Hey folks, hope this finds everyone well, and I hope that at least so far everybody is having a great 2012!
As anyone who has been a regular to the show, as well as a reader to this blog knows that I recently made a move to Monday nights. I have to say that unfortunately the viewers just haven't been there on Mondays.
Since the intent of the show is to promote independent musicians, that is not going to cut it, these folks deserve better. So, today I sat down and started exploring other websites for broadcasting the show.
The first one I tried was a neat little website called TalkShoe, which is similar to our old broadcasting home blogtalkradio. Ok, let me backtrack a bit, I checked out blogtalkradio to see what the improvements were, and from what I saw, unless you become a paid subscriber ($39.99 a month) you are limited to a 30 minute show per day, and can not broadcast in "prime time" (7 to 11 pm) so I said screw that and did a Google search for sites similar to it and thats how I landed on TalkShoe.
I really and truly wanted to like TalkShoe, I really did, but, it took forever to load, kept timing out, and when I finally managed to get on to do a test show, I kept having problems with the website loading. I stopped and restarted Firefox in safe mode, that let the page load faster, but then I had a couple of issues broadcasting. What my idea was, to broadcast the show in Skype, but I couldn't find a link to call in using Skype. You had to use the dial in number, which would require Skype credit, which I currently do not have. So then I tried using their proprietary call in feature "TalkShoe Pro" and when I played it back, it didn't sound good at all. In fact I had a user show up in the chat and tell me that my best bet was to use Skype as he had a similar experience on his show. While I thought it was beyond awesome that all I was doing a test show, still had a listener show up and offer advice, the site just didn't work the way that I think it needs to for the show to regain it's past glory. I really wanted this to work, it just didn't. If I, as a host, had issues even loading the site, people looking for the show would have the same, most would give up, so as much as I wish it would, it's just not going to work. I will check back at a later date to see if there are improvements, however at this time, as much as I wish it was, TalkShoe just isn't a viable alternative.
So, I then turned my attention to the account that I had recently created on Justin.tv. After tweaking and playing around for a few hours, I have to say that this one went better, but there are some issues to me taking the show over there. The first issue is that because all the shows archive, and every broadcast on the site itself is licensed under Creative Commons, all the music I play would have to be as well. While the majority of the music I play is indeed licensed under Creative Commons (CC) there are several musicians whose music I currently give airplay to, are not, nor would I ask them to. While I do have the permission of the song writers and the musicians that do not license under CC that I am currently giving airplay to (and honestly consider these guys friends as well), I myself am not comfortable giving them airplay on a site that by default licenses everything broadcast on it under CC. These musicians have not offered their music under CC, so it is not my place to play it on a site that is a CC site, whereby offering their music under CC, it's not my place to do so, it's just that simple.
The other thing I notice is that Justin.tv doesn't have a co-feature like blogtv does, not that I've used it much at all in the last year, but it is handy. The bonus with Justin.tv is that the entire show would archive for 7 days after broadcast so even if people weren't able to catch the live show, they can listen to the archive at a later date if they wanted to. I also found that I can use the Flash Media Encoder that I currently use on blogtv for the better sound and video also works over there, and the better quality archives as well.
So, here is what I'm thinking in regards to the future of Indie Spotlight Live. I am starting to think (nothing written in stone of course) that I might be moving the regular broadcast to my channel on Justin.tv. In addition, because several of the musicians that do not license their music under CC have been with me since day one, obviously also deserve airplay, I am thinking that I might also continue a semi-regular broadcast on blogtv. The other idea is to move the blogtv show back to Sunday nights, and do a shorter version of it featuring all the musicians I currently play, with a full sized show featuring the CC music on Justin.tv on another night (maybe not Monday, but another night where I can do a full sized broadcast) and seeing if I can attract a whole new following on there.
At this point, all ideas are on the table, at this point in time, at least this week, I am doing the Monday night show on blogtv. If I don't see the stats at least start to improve, I really need to start thinking about how, and where I am going to go next with the show. I know from past experience that doing 2 shows a week is draining, and is hard to keep up with, especially if you are doing them on 2 different websites, I've tried this before and it was a bit much. But to give the majority of the musicians that I currently play on the show airtime as well as taking care of the guys that have been loyal to me their due as well, to me it's worth it. I can even use the playlist that I would put together for the justin.tv show and insert these guys for the blogtv show. There are many ways I can go with this.
Bottom line is, I can't currently go back to doing the full show on Sundays, the viewer/listener stats aren't there on Mondays, so I need a plan B.
I'll let you folks know what I decide. Have a great evening!
Showing posts with label independent artists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label independent artists. Show all posts
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Indie Spotlight is Moving
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.
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.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
New Show Motto
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Not Set in Stone But.....
I'm thinking that tonight's show might be the last one of 2011. I really haven't had much traffic the last couple of weeks, and we are into the usual holiday slump as far as internet activity goes.
Case in point, last Sunday's show had 13 hits, usually it's in the 40's or 50's.
So, given the hits the show gets tonight, this might be my last hurrah of 2011 as far as the show goes (of course if the hit count is off the charts, well, maybe next week might be my last one but I doubt it). Personally, I'd like to have one or two more shows to do, I love promoting and talking about how the "industry" screws over the independent musicians but if no one is even listening why bother? I always love the audience I get, but if it's only going to be a handful of hits, and only one or two folks in chat why bother? I'm not bitching, we are in a time of year where the traffic online is not going to be all that great to begin with, people have things to deal with that don't include hanging out online, it's just the nature of the beast, it's the way it is.
Right now as far as the show goes, I'm already looking ahead to the New Year, I'm planning on having more musician interviews, more chats with the movers and shakers of the industry, and, as long as I can plan ahead and know they'll be there so I know whether or not to broadcast in Standard as opposed to HQ, live music.
In case I don't get a chance to say it, I'd like to thank everyone for all the support this year. On a personal level, the past 12 months have been the most difficult of my life. I've really had to prioritize things and as much as I hate to admit it, Indie Spotlight has fallen near the bottom. Sometimes I have to wonder if I'm even worthy of the support I've gotten, but then I realize, it's not about me so much as it's about the musicians, and are they worthy of the support? Um, Hell Yeah!!
I know that even in person, but especially online, I haven't been the greatest friend, or host. I'm thinking that taking a break when the online traffic isn't going to be the greatest to begin with, might not be such a bad idea.
Indie Spotlight Live, the possible (on my end I say likely) last show of 2011 will air on blogtv at 9 pm (eastern) tonight. Hope anyone reading this will come by!
Case in point, last Sunday's show had 13 hits, usually it's in the 40's or 50's.
