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So I met President Bill Clinton and him to share his favorite album
(Photo from Wikipedia.)
I had the opportunity to meet Bill Clinton during a late evening signing for his new book "Back to Work." So, after I got done getting a presidential hand shake, and telling him that I thought he was the best president in my lifetime, I decided to ask a question- "What's your favorite album?"
Once it was a record store clerk that would fill me in. Of course, friends and radio were also great places to get recommendations. Today, whether on YouTube, Spotify, or blogs, everyone's a curator of sorts. So, why not get official music insight from an actual president?
Upon being asked the question, President Cllinton smiled and then looked up, pondering the question at hand. He took a few seconds, and looked back at me and replied, "Jazz Samba." He then repeated the title once more for me and smiled.
So, I got my first presidential album suggestion. With that, I'll start checking out the full-length bossa nova release from Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd, on YouTube of course. Take a listen. It came right from a president of the United States of America, you don't get that type of music discovery every day.
Marketing Lessons from Run DMC
"The next time someone's teaching why don't you get taught?"
-RUN DMC (It's Like That)
New artists of any genre can learn some serious marketing lessons from RUN DMC. Here are 10 lessons from the Hollis, Queens trio:
10. Broke the rules: They dressed in street attire instead of flashy costumes or sweatshirts with their names ironed on like other rappers at the time.
9. Differentiation: Musically, they used Rock to differentiate themselves from the other groups. However, they didn’t try to dress or look like rockers. They didn’t try to be something they weren’t.
8. Unique: Their delivery was different. They didn’t sound like anyone else at the time.
7. Self-proclaimed: They dubbed themselves something totally unexpected- The King of Rock. And, they owned that.
6. Created a movement: They made their fans feel as though they were on a journey with them to spread this “new” thing. “My Adidas” is about more than a brand of sneaker. It’s about taking this particular style, culture, and vibe around the globe.
5. Made the rules: Their style, sound, image, and finesse set the stage for a new era of Hip Hop, with them at the helm.
4. Knew no boundaries: Their music wasn’t just for people that should like rap. This allowed them create their own audience, not just tap into the established rap base.
3. Consistency: They were consistent in their rock-themed sound; however, they grew and showed progression: “Rock Box,” “King of Rock,” “Raising Hell,” “Walk this Way.”
2. Branding: You knew the glasses, the derbies, Adidas, and the leather blazers as only RUN DMC.
1. Quality: The whole package known as RUN DMC was solid. At the time no one could rival them, they were the best. For all of these reasons, beyond being iconic Hip Hop artists that will be rediscovered by generations to come, they were inducted into Rock and Roll's Hall of Fame.
-by Israel Vasquetelle
Band extends brand into other screens with "Zombie Slay" App
Just in time for Halloween, The Devil Wears Prada releases a video app game to help continue to tell the story they began on the "Zombie" EP via a different screen. This strategy will enable fans to interact with the TDWP brand and offer a new manner of engagement, including a different way to experience the band's music and creativity.
Beyond engagement, this is also an opportunity for further monetization in the new era of the music industry. The "Zombie Slay" game is available for $1.99 in iTunes for use on iPhone and iPad.
Indie Musicians, Authors, and Artists: Future of Selling Hard Goods is Limited Edition Keepsakes
The band Of Montreal just made available their new box set which is comprised of a collection of cassettes in a handcrafted and painted box. To outsiders, this may seem like an oddball item on the fringes of the entertainment industry. However, to those that have worked in the indie scene for years, this is quite an obvious offer. Embracing a DIY approach in the creation and selling of interesting limited edition items is something that's been practiced for years in indie circles. For decades, kids in punk bands have known the joys of screenprinting stickers, shirts, and even skateboard decks in their garages. Today's authors and artists will know the same joy, albeit not necessarily by making an mess with emulsion.
Whether it be books, vinyl, elaborate CDs, handmade apparel, or other items, tomorrow's artists who are successful in connecting with their audiences, regardless of the medium or size, will find that even in a digital age, physical goods will still have a significant place in their livelihood. Just ask Seth Godin, the hugely successful author that has sold tons of books through major publishing houses. His recent "Poke The Box" book came in a variety of options for purchasers, including one edition that sells on Amazon for over $100. This limited edition package comes with a letterpress cover, poster, and of course it's signed.
