Seattle’s Fin Records: An Empire on Hiatus
Shenandoah Davis talks with Fin’s founder Christian Fulghum on starting up what became Seattle’s Best Local Label, and its recent suspension of operations.
Shenandoah Davis
Shenandoah Davis grew up studying classical piano and got her Bachelor’s Degree in opera performance. Since then, she has crafted her own brand of classically-influenced pop music, winning over audiences worldwide with her dynamic live performances and lushly orchestrated recordings.
She’s performed with artists including Zoe Keating, Martha Wainwright, Mirah, Amanda Palmer, Emily Wells, Portland Cello Project, and many more. She’s played shows all over the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and the UK. She has previously kept a tour journal for Seattle’s City Arts Magazine and lives in Seattle with her husband and dog.
Com-Post: How to Book a Tour: A Timeline
Most venues start to fill up about 4 months in advance, so you should have your tentative dates mapped out about 6 months before you plan to leave.
Occupational Hazards
I am moving furniture to get ready for a house show. I pick up my 50 lb. keyboard and the 8 ft. bench under it teeters squarely onto my foot. I scream.
Singing in the Rain: A Musician’s Life in Seattle
It stays the same long enough to miss it, and it changes enough you don’t get sick of it for long.
No Soliciting: From Fan to Foe
Consider that each humble request you send out to your fans may eventually lead to a a lack of interest in your music, or worse, a loss of respect.
Don’t Quit Your Day Job
Now that I’m wrapping up a year of gainful employment, I realize that my touring was not unsuccessful—it was just not something that made me wealthy.
8 Things That Will Probably Happen To You On Tour
Playing pool is not exercise. Playing pinball is not exercise. You will gain weight. Prepare yourself now; surviving a tour is an art.
The Art of Gratitude
Sometimes a musician will come along who believes in you and your art, and who is willing to put in the hours without being compensated.
How to Book a Tour: A Timeline
Most venues start to fill up about 4 months in advance, so you should have your tentative dates mapped out about 6 months before you plan to leave.
Bandmates vs. Hired Guns
Do you treat the musicians in your band like equals, or do you treat them like your employees?
How Vanity Merch Pays Off
Your merch should reflect not only your aesthetic, but the care and thought you ascribe to your career as a musician.