Thursday Thoughts 2.8.2024

SHOWS THIS WEEK:

• Thursday 2/8 - Flinchy’s in Camp Hill, PA 8-11pm

• Friday 2/9 - Bourbon Tavern in Freeland, MD 7-10pm

• Saturday 2/10 - Lebanon Valley Craft Brewing in Lebanon, PA 5:30-8:30pm

Thursday thoughts……

“Allow yourself to be proud of yourself and all the progress you’ve made. Especially the progress that no one else can see.” ~ Anonymous

This week, I want to talk about PROGRESS. About my views on making progress, and how the simple act of being aware and grateful of the progress that we make in our lives will lead to more progress. I’ve come to find that most progress in my life is the direct result of my actions, and retrogression has been the direct result of my inaction. The only thing that makes me different from a solo musician just starting out is time, and the willingness to be terrible at something long enough to get good at it. With enough time and dedication, I believe we are capable of doing anything we aspire to. The biggest barrier to achieving our goals is not giving up, and sometimes that’s extremely hard to do. I’ve found that by being aware and celebrating every moment of progress, no matter how small, I’ve been able to steadily progress at anything I set out to do.

There was a moment in my early 20’s where I found myself standing in my kitchen, bundled up in layers of clothing in front of my open stove just trying to stay warm. My pipes had burst in my bathroom, and my daughter’s guinea pig, Momo, had died from being frozen to death on my second floor because I couldn’t afford oil for heat. It was usually below 40 degrees in my living room. Thankfully my daughter lived with her mother at the time, because I barely survived that winter myself.

I think of that moment now when I’m at house with my girlfriend and we have the fireplace going and the dogs are all snuggled up on the couch. I think about how far I’ve come from that kitchen. How many times I’ve tried, and failed, and tried again to put myself in a better financial situation. At the time, I knew nothing about budgeting and saving, but the more I Iearned, the more progress I made towards never having to use an oven for heat again. I find that by taking a moment to be aware of where I came from, I’m able to celebrate the fact that I’m no longer in that situation now. Due to my actions.

In 2015, my best friend Mike Lelli aka “Chunk” and I made a New Years Resolution to lose weight. We were both overweight, he much more than I. I needed to lose around 60 lbs, he needed to lose around 225. We made a pact to go to the gym together and finally get our lives back in order, to commence on the following Tuesday. So, Tuesday came and I was at the gym bright and early. Chunk was no where to be seen. I text him, called him and left voicemails, but no answer. He called me 2 days later with an excuse, and promised to meet me there the following week. So the following week, I showed up expecting to see him, and he was nowhere to be found again. This would be the pattern for the next month, until he finally told me he had no interest in losing the weight. He said it was just too hard. He died on October 29th, 2016 from heart failure at the age of 38.

I think of him a lot these days, as I am now 38 myself. I often wonder if there’s anything I could’ve said to get him motivated to do something about his weight. Following his death, I got really serious about changing my health. At the time I was on blood pressure and heart arrhythmia medicine. My dad had passed at 51 from a heart attack, and I didn’t want to meet his same fate. I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I needed to do something. So I just started. I would go to the gym and walk on the treadmill for an hour, or meander through the weight section hating on everyone who looked effortless in their workouts. I would just show up, every day, and do something until I learned how to do it better. As of today, I’m down 70 lbs from where I was in 2016, and I’ve been off all of my medications for almost 4 years. I ran a 5k in 2021 and came in 3rd place for my age group, averaging almost 7 minute miles. I’m proof that if you are physically able to do it, then the only thing standing in your way is you doing it. I just had to start, and then continue no matter what. I had to be comfortable being uncomfortable at the beginning of my weight loss journey to be able to make progress. My new health status was due to my actions.

When I was learning to play guitar, I would get so frustrated at how terrible I was at everything. There were a million times where I wanted to just give up. It was too much to learn, and I remember thinking I was too old and too busy with life to even try to figure it out. Basic strumming, chord formations, tempo, and even changing guitar strings were a real challenge for me. I stumbled my way along, slowly learning a little bit more each day. I would go to open mics and play my practiced songs for a live audience, and then go home and obsess about correcting every mistake I made. For the first year, it wasn’t really fun at all, it was more of a daily reminder about how much I just didn’t know. I would compare myself to other musicians and think to myself that it would be impossible to do what they do. I remember feeling downright hopeless at times.

