Warner Music Group Continues Layoffs, Still Cannot Figure Out Where It Went Wrong
Warner Music Group is still searching for answers. It's losing money and not sure why! Soon, however, there may not be any major labels at all, if they keep laying off their employees. This week, WMG announced more layoffs at Warner Bros. Records, with reports of 10-13 employees being placed on the chopping block, among them Senior Vice President of Sales Dave Stein. Additionally, WMG is also cutting employees from distribution group WEA and indie distribution division, Alternative Distribution Alliance, who are responsible for stocking independent music retailers all across the U.S. with all the hip new indie stuff.
Recently, Rhino reduced its staff and Sony is expected to do the same. Sigh.
Daniel Johnston Gets His Own iPhone App; Meanwhile, Jandek Gets His Own Signature Backgammon Set
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These days, anyone can have their own iPhone App, including the most unlikely of candidates. Case in point: Daniel Johnston. “Hi, How Are You” is the first ever toon-shaded 3D puzzle platform for both the iPhone and the iPod Touch, and it’s available in the Apple App store right now for $0.99. According to the press release:
The game features dynamic, physics-driven gameplay and is set in a psychedelic universe filled with the art, music, and iconic themes of renowned Johnston. The game begins with Satan turning the innocent Jeremiah into a frog and stealing the object of his affection. To win back his true love’s freedom, Jeremiah must progress through 25+ devilish levels to reverse the curse that Satan has bestowed upon him.
The game can be played by using tilt controls or a virtual on-screen joystick. Over 20 achievements can be unlocked as the game progresses, revealing original artwork from Johnston. “Hi, How Are You” was developed by Dr. Fun Fun and Smashing Studios. Screenshots, a.k.a. the next best thing, can be found here.
Thom Yorke Confirms Warm-Up Show for Tomorrow in LA
The rumors are true! Flea's as-yet unnamed band are playing a warm-up show tomorrow at The Echoplex in Los Angeles. The show is in preparation for the couple gigs already slated for this Sunday and Monday at The Orpheum Theatre, also in LA (TMT News). Flea will be joined by Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, R.E.M./Beck drummer Joey Waronker, Mauro Refosco, and Thom Yorke, lead singer of Muse/Travis.
From Radiohead's official website:
so listen rightthat band thats doesnt really have a name that im working with at the moment??????
have decided to do a warm-up show on Friday Oct 2nd around 9pm at the Echoplex in Los Angeles
Its not that big, it'll be total chaos and its kind of a rehearsal but .. if you are near by..
below is a link to get tickets.
hope you get lucky with it. if not you've got to be a really really really good friend to get in: )
so ain't no point hanging around outside if you're not!
the link should go live at 8.15pm
(i'll believe that when i see it)all the best
The Orchard Prunes the Hedges, Fires 20% of Its Staff
There have been a lot of epic FAILS in the music biz over the last couple of months, hell, in the last couple of years. In summer 2009 alone, Pandora threatened to raise its rates, then like dollar bills in a stripper's undies, Mariah Carey let record excecs slip advertisements in her new CD booklet to make it look "magaziney."
Likewise, this week brings strange and disappointing news (or happy news, depending on how you feel about music piracy).
Digital distribution, marketing, and licensing behemoth The Orchard recently reported major staff cuts, including 20% of their global headcount, many occurring in the physical distribution department (now they know how journalists feel!!). Not only that, but The Orchard's CEO Greg Scholl has announced his resignation, effective in December. In the meantime, Director Danny Stein and GM Brad Navin say they will take over and carefully examine every nut and apple in The Orchard until they find a suitable replacement as CEO. Had enough puns yet? I haven't.
Anyway, The Orchard digitally distributes many of your (and my) favorite bands, many of whom you can find in your very own home, including everything from Black Flag to Chuck Berry, The Dodos to Dr. Dog, and Jerry Lee Lewis to Elton John. But seriously, all corporate arguments aside, that is one outrageously diverse artist roster.
They're Not Half Bad. They're All Bad! No Seriously, Former Ghosts (feat. Xiu Xiu, Zola Jesus, and This Song Is a Mess members) to Release a Flower of an Album
The Muppet Show's good-hearted haters Statler and Waldorf review Former Ghosts' latest album "from the balcony." Former Ghosts are Nika Roza (Zola Jesus), Freddy Ruppert (This Song Is a Mess but So Am I), and Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu) and their debut record, Fleur, will be released October 20 on Upset the Rhythm.
