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On the Scene: City Scenes: Richmond
Posted by Heidi Drockelman - on Saturday, June 06, 2009 @ 19:18:35 PDT (162 reads)
Topic: Local
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"Virginia is for lovers." Music lovers, history buffs, and experienced
travelers will enjoy the relaxed and culturally inspired vibe that Richmond
has to offer. Virginia's capital city presents a history lesson at nearly every
street corner, with landmarks and attractions pre-dating the Revolutionary War.
This rich culture infuses the music and arts communities, too. Folk, blues,
and country blend into a diverse and harmonious music scene that remains vibrant
with loyal local fans and a healthy dose of touring bands. Richmond provides
a perfect backdrop for those seeking a unique urban experience.
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Interviews: Choice Cuts In Depth: Mr. Extasis
Posted by Barney Quick - on Saturday, June 06, 2009 @ 19:16:04 PDT (150 reads)
Topic: Interviews
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A truly indie approach to music involves more than just methods, strategy and
scope of opportunities. At its core, it’s a spirit, a drive that can’t
be extinguished. It persists whether one’s resources are great or meager,
whether thousands are listening or one is knocking on doors for a chance to
be heard. It’s embodied in artists like Mr. Extasis.
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Interviews: Company Profile: SellaBand
Posted by Suzanne Glass - on Saturday, June 06, 2009 @ 19:12:00 PDT (160 reads)
Topic: Interviews
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It's as obvious as it is ingenious: let music fans invest directly in artists
they believe in, taking a stake in the band's future profits. As part of the
process, the artist earns the financial backing needed to record and promote
a serious album. Welcome to SellaBand. Indie-Music recently spoke with Adam
Sieff, Director of A&R, to find out how SellaBand started and where
it's going from here.
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Live Performance: Product Review ~ Hearos High Fidelity Series Ear Plugs
Posted by Suzanne Glass - on Saturday, June 06, 2009 @ 19:07:18 PDT (152 reads)
Topic: Gear
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Do your ears ring after band practice or concerts? Pay attention, because ringing
in the ears (properly called tinnitus) is a warning sign that you've just damaged
your hearing. Since hearing loss is cumulative and permanent, musicians are
particularly at-risk due to their long hours of exposure to high-volume music
over many years.
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On the Scene: City Scenes: Denver
Posted by Heidi Drockelman - on Sunday, May 03, 2009 @ 12:45:14 PDT (278 reads)
Topic: Local
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While it may not enjoy the same notoriety as some jazz, blues, or indie music
meccas across the United States, Colorado's largest city has been churning out
a steady stream of quality music and artists for decades. It might seem unlikely
that a mountainous region known for its vacation travel and ski slopes would
produce sweet pop or smooth jazz, but the beautiful surroundings of the Mile
High City do literally inspire. During my last visit to the area, I emerged
from my initial altitude adjustment to find a warm, inviting, and wonderfully
accepting local music crowd. They are not only embrace musical visitors to the
city, but regularly keep the local venues booming with business. And there are
wonderful venues in town that consistently book national, regional and local
bestsellers onto their stages. It's no secret that the stunning scenery brings
a healthy dose of creativity and perspective to local musicians, and it's well
worth a visit from artists all over the country, too.
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Interviews: Choice Cuts In Depth: Tiffany Thompson
Posted by Barney Quick - on Sunday, May 03, 2009 @ 12:42:49 PDT (303 reads)
Topic: Interviews
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The Washington D.C. / northern Virginia area is known for its fast-paced, transient
lifestyle and cacophonous atmosphere, but singer-songwriter Tiffany Thompson
is imparting something quieter, more personal, and lasting to its character.
While she fits right into eastern-seaboard society by virtue of being well-traveled
and savvy, her essential groundedness comes through in her uplifting music and
keenly insightful lyrics.
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Interviews: Company Profile: L2P Network
Posted by Suzanne Glass - on Sunday, May 03, 2009 @ 12:38:42 PDT (227 reads)
Topic: Interviews
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Founded by two veterans in the area of musician publications (former publishers
of Gig and Mobile Beat), the L2P Network takes advantage of technological
advancements to offer a full spectrum of news and services to today's working
and aspiring musician. Whether it's the latest on new musical gear or a chance
to be heard, L2P Network is among the premiere providers on the web.
