Best Legg forward

...continued from front page

Now resident in Melbourne, Legg is an accomplished songwriter, deservedly a finalist in the Port Fairy Songwriting competition. For example, continuing the play on “heal” in the opening song Healesville:

Pictures in the blood-red sand
Put there by some ancient hand
Am I in the promised land or do I stand
A stone's throw out of Healesville

Evocative, powerful without being overplayed, the lyrics extend from an apparently Irish ballad basis out to a wide range of subjects and treatments, from childhood poverty to a sardonically cheery song about drug pushing to a nostalgic ballad about a transported Irish convict, even to an old style rock n roll number, albeit with a characteristic narrative, poetic and lyrical twist (“he was dancing in the alley with his shadow on the wall”).

The musical structure of the songs themselves is, as you would expect by now, varied and well-put together. Occasionally I could use a little more melodic variation, but this lack is more that covered by the quality of Legg's voice and delivery.

Legg's delivery is confident and well-judged while being seemingly effortless – vocally speaking (excuse the mixed metaphor) you feel safe in his hands. He can effectively convey emotion and create a narrative drive through his songs. In keeping with the musical quality of the rest of the band, he is also an excellent and flexible guitarist.

This apparently self-released and distributed album has the performances, the production values and the songwriting quality deserving of a major label release. It calls out for a wide and appreciative audience, and I for one will not be giving my review copy back.

Home

How to get a
well-paid gig (9)

...continued from front page

The price you will pay will, of course, vary accordingly and we should keep in mind our low (or no) cost strategy (see part 4 in issue 7 of The Dues). Before deciding to spend a lot (or even a little) money on your contact card you should analyse exactly what function it is supposed to perform

A contact card should obviously provide contact details so that potential hirers of your band can find you. These days those details will include land line telephone, mobile telephone and email as a minimum. A website, street address or fax can also be on the card if you have them but are less necessary than they once were. Many people use a Post Office box as their street address in order to protect their privacy and appear more businesslike, this can be a relatively inexpensive option particularly if none of the band members wants their home address on the cards.

The most basic card would have only these details but its functionality can be greatly enhanced by making it work harder. This will occur if you card is these three things:

• clear
• eye catching
• memorable

I once knew a European musician who delighted in showing his business card which appeared to be a pattern of lines and squiggles. Only by viewing it nearly edge on did the words and numbers appear. Memorable? …certainly!
Eye catching? …without a doubt!
Clear? … NO!!!!

The triple effect can be achieved in many ways. If you have access to a designer, use them! If you don't, look at lots of cards posters and so on, and see which are the most memorable. Don't copy them, exactly, but pay homage to the best of them in your own design.

One word of warning. Do not be taken in by "cool". Design fashions change almost as often as musical ones and fashionable stylistic approaches do not always provide the best communication, nor have much longevity. You might still have those cards next year...or longer.

A musician friend of mine paid a designer for a simple stylish logo and clear text, not too many colours, on a white card. That was seven years ago. He still uses the same card, and all kinds of people still tell him how good it looks.

Look at the proposed design of your card and ask yourself some questions (try not to be self deluding!):

1. Can I see all the contact details really easily?
2. Will the colour/design/logo make this card stand out on a desk strewn with other cards, promotional flyers and so on? (imagine a busy booking agent's office)
3. Does the colour/design/logo create an image that sticks in my mind?

The above are "triple effect" questions. Also ask yourself:

1. Is it relatively easy to make/get made?
2. Will you be easily able to get more once the first lot runs out?
3. Will it be relatively cheap to produce?

These questions also apply to other promotional material Can you believe we spent a whole article on a business card? There is an important point here, so tattoo it on your heart (if there's still room):

Attention to detail greatly improves your chances in a low-opportunity environment.

More next time.

Home