ATLANTA CALLS
Heading to Atlanta tonight through the weekend. I'll be celebrating the marriage of my cousin, Meredith M. to Bryan K. I couldn't be more excited, except that my impending speech at the reception has yet to be written.
The plane leaves at 8:00pm, and by then I will have been to VA for a serious meeting with the Shane Hines band, 13th and O for a few hours of Summit preparation at the FMC, and then somehow I need to get a haircut, nails done, eyebrows waxed, and packed. Wish me luck.
Apr 29, 2004
Apr 28, 2004
Apr 27, 2004
Apr 26, 2004
At the next urge to say "Oh, for Pete's sake" I shall instead say "Oh, Mary Lou Lord"
9:03pm
GB:"Do you know if Mary Lou's husband came with her?"
Mike: "I have no idea, but I just spoke with her manager and as always she's befuddled and a little late. She got off on the wrong exit and should be here in 20-30 minutes."
At 9:30, a mulleted woman with a shaky speaking voice took the stage at IOTA and the night was belatedly off. You see, I don't know much about MLL, except that her husband manages my favorite band from Boston, Emergency Music, whose guitarist also happens to be Gina B.'s brother. What there was of the crowd chatted away until they saw the Pat Benatar clone onstage, and then for the next hour we could hear the proverbial pin drop. The silence seemed to freak MLL out, but I for one was impressed with all the listening going on. Her songs were simple and short and didn't mess around with those silly bridges and choruses so many tunes have bogging them down. I didn't love her voice or her lyrics but there was a charisma that made the room want to pick up what she was putting down.
Setlist:
1. The one about traveling.
2. The one about Jimi Hendrix, and also stars dying
3. The one with a good last line, according to MLL. It goes something like, "Lost my gig to a tribute band and the wind blew all around me."
4. The one where she sings about what turns her on.
5. The one with a country tinge and a lot of talk about being her own worst enemy.
6. The one about the country music business, which she claims to know nothing about. She does know you're a long way from Tupelo, though.
7. The one about her midlife crisis
8. The one Nick Solomon wrote about a guy named Ron.
9. The one about being bewitched. Dedicated to all her wicken friends in Salem. And everywhere, really.
10. The one that's dedicated to women who meet men like Ron. Dedicated to 81% of the straight women she knows.
11. The one that's a VERY little ditty.
12. The one by Nick Solomon that she doesn't hear enough of and that's quite underrated. There's a lot of these days in there.
13. The one called Vincent Black Lightning that a man in the crowd requested.
14. The one called Cold something Rain.
Emm Gryner with a big voice and a keyboard and a CELLO PLAYER headlined. The cello is yummy and delicious and I wish Emm used a PIANO instead of a keyboard, and I wish she had USED her voice, but I still enjoyed the music. She's one hell of a talented lady.
9:03pm
GB:"Do you know if Mary Lou's husband came with her?"
Mike: "I have no idea, but I just spoke with her manager and as always she's befuddled and a little late. She got off on the wrong exit and should be here in 20-30 minutes."
At 9:30, a mulleted woman with a shaky speaking voice took the stage at IOTA and the night was belatedly off. You see, I don't know much about MLL, except that her husband manages my favorite band from Boston, Emergency Music, whose guitarist also happens to be Gina B.'s brother. What there was of the crowd chatted away until they saw the Pat Benatar clone onstage, and then for the next hour we could hear the proverbial pin drop. The silence seemed to freak MLL out, but I for one was impressed with all the listening going on. Her songs were simple and short and didn't mess around with those silly bridges and choruses so many tunes have bogging them down. I didn't love her voice or her lyrics but there was a charisma that made the room want to pick up what she was putting down.
Setlist:
1. The one about traveling.
2. The one about Jimi Hendrix, and also stars dying
3. The one with a good last line, according to MLL. It goes something like, "Lost my gig to a tribute band and the wind blew all around me."
4. The one where she sings about what turns her on.
5. The one with a country tinge and a lot of talk about being her own worst enemy.
6. The one about the country music business, which she claims to know nothing about. She does know you're a long way from Tupelo, though.
7. The one about her midlife crisis
8. The one Nick Solomon wrote about a guy named Ron.
9. The one about being bewitched. Dedicated to all her wicken friends in Salem. And everywhere, really.
10. The one that's dedicated to women who meet men like Ron. Dedicated to 81% of the straight women she knows.
11. The one that's a VERY little ditty.
12. The one by Nick Solomon that she doesn't hear enough of and that's quite underrated. There's a lot of these days in there.
13. The one called Vincent Black Lightning that a man in the crowd requested.
14. The one called Cold something Rain.
Emm Gryner with a big voice and a keyboard and a CELLO PLAYER headlined. The cello is yummy and delicious and I wish Emm used a PIANO instead of a keyboard, and I wish she had USED her voice, but I still enjoyed the music. She's one hell of a talented lady.
Apr 24, 2004
I WANT TO BE KNOWN AS UPPER CLASS HIP HOP WITH STREET ROCK CREDIBILITY
So says Thumbs to me at dinner in the cutest place on earth last night. After a grueling 4 hour drive to C-ville, I met with the boys and Kat D. in the historic downtown, where there are no cars - just trees filled with white lights and stores and people walking. And plenty of dogs.
Talyor Carson opened up - Shane invited this up and coming NoVa AG (Northern Virginia acoustic guitar) to play. He was cute and had flip flops and fit in well in DMB's hood. Shane and Thumbs then took the stage to an almost empty by-that-time crowd. The boys got to practice their new tunes - all of which I'm incredibly impressed with. Shane is really writing some catchy stuff, and it's much happier than anything I've heard from him previously.
