'Band Things To Do By the End of Summer' by Mike McKenna | Nor'Easter Magazine

'Of Monsters And Men' photo by Austen Blake Marshall edited by CA Marshall

Tips by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

Do you ever feel like time is passing you by? Do the fall & winter holidays sneak up on you, leaving you rushing around to buy gifts and do promotions at the last minute? Do you realize in September that it’s too late to plan that new EP? Well, it’s time to start planning ahead.

Summertime is a great season for gigs, but they’re likely already booked by now, or it’s too late to get into the better spots or outdoor events. The season also offers great opportunities for musicians who take the time to look ahead to the fall and winter. And of course, putting an end to procrastination should happen today. Before Labor Day you need to roll up your sleeves and take care of these six crucial items.

1. Plan a Black Friday release

Americans spend most of their discretionary income between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now’s the perfect time to start thinking about getting in on that with your own recording or merchandise. It doesn’t need to have a holiday theme, either; it just needs to be well done and be you.

People love giving their loved ones homegrown or homemade presents, from Vermont maple syrup to your Uncle Doug’s home-brewed beer. Your fans would love to share your work with others, so start getting something ready now to promote by Halloween and release by mid-November.

2. Contact colleges for gigs

Every college or university has some sort of activities director or full-time event planner, if not a whole office full of them. These folks generally work 12 months a year, but during the school year, they’re busy all the time with students and events, so they’re hard to reach. In the summer, every day is casual Friday for some of these professionals, and they’re able to look ahead and book shows for the upcoming school year.

You can jump on board by contacting these people now. You stand to gain well-paid gigs with appreciative audiences who are adept with social media, and at larger institutions, you could end up opening up for some major acts. So pick up the phone.

3. Go to a music festival

Do you want people to come to your shows? Go to theirs, camp out, take some friends, make yourself known to them. It might be too late to get your band onstage at the balloon fest or chili cook-off, but you can probably buy tickets at the gate. Go check out some great acts, have a good time, and, if you like the scene, network with the organizers so you can get on next year’s bill. Bring a few demos along – you never know who you might meet.

4. Play on the street

This is the season to spend a little time busking. People are outside enjoying the weather, walking around downtown, checking out the local scene. Locals and tourists can stop to listen to talented musicians because there’s no snow falling on them, and your hands won’t go numb. Playing outside on the street is the lowest pressure gig imaginable, like an open-air rehearsal, and you’ll improve your chops and your rapport with strangers.

You can also sell a surprising amount of reasonably priced merchandise. But make sure to check with city hall first; a permit is usually required (although it’s often free). Ask if a sound system is allowed!

5. Make those repairs you've been procrastinating on

Okay, what useful item in your music room is gathering dust because you’re procrastinating an easy repair? What broken amps, guitar, or stompbox just needs one cheap part or a new nine-volt battery to be back in service? Is your band vehicle out of inspection because you were too busy to replace the wiper blades?

Use the lazy days of summer to catch up on all this stuff. The winter is when farmers hang out in the barn, fixing their broken tools (and enjoying the beer they brewed in the summer). Let the summertime be that time for you and get all your stuff in tip-top shape.

6. Clean up your online presence

You’ve been avoiding it, but it’s time to do a web search on yourself and see if your social media presence is up to snuff. Change those profile pics. Customize your pages to the greatest extent available. If you’re terrible with computers, get a bandmate, significant other, or buddy to help you out. It’s 2016, and even Ozark fiddle bands have a web guru. Don’t get left behind by having a cheesy website or generic Facebook page.

All of the above items are things that I seen bands do and/or make the mistake of not doing. Don't be left behind and Don't rest on your laurels thinking that your band is the best thing out there, believe me, there are better!

Festival Season: A Band's Guide on How To Sell A Ton of Band Merch!

Photo Courtesy of Editor CA Marshall of Candice Anne Graphics & Photography

By Michael McKenna – International Music Reviewer

You've packed the venue. You had a kick-ass performance. The entire crowd loved every minute of your set. Now you have to turn that enthusiasm into album, T-shirt and promo item sales to help pay the bills. How do you go about doing that? That's a question I asked a few Indie artists who are masterful at the merch table in hopes of finding out some of their secrets to their successful methods.

There's are no specific rules to the shit, so grab your CD's, your T-shirts, and your smartphone credit card reader (if you don't already have one of those, consider it your 10th commandment), because here's some of those secrets that I'm willing to impart to you to improve your Ca$h Flow!

