TuneCorner

What Every Musician Should Know About Digital Distribution

Here's the start of an article I'm writing for several online resources. Enjoy!
--Peter

Part I: Distribution and Doing It Yourself

You can sell your music yourself right to your fans, on CDs you mail out of your home, from the trunk of your car, from a knapsack or on a collapsible table at your concerts or on a street corner. Direct selling has some real advantages—piracy is practically impossible, and as long as you track your inventory well, theft and even damage can be kept to a minimum. You keep all the money, other than your expenses. You can even decide who gets to be your customer.

But if you want help selling, if you want other people to sell or even give away your music for you, you have to get the music into their hands. That’s distribution: getting your product into the hands of other people who sell it for you. It costs, because there’s no way people are going to do the work of selling your music unless you pay them somehow, and it costs to get the music into their hands. How are you going to decide who should sell your music for you and under what deal terms? How do you get them the music, how will it be stored, how quickly and effectively can stock be replenished? How will you track the process, audit them to make sure they aren’t making mistakes or skimming? You’ll need to communicate with them about errors and suggest how you want your music sold. There’s a lot to keep track of when distributing, which is why musicians and labels traditionally hired experts, distributors, and paid them (often with a percentage) for their full-time efforts.

The DIY Guide To Singing In The Studio

I’m going to begin this article by quoting from one of my earlier articles:

Your career as a recording artist hinges on many things from the songs you choose to the musicianship on your records. But the single most important thing for your artist identity is your voice. Your ultimate goal as a vocalist is to sound exactly like yourself. In other words, the more relaxed and confident you are as a singer, the more people will know who you are and what you’re about. In reality, it’s predominantly musicians who listen to CD’s for the musicianship, but the people who decide to buy your CD will connect with your voice first and everything else much later.

This article will serve as a do-it-yourself primer for how to approach singing in the recording studio. In today’s independent musical environment, it’s typically the case that you will play the part of not only the artist, but the manager, record label and producer, too. The trick when it comes to getting great vocal performances is to make the most of each of these roles by knowing which role to play and when. I’ll be describing your responsibilities for each of these roles in the paragraphs below.

The TuneCore Huffington Post Article

This posting went live at the Huffington Post some time ago - I thought it made sense to make it available here as well.

The Democratization of the Music Industry

(The original posting can be found here.)

Due to the advent and adoption of the Internet, digital media and hardware by the masses, control of the global music industry has being broken. For the first time, all music creators can choose to be their own record label – there are no longer subjective gatekeepers controlling who gets let “in”, promoted, exposed and made available to the masses, the choice now becomes ours.

For the past century, artists could record, manufacture, market, and, to some degree, promote their own music, but no matter if they were The Beatles, Elvis or Led Zepplin, they could not distribute it and get in placed on the shelves of the stores across the country, the required costs and infrastructure of the physical world were just too massive – a 500,00 square foot warehouse staffed with 30 people,  trucks and inventory systems, insurance, a field staff of 30 people walking to music stores leveraging, begging, pleading and paying to get the CD, album, 8-track, wax spool etc on the precious shelves of the retail stores.

What A Producer Does and Why You Should Consider Using One

(by TuneCore user Cliff Goldmacher)

Working as a producer for the last ten years, I’ve recorded with all kinds of artists from “fresh off the boat” newbies to artists whose experience in the world of music doubles or even triples my own. In every case, my role as a producer stays essentially the same.  It’s that role that I’m going to describe in this article.

What Is A Producer?

The best way I know to describe what a producer does comes in the form of this analogy: a producer is to a recording as a director is to a film. When it comes to making a film, the buck essentially stops with the director.  It’s the director who steers the ship working with everyone from the technical editors to the actors in order to achieve his or her overall vision of the movie.  It is exactly that way with a producer when it comes to making a recording.  Not only must the producer have the experience to work with the studio engineer (often possessing the technical expertise to engineer the project themselves) but the musical understanding to help the artist with everything from song choice, structure and arrangement to the all-important vocal performances that are vital in giving a recording its personality.  In short, a producer provides the experience and necessary perspective to guide a recording from start to finish.

Nine Inch Nails....

I loved Nine Inch Nails  "Pretty Hate Machine" when it came out.  I used to DJ and Head Like Hole was a constant player at The Chameleon - a Lancaster, PA based live music/dance club located near my college Franklin & Marshall.  I was so proud of myself for picking up on the sample of Jane's Addiction on the album (and awed by Trent for using it).

Love them or hate them, Nine Inch Nails matter.  And Trent Reznor has been nothing but true to his vision and himself.

Over the years on my record label spinART I have had the privilege of working and releasing many of the artists I loved in college (and in some cases high school - still praying for a Feelies reunion) - from The Pixies to Echo & The Bunnyment to Roddy Frame (Aztec Camera) to The Church to Camper Van Beethoven to Stephen Duffy (Lilac Time) to The Wedding Present and more. 