Went back to my car after the show only to find it totally smashed on the driver's side with no note. Ugh. And then was pulled over on Lee Highway as I followed Shane "too fast." Thank God the police officer understood I was following, and just told me to cool it with the keeping up with them.
So says Thumbs to me at dinner in the cutest place on earth last night. After a grueling 4 hour drive to C-ville, I met with the boys and Kat D. in the historic downtown, where there are no cars - just trees filled with white lights and stores and people walking. And plenty of dogs.
Talyor Carson opened up - Shane invited this up and coming NoVa AG (Northern Virginia acoustic guitar) to play. He was cute and had flip flops and fit in well in DMB's hood. Shane and Thumbs then took the stage to an almost empty by-that-time crowd. The boys got to practice their new tunes - all of which I'm incredibly impressed with. Shane is really writing some catchy stuff, and it's much happier than anything I've heard from him previously.
Went back to my car after the show only to find it totally smashed on the driver's side with no note. Ugh. And then was pulled over on Lee Highway as I followed Shane "too fast." Thank God the police officer understood I was following, and just told me to cool it with the keeping up with them.
Apr 23, 2004
REVIEW #2
DAMIEN RICE O. OH! NOW I SEE WHAT EVERYONE'S BEEN TALKING ABOUT
At long last, I have my hands on a copy of Damien Rice's "O." I can't get over how such an accomplished album is so easy to listen to. I suppose it doesn't always have to take a few listens to get it, but I usually prefer records who do challenge me in that way. I'm only a few listens in to this one, but I think I already get it and it's simply beautiful. The whole thing is full of a restraint and sparsity that makes you believe he'll blow up at some point. The fact that he doesn't give in to the power of his voice and the propensity of most artists' to overproduce makes me LOVE HIM. This is a folk record, and it belongs in this category/genre that's so often snubbed. That said, it is folk the way it's supposed to be done.
1. DELICATE: Rice's Hallelujah song. Everyone's got one. I think it's almost a rite of passage for songwriters to write a version of this song.
2. VOLCANO: Gorgeous strings, this is one of those songs I can picture playing in a movie while the characters are driving down a dark highway. At night.
3. THE BLOWER'S DAUGHTER: My new favorite tune ever. So stark and pretty it makes me want to cry. But in a good way.
4. CANNONBALL: Typical folk sound with lots of acoustic guitar.
5. OLDER CHESTS: The chorus blows me away.
6. AMIE: Funny way to spell Amy. This song is sort of more of the same, as we're 6 tracks in and my only complaint is that the songs are quite similar, or Rice uses the same vocal style on all of them, but what a same it is. Again with the strings, oh! the strings.
7. CHEERS DARLIN'
8. COLD WATER
9. I REMEMBER
10. ESKIMO: This is not nothing. At 16:06, it's more like 4 or 5 songs, and there's definitely an opera and a version of Silent Night in there. Way to use the public domain.
DAMIEN RICE O. OH! NOW I SEE WHAT EVERYONE'S BEEN TALKING ABOUT
At long last, I have my hands on a copy of Damien Rice's "O." I can't get over how such an accomplished album is so easy to listen to. I suppose it doesn't always have to take a few listens to get it, but I usually prefer records who do challenge me in that way. I'm only a few listens in to this one, but I think I already get it and it's simply beautiful. The whole thing is full of a restraint and sparsity that makes you believe he'll blow up at some point. The fact that he doesn't give in to the power of his voice and the propensity of most artists' to overproduce makes me LOVE HIM. This is a folk record, and it belongs in this category/genre that's so often snubbed. That said, it is folk the way it's supposed to be done.
1. DELICATE: Rice's Hallelujah song. Everyone's got one. I think it's almost a rite of passage for songwriters to write a version of this song.
2. VOLCANO: Gorgeous strings, this is one of those songs I can picture playing in a movie while the characters are driving down a dark highway. At night.
3. THE BLOWER'S DAUGHTER: My new favorite tune ever. So stark and pretty it makes me want to cry. But in a good way.
4. CANNONBALL: Typical folk sound with lots of acoustic guitar.
5. OLDER CHESTS: The chorus blows me away.
6. AMIE: Funny way to spell Amy. This song is sort of more of the same, as we're 6 tracks in and my only complaint is that the songs are quite similar, or Rice uses the same vocal style on all of them, but what a same it is. Again with the strings, oh! the strings.
7. CHEERS DARLIN'
8. COLD WATER
9. I REMEMBER
10. ESKIMO: This is not nothing. At 16:06, it's more like 4 or 5 songs, and there's definitely an opera and a version of Silent Night in there. Way to use the public domain.
CHARLOTTESVILLE
HM will be road-tripping once again this evening, this time to Charlottesville, VA, home of UVA to see Shane Hines and Brian "Thumbs" Keating play at Miller's. I've never seen this esteemed beacon of higher learning before, so I'm hoping to at least have enough time to drive through campus. As always, if you happen to know anyone in the area, please tell them to come check out Shane and Brian.
HM will be road-tripping once again this evening, this time to Charlottesville, VA, home of UVA to see Shane Hines and Brian "Thumbs" Keating play at Miller's. I've never seen this esteemed beacon of higher learning before, so I'm hoping to at least have enough time to drive through campus. As always, if you happen to know anyone in the area, please tell them to come check out Shane and Brian.
PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE
As part of my Future of Music duties, I'm overseeing a project for Public Knowledge. We're creating a copyright primer to explain the basics of copyright law to musicians. The idea is that any working artist can look at Public Knowledge's website and click on the Copyright Primer section and have their burning questions answered. It's been an enjoyable process for me to look at all the rules and issues again, and to be able to work with such a well-reknowned organization as PK. I'll let you know when it's posted.
