A review of “In Their Own Write”
Thursday, June 30th, 2005The Phoenix New Times has a good review of In Their Own Write: Adventures In The Music Press
Later.
Archive for June, 2005
E-Music adds more indie labels
Thursday, June 30th, 2005I have been toying with becoming an E-Music affiliate for some time now and with the news that they have landed even more indie rock labels to their roster takes me closer to adding them as a new tenant to the Rock and Roll Marketplace. From what I have read most people seem to be quite satisfied with their service. Opinions anyone?
Later.
October is International Bubblegum Month
Thursday, June 30th, 2005The fine folks at Scram Magazine have named October International Bubblegum Month. Chew up everybody!
Later.
Baby Love
Thursday, June 30th, 2005The Rock Boat
Thursday, June 30th, 2005For a cruise of a different sort check out The Rock Boat, departing New Orleans in January 2006 for Costa Maya and Cozumel with a whole bunch of bands playing onboard. A nice way to start the year perhaps?
Later.
Chet Helms R.I.P.
Thursday, June 30th, 2005
I was sorry to hear that the legendary rock and roll promoter Chet Helms, he of the Avalon Ballroom and the Family Dog passed away at age 62. Described as the "Father of the Summer of Love" Helms was a proud hippie through and through who actually lived the ideals that the ’60s counterculture was supposed to espouse. Another rock and roll legend gone.
Later.
The Indie News Beat for the week of June 27, 2005
Wednesday, June 29th, 2005INDIE NEWS BEAT 
June 27, 2005 Edition
* DJ Micro ‘Tech-Mix 5′ (System Recordings)
* Jann Klose’s “Live At The Bitter End, NYC” To Be Released As Digital EP
* Kid Slick Inks Deal With Hamptons Entertainment Group
* The KU On The Attack With New Single ‘Haunted Dancehall’
* Groupeez Magazine Keeps On Growing
* WCH Radio Independent’s Day Show To Be Dropped
* Project 11 : Melody In Motion
* IOMMI To Release New Album “Fused” On Sanctuary Records
* WOMDA Wants To Help You Get With The Picture!
* Freedohm Entertainment: Little Company, Big Plans
DJ Micro ‘Tech-Mix 5′ (System Recordings)
DJ Micro is one of the most respected performers on the U.S. trance circuit and a true veteran of the East Coast club scene. He is constantly pushing himself with his non-stop touring and nearly annual album release schedule for his devoted fan base.
His latest mix compilation entry TECH-MIX 5 represents the night’s peak hours with hypnotic anthems & energetic moments that fade into melodramatic hooks. It is a full-on high energy combination of hard-edged trance creating a sonic soundtrack that will keep the party at full throttle. The mixed album includes exclusive remixes of D:FUSE featuring JES from Motorcycle “Everything With You,” Paul Van Dyk darlings Second Sun join the dancefloor onslaught with “The Spell” from their debut LP and exclusive tracks by Josh Gabriel (Gabriel & Dresden) “Alive,” Ferry Corsten & Shelly Harland “Holding On,” Joshua Ryan “Blueness,” and a DJ MICRO original production “The World Around Me.”
MICRO’s journey began in 1992 as resident DJ at the famed Caffeine parties, where along with other early DJ luminaries Frankie Bones, Scott Henry and Adam X, the early East coast rave scene was defined. His first release Micro-Tech Mix (Moonshine, 1998) was followed by a large succession of best-selling mix albums, usually one released annually and each increasingly popular as he toured heavily year-round promoting the album and as a testament to his growing popularity among the club kids and rave circuit. In 1999, Micro graced the cover of DJ Times magazine for its high profile Winter Music Conference issue. With an unrelenting touring schedule, Micro’s music is always characterized by his energetic peak hour sets. Micro’s series of Tech-Mix, Caffeine and 2004’s Out Through The Input DJ mixed albums have been in high demand amongst his fans and has positioned him now as “one of America’s favorite DJs.”
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Jann Klose’s “Live At The Bitter End, NYC” To Be Released As Digital EP
Jann Klose will be releasing a special Digital EP, LIVE AT THE BITTER END, NYC, with songs from his stunning May 12, 2005 show at the legendary Greenwich Village club. The digital EP as well as individual tracks will be available as MP3s for download through Jann Klose’s site (http://www.jannklose.com). The full EP with four tracks, a live video and pictures will be available on July 5th for just $1.99.
July 5th will also be the date for the Digital EP release party at the very same club where it was recorded. Those who attend the show will receive special instructions to download the EP for FREE.
Where: Bitter End, 147 Bleecker Street, New York, NY
Tel: 212.979.9762
When: July 5th, 9:30 PM
Cover: $7
Klose will be exclusively previewing “LIVE AT THE BITTER END, NYC” between June 30th and July 4th at his myspace.com site.
This digital-only release gives audiences a peak into Jann’s live performances as well as hearing him and his band in an energetic and exciting setting. In addition to vocals and guitar work from Jann Klose, this online release features musicians Roberta Piket on keyboards (Hammond, Piano, Rhodes, Vocals), Chris Marolf on Upright Bass, Vocals and Patrick Carmichael on drums. Fans can also catch the May 12th event on July 1st at 8.30 pm on Dave’s Place, a music TV show on Manhattan’s Time Warner Cable, channel 57 and RCN channel 109, and online at http://www.mnn.org
The EP includes brand new Klose songs “Beautiful Dream,” and “Doing Time,” plus a jammin’ live version of “Walk Through The River,” which was originally recorded for Klose’s 2004 EP, BLACK BOX, as well as a lucid, call & response rendition of T-Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday Blues.” The digital EP will also include a digital video clip and photos from the Bitter End show.
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Teenage Lyrical Mastermind Kid Slick Inks Deal With Hamptons Entertainment Group
Bronx, NY based recording artist Fil Gonzolez, a.k.a. Kid Slick has signed a deal with Hamptons Entertainment Group, the largest independent talent agency in the world!
With his amazing ability as a singer/songwriter/producer, Kid Slick brings life back to the classic sounds of what originally makes a hit song a “hit”Š..a feel good vibe with storytelling lyrics. There’s one small catch thoughŠ It’s not just hip hop, R&B, pop, rap, reggae, latin, dance or rockŠthis lyrical prophet adds the spice of all flavors to EVERY SONG! There is no doubt that Kid Slick’s masterpieces will be heard on every radio station known to man for decades to come.
KID SLICK has signed onto the TRUE SOUND MANAGEMENT roster, gaining a personal manager to guide his career, and will also receive promotion, marketing, publicity and booking services through it’s sister label, Paradise Publicity. His debut double single “Dance” will be released to radio beginning in June, 2005, followed by his debut album later in the year.
