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 Sep 30th, 2007 Mashed Buddha, Electro and Four Keys To Zen: Rise of the Human Being
Electronica and the rise of machines in music, like machines everywhere, are moving to include, eclipse, and displace people and the human touch. iPods replace DJ's in clubs. A buddy of mine pointed out that from Broadway to Las Vegas, living musicians are being replaced by synthesizers and drum machines. Karaoke is now considered an art form and folks who pay $50 to $500 to see a "live show" see a "band" playing computer music. And if there is a live band, as in the case of, say, Beyonce's ongoing tour, the musicians interface with and are subservient to, the almighty machine in the form of click tracks, videos and other special effects. On new his EP 'Four Keys To Zen', Mashed Buddha, a.k.a John Corda, flies in the face of this trend. In his last record, 'Subdue Your Mind', he added various tempos and feels and actual compositional elements such as recognizable melodies and arrangements to a barren mechanoid music style. On this new EP, he adds something else to the collection of his trademark mix of drum 'n' bass, soundtrack funk, hypnotically swinging grooves, and electro jazz. [Kirby] In what ways is this EP and your forthcoming full length CD a departure from your last release 'Subdue Your Mind'? [John Corda] The biggest difference is the addition of more improvisation over the grooves and beats that I create. These new tracks were created with fewer restrictions on me in terms of song form and trying to tackle any particular style. I think the music flows better this way and, ironically, the compositions themselves seem tighter. There is a dichotomy of complex vs. simple beats from one track to the next. There are also some guest musicians, which there weren't on 'Subdue Your Mind'. I have a percussionist laying down a plethora of world rhythms on some tracks, and some funk guitar from my bandmate, Brian Leccese. I also plan on further fleshing out a couple tracks with help from my drummer and sax player.
With regard to the keyboard soloing on this record, I have been playing piano for more than 20 years and have been performing live on various keyboards for over a decade. When I first started Mashed Buddha, it was really all about the composition and an interest in the large array of subgenres of electronic music. Basically, now I'm combining that approach with live keyboard jamming interspersed appropriately. »» www.myspace.com/mashedbuddha [Kirby] The opening track to 'Four Keys To Zen', "Hype," picks up where he left off on 'Subdue Your Mind': humanizing electro grooves and mining the various styles of electronic music to recombine and produce something fresh. "Hype" nods back to the '90's, the classic era of electro jazz and jazz house groups like Black Jazz Chronicles or Innerzone Orchestra. Corda kicks an intensely mellow groove of mid-tempo jazz-funk drums and Fender Rhodes electric piano mixed with rushing and stuttering electronic sound bursts. The song builds and glides as Corda, in his unique fashion, uses interlocking synth melodies, chords and percussion to ebb and flow in a sophisticated musical and compositional way. It also has vocals by the legendary O.G. guru of all things enlightening and bender of spoons Uri Gell! Why Uri Geller? [John Corda] He has a compelling voice and a unique career that has reached people all over the world from many walks of life. He agreed to let me use his voice on "Hype" and I was able to alter it to make it perfectly rhythmic with the music.
»» www.youtube.com/MashedBuddha [Kirby] "Mystery Dropper" is a stoner's delight. It starts out with disembodied microchips of sound, and a simple, spacey cycle of ringing Rhodes chords, of lush mellowness. A smoothly driving drum 'n' bass drum beat emerges in a trance state from underneath this sonic cloud, as the piano licks become more aggressive and spin off into a solo that builds, like a blues or Indian sitar solo, on simple, emotionally charged melodic statements. The song then shifts into a half-time, downtempo backbeat of drums, hollow wooden sounds that flutter in and out of the mix, and keyboards riffs that flow from the bass heavy to lighter and sharper. The drums then shift to the staccato original beat, as the keyboard plays sounds and melodies that drift and dissipate like fog in the sun. Another highlight on the 'Four Keys To Zen' is the last cut "Temptation." Showing yet another aspect of Mashed Buddha, Corda waxes funky in a style that draws from the essence of Stevie Wonder circa his 'Talking Book' album. The song starts with some funky clavinet that sets the pace for the bass and an easy-going groove. The simple theme is then orchestrated with layers of synthesizer chords and voices adding whimsy and movement to the piece. The clavinet solo sits in the middle and is answered by tripped out sounds in the break. The image this piece evokes is that of breaks dancers and robots having a dance off. The drums on this cut and throughout the EP have swing and soul; the beats breathe with the life of a real live funky drummer. [John Corda] I changed up my approach to drum sounds and beat making considerably by playing almost all the beats on a 16-pad Trigger Finger instead of the keyboard, and using almost no loops other than those created by me naturally in the process. The sensitivity and percussiveness of the Trigger Finger allow for more complex patterns and subtle ghost notes, or if I prefer, simple rock style beats good for dance music. »» http://mashedbuddha.hi5.com
