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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 พ.ค. 2024
- Let's talk about how to get a bus gig/artist gig in Nashville. A lot of musicians are ready to make the move from Broadway and sprinter vans to tour buses with known acts. This video spells out a few tactics and networking techniques I've used to spend most of my time away from Nashville on a tour bus working with known acts. "The Name You Don't Have To Explain"
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-Nicky V - เพลง
Love your thorough and truthful advise, and your genuine delivery. Your videos are no different than actually sitting with you in your home. All your suggestions are invaluable. Another "trick" that has worked for people I know: learn how to do guitar and bass or drum or keyboard setups and get on a tour as a guitar,/drum/keyboard tech. Display all the same qualities you mentioned (be reliable, easy going, provide excellent work, etc.) but also learn how to play the material of the band. Musicians on tour get sick (and fired) and if you've proven yourself as a valuable team player who also kills it on the instrument parts, you might just find yourself on stage with the band!
Also, good point with "not getting the gig" because of things that are out of your control. Funny you mentioned it happening during you time in L.A. since that's something that actors are faced with on a daily basis, being rejected for not fitting the part for no fault of their own. Rule number one: Don't take rejection personal! Analyze it, learn from it, improve, but don't let it stop you! And as you said:very often the gigs you don't get weren't the right gigs for you anyway. It just means it leaves room for a better fitting opportunity. But it's tough being in limbo when all you want is a gig. There's a reason why Tom Petty said: The waiting is the hardest part.
Thanks for your videos, keep 'em coming!
This is fantastic advice and you are exactly right…dead on.
Thank you for the kind words and anybody reading this needs to know who Martin Motnik is. He’s a top shelf studio bassist here in Nashville and is on a giant tour in Europe right now with the band Accept. If you need bass tracks on your record look him up.
Appreciate you man!
Great Advice. When people asked my why I moved to Nashville, I used to say, "I heard they needed guitar players." But seriously, when I lamented to a friend that there were so many players in town he said, "If you have a car that works and can show up, you are ahead of a lot of them."
Hahha love that. People always talk about the competition and it being over saturated…I couldn’t disagree more. There’s so much work here and people are always looking for good players. If you are on the studio side of things or record at home…there are more opportunities for you as a guitarist because people can scrape together enough for an acoustic demo but not always enough for full production.
Guitarist wanted...Non blonde singing bus driver preferred! Good stuff Nicky!!
Comment of the day blahahaha
As a forgotten 80s dude, this form of content is great for my ego .. hehe 🙂
Haha glad you enjoy it man.
Somebody posted on TH-cam your solo from a Shenandoah show from December 2023. Holy moly - you were bringing it!!!
Thanks man! Appreciate the kind words
Once again, 100% dead on. Being prepared is the most important thing.
That’s the big one. Thank you
I had an artist once ask me what star sign I was - I didn’t get the gig. Your video is gold. I know nothing about Nashville but your experiences and advice pretty much apply worldwide.
The only thing I would add - when ‘bringing it’ during the show, also know when to hang back, become invisible. If it’s an emotional ballad, the artist doesn’t necessarily want you at the front of the stage grabbing attention. Likewise if the artist is doing a guitar solo, they don’t necessarily want you leaning against them, or interacting with them. They might, but you have to figure that out over time. Don’t make the artist feel like you are in transition to bigger things and they are a stepping stone.
I was born in February so I tell them I’m an asparagus. This is fantastic advice…dead on. Kind of a read the room thing with each artist…getting a feel for how much of “a show” they want.
"Good things happen to good people" Amen brother.
Appreciate you watching man
I feel being born with perfect pitch and extreme musical talent and you can play anything . ✨🎸✨
You still can't be an a hole is most important. You would be surprised how many awesome players are narcissistic jerks.
Im a drummer from PA but your content is still relevant and well put together. The fact you’re humble is apparent even through the camera. Subscribed.
My wife says my heads too big haha. I appreciate the kind words and thank you for checking the channel out.
Great point on “be personable”. I’ve worked with Upstaging and that’s a HUGE selling point.
Be helpful, polite, positive, clean, but stay out of the way all at the same time. A difficult balance sometimes while touring. But goes a really long way.