Now through TuneCore I get the privilege of stating I have, in some capacity, "worked" with Nine Inch Nails.  Granted, all we did is deliver the new album Ghosts I-IV to AmazonMP3 (Amazon's digital download store) but for me, this small action allows a feeling of accomplishment and appreciation.

The new album is a 34 track collage of unique sounds - and unique sounds is what Trent has been making for over two decades (if not most of his life).  And true to form, he did it on his own with no label with a small twist, the entire album is available for just $5

It's cool to be part of it!

Best of TuneCore 2007

The CS team at TuneCore took some time to pick their top five artists that used TuneCore in 2007.  It was really hard to narrow it down but everyone did a good job.  Below you can see the staff picks for the whole year and find links to each of the bands albums.  You can click the very bottom link to get to the iMix which contains all the TuneCore songs on one play list.  Enjoy and Happy New Year!!

Laurelin's Top 5 

1) Bowerbirds - Hymns for a Dark Horse - In Our Talons
The Bowerbirds are the best band I've heard all year.  They hail from Raleigh North Carolina, deep in the woods.  They do impressive things like build log cabins and make beautiful and genuine music.  I'm lucky they're such great people and allowed me to convince them to use TuneCore.

2) Peter and The Wolf - The Ivori Palms - Better Days
I've liked Peter and The Wolf for years now, even back when I thought he was European despite him living blocks from me in Austin. "Better Days" is my favorite song on the 2007 album, Ivori Palms.  It's energizing and spirited.  With great lyrics like, "We've been through hell you and me, cop dramas, girl tragedies, oh brother, I promise you it's better days ahead," you can't help but feel like your better days are in fact ahead.

3) Centro-Matic - Operation Motorcide – Atlanta
Centro-Matic is and has been the hardest working indie band since the 1996.  Their latest release, Operation Motorcide, shows Will Johnson's ability to write both a perfect sing-a-long dance number and slower more serious songs.  This recording is great, but seeing it live is even better.  They tour non-stop so catch them at one of their many shows and ask Will to do his toaster dance, it's guaranteed not to disappoint.

4) White Denim - Let's Talk About it - Let's talk about it
White Denim will blow you away from the first time you hear those chugging bass lines.  Let's talk about it is one of those classic songs that is truly rock 'n' roll.  It's almost embarrassing to call it rock 'n' roll because of how low the standard has sunk but White Denim raises the bar.

5) Brazos - a City Just as Tall - Mary Jo
Wow, Brazos came out of seemingly nowhere in 2007.  The second "Mary Jo" starts you know you're in for it.  This song is so poppy and catchy on the first listen you could swear some overpaid producer out of a place like Miami did it.  Then after listening to it a few times and you actually hear beyond the hooks you realize it's a heartbreaking song of lost love.

Tai’s Top 5

1) Oh No! Oh My! – S/T - Walk in the Park
A perfectly constructed song evoking the best of 60's pop that will always remind me of summer and not a bad song for cold NY days too.

2) The Gay Blades – Ghosts - Bob Dylan's 115th Nightmare
This song is one of my favorite releases of the year, from the first full length from New York’s Gay Blades.  Don't let the name fool you; they are not a joke band.  This song gets my choice for one of the favorites of the year because it brings the energy of their live show across, which must be seen and not explained.

3) Boy/Girl - Secret Secret Secret Singles - Rorshack
Boy slash girl  have a jagged, angular sound with dynamics that more bands should take note of.  From a whisper to freak-out loudness, this song is quite unsettling in the best possible way.  Plus a great drum beat to boot.

4) William Fitzsimmons – Goodnight - It's Not True
Although the lone man with acoustic guitar is nothing new, Firtzsimmons somehow transcends the cliché.  His restrained vocal delivery, the perfect finger picking, melodies, memorable lyrics, and the minimal electronic bleeps/bumps/hisses hinting at a rhythm section form something entirely unique. 

5) MGMT - Time to Pretend EP - Time To Pretend

Another song that will always remind me of summer ‘07, I'm nostalgic, with a hook that easily will stay in your head for weeks.  The lyrics are pretty much what everyone wants out of a band, but sometimes we all just have to pretend.

Taylor's Top 5

1) King Banana - Sample track: Big Up

2) Hydroponic Soundsystem  - Sample track: Percy Keeps His Disco Dubby

3) Yummy Fight  - Sample track: Gonna Get Up

4) Melanie Sky  - Sample track: Call Me (remix)

5) Bay Root Productions - Sample track: Under the Influence

Helen’s Top 5

1) Melanie - Sky Call Me Single
This may be sing most tender song I’ve ever heard.  Hands down it’s my favorite Tunecore song ever and my favorite song in general these days.

