INDISTR LIFE

What's the latest with INDISTR?

2008-09-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody - just wanted to give all the users, both artists and their fans, a quick update on where things are at with INDISTR. The service has been around for about 1 1/2 years and has been quite the learning experience for all involved. We started with a very simple focus and plan - letting independent artist sell their music directly to the public easily and get compensated instantly with no contracts. As many of you know, the music industry is in a very 'interesting' place right now - we've referred to it here as 'the swamp'. I can honestly say I'm surprised that from 2 years ago, if not more, until now - very little has changed in how music is being distributed and artists are being compensated. Artists, fans, the business and even the labels themselves have been predicting the downfall of the classic 'record label' model that we know today. It was assumed that the idea of artist controlled, or independent, distribution would be the natural next move. While we've seen some great examples of this with Trent Reznor, Radiohead, and others - it doesn't seem to have taken hold in the far-reaching manner that we had expected.

We still firmly believe that ultimately the artist should be in control and should make the most money from their art in the supply chain of its distribution. Unfortunately its been difficult for us, and many if not all of our competitors, to find a foot-hold with the artists and their buying public. INDISTR has always been privately funded and operated with a pretty low overhead - we kept things as simple as we could - but there are expenses and set budgets for funding. We're very, very happy to say that we facilitated quite a few artists making money from their work a reality. It was a thrill and an honor to be a part of that and we want to thank those artists that used our service. But the sales have yet to reach what we consider acceptable to justify continuing forward with funding to support new feature development and sales/marketing staff (which was just 1 person). INDISTR will be up and active as a web service but as of this month we'll be scaling back on spending and letting the site run itself.

I can't say this is the way we saw INDISTR heading - the risk in starting it was either success or failure. Instead we've landed in the 'swamp' of the music industry where a lot of our other competitors and similar businesses have landed as well.

Again, the site will continue to be up and active and we'll do our best to help with any support issues or questions you might have.

Thanks again to the artists and users that have support the service in the past year or so - we genuinely appreciate it.

- Benjamin, Founder

INDISTR 10!! Interview with Wild Years!!!

2008-07-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

So I came across Wild Years from Ann Arbor, MI, while thumbing through the internet, and the sound really impressed me. I wouldn't be surprised if big things happen to this band in the near future. I contacted Alex for an interview, and here's what he had to say.

1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
Wild Years started last summer. It was originally an outlet for music that I felt didn’t really fit with my other band, LS Banjo.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
It’s like if Andrew Bird became the songwriter for the Flaming Lips but instead of Wayne Coyne, M. Ward led the band. But, not quite as good.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as musicians.
I take a lot from different artists but really only Wilco has inspired me per se.

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 really think this is a great time for music. With the internet I feel like an unprecedented amount of new artists are able to get their music out for people to hear. And the great thing is that it doesn’t look like the music scenes are getting saturated; people just keep coming out with awesome new stuff. The future of music is definitely digital.

5.What can we expect to see from Wild Years in the next year? Any big plans?
Well, Wild Years is still very much in its infancy right now. Within the next year, I want to finish putting together a live band and just play a lot of shows.

6.What has Wild Years been listening to lately?
I’ve been really digging the new Dr. Dog record, Fate and the new Nomo, Ghost Rock. I also just got out of my Talking Heads phase, listening to Naked, and all that stuff.

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
Success is a very subjective thing, but I definitely think it’s possible to get a good amount of hype just from Myspace and stuff like that. The independent music scene is getting huge. It’s more in parallel now with popular music, rather than being underground.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you? Probably, somewhere outside. Running, biking, swimming, that kind of stuff.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
I’ve only done a few shows with Wild Years, but I’m hoping to play a couple dozen this year. When playing, I really try to bring the life to music that it sometimes loses when recorded, but the atmosphere is really left up to the crowd.

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
It looks like a terrific site. A good way to stay independent and still get your music out there.

This seems up our alley!

2008-06-24T14:55:00.001-07:00

I just finished a 7 day tour with some friends that play in a band you may have heard of called Mustard Plug. We started last Sunday and played 4 shows in Florida, 1 in Georgia, 1 in South Carolina, and 1 in Norfolk, Virginia. Mustard Plug was touring with Less Than Jake, who happened to just release an album TODAY on their OWN independent label, called Sleep It Off. The name of the album is GNV FLA. I saw this video and realized this is right up Indistr's alley. Seems like Indistr would be great for Less Than Jake, don't you?

Congrats to Joshua Wentz for being chosen as this months Ultimate Ears "Artists to Watch"

2008-06-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

Joshua Wentz, residing in Chicago, has been chosen as this months "Artists to Watch" by Utimate Ears. Check out this, and congrats again Josh, we love your music over here at Indistr and wish you continued success.

Indistr is on tour with the Montana Boys, who happen to be touring with The Breeders!

2008-06-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hello my fellow music fans, sorry for the delay on posts. I've been on the road for a week now, touring with the Montana Boys and The Breeders. It's been fantastic so far, and I can't say enough good things about the shows and cities we've traveled thus far.
We've (Montana Boys) played Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, as well as Detroit this far with The Breeders, and we're about to play Cleveland in a couple of hours here at the lovely House of Blues.

The responses I've been getting from the merch table about Indistr have been great, and people really seem to like the banner that Indistr made for the stage.

Also, please let me know if you're in any of the following cities and would like to come to a show, we have tickets to give out, and it's too great of a show to miss.

June 4th: Northampton, MA
June 5th: Boston, MA
June 7th: New Haven, CT
June 8th: Philadelphia, PA
June 10th: New York, NY
June 11th: Washington DC

I'd like to hear your thoughts!!!

2008-05-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

So, as you may recall (I remember briefly seeing ads for it), Pennywise released a free album through MySpace records and Textango (a pay by text messaging company) in the month of March titled "Reason to Believe". The album was released for a little over a month, with no option to pay for any format of it online. This was a free download only. What did you have to do to get the album for free? Just add Textango as a MySpace friend, and you'd be reached on instructions on how to get your free copy.

The reason I'm making the post, is because the numbers are in, and the album certainly reached new heights of Pennywise fans. I remember listening to Pennywise's release "Unknown Road" in 1994, thinking to myself, why is this band not bigger than what they are? The whole pop-punk generation of early 90's artists on Fat-Wreckchords never reached super-stardom. Why? Was it because they didn't want to reach the heights of MTV? Or was it simply that their approach was too underground to reach that market?

Over 500,000 downloads have come through, and they haven't even released the video for the single, The Western World. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this album release and see what you think. Will Pennywise now be a larger band 20 years after they were formed? Either way, this band deserves everything they've put into the last 2 decades as a band.

May's Ulitmate Ears chosen winner is...............

2008-05-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple weeks since I've made a post. I thought I'd give some detailed insight to this months winner chosen by Ultimate Ears to be featured on "Artists To Watch". I can't blame UE for choosing them, especially after Tribal Seeds released their newest self titled album on Indistr 1 month before it was available for physical distribution. Congrats guys, and keep up the hard work in sunny San Diego.

Just to let everyone know......

2008-04-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

Indistr has partnered with Ultimate Ears. This partnership is here to benefit the artists involved with Indistr. We are very proud to have partnered with the best earphone company in the world.