So, given the hits the show gets tonight, this might be my last hurrah of 2011 as far as the show goes (of course if the hit count is off the charts, well, maybe next week might be my last one but I doubt it). Personally, I'd like to have one or two more shows to do, I love promoting and talking about how the "industry" screws over the independent musicians but if no one is even listening why bother? I always love the audience I get, but if it's only going to be a handful of hits, and only one or two folks in chat why bother? I'm not bitching, we are in a time of year where the traffic online is not going to be all that great to begin with, people have things to deal with that don't include hanging out online, it's just the nature of the beast, it's the way it is.
Right now as far as the show goes, I'm already looking ahead to the New Year, I'm planning on having more musician interviews, more chats with the movers and shakers of the industry, and, as long as I can plan ahead and know they'll be there so I know whether or not to broadcast in Standard as opposed to HQ, live music.
In case I don't get a chance to say it, I'd like to thank everyone for all the support this year. On a personal level, the past 12 months have been the most difficult of my life. I've really had to prioritize things and as much as I hate to admit it, Indie Spotlight has fallen near the bottom. Sometimes I have to wonder if I'm even worthy of the support I've gotten, but then I realize, it's not about me so much as it's about the musicians, and are they worthy of the support? Um, Hell Yeah!!
I know that even in person, but especially online, I haven't been the greatest friend, or host. I'm thinking that taking a break when the online traffic isn't going to be the greatest to begin with, might not be such a bad idea.
Indie Spotlight Live, the possible (on my end I say likely) last show of 2011 will air on blogtv at 9 pm (eastern) tonight. Hope anyone reading this will come by!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Upcoming Shows
Hey everyone, it's been a while since I posted a real blog or update, now would be a good a time as any to let ya know whats going on.
I have some new music for the show this week, I really hope you'll come by and check it out. We will be featuring the music of two new musicians this week.
The following week we'll be paying tribute to our good friend J.D. Steagall from Buster Chopz and JD and the Cherokee Boys who passed away on June 16th of last year. He was a great guy, a huge supporter of the show and other indie musicians, and one hell of a musician in his own right. We'll be replaying some of our favorite moments of him being on the show, and pay tribute to a gone, but not forgotten friend.
I have some new music for the show this week, I really hope you'll come by and check it out. We will be featuring the music of two new musicians this week.
The following week we'll be paying tribute to our good friend J.D. Steagall from Buster Chopz and JD and the Cherokee Boys who passed away on June 16th of last year. He was a great guy, a huge supporter of the show and other indie musicians, and one hell of a musician in his own right. We'll be replaying some of our favorite moments of him being on the show, and pay tribute to a gone, but not forgotten friend.
Monday, April 11, 2011
RIAA Radar -- Another Great Site
As we talk about often during the show, there are "indie" labels that are actually RIAA labels.
Want to know who they are? Check out http://riaaradar.com/
Want to know who they are? Check out http://riaaradar.com/
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Musicians Together
Recently I found out about a website called Musicians Together. It's a really cool site for independent musicians to upload videos, and get to meet other musicians and fans as well. It's free, very well run, and there are alot of really great people over there, so I hope you guys will check it out.
Here is why, in my opinion, great sites like MT are important. As regular visitors to this blog (as well as the weekly show on blogtv) know, the major music industry has been steadily getting it's hooks into the websites that independents have traditionally used to self promote, network and get their music out. One great example is Myspace. Once upon a time that was THE site to be on if you were a musician. Since 4 of the major record labels bought into it, this is no longer the case, the site has completely turned it's back to the musicians that help build it. Now, it's just a big advertisement for the artists the major labels think we should be listening to, and the indies are shoved in the back somewhere. In fact they've become such a narcissistic, self important piece of crap website that myspace isn't even useful as a social networking site anymore. I was on there recently and can plainly see why people are leaving in droves, the site is almost impossible to navigate. Not only that, user generated content (such as bulletins and updates) are even pushed aside for whatever the majors flavor of the week is. In fact I still haven't figured out where they moved the bulletins to!
YouTube is another great example of a site that has, at least in my opinion, turned it's back to the musicians that helped build it. Since they downgraded the "music" category making it harder to find independent musicians and the music. Because the content on YT is more diversified I don't expect them to have the same downfall Myspam (oops I mean myspace) did, however from talking to some of the musicians I've found out that the view counts on their videos are way down from what they used to be.
This is whats great about Musicians Together, it's a site created by a musician, for musicians. There isn't a bunch of "white noise", it's picking up where other sites have left off. You don't have to look for the latest video from your favorite musician, it's right there.
Musicians Together is a young site, they are just starting out, but if the history of how some of these other sites is any indicator, I think they will be huge.
And I don't expect that they'll go the route of the other sites mentioned here and sell out.
Check them out, create an account, make a few friends and be a part of something pretty awesome, you won't regret it!
http://musicianstogether.com/
Here is why, in my opinion, great sites like MT are important. As regular visitors to this blog (as well as the weekly show on blogtv) know, the major music industry has been steadily getting it's hooks into the websites that independents have traditionally used to self promote, network and get their music out. One great example is Myspace. Once upon a time that was THE site to be on if you were a musician. Since 4 of the major record labels bought into it, this is no longer the case, the site has completely turned it's back to the musicians that help build it. Now, it's just a big advertisement for the artists the major labels think we should be listening to, and the indies are shoved in the back somewhere. In fact they've become such a narcissistic, self important piece of crap website that myspace isn't even useful as a social networking site anymore. I was on there recently and can plainly see why people are leaving in droves, the site is almost impossible to navigate. Not only that, user generated content (such as bulletins and updates) are even pushed aside for whatever the majors flavor of the week is. In fact I still haven't figured out where they moved the bulletins to!
YouTube is another great example of a site that has, at least in my opinion, turned it's back to the musicians that helped build it. Since they downgraded the "music" category making it harder to find independent musicians and the music. Because the content on YT is more diversified I don't expect them to have the same downfall Myspam (oops I mean myspace) did, however from talking to some of the musicians I've found out that the view counts on their videos are way down from what they used to be.
This is whats great about Musicians Together, it's a site created by a musician, for musicians. There isn't a bunch of "white noise", it's picking up where other sites have left off. You don't have to look for the latest video from your favorite musician, it's right there.
Musicians Together is a young site, they are just starting out, but if the history of how some of these other sites is any indicator, I think they will be huge.
And I don't expect that they'll go the route of the other sites mentioned here and sell out.
Check them out, create an account, make a few friends and be a part of something pretty awesome, you won't regret it!
http://musicianstogether.com/
Friday, April 1, 2011
Updates, and Where I've Been...
