Thursday, December 23, 2010

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Happy Holidays!



Please read down and come out to our shows - lots of music and fun!
Call me for tickets! 604-294-3007

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Raver Christmas Shows


This is a portion of Rave On Shows (!!) - please check on the artist's pages for more!
I'll keep updating here as more are added, please contact me for further info and tickets~

November 23rd - The Express Shaw Cable 4 at 3,6,8 and 10pm

See Gillian Hobbs talking about the Breathe CD!


November 25th - Lace Up For Kids - UBC

Gillian Hobbs 8pm (But go early and skate for the kids!)


November 26th - Princeton

Cupla

Beat Seeking Missiles

Dead Wax Collective


November 27th - The Habitat - Kelowna

Matt Stanley and The Decoys


November 28th - Co-op Radio Story Telling Show with Pam Carr

Gillian Hobbs

Laurie Biagini

Sillken


December 3rd - CBC Foodbank Day

Ranj Singh and the Discriminators

Adrienne Pierce


December 4th - North Van Festival of Lights 5pm

Sheldon Witt

Laurie Biagini

Danny Echo

Santa


December 4th - Blue Frog Studio - White Rock

Breathe CD Release

Ranj Singh and the Discriminators


December 9th - Leigh Square Port Coquitlam 7pm

Gillian Hobbs

Sheldon Witt

The Light Machines


December 12th - Inlet Theatre Port Moody - 8pm

Gillian Hobbs

Sheldon Witt

Laurie Biagni

Danny Echo

The Light Machines

Treebeard

Cupla

Pam Carr

Matt Stanley And The Decoys

Ranj Singh And The Discriminators

Kent McAlister

Sillken

Debbie Bergeron


December 19th - St James Hall - 8pm

Gillian Hobbs

Sheldon Witt

Laurie Biagni

Danny Echo

The Light Machines

Treebeard

Cupla

Pam Carr

Matt Stanley And The Decoys

Connor McGuire

Kent McAlister

Sillken

Stef Launay

Olga Osipova


December 20th - Roxy

Matt Stanley and the Decoys
Cupla

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Hurray Matt and the Decoys~

Matt Stanley and The Decoys are going be on Kelowna's K96.3 Classic Rock's Compilation album, and will be playing the showcase at The Habitat on November 27th in Kelowna!


(Contact Matt or a Decoy for tickets!)

Monday, November 1, 2010

Cupla wrote a song for a great cause


This song was written for the Canadian: “We Salute Our Heroes” Project. All income from the sales of this song will be donated to the Soldier’s Family Fund.

Please visit wesaluteourheroes.ca and show your support.

To listen to or purchase the song, please visit the link below:

http://cupla.bandcamp.com/track/arms-held-high

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Failure a How To Guide for Artists



Good read HERE!

Hey guys, I don't have time to write a lot these days, but trying to keep everything up to date - just read this thought it was interesting - lots of good points.

Also the new Christmas site is live, will update show and cd news soon!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Meet Gina Williams


Hot Dang - Gina takes 'talent' to a whole new dimension.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

I Love Danny Echo & Hush Magazine



Thank you Hush!

Danny's Video release party is Nov 13th at the Shark Club with some amazing bands! Check here for more info.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Incognito - the show



There is so much talent in Gina Williams, that I don't even know where to begin.

Why don't you just go see this show and report back to me. I promise I will print everything you say on NXEW.ca. I will even buy your ticket, email me.

She.is.incredible.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Very Vancouver Christmas Anniversary!

Well the master is home and off we go to manufacturing ~ Here is the list for this year's 5th Anniversary CD! Great job everyone, it sounds amazing!

Street Date Nov 1st, 2010

Stay tuned for show updates!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

A quick little how-do-ya-do

Artist list coming soon - it will blow your mind!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

We're gearing up for Christmas


Just a quick update because I am in the thick of it with the Christmas album and show prep and am once again behind in postings - well, that's the update right there really -

Oh ~ looking for kid art for the album cover this year! Anything I get and don't use will go up on the website - we're working on refreshing that too, thanks to Kera!

