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May 31, 2006
The Protest Song - Is it Obsolete?
Jun. Newsletter [Ed.21] - PROMOTING YOU TO YOU!
PROMO: Canadian Dates: FREE MUSIC: [http://www.themusicalrevolution.com/i220.php]
Free Ride
Thu.Jun.29/06 @ Norma Jean's, London.
Websites:
http://www.indiebible.com/newsletter/may2006.shtml - The Indie Contact Newsletter: Music Promotion and Marketing
Song Releases:
"Fallen" - Camp Soul ft. Tanya Stephenson
Hits stores: June 2006. Available now @ http://www.traxsource.com.
MUSICIANS - Send your promoteables (concert dates, merchandise, website info, etc...) to: info@themusicalrevolution.com
MUSIC NEWS (in this issue):
1. BEARSHARE SIDESTEPS LEGAL ACTION
2. BOB DYLAN - A DISC JOCKEY
3. STUDYING POP CULTURE POST SECONDARY SCHOOL
4. XM VS. THE RIA
5. WHO CARES?: Baby Britney's makin' babies, 50 Cent - Ludacris - Oprah, RHCP'd off, Get out of Inglund Dog!, Axl Hilfiger or is it Tommy Rose?, Lady Madonna, Jessica Simpson fired, Beanie Sigel, Paul/Linda/Heather MillsCartney... It's all here!
THEMUSICALREVOLUTION.COM THIS MONTH: This month we'd like to recognize these NEW countries to tha fold: Turks and Caicos Islands, Qatar & Brunei Darussalam. 72 Countries and counting. The "NewMusicalRevolution" Update: Well, the naked picture debate has been solved. The breasts get to stay but the link to the young fan's (of Corporate Cash Cow... LOL!) website has been deemed innappropriate. The main beef was that young folks needn't be exposed to pornography or promotion there of. Seeing as this is a music interest site, that is probably a good assessment. I hope that this hasn't offended any of the younger revolutionaries. Respect.
EDITORIAL: In the middle of May, I happened across an article that dared to ask, "what has happened to the voice of political protest in today's music?" The writer decided to seek the opinion of artists like Chuck D (Public Enemy), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine/Audioslave), The Dixie Chicks, Saul Williams, Hamilton Leithauser (Walkmen), Kirk Huffman (Gatsby's American Dream), Marty Larson-Xu (Rock and Roll Soldiers singer) and Anti-Flag singer Justin Sane. Note, that she/he didn't seek my opinion on this matter but I'm gonna throw it in there just the same ;)
What were the reasons for this seeming artistic political apathy cited by our music heros; past and future? Well. Some felt that hip hop has dropped the ball, favouring the way of the "bling bling" rather than social conciousness. It was stated that opposition to today's American government by any artist could lead to nothing short of musical exile. The fact that it is hard to make the almighty dollar when out of favour came up as a possibility. Some blamed the time it takes to release a label album these days (making relevence an issue), others looked to the fact that everybody is protesting something and it's overkill. Still others felt that taking on the government is futile today, the reality being that, "one person just can't make a difference like in the 'good old days'" :S
Hmmnnn... Interesting. *The writer checks their list* Got the token hip hop legend, token rock legend, token country led*coughhackughh*ends... Got the newcomers who aren't making any money but have an opinion... Got the ONE artist who is not political... got the reasons that really aren't any reason at all... negated anything incriminating to save MY job... LOL!!
Back in tha day, we had your Bob Marleys with your CIA files on them. We had your John Lennon's with your files on them. We had your rebels who all died (broke) from overdoses. We had your malcontents who all died from... overdoses.
I only have one question for you. What labels were these artists on? I think that you'll find that most started out on independent labels that either were bought out or grew into the label structure that we have today. I'm not going to (once again) bore you with the music industry set up and its faults, I'm just going to state this one thing. Change is bad for industry - period! The slower it comes the better for the number crunchers! Political, economical, sociological, whatever change is BAAAADDDD!
I would say that there is MORE protest music than ever out there. Any organization that doesn't recognize that is defunct, irrelevent and no longer necessary. The real artists are multiplying like a bad disease and those still releasing watered down shit on labels need to recognize this and get the hell out!
Oh, and if that isn't idealist and pure rant enough for yas, don't get me started on the merits of North American Government. A leader can have me killed in a second but can't wipe his ass unless his/her sponsors say so and it's on a "brand accepted" roll of toilet paper.
Tom. Please stop raging against the machine and start raging against those driving it (which includes you at the moment).
Mad (as in wackjob) Love,
i220
MUSIC NEWS:
1. BEARSHARE SIDESTEPS LEGAL ACTION: Free Peers Inc. (BearShare) has agreed to no longer operate any unlicensed online music services, has anted up $30 Million and has agreed to sell off it's wares all to avoid the wrath of the recording industry and it's lawyers.
