Seen in local newspaper - music critic offers advice to bands by David Martin - Cleveland Scene* some selected quips: - Be kind to opening bands. You were there one, and, chances are, you'll be there again. - When people ask what kind of music you play, have an answer. - Name-dropping is unbecoming - Never mention that a major label has interest in the band until you've all but sipped the wine in Clive Davis' private collection - Play in a cover band? You're kidding yourself if you think anyone but the staff at the local lube shop will take you seriously - If ever in doubt about doing one more song, don't - Make friends, but don't hang around the clubs so much that people wonder if a) you're just there to be seen, b) you're a raging alcoholic/drug fiend, or c) you're looking for pointers -Don't be evasive about your influences. Everyone claims to have eclectic tastes, including the creepy UPS driver in you neighborhood. If you get off on Metallica or Sly and The Family Stone or Carole King, say so. Most of us are not so naive as to think your music just appeared out of some wormhole in space. - Most managers are pretty worthless *David Martin is the Music Editor for this publication and just recently contributed to a SXSW panel discussion on music writing.
