"The only people you'll ever find to help you push a car up a hill are martyrs, family members and people who want to sleep with you really really badly." I'm dying here. You are brilliant! And I mean freakin' brilliant, if i haven't stated it before. And the brilliance comes from the true beautiful cynic simplicity you offer to the world. And for that, we thank you. Also,a lot of the stuff you're saying works on many more spheres of work and life, not only music and entertainment. (captain obvious, tralalalaaa...)
I remember the first time I sang in front of people and acted on a real set. It was the best feeling in the world. And you are right about the business side of this. You have to market yourself correctly and make yourself stand out from the crowd so that casting agencies, record labels, etc will look at you and take a chance on you. Great advice!
just as an addendum: I've worked in the music industry in some capacity or other for over 30 years, and I'm going to let you in on another secret. that guy who is in the sound or light booth probably works in many different venues in many different capacities. He/she may well be on the crew for that Cure show you wanted to open. They know most of the club owners and booking agents, and probably many of the local bands. In other words someone you want on your side. Further when I was a house engineer for a small club, I would often use music given to me by local bands as "walk in" music (you know that background stuff that plays while people find their seats) for big shows. And yes, people do come up to the sound booth and ask "who is this?" So in short DON'T PISS OFF THE SOUND GUY!
And yet, so many amateur bands treat the sound and light people like crap!!! I will definitely be covering that in in an episode on how to behave at the show. Thanks for sharing!
"Singing to a bunch of friends in your living room" When I went to see you in Glasgow, my first gig of yours, the second I left, I turned to my boyfriend, my eyes twinkling with a sense of "Did that really happen?" and I said; "It felt as though he was playing to friends. I honestly felt as though I have been watching a good old friend playing in the living room." My exact words. When you do that to a crowd, that's when you know you have a trés bon rapport with your fans.
Nothing compares to being in front of a live audience. It doesn't matter if it is fire dancing or yodeling the National Anthem. You can't rehearse what experience will give you.
+The Lair of Voltaire Wait a tic - I've helped push cars up hills just because I've been stuck there myself and hate to see anyone else in that shituation. You read that right Although when I was in that situation the people that helped me really wanted to sleep with me. Of course that was 20 years and 30 lbs ago, in middle Georgia, in August, in not many clothes. Ok I see your point
This... Yes, open Mics... Finite Automata's first show ever 8 years ago was at an open mic night... we played 3 songs, one was a cover. Fast forward to today and we just finished our first multi week tour as direct support for God Module. It took years of everything this man just said, plus countless member rotations, thousands of dollars in investment, and lost friendships, to put that first "gallon of gas" into our car. It's hard, but the point is to never give up if you really want to do this. On the promotion side, I do booking for bands in Atlanta. I don't always do it for a profit, and like to put locals in opening slots to give them exposure and a chance to get out there and grow a fan base... however, I will not book a show I know I will lose my shirt on either. Not every promoter will do this though. Solid advice Aurelio! As someone who just started chugging along and getting a little bit of momentum (as well as someone who still has a hell of a LOT to learn), I can say this is all very true.
Fabulous advice, as a performer myself, but who has struggled with confidence, this is what I needed to hear. And yes, you'd have nailed Doctor Strange ;-)
I love this! I think you are very intelligent and fun to listen to. But, it has to be said..you DO realize that it's BENEDICT, right? Lol Thanks for making all of these wonderful and informative sessions.
Nice video Voltaire, would be cool if you came to Belfast sometime (the Limelight probably), or maybe I'd go see you in England next time you're over :)
You Rock !! and you help Alots of People realize What Music is !!! thx dont stress out with your album we can wait till 2017 you got alots of project going on !!! keep up the good job !!! you made my day and am going to get a Guitar acoustic !!