Dead on! Thank you for sharing and checking the video out
I really appreciate your HONESTY insight ( & interest) to help others in this industry. As an old music veteran ( 63) it's nice to hear & see fellow musicians trying to help others with the struggle rather than being self absorbed & a complete jerk. ... I applaud you my friend for posting these videos ! Keep working towards your goals & keep your strings hot!!
Man that’s very kind of you to say. Truly appreciate it and thank you so much for watching
As someone actively looking for this type of work every day, this advice is fantastic, thanks!
It's rough trying to find work as a hired gun, especially when you can't relocate. Even when you've got the ancillary skills (electronics repair, guitar setups, live sound, studio workflows, etc), even when you're willing to pay your own way until an act sees you're worth putting on payroll, it's STILL impossible to find a gig for a lot of us. I figured I'd get out of the military, go back to playing professionally, and the industry has just changed so much in the last 15 years I can't even see how to go back to playing jazz trio gigs and teaching lessons like I did as a teenager.
The industry is constantly changing for sure. Even in the last five years. Half of our time is spent adapting and trying to keep up. Definitely a tough industry. Really appreciate you checking the video out man.
@@NickyV Absolutely man, seeing the perspective of someone doing the job I want, especially a niche one like this, is invaluable. Love to hear your thoughts or see a video on other ways you've found to link up with paid gigs, other musicians to form something, tracking down singer/songwriters to work with, anything like that. I'm in coastal VA and it's a nightmare trying to find a group out here. I can't move but I'll drive/fly myself to gigs and practices at this point.
@@BrendanMakesMusic I might have to do a "how to get gigs in Nashville" type video with some more networking tips.
Do you ever hang out with 7 Bridges in Nashville? They come to our town every year and they change guitar players often. Have you ever played with them or what ever.
Don’t think I’ve worked with them yet but it’s a small town and I’m sure the paths will cross sooner or later
Love it thanks ! Want another request ?? Say you got the big tour gig ….. tell us the way things go operations wise and day to day ….. for example , stadium show is Saturday night ; what time do you guys arrive ? When do you get up and how do you eat ? Rehearsal ? Sound check , down time , and what you guys are doing when the opening acts are playing up until the moment it’s time to go on ….. would be interesting to get insight on that aspect as well !
That’s a great idea. I have a tour vlog called “fly date with Shenandoah” that kind of goes into it play by play but a talking video breaking it down might be a good video down the road
@@NickyV nice where is your vlog posted usually ?
@@firedude911just right here on my TH-cam channel.
Best way in that I’ve seen is being a utility guy. I’m mainly a guitarist, but there are certain pockets in town that people only know me as a bass player, certain pockets in town that know me best is a great singer. I started doing more keys too and dusted off my sax a few years ago. Everything I say yes to that’s slightly out of my comfort zone has gotten me more work
That’s fantastic advice! Thank you for sharing and checking the video out
I wish I had someone telling me this when I was younger. This is incredibly SOLID real-world advice for musicians!
Appreciate you man. Your channel is doing a great service for the music community
While I'm not looking to get on a bus, I love hearing your thoughts and ideas. I hope you keep it up. Cheers!
Right on man. Thanks for watching!
Your videos are just golden man. I really appreciate your insight, and your delivery is great!
You are too kind. Much appreciated
Your insight is wonderful...love listening to your words of wisdom and clarity of the music business.
Thank you for the kind words man. So glad you enjoy it
I love this channel and the community. These videos are great Nicky...thank you
You are more than welcome. Hope it’s helping in some way. Thank you for watching!
I clicked on this because thumbnail gave me nostalgia for cliff em all era James Hetfield. I’m glad I stuck around. Great content. ❤
Hahaha love that! Glad you enjoyed it!
@@NickyV my band recently had our music stolen and passed off as another artist. We’re from Saint Louis. It’s happened to a lot of people we’re hearing from all around the world. We just went to the media with it and luckily they covered it. Highlighting a real problem that’s not going away anytime soon.
@@neoboomernostalgiacore Thats crazy. I'm from Cape Girardeau. Sorry you are having to deal with that but I'm glad you guys are getting some media coverage.
