There is nothing doper than public safety raps

That is all

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Musical Etiquette: The Fine Art of the Myspace Page

Dear Musical Etiquette:

My band has tasked me to get our Myspace page set up and get a million profile views. I've never set up one before but I've been on Myspace for a long time and I know how other bands do it. Is there any advice you can offer me?

XXXXX

Myspace remain relevant as a great resource for musicians to post and promote their recorded music and keep their fans appraised as to new shows and happenings within the band. Where else can I see blog posts about a bands crazy next door neighbors and house pets? As far as I can tell that is all that remains at Myspace, ten million bands all promoting the crap out of themselves to other bands, promoters and music bloggers. There is some competition to Myspace that I can recommend. Last.fm provides good media management tools and purchasing links for the interested musician. Facebook has some rudimentary tools for musicians but as I've never used them, I cannot either recommend them or throw them into the flaming pits of hell. I digress.

Myspace is a pit of despair.

As previously mentioned by fellow blogger Amber Dawn, there is a dangerous tendency towards ocular mugging in the creation of a Myspace page and the hand of restraint is needed. Make sure that your page is simple, easy to read, easy to find the relevant information and that the color scheme doesn't cause your viewers vertigo or projectile vomiting. Here's a partial list of things that should never occur on a Myspace band page:

• Fucking Animated Glitter
• Blinking Logos
• Autoplay
• Webcam Bio Pictures
• Pleading
• Last Login January 15th, 1857

Please use it and respond

As to that last point above: If you are going to go through the trouble of creating a Myspace page use it. For fucks sake if I send you a message and it takes three months to get a reply I will never look at that page again. You don't need to hang out all day like a 12 year old with a crush but DO look at the thing at least once a week. As I've said the only possible use of Myspace is for music promotion and if you don't actually do any interaction..... well that's not really promotion is it?

Everyone is influenced by Radiohead

It's true. If you have touched an electric guitar at any point past February 1993 you are probably influenced by Radiohead. It's alright. Even you Utter Snobs who hold them in the lowest possible opinion have got a touch of it. You can't avoid it. Please don't bother to mention this. Everyone already knows.

So who are you influenced by?

If I like the "soulful aching harmonies of Elliot Smith" will I like your band? Maybe. Music is funny that way. Be honest about your influences (exception: Radiohead) and try to represent them honestly. If your Myspace page tells me that your primary influence is the Pixies and you sound like every other shitball radio friendly Disturbed clone I will laugh so hard you will hear it clear across the internet. On the other hand, tell me that Mudvayne is your fucking hero and I might believe you. In fact, you just won a little respect in my eyes. Not many people are willing to own up to this being their primary influence.

Update Your Music Please

If you are interested in repeat visits to your Myspace page, add new songs on occasion. Refresh the list and provide the visitor with something they can't get anywhere else. Upload your drunken practice from last night, a song your wrote on the front porch with some friends, it really doesn't matter. Remember that the entire point of social media is to make a real connection with people and if you don't break out of the traditional top-down media distribution methods then you aren't using these tools to their fullest extent. Give me something unique and I can guarantee I'll be back to listen.

Focus on the music

The tendency with these things is to go all out. You hire a PR firm to design a logo, pay an ITT graduate to build your profile and then get yourself 30,000 followers. All this cost you the entire sum of money you had earned from two years of shows, the 5 large your Mom lent you and every penny earned from part time jobs. On the other hand you have no gas money for the van, no money to cover beer and haven't recorded or written anything in the month since you decided to be "big time". You, my friend, have just made a very large mistake.

I listen to music. It's a thing I'm into. When I go to a bands Myspace page I load it in the background and listen while I work on something else. The music is the only thing I pay any attention to and if it fails to impress, the slick background image you've uploaded won't do anything to change that.

In summary:

• Keep it simple
• Use an eyeball friendly color scheme
• Don't waste your money on crap
• Respond to people
• Rock on

Until next time sweet music fans,

Eriq Nelson


Do you have a burning question in your heart? I have Tums. Hit me.

