Last year, they were one of the winners of the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovation Awards, earning it for their amazing fusion of flamenco and classical music, creating something that transcends both worlds of music and puts them into the mainstream.
They've returned from a European tour and have released their first CD.
These guys are definitely taking off!
Check it out, these guys are worth it.
their site:
http://www.myspace.com/westcottandrodway
CG
Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events...and Canada? In the past, it focused on music reviews, humor and satiric editorials. Now, it will concentrate on cartoons, art, and comic strips: Hypocrisy Fleas, Time Travelin' Dogs, DC Kids (with Purple Girl) and Dark Farm.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Monday, October 08, 2007
OK, OK, so I'm behind on Music Reviews...here's a game as an alternative
OK, yes, I'm still not back to a weekly schedule of music offerings, but as said before, work and projects take precedence over things done in my free time. And lately, I've had to get a lot of designs up and running, and update some skills in Flash, Actionscript, Illustrator and PhotoShop...or more like learn Actionscript 3 (not really that difficult, as things turn out, since I spent years and years as a C++ multimedia developer) and apply it to new projects using Flash Video, XML, and some very fractal recursive animations I want to do in a more OOP way.
So as a peace offering to those that miss their weekly fix of MySpace Music pointers...and since this blog is also about Design as well as Artists and also about Humor...here is a link to a recent Flash minigame I wrote. It's backward compatible to Flash 5 and even downloads quickly over a modem...sort of humorous take on an old Flash 5 tutorial called Mosquito, which I dearly loved when I first saw it. This one is much more complicated in logic and behavior, and more designed in that it actually cares about backgrounds and visuals, but not too much more complex...it's still as fun as the original that inspired it.
Have fun!
here is the link:
http://home.myuw.net/cganders/FoodFight.html
and yes, you need the entire path (and it is case sensitive.)
Now back to my studying...and my manga reading...maybe I'll do a minigame/demonstration project with manga as the focus...sort a living manga. hmm.... that would be a good project to keep me interested in learning the ins and outs of Actionscript 3.0 (just looking at code bores the socks off me)...I prefer the design side...but with a twist, I like to find ways to make the stuff come alive in surprising ways...hence, the reason to update to 3.0, and explore the fun of Flash Video. As for Illustrator, well, that's more because I want to get my cartooning skills up to par via electronic means---I can do fine with pencil and paper, or charcoal or whatever, but trying to get a tablet pc to "feel" the same way (esp. since I don't have a pressure sensitive pen device) is a bit more difficult...and I can't just twist the pencil around to use the side, the edge, you know...feel the texture of the paper...
All those things you take for granted as an artist...the feel of the media just isn't there with a computer.
Bye!
CG Anderson
So as a peace offering to those that miss their weekly fix of MySpace Music pointers...and since this blog is also about Design as well as Artists and also about Humor...here is a link to a recent Flash minigame I wrote. It's backward compatible to Flash 5 and even downloads quickly over a modem...sort of humorous take on an old Flash 5 tutorial called Mosquito, which I dearly loved when I first saw it. This one is much more complicated in logic and behavior, and more designed in that it actually cares about backgrounds and visuals, but not too much more complex...it's still as fun as the original that inspired it.
Have fun!
here is the link:
http://home.myuw.net/cganders/FoodFight.html
and yes, you need the entire path (and it is case sensitive.)
Now back to my studying...and my manga reading...maybe I'll do a minigame/demonstration project with manga as the focus...sort a living manga. hmm.... that would be a good project to keep me interested in learning the ins and outs of Actionscript 3.0 (just looking at code bores the socks off me)...I prefer the design side...but with a twist, I like to find ways to make the stuff come alive in surprising ways...hence, the reason to update to 3.0, and explore the fun of Flash Video. As for Illustrator, well, that's more because I want to get my cartooning skills up to par via electronic means---I can do fine with pencil and paper, or charcoal or whatever, but trying to get a tablet pc to "feel" the same way (esp. since I don't have a pressure sensitive pen device) is a bit more difficult...and I can't just twist the pencil around to use the side, the edge, you know...feel the texture of the paper...
All those things you take for granted as an artist...the feel of the media just isn't there with a computer.
Bye!
CG Anderson
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Music Review: Vancouver's own rockers, Neurosonic
Well, time for some rock. Time to wake up. And definitely time for something other than calm interviews and angst plagued dance shows. OK, so I meant to post this last Friday, but hey, I really was sick and down for the count this past month and ramping back up is hard to do. You don't want me whining because I'm feeling rotten and spoiling the commentary on some great new or up and coming band, do you? (Don't answer that! For all I know, you may like a little whine with your Friday music serving!)
On today's menu (can you tell I haven't eaten lunch yet?) is a rocking Vancouver band called Neurosonic. Their sound is both demanding and intriguing, their delivery professional but still raw and driving. And as for the foursome themselves, they are out of the country doing an international tour currently.
The beat is driving without losing its melody nor its edge. The vocals are sometimes just short of what is more commonly angst driven Metal, but is also just as apparent in some of today's best Alternative Rockers. The lyrics vary from the usual ballad storytelling to the more introspective self-expressive type seen in great alternative anti-establishment songs. And if you aren't happy with that, throw in a little over the top techno to complicate things when least expected and you have something that occasionally alludes back to the great rock operas of the 70's and 80's. (I love "So Many People".)
A band worth listening and better still, songs worth buying and keeping around for awhile.
You can find them at
http://www.myspace.com/neurosonic
Nuff said.
Signing off and still alive (for now),
CG
Little Dogs Media
AHA! Blogolicious!
On today's menu (can you tell I haven't eaten lunch yet?) is a rocking Vancouver band called Neurosonic. Their sound is both demanding and intriguing, their delivery professional but still raw and driving. And as for the foursome themselves, they are out of the country doing an international tour currently.The beat is driving without losing its melody nor its edge. The vocals are sometimes just short of what is more commonly angst driven Metal, but is also just as apparent in some of today's best Alternative Rockers. The lyrics vary from the usual ballad storytelling to the more introspective self-expressive type seen in great alternative anti-establishment songs. And if you aren't happy with that, throw in a little over the top techno to complicate things when least expected and you have something that occasionally alludes back to the great rock operas of the 70's and 80's. (I love "So Many People".)
A band worth listening and better still, songs worth buying and keeping around for awhile.
You can find them at
http://www.myspace.com/neurosonic
Nuff said.
Signing off and still alive (for now),
CG
Little Dogs Media
AHA! Blogolicious!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
An Unexpected Month Long Hiatus
Well, between dealing with tonsilitus (sp?) the homeopathic way and several other projects and deadlines, something had to give...meaning, after the interview with Gordon was finally posted, only several months after the awards unfortunately, I needed to let the website and MySpace site rest for awhile.
I'm hoping to change that soon, but it may take another week or two to get my crap back in gear. I still have several bands on MySpace to review (on the list) but I need to make sure they are still there in the first place.
As for interviews with Movmnt Magazine David Benaym and Americans for the Arts, those may not happen. After saying they would do interviews, it's been black hole city since then. It happens, but that doesn't change the disappoint when it does.
At least all was not lost, I spent a lot of time watching anime that was new to me if not new to others, like Saiyuki and Gokusen and Bleach and Samurai Deeper Kyo (and even Naruto). It helped keep me sane and got my creative juices flowing again--as opposed to all the disappoint I had at this summer's television offerings, esp. the second season offerings of last year's hot freshman shows (all disappointed me.)
But, deadlines are still looming and there is a lot of work to be done yet, so I'll sign off for now and hope to write again real soon...assuming anyone is still reading (not that I would blame you, that's just how the internet and blogs can be.)
Take care,
CG
I'm hoping to change that soon, but it may take another week or two to get my crap back in gear. I still have several bands on MySpace to review (on the list) but I need to make sure they are still there in the first place.
As for interviews with Movmnt Magazine David Benaym and Americans for the Arts, those may not happen. After saying they would do interviews, it's been black hole city since then. It happens, but that doesn't change the disappoint when it does.
At least all was not lost, I spent a lot of time watching anime that was new to me if not new to others, like Saiyuki and Gokusen and Bleach and Samurai Deeper Kyo (and even Naruto). It helped keep me sane and got my creative juices flowing again--as opposed to all the disappoint I had at this summer's television offerings, esp. the second season offerings of last year's hot freshman shows (all disappointed me.)
But, deadlines are still looming and there is a lot of work to be done yet, so I'll sign off for now and hope to write again real soon...assuming anyone is still reading (not that I would blame you, that's just how the internet and blogs can be.)
Take care,
CG
Friday, August 10, 2007
INTERVIEW: Gordon Michael Woolvett and the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Awards
Canadian-born actor, Gordon Michael Woolvett, inspires creative innovation award
Who knew a spoof could turn into reality? Canadian-born actor, Gordon Michael Woolvett, inadvertently inspires an award for up and coming musicians, dancers and other artists.
In January of 2007, the first ever Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovation Awards were given out for year 2006 by Seattle/Federal Way, Washington based Little Dogs Media which authors an online blog of the same name. The focus of this award is to illuminate and recognize little known or previously unknown emerging talent in all the creative fields, including but not limited to music, dance, theatre, art, filmmaking and writing.
The 2006 awards included musical groups out of Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Washington, Exeter, England and New York City, New York as well as a short filmmaker out of Vancouver, B.C. in addition to Hamilton-born, Vancouver/Toronto based actor, Gordon Michael Woolvett.
Recipients are selected based on their showcased work on a MySpace page and are eligible only if they have been previously reviewed on the Aha! Blogolicious! Blogsite. Having a MySpace page is required and is partly an homage to the impressive impact that MySpace has had on showcasing new talent and allowing artists to reach millions of potential fans that they might otherwise never touch.
Yet the reason the awards were started in the first place is much more amusing and one of those stranger than fiction stories. The blog typically did more spoof (humor) articles prior to that time, alternating with music and art reviews of MySpace artists.
One spoof article was about Hamilton-born, Canadian actor Gordon Michael Woolvett, currently working in Vancouver, B.C., Canada and best known for his roles as Harper in Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda as well as the teen horror film, Bride of Chucky.
The article discussed a fictional Aha! Blogolicious! MediaMaker Award and the current "undead" nominee, Mr. Woolvett, poking fun at the often strange and sometimes suspicious award nomination processes common to Hollywood as well as many other major award groups.
As it turned out, several fans of Mr. Woolvett didn't realize the award was a spoof--and were understandably disappointed. It also highlighted the fact that MySpace in particular has become a welcome Mecca for music fans, as well as filmmakers, with YouTube becoming more of an influence in the short film venue as well.
The blog author, CG Anderson, was also finding many talented yet unknown musicians, dancers and other artists on MySpace and wanted to do something more than simply write about them on a weekly blog. Hence, the awards were born and a special award (with the same name as the spoof award) was given to Gordon Michael Woolvett. Unlike the Media Innovator awards, which are the ones awarded to the promising up and comers, it is the only one of the group that does not require a MySpace page.
The 2006 winners of the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovator Awards were the following: Summit Avenue (band, Seattle/LA), Marianas Trench (band, Vancouver, B.C.), Westcott & Rodway (musical duo, Exeter, England), Karen Nielsen (Blue Finn Productions, Vancouver, B.C.) for her short film Perceptions and Three Second Delay (band, New York City.)
Mr. Woolvett was awarded the 2006 Aha! Blogolicious! MediaMaker Lifetime Achievement Nominee Award.
Mr. Woolvett was gracious enough to grant an interview in which he discusses his career, his plans for the future and his personal take on the industry, both online and offline. The interview, after months of waiting, finally happened.
Full transcript (unaltered, except where noted, so any misspells are left in...) of interview with Gordon Michael Woolvett:
CGA: You've had a very successful acting career as well as a good start as a writer, director and producer. What do you feel your work (overall) is about? (Both at the surface, then deeper and even personally...) I know it's a bit philosophical, but I'm trying to get at what drives you in this field.
Gordon: ...Great question! Mi mind instantly jumps back to grade 10 English, studying the basis of all conflict in fiction or drama. The root of all conflict can be traced back to one of three scenarios: man against man, man against nature, man against himself / herself (please excuse my using "man" instead of "person;" that is just how it was presented back then.) For some reason I always gravitate -- whether directing, acting or writing-- toward 'man against himself'. I am fascinated by inner demons that people have to overcome and the silent struggles we don't even know are going on all around us. In Abridging the Devil's Divide Harper had to struggle with desire and power. These battles, waged against our darkest selves, are always the juiciest to me.
CGA: Where do you want to go as an artist? If you just want to be successful and buy matching mansions for you and your mum, that's ok. It's just that most artists I've met usually also have other, deeper goals for what they want to do with their work and what effects they have on the world.
Gordon: It is such a tough road and business if you truly think of yourself as an artist. There is so much involved that has nothing to do with art; and yet without all that business you wouldn't have a chance to exercise your craft. Where do I want to go? I have a number of projects that I am trying to get going. Ultimately directing-- with writing a close second-- is where my heart lies.
CGA: How did you get started? Did you always know that this was what you wanted to do?
Gordon: I started very young, around the age of 8, in theatre. I went to a theatre summer school program for a few years in a row and branched out from there. I loved it. It was such a blast. Some of my friends were like "you have to go to summer school?" But as the regular school year wound down I would be counting down the days for theatre school to start. It was so much fun!
CGA: What is your inspiration for your work? How do you stay inspired in such a tough business?
Gordon: It is tough to say where my inspiration comes from. I find more and more my respect grows for all those actors that I know and meet at auditions or functions etc. whom I can attest are brilliant; and whom struggle year after year chasing the acting dream. It is a horrible business and for every one actor you can name, there are about 1,000 you have never heard of who are probably ten times better than the one you named... just maybe not as pretty or tall or whatever. Most of the actors who have truly inspired me are ones I have worked with or met and who have achieved very little or no fame at all.
CGA: You have obvious talents in comedy, but also great dramatic appeal. You may not remember this movie, but one of my favorite scenes from you came in a little known movie called Elvis Meets Nixon. The movie itself didn't do much for me, but your short scene as a Vietnam soldier almost broke my heart--it was so quiet, clean, vulnerable, perfectly done and powerful that I never forgot it. So it begs the question, what is your favorite genre and type of work?
Gordon: My favourite genre has always been camp. I know its not a genre, but anything that has an element of camp to it really turns my crank. Favourite movie? Army of Darkness. No wait... Paper Moon. No wait... Sin City. No wait... better yet, ask me in ten minutes. I'll change my mind again.