How it works:
1. Ultimate Ears picks an Indistr artist at random once a month to be put on their "artist to watch" page. (Hint: You have a much larger chance to win if you are actively utilizing the tools we provide such as our embed player or links on Myspace, etc.)
2. UE then notifies us, and tells us which artist has been chosen that month.
3. We contact the artist to tell them they've been chosen and receive the proper information we need from them to provide UE.
4. UE sends the artist 1 FREE set of Super fi. 5 pro in-ear monitors. After the first set is sent to the artist, they are offered a discount code for any other products for 40% off retail price. Learn more about the Super fi. 5 pro here

We started this partnership this month (April), and the first artist chosen was Elijah Emanuel

Congrats to Elijah, and I'll be making a post next week based on the artist that is chosen for May. Best of luck!!!

New Jaws Attacks Release!! Death & Taxes: Volume One

2008-04-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

The long awaited release of Jaws Attacks full-length album, Death & Taxes: Volume One is now available for purchase here at Indistr.com We're excited to have this release available through Indistr, being that frontman Carter Benson (formerly of the Mad Caddies) has a great vision on innovating the whole music consumption experience, plus we dig his music.

13 songs for $10, it's a steal if you ask me.

We're sponsoring a Contest!

2008-04-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

I just want to inform everyone that we're sponsoring a contest through a site called Kompoz. Kompoz is a great site for people looking to make music with other people located in far away places. Titled as an "Online Music Collaboration" site, we really dig what they're doing for artists, so who better to sponsor a contest for. The contest is being endorsed by Glen Phillips, and we'll be giving away some schwag for the winners. Some other prizes include a guitar, a Stealthplug USB audio interface, along with some other prizes. The contest starts today, April 2nd, and ends on May 30th. Best of luck to all of you!

Ticket purchase = free download = Dave Matthews

2008-04-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

Just days after I post about Elvis Costello being innovative in getting people to purchase his music, Dave Matthews jumps to it, with a new concept (not that new, Prince has done this in the past) of giving away his new album digitally for free with the purchase of a ticket to any of his concerts.

I personally feel that Dave Matthews fans are Dave Matthews fans, and their going to buy a concert ticket regardless, however I think this is a pretty cool bonus for the cult following of fans that Mr. Matthews has, and I'm sure they will much appreciate it.

Will this make him sell more tickets? Probably not, but what's the loss when you're selling out venues of 30,000 + capacities and selling thousands of t-shirts every night for $25.

Congrats to Dave Matthews for thinking outside of the box.

Trivia:
What will Best Buy do with all of the CD aisles they have in their stores in the near future? More washers/dryers? Vinyl?

Vinyl + Digital? Will it work?

2008-03-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

So I know this is 4 days late, but I want to write about it, and also get some feedback to see what everyone thinks. As we all know by now, or most of us, Elvis Costello is giving the CD a no-go for his upcoming release "Momofuku", which releases next month, April 22nd.

Instead of the traditional ways of releasing a CD, Costello is releasing the album in the form of vinyl, and with that vinyl purchase you receive a digital download password of some sort. Should this work? I don't know, however I'm very curious to see how this plays out, especially since he's going to be on tour opening for The Police to promote this new album.

Again, it's an innovative way to keep selling music. I know I'll be buying one of these records, hopefully he'll look all goofy like he did 30 years ago with those pop bottle glasses on, dancing like the other Elvis. It will go perfect over the fireplace.

Trent Reznor Part 2!

2008-03-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a little over 3 weeks, and the reports are in, Trent Reznor made 1.6 million dollars in 7 days through his genius idea of selling the new NIN album in 5 different formats, one of them even being free!!

I've been having conversations lately with artists about this release, trying to hear what their thoughts are and what they think about it. Being that we we're at SXSW this past week (more to come about that), we got some really interesting reactions from artists, independent labels, etc. The majority of artists reactions were that Trent Reznor has spent millions of major label dollars to get NIN to the size it is today, and without having the infratstructure of a fanbase that size, it's not so easy to have sales the way he has. I agree 100% with those reactions, however I also feel if your music is grabbing the attention of people, then those listeners become fans, the minute you build a fanbase is when those fans (not all) will want to support you. Bottom line, Trent Reznor got really creative with this latest release and I applaud him for that.

To all of the artists reading this, it's all about innovation. One of our favorite artists on the site, Jaws Attacks, who is lead by frontman Carter Benson (former Mad Caddies), released a album through Indistr.com last spring for an exclusive amount of time, offering free admission to his shows in California for anyone who showed up with their Indistr receipt from the purchase of the album. I can't publicly share the amount of albums he sold, however it was more than you'd expect. The creative ways of getting fans to consume your music and purchase it, are endless. Get Creative! Stay Creative! You're artists!

How does Indistr work?

2008-03-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

So when we saw our friend, Josh Finck's previous video work, we knew we wanted him to break-down the Indistr process to the general public. I asked him if he'd mind making a "stripped down" version of how Indistr works, and he said, "no problem". Here's the end result, which we ended up using last month at the local WYCE 88.1 FM Jammie Awards. Thanks Josh! Off to SXSW!

How to make $750,000 overnight! Trent Reznor's a genius!

2008-03-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm a bit late on this, actually I'M not a bit late on it, just this post is a bit late. I've been wired to my computer over this release for the last 2 weeks. Trent Reznor has done it again, after the digital-only release of the Saul Williams album, "The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust", Trent Reznor has come swinging at the forefront of the music industry releasing a new NIN album. Saul's album was released a few months ago with 2 options for the fans, they can either download it for free, or they can download it for $5, which is a higher quality MP3 file. After a few weeks, Saul had sold 28,322 copies for $5. That's $141,610, which is not bad for a donate-able $5 MP3.

I'm not even a NIN fan, but I respect them, and more importantly, I respect what Trent Reznor is currently up-to in the music industry. So with this new NIN album,"ghosts", the fans can purchase it five different ways, they can download it for free (they only receive the first 5 tracks), or pay $5 for a full-length, high-quality MP3 download, or pay $10 for a double-disk set, or pay $75 for a deluxe-edition package (comes with a DVD, Blu-ray, hard cover slipcase, etc), or if you were really early, you could've bought the $300 Ultra-deluxe limited addition package, which is now sold out, but came autographed with a bunch of goodies.

The thing that strikes my attention and interest to this release is because it's stirring up the industry, the labels, the fans, the critics, which I think is great, because it's new to everybody. It's just like when Radiohead freaked everyone out last fall.

However, I think the best part about the release of "ghosts" is that Trent Reznor does a very fair job of releasing this album by leaving multiple options to the fans in the way they'd like to purchase/not-purchase it. Why not? It's 2008, the music industry is still not figured out, and Trent Reznor is (in my opinion) the leader at current innovation to the music industry. I think more artists need to start taking notes from him, especially artists that have left major labels.

Hey Trent, how about you let your fans decide how much your music is worth on the next album by giving them a "Name Your Own Price" option? There is a site that offers it for independent artists already, it's called INDISTR!

Name Your Own Price!!

2008-02-27T08:12:00.001-08:00

It's Official!!

So, after numerous hours of hard work, along with the INDISTR team plucking away at ways to stay on top of innovation in digital distribution, we are please to launch the "Name Your Own Price" feature on the site.