I think about those early days of my music career all the time. They remind me just how far I’ve come to get to where I am today. The idea of being a professional musician was not even a distant reality for me just 5 years ago; but because I was willing to be terrible at playing guitar, I was able to progress and gain the knowledge needed to do it. As of this podcast, I’ve performed in 7 different states at over 600 performances. I’ve been making a very good living just off of performing for over 2 years now. I have met, and continue to meet, some of the best people on this planet. And all of this has been due to my actions.

I’m not superhuman, or any different from anyone else. I’ve merely started to understand a pattern of repeatable things I can do that will produce the same results when applied to anything. All of these short stories I’ve told you today have followed the same progression. They started with me realizing I had to make a change in an area of my life. The next step was admitting that I knew nothing about the thing I was trying to change. The third step was ACTION. Taking action is the only way to progress. If you don’t do anything, you will not get the opportunity to change anything. Even if you don’t know what your doing, it is really important to just start doing something. The fourth step was learning, sometimes through books and YouTube, other times through trial and error. And the fifth step is being aware of and grateful for the progress, no matter how small, and to keep trying to get better at whatever it is you’re trying to do.

Celebrating small victories has given me the ability to keep progressing in all areas of my life. Instead of beating myself up about the quality of my workout at the gym, I acknowledge how many more exercises I can do now and celebrate the fact I even went. Which keeps me going back. Instead of being frustrated and jealous watching other musicians that are better than me, I think about how far I’ve come from where I was, and I know that if I continue to invest my time I will continue to progress towards their level. Progression is a very simple thing in my mind. It’s just perseverance. Perseverance for another day when you want to quit, another hour when you can’t understand why you’re even doing something so hard, and another minute when you feel like you’re a complete failure. If you’re alive, which I expect most of my listeners are, and you are thinking about making a change, I hope you find the courage to believe in yourself enough to just START. And if you’re in the middle of making a change, I hope you find strength from this episode to keep it going. I’m always here for a pep talk if you need one, you can reach out to me at SoloMusicianPodcast@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening and I’ll see you next week for the “People’s Choice” episode of the Solo Musician Podcast.

SM Podcast Ep.5 "The History of Solo Musicians"

Garryowen Pub, Gettysburg, PA 2.4.24 Traditional Irish Group

Where it began…..

In the gigantic landscape of music, solo musicians stand out as a singular force, capable of holding audiences attention with just their performances. From the troubadours of medieval courts to the current stars gracing global stages, the evolution of the solo musician is a fascinating tale of the need for individual expression. Our solo performances, whether with an acoustic guitar, a piano, or standing alone on a stage, offer a raw and unfiltered connection between the artist and the audience. In my opinion, it’s the most intimate way to experience music in a public setting. So, join me as I do my best to give you a detailed, and hopefully entertaining, account of the history of solo musicians, tracing the threads that connect the troubadours of the past to today's chart-topping solo artists. Now let’s go wayyyyy back.

Troubadours and Minstrels (Medieval Era)

In the old days of Medieval courts, there were these solo performers called minstrels and troubadours. Frequently they were retained by royalty and high society. As the courts became more sophisticated, minstrels were eventually replaced at court by the troubadours, and many became wandering minstrels, performing in the streets; a decline in their popularity began in the late 15th century.

Wandering minstrels were like the regular folks, the common street musician with no social status, that traveled around playing music, telling jokes, and making people happy with their songs. Think of them as the light workers during the dark ages. They were known to use string instruments like lutes and viols, but were often observed adding percussion to enhance their performances. These cheer spreaders were often homeless, and they went from place to place entertaining people in villages and even still in fancy royal courts. Minstrels weren't picky about who they performed for either – everyone enjoyed their light hearted music and stories. This gave them a unique opportunity to act as a bridge between different communities, sharing not only entertainment but cultural insights across regions.

Troubadours, on the other hand, were high brow musicians from the rich people's club. They wrote and sang fancy poems and songs about love, knights, heroes, and being “proper” in society. Instead of traveling around like minstrels among a diverse crowd, they hung out in the courts of the rich people, playing boring songs to boring people. These upper-class artists were into meaningful poetry and music, and played instruments including lutes and harps, among others. Both minstrels and troubadours were very important because they told stories that helped keep history and culture alive back then. At the time, the majority of people could not read or write, so songs, poems, and spoken word performances were the only way they gained knowledge of current events.

