Secret diary of a band
We always hear bands talking about living their dream and loving every minute of life on the road. Really? What about the bad burgers and corporate gigs? Our secret columnist spills the beans on what life's really like as a cog in the music industry wheel
Secret diary of a band: what's really up with Lana Del Rey?
Should anything really matter other than the quality of the new star's songs, asks our anonymous correspondent
Secret diary of a band: How we write songs
When it comes to songwriting, say it simply and don't worry about how it might sound on a car advert. Oh, and beware of predictive text …
Secret diary of a band: Our first two years
From signing a deal in pyjamas to listening to pop stars lie about their age, our anonymous columnist recalls the last two years
Secret diary of a band: how to survive festivals
Our anonymous columnist offers tips on playing festivals ... including what to do if you spot a girl covered in mayonnaise
Secret diary of a band: How safe is A&R?
Our secret columnist spoke to an A&R for his take on the workings of the music industry ... only to find him out of a job
Secret diary of a band: How to survive support tours
Going on the road is fun, but if you're the support band you need to know your place – and where the nearest Marks & Spencer is
Secret diary of a band: the corporate gig
This week, our anonymous band discover the perils of playing to the fashion crowd
Secret diary of a band: how dreams are made and lost
In the first of our new series, an anonymous musician writes about the trauma of trying to make it in the music industry