The launch of this new feature leaves INDISTR artists with more opportunity to connect with new fans, launch albums more often, all while leaving the control of consumption 100% in the fans hands. Artists can continue to upload music and bundle into albums as they have in the past on INDISTR, but now they'll have a new option when setting the price they want to charge for the album: letting the public decide. Their fans and supporters can name the price they'd like to pay for the album right on the artist's page and then checkout as they normally would. Fans and supporters are even shown the exact amount the artist will make from their purchase. The trend of giving the consumer more say in the value of music is becoming more and more popular in the music industry - now we’re giving that option to the users, both artists and supporters, on INDISTR.com.

If you're wondering what an album may look like with this feature, here's a couple examples:

As many have noticed lately, many artists, including Radiohead, Saul Williams, etc. have been releasing albums in non-traditional ways, and here at INDISTR, we thought it's only fair to give our artists and fans more freedom when selling and buying independent music.

We hope you enjoy the use of this feature, and as always, we love hearing your feedback and thoughts.

Enjoy!

2008 Jammies now available for download!

2008-02-21T15:01:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Jammie awards! A quick wrap-up and performance free for
download!

Even if you've never heard of our lovely little-big city of Grand
Rapids, we'd like to let you know we've got quite the bourgeoning
independent music scene...or maybe I should just say music scene in
general and not limit it to just independent. To prove that point,
we've got the annual Jammie Awards here in town thrown by our favorite
non-profit public radio WYCE 88.1. This year, despite the crazy-out-
of-no-where blizzard we had, was pretty awesome - 18
bands/artists showcased their talent, the beer flowed, the crowd loved
it, and I can't think of a better place to throw it than the recently
renovated Wealthy Theatre here in town. You name the genre, and we
had it. Seriously good stuff.

We were fortunate enough to have sponsored the event this year and part
of that sponsorship was being able to host for download each of the
artists live performances which can be found below...for free.
Some, but not all, of these artists use INDISTR as well, so if you find
something you like be sure to search around the site a bit to find
their full albums available for sale.

Enough typing...let's enjoy some music:

Bless You Boys

Blue Moon Blues Band

Breathe Owl Breathe

Brian Vander Ark

Cedar Rock Basement

Ensemble Al-Asdeka

Four Finger Five

Jesse MacIntosh

Karisa Wilson (1)

Karisa Wilson (2)

La Famiglia

Lux Land

Nobodys Darlin

Ralston Bowles

The Icicles

The Lynn Thompson Band

The Red Sea Pedestrians

Tinkers Tea

Truckstop Cobras

Depending on the browser you use - you can either click these tracks
directly or you may need to 'right-click' and then save.

Please hold tight for your free 2008 WYCE Jammies download!!

2008-02-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

We should have this free download up in the next couple of days, and for all of you Grand Rapids locals, we'll be sure to have WYCE (88.1) make on-air announcements about this.

INDISTR 10! Interview with Derek "Dminor" Young!

2008-02-13T07:02:00.000-08:00

Derek "Dminor" Young resides in sunny California and has a portfolio of beat-making which includes work for clients such as:
Othello, Supastition, Styles of Beyond, Lovespirals, Muneshine, Emilio "Raks One" Rojas, MF Grimm, Louis Logic, and many more. Dminor also runs www.waxreform.com out of Los Angeles, CA. Be on the lookout for some great production from him in 2008.

1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
I started my professional recording career at 7 years of age. I used to do local talent shows and an agent saw me perform and immediately got me a gig with companies like Disney, Warner Bros., and others.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
I love Hip-Hop and Soul music. This is the byproduct of that.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a musician.
Stevie Wonder, J Dilla, Marvin Gaye

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
Music will be free. People have become so accustomed to downloading music illegally that there will have to be a complete change of business or change in the way people listen to music before consumers will start paying for it again. In the meantime, artists trying to catch a break should focus on songwriting. It’s easier to get a royalty check if you wrote that hit song.

5.What can we expect to see from DMinor in 2008? Any big plans?
Hopefully the completion of my full length, Supreme Goodie. Additionally, my production team, Wax Reform, will be releasing a digital EP. Production from Illmind, M-Phazes and Presto, vocals from myself, Muneshine, and Emilio Rojas.

6.What has DMinor been listening to lately?
I’ve been spending far too much time picking apart J Dilla’s “Donuts”. He was obviously a huge source of inspiration for me as a producer and I really study how he’s made records over the years. Now that he’s gone, I feel a bit like a student without a teacher.

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
Independent music is where it’s at! I think there will always be people who want to experience the unwrapping of a CD, the reading of liner notes, and the sharing of music with their peers. Especially if they found a new artist that none of their friends have ever heard of.

The real question is how do you personally measure success? Are you successful if you sell 1000 CDs? 100 CDs? 10 CDs?

It’s a question that each of us need to ask ourselves. I think artists can make decent money, and live off their music. But it only lasts for so long.

The biggest problem that indie artists have is that they are unable to promote themselves outside of their area. So while you may be big in Los Angeles, no one knows your name in Nevada or Arizona.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
I’ve featured on other peoples songs more than anything else this past year. So you can find me doing that while you wait for my new joint. A few notables, “Silhouette” by Othello, “Imagine That” by Muneshine (prod. by Pete Rock).

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
Zero. I hate doing shows, with a passion. My perfectionist complex really kicks in when I perform live. There’s too many variables, too many things that could go wrong, so I try to not do gigs anywhere.

The last show I did was in London at the Tin Room…it was a tough crowd. I just got the impression that they weren’t feeling me, but then realized that UK audiences hold their applause until the end of your set. Ha!

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I think it’s a great spot for people to get some recognition for their craft. I’m glad you guys dig what I do. It’s important for artists to feel appreciated, and you’ve done that.

Please be sure to come see us at SXSW

2008-02-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

We will be providing beer and snacks for anybody who is interested. Oh yeah, and we'll be playing music from INDISTR artists at our booth, so please be sure to hit us up if there is something you'd like for us to play while we're out there!!

Aretha goes Independent!!!

2008-02-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

After nearly 5 decades, Aretha Franklin is throwing in the towel, and going independent. She claims she wanted to sign with Arista again, however her and Clive Davis, "could not meet". Possible marketing and distribution partners in the future include Time Life and the AARP. Sony loses another legend.

Aretha! Do you hear us? We're calling for you!!!

Read more.

Why the RIAA is awesome!!! Sike!!

2008-02-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Don't know if you've heard, but the RIAA doesn't think that the labels are making enough money off of digital sales, so they are lowering the payout to the artists from 13% to 9%, and Apple is trying to lower the payout to 4%. WOW!!

Continuing Independent artists on the rise for 2008? I'd bet my money on it.

Catch the article here.

INDISTR 10! Sweet Japonic!!!

2008-02-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have not heard of Sweet Japonic, you've apparently been missing out. These guys have been playing music since 2000. This is a great band that hails from Grand Rapids, MI, and have been selling out venues on the regular for quite some time. With part of the band now residing in Chicago, they are planning to progress outside of Michigan and get there exposure built by a possible tour in 2008. Enjoy:

1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
Luke and Ryan are the only original members back when Sweet Japonic was a folk-rock group with violin, djembe, lap steel (est. 2000). The sound was mellow and sweet. After a few life changes members left, but the band keep its name and evolved with it.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
Sweet Japonic's sunny, nimble musicianship compliments soulful, arresting vocals and lyrics that are often wistful and pensive, creating a sound that is at once familiar and yet new.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as musicians.
Ray Lamontagne, Counting Crows, The Isley Brothers

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
It's an exciting time for music, as it has only recently become possible to produce and release quality recordings from affordable home studios. Consequently, a vast amount of music will be available, and a lot of it will be free. The future for music, as i see it, will have to do with people finding a way to make a living in this new paradigm. The record companies will eventually stop trying to fight it, and will find new ways to profit from the sale of music as well.