1. Have Someone At Your Merch Table At All Times!

This seems so obvious, but you'd be surprised how many artists just set up a table and go on about their night thinking that the person will come seek you out if they want an item. Not having a person behind your merch table will likely result in stolen goods! By having a live body at your table, it will act as a security measure. Also by having someone holding down the table, people always have someone they can ask about the merch.

2. Invite Fans To Hang Out With You At Your Merch Table!

When you hold the microphone, you are in control of the crowd. Use that control to get your fans to join you post-show at your merch table. Tell them to meet you after the set over at your merch table just to talk and hang out. They don’t have to be pressured into buying anything. They'll do it on their own.

By walking straight from the stage over to the merch table instead of backstage, you are leading well-wishers to a central location that just so happens to feature your items for sale staring back at them. Support can be contagious. People see others in front of them pulling out money, getting their CD signed, snapping pictures, etc., and they don't want to be left out and will often buy on impulse.

3. Set Up Your Merch Correctly!

No one wants to pick out a shirt from what looks like a pile of dirty laundry. Set everything up professionally. You're essentially running a store, so it should look like a place where you'd want to shop. If you're in a space where it's possible, try to find a hook or something to hang the T-shirts from. People can see shirts hanging in the background up higher better than they can see something laying flat on the table. It's all about exposure of product! It's essential to have a price list that everyone can easily see! If there is a line, they can hand off a $10 really quickly and keep moving if they know the price. If they have to wait, chances are they'll say, 'I'll come back,' and they never do. This is a sales killer!

4. Show Up To The Venue Early!

Arriving just in time for your set is something only prima-donna's artists do. Professionals who actually want to make new fans and move some merch arrive at the venue a full hour before things get started. Work the whole room, and make sure everyone knows your name. Thank them for coming to your show even if they came to see someone else or are just hanging out at the bar randomly. Tell them how much you appreciate them coming out, and ask them how they heard about you. It starts a convo 75 percent of the time. It piques interest and gets curiosity happening. The more of a connection you have, the more of a chance they will watch your set with care, and the more likely they are to buy your stuff!

5. Leave the Venue Late!

Show up early and leave late? Yes, you're going to be burning the candle at both ends. I would like to point out that even after the last act, people are still meandering around looking for that last out-of-the-door impulse buy. Don't miss out on that opportunity. Some of the biggest sales are at the tail end of the night.

6. Have fans who already own your T-shirts come to the show wearing them!

If you have an e-mail list , or any sort of following on social media, influence your fans who already own your merch to come to your shows wearing it. The more people, especially women, wearing your merch at shows, the more people will buy your merch and they will feel that they belong.

And if a little motivation is needed, Have the venue take a dollar off the cover if someone is wearing your merch!

7. Hook up the venue's employees!

Since the venue is going to be your home for the evening, hook up the employees. Who are some people you are guaranteed to run into at a show? Door guy, DJ, Bartender, Sound man, Headliner. Give them a shirt! Ask them to rock it! They will essentially be promoting you all night.

8. Make sure you have high-quality products!

Loyalty is real, but garishness and cheapness is realer. This is a very important aspect of any merch sale, that is to "create a shirt that everyone wants to wear.” Quality is a huge factor when it comes to this. "You must invest some money into yourself, and try to maintain the highest standard possible when it comes to products you want people to take home. The days of iron-on logos and Memorex, handwritten CD's are gone. The internet has made so many great merch options available, or if you're like me, you hunt down the best local print shop, and work face to face with the people creating your goods.

I would also warn bands to do not overdo it with the corny merch – aprons, clocks, novelty weird stuff. Keep it simple at first – music, shirts, stickers, then think about expanding your brand. If people see 10 different things available, they might get overwhelmed and not buy anything.

9. Play "Let's Make A Deal"!

Fans love a deal, which is why you should bundle some of your merch. Give them everything all-in-one for a discount. This is also a way to connect with fans who might not have as much money on them. Understand the struggle, "If people paid to see you, cut 'em a deal. No one is truly Mr. Moneybags, despite what they say.

Now that I have imparted some of the wisdom I have learned over 45 years of attending shows, being part of them as a Promoter, DJ, Management and Reviewer, I can truly says that the bands I have seen using these 9 methods have been highly successful and have made MAD MONEY! IT'S YOUR TURN NOW!

Sam Weber | “Shadows in the Road” EP Review

EP Review by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

Sam Weber is a road dog of a younger breed. A known guitar slinger and record maker of Western Canada, Sam has set his chops loose in his own musical pastures. Hailing from the open skies and minds of North Sanich, Vancouver Island, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter has gone from strength to strength with gigs and EP releases that have caught the imagination of listeners in his home country of Canada and all across the world. This ambitious and masterful debut full-length album is the culmination of years already spent focused on touring and recording. His melodic guitar licks and old soul vocals provide a perfect blend of brilliant songwriting worthy of an artist with years of experience. Most of the tracks were written when he was 15 years old. His music has been described as artful and addictive.

