Bat Out Of Hell: How To Get Noticed In The Loud World Of The Media Biz!

 Journalism 1-0-1:

To the newbie's chasing the spotlights in the media world:

A writer-slash-blogger-slash-photographer’s first job is simple: 

To get seen!

Let the truth be known: The suits don’t give a damn about pretty pictures or perfect spelling — they want reach, raw numbers, bodies in the seats, eyes on the page, and readers who keep coming back for another hit of words!

Back in 2019, I rolled into Sunset Station with a camera and a chip on my shoulder. I didn’t just shoot the night — I twisted it, warped it, gave it a look nobody else dared to try back then. (The pic at the top) My little "pop art" experiment didn’t just get noticed; it ricocheted around the world and shoved my words onto the bloggers' roadmap.

Now that my latest blog is pulling in over 125,000 followers who ride with my words. I’m laying my pop‑art phase down gently — letting it fade like the last chord of a midnight set. Cell phones have cameras too. I’ll still snap a few shots to juice up my storytelling, but the real punch now only comes from the words that I write! 

My lesson to all who are pursuing media as a hobby, or as a career.

Find something that gets your work noticed, and run with it like a bat out of Hell 🔥

Word! 🤘

~GE~

Tribute Artists vs Original Music: Bringing Original Music To Light!

 The Vegas music scene is a wild, neon‑lit beast! Loud on the surface, louder underneath, and full of stories that never make it past the bar chatter. Everyone talks about tribute bands ruling Las Vegas while original music gets shoved behind the curtain, but I’ve been lucky enough to hear what really goes down. As a rock writer, I get the inside track on the locals who bleed their own songs into the desert air. Some of those tracks live only in their heads, some make it to the bar‑room stages, and a few Vegas bands cranking out their own original fire are perched right on the edge of blowing the doors off this town and launching themselves straight onto the long, winding highways of the touring circuit! $$$$

I’ve heard original tunes that hit harder than half the stuff being covered in this city. In my opinion, some of these songs are so strong that they stand a good chance of becoming tributes someday. A lot of these artists are already pushing their originals onto platforms like Spotify and Bandcamp, which is a killer start, but they still need ears, attention, and a spotlight that actually points them in the right direction to fans that dig the original songs.

Here's where I usually say it's My Take; this time, it's my little experiment with your help.

So, here’s the deal. I’ve got a little blog with a not‑so‑little audience, some friends in high places, and people who seem to pay attention when I talk.

Vegas musicians & bands:

If you’re out there grinding, writing, recording, and dropping original tracks, send me your links. Shoot me your songs, your contact info, and let’s talk. I’ll blast your music out to the world through my platform and make sure your originals don’t stay hidden in the shadows.

Vegas bands. Vegas songwriters. Vegas creators. If you’ve got the fire, I’ll help carry the flame!

It's on you now. Message me on Facebook or hit me up with an email: garyenglandemail@gmail.com

Gary England

facebook.com/garyenglandlv

How To Stay Visible In A Crowded Local Music Scene: The Simple Social Media Habits That Fill Your Shows!

 

Many times, my publishers want to know where I end up on the weekends, what venues I hit, which bands I catch, and what’s happening across the Vegas music grid. And honestly, some weekends I feel like a kid in a candy store. I get to choose whichever band I want to see. But that choice always starts with one thing: visibility.

As the weekend gets closer, I scroll back through what I’ve seen on Facebook and the rest of my social feeds. Who’s been showing up? Who’s been promoting consistently? Which bands are in my face every day—and which ones posted their gig once and then vanished like they fell off the edge of the algorithm?

Is it a one‑post wonder? Or is it just the brutal roulette wheel of social media?

Either way, the real question for every band is this: How do you make sure your gigs get seen? What are the real tricks of the trade to keep your shows in front of fans, not buried under the noise?

So, I got in touch with a few of my friends who are experts in what works and what doesn't. 

Here’s a short, clean, easy‑to‑read list from the experts that tells bands and musicians exactly how to get their gigs seen on social media. 

• Post Daily — Small clips, photos, or reminders keep your band in fans’ feeds all week.

• Use Video — Short live clips or hype videos get far more reach than static flyers.

• Pin Your Gig — Keep your weekend show at the top of your page so no one misses it.

