Riskybusiness's ramblings

Just Want To Say Goodbye | Troy Castellano

2012-02-01T21:17:00.000-05:00

Really great song by Troy, longtime listeners/blog readers will remember that I had the honor of having him on the show a couple of years back.

Indie Spotlight Live on Monday Nights

2012-01-31T23:12:00.001-05:00

Just to let ya know we have moved to Monday nights, still the same time, 9 pm (eastern). Hope to see you folks there!

Indie Spotlight Live Update 1-30-12

2012-01-30T23:35:00.000-05:00

Indie Spotlight is Moving

2012-01-27T00:14:00.004-05:00

Since the show's inception we have done the show on Sunday nights, from way back during the NewsTalk days up until now. The time has changed, the old time slot for NewsTalk was, believe it or not, 11:30 on Sunday nights. We gradually moved to our current time of 9 pm Sundays especially since our format switch from a news program to a music oriented program, and now, that is about to change.

Starting this week, the show will be broadcast on Monday night at 9 pm (eastern)

The reasons for the change are several, the first being that my current work schedule isn't going to work with me doing a show on Sunday nights. After I wrap the show, I'm looking at maybe a couple of hours sleep before I go to my day job on Monday morning. Since it is my regular job that pays the bills (I make no money doing the show) it's obvious that my regular off the internet job has to have top priority, particularly now. I can not be dragging ass on Monday morning just because I ran the show longer that I had planned, which happens just about every week. The quality of my regular day at my regular job would suffer, and to be honest, the quality of the show would also suffer since when it's usually getting good I'm more worried about signing off than having an awesome show.

I'm also thinking it might be easier to book musicians for interviews if I was on a different night than Sunday, since it's not the weekend, not as many live gigs that they might need to go to. Monday is not the best, but I think it might be at least easier than Sunday.

Lately there seems to growing competition with my show on Sunday nights on blogtv. That is all I'd care to say publicly about that.

I did ask Shovelheadkevin if he was interested in continuing his show since he hasn't done one in quite a while (Kevin held the Monday timeslot previously in our little group of blogtv hosts) and he told me that he isn't planning a return to blogtv, and if he wanted to do something he knew I would gladly defer to him, which I would.

So, there it is folks, starting this coming week Indie Spotlight Live will now be broadcast on Monday nights, starting at 9 pm (eastern). I hope for your continued support, I have some awesome things planned for the show this year.

It's Up to You - Eva Walsh (original)

2012-01-26T01:54:00.000-05:00

Indie Spotlight Live Roundtable Discussion 1-22-12

2012-01-25T23:15:00.000-05:00

Show Recap

2012-01-24T13:12:00.003-05:00

Had a great conversation with Rob, Deb, and Angela the other night. First live roundtable discussion for 2012 and I have to say that I have missed these! Special thanks to all who participated either on the SKYPE call or in the chatroom, what a special treat!

I will be working on getting the audio portion posted on YT with a slide show and all the links hopefully today.

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Show notes;

I also made a major announcement regarding the future of the show. We are moving to Monday nights, starting this coming week.

New Show Motto

2012-01-21T22:53:00.000-05:00

I'm adapting this from a comment I saw on YouTube...

to all the plastic manufactured "pop stars" of today...

Here's a lesson for you. Go pick up an instrument, turn off the auto tune, learn how to truly perform. Go to a seedy bar, entertain the few that are there, repeat that for a few years. Do it like the talented musicians you will hear on this show. Real musicians, with real instruments and real talent.

This is my new motto for the show.

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Show notes;

Tomorrow night I'll be joined on the show by our good friend Rob Mazurek, Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show, and possibly Kyle Marney for a round table discussion about the music industry as well as the recent goings on with the now tabled so called anti piracy laws as well as recent developments regarding copyright infringement online. You won't want to miss this one!

Show about Recent Goings On This Sunday

2012-01-19T19:56:00.000-05:00

Unless you live under a rock, there has been a lot happening regarding copyright laws lately.