@@NickyV I’ve played many of gigs in cape and have tons of friends from there. Greetings from Saint Louis Misery
Couldn't agree more! Great job Nicky! 🎸🎸🎸🤘🤘🤘
Appreciate you! Saw your insta message but not where I can listen right now
@@NickyV All good Nicky no rush
Love the content Nick!
So glad you like it!
Thanks for sharing this kind of content 🎉
Absolutely! Thanks for checking the video out!
Love the content bro. Your video last week brought me to your channel, and now I see you’re coming to my town with Shenandoah in August. Will be there for sure 🤘
Thank you so much. They already had another player lined up after I gave my resignation so I went ahead and stepped down. But they will be there and killing it!
Very good information! Thank you
Absolutely! Appreciate you watching
Love the sincerity and delivery. You come accross like you really care and you are trying to help people. Totally drew me in!
Really appreciate the kind words man. Thanks for watching and gad you enjoyed it!
Dude your OUTSTANDING! Great info!
Thank you for the kind words. Appreciate you watching
Ramble on my man, it's great stuff!
Appreciate you man. Thanks for checking the video out
Cool stuff. Glad to see your channel growing.
Appreciate you man!
Great video and insight brother!
Thanks man!!! Appreciate you checking it out
Good advice again!! Subscribed!!
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
Fascinating content!
Thanks for watching!
Great Info. Thanks For Sharing
Glad it was helpful!
That directing the attention as a bass player is a great idea!
I learned it from Paul Sanders. Top shelf stage presence
I’ve been playing guitar for $$$ for 55 yrs + and always wanted to do this. One small tour didn’t go well as a trio, back in the early 70’s. I never had advice like this or any actually lol. Too old now for that but we still travel every weekend or maybe during the week. It still sounds very intimidating even at my age. Why ? Every word Nicky said is true and honest. It’s a tough, cruel business, I’ve seen it. I was once told ( and it’s true ) the best guitarists in the world are in Nashville and nobody’s even heard of them.
Appreciate you checking the video out man. Thank you
I think your videos are very informative and interesting. I grew up in Nashville. I play drums and went to school for The business of music in Miami and anyway thanks for sharing.
Right on! Appreciate you watching
Hey Nicky, love your channel man. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!!! So glad you enjoyed it
Great info.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Bruh. Inspirational advice.
🇨🇦
You are kind. Appreciate you watching!
Great advice! I needed this in my 20s! Commenting from Chico, CA.
Appreciate you watching!
Great to see those subscriber numbers shoot up! Another quality vid!
Thanks man! Appreciate you
You're a good Dude brother. Wishing you all the best
Appreciate you man.
You’re spot on again my friend. I’ve worked major artists in both LA and Nashville, and while the clicks are different, the same logic applies to how to get Artist gigs. The first one is always the hardest. Keeping the gig is the other part of the equation that can be tricky.
Appreciate you checking the video out man!
I love your attitude.
Outstanding video as always! Love your content, Nicky.
(And remember, Kids: NO "solids" in the bus toilet.)
☝️🙄👌
Haha the biggest advice yet. No hot chicken or chipotle before bus call.
☝️🤣 LOL
Great advice Nicky!! Lots of musicians get really bummed when they don’t make things happen in the first three months somewhere. It’s all about getting one friend that can get you introduced to the community!
You are spot on boss. Really appreciate you watching and hope all is well out west!
Great content love the videos.
So glad you like them!
Talent+work ethic+being a good hang ❤️
Spot on
Very helpful brother!! Love videos like this just to reassure myself that although I love the guitar and playing music with my buddies, I know that I couldn’t do gigs like that. I’m to into being “home” and not big into living on a bus or always on a plane, etc.
I’m kind of in the same boat at this point. Love my girl, my pup, and my home.
Solid advice!
Thanks for watching man!
@@NickyV anytime.
Hey man, I love your channel. I would just like to add, don’t have a bad word to say about anybody, even if there is a bad word to be said. Leave the gossip for other people. I wish you continued success.
Amen to this!!! Spot on
Glad to hear of your success!! :) No Serial Killer.
Appreciate you watching!
From a guitar player up in New England. what a refreshing and honest conversation! I couldn't agree more with the "who you know" and networking.
