Even though the presidents have their own day, they're not so different from you. You might remember Bill Clinton breaking out his sax in the '90s, but you probably don't know that Thomas Jefferson played three instruments and said that making music gave him "more good sense, more rational and philosophical conversation than in all my life besides." And we're willing to bet that if TJ were still around, he'd enjoy the proclamations in the top 10 most read articles on the Sonicbids blog this week, and so will you!
1. 5 Things You Should Never Say to Your Bandmates
Image via thecavanproject.com
Rock the house, not the boat! If you catch one of these five things coming out of your mouth at your bandmates, stop.
2. 4 of the Most Overlooked Paths to a Career in Music
Mark Nichols repairs a range of instruments. (Image via nicholsfiveanddimemusic.com)
Yes, your music and gig schedule is the most important part of your life, but these four careers prove there's more than one option open to you as a musician.
3. 5 Ways to Promote Your Music on Social Media Without Annoying People
Sigur Ros' "Your #Stormur" project. (Image via facebook.com)
Social media is a science, but it doesn't take a brain surgeon to know that annoying your followers is never a good thing.
4. 4 of the Most Common Misconceptions About In-Ear Monitors
Demi Lovato and her own in-ear monitor. (Image via gotceleb.com)
You might think that using in-ear monitors makes you look like a pro, but before you buy some, know what they will – and won't – do for you.
5. 3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Playing My First Festival
Phil Sgrosso, rhythm guitarist for Wovenwar (far left), emphasizes the importance of preparation when playing festivals. (Photo by Scott Nathanson)
Seasoned pro Phil Sgrosso (of As I Lay Dying and Wovenwar) dishes on what he wishes someone would've told him before hitting a festival stage for the first time.
6. 10 Things That Happen When Your Band Starts to Take Off
Image via motor-kid.com
Very band. Much success.
7. 7 Reasons Why Your PR Campaign Didn't Work
Did someone say "failed PR campaign"? (Photo by Ethan Miller)
Don't beat yourself up if your PR campaign didn't work out like you planned. There are many simple, common explanations, and it doesn't necessarily mean you failed!
8. How to Turn Your Fans Into Your Marketing Team
Louis Tomlinson of One Direction takes selfies with fans. (Photo by Cameron Spencer)
Your fans are one of your best marketing resources! Here's how to maximize their potential and create a win-win situation on both sides.
9. 3 TED Talks That Will Get You Insanely Motivated About Music All Over Again
Mark Ronson. (Photo by Griffin Lotz)
Let these three heavy-hitters inspire your next musical move via their inspirational TED Talks!
10. 3 Times It’s Worth It to Take a Performance Opportunity That Doesn't Pay
Even artists as famous as Katy Perry take performance opportunities that don't pay when it's for a good reason – like the buzz you get from performing during the Super Bowl. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
In a perfect world, every gig would mean money. There are, however, certain opportunities where playing for free can pay off in other ways.