The prestigious Berklee College of Music also saw Weber’s incredible potential, awarding him a summer scholarship when he was just 17. The school went on to award him a full-time scholarship, but Weber’s artistic instincts proved too restless and he returned home to Canada to pursue his song craft.

The “Shadows In The Road” EP is six songs curated by Sam Weber from his debut album, “Shadows In The Road.” This is an album of intense contrasts, emotional entanglement, and mercurial, enthralling arrangements. It plants Sam's evident affection for freedom, fleeting love, rocky mountain desert valleys, and Bruce Springsteen into sonic prose.

The EP opens with, “Right Hearted”, opens with sound that grabs you from the door. The strong acoustic blend of guitar, percussion and piano licks accentuate his awesome pipes. This track has peppy rhythms and has mainstream appeal! “August” is a killer cut! The story line has him telling how he is so lovesick and how he professes his love for his significant partner. His ability to range his vocals stands out here. “Don't Hurt” oozes so much inner heartfelt feeling from Sam. This balladic tune also is single material and would make the ladies swoon.

“Rolling” is a brilliant up-beat piece that exudes so much flavor in the mold of today's Americana combined with a pop sound nicely complimented by excellent guitars. One of my favorites on this effort! “Burn Out” builds from acoustic picking combined with the right amount of percussion that gives this track a full sound. Sam's vocals are piercing and hold the listener captive throughout. The final track, “Something To Say” has a cool back-country flavor that is accented by the slide-guitar parts that stand out very prominently. Once again, Sam gives it up on his powerful vocals. Another of my favorites!

One can hear influences from some of the greats like Bruce Springsteen, Al Stewart and Gordon Lightfoot in Sam Weber's style and projections. This young man is going to make waves in his home country and with the proper promotion, he will kick it worldwide in short order.

This EP is a MUST LISTEN! On the Nor'easter Storm Scale, I give this a FORCE 3! WELL DONE SAM!

*EXCLUSIVE REVIEW | INTERVIEW* Santana “Santana IV” by Mike McKenna

Review By Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

It took them 45 years to do this and now it's here! Santana, originally came together in the summer of 1967 under the watchful eye of the legendary Bill Graham and went on to take Woodstock by storm. The years that followed are now rock history. To make things even better, the original cast from Santana 3, from 1971, are back and reunited on this new effort. Carlos stated, “I called all the original guys and said 'Let's get this thing together and do it'.” Michael Carabello states, “There's nothing like this team of musicians and I relate it to a baseball team, everybody has their position and when we go out and play, it's a very positive thing.” Benny Reitveld said, “This is like a garage band, a bunch of old friends in a garage, but it's on another planet.”

Fronted by multiple Grammy winner, Carlos Santana along with drummer Michael Shrieve, percussionist Michael Carabello, guitarist Neal Schon and vocalist and keyboardist Gregg Rolie, they will be making tidal waves with this new LP. Bassist Benny Rietveld, percussionist Karl Perazzo and special guest vocalist, Ronald Isley, are also on board to complete this All-Star cast of musicians.

With all of the issues fronting us today, Carlos needed to make a lasting statement with his new music and at the insistence of Neil Schoen, it finally has happened. Carlos stated, “It felt like it was the right time for us to partake in this chemistry that Santana is. It's really fun and a lot of joy because there is a lot of appreciation and we deeply value each other.”

This 16-track collection opens with “Yambu” that is a little bit jazzy, funky and Latin flavored all in one neat package. Gregg Rolie's heavy bottom on keys combined with Rietveld's, Santana's and Schon's signature guitar work reverberates and reprises the conga-fired soul that we heard on their 3rd LP. “Shake It” is Latin percussion and guitar heavy and kicks ass right from the door. Carlo's powerful vox dominate! The first single, “Anywhere You Want To Go”, is a monster. This killer cut has already made waves worldwide. The guitar and keyboard solos are banging! “Fillmore East” is an instrumental memoir of the legendary venue that launched many famous acts.

“Love Makes the World Go Round” featuring vocalist, Ronald Isley from the Isley Brothers, takes the listener back in time to the track “Everybody's Everything” from their 1971 LP. Isley's powerful pipes are like a good wine, they got better with time! Rolie's key solo is off the charts! “Freedom In Your Mind” takes you hostage from the first note! Shades of “Oye Como Va!” Neil Schon riffs are powerful and Ronald Isley nails this perfectly. “Choo Choo” features Greg Rolie on vox where he gives it to you low and strong. This track is bound to be one of my favorites on this effort! MASTERFUL!