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The KU On The Attack With New Single ‘Haunted Dancehall’
Rocking the gobal music scene with their debut single Haunted Dancehall taken from the album ‘From Sinners To Angels’ is one of the big vibes to hit this summer.
The KU formed around producer and songwriter Darragh after he began recording the album last year. “I was working with other artists writing and producing records for them but feeling like I wanted to get back in the performing seat again.’
Darragh’s track record goes back to the 90’s after working with Chrysalis Records/EMI and various independent over the past 12 years, having hits with Bliss, Rachael Brown from Faithless and remixing every thing from Tears For Fears To Frankie Goes To Hollywood and now getting The KU ready to test drive.
The first single from the album ‘Haunted Dancehall’ is a perfect genre blending of hip hop beats reggae bass-lines funky guitar riffs and a creamy vocal laid down by Darragh set off against some big dubby horn-lines.
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Groupeez Magazine Keeps On Growing
Groupeez is a new music magazine dedicated to independent, up-and-coming bands as well as those legendary artists that have influenced today’s sound, but still fly under the radar of more mainstream media outlets.
Groupeez has reached 1,100 subscribers even before issue two has reached the streets. Through promotional efforts such as massive give-aways at the South by Southwest Music Conference and other events, Groupeez is growing faster than anyone had anticipated.
The second issue of Groupeez will be available in June. The magazine is currently being distributed for free at record shops and music venues throughout New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.
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WCH Radio Independent’s Day Show To Be Dropped
It was announced today (Friday, May 20th, 2005), that the Sunday Morning Independent’s Day show on WCH Radio will be cancelled.
John O’Day station CEO said that “I really hate to see this show change.” He added “this was the show that started it all, but since it is now a mirror image of our weekday shows, we decided to make this change.”
In it’s place, the station has added Sunday Jazz plus, which will also feature indie rock artists exclusively as did the Independent’s Day Show.
The change will take place over the Memorial Day weekend. “While I hate losing the Independent’s Day show, I am equally excited about the change.” O’Day said.
The station will feature songs from artists like: Vernon Neilly, Skip Martin, K.J. Denhert & Adam Falcon.
What’s the plus? According to O’Day, there will be music added by artists like Pleqq, Just Offshore and others. “We are always open to hear from other indie jazz artists who would like to appear on the show.” Says O’Day.
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In an era in which music fights to meet industry standards, ellee ven (el-ee-vehn)establishes a standard all her own with groovetonics: a mix of rock, dance and electronica. “Good melody finds a home in all kinds of music,” says ellee ven, “Project 11 proves that to be true”. ellee ven’s release Project 11 will showcase ellee ven’s alt electronica tracks remixed by up-and-coming /award winning producers scheduled for release every eight weeks for an indefinite period of time and will be available on vinyl and CD (at an EP price).
Project 11 is ellee ven’s commitment to DJ’s for their constant support of her. “Thanks to DJs, my music is spinning internationally. Because of their support, my videos have also been aired on Much Music Television’s The Wedge (Canada) and BPM-TV. The music plays on hundreds of stations domestically too.”, says ellee ven, “DJ’s control the play listŠthey like a variety of music and so do their listeners. Think about Jay Z releasing a single with Lincoln Park, or Tim McGraw and Nelly. It’s about great songs, great creative energies collaborating to make something uniqueŠsomething magicalŠ.”
ellee ven’s list of collaborators include Grammy Award Winner Reggie Dozier, world-known turntablist, DJ Swamp Billboard Remixer/Producer of the year CHRIS BROPHY, Grammy Award Winner DezRok, DJ Solange (nominated for Up And Coming Female DJ Of The Year by BPM), Antony Lee and South Central Cartel’s Prodéje. ellee ven says, “As a writer, I can’t limit myself to genre. I only decide between “good song”/”bad song”. I want to work with people who have a broad range of musical influence.” Stretching the concept of “genre”, ellee ven’s lyrics are per usual, part of her mystique.
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IOMMI To Release New Album, Fused On July 12, 2005 On Sanctuary Records
IOMMI, Featuring Legendary Heavy Metal Guitarist Tony Iommi, To Release New Tony Iommi, the legendary Black Sabbath guitarist, will release his new album Fused on July 12, 2005, via Sanctuary Records. This will be Iommi’s third solo album.
Joining Iommi on Fused is former Deep Purple vocalist/bass guitarist Glenn Hughes and former John Mellencamp drummer Kenny Aronoff, who has also played sessions with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, Alice Cooper, Bob Seger, Lynyrd Skynyrd and countless others. The trio will hit the road to promote Fused later this year after Black Sabbath finishes headlining the 10th anniversary Ozzfest tour.
Iommi has worked with both Hughes and Aronoff in the past. Hughes is a longtime friend who sang on the 1986 Black Sabbath Featuring Tony Iommi album Seventh Star. In 2004, previously unreleased songs they had collaborated on eight years earlier were completed and released by Sanctuary as The 1996 DEP Sessions. Aronoff played drums on the song “Black Oblivion” on Iommi’s self-titled 2000 solo album, which was loaded with all-star guest appearances. Fused was produced by Bob Marlette, who also manned the studio boards for Iommi.
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WOMDA Wants To Help You Get With The Picture!
To celebrate the launch of its new website, WOMDA is offering a limited number of independent record labels a year’s free membership to their professional association whose core aims and objectives are to effectively promote the world’s most innovative digital distributors, independent labels, and invited recording artists in an effort to create a leading global professional association of like-minded ‘forward-thinking’ partners.
Benefits to this exclusive free membership offer include:
Regular artist, label, distributor newsletters.
Inclusion in the WOMDA Members Directory.
Integrated link to the rest of the R Cat Communications network of promotional activities.
Annual ‘unique’ CD compilation features.
Free advertising and promotional opportunities.
Reviews, interviews, and features throughout International Online Music magazine (IOM) in addition to those selected for the WOMDA site.
Organized special events and campaigns.
R Cat Communications Executive Director, Colin Lynch, has no doubts in his enthusiasm for WOMDA: ‘The independent music industry is right at the crest of an exciting new wave in terms of record production and global music distribution. If we really want to move forward to embrace the many truly exciting and innovative new horizons facing us, then we really have to get with the picture and be a little more democratic in our ambitions than we have been in the past. I see WOMDA as a collective organization of explorers and adventurers who are not afraid to cross borders or to push limits!’
