'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!

*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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Paul Simon “Wristband” *Single Review* by Michael McKenna

Single Review by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

This iconic singer, songwriter and musician has returned in a big way with a brand new LP that is due to drop worldwide in June 3, 2016. “Stranger To Stranger” will be his 13th solo studio album and will be backed by a North American tour supporting the new album with nearly 40 shows slated across the United States and Canada.

The new LP was produced by Simon and his longtime musical partner Roy Halee. In a statement Simon described the LP, saying, "It's about getting you to actually hear something in a new way. It's about making music that sounds old and new at the same time; music with a sense of mystery."

“Stranger to Stranger” stems from experimental origins, including sessions channeling 20th century composer and theorist Harry Partch who made custom instruments in microtonal tunings, while working with a group of Flamenco musicians and Italian electronic dance music artist Clap! Clap!

"Sound is the theme of this album as much as it's about the subjects of the individual songs. If people get that, I'll be pleased," Simon continued. "The right song at the right time can live for generations. A beautiful sound, well that's forever."

The first single, “Wristband” opens with a stand-up bass and effects from young children in the background in the mold of “Me & Julio...” in that signature Simon fashion. The lyrics talk about a gentleman who has to have a wristband in order to get through the door so he can see Simon's show. Now that is something I can relate to!

The Flaminco influence as well as some soft EDM percussions carry on throughout this fun-sounding effort and have the listener toe-tapping from start to finish.

Tracks on the LP will include:

1.The Werewolf

2. Wristband

3. The Clock

4. Street Angel

5. Stranger to Stranger

6. In a Parade

7. Proof of Love

8. In the Garden of Edie

9. The Riverbank

10. Cool Papa Bell

11. Insomniac’s Lullaby

I look forward to hearing the rest of this LP from this Hall of Famer that has been a long time coming. MOR/CHR radio will grab this in a heartbeat! WELL DONE!

*SINGLE REVIEW* LIGHTS 'Meteorite' MIDNIGHT MACHINE LP - Acoustic Bliss

Single review by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

Lights (born Valerie Anne Poxleitner; April 11, 1987) is an Award-Winning Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter. She is well-known north of the border for her three EP's, “The Listening” from 2009, “Siberia” from 2011 and her Award-Winning LP, “Little Machines” in 2014. It is from the latter that she has released the new all-acoustic single, “Meteorite.”

“Midnight Machines”, the acoustic follow-up to “Little Machines”, released on April 8, 2016 and is from here, that this single is generated. This LP promises to be in a mold that is just a bit different for the singer. It is to be an orchestral-like mix of tracks off of the album. There will be 8 tracks from “Little Machines”, as well as two brand new tracks never heard before.

Valerie's powerful pipes are front and center and are nicely enhanced by the mild and laid-back orchestral accompaniment. This is a welcome change of pace and shows this writer her flexibility to recompose a song into a more mild manner. Her vocals remind me of a Sinead O' Conner in this acoustic flavored track. This is not her first foray into acoustic tunes as she released an acoustic version of "Cactus in the Valley" featuring Owl City as a single in the UK in 2013. I see this as Lights broadening her musical repertoire to cover both sides of the spectrum. It is very refreshing to see an established artist be able to be this flexible in their projections. KUDOS!

Music Festival Season! | Is Your Band Ready?

'LIGHTS' July 2015 @ KDays Edmonton - Photo courtesy Candice Anne Graphics & Photography

By Michael McKenna – Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

Music Festivals, long a favorite summer pastime in Europe, have now taken firm hold among US music fans as the places to see new regional music. Naturally, that leaves even more bands asking how get on the bill. Getting booked to play a music festival is extremely competitive, so taking the right approach is the only way to get a foot in the door. Now, I'm not going to kid you and say it's going to be easy, if it was, well, everyone would be doing it, but you can get yourself on stage in front of festival crowds. Get your band booked for a music festival with these tips.

1. Be Ready For It

I know, I know, you think your band is ready! But, are you REALLY? This isn't an affront to your music, in fact, at this point, we're really not talking about how good your music is at all. We're are talking about if your band is ready for the unique demands of playing a music festival?

If you aren't so experienced yet on the live circuit, then you're probably not. Playing a festival is a different beast than playing your local club, so promoters usually look for bands who have a proven track record of commanding a crowd and putting on a solid show. Remember, you're competing with a lot more when you're playing to a massive crowd of people outdoors than you are when you play for your friends at your favorite bar, so you need to have your stage presence on lock, something that only comes with a whole lot of practice.

You'll have the best chances of succeeding at getting booked and killing your set - if you do the groundwork of building your stage show first.

