Recording studio, audio training, bands and DJs - Aurora, Illinois

Wait - how many bars of the little drum kit?

Last night at The Guild we watched "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," Sam Jones' brilliant documentary that follows Chicago band Wilco through the making of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, the self-produced album that lost them a record deal - and gained them a better one.

Discussion - dare I say debate? - came fast and thick afterwards. What does an artist owe their listeners? Their record label? What about Wilco's "write it normal, then destroy it" method of songwriting and arrangement? Is a band a democracy, a creative dictatorship, or something in between? Is there a place for music that demands something of it's listeners in a microwaveable, give-it-to-me-yesterday age? How do boundaries and limitations hurt us - and help us - as artists?

One of my favorite things about the Guild is discovering the different frames of reference we all bring to the table. Last night our discussion of Wilco somehow reminded people of Norah Jones, the Greatful Dead, U2, Nirvana, Madonna, and Rage Against the Machine - to name a few. You guys wear your influences on your sleeves. And what different sleeves they are...

The Guild, March 30: Watch them work!

Are you making music you're proud of - or music that sells? Does your band make decisions democratically, or via the tyrannical-front-man method? And just how DO you explain that great sound you've been hearing in your head?

Next week, watch someone else figure all that out for a change.

At Monday's meeting of the Guild, I'll be showing a favorite rock documentary of mine. It's great footage of a great band recording a great album - but even better, it's a great conversation starter. This film (no, I'm not telling you which one) is one of the classic modern-day stories about what happens when art and commerce collide. I'm looking forward to some great discussions afterward - so don't plan on rolling when the credits do.

As always, the Guild kicks off with drinks and snacks at 7:30pm. The coffee's on me, but if you want to bring something else to eat or drink - popcorn, perhaps? - you'll be a rock star among rock stars.

I'll be starting our film at about 8pm to make sure there's plenty of time for discussion afterward, so don't be late if you want to know what all the buzz is about afterward. See you Monday!

when: 7:30pm Monday, March 30
where: Backthird Audio (map)

who: artists, producers, promoters, and anyone else who "does" music at any level
what: eating, drinking, discussing a great music film

Rock a wedding in 10 easy steps!

We’re in the middle of wedding-planning season, that curious time of year when I spend the most time and energy telling people about my band – and the least time and energy actually playing with them. It’s a curious gig. 

Here, in honor of the season, are my 10 rules for doing weddings well. 

1. Show up early. No – earlier than that.
2. Leave artistic idiosyncrasies, idealistic crusades and “precious frontman” tendencies at the door. Recognize that this is absolutely not about you.
3. Get a garment bag. You will spend many hours in your underwear in bathroom stalls, where you’ll make awkward small talk with the people you’re about to play for.
4. Pack deodorant.
5. And get there early.
6. Make friends with the caterers. Help them. Remember, they don’t work for you. But if you’re nice, you might score some hot tea.
7. Be friendly even if there is no tea. Recognize that this is absolutely not about you.
8. The bride’s the boss.
9. The groom’s the boss, too. So’s the father of the bride, the wedding planner, and the catering director. But guess what? You’re the one with the microphone.
10. Never use the microphone unless you already know what you’re going to say. If you’re unsure what to say, consult the boss.