What Makes A Musician A Rockstar?

 I'm pretty blessed to see so many top-shelf bands and musicians on a weekly basis here in Las Vegas and make a pretty good living while doing it. Much of the time when writing my reviews on the shows. I use the word rockstar to describe a musician's talent onstage. But what really is a Rockstar? That's exactly what my blog is all about today.

Being a "rockstar" goes far beyond technical musical ability. It combines musical talent, charisma, attitude, and a certain lifestyle that captivates fans and the public. 

A rockstar showcases his or her exceptional skills on their instrument, whether it's guitar, drums, or vocals. They often push boundaries, creating unique sounds that stand out from the crowd, and influencing others in the industry. Great rockstars often write or co-write songs, expressing emotions and experiences that resonate with a wide audience.

A rockstar owns the stage, commanding attention through bold movements, engaging with the audience, and exuding total confidence. Their concerts are experiences, often filled with theatrical elements, intense emotion, and interaction with the crowd. True rockstars know how to connect deeply with their audience, building a devoted fanbase.

There’s often an "it factor" that draws people to them, whether it’s their confidence, rebellious attitude, or cool demeanor. They’re not afraid to take risks musically, in their personal style, or in their career. This fearless attitude sets them apart from the crowd. Whether on stage or off, rockstars are often perceived as living extraordinary lives, full of excitement and adventure.

Rockstars frequently set trends, whether in their music style, fashion choices, or overall aesthetics. They inspire generations to follow them. Rockstars leave a lasting legacy that goes beyond chart success, often becoming icons that are celebrated across decades. 

Historically, rockstars have been associated with challenging societal norms, authority, or conventional thinking. Whether through controversial lyrics or living life on their own terms, they often represent freedom and non-conformity.

The stereotypical "rockstar lifestyle" involves excess—whether it’s fame, fortune, or indulgence in the vices of life. While this isn't a requirement, the image of living an extraordinary, fast-paced life often accompanies rockstar status. Many rockstars cultivate a sense of mystery, making them intriguing. Their unpredictable behavior keeps fans and media fascinated. 

Ultimately, being a rockstar is about a mix of talent, attitude, and influence. It’s about capturing the essence of rebellion, excitement, and musical excellence, while also creating a lasting cultural legacy.

GE

What Are The Best Cities For A Musician To Live In?

 What are the best cities for a musician to live in?

Yesterday I talked about reasons why I thought that Las Vegas is a good choice for musicians to live in, and to pursue their careers in music. 

Check out yesterday's blog < Here > "Is Las Vegas A Good City To Live In If You're A Musician"?

For musicians looking for a different scene other than (Sin City) Las Vegas. Finding a city that offers a vibrant music scene, affordable living, and plenty of opportunities for networking and performing is the key.

 After many conversations with musicians, agents, and others in the music field. And after a long night of research. Here are ten of the cities that were mentioned the most for good choices of cities for musicians to call their home.

Known as “Music City,” Nashville Tennessee has a thriving live music scene with venues on every corner. The presence of major record labels and recording studios also makes it ideal for aspiring artists and musicians.

Austin Texas is renowned for its live music scene, with festivals like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits. It’s known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," with countless gigs happening every night. What a busy college town it is!

As a major hub for the entertainment industry, L.A. California offers unparalleled networking opportunities. It's home to major record labels, music studios, and endless venues for live performances.

New York’s music scene is as diverse as the city itself. With iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and the Bowery Ballroom, musicians can find plenty of opportunities, whether it’s performing live or connecting with industry professionals.

Berlin Germany is famous for its underground electronic music scene, but it’s also a hub for experimental and indie artists. The cost of living is still affordable compared to other major European cities, making it attractive for up-and-coming musicians.

Birthplace of jazz and known for its soulful brass bands, New Orleans Louisiana has a music scene steeped in tradition. The city is filled with music clubs, and street performances are part of everyday life. You got to love the New Orleans Vibe!

Known for its contributions to grunge and alternative rock, Seattle Washington has an independent, do-it-yourself spirit. Its thriving live music culture is supported by iconic venues and local talent.

Chicago Illinois is home to a legendary blues and jazz scene, but it’s also a major city for rock and hip-hop. The affordability and access to venues and music festivals make it a musician-friendly city.

London UK is one of the world’s leading cultural capitals, with a vast array of live music venues, recording studios, and industry opportunities. It’s a perfect spot for musicians looking to make it in the business internationally.

