Why Musicians Today Need the Hustler Mentality

Author: Mika Libambu Schiller

Source: ezinearticles.com



I recently read an article on billboard.com that said Kanye West is launching an energy drink and a cologne. Hmmm...I wonder if he's just following in the footsteps of 50 Cent and P Diddy?

If he is, more power to him. Even if these ventures aren't successful for Kanye, at least he's smart enough to read the writing on the wall. It says, "Get out of the CD game and get into the personal branding game."

I guess Kanye saw the latest album sale numbers for the week of April 5, 2009. It was the debut week for Prince's "Lotus Flower" album and it sold only 168,000 units. Horrendous. I don't think Prince really cares all that much though. He makes a ton through touring. Besides, he saw this whole Internet thing coming before anyone else and actually adapted to it.

U2's album "A Line On The Horizon" is in its 5th week and has only sold 780,478 total. That kinda sucks for U2 I guess, but they're also going to make a bucketload on the road.

And of course, how can I forget Bruce Springsteen. Ten week out and "Working On A Dream" finally went gold; 501,110 units. But he's going to make a bucket load of money on the road too.

The bottom line is, these numbers don't really mean much anymore. Nobody goes platinum anymore. And Sound Scan is basically irrelevant to the digital age. Kanye definitely sees that.

I think that the fact that Kanye's in hip hop has something to do with his desire to get into other entrepreneurial ventures. I don't think his energy drink idea is going to work because I don't think Kanye is a true entrepreneur at heart. He's more of an entertainer. P Diddy on the other hand is a natural born entrepreneur. He can launch a cologne line and turn it into one of the best selling fragrances in no time. Jay Z is like that too. Their minds are wired to seek opportunity.

One thing I like a lot about hip hop is that the people in it are the most entrepreneurial of all the musical genres. I think part of it has to do with the fact that hip hop has a lower barrier of entry than other musical genres, so you get a lot more people with the hustler mentality. They're usually the types of people who start things. Based on what I've observed, usually the more years someone has spent applying themselves to learning something(especially in school), the less likely they are to take entrepreneurial risks. Most non-hip hop genres require more creative application and more study to master. The only person in Rock who really has the extreme hustler mentality is Gene Simmons. More power to them all.

I think there's something all indie music artists today can learn from the hustler mentality. It's this: always keep your eyes, ears and mind open. Always be on the lookout for opportunities. I believe that a lot of indie music artists are in such an ultra-creative one track mode that they miss so many opportunities to make money out there.

Just because you're a musician doesn't mean that you absolutely have to make money from just your music. Just because you're a musician doesn't mean you can't start some other kind of venture related to music. Look at Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby. He was a musician for years.

He's talked about the years he spent refining his music making before he toured. He was on the indie scene for years. And then he founded CD Baby and made it very successful. Then he got tired of it, sold it off and is now contemplating launching another music related venture. He says on his website, "I like to challenge myself to stay immersed in the unknown."

Just because you're in music doesn't mean that all you have to do is music. There's so many music related opportunities out there right now. You just need to keep your eyes, ears and mind open. Be willing to learn new skills. The sky's the limit.

Mika Schiller is a writer for the Indie music website MADE and he writes about where the music industry's headed and how it relates to the Independent Music artist. He gives irreverent career and personal development advice to the Indie music artist. For more great writing and irresistible advice, along with a free report on effective MySpace music marketing, please visit http://www.letsgetmade.com

Brooklyn's Caf 111 Presents a Punk-Rap-Rock Evening

Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles



New York, NY January 27 2004--Cafรฉ 111, located in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, presents a night of music featuring a line-up of punk, rap and rock bands. Red Jacket, one of the featured bands, will be performing at Cafรฉ 111 on Saturday, February 7th at 11 PM. Red Jacket delivers a rock n' roll montage of clever time changes, minor chord arrangements and dissonant notes over pop melodies. โ€œ[This trio's real talent is pulling off Rush time change-ups under galvanizing Rust Never Sleeps wah-wah.โ€ (The Village Voice).



Co-billing with Red Jacket on February 7th is the Indie-punk songwriter Dylan Nirvana with his band at 9 PM and Hip Hop artist Timothy Dark at 10 PM.



The name Red Jacket is adopted from the Native American Chief of the same name who lived in the Buffalo, NY area. Chief Red Jacket believed in preserving his culture and staying true to his own beliefs. This is also the philosophy of Red Jacket's music.



Members of the media can find more information on Red Jacket at the website www.redjacketmusic.com for upcoming shows, biography, band photos, and music. Their EP titled โ€œMetaphorsโ€ can be purchased at www.cdbaby.com/cd/redjacket. โ€œRed Jacket is composing, structuring, coloring, and arranging music, putting something supernatural together.โ€ (Indie-Music.com).



Show information: Cafรฉ 111 is located on 111 Court Street in Brooklyn, NY between State Street and Schemerhorn Street. It is one block north of Atlantic Avenue. Take the F or A train to the Jay Street stop, the 2,3,4,5 trains to the Borough Hall stop or the N,R,M trains to the Court Street stop. The venue telephone number is (718) 858-2806. There is no cover charge. Two drink minimum.

Phoenix GoGirlsMusicFest Benefiting MusiCares - October 8 - Minder Binders

Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles



September 21, 2004 -- The Phoenix date for GoGirlsMusicFest 2004 is scheduled for Friday, October 8th at Minder Binders (upstairs) in Tempe. The concert starts at 7pm and will feature Devils Foot Road, Storm Within, Mary Lemanski, Eugenia, Downward Dog, Carey Slade and Laura Sawosko. Admission is $5.00 for those 21 and up. The first 75 people through the door will receive a free GoGirlsMusic compilation CD with music by independent female musicians. At the Phoenix show, there will also be a bake sale to benefit MusiCares. Chasers is located at 715 S. McClintock (University & McClintock).



The 5th Annual GoGirlsMusicFest showcases the best local and regional indie women in music in 15 cities around the country October and November 2004. Proceeds will benefit MusiCares, which provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. The showcases are volunteer run and coordinated to spotlight and promote local female talent.



National event sponsors include Discmakers, Orbit Web Design, Musician's Atlas, Indie Bible, BandPasses.com, GIGPAGE.com, Indie-Music.com, IndieMusicCoach.com, and Rainmaker Music Publicity. Local sponsors for the Phoenix show include Guitar Center, Changing Hands Bookstore, and True Gurl Clothing.



Established in 1989 by the Recording Academy, MusiCares (http://www.musicares.com) provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.



Madalyn Sklar, founder of GoGirlsMusic.com, created GoGirlsMusicFest (http://www.gogirlsmusicfest.com), a series of annual showcase events across the United States. The festival promotes independent women in music while supporting various charities which have included the Rock โ€˜n' Roll Camp for Girls, American Liver Foundation, Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation and more. Since 2000, over 70 all volunteer run shows have taken place throughout the U.S.



For more information on the Phoenix event, contact the Phoenix coordinators Mary Lemanski at mary@gogirlsmusic.com or 480-496-8885 or Kat Martin at kat@devilsfootroad.com or 480-232-3956.



Press passes available upon request.



Contact:

Mary Lemanski - Phoenix coordinator, GoGirlsMusicFest

P.O. Box 13383

Tempe, AZ 85284

480-496-8885

602-369-8678 C.

Music Review of Math and Physics Club's Self-Titled Album

Author: Darren Tan

Source: ezinearticles.com



Math and Physics Club are an indie pop (Or Indie Rock) band based in Seattle, Washington. They are Charles Bert (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Kevin Emerson (Drums), Ethan Jones (Bass/Keyboards), James Werle (Lead Guitar), and Saundrah Humphrey (Violin). They were formed in 2004, and have released three EPs and one full length album through Santa Barbara-based Matinee Recordings. Their genre also includes twee, and according to PitchforkMedia, their music were described as "music to hold hands to." Suitable for most lovey dovey couple!

Math and Physics Club is so fun to listen to. You could listen to the voice of Charles all day and enjoy the music at the same time. No complaints about his voice (and the rest of Math and Physics Club) and the simplicity of their music, and yet impressive songs and lyrics has left a vivid mark on my mind.

The album opens with "Darling, Please Come Home" which is such an infectious track that I think it's one of the best tracks on the album. The guitar of this track keeps repeating in a tempo and pace that is so friendly to our ears and I can't help it but mocking to play a guitar whenever I listen to this song. When Charles sings, "Darling won't you please come home..." I knew they had me, they had me thinking about this song all the time. Amazing and lovely opener! I keep imagining myself saying, "Darling, won't you please come home..."

"I Know What I Want" is perfect when you are proposing! The music playing of this song is just so soothing and take note of the lyrics of this song, "How did you know me so well? You smile but you won't ever tell... It's you... I know what I want.." You can hear Charles' lovely voice which is a bonus to this song! He sings so effortlessly while the rest of Math and Physics Club join in with their guitar, bass, drums and even violin. It's a short song but it definitely worth your time for listening to it.

