Mastering The Rhythms Of The Road As A Musician

 The allure of the open road, the echo of applause in varying venues, and the myriad experiences that come with touring beckon to us musicians. But, as we all know, this journey is a symphony of excitement, challenges, and learning. As you strum, drum, or hum your way across cities and stages, it’s essential to be equipped not just with instruments but insights. To ensure that your touring experience strikes the right chord, resonates with audiences, and creates lasting memories, here’s a bit of a guide to help you navigate this exhilarating world with grace and gusto.

Via Pixabay

1. Plan Ahead

Do you know how every song has a rhythm, a structure, a pattern? Touring isn’t any different. Planning is paramount. Before embarking on this musical journey, invest time in understanding each venue’s technical specs. Does a particular place require a certain sound setup? Have you factored in travel time between destinations? A meticulously crafted itinerary acts like a guiding star, lighting the way ensuring no missteps. Think of it this way: You wouldn’t walk onto a stage without rehearsing. So, why step into a tour without an itinerary?

2. Invest In Quality Gear

Your instruments? They’re not just tools; they’re part of you. And like any cherished entity, they deserve protection. While the unpredictable energy of the road has its allure, it can also be brutal on your gear. It’s not just about sound; it’s about longevity. Investing in hardy cases, top-notch amplifiers and robust cables mean fewer hiccups along the way. Speaking of ‘crazy good’ gear, having backups is akin to an encore you didn’t know you’d need but always welcome.

3. Streamline Your Stage Setup

Now, setting up can either be a well-choreographed dance or a clumsy tumble. Aim for the former. Modular stage setups, where each component seamlessly fits into another, can be an absolute lifesaver. But, the authentic secret sauce? Labeling. A small label can cut down setup time significantly. And for those pesky cables that seem to have a mind of their own, singularsound.com/products/cabli-instrument-cable-management might be the knight in shining armor you’ve been looking for. Remember, efficiency here directly translates to more energy for the performance.

4. Take Care Of Your Health

Music comes from the soul, and the soul thrives when the body and mind are in harmony. Touring, with its late nights and adrenaline rushes, can be draining. Prioritize balanced meals, ensure restful sleep, and remember to hydrate. And while physical health is tangible, mental well-being can often go unnoticed. Check-in with yourself regularly. If you ever feel on edge, remember that it’s okay to seek help or simply take a breather. Your well-being sets the stage for every performance.

5. Stay Connected With Fans

Your fans are the lifeblood of your musical journey. From the ecstatic cheers to the virtual thumbs-ups, they’re there, rooting for you. Social media is not just a tool; it’s a bridge. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, quirky tour moments, or even reflective posts can resonate deeply. Maybe even go a step further with live streams or intimate Q&A sessions. The bond between a musician and a fan isn’t just about music; it’s about shared moments and memories.

6. Manage Your Finances Wisely

At its heart, touring is a balance between artistic expression and economic reality. The money you allocate and spend directly affects the quality of your shows, your comfort on the road, and, ultimately, your artistic longevity. Crafting a comprehensive budget isn’t just about numbers; it’s a blueprint for your tour’s success. By tracking expenses and anticipating costs, you can make decisions that ensure every gig is both memorable for your fans and financially sustainable for you. Proactive financial management also opens the door to strategic investments in your music, from gear upgrades to promotional campaigns, ensuring your career’s upward trajectory.

7. Leverage Technology

In an age where smartphones and tablets are just as essential as guitars and drum kits, musicians have a suite of tools at their fingertips. Modern technology offers vast potential:

Digital platforms can amplify your music’s reach.

Apps can organize tour logistics.

Software can streamline budgeting and finances.

But it’s not just about convenience. Embracing technology means accessing global audiences, understanding fan demographics, and staying ahead of music trends. By integrating technology seamlessly into your musical journey, you bridge the age-old allure oflive music with the modern-day digital beat.

Via Pixabay

8. Network With Industry Professionals

Music, at its core, is about connection. And while the melodies connect listeners, networking connects the artist to growth avenues. Mingling with fellow musicians offers fresh perspectives. Engaging with industry veterans, be it managers, agents, or record label honchos, can open doors you didn’t know existed. But remember, networking isn’t about what you can get but what you can share and learn.

