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GRAMMY SoundChecks With All Time Low/GRAMMY U: Behind The Scenes At The House Of Blues Chicago

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THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
Dec 2, 2014 - 4:06 pm

On Nov. 15 the Chicago Chapter, along with the GRAMMY Foundation, hosted GRAMMY SoundChecks with All Time Low and a special behind-the-scenes look at the House of Blues Chicago. Approximately 30 GRAMMY U students from the Chicago area participated in the event.

The day began as students were led to the main auditorium where they watched the band perform a soundcheck. After the performance, band members Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, Rian Dawson and Zack Merrick sat down alongside tour manager Matt Flyzik and band manager Keith Lazorchak for an intimate discussion with the students that covered a variety of business related topics. Students inquired about publishing agreements, sub-label arrangements, a typical day on tour and the band's relationship with sponsors such as Nokia. Gaskarth and Lazorchak also took time to explain to students their role in administering and maintaining the band's business relationships. Before departing to prepare for the show, the band surprised each of the students with providing them autographed copies of their So Wrong, It's Right album.

Students were then introduced to Jim Darden, production manager at the House of Blues Chicago. Darden began the behind-the-scenes segment by explaining his own history in the industry as well as the history of the venue itself. Students learned about the venue's relationship with Live Nation, its accredited American folk art collection, and the complete in-house operations system of Live Nation and House of Blues. Darden then led students on a venue tour and took time to explain the use and importance of each room. The students were given a rare glimpse into the dressing rooms, production offices, stage, loading docks, and VIP areas. Once the tour was complete, Darden answered questions and offered his contact information to students who were interested in working or interning at the venue.

GRAMMY U members gained a wealth of information from this event and many remarked how refreshing it was to hear about the business side of things firsthand from a band and its managers. The Chapter may consider making the behind-the-scenes House of Blues Chicago tour a reoccurring event.

 

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GRAMMY SoundChecks With The Decemberists

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THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
Dec 2, 2014 - 4:06 pm

GRAMMY U members attended a GRAMMY SoundChecks with The Decemberists at the Hollywood Palladium on May 19. After checking in, members gathered in the venue's Champagne Room where they were introduced to the Decemberists' management team, Jason Colton and Ron Laffitte. Both managers discussed the experiences that led them to their current positions.

Laffitte advised GRAMMY U members to "always get involved, get an education, but stay connected with people in the real world." In junior high, he managed his first band and promoted the band by selling affordable T-shirts to his classmates with the help of his father, who was a commercial artist.

Colton first started his career path as an intern. In college, he actively participated in producing school concerts. He discussed the role of a manager in artist development, and his involvement in managing the eclectic rock and roll/bluegrass/pop band Phish for the past 12 years.

Eventually, both Colton and Laffitte began working for Red Light Management where they partnered to manage the Decemberists.

Following the discussion, GRAMMY U members had a unique opportunity to watch the Decemberists rehearse for their Hollywood Palladium show that evening.

Following the rehearsal, members gathered for a meet-and-greet with band members Jenny Conlee, Chris Funk, Nate Query, and Becky Stark, who all agreed they like going on tour, but mostly enjoy the creative recording studio process. Each of the Decemberists left GRAMMY U members with a few tips. Stark advised members, "Give back what you love," while Conlee encouraged members to "learn techniques." Query added, "Be prepared," and Funk said, "Don't burn bridges."

To top off the afternoon, Laffitte offered free tickets for each GRAMMY U member to that evening's performance.

 

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GRAMMY SoundChecks With 311

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THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
Dec 2, 2014 - 4:06 pm

GRAMMY U students gathered on Aug. 2 at the Backyard in Austin for a GRAMMY SoundChecks with 311. The students had the unique opportunity to sit in on 311's rehearsal, where the band checked their instruments and microphones and performed four songs for the students.

Following the soundcheck, 311 conducted an interactive question-and-answer discussion. The students asked a wide range of questions covering topics such as songwriting, current promotion and distribution methods, the relevance of labels in today's industry, and what new musical artists the band is listening to. The students also engaged 311's management team, seeking career advice regarding the fields of principal and tour management.

 

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GRAMMY SoundChecks With Ben Folds

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THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
Dec 2, 2014 - 4:06 pm

On April 7 Ben Folds conducted a GRAMMY SoundChecks with 40 GRAMMY U members at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Folds spoke to the students about his success in the industry and how he tries to stay on the cutting edge of new media. When asked how he felt about being the first artist to play a live concert on MySpace, Folds said, "My fans are the ones on the cutting edge. They bring these ideas to me, thinking that I'm crazy enough to try anything."

Following the soundcheck, Folds presented each student with a track jacket and his newest album, University A Cappella, which had yet to be released to the public. Folds took time to meet with each student individually and sign copies of the album.

 

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GRAMMY SoundChecks With Radiohead

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THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
Dec 2, 2014 - 4:06 pm

GRAMMY U students and students from El Monte High School's theatre arts program were invited to take part in a GRAMMY SoundChecks with Radiohead during the group's sold-out show at Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 24.

Radiohead played a full set of songs from their current album In Rainbows, in addition to some of their prior hits during the encore. In an attempt to reduce their environmental impact while touring, the band developed an eco-friendly light show powered with energy-efficient LED lights. Other elements of the production were powered by a semitrailer-sized rechargeable battery, designed to power the shows and recharge while traveling on tour.

After the show, students were escorted backstage for an opportunity to meet Radiohead's managers Chris Hufford and Bryce Edge and members of the band's production team. Students were given gift bags and rare autographed albums signed by each band member and had an opportunity to ask questions to the management and production staff and gain insight into the world of international touring with a high-profile rock band.