Welcome to my stop on the The Rock ‘N’ Roll. ‘N’ That blog tour. I have a guest post from Steven Gill to share, but first here’s the book info….
Author: Steven J. Gill
Release Date: 31st January 2018
Genre: Fiction
Page Count: 484
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
“Rock ‘n’ roll is a nuclear blast of reality in a mundane world where no-one is allowed to be magnificent.” The former manager of The Runaways said that. The mad bastard. And Johnny Harrison swore by it. He had to. Almost forty, fully paid up member of the rat race and bored sh*tless. He had to believe in something. Then something happened. Something magnificent. A once in a lifetime band dropped out of the sky and right into his lap. A band unaware of just how great they could be. A band that had no idea what was about to hit them. A band that needed someone to light the fuse. That someone was Johnny Harrison and the truth was he needed them so much more. They were his ticket out. That’s how it is with THE ROCK ‘N’ THE ROLL. ‘N’ THAT. Buy your ticket and take the ride.
Book links ~ Goodreads | Amazon UK |
Now over to Steven…..
TOP THINGS ABOUT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Where do you start?
I think in simple terms, it’s that anyone get involved at some level. From musicians themselves right through to graphic designers and riggers.
And importantly, it’s possible to get in at absolute grass roots level. You could design fliers or a website for your mates band. Carry their gear and drive a van to gigs. All these things could lead to opportunities and worst case it’s great experience and a massive laugh.
The music industry has undergone a massive revolution which it is probably still dealing with the aftershocks in terms of how music is listened to and more importantly consumed.
It can mean that it is harder to get ‘that’ break as there is less money sloshing around, but for an artist, it’s never been easier to make music and get it out there.
I remember hawking a rucksack of demo tapes around various venues and posting them to record labels with a suitably grandiose accompanying letter. Hard work and probably futile 99% of the time.
Now you can record something in your bedroom and get it listened to the other side of the world within minutes.
This means that you could grow a band or label organically and build a following. Gigs are easier to promote than ever before given the reach of social media and the ability to maintain a database.
All said, it’s never been as difficult to get a record deal and any bands or artistes are having to work rather than concentrate on music full-time. And the advent of talent shows has seen an influx of music that is the equivalent of junk food but can prevent opportunities for real talent.
In summary, I’d say to any young person looking to get involved – do it. You are not making a lifetime commitment and what I can guarantee is that you will make a load of friends along the way and some fantastic memories.
Thanks so much, Steven.
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Steven J. Gill is from Manchester, living just south of the city centre. This is his first book. Previously, his writing work was limited to music and football fanzines. He has had quite the varied career, ranging from finance, delivering enterprise days to schools, undertaker and driver. A self-confessed cats, coats and Beatles obsessive.
Very much in right time and right place in the early 80’s and 90’s and duly devoured all that the Manchester music scene had to offer. Talked a lot of nonsense and managed a couple of bands that never unite made it big. Sings like a donkey braying into a bucket but a very good musical ear would be a fitting epitaph…
Having had somewhat of a literary epiphany at the inaugural Festival No.6 in North Wales, Steven decided it was time to set to and get writing. ‘The Rock ‘n’ The Roll. ‘ N” That…’ is the fruit of these labours.”
As some Scouse pop genius once opined, “it took me years to write, so won’t you take a look…”
Social media links ~ Website | Twitter | Instagram
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Thursday 31st January
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I really enjoyed the information Steve shared about the music industry, Cathy.
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Thanks, Robbie. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Loved the guest post and the book sounds interesting.
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Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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