2. BOB DYLAN - A DISC JOCKEY: XM (Deep Tracks Channel) has secured the folk legend for an hour of "theme based" music; Wednesdays. According to XM's brass, Bob has complete freedom both musically and in what he says. Music will be selected from the man's own personal collection.
3. STUDYING POP CULTURE POST SECONDARY SCHOOL: Universities across the greater U.S. of A. are more and more inclined to offer courses of study focused on what music we're receiving through mass media. Classes with names like "Hip-Hop Eshu: Queen Bitch 101", "The Beatles - Music History 4", "Hip-Hop Culture - African American Studies 160", or "Perfectly Frank: A Celebration of the Music of Frank Sinatra - Humanities 041" are all actual course names from various American universities and colleges.
4. XM VS. THE RIA: The satelite radio's new "Inno" device which can record and store up to 50 hours of music (automatically organize recordings by song and artist) is the latest piece of technology under fire from the Recording Industry of America. The plaintiff's lawyers state that "Inno" is similar to an iPod and should be subject to the same fees. The defendent's camp likens its new product to a VCR and feels that it should be treated as so.
5. WHO CARES?: Britney - pregnant - ahh, fuck it!.. 50 vs. Oprah. Ludacris vs. Oprah. My money's on Harpo the killer whale.. 2 seconds max... A NEW Johnny Cash song. "Cashing in on Cash"; it has a nice ring to it huh?.. Stadium Arcadium was leaked to the internet. Flea is VERY upset. I still want my money back for "By The Way"... Snoop DAWG is banned from the U.K. folks! Damn! That is incredible. Finally, some good old fashioned musical decadence... Gn'R is BACK! Tommy Hilfiger won't go away! Let's get Axl Rose and the king of fashion/racial prejudice irony together and see what ensues shall we?.. Madonna is pissing off the Catholic church. Wait a minute, did I just slip back into the late '80s again? Sorry... "These boots were made for walkin' and that's just what they'll do. One of these days these boots are gonna walk poor Jessica Simpson's ass right out of the role of Daisy Duke." I DO care!.. Beanie Sigel has been shot; unfortunately not by me :(.. Linda McCartney. Heather Mills. Paul, you were right the first time, all you do need is love... And I love you!
*Collected from a variety of online NEWS sources and summed up here for your enjoyment/enlightenment.*
Until next month:
http://Www.TheMusicalRevolution.Com - Your daily musical revolution. Share it with others.
http://Www.TheMusicalRevolution.Com/Weblog/index.html - Read/Write about your music.
Info@TheMusicalRevolution.Com - Most importantly: Send us your musical ideas, concert dates, website, music or product information.
You are the revolution. Share.
Posted by i220 at 07:05 PM | Comments (5)
May 28, 2006
NEW MUSIC WEST - The True Story (Part II)
...Continued from NEW MUSIC WEST - The True Story (Part I)
Friday morning came way too quickly. The last 2 nights had been pretty crazy and I had consumed quite a bit of alcohol. Yeah, I admit it, I'm a light weight. I headed in to the office around noon. Lucky for me, I had some phone interviews in the morning so I got to go in late. After a few hours in the office tying up all the loose ends (it was my last day) I decided to do a little bit of shopping; a new outfit for my crazy night out and a great way to kill sometime until I was to hear from Duke.
I ended up making it home with enough time to freshen up and change in to my new outfit.
Duke didn't end up picking me up until 8:30 pm. The concert had already started by the time we got there. I had hoped we had only missed the Cribs, but found out that we had not only missed the Cribs, but most of Death Cab For Cuties set as well. BOO!
In the rush to get inside, we bought the first tickets we were offered off've a scalper. We got them for under cost, which wasn't too bad, but moments later were given 3 free tickets from a friend of mine who does promotions for the CFOX (local radio station). Between Duke and I we had 5 tickets. Lucky for us, Duke knows how to work it. He took our 5 tickets (which were scattered throughout the stadium seating) and got us floor access. Proves the point again, you just have to look important.
Franz Ferdinand put on a amazing show! I was in awe the entire time…dancing up a storm and singing along to all of their tunes. Their stage set up was very simple but powerful. The encore was amazing with the members of Death Cab for Cutie joining them on stage in a drum line. WOW!! Unfuckin'believable!
The show ended and Duke and I decided to head back downtown to check out the NMW festivities and (more importantly) to get more weed. A quick stop at Duke's hotel in trendy Yaletown and a quick drink at the hotel bar, we hopped in a cab and headed to the Commodore. The place was pumping.
