Free Speech: themusicalrevolution.com: Pre-site Newsletters Archives

September 30, 2004

Sept. 04 - Drumroll...

So this is it. The last of a years worth of newsletters and one day until our birthday. Tomorrow it will all be official. A big thank you to all of the originals - you know who you are. A big welcome to all those just joining in; the sophmores so to speak. Almost time to revolutionize music!)
Countdown to TheMusicalRevolution: 1 day.
Clik below Cat. Just clik below.

www.themusicalrevolution.com
weblog@themusicalrevolution.com

Sept./2004.
Edition (l)

Ladies and gentlesorts!
September, 2004 is a monumentous time for themusicalrevolution. Within this month, everything changes. I, i220 sincerely hope that this evolution will become an ongoing trend!

This monthly newsletter:
In an effort to increase credibility and usefulness to all those interested, the newsletter will become absolutely information based. In light of this - the PROMO section will remain intact - forward anything promoteable to: weblog@themusicalrevolution.com
The EDITORIAL will remain, but in abbreviated form and serve only as a guide to those in query.
All other sections will be deferred to themusicalrevolution.com [Freedom (weblog) section] which is slowly clawing its way into existence as this newsletter flies.
Filling this void will be a NEWS section - noteable developments and trends that affect the music enthusiast. My hope is that this will be interactive and that YOU will contribute to this section by passing on any noteable information so that WE all can benefit. Education is power! Send pertinent info to: weblog@themusicalrevolution.com

themusicalrevolution.com
In short, we are looking to Oct./04 as the official launch month of the website - the one year anniversary of the groups conception. As is revolution practice, we will launch to minimal hoopla but formidable content. The aim has been to create a specialized web presence for those who are enthusiastic about music - those who love it and all of its inspirational constituents. That being said - upon launch, criticism and feedback will be more than welcomed. Time/technical/money constraints will defer any immediate improvements but ALL suggestions will be taken into account and improvements WILL happen! Big love and thanx to Scotty for his continuing work in the development of this web environment!

Big Love,
i220

www.themusicalrevolution.com
weblog@themusicalrevolution.com

Posted by i220 at 07:55 AM | Comments (0)

September 29, 2004

Aug. 04 - Tourin' the Nation

The wheels on the bus go... The Independent Musician Cross Canada Tour Part 1 featuring "Corporate Cash Cow..." (Me) happened this year between July 26 and August 26. As a cause of this, the August newsletter hit the webwaves early and served more as a tour flyer than anything. During the tour, I kept an extensive diary and took a great many fotos so expect the madness and mayhem to make its way to the site in timely fashion.
Countdown to TheMusicalRevolution: 2 days.
Clik below to see the agenda.

*Note: This newsletter is a reissue - all dates are null & void.

www.themusicalrevolution.com
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Aug./2004.
Edition (k).

E2)
inch by inch we form
the details of our
own existence in haiku

O2)
i hold onto your arm
as i would in the dark
not knowing the way

PROMO:

The Independent Musician Cross Canada Tour Pt 1 featuring solo
acoustic musician - Corporate Cash Cow...
Jul. 17/04 @ Mitzie's Sister, Toronto, ON w/ Minque
Jul. 29/04 @ Downtown Bar, Sault Ste Marie, ON
Aug. 5/04 @ Cactus Pub & Grill, Picture Butte, AB
Aug. 6/04 @ The Silver Buckle, Medicine Hat, AB
Aug. 7/04 @ Dudley's Pub, High River, AB
Aug. 14/04 @ Dusty's Bar & Grill, Whistler, BC
Aug. 16/04 @ O'Byrne's Irish Pub, Edmonton, AB
Aug. 17/04 @ Lydia's, Saskatoon, SK
Aug. 18/04 @ The Spadina Freehouse, Saskatoon, SK
Aug. 19/04 @ McNalley's Tavern, Regina, SK
Aug. 22/04 @ The Lakeview Lodge, Thunder Bay, ON
Aug. 24/04 @ The Townehouse Tavern, Sudbury, ON
Aug. 26/04 @ Wylder's Music Hall, North Bay, ON
Damn!

IN THIS ISSUE:

Bars/Pubs across Western Canada that support live music: If you live
in any of these locals visit any of these venues and support
independent live music. If you are a musical performer and are
thinking of booking your own Western Canada tour use this list to
narrow down your search.

EDITORIAL: (Better early than never)

One of the great things about being an independent is that you have
total control of your own destiny. That being said, total control of
your own destiny also means that you have to do ALL of the work. As
you can see by the above promo listing, I (as Corporate Cash Cow...)
am in for a heavyass month. But, I am looking forward to discovering
half of this great country of ours, re-connecting with some great
friends and playing some "fuckin'" shows man!!! Yes I am excited.
Yes I will have stories and pics when I get back. Yes this can be done.

INSPIRATIONS:

ONTARIO
North Bay: Wylder's, 100 Georges.
Sudbury: Townehouse, 100 Georges.
Sault Ste Marie: Loplops, River Rock's, New American, Nicolet,
Downstairs Bar.
Thunder Bay: Roxy's, Element's, Newfie's, Intowner, Porto, Riley's,
River Rock, Lakeview Lodge.

MANITOBA
Winnipeg: Tee-Off, Club 43, Buffalo Bills, Central, Picadilly.
Brandon: Houston's.

SASKATCHEWAN
Regina: Bartleby's, McNally's, Manhattan, Gaslight, Pump.
Saskatoon: Winston's, Spadina Freehouse, Lydia's, Bud's, Riley's,
Dublin's.

ALBERTA
Medicine Hat: The Silver Buckle, Mainliner, Captain's Cabin, Palm Pub,
Alabama.
Lethbridge: Dudley's, Cactus, Grand Union, Coaldale.
Banff: Wild Bill's, Magpie & Stump, The St. James Gate.
Calgary: Sal's, Molly Malone's, Morgan's, Dicken's, Ceili's, Joyce on 4th.
Edmonton: Sidetrack Cafe, Druid, Blind Duck, Ridgeway, O'Byrne's.

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Kelowna: Rose's, Doc Willoughby's, Blue Gator, O'Flannagan's, Pheasant
& Quail.
Kamloops: Coast Canadian Inn, Kamloops Inn, Magnum's, Black Bull, Rock
'n Firkin.
Whistler: Tapley's, Black's, Dubh Linn, Boot, Dusty's.
Victoria: Sticky Wicket, Steamer's, Swan, Logan's, Cambie, Blue Peter.
Vancouver: Brickyard, Funky Winker Beans, Metropole, Doolin's,
Morrisey, Bimini's, Pumpjack, Comox, Princeton.

Whew. I do promise to include a more comprehensive list when I get
the site up and begin my tour documentation. Look for "big" changes
with the revolution in the fall ;)

Email me with any ideas, promotables or musical noteables.
Catch your asses on the road.

Big Love,
i220

www.themusicalrevolution.com
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Posted by i220 at 09:13 AM | Comments (0)

September 28, 2004

Jul. 04 - Samarpana Dance Academy, Gunsaleen

The beginning of last summer found me at a dance recital. My girl Farahana had invited me to come and czech it. The performances seemed very difficult. Some of the performers were very young. I was blown away with how incredibly prepared and disciplined everybody was! I decided to review the experience in July's newsletter. Later, Farahana informed me that she had decided to print off the review and share it with her teacher. He, in turn shared the review with all of the students and their parents. You can't imagine how proud and humbled this made me. Thank you Farahana, for everything.
Countdown to TheMusicalRevolution: 3 days.
Clik below to witness their discipline.

*Note: This newsletter is a reissue - all dates are null & void.

www.themusicalrevolution.com
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Jul./2004.
Edition (j).

V)
escape unnatural landscapes
a feeling is a chore
worn as covering for eyes

X)
one can build a world
in a universe of thought
in a momentary silence

PROMO:

Minque:
Jul. 17th @ "Mitzi's Sister" - Toronto, ON w/ Corporate Cash Cow...
Jul. 23th @ "Rib Fest" - Mississauga, ON.
Jul. 24th @ "Rancho Relaxo" - Toronto, ON.

The Changes:
July 21st El Mocambo (464 Spadina)
w/ The San Francisco Treat and others TBA
July 17th The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St West) Around - 9:30 pm
w/ Beethoven Freeze and Square Root of Margaret
July 1 Rivoli (334 Queen St W)
Canada Day Bash Evening w/ Wack Mc's, Canary Mine and High Water Mark
Matinee includes:Cam de Laat, John Rowley, Kim Jarret, Nick Porter, Rosita Stone, Jimmy Dowling, Dean Drouillard and Jay Shore (amongst others TBA)
Guest Selector Deejay Scootz

Web Sites:

www.thechanges.ca - The Sweet One (Al) has finally found his calling in managing Canada's next big thang. Check out The Changes' website.

www.minque.ca - Finally the boyz are online! Czech it.

www.grandpoobah.com - Help these cats win the Ernie Ball Battle of the bands:
1) Go to: http://www.ernieball.com
2) click on Battle of the Bands 8 or BB8 icon
3) under RELATED LINKS click CHECK OUT BANDS
4) type in GRAND POO BAH
5) scroll down to search results and click on GRAND POO BAH
6) then A GRAND POO BAH poster will appear (don't be distracted you are on
a mission) above the poster it says vote for GRAND POO BAH click on that
and fill out some info. Done!
This request comes from my boy Andrew Fortune. At the very least, check out the site - the music is absolutely stellar!

IN THIS ISSUE:

Internet Host Sites:
www.ampcast.com
www.mp3.com (back up - all new)
www.iuma.com
www.vitaminic.com

Online Retailers:
www.cdbaby.com
www.garageband.com
www.amazon.com

EDITORIAL:

Adventures, adventures, adventures... Last September, I remember being at a hip hop summit with my gurl Kristi (revolution newsletter Oct./04). We were front row center listening to Chuck D inspiring. It was an absolutely life enriching experience! These experiences are few and far between and often can be quite unexpected. That being said, this past month Kristi and I found ourselves knee deep in another awe-inspiring event.

So we show up to the distillery, east downtown, Toronto. We had spent the last hour searching for the Betty Olimphant Theatre. No-one in the area seems to recognize its existence. 411 is a bust. So, hey - we decide to check out an old brewery, why not? Kristi spots a sign on a door - "Samarpana Dance Academy, Gunsaleen". Sounds familiar to me. Hmnnn... Why not check it out? So we go through the door, up the stairs, around the corner, around another corner - detour to the bathroom - down a hallway, around still another corner and there's a man with glasses at a table. I notice a stack of papers, ask him for one. I scan the paper's contents:

Pushpanjali
Sabdam
Janda
Kirtanam-Natanam Adinaar
Devastuthi
Swarajati-Raravenu
Mallari
Kirtanam-Idadupadam
Thillana

Dances, but who? Then I notice Farahana's name. Yes. Triumph is ours! We have found our dance recital. We enter the studio theatre. It is crammed with families, friends and interested parties. Where will we sit? A lady, 3rd to back row/center, motions us to sit beside her family. We take our seats, prime viewing/first class. The recital starts, on cue, as if they had waited for us to arrive. INCREDIBLE!

I have absolutely no idea what I am watching. (Farahana has since educated me). I immediately take note of the Eastern music with its tablas and other exotic (to me) instruments. A man dressed in white is sitting cross-legged on the floor just SW of the dancers. He is striking a bell/percussion type instrument in time with the music (maybe cuing the dancers?) I assume that he is their teacher (Goona). Immediately I notice the intense foot work (stamping with bare feet/ bells around the ankles). As the dances progress though, I start to realize that there is much more to these performances - positioning, hand placement, body and head movement, eyebrow and eye, and on and on...

