Monday, August 31, 2015

Meet the Musician: Roberto Giberti, guitarist and bassist

This profile features Roberto Giberti, guitarist, bassist and five-time Flashband performer. 

Flashband is definitely the best place to be if you need to explore music and know other musicians in DC. And behind every unknown musician you can find a surprise, a talent, a passion, and a different style, so it’s good to be in this mix.

I’m not American, but it looks to me that it’s quite challenging to play in DC, at least compared to other cities where I’ve played, like San Francisco, San Diego and Toronto. A few months after I moved here, I was losing hope to play. I was looking for other musicians because I wanted to form a band. Then I met Flashband. I used to play guitar, then I switched to bass just because it was easier to join a band. But actually I found out that I enjoy bass way more than guitar now.

It was great to meet so many musicians in the same spot at my first Flashband event. And I really liked the organization in every step, from the website to the Meet and Greet to the showcase. The staff made me feel very welcome, and the other musicians made the rest. Also, the partnership with the 7DL works perfectly, because it’s a great place to practice andof courseto meet other musicians.

For me, the value I have gotten from Flashband is not so much playing at the Showcase, because I have had the opportunity to play quite a few gigs in the pastmostly in Italy, where I come from. So actually the great value of Flashband for me is networking. I really hope that more and more musicians will populate DC in the future, and more venues will accommodate more gigs.


Don’t get stuck in a rehearsal room. Try to gig as much as you can; even a simple open mic can teach you how to express yourself in a new situation, and build the right chemistry with the audience.

How can you live without music? How can you celebrate without music? What other company you can have when you are lonely? What’s the best vessel for poems, thoughts, speeches and prayers? You see… It’s impossible to live without music!


Want to be featured in an upcoming Flashband Meet the Musician? Contact Deborah Lash for more info.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Meet the Musician: Matt Febles of District Sky Punch

This profile features Matt Febles, member of District Sky Punch and eight-time Flashband Showcase performer. 

I've really benefitted from Flashband, probably more than most. The idea was to meet people after living here for a little while, and do something to replace what I liked to do in my spare time back home in New York. I was a high school track and field coach and a marathon runner for over 10 years up there, and those were all my social connections. But I couldn't find a good coaching job down here, and I was injured and unable to run for a while, so I was going stir crazy and getting very homesick. By joining Flashband, I made new friends and found out I had decent musical ability, or at least that I was in demand as a bassist. And I was getting a chance to do something I always wanted to do, but just hadn't tried before.

My first Flashband was We <3 the '90's last April with Vaguely Phallic (what's up Keith, Steph, Arthur and Steve!). To be totally honest, it was the first time I'd played music on stage in public. My hands were shaking, but as soon as the music started I relaxed and nailed my parts in the first song, which wasn't an easy one, I might add. (It was "In The Meantime", by Spacehog, and that bass line is a beast!)

At my third or fourth Flashband, the FlashBanned showcase for Banned Books Week. I was in a group with Cody Valentine, Jeremy Libre, Daniel Rothman, and Keith Guthrie; we were called the F Bombs, and we only played the Showcase and two other shows, but they were really electric. We just clicked and even the practice jams were amazing. I don't know what it was exactly that made it work, but that's something I'll always cherish, and for what its worth, that's the thing I try to repeat now with every group I'm in. We just jammed again last week with everyone except Keith (who moved to Portland), and pretty much the same thing happened: We took off like a rocket, with amazing chemistry. That's what I hope everyone can get out of Flashband or any musical collaboration—something unique and inspiring that you try to duplicate over and over.

I play bass, and I always have, because I love it. I also play acoustic guitar sometimes to learn songs, practice vocals, write originals, and do serenade sing-a-longs with my wife, Maria.