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Freedohm Entertainment: Little Company, Big Plans
Often in the saturated music/entertainment industry, businesses shuffle customers along concentrating on what they do as a company while never really considering the bottom line in any business, the consumer and that individuals experience with their organization. Many offer great products but mediocre customer service never leaves a lasting impression in any area of its specialties.
One Los Angeles company makes it a point to go above and beyond in service while still turning out great product. Freedohm Entertainment, specializes in the areas of Audio, Video, CD Duplication & Marketing. Freedohm Entertainment not only offers these key services but in addition FE produces networking events, stages monthly showcases, produces concerts, and publishes a monthly e-zine of indie rock, arts and creativity known as the Freedohm Flyer (www.freedohmflyer.com) under the supervision of Marketing Director/Editor Laurie Reifel.
Musicians can take advantage of FE’s one stop shop to complete their portfolio for promotional purposes and beyond. Freedohm services the nouveau artiste and lists independent recording acts & boutique record labels among its list of clients. Audio services include: midi studio production & recording, mixing, re-mixing and mastering services. Producers & Engineers are available for hire in all genres and will see your project through to completion.
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Provided by the MusicDish Network. Copyright © Tag It 2005 - Republished with Permission
The A-Sides - Hello, Hello (Prison Jazz Records)
Wednesday, June 29th, 2005
You know that feeling of anticipation you get when you buy a record from a band that has really impressed you in the past and you are hoping with all your might that their new record is even better than the last thing they put out? That’s how I felt when I put on "Hello, Hello" from The A-Sides. Ever since hearing "Seeing Suzy" I knew these guys from Philly were special and sure enough, from the first listen of Sidewalk Chalk and Park Avenue I knew that I was in for a treat. But for me, the killer track is "Jump Back Jack" which reminds me of early Who and had me hitting repeat on my CD player 5 times after first hearing it. Not only that but I was singing "Jump back Jack you’ll have a heart attack" all day after my first listen. Fantastic rock and roll that smacks of the aforementioned early Who, Kinks, Revolver-era Beatles and Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys. A real delight that is in constant rotation on my CD player. Great stuff. Highly recommended.
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This weeks tasty treats available at the CD Baby store
Wednesday, June 29th, 2005
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100 Records That Set the World On Fire (When No One Was Listening)
Tuesday, June 28th, 2005Check out the very eclectic list 100 Records That Set the World On Fire (When No One Was Listening) from the Wire of September 1998. Some really interesting selections that will alternatively have you scratching your head and heading out to the record store. Some pretty cool stuff to be sure.
Later.
Hot enough for ya?
Tuesday, June 28th, 2005As I sit here typing in Rock and Roll Report HQ (or as my wife prefers to call it our spare bedroom) the temperature is approximately 500 degrees Celcius and the air conditioner has given up the ghost. With weather this hot, I have come to two conclusions: (1) Human sweat does not mix well when dripped into a computer keyboard and (2) Brevity is a neccessity if you want to combat heat stroke. So keeping that in mind, there will be some posts to the site later on tonight after the sun goes down and the office is safe again for human habitation. Until then, I will retire to the basement and a Pina Colada.
Later.
What’s Going On
Friday, June 24th, 2005Hey everybody! Sorry for the lack of stuff this week but my new day job had me otherwise occupied and I just couldn’t check my e-mails or work on the site but fear not as The Rock and Roll Report will return to its regularly scheduled summer programming next week. On tap are the latest albums from the A-Sides and the High Dials, further adventures in community radio by yours truly (with a possible interesting announcement), some more informative Music Dish articles for all you musicians out there, a Gratefull Dead book review and the usual assortment of rock and roll fun and mayhem. Until then enjoy the weekend and while you’re walking around soaking up the rays stop in at a local indie rock store to see what they have on tap.
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Paul Spencer - “The Whole Shebang” (Independent)
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2005
Wearing influences as diverse as the Beatles, the Kinks and Bob Dylan to the Ramones, Replacements and Pixies proudly on his sleeve, Paul Spencer’s "The Whole Shebang" is chock-full of screaming Richenbackers and Les Pauls, great melodic riffs and vocals that would make Iggy proud. Highlight tracks for me include "We Don’t Give a Damn", "Walk Away Christie" and "The Whole Shebang" but really the whole album is a great rock and roll blast that demands to be played at high volume. Paul Spencer and his band deserve your support not only becauss they rock out but because they rock out with conviction. The two are not always a part of rock and roll these days so when they are you want to make sure the musicians know it. Great stuff.
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The Indie News Beat for the week of June 20, 2005
Tuesday, June 21st, 2005INDIE NEWS BEAT
June 20, 2005 Edition
* Independent Movie Taps Into Independent Music
* Dress Code "Sonic Boom EP" Downloads Available Now!
* Blow Up Hollywood Releases New CD Stars End
* Vonmodik’s Debut Album Released!
* Music Of Pucka Kayuba On Cdigix & Ruckus Network
* "Dance" By The Neurons Is Released In May By Lakefront Records
* Groove Pocket Ranks 16th Out Of 260 Acts On Radio Crystal Blue
* CPU Records, A New Resource For New Artists
* Go Global With AmpHeadMusic
* Gorillaz Limited Edition Album Unlocks New Secrets On Website
Independent Movie Taps Into Independent Music
Enter Gus. A hitman sent from Chicago to either whack Alphie or let him go. The order will come on the café payphone, affixed to a wall only 10 feet from where Alphie sips his coffee.
Alphie, straightening his flatware as he folds the Buffalo News, looks up. "Gus." he says. "Alphie," Gus replies, "Mind if I sit down?" As if he needed to ask.
Cue music.
But the new independent feature from White Lightning Productions won’t feature the usual fare of expected Mafia music or top popular hits, "Waiting on Alphie," slated for a Fall 2005 release, has complied a diverse and eclectic soundtrack to punctuate the original script.
"As we began editing this movie," said writer-director Kevin Hicks, "we realized we had a very unusual and different kind of hitman story unfolding. Working with various artists from across the country allowed us to fill in the background with a wide array of styles that adds to the overall feel of the picture."
Music like the country/punk strum and twang of Ohio’s B.J. O’Malley or the metal thrashing of 36 Hours or the trance-like melodies from La Cacahouette, both from Buffalo, New York, where the movie takes place. The soundtrack, which often emits from an antique café radio includes Wayne Garard from Detroit, The Blackwater Project from Columbia, Missouri and a title track from Tampa, Florida’s Anevis that sets the mood for the initial meeting of Gus and Alphie.
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Dress Code "Sonic Boom EP" Downloads Available Now!
