Rave On Studio

Danny Echo The Unplugged & Unglued EP

2012-01-24T00:29:00.000-08:00

It's here, it's here!

Here it is kids - grab a copy and then head over HERE and download the lyric sheets so you can have yourself a lil sing song!

We'd love to know what you think!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-22T00:59:00.000-08:00

I am SO excited....

2012-01-18T19:01:00.000-08:00

...to be a part of the Soul Pancake gang - drop in when you have a chance and say hey;-)

SoulPancake

Looky who we get to play with!

2012-01-07T23:31:00.001-08:00

Check her out now and check her out often! Amazing year ahead - no lie.

Stef Lang

Danny Echo's plan to bring in 2012! Come and play!

2012-01-01T00:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays

2011-12-22T17:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays and all the
very best in the New Year ~
Slainte!

Click on the photo to download
this year's recipe folder ~
Enjoy!

We're coming up on the end of the year....

2011-12-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

...and this is generally a time of reflection. Once the gifts are opened, the food has been eaten and you are partied out - there comes a time of quiet, where we often look back with the eye of a not-so-friendly judge.

I know I posted the quote a few months ago from Miles: "It's only a mistake until you play the next note.", but after seeing the recent TED talk by Stefon Harris along with some events in my own last year, it made me think about 'mistakes', and I have come to the conclusion that it is 100% true, there are no mistakes. Period.

Stefon nailed it - watch and see - it's only 13 minutes long and it may help you get some perspective, before you take that annual measurement.

And for the advanced class ~ there is no spoon.

27 hits as I post this...

2011-12-05T01:28:00.000-08:00

I wonder how far it can go, I think it's brilliant - Jacob rocks.

The Very Vancouver Christmas Music Library ~

2011-11-26T17:33:00.001-08:00

By now you know we are taking a year off from the Christmas album, but the music is still here kids - 5 years worth of amazing, local all original holiday tunes! I've made it super simple ~

Unsure of who's on which album? Here they are all handy to look at - Buy one or buy them all - 10$ each or all 5 for 40.$ (5/40 in person only).

Buy at CDBaby, iTunes or email me and you can come over and Buster and I will give you a big hug too -

All proceeds to the SPCA - as always. There's something for every taste: rock, pop, country, gospel, blues, jazz - you name it, we've got it.

And if anyone would like these songs for their business, to play on their system or for their hold music - just let me know how to format them and I'll make sure you get them asap!

#ListenLocal

VOL 1

VOL 2

VOL 3

VOL 4

VOL 5

Well it's getting to be that time of year again...

2011-11-24T00:58:00.000-08:00

...holidays, shopping and parties - but please remember to stop and breathe, and lend a hand where you can. To get you started in a relaxed and mindful way - have a little Hilary with your tea!

No Christmas album from us this year - but we're working on a little something special for you, and you can still pick up volumes 1-5 on iTunes or CDBaby, through me or here: VeryVancouverChristmas.com - more soon!

Music Saves III

2011-11-12T01:22:00.000-08:00

AT last we can post - let's make it viral kids!

Minimalist Christmas: What I Made My Dad.

2011-11-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

Because we didn't do a volume 6 Very Vancouver Christmas album this year (Yes we're back next year and please buy vols 1-5 and support the SPCA ~ HERE!), I had a wee bit more time to make or buy home made, hand crafted and up-cycled Christmas gifts.

For my Dad

My Dad:
1) ....is a crafty guy who often makes our gifts out of recycled thingamabobs (cool tree decorations etc).
2) ....has everything, and I mean literally one-of-everything.
3) ... is always up for a lark.
4) ....never reads my blog.

...and every year it becomes more and more difficult to come up with something for him at Christmas time - BUT this year I think I've nailed it.

It only cost 6$ to make, took about an hour of my time, and will maybe be the start of something really cool.

I used a few pieces of water color paper, a piece of photo mat board (all of which I had handy, but you can use anything), a printable calendar from http://www.etsy.com/shop/bubbo (5$), and a Chicago Screw (1$). (You could make the calendar yourself, but I didn't have time and like to support Etsy shops).

So calendar - minimalist and childishly simple - but - art stuff, and what I'll do is write a poem or something in a card with the idea that next year my dad uses the parts of this gift to make something for us. If we can keep this going, it will be cool to see how many evolutions we can make!

Now that's the spirit!

And, #NoBatteriesRequired ~

My heart skipped a beat and then started dancing ~

2011-11-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Have Yourself Some Quality Jody Quine Time!

2011-11-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

And Matt too - click HERE!

November 20th - Save the date!!

2011-10-26T22:06:00.001-07:00

We are inviting you to come out and show your support for two of our family members, Bruno and Maria, who have been recently diagnosed with 2 different types of Lymphoma. We have an amazing line up of entertainers and artists who have generously agreed to donate their time and talents to help make this a memorable day for all. Please join us ♥

Date: November 20, 2011
Time: 3pm - 9pm

Tickets: $35 in advance, and $40 at the door (if available).
* If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please message me a.s.a.p., as we cannot guarantee availability on the day of the event.

Entertainment will include:
Nearly Neil
Mike Reno
Shari Ulrich
Taylor James
Ninja Spy
Scrap Metal Sun
Heidi Vincent
Scott Jackson
Sam Dominelli
Tony Dominelli

*Performance times will be available here prior to the event.

Also featuring a silent art auction of original works and prints by local artists.
The evening also includes: Door Prizes, Guitar Raffle, Silent Auction and more...

Door prizes and silent auction include:
Hockey tickets
Designer jewelry
Dinner cruise
And much, much more!

Sponsors:
Long and McQuade
Crossroads Guitars
Personal Best Martial Arts

Full service bar and concession all day long!

All the ships at sea....

2011-10-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

I kept having this vision, or picture in my mind rather, of a harbor filled to the rim with rowboats, each containing one person, bobbing around, but not moving. I couldn't think what it meant.

This morning I woke up and I imagined that each of those people was an artist, each with an instrument, playing and singing at the top of their lungs.

I could imagine people walking along the pier, checking out the all the noise and then walking away.

On the other side of the pier I could see a family walking and singing together, stopping to talk to people on the pier. I see a guy riding his bike on his delivery route, singing away to himself, and I see people looking at him and smiling.

I think these pictures formed in my head because I am seeing another change in the music industry. It is one of calm. Not apathy, but more a comfortable 'settling in'.

I had to take a long look to see if it was in fact 'social media fatigue', or just the sheer numbers of artists out 'working it', with no more room to breathe (The Garageband Bubble?) - but I don't think so, though these were maybe tipping points. Maybe, I thought, it's my own rose colored glasses, but I don't think that's it either.

