Alternative Gold 90's Edition

Here I share a playlist of some of my favorite Alternative songs from the 90's. Enjoy!!!

Billy Idol, New Studio Album (Kings and Queens of The Underground)

Billy Idol is back with a new studio album and is scheduled to be released on October 21.  This would be Billy Idol's new studio album with new material since The Devils Playground (2005).  Along with legendary Steve Stevens and Billy Morrison the album has been produced by Trevor Horn (Yes) and Greg Kurstin (The Shins, Lana Del Rey, Lykke Li).  The new album will be released couple of weeks after Billy Idol's long awaited autobiography, "Dancing With Myself" that would be released on October 7.  There is a short European tour following the release of the new album.  No U.S dates scheduled yet, but Billy Idol should be touring America in 2015.

Listen to the New Album Track: Can't Break Me Down

Track list:

1. Bitter Pill

2. Can’t Break Me Down

3. Save Me Now

4. One Breath Away

5. Postcards From The Past

6. Kings & Queens Of The Underground

7. Eyes Wide Shut

8. Ghosts In My Guitar

9. Nothing To Fear

10. Love And Glory

11. Whiskey And Pills

Upcoming New Album Release for 22 & 23, September

ARTIST	ALBUM
22-Sep-14
Gazelle Twin	Unflesh
Suicideyear	Remembrance
23-Sep-14
Alt-J	This Is All Yours
Aphex Twin	Syro
Bonnie	Singer's Grave: A Sea Of Tongues
Christine Fellows	Burning Daylight
Chuck Prophet	Night Surfer
Cody Joe Tillman & The Wicked Truth	Cody Joe Tillman & The Wicked Truth
Dntel	Human Voice
Empires	Orphan
Gnarwolves	Gnarwolves
Goat	Commune
Groundislava	Frozen Throne
Imelda May	Tribal
Information Society	_hello world
J.P. Harris	Home Is Where the Hurt Is
Jennifer Hudson	JHUD
John Mellencamp	Plain Spoken
Julian Casablancas + The Voidz	Tyranny
Kenny Chesney	The Big Revival
King Tuff	Black Moon Spell
Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett	Cheek To Cheek
Laetitia Sadier	Something Shines
Leonard Cohen	Popular Problems
Lights	Little Machines
Marketa Irglova	Muna
Matty Mullins	Matty Mullins
Mr Twin Sister	Mr Twin Sister
NehruvianDOOM	NehruvianDOOM
Nicholas Krgovich	On Sunset
Perfume Genius	Too Bright
Purling Hiss	Weirdon
Rob Lynch	All These Nights In Bars Will Somehow Save My Soul
S	Cool Choices
SBTRKT	Wonder Where We Land
SILVA	Ocean View
Sleepmakeswaves	Love Of Cartography
Takako Minekawa & Dustin Wong	Savage Imagination
The Crooked Brothers	Thank You I'm Sorry
The Drums	Encyclopedia
The Growlers	Chinese Fountain
Tweedy	Sukierae
Whirr	Sway

Upcoming Album Releases for September, 16

Here is a list of the upcoming album releases for 16 September. We will start posting all new releases a week in advance, enjoy.

ARTIST	ALBUM
Cannibal Corpse	A Skeletal Domain
Engineers	Always Returning
Generationals	Alix
Hamish Kilgour	All Of It And Nothing
Hostage Calm	Die On Stage
Isabel Rose	Trouble In Paradise
James	La Petite Mort
Jesse Winchester	A Reasonable Amount Of Trouble
Lia Ices	Ices
Lowell	We Loved Her Dearly
Mia Doi Todd	Floresta
Mike Doughty	Stellar Motel
Moonface	City Wrecker
Nico & Vinz	Black Star Elephant
Obey the Brave	Salvation
Paolo Nutini	Caustic Love
Rain City Rockers	Mayday
Shellac	Dude Incredible
Shintaro Sakamoto	Let's Dance Raw
Sir Sly	You Haunt Me
Slash	World On Fire
Sleepwave	Broken Compass
Spencer Burton	Don't Let the World See Your Love
Texas In July	Bloodwork
The Contortionist	Language
The Juan MacLean	In A Dream
The Mojo Gurus	Who Asked Ya?
This Will Destroy You	Another Language
Tweedy	Sukierae
Vessel	Punish, Honey
VKNGS	VKNGS
White Arrows	In Bardo