• Create Event Pages — Facebook Events still drive real attendance and send automatic reminders.

• Tag Venues — Venues often share your posts, doubling your visibility instantly.

• Post at Peak Times — Morning, lunch, and evening posts get the most engagement.

• Show Personality — Fans connect with real moments, not just flyers.

• Use Stories — Quick daily reminders keep you floating at the top of fans’ screens.

• Ask for Engagement — Polls, questions, and shout‑outs boost your reach through conversation.

• Promote the Venue Too — Venues notice who supports them and push your posts harder.

{My Take}

At the end of the day, getting your gigs seen isn’t magic, it’s momentum!

 Bands who show up consistently, use video, pictures, tag their venues, and stay active in fans’ feeds are the ones who pack rooms and build real followings. Social media rewards the bands who treat visibility like part of the job, not an afterthought. If you want bigger crowds, better bookings, and more eyes on your music, show up every day and make it impossible for fans not to know where you’re playing at! 

See you this weekend :-)

Gary England

The Free Facebook Upgrade That Every Musician And Entertainer Should Turn On Today!

 After 58-plus years in the media trenches, music, entertainment, sports, journalism, ghostwriting- the whole beautiful circus- there’s a side of me most folks have never really seen. My ghost persona. The part that’s picked up the real tricks of the trade, the backstage shortcuts, the survival skills, and the little industry hacks that keep you sharp, safe, and one step ahead. 

And every now and then, I like to pull back the curtain and hand one of those tricks to the next generation. To the people in the biz, that works their butt's off upping their media game! (social media, music platforms, etc.)

So, here’s one: no big secret that everyone in the music and entertainment world should know about and use. It’s powerful, it’s practical, and best of all… It’s free!

Using your Facebook correctly!

Signing up for or switching your regular Facebook account is simple and easy: 

Starting with a standard Facebook profile, go to your profile menu and switch your standard account to Professional Mode; this unlocks creator‑level tools without charging you a dime. Once activated, you get access to analytics, audience insights, post-performance data, monetization eligibility tracking, and a more polished public-facing profile. For people in the music and entertainment business, this is a quiet superpower! It turns your Facebook presence into a mini‑marketing machine. You can track which posts drive the most engagement, see what cities your fans are in, promote shows more effectively, build a professional brand image, and position yourself like a working artist instead of just another personal profile. In a city like Las Vegas, where visibility equals opportunity, a professional account helps musicians look legit, stay organized, and grow their audience with real data rather than guesswork.

Here is a Rock Star example of how this works. I call it my "What's Hot and What's Not" Information!

Click On Pic For Larger View

What's hot on my social media (Facebook) this past week is Mr. Danny "The Count" Koker!

Here's what my Pro-Account on Facebook told me:

In a little over a week. Danny is a very popular person (Rock Star) around Las Vegas, and on my Facebook Page! With over 20,600 views. So, what does this info tell me? When I get the chance, shoot more pictures of Danny and his band :-)

And by the way, you might want to check this out!

Event Page On Facebook

{My Take}

A Facebook Professional Account quietly hands you the kind of leverage most artists spend years chasing. It gives you real‑time audience insights, lets you study what content actually moves people, sharpens your branding, boosts your visibility, and opens the door to monetization tools as your following grows. It turns every post, photo, reel, and show announcement into data you can use — not guesses you hope land. For anyone in the music and entertainment world, that’s gold. It means smarter promotion, stronger fan engagement, and a cleaner, more credible public presence that works for you 24/7. And the best part is still the headline: it’s free, and every serious creative should be using it.

Gary England

Social Media For Bands And Musicians: Which Social Media Platforms Work Best

To all of my bands and musicians: Which social media platforms do you use? Which one works best?

Seems like social media platforms work best in certain conditions. 

Here's what I found out from a cross-section of professional musicians and professional publicists in the biz from across the US.

Here’s a clear, strategic breakdown of how Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram stack up for working musicians, based on their strengths, audiences, and the type of content that performs best. This comparison reflects current industry insights on how artists use social media platforms to grow visibility and fan engagement.

1. TikTok — Best for Viral Discovery & Fast Audience Growth

TikTok remains the most powerful platform for breaking new artists and pushing songs into the algorithmic spotlight.

