Art And Entertainment
Vinyl is Back – An Interview With Jeff Loos of Backtrack Records
by admin on Jul.18, 2009, under Art And Entertainment
Robert Benson asked:
Vinyl is back. From the ‘error’ by a Fred Meyer employee (where LP’s were ordered by mistake), major electronic retailer Best Buy’s stocking vinyl in select stores and mainstream recording artists releasing records gain, the resurgence is upon us.
And in the heartland of America, records are a hot commodity. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jeff Loos, owner of Backtrack Records, (www.BacktrackRecords.com) located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Backtrack Records has been selling vinyl records in Lincoln for over 16 years, mostly as an online entity. But the ‘brick and mortar’ store is a busy, bustling arena of quality, vintage LP’s, with a special emphasis on the 60′s music scene.
Let’s explore Backtrack Records with owner Jeff Loos:
We keep reading about the resurgence of vinyl records, what is your take on this ‘new found love’ of records?
“First of all, records really never left, they just got pushed to the side because of all the hype on CD’s,” explained Jeff. “We then find out that CD’s aren’t all they were hyped up to be and the price really never came down like they claimed-plus they are digital binary sound.”
“The record industry did keep pressing records during this time except it was on a much smaller scale. People who still owned turntables from the middle price range to high end always knew that a clean record LP was superior to the CD in sound, if the record was an analog pressing in which almost all are.”
“We’ve had a retail store for over ten years from 1988-2000 and went to the world-wide web and decided after seven years to reopen the retail store. I’m glad we did because I have previous customers from the past come in and I ask them what they have done for the past seven years and almost all say they still been spinning their vinyl and are glad we are back open (that’s a dedicated customer). Also we’ve made many new friends world wide who love the sound of records over CD’s. Countries in the U.K., Germany, Sweden, Holland, Spain, Japan, Australia, etc, are all pressing and selling vinyl.”
“I’m so amazed that almost all of my customers know that vinyl records are analog and CD’s are digital plus they know the difference that analog is a continuous sound wave and CD’s are sampled and chopped up in bits. This can get a lot deeper but I don’t want to get into that but you can just Google in ‘analog vs. digital’ and it will give you the true scoop.”
“Finally, I can say that most of the major record labels are up and pressing again, not everything is getting pressing but lots of great artists. Recently I just purchased the new “Doors” box set and it sounds fantastic (what a great job by Mastering Engineer Bernie Grundman, Jac Holzman the founder of Elektra Records and Bruce Botnick the original Doors producer did on this box set). The “Complete Clapton” box is great as well as the “Traveling Wilbury’s” new release. Another “Led Zeppelin” box is coming out soon. The pressing are usually a short print, so if any doubt don’t get left out because some of these pressing will be worth as much as some of the originals.”
What is it about the sound of vinyl that makes it better than a CD or really any digital format?
“Vinyl LP’s (analog sound) is primarily the reason LP’s sound better than CD’s. It all comes down to a true continuous sound wave length vs. digital sound bits, with a gap between each sampled bit. The system you play your records on is very important and there are quite a few variables that play a role in the sound you hear. Power source, turntable, speakers and more all come into play, it can pretty deep and expensive if you want to go for the high end equipment,” explained Jeff.
I refer to digital sound as ‘binary sound,’ is this a good comparison when debating analog vs. digital sound?
“From what I understand is that if we took an analog pressing and tried to convert it from its source to a computer, it first must go through a process converting it to binary numbers so the computer can read it. So I would say yes your correct in saying that digital sound is a binary sound into bits,” said Jeff.
I imagine that you have amassed quite a collection, what are some of your personal favorites in your own collection?
“Actually, when I first open my store in 1988, I promised myself and the store-that the store came first. It paid my rent and let me buy more inventory to make a better store. So really, I personally don’t have huge collection for myself. I do have my favorite bands such as the Rolling Stones, the Doors, Beatles, and Pink Floyd- you get the idea classic rock.”
When did you first start in the business and why did you pursue this retail genre?
“I have a Bachelors Degree in Teacher College and couldn’t find a teaching job in the area back in the 1970′s/80′s, so I decided to open a retail record store. I always loved “Dirt Cheap” records in Lincoln, and a friend of mine owned it and moved the store to Omaha and said why don’t you open a store in Lincoln and that’s we did. It’s a fun job but still it is a lot of work. Cleaning thousands of records by hand does take some time and patience. The love of the music and the customers are by far the most interesting part of the job. There always seems to be a challenge either finding that rare record for someone or finding the new vinyl that is being pressed.”
I always tell people about the “thrill’ and adrenaline rush that I get while ‘crate digging’, what are your thoughts about record collecting?
“It’s like an Easter egg hunt for me. I’m always thumbing through record stores while on vacation looking for that rare find,” detailed Jeff. “I seem to always see something from the 60′s or 70′s I haven’t seen in the past. There’s ton’s of groups out there that have only one or two albums and sound great, but only a handful of people know about them and the radio didn’t play their music. There are so many major bands that tie in to another band that goes on forever. Look at the “Traveling Wilbury’s” and all the bands those guys played in.”
Regarding grading records, what methods do you utilize when grading the records that you sell?
“The Internet is the tough place to grade records because in the retail store I leave the record open for the buyer to inspect. I try to be tough on grading because I hate to have returns. On the Internet we grade record & cover as a M- (extremely clean, looks & sounds like a new record), VG++ (possible small wear but looks and plays close to new), VG+ (minor scuffs, possible small noise but no skips and plays ok), VG (usually end up in my $1.00 section or the goodwill).”
Is there any particular genre of music (i.e. blues, jazz, etc) that is selling the most in your store, what is “hot” right now?
“I would say that classic rock is really the best right now. From college kids to the baby boomers, they all seem to be playing this genre. Jazz and blues hold their own but I have to stick with the classic rock,” said Jeff.
How large is your ‘online’ inventory?
“Our online inventory is about 6,000 records, we have added a few more, but since we opened the retail store, I’ve kind of got a little behind on the data basing of our inventory. We have a little over 15,000 items in the store.”
What about selling on eBay, what experiences have you had, good or bad?
“EBay is fine for what they do but I really don’t sell much there. I’ve had a few of the high dollars items and moved them on eBay but I really don’t sell any of the $8.00 to $15.00 records there. I would rather sell them on our site at www.backtrackrecords.com or www.MusicStack.com or www.Gemm.com,” explained Jeff.
What is the best ‘record find’ that you have ever been a part of?
“One of the best finds was an original 1958 Buddy Holly “That’ll Be The Day” Extended Play with the liner notes on the back cover in near mint condition. I’ve also had a couple of the Beatles “Butcher Cover” 2nd state version.”
Where do you see vinyl records five years from now?
“Five years from now I see vinyl records still holding their own in the market,” predicted Jeff. “High end tube equipment seems to coming into the scene more and more. The audiophile market seems to be holding its own. The companies are continually trying to make the analog sound even better. The “Doors” box set is a good example. The vinyl of this set actually sounds better than the original records because they are using the new technology. Life is good when the sound keeps getting better. Don’t forget some people just play music while other people listen to music, there is a big difference.”
What is the difference between an audiophile record and a ‘regular’ record?
“An audiophile record is mastered at better equipped mastering plants such as Mobile Fidelity, Classic Records, Speakers Corne and the like,” explained Jeff. “Many of the U.S. records are mastered at the home plant and pressed at RTL. The people, who master the record, produce it and engineer it, are all very important. Also many companies are going to 180 gram & 200 gram vinyl claiming a nice big platter makes a difference. The companies are also using virgin vinyl which also helps. Let’s not forget that many of the late 50′s and 60′s records were taken very seriously when it came to sound. Mercury had the “Mercury Living Presence” series, “RCA Living Presence” “London Bluebacks” & “Columbia SAX Series.”
“Regular records sound good on a middle range turntable, high end turntables and equipment need high end quality records. You are wasting your hard earned cash if you play a high end record on a low end turntable.”
So, there you have it, vinyl records are back and we have learned why; from a gentleman with his hand on the pulse of the vinyl resurgence. Let’s hope that the music keeps always being what it is all about, and if musicians and record companies really care about the sound, the vinyl record will live forever.
Vinyl is back. From the ‘error’ by a Fred Meyer employee (where LP’s were ordered by mistake), major electronic retailer Best Buy’s stocking vinyl in select stores and mainstream recording artists releasing records gain, the resurgence is upon us.
And in the heartland of America, records are a hot commodity. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jeff Loos, owner of Backtrack Records, (www.BacktrackRecords.com) located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Backtrack Records has been selling vinyl records in Lincoln for over 16 years, mostly as an online entity. But the ‘brick and mortar’ store is a busy, bustling arena of quality, vintage LP’s, with a special emphasis on the 60′s music scene.
Let’s explore Backtrack Records with owner Jeff Loos:
We keep reading about the resurgence of vinyl records, what is your take on this ‘new found love’ of records?
