INDISTR 10! Interview with Mic Terror

I've got to be honest, over the past 2 years, CHICAGO has been pumping nothing but greatness out of the hip-hop/hipster-hop/backpack-rap/insert-your-own-zinger-here-scene. Between Qualo, Mic Terror, Shala, Million $ Mano, Holywood Holt, Cool Kids, Flosstradamus, Kid Sister, and a slew of others, it's been nothing but pure, new, refreshing, music. I'm always the first to admit I like something refreshing in the scene. I'll go from Reggae to Weirdo, it doesn't matter. As long as your bringing something new to the scene that makes me want more, it's obviously working in whatever scene it is for Chicago. I bring you Mic Terror, be on the lookout, this guy has some moves up his sleeve, including URB's top 1000 contest! GO VOTE @ www.urb.com, then come back, read this interview, watch the video, and buy his album!!!!!





1. Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
My pops always listened to rap around me from the day I was born. I really took a liking to N.W.A, 2 LIVE CREW, and WHODINI. And then in 1992 Kriss Kross came out with “JUMP”. I started writing raps at age 7. I saw kids emceeing like my Idols at the time, and figured I could be an emcee too.

2. If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
My sound is organized retardation! (LOL)

3. How often does Mic Terror work on music?
I write everyday and record every week.

4. What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure?
I believe anybody can get famous now… due to all of the outlets for exposure, but it still takes talent to have longevity… but 15 minutes of fame are available to the public now! I see a lot more one hit wonders for the future…. and Mic Terror being one of the few sources for good hip hop!

5. Who are some underrated artists/bands that you think deserve more attention?
Dead Prez, Mic Terror (of course), The Cool Kids, Lupe Fiasco, and that’s about it, MUFUC$*%S is wack right now…LOL



6. What has Mic Terror been listening to lately?
Kanye, Fifty, Mic Terror, N.W.A, Dr.Dre, Twista, Queen, Metallica, R.Kelly, James Brown, Prince, Rick James, Oran “JUICE” Jones, I listen to all types of music but mostly hip hop.

7. Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
It’s all about your hustle! I think the whole industry is going to be independent in the next few years… once artists realize the labels don’t know what they’re doing anymore.


8. If you were to go tell your fans what album to go buy, what would you tell them and why?
I would tell them to buy Kanye, Common, Lupe, and look out for Mic Terror because Chicago takin over!!!! HIIIIOOOOOOOO!!!!!

9. How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
Somewhere between 30 and 40 shows per year. My shows attract groups of people that would never meet otherwise. (I.E. Gangsters, Hipsters, Backpackers, Punks, etc.)

10. Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I love INDISTR for helping spread the Mic Terror gospel.

INDISTR 10! Interview with The Paper Champions!

Where to begin. The Neubert brothers have been progressing their music throughout various bands in Atlanta for over the last decade. It seems they've found their sweet spot, The Paper Champions. These guys have been playing music as a 4 piece for over 5 years. I really enjoy listening to TPC grow as a band from the first (and only) time I've gotten to see them in November of 2003. Peep the new video that they just finished filming.....you won't be let down. Shout outs to Moe of Reason Y Records for helping great artists. (The Midwest is getting really cold, makes me wish I was still living in Atlanta at times).







1. Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
It began in Atlanta GA in 2001, in the summer, when myself (Jason Neubert) and my brother decided to record a few songs I had written on acoustic guitar. During this process, a friend of mind, Chris Cudzilo, mentioned that another friend of mine from the Atlanta music scene – Jason Morrow – may be interested in playing bass on the recordings. He came to a few sessions and then laid some bass lines that worked perfectly. From those recordings, we decided to form an active live band and enlisted Chris to play 2nd guitar. A few of those first sessions at Blue Cloud Studios are in the process of being digitally released on Reason Y Records on an LP entitled “Sounds from the Cutting Room Floor” which should be available this winter.

2. If you had to describe The Paper Champion’s sound in one sentence, what would you say?
Thinking indie rock with poetic lyrics, dynamic music ranging from Jimmy Eat World-y clean guitars to raucous Foo Fighterish growl. Dual vocals a la Hot Water meets Armor for Sleep. Jason Morrow is the Hot Water and I am the Armor for Sleep.

3. Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a band.
Minus the Bear, Hey Mercedes, Lovedrug, Sparta – oops that’s three

4. What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
I see a lot of bands releasing digital-only releases in order to clear the overhead costs of releasing hard copies. I also see smaller, more independent and Internet-driven record labels taken up the slack of the depressing major labels who are losing millions of dollars a year on albums that are being downloaded for free online. It’s a difficult scenario for bands who want to make a living making music. It’s the listener/downloader’s choice as to whether a band lives or dies. Make the right one!

5. What can we expect to see from TPC in the next year? Any big plans?
We have just finished the shooting of our video for “A Long July” from our End.Transmission EP, which was shot in HD and produced through West 41st Productions in Savannah, GA. It looks amazing, and we will be sending it to all major sources for release. We had an amazing premiere show in Savannah, GA at Hang Fire. You can check it out on YouTube. Like I previously mentioned, we will be digitally releasing Sounds from the Cutting Room Floor, our retrospective LP in the coming month or so, and also a new LP in the next 6 to 9 months. Check the video for A Long July:


6. What has TPC been listening to lately?
Lately, I’ve been listening to the new Minus the Bear, Lovedrug’s new record, a local band in Atlanta called The Focus that Chris is recording in his home studio, and other somewhat obscure stuff like The Thermals and Tokyo Police Club.

7. Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
Not sure. It depends on if people decide to keep their favorite bands alive.

8. If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
www.thepaperchampions.com, www.reasonyrecords.com, www.myspace.com/thepaperchampions
If we aren’t online, Morrow is at The Local downtown, Brad is studying or hanging with his girlfriend, Chris is hanging at home tinkering with some kind of guitar project or recording in his home studio, and I am working or hanging with my two little boys and wifey.

9. How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
We play about 2-3 shows a month, on average, so about 25-50 shows a year in Atlanta, Savannah, or Columbia, SC and the surrounding areas. The atmosphere is magical. ☺

10. Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I think indistr.com is a solid means to expose new bands in a channel that isn’t oversaturated with non-genre-specific bands. The cross-referencing technology is a great new way to expose listeners to other potential bands of favor. I think it has a solid future, and hope that it thrives! Thank you!

INDISTR 10! Interview with Corey Crowder!

Hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, INDISTR 10! brings you Corey Crowder. Always on the road, always playing a gig, always growing his fan base, keep an eye out for Corey, as he's sweeping the singer/songwriter/acoustic sounds by storm. Thanks to Steve for making this happen!!





1. Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
I started playing guitar about 14 years ago but I didn't take music very seriously until 2001 when I was in college playing at open mic nights. I got a good reaction from a lot of the original stuff I was playing so it pushed me to pursue making music.

2. If you had to describe Corey Crowder’s sound in one sentence, what would you say?
This was said of my music and I liked the way they put it...
Crowder's music manages to capture elements of the 60's and 70's while still maintaining relevance in the modern music world.

3. Name 3 artists that have inspired you as an artist.
Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Ryan Adams

4. What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
I don't know what the future holds but right now is a prime time for independent musicians to make their mark and take advantage of the internet. It is FREE! And you can instantly reach people across the world. Who would have ever thought?

5. What can we expect to see from Corey Crowder in the next year? Any big plans?
I am recording a new album beginning later this month and it will be out in Spring 08'. It is the first new material I have had out in 2 years so you can expect a little change in my sound.

6. What has Corey Crowder been listening to lately?
Bob Dylan, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, Ryan Adams

7. Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
I think that as I said before, right now is the time for an independent musician to capitalize on all the crazy outlets there are that are free.

8. If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
I love the outdoors. So you may find me hiking or fishing or even just hanging outside with my dog.

9. How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
I try to be gone about 6 months out of the year. That keeps me home with my wife the other part of the year. Shows are typically laid back and the audience varies quite a bit in age. Most nights it is an older crowd but there is always a good variety.

10. Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
INDISTR.COM is doing great things for independent musicians. I think it is a great oulet for musicians to make their music available.

INDISTR 10! Interview with Soulfound!

From being featured on Fuel TV to being featured on MTV's Laguna Beach, Soulfound is sure to be making moves in the Florida Indie rock scene. Short a guitarist, they still keep it going with live shows in the greater Florida area. Be on the lookout, these guys have some serious talent, and this is what the lead singer Ivan had to say for the INDISTR 10! Thanks Ivan!






1. Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
Ivan and Disqo formed the band in Gainesville, Florida in 1999. We moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2002 where we met Sam.