9. Stay Adaptable

Touring is as unpredictable as an improvisational jazz piece. It’s full of surprises. A sudden rainstorm, a venue hiccup, or a change in local regulations - anything can happen. The key isn’t just preparation but adaptability. Think on your feet, keep a Plan B, and embrace the fluidity. Every twist, every turn is a story for your next song.

10. Enjoy The Journey

Every tour is a mosaic of moments - some challenging, some euphoric, all unforgettable. Beyond the

performances, the journey introduces you to new culture, landscapes, and stories that can inspire fresh melodies and lyrics. It’s not just about moving from one gig to another; it’s a chance to evolve as an artist, soaking in the world and reflecting it in your tunes. Remember, each city, each audience, and even each hiccup on the road adds a layer to your story as a musician, enriching your narrative and deepening your connection with listeners.

Concluding Thoughts

In the grand composition of a musician’s life, touring stands out as one of the most vivid and dynamic movements. It’s an expedition where every venue becomes a classroom, every audience a new set of friends, and every performance a cherished memory. By preparing diligently, embracing modern tools, and cherishing every encounter, you turn each tour into a memorable stanza in your life’s song. Here’s to crafting harmonious memories, connecting deeply with audiences, and always finding the rhythm, no matter the challenges that arise.

Wet n Wild week Guest Post from Iced Lacquer Coast to Coast

Hi all! I'm Tia from Iced Lacquer. I love collaboration and guest posts so when Ruby said she was looking for Wet n Wild reviewers I was immediately interested!

Recently I spotted the new (and limited edition) All Access Beauty displays from Wet n Wild in a couple of stores. I'm always drawn to collections or displays that feature a rainbow of colors, so this new one quickly caught my attention. I examined each color closely (coral/pink, orange, yellow, green, and purple) but when I got to the blue shade in the collection things looked different. While all the others appeared to be crèmes, the blue called "Coast to Coast" had this beautiful glowy and somewhat duo-chrome shimmer to it. I knew I had to try it!

Wet n Wild Drinking A Glass Of Shine guest post from Polished Pathology

Hey guys! My name is J, and I run the blog Polished Pathology. Ruby made a post in a facebook group I'm in asking for guest posters, and I've never done one before so I thought what the heck, why not? She said she was doing reviews on Wet & Wild, and I immediately knew what I wanted to write about.

About a year ago, when I decided I wanted to do something more than wear mascara, I started browsing facebook groups about makeup and some reddit subs. I learned a LOT during that time, and saw there were some palettes that were hard to find. One of those palettes was Wet & Wild's Drinking A Glass Of Shine. This was a limited edition 8 pan palette of vibrant and neutral matte colors. Apparently when it first came out it was called I <3 Matte and was so popular that Wet & Wild brought it back as the one that I have for a brief period of time. I am a huge fan of matte colors, and I knew that I had to get my hands on this palette. Lucky for me, I was able to find one for 10 bucks a few months back, and have been enjoying it ever since! 

Here is what it looks like!

It was overcast today, but I still wanted to take some pictures outside so you can see it. This is without primer, look at how pigmented they are!

Wet n Wild Week!!

Wet n Wild is a brand I have used over the years as I grew up from teen to adulthood. They constantly create new products to remain with current trends and their products are known for quality and affordability. I got the pleasure of working with Wet n Wild on a set of reviews (a dream come true) and wanted to do something different and celebrate them and the products we love in a week long event.

In this event you will see

•  Our reviews of the products that were provided to us for review. 
• Products we purchased.  
• Products our friends love and their thoughts. (guest posts!)
• Round up of posts we or our friends have done in the past!

Resources for a Military Family

As a military spouse, I know just how stressful deployments can be on the whole family. My husband is currently on his first deployment and we are almost to the end (yay!!). When he first left, we were all struggling trying to come up with anything we could to bring a smile to our faces. Financially, we cannot afford much and since I was pregnant when he left (our baby was just born a couple months ago and my husband was able to "be there" via Skype) I could not do all of the projects that I had planned on so I looked up resources and freebies from non-profit organizations that could help us out. Below are a few programs that I came up with; there are resources for each and every family member. I have included here three resources for each category; for a full list of organizations, freebies, and resources (downloadable books, how to save money on shipping, etc.) see the link at the end of the post. Not a military family? If you like to make donations or know a military family, share this list and see where you can make donations to our troops and their families!

