Talent Scout in NYC from Major

THis is my first time auditioning in front of a TS of a major label. I have to perform 2 songs acoustically and hand in a portfolio. I am not known in the music scene accept by a few friends. Any thoughts or suggestions.

Well I say good luck man.... just relax and perform well! Even though you wouldnt wish ME luck, I can still wish you all the luck in the world man. Good to see some hard work paying off!

I would say turn on the charm. I mean, you are performing a short acoustic set so it must be an intimate setting. Choose great songs with great melodies that you play well, not just something technically good or brand new. I find it a lot less daunting to play a song after I've made the crowd laugh or acknowledge me a little bit ... This is of utmost importance in an acoustic set, since some people treat acoustic music like ''background'' music. Just get their attention - like Springsteen would. Musicians aren't supposed to be normal so don't worry about that. Not that this type of stuff happens to me very often, but two weeks ago I got to play a six song acoustic set for Jimmy Buffet's entire family in a living room in Atlanta. This was a real rush (and a fluke because I never listen to Jimmy and didn't even recognize him when I met him). I just talked a lot between songs, told stories, even poked fun at the South, but endearingly. They liked it. Some guy came up to me after and said ''man, I can't believe you started talking about the South up there in front of 20 Alabamans, but you talked your way out of it real well.''

Confidence, charm, personality, personal hygene, flexability, and try real hard to not look scared. Exited yes, scared no.

Work the crowd if its an actual gig. Talk to them here and there. Dont be cocky or too humble. Its a balancing game like a tightrope walk. So dont look down...