I apologize for not having posted a blog in a while, to be honest with everything I've had going on over the last month or so I have had a real hard time putting my thoughts together in my head, much less get them down in print. While sitting here listening to Didgerod tonight I have to say that the music has really helped calm my busy little brain down to where I can finally focus on some of the things I've been neglecting, the blog being one of them.
Rod, I don't know if you ever read my blog, but if you do, thank you.
I don't generally talk about my personal life online at all, but for those of you that don't know my mom passed away several weeks ago. Needless to say it's been one hell of a month and I've really been having a hard time getting back into the rhythm of, well anything. I'm not going to lie, I've been having a real hard time dealing with this.
One of the things Rod (Didgerod) is talking about during his show is the Native American belief that spring is the renewal of life. It's been therapeutic listening to this music tonight and I would encourage everyone, especially if you are going through a stressful time, to check out his broadcast as well as his youtube channel. It'll help you clear you head a bit, and maybe help you relax. Tonight is the first time since this happened that I've been able to do exactly that.
Honestly speaking I've been on autopilot for the last several weeks. I ended up taking a couple of weeks off from the show, and when I did make it back on the air I was there, but not really. I'm sure you folks know what I mean but I do have some things that I want to blog about, including a new website for independent musicians as well as some other stuff in the music industry that's been going on and I will try to have those posted pretty soon.
Maybe now in a healthier state of mind I'll be able to get it done. I've said it before but music is magic!
Rod, I don't know if you ever read my blog, but if you do, thank you.
I don't generally talk about my personal life online at all, but for those of you that don't know my mom passed away several weeks ago. Needless to say it's been one hell of a month and I've really been having a hard time getting back into the rhythm of, well anything. I'm not going to lie, I've been having a real hard time dealing with this.
One of the things Rod (Didgerod) is talking about during his show is the Native American belief that spring is the renewal of life. It's been therapeutic listening to this music tonight and I would encourage everyone, especially if you are going through a stressful time, to check out his broadcast as well as his youtube channel. It'll help you clear you head a bit, and maybe help you relax. Tonight is the first time since this happened that I've been able to do exactly that.
Honestly speaking I've been on autopilot for the last several weeks. I ended up taking a couple of weeks off from the show, and when I did make it back on the air I was there, but not really. I'm sure you folks know what I mean but I do have some things that I want to blog about, including a new website for independent musicians as well as some other stuff in the music industry that's been going on and I will try to have those posted pretty soon.
Maybe now in a healthier state of mind I'll be able to get it done. I've said it before but music is magic!
Monday, March 28, 2011
For Independent Musicians, How to Get Airplay on Internet Radio Shows...(reposted)
In case it got missed the last time, haven't posted this in a while.....
Here is the scenario....
While conducting her show on blogtv, Deb will get a request from a musician asking if they'll play their music on her show................
I'll get an email from a musician asking to come onto the show.............
What is the criteria for us to play your music on our shows?
Lately, given the music industry's current model of lawsuits and intimidation for copyright infringement, and the fact that they could easily shake us down like they do public music venues that is a really good question.
Honestly, in many cases we would really like to, we really would. Unfortunately there are things as online radio hosts we need to consider, the main one being that we need to cover our own ass.
Many unsigned, independent musicians who play in bars, coffeehouses, nightclubs, and open mic nights know that the venues they play in have to pay licensing fees to the Performance Rights agencies, the big ones being BMI, or Ascap. Others could tell stories about some of their favorite venues not being able to play music anymore because they didn't have a license from one of the PRO's (Performance Rights Organizations) (also known as the music mafia) and those same venues have had to pay a sizable fine. Those fines could run into the thousands of dollars.
That's nothing compared to what internet broadcasters are supposed to pay if we play music. Ever heard of Sound Exchange? How about the RIAA? Oh, you've heard of the RIAA, well, Sound Exchange is basically the RIAA.
Ok, now that I've mentioned the RIAA, does the word lawsuit come to mind? Who filed the lawsuits on the file sharers? Who sued many of the wrong people including 12 year old girls, a homeless guy, and a dead woman among others?
The RIAA.
SoundExchange is the RIAA.
The RIAA, via SoundExchange want internet broadcasters who play music that belongs to their members in excess of $20,000 (U.S. dollars) to play that music. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't have that kind of cash laying around to play music for a once a week show.
For that matter, while Deb primarily plays music on her shows, from what she's said, she doesn't have that kind of cash either.
Independent musicians, if you are with one of the members of the music mafia which include but not limited to the RIAA, BMI, The Harry Fox Agency or Ascap, your membership with one of these Performance Rights Societies will limit your airplay on internet radio because we can't afford the licensing fees, and don't want to run the risk of losing our homes, and everything we've worked for in our personal lives just because we played a song, never mind that you sent us the file and asked us to play it. I'm sorry, but even though you asked us to play it, if the music mafia were to come after us it wouldn't matter.
So since I mentioned all that, let me tell you independent guys and gals, who want your music played on independent music shows on the internet, the best possible ways to get airplay on internet radio.
1) If you are a member of one of the Performance Right Organizations, forget it, most of us who play music on the internet aren't willing, or able to pay for the licensing fees. I know that Deb would love to play your music on her show, and get you some exposure, and honestly I would too. We know, better than most people, how the industry totally screws over the independent artists. One of the ways that they got ya by the balls? Well, you are a member of one of the licensing agencies that have you by the balls, and broadcasters as well. We would love to give you exposure, we would love to give you airplay, but because we are 9 to 5 workday people, and while we are independent broadcasters, unfortunately we are not also independently wealthy. I can't be any more plain then that.
2) So, if you are a member of the Music Mob? Did you also license your music under Creative Commons? Well, guess what? Because you signed with them, even if you also license your music under Creative Commons, the agreement you signed with BMI, ASCAP, Harry Fox or whichever agency you signed with takes precedence over your Creative Commons license. In fact, according to the Creative Commons website, you can't use a Creative License at all.
I got this right off of the the Creative Commons Website so I know it's legit.
Oops, did that link take you somewhere else? Oh yeah I'm sorry, the link I posted is some of the crap those of us who broadcast on the internet have to deal with.
I wanted to give some of you folks who want your music on the internet, who thought this blog post was a bit long, something longer to read. Just a taste of the hell that responsible internet broadcasters have to deal with.
Since you have made it this far, I'll be nice and keep it simple.
So, even if you license your music under Creative Commons, your original agreement under your licensing agency applies. In fact, if you have already signed your rights away with a member of the M.O.B. (Muthas of Broadcasting) you can't even license your music under Creative Commons.