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Crappy Indie Music: Now featuring absurd rims.

I just finished giving the blog a new paint coat and some new rims. Let me know what you think of the new toolbar and color scheme. Crappy Indie Music is a user run blog! Give us some feedback, you beautiful bastards.

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Crappy Indie Music on Facebook

Hey beautiful people! Crappy Indie Music is invading your Facebook account. The fan page is up now and ready to dominate another section of your life. Become a fan, post a picture, write on our wall and generally harass us. We look forward to seing more and more of you.

Soon it'll be Events on your calendar, love notes from your favorite bloggers and all kinds of random crap all over the place. Come show us some love and we'll return the favor.

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Follow Crappy Bloggers on Twitter

You can follow our list of bloggers:

http://twitter.com/#/list/CIMTB/cimtbloggers

Or individually:

Ben Meyercord

http://twitter.com/Meyercord

Amber Dawn

http://twitter.com/amberdaaawn

Ryan Feigh aka Kid Tyger

http://twitter.com/kidtyger

Jess Gulbranson:

http://twitter.com/jessgulbranson

Eriq Nelson:

http://twitter.com/ellummoxo

CIMTB (Goldie Davich)

http://twitter.com/CIMTB

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Regretsy Ventures into Musical Territory

If you haven't seen the blog Regretsy yet, click on that link immediately! It's a blog that delivers crafty comedy using the trusted laugh-generating formula of making fun of crappy art.

Today I was delighted to see that blogger Helen Killer has ventured beyond crappy crafts and visual art and into the realm of, you guessed it, crappy indie music with today's post about obscure artist Varga's album River of Love. This album features both killer casio and a killer album cover!



I'm looking forward to seeing more of these kinds of postings.

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Music Video - The Younger Lovers

Today I logged into my Myspace and performed the dreaded task of slogging through all the band friend invites.... being a musician and music reviewer myself I feel compelled to actually give every band that offers me an invite a listen, and so I usually put this off until there are at least 10 lined up so I can take a quiet 20 minutes investigating them all. Tonight I found a total gem : The Younger Lovers, from Oakland, CA. There is minimal information on the website, but Retard Disco, their record label, informs us that The Younger Lovers is the solo project of Brontez Purnell from Gravy Train!!!, a band I will admit that I have heard of but never listened to. At any rate, it's totally adorable, totally punk, totally catchy, and totally gay (Which I mean, of course, literally rather than perjoratively.). Enjoy.
(yes, the first video has a very long intro. wait it out, it's worth it. trust me.)

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Musical Etiquette: Approaching A Label

Hey Musical Etiquette:
I've just wrapped up the mastering on my latest album, XXXXX. I've been sending demos out to a bunch of different labels and I haven't heard anything back. I've been sending full press kits, demos, glossies, DVDs and t-shirts to every label I can think of and I haven't heard anything back. What's going on here? Why haven't any of these labels written me back?

Help! XXXXXX

Approaching any record label, corporate or indie, requires a deft hand. You are entering into the mysterious paradox of humility and arrogance that is music promotion. Often times the path seems unclear, should you send a follow up? How long should you wait? Should you send a full album or just some samples? Should you send a video along? How about a hat? Approaching a label is like courting a lady. Every one is different and you will need some experience and confidence to get this done. A fur coat isn't going to impress PETA girl.

Indie labels in many regards are no different than huge, soul sucking, evil corporate monstrosities. They both publish and promote music and are constantly looking to expand on their catalog. An Indie label generally has two or three people working part time and digging through your full press kit is simply not a priority. They have to answer email, go out and buy lunch, ship product and go to the restaurant to pull some extra shifts to make rent. Giant Art Destroying Corporation has just as busy of a schedule, but it looks very different. A major label rep has to set up appearances on the Disney Channel for their latest Clone Rock band, testify in a copyright infringement hearing against a three year old with the wrong IP address and kick at least a dozen puppies before lunch. Suffice to say, puppies don't kick themselves and Mr. I'll Sign Anything That's Called "Core" is very busy.