District Sky Punch is my main band. We are a local band that's recorded an EP, and have had our music played on college radio nationwide. We write beautiful, eclectic songs, and my bandmates tolerate my weirdo jazz-funk-metal bass tendencies. I was referred to them by Miles from 7Drum (thanks dude!). I also played bass for Fellowcraft when they started and had a blast playing a ton of shows with them around DC. I continue to play with The Higher Numbers, and a few other Flashband alums at ongoing jams, with occasional gigs. And I still play occasionally with a Meetup group called DC Rockers; that's really where it all got started for me.

To other musicians who are starting out, be open-minded, and be prepared for anything. I got lucky in that the way I used to practice at home worked exactly like the Flashband Meet and Greets usually do. I used to just play along to albums, playlists, and the radio, quickly learning and improvising by ear to whatever came on next. No tabs or sheet music; just playing along by ear. Try to be like a jukebox and get the chords right or close, at least, since you can learn how to play YYZ note for note later!


The best part of being a musician in DC is meeting people, like all the bandmates and friends I've made from Flashband: Neal, Miles Ryan, Cody Valentine, Sara Elizabeth Murphy, Dan Gage, Chetan Rao, JR MacDonald, Rico and Lainie, Fa, and many more... too many to list! I think we have the beginnings of a real music scene here, and given the state of the business of music, with the social media and local performance-oriented nature of what we do, I think we can make something really interesting happen here, that I would be happy to be a part of, in any way.

Playing bass and recording and writing original material has been a great experience and definitely something I want to pursue and continue working on as a bandmate, songwriter, and session musician. My coaching and training philosophy was always based on the idea of preparing for performance all the time, and being creative about challenges when it's time to perform. That background has made working as a musician easier, despite my admitted lack of experience. I'm looking forward to the next steps with Flashband, and the next phase of my musical development in general.

Want to be featured in an upcoming Flashband Meet the Musician? Contact Deborah Lash for more info.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Meet the Musician: Jon Ryan MacDonald, bassist, guitarist and Fellowcraft vocalist

This profile features Jon Ryan MacDonald, member of Fellowcraft and three-time Flashband Showcase performer. 

In my local band Fellowcraft,  I play guitar: a1981 Les Paul, lovingly known as "Betty," and I do most of the vocal duty. In Flashband, I have played bass, drums, and performed as a solo vocalist. Music is paramount to my very being, because, without it, I wouldn’t have much of a life. I have to play music. It's really that simple.

My first Flashband experience was at the Sounds of the '60s, at Gypsy Sally’s in Georgetown. I was a spectator. I was completely blown away by the talent that I saw. Each and every band was phenomenal. Some of them so good, that if they had had a t-shirt or a record, I would have bought it outright. It was amazing to see so many talented musicians performing on such a short timeline; in fact, it blew my mind. 

I later signed up for FlashBanned, the event to draw attention to the First Amendment and banned books. It was surreal. In all my days of playing, I have only ever started a mosh-pit once as a musician, and it was at Heaven and Hell with Flashband as we performed “Killing in the Name," one of Rage Against the Machine’s most iconic songs. 



To say that Flashband has changed my life is an understatement. First, it’s a way to keep my chops fresh between Fellowcraft gigs and rehearsals. I’m learning new songs, trying new techniques and even new instruments. 

Secondly it’s opened the door for me to the music industry in DC. I’ve met several important people, bookers, photographers, the owners of the rehearsal space, and so on. The connections that this organization has awarded me are unbelievable.

Last, and most importantly, it’s introduced me to so many amazing people and musicians. I have had a chance to play with so many great people, people that gone on to become fast and lifelong friends. I’ve watched bands form and go on to make a sizable legacy as DC acts away from Flashband. It’s really about the people; it’s amazing what happens when you get this many musicians together. We’ve become an extended family, and it’s incredible.

To new musicians, I say be yourself, but be open-minded to what you can accomplish outside your comfort zone. If you’ve never played punk, or metal, or indie, give it a shot. Try something new and put yourself in an uncomfortable place; you’ll be surprised with what you can accomplish. I’ve seen so many flowers blossom on the stages of Flashband Showcases, and from it, have come some truly amazing acts. That could be you, if you get uncomfortable and put yourself out there to be tested. 