I ran into Paul who had showcased earlier that night. He was with his bass player (a very well known Events Coordinator in Vancouver - we'll just call him JD). JD has put on some pretty big events in Vancouver and area. JD introduced himself (after he had ogled my chest). I told him my name and immediately he was red in the face. He realized who I am (or at least who my sister is) and is impressed. We chatted for a few minutes, before he found out that I've been laid off and am possibly looking for work. JD offered me a job on the spot. "I'll hire you resume unseen, based on your name alone."
JD and I chatted briefly about the opportunity and money. We both decided that it was best to let this conversation wait 'til Monday. Probably a good idea. Now I was even higher than I have ever felt before. I knew I wasn't going to accept JD's offer (the guy's a big time schister) but what an amazing feeling to be offered a job of that magnitude.
I found Duke and told him what happened. We had a good laugh and decided to spark a celebratory joint while we enjoyed the groovin' tunes that Five Alarm Funk was providing. Think Parliament and you can figure out what Five Alarm Funk is all about.
My head was still whirling from all the events that had taken place so far. I told Duke I was going for a cigarette. He decided to join me. While we were outside, I ran into a couple of the members of Sweetheart. The guitar player came up to me (he was on the other side of the fence), "Hey, I know you!" and gave me a hug.
"Yeah we met at the Penthouse last night!"
HAHA... I think they thought I was going to be able to help them get their friends in to the show. I don't have that much pull.
Duke and I headed back inside and I found Paul to get the lowdown on the after party. He told us to head the XM Lounge – it was the after hours for each night of NMW. We decided to check out the scene and see what other parties were happening. It was too early for the real after hours so we ended up at the XM Lounge.
Again Duke was bombarded by band members dying to know who he was. It was so funny to watch these young guys falling all over Duke, asking him all these questions, hoping he was somebody really important. Poor Duke, he was just trying to have a good time.
We made our way over to the window to get some fresh air. We were laughing at the reactions he'd been getting when this guy with a camera came over to us and asked to take our picture. Turned out the guy is from 24 - the free daily news magazine. The guy got our details and told us the photo would be in Monday's paper. Sure enough, there it was Monday morning - Duke and I in the "On the Town" section pictured with all of the other who's who of Vancouver. I still have some extra copies if any one is interested.
The XM Lounge was dying down and Duke and I ended up finding our way to Gorgomesh, this crazy after hours bar. They don't serve alcohol, but do serve water and fruit beverages. Duke ripped it up on the dance floor for a while (it was now 3:30 am) as I sat and watched. It was really not my scene. We stayed for about another half hour and decided to call it a night. I was ready for bed and knew it would take some time to catch a cab.
Duke and I said our goodbyes (he left the following day, back to Toronto). About 10 minutes later I managed to flag down a cab. I got home shortly before 5 am. My head hit the pillow and I was out.
So, as much as people say NMW sucks, I guess it all depends on what you are there for. If you go to have a good time and enjoy the party, then you don't want to miss next years party. If you go expecting to be a huge industry event, you will be disappointed. My recommendation - go for the party! And remember you just have to look like you belong and you can get in to most venues for free.
Posted by i220 at 08:06 AM | Comments (2)
May 24, 2006
"Fallen" - Camp Soul ft. Tanya Stephenson
Home Soul is excited to present it's first release entitled, "Fallen" featuring the sultry vocals by song bird, Tanya Stephenson, from the Camp Soul collective. On the flipside, the upbeat, bumpy soulful house remix by producers, Reel Soul and Karizma. "Fallen" is destined to be the hot new track for the summer! "Fallen" hits stores in June 2006, available now on www.traxsource.com.
Click below to find out what others are saying about "Fallen".
Reviews:
"Dope track, real nice RnB flava to the vocal... reel soul and karizma do the business on this track that looks set to launch home soul with a bang..." - Aaron Ross (bbc radio 1 extra)
"SWEET" - DAVID HARNESS
"THIS TRACK IS ON FIRE!!!!!!" - BYRON STINGILY (TEN CITY)
"R&B & HOUSE MIX THAT SOUNDS HEAVENLY" - Deli-G (The Touch Vibe fm U.K)
Posted by i220 at 07:46 AM | Comments (1)
May 21, 2006
NEW MUSIC WEST - The True Story (Part I)
Boutie's (Not So back in tha Day) Adventures Continue, Vancouver, Canada.
New Music West is Vancouver's attempt at their version of Canadian Music Week. Four days of showcases, 1 speaker series and that's about it.
Any local talent will tell you that Vancouver sucks for it's live music scene. There is a ton of talent here, that get to play very rarely. The live venues are few and far between. Apparently Vancouvrites are more into going to clubs to dance to the latest top 40 crap rather than enjoying a live act. My previous experiences going to shows has proved this point. The headlining band is usually done by midnight and then the bar turns into a night club (with the bass pumping). Very shitty!