5.What can we expect to see from Sweet Japonic in 2008? Any big plans?
We are recording a new album, and are continuing a busy schedule of live performances. We also plan to bring our live act to new venues in 2008, playing more in Chicago as well as Indiana, Ohio, and perhaps putting a short tour together.

6.What has Sweet Japonic been listening to lately?
We each have very different tastes in music, but at the same time i think we're all pretty open minded to any music that we come across. Just this week I went on (another) leonard cohen kick, and before that it was the Afghan Whigs. Luke was into some old thomas a. dorsey gospel tunes recently and roy was probably listening to live grateful dead or some such dirty hippie music.

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
I think it's certainly possible to be successful, but it requires as much hard work, talent, and luck as any other means of distribution. Independent music is great because it is so democratic. There is a sense of possibility without limitation, and a general sense of camaraderie and community among independent musicians (at least in our experience). If you are financing and producing recordings yourself you can put out any kind of record you want, for better or worse. No one is there to tell you no, but in the end if you want to sell your music you have to put out something people will want to buy. And then find the people who want to buy it.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
Some of us have non-music related jobs or projects. If we're together as a band and not playing music, we're likely in our beloved van on the way to or from a gig.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
100 or so. Depends on the market whether people care about original art or just want to hear cover material. We try very hard to find great places to gig at were our music can be appreciated.

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I like the fact that we get paid directly after each sale and the %’s are fair. That in itself is worthy of using their system as an easy way to sell digital downloads via any site. I would like to see a culture created and their promotional efforts meet us half way. This interview is a great example of this company’s interest in the independent artist and willingness to support the new paradigm.

San Diego Love! NO NEEDZ on INDISTR 10!

2008-01-22T10:48:00.000-08:00

At age 22, NoNeedz was homeless, and ironically searching for more out of life. With nowhere else to go, he ventured deep into the creative subconscious, returning to a tangible society with only a new outlook on life, Jesus Christ, and the world, brandishing a single tool--a sound that blurred genre lines and would resonate through fans of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities. Since his transformation, the most common line he has encountered has been, "I don't usually listen to rap/reggae/pop. But I love your style! How can I get a CD?"

Today, NoNeedz remains a solid Pop/Hip Hop/Reggae artist from San Diego, California. Because of his eclectic style he's managed to rope in fans from all genres, which makes him a fantastic dream for managers and labels alike, to sign and promote, to listen and to love. Enjoy the interview!

1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with whom?
Actually, I was a screw up in High School and got kicked out of a class (can't remember which). Recording arts was open and I thought it would teach me about a new Camcorder I got. I was a sucker. The course was a musik class! The final involved writing a song. So I wrote some lyrics (much borrowed from the Fugees HAHA) and that's how I got roped into this giant mess.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
My sound is simply underground reggae and pop, with hip hop vocals layered over these two genres and just a mule’s hair above what most people consider listenable. Some say I sound like Gym Class Heroes, but, it’s only fair to add, some people say I sound like absolute crap.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a band (solo artist).
Fugees, Mos def, Aesop Rock

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
Music will continue to evolve but voices which never would’ve been heard will continually grow stronger and more competitive in the music market.

5.What can we expect to see from NoNeedz in 2008? Any big plans?
Frankly, I’m in the group (Close Enough) www.myspace.com/closeenoughmuzic, so expect to hear more of my vocals on pop/reggae/rock songs in our soon-to-release EP⎯2008. Other than that, no big plans. That involve musik. I do plan to write the great American novel, but of course I’ve said too much…

6.What has NoNeedz been listening to lately?
American Idol of course. But, beyond that 8pm delight, I listen to older Switchfoot, Incubus, Marley, Green Day, Sublime, Born Jamericans, etc. Still, in most cases I just employ Youtube to listen to particular songs that I suddenly have an obsessive penchant for during the day…like Billy Preston (nothing from nothing) and blur (song 2) and Sister Hazel (happy) and yada yada yada.

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
Well, in my humble opinion, if an underground band wants to sell 50,000 records they’re going to have to book major gigs. The name gets out and that’s when ticket buyers research the band they just heard and buy the album.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
I go to Mira Costa College in San Diego so that’s where I’ll be. Or on my butt casting preliminary judgments based on outfits contestants are wearing at auditions on American Idol. Guy shows up in Chicken suit⎯probably not going to win…

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
I just got into performing live when I joined Close Enough last year. I’ve only performed 5 or 6 times since then. With the band, usually it’s a bar atmosphere 50-200 people depending on the place, lots of drunkards and brawls. Ironically, as a Christian, one would never find me in such a place typically.

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I think it’s a highly organized and graphically well-done site for music. I’m glad you contacted me and will certainly keep an eye out on how well the site develops and if it's made increasing profitable over the next few years. Yes sir!

INDISTR 10! Interview with Dirty Water!!!

2008-01-15T12:55:00.001-08:00

We were first contacted by Dirty Water a month ago or so, and ever since we've been fans. These guys are hard working and will definitely be having a full plate in 2008. Though meeting in college at North Carolina Central University, they happen to reside in Washington DC and are making serious moves and gaining day by day in exposure. Check it. Oh yeah, and after you check it, go support them directly by buying some of their music!!!!

1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
CCB: It all started back in college (North Carolina Central University). I used to date his wife’s roommate and she used to always tell me I needed to meet him since we were both into hip hop. I didn’t meet Joe until my junior year though. We both ended up in this go-go band as front-line vocalists. I didn’t know anybody in the band but the drummer, Winslow, and the manager, Jeff. The first meeting was at Joe’s apartment in Duke Villa. We immediately clicked. He started playing his beats for me. They were all dope. Way doper than I thought they’d be. We traded a few rhymes back and forth. I was shocked. Dude had dope beats and dope rhymes. I think we might have done our first track together that day, I’m not sure. Back then he would play the beat and we would record all the vocals live, in one take! We didn’t even have a four track. We had like an album’s worth of songs on cassette tapes after a year or so. The rest is literally history.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
We create songs, not just beats and rhymes, that consist of elements from pure basement Hip Hop to lighthearted fun with a willingness to stretch out and do things differently.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a group.
CCB: Michael Jackson, Prince and Run DMC

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
CCB: And as far as the Internet, I don’t know. It just seems like a big riot to me. It’s hard to get noticed in a riot. I miss the good old days. I actually like going to the record store.

5.What can we expect to see from Dirty Water in 2008? Any big plans?
CCB: Another album, definitely. Also, Joe’s been working like a dog on his first solo project Preacherman. I was just over his house a few days ago. He played me some stuff. All I can say is watch out. Hip hop hasn’t seen anything like this in a while. I put my man up there with all the greats: Primo, Pete, RZA, Dre, Kanye, Pharrell. My man holds his own. He’s a genius. I also have another solo joint coming out this year, The Fear in the Dog, which Joe produced. So this year is actually going to be pretty big.