Stop complaining about the dates that end up in rain and check out "April Showers". Somehow, I can feel that Charles is singing about a date of his. Singing about how wonderful rain can be (you can replace "Rain" with "Shower" ) if you were with someone that you love. Charles goes, "There's no place I'd rather be, than with you right next to me, huddled up under my umbrella, though the rain keeps falling down..." You can hear lots of guitar plucking in "April Showers" and it's like Math and Physics Club are playing in a cave whenever I heard the guitar plucking sound/part. Ba, ba, ba, ba, ba... April Showers... Though I prefer October Showers, my birth month!

"Holidays and Saturdays" is a slow-paced song and it shows Math and Physic Club's versatility. They're already very good with mid and fast-tempo songs,"Holidays and Saturdays" is just another song to show that they can even perform slow-tempo song. Picnic in the park, croquet on the lawn, staying up and talking until dawn... These are the things that we do on weekends, aren't we? A nice way to slow down the tempo of the album.

"La La La Lisa" brings the tempo back! It has a few starts and stops in between but nevertheless, it still makes a good song. I wonder who is Lisa (a girl he met/saw in a club?), Charles sings about her as if he's so much in love with her, dying to hold her hands, dying to kiss her, dying to be with her. It goes, "I would have died for just one kiss, I had the chance just to hold hands..." It's just so smart of Math and Physics Club to write such witty lyrics. When Charles sings, "La La La La La La..." There must have been many things going on between Lisa and him.

"Look At Us Now" starts off with acoustic guitar and violin. Lovely! Nice opening to get me wondering for more. "We were in love, but look at us now, ba ba ba ba ba..." It is as if they were so much in love, until now. "Look at us now...," Charles added. Then there are guitar solo followed by violin solo, what a play in such a short song!

"You'll Miss Me" is another slow tempo song on the album. It's one of my favourite songs on the album. I just love the guitar, bass, piano, violin and even the vocals on this song. It found its way to my heart even at the first listen. Charles goes, "Never should have left this carry on for so long, but I dare say that you'll miss me..." and then he goes again with, "La da da da da la da da...." I gotta say, it's just so good! :-D Each time after the chorus, the piano comes in exactly at the right time. Really impressive!

"Cold as Minnesota" has a very tasty and groovy bassline to it. The bassline itself is the best asset of this song. Accompanied by handclaps after the break, it's one of the most dance-able songs on the album. This song is as if Charles were getting mad at someone, "Step outside in the cold, I don't want you here tomorrow when I wake up", but Math and Physics Club made it a groovy track that is so delicious to our ears. I can't say no!

From the lyrics of "Such a Simple Plan", it seems to be a sad song. But again, Math and Physics Club made it an enjoyable and dance-able track. Charles sings about a girl who's having a failed relationship, "Summer turned into June, she spent morning night and noon in a tiny room, typing away to another sad romantic..." It ends with, "She cries and reads herself to sleep instead". Such a simple plan but with a deep meaning!

Math and Physics Club ends with "Last Dance", a poppy and cheerful song that you want to tap your feet and dance to. The two guitar-playing were well arranged and timed. One is the lead guitar, the other a rhythm guitar. "Why does it have to be sad? Now darling don't be mad, let's put the past behind, and hit the floor before the last dance... To make you fall for me" Next time when you're having a party, please dance with your partnet and remember the lyrics from "Last Dance". You'll have the best last dance ever!

Rating: I can imagine myself singing a couple of songs take from the album. "Math and Physics Club" is really created for a couple. All their songs and lyrics are meant to be listened and enjoyed by couples and lovers! If you ever have a chance to sing to your loved ones in front of a big crowd, you'll know which album to look for! Simple but heart-melting, I can't help it but give it 7.8 out of 10.

Stand-Out Tracks (My Picks): Darling, Please Come Home, I Know What I Want, You'll Miss Me, Last Dance and Cold as Minnesota.

Darren Tan is a huge avid fan of indie music, indie bands and indie artists. Since he was 17 years old, he started to fall in love with the indie music scene. It was a total turning point in his life for him as he no longer look at the indie music industry the same since.

With http://www.indiesurf.com , he wants to share his thoughts, comments, reviews and opinions on the latest (and past/old) indie music, indie bands and indie artists with the world and you. You are also invited to share your views as well.

Superthrive Enters The Studio To Begin Recording Their Anticipated New Release

Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles



January 22nd, 2003- Jersey City, NJ.- The band Superthrive has been busy at work in Threshold Studios (NYC), completing tracks for their upcoming release. Due to the attention they received from their last CD, โ€œLive At CBGB'sโ€, writer Lewis R. Skillman of The Patriot Press was allowed a sneak preview of the material while the band cut tracks. Mr. Skillman published his review in the January 20th issue of the Queens based paper and spoke highly of the projected material. โ€œThe song STITCHES is going to be a breakthrough for this four piece bandโ€ฆa tight powerful almost โ€œpopโ€ song in the vein of Foo Fighters and The Hivesโ€โ€ฆ Mr. Skillman also noted โ€œanother gem is the song STRATOFORTRESS. A grooving catchy riff with lyrics conveying a sense of political and social consciousness laced with satireโ€โ€ฆ โ€œSuperthrive's new material shows a diverse, intense and refreshingly real style, this is the band to watch for in 2003.โ€



It's been less then a year since Superthrive's last release. โ€œLive at CBGB'sโ€ has become a piece of underground anthology that has received numerous rave reviews. The band released the live recording to show what writer Constantino Andruzzi of Vincebus Eruptium said is one of their โ€œstrongest featuresโ€. Their live sound. Very few indie bands have tried this approach. However the idea proved to be innovative and rewarding. The live recording brought even more attention to their first studio release โ€œSeven Songs For Sinnersโ€ (Beard Of Stars Records). Stonedgods.com reviewer El Nino, gave the album 4 out of 5 stars saying โ€œThe band plays very inspired heavy rock reminiscent of some of the Seattle heroesโ€โ€ฆ โ€œCool ideas, a very original approachโ€ฆand some of the best chorus's I have heard in a long timeโ€.



The band has drawn attention from indie labels and producers. The organization Women In Rock reviewed the live material and called the band immediately. In cyber space the attention is equal. The band's website received over 1,000 hits since November 1st and the Superthrive website is rated as the number 1 site for searches on Google.com. Underground Music Television posted Superthrive's live video on their website (www.umtv.info ) and began playing it in rotation on the show. Quickly Superthrive's video for the song โ€œWatch Us Burnโ€ was voted into the top five videos for UMTV.



While Superthrive finishes up their recording they are also working on numerous shows in and around their home turf NYC. They have submitted material to be considered to play in the Rhode Island Block Music Festival, the Warped tour and this year's Ozzfest when it hits the East Coast.



End.

Contact:

Sue Karlik

42 Graham Street

Jersey City, NJ. 07307

201.963.0364

sueasinsue@hotmail.com

Have you heard Carnie Digital's indie Funk and Roll featured artist?

Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles



July, 2003 -- As part of this week's artist series, Carnie Digital.com (http://www.carniedigital.com) is featuring Brian Hartzog, a Charlotte, NC funk and roll artist/songwriter. Brian Hartzog's debut CD, The Smashing of Pictures, is accessible from the site's home page and is for sale in their online store.



"It's great that Carnie Digital is supporting independent music", says Hartzog. "I'm very thankful that, in this time of great industry change, Carnie Digital is standing by independent artists like me." While Hartzog's blend of classic rock and funk is intriguing, it's his sense of today's independent artist that is most striking.



"Today's independent artist must create his or her own record industry. You can't wait for your audience to find you. If you want people to hear your music, you have to find them...which means creating your own web site, your own promotion style, and even your own brand. The web is a great place that you can reach people...for a very little amount of cash...It's mind-blowing that sites like Carnie Digital are there to help you."



Hartzog's debut release The Smashing of Pictures is really an outgrowth of his independent spirit. In addition to writing all the songs, he performed all the instruments AND produced the disc himself. He even released it on his own record label and used the money he made to help improve his home studio.



The Smashing of Pictures contains 12 "funk and roll" songs, which Hartzog describes as a mixture of the classic rock of Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, and Bob Dylan with the funk of Prince, Parliament, and James Brown. For good measure, Hartzog mixes in a little angst and even some spoken word.



Brian Hartzog's mix of funk and rock has a certain quality to it that is distinctively independent from the sounds of his influences, which is probably why he coined the category "funk and roll".



Carnie Digital's feature of Brian Hartzog begins Monday, July 14th and extends through Sunday July20th.



To learn more about Brian Hartzog, or to hear clips of his music, log onto http://www.carniedigital.com or http://www.brianhartzog.com.

