Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mike Lauer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mike, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you’ve thought about whether to sign with an agent or manager?
Our story for signing with an agent is strange.
The catalyst for the entire process was seeing a flyer posted in a music school in downtown Minneapolis advertising the need for a guitarist who could sing. At the time, I was working full-time at a church and didn’t have a steady band outside my job, so I was actively seeking opportunities. I called the number and spoke with another local musician who wanted to manage a dueling guitar band. My first question was, ‘Does it have to be another guitar? I know an amazing cellist.’
After several conversations, we found ourselves in the offices of G.L. Berg Entertainment, which had a need for a dueling guitar act. Greg and I had previously performed with other acts in their line-up, so they were familiar with our work and confident in our abilities. We both recognized the life-changing opportunity before us. Gary and his team of agents run an incredible business dedicated to the success of their performers, but most importantly, they’re amazing people and a joy to work with.
When we signed, Greg and I had only performed together a few times and not necessarily with the intent of becoming a touring band.
We signed immediately, put our show together, and then the pandemic shut down the country.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
The String Showdown is a dueling strings act based in Minneapolis, MN. We formed in 2020 and have since traveled extensively in the Midwest and beyond, performing at fairs, festivals, corporate events, and concert series. The core of our show is flexibility; we love to create a unique experience every time we perform. Most of our shows include audience requests and live karaoke. Our show blends many styles of music from multiple decades, and we’re constantly adding new music to our catalog of songs.
Greg and I both went to music school to study jazz. I studied at Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Greg studied at the University of Miami for his undergraduate degree and earned his master’s at McNally Smith. Both of us knew we wanted to pursue music as our career from a young age and have found opportunities to make that our reality.
Our goal for each and every show is to engage the audience with our musicianship and humor culminating in a unique concert experience tailored in real time for those in attendance. While it’s just the two of us, we can use our own custom-recorded tracks to create a full-band sound. Further, with only two instruments, we can also create an intimate musical experience as well.
We can shape our sound and set list to accommodate just about any scenario, including wedding dances, corporate parties, and full-stage shows. Every show starts weeks before the performance with a conversation with the client to garner as much information about the event as possible so we can carefully prepare each show.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is traveling around the country and meeting people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. We’re able to perform because people want to engage with live music. While on the road, we always try to support local businesses.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Personally, studying the Enneagram has helped me more than anything in all facets of being in a touring band. Learning about yourself and your personality is challenging but rewarding work. I’ve become more aware of my strengths and weakness, and that allows me to both trust abilities and instincts but has humbled me to know when to ask for help and guidance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glberg.com/roster/The-String-Showdown
- Instagram: @thestringshowdown
Image Credits
Galen Higgins