What is the story behind your deciding to have your record release event in the virtual world of MusicWorld3D? [John Corda] Just like myspace was unheard of just a few years ago and is now a monster, MusicWorld3D is poised to take the world of internet music by storm. As it catches on and gets more populated by music fans as well as musicians, it will be great to be a part of it from the beginning. It's quite unique to do a live audio/video broadcast displayed to visitors in that virtual world. I have plans to do a regular and informal show with them, performing live over grooves I've already created or showing my approach to creating and recording music on the PC. [Kirby] Mashed Buddha continues on the 'Four Keys To Zen' EP reinventing electronica by adding a variety of musical elements and humor. One can only hopes he continues. »» www.nextcat.com/mashedbuddha John Corda on Keyboards (groove improv #2)
Sep 30th, 2007 "Happy Suicide, Jim!" Burns Like Lake Erie, Now You're Addicted to The Love Kills Theory
Right around the time I discovered what the world's all about, i.e., that we're lied to and manipulated by a system that is a vast Leviathan, a relentless machine powered by work, consumption, conquest abroad, and repression at home, I took the blue pill of awareness in the form of coming to New York for college, studying Existentialism, and seeing punk rock and avant gard jazz every night. I also read political philosophy books like "The Revolution of Everyday Life." This book explained a lot - why my parents and other adults I knew would become more dissatisfied and angst ridden the more they bought stuff that they didn't really need; why as a young teenager I would always go to the neighborhood where it was "happening" and always be disappointed because nothing was; why the revolution promised by the '60's, despite great gains, metaphorically speaking, ended in murder and suicide.
So I set about looking to avoid the dehumanizing and crushing conformity of life as a working stiff, a spiritless drone. And the struggle continues, though with age and time and the ever-advancing intrusions of marketing, manufactured desire and the corporatization of nearly everything, it becomes harder, like the desperate lone man in the classic film "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," to remember DON'T FALL ASLEEP or you'll wake up ONE OF THEM! Thankfully, The Love Kills Theory on their new CD Happy Suicide, Jim! makes sure that sure this won't happen on their watch. They are the kings of the power pop, classic rock hybrid and stand shoulder to shoulder with New York political art rockers Blow Up Hollywood as the best at combining an intelligent, deep, political philosophy with powerful, smart rock music. Let's start with labeling and products... [Kirby] How would you classify your music? [Cevin Soling] It's tough, actually. I am predominantly grounded in melody and hooks. The reviews have labeled the music as punk, electronica, power pop, garage, and so on. I like the fact that it is hard to define since it means we've hit upon something new. The problem, of course, is that without being readily classified in an era where demographic marketing is essential for exposure, it is easy to get ignored if you can't be positioned. When asked, I generally defer to the alternative rock category since that is pretty broad. [Kirby] Their music and lyrics remind one not to take the tick tock, time clock life of work-consume-die so seriously. After all, much of what we take as important, as "real life" is nothing more than manufactured desire, most of which gives little, temporary satisfaction, if any at all. In fact the following words from their song "Region of the Worms" should be taped on the drawer where you keep your socks or on the cover of the bible so you can keep things in their proper perspective: "In the Spectacle / Everything is a product / From your thoughts and desires / To your basic conduct / All these empty things / Of which our world is based / From the goods we pursue / There is no escape / And the goods mediate / How we all relate / Like a big jack boot / On a human face / Resistance is an ad campaign / Rebellion merely entertains / We only speak in passive terms in the Region of the Worms." Listen with necessary discretion and attention. I understand you went to Harvard. Is your background or main interest politics, philosophy and related subjects?
[Kirby] This deeper understanding and critique of culture comes at you hard from the beginning of Happy Suicide, Jim! to the end. The opening cut "Authenticity" sets the tone of the record. Acoustic and electric guitars play jangly chords and driving lead riffs. A strong back beat from drums and tambourine propel the song. Clear and distorted voices sing, "All the lies just dull our minds / Separate / Saturate / Apathy prevails." The group's theme song, "The Love Kills Theory," captures something missing from the rock of today - humor and a true sense of irony, not to mention a deeper contemplation of life and what the heck is goin' on. "Then you wonder why good is fading / the things you're wanting are the things you're hating / what sustains you now makes you weary / you're addicted to the love ! But before you think the record is all ponderous preaching and teaching, it must be said that this record is chock full of catchy tunes, burning guitar and vocal hooks galore. "Found" has a sound that is classic rock and would fit right in with VH1 programming. The acoustic guitar and vocal melody float and evoke wistfulness. The wordless vocals on the chorus and the tasteful use of the string section reminds this listener of Marc Bolan and T-Rex. [Kirby] Why did you choose music to communicate your philosophies?