CGA: On a related note, if you could have any part (TV, Film, Theater) past or present or future, what would it be? Or what would they be? And why? If you have a favorite actor or director or writer that you want to emulate (or exceed), then this is a good place for that, too.
Gordon: I would love to play Elric of Melnibone from the Eternal Champion series by Michael Moorcock. Actually, I heard they are making the Sword of Shannarah into a movie. I would play anything they gave me in that. Are you listening Terry Brooks? Are you an Andromeda fan?
CGA: Who are you? Who do you want to be? Who are you afraid to be? Why?
Gordon: Who am I? Um... Gordon Michael Woolvett....? Who do I want to be?...But I just want to be me! Who am I afraid to be? Um... a mime. I would be afraid to be a mime. Or maybe Lindsay Lohan.
CGA: What do you want out of life? Out of your industry? Perhaps not even just for yourself, but something that you want, in general, to happen.
Gordon: I want Canadians to go see Canadian movies. I want Canadian distributors to distribute Canadian movies so Canadians have Canadian movies to go see. And I want the government of Canada to friggin do something to make Canadian exhibitors show Canadian movies so Canadian distributors have a reason to distribute Canadian movies and Canadians have Canadian movies to go see. Then maybe I'll get to make my movie.
CGA: What are you planning next? More of a focus on acting, writing, directing or producing--and why? A focus on traditional film/TV storytelling, a particular genre or type of work, or something more radical?
Gordon: Definitely radical. I want to get my films off the ground and I want to reach people. So I am trying to take an aggressive approach. I think maybe I have an attitude problem and so I think that comes out in my writing and directing. I made a short film and I am very proud of it; but short films do not create opportunities for producers to make money, so your masterpiece rarely gets to reach a big audience. Right now I have a comedy and a very dark surf film with some serious radical action.
CGA: Anything you want to say to your fans about anything, this award, your work, anything?
Gordon: Thank you very blog-much for my blogalicious award. I am sorry I took so long to address this. But anyone who has spent anytime on my board will tell you I am at least being true to form. I don't get much time to log on. Also, to my fans: "live long and prosper!" Wait... that wasn't my line... oh here it is: "Nanoo-nanoo!" ...No that was Mork... um.... Oh yeah: "By the power of Grapthars hammer, I will avenge you!!".... um no... Trust in the hooper? Trust in the hopper? Now what was it again....
CGA: Anything else you might want to say...completely open here.
Gordon: I answer your question with another question: what is the difference between a rock? Oh yeah... I'm going to Dragoncon in Atlanta this August (the end of the month). I think Kevin and I might be hosting some late night naughty costume contest?? Don't miss it!!
CGA: OK, what is the deal with Fab Filippo and the film Canadian Bacon? At first, I thought that Fab was an alias actor name used whenever someone didn't want a credit, but now I find out he's real. Yet you were the male candy striper in the film? (Nice tan in that movie, by the way.)
Gordon: Did he get my credit?? That weasel. That downright weasel. Now that explains a very weird experience I had with a casting director years ago. She asked me about some script I was writing (which I wasn't) with some guy who I had never heard of and she kept calling me Fab. I have to admit I was quite fab back then but I had no idea what she was talking about! ;)
CGA: Optional question, do not answer if you think it might cause you problems in the industry...It seems the internet offers a lot of new opportunities for filmmakers and musicians, from having MySpace showcase your work (and be searchable by 100s of millions of people) to helping the thousands of film festivals for budding filmmakers find them, and visa versa. The only real closed option still seems to be for writers (books or film/TV)...where even the idea of self-publishing (book) is still condemned by the community (which is unlike online film work or putting your music online, where it seems to be accepted as good practice) and getting a foot in the door in the film/TV writing (scriptwriting) world is just as difficult as book publishing with few alternatives for getting material in front of audiences.
(Clarification post Gordon's response: It's easier for filmmakers and musicians to get their work in front of fans, than it is for writers, because of the nature of the work and the acceptance of alternatives like online and self-CD/DVD-publishing. Or at least that seems to be the case. There is less prejudice for self-publishing in music and film and more options for those that do, than for those involved purely in writing.)
You've been involved in the industry in a number of roles, and also use the internet as a platform for your work, what is your take on the situation--from musicians, to filmmakers, to writers?
Gordon: I am not exactly sure what you are asking but I will say this: barring obvious exceptions like disease and misfortune etc., on average God gave us each around 70 years to do whatever it is we want to do on this little ol' planet here. If you want to be a musician, if you want to be a writer, if you want to be a filmmaker... just do it. If you have an idea and you want to self publish it. Do it. If you want to make a short and upload it on you tube; do it. Because sooner or later you're going to die and you'll regret not having tried. And bigger schmucks have tried and succeeded... so why can't you?
CGA: As you may or may not know, I spend a great deal of time looking for new musical talent (and other artists, like dance groups) to review on my blog. I just recently saw on YouTube a short clip of you riffing on the guitar and improvising a song...I was surprised, you are quite good (and obviously a quick wit.) So are you a musician as well? What is your musical focus, favorites, influences?
Gordon: Man oh man. When I started acting my plan was just to use it as a way to pay for my instruments. I always wanted to be a rock star first. Then I just wanted to compose, but I kept getting work so here I am. I start ed on piano at around 4 years old. In high school I branched out to all the band instruments and now pretty much limit myself to my acoustic Dobro copy ( a steel guitar). I play a lot of slide in blues. That's the one in the clip there. I write a lot of music. I have a few synthesizers and guitars, used to have drums, etc. Sometimes I set up a little studio and write (not so often now with the kidlets around). I wrote and performed most of the music for my short, Fracture (I titled mine before the movie).
CGA: What other surprising talents might you be hiding? (Uh, remember is this a PG rated blog!) ;)
Gordon: I can rotate my tongue all the way upside down (twisting). Insert lewd joke here.
CGA: I thought about asking a silly, inane type question at the end, like what color shoes do you buy or what type of tree are you, but decided...not. ; )
Gordon: Don't worry, instead I provided silly and inane answers! ;)
Thank you again, Gordon, for this interview and without realizing it, for inspiring the creation of the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovation Awards. Best luck in the future, to not just you, but to all who endeavor to create and entertain, in spite of the odds.
Who knew a spoof could turn into reality? Canadian-born actor, Gordon Michael Woolvett, inadvertently inspires an award for up and coming musicians, dancers and other artists.
In January of 2007, the first ever Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovation Awards were given out for year 2006 by Seattle/Federal Way, Washington based Little Dogs Media which authors an online blog of the same name. The focus of this award is to illuminate and recognize little known or previously unknown emerging talent in all the creative fields, including but not limited to music, dance, theatre, art, filmmaking and writing.
The 2006 awards included musical groups out of Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Washington, Exeter, England and New York City, New York as well as a short filmmaker out of Vancouver, B.C. in addition to Hamilton-born, Vancouver/Toronto based actor, Gordon Michael Woolvett.
Recipients are selected based on their showcased work on a MySpace page and are eligible only if they have been previously reviewed on the Aha! Blogolicious! Blogsite. Having a MySpace page is required and is partly an homage to the impressive impact that MySpace has had on showcasing new talent and allowing artists to reach millions of potential fans that they might otherwise never touch.
Yet the reason the awards were started in the first place is much more amusing and one of those stranger than fiction stories. The blog typically did more spoof (humor) articles prior to that time, alternating with music and art reviews of MySpace artists.
One spoof article was about Hamilton-born, Canadian actor Gordon Michael Woolvett, currently working in Vancouver, B.C., Canada and best known for his roles as Harper in Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda as well as the teen horror film, Bride of Chucky.
The article discussed a fictional Aha! Blogolicious! MediaMaker Award and the current "undead" nominee, Mr. Woolvett, poking fun at the often strange and sometimes suspicious award nomination processes common to Hollywood as well as many other major award groups.
As it turned out, several fans of Mr. Woolvett didn't realize the award was a spoof--and were understandably disappointed. It also highlighted the fact that MySpace in particular has become a welcome Mecca for music fans, as well as filmmakers, with YouTube becoming more of an influence in the short film venue as well.
The blog author, CG Anderson, was also finding many talented yet unknown musicians, dancers and other artists on MySpace and wanted to do something more than simply write about them on a weekly blog. Hence, the awards were born and a special award (with the same name as the spoof award) was given to Gordon Michael Woolvett. Unlike the Media Innovator awards, which are the ones awarded to the promising up and comers, it is the only one of the group that does not require a MySpace page.
The 2006 winners of the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovator Awards were the following: Summit Avenue (band, Seattle/LA), Marianas Trench (band, Vancouver, B.C.), Westcott & Rodway (musical duo, Exeter, England), Karen Nielsen (Blue Finn Productions, Vancouver, B.C.) for her short film Perceptions and Three Second Delay (band, New York City.)
Mr. Woolvett was awarded the 2006 Aha! Blogolicious! MediaMaker Lifetime Achievement Nominee Award.
Mr. Woolvett was gracious enough to grant an interview in which he discusses his career, his plans for the future and his personal take on the industry, both online and offline. The interview, after months of waiting, finally happened.
Full transcript (unaltered, except where noted, so any misspells are left in...) of interview with Gordon Michael Woolvett:
CGA: You've had a very successful acting career as well as a good start as a writer, director and producer. What do you feel your work (overall) is about? (Both at the surface, then deeper and even personally...) I know it's a bit philosophical, but I'm trying to get at what drives you in this field.
Gordon: ...Great question! Mi mind instantly jumps back to grade 10 English, studying the basis of all conflict in fiction or drama. The root of all conflict can be traced back to one of three scenarios: man against man, man against nature, man against himself / herself (please excuse my using "man" instead of "person;" that is just how it was presented back then.) For some reason I always gravitate -- whether directing, acting or writing-- toward 'man against himself'. I am fascinated by inner demons that people have to overcome and the silent struggles we don't even know are going on all around us. In Abridging the Devil's Divide Harper had to struggle with desire and power. These battles, waged against our darkest selves, are always the juiciest to me.
CGA: Where do you want to go as an artist? If you just want to be successful and buy matching mansions for you and your mum, that's ok. It's just that most artists I've met usually also have other, deeper goals for what they want to do with their work and what effects they have on the world.
Gordon: It is such a tough road and business if you truly think of yourself as an artist. There is so much involved that has nothing to do with art; and yet without all that business you wouldn't have a chance to exercise your craft. Where do I want to go? I have a number of projects that I am trying to get going. Ultimately directing-- with writing a close second-- is where my heart lies.
CGA: How did you get started? Did you always know that this was what you wanted to do?
Gordon: I started very young, around the age of 8, in theatre. I went to a theatre summer school program for a few years in a row and branched out from there. I loved it. It was such a blast. Some of my friends were like "you have to go to summer school?" But as the regular school year wound down I would be counting down the days for theatre school to start. It was so much fun!
CGA: What is your inspiration for your work? How do you stay inspired in such a tough business?
Gordon: It is tough to say where my inspiration comes from. I find more and more my respect grows for all those actors that I know and meet at auditions or functions etc. whom I can attest are brilliant; and whom struggle year after year chasing the acting dream. It is a horrible business and for every one actor you can name, there are about 1,000 you have never heard of who are probably ten times better than the one you named... just maybe not as pretty or tall or whatever. Most of the actors who have truly inspired me are ones I have worked with or met and who have achieved very little or no fame at all.
CGA: You have obvious talents in comedy, but also great dramatic appeal. You may not remember this movie, but one of my favorite scenes from you came in a little known movie called Elvis Meets Nixon. The movie itself didn't do much for me, but your short scene as a Vietnam soldier almost broke my heart--it was so quiet, clean, vulnerable, perfectly done and powerful that I never forgot it. So it begs the question, what is your favorite genre and type of work?
Gordon: My favourite genre has always been camp. I know its not a genre, but anything that has an element of camp to it really turns my crank. Favourite movie? Army of Darkness. No wait... Paper Moon. No wait... Sin City. No wait... better yet, ask me in ten minutes. I'll change my mind again.
CGA: On a related note, if you could have any part (TV, Film, Theater) past or present or future, what would it be? Or what would they be? And why? If you have a favorite actor or director or writer that you want to emulate (or exceed), then this is a good place for that, too.
Gordon: I would love to play Elric of Melnibone from the Eternal Champion series by Michael Moorcock. Actually, I heard they are making the Sword of Shannarah into a movie. I would play anything they gave me in that. Are you listening Terry Brooks? Are you an Andromeda fan?
CGA: Who are you? Who do you want to be? Who are you afraid to be? Why?
Gordon: Who am I? Um... Gordon Michael Woolvett....? Who do I want to be?...But I just want to be me! Who am I afraid to be? Um... a mime. I would be afraid to be a mime. Or maybe Lindsay Lohan.
CGA: What do you want out of life? Out of your industry? Perhaps not even just for yourself, but something that you want, in general, to happen.
Gordon: I want Canadians to go see Canadian movies. I want Canadian distributors to distribute Canadian movies so Canadians have Canadian movies to go see. And I want the government of Canada to friggin do something to make Canadian exhibitors show Canadian movies so Canadian distributors have a reason to distribute Canadian movies and Canadians have Canadian movies to go see. Then maybe I'll get to make my movie.
CGA: What are you planning next? More of a focus on acting, writing, directing or producing--and why? A focus on traditional film/TV storytelling, a particular genre or type of work, or something more radical?
Gordon: Definitely radical. I want to get my films off the ground and I want to reach people. So I am trying to take an aggressive approach. I think maybe I have an attitude problem and so I think that comes out in my writing and directing. I made a short film and I am very proud of it; but short films do not create opportunities for producers to make money, so your masterpiece rarely gets to reach a big audience. Right now I have a comedy and a very dark surf film with some serious radical action.
CGA: Anything you want to say to your fans about anything, this award, your work, anything?
Gordon: Thank you very blog-much for my blogalicious award. I am sorry I took so long to address this. But anyone who has spent anytime on my board will tell you I am at least being true to form. I don't get much time to log on. Also, to my fans: "live long and prosper!" Wait... that wasn't my line... oh here it is: "Nanoo-nanoo!" ...No that was Mork... um.... Oh yeah: "By the power of Grapthars hammer, I will avenge you!!".... um no... Trust in the hooper? Trust in the hopper? Now what was it again....
