OM DENNE EPISODE
What does it take to turn a love of music into a 40-year career, and to understand not only what happens onstage, but everything it takes to get the show there?
In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, I sit down with Reggie Fecteau, a musician, producer, and longtime music-industry professional whose journey has taken him from Canada to the United States and from performing onstage to producing and developing live tribute shows.
Reggie shares the unexpected story of how his path shifted from hockey to music and how that decision ultimately became a lifelong career. We talk about performing and producing tributes to artists including ELO, Queen, and Heart, and why recreating legendary music requires much more than simply playing the songs. He also talks about his very successful cover band Sippin' Fire.
From lighting, visuals, and production to rehearsals, booking, promotion, and business decisions, Reggie takes us behind the scenes of what audiences rarely see. He also talks about starting over in a new country, navigating COVID, building lasting musical relationships, developing new projects, and why professionalism matters in an increasingly competitive tribute-band world.
And beneath all the business and production is something much more personal: the joy of performing live, the connection between musicians and audiences, and Reggie’s belief in the powerful role music can play in our mental health and well-being.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Reggie's Music Journey
01:50From Hockey to Music: A Life-Changing Moment
03:17The Production Show and Tribute Band Success
05:12Treating Music as a Business
07:13The Art of Tribute Performance and Visuals
08:40Moving to the US and Expanding Opportunities
11:25The Joy of Live Performance
12:49Music as Therapy and Stress Relief
15:20Forming Long-Lasting Bands and Collaborations
18:27Relocating to Florida and New Beginnings
21:26Starting Over in a New Country
24:10Innovating with Visuals and Production
28:26Overcoming Challenges During COVID
31:22Performing at Iconic Venues and Future Goals
34:38The Power of Visuals in Live Shows
37:23Engaging the Next Generation of Music Fans
40:33Downtime and Personal Life
43:24Behind the Scenes of Tribute Band Management
44:48Rehearsal Routines and Dedication
45:36Creating New Projects and Musical Innovations
50:08The Business of Booking and Promotion
54:34Working on Original Music and Future Projects
57:15Dream Venues and Future Performances
01:00:42The Importance of Tone and Vocal Range
01:02:50Memorable Concert Experiences
01:04:26Balancing Business and Passion
01:05:13Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Musicians
https://www.facebook.com/elotribute
https://www.facebook.com/SippinFire