"Songs of Innocence", U2's New Studio Album

"Songs of Innocence,” is the new album from U2 and is available for free download via iTunes. It’s been a very exiting week for Apple with their announcement on Tuesday regarding their new products. Bono announced the release of their 13th studio album and informs fans via a letter that the timing had to be right. Apple purchased the album for free release to the masses in celebration of the U2/iTunes commercial 10 years ago. The album has been produced by Danger Mouse, Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder, Declan Gaffney, and longtime friend Flood. The album is available also via the bands U2.com website. High expectations, all U2 fans know the band gets better as years go by, just like wine. Below is a brief statement from Bono, via his letter.

 “I hope after listening to our new long player a few times, you’ll understand why it took so long. We really went there… it’s a very, very personal album. Apologies if that gets excruciating”…

New Music from Radiohead

The band has recently updated their app called "PolyFauna" with new music from the band in three years. The music was delivered via their app as an update, surprising Radiohead fans all over the globe earlier this week. The new music will mark the band's ninth studio release, new album is still in the works. Longtime producer and bands friend, Nigel Godrich will be joining them once again. The songs display synthetic sounds and more ambient feeling to the band's sound. This will mark another initiative from the band to independently release their music without the help of other major labels. The band is scheduled to enter the recording studio at the end of September.  Most of Radiohead band members have been working on their side projects such as Atoms for Peace with Thom Yorke, Philip Selway's solo effort with the release of Weatherhouse, and Jonny Greenwood's contribution to the score of Inherent Vice.  Fans are always excited to listen to one of the greatest bands of this generation.  Below is a screenshot from the PolyFauna app.

Referenece:

Image URL: Radiohead_CreepWall_by_Tetino.png

The Return of "Faith No More"

Legendary Alt-Metal band Faith No More is scheduled to release their 7th studio album in April 2015.  The release will be their first studio album in 18 years, time has really passed by.  Growing up with hits like "Epic," "We Care A Lot" and "King For A Day" brings so many memories on how good this band was.  Mike Patton has been involved in various highly influential projects like Mr. Bungle, Peeping Tom, Tomahawk, and Fantomas.  Lead singer has also been involved in various film score projects and voicing for video games.  The band's first single, "Motherfucker," is scheduled to be rereleased in November 28th, as part of a limited release from Patton's label Ipecac Recordings.  There is a lot of fans that can't wait to hear Patton's diabolical sexy falsetto voice.  It's always a good thing for music to have old school folks teach young kids how it's really done.

Direct Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ldh04Olynrw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pcvBFFflEc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO6raun6CR0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oQ2_1vRCmc

Kickstarter fuels Pono

Kickstarter has helped many new and existing entrepreneurs get their career started through crowdfunding funding and other investments. Kickstarter is a global crowdfunding platform headquartered in Brooklyn, NY. Through this platform people provide funding through pledges, this generates the income that would initiate the pre-production phase and production phase of the selected project.

Kicksarter supports films, journalism, video games, comics, music, stage shows and food-related projects. The project creators select a deadline and a specific amount to fund the project. If the amount is not met by the deadline the money is not collected from the donors. Some of the most successful projects from Kickstarter include Pebble, Ouya and Pono. On recent news, Pono has been a successful campaign raising over $6 million dollars. Pono is a digital high-end music player designed by rock legend Neil Young. Over 18,000 people worldwide have backed Pono through Kickstarter campaign. Accredited investors can purchase shares from PonoMusic at $5,000 per share.

Social media has played a big role in the success of Kickstarter. Daily you can find a new project advertised via Instagram, Facebook and other social media sites. Social media has given Kickstarter the leverage to reach millions of people worldwide and start a project with the possibility of becoming a big success. The projects can be viewed via their website, although external websites are also created and used as advertisement for social websites. I believe Kickstarter has done a very good job in taking charge of providing a credible platform to promote crowdfunding. Kickstarter has been a very successful company providing the opportunity to promote the collaboration of new ideas.