I was so nervous when I first performed, so scared of messing up, but when I looked out and saw everyone jumping up and down to our band’s songs, it all washed away. I did mess up, but I didn’t care, and neither did the fans. It was surreal.



The best part of playing music in DC is the people you meet, and the connections you make. I try to make it a fun experience whenever I play, for our fans, our friends, our families and the bands that are with us on the bill. Music is about shared experience and unified expression. It's personal, and public at the same time. Every venue is a little different; the vibe or the mood… but each time I play, I feel the same euphoric rush that I felt the first time I ever played live. That’s why I do it. 

Want to be featured in an upcoming Flashband Meet the Musician? Contact Deborah Lash for more info.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Meet the Musician: drummer and Flashband veteran John Heinze

This post features drummer and Flashband veteran John Heinze. John has participated in 10 Flashband events, and performs with many local groups, including The Lucky So and So's (hip-hop with a twist of genre mash ups), Aztec Sun (funk and soul), The Fresh Hots (Jazz funks), and with Avervge (alongside a DJ spinning a hot mix of everything).

The Lucky So and So's


Three weeks into living in DC, I was at at a Flashband Meet and Greet at a house in Virginia. I was excited to meet people who played music. I play drum set, primarily, and I dabble with other instruments. (My secret dream is to be a guitarist singer/songwriter sitting on the porch when I'm 60.)

I hadn't really explored many areas of DC at all, so this was the first time I was going out and socializing. I basically came here with 36 dollars to my name, so I was cooped up in the house looking for work.

I really hadn't heard of anything like Flashband... And I really had a great feeling coming in and out of the Meet and Greet. The house was very welcoming and I felt at home with all the great people I met. I brought my snare drum and a cardboard box that acted as my kick drum. I was ready to jam!

I jammed with people but ended up socializing, and forgot I was supposed to find a band to play with for the event the following month. But I felt great about it. Then two days before the show I got a call from Rico, a brilliant and wonderful lad that I was talking to most of the evening. His band had lost their drummer and asked me to fill in.


Mustache of Numbers by WWDF? from john on Vimeo


We had a practice, and then played at Gypsy Sally's the day after. It's a great sounding venue with a nice stage and good people. It was a blast!

I was hooked and right away joined the next one, which was hip-hop themed. That is how I and The Lucky So and So's found each other.

I've met many great people that I see regularly as a result of Flashband, whether by being friends or playing music, or working. Flashband introduced me to 7drumlessons, where I teach drums regularly. And I currently live with a great person I met on that first Flashband show way back in February of 2014. There isn't enough to say about the value for me.

The actual experience of Flashband—playing under the short circumstances and melding ideas within themes—that's always exciting to me. It's a great creative outlet. You have just a couple of rules to follow that make the experience freeing as well as poignant. It's very satisfying.


Aztec Sun


To other musicians who are new to Flashband, I would say: Do it, have fun. Don't worry one way or the other about talent or experience. Everybody is in it together to win. And by "win," I mean playing music, having fun, creating, expanding your limits, and countless other things. Whether you're new to performing, or haven't done it in a while, or if you do it regularly and want to give Flashband a whirl... It's a no-brainer, really.

I like that the people in DC really like to listen to music. They come out and support any day of the week. I went to a house show on a weekday, and it was very packed. The music started promptly, and as soon as the music finished, people disbursed—of course, not before they bought CDs and t-shirts. They weren't there for anything else. I think that is something.

Music is important in my life because it really gets under the skin of everything good and bad in life, ultimately making everything better. I think they call it the happy drug... at least, those kids nowadays do.

Music is timeless. I like that, especially when we're all so concerned with how much time we have.

