Before The Music Ends: 9.23.09

When is it too much?

What takes a local joe blow from being another guy in a local band to an international rock star is not the amount of bling hanging from his neck, or the number of tattoos on each arm. It's the fans. Without the fans, they are nothing, a bunch of nobodys. But where do they cross that line from being a devoted fan to become more?

Having been in this industry for a while, I've seen all kinds of fans. And depending on who it is, I fit different kinds of fans. However, I had an encounter with some mega uber fans this past weekend that made me rethink the way we define what a "fan" really is. Having scored two second row tickets to the sold out The Killers' show in Las Vegas, we were surrounded by "victims", the most exclusive and most hardcore of fans of this group. Now, I consider myself to be a HUGE fan of The Killers, but I would never pay to join a club that takes your money in return for some sort of validation that you could maybe be of some importance to a group that already makes millions. But hey, thats just me. One girl had the audacity to try to push my sister out of the way because it was her last The Killers' show on her mini tour-- meaning this girl had been going to every single show for the last two weeks, and sadly it was coming to an end. Sorry, little victim, but you're not going to get any sympathy from me; this was my sisters' first Killers concert, and this was my one and only show of their tour. I just simply had more important things, like a life, to do than to blow $1000 bucks to see the same show 10 times.

So, does it make me less of a fan if I'm not out chasing a tour bus or checking my twitter every 2.3 seconds to see if the guys have tweeted their exact location? No. But it makes me think about why I am a fan. Let's face it, the Killers are not known for their existentialist lyrics, but rather far from it (i.e., somebody told me you had a girlfriend that looks like a boyfriend that i had in february of last year... what?? huh??) They are a fun and entertaining group. They put on a hell of a killer show (no pun intended), and I pride myself in knowing that I've seen them develop as artists. Yes, and Brandon Flowers is one sexy mo-fo.

But then I look at myself as a fan of someone like, say, Springsteen. What he stands for, and what he sings about, combined with his talent as a musician and as an artist makes him the ultimate artist to me. Yet, i still wouldn't travel the world to watch him perform the same 1.5 hour long set 17 times. What differentiates me from the "victims" of the music world is that I live for listening to the messages that these people put across, and for the once in a lifetime experience that I get from every tour. Had I seen the Killers the same amount of times as any of those people at the show would have, for me, taken away from the magic that is to see your favorite performer on stage. So, I will apologize to the girl in front of me who was upset I called her ridiculous for twittering every song they performed and for having seen them 8 times in the last week, but, call me a bitch, or call me a snob, music and the performance of it, tends to have somewhat of a bigger significance to me. (I know, I'm going to get a lecture from our wonderful editor in chief, and uber Britney stalker for this one... but we still love him!)

Music for the week:

Two things I am BEYOND obsessed with. One track of the week, and one album of the week.

1) Track of the week is The Bravery's new single, Slow Poison, which makes me just want to wear my tightest skinny jeans, bright red lipstick, and head to the trendiest hipster spot and break out in an 80s dance. Enjoy!

2) Album of the week: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart's self titled Debut. Think late 1980s-early 1990s new wave pop-punk-grunge. Think The Smiths, Sleepyhead, and everything in between. New Wave is coming back, or as I call the the second wave. I hope you are all as obsessed with this record as I am!

Before The Music Ends: 9.16.09

I've known exactly what I wanted this post to be about since the last post, The Breakup Playlist. However getting down to it has been quite an ordeal since a playlist generally consists of about 22-25 songs...

We're just around the corner from the official end of summer. Our white pants are pushed to the back of the closet to bring them back next Memorial Day. The BBQs are being given a rest, and the snack shacks at the beach are shutting down until next summer.... I always hate this time of year. It's the end of concert season, and the beginning of a long period of hopelessly waiting for it to come back. However, its also a good time to look back at some of the best music released that year. There's just something about summer music that feels so... summery. What makes a great summer playlist is having songs that bring back those memories of laying on the beach, driving across country on vacation, or simply being lazy by the pool. The point is, it reminds us of the great moments we had that summer. To create this playlist (which has been in the works for quite some time) I simply looked at my ipod to the most played playlist, then combined it with my favorite radio stations and websites. I took all the songs that were in common... my original play list at first had about 85 songs. After deciding and redeciding and rewriting a million times, I finally compiled the perfect

The Men's Fashion Blog Official Summer 2009 Playlist:

1. Crystal Antlers- Andrew

2. Gayblades- O Shot

3. Hearts Revolution- Ultraviolence

4. LaRoux- In For The Kill

5. Of Montreal- For Our Elegant Castle

6. Phoenix- 1901

7. Spinerette- Ghetto Love

8. Stardeath and the White Dwarfs- I Can't Get Away

9. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- The Tenure Itch or Higher Than The Sun (Couldn't pick one!)