As part of my Future of Music duties, I'm overseeing a project for Public Knowledge. We're creating a copyright primer to explain the basics of copyright law to musicians. The idea is that any working artist can look at Public Knowledge's website and click on the Copyright Primer section and have their burning questions answered. It's been an enjoyable process for me to look at all the rules and issues again, and to be able to work with such a well-reknowned organization as PK. I'll let you know when it's posted.
Apr 21, 2004
MIX TAPES
Once a month, this blogger makes an hour-long mix tape. The project evidently started as a personal one, documenting which songs dominated his headspace through the year. But people caught on, and now it serves as a shopping list of sorts for whoever stumbles across it. HM just found it today, so we don't know yet if we even have similar musical tastes, but he has sort of inspired me to make more money so I can buy all the music I want to put on my own monthly mix.
Once a month, this blogger makes an hour-long mix tape. The project evidently started as a personal one, documenting which songs dominated his headspace through the year. But people caught on, and now it serves as a shopping list of sorts for whoever stumbles across it. HM just found it today, so we don't know yet if we even have similar musical tastes, but he has sort of inspired me to make more money so I can buy all the music I want to put on my own monthly mix.
RIAA SHAMNESTY OVER
POSTED DIRECTLY FROM EFF BY DONNA WENTWORTH
Fake "Clean Slate" Gone - How About a Real One?
The RIAA has finally seen the light with regard to its "Clean Slate" program, which offered false amnesty, or shamnesty, to people who admitted to file sharing. Citing the success of its "education" campaign, the group has abruptly cancelled the program.
"Clean Slate" promised that in exchange for a confession, you could gain meaningful protection from lawsuits for copyright infringement. In fact, the program left you vulnerable to lawsuits by record companies and music publishers, as well as bands like Metallica that retain independent control of music rights.
Eric Parke, represented by Ira Rothken, brought suit, charging fraudulent business practices -- and here, perhaps, we can glean the true reason for the RIAA's change of heart. Its attorneys announced during a recent court proceeding that the group had discontinued "Clean Slate" -- and that therefore the case was moot. The announcement took Mr. Parke, his attorney and the judge by surprise.
These kinds of machinations are a terrible waste of time and money. If the RIAA is sincere about helping music fans come in from the cold, it should turn its considerable energies toward offering a true "amnesty" program -- say, by adopting a voluntary collective licensing plan that would turn millions of people from criminals seeking shelter from the law into legitimate paying customers
POSTED DIRECTLY FROM EFF BY DONNA WENTWORTH
Fake "Clean Slate" Gone - How About a Real One?
The RIAA has finally seen the light with regard to its "Clean Slate" program, which offered false amnesty, or shamnesty, to people who admitted to file sharing. Citing the success of its "education" campaign, the group has abruptly cancelled the program.
"Clean Slate" promised that in exchange for a confession, you could gain meaningful protection from lawsuits for copyright infringement. In fact, the program left you vulnerable to lawsuits by record companies and music publishers, as well as bands like Metallica that retain independent control of music rights.
Eric Parke, represented by Ira Rothken, brought suit, charging fraudulent business practices -- and here, perhaps, we can glean the true reason for the RIAA's change of heart. Its attorneys announced during a recent court proceeding that the group had discontinued "Clean Slate" -- and that therefore the case was moot. The announcement took Mr. Parke, his attorney and the judge by surprise.
These kinds of machinations are a terrible waste of time and money. If the RIAA is sincere about helping music fans come in from the cold, it should turn its considerable energies toward offering a true "amnesty" program -- say, by adopting a voluntary collective licensing plan that would turn millions of people from criminals seeking shelter from the law into legitimate paying customers
RECORD LABELS WILL USE AUTOMATED COPYRIGHT NOTICE SYSTEM TO STOP COLLEGE KIDS FROM STEALING MUSIC
ACNS is a new technology that can bypass the ISP's and university systems of notice and takedown...
For example, universities using ACNS could instantly send notices of copyright infringement to students by e-mail and restrict their network access until they have removed the file.
via EFF
ACNS is a new technology that can bypass the ISP's and university systems of notice and takedown...
For example, universities using ACNS could instantly send notices of copyright infringement to students by e-mail and restrict their network access until they have removed the file.
via EFF
Apr 20, 2004
HOW TO MAKE $3 MILLION IN JAIL
First, do your crime with P.Diddy. Clerking at a law firm, I once spent 2 months in negotiations with Island Def Jam to complete a record deal with a Boston rapper named KrumbSnatcha. All was well until "the incident" that landed Mr. Snatcha in prison. Def Jam was still interested for a while, until they realized Krumb wouldn't be out in time to promote the record, so he was dropped. I only met him once, I in my suit and he in his tattoos. He stuck out his fist, knuckles forward, and said hello. Seemed like a nice enough guy, and he was really talented. Looks like he has a record coming out now, so the imprisoned portion of his legal woes must be behind him.
First, do your crime with P.Diddy. Clerking at a law firm, I once spent 2 months in negotiations with Island Def Jam to complete a record deal with a Boston rapper named KrumbSnatcha. All was well until "the incident" that landed Mr. Snatcha in prison. Def Jam was still interested for a while, until they realized Krumb wouldn't be out in time to promote the record, so he was dropped. I only met him once, I in my suit and he in his tattoos. He stuck out his fist, knuckles forward, and said hello. Seemed like a nice enough guy, and he was really talented. Looks like he has a record coming out now, so the imprisoned portion of his legal woes must be behind him.
