Hi All,
It's been awhile since I've posted, so I'm just going to throw some random thoughts out.
One thing on my mind this week is the impending announcement of Journey hiring vocalist Jeff Scott Soto as their new full time lead singer. Jeff has been in the lead singer role since July of 2006, having stepped in when previous singer Steve Augeri had to leave due to throat issues. From what I've read so far, it sounds like Steve A was never really that comfortable with the vocal style Journey required. Part of this is justified by the other members taking lead vocal shots during the recent "Generations" CD. Last month, I got to see the band with Soto as the lead singer, and I gotta say that he brought some energy back to the band. His level of enthusiasm was contageous, and the entire band appeared to be playing as it their lives depended on it. I could see how making Soto "full time" would help continue the current momentum they have going. From what I see, they have new "promo shots" with Jeff as part of the band, and the "official" announcement can't be far off. I see it as a good thing, even though I never really had a problem with Augeri.
On Sunday night, I was at the Bob Seger concert here in Grand Rapids. This was a "sold out" show, and there were plenty of 50-somethings wandering around. Now, I'm almost 42, and don't have a problem with an older crowd. My problem was with these folks acting like they were 20 again. Although I understand "reliving your youth", this went beyond that. As far as Seger, he sounded fair. Not outstanding, but good enough. No fancy lighting or introduction, and no live video feed to screens. Just the basic band, playing through the hits and some new music. In my opinion, it sort of came across as a giant "bar band". I would have like to see Bob give the tour a bit more thought, and have brought along some more of the current technology found at concerts (like the live video feeds). Overall, I'd give it a 7 out of 10.
This weekend, I will be catching the Jars of Clay concert here in Grand Rapids. I've never seen the band before, and have very little knowledge of their music. I'm going with a friend who has seen them before. I'm basically going along to get an idea of what the band is like live, and I'm not sure if I'll leave with any new opinion of the band. It would be nice to.
Other than that, I'm just kind of staying "inactive" in live performance, as I'm still not sure of what direction I want to go. After Sojourn went on hiatus, I'm just not sure what will best fit. I would like to do something more "rock", but I also realize that it's not exactly "credible" coming from a bunch of 40/50 yr olds. I'm leaning towards a more "coffeehouse" acoustic/folk/jam band type idea, but not sure about that either. I'm sure I'll eventually come to some conclusion.
That's enough for now,
Hammster
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Check out Visual Cliff
Hey All,
I have been enjoying the music of a great mostly instrumental band, and I thought it would be worthwhile to pass the information along.
The band is called "Visual Cliff", and they have multiple CDs available via their website. This is mostly a "studio" band, and they are independent. The very cool part is that they told me they are doing a majority (if not all) of their production via Cakewalk Pro 9. Now, as many of you may be aware, CakeWalk Pro 9 is an older versionof the CakeWalk product. However, these guys are putting out an amazing product using this software.
The point is that you don't necessarily need the "latest and greatest" software or hardware to create some outstanding music. Excellent musicians who have a good understanding of their own gear, are able to frequently get better results than the guy with all the new stuff but no knowledge. So, my advice today is to stop worrying about whether you have the latest gear, and just get to be the best at using what you currently have.
Personally, this is a challenge also to myself, as I tend to be a person who thinks the latest versions will give me that added boost I need to get going. It hasn't worked out yet, and I'm slowly learning my lessons.
Take what you got, and make some great music with it!!!
Blessings,
Hammster
I have been enjoying the music of a great mostly instrumental band, and I thought it would be worthwhile to pass the information along.
The band is called "Visual Cliff", and they have multiple CDs available via their website. This is mostly a "studio" band, and they are independent. The very cool part is that they told me they are doing a majority (if not all) of their production via Cakewalk Pro 9. Now, as many of you may be aware, CakeWalk Pro 9 is an older versionof the CakeWalk product. However, these guys are putting out an amazing product using this software.
The point is that you don't necessarily need the "latest and greatest" software or hardware to create some outstanding music. Excellent musicians who have a good understanding of their own gear, are able to frequently get better results than the guy with all the new stuff but no knowledge. So, my advice today is to stop worrying about whether you have the latest gear, and just get to be the best at using what you currently have.
