Thanks for welcoming me into the group, Joe!

Here's an interesting read about self-promotion: https://www.vox.com/culture/2024/2/1/24056883/tiktok-self-promotion-artist-career-how-to-build-following

As a professional musician looking to get more gigs, diversifying your approach and utilizing both online and offline strategies can significantly increase your opportunities. Here are 12 ideas to help you secure more gigs: 1. Social Media Presence: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your talent. Regularly post clips of your performances, behind-the-scenes content, and updates about your music career. 2. Networking: Attend music industry events, open mics, and other gatherings where you can meet venue owners, event planners, and fellow musicians. Building relationships within the music community can lead to more gig opportunities. 3. Collaborate with Other Musicians: Working with other artists can introduce you to their audience and vice versa. Collaboration can also lead to performances at events where you might not have been able to play solo. 4. Create a Website: A professional website with a booking inquiry form, your music portfolio, and upcoming shows can make it easier for event organizers to find and hire you. 5. Online Gig Platforms: Sign up for websites and apps designed to connect musicians with gig opportunities, such as GigSalad, BandMix, or Sonicbids. 6. Email Marketing: Collect emails at your shows and through your website to build a mailing list. Regular updates about your music and upcoming gigs can keep you on the radar of fans and potential bookers. 7. YouTube Channel: Start a YouTube channel to post live performances, music videos, and vlogs. This can serve as an online portfolio for your music and help you reach a global audience. 8. Local Venues and Bars: Reach out to local venues, bars, and restaurants that host live music. Offer to play during slower nights as a way to introduce your music to their clientele. 9. Music Festivals and Events: Apply to play at music festivals and local events. These can provide great exposure and the chance to connect with a larger audience. 10. Offer to Play for Free (Initially): Offering to play for free or at a reduced rate can be a foot in the door at certain venues or events. Once you've proven your draw and performance quality, you can negotiate payment for future gigs.I’m not a fan of this approach but it actually worked so well for me at a resort one time, I can’t ignore its potential.

Rick and I became friends some years back through a mutual acquaintance and our friendship has grown more and more over the years. We have a deep respect for each other, our drive and our accomplishments. We share a kinship in that we’re both drummers and love to watch each other perform and share our experiences on and off the stage. Rick takes us all the way back to his early childhood where we learn how his path and his outlook on life, was created at a young age both musically and personally. You will hear him say throughout this interview, the words “No Fear!” and you’ll see why he has accomplished so much in his life up to date and why he continues to push himself and grow even more. ********** Rick Lewis: Radio Personality Color Commentator for the Denver Broncos Drummer for The Rick Lewis Project *iHeartRadio Shows* https://thefox.iheart.com/featured/the-rick-lewis-show/ https://koanewsradio.iheart.com/featured/logan-lewis/ Rick's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1ricklewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ricklewisproject/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/1RickLewis https://youtu.be/oDbwc0ss72A https://joecostelloglobal.libsyn.com/an-interview-with-radio-personality-commentator-drummer-rick-lewis

I finally got to sit down with my dear friend and the ever so talented Nate Morton, drummer for the hit NBC TV show, "The Voice"As you'll hear, Nate is super humble, very smart, funny as hell and man, can he tell a story!! We literally talked for 2 1/2 hours and the time flew!! **hence the reason this is a 2 Part episode** We begin with his early childhood in this episode, which is Part 1 of a two part episode. From there we follow his path from high school to college at the University of Maryland to gain an engineering degree. That decision didn't last long and he was finally Berklee bound to get a performance degree.You'll hear about his drum instructor Grant Menefee, who not only went to Berklee himself but prepared Nate for his years to come at this prestigious music school. Nate credits a lot of his success to Grant preparing him plus the hard work that Nate hisself did based on Grant's advise. We'll hear more about Nate's time at Berklee, his eventual gig with Faye Wong and their residency gig in Hong Kong. A couple of years are spent in Boston after the Faye Wong gig before making the big decision to move to Los Angeles.We end this part of the episode talking about the connections he first made when arriving in Los Angeles and ultimately, the name Barry Squire comes up because he was/is known as the match-maker of talent to many of the biggest touring acts. If an artist needs a top notch player, Barry Squire helps get the right person for the gig. Part 2 of this episode focuses more on Nate's early days in Los Angeles and we walk through his timeline of auditions, touring gigs with well-known artists, up to his current seat as the drummer for "The Voice". Enjoy and thank you for listening!! Nate Morton: Nate's Website: https://natemortondrums.com/