Start Simple and Go From There
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It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
I’m not sure how, but I went down a rabbit hole of Michael Jackson (but more importantly his lyrics).
Today I had ear buds in and “Wanna Be Startin Something” came on a Spotify playlist I was consuming, and that’s when I realized two things.
It’s ONE Riff
This song has no chorus with different chords. It’s the same riff. You think, “Oh I bet another chord is coming, another progression, but you would be wrong.
It was one riff and it never stops except for the backups to shout “hee haw” and of course “Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-coo-sa” (Backing vocalist Oren Waters later recalled asking Jackson what the chant meant. Jackson reportedly replied: “It don’t mean nothing, just sing it!”). So again, it doesn’t have to be complicated. One riff.
Two: What did he say?
His scathing attack for the press who (as the song states) “Wanna be startin’ something” is to say (I swear I’m not making this up)
“ You’re a vegetable. Still they hate you. “
What Does This Have to do With Podcasting?
I see people on reddit wanting to start with a three camera shoot, full studio, lights, neon sign showing their show name, etc. I applaud wanting to make a good first impression.
I’ve also seen many people who started that way saying, “I got three cameras, backdrop, lights for sale” two months later.
Maybe you should start simple...
When I was a musician I would practice maybe 1-3 songs for an audition. I wouldn’t learn all 40 songs. I would audition so they could hear me, and I could also see if these are people I wanted to join. I didn’t waste time learning songs I would never play.
So maybe start audio only, or if you want to do video get a monopod and put your phone on it and get some wireless mics.
If It’s Working, Keep Doing It
The other things we learn here is that one riff does it’s job. It makes you want to shake your butt, bob your head, and sing along on the “Yeah yeah” parts. In other words, it works.
If your show is growing. If you are getting comments, emails or other proof of engagement do not change anything. Be patient, and keep doing what you’re doing.
Be Creative
Calling someone a vegetable is something I have never heard before or since.
So if you wanna be startin’ a podcast? (or a growth spurt?), you know where to find me.
Metallica Decides to Keep Their Audience
I feel there are powers at hand that want us to argue about everything.
Red vs Blue
Black Vs White
Men vs Women
Straight vs LGBTQ+
David Lee Roth vs Sammy Hagar
Maybe people consume your content to get away from all the arguing (obviously a political show, you know 50% of your potential audience hates you).
It seems people want every person, group, company to declare which whey they lean (again so we ca start the recreational outrage).
Is your podcast not growing as fast as you want? I’ve repackaged the “Podcast Hot Seat" (including a price change) and made it more ala cart. We all miss our own mistakes because we are too close to the content. Pull your car into the podcast garage, and let me take a peak at it. See www.fixmypodcast.com
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Amazing and only using 75% of his resources
I have always been a fan of Michaael Schnker as a guitar player (I’ve even seen him live). This song “Rock Bottom” is where Michael just takes off and does this thing. I watch this video to steel, borrow some riffs. Then I noticed this amazing solo is done with three fingers. His pinky finger is just sitting there saying, “Put me in coach” so if you’re a guitar play, you’ll be amazed. So podcasters? We all have our own style. It starts at 32:15
Row, Row, Row your Rower
I bought the Concept2 Rowing Machine (used) back in covid. The older I get the larger I get, and everything I read says rower is an efficient way to exercise as it works 86% of your muscles. I will say, it’s boring as yesterday’s toast. So I’m not looking at apps that make it little more fun.
Rode Just Introduced an Amaing Low Profile Mic Arm
While OC White is the stand ard for high quality mic arms, Rode just came out with the LPA1 Low Profile Mic arm, and it’s got some great features you just don’t see the $140ish price range.
What’s Coming In The Future
I’ve got an interview with Brian Cottington from Libsyn on YouTube thumbnails, and this week I’m talking editing as I throw myself under the bus after leaving a “Gabby” message on their voicemail.
I’m off to have dinner with a friend I haven’t seen in 15 years! Thank you for being a reader. Currently .29% percent are paying members. You can be a subscriber for less than $5 a month!
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