Image is important! But is it as important as the music you play? Experts say “yes”!! Image is tied to professionalism… your look, appearance, the way you carry yourself (on and off stage) are all important factors in portraying a professional musician.

Here are a few pointers in helping you to build a healthy band image.

1. Email Address

I know it seems silly but something this simple is one of the first impressions you make as a band. Potsmoker420 does not send a positive message. Stick to your band name or the persons name that does your correspondence.

2. Social Media

Never (ever) discredit a promoter, venue, vendor or booking agent on social media pages …if you wish to continue doing any business with them. Word spreads quickly and you do not want to get a difficult to work with” reputation.

3. Follow up/ Follow through

Call back, email, private message as soon as possible. A timely response shows that not only do you care about your band but also respect the time and hard work of others. It shows punctuality!

4. Promptness

Be on time… even early if possible, it shows respect for your fellow hardworking musicians. Be prepared.

5. Never stop a song in middle

If you have rehearsed, it will show…. just as it does when you have not. Yes, to err is human but 9 out of 10 people will never realize you’ve made a mistake unless you draw attention to it!! Its not the mistakes you make but how you recover from them!

6.  Drunk musicians are not hot!!

Save the majority of your drinking for after you perform. I think we’ve all seen a show where one band member had way over indulged.. not often a pretty sight nor is it at all professional. Above all… never make a drunken scene , you’re not likely to be asked back.

7. Clean spaces

Always remember… clean up after yourself! Take your glasses to the bar, your empties to the trash, etc. It shows respect for the band performing after you, as well as the venue staff!

These are just a few things I’ve learned over the last few years that make a lasting impression. What do you want your image to say about your band? Do you want people excited to book you , to come out and see you, to buy your music? If so, i hope these  few tips help!!

Stonebreed…. Not only do they look like rock stars and sound like rock stars but have a stellar reputation of professionalism.

Kantation. The band has the look and the sound!! Always do what they say they are going to do! As well as being extremely supportive of other bands by attending as many gigs as possible when not performing themselves.. always give back to the community.

Big Momma’s Mashup airs Wednesday night at 7 p.m. pst , only on www.c4ocradio.com/listenlive

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Back in the early 1980’s, the radio stations across the United States, slow but surely, were being taken over by a bunch of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal bands from Southern California(primarily L.A & Hollywood). Bands like Motley Crue, Ratt, Dokken, W.A.S.P., and Armored Saint, just to name a few. This was what would be called the “LA Invasion”.

Between each bands own unique sounds, and their own unique look(image); along with this new channel on cable tv, MTV(Music Television); it was a match made in heaven for fans that wanted something new and exciting. And what a concept it was, having some form of “vision” to go along with all this great music coming out of SoCal.

Throughout most of that decade, a great amount of the bands good looks, swagger, high rotation on the radio, videos, etc.; the LA Invasion last most of the 80’s. More bands came out, but seemed to be watered down versions of the bands that started the movement.

But, just like all things come to an end; they also go in cycles and get rehashed.

For the past 10 years now, I have been around the music scene in SoCal. Whether it be a booker/promoter, internet DJ, or hosting a webshow covering the scene; there’s currently more talented bands and musicians here now, than there has ever been before. And it is just awesome what’s going on out here lately……it’s the beginning of the next LA Invasion!

With bands like Stonebreed, Motor Gun Hotel, Brain Dead, Void Vator, C4OC, Big Rig Dollhouse, Revmatix, Ninth Circle, Valor & Vengeance,  just to name a few; the Invasion is posed to erupt and take over the world once again. That is my prediction.

It’s been no big secret that LA/Hollywood has been a magnet for bands, musicians, and all types of talented people since entertainment started. And still is til this very day. Talented people individuals are still moving out here, and there’s been a ton spawn of these creative people that are even more talented than their parents!

I’m very privileged to be hearing and seeing a lot of this take place, and even more fortunate to be playing a lot of these unsigned bands that are just chomping at the bit to Rock and seduce your Metal loving ears.

My name is Mike Cummings, and I’m a Booker/Promoter with The House of Metal, a DJ on www.c4ocradio.com. and co-created “Bang Your Head with Mike & Ed!” I am on live every Tuesday night on www.c4ocradio.com’s show “House of Metal Radio Show”. The show airs between 8pm – 10pm(PST) . I play THEE very best Hard Rock and Heavy Metal coming out of Southern California. It’s my mission to usher in the next LA Invasion. Be prepared. It’s coming!

I have played in a local band in Orange County Ca. for 28 years now, I got my start playing clubs in SoCal at places like “The Shack” “Hoagie barmichaels” and “Club 369”  in the 90’s. In those days the scene was so tight with the fellowship of all the bands and attendees! Everyone knew everyone. A musician real felt like a Rockstar. At the end of the 90’s The scene start to become shallow. Clubs started the “Pay to Play” which is known as Bands selling tickets at their shows. bands and Promoters had differences about the selling and advertising shows. With the new internet radio craze, music Websites, and other social media, bands get heard easier than ever. With Facebook, Reverbnation, Band camp. etc. It seems to me that the scene is building itself back to what it used to be.

i love my local scene.

Here is a few videos from my Local scene. @Malones and the House of Metal.

Video-Perfect Strangers (Tributed to Deep Purple live at Malones concert hall)