Here's a question that I'd love to hear you answer.
You get the call, but do you get the call because of 'your' particular musical identity or because you are known to be able to cop what the gig requires, such as tone and playing the proper parts? The two are certainly not the same.
Absolutely words to heed!
I think it depends on the gig…and sometimes a combination of the two. My last artist gig was a very musical gig from the guitar seat. So it required a degree of identity and artistry from whoever was performing it. They appreciated that I had my own voice and was musical but I got the call originally because I could execute the part. Sometimes they just want a machine. Sometimes they want the sound of your individual hands…just depends on the gig.
I am a computer engineer for the last 25 years and have been playing guitar since I was a kid. I really enjoy your channel. You have a very laid back demeanor that is infectious. I feel like I have known you for years! I have spent many years in my career leading a team and hiring people. It is interesting how many things you mentioned apply to just being a good team member in any organization. There are lessons for everyone in the tips you gave in this video, Thanks!
Man this is incredibly kind for you to say. Really appreciate the kind words and so glad you enjoy the videos.
Great tips. It's so interesting. I worked as a machinist, but I wanted to get in the IT field back in the middle 90s and I had no experience. So I started my own website to show off my skill set. It worked. I got a call from a company and from there I did that until recently and I was able to keep working. I just kept trying to provide value. Hard work and providing value. I think that's the key. I had the chance about 2015 to go on a tour and it was completely by accident, but I didn't want to travel. My 2nd cousin recommended me. He owns a nice studio in / near Chicago. I taught him to play a little when he was very young. So this guy he knows wants to put together a hired bunch of guns for 80s metal and my cousin had him call me. I was shocked and had no idea I would get the recommendation even though that's the exact type of music I play. This guy is wealthy and wanted to do this with the rest of his brothers band because his brother had died in an accident and he wanted someone that even looked similar to his brother as well I found out talking to him. It was going to pay pretty well and he was willing to buy me a set amount of gear and everything. I just couldn't do it because I hate travelling and had family obligations that prevented it.. Sometimes I wonder if I should have. Oh well. 😂.. It goes to your point though of being recommended. I never expected it at all..
Those were great tips man. I played with a couple bands in the 80s and I've always said that what matters most is being able to get along with everyone. The good hang part is very important. You can't be a dick. 😂
Great channel and great videos. Very useful stuff.
Oh, btw, I think a stage presence vid would be great. Would love to hear how a pro thinks about it. ❤❤
Man thank you for sharing that and taking the time to watch the video. I think I might have to do the stage presence video down the road.
@@NickyV Absolutely Nick. I just found you recently and I hope to learn. I'm retired now and just built a cool strat with two EMG humbuckers and have been burning up the fretboard. ♥️
I don’t know much about country music. But I’ve done national and international tours. I think you’re dropping some really great knowledge on your channel. The part about being a good hang on the bus is so important. You can think about touring like the TV show Survivor. You need to make alliances with everyone the band the crew. You only spent two hours on the stage a day the rest of the time you have to get along with everyone also.
This is great man. Thank you for sharing and live the Survivor analogy haha. Spot on.
Appreciate you checking the video out
All connections if your seasoned enough dont hurt to be able to relief bus driver to. 👍
Very true!
Hey man! Just found your channel and I love the content. Keep it coming. You are answering many questions that I have wondered about. Quick question - What are the chances of finding work as a touring musician if you don't live in a hot spot like Nashville? Does it happen?
It does happen but it’s tough and makes the profit margins thin with travel overhead.
Have a few friends that do it and it seems very hard on them.
Thanks!
thank you for tips and advice . and how business works.
This is very kind of you. Really appreciate it man. Thank you for watching and so glad you enjoyed it!
Great advice. This is stuff for the REAL musicians who are talented and driven. I think some of it is relevant to any job, for example, fitting in and work ethic.
But at the lower end of the scale we have the "bar" bands and "weekend warriors" - that's probably a different video. Main points there would be : repotroir, versatility and audience engagement.
You are spot on. Thank you for commenting and checking the video out
As a Nashville bass player I loved the part about drawing attention to the soloing person
Appreciate you watching the video!
what a nice man
Appreciate you checking the video out man.