Click the link and do your own homework, because responsible internet broadcasters are gonna do ours. Even if you license your music under Creative Commons, if you also are with one of the major licensing agencies, guess what? Your agreement with BMI, Ascap, ect will supersede your Creative Commons license, like I said before, Creative Commons doesn't even apply at all. You shouldn't even try to license your music under Creative Commons, it will only make legit internet broadcasters think that is O.K. to play your music. It might be O.K. with you, but it is not gonna be O.K. with the "music mafia", that I promise you.
So, simply put, if you feel that you have to be a member of one of the Performance Rights Organizations, or the Music Mafia, or the PRO's, you are going to have a problem getting played on internet radio shows that would like to play your music. If you skipped the above post hoping to see why, then you are gonna have to just scroll back up.
Sorry. You signed your name to the paperwork long before you knew of me.
3) If you really and truly want Deb to play your music on her show, then you are going to have to sign a waiver. The waiver basically states what she is going to do with your music (play it, nothing else) what her rights are (which is to play it on her show, again, nothing else)
If ya got this far, then I know what you are thinking, which is Holy Shit, what am I signing my name to? Well, I know that Deb understands that the Music Industry is so screwed up that you guys are afraid to sign your name to anything. All Deb is asking is your permission to play your music on her show. She's trying to cover her ass, and can you say you blame her?
They have found ways to screw you indie guys, well guess what, they've found way's to bend us over and get us too.
So, in short, well I can't make it short and sweet, you really have to do your homework, just like we need to need to do ours.
If you want your music played, you have to jump through 50 hoops. If you are listed with one of the major licensing agency's, then I hope you are in really good shape, because you are gonna have to jump through a million hoops to even get us to play your music. We want to, we just can't without some paper to cover us.
As an internet broadcaster, we have to cover our ass as well, because of the industries current business model, we really are left with no choice.
We'd love to play ya, really we want to.
Make it possible for us. Don't sign it away to an industry that wants it for themselves.
Don't sign your music away to the music mafia.
Take a look at the Creative Commons website, and read the whole agreement.
The majority of us won't play ya otherwise. I'm sorry, but the industry won't let us play your music otherwise.
Here is the scenario....
While conducting her show on blogtv, Deb will get a request from a musician asking if they'll play their music on her show................
I'll get an email from a musician asking to come onto the show.............
What is the criteria for us to play your music on our shows?
Lately, given the music industry's current model of lawsuits and intimidation for copyright infringement, and the fact that they could easily shake us down like they do public music venues that is a really good question.
Honestly, in many cases we would really like to, we really would. Unfortunately there are things as online radio hosts we need to consider, the main one being that we need to cover our own ass.
Many unsigned, independent musicians who play in bars, coffeehouses, nightclubs, and open mic nights know that the venues they play in have to pay licensing fees to the Performance Rights agencies, the big ones being BMI, or Ascap. Others could tell stories about some of their favorite venues not being able to play music anymore because they didn't have a license from one of the PRO's (Performance Rights Organizations) (also known as the music mafia) and those same venues have had to pay a sizable fine. Those fines could run into the thousands of dollars.
That's nothing compared to what internet broadcasters are supposed to pay if we play music. Ever heard of Sound Exchange? How about the RIAA? Oh, you've heard of the RIAA, well, Sound Exchange is basically the RIAA.
Ok, now that I've mentioned the RIAA, does the word lawsuit come to mind? Who filed the lawsuits on the file sharers? Who sued many of the wrong people including 12 year old girls, a homeless guy, and a dead woman among others?
The RIAA.
SoundExchange is the RIAA.
The RIAA, via SoundExchange want internet broadcasters who play music that belongs to their members in excess of $20,000 (U.S. dollars) to play that music. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't have that kind of cash laying around to play music for a once a week show.
For that matter, while Deb primarily plays music on her shows, from what she's said, she doesn't have that kind of cash either.
Independent musicians, if you are with one of the members of the music mafia which include but not limited to the RIAA, BMI, The Harry Fox Agency or Ascap, your membership with one of these Performance Rights Societies will limit your airplay on internet radio because we can't afford the licensing fees, and don't want to run the risk of losing our homes, and everything we've worked for in our personal lives just because we played a song, never mind that you sent us the file and asked us to play it. I'm sorry, but even though you asked us to play it, if the music mafia were to come after us it wouldn't matter.
So since I mentioned all that, let me tell you independent guys and gals, who want your music played on independent music shows on the internet, the best possible ways to get airplay on internet radio.
1) If you are a member of one of the Performance Right Organizations, forget it, most of us who play music on the internet aren't willing, or able to pay for the licensing fees. I know that Deb would love to play your music on her show, and get you some exposure, and honestly I would too. We know, better than most people, how the industry totally screws over the independent artists. One of the ways that they got ya by the balls? Well, you are a member of one of the licensing agencies that have you by the balls, and broadcasters as well. We would love to give you exposure, we would love to give you airplay, but because we are 9 to 5 workday people, and while we are independent broadcasters, unfortunately we are not also independently wealthy. I can't be any more plain then that.
2) So, if you are a member of the Music Mob? Did you also license your music under Creative Commons? Well, guess what? Because you signed with them, even if you also license your music under Creative Commons, the agreement you signed with BMI, ASCAP, Harry Fox or whichever agency you signed with takes precedence over your Creative Commons license. In fact, according to the Creative Commons website, you can't use a Creative License at all.
I got this right off of the the Creative Commons Website so I know it's legit.
Oops, did that link take you somewhere else? Oh yeah I'm sorry, the link I posted is some of the crap those of us who broadcast on the internet have to deal with.
I wanted to give some of you folks who want your music on the internet, who thought this blog post was a bit long, something longer to read. Just a taste of the hell that responsible internet broadcasters have to deal with.
Since you have made it this far, I'll be nice and keep it simple.
As a result of the warranty disclaimer, before using a Creative Commons licensed work, you should satisfy yourself that the person has all the necessary rights to make the work available under a Creative Commons license. You should know that if you are wrong, you could be liable for copyright infringement based on your use of the work.
So, even if you license your music under Creative Commons, your original agreement under your licensing agency applies. In fact, if you have already signed your rights away with a member of the M.O.B. (Muthas of Broadcasting) you can't even license your music under Creative Commons.
Click the link and do your own homework, because responsible internet broadcasters are gonna do ours. Even if you license your music under Creative Commons, if you also are with one of the major licensing agencies, guess what? Your agreement with BMI, Ascap, ect will supersede your Creative Commons license, like I said before, Creative Commons doesn't even apply at all. You shouldn't even try to license your music under Creative Commons, it will only make legit internet broadcasters think that is O.K. to play your music. It might be O.K. with you, but it is not gonna be O.K. with the "music mafia", that I promise you.