NYC
Whew. HM took a whirlwind trip to NYC on Sunday afternoon. Got a ride up with a couple of 2941 coworkers. Our chef made us a reservation at the Gramercy Tavern, where he studied for 5 years. Little did I know that it was the MOST EXPENSIVE restaurant in the city. We were seated at 9pm, and the server came over and told us the chef was very pleased to have us in his restaurant, and he wanted for us to put ourselves in his hands for the evening. We agreed, and lots of good wine and about 14 courses came our way over the next FOUR HOURS. I've never had such a fancy and delicious meal in my life. Nor have I ever been so full.
I walked all over downtown Manhattan yesterday and took in the sun and perused many a fake Gucci watch.
Arrived at Sine just in time to see Andy play for an hour at 7pm. It wasn't the most magical performance I've seen him put on, but it was terrific enough to win over my generous and fun NYC friends.
Went to a great bar after the show called Piano's, and then Leticia G. was kind enough to give me a ride back to the cradle of democracy, where it's back to HM, FMC, and 2941.
Good times, good tunes...
Whew. HM took a whirlwind trip to NYC on Sunday afternoon. Got a ride up with a couple of 2941 coworkers. Our chef made us a reservation at the Gramercy Tavern, where he studied for 5 years. Little did I know that it was the MOST EXPENSIVE restaurant in the city. We were seated at 9pm, and the server came over and told us the chef was very pleased to have us in his restaurant, and he wanted for us to put ourselves in his hands for the evening. We agreed, and lots of good wine and about 14 courses came our way over the next FOUR HOURS. I've never had such a fancy and delicious meal in my life. Nor have I ever been so full.
I walked all over downtown Manhattan yesterday and took in the sun and perused many a fake Gucci watch.
Arrived at Sine just in time to see Andy play for an hour at 7pm. It wasn't the most magical performance I've seen him put on, but it was terrific enough to win over my generous and fun NYC friends.
Went to a great bar after the show called Piano's, and then Leticia G. was kind enough to give me a ride back to the cradle of democracy, where it's back to HM, FMC, and 2941.
Good times, good tunes...
Apr 16, 2004
KRIS DELMHORST REVIEW
Classic. By some stroke of amazing luck, I got on the guest list for this show. Probably the pinnacle of my "career" so far. Gathered up a motley crew consisting of Ethan M., Paul, Kyle S., and Leticia G. to enjoy the show. And enjoy it I did. Kris opened right on time with a new song she sang (and wrote) all by her lonesome. For the second tune, she brought out Jabe to help her on the bass and, later, the piano.
I didn't write down the setlist, but this is it in my memory at least:
1. New song
2. Bobby Lee
3. Weathervane
4. Wasted Word
5. Waiting under the Waves
6. New poem song
7. Yellow Brick Road
8. You're No Train
9. a Jabe song (Paradise?)
10. Short Work
11. Juice in June
12. Little Wings
Encore: Hummingbird
Then, with Kris, Jabe, Erin McKeown, and her drummer after Erin's set, "Honeyed Out."
Kris had invited me to "come say hi" after the show. I had never met her before, although I've been to MANY shows, mostly in Boston where she was playing about once every two weeks while I lived there. Since I work with musicians for a living, I'm not easily starstruck, and can usually hold my own with them. I can think of only three people with whom I would feel nervous to speak to, and Kris is among that small group. My talk was short and sweet, and I hope I didn't drool too much. By the way, the other two are: Ryan Adams and Elton John. I haven't had to confront either of those sets of butterflies yet.
This show was better than the last few times I've seen her down here in DC. Kris is part of a seemingly tight-knit group of folkies in Boston, and they all show up and sit in on each other's shows, so you never know who you're going to see up there. DC is a good 8 hours south, and too expensive for one to bring all her music friends, so I was disappointed by the lack of spontaneity and happiness of the last couple that I have seen here. Last night, however, with Jabe in tow, she had the magic back and seemed to be having fun. Her voice was in good form, and the banter was outstanding as usual.
Classic. By some stroke of amazing luck, I got on the guest list for this show. Probably the pinnacle of my "career" so far. Gathered up a motley crew consisting of Ethan M., Paul, Kyle S., and Leticia G. to enjoy the show. And enjoy it I did. Kris opened right on time with a new song she sang (and wrote) all by her lonesome. For the second tune, she brought out Jabe to help her on the bass and, later, the piano.
I didn't write down the setlist, but this is it in my memory at least:
1. New song
2. Bobby Lee
3. Weathervane
4. Wasted Word
5. Waiting under the Waves
6. New poem song
7. Yellow Brick Road
8. You're No Train
9. a Jabe song (Paradise?)
10. Short Work
11. Juice in June
12. Little Wings
Encore: Hummingbird
Then, with Kris, Jabe, Erin McKeown, and her drummer after Erin's set, "Honeyed Out."
Kris had invited me to "come say hi" after the show. I had never met her before, although I've been to MANY shows, mostly in Boston where she was playing about once every two weeks while I lived there. Since I work with musicians for a living, I'm not easily starstruck, and can usually hold my own with them. I can think of only three people with whom I would feel nervous to speak to, and Kris is among that small group. My talk was short and sweet, and I hope I didn't drool too much. By the way, the other two are: Ryan Adams and Elton John. I haven't had to confront either of those sets of butterflies yet.
This show was better than the last few times I've seen her down here in DC. Kris is part of a seemingly tight-knit group of folkies in Boston, and they all show up and sit in on each other's shows, so you never know who you're going to see up there. DC is a good 8 hours south, and too expensive for one to bring all her music friends, so I was disappointed by the lack of spontaneity and happiness of the last couple that I have seen here. Last night, however, with Jabe in tow, she had the magic back and seemed to be having fun. Her voice was in good form, and the banter was outstanding as usual.
