal. It seemed very legit with proper sounding production company and directors and movie title etc... asking for links to hear our music. So I send off a reply. 2 days later I get a call on my cell

"Hi, I'm calling in response to your reply to our ad for soundtrack music for the movie".

"wow" I thought they must have really liked my music to call so fast.

They cont'd " Let me ask you this question, are you aware of the 5 secrets to successfully market your band?"

Immediately deflated, I responded "I know 2 of them, don't play in an all instrumental surf band and don't respond to anonymous craigslist ads"

He merely said "thank you for your time"

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF

JakeDobner
Seeing a band live is rarely how a person gets into a band. However, a band's status and popularity has everything to do with playing shows.

Playing shows gets you noticed by those who matter. Labels send out talent scouts who either happen by your show or hear about your shows from local newspapers, blogs, et cetera. If it appears you are capable of a fan base the record company is going to sign you, have you make some demos, and finally work on getting a record released. Then you go on tour to support the album. This is how you make your name and your money. As we all know bands gets paid so little from labels that you need to tour to make money.

Then you get radio play due to the label, and the radio says to check out tour dates in your area. You check those out, buy the CD, and then you may go to a show if you enjoy it enough. And here one of two things may happen. You might think the show is okay, or you might fall in complete love with the band. This is possible without seeing them live, but it is much easier seeing them live. And then you tell all of your friends about the band.

So... it is pretty necessary to build up a name for yourselves so you can get attention at first and then so you can get paid.

all of this is true, and great, if your not a surf band.

Jeff(bigtikidude)

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Thanks guys. Always interesting.

Living so close to Canada I find that they are always a bit behind the curve ball when it comes to music and the genres available to them. You gotta open your mind and your ears to appreciate all kinds of music and those who create it. I have also procured music not from seeing bands live but from relying on reviews to add the music to my library. I would take a review from a master of surf such as Mr. Dirt as reliable and I would listen to the music and buy it if he recommended so. You need to keep your thoughts open to new options.
I also have many clips and tracks from bands that I have never seen live whether they have two or twenty people in them. Who gives a shit if they band only had two people?
This guy asked for advice not a bunch of criticism about his work wrapped up in veiled back handed comments and advice.
PORN sounds disgruntled about a record deal gone bad or never come to see the light. You play the keyboards- REALLY??? so did Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran but he made money in the 80's. Who is your band? I never heard of them? But unlike you I would give them a listen because I give bands that I never have HEARD of a listen. Whether they have toured or not. Example-the band ELBOW- never have seen them live but gave them a listen about 8 months ago. I appreciate all music and all those who put themselves out there to do something that they enjoy. Elbow does have record deals and now thier music was featured in a trailer for the SOLOIST- have they toured North America- including the GREAT WHITE NORTH? NOOOOOOOOOOOO But they are still gaining momentum from tiny gigs, friends family and now fans and larger venues.
Get off your bitter ass PORN and stop to smell the music notes. While some of your advice was useful you should learn to put your personal bias aside and if you have things to say about promotion then say it don't bother inserting your personal feelings that are bitter. If you have nothing nice to say don't bother. Just give the facts and move on.

Maybe you should consider changing your handle as their are kids on this site and PORN is less then appropriate. And since you are unlucky enough not to have a record deal you haven't earned the right to get away with that handle.

CIAO