2) Foxxjazell Feel the Vibe ( Dance Remix)
The beat is very reminiscent of that Old School House music feel.  What I mean is that this is flamboyant, feel-good party music.  Foxxjazell is a talented emcee.  With such a unique voice (for rap) and funny wordplay on the track, who wouldn’t enjoy dancing to this?

3) Bad Brains - LIVE CBGB 1982 - I AND I SURVIVE
The Brains rule!  Need I say more?

4) Walt Cunningham Jr. – I feel the Spirit - What You Need to Do
While the singers have very strong, traditional gospel voices the choir sounds contemporary and catchy. This choir sings beautifully.  I don’t generally listen to gospel, but I love this album. 

5) Anamanaguchi  - Power Supply EP  - Helix Nebula
Anamanaguchi is a New York based Rock band.  Their guitars and early video game soundtrack mixed is like nothing I’ve ever heard before.

Megan’s Top 5

There is such a variety of artist represented through Tunecore. It was really hard to choose my top 5 Tunecore artists of 2007. The following are a diverse group that I urge you to check out so that you may enjoy them as much as I have.

1) The Cedar – Grannies’ Knitting Caf? - Strange Little Images
I've recently come to appreciate the bands that take advantage of a full spectrum if instruments. I was raised listening to folk and bluegrass and these home grown sounds have always appealed to me. I found those same roots in The Cedar an indie folk outfit based out of the UK.

2) Tiger,Tiger - Loving ... Dying ... And Other Dirty Things - The Stars You Love
Reaching back across the pond to the states. I found comfort in the mellow styling of Tiger,Tiger. They have great pop melodies and ethereal arrangements to match.  Here’s a good hint, to keep an eye on Minnesota, which is where this band hails from.

3) Cousin – The Girl I Knew (single) – The Girl I Knew
I recently relocated to NYC and was curious to see what was on the verge for this pool of creativity. I came across Cousin. It's often hard to tell whether they are crooning love ballads or love gone wrong ballads. Either way with those velvet vocals and heart felt lyrics they lay down prove they are on the way to somewhere big.

4) The Muggs – the Muggs - Gonna Need My Help
You have to wonder who casts the popular vote. The Detroit band The Muggs recently made it onto America's Next Band. Maybe to their salvation they did not make it through. They play some mean blues-rock and are fronted by one of Detroit's most talented guitarists Danny Metric. They have a heavy raw sound only Detroit can produce.

5) House on a Hill - Nicest View of the War – Back of your head
And last but not least. I wouldn't be doing you any justice without including House On A Hill. I took an immediate liking to their sound. These guys just do it for me. These Seattle to NYC transplants are truly sonically pleasing. Enough said.

Justin’s Top 5

1) Mock Puppet – Mock Puppet - Back From the Bottom
Hot record, makes me think of the PCH, palm trees, silicon and traffic.

2) Panasuyo - Monte Y Culebra - Besito
No one can get enough besitos! This record makes me feel like I'm at the beach!

3) Hernandez, Fortino, I I - Harry And My Wife - Harry and My Wife
Everyone needs some Country in their life!

4) Heather Rigdon - Young & Naïve - My Mother Would Like You 
Smooth jazz at its best!

5) Soulja Boy Tell 'Em - Crank Dat Soulja Boy Single - Crank Dat Soulja Boy (Superman)
I like to lean to the right and crank that thang!

Cedar’s Top 5

1. Ravi Shankar - Spirit of India - Raga Gaud Sarang - Fast Gat In Ada Chautaal
This record is truly amazing. If you are put off by the traditional indian sound or think you "don't like world music" listen to track 5 Raga Gaud Sarang - Fast Gat In Ada Chautaal and think math-rock or experimental and your mind just might be blown out like a little candle.

2. Monocle - Outer Sunset – Dangue Fever
Here is a N.Y. band that I predict will be successful vary soon if they can get a break. Guitars drums and keyboards back up the female singer reminding me of a "Dangue Fever" in english, with a nice film soundtrack feel. Track 2 "Agent Earle" Is a good example.

3) Helmet - Revenge Destroys Everything – Revenge Destroys Everything
This single from the Alt-metal band of the Decade encompasses the elements that make Helmet what they are. If you like rock devoid of blues roots heck out the post-metal guitar solo At 1:40

4. No Outlet – Backseat Drive / No Outlet Split – Without You
A nice indi-rock record. nice loungy melodies and pleasant vocal harmonies make the not-so-memorable songs go down easy. No outlet is a solid record and should be checked out by fans of mellow popy indi-rock. Track 8 "Without You"

5. Zofka – Nice – Duckies Reminder
Here is an aptly named record. To me this sounds like my grandparents collection of LPs in the hands of a Club DJ. Perfect for a restaurant bar, or background music at your next dinner/cocktail party. Track 5 "Duckies"

