Fund Raiser CD For Kids With Cancer - Need Music! Open call to bands of all genres!

(PRESS RELEASE) StreetBlast.com is working with StompOutCancer.com to help them search for music for their upcoming CD “Stomp Out Cancer Volume 2: Hope.” All proceeds from the sale of this CD goes to research for Ewing’s Sarcoma, a type of cancer that attacks children and young adults.

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Airplay Direct Contest For Bands With a Girl Who Rocks

Throughout the month of August, AirPlay Direct will be running a free “All Things Digital Girls Rule, Girls Rock” artist contest. The Grand Prize package will include up to three live performance slots on the “Girls Rule, Girls Rock” fall 2008 tour, a Daisy Rock Guitar, a goody bag from Sam Ash, D’Addario, SHURE, and more (a $10,000 value), a full production HD music video shoot (a $75,000 value) and much more, all valued at upwards of $116,000. To enter you must be an AirPlay Direct artist/label member (free), fall into the indie, punk, alternative, hardcore, metal or similar categories, have a “kick ass rock chick,” and have submitted your DPK to office@airplaydirect.com by Aug. 25th. For more visit airplaydirect.com.

News From the Music Biz - Indies Thrive While Majors Struggle and the Death of Liner Notes

Well as the tectonic shifts in the music industry continue it is interesting to see how some indie labels are thriving while their major label opposites are struggling. With news that Sony BMG lost a cool 49 mil last quarter indie labels Sub Pop, Merge and Matador seem to be doing fine according to the article Drowning Out The Big Labels. What explains the indies’ staying power? According to the article by Jon Fine:

For starters, the Web’s flattening of distribution, and the growing appetite for licensing less mainstream music. The Shins have provided music for ads by McDonald’s (MCD), Microsoft (MSFT), and Gap (GAP). “Advertisers realize: ‘I don’t have to get the Beatles to have a successful commercial,’” says Ira Antelis, former music director for ad agency Leo Burnett—and indie bands come cheaper, to boot. Other aspects of the indie world—small staffs, modest expense structures, and strong relationships with an audience and its musicians—are built for a music environment that’s shrinking even as niches become more important.

Now I still maintain that the key to any indie label success is the fact that the management actually love the music they put out. Every label that I have ever been impressed with are always run by music lovers as opposed to “business people” and music fans see that as a reflection in the music the label puts out. That’s not to say that business acumen is not important because it is but unless passion for music is front and center the label will suffer, period.

Ironically enough, one of the things giving indies some new distribution muscle is the Internet but all this digitization of music may in fact spell the end of the ubiquitous liner notes. Now if you are a music geek like me you always read the liner notes multiple times, usually while the CD is playing but according to Shout-Outs To Mom And God? See Online which explains how in the age of the MP3, there is just no room for liner notes anymore. This would be a sad development but as the article explains, there is such a volume of information available online that maybe it is another relic of days gone by. Do you enjoy reading liner notes or are they best left to the dustbin of rock and roll history? Let me know.

Later.

Mark

MakeRockHistory.com with Mötley Crüe and Guitar Center

GUITAR CENTER ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH MÖTLEY CRÜE AND THE LAUNCH OF “GUITAR CENTER ON-STAGE”
One up-and-coming band will win the chance to open for Mötley Crüe

Continuing its commitment to the support of aspiring artists, Guitar Center and Mötley Crüe announced today the launch of Guitar Center On-Stage – Your Chance To Make Rock History. Guitar Center On-Stage and the world’s most notorious rock band will provide one up-and-coming band the chance to open Mötley’s 2009 tour.

Starting today, through September 21 2008, bands across the United States are invited to submit their music at www.makerockhistory.com for a chance to win a prize package that includes an opening slot on Mötley Crüe’s 2009 U.S. tour (dates to be announced at a later date), $25,000 cash, $20,000 in exclusive new gear from Gibson Guitar, management from Tenth St. Entertainment, and a recording deal from Eleven Seven Music, Mötley’s management and record label.

Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars notes, “Our partnership with Guitar Center gives us the opportunity to help an up-and-coming band by giving them every element needed to succeed. Like Ozzy did for us when he took an unknown band called Mötley Crüe on the road, we too are looking for the next generation’s great rock band.”

For additional details, rules, and regulations and to enter for your chance to make rock history please visit: www.MakeRockHistory.com

Starfire Radio Supports Indie Artists

(PRESS RELEASE) We support Indie artists! If you are an independent artist solely looking for exposure and airplay for your music compositions, send mp3 tracks or a CD to us along with a written description of your work. Because of the large volume of material we receive, we cannot return your submissions. If your music is compatible to the artists we air on the station, we will contact you.

Due to increased radio broadcasting costs, we do NOT pay royalties of any kind. A release form must be signed/returned before your music may be aired on STARFIRE RADIO.

http://www.myspace.com/starfireradio

Matheson Interviews Mona Loring of MLC PR

When you have music you want to get into the public’s hands, there are several ways of doing it: You can look for a record label that would want to help you put the music out, you can do the whole production yourself and hope enough people find out about the music to at least make back the money you put into the release, or you can look for a publicity firm that will help you get the publicity that your music deserves with a label or on your own.

