Crunkbox Articles - Articles

Advice from industry professionals: How to become an engineer

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:43:06 PDT

There are two good ways to get into music or audio recording: school, or finding somebody that will take you under their wing. What school can do is help you find internships under the right people. It's all about working in the professional studio environment." -Ringo Castle, Audio Engineer

Recording A Demo

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:32:22 PDT

A good studio will have everything a rehearsal studio has and more, including full recording facilities, effects, sound engineer and possibly seperate drum and vocal booths. How you record your tracks depends on your competance and preferred method of working.

Acoustic Sound Advice

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:24:31 PDT

Basic information for beginners on setting up various acoustic instruments and tips on balancing the sound for live performance.

Sound Advice

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:21:03 PDT

So your all set up & ready to go - or are you? Getting the best sound at your gigs entails learning the basics of sound engineering, you don't need to do a course or spend loads of time in a studio but it is important that you become acquainted with your new equipment.

Repairs & Maintenance

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:16:32 PDT

Basic repair tips and maintenance advice on keeping your p.a. equipment and leads in top notch condition.

How to Set Up a P.A. System

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:11:46 PDT

Basic instructions on setting up the type of personal address system normally used by solo artists, duo's, bands, musicians for live work.

P.A. & Other Equipment

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:04:13 PDT

he P.A. system is the largest and most expensive equipment you will need to buy if you intend to work as a 'self-contained' entertainer.

Electric Sound Advice

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:58:41 PDT

Basic information for beginners on balancing the sound for live performance.

Booking Festivals, Fairs and Events

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:12:57 PDT

March is get down to business month. With the summer festival season on the horizon, this is a great time to contact and line up your summer events calendar. Many of the major festivals already have their talent lined up and contracted. There are still some filler slots open at most of the major festivals. But why rely on the major festivals to fill up your calendar? There are so many town, city, county and state-wide events that will take place throughout the spring, summer and fall that book local and regional talent along with some of the big name acts. Now is the time for a bit of research on your city’s website, your county government website, your state’s tourist department website and the US Chamber of Commerce website.

How to Get Tour Support from Your Record Label

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:11:31 PDT

In my article, How To Get Tour Support for Your Musical Act, I discussed alternative methods of funding touring expenses if you are an independent artist. This article focuses on how to work with your record label and what expenses might be likely for the label to fund. Most of you who have been signed to a label are probably working with a smaller independent label unlikely to have the financial resources at their disposal that most of the major labels have. All is not lost. This is a process of working with the label, whether an Indie or a major label. Creativity is one of the greatest resources we have and it will be greatly appreciated here.

How to Approach Booking Agents

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:10:15 PDT

You have reached that point in your career development when adding an agent to your team would be a logical next step. Before you pick up the phone and start calling around, I suggest you do the following three steps.

Hot Tips for Holiday Bookings

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:08:53 PDT

Folks are gearing up for the big holiday hoopla as this Fourth of July begins to get noisy. Thinking about this holiday reminded me of the challenges of booking tours around holidays. I thought I would offer some tips about holiday bookings, which ones to go after and which ones to avoid. Some holidays can be a gold mine, others a big bust. Some days aren't even holidays, but should be treated as such when it comes to booking gigs. Holiday awareness can net you additional gigs and also help you plan ahead for travel challenges like traffic and airport delays.

How You Can "Give Back" by Giving Your Music

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:07:07 PDT

July 16th is the anniversary of the death of Harry Chapin, one of the world's great humanitarians and one of music's finest story-song writers. I remember the exact moment I heard the news on the radio that Harry Chapin had been killed in a car accident on the Long Island Expressway. He was heading to New York City to meet with his manager to discuss cutting back on his performance dates. His detailed songs, filled with life's reality touched me, like many during Chapin's heyday. He wrote about subjects most other writers dared not touch. His legacy is his profound devotion to the performing arts and helping to solve one of the world's most unnecessary problems, hunger. The organization, World Hunger Year, is a testament to Chapin's charitable efforts during his lifetime and it remains one of the leading organizations fighting hunger today.

What to Do When Your Live Act Outgrows A Venue

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:05:48 PDT

As emerging artists, it's often hard to find promoters or venues that will take a chance on an untested artist. When a promoter finally catches on to your act and gives you a chance, it is important that you recognize that promoter's efforts. If success finds you, make sure you return the favor to those who have invested their time, belief and money on you back when first started.

