We’ve all heard the accusations, especially with older religious groups, that Rock n’ Roll is the Devil’s music. We’ve shrugged that off over the years and even evangelical Christian Rock groups have taken to the sound. But they not have been far off the mark if you believe in legends and have an open mind.

If you are a music lover, musician, and are open minded, I invite you to take the time and listen to a legend. The legend of the beginning of Rock and Roll!

Robert Johnson was a poor, African American man, born in Mississippi in 1911. During his life he became known as The King of the Delta Blues. Robert Johnson however, was not always the a great guitarist.

The Story

Robert Johnson had been making his way from Yazoo City Mississippi, trying to get to Helena. He had been playing at a club in Yazoo and his ride had left him on a cool October night near a levee where Robert heard a dog howling. Not just any howl but a bluesy, rhythmic, soulful, howl. The dog was hairless, and as the legend goes, was standing in a ditch near a tall, barrel-chested black man.

The howling touched Robert Johnson’s soul, causing him to go down to his knees. It was something he had never heard before; as if the dog were crazed.
“That dog gone mad.” Robert said.

The man laughed. “That dog belong to me. He ain’t mad, he’s got the Blues. I got his soul in my hand.”

The dog let out another howl. This howl gripped Robert Johnson’s soul. It made him twitch and move. Robert grabbed his guitar and his fingers began playing the most wonderful thing he had ever heard. When he was finished, and the dog was no longer howling, Robert tried to play that sound again but couldn’t.

“Put that guitar down boy.” The man said. “You just another guitar player like all the damn rest. You need to throw that thing in the ditch next to that dog, and go play the harp for Willie Brown. You is a simple guitar player, nobody ever gonna remember you..or..you wanna play that guitar like nobody ever played it before?”

Robert looked at the dog. “I want that dog Devil man.”

“That dog ain’t for sale Robert Johnson…but the sound can be yours. That there is the sound of the Delta Blues.” The man said with an evil smile.

“I have to have that sound! That’s a lot of women and whiskey! Where do I sign?”

The man said to him “You don’t need no pencil Robert Johnson. Your word is good enough. All you have to do is keep walking north. But you better be ready, there will be consequences!”
“Be ready for what Devil man?” Robert asked squinting at the big man.

“You know where you are Robert Johnson? You standin at the crossroads, right at midnight. This ain’t just any crossroads Robert Johnson. I put this “X” on the ground for a reason. I was waitin for you. You take another step North and you be in Rosedale. East and you’ll be back at Highway 61 in Cleveland. You could go West and sit there on the levee and look down at the river, and South will put you back in Beulah. It’s your choice. But know this, you head North to Rosedale and you be playing the Blues like nobody ever heard. That sound will take hold of all who hear it. Your soul will be mine Robert Johnson, for eternity.”

“Step back Devil Man! I am going to Rosedale! I AM THE BLUES!” Robert shouted.
“Go on then Robert Johnson. You go be The King of the Delta Blues. But when you get to town, get yourself a hot plate. Where you goin son, you gonna need a little something on your belly.”

With that, Robert Johnson headed North to Rosedale and sealed his contract with The Devil. Robert Johnson went on to become The King of the Delta blues and spawned a new sound called Rock n’ Roll.

At the age of 27 Robert Johnson was poisoned by the owner of a juke joint he had been playing. Robert had been messing around with the owner’s wife. The story goes when he died, he knelt down on all fours and let out a howl, a howl that no one could believe a man could make.

This story lives on in many forms and has been linked to influence some stories, movies and songs. A popular one being “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” In this instance the Devil lost. Also a movie was made closely related to this legend, Crossroads starring Ralph Macchio.

The Club

Robert Johnson (1911-1938) is said to be the first of the 27 Club and the father of what was to become known as Rock music. Though some people might argue he is not the actual Father of Rock n’ Roll, but that sound would never have been if it weren’t for the Delta Blues.

The Delta Blues/Crossroads legend has become been linked to the 27 club legend as others have risen to great success only to die at the young age:

Jim Morrison Dec 1943- July 1971
Janis Joplin Jan 1943 – Oct 1970
Kurt Cobain Feb 1967 – Apr 1994
Brian Jones Feb 1942 – July 1969
Jimi Hendrix Nov 1942 – Sep 1970
Amy Winehouse Sept 1983 – July 2011

Other celebrities from movies to television have also passed on at age 27 and have joined the ranks of the 27 club. Robert Johnson and his pact with the devil, some say, is where it all started. Others shrug it off and say it’s all coincidence. So maybe, just maybe it is the Devil’s music, but we took it from him.

For me, let’s just say you won’t see me standing at the crossroads anytime soon…

Bonus Video

If you are a music fan and haven’t the movie Crossroads, you are missing out. Check out this YouTube clip.

Guest Post: Jay Fowler is co-host of the podcast Social Blend. Raised in Memphis Tennessee, the Delta Blues hold a special place in his heart.

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In the music business, you need to strike while the iron is hot, and take your chances when you get them. You never know when a once in a lifetime opportunity will present itself, and when it does, you need to be ready to step up to the microphone and rock it.

You need an artist management company who knows how to function in the fast paced world of the music business.

Best Kept Secret

The best kept secret in the music business, though, is that, more often than not, “once in a lifetime” opportunities don’t just happen. Most bands and artists who have achieved any degree of success in the business got their big breaks because of someone in the background pulling the right strings and making sure the pieces fell into place so they could get that legitimate shot at success. Most of the time, the ones behind the scenes are aggressive artist managers or artist management companies.

Finding the right artist manager is one of the most important decisions you will ever make as an artist or a band. Unless you happen to really know what’s what in the music industry (and most don’t), you need someone who can steer you in the right directions. You need someone with the right connections who can make sure that the right people get to hear you perform.

Ideal Candidate

You need someone who has natural leadership ability…someone who can deal with the different personalities and egos both in your band and in the music business in general. You also need someone who has a great deal of salesmanship, someone who’s going to be able to convince others in the business that, out of all the up and coming artists, you are the one they should give the gig or recording contract to.

On top of all of this, you need an artist manager you can trust. The music business, like any other business, runs on trust. Be people of your word, and expect the same of your management company. Don’t accept any less. Your career depends on it.

Guest post: Matthew Downes is committed to helping this up and coming generation of musicians optimize their careers by giving them consummate guidance in all areas of the music industry. As president of ktc mgmt, a company specializing in helping artists achieve maximum profits with real world business advice and career consulting, he can help you reach your goals and maximize your profit in the music industry.

For more information about Matthew and his company ktc mgmt please visit http://www.ktcmgmt.com/

PHOTO CREDIT:  photo credit: Epiclectic

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photo credit: rick

When I heard about Google Music and read a few stories (below), I figured I would jump in with both feet and get in while the gittin is good. Hell, maybe even snag some new listens before everyone and there mother has their tracks streaming and up for sale.

Here are a few quick observations I had when researching and signing up for Google Music.

My Observations

The good…

• No middle man. Just you and Google
• Google is SUPER conscience about rights. They are constantly emphasizing that you own everything (music, pictures, copy, etc) that you are uploading. Yeah many sites are like this but they just go above and beyond.
• Your songs go right into the Android market, are available to be streamed on Google Music, are sharable on Google + and on YouTube along sode your videos (this is huge in my opinion). Also, I’m assume the tracks will be more prominent on Google’s old school search. All pluses in my book.
• They offer listeners the chance to share full songs. Which is a good thing (I hate only being able to hear partial songs don’t you?).
• When I was setting up my album they give you the option to offer tracks in the following ways: totally free, paid with two free plays, paid with no free plays.

Others Observations

Google Music Artist Intro Page

Hear about the service from Google themselves.

Google Just Dropped Two Gigantic Bombs on the Music Industry…

This Digital Music News post sold me on putting my music on Google Music.

Google Music’s Artist Hub turns indie musicians into personal record labels

Personal record labels? Yeah kinda.

Have you had any experience with Google Music? Have any thoughts? Share the in the comments below.

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

 photo credit: rick

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Led Zeppelin has gone down in history as one of the biggest bands of all time. I’m here to convince you that they are, in fact, the greatest of them all.

Remembered as the biggest band of the 1970′s, Led Zeppelin gained iconic status through their electrifying live shows. Over time, their popularity hasn’t waned, and they are still one of the most popular bands today. Only reuniting a handful of times, they have remained true to their legacy and will be forever remembered as their classic line-up: Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham.

Here are five reasons why Led Zeppelin is the greatest band of all time.

BEST LYRICS

Who can forget such classic lines as “Mean old levee, taught me to weep and moan”, or “I don’t know, but I been told, that big-legged women ain’t got no soul”.

Led Zeppelin’s lyrics have much of Lord Byron about them: grandiosity, majesty, and more than a handful of irreverence. The lyrics cover everything from love, to The Lord of the Rings, to sex in its sexiest form, to childhood friendship. Whether influenced by blues, folk or good old rock ‘n roll, Led Zeppelin’s lyrics encompass a wide range of experiences.

Listen to Black Dog

FATTEST BASS LINES

John Paul Jones will forever be the unsung hero of the group. A versatile multi-instrumentalist, he contributed keyboard parts to such classics as Stairway to Heaven and Kashmir. He will, however, forever be remembered as bass player extraordinaire, whose simultaneously improvisatory and pocket style was the perfect counterpoint to John Bonham’s drumming. John Paul Jones’ effortless finger style bass can be heard on numerous sessions from the 60′s, and can be heard on the frankly excellent album Them Crooked Vultures, proof that old age has not yet caught up with this god among men.