Feel like I've stepped on to that speeding train and I know I won't look up until Dec 26th ~~always with the shocking realization that I've missed the previous two months...hmmm

Friday, September 24, 2010

Music marketing reminder...


I don't know if you need this reminder or not - but I was reading a transcript in the G&M tonight, from an on-line discussion they had earlier today, and I re-realized it !

To learn about marketing your music and yourself as an artist, read all about marketing in general! Learn about testing and the importance of copy and placement. It is the principles in general you need to know, before you can get product specific.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Got lungs?


We sure do! And now we're going to sing even louder because Rave On Studio has just partnered with the BC Lung Association and this is just the beginning!

After five years, our Very Vancouver Christmas music project for charity has finally broken some ground and at last our contributing artists will get even more exposure - to every donor and at every sponsored event where music is welcome!

Stay tuned for details - but think BIG and breathe easy!

And congratulations Ravers...this is big.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

The Black Book


One of our favorite people is getting ready to release his brand new metal drumming DVD - " The Black Book". I hope you'll check it out - I would have to say that watching Randy Black drum is up there on my favorite things to do list - because it amazes me not only from an artistic viewpoint, but as you have heard me say before, from an athletic stance as well!

The dude rocks hard - and his DVD is jammed full of interesting, well thought out and perfectly executed lessons (not to mention some old band pictures with Sparky which set me laughing every time - 80's hair - oh man!).

Anyway, I owe Randy a review and I'll post it up on NxEW.ca as soon as I've finished watching both disks.

Put this one of your Christmas list kids -

Check out more on Randy Black here or at Primal Fear !

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Fresh Trax



Hi again! I am not one for contests, but this one I had to try, such a good opportunity to get in front of a new audience for the Ravers! We're not going to spam you, just please watch the video and vote for the music you like!

We have Gillian Hobbs, Danny Echo, Matt Stanley and the Decoys and Sheldon Witt all participating!

You can vote here!

Lots of news!


Hey everyone - thanks for your patience, I see most of you still check in - I am the lazy blogger ~ I admit it! I am going to do two separate posts here, one for the upcoming show and one for the FreshTrax contest - to keep right up to date with all the Rave On news, please follow us on FaceBook and keep and eye on the website news page!

Here we go - Poster first - this will be a great show - lots of hard rock - 3 bands for one small price - do check it out - it's a Friday night, Sam will be there filming - should be a blast!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

The Folk Music Revival


Two quick things:

I had been saying that 'folk music' was making a 'comeback' - but silly me - it never left.

And two - read this! Want to know how to get fans? Be one!

Ok - carry on.




Thursday, August 26, 2010

Remembering Mike.....


The night Mike Norman passed away we were in the middle of making plans for an interview. He was going to do an Acid House Interview, and give some advice to up and coming artists and industry professionals.


Of course it would have been an amazing interview, because Mike was involved in so many aspects of the music industry; and not only was he a brilliant multi-instrumentalist, he was one heck of a nice guy.


For the past week everyone who knew Mike has been sharing stories about their experiences, and even though Mike can't, I was thinking that if everyone who knew him, could hand out some helpful advice, or lend a hand to an up and coming artist - I think the universe would be grateful and what a great way to remember Mike!


One thing he said to me recently that I can share was: "Go slow, that's the best way to do it!". I know I'll always remember that whether I am practicing scales or just walking the dog. Good advice. Thanks Mike.


****


The memorial service for Mike Norman will be on September 1st at 1:30pm at First Memorial Funeral Service, 1340 Dominion Ave. Port Coquitlam, BC. (Right next to the PoCo Long & McQuade).


Thursday, August 19, 2010

New ways of thinking.


If there is one thing the new music industry is giving us, it is the chance to think outside the box.

Rave On has always been trying to get music to people who can't get out to venues, but lately we've even been talking about just making our own venues.

Things I know: a) people are curious and b) music will draw a crowd almost anywhere.

