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/

Where I've Been, and Other Stuff

Since it's been forever and a day since I've really made my presence on the internet known (outside of the farming games on Facebook) I guess now is a good a time as any to update everyone on what I've been up to.

Last week (and last minute for that matter) the wife and I went on a road trip, picking up her nephew in Michigan, then heading to Tennessee via Kentucky. She drove an hour in while in Michigan, an hour while in Ohio, and she was kind enough to pull the car in her parents driveway.

I did the rest of the driving. 36 hours on the road, 'nuff said. And yes while I drove through Kentucky, and listened to Pete Berwicks "Busted in Kentucky" while driving through Kentucky, I can't say that I myself got busted in Kentucky...lol

After we visited with her folks for a couple of days SHE drove us home! I spent the weekend with the kid, showed him the sites around here and DC and all that so needless to say I've been pretty busy and just haven't been around at all.

This week I'll be getting back into my prime internet form. I'm really looking forward to getting back on blogtv and chatting up all my buds and finding out what I missed.

Also, I'm declaring war on Myspace again, just because I can. Regular readers of this blog might remember when Pete Berwick was censored for using his album cover as his profile picture, Myspace said it was offensive and 13 year olds might see it.



I had it posted as my main one for a while, never got in trouble for it. Pete put it back up on his, so I took it off of mine.

Now, I have a new one I'm going to post. Hard to say that a 13 year old might be offended by Turtles Humping, since a 13 year old took the picture.

Eat this Myspace!



Indie Spotlight Live returns this Sunday at 9 pm (eastern) I hope to have a guest scheduled over the next couple of weeks, stay tuned!

Been a while, time to catch up....

Between getting the show set up the way I like it on blogtv, and some other stuff going on I guess I should post some updates.

The new show is going well, I don't miss blogtalkradio at all. I think we've worked out most of the bugs on blogtv and I'm ready to quit goofing off and start getting back to doing some real shows again.

Yeah I said that a few weeks ago, I know I know.

We've already had our first guest, it was kind of a surprise when Pete Berwick popped into my chat. I have to tip my hat off to Deb from Unsigned Musicians who often helps me out as a co-host for coming up with a quick solution. When we co-host on blogtv, we use Skype to keep in real time, and Pete does not have Skype. Deb called in on Skype, and put Pete on a speakerphone. It came out good considering how last minute it was and I have to tip my hat to Deb for thinking it up.

I'm starting to see some familiar faces in my chat during the show, people who had to deal with the technical problems on btr and said fuck it, are starting to show up on blogtv. It's a nice feeling to see some old friends that I haven't seen on the internet in a while.

Now we need to start talking music, the industry, and I would really like to start having musician interviews again. Pete was last minute, the interview was really good as it always is when he's on. I did record some segments, you can find them on my showpage over on blogtv and as you can hear we had a ton of fun on that show.

Overall I have to say that the switch to blogtv is going well. Like I said before we've worked most of the bugs out, it's coming together really well. If there are any Indie musicians out there who would like to come on the show and talk about their music, and anything in between hit me up. Right now I know I can have you on via Skype, but I am working on having people on the phone as well. I would love to have some fresh talent on the show.

I'm also going to be working on having some of our past guests back on, I'd like to catch up with some of these folks and I think the crowd on our new show would really enjoy getting to know them. I know I'd enjoy it.

Finally, here's the skinny with the latest myspace bullshit. Pete Berwick had this picture as his profile pic on his myspace page. It's the cover off of his latest album.



Myspace took it down because they said it was offensive and violated their Terms of Use. He sent them a very pointed, and yet professional letter asking why, and never got an answer.

So, I put that evil, satanic pic as my main profile picture on myspace. Mostly because I want to support Pete but I also just felt like being an asshole and what better place than one that is run by a bunch of 'em. Lets face facts, since Tom Anderson sold out Myspace has been ruled by the media whores that bought into it, which includes the music industry majors. It does not surprise me that they might find a reason to stifle the little guy for coming up with some great music, and oh yeah he might have an album cover that might be a great idea that they should have thought of but didn't because they were too busy looking at TITS!