First Off, Fuck Major Labels.
The fact is you don't want to sign to the One Label To Rule Them All. Take it from me, you'll never achieve anything remotely close to artistic or financial success on that sinking ship. Stick to the indies, they'll treat you like a human being and you won't be crying yourself to sleep every night. Besides, the chances that one of these dinosaurs will notice you is directly proportionate to the amount of beautiful, absurdly trendy looking people that comprise your act. Unless you're prepared to completely reinvent your clothing, sound, lifestyle, ethics, equipment, finances, family, and hairstyle you're better off without these people running your life. Honestly, fuck these people. So let's get you signed to an indie label.

Postal Etiquette.
Look, this is really about music. It's not about how much money you've spent on things that end up in the recycle bin. If you've ever seen the inbox of an indie label you'd understand why. It is a never ending stream of posters, promos, announcements, solicitations and weird shit that makes no sense:

• A hand made promo cover that looks like someone let their three year old do it.

• No track listing on a burned CD.

• A CD mailed with candy. (Seriously, this happened to me. The candy sat in the office for three weeks labeled "sketchy".)

• A DVD containing a fluff piece arranged and produced by the band.

• Forty glossy fliers in a package with no music.

• Air in an envelope.

I can personally guarantee you that most of this crap never gets a second glance. Only the truly absurd even pops in on their radar and you really don't want to know what people say about this stuff. Ask me about "The Print Shirt Crew" sometime.

Give the People What They Want.
What anyone who spends a lot of time listening to demos really wants is an accessible format. They're not interested in clever packaging or a book of bio and promo material. Get to the point and give them what you're selling. Music.
Mailing CDs:

• Clearly labeled, burned CD with track listing and times.

• No extra material on the disc itself, no one is going to watch your video, no one will dig for hidden tracks.

• If it's a sampler and not a whole record, come on strong and don't let up. Put your best song first.

• If you want to include a bio sheet, make it one page, laser printed and without any flashy crap all over it.

• Don't expect this to be returned.

• Make sure it will survive the hell that is the postal service.

Internet media:

• Do not send obscure file formats. FLAC might be better, but not everyone will be willing to figure out how to play it.

• Send MP3s, 320k stereo with correct ID3 tags and album art in a single folder. If this is a language you don't speak, consult a geek.

• Send an email that is concise, short and well formatted. Do not fill the thing with ten thousand links or a hundred pictures.

• Feel free to send along links to your Myspace page, but make sure it's properly formatted. If your Glitter Bomb crashes my browser, you've lost my attention. Again, ask a geek.

Don't Be Pushy.
Now that you've gotten the music to the label it is your job to wait. Patience is essential at this point, it may take several weeks for someone to get around to listening to your work and harassing them about it will not endear you to them. As I said, a lot of indie labels are tiny and there are times when the two people who actually pay themselves to do this are simply far too busy to get around to the promo stack or the Inbox Monster. It is perfectly acceptable to send a follow up email or note after about two weeks to ensure that they received your package or email. At these times it is best to be polite, concise and professional. A simple "Did you get this?" is sufficient. For the love of all things holy, don't accuse someone of being a dick if they don't start slobbing on yours. It might be the most brilliant thing ever conceived and yes, it's gathering dust. Be patient grasshopper.

Prepare For Rejection.
The fact is, you're not going to get picked up by the first label you inquire with. You probably won't get picked up by the 15th. Keep working, keep pimping as hard as you possibly can. Send requests and demos to everyone you can think of. Send in a demo to a label you think you'd never have a chance in hell of getting on. Be bold but never obnoxious. Thank people for their time if they send you a rejection notice and listen to what they have to say. If a label that you thought you were perfect for rejects your demo based on some artistic differences, learn from the experience and try to find one that matches what you're up to. This is a long process but eventually you'll find a group of people in promotion and distribution that you really want to work with.

