I have thought quite a bit about how I could convert any studio recordings I make into something only one person could perform live. The issue for me, though, is more confidence than anything. Although I can make my way around a keyboard in the comfort of my home, I feel I’m way out of my depth live. And, quite frankly, I don’t want to put a band together centering around me where it becomes obvious to the audience that the central figure is the least talented one in the group. I’ve seen enough of those myself to want to add another to the world, and they always end very badly for the poor sap who started the thing. So, my desire to stay recording-only is deeply rooted in my own cynicism and lack of confidence.

Still, as I start creating stuff in the studio and putting it out there, opportunities I can’t foretell now may just present themselves, so I will do my best to keep an open mind. One step at a time, you know. ;)

The reason I didn’t? Well, because I think ultimately you have no choice these days – gigging is a necessity now that recorded music is so easily accessible. I’m certainly making plans to take my music out live in the autumn.

And in fact, the harder you think it is for you recreate live what you do in the studio, the more likely it is that you’ll come up with something interesting and original onstage. After all, who wants to go and see another four piece guitar band when you can go and see, say, Duracell doing crazy and seemingly impossible things with a drumset?

So my advice is – get out there and try it! Even Scritti Politti, who hardly ever gigged in their heyday, are out on the road now!

A while ago, I pointed this article out on the Sonific blog:

http://songboost.blogspot.com/2007/03/steak-tips-versus-candy-bars.html

It goes into detail about the concept of building the branding and web site around a song, rather than an artist. Though I think this is an interesting idea, if I’m going to blog my music, it seems to me that I need to sell myself as much as my songs. I was just wondering what you think of this. Thanks!

And I second the question about “what are your recommendations for the non live performing / only recording lone wolf?”

/one of your non-existent RSS readers :-)

That scenario leaves out us lone-wolf composers who have no intention or desire to play gigs. So, for someone who’s only musical output is recorded, what would be the kind of plan you might put together for self-promotion?

Thank you for doing this interview!

Fantasctic answers, they perfectly match what I’ve been saying for years on French Ratiatum.com. I love the “lion and the zoo” picture, that is the perfect analogy.

Here is my question :

Do you think it makes sense in the digital era with social networks, the long-tail and all the likes, to be waiting for the first “big star born on the Internet”? It looks to me we’re driving away from the mass media paradigm but that most of us are still looking for the mass media phenomena (aka “big star”) to happen. Aren’t we just going back to a time where stars where local, with the difference that local areas are now connected people in various connected niches?

Subsidiary question: do you authorize me to translate the interview and post it on Ratiatum.com ?

In response to a question about major labels you spoke enthusiastically about being independent.

By that do you mean self-releasing or would you see the ideal “middle way” solution as hooking up with the right independent label?

cheers

Rich
Xx

ps: I know…that’s more than one question ^^