6.What has Dirty Water been listening to lately?
CCB: I just bought Prince’s Rainbow Children and the Beastie Boys Check Your Head. Those were both albums I slept on, so I had to go back and get them. I just took Lupe’s new joint out. It had been in the deck for like three weeks strong. He’s amazing. It’s been a while since I heard an emcee that made me want to sharpen my sword. Also, the new Wu rocks pretty hard. I don’t know what the hell Rae is talking about. And this morning I drove to work rocking that old Vaudeville Villain joint. Classic! Where is Doom anyway?

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
CCB: I think that artists are going to have to go back to making music because they love to make music and they want the world to hear it. Everybody’s panicking because rap record sales have plummeted over the past couple of years. I personally think it’s a good thing. All that money was messing the game up. Now everybody wants to be a rapper, like how everybody used to want to play for the NBA or the NFL. But just like everybody ain’t cut out for pro sports, everybody ain’t cut out for emceeing. Only with the commercialization of hip hop, they made it so you could take any bum off the streets and put a dope behind him and everybody makes a million dollars. Now that the money’s gone, we can bring the love and the passion back. It’s a blessing in disguise. Prepare to hear some truly inspired hip hop on the independent scene over the next few years.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
CCB: Probably with my daughter at the book store or the park or something. If not that, at the bar, knocking back good scotch and flirting with women.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
CCB: Not as many as we’d like to. DC is a go-go town. It’s hard to get people to buy into our brand of hip hop. But when we do rock shows it’s always a peaceful, uplifting vibe.

10. Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
CCB: More power to you. It’s always good to see people still taking an interest in truly independent artists. I wish you much success in the future. Don’t forget about us when you get big.

INDISTR 10! Interview with Zach Lost!!!

2008-01-11T13:08:00.000-08:00

Accomplished writer/poet/lyricist Zach Lost, who received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Mason Gross school of the arts at Rutgers University in 2003, is on a mission to take crowds by the masses. A recent Grand Prize Winner in the Hip Hop category of the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, as well as a Lennon Award Winner for his song ‘You Know the Type’. You can catch him from Paris to London, California to NY. Look out and show support for his current contest to be awarded to play on stage at the Bamboozle Festival this June. An amazing lyricist with tons of ambition, I present Zack Lost:

1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
When I went to college I started getting heavy into slam poetry/spoken word. Some friends and I hosted a Hip Hop poetry open mic that’s still going on today with new hosts. 2001 I started a Hip Hop group called Thought Breakers with my partner at the time. We used to play basement shows with punk bands and other Hip Hop groups. We had a groundswell on campus that spread nicely; opened for Fat Joe, Wyclef, Goldfinger and a few more big acts. In ’05 we split and I started doing my own thing. I hooked up with some friends of mine that are great producers/beatmakers (DJ Stealth, Sie 1, Lectron 80, Jony Fraze) and started putting together the solo stuff I had already been working on. I started rocking shows on my own, got on the Warped Tour, released an album myself, had a lot of fun... ’05 was great! I started teaching in ’06, and won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Now I’m ready to have some fun in ’08.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
Slick, witty, well thought, lyric driven, Hip Hop.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a musician.
KRS-ONE, James Brown, Saul Williams, among an ever-growing list.

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 think music is in a great place. Anybody in the world can blow up (not through talent necessarily). Anybody on the internet can discover more artists, more styles, than ever before. Hopefully more people will turn away from the radio, towards the infinite number of options/artists out there making music… sometimes good music!

5.What can we expect to see from Zach Lost in 2008? Any big plans?
I’m going to be going harder than I have in a while. I hooked up with a good friend who has taken the managerial reigns, and is helping with a lot of the stuff that it’s tough for me to focus on. This year I’ll be performing more than I have in any of the past several years. I’m going to be hitting more spots, making and meeting new fans in new zip codes, and will be pressing a new CD that should be done by the summer.

6.What has Zach Lost been listening to lately?
Christmas music, Jay-Z, Japhia Life, older R&B/soul, Rufus Wainwright, The Beatles (The Across the Universe Soundtrack on repeat), Queen, Kenny Chesney, a steady stream of beats, jazz, gospel, MC Lars, Kanye, Ani DiFranco, Bernie Allen, M.I.A., A band of bees, Alicia Keys... Zach Lost… gotta make sure the songs are sounding good enough for the album.

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
Being successful depends on how you define success. Anyone can get exposure now, and wider more diverse exposure than they could find in the past. Artists that have it together can act like mini-labels getting their stuff out there. My outlook has changed drastically since I was much younger. Success for me with music, is being able to make and perform it when and how I want, and still have money to eat and pay the rent, ha. But that definition is evolving now with me, so check back in a few months… success for me might mean global domination.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
I’ve been a homebody lately. So it’d be either home hanging out with my girlfriend, or at my desk at school. This coming year though, you’ll be able to catch me in a lot more spots. I’m goin all out in ’08, so follow me on the web and come see me.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
Just a handful of shows for the last few years. The crowd has ranged from middle aged townies, to high school pop punk rockers, to underground and indie Hip Hop heads, to college kids and grass roots revolutionaries, to backpackers, skaters, bboys, barflys, and the list goes on. A lot of people have been digging or at least appreciating what I do, and I appreciate that.

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
It’s awesome. There are a million sites out there for artists, I just think INDISTR got all the pieces right. It gets the music to the fans cheaply and easily, and it gets the artists paid and exposed. Sorry that sounds so dirty.

More Reggae = More better! INDISTR 10! Interview with Badda Skat!!

2008-01-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

Hailing from St. Petersburg, FL, I'd like to introduce some INDISTR fans to Badda Skat. Don't get it twisted though, you can catch Badda Skat from New York to California, playing numerous shows a year and always on the grind. It's refreshing to catch some reggae jams especially with a cold case of the winter blues! Badda Skat is sure to make moves in 2008, be on the lookout!!

1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
I was 9 years old, walking down Duval St. in Key West, when I heard this amazingly strange sound come from a street-side gift shop. I followed my ears, dragging my mother to the origin of this wonder. On a small 12-inch television screen, I saw the video for Shabba Ranks’ massive tune “Ting a Ling.” I was captivated from that point on. I surrounded myself with reggae music and soaked up as much of the culture and lifestyle that I could get my hands on. This sparked the manifestation of Rastafari within myself and thus my focus became on promoting conscious creations to the fullest. I wrote my first song in 2000 when I was 18 years old. It was at that point my mission became clear and the focus on consciousness with righteous lyrical content became the cornerstone. I am but an instrument of the Almighty I Jah Rastafari, and feel it’s my duty to put forth uplifting messages to the masses.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
A versatile blend of reggae, roots, and dancehall embedded with consciousness throughout. Rastafari.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a musician.
Sizzla, Tony Rebel, Damian “Jr. Gong” 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 music returning to the artist, and thus returning to the people. Artists are going to have to go back to performing to survive, which will both increase the quality of the music and the message within. Classic modes of music distribution are becoming more and more obsolete with digital advances, which also make record companies obsolete as well. The internet gives artists the ability to be increasingly more independent and successful, being able to record, create and distribute their own music without the help of conventional “teams” of people behind them. The people are what matter most anyway, so why shouldn’t the artist have full control of how they reach these people?

5.What can we expect to see from Badda Skat the next year? Any big plans?
I’m always working on new stuff, so you can expect anything to pop up at any time. I’m currently working on the dub version of GRASS ROOTS which should be done shortly. Music video plans are in the works for a couple tracks at the moment. New tours and travels are also panning out. Stay connected to www.baddaskat.com for the latest.

