“Jacob, My Jacob…”

Anyone?

Okay, so I’ve been reading the Twilight series…which needs no explanation…and i’m finding it’s not all too bad. (It’s a big book, and passes a LOT of time when work is slow)…not exactly an epic like Harry Potter, or a book i’d normally read–i stick to Nicholas Sparks–but, it is a page-turner. Aside from the books being a huge phenomenon (which most of the adult-world is just figuring out) the movies have sparked an even bigger one. Most teenage girls are choosing sides; aka: Team Edward or Team Jacob. A little over-the-top, since it’s a choice between a freakin’ vampire or a wolf.

BUT…With the movies? Come the soundtracks. My personal favorite; and something I think makes–or breaks–a movie.

Now, normally the soundtracks are just 1 hit track, and a lot of crappy-filler-songs that nobody really cares to listen to. Keep that one song (i.e.: “My Heart Will Go On” - Celine Dion, Titanic soundtrack) spinning on repeat, and forget the rest. Right?

Well, aside from being a new movie trend in Hollywood, the soundtrack is bringing on a whole new light (get it…”New Moon”?); exposing new up-and-coming indie artists, as well as the big-dogs of the industry right now.

Paramore was the big player in the original Twilight soundtrack (gracing the album with two songs including the smash-hit “Decode”). Now, fans of the series can get a whole new ear-full of music that is good for not only THEM, but for the artists that are in the CD. “Meet Me On The Equinox” is one of the bigger songs (by Death Cab For Cutie) that’s going to be on the soundtrack. Alongside english-rockers Muse, Death Cab was excited to have the opportunity. Being on the soundtrack gives the two (already established) groups a chance at appealing to a younger crowd. So, you may not be a fan of the books, but you will probably like what this soundtrack is going to have to offer. After all, hundreds of groups competed to have their music on showcase; knowing it would expose them to millions of people who wouldn’t have heard them otherwise.

A few weeks ago, the Audio Engineering Society (AES) held their annual gathering of audiophiles, industry types, and music nerds in San Francisco, and some amazing gear was demoed, reviewed and drooled over. There were also some amazing panels with inspiring speakers discussing the future of our business. Despite all of the weird stuff happening with the economy, and everyone thinking that the music biz is in the toilet, a positive message came about. It seems that, much like the economy, all of the glut and greed of the record industry has caught up to the people calling the shots, and now there are consequences for poor judgment.

Fortunately, the one consequences is that an artists’ career can be controlled by the artist. You no longer need a massive distro deal to get your music heard across the country (or globe). You just need about $35 and about an hour of time, and BOOM you are set up with about 40 digital music stores, and your music is available anywhere. That’s really not the news, though. We have all known about he wonders of CD Baby and iTunes for quite some time now. The new issue is that since anyone can do it, everyone is doing it and the market is flooded with content.

However, industry-types have noticed the rising waters, and many are well prepared. Have a look at Chris Stone’s keynote speech (bulletin points) at the AES conference. Looks like he found some answers…

Feel free to give us a call…

no, not Andy Kaufman…

The owner of Taxi, a great a&r service out in LA.

Anyhoo, Discmakers did a great interview with him about how to get heard in the music biz…

Keyword: marketing. Bands don’t market themselves at all, and that’s why they don’t make sales. Seems obvious, but most artists don’t pick up on it.

Read the article here. Seriously, do it. It isn’t that long…
-t. Laskas

So I was trolling around myspace and happened upon Halestorm (one of my favorite bands). I checked out their gig schedule, and noticed that they have a residency at The Viper Room in LA. What a gig!

How, you might ask, did they get the gig? First off, they are super talented, and second, they are signed to Atlantic Records, and they have a great team working for them as well as strong fanbase. They have been at this music thing for quite some time, and they are seeing some great rewards.

Anyway…I digress. I checked out the Viper Room’s booking policy, and I think that it is something every artist should note. It is a short, yet very sweet, checklist of how to get a gig at the Viper Room, and I think their tips are universal for any gigging musician. Main idea: PROMOTE!!!!!

Click here for the link (once you are there, click on the “booking” page…I tried to get a direct link to it, but for some reason it goes to their main page…)

Happy Monday everybody…If you are concerned about selling your music, I suggest you check out this article from Wired: Cheat the Music Industry: Never Pay for Music….

Basically, this is a “how to” article on how to get your music for free, both legally and illegally.

There are consumers out there now that have never had to buy music, and thanks to web gems like BitTorrent it looks like they never will have to either.

So how do you get someone to pay for something that they can get for free?

What about water? People can get that for free, but they are still buying it…a lot of it…

With all of these music “taps” available, we have to figure out a better way to bottle our music and convince consumers that it is essential to value our product.

-t.L