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The 10 best reggae songs of all time

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:00:00 Z

Originating in Jamaica in the late 1960s, reggae is a genre of music popular just about everywhere in the world.

While the term ‘reggae’ itself is often used to describe most Jamaican dance music, the actual definition of reggae music is much more cemented than that.

Although very diverse, reggae denotes a distinct musical style. It incorporates elements and draws influence from various genres, including blues, jazz, calypso, African folk, and even mento.

For those not familiar with mento, it is a subgenre of Jamaican folk music that predates traditional reggae and ska as we know them. Acoustic guitars, banjos, hand drums and rhumba boxes are the most common instruments typically associated with mento music.

Reggae music is deeply linked to Rastafari culture and is one of the most distinctive musical genres, along with sister genres, ska and rocksteady.

Whittling the best of reggae down to just 10 songs is no easy task, but we’ve had a go – and yes, there are many more classics we couldn’t quite fit in this list.

We could be here all day – but in no particular order, here are our picks for the 10 best reggae songs of all time.

Our 10 greatest reggae songs ever

Toots and the Maytals – Pressure Drop

Recorded in 1969 and released in 1970, Pressure Drop by Toots and the Maytals is a certified classic.

After appearing on the group’s 1970 album, Monkey Man, the song helped propel their popularity outside of their native Jamaica. In 1972, it featured on the soundtrack to the film ‘The Harder They Come’, a film often considered to have introduced reggae to ‘the rest of the world’.

Toots and the Maytals formed in the early 1960s and built a reputation for having strong, well-blended vocals throughout their music. At the time, the group’s frontman, Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert, boasted a soulful vocal style that saw him compared to the legendary Otis Redding – often labelled one of the greatest singers in music history.

In 2004, Pressure Drop was ranked number 453 in the 500 greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone. Old-school gamers may also recognise the tune from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which was also released in 2004.

Lyrically, the song is about revenge in the form of karma, according to a 2016 Guardian interview with the late, great Hibbert.

Many an artist has covered Pressure Drop over the years – The Specials, Keith Richards, and The Clash, to name just a few.

The Oxford English Dictionary credits Toots and the Maytals in the etymology of the word ‘reggae’. Their 1968 single ‘Do the Reggay’ was the first time the word had ever been used in a song, thus introducing it to the world.

UB40 – Red Red Wine

The original Red Red Wine was recorded and performed by American singer Neil Diamond in 1967, but it’s UB40’s ‘80s cover that makes the cut for our list of the best reggae songs of all time.

The Birmingham band’s cover went to number one in the UK charts and achieved transatlantic success across the pond, too. After its release, UB40’s Red Red Wine also went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Though the original Red Red Wine was an acoustic ballad, UB40’s version features a lighter, more reggae-style sound, which helped to broaden the song’s appeal to a wider audience.

In terms of lyrics, the song is written from the perspective of a person who uses red wine to get through tough moments. UB40 also added a verse that opened with “Red red wine; you make me feel so fine, you keep me rocking all of the time”, which was sung by the late Astro.

Although the song has been covered multiple times, writer Neil Diamond said that UB40’s version is one of his favourites. He even began playing the cover version instead of the original.

In 1988, UB40 performed Red Red Wine at the Nelson Mandela 70^th Birthday Tribute Concert – now, that’s some gig!

Bob Marley – One Love

How could we talk about reggae without shining a light on Bob Marley? The answer is – we couldn’t.

The man was and is an icon. In truth, he probably deserves an article completely dedicated to him. Not many could argue that some of the best reggae songs of all time were written and performed by Marley.

However, One Love makes the cut for this list due to its political relevance and cultural impact at the time it was written and today.

One Love was written amid the turmoil of the 1976 Jamaican elections. At the previous elections in 1972, Marley had been a big supporter of the elected prime minister Michael Manley. However, four years later, Jamaica had become an entirely different place. It was now a very divided nation, with politically fuelled violence commonplace.

Marley’s main idea behind ‘One Love’ was simple: everyone should stop fighting and become ‘one’. There is, however, a deeper meaning attached to some of the song’s lyrics.

Oppression, evil-doings and sin are talked about during the song, although these somewhat darker subjects are often overlooked in favour of the joyous, upbeat chorus.

In One Love, Marley truly mastered the art of creating a piece of music that was as angry as it was peaceful. A classic in every sense of the word.

Jimmy Cliff – Many Rivers To Cross

Perhaps the only thing more impressive than Many Rivers To Cross is that Jimmy Cliff was only 21 years old when he wrote and recorded it.

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and since its first release in 1969, Many Rivers To Cross has been covered by a plethora of artists – and not just reggae artists either. The likes of Cher, Annie Lennox and even John Lennon all recorded versions of Cliff’s classic.

Cliff first started writing songs while still at school in Jamaica, before moving to the UK to try and ‘make it’.

However, things weren’t going quite as planned for Cliff over on British shores, but in true musician style, he used his frustration to inspire his work.

From here, Many Rivers To Cross was born as a way for Cliff to document his experiences in the UK.

In the line “Wandering I am lost, as I travel along the White Cliffs of Dover”, Cliff recalls the various times he would cross the channel to France in search of ‘something’.

Though a difficult period for Cliff, from it came one of his best-known songs.

Many Rivers To Cross has a real gospel feel, thanks to Cliff’s use of an organ and backing vocalists. Rolling Stone ranked it number 325 in its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.

Sister Nancy – Bam Bam

Though you may not know it by name or artist, you’ve definitely heard Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam. And if you haven’t, then you’ve probably been living on Mars.

Inspired by Toots and the Maytals’ 1966 song of the same name, Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam is a true classic, and in 2016, was described by Billboard as “a strong contender for the most sampled reggae song of all time.”

Reggae music fans will know that ‘Bam Bam’ is a popular phrase used throughout the genre, and although Sister Nancy can’t be credited with first coining it (that particular title, of course, goes to Toots and the Maytals), she can certainly be given credit for its longevity in the scene.

The catchy, almost hypnotic nature of ‘Bam Bam’ later saw it transcend reggae and find a place in subsequent Jamaican genres like dancehall and beyond.

For more than 30 years, Sister Nancy did not receive any royalties for the number of times Bam Bam was used commercially. She decided to seek legal advice and was subsequently awarded ten years’ compensation and obtained 50% of the future rights to Bam Bam.

In recent years, artists such as Kanye West, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z have sampled Sister Nancy in their work.

Peter Tosh – Legalize It

Legalize It was the title track on Peter Tosh’s debut solo album after leaving the Wailers – the group Tosh had co-created alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer in the early ‘60s.

As the song’s name would suggest, Tosh wrote Legalize It to push for the legalisation of cannabis in Jamaica, particularly for medicinal purposes. It was also written in response to what Tosh described as his own repeated ‘victimisation’ by Jamaican police for his use of marijuana.

Such was the controversy surrounding the lyrics and the song's overall stance, it was banned following its first release in Jamaica in 1975.

However, further attempts to ‘suppress’ the song and Tosh as an artist failed, fast-tracking his writer towards international recognition and stardom.

Burning Spear – Marcus Garvey

Marcus Garvey is the potent title track from Winston Rodney (better known as Burning Spear)’s third album of the same name.

Both the song and album, which many describe as the greatest reggae album ever made, are named after Jamaican National Hero and prophet of the Rastafari movement, Marcus Garvey.

Despite there being no doubt whatsoever that Rodney is the main man, the song Marcus Garvey is, in fact, a three-piece vocal ensemble, with Rupert Wellington and Delroy Hines also featured.

Though Garvey died in 1940, long before the birth of reggae, his influence on the genre is unquestionable. Burning Spear is just one example of an artist who references Garvey in their work.

Bob Marley – Three Little Birds

Surely you didn’t think we were only going to mention Bob Marley once?

Following its release, Three Little Birds cemented its place in the UK top 20, peaking at number 17 – but, interestingly, many fans still (wrongly, of course) think that the song is called ‘Don’t Worry About a Thing’ or ‘Every Little Thing is Gonna Be Alright’. This is thanks to the repeated phrases in the famous chorus.

The lyrics to Three Little Birds are said to be partly inspired by the birds that used to fly near Marley’s home at 56 Hope Road and sit on the wall.

However, three female singers from the reggae group I Threes, who regularly performed with Marley on stage, claimed the three little birds were a reference to them.

All we can say is that, as a songwriter, Marley was known to ‘observe life’ and pen things inspired by what he saw around him. So, we’ll leave it up to you to decide…

UB40 – Food For Thought

Taken from UB40’s 1980 debut album, Signing Off, Food For Thought was also the first single released by the iconic British reggae group.

Said to be partly inspired by the massacre of Kampuchea (a state which existed from 1975 to 1979 in what is now Cambodia), the song is a lament on third-world poverty and a calling-out of governments and world leaders for their failings in relieving such afflictions.

Lyrically, Food For Thought is often regarded as a Christmas song, given its reference to the ‘hypocrisy’ of Christmas. To back this up, UB40 guitarist Robin Campbell said that the original idea for Food For Thought was an “anti-Christmas song about hypocrisy”.

The band’s trumpeter, Astro, also told Uncut magazine that: “The song was basically about the hypocrisy of celebrating Christmas in the West. We’re eating and drinking more than we need. There’s so much surplus food, while millions of Africans were dying of hunger due to famine and third-world poverty. It was shocking. Politicians are putting politics before people, leaving them to rely on charitable institutions. This was pre-Band-Aid.”

Recorded in a Birmingham bedsit, Food For Thought later became the first single to reach the UK top ten (peaking at number four) without having the backing of a major record company.

Desmond Dekker – Israelites

Desmond Dekker wrote "Israelites" after overhearing a couple arguing about money while walking in the park.

Dekker claimed the woman said she needed money, to which her partner replied that his job did not pay him enough. Dekker related to this and began to sing the line ‘You get up in the morning, and you’re slaving for bread’ to himself.

According to Dekker, by the time he got home from his walk, he had the complete lyrics for the song written in his head.

Throughout large parts of the 1960s, Jamaican Rastafarians were often marginalised, with many tempted into leading lives of crime. Lyrics in Israelites, such as ‘I don’t want to end up like Bonnie and Clyde’, show that, as well as being musically catchy, the song was also a subversive statement.

Israelites was originally released in Jamaica as ‘Poor Me Israelites’, and to this day, it remains the best-known Jamaican reggae track to make the Hot 100 top ten in the US.

Upon its release, despite few being able to understand the lyrics, the song topped the charts in several countries in 1969.

Give it a listen if you haven’t before – it’s guaranteed to get you moving.

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23 funny band names you’ll wish you came up with

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:00:00 Z

One of the toughest challenges musicians often face is choosing a band name.

A name alone can rocket a band to success or push them into obscurity. As such, many musicians spend hours poring over name ideas. But some artists take more of a light-hearted approach, coming up with funny band names that exceed most people’s imaginative capabilities.

Here, in alphabetical order, is a list of 23 funny band names—some of which we’re still trying to get our heads around, others we simply wish we’d come up with ourselves.

You don’t want to miss some of these.

Bowling For Soup

From: Wichita Falls, Texas

Years active: 1994 – present

Members: Jaret Reddick (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Burney (guitar, backing vocals), Erik Chandler (bass, backing vocals, acoustic guitar), Gary Wiseman (drums, percussion, backing vocals)

Genre: Pop-punk

Best known songs: Girl All The Bad Guys Want, High School Never Ends, 1985, Almost

Reason for name: Bowling For Soup’s name references comedian Steve Martin’s routine about a game show called “Bowling for Sh–.” However, fearing the repercussions of having a swear word in their name, the band opted for Bowling For Soup.

Camper Van Beethoven

From: Redlands, California

Years active: 1983 – 1990, 1999 – present

Members: David Lowery (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, bass, drums), Victor Krummenacher (bass, baritone guitar, vocals, occasional lead vocals), Jonathan Segel (violin, guitar, keyboards, sitar, mandolin, vocals, occasional lead vocals), Greg Lisher (lead guitar, backup vocals), Chris Pedersen (drums, backup vocals)

Genre: Alternative rock

Best known songs: Take The Skinheads Bowling, Pictures Of Matchstick, Eye Of Fatima, Good Guys And Bad Guys

Reason for name: Camper Van Beethoven was coined by one of the band’s former members, guitarist David McDaniel.

According to David Lowery: “McDaniel was into this stuff that would sound like it made sense, but really it didn’t… He’d watch a lot of TV, accept all this mass-media stuff and spit it out all chopped up. I got the whole absurdism influence from him.”

Congratulations on Your Decision to Become a Pilot

From: Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Years active: 1999 – 2001

Members: Unknown – however, someone on a forum said that the drummer was their “English professor in college”.

Genre: Alternative rock

Best known songs: Congratulations, Orange Impossible, Why Should You Read Books That Don’t Exist

Reason for name: A friend or family member of the band was passionate about aviation, perhaps? We have no idea! Still, as funny band names go—it’s up there.

Crispy Ambulance

From: Manchester

Years active: 1977 – 1982, 1999 – 2008, 2014 – present

Members: Alan Hempsall (vocals), Robert Davenport (guitar), Keith Darbyshire (bass), Gary Madeley (drums)

Genre: Post-punk

Best known songs: Deaf, From The Cradle To The Grave, Are You Ready?

Reason for name: As we discuss throughout this blog, friends often have integral roles to play in funny band names.

Alan Hempsall said in an interview: “A close friend (Graham, who did our first single sleeve) thought it up. He has a way with words, and I thought it was such a nondescript name (silly too) that we decided on it.

Also, at the time, every other band was called ‘the…’ (fill in blank space) whereas our name gave nothing away with regard to image, musical style etc., but at the time captured the imagination.”

Dananananaykroyd

From: Glasgow

Years active: 2006-2011

Members: Callum Gunn, John Baillie Junior (both vocals), Duncan Robertson, David Foy (both guitar), Ryan McGuinness (bass), Paul Bannon (drums)

Genre: Alternative rock

Best known songs: Black Wax, Some Dresses, Muscle Memory

Reason for name: As you may have guessed, the band’s name is a play on the name of Canadian actor Dan Aykroyd, star of Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers.

Echo and the Bunnymen

From: Liverpool

Years active:1978 – 1993, 1996 – present

Members: Ian McCulloch (vocals, guitar), Will Sergeant (guitars, programming)

Genre: New wave

Best known songs: The Killing Moon, The Cutter, Lips Like Sugar, Nothing Lasts Forever

Reason for name: As Will Sergeant explained: “We had this mate who kept suggesting all these names like The Daz Men or Glisserol and the Fan Extractors. Echo and the Bunnymen was one of them. I thought it was just as stupid as the rest.”

Flowers Must Die

From: Linköping, Malmö

Years active: 2006 – present

Genre: Psychedelic rock

Best known songs: Hit, Kompost, Hey, Shut Up!

Reason for name: Flowers Must Die’s name comes from the 1972 song of the same name by Krautrock band Ash Ra Tempel. (For the record, we don’t endorse killing flowers).

Half Man Half Biscuit

From: Birkenhead

Years active: 1984 – 1986, 1990 – present

Members: Nigel Blackwell (vocals, guitar), Neil Crossley (vocals, bass), Karl Benson (guitar), Carl Henry (drums)

Genre: Post-punk

Best known songs: Joy Division Oven Gloves, Dickie Davies Eyes, The Trumpton Riots, Every Time A Bell Rings

Reason for name: According to Nostalgia Central, the inspiration behind Half Man Half Biscuit came from a comment made by fellow Liverpool band, Instant Agony.

They used the phrase ‘half man, half biscuit’ when describing King Charles III (then the Prince of Wales). Ouch!

Hoobastank

From: Agoura Hills, Los Angeles

Years active: 1994 – present

Members: Douglas Robb (lead vocals, guitar), Daniel “Dan” Estrin (lead guitar, backing vocals), Chris Hesse (drums, percussion, backing vocals), Jesse Charland (bass, keyboard, backing vocals)

Genre: Post-grunge

Best known songs: The Reason, Crawling In The Dark, Running Away, Out Of Control

Reason for name: The brother of lead singer Doug Robb stumbled upon the name while living in Germany.

According to Chris Hesse: “There is this street out by his house that is called Hooba Street or something like that, and before Doug could pronounce the name, he called it Hoobastank, and it was kinda a cute thing, and his brother still teases him about it to this day.”

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

From: Melbourne

Years active: 2010 – present

Members: Stu Mackenzie (vocals, lead guitar, flute, keyboards, synthesizer, mellotron, bass guitar, sitar, zurna, clarinet, saxophone), Ambrose Kenny Smith (harmonica, keyboards, synthesizer, organ, vocals, percussion, guitar), Joey Walker (lead guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, vocals, bass guitar, sitar), Cook Craig (rhythm guitar, synthesizer, vocals, keyboards, bass guitar), Lucas Skinner (bass guitar, vocals, keyboards), Michael Cavanagh (drums, percussion), Eric Moore (drums, percussion, theremin, management)

Genre: Psychedelic rock

Best known songs: Rattlesnake, Gamma Knife, The River, Flying Microtonal Banana

Reason for name: Stu Mackenzie revealed that he wanted the name to be Gizzard Gizzard: “but I think everyone thought that was just stupid.

Then someone else wanted a Jim Morrison King Lizard reference, and then Lizard Gizzard came up, then more rhymes, then a few fusion of names, and we ended up King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.”

As they say, the rest is history.

Let’s Eat Grandma

From: Norwich

Years active: 2013 – present

Members: Rosa Walton, Jenny Hollingworth (both multi-instrumentalists)

Genre: Alt-pop

Best known songs: It’s Not Just Me, Hot Pink, Falling Into Me, Deep Six Textbook

Reason for name: As Rosa Walton explained: “It’s a joke about punctuation and about comma placement. You can have ‘Let’s eat, grandma,’ which means ‘Oh grandma, let’s go have dinner’. And then you take out the comma, and it becomes ‘let’s eat grandma’. We literally just picked it as a joke.”

Let’s Get Out Of This Terrible Sandwich Shop

From: Chicago

Years active: 2004 – unknown

Members: Tony Mendoza (vocals, drums, Farfisa), Joanna Buese (bass), Thea Lux (vocals, guitar)

Genre: Indie-pop

Best known songs: Hatchet

Reason for name: Unknown, but it probably had something to do with a trip to a sandwich shop which didn’t have enough good options on the menu.

Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard

From: Wrexham

Years active: 2014 – present

Members: James ‘Carat’ Carrington (drums), Paul Davies (guitars), Wes Leon (guitar, synth), Jessica Ball (vocals, bass synths), Pete Edwards (bass), Ben Griffiths (live bass), Stuart Sinclair (live bass)

Genre: Doom metal

Best known songs: Y Proffwyd Dwyll, Cithuula, Les Paradis Artificiels, Nachthexen

Reason for name: The thinking behind Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard’s name is quite simple.

In the band’s words: “We just wanted to do a really heavy doom record and not try to be anything else. We thought the name reflected this. We needed a big name. The name means something to us, but yes, there are a lot of boring bands out there with boring names, so some people may think it’s a parody.”

Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head (later known as Brite Futures)

From: Seattle

Years active: 2005 – 2012

Members: Shaun Libman (vocals, cowbell, claps, tambourine, antics), Luke Smith (vocals, guitar, keyboard, drum programming, claps), David Price (keyboard, guitar, vocals, claps), Claire England (bass keyboard, vocals, claps), Conor Sisk (drums, vocals, claps)

Genre: Electronica

Best known songs: Me + Yr Daughter, Sophisticated Side Ponytail, Beard Lust, Hush Hush

Reason for name: The band’s name came about when Shaun Libman and Luke Smith were still in school. The pair decided on the name in reference to Portman’s physical appearance in the film V for Vendetta.

It’s certainly one of the most unusual band names out there, which is likely the reason behind them switching it to ‘Brite Futures’.

Paracoccidioidomicosisproctitissarcomucosis

From: Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico

Years active: 1999 – present

Members: Isaac (vocals, drums), Saúl (vocals), Francisco (vocals, bass), Roberto (guitar)

Genre: Grindcore

Best known songs: Zombies, Viscera Infestada, Into The Grave Of The Infection And The Lust

Reason for name: It’s probably no surprise that the world’s longest band name, ‘Paracoccidioidomicosisproctitissarcomucosis’, is not a real word.

The fictional word is apparently a medical term for “a weird disease that contaminates carcasses, making them explode while killing everyone in a two-kilometre radius”. A worthy entry in any unusual but funny band names listicle.

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

From: Newcastle

Years active: 2012

Members: Matt Baty (vocals), Sam Grant (guitar), Adam Ian Sykes (guitar), Christopher Morley (drums), John-Michael Hedley (bass), Ewan Mackenzie (drums)

Genre: Psychedelic rock

Best known songs: Feed The Rats, Shockmaster, GNT, Cake Of Light

Reason for name: The band’s frontman Matt Baty revealed in an interview: “the name came from making music with a band on its last legs, which just wasn’t fun anymore. We just wanted to start a band that was fun. It’s a ridiculous name that I thought was a good fit.”

