Drummer Talk

If you’re ready to jump into the next level as a music director, be sure to check out today’s episode!

 

Opening Detritus

What happened to September’s show?

Gigs, gigs, and more gigs!

Rock of Ages

Wigs, Fake Cigs, and Drummer Gloves

Mailbag

From Lance

Hey Dave, been listening off and on for awhile now and wanted to get your opinion on something. I’ve been wanting to get back into playing drums and hopefully start doing some side gigs down the road. However, I need to practice as I am sure I will be extremely rusty and I would of course want to improve my skills. My house will not accommodate an acoustic drumset in regards to either space or volume for practicing. I’ve been starting to look at electronic sets. All I would need is something to practice on, so I’m trying to keep it as inexpensive as possible. I saw a Simmons sd100 for $200 but didn’t like how you can’t really adjust the spacing of the pads. I also saw the sd300 which would be just about perfect at $300. Do you have any suggestions on an inexpensive electric kit (really hoping to keep it under $300) for purely practice? I may actually use it for some midi work but that’s not my primary purpose. Just want to get something that feels as close as possible to an acoustic kit. Thanks! Lance

From Maximillam:

Hey, Dave & Troy! Been listening to the podcast for the past year – but thanks to the Archives I’ve probably heard close to 200 episodes. Thanks to both of you for the incredibly valuable information as well as the entertainment. I have a legal question and can’t think of anyone better to ask than the two of you, and would super-appreciate any kind of clarification on the matter! When transcribing drum parts, are we dealing with any copyrights/licensing fees/etc? Am I allowed to completely transcribe the drum parts for a whole tune and share it with the world? How about if I were to sell the transcriptions? Again, thanks to the two of you for going strong with this podcast. I’m an absolute fan. /Maximiliam Andersson

From Lynn

Hey guys, been a while since I wrote you, but still been listening. Question, so I was asked to sit in and sub for a drummer for a cover band. They do 80s and 90s rock. I am familiar with most of the songs, but many of them I’ve never actually played on drums. No practice and I have a week to learn 60 songs. I may be able to meet with the guitar player for a little bit. So my question is do I chart out the songs? Or is that bad? If I do chart them do you have a way you would use for 5 hours worth of music with is about 60 songs? You can use this question for podcast, but if you have time could you try to respond ASAP, I’m nervous about this, but excited too. I normally just play at church lately so I’m looking forward to playing out again. They are paying me $150. Thanks guys keep up the great work! Lynn

Topic – So You’re Ready to MD. Now What?

Why be the Music Director?

Power trip?

Attention to detail and genuine joy from keeping all the plates spinning

You must have patience!

Running the show

Situational Awareness

Multithreading

Knowing what all the other musicians are doing and should be doing

Cues and count-offs

Booking the band

Networking

Knowing players you can trust

Know all the details before you reach out to other players

Money

Gig Time(s)

Including rehearsals

Venue and Rehearsal Location

Gear the players will need to bring

Music Stands

Stand lights

Odd instruments

Dealing with W9’s

Contracts

Venue Details

Sound Needs

Stage Needs and Stage Plotting

Power Needs

Make a diagram in Keynote or Powerpoint!

Indoor/Outdoor

Directions

Load-In/Load-Out

Green Room

Rehearsals

Scheduling

Running the rehearsals

Timekeeping

Call times vs. start time

Breaks

Charts

Gathering the charts

PDF/iPad

iReal Pro

Knowing the arrangements, yes even the chord changes

Are you needing custom arrangements?[...]

Dave and Troy pop in for a show to bring you up to speed with what’s been up this Summer.

Opening Detritus

The state of the union – what have Dave and Troy been up to?

What’s next for Drummer Talk? We want to hear from you!

News

Remembering Johnny C.

