Read more here!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Jackson 5 Tour In 2008!!!!
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!
Read more here!
Monday, November 26, 2007
INDISTR 10! Interview with Ryan Horne!
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.
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.
Friday, November 16, 2007
A thank you to our community...
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
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
Thursday, November 15, 2007
INDISTR 10! INterview with Mike Borgia!
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
New Tribal Seeds Album!
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.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
The Eagles Album???
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?
I'm so glad to represent a digital distribution site with no crazy rules or regulations.
Any thoughts?
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Music pricing on INDISTR, just some thoughts...
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.
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.
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