We have all heard that the Internet has “changed the music business.” When people say this some of them mean for the good and some are talking about undesirable changes. Well, it seems this Internet this is here to stay, so I want to share with you the two ways the Internet has changed the music business for the good (who needs the negativity, right?): Exposure & Intimacy.
For along time there were basically four ways to discover new music: the radio, introduced through friends, shuffling through albums in record stores, or finding them through the local live music scene. So, for most, the radio set the musical boundary. Now, the Internet has given an avenue for people to discover music from the comfort of their own home anywhere in the world. Even if you don’t want to search all over the Internet for it, online music stores have not only made it easy to discover new music but have made it a priority. No matter your favorite genre of music, there are musicians and songs out there right now that you would love if you just heard them. Unfortunately, many of us are stuck in the old model thinking: ‘Won’t the cream of crop rise to the top?’ It depends on what you mean by “top.” To get on the radio, what most consider the top, it doesn’t necessarily matter that the music is good. What matters for radio is how much money can be made. The radio is not the determinant of what constitutes good. The Internet has given another avenue for artists not signed to major labels who have great music to share it & get it out to the public.
The frosting on the exposure cake is how musicians have creatively utilized the Internet to make the experience of the fan more intimate with the music and the musician themselves. Musicians have started blogging, posting all sorts of media (Video Interviews, concerts, streaming music before it is release), and interacting on all sorts of social networks with fans. Before the Internet, you had fan clubs and maybe a one time communication by snail mail. Now, you can be connected to your favorite artist in ways you never could before. Now you can find a musicians set list from a Portland show, see video of the artist’s performance in Philadelphia, buy merchandise, and even help promote the artist coming to your area. It has helped fans get to know there favorites and it has helped the musicians get to know those who support them.
To say the Internet has changed the music business is an understatement. It is now essential to have some sort of web presence if you are in the business. All that said (here comes the shameless plugs), Roofbeam Records wants to get connected to you guys, as does Douglas Kent. If you are not already, you can become a fan of RB & Douglas Kent on Facebook, add us on MySpace (RB & DK), and follow us on Twitter (RB & DK). Please get connected to us in someway so we can update you on all the exciting things that are about to go down. If you are already, we thank you sincerely and ask you to pass us along. Douglas Kent is a tremendous musician with a ton of talent and the bigger the grass-roots following we can create, the more exposure Douglas Kent gets. Help us out.
To help other musicians & to introduce you to other artists you might not know, every week I will start posting some links and videos for you to check out. RB has no affiliation with these artists, just as fans trying to our part. And of course, keep hitting up the Douglas Kent MySpace to hear his stuff until the album is finished. We are so close! As always, if you have any suggestions on how to make RB more fan friendly or if you just want to past a link to another artist, that is good too. Well, that’s all for this week. ‘Til next time.
jmp
Do your ears a favor and listen to these harmonies. This song ends in a round. Just beautiful.
He is hilarious in concert. Check out the rest of his stuff, you'll love him.
One more, this is a guy named Joey Ryan from LA. Here is his MySpace. Check out "Broken Headlights."
Monday, October 19, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Support Live Music
There seems to be a misconception about how musicians make money at their craft. Billboard charts, iTunes top downloaded list, and the handing out of records made of different precious metals makes us believe that musicians make their living by selling albums and songs. This is simply not the case. Some artists can do well selling their albums, but that is not where they earn their buck. This may be odd information coming from a record label, but I am going to tell you like it is anyway- artists make their money from live shows.
This is how it works: a venue guarantees a musician or a band a certain number of dollars to come and perform. If it is a venue that sells tickets, there might be a percentage of the door. Other places might throw in a percentage of the bar for the hours they play, but, for the most part, they are guaranteed a certain amount of money to play at the venue. They get paid this amount regardless of whether 3 people show up or 30,000 show up. These “guarantees” are how musicians make there money.
So why put out an album? Artists put out albums to get people interested and familiar with their music so you will come to their shows. Most record labels take a huge percentage of the record sales from the artist, especially the major record labels. So, when an artist sells a million albums, he may only be getting $0.50 to $1, if that, for each album. That sounds like a lot of money, but selling a thousand albums is not easy, much less a million. That is why the guarantees of shows are so important. It is money the artist knows is coming in and can live off.