Want to be featured in an upcoming Flashband Meet the Musician? Contact Deborah Lash for more info.

Monday, August 17, 2015

Meet the Musician: banjo player Mike Gerst

This post features banjo player and Flashband veteran Mike Gerst. Mike has participated in the '60s Showcase (Breakfast Lunch & Dinner), Flash Banned (ContraBand), Animals (Horse Dog & Wolf), Trios (The Tennessee Three) and From the Public Domain. 

Although I’ve always enjoyed listening music, I didn’t seriously start learning how to play it until my late twenties. At the time I was out of graduate school and working, and I needed something creative to do with my free time. For reasons I still don’t understand, that translated into buying a banjo. After a few years of practicing I reached a coveted first milestone: I could play without neighbors complaining. The next goal was to find people to play with. Because if music is played and no one hears it, does it make a sound—sort of?

It didn’t take long to realize that it’s not easy to find people to play with when you’re an adult and a relatively inexperienced musician. Most other musicians at the same skill level can’t vote yet and most other adults are doing sensible things with their free time, like redecorating the guest bathroom.

Luckily, a friend of mine mentioned this crazy-sounding event where you jam with a bunch of people and you maybe get picked to be in a temporary band whose task is then to create and perform a 4-song set in a month. Ok, maybe unluckily, because at the time the concept sounded terrifying: a combination of not getting picked for dodgeball, plus that dream where you forget to wear pants to school.


Despite an interesting ride over to the jam location on U Street (people tend to ask a lot of odd questions when you have an instrument on the Metro), I still wasn’t entirely sure what I’d gotten myself into. Thankfully, my trepidation fizzled after meeting the other 40 musicians. If you think the prospect of voluntarily performing a set of music with total strangers in a month’s time might attract a special brand of person, then a Flashband event won’t let you down. And, by special, I mean inclusive, creative, generous, and really fun. I ended up grouping with a fiddle, upright bass, and washboard, doing covers of '60s soul and R&B.

In the month between the jam and the show, we rehearsed five or six times, creating a set with three covers and an original song. It was challenging but also a lot of fun. The day of the show, which was at Gypsy Sally’s in Georgetown, we rehearsed beforehand by busking in a park by the river. In about a half an hour of playing we made $40 and attracted quite a large crowd, including an entire Japanese tour group and a pack of kayakers who paddled over to listen in. While it's hard to top that experience, the show itself was amazing, with an energetic crowd and many good bands.


Since then I’ve performed in three other Flashbands, performing at the DC Main Library, Heaven & Hell, Iota, and Columbia Station. The musicians have ranged from people much like myself to pros from the local DC music scene (check out Elena & Los Fulanos and Brian Farrow). In about six months’ time, I went from barely being able to perform in front of people to being able lead a band through a set in a packed venue, making some good friends along the way.

The community of musicians that Flashband has fostered is a rare thing in a time when, to paraphrase, we expect more of technology than of each other. My hope is that through this expanding community many others will have a chance to relate to music as I do now: time to disconnect from busyness and reconnect with others through shared experience of expressiveness and creativity.

Just don’t forget to wear pants.

Want to be featured in an upcoming Flashband Meet the Musician? Contact Deborah Lash for more info.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

The Introvert's Guide to Jamming

By Deborah Lash, Flashband's Community Outreach Coordinator

Going into a jam for the first time can be intimidating. You’re entering a room full of strangers, probably carrying some of your most precious possessions. You aren’t ready! You feel like everyone’s looking at you!

Take a deep breath, relax, and check out our guide to jamming for introverts.

Warm up
Get some of your nervous energy out before you go. Sing Stevie Wonder at the top of your lungs in the shower. Play air guitar along with Maggot Brain for the whole 10 minutes. Bang out a beat on kitchen pots and pans. You’ll feel (slightly) more on top of the world.