So, simply put, if you feel that you have to be a member of one of the Performance Rights Organizations, or the Music Mafia, or the PRO's, you are going to have a problem getting played on internet radio shows that would like to play your music. If you skipped the above post hoping to see why, then you are gonna have to just scroll back up.
Sorry. You signed your name to the paperwork long before you knew of me.
3) If you really and truly want Deb to play your music on her show, then you are going to have to sign a waiver. The waiver basically states what she is going to do with your music (play it, nothing else) what her rights are (which is to play it on her show, again, nothing else)
If ya got this far, then I know what you are thinking, which is Holy Shit, what am I signing my name to? Well, I know that Deb understands that the Music Industry is so screwed up that you guys are afraid to sign your name to anything. All Deb is asking is your permission to play your music on her show. She's trying to cover her ass, and can you say you blame her?
They have found ways to screw you indie guys, well guess what, they've found way's to bend us over and get us too.
So, in short, well I can't make it short and sweet, you really have to do your homework, just like we need to need to do ours.
If you want your music played, you have to jump through 50 hoops. If you are listed with one of the major licensing agency's, then I hope you are in really good shape, because you are gonna have to jump through a million hoops to even get us to play your music. We want to, we just can't without some paper to cover us.
As an internet broadcaster, we have to cover our ass as well, because of the industries current business model, we really are left with no choice.
We'd love to play ya, really we want to.
Make it possible for us. Don't sign it away to an industry that wants it for themselves.
Don't sign your music away to the music mafia.
Take a look at the Creative Commons website, and read the whole agreement.
The majority of us won't play ya otherwise. I'm sorry, but the industry won't let us play your music otherwise.
Friday, March 11, 2011
MusicFest 2011 a Huge Success!
My special thanks to all the viewers and listeners that came out and supported the musicians that were kind enough to lend their time and talent to the event. We had over 2000 unique hits over the course of 12 hours!
Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show and I warmed the crowd up by playing some of the music we play during our shows, and the live action started at about 1 p.m. Many of the musicians that played at this event had been on before and it was a delight to have them back, as well as a couple of fresh faces.
And of course I'd like to thank Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show for putting it all together and hosting this event with me. If it weren't for you it wouldn't have happened. I'd have to say that all of the talented musicians that came to play were people that she had found and contacted to come and play for this event. She did all the organizing work for this event, I just had the honor of hosting it.
As promised here is a quick rundown of the musicians that played, and their links.
Lisa Ltan made a return appearance and was as awesome as ever.
www.youtube.com/user/minxafied
www.myspace.com/ltantunes
Tom Meny, after tastefully handing one of blogtv's notorious haters played and outdid himself as well.
www.youtube.com/user/bobostonepony
www.tommeny.com
www.myspace.com/tommeny
www.twitter.com/tommeny
Our good friend Didgerod came on and as always was incredible. He also does a regular show on blogtv, every Friday night at 9 p.m (eastern.
www.youtube.com/user/didgerod
www.blogtv.com/People/didgerod
Kelly Hoyle Fuller played her heart out. Really great music, it was nice to see her again.
www.youtube.com/user/khjavy8
www.myspace.com/jvmykamusic
www.facebook.com/khjavy8
One of our newcomers to our events and blogtv came on shortly after. Personally I think Eva Walsh won everyone over with her smile, then she started playing and blew everyone away.
/www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwx3C46vsUI&feature=related
Our other newcomer was Kyle Marney. He played a really great set, and was kind enough to do an encore later in the evening. I'd also like to note that the proceeds from his CD are going to the Warrior Foundation, really great organization.
www.kylemarney.com/
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tZnO2FzHC4
At 9 p.m. our good friend Jim Cook assumed the hosting duties. I for one was really glad to have him take over and play as I've seen him at his regular show and knew he'd be a kick ass host. Jim does a regular show on blogtv as well on Saturday nights at 9 p.m. (eastern time). Jim has folks come on as a co-host during his regular show who were kind enough to come on during his portion of the event. Really great stuff I hope you folks will check him out!
www.blogtv.com/people/jimtzu
jimtzu.com/
nativeprogress.org/
www.youtube.com/user/jimtzu
I'd like to mention a couple of other musicians that didn't play live but contributed to the event please check out their pages and support them;
Rob Mazurek as always sent us 3 videos that we played during the event, Rob has been with us since day one and I'm happy and proud to be able to play his music and call him a friend. He's a really great guy and one hell of a guitar player.
www.robmazurekmusic.com
www.myspace.com/rmazurek
www.youtube.com/user/DaSperminatorRob
Sweet Papa Dave Band has a new Website
www.thesweetpapadaveband.com
Rudy Vandam was unable to play at the event but was kind enough to send us a video expressing his support.
www.youtube.com/user/rudyvandam#p/u/6/DdM4YpOd0Qk
Reina DelCid was also unable to play at the event but sent her best wishes.
www.youtube.com/user/reinadelcid
Other musicians that unfortunately also had to send their regards and asked us to keep them in mind for future events which of course we'll be happy to have them on when they can play;
Keith Macleod
www.youtube.com/user/highlandcountrysongs
Joe Varveri
www.youtube.com/user/JoeVarVeri
I'd also like to mention that there is a great website for independent musicians, especially since myspace and youtube have decided to abandon them. If you are looking for great original indie music by the real musicians of the world (as opposed to the homogenized crap the industry wants us to listen to) check this site out...
Musicians Together
musicianstogether.com/
Again my thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting independent music. Sorry I didn't do the follow up show on Sunday as promised, will explain in a future blog as well as on my next show which will be on March 20th at 9 p.m. (eastern)
Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show and I warmed the crowd up by playing some of the music we play during our shows, and the live action started at about 1 p.m. Many of the musicians that played at this event had been on before and it was a delight to have them back, as well as a couple of fresh faces.
And of course I'd like to thank Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show for putting it all together and hosting this event with me. If it weren't for you it wouldn't have happened. I'd have to say that all of the talented musicians that came to play were people that she had found and contacted to come and play for this event. She did all the organizing work for this event, I just had the honor of hosting it.
As promised here is a quick rundown of the musicians that played, and their links.