Electronic/dance music artist Dress Code’s "Sonic Boom EP" now available at several download sites.
Dayton, OH-based electronic/dance music artist Dress Code’s "Sonic Boom EP" release is now available for downloading at these sites: Napster, Apple iTunes, and at MusicNet parnter sites, including Yahoo!Music, FYE Download Zone, Virgin Digital, Ctrax, RCN Music, and MusicNet@aol.
Dress Code is an eclectic mix of electronic/dance music with rock, funk, and hip-hop influences–a style described as "funky rocktronic dance music" by Dress Code musician/producer Derek "DJH" Holley. Derek co-founded Dress Code in the early 90s as a duo and "musical experiment" with a style that had rock, funk, dance, and pop influences. Dress Code later released their debut CD, About Time. Music from this release has been featured in various MTV, VH1, and independent film projects.
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Blow Up Hollywood Releases New CD Stars End
Blow Up Hollywood is set to release "Stars End" on May 31st, an improvised 40 minute musical experiment that was recorded live from the WXPN radio studios in Philadelphia in November of 2004. With instruments in hand and complete creative freedom, anything that was in the studio quickly became an instrument of choice. Instrumentation on the disc includes electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards, cello, harmonica, wine bottle, Tibetan singing bowl, vocals, dinner bell, small gong, whistling. The art is in the listening.
Blow Up Hollywood, who’s name is a backlash to the excesses of glitter marketing in the mass media, is made up of 7 critically acclaimed New York musicians. The band creates a huge orchestral wall of sound with blissful string arrangements and poignant vocals making each track a requiem. The bands live show is a mixed media event with the staging of a self-produced film being run on a screen while the band score it live, almost secretly in the dark.
Blow Up Hollywood’s virtuoso mastery of their respective instruments have won them fanatical fans all over the globe, connecting with fans one on one thru the web. Their cinematic sound is being hotly pursued in the film and tv world by the likes of major networks and independent filmmakers who want to tell their stories within the emotional backdrop of Blow Up Hollywood’s music.
Blow Up Hollywood are currently finishing tracks for their third studio effort, a cd entitled "The Diaries of Private Henry Hill", which was inspired by the journals of a young American soldier who perished in Iraq. The release date is set for early 2006.
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Vonmodik’s Debut Album Released!
Today sees the arrival of Vonmodik’s eagerly awaited debut album, ‘UNTITLED’ on Bionnic Music one of the most diverse electronica albums you’re likely to hear. So far 6 of the tracks have made various Top Ten Charts at Broadjam.com including House Top Ten, Dance Top Ten and Breakbeat Top Ten (expect more!). Prior to release radio stations from Los Angeles to Boston have spun tracks and Vonmodik is beginning to receive invitations for on-air in-studio appearances! Vonmodik is also now featured on Music.Download.Com!
"Your vibe is great. … you have a contemporary sound ala Erlend Oye, Radio 4, Cut Copy etc. Really nice tone and emotion … great ideas and lots of great sounds." TAXI.com review
Vonmodik’s music includes a mix of traditional instrumentation with heavily layered, digitally generated programming to help produce an original and clearly-defined sound. Already an established and unique graphic artist, his approach to music emanates from a fresh perspective of sound experimentation. His modern influences include Orbital, Moby, BT, Junkie XL, Groove Armada, Deep Forest and Bent, while some of his classic pop favorties are Sting, Pink Floyd, Roxy Music, Duran Duran, The Psychedelic Furs and The Cure.
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Music Of Pucka Kayuba On Cdigix & Ruckus Network
Already available through MusicNet, Pucka Kayuba’s music from the "Peace & Love" CD is now available for purchase through the Cdigix music on demand network, which is operated by MusicNet, and accessed by over 310,000 students at American Universities and Colleges, such as the University of Maryland, Yale University, Penn State University, Purdue University, Duke University, Rochester Institute of Technology, DePaul University, Indiana University, University of Michigan and more than 10 other U.S. colleges. Students use the Cdigix system, designed specifically to provide digital music services to students on campus, to purchase song(s) directly or to otherwise pay for the music through subscription fees paid by the student or the school.
Pucka Kayuba’s music is now also available through the Ruckus Network , a Cdigix competitor, which provides music services to Bentley College, Hampton University, Clark Atlanta University, Frostburg State University, American University and more than five other schools using the Ruckus Network.
Pucka Kayuba, who lives and records his wonderful reggae music in Kingston, Jamaica and has worked with Jamaican legends such as Sly Dunbar, Pam Hall, Jah D (Dennis Fearon) and Zammerock Kahunda, continues to see distribution and promotion of his music expand through his relationship with U.S. label Loud Dust Recordings as well as enjoying top 20 chart positions of his songs "Arise", "Let Us Come Together" and "Love Is The Key" for many months at Wraptor.com and ListenerStation.com.
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"Dance" By The Neurons Is Released In May By Lakefront Records
UnderGround magazine in Los Angeles states "WOW! Where the hell did this come from? This record grooves like no other. World class improvisations…"
Members of The Neurons have played throughout the world such as The Tonight Show, The Playboy Jazz Festival, and the Montreaux Jazz festival. One Neuron spent 13 years "groovin" with Ray Charles. The other has 8 solo albums and has built guitars for Daryl Hall and members of Stevie Wonders Band.
Dance will "Groove" you and "move" you. World rhythms, great exploratory solo’s and joyous loop grooves make this album very special.
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Groove Pocket Ranks 16th Out Of 260 Acts On Radio Crystal Blue
Groove Pocket from Hamilton, NJ just ranked 16th out of 260 acts for radio play on Brooklyn’s Radio Crystal Blue, "Top 55 Internet Airplay Recording Artist for the Spring of 2005". Qualification for this chart included 2 songs receiving airplay in a 3 month period, and a 7 song rotation between 4/04 and 3/05.
"It’s an unbelievable honor to be on this list with such great artists. Dan is the man!" This coming from drummer Lee Micai speaking for the band.
Groove Pocket recently made an appearance on X106.9 in Ocean City, MD on the Glassman and Crazy Eddie morning show. Tracks from Groove Pocket’s Debut album, "Everything’s Whatever", can also be heard on Blow Up Radio (Old Bridge, NJ), Harris Radio (Brooklyn, NY), Jack And Jill Radio (Sunrise, FL), WDYN (Rochester, NY), WNTI (Hackettstown, NJ), Liquid Compass (Denver, CO), Radio Takeover (Medford, NJ) and WPKN Radio (Bridgeport, CT). CO), Radio Takeover (Medford, )NJ and WPKN Radio (Bridgeport, CT).
