I Can See Your "AURAS"

Picture taken from facebook.com/aurasofficial

While the Djent genre is on a major up rise, great bands are springing up all over the world, and yet again, Canada cashes in their chips, particularly Cambridge, Ontario.

Welcome, AURAS. A 4 piece Djent band "specializing in polymeric melodies and breakdowns heavier than your average cement truck." Described as "4 friends bound by groove and centered by a constant pulse." You can tell these guys are all on the same page, and know exactly where they are going, or at least where they want to go with the music! But by no means are they new to the scene, you could actually say their seasoned veterans, with a whopping 10,000 likes on Facebook, It's likely that if you haven't heard this band, you will soon enough.

So, why write about these guys now? Simply put, they just released a new album January 12th on Bandcamp and iTunes, and it's dropping jaws across the board. In my opinion, you all need to hear it!

The album opens up with "Emerge", an eerie 55 second intro that blends it's way to a groove heavy breakdown, and finishes off with nice contrasting leads, then merges it's way right into the next song "Sciolist."

Track 2 offers the first taste of their powerful vocals which you'll find throughout the album, This is where we get our first introduction to their tempo changes, lead/rhythm combinations, and the use of heavy/melodic song structure.

Now here's the crazy thing about this band.... they continue to do all this crazy shit throughout the entire album! That's right you get another 5 songs to dabble into, and each one has something unique to offer the listener!

Carrying down the heavy/melodic path, AURAS lead into breakdown heavy "Aporia", which continues to deliver all the things we are already loving about this disc, with 1 extra ingredient to the mix. This song features a guest guitar solo by the one and only "Aaron Marshall" of the band Intervals (who will be sharing the stage with Between The Buried and Me towards the end of January), and boy, does it deliver! The song sort of plateaus at the slowest part which is the perfect time for Mr. Aaron Marshall to move in and do his thing before the band kicks back in with one of their "breakdowns heavier than your average cement truck." A must listen.

"Chimerical" is next on your playlist. Being the longest song on the album, you might expect it to be one of those songs that you never really listen to all the way through... well I assure you, that's not the case here. AURAS keep things fresh and groovy throughout the entire track, while sticking to their heavy/melodic riffs, this masterpiece is loaded with well structured vocals, breakdowns, solos, and some solid lyrical content that will hit close to home on all ends of the spectrum.

Here's a snippet: Buy the song here!!
"Could they envision a place,
Something like this world,
That we have now (that we have now),
A place to prosper, free to grow.
Don’t fear this change."

"Susurrus" offers that eerie feeling we got at the beginning of the album, but with a little more melody and groove to add to the mix. An instrumental with character nonetheless, and a perfect way to recollect your thoughts right before pounding you with the final 2 songs on the album.

Only because we all missed them so much, "Cascade" opens up with those crushing vocals, and if this doesn't make you want to bang your head, then I don't know what your fucking problem is. "Open the flood gates." The accompanied lyrics to the intro, which begins as definitely the heaviest song on the album, it's so powerful that I want to mosh in my chair. And after a good pounding for the first minute, AURAS brings back that epic melodic chorus feeling, but only for a few seconds! Then they jump right back into crushing your skull with their breakdown heavy riffs. Don't be fooled though, drummer Nathan Bulla holds his own on this one throughout the entirety of the track, and in the end, the group only leaves us begging for more.

Which of course we get. One more to be exact. The title track for the album "Panacea", weighing in at 3 minutes and 49 seconds, this song completely ties the album together and offers us everything we love about the band and so much more. So powerful, this song is AURAS doing what they do best, and putting 110% into their work. Incredibly instrumental driven, but when the vocals are there, it's the perfect addition to what these guys can accomplish.

The album "Panacea" by Auras is an incredibly strong release from a "local" band, and with these guys being so young, that only leaves them room to grow. They certainly have a bright future ahead of them. If you like AURAS, pick up the album, buy some merch, or book their band in the closest city to you! They deserve it! That's what they want most according to their Facebook page! "these 22-year olds want nothing more than to come to your city and groove like it's 1969."

Thanks for reading, share this post if you want to support AURAS, or FunkenAudio in anyway!

@FunkenAudio

Visit AURAS at the following links!

Buy "Panacea" here: Bandcamp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aurasofficial
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/aurasofficial
Merch: http://managemerchusa.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=76_89
Booking: auras.official@gmail.com

Sharing Your Music With Strangers.

Jeff Tweel is chief operating officer of TweelX.(Photo: Larry McCormack, The Tennessean)
Photo taken from: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2013/01/04/buy-shares-of-songs/1810501/

Have you ever dreamed about making money off your music? Or perhaps, you've been waiting for the right person to hear your tunes to give you that big break? Well, your wait may not be over, however, there's a new tool that has recently sprung up on the Internet, and it might be the step you need to take your music to the next level, and might even make you a few pretty pennies too!

