Who loves John Nagle?
Pop, jazz, and suave voice lovers
But what’s not to like?

Introducing Singer/Songwriter John Nagle

Your new EP comes out this summer, how long has it been in the works?

It’s been on and off the back burner for about 3 years now. Yes, that is a long time for any project but it was a necessary learning experience for any independent artist. It’s a good time to mention that my new album, Distractions, has been in the works since June. My good friend and fellow artist Nahneen Kula is producing on the project. She’s a genie. We expect it to be finished by December.

What song on the EP are you most proud of and why?

I can say that the most enjoyable experience in the recording process was for the song “Deeper.” At that point I had finally started to get a sense of how a song should be brought to life in the studio. It’s hard to think of it in terms of pride. I have no real control over what my musical urges are going to be like over the course of time. So I can only feel grateful when a song magically falls into place.

What made you transition from band to solo artist?

The transition came on more as a necessity than a choice. Keeping a band together was not easy especially in LA. I decided that if I could not get it together on my own I would never get it together.

You cite Fleetwood Mac as one of your greatest influences, who do you think fronts the band the best?

They are all great. Even counting the days of Peter Green. It’s kind of tie between Lindsey and Stevie. Honestly some people are born to front but Fleetwood Mac is all about the chemistry.

What has been your experience with trying to make it as a pop/jazz artist in Los Angeles?

Since LA I’ve spent most of my time learning the recording process and working on my material. “Making it,” to me, means two things out here, having a viable product; and delivering it. I have my product now and I’m ready to start delivering. The pop/jazz title is just a way to give people an idea of me without hearing me.

What was your favorite toy as a child, how old were you when you finally put it down?

I liked guns and swords and lasers. The answer to my prayers was, The Eliminator TS-7, or so I thought. In those days kids everywhere were looking for a way to combine the power of laser with both the power of gun and sword. A lethal combination that would change my life. I finally put it down when I realized no man, or boy, should harness such a force. It was about doing the right thing. Plus, when you’re 26 it makes it hard to keep girls around.

(I dunno ’bout that, I’m a girl and I’d be super impressed…)

If you could trade places with any celebrity for a day, who would it be and why?

Umm… totally invade the private life of any well known person for a day? So many to choose from. So many ways to ruin some one’s life in one day. It wouldn’t really matter who, because I would use them to do something unorthodox or potentially evil. To be fair, I’m not ready for this kind of power as was the case with my Eliminator TS-7.

Check out John Nagle on Facebook

An Apologie:

Unfortunately this week i have had to break my promise to you guy?s and instead of writing about rising youtube cover artists i am going to be telling you about how cover artist?s have developed over the last few year?s due to the expansion of technology and social media. Firstly as it is an introduction to the “Youtube” cover artist topic and secondly as i have not had time to research the up and coming artists as much as i would have liked as i have just spent a week in Rome.

Tech Has Been Moving On:

In the last few year?s technology as increased ten fold, every few months see the new released of a far more advanced piece of technology weather it be a computer or phone. This of course meant that computers have gone from the size of a room to the size of a shoe box in a short space of time.

With this rapid advancement of computers also came the progression of software, witch meant that instead of having to go to a recording studio and paying for often lengthy and expensive recording sessions. People had software such as adobe and garageband openly available to them on their computers.

Music production equipment such as microphones, speakers and instrument’s have become cheaper and cheaper, meaning that any average joe could pick it up and use it within seconds of installation.

All of this meant that the people who wanted to make music could do so easily in the comfort of their own homes and soon many new cover artists came onto the scene. Without a platform however it was hard for them to gain exposure for their music.

The Social Networking BOOM:

At this time the internet had started to boom, new ideas for sites were flowing and in the coming years sites such as Myspace, Facebook and Twitter helped people to socially network and share their creativity.

This has allowed many people to gain huge fan basses in a short period of time and make money for advertising, selling their work or even branded merchandise. Thus the cover artist of the modern day was born every Tom, Dick and Harry was able to get their music out their, and this will bring us into next weeks topic witch is the Youtube cover artist.

What do you guy?s think of social media, is it a good thing or bad? Let me know in the comments below! Seeya guy?s next week.

