M One Studios

Our clients tend to prefer acts with professional-quality promotional materials; often times a small investment in a videographer or video crew for your video can be a deal breaker. Keep in mind that our clients receive hundreds of submissions and inquiries each week – they are likely to give their fullest attention to the videos and other promotional materials which look the most sleek and polished. This is not to say that your performance isn’t also valuable to them, however. It definitely must stand out above the rest. Some of these gigs are very competitive, with many performers submitting promo kits – your best bet is to emphasize your unique personality and strong points (musically and visually), while still fitting within the parameters of the job description. Also remember that you are being hired to put on a SHOW, so clearly demonstrate your ability to do just that. If there’s one key to landing this gig, it is to show your versatility and flexibility. In your video, you have to show the cruise line that you’ll be able to please everybody. A couple of suggestions: consider showing yourselves in some costumes, or props that reflect the kind of music you’re playing (throw on a top hat when you play a Sinatra tune, or a head full of dreadlocks while doing a Bob Marley tune, or a tropical shirt for a latin tune etc. etc.); or show how you’re going to get your audience involved in your video – say encouraging words, or get people clapping when you’re playing; or you could even invite an audience member on stage with you to sing a duet. Dancing is always a plus – if there’s a female in your group, maybe she can go out and select a man from the audience to join her on the dance floor. Just be sure that your video shows the cruise lines that you’re great entertainers and that your audiences love you. And while the music must sound good, your visual appearance is equally of value to our clients – be sure to appear engaging, charismatic, and captivating for an audience to watch. Usually, our clients choose musicians that have a clean-cut and classy, yet fun appearance - so be sure to dress like you are performing for a wedding reception or other high-end function as opposed to a bar or club in your video. Basically, stay away from untrimmed facial hair, tattoos, multiple piercings, and outlandish hair styles and you should be OK. You should have music specifically meant for dancing and music specifically meant for listening/watching. Of course, do not take the advice in this section too literally. Before you do anything else, it’s most important to identify and develop your “shtick”, then sell it, sell it, and sell it some more.