Music for Peace and Charity: Not just Bono Anymore

Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



One World Beat Launches Global Music Festival for Peace and Charity



Musicians of all styles and levels unite to make a difference through their music.



Lausanne, Switzerland (February 18, 2003) -- One World Beat today announces the launch of a grassroots global music festival for charity and peace to take place on the first weekend of spring, March 21-23, 2003. Musicians and bands of all kinds, as well as music venues, promoters and non-profit groups will unite for performances around the world to communicate one message:

Music Making a Difference.



Proceeds of each benefit will be donated to a local or international aid organization of the participants' choice.



Events around the world

As word has circulated about this very special project, a steady stream of enthusiastic musicians and organizations from around the globe have added their names to the rapidly expanding network of concerts planned for the festival weekend. There are already over 30 confirmed events -- in Canada, United States, Australia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Germany, Brazil, Bolivia, Romania, England, Tunisia, Gibraltar, Japan and Switzerland -- and new participants are signing up every day. Legendary recording artist Phil Collins has also expressed his support for this innovative festival.



The basic philosophy of the One World Beat festival is simple: to give musicians and bands from all walks of life the opportunity to take part in a global event for a good cause. There are no restrictions as far as the size of a festival concert. They will range from several high-profile shows at the Hard Rock Cafes in San Francisco, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Philadelphia, PA; and B.B. King's Blues Club in Los Angeles, CA; to three-day marathons of local artists at Zaphod Beeblebrox in Ottawa (Canada), Toronto (Canada) and Duisburg (Germany), to one day events in La Paz (Bolivia), Norwich (England), Bishop's Stortford (England), Ingle Farm (Australia), just to name a few. Browse all events at the official festival website: www.OneWorldBeat.org.



One World Beat Partners

The success of the festival is due in part to the strong support One World Beat is getting from over 70 music web sites and webmasters who have been putting up banners and informing their communities. One World Beat's partners include:

BlackDogPromotions.com, Hamptons Entertainment Group, Tokyo-Blues.com, GlobalArtistVillage.org, ModernRock.com, ReggaeTrain.com, GlobalTrance.co.uk, SeattleMusic.com, Indie-Music.com, LongIslandMusicScene.com, Guitar Players Association America, SAMusic.com and many more local music sites.



Join the One World Beat Music Festival 2003

To make the first edition of the One World Beat music festival a big success we are inviting musicians, bands, music venues, promoters and non-profit organizations to join the global music festival. They can do so either by organizing a local event or joining one already planned in their area. More information about what it takes to get involved is available at www.OneWorldBeat.org.





One World Beat was founded by Swiss songwriter and musician Andy Treichler in March 2002 to raise awareness and funds for global and local charitable projects. The organization's headquarters is in Lausanne, Switzerland. Over the past 10 months he has developed a network of volunteers, musicians and promoters who have combined their efforts to make the first One World Beat Music Festival a reality.



"The idea of giving musicians the possibility to be part of a humanitarian project in a direct way was a natural one to me," says Treichler. "After all, so much music is about changing the world, about making it better. I see One World Beat as a way to allow musicians like myself to do something more than just sing about making a difference. Now, we have an opportunity to actually do it."



Other participants share his enthusiasm:



"My company and its recording artists are very proud to be a part of the One World Beat festival," says Ray Los, founder of the Hamptons Entertainment Group in Long Island, NY.



โ€œThe One World Beat music festival is a chance for our organization to put itself on the map and to showcase Zimbabwe's local music talents,โ€ says Novell Zwangendaba, president of Music for Peace in Zimbabwe.



โ€œWe have watched Bono and U2 playing for international aid organizations and have waited for an opportunity like this to participate in a global charity project and help people through our music,โ€ says Kelly Pink of the Toronto-based Metal band Tripchord.



CONTACT:

One World Beat

Andy Treichler, Director

P.O Box 41

1073 Savigny

Switzerland

Phone: ++ 41 78 829 0106

festival@oneworldbeat.org

www.OneWorldBeat.org



One World Beatยฎ is a registered trademark

.

Lawrence, Kansas Band Releases New Album

Author: TastingSpace.com

Source: articledashboard.com



On June 5, Brendan Hangauer's indie rock band, Fourth of July, will release "Fourth of July on the Plains," their long-awaited national debut album after playing music around the Kansas City and Lawrence area for the past five or so years.

"Fourth of July on the Plains" was recorded over a period of five days from noon until midnight at Mixtape Soundlab in Lawrence, and it will be released on Range Life Records, an independent label which was started last year by Brendan's older brother, Zachary.

Over the years, Fourth of July has grown to become a sextet of talented musicians which includes Brendan's brothers, Patrick and Kelly, Steve Swyers, Adrianne Verhoeven, and Brian Costello.

It was during the past year, however, when things really started to come together within the band when Swyers and Costello were added to the lineup.

"The best thing about the Fourth of July is the chemistry among the members. We are all great friends, as well as professional musicians," Costello said.

Originally mainly a folk band, it has evolved over the years and "Fourth of July on the Plains" became much more of a rock album. However, the folk influences of Townes Van Zandt and Bob Dylan can still be clearly heard.

Of the twelve songs on the album, each one is a hit within itself. With every song creating as many hooks and choruses as the one before, there is not much down time on the record. Thus, the album leaves the listener ready to start it over as the final track ends.

"I am absolutely happy with the turnout of the album. The guys at Mixtape did a great job. Jim Vollentine, at Jack Rock Studios in Austin, did a phenomenal job with the mixing and mastering as well, especially with the vocals. The sound and energy is perfect," Costello said.


After the record is released, Fourth of July plans to be keeping it on the "plains" for the summer by doing a small Midwestern tour to promote it and jumpstart themselves as a band outside of Lawrence and Kansas City.

"The idea is to do a 10-14 day tour in late June where we are going to go through the Midwest and parts of the South, you know some real sweaty southern rock shows," Costello said. "After we get a small tour under our belt, hopefully we can grab a booking agent which would allow us to have a big tour sometime in the fall."

But before they hit the road this summer, Fourth of July will be having their CD release party on Saturday, June 2, at the Bottleneck in Lawrence with fellow locals the Roseline opening.

Why You Should Set Up Your Own Record Label, and How To Do It

Author: Nathan Hallford

Source: articleage.com



Music is changing. In fact, the music industry is changing; it is changing even faster than it realises. Major record labels are often up to speed on latest developments, but it is indie music that leads the way in the music world - and everyone else seems to follow. Indeed, with the online music revolution taking place right now, being signed to a major record label is less and less important. However, having your own record label can be more and more beneficial.



Starting out



First of all, you really have to think about the image you want to convey. Every record label has an image, mostly created by the selection of bands on the label. So start off by grouping together with some bands you know that are similar to yours. Make sure that these bands are serious, and that they believe in the record label. You will be doing a lot of band promotion together, and sharing a lot of resources, so you need to trust these musicians, and you need to maintain your brand identity. Because yes; a record label is a 'brand'. Think of certain record labels you know, and you immediately associate them with a certain ethos - a certain type of music. For example, 4AD built its reputation by signing bands like The Throwing Muses, Dead Can Dance, This Mortal Coil, The Cocteau Twins, and of course, The Pixies. It has always been known as an off-the-wall combination of ethereal and edgy rock bands.



First steps - sharing resources



Sharing your resources as a young record label is very important. It is essential that every band on the label helps in the creation by joining in fully. Finding a rehearsal studio is a good first step - find a location that you can all share, and use your own equipment. You will cut down on costs, and you will find that you have more time available for rehearsing. Secondly, if you have some money behind you, try to assemble your own studio. You can maybe contact other studios to see if they have old equipment that they want to sell second-hand, or you can scour the internet for offers. If you have the equipment to record, then you won't have to pay for studio time, and you can take as long as you want to record your music.



This initial investment may hurt you, but a record label is a long-term investment, and if you are serious about producing good quality music, you are taking the right steps.



First steps - Responsibilities



Everyone involved in the record label should know their responsibilities. First of all, you should be looking at getting a distribution deal. This means that someone has to contact the distributors and cut a deal with them, and maintain friendly relations. Distributors will often ask record labels for approximately 40% of the cover price of a CD, which may seem like a lot, but it will get your CDs into the record shops.



Naturally, not everyone buys CDs nowadays. Music is changing, don't forget, and the online revolution means that people are downloading music online more and more. Inclusion on i-Tunes, therefore, is absolutely essential, as is your own page on myspace.com. You should have your own page for the record label, as well as pages for each band - make sure that as many people as possible can hear your music and can see that your label exists.



Someone should be regularly contacting radio stations, both internet radio stations and traditional radio stations. Once you have targeted the radio stations you want to work with, you can cut a deal with them, maintain good relations with them, and carry out your band promotion.



Next steps - Creating The Product



So, once you have set up your organisation, you have to create a product to promote. Make sure that you only release one CD at a time, so that you can focus your promotion - try to have all the groups working to a schedule that is set well in advance. That way, you can organise the band promotion so that everyone benefits from it.