I was so excited for New Music West even though I had heard so many bad things. The reason I was so excited; I was getting a wristband to be able to attend all of the showcases through work. It was all in the name of research. Unfortunately, the Monday before NMW, I was laid off from my job; what bad timing! I was totally bummed. I had already gone through the schedule to figure out what shows we should go to. Lucky for me, my former company is in the process of revamping and a new partner was in town to work on the partnership. So, my boss (who I will now refer to as Yoko Oro) wanted to take Duke (name has also been changed) out on the town.
Duke arrived on Wednesday and was ready to party. Yoko Oro had gotten us on the guest list for the NMW showcase at the Plaza, featuring Lyrics Born and the DJ from Blackalicious. Those who know me will tell you that I'm not a big rap/hip hop fan. But, I was movin' and grovin' right next to Moka Only. It was way too funny. Good times were had by all, especially Duke. He was out on the dance floor bustin' his moves all night.
Thursday night, one of my favorite local bands, Sweetheart, was showcasing at the Penthouse (normally a strip club). This showcase was hosted by Music BC, a government funded organization to assist indie bands with their development. I wasn't planning on going. (Having just lost my job and not having a wristband) Spending the money just didn't seem right. Yoko called me to see if I was coming. I was still sitting on the fence until he told me that I would be able to get in for free and they were giving out drink tickets. I was on the next bus.
When I got there I walked in and was asked by some girl if I had a wristband. I said I did and she believed me - silly girl. Once inside, I looked for Yoko and Duke. They were nowhere to be found. Lucky for me I know enough people in the Vancouver Music scene that I didn't feel like a total moron. After a circle around the venue, I bumped into Yoko and Duke, they had been outside puffin' some green stuff. Duke was all decked out in this crazy suit. He was pumped because he and Yoko were going to see Richard Doerfmiester at the Plaza later that night.
I went to grab myself a free beer and when I came back to the boys these 2 girls were all over Yoko and Duke. They thought Duke was in a band (he was asked that question all weekend). The girls walked away and we laughed so hard. Yoko was amazed at how in awe the 2 girls were. My response to Yoko: "Of course they were excited. They thought you could get them some ROCK COCK!"
After chugging back our free beverages, we decided that an hour to kill in this venue was to much to bare. So we got our stamps for re-entry (to get around not having a wristband) and took Duke to the Amsterdam Cafe. Duke had never experienced the thrill of being able to blow weed in a public place. Yoko was very excited to show him the scene.
We smoked a couple and then headed back to the Penthouse just in time to see Sweetheart. They put on a pretty good show even though the sound quality was horrible. How great can the sound really be in a strip club??
Duke was worried about missing Doerfmiester so, Yoko decided it was time for them to head over to the Plaza. Before leaving, Yoko told me to keep my cell phone close and he would text me if he could get me in.
While watching the end of Sweetheart's set, I found my friend Paul, who is the head of marketing for a major beer company. He was doing it up with some of his friends, one of which owns some very hot spots in Vancouver including the Media Club (one of my favorite live venues). Paul invited me to join them at the Media Club. Of course I accepted.
Keep in mind that I still don't have a wristband and am sneaking in to all these venues. This time, I was with all the right people and had no problem getting in to the Media Club. Paul's friend asked me what I wanted to drink. "I’ll have whatever."
"The bar is yours! What do you want to drink?"
Of course I chose one of the fine products from Paul's company.
Everyone had got their drinks, time to head to the back room to smoke a joint. God I love Vancouver!
I went to have a cigarette, worried that I would have trouble getting back in, Paul gave me his NMW pass. I explained to him my wristband delema when I returned his pass. Next thing I know, he was talking to one of his buddies who gave Paul an extra wristband. Now I was in, no questions asked! WOO HOO!
Sometimes being the only girl is a good thing. Don't have to pay for anything (because nobody will let you) and everyone makes sure you are having a good time.
I was standing there listening to a band and I looked up to the bar and who did I see? Raine Maida. I was so in love with him back in the day. Seeing him brought back those memories of my friends and I fighting over who was going to marry him. Knowing Yoko would get a good laugh out of my situation, I sent him a text telling him who I just saw.
Yoko and I started sending text messages back and forth and I ended up outside of the Plaza. Yoko worked his magic and got me in to the Doerfmiester show. Holy shit! Richard Doerfmiester is absolutely amazing. I was most impressed by the mix of The Doors' "Riders on the Storm" and Blondie's "Rasputen". The guy blew me away!
Meanwhile, Duke was on cloud 9, literally.