If you are interested in the publicity route, there are many publicity firms that are always on the lookout for talent that deserves to be exposed. One of those firms is MLC PR. What follows is an interview with the owner of MLC PR, Mona Loring.

1 How long have YOU (Mona Loring) been in the business?

I have been in business since spring 2006 and it’s been crazy how much the firm has grown! I can’t imagine where we will be in 2010. It is thrilling.

2 How did you get started doing the publicity thing? And what was your reason for getting into the publicity business?

It was rather serendipitous… My first job in PR was as a PR Director for a children’s book publisher called Playdate Kids Publishing. The president of the company owned a music video production company where I had interned at in college so she already knew my work ethic and liked how I could think outside of the box. After she read of the materials I had published, she called and asked me to work for her on the spot. I was already making a living writing freelance, but I always had an interest in PR– just never thought I could get into it without working at a large company first. I decided to take a chance and really go for it. Since my passion was always in the entertainment industry, soon after I was working as the PR Director, I sought after people in the music and TV/film industries. I offered them great rates and asked them to give me a chance. I simply explained how I was a smart girl who’d do them well—and they’d save a ton of money on the rate. Without hesitation many of them agreed… It just continued expanding from there.

3 When did you start MLC? (Different meaning and answer than first question)

I’ve been in the business just as long as I have owned MLC. It can be confusing to anyone who tries to trace the history though. You see, I started out as M. Loring Communications. It was the name of the company I had when I was freelance writing, copywriting, etc. When I started out as a PR Director and worked my way into other areas of publicity, I decided I’d rather be MLC PR. I applied for a new business name and branded the firm under that moniker. Later, when Jennifer Lyneis (my VP of Record Promotion) came on board to form a music services company, I went back to the M. Loring Communications Company (and name) and re-launched it as multi-service music firm. Luckily, I mapped it all out well and no one has been confused! It wasn’t easy changing it all around but I am glad it worked out. Both companies are within my corporation, Mona Loring Inc.

4 Where are you located?

Our office is located in Agoura Hills, California. We’re about 30 minutes north of Los Angeles and south of Ventura. We’re not in the hub of Hollywood, but we love the location!

5 What are some of the services you offer through the company?

Through MLC PR, we offer public relations. This includes image consulting, press release writing and distribution, tour press, regional and nation press, new media coverage, music promotions, article placement, crisis communications, reputation management and much more. We basically have everything to do with someone’s career in the public eye. At M. Loring Communications we offer radio promotion (getting an artist spinning on FM radio nationally), artist development, corporate sponsorship, music licensing and endorsements. I am currently in the process of expanding to offer booking services as well. Basically, from independent artists to record labels, we can offer almost every service needed. All that’s left out is advertising, distribution and management (and booking FOR NOW).

6 Are there specific people you are looking for that can use your services? (Do you only accept certain people? Or if they can pay, you’ll take anyone on as a client?)

Definitely not. I am very picky about MLC PR clientele. Image is everything so why would I represent what I think is “bad” music? I don’t. So to answer your question, I am looking for indie and mainstream artists in ALL genres who are driven, talented and going places. To take a client on, they do have minimum requirements that need to be met. For example, an artist who doesn’t have at least an EP out should at least have a single and a decent tour lined up. We can’t make the media write about just anyone… we need a story… we need events, products, facts…

7 About how many clients are currently on your roster?

It varies. Some clients need a lot more than others. We typically represent about 13-15 clients at any given point. We book out ahead and plan for newcomers.

8 Some of the most notable names on your roster.

I’ve represented several notable names that have come and gone due to the nature of the business. I represented two knockouts from American Idol last year: Sabrina Sloan and Alaina Alexander. Most people know Shane Sparks (“So You Think You Can Dance” and “America’s Best Dance Crew”) well. I also rep Francia Raisa (actress “The Cutting Edge 3” and ABC Family’s new show “ The Secret Life of the American Teenager”), Crosby Loggins (son of Kenny Loggins and Jive Records recording artists), Chelsea E. (Paradise Hotel 2 actress and pop singer) and Montana Tucker (pop singer from “Step Up 2”). I have a feeling that by next year, people will know many of my lesser known artists as well! Notable or not, I love them all dearly!

9 Some of the most promising up-and-coming clients on your roster.

Oh nice lead in! Obviously I feel that everyone I sign is promising, so let me just give you a recent breakdown on some clients. Bag of Toys is blowing up. After just one press release Jen Lyneis was able to get the band licensed on both TV (Fox’s”Bones) and film (TBA). Kaitlyn Anderson is getting a lot of attention commercially due to both her talent and fresh faced appearance, Fiance is getting a solid buzz locally in Denver which we feel is about to ooze over nationally, Stanfour is already on Universal in Germany so it’s only a matter of time until they’re known in the states, Phoenix Block sounds like U2 and Coldplay—need I say more? Lastly, Stealing Jane is a band in New York that is getting a ton of buzz and has some serious potential.