“First of all, records really never left, they just got pushed to the side because of all the hype on CD’s,” explained Jeff. “We then find out that CD’s aren’t all they were hyped up to be and the price really never came down like they claimed-plus they are digital binary sound.”
“The record industry did keep pressing records during this time except it was on a much smaller scale. People who still owned turntables from the middle price range to high end always knew that a clean record LP was superior to the CD in sound, if the record was an analog pressing in which almost all are.”
“We’ve had a retail store for over ten years from 1988-2000 and went to the world-wide web and decided after seven years to reopen the retail store. I’m glad we did because I have previous customers from the past come in and I ask them what they have done for the past seven years and almost all say they still been spinning their vinyl and are glad we are back open (that’s a dedicated customer). Also we’ve made many new friends world wide who love the sound of records over CD’s. Countries in the U.K., Germany, Sweden, Holland, Spain, Japan, Australia, etc, are all pressing and selling vinyl.”
“I’m so amazed that almost all of my customers know that vinyl records are analog and CD’s are digital plus they know the difference that analog is a continuous sound wave and CD’s are sampled and chopped up in bits. This can get a lot deeper but I don’t want to get into that but you can just Google in ‘analog vs. digital’ and it will give you the true scoop.”
“Finally, I can say that most of the major record labels are up and pressing again, not everything is getting pressing but lots of great artists. Recently I just purchased the new “Doors” box set and it sounds fantastic (what a great job by Mastering Engineer Bernie Grundman, Jac Holzman the founder of Elektra Records and Bruce Botnick the original Doors producer did on this box set). The “Complete Clapton” box is great as well as the “Traveling Wilbury’s” new release. Another “Led Zeppelin” box is coming out soon. The pressing are usually a short print, so if any doubt don’t get left out because some of these pressing will be worth as much as some of the originals.”
What is it about the sound of vinyl that makes it better than a CD or really any digital format?
“Vinyl LP’s (analog sound) is primarily the reason LP’s sound better than CD’s. It all comes down to a true continuous sound wave length vs. digital sound bits, with a gap between each sampled bit. The system you play your records on is very important and there are quite a few variables that play a role in the sound you hear. Power source, turntable, speakers and more all come into play, it can pretty deep and expensive if you want to go for the high end equipment,” explained Jeff.
I refer to digital sound as ‘binary sound,’ is this a good comparison when debating analog vs. digital sound?
“From what I understand is that if we took an analog pressing and tried to convert it from its source to a computer, it first must go through a process converting it to binary numbers so the computer can read it. So I would say yes your correct in saying that digital sound is a binary sound into bits,” said Jeff.
I imagine that you have amassed quite a collection, what are some of your personal favorites in your own collection?
“Actually, when I first open my store in 1988, I promised myself and the store-that the store came first. It paid my rent and let me buy more inventory to make a better store. So really, I personally don’t have huge collection for myself. I do have my favorite bands such as the Rolling Stones, the Doors, Beatles, and Pink Floyd- you get the idea classic rock.”
When did you first start in the business and why did you pursue this retail genre?
“I have a Bachelors Degree in Teacher College and couldn’t find a teaching job in the area back in the 1970′s/80′s, so I decided to open a retail record store. I always loved “Dirt Cheap” records in Lincoln, and a friend of mine owned it and moved the store to Omaha and said why don’t you open a store in Lincoln and that’s we did. It’s a fun job but still it is a lot of work. Cleaning thousands of records by hand does take some time and patience. The love of the music and the customers are by far the most interesting part of the job. There always seems to be a challenge either finding that rare record for someone or finding the new vinyl that is being pressed.”
I always tell people about the “thrill’ and adrenaline rush that I get while ‘crate digging’, what are your thoughts about record collecting?
“It’s like an Easter egg hunt for me. I’m always thumbing through record stores while on vacation looking for that rare find,” detailed Jeff. “I seem to always see something from the 60′s or 70′s I haven’t seen in the past. There’s ton’s of groups out there that have only one or two albums and sound great, but only a handful of people know about them and the radio didn’t play their music. There are so many major bands that tie in to another band that goes on forever. Look at the “Traveling Wilbury’s” and all the bands those guys played in.”
Regarding grading records, what methods do you utilize when grading the records that you sell?
“The Internet is the tough place to grade records because in the retail store I leave the record open for the buyer to inspect. I try to be tough on grading because I hate to have returns. On the Internet we grade record & cover as a M- (extremely clean, looks & sounds like a new record), VG++ (possible small wear but looks and plays close to new), VG+ (minor scuffs, possible small noise but no skips and plays ok), VG (usually end up in my $1.00 section or the goodwill).”
Is there any particular genre of music (i.e. blues, jazz, etc) that is selling the most in your store, what is “hot” right now?
“I would say that classic rock is really the best right now. From college kids to the baby boomers, they all seem to be playing this genre. Jazz and blues hold their own but I have to stick with the classic rock,” said Jeff.
How large is your ‘online’ inventory?
“Our online inventory is about 6,000 records, we have added a few more, but since we opened the retail store, I’ve kind of got a little behind on the data basing of our inventory. We have a little over 15,000 items in the store.”
What about selling on eBay, what experiences have you had, good or bad?
“EBay is fine for what they do but I really don’t sell much there. I’ve had a few of the high dollars items and moved them on eBay but I really don’t sell any of the $8.00 to $15.00 records there. I would rather sell them on our site at www.backtrackrecords.com or www.MusicStack.com or www.Gemm.com,” explained Jeff.
What is the best ‘record find’ that you have ever been a part of?
“One of the best finds was an original 1958 Buddy Holly “That’ll Be The Day” Extended Play with the liner notes on the back cover in near mint condition. I’ve also had a couple of the Beatles “Butcher Cover” 2nd state version.”
Where do you see vinyl records five years from now?
“Five years from now I see vinyl records still holding their own in the market,” predicted Jeff. “High end tube equipment seems to coming into the scene more and more. The audiophile market seems to be holding its own. The companies are continually trying to make the analog sound even better. The “Doors” box set is a good example. The vinyl of this set actually sounds better than the original records because they are using the new technology. Life is good when the sound keeps getting better. Don’t forget some people just play music while other people listen to music, there is a big difference.”
What is the difference between an audiophile record and a ‘regular’ record?
“An audiophile record is mastered at better equipped mastering plants such as Mobile Fidelity, Classic Records, Speakers Corne and the like,” explained Jeff. “Many of the U.S. records are mastered at the home plant and pressed at RTL. The people, who master the record, produce it and engineer it, are all very important. Also many companies are going to 180 gram & 200 gram vinyl claiming a nice big platter makes a difference. The companies are also using virgin vinyl which also helps. Let’s not forget that many of the late 50′s and 60′s records were taken very seriously when it came to sound. Mercury had the “Mercury Living Presence” series, “RCA Living Presence” “London Bluebacks” & “Columbia SAX Series.”
“Regular records sound good on a middle range turntable, high end turntables and equipment need high end quality records. You are wasting your hard earned cash if you play a high end record on a low end turntable.”
So, there you have it, vinyl records are back and we have learned why; from a gentleman with his hand on the pulse of the vinyl resurgence. Let’s hope that the music keeps always being what it is all about, and if musicians and record companies really care about the sound, the vinyl record will live forever.
An Interview With Drummer Mykill (mike) Aresco
by admin on Jul.16, 2009, under Art And Entertainment
Sheryll Haskins asked:
Tribute bands usually play the music of a certain to get people through the door to see the bands OWN songs thrown in between the artist of tribute. Since December 2004, I have been watching one band in particular, a Slayer tribute act. Not once, has this band added their own music to their set list. NOT ONCE. When a fan of a band (particularly Slayer) is out on the town checking out live entertainment, they what to see what they are paying for, a tribute. Not a little of this and a little of that. So, do they have their own songs? According to the drummer of the band, yes. Dead Skin Mask is the most accurate Slayer tribute band I have ever seen. Monster drum kit, stacks of amps, and most important, the ability to convey the music through that equipment. That is what really counts. There is no Slayer act out there better than Dead Skin Mask, well except for the metal masters themselves. To date I have checked out a handful of them, since I have lived all around the USA. I have contacted the drummer of the band, to get the inside info on the Dead Skin Mask project and the progress of their original music as well as the scoop on what he is up to.
Slayer Girl: So Dead Skin Mask isnt dead!
Mykill: (Laugh) Nah! We are around. There are a lot of different things Im doing. Sometimes one is put on hold for a bit. But, with exception of one in particular, I really enjoy my bands.
SG: Which one do you not?
M: Hahaha! I .. uhh.. Yup!
SG: So I take it you dont like love songs?
M: No, not really. There is what I listen to. What I buy and what I compose. All 3 are VERY different. My CD collection would make you think Im schizophrenic.
SG: So you must practice a lot?
