Thursday, March 31, 2011

Stag Plot / Input List

A stage plot is a necessity for all touring and performing bands. The plot is a visual that shows the details of the band's live set up. For instance: where the instruments, amps and microphones are placed on stage and what gear is used. It is a guide for the crew members at venues to prepare the stage for your band just right.

Having a plot makes set up go much faster and more organized, which will help a great deal if playing time is tight or if you happen to be running late. A good stage plot also has the band manager, tour manager, and Booking Agent contact information in case there are questions or problems.

Oftentimes, plots will use symbols to denote the instrument of gear type. A set of circles stands for drums, and a mic is an X inside of a circle. Monitor speakers are usually triangles while amps are shown as rectangles. Although these symbols are widely used, there is no official industry standard, so be kind and include a key that explains each symbol. My recommendation – is to draw everything out, that way there is no confusion.
Click here to see an Example os a Good Stage Plot http://www.scribd.com/full/52027927?access_key=key-e1vq4xbiv5xbm9ej2rm 

 
To help sound technicians, your plot needs an input list. This list shows what instruments go to what channels on the sound and monitor consoles. Start this list with input number one and list the instrument for that channel and what microphone goes with it. Remember to add any special requests like your preferred type of mic stand or any acceptable substitutes.
Click here to download a PDF file of an Input List / Monitor List:
And finally for the REALLY prepared, The Monitor Mix List! This tells the sound techs how many separate mixes are needed for your band, and what inputs go to whose mixes.
Well I hope this helps. As always if you need my help on any of this just hit me up.

Until Tomorrow, Keep Jammin'
Rory
http://www.thenextsoundyouhear.com/ 

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

MasterWriter for Songwriters

Years ago when I wrote song lyrics, I had to have my dictionary, Rhyming Dictionary and was constantly looking phrases upon the Internet. Well 4 months ago, I was turned onto this awesome software - Masterwriter.

OMG, it has everything in one place, easy to access and use. From a dictionary, rhyming dictionary, parts of speech, AND a simple to use audio recorder. Top it off with Song Guard to prove song creation and well, you are kicking out song after song.  And for only $9.95 a month.  Their Customer Service is impressive.
Now I am not lacking lyrics to write or the tools to write the songs - Masterwriter has it all. They offer a free trail, so PLEASE I urge you to download it, try it out, you will never look back.

Keep making Music,
until tomorrow,
                                                                      Rory


Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Poor Man's Copyright

Time and time again I hear a lot about the Poor Man's Copyright. The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright.” There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration. Because they can be faked, the best solution, AND MY RECOMMENDATION - spend the money and register legally Online with The Library of Congress. It is very easy, simple, straight-forward...AND it Will Protect you.
(I have included the correct link below to the official Library Of Congress Electronic Online Registry.

Registration with Electronic Copyright Office (eCO)

Please don't learn the hard way like me, be safe, be copyrighted.
Keep making music,
Rory
http://www.thenextsoundyouhear.com/

Monday, March 28, 2011

Essential Tools

Time after time, I have my musician friends asking my how to do this, or can I show them how to use the piece of gear they just bought - No problem you know I LOVE Being a musician and I like sharing my passion AND Know-How with everybody. So I came up with this great idea to launch my website to do all of that and more. I will be teaching classes online AND in the real world. Giving you tips, tricks and what I refer to are the

Essential Tools
·         A well-designed, marketed Website
·         Audio CD
·         MP3’s for Websites
·         Photos
·         Streaming Video for Internet – Facebook, YouTube etc.
·         Logo – Graphics to help Brand
·         An Impressive Promo Kit
·         Merchandise – T-Shirts etc.
·         DVD Showcasing your Talents


until tomorrow,
Rory

http://www.thenextsoundyouhear.com/
As a musician we know you already have passion, but let me help you with the essential tools you need to succeed, because it is equally important to take your music career seriously.  It takes effort, commitment, drive, enthusiasm and a positive attitude to achieve success in this business.  So ask me anything, gear, setup, ,maybe about contracts and the legal side - whatever your question...I am here to help you develop and succeed in your music.