This has been a noteworthy week for the future of the music business. It began when Radiohead released their latest album, "In Rainbows," as a "pay-what-you-wish" digital download. The catch, of course, is that they are no longer affiliated with a record label. Rumor has it they had more than 1 million downloads, and took in a fairly good profit as well!
The same day, rumors surfaced that Oasis and Jamiroquai were considering a similar move.
Now, it looks like Madonna might be thinking about jumping ship from Warner to sign a record/touring/merchandise deal with concert promoter Live Nation, a company which has never been in the record business prior to this.
Of course, the labels have been watching all of this like hawks, as evidenced by this leaked memo from EMI Records.
Things aren't looking so good for our friends at the record labels. Of course, it's tough to feel sorry for them when they are spending their time suing Native American single mothers who make $36,000 a year!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
R.I.P. Joe Zawinul
Legendary jazz keyboardist and composer Joe Zawinul died this morning in Vienna after a battle with cancer. Zawinul was a member of Miles Davis' groundbreaking fusion ensemble, then he and Wayne Shorter left and formed the equally groundbreaking band Weather Report.
I don't know about you, but I will be listening to "Bitches Brew" and "Heavy Weather" this morning to mourn his passing.
I don't know about you, but I will be listening to "Bitches Brew" and "Heavy Weather" this morning to mourn his passing.
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Wednesday, August 29, 2007
R.I.P. Hilly Kristal
He was not a musician, nor was he very young, but Hilly Kristal was an pivotal figure in the punk rock revolution of the 1970's. Kristal, founder and proprietor of the legendary punk club CBGB's, passed away Tuesday after a battle with lung cancer.
Kristal also recently engaged in an ultimately unsuccessful battle to keep his club open after 33 years. Two years ago, after fighting eviction for several years, a number of artists staged benefit concerts to raise money. This kept the club open for another year, but it finally closed down last October.
When Kristal opened the club in 1973, he planned to host country and bluegrass acts. As legend has it, the group Television, then fronted by Tom Verlaine and Richard Hell, convinced him that they were a country band and that he should give them a steady gig there. He soon realized that this new style of rock would bring crowds to the club, and gave up on country and bluegrass.
In addition to Television, The Ramones, The Talking Heads, Blondie, Patti Smith, and a number of other bands got their start at CBGB's. It became a mecca for punk, post-punk, and alternative rock over the years. While it's Bowery location ensured it would never become a mainstream rock club, it remained legendary long after it's heyday.
Kristal was 75.
Kristal also recently engaged in an ultimately unsuccessful battle to keep his club open after 33 years. Two years ago, after fighting eviction for several years, a number of artists staged benefit concerts to raise money. This kept the club open for another year, but it finally closed down last October.
When Kristal opened the club in 1973, he planned to host country and bluegrass acts. As legend has it, the group Television, then fronted by Tom Verlaine and Richard Hell, convinced him that they were a country band and that he should give them a steady gig there. He soon realized that this new style of rock would bring crowds to the club, and gave up on country and bluegrass.
In addition to Television, The Ramones, The Talking Heads, Blondie, Patti Smith, and a number of other bands got their start at CBGB's. It became a mecca for punk, post-punk, and alternative rock over the years. While it's Bowery location ensured it would never become a mainstream rock club, it remained legendary long after it's heyday.
Kristal was 75.
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Wednesday, August 01, 2007
A life of Smooth Jazz - Is it a choice?
A friend of mine sent me this link. I cannot say anything that will do it justice -- you just have to read it yourself!
No One Sets Out To Be A Smooth Jazz Musician
No One Sets Out To Be A Smooth Jazz Musician
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