Here in Columbia, SC dance parties are getting more and more popular. Our college radio station, WUSC, has had 3 such events with DJ's spinning electronic music and they been insanely popular. I could imagine this in bigger urban areas such as Philly, NY, Baltimore etc. but in Columbia, previously, dance music wasn't the thing. Maybe we're playing catch up, heh, but it seems like the latest trend around here.
I often hear people complain that MTV does not air music videos anymore. Even when they decide to finally show a music video, they give us a mere clip or sample of the artists' work. But fear not, music videos do exist on MTV2... they're hidden on this wonderful show called 'Subterranean' that airs from 1:00-2:00am EST on Thursday nights.
Thanks to my insomnia during midterms week, I discovered this short one hour program that airs about ten independent and semi-under the radar bands' music videos. Sometimes they even showcase artist interviews about upcoming projects or projects they are currently working on.
I've fallen in love, my DVR is set to record every single episode that airs. My friends and I watch all of the videos on Friday while we're all starting to enjoy the weekend. Some artists I have discovered through this show are Laura Marling, Angus and Julia Stone, The Duke Spirit, Chromeo, Friendly Fires, Lykke Li, Chromeo, and Passion Pit. Other artists that have been aired include Fleet Foxes, Dr. Dog, TV on The Radio, Of Montreal, MGMT, Okkervil River, Death Cab for Cutie, and Vampire Weekend.
This is the website to view the Subterranean blog and see previously aired videos from previous shows and has many more features to check out. http://www.subterraneanblog.com/ So if you're up late at night and in the mood for good music, I'd recommend spending some time on MTV2 and check it out!
Here's a cool article from Sunday's Detroit Free Press. While it's focusing more on the Kansas City area of independent stores, it really goes into how vinyl (an old "relic" they refer it as) is becoming more important for stores. Check out the article here.
It is with great sadness that we are reporting some major changes here
at Touch and Go Records. Many of you may not be aware, but for nearly 2
decades, Touch and Go has provided manufacturing and distribution
services for a select yet diverse group of other important independent
record labels. Titles from these other labels populate the shelves of
our warehouse alongside the titles on our own two labels, Touch and Go
Records, and Quarterstick Records.
Unfortunately, as much as we love all of these labels, the current state
of the economy has reached the point where we can no longer afford to
continue this lesser known, yet important part of Touch and Go's
operations. Over the years, these labels have become part of our family,
and it pains us to see them go. We wish them all the very best and we
will be doing everything we can to help make the transition as easy as
possible.
Touch and Go will be returning to its roots and focusing solely on being
an independent record label. We'll be busy for a few months working
closely with the departing labels and scaling our company to an
appropriate smaller size after their departure. It is the end of a grand
chapter in Touch and Go's history, but we also know that good things can
come from new beginnings.
--
Miranda L. - Director of Publicity for Touch and Go/Quarterstick
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Pirate Bay (piratebay.org), I’ve been following this story for a while. Basically, it’s a torrent-tracking site that allows users to find pretty much any content seeded on the network During a random search on Feburary 1, 2009, The Pirate Bay reported 3, 438, 560 registered users (registered users have profiles indicating which torrents they have available in HTML format on the website). Unregistered users made up a population of 9,888,928 seeders and 12,040,264 leechers. The IFPI reports in its 2008 Piracy Report that filesharing accounts for 80% of the traffic on the internet, but only 20% of all Internet users are doing it. In other words, 80% of the information that’s passed through the Internet is content that comes from filesharing protocols.
Back to the Pirate Bay, the operators claim that the IFPI has no authority over the intellectual property they make available because it is in torrent form (bits and pieces of copyrighted/non-copyrighted content). As they say in a response email to WBR (posted on their website):
“Do you actually claim to own the copyright of these 160 bit hash values?
Since there is an infinite number of possible files that would produce the same hashes, would they also violate it?”