This new tool is actually a website called TweelX. Essentially, they provide artists with a community / catalog for them to submit their music, and in exchange, the artists are agreeing to a "Song By Song" publishing deal in which they must give control over their exclusive publishing rights for each specific song.

Not sure what that means? No problem, here it is in English. Basically, You upload your songs to the TweelX catalog, they break it up into shares or percentages, and after that, anyone who thinks your music is going somewhere, perhaps some fans, family, a label rep, etc. Can buy a stake in your song. Which means that they don't just get an album or a download link or something for their support, it means that if your songs makes it somewhere, maybe to the radio, or television or makes it somewhere that generates income, these investors get a share of that income too, and any other revenue generated by the song. So, when you make money off of a song, the investors will make money too, based on their percentage of ownership. A share of a song will sell for around $100 - $250 and 5 shares (25%) is available for public consumption. Of course TweelX gets a 25% share of the cake, and the artist is left with the remaining 50% (sometimes even more depending on how many shares the public snatches up)! The whole idea behind the model, says Jeff Tweel, is to raise close to $1000 per song, "about what it costs to make a really good sounding demo." 

The good news surrounding this whole idea is that artists / songwriters will maintain all rights and ownership of their Master Recordings, and TweelX doesn't make you sign any exclusive agreements for the ownership to be handed over to them! So sign up and own your songs in peace!

Currently, there is approximately 150 songs on the catalog, with about 25 different artists. Although, this is a new company, they have had 1 investor so far, a fan paid $250 for a share in a song by the Justice Adams band.... hey, that's not too bad for an artist who might not be making anything!

Now that the company is filling up their catalog, it's time for them to find some shoppers, which is where Jeff comes in. Jeff has had over 20 years of experience in the music industry, so you know he's got friends in high places! Which is yet another benefit to the website, you're not just submitting your music to a random catalog for it to collect dust, your handing it over to people who may submit your music to the right hands. "Because of my connections in the business, we are providing them with exposure that they would never get on their own." says Jeff.

If you ask me I'd say this is an awesome tool for artists seeking more outlets for channeling their music. There's actually a lot of cool stuff going on with this website, including licensing options, plus it's so damn easy just to get your music on there, how could you not take advantage!?

If you want to read more about this, check out the article I came across on USA Today, or head on over to TweelX and see what they're all about!


USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2013/01/04/buy-shares-of-songs/1810501/

TweelX: https://www.tweelx.com/index.php

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's the writer listening to? Slave to the Game - Emmure

The Digital Dark Side.

The Dark Side Of The Oz

This is something I just had to share for anyone who is sucked into the digital age of today's society. We've all heard the "myth" that The Wizard of Oz syncs up with The Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd. But it is/was a tough thing to pull off correctly without getting half way through and figuring out the sync is way off, so, Most of us never really got the chance to sit down with a VHS (WTF is that !?) of The Wizard of Oz and line it up to a vinyl copy of The Dark Side Of The Moon from Pink Floyd. Well, for everyone like me who is never going to attempt to do it the old school way, here's a digital copy that you can watch, right from your computer! This is really cool and definitely a must watch for anyone interested in a new way of watching The Oz!

If you want some more info follow this link! > The Darkside Of The Oz

Facebook - Where everyone knows everything.

Google Images

For essentially all of the music industry, Facebook has been a great hub to host a page or profile for any type of entertainment project whether that be a band, manager, promoter, booking agent, producer, etc. Facebook offers a little bit of something for everyone, and they make it very easy to market yourself and reach out to fans and supporters around you. The problem, or question, depending on how you look at it, is "Are people reaching out respectfully"? Or is Facebook going to be another over saturated social network the music industry ruined with spam?

Seriously though....

In a day and age where it is so easy to get in touch with promoters and booking agents and bands, I can not believe some of the things I see posted on "Pages" walls on a daily bases... Man would I like to name names, but let's just leave it for you to seek these people out!

Here's what kills me....

When a band or booking agent reaches out to a promoter putting on a show,  there's a large majority of people that go around posting messages like "Hey, book my band!", "Anyone looking for a band message me!", and "Hey I know an awesome band that would fit this bill, let me know.".... Want to know why that doesn't work????

1.) Everyone wants their band booked
2.) No one is looking for a band.... there is bands everywhere, our local market is so full of copies and original acts that no promoter really needs to take the time to reach out to random bands, he probably has quite the extensive list of acts already, and you certainly won't get on that list with a comment like that.
3.) Guess what, I know an awesome band too.... Give a little bit of fucking content would you???? Music is nice. Or maybe a link to a legitimate website??

REALITY CHECK.

In the industry people are going to appreciate hard work, persistence, and intelligibility. Do you want to get your band on an awesome show? With great promoters in Ontario? Here's a few simple tips that are going to take you a long way...

