the YellYo.com Blog: Archives

I recently saw a musician play at a local venue and I was very impressed.  To help keep the performer anonymous in this article, let’s call him “Jim.”  Jim’s solo acoustic performance was captivating and carried an energy that could be felt by all in the venue.  The songs all sounded like they belonged in movie soundtracks or at the end of an episode of Scrubs or Gray’s Anatomy.  I talked with Jim after his performance and found out that he is planning on signing with an indie label here in town.  Unaware that there was any notable indie label in our area, I inquired more and was informed that it is actually a local recording studio that is partnered with a local indie label. (more…)

Every band knows (or should know) that a press kit is necessary for booking quality shows, approaching radio stations for airplay, contacting record labels, attempting to get an endorsement or sponsorship - pretty much any business aspect your band will tackle.  However, having an effective and properly implemented press kit is critical to getting noticed.  Otherwise, your press kit may land in the trash can before being seriously considered. (more…)

Too many bands out there like to brag that their sound is completely unique and that they don’t sound like any other band out there.  WARNING: BUBBLE BURSTING ALERT.  The chances are very unlikely that this is true with most bands.  We are all a product of our influences.  True, there are exceptions to the rule and there are bands out there that are very hard to classify or categorize.  But they are also products of their influences and chances are that they were influenced by musicians who were similarly difficult to file under one specific genre or sound.  Thus, they are still an evolution and probably have many elements of their sound that reflect those influences. (more…)

There’s a reason for the old saying about mixing business with pleasure. We all want to trust our friends and family, but one afternoon of watching court shows on TV will prove that mothers sue sons, friends sue friends, brothers sue sisters, etc…all indicative that trust in those close to us should not be assumed. As with a common stranger off the street, trust should always be earned.  Bands are no different. (more…)

Many times in a band, there is one band member who ends up shouldering the majority of the workload when it comes to booking, promotions, songwriting, etc. Having been a front man in many bands, I have found myself in this predicament and find it to be very stressful and a dangerous recipe for burning out. And if the guy (or gal) who’s taking care of everything gets burned out, the band as a whole will find itself greatly affected. (more…)