Portland Oregon's indie and folk music scene is vibrant and growing. The city offers a relaxed, creative atmosphere and plenty of live music venues that cater to emerging artists.

Each of these cities offers a unique blend of opportunities for musicians. Whether you're looking to perform live, network, or record your music. 

The cost of living and community vibe can vary widely, so finding the right fit will depend on your genre of music and your lifestyle preferences.

GE

Is Las Vegas A Good City To Live In If You're A Musician?

 I often get asked if Las Vegas is a good city to live in if you're a professional musician.

My answer is Yes. 

Las Vegas is a great city for musicians, especially those who want to perform live regularly. 

Here are some reasons why Las Vegas is a good fit for musicians to live here.

Las Vegas has many performance opportunities. Including residencies at major casinos, concerts, and live shows in showrooms. Musicians can find gigs playing in hotel lounges, clubs, small bars, and in theaters.

Being a year-round tourist destination means there’s always a demand for live music. There's always work for talented musicians no matter what time of year it is.

The Las Vegas music scene has become more diverse in recent years. You can find jazz, rock, EDM, country, and alternative music, together with Classic Rock. With festivals and music events throughout the year.

The city is home to many professionals in the entertainment industry, providing networking opportunities for musicians looking to connect with producers, agents, and other artists. The music business is well-represented in Las Vegas.

Compared to cities like Los Angeles or New York, Las Vegas has a relatively affordable cost of living, which can be a plus for musicians who are just starting out.

Las Vegas has several recording studios and music production resources, making it a good place for musicians looking to produce and record their music.

Overall, Las Vegas can be a good city to live in if you're a musician looking for frequent live performance opportunities and willing to tap into the entertainment-driven nature of the city. 

Las Vegas offers many opportunities for musicians. Being a musician is hard work. And it's very competitive. You get out of the trade what you put in it!

GE

Why Music Relaxes Your Body

 Music relaxes your body and mind due to its interactions with several physiological and psychological processes. Here are a few reasons why music brings harmony to your body and soul.

Music, especially calming or slow-tempo tunes, can lower the production of stress hormones such as cortisol. High cortisol levels are linked to anxiety, stress, and increased heart rate. So, listening to music helps reduce these levels, and your body feels more relaxed.

Listening to slow, soft music can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of your body that helps you "rest and digest." 

Music with a steady, slow rhythm can entrain your heartbeat and breathing patterns to follow its pace, promoting a sense of calm. 

Music can trigger the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers. This not only improves emotional well-being but also relaxes the body by alleviating discomfort and tension.

Engaging with music can divert your attention from physical tension or mental stress. By focusing on the melody, rhythm, or lyrics, your brain becomes occupied with positive stimulation, which in turn can help relieve anxiety and physical tension.

Certain types of music, such as binaural beats, can alter brainwave activity, leading to states of relaxation, calm, and even sleep.

Music can evoke emotions that allow for emotional release. When you process emotions through music, it helps alleviate internal stress and leads to both psychological and physical relaxation.

Music’s ability to relax the body is deeply connected to its influence on the mind and emotions, making it an effective tool for both mental and physical wellness. 

Listening To Music Each Day, Keeps The Doctor Away :-)

GE

How to Naturally Cleanse Your Body

 Naturally cleansing your body doesn’t require extreme detoxes or fasting, as your body already has detoxifying organs like the liver, kidneys, and skin. However, you can take steps to support these organs and help your body function optimally. Here are a few suggestions on how to naturally cleanse your body.

Water is crucial for flushing out toxins. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Water helps your kidneys and liver filter and eliminate waste effectively. Add lemon or cucumber to your water for an extra detoxifying boost.

Fiber supports digestion and regular bowel movements, helping to remove toxins. Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and seeds in your diet. Apples, avocados, broccoli, lentils, chia seeds.

Antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and support your liver. Berries, nuts, leafy greens, and green tea are great sources. Blueberries, spinach, walnuts, green tea.

Processed foods and excessive sugar can overwhelm your liver and increase inflammation in the body. Stick to whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Include liver-supporting foods in your diet, such as cruciferous vegetables broccoli, cauliflower, kale, garlic, turmeric, and beets. These can help improve liver function and detoxification.

Exercise boosts circulation, helps sweat out toxins, and supports digestive health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, such as walking, yoga, or strength training.

During sleep, your body repairs and detoxifies itself. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep to support your body’s natural cleansing processes.