Death of Remo Belli

Nick Menza (Megadeth) Autopsy Results Revealed

John Blackwell Health issues

GoFundMe

Steven Adler Joins Guns N’ Roses for first time in 26 Years

Music from this week’s Show

What Have You Done for Me Lately – Janet Jackson

In closing…

Find out when new articles and next episodes hit by following us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/drummertalk) and Facebook (http://facebook.com/drummertalk)

Want to support Drummer Talk and help us to continue to bring news, reviews, articles, transcriptions, and videos to free to you? Please consider becoming a Drummer Talk patron. You can find out more information including patron rewards (like shout-outs, stickers, T-shirts, and more)  at drummertalk.org/support.  Patron levels start at just $1. Remember, every donation helps keep us on the air and ad free!

Have a topic suggestion or question for the show?  Let us know at www.drummertalk.org/contact

Prof. Troy covers band managers on today’s episode.

Mailbag

From James: I love Drummer Talk and have been listening for years. I want to go back to the very first episode you have available and download and listen to them—one by one, and in order— but I can’t figure out how to get to the very first episode in the archives and begin the process of downloading. Is there a link that will get me to this first episode? Thanks very much!

From Craig: Hey, guys! Loving all the information from Troy on the different management sources for bands and artist. The inspiration that your show gives is priceless. Since listening to your shows I have started playing Tama drums (starclassic). Started building custom drums, started making custom drum wraps, and becoming more involved with the local music scene. I can’t wait to see where your inspiration leads me next! Great jobs guys, Craig. Check out my Facebook pages for the drums.

News

Dennis Davis (David Bowie’s Drummer) Dies

Topic Notes

When To Hire A Manager

Just before or just after signing a record deal or a major contract.

The Role of the Personal manager

Advise and counsel the band/artist in all aspects. Think COO of a corporation

The areas that a manager should have experience in are. Touring, Project Management, Income, Contracts/Licensing, legal issues, strategy and visioning.

Artist Development ( think producer meets manager )

Objective eye on the band/artist sound, image, performance etc.

Objectively identify choke points in the artist development. IE weak musicianship or song writing skills and providing solutions

Provide objective improvements to live performances and strategies to create a smooth product.

Business development / Procurement

General meetings: getting meetings with . Labels, talent agencies, publishing, graphic/web development, legal, and other entities

Researching and validating suitability of the previous said individuals and professionals

Working in collaboration with other professional in your team. Ie legal council, talent agencies, graphic/digital media etc.

All Aspects from start to finish project management

Creating the task to-do list for project

Managing tasks to completion

Making the work/work-in-progress and making it visible

Managing the Calendar IE Radio promotion, new media (Internet), sales and marketing

Organizing transportation to and from said events

Touring

Helping you find other team members: Business manager, Tour Manager, Talent Agent, etc.

Working with other members of your team: Business manager, Tour Manager, Talent Agent, etc.

Monitoring Physical / Mental Health

Being the ring of defense between the artist and the rest of the world

Types of management firms

Small start ups

A friend, a business person, club owner, etc.

The intern: because drummers cannot afford business managers they get free interns usually music students.

Mid level management firms ( Cam )

People with a large amount of experience/power or influence but have not been able to break a major artist like lady gaga

Usually have a well developed network in the industry and can get general meetings easily

Big Leagues ( Q Prime management )

A least a decade of experience and with a few phone calls can make things happen

These management companies are very well established but are able to take a bigger chunk of the pie

Management Contracts

Exclusivity: They will want to be the only company worldwide

Key Persons : The person who signed you to the company is your direct representative

Terms of the agreement: Year’s / Cycles / Tours /

Paying The Manager ( Commissions )

10-30 % of gross earnings

Have a well defined contract that clearly spells out what constitutes gross income Ie recording advances.

Types of Payment Structures

Deferred: working for free until money flows

Escalation : starts at 10 or 15% then escalates to 20% as more income comes

De Escalation: starts at 20% then falls to “X” when more i[...]

We continue on our series on representation with a focus on business managers.