Virtuosos of the Classical ERA (1750-1820)

The classical era, spanning roughly from the mid-18th to early 19th century, marked a changing time for solo musicians, transforming them into iconic figures and centralizing their role in the world of classical music. The piano or violin were usually the primary instrument for the soloist during this period. I couldn’t imagine having to rely on a full size piano before the invention of keyboards. Could you imagine having to load up a piano in your wagon or tow one behind your horse to get to a gig? Composers and performers from this era, such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Hummel, showcased individual skill, technique, artistic expression, and the ability to look 100 years old when they were 20. Weird fact about Beethoven, he verified the amount of individual coffee beans used to roast his cup of morning Joe every morning to verify that there were EXACTLY 60. Don’t know how that helped him, but that may just be the exact amount you need to lose your hearing in your 20s. These musicians were not just interpreters of complex pieces; they were composers themselves, crafting melodies that showcased their incredible abilities and emotional depth.

For example, when Mozart played his piano concertos, it was like a playful conversation between the piano and the orchestra. In Beethoven's violin sonatas, you could hear a beautiful back-and-forth between the violin and the background piano. This shift made solo musicians more important. They could now stand out, showcasing their talent and emotions. And get groupies…. Lots of groupies.

In addition to the evolution of the solo artist, the classical era started a shift in the perception of musicians. Soloists like Mozart were not only esteemed composers but also charismatic performers. Their ability to communicate with audiences through their instruments elevated the solo musician to a status of celebrity, with concerts becoming social events attended by the elite of society. They changed how music was made and performed, setting the stage for solo cover musicians to jar you out of your meal with their rendition of “Wagon Wheel” at restaurants everywhere today.

Folk, Blues, and Jazz Pioneers (19th - 20th Century)

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the world witnessed the emergence of exceptional solo musicians in the realms of folk, blues, and jazz, each genre contributing distinct voices to the diverse catalog of musical history.

In the folk tradition, solo musicians played a pivotal role in preserving and spreading cultural messages. Artists like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, armed with just their acoustic guitars, told stories of the common people. Struggles, injustices, and life’s problems were addressed with beautiful melodies in the background. Much like minstrels from medieval times, their solo performances often resonated with broad audiences across social norms and captured the essence of social and political movements. Power to the people.

In the blues genre, solo musicians took listeners on a journey of raw emotion and personal expression. Legends like Robert Johnson, with his haunting vocals and intricate guitar work, created a profound impact on the musical scene. Side note: Robert Johnson’s voice wasn’t the only haunting part about him though; there are long held rumors of his involvement with the occult that exist to this day. Rumors that he sold his soul to the devil in exchange for musical stardom, and a ticket to the 27 club. We’ll definitely cover more of that story in another episode, but for now let’s get back to how the blues movement helped expand the path for solo musicians. The personal and heartfelt format of blues allowed these musicians to delve into their own experiences, conveying a depth of feeling that connected with listeners on a human level. They carried pain and sadness on the backs of chords and lyrics during a time when merely existing day to day would be considered a struggle.

Jazz, with its free-flowing and loosely structured nature, provided a fertile ground for solo expression. Pioneers like Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker showcased their incredible versatility through solo performances, pushing the boundaries of musical innovation. Jazz sprang up from the creativity of African Americans slaves who were unable to maintain their original musical traditions, so they crafted a unique musical style of their own. A musical composition that couldn’t be controlled by the man. For that reason, jazz was commonly viewed as a threat to the very fabric of society. But for the people that connected with its non-conformist nature, it felt like they finally had a voice. Like they had their own story. Thus, the soloist in jazz became a outlaw storyteller, explaining complex harmonies and rhythms with individual flair. Their bravery to create and go against social norms gave courage to countless solo musicians to feel confident in expressing themselves in non traditional ways.

These solo musicians, spanning from the dusty trails of folk to the smoky clubs of blues and the vibrant stages of jazz, left a permanent mark on music. Through their mastery of solo expression, they not only helped to shape the structure of their individual genres, but they also continue to inspire countless musicians who have followed in their footsteps. Their influence continues to resonate, reminding us of the power and beauty of solo expression in the ever-evolving landscape of music.