6.What has Badda Skat been listening to lately?
Anthony B – “Higher Meditation,” Jr. Gong – “One Loaf of Bread/Gang War Riddim,” plus a ton of new riddims that will be voiced soon too.

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
Of course it is possible. I see independent musicians being successful everyday. To me, all it takes is not working a 9-5 and being able to live comfortably to be successful.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
I’m usually working, I currently hold two jobs for about 50-60 hours a week. But if not, I’ll be at home with my Empress and my two dogs Duppy and Kahlua. My next favorite place is the studio. You can always find me there.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
I’ve only been performing since Feb. 06, and I’ve done about 100 shows give or take. The atmosphere varies from venue to venue but the reaction is usually the same. I do my best to captivate the crowd so that you can’t sit around and have a conversation during my set. Again, it is my duty to put forth a conscious message to the people that take the time to listen to my works. If you come out to see a show, you will be sure to get truth, energy, upful content, and no slackness. Rastafari.

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
The completely independent appeal of INDISTR.COM is amazing. The ease of use, instant payment, artist price control, and flexibility are all examples of the many advantages INDISTR.COM gives to the independent musician. Give thanks and praise for what you do. Rastafari.

The "new independent voice" Thom Yorke speaks on the value of music!

2007-12-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

This is really great stuff. David Byrne sits down with Thom Yorke, for Wired Magazine, to discuss everything we've been waiting to hear about from Thom himself: how they place value on music, what their record contracts really looked like, where Radiohead made its money, his thoughts on touring and its eco-impact, and of course...of course...his thoughts on their recent and oh-so-publicized "pay what you want for it" release.

A really, really, fascinating read. Check it out here.

INDISTR 10! Interview with Josh Wentz!

2007-12-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

I've got to give it up (and I should of done this way earlier) to Joshua Wentz, who happens to be one of the first INDISTR artists to use the site. Joshua has always been very active in the INDISTR.com community, which we greatly appreciate. From Chicago , IL. I introduce to you Joshua Wentz. (Don't hesitate, read the interview, Josh has some very good insight)

1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
At age 5 I was forced by my parents to take piano lessons, so it must have started there! I didn't truly enjoy playing until around 14, when I found practical and social applications for having any sort of musical talent—I played in pit orchestras and for choir and jazz until college. In 1996, with the help of a technologically savvy classmate, I started recording in my dorm room at the University of Cincinnati. I actually crammed a full-size KORG elctric piano with weighted keys into a four-person room! My first original piece was a musical adaptation of one of my favorite sci-fi trilogies, C.S. Friedman's Coldfire novels. I've been a solo recording artist since then, collaborating now and then with one or two (or twelve) artists on larger projects, and continuing on my own to pick up and learn as many instruments as my wallet will allow.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
Hmm... that's a tough one, because I try to fight genre pigeon-holes as much as possible—too many preconceptions there. So, how about, "I create mostly-instrumental music that skirts the bounds of standard classification, finding a place nestled snugly within clean melodies, richly layered instrumentation, and modern rhythms." Is that silly?

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a musician.
Mike Oldfield, definitely... he's truly my number one inspiration. For those who don't know, Oldfield wrote and recorded Tubular Bells practically on his own at age nineteen. I've definitely been inspired by artists like London Elektricity, who takes a rigid genre like drum and bass and completely shakes it up, or The Postal Service, a "group" that embodies a type of collaboration that I find incredibly worthwhile.

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze? This is one I really don't think can be answered, but I'm starting to think that the future of music will just follow the same path it always has. Since music has existed, there have been people who want tradition, people who want innovation, and people who are apathetic to either. Some classical composers were reviled for their break from convention. Radio became a voice for new and often outrageous new music, but current Top 40 radio has commercialized the mundane. In all eras, you can find both "popular" and "underground" music, and you as a listener are fortunately allowed to choose what you like. Now more than ever the spectrum of choices has widened for casual listeners, but you will still find plenty of people who want regurgitated music and people who want something different. As long as musicians are out there creating something and getting it to the public, there will be someone who wants to listen.

5.What can we expect to see from Joshua Wentz in 2008? Any big plans?
A lot of HUGE plans, actually, not all of which I can discuss just yet. I will be spending a good deal of time focused on a few new albums, both solo and collaborative. I want to become more involved with The Very Us Artists project (www.veryusartists.com) because I feel like it's hitting on a great concept with a lot of potential. I'd like to do some performance (something I haven't done since moving to Chicago), and some more soundtrack work, which is easily my favorite thing in the world to do.

6.What has Joshua Wentz been listening to lately?
I find myself listening to a ton of music in fall/winter: Underworld, Kenna, Jose Gonzalez, Bent, Little Dragon, Loney Dear, Olive, Shinichi Osawa, Tracey Thorn, Silver Apples, etc. Also, I've had a few INDISTR artists in heavy iPod rotation lately: Jeremy Simmons, Dolophane, Verde Velma, and CYE, just to name a few.

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
I think it's definitely possible to be a successful musician and be independent, however, I don't think people should feel that being independent means doing it alone. Musicians rightfully need to concentrate on their music, and sometimes this means that they let the business, marketing, and design work slide. A guitar player shouldn't have to know how to build a website, screen print posters, or setup QuickBooks. Nor does he/she have the time to do all of these things. While maintaining the rights to your art, in my opinion, should be a primary goal for everyone, it is important to find people to work with that have the same goal in mind.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
The Web is my true home: Sidedown.com! I record a weekly podcast called "Winchester Sessions" in my home studio on the north side of Chicago. Each weekend I try to do a completely improvised set that lasts as long as it takes for me to come out with a 20-30 minute piece of music. Sometimes that ends up being three hours with all of the layering. It's a lot of fun, and keeps me mentally and physically active in music. (the URL for the Winchester Session podcast is: http://sidedown.org/serials.php?serial_id=17 and it is also available on iTunes) I always have some random free music up on www.sidedown.com/sessions as well.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
As I said, I haven't performed live in years, but I want to change that in 2008. If you see me on a bill, expect the atmosphere to be filled with nervous excitement coming from the stage, confusion ( and hopefully not indifference) coming from the (hopefully existent) crowd!

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I love INDISTR! Seriously. Long ago I posted my music on MP3.com, which used to be a site for independent artists to host their music for free. I thought that was pretty great, but it was cumbersome and it still didn't get me paid. INDISTR provides a great solution to the idea of hosting your music on a collective site, because it is easy to control, looks nice, and was built specifically because INDISTR has passion for music. I'm glad I got in on the ground floor and look forward to seeing it continue to grow. And I sure do love seeing that instant-payment email hit my inbox, ha!

INDISTR 10! Interview with Happy Hour!!

2007-12-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Hour is one of the more inspiring bands that hails from Grand Rapids, MI. They tour nationally, 100% independent, all on their own hard earned dollar. That's a rare instance in the Grand Rapids independent music scene. I am friends with Happy Hour and they are some of the funniest guys I know. These guys will continue to grow and grow, as they continue to tour, play shows across Michigan, as well as shows on a national level. Look out for them coming to a town near you. You heard it from INDISTR first!!