Apr 14, 2004
SALON READERS CLAIM TO LIKE INDIE ROCK
Salon conducted a survey to find out the music listening habits of its constituency, and they found that 100% of readers enjoy indie rock and nothing but indie rock. Well, that's as much as Salon readers will admit to in a survey.
Salon conducted a survey to find out the music listening habits of its constituency, and they found that 100% of readers enjoy indie rock and nothing but indie rock. Well, that's as much as Salon readers will admit to in a survey.
BOSTON
Ever since seeing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, I've been having a sort of longing for Boston. It's been about a year and a half since I've been back to the place I spent the three most tumultuous years of my life. I had to research some IP law professors last week, and several of them had addresses in Newton Centre and on Mass Ave. For an inexplicable reason, this made me want to BE in both of those places I used to know daily, and the feeling hasn't really gone away. Considering my mini-obsession, THIS new exhibit heralding the beauty of OCD has convinced me I MUST make a visit to Beantown soon.
Ever since seeing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, I've been having a sort of longing for Boston. It's been about a year and a half since I've been back to the place I spent the three most tumultuous years of my life. I had to research some IP law professors last week, and several of them had addresses in Newton Centre and on Mass Ave. For an inexplicable reason, this made me want to BE in both of those places I used to know daily, and the feeling hasn't really gone away. Considering my mini-obsession, THIS new exhibit heralding the beauty of OCD has convinced me I MUST make a visit to Beantown soon.
Apr 13, 2004
KRIS DELMHORST
I'll be heading to one of my favorite venues on Thursday night to see one of my favorite artists. You should, too. Tickets are $16.50, and it's a double bill with Erin McKeown.
In a drastic change of scenery, I plan to head over to the Grog and Tankard after the Birchmere show to see friend Ethan M.'s friend's band. No idea what type of music these kids make, but who can turn down the Grog??
I'll be heading to one of my favorite venues on Thursday night to see one of my favorite artists. You should, too. Tickets are $16.50, and it's a double bill with Erin McKeown.
In a drastic change of scenery, I plan to head over to the Grog and Tankard after the Birchmere show to see friend Ethan M.'s friend's band. No idea what type of music these kids make, but who can turn down the Grog??
ANDY ZIPF: A CALL TO ARMS
Looks like HM will be hopping on the Chinatown bus to NYC next Monday to see the talented Mr. Zipf make his debut at Sin-E in the big apple. Neither artist nor venue are all that forthcoming on details for the event. I've heard 7pm, I've heard 11pm... I just know I'm praying that Choire mentions it, b/c the kid NEEDS to bring in 30 people. If you live in or near NYC, please come on out to witness what I've called time and again, simply, THE GENIUS.
The sin-e website says you can take the Brown-circled J, M, Z trains to Essex Street, or the Orange F to 2nd Ave or Delancey St. The website also says there is AMPLE parking on the street at night. In Manhattan??? Maybe the snook can take me...
Looks like HM will be hopping on the Chinatown bus to NYC next Monday to see the talented Mr. Zipf make his debut at Sin-E in the big apple. Neither artist nor venue are all that forthcoming on details for the event. I've heard 7pm, I've heard 11pm... I just know I'm praying that Choire mentions it, b/c the kid NEEDS to bring in 30 people. If you live in or near NYC, please come on out to witness what I've called time and again, simply, THE GENIUS.
The sin-e website says you can take the Brown-circled J, M, Z trains to Essex Street, or the Orange F to 2nd Ave or Delancey St. The website also says there is AMPLE parking on the street at night. In Manhattan??? Maybe the snook can take me...
Apr 12, 2004
POLICY SUMMIT
As part of my duties at the Future of Music Coalition, I'm assisting in planning the FMC Policy Summit that will take place at GW May 2-3. This should be a great event for anyone working in music or interested in artists' rights and copyright, digital rights protections and issues.
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS, THIS IS A LOT OF INFO:
FMC POLICY SUMMIT: May 2-3, 2004, Washington, DC
-----------------------------------------
Every year, the FMC organizes a Policy Summit that brings together a diverse
cross-section of about 500 musicians, lawyers, policymakers, industry folks,
academics, and journalists to discuss and debate some of the hot topics in
the music/technology space. Our fourth annual Summit is planned for Sunday,
May 2 - Monday, May 3, 2004 at George Washington University's Lisner
Auditorium in DC.
EASY ONLINE REGISTRATION
-------------------------
Registration for the event is $149 for both days or $99 for one day. There
are also discounted rates for students.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR WORKING MUSICIANS
-------------------------
Because of contributions from foundations, corporations, unions, and
individuals we're able to offer over 200 scholarships to working musicians.