Statler: "This band is called Former Ghost."
Waldorf: "Yeah, but the only thing about them that won't come back from the dead are their songs!"
Both: (cackle, cackle...)
1. Us and Now
Statler: "This album is off to a fast start."
Waldorf: "Good. Maybe it'll end quicker!"
Both: (cackle, cackle...)
2. Hold On
Statler: "You know, there's nothing like good music."
Waldorf: "Yep, and that was nothing like it!"
Both: (cackle, cackle...)
3. Mother
Statler: "That was catchy."
Waldorf: "So is smallpox!"
Both: (cackle, cackle...)
4. Choices
Statler: "What was that?"
Waldorf: "That was 'Choices,' a medium song."
Statler: "Medium?"
Waldorf: "Well, it certainly wasn't rare and it wasn't well-done!"
Both: (cackle, cackle...)
5. In Earth's Palm
Statler: "Wake up you old fool. You slept through that whole song!"
Waldorf: "Who's a fool? You listened to it!"
6. I Wave
Statler: "This sounds like a runaway hit."
Waldorf: "Yeah, whenever it comes on, you want to run away!"
Both: (cackle, cackle...)
7. Dreams
Statler: "This is the first time I've listened to an amphibious rock band."
Waldorf: "Amphibious?"
Statler: "Yeah, they can be dull on land or on water!"
Both: (cackle, cackle...)
8. Unfolding
Statler: "The question is, 'What is this song about?'"
Waldorf: "No, the question is 'Who cares?'"
Both: (cackle, cackle...)
9. Flowers
Statler: "Good singer."
Waldorf: "Well, so am I!"
Statler: "What?"
Waldorf: "Yeah, do you want to hear me sing?"
Statler: "Only if you sing tenor."
Waldorf: "Tenor?"
Statler: "Yeah, ten-or eleven miles away!"
10. The Bull and the Ram
Statler: "Well, they got one right."
Both: (cackle, cackle...)
11. Hello Again
Statler: "What did you think?"
Waldorf: "Shocking."
Statler: "But was it good?"
Waldorf: "No, that would be really shocking!"
Both: (cackle, cackle...)
12. This Is My Last Goodbye
Statler: "Former Ghosts aren't bad for comedians."
Waldorf: "They're not comedians, they're musicians."
Statler: "I know!"
Both: (cackle, cackle...)
Don't let these two blind-siding old cranks tell you otherwise, the only thing terrible about Former Ghosts is the fact that Roza will not be appearing at the following dates due to scholastic duties. Stewart and Ruppert promise to make up for it large by heckling every single audience with corny one-liners
10.02.09 - Phoenix, AZ - Trunk Space
10.03.09 - Tucson, AZ - Solar Culture
10.05.09 - Austin, TX - Mohawk Inside
10.06.09 - Houston, TX - Orange Show
10.07.09 - Mobile, AL - Alabama Music Box
10.08.09 - Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn
10.09.09 - Durham, NC - Duke Coffeehouse
10.10.09 - Washington, DC - Comet Ping Pong
10.11.09 - Wilkes Barre, PA - Café Metropolis
10.12.09 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church Chapel
10.13.09 - New York, NY - Monkey Town
10.14.09 - Boston, MA - Middle East Upstairs
10.15.09 - Montréal, QC - Il Motore
10.16.09 - Toronto, ON - Whippersnapper
10.17.09 - Chicago, IL - Chopin Theatre
10.21.09 - Vancouver, BC - Media Club
10.22.09 - Spokane, WA - Empyrean Coffee House
10.23.09 - Seattle, WA - Vera Project
10.24.09 - Portland, OR - Lewis and Clark
10.27.09 - Merced, CA - The Partisan
10.28.09 - San Francisco, CA - Hemlock
10.27.09 - San Jose, CA - Works Gallery
10.30.09 - San Luis Obispo, CA - Arts Center
10.31.09 - Los Angeles, CA - Synchronicity Space
Rock Poster Art Film Debuts in New York: 37% Chance Lindsay Lohan Will Make an Appearance
In a world without a lot of films about rock show poster artists, one film stands alone. From the mind that brought you certain elements of Beavis and Butthead and Daria (What are these elements? I don’t know. It was on Wikipedia.) comes American Artifact: The Rise of American Rock Poster Art. Director Merle Becker interviews poster artists across the U.S.A., from the original '60s pioneers to the screenprinting stars exhibiting at Flatstock today.