Singer-Songwriters and the Folk Revival (Mid-20th Century)

The mid-20th century marked the golden age of singer-songwriters. Artists displayed their souls through powerful and relatable lyrics and acoustic melodies. Icons like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Leonard Cohen emerged as solo storytellers, using their guitars and pens to spread social and political messages. This emergence marked a departure from the earlier dominance of big bands and manufactured pop acts.

Simultaneously, in the realm of popular music, artists like Carole King, Paul Simon, and James Taylor rose to prominence. Their ability to craft introspective lyrics coupled with memorable melodies resonated with large audiences at home and abroad. Carole King's "Tapestry" album, for instance, became a landmark work, showcasing the power of a singer-songwriter's ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. It felt intimate and authentic, while still being able to be considered commercially acceptable.

These mid-20th century singer-songwriters ushered in a new era of artistic freedom, influencing the next generation of musicians. Their impact extended beyond their solo performances, shaping the path of the music industry and inspiring a large array of artists who followed in their footsteps. The legacy of these singer-songwriters carries on to this day, a testament to the power of a single individual armed with a guitar and a story to tell. The folk revival movement elevated the solo artist as a singular poetic voice, connecting the masses through intimate performances.

Pop Icons and Solo Superstars (Late 20th Century)

The late 20th century marked an explosive era for solo musicians, where individual artists took center stage. This period witnessed the rise of iconic solo performers who not only dominated the billboard charts but also became cultural icons. They swayed and shifted public opinion on fashion and societal issues in ways that previous solo musicians never could've imagined.

In the realm of rock, David Bowie emerged as an larger than life figure. His ever-changing personas and experimental sounds challenged conventional norms of rock music. Bowie's incredible ability to reinvent himself and explore new musical territories made him a solo artist that could captivate audiences across genre boundaries. Ground control to Major Tom. Let’s carry on….

Pop music was full of superstars, and Madonna, the "Queen of Pop," redefined the notion of a solo artist. Her ability to create push artistic boundaries resonated with audiences worldwide. I still remember her cone bra blowing my mind when I was a teenager. Madonna's impact extended beyond music, and what she chose to hold her boobs in; she became a cultural icon, shaping trends in fashion, music videos, and societal issues. She still performs today, and her heavily plasticized face is something that should give you the heebie-jeebies. Google it.

Whitney Houston's effortless vocals made her a chart-topping sensation, while Prince's genre-defying melodies and off-stage presence showcased the boundless possibilities of solo expression. In the realm of blues and soul, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Aretha Franklin were heavily influential figures. Vaughan's mastery of the blues guitar revitalized the underperforming blues genre, while Franklin's unmatched vocal abilities and emotional depth made her the undisputed "Queen of Soul."

You see, these solo musicians weren't just creating music; they were crafting identities that resonated with fans on a personal level. They connected with people who were looking for an individual connection. For something that didn’t feel so cookie cutter, or manufactured in a lab. Their influence extended beyond the realms of entertainment, shaping the cultural landscape and inspiring other musicians to explore their individuality, and feel confident in sharing it with the world.

The Digital Era and Contemporary Soloists (21st Century)

The digital era of music, marked by the widespread use of technology and online platforms, has profoundly changed the landscape for solo musicians. With the invention of digital recording, distribution, and social media, solo artists have found almost limitless opportunities to create, share, and connect with audiences on a global scale.

One of the defining features of this era is the availability and affordability of music creation tools. Digital audio workstations and home recording equipment have given solo musicians the power to produce high-quality music independently, eliminating the need for elaborate studio setups or expensive studio time. This accessibility has led to a surge in diverse voices and genres, as artists can experiment freely without the constraints of traditional recording processes or label interference.

Online platforms, such as streaming services and social media, have become valuable tools in shaping the careers of solo musicians. Artists can release their music directly to a worldwide audience, reaching listeners without the constraints of record labels. Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and SoundCloud enable solo musicians to build fan bases, gain attention, and even generate income through digital distribution.

Social media has transformed the way solo musicians engage with their audience. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok provide direct channels for artists to share their creative process, connect with fans, and build a personal brand. This direct interaction has blurred the lines between artist and audience, creating a further sense of intimacy and community between the two.

The digital era has also reshaped the concept of live performances. While you’ll definitely still see a person in a bar or restaurant with a guitar or piano belting out all your favorite hits, virtual concerts and live streams have also gained popularity, allowing solo musicians to connect with global audiences in real-time. This shift has not only provided new avenues for performance and income for the artist, but it’s also offered fans unique and personable experiences from the comfort of their homes. I often play in my pajama bottoms with a t-shirt on. No one would have ever known.