How does this affect independent musicians, as well as internet broadcasters who are trying to promote independent musicians? Tune in this Sunday for a roundtable discussion to find out!

Joining me on the show this week will be our good friend Rob Mazurek, Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show, and I believe Kyle Marney will be joining us as well.

Indie Spotlight Live, this Sunday starting at 9 pm (eastern) and I hope you'll join us.

Next Week (1-22-12)

2012-01-16T23:37:00.000-05:00

Real blog about the upcoming show coming soon.

Next Sunday...

2012-01-16T00:19:00.002-05:00

Written blog coming soon...

Indie Spotlight Returns to blogtv tonight!

2012-01-08T19:52:00.000-05:00

Back from my holiday break, show starts at 9 pm (eastern) and I hope to see you folks there!

Happy New Years!

2011-12-31T23:05:00.000-05:00

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!!

Last Show of 2011

2011-12-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

A clip from my last show of this year.

Show Update

2011-12-19T22:13:00.002-05:00

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!

And it wasn't set in stone....

2011-12-04T23:41:00.002-05:00

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.....

2011-12-04T00:40:00.005-05:00

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!

Sometimes, the Industry Gets It Right

2011-11-18T23:54:00.002-05:00

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.

Indie Spotlight, Still on Schedule

2011-11-13T00:56:00.000-05:00

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!

Thinking About What If's......

2011-11-01T22:30:00.005-04:00

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.

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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).

Weenie of the Week 10-23-11

2011-10-24T18:36:00.000-04:00

Also note that there will not be a show next week....

Eminem's Die Hard Fans

2011-09-04T09:28:00.003-04:00

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.

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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.

Hear the Angels Crying (Full Version)

2011-08-30T23:43:00.000-04:00

Many of the folks that come by the show love this one. Thanks Rob for the privilege of allowing me to play it.

Show Updates and Other Stuff

2011-08-26T20:09:00.003-04:00

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.

Weenie of the Week 8-14-11 (HD)

2011-08-15T14:35:00.000-04:00

Weenie of the Week 8-7-11

2011-08-08T18:25:00.000-04:00

What? No Blogs??

2011-08-06T21:24:00.001-04:00

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.

Links to Musicians That Played at MusicFest 8

2011-07-24T01:49:00.007-04:00

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

Fallen Star - R.I.P - Amy Winehouse- Ciarán Brennan (Original)

2011-07-23T15:15:00.000-04:00

R.I.P. Any Winehouse.

Weenie of the Week 7-17-11

2011-07-19T12:12:00.000-04:00

I have not forgotten ya Blog Readers!

2011-07-18T03:28:00.002-04:00

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!

Weenie of the Week 7-3-11

2011-07-04T00:27:00.000-04:00

This weeks "Weenie" segment. I promise that I will have a real blog including links to the musicians that played at MusicFest 8 soon!

GEMA & S.978 Copyright law revisited (Making videos could become a felon...

2011-07-03T20:08:00.000-04:00

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!

Weenie of the Week 6-26-11

2011-06-27T00:58:00.000-04:00

MusicFest 8 Today!

2011-06-25T11:12:00.001-04:00

Starting today at noon, come by and join us!

http://www.blogtv.com/people/unleashedagain

Artificial Intelligence

2011-06-21T23:17:00.000-04:00

Robs latest. Posting this from the road, real blog coming soon!

JD Steagall Tribute this Sunday

2011-06-15T16:20:00.003-04:00

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

Weenie of the Week 6-12-11

2011-06-13T21:18:00.000-04:00

Upcoming Shows

2011-06-09T00:40:00.003-04:00

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.

Weenie of the Week 5-29-11

2011-06-02T17:45:00.000-04:00

Real blog coming soon...