Knowing that Yoko was busy the next night (Friday), Duke and I agreed that we would do it up together. We both really wanted to check out the Franz Ferdinand show at the Collesium (not part of NMW). The plan was for Duke to call me when he was done getting his tattoo.
To be continued...
Posted by i220 at 09:04 AM | Comments (5)
May 18, 2006
Canada Concert Listings
Minque w/ Chameleonize & Frog Pilot
Fri.May.19/06 @ The Crowbar, Toronto.
E (Elephant Band) w/ Elephant Band & Steve Cuch
Fri.May.19/06 @ The Townehouse Tavern, Sudbury. *"Leftovers" Album Release*
Fresh Meat w/ Famous Last Words, The Taste, The Famous Monsters & Social Suicide
Tue.May.23/06 @ The Kathedral, Toronto. *Toronto Roller Derby Fundraiser*
Posted by i220 at 12:27 PM | Comments (1)
May 15, 2006
Emotive Hardcore And The 19th Century Romantic Movement
Lydia Peever reminds us that we have a past.
Our screamo and emo is the obvious reaction to the cubicle and overbearing governmental institutions. This has happened once before and sure the bulk of the population scoffed and wondered just what these romantic fools were doing.
Driving aimlessly, songs often illicit images in my mind as it and my car wander.
Most recently I was struck by a song by Silverstein conjuring the image of one of my favorite oil paintings of the Romantic era, 'Saturn Devouring His Son' by Goya. Not sure why 'Bleed No More' reminded me of that stark bit of canvas and turning a corner into a busy intersection of traffic, I most nearly forgot.
It was drawn to my attention again as I perused a forum dedicated to a group of young "cutters" and their quest to end an addiction to the strange coping mechanism that this morbid 21st century bloodletting has become.
One young girl described looking over her scars and how even recalling what had moved her to begin the mutilation seemed to trigger another outbreak with the straight razor. Interestingly, she turned to no one who could actually help her in her real-life, but the internet (as an astounding number of cutters do) in turn intensifying the fact that she had faced the onset and recovery process of her addiction alone.
Spending time in front of the mirror, she described the look in her own eyes as she realized she alone had trapped her in this vicious circle of self loathing. The look in her own eyes made all of the difference. For the first time she could admit she was frightened, simply frightened, as that was the best way to label the look in her own eyes. Finally, after no person, bottle, blade, or blood spatter could frighten her . . . all it took was a look into her own eyes.
"Fucking emo kids.", I thought.
Again, a painting from the romantic era came to mind; one I have long forgotten the artist or title of. Years ago, as the Art instructor led us through the fall of the Renaissance and into the budding of the Romantic Era, the painting he put on the overhead was of a young man.
Pre- Monet, Manet and Renoir . . . the passive solitude of Degas . . . art had been volatile. Post Rembrandt and Donatello, art became emotive. Landscapes were once again "allowed" and those chosen displayed a reflective attitude. Man was portrayed contemplating the landscape as opposed to simply existing within it.
The slide was of a man. Unkempt hair. Wild in the biting wind sweeping up from the rocky ocean shore. All ice cold blue, black and grey. The only striking bit of the whole piece was the look in the subjects eyes. He seemed to be looking back at the viewer with an utter glaze of fear. A fear caught in the eye of the subject that had that air of a subconscious statement. "It is I that I fear" he seemed to be saying, "Not the ocean, not you, not the sharp rocks . . . it is I that I run away from now, I that I fear most." The look in his eyes was what I imagine this razor weilding emo chick caught in her own reflection. "Certainly effective", thought I. Scary as Hell, fo shizzle.
Days passed and I found a few other parallels in the Romantic movement of 1825 to 1900.
The fall of the Renaissance philosophy, the looming of the British and American Industrial Revolution . . . this left a similar hole in the heart of the common man, such as the fall of Silicone Valley has left in the heart of modern common man. Artwork and suicidal tendencies aside, the music has very similar trends as well.
Memorable composers of the Romantic period are Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Wagner, Chopin, Verdi, Brahms, Tchaikovsky . . . all highly recognizable whether you know their names or not; some of the greatest program music ever composed. Used extensively in Music History, commercial advertising, background score . . . we have all heard it. All very highly emotive, as was Program music in the Romantic era, a move away from the dreary and uninformative minuet. It was a move away from the norm and deeper into the true natures of man and his emotions. The point, as in the visual art of the time was to capture the reactions, moods and melancholies of man, as opposed to the mere re-creating of the physical world.
Think of the hell Beethoven put Solieri through. He only lied, cheated and stole his way through his career . . . Beethoven, the original punk rocker, wrote emo-core, went deaf - turned totally emo. Honestly.
