Meet Clay Colton, leader of the Clay Colton Band. They play an eclectic blend of Classic Rock Covers, Alternative Rock favorites, and authentic Americana/Southern Rock. They’ve invented their own sound that is at the heart of American culture. It’s simple, play rock, with any adjective you prefer to put in front of the word. He also fronts a 1950s Rock ‘n’ Roll project, The Jukebox Kings. You’ll normally find him performing up to five nights per week at a San Diego venue but for now, Facebook live concerts. Clay’s also working on a new album which he plans to release online.
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In the Pandemic-Proof Singer Series, Episode 19, I had a great talk with him about live streaming and connecting with your audience. Here are the main ideas that Clay had to share on staging a successful Facebook Live Concert.
1. Study the right person – study someone who’s already successful in live streaming.
Clay admits that he watched and learned from an artist who’s currently getting 30,000 hits per session to help him make his own Facebook live concerts more successful.
2. Connect with the people who are watching – all they really want is to feel like they’re part of the show.
Clay believes that when people feel like they’re being seen, that’s what’s thrilling for them. His advice is, “Make it a show. Don’t just put your camera on and play some songs, connect with the people who are watching. Make them feel like they’re in the room with other people.”
It’s also good to acknowledge the people who are watching. If you can mention some names, the better.
3. Give your show a theme.
Clay calls his show the “Colton Pub” and creates an atmosphere that matches the theme. He says he acts like he’s in a pub setting and tries to make his show an environment for everyone to hang out and not just something to watch or listen to. “If you have other people in the room with you, it’s good to introduce your audience to them,” he says.
4. Keep things simple – focus on the sound quality, focus on the people watching you.
Clay started his Facebook live concerts using just his iPhone, then later added an iRig to connect to his sound system. However, he always makes sure he’s checked the sound quality. If it sounds good to him, he’s sure it’ll sound good to the audience. However, he has nothing against taking your video and audio recording a notch higher. He admits to having had a great experience playing at the Belly Up Tavern, where there were six different cameras in use.
5. Use live streaming as an opportunity to introduce your audience to your own music.
Apart from doing cover songs, there’s great value in familiarizing your audience with some original tracks. Clay uses Monday night, to play his own songs. He calls this session “Colton’s Coffee Hour.”
6. It good to be up to date with new technology that helps with live streaming
Although Clay admits he hasn’t tried any of the low latency platforms like JamKazam and Soundjack for live streaming of music, my own take is that it can work for you if you have the patience. There’s a lot of back and forth testing that needs to be done between users in different locations for the sound to come outright.
Your Next Step
If you know you’ve got what it takes but don’t know where to start, I’d love to help. In my vocal coaching practice, we work on both your strategy and your craft. Contact me here to work with me.
We’re living through an experience like non-other before. Don’t let it stop you. Begin by pandemic-proofing your singing career with self-reliance, resiliency, and a strong spirit. It’ll take hard work and a bit of smart innovation. Set yourself up for success. Wouldn’t it be a shame to finally get a gig only never to get called back and be left wondering why? Try my new digital course, I’m With the Band: Do’s and Dont’s from a Lead Singer. Learn the professional and social habits that lead to a long, fruitful, and well-respected singing career.
Your opportunity is coming. Be ready for it. Pandemic-proof your singing career.
For more Pandemic-Proof Singer Series, click here.
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Hi! I’m Danielle Tucker – singer, vocal coach, and lead vocalist of The Mighty Untouchables band.
Throughout my 20-year career, I’ve equally enjoyed singing country, rock, pop, gospel, and jazz. Today, I’m a professional singer/songwriter available for solo performances, studio recording, and lead vocalist of San Diego-based band The Mighty Untouchables. I also offer vocal coaching to both solo artists and groups through my own studio. I’ve crafted a rewarding vocal career, and it’s my great pleasure to bring music to others through private bookings, performing with my band, or helping others to grow more confident in their own vocal gifts. Thanks for visiting my site I’m honored that you’d like to get to know me!
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About the author
Danielle Tucker is a professional singer/songwriter with 25 years of experience singing country, rock, pop, gospel, & jazz. She has performed with celebrated artists like Chris Young, Jamey Johnson, Josh Gracin, Jamie O’Neil, Phil Vassar, James Otto, & Juice Newton. She currently works as a solo performer, studio artist, vocal coach/career advisor, and lead vocalist for the award-winning, San Diego-based band The Mighty Untouchables.
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