Yoko Syndrome

How to Separate Your Private and Professional Life
(or Leaving your Yoko Behind)
 
Did you know there’s actually a term listed in the Urban Dictionary called “Yoko Syndrome”?
 
Yoko Syndrome: refers to scapegoating of the latest party to become involved with an object of popularity that is now in decline. This refers to the situation of many [...]

How Can an Artist find the Right Day Job?

 
Ah, the $10 million dollar question! What job doesn’t make you feel like you’re compromising your creative integrity? The more advanced we become as artists, the harder it is to sling hash at the local diner. Sure, we can convince ourselves that the aforementioned diner is rich with creative fodder, but that doesn’t hold water [...]

Rock Star Health

 
I know of an artist who has spent over 20 years in the music world. She is signed to an indie label and has amazing lasting power. When asked how she’s kept at it so long without burning out, she answers simply, “I’ve learned how to take care of myself.” When asked for details, she [...]

Living Creatively

 
It’s kind of funny how single-minded artists can be. We often assume we’re open and liberal types, but often, we can have just as much trouble thinking outside the box as the rest of the world. How you view yourself as an artist has more to do with you, not the money you make or [...]

Talking to the Crowd

 
Ad libbing between sets can be a really difficult trick, even for a seasoned performer. This is because the performer is there to perform, right? You rehearsed your music or your lines but you didn’t rehearse what to say between sets or how to deal with a heckler. Ultimately, ad-libbing is an act of improvisation– [...]

Being Smart with Money

 
One band I know (and I’m sure you know a few like this) gig pretty frequently, mainly Friday and Saturday nights. They are in their early 20’s. The money they make is usually spent at the bar or club that night, after the show. As a matter of fact, they often owe money to the [...]

Not on the Same Page

Big Vision Differences
 
You want to move to Hollywood. Your bass player wants to move to Holly Springs, North Carolina. You want to play big stadiums; your drummer wants to see football…in big stadiums. You may have some “big vision” differences that could cause some real problems!
 
It’s good for you and your band to establish early [...]

Take the Creative Edge Off

Creative Time Just for You
 
As an active artist, it’s easy to take your creativity for granted. It’s almost seems like a light switch that you can flick on or off. A better analogy is likening the creative process to a muscle – it needs flexed and strengthened and can weaken from under use.
 
As a [...]

Showcasing your Emotions – Can the Audience Tell?

 
You’re boyfriend tells you he’s done with you. He conveniently does this a half-hour before you’re ready to play.
 
The stage manager slips the latest review under your dressing room door as you’re applying your make-up. It’s so scathing, it burns your hands.
 
The day of a debut performance, you find out you have a [...]

Arguments within the Group

Can your Group be Fixed?
 
It’s the third argument this week. And you’ve only had two rehearsals. It ends pretty much the same way each time. The drummer leaves pissed, the bass player cracks open a beer and sits down and you’re left, picking up the pieces. Then you discuss the argument with the remaining [...]