Indie music isn't a top down process, you'll be getting to know these people pretty well and working alongside them to achieve what you both want. They're not your boss, they're not your employees, they are your partners and if you treat them well in the query process it'll pay off down the road. Treat them like what they are, busy people who would love to listen to your band when they get a chance and they'll give it a fair shake.

Good luck finding your label!
Eriq Nelson.

Is your band suffering a complete meltdown? Awesome! Tell me all about it:
musicaletiquette@gmail.com

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Ben Meyercord's SXSW 2009 Experience Days 2 to Day 5

Day Two

Day two was not very productive as far as music seeing goes. I saw a stripped down version of Department of Eagles ( a Grizzly Bear side project) at Howe Gelb, again at Waterloo, which was awesome. I love anything that man does. He does not give a god damn what anyone thinks. I guess you could say, he keeps it real. Then we went back to Adam's Grandparents for a meal. Then I went to the Parlour and played a very short (2 songs) Meyercord set and a regular Y La Bamba set. It was a pretty intimate setting which was fine.



Day Three

Day three was way fun. At about 1PM my band mates dropped me off downtown after I expressed that all I wanted to do was see shows. They went and did nerdy band stuff like got to music stores and stuff like that. I on the other hand, with out any sort of schedule, went around to see what I could see. I saw a lot of people and a lot of bands. One band, whose name I don't remember, was performing next to an open window which at the climax of the set was jumped in and out of several times wrapping the mic cord through said window. It was pretty crazy. Then I walked around some more and ran into Shelly Short and Alexis Gideon from Portland. Then at the same time, I was still talking to them, Casey Jarman, of Local Cut, showed up. I hung out with him for a little bit at the The Sidebar for a bit waiting for a band called Here We Go Magic. There I also saw Rob of CD Forge and End Hits. After waiting around for what seemed a bit too long. I bid farewell to Casey and headed over to Emo's Annex to catch Blind Pilot, the local Portland band that I seem to never be able to catch at home.

At the Blind Pilot show I ran into Matt the Booker for Doug Fir. He was enjoying the show to the point of mouthing the words of Blind Pilot. The rest of the guys from AristeiA showed up a little bit after Blind Pilot finished. We all gave high fives to Matt and headed out to see what else we could find.

Adam suggested that we go to Lovejoy's because it was his favorite bar when he lived in Austin. We had know idea what we were getting into. There was a band playing Bang Camaro. It was nuts. They are a butt rock band from Brooklyn with six lead singers. I mean they all had their own style going and poses and everything, but they sang in unison. Adam and Brandon were hooked and ended up splitting the cost of their new album Bang Camaro II. It comes with a documentary and everything. We left feeling like we had discovered the next big thing. Later we found out that they were featured on Rock Band 2 and The Sims 3. Crazy.

After that we headed over to The Parlour where AristeiA performed a set. I had the pleasant surprise of some family showing up. The band that played after us Cartright used to play an open mic that I ran in Denton. That was a pleasant surprise. There were a good amount of people and everyone was really cool. All the bands were good. It seems like everyone we talk to is either jealous of or is considering moving to Portland. It is kinda cool to to rep a cool place. The night ended with a hip-hop act named Phranchyze who through out a very large t-shirt to an inebriated Brandon Gordon of AristeiA who immediately put it on and looked like a little boy with a goofy beard. He danced around continuously "dusting his shoulders off". It was a good time.

After ward we ran into a band called See Me River. They are Band of Horses related band from Seattle. We talked to them earlier in the night when the roadie guy noticed our Oregon plates. Pacific North West Brethren unite! We traded CDs and talked about the people we kinda know in common. They mentioned a band that I have written about here on CIMTB called Spinning Wheels (if you guys read this, what's up?). Then we drove to where we were staying at Nick's house.