Fill out an application here:
Please feel free to post this info on websites or blogs, or share with
anyone who might be interested. If you want to keep up with the FMC's
goings-on on a more regular basis, subscribe to our newsletter
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
LATEST SPEAKER/PANELIST ADDITIONS
Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser
Suzanne Vega
Tina Weymouth & Chris Frantz from Talking Heads
Cary Sherman from the RIAA
Pat Irwin from the B-52's
Will Poole from Microsoft
Holmes Wilson from Downhillbattle.org
John Flansburgh from They Might be Giants
Chris Amenita from ASCAP
AFM Organizer Michael Muniz
Pat Thetic from Anti-Flag
Tom Hazlett from the Manhattan Institute
Neil Glazer from Madison House/SCI Ticketing
Wayne Crews from Cato Institute
KEYNOTE SPEECHES from
----------------------------
Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN)
FCC Commissioner Michael Copps
Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser
SIXTY-FIVE PANELISTS already confirmed
--------------------------------------
...including Danny Goldberg (Chairman and CEO, Artemis Records), Suzanne
Vega, Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz (Talking Heads), William Terry Fisher
(Professor of Law, Harvard Law School), John Flansburgh (They Might be
Giants), Seth Hurwitz (IMP/9:30 Club), Neil Glazer (SCI Ticketing), Barton
Herbison (Nashville Songwriters Association), Peter Jenner (Sincere
Management), Jim Griffin (Cherry Lane Digital), Pat Thetic (Anti-Flag/Punk
Voter), Dave Frey (Cheap Trick's manager), Jessica Litman (Professor of Law,
Wayne State), Mike Dreese (Newbury Comics), Kim Coletta (Desoto Records and
band Jawbox), Gigi Sohn (President, Public Knowledge), Ann Chaitovitz
(Director of Sound Recordings, AFTRA), Thomas Frank (Author and Editor, The
Baffler), Ron Gertz (President and CEO, Music Reports), John Nichols
(Writer, The Nation), Tim Quirk (Executive Editor, Music, Real Networks and
band Too Much Joy), John Simson (Executive Director, SoundExchange), Koleman
Strumpf (Department of Economics, UNC), Siva Vaidhyanathan (NYU)...to name a
few.
More detail about the panel topics and panelists here:
As part of my duties at the Future of Music Coalition, I'm assisting in planning the FMC Policy Summit that will take place at GW May 2-3. This should be a great event for anyone working in music or interested in artists' rights and copyright, digital rights protections and issues.
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS, THIS IS A LOT OF INFO:
FMC POLICY SUMMIT: May 2-3, 2004, Washington, DC
-----------------------------------------
Every year, the FMC organizes a Policy Summit that brings together a diverse
cross-section of about 500 musicians, lawyers, policymakers, industry folks,
academics, and journalists to discuss and debate some of the hot topics in
the music/technology space. Our fourth annual Summit is planned for Sunday,
May 2 - Monday, May 3, 2004 at George Washington University's Lisner
Auditorium in DC.
EASY ONLINE REGISTRATION
-------------------------
Registration for the event is $149 for both days or $99 for one day. There
are also discounted rates for students.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR WORKING MUSICIANS
-------------------------
Because of contributions from foundations, corporations, unions, and
individuals we're able to offer over 200 scholarships to working musicians.
Fill out an application here:
Please feel free to post this info on websites or blogs, or share with
anyone who might be interested. If you want to keep up with the FMC's
goings-on on a more regular basis, subscribe to our newsletter
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
LATEST SPEAKER/PANELIST ADDITIONS
Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser
Suzanne Vega
Tina Weymouth & Chris Frantz from Talking Heads
Cary Sherman from the RIAA
Pat Irwin from the B-52's
Will Poole from Microsoft
Holmes Wilson from Downhillbattle.org
John Flansburgh from They Might be Giants
Chris Amenita from ASCAP
AFM Organizer Michael Muniz
Pat Thetic from Anti-Flag
Tom Hazlett from the Manhattan Institute
Neil Glazer from Madison House/SCI Ticketing
Wayne Crews from Cato Institute
KEYNOTE SPEECHES from
----------------------------
Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN)
FCC Commissioner Michael Copps
Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser
SIXTY-FIVE PANELISTS already confirmed
--------------------------------------
...including Danny Goldberg (Chairman and CEO, Artemis Records), Suzanne
Vega, Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz (Talking Heads), William Terry Fisher
(Professor of Law, Harvard Law School), John Flansburgh (They Might be
Giants), Seth Hurwitz (IMP/9:30 Club), Neil Glazer (SCI Ticketing), Barton
Herbison (Nashville Songwriters Association), Peter Jenner (Sincere
Management), Jim Griffin (Cherry Lane Digital), Pat Thetic (Anti-Flag/Punk
Voter), Dave Frey (Cheap Trick's manager), Jessica Litman (Professor of Law,
Wayne State), Mike Dreese (Newbury Comics), Kim Coletta (Desoto Records and
band Jawbox), Gigi Sohn (President, Public Knowledge), Ann Chaitovitz
(Director of Sound Recordings, AFTRA), Thomas Frank (Author and Editor, The
Baffler), Ron Gertz (President and CEO, Music Reports), John Nichols
(Writer, The Nation), Tim Quirk (Executive Editor, Music, Real Networks and
band Too Much Joy), John Simson (Executive Director, SoundExchange), Koleman
Strumpf (Department of Economics, UNC), Siva Vaidhyanathan (NYU)...to name a
few.
More detail about the panel topics and panelists here:
Apr 11, 2004
HAPPY EASTER
HM wants to thank her mama and brother for a wonderful weekend of walking, eating, and music-listening. We had a terrific time walking through Georgetown, eating at Tony & Joe's as the GW crew invitational was happening in front of us on the Potomac, seeing the Cherry Blossoms, riding the metro, seeing Shane Hines at IOTA, having brunch at 2941, seeing the new WWII Monument, and perusing the Baseball exhibit in the Museum of Natural History.
MUSEUM CONFUSION
We tried to see the Baseball exhibit yesterday, b/c several people told us about it but none of them knew which museum it was in. I postured that it must be in the Museum of American History. After all, what's more American than baseball, besides jazz? We walked all through that place and there wasn't any baseball. We found out today that it's in the MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. At first glance this doesn't make sense, but as we entered, we were shuttled through to the "Pacific and Asian" cultural section, which wound us through to parts of the fish exhibition, and then found BASEBALL AS AMERICA right next to the mounted Marlin. Considering the 2003 season, I suppose this is appropriate.