This is something that's really important. period. All parties need to tread lightly in this situation.
http://thepiratebay.org/legal
It’s only February and already some of the biggest names in live music have announced their upcoming summer tours, some for the first time in years. The summer regulars like Jimmy Buffet and DMB have found themselves in a field vying against some of the greatest Jam Bands of all time. Phish, who broke up in 2004, are returning to the road to a dedicated fan base of Faithfull’s and a whole new generation of “Phish-Heads”. The Allman Brothers are playing a 10 show stand in New York in commemoration of their 40th Anniversary and it is rumored that there will also be tributes to the late Duane Allman, complete with guest appearances (Possibly Eric Clapton and Boz Scaggs according to Rolling Stone). Last but not least, the Dead are set to return to the stage after the surviving members reunited for a Barack Obama benefit concert in Pennsylvania, touring for the first time since 2004. So all of this squashed together creates what I’m dubbing, the summer of Jam, and I think it’ll be a great summer for live music indeed.
But all of these great Jam band returns bring a very important point to the surface. There’s obviously a void of some kind among the Jam community if Phish, The Allman Brothers, and the Dead are all touring in the same summer. It makes one think that maybe that “jam community” that was so prevalent a couple of years ago all but disappeared, but then Phish goes and sells out every show they put up for sale in under 4 hours and the Dead are forced to add shows in key markets like Chicago because demand is so high. So after much contemplation, there’s only one question that enters my mind. Where did the big jam bands go? Sure, I know there are bands out there, but none that would even come close to being mentioned in the same breath as these 3 legends. So again, I’m left with this thought, and it won’t go away; where did all the Jam Bands GO? ? ?
So a friend of mine told me about this hysterical website called fmylife.com. The premise is simple, anyone can get on there, write a few sentences about something awful that just happened to them, and then the rest of world gets to laugh at their misfortune.
At first I was under the impression that this was just a random website that my friend had found. However upon being at the library last week studying, I quickly became aware of the fact that several other computers also had this website up on their screen. So then I was just under the impression that this was a website that had become the latest craze at our campus alone, however, on facebook I have now seen 3 different people mention this website in their status that I know from places other than Miami.
So, I thought that it was worth mentioning. This is just another website that people can go to and spend a good 30 minutes wasting time, instead of doing their work. If we potentially had the possibility to advertise albums on this website, I think we could definitely reach a large audience. Those that write on the website seem to vary from high school age to those that have just started families. The advertising also doesn't seem to be from any large companies, so I would suspect that because the website hasn't gotten to be all that large yet, the advertising prices would be pretty cheap. However, as I mentioned, this definitely seems to be one of those websites that nobody knows about one week, and suddenly is a topic of casual conversation the next. So if possible or deemed worthwhile, we should potentially jump on this train soon.
Regardless of whether or not WMG advertises with them though, I highly recommend checking the website out. Its super funny, and definitely makes you realize that no matter how bad your day is going, someone elses is definitely worse.
www.fmylife.com
Lately, I've noticed that there is a new branch of electronic music that is catching on very quickly amongst the college-age youth: the so-called livetronica. What it boils down to is a blend of experimental, largely improvisational rock music with computer generated beats and electronic sounds that are produced live to accompany the other instruments. Call it trance-fusion, call it a jam band with a DJ, call it whatever you want...it's a style that is blowing up right now, especially in the southeast, and Knoxville is no exception. Bands like Sound Tribe Sector 9 and The Disco Biscuits sell out shows left and right around here and in places like Asheville, NC and Atlanta, and there are plenty of similar bands that love to open for the bigger names or play their after parties like Pnuma Trio, Future Rock, Eoto, and Knoxville's own Arpetrio (pronounced like Arpeggio but change a couple of letters). Part of the appeal with this style seems to be that it introduces electronic music in a way that places more emphasis on live performance and instrumentation. Many people seem to think makes this makes the show more legitimate than a DJ or typical electronic performance, which many mistake for being nothing more than the mere act of "pushing buttons" (in the case of a good DJ or electronic producer, this couldn't be further from the truth).