Mistakes are made. Highlights many. Farahana's group is especially interesting with her (2nd Generation African (from Rwanda, family is originally from Gurjat)), Bob (Hungarian), IChing (Chinese?) and Andrea (West Indian). They perform a Bharatnatyam dance (traditional, for courting, story telling). As for the other dances, some of the girls look barely school age, but manage to perform with skill and discipline. I am floored!

Two of the girls, Thejasvi and Shamini (Farahana tells me that they are 10 years of age) perform three of the dances including the penultimate and finale. As uneducated as I am in the discipline of dance, I can't help but be blown away. Each dance is between 5 and 10 minutes long. The choreography is relentless and ever-changing for each. To say that the dances are diverse is definitely an understatement. The precision and style that these girls exemplify is far beyond my uneducated grasp. I can say this - I know music and they are locked in!

As I sit in the crowded studio I think, "What is it that brings people out time and time again for these events?" These dances have been performed for hundreds of years. What is it that's so exceptional about watching these two particular young ladies perform? Why watch any of the dancers? Besides tradition, what sets these artists apart from the 20 or so rock/funk projects that I've been involved with? Throughout this recital I realized one HUGE difference. Discipline.

Last sunday I witnessed hundreds of years of discipline channeled through a 10 year old girl. The more than 20 performers represented thousands of hours of practice. More like hundreds of thousands! The dances themselves have endured enough interpretation to make Bob Dylan/Jimi Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower" a trivial musical footnote in comparison. The scope was/is beyond me.

This to me is music/culture incarnate. We need NEVER forget that.

INSPIRATIONS:

In an attempt to further educate myself in the ways of home recording I have ventured to the library (how out of character you might say) and begun research. A book that I've been wading through as of late is "Home Recording for Musicians" - it is a "For Dummies" book - Perfect! The final chapters are dedicated to promoting music on the internet. Author Jeff Strong lists a few host sites and a few online retailers that might interest the independent music enthusiast. Check out these sites - they can help you discover some really decent music with little or no cost.

Internet Host Sites:
www.ampcast.com
www.mp3.com
www.iuma.com
www.vitaminic.com

Online Retailers:
www.cdbaby.com
www.garageband.com
www.amazon.com

Some sites I've mentioned before but are well worth re-iterating.

I am very fortunate that I have friends that invite me to such events as Farahana's dance recital. If you have an event forward it to me - I'll be sure to pass it on. I mail out once a month so be sure to think ahead.

Maybe we can all be inspired?

Big Love,
i220

www.themusicalrevolution.com
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Posted by i220 at 11:24 AM | Comments (0)

September 27, 2004

Jun. 04 - Independent Musician Cross Canada Tour

Spring 04 will always be a blur in my memory. I had planned to tour Western Canada in the summer and by June there was no turning back! I sketched out the route, called ALL the bars, called them again and again, booked the gigs, punched out the promo, solidified the travel plans and paid for the tix. While this was transpiring themusicalrevolution was gelling, my busking career was shaping up and I was dismally failing at booking gigs in my home town. Still, I did manage to fire out this newsletter complete with sarcasm and pubsites for those interested in that culture.
Countdown to TheMusicalRevolution: 4 days.
Clik below to witness the mayhem.

*Note: This newsletter is a reissue - all dates are null & void.

www.themusicalrevolution.com (tempsite)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Jun./2004.
Edition (i).

L)
only a tear
and nothing more
for death is only knocking once

M)
our factories are built
with manpower songs
steam- stacked and abrasive

PROMO:

Jon Coe on CHRW: every Friday morning at 11:am - www.chrwradio.com or 94.9FM if you live in the London, ON area. JC's show features house, electro, tekhouse, nu-jazz and miscellaneous. Czech it!

ELEPHANT BAND shows:
NXNE showcase - Thursday, June 10th at 10:00pm at the TRANZAC club, Toronto.
Opening slot w/ KIM MITCHELL - Saturday, August 7th at the JUS JORDAN arena, Iroquois Falls.

If house music is your flava then here are a few sites you NEED to check out:

MUTEK festival - www.mutek.ca
John Acquaviva - www.jacq.com
Richie Hawtin - www.plastikman.com

Big ups to my boy JC for passing these along.

IN THIS ISSUE:

I've spent the entire month wading through search engines and phone lists to find bars/pubs that feature live acoustic music from Toronto to Vancouver. If you dig live music in pub surroundings then check the sites IN THIS ISSUE.

EDITORIAL:

All I can say is that this has been one hell of a month for myself and the revolution. Actually, that isn't all I can say. If it was then I wouldn't be the ramble-on-blow-hard that you've all come to know and love/despise :) All self-effacing aside, this month has plain kicked my ass. Every project and experiment that I've been working on for the last two years has come to a head.

themusicalrevolution.com - honestly folks, it's on the virtual drawing board as we speak. I just handed it over to my boy Scotty a couple of months ago knowing that he was already up to his neck in musical projects (see thefairmonts.com), a full time job and last but not least his own web related solo projectS (check ineedmorecowbell.com). All this and we won't even mention his debilitating medical condition that occasionally finds him drinking copious amounts of alcohol and calling his old buddies at 4:00 AM to yell, "yOoohlhhhh FfuuLKerrrrrsssss" at their answering machines. LOL!!! I think his condition is closely related to Tourettes... All joking aside, this site is very close to my heart and I intend it to be my life's work, continually evolving, documenting my own failures and successes as well as (and most importantly) helping others discover and promote music that they truly believe in. Since Scotty knows me better than most, he really is the best/only man for the job.

Corporate Cash Cow... - Those in the know, know that this is what I call myself when I've been a "naughty boy" *jokes*. Actually, this is myself playing cover tunes on acoustic guitar/singing solo. Locally, it's been a BITCH!! Booking in TO is difficult to say the least. The competition is stiff, everybody has a demo and their own P.A. system. That being said, I'm a resilient bastard and where there's a will*...
Provincially has been better. This "Canadian Idol" promo thing going on in area bars has been a little bit annoying but, whatever. Brian with the G.S.T., now Ben... Fuck 'em! Those Mulroneys.
Nationally. Yeah fellow babies - I'm takin the Cow national! I've begun canvassing bars/pubs in Western Canada and hope to play my way to Van City (drink up wi my girl Pauls and my boy Hud) and back. Late July and most of Aug. Check the INSPIRATIONS section of this newsletter for some Canadian pubs worth visiting, online at the very least.
*will - in this context means stubborn, ugly, annoying, slightly greying but refusing to believe that I'm still not 21...LOL! Mark my words though, once I'm in, I'm yanking everyone else I can along with me!

Busking for Cash Cow... - Yeah, I got my Toronto busking liscence. I went down to 112 Elizabeth St. (Bay and Dundas, Toronto, ON), paid my $31.71 (total) and now I can play anywhere in Toronto until March/05. Broke it in the other day at the beaches. Sun, bathing suits, me, my guitar, 45 songs, s'all good... and I got dinner to boot! Why? The reason is threefold. One - to hone the songs for the road. Two - dinner. And three - to build up confidence in myself that I can singlehandedly entertain anyone, anytime. This is by far the most challenging.

Demo - I've set up a tempsite at www.themusicalrevolution.com
The site is in no way representative of the revolution other than I'm its proprietor. I set it up so that I can book shows out west without wasting precious resources. Check it out if you want to. There are a few amateur covers/demos on there - nothing too spectacular. Because of this I am working on a full scale acoustic demo. This one will be ALOT better. I've only just begun this project so there isn't much to tell but I will keep you posted and all songs will be represented on the revolution website as finished.

Blah blah blah, ME blah Me blah... I know. The main reason that this is all so important is that if any of it works out, maybe some of the steps that I took will help others succeed in their like ventures. Mainly I share because I haven't had time for much else this month :P Most importantly, I promise to document it all once the site hits and hopefully my failures and successes will both prompt and warn. If I can find a way to tour across Canada on a song, create a webspace where one musical person can meet another and they can share ideas about our musical future, book an actual paying gig in Toronto or just help eveyone to hate Ben Mulroney just a little more then, "it's aaaaalllll good!"

INSPIRATIONS:

This is very much a work in progress and some of these pubs/sites may have burned down in "accidental" insurance fires since I acquired the addys but give 'em a hit, especially if you're likely to be in the area. Generally, these places put a lot more stock in who they feature than the traditional concert bars and tend to have actual patrons who regularly visit and expect to hear decent talent.

North Bay: www.100georges.com
Sudbury: www.100georges.com
Sault Ste Marie: www.loplops.com
Thunder Bay: www.roxys.ca
Winnipeg: www.wiseguys.mb.ca
Brandon: www.royaloakinn.com
Regina: www.thepumproadhouse.com
Saskatoon: NA
Medicine Hat: NA
Lethbridge: NA
Calgary: www.ceilis.com - www.joyceon4th.com
Edmonton: www.ceilis.com - www.obyrnes.com -
Banff: NA
Kelowna: www.bluegator.net - www.rosespub.com
Kamloops: NA
Vancouver: www.purpleonion.com - www.fairviewpub.ca - www.bar-none.ca
Victoria: www.cambiehostels.com - www.swanshotel.com
Whistler: www.whistlercrabshack.com

Discover and Promote. It's good for the soul.

Big Love,
i220

www.themusicalrevolution.com (tempsite)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Posted by i220 at 10:59 AM | Comments (0)

September 26, 2004

May. 04 - Downloading OK in Canada... For Now

Ah... to download or not to download? To eat an apple or not to eat it? To restrict freedoms or not to... As a person who wishes to make a living from making music, maybe I should be more enthusiastic about the fact that the large record companies WILL eventually shut down internet downloading of copyrighted material all together. But, somehow the price just seems too high - don't you think?
Countdown to TheMusicalRevolution: 5 days.
Clik below to discover your rights.

*Note: This newsletter is a reissue - all dates are null & void.

www.themusicalrevolution.com (on deck)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

May./2004.
Edition (h).

I)
dynasty bonsai
few have climbed the mountain
to the summit

J)
it was easier
when i formulated less
and felt more

PROMO:

May 2, 2004. "Minque" - Round 3 of the Emergenza Festival (Toronto Faction) - @ The Opera House, Toronto, ON. Yes, the boyz prevailed again, with flying colours I might add - "First" in a landslide. Now, on to a bigger concert with the chance to stay alive. Best of luck!

www.boundether.com - "Bound Ether" - Metal with a female singer. Joe from werk scored me a coupla free discs - not bad... If you're into the "Evanascence" vibe you should check these cats out.

This month I've been trying to discover pubs in Toronto that offer live acoustic music. For the interested, here are a few sites that list such venues:

http://www.toronto.com/search?sort=rank-desc&cslink=cs_keyword_home&type=bridge&query=live+music&context=generic&cslink=cs_bars_nightlife_21_6

http://www.wguides.com/city/89/subsub_127.cfm

http://www.menupalace.com/menupalace/establishments/establishments/bars/toronto.asp

IN THIS ISSUE:

TO DOWNLOAD OR NOT TO DOWNLOAD: http://www.pulse24.com/Business/Top_Story/20040331-002/page.asp

EDITORIAL:

Being the egomaniac that I am, it is a credit to my boy Lucas G that I am stepping aside this month and offering him my "editorial". That being said - he plain kicked my ass with the following so I just had to concede. Enjoy someone who is not me! Lucas:

On Da Folk Tip

I love asking people what kind of music they listen to. Unfortunately, most people inevitably say "Oh, I listen to everything". Being the smart-alec-dickweed that I am, I always find myself asking them what Zydeco, Backpack, or Klezmer bands they are into to find a perplexed look all over their face. Ideally, "everything" should be a little less vague of a genre but, due to genres like "Top 40", "everything" bares different connotations now.

Zydeco, Backpack, and Klezmer are all very location based and culturally specific styles of folk music. Based on last months article on Zydeco, I would like to delve a little into the wonderful world of Klezmer folk music.

