What is your approach to being a Music Director?

Beck McCartney · #1 07-09-2010, 07:03 PM

Justin,
I am about to become the MD for the artist I play for. She is an up and coming pop artist, currently playing theaters and House of Blues size venues. I have a good idea of how I would like to do this job, but I have been studying the way other MD's I know run their bands to find new and better ways of doing things.

When you were MD'ing for Beck, how did you run things? Do you have any advice for a beginner?

JimmyM · #2 07-10-2010, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beck McCartney

Justin,
I am about to become the MD for the artist I play for. She is an up and coming pop artist, currently playing theaters and House of Blues size venues. I have a good idea of how I would like to do this job, but I have been studying the way other MD's I know run their bands to find new and better ways of doing things.

When you were MD'ing for Beck, how did you run things? Do you have any advice for a beginner?

i do...make sure you make more money than anyone else in the band

Beck McCartney · #3 07-10-2010, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i do...make sure you make more money than anyone else in the band

That won't be a problem. One word... Retainer.

JimmyM · #4 07-10-2010, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beck McCartney

That won't be a problem. One word... Retainer.

retainers are great if it totals up to more than you'd get on a per gig basis. and they're especially great if your singer doesn't work a lot.

jmjbassplayer · #5 07-10-2010, 09:43 AM

Yeah, the MD thing is funny. It relies on an interesting combination of presence, knowledge, composure, excellent communication skills, and even humor.

This is a deep subject, and I could probably talk about it for hours. Without getting too deep, here's a few tips based on the above:

- You are the leader. But drive the boat with a calm, assertive, , confident and warm presence. We're not in the army here...this is still art first and foremost, after all.

- Know people. This is a huge area, and is not something I can pass on with any justice here. You have to be able to get with people, understand them, and communicate to them uniquely. Everybody is different. If you want people's allegiance, know their personality type and every idiosyncrasy they have. Spend one on one time with each of them until you feel you REALLY know them and can absorb their unique character.

- Never talk down to people.

- Know everything. Study and understand everybody's role. The parts played by every musician, the nuances of all the gear their using, etc. etc. This doesn't just go for the band, it goes for the crew as well. Because, like it or not, you are now the liaison between not only the artist and the band, but also the band and the crew, and the management and everyone else. You are the traffic center and the apex of communication. So with that come many responsibilities...the ability to tactfully and selectively withhold certain information, the ability to reconcile difficulties, etc. I'm doing that now not only with Charlotte Gainsborg, but also the pop artist Ke$ha....though I'm not playing in either scenario, they are both very challenging (and rewarding) when it comes to being an effective communicator. This, for a large part, includes putting out fires, problem-solving, etc. And I've become involved, to a greater or lesser degree, in every department: the musicians, lighting, FOH, choreography, programming, monitors, backline, styling, dealing with the label, dealing with management, you name it. Just laying that out to illustrate that the role can get very broad.

- Listen

- Listen

- Listen

Good luck.

Best,
JMJ

Beck McCartney · #6 07-10-2010, 08:11 PM

Thanks for the advice. I have been given similar advice by other MD's I know. I'm am excited to see where this takes me in my career.

JimmyM, my retainer is 50% of my weekly salary while touring. Also, I am free to play in other bands, as long as I give the label notice of dates and such. It's actually a pretty good deal.

JimmyM · #7 07-10-2010, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beck McCartney

Thanks for the advice. I have been given similar advice by other MD's I know. I'm am excited to see where this takes me in my career.

JimmyM, my retainer is 50% of my weekly salary while touring. Also, I am free to play in other bands, as long as I give the label notice of dates and such. It's actually a pretty good deal.

yeah, i'd say so

pretty good, dude. have fun!