I always try to attach some meaning to New Years Eve. In many ways it is just changing the page on the calender but I've always thought it should be something so much more because to me it is. So, to everyone, I really and truly wish you all a Happy New Year, I hope that this one is is a great one for all of us.
So, with that in mind, Happy New Year everyone!!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Show Update
Haven't done one of these posts in a while, time for an update blog.
I signed off for the last time for 2011 on December 11, time for a break. I did pretty good keeping the show going this year all things considered, I didn't even take my usual break during October. So, considering all that, and given that traffic online, especially on blogtv is slow this time of year, I decided to pull the plug a little early this year and take some time and regroup and reload.
My plan for 2012 (and yes, I know I've said this before but now I'm serious) is to get back into what the original premise of the show which is to feature music, interview musicians as well as indie movers and shakers, and bring back live music. I know in order to facilitate bringing back live music and utilize the cohost feature on blog is to do at least some shows in standard def vs. HQ which is the format I usually use. Might involve some switching back and forth between formats, we'll have to see how it works out. One time I had Kyle Marney on via skype, it wasn't the greatest though, kept cutting out at the end. We'll make it work somehow.
I'd also like to do some shows just about the music industry. It's been a couple of years since we've done any of these, and I'm sure there are some new things that have happened since, as well as some folks that weren't at the original shows that we did back in '09.
So there are future plans for the show, at this point I'm debating on even doing 2 shows. I created a channel on justin.tv not too long ago, I'd like to see what I can get going over there as well. Honestly speaking the stats on blog haven't been all that great to begin with, that has as much to do with me as it does anything else since I really haven't had anything happening on the show to attract an audience lately.
We'll see, things are coming for the new year in some way, shape or form....lol
Happy Holidays everyone!
I signed off for the last time for 2011 on December 11, time for a break. I did pretty good keeping the show going this year all things considered, I didn't even take my usual break during October. So, considering all that, and given that traffic online, especially on blogtv is slow this time of year, I decided to pull the plug a little early this year and take some time and regroup and reload.
My plan for 2012 (and yes, I know I've said this before but now I'm serious) is to get back into what the original premise of the show which is to feature music, interview musicians as well as indie movers and shakers, and bring back live music. I know in order to facilitate bringing back live music and utilize the cohost feature on blog is to do at least some shows in standard def vs. HQ which is the format I usually use. Might involve some switching back and forth between formats, we'll have to see how it works out. One time I had Kyle Marney on via skype, it wasn't the greatest though, kept cutting out at the end. We'll make it work somehow.
I'd also like to do some shows just about the music industry. It's been a couple of years since we've done any of these, and I'm sure there are some new things that have happened since, as well as some folks that weren't at the original shows that we did back in '09.
So there are future plans for the show, at this point I'm debating on even doing 2 shows. I created a channel on justin.tv not too long ago, I'd like to see what I can get going over there as well. Honestly speaking the stats on blog haven't been all that great to begin with, that has as much to do with me as it does anything else since I really haven't had anything happening on the show to attract an audience lately.
We'll see, things are coming for the new year in some way, shape or form....lol
Happy Holidays everyone!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
And it wasn't set in stone....
Final broadcast of 2011 will be next week, 12/11 at 9 pm (eastern). Thanks for all the support, and looking forward to an awesome 2012!
Not Set in Stone But.....
I'm thinking that tonight's show might be the last one of 2011. I really haven't had much traffic the last couple of weeks, and we are into the usual holiday slump as far as internet activity goes.
Case in point, last Sunday's show had 13 hits, usually it's in the 40's or 50's.
So, given the hits the show gets tonight, this might be my last hurrah of 2011 as far as the show goes (of course if the hit count is off the charts, well, maybe next week might be my last one but I doubt it). Personally, I'd like to have one or two more shows to do, I love promoting and talking about how the "industry" screws over the independent musicians but if no one is even listening why bother? I always love the audience I get, but if it's only going to be a handful of hits, and only one or two folks in chat why bother? I'm not bitching, we are in a time of year where the traffic online is not going to be all that great to begin with, people have things to deal with that don't include hanging out online, it's just the nature of the beast, it's the way it is.
Right now as far as the show goes, I'm already looking ahead to the New Year, I'm planning on having more musician interviews, more chats with the movers and shakers of the industry, and, as long as I can plan ahead and know they'll be there so I know whether or not to broadcast in Standard as opposed to HQ, live music.
In case I don't get a chance to say it, I'd like to thank everyone for all the support this year. On a personal level, the past 12 months have been the most difficult of my life. I've really had to prioritize things and as much as I hate to admit it, Indie Spotlight has fallen near the bottom. Sometimes I have to wonder if I'm even worthy of the support I've gotten, but then I realize, it's not about me so much as it's about the musicians, and are they worthy of the support? Um, Hell Yeah!!
I know that even in person, but especially online, I haven't been the greatest friend, or host. I'm thinking that taking a break when the online traffic isn't going to be the greatest to begin with, might not be such a bad idea.
Indie Spotlight Live, the possible (on my end I say likely) last show of 2011 will air on blogtv at 9 pm (eastern) tonight. Hope anyone reading this will come by!
Case in point, last Sunday's show had 13 hits, usually it's in the 40's or 50's.
So, given the hits the show gets tonight, this might be my last hurrah of 2011 as far as the show goes (of course if the hit count is off the charts, well, maybe next week might be my last one but I doubt it). Personally, I'd like to have one or two more shows to do, I love promoting and talking about how the "industry" screws over the independent musicians but if no one is even listening why bother? I always love the audience I get, but if it's only going to be a handful of hits, and only one or two folks in chat why bother? I'm not bitching, we are in a time of year where the traffic online is not going to be all that great to begin with, people have things to deal with that don't include hanging out online, it's just the nature of the beast, it's the way it is.
Right now as far as the show goes, I'm already looking ahead to the New Year, I'm planning on having more musician interviews, more chats with the movers and shakers of the industry, and, as long as I can plan ahead and know they'll be there so I know whether or not to broadcast in Standard as opposed to HQ, live music.
In case I don't get a chance to say it, I'd like to thank everyone for all the support this year. On a personal level, the past 12 months have been the most difficult of my life. I've really had to prioritize things and as much as I hate to admit it, Indie Spotlight has fallen near the bottom. Sometimes I have to wonder if I'm even worthy of the support I've gotten, but then I realize, it's not about me so much as it's about the musicians, and are they worthy of the support? Um, Hell Yeah!!
I know that even in person, but especially online, I haven't been the greatest friend, or host. I'm thinking that taking a break when the online traffic isn't going to be the greatest to begin with, might not be such a bad idea.
Indie Spotlight Live, the possible (on my end I say likely) last show of 2011 will air on blogtv at 9 pm (eastern) tonight. Hope anyone reading this will come by!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Sometimes, the Industry Gets It Right
Someone who has talent, and isn't a beauty queen, and not an embryo in a hoochie momma shirt using autotune has a hit song out. OMG, it's unfortunate that it's not someone indie (although I still say that day is coming) but I have to give credit where credit is due.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Indie Spotlight, Still on Schedule
I'm happy to report that outside of one show back in September, I didn't miss any shows this Halloween season (I usually miss more than a couple this time of year due to my work schedule).
Looking forward to seeing everyone this week and thanks for all the support.
Indie Spotlight Live airs on blogtv every Sunday night at 9 pm (eastern)
Hope to see ya there!
Looking forward to seeing everyone this week and thanks for all the support.
Indie Spotlight Live airs on blogtv every Sunday night at 9 pm (eastern)
Hope to see ya there!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Thinking About What If's......
Sitting here listening to Pete Berwicks 2007 album release "Ain't No Train Outta Nashville" has gotten me thinking. Dangerous thing, I know.
First, a little history lesson, this album was originally supposed to be released when Pete was in Nashville back in the early 90's but was hung up in contract disputes for over 15 years when the label he was signed with went under. Pete was able to resolve those issues and released the album under his own label.
The "what if" I'm thinking of is suppose that didn't happen and ain't no train made it onto the record label shelves back in the early 90's when Barf Brooks was starting to make it big?
At that time, country music was in limbo, there was music, just not anything anyone wanted to listen to. Many people were wondering if the genre was going to die. Randy Travis was pretty big at that time, and said he understood why people thought that way. He apparently didn't think much of what his fellow singers were doing saying "it just wasn't good music" in an interview. Garth (Barf) Brooks' song "Friends in Low Places" took off, and to be honest, it does sound like an honest country song. Shame the rest of his really wasn't. I remember from the time that there was a country dance song that took off, "Boot Scootin Boogie" that was big.
