Tribute Acts as Teachers

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I travelled to Las Vegas. I happened upon a show that is now in my top 10 favorites. This show happens to be a tribute to Prince.

For those that know me, I've said that I have a hard time accepting Iowa's excessive helpings of touring tribute acts (not to be confused with cover bands.) I feel that it takes away from those original artists who are looking for stage time at venues.

Las Vegas is the Mecca of tribute acts and cover bands. All of the lounge stages and casino areas need to have entertainment on them. Owners will fill them with entertainers that can provide familiarity to keep the money flowing.

In my case, as a Prince fan, I was apprehensive in visiting the Purple Reign show at the Hooter's Casino. At a cost of $25 dollars (when most Vegas shows start at $50) I was concerned about the quality. I mean, sometimes you get what you pay for.

My reservations were unfounded. Jason Tenner (J10) and his crew created the illusion that I was seeing the Purple One himself. The music was on. The mannerisms were captured. The choreography was excellent. If you are going to Las Vegas, I highly recommend this show.

It runs Friday through Sunday nights at 10pm in the Night Owl Lounge. More details at PurpleReign.net

SO HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO UNSIGNED ARTISTS?

If the Purple Reign group can command $25 dollars per person 3 nights a week, they must be doing something right. I think it's the dedication to ensuring that every piece of the puzzle is there.

Make sure the band is tight: Throughout the entire performance, I could only count 2 missteps. That means that you as an unsigned act must do the same. Practice. Know your songs in your sleep, practice, with the lights off, practice, blindfolded, practice.

Connect with your audience: Whether it was "Prince" or "Morris Day" both gave the impression that they were looking you in the eyes. That goes a long way with me. Find a way to give the illusion that you are looking at your audience. I understand you can only see the first few rows of people in front of the stage. If you turn your back or just look at your instrument, then it seems that we as your audience are not important.

Be entertaining in between songs: These guys interacted with the audience by asking questions about the audience. They also continued there mannerisms between songs to continue the illusion. As an unsigned act, your frontman or other member needs to find ways to fill while you are tuning. Connect with your audience.

Obviously this band made an impression on me.
I have seen other acts recently that have facets of this working for them already. Can you tie them all together and really make each of your shows an experience?

Check out UNSIGNED & UNLEASHED on the web at www.rock108.com/unsignedandunleashed

First Impressions

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression" - Oscar Wilde


So why is it that some bands continue to utilize handwritten, burned CDs and handwritten one-sheets? I'm sure some of this has to do with the economics of independent, unsigned artists. I get that.

Would you show up to a job interview with torn jeans and a shirt with grease stains and the sleeves cut off? Probably not.


I ask bands that are wanting to be on UNSIGNED & UNLEASHED, (if they are based in the U.S.)to send a CD and a one-sheet to be considered for the show. It's an investment in the band. It ensures that the UNSIGNED & UNLEASHED audience is hearing the same material that is being sold at shows, on the Internet, in stores, etc. The cost of this (if sent via media mail USPS) can be less than $5 dollars from most points in the United States.


Some items that come across my desk are fantastic. Full color bios with pictures, set lists, press clippings and more. Some are not as elaborate:

*Multiple "kits" that are handwritten. Badly. With misspellings.
*Burned CDs with no track listing included. Sometimes it is completely blank.
*CDs with no accompanying contact information.

This shouldn't fly for any band who is trying to make this their career. A record label would file you in the garbage without even listening to it. Most venues will do the same.


Take pride in what you are sending out to represent your band. The kit or package is the first thing some people will ever know about you. Make it work. Make it count.

July 19th, 2010

I have said it before, I need to keep this blog up. Obviously, things haven't quite worked out that way.

We just got our first official t-shirts back from Animositees. The shirt looks great with the new logo designed by Justin McFarlane(Beneath The Palace.)

We have featured 89 different bands so far. These bands are from all over the world. I hope that we can continue to grow and be a spot for bands to feature their work.

If you know an unsigned rock band that is seeking airplay, check out our UNSIGNED & UNLEASHED page at ROCK108.com