CGA: Anything else you might want to say...completely open here.
Gordon: I answer your question with another question: what is the difference between a rock? Oh yeah... I'm going to Dragoncon in Atlanta this August (the end of the month). I think Kevin and I might be hosting some late night naughty costume contest?? Don't miss it!!
CGA: OK, what is the deal with Fab Filippo and the film Canadian Bacon? At first, I thought that Fab was an alias actor name used whenever someone didn't want a credit, but now I find out he's real. Yet you were the male candy striper in the film? (Nice tan in that movie, by the way.)
Gordon: Did he get my credit?? That weasel. That downright weasel. Now that explains a very weird experience I had with a casting director years ago. She asked me about some script I was writing (which I wasn't) with some guy who I had never heard of and she kept calling me Fab. I have to admit I was quite fab back then but I had no idea what she was talking about! ;)
CGA: Optional question, do not answer if you think it might cause you problems in the industry...It seems the internet offers a lot of new opportunities for filmmakers and musicians, from having MySpace showcase your work (and be searchable by 100s of millions of people) to helping the thousands of film festivals for budding filmmakers find them, and visa versa. The only real closed option still seems to be for writers (books or film/TV)...where even the idea of self-publishing (book) is still condemned by the community (which is unlike online film work or putting your music online, where it seems to be accepted as good practice) and getting a foot in the door in the film/TV writing (scriptwriting) world is just as difficult as book publishing with few alternatives for getting material in front of audiences.
(Clarification post Gordon's response: It's easier for filmmakers and musicians to get their work in front of fans, than it is for writers, because of the nature of the work and the acceptance of alternatives like online and self-CD/DVD-publishing. Or at least that seems to be the case. There is less prejudice for self-publishing in music and film and more options for those that do, than for those involved purely in writing.)
You've been involved in the industry in a number of roles, and also use the internet as a platform for your work, what is your take on the situation--from musicians, to filmmakers, to writers?
Gordon: I am not exactly sure what you are asking but I will say this: barring obvious exceptions like disease and misfortune etc., on average God gave us each around 70 years to do whatever it is we want to do on this little ol' planet here. If you want to be a musician, if you want to be a writer, if you want to be a filmmaker... just do it. If you have an idea and you want to self publish it. Do it. If you want to make a short and upload it on you tube; do it. Because sooner or later you're going to die and you'll regret not having tried. And bigger schmucks have tried and succeeded... so why can't you?
CGA: As you may or may not know, I spend a great deal of time looking for new musical talent (and other artists, like dance groups) to review on my blog. I just recently saw on YouTube a short clip of you riffing on the guitar and improvising a song...I was surprised, you are quite good (and obviously a quick wit.) So are you a musician as well? What is your musical focus, favorites, influences?
Gordon: Man oh man. When I started acting my plan was just to use it as a way to pay for my instruments. I always wanted to be a rock star first. Then I just wanted to compose, but I kept getting work so here I am. I start ed on piano at around 4 years old. In high school I branched out to all the band instruments and now pretty much limit myself to my acoustic Dobro copy ( a steel guitar). I play a lot of slide in blues. That's the one in the clip there. I write a lot of music. I have a few synthesizers and guitars, used to have drums, etc. Sometimes I set up a little studio and write (not so often now with the kidlets around). I wrote and performed most of the music for my short, Fracture (I titled mine before the movie).
CGA: What other surprising talents might you be hiding? (Uh, remember is this a PG rated blog!) ;)
Gordon: I can rotate my tongue all the way upside down (twisting). Insert lewd joke here.
CGA: I thought about asking a silly, inane type question at the end, like what color shoes do you buy or what type of tree are you, but decided...not. ; )
Gordon: Don't worry, instead I provided silly and inane answers! ;)
Thank you again, Gordon, for this interview and without realizing it, for inspiring the creation of the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovation Awards. Best luck in the future, to not just you, but to all who endeavor to create and entertain, in spite of the odds.
Friday, August 03, 2007
INTERVIEW with Morgan Davis of Rallytime Records
An Interview With Morgan Davis, Owner/Founder of Rallytime Records!
Subject--the Online World and the Music Industry.
Hi, today I'm talking (via email interview) with Morgan Davis. He's the owner and founder of Rallytime Records and also performs as Esio Trot. He graciously agreed to be interviewed and share his opinions on his label, Rallytime, as well as his views on the music industry, the online world and online music.
QUESTION (CG): "Why don't we start with the basics? Could you please tell me a little bit about your label? (History, size, number of clients, location)"
MORGAN: Rallytime Records was formed in April of 2006 by myself and Gord Myren. The idea had been around since 2003, but due to time and resource issues, it wasn't until that year that anything started. Although we formed it then in order to release an EP by our friends the Terrordactyls, who we had been recording for quite some time at our studio, we have always been interested in starting a multimedia organization and the record label seemed like the best branch to start with.
Currently we have 5 artists on our roster, Animal Nation (who are from Whistler, BC), Esio Trot (who are based out of Vancouver, BC), John Dye (who is based out of Vancouver, BC), Jeremy Nischuk (who is from Edmonton, Alberta) and the Terrordactyls (who are now based out of New York City, New York). Most of our acts are from Vancouver or the general area, and we have a headquarters in the city as well as a studio we use in Langley, which is a little south of Vancouver. We also have a headquarters in Seattle, Washington. We're currently a relatively small regional label, with most of our print runs being in the 10,000 range.
CG: What made you decide to get into this business? Isn't there a lot of competition?
MORGAN: We decided to get into this business because we saw a need for better label representation in Canada and felt that there was a definite place for an organization that could offer artists fair and just treatment. I've been in the music industry for about 7 years now, playing in bands of my own, working in various studios, and also doing merchandise management. When I moved to Seattle in 2003, I worked as the booking manager and director of a youth center called the Crux (which was operated by the Vashon Youth Council), on Vashon Island. While there, I truly realized what an impact music had on people and how difficult some entities, be they corporate, government, or otherwise, made it for artists to get their work to people. It was also at that time that I got to know two artists (Pete Droge and Ian Moore) who had been through the major label process and had come out of it feeling like they had been exploited and abused. Even though these artists had been relatively successful, they remained massively in debt to their labels and had made little off of their careers.
The idea for Rallytime came out of this experience, with my intention being to form an organization that would operate in every aspect of the arts (music, film, theatre, etc.) and help artists not only succeed at what they do, but also make a living off of it and never have to deal with third parties wishing to exploit them. So, while there is a lot of competition in this industry, and a lot of people who have a very different of how things should run, we are a pretty unique operation (on the independent circuit) in that as well as running the label, we also run the management firm that represents all of our artists, the studio they record in, and we are heavily involved in film, theatre, graphic design, and show promotion. Within the next five years, we expect our presence in areas outside of music to be at least equal to our presence within this field.
CG: How has your label fared so far in the business? Successes? Setbacks?
MORGAN: The label has fared at least as well as we expected it to. We make enough in our various branches to continue putting out music we love, but it will still probably be a few years until we obtain the level of notice of someone such as, say, Barsuk. Our biggest setbacks have mainly been the level of apathy the city of Vancouver has towards its independent music scene, particularly towards hip-hop. Animal Nation and ourselves have both been incredibly frustrated with the unwillingness of the city to recognize this scene or support it, especially the booking agents in Vancouver and the media. Papers here don't review or acknowledge much of anything that isn't already successful, and venues just don't book much in the way of hip-hop period. Even national acts that come through are often forced to be on clumsily formed bills, with hip-hop acts opening for punk bands opening for alt-country bands.
Even more discouraging has been the recent (and nearly secretive) acquisition of Vancouver's largest independent promoter (Sealed with a Kiss Productions) with the Clearchannel/Livenation subsidiary House of Blues. Vancouver's apathy towards its music community has caused the city to lose many great artists who leave the city for places like Montreal, and we've been forced to encourage our artists to look towards places like Seattle for the bulk of their shows. Also, as a result, we've had to become a promoter in the city a lot earlier than we had anticipated, or wanted.
CG: When did you decide to get an online presence? And why?
MORGAN: We made this decision immediately because, quite frankly, anyone who ignores the internet now is setting themselves up for failure. The internet has had as large an, if not larger, impact on music as the punk movement did. It has shortened the divide between consumer and artist, independent and major, considerably, allowing people to experience music instantaneously and at their disclosure and to discover artists from places they may never even visit physically with minimal effort.
For labels it has meant increased exposure at almost no cost and it has also meant that they can discover artists and fans in areas they may never have been able to reach otherwise. The existence of internet-only labels, such as what 5 Rue Christine/Kill Rock Stars have been up to lately, has been especially noteworthy, as it has allowed previously impossible to sustain forms of music (such as the experimental field, which has been exploding lately) to reach wider audiences at no cost, with printing now entirely eliminated from the picture. Even five years ago, this idea would be laughable at best.
CG: Why choose to have a MySpace presence? Was there a particular reason? Or is it just one of many online presences you have, each being no better than another?
MORGAN: MySpace, regardless of what you might personally think of it, has become another necessity. We had MySpace from the moment we formed because we knew that it was a resource that could not be ignored. We've had the conversation with our artists about traditional websites versus MySpace, and despite aesthetics, it's difficult to ignore the fact that our MySpace (and those of other, larger labels) gets more hits per day than our website may get in a month...and it's free. Of course everyone hates the constant glitching, the spam, the poor fidelity of the audio, the mallrats but MySpace (and whatever replaces it) will always be more visible than an actual site, because people check their MySpace every day.
I mean, when was the last time you checked an artist or label site just because?
CG: Has the Web/Internet made any difference to your effectiveness and success as a label? If so, why? If not, why do you think not?
MORGAN: I think the easiest way to tell that it has made a difference is that we get people sending us demos from places like Brazil, or Japan, or Spain...and none of us have ever been to any of those places. Without the internet, no one outside of Vancouver or Seattle would have heard of any of our artists or the label.
CG: Tell me about some of your musical group clients. Ones you are particularly proud of and why?
MORGAN: Honestly, we're proud of all of our groups. Everyone on the label makes music I honestly love, and I will do whatever I can to get their work out there, even if no one buys it until 100 years from now. Animal Nation continue to amaze me by how much they grow with each release, their most recent EP (Timezone, which you can listen to for free on our site) floored me the first time I heard it; John Dye is easily one of the best performers I've ever seen and he puts more into shows with attendances you can count on one hand than most groups put into sold out events, and his band is one of the tightest I've ever worked with, the release he has coming this September is one we expect to make some major waves; Jeremy Nischuk is without a doubt the most innovative musician I've ever worked with and I feel that he has the potential to become one of the most influential Canadian artists in decades, we can't wait to rerelease his incredible debut, Copies of Copies, later this year; and the Terrordactyls continue to be the most imaginative duo the world has ever seen. Now if only Esio Trot weren't such bastards.
CG: Of your clients, do they also have online pages, either on MySpace or elsewhere? What has been your impressions or feedback from your clients regarding having an online presence--good or bad--and why?
MORGAN: They all have MySpaces, but none of them have websites they actually use. They just tell us how they think ours should look, haha. But I'm pretty sure they all spend more time on MySpace than they do interacting with people in real life, which is a good or bad sign, depending on how you want to look at things.
CG: Do you believe that social sites like MySpace make it easier or harder for indie or small labels to compete with bigger labels in the industry? Why? Do you think it's just having an online presence anyway or having a presence on social sites geared for music fans (like MySpace Music and how it allows users to search and listen to new bands.)
MORGAN: It definitely makes it easier to compete, but I think the main accomplishment is that it makes it easier for music that major labels will never touch reach a pretty good size audience (although how the Rupert Murdoch factor will affect things, who knows). Having a site like MySpace take an interest in music has also been a huge help, because social gathering sites will always attract people in a way stationary websites cannot. Having music available in a place that people visit daily (or in some cases even hourly) will have a much larger impact than any other form of advertising could have.
CG: If you could change anything about having an online presence, MySpace or other, what would it be and why? (If it's an issue with the technical aspects please try to be specific about what you think would improve the experience.)
MORGAN: Really it's just the technical aspect of things. I'm not personally a fan of the constant epileptic fit that MySpace can be, or the onslaught of webcam girls it often is, but I understand why that happens. I do wish they would improve their glitchy-as-hell music player, though, both in the fidelity department and in its determination to make HAL look like the epitome of zen. But I understand that when you have hundreds of millions of users logging in as often as they do, it's probably already a nightmare for your servers, and using decent quality audio/video would only make that even more awful to deal with.
CG: If you responded to the previous question with a technically oriented change, then also think about and answer here about some non-technical aspect you'd like to see modified or changed...something that you think would make having an online experience for your label and your clients more worthwhile, or more competitive.
MORGAN: I would like to see MySpace use its power to focus on "new" artists that aren't just reformed rap groups or massively popular emo bands. It aggravates me when their artist of the week section is always bands that I believe most of Earth's population have at least heard of or bigger indie bands that are already well on their towards obtaining a level of media saturation that will put them on the pop culture map. I mean, really, can anyone say they aren't at least passingly aware of the Arcade Fire by now? Or Rilo Kiley?
CG: What are your general impressions about the state of the music industry, online and offline? Do you believe that it's getting tougher to succeed in this business? Is it getting more concentrated or more expansive, allowing for more voices or making it tougher for a greater diversity of talent to succeed?
MORGAN: It has always been incredibly difficult to succeed in this business. I don't believe it has ever been an issue of talent, so much as it has always been an issue of drive and determination. I have had this discussion with every single one of my artists and unfortunately this will never change: if you are not willing to cope with constant failure, struggle at the absolute bottom for possibly the entire length of your career, and watch as other, less talented artists pull ahead of you, this is not the industry for you.
Eventually it may be possible to "succeed" in this business without losing the vast majority of your soul, and we're hoping that we will eventually be able to be a major force in making that happen, but realistically, that will not happen today or tomorrow or even this year or this decade. I do, however, believe that people in this industry need to stop clinging to the idea of the album as a means of profit. Album sales are not going to recover until the majority of the population once again are willing to devote a large amount of time to listening to one work. MySpace is certainly not going to lead to that happening, as, by definition, its existence is structured around the ADHD our generation suffers as a whole and the single (or iTunes track) is best at satisfying that.
If you are an artist and you want to make a living off of what you do, it is now increasingly more important that you focus on things like merchandise and music licensing as a way to accomplish that. The major labels are refusing to acknowledge this, but I think the independent scene in general are grasping this and no longer pretending otherwise.