Sweating is one way your body releases toxins. You can achieve this through regular exercise, sauna sessions, or hot baths.

Chronic stress can negatively affect your digestive system and immune response. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or spending time in nature to help the body cleanse.

Some herbal teas, such as dandelion root, milk thistle, and ginger, can support liver health and digestion. They may gently enhance the body’s natural detoxification process.

Excessive alcohol can burden the liver, and too much caffeine can affect sleep and hydration. Reducing your intake allows your liver and kidneys to function more effectively.

Dry brushing helps to exfoliate the skin, improve circulation, and support lymphatic drainage, which helps remove toxins. Regular exfoliation with a gentle scrub also promotes healthy skin detoxification.

By following these practices, you’ll support your body’s natural detoxification processes and promote overall health without extreme measures.

Here's To Your Good Health!

GE

Where Concert Ticket Money Goes To

 Living in Las Vegas and being an entertainment writer and journalist. I get to see a lot of different bands and music presentations throughout the year. Many if not all are comped (Free) to me because of my work.

To those of you who are music fans.

Ever wonder where the money goes when you purchase a ticket to see your favorite band or music artist? Some of these tickets are pretty pricey!

Here's a breakdown of where the ticket money generally goes to. 

A portion of the ticket revenue goes directly to the performing artist or band. This can vary significantly depending on the artist’s popularity, negotiating power, and the type of event.

Concert promoters are responsible for organizing the event, booking the artist, securing the venue, marketing the concert, and handling logistics. Major promoters like Live Nation or AEG typically take a significant portion of the ticket revenue as they bear most of the financial risk.

The concert venue receives a portion of ticket sales, usually as a rental fee or a percentage of the gross revenue. This fee compensates the venue for providing the space, staff, security, and other facilities. Larger, well-known venues often charge higher fees, while smaller venues may charge less but might take a percentage of the merchandise and concessions sold during the event.

The ticketing platform or vendor takes a cut through service fees, convenience fees, and sometimes even "processing fees." This fee helps cover the cost of selling tickets online or at physical locations. Companies like Ticketmaster often charge a significant percentage (sometimes as high as 10-20%) of the ticket price.

Some of the revenue from ticket sales goes towards covering production costs for the tour. 

• Lighting, sound, and stage setup
• Transportation for equipment and crew
• Roadies and technical staff
• Costumes, pyrotechnics, and other special effects These costs can be significant, especially for large-scale productions or arena tours.

The artist’s management and booking agents also take a portion of the ticket sales. Managers usually receive around 10-20% of an artist's income from tours, while agents typically take around 10% of the deal they negotiated for the artist. 

Promoting a concert requires marketing efforts such as digital ads, posters, and other promotional materials. Some of the ticket money is allocated to cover these costs. In large tours, this budget can be substantial, especially for promoting stadium or arena shows.

Ticket sales are subject to various taxes, including sales tax, entertainment tax, and sometimes venue-specific taxes. Depending on the location, the total tax amount can vary, but it usually adds a few percentage points to the cost of the ticket.

Concert organizers must secure event insurance, especially for large gatherings, to cover liability in case of accidents or injuries. Additionally, licensing fees may be required to cover the use of copyrighted music, particularly if cover songs or pre-recorded music are played.

While not directly tied to ticket sales, concessions (food and drinks) and merchandise (t-shirts, albums, etc.) provide additional revenue streams at concerts. Artists, venues, and promoters usually split these profits, often with venues taking a significant cut of food and beverage sales, while artists retain a larger share of merchandise revenue.

Here's a breakdown to see where the percentage of ticket costs goes to.

For a hypothetical $100 concert ticket:

• Artist/Band: $30–40
• Promoter: $20–30
• Venue: $10–15
• Ticketing Company: $10–20 (in fees)
• Production/Other Costs: $10–15

This breakdown can fluctuate based on the size of the concert, the artist’s popularity, and how costs are structured. High-profile artists and large-scale tours may negotiate better terms, while smaller artists and venues may see different percentages.

GE

What Music Says About You

Music indeed says a lot about your personality.

Here are some general insights into what different music genres might say about you.

People who enjoy pop music are often outgoing, social, and energetic. 

Rock fans are often characterized by their rebellious nature, passion, and independent spirit. They often express strong emotions, whether it's love, anger, or nostalgia.

Fans of hip-hop and rap are often confident, expressive, and driven. Hip-hop fans value self-expression, ambition, and creativity, and may have a bold or assertive personality.

