Musician’s Notebook

Singer Katy Perry has joined with Cyndi Lauper, Yoko Ono and hip hop group N.E.R.D. to design T-shirts as part of H&M’s second Fashion Against AIDS collection.

H&M, a chain of 1,500 stores spread across 28 countries, has joined together with Designers Against AIDS to launch Fashion Against AIDS, a clothing collection for men and women, designed to draw attention to HIV/AIDS and increase awareness of the disease. Last year’s campaign featured Timbaland, Good Charlotte, Rihanna, and Ziggy Marley who created a special selection of T-shirts, tank tops, and hooded sweatshirts that use color and style to highlight the cause.

For the 2009 Fashion Against AIDS collection, the message is loud and clear with bold language and vibrant colors.

• Roisin Murphy’s t-shirt is bold with the phrase “Protection is power” on the front and back of a men’s t-shirt and a women’s bodysuit.
• N.E.R.D uses a clever graphic to shout “use your brain” on vibrant tank tops and t-shirts for both men and women.
• Estelle designed a tank top with the slogan “LIFE IS TOO SHORT – HAVE SEX BE SAFE” next to a sassy silhouette of an empowered woman.
• Katy Perry’s clever safe sex message, “WHAT’S ON THE OUTSIDE IS WHAT COUNTS,” appears on both a bodysuit and a cap-sleeved shirt.
• In a nostalgic nod to her roots, “GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE SAFE SEX” is scribbled in pink lipstick on Cyndi Lauper’s t-shirt.
• Others include Yoko Ono’s design of the words “IMAGINE PEACE” in multiple languages and Robyn’s feisty “PROTECT YOUR BODY.”Dita von Teese, an avid supporter of AIDS causes, created an alluring image of her iconic red lips and arched brow on a cute cap-sleeved T: “It is really great that H&M continues to educate its customers and the world about HIV/AIDS with their campaign Fashion Against AIDS. We must never give up the fight against this horrible disease and we must constantly remind each other not to become apathetic or careless. The war on HIV/AIDS must continue.”

  25% of the sales price will be donated to HIV/AIDS prevention projects of Designers against AIDS, UNFPA, MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation and YouthAIDS.

  This year’s T-shirt designs will hit stores on May 28.

Hey … wanna feel old? All ya gotta do is listen to the radio and hear the DJs decribe songs from your childhood — or, even worse, your adulthood — as “oldies.”

But, whatever scourge that might be against us “baby-boomers” is now hitting the younger generations: those who were school-agers back in the Seventies … and Eighties!
Right … radio stations that once featured songs from the formative years of rock now present songs from the ’70s and ’80s as (ta-daaaa!) OLDIES!

“Radio is an ever-changing thing, especially an oldies station,” said Jeff Gold, a 44-year-old DJ with Washington station WBIG, who’ known as “Goldy”.
“As the years go by, newer songs become oldies. That’s just the nature of the beast.”

But, if ya hail, hail rockin’ Chuck Berry and don’t stop for Fleetwood Mac, don’t worry; your music hasn’t lost its appeal! Y’see, this switch is due more to the advertisers. Y’see, ad reps go after the 25-to-54 age group. The first baby boomers are pushing 60.

“The only reason that our oldies stations have moved into the late ’60s and ’70s is the advertisers are telling us we have to do it in order for them to place business on our radio stations,” Marty Thompson, (director of oldies programming for Clear Channel, the nation’s largest station chain).

Now, there are two good things that are coming outta this trend: Buddy, Beatles, Byrds and beards are returning to AM radio, which played those songs when they were new. At least seven AM stations around the country are already trying this format. Cincinnati’s “real oldies” station uses the same call letters - WSAI - even some of the DJs from its days as a Top 40 station in 1969!

