Tapes

*originally posted on "What's Protocol?*

So over the last year (?) or so cassette tapes have been making a comeback, mainly throughout the indie music scene. I’ve been thinking about this a bit lately, trying to understand why the audio format most widely accepted as the WORST ever has had a resurgence, so I did a little internet browsing. Apparently some companies have been putting out tapes due to the elderly population never upgrading to CDs, but that isn’t exactly the demographic I was thinking about.

Another article quotes someone as saying “tapes are great because they have a really nice warm and fuzzy sound.” That “warm fuzzy sound” is the tape hiss that drove audiophiles crazy and assisted people in NOT wanting to listen to them, but I do get what the quoted meant. Tapes just had/have this unique character to them, in both the tangible cassette and their sound quality. Additionally, they posses a sort of nostalgia that has become increasing popular among hipsters and independent music (actually maybe all of music). Anyway, it’s my belief that tapes completely fit the mold of this current shift to nostalgia. Polaroids, fanny packs, retro this and that, cassette tapes…it just makes sense.

Additionally, tapes fit into the DIY (do-it-yourself) state that the music industry has turned towards. Think about it, a garage band or bedroom producer creating music at their house probably can’t afford that great of equipment (or at least that’s the image of it anyway) so if they are working with dated equipment, and have a throwback band/artist image, putting something out on a tape fits right in with their antiquated mold. Another article mentions the fact that many touring bands drive older vans with tape decks, while some of their fans have shitty cars with decks in them as well. So these bands can trade and sell tapes among their peers, which also makes sense.

To be honest, before looking into this at all, I thought this was pretty lame and just another retro gimmick, but after I thought about it I changed my mind and happen to think it’s actually pretty cool. I’m already a big fan of vinyl and have been collecting old (and some new) records for about 2 years, and a do like “retro” things quite a bit (especially sneakers) so I guess I can accept the idea of tapes being put out as well. Now I just need a taper player….

*And you know, speaking of the whole nostalgia thing, I can remember when I used to make radio mixtapes of my favorite songs on the nightly “Hot 9 at 9″ countdown on 98.5KRZ. Those were the days*

Bloggin' - I'm back !!!!!!!!

Let me tell you. I miss putting up my stupid little pictures, my "witty" little comments, my new music and old music posts, my "that guy" of the day, and all the other random nonesense I put on here.

I've been really busy lately and haven't had the time to upkeep this site. If not for anyone elses' enjoyment but my own, I really do miss it.

I guess I should explain what's been going on. Sure. Why not?

Welp, I graduated college and after not knowing what the hell else to do, I figured I would move home and try and save up some money. So after a few weeks of sitting around thinking of what kind of job to get (because like an asshole I hadn't been looking for jobs before I graduated..although I must say I had an internship that continued on after I graduated so I was focused on that...and of course getting the HELL out of school).

So, after sitting around planning on getting some terrible job at a restaurant or something I thought I'd try to do something at least relatively related to my interests. SO around the beginning of June I got a job at a local music venue. I dig music. Alot. So i wanted to be around it. I'm just a doorman/janitor/runner/whateverelsethey need. But hopefully I will start booking some shows, PLUS having this job has lead to some other good things happening as well (I'll get to that).

SO. I get this job, then I go on vacation for a week.

During that time I get a call from a fellow whom I was supposed to have a different internship with this Summer (and live in LA) but it fell through and did not work out. A long story short..I get offered another part time job, which I can do from my home during the day...and still work at the music venue at night/ occasionally when they need me for other things.

So most of my time has consisted of staring at a computer screen all day, then running off to the club, and then coming back to finish up my work from home.

Because I often want to throw my computer out the window, I haven't had the time to post much on this site.

BUT. I'm not finished!

So for the past 2 or so months I've been working a lot, saving up some money, doing pretty okay and staying busy but not really having any direction other than, as I said, saving up some money (which I guess is okay for now?)

