Shows
BandhiveTodd Barriage on Taking a Break. Maybe You Need One, Too?Todd Barriage is a regular on the Bandhive Podcast - and for good reason.
When Todd first came on the show, we talked about the grind, and how everyone needed to do it.
Then our opinions shifted and we both drifted away from the grind. Recently, Todd stopped observing a schedule for his releases and switched entirely to a “when I feel like it” model.
Who could be a more fitting guest to have on when I announce the podcast going on hiatus? I couldn’t think of anyone better!
Listen now to...
2023-12-1934 min
BandhiveGrowing Your Fanbase by Nurturing a Community | Ky Farrar of Late 9Building a community is something we’ve discussed often on the Bandhive Podcast - but Ky Farrar and Late 9 take a slightly different approach.
Instead of funneling all the fans to one platform, they meet their fans where they are - fostering connections on their social media pages rather than behind closed doors.
Ky even became friends with Chris Motionless, and got to perform on stage with Motionless In White, because of his skills at nurturing relationships online.
Listen now to hear Ky share his thoughts on growing a digital fanbase, and how yo...
2023-10-1024 min
BandhiveFour Years of the Bandhive PodcastIt’s hard to believe that we’ve made it to 200 episodes over the past four years, but here we are!
Even more mind boggling is the fact that the world shut down for two of those four years, yet live music is back and bigger than ever before.
Join us for this special episode of the Bandhive Podcast as Matt and I reminisce on our favorite episodes and industry-changing news over the last four years!
What you’ll learn:
What changes we’ve seen in the industry since we launched...
2023-09-2649 min
BandhiveTo Duet or Not to Du-et, Discussing Collabs and FeaturesToday on Bandhive, we dive into one of the most transformative aspects of music: guest features and collaborations. Every artist big or small can benefit from joining forces with another artist for their next release, including you!
Through these connections, both artists can tap into new audiences, create amazing connections, and foster a network of genuine relationships.
But collaborations aren't as simple as just calling up a friend to join a track. We'll be exploring the nuances of choosing the right collaborator, the line between guest spots and co-writing, and how...
2023-09-0519 minBandhiveThe Rock Show: What Made The Music Video GreatThe Bandhive Podcast may be focused on business most of the time… But, sometimes, we need to have a little fun, too!
That’s why this week, we’ll dissect what you can learn from the music video for "The Rock Show" and Blink-182's musical journey.
Listen now as we explore the genius behind Blink-182's brand and help you understand how to apply these insights to your own music career!
What you’ll learn:
What made Blink-182’s music videos uniqueWhy “The Rock Show” is no more than a dream come t...
2023-05-2333 min
BandhiveGetting Signed and How to Define "Success" | Jason Davis of One One 7Bandhive is all about teaching you how to run your DIY band as a business…
But we always say that DIY does not mean do everything yourself. Instead, it’s decide it yourself - making informed decisions about your business while harnessing the power of a team.
For some of you, that might include working with a label, so we’re stoked to have Jason Davis of One One 7 on the podcast this week to discuss how he prepares artists for label deals!
Jason has worked with household names like Boyz II Men, Dolly...
2023-02-2135 min
BandhiveThe #1 Way to Grow Your Fanbase: Being Present | Ryan Camuto of Royal HeartsThis week on the Bandhive Podcast, I’m speaking with Ryan Camuto of Royal Hearts.
At first glance, Royal Hearts may seem like any other regional band… But that’s where you’d be wrong.
You see, not only can Royal Hearts bring 50 people to a show, Ryan does it (almost) alone as the rest of the band lives several hours away and can’t offer “boots on the ground” promotional efforts.
Royal Hearts are doing the work, and have been rewarded with opening slots for bands such as Cane Hill, Emery, and We Came as Rom...
2023-02-0751 minBandhiveOvercoming the Roadblocks Every Musician FacesMental health for musicians is often ignored until one celebrity or another has a public meltdown.
Unfortunately, it's not surprising that mental health issues are a common problem among musicians and artists.
This can be due to the pressures of the industry, the lack of stability, and the intense focus on their craft.
Mental health issues can also be caused by the lifestyle of being a musician or artist, which can be extremely demanding and isolating.
Over the years, we've lost far too many amazing musicians due to struggles with mental...
2022-12-1348 min
BandhiveThe Modern DIY Band: John James Ryan of Keep FlyingLast month, I saw the most energetic live show I’ve ever seen a band put on in a room that holds fewer than 100 people.
That’s when I asked John James Ryan of Keep Flying to come on the Bandhive Podcast - not realizing at the time that he’s also worked with some of the biggest names in the scene.
Listen now to hear all the wisdom nuggets John shares about touring in a post-pandemic world, growing your fanbase, and much, much more!
What you’ll learn:
Why tours ha...
2022-11-2256 minBandhiveWork Smart, Not Hard, by Not WorkingYou have the perfect song idea, you’re just missing that one final bit before it’s finished…
It’s been days or weeks and as much as you try, it’s just not quite coming together the way you want it to.
You’re in a writers’ block rut. So what now?
Listen to this episode of the Bandhive Podcast to learn how you should take your mind off of music to come back refreshed and finish the projects you’re working on!
What you’ll learn:
How to avoid getti...
2022-07-0512 minBandhiveStop Wasting Money on Gear!Most people think that the best way to become a better musician is to buy more gear.
It’s not. Better gear can help you sound slightly better, but it's not the most important thing by any means.
In this episode of the Bandhive Podcast, I explain why gear ISN'T the most important thing for a band. In fact, your gear purchases may just be a form of procrastination or distraction. Listen now to learn more!
What you’ll learn:
Gear doesn’t matter the way you think it doesThe law of d...
2022-05-2411 minBandhiveThere's More Than One "Right Way" For Your BandAs a band, making decisions can be tough. You want to make the best choice for your music, but sometimes there are multiple acceptable solutions.
How do you know which option is the best? Is there even such a thing as a "best" solution?
In this episode of Bandhive Podcast, I discuss why most problems have multiple acceptable solutions. While there may be a "best" solution, that's not always the case – and the situation itself will be a major factor in which option to choose.
Listen now to learn more about making effective dec...