So, suppose Pete's album made it to the record store shelves in this time period, especially with the genre in the limbo that it was, I'm thinking the industry wouldn't need saving now. And I'm sure there were 100+ Pete Berwicks out there at that time, the only fatal flaw being was that they were willing to tell the industry to kiss their ass when a record executive wanted to tell them what they thought people wanted to hear (when in actuality they didn't have a clue then, or now) and think of what might have happened is just one asshole decided to leave his ego at the door, and let real music flow?
I wouldn't have to listen to classic rock stations, or talk radio on my ride to work. Just my .02 of course.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Show notes;
I somehow managed to keep the regular broadcast going, only missing one show in September this Halloween season, although the shows were shorter. How? I have no idea. I even did a show the day before Halloween which hasn't happened in years. Were those shows my best, no, I was reusing old playlists, and was almost a zombie myself at the computer running them. I plan to get back to my fighting form in the coming weeks, I'm hoping that I might be able to try (note the try) and schedule some musician interviews in the next couple of weeks.
If you are finding this blog for the first time, please follow the link on the about me segment of the blogger site (just mouse over my picture) and check it out, we're on every Sunday at 9 pm (eastern time).
First, a little history lesson, this album was originally supposed to be released when Pete was in Nashville back in the early 90's but was hung up in contract disputes for over 15 years when the label he was signed with went under. Pete was able to resolve those issues and released the album under his own label.
The "what if" I'm thinking of is suppose that didn't happen and ain't no train made it onto the record label shelves back in the early 90's when Barf Brooks was starting to make it big?
At that time, country music was in limbo, there was music, just not anything anyone wanted to listen to. Many people were wondering if the genre was going to die. Randy Travis was pretty big at that time, and said he understood why people thought that way. He apparently didn't think much of what his fellow singers were doing saying "it just wasn't good music" in an interview. Garth (Barf) Brooks' song "Friends in Low Places" took off, and to be honest, it does sound like an honest country song. Shame the rest of his really wasn't. I remember from the time that there was a country dance song that took off, "Boot Scootin Boogie" that was big.
So, suppose Pete's album made it to the record store shelves in this time period, especially with the genre in the limbo that it was, I'm thinking the industry wouldn't need saving now. And I'm sure there were 100+ Pete Berwicks out there at that time, the only fatal flaw being was that they were willing to tell the industry to kiss their ass when a record executive wanted to tell them what they thought people wanted to hear (when in actuality they didn't have a clue then, or now) and think of what might have happened is just one asshole decided to leave his ego at the door, and let real music flow?
I wouldn't have to listen to classic rock stations, or talk radio on my ride to work. Just my .02 of course.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Show notes;
I somehow managed to keep the regular broadcast going, only missing one show in September this Halloween season, although the shows were shorter. How? I have no idea. I even did a show the day before Halloween which hasn't happened in years. Were those shows my best, no, I was reusing old playlists, and was almost a zombie myself at the computer running them. I plan to get back to my fighting form in the coming weeks, I'm hoping that I might be able to try (note the try) and schedule some musician interviews in the next couple of weeks.
If you are finding this blog for the first time, please follow the link on the about me segment of the blogger site (just mouse over my picture) and check it out, we're on every Sunday at 9 pm (eastern time).
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Eminem's Die Hard Fans
Last year during the show I discussed an article about how Eminem's new album was supposed to save the music industry. I had recorded the segment and posted it on YouTube. This has without a doubt become my most hated video on YouTube.
I still stand behind my original statement, which is that the industry wouldn't need "saving" if they put out music people actually wanted to buy. Granted, Eminem is popular, but I hardly call him original. I still say that it will be the indies, utilizing the power of the internet, that will bring the industry back, albeit in a new way.
---------------------------------------------------------
Show notes;
We are getting into the time of year where life at work gets crazy. This year I've taken a different assignment which means life will be even crazier than usual. As I said during the show last week I plan to try to continue the weekly broadcast, but I have a feeling that life at work will interrupt this earlier this year than usual.
I still stand behind my original statement, which is that the industry wouldn't need "saving" if they put out music people actually wanted to buy. Granted, Eminem is popular, but I hardly call him original. I still say that it will be the indies, utilizing the power of the internet, that will bring the industry back, albeit in a new way.
---------------------------------------------------------
Show notes;
We are getting into the time of year where life at work gets crazy. This year I've taken a different assignment which means life will be even crazier than usual. As I said during the show last week I plan to try to continue the weekly broadcast, but I have a feeling that life at work will interrupt this earlier this year than usual.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Hear the Angels Crying (Full Version)
Many of the folks that come by the show love this one. Thanks Rob for the privilege of allowing me to play it.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Show Updates and Other Stuff
Hey everyone.
Haven't posted a blog in quite a while. Just haven't had anything to blog about. The show is still going strong, although I was vacationing and took last Sunday off. Guess now is a good a time as any to note that we are getting into that time of year where the broadcast is going to start getting erratic due to obligations at work, but I will try to continue the broadcast as much as I can.
As I type this we are under the gun from Hurricane Irene. We are expecting tropical storm conditions sometime tomorrow evening so losing power is a possibility. With that in mind I'll be working on my show prep this evening with the assumption that I might not be able to tomorrow but hopefully the power will be back on in time for the broadcast on Sunday.
Thanks for all the support.
Haven't posted a blog in quite a while. Just haven't had anything to blog about. The show is still going strong, although I was vacationing and took last Sunday off. Guess now is a good a time as any to note that we are getting into that time of year where the broadcast is going to start getting erratic due to obligations at work, but I will try to continue the broadcast as much as I can.
As I type this we are under the gun from Hurricane Irene. We are expecting tropical storm conditions sometime tomorrow evening so losing power is a possibility. With that in mind I'll be working on my show prep this evening with the assumption that I might not be able to tomorrow but hopefully the power will be back on in time for the broadcast on Sunday.
Thanks for all the support.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
What? No Blogs??
Yep, haven't posted a new blog in freaking forever. While I don't post nonsense blogs just for the sake of blogging I do know that I need to get back to this and get something up there.
Haven't forgotten or abandoned this, I promise.
Haven't forgotten or abandoned this, I promise.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Links to Musicians That Played at MusicFest 8
I'm unforgivably late in posting this, but I would first like to thank the musicians that played at MusicFest 8, we had a real blast with tons of awesome talent and if it weren't for you guys and gals, there wouldn't have been an event.
Rather than post the long winded blog that I usually do regarding the events, I think this time I'll just post the musician names and the links.
Mama Kaz
http://www.reverbnation.com/mamakaz
http://musicianstogether.com/user/mamakaz
Jen West
http://www.youtube.com/user/jenwestmusic
http://musicianstogether.com/user/jenwestmusic
Tom V
http://www.youtube.com/user/tomvband
Blues Mama Raven
http://www.youtube.com/user/BluesMamaRaven
We had some downtime during the evening part of the show, I was honored to play some of the music that I play during my regular show. Given the audience I have to say that it was pretty awesome to have a chance to give my guys airplay to a bigger audience.
At 9 pm (eastern US time) I handed the reins off to our good friend Jim Cook. A kicks ass guy in his own right to be honest, and a great blogtv host. He handled the remaining musicians, his links are below.
http://www.blogtv.com/people/jimtzu
(Jim's regular show which can be seen on blogtv every Saturday night @ 9 pm eastern US time)
http://www.youtube.com/user/jimtzu
http://jimtzu.com/
http://nativeprogress.org/
The musicians that were hosted during Jim's hand at the helm.....
Rae Denton
http://www.softwindsproductions.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dentonwarren
Didgerod
http://www.blogtv.com/People/didgerod
(Rod's regular show which can be seen on blogtv @ 9 pm eastern US time)
http://www.cdbaby.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?AlbumID=rodkrug2
http://musicianstogether.com/user/Rod%20Krug
http://www.youtube.com/user/didgerod
Again my thanks to all the musicians that came out to the event, and I'd especially like to thank Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show for putting it together. She's been rocking on her own show recently, (not that she didn't before but anyway) with live talent every week. Her show kicks ass and can be seen every Wednesday night at 9 pm (again, eastern US time) on blogtv.
http://www.blogtv.com/People/UnsignedMusicians
Rather than post the long winded blog that I usually do regarding the events, I think this time I'll just post the musician names and the links.
Mama Kaz
http://www.reverbnation.com/mamakaz
http://musicianstogether.com/user/mamakaz
Jen West
http://www.youtube.com/user/jenwestmusic
http://musicianstogether.com/user/jenwestmusic
Tom V
http://www.youtube.com/user/tomvband
Blues Mama Raven
http://www.youtube.com/user/BluesMamaRaven
We had some downtime during the evening part of the show, I was honored to play some of the music that I play during my regular show. Given the audience I have to say that it was pretty awesome to have a chance to give my guys airplay to a bigger audience.