BUT then! A friend I've known for a number of years contacted me, after I had shown a good deal of interest in his band and asked me to be his/their tour manager. Using some experience from my job at the music venue, and a term a new-found acquaintance from another band told me, I consider myself a sort of "Swiss Army knife/Janitor" - I do a little bit of everything, I got all the keys, I come in early, clean up, stay late...you get the idea. I'm really enjoying this so far and I've got faith that we are going somewhere with this thing. Additionally, working at the venue has brought up a few opportunities for the band.

So as I said before, I've been busy. Which is kind of a first for me. I don't really know where exactly I'm heading right now but hopefully it's somewhere good. Anyway, I'm definitely up for the trip.

Here's to the future.

I am going to try and hopefully keep this updated a little more frequently.

For now, It's good to be back
-b Funk

What Is The Future Of The Music Industry?

Guess What ?






Nobody Knows !

Sure statistics might look grim, as fewer and fewer consumers are purchasing music these days. But, as my man Bobby D said, "The Times They Are A-Changin". It seems as though the industry has shifted and to be completely honest, this guy (yeah that's me!) couldn’t be more excited.

"Why is that?" you ask? Well, let me lay it out for you.

Simply put, I think this is an extremely exciting time for music and entertainment as a whole. It might be a little scary for those running the industry, but things couldn’t be better for music fans. (well, some can argue about crappy music being made...but that rant is for another time. To avoid making that mistake, check THIS out).

I look at it this way.

Certainly it's true that companies, labels, ect are loosing money, but things are changing and adaptations need to be made. Nearly everything is in flux and as much as they might pretend they know, not many people really know what is going on. Even more so, nobody knows what is going to happen. This makes it all the better for the young blood coming into the industry.

With the rise of the independent music scene, which includes the DIY (Do It Yourself) approach to production, marketing, and promotions, nearly all aspects involved in the industry need to adapt (to these and all other changes) or they will be left in the dust. I feel the industry needs new and fresh ideas (and people!) to continue to help move it into the future. What better time than now to be a part of all these changes?

Not knowing what is going to happen makes this industry all the more exciting. I truly believe that over the next few years music history will be made and I can not wait to be a part of it.

Although those currently in the industry may be weary of the future, I say bring it on!! I want a piece of the action.

"Music Should Be Like Water"

Bob Lefsetz said-

"Music should be like water. You turn it on, you expect it to be there. Everybody has access, you don't hoard it, and you pay very little for it. Sure, you can buy bottled water, but that's like going to the concert. You can't go to see everybody you listen to, not if you're an avid music fan, but you still want to check things out, listen to new favorites."

I agree with this statement in that like water, music is everywhere. It is at times ubiquitous, it replenishes people, keeps them going and keeps them alive. For some it runs through them like blood through their veins. Yes we expect it to be there and of course we all have the right to music but in the context Lefsetz uses it, I feel like it almost demeans the true value of music. And I don't mean "value" as in economic value.

I think music is the greatest thing in the world but the way the music "industry" as a business is set up is completely screwed up. We are making moves, making progress but larger strides still need to be made.

"Most" (I generalize) people don't want to pay for music. It's too damn easy to download illegally. Maybe I'll rephrase that and say most people don't want to pay a lot for music. I'm personally torn between my incessant hunger for more and more music (and lack of money) and the utmost respect I have for those who create that music (and deserve to be rewarded for it). I'll still go see a good band I like perform live, because for me nothing beats live music. But is that simply enough for a musician to make a living. To survive?

Artist, bands, and musicians still need to be paid to live though, and they absolutely deserve to be. A truly great musician's contribution to the world far exceeds any politician, organization, business, whatever because they have the ability to reach the entire world. I believe Questlove said in the film "Before the Music Dies" that people get art and commerce mixed up. We need to separate them and realize that art is art and commerce is commerce. As lousy as that sounds and as much as I wish it wasn't true, the way things are set up right now...I think he is right.