Listen to The Lemon Song

MOST THUNDEROUS DRUMS

One only needs to listen to Moby Dick to recognise that John Bonham was an extraordinary drummer of seemingly limitless ability. His thunder can be heard on songs ranging from cock-rock classics such as Black Dog, to the beautiful ballads Over the Hills and Far Away and The Rain Song, to the folksy Bron-Y-Aur Stomp. A man who knows his stuff, Dave Grohl, among many others, has described Bonham as the greatest drummer the world has ever seen. His legacy is such that Ludwig Drums to this day sells not one, but two authentic “Zep kits”, based on Bonham’s one-up two-down set-up.

Listen to When The Levee Breaks

MOST FACE-SHREDDING GUITAR SOLOS

The guitar solo is a hallmark of rock ‘n roll and many artists are credited as being masters of the craft: from Jimi Hendrix to Slash. However, few solos carry as much emotion as Jimmy Page’s, whether we be listening to Since I’ve Been Loving You, Rock and Roll, or Stairway to Heaven. Page’s perfect mix of fast and slow passages, highs and lows, all set against Plant’s voice define the Led Zeppelin sound, and you’d be hard-pressed to find another artist who delivers the goods so succinctly.

Listen to Since I’ve Been Loving You

MOST BEAUTIFUL MELODIES

Led Zeppelin will mostly forever be remembered as a rock band, whose classics such as Whole Lotta Love, Trampled Underfoot and Kashmir shook the foundations of the genre to its core. But there was another side to the Led Zeppelin coin, a side characterised by sensitivity, contemplation and beauty. Led Zeppelin authored some of the most beautiful ballads ever written, from the tribute to Plant’s deceased son All My Love, to the love song Thank You, to the hauntingly indescribable The Rain Song.

Listen to The Rain Song

What do you think?

This is a guest post on behalf of Liberty Games, a supplier of jukeboxes for your home and other great games room equipment.

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One of the reasons I started this blog was to share music. To be honest, I have been horrible at it lately. Today that changes (at least for today).

Besides, Soundcloud makes it so damn easy to share and embed music that there really isn’t an excuse.

Chief Ghoul

Today, check out Chief Ghoul from Chicago. Distorted acoustic guitar, distorted haunting vocals and I am really diggin on this.

To be honest I wasn’t crazy about the production at first but the songs quickly made me forget about it. Plus, after listening for awhile, it totally works and gives the tunes – and the Chief – their own identity (and thats what it is all about).

In My Time Of Dyin’ by Chief Ghoul

The Way by Chief Ghoul

What do you think of the Chief?

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

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photo credit: Vectorportal

The term ‘rock star’ tends to evince a different image depending on who you ask. Me, I imagine a hard-drinking, guitar-shredding womaniser who can turn a subdued crowd of spectators into an exigent stampede. I picture Axl Rose, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain. I don’t think of The Beatles or The Who, though many will. Images of a tongue-wagging Gene Simmons or microphone-raising Freddie Mercury are what pop to mind. Yes, it’s fair to say rock star is a polarising term.

There is rock royalty of course, many of whose members huddle under the umbrella term ‘monsters’. So-called monsters of rock generally include Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Iron Maiden, their modus operandi comprising a blend of gigantic riffs, superabundant solos and memorable antics, both off stage and on. They are the big guns, the Hall of Famers. Kicking ass and taking no prisoners, the monsters have assured their place in history, and provide fertile ground for modern rock stars to thrive. But is the rock dinosaur extinct?

Where Are The Rockstars?

Putting musical output aside for a moment, it strikes me that there are few heavyweights currently making waves in the same manner in which the old guard did. See it as ‘there’s nothing like the old days’ cynicism if you like, but can Chris Martin really stir a crowd into a frenzy like Eddie Van Halen? Can The Strokes command the public gaze in the way The Rolling Stones managed at their peak?

We are, of course, talking about grandiosity and presence here; a band or musician’s ability to create history and sear a passing moment permanently into human consciousness. Perhaps it’s a simple case of the modern rock star being, well, a product of modern times. Climate change, atomic energy, global debt, poverty, war, disease, famine and corruption may provide a rock star with material for a song, but it also makes bombastic showmanship a less tenable commodity. Modern rock stars such as Radiohead barely even play shows anymore, so concerned are they with reducing their carbon footprint and eschewing the sort of greedy capitalist clutches bygone rock stars embraced like lovers (sometimes quite literally).

It’s All About the Music Though, Right?

Well, suffice to say music tastes have also changed. The monsters of rock preached good times and love, excess and lessons forgotten. Modern rock stars preach lessons learned, love, regret and socio-economics. While one can still find bands to fit their mould of what rock stars should be, the mainstream is very much a slammed door in the face of the old-school rocker.

Can anyone seriously say a rock gig from the last ten years has a hope in hell of ranking among the best ever? Pink Floyd’s The Wall concerts, Jimi Hendrix plowing Woodstock or Nirvana at 1992′s Reading Festival occupy a special place in time and are unlikely to be unseated by more sedate offerings from many modern rock royals.

Indeed, arguably the finest rock concert of the past ten years saw dinosaurs The Rolling Stones come bounding into the present, celebrating 40 years of carnage by decimating Wembley in 2003.

However you like your rock stars, there’s no denying that the monsters and dinosaurs will live in infamy beyond the fading sound of their gratuitous solos. Rock on.

Sponsored Guest Post: This article was brought to you by Cash Generator, the discount retailer of new and used musical instruments.

photo credit: Vectorportal

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Vinyl records hit the mainstream market during the 50s and 60s rock n’ roll revolution. When vinyl records were the principal music medium, the collectors were dye-hard fans of the bands at the time – mainly the younger generation that would have gone to the concerts of the bands.

Little did these folks know how things would be 50 years down the line…

Down The Line

Now, thanks to the internet, you can browse online vinyl record marketplaces, sat in pretty much any location of your choosing, be it your bedroom, an airport or a coffee shop.

The internet also gives us the opportunity to buy records from around the world. Online market places such as musicstack and Gemm, mean that we don’t have to just buy from large online stores or shops either, but get to browse thousands of records from individual sellers.

One can see then, the added dimensions and scope that the internet has provided the record collector with.

What About The Record Stores?

But what about the independent record store? Are these amazing online record marketplaces killing off the back-alley gems where we used to spend a couple of hours rifling through to find something that was at least closely related to what you were looking for?!

Well it is true that the number of record stores has been in steep decline, and reached an all-time low in 2009. However, you may be surprised to hear that a report by the BBC has discovered that for the first time in years, last year saw a small increase in independent record stores.

Granted this increase only comes as a handful, but this is no small feat for something that many thought would be completely dead in the water by 2011.

A Collectors Dream

OK, so vinyl continues to remain a collectors dream item – the artwork, the sound, the nostalgia. But is making a trip to the record store an unmissable part of the collector’s experience? Or is it worth missing out on, in order for convenience, and more importantly ensuring that you are getting the best vinyl at the best price?

If one was to completely dismiss the vast marketplace that we have access to on the internet, then one is missing out on looking at records from around the world, from millions of artists, with different collector’s attributes. And I don’t think that there are many people out there that are stubborn enough to avoid looking for records on the internet for the sake of saving the independent record store.

The Answer

But, there is a simple answer to all of this; one which I put into practice myself; and that is to do both! Use the internet to browse vinyl records from round the world.

Also, make sure that you sometimes make a trip to your local independent record store – because lets face it, an internet marketplace can’t always substitute the musty smell of an independent record store, and doing your record hunting in the company of other vinyl record collectors.

Guest Post: Written by Claire Jones of VinylRecordSearch.com  - A vinyl records price comparison search site.

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Did you see all the changes Facebook is making these days? It is just another reminder for you and I about how little control we have over our content outside of our own website and mailing list. It also made me start thinking about how you and I could move some of the Fanpage dwellers over to our mailing list.

Here is what I did:

1) Craft a Message

I wrote a simple message about why I want them to get on my email list and offered them a few free songs in return. I also whipped up a simple landing page with a sign up form that I linked to right in the message. Note: You may need to make your own landing page but some email marketing providers make it simple for you to do this. I use Aweber.

Here’s what I said

Hello,

Unfortunately, Facebook may be making some changes like discontinuing our ability to have friends’ lists. With potential changes like this a possibility, I am reaching out to each of my Facebook friends and fans individually to make sure that you and I can still connect by email.

Click this link below and let me know if you’d like to stay in touch.

Click here now.

If you decide to stay in touch, I would like to thank you by sending you downloads of my songs “Take This Ring” and “Change The World.”

Talk to you soon.

Best,
Corey

Pretty straightforward but I think you get the idea.

2) Send a Message

Updating all of your fans is pretty simple but it is kind of buried. Here’s how you can find it

1. Go to Facebook Fanpage and select “Edit Page”.
2. Click on “Resources” on the left menu
3. Click “Send an Update.

Should be pretty self explanatory at this point. Just target your message if necessary, paste your message and send.

Results

With this campaign I was able to add 18 fans over to my mailing list over the course a 2 weeks. Not huge when you consider I have 500+ fans but 18 more than I would have had if I hadn’t.

Now go and try it out for yourself and see what kind of results you get. Then stop back and tell us about it.

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

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I was homeless for many years and hoped for a chance to play my music for the public, and no matter how hard times became, my faith and strong desire kept me fighting.

