HIRED GUNS

I really enjoyed the “Minding Your Business” column, “Wanted: Hired Guns,” in the October 2001 issue. That article definitely hit home with me because I deal with the subject every day. My company not only manages some of the top artists in the business but also tries to fill the need for “side musicians.” The demand is very strong, yet finding the right people to meet those demands can be challenging. Networking and making connections is the key to it all. I'm happy to see that Onstage reports issues that go on in this industry. Your magazine is wonderful, and please continue the great work!
Christopher Dillon
via the Internet

Christopher — Thanks for your complimentary words about Onstage. Your point concerning making connections is a good one and bears repeating. Networking is by far the best way for any musician to move forward. The more a musician is out there in the trenches, the more good contacts he or she will make — and those contacts often will lead to future work. — Mike Levine

MUSICIAN OR NOT?

I know you expect feedback about your Marilyn Manson article [“The Wizard of Odd,” October 2001], so I'll give it. I am a charter subscriber and have been hugely enthusiastic about your periodical. Your coverage of gear and players has been good. Your articles about techniques and business are exceptional because that information is generally unavailable elsewhere. However, I would suggest that you stick to the subject of music, as the name “Onstage: For the Performing Musician” promises. Marilyn Manson says that he doesn't like to call himself a musician — and rightly so. What he does is theater. Music is clearly a minor part of his formula. I prefer the information useful to the 99 percent of musicians plying their trade and following their muse rather than the 1 percent who have floated to the top. Most will never have a powerful business machine behind them like Britney does. But if we could learn from John Prine how to make an honest living doing what we love, that would be worthwhile.
Rob Roberson
via the Internet

HAIL TO THE KING

I enjoyed the article about B.B. King in your November issue [“It's Good to Be King”]. I thought it really captured the flavor of B.B., and it gave me a sense of what goes on behind the scenes with him. I'm a blues guitarist myself, and B.B.'s playing has had a huge influence on me. I really liked what he said about it being important to “play it like you feel it.” That's the essence of the blues, isn't it?
Tom Charles
via the Internet

GET BACKING

Thank you for Robert Hanson's article “Look, Ma, No Hands!” [November 2001]. Your timing is perfect. I had been looking all over the Internet for basic information about click tracks and backing tracks, with little success. When I saw the article listed on your front cover, I was overjoyed. The piece was well written and easy to understand. Thanks also to the graphics department for the informative figure diagrams. I am greatly helped.
Kurt Wilson
via the Internet

WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS.

Address correspondence to “Letters,” Onstage, 6400 Hollis St., #12, Emeryville, CA 94608, or to onstageeditorial@primediabusiness.com. Published letters may be edited for space and clarity.