1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
Early 2002 Brent Shirey and Scott Rider formed the band Happy Hour. In the winter of 2002 Scott Schultz jointed. Our first practices were in Shirey’s parent’s basement in Sparta.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
Happy Hour sounds like Indie folk rock with a twist of 60’s influence.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a musician.
Pavement/Smashing Pumpkins/The Kninks

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
Music is very unstable right now. With the whole American Idol thing still in full power and top 40 still very bland it will be interesting to see what happens. I remember when the radio used to find new music and promote bands. Now you either listen to “classic rock” or top 40 pop. The internet has made an outlet where bands can get their music to a large audience.

5.What can we expect to see from Happy Hour in 2008? Any big plans?
Happy Hour will be working on their 3rd album in the next year and planning yet another tour. We will also be searching out labels that can help us with booking and promotion.

6.What have you been listening to lately?
I have been listening to a lot of the new Feist album. I have also been listening to The Doors, The Sliver Jews, The New Pornographers, and The Kninks. (Scott Rider)

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
I think that the industry is changing and it is very possible to do things independently these days. You can record a good album, package it, and sell it online all independently. To be successful you have to have the right sound, the right attitude. In our case we are growing slow. We have seen huge changes in the past few years with online importance. People are starting to search for new material again.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
Currently you would find me catching up on some sleep. We just got home from tour and I have been so beat. If I'm not sleeping I might be down walking around Grand Rapids just enjoying the fall. I have also been spending time getting a few last holes of golf in.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
I am sure I could go back and track home many exactly but it might take more time than it is really worth. We play out about every weekend and tour a few times a year. We just hit show 110 out of state on this past tour so that was a number that I was really proud of. As three twenty something year olds I think we have been working very hard to get our sound out to the country and we have really been working for that “break”. We don’t know where it will come from or if it will ever come. We are just out playing any being ourselves. If you make it to a Happy Hour show you will see it is very easy going. We are a band that will give you an honest performance every show. You can either come up front and shake your butt or stand in back and take in the whole experience. Either way we have a little of everything for everyone.

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I am very excited to see INDISTR.COM grow. When I sat and talked with Kevin he got me very excited. It is always great to see a new idea come and grow and become something new. I hope that it will become a dominant outlet for artists and consumers of music. We are very excited to be working with INDISTR.

The "Green" argument for digital distribution.

2007-12-05T08:55:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a "bright" morning in sunny, yet snowy Grand Rapids, MI. Ben and I have had some very interesting conversation about INDISTR and how we are impacting not only the environment, but as well as the industry. With environmental impact being more and more important as time has evolved, and people are becoming more educated to global warming, pollution, extinction, etc., I figured now would be a great time to bring this topic up involving INDISTR. We are essentially a "Green Company".

After doing little research, 100,000 pounds of CDs a month become outdated, useless, or unwanted. This is a HUGE number. That means that there is 1.2 million pounds of CDs a YEAR being put into landfills and incinerators. Beyond the number of physical CDs being destroyed, the materials they are made of, including polycarbonate plastic, petroleum-based laquer and paints, aluminum, and other metals, all release chemicals that contribute to the environmental and health problems as well as global warming, both when the CDs are produced and when they are destroyed.

It's amazing to think that music has nearly gone "Green". I can't wait to see what the future holds for the industry, something tells me INDISTR has been headed in the right direction.

So what about the record shops?

2007-12-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

Pretty much any music fan above the age of 18-20 can name an independent record/music shop they used to frequent while growing up. Whatever their taste of music may have been, hip-hop, ska, punk, rock, indie, reggae, etc...we all had that local 'cool guy' spot to get anything from the latest to the rarest. More than a place to buy music, it often became a hub for all music related culture, happenings, a hangout, and for some even a venue for new acts. For me, the place that embodied all of this was a place called Record Swap / Off-The-Alley in Homewood, IL. It goes almost without saying that these places are not as plentiful as they used to be.

While they may be on the decline, these places still matter, and as the article I've linked below highlights, they can still exist in a world where music is consumed almost entirely in a digital format. The article talks quite a bit about the continued, if not renewed, interest in vinyl. I think that's great...I really do. But more than the music that is bought at a record store, its the culture and meeting place that is created by having a physical space for like and unlike-minded types to congregate and 'talk shop' for hours about...music.

While INDISTR may be an entirely web-based music business (we do have a pretty cool office actually) we 100% support record shops and whatever else may end up filling the gap that is continuing to grow as digital replaces the physical. So go buy some vinyl, or any format, at your local spot and spend some time enjoying the culture of music away from your computer!

Just some morning thoughts...

Check out this article as well.

Jackson 5 Tour In 2008!!!!

2007-11-29T08:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, count me in. I wouldn't miss this! Maybe they'll put out a new album independent?Ha. Wonder if they know about INDISTR? If not, they should!

Read more here!

INDISTR 10! Interview with Ryan Horne!

2007-11-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

This week I'd like to fill you in on a singer/songwriter hailing from Atlanta, GA. Ryan Horne, has just put out his 4th album. This has got to be one of the most motivated artist I've yet to encounter, don't believe me? Just go check his tour page. I've never seen this page with less than 20 scheduled shows at one time. Ryan continues to grow his music career and is by no means, slowing down. Enjoy!

1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with who?
Well, I picked up my first guitar when I was 16 so I guess it started there. That soon became a serious addiction for me, writing and playing. Always have loved to sing, so I put them together and it just began to work for me. All I have ever done is play music, so that makes it hard to say where it started because it has always been in me and it keeps growing over the years as I write better and play for more and more people. The fan base just keeps getting greater as the years and records come and go and the music industry slowly starts to become involved with what you are doing. You slowly tag on booking agencies, managers, whatever is needed to make a successful and long career.

2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
I like to call it folk/americana at its finest, but who am I to say what I sound like, I hear one thing and everyone else will hear another.

3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a musician.
Wow, that is so hard because there are so many great artists out there, but if I have to choose just 3, my picks go to Ryan Adams, Wilco, and Martin Sexton.

4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
That is a tough question as well. The Internet has been a great thing for music but at the same time it has been a horrible thing for music in my opinion. The industry is now saturated with musicians, some good, some bad, and in a way it has become a somewhat of a joke. I do believe, however, that the true talent out there will succeed in the end with great careers, so it is a love/hate relationship as far as my take on the current Internet craze. As far as my career and its future, I hope and believe it will last quite a while. I have been surrounded by some very talented musicians and people and I continue to push myself to write better and better. I hope that I can keep making records that I believe in and as long as I keep putting out these type of records, I believe I can continue to write music that touches a life.

5.What can we expect to see from Ryan Horne in the next year? Any big plans?
Most can find me out on the road, playing shows all year long. I tend to travel quite a bit, maybe sometimes too much, but I truly love it. I just signed on with a new booking agency and that will only magnify the amount of traveling I will do to support my latest record ‘Love & War’ that I released in February. Also, I will surely be doing another record in the next year or so because I have been writing a lot lately and I am very happy with what is coming out.

6.What have you been listening to lately?
Lately, I have been listening to Patty Griffin, Wilco, Whiskeytown, Ryan Adams, Josh Ritter, Fionn Regan and Ben Lee. Most of these guys are kind of underground but they are amazing songwriters in my opinion and I can’t get enough of them.

7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
I definitely believe you can be successful being an Independent artist. I actually believe that is where the music industry is headed and it may already be close to that point. With all the simple, easy means of distribution, promotion, booking, and recording, it seems anyone these days can put out a record, promote it and find success. Again, I jump back to my thoughts that only the true talent will be successful, but the means for someone to do this is readily available.