[Kirby] What drew you to the philosophies of the Situationists? What books influenced you the most? [Cevin Soling] There is a natural stream of consciousness and progression to my studies. I was inspired by Gang of Four. In their music, they are clearly fascinated by what they see as the commodifization of human relations which presumably evolved from their studies of the Frankfurt School's approach to Marxism. Their deconstruction of every day interpersonal interactions also seemed to be inspired by the Situationists and led me to take their approach quite seriously. As far as books in that general vein go, I would strongly recommend Neil Postman's, "Amusing Ourselves to Death." While it's not a Situationist work, it could be. [Kirby] Amusing ourselves to death describes the unintended consequence of the media overload of celebrity worship, sports and other amusement items that make up mass culture. It sums up such social phenomenons as a man killing his mom for telling him to stop arguing with his dad over a N.Y. Mets mid-season loss, rampaging obesity and reality television. The song "King of Cream" captures this sentiment in hard rockin' music, music that could be the soundtrack to a NASCAR beer commercial. But herein lies the subversive quality of The Love Kills Theory and, at its best, rock itself. While the listener hums along with a catchy tune, the lyrics expose what the all night party people are really about: "I'm the king of cream/ With the fantailed sheets / All my nights are days / And my days are sleep / And it always seems / Purple Heart / Amphetamines / Blur the nights into an endless dre!
[Kirby] What made you write the song "Poverty of Student Life?" [Cevin Soling] One of the seminal moments of the Situationist movement was the publication of the pamphlet, "On the Poverty of Student Life" at the University of Strasbourg. It is a powerful and remarkably intelligent work, so naturally it was met with derision and condescension by the establishment at the time. Today, it would simply be ignored because few would be able to comprehend its content or revolutionary exhortations. I've spent the last three or four years working on a documentary about the oppression of youth in America. The denial that exists in the consciousness of most is reminiscent of attitudes regarding slavery in the 18th Century. For example, whichever deprived underclass you can name, it is an absolute certainty that the children of that oppressed group have it much worse because they are even more powerless and subject to everyone's capricious whims, abuse, and neglect. In spite of this, the media portrays children as if they have ! [Kirby] On your website, you write that "The Love Kills Theory is based on an amalgam of the works of Guy Debord and Aldous Huxley, fused with the current biogenetic studies on the evolution of despair." [Cevin Soling] [Kirby] Where can such relief be found? How can freedom be found? Such questions can only be answered by... whom? Therein lies the rub. Still, there is solace, and perhaps a way out of the matrix, in creativity and catharsis, both of which can be found on the CD Happy Suicide, Jim!. As the man who wrote "The Revolution of Everyday Life," Raoul Vaneigem, says in Chapter 1, "The path of liberation lies in what is most familiar. Was it ever otherwise? Art, ethics, philosophy bear witness: under the crust of (music), words and concepts, the living reality of non-adaptation to the world is always crouched, ready to spring." He could h!
Sep 30th, 2007 Amy Speace Steps Out of the Shade w/ Songs for Bright Street
That joy is infectious but hard earned, as the music, and the more waif-like poses on the inner sleeve of this, her third recording, suggest. Songs for Bright Street is an exciting statement, blending swagger and sorrow in almost equal measure, but with an undeniable confidence befitting the 2007 International Acoustic Music Awards winner. She is indeed, as she boasts, "The Real Thing." Produced for Judy Collins's Wildflower label by rock classicist and guitar ace James Mastro (The Bongos, Health and Happiness Show, Ian Hunter), Songs for Bright Street puts fans of artists like Lucinda Williams, Aimee Mann, Ryan Adams, Neko Case, and Steve Earle on notice: this is a career to watch. Whether in driving, slide-guitar fueled cuts like "Not the Heartless Kind" and "The Real Thing," the breakup songs of "Water Landing" and "Can't Find a Reason to Cry," with its shimmering chorus ("It's all been done before") or the sweet country-folk of "Two," with duet partner Gary Louris of the Jayhawks; Amy Speace shows off a robust musical artistry, combining songwriting craft, soaring, sometimes crystalline vocals, and a crackerjack supporting band, The Tearjerks, headed by producer Mastro himself. "He became a real musical partner for me. He's a songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist as well, so he brings a gift of music to the table, and a more edgy sensibility than I have, so together it works."
Fellow Tearjerks include multi-instrumentalist Rich Feridun, Matt Lindsey on bass and empathetic drummer Jagoda. Speace's sound is distinctly Americana-ish, but with a classic pop sensibility throughout. How many records feature both banjo and mellotron on the same song? Songs for Bright Street's opening cut does: "Step Out of the Shade" fully embodies Speace's mix of smart songcraft, catchy, Bangles-y harmonies, and canny arrangements. She says, "I'm a big Beatles fan and I love their use of loops and mellotron. And the banjo was just something we tried out. Rich picked it up and started playing and someone yelled 'roll tape' and so there it is!"