Mailbag

From Scott

Hey guys hope all is well in drummer talk land. First off I got to say I love the podcast! I just recently started listening maybe two weeks ago. I’m listening in semi reverse order which is fun because to hear Troy’s excitement to bring stickers to Pasic or Namm (which ever it was), comes after hearing about him forgetting to bring them. It’s like reading a suspense novel backwards lol.

Secondly, Troy please please please please do a segment on cutting snare beds. I have a few snares that I received from a now defunct custom company, on which I never thought the snare beds were correct and have had nothing but trouble with my snare wires seating properly. I loved the bearing edge segments due to how well you clearly described the tools and the process and I think hearing from you on what to do with snare beds would be enlightening.

Thanks very much guys for reading this and taking it into consideration. Keep up the great work and thanks for providing the drumming community with such a great resource. ~Scott “skipper” Gentry

News

6 Tips for a Manageable Drum Set

Topic Notes

The role of a Business Manager in your career

A business manager is like a chief financial officer of your company. The key scope of the business manager handles all financial issues such as investments, financial planning, bookkeeping and accounting, asset management and administration, tax services, insurance, and royalty examinations.

Bookkeeping and Accounting

Some of the services of business manager does paying monthly bills, collecting royalty earnings, depositing money and monitoring your bank and credit accounts for discrepancies.

Some of the bills a BM my pay from your accounts

Rent or mortgage payments

Vehicle payments

Credit card bills

Personal services such as housecleaners, personal trainers, gardeners etc.

Insurance Bills, utilities such as water, power, sewer, and Internet

Touring Services and Financial Controls

Transportation cost such as airfare, tour bus etc.

Lodging such as hotels

Salaries and Per diem for band and crew members

Insurance for liabilities, missed shows breach of contracts etc.

Logistics such as trucking and transport of gear, sound equipment and stage needs

Fees and commissions for Agents, other managers, promoters, etc.

Fees for productions costs and rehearsals

Asset administration

Shopping for big ticket items such as Homes, cars, expensive gear etc. Your BM will let you know what you can afford or if certain items qualify for tax breaks, incentives and other tangible ways to be a wise steward of your financial resources.

Tax planning

This is broken into 3 main categories

Indemnify the appropriate business entity: Ie inc. LLC, S corp etc.

Planning and handling of Payroll and income taxes: IE w-2, 1099 etc. Also IRS audits etc. Meet with IRS and give over all records.

Estate planning: Wills and living wills, Trust funds, Life insurance, Gifting strategies etc. Generally BM’s work with estate attorneys

Auditing Rights

When, How, Time frames, records requests etc. You must discuss how you can request an audit. It’s not personal everyone in Hollywood audits everyone else. It’s a way to gain an understanding of what is really going on.

Power of attorney and limited Power of attorney

Never Grant Full Power of Attorney: with full power your BM can purchase houses and large items without your knowledge

Limited power of Attorneys grant your BM to represent you in IRS audits and prepare checks for you to sign

In some cases set up a petty cash system and make sure you look at it. In some cases add Lower limit credit cards. Amex is a favorite for this one.

Payments to your BM

Retainer: Generally from 500-5000 per month. depending on the success and monitory flow of the client.

Hourly Fees: $20-$1250 per hour depending on the service. Bookkeeping vs Forensic accounti[...]

We start part 1 of a 3-parts series on professional representation.

News

How to Fake It (with Fred Armisen)

Ginger Baker to Make Comeback after Surgery

Woman, 99, Celebrates Birthday by Rocking Out on Drums

Rolling Stone: 100 Greatest Drummers All-Time

Neil Peart to Publish 3rd Book

Rumors Spread of Meg White Replacing Peart

Topic Notes

A Talent Agent is a person or company that role is to find you the client work and jobs. Ie gigs, writing jobs, teaching jobs etc. 

A Business Manager handles your personal and company financial affairs. From income, expenses, retirement, asset purchases, taxes, financial planning etc.

A Manager handles the day to day operations of the band or artist.