2022-04-1911 min
BandhiveWriter's Block? Not Anymore! Connor Frost of Dizzy BatsIt can be tough to know where to start with your songs. Once you’ve started, there may still be parts you get stuck on.
Many people think that they need to have a special talent or be born with natural ability in order to write songs… But that's just not the case!
Songwriting is a skill that can be learned, and Connor Frost is here to show you how.
In this episode of the Bandhive Podcast, Connor discusses some of the most common roadblocks songwriters face and offers his advice on how to o...
2022-02-0845 min
BandhiveTen Albums That Hit Us Right in the FeelsUsually I’d write something about challenges and solutions, blah blah blah, here…
But today I just want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has listened to the Bandhive Podcast, shared it with their friends, or been a guest on the show. You all rock!
Join us for this special episode where Matt and I talk about our favorite music – we hope you’ll find some new favorites of your own.
We also want to hear what your favorites are, so let us know! There’ll be a post for episode 10...
2021-10-261h 08BandhiveLosing $11,000 on Tour... What NOT to DoTouring is a huge part of the music industry, but it can be one of the most expensive aspects of your career. If you're not careful with your money and don’t have a budget in place, you could find yourself losing thousands on a tour that could have been profitable.
You've probably seen someone lose their shirt on an unprofitable tour before. It's sad to see people who are passionate about music throw away so much hard work and money because they didn't know how to manage their finances as musicians.
Listen now...
2021-10-1244 minBandhivePacking for Tour: The Bandhive Community Chimes InWhether you're hitting the road for a weekend or going on-two month tour, packing the right things is important.
Especially if it’s your first tour, you might not know what to bring. That’s why on this week’s episode of the podcast we go through our tour essentials, as well as tips shared by our listeners.
Don’t go into your next tour blind: listen now to find out what you should pack so you have (almost) all the comforts of home while on the road.
What you’ll learn:
Wh...
2021-09-2159 minBandhiveSix COVID Takeaways for ALL Musicians (Part 1)The music industry is a mess right now, and it's hard to know what the right way to go about things is. The last 18 months have wreaked havoc on artists worldwide.
David Ryan Olson joins us on this episode of the Bandhive Podcast as we talk through six important takeaways from the last 18 months.
Listen now to learn how you can shore up your band so you’re able to keep the lights on during unprecedented times and be stronger at the end of it.
Be sure to listen to part 2 of the ep...
2021-07-2054 min
BandhiveThe Return of Live Shows and Touring: Adam Loellke of Pickwick CommonsYou want to get back on the road, but you're not sure if it's a good time.
The music industry is changing and there are more opportunities than ever before for musicians to make money from their art… But each slice of the pie seems to get smaller and smaller.
In this episode of the Bandhive Podcast, Adam Loellke of Pickwick Commons and Dynamic Talent International shares his thoughts on the return of shows and touring. Listen now to learn more!
What you’ll learn:
Why Adam works two jobs in a...
2021-07-1329 min
BandhiveEvery Band Should Be on Patreon: Ty Christian of Lords of the TridentA lot of artists aren’t convinced that using Patreon is the right way to go. They think their fans won’t be willing to support them financially.
But Patreon isn’t just a platform to earn money. It’s also a platform that lets you build a closer relationship with your fans and followers – it’s a mutually beneficial relationship.
Lords of the Trident has been using Patreon for four years and now has over 300 patrons supporting them on this platform every month. Ty Christian, vocalist and founding member of Lords Of The Trident, joins us tod...
2021-06-2257 min
BandhiveFrom Self-producing Artist to Full-time Producer: Todd Barriage of TheatriaSelf-producing is a tricky minefield to navigate – if you don’t do it just right, your end result won’t be great.
But, self-producing is also an avenue to becoming a full-time producer and making a living from creativity, which is exactly what Todd Barriage of Theatria is on the show to talk about.
Not only does Todd self-produce Theatria’s music, he also works with artists from all over Canada (and the rest of the world) to craft stellar-sounding music that artists can be proud of.
Listen now to learn how yo...
2021-06-1555 min
BandhiveSetting Your Goals for Success | Connor Frost of Dizzy BatsHow do you know if your music career is going in the right direction?
Do you have a plan of action that outlines what you want to accomplish over the next few years?
Are you constantly refining and tweaking that plan as time goes on?
If not, then it's possible that your goals for your music career are either too vague or non-existent.
Connor Frost of Dizzy Bats joins us this week to talk about overcoming your fears and setting effective goals. Listen now to learn what...
2021-06-0837 min
BandhiveMaking a Case for Lo-fi Home Recording | Mastering Engineer Greg LloydFor artists who want a more organic, raw sound for their commercial releases it can be difficult to find the right producer.
Sometimes, that means self-producing is the right choice – though it all depends on the experience you have with self-recording and producing.
Many incredibly famous albums by artists like Billie Eilish, Bruce Springsteen, and more were recorded at home… But they all had one thing in common: professional mixing and mastering engineers.
Greg Lloyd joins us to discuss his work as a mastering engineer and how you can make great music while self...
2021-06-011h 10
BandhiveThe Inside Scoop on Toplining | With Chad KowalMany artists who play in a band think that being in a band is the way to make a name for themselves – and while that’s definitely one route you can take, it’s not the only way.
Of course there’s the solo singer/songwriter path… But that isn’t what we’re talking about today.
Today, Chad Kowal joins us to talk about his path from playing in a rock band to writing and performing vocals for well-known DJs around the world. It’s called toplining and it’s a bigger industry than you...
2021-05-2549 min
BandhiveLessons Learned From A Fan-Supported DIY Band | Brian Mazzaferri of I Fight DragonsYou’re a DIY musician who's tired of the major label system… We feel your pain.
Or maybe you do want to get signed – in which case you should pay close attention.
Brian Mazzaferri and his band I Fight Dragons have been on both sides of the major label fence, and they've seen firsthand how hard it is for artists to get their work out there without being tied down by a label.
But, there’s good news as well.
There are methods that will allow you to keep your ind...
2021-05-181h 10BandhiveHow to Get Press Attention (Without a Publicist)Getting your music onto blogs isn’t as simple as writing an email that says “here’s my song, please review it.”
Ultimately, that’s what your email will say… But that’s not what the words will be.