TuneCore + Gothamist.com + WOXY.com = LOVE

Join TuneCore in congratulating the following TuneCore customers that are playing CMJ 2007 here in NYC:

• A Place to Bury Strangers (www.aplacetoburystrangers.com)  
  10/17 - 12am Music Hall of Williamsburg
  10/17 - 11pm The Delancey
  10/18 - 8pm Losaida


• Arizona (arizonatheband.com)
  10/16 - 4pm Indaba loft
  10/17 - 9pm Canal Room
  10/20 - 8pm Galapagos
  10/21 - 7pm Southpaw


• The Attorneys (www.theattorneysband.com)
  10/20 - 9pm Alphabet Lounge


• Bowerbirds (www.bowerbirds.org)
  10/18 - 8pm Knitting Factory
  10/19 - 1pm Puck Building


• Buddy (www.myspace.com/buddy  )  
  10/20 The Living Room


• Care Bears on Fire (  www.myspace.com/carebearsonfire )  
  10/16 - 7pm Crash Mansion


• Centro-Matic (www.centro-matic.com)  
  10/18 - 1am Arlene's Grocery
  10/20 - 5:30pm Union Pool


• Die Romantik (www.dieromanticmusic.com)  
  10/17 - 11:30pm The Canal Room


• The Gay Blades (www.thegayblades.com)  
  10/19 - 10pm Lit Lounge


• Gold Streets (goldstreetsnyc.com)  
  10/20 - 8pm The Delancey


• Harlem Shakes (www.harlemshakes.com)  
  10/20 - Mercury Lounge


• Hot IQs (www.hotiqs.com)
  10/16 - 8:15pm The Delancey
  10/17 - 6pm Club Midway
  10/17 - 8pm Union Hall


• InnerPartySystem (www.innerpartysystem.com)  
  10/17 - 8pm The Annex


• Klimpter ( www.myspace.com/klimpter  )
  10/17 - 7pm Crash Mansion


• KRS-One (www.krs-one.com)  


• Lewis & Clarke (lewisandclarkemusic.com)  
  10/17 - 9pm Union Pool
  10/18 - 8pm Sound Fix


• MGMT (www.myspace.com/mgmt  )  
  10/20 - 12am Crash Mansion


• Modern Life is War (www.modernlifeiswar.net)  
  10/16 - 6:30pm Webster Hall


• My Teenage Stride (www.myteenagestride.com)  
  10/16 - 9pm Union Hall


• Oh No! Oh My! (www.ohnoohmy.com)  
  10/17 - 8pm Galapagos


• Oliver Future (www.oliverfuture.com)  
  10/19 - 9pm Fontana


• Pink Nasty (www.pinknasty.net)  


• Sam Champion (www.samchampionband.com )  


• Speck Mountain (www.burntbrownsounds.com)  
  10/15 - 8pm Knitting Factory
  10/18 - 8pm Knitting Factory


• Tacks, the Boy Disaster (www.tackstheboydisaster.com)  
  10/16 - 7:30pm Galapagos
  10/17 - 6:30pm The Living Room
  10/17 - 9:30pm Arlene's Grocery


• Tapes 'n Tapes (www.tapesntapes.com)  


• Takka Takka (www.takkatakkamusic.com)


• White Denim (www.whitedenimmusic.com)  
  10/16 - 8pm Galapagos
  10/17 - 8pm Avalon
  10/19 - 8pm Mercury Lounge
  10/20 - 4:30pm Fader Party
  10/20 - 10pm  Blender Party

SPECIAL EVENT: TuneCore customer White Denim (www.whitedenimmusic.com) has been selected by TuneCore, WOXY.com and Gothamist.com (www.gothamist.com) to play at the Gothamist House!

WOXY will be broadcasting live from Gothamist House all week. The show will be streaming on their website (woxy.lala.com), and later the "best of" will be compiled into a neat little podcast! The House is free (no badges required), will be open from 2:00pm to around 8:30pm each day from October 17th through October 20th at The White Rabbit (145 E. Houston Street, New York, NY). Have to work? Listen on WOXY til you can come out and see the bands live!

SPECIAL EVENTJeff Price, founder of TuneCore, will be moderating a panel at CMJ this year, "Music Business Primer: Digital Distribution," focusing on the online music market, digital music outlets, blogs and other digital distribution options.  Complete details can be found at CMJ's Website here.

Congrats again to all of our customers playing CMJ this year. We look forward to a great festival in our home town.

Check out the first ever TuneCore Staff Picks iMix

The TuneCore staff is beginning to put together semi-regular iMix selections from our personal favorite TuneCore artists. Check out the first iMix by clicking below.

Here is the tracklisting!