Klezmer music was created around a hundred years ago in Eastern Europe, predominatly Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Lithuania, and Germany by the Roma (or Gypsies, as they would prefer not to be called) and the Ashkenazi Jews. Much like the North American Blues, it is based on I, IV, V progressions, mainly out of minor keys with flat 5ths and even more sharp 7ths, and always has an immense amount of improvisation by all musicians. Lyrically, most songs are in Yiddish (if they are not instrumental) but more modern, North American Klezmer bands prefer to do a lot of songs in English in order for their audiences to identify with them. Thematic ideas revolve around either humour or hardships of the people; very emotional and will make you weep or dance the Hora or Bulgar.

Three of my favourite North American Klezmer bands have great websites available for you to Czech out their free downloads and Tour info.

http://www.flyingbulgars.com/
http://www.klezmatics.com/
http://www.beyondthepale.net/

Aswell, when I was in Krakow, Poland 2 summers ago, I was lucky enough to see The Cracow Klezmer Band performing traditional Klezmer music with less of a jazz influence than North American Klez has. Free MP3s can be downloaded here aswell:

http://www.ckb.cracow.pl/

Enjoy it 'cuz music and culture is all around you to be appreciated.

Lucas Goldman
piece out.

For more Lucas, check out link:
http://poetry.com/Publications/display.asp?ID=W2260087&BN=999&PN=1
Just search his name.

INSPIRATIONS:

I saw the following article on the evening news - no, I don't just watch C.S.I. and cartoons! I thought that it was worth the entire "inspirations" section for this month because without freedom it is difficult to realize inspiration. For now, our freedom is protected! What we will do with that freedom is yet to be seen.

pulse24.com - Thursday, April 29, 2004.

Canadian Kazaa users grab your mouse – the music industry won’t know who you are. A federal judge has ruled the Canadian Recording Industry Association can’t get access to the names of computer users who download and share music off the Internet.

The industry group was looking to sue 29 people who made over a thousand songs available online, using programs like Kazaa or Grokster. But the judge decided they simply didn’t prove that the actions violated copyright, and that the process of downloading and sharing MP3 files doesn’t constitute copyright infringement under Canadian law.

“No evidence was presented that the alleged infringers either distributed or authorized the reproduction of sound recordings,” Justice Konrad von Finckenstein wrote in his 28-page ruling. “They merely placed personal copies into their shared directories which were accessible by other computer users via a P2P [peer-to-peer] service.”

He compared the process to using a photocopier. “I cannot see a real difference between a library that places a photocopy machine in a room full of copyrighted material and a computer user that places a personal copy on a shared directory linked to a P2P service,” he concludes.

The industry is aghast. “What we're talking about goes far beyond photo copying,” counters Richard Pfohl of the Canadian Recording Industry Association. “We have people making thousands of songs available to millions of strangers. It's devastated our industry.”

It’s an industry that was hoping to duplicate the actions of its U.S. counterpart. Courts there have compelled Internet Service Providers to reveal the names of users found guilty of sharing massive numbers of files, so that they can take legal action against them.

Hundreds of people have already made out of court settlements with the Recording Industry Association of America, after it threatened to charge violators thousands of dollars for every song found on their computers.

Music officials here had planned the same strategy, hoping to stop what they contend is millions of dollars in sales lost to the piracy. They've called the decision "stunning", and will lobby to have the laws changed, while seriously considering an appeal.

http://www.pulse24.com/Business/Top_Story/20040331-002/page.asp

Excercise your freedom: Opinions, projects, gatherings, let us know.

Big Love,
i220

www.themusicalrevolution.com (on deck)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Posted by i220 at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)

September 25, 2004

Apr. 04 - Zydeco, Sweet Cajun Music!

Reading "Bass Player" magazine, I find out about this Louisianna folk music named Zydeco. "Zydeco" - am I reading this right? Freaky name but cool stylez none-the-less. I decide to let the revolution in on my... revelation (sorry, just bought my first thesaurus tha otha day :). Czech it, download some of the free music. Put it in your musical bag!
Countdown to TheMusicalRevolution: 6 days.
Clik below to enter Cajunland.

*Note: This newsletter is a reissue - all dates are null & void.

www.themusicalrevolution.com (on deck)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Apr./2004.
Edition (g).

G)
only tired eyes can see
apparitions of dreams
under radar detection

H)
my last for now
will be my first later
under star-lit elephant trunks

PROMO:

Check these dates for the "Pete Kyrie Band".

Thursday April 1 @ Clinton's Tavern - Toronto, ON
Thursday April 22 @ Kathedral - Toronto, ON
Friday April 23 @ VIP Lounge - London, ON
Saturday April 24 @ Vip Lounge - London, ON

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. SWALLOW PUBLICATIONS: CAJUN MUSIC'S RIGHTFUL HOME. http://www.swallowpublications.com/
2. LOUISIANA MUSIC FACTORY: CAJUN LEARNIN'. http://www.louisianamusicfactory.com/
3. NATHAN WILLIAMS & THE ZYDECO CHA CHAS: THE NAME SAYS IT ALL. http://nathanwilliams.crazygator.com/

EDITORIAL:

So I sit here enjoying some of my girl Kristi's tasty spaghetti sauce gumbo and damn it, I think I am getting in the mood!

Time: Back when I was teaching high school:
Chip (on the shoulder) the snot nosed kid with something to prove: "So Mr. Wilson - you graduated from Western?"
Me: "Uhmm yeah." (Thinking: 'Here we go.')
Chip: "You ever heard of Smap-o-licious-boogie-woogie music?"
Me: "Uhh well... No... What the?"
Chip: (laughing and very satisfied) "You see it was invented in my great great great grampas uncles former roommates basement up in Chelmsford and..."

The fact is: For every region in every time period there is a folk (of the people, not Simon & Garfunkle) music with a way out there name and (often) equally simple approach! For one human to know them all intimately is impossible because:
1. There aren't enough hours in a lifetime!
2. Each "folk" music really requires that you have experienced the culture first hand to truly "know" it.
To quote a favorite movie, "You can't hear Jimi!"

The sweet thing is that ever since and even before Liszt and Bartók made it correct to be "ethnomusicologists" (Yeah - I was a Chip too), cats have been stealing from "folk" musics everywhere to create their own unique inspirations. Want current proof? Listen to all the Middle Eastern influence in modern day war protest songs - Linkin Park? S.O.T.D.?

This brings me to "Zydeco", Louisiana Cajun Music's city cousin. I found out about it's existence this month while reading an article in "Bass Player" (Nov. 2003, Ed Friedland and Terry Buddingh). I've since started researching it on the internet and thought that I'd let you in on the ground floor (or try and play a little catchup). Here is a description lifted directly from the "Music Factory" website:

"Zydeco is a music indigenous to southwest Louisiana and is now popular the world over. The word Zydeco was derrived from the French word hericot which means "snap bean." The Cajuns have an old song called, "Les Hericots Sont Pas Sale," which means "the snap beans are not salty." Clifton Chenier once said that he called the music Zydeco because he learned it playing in people's kitchens and these party's they called "having a zydeco." Clifton changed the old tune to "Zydeco Sont Pas Sale" and by doing so coined the phrase Zydeco as a style of music. Zydeco combines cajun, blues, jazz, and r&b to create a unique dance music."

From what I can gather - the only way to really understand the hype is to go to Louisiana and drink in the vibe (so to speak). But, I have included links in this very email to give the interested a taste. Remember, it is a "folk" music so, the fact that it is based on two chords repeated is inevitible. But, Dr. Dre has fasioned an entire career using one chord so the Creole do deserve a little understanding here. My beloved funk is I, IV so I figure that Zydeco should be just my speed! Besides... It's called ZYDECO - C'MON!!

INSPIRATIONS:

1. SWALLOW PUBLICATIONS: CAJUN MUSIC'S RIGHTFUL HOME. http://www.swallowpublications.com/

Check out their history for a little jolt of inspiration:
http://www.swallowpublications.com/about_us.htm
This shit is music industry past, present and future incarnate!

2. LOUISIANA MUSIC FACTORY: CAJUN LEARNIN'. http://www.louisianamusicfactory.com/

Not printed in French - thank my lucky stars!

3. NATHAN WILLIAMS & THE ZYDECO CHA CHAS: THE NAME SAYS IT ALL. http://nathanwilliams.crazygator.com/

Damn site crashed my old computer... @#$!!!! But, I was impressed with the crazy-ass moniker and the picture of the accordian player in front of a marquee proudly displaying his(?) name; All "inside" a bowling alley - that's authentico! Note: "Bass Player" has a lot to say about this Nathan Cat's band so if you czech inti it prepare yourself for some wanky bass stylez - LOL!!

Coupla Coo factoids: My boy Lucas hit up the site - indiejukebox.com - after Tammy's recommendation in last month's newsletter. To his (and all of ours really) dismay he discovered that the site didn't recognize Hip Hop as a genre. Of course, Lucas contacted the guy and if you wanna know how it turned out, czech: www.indiejukebox.com
Big ups Cat!
Also, as indicated in March's newsletter, my boy Luc's band "Minque" performed in the second round of the Toronto division of the Emergenza International Battle of the Bands. They cleaned house again! On to the next round for the cats - Big ups!!

Ideas? Inspirations? Promotions? Performances?
Share - it's the only way to the next level.

Big Love,
i220

www.themusicalrevolution.com (on deck)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Posted by i220 at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)

September 24, 2004

Mar. 04 - Promoting the Living Crap Out of Everything

March 2004 was a great month for this newsletter. A number of musicians decided to forward their performance dates and website info to me (prior to the release date - Mar. 1). I was then able to relay this info to the entire group and promote a few other projects at the same time. I feel positive that the more that artists promote in this way the more success they will have. From this day on dates forwarded to me (in a timely fashion) will be promoted not once but twice - newsletter and website - double the effectiveness.
Countdown to TheMusicalRevolution: 7 days.
Clik below to see what you missed.

*Note: This newsletter is a reissue - all dates are null & void.

www.themusicalrevolution.com (currently innactive)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Mar./2004.
Edition (f).

D)
languages do not break
barriers because actions
are too loosely formulated

E)
i have no motivation
for any except robots
reading scripts of ancients

PROMO:

EVERY THUR: The Poacher's Arms - London, ON - The Fairmonts.*
http://thefairmonts.com

MARCH 6TH: Circus Room - Kitchener, ON - Elephant Band, Humshuttle and Rated R.** http://elephantband.com http://barcoderecords.com

MARCH 6TH & 7TH: Betty Oliphant Theatre - Toronto, ON - Gunsaleen Dance Co. Saturday@ 8.00pm & March 7th 2004 Sunday @ 2.00pm matinee BETTY OLIPHANT THEATRE, 404 JARVIS STREET (between Carlton and Wellesley on Jarvis) http://www.danceworks.ca/cw18.html

MARCH 13TH: Townehouse - Sudbury, ON - Rated R.

MARCH 14TH: Townehouse - Sudbury, ON - Elephant Band, semi-acoustic.

MARCH 19TH: The Reverb - Toronto, ON - MINQUE, the Emergenza B.O.T.B.

MARCH 26TH - The Poacher's Arms - London, ON - The Fairmonts.

MARCH26TH & 27TH: Wylder's - North Bay, ON - Elephant Band.

*The Fairmonts are an acoustic duo consisting of my boys Justin and Scotty, Guit/Vox and Djembe/Perc. respectively.

** Rated R is a new QOTSA cover band. The band is made up of veterans Marse Beckman (Comma, Salic Law, etc...), James Leacock (Zuul's Evil Disco and The Janice Effect) and Eric Soini (Elephant Band).