Benefiting from Playing Benefits

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:03:03 PDT

So many performers shy away from doing benefits, most often because they think "benefit" means they don't get paid. I would like to offer a different perspective on performing benefits. In fact, I suggest that you strategically incorporate benefits into your tour plans every year.

How to Get Tour Support for Your Musical Act

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:01:35 PDT

Touring is expensive, especially when you tour with more than two people. There are so many costs associated with launching a tour and many of those costs are incurred before playing the first date. As an independent artist managing your own career and possibly running your own record label, you are responsible for fronting all the money for marketing, recording and eventually touring. There are ways, however, to get some financial support for some of the touring costs. It takes a little work, some research and some creative thinking and can result in having someone else pay for some of the touring expenses.

Are You Filling the Calendar or Building a Career?

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:59:45 PDT

Have you ever felt frantic about getting more dates on the calendar? So often, I find that many artists are fixated with filling up their calendars with any gig that comes their way. Depending on your goals, that may be exactly the thing to do. For those of you attempting to create a long lasting career, that has some momentum and progresses from one level up to the next, I would like to help you examine the types of gigs you are booking.

Advancing the Date

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:57:07 PDT

There is nothing more satisfying for a touring musician, than to arrive at the venue and everything is in order. All of the requested equipment is set up and ready for sound check, the publicity has been done, posters are hanging in the window and there is someone to meet you as you load in. Was it an accident that this occurred? Not likely, probably all can be attributed to good planning and someone spending some time advancing the date. The term means to call ahead to the venue and all other associated contacts prior to the play date and confirm all the necessary arrangements with the appropriate personnel.

Day-Of-Show -- Staying in Control

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:54:22 PDT

Whether you are on a tour or simply doing a single date, the day of the show is filled with last minute details begging for attention. Dealing with the final logistics of each performance date has the potential of creating a day fraught with frustrations or one which runs like clockwork leaving you calm and in control. I opt for the second. In order for you to experience that sense of control, here is a template of suggestions to help you plan your day-of-show and keep on top of the details.

How to Use a Tour Off-Day Creatively

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:52:05 PDT

You've done everything possible to fill each day with bookings, and yet you still end up with one day, between gigs. You don't have to drive and you don't have to play. Depending on how long you've been on the road, you might want to simply sleep or catch up on emails or write a new song. If however you have done a brilliant job of planning and this day off is no accident, a great deal of business can be accomplished. Here are some ideas to help you pass your next off-day more productively.

Touring Strategies: Renting Tour Vehicles

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:48:40 PDT

When you are in the start-up phases of establishing a new group, you may not want to make an investment in a touring vehicle. Instead, more pressing items require investment dollars such as promotional packages, photos and recordings. Rather than increasing the wear and tear on one of the group's own vehicles, renting a touring vehicle may be the best method of getting around.

How Your Band Can Break Into the (Lucrative) College Market

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:47:02 PDT

School's in session! I thought I would lend some insights into playing the college market as you begin the fall touring season. For some artists the college market is a gold mine and for others it simply offers frustration. Many acts successfully use the colleges as a point from which to launch their careers while others have found it leading to a dead end. There are a number of drawbacks to playing this arena as well as benefits. As we explore both ends of the spectrum, keep an open mind about how this market might fit into your booking plans.

Developing A Home Base of Support to Build National Success: Part 2

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:44:56 PDT

In Part 1 of "Developing A Home Base," we examined the benefits of building a solid home base foundation before venturing out to tour beyond your local area. Now, I'd like to help you determine just how much of a home base you have already developed and what you might do to build upon some of your successes.

Developing A Home Base of Support to Build National Success: Part 1

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:43:10 PDT

There is great advantage to concentrating the majority of your development in your hometown as you plan for future tours to new territories. I have always been a believer in starting your career in a central place, like your hometown or a town nearby that would be conducive to your career development. Then, expand outward systematically from that central point. I picture a stone dropped into a pool of water—ripples cascade outward from the center where the stone landed. This approach helps you build your fan base and business skills in a step-by-step strategic manner.

