I'm a musician and host of The Unstarving Musician podcast. Liner Notes is my biweekly newsletter that shares some of the best insights garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. Topics covered include, songwriting, touring, sync licensing, recording, house concerts, marketing, and more.
Liner Notes | The Secret Skill That Gets You Hired
The Skill That Separates Weekend Warriors from ProsWhat's the one skill that separates weekend warriors from working professionals? It's not speed, complexity, or expensive gear—it's the ability to play quietly. In an early episode of The Unstarving Musician podcast, former Managing Editor of Modern Drummer Magazine Mike Dawson said, "A drummer who can play quietly is hard to come by." Mike wasn't just talking about volume—he was talking about dynamic control, the secret weapon that makes musicians indispensable across all instruments. The Problem We All ShareMost musicians can play loud, but few can truly play soft while maintaining power and precision. Dynamic range is often the first casualty when musicians get nervous or excited. Many players rush through difficult passages because they stop listening to the band. This lack of dynamic range doesn't just limit musical expression—it limits opportunities. Why Dynamics Matter More Than We ThinkProfessional Differentiation Dynamic control makes you a more versatile musician, expanding your opportunities. It's such a difference-maker in live and studio environments that you'll be remembered as the better choice for rehire. This is the hidden skill that venue owners and bandleaders desperately need. Musical Communication Dynamics serve as your band's emotional language, conveying tension and release directly to the audience. The connection between listening and dynamic control is crucial—some moments beg for dynamics, and other times a band member needs support through volume changes. Audience EngagementThe psychological impact of contrast (loud vs. soft) creates tension and release that captivates listeners. A whisper-to-thunderous range keeps audiences engaged far more effectively than constant volume. Your Starting Point: Three Foundation TestsThe 25% Test: Can you play your parts at 25% volume while maintaining clarity? Below Singer Volume: Practice playing softer than the quietest vocalist you work with The Orchestral Challenge: Learn to play accents without drowning out surrounding instruments Quick Practice TechniquesThe Volume Ladder: Practice your scales, beats, or chord progressions at 10 dynamic levels. Start at your normal volume, then work toward barely audible, ensuring each level maintains musical character. Recording Reality Check: Record yourself to hear what others hear. You'll be surprised at how different your perception is from reality. The Pencil Eraser Method: Use unconventional tools—like pencil erasers as drumsticks or fingertips instead of picks—to force a lighter touch and develop control. Your Challenge This WeekCan you play your most energetic song at whisper volume while keeping its character intact? Anyone can play loud. Professionals play with control. Liner Notes Insider: Deep Dive ContentWant the complete story? Liner Notes Insider subscribers get the full dynamic control masterclass, including Mike Dawson's incredible "Keith Moon Whisper Challenge" story, emergency techniques for when bandmates get too loud, genre-specific applications, and detailed practice routines that will transform your playing. Ready to level up your musicianship? Join Liner Notes Insider for the complete guide to mastering dynamics as your competitive advantage. As a Liner Notes Insider, you'll also get:
Reader Spotlight: The Plate-Spinning RealityThis week's reader spotlight comes from Dean Johanesen, who responded to our Liner Notes Survey question: "What's your biggest challenge right now?" Dean's response can be summed up by something I hear frequently—juggling the creative work with the endless business tasks. Dean wrote: "Being a primarily one-man show spinning all the plates of booking, promotions, graphic design, videographer, video editor, etc. I would not trade that for anything else though. Very grateful to be a full-time songwriter and performer." I feel this 💯. Here's what's helping me: I batch similar tasks, block calendar time for deep work, and use Claude AI for time-consuming tasks and research. I also remind myself that perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Most importantly, I've learned to slow down when I sense burnout is around the corner. The work will be there tomorrow when we have a clearer head. What's your biggest plate you're struggling to keep spinning? Hit reply—your challenge might spark next week's topic. Want to be featured in an upcoming edition of Liner Notes? Take our reader survey. It's only four questions. In the next edition of Liner Notes"The Art of Listening While Playing"—because dynamics mean nothing if you're not hearing what's happening around you. Peace, love and more cowbell, Questions, thoughts, complaints? Just hit reply to reach me directly! I'd love to hear from you. 📬 Support the Unstarving MusicianIf you LOVE this newsletter, please visit UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor to learn about the many ways of showing your love and support. We have a new tip jar there, so you know... Click, tip, done. Your support = Love 💟 Affiliate Partner ResourcesYou can also support us by using one of our affiliate partner links below–we'll receive a small commission. Thanks for your support! 👊🏼 Kit – Email Marketing for Musicians Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is an email marketing and audience building software that helps musicians like you turn your passion into a full-time career by connecting you to your fans faster. Start a free trial. Dreamhost Web Hosting for Everyone We make sure your website is fast, secure & always up - so your visitors & search engines trust you. Guaranteed. Learn more about DreamHost plans! Explore more cool products and services on our Resources page. Share this email and/or read it on the web Stay in touch! |
Liner Notes
I'm a musician and host of The Unstarving Musician podcast. Liner Notes is my biweekly newsletter that shares some of the best insights garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. Topics covered include, songwriting, touring, sync licensing, recording, house concerts, marketing, and more.
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