Another factor, according to Arbitron®, Rolling Stone™ mag and USA Today® newspapers, is that more young people are preferring the “formative years” rock (ie, the “boomer period” music) to much of today’s sounds. Rap/hip-hop is down 30% in sales, and the newer, electronic “alt” acts are moving into other ventures to keep themselves in the headlines since their album sales are starting to dwindle.

More on this a bit later, so stay tuned …

For awhile now — well, on and off, anyway — we’ve talked about how you can start a new band. Not only have we walked through the first gigs, but we’ve gotten tips on how to make the band more successful.

But there’s one guaranteed way to be sure your band becomes a hit with the fans: It’s called the “WTF” method (and it’s about time we gave those initials to something decent, right?):

It means WATCH THE FANS!

Y’see, when you’re onstage before a live audience, you never know exactly which songs will fire up the fans. Obviously, if you’re good, they’ll listen, dance, holler or whatever.
But, if ya really wanna know how to get your band from “just another musical group” to favorite,

WATCH THEIR EXPRESSIONS!

While performing, each member can focus on separate sections of the crowd. As you go through your set, look at their faces … watch their movements.
If you see excitement, movement or other animation that shows they’re into the song, then you’ve got at least one number that you can tailor your sound and stage work by!

But if they seem too interested in talking to others, seem oblivious or even bored, then wipe the number from your set — at least until you can “fine-tune” it to bring the crowd to its feet!

Now, about the winning numbers (no, not lottery. I’m talkin’ about the set!): Have someone make a note of those songs and the fans’ reaction. Then, when you’re back into rehearsal or songwriting, work out new numbers (both fast and slow) that’ll most likely get the same response!

By this “trial-and-error” method, you can build a set — and a reputation — that’s dynamite!

Y’know, it’s a cryin’ shame when ignorance stands in the way of a good, danceable record and some serious airplay.

For example, when The Five DuTones recorded their hit, Shake A Tail Feather, some Bible belt radio dropped them from their playlists because they didn’t think “Bend over, let me see you shake your tail feather” was nicety-nice … and that the lyric hook was a slang word for a certain … er, female anatomical part!
But, if ya listen closely, you’ll find that particular word is actually a build-up into the word “WATUSI!”, in which … the female dancer, er, “bends over and … shakes her tail (feather)!”

But these same zealots ripped the first big hit of soul artist Brenton Wood (the Oogum-Boogum song) because, again, they said the last lyrics into fade were slanging that anatomical part (geez … do these cats obsess or what?).

WRONGGGGGG! Look … courtesy the Relic, here are the actual words:
“I just says, Who got the boo, says, Who got the boo, says. Who got the boo, now, Castin’ your spell on me. Now I says, Oo ga ka boo, says, Oo ga ka boo, says, Oo ga ka boo, now, Castin’ your spell on me.” Remember — the dude’s under a spell, and, if ya read the last line, you’ll see she’s “castin’ (her) spell on (him)”. He’s repeating her spell, so the listener can know what she’s doing! That’s all …

Of course, the most famous of the alleged “red label” songs is the late Richard Berry’s hit as first recorded by the Kingsmen: Louie Louie. For years, many have thought it had some sexual meaning behind it.

Hey … the truth is, it’s a song about a guy at sea! No more, no less. He’s wantin’ to get back with his girl, who’s waiting for him. Simple — no muss, no fuss, no bother.

In today’s world, we’ve had everything from Dr. CC (Clarence Carter) doing We’ve Got To Funk to Sir Mix-A-Lot’s Baby Got Back, Madonna’s Like A Virgin and a carload of newer stuff making it to the airwaves. Yet, many of the “oldies” stations still won’t play the songs listed above, although (1) Ray Charles — with the Blues Brothers — did “Tail Feather” in the Brothers’ movie, (2) Brenton Wood had a monster hit later with “Gimme A Little Sign” and (3) almost every group (including the Raiders!) covered Louie Louie over the years (it’s been called the classic garage band rocker).

But, at least now the lyrics are given their props (hey … check ‘em yourselves, okay? Google all ya want!). So let’s get ‘em back on the air, huh??