Interview with Mark from Musicians Together; Part 1

2011-05-26T09:45:00.002-04:00

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

2 Year Anniversary Show Tonight!

2011-05-15T12:18:00.003-04:00

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!

Great Interview with Mark Last Sunday!

2011-05-04T13:18:00.004-04:00

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.

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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!

Mark from Musicians Together Interview on Spotlight Tomorrow!

2011-04-30T22:29:00.003-04:00

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!

Can't Say Goodbye: Kyle Marney

2011-04-28T22:10:00.000-04:00

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.

O Seven O Eight (Native American Style Flute)

2011-04-26T11:10:00.000-04:00

Very nice one by Didgerod, sit back, relax and enjoy!

Trouble in Mind

2011-04-25T23:31:00.000-04:00

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!

Mama Kaz Tribute to KOKO TAYLOR

2011-04-24T10:24:00.002-04:00

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

It's Up to You - Eva Walsh (original)

2011-04-23T22:09:00.000-04:00

A fun one by our good friend Eva Walsh, check it out!

Taking Easter Off

2011-04-22T23:47:00.000-04:00

Countach Cowboy

2011-04-21T09:35:00.000-04:00

Another great one by our good friend Rob Mazurek

Weenie of the Week 4-17-11

2011-04-20T21:27:00.000-04:00

RIAA Radar -- Another Great Site

2011-04-11T23:27:00.002-04:00

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/

Musicians Together

2011-04-02T13:58:00.003-04:00

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/

Updates, and Where I've Been...

2011-04-01T22:31:00.008-04:00

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!

For Independent Musicians, How to Get Airplay on Internet Radio Shows...(reposted)

2011-03-28T23:27:00.002-04:00

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.

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.

200th Post!

2011-03-28T21:38:00.001-04:00

Real blog coming soon, thanks for all your support!

MusicFest030511ThankYou.wmv

2011-03-17T21:51:00.000-04:00

No Show This Week

2011-03-13T01:09:00.001-05:00

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.

MusicFest 2011 a Huge Success!

2011-03-11T22:26:00.005-05:00

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)

MusicFest 2011 this coming Saturday!

2011-03-02T22:21:00.003-05:00

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!!

Pete Berwick "Eve Of Destruction"

2011-02-24T23:53:00.000-05:00

A Quick Message

2011-02-23T02:44:00.000-05:00

I recorded a quick message for the YouTube viewers the other day, thought I might as well post it here as well....

MusicFest 2011!

2011-02-21T23:26:00.000-05:00

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!

Now Accepting Interview/Play Requests

2011-02-17T22:51:00.003-05:00

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!

Pete Berwick "Feelings"

2011-02-12T22:05:00.000-05:00

Pete Berwick "The Star Spangled Banner"

2011-02-09T20:28:00.000-05:00

....and Pete makes my point (see post below)

Letter to the NFL

2011-02-07T18:47:00.002-05:00

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 :)

Just a Reminder

2011-02-05T11:32:00.001-05:00

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!

Broadcasting in HQ

2011-02-03T23:15:00.002-05:00

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.

Weenie of the Week 1-23-11

2011-01-25T21:32:00.000-05:00

Wow, No Post this Week

2011-01-22T12:52:00.001-05:00

Guess I haven't had anything to say...lol

I'll try to make time to do a real blog soon!

July 4th 2010 show (ASCAP Roundtable Discussion)

2011-01-14T22:29:00.000-05:00

I took the 12 parts and spliced them together, enjoy!

Pete Berwick Interview On The Kat 105.5 FM Dec 23 2010

2011-01-13T22:24:00.000-05:00

Some Other Great Shows on Blogtv...

2011-01-12T22:34:00.003-05:00

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!

Pete Berwick Live, Uncut and Uncensored (whole interview)

2011-01-12T12:05:00.000-05:00

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!

Show Recap, and Other Stuff

2011-01-10T23:08:00.003-05:00

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!