If you're a creator, take that title literally and create something meaningful that will be considered a keepsake by fans. To close, when talking with a veteran musician Dave Lombardo, drummer for the band Slayer, I asked what was the most distinct release they've made available. His response was the Iron Cross 7" record. After taking a look, you have to admit, regardless of how huge of a band Slayer has been for nearly three decades, this is certainly something that's only for those die-hard fans. What can you make that your fans can display, wear, or cherish like a badge of honor?
Marketing Music: The Bynars' Interactive Video and Taking Engagement to the Next Level
The Bynars do a wonderful job of providing an engaging way to watch a video, you actually change it while it plays. It's an impressive entry into what is possible with new media. Check it out here. You need to give it a little while to load, but it's worth the wait- if for no other reason than to see what's possible when you use technology and a bit of ingenuity to present music.
Nothing delicate about Rob Zombie's new fabric softener commercial
Woolite called on producer, musician and director Rob Zombie to direct the new commercial for the staple fabric softener. The director delivered a creepy 30 second nightmare of a cinematic experience for delicate apparel everywhere.
From Gangsta Rapper to Entertainment Mogul: The Ice Cube Interview
Ice Cube has conquered music, film, and most currently television. In this interview, Cube talks with me about his transformation from gangsta rapper to film star and entertainment mogul. He also sheds insight into his journey within this turbulent industry. As well, he gives advice and shares a valuable lesson learned from his own experiences in the entertainment business. Cube also discusses the plight of the recorded music industry, and the importance of putting a value on music. This candid discussion is both intriguing and inspirational, and provides a distinct perspective into the success of this talented entertainment icon. - Israel Vasquetelle
What artists of any genre can learn from his 35 years of success in children's music
Depending on your age, and where you grew up, Barry Polisar might have played a significant role in how you first started listening to music as a child. Barry is a veteran entertainer who has spent decades making music and performing it for kids. His impressive career is filled with accomplishments, including: writing songs sung by the character Big Bird in Sesame Street, publishing several children’s books, starring in his own television show, and even performing at the White House. Of all of his successes, the one that is the most telling, in regards to the significance of his career, is a recent tribute compilation entitled “We’re Not Kidding.” This release consists of Barry cover-songs, and was recorded by artists of all genres that grew up listening to Barry’s music.
Beyond Barry’s success as an artist, he’s also a music entrepreneur who began his career by booking himself in unique venues, including schools and libraries. He’s also sold music directly to his audience (and their parents) live and online for many years. Barry’s non-traditional music industry story is compelling and full of lessons for artists of all genres.
Barry, can you discuss how you sell music?
For 35 years I put out a series of record albums for children and basically marketed and sold them myself. Although I do have distribution through Amazon.com, CD Baby, and iTunes for the longest time it was just people either buying my albums on my Web site or after concerts.
There were significant barriers to selling. How were you selling your music for all those years before the Internet?
Interview with Teena Marie: The late, great soul diva talks about her life in music
In honor of the great Teena Marie, below is an interview I conducted with her. During our talk, she shares her love for music and discusses a lifetime of creating it. It was with sadness that I learned of her passing, however, I consider myself blessed for having had the opportunity to hear her story first hand. Her songs will be rediscovered by future generations of music fans seeking soulful inspiration.
In a day and age of commodity artists who are forgotten shortly after a year or so of a radio hit, and in an environment where hit artists of yesteryear are remembered only by those who were raised on their sounds, it is rare to find an artist who continues to resonate with new and old audiences decades after launching their career.
Teena Marie stepped on the scene in ’79 and continues to touch music fans with her amazingly soulful voice. Not only has her music swept her fans off of their feet for years, but she has also influenced new generations of hit makers. The list reads something like a who’s who of Hip Hop stars, including Jadakiss, Ludacris, The Fugees, and Snoop Dogg.