In the struggle of artists to 'make it' in the music business, it seems that there is now a happy/sad realization. Somewhere during the constant battle to balance; gigs, work, writing, updating social media, pr, applications, racing to book the newest venue, scrambling for the little grant money available, contest entries and flying around as one of the flock of local artists all after the same fat crab - the artist searching for fame and glory, is suddenly - just - happy get out and play. Wherever, whenever, for whatever.

I know some of you will say, 'Wait, no, I won't play for nothing, I want, I need'...but I am just talking about what I see and who I work with, where instead of the rush of business taking over their lives, these artists are settling back into a routine and making music and their art a part of the life they already have. Artists are becoming happy, and not disappointed, just happy making their music and happy if someone or no one is listening. They're back to making music and making it fit, rather than accepting the fact that they won't have/can't have/aren't good enough ... there's an evolution going on.

It's happy because that's the way I think it should be - music is a part of the artist, but it has recently become unbalanced, with the 'business' part taking centre stage, all work and no play - it just can't work and never ends well.

So what's the sad part? Well, I guess it is kind of sad that so few people will be able to ever make a living at their art, but that is historically the way it has always been; but maybe now, just maybe, artists are loving what they do, slowing up a bit and enjoying the journey. It is the thing after all.

I look back to all those paddle boats in the harbor and see the people in them, I think I can hear them saying; "But we thought we were suppose to be in the harbor?".

Be different, have fun, it will fit.

For Steve Jobs.

And even more fun - the making of!

2011-10-05T13:43:00.001-07:00

I think this will be the tipping point

2011-10-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

For Hilary Grist....

Tess Dunn rips it up in her latest video!

2011-10-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone - look at Tess Dunn's new video: Shame To See! Wow! You go girl! You may remember Tess from the Very Vancouver Christmas Vol 4 (Christmas Day) Read more about Tess on her website and support this music - it just gets better and better!

This is what compassion looks like~

2011-09-26T01:39:00.000-07:00

I always need a reminder and this is a great one - thanks Deb!

Click here!

How simple to give light -

2011-09-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

Joyce posted this (Adrianna and Adora's mom), and it always fills my cup - up to see this sort of genius.

Sneak Peak at Katie's Episode of Noble Exchange!

2011-09-09T22:20:00.000-07:00

iDoLvine

2011-09-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

Have you all heard of iDoLvine? Have I been talking it up enough? If not read more HERE - this is the next Internet wave kids, I’m not kidding! And yes I know I am repeating myself by posting here and on the website news page, but it is so cool that I have to double post!

Visit iDoLVine

Noble Exchange - Episode Alert!

2011-09-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Katie’s episode will air on September 20th @ 8pm EST and PDT. The full episode will also be available online beginning September 21st. SO EXCITED! Click on the link above to see more, or click HERE!

A little zippity pow from Hilary Grist~

2011-08-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

Just in case you might be feeling that life was less than perfect? Take a peak here - this should set you to rights.

It's nearly IPO time again!

2011-08-04T23:04:00.000-07:00

Don't miss out on these amazing few nights! My fave's of course; Alums Danny Echo, IPO darling Laurie Biagini and our fancy friend from NZ Fleur Jack!

A sad summer ditty from Danny Echo -

2011-07-27T04:11:00.000-07:00

This was just too important NOT to blog about...

2011-07-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

Imogene is beyond cutting edge, she is instead, a giant step ahead, pulling in every particle of sound and music within her grasp and making it dance around her like so much fairy dust. Imogene is a magical genius, almost a mythical creature in her capabilities as a music producer. I have have called very few people 'music producer' in my day - but really, she is the true owner of that title. You can't deny it - watch:

Kyriaki Sunday's New Single 'Fresh Louboutin' - Listen Here!

2011-07-13T01:36:00.000-07:00

KYRIAKI SUNDAY aka Fashionista Katie Chonacas, discovered her love for singing at a young age from two of her greatest inspirations: her mother and her sister. By her teenage years Kyriaki was captivated by the underground Detroit music scene. With arguably the greatest talent pool of niche DJs in the world, the vibrancy and soul of Detroit’s non-mainstream music movement was the catharsis that stimulated Kyriaki’s sonic individuality.

After moving to Los Angeles, she began collaboration with American Grammy-nominated producer Luigie Gonzalez, and released her first single, “So N2 U,” which was licensed to the film “Lure” and used on two consecutive seasons of MTV’s “The Real World”. Serendipitously, Kyriaki was introduced to Chris Lighty, famous for his work with Diddy, Busta Rhymes and 50 Cent. After hearing the single, Lighty was impressed and put Kyriaki on tour with 50 Cent and G-Unit throughout Spain and South Africa.

Now back in NYC Kyriaki is hard at work on her album with producer Ronnie Beck - Request 'Fresh Louboutin' everywhere - contact Rave On for PR requests.

Listen Here - purchase on iTunes soon!

Two Things ~

2011-06-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

I was chatting with our new pal John Lee, and I started wondering - as an artist, how do you feel when you have to sell/give away more than your music to add value? Does it make YOU devalue your music? Tell me, I am keen to know!

Thing two is this, Derek has written a book, not surprising I know, but the content is invaluable - grab a copy or download the audio version which he reads himself! Fancy! We're buying the 5 pack, so you never know what Santa may bring this year! (I just remembered I have an interview with him that is yet unpublished, I'll get on that!).

More soon, have met some inspiring peeps this week!

Carry on.

June 21st - Sunshine - Gastown - Free - Take Kids - Do Go!

2011-06-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

I can't say more than that! 5-10pm - go visit your local artists as they perform their hearts out for you!

For more information click HERE!

Just a reminder...

2011-06-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

....to keep it real babies!

For a rainy June day in Vancouver - it doesn't get much better -

2011-06-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

So many new opportunities for Vancouver artists!

2011-05-25T00:22:00.001-07:00

There are so many new events cropping up in Vancouver - I have been posting them up as they come along over at NXEW.ca, and here is another one and they are still looking for both performers as well as sponsors so do help them out however you can - together we're making Vancouver artist friendly again, connecting artists with new 'all ages' fan bases ~ outside of the club environment!

Danny Echo BBQ? Well that sounds fun!

2011-05-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

One sweet tweet is all it takes - Tweet HERE!

Down To The Letter - New Danny Echo Video!

2011-05-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

Down To The Letter - Danny Echo from jenn ashton on Vimeo.

New video out this week - cool art by Scott Agar and Jungwoo Whang - thanks guys!

Business is Business....