1. Panic - Autodrone

2. Rascal - Blak Thor

3. Stare to the Sun - Boy/Girl

4. Atlanta - Centro-Matic

5. Red Right Hands - Harlem Shakes

6. Dramatador - Loxsly

7. love In the Time of Hate - The Memories Attack

8. To Live and Die In the Airport Lounge - My Teenage Stride

9. The Apple Tree - Peter and the Wolf

10. Don't Ever Change - Pink Nasty

11. Stuck In the Middle - The SnowLeopards

12. Everything Has Changed - William Fitzsimmons

Check out the band’s websites below:

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TuneCore: An interview with Ray Manzarek and Bal!

The following is my very in depth interview with the legendary keyboardist from The Doors, Ray Manzarek. I talked with Ray about past, present and future, and I got some great stories and insights. There are even some stories about The Doors I've never heard before, and I've read a bunch of the books! I also talk with Bal, who made the album, Atonal Head, with Ray as a complete collaboration. Bal is a trumpet player/composer/producer extraordinaire working out of LA. He also does many clinics and seminars on recording and preforming. This was a life-long dream come true. I have been a Doors fan ever since falling in love with music, and I will remember this forever. *Also included for your listening pleasure is "Shinjuku Nights" from Atonal Head by Ray Manzarek and Bal. Hope you enjoy!


MP3 File

Jeff, hot to deaf, at the Guitar Center Panel

Last night Guitar Center held a great event they call sessions. Here's the flier..

As you can see it had amazing panelists, including our very own Jeff Price. So the TuneCore crew just had to attend! Here are newly hired Taylor & Tai getting excited about the upcoming event.

Chuck D spoke about the changing music industry and specifically how it affects Hip Hop artists, MCs and DJs. It was really inspiring to hear someone that has been so successful speak. He was very straightforward and I know the crowd really appreciate the tips he gave.

Here are some pics of the team enjoying the panel and some of the panel itself.

DMC was asking Chuck D questions, it was amazing to hear their stories about how they've been making music for over 20 years.

I even got to take a picture with Chuck D, I felt like a big nerd, but I'm glad I did it in the end.

this is my, I just met Chuck D face...

After that Grand Wizard Theodore showed off some of his moves

Then it was time for Jeff to step up to the mic. The crowd was clearly excited about seeing Jeff, I mean Chuck D gave him at least 3 shout outs!!

Jeff spoke about TuneCore and how the company came about. He spoke about his goals with the company and how we're at the forefront of the independent music revolution! It was still exciting; no matter how many times I've heard him speak.

Then it was time for Rob Swift's DJ set. Everyone was really getting into it.

Then it was time to leave Guitar Center but not before a group photo, I love those.

l-r (Rami, me (Laurelin), Tai, Taylor & Jeff)

Then Tai and I played some mini-golf at the Bushwick Country Club, one of our favorite spots.

as you can see it's really fancy

then when the strokes were tallied..

Tai was triumphant!

We then marked up the cement and went to our respective homes...

Another great night with my best friends at TuneCore!

Ricky Snags a Grammy

Yet another TuneCore artist was awarded a Grammy at this year's 49th annual Grammy Awards, that being the renowned Blue Grass artist, Ricky Skaggs. Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder were awarded with the 2006 Grammy for Best Blue Grass Album for his latest album, Instrumentals,  making this the fourth time he has received this acclaim. This year it was an especially coveted achievement as all eleven tracks were written by Ricky Skaggs and  in addition this was his first instrumental album which beat out other great albums which included lyrics. Throughout the span of his 35 year career as a professional musician Skaggs has been granted 12 Grammy awards including Best Country Instrumental Performance (years 1983,1984 and 1986), Best Country Vocal Collaboration in 1991, and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2003.

We are so excited for Ricky as this also marks the second album in the TuneCore system to win a Grammy. Ricky Skaggs joined the TuneCore roster in August of 2006 to upload his latest Grammy winning album, Instrumentals. Shortly after, Skaggs took advantage of the TuneCore services and uploaded other great collections from his chart topping catalog. We are lucky to be involved with such a talent and look forward to a future sure to be full of great music and admirable success!

Check out the Skaggs family website to learn more. Click Here.

Congratulations to Ziggy Marley!

Please put your hands together...or rattle your jewelry...

Legendary artist and TuneCore customer, Ziggy Marley won a Grammy!

From his website:
Los Angeles, CA (February 16th, 2007) – Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Ziggy Marley, won the award for Best Reggae Album at the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, February 11th for his second solo studio album Love Is My Religion (Tuff Gong Worldwide). This marks Marley's 1st win as a solo artist and his 4th total in the Best Reggae category. Marley has three previous wins with Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers.

"I'm honored and appreciative that this very personal album was acknowledged by the Recording Academy," said Marley after receiving the award.

Love Is My Religion expands upon the personal, social and political themes explored in Ziggy's debut CD, Dragonfly, peppering a reggae core with African percussion and other flavors. Ziggy serves as the album's songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. The album was independently released on July 4th, 2006 and is currently being sold exclusively through Target. "One of my father's goals was to release an album independently. His plan was to do that after the release of his final album on a major label – unfortunately, he never had the chance," shared Ziggy. "This album and the way it is being sold is important to me in honoring my father's spirit."