Dynamics for Success

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:41:11 PDT

We can discuss booking strategies and marketing plans forever, but until your group has established a working group dynamic, success may be illusive. One of my first concerns when I worked with any group, is to see how the group worked together and interacted with each other away from the music. I've seen situations when a band can make incredible music together and as soon as the rehearsal or the gig is over, everyone disappears into their own world just so they don't have to interact with one another. There is so much more to creating a successful band than just playing the music. I want to know that the group will do more than simply tolerate each other when it's absolutely necessary.

How To Find the Right Venue for Your Live Show

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:52:49 PDT

Yes, it is so important to play as often as possible. It is also just as important to make sure you play rooms that help move your career forward. Once again this topic requires you to review your long-term goals and keep them in mind as you tackle every new aspect of your career. In this case, selecting appropriate venues can be challenging but rewarding. The challenge lies in that there are a finite number of venues where one may play and an infinite number of other acts competing for those venues. The reward is realized when you begin to qualify the venues you choose to play, in order to fulfill your commitment to reach your career goals. This is a different way of approaching booking.

Tour Marketing Template-Part Two, A Promotional Time-Line

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:49:45 PDT

As the saying goes,"timing is everything." That is so true in the promotion business. Miss a deadline, and you may forfeit an entire month's itinerary information getting to the booking personnel across the country. This could hamper the ease of future bookings. Or, if you miss the calendar-listing deadline, your photo and upcoming gig information may not appear in the local daily paper, reducing your chances for a good audience turnout. So let's get a handle on the timing and work with a time-line that will keep you on track

Tour Marketing Template, Part One

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:45:57 PDT

So you are working hard to book your tour and the dates are falling into place smoothly. Now the biggest challenge ahead of you is to create some audience excitement and media interest. I believe that any project, tour or product you create needs to have the marketing plan in place while you are planning the project, tour or product. You see this working all the time with national products, movies, major label record releases. The concept produces successful results when applied to independent label releases and individual artist tours.

Year End Tax Tips

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:09:57 PDT

The holiday season has begun and that should signal year-end planning and assessment. Some acts may be performing a great deal during the holidays, with private parties and special events scheduled. Others may be entering the "slow" season and find you have some extra time on your hands. This is great time to take stock of your supplies and inventories, evaluate how well you did financially and do some end of the year tax planning.

Tax Tips For Independent Artists

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:08:01 PDT

I thought I would offer a few Tax Tips to keep in mind when that time of year rolls around.

How To Use Radio Promotion to Boost Airplay and Build New Audiences

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:05:03 PDT

I often get calls from artists who want to know more about using a radio promotion company to help boost airplay and build new audiences. Most artists believe they ought to launch into a full-blown campaign as soon as they have their hot-off-the-press CD. Some artists should do just that, others should not, depending on your career goals, of course.

Why Every Performance Counts

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:03:35 PDT

While driving through Missouri on my way to teach a seminar, I heard a report on National Public Radio about the power of a song. All Things Considered former producer, Marika Partridge, had attended a festival where she heard a song by Pat Humphries nearly one year ago. Her story was about how this one song influenced her, inspired her and stuck with her after all that time.

Impress the Bookers with User Friendly Promo Packets

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:01:48 PDT

I receive many promotional packets. I don't receive nearly as many as a club owner or promoter does though. As I review the packets, a few main issues strike me—first, the most interesting and important facts are often buried deep within the text. Second, in an attempt to look impressive, the artist includes far too much material reducing the impact of the really "good stuff." And third the material is not well organized. Since your promotional material often serves to introduce your act and create a first impression, it is important to make your first shot count.

What You Should Include In Your Touring Press Kit: Targeting Your Promotional Material

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:59:57 PDT

You may have heard the expression, "the right tool for the job." It works for home repair, car maintenance and promoting your act. One of the greatest expenditures you may make to market your act is creating an effective promotional package—including your CD or video. This is your marketing tool. It needs to be appropriate to the audience you are attempting to reach. It needs to be right for the job at hand. If you are booking club dates, you must be mindful of who is on the receiving end, opening it, reading it and making the booking decisions. Perhaps you are doing a radio promotion campaign. Again, be aware of the recipient and their needs. It is a waste of your financial resources to send more than what is necessary and you do yourself a disservice to send a packet that doesn't represent your act effectively.

How to Turn Your Gigs Into Major Media Events

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:57:42 PDT

So you're barreling along, booking tour dates, doing your promotion, playing the gigs and generally feeling pretty good about the way things are going. Yes? But you're thinking to yourself, "How can I spice things up, make them more exciting for everyone, especially the media and bring a bit more attention to this road show?" The answer—Themes.