And with that, I’m outta here until next time. Til then, remember: Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Underprivileged youth in California have been given the chance to get involved in film and music programs thanks, in part, to hip-hop group the Black Eyed Peas.

The group – through their charitable Peapod Foundation – have formed an initiative with the Adobe Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to give kids the opportunity to interact with their community through music, dance, video and art.

“As a group, we’ve made a commitment to help give teens the artistic tools and opportunities to help them realize their fullest potential,” said frontman will.i.am, “Thanks to the incredible generosity of Adobe Youth Voices (AYV), we are able to expand our vision and give even more kids a chance to be productive, enterprising adults.”

Last year, the Black Eyed Peas opened the first Peapod Academy, a state-of-the-art music and educational/recording facility serving foster care youth and other at-risk teens, at the Watts/Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club.

The new joint Adobe Youth Voices/Peapod Academy sites plan to expand worldwide, building on more than 160 sites in 31 countries. The facilities include a high-tech curriculum developed by AYV with the latest multi-media production tools and mentoring programs. Past students enrolled in AYV programs have had their work showcased at venues such as the Sundance Film Festival and the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival

The Adobe Foundation’s commitment includes a $1 million cash donation along with other in-kind support, including a comprehensive training program designed for youth and educators, and volunteer support from Adobe employees. The Peapod Foundation will contribute an on-site fully-equipped recording studio at each site, along with expertise and mentoring.

Y’know, over the past month or so, we’ve talked about how to start a good rock band — and how to get it onstage with good results!
One of the best examples of “how to do it right” comes from the great UK band, THE FORE.

On Sunday, the lads (Spencer Hannabuss, bass/vox; Andrew McCulloch, rhythm; Matt Hardy, lead/vox and new drummer Nathan Persad, also on vocals) played in Market Square in Bromley, Kent. The results were fabulous!

Now, a marketplace isn’t exactly the O2 Arena (though the guys play some large venues as well …), but they remember the first rule of any band:  Play wherever you’ll find an audience. These lads don’t let “ego” rule, or say “Naaaah … it’s too small” when a gig opportunity comes open.
You see, anywhere you play brings two necessary benefits to your band:  Exposure and fan contact! These are gonna be vital to your growth — and it’s something you should always strive for!

Another point:  Stay focused when you’re onstage!  When you’re playing, listen to your instrument! Don’t get so caught up in the fact that you’re onstage that you don’t keep in control of your music.

Matt Hardy is one of the most prolific and studied young guitarists in the UK.  He’s constantly in touch with his guitar licks, all the while providing a vital part of the band’s onstage excitement!
Yes, both can be done at the same time!  It takes two words:  confidence and control. Showing both of those, while being enthused about your music, will take you much farther than you think!

Now, the gig also served as the debut of their new drummer, Nathan Persad. While, on occasion, you might have a new member, it’s always good to intro him or her to the audience before ya play.
But there’s no need to showcase the newbie unless a specific song calls for it.  Better to let that person “blend into” the sound, because, again, you’re promoting your act as a whole.

One more point: Always … always … be “fan-friendly”.  In the pic to your left, you see The Fore posing with some French fans who came to enjoy the show.
There’s an old saying that goes:  Remember who brought you to the dance. These are the people who come to your shows, who buy your CDs, recommend you to others, and otherwise give you some performing “clout”, as it were.
Don’t ever let them down!

Okay … we’re gonna continue this a bit later down the road.  In less than 24, we’re goin’ on an … Invasion! So stay tuned, and …

I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Britain’s first rock n’ roll motoring auction, is gonna be held by COYS in London this coming Thursday. It’s where you have a chance to win Rod Stewart’s Ferrari and many other classic rock artist’s guitars!

