TBA: The Band

Just after college I was dating a musician. (Some of you might know I am married to a musician – different musician. I don't have a type. I don't have a type.) In addition to a regular revolving door of bassists, the post-college boyfriend’s band also had a bevy of band names. There were regular discussions on the name and the band’s moniker changed relentlessly. It was the 80s and every bar band was looking for the perfect name. THIS name would help them stand out from the pack and attract a crowd to their next gig. 

You also had to have a cool band name to put on the little colored post cards you sent out promoting your gigs. Every band had a clipboard where they collected names and addresses so they could tell club owners that they “had a list.” While the band's goals were to play in a packed club, sell some tickets, and then hang out with friends and drink beer, the club owner’s goal was to fill the club with people who would buy beer. Club owners and bookers vied for the most popular bands, the ones with a following.

The Almost Birth of TBA

During one of the many band name discussions, someone suggested that they use TBA as the band’s name. TBA (or To Be Announced) was the local club listings filler. Club owners sent in their “Live Music” schedules to fill the back pages of the Boston Phoenix and other local arts tabloids. When there was no band yet scheduled but they wanted the beer drinkers to think there was live music on tap, TBA. When the live music schedule was not yet solidified, TBA. When no one could find the booking manager and the deadline was nigh, TBA. 

If my boyfriend’s band was called TBA, it would look like they were playing all over town. Every night. The hardest working, most popular band in Boston. (If club owners were truly that gullible…or maybe not involved with sending in the club listings.) I think it was under serious consideration for a hot minute or two.

It would also be impossible for any of the true believers to find their actual listing and there would still be a lot of half-empty clubs. Sometimes when you focus too much on one specific goal, you lose sight of the big picture. 

Is Public Speaking Your Goal?

Public speaking is a goal for many women. But maybe the real goals are to be able to demonstrate our expertise. To connect with potential customers and partners. To get promoted or maybe a new job. Remember your goals.

This article first appeared in the weekly Innovation Women newsletter. I write a letter to members and other interested parties every week. The weekly newsletter also shares 5 speaking opportunities, information about events, incubators, grants, etc. We're closing in on newsletter #300 and I'm creating a collection of the favorites.

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