Artists:
Renegade Showcases
Tisch Meeks
AP: How has the economy affected your promotional efforts & live
events?
TM: One of our band mottos is luck is when opportunity meets
preparedness. We live virtually debt free (no credit cards), save,
plan and we are ready for times like these. What goes up, must come
down and the key is being ready and not relishing so much in
prosperous times that you forget that hard times may be around the
corner. We will tour more this year than ever before.
AP: Have costs increased over the past year?
TM: Airfare is at an all-time low. Now is a great time for air travel. A great way to tour is to network with bands in other areas and build a gig-swap relationship with them.
We have bands from all over the world come and stay in our home, we set up gigs, backline for them, and then the favor is returned. We are doing a 10-day tour in Germany in November as a result of this method. Our brother band in Germany will house us, set up gigs and backline for us. Basically, we are only responsible for airfare, food and drink.
AP: Will you be cutting back at SXSW this year in any way? If so, how?
TM: No, we will be playing as many shows as usual and we have
sponsor support as well as planning in advance...we have promotional
material on hand at all times. When we have extra money, we stock up
on promo supplies so that we are prepared for times when we don't have
money.
AP: As someone who’s only playing renegade events - do you think that unofficial showcases are disadvantaged because they’re not being promoted by the SXSW corp or by the Austin Chronicle?
TM: I think unofficial events are the way to go. Being a Texas band, the general consensus among most Texas artists is that many of us get overlooked by SXSW. Also, there is that dreaded "badge fee." Kids who are Spring Breaking in Austin for SXSW might not be able to afford a badge, but they can catch tons of great artists from all over the world for the low, low price of FREE at unofficial events like Red Gorilla Music Fest, Texas Rockfest, and Invasion of the GoGirls....all of which 3 Kisses will be performing at.
AP: Why go thru the effort & expense to showcase your acts when there's so much competition?
TM: That is the key!!! Persistence and maintaining a positive attitude at all time is what separates success from failure. We consider ourselves our biggest competition: Can we cope with adversity? Can we stay positive? Can we continue to work aggressively and make sacrifices for the passion that is our music? YES WE CAN!!!!
AP: What are the essential do's & don'ts?
TM: Do be persistent. Don't pester.
Do be gracious to the contacts you make. Don't take anyone
for granted - EVER.
Do treat other artists with respect. Don't have a big ego. Do be positive. Don't whine and make excuse. Do THANK everyone who helps you.
AP: How important do you think that location is to the success of the
event?
TM: The buzz is more important than the location. Put on a great showcase and "they will come."
AP: How important is the sound?
TM: As an artist, the sound is very important. You want to be at the top of your game. However, if there are sound issues, I think the best thing a band can do is roll with the unexpected and continue to have a good time on stage. Nothing freaks an audience out more than a band having a meltdown on stage.
AP: Are sponsors being more cautious in this economy?
TM:Our sponsors are doing as much for us as they always have. I think this is an extension of the above...companies who have planned for hard times are prepared. In fact, Jagermeister is printing new posters for us this very instant.
AP: If you could, would you prefer to be an official SXSW event?
TM: No, because I have seen so many bands bust their asses for an
official slot, only to be playing at a horrible time and maybe to 3-5
people in the room. I'd rather play an unofficial event to a packed
house. Many industry pros attend unofficial events, too.
AP: What are your tips for artists to make the most of their SXSW
showcase?
TM: Bring plenty of business cards, deliver a polished set, network like crazy, and most of all have fun! This business is too much work not to have an absolute blast everytime you set foot on a stage.
AP: Has the SXSW machine tried to hinder you?
TM: Yes, but "winners make things happen, losers make excses"....you just have to be creative and find a way to get what you want.
AP: Why is SXSW still important?
TM: They are setting a great example for DIY artists and industry alike to band together. SXSW tries to be a monopoly, but they can’t control it all. GoGirls, Texas Rockfest, Red Gorilla and Music Gorilla - I have relationships with these people and we have a mutual respect for one another. In the end, the music business is all about relationships. SXSW {organizers} seems to miss this point.
