From downtown to the beach and outlying neighborhoods, the hustle and bustle of Charleston’s music community gets busier every year. As the band and club scenes evolve, it’s hard to keep up with who’s who and what’s where, but it’s a job we love to do.

In celebration of the city’s rich musical sphere, this year’s Music Issue aims the spotlight at some of the talented characters who make the shows and recordings happen. It touches on some of the basic fundamentals any aspiring musical act should consider, and shares some major dos and don’ts from veteran players who’ve lived through adventures and mishaps.

Local musician and City Paper contributor Doug Walters shares some of his heart and from-the-gut thoughts in a special feature, and some of the hardest-working audio engineers from clubs and independently owned studios around town weigh in on their craft and offer some helpful advice to musicians and bands.

Additionally, the City Paper unveils an updated Local Music Directory in print and online. It’s a hefty, descriptive, who’s who guide to local music. This updated 2009 directory will hopefully serve as a useful tool for readers, writers, agents, club owners, radio stations, and others. This directory illustrates a unique diversity and richness better than anything we could publish on a weekly basis.

Currently, there are hundreds of musical artists doing their own thing in the Charleston area. Musical events happen all over the Lowcountry, so jump in, dig into it, and try to appreciate the work and creativity behind it. —T. Ballard Lesemann (music editor)

Shut Up 'n' Play Yer Guitar
Shut Up 'n' Play Yer Guitar

From the moment I saw my first rock 'n' roll show at a sixth grade sock hop, I wanted to play guitar professionally in a band. Nothing else has ever made as much sense to me. Little…


Press Kit 101: How to do it ... and how not to do it
Press Kit 101: How to do it ... and how not to do it

For many aspiring musicians, the greatest challenge of forming a band and rolling into the scene doesn't involve writing, rehearsal, or collaboration. Putting a song list together with the right combination of players, coming up with a…


How not to annoy the audio engineer in charge of your show
How not to annoy the audio engineer in charge of your show

Doing sound at a live music venue is one of the most vital and thankless roles in the local music scene. The production work behind-the-scenes at local clubs and concert halls can be a sweaty, gruelling, eardrum-splitting…


The behind-the-scenes scenes at some of Charleston's busiest recording studios
The behind-the-scenes scenes at some of Charleston's busiest recording studios

As this year's music issue theme is "the keys to success," the City Paper compiled "sound advice" (ha!) from some of the busiest and most dedicated audio engineers and producers in town. We got strong advice from…


The essential playlists for any cover band
The essential playlists for any cover band

Top Rock Anthems, How to Keep a Dance Floor Filled, Blues Tunes for the jammin' cats, Make 'em Shag To Everything, Classic Hip-Hop for Rock Bands, The Critic's Critical Indie List…


Suggestions for the photo shoot
Suggestions for the photo shoot

Whether you are a hip new band photographer, or a musician putting together your MySpace page, here are some photo faux pas to avoid…


Add a little sophomoric humor to your day
Add a little sophomoric humor to your day

Music. I've never been particularly good at making it. Listening, I'm OK, but creating a tune, no. I think it has something to do with rebelling against a parent who taught music for years — and figured…


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