Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Look, Ma! No hands...

My mom (as well as most folks) really has no idea what I do. I hate to break the news on my blog, but I really don't haul beer from Texarkana to Atlanta, nor have I ever worked as a lineman in Wichita. No, I work in the music industry, my friends. But, what the hell does that mean?


 
Big and Little Enos Burdette - my former bosses.

I recently did an interview for a Belmont music business student, my alma mater. Since I don't talk about my work very much, I decided to send it to my mom in an attempt to validate my non-traditional career choices. Then I thought, I'll just post it on my blog. Why? (1) You may not know this about me, and (2) it's my blog, and (3) it's random, so I can post whatever the hell I want.

Interview commences in 3...2...1...

  1.) What is your background (education and experience)?

I come from a musician background. Piano, trumpet, as a kid, moving on to guitar and bass before settling on Dobro. I grew up in a small town in NC, and there wasn't many opportunities to play. So, I started booking myself in nearby larger cities and then started creating events in my county to give me a chance to perform. One event is a Habitat for Humanity benefit that's in it's 11th year now. While I truly wanted to benefit Habitat for Humanity, I really wanted opportunities to perform. I went to the local community college on and off for a few years, but really was disinterested in college b/c there aren't a lot of opportunities for Dobro players. I had pretty much tapped out my resources back home and needed to move on. So, I contacted Belmont about the possibility of taking a Dobro student. They were excepting and really let me kind of create my own curriculum as far as instrumental study of the instrument. There have been some really talented Dobro players at Belmont through the years, but I'm the only one that actually graduated from the School Of Music with a performance degree. Unfortunately, that's a pretty self-indulgent degree, yes?

My experience really came in the years when I dropped out of Belmont (before returning). I formed a group with some fellow music students called Daybreak. We were a four piece band and stayed together for almost six years. We were Nickel Creek-esque and came along at a good time for acoustic music. We ran the band as a business, more so like a label. Booking, Press, Radio, Labels/publishing - everybody had their responsibilities and we'd rotate out from time to time. Although, we shared a brain and everyone knew what was going on in every aspect of our career.

We did an independent release and toured to support. We averaged about 80 dates a year, and again - that was all internal. Although we never signed one, we worked through 4 different record contracts. Some fell through on the label end, others we walked from. We did a lease deal and some licensing, as well as chase down a booking agent. A very painful process.

After doing everything on our own, we realized things we thought were problem solvers, such as getting an agent, really set about a whole new set of challenges. We then adapted and learned how to navigate through. We were talented, but we were probably more so determined and persistent.

I'm really proud of how we represented ourselves as a band, and we were often brought up as seminars at Folk Alliance and IBMA by labels as a band to watch regarding how we conducted our business.

We realized loving music and playing professionally were two different things. After feeling burnt out and accepting that we really weren't enjoying ourselves, we decided to call it quits before we got much older and grumpy.

 
    2.) How did you get your start in the music business?
Well, post band, I really wanted to find a way to build upon the amazing experiences and insight I gathered through those years. I applied for numerous jobs in the industry, but was told that I lacked experience which was pretty ridiculous. So, I was denied repeatedly. Very frustrating.

After a few years apart, I reunited with one of my former bandmates and we decided that since nobody would give us an opportunity then we'd just create our own. We're well into our 3rd year and have made a profit every month we've been open.
    
   
3.) Which artists have you worked with in the past and who do you work with now?

As a musician, I've gotten a chance to work with some really wonderful artists. I've done some freelance work as a music transcriptionist as well, although I think I'm going to retire from that.

As far as management, we currently work with JD Souther and The Apache Relay. We've also worked with Brooklyn-based rock trio The States and a very talented girl from western NC named Shannon Whitworth.

    
    4.) If you work or have worked with a group describe the differences as compared to working with a solo artists.

Well, that's a great question that I'm not sure how to best answer. All the basics apply to both. Vision, dedication, trust. Everybody has to be on the same page. Believe it or not, that can really be harder with a solo artist at times.

Bands are definitely easier as far as budgeting for touring, esp. in the early years like Apache. For solo artists, we have to book the band, rehearsals, deal with payment.

Other than that, it really just depends of the act.

    
    5.) How do you view the future (technology/business models)?
Exciting, scary, mostly exciting. There's no one business model anymore. Not the one way track or single door to go through, and there probably will never be one again. What's exciting is that artists can create their on unique models, and the term 'success' is more subjective.

For example, let's look at a major label act on Music Row with a record deal. You maybe getting radio play, publicity, touring, but the foundation supporting that may not be yours. You're plugged into a system, and you're doing what you do because the industry has told you you can. But one day they may pull the plug. Now there are exceptions to the rules of course, and I really don't want to diminish someone's talent or career path.