Teena Marie’s history and career within the music industry is about as distinct as any artist today, from her start on Motown (signed directly by legendary Berry Gordy), to decades later releasing records with dirty south royalty Cash Money Records. If that’s not impressive enough to distinguish her from other divas, she is one of the most successful Caucasian R&B artists of all time, whose discography boasts a treasure trove of hits. Beyond that, one of her funk soaked masterpieces, “Square Biz” happens to also place her on a very short list of female artists to first bring rap onto radio. The only other lady on that early list is Debbie Harry. Blondie’s “Rapture” and Teena Marie’s “Square Biz” both became radio hits in 1981.
Teena Marie shares her thoughts on her start with one of funk’s most iconic stars (the late Rick James), explains the inspiration behind her current culture and soul rich album “Congo Square,” discusses her career and the music business with candor, gives her insight on today’s Urban music, all while exuding sincere passion for her craft and love of music. She is engaging and delightful, but what else would one expect from legendary soul diva Teena Marie aka Lady T.
The Teena Marie Interview
I would like to go back to the beginning for a moment, if you could tell me a little bit about your upbringing and how you were influenced by the soulful music that you ended up creating for so many years. There was just all kinds of music in my house. I have five brothers and sisters so everybody was listening to something different. My oldest sister loved Motown. My brother liked a lot of the San Francisco groups, like Sly & the Family Stone and Janis Joplin and some real soulful stuff like Otis Redding. Then my other sister liked pop music. My mother and father had great, great musical taste so there was a lot of Sinatra around the house, Billie Holliday, Sarah Vaughn. Just great, great music in my home.
I love music period, but I just really, really love the Motown sound and as I got older I really loved male vocal groups like the Dells and the Dramatics. I love the beautiful harmonies and stuff like that.
Please talk a little bit about the transition from being a fan, someone that sang, to entry into the industry.
Well, you know, actually I’ve been singing professionally since I was eight years old. I sang for Jerry Lewis’s son’s wedding when I was eight and I sang the Ave Maria. I had two amazing sisters at the Catholic school that were just brilliant musicians themselves, that were like my teachers. Like every little girl in America, I would stand in front of the TV and watch the Ed Sullivan show and do the steps with the Supremes. Every girl in America wanted to be the Supremes, no matter what color you were.
So it was absolutely amazing to grow up and end up on the same label with all these artists that I loved so much, especially like Smokey Robinson, who I absolutely adored and penned my whole writing style off of his career. I studied his music and we had the same range, so I could sing all his songs and all my friends called me Little Smokey. I really studied him as a writer of love music and poetry and I wanted to write those same kind of love songs and inspire people. So he’s the one that I really, really was… Every artist has somebody that they love more than the others a bit, that they kind of emulate, sort of emulate their sound.
Can you talk for a moment about your entry into Motown and how that came about?
I knew a man who knew Hal Davis, who was a producer at Motown, who produced…did most of those early records on the Jackson Five, “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save.” He did a lot of their stuff when they first were on Motown. And he got me an audition for Mr. Gordy. My band and I went over to Paramount Studios and at that time he was doing a movie. They signed us to play in the movie. That movie eventually was shelved and Mr. Gordy signed me to the label as a solo artist.
Forget Piracy, Fight Obscurity: Five ways for artists to beat being unknown
(Photo credit Kainr- used under Creative License on Flickr - Some rights reserved by kainr)
For years, many new artists have asked me, “What do I do about the problem of piracy?” It’s true. Many people are copying music. However, if you’re a new artist, you should be so lucky to have people want to copy and spread your art. Let Gaga, Ke$ha, Katy Perry, and Bruno Mars worry about people stealing their music. Instead, new artists should find ways to get people to want to consume their music in any manner possible.
Interestingly enough, I had an unknown artist and friend explain his quite opposite approach to worrying about piracy. His angle was to let people pirate his music. He almost had it right, but not quite. He said, “My marketing plan is to leak my music to Bit Torrent sites and let bootleggers do the rest.” I told him that this wasn’t much of a marketing plan. First of all, more than likely, a real-life bootlegger is looking to copy music that’s already popular. Secondly, not so devious infringers are also probably illegally downloading music that they search for, which means they’re already aware of it. The key word is “aware.” If they don’t know who you are, it’s unlikely they’ll care enough to actively find you.
Instead of worrying about piracy, sweat obscurity. How do you do that?