Use the Past to Promote Your Future

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:53:25 PDT

Not everyone is an emerging artist. You might be starting a new phase of your career with new band members, a new release and a whole new outlook on the business. In the past your band had some success, achieved some recognition and toured extensively. Don't just bury the past; use it to boost your new efforts. As you begin to promote your new release and book the release tour, tap into the good will you developed earlier in your career. Your inclination might be to launch this new act without any reference to the past, a clean, new start. That's fine, but why reinvent the wheel? If you had any amount of success in the past, play on that notoriety to open doors, even just a crack. Work smarter, not harder.

Are You Following Up Properly with Your Music Biz Contacts

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:46:06 PDT

Persistent and consistent follow-up is one of the key elements to a successful touring career. This holds true whether you are trying to book a gig, land an interview with a local or major paper, get a record deal or find an agent or a manager. Those who simply send out their promotional packets and wait for a response may as well disconnect their phones and save on the monthly bill--you won't get a return call.

Nurture Your Contacts to Maximize Publicity and Bookings

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:42:59 PDT

In any business, your contacts are your life's blood! They could mean the difference between getting booked in a choice club, getting reviewed in a major market rag, getting that record deal or getting your song covered by a major label artist. Don't get me wrong, talent and all of your efforts thus far play a major role. But, from my experience and from so many stories told to me by other artists, managers and industry professionals along with historical accounts about industry luminaries, dropping a name or two can get you in the door. With that in mind it is so important to build solid relationships with your contacts and nurture those relationships to benefit your future career.

Why Networking = Success

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:41:36 PDT

Networking—is it an industry buzzword or is there really something to it? The word is bandied about in relation to conferences and showcasing but how can one take advantage of networking on a daily basis.

Attending Booking Conferences Part 2: Trade Show

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:39:34 PDT

Attending trade shows and booking conferences can put a huge dent in your wallet. If you have decided to explore the world of conferences as a means of boosting your career to a new level, the following will help make your experience more satisfying and save you unnecessary expenses.

Attending Booking Conferences, Part 1- Showcasing

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:24:38 PDT

Booking conferences seem to be cropping up in every state during all times of the year. I thought I would offer some tips on how to approach attending a large booking conference.

How to Use a Tour Off-Day Creatively

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:13:13 PDT

How to Use the Right "Follow-Up" to Book the Gig of Your Dreams

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:10:44 PDT

You've chosen your touring market and selected the right venue and now it has been a week, maybe two and the club booker is keeping you dangling. You know you could do well in this venue and you really think it will work. You are so ready to play at this club yet the booker won't make a commitment. Time marches on, booking opportunities slip away, adequate promotion time dwindles and still you wait. How long is too long to wait for a gig commitment?

Getting Accurate Audience Counts From Club Owners

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:07:09 PDT

Playing clubs usually involves door sales. Depending on the deal you negotiate, it is very likely that your income will be partially or wholly dependent upon a percentage of the tickets sold.

What to Do When the Show Gets Canceled

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:03:48 PDT

Up until now we've been concerned about getting the gig. But, what happens if either you or the promoter has to cancel the date? The first item of business is to make sure you have a good cancellation clause in your contract.

The Right Documents for Booking Gigs

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:01:16 PDT

You've probably read numerous articles espousing the benefits of having a written contract for all of your gigs. You might have even experienced one of those moments when you wish you had had a written contract for that one gig you did for your friend, who just didn't have the agreed upon amount money at the end of the night. Never mind — you are wiser now.

How to Command A Higher Fee For Your Live Show

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:59:15 PDT

Whether you are booking your own band or have an agent, it is important to establish your value within your particular market. When there is demand for your act, your fees will increase and bookings will be easier to contract. At the beginning of your touring career, there is probably little or no demand, therefore, the fees are low and there is more difficulty booking dates. While you are building your reputation and following, it is important to keep track of the following factors, enabling you to begin to establish a track record and some value. Establishing value for your act helps to create some leverage when negotiating with promoters and booking personnel at each venue. So how do you begin to establish your value?