But there are other ways now. Artists now have direct access to things they didn't necessarily have in the past. Mainly, fans. Which will always be what makes an act.

I once heard someone say that if you want a record deal, sell 30,000 albums on your own. Well, that's true, because that means you have a fan base. Now the real question for an artist in that situation is - 'why would I need/want you?' Maybe they do offer something you want to get to the next level, or maybe they don't. Up to the artist to decide and that's not a bad spot to be in.

Of course, there are really no rules any more either, which is what's scary. One major booking agency in town signed someone based off myspace plays, more so - the artist, who had never played a live show sold out venues on their first tour.

Pretty awesome and depressing at the same time.

I really could talk forever about this sort of thing, but will force myself to stop.


    6.) Briefly describe your day to day activities

Well, we're small in the fact that they're just two of us. We don't have a traditional office. No need to right now, esp. with IM, vid chat - it cuts back on overhead. My partner and I meet for 2-3 hrs a day and brainstorm, organize, make task lists, goals, timelines. Then we go about knocking it all out.

I work on and off all day, and it's often filled with unexpected situations.

I'm usually more hands on with the touring side of things. No booking for me, but I work with the agent on routing, tour strategy, how to build markets, and most importantly that our artist is getting the attention they deserve.

I work with the promoters leading up to shows to make sure marketing/PR is all on track. Building long term relationships with promoters is very important to me.

I do quite a bit of fan relations stuff as well. Newsletters, special promos and all social media madness. 


     7.) What is your opinion on 360-deals?
Whew, first off - all in one label/management scares me. As management, part of my job is making sure other folks are doing their job. So, who's going to fight for the dollars you may need from the label. Like I mentioned with the agent, a big part of what I do is making sure they're giving our artist the time they deserve.

In theory though, I don't have a problem with the deal structure. If the label is going to commit to all aspects of the artists career, then the should get paid. Labels, whose job is selling records, have problems. Piracy and the direct distribution opportunities available to artists - whether it's through digital distribution or online sales of physical merchandise with in-house fulfillment. Neither of which, piracy or direct to fan distribution do I see as a bad thing. Hell, I download music for free and I haven't bought a physical CD in 6 years.

I want get into the the file sharing argument too much, but ideally it turns into touring revenue, which the label may not get a piece of. Artists can also generate revenue through licensing which can be lucrative and boost album sales. So, the label is adapting, something they may should have done earlier. This is their way of generating income in todays market.

The reality is they're just moving toward management and management is becoming more label-esque.

In the end, it really depends on the label, artist, and team involved. Like most things, in the right situation, it can be good.


    8.) What advice do you have for an artist or a manager looking to make a career in the music business?
For artists, my biggest suggestion is to just go do what you do. Don't wait on the industry to give you a thumbs up. It's all about building fans and creating opportunities. So many talented people in this town are waiting around as if there waiting to get picked up in a kick-ball game. Play shows, book yourself, make a record, market it, promote it. Repeat as many times as you like. I'm not saying you can't benefit from the industry, but don't look to it for validation.

Same with management really, create opportunities for yourself. Helping hands are necessary, but the more opportunities you create the more chances you have.

Be honest with others and yourself. You're constantly going to grow and learn things as you go on. If you don't know an answer, say 'I don't know', but I'll find out.' It minimizes BS.

There will also be people smarter, more experienced, more talented, etc. so don't sweat that stuff. Never take a back seat to your career, and never let someone else make assumptions about who you are. In other words, just respect and stand up for yourself when needed. Learn to be comfortable in your own skin. Character is long lasting and will open more doors for you in the long run.

Sounds cheesy, eh? 


Oh, and never fry bacon in the nude.



    

I can't keep quiet any longer...

I've been wanting to make a post about 'Lost' for a few weeks now, even more so after the last two episodes. However, when I got up this morning and opened my Google reader, I realized that my cousin and fellow blogger, Matt had said exactly everything I wanted to say. So, I'll just be lazy and re-post.

