P.O. BOX 830; NEDERLAND, COLORADO 80466
mike@michiganmike.com
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P.O. BOX 830; NEDERLAND, COLORADO 80466 mike@michiganmike.com
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GETTING A GIG: Thanks for your interest in Nederland, Colorado. Ned has received a great deal of attention over the past eight years due to it's amazing music scene. As a result I am finding that more and more bands and artists from around the world are wanting to perform here. With only about a dozen spots to fill for the Nederland Music & Arts Festival (aka NedFest), a limited number of musicians needed each week for Nederland Acid Jazz, and a small amount of gigs at the nightclub(s) in town, I must be very choosy in whom I select. Great talent is the crucial element for a fun and successful music scene. I look for performers who are friendly and easy to work with. It is also important that acts have good name recognition, a substantial audience draw, and perhaps most importantly a sound that meshes with that Nederland vibe! I can't hire you without knowing what you sound like, obviously, so if you want to be considered for a gig you'll have to get a recording of your music and some promotional material to me. The best procedure is to send over a quick email to let me know you'll be sending something. Next, send your package to the snail mail address below. About ten-days to two-weeks later send a follow up email to make sure I got it. I also have a voicemail number, but I respond MUCH quicker and far more consistently over the Internet. Please understand that I get an overwhelming number of emails, voicemails and promo packs each week. It is literally impossible for me to get back to everyone who contacts me. I do try, out of professional courtesy, but I am a one-man operation. I do what I can... but no guarantees. (Note: Internet connections in the mountains can sometimes make it impractical to listen to music on-line.) Following are a few suggestions for sending me (and other Talent Buyers) your package: 1) It's important that CDs come in a standard-sized plastic jewel case and are VERY WELL LABELED with the name of the Band on both spines (the thin sides) of the jewel case! The band name should also be on the actual CD itself. Talent buyers get more material than you might imagine and it is easy for CDs and other recordings to get lost on the shelf if not properly labeled. I have hundreds of demos on multiple shelves, and the ones not labeled properly in thin paper sleeves are extremely difficult to locate. 2) Full-length CD's are MUCH better than basic demos with only a few tracks on them. And those demos that have 30- or 40-second clips of each tune... those are the worst. Don't do that. 3) While the quality of the actual recording is important, the quality of your music is by far the most important! Do not send something out that you don't think is 'all the way there'. Sending out only 'so-so' recordings probably won't get you a gig that time... and it could make it harder for you to get another listen later. Be certain that you send out recordings of only your best performances, studio or otherwise. 4) Do send promotional materials with your CD, but don't feel you have to go crazy with it. A small amount of print material and a good photo is really all you need. Maybe include a good magazine/newspaper article about the Band if you have one, but that's about it. I feel bad when people send three-ring binders with pages upon pages of information, when largely what it is about is what's on the CD. There may be a need to send more promo later if a gig works out, but save a little cash and keep things easy until that happens. 5) Indicate the specific date(s) you are looking for... especially if you are routing a tour from another region. There is obviously more flexibility in scheduling local acts due to the nature of them living in the area, so please indicate whether you are on a tour or if you live nearby when you email or call. If you would like to contact me, there are four ways to go about doing so: 1) Snail Mail: P.O. BOX 830; NEDERLAND, CO 80466 2) E-mail: mike@michiganmike.com 3) Saying 'Howdy' at a gig or on the street. I hope this information helps. Thanks again for your interest! MIke
I can not give you a gig unless I know what you sound like. Therefore,
GET ON MICHIGAN MIKE'S MASS E-MAIL LIST!
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