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Gorillaz Limited Edition Album Unlocks New Secrets On Website
This week, Parlophone launches brand new content on the award-winning Gorillaz site. In an integrated campaign, some of the site’s new content is only accessible to fans with a copy of the limited edition of Demon Days. When fans insert the disc into their PC, they can enter the kitchen in Kong Studios, break into a cupboard and access an exclusive, downloadable bonus track, as well as PC wallpapers and screensavers.
www.gorillaz.com is the band’s virtual home, Kong Studios, and is made up of various rooms and scenes, offering fans a 3D animated, interactive Gorillaz ‘world’.
As Gorillaz only exist in the virtual, online world, the website has been at the heart of the album’s launch and promotion, as Lisa Gower, Digital Media Manager at Parlophone, explains.
Gower comments, "Gorillaz.com allows fans a peek into their world. The new content continues the site’s theme of playing and interaction, drawing fans further into Gorillaz world and adding to their experience. As Gorillaz obviously can’t do physical interviews, gigs and signings, the new content allows fans to get closer to the band, adding greater value to the relationship."
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CPU Records, A New Resource For New Artists
CPU Records was set up for unsigned bands and singer/songwriters to let them distribute their songs, biographies, pictures and other information about themselves to a wider audience via the internet. The idea was to create a hub where people wanting to check out new talent could do so, in the comfort of their own home or office,and to do so free of any charge.
Halloween night saw the launch of the Artist section with performances by some of the cream of unsigned talent from Manchester and Ireland, namely Stazi(who have x factors Rowetta satchell as backing singer)lee gorton from Alfie,Dublin Anarchists The Subtonics as well as other bands and DJing on the Night was Mani from Primal Scream and Andy Rourke from The Smiths. Since then the site has been recieving over 2 million hits a month and climbing rapidly.The latest band to sign up is Vinny Peculiar, featuring Mark Joyce and Andy Rourke from The Smiths.Bands simply sign up, upload what songs they want people to hear, as well as biographies and pictures. Every time a song is listened to it gets a chart position with a top 10 being published every thursday.The songs are also then queued into the internet radio station and gets randomly played to listners.For every band that has a major label contract there are hundreds that are just as good that are unsigned and www.cpu.ie is the place to find them.
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Amphead Entertainment Group are driving the digital revolution in Australia for non-major labels and artists. Partnered with The Orchard from the States, They distribute the largest catalogue of digital music in the world. It currently sits at 355,000 tracks distributed through 72 countries. They act as a non-exclusive distributor for Artists and non-major labels with a 70% return + mechanical royalties back to the Artist.
New and unsigned artists can benefit from Amphead’s network, as more online shoppers are turned on to fresh artists via recommendations and digital media, which they would never normally have in a regular retail record store. Word of mouth is becoming an even stronger medium as artists now have increased global reach via their websites and email promotions. Statistics are revealing that the hits are only generating half the digital sales, whilst niche catalogues are generating the rest.
When an artist lists their release with AmpHeadMusic, it is encrypted and sent to The Orchard for global distribution. The artist receives a username and login so they are able to check on a daily basis where and how much of their music is being downloaded. With a timeline of 4 6 weeks from receiving product to availability at online stores, this is the fastest way for artists to export music on a global basis.
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Provided by the MusicDish Network. Copyright © Tag It 2005 - Republished with Permission
This week’s iTunes exclusive: Oasis
Friday, June 17th, 2005
Reviews by Gérard
Thursday, June 16th, 2005Car Crash Show (3 song ep)
Voilà un groupe qui va lentement mais surement!! fondé en 1998 mais toujours dans l’attente de son premier album (très bientôt!) ce quatuor du Massachussets lorgne vers une Pop plutot british (Radiohead) avec une maitrise accomplie. Les trois morceaux proposés sont fort bien construits et on se surprend à les réecouter quasimment en boucle. On est impatient d’avoir l’album entre les oreilles!!
Here is a group that is proceeding slowly but surely! Formed in 1998 and still in the process of putting together their debut album (any day now!) this quartet from Massachusetts’s leans towards more of an accomplished British pop sound like Radiohead. The three tracks on this EP are all well written and surprise you with some great twists. I am anxiously awaiting their debut album!
Ray MASON “Old School” (Captivating Music)
On reste dans cet état décidemment très productif pour saluer un grand musicien qui nous distille depuis de nombreuses années une musique toujours généreuse et habitée. L’ami Ray sait toujours varier les plaisirs, qu’ils soient à base de blues, folk, country, pop, rock. L’homme à la Silvertone ne m’a jamais décu, qu’il soit en solo ou avec son groupe, il démontre à chaque fois que vieillir n’est pas toujours un défaut en soi mais comme le bon vin français la qualité attend souvent le passage des années.
One always likes to commend a great musician who has brought us through the years with a generous amount of wonderful music. My friend Ray always brings a number of different styles to the table whether it be blues, folk country, pop or rock. This musician from Silvertone, whether solo or with his group has shown each time that he will not rest on his laurels and like a good bottle of French wine he just seems to get better with age.
Les Spurts “It’s Different and the Same” (disponible aux USA chez Kool Kat Records)
Vous commencez à le savoir maintenant, je suis toujours très heureux de vous proposer un groupe français de qualité. C’est ici le cas avec un trio de Toulouse (sud ouest de mon beau pays) ville de tradition musicale en tous genres. Les Spurts sont les nouveaux gardiens de la flamme Power Pop française (après les glorieux Dogs ou Cry Babies pour ne citer qu’eux) D’ailleurs quand on a la pochette sous les yeux, on est en pays de connaissance : Rickenbacker et ampli vintage en avant. Excellentes compostions en anglais (un seul titre chanté en français sur l’album) truffées de mélodies souvent inspirées et imparables. Du beau travail artisanal.
I am pleased to introduce to you an excellent French group of the highest caliber. This trio is from Toulouse (in the south-west of my home country of France), a city with a great musical tradition in all genres. The Spurts are the new guardians of the flame of French power-pop (after the glorious Dogs or Cry Babies to name just two great bands). We are nothing if not a country that knows their power-pop history: Rickenbacker guitars and vintage amplifiers to the fore. Excellent songs sung in English (just one track sung in French on the album) filled with wonderful and unforgettable melodies. An excellently crafted power-pop album.