I knew one day I would share my music, then a man named Trey Noran of “His Love Street” seen me play on the 16th Street Mall in Denver and believed in me and he landed me television Interviews from CNN, to CBS “Early Show” to recording my first Cd which will be released on October 1st 2011.

We have received calls from Ellen DeGeneres to Rosie O’Donnell. My goal is to be able to make enough money to have a comfortable life and to go from city to city finding other talented homeless singers and helping them fulfill their dreams.

Trey Noran has me on his record label called H.I.S. and my CD is called “Trials and Tribulations” and my debut is in Denver, Colorado September 28th 2011 at Lannies Clocktower Cabaret. So never lose track of your dreams as they can come true.

Guest Post: Dred has the power to be a household name as his talented is loved from teens to seniors. His bluesy and soulful talented and love for others shall make him a household name. Trey Louis Noran

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After almost two years of frustrations Oblivious Signal has cut ties with their notorious manager John Tovar (Marilyn Manson, The Mavericks) .

Oblivious Signal front Woman Cristina T Feliciano

“While having long term ties to the music world, John didn’t come through for us the way we had hoped.” Commented Feliciano on the unexpected turn for the band. “We just felt like we have more opportunity to move forward with our former management agency, Static Management, so we are working with them again and really excited about it. We weren’t looking for a cheerleader, but we need a manager that is going to be behind us and be available to us.”

Along with this move Oblivious Signal is looking forward to branching out to doing more regional shows up the East coast and into some of the southern states via C&A Media booking. Having searched for a booking agent with a good reputation and solid credentials for years, their team finally found the right match with Carolina based C&A Media, who book several other regional acts and are partners with the record label Filament Records.
This mating with mean several short trips to neighboring states to extend their fan base and to finally play for some of the fans beyond the Florida borders.

“A band in our position has to take some chances. We have the music and the line up, we have to be willing to put ourselves out there and commit to some out of town shows without big guarantees. What’s important now is getting our music and live show in front of new fans.” Says Feliciano regarding their quest for a reputable booking agency.
“But we couldn’t sign with a booking agent that asked for large up front fees yet doesn’t take responsibility for the bands they have on the road and doesn’t look out for our best interests. Some bookers can leave you hanging in a band nightmare, waiting on your confirmations, no lead time to promote, not a green M&M or pink stage towel in the whole place.” kids Nick Orisino, founder member and lead guitarist.

Nick Orisino Live at The Talent Farm

“That’s why we are thrilled to be with C&A Booking. They don’t promise us huge up front premiums, but have a reputation for putting bands in front of substantial crowds and being responsible to their talents. I feel when we leave Broward we will have confidence that we will have great shows and come home with new fans.”

Oblivious Signal has been in studio for several weeks laying down tracks for new songs and an upcoming Spanish language release that had been temporarily shelved. They will be available for shows starting immediately through the agency.

Feliciano continues to be elusive about the side project she is working on with Luis Salazar, but it is said to have dance and pop influence and be just for fun, not a replacement for Oblivious Signal.

For booking information on Oblivious Signal please contact: Tony Andrews @ tandrews@camedia.org

 

Inflicted Shame, Oblivious signal’s first professional video:

Inflicted Shame

 

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Looking for a cool way to make music videos for YouTube without spending a ton of time or money? Check out this video.

I saw this video on my Google Plus stream and thought it was a great example of a simple video that keeps you watching.

It looks like something any one on a limited budget, very limited time or limited equipment could do.

Here it is -

What about you? Do you have any simple, cost effective ways to make videos?

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

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I saw this Mashables Cover Song Faceoff today and it reminded me of how powerful doing cover songs on YouTube can be especially if you do it right.

The two things I noticed is how some of the artists are really missing the boat and how others are really maximizing the exposure. Let me explain.

Missing The Boat

They have hardly any info in the video description and worst of all, they do not have any links to a download store or a website where they can capture an interested fans information. Here’s an example of a description that could be better.

On The Right Track

The ones doing it right are putting links to their websites and/or iTunes store right at the top of the video description section. Like this guy , he certainly has plenty of links (almost overkill but hey).

For What It’s Worth

I like to put both up types of link up top on my videos. I make the first link go to a landing page offering a free track in exchange for their email address.

I like to make sure I can start the process of building a relationship with the new fan and keep them around for future promotions. Check out how I do it here.

Bonus

to really cross your I’s and dot those T’s, you can learn about some other things you can do to make your video’s more searchable on this video SEO tips page I found for you.

In The End

Now you have now idea whether or not your are going to pick the right tune OR even get your video showcased on a high traffic site like Mashable. But do yourself a favor and take a few extra seconds to add at least one link to make sure you are prepared if it does because you never know.

What do you think?

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

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One of the most common things I hear from fellow guitar players when I ask them if they’ve been playing at all is “man I just don’t have the time”. I totally understand since I’ve been there before myself so I usually throw out this simple guitar playing  tip.

It’s real simple….make sure you see your guitar at all times. Just set that sucker next to the TV, computer or somewhere else where you will be able to see it alot. If it is there you will pick it up, trust me. It will call to you. I started doing it with my PRS Guitar all the time and it worked like a charm.

Hell, even if you pick it up for just two minutes and it doesn’t do anything for you that time, that’s fine, I guarantee there will be that time where a quick pick-up turns into a stress relieving marathon or an inspiring journey of learning and discovery (how’s that for cheesy?).

But seriously, go right now and dig that sucker out from under the mounds of crap in your basement and set it up. If it doesn’t pull a few chords out of you right then and there, just find a good spot to put it and go about your business. It will call to you sooner or later.

Oh and before I let you go, a few words of caution. Wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfreinds, or all of the above, may not find the instrument visually appealing as it relates to your home decor (which is hard to understand if you’ve ever seen my PRS Guitar and now my Taylor). You’ll just have to figure that part out by yourself. I suggest learning or writing a ballad or two (wink, wink).

Happy jamming!

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Ready for some inspiration from one of indies most innovative and rising stars? Great, then I have a podcast for you to check out.

Not exactly sure how my friends Greg and Jay from Social Blend were able to swing it, but they have Nataly Dawn from YouTube/ video song superstars Pomplamoose.

She talk about the following:

• How Pomplemoose started and gained popular using YouTube
• Their early struggles
• Using covers to make fans aware of your music
• How they choose covers
• What music inspire them and their work
• Why they are indie
• What it means to be indie
• Upcoming collaborations
• Where she thinks she looks like a hooker
• How they are able to keep their sanity as their popularity increases
• Her new Kickstarter campaign she started to raise money for her latest project
• And more..

Bottom line, whether you are a music fan or musician, there is a ton of great stuff in this interview. Very inspiring!

Anyway, enough outta me. Go listen for yourself by clicking here.

OH and one more thing, please share this podcast with anyone your can. Greg, Jay and Nataly all work very hard and deserve to have their work heard.

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This is about as indie as it gets. Here is a very cool cover of Princes “Purple Rain.”

The interesting thing here is, Prince HATES people covering his music. So much so that he wants to outlaw (yes outlaw) cover songs (wtf ?). I can’t even imagine a world without cover songs. Hell think of a artists that have benefited from their songs being covered and I know there are songs out there that were actually better when they were covered.

I personally would be honored to have anyone cover one of my tunes. Its almost like to ultimate compliment.

Either way, I think Dred does a great job on the tune. I kind of feel bad sharing it cuz I don’t want to get the guy in trouble but it is just to damn cool and besides, I don’t think Prince is reading this blog.

And what about you. How do you feel about cover tunes?

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1. Dred D. Scott: From Homeless To Debut
2. New Cover Song – Eliza Neals “Misery” (Barret Strong Cover)
3. New Cover Song: Metal Meets Folk as Ryan Adam’s Cover Iron Maiden (Music Video)

Image via Wikipedia

Marketing music online isn’t an easy job these days. There are many places to be and a gazillion tools to use. With all the learning and managing required your head can start spinning pretty quickly and your precious time can evaporate quicker than Windex on sun-drenched windshield. But I think Google Plus might just help us with that.

Brogan Knows

At first thought Google Plus looked like another take it or leave it ploy by Google to grab some attention away from the Facebooks and Twitters of the world. But after reading Chris Brogan’s Google Plus 50 post, I have changed my mind, BIG time.

He goes through and points out how Google plus – along with some of the new features like  Circles (more on that below) – will bring all of their stand alone tools like Picasa, Gchat, Gmail, etc together for a one stop social party. Which got even more weight a day later when Google announces is will rebrand Picasa and Blogger.

Add that to fact 400,000+ Android phones are being activate per day it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see Google might have something here that is useful for music promotion.

Here is the part of the Chris’s post that really perked my interest.

“How long before we see our first Hangout live music “jam?” That’s one record button away from being supercool. And one “name your price” Google Checkout tweak away from being instant micro content for sale.”

How cool would that be? Monetized (or not) push button live shows – with all the promotion tools included – at your finger tips. Almost makes sites like Ustream and StageIt sound complicated.

Circle Jerks Works

CDBaby also recognized the potential of the Google Plus Circles feature in a post . They bring up a great point:

Basically, you can put your friends into different categories and communicate with each of them separately. For most users, circles would probably include “family,” “close friends,” “acquaintances,” “work associates,” etc. But for musicians, this function could have some added benefits if account holders are allowed to create circles for in-town fans, fellow musicians, booking contacts, studio owners, journalists and bloggers, etc

That will be pretty slick. How many times do you want to share links, vids or chit chat with other artists about music marketing on various social networks but don’t because you don’t want to share that conversation with your fans and vice-versa?