Rage Against The Machine

From: Los Angeles

Years active: 1991 – 2000, 2007 – 2011

Members: Zack de la Rocha (vocals), Tim Commerford (bass, backing vocals), Tom Morello (guitars), Brad Wilk (drums, percussion)

Genre: Rap rock/nu-metal

Best known songs: Killing in the Name, Testify, Sleep Now In The Fire, Bulls On Parade

Reason for name: The band stumbled upon its name after hearing a song which Zack de la Rocha had written for his former underground hardcore punk band Inside Out. Kent McClard, associated with Inside Out, had coined the phrase “rage against the machine” in a 1989 article in his zine ‘No Answers’.

Rats of Unusual Size

Years active: 1989 – 2004

From: New York

Members: Jim Fourniadis (vocals, guitar), Gary Mueller (vocals, guitar), Steve Reddy (vocals, bass), Fido Kennington (drums), Tom Cassar, Andy Pagel, Ed Strelecky, Mike Burns, Tim Flynn, Steve Bennett, Marc Sloan

Genre: Punk-rock

Best known songs: Elephant Man, Can’t Call You, Flipper is Dead

Reason for name: This group’s name was inspired by the 1987 fantasy adventure film ‘The Princess Bride’, in which Westley and co. encounter R.O.U.S.s (rodents of unusual size) in the fire swamps.

Research tells us that ‘rodents of unusual size’ hail from South America and look like a scary cross between a large rat and a beaver. Why you’d name your band after them, we’ve no idea!

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

From: Springfield, Missouri

Years active: 1999 – present

Members: Philip Dickey (vocals, drums, guitar, songwriting), Will Knauer (lead guitar, songwriting), Jonathan James (bass, drums, backing vocals), Tom Hembree (bass)

Genre: Indie pop

Best known songs: Think I Wanna Die, Modern Mystery, Sink/Let It Sway, Oregon Girl

Reason for name: Despite what some may think, the name Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin wasn’t intended as a political statement.

Instead, it was a tongue-in-cheek name created by a group of high school friends in tribute to the first President of Russia, who, in their words, ‘seemed like a good and decent man’.

However, the band has gained exceptional notoriety from its distinctive and humorous name, recently enjoying lunch with Yeltsin’s friends and translators and being named cultural ambassadors to Russia. As far as funny band names go, this one certainly paid off.

Test Icicles

From: London

Years active: 2004 – 2006

Members: Rory Attwell, Sam Mehran (both guitar and vocals), Devonte Hynes (guitar, keyboards and vocals)

Genre: Indie rock

Best known songs: Circle. Square. Triangle, Boa vs Python, What’s Your Damage

Reason for name: This rather unsubtle reference to the male reproductive gland was the idea of one of the band’s original members Ferry Gouw. However, if anything, it’s a much more creative title than the previous incumbent, which was simply… Balls. Either way, it’s funny.

The Birds Are Spies, They Report To The Trees

From: Oslo

Years active: 2004-2007

Members: Henning Kleiven, Kim Epsen Johansen, Kjetil Holstad

Genre: Emo-core

Best known songs: Adam Smith International, Ftrrm, A Song for Gera

Reason for name: Band member Henning Kleiven takes the credit for this one, although apparently, there were several name suggestions that almost made the cut—‘Cheap Beer’ being one of them.

In an interview in 2007, just before the band split, Henning said: “It [the name] was to do with Allen Ginsburg and drugs. I thought I was being clever, but in retrospect, it may have come across as a bit pretentious. Luckily, our music is pretty down to Earth.”

For those that don’t know—Allen Ginsberg was an American poet and writer. We reckon his poem-come-song ‘Birdbrain’ may have something to do with this band name.

The Lonely Biscuits

From: Nashville

Years active: 2011 – present

Members: Grady Wenrich (vocals, guitar), Nick Byrd (bass), Sam Gidley (drums)

Genre: Alternative rock

Best known songs: Pacifica, Talk About, Chasing Echoes, Blue Grass

Reason for name: Originally called Gravy and the Biscuits, the band faced potential legal action because of this moniker. This prompted the band’s members to change its name to The Lonely Biscuits.

Toad the Wet Sprocket

Years active: 1986 – present

From: Santa Barbara, California

Members: Glen Phillips, Todd Nichols, Dean Dinning, Randy Guss

Genre: Alternative rock

Best known songs: All I Want, Walk On The Ocean, Fall Down, Something’s Always Wrong

Reason for name: Toad the Wet Sprocket’s name is derived from a Monty Python comedy sketch called “Rock Notes”, in which a journalist delivers a nonsensical music news report. It’s certainly at the niche end of the funny band name spectrum.

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The 10 best Eurovision songs that didn’t win

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:37:00 Z

Have you ever wondered what makes a Eurovision song a massive hit? Sometimes it’s not just about winning but rather the unadulterated passion an artist puts into a song that keeps it relevant through the years.

The Eurovision song contest is well known for its production value, interesting lyrics, and eccentricity, which keeps viewers coming back year after year.

Some of the most memorable Eurovision songs didn’t win, but the performance, the lyrics, the beat, or all of the above leave an impression on viewers long after the contest is over.

Take ABBA, for example. They entered “Ring Ring” into the 1973 competition and didn’t win, yet they’re still at the height of superstardom more than 50 years later.

We’ve rounded up the best Eurovision songs that didn’t win ahead of this year’s competition as a reminder that your favourite entry doesn’t necessarily have to win to become iconic.

1. “Ring Ring” by ABBA, Sweden (1973)

It’s not technically a Eurovision song, but it did come third in the 1973 Melodifestivalen, an annual Swedish song competition that determines the nation’s Eurovision Song Contest entry.

ABBA’s rise to global fame after they won the 1974 competition with “Waterloo” makes it too good not to mention. They started a pop revolution and became one of the best-selling bands of all time.

It might not be a “Dancing Queen” or “Mamma Mia!”, but “Ring Ring” is still regarded as one of the most famous Eurovision songs, and it’s undeniably catchy.

Where are they now? This will likely come as no surprise to you but, after a 34-year hiatus, ABBA returned for their Voyage tour which ran until January 2025.

1973 winner: “Tu Te Reconnaîtras” by Anne-Marie David, Luxembourg

2. “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare)” by Domenico Modungo, Italy (1958)

Many of the best Eurovision songs pre-70s fade into obscurity, as there are so many new additions each year. But this one has only grown in popularity, being covered by the likes of Dean Martin and David Bowie.

Despite not winning, it was Billboard’s No.1 single of the year in 1958 and went down in history as the first song to win Song of the Year at the first-ever Grammy Awards.

Where are they now? Modungo went on to represent Italy multiple times in the Eurovision Song Contest and even had one of his songs covered by Elvis Presley.

He found success as a musician and actor, acting in an impressive 44 movies before his death in 1994.

1958 winner: “Dors, Mon Amour” by André Claveau, France

3. “Moustache” by Twin Twin, France (2014)

It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since a group of French men almost stole the show singing about moustaches.

On the surface, it’s nothing more than a fun pop song. But if you pay attention to the lyrics, you’ll notice it makes a statement about the effects of consumerism on modern life.

It may have finished last in the 2014 final, but its catchy nature and vibrant music video made it a favourite with viewers, and it’s still just as addictive today.

Where are they now? Twin Twin have largely faded into obscurity in recent years, and they haven’t released any new singles since 2019.

2014 winner: “Rise Like a Phoenix” by Conchita Wurst, Austria

4. “One Step Out of Time” by Michael Ball, UK (1992)

If the title doesn’t make it obvious, this runner-up from 1992 was an 80s-inspired ballad about the singer pining after a former lover. Perhaps this is why it was so popular with an audience high on cheesy hits.

“One Step Out of Time” was a pre-competition favourite, but it lost to “Why Me?” by 16 points during the final.

Still, it’s one of the best Eurovision songs in our eyes, mostly thanks to the powerful vocals and irresistible synth-pop sound.

Where are they now? A veteran of British theatre, Michael Ball’s most recent album 'Glow' is set for release in early 2026.

The singer, actor, and presenter also added author to that list in 2022, with his latest book, The Backstage Betrayal, released in 2024.

1992 winner: “Why Me?” by Linda Martin, Ireland

5. “Just a Little Bit” by Gina G, UK (1996)

Every 90s kid knows this one from their school discos, and it still frequents many wedding playlists in the UK. It’s one of those nostalgic hits that has stood the test of time and is certainly one of the best Eurovision songs that didn’t win due to its ability to stick around.

“Just a Little Bit” is also the fourth-highest charting Eurovision song in the US. It’s rare for songs from the competition to hit the charts in America—the latest to do so was “Arcade” by Dutch singer Duncan Laurence, the winning 2019 entry.

Where are they now? After taking part in Eurovision, Gina G released multiple other UK hits in the 90s.

By the end of the 00s, she had moved to LA and stepped away from the spotlight to start her own record label (Stuntgirl Music), now dissolved.

1996 winner: “The Voice” by Eimear Quinn, Ireland

6. “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” by Verka Serduchka, Ukraine (2007)

One of the more eccentric entries the competition has seen, “Dancing Lasha Tumbai”, is one of the most famous Eurovision songs in existence. The iconic live performance from Helsinki still circulates on social media today.

Sadly, the song came in second place during the 2007 competition, losing to “Molitva” by Serbian singer Marija Šerifović. But it featured in the 2015 film Spy during a chase scene with leading actress Melissa McCarthy—not many Eurovision songs have that claim to fame!

Where are they now? Verka Serduchka was on tour as recently as 2023 and has been a judge both on the Ukrainian X Factor and at Vidbir (Ukraine’s National Selection for the Eurovision Song Contest).

They’re still very active on social media and performed a revised version of their song, now titled “Dancing Russia Goodbye” at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Liverpool due to the war in Ukraine.

2007 winner: “Molitva” by Marija Šerifović, Serbia

7. “Spirit in the Sky” by KEiiNO, Norway (2019)

This song landed its place on our list of the best Eurovision songs that didn’t win for its spellbinding lyrics and catchy nature.

It has an 80s disco sound with a folk twist and certainly has the air of a winning song, so it placed first in the televote that year. It finished in sixth place overall, which feels like a crime, and “Spirit in the Sky” reached #2 on Spotify’s Global Viral Chart following the competition.

Where are they now? KEiiNO is still releasing music and touring today. Their song Damdiggida, released in 2024, has already reached more than 2.5m streams on Spotify.

2019 winner: “Arcade” by Duncan Laurence, The Netherlands

8. “Dark Side” by Blind Channel, Finland (2021)

Reminiscent of Evanescence and Linkin Park, this is one of the most famous Eurovision songs of recent years, amassing chart success in multiple countries following the competition.

It finished in sixth place but was nominated at the 2021 Global Metal Apocalypse Awards and helped the band land their first record deal with Sony Music.

Where are they now? Blind Channel is still releasing music, and you’ll love their 2022 single "Bad Idea" if you enjoyed their Eurovision entry.

2021 winner: “Zitti E Buoni” by Måneskin, Italy

9. “Space Man” by Sam Ryder, UK (2022)

We couldn’t create a list of the best Eurovision songs that didn’t win without including this one.

It’s the highest-charting UK entry since the Gina G hit we mentioned earlier and was the best-selling song in the country by the end of 2022.

Unashamedly inspired by Elton John’s “Rocket Man” and Bowie’s “Space Oddity”, the song carries the torch forward by adding a contemporary twist to the theme of a lonely space traveller.

It was a favourite with viewers but narrowly lost to Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra with their entry, “Stefania!”.

Sam Ryder valiantly discussed coming in second place by saying, “They needed to win that. They were always going to win that. It’s so important that we use the platform of Eurovision to celebrate solidarity and to shine light into darkness.”

Where are they now? Since his Eurovision debut, Ryder became the first Eurovision act to be nominated for Best New Artist at the Brit Awards. He released his second studio album Heartless in 2025.

2022 winner: “Stefania” by Kalush Orchestra, Ukraine

10. “Think About Things” by Daoi Freyr, Iceland (2020)

Before Freyr’s song had a chance to win, the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest was cancelled due to Covid. The futuristic electropop song was not entered again the next year but was the favourite to win before the pandemic cut things short.

Where are they now? Freyr is still releasing music and his Eurovision entry “Think About Things” has now amassed nearly 150 million streams on Spotify.

2020 winner: N/A

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7 perfect gifts for singers for all occasions

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:00:00 Z

Everyone loves presents. Whether it's birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, or any other special occasion, we all appreciate being treated every once in a while.

And when it comes to gifts and presents for singers (and all musicians, for that matter), there's certainly no shortage of ideas out there.

From recording equipment and lyric books to vocal remedies and everything in between, there are numerous gift options to explore, offering a wide range of items that singers will use and appreciate daily.

In this blog, we've selected 7 perfect gifts for singers to give you food for thought on treating the musician in your life.

Presents for singers that suit any occasion

1. Microphone

Perhaps the most obvious of gifts for a singer, but with good reason, as you can never go wrong with a good microphone.

Singers always need microphones, whether performing live in front of a crowd or rehearsing at home. Small venues might not provide equipment like microphones, so having your own gear as a singer is essential, especially when you're first starting out.

Microphones can vary in price depending on the spec and manufacturer. Sure—you can pay several hundred and even thousands of pounds for some of the highest-tech mics, but it's not all about price.

Singers don't necessarily have to pay top dollar to optimise their performance, and there are some brilliant budget-friendly microphones out there to choose from. Your singing friend will definitely appreciate it!

2. Vocal Dampener

Vocal dampeners (also sometimes referred to as voice silencers) are a super-cool and handy piece of equipment for singers.

If you've never heard of them, they're essentially portable devices that can be worn or held on the face to reduce the volume of your voice.

Vocal dampeners are ideal for singers practising or warming up for a performance in an otherwise quiet space. For example, if people are working or sleeping and you don't want to disturb them.

There's a dampener from Beltbox which can reduce the volume of a singer's voice by up to 30 decibels while still allowing them to hear their intonation. Ideal for those early morning or late-night practice sessions!

3. Foldable Music Stand

All musicians, including singers, commonly use music stands, and you'll often see them in the orchestra hall.

They can be used both during practice and when performing live, and they're convenient when it comes to learning new lyrics and songs you might not yet be familiar with.

Ask any singer, and they'll agree—having lyrics or even a setlist readily available in front of you, hands-free, can be a Godsend.

Music stands aren't usually expensive, either, so you can bag a practical and thoughtful gift for a bargain.

4. Headphones

Headphones have various uses, making them a worthy consideration when searching for gifts for singers.

Singers often wear in-ear monitors (IEMs) when performing. These are a type of headphone that helps singers to hear themselves clearly and reduce distractions, such as crowd noise or echoing.

Headphones are often essential when recording music as well. But aside from all that, it's always good to have a decent pair of headphones to hand when you just fancy listening to your favourite tunes!

As with microphones, some headphones can be pretty expensive, but you don't need to break the bank, as many budget headphones can still work really well.

5. Throat Coat Tea

This might not be something you'd previously considered buying as a gift for a singer, but we guarantee the singer in your life will thank you for it if you do.

Throat Coat Tea is a herbal remedy often used to treat sore throats. It contains slippery elm and liquorice root, which are known to help soothe the throat, making it particularly beneficial for singers.

Singers should also stay hydrated, as this is essential for optimal performance and overall vocal health. Herbal teas like Throat Coat can contribute to hydration, and you can drink up to 6 cups a day to care for your voice.

Herbal teas are often renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, too, which can be good for the vocal cords, especially after a performance.

But don't just take our word for it. Speaking to New York Magazine, even John Legend listed Throat Coat Tea as one of the 8 items he can't live without!

"Throat Coat keeps my vocals fresh. I'll drink it multiple times a day if I have a show that day," he said.

You can pick up a box of 16 tea bags for as little as £6* from Traditional Medicinals.

*Prices may vary.

6. Thermal flask

Again, a thermal flask may not have been at the top of your list of gifts for singers, but given that we've just been discussing hot tea, it might make sense to get something to transport it in.

Thermal flasks can be a lifesaver for touring musicians who spend a lot of time on the road, travelling between venues and shows—not to mention those cold morning or evening trips to the rehearsal studio.

A good quality flask can keep drinks hot for several hours at a time, so you can ensure your singing pal never has to go without their favourite hot beverage—whether it's a Throat Coat Tea or other vocal remedy.

Many online retailers also offer personalisation features, so why not make your friend's flask extra special by getting it personalised with their name or favourite lyrics?

7. Songbook

Singers are constantly coming up with new lyrics and ideas for songs. While a smartphone notes app may do the job for some, others still prefer the old-school feel of pen and paper for their word-smithing and idea dumping.

A songbook (or just a notebook for songwriting) is arguably one of the best gifts for singers because it's a complete blank canvas to begin with. So, whatever type of singer your friend is and whatever genre of music they sing, they're bound to be able to put a songbook to good use.

Plus, if your friend ever makes it big time, the songbook you bought them as a gift might one day be worth a lot of money!

Did you know?
A handwritten draft of Bob Dylan's song Like A Rolling Stone sold for over $2m back in 2014!

Specialist singer insurance through Insure4Music

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With Insure4Music, specialist singer insurance includes Equipment Cover to protect their gear if it gets lost, damaged, or stolen. It also includes Public Liability cover, which is often a legal requirement for performing live at venues. Get a quote online today.

12 winter songs that aren’t about Christmas

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 08:00:00 Z

Every winter, many households have the same debate around when is too early to begin watching Christmas films, listening to Christmas songs, and putting up decorations. Some even think it’s bad luck! Thankfully, for those who want to enjoy the winter season without overdoing it on the Christmas festivities, there are plenty of winter songs that aren’t about Christmas at all.

The best non-Christmas winter songs

We’ve made an effort to include a range of genres in this list, so that there’s a good selection of winter songs for everyone to enjoy.

1. Northern Attitude - Noah Kahan ft Hozier

“If the sun don't rise
'Til the summertime
Forgive my northern attitude
Oh, I was raised on little light.”

Noah Kahan shot to mainstream stardom in 2022 with the release of his album Stick Season, on which the song Northern Attitude features. Several of Kahan’s songs could have made it into this list, as many have a distinctly wintery feeling about them, including the album covers!

It’s thought that Northern Attitude refers to the tendency to shy away from relationships, with the references to winter being a comparison between the cold weather of Kahan’s hometown and a sense of isolation. Check out Kahan’s album Stick Season (Forever) for some bonus tracks where he’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry today, such as Post Malone and Sam Fender.

2. Colder Weather - Zac Brown Band

“He said, I want to see you again
But I'm stuck in colder weather
Maybe tomorrow will be better
Can I call you then?”

If you’re a fan of country music, Colder Weather by Zac Brown Band is a great choice to add to your winter songs playlist. Zac Brown Band are a three-time Grammy award winning group with multiple tracks that have reached certified platinum (awarded when a single has sold more than 2 million copies), and Colder Weather is no exception.

In an interview with Holler, Clay Cook who co-wrote the song with Zac Brown said, “It gives me chills just thinking about when we recorded Colder Weather, everybody knew that was a really good song. That’s an age-proof, timeless song… It feels like we did something that’s going to have an effect.”

The song, from their album You Get What You Give, tells the story of a travelling musician that’s left behind someone they love during the winter.

3. December 1963 (Oh, what a night) - The Four Seasons

“Oh, what a night
Late December back in sixty-three
What a very special time for me
As I remember, what a night.”

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons are a highly successful quartet from the '60s and '70s. If you don’t recognise the name, Franki Valli sang the title theme for the hit musical Grease! For this song, however, Don Ciccone sang lead vocals to create a clear differentiation between the music of The Four Seasons and the music that Frankie Valli was releasing as a solo artist.

Originally, the song was going to be called ‘December 5^th,1933’, in reference to the end of Prohibition in the US. However, this idea was thrown out in favour of making the song about a man’s first experience of romance with a woman instead. Admittedly, the only wintery part of this song is the fact that the story is set in December, but we think it should still qualify.

4. Snow on the Beach - Taylor Swift

“And it's like snow at the beach
Weird but f***in' beautiful
Flying in a dream, stars by the pocketful
You wanting me tonight feels impossible
But it's comin' down, no sound, it's all around
Like snow on the beach.”

Snow on the Beach from Taylor Swift’s 2022 album Midnights is about the surreal feeling of falling in love with someone who feels the same way, comparing it to the sight of snow falling on a beach. Taylor is one of the world’s bestselling music artists and already has a huge amount of music awards under her belt in her thirties.

If you’re looking for more songs by Taylor with an autumn/winter feeling, her albums Folklore and Evermore fit perfectly.

5. Wolves of Winter - Biffy Clyro

“You stink of hallelujah
But you wash yourself in sin
Well have you seen her?
This heavenly creature
This is the point we have the choice to survive the winter.”

Biffy Clyro are a Scottish rock band with an interesting story behind how they got their name. Singer Simon Neil told Spin Magazine, “When Ben and I were 13 and bored in our little Scottish town of Ayr, we'd think up imaginary Cliff Richard merch products… we thought about making Cliff Richard Biro pens. We'd call them Cliffy Biros. Somehow that turned into Biffy Clyro.”

In an interview with NME, the band described Wolves of Winter as a song that represents their attitude towards everyone who didn’t think they would be successful as musicians, personifying themselves as wolves that have survived the winter by fighting off adversity. If you need a song to motivate you to get through the colder months, Wolves of Winter is it.