2. If you had to describe Soulfound’s sound in one sentence, what would you say?
Unpretentious, somewhat intelligent, high energy alternative rock

3. Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a band.
Pearl Jam, At the Drive-in, The Police

4. What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
Its going to get harder and harder for indie bands to break through the clutter, if they don’t figure out what makes them unique and exploit the crap out of it. The Labels are figuring out how to clog up the Internet and take back a bit of the control that we as indie musicians have enjoyed for so long. On the other hand, it has never been easier for the World to learn about a kick ass band. I think that the Internet’s potential will be limited by people’s willingness to explore new music sites like Indistr.com and something ELSE will come along soon enough to re-revolutionize the way people listen for and discover new music.

5. What can we expect to see from Soulfound in the next year? Any big plans?
Hopefully a new full length, US tour and a DVD.

6. What has Soulfound been listening to lately?
Radiohead “In Rainbows”, Minus the Bear “Planet of Ice”, Pearl Jam “Live at the Gorge”, Queens of the Stone Age “Era Vulgaris”, Jimmy Eat World “Chasing Lights”

7. Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
Indie music just means we don’t have big bucks to promote it. It is possible to be successful if you find a way to sustain a fanbase and have a promotions plan. We haven’t fully figured it out yet, but it has been successful so far. We have had CD sales in Japan and China over the last year, and we have had more downloads from digital stores than ever. Now the problem is that we don’t have the cash to go tour on a broad enough scale to sustain these sales.

8. If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
Checking out other local bands around Tampa Bay, getting wasted or working…

9. How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
Per year we do between 80-100. Usually people are rocking out, getting wasted and having a good time.

10. Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
So far, the site has been really easy to navigate through and our contact with staff has been pleasant and fast. Indistr.com is going to help us make a little more cash from our download sales and that is always a good thing. We wish you guys the best of luck getting the site off the ground and we will do what we can on our end to help you make it happen. Also, the fact that you are doing interviews and you give a shit about your artists speaks volumes about the high caliber of people you have running the site. We wish you many good things in the coming years and we look forward to a long and happy relationship.

Congratulations to Radiohead, seriously.

Hats off to the crew that is Radiohead. Congratulations on great music, congratulations on longevity, congratulations on not getting wrapped up in fame...and most of all congratulations on independently making a reported $9.6 MILLION in 3 weeks on your latest album 'In Rainbows'.

This is really inspiring stuff to us here at INDISTR. Being successful as an independent is entirely possible, and groups like Radiohead are really paving the way to help new artist (and old) think differently about their craft. It really has nothing to do with getting rich. Instead, it has everything to do with making a living doing what you love. And us, acting as fans, helping in the process by choosing to support artists directly.

Link to the reported Radiohead write-up.

UPDATES!!

Hello all independent supporters!!!

Thanks to all of you that made our relaunch a pleasent one on Tuesday, I just wanted to give some insight as to what's happing this week. First off, we are tallying all of the pros/cons/request/etc. from all of you to make the correct changes to the new site. Secondly, we've got some new interviews that will be going up this week that cover a diverse range of music, so check back soon and I'll fill you in on any other updates as needed.

INDISTR 10! Interview with Tribal Seeds!

If you haven't heard, hear it from INDISTR first! Tribal Seeds is a band of amazing reggae/roots talent that reside from San Diego, CA. They are sure to continue going full steam with their new album to drop this winter! We are pleased to announce the first of many INDISTR 10! interviews. Big props to Rams and the rest of the Tribal Seeds crew for making this happen. Be sure to stop by their INDISTR page for there original recording, Youth Rebellion!!






1. Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
It started in San Diego, CA in the summer of 03 with my self (Tony Ray) and my brother Steve.

2. If you had to describe Tribal Seeds sound in one sentence, what would you say?
A new style of Reggae.

3. Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a band.
Steel Pulse, Midnite, and Bob Marley

4. What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
I see more and more bands staying independent. With all the outlets there is no limit to what a band can accomplish by them selves.

5. What can we expect to see from Tribal Seeds in the next year? Any big plans?
We plan to be doing a lot of touring. We haven’t toured the states yet but after we release our upcoming album in the winter of `07, we’ll be spending plenty of time on the road.

6. What has TS been listening to lately?
We listen to everything. Just to name a few Manu Chao, Midnite, Steel pulse, Marley, Twinkle Brothers, System of a Down, Dead Prez, The roots, everything!

7. Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
I think independent music is a breath of fresh air. It’s music created and produced by the artist without a corporation messing with it. It’s very possible to be successful. More and more people are searching for new music. The Indie scene is getting bigger and bigger.

