Today, MTV news released an article about a new limited-edition computer.
It’s not just any computer, no. It was designed–in part—by Dr. Dre.
It’s called the HP Envy 15 Beats laptop; and it has a very low price of $2,299…
Of course everyone can afford one, right?
Not so much…probably why it’s limited edition…
It’s designed to play music “the way it should sound”. And it has other touches on it from music producers Timbaland, Will.I.Am, Pharrell, Polow Da Don, as well.
It actually sounds like it would be a decent computer. The main focus going into the creation process was to have the “best” sound available.
…which probably explains the high price tag.
After reading the description, I think they definitely went all-out on this one.
Kudos, Dre.
it’s not a picture, but if you’re a computer-person, or even a music fanatic, you can appreciate this:

http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2009/090915xc.html

“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…)

Well, it looks like Lou Pearlman, the High Preist of the evil Boy Band Cult (N’Sync and Backstreet Boys) of the late ’90s is finally getting punished for his actions. Unfortunately, it is not for causing young males to “frost their tips”, load up on the Dippity- Do, and have that weird thin-mustache and beard combo.

He has just confessed to scamming investors out of $300 mil. using some shady business tactics involving his airline company (yes, an airline company…he said he had 41 airplanes, and only had 2…clever!), a mysterious german fellow, and a dead guy doing business from beyond the grave a- la Vincent Price. It looks like he may face up to 25 years in prison.

Click HERE for the full article from Yahoo! News.

Well, I guess his going to be getting some new fans…

Bye Bye Bye!

Oh, check out this awesome commercial for Dippity Do…

Caution! Large amounts of Buzzwords to follow!

Listen, I know this isn’t a politicin’ site, but I just want to point out what Mr. Obama is up to. I think all of us should take note of how he is using social networking to get to the top of the popularity contest.

In a recent article at Wired.com (click here for the article), Sarah Lai Stirland writes:

” The use of technology like blogs, mass texting and online phone banks has been key to Sen. Barack Obama’s surprise sweep of recent primaries.

The Illinois senator’s campaign has been making use of a range of technologies — from ringtones to SMS — to inspire Obama-mania. And it’s working. Obama’s recent parade of victories in the primaries has given him a slight lead over Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination.”

Granted, I know that he has a huge army of free laborers (street team, anyone????) working for him, but this whole concept can be scaled back and applied to artists trying to get the ears and eyeballs of potential fans. Blogging and Text messaging are tools that have been around for a while, but only a few bands have tried them. Heck, Obama is even getting his fans to create YouTube clips that go viral!

Broadtexter(.com) is a great (and free for a while) texting widget that you can embed into your MySpace or website, and fans can sign up to be on your text list so that they get your text updates for shows.

Blogging, well, there is no mass blog program that I know of (yet), but there are sites where you can find many of the active music blogs out there, and the authors of these blogs are really easy to contact. Ask them if they want some free music, and in exchange for your album ask them to write a review for you. This is something we have been doing at the UnLabel for a while with great success.

The music business is no different than the political business…it is just a popularity contest, and the spoils usually go to the most creative, relentless, and resourceful candidate, even if they are not the most qualified (no dig intended).

Well, it finally happened. The Grape closed its doors on Feb. 2nd. As a performer, this is a huge loss for the Philly music community. I played back in the day at the old Grape Street, and also lately with a bunch of my new groups. The booking and bar staff always supported the artists, and it is a shame to see them go.

However, maybe this is a good thing…Maybe Philly can start fresh..Maybe we can get back to what the old Grape Street was all about: original music and a great scene.

Remember when Y100 was on the air as an alternative station? Remember when they went off the air, and everyone said that it was the end of rock in Philly? Well, guess what. The few staffers that remained in the area went underground and went to the web. After a year or so of being underground and super DIY, they have emerged and now are hooked up w/ WXPN, and are just as influential as ever.

Lets hope that the staff of The Grape can do the same and bring back the love to Philly. Anyone know of any available VFW’s or FireHalls?

-t.L

by the way, if you want to see a post on the closing, click here.