2011-05-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

...And what relates to one field, more often than not, can be applied to the business of music.

Here is a great series with four of my favorite guys - lots of juicy information in here. Do take some time and see how these lives parallel yours.

Learn laughing!

*****

Are you following us on FaceBook yet? Jenn Ashton

Create Your Badge

It's spring - must be time for a visit from JJ!

2011-04-25T22:34:00.000-07:00

Contact RogueFolk HERE for tickets or hit me up for the PDF with the complete schedule - John and the Quartet play two days, plus John is doing a workshop - don't miss it!

Greatest group of guys - ever.

2011-04-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

Or as Don Cherry would say, 'The is the way to do it kids'.

The Start of The Art

2011-04-12T21:53:00.001-07:00

I'm lucky I'm old, because I have had the pleasure to be a part of many 'starts'. First steps, first words, first songs; the first time the art comes from the heart of the artist.

If you have experienced this you know, this is the life.

Starts are new and scary and messy, but there is something about the first time of anything special, that people will always try to re-create (can you say sequel?).

We're fortunate to live in a time when so many people have the opportunity to live out their artistic dreams, and we're even more fortunate to be privy to the process.

Grab an artist at the start of their art and join them on the ride.

BETH SOUTHWELL

(Thank you Kathy for the picture!)

This is your brain, This is your brain on bliss.

2011-04-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be funny if the Internet and this uber loud and busy modern society, where noise, images, messages and other people bombard us constantly from everywhere, actually made and pushed us to become a more sentient people? Where we appreciated the silence and the quiet moments we could find without the rush and the noise? Where instead of wanting to be involved in every single thing - all the time, we more wanted to be a part of a collective, happy 'quiet'?

How very Guinan of me I know.

I ate too much cake and ice cream AND have an unexpected night off, so I am at the peak of bliss.

To use your voice - or not.

2011-03-29T00:29:00.000-07:00

I recently read a debate about using your voice to champion a cause. The argument was whether or not as an artist/actor/politician etc - it should be a part of your 'duty' and 'station' to get the word out, whatever that word may be.

I have to say that yes, I feel it is a duty and a responsibility everybody has, especially those who are fortunate enough to have a microphone or tv camera in front of their faces.

(If you are a Raver, of course you know this because I always ask you to play at charitable events often times with little or no pay! Thanks you guys!).

So I was really pleased to come across this video today; just think, if Ta'Kaiya can do this at 10, imagine what we can get up to with all of our experience - now let me hear you say AAAYO!

(And a shout out to the Sliammon Nation, a great part of our Coast Salish people - we are all connected!)

Story of the Wah pedal - worth an hour of your time!

2011-03-17T21:47:00.001-07:00

Cry Baby: The Pedal That Rocks The World from Joey Tosi on Vimeo.

When it hits close to home....

2011-03-11T18:25:00.000-08:00

Well this isn't just for music folks, but a reminder to everyone ~

Social media such as Twitter and Facebook, can also make terrible events and danger seem closer than they are, and so can make our reactions stronger.

This is both good and bad; for people already in crisis it can be a lot to handle.

So please remember to be kind to yourselves and take care of you and yours. If you have the capacity to get involved in a tragedy, do as much as you can without dipping into the reserves you need to keep yourself 'ok'. Doing a bit to help out can help you feel grounded, but don't do more than you can or should.

It's ok to turn the TV off and close down the computer and get some perspective if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Eat well, rest and get some exercise. Maybe write a song about it or draw a fancy picture (Thanks Liam!).

It's all good.

Aaaaand for our next trick!

2011-02-25T22:28:00.001-08:00

David Suzuki & Earth Run: How can you make a difference? from Earth Run Foundation on Vimeo.

This is going to be a good one kids - we have two stages this year! Stay tuned!

Stop and appreciate this~

2011-02-20T15:23:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone - in anticipation of David Suzuki's Birthday and EarthRun in April - take a moment to watch this and be inspired. Thank you to one of my Italian friends on fb for posting this.

Hot and fresh from the Hush oven - Balligomingo, the remixes have begun!

2011-02-13T21:02:00.001-08:00

Searching for Owen

2011-02-09T15:33:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone, as you are getting ready for tours and festival dates, please read this and keep an eye open for Owen!

http://www.find-owen.com/

Acid House Interview

2011-02-09T00:55:00.001-08:00

Hey, just finally finished up the interview with Ryan, you can check it out here. What a happening guy! Where does he get his energy? I have no idea, maybe just being grown up on that Scottish air.

(Mind you, my mom is pretty spry, maybe it's the Kelowna air?)

I have a few more interviews to get done up, including Pete Martin, Derek Sivers and Dave Chisolm - stay tuned!

How We Think - Hurray Ravers!

2011-01-31T01:33:00.000-08:00

I love what Derek wrote here - this is exactly what we strive for, and why people always compliment the Ravers - because they are all an important part of Rave On - they ARE Rave On!

Good advice! That Ariel sure is a smarty pants!

2011-01-27T21:31:00.001-08:00

Nothing better than clever stuff, (with pictures!) that's easy to remember!

New Year - Great Plans

2011-01-23T00:26:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Welcome to 2011!

I thought that finding out that Dr Seuss shoes came in adult sizes was pretty terrific, and then I started looking at our year ahead - AMAZING - stay tuned, I'm organizing......mumblemumblemumble....

A little look back before I post our 2011 schedule ~

2011-01-07T01:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our videographer Sam Soo!

Happy Holidays from Rave On Studio!

2010-12-23T14:53:00.000-08:00

Please visit VeryVancouverChristmas.com, you can support the SPCA year round!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

Please read down and come out to our shows - lots of music and fun!

Call me for tickets! 604-294-3007

Raver Christmas Shows

2010-11-21T00:37:00.000-08:00

This is a portion of Rave On Shows (!!) - please check on the artist's pages for more!

I'll keep updating here as more are added, please contact me for further info and tickets~

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

See Gillian Hobbs talking about the Breathe CD!