Weenie of the Week 1-2-11 (chat included)

2011-01-09T10:37:00.000-05:00

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 :)

Thanks for the Support!

2010-12-29T21:16:00.000-05:00

Alright folks here we are at the end of 2010 and I'd like to take some time and say thanks to my regular viewers for all the support this year, as I mentioned the other night it means a lot and I really mean that.

I'd also like to take some time and thank the musicians who have been a part of the show, it wouldn't be a show without you guys and gals.

As we look forward to 2011, there are some plans in the works. Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show will be rejoining me on the air to talk about some of the politics and bs that go on within the music industry. We have had a lot of newcomers to the show that weren't around when we did the original series of shows so we've decided that it's time again to talk about some of this stuff, as well as update everyone on some of the stuff thats gone on since. Should be fun and informative.

On that note, hope everyone had a good Christmas, and have a happy, and most importantly, safe New Years!

Rob Mazurek Walking Through The Darkside

2010-12-28T18:06:00.000-05:00

Weenie of the Week 12-26-10 (chat included)

2010-12-27T00:13:00.000-05:00

This weeks Weenie...

Silver Bells - Steve Martin & Paul Simon

2010-12-25T21:51:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone.

Weenie of the Week 12-19-10

2010-12-24T01:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays!!

2010-12-24T00:19:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and Happy Holidays!

~Jack

"Can I Smile Today" By Pete Berwick (From The Album "Give It Time")

2010-12-18T23:46:00.000-05:00

This is why I love the indie guys, it doesn't get much more honest than this.

Show Updates

2010-12-16T01:44:00.003-05:00

Haven't done one of these in a while, guess now is as good a time as any to do a quick update.

I really enjoyed our recent chat with Pete Berwick, he's always been a great guest to have on the show. He told me later that because of lack of sleep he was worried about sounding incoherent but after listening to the interview found out that he made perfect sense.

Yeah ya did Pete, it was great talking to ya, and having you on the show, and the feedback I've gotten from the viewers, they enjoyed it as well.

So, here we are at the end of the year, as regulars to the show as well as this blog know, we kind of get into a lull this time of year because of the holidays so I won't be doing any heavy show planning between now and the end of the year. We're just going to have great music and great times in chat. Come join us, we're on blogtv every Sunday night at 9 pm (eastern US), and if I don't get an opportunity to say it beforehand....

Happy Holidays

Weenie of the Week 12-12-10

2010-12-15T01:27:00.000-05:00

This weeks weenie.....

Pete Berwick, Live and Uncensored

2010-12-11T00:41:00.002-05:00

I created a playlist on youtube with the entire Pete Berwick interview, give it a listen! Had a great time with Pete on the show this week, and it's a fun interview so check it out!

No Blogger Readers I Didn't Forget About You!

2010-12-09T23:15:00.004-05:00

I will take some time and recap the Pete Berwick interview, as well as my guest hosting the Unsigned Musicians show soon!

Haven't forgotten about you guys I promise, just been another crazy ass week.

Pete Berwick on Indie Spotlight this Sunday!

2010-12-03T22:02:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment and remind everyone that the one and only Pete Berwick will be joining us on the show this week. Pete's always been a great friend of the show and it's been way too long since we've had him on.

From his website...

Berwick's journey began in Illinois in the mid seventies, hammering out irreverant country, roots rock and reckless honky tonk rave ups night after night to anyone in the midwest who cared to listen. Then after after almost fifteen years of non stop performing he headed to Nashville with a fistful of songs and the clothes on his back. By the time Berwick arrived in the music city, Steve Earle was on his way to jail and Jason & the Scorchers had broken up. Signed by an up and coming independent record label in the heart of music row, Berwick was heralded by many in town as the one to run with the cowpunk gauntlet left at the roadside. After years of belting it out in biker bars and nowhere dives, Pete now found himself opening shows for Charlie Daniels, Doug Kershaw, and other musical legends. He was invited to make cameo appearances in music videos by The Kentucky Headhunters and Travis Tritt, and also appeared on a commercial for Monday night Football. But as fast as luck goes up in Nashville, it comes down even faster. The promising record deal went bust, but not before the recording of the critically acclaimed "Ain't No Train Outta Nashville." Recorded in Waylon Jennings old studio, The album was shelved in 1991 due to contractual disputes and economic hardships. Disgusted with the politics of the music industry, Pete bought several acres of land fourty miles east of Nashville and resigned to shooting his guns, writing some of the songs that would become his third album "Just Another Day In Hell" and working at the local factory.