THE GOLDEN APPLES “Cooler Jets Will Prevail”
2e album pour ce quatuor d’Austin. Le premier morceau donne la couleur mais est un peu réducteur : “big star” est effectivement un hommage à ce groupe séminal (riff de “in the streets”) mais est trop réducteur quant au talent de ce groupe qui se rapprocherait plutot de Badfinger. Donc les 70s Pop (pas forcémment ce que j’aime le plus) mais avec beaucoup de spontanéité et des guitares très présentes. L’un des très bons albums Pop de cette première moitié d’année.
This is the second album from this Austin-based quartet and while at first listen it has a lot of color it is a bit “retro” in that it is almost a tribute to the seminal ‘70s power-pop band Big Star (just listen to the riff on “in the streets”). Despite this there is no denying that this group has talent on the level approaching somebody like Badfinger. A taste of ‘70s pop (but not so imitative that it gets in the way) with lots of spontaneity and with guitars front and center. This is a great album of pop from the first half of this year.
JENSEN BELL “Modern Dating Tips”
si l’album ci dessus concerne le haut du panier de ces derniers mois, que dire de cette météorite ? dans mon top 10 de ces six premiers mois de 2005. Tout d’abord très surpris car pour être honnête je n’avais jamais entendu parler de ce résident de L.A. (et vous ?) et quand on apprend dans sa bio qu’il a postulé pour être guitariste des Replacements, on n’entend plus on écoute!!!! La pochette très comics ne m’avait pas non plus mis en appétit mais dès “askin’ you out”‘ le premier titre, j’ai été subjugué par tant de talent : compositions brillantes, mélodies gracieuses et hits en puissance (her city’s got a train, kitsch lorraine, happy chocolate) en fait la totalité des 35 minutes que durent cet album sont indspensables à tout amateur de Pop qui se respecte. A must!!!
This album is without a doubt one of the highlights for me for the first half of 2005. I don’t know a lot about this LA resident other than the fact that he was possibly a guitarist in The Replacements but never mind, just listen to this album! While the cover art is quite humorous it was only after listening to the first track “Askin You Out” that I was sucked in to this man’s talent. Brilliant writing, amazing melodies and hits a-plenty (Her City’s Got a Train, Kitsch Lorraine, Happy Chocolate), the 35 minutes spent listening to this album is essential for all true fans of pop. A must!
Reviews by Gérard
Thursday, June 16th, 2005Car Crash Show (3 song ep)
Voilà un groupe qui va lentement mais surement!! fondé en 1998 mais toujours dans l’attente de son premier album (très bientôt!) ce quatuor du Massachussets lorgne vers une Pop plutot british (Radiohead) avec une maitrise accomplie. Les trois morceaux proposés sont fort bien construits et on se surprend à les réecouter quasimment en boucle. On est impatient d’avoir l’album entre les oreilles!!
Here is a group that is proceeding slowly but surely! Formed in 1998 and still in the process of putting together their debut album (any day now!) this quartet from Massachusetts’s leans towards more of an accomplished British pop sound like Radiohead. The three tracks on this EP are all well written and surprise you with some great twists. I am anxiously awaiting their debut album!
Ray MASON "Old School" (Captivating Music)
On reste dans cet état décidemment très productif pour saluer un grand musicien qui nous distille depuis de nombreuses années une musique toujours généreuse et habitée. L’ami Ray sait toujours varier les plaisirs, qu’ils soient à base de blues, folk, country, pop, rock. L’homme à la Silvertone ne m’a jamais décu, qu’il soit en solo ou avec son groupe, il démontre à chaque fois que vieillir n’est pas toujours un défaut en soi mais comme le bon vin français la qualité attend souvent le passage des années.
One always likes to commend a great musician who has brought us through the years with a generous amount of wonderful music. My friend Ray always brings a number of different styles to the table whether it be blues, folk country, pop or rock. This musician from Silvertone, whether solo or with his group has shown each time that he will not rest on his laurels and like a good bottle of French wine he just seems to get better with age.
Les Spurts "It’s Different and the Same" (disponible aux USA chez Kool Kat Records)
Vous commencez à le savoir maintenant, je suis toujours très heureux de vous proposer un groupe français de qualité. C’est ici le cas avec un trio de Toulouse (sud ouest de mon beau pays) ville de tradition musicale en tous genres. Les Spurts sont les nouveaux gardiens de la flamme Power Pop française (après les glorieux Dogs ou Cry Babies pour ne citer qu’eux) D’ailleurs quand on a la pochette sous les yeux, on est en pays de connaissance : Rickenbacker et ampli vintage en avant. Excellentes compostions en anglais (un seul titre chanté en français sur l’album) truffées de mélodies souvent inspirées et imparables. Du beau travail artisanal.
I am pleased to introduce to you an excellent French group of the highest caliber. This trio is from Toulouse (in the south-west of my home country of France), a city with a great musical tradition in all genres. The Spurts are the new guardians of the flame of French power-pop (after the glorious Dogs or Cry Babies to name just two great bands). We are nothing if not a country that knows their power-pop history: Rickenbacker guitars and vintage amplifiers to the fore. Excellent songs sung in English (just one track sung in French on the album) filled with wonderful and unforgettable melodies. An excellently crafted power-pop album.
THE GOLDEN APPLES "Cooler Jets Will Prevail"
2e album pour ce quatuor d’Austin. Le premier morceau donne la couleur mais est un peu réducteur : "big star" est effectivement un hommage à ce groupe séminal (riff de "in the streets") mais est trop réducteur quant au talent de ce groupe qui se rapprocherait plutot de Badfinger. Donc les 70s Pop (pas forcémment ce que j’aime le plus) mais avec beaucoup de spontanéité et des guitares très présentes. L’un des très bons albums Pop de cette première moitié d’année.
This is the second album from this Austin-based quartet and while at first listen it has a lot of color it is a bit “retro” in that it is almost a tribute to the seminal ‘70s power-pop band Big Star (just listen to the riff on “in the streets”). Despite this there is no denying that this group has talent on the level approaching somebody like Badfinger. A taste of ‘70s pop (but not so imitative that it gets in the way) with lots of spontaneity and with guitars front and center. This is a great album of pop from the first half of this year.
JENSEN BELL "Modern Dating Tips"
si l’album ci dessus concerne le haut du panier de ces derniers mois, que dire de cette météorite ? dans mon top 10 de ces six premiers mois de 2005. Tout d’abord très surpris car pour être honnête je n’avais jamais entendu parler de ce résident de L.A. (et vous ?) et quand on apprend dans sa bio qu’il a postulé pour être guitariste des Replacements, on n’entend plus on écoute!!!! La pochette très comics ne m’avait pas non plus mis en appétit mais dès "askin’ you out"’ le premier titre, j’ai été subjugué par tant de talent : compositions brillantes, mélodies gracieuses et hits en puissance (her city’s got a train, kitsch lorraine, happy chocolate) en fait la totalité des 35 minutes que durent cet album sont indspensables à tout amateur de Pop qui se respecte. A must!!!