November 25th - Lace Up For Kids - UBC

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

November 26th - Princeton

Cupla

Beat Seeking Missiles

Dead Wax Collective

November 27th - The Habitat - Kelowna

Matt Stanley and The Decoys

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

Gillian Hobbs

Laurie Biagini

Sillken

December 3rd - CBC Foodbank Day

Ranj Singh and the Discriminators

Adrienne Pierce

December 4th - North Van Festival of Lights 5pm

Sheldon Witt

Laurie Biagini

Danny Echo

Santa

December 4th - Blue Frog Studio - White Rock

Breathe CD Release

Ranj Singh and the Discriminators

December 9th - Leigh Square Port Coquitlam 7pm

Gillian Hobbs

Sheldon Witt

The Light Machines

December 12th - Inlet Theatre Port Moody - 8pm

Gillian Hobbs

Sheldon Witt

Laurie Biagni

Danny Echo

The Light Machines

Treebeard

Cupla

Pam Carr

Matt Stanley And The Decoys

Ranj Singh And The Discriminators

Kent McAlister

Sillken

Debbie Bergeron

December 19th - St James Hall - 8pm

Gillian Hobbs

Sheldon Witt

Laurie Biagni

Danny Echo

The Light Machines

Treebeard

Cupla

Pam Carr

Matt Stanley And The Decoys

Connor McGuire

Kent McAlister

Sillken

Stef Launay

Olga Osipova

December 20th - Roxy

Matt Stanley and the Decoys

Cupla

Hurray Matt and the Decoys~

2010-11-13T23:20:00.000-08:00

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

(Contact Matt or a Decoy for tickets!)

Saturday - be there or be square babies!

2010-11-08T23:25:00.000-08:00

Cupla wrote a song for a great cause

2010-11-01T00:16:00.000-07:00

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

Please visit wesaluteourheroes.ca and show your support.

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

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

Failure a How To Guide for Artists

2010-10-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

Good read HERE!

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

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

Meet Gina Williams

2010-10-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

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

I Love Danny Echo & Hush Magazine

2010-10-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

Thank you Hush!

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

Incognito - the show

2010-10-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

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

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

She.is.incredible.

www.GinaWilliams.com

Very Vancouver Christmas Anniversary!

2010-10-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

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

Street Date Nov 1st, 2010

Stay tuned for show updates!

A quick little how-do-ya-do

2010-10-05T00:27:00.001-07:00

Artist list coming soon - it will blow your mind!

We're gearing up for Christmas

2010-10-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

Music marketing reminder...

2010-09-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

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

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

Got lungs?

2010-09-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

And congratulations Ravers...this is big.

Digression or a wee brain break?

2010-09-17T01:41:00.000-07:00

You be the judge!

The Black Book

2010-09-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

Put this one of your Christmas list kids -

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

Fresh Trax

2010-09-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

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

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

You can vote here!

Lots of news!

2010-09-08T18:21:00.001-07:00

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

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

The Folk Music Revival

2010-08-31T18:29:00.000-07:00

Two quick things:

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

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

Ok - carry on.

Remembering Mike.....

2010-08-26T23:56:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

****

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

New ways of thinking.

2010-08-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now get out there and be creative!

RIP Mike Norman

2010-08-17T13:19:00.001-07:00

IPO coming up!

2010-08-11T01:33:00.001-07:00

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

Danny Echo

Piper McKinnon

Laurie Biagini!

I like this advice - Get A Manager!

2010-08-02T01:23:00.000-07:00

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

NME Tip: Get A Manager

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

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

What does managing a band entail?

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

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

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

When should a new band look for management?

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

How do you choose which bands to work with?

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

Good reading ~

2010-07-28T23:31:00.001-07:00

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

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

Read article (interview with Tom Windish) 2 HERE

July 31st Shows

2010-07-26T01:37:00.000-07:00

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

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

New Ideas On An Old Theme

2010-07-19T00:42:00.000-07:00

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

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

Happy Monday!

Repost of Acid House Interview with Lenny Bronstein!

2010-07-12T23:34:00.000-07:00

*******

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

Lenny Bronstein - On Radio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

making music?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- the floor is wide open to you!

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

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

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

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat!

You can reach Lenny at:

heavylenny90405@yahoo.com

or catch up with him of FaceBook.

Watching the winners, win.

2010-07-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, it's ok to feel a bit sad when you watch the winners win!

I am SO happy for everyone winning all the contests lately, but I also hear you on the flipside, the folks who feel they never win, no matter the work they put in, and why do they keep trying?

It is hard when you feel you are being rejected, but know it's not personal.

I know you'll say "Hey Ashton - it IS personal, it's a part of ME it's MY ART!!" -

Well, exactly...remember why you do it.

It's not about winning, and judges make decisions based on lots of internal and external factors.

It's NOT personal.

Now go sing or play or dance, just because you have to....

A quick note about 'roles'.

2010-07-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Before I hog the blog with another AH Interview - I wanted to speak quickly about roles. One of the writers on NxEW sent this out in response to a band who had not done much in the way of PR - moral of the story - check your expectations of people you work with, be clear, and do as much as you can yourself - it is your gig after all!

"I don't know any of the particulars here, but this is a good time to remind bands---if they need reminding---that "talent bookers" are not necessarily "promoters." Some bookers do promote the shit out of the shows they put on, but I know others who don't. And the latter aren't necessarily bad people, it's just that they see themselves as playing a different role. Again, speaking generally, it seems important for bands to know ahead of time which one they are dealing with. And, as someone pointed out above, it's crucial for bands, especially when they are on tour, to be on top of their websites and social media. If they can't do it themselves, they should hire a publicist ahead of time. Even a few blog posts in the right places can help get the word out, especially in smaller markets where music fans don't get as much chance to see touring bands as we do here in Toronto. It's also important to search out complimentary local bands to open or headline, so that you can play to their fans, and make connections for future tours. Etc.

Good luck to everyone on the road this summer."

historyjen.blogspot.com

(And thanks to Luke Setzer for the image!)

Acid House Interviews: Troye Kinnett

2010-06-28T00:43:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, as you know I am interviewing friends and colleagues for the 'Acid House Interview' series - I am posting the Can Con interviews up over HERE, and the International ones here (somethingorother about funding). I hope you enjoy my chat with Troye - he's lovely!

We've just begun our second album project with Troye and I can't think how many times I have praised him and his work! He's a real pro and is a joy to work with, just ask Mr. Mellencamp or Corey Cox. Troye is one busy musician, but I was lucky enough to grab him coming out of Nashville sessions for a quick bit of advice for 'up and comers'.

Troye Kinnett

ja ~ Troye! I know you don't have a lot of time, but I wanted to chat with you about the music business and your experiences in it. First, can you tell us a bit about your music background?

tk ~ Hi Jenn, sure thing. My background is in music theory. Not so much classical, but how it's used in jazz, pop, and rock songs.
Understanding scales and chords really got me past just reading music and took me more down a path of playing by ear and coming up with my own arrangements.

I took piano lessons from age 8, but by the time I was 11 or 12 I was noticing how chord extensions worked. My teacher didn't teach me how to build chords, but did teach scales. For example, I would read some sheet music of a pop song that would have chord symbols and I remember seeing a Bb13sus4. I had no idea what that meant, but I played the notes that were written out on the sheet music and noticed the extensions from the Bb major scale. I loved the sound of that chord so much, I started transposing it to hear it in different keys!