Berwick later moved back to his hometown in northern Illinois, and free from the publishing and other legal disputes tying up the album, he released "Ain't No Train Outta Nashville" on his own label in 2007. From there it shot to #5 on Cross Country Satellite Radio and #20 on The Roots Music Report Charts, and the title song appeared in Paramount Pictures "The Thing Called Love" starring River Phoenix. Prior to releasing "Ain't No Train Outta Nashville" Berwick recorded and released also on his own label "Only Bleeding" with Brian Wilson bassist Bob Lizic, and as the critical acclaim started pouring in, he hit the road once more in support of both albums.

After thirty years of belting out his sweat soaked ballads and rockers in bars and clubs, and thousands of shows and two albums later he delivered his third recording, "Just another Day In Hell", co-produced with Jason Botka and Mike Kozitka at Skye Bleu Studios In Villa Park, Illinois. An eighteen song epic of non fictional tales which colorfully and often brutally describes the trials and hardships left behind on the long hard trail, "Just Another Day In Hell" is Pete Berwick's biography and heart and soul worn on his tattered sleeve. From shattered relationships, broken dreams and drug abuse, to prison walls and battles with angels and demons, this is as real as it gets. Pete's rough and ready vocals spit out stark tales of heartache, pain and redemption, and just like life, the endings aren't always pretty.

Now in 2010 Berwick delivers his fourth album, "Give It Time." An in-your-face- assualt of blistering biker rock, hopeless romantic ballads and heartbreak anthems.

Though well below the radar throughout most of his career, Berwick's die-hard spirit and gritty songs have earned him due respect from critcs and fans weary of the cookie cutter fluff churned out by the pop and country music industry, and his albums have earned several top ten album of the year awards, and americana/roots rock artist of the year awards.

Please join us this Sunday starting at 9 pm (eastern) it's never a dull moment with Pete on the show!

Weenie of the Week 11-28-10

2010-12-02T01:58:00.000-05:00

This Week's Weenie....

Upcoming Shows

2010-11-27T08:53:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone, happy Saturday.

Just wanted to take a few and talk about some of the upcoming shows for December. On the 5th Pete Berwick will be making his return appearance. It's always a blast to have Pete on the show and to be honest it's been way too long. I'm really looking forward to it!

I'm also planning a end of the year recap, just a short walk down memory lane for one of the last shows of 2010 so if there are any moments (besides the night Angela and Deb showed me the pink pig, already planning it) let me know. You can leave it in the comments section below or just email me.

People have been asking me if I'm going to be doing a show on New Years eve. To be honest last years show was just a spur of the moment almost didn't happen sort of thing and I'm kinda hesitant to do one this year because there are other regularly scheduled shows on blogtv on Friday nights so it really depends partly on if I have any plans and what the other guys are doing. If I'm home and not doing anything else, and there isn't anything else going on in blogtv land, then yes.

Another idea is maybe to do it on the channel I usually use for my "test" channel. I really haven't decided yet, I'll let you guys know.

Don't forget to join us tomorrow starting at 9 pm (eastern), and have a great weekend!

Weenie of the Week 11-21-10

2010-11-23T22:56:00.000-05:00

Weenie of the Week 11-14-10

2010-11-17T10:42:00.000-05:00

This weeks Weenie of the Week segment. Yes I know better than to play with trolls, but its so much fun!!