The official premiere takes place October 15 in New York at Anthology Film Archives. Becker will be on hand to answer questions after the film, as will featured poster artists Tara McPherson and Lindsey Kuhn. Coinciding with the premiere will be the American Artifact Rock Poster Art Show, located at The Showroom NYC and running through October 18. Starring Ellen Page as Tara McPherson and Michael Cera as Fillmore promoter Bill Graham.*
* This is not strictly true. Or at all true. It's a documentary.
Hush Arbors to Release Second Ecstatic Peace! full-length Yankee Reality; J Mascis Co-Produces and Guests
Keith Wood’s folk-rock band Hush Arbors create music that conjures images of sunset views on mountaintops and the smell of dew on misty mornings, with its country/psychedelic approach paying homage to his Charlottesville, Virginia roots. Lucky for us, the homage won't be stopping anytime soon. After releasing an extensive catalogue of albums through small indies, Hush Arbors first managed to break into the indie label big time with the release of a self-titled album on Thurston Moore’s Ecstatic Peace! label. And hey, what do you know: the label will also release their new album, Yankee Reality, on October 6, featuring Wood, three newly appointed members, and lo-fi rock king J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.).
J Mascis co-produced each of the album’s 10 songs, plays guitar on two tracks, drums on one, and plays Mellotron on another. However, fans will be glad to know Wood’s voice stays as soft and pretty as a newborn kitten throughout every track.
Yankee Reality tracklist:
1. Day before
2. Lisbon
3. Fast asleep
4. So they say
5. One way ticket
6. Coming home
7. Sun shall
8. Take it easy
9. For while you slept
10. Devil made you high
YouTube, Warner Music Group Agree on Licensing Deal; Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose” Is BACK as Your Loft Party Closer; This Recession Is OVER
Good news, Madonna, Rob Thomas, Wayne Coyne, Jim Morrison, Frank Sinatra, Billy Joe, Jeff Tweedy, James Hetfield, Enya, Regina Spektor, James Blunt, Ray Charles, Flea, T.I., Keith Sweat, Peter Buck, Jerry Garcia, Faith Hill... uh, Linkin Park: The Strike’s over. You’re going back to work.
The giant music company that isn’t EMI, Warner Music Group (WMG), finally struck a new deal with local indie-startup video website YouTube this week, after some nine months of separating us online music video fans from crucial Burt Bacharach videos and the like. In other words, videos from your fav artists will once again be allowed to waste your precious time with their outrageous online antics, after a spat in December of 2008 led to the hasty and probably Lars Ulrich-approved removal of WMG’s content from YouTube. And aside from once again being accosted with Ulrich’s ugly mug from time to time, this is a pretty good thing for us lazy, underemployed, freeloading, downloading, uploading, commie-socialist types.
So what’s changed? Well, basically, the new deal is that Warner itself will now be in charge of selling ads for its videos rather than the ‘Tube. This will allow the label to set its own prices for those advertisements as well as keep the majority of the ad revenues that result. Sweet. In return, YouTube will receive some sort of cut of all revenue under the terms of the agreement. Hey, let’s all have a money fight.
“We feel this is a sustainable model that works for both parties,” YouTube’s head of music Chris Maxcy said stoically, trying as hard as he could to bite his lip and not LOL at how rich he’s gotten. “It puts control and success of their future in their own hands.” (It was difficult to hear the rest of his interview, because there was a money fight happening in the background.)
In order to help create one of those illusory, McDonald’s-like “premium environments” around which to sell these ads, YouTube will also allow Warner to create custom channels within the service dedicated solely to Warner artists. “Members of the YouTube community will not only be able to access videos and other music-related content from Warner Music Group recording artists and songwriters, but will also gain access to an enhanced user experience on YouTube with a feature-rich, high-quality premium player and enhanced channels," Warner said. The label will then populate these channels with higher-quality video than YouTube’s usual shlock, and the two are developing some kind of branding presence that would help identify Warner videos from all of that pedestrian crap out there. Direct links to artist websites, chat capabilities, and other additional social networking capabilities are also apparently in the works.