Day Four

Day four was a busy one. Honestly I don't remember how it started. I do remember parking the van very far from where anything was and then catching Asobi Seksu. We kinda know them we talked to them a little bit after their set and then wen t on a very long walk to check out this pedestrian bridge that we heard some bands play. Then we took a very long post-Taco Cabana walk back to the heart of things after seeing the poster and guitar show at the convention center (not much to report here, I mean it was cool but whatevs).

We were able to catch our host, Nick, play trombone in one of the many bands he plays in, The Low Lows. They were really good. They had six people on stage and the lead singer apologized that they were missing two integral members. It was a very full sound including two trumpets to complete the brass section (if you include Nick's trombone).

Then We saw Explosions in the Sky in an outdoor venue that held 100,000 people easy. It was crazy. They sound was no good, but it was cool to see fireworks at the end of their set. Very appropriate.

We then headed over to that Pedestrian bridge we scoped out earlier. We eventually found out that there was a show planned there that we were able to jump on. There were like eight other bands including a girl who used to live in Portland called US Girls. There was also a punk rock band called Tyvek who played a showcase earlier that week with Portland's Eat Skull. I learned that the bassist for Eat Skull sprained his ankle. I hope he gets better, cause I am sure it sucks to tour with an ailment like that. We met a lot of cool people and stayed as long as we could but called it a night at 3 am.




Day Five

Day five we kinda took it easy. We had some Tex Mex.We only saw one show and was a Red 7. It was the first and only show I payed for all week. But it was such a cool show. Providing you like metal or post-rock or all those bands that straddle the two. The four main bands that I had heard of and wanted to see were Pelican, Wolves in the Throne Room, Caspian and Junius. I was however really impressed with every band I saw though. We were so tired by the end of the show. So very tired.

So that is the most of what my SXSW experience was. I kinda wish I got to see more shows, But after talking to some other people, this feeling is inevitable. I would eager to hear from other people who went to see what shows I missed (just like at home).

-Ben


I was at this show. It was the first time I have seen Asobi Seksu play, where the vocals were in the mix.

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CIMTB at SXSW!

Hello Dear Readers,

I am in Austin. I wanted to share with you my vision of the SXSW festival. Sadly my bandmate left the digital camera at my sister's place, so these words will have to do.

Yesterday was my first day of SXSW. It was super fun. I started the day by playing a set at the Ioda stage with Y La Bamba. Directly after our performance we were interviewed by Dave Allen of Pamplemoose. I did not realize what it was until afterwards when I talked to his assistant Scott of The Penny Jam. I then showed Dave Allen my I Anatomical Heart Crappy Indie Music. He didn't really say much to me after that. I think he had to interview some more bands After us was some more pretty cool bands whose names escape me. My Dad and stepmom and sister and her friend David were there too.

Then I went over to see my friend's friend's band at Love Joys. Then I walked around where there was a lot of good people watching and eventually found my way to The Belmont where AristeiA was set to play. There I met with the rest of AristeiA and more family. There were a couple good bands and a lot of bad bands. but whatevs.

I took a break and ate at Countyline an eatery that reminded me of how hard it was to be a vegetarian growing up in Texas.

Then I got dropped off back in the heart of SXSW. I went and got on the guest list for the Decemberists show one of the many perks of having your band produced by Chris Funk. We hung out a bit backstage which was cool because I was no longer surrounded by very drunk people shouting "wooooo!". Then I went back out to see them play their entire new album Hazard's of Love. It was cool because it was a rock opera. Also I bumped into a bunch of Portland band folk including people from Loch Lomond and Laura Gibson's band. Later after wards I saw Cary Clarke from The Mercury. Afterwards, I caught bus home to find sweet sweet sleep.

-Ben

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for February 18th and 19th

Hello Dear Readers,

What's up? Did you got some shows? I went and saw Secret Codes first show the other day at Valentine's. It was pretty cool. I love me some David Kyle music. He started the set with a very cool and very cool drone thing made with his taishokoto with the use of an ebow and a lot of delay. It was sweet. Solyoni followed with some very 90's influenced rock. I especially liked their short instrumental numbers. The night ended with Greenladies who impressed me by throwing a cover of "Mil Anos", a song I am not familiar with and is in spanish, but seemed very pretty despite me not understanding it. Anyway, I was unable to attend any shows last night. But here are some shows that are not to be missed.