At 9 pm (eastern US time) I handed the reins off to our good friend Jim Cook. A kicks ass guy in his own right to be honest, and a great blogtv host. He handled the remaining musicians, his links are below.
http://www.blogtv.com/people/jimtzu
(Jim's regular show which can be seen on blogtv every Saturday night @ 9 pm eastern US time)
http://www.youtube.com/user/jimtzu
http://jimtzu.com/
http://nativeprogress.org/
The musicians that were hosted during Jim's hand at the helm.....
Rae Denton
http://www.softwindsproductions.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dentonwarren
Didgerod
http://www.blogtv.com/People/didgerod
(Rod's regular show which can be seen on blogtv @ 9 pm eastern US time)
http://www.cdbaby.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?AlbumID=rodkrug2
http://musicianstogether.com/user/Rod%20Krug
http://www.youtube.com/user/didgerod
Again my thanks to all the musicians that came out to the event, and I'd especially like to thank Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show for putting it together. She's been rocking on her own show recently, (not that she didn't before but anyway) with live talent every week. Her show kicks ass and can be seen every Wednesday night at 9 pm (again, eastern US time) on blogtv.
http://www.blogtv.com/People/UnsignedMusicians
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
I have not forgotten ya Blog Readers!
I will have the blog post, including links to the musicians that played at MusicFest 8 up sometime this week.
I haven't blogged in a while, but I haven't forgotten ya!
I haven't blogged in a while, but I haven't forgotten ya!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Weenie of the Week 7-3-11
This weeks "Weenie" segment. I promise that I will have a real blog including links to the musicians that played at MusicFest 8 soon!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
GEMA & S.978 Copyright law revisited (Making videos could become a felon...
My good friend Tyger telling it like it is, I'll have more links posted about this bill soon, I talked about it on the show last week, scary shit!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
JD Steagall Tribute this Sunday
Hey everyone.
Tomorrow (June 16th) will mark the one year anniversary of the passing of our good friend JD Steagall. JD was a part of the brilliance that was Buster Chopz, as well as JD and the Cherokee Boys.
We will be taking a break from the usual format this Sunday, and paying tribute to JD and his music. Join us as we replay some great moments with JD, as well as featuring the music of Buster Chopz.
Sunday night at 9 pm (eastern).
www.blogtv.com/People/riskybusiness04
Tomorrow (June 16th) will mark the one year anniversary of the passing of our good friend JD Steagall. JD was a part of the brilliance that was Buster Chopz, as well as JD and the Cherokee Boys.
We will be taking a break from the usual format this Sunday, and paying tribute to JD and his music. Join us as we replay some great moments with JD, as well as featuring the music of Buster Chopz.
Sunday night at 9 pm (eastern).
www.blogtv.com/People/riskybusiness04
Monday, June 13, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Upcoming Shows
Hey everyone, it's been a while since I posted a real blog or update, now would be a good a time as any to let ya know whats going on.
I have some new music for the show this week, I really hope you'll come by and check it out. We will be featuring the music of two new musicians this week.
The following week we'll be paying tribute to our good friend J.D. Steagall from Buster Chopz and JD and the Cherokee Boys who passed away on June 16th of last year. He was a great guy, a huge supporter of the show and other indie musicians, and one hell of a musician in his own right. We'll be replaying some of our favorite moments of him being on the show, and pay tribute to a gone, but not forgotten friend.
I have some new music for the show this week, I really hope you'll come by and check it out. We will be featuring the music of two new musicians this week.
The following week we'll be paying tribute to our good friend J.D. Steagall from Buster Chopz and JD and the Cherokee Boys who passed away on June 16th of last year. He was a great guy, a huge supporter of the show and other indie musicians, and one hell of a musician in his own right. We'll be replaying some of our favorite moments of him being on the show, and pay tribute to a gone, but not forgotten friend.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Interview with Mark from Musicians Together; Part 1
I've finally finished editing and have uploaded onto MT our interview with Mark. Enjoy!
http://musicianstogether.com/video/O9R38DAOD7KM/Interview-with-Mark-from-Musicians-Together-Part-1
http://musicianstogether.com/video/O9R38DAOD7KM/Interview-with-Mark-from-Musicians-Together-Part-1
Sunday, May 15, 2011
2 Year Anniversary Show Tonight!
Tonight we celebrate 2 years of broadcasting on blogtv. We'll be reliving some of our favorite moments from the last couple of years as well as playing great original music by indie artists.
Show starts at 9 pm (eastern) and I hope you folks will join us!
Show starts at 9 pm (eastern) and I hope you folks will join us!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Great Interview with Mark Last Sunday!
Deb and I had a great time interviewing Mark from Musicians Together!
I'd also like to thank mommakaz for joining us as well, however briefly. I was able to capture the audio, and right now I'm working on joining it to a video slideshow, for posting on M/T. Right now it will be uploaded exclusively there when it is finished, and I will post a link to it on here as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Show notes;
Deb tells me that we don't have a guest scheduled for next week, so I'm going to spend some time today downloading some new music for this Sunday's show, stay tuned!
I'd also like to thank mommakaz for joining us as well, however briefly. I was able to capture the audio, and right now I'm working on joining it to a video slideshow, for posting on M/T. Right now it will be uploaded exclusively there when it is finished, and I will post a link to it on here as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Show notes;
Deb tells me that we don't have a guest scheduled for next week, so I'm going to spend some time today downloading some new music for this Sunday's show, stay tuned!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Mark from Musicians Together Interview on Spotlight Tomorrow!
Hey guys, I know I haven't done a regular blog in a while, but I wanted to let everyone know that I'll be having Mark from Musicians Together on the show this week. My good friend and colleague Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show will be joining me as co-host. It's been a while since we've done an interview, and almost as long since I've had Deb join me on the show so I'm really looking forward to this. For those who missed my earlier blog about Musicians Together, it's here.
Sunday, May 1st, 9 pm (eastern U.S.) time and I hope to see you there!
Sunday, May 1st, 9 pm (eastern U.S.) time and I hope to see you there!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Can't Say Goodbye: Kyle Marney
Not 100% sure but I think this is the one that Kyle said he quit smoking for 2 weeks so he could hit the high notes.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Trouble in Mind
More incredible blues! Not sure if you guys have noticed but I've been trying to post either a blog or a video every day here lately. Enjoy!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Mama Kaz Tribute to KOKO TAYLOR
Nothing like some kick ass blues to start off the day, happy Easter everyone!
http://musicianstogether.com/video/OUB3X2MRUB1G/Mama-Kaz-Tribute-to-KOKO-TAYLOR
http://musicianstogether.com/video/OUB3X2MRUB1G/Mama-Kaz-Tribute-to-KOKO-TAYLOR
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
RIAA Radar -- Another Great Site
As we talk about often during the show, there are "indie" labels that are actually RIAA labels.
Want to know who they are? Check out http://riaaradar.com/
Want to know who they are? Check out http://riaaradar.com/
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Musicians Together
Recently I found out about a website called Musicians Together. It's a really cool site for independent musicians to upload videos, and get to meet other musicians and fans as well. It's free, very well run, and there are alot of really great people over there, so I hope you guys will check it out.
Here is why, in my opinion, great sites like MT are important. As regular visitors to this blog (as well as the weekly show on blogtv) know, the major music industry has been steadily getting it's hooks into the websites that independents have traditionally used to self promote, network and get their music out. One great example is Myspace. Once upon a time that was THE site to be on if you were a musician. Since 4 of the major record labels bought into it, this is no longer the case, the site has completely turned it's back to the musicians that help build it. Now, it's just a big advertisement for the artists the major labels think we should be listening to, and the indies are shoved in the back somewhere. In fact they've become such a narcissistic, self important piece of crap website that myspace isn't even useful as a social networking site anymore. I was on there recently and can plainly see why people are leaving in droves, the site is almost impossible to navigate. Not only that, user generated content (such as bulletins and updates) are even pushed aside for whatever the majors flavor of the week is. In fact I still haven't figured out where they moved the bulletins to!
YouTube is another great example of a site that has, at least in my opinion, turned it's back to the musicians that helped build it. Since they downgraded the "music" category making it harder to find independent musicians and the music. Because the content on YT is more diversified I don't expect them to have the same downfall Myspam (oops I mean myspace) did, however from talking to some of the musicians I've found out that the view counts on their videos are way down from what they used to be.
