Bandhive

Staying healthy and happy while you’re constantly driving from city to city, venue to venue, can be challenging…

The challenge alone can be mentally draining, but it also takes a physical toll on you – especially if you eat fast food every day (road warriors: we’ve all been there at some point).

Listen now to learn how you can become, and stay, healthier and happier while you’re away from home!

What you’ll learn:

• How you can the road and stay in good mental and physical shape
• Why fast food is the worst choice for a touring band
• How you can save money with healthy snacks
• Why indie/acoustic acts are more likely to get free food from the venues they play
• What you can do to improve your van lifestyle
• Why energy drinks should be avoided when possible
• How you can keep your body active during tours
• Why you should get a gym membership (it isn’t just to work out)
• How to stay active during long drives

For full show notes visit https://bandhive.rocks/9

As the internet becomes more and more cluttered, it gets more difficult to stand out from the crowd…

But standing out is one of the only ways you can make your band shine above the rest.

Lots of bands go straight to paid advertising… But there’s a better way to start before you jump into paid advertising.

Listen now to discover how you can get your music heard without paying for ads in 2020!

What you’ll learn:

• How digital marketing can boost your streams and sales beyond what you ever imagined
• Why not being present online closes doors (opportunities) in your face
• How music can sustain your lifestyle
• Why you need to have an online store
• How being visible online (and having the numbers to prove it) can help you get shows
• Why you should emulate large businesses who sell online
• How to market directly to your fans online
• Why picking an SEO-friendly band name is vital in 2020 and beyond
• How you can improve your social media game by focusing on one platform

For full show notes visit https://bandhive.rocks/8

Please give a welcome to the third and final co-host of The Bandhive Podcast… Matt Hoos of Alive In Barcelona!

After nearly a decade following the Vans Warped Tour, Matt and his bandmates built up a following of over 25,000 fans and made thousands of dollars in sales… All without being an official part of the tour.

Listen now to find out how you can follow in Matt’s footsteps at other festivals around the world.

What you’ll learn:

• How Matt and his bandmates realized that selling CDs and merch outside Warped Tour was a massive opportunity for their band.
• Why grinding every single day is one of the keys to creating a successful band
• How falling asleep in a mall is dangerous when blessthefall is nearby
• How you can sell CDs and merch to random people on the road
• How networking and putting in effort can lead to future job opportunities – even years later
• Why taking risks is one of the things bands often need to do (as with any business)
• How building relationships over time helped grow Alive In Barcelona’s following
• Why Less Than Jake is a great example for DIY artists to look up to
• Why you should promote your music at festivals

For full show notes visit https://bandhive.rocks/7

How many times have you thought, “I wish I had more time”?

The good news is there’s something you can do about it…

But only if you decide against wasting hours doing something that someone else can do better (in an hour or less).

Too many times we get caught up in do it yourself and don’t apply the mindset of decide it yourself – we need to have the self-awareness to understand when hiring a third party is the best option to get things done right.

Listen now to find out when it might be time to hire some help for your band!

What you’ll learn:

• How you can find more time in your schedule after you’ve already cut out any wasted time
• What opportunity cost means for your business (aka your band)
• Why letting someone else handle tasks for you can save you time and money
• Why you need to recognize what you can do and what others should do for you
• Why practicing on lots of projects is better than fixating on the details of one project to make it “perfect”
• Why accounting is one of the most important things you should hire an outsider for
• How saving $200 but wasting 12 hours could be the wrong move
• Why you should hire an entertainment lawyer to look over any major deal you’re offered
• Why a publicist is a waste of money for most bands
• How the staff you take on tour can affect the outcome of the tour

For full show notes visit https://bandhive.rocks/6

As a band who is either just starting out, or trying to expand the areas they play in, it can be difficult to find shows in new cities.

Obviously the more you build up your network and establish your name, the easier it gets…

But what if you have virtually zero presence in a city?

Listen now to out how you can harness a few techniques to get shows in cities you’ve never been to, and how you can make sure people will come to the show as well!

What you’ll learn:

• What you need to understand about planning your first tour
• What steps you can take to build your fanbase in new markets
• Why you shouldn’t play an area too often
• How to find venues and artists that are a good fit for you
• Why DMing someone on Instagram is not a good way to bail on a show
• How you can get media opportunities for your band
• How you can increase day of show ticket sales
• What makes your band stand out to venues once a show is booked
• How you can earn an extra $100+ per show
• What the long term benefits of paying out other bands are
• Why you should take in information, and then figure out what works for you and what doesn’t

For full show notes visit https://bandhive.rocks/5

Winter touring can be fun, but it can also be dangerous.