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On the Scene: City Scenes: New Orleans
Posted by Heidi Drockelman - on Sunday, March 08, 2009 @ 14:32:33 PDT (565 reads)
Topic: Local
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No music listing or directory is complete without including The Big Easy...
although life here for musicians and residents alike has been anything but easy
for the last several years. Some shop and venue locations may have changed,
but then, a rich cultural heritage based on improvisation, creativity, and passion
brings a lot to the table. Rebuilding efforts continue and artists have banded
together to ensure that a vibrant jazz and heritage scene bursts back to life
bigger and better than ever. When I originally set out to compile a City Scenes
spotlight article on this great city, tragedy had struck. At that time, it was
important to send out a message based on the most basic responses: generosity,
friendship, acceptance, and community. Now, I see a hopeful, robust city putting
its best musical foot forward and inviting those displaced back into the fold.
There is still work to be done, but NOLA residents continue to whistle (and
jam) while they work toward a brighter, brassier future.
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Interviews: Choice Cuts In Depth: Matthew Mayfield
Posted by Barney Quick - on Sunday, March 08, 2009 @ 14:30:48 PDT (796 reads)
Topic: Interviews
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The indie life often involves a lot of re-inventing one’s musical self,
of rising phoenix-like from the ashes of some deal gone bad or some longtime
association that fizzles. Both have happened to Matthew Mayfield, and he’s
never been happier than he is rebuilding himself as a solo artist.
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Interviews: Company Profile: Stereofame
Posted by Suzanne Glass - on Sunday, March 08, 2009 @ 14:26:07 PDT (420 reads)
Topic: Interviews
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One of the newest players in the online music world, Stereofame will be celebrating
their one year anniversary in April 2009. The innovative, game-based site allows
both musicians and fans to benefit - and to have fun while doing it. Founded
by "serial entrepreneur" Ken Underwood, not by the usual music industry
insiders, Stereofame offers a fresh approach to discovering and promoting music,
and offers some nice perks for artists who participate. We recently spoke with
Stereofame's Kristin Stancato to get the lowdown on the company's founding,
current promotions, and future plans.
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On the Scene: City Scenes: Austin
Posted by Heidi Drockelman - on Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 23:04:27 PST (469 reads)
Topic: Local
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Thankfully, nothing much changes in Austin. While many cities continue to see
clubs closing and attendance lacking, what better place to light a fire under
the live music industry than the "live music capital of the world".
Austin continues to shine as a beacon for fresh, inspiring music and as a place
where thousands of musicians flock to rock out. As we approach yet another SXSW
festival, one can't help but note the influence this unique and progressive
city has to offer the music industry and fans of live music in general. When
times are tough, Austin embraces its creative patrons and uses its strong government
support to foster an atmosphere that is inspired and lacking in pretension.
Anytime is a good time to revisit Austin.
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Interviews: Choice Cuts In Depth: James Hurley
Posted by Barney Quick - on Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 23:02:20 PST (488 reads)
Topic: Interviews
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James Hurley is more inclined to use the word “friends” than “fans”
in characterizing enthusiasts of his music. Of all the positive developments
emanating from the new indie model for a musical career, he says “artists
relating to the audience on a personal level” is the most exciting. That’s
saying something, given how easily excitement comes to him.
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Interviews: Company Profile: The Buzz Factor
Posted by Suzanne Glass - on Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 22:53:32 PST (687 reads)
Topic: Interviews
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If you've been around the DIY music scene on the internet, you've probably already
crossed paths with Bob Baker, founder of The Buzz Factor ezine &
website. Baker's history in the music business gives him the credibility and
knowledge to publish an excellent ezine, full of tips to help you earn more
money as a musician, and get more satisfaction while doing it. In the past,
he's published a print magazine and produced a regional music conference in
his hometown of St. Louis, published numerous books and ebooks, and developed
a career as a motivational and education speaker for both musicians and aspiring
authors.
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Music Business: Breaking Into the Film & TV Music Markets
Posted by Peter Spellman - on Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 22:28:44 PST (577 reads)
Topic: Business
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Remember Lisa Loeb? She was an unsigned artist who went to school with the actor
Ethan Hawke. When Hawke was doing the movie Reality Bites, he brought
Loeb's music in for soundtrack consideration. RCA liked it, put her on the film's
soundtrack, and that track of hers blew up and launched her music career.
