Going To Get Loud

Jackie Bertone is Touring and Recording percussionist for the past 26 years specializing in the styles of R&B, Funk, Latin, Latin Jazz, Fusion, New Age, Country and all ethnic percussion. Here is a partial listing of the artists that Jackie has worked with: The Beach Boys, Eagles, Michael McDonald, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Earth, Wind & Fire, Dave Koz, Tower of Power, Jimmy Buffet, Kenny G., Chicago, C&C Music Factory, Willie Nelson, Lorrie Morgan, Colin Raye, Santana, Kenny Rogers, Amblin Entertainment (Stephen Speilberg), Paramount Pictures, Universal Studio, A&E, Sony Television, Disney Cable, NBC, MTV, VH1, BET, TNN, Entertainment Tonight, E! TV.
Aaron “The A-Train” Smith  is a Nashville-based drummer and percussionist.
At the age of 20, Aaron Smith played drums on The Temptations‘ Grammy-Winning megahit “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone“, and recorded with Ray Charles as well.
Smith has recorded, performed and toured with dozens of other artists over the years, including Jimmy Abegg, Michael W. Smith, Margaret Becker, Vector, and many more. An autographed pair of Smith’s drumsticks can be found in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, next to a pair of sticks used by Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. 

Bram Bessoff, founder of IndieHitMaker talks about how to market your gig, how to properly advance the show, contracts, riders, and the do’s and don’ts during and after the gig.

The state of the major labels and should bands even be seeking out major label deals?
Steve Rosenblatt VP Sales and Marketing at Capitol Records, working with Radiohead, Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters, Beatles, etc. GM of Grand Royal working with Beastie Boys and At The Drive In. VP Marketing at DreamWorks working with Papa Roach, Alien At Farm, Powerman 5000 and more. GM at New West Records worked with Drive By Truckers, John Hiatt, Dwight Yoakam, and more.
What is the state of the major labels?
What opportunities did the majors miss over the last few decades?
What led to the demise of the influence of the major labels When should a band DIY and when should they get a major/feeder label deal?

This week Paul is speaking with Dave Craver, the founder of OpenMic.US about which open mics to do and how to maximize your exposure at each event.
Should you even do an open mic if you're in a cover band or original act - Pros / cons
If you choose to do an open mic, where can artists find the best ones?
Things you can do to maximize exposure at an open mics

Paul Nikolas explores how to select the right venues for your career level and successfully approaching booking agents for maximum impact.

Do's and don't of approaching local club owners.
How to build a basic press kit. What to leave out and what to put in.
Don't be lazy, making more of an effort than the next guy will get you the gig.

Berklee Alumni and lead singer/guitarist for Pittsburg based rock n roll act, Big Atlantic. They have played with notable acts such as Foo Fighters, Breaking Benjamin, Disturbed, Jeff Scott Soto, Royal Blood. Lee has also project managed for renowned post hardcore act "Hidden In Plain View" during their 10th anniversary tour for "Life In Dreaming" and 2015 release of "Animal" on RISE Records. He has also had the pleasure of sharing the stage with legendary 50's rock n roll sensation, "Sha Na Na".

We dive into the world of online charts this week and take a look at which charts matter to emerging artists and how to get on them. We also take a look at planning record releases for maximum impact.
1) How to get on the charts & why you would want to
2) Creating momentum & properly planning releases
3) Fan engagement and the power of merch

Then and Now: The the Old Industry vs. the New 
Richard Donald "Don" Barnes is an American rock vocalist and guitarist. He is one of the founding members of the Southern rock band 38 Special. Barnes performed lead vocals on many of the group's biggest hits, including "Rockin' into the Night," "Hold On Loosely," "Caught Up in You," "If I'd Been the One," "Back Where You Belong," "Like No Other Night," and "Back to Paradise" (from the movie Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise).
We take a look at how artists used got their start back in the 70’s and 80’s and how the landscape has changed with the rise of digital technology. We’ll focus on a few broad topics of interest for emerging artists and delve into them in extensive detail in later shows:
1) Getting gigs in the local scene when starting out
2) Marketing your band locally
3) Getting a record deal vs. the new DIY model

Paul Nikolas kicks off the show by talking with EnterTalk Radio CEO, FLorentino Buenaventura and COO, Paul Berezetsky about their experiences playing in bands, adapting to the new digital music industry, and how artists can differentiate themselves without compromising their authenticity.