I also believe that our model of business, branching out into related fields as well as operating our own studio (because people will always need to record, regardless of format) and doing our own, will become increasingly more common, because these are areas where it is not only easier to make a steady income but also areas that will continue to exist regardless of what happens to the idea of how music is listened to.
People in the industry should embrace the internet not for its ability to sell records in more places, but because it allows your music to be heard by more people in more areas, people who could book shows for you or who could be in the business of buying songs to be used in films or on tv or who could ask you to tour with their much larger band. It is important to note that all the internet has done is make this happen faster, though, and in more areas, because music has always been discovered through communication.
CG: What could be done in your opinion to make the industry better, more successful (financially and artistically), and more innovative and open to new, emerging or smaller niche talent?
MORGAN: Quite honestly, the only thing that will make this happen is if people start wanting more innovative things, if they stop listening to mass commercialized "safe" radio and demanding different, more unknown talents.
So many people I know, including so many artists, complain about how much better music was in the '60's, or in punk's heyday, or even in the '80's, and the reason why that music did so well, why weird things like Laurie Anderson's "O Superman" or the Butthole Surfer's "Pepper" managed to top charts was because people at that time were more receptive to strange ideas and were more willing to take risks. It isn't that music of that caliber or that odd is no longer being made, it's just that people as a whole don't care about music the way they used to.
Albums used to be fetish objects, they used to be important happenings. Now, music is what goes on on your iPod while you are doing other things; the things that succeed are those that don't require a lot of attention, that don't interfere with everyone's daily lives and that can just blend in with everything else.
If you want music to once again be ruled by weirdos and innovators, you have to care about it and be willing to make sacrifices to make that happen. You need to start promoting shows in your town, you need to start writing your own blog, hosting your own podcast, forming your own label, fronting your own band.
If you aren't willing to do that, to put something in even if it's just occasionally taking a risk on iTunes, or at a shop, then you can't complain. Because right now, as things are going, albums do not have much longer to live because almost no one is willing to devote that energy and effort to them anymore.
CG: Thank you so much, Morgan, for your time. I know how busy you are and I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I'm sure the readers of this blog will agree, especially the aspiring and working musicians out there.
MORGAN: Cheers! (Morgan Davis, Founder, Rallytime Records www.rallytime.org)
CG:
Well, it's a pity that Barsuk decided they couldn't do the interview, especially since their perspective would have been slightly different (or perhaps not) from Rallytime's...with possibly additional useful insight to musicians and MySpace (if MySpace is listening.) (Barsuk initially agreed to be interviewed but then backed out, claiming scheduling issues. It happens...a lot of interviewees suddenly delay or back out entirely because of other issues, it's just part of the business.)
Still, I hope to bring you other interviews that deal with the usefulness (or not) of the online space as it applies to artistic endeavors, whether those endeavors be music, filmmaking, acting, writing, art, dance or what-have-you. The national non-profit Americans for the Arts has tentatively agreed to be interviewed as well--their mission is to promote the arts and so their opinions on how the online world plays into that mission should be quite illuminating.
As for next week, a long awaited interview. Last January, I award the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Awards to several up and coming artists/musicians with one special award going to actor/writer/director Gordon Michael Woolvett. Mr. Woolvett had been a favorite actor of mine for some time, showing quite a bit of versatility. I wrote a spoof article, satirizing the way Hollywood often "appears" to choose award nominees, with Mr. Woolvett as the subject. Well, to my surprise, a number of people thought the award was real and were disappointed to find out it wasn't. It got me to thinking that up and coming artists in all venues need recognition, if for no other reason than to keep them motivated in such a tough, sometimes even degrading business. So I created a real award this time to acknowledge those efforts, but kept the focus on the online space, since I believed that is where a great deal of opportunity for innovation will arise, and made having a MySpace page the initial entry point (since MySpace is doing more, even with its problems, for promoting new artists, than any other current online venue.) Hence, thanks to Gordon, the awards were born.
Well, Mr. Woolvett finally got his interview back to me and discusses his career, the online world and what he sees for the future.
That interview will be posted next Friday.
Thank you for reading! Hope you continue to!
CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media
Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events.....and Canada!
(what exactly does that title mean? what it says and it includes Canada in the mix, even though I'm not Canadian...life is confusing enough and full of non-sensical events, so the only thing one can do sometimes is muse it over and try to glean some meaning from the madness.)
Subject--the Online World and the Music Industry.
Hi, today I'm talking (via email interview) with Morgan Davis. He's the owner and founder of Rallytime Records and also performs as Esio Trot. He graciously agreed to be interviewed and share his opinions on his label, Rallytime, as well as his views on the music industry, the online world and online music.
QUESTION (CG): "Why don't we start with the basics? Could you please tell me a little bit about your label? (History, size, number of clients, location)"
MORGAN: Rallytime Records was formed in April of 2006 by myself and Gord Myren. The idea had been around since 2003, but due to time and resource issues, it wasn't until that year that anything started. Although we formed it then in order to release an EP by our friends the Terrordactyls, who we had been recording for quite some time at our studio, we have always been interested in starting a multimedia organization and the record label seemed like the best branch to start with.
Currently we have 5 artists on our roster, Animal Nation (who are from Whistler, BC), Esio Trot (who are based out of Vancouver, BC), John Dye (who is based out of Vancouver, BC), Jeremy Nischuk (who is from Edmonton, Alberta) and the Terrordactyls (who are now based out of New York City, New York). Most of our acts are from Vancouver or the general area, and we have a headquarters in the city as well as a studio we use in Langley, which is a little south of Vancouver. We also have a headquarters in Seattle, Washington. We're currently a relatively small regional label, with most of our print runs being in the 10,000 range.
CG: What made you decide to get into this business? Isn't there a lot of competition?
MORGAN: We decided to get into this business because we saw a need for better label representation in Canada and felt that there was a definite place for an organization that could offer artists fair and just treatment. I've been in the music industry for about 7 years now, playing in bands of my own, working in various studios, and also doing merchandise management. When I moved to Seattle in 2003, I worked as the booking manager and director of a youth center called the Crux (which was operated by the Vashon Youth Council), on Vashon Island. While there, I truly realized what an impact music had on people and how difficult some entities, be they corporate, government, or otherwise, made it for artists to get their work to people. It was also at that time that I got to know two artists (Pete Droge and Ian Moore) who had been through the major label process and had come out of it feeling like they had been exploited and abused. Even though these artists had been relatively successful, they remained massively in debt to their labels and had made little off of their careers.
The idea for Rallytime came out of this experience, with my intention being to form an organization that would operate in every aspect of the arts (music, film, theatre, etc.) and help artists not only succeed at what they do, but also make a living off of it and never have to deal with third parties wishing to exploit them. So, while there is a lot of competition in this industry, and a lot of people who have a very different of how things should run, we are a pretty unique operation (on the independent circuit) in that as well as running the label, we also run the management firm that represents all of our artists, the studio they record in, and we are heavily involved in film, theatre, graphic design, and show promotion. Within the next five years, we expect our presence in areas outside of music to be at least equal to our presence within this field.
CG: How has your label fared so far in the business? Successes? Setbacks?
MORGAN: The label has fared at least as well as we expected it to. We make enough in our various branches to continue putting out music we love, but it will still probably be a few years until we obtain the level of notice of someone such as, say, Barsuk. Our biggest setbacks have mainly been the level of apathy the city of Vancouver has towards its independent music scene, particularly towards hip-hop. Animal Nation and ourselves have both been incredibly frustrated with the unwillingness of the city to recognize this scene or support it, especially the booking agents in Vancouver and the media. Papers here don't review or acknowledge much of anything that isn't already successful, and venues just don't book much in the way of hip-hop period. Even national acts that come through are often forced to be on clumsily formed bills, with hip-hop acts opening for punk bands opening for alt-country bands.
Even more discouraging has been the recent (and nearly secretive) acquisition of Vancouver's largest independent promoter (Sealed with a Kiss Productions) with the Clearchannel/Livenation subsidiary House of Blues. Vancouver's apathy towards its music community has caused the city to lose many great artists who leave the city for places like Montreal, and we've been forced to encourage our artists to look towards places like Seattle for the bulk of their shows. Also, as a result, we've had to become a promoter in the city a lot earlier than we had anticipated, or wanted.
CG: When did you decide to get an online presence? And why?
MORGAN: We made this decision immediately because, quite frankly, anyone who ignores the internet now is setting themselves up for failure. The internet has had as large an, if not larger, impact on music as the punk movement did. It has shortened the divide between consumer and artist, independent and major, considerably, allowing people to experience music instantaneously and at their disclosure and to discover artists from places they may never even visit physically with minimal effort.
For labels it has meant increased exposure at almost no cost and it has also meant that they can discover artists and fans in areas they may never have been able to reach otherwise. The existence of internet-only labels, such as what 5 Rue Christine/Kill Rock Stars have been up to lately, has been especially noteworthy, as it has allowed previously impossible to sustain forms of music (such as the experimental field, which has been exploding lately) to reach wider audiences at no cost, with printing now entirely eliminated from the picture. Even five years ago, this idea would be laughable at best.
CG: Why choose to have a MySpace presence? Was there a particular reason? Or is it just one of many online presences you have, each being no better than another?
MORGAN: MySpace, regardless of what you might personally think of it, has become another necessity. We had MySpace from the moment we formed because we knew that it was a resource that could not be ignored. We've had the conversation with our artists about traditional websites versus MySpace, and despite aesthetics, it's difficult to ignore the fact that our MySpace (and those of other, larger labels) gets more hits per day than our website may get in a month...and it's free. Of course everyone hates the constant glitching, the spam, the poor fidelity of the audio, the mallrats but MySpace (and whatever replaces it) will always be more visible than an actual site, because people check their MySpace every day.
I mean, when was the last time you checked an artist or label site just because?
CG: Has the Web/Internet made any difference to your effectiveness and success as a label? If so, why? If not, why do you think not?
MORGAN: I think the easiest way to tell that it has made a difference is that we get people sending us demos from places like Brazil, or Japan, or Spain...and none of us have ever been to any of those places. Without the internet, no one outside of Vancouver or Seattle would have heard of any of our artists or the label.
CG: Tell me about some of your musical group clients. Ones you are particularly proud of and why?
MORGAN: Honestly, we're proud of all of our groups. Everyone on the label makes music I honestly love, and I will do whatever I can to get their work out there, even if no one buys it until 100 years from now. Animal Nation continue to amaze me by how much they grow with each release, their most recent EP (Timezone, which you can listen to for free on our site) floored me the first time I heard it; John Dye is easily one of the best performers I've ever seen and he puts more into shows with attendances you can count on one hand than most groups put into sold out events, and his band is one of the tightest I've ever worked with, the release he has coming this September is one we expect to make some major waves; Jeremy Nischuk is without a doubt the most innovative musician I've ever worked with and I feel that he has the potential to become one of the most influential Canadian artists in decades, we can't wait to rerelease his incredible debut, Copies of Copies, later this year; and the Terrordactyls continue to be the most imaginative duo the world has ever seen. Now if only Esio Trot weren't such bastards.
CG: Of your clients, do they also have online pages, either on MySpace or elsewhere? What has been your impressions or feedback from your clients regarding having an online presence--good or bad--and why?
MORGAN: They all have MySpaces, but none of them have websites they actually use. They just tell us how they think ours should look, haha. But I'm pretty sure they all spend more time on MySpace than they do interacting with people in real life, which is a good or bad sign, depending on how you want to look at things.
CG: Do you believe that social sites like MySpace make it easier or harder for indie or small labels to compete with bigger labels in the industry? Why? Do you think it's just having an online presence anyway or having a presence on social sites geared for music fans (like MySpace Music and how it allows users to search and listen to new bands.)
MORGAN: It definitely makes it easier to compete, but I think the main accomplishment is that it makes it easier for music that major labels will never touch reach a pretty good size audience (although how the Rupert Murdoch factor will affect things, who knows). Having a site like MySpace take an interest in music has also been a huge help, because social gathering sites will always attract people in a way stationary websites cannot. Having music available in a place that people visit daily (or in some cases even hourly) will have a much larger impact than any other form of advertising could have.
CG: If you could change anything about having an online presence, MySpace or other, what would it be and why? (If it's an issue with the technical aspects please try to be specific about what you think would improve the experience.)
MORGAN: Really it's just the technical aspect of things. I'm not personally a fan of the constant epileptic fit that MySpace can be, or the onslaught of webcam girls it often is, but I understand why that happens. I do wish they would improve their glitchy-as-hell music player, though, both in the fidelity department and in its determination to make HAL look like the epitome of zen. But I understand that when you have hundreds of millions of users logging in as often as they do, it's probably already a nightmare for your servers, and using decent quality audio/video would only make that even more awful to deal with.
CG: If you responded to the previous question with a technically oriented change, then also think about and answer here about some non-technical aspect you'd like to see modified or changed...something that you think would make having an online experience for your label and your clients more worthwhile, or more competitive.
MORGAN: I would like to see MySpace use its power to focus on "new" artists that aren't just reformed rap groups or massively popular emo bands. It aggravates me when their artist of the week section is always bands that I believe most of Earth's population have at least heard of or bigger indie bands that are already well on their towards obtaining a level of media saturation that will put them on the pop culture map. I mean, really, can anyone say they aren't at least passingly aware of the Arcade Fire by now? Or Rilo Kiley?
CG: What are your general impressions about the state of the music industry, online and offline? Do you believe that it's getting tougher to succeed in this business? Is it getting more concentrated or more expansive, allowing for more voices or making it tougher for a greater diversity of talent to succeed?
MORGAN: It has always been incredibly difficult to succeed in this business. I don't believe it has ever been an issue of talent, so much as it has always been an issue of drive and determination. I have had this discussion with every single one of my artists and unfortunately this will never change: if you are not willing to cope with constant failure, struggle at the absolute bottom for possibly the entire length of your career, and watch as other, less talented artists pull ahead of you, this is not the industry for you.
Eventually it may be possible to "succeed" in this business without losing the vast majority of your soul, and we're hoping that we will eventually be able to be a major force in making that happen, but realistically, that will not happen today or tomorrow or even this year or this decade. I do, however, believe that people in this industry need to stop clinging to the idea of the album as a means of profit. Album sales are not going to recover until the majority of the population once again are willing to devote a large amount of time to listening to one work. MySpace is certainly not going to lead to that happening, as, by definition, its existence is structured around the ADHD our generation suffers as a whole and the single (or iTunes track) is best at satisfying that.