Fan question:
When fans leave gifts, like a crafted item or something, does it actually make it to the artist? Or is there so much stuff like that, so they just don't even see it and it gets donated?
Do acts ever have a stage dress code or outfits for the band?
Are there any real impromptu occurrences on stage, like a drum solo or something?
Do you ever see the vibe of a show change because the crowd is just on their feet and dialed in every minute of the show?
Your videos are captivating and top notch.
You are too kind.
Gifts do make it to the artist (at least on the gigs I’ve been on) people bring food, crafts, a lot of really thoughtful things.
Dress code changes band to band. Bigger acts have a stylist. It’s kind of assumed no old tennis shoes or shorts on stage usually.
Some artist will call audibles and have some improv in the show but a lot of the time what seems like a fun random occurrence is planned or part of the show.
Crowd does affect the performance but there’s a standard which is held regardless of the crowd…it only goes up from there.
Hope that answered everything :)
Thanks for answering. You are a superstar!
Yea for me this is ticking all the boxes. 🤣🤣🤣
No idea who you are but watched the entire video, good job
Appreciate you checking the video out man. Appreciate the kind words
Great video Nicky. Do you have any advice on drinking or partying whilst on the road. Do you drink before gigs?
Every band is different. The last band I was in was a dry bus so no alcohol at all but a few of us would grab a beer post show but not bring it on the bus. Other buses party hard. Most are laid back about it as long as it’s not a problem.
My ideal gig is the laid back one rather than dealing with a crazy environment all the time or feeling like you are in highschool hiding it from your folks.
Never seen alcohol on a studio session.
Crew guys generally make a whole lot more than the hired musicians.
That Gibson SG leaning against the chair made me nervous. Cracked the neck on my Epiphone Casino that was leaning against my couch when it fell over onto a rug. Ugh! Anyway, I enjoy your videos a lot.
That trauma lingers haha.
Appreciate it man, thanks for watching
Practice standing up is a real thing. I remember the first time I stood up it was a panic attack. I sounded like I just started playing.
Truth. Before every artist gig I practice solos just walking around my house
@@NickyV Great idea
Can you forward this back in time to about…. 95? Yeh.. that’d be great! Solid stuff maestro. As a geezer NEVER considered the instagram could be an EPK.
Now all they need is another “great credibility scare of the late 90’s” (S. Earle 😜)
Hahaa right on man. Appreciate you checking the video out.
This advice is great for a studio type networking musican but everyone wants to be that jukebox musican but I think you could use some of that advice without it being networking as you could tell I'm not into that maybe most people don't understand real networking how it should relate to some kind of loyalty.
Love your channel and your awsome advice 👍
Man I appreciate you sharing and thank you for the feedback and kind words. Thanks for watching!
👏👏👏👏
Thanks for watching!
❤
Nicky! What’s up man, awesome video. Would love to link up with you sometime!
Hey! Just shot you a message over on instagram
Fascinating.
In other words, don’t be an asshole. :)
Easy to tell you’ve got the personality and likability required..
Pretty much haha. Appreciate you checking the video out
Are you playing guitar in the TH-cam vid of Reporting For Duty with Lukas Nelson and friends?
Not me on that one but just checked it out. Lukas is top shelf
@@NickyV Thank for the quick reply. Yes Lukas is very good. I've always loved that song too. Especially the one at the end of the Last Waltz movie.
informative... I'm a drummer w/ a class A lic. medical card.
Nice! Appreciate you watching the video
Video suggestion: Your Look Matters.
There are still people who think it doesn’t matter and as you say it obviously does.
That’s a great point. It’s also notice that it seems to matter more in some regions and less in others. I went to school in LA for music and the audition flyer would literally have a height minimum and maximum on there. In nashville it still matters but a little less than LA. Texas it seems to matter less than Nashville.
Can we find you on any Shenandoah videos?
If they are from the last two years and you see a ginger it’s me haha. Most are floating around Facebook from live shows. Just type in my name and Shenandoah and they should pop up
If I’m a better musician and better looking than the rest of the band is it ok to follow the bus in a private limousine?
Would have to work it out with management but I like your chances.