From: The Dude's Story:
Man, LOST. What is up with you? You used to be my favorite show, and now I’m starting to lose the faith. I don’t really care much about your characters anymore, I’m completely confused when it comes to timelines and who knows what information, and at this point, I don’t like the way your last season is shaping up.
You’ve spent five seasons putting yourself in an unfortunate position. You see, the final judgment about whether LOST was a great show, a good show, or a total flop rests entirely on this season. Your fan base has followed you through five years of dead ends, enigmatic mysteries, inexplicable plot twists, and worst of all, a host of characters that NEVER asks the logical next question. We have enjoyed all of this long and winding road, and it’s what will make the show great under one condition: it all makes sense in the end and serves some sort of purpose.
If this whole show turns out to be a petty fight between two immortal dudes on some weird time traveling island, I will not be happy. And your show will be a failure. Please, please tell me there’s more to it than that.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Brad's bad movie that's oh so good/ep.5

So my movie pick of the week maybe one of the best 'bad movie that's oh so good' ever made. It's 1995, and Mortal Kombat 3 is about to hit arcades and the much anticipated movie version of the popular game is finally hitting theaters. (For kids born in 1988 or after, please read more about arcades by clicking here).

What came next was 90 minutes of kick-assery and an unexpectedly popular electronica soundtrack. If you think you're too good for this movie, I've got a news flash for you Walter Cronkite - you aren't. 


Sunday, February 21, 2010

Starbucks recreates 'Wild West' atmosphere.

This really isn't funny. I hate guns.


From Credo Action

Tell Starbucks: Offer espresso shots, not gunshots

Over the past few months, more and more gun owners have been gathering at restaurants and coffee shops like Starbucks with guns strapped to their hips, intimidating fellow patrons.1

Businesses can legally create policies to prohibit guns from being carried in their establishments -- and so far, Peet's Coffee & Tea and California Pizza Kitchen have heeded customer concerns and barred open carrying. 

But Starbucks is refusing to prohibit the open carrying of firearms in its stores, despite protests from loyal customers. 

The practice of packing heat in places like Starbucks is intimidating and could be potentially dangerous to our families and communities -- and it must be stopped at Starbucks.

It's everyone's right to be able to sit in a restaurant or coffee shop with their families without intimidation or fear of guns, either concealed or openly carried. Under the law, Starbucks has the right to adopt a gun-free policy, with an exception for uniformed police officers. Such a policy can easily be implemented in most cases by putting up signs at store entrances.

It is critical that we tell Starbucks to bar guns in its stores. These individuals who have been carrying guns into Starbucks have all the firepower of a SWAT team, and none of the law enforcement training.

Click here to sign the petition.

If you need any motivation watch these vids. Some of it may look funny, but it does include some graphic content.



Wednesday, February 17, 2010

That's how you do it, son.

It's been years since Charlie Daniels battled for his soul against the devil, and now, he faces a new threat. Who would dare challenge Daniels again? Well, that would be Austrian violinist and composer, Joban Tonkelsac.



After months of lip biting, the 33 year old Tonkelsac has decided to go public with his distaste for country legend Charlie Daniels, in particular, his recent appearance in a Geico insurance commercial.

If you haven't yet seen the popular commercial, then take a few minutes to get up to speed.





Tonkelsac couldn't keep quiet any longer, and decided to open up during a recent interview with Teen Strings magazine. During the interview, Tonkelsac was asked if there were any up and coming American violinists that kids should keep their ears on. The Austrian legend quickly responded, 'yeah, Charlie Daniels, son. He knows how to git-r-done, right?' Sensing Tonkelsac's irritation, the reporter asked if he was referring to the somewhat humorous Geiko commercial 'I bloody well am. It's 'bleep', nothing but 'bleep bleep, it's musical masturbation!' 'Gimmie this fine hand crafted instrument that's hundreds of years old and let me have a seizure on it!' Tonkelsac yelled. He continued on saying, 'the sense of entitlement and arrogance is very indicative of the American attitude. He even steals food as he waddles off, it's 'bleep' embarrassing.' Tonkelsac also adds that his cheapest bow is $12,000 and says if anybody ever treated his the way Daniels did he'd quote, 'bleeping bleep them up.'

Daniels fans quickly came to his defense. One fan, youtube user tjgr17 fired back saying 'No. your wrong. He looks like a man with extreme talent (I'm a huge Charlie Daniels fan) unlike anyone of the gang banger assholes today. Mr. Daniels is also a patriot who deserves our respect.'

Other fans were quick to point out that Joban sounds very similar to Satan, and that the devil was once again back to challenge Daniels for his soul.

Tonkelsac did say that Daniels would never be able to play a Bach Partita with such poor technique. A spokesman from Daniel's camp offered the following statement. 'Charlie Daniels apologizes for any offense that the commercial caused, but he will not apologize for being American. Furthermore, Charlie isn't interested in playing 'Pita's', he only plays music made in America and Heaven.' The spokesperson closed by extended a formal invitation to Joban to participate in the 2010 Galax Fiddler's Convention.