The famous guitars included a 1952 Gibson Les Paul, which was owned and made famous by cult UK blues legend Duster Bennett, known for his ‘One Man Blues Band’. The guitar has an incredible lineage, being given to him by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac who in turn got it from Eric Clapton. Legend has it that Clapton received this from the blues king himself, BB King, who got it from Muddy Waters. The guitar was expected to make at least £20,000 at auction.

The guitars went on show with two famous cars, which will be auctioned. A Ferrari Superamerica owned by Rod Stewart, which is estimated at £70,000 to £90,000, and an Aston Martin DB5 from the Robbie Williams video ‘Millennium’ that’s estimated at £135,000 to £155,000.
The COYS ‘Rock Legends’ auction includes some 60 iconic and rare vintage instruments and rock ephemera associated with some of the most famous names from the rock world, including Buddy Holly, George Harrison, The Who and Jimi Hendrix.
Highlights include bizarre Brian Eastwood dreamlike guitar creations, a replica of George Harrison’s famous hand-painted Fender Stratocaster, “Rocky”, and an official Gibson Buddy Holly J45 acoustic reissue, one of only 250 worldwide.

Julius Thurgood, head of COYS Rock department, said “This sale has some incredible guitars but is also accessible for all, with some guitars such as a very rare Buddy Holly reissue estimated at only £1000-£1200. In a year which sees interest rates at just 0.5% and the 50th anniversary of the death of Buddy Holly, this could be a fantastic investment.”

The auction will be held at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster, London on Thursday March 12th.

Now … that’s it for this go-round, but stay tuned: there’s gonna be more in less than 24!
See ya on the flip side …

Now, we’re gonna get back to the band you’ve started.  By now, you’re probably getting (a) a number of gigs lined up, (b) more rehearsal time, (c) a number of new songs — maybe even those you’ve written — into your repertoire and (d) some decent local exposure!
Hopefully, you’ve even gotten a CD demo made of your band’s music (in fact, this is essential if you’re gonna market your music to A&Rs of various labels, radio stations, etc.  Just be sure it’s professionally done in-studio; execs need to hear you clearly and solidly to make their decisions).

Now comes the part we’ve all been waiting for:  Band Management.

Y’see, your job is performing; you’ll need someone else to keep track of your gigs (remember?  Where you’ll be playing next?), negotiations with label/radio reps, equipment, sound checks and income.
But, all too often, new bands will “hire on” someone who’s a school friend or someone they hang out with to do this.
Baaaaad move!! If you’re really wantin’ to keep things organized and moving, you’ll need someone who knows the ropes! Your friend may have the best intentions, but, remember: startin’ a popular (and profitable) band is serious business!

Here ‘ a method you can use to find a good manager:

• Go out and listen to other, more established local or regional bands.  If you can establish contact with them (many of them have MySpace pages), find out who their manager is, and get in contact with ‘em to see if they’d be interested in taking on new talent.
• Invite those managers to your next gig.  While they’re there, be sure you have time to talk with them, give them copies of your bios, and ask them to consider managing you as well!

Just remember that, if you’re accepted by a manager, listen to him/her.  If they’ve helped other acts move up in the music world, they’ll do the same for you! But it’s gonna take trust, and doing what they say.  After all, they are the experts in the field!

ATTORNEYS … NECESSARY?

As you grow, you’re gonna need to put a good attorney on retainer, just in case legal issues come up that you’ll need to handle. Also, these are useful because they can read through offers and contracts for you and give you sound advice as to what to do about them!

But be sure to get one who’s qualified to handle the musical issues! One of my close friends is also the attorney for country great Billy Ray Cyrus, and he knows the legal side of the field up one side and down the other!

Of course, this can and would be handled by your new manager. Nonetheless, it’s vital to have one on retainer, just in case.

Okay … that’s it for now, but stay tuned … there’s be more in less than 24!
See ya on the flip side …

Okay … we already know the effects of the Beatles’ first appearance in America, right (hey … if not, how long were you under that rock?)?
And, natch, there were thousands of stateside boys who began puttin’ together groups in hopes that, somehow, some of JPG&R’s success would rub off on them.

