All the way from Illinois, the JOA Albums and posters have arrived... and the competition will be announce shortly.
Having a sneaking listen in the meantime. Great stuff.
I spoke with a number of bands today about where they want to go with their music, what they get their kicks out of, why they started playing music and then something dawned on me. Not one of them mentioned technology, facebook, myspace... no one said I just love to send messages on social networks, updating my latest movements or spending hours in front of a computer updating 15 websites, subscribing to 30 distribution outlets.
I reckon a change is coming... about time too.
Year 1995
So, you and your friends start a rock band... you've got guitars and drums. You're wanna change the world. What's the first thing you do?
You jam. You play songs, jump around, all in preparation for when you hit the big time... which means actually playing in front of people, strangers, some friends, bar staff, meeting and playing with other bands.
You've got a gig. You spend hours with a pen and paper designing your poster artwork to ensure it truly reflects you band. Then you promote the show... you talk to people and gauge their reaction (you'll know if they are gonna buy a ticket)... you speak to girls, cos you know the guys will then come along... you talk about what a great party it'll be, just in case they don't like the music. But you are focusing on the show... the killer 45 minutes that will change your life, until the next set list.
You take control of your destiny. You know when you've done everything you can to make it a success. If you've been lazy, you only have yourself to blame. But because you know you've worked hard the gig is a success. Whether its 50 or 100 or 500 or 5000 people, it's all relative to what you've done up to that point. You know loyalty has to be earnt... and you give everything to get it, sweat, cds, t-shirts. Cos you love playing music and want to do it forever.
Year 2010
So, you and your friends start a rock band... you've got guitars and drums. You're wanna change the world. What's the first thing you do?
You create a website, groups on facebook, MySpace, you subscribe to the many distribution services available. You tell your friends and build up an impressive 1000 people on MySpace, 500 people on Facebook and your music is available on every download store in the world.
You've got a gig. So you turn on your computer and send everyone a message, maybe a few, and you wait for the magic to happen. Everyone clicks they 'like this' and 'attending'. You might not have seen Frank for 10 years, but he's said he likes it. Maybe you should have booked a bigger venue?
I wonder if Noel and Liam sat in front of their computers in the 90s planning out there marketing strategy... or they just played their hearts out, gigged everywhere and anywhere, rehearsed, wrote songs, told people to check them out. They've done great and thankfully technology makes supply and distribution easier and cheaper... of course, they also built up an audience.
One of my favourite quotes from an up and coming songwriter... "What's the point in paying for distribution, if no one's gonna buy it?". Wise words. Rarely do you hear an artist refer the basic principals of supply and demand.
Brilliant.
Very excited as 'Tube' are booked to enter the recording studio for the first time in ten years. Originally scheduled for earlier this year the other three were kind enough not to go ahead without me whilst I was in hospital... an opportunity they may live to regret.
We're recording our new single "Teenage Dreams" which isn't quite as creepy or lurid as the title suggests. The said song shall be released this summer for Charity along with another gig some point this year.
Previous studio visits were rarely captured on film, due to the lack of technology back then... so there will be plenty of overkill this time around.
Today I've been educating myself by finally listening to The Strokes album, and I can confirm there are another 9 tracks alongside 'Under The Cover oF darkness' which you'll hear every 30 seconds on 6Music (which I know HAVE to have on in the background apparently).
However, I suggest you go and have a listen and watch 'Air Waves'. I just downloaded their current album and it's excellent. They are touring the UK later this year, so go and buy tickets when you can.
Next week see's 'Hot Club De Paris' first Bournemouth show go on sale. Playing alongside Art Brut at the intimate Winchester venue in Bournemouth.
Have a look and a listen on Musicosity.
Today brought with it the good news that Chicago's finest will be coming to Bournemouth to play The Winchester in late June. Support comes from Hot Club De Paris.
There will also be a slot for one lucky local band, so get in touch on info@musicosity.com to register your interest... make sure you have a profile on Musicosity!
I just read a really interesting article about the trials and tribulations of getting signed to a major label, and what happened to the Hoosiers after being dropped from RCA records.
It's a great story from a band who were selling out Arenas, on the top of all radio playlists and the toast of the recording industry.
Have a read here... http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/mar/24/the-hoosiers-bumpy-ride
I've started listening to 6Music whenever their is a digital radio in listening distance, and although last year when it was close to being shut down I did nothing, I am pleased that everyone else did.
On Monday I listened to The Mark Riley show (also pleased to hear Radcliffe is shifting over too), and stumbled across John Stammers. I recommend you take a listen, here's a link http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00zj1j1 ... forward it on to around 8pm and he's performing live then.
Hopefully he'll be playing in a little venue near you soon.
We're on the look out for people of all ages who want to get involved in live music, from producing and promoting live concerts, to coordinating tours, to writing reviews, previews and blogs... and general get stuck in.
If you love your music, whether it be 'live' or not and would like to get involved in some way, please register on Musicosity and then email info@musicosity.com and we'll be in touch.
We need enthusiastic people all over the UK, currently Reps range from existing concert promoters to people wanting to organise their first gig. You don't have to work in the industry, so if you're curious and want to get involved, get in touch.