M: ahhll, mostly the only time I play is when we practice or play a show. The way my life is situated right now, does not really allow me to. When I need to write something, I pretty much compose it in my head, and am fortunate enough to be able to play my thoughts. Yea, it takes a run through or so, but not much more than that. I recall a time when what I would play in my head was way more difficult than I could actually do. I am glad that I have been able to develop the skills, in actual ability, to be able to do that. Real glad.
SG: What do you do to get ready before a live performance?
M: I try to get my hands on as much coffee as I can! (laugh) Usually that is difficult, though. I think we will have to add fresh coffee to our rider! I stretch a bit, do some little things to get the blood flowin. Usually the pre-show nerves and adrenalin are enough for that.
SG: So no pre-show rituals or superstitious activities?
Tribute bands usually play the music of a certain to get people through the door to see the bands OWN songs thrown in between the artist of tribute. Since December 2004, I have been watching one band in particular, a Slayer tribute act. Not once, has this band added their own music to their set list. NOT ONCE. When a fan of a band (particularly Slayer) is out on the town checking out live entertainment, they what to see what they are paying for, a tribute. Not a little of this and a little of that. So, do they have their own songs? According to the drummer of the band, yes. Dead Skin Mask is the most accurate Slayer tribute band I have ever seen. Monster drum kit, stacks of amps, and most important, the ability to convey the music through that equipment. That is what really counts. There is no Slayer act out there better than Dead Skin Mask, well except for the metal masters themselves. To date I have checked out a handful of them, since I have lived all around the USA. I have contacted the drummer of the band, to get the inside info on the Dead Skin Mask project and the progress of their original music as well as the scoop on what he is up to.
Slayer Girl: So Dead Skin Mask isnt dead!
Mykill: (Laugh) Nah! We are around. There are a lot of different things Im doing. Sometimes one is put on hold for a bit. But, with exception of one in particular, I really enjoy my bands.
SG: Which one do you not?
M: Hahaha! I .. uhh.. Yup!
SG: So I take it you dont like love songs?
M: No, not really. There is what I listen to. What I buy and what I compose. All 3 are VERY different. My CD collection would make you think Im schizophrenic.
SG: So you must practice a lot?
M: ahhll, mostly the only time I play is when we practice or play a show. The way my life is situated right now, does not really allow me to. When I need to write something, I pretty much compose it in my head, and am fortunate enough to be able to play my thoughts. Yea, it takes a run through or so, but not much more than that. I recall a time when what I would play in my head was way more difficult than I could actually do. I am glad that I have been able to develop the skills, in actual ability, to be able to do that. Real glad.
SG: What do you do to get ready before a live performance?
M: I try to get my hands on as much coffee as I can! (laugh) Usually that is difficult, though. I think we will have to add fresh coffee to our rider! I stretch a bit, do some little things to get the blood flowin. Usually the pre-show nerves and adrenalin are enough for that.
SG: So no pre-show rituals or superstitious activities?
Crowded House Back On The Scene
by admin on Jun.29, 2009, under Art And Entertainment
Bret Robson asked:
One of New Zealand’s finest musical exports, Crowded House, formed when new wave pioneers Split Enz called it quits mid-way through the 1980′s. Singer/guitarist Neil Finn (his brother Tim was the founding member of Split Enz) brought Split Enz drummer Paul Hestor together with bassist Nick Seymour, and guitarist Craig Hooper, as The Mullanes, after the split in 1985.
A year later, with a band name change, the loss of Hooper, a signing to Capitol Records and accompanying move to Los Angeles, Crowded House had gelled and recorded their debut, self-titled album. The disc had several strong singles including World Where You Live, Something So Strong, and the bonafide hit, Don’t Dream It’s Over.
Suffering from a lack of strong record label promotion, Crowded House languished for a time before a concerted effort that included a tour of small venues and record shops, along with numerous media appearances including regular gigs on music video channels such as MTV and MuchMusic. The band’s hard work paid off, and in 1987 Crowded House hit the US Top 40 with Don’t Dream It’s Over.
The follow up came a year later in the form of Temple of Low Men, which shed the pop veneer the band had crafted, and delved into much darker material. It yielded the singles Into Temptation and Better Be Home Soon, but the band never matched the commercial success of that initial release and their fortunes began to spiral downward.
There were a few tumultuous years that included the firing and rehiring of Seymour in 1989, then Neil Finn’s brother Tim joined up, contributing to the Woodface album in 1990. Tim left (or was asked to leave) during the tour to support that release. In the meantime, several supporting musicians came and went; Paul Hestor quit, and in 1996 Neil Finn officially pulled the plug on Crowded House.
Tragedy struck in 2005 when drummer Paul Nestor committed aged only 46. His death was tragic, but what made it especially eerie are some of the coincidences throughout the band’s career: Paul was always the outgoing and “wacky” one during the early interviews, the cover of the debut album featured Paul decked out in angel wings and hovering above the other band members, then there was the 1996 CD put out with the unfortunate (in retrospect) title Paul Is Dead.
Crowded House reunited in 2007, released a new CD, Time On Earth, and have been touring to rave reviews, including Coachella and a slot on the Australian leg of the live Earth concert in July 2007. The tour brings them through the UK in November and December, including dates at Wembley Arena and the Royal Albert Hall. If you want to see how good 80′s pop was, you’d be hard pressed to beat this show.
For a bit of a “then and now” flashback effect, here’s the reunited band playing Don’t Dream It’s Over at Live Earth in 2007:
Discography (Original releases Only)
1986: Crowded House (#99 UK)
1988: Temple Of Low Men (#138 UK)
1991: Woodface (#6 UK 2x Platinum)
1993: Together Alone (#4 UK Platinum)
2006: Farewell To The World (#120 UK)
2007: Time On Earth (#3 UK)
Forthcoming UK Dates
26/11 Dublin, Ireland – National Stadium
27/11 Belfast, UK – Waterfront Hall
29/11 Manchester, UK – MEN Arena
30/11 Glasgow, UK – SECC
01/12 Nottingham, UK – Arena
03/12 Birmingham, UK – NEC
04/12 Cardiff, UK – International Arena
06/12 Bournemouth, UK – International Centre
07/12 Brighton, UK – Brighton Centre
09/12 London, UK – Wembley Arena
11/12 London, UK – Royal Albert Hall
One of New Zealand’s finest musical exports, Crowded House, formed when new wave pioneers Split Enz called it quits mid-way through the 1980′s. Singer/guitarist Neil Finn (his brother Tim was the founding member of Split Enz) brought Split Enz drummer Paul Hestor together with bassist Nick Seymour, and guitarist Craig Hooper, as The Mullanes, after the split in 1985.
A year later, with a band name change, the loss of Hooper, a signing to Capitol Records and accompanying move to Los Angeles, Crowded House had gelled and recorded their debut, self-titled album. The disc had several strong singles including World Where You Live, Something So Strong, and the bonafide hit, Don’t Dream It’s Over.
Suffering from a lack of strong record label promotion, Crowded House languished for a time before a concerted effort that included a tour of small venues and record shops, along with numerous media appearances including regular gigs on music video channels such as MTV and MuchMusic. The band’s hard work paid off, and in 1987 Crowded House hit the US Top 40 with Don’t Dream It’s Over.
The follow up came a year later in the form of Temple of Low Men, which shed the pop veneer the band had crafted, and delved into much darker material. It yielded the singles Into Temptation and Better Be Home Soon, but the band never matched the commercial success of that initial release and their fortunes began to spiral downward.
There were a few tumultuous years that included the firing and rehiring of Seymour in 1989, then Neil Finn’s brother Tim joined up, contributing to the Woodface album in 1990. Tim left (or was asked to leave) during the tour to support that release. In the meantime, several supporting musicians came and went; Paul Hestor quit, and in 1996 Neil Finn officially pulled the plug on Crowded House.
Tragedy struck in 2005 when drummer Paul Nestor committed aged only 46. His death was tragic, but what made it especially eerie are some of the coincidences throughout the band’s career: Paul was always the outgoing and “wacky” one during the early interviews, the cover of the debut album featured Paul decked out in angel wings and hovering above the other band members, then there was the 1996 CD put out with the unfortunate (in retrospect) title Paul Is Dead.
Crowded House reunited in 2007, released a new CD, Time On Earth, and have been touring to rave reviews, including Coachella and a slot on the Australian leg of the live Earth concert in July 2007. The tour brings them through the UK in November and December, including dates at Wembley Arena and the Royal Albert Hall. If you want to see how good 80′s pop was, you’d be hard pressed to beat this show.
