Sound Check Entertainment and Studios

07/27/2025

Wisconsin State Fair, we see you from over here.

07/24/2025

Unfortunately, our production event at Enderis Park tonight with Southbound has been cancelled due to the impending thunderstorms.

07/23/2025

A special thank you to everyone who shared their ideas on our post two days ago. That conversation focused on how to encourage the next generation of music lovers to experience live, local music. It's no secret that business operating costs have ballooned, coinciding with a generation increasingly opting for at-home entertainment. We appreciate all the comments, especially the insightful contributions that can help us all think more deeply about how to create a lasting music scene and venues—one that endures for as long as we want it to, rather than merely sputtering and recycling itself every five years.

Here are the comments and ideas that truly stood out:

“It’s a marketplace. Too many musicians have been relying on spots that needed to be filled instead of creating demand for themselves.” “I’ve literally never been busier. That’s because I spend countless hours showing people what they would be missing by staying home watching Netflix.” - Joe Wray

“Everyone who is between the ages of 21 and 25 lost their freedom to go to bars, house parties, concerts, etc in the prime of their social development year(s) during the pandemic.
I am convinced there is a whole subcategory of “kids” who would come to see music, but they have absolutely no idea where to find it, how to get to it, and even what to do when they’re there.” - Patrick Murphy

“People want to be entertained and not just see some Dads up on stage wearing what they would wear to cut the grass.” - Jason Engl

“we are lucky to be living in an area of the country that supports music the way it does. We are spoiled here. And if we lose that then that’s on us.” - Marr’lo

“I think booking music to sell drinks is unfortunately an outdated concept, almost guaranteed to fail eventually” - Matt Campbell

“Being honest with what you are is a good thing.” - Craig Brog

We initiate these conversations so we can all learn from each other and improve. Thank you again to all the contributors.

Send a message to learn more

07/21/2025

Is Live Music The Next Curtain Call? 🎸

We're seeing it happen to movie theaters, small businesses, and so many other beloved forms of entertainment – and live music is next on the chopping block if we don't act.

Why? Because the incentive to leave the house is rapidly vanishing. Between endless streaming options like Netflix, the convenience of Tinder, and the constant pull of social media, our desire for in-person connection seems to be dwindling.

Add to that the ever-increasing cost of going out, and staying home becomes the easy, affordable default.

But here's the harsh truth: blaming venues or artists isn't helping. The real enemy here is a rapidly changing economy and our own evolving habits.

This is a warning flag moment for every fan of live music. If we want to save it, we need to get real.

The solution isn't complicated, but it requires a shift in mindset:

* Support the Venues: Open your wallets and show up for the places still fighting to bring us live music. They can't survive on good intentions alone.
* Demand Quality: For venues and artists, it's time to innovate. Give people a product, an experience, that's so compelling they want to put on pants and leave the couch.
* Drop the Entitlement: We don't "deserve" a vibrant music scene; we have to work for it. Let's stop complaining and start being motivated to reinvigorate what we love.

Let's rally, folks. Let's make live music thrive again! Who's with me?

07/19/2025

We are searching for a young, up and coming DJ interested in some specialty events and possible club dates. Beatmatching is preferred. This DJ also needs to be comfortable on a mic as well. No gear needed, except your own decks.

07/17/2025

Regarding events affected by weather this summer:

We are mentally and physically exhausted by the number of shows that have been affected by weather this summer. Nearly every summer show is special. They require a lot of planning, and for many, there's only one shot at it.
It's understandable to be disappointed by a cancellation due to what feels like an overreaction to a weather forecast, especially when looking at it in the rearview mirror. Speaking from experience, the alternative is much worse.
Next time someone feels like "so what, it's just a little rain," please remember these points:
Bad weather means people stay home, even if the show continues. That equates to a blow to the venues. Hosting a show is one thing; having a profitable show that allows for the continuation of more shows is another.
Rain damages gear. We speak from $1300 worth of damaged equipment sitting in a pile, needing replacement from a show last month.
Electricity and lightning kill. It only takes one injury at a show that disregards warnings to ruin shows for everyone else.
Having these conversations the day of the show, trying to predict the safety of fans 8-10 hours later, is incredibly difficult. It's difficult to put aside the excitement and motivation to play that show, and it's incredibly difficult to swallow it and make the hard choice.
So, next time this happens—likely tomorrow or the next day—please have some understanding that any decision to cancel was not only a hard choice to make, but it also means there are musicians, tech, staff, and owners who feel much worse about it.

07/04/2025

Greendale 4th of July Parade!

07/03/2025

Hey, local bands! 👋 Let's talk about something tough but important: rejection.

We know how much work goes into your music and how much you want to share it. Sometimes, despite your incredible talent, a venue might not be the right fit. It's never easy to hear "no," but how do you navigate those moments without taking it personally?

For venues, making booking decisions is often about finding the perfect puzzle piece for their specific vibe, audience, and schedule. It's not a reflection of your band's worth, but rather them making the best decision for their business.

So, we want to hear from you! How do you handle it when a venue isn't the right fit? How can venues communicate to your band in a manner that is understandable? What strategies do you use to stay positive, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward? Share your insights in the comments! Let's build a supportive community around these shared experiences.

06/30/2025

Pro Tip for Musicians! 🎶

Hey fellow musicians, quick friendly tip for setting up on stage: please be mindful of any sponsor banners! These banners are crucial for event sponsors, and covering them diminishes their visibility. Let's show respect to venues and organizers by keeping those banners clear. Thanks for helping us all keep the music playing!

06/25/2025

We just wanted to give a huge shout-out to all the bands and musicians who chimed in on our post yesterday about band breaks! We're genuinely blown away by the thoughtful and insightful responses you all provided.

It was incredible to see so many of you openly sharing your perspectives and the reasoning behind your approach to show flow. This kind of open dialogue is exactly what we hoped to instigate, helping all of us in the live music community think deeper about the audience experience and what makes a great show for you and the venues.

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to breaks, and your contributions truly highlighted that. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights and for helping to foster a space where we can all learn and grow together.

We're already thinking about the next topic for discussion!

06/24/2025

Hey Bands! Let's Talk Breaks
(or Lack Thereof!) 🎸

We've all been there – you're crushing it on stage, the crowd is hyped, and then... it's break time. But what if we challenged that tradition?

We want to open up a discussion about the benefits of playing your entire set without a break.

Think about it:
* People staying longer: Keeping the energy high means keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.
* More money spent: A continuous flow of music often translates to more time at the bar and potentially more money in your pockets.
* Preventing the exodus: How many times have you seen a significant portion of the crowd thin out during a band's break? Avoiding breaks can keep those folks right where they are – enjoying your music!

What are your thoughts on this? Have you tried playing a no-break set? What were your experiences, positive or negative? Let's hear your insights and start a good conversation in the comments!