(Part 2) I'm a rockstar - Ask Me Anything

[SweetnSaltyPopcornPlease]

Hi there,

Some of you may remember when I started an AMA thread called 'I'm a rockstar on hiatus'. I have actually been OFF hiatus for quite a while and have been very busy.

I'm considering publishing my experience in the music industry. I'm making notes about what people want to know. So do you have any burning questions?

I love those stories, and the more embellished the better.

On tour, do you clear your own plate? Do you eat before or after the show? If after, do you expect a hot plated meal, or raid the load-out sandwiches.

What is the weirdest thing on your dressing room rider?

I was an on tour caterer in the mid 80s/early 90s so saw some extremes of behaviour but still remember the good guys who were polite and appreciative. From your posts, I think you would be the latter?

(and YANBU re Madonna) though I don’t know if it’s her or the people surrounding her (often quite literally)

Are you from Sheffield?

That's a great question. Personally, nothing. I don't know if there IS a way to 'wind down' after something like that. Which means I cannot sleep and end up going to bed 2/3/4/5am...to wake up for 6/7/8am. Not good.

I love the Robbie Williams one. It's so incredibly accurate and there's so much there I can relate to. I actually made notes when I watched it and will watch it again at some point. Backstreet Boys one is on my list.

We do. 2 of us in the band are involved in the songwriting. The other members play on the albums.

Offer your help for free. Work for free at recording studios and venues. Watch, listen learn. There are Facebook groups for Roadies that they use to find work or pass on work they can no longer do.

Great observation. I can only type so much and have limited time. So in a nutshell, bands cost too much money. Members, rehearsals, instruments, insurance, can hire, storage, flight cases, paperwork, BREXIT! It's way cheaper to pay for 1 person and a backing track and borrow a mic from the venue.

Yep. We've had emails from the far east and Russia where fans say, is this you? It kinda sounds like you but not. We get legal involved and have successfully sued McDonald's and Google for 'using our likeness'. It's a real thing! We have a very distinctive sound.

You'll be fine. He just needs to be sober on tour. If not, that's where the trouble starts.

Again? 👀

It's a pisstake. But we artists are also getting f**d at both ends. We played a show this year and the venue took 50% of our merch sales.

You need a better manager ;)

Thanks! I really liked it too. I saw him at that Glastonbury gig and had no idea he was so nervous. Or that the press coverage affected him so badly.

Not quite sure about the whole thing being in his pants though!

I know someone who toured with a very well known singer for many years. His stories of touring are brilliant and he is stupidly talented, has a really focussed work ethic and is a total perfectionist. He did some massive festivals and big arena gigs all over the world.

I’ve asked him about what his views are on many things including what he thinks of the streaming and internet stuff. He really despises the label fatcats and thinks anything that bypasses them can be a good thing, but I guess if you’re an established artist or band then it’s much easier because you have a fan base who will always buy your stuff.

Coming off the back of my last question…Do you think in years to come that in years to come it’s still going to be possible for bands to “make” the big time? It seems touring is where the money is for most if you can sell out the gigs, but venues seem to be shutting down left right and centre and even smaller festivals seem to be taking a hit. Where do you think it’s all going to go? How will bands get their foot in the door?

I follow one band who are essentially “indie” in every sense, but they recently had a knock back from the support of a larger label because they apparently don’t get the streams they’re looking for on social media!!! (They posted the convo on their Instagram it was quite brutal!) They’d have been massive 30 years ago, I’m sure.

If I saw you duetting with a Yorkshire Britpop band (that isn’t Pulp) recently then thankyou- you’re so talented and I loved your jacket 😂
We have a friend who is a producer and writer. They have the perfect music career I think, not recognisable but have worked with A List artists globally. Is this something you’d like to do in future? What’s your advice to girls starting out in the industry?

Do you have a partner and children?

I personally think there have been a couple of clues in this thread by the OP. (Vintage clothing, the Japan tour reference and 'Also, we are Vampires'?) I also think it's no coincidence that the on / off hiatus threads have coincided with new material and a recent / current tour. I actually love the fact that you were deemed too chatty for the band's social media, and think that plays a part in why you're here now. None of which I'm knocking btw, OP. I think it's great. Hope the material for the book is coming along well.

Sadly, I don't think it is Shirley Manson, but she was also a massive girl crush of mine.

This is definitely a man.

No, to me they sound almost certainly British or at least European. I’m not getting any transatlantic vibes here, plus they mention Brexit (in capitals! (obviously, if it’s two door, they spend a LOT of time Stateside. They don’t really ‘rock hard’ though. Saw them a couple of years back though and def didn’t break a sweat and neither did they, with the exception of the drummer)

I want to ask you about your perception of the impact you have?

For instance, I’ve never been to a live gig and not felt utterly elated and “removed” from the ordinary of every day life.. just for those hours I’m at the gig with you in front of me.

It’s honestly like bands and their music are working some class of magic.

Are you aware that this is what your work can do for people?

possibly, you might be surrounded by yes people who blow smoke up your arse because they are paid to do so, but actually and honestly, from those of us who go to gigs, it truly is like therapy! So thank you, whoever you are.

Absolutely British. And also quite young in the Rock Star Community. Again, I felt like the 'We are also Vampires' was a big giveaway. A sort of Boy Band who weren't 'put together' If you were to Google them, they would fit the 'Pop Group' descriptor, though I can see why they may also fit the rock vibe, too.

Supported Taylor Swift back in the day.

Edited to add: yes, it's mostly only drummers that break sweat these days.

Ohhhhhh I need to know who you are!! These threads drive me crazy

This is definitely a man

I thought a man, but I am now thinking American woman.

my money is on The 400 unit. Either Jason or Amanda. id say it’s Amanda shires, writes with her husband Jason, previous jealous husband, played Glastonbury , Japan etc. and right time frame and genre.

I was hoping The Breeders 😀