NUGGETS

A collection of tidbits we've collected along the trail

GETTING RADIO PLAY

There are hundreds of DJs at college and community radio stations who accept music submissions from independent artists.

Most DJs ask for physical copies of CDs (with the shrink wrap removed) rather than downloads. They also like lyrics and some background about the artist, including contact information.

Many DJs and/or the stations that host their programs post playlists. By reviewing these, we can figure out if our music might be a good fit before reaching out to introduce ourselves.

There is an active discussion group for DJs and others who are interested in folk-based music on the radio. Artists are welcome to join, participate in discussions, and post to the group when they have a new release. To sign up (free), visit www.folkradio.org.

BOOKING SHOWS

Many presenters welcome inquiries from artists who are interested in performing, but some are reluctant to book an act they have never seen in person. We have found it helpful to have recordings on our website along with references from folks who have worked with us.

Some venues attract listening audiences while others present live music as a backdrop for dining, drinking and socializing. It's helpful to discuss expectations in advance, so you know what to expect.

Many venues book at least three months out.

Some venues expect artists to play only original music and/or songs that are in the public domain, i.e., no covers.

Not every venue has a sound system for performers to use. We have found it very helpful to travel with our own equipment.

TOURING THE UK

The UK's folk clubs are fabulous venues for connecting with listening audiences who appreciate acoustic music. As a result, organizers are approached by many artists and tend to book at least a year out.
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If you will be performing and/or selling CDs, you are expected to get working papers, known as a certificate of sponsorship, from someone who is licensed to issue them. Otherwise, you risk getting turned away at the border.

Many venues have a sound system but artists are expected to bring their own cables ("leads") for instruments with pickups.

You can plug equipment into wall outlets using only a standard adapter.

​There is no need to rent a car in the UK. Traveling by train is relaxing and easy, thanks to an extraordinarily well-run rail system, and if you get a BritRail pass you can hop on and off wherever and whenever without worrying about tickets. Taxis are often queued up at the stations, ready to drive you to your final destination. The only challenge is London's underground because not all stations have elevators ("lifts") and subway cars get very crowded at times.

There are lots of places to buy healthy prepared foods if you don't want to eat out too much but don't have access to a kitchen. We had some delicious salads at a train station.

Many of the locals are very approachable and willing to try to help. In fact, a man in Liverpool walked us part of the way to our gig when we asked him for directions.

FOLK MUSIC IN PITTSBURGH

Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society presents concerts at the Carnegie Lecture Hall in Oakland and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in Shadyside. Calliope also offers workshops and classes and sponsors a weekly open mic at the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern.

The Pittsburgh House Concerts Google Group is a clearinghouse for information about local house concerts.

The Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle offers amateur and semi-pro songwriters free monthly contact, song critiquing and discussion. The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at Club Cafe on the South Side.

The Saturday Light Brigade is a weekly public radio program broadcast on several stations across southwestern PA and eastern OH. Each edition includes a live set by a local or touring artist. SLB also sponsors a free, family-friendly, solar-powered concert series in the summer.

SongSpace at First Unitarian is a celebration of folk, Americana, singer-songwriter, old-time, acoustic blues, and world music, featuring local, regional and national artists. Concerts take place at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh in Shadyside.

The Sunny Pugar Memorial Fund hires local musicians for live music visits to area hospitals and other caring places, creating a healing environment for patients, their families, visitors, and staff.

The Three Rivers Arts Festival takes place near "The Point" in Downtown Pittsburgh in early June, with free performances on several stages.