"Among the characteristic attitudes of Romanticism were the following: a deepened appreciation of the beauties of nature; a general exaltation of emotion over reason and of the senses over intellect; a turning in upon the self and a heightened examination of human personality and its moods and mental potentialities; a preoccupation with the genius, the hero, and the exceptional figure in general, and a focus on his passions and inner struggles; a new view of the artist as a supremely individual creator, whose creative spirit is more important than strict adherence to formal rules and traditional procedures; an emphasis upon imagination as a gateway to transcendent experience and spiritual truth; an obsessive interest in folk culture, national and ethnic cultural origins, and the medieval era; and a predilection for the exotic, the remote, the mysterious, the weird, the occult, the monstrous, the diseased, and even the satanic."
Music stopped attempting to re-create, for example, the sound of the babbling brook. Instead music moved to re-create the sound (if there was one) of the emotions and mood instilled by one who hears the babbling of a brook.
How emo? Very emo. The original Emo.
"... the Romantics turned to the emotional directness of personal experience and to the boundlessness of individual imagination and aspiration. Increasingly independent of the declining system of artistocratic patronage, they saw themselves as free spirits expressing their own imaginative truths; several found admirers ready to hero-worship the artist as a genius or prophet."
And further:
". . . often taken to extremes of raptures, nostalgia (for childhood or the past), horror, melancholy, or sentimentality. . . . almost all showed a new interest in the irrational realms of dream and delirium or of folk superstition and legend."
(Chris Baldick, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms [New York: Oxford University Press, 1991]).
Ideals reminding me consistently of the Emotive Hardcore movement today. Shelly, one of the more prominent writers of the Romantic movement writes what is parallel to, say, Atreyu lyrics today. Certainly 'emo kids' would agree there is a large amount of worship attached to the style of artists of today as well as the lyrics. This is our 1888 oil painting come-to-life, the words of Byron and Shelly as shouted from rooftops. This is our shoving away of Blue Shirt Thursdays and not so glamorous coke infected and Bay Street fueled goals of two decades ago.
A mirror of how the romantic movement shoved away the pomp of micro managed government, powdered wigs and a near denial of mans very emotion. The 'Roboticism' that the looming Industrial Revolution suggested led man to a nearly destructive emotional upheaval. We had become nearly robotic in thinking, poetry art and music, and the machines and 40 hour work week soon threatened all that was human.
We seem to be buckling under that threat once again, embracing all that we can that is human in our tears, blood, joy - fear. Our screamo and emo is the obvious reaction to the cubicle and overbearing governmental institutions. This has happened once before, and sure the bulk of the population scoffed and wondered just what these romantic fools were doing. Wrapped up in reactions, moods, love, hate . . . the First Romantics cared little of the direction of the movement and less of the robotic reactions of society. The Western Romantic Era lasted 75 years and crested into the Depression then Common-sense-Better Homes and Gardens attitude of the 50's . . . and on . . .
Surely this Emotive Hardcore movement has been with us since the middle of the Post-Punk scene of the late 1970's and early 1980's. The first mentions of the term stem from band interviews since 1985. The hair, speech, clothing and (lol) dance styles have been evolving since then as well, but only hardly changing . . . mainly growing in acceptance. This puts us nearly a third of the way through the current era, when compared to the Romantic movement of over 100 years ago.
The future for 1900's romantic grew darker still in reality with the loss of certainty brought about by drought, war, disease and even the worst crash of the Stock Market. Music fueled by the great composers grew far more emotive in arrangement a la Pink Floyd, Phillip Glass and Yo-Yo Ma. Romantic Poets paved the way for the writing of Poe, Lovecraft and even to today with our modern Koja and Gibson. It is true that a darker element has entered our advertising and entertainment, and it will surely darken further decade by decade.
Simply put, we have been here before. Bad hair and great music. It will pass from Enlightenment to Revolution. This could be the shaky middle ground, yet it has only just begun.
Posted by i220 at 09:13 AM | Comments (5)
May 10, 2006
E - Album Release, Ottawa, Canada
E (Elephant Band)
Sat.May.13/06 @ Barcode Records HQ, Queen Mary St. *"Leftovers" Album Release*
Posted by i220 at 09:49 AM | Comments (4)
May 07, 2006
Boutie's "Not So" Back in tha Days
Boutie meets Diana Krall and her VERY famous friends.
It was Saturday, early afternoon. I had just finished having a
greasy "Bon's" breakfast with a friend of mine. We were on the
Skytrian, heading downtown and I got a call from my sister.
Sis: "Are you busy tomorrow night?"
Me: "Nothing I can't get out of. What's up?"
Sis: "Do you want to volunteer to help out with a VIP Photo Shoot for Diana Krall?"