You need to consider copyright as well. Each band has to copyright its own music before putting it out on the net, or distributing it in record shops, and you have to copyright your own brand as well. This is part of the regular paperwork involved in running your own record label, so make sure that you know your country's administration backwards!



When promoting gigs, make sure that your flyers all carry the same identity, i.e. your record label logo, and the same layout. This gives people the idea that something important is happening, and creating a buzz around your groups is very important. When people see a record label at the bottom of a flyer, they are immediately impressed, so in effect, you are creating your own buzz!



Keeping it going



So you have your rehearsal studio, you are producing your own music yourself, and your bands are playing concerts, and doing well. So keep it up - keep coming up with new promotional ideas, and keep the buzz alive. Create a small festival, make sure that your label is recognised by the owners of the local venues and make sure that you have a good reputation. You have a lot of organising to do if you are going to run your own record label, but it's worth the time and the effort.



It is also important that you look for independent musicians who might want to join your record label. You will probably receive a lot of demos from various bands, but the best way to add indie bands to your label is to go out and find them yourself. Don't forget, a record label is really just a name - but it is the driving force behind your band, and if you want to make it work, people have to know you, so that means going to music events, festivals, concerts, etc., and making band promotion your mantra.



Having your own record label, then, means that you improve your own band's reputation by association. It also means that you create your own local music community with other independent musicians, and that you benefit from each other's knowledge, know-how, and resources. Indie music has always been at the forefront of musical change - with bands often one step ahead of the crowd. Owning your own record label puts you two steps ahead of the crowd.

Music Review of Modern Guilt by Beck

Author: Darren Tan

Source: ezinearticles.com



"Beck" is an American indie/alternative artist from Los Angeles, California. Although born as Bek David Campbell, he is known as Beck or Beck Hansen on stage. Beck is mainly into making indie and alternative music which covers folk rock, hip-hop, electronic, rock and even blues. Beck is also known for being a multi-instrumentalist where he plays guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, harmonica, percussion, banjo, synthesizers and other instruments.

Modern Guilt dives in with folky opener "Orphans". It has a distant bass sound in the beginning. Once the guitar enters and Beck voices out, the track just hits the jackpot like that. It produces a country-like atmosphere to it, folk and country rock altogether. Indie artist Cat Power also known as Chan Marshall is also featured here to lend her vocals to Beck. In the bridge, the additional flute is a thing to watch out for. Very well-harmonized vocals on Orphans towards the end. Very tempting opener that will haunt especially the adults.

"Gamma Ray" is a faster tempo track and i wouldn't mind if I've been hit by Gamma Ray. The music itself speaks for itself. The vocals of Beck just add extra pump and weight to the whole song. The bass and drums keep re-looping themselves until they hit a climax further down into the track. In the verse, the music seems to be taking a break and slowly build itself for a breakthrough in the coming chorus. Every phrase that Beck sings is followed by gospel-like backing vocals. I just love the music on Gamma Ray, infectiously groovy!

"Chemtrails" is a track that suddenly slows down Modern Guilt's momentum. Listening to Chemtrails revokes your imagination, you would like you're dreaming. The piano and the synthesizers just create a soundscape that is so unreal, you be dreaming away listening to Chemtrails. Even Beck's vocals on Chemtrails blends in very well with the music. Full of howls and moans to greatly enhance the atmosphere of Chemtrails. The remaining one minute instrumental, you would enjoy the beautiful violin that plays on just before the track ends and fades into silence. What an experience!

"Modern Guilt" has a steady drum beats once it enters. Beck moans through each phrase with his vocals. Combined with the music, Beck is twisting his vocals here and there to accustom himself to Modern Guilt. Entering the chorus, the guitar just comes plucking itself in and it's really good, Beck just goes on with, "Modern guilt, I'm stranded with nothing... Modern guilt, I'm under lock and key..." In the bridge, the piano and violin speak for themselves. Beck just adds in some vocal effects to complement the music. Until the end, the whole track seems to be saving the best for last. It's very beautiful and i find myself swaying away listening to it.

The bass in the beginning of "Youthless" really revs me up. It's very tight and fast the way the bass is being played on Youthless. Even Beck sings as if he's rapping softly at between intervals. When it comes to the chorus, Beck just sings at a slightly higher pitch that seems to be echoing itself through the chorus, "And they're helpless and forgetting in the background holding nothing, and they're youthless and pretending with their bare hands holding nothing..." The synthesizers also seems to be having fun from here onwards, coming in and out, creating some cute sounds at intervals that delight us. Towards the end, cello enters and give some extra support to the bass. Very smartly composed music, very tight!

"Walls" already surprises me in the beginning. The violin-like sound created by synthesizers is really the core music on Walls. Beck just sings on as the music goes on like that. Approaching the chorus, there's a lady-like sound in the background, sometime i would think that it's Alvin from The Chipmunks which is making those funny sounds. Cat Power is again featured on this track in the chorus, where she would join Beck, "Hey what are you gonna do, when those walls are falling down, falling down on you..." The music on Walls just ends almost the way it started. Weirdly good!

"Replica" is fast and delicate simultaneously. The beats on Replica are tight and light. Due to a distant sound in the music, it makes the whole track sort of delicate. Delicate enough you would also hear Beck singing in a distant voice. Piano can also be heard in this track as Beck sings. Nearing the end, the violin only comes in and the whole track turns into an instrumental adventure before fading itself to night.

"Soul Of A Man" sounds like a rock track for the army. The bass line just follow every lyrics that Beck sings, like a chick following its mother. Handclaps and guitar riffing can also be heard as Beck sings through the track. When the chorus comes, the whole track seems to be floating in mid-air and Beck goes, "Cold was the storm, that covered the night..." Soul Of A Man is at times like a folk rock track that would definitely be appeal to the old ages. It's not loud, but its groovy beat will get onto you quietly.

"Profanity Prayers" is an upbeat track with infectious drum beats and smart vocals that just know how to enter and exit. Beck can be heard singing in a speedy voice in the verse. In the chorus, he just raises his pitch and let go of his vocals that echo back to him, "Who's gonna answer, profanity prayers, who's gonna answer, these profanity prayers..." I also like the guitar that enters in the chorus, it has this special rhythm with it. When Beck is not singing, the music just plays itself out. And i have to say, it's really good!

Beck ends Modern Guilt with slow-driving "Volcano". Beck's voice on this track gives a hint that he might be tired from all the singing that he has done on Modern Guilt. Therefore he's taking it slow with Volcano. When it comes to the first chorus, you would hear some backing vocals helping Beck out when he goes, "I don't know what I've seen, was it all an illusion? Or a mirage gone bad? I'm tired of evil, and all that it feeds, but I don't know..." With the backing vocals, it sounds really great as it adds the definitive weight to Volcano and Beck's voice. Volcano is slow but it's able to gulp you down slowly after listening to it a few times. Once you get the hook of it, you would find it hard to drop it. Sometimes it's just beautiful!

Darren Tan is a huge avid fan of indie music, indie bands and indie artists. Since he was 17 years old, he started to fall in love with the indie music scene. It was a total turning point in his life for him as he no longer look at the indie music industry the same since.

With Indiesurf.com he wants to share his thoughts, comments, reviews and opinions on the latest (and past/old) indie music, indie bands and indie artists with the world and you. You are also invited to share your views as well, so he'll see you at Indiesurf.com.

Succeed In The Music Business With Crazy Keywords

Author: Jerome Ford

Source: articledashboard.com



What is more important in today's music business?

A.) Having a great sound?

B.) Executing a great marketing strategy?

If you chose "B", you may be on your way to stardom. In today's music business, having an effective web marketing strategy can make the difference between you being a local, national or international music star.

A key element in your web marketing strategy should be the selection of your bands name. Why? Because your bands name will also become your bands keyword on the Internet.

I'm sure you've heard of references to AOL Keywords, but AOL isn't the only place where people use keywords for search. Google, Yahoo, MSN, ASK and many other search engines use keywords to help millions of people find what they are looking for on-line.

If someone is looking for information about your band on the Internet, they are most likely, going to type your bands name into a search engine. When the search engine returns the results, you'll want your website, or your myspace page to be in the top of the listings.

My suggestion is to choose a crazy (or very creative) keyword. A crazy band name, when used as a keyword, will help your listings in search engines beyond your wildest imagination.

For example, let's examine two keywords for two music acts - "Panic At the Disco", a rock band and "Algebra" a soul and r&b group.

When I Googled Panic at the Disico, Google returned 10,300,000 results. On the first page of Googles search results, every listing led me to information about the rock band, Panic At the Disco.

The very first Google listing, for Panic at the Disco, was for the bands video "It's Better If You Do".

The second listing for Panic at the Disco was their bands website, panicatthedisco.com.

The third result was Panic At the Disco at purevolume.com.

