Best Practice: Getting Into Good Musical Habits for the New Year
Where some may shy away from the cliche of making new year's resolutions, some intelligently use the fire and stimulation to make some much needed change. Along with healthier eating and weekly workouts, we thought it would be nice to add some musical goals to your list. We asked some of our hardest working music friends about what they do to stay productive, creative, and moving their business forward in hopes to inspire others for a high-yielding and fruitful 2023.
(Photo credit Paulina McGrath)
Brian Walker
A Day Without Love
What is a good habit for expanding your network and fanbase?
To expand your network I think the most organic way to go about it is by attending concerts of local and touring bands. People remember you when you meet them in person and share your intentions. For a fan base I think performing and posting as consistently as possible will help you get your message and intentions out there. A combination of both can expand your network and your fans.
What is a good habit for an effective rehearsal?
I do my best to switch up my goals when it comes to rehearsals, it's important to set realistic expectations of yourself for each practice. For example if I am trying to work on technique I may work on certain scales, modes, or arpeggios along with a picking style. If I want to learn a song I may dive into how to perform a song. As long as I am having fun and growing as a musician with my voice or my instruments, I consider a rehearsal to be impactful, this applies to band mates too.
What’s a good habit for staying focused and effective when handling administrative work i.e. emails, booking, scheduling with other musicians?
Google and Iphone calendar keep me accountable at all times. In addition to prayer and meditation I make sure to put in an hour a day to no more than 3 hours on admin things to ensure everything is working well.
How do you keep yourself motivated when you feel like giving up?
I call a friend or I speak about it, the other day I was down about my goals for Spotify Wrapped. I had a friend speak to me and they reminded me that my Spotify Wrapped still grew by four times compared to last year. I had to be thankful for the growth even though my number was not what I wanted it to be. Sometimes we don't get what we expect, but it's important to show gratitude to others and to oneself for growing along the journey of being a practicing musician.
Share a musical goal for you in 2023?
Release my full length record and sell it out a few times via different physical mediums and tour across the country and in at least one foreign city.
(Nick Bucci and Keli Vale; Photo credit: Bob McClain)
Keli Vale
Nick Bucci & Keli Vale
What is a good habit for expanding your network and fanbase?
I've found that consistency is key. I used to do weekly mass emails to subscribers via my website. I've gone down to monthly now but I'm still quite consistent. I also post the content of the email in a Facebook and Twitter post. Another thing I find helpful is old-fashioned business cards, especially for older fans. Having a tangible connection to us with our photo on it puts us in people's minds and helps them to remember us when they're planning an evening out or a private event.
What is a good habit for an effective rehearsal?
A PLAN. List the songs to be rehearsed and focus until they've all been visited and improved.
What’s a good habit for staying focused and effective when handling administrative work i.e. emails, booking, scheduling with other musicians?
I see all of this no differently than any gig. If I'd dedicate four hours to a gig then there's no reason I can't sit at my laptop for four hours once a week to answer emails, post on social media, update my schedule, call or email musicians, fill in QuickBooks, et cetera.
How do you keep yourself motivated when you feel like giving up?
I make some changes. If certain gigs make me miserable, I don't take those gigs anymore. When I got absolutely despondent over the fact that cover gigs still pay what they paid in the 70s (FIFTY years ago!!), my partner and I decided to establish a price and not compromise. I also remind myself that when I practice, I improve, so giving up is just silliness!
Share a musical goal for you in 2023?
WE NEED TO WRITE AGAIN!! Nick and I haven't written in quite a while but we have several unfinished ideas floating around that need to be finished. I want to take the time we used to spend on gigs we've stopped taking and refocus those hours on writing sessions - just as if they were gigs.
( Photo Courtesy of Aaron Maloney)
Aaron Maloney
It’s All Good!
What is a good habit for expanding your network and fanbase?
I get the opportunity to be in front of lots of new faces every week. But, getting them to remember our band is where the trick comes in. First, make your live show so entertaining that they can’t forget it. So when they wake up hung over the next day they still remember aspects of the show. And then make friends with everyone you can at the shows. Socialize and get to know them. Learn their names and give them memorable business cards with QR codes.
What is a good habit for an effective rehearsal?
Learn the material ahead of time if you can. And come to practice with a list of any questions you have. If you are the band leader, talk through the sections of the songs first and make lots of notes. Then play through and make adjustments.
What’s a good habit for staying focused and effective when handling administrative work i.e. emails, booking, scheduling with other musicians?
Set aside a certain amount of time. Sometimes going somewhere else will flip the switch to work mode as working from home can cause lots of distractions. Also keep detailed to do lists and check it off as you go.
How do you keep yourself motivated when you feel like giving up?
Well for me I have paid all of my bills for almost ten years doing music. So the motivation comes from not wanting to have to start a new job. My daughter motivates me. My family motivates me. But mostly, changing your mindset from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this” is incredibly important. Knowing that someone in the crowd has been really looking forward to this event makes me always try and give my all.
Share a musical goal for you in 2023?
Honestly, play less gigs but generate the same amount of income. Playing almost 200 shows a year can become incredibly difficult on the mind and body. (Especially in my mid 30s) So I would like to find new ways to increase the value of my band so it’s more about quality over quantity.