Sites:

http://www.ineedmorecowbell.com
A fun site that my boy Scotty set up. It consists mostly of a WEBLOG. Since he has allowed me posting priviladges, I have now started to post the newsletter up there monthly!

http://www-acad.sheridanc.on.ca/~lewchris
A fellow musician delves SERIOUSLY into the fine arts!

http://www.indecember.com/
My boy Kyle from work's band. They just released a C.D., Czech it!

http://www.indiejukebox.com
My girl Tammy sent me this link (Big Ups). Check it out. This is what the site's proprietor has to say: "If you're an unsigned singer/songwriter or band and you currently have a CD available then my site might be just the thing you need to start making back some of that money you spent on studio and manufacturing costs."

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. CORPORATE CASH COW: COVER MATERIAL FOR THE MASSES.
2. i220: PRODUCER EXTRORDINAIRE - YEAH RIGHT!
3. THEMUSICALREVOLUTION.COM: ALMOST THERE, HONEST.

EDITORIAL:

1996. I find myself on the losing end of a one night stand went wrong. Go for a jog (which takes a pathetic detour by her house... yech!). Over the duration of the jog, I write an entire song. It's one of the saddest bastardest songs I've ever written (and that's saying alot) but a song none the less. That afternoon, I record the song, start to finish; drums, bass, guitar and lousy vocals to boot! Two years later I take an afternoon, do a rewrite and turn the song into "Teleprompted Freak Show" the lead off single on "Mean Old Son of a Bitch", 1999, Strange Bargain. To this day, I can't explain it. The song just popped in my head; lyrics, melody, parts, everything! I like to think that it was inspiration. I also like to think that if Scooby Doo and Spiderman ever had a showdown that Scooby would win by getting Spiderman to succumb to the deliciousness of "Scooby Snax" and the body buzz would render him incapacitated, but, I digress. My point is: Inspiration good, Music industry - get some.

I want to entitle this edition of my laborious, I mean notorious newsletter (Freudian Slip) The "Promote the shit out of everything I can" Newsletter. I'm featuring 3 of my own projects and you will notice the extensive PROMO section - I hope that this will become a regular thang as I'm all about the love and for those of you who know me, the chest hair... again with the digressions!

BTW. Cheers to Zoë! Again, I fearture 2 of her micro inspirations (beginning of this newsletter) and again I am more than honoured. (Psst... that means that I have a woody... J.K.).

INSPIRATIONS:

1. CORPORATE CASH COW: COVER MATERIAL FOR THE MASSES.

A few people have been asking me what I'be been up to this last year. Besides working alot and saving my pennies (hopefully for a house), I've been quite busy learning songs; vocals/acoustic guitar. In particular, I've been trying to compile two sets of thirty songs for a solo acoustic show I'm entitling, "Corporate Cash Cow..." The first set of thirty revolves around the theme of classic story songs of the popular variety. The second set of tunes is a bunch of early 90'sish music that I'm dubbing, "the last stand of Rock 'n Roll." So far I have 45 down (30 set one/15 set two). Here's the set list in progress:

Signs - 5 Man Electrical Band
Shooting Star - Bad Co.
Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd
Cat's in the Cradle - Harry Chapin
Hazy Shade of Winter - Simon and Garfunkle
Walkin' the Dog - Willie Dixon
Stuck in the Middle - Steeler's Wheel
Wasn't that a Party - The Rovers
Lyin' Eyes - The Eagles
Casey Jones - The Grateful Dead
People are Strange - The Doors
Aqualung - Jethro Tull
Redemption Song - Bob Marley
The Gambler - Kenny Rogers
Mother's Little Helper - The Rolling Stones
Lola - The Kinks
Secret Agent Man - Johnny Rivers
Build Me Up Buttercup - The Foundations
Lido Shuffle - Boz Skaggs
Big Yellow Taxi - Joni Mitchell
For What it's Worth - Buffalo Springfield
The Weight - The Band
Rockin' in the Free World - Niel Young
Blackbird - The Beatles
Rocky Racoon - The Beatles
Let Your Love Flow - The Bellamy Brothers
Gold Dust Woman - Fleetwood Mac
Turn The Page - Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band
Jet Airliner - The Steve Miller Band
Only the Good Die Young - Billy Joel
Heart Shaped Box - Nirvana
Them Bones - Alice in Chains
Interstate Love Song - Stone Temple Pilots
Banditos - The Refreshments
Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead
Enid - The Barenaked Ladies
I Wanna be Sedated - The Ramones
At A Medium Pace - Adam Sandler
Say it Ain't So - Weezer
500 Miles - The Proclaimers
What's the Frequency Kenneth - R.E.M.
Santeria - Sublime
Run and Hide - The Watchmen
Push - Matchbox 20
Drive - Incubus
Another Lonely Day - Ben Harper
Salesmen, Cheats and Liars - The Lowest of the Low

I've compiled a demo/package and look to start playing soon. My priority will be pub gigs and when I think the show is competent, I'm sure dates will start to appear in the PROMO section of the newsletter. Competent is the magic word here!

2. i220: PRODUCER EXTRORDINAIRE - YEAH RIGHT!

i220? The name is another one of my "so called" inspirations. The source of this inspiration isn't as mysterious as the origin of "Freak Show". When I was in university, I read Evgeny Zamyatin's "We". Half a dozen years later I came up with this "musicalrevolution" idea and the name, "i220". I traced the idea back to the book, reread it and have decided to run with the idea. Any "original" music and music creation projects that I'm involved in I intend to use the pseudonym "i220". Right now I'm working with some new recording gear. I have finished a mix of the song, "Lady Star" for Minque (my boy Luc's project) and intend to continue working on it, learning as I progress. I have also begun work on a song "Measures" for the hip hop artist "feat." (lyrics featured in the Feb. newsletter). I intend to feature finished versions of the songs on my website when completed (with the artists permission of course).

3. THEMUSICALREVOLUTION.COM: ALMOST THERE, HONEST.

The bulk of this last month has been spent compiling ideas and material for my website. My hopes are that it will be up within the next few months. I intend to launch to little fanfare. The site will be quite functional to begin with but I am looking for it to be a long standing project developing consistently as needs arise. Again, I am looking to appeal to those who are interested. This site will be for and represent music ENthUsiaSts. Meaning, if you just don't care, don't let the door hit your... I, personally, can hardly wait! Inspiration? Philosophy?:

Transaction

Night Gasps.
Faint last breaths echo across the hillside.
Mist.
Hovers like an expectant Father.
Waiting to embrace the landscape.
Defiant it stands.
A barn, nestled deep in the valley's throat.
Laughter bursting from its four walls.
They're all here.
The atmosphere thick.
Burning pipe, maybe two?
No one can tell.
Liquid sloshing.
Bread breaking.
A fire licks the air, playful but tentative.
Music pounds after racing hearts.
The last chord unleashes potential,
Kinetic, explosion, applause…
Overcome, she cries.
Asks a favour.
Makes a promise.
How it was done. How it will be done.
He plays on: for love.
Knocking.
"my barn is Your barn."
Welcome.

If you have any ideas for the website, CCC, i220, or even this newsletter please don't hesitate to pass them on. Beware though, my technical expertise IS my Achilles heel.

If you have anything to promote - send it. I spend a lot of time bugging cats. That's cool, but, ultimately nobody cares as much about your stuff as you do - if you want to be represented right - you gotta do it!

Again, thanx for the interest! Pass it on.

Big Love,
i220

www.themusicalrevolution.com (currently innactive)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Posted by i220 at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)

September 23, 2004

Feb. 04 - Doom & Gloom but Poets in the Room

In February of 2004, I was notified that the powers that be were gonna make strong legal strides toward shutting down the downloaders here in Canada. I relayed this information to TheMusicalRevolution postponing my original letter on inspiration but my doom and gloom was supplanted by three fine poets. Luckily.
Countdown to TheMusicalRevolution: 8 days.
Clik below to be inspired.

*Note: This newsletter is a reissue - all dates are null & void.

www.themusicalrevolution.com (currently innactive)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Feb./2004.
Edition (e).

PROMO: If you wish to promote your musical endeavour send details to: themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. ZOë ZAGG: FLASHES OF INSPIRATION MATERIALIZE IN THE FORM OF HAIKU.
2. KRISTI ANN HOLT: PUBLISHED POET. http://poetry.com/
3. LUCAS "feat." GOLDMAN: POETRY THROUGH HIP HOP.

EDITORIAL:

They warned you it was coming, and it could be happening by early February. The Canadian Recording Industry Association is readying the first of just under 40 lawsuits, aimed at locals who download copyrighted tunes off've the Internet.

The C.R.I.A. has watched with no small interest, as the tactic was being carried out with great success in the U.S. And last month, it announced a similar effort would begin here in early 2004.

And it now appears it's almost ready to go. The Association is waiting for court permission to trace the Internet Protocol numbers of the users it's targeting, an arrangement most legal experts believe is a mere formality.

Canada has one of the largest downloading populations on the planet, as eager wired PC owners look to collect as many of their favourite tunes as they can. But the music industry, which has lost billions in CD sales as a result of the practice, is counting on the resulting publicity to make most have second thoughts.

That's what happened in the U.S., where the Recording Industry Association of America sued a variety of individuals, eventually reaching settlements of around $2,000 from each, and watched the use of file sharing programs like Kazaa deflate.

But it's not the fines they're interested in. It's the message. And that is that copyright makes copy wrong. The companies have set up several pay music sites they hope computer users will seek out instead. And despite the fact that Apple's iTunes has been a major hit, most of the other efforts have stalled, finding it difficult to challenge fee with free.

January 14, 2004

Link: http://www.pulse24.com/Business/Top_Story/20040114-002/page.asp

My boy Mike from work forwarded this to me. I had hoped to start the New Year off on a positive note with an in depth look at inspiration and the importance of fostering artistic ideas. Instead, I share these tidings. While I have a great many opinions on the above subject, none of them really matter now as it looks like the powers that be have taken matters into their own hands. It would appear that the future of downloading is mapped out. If you have any information or an opinion you might like to put out there please don't hesitate to send it over: themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Most importantly, society has lost another freedom.

In November's newsletter I mentioned the "Emergenza" festival (an international Battle of the Bands). A new Canadian round has begun. Our very own boys from "Minque" decided to enter the Toronto preliminaries. Good News - They Won their first round! Now it's on to the next round and if they remember to fill me in on the dates I'll be sure to pass the details on.

As an aside - I heard "High Holy Days" on rock radio the other night (Revolution Newsletter - Nov. 03). It would appear that their label is already getting their material out there. Congratulations to Marc and the boys. I wish you continued success.

Finally, while I will reserve my ideas about inspiration until March, I have still decided to include some poetic inspirations in this months newsletter for you to enjoy. Thank you to the artists who have let me pass on their fine work!

INSPIRATIONS:

1. ZOë ZAGG: FLASHES OF INSPIRATION MATERIALIZE IN THE FORM OF HAIKU.

Zoë and I are at my boy Luc's one night taking in a "Minque" practice. I notice that she is writing, ask, "whaz up?" A conversation about the nature of inspiration ensues. She tells me that she is currently on a "Haiku" fix. Among other attributes she enjoys the conciseness of the poetic form and informs me that she often finds herself writing many in one day. I ask her to forward a few over to the revolution - Here's a couple to start you off.

A)
abstract windows look
upon abstract hours
to notice the sun waving

B)
my generation
has been tried for treason
to wake up dying for thirst

Zoë informs me that she doesn't always adhere to Haiku's exact number of syllables, choosing to let inspiration lead and form follow. I listen and learn.

2. KRISTI ANN HOLT: PUBLISHED POET. http://poetry.com/

Wings Of Flame

Gasp of startled joy
Then a downcast look
Toward an idle release
A leisurely touch brings
Music with no sound
Rise together as one
Fall apart separately
Each wrapped
In their own thoughts
Own perceptions
Of the dance
Two fluttering spirits
Falling fast with
No end in sight
Downward spirals
Of glances and sighs
Wings of Flame
Beating back upwards
Toward the burning sun.