The fourth result was Panic at the Discos' myspace page.

Fith was Panic at the Disco lyrics.

Get the picture? The first page in Googles' search results was all Panic at the Disco. Panic at the Disco is on an Indie Label.

Now let's briefly look a Algebra, a R&B Group on a Major Label.

I Googled Algebra, and you can guess my results. The term "Algebra" returned 86,000,000 results in Google. Algebra, the R&B Group wasn't listed anywhere in the first 10 pages of results. Most people doing searches will not dig past page two - in any search engine. The likelihood of the R&B Group Algebra, having any success on the Internet (from a marketing stand-point) is very slim.

So the lesson to be learned here is: choose a crazy or creative keyword and band name. With a crazy keyword people can find you easily on the Internet and that can improve your on-line marketing efforts by over 100%

One of the UK's brightest new bands to hit our shores

Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles



March 10, 2004 -- Consistently acclaimed as one of the the best new bands in the UK, London based four section Razorlight, formed in backward 2002, active to Mercury Records in Spring 2003 and by aboriginal 2004 were into the UK top 20s and arena advertise out banderole tours which set new standards for impassioned, transatlantic, acid wire rock'n'roll.



Vagabond artist frontman Johnny Borrell was a walking London fable at 21 afore he stumbled into Swedish bandage mates Bjorn Agren (guitar) and Carl Dalemo (bass) and bisected Peruvian bagman Christian Smith Pancorvo. A year and a bisected after they had razored through a spectrum of comparisons alignment from the Patti Smith Bandage to a adolescent Mick Jagger and anchored their own character as one of the a lot of absolute and anapestic rock'n'n'roll bands of the new century.



Their admission individual 'Rock'n'Roll Lies' was a bead asleep classic. The chase up individual 'Rip It Up' was declared by the NME as "angular guitar pop heaven". Their a lot of contempo UK individual 'Stumble And Fall' cruised into the Top 30 with a Steve Lillywhite production.



The bandage accept afresh been alignment a shotgun marriage of pop universalism and electric wire guitars for their admission anthology - declaring 'I'm a genius' in the NME.



Razorlight columnist quotes:



"The best new bandage in Britain... agreeableness cut with cheesewire" X Ray



"The UK bedrock princes in waiting." NME



"Next year's White Stripes" GQ



"2004's Bedrock messiah's in waiting" The London Times



"We're absolutely digging Razorlight." Rolling Stone



"Widely angled as brood credible to the Strokes throne." British GQ



"Thrilling, asthmatic exhausted balladry with amphetamine added jitter." NME



"The complete of a bandage beginning to get a song out, too absent in its diaphoresis and propulsion to care." The Sunday Times



"Razorlight accept lit the bake cardboard for British rock's action back." The Fly



"Borrell has a allure that suggests he was built-in to do this... 'Defiance' have to be his average name." The Sunday Telegraph



"Looks, songs and brushes with the law... this bandage will go far." X Ray



"An aggression of jagged, befuddled guitar noise." Arena



โ€œIn the months advanced it will be harder to yield your eyes off frontman Johnny Borrellโ€ The Daily Telegraph



"Angular guitar pop heaven." NME



โ€œOne of Britain's a lot of able new bandsโ€ The Evening Standard



โ€œThe best discharge in bedrock back Television's Tom Verlaineโ€ GQ No.23 Best Thing In The World



โ€œThey adjure up all that's acceptable about punk, indie, barn and art rockโ€ The Independent



"The asperous acclaim of The Strokes affiliated to the anti-man acrimony of a boyish Lou Reed." NME



โ€œJohnny Borrell is the newest, androgynous sexprince on the block." NME



"Brilliant" Steve Lamacq, Radio 1



"King of conspicuously British bedrock and rollโ€ NME



โ€œFour adolescent dreamers arch rock's new chargeโ€ Observer Music Monthly



"Razorlight will be the bandage of next year if not this." NME



โ€œThe next big addictive bedrock bandโ€ Sleaze Nation



"They hadn't re-invented rock'n'roll, but they fabricated you feel like you were audition it for the aboriginal time." X Ray