1. Perform at any logical occasion that arises. You never know where potential fans lurk.
2. Put music in the ears of people that are likely to enjoy what you do.
3. Promote at every chance you get. Get not only your music, but also your name in the minds of your potential fans.
4. Don’t count out radio. You might not be able to get on rotation on your favorite Clear Channel station; however, Internet, satellite, college, and community radio outlets are more likely to support indie music anyway. (Yes, these outlets might not be as glamorous as play on commercial terrestrial radio airwaves, but listeners of many of those outlets are typically more passionate about a specific niche. Find out who plays that slice of sound, and get on. Remember, anyone can get online, but most artists won't be on radio.)
5. The Internet is an amazing outlet for building awareness and networking, but don’t ignore real social networking- IN PERSON. And, don’t ignore your own backyard (aka hometown). Look for opportunities to do all of the aforementioned activities within your own town. With few exceptions, this is typically a great way to inexpensively promote and build your fan base and FIGHT PIRACY OBSCURITY. -Israel Vasquetelle
Marketing memo to artists: No one’s going to find you if you’re hiding.
Too many times, artists ask advice about how to be discovered. They sit and ponder ways to be found by music executives. The reality is that they need to be found by an audience. With today’s unending options to get your music out to the world, there’s no excuse to wait. I’ve always been a proponent of just doing it yourself- today, this approach makes more sense than ever before. The reality is that music execs are lazier than ever. That’s not an insult, it’s actually a smart approach. Instead of combing through massive bins (or today, files) of music, they look to see who’s created traction all on their own.
If you’re waiting to be discovered, more than likely, you’re not going to be found. Stop hiding from your audience. Get your music out now! -Israel Vasquetelle
The best music industry documentaries in one or two lines.
Here's a brief list of some of the better music (and some entertainment) industry related documentaries. (In no specific order.)
P-Star Rising (The story of an inner city nine year old girl struggling to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry.) For more on this doc check out my lengthier review.
Theremin (Visit the weird and wonderful world of futurist inventor and his instrument- The Theremin.)
The Story of Anvil (Inspiration documentary about heavy metal underdogs who are driven by passion to rock.) Here's an in-depth interview that I conducted with the band's frontman Lips.
Biggie and Tupac (The best Tupac doc. Focuses on the murders of rap’s biggest stars. Directed by Nick Broomfield-director of “Kurt and Courtney” and “Life and Death of a Serial Killer” and “The Selling of a Serial Killer,” which are both about Aileen Wuornoswhich. Great docs.)
Aston "Family Man" Barrett of the Legendary Wailers
"Reggae is the heartbeat of the people. Some of the modern music nowadays they are playing the wrong drum beat.
They’re playing the beat, which is called war drums."
Here I speak with Aston "FamilyMan" Barrett, the bassist for the legendary Wailers. He is responsible for the basslines and other creative elements on many of Bob Marley and the Wailers' classic songs. We discuss his thoughts about why Bob Marley and The Wailers' music continues to resonate with fans decades after its creation. He also discusses his thoughts on current state of music, and how he met and started working with Bob Marley. Yvad, the Wailers' Band's new vocalist shares his views on the power of Bob Marley and the Wailers' music.
Veteran Hip Hop artist and music industry entrepreneur gives advice to aspiring artists and label proprietors
One of Hip Hop's most respected lyricists, Buckshot, talks to me about his career, the music industry, and success after nearly two decades in Hip Hop. During a Duck Down Records' 15 year anniversary show, the emcee, whose career was launched with the classic "Who Got The Props," showed respect to me and Insomniac Magazine for being the first to put him on a magazine cover nearly 15 years ago. The entire Duck Down roster of artists graced the cover of Insomniac's second issue. Buckshot and DJ Evil Dee (two thirds of his group Black Moon) also appeared on a later issue's cover.
Buckshot- Da BDI Emcee started Duck Down Enterprizez with his business partner Dru Ha after the success of Black Moon and fellow artists Smif n Wessun's debut albums. Both acts were hugely embraced by fans internationally during the earlier '90s on Wreck/Nervous Records. After that, they brought their "backpack" Hip Hop sound over to their own label and management company, and the rest is history.
