Episode 37- Bill Cody- Part 1

How does a band “utility” player work solo gigs and then become a DJ as well as a booking agent? Here’s part 1 of my expansive visit with Texas icon Bill Cody.

   The Band of One podcast contains actionable advice, marketing and how to fine tune your solo, duo or trio musical group for maximum success and profits. Where to look for potential gigs and how to approach potential clients for best results. What to do and what to avoid in your solo or small group efforts. 
      I've been a working professional musician since 1972, a full time guitar, bass and voice teacher since 1986 and a voice talent since 1997.  I'll share my 50 years+ experience along with that of other performers who've done the same thing elsewhere.  My goal is to help you have greater musical and financial success. 

Chapters

• 0:03 Intro
• 0:51 PartyTimeTexas.com
• 1:16 Musical family in Wisconsin
• 1:28 Playing and singing at age 5
• 1:50 Trumpet and piano
• 2:06 Beatles, Monkees and guitar
• 2:13 Book learnin'
• 2:26 bands in the late 60’s
• 2:33 Dallas with an Elvis tribute band in 1977
• 2:47 Radio and nightclubs up north
• 2:57 College and radio gigs
• 3:14 Morning Drive classic rock
• 4:04 take acoustic guitar to school
• 4:11 Playing and singing>crowds gathered
• 4:51 Joining the rock & roll circus
• 5:11 Drums, singing and a PA system
• 5:44 The Madison scene in the mid-70’s
• 7:00 Pool table stage
• 8:52 Play and improve the craft
• 9:13 Introducing “Chunky Pie!"
• 10:25 “Emergency” in Madison?
• 11:00 Thanks David Bowie
• 12:14 College, band and radio gigs
• 12:29 Universiity of Wisconsin
• 13:18 DJ, news guy, etc
• 14:40 Voiceovers and Love- actually.
• 16:18 guitars, drums, keys, lead singer and MC
• 16:51 Underground Sunshine>Elvis
• 18:42 Johnny Harra as Elvis
• 19:36 Midwest to Dallas
• 21:11 Aug. 16, 1977
• 22:12 nightclub to the Cotton Bowl in a week!
• 24:01 Glenn Pace wants the band
• 24:06 Haircuts? Nope.
• 25:10 Flight home and come back to Texas
• 25:50 Happy Hour solo gigs leads to DJ work
• 26:21 Assembling the Party Time DJ's
• 26:33 Solo guitar and vocal limitations
• 26:49 “fell into the DJ groove”
• 26:56 Word of mouth
• 27:23 Lots of opportunity
• 28:04 Dallas - the shining city on the hill
• 28:42 Bigger stages- "I had to come"
• 30:51 "DJ-ing is easier for me"
• 31:20 “Wild” Bill Cody- Cowboy/DJ/singer
• 31:55 Add in Private Party gigs
• 32:15 Hauling lots of gear
• 33:08 The retro trend-T minus 20 years
• 33:27 “I still miss it now"
• 33:53 Combining performing with DJ-ing
• 34:30 $10/hour in 1977
• 34:49 "$500-700/ week couldn’t be done in bands"
• 35:01 "I make more money than bands"
• 36:07 3D experience
• 36:46 Be casual, too
• 37:03 Professionalism is job #1!
• 37:39 Outtro