For the Soldier

• 
• Any Soldier: This resource sends packages to deployed troops NOT individuals. To qualify, you must be familiar with their Any Soldier concept in passing on the packages to troops that get little to no mail AND be Active Duty U.S. Military (of Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy, includes National Guard and Reservists on Active Duty) AND be stationed outside of the US AND have at least 4 months left in the country or on ship. You cannot apply until you are in the country. See the page for more details.
• eCarePackage.org: This resource provides support and packages (from sponsoring families) to "adopted" military families before, during, and after deployments. Also known as H.E.R.O.E.S. Care. To register for support, go here.
• HeroBox: This resource sends care packages to deployed military and tries to fulfill items requested in the hero's profile. You can register an entire unit for occasional bulk shipments as well as individuals for smaller, personal packages. HeroBox suggests you not only register your unit, but also each individual.
• Operation Hi Honey (Operation Hi Mom): This resource from Canvas On Demand allows deployed men and women to send a free 16"x20" PixelPainted canvas print of a favorite photo to their spouses for their anniversaries or to their moms for Mother's Day. Recipients are chosen weekly at random from applicants. Be sure to apply at least 6 weeks before the event.

For the Spouse

• 
• Full Circle Home: This resource allows deployed service members to send home special care packages to their wives and mothers for Christmas and Mother's Day to show them they are loved and supported. Package requests are limited. These boxes include hand written notes, pampering products and more!
• Support Military Spouses: This resource gives Shoeboxes full of donated goodies to military spouses of active duty military. My friend and I just got one each when our husbands deployed and it was such a blessing. It was given to our husbands to give to us form the readiness center on our base. My box included things like encouraging cards, a New Testament, earrings, body wash, a free cookie from Chick-Fil-A and more! They also provide Pampering Packs and Caring Cards as well as devotionals, financial help and occupational opportunities.
• Tiny Tots: This brand new resource from the USO is currently available at bases in Southwest Asia (Afghanistan and Kuwait) upon request. It allows service members to send a "Welcome Baby" package home to their wife and infant. My husband and I were one of the first recipients of this wonderful program and found it such a blessing when a package arrived at my doorstep with USO baby gear and some baby essentials.

For the Kids

• A Story Before Bed: This resource allows the deployed or deploying parent to record a free digital book from selected titles for their children.
• Sweet Dreams Picture Pillow Project: This resource sends pillow cases with a deployed mommy or daddy's picture on it to children missing a parent. To qualify, one active duty parent must be deployed and away from home for over 3 months.
• United Through Reading: This resource from the USO allows deployed parents to record themselves reading a children's book onto a DVD which is sent to their kids. This program is only available at certain locations (listed here) but you can request the USO bring the program to another location not listed, but they recommend you send the request at least a few months prior to the deployment.

For the Family

• Build-a-Sign: This resource provides families of deployed troops with free "Welcome Home" banners, jumbo cards and yard signs to show your support for your loved one.
• HeartsApart: This resource provides free pre-deployment photos and newborn photos (to those whose deployed member cannot be home for the birth due to military obligations.) Military servicemen and women receive portraits printed on bi-folded waterproof and durable cards that they can carry with them. The family will receive a DVD with the session and rights to the photos.
• Everyone Serves: This is a free e-book that helps military families and their friends understand deployment and reintegration.

I am an Air Force wife, mother of two boys, and a blogger! I love to share crafts, recipes, teaching and parenting tips, product reviews, giveaways, military resources and more! Check out my site and the full list of deployment freebies and resources on my blog Arts & Crackers.

Saving money on makeup

Did you know that you can save money on makeup? It’s simple. I did not believe it until I tried it. I discovered mineral makeup. I had heard about it before but I wasn’t able to try it until seven years ago. Ever since then, I have been hooked. I love using mineral makeup because it saves me money and it is natural and gentle on my skin. I also love how versatile the colors are. 

I love makeup. I love trying new colors and creating a new look that works for me. I am a little addicted to makeup and my makeup case is overflowing with products! 

So how does mineral makeup save money? When I use mineral makeup, I only need to use a little bit of product as it goes a long way. My makeup lasts all day. The only time I do spend money on makeup is when I want to add new eye shadow colors to my collection. Other than that, I have foundation, veil and bronzer that I have been using for a few years now! My eye shadow collection keeps growing but my colors will last years. 

I love using mineral makeup as it is gentle on my skin. The ingredients list is usually under 7 ingredients. The ingredients come from the earth and are good for my skin. 