For a bit of a “then and now” flashback effect, here’s the reunited band playing Don’t Dream It’s Over at Live Earth in 2007:
Discography (Original releases Only)
1986: Crowded House (#99 UK)
1988: Temple Of Low Men (#138 UK)
1991: Woodface (#6 UK 2x Platinum)
1993: Together Alone (#4 UK Platinum)
2006: Farewell To The World (#120 UK)
2007: Time On Earth (#3 UK)
Forthcoming UK Dates
26/11 Dublin, Ireland – National Stadium
27/11 Belfast, UK – Waterfront Hall
29/11 Manchester, UK – MEN Arena
30/11 Glasgow, UK – SECC
01/12 Nottingham, UK – Arena
03/12 Birmingham, UK – NEC
04/12 Cardiff, UK – International Arena
06/12 Bournemouth, UK – International Centre
07/12 Brighton, UK – Brighton Centre
09/12 London, UK – Wembley Arena
11/12 London, UK – Royal Albert Hall
Singer Crooner Nat King Cole Story
by admin on Jun.27, 2009, under Art And Entertainment
Chris Chew asked:
Nat King Cole was born as Nathaniel Adams Coles on Saint Patrick’s Day, 17th March 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama. His glorious career as a favourite American crooner inronically started as a bar room jazz pianist.
Although Nat King Cole was a pianist of excellent deterity, his meteoric rise to musical fame was largely due to his sweet velvety singing, crooning out heart melting melodies that made his throngs of female fans swooned headily!
The King also made history as the first American of African descent to host a television variety show and was wildly popular worldwide even decades following his unfortunate demise in 1965 at the young age of 45 due to lung cancer.
As a child, the Nat’s family moved to Chicago where young the young Cole’s father served as a Baptist pastor in a local church. The boy learnt how to play the organ from his mother, Perlina, who was the church organist.
Nat began formal piano lessons when he was only 12 years old. This gifted musician was so talented that he could play almost any genre of music at that time and at a very young age. He was not only able to play gospel music which was his root, but everything else from jazz to classical masterpieces!
When his family moved home again to Bronzeville in Chicago. The lad would sneak out of the house and hang around outside the clubs, listening to and get inspired by musical greats such as Louis Armstrong, Earl Fatha Hines and Jimmie Noone.
Nat King Cole started his performing musical career when he was in his teens sometime in the middle 1930s. He teamed up with his elder brother, Eddie Coles, who played the bass and made their first album recording in 1936.
So how did the word ‘King’ sneaked into the singer’s middle name? Well, it was thought that young Nat got his nickname ‘King’ while performing the nursery rhyme song ‘Old King Cole’.
Not long after that, Nat King Cole along with three other musicians formed the band “King Cole Swingers” in Long Beach, Los Angeles and played in a number of local bars and clubs before getting a gig on the Long Beach Pike for less than a hundred dollars a week.
When Nat married dancer Nadine Robinson and moved to Los Angeles, he formed the famous Nat King Cole Trio with Oscar Moore on the guitar and Wesley Prince on the double bass. The trio played in Los Angeles throughout the late 1930s and recorded many albums and made radio appearances regularly.
Although the band was basically a music band, young Nat used to sing a song or two now and then and soon, be began to notice that people started to request more vocal numbers. This inspired him to sing more songs and more often.
When Wesley Prince left the trio during the second world war, Cole replaced the bass player with Johnny Miller. Johnny would in turn be replaced by Charlie Harris sometime in the middle of the last century.
Although, Nat King Cole Trio signed up with the then fledgling Capitol Records in 1943, Cole went on to stay with Capital Records for the rest of his glorious musical career. In fact, it was due largely to revenues from Cole’s record sales which fueled much of Capitol Records’ success story as a recording company during this period.
This revenue was believed to be the main source of funding for the iconic Capitol Records Building on Hollywood and Vine, in Los Angeles 1956. Capital Record’s building was the world’s first circular office building and many people called the building “the house that Nat built.”
As a popular and excellent jazz pianist, Cole was featured in the first Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts. His revolutionary three piece band consisting of only a piano, guitar and bass in the time of the big bands became the trend setter for jazz trios henceforth.
This 3 piece band set up was emulated by many great musicians of that era and including the likes of iconic musical giants such as Art Tatum, Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal, Tommy Flanagan, Charles Brown and Ray Charles, just to name a few of the great musical illuminaries.
The big break for Cole as a mainstream singer came with his own composition and a vocal hit recorded in 1943 called “Straighten Up and Fly Right”. The album sold more than half a million copies and this was in 1943 when sales figures like this were billed as being astronomical.
In the late 1940s, Nat began recording and performing more pop-oriented songs for mainstream audiences, often accompanied by a full string orchestra and retched up golden hits after hits like “The Christmas Song”, “Mona Lisa”, “Too Young” and of course, his signature tune, “Unforgettable”. With this shift towards more popular music, some jazz critics and fans accused the singer of selling out his jazz gospel roots.
Then the unthinkable happened. In 5th Novemberr, 1956, “The Nat King Cole Show” made history by debuting on NBC-TV as the first of its kind hosted by an African descent American. The program begun as a 15 minute show every Monday night and as its popularity grew, was expanded into a 30 minute show in July 1957.
The great Nat King Cole made his final television appearance on The Jack Benny Show and Benny allowed his guest star to steal the show at a time when racism was still rampant in the mostly white America. Cole was introduced by Benny as “the best friend a song ever had” and Cole sung and crooned “When I Fall in Love” in perhaps his finest and most memorable singing performance ever.
Throughout the 1950s, Nat King Cole continued to present the world with hit after hit songs such as “Smile,” “Pretend,” and “A Blossom Fell” teaming up with well-known music arrangers, composers and conductors of that era such as Nelson Riddle, Gordon Jenkins, and Ralph Carmichael.
Cole went on to record more hits during the 60s such as “Ramblin’ Rose”, “Dear Lonely Hearts,” “Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days Of Summer” and “That Sunday, That Summer”. Nat King Cole recorded his last album, “L-O-V-E” in early December 1964 and the album was released just prior to his death.
As a heavy smoker, Nat King Cole finally succumbed and died of lung cancer on February 15, 1965. In a radio interview on the day before he passed away, Cole said, “I am feeling better than ever. I think I’ve finally got this cancer licked.” However, sadly, that was not the case.
Among his many many honorable citations, Cole was inducted into both the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990, and in 1997 was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame. In 2007, he was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
Although the ‘King’ of crooers have left us long ago, the man’s songs still live on with us and can often be heard in many jazz clubs throughout the world. Such is the love of the great Nat King Cole and his songs!
Nat King Cole was born as Nathaniel Adams Coles on Saint Patrick’s Day, 17th March 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama. His glorious career as a favourite American crooner inronically started as a bar room jazz pianist.
Although Nat King Cole was a pianist of excellent deterity, his meteoric rise to musical fame was largely due to his sweet velvety singing, crooning out heart melting melodies that made his throngs of female fans swooned headily!
The King also made history as the first American of African descent to host a television variety show and was wildly popular worldwide even decades following his unfortunate demise in 1965 at the young age of 45 due to lung cancer.
As a child, the Nat’s family moved to Chicago where young the young Cole’s father served as a Baptist pastor in a local church. The boy learnt how to play the organ from his mother, Perlina, who was the church organist.
Nat began formal piano lessons when he was only 12 years old. This gifted musician was so talented that he could play almost any genre of music at that time and at a very young age. He was not only able to play gospel music which was his root, but everything else from jazz to classical masterpieces!
When his family moved home again to Bronzeville in Chicago. The lad would sneak out of the house and hang around outside the clubs, listening to and get inspired by musical greats such as Louis Armstrong, Earl Fatha Hines and Jimmie Noone.
Nat King Cole started his performing musical career when he was in his teens sometime in the middle 1930s. He teamed up with his elder brother, Eddie Coles, who played the bass and made their first album recording in 1936.
So how did the word ‘King’ sneaked into the singer’s middle name? Well, it was thought that young Nat got his nickname ‘King’ while performing the nursery rhyme song ‘Old King Cole’.
Not long after that, Nat King Cole along with three other musicians formed the band “King Cole Swingers” in Long Beach, Los Angeles and played in a number of local bars and clubs before getting a gig on the Long Beach Pike for less than a hundred dollars a week.
When Nat married dancer Nadine Robinson and moved to Los Angeles, he formed the famous Nat King Cole Trio with Oscar Moore on the guitar and Wesley Prince on the double bass. The trio played in Los Angeles throughout the late 1930s and recorded many albums and made radio appearances regularly.
Although the band was basically a music band, young Nat used to sing a song or two now and then and soon, be began to notice that people started to request more vocal numbers. This inspired him to sing more songs and more often.
When Wesley Prince left the trio during the second world war, Cole replaced the bass player with Johnny Miller. Johnny would in turn be replaced by Charlie Harris sometime in the middle of the last century.
Although, Nat King Cole Trio signed up with the then fledgling Capitol Records in 1943, Cole went on to stay with Capital Records for the rest of his glorious musical career. In fact, it was due largely to revenues from Cole’s record sales which fueled much of Capitol Records’ success story as a recording company during this period.
This revenue was believed to be the main source of funding for the iconic Capitol Records Building on Hollywood and Vine, in Los Angeles 1956. Capital Record’s building was the world’s first circular office building and many people called the building “the house that Nat built.”
