MUSIC ONLINE

As an amateur writer I want the share with you the things that inspire me to write. I can summarize this very quickly and I will, because this is not the subject of this essay. I write about things that inspire me. Whenever I see something that is off the beaten path I latch on to it and find myself positively enjoying the simple recollection of the product of concept of someone’s creative energy.

So I’ll tell you an experience I had last night that I though was so inspiring in a way that is not only unusual, but insightful as well.

A friend called me and told me he wanted to go out. He was having a stressful week and needed some music and a drink. So we got into his car and went to some new place he had heard about. He said it was very different but didn’t want to tell me why.

We got the place and waited on line. After a little while we got in. at first I didn’t realize what was so special about the place. Everything seemed to be what you would expect from a club. Dim lights, loud music, people dancing and cluttered by the bar. But after a few second it hit me; these were not people, they were mannequins!

This club which was bursting with people was full of mannequins. There was one sitting on a stool by the bar. A group of mannequins were clustered in the far corner of the place sitting around a table. There was also a pair of mannequins by the door standing face to face as though having a conversation. It was a really awkward experience.

Here is what stuck with me. I kept on thinking about the owner of the club. This was a guy who knew that he would have to do something different to be competitive in the club business. So instead of going out and spending a fortune on fancy lights and lasers or giant smoke machines he did something counted intuitive. He bought some mannequins and knew that if he could arrange then I such a way as to incorporate them in the design and layout of his club he would be able to create an ambiance that was both memorable and fun.

This is the kind of ingenuity that strikes a chord with me. I am constantly marveling at the nearly infinite ways people create new and exciting ways to compete at a professional level. So if there is a thought I could leave you with today it would be to keep thinking out of the box and have the courage to pursue your visions.

The completion of an album, whether your first or tenth, is an amazing accomplishment. You have put an enormous amount of time and effort into making the music just perfect. You have practiced over and over and recorded it numerous times. The producer and background artists have played their magic and it is done. It deserves a great launch!

An album release party is a special time to tell your story. The story about the band, the inspiration, the ideas, how you came up with the theme, who helped you plan and produce it, what it means to you… you get it. The party is meant to establish a personal and emotional connection with the audience and to do that they need to know you and your group and the meaning the album holds for all of you. One key element of an album release party is the venue. You have to pick just the right place.

Venues vary in a number of ways. Some have the feeling of a Walmart; you know, overhead florescent lights, plain colors, no texture. Others have small rooms or rooms broken up by lots of pillars that interfere with seeing the stage. Still others have a much more vibrant feel.

Match the Music! The venue also should match the type of music or at least not clash. A heavy metal album is poorly served by having the party in the community room of a church! Of course, some venues can be made to match virtually any genre, but that may cost lots in term of decorating and lighting costs. So, if the venue is a plain Jane type place, plan for appropriate decorations, but do not over do it!

Parking: The venue needs to have plenty of free parking, easy to get to and did I say free parking? Nothing is a bigger turn off to potential attendees than having to drive around a block numerous times. Make sure the parking is close by, free and in abundant supply… and did I say free?

Lighting is a key element to any party and an album release party is no different. Dis the overhead lights for up-lights, pin spots and floods. Use color! Consider using lights that beat with the music. Have someone really plan out the layout of the lights. If lights are available at the venue, you can save a bunch of money on rental fees!

Food: You should have at least finger food at an album release party. Some venues require you to use their caterer. This may be OK, but it may not be affordable. Look at the requirements prior to booking any venue.

Day of week/Time of day: Most venues charge more for Friday and Saturday nights as compared to weekdays. If it is not within your budget, look at other days! Also, some venues have a discounted rate for a very late night on Saturday, especially if they can book an afternoon wedding and have the late evening free. Inquire about this and see what you can work out!