If you are an artist and you want to make a living off of what you do, it is now increasingly more important that you focus on things like merchandise and music licensing as a way to accomplish that. The major labels are refusing to acknowledge this, but I think the independent scene in general are grasping this and no longer pretending otherwise.
I also believe that our model of business, branching out into related fields as well as operating our own studio (because people will always need to record, regardless of format) and doing our own, will become increasingly more common, because these are areas where it is not only easier to make a steady income but also areas that will continue to exist regardless of what happens to the idea of how music is listened to.
People in the industry should embrace the internet not for its ability to sell records in more places, but because it allows your music to be heard by more people in more areas, people who could book shows for you or who could be in the business of buying songs to be used in films or on tv or who could ask you to tour with their much larger band. It is important to note that all the internet has done is make this happen faster, though, and in more areas, because music has always been discovered through communication.
CG: What could be done in your opinion to make the industry better, more successful (financially and artistically), and more innovative and open to new, emerging or smaller niche talent?
MORGAN: Quite honestly, the only thing that will make this happen is if people start wanting more innovative things, if they stop listening to mass commercialized "safe" radio and demanding different, more unknown talents.
So many people I know, including so many artists, complain about how much better music was in the '60's, or in punk's heyday, or even in the '80's, and the reason why that music did so well, why weird things like Laurie Anderson's "O Superman" or the Butthole Surfer's "Pepper" managed to top charts was because people at that time were more receptive to strange ideas and were more willing to take risks. It isn't that music of that caliber or that odd is no longer being made, it's just that people as a whole don't care about music the way they used to.
Albums used to be fetish objects, they used to be important happenings. Now, music is what goes on on your iPod while you are doing other things; the things that succeed are those that don't require a lot of attention, that don't interfere with everyone's daily lives and that can just blend in with everything else.
If you want music to once again be ruled by weirdos and innovators, you have to care about it and be willing to make sacrifices to make that happen. You need to start promoting shows in your town, you need to start writing your own blog, hosting your own podcast, forming your own label, fronting your own band.
If you aren't willing to do that, to put something in even if it's just occasionally taking a risk on iTunes, or at a shop, then you can't complain. Because right now, as things are going, albums do not have much longer to live because almost no one is willing to devote that energy and effort to them anymore.
CG: Thank you so much, Morgan, for your time. I know how busy you are and I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I'm sure the readers of this blog will agree, especially the aspiring and working musicians out there.
MORGAN: Cheers! (Morgan Davis, Founder, Rallytime Records www.rallytime.org)
CG:
Well, it's a pity that Barsuk decided they couldn't do the interview, especially since their perspective would have been slightly different (or perhaps not) from Rallytime's...with possibly additional useful insight to musicians and MySpace (if MySpace is listening.) (Barsuk initially agreed to be interviewed but then backed out, claiming scheduling issues. It happens...a lot of interviewees suddenly delay or back out entirely because of other issues, it's just part of the business.)
Still, I hope to bring you other interviews that deal with the usefulness (or not) of the online space as it applies to artistic endeavors, whether those endeavors be music, filmmaking, acting, writing, art, dance or what-have-you. The national non-profit Americans for the Arts has tentatively agreed to be interviewed as well--their mission is to promote the arts and so their opinions on how the online world plays into that mission should be quite illuminating.
As for next week, a long awaited interview. Last January, I award the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Awards to several up and coming artists/musicians with one special award going to actor/writer/director Gordon Michael Woolvett. Mr. Woolvett had been a favorite actor of mine for some time, showing quite a bit of versatility. I wrote a spoof article, satirizing the way Hollywood often "appears" to choose award nominees, with Mr. Woolvett as the subject. Well, to my surprise, a number of people thought the award was real and were disappointed to find out it wasn't. It got me to thinking that up and coming artists in all venues need recognition, if for no other reason than to keep them motivated in such a tough, sometimes even degrading business. So I created a real award this time to acknowledge those efforts, but kept the focus on the online space, since I believed that is where a great deal of opportunity for innovation will arise, and made having a MySpace page the initial entry point (since MySpace is doing more, even with its problems, for promoting new artists, than any other current online venue.) Hence, thanks to Gordon, the awards were born.
Well, Mr. Woolvett finally got his interview back to me and discusses his career, the online world and what he sees for the future.
That interview will be posted next Friday.
Thank you for reading! Hope you continue to!
CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media
Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events.....and Canada!
(what exactly does that title mean? what it says and it includes Canada in the mix, even though I'm not Canadian...life is confusing enough and full of non-sensical events, so the only thing one can do sometimes is muse it over and try to glean some meaning from the madness.)
Friday, July 27, 2007
Music Reviews and Others Will Continue Soon
CG came down ill with tonsillitis last week and hasn't had the energy to do the "So You Think You Can Dance" and Friday Music/Arts Review either last week or this week.
Music Reviews and other interviews/profiles will continue, probably starting next Friday.
Thank you to those that read this blog regularly and CG apologizes for the downtime.
Little Dogs Media
Music Reviews and other interviews/profiles will continue, probably starting next Friday.
Thank you to those that read this blog regularly and CG apologizes for the downtime.
Little Dogs Media
Saturday, July 14, 2007
MUSIC REVIEW: The Click Five is a Band to Watch!
Atlantic Records has yet another Winner in The Click Five
OK, so this time I'm reviewing a band that is probably not all that unknown, but there's a reason. They're good! They also show that a PowerPop band can make it big, especially in a music industry that still seems dominated these days by rap and hip hop, with rock and roll only recently beginning to reemerge as a contender (and often, under the guise of being an Alternative band.)
With Jenny, The Click Five blend pop sentiments with the wonderful retro-feel of what we now call Powerpop. Headlight Disco (don't cringe at the name) heartens at first more to a 70's groove but adds in a modern twist by rotating and bending the expected beats and rhythms with definite leanings toward what in the 70's might be confused with punk influences, or even with anthem or epic rock, but now might be more recognizable as rap influences. Counter to the others offered up on MySpace, Happy Birthday shifts the focus away from grandiose themes or retro sensibilities and moves instead into a more alternative/pop vibe.
All in all, the songs are all impeccably produced, perfectly played and with vocals that are both vibrant yet subtle (as a Powerpop band should be, by the way.) The three offerings also hang together in spite of their different influences and changes in emphasis--that is the sign of a great band as well as a great producer. Everything fits, yet the variety is there to keep you interested.
If you haven't heard of The Click Five, then definitely check them out at www.myspace.com/theclick5
And put a little Power in your Pop.
Have a great weekend!
CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media
Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events...and Canada!
OK, so this time I'm reviewing a band that is probably not all that unknown, but there's a reason. They're good! They also show that a PowerPop band can make it big, especially in a music industry that still seems dominated these days by rap and hip hop, with rock and roll only recently beginning to reemerge as a contender (and often, under the guise of being an Alternative band.)
With Jenny, The Click Five blend pop sentiments with the wonderful retro-feel of what we now call Powerpop. Headlight Disco (don't cringe at the name) heartens at first more to a 70's groove but adds in a modern twist by rotating and bending the expected beats and rhythms with definite leanings toward what in the 70's might be confused with punk influences, or even with anthem or epic rock, but now might be more recognizable as rap influences. Counter to the others offered up on MySpace, Happy Birthday shifts the focus away from grandiose themes or retro sensibilities and moves instead into a more alternative/pop vibe. All in all, the songs are all impeccably produced, perfectly played and with vocals that are both vibrant yet subtle (as a Powerpop band should be, by the way.) The three offerings also hang together in spite of their different influences and changes in emphasis--that is the sign of a great band as well as a great producer. Everything fits, yet the variety is there to keep you interested.
If you haven't heard of The Click Five, then definitely check them out at www.myspace.com/theclick5
And put a little Power in your Pop.
Have a great weekend!
CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media
Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events...and Canada!
Friday, July 06, 2007
MUSIC REVIEW: Shallow rocks! (Together or Apart, they're Good!) And What's With All the Mud SYTYCD Fans? Summer TV IS HOT!
Shallow, It Isn't--SHALLOW is a rockers rock band.
Television in the Summer Heats Up and
..."So You Think You Can Dance" Once Again Begins to Generate Controversy and Mudslinging!
Their MySpace page says that they are broken up, yet apparently they just recently played a show together. Hence, it's confusing, but this rock/pop band out of Livermore, California, definitely is worth a listen. Any Place To Say is a powerful mix of anthem lyrics, rounded vibes and angst-driven vocals--in other words, a ROCK song. Bleed starts as a ballad but quickly morphs into something demanding and driven, a ballad with a bad-boy side. How Far pushes you to the edge and Ever Absent isn't, rather it's full of alternative based vocals, soothing but moving melodies and dips into pregnant pauses that suddenly explode into full-bodied, overarching beats, riffs, bass thrums and about-to-burst drums--in the best tradition of rock.
Shallow is anything but...I hope they do decide to
get back together, stay together or whatever is going on with them--this group belongs on stage. Check them out at
http://www.myspace.com/shallowrock
In other news--the world of television:
On the SYTYCD side of things, this week the dancers had time off (or so one can hope!) Meaning of course, that with the Fourth of July on their regular time slot, the show was pushed out a week. The fabulous fourteen will battle it out on the dance floor next week. And apparently, the mud is already slinging on the various message boards--as fans trash or testify for their favorite dancers against their least favorites.
It's gotten bad enough that Benji Schwimmer felt the need to defend his sister's talent on his blog and scold the naysayers. I don't follow the mudslinging, beyond what is commented on by those I watch and stay in touch with (like Nigel's comments last week on the show) but I agree that all the dancers are immensely talented and whatever advantage some of the siblings had has probably evaporated by now. Now it's up to their talent and their ability to win and keep a fan base, as we witnessed with the upsets last week.
For my part, my opinion is still that no one is safe. None of the dancers have built up enough of a fan base to really break out as a number one contender (much like last year during the midpoint.) In fact, since I judge by audience reactions and my own impressions on their emotional appeal (the dancers, that is) and image on the show, I'd say that so far, no 'stars' have emerged from the mix yet.
I mean, no dancer really has hit a level where they are so unbelievable in personality, image, dance, performance that you only focus on him or her (likely, it will be a him, considering the demographics of the show) when they are on stage--unable to take your eyes off them, even if they are with a partner.
This 'star' would be someone suddenly getting a lot of press and media attention, much like Ivan did near the end of the show, indicating that the person has some special quality that just hits right with media and public alike. It doesn't mean they are going to win, but it certainly helps--and will continue to help the dancer after they leave the show and continue to pursue their career. (You don't have to win the contest, to become the most successful! Ask any number of American Idol types...)
I haven't seen that person yet, though sadly, I saw glimpses of that quality in both Ricky and Jesus. I still see glimpses of it in many of the current dancers, but nothing that is full fledged media frenzy level yet.
I won't tell you my picks of that quality right now, since it might bias you or perhaps hurt them in some odd sort of backlash...but you can probably get an idea from how I've talked about various dancers over the course of my SYTYCD season 2 reviews.
Next week should be interesting on the show. As for upcoming things, Eureka! premiers, another fav of mine from last year (and hopefully, it won't go lame and jump the shark like Kyle XY did in its opener.) Also PainKiller Jane has fast become a fav, as has Blood Ties (Lifetime) and yes, I'm also hooked on Disney's Jetix's GET ED now, after finally having had a chance to see it. Grey's Anatomy has gotten kind of lame, especially with all the trash talk but also from the wimpy performances and whining from the characters--and so, I don't have a good feeling about next season. And the other new summer offerings from ABC, NBC and CBS (and Fox) haven't been that inspiring--some seem downright stupid, cruel or voyeuristic, especially these new reality game shows. Ugly Betty has definitely been a consistent winner though, even in reruns, they can manage to make any preposterous-looking-on-the-surface plot hang together and make perfect sense! (Kyle XY should take notes.)
I definitely like this new trend of putting on new (and often edgy or risky) shows during the summer months. The west and southwest are currently experiencing a heatwave...luckily, the stuff that's hot isn't just coming from outside...but coming from the networks, too!
Anyway, also upcoming later this summer, interviews with industry movers and shakers about the state of music, art and other things both offline and online, as well as profiles and coverage of more musicians, dancers and television shows. (Who knows, maybe Gordon Michael Woolvett will even finally get his interview responses back to me from his winning of the award, you never know!) ;)
In other words, lots of great stuff coming...hope you stick around to read some of it!
On that note, time for something cold to drink, it's already sweltering here...bye!
Have a great weekend!
CG Anderson
Aha! Blogolocious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events...and Canada! (a music/art/dance/media review site)
Television in the Summer Heats Up and
..."So You Think You Can Dance" Once Again Begins to Generate Controversy and Mudslinging!
Their MySpace page says that they are broken up, yet apparently they just recently played a show together. Hence, it's confusing, but this rock/pop band out of Livermore, California, definitely is worth a listen. Any Place To Say is a powerful mix of anthem lyrics, rounded vibes and angst-driven vocals--in other words, a ROCK song. Bleed starts as a ballad but quickly morphs into something demanding and driven, a ballad with a bad-boy side. How Far pushes you to the edge and Ever Absent isn't, rather it's full of alternative based vocals, soothing but moving melodies and dips into pregnant pauses that suddenly explode into full-bodied, overarching beats, riffs, bass thrums and about-to-burst drums--in the best tradition of rock.Shallow is anything but...I hope they do decide to
get back together, stay together or whatever is going on with them--this group belongs on stage. Check them out athttp://www.myspace.com/shallowrock
In other news--the world of television:
On the SYTYCD side of things, this week the dancers had time off (or so one can hope!) Meaning of course, that with the Fourth of July on their regular time slot, the show was pushed out a week. The fabulous fourteen will battle it out on the dance floor next week. And apparently, the mud is already slinging on the various message boards--as fans trash or testify for their favorite dancers against their least favorites.
It's gotten bad enough that Benji Schwimmer felt the need to defend his sister's talent on his blog and scold the naysayers. I don't follow the mudslinging, beyond what is commented on by those I watch and stay in touch with (like Nigel's comments last week on the show) but I agree that all the dancers are immensely talented and whatever advantage some of the siblings had has probably evaporated by now. Now it's up to their talent and their ability to win and keep a fan base, as we witnessed with the upsets last week.