Being able to segment conversations means you may not have to have two Twitter accounts or multiple fanpages to log in and out of.

Only The Beginning

And really that is the tip of the iceberg. I can’t get in to try out Google Plus at the moment to really poke and prod but you can bet I will be in there playing around the minute I get a chance. Stay tuned

In the meantime, go check out Google+ for yourself. And I strongly encourage you to go and read Chris Brogan’s Google Plus 50 post and check out the conversation going on in the comments because he goes into way more depth than I have time or first hand knowledge to here.

Oh and as a side note, Google getting bigger and better is kind of freaky. Hell, between my email, my reader, my phone, etc, the conspiracy theorist in me knows they have a crap load of my information. But [fingers crossed] hopefully it is much ado about nothing and I can reap some time saving and fan finding benefits of pretty innovative thinking on their part.

Enough from me. What about you?  Do you know something I don’t? Will you use Google Plus?

Like This Stuff? So do 600 plus Musicgoat diehards. Subscribe via RSS now or learn more about what I am doing to find more fans by signing up for the newsletter .

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Check these guys out! Dino Planet is a new groove-based power rock trio from the Bay Area. Focusing on updating classic funk and reggae stylings with a modern edge, their do-it-yourself attitude, catchy tunes and musical aptitude are winning over fans by the dozens.

Catch them all over California this summer!

Go check out their video or go grab some of their tunes for free at http://www.reverbnation.com/dinoplanet

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Want to seriously improve your listening skills? Here is a great exercise that you can easily set-up in your home recording studio.

1.) First, prepare some audio files you are currently working with. Any complete song will do whether it is already mastered or not. Open it with your favorite recording software or DAW.

2.) Now that you can see the audio wave, select at most 15 seconds of audio from it typically starting at the chorus section of the song.

3.) Copy that 15 seconds audio as another wav file, then save it as original.wav. Make sure to save it at highest resolution as possible: 24-bit, 96Khz.

4.) Now open original.wav, you need to create 9 audio files out of it using different EQ settings. Create these files with the applied EQ setting:

original_1.wav
Boost 1dB at 50Hz
Q=1.0

original_2.wav
Boost 2dB at 50Hz
Q=1.0

original_3.wav
Boost 3dB at 50Hz
Q=1.0

original_4.wav
Boost 1dB at 2000Hz
Q=0.7

original_5.wav
Boost 2dB at 2000Hz
Q=0.7

original_6.wav
Boost 3dB at 2000Hz
Q=0.7

original_7.wav
Boost 1dB at 12500Hz
Q=0.7

original_8.wav
Boost 2dB at 12500Hz
Q=0.7

original_9.wav
Boost 3dB at 12500Hz
Q=0.7

So you have 9 audio files with different audio file name and 9 distinct EQ settings applied to it.

5.) Put these 9 files in a Windows media player or any wav player that you use. Enable shuffle for playback. Include original.wav in the playlist which are not applied with any EQ. Listen to the original.wav very carefully until you fully understand how it really sounds like. Remove original.wav in the playlist after listening to it.

6.) Start the test by listening to each audio files and guess the file name based on the EQ adjustments applied (without looking at filename in the playlist). For example if the bass sounds too much as compared to the original. Then it must be original_3.wav.

Just before completing the 15 seconds clip, take a look at the file name being played and check if you correctly guess it.

What you will learn from this exercise?

This is to check how accurate are your ears in perceiving small changes in the frequency response which are important in becoming a successful mixing or mastering engineer.

The most difficult test are those that have only +1dB adjustments. Do this everyday and you will be amazed how this will contribute in improving your listening skills.

You can even re-do the test by creating new set of audio files now implemented with cutting instead of boosting.

Guest post by Emerson Maningo. Find out more about how Emerson plans to rule the world through music at his site AudioRecording.me.

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This is a guest post from Jennifer Hawkins (aka Jen The Music Maven ). Jen’s career includes expertise in: recording, production, publishing marketing, promotion, branding, merchandising and distribution. Jen currently teaches music business courses at Houston Community College, Spring Branch Campus.

Why I use a 3 step approach to music success that starts with: your music!

The brutal truth about the record biz: a song needs to grab it’s audience in the first 10 seconds. Don’t believe me? Consider this: when you’re surfing radio stations trying to find a good song to listen to…how long do you give an unfamiliar tune before you decide to continue listening or go on to the next one? Answer: the same amount of time label execs, publishers, and A&R execs give new song submissions: 10 seconds.

Picture this: Music publishers, labels, etc. can get anywhere from dozens to hundreds of song submissions per day. This industry is uber-competitive, your song must grab the label personnel’s attention immediately or it runs a very big risk of getting tossed or deleted. It’s been the rule since day 1…when audiences have choices..they’ll choose what ‘grabs them’.

I’ve worked in a publishing office before; my job was screening all submissions and I rarely (if ever) found a song that violated the 10 second rule and was successful. I remember one evening having more than my regular overload of submissions and I took them home with me to finish screening. My sister was observing me as I worked; she didn’t believe that 10 seconds was all it took to screen a song (15-20 if it’s quasi-appealing). So…I challenged her. I gave her the 30 or so songs I’d already screened and rejected. She listened to all of them in their entirety… I made a believer out of her!

The artists listed below have made believers out of all of us: The following songs (spanning over 40 years) all sold over 6 million singles. Most of these songs ‘burst’ into an audience’s conscioiusness, same take a few secs but not much. Listen to the first 10 secs of each and hear what I mean. Each of them sets their emotional tone immediately.

Note also: popular songs talk about common human experiences: Love, romance, pain, jealousy, desire, betrayal, sorrow, rejection, loss, family, injustice, nostalgia, etc. When was the last time you loved a song that didn’t grab you and you couldn’t relate to?

Avril Lavigne: Girlfriend 2007, 7.3 miln
Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean: Hips Don’t Lie: 2006, 10 miln
Eminem featuring Rihanna: Love the Way You Lie 2010, 9.3 miln
Elvis Presley: Hound Dog 1956, 9 miln
The Beatles: I Wanna Hold Your Hand 12 miln 1964

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A friend of mine sent me this video the other day and I thought I would pass it along. The band is Stereoside and the song is “On Our Way.”

The song pays tribute to some of the big artists through the past 3-4 decades. One of the cool things about this tune is, they aren’t really picky about genre – both in the music itself and the lyrics. The writer is obviously a Musicgoat (we like that here).

The song starts out with this country blues feel and ends in hard rock. One verse will mention Waylon and Willie and the next will mention something about Guns n’ Roses and Alice in Chains.

Another cool thing about this tune is, I can see it relating to a lot of people – especially those that I have grown up with (Hell, I almost wish I had written this tune myself).

And the opening is a nice touch which sets the table nicely. The vid opens with a mysterious hand pouring a strong one and some mysterious inhaling sounds (hmmmm…wonder what that could be?).

AND, the dude has a cool voice. Somehow I think he can pull off some solid G n’R covers.

Anyway, enough with the ands, check it out. Let me know what you think below.

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In this time of crisis and turmoil, happiness is something that people all over the world want to feel and music plays a big part.  With an upbeat tempo, and beats that make you want to move and get up and dance, P.A. Teezy has the sound that makes you forget about your problems.

After discovering his talent at the age of 12, P.A. Teezy has steadily continued to develop and mature his sound into what is is today.  Already an underground Miami legend with the club smash “Do My Dance,” P.A. Teezy is now poised to take over the world.

P.A. Teezy’s new single “Bennie Biggle Wiggle,” off of the “P.A. Teezy vs. DJ Pat” mixtape, has quickly spread all over Florida as well as portions of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Canada, and even the UK. P.A. Teezy is making a name for himself and quickly proving that he belongs in this game called music, for now and many years to come.

Check out the vid!

Check out more P.A. Teezy at one or all of the following sites:
www.diamondsoundrecords.com
www.twitter.com/pateezy305
www.facebook.com/pateezy305
www.youtube.com/diamondsoundrec

No related posts.

Image by moyogo via Flickr

On World Heart Day, Sept 29,2011 Vancouver BC will be Hosting the Highest Vertical Stair Climb in the World to raise funds for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation Heart Center.

What music do you suggest Trevor listens to that will inspire endurance during his 21-24 hour non-stop 61,000 ft climb? (enter your suggestions the comments below)

P.S. That is over twice as high as a passenger jet flies.

Thank You
Paul J Cody
Producer, ” Take The Stairs ” Kids, Corporate and Community Challenge
http://www.gtwyh.org

Editor note: Off the top of my head, I am gonna suggest “Rise Above This” by Seether. That tune always gets me jacked up when I’m running. Good luck Trevor!

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Here’s a cover song that I bet you wouldn’t know is a cover song until someone told you (at least i didn’t).

This song was originally performed in 1960, by The Godfather of Motown Barrett Strong.

It has been updated thanks to Eliza Neals and it is sounding pretty damn good if I say so myself.

See what you think.

BEFORE YOU GO…Listen to more Eliza’s sultry, bluesy, rocknSoul and get a free download on her Reverbnation page.

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Sing it Weezer style, “You got your big “G”, I got my… hashtag”… lol.

Anyway, a BIG THANKS is in order for Mr. Jason Jones who has started using a Musicgoat hashtag on Twitter. Great idea!