There have been quite a few instances where this has happened to me, two that come to mind right away; I use to go to Burnaby Mountain Park for a study break ~ one day I heard something amazing coming from the rose garden behind the restaurant - I found there, practicing away, the SFU Pipe Band - so cool.

Next, while walking the dog in my local park, I heard the faint sounds of some pretty interesting music coming from the area behind the Cenotaph - I looked around and there in the morning light were a group 20 or so older ladies in black doing some sort of Tai Chi with swords (sorry if there is a name for this, I don't know it).

Anyway, my point is, that musical performance can take place almost anywhere - here are some ideas about venues, but think even further outside the box!

And thanks to Makeda Taylor for posting this today, an article which goes hand in hand, with the above about selling out your shows!

Now get out there and be creative!


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

IPO coming up!


The IPO hits Vancouver soon, and we have three of this years Christmas artists playing out - hope you can get out to support them and the 35+ other artists!

Danny Echo
Piper McKinnon
&
Laurie Biagini!

Monday, August 2, 2010

I like this advice - Get A Manager!


This is some good solid advice, and I am not just posting this because I have a vested interest! (And side note, I am also NOT comparing myself with the great and potty mouthed Jon ~ although on some days our hair does look the same...)


NME Tip: Get A Manager

NME says: DIY is great, but every band needs a helping hand to be successful

Colin Roberts works for Biglife Management, who have looked after Klaxons, The Verve, The Futureheads and Shitdisco.

What does managing a band entail?

“We offer advice and financial backing: we help the band make the album they want to make, get it to all the right ears, organise tours and gain success without having to give away massive chunks of their income to a label. Right now is an exciting time to explore new methods of getting your songs out there.”

What should new bands aim for first: management or a record deal?

“I think working with good management is now more important for a new band than it’s ever been. With labels in a state of flux and traditional record deals rapidly becoming a thing of the past, having the backing of an established team can be all a band needs to take off – a deal isn’t necessarily the way to go. It’s quite likely now that a band could happily flourish without one, electing to release their own records with the experience and financial backing of a company like Biglife. It’s something we did very recently with an already successful band – The Futureheads – and it’s something that can work just as well with new, emerging talent.”

When should a new band look for management?

“Ideally, you’ll want to approach a management company when you have a cannon of great songs and some live experience under your belt. Don’t make the mistake a lot of bands do by trying to garner interest straight after you’ve recorded your first demo – it can be enough to put people off in the long term.”

How do you choose which bands to work with?

“It all comes down to the big ‘S’ – songs. If you’re making great music, then it’s more than likely that we’ll come to you before you even approach us.”

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Good reading ~



Just a small blip about playing live/touring/festivals and booking ~ if you have a second these are great articles!

Read article (a little bit about LIVE venues) 1 HERE

Read article (interview with Tom Windish) 2 HERE

Monday, July 26, 2010

July 31st Shows


Gillian's show in Gibsons has been cancelled due to the Bistro's fam emergency- but please come to the Cellar Jazz- this Saturday July 31st 8pm! Michelle and Olga will be putting on an amazing show for YOU!



Hey everyone two shows of note, if you are either here or on the sunshine coast, check out one of these amazing nights of music! (I know that I say 'amazing' a lot - how can I help it- all these artists ARE amazing!)

Monday, July 19, 2010

New Ideas On An Old Theme


Hey everyone, i hope you'll take 30 minutes out of your day to watch this series of videos, and to help me brainstorm. I have been chatting with these guys about bringing the Vigour Project to Western Canada, right now we're just talking about how and when.

I hope you will all want to be involved, it doesn't take science to know this stuff - it's a no brainer actually - let's get on it!

Happy Monday!






Monday, July 12, 2010

Repost of Acid House Interview with Lenny Bronstein!

Hey everyone, as you know I am interviewing friends and colleagues for the 'Acid House Interview' series - I am posting the Can Con interviews up over HERE, and the International ones here (somethingorother about funding).....Enjoy my chat with Lenny here and this week I feature Shari Ulrich over at NxEW.ca!