It's bullshit. Offensive my ass, you know what I find offensive? How about Miley Cyrus, Miss Hannah Montana herself showing some skin on the front page of Myspace? She's under 18, could that be considered child porn? Yeah I like to look at a young piece of ass but shouldn't it be a legal piece of ass? Beside that do I really want to look at a no talent wannabe musician when I log in?

But I digress.....

So Pete's crotch shot wearing handcuffs is offensive, 13 year olds might see it, but Miley, or whoever the blonde flavor of the week might be, is not offensive? Give me a fucking break.

So, it's been a week, the Myspace police hasn't caught it on my profile yet (although they might after I post this blog over there) and not one person has told me why that album cover might be offensive. So, I'm leaving it up until myspambullshit, oops I mean Myspace pulls it down. I don't see how Pete's picture can be considered offensive.

Sorry about the rant, well, not really....lol

Anyway, the blogtv show is going well, we're on every Sunday night at 9 p.m. (eastern) and I hope to be scheduling some musician interviews soon!

Well except for no talent big titty Barbie wanna-be's you won't be hearing them on the show.

Ever.

Comment on Yesterday's Post Regarding Pete Berwick

I had copied and pasted yesterdays blog on Myspace. My good friend Rob Mazurek made a very good comment on it, and I wanted to share it as well as my response for the benefit of those who read my blogs on here.

Nothing offence about Pete's picture that I can see here Jack,pair of handcuffs..-so what ? . I've seen women on myspace post almost completely nude shots of themselves and never get them yanked from their pages (then again who would complain... I guess thats a bad example...lol) Seriously though, Pete's picture here is completely harmless- I think you may be onto somthing Jack, it's not the pictures at all-but the music that the major labels find to be a threat to their existance-so yeah,they nit-pick away at the indie guys for creating music just as good (and in some cases better-then some of their major artists)

What I find sad and pathetic is...the world of music is digitalized now,downloads are the norm as opposed to buying CD's- the market is huge for everyone to make a buck, there's no need for childlike greed on anyones part. I wont mention any major label artists names here but if certain female artists can make half-naked videos and sell music based on "Sex" and have their videos freely posted on myspace for the world to see (including impressionable 13 year old girls) , than Pete's pic is very harmless compared to that !! , Ive also seen womens websites with pics depicting/suggesting bondage- so the handcuffs obviously cannot be the "Real issue" here.

- Just my Two Cents people.

Posted by Rob Mazurek on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 6:13 AM

I think he hit the nail right on the head. Reposting my response here for the benefit of my blogger readers.

Rob I think you make a very good point. We've all seen some pretty suggestive pictures here on Myspace, generally from legit users of the site. As the world of music has become more digitized social networking sites like Myspace are the perfect tool for independent musicians to promote themselves, get their work heard and do all this without being with a major label. The majors meanwhile want to promote THEIR people, and the music that THEY think people should be listening to, never mind that there are a lot of people who have gotten tired of the cookie-cutter crap that the majors keep churning out. Keeping in mind that the major recording studios (or the companies that own THEM) have bought up the majority of the radio stations here in the states, they control who gets heard, its not like it was before where a locally owned station would give the "little guy" airplay.

So, with all this in mind, the only real avenues that the independents have are live shows, and the internet. The internet is a powerful tool as we all know. Independents have used and embraced Myspace because of the potential to promote yourself to thousands (some cases tens of thousands) of people, and create a fan base. All this being done without any help from the majors whatsoever and I really think that this is where the problem lies. The major labels continue to insist that musicians NEED THEM. Well, no, you don't. I really think that because of this the majors feel threatened, and pull below the belt crap like this.