Lisa Ltan made a return appearance and was as awesome as ever.
www.youtube.com/user/minxafied
www.myspace.com/ltantunes
Tom Meny, after tastefully handing one of blogtv's notorious haters played and outdid himself as well.
www.youtube.com/user/bobostonepony
www.tommeny.com
www.myspace.com/tommeny
www.twitter.com/tommeny
Our good friend Didgerod came on and as always was incredible. He also does a regular show on blogtv, every Friday night at 9 p.m (eastern.
www.youtube.com/user/didgerod
www.blogtv.com/People/didgerod
Kelly Hoyle Fuller played her heart out. Really great music, it was nice to see her again.
www.youtube.com/user/khjavy8
www.myspace.com/jvmykamusic
www.facebook.com/khjavy8
One of our newcomers to our events and blogtv came on shortly after. Personally I think Eva Walsh won everyone over with her smile, then she started playing and blew everyone away.
/www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwx3C46vsUI&feature=related
Our other newcomer was Kyle Marney. He played a really great set, and was kind enough to do an encore later in the evening. I'd also like to note that the proceeds from his CD are going to the Warrior Foundation, really great organization.
www.kylemarney.com/
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tZnO2FzHC4
At 9 p.m. our good friend Jim Cook assumed the hosting duties. I for one was really glad to have him take over and play as I've seen him at his regular show and knew he'd be a kick ass host. Jim does a regular show on blogtv as well on Saturday nights at 9 p.m. (eastern time). Jim has folks come on as a co-host during his regular show who were kind enough to come on during his portion of the event. Really great stuff I hope you folks will check him out!
www.blogtv.com/people/jimtzu
jimtzu.com/
nativeprogress.org/
www.youtube.com/user/jimtzu
I'd like to mention a couple of other musicians that didn't play live but contributed to the event please check out their pages and support them;
Rob Mazurek as always sent us 3 videos that we played during the event, Rob has been with us since day one and I'm happy and proud to be able to play his music and call him a friend. He's a really great guy and one hell of a guitar player.
www.robmazurekmusic.com
www.myspace.com/rmazurek
www.youtube.com/user/DaSperminatorRob
Sweet Papa Dave Band has a new Website
www.thesweetpapadaveband.com
Rudy Vandam was unable to play at the event but was kind enough to send us a video expressing his support.
www.youtube.com/user/rudyvandam#p/u/6/DdM4YpOd0Qk
Reina DelCid was also unable to play at the event but sent her best wishes.
www.youtube.com/user/reinadelcid
Other musicians that unfortunately also had to send their regards and asked us to keep them in mind for future events which of course we'll be happy to have them on when they can play;
Keith Macleod
www.youtube.com/user/highlandcountrysongs
Joe Varveri
www.youtube.com/user/JoeVarVeri
I'd also like to mention that there is a great website for independent musicians, especially since myspace and youtube have decided to abandon them. If you are looking for great original indie music by the real musicians of the world (as opposed to the homogenized crap the industry wants us to listen to) check this site out...
Musicians Together
musicianstogether.com/
Again my thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting independent music. Sorry I didn't do the follow up show on Sunday as promised, will explain in a future blog as well as on my next show which will be on March 20th at 9 p.m. (eastern)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
MusicFest 2011 this coming Saturday!
This coming Saturday Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show and myself will be hosting another live event on blogtv starting at 12 noon (eastern U.S. time). We have invited back a few of the favorites from past events as well as some new talent playing for us on blog for the first time.
Please join us on the Unleashed Again channel over on blogtv for 12 hours of great music!
Also joining us and helping out with the hosting duties will be blogtv fan favorite Jim Cook, who will be hosting the evening part of the show and having the open mic format that he usually does during his own show. The music is really great and I'm excited to have him with us!
Again, the link is http://www.blogtv.com/people/unleashedagain, make sure to bring plenty of snacks because you won't want to miss a minute, believe me.
Looking forward to seeing ya there!!
Please join us on the Unleashed Again channel over on blogtv for 12 hours of great music!
Also joining us and helping out with the hosting duties will be blogtv fan favorite Jim Cook, who will be hosting the evening part of the show and having the open mic format that he usually does during his own show. The music is really great and I'm excited to have him with us!
Again, the link is http://www.blogtv.com/people/unleashedagain, make sure to bring plenty of snacks because you won't want to miss a minute, believe me.
Looking forward to seeing ya there!!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Letter to the NFL
Dear NFL Commissioner,
Congratulations to another successful season, I hope you are able to work out the labor disputes so that we are able to enjoy a 2011 season.
I'd like to take some time and offer some advice for entertainment for next years Superbowl. I've witnessed the trainwrecks that pass for entertainment during the biggest game of the year and have some suggestions for improvements. Instead of big name stars why not have independent musicians handle the entertainment?
I personally think someone like Reina Del Cid would do a much better job at the National Anthem than Christina Aguilera's lyric malfunction. I personally think that Reina would do a much better job and be more entertaining and meaningful.
For the Halftime show, I feel that Pete Berwick would put on a much better show, especially if he shares the stage with Rob Mazurek. Since the NFL is looking to expand into Canada I think it would be a great idea to have a Canadian guitar hero on stage with an incomparable, and real musician. I know I would enjoy it much more than the Black Eyed Peas sub average performance as well as I'm sure both gentlemen will keep their shirts on, avoiding another wardrobe malfunction.
To use the biggest show on turf to promote fresh, real, independent music would be much more appreciated by fans and music lovers alike, than the sub average attempts at music entertainment the NFL has provided in recent years. To give the stage to up and comers and give them exposure and a chance to be heard and known and appreciated is what American Football is all about, and nothing could be more American.
Sincerely yours,
a rabid football fan, and true music lover.
p.s.
Make sure you tell Pete he can't play Hello Hand :)
Congratulations to another successful season, I hope you are able to work out the labor disputes so that we are able to enjoy a 2011 season.
I'd like to take some time and offer some advice for entertainment for next years Superbowl. I've witnessed the trainwrecks that pass for entertainment during the biggest game of the year and have some suggestions for improvements. Instead of big name stars why not have independent musicians handle the entertainment?
I personally think someone like Reina Del Cid would do a much better job at the National Anthem than Christina Aguilera's lyric malfunction. I personally think that Reina would do a much better job and be more entertaining and meaningful.
For the Halftime show, I feel that Pete Berwick would put on a much better show, especially if he shares the stage with Rob Mazurek. Since the NFL is looking to expand into Canada I think it would be a great idea to have a Canadian guitar hero on stage with an incomparable, and real musician. I know I would enjoy it much more than the Black Eyed Peas sub average performance as well as I'm sure both gentlemen will keep their shirts on, avoiding another wardrobe malfunction.
To use the biggest show on turf to promote fresh, real, independent music would be much more appreciated by fans and music lovers alike, than the sub average attempts at music entertainment the NFL has provided in recent years. To give the stage to up and comers and give them exposure and a chance to be heard and known and appreciated is what American Football is all about, and nothing could be more American.