As a popular and excellent jazz pianist, Cole was featured in the first Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts. His revolutionary three piece band consisting of only a piano, guitar and bass in the time of the big bands became the trend setter for jazz trios henceforth.
This 3 piece band set up was emulated by many great musicians of that era and including the likes of iconic musical giants such as Art Tatum, Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal, Tommy Flanagan, Charles Brown and Ray Charles, just to name a few of the great musical illuminaries.
The big break for Cole as a mainstream singer came with his own composition and a vocal hit recorded in 1943 called “Straighten Up and Fly Right”. The album sold more than half a million copies and this was in 1943 when sales figures like this were billed as being astronomical.
In the late 1940s, Nat began recording and performing more pop-oriented songs for mainstream audiences, often accompanied by a full string orchestra and retched up golden hits after hits like “The Christmas Song”, “Mona Lisa”, “Too Young” and of course, his signature tune, “Unforgettable”. With this shift towards more popular music, some jazz critics and fans accused the singer of selling out his jazz gospel roots.
Then the unthinkable happened. In 5th Novemberr, 1956, “The Nat King Cole Show” made history by debuting on NBC-TV as the first of its kind hosted by an African descent American. The program begun as a 15 minute show every Monday night and as its popularity grew, was expanded into a 30 minute show in July 1957.
The great Nat King Cole made his final television appearance on The Jack Benny Show and Benny allowed his guest star to steal the show at a time when racism was still rampant in the mostly white America. Cole was introduced by Benny as “the best friend a song ever had” and Cole sung and crooned “When I Fall in Love” in perhaps his finest and most memorable singing performance ever.
Throughout the 1950s, Nat King Cole continued to present the world with hit after hit songs such as “Smile,” “Pretend,” and “A Blossom Fell” teaming up with well-known music arrangers, composers and conductors of that era such as Nelson Riddle, Gordon Jenkins, and Ralph Carmichael.
Cole went on to record more hits during the 60s such as “Ramblin’ Rose”, “Dear Lonely Hearts,” “Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days Of Summer” and “That Sunday, That Summer”. Nat King Cole recorded his last album, “L-O-V-E” in early December 1964 and the album was released just prior to his death.
As a heavy smoker, Nat King Cole finally succumbed and died of lung cancer on February 15, 1965. In a radio interview on the day before he passed away, Cole said, “I am feeling better than ever. I think I’ve finally got this cancer licked.” However, sadly, that was not the case.
Among his many many honorable citations, Cole was inducted into both the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990, and in 1997 was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame. In 2007, he was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
Although the ‘King’ of crooers have left us long ago, the man’s songs still live on with us and can often be heard in many jazz clubs throughout the world. Such is the love of the great Nat King Cole and his songs!
How to Get on the Music Industry Radar Screen
by admin on May.05, 2009, under Art And Entertainment
Rajinder Kumar asked:
As you or your band performs, be it from club to club around town or nationally, there is usually one thing lingering in the back of your mind…
How do you go about getting that one big break that will push you ahead toward greater recognition and success artistically?
You know it happens to artist and bands all the time. That time could come soon for your group to break out of the local scene and land that recording contract or national tour that will get you on your way to greater success.
You know there are tried and true methods. Having a great demo or being interviewed on the local radio shows at once seemed like a good idea. But times have changed in the music industry. In this article, we will discuss some up-to-date information and inside tips on how to get noticed in this tough business, in short I�ll give you some info that will literally place on the music industry radar screen. The knowledge that I�m about to share with you will work for any and everyone: Songwriters, Singers, Musicians, Rappers and for all genres of music: Pop, Rock, Rap, Gospel, R&B, Jazz, Grunge, Country and everything in between!
Where are the Scouts?
You have had the thought run through your mind as you perform for an enthusiastic crowd in a club or bar. Are there music industry scouts in this crowd? Maybe you just laugh it off but you have heard that they are out there watching bands like yours and signing the talented ones to develop into stars.
What you have heard is true. Industry insiders tell us that now more than ever, scouts are everywhere. You may worry that you are not living in one of the big �music industry towns� like New York, Chicago, L.A. and Nashville but that isn�t important. Remember, Seattle wasn�t on the map before grunge hit and they found Sir Mix A-Lot and for you Rock Heads, Kurt and Eddie.
But what if you don�t always have the biggest audience in town. Well, some of the biggest acts in the music business were �discovered� playing to a small and intimate crowd. If your performance is strong and you are getting good word of mouth, the music industry scouts will find you and check you out. So perform every night like they are out there because there is no reason to believe that they are not.
Go Get Them
But you don�t have to sit around and wait for them to come to you. The new �hunting grounds� for bands and talent are well known to the insiders. Once you know who it is that is feeding the information to music industry scouts and agents, you can learn the tricks of the trade to feed information about you or your band into that system. Here are a few of the newest methods and venues you can use to get yourself noticed:
* Perform, Perform, Perform. These days the local club scene is the most important way to get noticed. Don�t wear yourself out chasing agents or scouts. If your performances are strong, that will create a buzz and the word of mouth will get you noticed. Then the scouts will come to see you rather than you having to go and chase them.
* Build your relationship with your audience. Insiders tell us that scouts will come to a show for a musical venue they don�t even understand. If you are doing something bold and new that they are not able to evaluate musically, they will go by the crowd. If your audience responds with excitement and enthusiasm, that is what gets the eyes and ears of music executives. So pour yourself into the people for whom you are performing. That�s what you love to do anyway so it�s an easy way to get noticed and the right way too.
* Build your local network. Industry agents know club owners and booking agents for local events very well. If you have a strong reputation with them, they will pass that information along to the scouts who are looking for new talent.
* Indie (independent) labels are also a rich source of information for the larger recording houses to find out about up and coming bands. You may have indie labels near by so get to know them and get them to your shows so when they have a chance to connect you to a scout, your band is on their list of hot new acts.
* Never miss a chance to network but look for innovative ways to advertise yourself as well. The internet has lots of new and interesting sites that scouts are starting to watch for new talent. If you have the resources, get a web page up and get some MP3 samples of your performances out there. You can easily set up a website using a service like http://www.MyWebSiteMyMusic.com and you can also easily put your music on your site or anywhere else online, even in emails in MP3 format using a service like the one offered at http://www.ListenToMyMusicOnline.com .
The services offered by these two websites are extremely inexpensive and so simple to use, a 5 year old could do it, yet they will have you looking like a music industry professional in no time at all.
Is the Demo Dead?
From what we have learned so far, you would think the demo is ready to go into the hall of fame as an out-of-date tool. But the demo tape still has some real value to you. The best demo is one that showcases not only your musical skill but the personality and the performance skill of you or your band. If you can have someone put a demo together from one of your performances, that gives an agent or scout a bit of a feel for what to expect from you when he comes to see you.
So treat the demo as part of your bag of tricks but it isn�t the thing that is going to seal the deal. If a scout likes what he hears or at least his curiosity is peaked, he will then seek out ways to see you live. Then we are back to the club atmosphere, your relationship with your crowd and your performance. Those are the things that will get you noticed in a way that will lead to bigger breaks. Look at the demo as just the hook with a little bit of bait on it. You can also use your demo on your web page along with some video footage of your live performance to showcase the excitement of your shows. Remember both http://www.ListenToMyMusicOnline.com and http://www.MyWebSiteMyMusic.com offer some of the best services in the industry for doing this.
Video Didn�t Kill the Radio Star
Radio used to be the primary medium for distributing information about new acts and for getting your music played and noticed. But changes in ownership of radio stations and in how they are programmed have changed that too. The radio station is no longer a significant communication channel for you to use to get on the music industry radar screen.
A lot of factors have dropped radio off the radar screen for getting noticed. Airplay is not as much of a factor as it used to be when there was a lot of diversity in radio. Radio is nearly a monopoly with all of the play list decisions made by one central national firm. So if you think that any one individual at your area radio stations makes airplay decisions, you should revise that opinion because they do not. This little insider tip alone can save you huge amounts of wasted energy and frustration when trying to get noticed.
But don�t worry, scouts and music industry agents know they will not find the new, the innovative and the creative music on radio. They have turned from it to use local networking and club performances as their radar screen for new talent.
You do the same. Do not concern yourself a great deal with local radio coverage. Even college radio is virtually a dead venue for getting noticed in this new market. Focus on where the real contacts are being made today, through local contacts, word of mouth and above all club and local festival performances. Other good habits include using music industry contact directories like the one found at http://www.MusicBizPhoneBook.com which list contact information to over 20,000 important people in the music industry.
It�s all in your network and what is happening on the street that will make the difference between you getting noticed or not. In a way, that�s the way it always should have been, having the focus placed on your band talent, performance skill and live shows. That is where your strength is anyway. Be a savvy marketer and use this knowledge to raise the awareness of your band, your talent, your songs and your performances.