In true Musicgoat fashion, the music on this podcast ranges from acoustic soul to straight folk to all points in between.

Mellow, insightful, upbeat, soulful, motivational and a just an overall great podcast to grab a drink and kick back too.

Listen now and share with everyone you know (they will love you for it).

Press Play Now

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Artists And Songs heard on this podcast

Jokers And Jacks – “Now Way To Go”

Nick Shattuck – “Follow The River”

Nick Shattuck – “Best That I Can”

Empowering Youth
What Jonathan George does best
He makes future stars

Introducing Jonathan George,
award-winning vocalist, songwriter, producer, and photographer.

As a producer, you work with a lot of young, developing artists, would you consider that your specialty?

I develop all styles and ages but young artists are definitely my specialty. I have always worked with youth and I seem to understand how to pull the best out of them.

You have won a lot of awards, which was the most exciting for you to receive?

Winning the title Grand Champion on Ed McMahon’s Next Big Star back in 2001 was probably one of the most exciting moments of my life. Ed McMahon and his wife Pam became good friends and he even served on my board of directors for my non-profit organization. It opened a lot of doors for me.

What made you make the switch from artist to artist developer/producer?

I have always worked with young talent ever since I graduated with a Bachelor of Vocal Music Education in ‘96. After 9/11, there was a shift in the music business so I took everything I learned as an artist and put it into the talent I worked with. I believe in going with the flow of things and this is where my path has led me and I feel blessed. I miss the stage but if it is meant to be…it will happen again!

What is your favorite part about working with young acts?

Young acts have such great attitudes and are willing to experiment with their gifts. They are not jaded nor do they have the weight of the world on their shoulders….so they always bring a breath of fresh air to their sessions. They are so fun to work with…never feels like work!

You also do motivational speaking, what are some of your favorite topics to cover?

I always work to build high self-esteem in youth. A low self-esteem is the basis for most all of our problems in youth and it is something that we have all had to deal with at some point in our life.  If you can love yourself then you can love and accept others! Self-love and acceptance is the key to a healthy self-esteem which transcends to all aspects of the community.

If you could work with any artist on a song, who would it be?

Give me an artist with drive, talent, and a great energy and I will be there to work with them. But if there was one person I would love to work with, it would be Garth Brooks. I know he isn’t a young artist but he is my all time favorite!

In 2001, you sang an original song “Losing All My Pride” on the Ed McMahon’s Next Big Star show, what inspired you to write that song?

“Losing All My Pride” was the first song I ever wrote. It was about 3 in the morning and I wrote it in about 13 minutes. I was going thru a break up and the words and music just poured out of me. It was the best therapy I have ever had! lol

To learn more about Jonathan George and JG Entertainment go here

Hey bands, solo artists and promoters! Are you looking to get your music heard by a targeted audience of people who would love to become your fan? Dumb question I know but check out this promotion over at Grooveshark that I am taking advantage of to promote my music

Basically, they are willing to give you free plays for helping them drive other bands and artists to their service. Here’s an excerpt from their blog;

Make sure you’re registered at Grooveshark Artists, have at least one song in your profile, and get your fellow musicians to sign up to. THAT’S IT. We will play your music for potential fans via Grooveshark Radio! Here’s the breakdown:

5 referrals = 2,000 targeted Radio plays + 1 month VIP
10 referrals = 4,000 targeted Radio plays + 6 months VIP + chance to win site skin
15 referrals = 6,000 targeted Radio plays + 1 year VIP + chance to win site skin
20 referrals = 20,000 targeted Radio plays + lifetime VIP + chance to win site skin
Top 10 referrals overall = Featured on Grooveshark social media (50k+ readers)
Top 5 referrals overall = Custom banner ads featured on Grooveshark
Winner will receive a free custom site skin on Grooveshark ($10,000+ value)

Cool huh? Just think of all the people you could reach with thousands of plays. You could really bump up email sign-ups and sales.

Here’s that that link again, Grooveshark Artists. Go sign up now!

Make sure you stop back and let me know how it works out for you.

I’m having a good time with these haiku’s so I’m going to keep writing them, plus they’re tweetable.