Reference Links:

https://www.kickstarter.com

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/you-can-now-invest-in-neil-youngs-ponomusic-20140813

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa2rpJtUItE

It Is Time For A Music Revolution

With the introduction of iTunes back in 2001, music has taken a different route with how fans listen to their music.  Going back to the mid 90's, I remember going to my favorite music store "Sam Goody" and waiting in line to pick up a copy of the new release I was waiting for.  There was a special connection from going to the record store and losing myself for hours looking for that special album that would take me to music wonderland.  There was an appreciation that came from looking at the artwork and work put into making an album.  I could read the lyrics, know who wrote each song in the album, and who played what in each song.  You became an instant roadie for the band and there was a connection.  In todays digital world much of this bond and connection has been lost somewhat.  There is something from listening an album from beginning to end, some type of atmosphere that the artist has intentionally created for the fans to experience.

With todays iTunes and Amazon service you can preview a song and probably miss the biggest part of the song.  You can buy one song from the entire album and never know who wrote it or what the lyrics are saying.  You can browse the internet and sometimes you can even purchase the album artwork through iTunes or Amazon if you purchase the entire album, but that is not the point.  The point I am trying to make is that music has lost the connection, the bond, the experience it used to give to its listeners back in the pre-digital era.  Yes, music sounds amazing and it is so convenient to have it as you go.  You don't even have to carry couple of tapes and press forward to find your song or have your CD skip while you are on your car and hit that bump.  There has to be a new music revolution that can bring the music back to its customers and have the young generation experience the wait-in-line Tuesdays to get their new music album.  There has been lately an uprising in Vinyl albums as Nielsen Soundscan has monitored for the last couple of months.  The mid-year report has concluded that 16.6 million declined in CD album sales as the digital streaming keeps increases.  A 40% of Vinyl album sales has increased from last year sales, still not enough to offset the digital sales.  There is still an interest from music fans to get those timeless albums, some now considered classics and add them to their music collection.

There is a unique feeling from showing your friends your Vinyl music connection rather than browsing through your digital music library.  There has to be a better way to market and promote albums in todays digital world.  Independent musicians have experience good income selling their CD's and Vinyls through websites like Tunecore and CDbaby.  These independent websites help artist publish and sell their music without the need of a major record label.  This is just a way how new artists can offer their music to the fans and promote their music.  Independent record store may have to re-model the way music is sold and add some new technology to their business.  Record stores should give the customers the experience of having artist signing autographs for album release and bringing he excitement back.  Lets hope it is time for a music revolution!

Reference Links:

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2014-03-27/music/the-vinyl-revival-is-real-and-it-s-here-to-stay/

http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/6150181/soundscan-mid-year-albums-down-stream-equivalents-nearly

Image:

http://i2.wp.com/homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/files/2013/01/cd-clock.jpg?resize=430%2C321

World Wide Mundo Rock: CD Baby Rocks!

World Wide Mundo Rock: CD Baby Rocks!: During this Entertainment Media Publishing and Distribution course Eat Full Sail University we have been recently working on a Collabo...

CD Baby Rocks!

During this Entertainment Media Publishing and Distribution course Eat Full Sail University we have been recently working on a Collaboration Google doc project.  One of the most interesting topics I’ve discovered while sharing useful information is CD Baby.  This aggregator is one of the most reliable and trusted media websites for independent artists worldwide.  

Independent artists can gain lots of exposure and new ways to reach their fans and the masses.  The artists music can be distributed via music sites like Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon once the music is added to CD Baby website.  Breaking the cycle of having artists have a record deal before music can be distributed is what CD Baby does to the independent artist community.  Through the CD Baby services artist can register their music and royalties will be paid to the artist.  

Music Licensing is also provided to the artist from the PRO package offered in the website.  Other service CD Baby provides is the sale of UPC codes that can be sold via their website, this helps to sell your CD’s through major retail stores that still sell CD’s.  The one-time distribution fee include five main services that are ready to use and include MusicStore for Facebook, Sync Licensing, physical distribution through Amazon, iTunes trending reports, and the highest digital payout of any major retail store.  

