Across the Universe...

Music is universal. But when we say that we speak on a global level. However, what if it was more literal? I recently came across something (that admittedly, came out a couple months before now), and I wanted to share.

And yet, it both is and isn't about music....

It's actually a book I discovered, by Rob Reid, entitled "Year Zero", a fiction tale that deals with aliens and the music industry, and specifically touching on music piracy, and the whole legal aspects of the industry. 

I haven't finished yet, just recently purchasing it (just ended 1st chapter), but I discovered an interview with the author, and being a fan of Douglas Adams' "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", and those types of humorous fiction stories, as well as being a music lover (with a goal to work in the industry), my interest was instantly peaked, and it was why I purchased it. 

Here's the link to Rob Reid's interview on G4's Attack of the Show (which is what I first discovered, and therefore led me to search for more info on "Year Zero"): 

http://www.g4tv.com/videos/60190/science-fiction-meets-music-in-year-zero/

And should you be interested in checking out more about it (the way I was), you can go to Amazon to get summaries and reviews, and if so be it, end up buying it (like I did): 

http://www.amazon.com/Year-Zero-Novel-Rob-Reid/dp/0345534417

Internet Killed the Video Star...

The world keeps spinning, and the sounds keep playing........And that's this blog's main incentive: to keep eyes and ears out for any good artists, or songs, or really, music-related things.

Music may be important aspect in my life, but I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one feeling that way. And the internet itself is home to finding some amazing artists, some of whom do amazing cover songs.

Some talented artists (whom don't quite have the reach they should, at least not yet):

Artist:   Nikki and Rich

Song:  City Lights 

Song: Cat and Mouse (Live on Leno)

I first heard of them online, but they aren't the only ones that I've heard of through the Internet.

MEGHAN TONJES is someone I discovered via YouTube, and while she does amazing original songs, her covers she does on Request Tuesdays are just as amazing. I've posted some of her stuff earlier, but she has been continuing with more RT's, so I just hope you all enjoy as much as I do.

Song:  Lights (Ellie Goulding cover)

Even INGRID MICHAELSON, whom you may or may not know, messes about with using YouTube. And It was while I was on there I discovered her playing around, and she did this AMAZING COVER of Rihanna's "We Found Love".....

I love Ingrid and love her cover!!

Song: We Found Love  (Rihanna cover)

Loud...

For some unknown reason, I seem to be receiving emails from Pandora, and not just the typical please subscribe emails.....

This is a plea of a different kind, from the head founder himself (though not really, as I assume it's mass orchestrated, written memo type deal for the company, but I think you get the drift...lol)

The email looks as follows:

Hi there,

This is Tim, the founder of Pandora.

I am writing to ask for your urgent help. An important piece of legislation has just been introduced in Congress that could end long-standing discrimination against Internet radio. I'm asking that you contact your Representative to urge them to support the Internet Radio Fairness Act.

This bipartisan bill will correct the incredible inequity in how different digital radio formats are treated under the law when it comes to setting royalties. The difference is quite extraordinary. In 2011, Pandora paid over 50% of our revenues in performance royalties, while SiriusXM paid less than 10%.

As a lifelong musician, I'm fully supportive of artist compensation, but this situation can't continue. Internet radio is bringing millions of listeners back to music, and is playing the songs of tens of thousands of promising artists who would otherwise never be heard. It should be given a fair chance to succeed.

To voice your support for this initiative, please reach out to your Representative today to say you support the Internet Radio Fairness Act.

Representative: Carolyn Maloney Washington D.C. Office Number: 202-225-7944

If you'd like more information about the Internet Radio Fairness Act you can learn more here.

It's crucial that Congress hears from fans of Internet radio today. Thanks for your support, and thanks for being a loyal listener.