If you have any Musicgoat worthy music that you want to share via Twitter, use #musicgoat and then we can all swim in the variety that is the Musicgoat way.

Peace!

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I finally put up a Musicgoat Fanpage and want to meet all of you over in Facebook land.

Join the rest of us Musicgoat types. Come give Musicgoat a like and say hi now.

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Take a few minutes to enjoy this original take on Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself”.

New York based Tribrix (rhymes with try-bricks) manages to keep most of the classic Punk sound intact, but takes the song in a whole new direction. And as an added bonus, you get a great video with some really striking visuals.

You might even wonder how one DIY musician was able to pull off so much. But only if you watch.

Thoughts?

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3. New Cover Song – Eliza Neals “Misery” (Barret Strong Cover)

Image via Wikipedia

If you’re a true music lover, you’re not waiting for the day the best musicians in the world come perform at your VFW hall. Instead, you are willing to travel to the best events in the world for your chance to be part of music history.

So, before you ascend your own stairway to heaven, here are six concert events you absolutely must attend.

1. SXSW

Is it a music festival, a technology expo, or both? SXSW in Austin, Texas, has the coolness of Woodstock mixed with the nerdiness of a Star Trek convention; in fact, it’s held at the Austin convention center. At SXSW the best indie rock bands perform, while leading innovators in technology lecture.

2. Lollapalooza

Over 100 bands performing on a dozen stages, all under the skyline of one of the country’s coolest cities: Chicago. The three-day music event of Lollapalooza in Chicago’s Grant Park is perfect for the music lover that never sleeps.

Bands start playing as early as 11 in the morning, and each day finishes at night with multiple headliners. Then there are the after shows at bars that don’t close until 4 or 5 a.m.

3. Bonnaroo

The spirit of Woodstock lives on at this four-day music and arts festival where attendees camp on site for the night, if they decide to sleep at all. However, at Bonnaroo there’s more than free-loving folk music. While classic ’60s acts like Bob Dylan do frequently perform, you’ll also see the latest in hip-hop and techno.

4. New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

If you decided to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras, you picked the wrong week. Spanning 10 days, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is just as much of a party, but with the best music you can find.

On top of the greatest jazz musicians in the world, you can see popular rock and hip-hop acts like Arcade Fire and Lupe Fiasco.

5. Bumbershoot

The biggest North American music and arts festival happens on the fall streets of Seattle. For Bumbershoot, musicians perform at indoor venues, as well as outdoors, so bring a poncho and see a variety of music from around the world.

6. Movement Electronic Music Festival

Detroit is the birth place of techno, and you’ll find the best the genre has to offer at this annual three-day festival. However, after Hart Plaza closes, the party is just beginning as DJs, both world-famous and unknown, spin until early morning at the city’s bars and clubs, and then do it all over again the next day.

Each year these music events put on a show of a lifetime with some of the biggest acts from the past and present.

Which one are you just dying to see?

Guest post by Jayson James. Monday, he’s a foodie. On Tuesday, he’s a clothing designer. On Wednesday, he sleeps… for an hour. Thursday thru Sunday, I’m a dog-owner, art student & writer. Today he’s a music blogger. You can find him on Twitter.

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It seems that now and again, there is always a musician who is doing his or her leg work, playing endless streams of shows and creating heavy buzz through word-of-mouth news. Yet, someway they happen to remain out of radar.

George Ellias, a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles would fall under this category. He’s a musician who has been playing for more than half his life, and it shows clearly. It’s that undeniable feeling a person get’s when they know they are seeing or hearing something profound. That is how I felt when Ellias finished his last song as special guest performance at a bar named Skinnys in North Hollywood, California.

According to George Ellias, his main motivator is none other than the folk-laureate-poet, Bob Dylan. Which is apparent, but there is more to him than just his attributes that pay homage to Dylan. George Ellias has a story behind him.

We are all in for a new surprise as Ellias comes to the surface with his talents and joins the limelight of other musicians considered folk. Such as folk musicians who are taking reign in the contemporary folk music domain. Musicians like Mumford & Sons, Old Crow Medicine Show and Fleet Foxes.

It would be very safe for me to say that I expect George Ellias to be on the rise and bring his talents foreword very soon… and I really do hope he does.

Enjoy this video… and have a listen to his new released EP album to decide for yourself.

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Image via Wikipedia

So you are a musician that would like to give back to your community in some way, but you have not become quite as successful as being able to give $3 million like Madonna.  Yet, that does not mean that you cannot be a philanthropist.  You can give your most valuable asset – your voice.

Charities often hold special events to attract new donors and/or show appreciation for current donors and volunteers.  Often the budgets for these events are very small with little or no allocation for performers.  These charitable events provide a perfect opportunity for you as a new artist to showcase your talents, hone your performance skills, and begin to generate some buzz about you.  Take advantage of these opportunities by offering to perform at the event without monetary compensation.  You will still want and need to be compensated, but you will not likely receive cash.

Confused??  The non-profit does not likely have the funds to pay you your typical booking fee.  They may have a few hundred dollars to pay your sound equipment fees, but even that may be a stretch.  However, what they do have is an ardent base of supporters with discretionary funds, which is exactly the target audience – people that love your music and will pay for it by buying concert tickets or downloading music- that you seek.  In lieu of cash payments, ask the nonprofit if they can do all of the following to highlight your contribution:

• Promote your performance in all promotional materials advertising the event including newspaper ads, radio promos, invitations, event programs, etc.  (This creates buzz for your brand by exposing more people to you.)
• Ask the event’s emcee to formally introduce you to the crowd and invite them to fill out performance feedback cards (Emcees at the event are generally local TV personalities, so this is an opportunity to make an acquaintance that could help you perform on local TV.)
• Distribute performance feedback cards that solicit comments asking how the audience felt about your performance, what could be improved, what was excellent, and requests basic information from them such as name, email address, phone, etc. (This provides you with valuable information about how to improve your performance and also provides you with names and contact information for your fan base/mailing list.)
• Ask if you can sell CD’s or merchandise at the event (This might be a tricky one with non-profits, who want their attendees to spend their money on the charity, but if you have the comment cards, you can and should follow up with guests after the event.)
• Provide you with a donation receipt indicating that you donated your services for the evening (If the value of your services exceeds $250, then the organization is required by law to provide you with a donation receipt.  You value your contribution (at a fair market value which means what you would typically charge and receive) and can deduct that amount from your taxes for the year.)
• Request acknowledgement for your donation on thank you announcements that the organization does on print ads and their website (Consumers feel better about brands that give back.  This warm, fuzzy feeling can extend to your band as well, if those consumers know that you donated services.)

By sharing your voice at these events, you can improve your performance skills and gain fans for your mailing list, which is the first step in becoming a musical philanthropist like Madonna or Bono.  Once you have been performing at a few benefits, word will spread that you are the “go to” act for entertainment.  At this point, you can begin to request a fee or begin to be more selective in your choice of events.

Catherine (Katie) Chapman, CFRE is a philanthropic consultant at Fullanthropy.  Fullanthropy works with entertainers and charities to create partnerships to generate awareness and revenue that benefit both the entertainer and the charity.  For more information about how Fullanthropy can work with you, please contact Katie at kate@fullanthropy.com.

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Image by Simon J Campbell via Flickr

The Curse

As songwriters you and I are cursed (in a good way of course) when it comes to looking for ways to write better songs and improve the overall songwriting process. We will travel around the world on horseback, study a new religion and drink the blood of a African shaman if we think it will craft a better song.

Also, if you and I want to be able to market our songs, it needs to market itself first. It needs to be good enough to cut through the static, tap your ideal listener on the shoulder and pull them inside.

For these reasons I always have my eyes peeled. I am constantly looking and listening for any scrap of information that can help me write a better tune.

The Cure

Back in January I found a free songwriting e-course (affiliate link) that really opened my eyes. It only took about two emails for me to start seeing many of my songs in a different light.  And to be honest it kinda sucked because I thought I was a pretty strongwriter…WRONG.

With each email I was seeing holes. An unfinished thought here, a dead ends verses there and a bunch of  words that weren’t pulling their weight when it came to painting pictures in the mind of listeners (very important).

Anyway, go check it out for yourself. Go sign up for the free Strong Songwriting e-course now by clicking here (affiliate link).

Maybe these tips will be just what your need to get your songs heard and, most importantly, remembered. Peace!

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Image via Wikipedia

BOBCOM, the leading online community championing independent artists in the UK, today announces the third of its hotly anticipated Fasttrack competitions; a chance for 2 acts to play at the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool, 13th July 2011.

The home of a music revolution, the Cavern Club’s Live Lounge holds a significant place in music history and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ first gig at the Cavern, BOBCOM are offering artists the opportunity to make their own mark on the industry, playing on the same bill as John Lennon’s first band, The Quarrymen, and a soon to be announced headline act.

True supporters of the independent scene, BOBCOM’s industry Fasttrack initiatives provide unparalleled opportunities for unsigned artists to showcase their talent and have access to career changing platforms.

Following the outstanding success of BOBCOM’s innovative Channel 4 series, Sounds from the Cities, which placed regional independent talent alongside established industry artists, BOBCOM continues to provide artist support with new Fasttrack incentives.