Is it challenging for a really talented professional musician to tour with an artist whose music is very simple and far below one’s playing abilities and musical sophistication? Or it’s always interesting in some ways and certainly worth it for the career, so that’s enough?
I don’t mind playing simple music. Usually on studio work we have to play really reserved with nothing flashy most of the time. It’s all about serving the song or the job. Even when the music is simple you can feed off the energy of the crowd
i had my chance and didnt take it. played a few gigs with a vetted nashville ace who told me he could get me gigs. i didnt follow that dream and now im a bus driver. oh well
That bus gig pays though haha. Best paid seat on most buses
@@NickyV indeed. Thank you for the reply. I love your channel very good content. Wish you best success
You’re making more money!
*I've always wondered how it's possible to get any quality sleep in those bus bunks?! You're crammed in there, you can hear every single sound, farts, coughs, talking in sleep etc. How is it handled if one person is farting all nite and stinking up the entire bus, how is that handled? I snore like a grizzly bear with sleep apnea. How would that be handled on the bus, when everyone is dead-tired and needs to rest-up for 'BIG Show' coming up the next evening? Thanks, man!*
I never slept good on a bus. Some people love it and it’s the best sleep they get. I sleep with ear plugs which helps. The guys with sleep apnea all have C-Pap machines.
Then there’s is the coin toss if you have a great driver or not. Bigger artist have better drivers.
@@NickyV *I'm sure. So essentially, one tends to go on stage tired due to lack of sleep, more times than not. Appreciate the fast reply.*
*I've romanticized the dream of livin'/travelin' like a gypsy on one of those big, beautiful, shiny rigs (as a Rockstar) since I'm 11 yrs old. And after thinking about the uglier parts of it, realize I'd need my own private bus! No way could I bunk with a group of people like that!*
Rascal Flatts is an exception. guitar player looks great and killer player - the singer - not a looker
Hahaha good point. Met Gary a few years back…super nice guy and has the pipes though. Gotta have two out of three
@@NickyV I didn't mean to be rude ( some people might think I'm ugly) - he's just incredibly blue collar 6 pack average Joe looking (which kinda works I guess), but the guitar player probably could of been a male model if he didn't play guitar. I think I read in Guitar World his dad was a session guy. also he grew up being a metal head
How do you get to be the opening band on tour? And what does the opening band make? I am the lead singer of a Christian rock band!
Openers if they are sent out by a label to support a bigger act usually make very little. I’m sure there are exceptions to this but that’s generally what I’m hearing
Only reason I ask is I was told by touring hired hand that openers make 10 K at night
@@palmer4940 I'm honestly not sure man. I do know that its a pretty wide range. Some do well but if they are just starting out with a new label deal they probably make very little and I've also heard that some openers are paying to be on bigger tours. Not sure though.
@@NickyV Well thank you for the insight brother! Keep it up man we really enjoy these videos!
How about being a drummer for a tour bus artist
I’d take the same approach…learn the songs dead on, make sure you can run tracks, play dead on with a click, bring it on stage.
Okay got it go to some cool bar drink lots of beer and put your name in a hat.👍
Straight up…they pass the hat around the bar when it hits midnight
Yea but dude i dont want to be where the circles hang out i want to be where the triangles hang out. Or the rhombuses or the rectangles. 😂😂😂
I’m a triangle guy myself…long as it’s a circle or has an odd number of sides I’m in.
Thata like 50 bucks which is the per diem on a bus gig. 🤣🤣🤣
$20-50 per diems but food buyouts are $50 usually.
Thanks for watching!
@@NickyV I hear the per diem runs out and then you might have to walk home
I got a Rhodes buyout 9n the per diem when a tour cacked.still got it too. Mark2.
Guess the wife somehow never heard of hair dye…
Hahaha true
I have a medical condition where I am allergic to denim and must shave my face daily. Guess my Nashville dreams will go unfulfilled.
Too soon?
❤BRILLIANT ❤
Thank you!
Don't do drugs and don't be an alky!!!
Spot on
1st, buy a bus.
Get a real job....
Good stuff! You seem like a nice guy… But what you’ve gotta do is go down to the Bluebird, play your best song the best you’ve ever played it and get signed on the spot. Boom. Nashville. Success
Hahaha yes. The playbook. Thanks for watching!