It occurred to me while mowing the lawn (it seems I think a little clearer while doing mundane tasks); I wanted to write a little blog about song rearranging.

When either Tom or one of his live music producers work with an artist, one of the first things we do is rearrange the song. We sort of pull it apart and rebuild it with the live show in mind.

So why do we do it?

In a word: expectation. Audiences have expectations.

As artists, often times it’s difficult for us to move away from the internal world of our own concerns and really be onstage with the focus of the audience’s needs/expectations. We’re freaking out about our voice, our moves, the monitors, our hair (or lack thereof of all the above!).

But when we’re able to set aside all our worries, we suddenly come to the realization that the audience actually showed up expecting to receive something from us. Wow!? Light bulbs, angel voices, etc…

Think of this; when you’re in your car listening to the radio, you know the songs are going to last about 3 to 3 ½ minutes; you expect that. But when you go to see someone live, you have a different expectation; because it’s live, not the radio. If all you wanted to hear was the recording, you’d stay home and play the CD or iTunes, etc.

We rearrange songs so the audience can experience the song and the artist in a way that meets (and preferably exceeds) their expectations of a live show.

That’s one of the reasons. There are a number of them, and it’s the same for track artists or live performers. We want to help you rearrange your songs and create moments for your audience.

Please check it out: read here about booking a live music producer, and read here about how we can rearrange your tracks…

Lang Bliss, Live Music Producer

I had some time last week to sit down and watch American Idol again (at least parts), and picked up on some interesting things with some of the contestants. Maybe you did, too.

Change Things Up

Casey James has been playing guitar each week. It works for him. In fact, he says “this is what I do.” But if he were playing a full set, and if I were working with him, Read more…

I think I may have figured it out…that underlying factor that pegs me every time I watch American Idol. It’s the age factor, or more importantly, the maturity factor.

It hit me when Kara commented for the umpteenth time, “we don’t know who you are!” Of course we don’t know who they are…they are TOO YOUNG!

Who knows who they are in their teens and early 20s? Plus, as relatively new singers Read more…

Last week, during the cuts down to the final 12 on American Idol, I heard a lot about song choice. It seemed people were being critiqued on that issue frequently.

The other night, Kara cried when Big Mike sang a song that he owned. Read more…

“How do we sell more tickets to our concerts? With the economy the way it is, people don’t seem to want to spend any money!”

Are you having this problem, too? Read more…

I understand that American Idol is a “singing” competition. But what amazes me is that in order to be heard properly, you have to “bring it.” In other words, you must perform!

Stage presence, your ability to connect, your ability to draw the audience in – capture and engage, and create moments – in one song, makes all the difference. Read more…

I just got off the phone with an artist manager in New York. I had listened to one of their artist’s albums and was very impressed. It was everything a good record should be.

Then I popped in the DVD of his live show, and I heard those same songs with the same great guitar tones, and I saw a good looking front man who’s actually a star; yet the audience wasn’t responding to them. Or, rather, the audience was responding; but not the kind of response that will help develop an artist’s career.

I told the manager I could help them, but this was what we needed to work on: Read more…

As I watched American Idol last Tuesday night, one thing that struck me was the desire for so many people to just be famous. Either legitimately (with talent) or illegitimately (with outrageousness or lack of talent.)

Obviously, some just try to get their 15 minutes of fame by doing whatever they can to get some camera time. One girl after being told “no” admitted afterward Read more…

Last week I wrote about an Army band I worked with up in Maryland a few weeks ago, Raw Materiel. They were definitely Willing to Fight and Rock Right.

I promised I’d let you know about some of the other ideas I gave them for what someone can do who’s not singing lead onstage.

Singing bgv’s was what I discussed last week; but there are other things that can add depth to the look and sound of your band. Some can even add really exciting moments on stage! Read more…

It was one of the best…no, THE best crab cake I’ve ever consumed! The drummer had recommended the restaurant to me. Drummers know their food, I guess because they burn it off so fast!

That meal was a great ending to my first day with Read more…

Next Page »