Copyright: 2001, Kristi Holt.

http://poetry.com/

There are many ways that a poet can approach publication. Kristi informs me that Poetry.com doesn't only offer web exposure but a chance for every poet to be published in print as well, if your material is deemed worthy which, apparently, this work was. I concur but then, I am just a little biased :)

3. LUCAS "feat." GOLDMAN: POETRY THROUGH HIP HOP.

Lucas is and always will be, "one sick MoFo". He has offered me the chance (I admit, I begged) to produce this track. "Measures" will mark my first hip hop production. I promise it will not be commercial, tonal or very good I suspect. It is my first after all. But, what it will lack in polish it will make up for in enthusiasm! Yeah! In the meantime, prepare to become twisted and feast your minds on this:

"Measures" by feat.

As if to circumcise the certain size
maintain the length as the crow flies
Absurdly and verbally disguise the vice like Pi's last digit
Intensely immense present tense or is it
post-poned and rigid lyrically immeasurable infinite
What's in it? Beyond rhetorical rhetoric
pleasurably measured by Imperial or Metric
Systems designated for Mass, Volume, Distance
Leisurely insistent
Lacking substance.
Well it isn't subversive verses
writing cursive curses
it's describing what's inscribed
personally to certain persons
when a situation worsens
get set yet beyond belief
with every Tertiary verse I carry query for relief
and try to see if
this prose flows in the lows to vibrate your clothes
subsonic pentatonic blaring through a megaphone
at such a great rate of KiloHertz and still it works
Incredible and memorable until a certain decibel
Or should I say a certain Decimal

Exa to the Peta to the Tera to the What?
to the Giga to the Mega to the Kilo to the What?
to the milli to the micro to the nano to the What?
to the peco to the femto to the atto

Must this be thus missed and spit in incessant quotation
and syllabically submerged with written message innovation
from a disclosed location
As a varicose vein claimed
so grows the phrase and rose raised ingrained to the proper occasion
Sustained Substance
Substantial Sustenance
so sadly sorting sentence structure sections spoils the significance of
sibilance
since symbolists seek safety subtly some say several sonnet stanzas
stuttering
so start something with an abundance of ample amplitude
initiated with the example of a trampled sample dude
cannibalizing as a culture vulture like Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup;
Mammal
food
Dude you're screwed if you think your style is larger than life
and it's true there aren't enough hours of day light at night
to assess the rate of evidence measurements
present in profound remembrance
the relevance is lost through the idiom
the speaker is the middleman to the medium
Save your criticizing of competing if you're beating him
'cause a critic's just a cynic that ain't with it to be a comedian
and treasure your lies
till someone measures your size
or you better just measure your own size.

So far I think I've seen/heard a dozen commercials claiming that if we don't buy music it's going to go away...
Hmmm... Yeah.
That'll happen when Bush single-handedly ends world terrorism!
Support each other:
Promote.
Listen.
Give your opinion.
Share.
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Peace,
i220

www.themusicalrevolution.com (currently innactive)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Posted by i220 at 07:54 AM | Comments (0)

September 22, 2004

Jan. 04 - Investigating Commercial Radio

The first newsletter of the new year (2004) means business. I decide to interview Curtis, an old friend of mine who actually worked at a variety of radio stations. He sheds some light on the politics of commercial radio. If you're interested in independently generated music at all you definitely should read this!
Countdown to TheMusicalRevolution: 9 days.
Clik below for the facts.

*Note: This newsletter is a reissue - all dates are null & void.

www.themusicalrevolution.com (currently innactive)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Jan./2004. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Edition (d).

PROMO: www.discoinfernolive.com - Check out my boy Richie's Disco Band. Maybe you might like to book them for your next corporate event ;)

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. DIG YOUR ROOTS: http://www.digyourroots.ca/
2. GARAGE BAND: http://www.garageband.com/
3. MP3.COM: http://www.mp3.com/

EDITORIAL:

O.K. Let's just call this edition of the "musicalrevolution newsletter" part 3 of 3 in an investigation into commercial radio. Quick review. In part one, my girl Paula raised some "concerns" about the corporate sponsors (one in particular) of radio contests. She exclaimed and I quote, "I won tickets to the Molson Canadian Rocks House Party... I have retitled the event to the Molson Canadian SUCKS "House" Party." Why Pauls felt the need to put the word "House" in quotes is an enigma but then... it is Pauls - she was probably high - LOL! In part two, yours truly got up one day at the ripe old time of 5 AM to further research the commercial radio/corporate marriage by analyzing a cross section of a listener sample of the highest ratings period of the winningest radio station of the worlds greatest web... In short - I'm a nerd/commercial radio is a corporate whore.

Of course - all this is pure speculation and probably illegal cause, "Da Man runs the system too yo!!" So here I type at you from my pink rubber-room jail cell in sunny Kingston thinking, "Hmmm... How can I implicate someone else now?" As an aside, I also face another dilemma - I'm starting to bore the shit out of you! So here I go - I will kill two birds with one stone. I will manage to put another in harms way while maintaining the interest of my dearest readers. I will interview someone with first hand experience at a corporate radio station - someone who actually knows what transpires behind those mirky, payola drenched walls - someone with more to lose than a job at Loblaws and a 4X4.5 foot basement apartment.

Ladies and Gentlesorts... I present to you my interview with Curtis the "former" Commercial Radio DJ. Ta-da!! "What the..." You say. Read on - it'll all make sense shortly... promise...

Personal Background:

i220: 1. What kind of musical education/musical experiences did you have growing up?
Curtis: Didn't have any real education in music it was more or less experience. Started playing the drums in elementary school and joined a band through high school. Always enjoyed music in any form............playing in the band, listening to music, going to concerts etc.

i220: 2. Who did you work for during high school?
C: Early years of high school brought on some pretty wild jobs. Did alot of factory work............ you know shift work that paid crappy - but hey I was a kid and it was money in my pocket! Once grade 12 came I did my co-op at the college radio station in North Bay. Then during my grade 14 year (loved playing hockey), I got my "big break" at a commercial station.

i220: 3. When did you decide to enter the radio profession?
C: I actually did a radio project in my grade 11 english media class with Benny. We had a blast and when we handed in the project, the teacher said "you really have a gift for radio". It was around that time when people started putting the pressure on me to decide what I want to do with my life, so it seemed like an easy fit. That's when I decided to do the co-op in radio and things just progressed from there.

i220: 4. What was it that attracted you to the profession?
C: Sitting around listening to music and getting paid for it. There wasn't really allot that attracted me, but that seemed like a pretty cool thing to do and get paid for. Oh yeah, there was always the free trips, free cd's and free concert tickets.

Educational Background:

i220: 5. Describe the steps one must take to get the education needed to apply for a D.J. position at a commercial radio station.
C: Well, the traditional steps would be to start volunteering during high school. Radio stations LOVE the word volunteering..... (that means they don't have to pay you!) Then you would look at going to college for radio broadcasting. It's usually a 2 year program. That's when you will want to look at putting together a demo tape and send it out to as many radio stations you can possibly find. Then you hope that someone likes your sound and brings you on.

i220: 6. Were you successful at college? Did you graduate?
C: Was I successful at college? Yes................when I went. Did I graduate? No.......I didn't need to. I was offered a full time job just into my second year so I thought of the OSAP money I could save by dropping out so I packed my bags.

i220: 7. How important is post secondary education in landing a job in the field? Why?
C: To be honest......not important at all! It's that way because radio is something you either have or you don't have. It's not like a doctor where, with the proper amount of intelligence of course, you can go to school and study and study and be really really good at what you do. Radio is a talent. You got it or you don't.

Professional Background:

i220: 8. Which radio station (and where) did you get your first job? What were your duties there?
C: My first radio job was at CKAT in North Bay. My duties there were everything. Setting up remotes, setting up promotions, operating the board and the overnight show announcer on "The Cat". That's usually where the new voices started.

i220: 9. In chronological order list all of the radio stations that you worked for, their locations and their musical formats.
C:
CKAT North Bay, ON Country
CIGM Sudbury, ON Country
Q92 Sudbury, ON Rock
THE WOLF Regina, SK Rock
THE FOX North Bay, ON Rock
THE HAWK London, ON Classic Rock
FM 96 London, ON Rock

Information about the Profession:

At a typical radio station:
i220: 10. What are the different departments? What are each responsible for? Comment on the power structure. Who is the boss, second in command, etc...
C: There are alot of different departments and to some extent all have their share of power. The easiest way of breaking it down is like this;
Management
Station Manager (GM) - basically runs the station. Budgets, rules that kind of stuff.
Sales manager - runs the sales team.
Promotions manager - oversees the stations promotions and involvement in the community.

Programming
Program Director - oversees the announce staff, music director, promotions dept. Makes what's on the air sound good.
Music Director - deals with the record labels, schedules music for airplay. Runs music meetings with the PD and basically decides what gets played on the air.
Announce staff - entertain! They are, in essence, what sells the radio station.

Production/Traffic
Production staff - create the commercials for airplay.
Traffic dept - schedule commercials into their proper positioning according to what the sales rep sells them.

Sales Team - sells the commercials for airplay.

that's the basic outline of the station. You also have your secretaries, remote set-up guys and that kind of stuff. The most power belongs to the station manager. The sales manager and the program director rank a close second, but that's basically the top 3 in the reign of power. Announcers have alot of power as well because an unhappy announcer means a pissy job of entertaining!!!!

i220: 11. Who decides what music to play when? How much control as a D.J. do you have over the music?
C: As mentioned above, it is usually the program director and the music director who have the ultimate say in what gets played. They will also tell you that "consultants" will help tune your station. These are usually overpaid people that haven't a clue about music, but because they are paid top dollars by the station to do this pitiful so-called job of research, program directors feel the need to do exactly what they say. As an announcer, you basically have no say in what gets played. If you are fortunate to work at a half decent station, you may get the odd call upon on your thoughts on a tune here and there.

i220: 12. How is income generated? How does a radio station acquire funds for radio contests?
C: Income is generated by the sales department selling commercials. They are done on a local and national level. also, remote broadcasts are sold to clients as well for a pretty hefty price. Radio contests are usually done through "contra". An example would be a travel agency giving a trip to the Bahamas in exchange for 4 weeks of 60 second commercials during the morning show. The dayparts also determine the price of a commercial. the morning show commercials are more expensive than the overnight commercials based of course on listenership. Also, the higher the station is in ratings, the more they charge for commercials. Radio stations always give away big prizes during ratings!

i220: 13. What is the wage structure for D.J.s? What do you make?
C: Most of the wages are spent on your morning show. That of course is when the listenership is the biggest. Then you move to your midday show, drive show, evening show and overnights. Depending on the market, usually the evening and overnight show are done by a computer which is called voicetracking. In my radio career, I did overnights, evenings, drive and middays and the highest my salary got was $32,000/year. this included work in 2 so called "major market" radio stations.

i220: 14. What are the perks that a D.J. enjoys? What was your favourite radio experience? What was your worst experience?
C: There were some cool perks. Free cd's are always nice. It was also cool to meet bands and hang out with them. My favourite experience would probably be the Molson Canadian Rocks blind date that I was sent on as a host. It was in San Francisco and it was the Foo Fighters. We got first class treatment and it was just a total blast! I actually got to hang out with the Foo's a couple months later when they came to Sudbury. The worst experience would have to be dealing with bands that thought because they were successful in the music industry that people should bow down to them!!!!

