Reverbnation- A Powerful Tool For Musicians

January 4, 2009 By 3 Comments

images-1Reverbnation.com is a powerful web tool that not only will help your fans discover your music, but will also help you cut down on the time updating your sites.  As a musician or artist, there is nothing more precious than the time and ease of doing things to maximize your time performing.

Reverbnation.com offers musicians a site similar to MySpace.  You can add friends, you have your own custom MP3 player that can accommodate 21 songs, and you can send bulletins and blogs just like MySpace. Reverbnation.com, however, takes it a bit further. This revolutionary site gives you widgets that can be embedded into your MySpace, Facebook, or regular website and updated on each site through Reverbnation.com’s portal.  How cool is that?

Some of the more powerful widgets are:  Video Box, E-Mail/Newsletter Sign Up and a Tour Box.  Now, most of your sites have these features.  For example, MySpace has their own tour section, MP3 Player with download box, and a video section. So then, why use Reverbnation?  Let me go into some detail of what each widget will do and then let you decide.

Video Widget:  To use the video widget, all you need to do is upload the song the music video corresponds to.  Then, it gives you a place to put the URL of your YouTube Video the song corresponds to.  Once you have this link in the player, you can create the widget.  The video widget takes those videos and puts them all together in this nice player and below the main video screen, is the list of videos you uploaded so people can see all your videos in one place.  It’s compact and easy for your viewers to use.  To delete a video, just delete the link in the player and to add a video, just upload the song or add the video link to a song that’s already there.  You never have to update the widget.

Mailing List Widget:  Here is another really nice feature on Reverbnation.  A widget that allows your listeners to sign up for special e-mails from you.  I don’t know of any band that wouldn’t want that, and to have this feature work with your web site can be very costly.  All you have to do is update your mailing list option in your account, grab the widget and insert it on the site you want.  To e-mail or manage the list, sign into your Reverbnation.com account and e-mail people.

MP3 Player:  The MP3 player works like any other MP3 player, but it has the option to send people to your stores so they can download or purchase your songs.  This one, unlike MySpace’s MP3 player, allows you to go to your iTunes, Amazon or your own personal web site store.

Tour Widget:  This tool is probably one of the coolest I have seen.  All you need to do is go to your Reverbnation.com account, look for the shows tab and then inset a show you are playing.  When you add the name of the place, if someone has played there, it will automatically add the address and name.  You add the time and date and special notes.  You can even include a purchase ticket link or how to get tickets.  Then, embed the widget on any site you want.  To update all the sites in unison, update your Reverbnation.com account.  This widget also gives your fans a map to see how the tour will look from the first stop all the way  to the last.

Reverbnation.com also allows you to create a Facebook page for your band.  Have you ever tried to find the way to do this?  It’s a lot of fun and is almost like finding Waldo.  This site does it automatically for you.  If you have Twitter, collaborate it with your Reverbnation.com profile so it updates your status and it will do the same for your new Facebook page.

After seeing bands use this feature and love it, I can’t see why any band wouldn’t utilize its power and ease.  It is free, so try it now. There are no 30 day trials and will never cost you a dime.  You have nothing to lose!

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Age and Music… Does It Matter?

January 2, 2009 By 6 Comments

micIn an article I wrote about Pine Hill back in September, I mentioned a line from Ringo Starr, the famous Beatle.  He said and I quote, “If you are over the age of 30 and just starting in rock music, you probably won’t make it.”  Since that quote came from a very famous, seasoned musician it is sad but many rising stars believe this and don’t follow their passion.  So I am here to ask, does age matter in rock?

When you look at all different kinds of music genres, I can see that this statement could apply in some and not in others.  If you look at pop music or better known as “popular music,” you will see that this genre usually attracts a younger crowd.  The more notable names of pop music would be: Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, The Jonas Brothers, N’Sync, Backstreet Boys, and other such phenoms.  The younger generation flocks to them not just because of their voices, but because of their “hotness.” 

Pop music focuses on looks more than anything else.  This kind of music is all about sex and how sex sells.  Britney Spears is an example to this.  She got out on stage in a bikini and danced with a snake.  Now tell me, do the youth want to see a 40 year old man or woman do that?  No, that is unappealing to the kids of today.  So, in the light of pop music, I would say that age does matter because it is more of a fad than anything else.  Just ask groups like N’Sync and The Backstreet Boys who grew up. Their sex appeal became less pronounced with the teens and tweens of today.  In turn, this led to them breaking up and trying more adult contemporary music.

Rock, R & B, Jazz and other similar kinds of music, I don’t see age to have a major influence.  Rock is just that, rock music.  People go out to head bang, thrash and crunk.  They aren’t there to see how sexy the lead singer is, or the rest of the band.  They just want to rock out.  Probably that is why Mic Jagger, Ringo Starr, Metallica and all those names keep on rocking.  Similarly, that is why the rock bands from the 60s through the 80s are still touring, while the pop artists are trying to redefine themselves. 