The eye shadows can be applied wet (by using the foiling method) or dry. Either way, they will both last all day. If you want a bold look, you can foil your eye shadow. Dip your brush in water and squeeze excess from your brush. Dip your brush in your eye shadow and apply to your lids. 

Stephanie is a blogger at Beauty Brite and Fairy Tale Reviews. I am a full time working mom and wife. We have one son who has special needs. I am a founding independent consultant with a mineral makeup company. You can find my link on my blog. 

Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Surgery

The following post is a guest post.

Germany has called for a ban on plastic surgery for minors and it looks as though the bill will
go through next year. Health spokesman for the Christian Democratic Union, Jens Spahn, told
a German magazine that the ban is about “protecting young people from the consequences of a wrong headed beauty craze.”

Do young people need protecting from plastic surgery? Perhaps German politicians are worried that their country will become more like the USA, where children as young as six are going under the knife. While it's true that no parent wants to see their child suffer from bullying, allowing a child to undergo surgery to 'correct' their appearance sends the message that the bullies were right. Some people argue that children who have plastic surgery, for example they have their ears pinned back or a large facial mole removed, will grow up feeling as if they have to adapt their appearance to
please the world.

The ban excludes cosmetic surgery carried out for medical purposes, but what exactly
constitutes 'medical' reasons is unclear... Will children left facially disfigured after an accident, for example, be able to have surgery?

Germany's proposed ban has sparked a debate about the purpose of cosmetic surgery- if children need to be 'protected' from it, should we also be questioning the popularity of cosmetic procedures among adults?

People have cosmetic surgery for all different reasons- to improve a facial deformity for example or for medical reasons, or because they have already suffered a lifetime of bullying. Some people might see it as trivial and vain, but if someone is suffering from cripplingly low self-esteem, cosmetic surgery can change their life.

There is a stereotype that people undergo cosmetic surgery for purely shallow reasons, but most of the time patients choose to have a procedure to improve their confidence, more than their physical appearance. Nobody chooses to undergo cosmetic surgery on a silly whim, or for a quick fix. Surgeons in the UK follow strict guidelines which mean patients have to give their procedure a lot of serious thought. www.mya.co.uk focus on helping their patients making informed decisions, offering free consultations and making their clinical data completely transparent.

Cosmetic surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly, nor should it be made by children or forced upon them by their parents, even though they have the best intentions in the world. Germany might have the right idea!

Wizard World: Top Five Illusionists

Do you believe in magic? Not the everyday kind where for reasons unknown to man nor beast, the toast you left in 2 minutes too long didn’t burn; real magic, the kind where you are caught completely off guard and you become so intrigued you lose sleep at night trying to uncover the mystery. Well this particular form of magic is something that has fascinated society for millennia, inspiring folk tales, cult movements and entire commercial industries – and its power over us doesn’t seem to be in any danger of waning as our curiosity and appetite for magicians, wizards and magic-makers of all kinds is at an all-time high. From magical movie franchises to event artists extraordinaire, magic is everywhere and in honour of those that bring it to us, here are five of the moment’s best loved magic makers:

Top Tips To Help You Choose Your Perfume Guest Post

Top Tips To Help You Choose Your Perfume

Perfume can have an extremely prominent effect on those who wear it. It can make a person feel sexy and glamorous, fun and playful, light and flowery and even hot and naughty. However, when most people are choosing their perfume, they don’t really have any idea about how it is going to make them feel.

Not only is choosing a perfume hard because of the sheer amount of choice there is available but also because many of us are often too shy about spending too long in the shop, asking the assistant to keep letting us try perfume after perfume.

Loopy Loot! The Most Bizarre Things Ever Stolen. Guest post

Those who commit to a life of crime are never the brightest buttons in the box but some of them - particularly thieves - you just have to laugh at. From movie props to breast pumps, criminals that way inclined will steal anything that isn’t tied down. To prove the point, we have collated the most bizarre items to ever be tossed into loot bags – and no, none of these are a joke!

Games That Make It Big Guest Post

Over the decades, there have been many big hits in the gaming industry. Taking a look at who's who in next gen publishing is interesting and worthwhile if you have an interest in games. This can provide to you a much greater insight as to how things in the gaming industry have evolved over the years.