Strengths

• Short‑form video drives massive organic reach

• Music‑driven trends help unknown artists go viral

• Great for personality‑driven content and behind‑the‑scenes moments

• Younger audiences discover new music here first

Best For

• Performance clips

• Song teases

• Humor, personality, and storytelling

• Quick fan engagement

2. YouTube — Best for Long‑Term Growth & Professional Content

YouTube is the most important platform for sustained career-building because it serves as both a social network and a search engine.

Strengths

• Ideal for full performances, music videos, and long‑form storytelling

• Strong monetization opportunities

• Fans use YouTube to search for artists, covers, and tutorials

• Evergreen content continues to grow over time

Best For

• Official music videos

• Live show footage

• Lyric videos

• Behind‑the‑scenes documentaries

• Tutorials or gear breakdowns

3. Instagram — Best for Branding, Aesthetics & Fan Relationships

Instagram is where musicians build visual identity and maintain a polished brand presence.

Strengths

• Reels offer strong reach (similar to TikTok)

• Great for photos, posters, and aesthetic storytelling

• Strong DM culture for fan and industry networking

• Ideal for promoting shows and merch

Best For

• Reels (performance clips, teasers)

• High‑quality photos

• Tour posters and announcements

• Stories for daily engagement

4. Facebook — Best for Event Promotion & Local Gig Marketing

While not the trendiest platform, Facebook remains essential for working bands, especially those who rely on live shows.

Strengths

• The best platform for event pages and RSVPs

• Strong reach among adults 30–65

• Local venues, promoters, and fans still rely on Facebook

• Great for community building and longer posts

Best For

• Show announcements

• Event invites

• Local fan engagement

• Band updates and longer storytelling

Final Takeaway

• TikTok grows your audience.

• YouTube deepens your audience.

• Instagram brands your audience.

• Facebook activates your audience—especially for live shows.

In the end, no single platform carries the entire load for a modern working band. TikTok fuels discovery, YouTube builds long‑term credibility, Instagram shapes visual identity, and Facebook remains the backbone of local gig promotion. 

In a crowded digital world, the bands that win are the ones who show up consistently, play to each of the social media platforms’ strengths, and stay impossible to ignore.

GE

Local Las Vegas Bands Can Beat The Algorithms: They Just Need To Play The Social Media Game

 Social media algorithms are complex systems that determine what 

content users see on their feeds, 

influencing engagement and user experience across platforms like 

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Las Vegas has one of the most underrated music ecosystems in the country—packed with tribute acts that rival the originals, original bands with real grit, and musicians who grind harder than most people ever see. But even with all that talent, the biggest challenge remains the same: getting seen. Social media algorithms don’t always play fair, and local artists often get buried under national acts, viral trends, and paid promotions.

The good news? Bands can beat the system. It just takes strategy, consistency, and a little Vegas swagger.

Algorithms reward content that feels personal and real.

Bands that only post show flyers get ignored—by fans and the platforms.

What works better:

• Behind‑the‑scenes rehearsal clips

• Quick stories about how a song came together

• Candid moments at soundcheck

• Short, raw performance snippets

People want to feel connected to the musicians, not just the marketing.

Show Up Consistently

You don’t have to post every day, but you do have to show up regularly.

A simple rhythm works:

• 3–4 posts a week

• 3–5 stories a day (easy behind‑the‑scenes stuff)

• One live stream every week or two

Consistency tells the algorithm, “Hey, this band is active—push them.”

Lean Into Short‑Form Video

Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts are the new radio.

Short clips that perform well:

• 10–20 second performance highlights

• Funny band moments

• “What it’s like playing in Vegas” stories

• Quick covers of trending songs

• Fan reactions

Short‑form video is the fastest way to reach people who’ve never heard of you.

Collaborate With Other Vegas Artists

Vegas musicians are stronger together.

Collabs the algorithm loves:

• Split‑screen duets

• Joint rehearsal clips

• Cross‑promotion posts

• Tagging each other in stories

• Co‑headlining events and sharing content

When two bands share audiences, both grow.

Tag the City—Literally

Las Vegas is a global brand. Use it.

Bands should tag:

• @vegas

• @lasvegaslocals

• @vegasmusic

• Local venues

• Local influencers

• Local hashtags

Geo‑tags and city‑based hashtags help content reach people who actually go to shows.