Me: "Ah YEAH I do!"
Due to a dying phone, I agreed to volunteer for this event, knowing very little about what I was agreeing to. All I knew was that it was for Diana Krall and a photo shoot.
Once I was home and able to speak to my sister, I found out that this wasn't just a VIP photo shoot with Diana Krall. This was an exclusive Black-Tie Charity event for Vancouver General Hospital & UBC Hospital - to help raise money for the 'made-in-BC cures' for blood related cancers.
I was the liason for the VIP's who were getting their photo taken with Diana Krall and her friends. The lucky VIPs (that spent a lot of money to be a part of this event) were offered a photo opportunity with a group of 10.
Now, you may be asking yourself, who are Diana's friends? Well, let me tell you. Her cool cat husband - Elvis Costello, the very beautiful Sarah McLachlan, the crooner Tony Bennett, and the fabulous Elton 'fuckin' John!
Truth be told I'm not a super fan of these artists, but respect their talent and enjoy their music. And, I have to admit, when I was in the room for the photo shoot, with my VIP group, it all felt very surreal. I really did feel like I was watching a movie or something. And Elton 'fuckin' John, how fucking crazy is that.
Former President, Bill Clinton was also at this event. Unfortunatly, he did not attend the VIP photo shoot. So, I didn't get to see big Willy, and I wore my blue dress and everything! ;)
After 4 hours in heel, standing, smiling and looking pretty...I took advantage of the free meal available for all the volunteers. Then decided that my feet hurt way to much to stay in heels any longer. So, it was off to my usual Sunday night poker game. Which I won, by the way. So really, it was just you're average Sunday night.
Posted by i220 at 09:31 AM | Comments (1)
May 04, 2006
"Change" by Brett Jackson & Orion Ft. Jade
Find out more @: http://www.homerecordings.ca
Mp3 Downloads available @: http://www.traxsource.com/
Posted by i220 at 09:17 AM | Comments (0)
May 01, 2006
Sheryl Crow - Musical Hero
May Newsletter [Ed.20] - PROMOTING YOU TO YOU!
PROMO: Canadian Dates: FREE MUSIC: [http://www.themusicalrevolution.com/i220.php]
Removal w/ The City Streets & PiND
Wed.May.03/06 @ The Sidetrack Cafe, Edmonton.
Columbus w/ Paper Moon & The Februarys
Thu.May.04/06 @ The Sidetrack Cafe, Edmonton.
Tim Hus & the Rocky Mountain Two w/ John Guliak & the New Lougans
Fri.May.05/06 @ The Sidetrack Cafe, Edmonton.
Cousin Harley w/ Raygun Cowboys & Nightstalkers
Sat.May.06/06 @ The Sidetrack Cafe, Edmonton.
MUSICIANS - Send your promoteables (concert dates, merchandise, website info, etc...) to: info@themusicalrevolution.com
MUSIC NEWS (in this issue):
1. CANADIAN INDEPENDENT RECORD LABELS DROP OUT OF CRIA
2. RIAA SUEING EVERYBODY
3. BRITAIN NAME THEIR TOP SONG LYRICS
4. CELEBRITIES ALLOWED A LOT OF FISCAL LEEWAY AT TAXTIME
5. WHO CARES?: Em's Friends, That Supasta Paula Abdul, Pumpkins back for a Smashing good time, B.S., Snoop "Bobby" Dog, and Babysham(bles) laced with smack...
THEMUSICALREVOLUTION.COM THIS MONTH: This month we'd like to welcome John and JD. FREE SPEECH: TheMusicalRevolution.Com - It is said that one person's freedom ends where another's begins. This past month, I posted a picture of a topless girl shouting out to my "Corporate Cash Cow..." project under the Musical Funnies category. Check: http://www.themusicalrevolution.com/weblog/musical_funnies/index.html
In my heavy-handed recklessness, I never dreamed that some might find this offensive. But. It has offended and the damage has been done. Therefore, I place this dilemma before you, TheMusicalRevolution. The site is yours and I feel that you should decide if this picture should stay or be censored. If you find the pic offensive, simply state it so in a comment under the Fans Get Nude for Corporate Cash Cow... entry. Likewise, if you feel that the post should stay - voice your opinion or see the pic (possibly) censored. Finally, I'd like to say goodbye and send out all my love to a good friend and strong Revolution supporter, Angel. The site won't be the same without you. Thank You.
EDITORIAL:
Major Label Music. By now I'm sure that my disdain for the majors and their "facist" ways as of late is pretty clear. The music that is still being produced in these musical sweatshops, however, is still music. The classic music that HAS been produced by these corporate structures is still just that, classic, and can never be besmirched by the overcommercialization that it is currently suffering. That being said, I'm more than often inclined to not promote or endorse anything "label" just because of a principal of MUSIC first that I feel majors have more recently forsaken.