Listeners of electronic music are typically adventurous, energetic, and open to new experiences. These fans are often seen as spontaneous and fun-loving.

Classical music fans tend to be introspective, intellectual, and open to complex emotions. This genre is also linked with creativity and problem-solving.

Jazz enthusiasts are often creative, free-spirited, and love exploring complex ideas and emotions. Jazz lovers are often seen as sophisticated and open to new experiences.

Country music fans tend to be down-to-earth, traditional, and value family, community, and hard work. Country fans may also enjoy a slower-paced, laid-back lifestyle.

Indie and alternative fans are often seen as introspective, creative, and non-conformist. These fans may shy away from the mainstream and are often individualistic in nature.

Metal fans are often misunderstood, as the intensity of the music doesn't always reflect aggression.  This genre attracts people who appreciate complexity, catharsis, and expressing darker emotions.

Listeners of R&B and soul tend to be emotional, empathetic, and romantic. Fans of R&B and Soul music may value intimacy and connection.

Reggae lovers are often laid-back, peaceful, and open-minded. And may embrace a relaxed lifestyle.

Fans of folk or acoustic music are typically reflective, empathetic, and value storytelling. These listeners may have a strong sense of community and social awareness.

Your favorite music genre can give insight into certain personality traits or emotional preferences. You might also enjoy multiple genres, which reflect a more complex you!

Music Is Good For The Soul.

GE

How Does Having A Positive Outlook On Life Benefit You?

 Having a positive outlook on life can bring you many benefits. Both mental and physical well-being. Here are examples of the benefits of having a positive outlook on life.

 A positive mindset can help you manage stress better by allowing you to focus on solutions rather than problems. 

Positive thinking can decrease the likelihood of experiencing mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Positive individuals tend to cope more effectively with adversity and setbacks, seeing them as challenges to be overcome rather than insurmountable obstacles.

Studies have shown that positivity can enhance immune function, making individuals less susceptible to illnesses.

Optimism has been linked to better heart health and a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.

People with a positive outlook tend to live longer due to their healthier lifestyle choices and ability to manage stress.

Optimistic people are more likely to persevere when faced with difficulties, viewing setbacks as temporary rather than permanent.

Positive individuals tend to attract and maintain healthier, more fulfilling relationships because they are generally more approachable and supportive.

A positive outlook can foster better communication, making it easier to resolve conflicts and build understanding with others.

Positivity fuels motivation, making it easier to set and pursue goals.

Optimism boosts performance, particularly in work and educational settings, by increasing focus and reducing distractions from negative thoughts.

A positive outlook naturally boosts overall happiness and satisfaction with life.

A positive outlook promotes mental resilience, physical health, and better social connections, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and happier life. 

GE

Can Mental Strain And Tension Diminish The Creativity Of Your Mind?

 Can Mental Strain and Tension Diminish the Creativity of Your Mind?

They sure can! Why do you think we take breaks and vacations from our 9 to 5 life?

Mental strain and tension can definitely have a negative impact on your creativity juices. But the extent depends on how you handle stress. Creativity often thrives in a relaxed, open state of mind where you can make connections between ideas. Mental strain is caused by stress, fatigue, or overworking your brain and/or your body in many different many ways.

When your mind is overloaded with stress, it struggles to free up space for imaginative thinking leaving less room for your creative thoughts.

Anxiety limits your ability to think freely and generate novel ideas, which are essential for creativity.

Mental strain often makes your thinking more rigid. 

Creativity thrives on flexibility and openness to new ideas.

When you're mentally drained, your brain becomes less efficient at making decisions, which can affect your creativity.

Creative tasks require energy to explore multiple options, and fatigue reduces your ability to do so.

Mental strain can lead to burnout, which is marked by emotional exhaustion, reduced motivation, and a diminished sense of accomplishment.

However, moderate stress—often referred to as "eustress"—can sometimes stimulate creativity by adding a sense of urgency or encouraging problem-solving. 

How to maintain yourself under pressure. 

Taking regular breaks helps refresh your mind, reducing strain and allowing creative ideas to surface.

Practices that calm the mind like meditation or yoga can help you reduce anxiety and create a more creative state of mind.

Get eight hours of sleep.

Keep moving! Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain and can trigger a release of chemicals like endorphins, which improve mood and creative thinking.

A new environment or routine can spark fresh ideas and relieve mental strain.

My tip to combat mental strain and tension. 

Remember to Breathe!

GE