*******

I am so fortunate, and down right lucky to work with this man. Lenny Bronstein is one of the power-trio of US radio promoters, and he was kind enough to answer some of my questions. I have asked Lenny to purposely name-drop in this interview, as I wanted everyone to be able to connect on some level with this man, and have some sort of scope of the amazing work he has done and a taste of the life he has lived so far! This is interview is uncut - Brontstein unplugged…

Lenny Bronstein - On Radio


ja ~ Hi Lenny! Can you tell me a bit about your background, accomplishments and where you are at now, in your career?

lb ~ Hi Jenn, sure. I co-founded the Brooklyn College radio station, WBCR, in 1968 after being a very rabid radio listener and participant on air at NYC Top 40 WMCA, where I created the first of my radio friendships with the many disc jockeys and programmers there.

While at Brooklyn College, I and another college radio programmer, Gary Cohen, convinced all the labels to start college radio promotion departments and directly service college radio with new product. Previously, for 40 some odd years, the IBS was its only advocate and very ineffectual.

As labels started those programs, A&M Records contacted me and hired me to do NY/NJ/Conn college promotion. In less than a year, I became the local NYC rep for A&M. I was moved to San Francisco in 1974 and 8 months later was promoted to west coast regional rep. 8 months later I was moved to the home office heading the national album department.

During my tenure, we broke artists as diverse as Frampton, Supertramp, Styx, Nazareth, Billy Preston, Joe Cocker, Carole King, Cheech & Chong, The Police, Joe Jackson, 38 Special, Ozark Mt. Daredevils, Pablo Cruise, The Tubes, Brothers Johnson, Chuck Mangione, Gato Barbieri, Nils Lofgren, Bryan Adams and many more.

I also initiated concepts that became industry standards including the "Dollar Concert Series" with the Ozarks and Joan Armatrading. I started sending out monthly A&M advance listening cassettes to radio to preview our new releases and priorities, which became the industry norm for most labels and big business for the tip sheets.

I launched the first of a series of live concert albums partnered with Lee Abrams for his client stations which we distributed exclusively to radio which never was available to the public so radio could bask in providing a one time only experience for their audience. In 1980, as the industry slowly constricted with early downsizing, I started my own independent promotion company, which I continue to operate today (with a short detour in 1990 to help launch the Charisma label in the US for Richard Branson with some old A&M cohorts). A short list of the many artists I helped to break include:

~ U2, LOVERBOY, HOOTERS, TOMMY CONWELL, JOAN JETT, HUEY LEWIS, BILLY IDOL, PAT BENATAR, HOOTIE 7 THE BLOWFISH, GODSMACK, CUTTING CREW, LENNY KRAVITZ, 7 MARY 3, COLLECTIVE SOUL, SAGA, OLEANDER,WARRANT, ROBERT PALMER, BIG COUNTRY, DEXY'S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS, BON JOVI, THE CALL, EURYTHMICS, RICHARD MARX, JOE SATRIANI, STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN, SAGA, FLOCK OF SEAGULLS, MODERN ENGLISH, KROKUS, VIXEN, RICK SPRINGFIELD, NIGHT RANGER, BONNIE TYLER, FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD, FABULOUS T-BIRDS, SISTER HAZEL, INDIGENOUS, FIXX, VAN ZANT, BADLEES, ZAKK WYLDE/BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, QUEENSRYCHE, LIVING COLOUR, SWITCHFOOT, MEGADETH, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, GOV'T MULE, ABC, SIMPLE MINDS, MISTER MISTER, BERLIN, GOLDEN EARRING, PSYCHEDELIC FURS, TINA TURNER, BANGLES, ULTRAVOX, LITA FORD, QUIET RIOT, BANANARAMA, WATERBOYS, KISS, TRIUMPH, TOTO, ANIMOTION, OUTFIELD, TALK TALK, ALARM, KIM WILDE, SMITHEREENS, CHURCH, POISON, LOVE & ROCKETS, ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN, BADLEES, BOTTLE ROCKETS, BAD RELIGION, BROTHER CANE and dozens more.