“There is so much potential for new and exciting artists in the UK, unfortunately there are just not enough opportunities out there for them to make it”, said Michael Feeney Callan, Chief Executive of BOBCOM. “At BOBCOM we want to empower talented independent musicians to reach their dreams. We know it is not easy but with the opportunities, support and awareness we can give them, they have a great chance to be a success. The Fasttrack 3 event at the Cavern in Liverpool has been devised to complement our Abbey Road and Channel 4 incentives and is just another platform that we offer independent artists to shine”.

Voted for by fellow BOBCOM members, recent winners of Fasttrack competitions have received a recording session at Abbey Road studios and performances on BOBCOM’s Channel 4 series, establishing BOBCOM as the most progressive outlet for new artists in the UK.

Not only does BOBCOM provide a supportive network to aspiring musicians, but BOBCOM members can upload and sell their work at rates higher than those available anywhere else in the music industry, in a uniquely transparent exchange.

To enter the competition simply upload 2 x tracks and 3 x pictures on BOBCOM’s Fasttrack page and take your place in history on stage at the Cavern Club, 13th July 2011. For more information and for your chance to enter please go to www.bobcom.com

About BOBCOM – The ‘Other’ Music World

Inspired by Robert Redford’s Sundance and magically given life by Michael Feeney Callan, BOBCOM is an independent website that offers its users the most comprehensively empowering tools available anywhere on the net. Its lingua franca is music but it is far more than a music shop or social network. BOBCOM’s ethos is new and its goal is change. BOBCOM supports radical originality. Its objective is to engage ambitious, energetic and revolutionary web users to find and liberate talent.

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It is time once again for another blast of Cranium Melody. This is a podcast where I get together with Greg and Joe over at the Social Blend Podcast and do nothing but talk about and play music from pretty much any genre.

In this installment we are joined by Caers Mane aka Arianrhod . Other than reaching deep into our personal archives to dig out some tunes that are either not well know (and good) or are very old and have special meaning.

Basically we all geek out on music. Oh and, for you sci-fi buffs, everyone except me talks a little Dr. Who.

Go listen to Cranium Melody VIII now and check out all the links and videos in the show notes (great job Greg and Joe).

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LIQUID ME is 3-piece, punk-infused, hard rock from the badlands of upstate NY and…oh wait…here… listen to their tune “She Said” while You Read…

Much better.

Anyway, the three are long-time friends. Lotus (vox, guitars) and Kris (bass) have been working on their music together for years: tweaking their sound, writing volumes of gritty, grungy, groovy material. They got their break about a year ago by winning over regional-kingpin producer Jeff Da Bella (Autopilot Off, Island/Universal, etc).

Of course, because life is a bitch, the band lost a member to incarceration during the term of their production agreement with Da Bella, and things got scary, fast. Although the band had no knowledge of their wayward member’s activities, they were sure that the deal-breaker hammer was about to drop, death-by-association style, as dictated by industry standard. The toaster dangled, precariously, above the Liquid Me bathtub.

But then, the sun came out and illuminated that dog’s entire ass. The band recruited fellow old friend, Todd (drums), to sit the throne and appease the super-pissed producer. As it turns out, Da Bella had also asked Todd to join Liquid Me; while Da Bella wasn’t about to let Lotus and Kris know it, he was too convinced in the project’s validity, and truly signature quality, to let it die on the vine. In Da Bella’s mind, they had come too far together, and things were sounding too good, to kill it.

Long-story-short, there’s significant excitement on this side of the fence these days. The EP was mastered by industry strong-man Mike Dominici (Black Label Society, Mos Def, etc), and it’s hot. The EP’s first single, and music video, “She Said,” was pre-released in late Feb, and the buzz ensued. The band is working hard, gearing up for the May 6 EP release and subsequent shows. They also plan to complete their full-length with Da Bella this year.

Where you can find more LIQUID ME what not:
http://www.reverbnation.com/liquidme
http://www.youtube.com/liquidmeband
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Liquid-Me/159791410736619

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3. The Winners of The 10th Independent Music Awards Have Been Chosen!

Flying Lotus, Melissa Auf der Maur, Pokey La Farge and The South City Three, Little Miss Higgins, Christopher Tin, and Jackson Browne and David Lindley are among the diverse self-released and independent label talent named today by Music Resource Group (MRG) as the Judge-determined Winners of The 10th Annual Independent Music Awards (The IMAs), the influential awards program for fans and bands.

The 10th Independent Music Award Winners Have Been Announced!.pdf (60 KB)

This post was submitted by Lauryn.

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Mostar Records is delighted to announce the debut single of a brilliant new British alternative/indie band called LickSpittle.

Check out the track and let us know your thoughts.

Be on the lookout for our compilation album this summer; an eclectic cross-genre mix of tracks and tunes.

And, last but not least, if you have something you’d like to send in for consideration then drop us a line on info@mostarrecords.com.

This post was submitted by Mostar Records.

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Just when your getting sick of clear channel force feeding American idol wannabe crap down your throat, kind of like the bland new kids on the block scene of the late 80′s that Guns and Roses kicked the shit out of, there is a rock and roll tornado ripping through our countryside with an unrelenting middle finger extended high and proud in the sky. This band is San Francisco’s infamous Flexx Bronco.

Their new release called Vol.2: is a refreshing breath of smoke filled rock and roll sleaze, making you want to slam that extra shot, strip to your undies, do a David Lee Roth high kick, get laid and not give a fuck about work in the morning.

Look who’s Talkin’

They were recently featured by Rebel Music TV as their February band of the month, here’s a link to RMT’s blog regarding the upcoming episode featuring xB.

Also, there’s an article published by the San Francisco Chronicle a few weeks ago regarding this new classic album.

On Tour

You’re bleeding ears, blind eyes and hazy memory definitely will recall the permanent mark tattooed on your forehead from any of Flexx Bronco’s 100′s of shows over the past several years along side bands such as the Bronx, Valient Thorr, Throw Rag, Supersuckers, Scott Biram, Blowfly and even old schoolr’s like The Vibrators, Skynyrd, Tesla, Sammy Hagar, and many others. They are the rock and roll underground’s Jesus, demanding redemption on the current “sell out” crap that has consumed our airwaves.

You can experience it this March (4th-24th) all over the Western US including Reno, Boise, Salt Lake, Denver, Austin (for SXSW), Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and a few other stops.

If you haven’t already, it is time to tie up and get hooked. Real American Rock and Roll is back in a big way. Go get some!

videos and tour dates are at: http://www.flexxbronco.com/

This post was submitted by Andy S..

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C.G.’s Tips of the Week – Advice From The Certified Genius

Get Live. As in you use live instruments in your music/beats. Link up with some musicians in your area or even over the internet and find a way to set up a deal with them and do some work together. You can even learn to play an instrument yourself and record it at home. Nothing sounds better than having real live instruments in your production, especially when most of the digital versions of the instruments sound really cheesy. I personally I find this to be the case with electric guitars. For an example, check out this cover song I did with Clay B (my guitarist) for Marilyn Manson’s “Sweet Dreams” and 50 Cent’s “If I Can’t”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNMzpvDcqNQ

Still not convinced? Check out my reasoning below.

Pros Of Using Live Instruments In Your Music:

1.) You will have a more professional and authentic sound to your records/remixes/beats/etc. (unless you want the record to sound more digital which can also be cool).

2.) Your music will “breathe” more since most digital sounds don’t have the dynamic range of real live instruments (especially guitars).

3.) Two heads are better than one. Maybe your guitarist or pianist will come up with a really cool solo or melody that you never thought of but fits perfectly in your music (this was the case with the above track of mine that I posted, my guitarist came up with the solos himself, I just did the main melodies and breakdown melodies).

4.) I told you to do it so of course it’s a good idea!

Of course there are plenty of good reasons to use live instruments in your tracks but these are my main one reasons. Agree or disagree, live instruments are a great supplement to music. I’d recommend that you hit up Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist, etc. and look for someone to team up with who can play and record (with good quality) an instrument(s). I was fortunate enough to meet the guitarist I work with at a recording studio so always be on the look out for other talented people.

Well that’s about it for now, I’ll be back with more knowledge soon enough!

Thanks for reading,

Posted by Christopher “C.G.” Gallucci of C.G. Productionz

P.S.: Look out for my new mixtape “Payback: Certified Genius Volume 2″ on Datpiff.com, it will be available for free this Monday!

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C.G.’s Tips of the Week – Advice From The Certified Genius

Let it breathe.

When I say this, I mean the song. This statement is in reference to compression and especially limiting when mastering. It’s cool to compress bass real heavily but generally speaking you don’t want to over compress or over limit anything, it basically just sucks the life out of the music and takes out all of the dynamics by making everything at the same level. The only time you should have a mix with extreme limiting (in my opinion) is when you’re making a mix for radio. Here’s a few pointers that I like to keep in mind

1.) Listening to an over compressed mix can become exhausting (basically you just get tired of the song because there’s no dynamic range or room for it to breathe).

2.) Compress your bass and kick drum, even your snare drum. You can compress other things too (guitars, vocals, etc.), please just go light with it and don’t suck the life out of the music. Unless you’re going for a specific sound or effect I wouldn’t recommend this

3.) When a song is being mastered, I think it’s cool when there’s some breathing room there too. Sure you want to have the song limited and for it to be loud but maybe some parts of the song should be a little more soft or quiet than the rest. Maybe you want the chorus should be real loud and build up and then the verses to be a little more quiet or soft and build back up to the chorus.

I’m not saying your music needs the dynamics of a movie’s film score but it can’t hurt to have them to make the music more interesting. Think of it this way, when there’s silence or a soft point in the music, the loud parts really stand out and don’t even have to be all that loud.