10. The Softpack- Brightside

11. White Rabbits- Percussion Gun

12. Iglu & Hartley- In This City

13. Owl City- Fireflies

14. Passionpit- Sleepy Head

15. The Tough Alliance- NeoViolence

16. Empire of The Sun- Walking on a Dream

17. The Bravery- Slow Poison

18. Air France- No Excuses

19. Metric- Help! I'm Alive

20. The Drums- I Felt Stupid

21. White Lies- Death (Crystal Castles Remix)

*Note: I've highlighted in RED my favorite songs of the summer!

Enjoy!!!!

If you have any suggestions, comments, or additions, feel free to email me at Dalit@themensfashionblog.com

Before The Music Ends: 8.25.09

I've been moving around in the last week from city to city (hello Los Angeles!) and amidst all the packing, I came across remnants of my late high school years and early college years. There were pictures, diaries, notes from friends, ticket stubs, and lists I had been compiling over the years for CD mixes that I had planned to make.  So, I've decided to go ahead and finish my lists, look them over, and narrow them down to bring you a weekly playlist of songs to listen to for any given occasion. This week we're starting with the dreaded, yet highly entertaining list to research.... The Break Up Mix.

One of the reason I got into music in the first place is because of it really is universal. Name any emotion, and I guarantee you there is a song somewhere that will help you get passed it, or simply describe exactly what you're feeling. Music is something that people can always fall back on as a support system. I'm choosing to start with The Break Up Mix because a breakup is something that everyone goes through at some point. And during that time (assuming you were the dumped) you feel alone, sad, depressed, and like no one understands what you're feeling. Chances are, you're also asking yourself "why me?" and "will I ever survive this?" or something along those lines. Well guess what?!? Turn on the radio. You're not alone!! Did you know that songs about relationships ending account for about 70% of the music out there? Just a little trivia for you.  Someone somewhere has already gone through what you're going through and has decided to turn it into music for you to listen to when you need to get all those tears out, or when you want to feel angry at the asshole (or bitch) that left you, or when you're simply reminiscing. During breakups, some people fall into their Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream modes, or sappy chick flicks like The Notebook... I choose to make a mixtape (CD, playlist... whatever theyre called these days). So here is my list. There are PLENTY more I have on there, but I can only write so many... Feel free to add your comments and suggestions.. I'm always looking for new songs to add to my mix!!

Don't Think Twice,  It's Alright- Bob Dylan

   "I'm walking down that long, lonesome road, babe. Where I'm bound, I can't tell. But goodbye's too good of a word, gal. So I'll just say fare thee well. I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind. You could have done better, but I don't mind. You just kinda wasted my precious time. But don't think twice, it's alright."

Last Goodbye- Jeff Buckley

   "Well this is our last embrace. Must I dream and always see your face? Why can't we overcome this wall? Baby, maybe it's just because I didn't know you at all"Somebody That I Used To Know- Elliot Smith

   "I had tender feelings that you made hard. But its your heart, not mine, thats scarred. So when I go home, I'll be happy to go. You're just somebody that I used to know"

You're ExLover is Dead- Stars

   "There's one thing I want to say, so I'll be brave. You were what I wanted. I gave what I gave. I'm not sorry I met you, I'm not sorry it's over. I'm not sorry there's nothing to save"

Walk Away- Ben Harper

   "They say time will make all this go away. But it's time that has taken my tomorrows and turned them into yesterdays"

I Wanted You To Feel The Same- The Radio Dept.