As you or your band performs, be it from club to club around town or nationally, there is usually one thing lingering in the back of your mind…
How do you go about getting that one big break that will push you ahead toward greater recognition and success artistically?
You know it happens to artist and bands all the time. That time could come soon for your group to break out of the local scene and land that recording contract or national tour that will get you on your way to greater success.
You know there are tried and true methods. Having a great demo or being interviewed on the local radio shows at once seemed like a good idea. But times have changed in the music industry. In this article, we will discuss some up-to-date information and inside tips on how to get noticed in this tough business, in short I�ll give you some info that will literally place on the music industry radar screen. The knowledge that I�m about to share with you will work for any and everyone: Songwriters, Singers, Musicians, Rappers and for all genres of music: Pop, Rock, Rap, Gospel, R&B, Jazz, Grunge, Country and everything in between!
Where are the Scouts?
You have had the thought run through your mind as you perform for an enthusiastic crowd in a club or bar. Are there music industry scouts in this crowd? Maybe you just laugh it off but you have heard that they are out there watching bands like yours and signing the talented ones to develop into stars.
What you have heard is true. Industry insiders tell us that now more than ever, scouts are everywhere. You may worry that you are not living in one of the big �music industry towns� like New York, Chicago, L.A. and Nashville but that isn�t important. Remember, Seattle wasn�t on the map before grunge hit and they found Sir Mix A-Lot and for you Rock Heads, Kurt and Eddie.
But what if you don�t always have the biggest audience in town. Well, some of the biggest acts in the music business were �discovered� playing to a small and intimate crowd. If your performance is strong and you are getting good word of mouth, the music industry scouts will find you and check you out. So perform every night like they are out there because there is no reason to believe that they are not.
Go Get Them
But you don�t have to sit around and wait for them to come to you. The new �hunting grounds� for bands and talent are well known to the insiders. Once you know who it is that is feeding the information to music industry scouts and agents, you can learn the tricks of the trade to feed information about you or your band into that system. Here are a few of the newest methods and venues you can use to get yourself noticed:
* Perform, Perform, Perform. These days the local club scene is the most important way to get noticed. Don�t wear yourself out chasing agents or scouts. If your performances are strong, that will create a buzz and the word of mouth will get you noticed. Then the scouts will come to see you rather than you having to go and chase them.
* Build your relationship with your audience. Insiders tell us that scouts will come to a show for a musical venue they don�t even understand. If you are doing something bold and new that they are not able to evaluate musically, they will go by the crowd. If your audience responds with excitement and enthusiasm, that is what gets the eyes and ears of music executives. So pour yourself into the people for whom you are performing. That�s what you love to do anyway so it�s an easy way to get noticed and the right way too.
* Build your local network. Industry agents know club owners and booking agents for local events very well. If you have a strong reputation with them, they will pass that information along to the scouts who are looking for new talent.
* Indie (independent) labels are also a rich source of information for the larger recording houses to find out about up and coming bands. You may have indie labels near by so get to know them and get them to your shows so when they have a chance to connect you to a scout, your band is on their list of hot new acts.
* Never miss a chance to network but look for innovative ways to advertise yourself as well. The internet has lots of new and interesting sites that scouts are starting to watch for new talent. If you have the resources, get a web page up and get some MP3 samples of your performances out there. You can easily set up a website using a service like http://www.MyWebSiteMyMusic.com and you can also easily put your music on your site or anywhere else online, even in emails in MP3 format using a service like the one offered at http://www.ListenToMyMusicOnline.com .
The services offered by these two websites are extremely inexpensive and so simple to use, a 5 year old could do it, yet they will have you looking like a music industry professional in no time at all.
Is the Demo Dead?
From what we have learned so far, you would think the demo is ready to go into the hall of fame as an out-of-date tool. But the demo tape still has some real value to you. The best demo is one that showcases not only your musical skill but the personality and the performance skill of you or your band. If you can have someone put a demo together from one of your performances, that gives an agent or scout a bit of a feel for what to expect from you when he comes to see you.
So treat the demo as part of your bag of tricks but it isn�t the thing that is going to seal the deal. If a scout likes what he hears or at least his curiosity is peaked, he will then seek out ways to see you live. Then we are back to the club atmosphere, your relationship with your crowd and your performance. Those are the things that will get you noticed in a way that will lead to bigger breaks. Look at the demo as just the hook with a little bit of bait on it. You can also use your demo on your web page along with some video footage of your live performance to showcase the excitement of your shows. Remember both http://www.ListenToMyMusicOnline.com and http://www.MyWebSiteMyMusic.com offer some of the best services in the industry for doing this.
Video Didn�t Kill the Radio Star
Radio used to be the primary medium for distributing information about new acts and for getting your music played and noticed. But changes in ownership of radio stations and in how they are programmed have changed that too. The radio station is no longer a significant communication channel for you to use to get on the music industry radar screen.
A lot of factors have dropped radio off the radar screen for getting noticed. Airplay is not as much of a factor as it used to be when there was a lot of diversity in radio. Radio is nearly a monopoly with all of the play list decisions made by one central national firm. So if you think that any one individual at your area radio stations makes airplay decisions, you should revise that opinion because they do not. This little insider tip alone can save you huge amounts of wasted energy and frustration when trying to get noticed.
But don�t worry, scouts and music industry agents know they will not find the new, the innovative and the creative music on radio. They have turned from it to use local networking and club performances as their radar screen for new talent.
You do the same. Do not concern yourself a great deal with local radio coverage. Even college radio is virtually a dead venue for getting noticed in this new market. Focus on where the real contacts are being made today, through local contacts, word of mouth and above all club and local festival performances. Other good habits include using music industry contact directories like the one found at http://www.MusicBizPhoneBook.com which list contact information to over 20,000 important people in the music industry.
It�s all in your network and what is happening on the street that will make the difference between you getting noticed or not. In a way, that�s the way it always should have been, having the focus placed on your band talent, performance skill and live shows. That is where your strength is anyway. Be a savvy marketer and use this knowledge to raise the awareness of your band, your talent, your songs and your performances.
Over Comes Your Stressful Life by Watching a Concert in Your City
by admin on Mar.31, 2009, under Art And Entertainment
Weera Kunti asked:
Due to over stressful lifestyle it is difficult to us for pick up a time for entertainment. If you think to entertain yourself by watching movie or a concert hall for a while due to heavy work pressure you forgot even the scheduled date of the programs. So it is difficult to us keep remember for a break. But the situation was not so bad before one and two year. But now over come the problem lots of online seller comes into that field for giving us some relaxation it may be by selling concert ticket or it may be by booking weekend holiday. Now online concert ticket booking is growing as an industry. I know Many of sites selling online concert ticket without any hassle. So you have to just decide to take a break.
Before few years it was very much difficult to every one for purchase online concert ticket. But now lots of good service offering company invests their concentration on concert ticket selling. So you are just few seconds away from your all time favorite bands or artist. Basically when you decide to purchase a concert ticket from online, you should able to purchase ticket online by credit or debit card. Online concert ticket booking is a good deal for everyone. When you purchase from online you able to find a good row or chair from where you can see your favorite star. Many online concert ticket sellers offer the client to choose a good chair for good view. You can able to find out some good sites offers the schedule with the venue of your favorite star. If you don’t miss any programs of your all-time favorite star’s venue in your city, you must obtain ticket from such sites. Another way to get some free ticket for your favorite star, by tuning your favorite radio and television channels, these types of programs sometimes offers some free ticket for the listener. To take the pleasure of online ticket booking you should approach some friends and may purchase tickets in bulk, so that you can qualify to obtain huge rebate.
But before online ticket purchase you must be careful for certain things. You must not purchase ticket form a fake site. But it is difficult to find out which sites are real and which one is not. But if you are habituated with online purchase then you are aware of that. You should not disclose your credit card or financial information for a very new site. Because there is lots of fear to lost more. Some people are also reported from round the world that they purchase fake ticket. It may not optimistic. Although the fear is present but online concert ticket purchase is growing more popular due to the easy availability of ticket. We may not back our face and discourage ourselves from the benefit of such things. The growing-rate of online concert ticket booking is now amazing. In future we can not avoid this service.
Due to over stressful lifestyle it is difficult to us for pick up a time for entertainment. If you think to entertain yourself by watching movie or a concert hall for a while due to heavy work pressure you forgot even the scheduled date of the programs. So it is difficult to us keep remember for a break. But the situation was not so bad before one and two year. But now over come the problem lots of online seller comes into that field for giving us some relaxation it may be by selling concert ticket or it may be by booking weekend holiday. Now online concert ticket booking is growing as an industry. I know Many of sites selling online concert ticket without any hassle. So you have to just decide to take a break.