The scene for this type of music has evolved into a pretty interesting amalgamation of hippie culture and rave culture, which makes sense due to the fact that they share so many of the same ideals, but it has created a breed of music fan that has potential to be absolutely out of control insane. I have seen proof of this being at shows by some of these bands, where you are likely to see kids on unfathomable combinations of drugs on their wildest behavior. At times, this can lead to a lot of energy and everyone having a great time, but other times it can lead to people passing out or getting arrested. Either way, this creates an environment that makes it easy to confuse having a good time with being at a good concert. Sometimes those two things coexist, but sometimes it seems like people get wrapped up in the fun and forget about the music and what makes it worth listening to.
I don't mean to make generalizations about this music or the people who are really into the scene. I enjoy some of these bands quite a bit, and I've had many a good time at their shows; I just though I'd share my thoughts on some of the things I've noticed in my epxeriences throughout the years. If anyone else finds this subculture interesting or has any other thoughts to share, please leave a comment. I'd love to talk about this further.
Last but not least, I'd like to engage in some shameless self-promotion. If you like electronic music, check out my radio show here in Knoxville, The Midnight Voyage. You can find out more details and a link to listen online at the following address: http://www.myspace.com/midnightvoyage903.
Take care, everyone!
Brian
It was my birthday the other day, and I can usually expect to open my mailbox and find a birthday card from my grandparents. The card is usually a "To our beloved grandson on his birthday...." and a crisp bill usually falls out as I open it. However, this time around, to my surprise I received a box from them. I opened it up and it was a Sirius satellite player for my car. I was stunned. I figured maybe they were trying to be hip, or up-to date with current technology. I can just hear my grandma telling me every holiday, "I never know what to get you all anymore." Anyways, I was pretty excited about it. To be honest, I've always wanted one since I travel a lot, but never bit the bullet for some reason.
When Satellite radio first hit the market, I thought it would be a smash hit. It created a big fuss, that's for sure. I, like many people thought in the next few years it would be a staple in every one's vehicles. I've heard many people talking about satellite radio, or that the new car they bought already had it. But I never had any friends who bought it. I guess I didn't think about why? I thought for sure traditional radio would soon be completely irrelevant, especially after they tried to compete with satellite radio by announcing the "New, crystal clear, HD radio". Today, while getting my radio installed at Best Buy, an employee said, "No use installing this, there will be no Sirius soon."
I arrived home and went online to check out what was going on, and it appears the employee at Best Buy might be right. Even after the recent merger with XM, Sirius is having a hard time making a profit. Apparently $3.2 billion in debt. All along I thought satellite radio was popular. As I said earlier, I have heard many people talk about it. But I guess I never took notice as my friends would talk about it, but not one of us has actually purchased it. Was satellite radio all hype? Are people just listening to local talk radio or their iPods? My friend pointed out that if satellite radio is just commercial free material, then what makes that different than just listening to a CD or iPod in your vehicle? Whatever the reason, apparently satellite radio is on life support. Somewhere radio execs are smiling! Is this a good thing for the labels? Well, I suppose I should check out subscription prices....(maybe I can stomach Howard Stern.....nah).
I knew nothing about Watchmen until I heard we were promoting the soundtrack. When I looked it up, I knew it wasn't my thing but I was definitely into the soundtrack. I thought it was like X-Men and all the other comic book stuff that I'm not into...but apparently I was wrong. From the folks I've talked to, there seems to be a very devoted (and extremely excited) fan base, a completely oblivious crowd, and then some people who are very against this film for some reason. Like they're offended.
Anyways, I wanted to ask everyone what they're doing to push this album and film in their markets? As I mentioned before comic books and stuff aren't my thing and aside from comic book stores, I don't really know how to reach fans of this film. I know it's more about the music on the soundtrack for us but I was just wondering what y'all were doing.
