Lou Who

View fullsize

I’m filling in the blanks of my fall show schedule these days which means a lot of time spent describing myself. Musicians, artists, freelancers of all sorts, often face this part of the business - the self-sale. It is… what it is. I like writing, I dig my music, but how the hell am I supposed to talk it while walking that fine walk which is neither too strut nor too stumble?

There’s no room for sociable modesty: “I dunno, I guess I’m an ok singer… smilesmile.” No one is booking an ok singer - intentionally. There’s a danger in forceful confidence, “I’m the best damn singer you’ll ever hear.” This is vague. Says who? What is the best and how can this venue sell it?

Of course, the other challenge is being concise. I am … loquacious. I want to tell you about my sound; everything about it. I want you to know a bit about my experience. My value and my flexibility. Then I want to make you laugh, you’ve got a lot of e-mails to go through. I want to know how you’re doing and wish you a fine day. Oh yeah, and I also want to talk dates and schedules, dollars and gear. You’re on your phone checking your e-mails and you’ve just opened an unabridged Ikea manual from some singer who - oh lord! Is she talking about mermaids now? - can’t seem to get to the damn point and stay there.

Earlier, at the end of drafting a message which included all the necessary name-dropping, date-requesting, and assorted performances of professionalism, I found the missive lacked any recognition of who the hell I am trying to get booked. A thought occurred to me: structure can save me. This time, in the form of a postscript:

More about Lou: Blues Pop performer. Makes your arm hairs rise and your body laugh and bob. Plays originals and covers. Solo. Mostly electric, some acoustic. Short and long sets. Experience playing large festivals, small bars, corporate whatevers, and strange weddings. 6ft but foldable. ENG\FR bilingual.

So if you know anyone looking to fill a bill or succumb to serenade this fall, send them my postscript. Stay tuned here and on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming gigs, and feel free to send me your best tales of self-sale.