Tim Westergren Founder, Pandora Now I'm not really 100% this is in fact truth....I just got the emails, and admittedly should look more into it before posting this blog. BUT...I just wanted to post initial reaction should it indeed be true. Internet radio is a big deal......it's how many listen to music. I myself had SiriusXM for several years before having to cancel. Not because I didn't like it, or use it....but it was like $14 a month, which wouldn't be so bad I guess, EXCEPT I've become currently unemployed, and my unemployment benefits have run out, so I have no income coming in to be able to treat myself to that monthly expense. It was that or the phone, and I do need my cell probably bit more than I needed SiriusXM...lol.  I personally don't think people should have to pay HUGE amounts of money to any of these internet radio companies, but I'm speaking on behalf of perspective of (potential) listener who would wish everything free or pretty cheap...lol. So some bias may be occurring lol. However, if what is said in the Pandora email is true...why would one business have to pay more of their revenue than another? I thought SiriusXM might be the bigger company, no? Either way....if both are doing the same thing by playing the songs, and therefore have to compensate artists royalties (which is not the complaint I have, nor does it seem Mr. Westergren has)...then shouldn't they be paying the same amount? I would think ideally that would be the case. Admittedly, I don't know how the math works, but I am just theorizing based on what I've read. WIth all the progress technology has made, therefore bringing about advancements in the music industry, it also has seemingly brought about more complex, complicated issues as we now have to look into online aspects of music and legalities that come with that.  VIdeo may have killed the radio star.....but what kinds of complications is the Internet possibly setting us up for?

'Til Tuesday...

Meghan Tonjes. I first saw her singing on YouTube....singing cover songs, and I became a fan. She was one of the many musicians who use YouTube as a vehicle for themselves, but for some reason she stuck out to me.

Actually, I think that reason is obvious...her talent lol. But I became a fan of her covers, and then from there I heard her original stuff and enjoyed that too. 

She started on YouTube, and I think only relatively recently did she get signed.....though it's a very small, indie label. And even with being signed to a label, she's not really known. 

Shame I think......people like Meghan (and many others) who are actually talented can get lost in the shuffle, while people who aren't as talented really get the goods. 

But at least we have sites like YouTube that allow for bit more awareness.......much more than years ago. 

I realize it also depends on the type of music you enjoy, but if you like singer/songwriters, then I'd say she's a good fit.

I mean, I really don't like that "Call Me Maybe" song by Carly Rae Jepsen....but her cover is awesome (just her voice, etc.) and I can't stop listening to it. 

I always look forward to her Request Tuesdays, which is when she posts the latest cover (chosen from the recommendations she gets on her page). Good marketing in a way....being interactive in a way with the audience. 

You can find her stuff on iTunes (that's something that started pretty recently) and her YouTube page obviously....also on Facebook and Twitter. 

I just hope that her talent & voice get more notice one day. She's an awesome discovery I made on YouTube, and I know it most likely won't be the last discovery I make....

Meghan's YouTube page:    http://www.youtube.com/user/tonjesml

                                                                    Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepsen cover)

                                                             

PAYPHONE (Maroon 5 cover)

Here It Goes...

Hello everyone. And so, here we begin this journey of exploration into the world of music.  That’s what this blog is here for; to explore,promote, and share ideas about an industry that I love so much. And I know I’m not alone in that love for music.

           

This blog is not about imposing what is the best music out there, and what you should be listening over to what you are listening to. That isn’t the goal. I strive to try and keep up the train of thought I’ve always had in my belief that no one particular genre of music is better than the other. I may have preferences to what I enjoy more, but I don’t ever consider it to be better than others. It’s all just different. Just as is the population of people living on this planet, so many differing cultures, yet they all embrace music in some way. It’s a common bond really.

            

My goal is just trying to hopefully open up some eyes in terms of maybe introducing you to artists you may not have heard of, but once you have a listen, you can add them as a very listened to addition to your iTunes library. That choice of course is ultimately up to you in the end, but my goal is to at least let you know about the stuff I’ve heard, which you may end up also enjoying.

            

But it’s not just the underground, more indie stuff I intend to address. I try not to be elitist when it comes to music, so while I have great love for the more indie stuff, I do enjoy the more popular, big name, and top-40 stuff too. So I will follow the bigger names, as well as the more unknown artists, and any festivals, or music related stuff.

           

Personally, my own iTunes library is very bi-polar, as it ranges in artists and genres and eras. I think, overall, it makes me well-rounded lol. But I speak only for myself, and not the rest of you out there.  

          

And because of where I live, in NYC, there is plenty of opportunity for me to run into some great musical talent anywhere, on any given day really. Some of the street performers, and subway platform guys can be talented, you know. They just may not have the means and opportunity, which is the case for many really.

            

Hopefully you’ve gotten a sense of what this particular blog is about. And even more hopefully, it’s something you’ve taken interest in, and will keep coming back.  And so, like the title said:  Here It Goes...