Bingham Willoughby
perceives more than mere mortals
His songs freeze beauty

Introducing Rock Poet: Bingham Willoughby

Your new album is called Maybe Not Today, Maybe Tomorrow, are you a big procrastinator or is there another significance to the title?

On one level, you could say that there is a slight essence of procrastination, in the title. But my intentions, speak to more of an anticipatory feeling–as if you might say, “maybe not today, maybe tomorrow…but soon.” I wanted the title to evoke an impression, more akin to having overheard a snippet of conversation, versus some grand mission statement. And on a personal note, I think I’ll answer the question of being a procrastinator, a little later on…

You have a new video out for your song “What If You’d Chosen Me” what is the significance behind all of the nature shots?

The concept for the video was to explore the interaction between the idea of traveling and the various surroundings you’ll encounter. The traveler responds to these situations, and yet what he sees remains unchanged. The viewer is the traveler. The various natural and urban backdrops are silent witnesses. The notion of looking through moss covered branches, points to a starting point for reflection. The traveler is then confronted with images of the guitar scuttling across the forest floor, a snare filling with sky, and Spanish moss springing to life to try on a Da Vinci shirt. The images from nature; the swaying flowers and trees all asking, “What If You’d Chosen Me?” Humans are moving and nature is moving; these images reflect the song’s sentiments: “I don’t know if I’ll ever have the strength to plan again. Say what you have to, you can’t stop this from happening.” We’re asking the questions and searching for answers–in moody, mysterious nature.

If someone were to play Bingham Willoughby in a movie, who, dead or alive, would you want that actor to be?

It might sound like a funny choice, but Orson Welles. Not just because, I like his acting, but mostly because I credit him with performing one of the most bizarre musical numbers, ever committed to film (in Citizen Kane). In fact, some day I’d love to do a shot by shot remake of it, for one of my songs. If I was forced to choose a living actor, I’d have to say Philip Seymour Hoffman (currying favor, with the interviewer).

Your music sounds very reminiscent of Lou Reed, is he an influence of yours? Who are your other influences?

I definitely feel indebtedness to Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground, and certainly, some of the ways I approach song writing are heavily influenced, by what I perceive to be some of their methods. In particular, I’ve always been a huge fan of Reed’s ability to manifest, not only evocative images, but also real emotional urgency. Any writer, who wants to try and speak “of the moment,” owes Lou a debt. In terms of playing, I think any person who utilizes, at times, a reductive approach when playing and ranging, also owes a debt to The Velvet underground.

I have a lot of other influences. Just a few, off the top, would be: The Smiths (Johnny Marr), Lloyd Cole and Neil Young. Even Rockabilly greats, like Eddie Cochran are an influence. When it comes to lyrics, I’m drawn to that turn of phrase that resonates. In my own listening it’s something I always look for, and I’ve discovered it in many varied sources, from Cole Porter to The Shins. I’m always looking out for something that entices me.

This album was truly a solo project, from the music, the recording, and the lyrics; what are the best and worst parts of recording an album alone?

The best part about recording alone might in some ways be the worst part as well. If you have an idea, you can implement it, without consultation, somewhat streamlining the process. However, you also can’t benefit from several great ideas being offered at once, and then crystallizing into one grand idea. That is one of the huge benefits of a group process. The solitary approach fit perfectly, for the way I was feeling about this group of songs. Additionally, from a musician’s standpoint and recording standpoint, there are times when you are actively seeking this form of challenge. You’re trying to make the correct decisions that are going to be right for the songs.

You look like a mixture of Philip Seymour Hoffman and Andy Warhol, what is your favorite Hoffman movie and Warhol piece?

I’ve never been compared to those two people, at the same time before, though I do see the resemblance. I’m a huge fan of both of them, to tell you the truth, so I gladly take the compliment.

I’m a fan of Philip Seymour Hoffman. He’s definitely one of the best character actors working today. I think it would have to come down to a tie between Happiness and Capote, but let’s face it, he’s great in everything he’s done (even Along Came Polly.) Todd Solondz’s, Happiness, is classic Seymour Hoffman and Solondz: equal parts compelling and disturbing. I think one of the greatest things about Philip Seymour Hoffman, is that he somehow elicits a humanity from his performances that allows us to see a little piece of ourselves in his portrayals. Songwriting, aspires to the same goals.