The Music:

i220: 15. As a commercial radio D.J. how much independent music do you get exposed to on a daily basis?
C: To be honest with you.......minimal. The only time that independent bands got played was if there was an on-air special or if there was a battle of the bands to open for a headlining band at a festival or something along those lines. Unless you were signed by a label, you really had no hope.

i220: 16. What do you feel is the best way for an independent musician to get their music played on commercial radio?
C: Unfortunately there is no best way. In most cases, a music director only looks at music that comes from the hands of a label rep. Walking into a radio station or calling a music director with your cd, usually means another one for the pile in the corner of his office, or if your real lucky, it may get used as a coaster.

i220: 17. Do you feel that the typical commercial radio D.J. is enthusiastic about playing independent music? Why or why not?
C: I totally tried to support indy bands when I was in radio. The nasty thing is that I believe DJ's would be enthusiastic about playing indy music if they only got a chance to hear it. As I mentioned, the only two people that are in a weekly music meeting is the program director and the music director. So maybe if the people that actually push the button to start the songs that actually go to air got a shot at giving indy music a chance, we wouldn't hear people like the Bare Naked Ladies 25 times a day.

i220: 18. Do you know the names any of the five major recording companies in Canada? Do you know the names of any of the other 404 labels?
C: Sony, Universal, BMG, Columbia and Arista are 5 I know of. As for the other 404 labels....no clue.
i220: Not bad - 3 out of 409, not that I could fair much better thats for sure! Columbia = Sony, Arista = BMG. The other 2 majors = Warner and EMI, I know - easy when you have the answers in front of you.

Follow Up:

i220: 19. Why did you finally decide to leave radio?
C: There were many things.......unappreciated, underpaid and especially (towards the end of my radio journey), it was never about what the listeners wanted to hear. It was all about budget and shareholders. Companies always wanted more out of you, but never wanted to compensate you for the extra stuff you did.

i220: 20. Who is your current employer? What is it that you do for them?
C: I currently work for a company that markets warranty and insurance.

i220: 21. Do you think that the skills that you acquired in the radio profession help you in your current line of work? How?
C: Working in radio did help me in some ways. It gave me a good knowledge on how to deal with people and how to handle different situations. I also built "thick skin" and have become good at handling criticism.

i220: 22. Most improtantly, did being a D.J. on a commercial radio station help you get laid? Stories?
C: Ah................no stories..........i'll leave that to your creative little imaginations! :o)

i220: So - there you have it folks, almost 100 lines of - not Me :) Interesting... and... informative... If you have any questions for Curtis email me and I'll pass 'em on.

And that wraps up my first real expose - in three parts no less - Pretty Fly for a White guy huh? Hmmm sorry. If you have any further comments you wish to chuck out about radio/corporate monies/how it effects the independent, send 'em ova, I'll be sure to share em with the group. So I finish that topic (for now) with a limerick from my boy Lucas. Check it:

FM RADIO

I have an FM radio but I never turn it on
Because I may like one arpeggio but never like the song
So if I sample you and use it
It's 'cause I like your music
But the rest I think went on a bit too long.

All that said and done, I've decided to start off the new year by taking a good look around me and check into what others are doing to shake things up a bit. Being that this IS the internet I thought that I might showcase other "resource" sites for independent music lovers/musicians.

INSPIRATIONS:

1. DIG YOUR ROOTS: http://www.digyourroots.ca/
I first heard of this site from Mr. Lucas G. Check themusicalrevolution newsletter - Nov./2003. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/musicalrevolution/messages
What this site offers is best summed up on their "about" page. http://www.digyourroots.ca/aboutdyr.html
From what I can gather, it appears that artists are encouraged to promote themselves and their music on this site. http://www.digyourroots.ca/howtosubmit.html
Who listens? Well, aside from the general public, it would seem that a panel of "esteemed" judges is also exposed to the material and they are responsible for deciding what artists get to be added to a nationwide compilation C.D. and virtual tour.
Who's in charge? The site says the NCRA (National Campus Radio Association). Who? Check: http://www.digyourroots.ca/aboutncra.htm
Who's really in charge (translation: who pays the bills)? The site's main page lists "Corus Entertainment".
http://www.corusent.com
And... Who in the hell are they? Well, Curtis could tell you because he worked for them on more than one occasion. They are, among other things, "Canada’s largest radio operator in terms of revenue and audience tuning.", as stated on their web page.
Personally, I can only recommend this site as a resource for someone interested in hearing some independent hip hop, spoken word or electronic dance (the presently featured genres). My lack of faith in the "industry" and distaste for compartmentalizing music lead me to believe that digyourroots.ca may not be a strong promotional tool for the independent musician.

2. GARAGE BAND: http://www.garageband.com/
I have had first-hand experience with this site and can recommend it to both the interested listener and independent music creator. G-Band does sort music by genres but at least there is a decent selection. Anyone interested in listening can do so in a variety of ways from free internet radio to buying compilations directly from the site. Listeners are asked to review new music. http://www.garageband.com/review
This is what makes Garage Band worth joining for both the listener and the artist. By rating music a listener can help sift out the shit and discover the true cream. At the same time the artist can get valuable feedback from his/her actual target audience, there are compilation C.D.s for top artists and there is a remote chance that they will sign you to their label. Musicians interested in joining need only have a bio, pic and musical sample for review. http://www.garageband.com/musicians
If you are a musician, however, be prepared to have to review a lot of music. This site holds the artist accountable by exchanging its promotional services for your musical expertise.
I also must note that it has been over a year since I used this website and I have noticed quite a few changes overall, most noteably in the management team: http://www.garageband.com/htdb/companyinfo/management.html
You will notice that the new staff boasts quite a bit of expertise. High credentials usually come with higher salaries. A higher payroll usually requires more revenue. Websites usually rely on their advertisers and patrons to provide that income... you know where this is leading...

3. MP3.COM: http://www.mp3.com/
Back in tha day - MP3.COM used to be the site. Artists were able to promote themselves and their music for free regardless of genre, haircolour, whatever. Listeners were able to scout around, listen freely, find out more about an artist if they so wanted, even purchase if the mood was to strike. Why the big deal you ask? Well, number one was the sheer volume of people on the site. Free music over the internet used to be a novelty and independents reaped some benefits through sites like MP3.COM. Another sweet thing was that apparently, if enough people showed an interest in your band the site would pay you money??? I personally never witnessed this phenomenon but that was the ugly rumour.
Today: Hit it up. They're promising a new and improved MP3.COM. Make your opinion known. Support. Sites like this are what keep the musical evolutionary wheel turning and churning. And - coolest of all - it's LEGITIMATE FREE MUSIC. These artists want and need your support. The music is good even though some cat in a $1500.00 suit hasn't realized it yet.

Disclaimer: I must note that the internet is still quite young and a constant changing medium. You may find that some of the information that I have provided is misleading or just plain flat out wrong. While I do apologize for this, I cannot be held responsible for fat greasy opportunists wanting to capitalize on what originally was a good idea. In short - if it is good, someone is eventually gonna ask you to pay!

The key is to keep sucking like me. No illusions of selling out here - need something to sell :)

If you are a recent inductee and enjoyed what you read here, check out some old newsletters.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/musicalrevolution/messages

You know the drill, pass this on, email me if you have anything to promote/contribute/whatever or just keep reading, s'all coo.

Peace,
i220

www.themusicalrevolution.com (currently innactive)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Posted by i220 at 08:37 PM | Comments (1)

September 21, 2004

Dec. 03 - Controversy for Christmas

On one particularly insane morning, I get up at 5:00 AM! What the? I procede to monitor the morning show of a popular rawk radio station. I find out some rather disturbing information and decide to share it with the revolution. All this and I even manage to expose a few independent up and comers; pretty good werk for the Jesus month - oh I'm such a smaritan :S
Countdown to TheMusicalRevolution: 10 days.
Clik below for scathing fun.

*Note: This newsletter is a reissue - all dates are null & void.

www.themusicalrevolution.com (currently innactive)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Dec./2003.
Edition (c).

PROMO: Fri. Dec. 5 - GT's downtown - London. ON - "Meat Sweats" (Fin, Justin & Stevo) accoustic stylez a la Ben Harper, Dave, etc...

Saturdays in Dec. - GT's downtown - London, ON - "The Tribbianis" (Finny and the Cats) the best of 90's and today's cover rawk.

Sat. Dec. 13, 7:00PM - St. Columba & All Hallows Church - 2723, St. Clair Av. E., Toronto, ON - "Gunaseelan Dance Company" an Xmas/Fundraising Gala featuring Classical Indian/Chinese/Irish dancing. Dinner served (Indian Vegitarian). $15.00 at the door. Reserve by Dec. 10 - gunadance@yahoo.com

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. AARON KRONIS: Alternative Rock/Hip-Hop Fusion blends Detroit beats with heartfelt vocals and energy driven guitar solos. http://www.aaronkronis.com/daindex.html
2. PETE KYRIE BAND: Singer/Songwriter Pete Kyrie has critically admired guitar playing abilities and writes songs that come straight from the pages of our lives... http://www.petekyrieband.com/frameset.html
3. STEPHANIE BROWN: Visual Artist shares with themusicalrevolution. Piece: "Man Sings the Blues", 2002. Mixed media, Watercolour, Indy ink, oil pastel on watercolour paper [9 x 6 in]. See following email.

EDITORIAL:

Earlier this month I was re-reading the Nov. Newsletter. One of the articles was written by a close friend of mine, Paula B. The article expressed her dismay at having won tickets (radio contest) for a Molson Canadian Rocks House Party with SUM 41. In short, the party turned out to be 5000 people crammed into some Fairground all forced to drink 5 dollar Molsons Beer and endure weak performances by bands they probably wouldn't have actually bought tickets for. Bah!!

Upon reflection, I couldn't help but wonder how the hell the radio station benefits from all of this? Free Concert? A lot of organization? God knows they DON'T need the advertising... So - like the music NERD that I am I decide to do a little market research. The results are both surprising and educational for the wanna-be working musician and the every day listener.

What do I do? I get up at the ripe old time of 5:00 AM on Thur. Nov. 20th and flip my radio dial to 102.1 (The Edge, Toronto's premiere(?) rawk station) and procede to endure 4.5 hours of bad Howard Stern rip off material, a crap load of ads, the same news, weather, sports and traffic (80 goddamned times) and a little bit of music. 30 songs total (24 bands - they even manage to repeat one song).

Let me share a little secret with you here. Poor Me's from the North and I tend to be a little naive. I always figured that Rock Radio played our favorite music so we'd listen and the more of us that listened the more they could charge for their advertising. Apparently I'm 2 carats short of a diamond David Lee Roth because upon listening to the broadcast I find that they devote about 10% of their time to "our" music; "our" music as defined by their website which records user votes and compiles a weekly top 30 - http://www.edge.ca/station/sp_30.cfm.

But hey, my geekness doesn't stop there. It holds no bounds folks! I hit the world wide web!! In my immense wisdom I figure that maybe the radio station uses sales figures to determine what it is we might want to listen to. I check the the Nielsen Soundscan results for that week:
Albums: http://www.canoe.ca/JamMusicCharts/ALBUMS.html
Singles: http://www.canoe.ca/JamMusicCharts/SINGLES.html
Alas, "No Dice Ted Rice." (Who the fuck is Ted Rice anyway??). They devote 3% of their time to our top 100 albums and a whopping 0% of their time to our top 50 singles. ???

What the hell? There is NO WAY THAT ENOUGH OF US ARE STUPID ENOUGH TO LISTEN TO MORNING RADIO - TUNES THAT WE DON"T EVEN REALLY LIKE - JUST FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN A FREE SUM 41 TICKET!! I know Paula doesn't - she LIKES her music! Who are they trying to please? Where are they making this extra cash that they barely even have to appeal to their listeners any more?

To be honest - I don't really have an answer to this question but I do check a little something out. Sly Sherlock that I am, I decide to look up the Record Labels of those 24 artists. 100% of the artists played on the "Dean Blundell Show" on 102.1 The Edge Toronto, Thur. Nov. 20, 2003 are representatives of the 5 major record labels in Canada. The 29 songs that I listen to represent 1% of the record labels in this fine country of ours (as listed in "The Essential Contact" Ed. 13).

Not to really scare the "Bolsheviks" out of you but 1 Label in particular presides over half of the bands played that morning. As it turns out my buddies "High Holy Days" are indirectly members of that reich. So - bully them, chances are "pretty good" that we may be hearing them on a morning radio show sometime soon.