HM wants to thank her mama and brother for a wonderful weekend of walking, eating, and music-listening. We had a terrific time walking through Georgetown, eating at Tony & Joe's as the GW crew invitational was happening in front of us on the Potomac, seeing the Cherry Blossoms, riding the metro, seeing Shane Hines at IOTA, having brunch at 2941, seeing the new WWII Monument, and perusing the Baseball exhibit in the Museum of Natural History.
MUSEUM CONFUSION
We tried to see the Baseball exhibit yesterday, b/c several people told us about it but none of them knew which museum it was in. I postured that it must be in the Museum of American History. After all, what's more American than baseball, besides jazz? We walked all through that place and there wasn't any baseball. We found out today that it's in the MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. At first glance this doesn't make sense, but as we entered, we were shuttled through to the "Pacific and Asian" cultural section, which wound us through to parts of the fish exhibition, and then found BASEBALL AS AMERICA right next to the mounted Marlin. Considering the 2003 season, I suppose this is appropriate.
REVIEW TIME
Shane Hines at IOTA last night was phenomenal. Nerves were running high going into the night, as it's HARD for a local band to even get booked at IOTA, let alone to headline a Saturday night, so the pressure was on to bring in loads of people. Stephen (IOTA owner and talent buyer) had not been in touch with me about the opening band, but luckily I ran into him a little over a week ago when he asked me if Army of Me was confirmed. I had tried calling him several times to work out the opening band issue, and he hadn't called back. He usually does the band picking, and this haphazard conversation told me he had failed to even call them, so I had to immediately contact Army of Me to ask if they could fill the opening shoes. Luck struck again when they told me they were in fact available.
At 9:30 there were probably 40 people in the room, but by 10:30, you couldn't stir em with a stick, thereby putting my nerves to rest. I spotted Stephen at around 11, and went up to him and he simply gave me the 2 thumbs up, so I think he was happy with attendance.
The show was GREAT. The band is really establishing a personality, and their live show is getting tighter with each performance. The show is a ROCK show, but last night they added a BB King song and as Gina B put it, "That was a little piece of magic." The entire staff at IOTA came in from the kitchen and the front door to hear this rock band play the devil out of BB.
A few songs later, they played their only country tinged song, "House on the Hill," which rounded out the show beautifully. Shane introduced the song and claimed, "I guess the fact that we play rock, blues, and country makes us eccentric. No, eclectic!"
If you're in the DC area, don't miss Shane playing acoustic at Staccato on April 30, and the whole band playing acoustic at Jammin Java on May 8.
Thanks to everyone who came out!
Shane Hines at IOTA last night was phenomenal. Nerves were running high going into the night, as it's HARD for a local band to even get booked at IOTA, let alone to headline a Saturday night, so the pressure was on to bring in loads of people. Stephen (IOTA owner and talent buyer) had not been in touch with me about the opening band, but luckily I ran into him a little over a week ago when he asked me if Army of Me was confirmed. I had tried calling him several times to work out the opening band issue, and he hadn't called back. He usually does the band picking, and this haphazard conversation told me he had failed to even call them, so I had to immediately contact Army of Me to ask if they could fill the opening shoes. Luck struck again when they told me they were in fact available.
At 9:30 there were probably 40 people in the room, but by 10:30, you couldn't stir em with a stick, thereby putting my nerves to rest. I spotted Stephen at around 11, and went up to him and he simply gave me the 2 thumbs up, so I think he was happy with attendance.
The show was GREAT. The band is really establishing a personality, and their live show is getting tighter with each performance. The show is a ROCK show, but last night they added a BB King song and as Gina B put it, "That was a little piece of magic." The entire staff at IOTA came in from the kitchen and the front door to hear this rock band play the devil out of BB.
A few songs later, they played their only country tinged song, "House on the Hill," which rounded out the show beautifully. Shane introduced the song and claimed, "I guess the fact that we play rock, blues, and country makes us eccentric. No, eclectic!"
If you're in the DC area, don't miss Shane playing acoustic at Staccato on April 30, and the whole band playing acoustic at Jammin Java on May 8.
Thanks to everyone who came out!
Apr 7, 2004
COUNTDOWN TO IOTA ON SATURDAY
3 days left until you're all at IOTA with me to see the genius that is Shane Hines, Thumbs, Edzo, and Brent.
Seriously, this is a big show, and the band would love your support! Plus, free giveaways! Free Giveaways!
3 days left until you're all at IOTA with me to see the genius that is Shane Hines, Thumbs, Edzo, and Brent.
Seriously, this is a big show, and the band would love your support! Plus, free giveaways! Free Giveaways!
Apr 6, 2004
SONGFIGHT
Each week this site posts song titles and challenges artists to compose a song to match the title and we the people vote.
Each week this site posts song titles and challenges artists to compose a song to match the title and we the people vote.
WE SUPPOSE IT'S BETTER THAN "WHAT A PISSAH"
Red Sox fans name the documentary whose subject is the 2003 season of ecstacy and agony.
Red Sox fans name the documentary whose subject is the 2003 season of ecstacy and agony.
BYE BYE BYE
I don't believe that digital music will replace traditional music stores and packaged, brick and mortar CD's. I also didn't believe that I could throw away the huge big box that used to come around every single CD. I'm pretty sure my mom's house stores all the cardboard paraphenelia that came with Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul's CD's in 1989. I know that I felt a little irked when the Pearl Jam CD's started coming in those cardboard jewel cases instead of standard ones, b/c they didn't fit all that neatly into my stack o' CD's. So maybe I take that back... it IS possible that music will become digital-only.
I'm just not quite ready to give up on albums. I lament the passing of great independent stores like DC CD in Adams Morgan that just went under, but as artists become more saavy in the ways of selling their music in the form of downloads online, I don't see another way out. Record stores may indeed go the way of the 8 track tape and cassette manafacturers. Oh, how I'll miss the days of browsing bins.
