In 1999, Brobdingnagian Bards released our first album. It was called Marked By Great Size. Like all new musicians, we thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. I started sending the album out to magazines and radio. I heard back only crickets.
After months of emails, a review finally came in from Dirty Linen. That was one the top folk music magazines. The review…was mediocre. It only got 2.5 stars.
I spent months trying to get that album reviewed. That was it? Thirty words and nothing to add to our press material?
I was brokenhearted. Does no one like our music?
At shows, the response was quite different. Fans were raving about us. We had a unique musical presence. Each performance was different. Word-of-mouth was rampant. Each show yielded 2-3 new gigs.
Brobdingnagian Bards at Texas Renaissance Festival in 2004
What was the disconnect?
I realized then that the world was changing. Music lovers were fleeing the bland world of pop radio. You could find better music online to find your audience.
So I became an expert an online promotion. I created the Celtic Music Magazine. I gave away free MP3s and shared the music of independent Celtic musicians. My goal was simple: to help Celtic musicians find new fans.
That became even easier in 2005 when I started the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. This was the show that I wanted to listen to. It actually was “less talk, more music.” I made detailed shownotes so Celtic music fans could easily find the bands online. To this day, it is still the #1 podcast for Celtic music online and has won THREE awards for Best Music in the Podcast Awards.
In 2008, Brobdingnagian Bards officially broke up. I was a bit lost as to what was next. I was playing mostly Irish and Scottish songs with a few geek songs thrown in. I didn't realize it at the time, but it was my funnier Celtic songs that I fused with science fiction and cats that got most people talking… and sharing.
Designing the cover for one of my favorite CDs, The Bridge. I initially made three different designs.
Sharing is what it is all about!
Even back with the Bards, I realized that a musician is nothing if he doesn't have fans who are willing to tell others. Sure, I write bizarre music. But if it's not interesting enough to share with someone… What's the point?
That's what separates the big music industry bands from the indies. The record labels hire publicists. They have money to pay radio stations to play their music.
Indie musicians only have word-of-mouth.
Thus, I rely not only on your generosity to buy my music and become a patron. I also rely on your generosity and passion to share my music with as many people as you possibly can.
That's why I give away a full album in my mailing list. I am always telling Gunn Runners it's okay to give my MP3s to others. It is my only means to compete with the deep pockets of pop radio.
It works too. I released my album Pirates vs. Dragons in the summer of 2016 on CD Baby, the world's largest indie music distributor. Together, we launched the album to #9. It spent nearly three weeks at the top of the charts. That was due in large part to Gunn Runners sharing on Facebook and Twitter.
This wasn't my success though. It was yours too!
You are my inspiration!
I make music because I love sharing and making people happy. I love seeing your heartfelt smiles from the stage. I love seeing your pictures and videos of you enjoying my music. I love reading about your memories. I love chatting with you.
Yes, I want to hear from you. Sure, I am overrun with too much to do. I don't know if I'll be able to respond to your email in a timely fashion. But I read every single email that comes to me.
So please email me. Tell me about yourself:
What do you do?
What are your favorite movies and TV shows?
What are your favorite bands?
How did you find my music?
What song(s) made you want to subscribe to my mailing list?
These things fascinate me. They inspire me. They guide me. So please send me a short email to tell me about yourself.
So thank you. Thank you for being a part of my musical journey.
Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
PS. What is the Gunn Runners Club? This is the best way to get to know me and my music. Every month, you get fun digital gifts from me. You'll enjoy brainstorming blogs, Stories from the Road podcasts, live videos, new song lyrics, and even exclusive free MP3s. You might even get a full album. Your generosity gives indie musicians like me the ability to keep making music.
You get all of that for just $1 per month. I want every Gunn Runner to be a part of this community.
It's easy to do. You just make a pledge of any amount at patreon.com/celtfather. Thank you for your generosity. And thank you for being a part of my family.
