Boompa Live!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS INTERVIEW

  First, gotta ask -- why Boompa?

        Good question!  I was searching for a good, catchy stage name, and since my new granddaughter calls me Boompa, it occurred to me -- why not that?   So I ran with it :)

    What kind of music do you play?

         The genres I cover are all popular, recognizable songs of rock, pop, and country spanning the past 60 years.  All mainstream songs most people will readily recognize,  and hopefully  sing or dance along to!  Of course, I reimagine them to suit a solo situation. And this is where my...ahem...age can be a benefit as I have literally decades of music to offer, from the 1960s to modern music.

 What sets you apart of all the other solo musicians out there?

     First, I'm not professing to be a guitar virtuoso nor an American Idol vocalist. I do have a demo video on my website for all to view. But what a demo can't portray are the numerous intangible aspects of a successful live music performance.  That's what sets me apart.

   It's the huge variety of songs and genres, but also an ability (and willingness) to read the crowd and make adjustments on the fly. And I take requests! Prior to every gig, I place cards on every table that contain a QR code which when scanned, connects to a web page to allow patrons to view my entire song list. They can then send a direct message to me on stage, in real time, to request songs, announce a birthday, etc. It's amazingly engaging-- people love it! 

    Also, pet peeve alert and getting back to that variety thing.....I don't play the same 30 songs at every show like many other musicians do, and I don't stubbornly refuse to play anything I don't like. I'm there exclusively to entertain the audience, it’s really that simple,  and that important!  After all, you never know what the crowd will consist of, so the ability to be flexible and able to adapt really sets me apart.  People like to recognize the music, and sing along to themselves (or sometimes, out loud).

Also, I have a lot of DJ experience so I'm very comfortable with MC skills to help celebrate special occasions. 

    Other things to note, and if you've ever hired musicians before, this will likely resonate. I understand the importance of my role as the entertainment for each and every event. Always appropriate attire, and a fun, but professional, family friendly, and volume conscious performance. Minimal set breaks, with prerecorded background music during those times.

What's your background and experience?

         I began my music journey as a drummer and worked extensively in various bands for decades, and still do.  But several years ago I chose guitar and vocals (or it chose me, still debatable) and have been playing live in that capacity ever since. 

    What do you charge?

         That might be the hardest question to answer. Not because I'm hiding anything,  but because there are so many factors involved. Length of the gig, location, size of the venue (which affects how much gear I need to bring), day of the week, holidays.....lots of things come into play.  I hesitate to throw any numbers out there given all the variables involved. But suffice it to say, I do my absolute best to work within every budget. 

Where do you play?

         Throughout Southern California, although home is now in the wine country region of Temecula Valley (and love it here!)

         The typical types of venues are wineries, restaurants/bars, breweries, festivals,  casinos, private parties, corporate and city  events....really anywhere there's a need for live music.

       For public shows, I also understand the importance venue owners place on building a crowd. While I can't promise to pack a room, in advance of the gig, I'll create posts for social media platforms and distribute,  and will tag the venue to cross promote.

    Are there specialty shows available?

         Absolutely!  Aside from a wide variety of music in a typical situation,  I also offer some shows where I spotlight a certain segment of music. Examples are:

               Tracking the 70s....which features popular music from throughout the 1970s

               Greaties from the 80s.....exclusively the top hits from that decade

               And one of my favorites:   One Hit Wonders!   Featuring popular tunes from the past 6 decades by artists who only had one major hit song. Coupled with trivia and giveaways, people love it!

 Just a soloist?

             Well, since you asked....I also offer a duo act with an outstanding female singer, as well as a full band. However,  it's important to mention that my solo act isn't just a sleepy sit-on-a-stool-in-a-corner, elevator-background music kind of thing. While I can certainly do that if that's what the venue wants, it can be much more energetic and engaging.

    Lastly, how can people contact you?

    My website is www.Boompamusic.com where there’s a link to contact me directly along with my phone & email, email is mike@boompamusic.com, and I can be found on Facebook and Instagram as well.