The services offered to new and independent artist offers them a big opportunity to succeed in the music industry.  About ten years ago it was nearly impossible for artist to have this freedom with their music unless they have a record company behind them controlling every move.  The independent artist of today has the option to reach the world while having their music protected and properly licensed.  There is a lot of potential that an independent artist can become successful in the music industry with the help of CD Baby.

Reference Links:

http://www.cdbaby.com

http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/2012/03/five-artist-services-you-get-free-with-your-cd-baby-distribution/

Pharrell Williams Performs in SNL (5 April 2014).

Pharrell Williams was celebrating even before stepping into the stage on Saturday Night Live, on 5 April 2014.  Pharrell was celebrating as he turned 41, and cut a slice of cake decorated with his very well known hat silhouette.  It was a very special night not to mention his great performance in SNL stage, performing his latest singles.

His first performance was “Happy” were he performed backed up with a stage full of kids dancing to his music.  At one point some kids stepped up to show their breakdancing skills on stage.  Pharrell has been promoting his new album G.I.R.L, were he has collaborated with Daft Punk and Timberlake once again.

On his second performance of the night Pharrell included an all-female string section that opened for the song “Marilyn Monroe”, which included the recognized composer Hans Zimmer as the conductor.  The live crowd received Pharell very enthusiastically and sang along to his catchy songs.

His new album includes 10 songs which is considers a concept album.  His sound is well described in this album as essentially Seventies and Eighties R&B vibe.  It is his second solo effort after 2006, “In My Mind” album.  Pharell is well know for his collaboration with many other well known artists and producer.

Pharell Williams also had a cameo role in SNL, impersonating himself.  Pharrell sat alongside with Kenan Thompson and Taran Killam whom wore a similar hat than the one Pharrell displayed thouhout the night.  The crowd enjoyd Pharrell’s role and his funny bone on live TV.  

This has been a very impressive year for Pharrell William as he played earlier on stage in the Grammys along Stevie Wonder and Daft Punk as they won record of the year.   

We have seen a lot interesting collaborations in the last decade in Pharrell Williams career from Usher, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dog, and Daft Punk.  We can really see him like a modern day Quincy Jones type of producer and he has really defined the quality and vision in todays POP-culture.

External Links: 

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/pharrell-williams-happy/2770793

http://pitchfork.com/news/54656-pharrell-performs-happy-and-marilyn-monroe-on-saturday-night-live/

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/g-i-r-l-20140307

Nielsen SoundScan Proves Decline in Album Sales as of January 2014

Mike Fine and Mike Shalett created SoundScan to effectively track music sales and music video products.  SoundSan is the official method for tracking music sales throughout the US and Canada.  Billboard music charts use the SoundScan tracking system to represents their figures every week. 

Albums sales have fall to its lowest rates ever in the US.  As of the end on January 2014, there were only 4.25 million sales in America-the poorest return since records began in 2001.  Nielsen SoundScan first began tracking music sales back in 1991.  The sales that were registered as of January 2014 tracked both CD and vinyl sales, but represented the lowest figure in sales since the previous lowest figure of 4.49 million as of October 2013.  The data collected for January 2014, also represented a decline in digital album and track downloads, for the first time since 2001.

A steady decline has been noticed since 2010, as digital downloads and sales were introduced.  The first year digital albums sales were introduced it caused a decline in annual sales by 12%.  The following year a significant recovery was experienced with the released of Adele’s 21, storming the charts and becoming the best selling album of the year.

Album sales had dropped again by 4% back in 2012, but 2013 it was even worst with an 8% drop in sales.  Before 2010 it was very rare for weekly sales totally 5m units.  Less than 5 million units in sales was a very rare situation, thus experiencing it about 3 to 4 times in a year.  2013 had a total of 18 weeks with less than 5million units sold. 

For anyone selling music products and interested in sales feedback by SoundScan all is needed is to complete a title registration or ISRC registration online.  Taking 3-5 business days, recommending this form to be requested about 2 weeks from products release date.

Reference:

http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/nielsen-solutions/audience-measurement.html

http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/5855162/digital-music-sales-decrease-for-first-time-in-2013

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/adeles-21-becomes-first-album-to-sell-over-3-million-digital-copies-20140107

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21_(Adele_album)