"Step Out of the Shade" introduces the CD's central theme - breaking out, reinvention, sloughing off constraints: "Step out of the shade and look at the day/Out here the weather's better." Ditto "Shed This Skin" - "I borrow stories/Cause I'm bored with my own... Shed this skin/Crawl within/Get to the core of something more." The rave-up "Not the Heartless Kind" offers outright swagger: "I built this house with my own hands/I can tear it down crush these rocks to sand."
Speaking of reinvention, on Songs for Bright Street Amy retools the Blondie classic "Dreaming" into a bouncy country two-step, with Skip Crevens' moody pedal-steel: "I started really listening to 'Dreaming' and realized what a great and well structured song it is, and thought to take it apart, deconstruct it. Lately, as I've been playing it solo in my shows too, I'm realizing what a melancholy song it is." Born in Baltimore, raised in Maryland, Minnesota and Pennsylvania, Amy Speace attended Amherst College in Massachusetts and then came to New York City to study acting. "When I was little, my Dad played a mix of records that were Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, John Denver, Neil Diamond and Jackie Wilson. Oh and Ray Charles. So whatever he played sunk into my fingers and as I grew as a songwriter. I love old country music. I love how real it is, how seemingly simple the music is, yet there's poetry in the pastoral simplicity of it all. And it's what feels most like me to me." PBS distributor FastFocusTV features Amy Speace on their new series "Frequency," hosted by Dave Koz. After relinquishing a budding career in the theater (including plaudits in the New York Times), Amy melded into the bohemian musical circles of Hoboken and Jersey City, where she met James Mastro: "Jim is a pretty famous dude, but I didn't know that when I first met him. I was living in Hoboken and there was this old flower shop up the street from me, that one day, was being painted and this bald guy with a hat was putting guitars in the window that used to have lilies and roses. As the store began to take shape, I noticed it was a real hang, with folks I recognized from going out to see music. Ivan Julian from Matthew Sweet's band was hanging there. Fred Smith from Blondie and Television. I was pretty intimidated, but I kept showing up and kept handing Jim new demos of mine cause I wanted to impress him." Her first CD, Edith O., "was my first venture into songwriting. I was writing mostly about boys at the time. With her second, Fable, she was "grappling with self identity and heartache. I've grown up a bit, and country/folk seems to fit where my head/heart is headed."
Amy's notes to Songs for Bright Street close with a nod to what she calls "the underground independent highway." She explains what the much-abused term "indie" means to her: "Indie means do it yourself. It's a more grassroots approach to art than hoping for the big major label corporate buyout. I went to acting school and the best piece of advice anyone ever gave me was never to wait for Broadway to come a-calling. To create our own theater companies and write our own plays and direct them ourselves. That art is crucial. It shows us our humanity and that's what indie is. It's a state of mind, really. A kind of old-time troubadour sensibility." It makes sense then that Amy and Judy Collins, a troubadour from the original folk-rock nation, should have found each other. Amy tells the story: "I met Katherine DePaul of Wildflower Records when she bought me a tequila shot at Maggie Mae's bar on 6th Street in Austin during South By Southwest a few years back. I had no idea who she was. She knew who I was and had asked a person I was with what my drink was. I just thought she was some fun chick who had good taste in tequila. My friend slipped her a copy of my demos and a few months later, after playing them for Judy Collins, she came to see me play in NYC and offered to put out my record on the spot." Give a listen to Songs for Bright Street and you'll understand why. www.amyspeace.com
Nov 19th, 2006 INDIE NEWS BEAT The New 2007 Edition Of The Indie Bible Has Been Released
"The first edition was a photocopied spiral bound book with a plain white cover," reminisced David Wimble, Publisher. "Even though its appearance was unimpressive, the feedback was amazing! Now in its 8th Edition, The Indie Bible continues to grow! It still remains as the only resource totally dedicated to those artists that have recorded a CD or demo." The Indie Bible has 330 pages of valuable contacts and informative articles: John Foxworthy of GarageRadio.com has called The Indie Bible "a 330-page collection of the most useful resources on the planet and presented in an easy-to-follow format ... quite possibly the most valuable piece of literature to occupy any recording artist's library." David Wimble is a Singer/Songwriter from Ottawa, Canada. His band, Big Meteor, put out their first CD in 2000. The CD, titled "Wild River," received rave reviews from around the world. "Wild River" features a wide blend of music ranging from Acoustic Rock to Blues to Old Time Country. To date, songs from the "Wild River" CD have been used in one made-for-TV movie and 50 television shows on networks such as NBC, A&E, MTV and VH1. Source: Little Nashville Aims For The Big Time