6. California Dreamin' - The Mamas and the Papas

“All the leaves are brown
And the sky is gray
I've been for a walk
On a winter's day.”

Next on our list of winter songs is The Mamas and the Papas’ first hit single, California Dreamin’. From the point of view of someone missing the warmer climate of LA whilst experiencing a freezing winter in New York; California Dreamin’ was released in 1966 and perfectly describes the experience of dreaming of the summer sun as winter weather rolls in.

7. November Rain - Guns and Roses

“Nothin' lasts forever
And we both know hearts can change
And it's hard to hold a candle
In the cold November rain.”

A song that was years in the making, this Guns and Roses power ballad became the most requested music video on MTV at the time of its release. November Rain discusses the ever-changing emotions of romantic relationships and explores the theme of loss. If you’re in the mood for an emotional ballad to listen to on the colder nights, November Rain definitely fits the bill.

8. Landslide - Fleetwood Mac

“I took my love, I took it down
Climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills
'Til the landslide brought me down.”

No playlist is complete without including one of the best British bands of all time: Fleetwood Mac. Stevie Nicks wrote Landslide whilst living in Aspen, where she really was looking out at ‘snow-covered hills’ and resolving not to give up on her dreams of becoming a successful singer and musician. The song’s lyrics talk about the constant challenges of life, but there are multiple theories regarding what it’s about specifically. Some say the song is about Nicks’ relationship with her father, while others believe it’s about her relationship with her then-partner Lyndsey Buckingham.

Either way, the imagery conveyed in the song makes it a great addition to our winter songs list, with a powerful message about overcoming the constant changes we experience throughout life.

9. Valley Winter Song - Fountains of Wayne

“And the snow is coming down
On our New England town
And it's been falling all day long
What else is new, what could I do
I wrote a valley winter song
To play for you.”

Valley Winter Song features on the Fountains of Wayne 2003 album called Welcome Interstate Managers. You’ll most likely recognise them from their pop-rock hit Stacy’s Mom from the same album, which has since become an indie classic.

Valley Winter Song describes the sadness that many experience whilst having to stay shut inside for much of the winter months, but the person singing is writing a song to try and raise the spirits of the girl he’s talking to, even while the cold, dark nights are affecting him too.

Chris Collingwood, the lead singer of the band, revealed in an interview in 2011 that the song was heavily influenced by his experience with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which can cause feelings of low mood throughout the winter. This song makes it into our winter songs list as it reminds us to look after ourselves and each other at a time of year that can be isolating for many.

10. Winter Winds - Mumford and Sons

“As the winter winds litter London with lonely hearts
Oh, the warmth in your eyes swept me into your arms
Was it love or fear of the cold that led us through the night?
For every kiss, your beauty trumped my doubt.”

The indie folk band Mumford and Sons released their album Sigh No More in 2009, containing hits such as Winter Winds, The Cave, and Little Lion Man. The use of vintage and traditional folk instruments such as the mandolin and banjo gives Mumford and Sons a classic country-folk sound, which you can hear in full force on Winter Winds.

The song describes a relationship which has become a losing battle, as the girl in the song makes repeated attempts to save it, whilst the singer has already checked out. The winter-based descriptions are utilised in the song to describe a relationship that’s turned cold or has run its course.

11. To Someone from a Warm Climate (Uiscefhuaraithe) – Hozier

“A joy, hard learned in winter was the warming of the bed
You'd shake for minutes there and move your legs
Wrap the blanket over you and keep your head within
Let your breath heat the air until you'd feel it getting thin.”

Since Hozier’s debut single Take Me to Church, he’s had four of his albums reach the UK Billboard’s Top 10. In his songs, Hozier often discusses important topics around religion, politics, and social issues.

To Someone from a Warm Climate is a song that describes the many changes that being in love can bring to someone’s life, using the contrast between warm and cold climates as a comparison. You may be wondering what ‘Uiscefhuaraithe’ means, which is Irish for ‘something that has been chilled by water’, echoing the opening line, “The feel of coldness only water brings.” The line is an attempt to describe the unfamiliar and surprising sensation of falling in love, like being splashed with cold water.

12. Sweater Weather - The Neighbourhood

“'Cause it's too cold
For you here
And now, so let me hold
Both your hands in the holes of my sweater”

Last on our list of winter songs is Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood. Sweater Weather has become a bisexual anthem since its release in 2013, as the lyrics do not disclose any gender for the subject of the song. The lyrics create a contrast between the warmth and comfort offered by a relationship and the cold weather of winter, making an excellent song to listen to while you’re warm inside watching the rain fall.

Specialist music insurance through Insure4Music

Are you a passionate musician? If so, you may want to consider specialist musician insurance to help financially protect yourself and your equipment. At Insure4Music, we arrange cover for accidents or if your instruments or gear are lost, damaged, or stolen. So, wherever you’re performing, you can do so with complete peace of mind.

Learn more about specialist music insurance, or get an online quote today.

The 13 best music producers of all time

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:00:00 Z

For all the credit a band or musician gets for releasing a critically acclaimed record, the driving force behind the record is often the producer. The best music producers are the innovators; the risk-takers; the visionaries that bring ideas to life and etch them into musical history.

In no particular order, we’ve selected the 13 best music producers to have ever graced the planet.

The best producers of all time

1. Rick Rubin

Rick Rubin defines the term ‘innovator’. He helped popularise hip-hop in the 1980s, co-founding Def Jam Records and working with artists like Run DMC, the Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy.

His ability to think outside the box has seen him produce for some of the biggest names in music – from Tom Petty and Metallica to Kanye West and the Dixie Chicks.

Rubin’s impact on music is such that, in 2007, he was listed in a poll by Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People In The World. Now that’s pretty influential.

2. Dr Dre

Dr Dre is one of the few figures in music whose work as a producer is just as renowned as their previous artistic career.

His early work with N.W.A and solo rap career alone makes him one of the most seminal musicians of the last 30 years. However, more recently, he’s arguably become better known for his business acumen.

Not only does he spearhead the Beats Electronics brand, but he’s also the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment – the label which has paved the way for Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent, to name just a few.

And we guarantee you won’t find many people that haven’t heard Still D.R.E.!

3. Sir George Martin

For anyone who isn’t aware, Sir George Martin masterminded the Beatles’ rise to global stardom, producing such iconic albums as Rubber Soul, Revolver, and Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (all of which made the top five).

It’s incredible to think that he was underwhelmed by The Beatles when they first auditioned for him!

Aside from his work with The Beatles, Martin also produced albums for the likes of Cheap Trick and Jeff Beck. He sadly passed away in March 2016, but his legacy lives long in the memory.

4. Nile Rodgers

How could we write a blog about the best music producers without mentioning the one and only Nile Rodgers?

Rodgers, the co-founder of Chic, has some pretty impressive numbers on his CV. He’s written and produced records selling more than 500 million albums and 75 million singles worldwide, working alongside Bernard Edwards to produce classic Chic hits such as Everybody Dance.

Chic’s music is said to be a key component in the rise of hip-hop, with Daft Punk citing them as a major influence – so the wider impact of Rodgers’ work is certainly not to be underestimated.

5. Quincy Jones

As far as credentials go, Quincy Jones certainly has a few as a producer. During his illustrious career, he’s received 79 Grammy Award nominations and won 28 for his production work. Oh, and he produced Michael Jackson’s albums Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad – no big deal.

Showing that he’s a true jack of all trades when it comes to musical production, Jones has also produced scores for films, including Banning, In Cold Blood, and The Italian Job.

Jones’ work on Banning saw him become the joint first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song (alongside songwriting partner Bob Russell).

6. Martin Hannett

Ask anyone who’s au fait with the Manchester music scene about Martin Hannett, and he’ll be heralded as an icon. During his career, Hannett produced albums for Joy Division, Happy Mondays, New Order, and John Cooper Clarke.

It’s widely believed that, without Hannett’s capabilities as a producer, Joy Division would have been just another late 70’s post-punk band. But, as it turned out, Hannett’s use of incorporated looping technology and drum sounds mixed with synthesisers gave the group’s songs their iconic dark undertones.

Hannett sadly died in 1991, and on his headstone in Manchester Southern Cemetery, he is fittingly dubbed ‘Record Producer And Creator Of The Manchester Sound’.

7. John Leckie

Another producer familiar with the Manchester music heads is John Leckie.

He began his career in the 70s, working with legendary artists such as John Lennon, George Harrison, and Syd Barrett, before becoming the balance engineer for Pink Floyd’s albums Meddle and Wish You Were Here.

In more recent years, he became synonymous with Manchester, after producing the Stone Roses’ iconic self-titled debut album in 1989.

Leckie also worked on the Roses’ second album Second Coming, Radiohead’s second album The Bends, and Cast’s debut album All Change. Now that’s a back catalogue worth mentioning.

More recently, he has worked with bands such as Muse and the Levellers.

8. Steve Albini

Steve Albini has many strings to his bow (or guitar). As well as being a nifty guitarist himself, he’s also a well-known producer, audio engineer, and music journalist.

During his recording career, Albini has worked with artists such as Nirvana, Pixies, the Breeders, and PJ Harvey.

His experience and loyalty to his artists is exemplary – although the exact number is uncertain, Albini believes he’s worked on several thousand albums throughout his career. However, he refuses to accept ongoing royalties for any of them, stating that it’s ‘unethical’ to pay a producer as though they’ve contributed to a record artistically.

This humble, down-to-earth attitude epitomises Albini (even if we think he’s guilty of false modesty)!

9. Linda Perry

If anyone lives and breathes music, it’s Linda Perry.

Perry was the lead singer and songwriter for American alternative rock group 4 Non Blondes – interestingly, the group only ever released one studio album; Bigger, Better, Faster, More!

After leaving the group in 1994, Perry went on to form not one but TWO record labels, producing songs for Pink, Christina Aguilera, and Gwen Stefani.

In 2015, she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for her services to the music industry. You can’t receive many greater endorsements of your musical ability.

10. Susan Rogers

After growing up in southern California, Susan Rogers’ interest in music first spiked when she moved to the bright lights of Hollywood in the 70s.

While working as a receptionist at the University of Sound Arts, she was increasingly surrounded by ‘musical types’. Her interactions with these people later inspired her to become a sound engineer and record producer herself.

Rogers’ most notable achievement as a producer is, undoubtedly, working as an engineer for Prince during the 80s.

She worked on iconic albums such as Purple Rain, Around the World in a Day, Parade, and Sign o’ the Times. You can watch her talk about her experiences of working with Prince in the video above.

Today, Rogers is also an associate music production and engineering professor at Berklee College of Music, Massachusetts. She won the Outstanding Contribution to UK Music trophy at the Music Producers Guild Awards 2021.

11. Brian Eno

Brian Eno shot to fame as one of the founding members of glam rock group Roxy Music and went on to have a distinguished solo career (with the minimalistic Music For Airports one of his most famous works).

However, he’s arguably best known for his innovative recording techniques as a music producer and is seen as one of the founding members of progressive rock music.

In between performing, Eno has produced songs for artists including David Bowie, David Byrne, U2, and Coldplay.

12. Sam Phillips

Although he’s sadly no longer with us, rock ‘n’ roll would not have evolved into the genre it is today without Sam Phillips. When he opened Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee in 1950, he couldn’t have foreseen the integral role it would play in redefining contemporary music.

Phillips discovered and developed many country and blues musicians from his studio – Sun Records was the first company to record Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Indeed, Phillips is often credited with launching Presley’s career and bringing African American-inspired music to a wider audience.

In recognition of his contribution to music, Phillips is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, and has also received a Grammy Trustees Award.

13. Berry Gordy

It says something about the scale of Berry Gordy’s achievements as a producer that his record label is more commonly referred to as a genre than a business. He couldn’t have imagined in his wildest dreams what lay ahead when he founded Motown in Detroit in 1959.

His Tamla sound, a type of soul with a distinct pop influence, became synonymous with the biggest African American names in music.

Between 1961 and 1971, the artists on Gordy’s label included the Supremes, the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. Put simply, Gordy shaped African American music forever.

Specialist music insurance through Insure4Music

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Learn more about specialist music insurance through Insure4Music or get an online quote today.

Song ideas: 50 songwriting prompts to give you inspiration

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:00:00 Z

Whether you're staring at a blank notebook or endlessly strumming the same three chords, we've all been there – desperate for a spark of inspiration. If you're just starting out in the music world and wondering how to get an idea for a song, you're not alone. Finding song ideas isn't always easy, but don't worry, we've got you covered.

In this guide, we have 50 songwriting prompts and ideas for songs to help get your creative juices flowing. We'll also share some tips on fine-tuning your song lyric ideas and where to find inspiration when you're running low. Whether you're writing pop, indie, folk, or something in between, these ideas for lyrics for a song will help kickstart your next banger.

Where do song ideas come from?

First things first: How do I get an idea for a song? Honestly, inspiration can come from anywhere – your own experiences, things you've overheard, a strange dream you had, or even the weather (yep, really).

Think of these songwriting prompts as your creative companions. They won't do the work for you, but they'll get the ball rolling.

Songwriting prompts

Here’s a list of songwriting prompts grouped into themes. Pick one that jumps out, set a timer for 15 minutes, and just write, no pressure, no perfection needed.

Love and heartbreak

Let's be honest; this theme never goes out of style. From soaring ballads to tearjerkers, here are some go-to ideas for a song about love:

The moment you realised it was over, but you stayed anyway
A love letter you never sent
Falling for someone completely wrong for you
Missing someone you never really knew
Loving someone from a distance
Saying goodbye when you don't want to

Self discovery

Songs about inner battles and breakthroughs hit deep. Here are some song lyric ideas to explore your personal journey:

The voice in your head that won't stop talking
Rebuilding after hitting rock bottom
A letter to your younger self
How it feels when anxiety takes over
What freedom means to you now
Letting go of someone else's expectations

The world and society

Want to write something with a message? Try these songwriting prompts:

Watching the world change and not knowing your place in it
A protest song for something you believe in
The moment you realised your opportunity
A song inspired by a current event or news story
Your fears for future generations
The power of community and connection

Fantasy and imagination

Let your imagination run wild. These ideas for lyrics for a song are perfect for anyone with a vivid inner world:

A conversation with a ghost
Living in a world of emotions
Falling in love with a dream
Waking up as someone else for a day
A mythical creature's lullaby

Seasons and weather

You might be surprised how much inspiration you can get from the world around you. Writing songs about winter or summer can be just as moving.

A song inspired by your favourite season
Dancing in the rain with someone you love
Feeling stuck during a grey winter
The first day of spring after a long, hard year
The heat of summer and the fun it brings
Watching leaves fall and thinking of someone who’s gone

Journeys and escapism

Everyone loves a good road trip or escape from reality. These are great for that driving-with-the-windows-down energy:

Leaving town with nothing but a backpack and a dream
Getting lost on purpose
A place you’ve never been but dream about constantly
Returning home after years away
Running from something you can’t face

Friendship and connection

Songs about friends don’t get enough love. These prompts tap into friendship and unspoken love:

The friend who stuck by you when no one else did
Growing apart from someone you used to be inseparable from
A night out you’ll never forget
A tribute to your chosen family
The moment you realised someone truly saw you

Nostalgia and memory

Perfect for those slow, reflective songs with a cinematic vibe:

A childhood memory that still haunts you
Your first heartbreak
The last time something felt truly magical
A song inspired by an old photo
Revisiting a place that once meant everything
A life-changing holiday

Dreams

For those trippy, offbeat lyric vibes that break from the expected:

A recurring dream that doesn’t make sense
Waking up in a parallel universe
A memory that might not be real
Seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes
Living in a new world

Tips for coming up with your own song ideas

Got the prompts but still feeling stuck? Here are a few simple ways to come up with your own ideas for songs when your mind is blank:

Keep a lyric journal: Write down interesting phrases, thoughts, or things you overhear. You never know what might spark a great line.
Use a random word generator: Pick three random words and write a song that includes them. It’s weird, but weird works.
Flip a cliché: Take a well-worn phrase ("time heals all wounds") and give it a new spin ("time has left scars on me").
Watch or read something new: Books, films, and even headlines can give you a fresh perspective. Misheard lyrics can even be a starting point.
Collaborate with others: Sometimes, bouncing ideas off another musician or even just chatting about life can unlock fresh ideas.

Don’t forget the basics

If you're just getting started with songwriting, make sure you've got the basics down. If you haven't yet found the right sound for you, try out some beginner instruments, or carry out some research into becoming a singer and what opportunities are available in your area.

And if you're dreaming about a music career, this post on how to become a singer is a great place to start.

The best song ideas come from you

Here's the truth: the best song ideas aren't about reinventing the wheel. They're about telling your story in your voice. You've got something worth saying, whether it's heartbreak, joy, nostalgia, anger, or confusion. Trust that.

Use these prompts as starting points, not rules. And remember, even if a song feels messy or unfinished, it's still progress. The more you write, the better you get.

Specialist musician insurance through Insure4Music

Once you start booking your first gigs as a singer, you may want to consider getting specialist musician insurance to protect your equipment while you’re out and about performing.

Through Insure4Music, specialist musician insurance includes Equipment Cover to protect your gear if it gets lost, damaged, or stolen. It also includes Public Liability cover, which can be a legal requirement for performing live at venues.

Learn more about specialist musician insurance through Insure4Music, or get a quick online quote today.

The 9 best bass guitars: All budgets and skill levels

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:00:00 Z

Choosing your next bass guitar can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially with the many options available. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or a beginner, finding an instrument that matches your budget and skill level is important.

In this guide, we'll explore the best bass guitars across various price points and look at the reputable brands available in the UK. We'll also discuss key things to consider when choosing your perfect bass.

What to look for in the best bass guitar

Before we look at models, let's cover a few basics. Shopping for a bass isn't just about flashy colours and cool headstocks (though we love that too) – it's about how it feels, sounds, and fits you. Here's what to keep in mind:

1. Scale length

Most standard basses are 34" scale, which gives you a tight low-end and good string tension. Short-scale basses (like the Fender Mustang) are easier for beginners or smaller players to handle.

2. Neck shape and comfort

If you've got smaller hands, look for a slim neck profile. Ibanez, for example, is known for its slim and fast necks. If you prefer a chunkier, vintage feel, Fender's Precision Basses (P-Basses) might be more your style.

3. Pickups and electronics

Pickups define your tone. Here are the common ones:

Split Single-Coil (like on P-Basses): Thick, punchy, and perfect for rock.
Dual Single-Coils (Jazz Basses): More tonal flexibility with brighter highs.
Humbuckers: Often louder with more bass response—great for heavier genres.

4. Wood and build quality

Bass guitars use different woods to shape tone. Alder and ash are good for balanced tones, while mahogany adds warmth.

The best bass guitar brands

Shopping for a bass? The good news is, there’s loads of choice. Here are the most popular brands of bass guitars.

Fender

Everyone has heard of Fender. If you want timeless tone and design, the Fender Precision Bass (P-Bass) and Jazz Bass (J-Bass) are staples. They are perfect for pros and ambitious beginners alike.

Squier (by Fender)

Ideal for beginners or anyone on a budget. The Squier Classic Vibe series punches way above its price range. This is your brand if you want that Fender vibe without breaking the bank.

Ibanez

Ibanez basses are lightweight with slim necks, perfect for fast playing and versatility. They're great for beginners and advanced players.

Yamaha

Yamaha means great quality. Their TRBX series is reliable, affordable, and sounds fantastic straight out of the box.

Epiphone

Great for rock and heavier genres, the Epiphone Thunderbird is iconic and won’t drain your wallet.

Rickenbacker

Want that classic '60s/‘70s growl that’s instantly recognisable? The Rickenbacker 4003 might just be your dream bass. But be ready to invest.

Music Man/Sterling

The StingRay is ideal for funk, rock, and more. Sterling by Music Man offers a more affordable line without sacrificing too much quality.

Best bass guitars by budget

Whether you're after your first bass or finally ready to splash out, here’s something for everyone.

Best beginner bass guitars (Under £300)

1. Squier Affinity Precision PJ Bass

Price: £219

Solid all-rounder with both P and J pickups.
Classic look, super beginner-friendly.
Great value for money.

2. Ibanez GSR200

Price: £225

Slim neck, lightweight body, and active EQ for extra tone shaping.
One of the most recommended beginner basses for a reason.

3. Yamaha TRBX174

Price: £225

Super durable with a comfy design.
Great tone range for different styles.

If you’re a beginner and you’re new to caring for your guitar, make sure you learn how to replace its strings.

Best mid-range bass guitars (£300–£700)

1. Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazz Bass

Price: £379.00

Vintage style with modern reliability.
Loads of tone options with its dual single-coil pickups.

2. Fender Player Series Jazz or Precision Bass

Price: £549.00

Sounds and feels pro-level.
A favourite for gigging musicians on a budget.

3. Sterling by Music Man Ray4

Price: £429.00

Inspired by the legendary StingRay.
Offers a classic feel and playability.

If you’re heading to gigs, make sure you carry out some research into how to keep your equipment safe on tour and while travelling internationally.

