Bandhive

It takes a lot to keep one project going for over a decade - and even more to do so while being known as one of the nicest people in the music scene.

Troy Millette has managed to both. Not only has he made amazing friends along the way, he’s become known as one of Vermont’s leading artists. He even played 143 shows during 2022, that’s 2.75 shows per week, on average!

So how can you build up what Troy has built? Listen now to learn the tricks of the trade that Troy has employed throughout his lengthy career!

What you’ll learn:

• Making the transition from solo project to full band
• Why it’s important to have genuine friendships with your bandmates
• Spilling the beans on shows before they are announced
• The key to getting invited to open for Jackson Browne
• Why being flexible gets you the return invite
• Negotiating pay for your shows
• How you can grow your network to get better opportunities
• Being a Go-Giver to create more opportunities for those around you
• The advantage of being honest when venues ask for your draw
• Splitting the definitions between “different” and “bad”

For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/175

Chad Kowal has been in bands. He’s been a professional topliner. But there’s something new in Chad’s life, too… He’s now a solo artist performing under his own name.

Navigating the change from band to solo act isn’t easy, but it becomes a lot more palatable if you build a good team around yourself, and that’s exactly what Chad has done.

Listen now to learn how you can apply what Chad is doing to your own band or solo project in an effort to grow your fanbase and create a dedicated, long-term following!

What you’ll learn:

• Crafting music videos that your audience will actually care about
• How to sell out every show you play
• Why fans buying tickets to support without attending is bad
• Creating stories your fans will tell for the rest of their lives
• Interacting with your audience via SMS
• Blending genres yet still gaining fans
• Building a team around yourself to get the best product
• Why “selling out” isn’t a thing
• The toxicity of gatekeeping a scene

For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/174

A long time ago, in a land far, far away, we interviewed Todd Barriage about the work he was putting into growing his fledgling YouTube channel.

Ok, it wasn’t that long. It took about two years of grinding away before Todd realized he needed a break - and that’s what we’re here to talk about today.

You see, if we stay on the grind too long we’ll become burned out. That will lead to any chance of a music career falling apart before it begins.

Todd’s decision to slow down may well have saved the momentum his YouTube channel is building. Listen now to learn more!

What you’ll learn:

• Why Todd enjoys covers more than originals
• When to take a break from the grind
• Growing your audience by making music for the right people
• Creating content without gating the best parts
• Using the “Netflix of learning stuff”
• Consuming worthwhile educational content
• Why YouTube channel networks are worth signing a deal with
• Fostering a healthy environment for your fans
• Building a Patreon membership
• Planning? Where we’re going we don’t need planning
• Why “the grind” isn’t supposed to be forever

For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/173

Connor Frost’s band Dizzy Bats spent two weeks in January on the road, traveling from city to city to bring their music to fans across the country. Along the way, they faced challenges such as amps blowing up as they navigate life on the road.

But it's not all hard work - we'll also see some of the fun and exciting moments that make touring with Dizzy Bats such a thrilling experience. From meeting fans who traveled 3 hours to see the band to playing with friends they’d just met the night before, there were many highlights for this run of shows.

Listen now to learn how Connor prepared for the tour, and what you can do if you’d like to improve your core songwriting skills!

What you’ll learn:

• Filling out your live sound without a bassist
• Using networking to book shows for your band
• How to book a 10-12 date tour
• How to handle equipment malfunctions on tour
• Using the internet to connect with new fans
• The key elements of a song
• Setting missions for your week
• Building habits to become a better songwriter

For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/172

You’ve heard it a billion times by now: merch is where touring artists make their money.

That’s truer than ever, because according to the 2022 atVenu merch report, merch income is up over 40% compared to 2019.

Great news for artists - if you know how to harness the power of your merch table!

Listen now to hear us dig into the 2022 atVenu merch report, as well as our takeaways on how this will affect your merch sales.

What you’ll learn:

• Taking a deep dive into the 2022 merch states
• How the number 1 merch selling genre makes their money
• Why your band needs to take credit cards at shows
• Handling cash deposits across the country
• Why merch sales are going up across the industry
• How to calculate your per head
• Where I disagree with the atVenu report
• Avoiding hall fees/merch cuts wherever possible
• Why black t-shirts are not optional - you need at least one black shirt design
• Narrowing down your product line to sell more merch

For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/171

Mental health is often swept under the rug in the music world - only noticed when a celebrity has a public meltdown or takes their own life.

The good news is that the stigma surrounding mental health has been eroding over the past two decades, making it more acceptable to seek help and discuss mental health openly.