How to Successfully Book Follow-Up Gigs with Club Owners and Bookers

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:57:23 PDT

Keeping your band on the road gigging is a constant challenge for any artist. As a self-managed, self-booking artist, you need to be even more diligent in your attempts to book tour dates. In your efforts to build a loyal following in specific markets, it is important to book return dates at venues you've already played. There is no better time to begin negotiating a return date as at the time you are settling the current date.

Negotiation Techniques: 5 Types of Deals, Part 2

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:54:42 PDT

Now that you have some basic negotiation savvy, it is time to become familiar with some of the standard types of deals used when negotiating performance dates. I also suggest the various situations for which each deal is best suited. Keep in mind, however, that every negotiation can be as creative as the individuals participating. If the following standard deals require some tweaking to suit a particular situation, feel free to explore all of your options. Most booking personnel with whom you shall be negotiating are familiar with these standard deals and may be more comfortable using one of them to finalize your negotiations.

5 Negotiation Techniques To Build Booking Know-How, Part 1

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:52:16 PDT

A Glossary of Live Performance and Booking Terms

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:47:40 PDT

Each industry has its own jargon. Those in the know are able to move about more comfortably. I thought I would lay the foundation and provide you with a glossary of basic terms. As you continue in the business, feel free to email me with questions regarding new terminology that continues to stump you. From time to time, I'll add to the glossary since there are sure to be many more than these. I will group terms according to categories rather than an alphabetical listing so that you can get a clear sense of their relationship. I'll start with two basic terms whose roles are so often confused and misunderstood, agent and manager.

Tips to Nurture Your Fans

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:45:15 PDT

Building your audience and growing your fan base is your golden ring to success. None of the industry executives at labels, management firms, booking agencies, the media or retail can ignore a demanding, loyal fan base. Job number one, in that case, is to nurture your audience.

Improving Your Craft � Song writing

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:42:55 PDT

How a Positive Indie Attitude will Advance Your Career

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:33:44 PDT

How a Positive Indie Attitude will Advance Your Career

Three Methods to Getting Openers and Support Act Slots

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:31:34 PDT

One method to expand your audience is to serve as a support act for a known main act on multiple tour dates or to open a show for a larger act. These are choice slots and many acts are vying for them. Sometimes you can get lucky and be in the right place at the right time. If you are more interested in process rather than chance, here are a few suggestions on how to go about landing some of these choice performance slots.

Co-Operative Audience Swaps to Break Into New Markets

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:25:26 PDT

Co-Operative Audience Swaps to Break Into New Markets

The Structure of the Music Business (directed towards song writers)

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:10:42 PDT

The Structure of the Music Business (directed toward song writers).

Tax Tips For Independent Artists

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:28:10 PDT

Jeri Goldstein the author of, How To Be Your Own Booking Agent The Musician's & Performing Artist's Guide To Successful Touring 2nd Edition shares some quick tax insight for indie musicians.

Types of Distributors

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:27:28 PST

Types of Distributors available in the music industry

Selling CD's on Amazon.com FAQ

no@spam.com (Malcolm Jinera) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:09:46 PST

There are several ways to get your media onto Amazon.
Multiple online services acting as distributors can do it for you, but the most direct way is to join the Amazon Advantage program. Check out the Advantage FAQ here..

What Is MIDI???

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:37:29 PST

MIDI Sequencing, what it is and how it works!

What Kind Of Distributor Is Right For You?

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:44:47 PST

The kind of distributor you choose depends on certain aspects.

Services Provided by Distributors

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:34:40 PST

What do distributors do for the industry to justify a share in the sale?

Contracts for Independent Musicians and Video Producers

no@spam.com (Nicholas Rios) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:55:15 PST

A collection of industry contracts and agreements

Snider Gives The Green Light

no@spam.com (S.J. Dibai) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:05:13 PDT

S.J. Dibai reviews Jake Snider’s EP Green Lights For Granted

Stillicide is not a crime

no@spam.com (S.J. Dibai) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:54:50 PDT

What’s more mind-blowing? That such a gently poetic line eventually leads to the not-so-poetic proclamation “your shit still makes me sick”? That the song’s hard rock riffs give way to a lengthy scat workout from the lead singer? That the song’s title is merely the word “The”? Or that a crime motif is the basis for a song by a band whose name sounds like…a crime? Whatever your answer, one thing is certain: if you’re looking for the next standard-issue modern rock band, don’t look at Stillicide.