As for Warhol, I am a huge fan, even to the point of having made the pilgrimage to the Warhol museum in Pittsburgh, (and yes, t-shirts were purchased). 5 floors of Andy including some of his taxidermy collection. Well worth a look. As for my favorite Warhol works, I have to throw down another tie, between his Flowers series from the early ’60’s, and a sentimental favorite, Elvis 1 and 2.

…as for being a procrastinator. If I was, Maybe Not Today, Maybe Tomorrow, would have ended with the title.

Find him on Facebook or elsewhere…

An introduction:

Hello everybody and welcome to the new weekly segment here on MusicGoat.com. Covering a wide variety of music stylings by the modern cover artist.

But first let me introduce myself. My name is Oliver Barker and like any other driven teenager lounging around and doing nothing i am passionate for music. I grew up loving band’s like My Chemical Romance, 30 Second’s To Mars and now as my music tastes have expanded i find myself loving band’s such as Placebo and Muse.

A particular kind of music has been a developing interest for me for the last few years and that is the “Cover Artist”. The beginning of this interest came from the first time that i heard Muse’s “Feeling Good” a completely different take of an old classic.

From that moment on, the way that i listened and felt about that song had changed. The same lyrics played and sang differently can change the meaning of a song from that of Joy and illation to angst and misery.

Over the coming week’s i will talk about various topics of the cover artist from popular hit’s you didn’t know weren’t the bands own song, to rising star’s to check out before they make the big time.

This week’s topic is the: BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge.

The Live Lounge is a mid morning program that in the past was presented by the lovable Jo Wiley, unfortunately now a days it is hosted by Verne Cotten. As irritating as she is the music that is aired is alway’s something of interest. The show is based around big artists that are currently in the charts coming and and playing one of their own songs acoustically with is always followed by a cover of another artist.

As i am sure that you can guess this alway’s makes for a interesting result’s. The mix of acoustic vocal’s and live music is always phenomenal and artist’s always put out a great performance. However the song’s that a covered make for mixed result’s.

The Big Hit:

Haley William’s cover of “Use Somebody” was a massive hit and took the internet by storm:

The Flop:

Cheryl Tweedy’s cover of “Fire Flies” by Owl City was somewhat to be desired as her live vocals were lack luster and unimpressive:

I hope that i have given you a brief insight into the world of cover artistry and have opened your mind to the endless possibilities. Why not go and check out some of the live lounge covers and let me know witch one is your favorite?

Next Week: The Rising Cover Artist Of 2010

Until Then: I’m Ollie. Check Ya Later

Why not come check my other blog at: http://thekfm.blogspot.com

Quick, can you think of any movies that have some under-rated music? Yeah? So did we and we decided to pick a few of those tunes and play them for you on the latest installment of the Cranium Melody episode on the Social Blend Podcast.

Go listen to Cranium Melody V now and listen as Greg, Joe and myself talk music and movies.

So, I notice that I’ve gotten into a bit of a rut when it comes to introducing bands. Frankly, I’m quite bored with the whole thing, so I thought I’d try writing up a new kind of intro, maybe a haiku? You may be asking “Why the sudden change, eh? I kinda like your intros” to which I might respond, “Thank you, you’re really much too kind, but after reading True Margrit lyrics and blog posts, I’ve decided to step it up and be a better writer. And also haikus are awesome.”

Margrit from True Margrit sees the world through her own bent kaleidescope and effortlessly churns out curious little sentences that look to be right out of a novel.  Her imagery and sophisticated insight on Seaworthy and The Juggler’s Progress (the two albums I’ve listened to) show off her writing talent and quirky voice and are a grand departure, when you want to try something new. So True Margrit, this one’s for you:

Forget what you thought
True Margrit’s not seaworthy
They are hear-worthy

You guys are currently on a west coast tour, what has been the best city so far?

We love every show as though each one were our only child. But with that said, this time through Eugene, Oregon really showed the love with a cool write up in the Eugene Weekly, two radio shows, and awesome dancing fans at the gig.

True Margrit was invited to play the International Pop Overthrow Festival in LA, how did you get involved with them?

