The Rockstar's Guide: Recent Episodes
SYOK Podcast
Think you know everything there is to make it big in Malaysia's music scene? Think again! Darren Teh from An Honest Mistake brings you the ultimate guide to building your rockstar cred in this SYOK and HITZ original podcast.
Soundchecks are absolutely important. It is however, NOT A REHEARSAL. Let's discover the best ways to conduct a soundcheck and why we should be spot on.
Backing tracks. Everyone's using it. Use it to your advantage but not too much. In this episode, we discuss the beauty of tracks and what we really need to do with backing tracks. Some of these tips and tricks will bring you a long way.
There are other ways you can elevate your live shows. Not just gear but there are plenty of inexpensive ways you can create a memorable performance. Let's dive into this episode and find out 5 ways you can elevate your shows without adding gear.
Listening to your own voice can be weird but it'll help you be better in the long run. You gotta get used to how you sound like and that's the best way you can improve. The tiny details is what you can pay attention to. Make mistakes in the studio and at home before you hit the stage.
Being a true rockstar isn't about being glorified. It is giving the fans a time of their lives. And it is always about the audience. We discover some tips on how you can win your audience over at every gig.
In this episode, we listen to Dru Chen and SHYE from Singapore talk about their stories of success and what they did to get there. We talk about their challenges and how they overcame them as well as their brand new single, 'I'll Be Honest'.
One of the biggest challenge is funding when it comes to touring. How are you gonna get your money sorted out? What are some of the best ways to fund it? In this episode we find out 3 ways we can fund our tours and operate on a low budget.
Touring isn't always glamorous. There's a lot of non-musical things that you will need to do so here's what's up. In this episode, we uncover some of the challenges and things you'd need to do to prepare for touring.
If you're an indie artist or band, don't fear the word "branding." It's not selling out or becoming something you're not. It's not sacrificing your artistic integrity. It's simply a strategy that helps you tell a cohesive story. It includes your music, your look, and your story.
We send emails for work and just like music, it is work. We can't just send blank emails or incomplete emails. Emails play a role and it creates an impression. Let's jump in and find out quick tips on how we can write better emails.
Is it all about getting your track on a playlist? Is it the ultimate goal? The truth is, it isn't. That is just one step to getting your name out there. There's a lot more hard work that has to go on behind the scenes to really make your career work.
Wanna get booked? Want your radio on air? Get things in order. Quick and easy. In this episode, we discuss writing a good Electronic Press Kit and why every artists needs one.
Aren't our phones an extension to our arms in 2022? Funny how the person you're trying to reach can post stories on IG and reply your IG DMs but can't reply your WhatsApp messages right? Oh perhaps they'd reply a week later? Can someone be THAT popular that they can't reply? We discuss how important it is to be on the ball and in the game at all times. Because opportunities don't wait.
I'm an indie artist or an INDE-PENDENT artist? Many often get this mixed up. Indie is a genre of music while independent means you're totally free or self-dependent. No labels. No management. Nothing. Just pure music and business.
Media training - Probably a very foreign word to most artists, but it's a real thing. In this episode, we discuss what it really is, and how we can tap into this world. As indie artists, do we need media training?
What is the underground? Is there even such a thing now since it's 2022 and everything is available online? We discuss how to get yourself out of the rut, and how we can find success in our own little scenes.
Is gigging all that you can do as an artist? What about brand sponsorships and collabs? How do I even get brands to notice me? Is it as easy as sending them an email? In this episode with Farez Khan of Dangerdisko, joins us to find out how we can get brands to notice you as an artist and the road towards building a following.
We spoke about this previously in the last season but this time, you're going to hear it from the man himself. Navin Rishal is HITZ's music director and he will give you the lo-down of what really goes on behind the scenes on how to get your music on air.
Artist management. Yup. One of those things that artists who get it, get it and ones who don't think they're being robbed. More often than not, artists with management usually have things going a lot better. In this episode, we'll find out what does artist management entail? Do you still have a say? We'll find out all the nitty gritty with Dex Wong from The Linch Agency from Singapore who's worked with some of the top names in Singapore.
Is investing in your own backline really that important? How does that help in the long run? What happens when you get to a venue but nothing is set up? Do you flip the tables or do you wait patiently? We discuss soundcheck etiquette and overall etiquette working with multiple individuals at a venue.
Yeah you're a rockstar. You got all the power in the world; when you're on stage. But there's someone more powerful than you. Who, you may ask? The organizer. In this episode, we find out how respect goes both ways and to recognize who you're performing for.
Touring. Oh the glamour of going on tour! What does it take to actually go on a tour or to set a tour up? Is it as glamarous as it sounds or are only the good bits highlighted? Former band member from An Honest Mistake, Leonard Chua joins Darren to discuss the DIY nature of tours and what are some of the best practices.
How do I get into festivals? Who do I speak to? Is there a way for me to submit my music? These are some questions every artist would ask themselves so let's talk to the pros and find out how you, the artist can get into a festival. Tune into this episode as Adam Matthews of Plural Asia answers everything.
Still unclear about digital service providers? Aggregators? Unfamiliar with these terms? In this episode, Keith Tan from CDBABY SEA & Darren uncover and deconstruct everything so you, the artist, would have a clearer idea of what DSPs are and what they could do apart from putting your music up online.
How to play 300 shows a year? Can that actually be done here in Malaysia? It's all in the hustle. With Covid-19 destroying the entire year for live shows, how can you pivot and still make your presence known? We discuss online opportunities in this trying time.
I heard someone saying this, 'In 2020, if you don't know tech, you're dead' and I must agree. 2021 is an extended 2020. Everyone is online. Stuck at home with little mobility and little clarity to on-ground shows, how can you prepare yourself to get online? What are the items that you need? In this episode, we discover the basics on how you can get yourself ready for the online world in this Covid season; streaming.
Music conferences and showcase festivals is where it's at. Find out more about what these festivals have to offer and how you can be prepared in this episode.
Touring is the dream! But there's so many questions that need to be answered before going international. This episode, we find out what it takes to become 'international'
Shy about naming your price? Maybe it's time to work on your rate card. It makes things a whole lot easier. Imagine you're like food on a menu. Trust me, it'll help. We speak to Nadeem Salam from Skesh Entertainment, a worldwide concert promoter based in Malaysia.
Gigs are one of the best parts of music but scoring a gig… not so much. Sometimes it's all about the "people" you know, but who are these "people"? Let's hear it from Nadeem Salam who runs Skesh Entertainment.
Indie artists have always stayed away from major labels but with all the services available in the market, are labels even needed?
Artists often have difficulties with getting their songs played on radio, so let's find out what actually happens behind-the-scenes in radio.
Releasing your material in this day and age requires planning. Do you just put it out? Is there something else you could do to support it? Everything needs proper planning for a successful release. It's not just about having a good song. It's more than that.
Now you've got your song, how do you release it? Everything needs proper planning for a successful release. It's not just about having a good song. It's more than that.
I'm an artist! Yay! But am I really though? We talk about marketing and branding yourself as an artist. From writing your bio to forming your image.
So you've got a band together, now what? Explore the basics from band management, recording, touring to marketing in the very first episode.