Some people get "bitten by the bug" and dive into a certain artist or transcribe solos or whatever, but for me, it was understanding chords and scales.

ja ~ I have been talking to artists about wearing a lot of different hats these days, where in the past a label would take on all the work, and now it is up to the individual artist. Are you a jack-of-all-trades?

tk ~ Yes, Jack-of-all trades and master of one! I'm really just a piano player, but that has led to audio engineering, composing, singing and arranging background vocals, playing organ and accordion.

Whenever a young musician asks me about the biz, I make sure to let them know how flexible they will need to be. Yesterday I had to learn (re-learn) Bohemian Rhapsody to play with a violin soloist. Tonight I am playing with a country artist, and my next project is to chart some jazz tunes. I love all kinds of music, so being a session player is great for me. I would get bored with just playing one genre.

And yes, marketing is important, but that can be part of every gig you do. For example, if you get a call to play with a band, be a pro by being prepared, and then perform your best. You'll meet other musicians that will notice how professional you are and will call you again, that's easy marketing. Try to really listen and play what's appropriate for the artist. If you can change styles by the way you play and the sounds you use, your chances of getting work will increase.

ja ~ I know the Internet has changed the music business in lots of negative ways, but is lots of positive ways as well. For example we work very well together over long distance, can you maybe talk a bit about working over the Net and add some key points that can make it successful?

tk ~ Yes, thanks to the Internet collaborations are now happening all over the world and it makes clear communication is more important than ever. You have to have a good understanding of what the artist wants. Having some musical references is a good idea since you'll be working in separate rooms. For me, I'll listen to the references, but always add something of my own. If I get an idea that takes me down a little different path, I'll go with it. Fortunately, even if I think I've gone too far, I'll send it off and usually get an overwhelming approval! Even if you have to redo something and dial it back a notch, the artist or producer will appreciate that you are invested in the project.

ja ~ Ok, now for emerging artists, do you have any advice on working in the industry today, new strengths that would be beneficial, it's not like the old system where you just go out and play sessions or with your band and that's it. I wonder if young people today even have that 'rock star' dream, or if their expectations are different?

tk ~ The "Rock Star Dream" has changed because of technology. We used to look at liner notes and wonder what these band members were like, and now we download songs, and if we want to see the band, we'll go to our phones and see them in action, either in a playing situation or not.

My advice for a young artist would be to always bring your "A" game. Just because you don't have a record company coming to a gig on a certain night doesn't mean that someone won't record your performance and let the rest of the world see!

ja ~ Ah so true! Not only their 'A' game, but their professionalism, even when starting out, I have seen and heard of some things new bands have done, and I know there will probably be some regret down the road!

And speaking of new and young bands, do you have any tour or advice from the road? I think you are one of the busiest artists I know, and have a really busy road schedule!

tk ~ Haha yes!

As far touring tips I would say, don't get 'numb' or 'complacent' when you play shows night after night. Remember that the people out there probably bought their tickets weeks ago and are expecting to see a concert, not just a band. You left home for a reason, don't get distracted and make each show special.

ja ~ Wow, yes, ' You left home for a reason', that's a really good line, and great advice. Thanks for your time on this Troye, I know you're busy!

www.troyekinnett.com

Acid House Interview Jason Wilber

2010-06-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

As you may have read, the AH Interviews needed a new home - and we have one! But, we can only post up Canadian Content, sooo I'll be posting them up here as well. I'll also post up the past few weeks in case you missed them - enjoy!

Week 1 - Jason Wilber

Welcome to the Acid House Interviews, whereby I interview my friends, colleagues and artists about music and the music business.

My first interview is with Jason Wilber. We have known Jason here at Rave On for a few years now, and he has played on 4 of our album projects. He is a talented artist, multi - instrumentalist and all-round super nice guy!

Jason Wilber

ja ~ Jason, thanks so much for participating! Can you tell us a bit about yourself to start things off?

jw ~ Sure, I was born and raised in Indiana. Live there still. I started playing guitar in local bands when I was in my early teens and progressed from there into playing with regional traveling bands and then in my mid twenties I started playing with John Prine, which lead to playing guitar for other singer-songwriters in the folk/rock/country vein. I'm a singer-songwriter myself and have released 7 records of my own.

ja ~ I thought it would be interesting to talk a bit about how in today's

industry, you really need to be a business person, marketing expert,

social media pro and jack/jill-of-all-trades..can you talk a bit about

all the different things you do?

jw~ I think that has always been the case really. The idea that you can just

play music and someone else will take care of all the business and marketing stuff is a mostly fallacy.

When you get to the point that you can afford to have other people working for you to do that stuff, you still have to understand how the business works so you'll know if they are doing the right things. Although, sometimes it's hard to know what the "right things" are!

Being an independent musician is much like running any other small business. You have to do bookkeeping, marketing, keep inventory, pay taxes, etc. and of course play music. I read a Herbie Hancock quote that said,

"You should spend about 50% of your time on music and 50% of your time on business".

I think that's a pretty good guideline.

ja ~ I am guessing that the emergence of the Internet and social media has made the business of music a lot easier...

jw ~ The Internet has definitely been a game changer. Much of the way I operate business wise today would be impossible or much more difficult without it.

ja ~ For emerging artists, do you have any advice on working in the

industry today, new strengths that would be beneficial, it's not like

the old system where you a) have loads of talent b) get signed = c)

you're off and running (I wondering if young people today even have

that rock star dream, or if their expectations are different?)

jw ~ I would say, never stop learning as much as you can about your art and the business surrounding it, work harder and longer than the next guy or gal, learn about your own strengths and weaknesses and how to get the best out of yourself, and put yourself in an environment where you'll come into contact with the people you need to meet to further your music career. If you do all of those, you'll probably develop an understanding of what else you need to be doing to succeed.

ja ~ People who read this may be anyone from emerging artists all the way up to industry professionals, is there Anything else you think is important to talk about? Anything you think is helpful or info to get out there would be great - you really have your foot the door to both worlds, as you are both artist and business person, and so it is interesting, to hear your thoughts...

jw ~ Sure, I would say first of all, only try to play music for a living if you can't stand not to. Because it's really not a great business to be in if you're a musician, for a whole variety of reasons that I won't go into here, but mainly because of too much supply and too little demand.

However, if you're going to be playing music all the time anyway, and you don't mind working really hard for very little money, possibly indefinitely, and you can handle endless boatloads of rejection punctuated by occasional moments of encouragement, then you might like playing music for a living. That may sound discouraging, but I think it's pretty accurate. Ask some other working musicians if you want a second opinion.