Who hasn’t heard the legend of IPO, the world’s best independent pop fest, and David Bash its founder?? He has been a staunch supporter of True Margrit and we are super proud to participate. This year we have a cut on the IPO compilation CD, “Syllable” from The Juggler’s Progress.

Your new album, The Juggler’s Progress was released early this year, how did you come up with the title?

Haha, speaking of juggling metaphors…I wanted to mash together the (possibly discordant) themes of evolution, mountain climbing, and somehow incorporate a bunch of Shakespearean themes/references, so the title seemed to cover all those necessities…

Can anyone in True Margrit actually juggle?

Gary juggles potato pancakes, Andrew juggles drumsticks (both chicken and the kind one hits a drum with), and I juggle metaphorical clouds

On August 8th the band will be performing in San Francisco at Bottom of The Hill, we hear you’ll be unveiling a new music video, any funny outtakes we should know about?

Haha. There might be some footage of me climbing on the keyboard which didn’t make it into the video. And …footage of the three giant meals we ate during the 12 hour video shoot.

Why is Gary’s nickname “Cupcake,” what are Margrit’s feelings on the unique spelling of her name, and is Andrew related to Kevin Bacon?

Gary bakes a mean black bottom cupcake. I feel good having a more phonetic streamlined spelling of Margrit (and we like making a cinematic reference to the film True Grit, which, by the way, is being re-made by the Coen brothers!) Andrew is sometimes related to Kevin Bacon—when it serves his evil purposes—but technically, he’s not, no.

You just filmed a video for “Opposite Man” can you explain the story behind the song?

“Opposite Man” is that rare breed of song, a rueful anthem about making bad choices that really worked out for the best after all.

What is next for the band after the tour?

Finishing up new songs for the next recording, booking the next tour and then we’re back on the road  in October, mostly in Northern Cal, but maybe a few dates in LA. Stay tuned and rock on!

Find them here or on Facebook

Image via CrunchBase

I just wanted to run something by my fellow artists out there. I am not sure where but I found this site called Headliner.fm and it seems like it could be worth a shot.

Now I know what your thinking, new services promising to help bands and artist “reach the top” and explode their fanbase  are a dime a dozen these days, but, this one kind of jumped out at me as one to try out. See what you think.

The Skinny

It is an interesting concept. Basically they allow bands and artists the opportunity to leverage the fans of other bands and artists – on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc – by swapping promotions with them. In other words, you can have your music shared with fans of other bands/artists if you agree to share there music with your fans, on your social networks.

You can run promotions with artists in your genre each with a varying degree of popularity. they can be anywhere from your small local acts all the way up to artist like Diddy and Rob Thomas (not sure exactly how that works but those artists are on Headliners.fm’s homepage).

It is definitely an intriguing concept and could be a nice way to get your music in front of a very targeted audience for a very low investment. Plus I like the idea of hard-working bands and artist working together and helping each other out. After all, we are in this together.

Coming Clean

Now, just so you know, I haven’t done anything other than sign up, connect to my Facebook fanpage and Twitter account and watch as other bands approach me with promotion ideas. Sign up was simple and I was able to get a little over 20,000 plus of what they call band bucks for my 500+ fan base.

As far as promoting the other bands that have approached me, no band or artist has really been anything I wanted to promote to my fans – at least not until I am more familiar with how it works and/or the band/artist is someone I like myself.

I haven’t done a promotion myself – to see if I can parlay any of this into an increased fan base and/or sales – but I am currently in the process of revamping my mailing list and am waiting for that to get done before going full throttle.

Anyway, I figured I would tell you about it in case you thought it would come in handy and to hear your thoughts. Also, I get some more band bucks when other artists sign up using my link (hows that for full disclosure?). I figured I would stock pile some of those band bucks until I have my mailing list revamped.

So go take a look and if you think it is worth a shot, try it out. And if you would, please use my Headliners.fm link to do so. Thanks in advance!

Oh, and if you are already using it, please share your thoughts below so we can all learn.

Like This Shit? So do 700 plus Musicgoat diehards. Stop by and introduce yourself now. And if you’d like to check out my music and get a couple free downloads ta boot, visit my site PlanetCorey.com.