The Music Biz is not dead!

Or it isn't in my mind, but its definitely going through a transformation.  Just two weeks ago, I wrote that EMI was no longer a game player in the biz, not to mention CD sales are at the lowest...however that doesn't mean our time is over.

Ace Enders of "I Can Make A Mess" speaks about the band's current projects: a new album (without deadlines), a team of support (or let's say the new approach as oppose to a record label) and a documentary about this experience:

"A mission to search and discover how to keep the underground music community alive and strong enough to outlast the harsh climate of the music business that leaves independent art with little respect."

This project is surely anticipated and perhaps will show the rest of the world what its really like when you don't have a multi-million dollar deal.

All the best to Ace and his projects!

(For more info, click the title.)

Apps on your smartphone and music?

That's right! I happened to come across this article while researching for school and it features the top 5 apps of 2010. I know we're in 2011 but the music lover and blogger in me had to write about it...this may help those of you who are glued to your smartphone who just happen to be artists in the making!

One app, called the Soundcloud, lets users "who have a lyric, a tune or a beat stuck in their head but don't have time to sit down and actually write the song," record whatever it is and then check it on your computer! Now I'm no artist but I would assume it'd help those who might be inspired on a whim!

Another app, the StudioMini XL, "a functional mixer and recording studio" let's you, the artist, create an album! Turns out the Gorillaz did exactly this!

Now when your mom says to stop playing on your phone, you can tell her you're making music...literally.

(You know the deal, click the title to go to the site!)

Students run label!

Yep you heard it! A small label is actually being run by students! What started off as an upper-division course at the University of Memphis is now a "student-run record label" called Blue TOM Records and primarily focuses "on releasing music created by students and Southern musicians." How about that?!

The label has been impressively successful by working with local groups and released 2 compilation records.

As many of you know that there are now 3 major record labels left because EMI is no longer a player amongst the others. In my opinion, reading this article about students running a label just goes to show that this industry continues to thrive. Not only that, but perhaps we in the field need to go back to the basics. As I just wrote there are now only 3 major labels left...hell I remember when there was the big 5 and that wasn't too long ago. Perhaps the giants need to learn a lesson or unfortunately and I hate to say this...but maybe its time for the giants to step down....that or start to do something different to save themselves because something isn't working out for them.

As for my peers at U. of Memphis, good luck!

(You know the deal, hit the title!)

Intern Like a Rockstar!

As you know my reason to blog is to bring you my readers the best I know in how to learn everything possible about the music industry and where to refer you to that information.

Intern Like a Rockstar is a great example of my mission! You need to check out this site because not only does it strive to give you up to date info about the field but also internships, newsletters and info about jobs in the industry!

I can't stress it enough of those of you wanting to work in the music industry to check out this site and sign up for its newsletters...and yes I practice what I preach...I too have signed up!

(Click on the title to go to the site.)

Happy New Year!

Hey everyone! Happy New Year! I wish everyone a better year this year since the last one sucked across the board and for lots of people. But enough of that because its a new year! And with that being said, here is a new post about in regards to the Billboard Touring Conference and Awards that took place in November....yes yes I know I'm late on that but thought since I'm in the whole new year mood what better way than to look back on what affected the touring business both good and bad, and what businesses are doing now and for the future.

(As always, click on the title to go to the site.)