Best pro-level bass guitars (£700 and up)

1. Fender American Professional II Precision Bass

Price: £1,819.00

Classic tone, impeccable craftsmanship, and reliable electronics.
An instrument for serious musicians.

2. Rickenbacker 4003

Price: £2,799.00

Distinct look and sound, great for rock, and metal.
A pricey investment, but totally worth it if you want something unique.

3. Gibson Thunderbird

Price: £1,555

Gorgeous to look at, with deep tones and a killer rock presence.
Great for those who want something different from the Fender crowd.

Whatever bass you choose, remember to pick up a comfortable guitar strap; your back will thank you.

Bonus tips for learning and playing bass

Learning never stops if you're just starting out, or even if you've been playing for years. Thankfully, there's some great technology to help.

To get started, try using some guitar learning apps that also support bass, from tab libraries to full-blown interactive lessons.

If you're struggling to stay motivated, you can learn songs you love, jam along with backing tracks, or even record yourself.

What’s the best bass guitar?

The best bass guitar is the one that makes you want to play more. Whether it's a £300 Squier or a £3,000 Rickenbacker, your connection to the instrument matters most. Try different models, talk to other musicians, and don't rush the decision. And remember, even pro players started with budget gear. It's not about the price tag; it's about the music you make with it.

Specialist musician insurance through Insure4Music

Whichever bass guitar you choose, you may want to protect yourself through specialist instrument insurance. With instrument insurance through Insure4Music, you can protect your new guitar from theft, loss, or damage.

Learn more about specialist musician insurance, or get a quick quote online today.

The 7 best guitar straps on the market

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:32:00 Z

While guitar straps are not necessarily an essential piece of equipment, there’s a good chance you’ve never set foot on stage or got up to perform without one as a guitarist.

Whether you have an electric or acoustic guitar (or both), guitar straps make playing a whole lot easier and more comfortable—especially while standing up. A strap not only helps take the weight of your guitar, but it also helps keep it in place, giving you less to worry about while performing.

The best guitar straps will give you more stability and confidence to manoeuvre, and prevent any accidental droppages which could seriously damage your instrument.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new guitar strap, we’ve got your back. Here are our picks for the 7 best guitar straps on the market—all budgets considered.

What are the best guitar straps?

1. Levy's PM32 Garment Leather Guitar Strap

RRP: £50.00

Key features

Ladder adjustment system
Foam padding
Leather strap

Why we love it?

Levy’s is one of the most well-known brands in the guitar strap game, and the PM32—crafted by its industry-leading fashion designers—is one of the best guitar straps you can buy.

Made from garment leather with added foam padding, the strap is just 76mm in width and adjustable up to 130cm to suit a range of guitarists.

2. Fender WeighLess Tweed Guitar Strap

RRP: £22.99

Key features

Spandex elasticity
Tweed aesthetic
Super lightweight

Why we love it?

The Fender WeighLess guitar strap looks good and feels good as it takes the weight of your guitar completely off your shoulders. This unique elastic-style strap from one of the world’s leading guitar manufacturers is designed with comfort in mind and the classic tweed aesthetic exudes vintage vibes on stage.

3. Taylor Element Guitar Strap

RRP: £119.00

Key features

Embossed logo
Multilayered colouring
Rustic aesthetic

Although at the more expensive end of the market, the Taylor Element guitar strap provides elite quality for the elite guitarist. If you’re serious about your guitar playing, particularly acoustic guitar, it’s one of the best guitar straps for acoustic guitars to consider.

Made in the US, the multilayered rustic leather gives players the perfect balance of comfort and support on stage and is the ideal match for any 800 Series Taylor guitar. Also designed with comfort in mind, this strap is 2.5" wide.

4. Ernie Ball Polypro Guitar Strap

RRP: £8.79

Key features

Black leather ends
Adjustable buckle and connector
Durable strap

Why we love it?

You’ll struggle to find many better guitar straps at this price point anywhere, suitable for electric, acoustic guitars and bass guitars.

Renowned for its cool, simplistic look, the Ernie Ball Polypro is undoubtedly one of the best guitar straps you can buy for less than £10.

Made from durable polypropylene webbing, the strap is built to stand the test of time and is available in a wide range of colours to suit any style of performance.

5. PRS Signature Leather Strap

RRP: £69.00

Key features

Padded bearing surface
Durable leather
PRS signature design

Why we love it?

Another guitar strap from an iconic guitar manufacturer, the PRS Signature Leather guitar strap is beautifully soft yet extremely stable, with a padded bearing surface to maximise comfort while playing.

Specifically designed for PRS guitars with premium tailored pinholes, this extremely strong strap attaches seamlessly to your guitar, allowing you to play with confidence and authority.

6. The Classic Gibson

RRP: £58

Key features

Adjustable length
Handmade in the USA
High-quality
Classic look

Why we love it?

Designed to support guitarist in all performances, The Classic Gibson does what it says, provides a classic, timeless look and is incredibly comfort to wear. A trusty choice, this guitar strap is built to last, made from high-quality materials.

7. Levy's Hemp Vegan Guitar Strap

RRP: £44.99

Key features

Environmentally-friendly material
Cork ends
Large inside pocket

Why we love it?

We finish with a guitar strap for the more eco-conscious musician. This Levy’s vegan strap is made predominantly from hemp, with a two-layer natural cork at the ends for a stable fitting.

This strap has a soft, comfortable feel and is adjustable up to 157cm. The more natural, understated look of this strap makes it a perfect pairing for acoustic guitars, and its large inside pocket is also incredibly handy for storing your spare guitar picks.

Specialist guitar insurance with Insure4Music

A good guitar strap might make performing easier, but it won’t be much help should your guitar or other bits of musical equipment get lost or stolen. That’s why you may want to consider protecting yourself and your gear with insurance—especially if you’re a regular performer.

Specialist musical instrument and equipment insurance with Insure4Music can cover you against accidents, theft, damage, or loss. You can tailor your policy specifically for your needs, too, so you’ll never pay for any unnecessary cover.

Find out more and get a quote today.

The 6 most common guitar injuries

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:00:00 Z

We’ve all heard the saying ‘no pain, no gain’—and it’s safe to say playing the guitar can come with its fair share of pain. However, some guitar injuries are more painful than they’re worth, especially if they prevent you from playing for a while.

In this blog, we’ll look at some of the most common guitar injuries, how they occur, and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

What are the most common guitar-related injuries?

1. Blisters

They’re not the most serious guitar-related injury, but blisters on the fingertips are still a hurdle many guitarists must overcome, especially when first starting out.

The skin on our fingertips is naturally soft and fleshy. When it repeatedly rubs against the rough surface of a guitar string, the top layers of skin can wear away, which leads to blisters.

To avoid blisters (or any open wounds or finger pain, for that matter), allow your fingers adequate rest between practice sessions, or try to avoid pressing down too hard on the fretboard while playing.

Nylon strings can also be more forgiving than other materials, such as steel, whilst your skin adapts to playing the guitar.

Unfortunately, there’s no real way to avoid blisters completely—all guitarists experience them at some point—but what’s important is that you let them heal between sessions. Otherwise, you could cause soft tissue damage to your fingers in the long term.

The more you play (and let your fingertips heal afterwards), the harder they’ll become, and you’ll be much less likely to develop blisters in future.

2. A snapped string to the face

Ask most serious guitarists, and they’ll tell you they’ve had a string break and hit them in the face while tuning at least once.

There are several reasons why guitar strings can snap, such as their age or problems with the guitar nut or tuning posts. However, there are steps you can take to prevent it and the subsequent injuries.

If you regularly play live, consider restringing your guitar at least once a month. You might also want to look at your frets, bridge and tuning posts for signs of general wear and tear.

3. Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow—or lateral epicondylitis, to give it its hard-to-pronounce technical term—is a condition that affects the upper forearm. And no, you don’t necessarily need to be playing tennis to get it!

If you have tennis elbow, you’ll feel pain when you lift or bend your arm, grip an object, or twist your forearm when opening something (like a door).

It’s caused by overusing the muscles attached to your elbow, which help straighten your wrist. When playing the guitar, this can happen if you over-practice or apply more pressure on the fretboard than you need to!

4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common guitar injury, but the truth is that it can affect all musicians. It’s a real showstopper, so it never hurts to increase your awareness, whatever instrument you play.

CTS occurs when the median nerve in your wrist is compressed. Symptoms include tingling, pain, numbness or discomfort in the index and middle fingers and thumb, which is far from ideal for a guitarist.

Given that the chief cause of CTS is excess pressure on the wrist, it’s no surprise that guitarists are particularly at risk of getting it.

But fear not—if you do get this injury, you can do plenty of strengthening exercises to ensure you’re back on stage in no time.

5. Tendonitis

Arguably the most common guitar-related injury, tendonitis refers to the inflammation of tendons.

Guitarists can be prone to developing tendonitis in their wrists, and most describe the feeling as a ‘dull ache’. Tendonitis causes muscle tightness, connective tissue constriction, and of course—pain.

So, it’s the same old story as far as guitarists are concerned—over-playing leads to overworked muscles, so give your wrists time to recover!

6. Tinnitus

It isn’t easy to describe tinnitus to someone who hasn’t experienced it, but it’s usually a ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in your ears or your head.

For some people, it comes and goes. But for others, it can linger for long periods or become a constant issue.

Tinnitus is usually the result of damage to the inner ear due to loud noise exposure, especially for musicians who don’t have sufficient hearing protection, like headphones or earplugs.

You should invest in adequate hearing protection if you want to prevent tinnitus. It’s especially important for protecting your long-term hearing if you’re performing live or if you like to crank your amp to full blast during practice!

Tinnitus is a common condition, which means there’s plenty of advice and remedies out there to help combat it.

Specialist musician insurance through Insure4Music

Worried about sustaining a serious injury whilst playing the guitar? You may want to protect yourself through specialist musician insurance.

Through Insure4Music, you can get cover for Personal Accidents in case you pick up an injury during a performance like the ones we’ve discussed above and cannot work or earn money for a while.

You can also protect your guitar from theft, loss, or damage through instrument insurance.

Get a quote online today to see how we could help you.

How to keep your music equipment safe while on tour

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:00 Z

At the risk of stating the obvious, touring bands carry a lot of gear with them, and the cost of it all can really add up. So, knowing how to keep your music equipment safe on tour is important.

Have you ever gone through everything you take on tour and calculated how much it's worth? Give it a try. It might be even more than you realise.

Now, imagine how much it would cost to replace your things if they were lost, damaged or stolen. It could be devastating for you and your band. Luckily, however, there are steps you can take to minimise your chances of having to fork out for replacements or repairs.

In this blog, we speak to two UK bands, In These Walls and The 99 Degree, about how they keep their equipment safe on tour. We also provide some top tips of our own. Read on to find out more.

How do bands keep their equipment safe on tour?

The 99 Degree

Photo: Trust a Fox Photography

The 99 Degree, a five-person surf and garage rock band from Manchester, are no strangers to the risks of equipment theft and damage.

We recently caught up with guitarist Phil, who told us: “I’ve had a guitar stolen in a professional job from a practice room before, where lots of things were taken from lots of bands. Not nice.

“Since then, we tend not to leave any high value items in practice rooms anymore, and we keep a more critical eye on who’s around equipment at venues.”

The band takes a range of equipment on tour with them, including guitars, cases, amps, effects pedals, leads, extra power supplies, microphones, and other accessories.

“If you’re taking that much equipment with you on tour, you need to have somewhere safe to store it all,” says Phil.

“If they can, a good venue will always have a storage area under lock and key. If not, there might still be somewhere less conspicuous and hard enough to get to within the venue. At the very least, you must always keep a set of eyes on your stuff!

“A great way of protecting your equipment from accidental damage is to make sure everything valuable and potentially breakable is in a hard case or flight case. Anything not in a hard case, such as guitars, should on the person constantly. This can help to minimise the risk of your equipment getting damaged when transporting it between venues.”

We also asked Phil about the importance of specialist insurance for touring musicians.

“It is really important now,” he said. “Equipment theft is sadly rife in the industry, and it can be hard to go unnoticed when you’re carrying lots of equipment.

“The equipment is often expensive, too. The problem a lot of musicians have is that they can be protective and sentimental about some of the stuff they have. Equipment can be rare, especially older stuff, so it’s often not just a case of being reimbursed financially if things do get stolen. Once some things are gone, they’re gone—but insurance can help you carry on professionally.

“In the absence of armed guards, common sense is your best friend. Don’t leave stuff out, especially not visibly. Don’t tell people what’s inside cases they can’t see into. Don’t talk to people about what you’re carrying. Keep your eyes open, and if you can, insure everything to high heaven!”

In These Walls

Photo: Laura Taylor

We also recently sat down with Corin, a guitarist from the York-based metalcore four-piece In These Walls.

“When we go on tour, we take a full rack with us,” he said. “This normally contains our in-ear monitors, mics, splitter, and a full sound desk. We also take cymbals, two snares, an Ibanez Axion guitar, Musicman bass, Helix LT, Bass Butler preamp pedal (plus FX pedals), and all our clothes and essentials. It's a lot!

“With all that gear in tow, it's a good idea to have some safety measures in place. First and foremost, we always lock the van and keep everything in a sturdy case. We also try to keep a close eye on our gear."

All of this can help keep your kit safe from theft when you're on the road.

“We’ve heard terrible stories about theft from lots of bands,” Corin added. “It's probably our biggest worry on tour because if any piece of gear were to go missing, it could be game over, especially for a small band like us.

“That’s why insurance can be useful for bands who tour extensively. After all, the more you tour, the more your equipment is at risk of things like accidental damage and theft."

Our 5 top tips for keeping your music equipment safe

1. Tag your gear and it’ll be it’s easier to find

If you can attach a tracker like a Tile or an Apple AirTag to some of your equipment, this will make it easier to find later if it does go missing (as long as it's attached securely). It'll also make your kit harder to steal and sell if it's got a huge picture of your band's logo printed on it.

2. Record serial numbers and take pictures

In case the worst should happen, it is much easier to report any stolen equipment to the police if you have a record of everything you take with you and the serial numbers of each item, if possible. You can also take pictures so it's clear what they should be looking for when searching.

3. Find storage options before you go

If you’re staying overnight somewhere, contact the venue and the hotel before you go to check where you can keep your equipment when it's not in use. You can also check what security measures are in place and decide ahead of time what the best plan of action is for where to store your gear.

4. Avoid using a trailer

If you have no other option but to store your equipment in your vehicle, try to avoid using a trailer. If a thief is looking to steal your equipment and manages to unhitch it from your car, it then becomes very easy to speed off with all of your kit in tow.

5. Don’t leave things out in the open or unattended

Both before and after you perform, it can get pretty hectic trying to get everything to and from the stage. In all of the back-and-forth, it's easy to lose track of who is keeping an eye on what, and who is staying with the van or even with the equipment that's being left inside. Always have an agreed-upon plan before you get there so no bit of kit is left out without anyone watching it.

Specialist band insurance through Insure4Music

If you’re a band that tours regularly, you may want to look at insuring yourself and your music equipment through Insure4Music. Having insurance can help give you extra peace of mind as a touring musician that you’re protected against damage and theft should the worst happen.

Visit our website to find further information on the cover that Insure4Music offers, or get an online quote today.

The 5 best MIDI keyboards for studio & live performance

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 11:00:00 Z

A quality MIDI keyboard can make all the difference in creating expressive, dynamic compositions, whether you’re a professional or just starting your music production journey.

Here’s our list of the best MIDI keyboards available, considering key features like playability, versatility, and integration with popular DAWs.

We’ve listed the retail price, but it’s best to shop around for the best deals—you’ll find significant discounts through third-party sellers.

1. Novation FLkey Mini, £99 (RRP)

If FL Studio is your chosen DAW and you’re on a tight budget, this could be the best MIDI keyboard for your studio sessions and performances.

You can use it as an Ableton Live controller, and its seamless integration with FL Studio paired with its excellent hands-on control make it ideal for producing—it’s a good all-rounder, considering its low price.

There are 25 velocity-sensitive keys, including 16 RGB backlit performance pads and eight rotary encoder knobs, so you have full control over each sound.

Its simplicity makes it a good choice for beginners, and at the point of purchase, you’ll receive a six-month trial for FL Studio Producer Edition.

However, if you’re looking for something more suited to a wider range of DAWs, keep your options open—the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 (below) may be a better choice.

Key features:

25 velocity-sensitive keys
Touch-sensitive strips for pitch and modulation
Designed for FL Studio

Available at:

2. AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3, £75 (RRP)

This is one of the best MIDI controllers in terms of adaptability, especially if you’re looking for an inexpensive, user-friendly solution.

It connects seamlessly with any DAW compatible with MIDI keyboards, such as FL Studio, Logic, and Ableton, so it’s ideal if you’re experimenting with different software or want to use it live and at home.

You can use the 4-way joystick to control pitch and modulation and the OLED display to check your software parameters before tweaking them with the eight endless knobs, so you’ll have no trouble getting the right sound.

The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 also comes with 2GB of content, making it one of the best MIDI keyboards for those who want to make music straight out of the box.

Key features:

25 keys velocity-sensitive keys
4-way joystick for pitch and modulation
Octave selector (10 octaves range)

Available at:

3. Arturia KeyStep Pro, £399 (RRP)

Looking for a controller that can do it all at a reasonable price? If so, this could be the best MIDI keyboard for your workflow.

There’s a mix of analogue and digital ins and outs for ease of use, as seen on Arturia’s BeatStep Pro, but with a larger keyboard best suited to those who are more piano-focused—it’s a good hybrid if these features are a priority for you.

It has 37 keys with aftertouch for more control over your sound and can record all 128 MIDI notes and their velocity values. However, it’s still relatively small and lightweight if you want to use it on the go.

There’s also four sequencing channels that can record up to 64 steps—Track 1 can be used as a 24-part drum sequencer, whereas Tracks 2, 3 and 4 each have an arpeggiator.

Key features:

37 keys
Mix of analogue and digital ins and outs
7 arpeggiator modes with a 5 octave range

Available at:

4. Novation SL MKIII, £559.99 (RRP)

The Novation SL MKIII requires a higher budget, but it’s one of the best MIDI keyboards for those looking for a wider range of notes and functionality for live performances.

It connects seamlessly to Ableton Live, and the five full-colour LCD screens provide excellent visibility of your parameters. There are eight faders and knobs, alongside pads, buttons, and 49 keys, so you’ll be able to let your creativity run wild.

The included software is another draw of this keyboard, with Ableton Live Lite, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, and an ASS Session Bundle, to name a few—there’s plenty to get you started.

You’ll pay £559.99 (RRP) for this version but can pay around £90 extra for 61 keys if you’re more piano-focused.

Key features:

49 keys
Synth-style semi-weighted keybed with a scan rate of 10 kHz
16 velocity-sensitive drum pads

Available at:

5. Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3, £339 (RRP)

You can’t have a list of the best MIDI keyboards without a full-size 88-key version as popular as the Arturia KeyLab Essential.

The Arturia KeyLab Essential may look somewhat intimidating to beginners, but it’s a great option whether you’re just starting your producing journey or a seasoned musician. You have every key at hand, so you can truly own your sound wherever you’re playing.

With a semi-weighted 88-key keyboard, velocity and pressure-sensitive pads, multiple encoders and faders, and DAW controls, there isn’t much you can’t control. The KeyLab Essential Mk3’s design provides a highly efficient workflow, too.

There are also chord, scale, and arpeggiator modes, so you can take advantage of the full-size keyboard and let your creativity run wild.

Key features:

88 keys
Range of pads, encoders, faders, and DAW commands for ultimate control
World’s first eco-designed MIDI keyboard

Available at:

FAQs

Is a MIDI keyboard OK for beginners?

Yes, anyone interested in music production with no prior experience can use a MIDI keyboard. The process involves connecting to a computer or tablet, accessing virtual instruments, and experimenting with different sounds, so it doesn’t take long to get up and running.

Most of the best MIDI keyboards come with educational software to introduce beginners to their function, so you don’t have to worry about feeling overwhelmed.

What is the difference between a MIDI keyboard and a normal keyboard?

MIDI keyboards are piano-style controllers that send data to software or hardware, which then generates a sound. A normal keyboard, such as a digital piano or synthesizer, has built-in speakers and sound modules, allowing it to produce audio directly.

Since they’re designed for use with computers or external devices, MIDI keyboards are used more frequently for sound production, while normal keyboards can be played standalone.

What MIDI keyboard do producers use?

The best MIDI keyboard for one producer may not be the first choice for another—it depends heavily on their workflow and preference for certain features or capabilities.

Producers with a piano background may favour models like the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3 or the Novation SL MKIII.

However, those who generally start with drums or work with samples rather than original music may prefer a more compact controller, such as the Novation FLKey Mini or the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3.

How many keys do I need on a MIDI keyboard?

Your current skill level and what you plan on using a MIDI keyboard for will determine how many keys you’ll need. Generally, if you’re a beginner or want a more portable controller, a 25 or 49-key MIDI keyboard will work fine for simple melodies and chord progressions.

A 61 or 88-key controller offers a broader range, suitable for intermediate or advanced musicians who want access to the complete piano range and a more authentic playing experience.

