Facebook - Where everyone knows everything.

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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

Out With The Old. In With The New.

Recently, I have been trying my best to educate myself on Social Networking strategies and what people are doing on the internet these days. I found myself at www.midem.com where I directed myself to a video entitled "Social Media: Strategy Tools For Artist Development".

There's a brief discussion in this video that mentions the Myspace age and the mentality that artists had to drive themselves at on the internet. Constantly hearing that the only thing labels were interested in was "How many views, plays, friends, etc. you had on Myspace." This brought back memories of when I used to run my bands Myspace page, constantly adding friends looked like a good idea, but as time went on, the relationships developed on Myspace became unnatural, minimal and irrelevant, being as most peoples friends lists started filling up with random people in Bikini's with "5K" posted in their username. To my relief, things have changed over the years, who'd have thought!?

While the labels, agents, managers, etc. are all making the Transition to the new world of Facebook, it's easy to see that some artists are falling a bit behind, still focusing on having the most "Likes" and the most "Followers", gaining distant relationships, and confusing Likes with die hard fans, which leaves most artists one step behind the rest of the industry.

What labels want is a strong community of fans who care. Having 1000 fans who don't read your status updates can not generate to enough revenue and interest to support the band. However, having 300 strong fans who constantly ReTweet, share your music, and post links to videos can play a huge roll in pushing the artist forward and getting their music out there to new people.

So if this sounds like you, spamming and constantly posting desperate claims to like your page, please stop. Let's step back, use time and effort, to gain a unique fan base in which you establish a real connection with, Develop a relationship, and build from there, give something to the people before demanding them to be interested in what you offer. Make them want to like you. In a day and age where it is so easy to get your music out there to people, it is crucial that you have people that are truly interested in your music, keep coming back, and keep sharing your tunes, because in the end, you will find your fans play a huge roll in your future, and those who treat their fans well, seem to stick around just a little bit longer.


Check out this video By Ariel Hyatt, CEO, Cyber PR (USA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvEHYPMeC2E&rel=0

Hope this has opened your mind, and sparked some marketing ideas and interests!

Gage Funkenhauser
gagefunk@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/#!/FunkenAudio

Crank Up The Volume And Sound A Little Ugly!!

Photo Credits: Julianne Kaye

Meet "The Sound Of Ugly", a 5 piece Rock/Hip Hop group coming to you from Woodland Hills, CA. Their general mix of genres tends to give the listener a very emotional experience and only leaves them asking for more. Comprised of gritty Rock vocals with deep lyrics and clever punch lines delivered by Casey, accompanied by soothing yet energetic, goddess like vocal melodies from Olivia. All coming together to sound something like a modern version of Rap Rock executed with a little more deep thought, projection, and feeling.

Not only does The Sound Of Ugly offer a unique combination of vocals, their instrumentals give the perfect setting for lyrical placement and grooves, surely not something to overlook. With punchy drums and a subtle ambiance to glue it all together, it may have you thinking their are elements similar to the band "Volumes",  coincidence? Not likely. If you haven't noticed by now, Daniel Braunstein is the man behind the strings for both bands, and it just so happens that he does most of the productions for both of these groups as well, so you can see where the overlap comes into play. Despite the diversity in genres, The Sound Of Ugly offer crisp, clean recordings that are full of life, with all elements of the music portrayed in a very fashionable manner. It's a little sad their EP has only a few songs.

  

Although it was a little hard to get some info together on these guys, as the closest thing to a band bio I found was "We're Ugly. You're Ugly. Lets Be Friends!", they do have a Facebook Page which is fully active, and has recently had a stream of shows posted to it. On that page you will find 1 song on the band page tab, titled "Disguise yourself", this is an amazing track overall, and only leaves us wanting more. Well, don't you worry, if you email the band, you can get a free copy of their 3 song EP, which I strongly recommend to anyone who likes the song on their band page. The EP is easily one of the most creative and catchy 3 song releases I have heard from an unsigned band in a very long time.

So if you're searching for something that is a little different from what's been getting pushed around the internet lately, I suggest you check out The Sound Of Ugly, and if you like their music, head over to their Facebook page and tell them to lay down some more tracks! Because I know I am surely looking forward to hearing more from this group!

For More info and music head over to their Facebook or Twitter:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheSoundofUgly

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/soundofugly

Hope you guys enjoy their music as much as I do!

And remember, feel free to submit to my blog!

Gage Funkenhauser

FunkenAudio

gagefunk@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/#!/FunkenAudio

All Aboard The Pleasure Cruise, Brought To You By Ontario's - Islands

Photo Credits: Steve Haining

The Question: Got Djent?
The Answer: Ontario does!

And it's brewing something up in full force. Welcome to the next greatest thing to come out of the Hamilton area of Ontario; Islands. A 5 piece act that have taken the Djent genre and given it a heavy injection of hardcore. Described as a reminder of "Periphery and Suicide Silence", a few more listens may have you thinking to yourself that they have a sound similar to Volumes, pumped full of hardcore, alongside a tall glass of cold Canadian beer finished off with a swift kick in the ass.

Still don't get it? Ok, here it is in plain English.

Combining heavy riffs with powerful melodies, crushing vocals with lyrics that hit close to home, and a little bit of ambiance to top it all off, it's easy to see that you can expect big things from this line up in 2012. While only being fully active for a short period of time, they have already managed to grab a lot of attention on the internet from metal blogs and social networks. And it's no wonder why. Islands is taking the scene by storm with their "do it yourself" attitude, tastefully providing themselves with top notch productions and getting ready to start booking their own shows. Simply put, Islands is the real deal, and the "Waves" EP certainly showcases their talent and musicianship and has easily pushed the expectations of unsigned bands to a whole new level.

So, local Ontario acts, forget what you knew, it's time to step your game up, because Islands is coming to a town near you, very soon, and sure enough the weak will be put on the back burner.

The search ends here if you are looking for "the cream of the crop" in Southern Ontario, or anywhere else for that matter.

If you are a promoter, book them. If you are in a band, learn from them. And if you are a listener of music and the genre of Djent... for the love of god go check these guys out! You will only be doing yourself a favor.

Be sure to "Like" them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, and check out their new music video for the song "Deception".

Video -"Deception" - Islands
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/islandsmusic
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/islandsofficial

Until next time friends!

Feel free to message me if you would like to submit something to the blog.

Gage Funkenhauser
gagefunk@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/#!/FunkenAudio