I tell you all this for a couple of reasons. First, I want everyone to know that Roofbeam Records is more about introducing new artists and helping musicians we believe in get started, more than it is about making money. I can say this because the percentage of sales RB takes is minuscule compared to the industry standard. So, when you buy an album, such as Douglas Kent’s “The Way I Am,” you are supporting this artist. The second reason I tell you this is to encourage you to go see your favorite musicians live. Concerts are fun and you get to interact with the musicians in a way you can’t through the radio or recording. The more people who go to a musician's concert, the easier it is for them to get more gigs, at least at that particular venue. You will see that from the top mainstream artists to the struggling musicians, they are getting gigs and performing live to have a career in music.
Check out http://www.roofbeamrecords.com/ or http://www.douglaskentmusic.com/ for dates and venues when Douglas Kent will be at a venue near you. It won’t be long before the album is done. I got to see the art work for the digipak today and it is fantastic. I will keep you update. ‘Til next time.
jmp
This is how it works: a venue guarantees a musician or a band a certain number of dollars to come and perform. If it is a venue that sells tickets, there might be a percentage of the door. Other places might throw in a percentage of the bar for the hours they play, but, for the most part, they are guaranteed a certain amount of money to play at the venue. They get paid this amount regardless of whether 3 people show up or 30,000 show up. These “guarantees” are how musicians make there money.
So why put out an album? Artists put out albums to get people interested and familiar with their music so you will come to their shows. Most record labels take a huge percentage of the record sales from the artist, especially the major record labels. So, when an artist sells a million albums, he may only be getting $0.50 to $1, if that, for each album. That sounds like a lot of money, but selling a thousand albums is not easy, much less a million. That is why the guarantees of shows are so important. It is money the artist knows is coming in and can live off.
I tell you all this for a couple of reasons. First, I want everyone to know that Roofbeam Records is more about introducing new artists and helping musicians we believe in get started, more than it is about making money. I can say this because the percentage of sales RB takes is minuscule compared to the industry standard. So, when you buy an album, such as Douglas Kent’s “The Way I Am,” you are supporting this artist. The second reason I tell you this is to encourage you to go see your favorite musicians live. Concerts are fun and you get to interact with the musicians in a way you can’t through the radio or recording. The more people who go to a musician's concert, the easier it is for them to get more gigs, at least at that particular venue. You will see that from the top mainstream artists to the struggling musicians, they are getting gigs and performing live to have a career in music.
Check out http://www.roofbeamrecords.com/ or http://www.douglaskentmusic.com/ for dates and venues when Douglas Kent will be at a venue near you. It won’t be long before the album is done. I got to see the art work for the digipak today and it is fantastic. I will keep you update. ‘Til next time.
jmp
Monday, October 5, 2009
Digipaks
Douglas Kent's album, "The Way I Am," coming this fall, is going to be released in digipak format. I know digipak is a funny word that you might not have heard before so let me tell you what it is and why Douglas Kent & RR chose it.
Most of us, when we think of purchasing a CD, think of the plastic case that opens like a book with the disc inserted on a black or clear plastic trey. A digipak is a different kind of packing. It is a gatefold (book-style) paperboard or card stock outer binding, with one or more plastic trays capable of holding a CD or DVD attached to the inside. It is a much more professional look. Digipaks were patented by AIG for several years with few companies in the nation holding licences to produce them. AIG just recently released the patent allowing all printing companies to produce their own "digipaks." The problem is that if the digipaks are not done correctly, you don't get the professional look you were wanting and the product you do get looks home made and, well, crappy. Roofbeam Records and Douglas Kent are going with a company out of Dallas that has had an AIG licence to make digipaks since their inception. This company produces for many mainstream & indie artists. We are very pleased with their customer service and are confident the quality that will be produced is going to be top notch.
