William's 2 Step Method For Increasing Your Value As A Musician

Is it weird that I love to study Boar’s Head? You know, the sandwich meat company?

Not only is their quality spot on but I LOVE their slogan –

Boar’s Head – Sacrifice Elsewhere

That is dope (Did I mention that I have no life?). But, it’s a testament to our thinking here at HTBAMS.

We would rather pay 2x the price knowing that we get an amazing product, versus saving a few pennies to get the knock-off. It’s just not the same. 

But, what happens when we invest in ourselves?

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How to Work With Music Industry Contacts

It’s no secret that often in the world music, it’s more about “who you know” than what you know. The industry generally favors pre-existing relationships, whether you are looking for a venue, a sponsor, a review on your new album, or a slot at SXSW. Like it or not, networking can make or break an act.

Focus on taking a few steps closer to your goal by working on your contacts a few minutes each day. Here are some of my favorite tips on networking:

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Fast Food for Thought: A World Without Art

This is the first blog I wrote for my band’s website, www.thegibsonblock.com

Hello ladies and gentlemen. I am El Denito Frigoni, also known as Denis Frigon: drummer, dreamer, world destruction schemer. And today, I wish to discuss one such world ending scheme. As I enter into the foray of continued post-secondary education, many thoughts cross my mind. Education of any type is something I personally find enriching though it may be a tad dry and taxing at times. But lately, when I think of the outcomes of my efforts at school, I think about the outcomes of the efforts in other aspects of my life. Mainly, music. I love my band and my band mates. And I love the Edmonton scene. And today, I would like to share a short dystopian future scenario with all you kindly readers:

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Kimya Dawson - Adding Value

Here is a perfect example of what can happen when the principle of ‘adding value’ is taken up by an artist who understands the interweb perfectly.

Kimya Dawson, clearing her nasal passages

Think on, gurus.  Here is the future.

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What Do You Do For Your Band?

Besides your instrument. Any musician can do that. What makes you irreplaceable in your band?

This is important.

Music is a highly competitive industry, and it’s no secret band lineups change all the time. Unless you happen to be a prophet of the guitar like Hendrix, being “good” isn’t enough to ensure you stay in a band. Youtube practicly has a dedicated channel called “12 Year Olds Who Are Better At Your Instrument Than You Will Ever Be”. A Total musician, the kind of person you always want in your band, contributes something that can’t be replaced by someone who can read guitar tabs.

What would qualify as something making you more valuable to the band?

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The Perceived Value of Music

An opinion about the value of music today, and what factors are contributing as to why music is at this value. Finally, what artists and labels have to do about it.

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