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.

FSL AL13 Aluminium Earphones

Disclosure: I received one or more products for review purposes only. Despite the free item, my opinions remain 100% Honest and my own.This post may contain affiliate links, if clicked I may receive compensation. If a giveaway is being held: No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Odds of winning are based on number of entries received. Giveaways on this blog are in no way affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks.

Clear stereo sound and big bass

These flat cable earphones offer stunning stereo sound and a deep, booming bass, providing an amazing overall listening experience for their size. With durable materials used in manufacturing and a robust design, these are a perfect option if you're looking for exercise headphones or just some casual listening.

Comfortable fit and size-adjustable

The FSL sound isolating earbuds come with 3 adjustable sizes of rubber eartips, small, medium and large. Whatever your ear size, you are guaranteed a snug, comfortable fit that blocks out external noise and delivers clear, high quality sound with booming bass to your ear. Carrying pouch is also included.

Universal compatibility

These noise isolating earbuds are compatible with any electronic device that uses a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. This means all versions of the iPod and iPhone, all Android phones, all tablets, laptops, PCs, portable gaming systems and CD or DVD players.

Flat cable is robust and tangle-resistant

Enjoy easy use of your noise cancelling earbuds while you're on-the-go without having to worry about them getting tangled in your pocket. The flat cable used in construction of the FSL Aluminum Earphones is designed to be tangle-resistant, so you can skip untangling your headphones and get on with enjoying your music.

FSL Xylem Review.

Disclosure: I received one or more products for review purposes only. Despite the free item, my opinions remain 100% Honest and my own.This post may contain affiliate links, if clicked I may receive compensation. If a giveaway is being held: No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Odds of winning are based on number of entries received. Giveaways on this blog are in no way affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks.

Eco-friendly construction

You may not have a cape or super-powers but you can do your bit to save the earth with these premium quality wooden earphones. Wood offers several advantages over plastics and metal and that is why it is used in the construction of premium, high end speakers and musical instruments.

Powerful vibrant sound with naturally enhanced bass

The wooden chamber of the FSL Xylem is designed specifically to reflect bass frequencies and yet absorb high frequencies. The result is a powerful bass sound with a fine detailed high end. Only a wooden chamber can provide this natural acoustic effect and the Xylem has been fine tuned to high definition audio standards.

Control your music and calls

A discreet integrated microphone and remote put you in complete control of your music and calls. Play, pause, skip track, previous track as well as answer and end call at the touch of the button without reaching for your phone. 

Note: track controls may not be compatible with all devices

Compatibility

The FSL Xylem is universally compatible to work with all audio devices with a 3.5mm socket - that means just about anything portable like your smartphone, tablet or iPod etc.

Lifetime customer service and 3 year warranty

FSL prides itself on it's customer care and we want you to be happy with your product for years to come. Our faith in our products is why we offer a 3 year warranty and offer our customers support for the lifetime of the product.

Tanbi Music Guitar picks

Disclosure: I received one or more products for review purposes only. Despite the free item, my opinions remain 100% Honest and my own.This post may contain affiliate links, if clicked I may receive compensation. If a giveaway is being held: No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Odds of winning are based on number of entries received. Giveaways on this blog are in no way affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks.

A Gauge For Every Musical Taste

Each pack contains picks of 0.6mm, 0.73mm, 0.8mm, 1mm and 1.14mm – great for beginners who want to experiment and find the gauge that best suits their musical style and instrument. Experienced players who play in different styles will appreciate the versatility of this set. These picks work great for acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, but they also produce a beautiful sound on ukulele, and mandolin!

Carry Your Picks Anywhere With Included Spill-Proof Case

This set of picks comes in an attractive, petal-shaped case with 7 compartments to help you stay organized. The box is large enough to hold over 100 picks, so if you have loose picks at home already you can easily store your entire collection in one place.

Not only is the case designed to stay firmly closed while being carried in your guitar case or bag, but it’s also so thin and lightweight that you’ll barely even notice it’s there!

Jammy Jams - Pop Goes Lullaby 3 Review.

I have reviewed Jammy Jams before with Eighties babies so I was excited when I got the chance to review Pop Goes Lullaby. These songs are ones I know well from hearing on the radio so It is fun to hear them in a way I had never heard them before. I know these are meant for kids but I love to sit and relax while listening to these.