These two giants combining could shake things up a bit. I would hope that it does not mean larger amounts of fees being added to tickets. I know many college students have stopped going to 9:30 club and other small venues becase they can't afford tickets. Some of the smaller veiues here in Virginia like TT Reynolds have closed down. What will this mean to working class kids involvement in the concert scene?
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=asX96gt7UtCY&refer=us
Remember last year when you were at a house party, Crank That Soulja Boy came on the speakers... and you didn't know the moves... Or when you were walking in circles while everybody was doing the Cupid Shuffle...Alright, well maybe you didn't commit those most heinous of party fouls but none the less you don't want to be that guy/girl. Here's a couple of dance crazes that should be taking over parties soon (if not already):
Stanky Leg - GS Boyz (Must Know)
Ricky Bobby - B Hamp
Bird Walk - Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
(Alright, nobody else is going to know how to do this one unless you're at his concerts but if you can pull it off with a group of friends you'd be in rare company)
-Jordan (Ann Arbor)
With the below article written about lack of sales in retail, I thought this article would be good. Based on how the Grammy's can affect retail store! Check out the fact that norah jones sold over 500,000 the year she won all those awards!!! WOW
Retailers Predict Post-Grammy Sales Spikes For Krauss, Plant, Perry
February 06, 2009 - Retail
 |
| KATY PERRY |
Story came out a few weeks ago, thought I'd share... Scary As Hell
Just how bad is the recording industry decline? Since peak year 2000, US-based album sales have dropped an unbelievable 514.6 million units, or 54.6 percent. In 2000, the climax of a dreamlike 90s, album sales surpassed 943 million units, according to figures published by Nielsen Soundscan. The splashy year was spurred by mega-titles like No Strings Attached by 'N Sync, certified double-platinum after just one week.
The 'N Sync release symbolized a headier era, one that rewarded superstars with serious CD sales. In contrast, today's superstars are usually sub-platinum in their first week, with the notable exception of Lil Wayne last year. Then, over the life of the release, top-level sales are far more subdued. Overall, album sales in 2008 (both digital and physical) landed at 428.4 million, also according to Nielsen.
Of course, positive things are happening on digital side - but not enough positive things. Soundscan counted more than a billion a-la-carte downloads last year, a first for the business. Other formats have surfaced since 2000, mainly ringtones, though the mobile jingle has been fading for years. Other, non-sanctioned digital developments have been more influential, starting with the late-90s arrival of Napster.
That was the beginning of P2P, an antidote to forced album bundling. By 2002, annual album sales slipped to 803 million units, and by late 2003, major labels were suing file-swappers for infringement. Now, the majors are finally moving away from that strategy, and attempting to forge enforcement alliances with ISPs.
I don't know if this will be considered a blog, but I found this on Facebook and really wanted to give it a try. . . A little insight about my music style and some great facts about me. Right? : /
. : . Enjoi . : .
RULES:
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Have Fun!
IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?
Hey That's No Way to Say Good Bye - Nickel Eye
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Loser - Cute is What We Aim For
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Hospital Bed Crawl - The Hush Sound
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Ares - Bloc Party
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Mix Tape - Brand New
WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
Your New Twin Size Bed - Death Cab For Cutie
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Bend and Not Break - Dashboard Confessional
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Shadowplay - The Killers
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
From Here to Eternity - Frank Sinatra
WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Daisy Duke - Rooney
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Rejections Cold - Unwritten Law
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Sway - Lostprophets
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
S.E.X. - Nickelback
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Strawberry Swing - Coldplay
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Work Me - The Black Keys
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Good Times Bad Times - Led Zeppelin
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Bang The Doldrums - Fall Out Boy
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Private Affairs - The Virgins
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
My Best Friend - Hot Hot Heat
WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Holy Roman - The Get Up Kids
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Scarecrow - Beck
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Street Lights - Kanye West
If you find yourself completely bored some day please try this and leave your results in a comment! Would love to see your answers. Sometimes the results can be pretty funny.
Farewell!
Zachary P. Chapman