8. If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
We’ll be at shows checking out other bands. All over San Diego, hanging out with friends. At the beach!

9. How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
This past year we haven’t played too many shows but that’ll change as soon as the album drops. The atmosphere is very energetic. We love feeling the crowd’s energy and giving it right back. We play good vibe music and people always tell us they can feel it.

10. Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
Great site! I like how you encourage bands to stay independent and why they should. You’ve also made it really easy to buy and sell music. Another great outlet, for artist to promote their work!

Buy Tribal Seeds Music Now!

INTRODUCTION!

First things first, I'd like to introduce myself, my name is Kevin Hockin and I'll be working with the INDISTR team to get things rolling here for the marketing/blogging/operations and the activeness of the site. I would first like to thank Ben for the opportunity to be apart of this amazing project. This blog will be updated often, sometimes multiple times in a day, sometimes once every two days.

Expect to see artist interviews, featured artist, industry trends, industry news, and a slew of other topics. Once again, I'm overly excited to be apart of this and I can't explain how amazing of a concept INDISTR.com is. So get involved, tell your friends, and have a great time in the making!!

Kevin Hockin

P.S. If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me: Kevin@indistr.com

Madonna now too?! Wow.

And the plot thickens ladies and gentleman! Radiohead with a direct to the public model, Nine Inch Nails with a similar but unannounced direction in the works, and now...the biggest and the baddest: Madonna. She has just signed a too-many-millions-deal with a company named Live Nation to distribute, market, handle tours, and even license her name for merchandise. All with no 'labels' involved. It's happening very, very quickly. A snowball effect if you will! Three cheers to putting the artist in control and labels in the history books. Who knows what's next? We are working hard to help artist who choose this direction, making sure they are placed first. Check the article at the link below.

TechCrunch Article

"You can fire your manager...but you can't fire your label." Why having a manager is more important than a label.

I use that phrase often... "You can fire your manager...but you can't fire your label." I love that. I was watching Entourage not too long ago, a DVD of it actually, watching power-agent Ari Gold getting fired...and it dawned on me. Actors can fire their agents, managers, etc. But music artist can't fire their label. Now, of course there are a million arguments someone could raise against my thoughts on this, but I think it's an interesting comparison. The cost of creating music is getting cheaper, and artists are only getting more creative...what a great thing. Record labels on the other hand, are not innovating. They are instead hammering their artists (their clients!!!) for even more control and money. Profits from touring, merchandising, product endorsements, and more are now being contractually signed over to the label...leaving the artist with less and less.

What's funny, is watching labels turn more into management companies as distribution becomes electronic. So why not skip the label, and settle on a good management company? You can leave them whenever you want, negotiate the terms as you see fit, and they only get paid when you do. So simple, but it's 'dangerous talk' in this music industry game!! And while you're at it...have your manager handle getting your music on INDISTR as well...I can plug my site on my blog right?!

Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, and various other smart creative types co-sign the independent movement in a very, very serious way.

We love this kind of stuff over here at INDISTR. For obvious reasons. First to announce the move was Radiohead with their 'pay whatever you feel like for our downloads' model paired with their physical box-set for purchase option...both options being handled directly by the artist. Absolutely no 'labels' involved. Now we've got Mr. Trent Reznor himself blogging about being, after 18 years (whoa!), an independent artist again...and how he'll be making the same move. I love this stuff. These artist are paving the way for others to do the same...and INDISTR is here to help. Check these links for more info:

Nine Inch Nails info via our friends @ TechCrunch ...clever title Duncan!

Radiohead write-up from the juggernaut that is BoingBoing

Welcome to the new INDISTR!

Ahh...it's good to have the new site up and running. It was much needed! I'll try and keep this short...but I love to reminisce. We launched back in January 2007, grew pretty quickly, artist started selling music and getting paid instantly the first launch week...the first day actually, if you want to get specific.... it was a pretty awesome thing to be a part of, but we we're a bit understaffed and didn't have the best growth plan in place...and the design could have been better! Fortunately this time around we've got a great head of marketing and operations, Kevin Hockin, a great design partner with Thought + Theory, and a clear vision and path for growth. We've still got a couple tweaks to do here and there, so if you have any thoughts don't hesitate to let us know!

Thanks to all those who have helped market, grow, develop, and support the site. And, of course, a huge thank you to the artist who choose or have choosen INDISTR for distribution of their music. We value the trust you place in us!!

Enjoy the site, search around a bit, throw some tags on a few artist, and buy it if you love it!

See you around!