Ziggy Marley's early immersion in music came at age ten when he sat in on recording sessions with his father. He later joined his siblings to front The Melody Makers, whose eight best-selling albums generated such chart-topping hits as "Tomorrow People" and "Tumbling Down" Ziggy's solo debut, Dragonfly, was released in 2003 and featured such artists as Flea and John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Mike Einziger and DJ Kilmore (Incubus). For more information on Ziggy Marley, please log on to www.ziggymarley.com.

We congratulate him on all the success of his album, and look for more to come!

TuneCore: An Interview With Izzy Stradlin from Guns N' Roses

An interview with Izzy Stradling from Guns N' Roses - making the albums, the rise to fame, leaving the band and what happened next


MP3 File

Check out Izzy's solo albums available now in

Izzy Stradlin / Guns 'N Roses / TuneCore / Podcast and you...

Outiside of feverently believing in the philosophy of TuneCore - and also believing we are making a good positive difference in the world - the other very cool part is meeting and talking with a lot of artists, many of which I have listened to - and respected - for years.

I recently had the priviledge of speaking with Izzy Stradlin as Izzy had four albums he wanted in iTunes. He used TuneCore to deliver them.

For those of you who think you are not familiar with Izzy's work, well, you probably are, you just don't know you it. Izzy wrote (and played guitar on): "Patience","Used Ta Love Her", "Brownstone","Think About You","You Could be Mine" and co wrote on all of the other Guns 'N Roses hits like "Welcome to the Jungle", "Paradise City", "Right Next Door To Hell", "Night Train", "Don't Cry" and more

Izzy was in Guns 'N Roses until 1991. He played and co/wrote w/axl and the band on all of the music they put out from the 80`s through 1991.

Post GNR, Izzy released four solo albums (so for those of you out there that have been following his career this does not count the album with the Ju Ju Hounds) - Like a Dog, On Down the Road,River and Ride On. All are damn good.

And here I am talking to him on the phone learning about what it was like to be in one of the most important influential bands in the world and a thought occured to me - others would probably find this conversation very interesting as well. So I simply asked if Izzy would allow me to "interview" him for a TuneCore podcast. He said "yes".

Which brings me to the point of this Blog posting - I figured there might be some questions some people might have that they would like me to ask Izzy for the second TuneCore podcast. If you do, post them here and I will make sure to get the good ones in.

Gian Rocks!

You may know something about Gian Caterine if you read his mini-biography on the TuneCore "Meet the Founders" page (http://www.tunecore.com/index/bios). You might know Gian is our most trusted financial advisor, an integral part of our company, and if TuneCore reaches its full potential, it's because he was there, fighting battles we didn't even realize were upon us, and winning. You probably know Gian means the world to all of us, and we're overjoyed to have him on our team. What you don't know is, Gian rocks.

Gary Burke (our CTO) and I drove up to Worcester, MA, this weekend to catch Gian and his 5-piece band at a cozy, friendly venue. Vincent's is a small bar full of photos and stuffed fauna (I spotted a wolf, a weasel, a coyote, an armadillo and a fully inflated puffer fish), with only enough room for four tiny tables, the bar and the band. We didn't know what to expect--we didn't even know what kind of music Gian and his band played. We figured maybe 70's rock covers or something.

In two seconds we were blown away. Gian ROCKS. His music is written from scratch and from the heart. It's loosely "Roots" with a dose of blues and folk, a touch of Beatles and a helping of Dire Straights. But this is no homage band: the influences are there, but they have their own sound.

John Cate (Gian's stage name) fronts the band as lead vocalist and rhythm guitar. They have a fantastic lead guitarist who can be part George Harrison, part B. B. King. Their bassist is steady as a rock, he totally blew me away (if you're in a band, you know how important the bassist is, and when you get a quality one, you hang on for life). They have a chameleon on steel, fiddle and mandolin--I suspect he plays more instruments, but that's all he brought with him that night. Gian tells me they cycle through a number of drummers, and tonight's was a real pro.

What struck me about their music was the sense of trust--these guys knew each other, were comfortable with their roles and their instruments, and could support each other with that ease that comes from really knowing your stuff. They had tremendous energy, enough to fill fifty times the space they had. We all see a lot of rock bands with energy--it's good, it's necessary, but unless it's fueling both vision and skill, it's juvenile. Not so here: these guys poured it in through well-played instruments, never showboating, but rocking out from the sheer power of the moment.

