Have you ever been out with friends and they asked you to sing for them? Maybe you weren't warmed up, or you hadn't practiced in a few days – you wanted to, but just weren't ready. Or have you been networking with surprise music industry folks but had no tangible marketing material to give them? You just hoped they remembered your name? Well, we know what that feels like, and that's why we've compiled a list of six things that musicians should never leave home without. You're a professional – this is more than just a hobby, so you want to always be on top of your game. Never miss an opportunity because you weren't prepared, because guess what? Someone else is out there who's going to snatch that opportunity from you. Check out our list below.
You never know when a great melody or rhythm is going to pop up in your head – and believe us, it has a shelf life. No matter how many times you convince yourself that you'll remember it, just wait. You run into a friend, someone calls you, you chase the bus, etc., and all of the sudden it's gone. Have something on you to record melodies and rhythms as the come to you – just a plain old cellphone will have a recorder (even non-smartphones!).
And if you want to get really fancy, we suggest bringing a small field recorder around. For those with an iPhone or iPad, Apogee One creates a great interface with a built-in condenser mic. And if not, there are several lightweight, easy-to-carry field recorders to bring around and capture interesting sonic moments. Brazilian artist Amon Tobin recorded a whole album out of field recordings called Foley Room. This tool is most useful for producers looking to sample unique sounds they find on the streets and in nature, but any musician can utilize it to his or her advantage.
This is especially important for vocalists, but you should always leave the house ready to perform. You never know what situation you’re going to run into where someone is going to ask you to play for him or her. If you’re a guitarist or drummer, make sure you’ve had some time to stretch out, run through some exercises and songs, and be ready to play as opportunity calls you. You could be at the grocery store and get a call for an immediate backup for a gig that same night. Drop the groceries, grab your gear, and go play! But be warmed up and ready to perform at your best, always.
[Top 5 Exercises to Warm Up Your Voice Before a Show]
Songwriters and composers both know the importance of always having a notepad around to jot down ideas. Just like having a recording device on you to capture melodies and rhythms, have a notepad on you to jot down lyrics or mini-compositions. If you’re a fan of mapping out songs visually, a small Moleskin is the perfect companion. You can draw pictures, write down lyrics with little excerpts on how you want to expand them, etc. – whatever helps you to get your ideas out and on paper. As cellphones become more and more an extension of ourselves, chances are you have an app or text option on your phone to jot down ideas, but there’s still something authentic and inspiring about writing by hand. Also, you don’t have to worry about it running out of battery!
Not all musicians have business cards, but it really helps to have something tangible to give people as they inquire about your music. If you’re not a solo musician advertising your own work, you can still have a card for your band. It doesn’t need to be anything special – maybe it’s just a creative drawing of your band with a link and an email address. But the important thing is that you always have a tangible card on you, ready to give someone. Maybe you’re just making a quick run to your local music store to pick up a pair of strings – you might strike up conversation with a powerful contact who wants to hear more. Sure, you can tell him your SoundCloud link, but that doesn’t mean he'll remember. It’s a good idea to have something on you at all times to send people to your music.
[The Simple Guide to Musician Business Cards]
In addition to having a card, have your music on you, whether it's on an iPod or on your phone. If someone wants to hear your stuff, be ready to play it for them, wherever and whenever. And have a recording you're proud of, not something you're going to apologize for or preface with a disclaimer.
Having a pair of headphones on you is a great way to escape from the world around you and to focus inward on your music. If you’re working on a song, record it and play it back during your commute to work. Listen over and over and analyze what could make the song better – use the downtime where you can’t actually work on it to make notes on what needs to be changed. You might be surprised how much progress you make on a song just by listening to it a few times with your full attention. Always have a pair of headphones on you to be able to unwind into either some new music you’re working on, currently learning, or just enjoying because music is your passion.
What do you never leave home without? Tell us in the comments below!
Sam Friedman is an electronic music producer and singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn, NY. His music blends experimental ambience with indie-driven dance music. In addition to pursuing his own music, he is a New Music Editor for Unrecorded and is passionate about music journalism. Check out his music and follow him on Twitter @nerveleak.