All that said, I sure can't complain. Music has been good to me and I feel very fortunate to make my living playing music I love.

Thanks Jenn.

ja ~ Thank so much Jason, we're happy to know you, and it's great working with you, we're very fortunate!

www.jasonwilber.com

Acid House Interviews - Skulastic!

2010-06-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

The Acid House Interviews need a new home - Raised On Indie.com is going to take a summer break. SO while I'm hunting up a new venue I'll be posting up on the blog and oh maybe the new Tumblr page - here is this week's interview with the lovely Skulastic. We're mixing some vocals for her new tunes with Konfidential and getting one song in particular ready for their film debut next month!

*********

I met Skulastic through an artist that I was working with who had just collaborated with her on a few songs (mrdc-music.com check him out). I myself had never worked on hip hop, or really knew anything about the genre, but after the first song, I actually began to think and write in hip hop (stanza's?) - so cool and very poetic. With the perfect balance of drive and talent, I predict Skully is going to make it to the big time.

Skulastic

ja ~ Hi Skully, can you tell us a bit about and a bit about yourself as a singer/
songwriter/MC?

s ~ Sure! I was born and raised in Vancouver BC, and moved to Nanaimo about 7 or 8 years ago. So far the only job I have been able to hold has been music, apart from that I excelled in academics (hence the name skulastic ...lol) and have a business degree. I enjoy teaching and learning about everything this world has to offer.

ja ~ When did you start writing and playing and becoming serous about music?

s ~ As a child, I grew up playing classical piano. My mother is an opera singer/piano player, and her father is a piano/harmonica player, also, my dad's father was a violin/voice instructor. So, I come from a very musically rich family.

I started to write random poetry towards the end of High-school. Someone exposed me to rhyming, bars, and flow, and I took that and my poetry, and already had a natural passion for music, so I just put it all together and went with it. I was very lost, not knowing what I was put here for, and when I discovered it was music I had this big "ahhh...that's what I'm here for" type of moment.

ja ~ That's awesome, I love those moments. Where are you at now in your career?

s ~ I don't think I have even begun to scratch the surface. Right now, I'm still out to define my sound, explore my possibilities musically and what not, I want to grow as an artist, and have my listeners/fans and even critics grow with me, and vise versa.

If I could use a couple words to describe myself as a mc/producer/singer/songwriter it would be "versatile, multi-facited, and re-inventive". Recently, I have been involved in a lot of great collaborations. I am very thankful and feel blessed to find people I mesh so well with musically. I don't want to limit myself to just rapping, I want to involve myself in producing and song writing for other artists as well.

ja ~ Being an 'emerging artist' in today's world (and female artist in your
genre?), what challenges do you face or...has social media helped you solve any of those those challenges ie: remote recording etc??? Connecting?

s ~ Being a "female" pursuing hip-hop has not posed any problems at all. My take on that topic is that if the music is good, people will look past gender, race, religion or whatever it may be. I face the same challenges that everyone else in the music industry faces or has faced.

As far as working remotely, I recently started working with more out of town artists, and we do what we can, but I still think that nothing compares to working with someone in person.

ja ~ How do you find it working n the industry right now, with the sheer volume of artists out there? How do you get noticed, or is that what you want out of your
musical career? Or do you do if just for you and what happens - happens?

s ~ The Hip-Hop industry is highly over-saturated. Getting noticed comes from hard-work, good music and the right marketing. I really feel all those things are essential.

ja ~ Do you feel your specific genre makes it easier for you to get out
there? I mean, I lived for years on Vancouver Island and never in my wildest dreams would I have thoughts that would be a place for your hip hop to take hold! So maybe it's a rare thing on the Island and so easier for you to be 'one of a kind'?

s ~ On a certain level, having a good local scene can be very beneficial for up and coming artists. If the local scene digs it and you have made a name in that respect then you know you can take your music further and expand geographically. Local scene is kinda like testing the waters so to speak. Locally, I have a name established. I see no end to my music and its capabilities.

ja ~ Do you find that your business degree helps with your music career?

s ~ I'd say it does to a certain extent, some of the very basic concepts I learned in business could be applied to the music industry for sure, but on the other end of the spectrum, the music industry is so different, that I am still and always learning.

ja ~ guess that's an important point, no matter what you 'know' you still have to be open to learning and changing. Thanks Skully!

www.MySpace.com/Skulastic

The Benefit Of The Doubt

2010-06-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

I admit, I have judged more than one book by it's cover. But I do try hard not to. I also try hard to play devil's advocate and to support the underdog.

Cliches aside, I try to be the best version of myself, most of the time.

I have run into a few walls since I've been a professional in this industry, because there are lots of stereotypes out there.

I know negative stereotypes start somewhere, and are probably perpetuated by some, in order to maintain themselves...but wow it feels awfully bad some days when you get hit with them.

I like to put my energy towards perfecting my work, and not thinking negatively about people...I am only writing this to empathize with people who have been in these ill-fitting shoes, and to remind people to always take the higher road if they run into this situation.

There's lots of room in the sandbox for everyone kids, play nice.

Bob's Sitting In

2010-06-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, we're still down with flu, so I borrowed Bob for the day - Enjoy!

****

Subject: Be So Good They Can't Ignore You

Sounds simple. But most people don't heed this advice.

Practicing the piano for ten years does not make you creative. It just allows you to replicate what's been done before. But writing something new?

People put in the effort and wonder why they're not famous. The world is filled with journeymen, skilled at their jobs, just check out the band in the lounge, frequently those cats can play. But they're not famous. Because to be famous you've got to make jaws drop, people have to forgo other activities to see you, people have to want to tell others about you.

In order to succeed, you've got to innovate. In such a way that a large percentage of the public cares.

There's always someone who is breaking so many rules that few can get into their music. You know, the lead can't sing, but that's intentional, why be like the guys on Top Forty radio? And the time changes are there to demonstrate they've got chops, not just anybody can play this music. And the noise represents anger... Why is it so many unlistenable acts can write a complete thesis on why their music sounds like it does but you don't want to listen to it?

Conversely, there are those who insist on playing by the rules, taking the easy way out. You might make it, but it's going to have little to do with your talent. It's gonna be about your relationships and your marketing, and your spot in the firmament is always at risk, someone may steal your thunder, whereas nobody's gonna steal Springsteen's thunder.

Bruce's way out was the live show. In an era where bands were four or five pieces, the E Street Band was huge. And they were honed and practiced. To the point when you saw them live, you were blown away, even if you didn't know the material.