All that, "blah blah blah..." aside, This month I intend to make an exception. What is the inspiration for this sudden change of heart you may ask? Actually, it's personal; as much for me as for modern society. Recently Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with breast cancer. The popstress underwent minor surgery and hopefully is recovering her health as I write this editorial. Goodness bless her and her family.
In the wake of Ms. Crow's recent battles, spring tour dates had to be cancelled. But. The good news for Sheryl Crow fans - she has rescheduled her first round of tour dates as follows:
6/12 - Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Centre
6/13 - Evansville, IN @ The Centre
6/14 - Bloomington, IL @ U.S. Cellular Coliseum
6/16 - Minneapolis, MN @ Orpheum Theater
6/17 - Cedar Rapids, IA @ U.S. Cellular Center
6/20 - Grand Prairie, TX @ NOKIA Theatre
6/21 - Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Street Amphitheater
6/22 - Austin, TX @ Bass Hall
6/24 - Memphis, TN @ Orpheum Theater
6/25 - Huntsville, AL @ Von Braun Center Arena
6/27 - Atlanta, GA @ Fabulous Fox Theater
7/4 - Rama, ON @ Casino Rama
7/5 - Rama, ON @ Casino Rama
7/6 - Boston, MA @ Fenway Park
7/7 - Boston, MA @ Fenway Park
News: http://sherylcrow.com/main/news/news.asp?newsID=18087
Tour: http://sherylcrow.com/main/tour/tour.asp
I personally feel that this is an incredibly courageous move and needs to be acknowleged. In a world that doesn't give shine to female heros near enough. In a world where young ladies need positive role models. Sheryl has stood up and stepped into that role. Any touring schedule can be grueling but touring right after radiation treatment will be an up hill battle for sure! Much love, respect and the best of wishes go out to her in this, an incredible challenge.
Mad Love,
i220
MUSIC NEWS:
1. CANADIAN INDEPENDENT RECORD LABELS DROP OUT OF CRIA: Disagreements over Canadian content rules and grant programs for new artists have been cited as the reason that Nettwerk Records and five other labels have forsaken the Canadian Recording Industry Association.
2. RIAA SUEING EVERYBODY: The Recording Industry Association of America seems to suffering some growing pains as of late with regards to their legal action against copyright infringement. Their most recent blunders include charging a family who don't even own a computer and they have lost a suit against a 13 year old girl.
3. BRITAIN NAME THEIR TOP SONG LYRICS: More than 13,000 subjects participated in a VH1 web poll. They had to rank song lyrics from a top 100 preselected by music industry people. The top five are as follows: U2 - One, The Smiths - How Soon is Now?, Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit, Bob Marley - Redemption Song & Coldplay - Yellow.
4. CELEBRITIES ALLOWED A LOT OF FISCAL LEEWAY AT TAXTIME: The life of any celebrity is not as easy as we might imagine but when it comes to taxes, the deductions can be endless for the rich and famous. Trademark pets, cosmetic investments such as a personal trainer or dental work, even breast augmentation can all be written off as business expenses with the right accountant.
5. WHO CARES?: It's Eminem's world and 15 minute marriages and gang shootouts seem to be what he's all about. Unfortunately, in this world, people end up dead. RIP DeShaun Holton (Proof (D12))... American Idol star judge Paula Abdul was assaulted at a party this past month. Apparently she had said, "Straight up, now tell me is it gonna be you and me forever?" and got caught in a hit and run... The Smashing Pumkins are officially reuniting! Which means that Billy Corgan is officially reuniting with his other personality which is also an asshole :P.. Britney, Britney, Britney... better wash that red neck... News Flash! Snoop and tha Dawg Pound were arrested at Heathrow Airport in April. Apparently, Mr. "Pop a Gat" couldn't handle those 24 inch sticks that the bobbies brandish and had to surrender for fear of being told he was, "under arrest" again... Whatever you do, don't get Pete Doherty of Babyshambles fame to babysit your daughter/younger sister! Might wanna play doctor... with grade A heroin... And that's that!
*Collected from a variety of online NEWS sources and summed up here for your enjoyment/enlightenment.*
Until next month:
http://Www.TheMusicalRevolution.Com - Your daily musical revolution. Share it with others.
http://Www.TheMusicalRevolution.Com/Weblog/index.html - Read/Write about your music.
Info@TheMusicalRevolution.Com - Most importantly: Send us your musical ideas, concert dates, website, music or product information.
You are the revolution. Share.
Posted by i220 at 04:28 PM | Comments (0)