DownBeats High Fidelity Hearing Protectors Review

While sadly I haven't gotten to use these at a concert yet because there hasn't been any recently I have tried them with my headphones since after just a few short hours my ears are hurting even with the sound down and I have to take them off.

I have been wanting to try something like these because I tend to be up front with the speakers and I find my ears ringing and loss of balance as if I am in a daze after a concert. I am getting older and I have started to worry about the hearing loss that can ensue from listening to Metal and Rock at high volumes.

Kinivo ZX100

Disclosure: I received one or more products for review purposes only. Despite the free item, my opinions remain 100% Honest and my own.This post may contain affiliate links, if clicked I may receive compensation. If a giveaway is being held: No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Odds of winning are based on number of entries received. Giveaways on this blog are in no way affiliated with Facebook or any other social media networks.

This cute little speaker is pocket sized and ready to go. It features an awesome pop up center made to enhance the sound of your music. The ZX100 comes in several color options and retails around $30.95 but on sale for under $19 right now.

Jammy Jams - "Eighties Babies: Awesome '80s Go Lullaby"

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I love the 80's and this is something I would have loved to have as a child. I was born in 1988 so my memories of the 80's are non existent but I love music from the 80's. I was excited when I got the chance to review this cd. I was thinking it was going to be singing along with the music but when I hit play some of my favorite 80's songs came out in soothing sounds of piano and more. I listened to the cd from beginning to end and I can tell you it even had me ready to go to sleep. This is something I would love to upload to my ipad and then play over my bluetooth speaker as I fall asleep.

Sol Republic tracks air wireless headphones Giveaway.

This blog did not receive product samples for this post and is not responsible for the giveaway.

SOL REPUBLIC was founded back in 2011 by Kevin Lee, Scott Hix, and Setch Combs. They share a vision of getting rid of all of the worlds hollow-sounding headphones. SOL REPUBLIC is a global consumer electronics company that was also dedicated to enhancing the lives of people through better sounding headphones and accessories. They are also striving to create a community where music fans, athletes and all dreamers can voice their opinions, ideas, and share their sound and be heard. The SOL REPUBLIC Tracks Air Wireless Headphone is an amazing pair of headphones for only $199!

The Tracks Air headphones are extremely durable thanks to the FlexTech headband. They can be bent, twisted and nothing will happen. A feature on these headphones which is extremely popular is that the ear cups are removable. This allows you to customize your headphones exactly how you want them. You can switch up the wires, ear cups, and headbands to make them exactly how you want. The ear cups also feature an expanded cushion, making them extremely comfortable. They feature: A2 Sound Engine. A larger amplifier that produces a sound that is equal to or better than wired. This is the best in its class. Listen In Comfort & Isolation. The noise-isolating ear cushions lets you enjoy your music for tons of hours in the comfort of your home or on your couch. Multiple Device Connectivity. With the wireless headphones you are able to watch a movie on your tablet, then take an incoming call with only a touch of a button using the crystal-clear noise reduction available on the headphones. All wired headphones are unable to do this. Super Power Wireless (Air). The wireless headphones can also be used on the road or roaming around your house. They can carry their amazing sound without wires for up to 150 feet. Batter Life. The headphones are a USB re-chargeable headphone that will provide you with up to 15 hours of playtime when it is fully charged. A lot of smartphones can't even provide a charge for that long.

Interchangeable Headbands: The headphones had a revolutionary design which allows you to change your headband whenever you want to!! Headbands will be available starting in 2014. SOL REPUBLIC Tracks Air Wireless Headphones are the only wireless headphones that are interchangeable. NFC/ Bluetooth Pairing. This makes it really easy to listen to music or take calls within seconds using the Easy Pair Bluetooth and NFC compatibility. SOL REPUBLIC has many different styles of headphones starting at $39.99 for the JAX In-Ear Headphones.

For The Giveaway

One winner will win the SOL REPUBLIC Tracks Air Wireless Headphones. You have never heard music until you have heard them through these headphones. These headphones retail for $199. US Resident only 18+. Winner will have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Ends January 15 Midnight EST. Check back on It's Peachy keen For the winners post

Co-Hosted by Submissive By Design and Sweet Southern Lovin

Sponsored by SOL REPUBLIC

Everyone are raving about these headphones this holiday season! Add them to your own collection. I love the colors of these and the design. Good luck!

