MAMA View
By Middagh Goodwin
The weather is getting nicer and the nights are warmer and what should that mean to you? It means you should go out and experience some great Live Entertainment. Just about any day of the week there is something to do in and around Modesto and you would be wise to go out at least once a week. From Blue Monday(Barking Dog) or Metal Monday(Climax) to Great Local Acoustic Music at Deva or Open Mic at the Queen Bean every Sunday. You can always take the short drive down to Merced and see what is happening at the Partisan, up to Jamestown to catch a gig at the Gypsy Shack or up to Stockton where you can soon see live music once again on Yosemite St at the Blackwater Republic. If you look around you will find something fun to do every day of the week.
Check out some of these great and varied events coming up in March all around the Valley. On the 3rd it is the March Poetry Night at the Queen Bean celebrating the written and spoken word (1st Tuesday of each month.) Nothing But Losers(2011 Metal) are always playing and March is no different catch them on the 7th at Spinnakers, the 21st downtown Modesto for Lucky Fest(tons of Live Music/Dj’s and Comedy) and the 23rd at The Other Place. Triple D(2014 Blue Collar) rocks the night away at Nino’s on the 7th. Madie Boyd(2013 Americana) perform new material at the Queen Bean on the 14th with Little Mirrors, Buffalo Buffalo and Michael White. If you have not made it by the Prospect Theater treat yourself and bring some friends to one of these great shows Ryan Russell Band with the Randy Mandy Band and Bethany Joseph on the 7th and/or Marirose Powell(2012 Americana) with Ann Kelly on the 28th. This is just a sampling of what is happening all around you don’t miss out on all the fun.
Keep your eyes out for the return of Broken Toys(Darkwave Synth Pop from Stockton) set to perform late April at the Gallo Center. They were one of the stand out bands of the mid/late 80’s and sound just as dynamic today. In December 2012 they released “the Cut of Memory'” 25th Anniversary Remaster Edition. The release party at the Empire Theater was sold out and was filmed for a Documentary which will be released soon. Keep an eye out for tickets to go on sale soon(I am sure this will be another sold out performance.)
School of Rock – Music 101-The Art of the Promo Pack/Press Kit.
The Promo Pack or Press Kit used to be a standard tool for any band/artist to get gigs and promote themselves but over the last decade with social networking and EPK(Electronic Press Kits) the art has been forgotten or lost. Even bands who have an EPK’s usually don’t use them properly and are often not very good. A good Promo Pack should have 3 songs (the best quality you have studio or live that represent who you are.) A couple photographs (high resolution especially if it is an EPK) one head shot or staged photo and a good live shot. A well written bio is also very important, include links to your websites and you tube page if you have one. Get a friend who is an aspiring journalism student to write a bio for you. If you have a logo make sure to include it for the use of flyers and other advertisement. Include a list of venues and or marquee bands you have performed with; this gives credibility to your band. Be honest about your achievements but don’t be shy about expounding on honors or accolades. Add any press clippings you might have throw them in to fill out your package. Be creative with the packaging from a DVD case to a Pee-Chee folder. I know that I will listen to a physical CD more closely and more often then a download(and of course you are going to sound much better on my car or home stereo then on some small computer speakers.)
Now that you have your Promo Pack how are you going to use it?
EPK’s are great to send out in mass email requests for gigs or when sending out press releases for upcoming tours or promoting bigger events or a CD Release. The physical Pack should be used more like a snipers riffle and less like a shotgun. Do a little research to find out what radio stations or newspapers(usually college) accept independent releases, send them out to larger venues or booking agents that you want to impress and set yourself aside from the average band.
Remember you can always send your events listings in to be included in the ModView Calendar events@modeestoview.com<mailto:events@modeestoview.com>. As always friends don’t let friends miss great shows.