Before few years it was very much difficult to every one for purchase online concert ticket. But now lots of good service offering company invests their concentration on concert ticket selling. So you are just few seconds away from your all time favorite bands or artist. Basically when you decide to purchase a concert ticket from online, you should able to purchase ticket online by credit or debit card. Online concert ticket booking is a good deal for everyone. When you purchase from online you able to find a good row or chair from where you can see your favorite star. Many online concert ticket sellers offer the client to choose a good chair for good view. You can able to find out some good sites offers the schedule with the venue of your favorite star. If you don’t miss any programs of your all-time favorite star’s venue in your city, you must obtain ticket from such sites. Another way to get some free ticket for your favorite star, by tuning your favorite radio and television channels, these types of programs sometimes offers some free ticket for the listener. To take the pleasure of online ticket booking you should approach some friends and may purchase tickets in bulk, so that you can qualify to obtain huge rebate.
But before online ticket purchase you must be careful for certain things. You must not purchase ticket form a fake site. But it is difficult to find out which sites are real and which one is not. But if you are habituated with online purchase then you are aware of that. You should not disclose your credit card or financial information for a very new site. Because there is lots of fear to lost more. Some people are also reported from round the world that they purchase fake ticket. It may not optimistic. Although the fear is present but online concert ticket purchase is growing more popular due to the easy availability of ticket. We may not back our face and discourage ourselves from the benefit of such things. The growing-rate of online concert ticket booking is now amazing. In future we can not avoid this service.
How to Buy Concert Tickets
by admin on Mar.31, 2009, under Art And Entertainment
Weera Kunti asked:
If you discover that your favorite band or artist is going on tour then there are several ways in which you could get tickets to see them live. Once upon a time you may have had to stand in line for hours just to be in with the chance of getting a ticket, but nowadays buying online is much simpler.
Firstly you should find out about the event – where it is and when it will take place. Many websites will update you with this information, and it is a good idea to look often to know when tickets go on sale.
Many tickets are hard to get hold of due to the fact they are so popular and can sell out within hours. To stay on top of the game you could join your band’s fan club which may give you access to presales before the general public. This will be more necessary with the most popular bands. You could also join the clubs of the venues themselves, but check the price of doing so in advance. Buying season tickets is a great way to get tickets to high profile events, though season tickets can cost a lot of money due to the potential of owning them.
Of course you can always try your luck when tickets go on sale to the general public. To be in with the best chance find out the date and time the tickets will be released, which should be detailed on a ticket or band website. Then as soon as it is time, phone up, queue up or go online and purchase tickets as quickly as you can.
If you still didn’t manage to get hold of the tickets then it is still possible you can get tickets in the future. Firstly you could try a website such as Stubhub which allows users to trade and sell tickets, though there is an added service fee for this. You can also try auctions on eBay, or local newspaper ads. Note that ticket prices may be higher than they would have originally cost.
Probably the best way to get your tickets are ticket brokers such as PerfectSeats, Ticket Bulldog or Bluefish Tickets. They will usually let you know of several events, artists and venues to help you choose the best deals and get the most out of your experience.
Whatever you do, try not to buy the tickets from outside the event as they could be counterfeit, stolen or at the very least will cost way over the odds. They may even be worthless if you are refused entry to the venue.
In short, the best way to buy your concert tickets is to book them as soon as they go on sale and to order online from a reputable retailer. If you do this then you know your tickets will be genuine and that they will arrive in time for the event. Now all you need to do is find out when your favorite artist is going on tour!
If you discover that your favorite band or artist is going on tour then there are several ways in which you could get tickets to see them live. Once upon a time you may have had to stand in line for hours just to be in with the chance of getting a ticket, but nowadays buying online is much simpler.
Firstly you should find out about the event – where it is and when it will take place. Many websites will update you with this information, and it is a good idea to look often to know when tickets go on sale.
Many tickets are hard to get hold of due to the fact they are so popular and can sell out within hours. To stay on top of the game you could join your band’s fan club which may give you access to presales before the general public. This will be more necessary with the most popular bands. You could also join the clubs of the venues themselves, but check the price of doing so in advance. Buying season tickets is a great way to get tickets to high profile events, though season tickets can cost a lot of money due to the potential of owning them.
Of course you can always try your luck when tickets go on sale to the general public. To be in with the best chance find out the date and time the tickets will be released, which should be detailed on a ticket or band website. Then as soon as it is time, phone up, queue up or go online and purchase tickets as quickly as you can.
If you still didn’t manage to get hold of the tickets then it is still possible you can get tickets in the future. Firstly you could try a website such as Stubhub which allows users to trade and sell tickets, though there is an added service fee for this. You can also try auctions on eBay, or local newspaper ads. Note that ticket prices may be higher than they would have originally cost.
Probably the best way to get your tickets are ticket brokers such as PerfectSeats, Ticket Bulldog or Bluefish Tickets. They will usually let you know of several events, artists and venues to help you choose the best deals and get the most out of your experience.
Whatever you do, try not to buy the tickets from outside the event as they could be counterfeit, stolen or at the very least will cost way over the odds. They may even be worthless if you are refused entry to the venue.
In short, the best way to buy your concert tickets is to book them as soon as they go on sale and to order online from a reputable retailer. If you do this then you know your tickets will be genuine and that they will arrive in time for the event. Now all you need to do is find out when your favorite artist is going on tour!
Obtaining Hot Concert Tickets
by admin on Mar.16, 2009, under Art And Entertainment
Al Terry asked:
New York is a city known for its entertainment industry, especially for musical entertainment. A variety of concerts – live performances of music before audiences – is performed by a variety of performers in the city each day. The concerts could be a recital (music performed by a single musician), or a musical ensemble (performed by an orchestra, a choir or a musical band), and are held in a variety of venues, such as nightclubs, barns, and in dedicated concert halls, among other venues. Hot concert tickets for popular concerts are always at a premium as New Yorkers throng to these venues for their favorite stars.
Live And Ticking
Today, though a variety of music is available for our entertainment on CDs and tapes, there were times when such entertainment could only be had through live concerts. Even today, a large number of people enjoy live concerts, and these are lavishly put up by popular musical groups. A lot more than concerts are held simultaneously to increase the spectacle and make the event memorable.
The advent of newer technologies with special effect visuals and stage lighting, large video screens for close up action, smoke, dry ice, artwork, pyrotechnics, and more, all add to the atmosphere. Hot concerts, today, are no longer staid and quiet affairs, as we once knew them to be. Dancing, sing-alongs, crowd surfing, and moshing, among others are quite popular, what with metal, punk, rock and indie concerts. These, of course, are unheard of in concerts of the folk and classical kind.
Hot concerts are always on in New York. For example, the following concerts – a very few out of the 90 odd scheduled for the next five weeks, until the end of December – are:
Dark Star Orchestra
Frankie Valli
Ricardo Arjona
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Texas Is The Reason
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
New York Philharmonic
Sarah McLachlan
Enrique Iglesias
Andrea Bocelli
Tenacious D
Black Dog: Led Zeppelin Tribute
These hot concert tickets are always sold out, and can never be easily procured. The tickets for these hot concerts are always booked well in advance, and if you need them in a hurry, it may not be so easy . . . unless you know how.
Many reliable and licensed ticket brokers are in the business of arranging hot concert tickets for you. These ticket brokers have the wherewithal to procure tickets for the hot concerts of your choice, and for the shows of your convenience. These reliable brokers have a past history of satisfying their patrons and can arrange hot concert tickets at a short notice.
If you wish to attend a hot concert by your favorite musician or a musical group, you just need to call any reputed agency and let them do the rest. For their trouble to get your hot concert tickets to you, you need to pay a little above the face value of the tickets to cover their costs.
New York is a city known for its entertainment industry, especially for musical entertainment. A variety of concerts – live performances of music before audiences – is performed by a variety of performers in the city each day. The concerts could be a recital (music performed by a single musician), or a musical ensemble (performed by an orchestra, a choir or a musical band), and are held in a variety of venues, such as nightclubs, barns, and in dedicated concert halls, among other venues. Hot concert tickets for popular concerts are always at a premium as New Yorkers throng to these venues for their favorite stars.
Live And Ticking
Today, though a variety of music is available for our entertainment on CDs and tapes, there were times when such entertainment could only be had through live concerts. Even today, a large number of people enjoy live concerts, and these are lavishly put up by popular musical groups. A lot more than concerts are held simultaneously to increase the spectacle and make the event memorable.
The advent of newer technologies with special effect visuals and stage lighting, large video screens for close up action, smoke, dry ice, artwork, pyrotechnics, and more, all add to the atmosphere. Hot concerts, today, are no longer staid and quiet affairs, as we once knew them to be. Dancing, sing-alongs, crowd surfing, and moshing, among others are quite popular, what with metal, punk, rock and indie concerts. These, of course, are unheard of in concerts of the folk and classical kind.