Music In memories

When I think back to when I was in high school I remember riding in the back of the school bus hanging out with my friends Alyx and Matt. The bus driver hated hearing us kids talk so he would blast the radio. Alyx and Matt always had me cracking up with the funny faces or dances that they did along with the music and singing along. When I think back to those days I remember the carefree feeling I had during those moments. It seems like a lifetime ago but really its only been a few years since we sat in those black Vinyl seats. The songs we goofed around during have faded into oldies, but they are some of the best oldies in my opinion.

I remember playing badminton in Alyx's backyard with the stereo blasting after school. We had so much fun and I remember a few air guitar sessions prompted by something playing on the radio.

What is a memory you remember from high school where music played a big part but you didn't realize it till years later. Feel free to share with us in the comments.

Music world changing.

I have noticed lately that musicians are changing to a new type of style that kind of resembles 90's dance music (which I LOVE!) and some artist I am having to reconsider my thoughts on.

Growing up I wasn't exposed to much in a variety. My mom was basically all country when I was little and my dad liked to listen to oldies but I was only with him on weekends. I was exposed to what I refer to as 90's dance/alternative (possibly called new wave?) at one of my mom's friends house. I hung out with her kids (mostly her daughter) and I remember jumping around on mattresses that were on the floor in a room with the radio blasting. My middle school years were riddled with rap (which I can't stand) and gave me headaches. 

Once I reached high school I found rock & metal. I don't know why I was so afraid my mom wouldn't approve that I hid in my room with headphones plugged into the TV listening to the rock music channel that's provided by the cable company. Finally a few months down the line I was tired of hiding and I told her and she was fine with it. I know you probably think I was nuts or am nuts but I was afraid of disappointing my non perfect mother. So thus became rocker Ruby :)......I'm sorry I couldn't resist.

I remember being asked by my cousin Ruby ( the one that's older then me........yes there is more then one of us! There is about 5 or so living/dead ruby's in 3 generations in my family.) if I wanted to go to the 60's/70's/80's dance I said sure!!! Thats when I found my love of 80's music and that is an addiction that I can't and don't want to break.

I guess though you could consider me an artist snob? I have had preconceived notions about some artists that I haven't allowed them to get past but playing Song-pop I have seen what I am missing. I heard The Who on there the other night and I knew the song and love it but it never once crossed my mind it was The Who playing it. I knew the band name but I had never bothered to look at the music and just assumed it wasn't my type of music. I have always hated Britney spears ( I mean really! I never jumped on the boy band fad either and to me she was just as bad as them.) but once I heard some of her more recent stuff on the radio and found out it was her I was amazed! I found myself liking how it sounded because it brought me back to the 90's dance and jumping around on the bed. I know that is an odd thing to be brought back to but that was during a time when life for me was picture perfect. My mom was around we had food and the bills were paid. She wasn't off doing drugs and leaving me with no food and having to move around because the rent wasn't being paid it was a time when I was really allowed to be a kid. Katy Perry is another one I heard her song wide awake and I started listening to the cd its on and I actually like it.

So now I find myself in a time where those people that sung what I called in middle school "rap crap" are singing things more of my type of music and they actually have nice voices. Although I could do without all the sexual innuendo. Like in WHISTLE byFLO-RIDA but I guess it could be worse it could be like the candy shop song.....that they played at school dances.....muhahahahaha.....its funny now that I am an adult then I didn't listen because I was staring out the window and wasn't listening to the meaning.

Has any artist surprised you with changes they have made to the type of music they make?

Free song: Ellie goulding - Hanging On

Song is haunting but then the guy cuts in and raps interrupting the relaxing atmosphere for me. But check it out and download for free and see what you think!   Go HERE.

Free amazon $2 credit expires 7/11

Use HEARTMP3 to get $2 credit. Must be used by 7/11

Making music from the computer.

was playing around with some things I found on chrome check it out.

Crossfade "Prove You Wrong" Official Video (Animation Version).. my thoughts

The animation in the video is kinds lame. The first 10 seconds makes me think f krilin from dragon ball z. I love the blue tint they did to the video itself. I wish I knew how to do the blue glow that they did on this video. The song itself seems to touch something deep inside my heart. I feel a twinge as I listen to it. Sad that they broke up before their ultimate break came.