I can see voltaire play a lot of different characters but I'd love to see him as a Dracula old school evil and charismatic or Hades in a modern Greek gods film like the Hades from the gena showalter books
Hi! Thank you for another wonderful video. This series is really great and insightful. I was wondering if you planned on covering the topic of record label vs. no record label later in this show. Nowdays is it easier to self promote? Does one need a record label as much? Or can one crowdfund everything with no middle man? I'd really love your insight. Thank you. :)
Hey Voltaire ( if you ever see this ), what if the music scene in your town doesn’t correspond with the music you make? I make Dr. Steel-ish music and I live in a very conservative where the only thing that gets play is country ( and to a lesser extent rap ). Is there something I can do? Should I wait until I get out of this town? Should I just advertise online for now? I would really like to know your opinion on this.
Yes, you can absolutely be making a name for yourself online! When it comes time to perform live you will likely need to travel.. maybe to a steampunk festival somewhere. And keep in mind there comes a time in a band's or artist's life when if they are serious about success, they will generally move to a city where success is more likely like Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, etc... Good luck!
The Lair of Voltaire thanks for the reply, I have been trying to move for a bit actually. It’s just taking more time then planned, haha. I know it’s been a bit since we got a new video in this series, but I would love to see more. If you have more to say of course. Again thanks for the input. :)
Though not strictly music related, do you have advice for stop motion students slowly trying to build a career? So far these videos are really helpful and inspiring for all of my work
nice I really enjoyed another episode I'm not exactly interested in becoming a rock star in fact I want to read stories to people on youtube but even so I find some of your advice pretty helpful and Im so glad your doing this I find it very informative and am curious to learn about it even if I don't plan on becoming a musician.
I have the opposite problem. The more I project the more in tune I get. I'm not fantastic at any volume, but I'm terrible at my normal speaking level, just awful.
So... hopefully you'll cover the case where maybe you just suck and should give up? I'm like 66.6% certain I'm that guy, and I'd love to know when to give up.
I'd help u push a car anyday maybe I'm just helpful or maybe I just want to sleep with u. You can be the judge of that. Altho I did help a random person push a car after having cancer surgery and after I help them I had to go back and have more stiches put in. It was worth helping someone who needed help and no one was willing to help bc the way they look .
Much respect for anyone who publicly admits to the shits. Nerves are a bitch
"The only people you'll ever find to help you push a car up a hill are martyrs, family members and people who want to sleep with you really really badly."
I'm dying here. You are brilliant! And I mean freakin' brilliant, if i haven't stated it before. And the brilliance comes from the true beautiful cynic simplicity you offer to the world. And for that, we thank you.
Also,a lot of the stuff you're saying works on many more spheres of work and life, not only music and entertainment. (captain obvious, tralalalaaa...)
I remember the first time I sang in front of people and acted on a real set. It was the best feeling in the world. And you are right about the business side of this. You have to market yourself correctly and make yourself stand out from the crowd so that casting agencies, record labels, etc will look at you and take a chance on you. Great advice!
just as an addendum: I've worked in the music industry in some capacity or other for over 30 years, and I'm going to let you in on another secret. that guy who is in the sound or light booth probably works in many different venues in many different capacities. He/she may well be on the crew for that Cure show you wanted to open. They know most of the club owners and booking agents, and probably many of the local bands. In other words someone you want on your side. Further when I was a house engineer for a small club, I would often use music given to me by local bands as "walk in" music (you know that background stuff that plays while people find their seats) for big shows. And yes, people do come up to the sound booth and ask "who is this?" So in short DON'T PISS OFF THE SOUND GUY!
And yet, so many amateur bands treat the sound and light people like crap!!! I will definitely be covering that in in an episode on how to behave at the show. Thanks for sharing!
anytime.
"Singing to a bunch of friends in your living room" When I went to see you in Glasgow, my first gig of yours, the second I left, I turned to my boyfriend, my eyes twinkling with a sense of "Did that really happen?" and I said;
"It felt as though he was playing to friends. I honestly felt as though I have been watching a good old friend playing in the living room." My exact words. When you do that to a crowd, that's when you know you have a trés bon rapport with your fans.
Nothing compares to being in front of a live audience. It doesn't matter if it is fire dancing or yodeling the National Anthem. You can't rehearse what experience will give you.
+The Lair of Voltaire Wait a tic - I've helped push cars up hills just because I've been stuck there myself and hate to see anyone else in that shituation. You read that right
Although when I was in that situation the people that helped me really wanted to sleep with me. Of course that was 20 years and 30 lbs ago, in middle Georgia, in August, in not many clothes. Ok I see your point
This... Yes, open Mics...