The history of solo musicians is a rich and vibrant symphony I encourage you to explore on your own. From troubadours serenading medieval courts to the pop icons commanding stadium-sized audiences, the solo artist has remained a powerful and individual expression of music. When people seek out an individual musician, they’re looking for a personal connection. A connection to their music, to their lyrics, to their energy, maybe even to their views on everyday life. As solo musicians, our history is one of bringing entertainment to people in need of being entertained. Whether that’s in the neighboring village or the corner of a local bar. We bring people together for a little bit of fun in a world that can sometimes be too heavy to enjoy. I’m grateful every day that I get to walk in the shoes of minstrels and Mozarts, feeling free to express myself anyway I feel fit. Thanks to all the trailblazers, and thank you for listening to today’s episode. I hope you learned something useful, even if it’s just that Robert Johnson made a deal with the Devil.

SM Podcast Ep. 4 "Livestreams are Fun"

Today, I’m going to cover my live-stream setup. My equipment and software, my techniques and platform hacks. I’m going to cover everything I think you’ll need to broadcast a professional, and hopefully profitable, live-stream straight from your home to the entire world. I’ll include links in the show notes to the equipment that I currently use, so you can purchase the same items if you feel so inclined. And if you’re just an observer of live-streams, today’s episode will give you a glimpse behind the camera so you can better understand what artists do to bring the show inside your home. So, let’s get into it.

The list:

1. Sound Equipment

2. Video Equipment

3. Lighting

4. Computer

5. Software/Apps

6. Other miscellaneous equipment

7. Internet connection

8. Monetization

9. Consistency

10. Audience and Post-Audience

SOUND EQUIPMENT:

In my opinion, the way your stream sounds should be your highest priority. If your stream sounds terrible, then nothing else will matter. Most people are primarily tuning in to hear you perform music. They’ll deal with a less than awesome picture quality as long as they can hear you clearly. A lot of people who listen to my streams don’t even watch the video, they listen to it on their bluetooth speakers or headphones at work. I’ve tried about 20 variations of sound equipment, including large studio boards and effects processors, all the way down to single computer interfaces. The following equipment has proven itself to be easy to operate, very affordable, and has consistently produced high quality audio:

• Mixer: I use a Behringer Xenyx 1202FX with Effects. It’s an older model that is now discontinued, but you can find them used online for anywhere between $80-$120. The modern equivalent is the Behringer Xenyx 1202SFX, and they retail for around $130. I don’t have any personal experience with the 1202SFX, but it appears that it serves as both mixer and interface for connecting to the computer. This eliminates the need for two separate purchases. As far as the Behringer Xenyx 1202 that I use, it’s a simple 12 channel desktop mixer, although I usually only use 2 channels. One for my condenser microphone and one for my direct guitar line. It has 24-bit digital effects, which just means they’re industry standard for professional use.

• USB Audio Interface: I use a Behringer UCA222 audio interface for connecting my analog mixing board to my computer. They retail for around $30. You can SKIP this step if you buy a board with USB capabilities, such as the Xenyx 1202SFX I mentioned when covering mixers. The UCA222 interface uses RCA connections to capture your audio from the mixing board and send it to the computer. It’s basically an external sound card. It has input, output, and monitoring capabilities, and the audio signal consistency is top notch. Again, if you are using a board with USB capabilities, you DO NOT need to purchase a separate interface.

• Microphone: I use an Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone. They are around $100, and in my opinion worth every penny. I picked mine up at a yard sale for $10. I highly recommend a condenser style microphone for streaming applications. They not only sound more professional, but they appear more professional than your standard dynamic microphone. They can capture natural reverb sounds in bouncy rooms and give an added layer to your production. Make sure to purchase and use a foam filter or pop filter as well to help filter out “plosives”. These microphones are very sensitive and you will have terrible issues with your audio quality without some sort of filter.

• Cables: Don’t skimp on cables. Shotty connections or poor signal delivery can be the death of your audio dreams. You definitely don’t need to buy the most expensive ones out there, but I personally run Pig Hog Cables and have never experienced a single cable issue. I use four total cables in my setup. Two 1/4” male to RCA male cables to connect my board to my audio interface, one 10ft 1/4” instrument cable, and one 10ft XLR microphone cable. You should expect to spend around $60-$80 for cables.