During the concert tour dates, Buckshot takes the stage with fellow Boot Camp members The Cocoa Brovaz (Smif n Wessun aka Tek and Steele) and Sean Price to perform their impressive string of Hip Hop hits. Pharoahe Monch (originally one half of Organized Konfusion), who will release his album "W.A.R." with Duck Down, also performs on the tour. The collective is the only east coast group to complete an album with the late Tupac. I recall talking to them years ago about the amazing experience. Dru described Tupac's hospitality and respect for the crew during their time together. During a recent talk, General Steele mentioned that it was all documented by Tupac's people on video, however, the actual music project has never been released.
Duck Down continues to thrive in the music business by releasing impressive projects, including collaborations with Buckshot and KRS One, and also his work with producer 9th Wonder. As well, the label has released many other albums, including "Smoke n Mirrors" from Cypress Hill's B-Real. Recently, Duck Down announced their signing of former Bad Boy artist Black Rob, as well as the upcoming album for Cocoa Brovaz entirely produced by Pete Rock. In an era where artists of all genres rarely enjoy longevity, Buckshot and Duck Down continue to shine. Enjoy the interview. -Israel Vasquetelle
Interview with the creator of Tubeify, the new media music player that gives access to millions of songs for free
Tubeify is a free online service that has recently started to make some waves with music fans seeking a better way to experience music online. It mines established services such as Last.FM and Billboard for data pertaining to music catalogs and then uses that information to tap into content available on Youtube to provide results for searches entered by users. Results are displayed and streamed from Youtube to Tubeify’s player, which allows users more control over playing and arranging those results. Unlike using just Youtube alone, these results are extremely intuitive, permitting users to play continuous music in queue. For example, a user can enter the name of an artist, and the results will provide a list with links to the artist’s music. It also identifies what album or collection each song is from, similar to iTunes. If the user chooses to, they can select a song or an album, which can be listened to all the way through. The most impressive feature offered is one that allows users to scroll through a timeline bar consisting of months and years. Upon selecting a place in time, the player will pull up the Billboard charts for that given period, those results, in turn, are all playable within the player itself. Tubeify, essentially empowers users to listen to hits from any era documented by Billboard.
In this interview, Tubeify’s developer, Tomas Isdal, answers questions this platform and its features. He also shares his thoughts behind the creation of this interesting service that puts further control into the hands of music fans.
Why did you develop Tubeify?
The Prince of the new recorded music industry talks about how you can start your record label and have global distribution
Jeff Price is the prince of the new music economy. In an environment where major labels are less likely than ever to easily produce a new Platinum selling act, highly unlikely to score a Diamond selling one, and site’s like YouTube have made Andy Warhol’s prediction of everyone achieving a stint of fame a reality, the stars are now aligned to sell millions of one and twos. Even small indie labels typically had no place for artists without the potential to at least sell thousands of units. However, Price’s Tunecore is set up to be profitable doing just that. They provide a new era version of major distribution to any artist, regardless of the sales potential. This is possible because the business model is not biased towards how much content is sold. Instead, they are set up to charge based on the delivery of content, not unlike Fed Ex, an analogy made by Price himself about his company.
…no one saying you’re good enough or you’re bad enough, or you should make it or shouldn’t make it… you can come to the website, and you can upload your music and say ‘put it into iTunes.” The cost for that, instead of giving away a piece of your soul and your rights and your money and your control, is just a simple flat postage fee. It’s like Fed Ex- you pay the fee and the package gets delivered.
Price, former proprietor of indie record label spinArt, describes his current company as a place where “anybody can…sign themselves.” The company has been delivering on this promise for five years. Tunecore is in many ways responsible for democratizing digital music distribution. They’ve helped bring down the barriers that had previously prevented most recording artists and independent record labels from selling their music on as broad a scale as possible. Before their existence, there were other companies providing digital distribution. However, Tunecore’s unique approach in regards to how they charge users made all the difference. Instead of charging based on a percentage of sales, they charge a flat fee. Because they generate revenue based on each user that signs on to have content delivered, this permits them to open up their service to anyone who creates or controls music.
Teena Marie: Soul Diva Connects with Fans for Three Decades
In a day and age of commodity artists who are forgotten shortly after a year or so of a radio hit, and in an environment where hit artists of yesteryear are remembered only by those who were raised on their sounds, it is rare to find an artist who continues to resonate with new and old audiences decades after launching their career.