R&B, Jazz, Soul and music of this kind of genre tend to have a more adult sound to it anyway.  Adults realize that it’s about the music, but do take into consideration the sex factor.  The sex factor does not determine if they will buy the artist’s CD, the music does. 

Sure, if you are a star, everyone will compare you. People will fall for you and think you are sexy as it comes with the game.  The impact it has on your career falls upon the genre you play and if you are not in pop music, then I feel that you really have nothing to worry about.  I feel that Ringo’s words fall harsh and unnecessary because it shouldn’t be about the looks of the singer, but the music they produce.  Age, however, may play a part on a musician’s endorsements such as underwear ads, but that doesn’t mean someone won’t pick them up to endorse something else.

My advice is to be who you are, show your talent and don’t worry about what people think about your looks.  It’s your music they came to listen to,  so don’t let your looks or your age stop you from your talents.  If you love yourself, the fans will see this and love your music.  It’s that simple, and that same advice can be applied to anything you do.

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Party 95.5 Internet Radio

November 28, 2008 By Leave a Comment

All the new technology, such as satellites and the Internet, help to broaden our horizons with communication and its uses.  Radio is being revolutionized by these two simple to use, yet complex mediums, because unlike standard FM radio, it has no boundaries.  For instance, standard FM radio frequencies can only travel so far before you lose the station, which is not the case with satellites and the Internet, as you can listen from anywhere, anytime and in most cases, get HD quality sound.  Party 95 5 is one of those stations utilizing the power of the Internet to reach millions across the world, helping them to dance the night away.

Party 95 5 is a Top 40 radio station via the Internet.  The most amazing part of the equation is that the station is run from the comforts of their home in New Port Richey, Florida, in a converted garage. Party 95 5 offers opportunities for new talent to come in and do live web cam interviews and shows, while streaming simultaneously with audio on the regular station.  There are many different types of music played, but mainly mixes of some old school 90s hip hop, dance and techno music; but rock and metal are included.  The only kind of music they won’t play is death metal.  Just recently Party 95 5 came out to Rocktober Fest ’08 and broadcasted the entire event via Internet radio and web cam, it received hits from 12 states and 5 countries. 

For this band of DJ’s, the road to success has not come easy. Party 95 5 started in their bedroom with 100 listeners; overnight it went to 16,000 listeners and a new studio in New Port Richey. They actually had to disband and reassemble this baby of theirs because its success grew so rapidly overnight, it was something they were not prepared for financially. After reorganizing the operation they now have a wonderful station that brings back memorable songs from the 80s and 90s with a huge line of today’s music, we all know and love. The DJs are dedicated to this station, making a successful venture that every music lover can enjoy.  Currently their station runs mainly off playlists, but every Wednesday night, at 8:30 PM DJ Matty-O gets on the webcam and offers live interviews; sometimes when possible he will do a live audio broadcast.  Party 95 5 also features DJ Tommy T from the NYC on the first Saturday of the month for 4 hours.  They also have the likes of DJ Andre from Arkansas, and Doreen/DJ Fantasy and Executive Assistant to Make-Em Dance and The Party 95 5 to give you different personalities and moods.

Party 95 5 has big goals for this station, they want to someday offer a FM station for the Tampa Bay area, and they want to open up a dinner/music hall in the Pasco County area for bands to play. DJ Matty-O and DJ Tommy have made great connections with local artists, merchandisers, and producers that can help out any band.  They are always looking for new talent to come through their doors.  All they require is a written biography, a signed 8×10 photo and a CD.  They will not accept an electronic press kit. 

The Party 95 5 crew is actively looking for advertisers for their station.  There is a lot of potential for advertisers on their web radio station, because it can be listened to anywhere in the world, at anytime. 

The entire staff at Party 95 5 sees how much potential and talent Tampa Bay has in the music industry and it has become their goal, like ours, to bring that talent to the listeners through their radio station.  Hit them up at www.live365/stations/partystation, because you never know, your song might be the next song played on this Top 40 radio station.

Filed Under: Music Industry

Sonicbid- EPK For Bands

September 24, 2008 By Leave a Comment

If you’re in a band or promoting one, you already know that most places require a press kit before they allow you to book a show.  Press kits are vitally important because they are the voice of your band, a resume in a sense.  Like most resumes most people are intimidated about writing one, mostly because they hate to bragg or because they don’t have a proper format.

Sonicbid.com took the worry out of know the proper format for your EPK.  They give you a template that you can add your information to such as: photos, videos, song lyrics, reviews, discography, radio spins, bio, and just about 50 megs worth of music, plus many more features. 

Whats so interesting about this site is it turns your information into a profile, like a MySpace, that promoters can look through and book you.  Since its electronic, you save money on printing costs and you can email the link to it anywhere, anytime!  You can also go through the site and sign up or apply for bookings being your own agent.

Its a very simple process, that will increase your chances for a possible gig, use it to book your own gigs not offered on the site, and most importantly create a very important document in as little as 30 mins.  Sonicbid does have a free sign-up, but they offer more space and more offers for gigs if you pay a yearly fee, which is only $99.00.  With photos, CD, and printed bio and cover letters, a press kit can easily run you $100.00 or more with just 20.  Over time it would pay for itself.

