How to Approach and Talk to Bands

Last week I went over some basics on how to start a conversation. This week I want to go more specifically into how to talk to bands. As RADAR advocates, you need to not only go see bands to refer to ArtiSans, but you need to speak to them and introduce ArtiSans Label, and how ArtiSans can help them.

I have said before that I am in a band, and there are two pieces of advice that I have as a band member. First, do not talk to any band members when they are setting up, breaking down, loading or unloading their gear. This is my biggest peeve as a band member who has a LOT of equipment to setup and breakdown. Bands usually have a very short setup and breakdown window. If you go over your allotted time setting up, it can cut into your set time. If you take too long breaking down, you cut into the next band's set up time. No matter what the situation, this is my least approachable time. It is very hard to follow a conversation and pack up at the same time, especially since when I speak to someone, I want to be able to give them my full attention. (Usually the lead singers) have nothing to break down, but give them a few minutes to unwind after a show before approaching them as well.) Once I am unloaded and packed up I stick around and check out the other bands, talk to people, hang out at the merch booth, etc. THAT is the time to speak to me. THAT is the time to approach band members.

The second piece of advice I have is regarding alcohol consumption. If you plan to have a productive conversation, and especially if you are planning to talk to a band about ArtiSans, lay off the alcohol. It is very hard to take someone seriously when they are slurring or reek of alcohol. You are automatically going to be brushed off (nicely) if you appear to be hammered.

Regarding how to speak to bands, try to do the following:

• Begin with a compliment: Butter them up, start the conversation on the positive note. Make it believable though...if you thought they sucked they will be able to tell by your tone. Have a few good things from the show that you can refer to and think of them when you tell the band how wonderful they were.


• Begin with words: When; What; How; Why; Where: If you use these words, the person you are speaking to knows that you are about to ask a question. How long have you been playing together? What is the meaning of your band name? Where do you usually play?


• Ask questions that cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no': There is nothing worse then attempting to have a conversation and getting only one word answers. So ask questions that require explanation or a more detailed response and enable you to start a dialogue. Who are your musical influences? How did you come together as a band? What is your favorite part of being in a band?


• Encourage the other person to reveal feelings: This builds trust! What are your concerns about your career? How do you feel about the current state of the recording industry?

How to work ArtiSans Label into the conversation:

This is obviously going to be different in each situation. Once you build up a rapport with the person you are speaking with, get an idea of what their plans are as a band regarding recording and/or releasing an album.

• Are you looking to record an album soon? What are their plans? Perhaps they are already recording, or looking for a place to record.


• If they are already recording an album, find out if they have worked out the details of their album release. ArtiSans Label can coordinate all the details for their album release. There are often MANY ASPECTS of a record release that bands do not realize they have to deal with.


• Let the band know that you are affiliated with ArtiSans Label, and are looking for bands to refer. ArtiSans Label can reliably support, manage and coordinate all aspects of their music release, from concept to consumer, so that the Artist can concentrate on what is important - their music. ArtiSans can work with any budget, and does not keep any copyrights or sales profits. ArtiSans is all the benefits of a label, without the hassle.


• Get the band's information: Band Name, main contact name, phone number, email address, website, etc. Take notes on the artist referral form that you receive in your welcome packet. Obtain their permission to refer them to ArtiSans, and let them know that they will be contacted by an Artist Coordinator within a few days. Then give them your ArtiSans RADAR Advocate business card, so that they can contact you with any questions, and give them the ArtiSans Label brochure. Giving them these materials is VERY IMPORTANT because it gives them something tangible to refer to.

Here are a few Do Not's to keep in mind as you speak to artists:

• DO NOT MAKE ANY PROMISES TO THE PERSON! At all! We want to build a trusting relationship with our artists, and YOU are a representative of ArtiSans label. We do not want to start our relationship by making promises that we can not keep.


• DO NOT MAKE UP ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS!! If you do not know the answer to a question that you are asked, just let them know. Say something like, "That's a great question! I don't know the answer and do not want to tell you something wrong, so let me find out the answer and I will follow up with you about it." Then write the question down...If you forget, and do not follow up - then you miss an opportunity.


• DO NOT ENTER INTO ANY AGREEMENTS ON BEHALF OF ARTISANS!! This seems obvious, but it's not. Verbal agreements (i.e. promises) are included in this category. You are representing ArtiSans, but you are not authorized to enter into any contracts with an artist.

I hope that these tips and conversation starters help you as you speak to bands and spread the good word of ArtiSans!