And what moments! Gian, I found out, writes all the songs, and they're good. No, I mean it. I'm not just saying that. They're GOOD. They acknowledge traditional forms, especially 8-bar blues, roots rock, some folk shapes highlighted by the fiddle and mandolin, but they aren't slavish. When the band begs, in three-part harmony, "Oh, Sweet Mercy, Take Me Back!" it's a western-blues call with meaning. When they rebound off the Charlie Daniels-inspired "And His Name Is John," you get caught up in the story. One song in their third set sounded like a power ballad from the 90s, but done right, without all the sap and with a lot less hair. Another earlier one, "Romeo and Juliet," had shades of Melloncamp, and I mean that in a good way.

Most of all, Gian rocks. They're into the music--I think that's why they choose only small venues. These guys have the chops to play a lot bigger, but they're in it for the fans. I happen to know Gian has a day job, and a hell of a job it is! I've watched him look a CEO of a $1.4 billion-dollar company in the eye and negotiate for better terms. I know he's helped bring companies public, to the tune of more than a billion in market cap. This guy rocks not for fun, not for pleasure, not for money, but because he HAS to, and that's all the difference.

They play in Worcester and also Cambridge, which is a much shorter drive for us. We'll be at the next show we can get to. And I know who's playing our company party, when we finally get time to have our first. If we all have to pile in a car to Worcester, it'll be worth the trip.

--Peter

Beatles on iTunes?

Well, the Liverpudlians are finally moving into the digital age, in any case. Neil Aspinall, former Beatles road manager, announced that their back catalog is being remastered for digital distribution and will be sold online, but given their lawsuit against Apple, iTunes is looking like a sketchy place for them. My bet is that they'll homebrew some sort of Beatles online store, the way Prince has done, and come up with some really painful DRM for their songs.

U2 can remix Brian Eno and David Byrne

Ok, this is freakin cool - and a very cool promotion

The 25th anniversary commercial release of Byrne's and Eno's "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts”, with new packaging and extra tracks is out soon. Coming later this month, you will be able to download for free two of the original tracks and the multitrack masters - the goal, to you have you remix / mash them up.

I am sorry, I just can not get over how cool that is. Anyone can just remix, use, mash up Brian Eno and David Byrne. No longer will it be the same as it ever was....

SXSW - Bands, Beer, BBQ and more in Bush Country

It's almost been one month since SXSW ended - and it's safe to say I have just about recovered.

SXSW is a hell of a lot of fun and work - and every year I come back completely and utterly drained fighting a cold or some other horrible flu-like disease someone passed on to me.

For those of you who are into music, it's a must. For five days you have a non-stop list of bands to see as well as events/parties and panels to attend. The majority of the activity happens around the Austin Convention center and heads up to 6th street. Every bar and club is jammed with people, food, BBQ, beer and live music from about 11 AM until 2 AM (Austin city law requires clubs to shut down at 2 AM) after which time the after parties begin - they usually end about 6 AM. Not to worry if you are not satisfied, a few hours later it all starts up again.

This year the unofficial guide to SXSW had over 20 pages of just day parties to attend - all free, most by RSVP invite, all with bands, most with some form of free food or beer.

I flew JetBlue direct out of New York JFK to Austin - psyched they started a direct flight. In the past, it used to be connections via Dallas, always delayed and always a huge pain in the ass. A friend and I were on the same flight, different rows and seats. The seat next to him remained empty until just before they closed the cabin door. In comes Billy Bragg ( the revolution is now only a website away) and sits down next to him. I love Billy Bragg, big fan. Probably best that he did not sit next to me as I would have found it hard not to talk his ear off for the three hour flight.

We landed almost on time at about midnight in Austin ( and I can absolutely attest to the fact that despite having 30 channels of satellite TV at your disposal on JetBlue, TV does indeed suck (the highlight of the flight was the VH1 classics channel showing a Blondie / Doors mash-up video - Jim Morrison superimposed in the background as Blondie strutted away - and the awe inspiring cross-dressing feature film Sorority Boys, need I say more). Split a cab with four other people and got dropped off at my hotel, the Marriott Capitol.

Every hotel room in the area usually sells out about three months ahead of time. I usually wait until the last minute and find myself screwed. Not this year. This year I booked my hotel room four months ahead of time. I arrived at the check in desk at about 1 AM only to discover they had my name and reservation but it did not matter as the hotel was overbooked. They had no room for me. Great, 1 AM during SXSW in Austin, every hotel booked for miles. They did offer me a hotel room about 40 miles out of the city but it was a moot point as that one was booked up as well.

Took my suitcase and walked into the heart of things knowing I was bound to bump into someone I knew. A few minutes later I did. they offered to let me stay at their house. Got to their house only to find they had a cat - I am deathly allergic to cats - so that was out. Sat on the stoop and syphoned off someone's free wi-fi and found a Hotel 8 nearby with one room left. Got over there as quickly as I could and by 3 AM I was able to get a room for the (what was left of it) night.

