**these notes were generated using ChatGPT**

Podcast Summary:

Episode Title: How to Book Your First Live Show
In this episode, Connor Frost shares a live Q&A session from his Songwriter Accelerator Program. This conversation focuses on helping musicians like Lauren, a Chicago-based artist, navigate the journey of booking their first live show. Key topics covered include:

• Starting Out: The importance of performing at open mics to gain experience and network with other local musicians.
• Booking Shows: Three main approaches for securing a live performance:
  1. Contacting venues or promoters directly and discussing your potential audience draw.
  2. Organizing a night of music by coordinating with other local acts.
  3. Connecting with local bands to collaborate on shows and cross-promote.
• Merchandise Strategy: Beginning with low-cost items like stickers and focusing on selling merch in person at shows to maximize sales.
• Hosting a Release Party: Using a live performance as a release event and leveraging it as an opportunity to network with other artists. DIY setups, such as house shows, are also viable options.

Connor encourages artists to be proactive, honest about their audience size, and patient when planning events, suggesting a three to four-month lead time when booking venues.

Show Notes:

Episode Title: How to Book Your First Live Show

Host: Connor Frost
Guest: Lauren Daly (artist, and student in the Songwriter Accelerator Program)

Topics Covered:

1. Getting Started: Why open mics are an essential first step for live performance experience and networking.
2. Booking Strategies:
   • Contacting venues or promoters.
   • Organizing your own event with other local acts.
   • Collaborating with active local musicians.
3. Merchandise Tips: When and how to start selling merch effectively, focusing on in-person events.
4. Release Parties: Tips for planning and executing a release show, whether at a venue or a DIY house setup.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Connor’s Songwriter Accelerator Program and book a free call: ConnorFrost.com/startcall.

Actionable Advice:

• Start with open mics to gain confidence and meet other musicians.
• When booking, be honest about your audience size (your “draw”).
• Plan three to four months in advance for events.
• Use release parties as both a performance opportunity and a networking event.

Connect with Connor Frost:
Website: ConnorFrost.com
Instagram: @connorfrost

Listen to Lauren's Music on Spotify and Apple Music:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6n81YafoFigO1FkNWINKpe?si=iLyD5iDSTMuwC23qrMFTlQ

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lauren-daly/1632831586

*This episode originally aired on May 7th, 2024*

Dear songwriter,

Are you overwhelmed by the plethora of sounds and instruments you have at your disposal once you open up your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)? I've been there too, and this episode is designed to be your friendly guide through the seemingly daunting terrain of music production. We're diving into the art of creating purposeful music with insights from my own journey from creating sounds to forging music with intention and precision.

You will be guided through a step-by-step process aimed at helping you make decisions about which instruments to use in your tracks and which ones to boot. Learn how to externalize and implement a mental checklist that brings clarity as you write, arrange, and produce your new songs.

Four Questions I Ask During the Demo Production Process:

1. What is the role of the instrument I’m adding?
2. What is the context for this instrument (AKA why is it even there?)
3. What is its relationship with the other instruments and voices?
4. Do I even need this instrument?

Take this chance to transform your DAW session from a daunting challenge into a playground of limitless potential!

Like what your hearing in the Dear Songwriter... podcast? Leave us quick review or 5 star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

Mentions and Links:

Social Media:

• Instagram: @connorlfrost

Songs/Artists:

• While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles

Digital Audio Workstations(DAWs):

• GarageBand
• Pro Tools
• Logic Pro

Podcasts:

• 108. Analyzing the Songwriting of The Beatles' George Harrison

Episode Summary (this was made w/ ChatGPT):

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the strategies and steps you need to take to get your music featured on music blogs, playlists, and more. I’m sharing a recorded masterclass originally created for my Songwriter Accelerator students—those working to turn their musical ideas into finished songs and take their first steps as artists.

Using examples from my experience with my band Dizzy Bats and my solo project Connor Lin Frost, I outline the actionable steps I took to gain press coverage and why it matters for your music career. From SEO benefits to building legitimacy, I cover the reasons why being featured can be a game-changer for your music journey. Spoiler: it takes more than just waiting for opportunities to come to you—you’ve got to do the grunt work!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Getting Featured Matters: The benefits of SEO, building legitimacy, and generating opportunities.
• Types of Features: Interviews, premieres, reviews, round-ups, and playlists.
• Essential Materials: What you’ll need to prepare, including album art, private streaming links, bios, and press kits.
• Crafting the Perfect Pitch: Tips for writing professional and engaging emails to music blogs.
• Real-Life Examples: I share email templates and past press features that worked for me.

Key Takeaways:

1. Optimize Your SEO: Getting featured increases your online visibility and helps potential fans find you.
2. Build Credibility: Press coverage can set you apart from other artists and showcase your professionalism.
3. Preparation is Key: Make sure you have professional photos, a polished bio, and streaming links ready to go.
4. Pitch Like a Pro: Personalize your emails, be concise, and include all requested materials.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• SoundCloud: Create private streaming links for unreleased music.
• Dropbox/Google Drive: Use these for sharing high-quality images and press materials.
• Hype Machine: A platform to discover and connect with music blogs.
• Example email templates and press kits discussed in the episode.

Who This Episode is For:

Whether you're just starting your music career or prepping for your next release, this episode will give you the tools to build a stronger presence in the music world. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration to help get your music heard by the right people.

Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!