Come prepared 
Bring a couple ideas along. Heck, bring a whole book of ideas. You never know what will click with your jam mates, so have a variety of easy songs or simple chord progressions that you’re ready to play. If you’re a vocalist, bring along some poems or song lyrics that you’re comfortable with. At Flashband jams, we have binders available with suggested songs for you to use!

Listen 
One of your strengths as an introvert is probably being a good listener. This is an important skill for a jam. Pay attention to what’s happening around you, and you’ll be able to contribute your best.

Remember you’re not alone 
Everyone is a little nervous, even if they don’t show it. Every musician there wants to do a good job and show their stuff. If you’re overwhelmed by meeting a lot of people at once, focus in on the few people in your jam room. Get their names and use them. Reach out and say hello if you notice that someone else is on pins and needles. You’re all in this together to have fun, rock out, and meet new people. Maybe some of them will be introverts, too!

Keep your sense of humor 
Humor is the enemy of fear. Whether you go off on the wrong key or you fall over the drum stool, laugh it off. (It IS kind of hilarious.) Remember, you’re not playing a stadium, so be flexible with yourself and others. Try mentally assigning each musician a Muppet personality; this might help:


Jamming CAN be for the faint of heart. Don’t worry. Just prep yourself, have some laughs, and you’ll shine like a diamond.

What are your tips for jamming with confidence?

Monday, August 10, 2015

Meet the Musician: guitarist, bassist and back-up vocalist Pablo Anton-Diaz

This post features guitarist, sometimes-bassist and rock music devotee Pablo Anton-Diaz

I’ve been playing in rock bands since I was 12, and I’m also a closet metalhead (“closet” because I’ve never really agreed with the aesthetics of the genre or even played in a metal band, but I adore that style of music in secret over any other). I’m a musician that never had the guts to go pro, so I also work as an economist during working hours, and I love it. I play guitar, guitar and more guitar. However, I can also do tolerable backing vocals (when I rehearse) and defend myself at bass, which will be useful for me as I continue to participate in Flashband, where it’s important to be versatile and flexible.

I’m from Mexico and I’ve been living in D.C. for the past couple of years. Back home, I played with several different bands, ranging from power pop to hard rock, and with my last one I was signed to one of the main indie labels in the country for a while. We released one album nationwide and had a few cool and semi-important gigs, but not much happened with the band after that. Soon after, I got the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in the U.S. and the band broke up as soon as I accepted it.

A video from my last concert in Mexico, with my former band Evo,
before I came to the US in 2012


Currently, I am still playing with the band I formed through Flashband. Since last April we’ve been working on building a solid setlist based on cool covers, but also including some new original material we’ve been writing so that we can start booking some local shows ASAP. It’s a pretty straightforward rock band, but a little more diverse than most because of our own individual backgrounds. You’ll start hearing more from us pretty soon!

My first Flashband experience was amazing. I played on the Trio Stage at the Flashband Anniversary Party last April, and it’s one of the best experiences I’ve had so far in D.C. Everything went down smoothly. The jam session was a little awkward at first because I didn’t know anybody, but at the end it didn’t take long for me to find my bandmates, and choosing the songs was also easy because we had pretty similar tastes in music. 

We had a great time rehearsing for the gig and I can even say we bonded, since everybody had the right amount of commitment. Besides a few minor technical issues we experienced on stage, the show was amazing too. The place was packed and the response of the crowd could not have been better. The other bands killed it and the overall vibe of the event was very positive. It was just an ideal scenario. I hope all future Flashband gigs will be just as fun.


Flashband gave me the opportunity to revive my interest in playing music. When I arrived here, I focused all my energy onto my new job and stopped playing for more than a year. I didn’t think I would ever be able to play live in D.C., let alone get another band started. But Flashband changed that, and now I’m also starting to get involved with other side projects. 