Why digipaks? Douglas Kent and Roofbeam Records, after exploring the packaging options, determined that anyone who is going to purchase "The Way I Am" is going to get an all around high quality product. High quality in the music, sound, and packaging. We know that the music industry is changing and that many people prefer to download music from the Internet (NO PIRATING PLEASE) and the album is going to be available for digital download from many vendors, but if you purchase the physical product, we are going to make sure what you are getting is worth every penny in every way. We could have taken cheaper routes in packaging, but because Douglas Kent and Roofbeam cares for you guys we are going to give you the best we can.
I wanted to share this with you because 1) it wasn't until recently that I discovered all the different packaging options, so I wanted to share this "behind the scenes" part and 2) I wanted everyone to know the product you are getting will be first rate. Just because this is Dougals Kent's debut album and Roofbeam Records first release, we are not going to act or produce an amateur product.
Well, that is it for this week. Have a great week. Remember to keep checking the Roofbeam website, http://www.roofbeamrecords.com/, and the Douglas Kent website, http://www.douglaskentmusic.com/, for all the latest updates.
'Til next time.
jmp
Monday, September 28, 2009
Douglas Kent Q&A- Part 3 of 3
RB: Back to the process of making the album. We talked about what was the most difficult aspect, but what was the most fun part of making your first record?
Douglas Kent: My favorite part about making the record was that I got to work with my friends every day. I feel very fortunate to have had their expertise, input, and….sarcasm.
RB: As I understand it, many of your friends and roommates actually play on the album. Can you tell us about all the musicians who played on the album with you?
Douglas Kent: Mark Henne is playing drums on the record. He’s out of Phili, and is one of the best drummers around. He’s toured all over the country with numerous groups, and I’m fortunate to have him on board with me.
Morgan Patrick Thompson is playing bass and did most of the engineering for the album. I am so grateful to him for all of his tireless efforts, and the amazing bass playing that he added to every song. He’s truly one of the best bass players that people have never heard of…not for long though.
Geoff Queen…well what can I say? The guy is a bad ass. He’s a good friend of mine who used to play pedal steel for Bonnie Bishop and Sunny Sweeney, and he’s currently on the road with Seth James. For my record, he not only played the pedal steel, but also supplied his talents on the lead guitar, lap steel, dobro, and rhythm electric. He had so many great ideas that really added a lot to each track. Geoff really made a huge difference.
Shawn Dean played fiddle. Believe it or not, I actually met Shawn through Craigslist…and no, it wasn’t a missed connection. He was looking for a country singer, and I was looking for a fiddle player. Neither of us had any idea that, years later, we would be such good friends or that we’d still making music together. He’s an amazing player out of Twin Falls, Idaho, and he is well on his way to becoming one of the premier names in the world of country/bluegrass fiddle.
Brennen Leigh is also on the record. She sang with me on the song “Where Did the Good Times Go”. She is an amazing talent, and I am very lucky to have her incredible voice on my record. I would HIGHLY recommend getting her new album, “The Box” which she recorded at Cherry Ridge Studios with producer Tommy Detamore.
RB: To support the album, you and many of the musicians named will be playing all over the state. Playing shows is nothing new to you, though. So are there any shows that you have played in the past that are particularly memorable?
Douglas Kent: I recently performed at Austin’s annual Buck Owens Birthday Bash. It was really an honor to share a bill with SO many amazing musicians. Right before I started my performance, I looked around the stage, and realized that not only was I about to perform with some of my musical heroes, but these same guys are also personal friends with some of our country music icons...I think the whole room could tell that I was nervous, but I didn’t care. That was a great night, for me.
RB: One last question then we will let you go. When people come to see you play live, what can they expect?
Douglas Kent: I’ve been a fan of live music for my entire life. By this point, I know what I like, and I make sure that my shows are something that I would want to watch. When people come to see me, they can expect a rowdy, energetic performance that is laced with dancing songs and slow ballads….the shows are ALWAYS fun.
That was Douglas Kent everybody. His album “The Way I Am” comes out this fall. Make sure to stop by his home page, www.douglaskentmusic.com, and his MySpace page, http://www.myspace.com/douglaskent to hear live versions of some of the songs off the album and to find out when he is playing near you. You can also get this information at http://www.roofbeamrecords.com/Artists.html.
Til next time.
jmp
Douglas Kent: My favorite part about making the record was that I got to work with my friends every day. I feel very fortunate to have had their expertise, input, and….sarcasm.