Specialist music equipment insurance through Insure4Music

Once you’ve found the best MIDI keyboard, you might want to protect it along with the rest of your gear through specialist music equipment insurance.

Insure4Music arrange Performance and Public Liability cover, so you have peace of mind wherever you go—and you can even include Worldwide Cover if you’re due to perform abroad.

Learn more about how we can help here, or get an instant online quote now.

The 7 best apps for music teachers

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 08:45:00 Z

Apps for music teachers can help alleviate a big chunk of the day-to-day stresses of the job. There are apps that can help you store and annotate your sheet music, manage your business, compose your own music, and more.

We live in a truly digital age, where it seems there’s an app for pretty much everything—teaching music included. So, if you’re a private music teacher, it makes perfect sense to see what’s out there.

Why are apps useful for music teachers?

Not only can apps help music teachers ideate and keep students engaged, but they’re also great organisational tools, helping teachers plan sessions, organise their time, and give constructive, clear feedback to students.

Utilising some of the apps in this list could also help your business run more efficiently, giving you a competitive edge against other music teachers in your local area.

What are the best apps for music teachers to use?

We’ve chosen seven of the best apps for music teachers on the market, regardless of what instrument(s) you teach. Each app has a wide range of different features, too, so you’re sure to find one that works well for you.

1. forScore

Price: £19.99 (one-time purchase with an optional upgrade to forScore Pro for £9.99/year)

forScore is a great app for music teachers and general musicians who want to read sheet music straight from their smartphone or tablet.

At just £19.99, it can be a worthy investment, functionalities considered. The easy-to-use app is compatible across iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch and allows users to drag and drop multiple files from other devices into the forScore library.

The app also allows users to import PDFs and annotate them using forScore’s extensive variety of musical symbols. There’s even an auto-turn feature for scores with sequential pages, whereby the pages turn themselves without disrupting your flow—how handy is that?

Be it from your music stand or on the go, forScore offers the complete portable sheet reading experience without having to worry about losing or damaging physical copies.

2. Duet Partner

Price: starts at £15 per month, with a discount if you choose to pay annually.

Did you know that music teachers spend around two hours per day on average just on admin tasks?

Managing your calendar, lesson plans, and finances can sometimes feel like a full-time job in itself—and that’s before you’ve even turned up to teach a student. Thankfully, though, help is at hand in the form of Duet Partner (formerly known as Music Teacher’s Helper).

This handy app helps you update and keep track of student information, plan your schedule, prepare upcoming lessons, and stay on top of billing and invoices. In a nutshell, it looks after ‘the boring stuff’, leaving you with more time to do what you love—teach music.

3. Symphony Pro

Price: £12

Symphony Pro 6 (the latest app version) markets itself as a complete and intuitive app for writing music notation—and we can’t dispute that.

It allows you to compose music for just about any size ensemble, from the piano, symphonies, band, lead sheets, chord charts and guitar tabs. You can also write orchestral scores for up to 64 (yes, 64) instruments.

Symphony Pro’s built-in shortcuts and contextual menus allow you to easily edit note and bar properties, too, and if that’s not enough, you can even amend your scores by hand. Handwriting recognition is available as an additional in-app purchase, saving you valuable teaching time during lessons.

As well as starting new scores from scratch or pre-built templates, the app also lets you import your existing scores via MusicXML, MXL, MIDI, Dropbox, Mail, iCloud, Safari, or as an SP file from your computer.

4. Anytune Pro+

Price: £12

Anytune Pro+ is described as the ultimate practice app for singers, dancers and musicians—including teachers. With this app, teachers and students can learn, transcribe, practise and perform songs. You can adjust the tempo, choose the pitch, repeat loops, mark up a song, and much more.

Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, Anytune Pro+ has several capabilities, including ‘plug-in and play’, instrument or vocals isolation with ReFrame, and sound shaping with the FineTouch EQ.

Given all of the above, it’s hardly surprising that Anytune Pro+ is also the app of choice for many famous musicians. Bass guitarist, songwriter and producer Phil Soussan, who has worked with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Idol, said:

“Anytune Pro+ is as priceless as my personal trainer, helping me practise parts, songs or entire setlists. It organises my playlists and slows down tricky sections while remembering detune settings. With the LiveMix play-along feature, too, I can learn anything, anytime, anywhere.”

5. Tonal Energy

Price £2.98

When it comes to tuner apps for music teachers, Tonal Energy is considered one of the best, featuring both a tone generator and metronome as its stand-out functions.

The toner function, in particular, is an invaluable tool for teachers and can save precious lesson time on jam-packed days. The function allows you to manually select your key and instrument before giving you an emoji based on how in or out of tune your instrument is. Check out the clip above for a more in-depth explanation of how this works.

Tonal Energy’s metronome feature also means you can play in various time signatures. There are two beat options for 5/8 and 7/8, plus a range of other meters, divisions and subdivisions. Beats can be played, accented or silenced, depending on your preference.

You can also record yourself while using these two functions, which means you can keep practising with your students without getting too distracted by your iPhone or iPad.

6. Tonara

Price: ranges from £9.40-£23.50

If you teach primary school-age children, Tonara is the app for you. After all, one of your biggest challenges when teaching children is keeping learning fun and ensuring your students stay engaged and motivated to continue.

Tonara helps music teachers overcome these challenges and then some, providing several tools to add more fun and variation to lessons. Music teachers feel empowered with Tonara as it allows them to spend more time teaching while the app looks after the hassles of motivating practice and managing their studio or business.

Teachers can set assignments via Tonara, for which students can upload recordings for feedback, meaning the entire learning and assessment process can be housed in one place.

Tonara also tracks progress over time to celebrate student milestones and successes and offers game-like rewards such as badges, points, and stickers to keep younger musicians engaged.

7. Flashnote Derby

Price: £4.99

Like Tonara, the Flashnote Derby app is also suited to music teachers that work with young children, especially those who struggle to read and interpret notes.

Flashnote Derby uses a ‘horse race’ to time students and test how quickly they can identify certain notes. Their horse will quickly gain ground if they get the answer right but fall behind if they get it wrong. As the teacher, all you have to do is select the notes you want them to play, and you’re good to go.

Once good progress has been made, you can increase the difficulty by adding more notes and speeding up the race. Before you know it, your students will recognise notes of the treble clef, bass clef, or even the alto and tenor clefs with ease.

Specialist music teacher insurance with Insure4Music

Whether you teach from home, a school, or at a student’s house, it’s not just apps you need to be a successful music teacher. You should also consider specialist music teacher insurance to protect you in case something goes wrong.

Specialist music teacher insurance with Insure4Music is designed to protect you in the event of various incidents, including loss, theft and accidental damage. Our Public Liability insurance covers legal costs up to £5m and includes Professional Indemnity cover up to £1m.

What’s more—all of our music teacher policies can be tailored to meet your exact requirements. So, what are you waiting for?

Follow this link to learn more about music teacher insurance through Insure4Music or get a quick quote today.

The best European music festivals

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:11:00 Z

There really is nothing like the experience of a European music festival: camping with friends, listening to music you love or that’s entirely new, and experiencing a new culture. You’ll probably have a lot better weather than most UK festivals, too. Can you imagine not having to put your tent up in the rain or be knee-deep in mud? That’s the dream.

Today, there are loads of European music festivals covering a whole host of genres, so picking which one to attend can feel like an impossible task. But fear not—we’re here to help you do just that.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 European music festivals, covering various locations, budgets, and genres, so there should be something here for everyone.

What are the top 10 European music festivals?

1. Tomorrowland

It wouldn’t be a list of the best European music festivals without mentioning Tomorrowland. Now with multiple festivals and music events throughout the year, Tomorrowland is well known among festivalgoers across Europe and beyond. Unfortunately, Tomorrowland Belgium’s tickets have already sold out for 2024 (the initial ticket pre-sale reportedly sold out in just 27 minutes), so you may have to wait until 2025 to secure a ticket.

More than 600,000 people attended the festival in 2022, making it the biggest festival in Europe. With a range of accommodation options, a marketplace, and an array of top-class acts spread across 16 stages, there’s something for everyone at Tomorrowland. A three-day ticket with camping starts at €381 (£325).

Headliners: David Guetta, Tiësto, Swedish House Mafia
Music genre(s): EDM (Electronic Dance Music)
Location: Boom, Belgium
Date: 19^th July – 28^th July 2024

2. Primavera Sound

Primavera Sound has steadily grown in popularity since its inception in 2001 and now holds festivals and music events across Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Argentina, and, more recently, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Based right by the sea, Primavera Sound offers the opportunity to enjoy a range of music genres with a wealth of food and drink stalls to make the most of the long weekend. If the long weekend of festival music isn’t enough for you, Primavera also runs A La Ciutat— a series of free concerts for ticket holders held across Barcelona, which usually runs for a few days before and after the festival. A three-day ticket for the festival starts at €265 (£226) with no camping options available due to its location in the city.

Headliners: Lana Del Rey, Pulp, Disclosure, Vampire Weekend
Music genre(s): Electronic, indie, pop, metal, jazz, and rock
Location: Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona, Spain
Date: 29^th May – 2^nd June 2024

3. Exit Festival

The theme for Exit 2024 celebrates everyone’s potential to become a luminary like Tesla, Einstein, and Da Vinci: Exit Starseeds. With more than 40 stages and performance zones spread within the Petrovaradin Fortress, you’ll have the opportunity to see some big names and discover your next favourite artist all in one place.

If you aren’t too keen on camping and would prefer to stay closer to the city to do some exploring while you’re there, you can book one of several recommended hostels near to Novi Sad through the Exit website. A four-day ticket for the festival starts at €109 (£93) with the added cost of €40 with camping included.

Headliners: John Newman, Black Eyed Peas, Gucci Mane, Rudimental
Music genre(s): EDM, drum and bass, hip hop, metal, punk, reggae, rock, and techno
Location: Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Serbia
Date: 10^th – 14^th July 2024

4. Wacken Open Air

Wacken Open Air has been showcasing heavy metal music acts for over thirty years and is hailed as the world's largest heavy metal festival. The German festival now welcomes more than 70,000 heavy metal fans to the small village of Wacken each year.

In addition to hosting some of the world's biggest heavy metal and hard rock acts, Wacken Open Air also holds the finale of the Metal Battle competition every year, where amateur bands from all over the world compete to win a record label contract. Tickets for the festival are €333 (£284), including camping. If you’re a big rock music fan, take a look at our list of the best rock drummers of all time, too, while you’re here.

Headliners: Scorpions, Korn, Amon Amarth, In Extremo
Music genre(s): Hard rock, heavy metal
Location: Wacken, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Date: 31^st July – 3^rd August 2024

5. Roskilde Festival

Roskilde Festival has been running since the 1970s and has welcomed some of the biggest names in music throughout its 50-year history. It is now the largest music and arts festival in Northern Europe.

Marketed as "eight days of music, art, activism, community, and freedom," the festival is entirely non-profit and relies upon the help of more than 30,000 volunteers to help set up and run its stages, stalls, and campsites. All proceeds go to various charities across Denmark, with the festival reportedly having raised almost £50 million since 1972. Tickets for the festival start at 2400DKK (£275) for the full eight days, including camping.

Headliners: Doja Cat, Jessie Ware, Nia Archives, Skrillex, Foo Fighters
Music genre(s): Electronic, hip hop, rock, metal, and urban
Location: Roskilde, Denmark
Date: 29^th June – 6^th July 2024

6. Open’er

You might be confused by the address for Open'er, as it's held on an abandoned airfield, which provides loads of space for festivalgoers to explore. The great thing about Open'er, though, is that it's more than just a music festival.

In addition to the great music acts the festival puts on each year, you'll also find theatre shows, mini cinemas, fashion shows, and pop-up art exhibitions—there's loads to get stuck into while you’re here. A four-day ticket with camping starts at 1305zł (£260).

Headliners: Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, 21 Savage, Måneskin
Music genre(s): hip hop, rock, pop, EDM, indie
Location: Gdynia-Kosakowo Airport, Poland
Date: 3^rd – 6^th July 2024

7. Rock en Seine

Based in a park classed as a historical monument (you'll be walking on the same ground as kings and emperors once did), Rock en Seine has multiple stages and some amazing acts to enjoy with a beautiful view of the Seine.

Located west of Paris, the festival has six stages and welcomes more than 100,000 people over four days. Ticket prices start at €219 (£187) for a four-day pass.

Headliners: Lana Del Ray, Fred Again, Måneskin, The Offspring
Music genre(s): EDM, indie, pop, and rock
Location: Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, France
Date: 21^st – 25^th August 2024

8. Sziget Festival

Sziget is a fantastic festival with a wide range of entertainment on offer. Music is played over six days and across 60 stages in Budapest, and you can even attend a boat party or castle party at the famous Fisherman's Bastion.

More than 400,000 people now attend Sziget each year, so there's always a buzzing atmosphere. It’s also a 24-hour festival, so there's something going on at all hours of the day, whether it's music acts, dancing, or even exhibitions. Ticket prices start at €199 (£170) for a three-day pass, with camping options starting at €21 per night per person.

Headliners: Fred Again, Stormzy, Louis Tomlinson, Fontaines DC
Music genre(s): Pop, hip hop, rock, EDM, techno, and more
Location: Óbuda Island, Budapest, Hungary
Date: 7^th – 12^th August 2024

9. Best Kept Secret

Marketed as a festival of music, food, and culture, Best Kept Secret offers everything from your favourite acts to a huge array of food to get stuck into. Based in the middle of a wood and boasting a waterfront stage, you’ll be surrounded by stunning nature whilst exploring the festival. Ticket prices start at €275 (£235) for the full weekend with camping included.

Headliners: Disclosure, Paolo Nutini, Justice, PJ Harvey
Music genre(s): Electric, folk, indie, hip hop, rock
Location: Safaripark Beekse Bergen, Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands
Date: 7^th – 9^th June 2024

10. NOS Alive Lisbon

Based along the Passeio Marítimo de Algés dock, NOS Alive's seven stages offer a range of music, including rock, electronic, and pop. There is no on-site accommodation for the festival, but it's close enough to the city centre to make an easy commute to and from several hotels.

The festival also has a partnership with Lisboa Camping and Bungalows, which provides regular shuttles to and from the site. A three-day festival ticket starts at €190 (£162), with three nights at Lisboa Camping starting at €26.

Headliners: Arcade Fire, Dua Lipa, Pearl Jam, Sum 41
Music genre(s): Alternative rock, pop, electronic, rock
Location: Passeio Marítimo de Algés, Algés, Oeiras, Portugal
Date: 11^th – 13^th July 2024

Specialist musician insurance through Insure4Music

No doubt you'll agree that these are some of the best European music festivals around, but whether you're playing to thousands at Primavera or to twenty people in your local pub, the likelihood is that you'll need specialist musician insurance to do so.

Through Insure4Music, you can get up to £5m worth of Public Liability cover to protect you should you accidentally injure someone or damage third-party property when performing live. And as a touring musician, you’ll probably already know that most venues will ask you for proof of this before allowing you to play.

That’s why many musicians choose to get specialist cover before loading up the tour bus. Find out more about specialist music insurance, or get an instant online quote today to ensure you never miss a gig.

9 stage presence tips to thrill your audience

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:26:10 Z

Stage presence is something that all performers aspire to have. The ability to create an unforgettable energy that captures your audience’s attention and catapults you to success is the pinnacle of performing live shows.

In the modern music industry, you can hit the charts but disappear into obscurity if you don’t connect and resonate with your audience.

So, it’s never been more important to learn how to come across as an authentic and unique performer, no matter your goals as an artist.

Here are our top tips for improving your stage presence to build an audience that can’t get enough of your shows.

1. Understand your identity as a performer

A huge part of improving your stage presence is discovering your musical identity. What we mean by this is knowing how you want to be perceived by your audience when they see you perform.

While things like your chosen music genre, singing style, and dress sense can inform this, looking at your internal values and beliefs before you work on the exterior elements is a good idea.

Things that inform your inner identity as an artist include:

your musical influences
your personal experiences
your strengths and vulnerabilities
your perspective on the world

Starting here can help you establish and embrace the truly unique things about you and help you craft your external image and energy before you take to the stage.

2. Know your audience

This goes hand in hand with crafting your stage persona, as it’s easier to know who you are when you’re aware of who you’re performing for.

Think to yourself—who do you want to enjoy your music?

Most musicians want to inspire and light people up with their work or at least make them question something about the world. There doesn’t have to be a huge mission behind your performances, but there must be a reason you want to share your work with the world.

Let’s look at The 1975, a successful mainstream band with a solid fan base.

Whether you like them or not, they frequently make headlines through their stage presence. They know exactly who they speak to through their music and the characters they want to portray on stage.

The band’s frontman, Matty Healy, is known for on-stage antics, such as eating raw meat and cheekily mentioning controversial topics before the next song cuts him off.

He has an ironic sense of humour that resonates with their target demographic—predominantly young adults.

Speaking to the crowd at one of his recent live performances, Healy said:

“I’m only doing this because I want to make you guys laugh and feel good because that’s what my favourite art does.”

Use this example to think about who your audience is. It can help to think about:

who or what inspired you to write music
what kind of audiences you are a part of
how you want people to feel at your gigs

3. Create a unique look

Now comes the fun part. Once you’re in touch with yourself as an artist, you can begin crafting a look that reflects your personality and boosts your stage presence.

Whether you remember Nicki Minaj for her colourful outfits and wigs or Gene Simmons for his metal armour, eight-inch platform heels and demon-inspired makeup, you must admit that looks say a lot about a performer’s identity.

If you’re unsure where to begin, consider your favourite artists and how their wardrobe, makeup, and hairstyle contribute to their overall image.

Pair this with your tastes, such as colour palettes and eras that inspire you, and you can’t go wrong.

You can even take it a step further by considering what your target audience would expect a performer in your genre to wear and subvert some tropes.

4. Keep the energy flowing

One of the greatest stage presence tips is always keeping your audience’s attention.

Have you ever been to a gig where the performers don’t try to connect with the audience or allow the energy to lapse?

Chances are you have, as everyone starts somewhere, and no one starts with an amazing stage presence, but there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent making rookie errors.

The main thing is to avoid creating awkward or unnecessary silences by planning your shows and ensuring you have fillers for moments between songs.

Based on your persona and the energy you want to create, you could:

have some jokes or funny anecdotes prepared
tease or share banter with your bandmates
play some killer guitar, bass, or drum solos
encourage audience participation with vocals or gestures they can imitate
share the inspiration behind your songs, whether it’s funny, sad, or both (audiences love transparency)

You can sneak a drink of water or adjust your instruments without a problem, but don’t let the energy die down.

Find a way to distract the audience and connect with them while you’re doing so, and you’re good to go.

5. Work on your body language

Your stage presence will grow if you learn to leverage your body language to better connect with your audience.

While it’s certainly not easy if you naturally feel nervous or anxious, practice can work wonders for improving how you hold and present yourself on stage.

Practice standing tall with your shoulders back, head high, and chest out. Have your feet placed shoulder-width apart and take a deep breath to relax.

This is the go-to position to appear confident and keep your audience’s eyes on you. It will eventually become natural and make you feel more confident under the surface.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you may want to play with body language and expressions if that fits your style.

Meat Loaf took inspiration from his musical theatre background for his eccentric facial expressions and hanky-waving, and his quirkiness still resonates with rock fans today.

Bruno Mars has a confident, cheeky body language that matches his natural talent for dancing, which works perfectly for his mainstream pop persona.

Think of interesting artists within and outside your genre and study their body language for inspiration.

6. Remember, the stage is yours!

Staying in one spot is a sure-fire way to kill your stage presence. Don’t be afraid to take up the space that’s there and use it to show off your personality.

If you’re the lead singer, move around the stage, dance with your bandmates, and interact with every section of the audience (we have some tips for this below).

Stuck behind an instrument? You can still get involved—sing along or dance and remember to smile at your bandmates and the audience.

When you give it your all, the energy you put into your performance is infectious and contributes to the band’s overall stage presence.

7. Encourage audience interaction

Now, this one is a game changer for improving stage presence. Putting on a great show and showing off your individuality is one thing, but actively involving the audience in your shows takes things to another level.

Encourage the audience to sing a melody from one of your songs and get them to join you. Or ask them to clap or stomp their feet to a certain beat.

In a larger venue, you could divide the audience into sections and have them compete to see which group is the loudest.

Bringing a sense of unity and authenticity by connecting with your audience this way guarantees a memorable show for them.

Recording these moments and showcasing them online is a great way to market your stage presence and overall persona as an artist, alongside making the people who came to see you live feel like part of your community.

8. Steer clear of negative language

People come to live shows to escape the woes of everyday life. So, you want to keep the tone upbeat and positive to ensure they leave happy and spread the good word.

Avoid talking about anything too negative or dark, and don’t make sarcastic or self-deprecating jokes unless your audience already responds well to them.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where discussing controversial topics can damage your career, especially if things you say or do are shared online and taken out of context. If you keep things positive and focus on entertaining your audience, it’s much less likely to happen.

Don’t take this as a warning against authenticity, however. If you handle them carefully, talking about negative experiences is fine if the outcome is positive and hopeful.