Also, I don’t want to come across as cheesy, but Flashband has really given me a newfound sense of belonging. Before joining, I had no idea that such a vibrant community of local musicians existed in this city: musicians from all types of different backgrounds, ages, proficiency levels and even cultures. All diverse in genres and level of commitment, but united by a single common trait: their love of music and the desire to play and have a great time. Being a part of Flashband has helped me fall in love with D.C. Things like Flashband are what make this city so unique.

To other musicians who are new to Flashband, I say be as open as you can at the beginning, because Flashband will be able to fulfill whatever musical needs you have, if you do not narrow your choices. If you want a low commitment experience, don’t want to be in a band, but if you just want to get on stage every now and then to see what it feels like, this will be the easiest way you can achieve that. On the other hand, if you want to meet more musicians in the city and form a more serious band, this is also the place to do that. You decide. The more people you network with at the jam sessions, the more options you’ll have to choose from.

Bringing down the house at one of the best rock venues in Mexico City (Bulldog Cafe)
with some Rage Against the Machine, back in 2008


Music is an integral part of my identity and who I am. I would have a very hard time defining myself without it. Besides, even though I have never done it professionally, most of my life has always revolved around it. Almost all of my best friends have been people I’ve played with in different projects over the years, and I’ve never really had any other extra-curricular activities or hobbies besides playing in rock bands. I’ve pretty much always spent most of my free time playing music, writing music, or just generally thinking about music. (Here's my personal Soundcloud channel, where I’ve compiled some of the songs I’ve written and recorded over the years with different bands.) 

The best part for me of playing music in DC is definitely the venues. There are several live bars that are extremely cool, yet small, and always full of people willing to listen and appreciate new bands and their new proposals. The amount of opportunities to draw a crowd for new up-and-coming bands might not be unlimited, but there’s certainly more tools available for them and a wider variety of fora than what I was used to back in Mexico, where the rock scene is dominated by just a few media outlets and the handful of well-known artists they support, even in the independent sphere. So for me that was unexpected, but certainly appreciated. 

Want to be featured in an upcoming Flashband Meet the Musician? Contact Deborah Lash for more info.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Meet the Musician: bassist and guitarist Fahd

This post features bassist, guitarist and seven-time Flashband performer, Fahd

Having grown up in Pakistan, I was exposed and inspired by the usual international rock and grunge scenes, as well as local bands such as Junoon and Karavan. (Do check them out; you'll know why I gravitated towards playing the bass.)


As I learned to play music, I found myself becoming a part of the alive and thriving underground music scene, often spending hours jamming with fellow musicians. Learning songs was secondary and only happened as we prepared for shows; it was substantially easier for us, as we had already spent so much time playing with each other. The overall experience was great for me. I loved making music in all its forms and performing on stage had its own thrills.

Fast forward a few years and I found myself in DC, itching to play music and eager to find like-minded musicians. When my friend Ammar told me about Flashband and invited me to check out his performance at the Freedom of Speech showcase, I was intrigued. After attending the showcase, I was sold on it! My first show was the Halloween Dance Party showcase and it was a wonderful experience, from the Meet and Greet to band practice to the actual performance.

The promise of performing to a packed audience in a few weeks ensured that everyone was committed and enthusiastic about playing, while the Flashband team ensured that musicians didn't need to worry about looking for venues, lugging along extensive equipment, or doing marketing and finding an audience for the band, thereby removing many of the barriers to entry.

Since each showcase is a mix of old and new Flashbanders, each experience is completely new. I have played genres and songs that I never imagined I would and loved doing so. I have also learned so much from my fellow Flashbanders, as each one brings with them a different approach.


As exciting as it is, I must warn new members that Flashband is very addictive! Within the past 9 months, I have played in seven shows, including the Funk Parade and Baltimore Artscape festival, and am currently preparing to play That 70’s Showcase.