Teena Marie stepped on the scene in ’79 and continues to touch music fans with her amazingly soulful voice. Not only has her music swept her fans off of their feet for years, but she has also influenced new generations of hit makers. The list reads something like a who’s who of Hip Hop stars, including Jadakiss, Ludacris, The Fugees, and Snoop Dogg.
Music Industry Talk with Jason Spiewak of Rock Ridge Music
Rock Ridge Music is a label operating in future mode. They're not tied to the old ways of the industry, in fact they're not locked into the supposed new 360 model adopted by major labels either. Instead, they operate by fulfilling a variety of services including marketing, publishing, management, etc. However, not all services are provided to all artists. With some, they work in a label capacity, for others, they provide specific services needed to fill a void in their clients' business models. Rock Ridge Music is definitely not just a tiny label working in a vacuum with just upstart obscure talent, some of their artists are hugely successful and garner very dedicated fans such as Sister Hazel and Reel Big Fish. In this discussion, the head of the label, Jason Spiewak, speaks with me about his thoughts on the music industry and explains a bit about his label's approach to music in a new media era.
Tell me a little bit about the transition from your earlier days working college radio to working within new media.
The job that really started me on this path was the position that I accepted at TVT, working with a woman named Christina who was one of my bosses at Artemis Records as a marketing person. Christina hired me based on understanding the music market place from a more traditional sense, with the idea that I could apply that view of the world to new and emerging media. It was a great, great opportunity to learn that world on the fly while working with massive artists, people like Lil Jon and the Ying Yang Twins and Sevendust. It was great because people were willing to return my phone call based on the clout that the acts had, and I got to develop some relationships that way.
TVT was a significant label. It’s kind of interesting that they’ve come across some hard times. What do you think that says about the future of the music industry: one of the top independent labels coming across such difficult situations?
My interview with entertainment mogul Ice Cube about the television industry and his new show
When it comes to the pinnacle of the entertainment industry, Mr. O'Shea Jackson, better known as Ice Cube to the world, arrived quite a while ago. As a performer, he's transcended from Hip Hop legend to movie star, all while maintaining credibility in both worlds. As an entertainment entrepreneur, he's successfully conquered the music industry, film, and now television. Counting the "Friday" and "Barbershop" movies, "Are We There Yet" is his third franchise film. This time, he's delivered one of his popular major motion picture properties to TV. The family-oriented sitcom stars Terry Crews (known best as Chris Rock's father on "Everybody Hates Chris" and the over the top spokesman/model in the hugely viral Old Spice commercials) and Essence Atkins. Atkins plays Suzanna Kingston, opposite Crews as Nick Persons (Cube's character on the big screen version). The program focuses on the challenges faced within the home of the Persons/Kingston blended family. Comedy ensues as Nick tries to win the affection of the two new children in his life, while maintaining a harmonious relationship with Suzanna.
Although Cube's major role in this production is actually behind the camera as executive producer,
Multi-Platinum artist refocuses on smaller market for long-term success
In 1992, Speech, along with his group Arrested Development, went on to receive countless accolades including two Grammy Awards and named Band of the Year by Rolling Stone Magazine for the ground breaking “3 Years, 5 Months, and 2 Days in the Life of…” The album launched the band into stardom with constant video and radio rotation for their hit “Tennessee,” and later for singles “People Everyday” and “Mr. Wendal.” The funky and soulful blend of Hip Hop and R&B delivered socially conscious music in a manner that was palatable to the masses. Despite being adorned with admiration by both the industry and audiences, at least in the United States, Arrested Development didn’t maintain the spotlight for long. When the band’s subsequent releases didn’t attain the level of success of the debut, they didn’t fade into oblivion, instead, Speech focused on a new market that embraced the band as their own music stars. Both as a solo artist and as the leader of Arrested Development, Speech has lived the reality of being big in Japan.
In this interview, Speech talks about Arrested Development’s interesting story into stardom in the U.S. and abroad. We also delve deep into the lack of progression within Hip Hop, and he also discusses the perils and rewards of the music industry. -Israel Vasquetelle