I also helped resurrect radio airplay for artists like: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Elvis Costello, Eddie Money, John Lee Hooker, Albert Collins, Van Morrison, Robin Trower, Bob Dylan, Dokken, Slaughter, David Lee Roth, Deep Purple, Bad Company Molly Hatchet, George Thorogood, Little Steven, Jethro Tull, John Mayall, Ian Hunter, Alice Cooper, Meatloaf, Great White, Ted Nugent, David Bowie and more.

At Charisma, I directed the Gary Moore campaign which gave him his first gold album and helped the KNACK get to #7 on the charts in their comeback.

Today, I'm working with mostly independent label acts and helping former superstars go back to radio with new music.

ja ~ Ok first wow, you have been in on some major musical history in the making!

I know that there have been many changes, and evolutions in radio and in the music industry in general, can you talk a bit about them and how they have affected you and in what ways?

lb ~ Well, radio went through a few different cycles starting in the 80's when new wave challenged a very conservative Southern-based/corporate rock consulted rockers. In the late 80's, playlists shrunk and currents became scarcer in favor of researched safe recurrents, which dominated most rockers.

All of a sudden, a few bold programmers started to program this new brand of young bands and instead of burying them at 3 AM, they banged them up to 40+ times a week in all dayparts. It was the short-lived "hair band" era which immediately was cast aside, despite its success, by the Nirvana/grunge revolution. Instantaneously, all these cautious programmers became experts and flooded the airwaves with all these new bands who had a completely different social image and approach to success.

Unfortunately, with a new population of novice radio jocks and programmers, many who only had college radio experience, all the classic artists were discarded and relegated to classic rock stations while only these new bands were heard. Normally, it would be something to celebrate and most did, but almost none of these bands had an image, an identity or loyalty. Gen X, then Gen Y was about immediate gratification and instead of building a career for long term, bands sold multi-platinum on their first release, gold on their second and often looking for a new label deal for their third.

The Internet exploded and provided even more new avenues of exposure immediately grabbing a music fan's attention, but also deluding many into believing that if they put their music online, everyone would discover and love it and buy it. As Xm, then Sirius entered the picture, they provided music devotees with a new, purer place to hear uninterrupted music.

Today, unfortunately, between the economy and the inability to connect the audience with the artists emotionally, sales have plummeted, record stores have bit the dust and the opportunities of old have reverted to the traditional touring to have a long term career, but dependence on American Idol or some major TV/commercial/movie campaign to break an artist/record to a mass audience.

The other factor that changed the playing field was the Spitzer investigation and clampdown on the record companies and radio relationships which were abused for years. However, the goal of leveling the playing field so indies could compete with the majors, led to internal controls which severely restricted new artists and music at these stations, defeating the original goal. Where some stations would have multiple adds for a week, maybe 5 or 6, they all of a sudden, added 1 or 2 or none weekly, dramatically closing the door on all but the established or researched hits already charting. Of course, we still have formats like AAA, who exposes a wide variety of adult artists, but most of their rotations are too minimal to reach the bulk of the audience frequently enough to become familiar.

ja ~ With some of these changes, there seems to me that there is a division in music delivery, the people who can pay for radio placement and the people who can send in their own music to Net radio etc. Has that higher end changed at all? Or has just the way you work changed ie: email and the Internet delivery systems etc vs telephone and hard copy distribution etc…

lb ~ Not sure how much that division really exists, but I'm cautious about most internet radio and how many people actually hear a particular station at any given moment, which deludes many bands/artists into believing they can "break" from that minimal exposure. What has changed is more "communicators" don't communicate much. There are layers of people, voicemail and multi-station responsibilities that often prevent regular dialogue between radio and records.