To stand out from the crowd of all the desperate artists, mixed with professional publicists, you need to write an email that doesn’t waste time but does catch the attention of anyone you send it to.
The press release is becoming a lost art among DIY musicians, but it’s a non-negotiable element of your marketing...
2021-05-1154 min
BandhiveWhy Recording Demos Makes Your Songs Better | With Vadim Kharaz of DIY Recording GuysGoing into the studio can be expensive and time consuming, but ultimately if you want the best release you can get it’s absolutely the best option. After all, you get what you pay for.
But, that doesn’t mean you can’t save tons of time and money by being properly prepared for your studio time.
How exactly can you do that, you ask? Simple: record good demos, so your songs are finished and all the parts to be recorded are known in advance – this will give you a massive time advantage when you get to t...
2021-05-0455 minBandhiveThe Most Important Thing You Can Write (That Isn't a Song)Copywriting is incredibly important to every business – yet it’s one of the most overlooked aspects for many small businesses, including bands.
It’s possible that many people haven’t even heard the term “copy” before.
Copy is just marketing text! You probably read some every day. This episode description is copy.
Not all copy is created equal – good copy is engaging, and gives the readers something to relate to.
If you’re a musician, you need your artist bio to get people to relate to you. That’s what creates a ded...
2021-04-2734 minBandhiveAre You Embarrassed by Tech Failures on Stage?Imagine you’re playing the biggest show of the year in your hometown – you feel great and the crowd is really into your set.
Then, all of a sudden, the guitar drops out entirely. You rush to find the problem, but everything you do seems to be pointless.
After a while, you realize that it was the simplest issue possible… But it’s too late, the vibe is gone and the audience is ready for your set to be over.
How could you have avoided this mistake? Listen now to learn what pitfalls to avoid...
2021-04-2030 minBandhiveBoost Your Merch Sales by 25%As a business owner, issuing refunds is never fun – it hurts the wallet, and can sting your ego as well.
But offering a generous refund policy and great customer service is not only a good idea, it’s necessary for a successful business.
Put yourself in your fans’ shoes: who would you rather buy from, a store with amazing customer service, or the store with non-existent customer service?
We bet the answer is the store with amazing customer service, and that’s definitely the answer your fans would give.
Listen now to learn...
2021-04-1334 minBandhiveKeys to a Healthy Music Career | With Mike Indovina of MasterYourMixThe music industry is full of people with varied backgrounds and experiences, and our guest this week is no exception.
With 20 years of experience under his belt as an artist in a touring band, as the tour manager for an artist opening for KISS, and as a mixing engineer and educator, Mike Indovina has tons of knowledge to share.
If you want to learn how to sell more merch at shows or how to make solid connections within your network, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Listen now...
2021-04-0659 minBandhiveThe Secret To Selling More Merch, Getting More Preorders, and Gaining Die-hard FansI was having a conversation with my friend Matt Bacon the other day, and it made me realize something: bands should not only be setting goals, but also telling their fans about some of those goals.
Why?
Because if fans are part of reaching your goal, they are part of your crew.
Essentially that is how Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Patreon, etc. all work – fans help you, and in return they become a member of the “insiders club”. Your insiders club's members are your biggest fans, and you should treat them like VIPs
2021-03-3033 minBandhiveWhy Spotify Is NOT the ProblemSpotify is demonized by artists and fans alike for their low per-stream payouts… Rightfully so, some would argue.
We’ll be the first to admit that Spotify should pay more, but for that to happen there need to be a few strategic moves that the public has to accept before royalties can be increased.
Additionally, Spotify’s numbers aren’t as bad as many make them seem – especially when compared to certain other streaming platforms.
But, they’re far from the best…
Listen now to learn more about how Spotify royalties work, and why...
2021-03-2340 minBandhiveBuild a Production Team You Can Be Proud OfWhen you’re working on new music, you face a lot of choices that can vastly affect the popularity of your release.
It all starts with your production team – the producer, engineers, and musicians who you’ll work with. The importance of picking the right team for your music cannot be understated.
After all, if you’re playing hardcore punk, it probably wouldn’t make sense to work with a country producer… Even if he or she is a grammy award winning producer.
Listen now to find out what you should consider when building the...
2021-03-1634 minBandhiveThe Biggest Mistake Artists Make When Recording an AlbumIf I asked you what you think the #1 mistake artists make when working on a new release, what would you say?
I have the feeling that you wouldn’t say what I’m thinking of – and you might have done this very thing at one point.
It can be truly make or break for a successful release, so listen now to find out how you can avoid this common mistake!
What you’ll learn:
How much of your budget you set aside for marketingWhy you need to create a budget before y...
2021-03-0938 min
BandhiveSubmitHub: The Founder's Perspective | With Jason GrishkoffA few weeks ago, Steve Martin of Ascending Everest shared his insights as an artist using SubmitHub to get his songs shared by curators around the world…
This week, SubmitHub founder Jason Grishkoff dives into how and why he launched SubmitHub back in 2015 – and the reason may surprise you.
Over the years, Jason has turned a one-man operation into a business that’s used by thousands of artists, publicists, labels, and of course curators.
Listen now to learn more about the history of SubmitHub, where it’s headed in the future, and how you can...
2021-03-0251 minBandhiveWinter Warmup: What You Should Do During Your Winter HibernationArtists: we know you’re busy and never have enough time to do any of the things you need to do.
The good news is that there’s one time of year that’s great for getting things done. It’s the time of year where everyone bundles up, stays inside, and watches Netflix all night.
Take a few of those hours spent watching your favorite show and spend that time improving your business instead. You won’t regret it.
Listen now to learn what you can do for yourself and your business during you...
2021-02-2342 minBandhivePlaying Shows: Understanding Venues and Their StaffOver your music career, you’ll play hundreds or even thousands of venues.
When you’re just starting out, any show will be tempting to pick up… But over time, you’ll find that your audience seems to react best in certain types of venues.
No matter which venue type you end up gravitating towards, it’s good to have a solid understanding of the different kinds of venues you could come across and the pros and cons of each type.
On top of that, it’s always useful to know who you should talk...