Wednesday, February 18th

There are a lot of good things to see and hear tonight. I have my decision made for me, but you make yours carefully.

• Roadside Attraction (1000 SE 12th) is having a show with Meyercord (me!) and Black Heart Moon. I think I am pretty good. Black Heart Moon are good. And if they have the Lap Steel Guitarist they had play with them last time, then they are super good. This show is FREE. It starts at 9 PM.

• Holocene is having an event called At Pop Shots. It is basically a rock photography show with some pretty kick ass music. Boy Eats Drum Machine, Lovers, Ley Lines and DJ Kev (Kevin of Talkdemonic) will provding the music. The photos are being provided by Nilina Mason-Campbell, Miliken Gardner, Megan Holmes, Liza Lubell, Jason Quigley, Minh Tran, and Jeff Mawer. You should note that both Nilina and BEDM contributed to our very sexy calender. As for the music. I can't believe I have not heard more about Lovers. I just listened to their music today and really like it. The first song on their myspace, "Igloos for Ojos", is really good kind of synth based pop. I was really impressed and then surprised when the rest of the songs on the player were not like that at all, but rather slower but were just as lovely. I like what I have heard of Ley Lines, so hopefully I will catch them live someday (check later this week). Any, I guess I am a new fan. The show is $6 and starts at 8 PM?

• Dunes is having Bird Costumes with some guests. It is part of the Tight Hug shows. I am curious as who these guests are and how "tight" they can be if they have yet to be confirmed. Whatevs, I like Bird Costume's sounds. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

• Backspace is having "Old Time in Old Town". It will feature the following acts: Charlie Sutton, Ivonrose Family Jamboree, Shoeshine Blue and Spider & Fly. That is a lot of bands. A lot of good bands which is why it is surprising that the show is a mere $5. It is also ALL AGES. As you might have gathered from the name of the show, it is a lot of Old Timey based or influenced music. It starts at 8 PM.

Thursday, February 19th

There are some really good shows on Thursday too. Man, I think I might be in the neighborhood of some of these as well. I think I will have to catch at least one of these.

• Holocene is having a reiduclously cool show with Au, Nurses, and White Hinterland. Au is really cool with the way they experiment with the pop genre (kinda like Animal Collective does). Actually Nurses somewhat does that as well. White Hinterland too. I guess what I am saying is that this is an experimental-pop show. I live Nurses music. I can't get enough. I saw White Hinterland the other week and could not really tell what was going on. Hopefully their sound is better at a place that is used to more intricate set ups. The show is $6 and starts at 9 PM.

• Doug Fir is having a show with Heroes and Villians, Chris Robley and The Fear of Heights, Juan Prophet Organization. I have never seen Heroes and Villians, but I have talked to people who have and have been assured that it is really cool. I saw the lead guy, play a solo set last week armed only with a banjo and was pretty impressed. I caught a very solid set of Chris Robley at PDX Pop last year. I have never heard of Juan Prophet Organization. The show is $8 and starts at 9 PM.

• Artistery is having a show with Karl Blau (Anacortes), LAKE (Olympia), and Bognar. Though two of the acts are not from the immediate area, these are all Pacific NW based artists. They are also all pretty good. Karl Blau is somewhat of a big deal in certain circles. He has been in a lot of bands and recorded even more. I believe he is an unofficial (official?) member of LAKE. I have seen LAKE play a few times and really like the well arranged pop music which they perform. They are one of those bands in which every member is a songwriter. Bognor is Luke from Artistery's some what solo indie-folk project. It is good. The show is $6 and starts at 8 PM.