The role of a Talent Agent in your career:

Procure work for you or your band that is mutually agreeable

Help you in constructing tours

Strategize aspects of touring that move your goals forward

How to package and sell the artist or band

Pricing for tickets and negotiating fees for live performances ( this includes radio and television

Collecting deposits and handling of venue fees

Agents and Territories

Agents in California are regulated by the state labour commission. Agents can be regulated by the AFM Sag and AFTRA these are known as franchised agents.

Territories usually by continent 

Qualities to look for in an agent and agency and what questions to ask

What kind of agency is it?

Boutique or specialized IE A specialized Internet talent agency – www.bigfra.me

Full stack agency like CAA or William Morris – music, film, television, product endorsements and literary speaking engagements. or expert role jobs

Major role agency IE the same agency that represents major artists that you could get packaged up with. IE Taylor Swift, Metallica, U2 or acts of that size etc. They have great relationships with promoters and can generally elevate you to the next level if you perform well.

Things to look for in a specific agent

How long has your agent been with their agency?

What kind of agencies have they worked with in the past?

How many clients does your agent manage / firm manage

Will the agent you are talking too be the real agent who books you

Red Flags

Beware those who want income from writing, endorsements, and other works that are not directly procured from the agent.

Beware agents that charge fees for mail, calls, copy, presentation preparation etc.

Agents that will book you everywhere or for anyone who asks for a fee

Agents that say this is the standard in the business and you should sign

Agent wants you to change drastically to become more commercial, many times to fit into a category that they control. Many times certain agents have developed networks that they will try and fit “warm bodies” into to generate income.

Agents that will charge a fee for housing to be with other artists

Approaching the Prospective Agent

As a rule agencies will generally reach out to management companies or record labels but that is not always the case.

You need to have a polished product with a provable and measurable amount of success.  Ie successful youtube channel, record contract, contracts with promoters, opening for a major act etc.

Should have at least 100,000 subscribers with at least a few hundred videos with an average of 350,000 views after 30 days

Have daily weekly metrics of how your videos perform

The fees and structures

The fees and structures gent fee’s are 10% of the gross money the agent generates.

The scope of the agreement: Exclusive, Duration of the contract 3-5 years not more than 5 years for a jr band

Rights to terminate (setting up goals and incentives for the agent)

 Music from this week’s Show

White Stripes – Seven Nation Army

White Stripes – Icky Thump

In closing…

Find out when new articles and next episodes hit by following us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/drummertalk) and Facebook (http://facebook.com/drummertalk)

Want to support Drummer Talk and help us to co[...]

We wrap up our NAMM gear recap with part 3: cymbals, sticks, electronics, and some accessories.

Opening Detritus

Join Dave on PSN: DoktorTakt!

Topic Notes

Paiste

Zildjian

Sabian

Meinl

TRX

Dream Cymbals

Turkish

Soultone

Vic Firth

Promark

Vater

Regal Tip

Roland

NFUZD

Evans

 

Sound Synergies

Music From This Week’s Show

Bodhran – Young Dubliners

I’m Shipping Up To Boston – Dropkick Murphys

Linger – The Cranberries

In closing…

Find out when new articles and next episodes hit by following us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/drummertalk) and Facebook (http://facebook.com/drummertalk)

Want to support Drummer Talk and help us to continue to bring news, reviews, articles, transcriptions, and videos to free to you? Please consider becoming a Drummer Talk patron. You can find out more information including patron rewards (like shout-outs, stickers, T-shirts, and more)  at drummertalk.org/support.  Patron levels start at just $1. Remember, every donation helps keep us on the air and ad free!

Have a topic suggestion or question for the show?  Let us know at www.drummertalk.org/contact

We continue our series on new gear from NAMM 2016!

Opening Detritus

Chatting it up with Ben the news guy!

http://benandrewsmusic.com

He needs a nickname!

Mailbag

From Dan:

Hey guys! So happy you’re back on the air after your winter break! I have to admit that I was starting to get concerned and on the verge of sending you one of those “Are you OK?” emails. I’m glad that it was all just a case of being super busy.