2021-02-1631 min
BandhiveSubmitHub Success Strategies | Steve Martin of Ascending EverestWant to increase your SubmitHub success? Get a FREE email course here: https://bandhive.rocks/submithub-guide/
SubmitHub is a wonderful tool to send your music to bloggers, Spotify and YouTube playlisters, social media influencers, and even record labels…
But, when you’re sending your music to people who’ve never heard it before, there’s bound to be some rejection...
So how can you 1. Prepare yourself for that rejection and 2. Increase your odds of being approved?
In this episode of the Bandhive Podcast, hear Steve Martin (Ascending Everest...
2021-02-0934 minBandhiveWhy Gear Isn't the Solution to All Your ProblemsGear Acquisition Syndrome, also known as “GAS” is a real issue for many musicians.
Buying that one piece of gear will give you the tone you need, right?
Unfortunately, often the gear isn’t the solution – but the time you spend searching for gear can be spent on something that will help you improve your tone.
Listen now to learn how to get better sounds from your instrument without spending a fortune on the most expensive gear you can find.
What you’ll learn:
Why you should avoid being a “Bu...
2021-02-0227 minBandhiveNow Is the Time to Start Planning Your Post-pandemic ToursTouring bands were decimated in 2020 – and even though shows aren’t allowed right now (for good reason), we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now, do you want to be the band who scrambles to put together a tour when shows are allowed and safe, or do you want to be the band who has all their plans in place and just needs to book the shows when it’s time?
The latter band has a big leg up in this situation so we think the choice is clear.
Li...
2021-01-2626 minBandhive2020 Sucked. Here's What We Want to See Musicians Doing in 2021.2020 isn’t going to be on anyone’s list of favorite years. In ten years it might be “that year we don’t talk about”.
But that doesn’t mean we didn’t see some good things happen in 2020. For example, live streams becoming more popular isn’t a bad thing – I remember watching “pro shot” livestreams in 2010 that had awful quality, now anyone can beat that visual quality with an iPhone and some decent lighting.
So what do we want to see from DIY artists in 2021? Listen now to find out what our ideal 2021 looks like for the mus...
2021-01-1930 minBandhiveThe Pains and Gains of Rebranding: Why We Did ItEverything about rebranding is a hassle. You have to get new graphics, a new website, tell everyone about the change, etc. etc. – the list is literally endless.
But even with all that hassle, rebranding can be a highly effective move if you aren’t being recognized using your current name.
We’re rebranding to Bandhive so our name is easier to remember and spell, and less outdated-sounding.
Matt’s band Alive In Barcelona used to be called “The Persevering Promise” but they had a problem – people couldn’t read their name without thinking “The Preserving Pro...
2021-01-1241 minBandhiveHow to Escape Your Golden HandcuffsMany musicians have figured out the secret sauce so they’re able to go on tour when they want to without quitting their job entirely.
But some jobs are more flexible than others – if you can take 2 to 4 weeks off at a time, or work remotely during that time, that’s great!
But if you can only get a long weekend here and there, it’ll be incredibly difficult to grow your music career. If that’s the case, it may be time for some changes so you can hit the road once shows and touring ar...
2021-01-0526 minBandhiveWhy Quality Over Quantity Isn't Always True“Quality over quantity” is a phrase we’ve all heard at one time or another. But what does it really mean?
Hearing that saying over and over has caused people to give up on their dreams because not every song they write is great.
But really what it means is that you should only release your best work – that doesn’t mean everything you create will be gold. Many major artists write 50-100 songs for every album they release, working out which songs are the best and letting the world hear those.
Listen now to div...
2020-12-2926 minBandhiveAchieve Your Music Career Dreams by Using a Method That Every Successful Business UsesSetting goals is an important part of any artists’ path to a healthy career.
But you can’t just say, “I want to be as famous as Green Day!” and expect it to happen.
Your goals have to be realistic, measured, and clearly defined.
So what can you do to set goals for yourself that actually make sense? Listen now to find out what our top tips are to get you on the right path!
What you’ll learn:
How you can boost your growth by setting goalsHow to get a m...
2020-12-2227 min
BandhiveLong Distance Relationships: How to Effectively Run a Remote Band30 years ago, being in a band with members spread out over multiple states or countries would have meant traveling for almost any group work such as songwriting or demoing.
Now, thanks to the internet, it’s possible for bands to exist without ever having met each other in person.
That’s not common, but there are bands like that out there.
What’s more common are traditional bands with one or two members living further away due to a move or other change in life circumstances.
That doesn’t mean the music ha...
2020-12-1529 min
BandhiveHow to Handle Criticism in the Music WorldMusic is an incredibly personal form of expression. It’s like you’re opening up your soul to your listeners… So when someone says they don’t like a certain part of your music, it can feel like a personal attack that cuts quite deeply.
The good news is, most of the time that’s not how it’s intended, unless the person saying those things is a hater.
But for the mass majority of people giving you feedback, the ones who aren’t haters, they likely have your best interests at heart. Responding kindly to them will h...
2020-12-0840 min
BandhiveGetting Signed: The Most Common Types of Record Deals | Matt Bacon of Dropout MediaFor many artists, getting signed is a dream come true.
Record deals aren’t one size fits all, but there are a few basic types that are most common.
If you’re one of the thousands of artists hoping to get a record deal, do you know what kind of arrangement you want?
Matt Bacon of Dropout Media was kind enough to hop on a call and outline the three types of deal that you’re most likely to come across.
Listen now to hear Matt discuss the basics of record label...
2020-12-0138 min
BandhiveThere's No "I" In Team: Make Better Music by Knowing When to Ask for HelpIt can be scary to think about letting a stranger work on your music. What if they don’t share your vision? What about losing the feeling of accomplishment that you did all the work yourself?
Those are valid concerns – but that doesn’t mean they should stop you.
Building your creative team shouldn't be taken lightly, you need to do proper research and find people who will work well with you and understand how you want the project to turn out.
Ultimately, it's up to you to think “big picture” while letting experts do...
2020-11-2440 min
BandhiveVisual Branding for Bands: Why It Matters More Than You ThinkBranding is often the last thing that musicians have on their mind…
But it’s actually one of the most important aspects of your business!
Having good branding not only sets career musicians apart from hobbyists, it also gives your fans a cohesive experience with you.
Some might say it shouldn’t matter for music, and that’s likely true… But that doesn’t matter, because there’s no changing it: without good branding, your chances of success are extremely low.