• Backspace is having ashow with Egadz!, Restiform Bodies (Oakland), Ninth Cloud and Cars & Trains. This show is comprised of a lot of electronic based music. Though when talking about Cars and Trains, calling his music would be an injustice. It sounds like it, but if you have ever seen him, then you know all the songs are made before you r very eyes using a series of looping technology. The dude plays his own instruments, and it is cool. This ALL AGES show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

• Slabtown is a Geographer (San Francisco), Yeah Great Fine and Late Night Curly. All of these bands are very good and play pop based music. Yeah Great Fine features ex-members of the late great Newspapers. I saw them a few weeks ago and loved it. They play music that has a touch of math-rock to it, but also contains some sweet harmonies and other pop elements. This is a good show. It is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

• Dekum Manor Experimental Dental School, Magic Johnson, Pete Swanson (he was in the group Yellow Swans, and Foot Village. I love Experimental Dental School and their two person spaz rock attacks that are delivered with a skill that should make all bands a little bit jealous. I am not sure what the cover will be on this show, but it will be cheap. The ALL AGES show will start sometime after 8 PM.

• CD Forge/Cravedog is having a Merger Party because they are well...mergeing. This will be happening at 412 NW Couch 203. Carcrashlander will play. I am unsure if it is open to the public or not. Whatevs.

So those are some pretty amazing choices I have presented to you. I hope you go to these. I am planning on seeing some of them. If you see me, say "Hi". It will be fun.

-Ben


Nurses play Thursday at Holocene! Hello Nurse!

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Of Montreal: Tell me something good

I don't get Of Montreal. I tried to get it because I am on the quest for dance par-tay music. New Years is next week and I am not going to play my tired ass playlist that I've had for 2 years. I promise I tried. I thought their Outback Steak House song was weird and mildly interesting, however I like the actual Outback song way better. Everyone else loves them! Indie musicians please do not make "dance music" unless you at least drop a sexy disco beat and look hot doing it. I'm not sure how one is suppose to dance to Of Montreal. I can't take the white man's overbite much longer and or the Molly Ringwald (people it's 2008). I can only flail around so long before I feel embarrassed and sad... IT IS CALLED SOUL PEOPLE! GET SOME! or something. Good lord.


Chaka Khan



I hate my life. I need to get down. Help me find some modern soul/dance music... please. I promise not to judge you. Simon Matt Carrillo reminded me it's what's inside that counts, not your taste in music.

-- Ste. Goldie

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All Ages Shows Saturday May 17th, 2008

School of Rockers Leah, Alan Singley, Sam, Taylor and Jules @ Barack The Vote* May 15th, 2008
Photo credit: Ste. Goldie of CIMTB

Here are two all ages shows I want to tell you about:

1. School of Rock Presents Woodstock @ Berbati's doors @ 6pm / $10 / 213 SW Ankeny St, Portland, OR

2. Old timey psychedelic Vancouver, WA rockers The Shivas rock The Grind Coffee Shop with classic rock inspired Vancouver music players Habertang. The Grind is a cozy coffee hang out in downtown Vancouver, WA. 611 W 11th Ave across the street from the Clark County courthouseShow starts at 7pm tonight!




*Barack the Vote was typical Portland non rock fair. There will be no rocking of the vote until someone actually Baracks the Vote with some FUN bands... remember when Portland used to be fun? I don't.

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Attention Portland Indie Rockers: I want a Heroine!

CIMTB is compiling a list of Portland singer/songwriters and bands, using some of the list's we've had in previous blogs.

I've noticed that there isn't a band or a musician on there that represents bold, powerful, and intelligent women. Some of the women on the list are probably B.P.I., but their music doesn't strike that chord in me. I want to call attention to the fact that Portland has a bunch of musicians who regardless of gender are pretty damn boring and a-political. I am going to talk more about my disappointment with the women in music in Portland, only because I care about it. I want to fall in love with and feel empowered by a lady's, or girl's, or woman's, or whatever's music.