RB: As I understand it, many of your friends and roommates actually play on the album. Can you tell us about all the musicians who played on the album with you?
Douglas Kent: Mark Henne is playing drums on the record. He’s out of Phili, and is one of the best drummers around. He’s toured all over the country with numerous groups, and I’m fortunate to have him on board with me.
Morgan Patrick Thompson is playing bass and did most of the engineering for the album. I am so grateful to him for all of his tireless efforts, and the amazing bass playing that he added to every song. He’s truly one of the best bass players that people have never heard of…not for long though.
Geoff Queen…well what can I say? The guy is a bad ass. He’s a good friend of mine who used to play pedal steel for Bonnie Bishop and Sunny Sweeney, and he’s currently on the road with Seth James. For my record, he not only played the pedal steel, but also supplied his talents on the lead guitar, lap steel, dobro, and rhythm electric. He had so many great ideas that really added a lot to each track. Geoff really made a huge difference.
Shawn Dean played fiddle. Believe it or not, I actually met Shawn through Craigslist…and no, it wasn’t a missed connection. He was looking for a country singer, and I was looking for a fiddle player. Neither of us had any idea that, years later, we would be such good friends or that we’d still making music together. He’s an amazing player out of Twin Falls, Idaho, and he is well on his way to becoming one of the premier names in the world of country/bluegrass fiddle.
Brennen Leigh is also on the record. She sang with me on the song “Where Did the Good Times Go”. She is an amazing talent, and I am very lucky to have her incredible voice on my record. I would HIGHLY recommend getting her new album, “The Box” which she recorded at Cherry Ridge Studios with producer Tommy Detamore.
RB: To support the album, you and many of the musicians named will be playing all over the state. Playing shows is nothing new to you, though. So are there any shows that you have played in the past that are particularly memorable?
Douglas Kent: I recently performed at Austin’s annual Buck Owens Birthday Bash. It was really an honor to share a bill with SO many amazing musicians. Right before I started my performance, I looked around the stage, and realized that not only was I about to perform with some of my musical heroes, but these same guys are also personal friends with some of our country music icons...I think the whole room could tell that I was nervous, but I didn’t care. That was a great night, for me.
RB: One last question then we will let you go. When people come to see you play live, what can they expect?
Douglas Kent: I’ve been a fan of live music for my entire life. By this point, I know what I like, and I make sure that my shows are something that I would want to watch. When people come to see me, they can expect a rowdy, energetic performance that is laced with dancing songs and slow ballads….the shows are ALWAYS fun.
That was Douglas Kent everybody. His album “The Way I Am” comes out this fall. Make sure to stop by his home page, www.douglaskentmusic.com, and his MySpace page, http://www.myspace.com/douglaskent to hear live versions of some of the songs off the album and to find out when he is playing near you. You can also get this information at http://www.roofbeamrecords.com/Artists.html.
Til next time.
jmp
Monday, September 21, 2009
Douglas Kent Q&A- Part 2 of 3
RB: Let’s talk about the album for a little bit. “The Way I Am” is being released this fall and it is your debut studio album. Since this is your first album, tell us what the recording process was like for you and what you found to be the most difficult aspect.
Douglas Kent: The process was an extremely challenging experience, but was well worth the effort and was a lot of fun! We always found reasons to smile and laugh, even when we were tired and frustrated. The most difficult part was the scheduling. Everyone had really busy schedules, and it was up to me to juggle everyone’s day-to-day in order to get the record finished.
RB: After going through the process, what about this album are you most excited about?
Douglas Kent: This album has been a long time coming. It’s been several years overdue. So, I’d have to say that I’m the most excited just to have a record out that I can be proud of…and I am definitely proud of this record.
RB: What do you want people who hear this album to know about it?
Douglas Kent: The album is titled, “The Way I Am” for a reason. Not only does every track represent a facet of my personality, but it also showcases the many reasons that I love country music.
RB: I know this would be like asking someone, “Which of your children do you love most?” but what is your favorite track or tracks on “The Way I Am?”