Make Fans Part of the Show

User‑generated content is algorithm gold.

Encourage fans to:

• Tag the band in videos

• Post photos from shows

• Use a band hashtag

• Share clips of their favorite songs

Then repost that content. It builds community and boosts visibility.

Talk Back—Engagement Is Currency

Algorithms reward conversations.

Bands should:

• Reply to every comment

• Ask questions in captions

• Run polls

• Thank fans publicly

• Comment on other local bands’ posts

Engagement tells the platform, “People care about this band—show them to more users.”

Promote the Scene, Not Just Yourself

The more the Vegas scene grows, the more every band benefits.

Ways to lift the whole community:

• Shout out to other bands

• Share local show calendars

• Highlight venues that treat musicians right

• Celebrate new releases from Vegas artists

• Create “Vegas Music Spotlight” posts

When bands support each other, the algorithm notices—and so do fans.

Tell Your Story

Vegas is a city built on storytelling. Bands that share their journey stand out.

Great story angles:

• Why did you start the band

• What Vegas means to you

• Your biggest challenges

• Your favorite show moments

• What inspires your music

People follow stories more than they follow genres.

Release Content More Often Than Music

You don’t need a new album to stay relevant.

You just need:

• Clips

• Photos

• Thoughts

• Moments

• Personality

Content keeps the band alive between releases.

{My Take}

With a little extra work, local bands can beat the algorithms. They just need to play the social media game with the same passion they bring to the stage!

GE

Why Some Local Musicians And Bands Get Noticed And Why Some Never Get Their Fair Share Of The Bright Lights Of Las Vegas

 Pretty much every day since moving to Las Vegas in May of 1999, when I first wake up, I check social media to see what's going on around Las Vegas in the music and entertainment industry. Then I proceed to my Associated Press and United Press International news feeds to see what is happening around the world that might concern Las Vegas. Then I write my blogs and ghost articles and send them off to press.

The media plays a significant role in determining who gets noticed and who doesn't around the world. So do many other factors. Las Vegas is overflowing with musical talent. Many musicians and bands seem to stay in the spotlight consistently, while other musicians and bands hardly ever get mentioned. I'm here today to explain why.

Yesterday I asked my Facebook friends the question: Who are some of the most gifted musicians in Las Vegas that have not received the accolades they deserve?   

In one day, 24 hours, the post received over 125 comments, and was seen on Facebook by over 2,800 people, mentioning musicians and bands who they believed deserved more of the spotlight that Vegas has to offer. All the names that were mentioned have incredible talent! So, why aren't they mentioned more when it comes to the local music scene? As a lifelong journalist, I'm here to shine some light on why I believe this is happening.

Las Vegas is a city teeming with musical talent, from polished tribute acts and lounge legends to gritty rockers and boundary-pushing originals. Yet, anyone watching the scene closely knows that not all talented musicians get the same spotlight. Some names seem to pop up in the media again and again, while others, despite immense skill, fly under the radar. So why does this happen?

One major factor is visibility and branding. Bands that maintain an active social media presence, regularly update their content, and engage with fans tend to draw more attention from bloggers, journalists, and promoters. Media outlets are more likely to cover artists who already have an audience or know how to market themselves.

Another big reason is relationships and connections. Musicians who take time to network, whether with venue managers, local influencers, or media professionals, often find themselves in the right place at the right time. These connections don’t guarantee talent, but they do open doors for interviews, reviews, and mentions.

Timing and trends also play a role. If a certain genre becomes hot, like country, funk, or ‘80s rock tributes, bands within that style are more likely to be featured. Others, even with equal or greater musicianship, may be overlooked simply because their sound doesn’t match the current wave.

Finally, some musicians treat their craft as a full-time pursuit, investing in press kits, hiring publicists, or staging high-quality shows. Others may play purely for passion and word-of-mouth, which can limit their exposure even if their music is top tier!

In the end, talent is essential, but in a city like Las Vegas, presentation, persistence, and promotion can make the difference between background noise and front-page news!

Ultimately, it's not just about who plays the best; it's about who gets seen, heard, and talked about. In Las Vegas, the spotlight isn't always fair, but those who learn how to chase it often find themselves right in the center of the bright lights of the Las Vegas music scene!

Comments welcomed!

GE - Gary England