But it’s not all “premium roast coffee” and “top choice angus beef” for us users with this new Warner music video channel thing, either. For example, it hasn’t been determined yet whether YouTube users will be able to embed Warner music videos from YouTube on other websites like they can now with regular videos. But concerned sources say if the fidelity of Lars Ulrich’s aforementioned hideous face can’t be replicated through the embedding process, it may not be allowed. Also, user-generated YouTube videos will not be allowed to appear on the premium music video player. And fans will have to wait for Warner’s official music videos to appear on YouTube before they can include label-owned songs in their own “Kiss From a Rose” fan videos and junk, as the label wants to launch its music simultaneously across the service.
But either way, the bottom line is that Warner’s music videos will start reappearing on YouTube in the months ahead. YouTube expects the process will take the remainder of the year to complete (including the time it takes WMG to insert its videos into the YouTube system, as well as the time it will take YouTube to finish building the premium video player and ad platform). And even if you hate Led Zeppelin as much as I do, there will still be plenty of... Genesis... and... Sean Paul... oh crap.
Kid Sister Announces New Album Tracklist and Tourdates, Promises Not to Fight with Her Brother on the Road
Kid Sister may be riding high right now, what with her debut album Ultraviolet coming out later this fall (November 17 to be exact, on Fool’s Gold/Downtown Records), but what she doesn’t know is that trouble is headed her way starting next month when she heads out on tour with Flosstradamus a.k.a. Autobot and J2K (better known as Josh Young, Kid Sister’s younger brother). Speaking from personal experience, younger brothers can be really obnoxious, especially (I imagine) when you’re an up-and-coming Chicago hip-hop star about to break. Let’s just hope Josh can keep the wet willies to a minimum backstage; otherwise there may be a new hip-hop beef in the news this fall.
Ultraviolet tracklisting:
1. Right Hand Hi
2. Life On TV
3. Big n Bad
4. Step (feat. Estelle)
5. Let Me Bang 2009
6. Pro Nails (feat. Kanye West)
7. Daydreaming (feat. Cee-Lo)
8. Switch Board (feat. DJ Gant-Man)
9. 54321
10. Get Fresh
11. You Ain't Really Down
12. Control
Family Affair:
10.19.09 - Vancouver, BC - Venue *
10.20.09 - Seattle, WA - Neumos *
10.21.09 - Portland, OR - Holocene *
10.22.09 - San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop *
10.23.09 - Costa Mesa, CA - Detroit Bar *
10.24.09 - Los Angeles, CA - Echoplex *
11.08.09 - Austin, TX - Fun Fun Fun Fest
11.25.09 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
11.27.09 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
11.28.09 - Toronto, ON - Mod Club
* Flosstradamus
Faust, Os Mutantes, Mission of Burma, and other non-old and decrepit bands to play Lexington's Boomslang Fest
When did the aesthetic of acts like Burning Star Core and Hair Police become part of the independent music establishment? It seems that record labels like Stiltbreeze, Not Not Fun, Olde English Spelling Bee, Woodsist, et al. are as revered as any other indie label out there. "Experimental" isn't a pejorative; it's perhaps the greatest compliment in coded reviewer language. Basically, noise artists shitting on stage isn't what it used to be. TMT obviously loves all that... shit, and as far as I'm concerned, Lexington, KY has been somewhat of a hub for American house-show culture, featuring aforementioned mainstays BxC and Hair Police, but also a host of less-covered, but equally sweet (and incestuous) bands like Tiny Fights, Jovantes, Three Legged Race, and Caboladies.
Case in point: that scene's radio station, WRFL, is putting on a three-day festival to celebrate nothing less than "sound and art." (Don't you wish there were more random celebrations of sound and art?) On October 9-11, you can make your way down to Lexington for the Boomslang Fest, where a whole lot of venues and bars will be hosting music from Faust, Os Mutantes, Mission of Burma, Atlas Sound, Papa M, The Black Angels, Bardo Pond, Rachel Grimes (Rachel's), Teeth Mountain, Kurt Vile, Disappears, Bill Nance, Mark Hosler (Negativland), Burning Star Core, Hair Police, all those sweet Lexington bands, and many more.