For my part, my opinion is still that no one is safe. None of the dancers have built up enough of a fan base to really break out as a number one contender (much like last year during the midpoint.) In fact, since I judge by audience reactions and my own impressions on their emotional appeal (the dancers, that is) and image on the show, I'd say that so far, no 'stars' have emerged from the mix yet.
I mean, no dancer really has hit a level where they are so unbelievable in personality, image, dance, performance that you only focus on him or her (likely, it will be a him, considering the demographics of the show) when they are on stage--unable to take your eyes off them, even if they are with a partner.
This 'star' would be someone suddenly getting a lot of press and media attention, much like Ivan did near the end of the show, indicating that the person has some special quality that just hits right with media and public alike. It doesn't mean they are going to win, but it certainly helps--and will continue to help the dancer after they leave the show and continue to pursue their career. (You don't have to win the contest, to become the most successful! Ask any number of American Idol types...)
I haven't seen that person yet, though sadly, I saw glimpses of that quality in both Ricky and Jesus. I still see glimpses of it in many of the current dancers, but nothing that is full fledged media frenzy level yet.
I won't tell you my picks of that quality right now, since it might bias you or perhaps hurt them in some odd sort of backlash...but you can probably get an idea from how I've talked about various dancers over the course of my SYTYCD season 2 reviews.
Next week should be interesting on the show. As for upcoming things, Eureka! premiers, another fav of mine from last year (and hopefully, it won't go lame and jump the shark like Kyle XY did in its opener.) Also PainKiller Jane has fast become a fav, as has Blood Ties (Lifetime) and yes, I'm also hooked on Disney's Jetix's GET ED now, after finally having had a chance to see it. Grey's Anatomy has gotten kind of lame, especially with all the trash talk but also from the wimpy performances and whining from the characters--and so, I don't have a good feeling about next season. And the other new summer offerings from ABC, NBC and CBS (and Fox) haven't been that inspiring--some seem downright stupid, cruel or voyeuristic, especially these new reality game shows. Ugly Betty has definitely been a consistent winner though, even in reruns, they can manage to make any preposterous-looking-on-the-surface plot hang together and make perfect sense! (Kyle XY should take notes.)
I definitely like this new trend of putting on new (and often edgy or risky) shows during the summer months. The west and southwest are currently experiencing a heatwave...luckily, the stuff that's hot isn't just coming from outside...but coming from the networks, too!
Anyway, also upcoming later this summer, interviews with industry movers and shakers about the state of music, art and other things both offline and online, as well as profiles and coverage of more musicians, dancers and television shows. (Who knows, maybe Gordon Michael Woolvett will even finally get his interview responses back to me from his winning of the award, you never know!) ;)
In other words, lots of great stuff coming...hope you stick around to read some of it!
On that note, time for something cold to drink, it's already sweltering here...bye!
Have a great weekend!
CG Anderson
Aha! Blogolocious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events...and Canada! (a music/art/dance/media review site)
Friday, June 29, 2007
MUSIC REVIEW: FABER DRIVE, Hands Down, A WINNER!
FABER DRIVE! B.C.'s got a Superstar in the Making Here!
Well,
back to beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Faber Drive is a new discovery by major label, Universal Records, but likely is not a surprise to fans in B.C. and anywhere else this foursome plays. The rock group with an amazing hit like Second Chance is both poignant and powerful. It's a band with a sense of mission rather than entitlement or selfish whim. From the tearjerking Sleepness Nights, which focuses on a child's too up close and personal view of abuse, to the band's own honest surprise at its success to the band's amazing blend of songwriting, singing and instrumentals, this group is consistently surprising and extraordinary.
Is Faber Drive the next U2? I think so!
If I were deciding the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovation Awards right now (which I'm not, that's not until October), but if I were, I'd be giving the Overall title to this group, hands down. They are THAT good. Universal got it right and I'll bet the label is patting themselves on the back that they got a hold of this group before anyone else did. I've made the comment before that there are some great unknown, or relatively unknown bands out there--that all they need to take them to the very top is that ONE song, that ONE song that gets everyone's attention...worldwide attention. This group has not just that ONE song, but a WHOLE SLEW OF THEM!!
Amazing vocals, amazing songs, amazing musicality from the entire band. Scariest thing is that this is a very young and new group, not having been together very long--what's to come promises to be even more than what currently is--which is great songs, catchy tunes, heartfelt, penetrating lyrics and insight, and all of it delivered with energy, hope and passion. I wish I had the adjectives to properly describe the music, but as is usual when I find a group this above-and-beyond, I find myself hunting fruitlessly for an appropriately deserving description.
I'm always looking for the next Blue October or Nickelback or Fall Out Boy. I think I just found them.
In a word, just plain fricking AMAZING! If you're in Canada, consider yourself lucky and get to one of their concert dates right now!
Check them out for yourself...I mean it, do it right now!
http://www.myspace.com/faberdrive
I was going to review a second band in this article...but now, I'm not going to--it wouldn't be fair to another band to go head to head with this group. I'll save it for next week.
Have a great weekend! Darn it, amazing band...wow, still can't get over it.
CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media
Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events...and Canada!
Well,
back to beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Faber Drive is a new discovery by major label, Universal Records, but likely is not a surprise to fans in B.C. and anywhere else this foursome plays. The rock group with an amazing hit like Second Chance is both poignant and powerful. It's a band with a sense of mission rather than entitlement or selfish whim. From the tearjerking Sleepness Nights, which focuses on a child's too up close and personal view of abuse, to the band's own honest surprise at its success to the band's amazing blend of songwriting, singing and instrumentals, this group is consistently surprising and extraordinary.Is Faber Drive the next U2? I think so!
If I were deciding the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovation Awards right now (which I'm not, that's not until October), but if I were, I'd be giving the Overall title to this group, hands down. They are THAT good. Universal got it right and I'll bet the label is patting themselves on the back that they got a hold of this group before anyone else did. I've made the comment before that there are some great unknown, or relatively unknown bands out there--that all they need to take them to the very top is that ONE song, that ONE song that gets everyone's attention...worldwide attention. This group has not just that ONE song, but a WHOLE SLEW OF THEM!!Amazing vocals, amazing songs, amazing musicality from the entire band. Scariest thing is that this is a very young and new group, not having been together very long--what's to come promises to be even more than what currently is--which is great songs, catchy tunes, heartfelt, penetrating lyrics and insight, and all of it delivered with energy, hope and passion. I wish I had the adjectives to properly describe the music, but as is usual when I find a group this above-and-beyond, I find myself hunting fruitlessly for an appropriately deserving description.
I'm always looking for the next Blue October or Nickelback or Fall Out Boy. I think I just found them.
In a word, just plain fricking AMAZING! If you're in Canada, consider yourself lucky and get to one of their concert dates right now!
Check them out for yourself...I mean it, do it right now!
http://www.myspace.com/faberdrive
I was going to review a second band in this article...but now, I'm not going to--it wouldn't be fair to another band to go head to head with this group. I'll save it for next week.
Have a great weekend! Darn it, amazing band...wow, still can't get over it.
CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media
Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events...and Canada!
Friday, June 15, 2007
REVIEW in review: Blue October and So You Think You Can Dance (the why of hits...)
Blue October and So You Think You Can Dance
--What Makes A Hit?
Well, so much for the sunshine. Here in Seattle it's back to rain, which is depressing since its June. Oh well...there should be some sunshine in August! Something to look forward to!
What makes a hit song? Or a hit show? Or a popular, legendary painting? Or a hit dancer or dance company? Really, for that matter, what in general makes a hit regardless of the type of media/medium?
Quite honestly, no one really knows for sure. If we did, you wouldn't be seeing so many substandard songs/shows/etc all around you, being pushed by marketing departments, labels, studios and networks. You also wouldn't be seeing bad copycats of hits, or lackluster shows, music and the like being pushed because they happen to have a celebrity/famous name attached.
Still, it's not a crapshoot either. It's not a totally random process. It's quite logical if you consider logical as including emotional appeal--i.e. human psychology and culture. At its core, every hit or every celebrity appeals has an emotional appeal, touching something in the fans and supplying a deep seated need. We can identify with the emotions involved, and we care because those emotions are reflected in our own identity and needs at the time.
This doesn't mean that everyone is going to like everything. It means that for a large enough group, that hit song or hit show, or that character or celebrity (singer, actor, athlete, dancer...) touches us--representing either something that we want or representing something that we believe in. Over time, our needs will change as we have different experiences. The crush on this or that singer or actor will be outgrown and replaced with someone else. The song that you were crazy about when you were 12 may not appeal so much when you are 22 nor 62 and so on--nor should it.
It's about finding things that resonate with where you are in your life and what you need. Even within the same age, you find yourself sometimes wanting to hear soothing sounds and other times wanting more excitement. It depends on your mood at the time and your life experiences--if you're stressed, then soothing helps calm you. If you need to pump yourself up, you look for driving beats and louder music. (Some people calm or pump themselves by listening to music, others by going to art galleries, others still by watching or doing dance, or reading...you get the idea.)
So let's look at a couple of examples, and in turn, you'll see why I and other 'reviewers' (and labels, and producers, and so on) often look for these traits.
Blue October (the band) has a hit song called 'Hate Me'. What makes it special? Well, it's in a popular genre, popular because driving beats and energy generate excitement (and in their own way are relaxing as well, since you can listen to rock/alt music and 'escape' from your daily stresses and pressures.) Second, it's well done musically. The blend of musicians and producer are first rate, showing maturity and experience. The vocals are pleasing to listen to yet still emotionally evocative. In other words, the singer puts real emotion into the song, real sincerity and has a voice that stays on key and is melodious to the ear. Fans can spot insincerity a mile away. When critics, judges and the like talk about 'committing to a song, or a dance' this is what they are talking about--committing emotionally to it, physically, entirely, really being vulnerable during the song, the dance, the artwork--allowing your feelings to be shown to the world, facing the fear of rejection and ridicule that we all feel when so exposed.
Finally, the song is about love, something central to being human and the experience of life. Now, lots of songs are about love (some hits, some not) so obviously there has to be more, more than a catchy melody or angst ridden vocals. The lyrics here are about the deepest form of love, the kind that puts the one you love ahead of yourself. Here, the song is about recognizing that to be selfish and keep the lover around would destroy them. Here, the song is about wanting your lover to be happy, even if that means that you must be unhappy.
Again, lots of songs talk about that--the difference here is that 'Hate Me' turns the tables. It tells a story, like any good song, so that we understand the context (why the person singing knows that they are toxic to the happiness of the one who loves them) but it also includes a twist. Instead of being direct and saying 'I'm not good for you, therefore, since I love you, you must leave me' it says instead 'Hate me. Because I love you, I want you to hate me, even if that causes me horrible pain, because I know then that you will leave and find love with someone who is good to you.' See the difference? The twist in how the story is told takes the listener by surprise and that makes the song more interesting.
That twist in how to tell the tale, adds both humor and pathos--and interest. Combine that with a great delivery (vocals, musicality, sophistication in how the song is put together) and you have a much better chance at catching the fans attention (and the labels and the critics.) If you then add in pleasing visuals (how you appear to others), then so much the better. Face it, people like to watch good entertainers. They don't necessarily have to be beautiful but they have to have that IT quality, that charismatic quality that makes you want to watch them. Part of that is learned (how to entertain, different tricks to presentation) but part of it is internal as well (who you are inside and how well you can project that outward to an audience--your presence on stage. That's harder to learn, but it can be learned...because at its heart, it's about confidence and vulnerability. (This is different than the interest generated by 'train wreck' people like Paris Hilton--that's not charisma as much as it is about fascination with pathos.)
Fully committing to what you are doing and being confident in who you are, these are components of charisma! Vulnerability is included because you have to be able to reveal the real you when you are on stage--else, you seem aloof, indifferent or worse, insincere.
Believe it or not, actors have just as much problem with this as other performers...and they are supposed to be able to project feelings as part of their job. Many have problems with this and you can see it in their performances. Being vulnerable and sincere is harder than it sounds.
That's why I reward innovation each year with the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovator Awards. Taking something and finding an interesting, surprising but still pleasing way to present it is a key to artistic success--and at least a hopeful chance of financial success as well.
This process applies to all the creative arts. Let's look at what's been happening with So You Think You Can Dance, since that is a combination of two types of art (television and dance.)
Yesterday, on the first elimination show, I wasn't surprised at the three couples in the bottom three, even though the judges were. The judges (dance oriented people) were surprised that Faina and Cedric were not favorites of the fans. I wasn't. The judges are likely looking at the contestants as dancers and therefore considering their entire body of work, not just their current performances or individual dance solos. They also probably ignore the personalities, except when onstage, and even perhaps the audience reaction to the performance, and focus more on the technical aspects.
My belief is that the audience, the fans, in contrast, are judging the contestants by television standards--are the dancers likeable? Do they manage to resonate with the likes, hopes and needs of the fans who watch them? It's more about the people and their current performance (entertainment value) than about their technical skill. True, the dancers can't be horrible, but the caliber of the competition rules that issue out. We've already seen with ABC's Dancing With The Stars (which uses a combination of judges and fan scores to determine rankings) that likeability plays a huge part in the process, though typically the combination of skill and likeability will ultimately determine the winner. It's not purely a popularity contest.
So why Faina and Cedric? Well, my belief is that the fans have been watching all along. They've seen how Faina complains a lot and seems to go into a 'poor little me, I'm a victim' mode when she is stressed. This may be unfair, but that is how she is being portrayed through the video footage shown. The fans also remember Nigel's dismissal of Cedric, even going so far as to say he might bring down his partner. Thus, given their so-so performance on Wednesday, it's not surprising to me that they were low on the fans' list.
However, given that, we also see how the two dance shows differ. SYTYCD doesn't really allow a lot of fan control of the situation. They've made sure that it's the judges who choose who goes and who stays (at least until the very end.) The fans only get to limit the judges choices, but cannot control the process beyond that. Even when the judges knew that certain couples performances, or individual solos were HEAVILY favored by the studio audience, the judges often ignored that audience reaction and went with their own biases. You could tell from the hisses (when the judges didn't like them) or the cheers (during the performance or the judging when it agreed with the audience) whom the studio audience favored.