A recent example is when Lewis Capaldi shared his experience of losing a family member due to poor mental health at Glastonbury.

But because he poured his sadness and vulnerability into a song that could help fans process their feelings of grief, this resonated with them, ultimately leading to them supporting him through a moving performance of the song.

9. Analyse your performances

It can be uncomfortable to watch yourself perform, but recording and analysing your shows is a great way to examine how the audience responds to you.

It’s also good for building your confidence, as the more comfortable you become with being uncomfortable, the more you’ll loosen up and get into the zone for performing.

Look for any lulls in energy or bored or disapproving expressions in audience members and note when and why you believe this happened. Show it to a friend or family member and ask for their opinion.

Don’t take it too personally if the audience picks up on your weaknesses. Try to see that you have something solid to work on as a positive, and you’ll improve your stage presence in no time.

Specialist musician insurance through Insure4Music

Whether you perform as a solo artist or a band, you may want to protect yourself through specialist insurance and ensure you can play at every venue—most require proof of cover before you play.

With Insure4Music, you can cover your gear against theft, loss, and damage either at home, at a performance, or during transit. You can also opt to include Public Liability cover, which protects you in case you injure someone or cause damage to a venue.

Click here to learn more about how we can help or click the button below to get an instant online quote.

Top 7 music production tips for beginners

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 09:57:25 Z

Are you a DJ or musician that wants to try your hand at music production? Or do you perhaps just want to know if this could possibly be a route for you?

Here we cover 7 music production tips for beginners, so you know what the process involves and how to start producing your own songs.

What is music production?

Music production is a holistic term for the process of writing, recording, and mastering music for public release.

Songwriters and musicians can be dubbed ‘music producers’ as they’re heavily involved in this process.

But this term is most often associated with those involved in the mastering stage, where digital tools are used to manipulate or fine-tune the sound.

Music producers in commercial settings can often be compared to film directors, as they take on more of a leadership role and guide the musicians in line with their artistic vision.

However, there are a lot of bedroom musicians or independent artists producing music from their home studios thanks to digital tools and software, making it more accessible than ever.

So, if you want to learn more about the technical side of music production, it’s easy to get a taste for it without necessarily investing too much time and money.

7 music production tips for beginners

1. Get to know what’s out there

Perhaps the easiest way to understand where you and your sound fit into the music production world is to see what’s already out there. This is especially important if you want to turn your hobby into a career.

These days, many independent music producers are rising in popularity through the social media platform TikTok.

Take SeshNolan, for example. He’s a 20-year-old producer with over 500k views on this video, featuring his spin on a Migos track.

Or look at Jai Beats, an 18-year-old multi-platform producer who has worked with artists such as Travis Scott, Rod Wave, and Fetty Wap. He credits his growing online presence for allowing him to get many of these opportunities.

Alongside researching and listening to huge producers in pop culture, such as DJ Khaled, Dr Dre and Timbaland, for example, it’s also good to get a feel for what up-and-coming artists are doing.

Listening to producers with more niche sounds, such as John Feldmann or Mark Trombino (well-known for defining the pop punk and emo music genres), is another idea to help you grow as an artist.

So, one of our biggest music production tips for beginners is to use a melting pot of different sounds for inspiration—this allows you to discover more about your tastes and develop your sound.

2. Pick up the essential music production gear

When it comes to producing music for beginners, it’s easy to get lost in the heaps of online advice and feel pressured to invest in a ton of expensive gear.

But there’s no need to break the bank, especially when starting out.

There are plenty of free options, and thanks to technological advancements of the past few years, you can even use your smartphone to produce if you’re on a limited budget.

Here are the essentials:

a production device—you can use your smartphone if you’re creative, but laptops or desktop computers have more powerful operating systems and sophisticated tools for producing quality sounds
DAW (digital audio workstation)—production software such as Logic Pro, FL Studio, and GarageBand (a great free alternative) is vital for mixing and mastering music
monitoring equipment—a good set of monitoring speakers will take your tracks to a new level, but if you have limitations due to space or budget, a quality pair of headphones is sufficient

These are the essential pieces of music production gear for beginners, but there’s always room for expansion.

If you have the budget, you may want to invest in a controller or virtual instrument software for a more professional sound.

Or, if you’re recording live instruments or vocal sessions, audio interfaces or microphones designed for vocal production can provide a much more authentic result.

You may also consider looking into sampling, as several high-profile producers have done successfully.

Luckily, many free samples are legal to use online, but you must ensure you look in the right places. Here’s a step-by-step guide to sampling to help you out.

3. Set up a comfortable studio space

One of the most invaluable music production tips for beginners is to create a designated space to work in.

This doesn’t necessarily mean creating a full-blown studio in your home. It’s surprising what you can do with limited space and a tight budget—this guide on building a home studio (on a budget) is helpful if you’re starting out.

Even if you can only work from a corner in your bedroom, you should ensure it’s a comfortable and inspiring space that keeps you free from distraction and allows you to do your best work.

In its 2017 report Creativity, Work, and the Physical Environment, Steelcase states—‘intentionally designed space has the power to drive attitudes, behaviours and levels of performance that people and organizations need to thrive.’

A quick Google will reveal this idea is backed up by many notable creatives, so it’s not something you want to overlook if you’re serious about your work.

4. Get used to closing your eyes

If you place too much trust in the visual aids from your software, you can lose the authenticity of the production process—crafting the music itself.

Avoid this beginner’s mistake by shutting your laptop or closing your eyes and tuning into the sounds you’re working with.

Developing this skill will ultimately make you a better producer and mean that you stand out against the crowd of others who sometimes forget to go back to the roots of creating music.

5. Be consistent in your practice

No amount of software and expensive sound equipment is going to make you a great producer.

With that in mind, one of our biggest music production tips for beginners is to develop a consistent creative practice. This will help you build your skills and experience and give you a sharper ear for good music.

Surround yourself with all things music production. Listen to established artists, listen to work from up-and-coming producers, and use different techniques within your go-to DAW—integrating your work into your day-to-day life is the best way to improve.

6. Always be learning

Following our previous point, our next tip on producing music for beginners is to always continue learning.

You may feel eager to get on your DAW in every session and just practice, which is completely understandable.

But suppose you’re new to music production and don’t have prior knowledge on the topic. In that case, you may want to invest time in further learning to expand your industry knowledge and better understand the process behind creating quality sounds.

Even just learning the basics of music theory alongside your time in the studio is a good start and will have huge benefits in the long run.

You may also want to complete online courses in music production in areas you’re unfamiliar with or want to learn more about. This is one of the fastest ways to build in your skillset from the comfort of your own home or studio.

At the very least, you should look out for interesting elements in tracks from artists you’re inspired by and have a go at reproducing those sounds. This is a fun and motivational way of getting your production skills to a high standard.

7. Seek feedback

We don’t mean asking your parents or friends for their opinion on your work (unless they’re industry professionals).

Seeking constructive feedback from talented, trustworthy sources or fans of the genre you’re working in is one of our most important music production tips for beginners.

There’s no better way to understand how well your work resonates with your intended audience and how it weighs up against what’s already out there.

You could contact artists or studios directly, but the fastest way to get feedback is to consistently post your work online on a platform such as Instagram or TikTok, build up a following, and ask your audience to let you know what they think.

We mentioned SeshNolan earlier. He regularly asks his viewers for their opinion on his work and responds to comments to engage with them.

The important thing to remember is that there are technically no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ opinions—most are completely subjective. But if a few people say the same thing, you may want to listen and implement changes if you feel this will improve your music.

Specialist music insurance through Insure4Music

Whether you’re a live DJ, a songwriter, or work mostly in the studio, you might want to protect your instruments or sound equipment through specialist insurance.

With Insure4Music, you can cover your gear against theft, loss, and damage both in and out of your home. You can also opt to include Public Liability cover, which is often a requirement for performing live at venues.

Click here to learn more about how we can help or click the button below to get an instant online quote.

How to market yourself as a DJ: 7 top DJ marketing tips

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:14:50 Z

DJ marketing is a broad spectrum. It can involve various activities and several techniques. But whatever route you choose, the end goal of DJ marketing is ultimately to boost your gig bookings, increase awareness of your DJ brand, and—of course—make money.

Regardless of how and where you perform, knowing how to market yourself as a DJ is crucial to your success, especially if you’re just starting out. Your DJ marketing know-how could be the difference between someone finding and booking you or booking your competition instead.

Here’s how to market yourself as a DJ in 7 manageable steps.

1. Define your DJ style

DJing takes several forms, and while you might like to dabble in different styles, being able to define what specific type of DJ you are will make your marketing efforts easier and more effective.

Ask yourself how you want to be known, what kind of events you want to perform at, and what genre of music you want to be associated with. For example, are you solely a wedding DJ, do you have a regular slot at a nightclub, or are you more of a private function DJ?

Knowing your style means you’ll also know your target audience, which is integral to any form of marketing. The more you know about your target audience, the easier they are to reach.

2. Get a unique DJ name

Having a unique DJ name is important if you want to secure gigs. There’s nothing wrong with just using your standard name, but you might want to adopt something snappier to help you stand out online and on things like event or festival line-ups.

Once you have a ‘stage name’, you should also think about creating a logo as part of your wider branding and marketing efforts. This could even be as simple as choosing a quirky typeface for your DJ name, but it’s important to stand out.

Have a look at a few festival or event line-ups, and see how the DJs are presented. You want new audiences to remember your name just as much as your performances. However, remember that your DJ name and branding need to be appropriate for the type of DJing you do.

3. Be active on social media

You can’t ignore social media as part of your DJ marketing strategy. Your social media profiles are a platform for you to showcase not just your work and testimonials but also interact with your audience and show your personality.

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok, are essential for DJs as they’re perhaps the most video-friendly and, therefore, the best for showing off your DJ skills.

Plus, if someone catches one of your performances on the off-chance but isn’t necessarily aware of who you are yet, the first thing they’re likely to do is search for you on social media.

But again, consider what type of DJ you are (or want to be) and where your audience is, as this should also influence how you use social media. For example, TikTok is great, but it might not be the best avenue for you if you’re only interested in corporate bookings.

Social media can also be great for live-streaming sets, if that’s your thing.

4. Perform at your local venues

Don’t overlook your local venues, no matter how big or small. Your local pubs and clubs are important, especially when you’re first starting out as a DJ.

Getting a regular slot at a local venue will have multiple benefits for your DJ career in both the long and short term. Besides the basic security of a regular booking and a stream of income, it will:

boost your popularity and drive awareness of your DJing
help you build and maintain a fan base
allow you to practice to a familiar audience

Plus, you never know who might be watching or where a good first impression might lead.

5. Build a website

Having a website should be another top priority when it comes to marketing yourself as a DJ.

But fear not—you don’t necessarily need to be an expert in web design or IT to create a website nowadays. Plenty of easy-to-use platforms, such as Wix, can help guide you through the process. Particularly to begin with, your website doesn’t necessarily need to be anything extravagant. As long as it’s easy to navigate, showcases your branding, and has clear contact and booking details, that’s all you really need to get started.

However, if you do know a thing or two about digital marketing, SEO and web optimisation (or at least know someone who does), now is when to put that knowledge to good use.

For example, getting your website to rank on search engines for terms like “mobile DJ in [location]” or “DJ for hire in [location]” will help you drive more web traffic and (hopefully) bookings.

6. Invest in some professional photography

Besides making you look the part, professional photography can help make your DJ business look more appealing and trustworthy to potential clients. It also demonstrates that you take your DJing seriously, as professional photography can be expensive depending on what shots you get done.

Costs aside, though, it’s well worth it. Think about it—if you were looking to book a DJ for a big event or party, would you trust or feel enthused by a website full of poor, grainy imagery? Probably not.

Put yourself in your audience’s shoes and think about what they might expect from a DJ website. It’s good to include a mix of standalone headshots with snaps of you in action behind the decks, too.

7. Network

It’s true that other DJs are your competition, particularly those in your local area, but that doesn’t mean you should close yourself off completely. In fact, networking with your fellow DJs and other music industry pros is a great way of learning and building up your contact book.

The DJ industry (and the wider music industry in general) is incredibly competitive, but it pays to be friendly and approachable. After all, you never know where a conversation or connection might lead.

Specialist DJ insurance through Insure4Music

Knowing how to market yourself as a DJ is key to getting regular gigs and bookings. With effective DJ marketing, you can forge a successful career in music and make good money from your craft.

If you DJ live to an audience, you may want to consider protecting yourself and your equipment through specialist DJ insurance. With Insure4Music, you can cover your equipment against theft, loss and damage both in and out of your home. You can also get Public Liability cover too, which is often a requirement for performing live at venues.

Learn more about specialist DJ insurance through Insure4Music, and click below to get a quote today.

How to become a singer—a complete guide

Fri, 05 May 2023 14:10:59 Z

If you’ve ever dreamed about touring the world as a successful singer or musician—be it in a band or riding solo—you’re not alone. Lots of us dream about what it would be like to make a successful career out of making music and singing, but for many, a dream is all it stays.

That said, if you’re prepared to put in the hours, those dreams could become a reality. However, having knowledge of how to become a singer is only half the battle. There’s no denying you’ll need luck on your side, too. Here is our complete guide on how to become a singer.

The non-negotiables for becoming a singer

Before we start looking at how to become a singer in more detail, there are several non-negotiables you need to stop and consider first.

A career in singing can be very rewarding, but before you go any further, you must…

1. Be realistic

It might sound obvious, but you need to be good at singing to become a singer—who knew!?

Joking aside, you need to be realistic about your talents and capabilities; otherwise, you’ll put in a lot of time and effort for something that might never materialise. Of course, you can practice and improve over time, but the truth is, you need to be blessed with natural singing talent if you want to make it.

Maybe try and get a few ‘outside’ opinions on your singing from people who don’t know you personally. Strangers are much more likely to be honest than perhaps your close friends and family. While praise from your Mum is great, for example, she’s bound to say nice things!

2. Be able to handle rejection and setbacks

Following on from the point about being realistic, you also need a thick skin if you’re going to become a singer, especially if you’re promoting yourself online.

In a world where anyone, anywhere, can make an online profile and seemingly write whatever they like, you’ll need to be able to handle criticism and negative comments when they come—and they will come.

Similarly, try not to let your struggles derail you. Let’s say you’re finding it hard to get gig bookings, and your emails and calls to venues are going unanswered—you’ll need to learn to handle the rejection and setbacks that come with being a singer.

3. Be prepared to put in the hours

No one becomes a successful singer overnight. It takes a lot of time and effort to make the grade and reap the rewards.

Knowing how to become a singer is one thing, but being patient with the process is another. If you want singing to become your full-time job, then start treating it as such. This will mean having to make sacrifices and compromises in other areas.

Perfecting your craft

If you’ve made it through the non-negotiables and still think you’ve got what it takes to become a singer, treat the following steps as your Bible.

Get singing lessons

No matter how much natural singing talent you’re blessed with, there’ll always be room for improvement, and investing in singing lessons with a qualified teacher is a good place to start.

Singing lessons don’t just make you a better singer.

A good singing teacher or coach will also guide you on different singing styles—including which ones best match your voice, help you build confidence in performance, and teach you how to connect better with your audience.

You’ll need all of the above to become a singer.

Study your favourite singers

You can learn a lot from studying others, and singing is no different. You’re bound to have a list of singers and musicians you admire, so read up on how they got to where they are today.

Your favourite singers were once in your position, learning how to become a singer, so use them as a source of inspiration. You can also study the way your favourite singers perform. Identify any styles, techniques or quirks they might have that you can mirror in your own singing.

Know your style and own it

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ before, but you’d hate for someone to use it to describe you as a singer.

Different genres of music require different types of singing, so some genres are more suited to certain voices and styles than others. For example, if you’re a pop singer, the chances are you wouldn’t be well suited to a heavy metal group. After all, there’s a reason Dua Lipa isn’t in Slipknot!

Of course, there’s no reason why you can’t dabble in multiple genres and styles, but you’ll have a far better chance of success as a singer by picking just one style that suits you and owning it.

Promote yourself on social media

This is perhaps the step that scares budding singers more than most, but you have to promote yourself and put yourself ‘out there’ if you want to become a successful singer.

Social media is both a blessing and a curse. By putting yourself out there for the world to see, you’re opening yourself up to receiving potentially hurtful comments, which can knock your confidence and make you doubt yourself.

However, social media has made it a lot easier for everyday people to find fame, and without it—you’d need to do a LOT more legwork to get your name out there and secure gig bookings.

Having a strong social media presence as a singer not only provides a platform for sharing your music but it also allows you to build traction and a community of fans. Sites like Instagram, TikTok and Twitter are must-haves if you want to become a singer.

Never underestimate the power of word of mouth. Some of the world’s most famous singers were discovered thanks to social media—so you’d be doing yourself a huge disservice not being on there.

Seek opportunities to perform

As much as we’d all love it if they did, opportunities will not just present themselves to you (or at least not very often, they won’t). The reality is that you have to go out and find opportunities for yourself.

You need to do everything possible to get your name out there in the early days. Never say no to a gig, and always show a willingness to perform, wherever it is and whatever the occasion.

Most pubs and small venues host regular open-mic nights, too, which are a great place to start. Ask around next time you’re in your local pub or venue to see what you can put your name down for—you just never know who might be in attendance.

Alan McGee famously first discovered Oasis by pure chance in the early 90s, when he just so happened to be in the same Glasgow venue the night they were performing. He signed them to his record label, Creation, there and then. The rest is history, as they say!

Write your own songs and lyrics

Most people love hearing a cover of one of their favourite songs, but never underestimate the power of writing and performing your own stuff.

Music is a competitive business, and there’ll be many others learning how to become a singer at the same time as you, so you need to have something that sets you apart.

Thinking further down the line, too, the ability to write songs is also very attractive to potential record labels, so what better way to demonstrate your talent than by performing your own material as often as possible?

Network with other singers

While it’s true that other, similar singers are your competition somewhat, you shouldn’t completely close yourself off and never engage with other singers.

You can learn lots through chatting with others in a similar position or those that may have been previously. Absorb as much knowledge and information as you can from other singers and make as many industry contacts as possible in the early days. You never know where a conversation might lead or who certain people might be able to introduce you to.

Hire a manager

When things start to become a bit more serious, you might want to look at getting yourself a manager to handle things like your bookings, social media and PR.

You’re probably capable of handling everything yourself when you’re first starting out, but as your popularity grows and you start to get more bookings, you may well need somebody else to look after that side of things for you so that you can focus solely on the singing.

A good manager will have lots of industry contacts and can open doors you might not necessarily be able to open yourself. They can help you secure bigger and better bookings, liaise with record companies, and help you up your social media game, too.

Having a manager could just be the difference between making it to the top and not!

Related: How to get a music manager

How hard is it to become a singer?

You’ll be well aware by now that it’s not easy to become a singer.

To have a successful career in singing—and indeed, in music in general—you need a combination of natural talent, dedication, and luck. Becoming a singer is far from an easy ride, but it can be sure as hell worth it if you do.

As hard as it is, though, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy yourself along the way. Singing is supposed to be fun, so make sure it is. Try not to get so wrapped up in ‘making it’ as a singer that you lose your love for it. But don’t be afraid to take a temporary step back from it all if you do.

Specialist insurance for singers through Insure4Music

It takes a lot of hard graft and determination to forge a successful career as a singer, but regardless of whether you’re playing to 10 people in the pub or 10,000 in a stadium, performing live comes with risks. That’s why you may want to consider protecting yourself and your equipment.

With Insure4Music, specialist insurance for singers includes Equipment Cover to protect you in case any of your gear gets lost, damaged or stolen. You can also get Public Liability cover, which is a legal requirement for performing in most venues.

Learn more about the different insurance options available here, or click below to get a quote.

Who will win Eurovision 2023?

Tue, 02 May 2023 08:59:19 Z

Saturday 13th May 2023 marks the final of the Eurovision song contest and – for the first time in 25 years – it will be held in the UK, which will host the competition on behalf of last year’s winner Ukraine.

A 160 million-strong global audience is expected to tune into the ceremony live in Liverpool, which will welcome artists and delegates from 37 different countries, not to mention thousands of travelling fans.

So, as anticipation builds ahead of the Grand Final, we ask: who is the favourite to win Eurovision 2023? We have crunched the numbers to find out, using search and streaming data to predict who will win the public vote.

As is tradition, age-old national rivalries and friendships are likely to have a bearing on the final points awarded – not to mention that many people have predicted another significant win for Ukraine.

However, our data offers an insight into song popularity and, which artists and countries are creating the biggest stir in the lead-up to the Grand Final.

We have also looked at which countries can lay claim to being the most obsessed with Eurovision, alongside looking back at previous contests to explore which Eurovision-winning artists are the most popular of all time.

So, let’s get into it.

Our data predicts Loreen as Eurovision 2023 winner

We analysed the full list of 2023 artists to explore which have been the most searched and streamed in the run-up to the Grand Final.

This provides an insight of which artists are creating the most public interest so far. Of course, audience votes only make up 50% of each artist’s total score, but this does point to the potential final ranking. For clarity, we have only included the 37 countries that are participating in the Grand Final.