This album is without a doubt one of the highlights for me for the first half of 2005. I don’t know a lot about this LA resident other than the fact that he was possibly a guitarist in The Replacements but never mind, just listen to this album! While the cover art is quite humorous it was only after listening to the first track “Askin You Out” that I was sucked in to this man’s talent. Brilliant writing, amazing melodies and hits a-plenty (Her City’s Got a Train, Kitsch Lorraine, Happy Chocolate), the 35 minutes spent listening to this album is essential for all true fans of pop. A must!
Tips For Bands And Artists Seeking Management
Wednesday, June 15th, 2005Part 2 Of 2: Finding And Working With A Manager
by Jeremy Rwakaara,
Please go here for Part 1 of this article.
Finding a manager
 |
Once you’ve decided that you are ready for management, there are several ways you can find a manager. You should first take stock of what you have to offer (besides your talent). It helps to have a good idea about yourself and your style. Don’t expect a manager to be able to perform an assortment of miracles all by themselves. You have to come to the table with some elements in place and be willing to work hard to formulate the rest. The manager can help you to articulate your vision, find others that believe in you, and get you into the hands of interested and successful music industry professionals.
Once you are sure you have something to offer, you can ask club owners, attorneys, publicists, recording studio engineers, record producers, independent record label owners, and other artists that are signed if they have any management company recommendations. You can also find a list of managers from music industry print directories (e.g. the Musicians Atlas, the Indie Contact Bible, the Industry Yellow Pages, Pollstar, the Recording Industry Sourcebook, etc.) or online directories like the one at the Indie Managers Association and others.
Pay close attention to the submission policies of the management company before mailing anything out. Some managers will only accept solicited material (material submitted to them from known sources). Others are willing to accept unsolicited materials, while others prefer you to call or email first. Do not violate these policies. It is almost always a good idea to call or email first before you send anything (unless they tell you not to call or email first). Contacting them before you send materials gives you a chance to talk to somebody and find out what they are looking for and what materials will be most appropriate to send.
Working with a manager
It is important that you speak with artists who are already signed to the management company (if the manager has an artist roster) before approaching a manager. If the artists have stayed with the manager for a long time and have a good relationship, you can take that as a sign of a commitment for the long-term, which is a good thing.
Be wary of managers that don’t ask a lot of questions about you, your goals, and your achievements. Don’t be offended by these questions, since they only serve to identify areas of opportunity or career challenges that the manager should know about.
Even though there is no standard commission that a manager should take, be cautious of a manager who talks about commissioning 25% or more of your earnings. 10% - 15% (or in some instances 20%, depending upon the circumstances), is more in line with what’s fair. Whatever you do, don’t sign a contract on the spot without taking time to have it reviewed by an entertainment attorney. Few things are so urgent that both parties can’t take a few days (or weeks) of their time to negotiate a contract that will bind them together for several years and involve potentially several hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The manager-artist relationship is a very important one, and you must be sure that the manager is a right fit for you (and vice-versa). Many times, a manager will approach you before you get a chance to approach them. This is not necessarily a bad thing since it makes sense that you came to their attention by creating a buzz in your area, selling a lot of CDs, receiving radio airplay or great reviews or putting on a great live show. If this is the case, you should expect them to know a lot about you and ask a lot of questions.
A sign of a good manager is that plenty of dialogue will take place before the contract is offered and signed. You should spend a lot of time discussing your short and long-term career goals and seeing how they can help you achieve what you want. You should ask them what ideas they have to get you where you are trying to go. You should also check to make sure that the potential manager doesn’t have too many artists on their roster, and that they will have enough time to devote to your career.
A potential manager should like your type of music and be familiar with how an artist like you should be promoted and marketed. It is extremely important to find a manager that is the right fit and if you can’t find one, you are much better off managing yourself until the right one comes along.
If you find a manager that sounds interesting, try and set up a six-month trial period to see if you are compatible with each other before signing a long-term management agreement t. Only accept friends, friends-of-friends, family members, etc., as potential managers if they have some experience in managing artists in your genre, have some industry contacts, and know how the music business works. These people are often well intentioned but can cause more harm than good with what they don’t know.
The management contract
Discussing the details of an artist-manager contract is beyond the scope of this article, so when it comes to signing, it is important that you have the contract drafted and/or negotiated by an experienced entertainment attorney who is well-versed in similar entertainment / management contracts.
The important thing about a contract is that it should define in no uncertain terms the nature of the relationship between the parties. It should also spell out how, if at all, you can get out of the deal if the manager is not performing as promised, and what the penalties for non-performance should be. You should also understand how and for what duration commissions are to be paid after the management contract has been terminated.
As long as everybody understands their roles, works hard, and follows through with their commitments, everything should be fine even if you don’t sell a million records or sell out Madison Square Garden.
Hopefully this article has helped shed some light on the question of finding managers. Obviously, these are mainly my opinions and others are free to disagree in whole or in part with what I have said here. Get legal advice, consult your gut feeling, do plenty of reading, use some common sense, and ask a lot of questions before signing with a management contract with a manager.
Provided by the MusicDish Network. Copyright © Tag It 2005 - Republished with Permission
Tips For Bands And Artists Seeking Management
Wednesday, June 15th, 2005Tips For Bands And Artists Seeking Management
Part 2 Of 2: Finding And Working With A Manager
by Jeremy Rwakaara,
Please go here for Part 1 of this article.
Finding a manager
|
Once you’ve decided that you are ready for management, there are several ways you can find a manager. You should first take stock of what you have to offer (besides your talent). It helps to have a good idea about yourself and your style. Don’t expect a manager to be able to perform an assortment of miracles all by themselves. You have to come to the table with some elements in place and be willing to work hard to formulate the rest. The manager can help you to articulate your vision, find others that believe in you, and get you into the hands of interested and successful music industry professionals.
Once you are sure you have something to offer, you can ask club owners, attorneys, publicists, recording studio engineers, record producers, independent record label owners, and other artists that are signed if they have any management company recommendations. You can also find a list of managers from music industry print directories (e.g. the Musicians Atlas, the Indie Contact Bible, the Industry Yellow Pages, Pollstar, the Recording Industry Sourcebook, etc.) or online directories like the one at the Indie Managers Association and others.
