I'm all about networking, I'm really excited about "Just Gig It":
Everyone who's a musician and wants to get gigs or needs to hire players should have this app! For example, I need a keyboard player to cover a gig in a couple of weeks, I load the deets into Just Gig It (venue, artist, pay rate, date and time) I click send, and all the keyboard players in my address book get a text message asking if they're available to take the gig, I'll get some text messages back, and the gig is booked! Works for one spot, or to hire an entire band for a show!
Next up is Trapster:
You're late for the gig, you want to avoid those speed traps, red light cameras, etc...this is the app for you. It works best when there are others in the area using it and feeding info to the system.
You can also use it to get directions to your gig, and it will also show you how busy traffic is (red is heavy traffic, green traffic is moving well...)
This is NOT an encouragement to drive like an idiot...this is an app to be used wisely, not to speed excessively and avoid getting caught breaking the law. Use with care!
Another "community" based app like it is Zero Fine:
Living in Burlington ON, my experience with Parking By-Law enforcement has been less than positive (that's a whole other blog post) Zero Fine lets you keep track of Parking Enforcement, so you can move before your time is up, run out and put more cash in the meter, and take other actions to avoid running out of time and getting a fine, or worse having your car towed and being stranded at the gig!
HeyTell is like the "Mike" network, only for iPhone:
Texting while driving is illegal where I live (Ontario, Canada), and I must say rightly so...using your cell is illegal at all unless it's a totally handsfree operation, so use this at your own risk while driving...but IMO/IME, a quick way to get in touch once you familiarize yourself with the app...
...I include this on my list because instead of texting, I can push and hold one "button" and send a voice message to band members rather than texting or dialling numbers...and getting stopped for a ticket...again, making me late for the gig!
We'll round off part one with TimmyMe:
Several times, I've gone to the venue and loaded in, set up, sound check, and then have an hour or two to kill before people arrive and/or we start the first set...always good to know where the local Tim's is to grab a quick coffee or snack...if I'm not familiar with the neighbourhood, I can always ask...but I value my independence, and we (KeysNKrates) did almost drive off the end of an unfinished road due to local directions in Quebec (see previous blog post from 2009), so this is an app I use hard when I'm jonesing for a coffee before go time!
Stay tuned for Part II, where I'll concentrate on Apps (and an iPhone accessory or two that you can use either preparing for a gig, or actually you could USE on a gig!
Until next time, peace!
Rev. Groove