Douglas Kent: Hmmm…you’re right. That’s a tough decision to make. I’m proud of all the songs. Really, my favorite would change depending on my mood at any particular time, and that makes me happy because that was my goal with this record. I wanted to have a wide spectrum of songs that the listener could easily apply to multiple situations and personal emotions.
RB: I love the story behind the song “Blood on the Strings” (one on the fifteen songs off the upcoming album.) Can you share that story with the readers?
Douglas Kent: My very first official billing in Austin was at a bar, more like a shack, that was tucked away amongst a slew of warehouses and industrial shops. At the time I didn’t have a guitar of my own, so my dad drove down from Dallas to watch the show and to let me borrow his guitar. Apparently, I played my little 20 year-old heart out, because, by the end of my 30 minute set, I realized that I’d cut my finger and was bleeding profusely. After the music, and the bleeding, had stopped, I packed up the guitar, handed it back to my dad, and apologized for all the blood on the strings. He paused and said, “Blood on the strings, huh? That sounds like a good idea for a song.” I agreed. A few years, and five drafts, later, the song was finished.
To hear a live version of “Blood on the Strings,” and other tracks, head over to Douglas Kent’s MySpace page, http://www.myspace.com/douglaskent, or http://www.roofbeamrecords.com/Artists.html.
Check back next week for Part 3 of our Q&A with Douglas Kent to read more about the album and what to expect when you see Douglas Kent live.
jmp
Douglas Kent: The process was an extremely challenging experience, but was well worth the effort and was a lot of fun! We always found reasons to smile and laugh, even when we were tired and frustrated. The most difficult part was the scheduling. Everyone had really busy schedules, and it was up to me to juggle everyone’s day-to-day in order to get the record finished.
RB: After going through the process, what about this album are you most excited about?
Douglas Kent: This album has been a long time coming. It’s been several years overdue. So, I’d have to say that I’m the most excited just to have a record out that I can be proud of…and I am definitely proud of this record.
RB: What do you want people who hear this album to know about it?
Douglas Kent: The album is titled, “The Way I Am” for a reason. Not only does every track represent a facet of my personality, but it also showcases the many reasons that I love country music.
RB: I know this would be like asking someone, “Which of your children do you love most?” but what is your favorite track or tracks on “The Way I Am?”
Douglas Kent: Hmmm…you’re right. That’s a tough decision to make. I’m proud of all the songs. Really, my favorite would change depending on my mood at any particular time, and that makes me happy because that was my goal with this record. I wanted to have a wide spectrum of songs that the listener could easily apply to multiple situations and personal emotions.
RB: I love the story behind the song “Blood on the Strings” (one on the fifteen songs off the upcoming album.) Can you share that story with the readers?
Douglas Kent: My very first official billing in Austin was at a bar, more like a shack, that was tucked away amongst a slew of warehouses and industrial shops. At the time I didn’t have a guitar of my own, so my dad drove down from Dallas to watch the show and to let me borrow his guitar. Apparently, I played my little 20 year-old heart out, because, by the end of my 30 minute set, I realized that I’d cut my finger and was bleeding profusely. After the music, and the bleeding, had stopped, I packed up the guitar, handed it back to my dad, and apologized for all the blood on the strings. He paused and said, “Blood on the strings, huh? That sounds like a good idea for a song.” I agreed. A few years, and five drafts, later, the song was finished.
-----------------------------------------------------------
To hear a live version of “Blood on the Strings,” and other tracks, head over to Douglas Kent’s MySpace page, http://www.myspace.com/douglaskent, or http://www.roofbeamrecords.com/Artists.html.
Check back next week for Part 3 of our Q&A with Douglas Kent to read more about the album and what to expect when you see Douglas Kent live.
jmp
Monday, September 14, 2009
Douglas Kent Q&A- Part 1 of 3
RB: Here he is, with his first album coming out this fall- “The Way I Am”- the man himself, Douglas Kent. Let’s get right into it. We’ll start real basic. What is it about country music that you love?
Douglas Kent: It cuts through the B.S. We’ve all got a little red-neck in us, and country music celebrates that fact. Every once in a while though, you hear a country song that will cross genres and take your breath away. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does…damn, it feels good.