So what does branding even mean? What does it involve? In a way, many...
2020-11-1740 min
BandhiveWhat We Would Change If We Restarted Our Bands from ScratchA lot has changed in the music industry over the last decade – we’ve learned a lot in that time, and whether it’s due to the changing environment or just plain old experience, hindsight is 20/20.
For the 50th episode of the Bandhive Podcast, Matt (Alive in Barcelona) and Aaron (Suburban Samurai) each came up with three things they would’ve done differently when starting their band if they had the knowledge and experience they have now.
Join us as we reflect on the early days of starting a band, and learn what pitfalls you should a...
2020-11-1058 min
BandhiveWhy Online Merch Stores Are No Longer Optional for Bands | How to Sell More Merch OnlineIt’s November 2020, and you haven’t played a show in over half a year.
That also means you haven’t sold merch at a show in that same amount of time.
Over the last few years, sales have been moving online – but the pandemic is forcing everyone’s hand to make the jump now.
There’s a reason Amazon is doing more business than ever before.
Are you going to take advantage of this shift and start growing your online merch empire by promoting it on your social media, durin...
2020-11-0346 min
BandhiveOne Band, 25 Years and Counting: Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo!It’s not often that a band celebrates their 25th anniversary – it’s a special milestone for any business, but especially in the music world it’s truly incredible.
Ballyhoo! is one of the lucky few that has made it to this milestone, and they’ve done it based on the commitment, sacrifices, and pure drive of their members.
Howi Spangler, singer and guitarist of Ballyhoo!, joins us on today’s episode to discuss the band’s longevity, adapting to COVID-19, and how they have managed to make a living as creatives.
Listen now to learn m...
2020-10-2749 min
BandhiveFour Great Marketing Stunts That Could Kill Your Career If You Copy ThemYou’ve probably heard of major artists pulling their music from streaming platforms, selling only one unique copy of an album, or some other creative stunt.
These are great ideas for major artists. But if you, as an independent artist, decide to withhold your music from Spotify you’re shooting yourself in the foot.
Don’t do that!
We always like to say DIY musicians should watch major artists closely and learn from what they do, but today we’re presenting four things you should not copy from the major acts (yet).
That b...
2020-10-2027 min
BandhiveHow to Properly Release a SingleReleasing a single is a big moment for any artist.
Whether you’re the artist who is building up to an EP or full-length album, the content creator who releases singles every month, or you’re releasing a one-off single just to get some music out there, there’s one common thread:
To truly take advantage of the boost a single could give you, there needs to be a solid plan around the release.
Not only for the long-term, but also for the short term.
What can you do to give your si...
2020-10-1334 min
BandhiveDon't Let Stage Fright Ruin Your Music | Coping With Performance AnxietyIn 30 seconds, you have to walk out onto a stage with hundreds of people in the audience.
Your palms are sweaty, and your heart is pounding.
It may feel like you’re the only one in the world who experiences the feeling of performance anxiety, also known as stage fright…
But you’re not alone.
From the artist who plays more than 800 takes of the same part trying to get the perfect one, to the singer who gets sick before walking on stage, thousands of people deal with stage fright every day.
2020-10-0628 min
BandhiveCreating Unique Music Memorabilia for Each of Your Fans | Aaron Zimmer of Leesta Vall Sound RecordingsIn a time when music seems to become more and more of a commodity, one group is fighting back.
Led by Aaron Zimmer, Leesta Vall Sound Recordings works with artists to create one of a kind, lathe cut records for fans.
The records capture a unique moment in time, created specifically for each person who ordered a copy.
Selling a copy of a song that only one person will ever have might seem counterintuitive, but look at it this way: you’re nurturing your relationships with fans who are willing to spend money on...
2020-09-2935 min
BandhiveDo These Things Every Day | Forming Healthy Habits to Grow Your Music CareerTypically when we hear about habits, it’s in the context of breaking bad habits.
But there are good habits, too – habits that improve your life, business, and skills.
The key to this is relying on habits rather than motivation.
Motivation means you’ll end up doing things when you really need to, but only sporadically.
Habits let you get into a groove so it’s not a question of if you’re going to do something today – it’s when.
Start forming good habits today. Listen now to hear some exam...
2020-09-2232 min
BandhiveLearn How to Grow a Massive Instagram Following | Keeping Your Fans EngagedWhen it comes to being in a band, one thing matters above all else: your audience.
Unfortunately, growing your audience isn’t easy.
Keeping that audience engaged is even more difficult, but just as important as having the audience in the first place.
An unengaged audience isn’t much more than numbers on a screen, but a highly engaged audience is pure profit – financially as well as for your soul.
Listen now to learn how you can nurture your audience into a massive, engaged social media following and turn your b...
2020-09-1537 min
BandhiveSetting Your Priorities for a Sustainable Career | Christian James of James and the Giant SleepChristian James of James and the Giant Sleep is a multi-talented songwriter, musician, and videographer on a mission.
Christian’s passion lies in creating a lasting legacy with their music… But video is the key to making that happen.
It’s important to have your priorities set straight, and that’s one of the many things Christian understands – and you should, too.
Listen now to hear from Christian how you can focus on your career, create videos on a budget, and set your priorities realistically.
What you’ll learn:
How Christ...
2020-09-0839 min
BandhiveIf You Don't Release GREAT Cover Songs, You'll Hate Yourself LaterFinding an amazing cover of a song is always a highlight of my day when it happens.
Hearing a new, unique twist on a song I already enjoy just carries a special meaning to it somehow.
But, even though lots of artists release covers only a small handful of them become successful…
It can be really tough because not only do you have to compete with other artists, you have to compete with the original version of the song.
Listen now to learn more about releasing covers so you can harness th...
2020-09-0132 min
BandhiveRed Flags You Can't Ignore When Booking Shows | Booking Your First GigIf you’re just starting your musical career, it can be overwhelming to get out there.
In fact, you’re probably being pulled in a million different directions.
“Do I release a song? Play a show? Start a mailing list? Set up a website?”
Let us help you make that a bit easier for you: in this episode we’re talking about booking a show as well as red flags to look out for when dealing with venue talent buyers, promoters, and others.
The best part is, most of what we’re discussin...