I guess what I'm saying is that if you are in a band and looking to become a star - you better get your chapstick ready, your kneepads on and get used to the taste of crow. If you are an avid music lover like myself - the revolution is here - it's time we started taking it all into our own hands or just get used to the audio equivelent of eating at McPigs, BK, Taco Smell, The Hut and Dirty Bird ALL THE TIME... (note - they've already shut down Sam's).

In light of this info many of you already probably know better than me - I have decided to dedicate this edition of themusicalrevolution newsletter to Independent Artists. The three artists that I am highlighting this month are all at different stages of success. I'll let you decide who you think is furthest along because I'm not sure what success really is to tell the truth.

INSPIRATIONS:

1. AARON KRONIS: I met this cat in residence - my third year of university. I still haven't figured out why the ladies called him "Cocky Frosh" but I do know that he has the meanest downstroke (on guitar) since James Hetfield left the building after the "Black Album" (Reload?). The last time that he and I talked music, he gave me an education in "the industry". This man knows promo kits, corporate sponsors, commercial radio, FACTOR grants and on and on... Check his label out: http://www.staminarecords.com/ But what about his music? Well, that's for you to decide. Hit up his site - it is very complete AND it has free tunes. http://www.aaronkronis.com/daindex.html
I have snatched up a sampling of his work (lyrics for his song "Fear") from his EPK but I really believe that you will have to check out the full songs to get a real idea of what this cat is all about!

Fear

When it’s your time
There’s no rhyme or reason
You can try to hide
From the pain that’s left you bleeding
So watch how you pray
Those could be the last words you say
But pay me no mind
And watch as the end comes

But don’t let the fear
Don’t let the fear control you
Just try to be real
Try to be all that you can be

It’s a do or die
Type of situation
And when the time is right
You open your wings start to fly
So don’t hide your eyes
There’s nothing to fear from this fall
But pay me no mind
And watch as the end comes

But don’t let the fear
Don’t let the fear control you
Just try to be real
Try to be all that you can be

But don’t let the fear
Don’t’ let the fear control you
Just try to be real
Try to be all that you can be
But don’t let the fear
Don’t’ let the fear control you
Just try to be real
Try to be all that you can be
Try to be all that you can be
Try to be all that you can be

2. PETE KYRIE BAND: Going a little further back in time now... 1991. The back of a limosine. London to Toronto and back via the liquor/beer store and a "Van Halen" concert at the Skydome. That is where I met this long blonde haired, ripped jeans wearing rocker cat who my boy Scotty introduced as Skinny Pete. Apparently (if I didn't but know it) I was priviledged to share this "enchanted" evening with the members of the infamous but definitely notorious "Toxic Angels". Scotty was the drummer and Pete was the lead guitarist/lead singer. I've since heard the material they recorded and lets just say that Pete has come a looooong way since then!

On his website he sates a kind of credo, " Music is my life, it is something that no matter what nationality, religion, age or gender someone is, they will be provoked into thought, express an opinion or just be taken to a place far from what they normally conceive as home, all just by listening to music. To me it is one of the strongest most powerful expressions in this journey we call life." Me thinks the boy matured - to say the least. Hit up his website - it's quite impressive and gives a great idea of what he's about. http://www.petekyrieband.com/frameset.html
Check out a few of his tunes. If you like you can even nominate him for the Pop/Rock London Music Award.
http://www.londonmusicawards.com
Remember that's: Pete Kyrie Band.

3. STEPHANIE BROWN: Steph Brown is the person that single-handedly made the "High Holy Days" "We Are The Champions" after-party worth being at (check the Nov. newsletter - themusicalrevolution). I still owe her my thanks for getting my drunk ass back home and for wrestling my skully back from her pirate friend (she even washed it for me). Catching word of the revolution, Steph asked if she could join and emailed me three samples of her own artwork. Her piece "Man Sings The Blues" really spoke to me. I do realize that this isn't a visual revolution but I think that after seeing the piece you will be able to appreciate its inspirational value and how it fits in. I asked Steph to send me some information about herself, the piece and a little promo. Steph writes:

To be truthful this art piece was just a practice for a new technique I was trying. It took me as little as 3min to create the painting. As I save everything, after Dan Arcand (High Holy Days) put it on their website I got a lot of feedback for the artwork and its become a favourite for everyone.
I'm completing my Bachelor of Fine Arts at Nipissing University. Once that's done, I'll probably go off to Sheridan College. I contributed to the artwork in the "High Holy Days" debut/demo Album. I'm working on a line of greeting cards and stationary and venturing into photography these days. My style of work is mainly abstract and portraitures. I always have works for sale and am willing and able to do commission works.
I have a web site/virtual gallery under work and it should be up and running in January for viewing. If anyone wants to inquire further they can drop me a line.
jer_ry@hotmail.com
Subject: art so I don't erase unknown senders.

Unfortunately, yahoogroups doesn't allow attachments so I will have to email "Man Sings The Blues" seperately. Luckily for me the group isn't huge yet so I should be able to get the pics out within the day. I hope you enjoy it as much as I, me, my, yeah well you kno...

Wicked. Well, here I am at the end of yet another Newsletter. Last month, I got a great deal of feedback and wish to take this time/space to publically thank all those who took the time to reply. I relish the interest. I would also like to welcome new members as this month has seen the most new signees since I first launched the idea way back in September. I sincerely hope that the information in this newsletter has served to entertain, maybe even inform?

Spread the news - an email containing full name to themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca is all it takes to gain access to all this hubba-balloo.

Finally, hit me back - your ideas ARE the revolution, this country IS free, promote YOURself, that's the point...

2004.

Peace,
i220

PS. MERRY XMAS EVERYBODY!!

www.themusicalrevolution.com (currently innactive)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Posted by i220 at 09:12 AM | Comments (0)

September 20, 2004

Nov. 03 - 2nd Newsletter/1st Guest Writer

Last November shit got a little hairy. The fall concert season fell just a little short and somebody had to pay! My girl Paula sent out a rather scathing but definitely entertaining concert review that I just had to share with everybody.
Countdown to TheMusicalRevolution: 11 days.
Clik below for ensuing madness.

*Note: This newsletter is a reissue - all dates are null & void.

www.themusicalrevolution.com (currently innactive)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Nov./2003.
Edition (b).

PROMO: www.digyourroots.ca (More on this phenomenon at a later date). Right now, check into a brother - Lucas Goldman, http://www.digyourroots.ca/dyr.php?sect=artists&act=view&id=179
On the other side of this rabbit hole you'll find his bio, pic and a sample of his work for free perusings.

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. SUM 41's LITTLE HOUSE PARTY: My girl Paula rages against the machine!
2. FRED EAGLESMITH & THE FLATHEAD NOODLERS: A "true" revolutionary!
3. EMERGENZA: Wanna be a Rock Star? I got your ticket ;) http://www.emergenza.net/eng/default.asp

EDITORIAL:

Have you ever met a Rrrrockstar?
I have.
Thousands!
I shot the shit with Matthew Good for like 30 minutes on a sidewalk once. Nice guy, down to earth. We chatted about the ex-girlfriend he missed back home. I told him that we wanted to tour out West. He advised me that it was better to make it in the "Big Smoke" first.
Most of my friends are rolling their eyes right now because they've heard this story before, "yeah, yeah, the Matthew Good, hit on your girl, almost came to your party, signed the shaft of your cock story... whatever".
But it's true, well, most of it.
Sad thing is I know like 20 other people who have met the cat and they all say the same thing, "He is a cock!"

This brings me to: HIGH HOLY DAYS
My boy Marc Arcand and the crew. I met these cats a few years back when they opened up our C.D. release party in North Bay, ON. Nice, down to earth ;) At that time they were called "The Arcand Band". Mike Rosseter, an old bro of mine, used to be their bassist - hence the gig. The dish is that they secured some funds, hit Metal Works, recorded a C.D., befriended some influentials (Jeff Martin named their band) and now they're SIGNED... That last part comes complete with reverberation and a long horrorshop delay...

Sat. Oct. 11, I head out to their "we are the champions" party. SOLD OUT. Hang tight. Get tix. I'll give you an honest review of the show and when the "single" drops - you can make your own judgements. Nickleback - without the hooks but with a way better looking singer.
Why do I say this? Well, hummm, Nickleback just recently played a free concert at Dundas Square. I went for the Free, not so much the Concert. Honestly, I was impressed. These cats are solid. I think the music is formulaic for sure but Chad Kroeger wants to be there and is working his ass of...
Qualifier: My Mom (as cool as she is) likes Nickleback - owns their C.D. Nickleback are like my Roger Whittaker :)
High Holy Days on Oct 11/03 - solid.

I hit the afterparty. Ohhhh yeah..... You know this is where it is getting juicy. Maybe? Well... No naked hookers. No lines on the coffee table. No coffee table. No after show jam. No brown guys with fake afros. No hot girls making out with... hot girls on a grey lazy boy.?
Meet some really nice people. Get my J5 skully stolen (grr..._) Wierd.
Here is the strangest part. I decide I am going to congratulate my former compadres. I catch the guitar player on a fly by and offer my "hats off", "cheers", etc... Smile, "yeah thanks", gone... Damn, that sucks. But, in all fairness we aren't even on a name to name basis so really it's understood. On to Marc - the singer. "Hey" - hug! This is more like it! "Later."... What the? S'all good - I'm sure that next time when they are not quite so busy it'll all be Super ;)

Minque update:
Since my last newsletter, Luc and the boyz of Minque have landed themselves a manager. My brother assures me that this is the first step toward success in today's music business. I love these guys and wish them nothing but the full realization of all of their dreams. But. My biggest wish is that they will not lose themselves in the process. Millions of others have. Respect. Be forwarned.

An aside:
My biggest goal is that I will always be able to make music. It is what I do and have done with the majority of my time since the ripe old age of 13. In highschool I was in up to 5 bands at one time. I studied music in university. Strange Bargain (the band I've played in for the last 5 years) played as many as 12 shows in one month. I hope that I can feed my children with money I make from playing music. Maybe one day, if I ever make it to my 80's I will finally get the chance to compose that symphony I started at Western. A rockstar I am not. Not that there's anything wrong with that:)

Marc, my friend - best of luck to you. You have the work ethic. You will succeed. Do yourself a favour, remember your family, friends and yourself. They, do not fade...

INSPIRATIONS:

1. SUM 41's LITTLE HOUSE PARTY: My girl Paula's Sister is a bigwig at Feldman (Canada's premier booking agency). Not only has Pauls grown up with an ear to the ground but she is in the process of building quite a resume herself - more importantly, B.C. weed hardly affects her any more ;P
Take it away Hoots:
For those of you who didn't know, I won tickets to the Molson Canadian Rocks House Party. The bands; SUM 41, Swollen Members and GOB. This was an exclusive event. The only way you could get in, was to win tickets. After my experience last night, I have retitled the event to the Molson Canadian SUCKS "House" Party.
Let's start off by saying that it wasn't a House party. Not even close. It was at the Cloverdale Fairgounds, in Surrey, BC. This place was in the middle of nowhere. You could get to it by using public transit, but the last bus came at 10:30 pm and the concert ended at 11:00 pm. Total travel time on transit, an hour and a half. We did get lucky. Don's cousin gave him his old mini van. So, luckly we had a car. Second of all they kept saying that it was exclusive. Not even close. I don't consider 5,000 people exclusive. The kicker to all of this, was that draft Molson Canadian Beer, was $5.00 for a small glass. So, basically what Molson's did was suckered all these people in to a raw deal, just so they could make even more money. Sad really. Needless to say we got there just in time to see GOB perform their last few songs. Swollen Members' performance was lacking. BIG TIME! Tired of all the hoochies and jock boys, Don and I decided to just call it a night and go home! We didn't want to have to wait around for an hour to see SUM 41.
Maybe if we had been drinking too, it would have been a different story. I'd have to say that the most fun we had all night was when we got home and we told my roommate and Al (Don's friend) that the van broke down on the highway and we had to walk back to the house. We knew they would believe us, because we had problems with the van earlier that day. We had them going and finally we told them the truth as to why we were home so early, the concert sucked!!!

