Music

A collection of 273 posts

Music

How to Split up the Songwriters' Shares in a Band

Waaaaaay back in the early '80s I went to a songwriting seminar. I have never forgotten what one of the writers said to us all. The question put to him was, “How do you split up royalties, my drummer wants a piece”. His answer was candid and straight to

Music

The Sane Musician

I am a musician—specifically a composer—and I’ve always tried to achieve a healthy balance between my artistic passion and personal wellbeing. One has to rein in that creative compulsion and capitalize on its power. So far, I have more or less succeeded at maintaining a healthy life

Music

Be In Your Scene

If you’re a musician, you need to go to local shows! I know, I know! If you play your own shows, have a band practice each week, maintain a day job, live with a life partner, have kids… it may well feel like you don’t have any time.

Music

Home Recording (On a Budget)

Thank you for asking me to write this article. Recording and producing from home is something that I have been passionate about my entire career. It is something I know a lot about, as I have made hundreds of recordings from within the walls of my home. It is my

Music

“Children’s Music” Can be Not for Kids Only

We are a family that makes music for families. The Oot n’ Oots is my three brothers, my daughter, and me. At a certain point we sat down to put some thought into what we do. It wasn’t until we were clear on those intentions that we agreed to

Music

I’m Just Not “Cool”

A few nights ago a friend of mine made a comment about the winter coat he had seen me wearing the last time we hung out. It was minus 30 outside and although I wore a denim jacket underneath, this particular coat is comparable to something George Costanza would wear.

Music

What Your Group Needs to Survive Each Other is “Creative Diplomacy”

Have you ever had an argument about a seemingly insignificant creative decision that ended up feeling like life or death? Have you felt unequipped to have healthy conversations with collaborators who don’t share your opinion? If you’ve ever played in a band, I know you have. Just ask

Music

How To Price Your Merch For Maximum Profit

Merch isn't a side hustle anymore. For independent artists at the club level in 2026, tour merch accounts for 30 to 50 percent of total touring income, with average per-show revenue of $2 to $8 per attendee. That table by the door can be the difference between

Music

Music is Magic, From the Mind to the Stage to the Screen

When I was five years old, my parents put an accordion in my lap. It was so big and awkward, I could almost hide behind it.  I would stretch my fingers to grasp the keys on an instrument I could barely lift and play Italian folk songs to the delight

Music

Getting your money from Satellite Radio: A primer on digital performance royalties

You may have heard a publicist or radio promoter say they’ll pitch your music to satellite radio like SiriusXM and/or Stingray. Sounds like a great perk! Maybe you listen to satellite radio yourself! Beyond it being an excellent promotion opportunity if your song lands on one of these

Music

How to Make Your Publisher Work For You

So, you’re a songwriter, artist, or producer and you got a publishing deal offer — congrats! It’s a huge accomplishment. But what exactly did you get an offer for, how does a publishing deal help you, and what should you look for in a publishing deal? Let’s review

Music

The Concept of an Album: Turning a creative assignment into an adventure

The art of making an album is one of the most freeing adventures – there are no rules. You can record a handful of songs in one room over a short period, or songs can travel through time and space by visiting different studios with years and miles between. As far

Music

Protect Your Hearing Before It’s Too Late

Turn the volume to 11! Originally from the classic rock mockumentary This is Spinal Tap, this cliché of all clichés sums up the entire situation with regard to musicians, and their generally uncompromising love for loud music. While practicing, performing, or producing, it’s difficult to resist getting louder – after

Music

Bif Naked Reissue

Canadian rock icon Bif Naked marks a milestone this year as Superbeautifulmonster, the album she has called her favourite record of her entire catalogue, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a vinyl reissue arriving in 2026. Two decades on, the record stands as one of the most emotionally resonant and personally

Music

Mentally Exhausted?! Impossible. I’m Too Busy To Be Tired.

IIt’s quite incredible to realize that it’s already been two years since everyone’s lives have been profoundly impacted by the still-ongoing pandemic. It’s unreal on so many levels. I was coming back from a European tour when it all began… I thought it would be

Music

The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Dream Band Members

Photo by 'Antonio Uquiche' on Unsplash.com Finding the right band members is crucial for the success of any music career. A cohesive and talented band can make all the difference in creating a unique sound and captivating live performances. The impact of band members goes beyond just

Music

The Types Of Media That Actually Help Grow An Artist Career

There has never been a wider, more dynamic media landscape for artists than there is today. For those building a career in music, that’s not a challenge, it’s an advantage. The key is understanding how different types of media support different stages of growth, and how they work

Music

Structuring DJ Sets Like a Film

I’ve always admired cinema, music, and storytelling and the way they intersect. I feel music and film are the greatest love affair this world has ever known. I grew up as a drummer and musician, and had my start in a handful of different bands, from rock to screamo

Music

How Do I Find a Manager (And is a Manager Even What I Need)?

There are certain questions that come up regularly when I’m talking to developing artists and one of the most common ones is, “How do I find a manager?” On the surface it’s a fair question. A manager can help build your career, guide you through your journey, share

Music

I’m Uninspired

If you’re a songwriter you have likely experienceed at least once, a moment of writer’s block or lack of inspiration. Most of us have experienced this at one time or another. How do you break free back into the joy of creative flow? There are few techniques that

Music

Guitar Talk with Big Sugar's Gordie Johnson

Your most recent album, Eternity Now, was released over a year ago. Looking back at it, what are you most proud of in that record? GJ: It’s very different from so many records that we’ve made over the years where I worked with a group of different songwriters

Music

Musicians, Their Instruments, and the Never-ending Upgrade

Some people describe their most treasured instrument as an extra limb, an extension of themselves, or an inspiration in and of itself. As someone who has toured with a bulky, much-loved, deep green Wurlitzer 200A (that’s almost ended up in the pit more than once), I get it.

Music

The Joys of Arranging

I love creating original music, but there's much joy and growth to be gained in arranging other songwriters' tunes as well. That’s especially the case when the repertoire is considered "classic" and has been covered countless times by different artists. Unlike an original song

Music

How to Get Your Song on the Radio

Serious musicians know that despite rumours of its death, old-fashioned terrestrial radio is still the most efficient way to put your music in front of strangers. Yes, streaming and social media (especially TikTok) are important, but you cannot overlook the power of music radio, a platform used by over

Music

I Love Your Song, and...

Everyone’s life has a soundtrack. We all have those songs that just seem to have connected with you on some other level, these are the songs that serve to remind us of people in our lives, events gone by, eras, good times, bad times - you know, typical soundtrack stuff,