Call me old fashioned but I miss the trickle down from Olympia (riot grrls, women having their periods on stage while they are playing guitar). Granted I never listened to Sleater-Kinney (I can't remember why I boycotted them...) but I appreciate what they did with their time and talent. They didn't make me gag. So what? I grew up in the heyday of grunge. AND I lived in the northwest. So sue me if I want something a little more substantial than some cute indie girl, who sings like a little, itsy-bitsy, sleepy baby who wants to be naughty and who shops at the bin's and calls it a revolution... Or worse she doesn't shop at the bins.

I will try to keep it real up in here. I want this conversation to happen. I want to hear about how wrong I am. So please leave a comment or better yet, post your own blog about it if you want.

And, just because, I am going to share this video I found on the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls website:

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The Mercury has a new Music Blog

It is called End Hits a reference to Fugazi.



I don't really know why they called it that. Anyway it seems pretty cool. It is definitely not just local though. Crappy Indie Music -- The Blog! and local cut have an edge!

Anyway I just thought you should know and all.

-Ben

ps Adam if you read this, check it out.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks For This Week

Damn my inability to be everywhere at once!

There are too many shows in Portland.

If I could I would be at two or three show every night. Unfortunately I have a lack of money and time. Plus my body tends to slow down and eventually fall asleep on me. But I guess the question is, "is that a bad thing?" It depends I suppose.

So I guess what I am getting at is this:

Wednesday December 5th, 2007

• The Portland Cello Project playing at the Holocene with the Horse Feathers (recent kill rock stars recruits) and others including my good friend Fall of Snow (aka Stephanie Casey).
• Also that night over at the Doug Fir Don Coballero is playing. I am not sure which I will go to. it all depends on if I am too exhausted from AristeiA practice.

Thursday December 6th, 2007

• Portland Cello Project playing again at the Holocene with the Horse Feathers and Fall of Snow. (No you are not crazy, it is the exactly the same line up as last night. Which can be a good thing. You have two chances to see it.)
• But at the same time there is The Graves and Boat playing over at the Doug Fir. Sigh.

Friday December 7th, 2007

• Here is where it gets really good. Friday night I want to see Shannon Jones and the Dap Kings at the Doug Fir.
• Over at the Holocene Prefuse 73 is playing.
• But deciding between these two show is a non issue as I am Playing a house show at my friend Annie's house. So that show will be Annie Bethancourt, Dave Lowensohn, Meyercord, and Westfold.
• But if you are not on the east side you should go and check out Ah Holy Fam'ly at the Towne Lounge.

Saturday December 8th, 2007:

• Saturday is easy. I want to go to the Doug Fir to see Laura Gibson who is playing a show with the Cave Singers. I have missed both of these peoples last shows and regretted it. Something that I plan to rectify this Saturday.

Sunday December 9th, 2007:

• Sunday an old acquaintance from Denton, TX, Fishboy is playing a show at Slabtown. So if I am in the mood for some indiepop opera I might go check that out.

But alas I do believe that I will be unable to attend the majority of these excellent shows because my wallet is just not fat enough. But you should try to. I figure that if we put our minds to it we can make sure that every good show is attended.


Brain Wright from The Graves -- photo by Ste. Goldie

PS -- Don't forget you can get your jam on at Someday Lounge Incubator TONIGHT!

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i found a blog for you to read AND wanna write a blog?

To read:

A thoughtful blog about what it means to a certain blogger to be "Indie" It's a good read and should provoke some discussion (leave a comment).

ALSO

To consider:

Are any of you out there ready to publish your thoughts and feelings about all things indie music in PDX?

If so please consider becoming a contributing member of Crappy Indie Music -- The Blog!

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Videos of AristiA & Link to Meyercord Review!

1. This video is one Adam Steinfink made with the pictures I took:

AristeiA: She Makes Me Want A Photo Shoot

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2. This video is one I made when I first got Adobe Premiere Pro 2:

AristeiA Pre Tour 2007

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3. And here is The Meyercord Review!

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