No word yet if Tonkelsac will attend.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Sutherland will return to 24, but not Kiefer.


Fox executives released a statement yesterday, putting a lot of speculation to rest. 24 will indeed be returning for a 9th season, and yes, so will Jack Bauer.

However, there's a twist.

In a bold move by Fox executives, they've decided not to renew Kiefer's contract, but instead, recast the role of Jack Bauer. Who will they bring in to fill those shoes? None other than Kiefer's real life dad, Donald Sutherland.

For a while now, Fox and 24 producer Howard Gordon have looked at ways to extend the life of the show - their answer? Extend the life of it's main protagonist, Jack Bauer.

As one Fox executive states, 'We've seen Jack face a lot of threats, from terrorists, nuclear attacks, and death, (you know he did die once) but now, Jack will face a new and more terrifying threat, old age'.

The producers of the show want to bring the reality of old age to the program, and address some of the real life issues the old folks deal with. For example, frequent urination, poor eyesight, hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, and slight dementia will all be factors as this new day unfolds. One writer joked, 'Hell, he'll probably sleep at least 12 or 13 of those hours'.

One of the main challenges for producers is how exactly they want to portray the future 20 years from now. 'We're really torn on flying cars right now' says, Gordon.

So, when the new day begins, will we find Jack in assisted living? 'We haven't ruled that out' says one Fox executive. However, there's already talk that we'll find him within Washington DC, still serving his country as either President or Secretary of Defense. Or perhaps, we'll find Jack trying to rescue his granddaughter, Terri, from a fraternity party.

For now, we'll just have to wait. However, it's clear that the familiar line, 'I don't have much time' holds even more weight now. He literally want have much time, because he's old.

When asked about taking over the role of Jack Bauer, Donald Sutherland just smiled and said 'Jack Bauer's mom asked him who he loved more, her or his country. To this Jack chuckled and responded, "You know that answer" as he snapped her neck. Jack Bauer hates dumb people.'

Monday, February 15, 2010

Skullduggary

 

Like most folks in their 30's, I played a lot of Nintendo back in the day. Besides Super Mario Brothers, probably the famous game from that era would be Mike Tyson's Punch Out. Is that the reason I finally got around to watching James Toback's documentary, Tyson? Of course it is.

I'll admit, I probably know as much about boxing now as I did then. Actually, I probably knew more then, as I did beat Tyson himself in the game. As a sports fan in general, I'm definitely aware of the great boxers and have seen them in action at some point. Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Tyson, Sugar Ray, Apollo Creed, Mayweather, Da La Hoya, Clubber Lang, Holyfield. I've seen clips of them all, most notably Ali.

I've seen vintage clips of Tyson, but unfortunately those get lost behind things like public outbursts, threatening reporters, arrests, biting ears off in the ring, and that tattoo on the face. Clips of his loss to Buster Douglas in 1990 perhaps still overshadows the years before that, when an undefeated Tyson dominated opponents.

Before I say anything else about this documentary, let's talk about the boxing. Tyson wasn't just a power puncher, his speed and defensive skills were nothing less than unbelievable. When you go back and watch these old clips, the first thing you will notice is the blinding speed. It's incredible. While there have been amazing fighters throughout history, no other boxer has put so much fear into their opponents. When you watch the documentary, you'll see the looks on these fighters faces in the minutes leading up to the bouts. They're absolutely terrified. They've already resigned themselves to the fact that they'll lose, and now their legitimate fear is literally living to fight another day.

Understand though, this is not a documentary about boxing, it's about the mind of a madman. Tyson expresses regret, but never seeks absolution. Instead, you get a surprisingly moving insight into the anger, abuse, and sexual deviance. In fact, the words of Jedi Master Yodi never rang more true.

'Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering'

I recently listened to an interview with infamous NFL star Bill Romanowski. Much like Tyson, Romanowski owned up to his destructive behavior and was finally being honest in putting his life into perspective. Both athletes contributed their anger to fear. A very deep, dark fear. I have a very similar story involving snakes.

If you're interested, you can stream the documentary via Netflix.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Brad's bad movie that's oh so good/ep. 4

Hmm, I think I'll stick on the Wesley Snipes wagon again this for this episode. This week's movie is a toss-up, so I'm going to make a double feature pick.

First up is 'Rising Sun', featuring Sir Sean Connery alongside the Sniper in this taut thriller, based off of Michael Crighton's book of the same name. You also get some Harvey Keitel and a bit of Tia Carrere.