This is whats great about Musicians Together, it's a site created by a musician, for musicians. There isn't a bunch of "white noise", it's picking up where other sites have left off. You don't have to look for the latest video from your favorite musician, it's right there.
Musicians Together is a young site, they are just starting out, but if the history of how some of these other sites is any indicator, I think they will be huge.
And I don't expect that they'll go the route of the other sites mentioned here and sell out.
Check them out, create an account, make a few friends and be a part of something pretty awesome, you won't regret it!
http://musicianstogether.com/
Here is why, in my opinion, great sites like MT are important. As regular visitors to this blog (as well as the weekly show on blogtv) know, the major music industry has been steadily getting it's hooks into the websites that independents have traditionally used to self promote, network and get their music out. One great example is Myspace. Once upon a time that was THE site to be on if you were a musician. Since 4 of the major record labels bought into it, this is no longer the case, the site has completely turned it's back to the musicians that help build it. Now, it's just a big advertisement for the artists the major labels think we should be listening to, and the indies are shoved in the back somewhere. In fact they've become such a narcissistic, self important piece of crap website that myspace isn't even useful as a social networking site anymore. I was on there recently and can plainly see why people are leaving in droves, the site is almost impossible to navigate. Not only that, user generated content (such as bulletins and updates) are even pushed aside for whatever the majors flavor of the week is. In fact I still haven't figured out where they moved the bulletins to!
YouTube is another great example of a site that has, at least in my opinion, turned it's back to the musicians that helped build it. Since they downgraded the "music" category making it harder to find independent musicians and the music. Because the content on YT is more diversified I don't expect them to have the same downfall Myspam (oops I mean myspace) did, however from talking to some of the musicians I've found out that the view counts on their videos are way down from what they used to be.
This is whats great about Musicians Together, it's a site created by a musician, for musicians. There isn't a bunch of "white noise", it's picking up where other sites have left off. You don't have to look for the latest video from your favorite musician, it's right there.
Musicians Together is a young site, they are just starting out, but if the history of how some of these other sites is any indicator, I think they will be huge.
And I don't expect that they'll go the route of the other sites mentioned here and sell out.
Check them out, create an account, make a few friends and be a part of something pretty awesome, you won't regret it!
http://musicianstogether.com/
Friday, April 1, 2011
Updates, and Where I've Been...
I apologize for not having posted a blog in a while, to be honest with everything I've had going on over the last month or so I have had a real hard time putting my thoughts together in my head, much less get them down in print. While sitting here listening to Didgerod tonight I have to say that the music has really helped calm my busy little brain down to where I can finally focus on some of the things I've been neglecting, the blog being one of them.
Rod, I don't know if you ever read my blog, but if you do, thank you.
I don't generally talk about my personal life online at all, but for those of you that don't know my mom passed away several weeks ago. Needless to say it's been one hell of a month and I've really been having a hard time getting back into the rhythm of, well anything. I'm not going to lie, I've been having a real hard time dealing with this.
One of the things Rod (Didgerod) is talking about during his show is the Native American belief that spring is the renewal of life. It's been therapeutic listening to this music tonight and I would encourage everyone, especially if you are going through a stressful time, to check out his broadcast as well as his youtube channel. It'll help you clear you head a bit, and maybe help you relax. Tonight is the first time since this happened that I've been able to do exactly that.
Honestly speaking I've been on autopilot for the last several weeks. I ended up taking a couple of weeks off from the show, and when I did make it back on the air I was there, but not really. I'm sure you folks know what I mean but I do have some things that I want to blog about, including a new website for independent musicians as well as some other stuff in the music industry that's been going on and I will try to have those posted pretty soon.
Maybe now in a healthier state of mind I'll be able to get it done. I've said it before but music is magic!
Rod, I don't know if you ever read my blog, but if you do, thank you.
I don't generally talk about my personal life online at all, but for those of you that don't know my mom passed away several weeks ago. Needless to say it's been one hell of a month and I've really been having a hard time getting back into the rhythm of, well anything. I'm not going to lie, I've been having a real hard time dealing with this.
One of the things Rod (Didgerod) is talking about during his show is the Native American belief that spring is the renewal of life. It's been therapeutic listening to this music tonight and I would encourage everyone, especially if you are going through a stressful time, to check out his broadcast as well as his youtube channel. It'll help you clear you head a bit, and maybe help you relax. Tonight is the first time since this happened that I've been able to do exactly that.
Honestly speaking I've been on autopilot for the last several weeks. I ended up taking a couple of weeks off from the show, and when I did make it back on the air I was there, but not really. I'm sure you folks know what I mean but I do have some things that I want to blog about, including a new website for independent musicians as well as some other stuff in the music industry that's been going on and I will try to have those posted pretty soon.
Maybe now in a healthier state of mind I'll be able to get it done. I've said it before but music is magic!
Monday, March 28, 2011
For Independent Musicians, How to Get Airplay on Internet Radio Shows...(reposted)
In case it got missed the last time, haven't posted this in a while.....
Here is the scenario....
While conducting her show on blogtv, Deb will get a request from a musician asking if they'll play their music on her show................
I'll get an email from a musician asking to come onto the show.............
What is the criteria for us to play your music on our shows?
Lately, given the music industry's current model of lawsuits and intimidation for copyright infringement, and the fact that they could easily shake us down like they do public music venues that is a really good question.
Honestly, in many cases we would really like to, we really would. Unfortunately there are things as online radio hosts we need to consider, the main one being that we need to cover our own ass.
Many unsigned, independent musicians who play in bars, coffeehouses, nightclubs, and open mic nights know that the venues they play in have to pay licensing fees to the Performance Rights agencies, the big ones being BMI, or Ascap. Others could tell stories about some of their favorite venues not being able to play music anymore because they didn't have a license from one of the PRO's (Performance Rights Organizations) (also known as the music mafia) and those same venues have had to pay a sizable fine. Those fines could run into the thousands of dollars.
That's nothing compared to what internet broadcasters are supposed to pay if we play music. Ever heard of Sound Exchange? How about the RIAA? Oh, you've heard of the RIAA, well, Sound Exchange is basically the RIAA.
Ok, now that I've mentioned the RIAA, does the word lawsuit come to mind? Who filed the lawsuits on the file sharers? Who sued many of the wrong people including 12 year old girls, a homeless guy, and a dead woman among others?
The RIAA.
SoundExchange is the RIAA.
The RIAA, via SoundExchange want internet broadcasters who play music that belongs to their members in excess of $20,000 (U.S. dollars) to play that music. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't have that kind of cash laying around to play music for a once a week show.
For that matter, while Deb primarily plays music on her shows, from what she's said, she doesn't have that kind of cash either.
Independent musicians, if you are with one of the members of the music mafia which include but not limited to the RIAA, BMI, The Harry Fox Agency or Ascap, your membership with one of these Performance Rights Societies will limit your airplay on internet radio because we can't afford the licensing fees, and don't want to run the risk of losing our homes, and everything we've worked for in our personal lives just because we played a song, never mind that you sent us the file and asked us to play it. I'm sorry, but even though you asked us to play it, if the music mafia were to come after us it wouldn't matter.
So since I mentioned all that, let me tell you independent guys and gals, who want your music played on independent music shows on the internet, the best possible ways to get airplay on internet radio.
1) If you are a member of one of the Performance Right Organizations, forget it, most of us who play music on the internet aren't willing, or able to pay for the licensing fees. I know that Deb would love to play your music on her show, and get you some exposure, and honestly I would too. We know, better than most people, how the industry totally screws over the independent artists. One of the ways that they got ya by the balls? Well, you are a member of one of the licensing agencies that have you by the balls, and broadcasters as well. We would love to give you exposure, we would love to give you airplay, but because we are 9 to 5 workday people, and while we are independent broadcasters, unfortunately we are not also independently wealthy. I can't be any more plain then that.
2) So, if you are a member of the Music Mob? Did you also license your music under Creative Commons? Well, guess what? Because you signed with them, even if you also license your music under Creative Commons, the agreement you signed with BMI, ASCAP, Harry Fox or whichever agency you signed with takes precedence over your Creative Commons license. In fact, according to the Creative Commons website, you can't use a Creative License at all.
I got this right off of the the Creative Commons Website so I know it's legit.
Oops, did that link take you somewhere else? Oh yeah I'm sorry, the link I posted is some of the crap those of us who broadcast on the internet have to deal with.
I wanted to give some of you folks who want your music on the internet, who thought this blog post was a bit long, something longer to read. Just a taste of the hell that responsible internet broadcasters have to deal with.
Since you have made it this far, I'll be nice and keep it simple.
So, even if you license your music under Creative Commons, your original agreement under your licensing agency applies. In fact, if you have already signed your rights away with a member of the M.O.B. (Muthas of Broadcasting) you can't even license your music under Creative Commons.