The first group that successfully copied the British Beat was The Beau Brummels. These guys had all the elements: harmony, strong rhythm, good backbeat, and cool stage presence. To this day, Sal Valentino — the leader of the group from the get-go — is performing with the same cool sounds he made way-back-when. It’s a real relief from the crazy, slap-together “music” found everywhere nowadays. (Waitaminnit.  The dude provides relief by singing his group’s old tunes? Does that make him a “BRUMMEL-Seltzer”?)

But the US group that made the most lasting impact was probably The Monkees (WHAT?!? Has the man lost his everlovin’ mind?? Read on, oh shocked ones …)  Okay, it’s true: the “preFab Four”  only sang on their first records, while a different group did the music. But, eventually, they got really ticked off about not being allowed to play their own instruments (remember Mike putting his fist through a wall?) and forced the producers’ hands to let ‘em do it.

And, rockers, that’s when change started to happen. Lemme give ya just a taste of the impact these four guys had:

• They introduced the Moog Synthesizer (the predecessor to today’s computerized keyboards) to rock audiences (they had the second one here in America. The first went to Buck Owens’ C&W group).
• They pretty much sacrificed their career to promote a guy who joined them on tour back in ‘67. Although he didn’t last through the entire tour due to his wild and eccentric playing (having been booed off stage by the teenyboppers who came to see the main act), Jimi Hendrix went on to superstardom in his own right.
• Another band needed a hand in financing their stage act, and the Monkees were quick to oblige. The fact that they were three guys backed with a tremendous wall of sound intrigued them. So they scraped up their nickels and dimes, and Three Dog Night became a mega-hit of the late Sixties to the mid-Seventies.
• Of course, where would the Relic be if he didn’t mention Michael Nesmith? His collaboration with Todd Rundgren (he of the Nazz) and inspiration from the videos done on the Monkees TV show gave them the germ of an idea: take the $26 million his mom left him (she created Liquid Paper), invest it in a TV production company that would specialize in rock-related videos!
  Thus, MTV was born (The Nesmith company that it grew from was Pacific Arts Video).

And there ya have two of the most influential US groups … one fab, one prefab … both instrumental (pardon the pun!) in the construction of the group-rock scene, USA-style …

QUIZTIME: Okay … here’s the Relic’s Q-without-the-A for ya: Although they sang, The Monkees didn’t perform their own music on the first two LPs they released. For 1,000 points (I don’t wanna put this thing in Jeopardy, though!), What was the name of the group that did the actual MUSIC? First one that answers right gets a mention on the blog. If no one gets it, I’ll publish the answer in about a week, right here.
So, that’s it for now. ‘Til next time, remember: Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Let’s face it … every act wants to get as much exposure as they can. And that means all of them are vying for the same chances or venues — often by the same methods.
But there’s one way to promote yourself that not only is unique in its approach but, more importantly, helps others while it’s taking place!

It’s called donating time for charity. Your efforts can make the stars shine for those in need while, at the same time, make your act’s star shine a little brighter throughout your region! You’ll feel good about what you’re doing, and that only makes you more optimistic.

For example:

Paul Weller, formerly of The Jam, will join Lemar and singer songwriter Paulo Nutini at Cancer Research UK’s ‘Sound and Vision’ event at London’s Abbey Road studios this coming February. He says, “I’m proud to be associated with this event and to be supporting Cancer Research UK’s amazing work.”

The event will feature access to the recording studios where The Beatles recorded and the opportunity to purchase an Epiphone guitar signed by Paul Weller, former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, Queen’s Brian May and guitarist Justin Hawkins (he usedta be with The Darkness). There’ll also be live performances, and meet many of the celebrity guests.