2020-08-2528 min
BandhiveNine Essential Tools Every Band Should Be UsingTechnology is a beautiful thing.
It allows us to complete work and communicate from thousands of miles away, as if we are in the same room.
Even in the past ten years, technology has come a long way from where it was.
Unfortunately, a lot of artists are still doing things the hard way: scheduling social media posts manually, communicating on many different platforms and letting messages slip through the cracks, or making merch sales manually via PayPal.
There are tons of apps out there to help businesses grow and succeed...
2020-08-1834 min
Bandhive5 Inspirational Innovations In The Music Industry | What Will You Come Up With?Everyone loves life hacks.
They’re convenient, MacGyver-like solutions to common problems.
The music industry has its own, unique set of life hacks. Anything from increasing comfort and saving money while on tour, to growing your email list or selling more music.
The possibilities are practically endless – what will you come up with as the next life hack for artists?
What you’ll learn:
How creative innovation can change the music businessWhy thinking outside the box is vital to long-term successWhat you can do to earn more during shows...
2020-08-1127 min
BandhiveHow To Get Signed, Part 2 | Make Your Band Appealing To Record LabelsMaking your band appealing to a record label in the effort of getting signed isn’t easy.
There’s no guarantee that it’ll work, either.
The good news is that the same things that make you appealing to a record label will make your band more successful in general.
Listen now to learn how you and your band can boost your careers in a few key areas, and become more successful whether you want to get signed or not.
What you’ll learn:
How to get five...
2020-08-0440 min
BandhiveHow To Get Signed, Part 1 | Why Most Bands Want A Record DealMany artists dream of getting signed – then they’ve officially “made it” and have everything they need for a successful career.
Other artists don’t want to be signed. It all comes down to weighing the pros and cons of a record deal.
But, for those who do want a deal: do you know what to do to get an offer?
Here’s a hint: it’s not just playing shows and getting noticed. Unlike in the movies, the label doesn’t just hear your song through a magical coincidence and say “here’s a million bucks, k...
2020-07-2829 min
BandhiveHow To Provide A High-Value Live Stream To Your Fans | Ryan Cohen of Robot Dog StudioTens of thousands of artists worldwide have started streaming during the global lockdown.
Millions of people watched those streams. But they’re getting burned out.
They’re burned out by low quality, crappy sounding streams put on by people who don’t know how to set up a camera.
They’re burned out by artists who stream every day, with no advanced notice or real purpose for the stream.
So what can you do to make your live stream not suck? Listen now to find out how Ryan Cohen of Robot Dog Stud...
2020-07-2130 min
BandhiveFive Lies Too Many Musicians Believe | Overcoming Common Music MythsAll too often, artists say their goal is to “be famous” and on the cover of Rolling Stone or another magazine.
When really, what the artist wants at heart is to make music for the rest of their life without working a day job that sucks their soul.
You don’t need to be famous to meet reasonable goals in music.
If you can convince just 1000 fans to pay you $5 a month for your content, you’ll be earning $60,000 per year! Obviously, that doesn’t factor in business expenses but it’s a great figure...
2020-07-1426 min
BandhiveDon't Let Burnout Ruin Your Career | How To Separate Yourself From Your ArtIt’s easy to become exhausted as an artist.
Not only do you have to work on your creative side, you also have to run a business.
Splitting your time between what is essentially two different jobs on opposite sides of your brain can be draining.
All that really means, though, is that artists need to take time off.
There’s no shame in having weekends off (or any two day of your choosing during the week).
There’s no shame in taking a much-needed vacation and setting up an ema...
2020-07-0724 min
BandhiveThe Law Of Diminishing Intent: How To Actually Meet Your Goals This YearSo you have a great idea…
You spend months thinking about how to execute your idea. Maybe even years.
But you never actually start working on it.
Does that sound like you?
Probably, because it’s something that happens to nearly everyone: the Law of Diminishing Intent kicked in.
To overcome the law, there are some basic steps that help to keep you on track.
Listen now to find out how you can overcome the Law of Diminishing Intent and stay accountable so you actually meet your goal...
2020-06-3028 min
BandhiveHow We Can Fight For Racial Justice In The Rock Scene | Brandon Cunningham's StoryA few weeks ago, I saw an amazing Facebook post that really struck me.
Not because it was funny, or drama-filled, or anything like that. It wasn’t a “normal” Facebook post.
It was Brandon Cunningham’s post about being a black man who likes rock music.
It made me realize that, as much as systemic racism is an issue, it’s almost ignored in the rock world.
Many bands are making statements that they are allies, and that’s great – but how many BIPOC are in rock bands? We’re talking about a...
2020-06-231h 02
BandhiveNine Mistakes Most Bands Make During Their CareersEveryone makes mistakes. It’s part of life, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
But, sometimes it’s easier to learn from the mistakes someone else made rather than finding out the hard way on your own. Right?
Listen now to find out about nine common mistakes that most bands will make at some point during their career!
What you’ll learn:
How to avoid 9 major mistakes too many artists makeWhy you need to release some musicHow to book shows without shooting yourself in the footWhat to do when...
2020-06-161h 02
BandhiveHow To Boost Your Band's Reputation With Effective BrandingIn 2020, image is everything. The most famous people in the world are famous because of their Instagram posts and or Tweets that make the stock market go crazy.
Through all of this, one thing is consistent: branding.
Whether it’s the Instagram model who only posts photos showing off designer clothing, the eccentric billionaire who builds “bullet proof” trucks, or the leader of the free world with his incoherent messaging, each of these people has an image.
This image is their brand.
If Elon Musk posted a photo of a “great turnout”...
2020-06-0935 min
BandhiveHarnessing The Power Of Your Fanbase | Get New Fans By Hiring Your Current FansWith more and more artists starting to perform online, competition is fiercer than ever.
But there’s a great way to help spread the word about your music that doesn’t involve paying Facebook or Google to run ads.
In fact, it’s much more effective than advertising.
Not only does it benefit your band, it also benefits your fans.
A street team will help you grow your fanbase, while breeding loyalty in your fans, resulting in a win/win scenario.
Listen now to learn how you can build a heal...
2020-06-0331 min
BandhiveHow to Stop Losing Opportunities and Start Communicating With TEETHWith face to face communication a thing of the past (at least for now), it may be time to review your band’s communication practices.
