Like many other sections economies, the musical folks who have an advantage, often do well with the tools the Internet provides.
The best example is crowd funding.
The bands and musicians who rake in the most pledges and backers are the ones who initially had the major label support in the 90s or 2000s…
Amanda Palmer started a Patreon campaign yesterday, and I’m guessing it’s the highest generator of pledges Patreon has seen so far. 2000+ people have pledged to support Palmer, exceeding 20K in two days.
Let’s not get cynical about this.
Yes, Palmer is more well off than the average, successful musician. Yes, she is partially generating big number because of her initial major label works a decade ago; but the success is more because of her continual work ethic, her continual connecting to her fans, her continual risk taking, her continual dedication to making art and music that moves her.
She’s creating and connecting and continuing. All artists/creators should aim for these three Cs.
* * * * * * * *
The big campaigns get the headlines, but let’s not lose sight of the little victories.
My wife self-published her first book with the help of 188 backers two years ago.
188 people helped make Natalie’s work possible.
Sure, we didn’t make a headline from her campaign, but the small successes are just as important at the beginning of a career, as the big successes in the middle of the career.
Watching Amanda Palmer’s journey is a reminder of an important theme, one more important than money or numbers or even crowd funding itself.
The theme is go do it, now. All artists must accept risk. All creators must continue to make things. Nothing is stopping us from making something except ourselves.
Go create, connect, and continue.
Border Crossing Story, Tour Completion, House Show Review
Crossing the border into Canada
Canadian Border Guard: Where are you going?
Me: Hamilton, Ontario
CBG: What’s purpose of your stay? How long are you staying?
Me: I’m visiting friends on my return trip from New York. I’m returning to the states tomorrow.
CBG: What are you bringing?
Me: One suitcase and two guitars.
CBG: Are the guitars returning with you?
Me: Yes.
CBG: Thanks, here’s your license.
Crossing the border into the United States
US Border Guard: Why were you in Canada?
Me: I was visiting friends in Hamilton, Ontario.
BG: What do you have in your vehicle?
Me: One suitcase and two guitars.
BG: Why do you have two guitars?
Me: I played a music event in New York, so I was visiting friends on the return drive home.
BG: That didn’t answer my question. Why do you have two guitars.
Me: Um, I use two different guitar tunings during my shows.
BG: What is a guitar tuning?
Me: It’s how you tune the strings to different notes.
BG: When was the last time you were in Canada?
Me: Oh, I think about a year ago.
BG: So, you only see your friends once a year?
Me: [Pause, confused] Well, I know my friends from their recording studio, so I’ve hired them multiple times over the years to record my songs. This trip I was just visiting on my way back from New York.
BG: What type of place did you play in New York?
Me: A music venue that’s called–
BG: [Interrupting] Are you famous?
Me: No.
[Guard proceeds to search car, and examines guitar cases and guitars for five minutes.]
BG: Here’s your license.
* * *
Set List: March 1, 2015 – House Show hosted by Maisonneuve Music
- Damn Fine Day
- Tigerfish
- Don’t Mess Around with Jim (Jim Croce)
- I Just Want to Be Your Last
- Here Comes the Sun (Beatles)
- Burning Bright
- Drift Away (Dobie Gray)
- Made a Mess (accompanied by Michael Chambers on piano)
- Love Birds (accompanied by Michael Chambers on piano)
- We’re Not Here Anymore
- Mahogany
Big thanks to hosts, Michael and Kathleen! Special thanks to the Shannon and Justin from Pull the Plug podcast, and Glen from Hamilton Music Magazine for attending!
HouseShow hosted by Maisonneuve Music, photo by Pull the Plug podcast.
House Show hosted by Maisonneuve Music, photo by Pull the Plug podcast. Accompanied by Michael Chambers, my producer from the previous records!
House Show hosted by Maisonneuve Music, photo by Pull the Plug podcast. Wonderful opener: Emilio Bonito!
During this February tour, I’m having fun playing new songs, many that were written for the PVSG songwriting club my friends and I do each month. Last night, I played two songs my wife Natalie hadn’t even heard yet, “Tigerfish” and “Little Drum.” Usually, Natalie’s the first to hear everything, but I like to surprise her with a new song from time to time.
Here’s last night’s set:
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015
Mash, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (with Carrie McFerrin opening)
- Don’t Mess Around with Jim (Jim Croce)
- We’re Not Here Anymore
- Only the Rain Knows Why
- Tigerfish
- I Just Want to Be Your Last
- Smooth (Santana)
- Little Drum
- Love Birds
- Made a Mess (with Carrie McFerrin)
- Damn Fine Day (with Carrie McFerrin )
- Gypsy Queen (with Carrie McFerrin; Carrie McFerrin’s song)
- Burning Bright
- Mahogany
- Change the World (Clapton; Tommy Simms)
- You’re the One (Tracy Chapmen, with Carrie McFerrin)
*Mike and Carrie also did “Drift Away” by Dobie Gray during Carrie’s opening set. Video clip here.
Photo Credits: Nathan Voght
VIP attendees! Chalk art by David Zinn!
At Crescendo in Madison; photo credit Andrea Lawson
Frances Luke Accord at Crescendo in Madison, WI
February 19, 2015 @ Crescendo in Madison, WI
- I Just Want to Be Your Last
- Don’t Mess Around with Jim^
- We’re Not Here Anymore
- Only the Rain Knows Why
- Smooth~
- Tigerfish
- Love & Be Proud
- Mahogany
- Burning Bright
- Basketcase-Out My Head-Basketcase*
^Jim Croce Cover
~Santana cover
*90s request medley: Green Day/Fast Ball
Frances Luke Accord playing Madison, WI
February 20, 2015 @ house concert in Chicago, IL
- Only the Rain Knows Why
- Tainted Love*
- Tigerfish
- I Just Want to Be Your Last
- Drift Away^
- Love and Be Proud
- Mahogany
- Burning Bright
*Soft Cell cover
^Dobie Gray cover
Chicago House Concert
February 21, 2015 – Chicory Cafe in South Bend, IN
Not accurate order of songs, but as close as I remember it:
- Don’t Mess Around with Jim (Jim Croce)
- Only the Rain Knows Why
- Cecilia (Simon and Garfunkle)
- Damn Fine Day
- Sweet Pea (Amos Lee)
- I Just Want to Be Your Last
- Change the World (Eric Clapton)
- Tiger Fish
- Smooth (Santana)
- We’re Not Here Anymore
- Drift Away (Dobie Gray)
Set 2
- Homeward Bound (Simon & Garfunkle)
- Love Birds
- Intelligent Fool
- Landslide (Fleetwood Mac)
- Mahogany
- I’m Yours (Jason Mraz)
- Burning Bright
Fluke Takes posted our taping of me playing “I Just Want to Be Your Last” in Chicago. Happy Valentine’s Day. Enjoy!
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Big thanks to Brian and Nick from Frances Luke Accord, the creators of the Fluke Take series, for having me!
Season 7 of Fluke Takes in Chicago