Some shows have been quite memorable for me, like when we did a twelve-song mash up for the Animals showcase, re-imagined songs for the Remix show, and had the crowd go wild when we did a RHCP set with three vocalists for the Funk Parade. Flashband keeps me on my toes with the challenge of preparing a completely new set list in a different style, learning new songs, adapting to the playing style of different musicians, and writing new material. It ensures that I keep growing as a musician and that I do not get rusty.

My advice to new Flashbanders would be to come to the Meet and Greet with an open mind, and form a band with people that you enjoyed playing with, because, when you are having fun on stage, it shows. At the end of the day, everyone is there to enjoy themselves, so do try to accommodate everyone and make the experience pleasant for fellow Flashbanders.


I feel very grateful to be a part of the music community in DC. What is unique about it is that it is small enough that one eventually gets to know everyone, but also big enough to accommodate musicians with diverse styles.

To me, music is universal, irrespective of where one is from or what language one speaks. Music is one common ground you can find with everyone and Flashband is great at getting everyone together to speak that language.


Want to be featured in an upcoming Flashband Meet the Musician? Contact Deborah Lash for more info. 

Monday, August 3, 2015

5 Tips for Marketing Your Band On The Cheap

By Deborah Lash, Community Outreach Coordinator at Flashband and singer for The Revelations

For your musical glory to shine, it needs audio-visual support and a super-great website. You only have five seconds to make an impression on a promoter or booking agent, but probably a limited number of dollars. Impress the heck out of your audience with these tips. 

1. Demos

These can be very simple. Today’s smartphones have great audio recording capabilities. Gather your band together in a good, sound-proofed rehearsal space and play through a song. Listen to the recording and check the levels before recording the rest of your set. Afterwards, neatly edit the best of your songs and upload to the awesome website you will have after reading this article. Boom. 

2. Band Photos

Pro tip: You usually need someone to properly adjust the white balance, add contrast, and bump up the clarity (meaning the definition or structure) in your photos. Great editing can make even a snapshot look super professional. If you have a photo already that you really like, ask a knowledgeable friend to touch it up for you. 

If you don’t yet have a photo that you love, ask a friend or make a small budget. List an ad online (try Craigslist’s Creative Gigs section), along with a clear budget for what you can afford. Another great resource is local photography students. Just send a local art school or university art department an email describing what you’re looking for, and ask them to forward it on to their students. Be nice, be clear, and pay as much as you can. 


3. Logo & Design

Grab a beer and hold a big brainstorming session with your bandmates. Talk about words that describe your band’s feel (“vintage” / “edgy” / “playful” / “dark”) Take a look at your lyrical themes. Read music reviews of similar bands for inspiration. Write it all up. Make some sketches of what imagery comes to your heads for the design. Send it all along to a fabulous designer. (Tips from the photography section also apply to finding a designer.) 

Be clear in your minds about what kind of package you really need: logo, band lettering, web banner, website background, etc. You can save money by asking for just a logo, a font, and maybe a color. 

4. Video

Don’t be too proud to get great video! Play any gig you can get, no matter how small. Ask friends to take videos on multiple smartphones. Bring as many friends along as you can for the cheers. Edit out small sections of your greatest moments to look your best. And, of course, participate in Flashband shows so we can take great video of your performances, too!


5. Website

After gathering all this fantastic stuff together, imagine your band’s website. It’s shiny, welcoming, and reflects your musical personality. It can be yours! There are tons of cool hosting services out there that offer quick, easy designs with custom domain names (Bandzoogle, Bandvista, Hostbaby). They average around $12-15/month, which is a pretty good deal for fulfilling your website dreams. Here is a solid article offering a bigger rundown of your options. Spend some of your precious time on this, and you’ll be proud of how your music shines for the whole world wide web to see. 

It’s a good time to be a musician! There are so many easy, cheap tools for creatively presenting your work. These tips will take time to put together, but your wallet and your fans will be so happy. 

(And don't forget: The easiest way to get started on marketing your music online is to make sure your Flashband profile is updated!)

What are your tips for marketing on the cheap?