2. Know Your Targets

No, you don't want to play just any festival that will have you. That's akin to sending your music to every promote and agent in the region, regardless of the kind of music they work with. Instead, narrow your search and settle on a few target festivals that you would like to play that centers on your specific genre of music.

Of course the festivals in question should welcome your genre of music, but make sure they tick other boxes, too. For instance, are there stages suited to bands of your audience size? Would you be able to travel to the festival if your expenses weren't covered by your booking fee or as part of your deal? If you don't have an agent, does the festival welcome submissions directly from musicians? Don't waste energy chasing festivals that aren't a good fit for you, even if they happen to be festivals you enjoy as a music fan. Get in where you fit in, and you'll get booked much easier.

3. Set Your Calendar

Believe it or not, one of the biggest obstacles musicians always face when applying for festivals or other events is simply getting the application, so to speak, in on time. Do not apply to things late. DO NOT MISS DEADLINES! Create a calendar of submission deadlines to all of the festivals you want to play so you opportunity doesn't pass you by.

4. Prepare For Submission

Every festival will have its own submission requirements, but be prepared to need an artist bio and some music, at the very least. It is also a good idea to have a video of you performing ready to be viewed and to have some professional press photos ready to go. You will also need some decent quality recordings to show off your sounds in the best possible light.

When it comes to submitting your music, bio, and so on - submit exactly what is requested - no more and no less. No, sending three songs when two were asked for is not better. No, your bio shouldn't book lengthened. If they're not giving you an opportunity to tell how many shows you've played, don't cram the information in there. Their formula is in place for a reason, and deviating from it is a good way to ensure your music doesn't get listened to at all.

5. Get Your Social Media Ready

I hate the notion of promoters looking at how many FB, ReverbNation, Twitter or social media followers a musician has as an indication of whether or not to book them so much that I hate to suggest you care. However - that DOES happen and you DO have to care.

And, to be fair, there IS a point there. Having a large number of social media followers isn't the same thing as having a large number of bums in seats, but it does say something about you as a musician. It means you engage your fans and that you're committed enough to promote yourself, which hints that you'll work hard to promote your show and give your fans a good set.

So, with that said, before your apply for a music festival, get your social media numbers up as much as you can and most importantly, get active on your pages. If your last post was two years ago, get a flurry of activity going before you apply.

6. Don't Be Afraid to Start Small

Does your town have a festival that hosts live music? Sometimes, the best festival to start your festival career at is right in your backyard. Now, sure, it may not be Lollapaloza or Woodstock, but that's OK. It is a chance to put a festival appearance on your resume and get used to that style of playing live. The more you can make a name for yourself, the more interested festival promoters will be about adding you to the bill. Local festivals are a great start to moving up the ladder to regional and nationwide festivals.

7. More Dos and Dont's For Getting Booked at Festivals

DO look out for special booking opportunities, like contests in which the prize is an appearance at the festival

DON'T pay to play a festival, Ever! This includes festivals that want you to buy tickets to resell to fans yourself. Nope, no way, no how. PLEASE.

DO keep the faith. It's competitive out there! That doesn't mean that your band doesn't belong on the stage. Keep gigging and making music as you keep working on getting a festival slot. Every show, every song, every new fan is a step closer to your goal. Remember, it's all up you and how persistent and focused you and the rest of the band are towards reaching a set goal.

*SONG REVIEW*:by Michael McKenna | Malaya | Dreamcatcher

by Michael McKenna

Hailing from the beaches of the Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL. area, Malaya is making waves with a style of music that combines pop, alternative, progressive, hard rock, and a wee bit of metal. Just to be able to encompass all these genres in their repertoire and make them work for them is proof that they are moving in the right direction.

Recently on tour of the Southern states, East Coast and some in the Midwest, they have finely honed their music and have a vast library of music to be able to release 4 LP's in succession. With Robin Carbonell on vocals with her powerful pipes; Adam Irizarry jamming out on guitars; Dan Marcantonio giving up the bottom on bass and Dan Reitmeyer banging on the drums all day, they come together to create some really cool music.

The new track, “Dreamcatcher”, combines Dan R's energetic backbeat, with Adam's resonating riffs and Dan M's rhythms that should breakout in CHR/ALT formats in short order. Robin's strong vocals permeate throughout this track.

I can see this band turning the heads of music insiders and getting the just rewards that they deserve. I, for one, have become a believer and look for great things to happen to these talented musicians. On the Nor'easter Storm Scale, I give this track a FORCE 3! Well Done!

Review by Michael McKenna

Nor'Easter Entertainment Magazine

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