Hence, I wasn't surprised at the bottom three. I wasn't surprised when Ashlee was chosen to go home. I was surprised when the judges sent Nicky home, since judging by the audience reactions to his solo (versus Cedric's solo), I, personally, would have assumed that Cedric was the one going home.
But that's the nature of subjective judging, the real surprise seems to be that the judges don't get this fact. Mary's tearful angry reaction that Faina was in the bottom group demonstrates this disconnect perfectly. She was going by Faina's auditions, not her actual performance or her victim personality that seemed to indicate that she (Faina) felt she deserved special treatment. Nigel's reactions were more subdued but then he is both a judge and the producer of the show--no matter how much he claims that he is being objective and fair, he is still thinking also like a producer. That means he's by nature trying to figure out who will make the most interesting reality game show television--reality game shows tend to need a lot of drama and will try to force it if necessary. Thus, keeping Cedric might be more motivated toward keeping a possible 'drama' moment around. He also would be aware of the actual rankings, so he could simply be choosing to drop the lowest ranked couple for convenience sake.
All this is speculation, don't mistake that. These are things that could be happening in order to make the show more interesting, as far as the producers think. Reality game shows (and this is definitely of that type) don't necessarily reflect 'reality'...hence, how contestants are portrayed can be manipulated by editing and other tricks, including subjective choices about who to drop. The only true thing you can be sure of, is that fan votes are counted and used to create the rankings. If they tried to alter that, then they'd be off the air as such a scandal broke.
But hopefully you can see that performance, personality and technique are all important--not just technique. That's why I always emphasize that how you present yourself to the world is critical to your success--and why it must be an HONEST presentation, created through vulnerability, self-confidence and sincerity. (Having a good sense of humor about yourself helps, too.)
The choices you make are your choices. You are not a victim. Being a victim doesn't sit well with others, and only results in sympathy in small doses. Most people would look at celebrities, singers, bands, dancers and others in the public eye and think 'wow, they have it all.' If those people constantly complain about their life, not appreciating what they have, then it wears thin even on the most ardent of fans. Fans are willing to show sympathy--if they genuinely like you--but how can they genuinely like you if you act entitled? Or self-serving? Or uncaring about their feelings and hopes?
Would you like someone like that? If you said yes, then I'd suggest you ask yourself 'why?' Why would you like someone that treats you badly? You deserve better. You deserve to be appreciated and loved for who you are and anyone that treats you badly, rich or poor, famous or non, isn't worthy of you.
As a performer, you are both performing for yourself and for them. You need that connection with others--for more than financial gain. It's a spiritual connection in a way--it's about being human and part of the human experience. So... Bring joy to others. Bring hope to others. The more you give unselfishly, because you honestly want to make others happy, the happier you will be -- and the more love you will receive in return. Your art will expand beyond your wildest dreams.
So, that's about it. No MySpace band music review this week. Why? Because I didn't find one that I thought had sufficient merit. Hey, it happens! Hopefully, next week, I'll have better hunting.
But at least now you can understand better what I'm looking for -- and more importantly, why I look for certain types and traits. I also believe that you don't need a major label or a celebrity connection to be a hit-maker. The best of the best didn't rely on connections or famous relations. They are passionate about what they do and unafraid to not only show that passion and emotional need, but also unafraid to put in the work required to reach a level of technical perfection to back up their passion.
That makes a potential hit.
Have a great weekend!
CG Anderson
owner & chief bottle washer
Little Dogs Media
blog: http://ahablogolicious.blogspot.com/
Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events and Canada... (a music/art/dance/media review site with a bit of humor to mix it up)
Remember, Obstacles are Actually Opportunities...look at the why behind the what...
--What Makes A Hit?
Well, so much for the sunshine. Here in Seattle it's back to rain, which is depressing since its June. Oh well...there should be some sunshine in August! Something to look forward to!
What makes a hit song? Or a hit show? Or a popular, legendary painting? Or a hit dancer or dance company? Really, for that matter, what in general makes a hit regardless of the type of media/medium?
Quite honestly, no one really knows for sure. If we did, you wouldn't be seeing so many substandard songs/shows/etc all around you, being pushed by marketing departments, labels, studios and networks. You also wouldn't be seeing bad copycats of hits, or lackluster shows, music and the like being pushed because they happen to have a celebrity/famous name attached.
Still, it's not a crapshoot either. It's not a totally random process. It's quite logical if you consider logical as including emotional appeal--i.e. human psychology and culture. At its core, every hit or every celebrity appeals has an emotional appeal, touching something in the fans and supplying a deep seated need. We can identify with the emotions involved, and we care because those emotions are reflected in our own identity and needs at the time.
This doesn't mean that everyone is going to like everything. It means that for a large enough group, that hit song or hit show, or that character or celebrity (singer, actor, athlete, dancer...) touches us--representing either something that we want or representing something that we believe in. Over time, our needs will change as we have different experiences. The crush on this or that singer or actor will be outgrown and replaced with someone else. The song that you were crazy about when you were 12 may not appeal so much when you are 22 nor 62 and so on--nor should it.
It's about finding things that resonate with where you are in your life and what you need. Even within the same age, you find yourself sometimes wanting to hear soothing sounds and other times wanting more excitement. It depends on your mood at the time and your life experiences--if you're stressed, then soothing helps calm you. If you need to pump yourself up, you look for driving beats and louder music. (Some people calm or pump themselves by listening to music, others by going to art galleries, others still by watching or doing dance, or reading...you get the idea.)
So let's look at a couple of examples, and in turn, you'll see why I and other 'reviewers' (and labels, and producers, and so on) often look for these traits.
Blue October (the band) has a hit song called 'Hate Me'. What makes it special? Well, it's in a popular genre, popular because driving beats and energy generate excitement (and in their own way are relaxing as well, since you can listen to rock/alt music and 'escape' from your daily stresses and pressures.) Second, it's well done musically. The blend of musicians and producer are first rate, showing maturity and experience. The vocals are pleasing to listen to yet still emotionally evocative. In other words, the singer puts real emotion into the song, real sincerity and has a voice that stays on key and is melodious to the ear. Fans can spot insincerity a mile away. When critics, judges and the like talk about 'committing to a song, or a dance' this is what they are talking about--committing emotionally to it, physically, entirely, really being vulnerable during the song, the dance, the artwork--allowing your feelings to be shown to the world, facing the fear of rejection and ridicule that we all feel when so exposed.
Finally, the song is about love, something central to being human and the experience of life. Now, lots of songs are about love (some hits, some not) so obviously there has to be more, more than a catchy melody or angst ridden vocals. The lyrics here are about the deepest form of love, the kind that puts the one you love ahead of yourself. Here, the song is about recognizing that to be selfish and keep the lover around would destroy them. Here, the song is about wanting your lover to be happy, even if that means that you must be unhappy.
Again, lots of songs talk about that--the difference here is that 'Hate Me' turns the tables. It tells a story, like any good song, so that we understand the context (why the person singing knows that they are toxic to the happiness of the one who loves them) but it also includes a twist. Instead of being direct and saying 'I'm not good for you, therefore, since I love you, you must leave me' it says instead 'Hate me. Because I love you, I want you to hate me, even if that causes me horrible pain, because I know then that you will leave and find love with someone who is good to you.' See the difference? The twist in how the story is told takes the listener by surprise and that makes the song more interesting.
That twist in how to tell the tale, adds both humor and pathos--and interest. Combine that with a great delivery (vocals, musicality, sophistication in how the song is put together) and you have a much better chance at catching the fans attention (and the labels and the critics.) If you then add in pleasing visuals (how you appear to others), then so much the better. Face it, people like to watch good entertainers. They don't necessarily have to be beautiful but they have to have that IT quality, that charismatic quality that makes you want to watch them. Part of that is learned (how to entertain, different tricks to presentation) but part of it is internal as well (who you are inside and how well you can project that outward to an audience--your presence on stage. That's harder to learn, but it can be learned...because at its heart, it's about confidence and vulnerability. (This is different than the interest generated by 'train wreck' people like Paris Hilton--that's not charisma as much as it is about fascination with pathos.)
Fully committing to what you are doing and being confident in who you are, these are components of charisma! Vulnerability is included because you have to be able to reveal the real you when you are on stage--else, you seem aloof, indifferent or worse, insincere.
Believe it or not, actors have just as much problem with this as other performers...and they are supposed to be able to project feelings as part of their job. Many have problems with this and you can see it in their performances. Being vulnerable and sincere is harder than it sounds.
That's why I reward innovation each year with the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovator Awards. Taking something and finding an interesting, surprising but still pleasing way to present it is a key to artistic success--and at least a hopeful chance of financial success as well.
This process applies to all the creative arts. Let's look at what's been happening with So You Think You Can Dance, since that is a combination of two types of art (television and dance.)
Yesterday, on the first elimination show, I wasn't surprised at the three couples in the bottom three, even though the judges were. The judges (dance oriented people) were surprised that Faina and Cedric were not favorites of the fans. I wasn't. The judges are likely looking at the contestants as dancers and therefore considering their entire body of work, not just their current performances or individual dance solos. They also probably ignore the personalities, except when onstage, and even perhaps the audience reaction to the performance, and focus more on the technical aspects.
My belief is that the audience, the fans, in contrast, are judging the contestants by television standards--are the dancers likeable? Do they manage to resonate with the likes, hopes and needs of the fans who watch them? It's more about the people and their current performance (entertainment value) than about their technical skill. True, the dancers can't be horrible, but the caliber of the competition rules that issue out. We've already seen with ABC's Dancing With The Stars (which uses a combination of judges and fan scores to determine rankings) that likeability plays a huge part in the process, though typically the combination of skill and likeability will ultimately determine the winner. It's not purely a popularity contest.
So why Faina and Cedric? Well, my belief is that the fans have been watching all along. They've seen how Faina complains a lot and seems to go into a 'poor little me, I'm a victim' mode when she is stressed. This may be unfair, but that is how she is being portrayed through the video footage shown. The fans also remember Nigel's dismissal of Cedric, even going so far as to say he might bring down his partner. Thus, given their so-so performance on Wednesday, it's not surprising to me that they were low on the fans' list.
However, given that, we also see how the two dance shows differ. SYTYCD doesn't really allow a lot of fan control of the situation. They've made sure that it's the judges who choose who goes and who stays (at least until the very end.) The fans only get to limit the judges choices, but cannot control the process beyond that. Even when the judges knew that certain couples performances, or individual solos were HEAVILY favored by the studio audience, the judges often ignored that audience reaction and went with their own biases. You could tell from the hisses (when the judges didn't like them) or the cheers (during the performance or the judging when it agreed with the audience) whom the studio audience favored.
Hence, I wasn't surprised at the bottom three. I wasn't surprised when Ashlee was chosen to go home. I was surprised when the judges sent Nicky home, since judging by the audience reactions to his solo (versus Cedric's solo), I, personally, would have assumed that Cedric was the one going home.
But that's the nature of subjective judging, the real surprise seems to be that the judges don't get this fact. Mary's tearful angry reaction that Faina was in the bottom group demonstrates this disconnect perfectly. She was going by Faina's auditions, not her actual performance or her victim personality that seemed to indicate that she (Faina) felt she deserved special treatment. Nigel's reactions were more subdued but then he is both a judge and the producer of the show--no matter how much he claims that he is being objective and fair, he is still thinking also like a producer. That means he's by nature trying to figure out who will make the most interesting reality game show television--reality game shows tend to need a lot of drama and will try to force it if necessary. Thus, keeping Cedric might be more motivated toward keeping a possible 'drama' moment around. He also would be aware of the actual rankings, so he could simply be choosing to drop the lowest ranked couple for convenience sake.
All this is speculation, don't mistake that. These are things that could be happening in order to make the show more interesting, as far as the producers think. Reality game shows (and this is definitely of that type) don't necessarily reflect 'reality'...hence, how contestants are portrayed can be manipulated by editing and other tricks, including subjective choices about who to drop. The only true thing you can be sure of, is that fan votes are counted and used to create the rankings. If they tried to alter that, then they'd be off the air as such a scandal broke.
But hopefully you can see that performance, personality and technique are all important--not just technique. That's why I always emphasize that how you present yourself to the world is critical to your success--and why it must be an HONEST presentation, created through vulnerability, self-confidence and sincerity. (Having a good sense of humor about yourself helps, too.)
The choices you make are your choices. You are not a victim. Being a victim doesn't sit well with others, and only results in sympathy in small doses. Most people would look at celebrities, singers, bands, dancers and others in the public eye and think 'wow, they have it all.' If those people constantly complain about their life, not appreciating what they have, then it wears thin even on the most ardent of fans. Fans are willing to show sympathy--if they genuinely like you--but how can they genuinely like you if you act entitled? Or self-serving? Or uncaring about their feelings and hopes?
Would you like someone like that? If you said yes, then I'd suggest you ask yourself 'why?' Why would you like someone that treats you badly? You deserve better. You deserve to be appreciated and loved for who you are and anyone that treats you badly, rich or poor, famous or non, isn't worthy of you.
As a performer, you are both performing for yourself and for them. You need that connection with others--for more than financial gain. It's a spiritual connection in a way--it's about being human and part of the human experience. So... Bring joy to others. Bring hope to others. The more you give unselfishly, because you honestly want to make others happy, the happier you will be -- and the more love you will receive in return. Your art will expand beyond your wildest dreams.
So, that's about it. No MySpace band music review this week. Why? Because I didn't find one that I thought had sufficient merit. Hey, it happens! Hopefully, next week, I'll have better hunting.
But at least now you can understand better what I'm looking for -- and more importantly, why I look for certain types and traits. I also believe that you don't need a major label or a celebrity connection to be a hit-maker. The best of the best didn't rely on connections or famous relations. They are passionate about what they do and unafraid to not only show that passion and emotional need, but also unafraid to put in the work required to reach a level of technical perfection to back up their passion.
That makes a potential hit.
Have a great weekend!
CG Anderson
owner & chief bottle washer
Little Dogs Media
blog: http://ahablogolicious.blogspot.com/
Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events and Canada... (a music/art/dance/media review site with a bit of humor to mix it up)
Remember, Obstacles are Actually Opportunities...look at the why behind the what...
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Emergenza Music Festival -- a quick note about this band competition
I was asked recently to be on the judging panel for a Vancouver final of the Emergenza Music Festival. Unfortunately, considering the drive involved (Seattle to BC), they didn't give me enough lead time to see if I could alter my schedule and arrange to be there. Ah well, such is life. I would have loved to see the bands they had lined up, winners from the local semi-finals. Hopefully, they will ask me again.