After that, I suggest you take a gander at 'Money Train', a buddy film that reunites the Sniper with Woodrow Harrelson. This is also one of the first films to feature Jennifer (J-Lo) Lopez. Then there's the ultra creepy Robert Blake, scary.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

These are the ABC's of me, baby - Rod Tidwell (Arizona Cardinals)

It was about a year ago that the Facebook tag you're it thing went around, you know, the 25 facts. For those who missed it, or those who just don't know me - don't worry, I've recycled it. 

1. I eat 4 bowls of cereal a day; everyday
2. I've been hit by a car.
3. I've blown a chicken wing out of my nose (sauce included).
4. I crashed a mini-bike into an above ground swimming pool - neither of which were mine.
5. '83 was a good year - Douglas Elementary Speed Skating Champion, and YMCA Free Throw Shooting Champion.
6. I've touched a sweaty Ric Flair.
7. I was a case study for Vanderbilt medical students.
8. I'm addicted to playing Mortal Kombat II and I'm a very sore loser.
9. I'm a pretty sore loser in general.
10. I often think about being on a big spaceship, in hypersleep, (like in the film Alien). I'd wake up ever 50-60 years to stretch, eat, and watch a movie.
11. I had a huge lifelong phobia of snakes. When I was 30, I snapped and killed twenty snakes in just a few months.
12. I'm very good at expressing canine anal glands.
13. I'm a distant relative of Pocahontas.
14. I've had 1 supernatural experience and 2 UFO sightings.
15. I'm the first Dobro major to graduate from Belmont University. Probably the first anywhere.
16. Hats do not fit straight on head because I was breech birth and the Doctor tried to reshape my head.
17. I've been with my wife since she was 17 years old.
18. I have a 13th rib.
19. My mom named me after a character on the soap opera "The Young and the Restless"
20. I sucked my thumb until I was 16. My mom says that this is the reason I don't have a promenient chin.
21. I spent 4 days at Guantanamo Bay.
22. I really like Enya.
23. I dunked a basketball ball once when I was in the 9th grade. (I was wearing Air Jordans)
24. My best is usually good enough, but I wish my best was a lot better.
25. (For Jairo) When I was in high school, I really think that I was possessed by the spirit Jim Morrison in a Winn Dixie parking lot.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The temple of his own narcissism.

I've been sitting with this clip for several weeks now, and I really love it more every time I hear it. It's so random, brutal, and just damn funny. I mean, I like the old 'Bandit', but this really is one of the greatest verbal beat downs ever. It's in the ballpark of Donald Trump's assault on Rosie O'Donnell, however, this one is unprovoked.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Who says there can be only one?


Longtime thespian, Roger Daltrey, best known for his reoccurring character 'Hugh Fitzcarn' in the critically acclaimed show Highlander The Series, took the world's biggest stage this past Sunday night by performing during the much hyped Super Bowl Half-Time show.


While his music talents have always taken a back seat to his acting, Daltrey showed the world Sunday, that he is by no means a one trick pony. Accompanied by a band called, 'The Who', Daltrey breezed through several show tunes, including a song about a guy who with a talent for playing Pinball. There is some speculation that the song 'Pinball Wizard' is a homage to his second cousin, Leo Daniels, who was a London legend in the 70's.



Daltrey would not confirm any more musical appearances, although, it's safe to say that more than a few labels have already shown interest. In other news, Daltrey said there is talk of another Highlander movie in the works. Since his character was killed off in the third season of the show, Daltrey was questioned about his role in the movie. He responded by saying 'Hey, it's Highlander, right mate? I was damn well in season 6, wasn't I?'


Sunday, February 7, 2010

Back To The Strange...

Encore has recently been filling their programming with the Back To The Future trilogy. Now, rarely are they all shown back to back, just here and there.

So, the other day I watched part 3, the wild west one. Honestly, I'm still not happy that they ruined the original with 2 and 3 - okay, (tangent alert). Well, if it hadn't been for part 3, then we wouldn't have this amazing movie moment that I'm about to share with you.

I had forgotten that ZZ Top performed the theme song for this one, truthfully, I'd completely forgotten about ZZ Top ever existing. In an attempt remember the name of the tune, I thought,  I'll just check youtube. What happened next was truly a gift. I want say much, other then that I just thought the other day, man, those kids are creepy.



Oh, and here's the ZZ Top tune, Doubleback.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Brad's bad movie that's oh so good/ep. 3

Looking for mindless fun? This week, try a little movie called 'Drop Zone'.

Wesley Snipes, Gary Busey, Corin Nemec, and a brief appearance by Malcolm Jamal-Warner makes this a must see. Okay, so that's a bit overstated. Oh yeah, it does appear in Netflix streaming.