On average, 51 percent of homes in the United States own a game console. Out of this percentage, many households actually have an average of two consoles. The average player of video games is 30. Interestingly, 32 percent are under the age of 18, 32 percent are aged 18 to 35 and 36 percent of gamers are 36 and older. The average household in America owns at least one dedicated game console, computer or smartphone. Forty three percent of individuals who play games consider those that can be played on a game console or computer offer them to best value for their money as compared with spending money on music, DVDs or going to the movies. Finally, in 2012, the amount of money that was spent on the gaming industry was a whopping $20.7 billion.

As of 2012, there was a list of games that were hailed as the top 10. These games include Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Madden NFL 13, Halo 4, Assassins Creed III, Just Dance 4, NBA 2K13, Borderlands 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Lego Batman 2 and Fifa 13.

One of the biggest gaming companies as of last year were EA (Electronic Arts), which was founded in 1982 and earned $3.797 billion as of the first quarter of 2013. Next on the list is Activision, which was founded in 1979 and earned $3.797 billion in 2013's first quarter. Ubisoft, headquartered in France, was founded in 1986. It earned 1.058 billion Euros earlier this year. Microsoft Studios, founded in 2002, earned $18.53 billion in 2012. Sony Computer Entertainment was founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1993 and earned $1.2 billion this year.

Notable game titles from each of these respective companies includes The Sims 4, Call of Dusty Ghosts, the Might and Magic Duel of Champions Online Card Game, Project Spark and Killzone: Shadow Fall.

Source: TopWebDesignSchools.org

  

 

 

 

 

How To Celebrate The New Year In 2014. Guest Post

New Year is one of the best times for partying together with your friends and family. There are so many different things you can do whether you have children or not. To give you some inspiration for organising a great party this New Year or just having a good time here are some great tips and ideas.

 

Attend A Firework Display Show

Many cities and towns around the UK will be organising a fireworks display around midnight or in some instances earlier in the afternoon. These are always nice things to go to as long as you prepare well.
First, the area for viewing often fills up with people quickly and you might want to go there a little bit earlier. Second, since you are going to go earlier than the show starts you must wear a lot of warm clothing. Standing in one spot in the evening can quickly get you feeling cold so prepare well.

Attend A Party In A Bar Or Restaurant

There are also plenty of parties in local bars and restaurants. Usually these require you to purchase the tickets beforehand, so now is a good time to start thinking about where to go.

Organise Your Own Party

Going to a party in a bar or restaurant can be quite costly and therefore you might want to organise your own party instead. Inviting some friends to stay at your place is a great idea and works well if you have children as well.
Organise some nice party foods and drinks or ask friends to bring something to the party. You can add some nice entertainment with fireworks, karaoke or party games to ensure people are entertained.
If you do hold a party it might be a nice idea to let your neighbours know beforehand since it shows a lot of courtesy. Although it is a time when a lot of people have their own parties it is always better to be considerate and let people know in advance.

Fireworks Show For Smaller Children

If you have small children they might not be able to stay up until the midnight. But you can organise a smaller party earlier for the kids to enjoy some quality fireworks as well. You can organise a small party where you can invite other friends with their families.
As part of the party you can have a small fireworks display in the afternoon as soon as it gets dark. There are many dazzling fireworks for sale at the moment and this will be a nice way for allowing the small ones to enjoy this big day as well.

Remember The Safety

Whatever way you choose to celebrate New Year in 2014 it is important to keep safety in mind. Whether you go out or stay in it is always a good idea to ensure your friends and family stay safe. There are many good safety tips for New Year’s Eve at the Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service’s website.
The above are some ideas for what you could do this New Year. Above all remember to spend it with the people you love and stay safe.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source 

Oliver loves to have fun during the holiday season and he is especially excited about fireworks during the New Year's Eve party. He is hoping to travel to Australia one day to see the world famous fireworks display.

Top 10 Must Have Fall Fragrances and coupon code.

We have a wonderful guest post from the owner of School of Wash. Enjoy!

 

 It is always difficult for me to jump from summer to fall maybe it's because we don't really get fall down in South Georgia or I just begin to long for colder weather anything is better than hot and humid. Either way the time has come for us to shuffle in the fall scents and shuffle out the summer scents. Gosh, you don't want to be that lady that wears the same scent all year long, right? Of course not. Life is too short - SCENT YOURSELF! So what's HOT this fall at School of Wash?

Top 10 Must Have Fragrances for Fall

3 #giveaways and a #guest post and more!

So today has been a busy day! I have been involved in the Weird Wednesday over at Oh My Goodies both in the blog sense and with my small business.