So, you see, he’s helping a cause he believes in, aiding in cancer research, and getting the exposure he needs! Now, you can do the same thing, whether your band visits children’s wards at hospitals, volunteers for MDA telethons/walkathons, or whatever. Just check your local phone book under Associations and, once you find a cause you’d like to be involved in (and we all should have one, whether ya play music or not) find out how your band can help! You can help YOURSELF … by helping others!

Oh, yeah … if ya want more information about the event I mentioned, including how to purchase tickets, just go to the Sound and Vision site.

Okay … more in 24, right?? Then I’ll see ya on the flip side …

standard press kit

THE VALUE OF A PRESS KIT

We’re continuing the topic on “building your band”.
Now, the most important tool you’ll need, outside demo CDs (those that have samples of your music), is the press kit or press pack. It’s important because you’re gonna need this to show (or mail to) prospective agents, radio stations, venue managers and A&R reps (those who can get you a record contract!).

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Actually, the first order of business is to be sure at least 75% of your lineup is permanent. The prospects will need to see your roster as stable.
The second is to have a number of successful gigs (or venues; places you’ve performed) under your belt. Y’see, whoever you mail your press kit to will wanna see your onstage experience. With that, you’ll increase your chances of being hired, played or signed!

Now … that being accomplished, get someone to write up a professional-looking biography of members and band.  Adding a small photo beside each member’s profile will allow the recipient to “see” the person it’s written about.
Don’t go into elaborate detail; basically, list name, age, hometown, which instrument(s), if any, he/she plays, when that member joined the band, and influences.
About the band:  Be sure to include formation date and a brief history of the band up to the date you’re sending the kit. Make at least a dozen copies of each, plus one for your file and further copies.

Next, get as many reviews of your performances as you can.  If you can get some professionals (such as owners/managers of the venues you’ve played) to write one, all the better!  Again, make a dozen copies (plus the one you’re saving for your file and further copies).

Then, have someone take some good photos of your band in performance, and good atmosphere shots (taken at good locations, posed).  You’ll wanna make copies (not computer printouts) to include with each kit.  Remember: these must be real photos — not computer printouts! Places like Wal-Mart can do these for you. Initially, get at least a dozen of your favorite two shots printed.

Now … if you’ve recorded any of your songs onto a CD (and they have a good sound quality), burn at least twelve of these. The songs must be in .mp3 format.
Place these in clean, scratch-free CD cases. On the front of the case, place a sticker with the band’s name and date originally recorded. Include the “playlist” of the CD, along with each song’s length.

Okay … we’re gonna continue this within 24 hours, so stay tuned!  

Okay … now you’ve applied to every spot you can think of that might need a band. You’ve sent out demos, press kits (those are the bios, pics, etc., neatly organized with your demo recording) — perhaps even had a few auditions.
But no one’s hired you … yet.

Listen … don’t give up! Keep promoting yourself wherever and whenever you get the chance! Here are some ideas:

blog sample

First, why not start a blog about your band? One of the best places to start with this is Blogspot. It’s free, and you can popularize it by using some great keywords including: Whatever type of rock music you play, “indie band”, let the people know where you’re from by adding your hometown, like “Atlanta indie band” and so on. That’ll get it found on search engines when people begin to type in those words!

Second, consider a MySpace page, filled with info, pics — even samples of your music. Again, submit it to search engines using good keywords (the best way to submit, by the way, is going to Add Me and click the free offer).

Now, ya saw the pic of an early newspaper I was working on. You might wanna create a free newsletter to let people know what you’re up to.

And don’t forget civic things you can do around your area! That way, they’ll see you as a group and build an appreciation for you! Listen … the more favorable publicity you get, the better!

Oh … here’s an extra help: Go to Unsigned.com and list your band! Be sure to tell your friends (including those in your email address book!) about your band being in there.

Now, we’ll go further with this in the next post (in fact, probably cap it off there, and then come back in a week or so to see how things are goin’). ‘Til then, if ya need more help, just give me a shout-out here, okay?