Running Rotten: Four Days on the Road with The Dollyrots

no@spam.com (David Pennington) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:04:29 PDT

Those who work entry level jobs in Denver aren’t supposed to skip town in the night after consuming ten beers at the local dive. I was supposed to be in bed, resting for another day of the office grind. Instead, I was forgoing every possible responsibility for several days to travel halfway across the country a rock band.

Agylyty, Your Favorite MC

no@spam.com (Albatros Jones) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:08:45 PDT

Imagine your eyes are closed, music starts to run through your head... a couple of slow beats begin to vibrate through your chest, followed by a few eighth notes on the hi-hat.

LIONS - The Interview

no@spam.com (Ramus Dahl) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:13:05 PDT

Ramus Dahl sits down for conversation with band members of Austin based rock group, 'Lions the Band'. Take a second to learn about these guys, their music and life in the indie rock scene.

One Note Ahead: Play That Folky Music

no@spam.com (S.J. Dibai) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:02:13 PDT

Folk by Association shares their thoughts on Indie Music: "...do it yourself, or nothing gets done."

Bringin' the Heat

no@spam.com (Mallori Kenworthy) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:40:45 PDT

The name, the tour and a few choice words reveal...In a time where most rock is becoming more and more computerized and synthesized and all kinds of other “-izes,” Amplified Heat takes it back to good ol’ rock and roll.

Interview: Crew54

no@spam.com (Austin Hip-Hop Scene) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:16:05 PDT

Straight outta Killeen... Crew54's tearin it up in Austin. AustinHipHopScene recently got a chance to catch up with them in their busy schedule. Thanks for taking the time... here's what they had to say...

Ray Prim: rock p-hop groosion

no@spam.com (Albatros Jones) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:43:10 PDT

Ray Prim, front man for 7 Stones, Primm, and Venus is Falling is local to the Austin music scene who brings a soulful Rock/Pop/Hip-Hop/Groove Fusion to town and if you haven't experienced him and his moving grooves and vocals, you aren't getting to indulge in authentic local music scene.

Laura Cheadle, Downtown Harvest Rock Milkboy Coffee

no@spam.com (Kevin McElvaney) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:46:19 PDT

cheapShotPhilly.com's Kevin McElvaney reviews a creative 3 set show taking place in Ardmore PA.

Long Lost Prophets of Rock?

no@spam.com (Ramus Dahl) — Sat, 10 May 2008 11:10:33 PDT

...the confessions of a skeptic on his conversion to Living Better Electrically...

Shannon Cole: Rockin' Sexy Right.

no@spam.com (S.J. Dibai) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:55:24 PDT

“Does it bother you that I’m not a Barbie doll?”

No, it doesn’t bother me at all. Shannon comes off as the quirky, cool neighborhood chick who just has fun with who and what she is—and you can either take her or leave her. Now, that’s sexy.

Spotlight On: Gillian Grassie

no@spam.com (S.J. Dibai) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:50:58 PDT

Gillian Grassie writes catchy, intellectually-stimulating pop and folk-rock songs. She sounds like a classically-trained opera singer trying her hand at jazz—and succeeding. She plays the harp.

Kid Koala Opens for DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist

no@spam.com (Blue Orchid) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:58:33 PDT

“Now that’s the mother f@#!&-ing Hard Sell!”

The Hard Sell

no@spam.com (David Chaitt) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:55:29 PDT

...High-energy, genre hopping...and a few choice words. That was the hard sell.

This World Is Not Perfect

no@spam.com (Ramus Dahl) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:38:15 PDT

Jon Dee Graham...shattered beer bottles...and a giant, bucking chicken

Talk Music

no@spam.com (Samantha Newton) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:42:26 PDT

So, you wanna go to this show with me?

Sure, what kind of music is it?

Umm…I dunno, like hip hop, but not rap like hip hop more like spoken word slam hip hop but not too heavy on the poetry side, you know with a band, and this like washing machine thing…and a trumpet too.

Can’t forget the trumpet. Gotta love a horn.

Let�s Dance: Mixed Bag in Brooklyn

no@spam.com (David Chaitt) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:56:49 PDT

Let’s Dance: Mixed Bag in Brooklyn
The Join and BioDiesel at Studio B
Brooklyn, NY
February 16, 2008

Re: El Lions?!?

no@spam.com (David Pennington) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:06:14 PDT

February 28^th took me to the Three Kings Tavern on south Broadway in Denver. This is an end of town where the fetish shops outnumber the second-hand stores. This end of town is loaded down with pubs and taverns and a gritty feel which only serves as a magnet to the city's collection of trendy folk – not to mention the band of people looking to escape the norm..