   "It breaks my heart to say that when I was in pain, I wanted you to feel the same. But nothing gets you really, it's a shame. Can't believe you didn't feel a thing"

Skinny Love- Bon Iver

   "I told you to be patient. I told you to be fine. I told you to be balanced. I told you to be kind. And in the morning I'll be with you, but it'll be a different 'kind'"

The Fight Song- The Appleseed Cast

   "We're finding fault, when you kissed her, or you slept with him, or you didn't care. Now it all breaks, disintegrates. Well this is the last thing I'll take, cause I can't face you now."

Shespider- Mew

   "In right wing fashion with paste and generosity because no one is safe from someone, somewhere's embrace, and so I have decided to dislike you now."

Kill- Jimmy Eat World

   "I can't help it, baby, this is who I am. Sorry, but I can't just go turn off how I feel. You kill me, you build me up, but just to watch me break. I know what I should do, but I just can't walk away."

Don't Come Around Here No More- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

   "I've given up. Stop. You tangled my emotions. I've given up, honey. Please admit its over. Don't come around here no more"

With or Without You- U2

   "My hands are tied. My body bruised, she's got me with nothing to win and nothing to lose"

It's Cool, We Can Still Be Friends- Bright Eyes

   "And you say that I hurt you, in a voice like a prayer. Yeah, well maybe I hurt you sometimes, but let's contrast and compare. Lift up your shirt. The wound isn't there"

Go Your Own Way- Fleetwood Mac

   "If I could, then I would give you my world. How can I? When you won't take it from me"

And others...

- Sometime Around Midnight- Airborne Toxic Event

- How's It Gonna Be- Third Eye Blind

- Backyard- Guster

- Boo- Pinback

- Hope You're Happy Now- The Sounds

- Song For The Dumped- Ben Folds Five (hilarious!)

- It'll All Work Out- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

- It Ain't Me, Babe- Bob Dylan

- The Winner Takes All- ABBA

- I've Been Loving You Too Long- Otis Redding

And I have to end my list with The Killers'- "Mr Brightside" simply because I WAS Mr. Brightside and the song describes it for me perfectly.

So go ahead... comment your own picks... becuase I know there's more out there that I forgot! And in the meantime I'll leave you with a cool song by an awesome new band called White Rabbits... "Percussion Gun" There's no way this song can't cheer you up after going through all those breakup songs!

Dalit

dalit@themensfashionblog.com

Before The Music Ends: 8.12.09

Being the music buff that I am, one of the constant things I get asked is, "where do you get all your new music from?" If you take a look at my i-pod and my CD collection (yes, I do still buy CDs), most of the stuff I have is underground music or literally, barely up and coming musicians- musicians that have a demo or an EP to their name. Well I thought I'd be nice for once, and let you all in on my daily life of scanning the internet. I live by certain websites (as I hope you will one day live by what I write) that I read and re-read every day. Through these websites comes new music, new artists, and new ideas. So take notes by little butterflies:

My Top 8 Music Websites (In No Particular Order):
1. All Music- This website is dedicated to giving you all the information you could possibly want regarding any musician, group, composer, writer, producer, you name it. There is a full biography, full discography (by both albums and songs), credits, and any awards they have received. While this site is really dedicated to the information about a particular person or group, every now and then brand new music pops up. I use this website to look at upcoming album release dates and such.

2. Hypebot- Quite possibly my favorite blog, but I can only assume that most of you will just find this one boring. This one is one that I consider my bible as it relays up to the minute information about all music industry information. Whether livenation decides to merge with Ticketmaster, or whether Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls made $10,000 in one night via Twitter... all that is in this lovely little blog. There is even a community network you can join where you begin to network with people from all aspects of the community to give each other advice, suggestions, etc. If you're really into whats going on in the business side of the industry, then this site is for you.

3. Pollstar- This website is the free version of Pollstarpro.com, which is a magazine/website used for industry professionals in the concert aspects. The free version just gives up the minute details on all concerts going on around the world. Its a bit hard to get your concert dates added if you are a brand new musician, since this website is regulated by major booking and promotion companies, but it still serves a great purpose for the rest of us out there who just want to know the next time Bruce Springsteen will be in town!!!

4. Stereogum- Ahhh! Now here's one you're sure to be interested in. This website dedicates itself to all things indie and alternative. This includes news on upcoming projects and upcoming bands. But the best part about this website is that it has daily free downloads that are completely and legally free!! Keep in mind that this is still indie music, so if you're looking for something that sounds like Katy Perry, Britney Spears, or Akon, then you're better off heading over to MTV.com. 