"Thank God for Razorlight!" Dotmusic

Brian Jones, Founder of the Rolling Stones

Author: Dawn Simonds

Source: articleage.com



Last year the music community and fans marked the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death. Predictably, quite a few new Beatles books have hit the stores just in time for the holidays. Few bands have managed to carve out such a coveted place in rock n' roll history, which leads to the age old question: The Beatles or The Rolling Stones. It's a debate that has raged on since the early 60s, with devoted fans of each voicing their steadfast opinions. Others stand firmly in the middle, believing it's simply a matter of taste. Both artists contributed much to the history of recorded music. More than 40 years after their formation, The Rolling Stones still tour the world, though some argue they are a pale shadow of the once vibrant band they were in the early 60s. Ultimately, they are still selling out shows and fans are still enjoying them.
Most Stones fans cite the prolific material of the 1970s as the group's best work and few can downplay the importance of EXILE ON MAIN STREET and LET IT BLEED. But, the term 'best' is open to interpretation. Surely, it had a strong impact on bands to follow but the same can be said of the Stones early material, represented by such classic albums like 1966's AFTERMATH and 1968's BEGGARS BANQUET . The early live shows and recordings set new boundaries by tying classic blues and R&B together with raw rock n' roll. The blues foundation, which carried over into the Stones 70s material, was rooted in the band's original guitarist and founder, Brian Jones. The "forgotten Stone" is known to few newer Stones fans. Still, Brian's enigmatic persona and unique style mirrors Lennon's in the Beatles. Accounts claim Lennon was, in fact, closer to Brian than any of the other Stones. The two were inseparable during the infamous Rock N' Roll Circus debacle of 1968 and there were even rumors they discussed the possibility of a musical collaboration prior to Brian's untimely death in 1969. Our imaginations could only envision how it would have turned out. Sadly, too few remember Brian and the often understated impact he had on one of the most quintessential rock n' roll bands of all time.
I've read nearly every book on the life of Brian Jones and visited his grave in the English countryside a few years back. Most books say the same thing: they talk about Brian's early life and childhood; his meeting with Mick and Keith, which led to the formation of the Stones; his subsequent downfall due to lack of self-esteem and drug use, and his untimely death ruled a suicide but still believed by many to be murder. Lost in all of these books is the true insight into Brian as a person. There is mention of both his many character flaws, which contributed to his ultimate downfall, and his many attributes, including a tenacity that drove the Stones to the forefront of a musical rebellion. The two conflicting sides of Brian's personality somehow melded together to form a musician with unique talent, whose musical "flavorings" helped the Stones stand out from their contemporaries; from the sitar on "Paint It Black to the dulcimer on "Lady Jane".
The Rolling Stones were formed in the early 60s when Brian came together with childhood friends Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. In the early years, the three held each other in admiration and even lived together in squalor in a small London apartment without heat during one of the roughest winters on record in the UK. Brian had a hard time holding onto steady work and he and Keith would spend hours practicing guitar riffs in their freezing apartment. The trio would often share a bed to keep warm at night, a story that eventually led to rumors that Mick and Brian had a sexual relationship. Mick, Keith and Brian were the glue that held the Stones together until they crossed paths with Andrew Oldham, who became their manager and marketer. His business savvy impressed the group and they trusted his input, which eventually included elevating Mick and Keith to the post of songwriting team (an unofficial 'poster boys'). Though not able to break into the "Glitter Twins" writing monopoly, Brian was able contribute enduring musical masterpieces, with instruments ignored in contemporary music up until that time. Truly gifted, Brian was able to pick up just about any instrument and learn how to play it in just a few hours time. His brilliant sitar performance on "Paint It Black" is heralded as one of his best. The song owes its "classic" status to Brian's inspired performance. Regardless, Brian was gradually removed as self-proclaimed 'leader' of the Stones. Only those present can be certain of the dynamics at play, but the accepted version is that Mick and Keith grew closer while writing, as Brian became more and more alienated. His severe self-esteem problem, something he was never able to conquer, apparently kept him from offering input and further isolated him from the band. It has been said that Brian actually wrote songs and had he been more mentally stable, he might have been confident enough to present them to the band. They are now rumored to be held by one of his many ex-girlfriends. Some members of the Stones inner circle claim that Brian, and not Keith Richards, actually crafted the famous riff that launches the Stones classic "Satisfaction". The story goes that Brian was playing the riff one day, and Keith heard it. Later, Keith awoke in the middle of the night and began playing the riff into a tape recorder, expanding on it to create the tune that became legendary. The rumor of Brian's input has never been corroborated. Ultimately, Brian's paranoid insistence that the remainder of the Stones were "out to get him" kept him from achieving his most coveted musical: to be recognized as a songwriter.
By the mid-60s, Brian Jones had developed a serious dependence on illegal drugs. Sadly, these mixed badly with his poor mental health, leading to further isolation and paranoia. If Brian were alive today, he would most likely be diagnosed as manic depressive and placed on medication to control his extreme ups and downs. In Brian's day, however, far less was known about such medical conditions and Brian was left to cope with his growing stardom and increasingly shrinking role in the Stones and unable to dig himself out of the cycle of alternating megalomania and self-loathing. Interestingly, Mick and Keith's much-publicized "drug orgy" at Keith's home, Redlands, eclipsed Brian's own arrest and trial for retaining a controlled substance. Even in drug use, Brian had failed to measure up and he continued to feel defeated. As Brian sunk deeper and deeper into a drug-induced stupor, it has been said that his personality became unbearable. Many claim the drug use made him nasty and violent and he was accused of beating more than one of his ex-girlfriends, which eventually lead to the infamous "Anita Pallenberg incident". Anita, a German model Brian met in 1966, has been called Brian's only 'true love'. In 1967, she joined Brian and Keith, among others, on a trip to Morocco. Legend has it Brian became irate with Anita and beat her to the point where she fled to Keith, hysterical and begging for help. Keith came to her rescue and the entire group left Morocco, leaving Brian behind. Keith and Anita would eventually become lovers (legend has it she also had onscreen intercourse with Mick while filming the cult film "Performance") widening the gap between Brian and the other Stones even further. By the time Brian returned to the UK on his own, his relationship with the Stones was beyond repair.
It's clear, through stories from bandmates, ex-girlfriends and friends, that Brian Jones could be an outright louse but he could also be a trusted friend and confident musician. Sadly, by the time the Stones recorded the infamous THEIR SATANIC MAJESTIES REQUEST in 1967, Brian was worlds apart from his former 'best buddies'. He hated the album and repeatedly begged the other Stones not to release it, claiming it blatantly ripped off the Beatles SGT. PEPPERS album. Strangely enough, this is the first Stones album that featured a track written by a Stone other than Mick or Keith, Bill Wyman's "In Another Land". Upon release, Brian's opinion was proven correct, as critics and fans dismissed the album as a pale shadow of its Beatles counterpart. Over time, the album has been given much more credit for its place in rock history. By the time the Stones hit the studio to record the follow-up, 1968s BEGGARS BANQUET, Brian was all but useless. Luckily, he was able to contribute some fantastic slide guitar to "Salt of the Earth" and lend some backup vocals to "Sympathy for the Devil". Sadly, Keith was forced to pick up most of the slack on this album, and Brian's dismissal from the Stones was all but imminent. Brian managed to contribute mildly to LET IT BLEED, released in 1969, but his part is barely worth a mention.
The Stones asked Brian to leave the group in June of 1969. The split was reported in the press as mutual, and Brian retired to his home, Cotchford Farm, formerly owned by A.A. Milne, writer of the classic "Winnie the Pooh" books. Brian spent much time working on music and 'detoxing' during this time. He reportedly discussed collaborations with other musicians, including the members of Credence Clearwater Revival and John Lennon. Sadly, on July 2, 1969, Brian Jones was found dead in his swimming pool, his passing ruled "death by misadventure" a/k/a drowning. Interestingly, neither Mick Jagger nor Keith Richards attended Brian's funeral, though the Stones held a 'memorial concert' in Hyde Park days after his death. Both Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman attended the service in Brian's native Cheltenham, while rumors that Brian's death was actually murder surfaced shortly thereafter. First, his girlfriend at the time, Anna Wohlin, was whisked away never to be seen again. Second, though Brian was an expert swimmer and there was a nurse at his home the evening of his death, no one was able to save him. Third, though Brian did have narcotics in his system at the time of his death, they were not strong enough to have rendered him helpless in his own pool. New theories have abounded in books by Wohlin and Terry Rawlings, among others. The general consensus is that Brian was killed by a live-in contractor, Frank Thorogood. Published reports claim the two had a falling out, prompting Thorogood to hold Brian's head under the water until he drowned. Rawling's book claims, according to former Stones tour manager Tom Keylock, Thorogood eventually confessed to the crime on his deathbed. British producer Stephen Wooley is currently working on a film centered mainly on Wohlin's book. STONED (scheduled for release in early 2006) claims to finally 'solve' the mystery of Brian's death. According to Wooley, Janet Lawson (the nurse at Brian's home on the night he died) offered valuable information that led to the ending of the film. The indie film may be hard to find at local theaters but a DVD release is also planned. Whether or not the film is a success, the music of the Stones will stand as a testament to Brian's legacy. If you aren't familiar with the early material, now is your chance to pick it up. It surely shaped all Stones material to come, including their current work. If you are interested in more on Brian's life, there are many books to check out, each with subtle nuances and interesting stories. Either way, it's a pleasant musical education. Happy New Year!
If you are interested in more articles let us know.
DefstarLtd Auctions dedicated to providing unique products from entertainment memorabilia to technology and beyond. Please check out our website and contact us with questions. Thank you,
Dawn Simonds
Lee Simonds
www.defstarltd.com
defstarltd@earthlink.net
SUGGESTED EARLY STONES ALBUMS:
ENGLAND'S NEWEST HITMAKERS / 1964 [includes a fantastic cover version of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away"]
THE ROLLING STONES, NOW! / 1965 [great slide work by Brian on "Little Red Rooster"]
OUT OF OUR HEADS / 1965 [featuring the classic "Satisfaction"]
AFTERMATH / 1966 [standouts include "Paint It Black" and "Lady Jane"]
BEGGARS BANQUET / 1968 [Brian's 'swan song' slide work on "Salt of the Earth"]
"Jumpin' Jack Flash" / 1968 single [some nice 'color' from Brian]
SUGGESTED READING:
"Who Killed Christopher Robin?" / Terry Rawlings [June 2005]
"The Murder Of Brian Jones" / Anna Wohlin [October 2000]
"Golden Stone" / Laura Jackson [October 1993] (this one is out of print but worth finding)
"Death Of A Rolling Stone" / Mandy Aftel [September 1982] (major collector's item, fetching more than $200 used and very rare)
"The Last Decadent" / Jeremy Reed [July 1999]
"Brian Jones: The Inside Story of A Rolling Stone" / Nicholas Fitzgerald [October 1985] (another rare find, not much new information, but worth it for a collector)
"Paint It Black: The Murder of Brian Jones" / Geoffrey Guliano [April 1994] (I've heard mixed reviews on this one; it's quite similar to Terry Rawlings' book.)
Dawn Simonds is a music professional with 6 years of experience under her belt. She currently works in the business & legal affairs department at Universal Music Group, home to such prolific labels as Def Jam and Motown. Dawn began writing at a young age and honed her skills as entertainment editor for The Beacon at William Paterson University. She graduated with honors from the School of Communication in 1995. She currently makes her home in Queens, NY with her husband, Lee Simonds. Both Dawn and Lee are actors, working with The Queens Players out of Long Island City, NY. As entrepreneurs, they have launched DefstarLtd. Auctions dedicated to providing unique products from entertainment memorabilia to technology and beyond. Please check out our website and contact us with questions. Thank you, Dawn Simonds Lee Simonds http://www.defstarltd.com defstarltd@earthlink.net

Online Music Promotion

Author: Ashwin Ram

Source: articledashboard.com



Music promotion is not such an easy task to master. Infact it is one of the biggest barrier present for an indie musician. There are literally tons of good musicians out there, but what is stopping them from success and fame? It's their promotion. Don't think for a second just because you are signed to a big record label, you will be next Justin Timberlake. Even big record labels can sometimes struggle to promote certain musicians and there have been a lot of cases where artists voluntarily choose to go independent so they can solely promote their music and be free of any contract.

Stop dreaming about getting "signed" - it's time to put the power in your hands. Indie music distribution is the wave of the future. And here is the good news, you are in total control. Don't think for one second that have to have hundreds of thousands of dollars to drop your CD if you are independent? Think again. There are lots of companies that will get you started for next to nothing. You only pay for what you sell and they do all the leg work for you.

There are websites that you can visit today that takes your music online - turns it into a professional CD - and even takes your orders. They also ship, they print, they process orders ... - heck, everything but making your song and cooking your breakfast. There are places online which let's you upload your song once and gets you listed in the top digital distribution sites in seconds. The point is online music promotion and distribution is much easier than you think. And iTunes is far from the only game out there - there are dozens of places to list your music that you've probably never heard of.

Social networking is another avenue you can use to produce amazing results. Armed with a little knowledge, you can propel your online presence within a matter of days and get tons of free publicity and traffic coming through to your site. Not only has the Internet begun to dominate the promotion of music, it has also begun to dominate its distribution as well. iTunes, by 2006, reportedly have more than a million song downloads per DAY. That was back in 2006. (Hint: Its 2008 now).