VIDEO EQUIPMENT:

I currently use the built in camera on my IMAC for my video, but I’ve used some other pieces of video equipment in the past that worked great for me as well. The goal with video is to produce High Definition video, at least 1080p, so it doesn’t get blurry or pixelated when viewed on devices other than cell phones. Most people will watch or listen to your stream on their phones, but 1080p video will look clear and sharp across all devices, giving the viewer flexibility to chose how to watch it. Here’s some of the camera equipment I’ve used in the past:

• Zoom Q2N4k Camera - They’re around $200 and capture up to 4k video. They have a wide range of settings that you can control, including parameters for lighting, field of view, and overall resolution. They connect to your computer through a separate micro usb to USB A connection. I primarily used this camera for wide angle shots of my livestream setup.

• Logitech C920 HD - Priced around $60, these entry level webcams are capable of full HD (1080p). They offer both narrow and wide field of view and work well for your primary camera if the built in one on your computer sucks. I used this camera up until about a year ago. One thing to note about this camera is that you need adequate lighting for it to function properly, it does not function well in low light environments.

• Built in FaceTime Camera (IMAC) - This is what I currently use. It flawlessly records in 1080p and can adjust to lighting conditions on the fly. It has the option to blur your background out for streaming in less than ideal locations, and has the benefit of being integrated into the computer which means one less step for processing. The video quality is perfect for what I need it for.

LIGHTING EQUIPMENT:

Proper lighting is ESSENTIAL for your video to look clear and well produced. Think of it this way, with proper lighting, you can control more parameters such as contrast, color saturation, and field of view based off of your taste rather than off of what is lit up enough to even be captured. When I started, I used four cheap pedestal lights in the corners of the room out of the camera view, two small lamps with the shades removed behind the camera to front light, and a ceiling light to wash the room in amber light. It was bright enough to catch a tan, and it made the night time streams look as clear as day. Now, I only use two lights to achieve the desired effect, but I can’t emphasize enough how important lighting is for your stream to look professional. Here is my current lighting kit:

• Sutefoto 2 Pack USB Lighting - This kit includes two lights mounted on adjustable stands with tons of color gels to get the exact look you’re going after. The light temperatures ( color control from blue to amber ) are adjustable as well. You can pick these up on Amazon for about $60. I place one in front of me, behind the camera, for front lighting, and one above and slightly in front of me, for top lighting and a bit more front lighting. I don’t use any color gels, but I’ve experimented with them and found that combining the blue and orange ones provides a warmer picture.

COMPUTER:

Your computer is the brains of the operation. You need to have a good processor speed, a good video card with dedicated memory, and a high amount of RAM for the ability to run complex programs without glitches. I’ve used IMAC computers exclusively for this, and have found them to run flawlessly in all aspects of music production and streaming. My CPU usage, fancy speak for how hard the computer is working, never goes about 10% when I’m streaming. This low workload provides a consistent and high quality video every time. It also gives me the ability to RECORD my video at the same time I am broadcasting the streams to platforms. Here is my current setup:

• Mid-2020 Apple iMac with Retina 5k, 3.3Ghz - This computer is a workhorse. They retail for around $1,100 and are worth more in my opinion. I bought the computer with the standard HDD and RAM configurations, but upgraded both for further peace of mind. I’m sure that it would still function perfectly out of the box for my needs, but I wanted to make sure there would be no issues. I supplemented the 512 GB SSD with a Western Digital 4TB Thunderbolt HDD, which retails for around $120. The HDD is not so much for streaming, but for other video editing and music production needs. I upgraded the stock 8GB of RAM to 128GB of RAM by using 4 sticks of 32GB DDR4 2666Mhz RAM. The kit’s retail around $240, but with this simple upgrade to the RAM, the computer now possesses the ability to perform pretty much any function I throw at it without hesitation. The computer is SILENT when under load, which is awesome for live productions. The 27” display gives you enough room to have multiple windows open for lyrics or chat logs as well as your streaming apps. Can’t recommend this computer enough.

• Powered USB HUB - Having SO MANY things to run off USB means you’ll most likely need to expand your USB ports. A powered USB 3.0 Hub is a simple and cost effective way to give you all the ports you’ll need. The one I purchased in 2020 retails for around $25 and gives you an additional 7 USB 3.0 ports as well as a single dedicated charging port. It also gives you the ability to turn off individual devices when you’re not using them with dedicated on/off buttons for each port. This is a MUST HAVE for streaming in my opinion.