“All Aboard” takes things down a bit on this touching balladic number that will end up being the wedding dance song of the decade! The deep feeling that oozes from this track is angelic and inspiring. “Suen Os” is a rock-infused jam which has a hypnotic sound that will take hold of the listener and keep them riveted. The verse, 'Let it roll, let it roll' brings that groovy retro flavor to the forefront and one can hears parts of “Caravanserai” here. “Caminando” is a mid-tempo bluesy number that reminds me a bit of the late, great BB King! Carlo's vocals are on point and he gives this so much of that Mississippi/Delta sound.

“Blues Magic” kicks things up a few notches on this instrumental that espouses Carlo's roots from his early days. The guitar work is spot on and touches the ear with sheer perfection. “Echizo” is beyond description, it's that good! “Leave Me Alone” is another killer cut. This should make programmers soil their shorts in a heartbeat! This track is ready for mainstream radio! This is the equivalent of “Evil Ways.”

“You and I” is a guitar-driven instrumental with just the right touches. The solos go back to the 2nd LP where those long riffs were the norm. “Come As You Are” will make the top of the charts on Latino based radio. This fun-filled track makes one just want to dance their ass off! The final track, “Forgiveness” is a seven-minute workout that can be described as a spaced-out artsy track in the mold of what Pink Floyd did in their heyday. The guitars take one to a place where they have never been before. The lyrics are totally out of the box cool.

In closing, Carlos Santana said, “You take people's attention from whatever they though was important and then the sound resonance and vibration makes them feel what's really important in their lives and what's important in your life is to value yourself from the point that there is a lot of wisdom and grace in you....get ready to partake in something that is supremely delicious. I look forward to giving the people of Allentown a show they will remember..”

I would have to say that this is the BEST that I have ever heard this awesome collection of musicians sound. The creativity, talents and mind-blowing sounds that emanate from this effort are mesmerizing and warrant exceptional kudos.

This LP is a MUST LISTEN and MUST BUY! On the Nor'easter Storm Scale, I give this my highest rating, a FORCE 5! WELL 

DONE!!

________________

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The Lumineers “Cleopatra” LP Review - Way Over The Top!

LP Review by Michael McKenna

via Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

The Lumineers are one of the unique success stories of the past few years. A down-to-earth independent Americana trio hailing from Denver, their banging anthem “Ho Hey” took the world by storm in 2012, followed by a second #1 single “Stubborn Love” and their third charting single “Submarines”, all carrying them on a journey from the Grammy's, to the top of the charts, to the Hunger Games, all in a short period of time.

Their self-titled debut album became a multi-million seller as they stormed stages around the world and legions of new fans fell in love with the emotional and philosophical range of their pointed, lyrical songwriting. Now, at long last, they are back with their second album, Cleopatra, a collection of such depth and texture it affirms The Lumineers as a band in for the long haul, with a growing canon of songs that stand comparison with the best America has to offer.

The Lumineers consist of Wesley Schultz on vocals & guitar and Jeremiah Fraites on drums & piano. They are joined by the renowned cellist and backing vocalist Neyla Pekarek. “Cleopatra”, is the culmination of three years of non-stop touring, six months of secluded writing in a small house in Denver, and two months of recording in the rural isolation of Woodstock. “I think the old fashioned way is the honest way,” says soft spoken singer Wesley. “We wanted to take our time, strip it right back to its raw and honest essentials, and make an album we believe in.”

This 10-track CD opens with “Sleep On the Floor” which grabs one right from the first note. The lyrics relate to the ups and downs of ones daily life and are powerfully projected by Wesley in a very hypnotic fashion. “Ophelia” takes you to the core of very deep feelings. Jeremiah's piano work sets the pace for this entire piece. The title track, “Cleopatra” features Wesley's picking on his signature Guild guitar and his telling vocals. The timeless Lumineers sound permeates throughout this wonderful tune.

“Gun Song” is about Wesley's father and the gun he found laying in a drawer after he passed away. This pulsating composition will raise your blood pressure and take one to another place immediately. “Angela” takes me back to a day when music told a story that had a deep, heartfelt meaning. This track will hold you captive! One of my favorite tracks on this LP! “In The Light” is an Americana monster, hands down! The projection is so smooth and makes one want to hit replay numerous times! The acoustic guitar just talks and is so fluid!

