How To Help Other Musicians Promotion Wise--And Help Your Band--Even If You're a "Chicken Shit"

                                                                                                                                                            
Okay, that band your band loves you'd love your band to open for them. But all of your band members are too chicken-shit to talk to them. It's easier than you think guys. If that band has a website go to it and listen to their material. Then grab any bio material and come up with a few questions. Lets says besides being petrified to approach a band about promoting them, you're having a tough time coming up with questions based on their bio material. Do this, ask them what kind of guitars, amps, strings and rig they use to create their original sound. That sometimes goes over well with bands. And asking them about their rig will give you a better indication of their sound--and why their songs have a certain tone, feel and texture.

Too many bands get asked the same canned music journalism that drives me nuts! From so-called Music writers. Be different. When every musician goes one way go the other. Then email them and offer to interview them based on the questions about their gear and how their material relates to it. If they have a forum become a member and talk about this bands gear with their members. This will get the conversation flowing with their fans in a different and interesting direction. By doing this the band might take notice you're helping them and creating value. Even if they don't don't worry about it and just email them about doing an interview online. Tell them who you are you'd like to interview them and you've seen their shows. As well,  buy their CDS. Offer to interview them regularly without asking for anything. Do it online until you can meet with them and do some interviews face to face.

Ask them in that first interview, how did you create the original tone and feel your band has?  And ask them questions about their gear and rig. Don't be like every other journalist or musician. Then keep helping them until you offer to open for them for free and keep interviewing them and promoting them. You will make more money in the long run as a musician if you help other musicians.

Even if you're a chicken to talk to them at first, you'll gain more confidence to do face to face interviews by going out of your way to help them without asking for anything in return. And the internet can be a great vehicle to help other musicians, if used productively. Just email me if you need further help guys.

If you need help,email me. mdgrove@rock.com