Just a note if you have been looking for a new podcast from yours truly. The studio – aka spare room – that I record my podcast in is currently under construction. I am not sure how long it is going to take before I can use it again – since I am only able to work on it on the weekends – but i am looking into some other remote options.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know. Hey, maybe this would be a good time for you to catch up on – or revisit – some of the older Melting Pot Podcasts.

As I prepare my next podcast – which will feature acoustic music by the way – I just wanted to share another great podcast with you. I discovered a few weeks ago and is headed for the blogroll. The name of the podcast is E Town. Their moto is “Music. Ideas. Community.”

I just love the format of the show. It is recorded in a theatre in front of a live audience – the sound quality is impeccable. It features interviews and short sets by two different artists that come from separate backgrounds and influences. At the end of the show the two artist – who may have never met – get together for an impromptu jam on some cover tune.

Some of the bigger names that I’ve heard on the show are Ben Harper, Steve Earle and Jakob Dylan. But, you will – without a doubt – find yourself Googling some of the other names that you hear. All the artists on E Town are top notch.

Other than the music, there something which also makes the show stand out. Each show they give an “Echievement” award to someone who is out there making a difference in the world. Some of the things that these everyday individuals are accomplishing in the name of helping out their fellow man are unbelievable. Inspiring to say the least.

Overall, here are all the words that come to mind when I think E Town; mellow, laidback, thought proving, feel good, inspiring, acoustic, absorbing. It is just a great show to listen to if you just want to kick back or be inspired (and who doesn’t want that). Also, the fact that it is live in front of a studio audience gives it a warm, personal and ambient quality just sucks you in.

Now do your soul a favor and check out E Town.org.

If you are an artist or band looking for a place to send your music demo, not only do I have a great suggestion for you but I have a few ideas on how you promote your music while your at it. Check it.

A few months back I started looking around for places to send my songs so that – if ever get around to finishing and recording them – I would have a solid strategy for giving them the best chance to be heard by reliable poeple.

I know, it is a pretty “horse before the cart” approach but never mind me, I wrote this to help you. Here goes. Read the rest of this entry

I was flipping through eMusic the other day when I noticed a new release by an old favorite of mine, Extreme. I was a little apprehensive at first but figured what the hell, I’ll download it. Boy am I glad I did. Here is a quick review.

The title of the release is “Saudades De Rock“. In the opening line on the track “Slide” Gary Cherone sings “Find a groove and then drop the hammer.” That pretty much sums up most of the tunes on the release.

One of the reason i was a fan of Extemes music was because I am a sucker for good guitar. I always loved Nuno’s guitar work and this release did not do anything to change that. He is one of a seemingly dieing breed of guitarists who can dance over the fretboard, navigating a path of tasty grooves throughout every song.

The whole CD is about what you would expect from Extreme if you were a fan of some of the their popular stuff like “Pornograffitti” and/or “Three Sides to Every Story” but they do venture into new territory and pull it off well.

Bottom line, if you love active guitar, meaty grooves and solid songwriting, this is a no-brainer.

FEED YOUR POD! If you are interested in downloading any music – including the stuff discussed in this post – while at the same time supporting Musicgoat.com, click on the image above or use either of the following Musicgoat-friendly links: eMusic, Amazon.
THANKS and YOU ROCK!

Grab your studs, your air guitar and a beer (or three). I keep the intensity level high as you and I check some out some tunes from all over the metal spectrum.

Press play and listen as we explore some newer metal music ranging from Hard Rock to Thrash.

[audio:http://musicgoat.com/podcast/mmp034_heavy_metal_res.mp3]
Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Robot Lords of Tokyo - “Mergatroid” (get it free on eMusic)
Robot Lords of Tokyo – “Belly Full of Greed”
DC4 - “Candy Caine” (get it free on eMusic)
SNEW - “Got Love” (get it free on eMusic)
SNEW – “She’s A Real Gunslinger” (get it free on eMusic)
American Angel – “Turns to Grey” (get it free on eMusic)
Top Johnny – “X-Tasy”
Exodus – “Children of a Worthless God” (get it free on eMusic)

Websites Mentioned on this podcast;
SNEW frontman interview on the Classic Metal Show

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

I just wanted to give a ginormous thanks you to everyone over at the Mixxing Bowls Social Blend for selecting my appearance on their show one of the best of 2009 2008 (oops).

I remember the show well and I really had a great time. Hopefully this means I will get another spot somewhere down the line.

If you haven’t ever listened to Social Blend, go check out the Social Blend Best of 2008 Podcast now to get a taste.