RB: Some people may not know this, but you are not a typical country song writer. Unlike many country artists, you don’t write a lot of love songs, so where does the inspiration for the music come from if not love?
Douglas Kent: My inspiration comes from my life. I’m not gonna write songs filled with a bunch of B.S. Some songs are fictional…Some are autobiographical…but regardless, I’m not gonna lie about who I am, what I do, or how I feel.
RB: I am guessing that is what you look for in other musicians. Well, you and everyone else knew this question was coming, so let’s hit you with it early: who are your musical influences?
Douglas Kent: Oh, the eternal question…I’m never very good at answering this, but I’ll see what I can do. I’d definitely have to say Jason Boland, Willie Nelson, and John Prine, just to name a few. I’m sure there are more, but those are the ones that come to mind first.
RB: What is it about these guys that connect and inspire you?
Douglas Kent: They are honest. Even if the songs are fictional, the delivery is real…it makes the music honest.
RB: One more general question about you then we will discuss the album, “The Way I Am”- which comes out this fall everybody. As a hard working musician, you must need a break? What sort of things do you do to take a break from music?
Douglas Kent: I’m a simple guy. All I need is a dirty honky-tonk, a cold Lone Star, and a pretty girl. That’s all it takes to make me happy.
Check back next Monday for Part 2 of the Douglas Kent interview to read an interesting story about one of the songs off "The Way I Am" and to hear more about the upcoming album. As always, you can get more Douglas Kent at http://www.douglaskentmusic.com/ or at http://www.roofbeam records.com/.
If you have any questions you would like to ask or say to Douglas Kent, please leave a comment. We would love to hear your thoughts.
jmp
Douglas Kent: It cuts through the B.S. We’ve all got a little red-neck in us, and country music celebrates that fact. Every once in a while though, you hear a country song that will cross genres and take your breath away. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does…damn, it feels good.
RB: Some people may not know this, but you are not a typical country song writer. Unlike many country artists, you don’t write a lot of love songs, so where does the inspiration for the music come from if not love?
Douglas Kent: My inspiration comes from my life. I’m not gonna write songs filled with a bunch of B.S. Some songs are fictional…Some are autobiographical…but regardless, I’m not gonna lie about who I am, what I do, or how I feel.
RB: I am guessing that is what you look for in other musicians. Well, you and everyone else knew this question was coming, so let’s hit you with it early: who are your musical influences?
Douglas Kent: Oh, the eternal question…I’m never very good at answering this, but I’ll see what I can do. I’d definitely have to say Jason Boland, Willie Nelson, and John Prine, just to name a few. I’m sure there are more, but those are the ones that come to mind first.
RB: What is it about these guys that connect and inspire you?
Douglas Kent: They are honest. Even if the songs are fictional, the delivery is real…it makes the music honest.
RB: One more general question about you then we will discuss the album, “The Way I Am”- which comes out this fall everybody. As a hard working musician, you must need a break? What sort of things do you do to take a break from music?
Douglas Kent: I’m a simple guy. All I need is a dirty honky-tonk, a cold Lone Star, and a pretty girl. That’s all it takes to make me happy.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Check back next Monday for Part 2 of the Douglas Kent interview to read an interesting story about one of the songs off "The Way I Am" and to hear more about the upcoming album. As always, you can get more Douglas Kent at http://www.douglaskentmusic.com/ or at http://www.roofbeam records.com/.
If you have any questions you would like to ask or say to Douglas Kent, please leave a comment. We would love to hear your thoughts.
jmp
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Roofbeam Records First Artist- Douglas Kent
Roofbeam Records is proud to introduce its first recording artist- Douglas Kent. Douglas Kent is a Texas country singer based out of Austin, TX. I am very excited about the opportunity to work with him. Douglas Kent has been working hard in the studio all summer long on his debut album that is set to release in early October. You can hear some live versions of a few of the tracks that will be on the album, as well as, check on his touring dates at his myspace page: www.myspace.com/douglaskent. Also, visit his website, http://www.douglaskentmusic.com/, to sign up for his mailing list and read his latest thoughts from the studio. On the left sidebar you can also find his twitter and facebook links. Look for a Q&A post with Douglas Kent coming soon.
jmp
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