RIP

To quote John Mayer: "I truly hope he is memorialized as the '83 moonwalking, MTV owning, mesmerizing, unstoppable, invincible Michael Jackson."

Yep.

I wish I had grown up with BBC2

We have in our possession OGWT - 1971-77 (After that I heard it was tosh). It's so different from Midnight Special, Graemme says it's because in the UK they used PAL. It just looks and sounds so much better. They know their music over there.

I love these old music shows, I can't get enough - lip sinc-ing and all.

I couldn't decide which was my favorite clip to post, but this would be it for me tonight. Wow, would you look at those guys? Who says you have to take your clothes off to be hot? Apparently you just need to be in love.

It's been a long, long day.

Sifting, sifting - weekly highlights

I have come across some great stuff this week. Here it is, short and sweet:

1) Brian had a great blog about the 'Online, Artist Report Card'. This was a good eye opener and a good general checklist to keep you focused when you are are starting out and as a check in later on.

http://www.thornybleeder.com/index_files/the_online_artist_report_card.html#unique-entry-id-212

2) I found another cool site MTT that seems to have some interesting bits of information, like this article about booking agents:

http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/how-do-i-get-booking-agents-to-take-my-band-seriously.html

3) And one more quickly to watch, a video about Pandora. Of course, we can't use it in Canada, but the conversations are interesting and the advice is good at the end.

http://sivers.org/pandora

Melissa and I were talking about it tonight, about how even though you can be a 'solo' artist, it's difficult make it solely on your own. It really takes a team, it makes it a lot easier and way more fun. She even says, wise person that she is:

"I think it's so unfair the artist gets the biggest piece of the pie...it's a team effort...we all make each other stronger...I think anyways./ The artist doesn't have to negate business or his art, s/he can focus on music, but get a team together, like we've got, and it's all part of the machine. No one part any less important than the others. "

Have a great week everyone!

(Art by Melissa Endean)

Need a lift?

I sure did today. But this helps put the focus back where it belongs.

An Amazing Show!!

If you are in SC please come out to the show, what a great line up - full of Christmas Album people!!! And a brilliant cause - show your support!

The Album is Finished!

Hey everyone, we're doing a bit of a pre-production promo for Alex's album, The Woodditton Wives Club - so if you are keen for an advanced copy it's just 10$ here:

http://alexhightonmusic.blogspot.com

We've included a PDF of the front cover and the track listing page - very fancy!

Please spread the word!

The Bird is the word...

or however that goes....

Eco friendly it ain't!

But so good! Thanks to my favorite drummer Randy Black who sent this to us and says: "...keeps good time and no ego:-)".

And for those of you who have been there...

Roadie #42 - Blog #85
June 7, 2009 10:42 am
#42 and the gangs in the vans...

http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=418

Defining Value

Discovery Is The New Cocaine - Going Beyond Engagement

View more OpenOffice presentations from Ming yeow Ng.

Some friends have been asking about the value of Twitter. Having never had a Facebook page I cannot tell you the differences but I can give you some information about Twitter and speaking from experience, it works.

You will hear my example in the very near future.

First of all a great quote from Tom Ziglar:

"This quote really sums up my Twitter strategy, and it should be yours as well. Make your Tweets positive and supportive. Give valuable information. Build trust. Listen and respond to those in need. If you do, others will pass on your Tweets and people will find out about what you have to offer."

(Read more here: http://tomziglar.com/2009/02/22/ziglar-twitter-strategy/)

I believe this specific form of social media is about making connections and staying right on top of things - it is literally the news as it happens. It is fast paced and does require effort and time, but it is well worth it.

I have seen some people using it as just another event posting forum, but it's much more than that.

I found this presentation as well (see above), and it explains some simple strategy that can be carried over into many different forums. It is well worth the 51 clicks.

It's funny you know, it has actually presented somewhat of an even playing field for everyone. You don't consider race, education, background, wealth, celebrity, religion, age when you are on twitter (unless that is what you are looking for), it's just people doing people things and sharing. So although we are not connecting with our physical neighbors as much any more, at least we are still connecting.

Kickstart the weekend

Thanks for the idea Michelle! I used your link, but it was too short, so I found the longer version from a few years ago, and holy look at the talent on stage!

Yes, it's me again...

.....the lazy blogger....but I do have some form of excuse, we are so busy these days...oh wait...that's my old excuse...hmmm...ok nope, got nothing new. 

The truth is, we have been trying to finish up Bobby's album, Melissa's album, get Alex's album safely mixed and mastered, finish up pr materials for the VIMBC, start fall bookings, and gig and rehearse. In the heat. With little sleep. And a cold.

Having whined, I will now say that in my spare moments I am sifting through loads of material for you, the 'emerging artist' or the 'emerged artists' both of whom are trying to make your way in today's music industry.

I read a lot and pass on the juicy bits like this, David JGester's most recent blog on 'giving goosebumps'. I liked it because this is what we try very hard to do here at Rave On. There is enough sugar out there and if you ask me, North America is obese as it is, why keep feeding the monster!

http://internetmusicstartup.blogspot.com/2009/06/are-you-in-business-of-sugar-rushes-or.html

Another find today (or tonight rather, while everyone is at hockey) is Bob D'Eith (Music BC) and Marc LaFrance's (Delinquent Records) new project: Soundplan Consulting.com, a one stop shop for today's DIY'fer. I just sent them an email, so will get back to you with some scoop.

It looks like these places will be cropping up now, another similar site on it's way is www.kurb.co.nz, which looks like it will focus a lot on Internet Music Marketing etc.

But for those of your who have time and inclination, you can still use Derek's great advice and truly DIY: sivers.org - and he is always happy to answer your questions as well - for free!

I'm a DIY'fer, but only because I'm cheap and stubborn....

Peace