Going to a therapist can seem daunting, or even terrifying, but the reality is they are there to help you. No one will judge you - instead it’s a collaborative effort to help you become your best self.

Daniel Rinaldi of Bedlight for Blue Eyes joins the show this week to share his experience and knowledge as a mental health counselor. Listen now to hear his incredibly important message!

What you’ll learn:

• Removing the stigma of mental health in the music world
• How mental health in music has changed in recent decades
• When to seek help from a professional
• Ways to find help quickly when you are in need
• Starting the day on the right foot
• The role of a therapist in mental health
• Opening the discussion around mental health for productive collaboration
• Recognizing the people who need to be held accountable and doing so
• Creating a healthy environment in the music scene
• Using curiosity to build adventure and hope into your life

For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/170

Bandhive is all about teaching you how to run your DIY band as a business…

But we always say that DIY does not mean do everything yourself. Instead, it’s decide it yourself - making informed decisions about your business while harnessing the power of a team.

For some of you, that might include working with a label, so we’re stoked to have Jason Davis of One One 7 on the podcast this week to discuss how he prepares artists for label deals!

Jason has worked with household names like Boyz II Men, Dolly Parton, Neon Trees, and Jimmy Eat World – you may not know Jason, but you sure know his clients.

Listen now to learn how you can prepare your band for success - whether you want a label deal or not - by using Jason’s tips!

What you’ll learn:

• Why an important mission is the key to a successful music career
• Building a team for your DIY band
• The definition of “success” as a musician
• Making a case for artists to sign to a label
• Using live streams on social media to bootstrap your band
• Just ask: you never know what will happen
• The importance of great songs
• Inspiration vs. copying
• The pros and cons of signing a record deal
• What to know before signing any record deal

For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/169

Are you an extrovert or an introvert?

For extroverts, making friends and maintaining relationships can seem easy… But you need to heed the introvert.

Introverts often need space, and if an extrovert comes on too strong they will retreat back into their shell.

That doesn’t change the fact that musicians need to build relationships with each other and their fans to have a successful career.

The good news is the more you learn about the human mind and generating goodwill towards yourself and your band, the better equipped you’ll be for your career.

Listen now to learn how you can set yourself apart by building quality friendships to grow personally and professionally!

What you’ll learn:

• Working together vs. working alone
• Maintaining relationships in the long term
• The two personality types in the music business
• Being humble in the music world
• How to pass “the funeral test”
• Creating a win/win environment for the people in your life
• Keeping up with people as an introvert in an extroverted world
• Managing your relationships with friends and family

For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/168

This week on the Bandhive Podcast, I’m speaking with Ryan Camuto of Royal Hearts.

At first glance, Royal Hearts may seem like any other regional band… But that’s where you’d be wrong.

You see, not only can Royal Hearts bring 50 people to a show, Ryan does it (almost) alone as the rest of the band lives several hours away and can’t offer “boots on the ground” promotional efforts.

Royal Hearts are doing the work, and have been rewarded with opening slots for bands such as Cane Hill, Emery, and We Came as Romans - and they didn’t even have to ask.

Listen to now to hear Ryan discuss how Royal Hearts has harnessed their strengths to put on a great show, grow their fanbase, and stay active online!

What you’ll learn:

• How your market affects the attitude of the local scene
• Why local shows should be earlier
• Getting your band booked with national headliners
• Selling more merch by raising prices
• Relocating to a new market and growing your band to new heights
• Why your first fans are probably going to be musicians
• Getting other artists and companies to reshare your content for free
• Creating a community for your core supporters
• How being present and a good hang improves your career
• People who spend money on tickets are the same people who would buy merch

For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/167

Are you a musician who's feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from the demands of your band? Are you struggling to balance a crazy schedule and a busy personal life while creating content, booking shows, and creating music?

If so, this episode is for you. In it, we'll look at how to effectively manage life as a musician and avoid burnout. We’ll discuss how you can avoid spreading yourself too thin and getting to the point of burnout.

We'll also discuss some of the warning signs of burnout, and how to recognize them early in order to take action. With the help of these tips, you'll be able to take control of your time, energy, and emotions and find success in your career as a musician. 

If you're ready to learn how to effectively manage work and life as a musician, click play and let's get started.

What you’ll learn:

• The snowball effect of spreading yourself too thin
• Taking breaks during your set to put on the best live show
• Keeping your schedule and routine consistent on the road
• A healthy mind and healthy body lead to a long career
• Staying on the same page with your bandmates
• Planning ahead to avoid burnout
• What causes fans to fall in love with an artist
• Using capacity defense to avoid spreading yourself thin
• Communication with your bandmates

For full show notes, visit https://bandhive.rocks/166