5. Pitchfork- This, my friends, is the go-to website when it comes to ANYTHING underground or indie. Pitchfork does have the reputation of being the leading new independent music website, but it also has the reputation of being the biggest snob about music. Getting music reviewed by Pitchfork can be one of the highest honors (if you even get them to look at your demo, be honored then too), but they also have the ability to tear you to pieces. Their reviews and articles are superb, and you must have the patience and humor to deal with the things these writers say. But hey, through Pitchfork I discovered some of my now favorite bands (Bon Iver, M85, Animal Collective). While you can't download mp3s from here, they do have a player with their picks of the best new music, most of which I can guarantee you won't ever have heard. Swing by, I think you'll be impressed.

6. New Music Tip Sheet- This website is great to stay on top of upcoming releases, TV listings, and news. This is directed more towards the general population and mainstream music realm, but it does what it is supposed to do, and it has become a tool for the industry to look into music placement as well. For all of you who couldn't find your music at Stereogum or Pitchfork, you may just find it here.

7. Artist Rise- Okay, so as a manager to a local band, I LOOOOOOOVE this site. This in a way, is sort of like pollstar, only for up and coming artists. While for the time being, this is directed towards the Los Angeles and New York music scenes, it is a great way to see what new artists are playing where. Artist Rise is sort of like a facebook or myspace, except that once a profile is created (whether your an artist, band, venue, booker, promoter), you use your profile to network and get gigs. 

8. Crazed Hits- So this technically is another industry site, but don't worry. This could potentially be the best website to find completely unknown music. It is an industry A&R website which takes unsigned bands or artists, places their music on this website, and distributes it to labels, publishing, other a&r agents, etc. Through this site, a virtually unknown artist has the chance to become the next Justin Timberlake (horrible analogy, but I thought I'd talk in simpler terms). For example, some of the artists that were featured on this site before they were signed to major labels are: Katy Perry, Iglu & Hartly, Drake, LMFAO, and a tons others. 

So there you have it... my top 8 websites that I go to daily as both a music fan and music manager. But there are hundreds more that can tell you about upcoming music. Just one word of advice, you may be overwhelmed over just how much new music is out there. Myspace helped for a while in this area, but new blogs are taking over, and they are wayyyyy better.

Happy Searching!

Dals

Before The Music Ends: 8.9.09

Before I get into my post, which is long overdue, I have to start off with a quick HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our awesome blog editor Farzad... yes, he is one year older and I highly suggest you bombard his email with reminders of him getting old and crusty! It's been a while, but I'm back from vacation with lots of things to write about: concert reviews, music reviews, new music, and my usual ramblings. But I don't want to bore you so I'll stick to my review of the weekend concerts here in San Diego. One thing I did discover on my travels throughout Spain.... I realized just how much I hate techno/trance/house music. Sorry.

As I get ready to make my big move from San Diego to Los Angeles in the next week, I decided to spend my last weekend checking out tons of shows. To start off: The Airborne Toxic Event at the Del Mar Racetrack. Now, every year after the races, an artist or band perform in the middle of the racetrack. This year though, they moved it to the courtyard, which makes for less space for people filled with obstacles (fountains, bushes, etc), but also makes for a better sound. The band went on stage to a crowd of about 500 people and they rocked!! They played most of their self titled debut album including their very first single Does This Mean You're Moving On? and the current chart toppers Sometime Around Midnight and Wishing Well. They did a cover of The Smiths and with lead singer Mikel Jollet's vocals, he sounded very close to Morrissey on This Charming Man. Here's whats cool about this band; aside from the traditional ensemble of drums, guitar, bass, and vocals, they also have a classically trained violinist, Anna Bulbrook, who is just breathtaking all around. If you haven't heard of these guys (and girl) I HIGHLY suggest you do, as they were named by Rolling Stone Magazine one of the top 25 bands of 2006. Another highlight of the weekend was the No Doubt Reunion show. I'm going to say this even at the risk of being murdered by fans, I'm not a big No Doubt fan. I'm what I call a whatever fan. But I will say that they do put on a fantastic show, not to mention that Gwen Stefani has the best abs I've ever seen! My main focus at this show was the opening act, The Sounds. They are one of my favorite bands around, and I really do consider them to be the new Blondie. Maja, the lead singer is one of my rockstar hero(ine)s and although they only played 5 songs off their new album, Crossing the Rubicon, and 2 from their first, Living in America. I can not wait for their headlining tour this fall. The second opening act was none other than Panic! At The Disco... or whats left of them. Since Ryan Ross leaving the band, there seems to be a void to what Panic used to be. Ross was the brains behind the band, having written both the lyrics and the music. Brandon Urie is still singing away and continues to be the face of the band, but he just doesn't have IT anymore. His voice was pretty bad last night. I hate to say it, but its true. It's like he can't go as high as he used to, which marked his signature singing style, and he would crack and trail off. There were points where my friends and I would look at each other and go... what....?? It is with a heavy heart (lol) that I say that this seems to be the end of Panic! At The Disco. They had a sophomore slump with their second album, trying too hard to be the new Beatles (it aint gonna happen boys!) and now with Ross out of the picture, there just doesn't seem to be anywhere for them to go from here. Sorry all you tweens who are probably crying your eyes out.