The most searched and streamed 2023 Eurovision finalists

Currently, German metal band Lord of the Lost are the most searched Eurovision entrant in the most participating countries. One of these countries was – predictably – Germany. However, because Eurovision rules stipulate you cannot vote for your own country, we have discounted the band’s home nation from the overall score. Taking this into account, Lord of the Lost currently have eight out of 37 (or 22%) of the potential top vote.

They are followed by Swedish singer Loreen. Discounting Sweden, Loreen is the most searched artist in seven out of 37 participating countries – so has 19% of the potential top vote.

In third is Italian singer-songwriter Marco Mengoni. Again, discounting his home country, he has six out of 37 countries, or 16% of the potential top vote.

The second most searched and streamed 2023 Eurovision finalists

When looking at the second most searched entrants so far, the data shows a similar picture.

Loreen is the second-most searched entrant in 13 (35%) of countries, while Lord of the Lost takes 9 (24%) and Marco Mengoni takes 6 (16%) of the potential second-highest vote.

Taking these two sets of data as a weighted average, where we assign Eurovision’s much-coveted 12 points to a country’s favourite artist and 10 points to its second favourite, Loreen has the highest chance of winning the competition, with a potential 214 points compared to Lord of the Lost with 186.

Of course, these are simply predictions based on the current interest in each artist and assumes that this interest will translate into public votes. Nobody knows what will happen on the night itself and many expect that Ukraine will ultimately triumph.

Ultimately, Eurovision 2023 provides a global platform on which to connect with our neighbouring countries and show off what Liverpool has to offer the world. We look forward to seeing what the Grand Final holds.

The most Eurovision obsessed countries

With a huge 38% of the Finnish population tuning into the Eurovision final in 2022, the country can officially lay claim to being the most Eurovision-obsessed euro nation.

Finland is one of the contest’s longest-standing entrants, having begun its Eurovision journey back in 1961 and participating 55 times since. However, despite the competition being so widely watched in Finland, only once has the country triumphed with a winner in 2006.

In second position are Denmark and Sweden, in which 23% of the population tuned into Eurovision in 2022. Much like their Scandinavian neighbour, both countries were early entrants to the competition, with Denmark having entered its first in 1957 and Sweden 1958. Denmark has celebrated a win at the contest three times – first in 1963, then in 2000 and 2013. Sweden has matched this, winning in 1964, 1970 and 1976.

With around 13% of the UK population watching the Eurovision final in 2022, we made seventh on the list. However, given the enormous hype already growing around the contest this year, this may be set to change.

The most popular Eurovision winners by country

Eurovision has a rich history – the contest started way back in 1956 – and counts dozens of successful winners over the years who have gone on to great things.

We explored the most popular Eurovision-winning artists ever and broke these down by European country.

The overwhelming dominance of ABBA was, of course, to be expected. A huge 37/44 (84%) European countries we analysed search for the multi-award-winning Swedish pop sensation more often than any other Eurovision winner.

What is interesting, however, are the countries where ABBA was NOT the most popular.

France, for example, searches for French-Canadian Céline Dion 4.3 times more often than ABBA every month. Italian glam rock band Måneskin were found to be most popular in Russia and Belarus, with 2007 winner, Serbian Marija Šerifović taking the top spot for monthly searches in Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro.

In addition, our analysis showed that Irish singer and double Eurovision winner Johnny Logan is most popular in Belgium. Meanwhile Estonian Tanel Padar, 2001 winner, is the most searched in - unsurprisingly - Estonia.

The second most popular Eurovision winners by country

We also looked at the second most searched Eurovision-winning artist in each nation. This highlighted a far more mixed picture.

Overall, Måneskin take the crown for the second most searched artist in 15 European countries altogether. The band delivers a clean sweep across Scandinavia, with Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland all searching for the rockers more frequently than any other Eurovision winning artists aside from ABBA.

France again bucks the trend, with ABBA missing out on the first and second most-searched spot here. Instead, another French-speaking artist – France Gall – was found to be more popular than ABBA.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the second most searched artists in many countries are home-grown or share cultural similarities. For example, Italian Gigliola Cinquetti, who took home the contest in 1966, is second most searched in Italy. Likewise, Dutch 1969 winner Lenny Kuhr was the second most searched in the Netherlands, despite being relatively unknown on a global stage.

Research methodology

Using Ahrefs, we took the full list of artists from each participating country and analysed search data (via Google) and streaming volume (via YouTube) across all countries. We also analysed the full list of all previous Eurovision winners in each country in the same way.

We took Statista data and divided each country’s population by the number of viewers in 2022. All data is correct as of 26th April 2023.

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The 10 Best British Bands Of All Time

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 12:00:00 Z

Britain is a nation that’s proud of its rich musical history and heritage. Some of the world’s most iconic and universally recognised music has been recorded on our shores and still is today.

Music has been ingrained into British culture and identity since the beginning of time. But of course, everyone has their own opinion, so deciding on a top 10 is no easy task.

However, we’ve given it a go. We rank the 10 best British bands of all time.

10. The Stone Roses

How could we not kick things off with a bit of ‘Madchester’ magic?

The Roses’ eponymous debut album is often considered one of the best and most influential British records ever. It’s almost impossible to go on a night out in Manchester and not hear some of the classic tracks from this album, such as ‘I am the Resurrection’ or ‘She Bangs the Drums’.

It’s guitar music you can dance to – and if you’ve never heard ‘Fools Gold’, then you’ve probably been living on Mars.

Did you know?

Roses singer Ian Brown started his music career as a bass player.

9. Fleetwood Mac

Okay – we know the Mac are technically ‘British-American’, but that means we can still include them.

Formed in London in the late 60s, Fleetwood Mac have certainly stood the test of time.

Their music is still listened to worldwide – in fact, the iconic 1977 album Rumours is owned by a staggering one in six households in the US.

A fair few of the band’s members have come and gone from either side of the pond over the years, but that hasn’t bothered fans. Although now in their 70s, the present line-up is still more than capable of pulling in a crowd and putting on a show.

Did you know?

The pair of ‘balls’ Mick Fleetwood wears on the Rumours album cover are actually stolen toilet chains that he wore for good luck.

8. Queen

Famously fronted by the legendary Freddie Mercury in their heyday, Queen are another band that have proved good music is timeless.

Back in the 80s, and Queen were one of the biggest stadium bands on the planet. Decades later, their influence is still felt.

Bohemian Rhapsody is the third biggest-selling UK single of all time and was the title of the award-winning 2018 Freddy Mercury biopic of the same name.

Did you know?

Guitarist Brian May has a degree in astrophysics from Imperial College London. He began studying for it in 1971 and finished in 2007 after ‘pausing’ his studies to concentrate on music.

7. Led Zeppelin

As well as having an awesome name, Led Zeppelin also produced some pretty awesome music in their day.

Their unique, heavy, but blues-inspired style made them pioneers of the hard rock and heavy metal movements in the 70s, with many bands citing them as a major influence.

In the band’s early days, it wasn’t unusual for live performances to last for up to four hours, such was their energy and ability to improvise. Now that’s value for money!

Did you know?

Frontman Robert Plant recorded the vocals to the band’s 1976 album Presence while in a wheelchair recovering from a motorcycle accident.

6. The Who

The Who are without doubt one of the 20^th century’s most influential bands. Their performance at Woodstock in 1969 also propelled their reputation as one of the greatest live rock acts.

Integral to mod culture, The Who were also major influences on British film and fashion. If you’ve never watched Quadrophenia, you should.

The band’s guitar-smashing incident at Harrow’s Railway Hotel in 1964 was also included in Rolling Stone magazine’s ‘50 Moments That Changed the History of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ list.

Did you know?

Frontman Roger Daltrey played Mickey Dunn in season 7 of American crime drama CSI.

5. The Rolling Stones

Inspired by blues and early rock and roll, the Rolling Stones were at the forefront of the British Invasion in the mid-60s, which saw British contemporary music become popular in the US for the first time.

The band’s songs ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’, ‘Paint It Black’, and ‘Get Off of My Cloud’ shot to number one in the UK, North America, Australia, and Europe.

Although now in his late seventies, Mick Jagger is still one of the greatest frontmen of all time and will continue to influence music in Britain and around the world for decades to come.

(You’ve heard ‘Moves like Jagger’ by Maroon 5, right?)

Did you know?

The band’s iconic ‘Tongue and Lips’ logo is inspired by Kali, the Hindu goddess of energy and empowerment.

4. The Jam

You could say The Jam is the epitome of British music. The sound, the image, the attitude – everything.

Considering the band’s frontman Paul Weller is still affectionately known as the Modfather years after its split, you know it represented something pretty special.

The Jam’s ‘angry young man’ attitude combined with their smart taste in suits meant they were the perfect contrast. And if you’re off to a disco, you could well hear ‘Town Called Malice’ at some point.

Did you know?

The hit ‘Down in the Tube Station at Midnight’ almost didn’t make it onto the band’s 1978 album All Mod Cons. In fact, Paul Weller threw the tape in the bin at the recording studio.

3. Oasis

One of the biggest and best-selling bands of the 90s, Oasis are still deemed one of the greatest all-time British acts today.

The rocky relationship between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher added a dynamism to Oasis that very few other bands have had – with many fans still hoping for a future reunion.

Songs about being young, getting drunk, and having lasagne for tea earned 1994’s Definitely Maybe the record of fastest-selling debut album in British music history. When the band headlined Knebworth two years later, more than 4% of the British population applied for tickets.

As for Wonderwall – is there anyone on Earth that hasn’t heard it?

Did you know?

Film director Danny Boyle approached Oasis to produce the soundtrack for his classic 1996 film, Trainspotting. However, Noel Gallagher turned down the offer, as he thought the film would be about actual trains.

2. The Smiths

Another band hailing from the cobbles of Manchester, The Smiths are regarded as one of the most important and culturally significant groups ever.

Morrissey’s often bleak, dour lyrics about mundane life and unrequited love were the perfect juxtaposition with Johnny Marr’s jangly, melodic guitar riffs.

The 1985 album Meat is Murder went to number one in the UK charts, and was ranked number 295 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Salford Lads Club is a tourist attraction today, thanks to the band’s famous promo shots taken standing in front of the doorway.

Did you know?

The backing vocals on the band’s 1986 single Bigmouth Strikes Again were credited to female vocalist Ann Coates. However, Ann Coates is a fictional character made up by the band, whose name was derived from Ancoats, an inner-city area of Manchester. The vocals were actually sung by Morrissey himself.

1. The Beatles

John, Paul, George, Ringo. Say those four names in that order, and people know exactly who you’re talking about – even without the surnames.

Whether you like The Beatles or not, you can’t deny them the accolade of the biggest and most influential band of all time. And we mean globally, not just here in Britain.

The four lads from Liverpool were pioneers in recording, songwriting, and artistic presentation in the 1960s and beyond. You could say they completely revolutionised the music industry forever.

The voice and image of the late, great John Lennon is recognised the world over, and many of the bands in this top 10 would never have existed without The Beatles going before them.

Did you know?

The Beatles’ song Yesterday was originally called Scrambled Eggs.

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The best small music venues in London

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 12:00:00 Z

Our capital has one of the most vibrant, diverse and thriving live music scenes in the UK. It was no small task to decide on the best, but here are our picks.

The Old Blue Last

38 Great Eastern Street, Hackney, London, EC2A 3ES

The Old Blue Last is a 300-year-old former pub turned brothel turned 150-capacity music venue (and pub again). Rumour has it Shakespeare used to knock about here in his day too. It’s headed up by VICE magazine, which is fitting given both the venue and publication’s infamy, and situated next-door to their offices in Shoreditch.

Since VICE acquired the venue it’s booked every artist you’ve buzzed about in the last 15 years. Counter-cultural icons like Death Grips, Anti-Flag and Slaves have played here, the latter of whom must have performed over 20 times – one particularly unforgettable occasion being their release party for the album Acts of Fear and Love.

The venue has even seen Kylie Minogue pass through (because of course it has) – and secured its legacy in the form of a gold can of eponymous proprietary lager.

In an act tantamount to a kind of bizarre public service, tickets to shows are regularly free. Make sure you turn up early though, because it’s clear what The Old Blue Last loses in ticket revenue it gains in a guaranteed full house.

The Old Blue Last is unapologetically a VICE creation and unapologetically a Shoreditch pub, but if you’re open to the experience and able to tap into the spirit of the place, you could very well have the night of your life here.

The Dublin Castle

94 Parkway, Camden Town, London, NW1 7AN

The Dublin Castle was initially one of four Camden pubs named after castles scattered throughout the UK. Each pub emerged so that Irish, Scottish, English and Welsh canal labourers could be kept apart – a strategy deployed by their employers to prevent them getting into fights with each other.

With its history dating back to 1856 when it hosted traditional Irish music, the Dublin Castle is perhaps one of the earliest prototypes of the classic pub-venue now found all over the British Isles.

From the 1970s onwards, this 200-capacity venue came to cultural prominence for its contributions to British pop and rock. Madness formed (and played their first gig) at the Dublin Castle – a feat lead-singer Suggs claims was only possible by posing as a jazz band. Regardless, the floor filled week after week and the owner gave them a residency, propelling their career forward. Madness even filmed their video for ‘My Girl’ at the venue and returned in 2017 to celebrate the approval of their request to award the Dublin Castle a Musical Heritage Award.

Other ground-breaking acts for whom the Dublin Castle was a proving ground include Blur, The Libertines, and crucially, Amy Winehouse – who was a bartender here prior to her generation-defining rise to fame.

Though steeped in musical legacy, the Dublin Castle’s modern significance is unceasing even today. It’s still known as a place to discover bands before they hit it big, or headliners for secret warm-up gigs before they set off on tour. There are multiple live performances every night, late-night DJs on weekends, and a weekly jam night – so if you’re based in the capital and haven’t been yet, definitely check it out.

93 Feet East

150 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London, E1 6QL

93 Feet East first opened in 1999 and proved instrumental in the development of the Brick Lane and East London club scene, with legendary nights like Circuit, FUSE and Secretsundaze locking down the session weekend after weekend.

The venue closed for a while but reopened its doors in early 2018 following a refurbishment, ready to revitalise London rave culture for the next generation with a state-of-the-art D&B sound-system thrown in.

93 Feet East now hosts renowned resident club nights like Paradise Alley and Belong. More than just turning up and spinning their tunes every week, the people behind these events entirely reimagine the décor and layout of the venue, imprinting their identity on it and curating all aspects of the experience.

The versatility of 93 Feet East has seen it draw brand takeovers by Dazed & Confused, PlayStation and Twitter. It features a cobbled and string-light-lit courtyard and its utilitarian indoor space is characterised by Béton brut walls and pillars, a neon light installation, exposed ducting overhead and parquet flooring, giving it the feel of something between a mill, an assembly hall, and a gallery.

Radiohead, Groove Armada, Frank Turner and some of the most celebrated house DJs in the world have all performed here – and continue to. Live events tend to start in the afternoon and run into the early hours, so remember to bring your stamina when dropping by.

Village Underground

54 Holywell Lane, Hackney, London, EC2A 3PQ

Village Underground is a result of the vision and DIY spirit of founder Auro Foxcroft and his team. It took 12 months of perseverance to turn the former dilapidated car garage into the 1000-capacity venue and multidisciplinary art space is it today. There was also that particularly long day it took to move four disused train carriages onto the venue’s roof.

These former Jubilee-line carriages are now community workspaces and home to sixteen professional creative residents ranging from photographers, writers, directors, animators, to designers and life-coaches.

As with everything at Village Underground, even its most iconic moments were self-made. There was the secret live show with Pixies and the time the roof panels were removed during a Four Tet performance and bathed the rave room in sunlight. Then there’s the time Drake gate-crashed a Skepta show. The venue has such palpable eccentricity that these types of encounters feel inevitable.

Other artists who’ve performed or are due to perform here include TNGHT, Tierra Whack, Hot Chip, Charlie XCX, Diplo and The Glitch Mob. As for genre, Village Underground primarily host grime nights, cutting-edge hip hop and electronic acts, cult favourites from the not too distant past and the odd proggy guitar band.

If you want to experience true creative independence, Village Underground will immerse you in it. To see how it all came together, check out this mini documentary:

Shacklewell Arms

71 Shacklewell Lane, Hackney Downs, London, E8 2EB

As with most places of cultural significance, the Shacklewell Arms’ reputation isn’t derived from its bricks and mortar, but what goes on inside it. Airs and graces are left at the door and what remains is an untouched, gritty place for music.

You can’t brand authenticity and the Shacklewell Arms holds fast against the encroaching trendiness of nearby Shoreditch. Indie bands caught onto this when the same wave came for Camden and now, they find sanctuary in the Shacklewell.

The events calendar is largely made up of international and national garage rock, shoegaze and post-punk. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, The Horrors and Girl Band are among the acts to fill its 200-capacity back room. Front of house, Shacklewell operates pretty much like a regular pub, with the addition of the Rockdollar-operated kitchen offering stacked hotdogs and burgers.

The Shacklewell has fast grown into a small music venue known as the place to be to catch gigs from innovators in their early days. The gaps between performances from larger touring artists are punctuated by exciting underground bands, and entrance to these is often free. If you like your gigs rowdy and your beer sloshing, the Shacklewell Arms is where you want to be.

The Lexington

96-98 Pentonville Road, Islington, London, N1 9JB

The Lexington proudly stands on the corner of Penton Street and Pentonville Road in Islington. As a small music venue it offers something more refined than just four walls, a roof and a PA system. The wood panelling, baroque drawing-room furniture, ambient wall lamps and pleated curtains feel like a warm hug on the way in.

It might be the only small music venue in London with an events calendar as appetising as its food and drinks menu. The downstairs lounge offers award-winning, gourmet pub grub alongside craft beers and a carefully curated selection of bourbon whiskies – and as you move upstairs for the live shows and club nights, the staircase walls are plastered with overlapping gig posters, letting you know you’re heading in the right direction.

The venue is open from midday until at least 2am every day of the week (stretching to 4am on weekends). It usually features a DJ playing anything from krautrock to sixties psych, modern indie or hip hop, or bands in the flesh.

Over the past 12 months, British Sea Power, The Heavy, Black Pumas, Damo Suzuki (of Can), Fat White Family and Fontaines D.C. have performed here, with more innovators lined up for 2020.

The Lexington is a jewel in the crown of North London, so don’t pass it by.

The 100 Club

Century House, 100 Oxford St, Fitzrovia, London, W1D 1LL

We don’t think the city of London would forgive us if we didn’t include the 100 Club. Active since 1942, the 350-capacity Oxford Street venue has been at the centre of every major cultural and musical movement in the UK, including jazz, blues, punk, indie and beyond.

It began with British and American artists performing under air raids in the ‘40s. Many of the American artists were jazz musicians back home but found themselves stationed in the UK during World War II. This laid the groundwork for the 100 Club’s international renown and even attracted the ear of Billie Holliday, who came to see Scotland’s own Alex Welsh Band perform here.

Over the next couple of decades, the club saw performances from Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, BB King and Bo Diddly, as well as homegrown blues exports like Rod Stewart and The Animals. Later, the 100 Club secured its position in the history of punk, as it hosted a line-up of the Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Subway Sect and the Vibrators on a single night – all of whom were unsigned at the time.

Lesser venues could build their entire mythology around any one of these claims, but the 100 Club is a monolith, having borne witness to them all – and then some. A book was even released telling the stories of its patrons and performers, as testament to its inexhaustible history.

Far from coasting on former glories though, hard-won though they are, the 100 Club continues to be an indispensable figure in London’s ultra-competitive nightlife landscape.

Nowadays, the club’s bookings run the gamut of seasoned and critically acclaimed artists like Slaves, JPEGMAFIA, Sleaford Mods and Paul Weller. It’s also the venue of choice for high-profile secret gigs, perhaps the most memorable of which was the time Queens of the Stone Age performed the songs from Era Vulgaris at the peak of their popularity.

Rare appearances, as it turns out, aren’t all that rare at the 100 Club either. Odd Future and Tyler The Creator hosted a pop-up shop in 2014 just a couple of months before Theresa May banned him from returning to the UK – a ban that was only lifted in October 2019.

The 100 Club revels in its history, but it continues to make it to this day.

For a full map of the small music venues in London – including those that’ve sadly closed over the years – take a look at our Small Venues Index.

The history of the acoustic guitar

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 12:00:00 Z

The history of the acoustic guitar stretches back further than you might think. We look at the story of this iconic instrument, which has undergone various transformations through the years…

Ancient beginnings

The acoustic guitar can be traced back to the Uruk period between 3500BC and 3200BC and an engraving on a small round cylinder.

The engraving, from the region of Mesopotamia in Iraq, depicts a woman playing the oud – a fretless, short-neck, plucked lute which was popular in Arabic culture at the time.

This engraving has since been acquired by Dr. Dominique Collon and is housed at the British Museum in London.

The Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Persians were among the chief pioneers of stringed instruments. In fact, the oldest surviving guitar-like instrument is a tanbur from Egypt, dating back to circa 1500 BC. This instrument is a fretted lute with three strings, a long neck and a pear-shaped sound box.