The time-specific breakdown, full-band roster, and lots of other info can be found here: http://boomslangfest.com
Brother, Can you Spare a Conscience? The Most Serene Republic Get Robbed in Vancouver
During my daily perusal of the checkout line mags, I came across a somewhat bizarre quote from the lovely and talented Natalie Portman. Speaking about the current economic recession, she said, "I think it's kind of an exciting time. Everyone is cutting back." When it comes to scrimping and saving, no one knows like Portman, who recently had to settle for a modest $3.25 million L.A. hovel when she was in the market for a new crash pad. The kind-hearted, penny-pinching Hollywood starlet added, "I've started to see people look more toward their passions and what really excites them."
While the first part of her quote is a tad misguided, though positive, the second part is bang-on. Case in point, passionate and excitable thieves stole a shitload of equipment from The Most Serene Republic Sunday night in Vancouver after the band played a show at The Biltmore. Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures, right? Wrong. Regardless of the economic landscape, be it prosperous or crippling, property theft is a most despicable act of cowardice.
Below is the list of instruments and equipment stolen, as well as the group's ongoing (mostly Canadian) tourdates so you come out and support the band. Also look for TMSR's Emma Ditchburn's latest tour blog at Venuszine.com.
Sunday night's bitter experience hasn't been covered yet, but you can bet it will. If anyone has any information regarding the robbery and stolen gear please contact Chris at Arts and Crafts.
Here is the missing gear:
Make: Washburn Acoustic (Natural Finish)Model: D112
Serial #: 86028
Notes: Not original headstock, screw markings
Make: Wasburn Acoustic (blue glossy finish)
Model: EA16MBL
Notes: Small paint chip near end pin
Make: Gibson 335 (white w/ gold binding)
Model: E335 Diamond Cut
Serial #: 0-1387722
Notes: Gold Hardware
Make: King Trombone
Model: Jiggs Whigham 2102L
Serial #: 932731
Notes: Dents on Bell of Trombone. Trombone case is labeled TMSR
Make: Fender Telecaster (yellow)
Model: HWY-1
Serial #: Z4209214
Notes: Paint chips all over guitar
Make: Garrison Acoustic (black)
Model: AGSP-1-BK
Serial #: S06120550
Notes: Thin body acoustic
Make: Audio Tech Pedal Board
Notes: approx: 16"x12"
Make: Boss Tuning Pedal (white w/ orange writing)
Model: Tu-2
Make: Boss Delay Pedal (white w/ blue writing)
Model: DD-6
Make: Boss Delay Pedal (white w/ blue writing)
Model: DD-6
Make: Boss Distortion Pedal (yellow w/ black writing)
Model: SD - 1
Make: Radial D.I. (green)
Make: Washburn flight case for fender Telecaster
Notes: Silver case painted w/ TMSR
Make: Gator 335 Flight Case
Notes: Painted w/ TMSR
Upcoming TMSR tourdates:
09.30.09 - Calgary, AB - Palomino
10.01.09 - Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room
10.02.09 - Saskatoon, SK - Louis' Pub
10.03.09 - Winnipeg, MB - Pyramid Cabaret
10.05.09 - Madison, WI - High Noon
10.06.09 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
10.07.09 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
10.08.09 - New York, NY - Le Poisson Rouge
10.09.09 - Brooklyn, NY - Southpaw
10.10.09 - Boston, MA - Great Scott
10.15.09 - Toronto, ON - Mod Club
11.04.09 - London, ON - London Music Hall
11.05.09 - Waterloo, ON - Starlite
11.06.09 - Guelph, ON - Albion Hotel
11.07.09 - St. Catherines, ON Level 3
11.08.09 - Hamilton, ON - Casbah
11.11.09 - Peterborough, ON - Montreal House
11.12.09 - Kingston, ON - Bar None
11.13.09 - Montréal, QC - Il Motore
11.14.09 - Ottawa, ON - Zaphod's
11.25.09 - Charlottetown, PE - Hunters Ale House
11.26.09 - Fredericton, NB - Capital
11.27.09 - Halifax, NS - Paragon Theatre
11.28.09 - Sackville, NB - Georges