Whether it’s internal discussions and planning, working with other bands, or with third parties such as promoters, venues, and others in the industry, having solid communication skills is vital to long, lasting relationships.
So what can you do to make sure everyone stays on the same page?
Listen now to find out how you can give your communication TEETH: Teamwork, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Total accountability, Health and safety.
2020-05-2634 min
BandhiveThe COVID-Survival Guide for Musicians, Part 2: What Do I Do Now?If you heard last week’s episode about staying top of mind during the COVID crisis, you’re probably wondering, “but what next?”
The good news is that we cover that today. Educating yourself and ensuring that you are 100% to hit the ground running once shows resume will put you miles ahead of other artists who did nothing except watch Netflix these past few months.
So, what does that mean for you?
Listen now to learn how you can ensure that your band doesn’t just outlast COVID-19, but that you’re ready to blow away...
2020-05-1952 min
BandhiveThe COVID-Survival Guide for Musicians, Part 1: How To Stay RelevantCoronavirus has affected every single musician across the globe.
But, while some musicians are giving up and sticking their head in the sand, others are quickly recognizing the need to stay current and provide value for their fans during these tough times.
By adapting to the current situation, those artists are much more likely to succeed and come out of this crisis ready to hit the road.
What about the artists who did nothing? They might not be around anymore this time next year.
Listen now to learn how you can...
2020-05-1246 min
BandhiveThe Best Method To Save Money When You Get Back On The RoadMusicians around the globe are itching to get back on the road once it’s safe to do so.
The question everyone wants to know is when?
Unfortunately, we don’t have the answer – but we do have some advice to help you put together the best tour possible as soon as we can get back on the road.
Listen now to find out what you should do to create a killer tour routing and save a ton of money and time for your band!
What you’ll learn:
How y...
2020-05-0549 min
BandhiveLife On The Road: Sacrifices We All MakeWhile we’re all sacrificing during the current pandemic, touring musicians across the globe will continue to sacrifice once live music picks up again…
The sacrifices will be different, but still potentially painful. The touring industry has long been known for the long days, isolation, and all too often, low pay.
It’s part of the “dream” artists are sold. In the long run, those sacrifices do pay off – but even at top levels of touring, artists are away from their loved ones. They miss family events. They aren’t home half the year.
Listen now t...
2020-04-2843 min
BandhiveSelling Merch When The Pandemic Ends | How To Make Your Merch Table Stand OutRight now, we’re all stuck at home (or working in an essential job – stay safe!)
No one is playing shows, so what can we do during downtime?
Maybe it’s time to review your merch setup and see what you can do to boost your merch sales at shows.
Listen now to learn how you can boost your on-site merch sales and improve inventory tracking as well as sales efficiency!
Note: this episode was recorded before the COVID-19 crisis hit the US, but we are confident that the advice presented in the...
2020-04-2156 min
BandhiveRunning A Company From Home So You Can Make A Living While Playing Music Whenever You Feel Like It | Meet Josh NachbarSo let’s say you started your own business that lets you work from home. You have a flexible schedule that lets you work on music whenever you want to.
Not only that, but you did all of this before the coronavirus pandemic hit the globe.
That puts you in a better position than 95% of people in the US.
That’s what Josh Nachbar did – and now that the world is grinding to a halt, it’s time for you to consider what skills you can turn into a business from home, to...
2020-04-1443 min
BandhiveHow To Make Your Band Stand Out Using Tactics The Major Labels Have Mastered – With Infinite SignalReleasing an album or EP is one of the biggest moments in a band’s career. Many successful artists release ten to twenty albums over their career, while others release a handful or less.
Some bands, like Rammstein, may go over a decade without releasing new music… Yet others seem to release an album practically every year or two.
What all established artists have in common, though, is that they have a well thought out marketing plan for their music to ensure it performs as well as it possibly can.
Not only that, but...
2020-04-071h 18
BandhiveNo Money In Music? Think Again. Start Selling Your Merchandise!As the music industry continues to shift away from music sales while streaming becomes ever more popular, many have said, “there’s no money in music.”
But those people are wrong!
By learning how to sell you could make thousands of dollars per day selling your merchandise at music festivals, shows, and online.
Listen now to find out how you can start making money with your band’s brand!
What you’ll learn:
Why sales is easier if you love peopleHow the Girl Scouts recently made a genius m...
2020-03-3150 min
BandhiveFix Your Stage Presence NOW!It can be uncomfortable or downright anxiety-inducing to get up on stage. Where do you think the term “stage fright” came from?
There are many factors that go into good (or bad) stage presence, and no one-size-fits-all solution…
But, we can help!
Listen now to learn eight tips to begin improving your band’s stage presence.
What you’ll learn:
Why you should avoid making inside jokes when you’re on stageHow you can use your own personality to improve your stage presenceWhy drummers can...
2020-03-2458 min
BandhiveHow You Could Save THOUSANDS On Your Next AlbumRecording an album can be an extensive (and expensive) process...
It can also be incredibly stressful, especially when you can’t nail your takes and get frustrated.
But there’s a solution: songwriting and pre-production.
Artists who have done a great job preparing for the studio can get better results in a day than others could get in a week.
Listen now to find out how you could save thousands of dollars by not wasting time in the studio and preparing your songs for the big time!
Wha...
2020-03-1737 min
BandhiveRelationships And Your Image – How You And Your Band Are One And The SameWe all know that one person… Their entire life, at least according to their social media posts, is a dumpster fire.
They may be a perfectly nice human being in person, but online they whine, whine, and whine.
Whether it’s about how bad their life is, politics, or something else, they are doing the opposite of what they should be doing.
By nurturing relationships and building your personal brand, you will be able to boost your career and watch your band’s success skyrocket.
So, don’t be tha...
2020-03-1038 min
BandhiveRoles and Responsibilities: Determining Who Is The "Band Parent" While The Kids PlayThere are lots of different elements that go into running a successful band… Way too many for any one person to handle, unless it’s their full time job!
So how can you effectively manage your DIY band without going insane?
Listen now to find out how you can make your life easier by dividing band roles and responsibilities in a logical, thought out manner that focuses on the natural strengths you and your bandmates possess.
