OK, I am not in a cover band, or any other kind of band. Hell, I don’t even play a musical instrument. But for many years I have been writing about music, and as a result I have met plenty of musicians, bands and solo artists including some that do or have performed in cover and tribute bands.
Andy Watson, author of a new book, ‘Total Cover Band Domination’ has been fronting a covers band for years so I reckon he knows his stuff. He has used his experience in putting together this great manual to help improve the chances of success for your covers or tribute band. Some of the advice might seem obvious; being polite and courteous for example. But in my own experience I find it surprising that there are still a number of people in the music industry that never seem to operate in a polite way.
Andy writes in a conversational and easy to read style and like some of the best text and management books ‘Total Cover Band Domination’ utilises white space really well. The book covers everything that you need to know as a covers or tribute band. From dealing with hecklers to insurance, via rehearsals and getting paid and so much more. I believe that there are plenty of lessons for bands in general here, not only covers and tribute bands. As a mobile DJ for more than thirty years (now retired) some of this advice resonated with me too. Particularly agreeing and confirming a fee and ensuring that you get paid on time.
Depending on where you are on your covers band journey you might not need to read this book from cover to cover. But Andy has designed it so that you can cherry pick the bits that matter to you. He has also included parts that relate to covers bands in Australia, Canada and the USA. I read this book while on holiday in Lanzarote and interestingly the hotel had a few musicians performing through the week, including an Abba covers duo called Abba Inferno. This was two talented singers (Grace and Georgia) singing to some well put together backing tracks, their dancing was spot on too. Anyway, maybe Abba Inferno could invest in Andy’s fine book, it might help them get to some bigger venues in the Canary Islands.
Bill Drummond and Jim Cauty (who many will know as the KLF, the JAMMs and the Timelords) once produced the now legendary book ‘The Manual (How to Have a Number One the Easy Way)’ back in 1988 It was a step-by-step guide to achieving a No. 1 single with no money or musical skills, and something the duo followed themselves to have huge success with the Timelords single “Doctorin’ the Tardis”. (A number 1 in the UK and New Zealand. If Cauty and Drummond pulled that off then I reckon Andy’s book will allow covers bands to achieve much higher levels of success. If you are in a covers or tribute band investing just a few quid (£19.95) in this book will be very much worthwhile.
Find out more about the book at ultimatesurvivalguides.com and to make it even easier for you click here to buy it directly from the site.
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