Click the link and do your own homework, because responsible internet broadcasters are gonna do ours. Even if you license your music under Creative Commons, if you also are with one of the major licensing agencies, guess what? Your agreement with BMI, Ascap, ect will supersede your Creative Commons license, like I said before, Creative Commons doesn't even apply at all. You shouldn't even try to license your music under Creative Commons, it will only make legit internet broadcasters think that is O.K. to play your music. It might be O.K. with you, but it is not gonna be O.K. with the "music mafia", that I promise you.
So, simply put, if you feel that you have to be a member of one of the Performance Rights Organizations, or the Music Mafia, or the PRO's, you are going to have a problem getting played on internet radio shows that would like to play your music. If you skipped the above post hoping to see why, then you are gonna have to just scroll back up.
Sorry. You signed your name to the paperwork long before you knew of me.
3) If you really and truly want Deb to play your music on her show, then you are going to have to sign a waiver. The waiver basically states what she is going to do with your music (play it, nothing else) what her rights are (which is to play it on her show, again, nothing else)
If ya got this far, then I know what you are thinking, which is Holy Shit, what am I signing my name to? Well, I know that Deb understands that the Music Industry is so screwed up that you guys are afraid to sign your name to anything. All Deb is asking is your permission to play your music on her show. She's trying to cover her ass, and can you say you blame her?
They have found ways to screw you indie guys, well guess what, they've found way's to bend us over and get us too.
So, in short, well I can't make it short and sweet, you really have to do your homework, just like we need to need to do ours.
If you want your music played, you have to jump through 50 hoops. If you are listed with one of the major licensing agency's, then I hope you are in really good shape, because you are gonna have to jump through a million hoops to even get us to play your music. We want to, we just can't without some paper to cover us.
As an internet broadcaster, we have to cover our ass as well, because of the industries current business model, we really are left with no choice.
We'd love to play ya, really we want to.
Make it possible for us. Don't sign it away to an industry that wants it for themselves.
Don't sign your music away to the music mafia.
Take a look at the Creative Commons website, and read the whole agreement.
The majority of us won't play ya otherwise. I'm sorry, but the industry won't let us play your music otherwise.
Here is the scenario....
While conducting her show on blogtv, Deb will get a request from a musician asking if they'll play their music on her show................
I'll get an email from a musician asking to come onto the show.............
What is the criteria for us to play your music on our shows?
Lately, given the music industry's current model of lawsuits and intimidation for copyright infringement, and the fact that they could easily shake us down like they do public music venues that is a really good question.
Honestly, in many cases we would really like to, we really would. Unfortunately there are things as online radio hosts we need to consider, the main one being that we need to cover our own ass.
Many unsigned, independent musicians who play in bars, coffeehouses, nightclubs, and open mic nights know that the venues they play in have to pay licensing fees to the Performance Rights agencies, the big ones being BMI, or Ascap. Others could tell stories about some of their favorite venues not being able to play music anymore because they didn't have a license from one of the PRO's (Performance Rights Organizations) (also known as the music mafia) and those same venues have had to pay a sizable fine. Those fines could run into the thousands of dollars.
That's nothing compared to what internet broadcasters are supposed to pay if we play music. Ever heard of Sound Exchange? How about the RIAA? Oh, you've heard of the RIAA, well, Sound Exchange is basically the RIAA.
Ok, now that I've mentioned the RIAA, does the word lawsuit come to mind? Who filed the lawsuits on the file sharers? Who sued many of the wrong people including 12 year old girls, a homeless guy, and a dead woman among others?
The RIAA.
SoundExchange is the RIAA.
The RIAA, via SoundExchange want internet broadcasters who play music that belongs to their members in excess of $20,000 (U.S. dollars) to play that music. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't have that kind of cash laying around to play music for a once a week show.
For that matter, while Deb primarily plays music on her shows, from what she's said, she doesn't have that kind of cash either.
Independent musicians, if you are with one of the members of the music mafia which include but not limited to the RIAA, BMI, The Harry Fox Agency or Ascap, your membership with one of these Performance Rights Societies will limit your airplay on internet radio because we can't afford the licensing fees, and don't want to run the risk of losing our homes, and everything we've worked for in our personal lives just because we played a song, never mind that you sent us the file and asked us to play it. I'm sorry, but even though you asked us to play it, if the music mafia were to come after us it wouldn't matter.
So since I mentioned all that, let me tell you independent guys and gals, who want your music played on independent music shows on the internet, the best possible ways to get airplay on internet radio.
1) If you are a member of one of the Performance Right Organizations, forget it, most of us who play music on the internet aren't willing, or able to pay for the licensing fees. I know that Deb would love to play your music on her show, and get you some exposure, and honestly I would too. We know, better than most people, how the industry totally screws over the independent artists. One of the ways that they got ya by the balls? Well, you are a member of one of the licensing agencies that have you by the balls, and broadcasters as well. We would love to give you exposure, we would love to give you airplay, but because we are 9 to 5 workday people, and while we are independent broadcasters, unfortunately we are not also independently wealthy. I can't be any more plain then that.
2) So, if you are a member of the Music Mob? Did you also license your music under Creative Commons? Well, guess what? Because you signed with them, even if you also license your music under Creative Commons, the agreement you signed with BMI, ASCAP, Harry Fox or whichever agency you signed with takes precedence over your Creative Commons license. In fact, according to the Creative Commons website, you can't use a Creative License at all.
I got this right off of the the Creative Commons Website so I know it's legit.
Oops, did that link take you somewhere else? Oh yeah I'm sorry, the link I posted is some of the crap those of us who broadcast on the internet have to deal with.
I wanted to give some of you folks who want your music on the internet, who thought this blog post was a bit long, something longer to read. Just a taste of the hell that responsible internet broadcasters have to deal with.
Since you have made it this far, I'll be nice and keep it simple.
As a result of the warranty disclaimer, before using a Creative Commons licensed work, you should satisfy yourself that the person has all the necessary rights to make the work available under a Creative Commons license. You should know that if you are wrong, you could be liable for copyright infringement based on your use of the work.
So, even if you license your music under Creative Commons, your original agreement under your licensing agency applies. In fact, if you have already signed your rights away with a member of the M.O.B. (Muthas of Broadcasting) you can't even license your music under Creative Commons.
Click the link and do your own homework, because responsible internet broadcasters are gonna do ours. Even if you license your music under Creative Commons, if you also are with one of the major licensing agencies, guess what? Your agreement with BMI, Ascap, ect will supersede your Creative Commons license, like I said before, Creative Commons doesn't even apply at all. You shouldn't even try to license your music under Creative Commons, it will only make legit internet broadcasters think that is O.K. to play your music. It might be O.K. with you, but it is not gonna be O.K. with the "music mafia", that I promise you.
So, simply put, if you feel that you have to be a member of one of the Performance Rights Organizations, or the Music Mafia, or the PRO's, you are going to have a problem getting played on internet radio shows that would like to play your music. If you skipped the above post hoping to see why, then you are gonna have to just scroll back up.
Sorry. You signed your name to the paperwork long before you knew of me.
3) If you really and truly want Deb to play your music on her show, then you are going to have to sign a waiver. The waiver basically states what she is going to do with your music (play it, nothing else) what her rights are (which is to play it on her show, again, nothing else)
If ya got this far, then I know what you are thinking, which is Holy Shit, what am I signing my name to? Well, I know that Deb understands that the Music Industry is so screwed up that you guys are afraid to sign your name to anything. All Deb is asking is your permission to play your music on her show. She's trying to cover her ass, and can you say you blame her?
They have found ways to screw you indie guys, well guess what, they've found way's to bend us over and get us too.
So, in short, well I can't make it short and sweet, you really have to do your homework, just like we need to need to do ours.
If you want your music played, you have to jump through 50 hoops. If you are listed with one of the major licensing agency's, then I hope you are in really good shape, because you are gonna have to jump through a million hoops to even get us to play your music. We want to, we just can't without some paper to cover us.
As an internet broadcaster, we have to cover our ass as well, because of the industries current business model, we really are left with no choice.
We'd love to play ya, really we want to.
Make it possible for us. Don't sign it away to an industry that wants it for themselves.
Don't sign your music away to the music mafia.
Take a look at the Creative Commons website, and read the whole agreement.
The majority of us won't play ya otherwise. I'm sorry, but the industry won't let us play your music otherwise.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
No Show This Week
Due to an unexpected tragedy in my personal life there will be no show this week. I will be making my return the following week which will be March 20th.
Thanks for all your support.
Thanks for all your support.