As a musician, no doubt you know someone – or know of someone – who has had an accident driving between shows on snowy or icy roads.

Two of our podcast co-hosts living in Vermont means we know a thing or two about surviving the winter…

Listen now to find out how you can have a safe winter tour, and enjoy it too!

What you’ll learn:

• How you can tour safely in winter so you don’t need to take half the year off from touring
• How you can prepare for sleeping in the van if you can’t afford a cheap motel
• Why you should avoid get-there-itis if you want to stay safe on the road
• Why sometimes canceling a show is the least-worst option
• What the benefits of a force-majeure clause are
• Why an emergency kit is vital for any tour, especially winter tours
• What supplies and equipment you should have during a winter tour
• Why you should plan out your van or trailer pack

For full show notes visit https://bandhive.rocks/4

Almost everyone has experienced that band. The jerks… The entitled, aloof, rude, lazy, not-nice-to-be-around bands.

But chances are, they don’t even realize that they’re coming across that way.

Most people don’t intend to be bad people!

So how can you be the most respectful band out there, an example of being the good band that everyone likes?

Just follow five simple rules when interacting with people.

As to why you should follow these five rules?

Because if people enjoy working with you, they’re more likely to:

1. Want to work with you again
2. Recommend you to friends or colleagues
3. Be nice to you
4. Give you money (aka PAY you)
5. Help you out when you have a flat tire or need a place to crash
6. And more

As far as what the rules are, you’ll just have to listen to find out!

What you’ll learn:

• How being prepared helps you avoid unexpected surprises in a multitude of situations
• Why you should adapt your live show to the space you’re playing
• How considering yourself a guest of any venue staff or owners can put things in perspective
• Why creating a respectful environment can only benefit your band
• How you can speed up getting on and off stage to keep other bands happy
• Why you should never judge a book by its cover
• Why you should never complain while you’re on stage
• How prepping your gear properly before a show could save you major headaches
• Why it’s important to stay for every band on a local bill if you’re playing the show

For full show notes visit https://bandhive.rocks/3

DIY artists come from many different backgrounds…

Some of us have extensive backgrounds in the music business and are trying to launch our own music careers.

Others no experience at all, just raw talent from years of practicing their instruments.

But there’s room in the music business for everyone!

Join Aaron and James as they discuss their beginnings in the music business and some tips for artists to build a successful band.

What you’ll learn:

• What motivated Aaron to begin his journey in music
• Why bands should work hard and persevere rather than expecting overnight success
• How mental bandwidth and personal sacrifice can be vital to managing your own band
• Why having a positive outlook can boost your band
• How James got his start in the music business
• Why taking over someone’s job duties can lead to great opportunities
• Why priorities changed for both hosts during their studies
• Why marketing is important, and why it isn’t the only thing you should focus on
• How Bandhive is designed to help you
• Why the “1,000 true fans” model could change your career

For full show notes visit https://bandhive.rocks/2

As a DIY artist, you may have been on the road for half your life or you may be a total rookie…

Either way, there’s a lot you can learn to make your life easier on the road!

While it might not end up being as comfortable as the rockstars are on private tour buses, #vanlife can still be made a lot better by following some tips and not making mistakes others have made.

Join us as we chat about the true meaning of life on the road, from small DIY tours to the big bus tours you dream of playing!

What you’ll learn:

• What to expect when you hit the road for the first time
• How you can avoid many mistakes that DIY bands tend to make
• What differences there are between “pro” touring and DIY touring
• What your goals should be when you plan a tour
• Why you should be aware of priorities other people have when touring
• Why you can never let your emotions get away from you when dealing with people in the industry
• What you might not expect to learn about touring
• Why you need to be realistic with your touring performance
• What mental or physical tolls touring can have no you
• Why you should always be prepared for unexpected events
• How you can be mentally prepared for a day on the road

For full show notes visit https://bandhive.rocks/1

Launching next Tuesday, tune in to The Better Band Bureau Podcast to learn how you can grow from a local band who doesn't have any draw to a national touring act, while avoiding many of the major headaches other DIY bands face head on.

The Better Band Bureau Podcast is here to help you navigate the music business so you spend less time trying to figure things out and spend more time to write great music, tour, and interact with your fans!