Online downloads are projected to surpass CD sales some time in 2010. This is just brilliant news for indie musicians. For you all aspiring musicians out there, jump online, ride this 100-ton marketing guerrilla and take use of the excellent opportunity internet presents to everybody.

www.paragonononline.ca the ultimate band competition for bands with members 19 and over.

Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles



December 17 2003--Paragon is a band competition program geared toward serious independent bands and musicians that have substantial live experience.



The competition is comprised of three preliminary rounds that take place on back to back saturday nights at Third Floor at Reilly's, 340 Yonge St., down town Toronto. Each preliminary round has 8 bands competing. 2 bands out of every preliminary round advance to the finals. The finals are held at the Opera House, 735 Queen St. E.



The first Paragon took place this past June and due to high demand was followed up by the second Paragon in October (prelims) and November (finals) They were great successes with an estimated 700 filling up the Opera House on the night of each finals.



Paragon 3 is now under way. The prelimary rounds will take place January 24th, 31 and February 7th, 2003 at Third Floor @ Reilly's. The Paragon Championship Round will take place on Friday March 26th, 2003 at the Opera House.



Judging is a large factor that separates Paragon from other such competitions. We assure you that all event judges will be credible music industry professionals including: Record Company A & R, Record Producers, booking agents, etc. Criteria for judging will include:



Overall talent (musicianship, band cohesiveness etc.)

Originality

Attitude/Stage presence

Professionalism



In terms of our grand prize, we have put together a package of prizes for our Paragon champion that has a $10,000 value. We assure you that all competing bands will be unable to pass up this opportunity. Runners up will also be rewarded with prizes to help them advance their careers.



paragononline.ca was founded by Toronto musician Michael Gruneir, a former partner in localmusicbuzz.com. As a former lead singer in an independent toronto band Michael put together a competition that geared to the interests of established independent artists that took music seriously and professionally. By doing this he offers a "rock star dream package" as his main prize which includes: recording time, cd duplication, merchandise, photography and distribution with the help of his sponsors: Whirlwind Sound, Healey Disc, Indie Pool, Incredible Clothing Company and Long and McQuade.

Indie rock band, MorissonPoe, partners up with Rock The Vote

Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles



New York, NY August 30, 2004 -- Revolutionary alternative rock band MorissonPoe, an Indie music scene favorite, have joined the ranks of Counting Crows, Maroon 5, Foo Fighters, Beastie Boys and many others as a Partner in the Rock The Vote campaign, urging young Americans to register to vote.



โ€œIt's being said over and over again. This is the most important election of our lifetime, and we're just happy to play our partโ€, says lead singer Jean Morisson about joining the movement to encourage young voters to the polls in November. โ€œRock the vote has enabled us not only spread the word, but also have people register to vote directly on our website as well as our showsโ€, follows MopoMikey, guitarist for the four-piece band. Nyk, the bands drummer, adds, โ€œIt's a shame that the crisis we're in is pulling more voters than any election I can remember, but maybe this will wake us up a bit and have us vote in every election, as opposed to just the ones we pick and choose.โ€



To this pioneering independent rock band, whose music focuses on social, cultural and deeply personal issues, voting is more than just important. It is American.



About MorissonPoe / Ethology Records

MorissonPoe is a blend of Electronic, Hip-Hop, Hard Rock and Passion. Having already shared the stage with important artists such as Sneaker Pimps, Royston Langdon, HIM, Kill Hannah, Mindless Self Indulgence and many others, this genre-bending 4-piece juggernaut has been brewing a strong world-wide fan base. Ethology Records, in conjunction with MorissonPoe manager Lucia Chang of Sidecar Management, will be distributing the CD nationwide initially to FYE, Specs, Coconuts, as well as many independent stores, and some chain stores like Hot Topics and more.



www.MorissonPoe.org | www.EthologyRecords.com

"When the Day of the Gig Arrives" - An Essential Guide if you Plan on Going to a Music Gig

Author: Ed Sumner

Source: download



When the day of the gig arrives, you'll charge to backpack some essentials. You will wish to yield a canteen of baptize with you, and some money, (although I mostly avoid, the arrangement of merchandise) and you will aswell charge some music, for the way there and back. An mp3 amateur is good, or some CDs if you're traveling by car. If it's a rave, don't overlook your glow-sticks. Finally, if you accept your tickets in hand, you're accessible to go. Set off early, as it's a lot bigger than getting late.
On the way there, my accompany and I consistently play the music of the bandage we are traveling to see. It gets us pumped up for the gig, and aswell if it's the affectionate of band, area you can apprentice some of the lyrics, afresh it's consistently acceptable to sing-along with the bandage at the gig.
When we get there, we acquisition the area first, and if we've got time, we go for something to eat or drink. Inside the venue, I like to get as abutting to the foreground as accessible and a lot of humans aswell wish the same, but I usually administer to get aural the aboriginal eight rows of people.
It's important to bandy yourself into the achievement of the capital bandage as abundant as possible, and you can alone accept a breach from the one footed, swaying, moshing experience, if you actually traveling to be sick, or faint, aural the next 5 seconds. Until that point, you accept to backpack on, regardless.
Remember what clothes your accompany are wearing, and afresh amid songs, you can acquisition your accompany again, if you accept been afar (and if you wish to acquisition them again). Failing that, yield a banderole with you and beachcomber that about.
When the gig is over, delay about incase there is an encore, and if so, go even crazier than the endure song you just heard. If not, be blessed with your campanology ears, and aching limbs, and feel apologetic for whoever has to drive home like that. Alcohol your water, if you took some, or acquisition a twenty-four hour supermarket, and assemblage up on bottles of baptize and bathetic snacks. Addition abundant idea, is to buzz all your accompany and acquaint what an alarming gig they missed. They ability be asleep, but it doesn't matter, they charge to apprehend about it now.
On the adventure back, I do not accept to the bandage I've just apparent as the music on CD consistently seems a bit flat, afterwards audition it live. I abstain that CD for a few days, but instead accept to agnate music, or if I accept addition gig advancing up, I accept to that CD on the way home.
To apprehend the abounding adaptation of this gig guide, you will charge to assurance up at www.musicismymiddle.com
---
Ed Sumner owns two music websites..
http://www.musicismymiddle.com - is an online music ezine appear every Wednesday (or Tuesday if you assurance up), it concentrates on post-punk-electro-indie-import-emo-rock, or combinations of those genres.
http://www.mymixtapefor.com - is a appointment area you can actualize different playlists, mixtapes and mix cds and the added associates will advice you to complete them.
They are both abundant fun, and chargeless to assurance up to, so yield a attending today..

Rock and Roll Revival

Author: Kathy Unruh

Source: download



Rock and roll has virtually become the dominating influence behind all of today's popular music. We hear it used in a variety of media forms; everything from T.V. commercials to Christian praise songs But, it wasn't too long ago, when many Christians thought rock and roll was evil. I remember going to a church meeting once where they showed film clips of Janis Joplin and other famous rock stars of the sixties. We were warned that rock music could lead us into sin because the beat was of the devil.
Interestingly, the Jesus movement was also in full swing around this time. Many hippies, in search of spiritual truth, were "turning-on" and "tuning-in" to Jesus. Some of these folks just happened to be musicians whose roots were in rock and roll. And they began to change things.
Larry Norman is a prime example. He has been bringing rock and roll into religious music since 1956. His albums were at one time banned by the church. However, he is considered to be a pioneer and father of Christian rock and his music has influenced many rock musicians that followed.
Larry and his band opened for such rock and roll groups as The Grateful Dead, The Doors, Janis Joplin, The Byrds and others. In 1966 Capitol records offered him a recording contract and suddenly he found himself on the same label as The Beatles! After reviewing his 1972 album, Only Visiting This Planet, Billboard magazine called Larry Norman "the most important songwriter since Paul Simon."
Larry Normans's music career spans 50 years and he's still going. Dizzy Reed, keyboard player for Guns N' Roses, performed on Larry's 1998 Copper Wires album. His latest album was recorded from a live concert held in 2005.
Larry Norman was initially banned by the church, but in 2001 he was inducted into the gospel music Hall Of Fame. His music, which at first created a lot of controversy within main stream Christianity, resulted in a revival that swept across the country. Many hippies suddenly found what they were looking for and became born-again Christians. Today the church has embraced the genre of rock and roll and is using it to spread the gospel world-wide through the medium of contemporary Christian music.
So, is rock and roll evil? From what I've written above, it would appear to be doing some good. Could it be that a few well meaning folks were a little hasty in their intial assesment? The Bible says:
"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time..."
I personally believe that a musical style, in and of itself, is neither good or evil. However, music is a very powerful force which does influence our thoughts and emotions. It can be, and often is, used to promote a specific agenda or viewpoint. How will you use your musical talent? My hope is that you'll realize the potential your music has and find creative ways to make a better environment for all of us.
Kathy Unruh is the webmaster of ABCLearnGuitar.com. Each month she publishes the ABC Learn Guitar Newsletter offering free tips for guitar players, songwriters and indie artists.