What you’ll learn:
Why you need to have “aces in their places”H...
2020-03-0357 min
BandhivePre-Show Communication Could Save Your Show... And Your LifeWhen you’re touring, or even playing local shows, there are a lot of moving parts.
Who’s supplying the sound system if the venue doesn’t have their own?
Are the bands sharing backline?
Can we bring our own lights?
These are just a sample of the questions you might need to ask… Ultimately, it’s up to you to have a list of questions to go over with the venues that you are going to play.
Listen now to find out more about advancing your shows to make sure...
2020-02-2557 min
Bandhive(Don't) Ruin Your Career By Being A JerkThere are thousands of artists out there… Why should people listen to your music over everyone else?
By adding value to the lives of your fans, you create a personal connection with them and nurture your relationship.
Listen now to find out how you can make people feel great about connecting with you!
What you’ll learn:
Why you should always express your gratitude and appreciationHow nurturing relationships plays into the longevity of your careerWhat being a good person can do for youWhy supporting your community is a grea...
2020-02-1834 min
BandhiveData Points: Why Your Work Isn't Over When The Show EndsWhen you’re in a band, finances can be one of the last thing you want to deal with.
Tracking data can be a pain, and seem pointless… But, whether it’s finance, your experience, or another seemingly useless note tracking as much data as possible will help you boost your chances of booking shows.
How is that, you ask?
Listen now to find out what minor changes you can make in your habits to have a major advantage over many other DIY bands.
What you’ll learn:
...
2020-02-1148 min
BandhiveWhat It REALLY Costs to Record and Release an AlbumRecording and releasing an album is a massive undertaking… If you do it right.
But this is your music, your passion, your life work. Why wouldn’t you want to do it right?
To find out how much you realistically might need to release an album without skimping out, listen to episode ten of the Bandhive Podcast now!
What you’ll learn:
Why most bands’ releases fade into obscurity quicklyHow you can have your music taken seriouslyWhat you can do to get the experience of a producer...
2020-02-041h 01
BandhiveHow To Stay Healthy And Happy On TourStaying healthy and happy while you’re constantly driving from city to city, venue to venue, can be challenging…
The challenge alone can be mentally draining, but it also takes a physical toll on you – especially if you eat fast food every day (road warriors: we’ve all been there at some point).
Listen now to learn how you can become, and stay, healthier and happier while you’re away from home!
What you’ll learn:
How you can the road and stay in good mental and physical shapeWhy fast food is the...
2020-01-2839 min
BandhiveDigital Marketing For Bands in the Roaring 2020sAs the internet becomes more and more cluttered, it gets more difficult to stand out from the crowd…
But standing out is one of the only ways you can make your band shine above the rest.
Lots of bands go straight to paid advertising… But there’s a better way to start before you jump into paid advertising.
Listen now to discover how you can get your music heard without paying for ads in 2020!
What you’ll learn:
How digital marketing can boost your streams and sales be...
2020-01-2158 min
BandhiveHow You Can Use Competitive Marketing To Get Thousands Of FansPlease give a welcome to the third and final co-host of The Bandhive Podcast… Matt Hoos of Alive In Barcelona!
After nearly a decade following the Vans Warped Tour, Matt and his bandmates built up a following of over 25,000 fans and made thousands of dollars in sales… All without being an official part of the tour.
Listen now to find out how you can follow in Matt’s footsteps at other festivals around the world.
What you’ll learn:
How Matt and his bandmates realized that selling...
2020-01-141h 01
BandhiveHow You Can Save Time and Money To Focus On Your MusicHow many times have you thought, “I wish I had more time”?
The good news is there’s something you can do about it…
But only if you decide against wasting hours doing something that someone else can do better (in an hour or less).
Too many times we get caught up in do it yourself and don’t apply the mindset of decide it yourself – we need to have the self-awareness to understand when hiring a third party is the best option to get things done right.
Listen now to find...
2020-01-071h 01
BandhiveHow You Can Get More Shows Outside Your HometownAs a band who is either just starting out, or trying to expand the areas they play in, it can be difficult to find shows in new cities.
Obviously the more you build up your network and establish your name, the easier it gets…
But what if you have virtually zero presence in a city?
Listen now to out how you can harness a few techniques to get shows in cities you’ve never been to, and how you can make sure people will come to the show as well!
What...
2019-12-311h 07
BandhiveHow to Survive Winter Tours (And Not Hate Them)Winter touring can be fun, but it can also be dangerous.
As a musician, no doubt you know someone – or know of someone – who has had an accident driving between shows on snowy or icy roads.
Two of our podcast co-hosts living in Vermont means we know a thing or two about surviving the winter…
Listen now to find out how you can have a safe winter tour, and enjoy it too!
What you’ll learn:
How you can tour safely in winter so you don’t need to take ha...
2019-12-2455 min
Bandhive5 Things You Can Do To Avoid Becoming THAT Band At ShowsAlmost everyone has experienced that band. The jerks… The entitled, aloof, rude, lazy, not-nice-to-be-around bands.
But chances are, they don’t even realize that they’re coming across that way.
Most people don’t intend to be bad people!
So how can you be the most respectful band out there, an example of being the good band that everyone likes?
Just follow five simple rules when interacting with people.
As to why you should follow these five rules?
Because if people enjoy working with you, they’re more likel...
2019-12-171h 17
BandhiveHow Perseverance Pays Off – Meet Aaron Gingras and James CrossDIY artists come from many different backgrounds…
Some of us have extensive backgrounds in the music business and are trying to launch our own music careers.
Others no experience at all, just raw talent from years of practicing their instruments.
But there’s room in the music business for everyone!
Join Aaron and James as they discuss their beginnings in the music business and some tips for artists to build a successful band.
What you’ll learn:
What motivated Aaron to begin his journey in musicWhy bands should work h...
2019-12-1752 min
BandhiveThe Reality of Life on The RoadAs a DIY artist, you may have been on the road for half your life or you may be a total rookie…
Either way, there’s a lot you can learn to make your life easier on the road!
While it might not end up being as comfortable as the rockstars are on private tour buses, #vanlife can still be made a lot better by following some tips and not making mistakes others have made.
Join us as we chat about the true meaning of life on the road, from small DIY tours to t...
2019-12-171h 16