Hot concerts are always on in New York. For example, the following concerts – a very few out of the 90 odd scheduled for the next five weeks, until the end of December – are:
Dark Star Orchestra
Frankie Valli
Ricardo Arjona
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Texas Is The Reason
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
New York Philharmonic
Sarah McLachlan
Enrique Iglesias
Andrea Bocelli
Tenacious D
Black Dog: Led Zeppelin Tribute
These hot concert tickets are always sold out, and can never be easily procured. The tickets for these hot concerts are always booked well in advance, and if you need them in a hurry, it may not be so easy . . . unless you know how.
Many reliable and licensed ticket brokers are in the business of arranging hot concert tickets for you. These ticket brokers have the wherewithal to procure tickets for the hot concerts of your choice, and for the shows of your convenience. These reliable brokers have a past history of satisfying their patrons and can arrange hot concert tickets at a short notice.
If you wish to attend a hot concert by your favorite musician or a musical group, you just need to call any reputed agency and let them do the rest. For their trouble to get your hot concert tickets to you, you need to pay a little above the face value of the tickets to cover their costs.
When Your Favorite Band Goes on Tour Book Tickets Online
by admin on Mar.16, 2009, under Art And Entertainment
Weera Kunti asked:
In the music business most bands and artists will go on tour whenever they have a new album to promote. This is a great way for the bands to improve their following as well as making some extra money by doing many dates around the country – some even around the world! But for most bands touring is ultimately about the fans.
Live tours allow bands and fans to connect, and this experience is something different from simply listening to their music on CD. Many fans would love the chance to see their favorite artists in the flesh, and the experience and atmosphere at a live gig is simply unbeatable.
The problem is that many will never get to see their favorite bands due to the fact that tickets can be hard to come by. If you want to see a big act like the Rolling Stones or Jay-Z you may find that there are thousands of others who have the same idea – making it much less likely you will get a ticket before they sell out. Many fans will even brave standing in line for hours just to get some tickets, or even paying inflated prices just to get this opportunity.
If you do not have the time or the money to get hold of your concert tickets in this way then the good news is that the internet has now allowed us a much easier way of getting the chance to see our favorite bands. The internet is also the best way to find out when your favorite bands are going on tour, way in advance of the ticket release date to ensure you have your chance at getting some tickets!
When you are searching for concert tickets online simply search for some different ticket vendors to compare which tickets they have available and what their service and prices are like. Most sites will have a search facility allowing you to enter the band name, view their information, their tour dates and to book tickets if you wish. As you can see, a search on a website can be much quicker than phoning around and queuing up at the box office to buy your tickets in the traditional manner.
It is best to compare a few ticket vendors before buying to make sure that you get the best deal, and also to ensure the vendor is reliable. Check which payment options they accept, which should usually include most major credit cards making it a very convenient option for buying your tickets.
There are many benefits to buying your tickets online, but one of the best factors is the price. There is a lot of competition online to provide the best prices for concerts and events, which means that many of the major vendors will be trying to undercut each other on prices. The internet really is the best place to find some great bargains as well as saving you time. All it takes is a little searching and comparing and you could soon have tickets for your favorite band in your possession!
In the music business most bands and artists will go on tour whenever they have a new album to promote. This is a great way for the bands to improve their following as well as making some extra money by doing many dates around the country – some even around the world! But for most bands touring is ultimately about the fans.
Live tours allow bands and fans to connect, and this experience is something different from simply listening to their music on CD. Many fans would love the chance to see their favorite artists in the flesh, and the experience and atmosphere at a live gig is simply unbeatable.
The problem is that many will never get to see their favorite bands due to the fact that tickets can be hard to come by. If you want to see a big act like the Rolling Stones or Jay-Z you may find that there are thousands of others who have the same idea – making it much less likely you will get a ticket before they sell out. Many fans will even brave standing in line for hours just to get some tickets, or even paying inflated prices just to get this opportunity.
If you do not have the time or the money to get hold of your concert tickets in this way then the good news is that the internet has now allowed us a much easier way of getting the chance to see our favorite bands. The internet is also the best way to find out when your favorite bands are going on tour, way in advance of the ticket release date to ensure you have your chance at getting some tickets!
When you are searching for concert tickets online simply search for some different ticket vendors to compare which tickets they have available and what their service and prices are like. Most sites will have a search facility allowing you to enter the band name, view their information, their tour dates and to book tickets if you wish. As you can see, a search on a website can be much quicker than phoning around and queuing up at the box office to buy your tickets in the traditional manner.
It is best to compare a few ticket vendors before buying to make sure that you get the best deal, and also to ensure the vendor is reliable. Check which payment options they accept, which should usually include most major credit cards making it a very convenient option for buying your tickets.
There are many benefits to buying your tickets online, but one of the best factors is the price. There is a lot of competition online to provide the best prices for concerts and events, which means that many of the major vendors will be trying to undercut each other on prices. The internet really is the best place to find some great bargains as well as saving you time. All it takes is a little searching and comparing and you could soon have tickets for your favorite band in your possession!
Crowded House Tickets – Australian Pop-rock Band Returns To The Stage In 2007
by admin on Mar.12, 2009, under Art And Entertainment
Jay Nault asked:
Crowded House tickets, for at least a decade, were some of the most sought-after concert tickets in the world, as the rock band that proudly represented Australia with their pop-rock style and chart-topping hits. After several years apart, the band is getting back together for another tour, and that’s got music fans excited all over the world. A look at the band’s history could help explain this high degree of anticipation.
Beginnings
The origins of the band began to come together in 1985 in Melbourne, Australia. The band was originally called “The Mullanes,” and they gained notice around Australia and New Zealand by banging around in local clubs and perfecting their fresh rock style. These live shows soon garnered them notice, and they signed a record deal and relocated to Los Angeles to get to work in the studio.
The band released their self-titled debut album in 1986, and unfortunately, Capital Records did not see a lot of potential with the release, so it didn’t get a lot of support or publicity. However, the band continued to tour aggressively, and their live style resulted in a loyal following. Crowded House tickets became a hot item, especially after their single “Don’t Dream It’s Over” was released and became an international hit.
Success
After a mildly successful follow-up release in 1988, Crowded House gained worldwide fame with their 1991 release, Woodface. The album climbed inside the Top Ten on the charts in both Australia and the UK, and set the stage for their subsequent releases to all enjoy significant commercial success.
The band continued to grow in stature, and their real acclaim came as a result of their intense and engaging live performance style. They have always toured relentlessly, and their fans even adopted a name for themselves. “Crowdies” could be seen at every stop on every one of their tours, and this fan base is what inspired the members to continue on within the industry.
Going Forward
On November 24, 1996, the band played a farewell concert on the steps of the Sydney Opera house, and the estimates for the size of that crowd range from 120,000 to 250,000. The band from there quietly went their separate ways, but years later, rumors began to surface that they were considering a reunion.
Those rumors proved true recently, as Crowded House will once again embark on a tour. It’s been over 10 years since their last foray onto the stage, which means that Crowdies everywhere will be lining up in anticipation of their shows. If you want to see this band, you’ll be one of millions who will use Crowded House tickets in the near future.
Crowded House tickets, for at least a decade, were some of the most sought-after concert tickets in the world, as the rock band that proudly represented Australia with their pop-rock style and chart-topping hits. After several years apart, the band is getting back together for another tour, and that’s got music fans excited all over the world. A look at the band’s history could help explain this high degree of anticipation.
Beginnings
The origins of the band began to come together in 1985 in Melbourne, Australia. The band was originally called “The Mullanes,” and they gained notice around Australia and New Zealand by banging around in local clubs and perfecting their fresh rock style. These live shows soon garnered them notice, and they signed a record deal and relocated to Los Angeles to get to work in the studio.
The band released their self-titled debut album in 1986, and unfortunately, Capital Records did not see a lot of potential with the release, so it didn’t get a lot of support or publicity. However, the band continued to tour aggressively, and their live style resulted in a loyal following. Crowded House tickets became a hot item, especially after their single “Don’t Dream It’s Over” was released and became an international hit.
Success
After a mildly successful follow-up release in 1988, Crowded House gained worldwide fame with their 1991 release, Woodface. The album climbed inside the Top Ten on the charts in both Australia and the UK, and set the stage for their subsequent releases to all enjoy significant commercial success.
The band continued to grow in stature, and their real acclaim came as a result of their intense and engaging live performance style. They have always toured relentlessly, and their fans even adopted a name for themselves. “Crowdies” could be seen at every stop on every one of their tours, and this fan base is what inspired the members to continue on within the industry.
Going Forward
On November 24, 1996, the band played a farewell concert on the steps of the Sydney Opera house, and the estimates for the size of that crowd range from 120,000 to 250,000. The band from there quietly went their separate ways, but years later, rumors began to surface that they were considering a reunion.
Those rumors proved true recently, as Crowded House will once again embark on a tour. It’s been over 10 years since their last foray onto the stage, which means that Crowdies everywhere will be lining up in anticipation of their shows. If you want to see this band, you’ll be one of millions who will use Crowded House tickets in the near future.
