industry
The music world is characterized by a blend of constants and continuous change; Beat examines the inside of the industry from recording studios to record labels, live performances, music streaming technology and beyond.
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
Southern Rap Mogul Master P is the New Owner of a Professional Basketball Team
Hip-hop music has been the conduit for a number of renaissance men who utilize their platform as rappers in order to successfully propel themselves into various other business endeavors.
By Victor Trammell8 years ago in Beat
3 Effective Ways to Improve Your Music Now!
Starting a career in music can be a tough journey with little to no direction on how to achieve your goals. Sure, there are countless websites that can tell you one thing or another, but none of them really seem to provide methods for someone who is just getting started or have little to no funds to cover simple costs like production and studio time. These three ways are just a few of the methods I have used in my journey in becoming a professional songwriter.While my pockets were in the process of growing, I learned to be resourceful spending little to no money at all to keep me consistently working in my field of writing music. This isn’t just limited to songwriters, these tools can have a powerful effect in any field in music be it an upcoming instrumentalist, music producer, rapper, or singer. So I present you three effective ways to improve your song making process now!
By Pete Adams8 years ago in Beat
How to Grow Your Fanbase
When you first start out in your local scene, you may realize that you don't draw a big crowd at your shows. This may be disheartening to you and your bandmates, but you shouldn't worry about it. Just by playing a show, you've taken the first steps towards growing your fan base.
By Kyle Stumpo8 years ago in Beat
Music as Communication, Not a Sensation
I sang before I ever talked. Apparently, my uncle Jack was visiting my parents and I started singing "Scarborough Fair" by Simon and Garfunkel. I'd heard that song numerous times since my parents were huge fans of the duo. Of course, I didn't know how to articulate the words... but I could sing them.
By Kate Quinn8 years ago in Beat
Music as a Healing Tool
Music is a wonderful thing. It can help you get over a breakup, help you get through a bad day, keep your spirits up when you're sick, and many other things. Artists put their souls into their music and often leave the true meaning up to interpretation. But can some songs can be used to tell the story of a struggle and help communities heal from a devastating event or tragedy?
By Kyle Stumpo8 years ago in Beat
Why Supporting Your Local Scene is Important
Recently in Ottawa, a popular venue had to close its doors. It was a sad day in the Ottawa music scene; the venue, Zaphod Beeblebrox, or Zaphod's for short, was popular among the indie scene and electronic scene. The reason that the venue closed was that it wasn't making enough money to pay staff and all its bills.
By Kyle Stumpo8 years ago in Beat