Monday Be Damned. The Little Elmore Reed Blues Band at TC's Lounge

no@spam.com (Ramus Dahl) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:48:27 PDT

Monday be damned, The Little Elmore Reed Blues Band is gonna have a good time. And, if you’re stopping by TC’s Lounge to join them, you don’t have a choice not to.

RickShon: The Music Behind the Man

no@spam.com (Rosemary Hau) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 10:56:11 PDT

Accompanying interview to already posted article.

�Right in your own backyard (or a few miles from it)�

no@spam.com (S.J. Dibai) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:13:08 PST

The American music business has an ongoing ebb and flow: periods in which the recording and broadcasting industries undergo much consolidation and centralization, and other periods characterized by deconsolidation and decentralization....

East Side Speakeasy

no@spam.com (Albatros Jones) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:54:20 PST

TC's Lounge on the east side is a cool blues bar where you can kick back and let your stress slip away.

I�m not going to lie to you, The Liars did not disappoint.

no@spam.com (Scott Sticker) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:48:17 PST

New York post-punk/art rock band The Liars put together an impressive set on Saturday night at Mohawk. Though a tinge of hesitation lingered from front man Angus Andrew’s back injuries, he still managed to pull out all of his usual impressive stage antics.

SavageKat is just good music.

no@spam.com (David Pennington) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:21:22 PST

I don't know why I need to flower things up, it is what it is. I listened, I liked it, and the details behind such decisions are in the full review, which you should read.

Grimace Federation: A Federation of Freaky, Fresh Fusion

no@spam.com (David Chaitt) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:41:11 PST

NAS was wrong when he told everyone, "Hip-Hop is dead"; just like the human race itself, hip-hop has evolved paring seemingly opposite musical styles together. Philly's own Grimace Federation fuses jazz, hip-hop, post-rock, and electronic music in a fresh, unheard way.

From the Street to the Stage: Audible Eye

no@spam.com (Kevin McElvaney) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:44:06 PST

Audible Eye is a Philadelphia multi-instrumentalist who began performing on the streets of the city last year. Recently, he has taken to the stage, utilizing everything from solo bass guitar to belly dancers to entertain his fans.

Remember the 90s? Downtown Harvest Put the Fun Back in Indy Rock

no@spam.com (Kevin McElvaney) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:30:55 PST

Just like it says in the title. Philadelphia's Downtown Harvest draw comparisons as far and wide as Beck and The Pixies. There's something very 1990s about them, and their fun-loving attitude and spontaneity make them stand out in the current indie rock scene. Make sure you read about them here first, before they're all over the radio and you wish you had!

Any Given Monday

no@spam.com (David Chaitt) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:12:01 PST

Our very own David Chaitt reviews hotspot Silk City Diner and their weekly 'Back 2 Basics' show.

Female Power Trio Mystifies and Rocks

no@spam.com (Tim Kostycz) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:35:13 PST

Female power trio, The Gypsy Fembots, let us know that the roots of rock and roll have not blown away into the wind.

Mixed Bag Productions: The Name Explains It All

no@spam.com (David Chaitt) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:11:01 PST

Mixed Bag is a progressive, guerilla-style mélange of production, management, and promotion. "We bring a complete package that nobody else has."

Haunting Oboe Music of Austin TX

no@spam.com (Samantha Newton) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:48:15 PST

Samantha Newton explores local Austin band "Haunting Oboe Music". Read about what she discovers while getting to know the band and attending their recent show at Antone's.

Back to the Basics with The Theater Fire.

no@spam.com (Samantha Newton) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:40:31 PST

I feel like I’m living in a time when so much integrity is lost in the music scene. Where’s the show? If you feel like I do, than The Theater Fire is the thing for you.

Copyright(s)

no@spam.com (Andy J) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:17:34 PST

Copyrights and acts of copyrights

Technically Techno, But Entirely Creative

no@spam.com (Mallori Kenworthy) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:48:45 PST

Exstus blends emotions, vibes, and massive creativity with every song he creates.

Living Better...Electrically.

no@spam.com (Blue Orchid) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 16:29:52 PST

Perfectly Independent.