Music and Business
The ins and outs behind one of the largest industries out there. Get ready to press "play".
Chase the River
So if you read my article yesterday, you will know I am going down an interesting path in my life. Having turned 31 years old this year, I have decided to quit the rat race and chase my dream. That dream, normally the preserve of those younger than me, is to be a full time, independent musician.
By Stuart Lunn8 years ago in Beat
Being a Music Student and How To Get Through It (Part 1)
Now, before anyone loses their minds about the title, being a music student is hard, painful work. Especially in Illinois, collegiate music programs are some of the most strict and in-depth programs in the country. Since there's a lot to talk about, and I don't want to make this too long, I'll be breaking this up into parts. Part one will primarily focus on preparing to be a music major and practicing outside of class.
By Lanie Jose8 years ago in Beat
Outlaw Gets Invite
Jason Isbell doesn’t care about the Country Music Association. He tweeted as much when pestered online back in June as to why he wasn’t appearing at CMA fest: “Sorry guys I won’t be playing any CMA fest gigs. The reason is I did not want to do that.” He cares even less for mainstream country music, going as far as saying this past July in Rolling Stone: “Most of that is just really bad music to me.” That's what made his nomination for CMA album of the year, announced September 4th, a stunner of sorts for independent artists, sending shockwaves down Music Row. Isbell has, on his own terms, become one of the most universally acclaimed songwriters of his generation. Never shy to share his thoughts, he never misses a chance to make it known he has little in common with today’s country music–other than the fact that they both call Nashville home. His album, The Nashville Sound, is one of the years most celebrated for its powerful and progressive lyrics on difficult subjects like gender inequality, mortality, race, and, of course, Trump.
By Joseph J Farley8 years ago in Beat
A Guide to the Outback Musician's Survival Guide
I have always said that a successful piece of writing is one which achieves its aim and justifies the subject matter. Phil Circle’s book The Outback Musician’s Survival Guide is a successful book. The blurb on the back declares that Phil is here to tell us “what it’s really like for 99% of America’s music industry people.” In doing so, he takes us on an adventure through a lot of his own experiences: humorous or painful or a mixture of the two. On the way, he reveals quite a lot of very useful advice for artists of all kinds as well as music-specific insights, guidance and practical instructions. This book will rid you of any illusions you have been fed by the media, that to be in the music industry is to be a stylish millionaire who is constantly followed by cameras and wins glamorous awards every second day. For this reason, it should be standard reading for those, all those who would like to start a career in music or for those who have already tried to make it but are feeling jaded and uninspired. Phil’s delight in music and his deep commitment to the art of making it pour out from every page. It is impossible not to be swept away on his current of passion.
By Sarah Jane8 years ago in Beat
The Great Plagiarism Debate
Poor Ed Sheeran. You’d think that after seeing his bezzy mate Sam Smith wrangle with Tom Petty over the similarities between "I Won’t Back Down" and "Stay With Me", he might be more inclined to ensure his own musical integrity. Yet here he is, now dealing with his own lawsuit after being taken for a cool $20 million by the songwriters of Matt Cardle’s 2011 hit "Amazing", who claim Ed’s chorus for his 2014 number 1 hit, "Photograph", is a “note-by-note copy.”
By Nic Perrins8 years ago in Beat
Darkness Then Salvation
If, like me, you are keenly attuned to the gloriously gnarly sturm and drang of the mighty Killing Joke, and the plethora of interesting non-band projects that trail in their white-hot wake, then the last 18 months or so have been a particularly fecund period.
By Rahman the Writer8 years ago in Beat
Beyoncé Organizes BeyGOOD Houston Relief Effort in the Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey
Singer and megastar Beyoncé has followed through on her vow to provide significant assistance, which will go toward the disaster relief efforts in Southeast Texas in the wake of Hurricane Harvey's aftermath.
By Victor Trammell8 years ago in Beat
Interview with Dutch Singer-Songwriter Alice France
Alice France is one of the newest girls to infiltrate the R&B and pop music scenes — and has since only continued to impress. She’s the kind of music artist that really puts herself into her music, and it’s clear as day when you hear her tracks. Perhaps that’s why everyone who hears her music wants to listen to it again and again.
By Beat Staff8 years ago in Beat