Filed Under: Music Industry

Eventful – A Must For Bands

September 18, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Every now and then I run into something that will be beneficial to our readers and artists; today I did just that.  I never would have found it if it had not been brought to my attention.  This great find is eventful.com. 

Eventful.com is a web site that has a great little widget for band members to embed into their web site, MySpace, or Facebook profiles.  It allows your fans to demand you, which means it gives your fans the ability to demand you play in their area.  What’s super cool about this is…

  1. It allows others to see that you are in demand, because it gives them a list to see of who demanded you and where.  This adds credibility to you, and shows your popularity
  2. You can reference it to promoters and gig venues, giving them the ability to see that people are demanding you play in their area.
  3. It allows you or your promoter the ability to see where you fan base is and helps you track where your shows should be booked, narrowing down the city and possibility speeding up time.

As a musician or artist a like you should know the importance of demand for your art or music.  Without it you don’t exist, you don’t get the big gigs, you don’t open for the big bands, you don’t show or display your work.  Eventful.com is a web site that tracks your demand, and gives it credibility!  It is your word of mouth advertising…in a way.

Filed Under: Music Industry

Purple Studio Productions- Recording History

September 4, 2008 By Leave a Comment

A CD for a band is like a business card to the rest of us.  An average and bland business card might not gain the interest of our potential clients, like one that is well done and pleasing to the eye.  Business cards identify and represent us, as an album does for a band.  If the album is boring, not well mixed or does not represent the band’s true talents, it’s like giving out that plain business card… it gets lost in the shuffle.  Purple Studio Products, run by Miguel Gonzalez is out to change that.

Miguel is a multi-talented artist in the music industry, based in Miami, who brings his clients a different perspective and knowledge to studio production.  Miguel wants to help each artist create, play and write songs to the best of their ability.  Unlike some producers, Miguel has written songs and spent a lot of time on stage so he has been on both sides of the spectrum in terms of the artist-producer relationship.

With his years of experience, Miguel can help any band or artist with their specific needs.  He has a vast list of back-up singers and studio musicians to fit the specific needs of his clients.  In the studio all the flaws are brought out. With Miguel’s advice and resources, he can fill voids or weaknesses the band may have to help them make the best recording possible.  “The microphone doesn’t show the people what clothes you wear, how rich you are, or what car you drive; it only shows talent.”  To be a successful artist you have to be able to capture your raw songs onto CD, and Purple Studio Productions is in the business of helping you do it with excellence.

Miguel’s resume makes him an expert in the field.  He has either produced, performed, toured or written with: Mary Carlson, Bo Bice- American Idol Runner Up, Matt Kramer of Saigon Kick, Spread Eagle formally known as Radio, All Points West, 16 Second Stare, Black Ties, and Brian Howe of Bad Company to mention a few. Currently he tours with Brian Howe and has written many songs for him throughout the last 10 years.  Miguel also helped produce songs with All Points West, that took them from an ordinary band to movie sound track artist for movies from Spike Lee Productions.  He brings this knowledge and experience to each band he produces.

If you are a band looking for a studio that will develop you and make you a success, contact Miguel Gonzalez at 305-624-7987.

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MP4s: the New MP3s

July 29, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Doing video work I tend to send the prototype as an MP4. When my customers receive the file, they immediately call asking, “what the heck is an MP4?” Sometimes it was just out of curiosity and sometimes it didn’t work on their computer, but a simple solution is available. MP4s are the way the industry is going to for video MPEGS and audio files alike.

The MP4, I guess you can say, is the Universal Sign Language to a computer for video. Before 2007 Apple videos and Windows Media files could not be read by each other without a lot of unnecessary configurations. Windows had to install QuickTime, and with Apple well, you were just out of luck. When the anti-trust lawsuit came about with Microsoft, one of the major topics brought to the table, Macs could not communicate with Microsoft content and vice versa.

In 2007, Apple and Microsoft adapted a common video extension called the MP4. It’s playable with Apple’s QuickTime, and Windows Media Player. For the creator, this means they don’t have to save the file as an .MP3 and a .MOV so it can be seen by all computers, creating extraneous work. If someone didn’t want to make the movie into two different formats, they did have the option to make it into Flash. The problem here is, if you don’t know Flash, the option was out of the question.

So with the invention of the MP4 it not long-anticipated and very appreciated, but more functional and cost-effective. You save the movie once as an .MP4 and publish it! The only requirement for viewing is: for a Mac, have the most current QuickTime player and for Microsoft you must have Windows Media Player 9.0 or higher. If you don’t have those, a software update will solve this issue and will cost nothing. If you have Windows, you can also download and install a free version of QuickTime to view the content only. Sorry, but you won’t be able to save it.

The creation of the MP4 has shattered the wall between the two computers, kind of like the Berlin Wall. It unifies the content and ensures that everyone no matter what computer they have can view everything the Internet has to offer, without flash.
The Expressionist Magazine

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