Today, I wanted to share a post with you from a blog I’ve been checking in on lately. The blog is Slowcoustic and they recently did a post which points to another post from a blog called ClickTicket. These posts list what they feel are the Top Twenty Music Review Blogs.

I figured some of you might be looking for a little more in music review department, because, as I’ve admitted in my latest podcast, I am not the most frequent blogger on the planet. (note: the fact that 500+ of you stick around points to the fact that I am possibly the luckiest music blogger on that same planet). Read the rest of this entry

Over the past week I’ve come across three music industry pundits discussing the importance – or lack there of – of the album in today’s wide open arena of music marketing. I thought I would share them with you below and then offer up a few of the reasons why, as an aspiring artist, an album isn’t in my immediate plans.

So, if you are an artist these are great reads. They will give you some perspective into how you might want to formulate your marketing strategy from this point forward.

And, if you are a fan who likes to geek out on anything and everything music, you’ll like it too. After all, you are the most important piece of this entire puzzle. Check it out and let us know what you think. Read the rest of this entry

Ever thought about hiring an artist or a band to come and play right in your living room? If so, today is your lucky day. Over the last few days, I have stumbled upon three websites that are making it their mission to hook up artists with people like you that are willing to try something different for their next party or social gathering. Those three sites are; PrivateConcerts.com, ConcertsInYourHome.com and MPTrax.com.

Now I didn’t see John Mayer, Springsteen or Metallica looking for work on any of the sites – not that most of us could afford their services anyway – but, if you look listen around, you will find some talented artists for some pretty reasonable prices. And I imagine the talent pool will only get better as the popularity of these sites grows.

I think it is a great idea for both the fans and the artists. Hell, as soon as I get my music up and running, you can bet I will be throwing up a profile on one or all of these sites. I mean, how cool would it be to be invited into someones home to party with someones closest friends AND get paid?

So next time you are looking for a live music fix, why go out to the club or coffee shop? Hop on to one of these sites and then hire yourself a capable musician to entertain you – and your pals – right in the comfort of your own home.

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

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

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

Not only do I host and produce my own podcast BUT I like to listen to others as well (shocking isn’t it?). When you get a chance check out the Owl and Bear podcast. It was recommended to me by a friend – (aka LeeTee) over on Stumbleupon.

If you like a great mix of different types of music (which i am sure you do since you are reading this on the Musicgoat) you will fully enjoy what they have to offer.

Why don’t you go check it out now while I find a place for the site in my blogroll.

Are you a guitar player who wishes you had more time to play? Yeah? Well then you need to read this because I am going to give you one very simple, surefire way to get you doing just that. But first, here’s a little background as to how I arrived at this little tip.

Recently a discussion popped up in the comment section over on GuitarFlame.com about why dreams die. This really got me thinking since I have gone through long stretches in my life where I let my passion for music fall by the wayside for one reason or another.

There was always something; either I didn’t feel as though I was good enough, maybe life got in the way or perhaps my guitar was buried under mounds of crap in a storage unit or basement – Out of site out of mind…not good my friend.

So how can you keep the guitar hummin – and the passion burnin – on a regular basis? Read the rest of this entry

I recently received a question from a musician who is having more than her fair share of problems obtaining print media coverage in areas where her band is touring.

Hopefully, my advice and ideas that I gave her can benefit you and your band as well should you experience similar difficulties with obtaining print media support for your gigs/tours. Read the rest of this entry

If you’ve listened to my podcasts then you know my fondness for good cover songs. If you share that fondness, then you will be all over this site I found. This site is called Coverville.

They have podcasts and articles focusing exclusively on the lovable music retreads. So far I’ve heard very cool versions of The Cults “She Sells Sanctuary” and Pete Townshend’s “Let My Love Open the Door” on episode 414.

I also read an eye opening – yet not surprising – article shedding some light on some of the shady practices of American Idol.

This is solid Musicgoat reading and listening material. I am already a subscriber and you can bet I will be adding it to my blogroll.

Hmm…all covers, all the time. Damn! Now why didn’t I think of that?

Stop by and check out Coverville today.

Are you looking for quality free music downloads that don’t leave you with all that guilt? Who isn’t right? Well check this out.

Lately, finding music downloads is getting easier and easier to do. So easy, that their are a ton of places to look. You could spend hours looking and comparing websites before even doing what you really want to be doing; downloading and listening to free music. Thats where I come in.

Every week or so from now until the foreseeable future, I am Read the rest of this entry

A good friend of mine sent me a link to a very cool music website called Musicovery. Not only can you select music by genre but you can also select it by mood, hits and non-hits.

After playing with it a little while I can see that it is fairly accurate. That said, it still doesn’t replace a smooth voice and/or intuitive sense of a skilled DJ.

Anyway, I have always felt that mood is a great way to categorize music and this site is definitely a step in the right direction. Kudos to the person who came up with the idea.