Sincerely yours,
a rabid football fan, and true music lover.
p.s.
Make sure you tell Pete he can't play Hello Hand :)
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Pete Berwick, Live and Uncensored
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!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Pete Berwick on Indie Spotlight this Sunday!
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...
Please join us this Sunday starting at 9 pm (eastern) it's never a dull moment with Pete on the show!
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!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Pete Berwick's new CD "Give it Time"
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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!
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Ok, a Real Blog Now
While I sit here listening to Shovelheadkevin now is a good time as any to post a quick recap of this weeks show.
While at work on Sunday I chugged down a Red Bull, and a one liter of Mountain Dew. I was pretty hyper Sunday night...lol
I broke out the infamous pink guitar, and the whole nine yards. You can tell in this weeks videos that I was pretty wound up.
Later in the show as promised Kelly Hoyle Fuller made her return appearance and played a couple of her new songs. One of them is on her youtube channel so check it out!
I did record the usual weekly update, (see post below) as well as an idea I have for the show. I want to do a segment called "Weenie of the Week" and pick out someone, or something that fits the title, preferably related to the music industry in some way. As I mentioned during the show it's open for anyone with any ideas or whatever just submit them via the comments below. I'll post the video when I get it uploaded onto youtube.
One thing I noticed today that I thought was kinda cool. Blogtv has the recorded video for my Weenie of the Week idea featured on the front page, would be cool to see if anyone that doesn't usually come to the show has any ideas.
While at work on Sunday I chugged down a Red Bull, and a one liter of Mountain Dew. I was pretty hyper Sunday night...lol
I broke out the infamous pink guitar, and the whole nine yards. You can tell in this weeks videos that I was pretty wound up.
Later in the show as promised Kelly Hoyle Fuller made her return appearance and played a couple of her new songs. One of them is on her youtube channel so check it out!
I did record the usual weekly update, (see post below) as well as an idea I have for the show. I want to do a segment called "Weenie of the Week" and pick out someone, or something that fits the title, preferably related to the music industry in some way. As I mentioned during the show it's open for anyone with any ideas or whatever just submit them via the comments below. I'll post the video when I get it uploaded onto youtube.
One thing I noticed today that I thought was kinda cool. Blogtv has the recorded video for my Weenie of the Week idea featured on the front page, would be cool to see if anyone that doesn't usually come to the show has any ideas.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Other Shows on Blogtv....
Just about every week during my show on blogtv I record a video, calling it the "weekly update". I've also called it the weekly ramble in the past, because sometimes that is how it ends up coming out...lol
What I decided this week for the video was to talk about some of the other shows on blogtv that I generally hang out at (see previous post) so I think it would be handy to have a blog post with the links as well.
All times posted are Eastern U.S.
Tonight, and every Wednesday night at 9 pm my good friend Deb hosts her show Unsigned Musicians featuring the music of some of the best of the best of the Indie Artists. If you like my show you'll love hers, in fact many parts of my show were modeled after hers including the slideshow and playing mp3's. I haven't seen many shows on blogtv doing this sort of format.
A great show to hang out at on Friday nights after a stressful week is Didgerods. As I've mentioned in past blogs he plays the Native American flute and didgeridoo. His show is a great place to unwind and relax, I'll be honest and say I don't always log in to the chat. There are many weeks I'd much rather sit back, relax and unwind. I gotta be flat out honest and tell ya, words can't describe what this show will do for you, your best bet is to check it out for yourself.
Every other Monday night at 9 pm (the next show is this coming Monday September 20th) my bud Shovelheadkevin hosts his show called appropriately enough "Just Another Show" on his channel on blogtv. He talks about everything from racing, politics, (or politricks as he likes to say) cooking tips, and everything in between. One thing I can say about Kev's show is that you never know whats going to happen next. It's never a dull moment and always a good time at Kevins show.
There are other great shows on blogtv that I didn't mention during the video. These are shows that I haven't have a chance to check out myself lately, but when I was a regular at these shows I have to say they were pretty awesome.
Tuesday nights at 10:15 Jody Parker hosts his show Jody's House. Great musician and a brilliant songwriter.
Thursday nights starting at around 10 (ish) Acoustic Brew with Jamie Gray
Friday nights generally after Didgerods broadcast the other Jack in our group hosts his show Fridaylive. He has a pretty awesome house party with really great music and broadcasts it live on blogtv.
There ya go, have a great week!
What I decided this week for the video was to talk about some of the other shows on blogtv that I generally hang out at (see previous post) so I think it would be handy to have a blog post with the links as well.
All times posted are Eastern U.S.
Tonight, and every Wednesday night at 9 pm my good friend Deb hosts her show Unsigned Musicians featuring the music of some of the best of the best of the Indie Artists. If you like my show you'll love hers, in fact many parts of my show were modeled after hers including the slideshow and playing mp3's. I haven't seen many shows on blogtv doing this sort of format.
A great show to hang out at on Friday nights after a stressful week is Didgerods. As I've mentioned in past blogs he plays the Native American flute and didgeridoo. His show is a great place to unwind and relax, I'll be honest and say I don't always log in to the chat. There are many weeks I'd much rather sit back, relax and unwind. I gotta be flat out honest and tell ya, words can't describe what this show will do for you, your best bet is to check it out for yourself.
Every other Monday night at 9 pm (the next show is this coming Monday September 20th) my bud Shovelheadkevin hosts his show called appropriately enough "Just Another Show" on his channel on blogtv. He talks about everything from racing, politics, (or politricks as he likes to say) cooking tips, and everything in between. One thing I can say about Kev's show is that you never know whats going to happen next. It's never a dull moment and always a good time at Kevins show.
There are other great shows on blogtv that I didn't mention during the video. These are shows that I haven't have a chance to check out myself lately, but when I was a regular at these shows I have to say they were pretty awesome.
Tuesday nights at 10:15 Jody Parker hosts his show Jody's House. Great musician and a brilliant songwriter.
Thursday nights starting at around 10 (ish) Acoustic Brew with Jamie Gray
Friday nights generally after Didgerods broadcast the other Jack in our group hosts his show Fridaylive. He has a pretty awesome house party with really great music and broadcasts it live on blogtv.
There ya go, have a great week!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Last Weekends Event Recap
Posting this much much later than I usually do but I would like to take some time this evening while listening to Didgerod and post my recap of the 12 hour MusicFest that Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show and I hosted last Saturday.
First of all let me say once again how much I appreciate all the musicians that came out as well as the audience. You guys (and gals) rock!