Software And Applications:

There are many different ways to livestream. There are literally hundreds of different platforms or online spaces to perform. You can stream directly to Facebook, YouTube Live, Twitch, Instagram, and TikTok, among many others. You can use an online GUI (Graphic User Interface) or downloadable app/program for products such as Restream, StreamLabs, or OBS Studio, which allow you to stream to multiple platforms at once. I’ve used all of these products in the past, and currently use the OBS Studio app on my computer to stream directly to Facebook. Here’s a little info about each:

• Restream - Restream is a service that takes your single stream and splits it into multiple platform streams. It’s a monthly or annually billed service that costs around $16 a month for 720p streaming and $41 a month for 1080p streaming. I’ve used this in the past to stream to Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch simultaneously and I LOVED the built in feature of displaying comments from all 3 platforms in the sidebar. Each comment had it’s representative logo from the platform it came from, and it’s menus and options were easy to navigate.

• StreamLabs - Streamlabs is another stream splitting service that is much like Restream. I found it’s clean user interface to be a bit better than Restream, but not by much. It does, however, claim to offer 1080p service for $19 a month or $150 a year if purchased annually. I never experienced any loss of signal or buffering issues while using Streamlabs and found it to be a great service as compared to Restream at a more affordable price.

• OBS Studio - Earlier, I identified the computer as the brain of the operation. And if the computer is the brain, then OBS Studio is the brain stem. Everything I do on live streams flows through OBS Studio. It’s the application I have downloaded to my computer specifically to organize my stream. It takes a bit to learn how to use it, and you may start out with just simple functions, but there are TONS of YouTube videos telling you how to use it and the online help community is incredible. Oh, and did I mention it’s open source? It is FREE!!! One day I will do an episode SOLELY on how to use OBS, but today is not that day. What I will tell you is that in OBS Studio, you add your input devices (camera and audio equipment) and can effects such as audio compression, reverb or delay and noise gate, and video effects, such as contrast or color control and image or text overlays to advertise your digital tip jar links. You can monitor stream quality, audio quality, video quality, and comments all in the same spot. It’s a truly awesome piece of software and I rarely experience anything resembling an issue with it. Did I mention it’s free???

Other miscellaneous equipment:

I’ve pretty much outlined all the MAJOR equipment I use for creating my live streams. I’d also like to cover some of the small things I use as well. These aren’t necessarily required for you to begin live-streaming, but in my opinion they will add to the professionalism and quality of your stream just as much as the big ticket items. And they are all CHEAP. Here is 3 pieces of non-essential equipment you might want to consider:

• Amazon Desktop Tablet Holder - The title describes exactly what it is and what it does. They retail for around $20, and are a plastic cradle for your tablet that you can sit on your desk. It’s adjustable up and down for tablet size and viewing angle, and works well at holding your tablet out of camera view. I place mine close to my keyboard for easy access and reference while performing covers while streaming.

• Desktop Microphone Boom Stand - Sure, you could use any mic stand you have laying around the house, but I find having a dedicated microphone stand that secures to the desk makes it easier to keep my performing area set up all the time, rather than having to break things down in between streams. They retail for around $40 and are an awesome way to boost your professionalism to anyone watching your performance.

• Basic Note Pads - Or any other scrap paper. You can buy a 6 pack of 5x8 note taking pads online for $9. I use them to jot down requests, things I want to talk about, keep track of tippers to thank, and other general notes. While you’re streaming, sometimes you’ll get a large influx of comments that will quickly add up. By noting things down you’ll spend less time scrolling back up in the comment feed to find the requested songs or people that just wanted to hear you say “hey” back to them.

Internet connection:

One of the fundamental forces working behind the scenes of your live stream is your internet connection. It’s your lifeline to the outside world, and its quality has a direct effect on people enjoying your performance. It can be the difference between people sticking around to watch you or people leaving your stream frustrated. In instances where an LAN (local area network) or “wired” connection is available, use that first. Being hardwired into a router is considered a more stable and faster connection and can rule out interference from your neighbors wifi.