Finite Automata's first show ever 8 years ago was at an open mic night... we played 3 songs, one was a cover. Fast forward to today and we just finished our first multi week tour as direct support for God Module. It took years of everything this man just said, plus countless member rotations, thousands of dollars in investment, and lost friendships, to put that first "gallon of gas" into our car. It's hard, but the point is to never give up if you really want to do this.
On the promotion side, I do booking for bands in Atlanta. I don't always do it for a profit, and like to put locals in opening slots to give them exposure and a chance to get out there and grow a fan base... however, I will not book a show I know I will lose my shirt on either. Not every promoter will do this though.
Solid advice Aurelio! As someone who just started chugging along and getting a little bit of momentum (as well as someone who still has a hell of a LOT to learn), I can say this is all very true.
ohhhhhh, youd have been phenomenal as doc strange!! I completely see that.
they actually made a doc strange figure modeled after him
+TootTootMcbumbersnazzle yeah and he got one modified to be him
+TootTootMcbumbersnazzle www.google.ro/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.mintconditioncustom.com/custom-aurelio-voltaire/&ved=0ahUKEwjK0uXUpN_NAhWpI8AKHT2ODEkQFghCMAo&usg=AFQjCNGeEk4CsT_a-0Uk6I7hTU3RfEE1oQ
The Dr Strange Action figure I posed for was for the Marvel Legends series 7. Google it. ; )
+The Lair of Voltaire I totally have that one! now that you say it... the resemblance is uncanny.
*benjamin* cumberbatch?
benedict cumberbatch. Besides that, I love this series. Please keep making more!!
I don't understand. You just wrote Beedril Camerupt twice in a row . . .
Humperdink Bandersnatch.
Beneficial Cucumber
Bendthatdick Cuminsnatch
You know, a bunch of artists (no matter what kind) should take notes while watching this.
Even as an amateur actor, I find these tips particularly useful.
I really really enjoy these longer videos.
The car metaphor was spot on! I feel this.
I have never seen this much sense in a video before, like every sentence makes a huge sense.
after years I still love to listen to the wisdom of Voltaire.
As I like saying "Networking is GO(o)D".
Thank you for continuing this series! Cant' wait for the next instalment!
I honestly would have paid to have seen YOU as Doctor Strange. THAT, would have been awesome.
Fabulous advice, as a performer myself, but who has struggled with confidence, this is what I needed to hear. And yes, you'd have nailed Doctor Strange ;-)
I love this! I think you are very intelligent and fun to listen to. But, it has to be said..you DO realize that it's BENEDICT, right? Lol Thanks for making all of these wonderful and informative sessions.
your projections remind me of the enchanting legendary sirens!
A+
This series is also great advice for any and ALL performers. As a burlesque performer this is really Super helpful!
glade ta see u back....
Voltaire this is pretty funny that you mentioned the cure there coming to my city in Perth lol !! ur really inspiring man :D
Thank you, Voltaire. I'll be referencing these videos often to keep myself on track.
great advice, man, as always, great!
good morning Mr. Voltaire! thank you for the tips
your videos really inspire me. I've watched this series a few times. thank you for sharing your music and your thoughts so openly
great job, thanks
This is so inspirational and smart. Thank you so much. You would be a great actor!!!💜🧡💚
i love these stories Aurelio... thanks for sharing
Nice video Voltaire, would be cool if you came to Belfast sometime (the Limelight probably), or maybe I'd go see you in England next time you're over :)
Cool vids and great tips Voltaire! Keep'em coming! IJK
Always great seeing you!
This is great- even applies to public speaking, thank you for your top tips!
Lots of very good advice that I can apply to doing my panels. Thanks!! :)
Great video Voltty-san!!!!
I agree with the networking. It help a lot with the rest of the tips here.
This is absolutely awesome man. Nice videos, just carry on.
Nice, I really enjoyed this video and I find it very informative. Great work dude, I can't wait for more content.
All true. Open mics are the way. As you mention, they are also great networking opportunities.