My advice to Molson's the next time they plan an event like this:
1) Don't call it a house party. Call it the Molson Canadian Rocks Concert Series, or something like that. They flat out lied about that one.
2) Don't make the venue in butt fuck nowhere. And if you do, provide some kind of shuttle service.
3) Don't charge $5.00 a glass for your crappy beer.

I do have to admit that Don and I had a lot of fun making fun of the hoochies that ended up sitting in front of us. You could tell they went shopping for new outfits the night before the show. They were wearing their brand new Punk Rock and Punk Love glitter t-shirts, and studded belts, with their little purses and high heeled boots. Way too funny! Hope everyone is well and has been enjoying their concert going
experiences more then me! :)
Cheers,
Paula

Things that make you go Hmmmm... As an aside, my friend Jen hit the SUM 41 show at the Western Fair this summer. Apparently they didn't even show up! Geez, they seem like such nice, down to earth rrrockstars.

2. FRED EAGLESMITH & THE FLATHEAD NOODLERS: Monday, Sept. 29, 2003 - The Toronto Sun. An article on the Entertainment front page by Mary Dickie. The Headline reads: SOLAR SOUNDS: Eaglesmith runs one-man writing, recording and distribution company - from his home. This shit is nothing short of amazing! I'll give you a quick paraphrasing of the article.
Fred Eaglesmith was offered record deals in the 80's but, "it all smelled bad..". He returned to developing his own company and because he never stopped working, his fan base, "...just sustained itself."
Today, Eaglesmith runs his own major label out of Port Dover, Ontario. His roster includes the Flathead Noodlers and a few other "like-minded" artists. He gets his electricity from a windmill, solar panels and he's even working on a water turbine in a nearby creek. Holy Crap! The article states that his albums are, "snapped up by 'Fred Heads' around the world."
On himself as opposed to the industry this is what Fred has to say: "I have the best life - I don't have to be too famous, and I make a great living.", "So I sort of show others how to do it. It's hard to train a musician to not think in the traditional way.", "I don't hire anyone from the industry...the way it's done is the wrong way", "I think I make a better living than most of my counterparts in the 'star' world.", "They have two or three years in the sun, and then they're gone...The record company deal is bad." and finally, "I sell CDs and keep almost all the money - IT'S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!" You go Fred!
Where's Fred headed? LOL!! A THIRD tribute album is in the works!!! I mean, who's doing a Creed tribute album? James King recorded one of his songs in the States and it was a big hit so Fred's new album is of the Bluegrass persuasion - it's called "Balin". Most of the Noodler's gigs are in small bars but when in Toronto last month they played at CBC's posh Glenn Gould Studio. Damn!

3. EMERGENZA: So I'm at the Horseshoe last Wednesday with Kristi and my boy Lucas (big ups Cat - it was great to see yas again). On the way out I spot this pamphlet that reads, "GOT A BAND? Wanna play live? Show us your stuff!" I grab it.
Emergenza: The European and North American Live Festival for up and coming bands. I read the pamphlet - looks interesting.
I've played my fair share of "Battles of the Bands". One band wins - everybody hates them because they realize that they've just been duped into playing countless free shows, exhausting every resource they've collected in the last 10 years. I've been on both sides of the fence - not so much fun. But. They are shows and if you're playing lots anyways... why not give it a go?
Book Band: http://www.emergenza.net/document/iscri/eng.asp
Fine Print: http://www.emergenza.net/eng/varie/regole.asp
Toronto Dates: http://www.emergenza.net/eng/varie/regole.asp
I neither endorse this or condemn it. In my opinion, BOTBs are good for one thing only - generating buzz. Research it - http://www.emergenza.net/eng/default.asp - if it's for you, ROCK ON!!

Again - thanks for reading, I spend hours on these things and I hope that the info is at least interesting if not helpful. More than anything I feel that music people and non music people are just that! I know so many people who can't play a note on any instrument who know more about music than they'll ever confess to. I know players that can clip along on their instruments at a thousand notes a minute who listen to nothing - one artist every once in a while, maybe. Music people LOVE music. Those are who I wish to share with. Pauls doesn't play but she has one of the most varied CD collections I've ever seen. Lucas is absolutely insane, an MC, a killer flautist, a guitarist, a producer, on and on and one of the biggest supporters of independently created music I know. Pass this on to anyone who you think wants better music!

Feedback, etc - always welcome. Got somethin to say? themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Reiterate - If you wish to promote in any way - show/party/jam/music appreciation - hit me with the deets - the revolution is growing slowly but surely - maybe we can support? J.C. informs me that Octobers Jam went off without a hitch.

Hey - the more that join - the more that join - pass it on.
Your Mother wears army boots - pass that on too.

Next Month.

Peace,
i220

www.themusicalrevolution.com (currently innactive)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Posted by i220 at 08:06 AM | Comments (2)

September 19, 2004

Oct. 03 - TheMusicalRevolution Launches

Back in October of 2003 TheMusicalRevolution was born! At that time I had the idea for a website that would help bring music lovers and music together. That idea would take a full year to be realized but the monthly newsletter hit the WWW almost immediately. Following is the very first revolution newsletter as it was published last October reprinted in all of it's glory! Enjoy.
Countdown to TheMusicalRevolution: 12 days.
Clik below to read the newsletter.

*Note: This newsletter is a reissue - all dates are null & void.

www.themusicalrevolution.com (currently innactive)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Oct./2003.
Edition (a).

PROMO: My man J.C. and his boyz are throwing down a D.J. jam somewhere in London at sometime on OCT 4. Hey, at least I got the date... Check www.joncoe.com for details.

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. MINQUE. A brand new band - finally realizing a dream.
2. CHUCK D. All hail the chief. www.publicenemy.com - www.rapstation.com
3. HOMEGROWN RECORDING. What you can't do yourself, you have to pay someone to do. You can doo eet.

EDITORIAL:

"Think outside of the box."
I hear this statement all of the time. Two things are assumed here. One - that we think. Two - that there is a box. Hmmm... well I mean - who really thinks any more? React - sure. Reflect - occaisionally. Think - isn't that obsolete? HELL NO! Oh, and about that "box"... Fuck it! (often and hard ;P

Welcome to the countdown to the revolution.

themusicalrevolution.com

Check it:
We live in exciting times.
On one side of the coin there is this massive corporate congealing of power growing exponentially by the day (think "Stay Puft" Marshmallow Man from "Ghostbusters:). On the other side there is this swelling underground current of creativity and humanity. One day something will have to give but for now - for those who are willing - the apple is damn well and ripe.

Yo, I am i220.
I want to be bold for a second and suggest that we bite down and start chewing on that proverbial apple. Simply put I THINK IT'S TIME WE STARTED HELPING OURSELVES AND EACH OTHER (found the caps button).
I am an independent musician. Basically that means I starve, and I create music. I tackle musical projects daily. I have successes and failures. The successes I patent and squirrel away so that nobody can steal them. My failures, well... did somebody... huuummmmm....

Change Gears.

People are inspired daily.
You are inspired.
Inspiration is what makes life worthy of living!
I aspire to inspire people to share inspiration. Lofty goal no doubt.
But...
Think of Oppenheimer and the a-bomb. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/baoppe.html
Your inspirations fueled by your experiences can be fired at someone elses inspirations fueled by there experiences. That will cause a reaction which will fire a multitude of inspirations at...
LITTLE BOY!! FAT MAN! Well you get the point.

INSPIRATIONS:

1. MINQUE. Flashback. I've just moved to Toronto. "Strange Bargain" (my dream band) is but sizzling embers. My boy Luc tells me that he's finally ready to start his own "dream"project. Of course I have a truckload of advice for him but Luc has thought this out - he HAS a plan. What can I do to help? Lessons he says. I need the money - he craves the knowledge, Bam and DONE. A coupla catz from Luc's last project - Alex and Rich (guit/vox, bass/vox) sign up. Scotty B. (a newcomer) steps into the skin slot (kinda sounz dirrty huh?) A coupla shows are logged. Shits rough. Vocal excercises are added to the lesson curriculum. Rich jumps ship, cue Benny (my younger Bro). Now the line-up is complete. A few more shows and Luc decides that it's recording time. Currently MINQUE are working on a three song demo which when complete should secure them better shows at better venues. I'm excited! These catz are doin' it and more importantly - improving daily. For further show information email Scotty B. at: kidbaker@hotmail.com

2. CHUCK D. So I find out that Chuck D (of Public Enemy fame) is coming to the Harbourfront in Toronto to give a talk on the state of todays music industry and the internet. My g-friend Kristi and I decide to head down. 200 people - 2 pale. We have front row center. The entire thing is amazing! The lecture is supposed to be held in interview style. In short, the (wanna-Milli-Vanilli) interviewer is gawd-awful. Damn! Chuck must be thinking so too because he lets him ask two questions at the most. The rest is pure rant. Heaven. I learn a great many things but three points stand out.
1. Develop your craft. Be good at what it is you do - Period. Never stop working at it.
2. Learn as much as you can. What you don't know how to do, you're going to have to pay someone for.
3. White people are the devil. Who knew?
If you wish to benefit from Chuck D's experience - he offers advice freely. Check this: http://www.publicenemy.com/terrordome.php

3. HOMEGROWN RECORDING. Armed with Chuck's advice I go to work. I decide that I want to start recording. The first thing I need is a good/low cost microphone set-up that can accurately reproduce voice and the accoustic instruments I want to use. Why should you care? Well, let's just say that music stores are less than cooperative when it comes to these things. The best stuff on the market in my price range is whatever it is that is on their shelves at that moment. Go figure. So I shop and I listen and I compare and I suffer rhetoric and... Long process. This is what I buy:
PRESONUS Pre 100 preamp: $180.00 +tx.
Audio-Technica 3035 Large Capsule Condenser Mic: $300.00 +tx.
I bring this gear over to Luc's pad to record some accoustic guitar tracks for MINQUE's demo. Sounds excellent! The person who finally gives me a straight answer and an education in microphones at the same time is Bruce in the recording department at Steve's Music Store (415 Queen St. W.), Toronto, ON ((416)593-8888). As an aside, I just acquired COOL EDIT PRO 2.0 (Cheers Dreuss) and a PIII P.C. (Kristi *Muah*) - witness the birth of i220 the producer. You can only imagine how much I'm shitting excitement. All I'm saying that is for $500.00 with C.D. quality sound you can't afford to not start creating too - revolution BABY!!

If you made it this far, thanks for sticking it out. I hope that you read something that may be of use to you in your endeavours.
If you know someone who may be interested in any of the information presented here don't hesitate to pass the email on.
If YOU have any experiences , ideas, questions, feedback, etc... that may be of help, please feel free to email them to me so that I can relay them to the revolution.
MOST importantly, if you wish to promote any of your endeavours whatsoever (shows, CD's, gear, parties, whatever) ship that info over to me as well. I'll be sure to oblige, well, unless you're McDonalds or somethin'.

The goal here is to bring together a group of quality people who are enthusiastic about music. 400 assholes who wanna tell fart jokes (more than likely) can't or won't help anybody. That being said, if you know of anyone who might be interested in this sort of thing give them the email and I will add them to the revolution. Thanx.

Nov. 1 is the next newsletter,
Peace,
i220

PS. themusicalrevolution.com - early next year. Full discussion board, music helping music. See Ma, I told you I could do it - LOL!!

PPS. You still in that "Box"?

www.themusicalrevolution.com (currently innactive)
themusicalrevolution@yahoo.ca

Posted by i220 at 03:35 PM | Comments (1)