This is the essence of Phish. With a few additional elements. A sense of humor, a willingness to take risks, the choice to not do it the same damn way each and every night.

Then there's Elton John. A nobody one day, everywhere the next. That was the power of "Your Song". Furthermore, when you bought the album you found out Elton wasn't a one hit wonder, and that NOTHING ELSE ON THE RECORD SOUNDED LIKE YOUR SONG!

You never know when the audience will get it. I keep talking about seeing Prince at Flippers Roller Disco. I liked "Dirty Mind", but I had no idea this guy took his music this seriously, that he was this good a guitar player, this good a performer. I went home and played the album incessantly, and am still testifying about this show DECADES later!

It's an incredible challenge. To employ a classic art form, pop music, but come up with something new. But it's this new thing that excites us, that not only makes our blood boil but makes us tell everyone. Kind of like "District 9". My inbox is filled with fans. People saying it was their favorite movie of 2009. The establishment didn't get it, they'd rather fawn over "Avatar", but "District 9" got inside your system and affected you much more than James Cameron's opus. "District 9" had allegory, had humanity, felt real even though it was science fiction, the film could not be denied.

Too much of today's music can be denied.

You can play it for a friend and he can ignore it.

But you could not ignore Jimi Hendrix... Nothing else sounded like "Are You Experienced"!

"Like A Rolling Stone"? Like nothing else on the radio.

And my go-to track from this decade, Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy". It sounded like a late night gin-soaked romp, you heard it once and needed to hear it again and again.

We're in the era of marketing. Because it's so damn easy. You can just go online and tell your story. And isn't it interesting that as more people are selling, fewer albums are moving...both sales-wise and emotionally. (Album Sales Plummet To Lowest Total In Decades: http://bit.ly/92jZnd)

The key is not to find a way to get your music in front of people. The key is to create music so good that it builds its own audience. You've just go to put the track online and people find you!

This is so hard. It not only requires perspiration, it demands INSPIRATION! And inspiration comes in a flash after tons of hard work. It's not about coming up with a track in service of your image, that's the Pussycat Dolls, which have the lasting power of a popsicle. It's about having a song so good that people need to play it not caring what you look like.

The basic tools have been denied. No one wants to work on songwriting craft, they'd rather come up with something alternative and different. But Hendrix was a very good songwriter. And as out there as Dylan was on record, his songs went on to be hits for numerous people. Hendrix did a great job with "All Along The Watchtower". And Rod Stewart did a great take of Jimi's "Angel".

These songs had verses, and choruses. "All Along The Watchtower" had lyrics that could not be written by Justin Bieber. "Angel" had an innovative intro and changes that hacks would not even risk.

Don't throw out the verse, chorus, bridge paradigm. Refigure them in such a way that your music is still appealing, even though it's slightly different. And great vocals never hurt.

That was the Beatles' genius.

That is your challenge.

Inspired by: http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/02/01/the-steve-martin-method-a-master-comedians-advice-for-becoming-famous/

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Happy new week~

2010-05-30T22:41:00.000-07:00

TRYING to not work, it's really tough. I have not been able to stop completely, but I have maybe cut back by 75% over the past 24 hours; planted some tomatoes, made bread, wrote a song, recorded the narrative for Donkey and watched some movies.

Going to try again tonight - movie, yoga, laugh with Buster over some old jokes, and dance around to this.

To everyone waiting to hear from me - tomorrow I promise.

Use what works.

2010-05-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, enough griping and onto fun stuff!

This is a great article ~ it gave me the idea for our new stickers..watch for them in bathrooms everywhere;-)

Great marketing lessons from SNL here!

I hate to gripe, but I will anyway...

2010-05-27T02:16:00.000-07:00

Just a little rant about media, lack of decent reporting and over- all lack of hmm professional ethics?

I grew up thinking it was the job of newspapers and news programs to report news. News to me meant what was happening in the world, good and bad.

I was surprise to say the least that the Vancouver Sun never ran one story about the Nashville flood. I even did a search tonight and still not one word. BUT over the days and hours that it was happening, I did see lots of articles on fashion week, here and around the world.

People were losing their homes and lives and lively hood and I could only find news of Albania's and Australia's fashion weeks, sex scandals and where to eat if you're downtown.

Although the news does seem to be on top of the spill, I was also lead to the trough to see Venus's panties, America's new idol, and lots of 'news' about American TV fiction and yes 'celebrity make up accidents'. Am I really reading a NEWSpaper? Or something from the grocery store checkout line?

Surely there are better things to report. I use to think being a journalist was one of the most important jobs a person could have. In fact, I aspired to it. Perhaps we as an audience are just too lazy to care what's put on our plate? We seem to eat so complacently.

People care so little about anything it seems these days, shouldn't we at least care and demand to know what's going on in the world around us?

I guess I'll continue to get my news from the people making and living it - thank you Twitter.

Good article from Newsweek here.

Photo courtesy of Brad Paisley.

The conundrum of booking live shows.

2010-05-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

This subject has been gnawing at me for a while now.

To counteract the difficulty of booking clubs and venues, I started booking shows at my own venues and events. Problem solved for now - good for pr, crappy for paying bills.

But - for the loads and I mean LOADS of artists out there that can't or choose not to do this, there is this big, little issue of booking shows (if you want to do it on your own without paying an agent).

Here are some facts:

~There are more artists than ever that want to play live, and really, they are good enough to play live, (and really the only way to get good, is to do it).

~There are actually venues closing down their live/original bookings because of poor turn out. They are hiring djs, or cover bands (nothing against guys & gals).

~Lots of coffee shops seem to be picking up the slack, and open mic nights, but paying gigs mainly go to cover bands, original bands get the door.

~Some clubs book the same bands over and over because they know they will bring some people in, and they won't look at anyone else.

~Many, artists won't/don't share gigs/venues - they are very protective of a paying gig.

~Live music is good for us (all ages, everybody), people want to see live original bands.

When I see all of these things written down, all I can think is:

Artists need a face to face fan base - (online doesn't count if they can't get out to your shows).

How do artists build a face to face fan base if they can't book gigs?

Anybody? Anybody?

How HST will effect BC Musicians

2010-05-14T22:01:00.001-07:00

Well, the list is out.

Here is the list of things that will now be under the 12% tax rule that can directly effect musicians and artists and their customers, who you will need to pass these costs on to:

Hall rental

Accountants

Hair dresser/barber

Music/video mp3 and downloads

Music concerts

Massage therapy

Domestic Air/Rail/Bus travel originating n BC

Hotel Rooms

Taxi services

local residential phone lines

Restaurant meals

Used clothing (not from charity)

Dry Cleaners

Newspapers

Magazines

School Supplies

For the full list, click here.