Friday, March 11, 2011
MusicFest 2011 a Huge Success!
My special thanks to all the viewers and listeners that came out and supported the musicians that were kind enough to lend their time and talent to the event. We had over 2000 unique hits over the course of 12 hours!
Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show and I warmed the crowd up by playing some of the music we play during our shows, and the live action started at about 1 p.m. Many of the musicians that played at this event had been on before and it was a delight to have them back, as well as a couple of fresh faces.
And of course I'd like to thank Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show for putting it all together and hosting this event with me. If it weren't for you it wouldn't have happened. I'd have to say that all of the talented musicians that came to play were people that she had found and contacted to come and play for this event. She did all the organizing work for this event, I just had the honor of hosting it.
As promised here is a quick rundown of the musicians that played, and their links.
Lisa Ltan made a return appearance and was as awesome as ever.
www.youtube.com/user/minxafied
www.myspace.com/ltantunes
Tom Meny, after tastefully handing one of blogtv's notorious haters played and outdid himself as well.
www.youtube.com/user/bobostonepony
www.tommeny.com
www.myspace.com/tommeny
www.twitter.com/tommeny
Our good friend Didgerod came on and as always was incredible. He also does a regular show on blogtv, every Friday night at 9 p.m (eastern.
www.youtube.com/user/didgerod
www.blogtv.com/People/didgerod
Kelly Hoyle Fuller played her heart out. Really great music, it was nice to see her again.
www.youtube.com/user/khjavy8
www.myspace.com/jvmykamusic
www.facebook.com/khjavy8
One of our newcomers to our events and blogtv came on shortly after. Personally I think Eva Walsh won everyone over with her smile, then she started playing and blew everyone away.
/www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwx3C46vsUI&feature=related
Our other newcomer was Kyle Marney. He played a really great set, and was kind enough to do an encore later in the evening. I'd also like to note that the proceeds from his CD are going to the Warrior Foundation, really great organization.
www.kylemarney.com/
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tZnO2FzHC4
At 9 p.m. our good friend Jim Cook assumed the hosting duties. I for one was really glad to have him take over and play as I've seen him at his regular show and knew he'd be a kick ass host. Jim does a regular show on blogtv as well on Saturday nights at 9 p.m. (eastern time). Jim has folks come on as a co-host during his regular show who were kind enough to come on during his portion of the event. Really great stuff I hope you folks will check him out!
www.blogtv.com/people/jimtzu
jimtzu.com/
nativeprogress.org/
www.youtube.com/user/jimtzu
I'd like to mention a couple of other musicians that didn't play live but contributed to the event please check out their pages and support them;
Rob Mazurek as always sent us 3 videos that we played during the event, Rob has been with us since day one and I'm happy and proud to be able to play his music and call him a friend. He's a really great guy and one hell of a guitar player.
www.robmazurekmusic.com
www.myspace.com/rmazurek
www.youtube.com/user/DaSperminatorRob
Sweet Papa Dave Band has a new Website
www.thesweetpapadaveband.com
Rudy Vandam was unable to play at the event but was kind enough to send us a video expressing his support.
www.youtube.com/user/rudyvandam#p/u/6/DdM4YpOd0Qk
Reina DelCid was also unable to play at the event but sent her best wishes.
www.youtube.com/user/reinadelcid
Other musicians that unfortunately also had to send their regards and asked us to keep them in mind for future events which of course we'll be happy to have them on when they can play;
Keith Macleod
www.youtube.com/user/highlandcountrysongs
Joe Varveri
www.youtube.com/user/JoeVarVeri
I'd also like to mention that there is a great website for independent musicians, especially since myspace and youtube have decided to abandon them. If you are looking for great original indie music by the real musicians of the world (as opposed to the homogenized crap the industry wants us to listen to) check this site out...
Musicians Together
musicianstogether.com/
Again my thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting independent music. Sorry I didn't do the follow up show on Sunday as promised, will explain in a future blog as well as on my next show which will be on March 20th at 9 p.m. (eastern)
Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show and I warmed the crowd up by playing some of the music we play during our shows, and the live action started at about 1 p.m. Many of the musicians that played at this event had been on before and it was a delight to have them back, as well as a couple of fresh faces.
And of course I'd like to thank Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show for putting it all together and hosting this event with me. If it weren't for you it wouldn't have happened. I'd have to say that all of the talented musicians that came to play were people that she had found and contacted to come and play for this event. She did all the organizing work for this event, I just had the honor of hosting it.
As promised here is a quick rundown of the musicians that played, and their links.
Lisa Ltan made a return appearance and was as awesome as ever.
www.youtube.com/user/minxafied
www.myspace.com/ltantunes
Tom Meny, after tastefully handing one of blogtv's notorious haters played and outdid himself as well.
www.youtube.com/user/bobostonepony
www.tommeny.com
www.myspace.com/tommeny
www.twitter.com/tommeny
Our good friend Didgerod came on and as always was incredible. He also does a regular show on blogtv, every Friday night at 9 p.m (eastern.
www.youtube.com/user/didgerod
www.blogtv.com/People/didgerod
Kelly Hoyle Fuller played her heart out. Really great music, it was nice to see her again.
www.youtube.com/user/khjavy8
www.myspace.com/jvmykamusic
www.facebook.com/khjavy8
One of our newcomers to our events and blogtv came on shortly after. Personally I think Eva Walsh won everyone over with her smile, then she started playing and blew everyone away.
/www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwx3C46vsUI&feature=related
Our other newcomer was Kyle Marney. He played a really great set, and was kind enough to do an encore later in the evening. I'd also like to note that the proceeds from his CD are going to the Warrior Foundation, really great organization.
www.kylemarney.com/
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tZnO2FzHC4
At 9 p.m. our good friend Jim Cook assumed the hosting duties. I for one was really glad to have him take over and play as I've seen him at his regular show and knew he'd be a kick ass host. Jim does a regular show on blogtv as well on Saturday nights at 9 p.m. (eastern time). Jim has folks come on as a co-host during his regular show who were kind enough to come on during his portion of the event. Really great stuff I hope you folks will check him out!
www.blogtv.com/people/jimtzu
jimtzu.com/
nativeprogress.org/
www.youtube.com/user/jimtzu
I'd like to mention a couple of other musicians that didn't play live but contributed to the event please check out their pages and support them;
Rob Mazurek as always sent us 3 videos that we played during the event, Rob has been with us since day one and I'm happy and proud to be able to play his music and call him a friend. He's a really great guy and one hell of a guitar player.
www.robmazurekmusic.com
www.myspace.com/rmazurek
www.youtube.com/user/DaSperminatorRob
Sweet Papa Dave Band has a new Website
www.thesweetpapadaveband.com
Rudy Vandam was unable to play at the event but was kind enough to send us a video expressing his support.
www.youtube.com/user/rudyvandam#p/u/6/DdM4YpOd0Qk
Reina DelCid was also unable to play at the event but sent her best wishes.
www.youtube.com/user/reinadelcid
Other musicians that unfortunately also had to send their regards and asked us to keep them in mind for future events which of course we'll be happy to have them on when they can play;
Keith Macleod
www.youtube.com/user/highlandcountrysongs
Joe Varveri
www.youtube.com/user/JoeVarVeri
I'd also like to mention that there is a great website for independent musicians, especially since myspace and youtube have decided to abandon them. If you are looking for great original indie music by the real musicians of the world (as opposed to the homogenized crap the industry wants us to listen to) check this site out...
Musicians Together
musicianstogether.com/
Again my thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting independent music. Sorry I didn't do the follow up show on Sunday as promised, will explain in a future blog as well as on my next show which will be on March 20th at 9 p.m. (eastern)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
MusicFest 2011 this coming Saturday!
This coming Saturday Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show and myself will be hosting another live event on blogtv starting at 12 noon (eastern U.S. time). We have invited back a few of the favorites from past events as well as some new talent playing for us on blog for the first time.
Please join us on the Unleashed Again channel over on blogtv for 12 hours of great music!
Also joining us and helping out with the hosting duties will be blogtv fan favorite Jim Cook, who will be hosting the evening part of the show and having the open mic format that he usually does during his own show. The music is really great and I'm excited to have him with us!
Again, the link is http://www.blogtv.com/people/unleashedagain, make sure to bring plenty of snacks because you won't want to miss a minute, believe me.
Looking forward to seeing ya there!!
Please join us on the Unleashed Again channel over on blogtv for 12 hours of great music!
Also joining us and helping out with the hosting duties will be blogtv fan favorite Jim Cook, who will be hosting the evening part of the show and having the open mic format that he usually does during his own show. The music is really great and I'm excited to have him with us!