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Editor Picks: Top 25 of 2008
Posted by Suzanne Glass - on Saturday, December 06, 2008 @ 21:29:26 PST (21095 reads)
Topic: Editor's Picks
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With so much great independent music posted on Indie-Music.com, choosing the
annual Top 25 MP3s is always a daunting task. But with great effort, we have
whittled this year's submissions down to the 25 best, listed in no particular
order. We chose these songs and artists based on performance, production, and
song quality. The level of talent in 2008 was truly outstanding, so be sure
to check out a few tunes below.
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Editor Picks: Top 25 CDs of 2008
Posted by Jennifer Layton - on Saturday, December 06, 2008 @ 21:27:33 PST (3731 reads)
Topic: Editor's Picks
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For most of the year, Indie-Music.com is a great place to work. Then suddenly
it's December, and the review staff has to somehow choose a Top 25 list of CDs
from the year's submissions. Only 25. We argue. We agonize. During particularly
heated moments, someone has to call the cops. Finally we emerge, bruised and
exhausted, with our favorite picks, still muttering under our collective breath
about the ones we couldn't include. So to the artists who made our Top 25 CDs
of 2008, you are true champions. Our review writers went to the mat for you.
You're that good.
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On the Scene: City Scenes: Nashville
Posted by Heidi Drockelman - on Saturday, December 06, 2008 @ 21:19:47 PST (1133 reads)
Topic: Local
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Music City USA. The Grand Ole Opry. Nestled snugly in between the Heartland
and the South, some people may view Nashville as a southern town, but I've always
looked at it as much more. To me, to be in Nashville is to be in a place where
dreamers, writers, musicians, and performers flock to walk among the stars.
There is a preconceived notion that Nashville is a middle-American mecca of
the music industry, specializing in publishing deals and providing a place for
songwriters, especially, and session players to hone their craft. And that preconception
is a truth. But what is it that makes Nashville such a fine breeding ground
for industry stalwarts and legendary performers? What separates Nashville from
other cities is that music flows in and out of every crevice of every building
and life inhabiting its boundaries. In Nashville, it's in the air, making this
industry town one of the most beloved and unique cities in the greater US. "If
you can make it there, you can make it anywhere" in New York, but in Nashville,
if you make it to the top of the ranks, you've achieved artistic and commercial
nirvana.
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Interviews: Choice Cuts In Depth: George Britt
Posted by Barney Quick - on Saturday, December 06, 2008 @ 21:18:17 PST (704 reads)
Topic: Interviews
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If George Britt’s sole remarkable skill base were writing witty, insightful
and poignant songs and fronting a first-rate country band, he would still be
worth devoting ample press coverage to. The fact is that he is also a variety-show
producer, business owner, airplane pilot and skilled tradesman, whose humble
gratitude for the opportunities he’s had is his most outstanding trait.
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Interviews: Company Profile: Future of Music Coalition
Posted by Suzanne Glass - on Saturday, December 06, 2008 @ 21:12:44 PST (475 reads)
Topic: Interviews
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Future of Music Coalition is an advocacy group for musicians. The Washington-based
501(C)3 non-profit organization has been committed to paving the way for musicians
to earn a fair living and have equal opportuntity in a rapidly-evolving technical
landscape. Founded in 2000, FMC has addressed such important issues as Payola,
Low-Power FM Radio, Net Neutrality, and Musician's Health Insurance. Indie-Music
recently spoke with Communications Director Casey Rae-Hunter to find out about
FMC's plans for 2009.
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On the Scene: City Scenes: Philadelphia
Posted by Heidi Drockelman - on Saturday, October 04, 2008 @ 21:36:20 PDT (1735 reads)
Topic: Local
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History, cheesesteaks, and neo-soul. Ask someone what they think of when they
think of Philadelphia, and one of these three things may come up. And that's
not far off; after all, every Philly resident has their opinion of where the
best cheesesteak is made, what historical landmark or street is their favorite,
or what the coolest hangout is, and you're bound to get an emphatic and honest
answer. Philadelphians are hardcore - about their music, their food, their cultural
activities, and their sports. It's this loyal, faithful audience that brings
touring and local musicians and fans out in droves all nights of the week to
hear the best and brightest the musical table has to offer. Philly's roots in
American soul music, jazz, and even punk, place the city well into the upper
echelon of influential national scenes; and one week out in this vibrant city
offers such a high-quality variety of music, it's easy to understand why there
are so many creative musicians springing from every nook and cranny. In fact,
one week is just enough time to decide not only where the best music haunts
are, but also where they make the best cheesesteaks. Enjoy exploring one of
the nation's oldest and finest cities.
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