Of course all of what I’m suggesting is my personal opinion and preference but I’d advise you to take my words into consideration when putting your music together (after all, I am a certified genius… kidding haha). Leave some feedback though, especially if you have suggestions for my next entry.

Thanks,

Posted by Christopher “C.G.” Gallucci of C.G. Productionz

PS Look out for my new mixtape Payback: Certified Genius Volume 2 coming out on Monday February 28th!

Also, have a happy and safe Valentine’s Day!

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With a sound reminiscent of early Roxy Music, Eno and Talking Heads; London based music mogul Paul Roderick is poised to unleash his debut single Russian Reggae. Featuring on vocals The Special’s front man and founding member of Fun Boy 3, Neville Staple.

A tar thick Ska-influenced, bass driven amalgamation of edgy drums and slicing guitar riffs, it’s set to be release on flourishing indie label, iStores Records in early spring 2011.

Having spent the last year feverishly recording his forthcoming debut album, Fusion Paradox, alongside critically acclaimed producer Mike Bennett; former member of The Fall, and renowned for his work with Ian Brown and The Stranglers, to name but a few. Roderick offers up a tantalizing cocktail of genres, running the gamut from pop to electro, dance, nu-wave and rock, to create a post modern convergence that looks set to be a breakthrough release for 2011.

Roderick’s elusive aura has quickly achieved a mythic status amongst peers and attracted fans in the form of Spiritualized guitarist Mark Refoy and bombastic Moby vocalist Diane Charlemagne, both of whom feature on Russian Reggae.

And now availiable to hear are the Bobby Wottnot (Dreamscape, Head Candy) remixes striaght from the artist page.

This post was submitted by jon falgate.

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Ever hear of guest blogging? Look at the following list and see if we can help you. We’ve made the process super easy.

• Want to do a review of your favorite artist/band or their album?
• Want to pimp your music, music blog or site?
• Want to talk share some music news?
• Want to give a music lesson?
• Submit a press release
• Or how about give some promotion advice to musicians reading this blog?
• Hell, maybe you have something else music related to write about.

As long as it is music related, you can automatically submit a guest post it to Musicgoat. After you’ve done so, we’ll look at it. If we like it, we will share it with our 600+ subscribers and our 1700+ Twitte followers.

What are you waiting for, go submit your guest post now!

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C.G.’s Tips of the Week – Advice From The Certified Genius

How’s everyone doing? Good I hope. Happy new year everyone, here’s some new advice for the new year from your favorite producer.

Tips for life: Be thankful. The only thing guaranteed to us in life is death so I’ve come to realize that a lot of things that we take for granted like food, shelter, health and clothing really are blessings. If you look at any third world countries there are people starving to death and dying of malnutrition. Be grateful for what you do have and try not to focus on what you do not have.

Tips for producing/beat making: Diversify. Try new things musically. Don’t be afraid to go out of your element and make a pop or hip-hop beat. Even try some R&B or cross genre tracks. I used to strictly do more rugged and grimey east coast hip-hop. Over the past two years though I really worked on creating my own style and just doing my own thing musically and I have been getting a lot of great feedback. For an example, check out my new remix/cover song to G-Unit’s “Stunt 101″ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFF1CsN4ZQU or here C.G. Productionz \”Stunt 101\” Remix/Cover Song (same link)

Tips for song writers/artists: Promote. However you want to do it is up to you but you need to promote yourself. Whether you want to use Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, etc. is your choice but you need to get your music out there. People need to know and hear what you’re doing. In most cases a label doesn’t sign artists that don’t already have somewhat of a fan base (not in all cases but generally speaking). Even if you don’t want to end up with a major label you still need to promote because independent artists need a fan base to. Once you have the music or the movement that catches people’s attention you’re halfway there; now you just need to keep their attention.

Tips for finance: Buy assets, not liabilities. Keep this in mind especially when you start making excess money or get a raise or nice bonus. Even if you’re an artist, producer or song writer. Don’t blow your big check on a brand new Benz or big mansion (liabilities: items that depreciate in value and don’t make you any money). Instead, buy some real estate or talk to a stock broker and invest in some stock (assets: items that can make you money, if done correctly). Before investing in anything or buying any real estate it’s very important to educate yourself and make sure you’re working reliable and professional people on your investments. There’s no sense in blowing a few thousand dollars on new designer clothing and then struggling when the money dries up. The truth is, you never know when you might be out of a job or when your music won’t be the center of attention anymore. For these reasons, I believe it’s very important to purchase assets rather than liabilities. Suggested reading: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel.

I hope this advice helps to bring in the new year on a positive note for everyone and I wish everyone much love and success for 2011. Ending on that note, I’ll talk to you guys in another two weeks. Don’t forget to leave some comments and feedback too!

Thanks,

Posted by Christopher “C.G.” Gallucci of C.G. Productionz

P.S. My second mixtape Payback: Certified Genius Volume 2 will be released on Monday, February 28th. Stay tuned for that, especially if you like the remix that I posted!

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C.G.’s Tips of the Week – Advice From a Certified Genius

What’s going on everybody? For those who don’t know me, my name is C.G. (aka The Certified Genius), the owner, operator and producer of my music production company C.G. Productionz. I recently teamed up with MusicGoat.com to bring you my guest blog, Advice From a Certified Genius. This is my chance to give YOU advice regarding different aspects of life and music. The topics may change and these are my personal opinions and beliefs, you have every right to disagree with them and leave your feedback. In fact, I’d love to hear from you whether you love or hate what I have to say. Let’s get into our first entry though.

To start…

Tips for life: Weather the storm. Learn that life is like the weather. There are times when it rains and pours but after the storm the sun shines the brightest. No matter how bad whatever you’re going through is, just keep your head up and hang in there. No bad situation will last forever and sometimes it will be up to you and your mindset or thought process to try and see the positive and end your suffering. Other times, you may need to just wait out a situation and hang in there. Just keep in mind every situation could always be worse and as long as you’re still breathing there’s always time to make something right. Everything happens for a reason, even the not so pleasant moments in life.

Tips for producing/beat making: Change it up. Don’t always use the exact same formula when putting beats or songs together. The last thing you want is for your music to become predictable, this will cause your fans and any listeners to get bored and you do not want that. Instead, just let the music come to you naturally. There’s nothing wrong with a four bar intro, but there’s also nothing wrong with a one bar intro either. You don’t have to always put a breakdown after the second chorus or put the chorus right after the intro. Do what sounds good to you and don’t be afraid to experiment either.

Tips for songwriters/artists: Quality over quantity. In the words of Spits Da Dawn, focus on quality over quantity. Rather than making 50 songs for your album or mixtape and half of them being throwaways, why not focus on making a solid 25 songs that real hits or just really great music? Then out of that 25 you can still narrow it down to 12-15 songs (or however many you’d like). I know to me personally as a fan I’d rather have 12-15 amazing songs on an album than 20 songs and some of that I end up skipping over after a few listens. I know Sky Zoo and ill Mind said that for the recent collab album they did they only made and recorded the necessary amount of tracks. A lot of people love this album too so that goes to show you that you don’t always need excess amounts of music.

Tips for music business: Copyright your music. This is a very important process before you release your music out to the public or send it off to any managers, labels, A&Rs, etc. I’m by no means saying that everyone in the music industry is a thief or crook looking to rip you off but I think it’s important to protect yourself and your music. To me, it’s just a professional way of going about your business. There’s nothing wrong with having your own back and looking out for your own interests; if you don’t, who will? (for more information on copyrighting go to www.copyright.gov)

Tips for finance: Learn to budget. Set money aside for savings and money aside to invest with. If you don’t learn to budget what you spend and just go on crazy shopping sprees you will end up broke. Be careful with what you spend your money on and how much of it you spend. Set up a weekly, bi weekly or monthly budget for yourself based on your income, your essentials (food and other NEEDS for living) and recreational activities (movies, etc.) There’s no sense in living like a rock star if you don’t have the income of a rock star. Even then, it’s important to set money aside because it’s very easy to spend money and for it to disappear just as quickly as it came.

Well I’ll let that soak in for this week and next, I’d really like some feedback too. I’m only going to address things that I feel I know enough about and won’t go too out of my element but I hope this helps you. If you have any suggestions for topics of my next entry please let me know and I’ll see what I can do.

Thanks,
Posted by Christopher “C.G” Gallucci of C.G. Productionz

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If you listen to today’s mainstream music, you’ve probably arrived at the conclusion that art for art’s sake is a thing of the past. Now, the consumer seems to rule the airwaves and labels, so the focus is more on high quantity than high quality. Walk into any supermarket and count up the different kinds of cheese, beer, pickles, potato chips, or just about any other product you can think of. You’ll notice that the American consumer is fixated on having a decidedly wide variety of options. Unfortunately, the supermarket phenomenon has manifested itself in music – where a few talented mavericks used to get more attention, now pop stars with cult followings are producing more music for more money. And while they focus on keeping their fans happy with more hit singles, they’re not holding themselves accountable to their music.

A Shift in Focus

In a sweeping and unfair generalization, I would like to point out that mainstream music is no longer about music. It’s a consumer-driven popularity contest that has almost nothing to do with talent, skill, or musical innovation. Just compare a chord analysis from any song by The Beatles, The Eagles, Pink Floyd, or even Lynyrd Skynyrd to Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, or Lady Gaga. Even the demographic has changed – much of modern music is aimed at teens (and the teen at heart), and it shows. There’s a distinct discrepancy over the past few decades between music of substance and random variations on the simplest of chord progressions.