Again, the link is http://www.blogtv.com/people/unleashedagain, make sure to bring plenty of snacks because you won't want to miss a minute, believe me.
Looking forward to seeing ya there!!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A Quick Message
I recorded a quick message for the YouTube viewers the other day, thought I might as well post it here as well....
Monday, February 21, 2011
MusicFest 2011!
For more information please see the video, but Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show and myself will be hosting an event featuring live music starting at noon on March 5th on the UnleashedAgain channel. Hope you folks will join us!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Now Accepting Interview/Play Requests
I would love to get back to doing musician interviews so if you (or someone you know) is an independent musician, who would love the exposure, please shoot me an email. Please keep in mind that this interview would have to be done over Skype, or I would need a number to call via Skype to bring you on. If I need to call you, I have no problem footing the bill, as it only costs me something like 2 cents a minute and for a great musician interview, it's well worth it to me. I would also like to get back to co-hosting musicians and having live music during the show. Message me if you are interested (I have another channel set up just to do test shows to make sure everything works) and we'll get ya set up.
Also, anyone who was on the show for an interview over the last couple of years, is also invited back to the show, we had some awesome interviews with you guys and would love to see what you've been up to since we last talked and introduce you to our larger audience on blogtv (as opposed to the old blogtalkradio channel)
I would also like to extend a special invite to all the musicians who have come by and played at our music events, I think it would be really great for our viewers/listeners to get to know you folks better as well!
Also, I know I mention it during the show, and I've mentioned it in this blog once or twice, but I do have a standing invitation for musicians who have been at our events, or have played live on the show before to come on and play a set. I don't always remember to ask, invite or offer so if there is a night that you guys and gals are feeling musical just ask, I would love to bring you on and entertain us!
The show airs every Sunday night at 9 pm (eastern time) on blogtv.com! Again, drop me a line at riskybusiness04@gmail.com and let me know if you're interested.
Thanks and have a great weekend!
Also, anyone who was on the show for an interview over the last couple of years, is also invited back to the show, we had some awesome interviews with you guys and would love to see what you've been up to since we last talked and introduce you to our larger audience on blogtv (as opposed to the old blogtalkradio channel)
I would also like to extend a special invite to all the musicians who have come by and played at our music events, I think it would be really great for our viewers/listeners to get to know you folks better as well!
Also, I know I mention it during the show, and I've mentioned it in this blog once or twice, but I do have a standing invitation for musicians who have been at our events, or have played live on the show before to come on and play a set. I don't always remember to ask, invite or offer so if there is a night that you guys and gals are feeling musical just ask, I would love to bring you on and entertain us!
The show airs every Sunday night at 9 pm (eastern time) on blogtv.com! Again, drop me a line at riskybusiness04@gmail.com and let me know if you're interested.
Thanks and have a great weekend!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Letter to the NFL
Dear NFL Commissioner,
Congratulations to another successful season, I hope you are able to work out the labor disputes so that we are able to enjoy a 2011 season.
I'd like to take some time and offer some advice for entertainment for next years Superbowl. I've witnessed the trainwrecks that pass for entertainment during the biggest game of the year and have some suggestions for improvements. Instead of big name stars why not have independent musicians handle the entertainment?
I personally think someone like Reina Del Cid would do a much better job at the National Anthem than Christina Aguilera's lyric malfunction. I personally think that Reina would do a much better job and be more entertaining and meaningful.
For the Halftime show, I feel that Pete Berwick would put on a much better show, especially if he shares the stage with Rob Mazurek. Since the NFL is looking to expand into Canada I think it would be a great idea to have a Canadian guitar hero on stage with an incomparable, and real musician. I know I would enjoy it much more than the Black Eyed Peas sub average performance as well as I'm sure both gentlemen will keep their shirts on, avoiding another wardrobe malfunction.
To use the biggest show on turf to promote fresh, real, independent music would be much more appreciated by fans and music lovers alike, than the sub average attempts at music entertainment the NFL has provided in recent years. To give the stage to up and comers and give them exposure and a chance to be heard and known and appreciated is what American Football is all about, and nothing could be more American.
Sincerely yours,
a rabid football fan, and true music lover.
p.s.
Make sure you tell Pete he can't play Hello Hand :)
Congratulations to another successful season, I hope you are able to work out the labor disputes so that we are able to enjoy a 2011 season.
I'd like to take some time and offer some advice for entertainment for next years Superbowl. I've witnessed the trainwrecks that pass for entertainment during the biggest game of the year and have some suggestions for improvements. Instead of big name stars why not have independent musicians handle the entertainment?
I personally think someone like Reina Del Cid would do a much better job at the National Anthem than Christina Aguilera's lyric malfunction. I personally think that Reina would do a much better job and be more entertaining and meaningful.
For the Halftime show, I feel that Pete Berwick would put on a much better show, especially if he shares the stage with Rob Mazurek. Since the NFL is looking to expand into Canada I think it would be a great idea to have a Canadian guitar hero on stage with an incomparable, and real musician. I know I would enjoy it much more than the Black Eyed Peas sub average performance as well as I'm sure both gentlemen will keep their shirts on, avoiding another wardrobe malfunction.
To use the biggest show on turf to promote fresh, real, independent music would be much more appreciated by fans and music lovers alike, than the sub average attempts at music entertainment the NFL has provided in recent years. To give the stage to up and comers and give them exposure and a chance to be heard and known and appreciated is what American Football is all about, and nothing could be more American.
Sincerely yours,
a rabid football fan, and true music lover.
p.s.
Make sure you tell Pete he can't play Hello Hand :)
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Just a Reminder
No show this week, but Indie Spotlight will return to blogtv on February 13th at our usual time.
Enjoy the Superbowl and have a great weekend!
Enjoy the Superbowl and have a great weekend!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Broadcasting in HQ
The last couple of shows were in HQ (which could also be called HD) using a Flash Media Encoder. The benefits of this are the music sounds better, and the video is much clearer. The downsides are while broadcasting in HQ I can't co-host anyone on blog, nor record on the fly like I could when I broadcast in standard.
Overall I feel it's working out well, if I had to say I missed one thing it is the ability to record on the fly. The encoder does record the show from start to finish, but I find that when I go back and watch it the video and audio isn't in sync. I haven't figured out why this is happening or what the fix might be. The last couple of weeks for the weenie of the week weekly segment that I usually post on YouTube I've just captured the video/audio and posted it but it was so out of phase this week (especially since I showed a video during the segment) that I didn't feel it was worth the trouble so this would be why I haven't posted this weeks weenie. I'll keep playing around with it and try to figure out a work-a-round.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Show updates;
I won't be doing a show this week, have plans. The show will return on Feb. 13th at it's usual time.
Deb and I have begun discussing our next music event, stay tuned.
Overall I feel it's working out well, if I had to say I missed one thing it is the ability to record on the fly. The encoder does record the show from start to finish, but I find that when I go back and watch it the video and audio isn't in sync. I haven't figured out why this is happening or what the fix might be. The last couple of weeks for the weenie of the week weekly segment that I usually post on YouTube I've just captured the video/audio and posted it but it was so out of phase this week (especially since I showed a video during the segment) that I didn't feel it was worth the trouble so this would be why I haven't posted this weeks weenie. I'll keep playing around with it and try to figure out a work-a-round.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Show updates;
I won't be doing a show this week, have plans. The show will return on Feb. 13th at it's usual time.
Deb and I have begun discussing our next music event, stay tuned.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Wow, No Post this Week
Guess I haven't had anything to say...lol
I'll try to make time to do a real blog soon!
I'll try to make time to do a real blog soon!
Friday, January 14, 2011
July 4th 2010 show (ASCAP Roundtable Discussion)
I took the 12 parts and spliced them together, enjoy!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Some Other Great Shows on Blogtv...
Ok at the show the other night I promised a link to some other great shows on blogtv.
In order of day of broadcast, all times are eastern US;
Just Another Show hosted by my good friend Kevin, this one is currently on hiatus but he's looking to make his return somewhere around the end of January at the start of Nascar season. Broadcast bi-weekly on Monday nights starting at 9 pm Kevin talks about things having to do with auto racing, cooking tips, and everything in between.
Unsigned Musicians hosted by my friend and colleague Deb her show is broadcast weekly on Wednesday nights starting at 9 pm. Her show features the original music of incredibly talented musicians. In fact on the nights that I primarily play music I've modeled my show after hers. If you are looking for awesome music Deb's show is the right place!
Flute and Didgeridoo live with Didgerod is hosted by Rod every Friday night at 9 pm. Blowing the universal vibrations.~~ Grounding,Relaxing and Healing from within Rod plays the Native American flute and Digeridoo and you will leave this show feeling relaxed, refreshed, and grounded.