Discovering the Rich Culture of Tennessee

Author: Dona Rosa

Source: isnare.com



Long before the Elvis and County Music came along, the famous state of Tennessee was the home to huge communities of prehistoric people. According to archaeologists, the very first inhabitants of this place arrived in Tennessee at least 12,000 years ago i.e. shortly after the end of last ice era. Soon, these earliest settlers, reached all over the state, spreading their rich and fabulous archaeological heritage.

Today, the great destination of Tennessee boasts its musical heritage and tourist attractions that are full of artistic as well as cultural value. The word ?Tennessee? is derived from the Yuchi Indian term ?Tana-see? that means ?The Meeting Place?.

Other neat points to note about the state include:

1) The Smoky Mountains hold the fascination of a large number of travelers while many a tourists visit this exceptional place to appease their musical and other interests.

2) Ideally located in the south of Jackson, the Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park is another major attraction for the place. This excellent archaeological site is the largest of the entire Woodland Period prehistoric archaeological sites in the American Southeast, occupied during the era from 200 B.C. to 400 A.D. It consists of approximately 12 earthen mounds along with a large enclosure or palisade. The primary mound at the Pinson is also famous, known as Saul?s Mound, and stands about 72 feet tall. It was among the tallest manmade structures north of Rio Grande since construction.

3) Being the very last border state to break away from the Union in the American Civil War, Tennessee is a home to various battlefields, many of which are still maintained and preserved for visitors. These provide excellent historic attractions, guided tours and displays along with hiking and natural trails where one can easily hear the ghosts of the early ages.

4) No trip to this state would be complete without visiting Graceland, which is the final resting place and home of the King of Rock and Roll. This exceptional site consists of guided tours to custom airplanes, grounds and mansion, and the Elvis Automobile Museum.

5) The rich culture of Tennessee is also well depicted in the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. It is a four day annual festival, specially produced as well as created by the famous Superfly Productions and AC Entertainment. Recently, this festival was named the Best Festival and is held at the Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee. The primary attraction at this festival is live music featuring a wide range of musical styles such as the world hip hop, bluegrass, jazz, folk, electronica, country music, Americana and indie folk. The festival also features artisans and craftsman selling exclusive food, drinks and other products. Other popular festivals organized in Tennessee include the Fylmz Festival, Boomsday, Lauderdale County Tomato Festival and the National Storytelling Festival.

Tennessee has a rich cowboy history. This western way of life can still be found at various dude and guest ranches spread all over Tennessee. A visit to these ranches and farmlands will give you and your family a peep into the lifestyle and culture of your forefathers.

So, ask you kids to pack their kids John Deere boots, cowboy hats and gun holster and pay a visit to the beautiful state of Tennessee. Let them know their rich cultural past by reliving it at these ranches, museums and festivals.



To get your own gun holster and other Tennessee items, visit Rocky Top Leather and see what fine goods they have there like kids John Deere boots

Propel Interview

Author: Rowan

Source: articleage.com



Propel is a band out
of San Francisco, California, fronted by
singer/songwriter/guitarist Peter Kasen. Propel will be playing
here in San Antonio New Year's Eve on the Riverwalk (Peter
hasn't gotten all the details yet, but I'm guessing it's part of
"Celebrate San Antonio"). Peter was kind enough to agree to do
an e-mail interview with me so that SA could learn a little
about Propel.



Do you remember the moment when you first decided that
writing and playing music was what you wanted to do with your
life?



The first moments I realized that songwriting and music were
what I wanted for my life and for a career were early in High
School, with my first band BluRr. We sold 100 demos in 7
days...went on a mini tour from Miami to Orlando, and opened for
Marilyn Manson, all within about 2 months of forming and
releasing a demo.



I knew at 16 that songwriting was something that came naturally
for me and with little effort. The things I couldn't say in
words came out tenfold in song form, curbing my introverted
nature in High School to one of extroverted persona in my music.



I then decided to apply to Berklee College of Music in Boston,
MA. and was accepted with a Songwriting Scholarship, as well as
being accepted into Early Admission. I knew there was no turning
back, and years later, after fighting with family, society,
financials, and management jobs, I realized Propel needed to
happen ASAP. Hence we are now talking today, 6 months after the
Birth of Propel, and seeing how it has flourished into a signed
indie act of maturity and professionalism.



You found an outlet to express yourself. I totally understand
that. It's what writing is for me.



You credit 90's grunge artists like Billy Corgan and Kurt Cobain
as inspiring you. Your music still retains a taste of grunge, I
think. What was it about these artists that caught your ear?



Being a bit of a recluse in High School, and writing a storm of
songs along the way, I remember first hearing "Gish" by Smashing
Pumpkins. This was their debut album on an indie, a small one,
just like me now. Billy Corgan composed intricate guitar parts,
which flowed and had this huge wall of sounding force to it. He
used math in a way, to complex or fool the listener with changes
in each song, as to be completely original in his craft, and
always put guitars up front. He and Kurt, were sort of leaders
in a band, much like I try to be. They wrote all the music,
streamed the perception, sound, and image of the bands they led.



The lazy vocal style where the voice is tucked underneath a
wall of guitars kind of started with Jane's Addiction, SP, and
Nirvana, all hatching as you said in the early 90's. With Billy
and Kurt, it was different. They are two of the best, if not the
best, rock songwriters I feel that have graced us since say Led
Zeppelin. Songs like a "Disarm," or a "Rape Me," are imperative
and timeless to any generation.



This is how I eventually want Propel to be. Where the song and
the guitar melodies become synonymous with EPIC sound, and EPIC
memories of each of my fans' lives, and the connection there is
made. Obviously the strain of similarities do exist in tenfold.



Billy Corgan, studied, as I did, guitar. Both with parents who
don't really appreciate that as a career. Billy also can drop
from the heaviest of heavy to the quietest of quiet, all with
dynamics, much like Propel does. Not that vocals are not
important, as they are, however, it's the depth of the lyrics
and the melody which adds to the music, but the music is always
the foundation of the song.



Smashing Pumpkins was the first band to show me I could front a
band and be its lead singer, writer and only guitarist, and
that's where the parallels and my influence from them begin.



Propel being only 6 months old, things seem to be progressing
rather quickly for you. You were chosen to be in an
International Songwriting Competition, you recently signed with
No Left Turn Records, you've done a few big tours and have
another one coming up (including San Antonio)...what's next for
Propel? What do you see happening in the next 6 months?



The release of Propel's debut album in March/April of 2006.
Heavy West Coast touring from Los Angeles to Seattle and hitting
Nevada, Montana, etc. National Distribution which No Left Turn
Records and CD BABY have begun with I Tunes, Best Buy, Napster,
etc.



We will also launch a full campaign on all physical indie
retailers, up and down the West Coast, making distribution run
and focus on the coast in which I was signed first and foremost.
Best Buy, with I Tunes, will increase East Coast purchasing and
allow my fans to have access now immediately through these
channels.



No Left Turn Records will also be putting out a compilation for
Christmas, to whet appetites, and a sampler of unreleased new
music from Propel in Jan/Feb off of the debut album, to gain
radio airplay in the West Coast markets, through every college
that is known here.



Much more is happening, but I can honestly say we are working on
Propel becoming a regional songwriter and known throughout the
west coast in its entirety within the next 6 months.



We plan to jockey this debut album and get bigger labels'
attention in the process, and play festivals like CMJ and SxSW,
reserving national touring for down the line.



Wow. You have a lot going on. That doesn't surprise me,
though, because I know you have a real head for business and
promotion and that you work your ass off at it. What do you
think is the biggest mistake that bands starting out make when
it comes to promoting themselves?



I would have to think that for a new band, promoting themselves
at all would be a good thing. However, many bands on MySpace and
PureVolume that are young bands seem to throw up unproduced
music, that as a first impression is not where it needs to be to
gain reviews, press, shows, and most importantly, fans. It costs
money and time to put up a couple of well produced, thought out,
good songs. I also feel like lately, anyone who wants to play
dist. and power chords is calling themselves a band and
therefore is killing the status of Independent Music.
Independent Music used to be about songs that were good, deep,
however not readily accessible to mass audiences. I feel with
proper promoting and maturity, a band can and will eventually
leap out of this stage.



I thank you for your compliment, and yes I do work non-stop to
promote Propel night and day, and soon will have the label step
in on merch and promotions via College Radio on this coast, and
of course physical distribution to at least 2 indie record
stores in each major West Coast city by April of 2006 for the
debut album. Not to mention, Best Buy, CD Baby, Napster, I
Tunes, Rhapsody, and Walmart and Target Online Stores. This way
the whole country at least can have a option of Propel.



Ok, one more question. If you could sit down over a cup of
coffee (or a beer, whatever) and pick the brain of any famous
musician, live or dead, whose brain would you pick?



John Lennon, without question.