It may seem unusual to be reading a review for a magazine, indeed most people turn to magazines to read reviews, but a month ago I was turned onto a must have magazine for anyone who is involved in the music business, be it a musician, roadie, booking agent, or road manager all people who do Music can benefit from this great magazine. 

I was discussing music with a friend, who is a pro bass player. The conversation turned to the pit falls of the industry, and having to learn your way to be a professional. That was when he mentioned Gig. He said that it was a monthly which had articles geared towards topics that gigging bands are concerned with. The next day he gave me a few issues to  look over.  

I found all four extremely informative, and it made me wish that I would have had this magazine back when I was a practicing musician, it would have saved me a lot of head aches. The  November 97  issue was the first one I read. From the beginning I found it useful, due to the feature on gigging in Orange County ( where I am from) not only did they cover  the ideal clubs for bands to play at, including genre clubs, but music stores, and restaurants that cater to the nocturnal nature of musicians. This issue also had a great article on how cover bands could get better bookings. 

After reading that issue cover to cover I picked up the second issue which was even more informative. This issue from Dec 97, had a cover story on the plusses and minus of "pay to play". And a topic not many bands think about when when they are gigging,  Getting published without getting ripped off.  

The third and fourth issues  I read from April 98 and  September 97 covered a wide birth of topics from the Recording contract from hell, gigging gear, using audio enhancers effectively, To tour or not to tour, why every gig counts, and a great article on the issue of taxes. Besides articles like the ones mentioned above, the magazines had great how to articles, and equipment reviews. Including pointing out what  equipment a band really needs to play certain kinds of gigs.  

Overall This magazine was a great read, well written, and not half filled with advertising. Like I have said before, Gig Magazine is a must read for any musician, or anyone involved with music. It might seem strange to do a review on a magazine, but like anything in life you wanna share with other people when you discover something new and great. Gig Magazine surely fits that role. 

 Go to Gig magazines web site and sign up for a free sample issue and see for yourself 

www.gigmag.com