Pay close attention to the submission policies of the management company before mailing anything out. Some managers will only accept solicited material (material submitted to them from known sources). Others are willing to accept unsolicited materials, while others prefer you to call or email first. Do not violate these policies. It is almost always a good idea to call or email first before you send anything (unless they tell you not to call or email first). Contacting them before you send materials gives you a chance to talk to somebody and find out what they are looking for and what materials will be most appropriate to send.
Working with a manager
It is important that you speak with artists who are already signed to the management company (if the manager has an artist roster) before approaching a manager. If the artists have stayed with the manager for a long time and have a good relationship, you can take that as a sign of a commitment for the long-term, which is a good thing.
Be wary of managers that don’t ask a lot of questions about you, your goals, and your achievements. Don’t be offended by these questions, since they only serve to identify areas of opportunity or career challenges that the manager should know about.
Even though there is no standard commission that a manager should take, be cautious of a manager who talks about commissioning 25% or more of your earnings. 10% - 15% (or in some instances 20%, depending upon the circumstances), is more in line with what’s fair. Whatever you do, don’t sign a contract on the spot without taking time to have it reviewed by an entertainment attorney. Few things are so urgent that both parties can’t take a few days (or weeks) of their time to negotiate a contract that will bind them together for several years and involve potentially several hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The manager-artist relationship is a very important one, and you must be sure that the manager is a right fit for you (and vice-versa). Many times, a manager will approach you before you get a chance to approach them. This is not necessarily a bad thing since it makes sense that you came to their attention by creating a buzz in your area, selling a lot of CDs, receiving radio airplay or great reviews or putting on a great live show. If this is the case, you should expect them to know a lot about you and ask a lot of questions.
A sign of a good manager is that plenty of dialogue will take place before the contract is offered and signed. You should spend a lot of time discussing your short and long-term career goals and seeing how they can help you achieve what you want. You should ask them what ideas they have to get you where you are trying to go. You should also check to make sure that the potential manager doesn’t have too many artists on their roster, and that they will have enough time to devote to your career.
A potential manager should like your type of music and be familiar with how an artist like you should be promoted and marketed. It is extremely important to find a manager that is the right fit and if you can’t find one, you are much better off managing yourself until the right one comes along.
If you find a manager that sounds interesting, try and set up a six-month trial period to see if you are compatible with each other before signing a long-term management agreement t. Only accept friends, friends-of-friends, family members, etc., as potential managers if they have some experience in managing artists in your genre, have some industry contacts, and know how the music business works. These people are often well intentioned but can cause more harm than good with what they don’t know.
The management contract
Discussing the details of an artist-manager contract is beyond the scope of this article, so when it comes to signing, it is important that you have the contract drafted and/or negotiated by an experienced entertainment attorney who is well-versed in similar entertainment / management contracts.
The important thing about a contract is that it should define in no uncertain terms the nature of the relationship between the parties. It should also spell out how, if at all, you can get out of the deal if the manager is not performing as promised, and what the penalties for non-performance should be. You should also understand how and for what duration commissions are to be paid after the management contract has been terminated.
As long as everybody understands their roles, works hard, and follows through with their commitments, everything should be fine even if you don’t sell a million records or sell out Madison Square Garden.
Hopefully this article has helped shed some light on the question of finding managers. Obviously, these are mainly my opinions and others are free to disagree in whole or in part with what I have said here. Get legal advice, consult your gut feeling, do plenty of reading, use some common sense, and ask a lot of questions before signing with a management contract with a manager.
Provided by the MusicDish Network. Copyright © Tag It 2005 - Republished with Permission
Live365 goes podcasting
Wednesday, June 15th, 2005Live365 is kicking off what looks like a very interesting podcasting experiment with their brand new weekly podcast “Live365 SPOTcast” which they state will bring “ new and independent music and talk content to a global audience.” The weekly podcast will feature new tracks, band interviews, music reviews, behind-the-scenes reports and more. The first series of seven SPOTcasts are hosted by BAGel Radio’s Ted Leibowitz a popular Live365 broadcaster with an encyclopedic knowledge of alternative and indie rock. The schedule is as follows:
SPOTcast Schedule
Jun 13- DMI (Digital Mediaworks International): Dwight Twilley, redlightmusic, Headrush
Jun 17- Rock Ridge Music: Sister Hazel, Stroke 9, Love.45, Sinch
June 24 - Toucan Cove: Glorious, Digby
July 1 - IODA Distribution: Settlefish, Tullycraft, Asobi Seksu, PFFR
July 8 - TVT Records: TSAR, Towers of London, The Blue Van
July 15 - IRIS Distribution: Heartless Bastards, Mobius Band, Dressy Bessy, String Cheese Incident
July 22 - InGrooves: IOS, Von Iva, Thomas Cunningham, Golan Globus
You can tune in to the podcast by pointing your favourite podcasting software to http://www.live365.com/spotcast.
Later.
Cover version fun on this week’s Random Rotation from the CD Baby store
Tuesday, June 14th, 2005This week I decided to feature some very cool albums of covers from the CD Baby store. Have fun!
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The Spare Change Tour
Tuesday, June 14th, 2005Ever wonder what has happened to all those rock and roll landmarks from the so-called “Summer of Love”? Well take the Spare Change Tour and all your questions will be answered.
Later.
The Rock Snob Dictionary
Tuesday, June 14th, 2005Courtesy of the Audities site comes another wonderful waste of time. Check out the Rock Snob Dictionary and revel in its completeness. Here’s a sample:
Troutman, Roger. Flamboyant synth-funk producer and leader of the early-eighties funk band Zapp, best known for its quasi-underground hits “More Bounce to the Ounce” and “Dance Floor.” Troutman’s trademark kitsch-futuristic sound was enhanced by processing his vocals through a vocoder, which he referred to as a “ghetto robot.” Though his career was resuscitated by his appearance on Dr. Dre and Tupac’s 1996 hit “California Love,” Troutman died tragically three years later when he was gunned down by his brother-manager, who then committed suicide.
Later.
Music Journalism 101
Tuesday, June 14th, 2005If you are a budding Lester Bangs (geez I hope not!) and happen to be in the San Francisco area you might be interested in attending the Almost Famous: Music Criticism 101 course being conducted by Oliver Wang on June 15th, 2005. Full details are at the Media Bistro site. When you’re done, send me your crib notes! Later.
America’s Most Awesomely Bad Band
Tuesday, June 14th, 2005You have until July 5, 2005 to enter the Blender magazine/VH1 America’s Most Awesomely Bad Band contest and possibly win a chance to display your total lack of musical talent to a TV audience. Hell if it works for American Idol I don’t see why it shouldn’t work here!
Later.