Before winning the Illinois State Final, Juliano and Grove won their local competition sponsored by WUSN of Chicago, IL. As an award-winning songwriter/vocalist/multi-instrumentalist, Juliano began guitar at just 5 years old. In 1998 he opened for Toby Keith in Chicago and realized his love of the Windy City. He began performing throughout the Southeast and Midwest, sharing the stage with Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Diamond Rio and Sawyer Brown, to name a few. When Juliano and his wife learned they were expecting their first child, he began "Little Nashville" country music for kids that teaches important lessons and values with a bit of rock at the same time. "Little Nashville" went from the studio to the road, bringing Adrienne Grove into the mix. The singer/actress began belting out The Star-Spangled Banner also at a young age 3. The Southwestern University graduate received a Bachelor¹s Degree in Music Education, and plays the guitar, flute and piano. She has performed with Starlight Theater, Park Ridge Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Savoy-aires and several others. Since joining forces in "Little Nashville," Grove and Juliano have performed in front of thousands together. They have opened for Josh Gracin and have been honored with the title of Best Children¹s Act of 2006 by the On the Waterfront Festival in Rockford. Displaying their songwriting talents in Saturday¹s competition they performed an original piece, Dry County, Charlie Daniels¹ The Devil Went Down to Georgia. In January, Juliano and Grove will compete in the National Final at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The five regional winners from across the country will receive an all expense-paid trip to the National Final to compete for $100,000 and the coveted National Title of Best New Act in Country Music. The National Final will be televised nationally in March and April 2006. Source:
Source: New Organisation For MIDEM Classique & Jazz
Christophe Capacci is Artistic Consultant for Jérôme Deschamps at the Theatre National de l'Opéra Comique in Paris, a role he will continue in addition to his newly acquired position for MIDEM. Capacci takes over from Hervé Corre de Valmalète who has held the position of Artistic Director for Midem Classique & Jazz since 1990 with distinction. Hervé Corre de Valmalète asked to be released from his position as Artistic Director of Midem Classique & Jazz to give more time to his artist-management activities at Concerts de Valmalète in Paris and TransArt UK in Great Britain. He will also continue to produce and head-up the artistic direction for the live music festivals Flâneries Musicales de Reims and TransClassiques and run the record label TransArt Live. Source: Charlie Peacock And Bob Hutchins Partner To Launch Premium Digital Content Grammy winning record producer Charlie Peacock and Internet marketing veteran Bob Hutchins announced their partnership in a new online company, Premium Digital Content (PDC). PDC will uniquely combine entertainment with the four primary consumer technology categories: HOME, PC, HANDHELD DEVICE, and CAR each one corresponding to four branded and highly optimized "WatchListen" websites. The PDC approach will enable millions of consumers to discover, use, and enjoy entertainment and technology at home, on the go, and in the car. "I can't think of a more natural partnership than this one with Charlie Peacock, a musician and entertainment executive who has always been a leader in new technology and entertainment," said Bob Hutchins, President/Owner of BuzzPlant, a multipurpose Internet marketing firm. "Connecting consumers with amazing entertainment as well as tech products and services for their home, PC, handheld device, and car is a mission we both strongly believe in." "I see the home, PC, handheld device, and car--all of them as dynamic and ultimately inter-related delivery systems for entertainment. Bob Hutchins has the marketing skill to make this connection for online consumers early on, securing PDC's future, as online sales and digital delivery continue to radically alter consumer behavior and needs," said PDC partner Charlie Peacock. "Billions of people rise every day looking for entertainment, information, products and services related to their home, PC, handheld, and car. We live in a time of phenomenal opportunity to reach entertainment and technology lovers anywhere and everywhere," said Hutchins. Source: The Majestic Twelve Are New Artists You Need To Know Now According To MSNBC.com Wilmington, North Carolina rock band and resident pains in the arses, The Majestic Twelve, were recently acknowledged on MSNBC.com in an independent study of reader feedback about America's favorite indie acts. A loyal fan remarked that the Twelve are "one of the hardest working bands around today. They take the idea of DIY (Do It Yourself), and they completely embrace it. Plus, their music is very catchy and fits well on your iPod." "We're honored to be mentioned as a favorite indie band, despite the fact that people need to stop talking about indie vs major labels, and start talking about true independence," comments frontman Kenyata Sullivan. "We're humbled by it, and it means a lot. We're gonna keep working hard and trying not to suck." The Majestic Twelve hovers among the top 100 unsigned bands in the country at the moment. Critically lauded by tastemakers like Blender.com and CMJ along with blogosphere writers like Fake Jazz and Culture Bully, The Majestic Twelve's underground hit album, Schizophrenology has been downloaded over 12,000 times since releasing independently for free in July. Schizophrenology is co-produced by Sullivan and Jerry Kee (Superchunk, Ryan Adams). Source: AirPlay Direct Celebrates One-Year Anniversary