Nothing in particular....

2010-05-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't want an entire week to pass before I wrote, but it has...we've been non stop - I wonder if we look like one of those cartoon characters who's legs just spin in circles?

Lots of work setting up the booking stuff, interviews, slowly coming around to the idea of the Christmas album and doing LOTS of sessions. Life is good, but honestly I can't wait for the weather to heat up a bit - I have that itchy garden feeling.

Oh and we received the house energy saver kit from BC Hydro - the new shower head is installed....hmmm...losing that much water pressure feels like a lot to give up...but saving hundreds a year is worth it....I reckon....all the other stuff is really easy to install and really cool - check it out if you're in BC!

I'm also trying to keep the news page updated more - so check over there too!

I've been saving up cool websites as well - so will write more soon!

Social Media: do's, don'ts and some expectations

2010-04-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

It seems like social media tips are all the rage this week, so I thought I would throw in my two cents -

I know I have spoken before about the true value of using all the social media available, Twitter, Myspace, Facebook etc...and some of you are on it and some of your are still non-believers, but what I want to focus on is some of the etiquette and expectation in the music industry, and well anywhere really, and for anyone using social media, especially as a business or marketing tool.

At the end I'll link to a great little blurb from Derek about being polite, but now I just want to try and decipher how maybe some of this etiquette got missed....maybe that can help find a way to remedy a bit of the rudeness that goes on out there in Internet land.

First of all, I should state what I am talking about in terms of 'etiquette'. It means 'good manners' people. And as it relates to social media as - returning emails, saying thank you to compliments and favors, finishing what you start....etc etc I am sure I can think of more, but these are the ones that really get me.

All I can come up with, is that maybe people are not aware that these are skills people in general should posess. Possibly there is some deficiency out there in the teaching of communication skills? Perhaps someone who has never had to work face to face with people has never had the chance to develop these skills? I am not making excuses, just trying to justify these behaviors in my mind and give people the benefit of the doubt..

Imagine you have a store on the corner of the street. Lots of people want to shop at your store, but you just keep the door locked and only let your friends in. Your business licence says you are open to the public, but you only like dealing with people you know. Hmmmm...

Or -

Imagine you are in an important business meeting, people are relying on you for work, or important input, and you suddenly get up, walk out and disappear, never to be heard from again. Hmmm...

Or -

Imagine someone goes to the trouble of helping you out. At any time, for any reason, you take what they have to offer, but never say thanks and just walk away. Hmmm.....

These are ongoing events in the music business, venues never responding, people setting things up and then never following through, people taking what you kindly offer, but never giving a word of thanks, even the most simple thing of never responding to an email....

If this was in the real world people, given the examples, it would seem terribly rude, would it not?

Anyway, I can understand if you are busy, if so, put an email responder on your mail program. It's easy to add something that says ' Hey -I got your mail, I'm busy but will get back to you soon!', and then you know, do it! Get back to someone soon!

And maybe emails are going into your spam folder, that's even easier, check it out once in a while!

And you know, if you decide not to follow through on a project or idea, it's not a difficult thing to let the other people know, no hard feelings, just own up to it, otherwise it's bad business and it's not doing much for your image.

And lastly, a really basic one, remember your Ps and Qs. Easy peasy - say please and thank you. Just because you are on-line and people can't look in your eyes, does not make this little gesture any less important.

If you want to get ahead in this business, or any business, every little thing you do goes a long way.

And here goes my two cents about using social media:

~ do not post your gig dates up on twitter during the playoffs, Olympics or other major events - they will probably get missed.

~ do not use a world wide tragedy as a time to post info about your band just because there are lots of people on reading news and updates, same thing, probably nobody will look, and if they do see you there, it seems like you may be taking advantage - uncool.

~ on FB, it's good to try not to post up questionable photos when you are just starting out...it makes pr a lot more difficult.

It's common sense.

Ok Derek's link - such a good one - pass it on - Here it is.

Please and thank you for reading this......

People always laugh at me..

2010-04-20T03:10:00.000-07:00

...because I generally use the same few chords when I am jotting down a song...my comeback is always something about Johnny Cash..but now I can go a step further - just goes to show you..you don't need to know anything fancy to write a hit!

Thanks @katypegg!

Time enough to ask...

2010-04-16T01:22:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy this week, with John's show, EarthRun coming on the 25th, and everything else...I know it's nothing new, we're all busy in our lives.

But, last week I had the idea while talking to a friend, to interview a bunch of people, friends and colleagues in the music industry. I wrote to a dozen of my peeps and asked them their thoughts on the new music business and some related topics.

I was really grateful that nearly everybody had time for me, and so 'The Acid House Interviews' were born.

I have 6 together already, and tonight wondered, given some of the answers I received to my questions, if we actually take enough time in our lives to talk to people any more, ask them about themselves...just to check in?

Might be a good time to get interested in someone and ask some questions!

Will post a links when interviews are finished - and thanks to those of you who helped out!

(pic by cbcastro)

We Love Mike Norman - Pass it On!

2010-04-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

April Update

2010-04-06T23:01:00.001-07:00

Well it's that time of year again, the garden needs turning, the birds are singing, and I have Christmas thoughts jangling in my head!

Watch for news on our 5th Anniversary Very Vancouver Christmas CD - I can't believe it's been 5 years since we began the project! I know it's early but all indications are that it is going to be a doozy ~

We've also got some exciting studio news coming up in the next week or so, don't want to spill it early, but I will no longer have to turn people away!

Let's see, we've been so busy and have had two album releases so far this week alone; MRDC's 'Radio' Featuring Skulastic, and Balligomingo's 'Under An Endless Sky'!

We've got The John Jorgenson Quartet coming up to play on the 18th for the Gypsy Jazz Fest at St James - do go if you're around!

The David Suzuki EarthRun is also this month and coming up very quickly now(!) on the 25th at Jericho, with a great musical line-up (Ranj Singh and the Discriminators, Gillian Hobbs and Matt Stanley and the Decoys!).

We're also solidifying some plans for the year; we'll be working with a talented animator to get the Donkey Otey project on it's way, and finishing up some songs for Piper McKinnon and Danielle Kurant. And if we have the time, I hope to work with Sheldon Witt and get some recording done with Matt Stanley.

I'll get some good stuff posted soon as well, I found some great tips I've been saving for you!

Hmm and oh yes the garden...I am looking forward to that this year, as last year at this time I was laid up and on crutches for over 3 months! Feels like a long time ago....