When you consider that the 4 major labels all have bought stakes into Myspace, it's easy to read between the lines and see what's really going on.

Just thought I'd share the conversation for the benefit of my blogger readers.

Myspace Threatens Pete Berwick with Account Deletion!!

First of all, does anyone find anything offensive about this album cover? Obviously it's Pete's new album, Just Another Day in Hell.

Some asshole over at Myspace seems to think that this is offensive, believe it or not. Pete had it posted as his main profile pic, and Myspam, oops I mean myspace pulled it down, and sent him an email threatening him with an account deletion if he continues to "post pictures that are violating Myspaces' terms of use"

Isn't this some bullshit?

Seems Myspace continues to go after independent musicians, first they wouldn't let Black Angel upload music for 3 weeks because they posted a copyrighted song, that believe it or not was an original Black Angel song.

Now they are harassing Pete Berwick. Could it be that maybe these Indie guys create and perform music that is much better than the Majors Flavor Of The Week? It's interesting that we get almost naked pictures of Carrie Underwood on the front page of Myspace, and yet an unsigned artist can't have a profile picture of himself wearing handcuffs.

Oh shit, thats right I forgot, Myspace is partly owned by the Music Mafia, silly me.

Music Artist Chris Blake on Indie Music Spotlight Last Night

First of all, I have to say that I'm really enjoying this series of shows. It was really nice having Deb back this week as I had a conversation with Chris Blake.

Chris has had a ton of positive reviews on his music, and rightfully so. I do have to say that I found him to be a really modest guy, and really easy to talk to. He reminded me of some of the other independent artists that we've interviewed, folks like you and me who put their pants on one leg at a time, he just happens to be one of these great musical artists who put out great music and doesn't realize his own talent.

It was a really fun show, I really had a blast doing this interview. Although I have to say that it really turned into a conversation which to me are the best shows. I like it as a host to not have to be firing off questions and have a Q and A session, a discussion is always so much better.

A really insightful discussion it was, Chris didn't have some of the same views on the music industry as some of our previous guests did which was an interesting change of pace for me. I mean after talking to JC Martin, and Pete Berwick who all but want to just stand in front of the majors and give them a one fingered salute talking to someone who isn't really inclined to do that (although he did say he went through that period) was really a change but I couldn't help but agree with some of the things Chris said about myspace (it's free why complain) and the majors (they have the business model and know how to succeed) and while I have to see his point on the majors at the same time business models have to evolve, they have to change and realize that the times have changed, and that there are some really awesome artists who should be heard.

Lets face it, go and listen to Chris's music on Myspace and wonder why the hell we don't hear this on the radio. Instead we hear whatever "mega media whores" thinks we might want to hear, never mind what we really might want to hear.

I'm sorry, but given the music I hear on mainstream music right now, I think that the "whores" are missing the mark.

Just my opinion though, check out the show, right now I think it's one of our best shows that we've done on the "Indie Music Spotlight" series so far. Chris Blake was really insightful on some of his thoughts on the music industry, but I have to say that he really needs to give his own music more credit.

His stuff is really awesome (the definition of awesome to me being something that leaves you in awe and wonder) and I hope that he that might be able to take that and outsiders look at his music and realize it.

There is no shortage of great music on the internet, and he's right up there with the best of the best.

Just want to toss out some links

Anyone who's been reading my blogs, or following my shows on blogtalkradio (and feel free to hang out and listen to the last 3 in the player if you haven't) knows that I've been doing a series of shows on Indie artists, and the whacked out insanity that is the music business.

I wanted to take a second and post some links to the artists that we've been talking to, as well as some other links.

Here goes....

Deb's show on blogtalkradio. She broadcasts every Saturday night at 11 p.m. eastern. A great place to unwind, chill, listen to some great music. This is also where you'll hear some of the artists talked about on my show.