But what is also true is that music and art (and I mean REAL music and art; not Miley Cyrus, not the Jonas Brothers, not some garbage ass shit that somebody threw together and got signed to a label because it's hip and cool now. I mean real, enjoyable,quality,thought provoking, good music from real people), no matter if it is a "business" is a way of life for some people and it means so much more to them and to me than making money.

Maybe I just have some ideal Utopian view of the way life should be, although I'm sure everybody would like to change a few things as well. I dunno, that's all I've got.

Actually, I've got one more thing. I may have taken what Lefsetz said a bit out of context. I do realize he has a lot of good ideas and incite into the industry. His point (from what I got) was that the industry does need to change, people don't want to forever have to go and purchase single songs at a time. They want it all, for a base price of sorts. Like an HBO package, you don't buy single shows, you get the whole thing. Anyway, I figured I needed to add that, it was simply that his one water/music comment got me thinking about things.

Check out the LefsetzLetter and see for yourself. The post was just written today (10/28/09) so it may not be archived yet. Anyway, it should be up at some point. Look for "LaLa" as the title.

Thanks for reading.
- b Funk

Good News for Performers: Senate Votes Yes on Radio Station Royalties

This is big news for the music industry as today, October 15th, 2009 the Senate Judiciary Committee voted yes on the proposed Bill to make radio stations pay royalties to the performers when their music is broadcasted. The Bill now moves to full Senate.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said the bill corrects a glaring inequity. "When we listen to music, we are enjoying the intellectual property of two creative artists — the songwriter and the performer," he said.

Well, it's big news, but too bad most popular radio stations play the same 30-40 songs all day. Not really going to help out too many people.

Read the rest of the article from the Associated Press.

Lil Wayne is the Key

*Disclaimer*
-most of this was written quite a long time ago, it is a long, rather unorganized collection of personal ideas, in other words; it is a rant, it may not even make any sense.

-b Funk



Okay, I’ve figured it out. The whole music industry is out of control right now nobody knows what’s going on; money is being lost, nobody is buying CDs! Radio sucks! WHAT THE HELL DO WE DO? The industry needs to adapt, find something new and different. Change to a new business model because the old one isn’t working.

Here’s a prime example of somebody that is innovating the industry right now and seemingly still making money at the same time. READY FOR IT?



LIL WAYNE.

WHAT ! How dare you! How dare I? Okay, listen.

The body of work Lil Wayne has put out in the last lets say 4 years (after the Carter I) is massive, I mean huge (I’m not even getting to if it’s any good or not). Just the fact that the amount of songs he has recorded is massive. He is constantly working and putting out new songs and mix tapes. Now you can argue other rappers do the same thing, and that is a valid argument BUT, I’m not talking about other rappers, although this could possibly encompass the hip hop and rap scene as a whole. Okay well moving on. Lil Wayne essentially makes an assload of songs over a few years and keeps creating hype for himself. When he finally decides to release an album, he hypes it up some more, puts out a tentative date, releases a single (Lollipop), pushes the date back, maybe a few songs get leaked, maybe the WHOLE ALBUM gets leaked (Carter III Mixtape). I’m not entirely sure about this but I believe Wayne actually let the whole thing get released anyway. Okay so now what? Is he going to just let all the songs everybody knows already get put on his actual album? NO. He goes back and records 16-18 more songs in a relatively short amount of time and there is your Carter IIII. Personally I was pretty disappointed with the album BUT what it did do was show a diverse collection of songs that in my opinion showed where rap and hip hop (and maybe all modern pop music) is currently at and maybe some hints to the future. Now how many copies of the C3 were sold? A LOT (in today’s terms). Why? I dunno, maybe with so much hype going on, people wanted to hear what it was like. It really wasn’t THAT good. It’s not a Classic record. How could it be? Classics have longevity; they don’t get old after a few years. Classic Rock, get it? It’s old music, but for some reason people still like it and listen to it.