1.) Get an email address - Find the email, contact and whatever else for the promoter you are reaching out to, and reach out to him or her professionally, and on a personal level. If he/she doesn't reply, email him again next week. If he doesn't reply again, email him again next week. Rinse and repeat.

2.) "Reaching out Professionally" - Let me elaborate. Don't copy and paste messages to people, make something original for each individual you are reaching out to and provide them with everything they need to know in 1 place. Who, what, where, why, when and how is all they want to know. Make it straight and to the point, be concise and be polite.... and for the love of god if it's your first email to the promoter don't even think about mentioning a guarantee, especially if you don't think you can bring something special to the show or event as a whole.

3.) Make Face Time - You are in a band, don't be fucking shy. Get out there and talk to people. Introduce yourself to promoters, managers, producers, engineers, FOH guys, etc. Get out there and talk to them. The more you get your name heard, the more likely you will be doing business with these people. I guarantee that every person you are reaching out to can appreciate a nice cold beer, or a warm cup of joe, either way, grab one, sit down, and talk. Face to face will always leave the best impression anywhere.

The above mentioned things should become second nature to anyone trying to do some freelance work in this industry. "You have to pay your dues" is something that I hear a lot, and it really is true. No one owes any band a single thing, and that is what people have to understand. If you want something, you are going to have to work for it, and if you won't work for it, then no one is going to care about you. Simple as that.

Mandroid Echostar Descend Upon The Music Scene.

Photo from https://www.facebook.com/mandroidechostar

Whether you expected it or not, the Ontario music scene received a wake up call April 22nd, 2012 when Mandroid Echostar dropped their debut EP upon us. If Technical and Progressive metal is what you're after, look no further. These guys serve it as a heavy portion with lots more to go around. With lively progressions, melodic shredding and swift scales delivered endlessly from the triplet of guitarists, this group is able to execute a very powerful lead section with the chops and abilities to bring the rhythm to the forefront.

Mandroid Echostar is not just another band comprised of members from previous acts, you could go as far as saying these guys are the "All-Star" team of what was left in the Guelph Music scene. No, Mandroid Echostar is not just another band who got hooked up at an amazing recording studio, no, not even close! These guys are the powerhouse of musicians, and they have the skills to back it up! To watch them live is most certainly a treat to anyone who can appreciate a great musician. "Mandroid" has talent flowing through their veins and it shines right through. This is easily one of the most solid acts dominating the Canadian music scene.

On top of the Self titled EP, Mandroid Echostar recently threw a music video up on the net for their first single, "The Precursor". Directed by Andy George, this was a great way for the band to get some more recognition. Amassing over 2,500 views in just 2 days, and a wealth of positive comments, it's more than clear that Mandroid Echostar are on a major take over, and if you can't take the heat, Get the FUCK out of the way.

KroniKNoise shared their thoughts on the music video and group on their YouTube shortly after the release of the video: 

"following from the early years of some of the members, i watch this and realize that magic is being made right in front of me, and that i couldn't be more proud of them if i was their own blood. Mandroid Echostar writes the songs we all want to sing, and that is no easy feat in a time where bands all sound the same, and most songs have no depth - nicely played gentlemen, nicely played , indeed!!" 

If you have yet to check these guys out, I highly encourage you to do so RIGHT NOW! You can find them almost anywhere on the net! Links to music, downloads, and the video are below!

Facebook - facebook.com/mandroidechostar

Twitter - https://twitter.com/mandroidechoes

Download the EP here! > DOWNLOAD MANDROID EP FOR FREE!!!

Music video for "The Precursor"  > The Precursor Music Video

Islands / Skynet

Let's make this quick and simple. If you need more info, scroll down and find my post regarding a band called Islands... same dudes (for the most part), however they had to change their name and continue to kick ass.

With that being said....

Meet Skynet. The new Islands and they are hot off the press with Merch and a brand new studio release that is "absolutely free"!

Listen to their music on Facebook, or check them out at the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/skynetband

https://twitter.com/#!/skynet905

Download the EP here > skynetband.net

Or better yet.... bring this heavy djent ensemble to a town near you, how 'bout that!? Shoot them an email at: skynet905@hotmail.com

Sometimes, You Just Need A Good Cry.

The Wall Street Journal always has some great reads! With that said, I've decided to share something I came across today. I'll keep this short and let them do the talking, but the link contains a great read on some of the science behind Adele's smash hit "Someone Like You." Ever listened to the track and just felt a little emotional on the inside, maybe needed a good cry? There's good reasons for it!

I'll let them take it from here! But on top of sharing the link, I have also posted a short skit from SNL that shows co-workers all sharing a tear over this classic track! Haha, too funny! Hope you guys enjoy.

Anatomy of a Tear-Jerker (WSJ Article)

SNL Adele Skit