Singer songwriter Tom Meny considers himself an ambassador for house concerts. He says they’re his bread and butter these days. He’s so into them that he has a podcast episode devoted to the topic. Among his most recommended resources on the subject is this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, featuring an interview with house concert expert Shannon Curtis. His other most recommended resource on the topic is this book by Shannon Curtis.
Recommendations for breaking into the house concert scene
Tom admits that it can be hard to get into the house concert scene, but offers a couple of important recommendations. One is to get involved in regional folk festivals and conferences and apply for their showcases. Another is to have a friend host a show. He’s quick to add that you should get familiar with house concert guidelines, and elaborates on why during our conversation.
Live acoustic performances by John Mayer were among Tom’s earliest influences. Although he got his start posting videos on YouTube, Tom credits his entire existence in the Austin music scene to fellow singer songwriter Ray Prim. He hasn’t always been into folk and Americana, but is now a regular attendee and regular performer at the Kerville Music Festival and Folk Alliance conferences. There’s a connection between these events and the house concert scene, which explains why they’ve become a regular part of Tom’s marketing routine.
Other topics we discuss include merchandising, digital distribution, selling albums on USB (and maybe USB-C someday soon), and how Spotify could make it easier for fans to support their favorite artists. We also share social media etiquette tips for music fans. Hint: If you can’t make it to Tom’s next show, just click “Interested.”
SHOW NOTES
TomMeny.com
Hate My Job by Tom Meny (video)
Ray Prim interview on this podcast
The Singer Songwriter Podcast Episode 2.2
DIY Musician’s Podcast #134: Shannon Curtis
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Kerville Music Festival
New Folk Competition
Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference
Southeast Regional Folk Alliance
Northeast Regional Folk Alliance
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS
The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
[…] Fishtrap House Concerts Ambassador Tom Meny Do You Realize by The Flaming Lips Bob […]
[…] Fishtrap House Concerts Ambassador Tom Meny Do You Realize by The Flaming Lips Bob […]
[…] Dripping Springs Songwriter’s Festival The 24 Hour Men Tom Meny’s Interview on The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast Songwriter Tommy Barnes (Indian Outlaw) Mississippi Songwriters Festival A Time and a Place, Album […]
[…] Dripping Springs Songwriter’s Festival The 24 Hour Men Tom Meny’s Interview on The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast Songwriter Tommy Barnes (Indian Outlaw) Mississippi Songwriters Festival A Time and a Place, Album […]
[…] House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny […]
[…] Episode 54 – House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny […]
[…] Ep 54 – House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny […]
[…] Ep 54 – House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny […]
[…] Tom’s first appearance on the podcast, we talked at length about house concerts. This time round our conversation continues with […]
[…] Tom’s first appearance on the podcast, we talked at length about house concerts. This time round our conversation continues with […]
[…] House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny (Ep 54) […]
[…] House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny (Ep 54) […]
[…] Amy Killingsworth, Amy & Gary’s House Concerts Java Joe’s Lee Coulter Ray Prim Tom Meny The Archies Steve Wozniak Signs of Humanity Steph Johnson The Epic, by Filmmaker Dustin […]
[…] Best A Profitable Musician Summit–Bree Noble Why musician Ray Prim has a day job, and loves it! House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny House Concert Host Amy […]
[…] Swing and the Transformation of Dean Johanesen House Concert Host Amy Killingsworth House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny Why musician Ray Prim has a day job, and loves […]
[…] added street cred comes from former Unstarving Musician’s Podcast guests Ray Prim and Tom Meny. They both think she’s all that and a bag of […]