If you aren’t able to be wired in, try to set yourself up with the most stable wifi connection you can muster. If you’re in a house or townhome, position your computer on the same floor as your wifi router. This will negate some possible sources of electrical interference and provide a more consistent signal. Try to use the 5Ghz channel of your router, if available, for better upload bandwidth (speed). Shoot for at least 15Mbps of upload speed as a baseline for streaming 1080p video and high quality audio. Download speed does not really apply to your stream quality. If you don’t know your internet upload speed, you can perform a FREE speed test by going to speedtest.net to see exactly what your devices have available to use.

Monetization:

Show me the money, right? I mean, even if your primary goal of streaming is not to make money, it sure would be nice to get a few dollars back from all the equipment, knowledge, and time you’ve invested just to make it happen. Your goal should be to make it as easy as possible for people who WANT to give you money, to be ABLE to give you money. I monetize my livestreams in two different ways:

• Digital Tip Jar links - Link.tree, Venmo, PayPal, and CashApp can be GREAT ways for consumers of your stream to tip you. Utilize the text overlay function of your streaming software to place a scrolling ticker with your usernames for each payment avenue. Make sure you post them in the post title on Facebook or in the description of the YouTube live. The easier you make them to find the better.

• Facebook Stars - Once you’re established as a content creator on Facebook, you can utilize Facebook’s STARS feature. Once enabled, this provides viewers a built-in way to tip you on Facebook. It also gives them incentive to tip to move their comments to the top of your feed. You keep .99 cents of each dollar, minus applicable taxes once you hit a certain dollar amount. It’s a fun and interactive way to earn some “tips” from your stream.

consistency:

How should you advertise your livestream? If no one knows it’s happening, how are they supposed to watch? I’ve personally tried countless ways to advertise my livestreams to potential viewers. I’ve paid for advertising, made Facebook events, partnered with advertising firms, done short videos inviting people, the list goes on and on. There is one thing, above all else, that worked for me when it comes to advertising. That thing is consistency. Commit to doing a livestream on a regular schedule, and people will come. If they know you livestream every other week on Thursday nights, they’ll put it in their calendar and invite their friends. Don’t waste money with ads asking people to join. Try to post an event for each stream on Facebook, if that’s where you’re streaming, giving people the option to check off if they’re going to attend or not. Schedule upcoming LIVE’s on YouTube to give potential viewers the chance to get notified when you’re LIVE. Make sure to SHARE your stream to any groups you’re able to on Facebook to maximize viewership. There are hundreds of these groups just waiting for you to join and share. These are all simple and free ways to market your livestream to people that will join. If you’re putting out a high quality stream, it will grow organically without you ever spending a dime.

audience and post-audience:

The last thing I’d like to cover is Audience and Post-Audience. I know what you might be thinking, what the hell is a post-audience? Well, a few years ago I realized that there are two distinct groups that watch my livestreams. There’s the people that watch LIVE in the moment and comment requests, which I categorize as the Audience, and then there are people who re-watch the stream later or listen to it on headphones at work the next day or at the gym, and I categorize them as the Post-Audience. Each group has their own place in the livestream world. For the Audience, they are relying on good quality video/audio and your ability to keep them entertained. Requests, witty banter, small talk and interaction are all main focuses when performing for the Audience.

For the Post-Audience, a lot of them will listen to your stream WITHOUT ever looking at it. They won’t be requesting songs or looking for interaction. They’re just there to observe what you’ve already done. Keep this in mind before engaging in a 20 minute conversation with a single person on your stream or spending forever in between songs looking for something to play. You’ll lose the Post-Audience faster than your tax return money if you bore them. Also, keep in mind that the Post-Audience has the same ability as the Audience to tip you whenever they watch your stream. Set yourself up for random tips to hit your digital tip jar by acknowledging the post watchers and talking about your links a few times during your performance.

As I close out this episode, I really want you to keep one thing in mind. I’ve outlined a lot of things today, mostly on the business side, to give you the best livestream experience possible. It’s not the only way to do it, there are definitely many other configurations or approaches to streaming. I’ve given you the things that worked for me, because they worked for me. But don’t forget to have fun, because Livestreams are Fun! Have a good time in an intimate setting with the people who want to see you perform. They’re in your home and you’re in theirs. Talk with them, laugh with them, and enjoy each other’s company. You can always delete it later if it sucks, so have fun in the moment.

Good luck with your streams, and if you EVER have any questions/concerns or just need a little help, shoot me a message at SoloMusicianPodcast@gmail.com and I will help any way I can. See you next week!