I don't believe that digital music will replace traditional music stores and packaged, brick and mortar CD's. I also didn't believe that I could throw away the huge big box that used to come around every single CD. I'm pretty sure my mom's house stores all the cardboard paraphenelia that came with Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul's CD's in 1989. I know that I felt a little irked when the Pearl Jam CD's started coming in those cardboard jewel cases instead of standard ones, b/c they didn't fit all that neatly into my stack o' CD's. So maybe I take that back... it IS possible that music will become digital-only.
I'm just not quite ready to give up on albums. I lament the passing of great independent stores like DC CD in Adams Morgan that just went under, but as artists become more saavy in the ways of selling their music in the form of downloads online, I don't see another way out. Record stores may indeed go the way of the 8 track tape and cassette manafacturers. Oh, how I'll miss the days of browsing bins.
Apr 5, 2004
10 YEARS
Since Kurt Cobain committed suicide. I didn't realize until reading this that he was only 27. It happened back when I was 17, and I probably thought that was a pretty full life and he had made it to a ripe old age.
Here's to Kurt!
Since Kurt Cobain committed suicide. I didn't realize until reading this that he was only 27. It happened back when I was 17, and I probably thought that was a pretty full life and he had made it to a ripe old age.
Here's to Kurt!
WILCO MAKING HEADLINES AGAIN
The pre-release went out to press, industry peeps, and 10 days later the whole new album appeared on P2P networks. The band's response? They're taking donations from people who download the album illegally and will give all proceeds to Doctors Without Borders. They also believe that most of the people who download it will purchase the real thing when it comes out in June. If not, they probably wouldn't have purchased the album anyway, so there's no harm no foul (a belief consistent with the Harvard study released last week that declares file-sharing doesn't affect CD sales).
The pre-release went out to press, industry peeps, and 10 days later the whole new album appeared on P2P networks. The band's response? They're taking donations from people who download the album illegally and will give all proceeds to Doctors Without Borders. They also believe that most of the people who download it will purchase the real thing when it comes out in June. If not, they probably wouldn't have purchased the album anyway, so there's no harm no foul (a belief consistent with the Harvard study released last week that declares file-sharing doesn't affect CD sales).
FMC
I'm now working with the Future of Music Coalition here in DC. I hope to work on Intellectual Property and Artists' Rights Issues...find out who all the movers and shakers in Washington are, and hopefully have a hand in figuring out the chaos of the digital music age.
I'm now working with the Future of Music Coalition here in DC. I hope to work on Intellectual Property and Artists' Rights Issues...find out who all the movers and shakers in Washington are, and hopefully have a hand in figuring out the chaos of the digital music age.
Apr 4, 2004
Apr 3, 2004
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE
Just passed up two tickets to the Death Cab for Cutie concert at the 9:30 Club tonight. I'm regretting it already, but I simply don't have the $100 that the ticket selller wanted for them. If anyone out there happens to be going - I want a FULL REPORT!
Just passed up two tickets to the Death Cab for Cutie concert at the 9:30 Club tonight. I'm regretting it already, but I simply don't have the $100 that the ticket selller wanted for them. If anyone out there happens to be going - I want a FULL REPORT!
SHANE HINES
Shane will be at IOTA next SATURDAY, APRIL 10!!! If you've seen him a hundred times or this will be your first, it's going to be one of those shows not to be missed. The band has been preparing new material for a couple of months to break out at the show.
Shane will be at IOTA next SATURDAY, APRIL 10!!! If you've seen him a hundred times or this will be your first, it's going to be one of those shows not to be missed. The band has been preparing new material for a couple of months to break out at the show.
LAST TRAIN HOME
Last night's 1st of 3 shows this weekend at IOTA started a bit rocky but finished strong. The band seemed a little out of sorts for the first set, but they took a LONG break after about 45 minutes and came back as their old selves and rocked the house. For the first time in my entire IOTA experience, I got a seat at the booth, so was spared from the jostling associated with being in a room among 200 people that only holds 150 people. Big thanks to Jen, Jo, Dave, Matt and Ethan for enjoying another LTH show with me!
I was lucky enough to have Eric Brace play my guitar in my living room a few weeks ago. He had written a new song about Johnny Cash as he drove home from Nashville, and he wanted to try it out. This is THE SONG. The band played it for the first time live last night, and the audience stood stunned at its beauty. Now that LTH has signed a RECORD DEAL, I'm hoping they'll get some radio push behind this tune after the new record is released in the Fall. I think it could change Mr. Brace's life.
PSA: For all you artists out there playing IOTA soon, Stephen informed me that "In an ideal world, the word IOTA should be in all caps on posters." oops.
Last night's 1st of 3 shows this weekend at IOTA started a bit rocky but finished strong. The band seemed a little out of sorts for the first set, but they took a LONG break after about 45 minutes and came back as their old selves and rocked the house. For the first time in my entire IOTA experience, I got a seat at the booth, so was spared from the jostling associated with being in a room among 200 people that only holds 150 people. Big thanks to Jen, Jo, Dave, Matt and Ethan for enjoying another LTH show with me!
I was lucky enough to have Eric Brace play my guitar in my living room a few weeks ago. He had written a new song about Johnny Cash as he drove home from Nashville, and he wanted to try it out. This is THE SONG. The band played it for the first time live last night, and the audience stood stunned at its beauty. Now that LTH has signed a RECORD DEAL, I'm hoping they'll get some radio push behind this tune after the new record is released in the Fall. I think it could change Mr. Brace's life.
PSA: For all you artists out there playing IOTA soon, Stephen informed me that "In an ideal world, the word IOTA should be in all caps on posters." oops.
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