The next day, up early, back to the first hotel, checked in, grabbed a box of stuff I had shipped to myself with lots of TuneCore postcards, stickers, buttons, T-Shirts and fliers (weighed about 87 pounds, no joke) and hauled that over to the Convention center. Dropped off some of the stuff at the JakPrints / Indiemerchandising.com booth (TuneCore strategic parntners). Got freaked out as I met Isaac - twin brother of Jacob, co-owner of JakPrints and Indiemerchandising.com- and could not figure out why this person who looked exactly like the guy I knew did not recognize me.

Did a quick round of hellos to a large number of people I only get to see once a year and then grabbed the now 75 pound box and rushed over to The Speakeasy - the bar we were having the TuneCore party at. Set that up but realized I left the T-shirts back at the hotel. Ran back to the hotel, snagged the T-Shirts and got back to the party just as Shifter were going on. Shifter are a four piece from Australia and they freakin' rocked. Imagine crossing Jet, Cheap Trick and the Sweet and you have Shifter. Great guitar licks, incredible backline and amazing harmonies floating on top of it all.

Keep your eyes out for the MySpace / Cingular Mobile promotion about to start on Shifter.

Unfortunately, two of the members from June came down with strep throat and they had to cancel. Apollo Sunshine up next and rocked the place for the next hour - honestly, Apollo Sunshine is one of THE best live bands I have ever seen. The technical skill of that band combined with their passion, songs and instrumentation is something you will likely never see anywhere else in your lifetime (full disclosure here, Apollo Sunshine are signed to my label, spinART Records).

The party wrapped up around 7 PM - just in time for me to run out of there and get over to Stubbs for the "secret" Beastie Boys gig. Stubbs was outdoors in a sort of half shell stage. The Beastie Boys were great, just the three of them and a DJ and they just seemed to be having a lot of fun. That ended and I realized it was after 8 PM and I had not eaten yet the entire day - there just was not time.

Went to PF Changs with the guys from JakPrints and Indiemerchandising.com then headed out to see more bands. Got back to the hotel at about 3 AM and went to sleep. Friday it started all over again.

Friday was a bit of a blur - major highlight during the day was the intense semi-angular performance by Tapes n Tapes (who have used TuneCore to get their album up into iTunes where it recently was the 74th most bought album in all of iTunes!). They were all really good but the drummer was a mind blower.

That day was the spinART Records party with Rough Trade. The Hot IQs, Clem Snide, The Tyde and more played. That night was spinART Records night - line up was Bravo Silva, Head Of Femur, Apollo Sunshine and Clem Snide (solo). Place was packed, fire marshals were at the venue so there was a line out the door of people waiting to get in. Each band had their crowd with lots of people screaming (Bravo Silva in particular).

The night ended around 1 AM and I booked over to see Centro-Matic play. Another amazing show. Hung out again until about 3 AM, went back to the hotel, crashed and woke up early for the panel I was part of on Saturday.

The panel was, to put it mildly, interesting. The title of it was "Aggregators Get It Together" and featured panelists from The Orchard, IODA, DRA, Verizon V-cast and myself. Prior to SXSW I was interviewed by Billboard Magainze for my thoughts on digital distribution and independent labels/artists. It's not a secret that I believe companies that require a label or artist to give a percentage of the revenue generated from every sale of their music in an exclusive deal for many years is just dead wrong. I believe it's gouging and taking advantage.

In the Billboard article I am quoted as saying, among other things, "I despise the economic model of aggregators. They're morally repugnant". In the green room prior to the panel the person from the aggregator DRA launched into me pretty aggressively complaining that I was making a judgement on him and his customers calling them both stupid. He demanded to know how I could make such a statement. The answer I gave him was a long one - so long I have decided to make it its own blog entry. It's worth a read.

After the panel, it was another whirlwind of bands/meetings/parties and remembering that I forgot to eat (again!). The highlights from Saturday included The Jessica Fletchers ( where I bumped into John and Tammy from Dressy Bessy - old friends that I only get to see a few times a year) Essex Green and a keyboard based cymbal/percussion infused high energy controlled cacophony called Loxsly. I got back to the hotel around 2:30 AM and decided to skip all the after parties in an attempt to get some sleep. I had a semi-early flight out the next morning.

I am pleased to say, aside from sounding like Barry White due to my voice being shot to hell and being run down for a week, all my limbs are still attached - and I have another 358 or so days to gear up for next year.

Mash Ups

Ok, I know most mash ups just blow. Nevertheless, I love 'em. When you find one that works it makes it all worth it. And on that note, props to Arty Fufkin presents - very cool Mash Up Blog.

Has a great "Beastie Boys -Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun vs Sonic Youth, Kool Thing " mash up featured at the moment. The Zep meets Jackson 5 mash up on the other hand, well, noble effort

Worth checking out his site. And hey, got any more good mash up site, feel free to post them.