10 Some of the up-and-coming things that will be happening to your company?

Anyone who knows me well is aware that I am always up to something new. At this time, I am in talks with a start up label. They want MLC for PR and record promotion. If we do this successfully, (which I know we will) it will be a start of something incredible. The music industry is changing and independent artists and labels have more power than anyone ever imagined they could. We’re here to push independent thinking—even major labels need this frame of mind.

11 Where do you see the music industry headed in 5 years from now?

I always kid that this topic could make an entire chapter in a book. The music industry has changed immensely because of the Internet. In the next five years, I believe the music industry will see a shift in music distribution and promotion, leading to more and more independent artists and labels legitimately competing with the majors. I can’t wait to see what happens. This newfound freedom is exciting. People with talent actually have a chance at making it independently.

If you are interested in the services that MLC PR offers, you can get in contact with Mona Loring by calling her at 818 706-8080. You can also reach her via e-mail at contact@monaloring.com. For more information, go to www.monaloring.com for PR and www.mloringcommunications.com for her music firm.

Matheson Kamin

Prominent Southern Cal Rock Club FM Station Reopens

FM Station, a rock club that held prominence until it closed in 1995, has reopened with a mission to give a happening home to rock bands The club reopened its doors on July 14th at it’s original location on the corner of Lankershim & Victory in North Hollywood, CA. The club is booking both national and local rock bands. For upcoming shows and booking, go to www.myspace.com/fmstationrocks or call the HOTLINE at (805) 526-1852.

Win A Chance To Play The Treasure Island Music Festival!

imeem, the leading social media network, has launched Mutiny and Mayhem, a nationwide search for two talented acts to perform at the second annual Treasure Island Music Festival. imeem’s Mutiny and Mayhem contest will select a band to open the Tunnel Stage each day of the festival, which takes place on September 20th and 21st in San Francisco. The act selected for Saturday’s opening slot will join an impressive bill of electronic, dance and hip hop acts. The act selected to play Sunday’s opening slot will kick off a stellar lineup of indie rock artists.

Individual artists and bands who are interested in performing at the Treasure Island festival can enter the contest by submitting their original performances via the festival’s official imeem page: www.imeem.com/treasureislandfestival. Following the July 28th submission deadline, a panel of judges representing imeem, Another Planet Entertainment, Noise Pop, and San Francisco music venue The Independent will select 10 finalists for each day of the festival. imeem users will then have the chance to vote for their favorite artists among the finalists through August 17th. The two Mutiny and Mayhem winners will be announced on Monday, August 18th. The Mutiny and Mayhem competition is open to both signed and unsigned artists. Acts must be registered with imeem to enter and must submit performances for consideration via the official Treasure Island Music Festival imeem page: www.imeem.com/treasureislandfestival. The page includes a full list of official rules governing the Mutiny and Mayhem competition.

The New Rock Biz Paradigm - Welcome to 2008!

The new music biz equation in 2008 seems to be touring + inexpensive recording technology + internet distribution - large record label = sustainable success at least according to Live Music Thrives as CDs Fade, an article that all rock and roll bands serious about making it today should have a look at. There are now so many ways to get the music out there that any musician should be familiar with as many as possible but touring still appears to be the best method to put the butter on the bread. The only fly in the ointment of that avenue is the insanely high gas prices that make going on a large-scale, many-miles tour a financial burden.

The effect of high gas prices on touring is hitting smaller bands and artists hard but even big name festivals like Bonnaroo are being affected. This brings up an interesting point that came up in a recent discussion with some musician friends. They argued that it was now becoming much less lucrative to travel hundreds of miles to play in a new town where they may not be able to guarantee a healthy gate, or play on the side stage of a festival (where even there they have to often pay to play) than to play locally where they can actually guarantee themselves fairly steady income. It’s not that they don’t want to tour outside their area code, it’s just becoming too damn expensive to do so.

What does this all mean? Will it become too expensive for bands to tour and even if they do, too expensive for fans to get to their shows and festivals? Perhaps in the short term it will be an issue but rock and roll fans are if anything a resourceful bunch and whether they car pool it or bike to the show, they will need to get their rock and roll fix somehow. And bands are increasingly looking at viable ways to get to the gig by using things like bio-fueled tour buses and transport trucks with the help of organizations like Reverb so the tours will keep rolling. As with everything else in this day and age, the game is changing and you either adapt to what is going on or you fold up your tent and go home.

Luckily, despite the hardships for all involved, the rock will still roll, regardless of the bumps in the road. Thank God for that!

See you at the show.

Mark

JanSport Sets The Stage For An Online Battle Of The Bands Competition

(Press Release) JanSport, the original outdoor gear Brand that equips people globally with quality backpacks, travel gear and collegiate apparel, today announced its partnership with The Forecastle Festival, the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and environmentalists in the Midwest, to create an online "Battle of the Bands" competition.

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