Pete Berwicks website and his myspace page, he was on last Sunday, and mentioned that he had one of his new song on there, "I Fought With Angels". Awesome stuff

Black Angel on Myspace it seems that he can upload again, I'm taking bets on how long it lasts.

Finally, if anyone out there is looking for a free dating website, that doesn't totally suck ass, check out bookofmatches.com I can personally vouch for this one, I've helped them out over the last couple of years as a forum moderator, and met the incredible woman who would eventually become my wife from there. The sites owner recently started his own blog on here. Check out my comment on it, you'll find out more about me than I think you ever wanted to know!

Still working on this Sunday's guest, stay tuned!

Pete Berwick on Special Report last Sunday

Another week, another awesome interview.

Pete Berwick was an awesome guest on the show. He kept us in stitches talking about the music industry, when he was on Wife Swap (which will repeat on Feb. 20th on ABC) and his upcoming album.

Some of the things that we talked about go right to the heart of what we've spent the last couple of weeks talking about (and Deb even longer than that on her show Unsigned Musicians). Unless you are with a major label, good luck finding avenues to get your work out. The major labels practically have a monopoly on the over the air radio stations, there are only so many gigs you can play, and keep a band together living in tight quarters, ect. ect.

But......

We do have the internet!

What the majors hate, is the fact that they can't control that aspect of it, although they are trying to. JC Martin is having issues at Myspace again, YouTube is pulling videos down for copyright infringement because (you're gonna love this) of music playing on a radio in the background!

How screwed up is that?

I totally understand the need to protect copyrighted material, the copyright laws exist for a reason, and artists have every right to earn royalties on their work.

Herein lies the problem, unless you are a MAJOR success, you don't see a dime, and yet the licensing fees are paid. Where does the money go?

Why the overkill on enforcement that benefits so few?

Just a thought.

You can catch Pete Berwick on Myspace, and on his website peteberwick.net. We played a few of his songs on the show, including a special live performance of "Hello Hand" which was freaking hilarious and a hell of alot of fun to listen to. It really was an awesome show.

It is over 3 hours long though, you can follow the blogtalkradio.com link on this page, or my homepage at www.geocities.com/jstrapus and download the podcast. It'll be worth your while.

Awesome Show Last Night

All I can say is holy crap what an awesome show we had last night.

We had JC Martin from Black Angel on the show last night. We weren't sure if he was going to be able to make it up until the last minute.

Deb and I were starting to go into who BMI/Ascap are, and how they've fallen hard and fast from their original purpose when JC called in.

Those of you who aren't familiar with Black Angel, I would encourage you to check out their Garageband page here and check them out. I promise it will be well worth your time. Also here is their Myspace page here in case anyone is interested in checking that out as well.

I almost wasn't provided the opportunity to post that link to Myspace. Why you ask? Well, it would seem that one of the music companies that have a stake in Myspace thought that JC was committing copyright infringement. He uploaded on of his own songs to Myspace, and somehow it hit a trigger that mismatched it to someone else's song. (something called "wasted"?)

After 3 weeks he was able to get it straightened out (thankfully) and can upload music to Myspace again, but he had to jump through about 50 hoops and almost stand on his head and spit pennies to make it happen. Anyway, check out the music, it's totally awesome! In fact I have the Myspace player going right now as I type this.

It was really interesting talking to JC. He's not just some fly by night musician he's been around a while, and lived to tell it....lol After he talked to Deb and I about the Myspace fiasco we got to talking about some of his experiences out there in the music world and some of the stories he could tell and did. It was a really fascinating experience as a radio host to sit back and just talk and listen to the guy.

It really turned out to be a great show, it's in the player right now, take some time and listen to it. Or go to blogtalkradio and download the podcast. You won't regret it.

Also, we'll continue to have guests and talk to them about the music industry as well as their lives in the music world. Check us out every Sunday night at 9 pm (eastern U.S. time) on blogtalkradio we would love to have ya hang out and listen.