Much of American culture, including literature and TV, has been “dumbed down” over the years to accommodate an audience composed of individuals who don’t want to think while they’re being entertained. Music is no exception, and it goes far beyond the chord progressions – the lyrics, melodic lines, and even instrumentation are simplistic at best. Phrases repeated over and over again are now called songs, and even nonsense syllables are becoming a staple of modern mainstream music. If you’re looking for complex harmonies, any instrument besides the keytar, or words you can find in the English dictionary, you’ll just have to look to the past. Classic rock is dead, and we haven’t found anything better to replace it yet. So instead of music, we have onstage costume parties, shouting contests, and circus acts. I wouldn’t call that progress.

Exceptions to the Rule

Of course, I’m no music hater and this rant isn’t aimed at all modern musicians. It’s just the big picture, and it’s pretty disappointing. But there are plenty of talented groups and individuals out there now who are providing us with high-quality music. For example, Tori Amos, Sufjan Stevens, Muse, Iron & Wine, and even OK Go’s latest album have a little more to offer in the way of innovation, complexity, and fresh perspective. Hopefully, musicians like these will be a bigger part of the future than today’s popular “artists.”

Helen is a freelance writer and the resident blogger for gocollege.com, a free informational website offering tips and advice about online schools.

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I was never sure what to think of Blip.fm but after finally getting around to using it, I think it is pretty damn cool.

Quickly, for those who do not know, Blip.fm is basically a place where you find songs and “Blip” (share) them instantly on places like Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm, etc.

It is pretty cool sharing tunes with anyone and everyone how might be be passing by one of your profiles.

The other awesome thing about Blip.fm is clicking around and checking out other “DJ’s” playlists. The diversity you can find from one tune to the next will make anyone reading this blog (ie Musigoats) very happy.

The one drawback being that many times you can’t get a good studio version of a tune or you just can’t find a tune. Still fun though.

Overall it is just one big sharing happy, music loving community that I highly recommend.

Anyway, if you like my podcasts, you might dig my Blip.fm channel. I haven’t been Blipping a ton but I am more and more everyday. Stop by, grab a profile, add me as a freind and start blipping.

P.S.  Hey artists and bands. Just a thought. I can envision this as being a pretty slick way to share your own music and help you get some more ears on your art.

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This is Jeremy from the Fingertips web site and it’s time again for a quick look at the best free and legal downloads featured there last month. If you want some background on what this is all about, check out the May edition, in which I more fully introduced myself.

Week 1:
“The Organ Grinder” – The Migrant
What begins as a simple, plaintive guitar-and-voice composition acquires offhand grandeur as a graceful parade of instruments (accordion, melodica, organ, various percussive devices) add their voices to the mix. (Read the entire review.)

(Other artists featured week 1: Eux Autres, Jenny Wilson)

Week 2:
“I Walked” – Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens returns, in an electronic-based setting, singing a poignant, affecting tale of lost love. (Read the entire review.)

(Other artists featured week 2: Laura Veirs & Mount Analog, Goodtimes Goodtimes)

Week 3:
“Cockleburrs and Hay” – Jared Mees & the Grown Children
An engaging, homespun hoedown featuring an ongoing tension between its cosmopolitan lyrical concerns and its back-porch, fiddle-fronted ambiance. (Read the entire review.)

(Other artists featured week 3: John Vanderslice, Liam Singer)

Week 4:
“Doubles” – Amy Bezunartea
“Doubles” is a small gem, combining a swaying, mournful melody with a deft lyrical touch; don’t miss this one. (Read the entire review.)

(Other artists featured week 4: The Fresh and Onlys, Justin Townes Earle)

You can read the reviews and listen to the free and legal MP3s on Fingertips every week. Better yet, subscribe to the RSS feed and you’ll never miss any of the songs.

Thanks again for taking a look and giving a listen. Keep reading Musicgoat and I’ll be back in early October with the September highlights from Fingertips.

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I stumbled onto a blog post by an Indie musician name John Ritter. Check out what he says about finding good advice about pursuing a life in music.

“It’s hard to get good advice about making a life in music. Like many a great song, making a living in music is like fumbling around in a dark room until you somehow trip over the chorus. There is no right way, no wrong way and plenty of shortcuts that lead nowhere. This is why the books don’t necessarily help and why it is imperative to understand that advice from anyone, be it friends, enemies, grandparents or me, is only advice and we should always salt our advice well before eating.” – Josh Ritter

Nice huh?

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Drive New Cars For Free

I’m making a CD of the best of the best top driving songs. You know the ones you roll the windows down, crank it up and pretend like you’re in high school again?! Although I drive a mom-mobile and I’m an unassuming tiny blond with a country accent, I am a metal head at heart. I love ALL types of music and my CD changer would confuse any music critic, but these songs, ahhh, these songs, bring back the days of teenage angst and the times where you just wanted to stay out late and dance around a bon fire. PS: These are in no particular order and if you have any suggestions, they are more than welcome!

1) Guns ‘n’ Roses – Paradise City

2) AC/DC – Shook Me All Night Long (tied with) Back in Black

3) Led Zepplin – Ocean

4) Metallica – Enter Sandman

5) ZZ Top – La Grange

6) Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett

7) Kid Rock – Cowboy

Radiohead – Creep

9) Van Halen – Panama

10) Motley Crue – Dr. Feelgood

Ok, what have I left out? Lemme hear it!

Guest post: Heather is a freelance writer and the resident blogger for gocollege.com, a free informational website offering tips and advice about online colleges.

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The shift to digital music had a tremendous impact on the recording industry…

How Napster changed music online

Digital Music is a term that can be used to describe any kind of music that exists in an audio file format.  For many people the very first they heard of digital music was the online file sharing company Napster.  Napster was created by Shawn Fanning, a college student who was studying at Northeastern University outside of Boston.  The services was the first of its kind that allowed users to share music files with one another completely bypassing any commercial exchange and leading to tremendous copyright infringement and a lawsuit that eventually caused the destruction of the site and lead to a tremendous overhaul of the entire world of digital music.

Once songs previously available only for purchase in music stores were able to be traded over the Internet for free, everything changed. Sites like Napster made it very easy for anyone who was interested in music to trade files over the internet for no fee.  This essentially made paying for music that you wanted in a store virtually obsolete. Instead of spending as much as $21.99 for a CD that contained only one or two songs that the listener was interested in, Napster and its sister sites which followed in its wake created a space where users could download as much or as little of an artist’s album as they wanted, absolutely free without leaving home.  If you decided you didn’t want any of the music you could delete it without having wasted any money or even any space on your computer.

Filing sharing negatively affects artists

When the extent of the file sharing that was taking place was first realized, artists were outraged.  Many of them felt that their hard work and effort in the studio was going to virtually nothing because fans were now able to access their music for free and get all of it without remitting any payment.  In actuality the frustration with the file sharing belonged mostly to record labels. It is widely known that artists make virtually no money from the sale of their albums; that revenue goes directly to the record companies, most of whom pay millions of dollars to produce and market albums.  Seeing their monetary efforts come to nothing when fans downloaded music for free enraged them, and the backlash included numerous lawsuits filed against citizens who had downloaded music for free as well as television and print campaigns which spoke out about the unfair practices involved in free file sharing and attempted to liken downloading music for free to stealing from a music store.  The analogy was a poor one but the record companies insisted on strict reform for the ways that music sharing was enacted on the web.

Since then there have been numerous changes and reformation in the way that digital files are shared on the internet. For one thing, programs such as iTunes have created a marketplace where listeners can pay for individual songs, whole albums, music and video which previously had been downloadable for free as well on the internet.  In concert with these efforts, several other businesses devoted to file sharing had created marketplaces where users could become monthly members for a flat fee, and afterward download a large volume of music for their own personal use.

What will happen next?

For every effort being made to curb free digital music sharing, there are, of course, counter efforts being made on the part of private citizens to figure out new ways to get digital music for free. Because the internet is still in many ways, a new terrain, there will always be hackers and code writers who are capable of undoing the work of record companies who would seek to maintain the status quo with regard to the purchase and trading of digital music file sharing.

What do you think about music in the digital age?  What will happen next?

About the Author: Vera Mosley is a music fanatic and a freelance writer for a free mp3 streaming website. When she is not blogging, she loves to travel and go to concerts with her friends.

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Just dusted off the Little Big Town CD “The Road to Here” country music fan or not, this band is phenominal. Skeptical, I caught their live show a few years ago and they actually sound better in person. No twang or complaining on this album, just unbelievable harmonies and lyrics that music that you can’t get out of your head. I’ve spoken with a few of the band members during radio interviews and their down home, level headed, happy-go-lucky outlook on life is contagious, which makes their music that much more enjoyable. An excellent mix of rockabilly, mid-tempo jams and easy listening love songs, The Road to Here keeps you wanting to know what song is next. The stereotypical love and loss songs of country doesn’t apply to this fun loving CD, Little Big Town has found a permenant place in my CD changer. Check out their site www.littlebigtown.com for test drive.

Must listen to songs include “Boondocks” (be prepared to roll the windows down and turn it up!) and “Bring It On Home” the perfect heart song that’ll make you want to
go home and hold the one you love.

Heather Green is a freelance writer, professional singer, model and the resident blogger for An Apple a Day… blog, a free informational website offering tips and advice on online nursing schools.

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