Jimtzu's Flute Room hosted by blogtv favorite Jim Cook is broadcast every Saturday night at 9 pm. Live native american flute music by Jim and whoever else may drop in. He's just getting started but I gotta tell ya it's always a great time at Jim's show, you just never know who's gonna come by and be co-hosted. Really great music ya'll really have to check it out!
Indie Spotlight Live this is my show hosted by yours truly every Sunday night at 9 pm. Featuring the music of Independent musicians as well as musician interviews, home of the Weenie of the Week, and much more.
Hope you'll join us at some of these fantastic shows!
In order of day of broadcast, all times are eastern US;
Just Another Show hosted by my good friend Kevin, this one is currently on hiatus but he's looking to make his return somewhere around the end of January at the start of Nascar season. Broadcast bi-weekly on Monday nights starting at 9 pm Kevin talks about things having to do with auto racing, cooking tips, and everything in between.
Unsigned Musicians hosted by my friend and colleague Deb her show is broadcast weekly on Wednesday nights starting at 9 pm. Her show features the original music of incredibly talented musicians. In fact on the nights that I primarily play music I've modeled my show after hers. If you are looking for awesome music Deb's show is the right place!
Flute and Didgeridoo live with Didgerod is hosted by Rod every Friday night at 9 pm. Blowing the universal vibrations.~~ Grounding,Relaxing and Healing from within Rod plays the Native American flute and Digeridoo and you will leave this show feeling relaxed, refreshed, and grounded.
Jimtzu's Flute Room hosted by blogtv favorite Jim Cook is broadcast every Saturday night at 9 pm. Live native american flute music by Jim and whoever else may drop in. He's just getting started but I gotta tell ya it's always a great time at Jim's show, you just never know who's gonna come by and be co-hosted. Really great music ya'll really have to check it out!
Indie Spotlight Live this is my show hosted by yours truly every Sunday night at 9 pm. Featuring the music of Independent musicians as well as musician interviews, home of the Weenie of the Week, and much more.
Hope you'll join us at some of these fantastic shows!
Pete Berwick Live, Uncut and Uncensored (whole interview)
This is the whole inteview, I was able to take the 12 parts and splice them together. Was surprised that YouTube allowed me to upload a 2 hour video, really nice that my account is enabled for longer uploads!
So now I'll take the other interviews and do the same, stay tuned!
So now I'll take the other interviews and do the same, stay tuned!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Show Recap, and Other Stuff
Wow a recap? Yeah haven't done one of these in a while. Coming off the lull that typically happens at the show (and pretty much everywhere online) during the holidays now seems as good a time as any to get back into blogging about the show a little more.
I had originally planned last nights show to be primarily music, but over the course of the conversation in the chat Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show and myself decided to take some time to talk about some of the he said/she said bs that goes on behind the scenes on blogtv sometimes. It had come up in the chat that there was someone who had hung out with our regular crowd on blogtv that was found out to be not as they presented themselves to be and rather than do a bunch of typing in the chat about it I decided that it would be better to just cut the music for a bit and bring Deb on so we could talk about some of the things this person had said about us, herself (or himself...lol) and how she/he had destroyed some friendships as well as tried to kill our viewer stats at our respective shows because we didn't fall for her "whoa is me" line.
It was a lot of fun, we really had a great conversation with the folks in the chat. After we were done talking about that particular situation Deb gave everyone a how-to on how to figure out if someone was a "tranny" by looking at a picture of them.
Yeah it was one of those nights....lol Deb was even kind enough to do her "Fresh and Easy" voice for the folks who had never heard it. From reading this blog you might not be able to tell it but we really had a fun chat!
Hey maybe it's another reason to drop by the show sometime, we're on every Sunday night at 9 pm (eastern time). If you're looking for a link, just click the logo at the upper right hand corner of this blog!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Show notes;
Deb will be making another guest appearance within the next couple of weeks as we do another show about how the music industry REALLY works. It's come to my attention that some of the folks that have recently started coming to the show don't know how the politics of the music industry really play out, and why we don't get to hear more of these awesome independent musicians on regular radio. This show would be a bit of a refresher for the regular listeners that have been coming to the show for a while but I'm willing to bet that it'll be an eye opener for folks who haven't been previously exposed to this information.
Deb and I are also planning another music event show. The only big difference between this one and the last couple that we've done is that instead of billing and planning it as a 12 or 24 hour event, we're just going to plan an event style show without time constraints. What this means is that if we are only able to book enough musicians to cover 10 live hours then it'll be a 10 hour event. The opposite is also true, if we find enough folks to do longer then it'll be a longer show. The idea behind this change is to take away some of the stress of planning the show. Trying to find enough musicians to cover a set amount of hours is challenging. While Deb and I are more than up to such a challenge, we've always had the concern that we might compromise the quality of the show by trying to fill time in between live music with mp3's which isn't what people come out to these shows for, they come for live music. This way we can just book the musicians and let the show flow where it may and give the listeners more of what you guys want as opposed to trying to spread out the live music to fill a time block. If anything it's worth a shot we'll see how it goes. No, we haven't set a date for this yet.
It's come to my attention that some of the musicians that have come on to the show for interviews in the past would like to come back. I'll be reaching out to these folks over the course of the next couple of weeks and get back (finally!) into booking musicians interviews (although I'd rather think of them as chats, it's more fun that way) so stay tuned for that.
Said quite a mouthful here, guess it makes up for my lack of blogging over the last couple of weeks...lol
Catcha folks later!
I had originally planned last nights show to be primarily music, but over the course of the conversation in the chat Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show and myself decided to take some time to talk about some of the he said/she said bs that goes on behind the scenes on blogtv sometimes. It had come up in the chat that there was someone who had hung out with our regular crowd on blogtv that was found out to be not as they presented themselves to be and rather than do a bunch of typing in the chat about it I decided that it would be better to just cut the music for a bit and bring Deb on so we could talk about some of the things this person had said about us, herself (or himself...lol) and how she/he had destroyed some friendships as well as tried to kill our viewer stats at our respective shows because we didn't fall for her "whoa is me" line.
It was a lot of fun, we really had a great conversation with the folks in the chat. After we were done talking about that particular situation Deb gave everyone a how-to on how to figure out if someone was a "tranny" by looking at a picture of them.
Yeah it was one of those nights....lol Deb was even kind enough to do her "Fresh and Easy" voice for the folks who had never heard it. From reading this blog you might not be able to tell it but we really had a fun chat!
Hey maybe it's another reason to drop by the show sometime, we're on every Sunday night at 9 pm (eastern time). If you're looking for a link, just click the logo at the upper right hand corner of this blog!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Show notes;
Deb will be making another guest appearance within the next couple of weeks as we do another show about how the music industry REALLY works. It's come to my attention that some of the folks that have recently started coming to the show don't know how the politics of the music industry really play out, and why we don't get to hear more of these awesome independent musicians on regular radio. This show would be a bit of a refresher for the regular listeners that have been coming to the show for a while but I'm willing to bet that it'll be an eye opener for folks who haven't been previously exposed to this information.
Deb and I are also planning another music event show. The only big difference between this one and the last couple that we've done is that instead of billing and planning it as a 12 or 24 hour event, we're just going to plan an event style show without time constraints. What this means is that if we are only able to book enough musicians to cover 10 live hours then it'll be a 10 hour event. The opposite is also true, if we find enough folks to do longer then it'll be a longer show. The idea behind this change is to take away some of the stress of planning the show. Trying to find enough musicians to cover a set amount of hours is challenging. While Deb and I are more than up to such a challenge, we've always had the concern that we might compromise the quality of the show by trying to fill time in between live music with mp3's which isn't what people come out to these shows for, they come for live music. This way we can just book the musicians and let the show flow where it may and give the listeners more of what you guys want as opposed to trying to spread out the live music to fill a time block. If anything it's worth a shot we'll see how it goes. No, we haven't set a date for this yet.
It's come to my attention that some of the musicians that have come on to the show for interviews in the past would like to come back. I'll be reaching out to these folks over the course of the next couple of weeks and get back (finally!) into booking musicians interviews (although I'd rather think of them as chats, it's more fun that way) so stay tuned for that.
Said quite a mouthful here, guess it makes up for my lack of blogging over the last couple of weeks...lol
Catcha folks later!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Weenie of the Week 1-2-11 (chat included)
Last Sunday's Weenie of the Week was the Octomom.
This weeks weenie will be me (see end of clip)
My special thanks to my wife for letting me live :)
This weeks weenie will be me (see end of clip)
My special thanks to my wife for letting me live :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
