We know, we know – you spent all of last week packing and preparing your gear, clothes, and food supply for your yearly pilgrimage to Austin. Still, some of your fellow musicians who aren't so lucky sat at their computers and found that these top 10 most read articles on the Sonicbids blog this week were pretty darn helpful. Have a scroll while you're waiting for your laundry to dry – you might find something else to take with you to Texas!
1. 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Music School
Image via esm.rochester.edu
Planning on heading off to music school? Learn from someone who's been there, done that as you prepare to make your dream your degree.
2. How to Become a Gig-Booking Guru
Image via sarahcarolinepadgett.com
Start booking more (and better) gigs for your band by making connections, reaching out to the right venues, and networking with fellow musicians.
3. 3 Things Every Indie Artist Should Learn From Nielsen's 2014 Music Industry Report
Hint: vinyl is popular. (Photo by Ben Sklar)
Check out Nielsen's findings about the state of the music industry, and discover how you can apply them to your career right now!
4. 5 Things Decision Makers Look for in Your Band's Online Presence
Image via techmaish.com
Make sure your social media profiles are up to snuff and ready for those influencers to click through!
5. 5 Things to Talk About on Social Media (Besides Your Music)
Image via mcnallysmith.edu
No one likes a broken record, so make sure your social media content includes something other than a steady stream of your music.
6. The Quick and Dirty Guide to Cables for Musicians
Image via imgarcade.com
If you're a musician, cables are a big part of your life. Make sure you're using the right (and best) ones to achieve the sound you want!
7. How Covering the Right Song at the Right Time Can Catapult Your Music Career
Image via facebook.com
Previously unknown band I Prevail shot up 24 different Billboard charts with their punk cover of Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" – and it wasn't by accident. Take notes, indie bands!
8. 6 Types of Music Promotion You Might Be Overlooking
Image via pitchfork.com
What's your music promotion missing? Use these six elements to complete your marketing strategy and further your career!
9. How Death of Paris Navigates the Challenges of Being a Fully DIY Band
Photo by Denton Cruser
There are countless independent bands out there, but only a very small fraction have figured out what it takes to make it work.
10. 5 Free and Cheap Time Management Tools for Musicians
Image via iMore
Try these simple time management apps to maximize your music-making time and streamline your life.