In just one year, AirPlay Direct has experienced exponential growth to become a global leader in digital music delivery services directly to radio stations, saving independent artists over $1,000,000 in postage and material costs to date. To celebrate, AirPlay Direct is offering a contest to artists that create a free account in the next six weeks‹a winner will be chosen every two weeks to receive an AirPlay Direct prize package that includes a "Featured Artist" spot on the web site, free marquee banner ads on the site and 15 "broadcast-quality" track uploads, a package valued at over $1,500. AirPlay Direct offers two free digital content delivery services: digital music and Digital Promo Kits directly to radio professionals. AirPlay Direct's securely delivers broadcast-quality music files from thousands of independent artists and record labels directly to radio programmers around the world. Artists can access free, real-time tracking reports to see which stations are downloading their songs, alleviating the need for sending costly promotional packages. The best part? This service is 100% free to artists, labels, and radio programmers. Digital Promo Kits can be emailed to any music industry professional around the world. This concept may sound familiar, but AirPlay Direct takes it one step further in offering links to three broadcast- quality songs along with a visually appealing layout. But what makes AirPlay Direct truly different? The entire package is free! AirPlay Direct empowers artists to promote their music without the cost and effort associated with physical press kits. Source: Author Reveals How To Use Video Clips To Promote Indie Music On YouTube, Google, Yahoo & More No doubt about it. Video is huge on the Internet. Over the past six months alone, video has exploded online. YouTube alone now delivers about 100 million videos a day to its users. And much of it is music. "It's like 1981 all over again," says Bob Baker, author of a new special report called "How to Use Video to Promote Your Music Online." He's referring to the year that MTV hit the cable airwaves and changed the way music was marketed at the time. "Only it's better, because now -- 25 years later -- everyone has equal access to the 'airwaves,'" he adds. Baker cites the recent treadmill video from the band Ok Go as one example. "It was a simple but creative concept that spread like crazy online and primed music fans for the band's debut CD release," Baker says. Or how about the regular video clips published by indie artist Terra Naomi? During a two-month period in 2006, webcam music videos she produced in her apartment were viewed 2.5 million times on YouTube. Because of this exposure, Naomi sold 2,000 copies of her new CD in eight days. "Don't kid yourself," Baker implores. "Online music video promotion is hot -- and getting hotter! That's why I created this short, info-packed report: To help independent artists create, promote and profit from online video." Source: ReverbNation.com Sets The Stage For A Music Revolution
The artist-centric, online music community, which went live in September, will celebrate its official launch at the CMJ (College Music Journal) Music Marathon in New York City, Oct. 31 Nov. 4. In addition to exhibiting at the festival's trade show at Lincoln Center, ReverbNation.com will host its inaugural artist showcase party at the downtown rock venue Crash Mansion on Thursday, Nov. 2. The Web site is currently inviting artists in all music categories to register as members. Combining the power of viral networking with next-generation marketing tools, ReverbNation.com is a true music community designed solely to help musicians succeed. With faster, more intelligent ways to connect artists with fans, venues, labels and other artists, ReverbNation.com offers the richest experience available on the Internet for musicians seeking new markets and new paths to popular success. "We serve the artist's needs first, unlike other sites that are more focused on the social aspect of viral networking," said Jed Carlson, chief marketing officer and co-founder of ReverbNation.com. "By giving them ways to immediately expand the marketplace for their music, we're opening doors that used to take years to get through." Source:
Nov 13th, 2006 INDIE NEWS BEAT INDIE NEWS BEAT Kobo Town Claim Their Independence
Drawing heavily upon the sounds of traditional calypso, roots reggae and dub poetry, the album is a collection of stories which offer a running commentary on a wide variety of social and political themes including domestic violence, homelessness, globalization, the war on Iraq, and the various frustrations and betrayals of the post-colonial era. Named after an historic community in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, where calypso was born, Kobo Town strives to recover the social conscience, satirical storytelling and strong acoustic/organic rhythms that characterized Trinidadian music in the past. But while the group's singer-songwriter Drew Gonsalves expresses a wish to "celebrate the musical and artistic traditions formed over the long years of our turbulent history", the tales that fill the album could be told anywhere. The title of this album is intended to be hopeful and ironic at the same time: some of the songs offer a critical look at the "independence experiment" and its various failures and betrayals in Trinidad and elsewhere, while others aim to celebrate the musical and artistic traditions formed over the long years of our turbulent history. One track Abatina tells the tragic story of a girl trapped in an abusive marriage by her family's class aspirations, while another, St. James, uses a flood of rhymes and images to evoke both the desperation and celebratory spirit of a struggling neighbourhood in Port-of-Spain. And underlying the songs are bottle and spoon rhythms, syncopated flute and violin melodies, strumming cuatros, and heavy reggae bass lines which indicate a marriage between West Indian musics old and new a dialogue between a fading folkloric tradition and the sounds that prevail in our time. Independence was co-produced by Lyndon Livingstone (David Rudder, Andre Tanker, Mighty Scrunter) and Drew Gonsalves at the Razorshop in Maraval, Trinidad. Independence will be available for download through CD Baby, iTunes, Music Discovery Network, Calabash Music and select online retailers. For more information or to hear advance tracks from the album, please visit, www.kobotown.com. Source: MusicDish Network's Miko Marks Nominated "Best New Country Artist 2006" By New Music Weekly Magazine
