We know this is probably interrupting your long-awaited beer fest and fireworks show, but we’ve got some fireworks of our own this week. Those crackberrys come in handy right about now, because we know you’re just dying to get your dose—but don’t worry, if you’ve missed us this week, we’ll remind you next week why you tune in. Take a read, take a listen and let us know what you think. We’re spotlighting some very impressive bands, and we encourage everyone to take a listen. Also, Andrew Harper checks back in to hype us on some cool things going on in the world of licensing and to tell us about a really cool group, Von Iva, from
ERICA’S LICENSE TO LISTEN
West Indian Girl has exploded onto the
You Said Saturday sprang from a casual meeting between best friends Peter Scott and Joshua Young, in the spring of 2005. What started as a session to share songs quickly escalated into a full-blown band, ready to rock. After recruiting friends and fellow musicians Tariq Mills and Travis Craig, the four-piece headed to Rec Room Studios in
THIS WEEK'S XMU TOP 30 PLAYLIST
Selected by PD Billy Zero, king of all things indie:
Dandy Warhols
Ting Tings
Presets
Last Shadow Puppets
Kooks
Black Keys
Death Cab for Cutie
Radiohead
Charlatans UK
Raconteurs
MGMT
Walter Meego
Mates Of State
Cut Copy
Fleet Foxes
Explorers Club
Spiritualized
Sunfold
Tilly and the Wall
Ladytron
Hold Steady
Notwist
Albert Hammond Jr.
Santogold
Sigur Ros
Hercules and Love Affair
Black Kids
Beck
Jamie Lidell
Tokyo Police Club
Wheels Goes International:
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be telling you guys about some impressive artists coming our way via Last Gang Records in Canada. Pretty cool, eh?
Crystal Castles: The first band from Last Gang, this electronica band from St. Helena in the
JE-C’S HOT NEW BANDS/ARTISTS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Blue Sky Reality: These pop-rockers from Woodland Hills came to us just last weekend and instantly blew us away. They’re in the mold of OneRepublic and Maroon 5, with very impressive songwriting. BSR are currently finishing up their record and will be playing some dates around the LA area. Expect big things from these guys in the future; we’ll be keeping a close eye on them, and you should too. (www.myspace.com/blueskyreality)
Anthony David: This
These Green Eyes: An emo band signed to new indie label Blackledge Music, launched by former Epic A&R exec Ben Goldman (Chevelle, Ben Folds Five, Fuel), These Green Eyes combine high energy and top-notch material, including at least one surefire smash in “Paramedic.” They just rocked Rehab in
Here are some other cool bands/artists to check out:
Buddahead: Ashes, the trio’s second album, is at its heart the chronicle of a musical, emotional and literal journey taken by frontman and songwriter Raman Kia. Growing up in
George Stanford: This Pennsylvania-born stud made his way to the top of our charts with catchy tracks like “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Get Free,” and on a quest to break through in the fiercely competitive
This World Fair: July promises to be a busy month for This World Fair, as the group makes its way across the
ANDREW HARPER'S MILLENNIAL SOAPBOX
The World of Music Licensing:
A Nod to the New Gatekeepers
Have you heard that bands don't have to rely on major labels anymore? Anyone out there have 360 fatigue? I'm exhausted hearing about this new paradigm. Thankfully, this is not what this week's column is about.
The gatekeepers of today are music supervisors. Revenue from licensing music in TV, film, videogames and advertising among others will be crucial in sustaining an act over the long haul. This platform promotes the artist in a unique way, but more importantly, the income from licensing can go far in funding a recording session, tour support and just the basic capital to fuel the enterprise.
Boutique publishing company Hunnypot Unlimited has helped create a culture to bring people together in the world of music licensing. Trendsetting publisher John Anderson and rockstar music supervisor PJ Bloom, along with tastemaker Manny Montiel have established the Hunnypot brand through their monthly music and social events, weekly live radio show, and showcases at SXSW and other music conferences. They’ve shown golden ears for new music with artists like Bloody Beetroots, So Sweet Records DJ Le Castle Vania, hip-hop phenom Hollywood Holt, punk-rock juggernauts Teenage Bottlerocket, and Girl in a Coma. Picking the best of the best from niche genres, Hunnypot is building a well-rounded catalog that is sure to have a positive effect on pop culture.
It's a fragmented world we live in. The future infrastructure of this business will be comprised of multiple companies serving the crucial needs of artists to sustain a career year to year. What other companies out there are making a positive impact in today's world? Hit me up [email protected]
Von Iva: After putting out their first full-length Our Own Island on their own,
TORTURED POETS IN PARIS: TAY STRUMS THE BASTILLE WITH NEW ACOUSTIC SET
Another week, another iteration (5/24a)
DOJ FILES ANTITRUST LAWSUIT AGAINST LIVE NATION
A game of Monopoly on Capitol Hill (5/24a)
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THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
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