Well, for a while anyway..lol

Show Recap

2010-11-16T06:16:00.004-05:00

Well, finally made it back to the blogtv airways last Sunday, special thanks to all who came out!

We were very fortunate to be joined in the chat by our good friend Pete Berwick as we played cuts from his new album as well as other new musicians. Really had a great show and it was nice to be back.

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Show notes;

Barring anything unforeseen, I expect to be able to stick to my normal schedule going forward so join us every Sunday night at 9 pm (eastern time)

While Pete was in chat I hit him up for an interview. Petes always a fun interview, you just never know what the guy is gonna say next. We gotta get the date worked out but it'll be very soon so stay tuned!

Indie Spotlight Returns to Blogtv Tomorrow Night!

2010-11-13T11:54:00.002-05:00

Finally making my blogtv return, please join us at 9 pm (eastern) for great new music, and more!!

Hope to see you folks there!

Updates 11/8/10

2010-11-08T09:31:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone.

I was planning my return to the airwaves last night, however something came up and instead of trying a "juggling act" I decided to extend my hiatus to 3 weeks.

So, my return to the blogtv airwaves will be this coming Sunday, November 14th. I have an action packed show with new music, a rant or two, as well as a funny weenie of the week.

Sorry I missed everyone last night, see you all real soon!

Just a Reminder

2010-10-31T20:52:00.001-04:00

No show tonight, however I am tentatively planning my blogtv return next week.

Happy Halloween!!

Pete Berwick's new CD "Give it Time"

2010-10-30T01:01:00.004-04:00

I usually do critiques and CD plugs during the show (with a follow up blog of course) but with the show currently on hiatus due to my work schedule I really didn't want to wait to talk about Pete's new CD so here I am at 1 in the morning after a long day. So if I babble a bit here please forgive...lol

First let me just say that when I listened to Pete's previous CD (Just Another Day in Hell) I always thought that it would be a tough act to follow. I should have known Pete would pull it off with his latest release that just came out this week. Give It Time makes no apologies with it's honesty while offering encouragement for the future and an ice cold beer along the way. While not a complete departure from Pete's "cowpunk" roots it does offer a more hard rocking punch with a bit of the Berwick sarcasm thrown in for good measure. This CD like all of Pete's music is real life, and nothing like the bubblegum crap the industry likes to try to shove down our throats. This is real music for real people, I would defiantly recommend this and I very strongly encourage anyone who would like to know what real music sounds like to go to http://www.peteberwick.net and pick up a copy.

I have to say that it's because of Pete Berwick that I can ride in the car in peace with my wife. As I've mentioned before my better half and I don't have the same taste in music and traveling together can sometimes be a trial. I like hard rocking music, with a bit of country and blues thrown in, while she likes high paced dance music, rap and too much of the RIAA's spoonfed, homogenized bullshit (sorry princess).

When the "discussion" on what to listen to while driving becomes too intense, and the radio is about to be shut off for good, all I have to do is pop in Pete Berwick.

And we go in peace. We don't agree on most music, but we are both die hard Pete Berwick fans, and given how different our musical tastes are that is saying something.

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Show notes;

As I mentioned earlier in this blog my show is currently on hiatus. My work schedule has been insane as regular viewers know happens every year about this time. While not set in stone I am planning my return sometime in November.

See ya'll around the internets!

p.s. My good friend Rob Mazurek sent me an article about some assholes from the RIAA and the major labels saying that Indie artists are "Second Class Citizens" as far as they are concerned. I haven't had time to read it yet, but when I do I'm sure I'll be posting a blog about it, and will talk about it on my next show (whenever that is). Stuff like this really pisses me off, especially after listening to "Give It Time" I think that the independents could teach the majors a thing or two about what real music is. Yeah this is really pissing me off so stay tuned!

Missing a few shows (October 2010)

2010-10-24T17:29:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that there won't a show tonight.