Articles Archives - Chicago Music Guide

Competition in Your Local Scene

April 30, 2019 Brett Davidson

There’s something about competition that brings out the worst in people. That being said, there is something to be gained from it. When you’re in a band, other local musicians and groups may seem like the enemy. It can feel like it is either you or them. This is simply untrue. While you may have to compete for some opportunities,... Read More

Broadening Your Musical Horizons

March 31, 2019May 23, 2019 Brett Davidson

People talk about college constantly. They say furthering your education is important for getting a job and all that junk. However, nobody really talks about the importance of seeing live music during your time in college When I was ready to transfer out of community college and head to Chicago, nobody ever told me the importance of getting out of... Read More

The Band Hierarchy

February 4, 2019February 4, 2019 Brett Davidson

Every band has its hierarchy, but there has to be one or two members that really buckles down and thinks about the band’s future. Read more! Read More

Dealing with power issues in the creative industries

November 14, 2018December 17, 2018 Sheila Chandra

Sheila Chandra helps guide you through power issues in the creative industry. Read her article right here on Chicago Music Guide! Read More

Setting goals is the key to realizing your artist career dreams

November 1, 2018December 17, 2018 Sheila Chandra

Setting goals can help you to realize, not only your creative visions, but also your career dreams. Without goals, you’re at the whim of what comes to you – with them, you’re steering your own path. Setting goals is a creative process Have you considered that setting goals is similar to the creative process of writing a song or making... Read More

Time Has Come Today

October 24, 2018 Mike O'Cull

TIME HAS COME TODAY!! By: Mike O’Cull There is no more basic element of music than time. Time is what holds the band together, time makes us dance, time gives even basic speech a musical quality (rap, anyone?). Time is also, unfortunately, the one area where aspiring musicians suffer the most and inflict the most harm on their audiences (outside... Read More

DUMPSTER TAPES – Cassettes? Yes, Cassettes!

October 10, 2018December 17, 2018 Mike O'Cull

In case you haven’t heard, cassettes are back and have actually been on the rebound for the last few years. Learn all about Dumpster Tapes right here! Read More

Complete Your Life With These Chicago Bands

September 30, 2018November 6, 2018 Mike O'Cull

Complete Your Life With These Chicago Bands! Find out who they are right here on Chicago Music Guide! Read More

Inspiration v. Infringement – Blurring the Lines

September 2, 2018April 14, 2019 Michelle Wahl

Michelle Wahl warns that musicians and other music industry personnel must tread lightly when acknowledging inspiration and influence, find out why right here. Read More

Hurry Up & Wait….Is the Music Modernization Act in Trouble?

September 2, 2018April 14, 2019 Michelle Wahl

With a 415-0 vote of approval in the House of Representatives, many anticipated the Music Modernization Act (“MMA”) would achieve a similar, swift vote in the Senate and finally, we would see an update to archaic laws to reflect how artists and songwriters should get paid today. To nearly everyone’s surprise, however, it came to fruition that the opposition to... Read More