You would be great as Count Olaf!
You Rock !! and you help Alots of People realize What Music is !!! thx dont stress out with your album we can wait till 2017 you got alots of project going on !!! keep up the good job !!! you made my day and am going to get a Guitar acoustic !!
wow. i belive these tips could help any kind of performer.
these are wonderfully helpful and entertaining
I can see voltaire play a lot of different characters but I'd love to see him as a Dracula old school evil and charismatic or Hades in a modern Greek gods film like the Hades from the gena showalter books
thank you for the tip sir
loving this video series. Keep up the hard work, you are awesome 💖
Hi! Thank you for another wonderful video. This series is really great and insightful.
I was wondering if you planned on covering the topic of record label vs. no record label later in this show. Nowdays is it easier to self promote? Does one need a record label as much? Or can one crowdfund everything with no middle man? I'd really love your insight. Thank you. :)
I absolutely will!
I... like this videos! So needed on youtube. Also good sire, your eyebrows are my goal! That beard is my goal! Dammit...
dem cuban genes doe!!
YES! But I mean... LOOK AT THIS BEARD! Also his eyebrow game is super strong... I'm so jealous
Hey Voltaire ( if you ever see this ), what if the music scene in your town doesn’t correspond with the music you make? I make Dr. Steel-ish music and I live in a very conservative where the only thing that gets play is country ( and to a lesser extent rap ). Is there something I can do? Should I wait until I get out of this town? Should I just advertise online for now? I would really like to know your opinion on this.
Yes, you can absolutely be making a name for yourself online! When it comes time to perform live you will likely need to travel.. maybe to a steampunk festival somewhere. And keep in mind there comes a time in a band's or artist's life when if they are serious about success, they will generally move to a city where success is more likely like Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, etc... Good luck!
The Lair of Voltaire thanks for the reply, I have been trying to move for a bit actually. It’s just taking more time then planned, haha. I know it’s been a bit since we got a new video in this series, but I would love to see more. If you have more to say of course.
Again thanks for the input. :)
Though not strictly music related, do you have advice for stop motion students slowly trying to build a career? So far these videos are really helpful and inspiring for all of my work
nice I really enjoyed another episode I'm not exactly interested in becoming a rock star in fact I want to read stories to people on youtube but even so I find some of your advice pretty helpful and Im so glad your doing this I find it very informative and am curious to learn about it even if I don't plan on becoming a musician.
I'd Listen to stories :D
I'm not very good yet I am recording my first video ever and I'm probly gonna suck for awhile but I'll keep at it and practice and get better
well doesn't matter really to me...but keep up the goal!
+The Lair of Voltaire I have a question that may be somewhat personal, but when you get depressed, if you do, how do you cope with it...?
Great video, you're very generous! :D (Any plans for visiting Mexico city? :P)
I love when you sing me to sleep......
Voltaire why did you make When you're Evil and why has it been used in Villains Tributes.
"Benjamin" spelled B, e, n, a, d, i, c, t.
Voltair is the nieces guy i have seen.
I have the opposite problem. The more I project the more in tune I get. I'm not fantastic at any volume, but I'm terrible at my normal speaking level, just awful.
I'll be at your Tampa show if you forget any lyrics! X'D
WHERE DID YOU GET THAT BLAZER!!!!!!!!!!!! I want one!!!!!
So you going to burmingham Alabama but not chicago i see how it is u came here last yr but i was 21 now u aint comin back? Sad:(
Wasn't*
So... hopefully you'll cover the case where maybe you just suck and should give up? I'm like 66.6% certain I'm that guy, and I'd love to know when to give up.
Voltaire Is that the Albanian flag?
What one dude disliked this video?!?
Well i think it was Benjamin Cumberbatch.
i love you, but his name is BenEDICT Cumberbatch lol
first show sounds like you put your foot in your mouth :P glad it turned out well
I'd help u push a car anyday maybe I'm just helpful or maybe I just want to sleep with u. You can be the judge of that. Altho I did help a random person push a car after having cancer surgery and after I help them I had to go back and have more stiches put in. It was worth helping someone who needed help and no one was willing to help bc the way they look .