I’m writing because I want to share a practice tip with my fellow listeners, one that I’ve found invaluable and doesn’t get mentioned as often as I would think. Namely, practicing in front of a mirror. If you step into a gym or dance studio, one of the first things you’ll notice is mirrors everywhere, in recognition that form has a direct impact on athletic and artistic performance. The same is certainly true for drumming.

So about a year ago I dug out an old mirror, spent about 10 bucks for materials at my local home center, and built myself an easel to hang the mirror from. That simple solution lets me monitor the quality and symmetry of my movements in a way I couldn’t otherwise do, every time I practice. As a bonus, it also lets me keep tabs on the funny faces I might be apt to make while playing, faces that I wouldn’t want to share with an audience! In short: 10 bucks well spent.

I hope others will find this helpful. As always, thanks so much for what you do for the drumming community.

Your friend, Dan

http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-Count-Washable-Window-Markers/dp/B001FQKPSU

 

Tom D

Regarding top 50 drummer list, I was surprised Stewart Copeland was not on the list. I was delighted to Mitch Mitchell on the list. I don’t think he gets mentioned enough when speaking of great drummers. Love the podcast!

Topic Notes

DW/PDP

Sakae

Gretsch

Yamaha

Sonor

Canopus

Ludwig

Dixon

Natal

Mapex

Gon Pops

Remo

Latin Percussion

 Music from this week’s show

The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

The Police – Roxanne

In closing…

Find out when new articles and next episodes hit by following us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/drummertalk) and Facebook (http://facebook.com/drummertalk)

Want to support Drummer Talk and help us to continue to bring news, reviews, articles, transcriptions, and videos to free to you? Please consider becoming a Drummer Talk patron. You can find out more information including patron rewards (like shout-outs, stickers, T-shirts, and more)  at drummertalk.org/support.  Patron levels start at just $1. Remember, every donation helps keep us on the air and ad free!

Have a topic suggestion or question for the show?  Let us know at www.drummertalk.org/contact

We’re back from our winter hibernation! We take a look at some of the most interesting gear out of NAMM 2016 on today’s show.

Mailbag

From Mark

Any tips for struggling learning double bass drum? Not getting it at all! Thanks

Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer

 

From Bobby

Hey I recently discovered your podcast. I am a percussion instructor in western Ky. I just wanted to say thanks for all the information. You guys talk about things I wasn’t aware I wanted to know. Can’t wait for more. Thanks!

 

From Bryan

Thanks for the show guys! I know the time and effort of putting on this show doesn’t equal the financial return (if any) but the service you two contribute to the drumming community is invaluable, in my opinion.

I really enjoyed the episodes on drum programming as it confirmed my desire to become re-united with midi technology. Back in the mid 90’s after graduating with degree in percussion I formed a what I called a midi-band where I programmed band parts using Performer and Band in a Box, and gigged solo playing a lead pan over top of the programmed parts. It provided a steady source of income and I never had to fire the bass player. I never admitted to my peers, my favorite part was the programming. Now with family and work responsibilities I don’t feel I play enough to knock out a couple passes on drumset in a recording session even though I know what I want to play in my head. Drum programming allows me to feel like I can still contribute some solid ideas to a project when the opportunity arises.

Another favorite episode is What not to wear. I was a little hesitant about pushing the play button on that one but glad I did – Great show! Even though I’ve moved on from playing and teaching full-time I still have a small bebop kit and all black attire ready to go. Being ready for the a last minute call for a gig is a hard habit to break. I drive a lot for work and between your podcast and I’d Hit That the miles go by quickly. Thanks again, congratulations, and I look forward to the next season!

News

Percussion Market to reach $2B by 2020?