“Gale Song” reminds me of some of the greats from the good old days in the way this song is performed. Ballads are where an artist is defined and the feelings they give to their listeners. “Long Way From Home” tells of a personal journey that one takes from their youth to adulthood. This track is finely detailed in every sense and is accentuated by tender guitar picking. “Sick In The Head” tells a poignant story of those who were there and now are gone. Touching! The final track, “My Eyes” is so powerfully expressed and touches the listener in places we thought no longer existed. This song will give you goosebumps in short order. I replayed this track numerous times to get that deep feeling that exudes from it.

I can honestly say that this effort goes 'way over the top' and will be Platinum in its first month of existence. This IS the best I have heard from The Lumineers and will be a staple in my catalog for many years to come. BRAVO!!

This LP is a MUST LISTEN and MUST BUY! On the Nor'easter Storm Scale, I give this my highest rating, a FORCE 5!! WELL DONE!!

*ALBUM REVIEW* Sophia Radisch “Beautiful Sin” an 'AMBITIOUS' 13-Track LP

Sophia Radisch - photo courtesy of Sophia Radisch 

by Mike McKenna

Contributor, Nor'Easter Magazine

This young lady comes to me with kudos longer than my arm and she is only 17 years old, having come into the music scene young (at 13!) She has accomplished more in her early years than most musicians experience during a lifetime. Hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, this powerhouse is a member of SOCAN (The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) SAC (Songwriters Association of Canada) & CARAS (The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) and is the Co-Founder & Co-Owner Of Rock Solid Talent Entertainment Ltd.

Her musical talents have been well documented and described as “having a style that is all her own that she projects with a cutting edge in a mainstream flavor.” With over 150 songs in her catalog, some of which were included in the feature film, “Thirteen Downs”, for which she was cast in the lead as “Lilly.” This young lady has everything going for her including working with Hall of Fame Songwriter, Publisher, Music Journalist, and Producer Larry Wayne Clark on 3 collaborations.

Her current band is like a Who's Who of Rock and includes former Megadeath members and guest musicians, Glen Drover who produced the LP and gives it up on lead vocals and also on the guitar and drummer Shawn Drover provided the beats; Ronnie "Dawg" Robson with bottom rhythm on bass guitar and Sophia, who composed & co-produced this effort as well as plays guitar and belts out the lead vocals.

This ambitious 13-track LP opens with the title track, “Beautiful Sin”, which gives me visions of the style of an Alanis Morrisette. The slammin' riffs are totally hot! The LP's 1st single, “Hot Blooded” has “London Calling” Clash-like guitars throughout which set the pace for her angelic pipes and melodic vox. The rhythmic changes are fresh and blend together in a nice marriage. Once again, we hear tight manipulation of the frets on the guitar solo. RAD! “Defeated” has a nice retro/mod flavor where the musical flow just moves so smooth. NICE!

“Saint or Sinner” is a cool mid-tempo rocker with tight harmony that has Sophia proclaiming “I'm a Saint, I'm a Sinner”, COOL! “Shiver”most likely alludes to that Canadian cold which does make one shiver, I've experienced that for myself. BRR! “Suffocate” tells an awesome story that comes from way down deep, Sophia nails this perfectly! “Give Me A Soul” has a sound that would raise one's blood pressure in a heartbeat. With a combination of power vocals and bangin guitars, this would light up a nightclub in an instant. HOT! “Come Around” shows one another side of Sophia as she gives everything she has in this feeler.

“Raining Fire” just hits you from the door and holds the listener captive. “Heal Your Woman” has a mainstream Alternative sound that should kick-ass on ALT formats. If I was a programmer, I would have this as an ADD in a HOT rotation! BANGING! “Sweet Injustice” follows in the creative mold of some of the earlier tracks where Sophia's exceptional talents are once again on display for all to hear. “Stairway to Nowhere” has a nice AOR/Adult Contemporary appeal to it, this track could cross over into multiple formats. The final track, “Behind Closed Doors”, showcases those powerful lungs of Sophia's married nicely to some laid-back instrumentation which gives this a smooth flow.

After listening to 13 tracks, coming out of hypnosis by her wonderful voice and finally getting it all together here, I can honestly say that this is a lady on the rise. Are we going to hear more from her? HELL YES! She is one talented, polished musician with the chops to go along with it all. If she can make a believer out of me, than she can do the same for you, the discriminating listener. She has the moxy to do it all in a big way!

This LP is a MUST LISTEN! On the Nor'easter Storm Scale, I give this a FORCE 3! WELL DONE!

LP Review by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

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