It was owned by a court singer by the name of Har-Mose, who sang for the Egyptian queen Hatshepsut. You can see the sacred ancient artefact for yourself at the Archaeological Museum in Cairo.

Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire

By around 700 BC, the kithara had become prominent in ancient Greece. This instrument sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because it is.

The word ‘guitar’ is believed to originate from the ancient Greek word ‘kithara’ and this instrument shares much of its successor’s characteristics.

An instrument of the lyre family, the kithara was made up of seven strings of equal length and a wooden body, usually with a flat base. It had a wooden soundboard and its body was made of two tables connected by ribs.

To play this instrument, a kithara player would hold it upright, typically stroking the “plektron” (pick) across the strings using their right hand and muting the silent strings with their left hand.

The kithara was typically played by professional musicians and became a staple of Greek public performances by the end of the 7^th century BC. It would also play a crucial role in the creation of the lute (more on that later).

Sometime around 40 AD, the Romans entered Spain (or Hispania as it was known back then) – and brought the kithara with them. Henceforth, the kithara became synonymous with Western European culture.

The Middle Ages

This was another key period in the development of the modern-day acoustic guitar – and once again, Spain was at the centre of this development.

The Moors, a nomadic people from North Africa, invaded Spain in 711 AD (which marked the start of the Moorish Invasion). They brought their ouds with them and as a result, a crucial breakthrough was made.

The Europeans combined the characteristics of the oud and cithara, adding frets to the oud and calling it a “lute”. This is simply an amalgamation of the Arabic word “Al’ud” (literally “the wood”) and the Spanish name “laud”.

With this development, the fretboard – a key feature of the modern-day acoustic guitar – was born.

The Moorish oud and European lute had striking similarities to the modern-day acoustic guitar:

Both are stringed instruments which need to be plucked or strummed by hand to create a sound.
Both include a hollow box which helps produce and amplify said sound.

The lute grew in popularity throughout the Middle Ages. A few centuries later, it would inspire the vihuela – an instrument which played a peripheral role in the development of the acoustic guitar.

The Renaissance period

A notable date of the Renaissance period in the acoustic guitar’s development is 1488, when the Heidelberger Totentanz was published. This German book contains 38 prints by an unknown author, each of which depict the figure of death holding stringed instruments of the time. These include the lute, vielle and renaissance guitar.

Two renaissance guitars feature in a set of illustrations from the book, which confirm the instrument’s existence in 1488. It wouldn’t properly emerge until the 16^th century, however.

Around this time, a fretted and plucked Spanish string instrument containing five or six doubled strings was starting to come to the fore. This instrument was called the vihuela – or vihuela de mano – which was essentially a flat-backed version of the lute.

It first rose to prominence in the Kingdom of Aragon, north-eastern Iberia, and was played primarily by the aristocracy. Like a large guitar, it had six or seven double courses of strings. It was tuned like the lute – G–C–F–A–D–G – and was the earliest string instrument relating directly to the modern acoustic guitar.

The vihuela came in three forms:

Vihuela de mano: 5 or 6 courses played with the fingers
Vihuela de penola: Played with a plectrum
Vihuela de arco: Played with a bow (ancestor of the viola da gamba)

The vihuela was commonly played in Spain, Portugal and Italy and reached the peak of its popularity in the mid to late 16^th century. By the late 16^th century, though, its usage has declined. However, it would evolve into the baroque guitar – and the classical guitar shortly after.

The Classical period

Arguably the most poignant period of musical history, the Classical period was a golden age for the guitar.

During the Baroque period from 1600 and 1750, 5-course guitars were the norm. However, come the late 18^th century, these were abandoned in favour of 6-course guitars (soon, these too would be abandoned, in favour of their 6-string counterparts).

Between 1730 and 1820, a new generation of guitar composers and performers became stars of the time – most notably in Spain. Dionisio Aguado y García and Fernando Sor were among the foremost guitarists of the Classical period and the pair were close friends.

Aguado popularised the use of fingernails when playing the guitar and invented the tripodison, an accessory used to hold the guitar instead of letting it rest on the leg.

Sor was known for his unorthodox playing style – unlike his peers, he rarely used the ring finger of his plucking hand. Instead, he opted to use the thumb, index, and middle fingers of his right hand. Sor also composed numerous arrangements for the opera, orchestra and ballet – including Introduction and Variations on a Theme by Mozart.

Sor, who is widely regarded as the best guitarist of the Classical period, passed away in 1839. Little over 10 years after his passing, a key breakthrough was made.

The Romantic period

Around 1850, a Spanish guitar maker called Antonio Torres Jurado began to transform the guitar’s structure. He owned a guitar shop in Seville, where he constructed his own guitars. From here, he made several crucial alterations.

Firstly, he increased the size of the guitar’s body to increase its volume. He also fitted it with lighter, thinner and larger soundboards which were arched in both directions.

Arguably the most important alteration Torres made to the acoustic guitar was the invention of the fan-braced pattern. This is the series of wooden struts needed to reinforce the soundboard, support the tension of the strings and prevent the instrument from collapsing under tension. They’re also an important factor in how a guitar sounds.

Torres produced a series of guitars from his Seville workshops, some of which were played by such renowned musicians as Francisco Tárrega and Miguel Llobet.

Due to his innovation and enterprise, Torres is considered the most important inventor in the history of the acoustic guitar.

Another key guitar innovator from the Romantic period is Christian Frederick Martin. He is best known for establishing the C. F. Martin & Company, a leading guitar manufacturing company from New York which is still in operation six generations later.

Martin, a German-born American, established C.F. Martin & Company in 1833. Around a decade later, between 1842 and 1843, he created what is believed to be the world’s first X-braced guitar (a video visualising Martin’s revolutionary X-bracing method is below).

This bracing method would help withstand the tension created by steel strings, which eventually became a prominent feature of the acoustic guitar in the early 20^th century.

The early to mid-20^th century

In 1902, American luthier Orville H. Gibson founded a company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This company is known today as Gibson Brands Inc. and is one of the world’s most famous acoustic guitar manufacturers.

Gibson is credited with creating the archtop guitar, which redefined volume, tone and vibration. The archtop guitar had violin-like sound holes, an adjustable bridge and a curved body. These features enabled it to vibrate freely and produce a louder sound. It’s little surprise, therefore, that it was later adopted by jazz, country and swing musicians.

By the early 1920’s, C.F. Martin & Company had begun focusing its production on steel string guitars. These produced crisper and clearer sounds, while also enabling banjo players playing the then-popular style of country music to switch over without discomfort. The X-brace subsequently became the industry standard for the steel string acoustic guitar (for the reason given above).

Later that decade, in 1927, John Dopyera invented the resonator guitar. This was designed to project enough volume to play alongside banjos and other instruments in the rhythm section. This was then adapted and recreated through The Selmer Guitar, a French instrument developed by Selmer-Maccaferri in the early 1930s.

These developments went a long way towards improve the acoustic guitar’s loudness issues in live performance- as did the invention of the electro-acoustic guitar. Electric guitars began to take off in the 1950’s and during this decade, the Gibson J-160E was invented.

The 1960s and beyond

Believed to be one of the world’s first electro-acoustic guitars, the Gibson J-160E became one of the faces of 1960’s rock n’ roll.

It was made famous by the Beatles’ television appearances and is the only guitar to feature on every one of the Fab Four’s albums. Here it is in action in the music video for ‘This Boy’…

Between the 1960’s and 1980’s, acoustic guitar amplification reached unprecedented levels thanks to advances in design and technology.

At the start of this period, many artists simply pointed a microphone between the guitar’s neck and body for live performances. However, this often resulted in feedback issues and problems picking up sound.

To counteract this, guitar manufacturer Oviation created a ‘parabolic’ or ’rounded’ back made from a glass fibre-like material in the 1960’s. This greatly reduced feedback, enabling greater amplification of the acoustic guitar.

Oviation was once again at the centre of innovation in the 1970’s, when it developed thinner soundboards to further increase the acoustic guitar’s volume and reduce feedback when it was mic’d up. The company also put a piezoelectric pickup in the guitar’s saddle to increase sound quality.

Over in Japan, Takamine made major strides during the 1980s. The company pioneered the use of an active acoustic pickup, which featured an onboard preamp and sliding EQ controls. It also created both passive and active acoustic guitar pickups which could be tailored to different instruments and applications.

The world of acoustic guitar amplification continues to excel today, as companies like LR Baggs, Fishman, and DiMarzio continue to bring innovative technology to the market. Check out this demo of the L.R. Baggs Anthem Acoustic Guitar Pickup to see this technology for yourself…

The Top 10 Tips For Bands Playing At Festivals

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 12:00:00 Z

Festival season is in full swing and, if you’re in a band, these next few months present the opportunity of a lifetime. However, there are some key points to bear in mind if you want to grab this opportunity with both hands.

Mason Hill, an award-winning hard rock band from Scotland and Insure4Music policyholders, know this as well as anyone. Over the years, the band has performed at such festivals as Download, Steelhouse, TRNSMT and Planet Rockstock, among many others.

Craig McFetridge, the band’s drummer, gives us his top 10 tips for bands playing at festivals this summer.

Choosing a setlist

Working out which songs you play depends on who your audience is. If you’re performing at a festival you’ve not played at before, in front of a new audience, then you’ll play your ‘hits’ which will go down the best.

However, if you’re playing a headline show in your hometown, then maybe you’ll throw in a couple of newer, more obscure tracks.

Most festival setlists are pretty short – usually between half an hour and 45 minutes if you’re a lesser-known band – so you’ll most likely play your most well-known songs.

However, it varies from festival to festival – when we played Steelhouse, we were on for an hour. It really depends on the terms and conditions that you agree with your booker.

Rehearsing

Every band has different approaches to rehearsing before a festival. We usually book a club gig the night before we’re due to play at a festival, which is a great way of warming up and getting into the zone.

It’s vital not to over or under rehearse before a festival – it’s a balancing act. You can batter it for weeks and weeks to perfect your songs, but you’ll never get the same vibe as you do when you’re on stage.

That’s why I like our approach of playing a couple of smaller shows because they really help us get into the mindset of playing live before we perform at festivals.

Setting up

The bigger festivals are usually much more methodical than smaller festivals. Quite often, the bigger festivals have these things called rolling risers, which are basically stages on wheels.

This means I can set up my kit behind the curtain and a sound technician will roll my kit onto the stage once the band that’s on before us has finished.

This facility is available at a lot of major festivals and it takes a lot of the stress out of getting set up. However, if it’s not available, you need to be ready to run on stage and get set up as quickly as possible.

Usually, it’s a 15-minute changeover if you’re lucky. We’ve played festivals before where we’ve been given five minutes to set up from scratch, so speed is everything. The last thing you want to do is cut into another band’s set time!

Playing live

It sounds obvious, but just be yourselves and believe in what you’re about. That’s all you can do, and people will either take to it or they won’t. Try and be the best band of the day and leave a mark on people for the right reasons.

Playing at a festival is always a nerve-wracking experience – and should be. You don’t want to go in overconfident, because this can backfire, especially when you’re playing smaller shows.

Ironically, the smaller festivals are more nerve-wracking than the bigger ones. You can see people’s faces in the smaller venues and if you see someone yawning you start thinking ‘What have I done wrong?’! We’ve learnt not to overthink stuff like that and just keep doing what we’re doing.

Socialising with fans

If you’re able to stay behind and chat to your fans after you’ve played live, that goes a long way.

I’d like to think that we’re good at socialising with fans after gigs. We like to stay behind at the bar and chat to them whenever we can. Sometimes we’ll have a live show the next day and we’ll have a 300-mile trip to make, so it’s not always possible, but if we can talk to our fans afterwards, we will.

You meet some characters when you’re a touring band, that’s for sure! We’ve been lucky to hang out with some great people at festivals over the years, which is definitely one of the highlights of being a musician.

Networking with other musicians

You need to network with other bands at festivals, especially the other ones in your scene, because these people will often become your mates.

If there’s a band you like that’s on the same bill as you, it puts a smile on your face and you have a great time playing there.

There’s a band called Massive Wagons who we’ve become good friends with over the years, and we got to know them because they played at the same festivals as us.

Festivals not only help you make new friends within your scene; they create loads of future gigging opportunities. We became friends with a band called Stone Broken by chatting to them at festivals, and we’ve supported them several times, so networking is essential.

Protecting your equipment

Watch your gear like a hawk. Never leave it lying around unattended, because you don’t know who’s lurking nearby.

We once turned up to a festival and as soon as we got there, we were told that someone was going around stealing people’s equipment. That didn’t exactly put our minds at ease!

It’s just a matter of being cautious and having common sense, though. Festivals will usually have a safeguarded area where you can store your equipment and lock it away.

If you’re staying in a hotel and you’re unloading from a van, take as much equipment as you can into your rooms.

We mark all of our cases with Mason Hill labels and coloured tape. This helps us identify our equipment, which is helpful considering how much of it we take with us on tour.

Getting insured

Having insurance is so important, especially if you’re playing live. My advice to other bands would be, don’t leave it to chance. You’ll be wishing you had it if something happens to your equipment, or you accidentally cause injury or damage.

I know bands that have had their vans broken in to and all their gear taken, bands that have accidentally smashed their guitar – all sorts of things can happen.

Rain can be a problem for me, as a drummer. Sometimes we’ll play at festivals where we’re not completely covered, and if rain hits my drum set, it can get rusty if it’s not dried properly.

Thankfully I’ve not had any major issues with this, but I know drummers that have, and they’ve needed swift replacements for their next gig.

Amps can also get damaged easily when you’re playing festivals. If they’re omitting 12 Volts of electricity and rain gets into them, they’re going to get damaged.

When you think of how often stuff like this can happen, it proves that you need insurance if you’re playing regular gigs.

We couldn’t have put it better ourselves! Many thanks to Craig for his insights!

If, like Mason Hill, you’re playing at any festivals, you need specialist music insurance.

At Insure4Music, we provide a range of specialist cover for bands, including Public Liability (which most venues will ask you for proof of before even allowing you to play live) and Equipment Cover.

Find out how our cover can give you peace of mind by clicking on the link above, or get an instant online quote with us today!

The Most Important Warm Up Exercises For Singers

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 12:00:00 Z

Your vocal cords are your most important attribute if you’re a singer. Therefore, it’s vital you maintain a healthy voice box in the same way an athlete maintains a healthy body.

As every singer knows, warm up exercises are a must in order to stop your vocal cords from becoming rusty and ruining a performance, particularly if you’re performing at an important event.

With that in mind, we’ve selected some of the most important warm up exercises for singers, covering everything from breath management to vocal articulation. Check out our list below…

Hiss Exhales

The hiss exhale should be a mainstay in every singing warm up exercise routine. It’s a tried and tested method designed to help you control the amount of air you exhale while singing. Additionally, it helps ensure your breath is coming from your diaphragm, not your neck or chest.

To begin, inhale as deeply as you can, though not to the point of discomfort. Then, exhale through your teeth to hiss as slowly as possible, all the time controlling the rate your breath leaves your mouth.

Count it out. Try to make the breath last 15 seconds, then 30 seconds. Challenge yourself and see how long you can make it last.

This exercise will increase your vocal agility, prevents over-exhalation, and minimises vocal strain, making your singing more measured. It’ll also relax your body to sing ahead of a performance, much like stretching does for a gymnast.

Lip Trills

Next on our list of the best singing warm up exercises is the lip trill. Building on hiss exhales, lip trills further hone the skill of mindful breathing, while adding some tone on top.

To perform this exercise, start with your lips loosely placed together – not wide open or tightly together. Then, blow air between your lips to make them vibrate, experimenting with consonant sounds, like “h” and “b.” You should achieve a steady bubbling or warbling “brrr” sound.

Again, hold the trill for as long as possible and aim for longer and longer times. It’s also useful to practise humming a simple melody in this way to get a feel for timing out your breath in a musical context.

This exercise essentially breaks down the process of singing to its building blocks, enabling you to properly master the essential functions before moving on. Practising this way – as opposed to just singing – also stops you from overexerting your voice before you’ve even performed.

Sirens

Once you feel sufficiently in control of your breath timing, it’s time to flex your vocal range. This exercise prepares the vocal cords to smoothly hit those high and low notes, and everything in between.

Begin humming at the lowest note you can manage and slide up to the highest in one unbroken breath, then back down again. This not only tests the breadth of your vocal range, it also conditions your voice to seamlessly transition in the middle.

Perform as many of these as it takes for you to consistently hit the limit of your range (without damaging your vocal cords, of course).

As you’ll know, there are often pockets of a singer’s register that are weaker than others and it isn’t simply a matter of being too high or too low. The siren exercise helps unify your vocal range and work it all equally, conditioning your voice to hit more problematic notes wherever they are.

Scales

At this point, your breathing should be in check, and your vocal range should be warmed up, so it’s time to work on pitch control by practising some scales. Scales are among the most important singing warm up exercises.

Most singers will practise ascending and descending scales with words such as “me” and “la” to test their vocal range before performing, starting and ending on a particular note. Like so…

Run through several scales this way, rising through your register. Practising this reinforces muscle memory around your vocal cords and harmonic associations in your brain, so once you’re singing without the piano, you should be pitch perfect.

More advanced singers may opt to perform this exercise a cappella and practise sight-reading scales unassisted, as with the solfege tradition. To begin with though, it’s always useful to match your pitch to a piano tone. This will guide you in tune and allow you to correct your pitch if it’s slightly off.

To transition without the piano, challenge yourself by trying to vocalise a scale after hearing only the tonic for reference.

Elocution

Although diction exercises are often associated with actors, newscasters, or anybody about to make a speech, they are just as useful for singers.

They’re particularly beneficial for musical theatre singers, as their voices need to project as well as communicate the story, often without a microphone.

Tongue twisters are a great and fun way to loosen your lips and tongue so you don’t fumble lines during your performance.

Some examples include:

She sells seashells on the seashore
Thistle sticks, sixty-six thousand and six thistle sticks
A synonym for cinnamon is a cinnamon synonym
Which witch whined when the wine was spilled on the wailing whale?
This black bug bled blue-black blood while the other black bug bled blue

Make sure you pronounce the nuanced sounds of each phrase, with clear distinction between similar consonant sounds. Repeat a sequence of tongue twisters to cover all the tricky areas like M and N, S and Sh, R and Th, W and Wh. Once you’re comfortable with each, you’ll be fully warmed up and ready for the stage!

You may want to try some of these exercises, too.

Specialist singers insurance from Insure4Music

As well as protecting your voice by following the above steps, you need to protect yourself through specialist insurance if you perform live.

Our specialist singers insurance includes Equipment cover in case your microphone or PA systems are lost, damaged or stolen, Public Liability (which is a legal requirement at most live venues) and much more. Find out about this cover by clicking the link above, or get an instant online quote with us today.

Carrying a guitar on an international flight

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:00:00 Z

Whether you’re a touring rock band or just enjoying a break, knowing how to carry guitar on an international flight is key!

Travelling presents all kinds of problems for a musician. This is especially apparent when boarding a plane, with many a guitar-playing flier disembarking at their destination only to find a crack or two in their precious axe.

If you don’t believe us check out Canadian band Sons of Maxwell’s famous rebuke of American Airlines from a few years ago...

Each airline and airport has different policies regarding the size and shape of instruments which can be carried on board or stored overhead and under a seat and you should always check with your airline if they will allow you to carry your instrument in the cabin before booking your tickets.

If not, here are a few tips on how to carry your guitar on an international flight:

#1 Loosen your strings

Altitude, air pressure and temperature can all play havoc with your guitar and having tightened strings can put an incredible strain on the instrument’s neck. Therefore always make sure you loosen the strings before flying. Some guitarists also recommend packing a humidifier alongside the guitar. The more you can keep a guitar comfortable during a flight the better.

#2 Pack your case carefully

It sounds obvious, but make sure there is no space in your guitar case after packing your guitar. Any empty areas increase the likelihood that your guitar will bash against the sides of the case so packing towels or clothes in any gaps should do the trick.

#3 Be polite to staff

A little peace, love and understanding can go a long way when you’re dealing with airport staff. Politely explain to the attendants how precious and expensive your guitar is and ask if there is anything that can be done to ensure its safety. When you’re doing this always keep your cool and get the staff on your side.

#4 Invest in a hard travel case

A good, sturdy travel case shouldn’t just be the preserve of a professional band and if you’re travelling regularly by air it’s worth investing some serious money to get that peace of mind when you’re flying. Casextreme is known as one of the best companies around, with the world-famous SKB also worth checking out.

#5 Check out Insure4Music

Insuring your musical instruments against loss provides the cover you need in case your instruments are lost in transit, on a plane for example, or are damaged beyond repair to the point where they are a “write off”.

Insure4Music’s specialist musical instrument insurance protect musicians and DJs from having to pay out for repairs or replacements should something happen to their equipment. Cover starts from as little as £25 per year and insures against a myriad of different aspects including theft, loss and damage of your equipment.

Most home insurance policies do not offer the cover musicians need, or take into account how instruments are used. Instruments and equipment are often not insured when taken away from the home, yet we understand that leaving your equipment at home 100% of the time is unrealistic, especially if you are a touring musician, a DJ or performance artist.

Check out our specialist equipment cover here