Tommy Lee Stuck on Drum Rollercoaster

Poison’s Drummer Reveals Oral Cancer Battle

Chris Adler confirms Megadeth Tour

The Drummer’s Watch

Opinion: Top 50 Rock Drummers All-Time

Frank Ferrer (Guns N’ Roses) 101

David Bowie – Lazarus

David Bowie – Let’s Dance

Topic Notes

Tama

Pearl

Pearl’s NAMM Facebook Page

Music from this week’s Show

Hands on a Hardbody: Stronger | Born in Lardeo

David Bowie – Lazarus

David Bowie – Let’s Dance

In closing…

Find out when new articles and next episodes hit by following us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/drummertalk) and Facebook (http://facebook.com/drummertalk)

Want to support Drummer Talk and help us to continue to bring news, reviews, articles, transcriptions, and videos to free to you? Please consider becoming a Drummer Talk patron. You can find out more information including patron rewards (like shout-outs, stickers, T-shirts, and more)  at drummertalk.org/support.  Patron levels start at just $1. Remember, every donation helps keep us on the air and ad free!

Have a topic suggestion or question for the show?  Let us know at www.drummertalk.org/contact

We wrap up season 10 with an episode covering the tools you’ll need if you want to publish your own book!

Opening Detritus

Christmas Classics https://open.spotify.com/user/126594212/playlist/3Z010Mpd9XHr8knL7mgha6

Christmas Cocktails

https://open.spotify.com/user/126594212/playlist/2ur9dMTc5420l5OdlFHEeP

davyk’s Christmas Remix Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/user/126594212/playlist/45tEQkwVuvrLfEM2kTG3rW

News

Ringo’s Kit Sells for 2.25 Million

Neil Peart Retiring?

Topic Notes

Publishing Avenues

Lulu.com

Amazon

http://www.amazonkdp.com

iBooks

Writing Programs

Scrivener

http://nanowrimo.org

iBooks Author

Design Tools

MS Publisher

InDesign by Adobe

Adobe Creative Cloud

Pages by Apple

Notation Software

Finale

Sibelius

Software Help

Lynda.com

Mac Pro Video

www.Youtube.com   

Outsourcing

http://99designs.com

www.Upwork.com (formerly Elance)

www.guru.com

Envato Studios

Music from this week’s Show

Rush – Closer to the Heart

Rush – YYZ

In closing…

Find out when new articles and next episodes hit by following us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/drummertalk) and Facebook (http://facebook.com/drummertalk)

Want to support Drummer Talk and help us to continue to bring news, reviews, articles, transcriptions, and videos to free to you? Please consider becoming a Drummer Talk patron. You can find out more information including patron rewards (like shout-outs, stickers, T-shirts, and more)  at drummertalk.org/support.  Patron levels start at just $1. Remember, every donation helps keep us on the air and ad free!

Have a topic suggestion or question for the show?  Let us know at www.drummertalk.org/contact

Dave and Troy discuss the world of publishing on today’s episode by exploring a typical publishing contract.

Drummer Talk Mailbag

From Tammy

Hey guys! In episode 2 there was discussion about what effect, if any, Katrina would have on music migration. As you saw displaced drummers looking for gigs in Memphis you said you wondered if ten years later music in Memphis would have more of a New Orleans influence. Well it’s 10 years later…any thoughts?

News

Beatles Kit Expected to Sell for Millions

Deantoni Parks (Mars Volta) Creates Solo Album

Ex-Slayer Dave Lombardo Forms New Band

Opinion: Most Influential Rock Drummers

Phil Taylor (Motörhead) dies at 61

Topic Notes

Download the contract here: Publishing Agreement Standard

Music from this week’s Show

Motörhead – Ace of Spade

Motörhead – Overkill

In closing…

Find out when new articles and next episodes hit by following us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/drummertalk) and Facebook (http://facebook.com/drummertalk)

Want to support Drummer Talk and help us to continue to bring news, reviews, articles, transcriptions, and videos to free to you? Please consider becoming a Drummer Talk patron. You can find out more information including patron rewards (like shout-outs, stickers, T-shirts, and more)  at drummertalk.org/support.  Patron levels start at just $1. Remember, every donation helps keep us on the air and ad free!

Have a topic suggestion or question for the show?  Let us know at www.drummertalk.org/contact

Next Week:  Publishing 201