(i) Log onto http://www.newmusicweekly.com/nmwawards.php The announcement comes on the heels of a banner year for this country newcomer. Since signing with indie label Mirrome Records during CMA MusicFest, the singer/songwriter has opened for Warner Records artist, Ray Scott, and toured the states from California to Washington D.C. with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, America's only touring black rodeo, now in its 22nd year. The album "Freeway Bound", recorded in Nashville with legendary producer, Ron Cornelius, has enjoyed airplay in 14 countries including the US, while the title track was used in Episode #102 of CMT's "Home Blitz with Habitat for Humanity." Recognized worldwide as "New Music's Night," the New Music Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement for ALL Music artists, musicians, radio programmers, music directors, radio stations, and industry executives who work in America's most popular music genre. "The New Music Awards" features a wide variety of exceptional talent and is sure to provide outstanding entertainment and excitement throughout the show. Source: Classic Rock Band Bluebeard Taps MusicDish Network For Development Campaign
MusicDish Network will conduct an intensive campaign in support of the band's new album, combining content development, syndication/street team, social networking and distribution. Bluebeard has already begun to make their presence felt on social networking sites such as MySpace, Number One Music iSound and LiveDigital (to name a few), while conducting a viral distribution campaign of the band's music and videos on major file sharing networks such as eDonkey. Produced and published by new independent music label Shelter From the Storm Records, "Deluxe With Reverb" features a selection of new material, re-recorded and re-mastered songs from the band's late-70s heyday, and a hard-charging cover version of INXS' "Pretty Vegas." "Check out their latest timeless classic. It is a great listen. You can hear in their material how they have inspired so many over the years. And the new material sounds just as new as it does 'classic'." - John Haseltine, Ball Buster Bluebeard has been around for nearly 30 years and was a mainstay of the Southern California club scene in the 70s and 80s, playing dates with everyone from Van Halen to The Motels to Steppenwolf. They recently played a sold out appearance at L.A.'s Canyon Club, sharing a bill with Blue Oyster Cult. Their last full-length album, "Bad Dream," was released in 1978 and is a treasured collector's item among rock connoisseurs, with asking prices up to $500 per copy on on-line auction sites. Bluebeard received widespread critical acclaim in the U.S. (from the likes of Billboard Magazine, Cash Box, BAM and Radio Report), and was an underground favorite in Japan and Europe. The tragic death in 2004 of Robert Barry Leech, the band's original lead singer and creative force, led the remaining members to reunite in honor of his memory with a singular focus to once and for all bring their brand of rock & roll to the world. "Deluxe With Reverb" includes a tribute to the past via a rockin' duet of The Rolling Stone's classic "Paint It Black," between Leech and new frontman Ellington Erin . Source: Prohibition Entertainment Releases New Traedonya Single Via Airplay Direct
"Radio servicing (just packages, not promotion) is a punitive cost to most independent labels and artists. Servicing can run into thousands of dollars and you have returns which will also increase costs" says A.K Smith-Ford , Founder of Prohibition. AirPlay Direct's FREE services will allow us to put the money saved into other key areas... marketing and promotion. "TRAEDONYA is a Featured Artist on AirPlay Direct and radio programmers and music industry executives are able to check out TRAEDONYA at www.airplaydirect.com/music/bands/3117/ "AirPlay Direct's approach will continue the revolution and evolution of the music industry in the digital arena. Radio is an 'achilles heel' to most independent labels and artists because we can't compete for 'Clear Channel' against the big 4 labels. AirPlay Direct has helped to level the playing field." said A.K. Source:
The Music Resource Center, a multi-faceted music education center for teenagers, announced a donation of online music lessons and guitar supplies from WorkshopLive, which produces the most dynamic and engaging music instruction content on the Web. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia and originally funded by the Dave Matthews Band, MRC will receive a combination of annual subscriptions and introductory "Play Free" cards and other teaching materials from WorkshopLive. The Music Resource Center, a multi-faceted music education center for teenagers, announced a donation of online music lessons and guitar supplies from WorkshopLive, which produces the most dynamic and engaging music instruction content on the Web. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia and originally funded by the Dave Matthews Band, MRC will receive a combination of annual subscriptions and introductory "Play Free" cards and other teaching materials from WorkshopLive. The Music Resource Center uses the recording and performing arts to create a sense of empowerment and accomplishment in the urban community. Its mission is to educate and inspire urban youth and through music equip them with life skills for the future. They accomplish this mission through music education and performance opportunities, as well as life skills mentoring. WorkshopLive is a unique educational platform that delivers personalized and completely individualized music lessons through a broadband Internet connection. Its patent-pending technology determines how each student learns best, then delivers the teaching options, lessons and learning environment that best suits the student's needs. More than one thousand guitar, bass and keyboard lessons will be available to MRC players and teachers of the revolutionary Internet learning system, any time, day or night, whenever and wherever they can make a high-speed Internet connection. WorkshopLive is also making available its library of publications from the National Guitar Workshops, an affiliate of the online learning company. "American culture and society is experiencing one of the worst times for arts education in the past 30 years," said Sibley Johns, Executive Director. "Throughout history, the benefit of these programs to individuals and communities is indisputable. While the situation cannot be reversed overnight, this important donation from WorkshopLive is a giant step in the right direction. It's a perfect combination of music lessons and technology, both of which appeal to students at every level. The first music lesson is the first step on a wonderful journey." Besides individual subscribers, local music teachers will be able to utilize the WorkshopLive services for group lessons that serve all levels of playing from beginner to advanced guitar lessons. "From a state of the art facility to cutting edge music education programs, the Music Resource Center is poised for a period of tremendous growth internally as well as externally," said John Ross, Director of Marketing for WorkshopLive. "Music enriches our lives, and MRC represents an example of hope. It is a privilege to be associated with this great organization, and help them achieve their goals of bringing about both individual and social transformation." "The demand for these community music education programs like the Music Resource Center in Charlottesville are flourishing throughout the nation," Ross added. "The MRC works with more than 700 players annually, which more than demonstrates the demand for music lessons in a single local community. WorkshopLive wants to support as many programs as we can to be a significant part of bringing more guitar, bass or keyboard players back to music." Staff members and volunteers from the Charlottesville music community provide lessons to MRC members in a variety of subjects including guitar, bass, keyboard, voice, and music theory, which are all part of WorkshopLive's current or intended curriculum offerings. All MRC lessons are free, and scheduling may vary depending on instructor availability. With WorkshopLive, the scheduling limitation is eliminated. Source: Kirsten DeHaan - Industry Showcase R And R Oct. 26
Kirsten DeHaan - Industry Showcase Source: Nominations Now Open For Independent Music Awards: The Indies
This year's submissions will be taken exclusively through Sonicbids at www.sonicbids.com/indies2007. Submission rules and regulations can be obtained from the CMW Web site at www.cmw.net. Presented by inDiscover.net, The Indies celebrate outstanding achievement in sound recording. The awards are limited to independent artists and cover some 14 different genres of music. Winners in 27 of the 30 categories are decided by both a public vote and an industry vote. Four new categories have been added for 2007, including Live Artist/Group/Duo Of The Year, International Single Of The Year, International Breakthrough Artist/Group/Duo Of The Year, and International Video Of The Year. The Indies celebrate the best in Canadian and International independent music. Last year's sold-out event was hosted by Jian Ghomeshi and featured performances by Stars, Elliott Brood, Figurines, The Road Hammers, Rosette, Cursed, The Parachute Club, and The Pursuit Of Happiness. Past years' winners include The Arcade Fire, Bedouin Soundclash, City and Colour, The Trews, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol, Alexisonfire, Kataklysm, Death From Above 1979, Hot Hot Heat, Default, The Weakerthans, Fidgital and Dashboard Confessional. Source:
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David Wimble, musician and founder of 
Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist 
Music's "working class" is about to see the value of its creative equity grow exponentially, empowered by groundbreaking networking and music-discovery tools for performers, fans, venues and yes, even record labels and the entertainment industry all available free on 
Toronto-based calypso act 
New Music Weekly magazine has nomimated MusicDish Network country singer 
MusicDish, an Internet music magazine publisher and artist marketing/development firm, announced the addition of Los Angeles cult rock band 
Prohibition Entertainment a NYC based boutique independent record label and AirPlay Direct have formed a marketing alliance in regards to R&B /crossover vocalist 
Out And About In NYC: 