Blog | Leah Natale

0 Less Is More

LESS IS MORE

LESS IS NO MORE

What happened to the sayings “less is more” or “live simply so others can simply live”? As a musician and a human on this planet I have always prided myself in following these words of wisdom. Over the years I have also added my own version of these slogans, “Be simple -yet elegant”. My album cover is one example: it is modest with a basic black and white photo and a timeless font. My recordings follow this same model, they are rarely auto tuned or over produced, and I try to avoid elaborate beginnings and endings on my CDs.

Not only do I practice this motto in music, I also attempt live by these words. I don’t drive a fancy car and by some standards my home is minimalistic.

For the first time in years my philosophy is being challenged. This year I have been trying to accelerate my career and everywhere I turn, I find myself struggling with the conflict of practicing simplicity while trying to promote my music. For example, if I want to advertise a show or CD on Facebook, I’m told I must BE LOUD! Meaning I should post something everyday to show up on friends and fan’s news feeds. The other day I found myself taking a photo of the quote on my tea bag just so I could show up on Facebook feeds. As I pressed the post button I shook my head, realizing I am now officially one of those annoying Facebook inspirational quote people. The scary part was, I then found myself scheming how I could dress up my cat up and have him dance in my next music video – or my MEOW-sic video. What is happening to my morals?

Where is the dignity?

Another area where I was told to be loud was when soliciting gigs for my band. I was told that when I contacted a music venue, I shouldn’t expect a response until I have made contact with them four times. Four times?! Isn’t that called harassment? Won’t they obtain a restraining order against me?

What I have learned through this self-promotion journey is that until I have an abundance of music gigs, CD sales and Facebook fans, I’m going to have to give up my principals.

Less is no more and it’s time to GET LOUD! …..Here kitty kitty.

0 What Are You Doing NYE?

Happy New Year!

What an amazing year this has been. Thank you for your support. Hope to see you at a show soon.

Please enjoy this video recorded live with Del Ray on ukelele and Cary Black on Bass.

0 Thanksgiving Jazz Playlist

Back by popular demand, please enjoy my Thanksgiving Jazz playlist on Spotify* . This compilation is perfect for background music during your holiday dinner or while enjoying a beverage when all of your guest have gone home.

I’m deeply thankful for so much this year, especially each and every one of you. Your support means the world to me. I hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

*Signing up for Spotify is free and the best way to avoid ads and support musicians (Yes! Spotify sends me a check every now and then) is to upgrade to the $5 per month “Unlimited” option. To mute Spotify ads on a Mac download SpotiFree, a simple AppleScript, and for Windows download Blockify. Please use with care and at your own discretion.

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1 Why Hire Live Music For Your Next Party?

When was the last time you attended a wedding or holiday party? Do you remember the food? The color scheme and centerpieces? OR do you remember the music?

Being a professional wedding singer, I have to admit I’m a bit biased when it comes to hiring a live band for special occasions. But having witnessed hundreds of ceremonies and celebrations, I’ve seen time and again how live music can make a big difference.

Did you know:
• 81% of guests say entertainment is the most memorable part of a wedding or special event.
• 72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.
• Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.
• During wedding planning, brides say their highest priority is their wedding dress, followed by the reception site and caterer. Reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities.
• Within one week after their reception, 78% of brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority.
*These statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003.

SO WHY HIRE A BAND?

A live band helps break the ice.
It’s a fact that not everyone at your party will be social. For your shy co-workers and family, hiring a live band is a great way to keep them entertained and keep the awkward silence to a minimum. Unlike DJs, live bands provide music and a show. A good band can read the room and pick up the tempo when things seem to be moving slowly.

Professional bands take care of the details.
By hiring a live band the host will not have to worry about renting or setting up and sound equipment, assigning a friend as an emcee, or building a music library to play on an IPod. Good live bands are professionals—they show up on time dressed appropriately and take care of what needs to be done to keep the party moving.

THREE SIMPLE STEPS TO HIRING A BAND

1. Book the Band & Your Venue at the Same Time.
When looking at venues, check with the on-site coordinator if there’s room for your preferred band and equipped to handle their sound equipment needs. If you’re planning to rent an outdoor space in a neighborhood or park, make sure to check the local sound ordinances within the community’s bylaws or from the Park Department.

2. Pick a Genre.
Choose a band with a specific sound. In general, bands that cover all genres of music are also pretty mediocre at all genres of music. A band with a specific niche will have spent time studying a smaller range of songs and will be much more polished. GigMasters is a great website to find live music available for hire in your area.

3. Sign a Contract.
Contracts can seem a little intimidating, but they actually protect you just as much as the band. Without a contract, there is nothing to stop your band from canceling hours before the event. Be very specific about your expectations and make sure any additional services such as an extra hour of music, song requests, band attire, etc. are included in the contract. See attached PDF file for suggested questions to ask the band.

Hopefully these tips will help you throughout the planning process. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

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0 Why Are Some Musicians So Shy?

“I’m very shy, and I shy away from people. But the moment I hit the stage, it’s a different feeling. I get nerve from somewhere; maybe it’s because it’s something I love to do.” – Ella Fitzgerald

While many of my peers have no problems mingling with the crowd as soon as a set is over, I will strategically start wrapping chords and putting away equipment just to avoid making eye contact with the crowd. It’s not that I have someplace to go or I don’t want to be bothered. I am simply shy.

When I’m on stage something takes over and this fear of people or the shame of having an inflated ego disappears. It’s as though my alter ego comes out and I allow my heart to soar. This feeling, however, takes so much energy and after giving so much of myself to the music and the audience I often have very little left by the time the set is over.

There are many theories why so many musicians share this same feeling but I think Tony Bennett says it best in this lost interview.

I especially appreciate his remarks about preparing for a show by relaxing with a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine – how did he know my routine?

Looking for a fun date idea or a night out with the ladies and a glass of wine? Join me at Vino’s At The Landing the second Saturday of the month! Our next show is on 4/12, 8-11pm.

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