This Week's Most Read Articles on Sonicbids

For many Americans, Memorial Day means three things: one, no work on Monday; two, beaches open; and three, your white clothes can come out of the closet! (Wait, there's an actual meaning behind the holiday?) For musicians, however, it could mean fun barbeque gigs, an extra day on the road, or even a day off. No matter what your #MemDay brings, there's always time to check out this week's top 10 most read posts on the Sonicbids blog!

1. The Critical Difference Between Gain and Volume

Image via fender.com

Hint: If you're mixing via the gain knob, you're doing it wrong.

2. 7 Uncommon Music Career Investments That Are Surprisingly Smart

A lighting tech is always a good investment. (Image via arri.de)

You might be concerned with affording your band's basics, but if you've got a few bucks in the kitty, consider investing in these seven crucial areas.

3. The Strategy Behind Giving Your Music Away for Free: Does It Really Lead to More Sales?

Josh Garrels. (Photo by Sasha Arutyunova)

Josh Garrels' strategy of giving away his album for free ultimately landed him on the Billboard 200. How?

4. The 3 Biggest Reasons Why You Might Still Want to Sign With a Record Label

Over the course of the last 25 years, Superchunk's Laura Balance and Mac McCaughan (seated in front) transformed their label, Merge Records, from a bedroom operation to one of the most influential indie tastemakers in the world. (Image courtesy of Merge Records)

Think record labels are a thing of the past? You may be able to release your music yourself, but here are three ways a label might still benefit you.

5. How to Build Up Your Repertoire of Songs

Photo by Abbey Braden

Even if you've got the catchiest three songs in the world, they're only three songs. Try these easy steps to build your arsenal of tunes.

6. How to Form Your Band as an LLC

Image via Thinkstock

Should you form your band as an LLC? Find out the very first steps you need to take if you're ready to make your band your business.

7. The Differences Between Being in a Band as a Teenager vs. as an Adult

Image via thezb.net

You know you miss those prom night gigs.

8. 5 Practice Tips for Busy Lives

Image via otago.ac.nz

Finding the quality time to practice can be tough, but these five tips can help you carve out the much-needed time to bond with your instrument.

9. Should You Use a Stage Name or Your Real Name?

If you were Chaim Weitz, would you change your name to Gene Simmons? (Image via musicradar.com)

Before you open up the phone book and change your stage name to whatever's first on the page, ask yourself these six questions.

10. 5 Health Experts' Tips for Realistically Staying Fit and Healthy While on Tour

Henry Rollins stays in beast mode while on the road, and so can you. (Image via pelfind.co)

Don't forsake your health for that month on the road! Follow these super easy tips to exercise, eat right, and avoid hangovers.