As a musician, you don’t see your instruments as ordinary tools of the trade – they also carry lots of sentimental value. That’s why it’s all the more devastating when your cherished instruments are stolen. Sadly, both professional and amateur musicians are equally at risk of having their instruments stolen. Here is a selection of…
In recent years, there has been an explosion in crowdfunding for bands and musicians. Billions of pounds are now raised each year and a significant proportion is raised by musicians. So the question is, how can more artists start tapping into people’s enthusiasm to fund artistic projects? The following guide has been written with the…
When you are starting out as a DJ, landing a residency can be hard. But assuming you want to progress and build a DJing career, securing a residency is an important step. This guide walks you through the essential steps for securing a DJ residency. Written with the help of established DJs, it will give…
Want to do your mixing while on the go? Or would you rather avoid taking your expensive decks to your mate’s party? Thankfully, there are plenty of apps that let you practise your mixing skills out and about from your phone, tablet or even your Apple Watch. Here’s a list of the best mobile mixing…
Some fans take their devotion to another level. Not content having picked up a band’s back catalogue, been to every gig and got the T-shirt – they want a little bit of their being. And when it comes to musical memorabilia, some people are prepared to pay serious money for some seriously weird stuff. Of…
Throughout winter and spring, bands and musicians from all over the world have been making their preparations for the much-anticipated summer festival season. But in the run-up to the date, there is a lot of work to do before you get in front of the crowd. That includes logistics for the festival, and how you’re going…
The guitars of famous musicians hold a special place for music fans. Like religious relics of old, these instruments command vast sums. And when they are on public display, like Hendrix’s 1968 Stratocaster, they attract a large number of pilgrims who want to catch a glimpse of their hero’s guitars. We have rounded up the…
As a DJ, we know you can’t compromise on sound. Your mixers, decks, computer, audio equipment and accessories come at a high cost, so it’s sensible to consider insuring them against theft, loss and accidental damage. But you might be surprised to hear that DJ insurance covers much more than that. One big reason DJs come…
The UK is blessed with iconic venues where it’s possible to catch bands up close and personal. Here we look at six of the best. King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow King Tuts will forever exist in folklore as the venue where Creation boss Alan McGee first laid eyes on Oasis and (according to his…
The news that a vintage six-string guitar was smashed to pieces on the set of the new Quentin Tarantino film, The Hateful Eight, has brought home the importance of getting your precious guitar insured. One typically explosive scene in the film features Jennifer Jason Leigh’s character Daisy Domergue strumming an antique 1870’s guitar – one…