We started off the event with the promo video and our good friend Rob Mazurek's version of the Star Spangled Banner. Deb and I kicked off the show with a little commentary and music before we brought on our first musician of the day. One of the things we touched on is that while preordering for Rob's new CD is closed, his music will be available in late October on I-Tunes. Rob's website is http://www.robmazurekmusic.com go check it out!
At 12:30 we handed it off to musician Kelly Hoyle Fuller. She's played on our regular shows over the last couple of weeks, and has become a huge fan favorite as well as part of our regular group on blogtv. She's really a phenomenal musician and a great person as well. Kelly always puts together a first class performance and last Saturday was no exception.
Kelly's link;
http://www.youtube.com/user/khjavy8
I have a couple of clips of her performance on my show recorded and it's available on my blogtv page as well.
Our next musician was Ciarán Brennan from Ireland (ronb15). When we did our last event in June we had connection issues with him and it didn't go so well. I'm happy to report that it went much much better this time, his set was totally awesome and I was really happy we were able to get him on again.
Ciarán's link;
http://www.youtube.com/user/ronb15
The next musician to play was Jesse Stutsman. He played during one of our events last year, and we thought he was awesome then. Some things only get better with time and Jesse's music is one of them. Incredible talent, awesome music. When you check out his youtube link pay special attention to the lyrics of some of his songs.
Jesse's link;
http://www.youtube.com/user/stealurface1976
After Jesse we took a bit of a break from the live music and played some of the music that Deb and I usually play during our shows. Shortly thereafter we had our good friend Jim Cook come on and share some really awesome Native American music. Jim never fails to amaze and inspire.
Jim's links;
http://jimtzu.com/
http://nativeprogress.org/
http://www.youtube.com/user/jimtzu
http://www.myspace.com/homecookinstudios
John Daly came on shortly thereafter. He kept saying he was a "little rusty" but you would never have known it. He put on a really great performance (as always) and was a huge hit with the audience. I'd forgotten about his quirky sense of humor and what fun he is to have on a show!
John's link;
http://www.youtube.com/user/johndalymusic
After John we had our first (and only) newcomer to the event. Tom Meny came on and played some of the most heartfelt music I've heard in a while. Really great guy he really put on a great set. I look forward to seeing him more at future events! Right now he's recording his first CD at Wonderland Studios in Austin, TX.
Tom's links;
http://www.youtube.com/user/bobostonepony
www.tommeny.com
www.myspace.com/tommeny
www.twitter.com/tommeny
We closed out the event with our good friend (and blogtv favorite) Didgerod. Despite the technical difficulties (which had plagued us off and on all day) he put together a masterful performance. It was a great way to close out the show, leaving refreshed and relaxed. Be sure to check out his regular show every Friday night at 9 pm (eastern) you won't be disappointed!
Didgerods links;
http://www.youtube.com/user/didgerod
http://www.blogtv.com/People/didgerod
Again my special thanks to everyone for coming out!
First of all let me say once again how much I appreciate all the musicians that came out as well as the audience. You guys (and gals) rock!
We started off the event with the promo video and our good friend Rob Mazurek's version of the Star Spangled Banner. Deb and I kicked off the show with a little commentary and music before we brought on our first musician of the day. One of the things we touched on is that while preordering for Rob's new CD is closed, his music will be available in late October on I-Tunes. Rob's website is http://www.robmazurekmusic.com go check it out!
At 12:30 we handed it off to musician Kelly Hoyle Fuller. She's played on our regular shows over the last couple of weeks, and has become a huge fan favorite as well as part of our regular group on blogtv. She's really a phenomenal musician and a great person as well. Kelly always puts together a first class performance and last Saturday was no exception.
Kelly's link;
http://www.youtube.com/user/khjavy8
I have a couple of clips of her performance on my show recorded and it's available on my blogtv page as well.
Our next musician was Ciarán Brennan from Ireland (ronb15). When we did our last event in June we had connection issues with him and it didn't go so well. I'm happy to report that it went much much better this time, his set was totally awesome and I was really happy we were able to get him on again.
Ciarán's link;
http://www.youtube.com/user/ronb15
The next musician to play was Jesse Stutsman. He played during one of our events last year, and we thought he was awesome then. Some things only get better with time and Jesse's music is one of them. Incredible talent, awesome music. When you check out his youtube link pay special attention to the lyrics of some of his songs.
Jesse's link;
http://www.youtube.com/user/stealurface1976
After Jesse we took a bit of a break from the live music and played some of the music that Deb and I usually play during our shows. Shortly thereafter we had our good friend Jim Cook come on and share some really awesome Native American music. Jim never fails to amaze and inspire.
Jim's links;
http://jimtzu.com/
http://nativeprogress.org/
http://www.youtube.com/user/jimtzu
http://www.myspace.com/homecookinstudios
John Daly came on shortly thereafter. He kept saying he was a "little rusty" but you would never have known it. He put on a really great performance (as always) and was a huge hit with the audience. I'd forgotten about his quirky sense of humor and what fun he is to have on a show!
John's link;
http://www.youtube.com/user/johndalymusic
After John we had our first (and only) newcomer to the event. Tom Meny came on and played some of the most heartfelt music I've heard in a while. Really great guy he really put on a great set. I look forward to seeing him more at future events! Right now he's recording his first CD at Wonderland Studios in Austin, TX.
Tom's links;
http://www.youtube.com/user/bobostonepony
www.tommeny.com
www.myspace.com/tommeny
www.twitter.com/tommeny
We closed out the event with our good friend (and blogtv favorite) Didgerod. Despite the technical difficulties (which had plagued us off and on all day) he put together a masterful performance. It was a great way to close out the show, leaving refreshed and relaxed. Be sure to check out his regular show every Friday night at 9 pm (eastern) you won't be disappointed!
Didgerods links;
http://www.youtube.com/user/didgerod
http://www.blogtv.com/People/didgerod
Again my special thanks to everyone for coming out!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Booking Musician Interviews Now!
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.
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, but I don't think I've ever mentioned it in a blog, 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!
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, but I don't think I've ever mentioned it in a blog, 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!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Another 12 Hour Event This Weekend!
Join us this Saturday as Deb from the Unsigned Musicians show and I host another Indie Music Fest starting at 12 noon (eastern) over on blogtv.
As always it will be hosted on the UnleashedAgain channel. We have some really awesome Indie talent lined up and I hope you'll join us!
Again, starts at noon and goes all day!
http://www.blogtv.com/People/UnleashedAgain
As always it will be hosted on the UnleashedAgain channel. We have some really awesome Indie talent lined up and I hope you'll join us!
Again, starts at noon and goes all day!
http://www.blogtv.com/People/UnleashedAgain
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