Personally, this is a challenge also to myself, as I tend to be a person who thinks the latest versions will give me that added boost I need to get going. It hasn't worked out yet, and I'm slowly learning my lessons.
Take what you got, and make some great music with it!!!
Blessings,
Hammster
Monday, July 17, 2006
"What Is Indie" Movie
Hey All,
Just wanted to let you know about a new independent movie that is getting some press around the independent music scene.
The movie is called "What Is Indie?" and it is a documentary covering a bunch of independent musicians. Some are coffeehouse musicians, while others are in different styles.
The movie is truly a documentary, and does include course language from some musicians. Because of this, I would have to give the movie an "R" rating, although there is no nudity. The movie is "unrated" due to the director's choice.
You can find more out at www.whatisindiemovie.com
Check it out, if you are interested in a good discussion about what actually makes a musician an "Indie artist". Definitely made me think a bit about it.
Later,
Tim
www.timhamm.com
Monday, February 27, 2006
But Everyone Likes Us!
Lately, I’ve been reading quite a few books on indie music marketing, and there is a common theme that I think many Christian artists have neglected. The issue is with “branding” yourself.
You see, the casual music fan likes to have some sort of reference point for what to expect from this “new music” you are offering. The idea is to come up with a brief description of your music, which is also narrow in focus. Simply stating you play “Christian music” or “rock music” includes such a wide spectrum of styles that the term isn’t specific enough to connect with the music fan. The typical fan needs something that gives them a reference point. For example, “Christian 80s Synth Pop Music (but without the big hair)” gives a much more specific word picture. You have a fairly decent idea of what to expect from the description.
It’s a fact that you have a much better chance of being recognized, when in smaller crowds. Thus, the smaller you can identify the specific musical niche or genre, the more likely you will be more successful in that market. Many bands do not want to be “typecast” into a specific style, and purposefully try to appeal to a wide range of fans. Simple consideration concludes this method will be much more difficult to be found by music fans, while also being quite difficult to maintain.
So, make your life a bit easier, and spend some time chipping away at your musical identity, working to find the most specific description you can achieve. With some work, you should be able to get yourself out of the ocean and into a nice sized swimming pool.
On the plus side, you certainly won’t waste as much time and money, when you are dealing with those who are already interested in your style of music, right?
Feel free to post comments, or email me.
Tim Hamm
www.timhamm.com
You see, the casual music fan likes to have some sort of reference point for what to expect from this “new music” you are offering. The idea is to come up with a brief description of your music, which is also narrow in focus. Simply stating you play “Christian music” or “rock music” includes such a wide spectrum of styles that the term isn’t specific enough to connect with the music fan. The typical fan needs something that gives them a reference point. For example, “Christian 80s Synth Pop Music (but without the big hair)” gives a much more specific word picture. You have a fairly decent idea of what to expect from the description.
It’s a fact that you have a much better chance of being recognized, when in smaller crowds. Thus, the smaller you can identify the specific musical niche or genre, the more likely you will be more successful in that market. Many bands do not want to be “typecast” into a specific style, and purposefully try to appeal to a wide range of fans. Simple consideration concludes this method will be much more difficult to be found by music fans, while also being quite difficult to maintain.
So, make your life a bit easier, and spend some time chipping away at your musical identity, working to find the most specific description you can achieve. With some work, you should be able to get yourself out of the ocean and into a nice sized swimming pool.
On the plus side, you certainly won’t waste as much time and money, when you are dealing with those who are already interested in your style of music, right?
Feel free to post comments, or email me.
Tim Hamm
www.timhamm.com
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Welcome
Welcome to my own personal blog page.
Here I will offer tips and insight into independent music, as well as how it applies to Christian musicians. I will also offer insights into various issues related to this topic.
If you have any suggestions for topics, feel free to contact me via my website www.timhamm.com
Thanks,
Tim
Here I will offer tips and insight into independent music, as well as how it applies to Christian musicians. I will also offer insights into various issues related to this topic.
If you have any suggestions for topics, feel free to contact me via my website www.timhamm.com
Thanks,
Tim
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