8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
Driving on some random highway. Seriously, if I sit in one place too long, I will run to my car and travel somewhere. I hate staying in one place, so when I have a little break from music traveling, I will do my own traveling for vacation purposes and what not.

9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
That is so hard to say, but I probably play close to 120 shows a year. I would play every single day if I could, but that may kill me. As far as a typical atmosphere, my music is very songwriter friendly, so I tend to play very intimate venues where people come and listen to music in a relaxing environment.

10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I think this is a great concept to have especially being an independent musician. The more sites like this the better chance to succeed in such a talented music industry.

A thank you to our community...

2007-11-16T17:45:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is already getting their weekend under way. I'm just about to start mine. But before I do - I wanted to say a quick 'thank you' to the both the artists and the supporters that use INDISTR. We've had our best sales week ever this week - and its a good feeling. While we aren't quite 'rolling in the money' yet, we are certainly pointed in the right direction. One of my favorite things about reporting a good sales week like we've had is knowing that when INDISTR does well the artists using INDISTR do even better. And they do so on their own terms, entirely independent. You've got to love that.

So again, thanks to the artists that use our service and the supporters who buy their music. You're all part of movement that is changing how creative content is consumed and controlled.

- Benjamin

INDISTR 10! INterview with Mike Borgia!

2007-11-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

I introduce to you our INDISTR 10! for the week, Mike Borgia. Mike is currently living in New York, touring nearly non-stop throughout the year and having heavy contributions to the indpendent music scene. Enjoy the interview. Mike has a lot of impact on Independent music and we're happy to have him apart of the INDISTR family! Also, be on the lookout for Mike's East Coast Tour coming up this Winter as well as his partnering with www.thumbplay.com to help launch ringtones for independent artists!!!

1. Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start?
Age 12 New York, I started playing guitar mainly self taught. It took me a few months to get good enough to play in bands. My stepping stone was a progessive metal band, I played lead guitar and shortly after I discovered my voice when my mother caught me singing in my room to a Louie Prima record. (my parents collection). I was curious! and embarrassed at the same time. Once I got enough approval of my singing abilities, I started a post hardcore band called Samsara that became fairly successful for a short while. We then broke up, regrouped and started a powerpop band called TREAD and wrote some amazing songs, had labels, radio everyone loooking at us, then we broke up. After all the shortcomings, I got smart and stopped relying on other people and became a self sustaining solo artist. I put out 6 albums since 2003 and a 7th is on the horizon. I’ve been touring all over the UK and the US and it’s greatly rewarding.

2. If you had to describe Mike Borgia’s sound in one sentence, what would you say?
Ambiguous, deeply heartfelt, brurtally honest uncatagorical rock?

3. Name 3 artists that have inspired you as an artist.
Chris Whitley, Ted Leo , Slayer (no kidding)

4. What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
The Future looks promising, being that artists can more easily put themselves out there. Digital downloads are the new craze; highly convenient to add to your collection without sacrificing room in your house and easy to share with friends. The biggest problem I see currently is, it allows for too many bands to form which degredates quality and diminishes those with true talent and artistic vision. The accessability the web offers causes dillusion, giving those without talent the wrong impression and in turn makes gaining new fans even harder sometimes. To direct?

5. What can we expect to see from Mike Borgia in the next year? Any big plans?
expect to see plenty. I am releasing my 7th album on DEC 15th entitled “Philistines & Alcoholics” a few tracks are available for sale right here at indistr.com, exclusively. 10 day US tour for Cancer starting FEB 6th Followed by another UK tour in April and random dates in between. For the time being I’m working on songs for a songwriting contest I started, where fans submit their lyrics to my forum on www.trig.com/group/yoursong. If I like what they write, I create a song around the lyrics and give them Co-songwriting credit and their own download store at indistr.com. Here is an example www.indistr.com/zachiroth. It is my way of showing fans appreciation and considering them more than just a buyer.

6. What have you been listening to lately?
These Eyes Are Cameras from Manchester UK. Jonah Matranga, Bowerbirds

7. Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
To be independent is highly empowering, at least for me because you are in full control. No deadlines, no creative differences between you and the label and the money stays with you. It is definitely possible to be successful and I know because I’m doing it. This business has its ups and downs and success is measured differently by each idividual or group. No matter what the goal, if you set it and reach it, that is success. It’s not always about how much money you earn, its what you are able to do as an artist to be happy. To be yourself I think is the first step. Lead not follow, because being derivative of what’s popular never lasts.

8. If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
I am virtually everywhere on the web. If someone can’t find me its because they forgot to turn on their computer first. www.indistr.com/mikeborgia obviously!

9. How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
100+ at least. The atmosphere depends on the city, venue and day of the week. Generally I find it very welcoming and go home after a gig fullfilled and happy, no matter if there are 5 people or 10,000. A friend once said “you get what you give” and he couldn’t be more right.

10. Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
A vital part of my musical life. If you are an independent artist of any size you have to house your music here. I love it because you have better control over your content and get paid right away. The bonus is to music fans as well because downloads are cheap, and registration is really fast and pain free. No waiting for that e-mail confirmation. It even has html codes for each song that when clicked takes you right to the store front.

New Tribal Seeds Album!

2007-11-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

Tribal Seeds new album (self titled) is now available for purchase at INDISTR. Keep an eye out for these guys on tour, coming to a town near you shortly.

The Eagles Album???

2007-11-08T12:41:00.000-08:00

WOW!! The Eagles new album "Long Road out of Eden" was originally released on a contract to only be sold at Wal Mart, Sam's Club, as well as their online property stores. The album was set to release at $11.88, however, now retailers from indie record stores to Virgin Mega stores are purchasing the album from Wal Mart and re-selling it in their stores for anywhere from $19 to $23. Apparently Soundscan is trying to control the issue by "weeding out" duplicate sales, which may have led to why the album sold a shockingly 711K albums the first week.

I'm so glad to represent a digital distribution site with no crazy rules or regulations.

Any thoughts?

Music pricing on INDISTR, just some thoughts...

2007-11-07T07:49:00.001-08:00

What to price something you've created with heart and soul...always a hard decision. We don't make our sales stats public (for good reason) so its always a bit difficult for the public to know what's selling well and what isn't. But I'd like to shed a little bit of light on the subject.

I think both as consumers and artists, we are used to the $12-$15 album. Prices have been around those numbers for quite some time - but those prices are based on the old model of physical distribution with, as some of you know, quite a few hungry mouths to feed before the album actually lands in the consumers hands. The new model, one exhibited here at INDISTR, is one where the artist is of course selling directly to the public. No shipping, no printing, no jewel cases, no physical copy, no physical store, no label (!), etc. It's much more simple now. 75% to the artist, and 25% to INDISTR.

So taking all that into account, should album pricing really follow the old model? Absolutely not. Again, we don't release sales stats, but some of our best selling albums from great artists have been priced in the $5-$8 range. The artist STILL makes more than they would with the 'old' model involving labels and physical distribution...and the consumer gets a great deal on fantastic music.

Something to consider when pricing your music...and buying it as well.

INDISTR 10! Interview with Mic Terror

2007-10-31T12:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-10-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

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!!

2007-10-15T13:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-10-10T23:58:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-10-09T19:02:00.001-07:00

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.

2007-10-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

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!