More Featured Content

  • Dave Mensch Team with Scott Wilson of Tantric
  • Daylight Down [Album Review]
  • Dierks Bentley - Rain or Shine!
  • Dave Goddess Group - "Something New"
  • Ian & The Dream "California Cauliflower"
  • The Fletchers - "Reset the Dial"
  • Birdy - "Fire Within"
  • Music Industry Tips


Dave Mensch seems to have a split sound bouncing between Acoustic Rock and Country at his live shows. And his 3 previous albums seem to mirror that concept as well, you get a little of both flavors. Cleverly merging these two genres is why Mensch recruited Producer Scott Wilson (bass player for the platinum-selling band

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This is one of those rare moments I get to make cheesy "critic comments", and if you think I'm not going to seize this moment, your'e mistaken.  Okay here we go...ready?

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Last night in Cincinnati I was geared up for Country music, beer and probably a hot dog because I skipped dinner. But what I got was so much more. 

Upon my arrival to Riverbend Music Center, an outdoor pavillion there in Cincinnati who hosts all the best acts in the country, I noticed some clouds

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Have you given up on radio like I have? If you're into that popular "four on the floor" beat music with overly produced vocals and sampled drums, well...this album isn't for you. There's actual raw talent here. 

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What's happening right now? I got this disc "California Cauliflower" by Ian and The Dream - and try as I might, had a hard time judging the "book by the cover." That being said, I had to actually make effort and play the disc to form an opinion and I think I'm either blown away or

Read More

You know that feeling you get when you hear new music on the radio? I do. And it's not good. It's full of what I call "beard music" and is that folky, four on the floor with the kick drum, lets see how "ironic" we can be crap day in and day out. Then I

Read More

It may come as a surprise to music lovers on this side of the pond, but “Fire Within” is not Birdy’s debut album. “Fire Within” is actually the poetic songwriter’s second album, releasing in the U.S. while Birdy is amid a whirlwind stateside tour with Christina Perri. At the ripe old age of 17, Birdy

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Eugene Foley | Foley Entertainment The Advisors

Personal managers, lawyers, and booking agents can be very instrumental in  advancing a recording artist’s career. Assembling the right advisors can often be the  difference between success and failure for an artist. Qualities to consider  include: Experience, contacts, knowledge, enthusiasm, competence, personality, fees and commissions. 

Years ago, talented acts would often be discovered

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Bands...Is Facebook Enough?

As I stroll around the internet from time to time looking up bands for various reasons (choosing an opening act for my band, etc.), I see a growing number of artists who have gotten away from having their own website and just utilizing Facebook as their main page. Well, what's interesting is I remember writing a post on a discussion forum similar to the blog I'm writing now. Except exchange the word Facebook for Myspace.

 

Here's the deal...

YOU CAN'T CONTROL FACEBOOK! I said this ten years ago and I'll say it again, [insert social media site here] won't be around forever. So relying on them soley to promote your music is like handing the keys to your car to a valet. There's a chance you won't get your car back. You can't control anything Facebook does. Let's break it down...

  • THEY decide where your pictures can appear.
  • THEY decide if you can have the ability to post a list of dates.
  • THEY decide if the site is up and running.
  • THEY decide how your content is arranged.
  • THEY decide what banner ads display and how many.

And so on...

The fact of the matter is you need to always be in control of your career. Having your own website, you're able to market and brand yourself as you see fit. You have complete control of everything. Why wouldn't you want that?! Put your best foot forward or not at all, I always say. Maybe it's just me. Maybe many artists are just too lazy to take that extra step. I don't know. All I know is, if you're a band/artist who only has a Facebook page, it just makes you look like you don't have enough going on to fill up an entire website.

While we're on the subject of band websites. IF you're ambitious enough to have your own, don't fill it up with widgets. It looks cheap and it looks lazy. Dare I say, I'd almost just rather see your Facebook page where at least all the widgets are on one page. Pay for nice pics, learn how to update it yourself (Joomla and Wordpress are great for this), and leave your social networks as tools to reinforce your site and brand. But let your website do all the grunt work.

Okay artists, that's all for now.

Cheez-Its,

Aaron Farrier
BackstageMusician.Com Editor

Latest Album Reviews

  • Daylight Down [Album Review] +

    This is one of those rare moments I get to make cheesy "critic comments", and if you think I'm not going to seize this moment, your'e mistaken.  Okay here we go...ready?

    Read More
  • Dave Goddess Group - "Something New" +

    Have you given up on radio like I have? If you're into that popular "four on the floor" beat music with overly produced vocals and sampled drums, well...this album isn't for you. There's actual raw talent here. 

    Read More
  • Ian & The Dream "California Cauliflower" +

    What's happening right now? I got this disc "California Cauliflower" by Ian and The Dream - and try as I might, had a hard time judging the "book by the cover." That being said, I had to actually make effort and play the disc to form an opinion and I think I'm either blown away or being Punk'd. One word. Refreshing!

    Read More
  • The Fletchers - "Reset the Dial" +

    You know that feeling you get when you hear new music on the radio? I do. And it's not good. It's full of what I call "beard music" and is that folky, four on the floor with the kick drum, lets see how "ironic" we can be crap day in and day out. Then I happened upon the Fletchers and found myself with more of a nostalgic feel.

    Read More
  • Birdy - "Fire Within" +

    It may come as a surprise to music lovers on this side of the pond, but “Fire Within” is not Birdy’s debut album. “Fire Within” is actually the poetic songwriter’s second album, releasing in the U.S. while Birdy is amid a whirlwind stateside tour with Christina Perri. At the ripe old age of 17, Birdy has a way with songwriting that is well beyond her years. Each of the 11 tracks has a life of its own, telling stories of love, loss, and hope, while displaying Birdy’s gift of not only song-writing, but musical talent. An extremely talented pianist and

    Read More
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