By Stuart Booth
Folk Roots Magazine
Been on the road and despaired? Tried to busk? Had a problem with a venue? Been intimidated by the new techie stuff or the glib “We can record you” spiel? If so – or even if not – here is any performer’s guide as to how to survive and maybe prosper in the often-erratic world of a folk and related music as a solo artist.
David Rovics has been called the new musical voice of the progressive movement in the US. Since the mid-90s, has spent most of his time on the road, playing his own great songs at hundreds of shows each year throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Japan. He has also performed at dozens of massive rallies throughout North America and Europe and at thousands of conferences, college campuses and folk clubs throughout the world. It’s said about his songs and CDs that “he will make you laugh, he will make you cry, and he will make the revolution irresistible”.
David must have put his heart and all of his musical experience into this modest yet comprehensive, accessible guide, as he offers sound advice (and advice on sound!) In just 60, A5-sized pages, he tells you all you need to know about such things as playing songs, writings songs, creating a repertoire, instrumentation, tunings, practice, performance, stage presentation, repertoire, set lists, sound and amplification, indoors and outdoors, recording your own CD, basic studio knowledge, building a presence, using the web, gig and tour organisation home and abroad, musical copyright and downloads, etc.
Printed in soya ink on recycled paper, this is musical integrity and pure common sense encapsulated in a simple staple-bound, but essential booklet.