So this is just a quick thank you for the request and a nod to the Festival, which apparently is worldwide in scope with their events and competitions.
I'd like to hear from some of the actual bands participating in the competition--want to know if you find it a good experience or not. Did it help you in any significant way with your career? There are lots of festivals around, for all types of media, but this is the first I've heard of Emergenza. I don't know if that is a good thing or not? Perhaps I've been missing out on a really great music experience and therefore, I'd like to learn more and hear from those involved.
If you want to check out Emergenza, their website is--
http://www.emergenza.net
They say they are the largest international concert organizer for unsigned bands. If they are doing good by those same unsigned bands, then I definitely want to know more about them! So let me know.
And for those local to Seattle, Saturday, June 16 (this Saturday) they are playing/doing a concert series, one of the competition finals, in Seattle at Studio Seven. For other locations and dates, all over the world, check their site. (And let me know what you think if you go to one of them...)
Thanks and good hunting!
CG
So this is just a quick thank you for the request and a nod to the Festival, which apparently is worldwide in scope with their events and competitions.
I'd like to hear from some of the actual bands participating in the competition--want to know if you find it a good experience or not. Did it help you in any significant way with your career? There are lots of festivals around, for all types of media, but this is the first I've heard of Emergenza. I don't know if that is a good thing or not? Perhaps I've been missing out on a really great music experience and therefore, I'd like to learn more and hear from those involved.
If you want to check out Emergenza, their website is--
http://www.emergenza.net
They say they are the largest international concert organizer for unsigned bands. If they are doing good by those same unsigned bands, then I definitely want to know more about them! So let me know.
And for those local to Seattle, Saturday, June 16 (this Saturday) they are playing/doing a concert series, one of the competition finals, in Seattle at Studio Seven. For other locations and dates, all over the world, check their site. (And let me know what you think if you go to one of them...)
Thanks and good hunting!
CG
Friday, June 08, 2007
Sherwood grooves and So You Think You Can Dance Turns UP the HEAT!
MySpace Record's Chooses Another Potential Hit with Sherwood...
So You Think You Can Dance! Season Three Starts Off Hot...but Kinder and Gentler (ok, a few mean digs by Nigel...but better), bucking the Fox reality trend...
It's sunny in Seattle! If you don't realize what that means, then you need to spend a year in Seattle.
Sunny and DRY days are only a bit more common that a full eclipse of the sun. Hence, the review today is short and sweet, so that I can try to get a bit of that sun to permeate my skin and toast me up beyond lukewarm. (I'll still be pale, since I believe in full sunscreen and quiver in fear when I see the leatherskin ones walk by...but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate not having to wear a coat, or even a sweatshirt! Ahhhhhh!!! Warmth! So this is what that feels like, so much better than the pictures on the Travel Channel!)
They are memorable and it's because of their obvious talent for music and melody. The only thing that seems to be missing is that ONE song, that one, you know, that takes a band to the next level--that song that hits the charts and keeps climbing, capturing everyone's imagination. Perhaps it's there, but just not on the MySpace site yet.
And now I'm off to the sunshine before it ends all too soon (say in 4 minutes, about par for around here!)!
See you next week!
CG Anderson
owner & chief bottle washer
Little Dogs Media
blog: http://ahablogolicious.blogspot.com/ Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events and Canada... (a music/art/dance/media review site with a bit of humor to mix it up)
Remember, Obstacles are Actually Opportunities...look at the why behind the what...
So You Think You Can Dance! Season Three Starts Off Hot...but Kinder and Gentler (ok, a few mean digs by Nigel...but better), bucking the Fox reality trend...
It's sunny in Seattle! If you don't realize what that means, then you need to spend a year in Seattle.
Sunny and DRY days are only a bit more common that a full eclipse of the sun. Hence, the review today is short and sweet, so that I can try to get a bit of that sun to permeate my skin and toast me up beyond lukewarm. (I'll still be pale, since I believe in full sunscreen and quiver in fear when I see the leatherskin ones walk by...but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate not having to wear a coat, or even a sweatshirt! Ahhhhhh!!! Warmth! So this is what that feels like, so much better than the pictures on the Travel Channel!)
First up, looks like it's little sister and brother week at So You Think You Can Dance (season 3.) Benji's little sister as well as Travis' older brother, Danny Tidwell, are in the mix this time, as well as others. Don't know if the producers did that on purpose or not, but fans will soon have their say. Hopefully, Danny will get the heads up from those that watched the judges' reactions to his 'too calm' composure and detachment...and attempt to show a bit more involvement and emotion. Personality and a real connection to the fans (them liking you) is imperative on this show. True, Danny may be the best dancer of the bunch (haven't we heard that before?) but he needs to win over the fans and show some enthusiasm and gratitude. He has tremendous gifts and has the chance to show the world what they're missing by ignoring the world of dance. As for Lacey, Lacey's got the youthful enthusiasm, but can she, like her brother, win over fans and keep up the very strenuous pace that this show demands?
Time will tell. Next week's first competition with the chosen twenty will be something to watch, I think. And don't forget about the rest of the crew, like Hok, who have everything to gain but none of the pressure of being a 'relation.'
Season three is definitely worth watching...and kudos to the lightening up on the "Simon Cowell-esque aka Let's embarass people just for fun" attitude that those OTHER shows seem to think is a requirement.
On to music....
As promised, I'm looking at Sherwood, another MySpace Records fav. They (and MySpace Records) aren't quite in the big leagues yet, so Fall Out Boy and Blue October (two of my favs among the big timers) aren't having to look over their shoulders so far, even though Sherwood is more pop than they. However, MySpace continues to show that they have a good ear (and a good eye since the visual appeal is there as well.)
Sherwood is a pop rock group out of San Luis Obispo, California. The bouncy, high energy Middle of the Night sounds like it belongs on some TV show's soundtrack and for all I know, probably will be on one or has been already. It and the group have that energetic youthful feel so important to success in today's pop field. Just enough angst in the musicality and lyrics to make it interesting but still with a driving rock beat forcing the narrative along so that it doesn't get boring or pedantic. Listening to the lyrics yields another strong point in the band's favor, they have substance and truth. Delivered via lead singer Nate's powerful, plaintive vocals and backed up soundly by the instrumentals, this group has something to say.
And fans are listening...
See the band's MySpace page for their lengthy summer tour dates around not just the West Coast, but all over the country. Let me know if you attend one of the concerts and tell me what you think (cganders1@yahoo.com)
The bands MySpace page and four of their songs (as well as video clips) are located at
http://www.myspace.com/sherwood
Kudos to MySpace Records for picking Sherwood.
They are memorable and it's because of their obvious talent for music and melody. The only thing that seems to be missing is that ONE song, that one, you know, that takes a band to the next level--that song that hits the charts and keeps climbing, capturing everyone's imagination. Perhaps it's there, but just not on the MySpace site yet.
And now I'm off to the sunshine before it ends all too soon (say in 4 minutes, about par for around here!)!
See you next week!
CG Anderson
owner & chief bottle washer
Little Dogs Media
blog: http://ahablogolicious.blogspot.com/ Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events and Canada... (a music/art/dance/media review site with a bit of humor to mix it up)
Remember, Obstacles are Actually Opportunities...look at the why behind the what...
Friday, June 01, 2007
New Music Review: Kate Voegel and Reality Addiction
MySpace Records has a Winner with Kate and...
...Should Take a Look at Indie Band, Reality Addiction
Around the Pacific Northwest, namely Seattle, WA, it is a sunny and warm day. It's one of those relaxing days where thrash or punk is out of place. So a bit of music that is easy on the ears and soothing to the heart is on today's review list.
Reality Addiction is a mix of rock, pop and acoustic. From the three listings they had on their MySpace site, I'd say soft rock, which suited my mood just fine. With finely blended acoustics, wrapped lightly with drums, keyboards and electric guitars, the New Jersey natives can roll and rock with the best of them. The musicality is matched by the smooth and haunting vocals of lead singer Dustin W. and the insightful, purposeful lyrics. Smokescreen was my favorite of the three offered and I hope that the group has some driving tunes to match the smooth ones in their arsenal (and put them up on the site quickly.)
Those in the New York and New Jersey areas undoubtedly already know about this gem and apparently quite a few in Israel as well.
For the rest of us though, take a listen and risk a little addiction in your reality, their site is at
http://www.myspace.com/realityaddiction
Second up but certainly not second in many people's minds, is MySpace Records discovery, Kate Voegele. Kate was mentioned on an earlier review a few weeks back. However, that was only a passing glance with the focus on her new label, MySpace Records. MySpace Records may be a new player in the music industry, but unlike a lot of new indie labels, struggling out there against the big and powerful majors, MySpace has a lot of power and influence to draw upon.
Kate is one of those that is benefiting. Yet, MySpace Records knows a good thing when they hear one and aren't stupid about grabbing talent like Kate when they get the chance. Kate benefits as well, with nearly a million hits to her MySpace page, her song on the hit TV show, "The Ghost Whisperer" and her new CD out in Best Buy right now.
Kate's vocals nearly floor me every time I hear them, both in their raw intensity and emotional power. Her band backs her up and builds the music into a crescendo of self-discovery and emotional maturity. Richly detailed and complex musicality is pitted against Kate's own fierce yet fragile, dramatic yet vulnerable, yet always infectious power and delivery. Of her MySpace offerings, the anthem like Only Fooling Myself and the tender, introspective It's Only Life were my favorites.
I hope MySpace Records puts their power and passion behind many more MySpace musicians. Sometimes, it's simply the label that puts a band to the top of the charts; other times, it's the band that strives against the odds and defies conventional wisdom and the industry itself. Still, when the two can come together, putting a terrific band or singer with a powerful label, then you often get something extraordinary and lasting as a result.
Kate's MySpace page is http://www.myspace.com/katevoegele
Next week, I'll likely (no promises) look at another MySpace Records prodigy, Sherwood, as well as another promising band that doesn't have the major label...yet....but should.
Have a great weekend!
CG Anderson Little Dogs Media Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events...and Canada!
This article may be reposted or reprinted, in whole or in part, as long as fair use rules are observed, no parts are modified from the original and credit is given to the original site and author.
...Should Take a Look at Indie Band, Reality Addiction
Around the Pacific Northwest, namely Seattle, WA, it is a sunny and warm day. It's one of those relaxing days where thrash or punk is out of place. So a bit of music that is easy on the ears and soothing to the heart is on today's review list.
Reality Addiction is a mix of rock, pop and acoustic. From the three listings they had on their MySpace site, I'd say soft rock, which suited my mood just fine. With finely blended acoustics, wrapped lightly with drums, keyboards and electric guitars, the New Jersey natives can roll and rock with the best of them. The musicality is matched by the smooth and haunting vocals of lead singer Dustin W. and the insightful, purposeful lyrics. Smokescreen was my favorite of the three offered and I hope that the group has some driving tunes to match the smooth ones in their arsenal (and put them up on the site quickly.)Those in the New York and New Jersey areas undoubtedly already know about this gem and apparently quite a few in Israel as well.
For the rest of us though, take a listen and risk a little addiction in your reality, their site is at
http://www.myspace.com/realityaddiction
Second up but certainly not second in many people's minds, is MySpace Records discovery, Kate Voegele. Kate was mentioned on an earlier review a few weeks back. However, that was only a passing glance with the focus on her new label, MySpace Records. MySpace Records may be a new player in the music industry, but unlike a lot of new indie labels, struggling out there against the big and powerful majors, MySpace has a lot of power and influence to draw upon.Kate is one of those that is benefiting. Yet, MySpace Records knows a good thing when they hear one and aren't stupid about grabbing talent like Kate when they get the chance. Kate benefits as well, with nearly a million hits to her MySpace page, her song on the hit TV show, "The Ghost Whisperer" and her new CD out in Best Buy right now.
Kate's vocals nearly floor me every time I hear them, both in their raw intensity and emotional power. Her band backs her up and builds the music into a crescendo of self-discovery and emotional maturity. Richly detailed and complex musicality is pitted against Kate's own fierce yet fragile, dramatic yet vulnerable, yet always infectious power and delivery. Of her MySpace offerings, the anthem like Only Fooling Myself and the tender, introspective It's Only Life were my favorites.
I hope MySpace Records puts their power and passion behind many more MySpace musicians. Sometimes, it's simply the label that puts a band to the top of the charts; other times, it's the band that strives against the odds and defies conventional wisdom and the industry itself. Still, when the two can come together, putting a terrific band or singer with a powerful label, then you often get something extraordinary and lasting as a result.
Kate's MySpace page is http://www.myspace.com/katevoegele
Next week, I'll likely (no promises) look at another MySpace Records prodigy, Sherwood, as well as another promising band that doesn't have the major label...yet....but should.
Have a great weekend!
CG Anderson Little Dogs Media Aha! Blogolicious! Musings and Meanings of Non-Sensical Events...and Canada!
This article may be reposted or reprinted, in whole or in part, as long as fair use rules are observed, no parts are modified from the original and credit is given to the original site and author.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
A Bit of News (just learned) about Marianas Trench
For those looking for the Recepter and Arm the Angels review, it's just below this short update note.
Just a quick note to give kudos to Marianas Trench, who were reviewed last year. They were one of the featured artists on last season's ABC Family summer hit, Kyle XY, which I also watch religiously. MySpace Records will be releasing the soundtrack to Kyle XY, which is very cool and Marianas Trench is on it.
Marianas Trench was one of the bands that won the 2006 Aha! Blogolicious! Media Awards for Innovation. Unfortunately, they never got back in contact with me so never picked up their trophy (or rather had it sent to them since they are in Vancouver, last I knew.)
Still, great band, so congrats...I'm not the only one that thinks your great!
Best,
CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media
Just a quick note to give kudos to Marianas Trench, who were reviewed last year. They were one of the featured artists on last season's ABC Family summer hit, Kyle XY, which I also watch religiously. MySpace Records will be releasing the soundtrack to Kyle XY, which is very cool and Marianas Trench is on it.
Marianas Trench was one of the bands that won the 2006 Aha! Blogolicious! Media Awards for Innovation. Unfortunately, they never got back in contact with me so never picked up their trophy (or rather had it sent to them since they are in Vancouver, last I knew.)
Still, great band, so congrats...I'm not the only one that thinks your great!
Best,
CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media
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