Anyway, the dude gets it. Who is your favorite band? Now how many new songs do they put out a year? How many in 2 years? Maybe 20-40 if that (I know not EVERY band is like this). Obviously it’s different when you need a collective group of people to actually come up with music, lyrics, and then find the time when you can all come together to play it. How about this, why don’t bands just send shit to eat other and add it together piece by piece? Sure I’ll admit it’s easier to have producers just sending you beats everyday, but still there is a point I’m trying to make. Lil Wayne (or somebody behind him) gets it. He understands. The Drought Mix Tapes, The Dedication Mix Tapes, they were all popular and they were ALL FREE. He said, “Fuck, I’ll go promote my damn self.”
And now guess what? He is free to travel any music genre freely. Rap, Country, Techno-hop, Rock…whatever. As my homie Duke said:

“Wayne’s flexibility/adaptability on diff types of tracks is uncanny. From writing his lyrics down to then realizing he could freestyle and rhyme more cleverly/better without having a piece of paper (or in modern days having a blackberry) in front of him. Then putting out album worthy material for free...for his FANS?? Without seeing any money from downloads?? Wow. He could have made millions but he might not be the Rock star he is today. He might have had to stick with simply rap ( cause of record labels), and we might have never gotten the Lil Wayne we have today”

Whether he is making good or bad music doesn’t even matter. It’s the premise that he’s doing this and someone (actually a hell of a lot of people out there) are digging it. The dude was right; he’s a Martian, a chameleon even, trying to blend in with any and every type of music out there. Now I guess he’s a Rock star, but like I said though, that is still not the main point. WHAT IS IT THEN?



Okay here it is...be original, creative, outside the box, do something nobody else is doing. Kanye West moved in a similar direction with 808’s, more recently Kid Cudi did it with Man on the Moon, even originally a lot of “indie” bands had the same idea (but currently 75% of them all sound the same) and Lil Wayne is doing it with his constant genre crossovers.

I mean seriously, who the hell would do this? Maybe it’ll catch on (I kind of hope not). But still he is performing concerts, staring in moves and still making money other ways. The dude can afford to be out of his mind if he wants to.

So, to sum it up, here is the formula.

Get good at something and get noticed. Then don’t let everybody know your full potential, keep a secrete stash of whatever it is you are doing, your songs, baked goods, new technology, new clothes, whatever the hell it is. Then just keep putting shit out! Once you get recognized (isn’t that the main goal now a days anyway? Just to be FAMOUS for whatever reason you can be noticed by) So once that happens you can start doing whatever the hell you want. But don’t expect this to happen over night. The internet is saturated with people trying to do the same damn thing. But anyway, 2009 marks Lil Wayne’s 10th year in the music game, starting with Tha Block Is Hot all the way to this new crap. I feel like he will keep rapping though and at least some of it will be good but I suppose only the future can tell what’s really going to happen. He’s actually gotten way too played out, but that’s what happens anymore. People just milk things until they run completely dry, until that “hot single” turns into the annoying song you here on the radio every 20 minuets.

As for everybody else unaware of what to do in the music business. Here’s a little more input from the homie Duke:

Instead of making money from albums( which is damn near impossible), you cut out the record label entirely. Make your mixtape shit available for download( and if its hot and free, people will get to it.) get popular and just go on tour. Keep on touring to make money (puttin in work mangg) and then put out an album to solidify your place in the game. (aka Drake?....i mean even if his album flops he's still gonna have a place in the game because of the other tapes he put out and prolly the same amount of money as a middle/high class rapper these days)

Got it now?

I don't care if you're a rapper, violinist, DJ, dog whisperer, 3 string foot propelled air celloist. Put out some(GOOD) music, play concerts, promote yourself, it can’t be shit either, you need to be saying something worth while or doing something actually good and dammit, please don’t be like everybody else.

Okay, GO MAKE SOME MAGIC.



-b Funk

Before The Music Dies

This is a great documentary about the music industry. It contains a lot of interviews with various artists and fans from across the country and explains a good deal about the decline in radio, artist development, and the music "business" as a whole. Check it out.



Thanks Hulu and Daily Swarm.