Time is highly constricted on both sides with more functions and daily distractions. We also have a new generation of promotion people and programmers who only want to communicate with their "thumbs" or IM's instead of having phone conversations, which I find to be incredulously more time consuming, less spontaneous and less intuitive.

ja ~ Do you have a lot more work these days with so many people out there

making music?

lb ~ Funny, but I have less work than ever because there are so many people out of work from layoffs, who hung up a shingle and dilute the promo pool, which contributes to the adversarial relationship with radio who now has too many people trying to work them. It also is because all these new "indie" artists believe that they have a shot on their own if they have a MySpace page and don't want professional help.

Others are getting used to the idea of music being free online to download so why should they pay someone for anything. Try to get a carpenter to build something for free...tell a plumber you "deserve" to have your pipes fixed for free...try to convince an airline you should fly for free. Truthfully, we all have a harder time taking a record the distance, because in the old days, a number one record would have at least 95% of the stations playing it...today, you could be #1 with 50% of the panel.

ja ~ That being said, do you see a change in the quality of the product you receive, given that so many people now record on their own, away from a label and even away from a professional recording studio?

lb ~ Sadly, much of the music is indistinguishable and unidentifiable. Some is beyond amateurish and (believe me) you hear back immediately about the quality of the vocals, production and even ability to play instruments well. We also, frankly, have more compartmentalization and radio wants things to fit in a prescribed sound they strive for.

Ironically though, radio's biggest breakthroughs are usually the records that DON'T sound like everything else they are playing and stand out! Again, with all these musicians producing themselves or their buddies, their sense of reality is often far from the stellar production of major talent. Let's face it, it is a dream that few achieve, but now it is more of a fantasy than that reality of ever happening, although there are other avenues. Ultimately, it's about a team of professionals starting with the artists having good managers who are experienced and even connected - locally or regionally or nationally- along with a record company or surrogate who honestly advises them.

ja ~ I think people are keen to know about sending music to stations, as it is a large part of the self marketing new artists have to do. I know you still do physical mailouts, do most stations still expect that?

lb ~ Most stations still expect a physical cd, though more of the larger markets are almost totally computerized and could get away without one. I am FIRMLY of the belief that we need to hit them multiple ways to get their attention to at least listen. playMPE or DMDS should be a part of the campaign, but having a cd in your hand with some bio/one sheet to tell you something about the artist gives you that extra visual connection. Face it, a cd in a pile on your desk may get another look...a file buried in a computer may never get heard or get dumped a lot quicker. Sometimes the artwork or packaging (like the old days of vinyl) can stimulate you to listen to an unknown offering. It's cheap enough these days to press and mail it - why limit your chances?

ja ~ Yes, I agree, anything and everything you can do/afford, is required these days to even make a blip on the radar.

If you were to give advice to new artists, promo companies, or anyone in the industry really, what would it be?

lb ~ Establish relationships!!! Get to know your subjects, play as many places as possible to build a loyal following and keep trying to improve. Don't send out your music until you're really ready and a few people you trust who are not emotionally involved tell you it's worthwhile. Be committed and don't dream of the money or fame. It's about the art ultimately, which will give you a career and not a moment. Be scrupulously honest despite a path easier taken. Be passionate and be prepared EVERY day!

ja ~ Is there anything else you want to talk about or want to get out there

- the floor is wide open to you!

lb ~ I think I went above and beyond and probably opened up a few cans of worms with my candor...final thought is that this has been a lifetime CAREER and not just a cool job. It was never about the salary or power and position. The one word everyone cringes at hearing but has been the major reason for the downfall of much of the radio/record business is GREED. The excesses got out of control and wrecked a lot of the system while many profited more than handsomely taking advantage of it.

Like the banking industry today, the music industry bubble burst while many stayed in denial. The fact that we fought the Internet and downloading and subsequently sued all the "illegal" downloaders did more damage than anyone could have realized. As an industry, we rarely "adapt"...we usually "copy" and wonder why the copy isn't as successful as the original!

ja ~ Lenny thank you so much. I can tell you that feel very privileged to have worked with you, and hope to more often in the future, it has been a joy!

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat!

You can reach Lenny at:

heavylenny90405@yahoo.com

or catch up with him of FaceBook.