I also attended the North Park Music Thing, but I will not bore you on all the amazing panels I sat through and all the information I got- if you want to know anything about the panels and information about the industry, email me dalit@themensfashionblog.com. But I will say that Dynamite Walls, a local San Diego band, performed and although they played a random set (2:00 pm in the close to empty beer garden), the few people that were there seemed to have enjoyed it tremendously. I am using this as my transition into this week's new music obsession: Dynamite Walls. They formed in 2006 and are lead by Tom Pritchard who also serves as the songwriter. These guys take what they do seriously, making music their entire life. And it shows with their music, as well as when you watch them perform. I've had the priviledge of watching them several times around town, and once as a band I once worked with, War Stories, opened for them at the Beauty Bar. Their songs are a blend of happy songs that make you laugh ("Sold drugs to pay the rent.... I made a fortune") to songs that describe the hopelessness of the American life. I'm sitting tight waiting for these guys to blow up, I really am. So because of that, I'm including the video for their song "Kiss & Ride"... enjoy and love it like I do.



I have TONS of stuff the write about this week, so keep checking in... this was the sunday night/weekend update, so this week you'll be getting a SHIT TON of new music for your lovely little ears.

Keep on Rockin'

Dals

Hello Readers.

I'm very happy to announce that we now have another fantastic writer working with us. Please join me in welcoming our Fashionable Foodie, Matt Gelabert. Matt will be enticing your tastebuds with posts about food trends, restaurant reviews and such. Remember, we strongly encourage comments! We want to know what you think. To contact Matt, email him at matt@themensfashionblog.com

You can reach the rest of our writers at:

Music - dalit@themensfashionblog.com

Special Features - joey@themensfashionblog.com

Contributor- Jess - icingblog@gmail.com, therestisjusticing.com

Thanks!

-Farzad

farzad@themensfashionblog.com

Before The Music Ends: 07.12.09

Sincerely Yours

So as I do on a normal Sunday night, I get online to look for new music. By "new music" I mean music that I haven't come across yet. Plenty of times I actually find a band or artists that I absolutely love and it turns out that they've been around for ever. In my last post, my music obsession was from a band from Sweden called The Tough Alliance (hereafter, TTA). I decided to start with them to look for similar music; turns out TTA has been around since the 90s! Using them as my starting point, I decided to go for their record label. (Quick tip: once you have one or two artists you like from a certain label, I suggest you go look at the label catalogue for new music... chances are its the same style)

Sincerely Yours is the record label home to The Tough Alliance as well as a few other bands that to me is of utmost importance that you check out. Don't worry, I'll post the songs so that you don't have to look for it. That's how much I love you. Facts about the label are pretty scarce; it is a bit of a mysteriously label but nonetheless, its artists are SURE to break into the underground indie scene. After much research, all I was able to gather about Sincerely Yours is that it is a label based in Sweden and that apparently its talent has so many followers that their boutique selling all their t-shirts and merchandise are almost entirely sold out... I tried to get myself a shirt. However, here's what I have to say about the bands:

1. JJ- Equally as mysterious as its label. However, this Swedish duo do an awesome job at taking mainstream hits, usually hip hop songs, and entirely rewording them and coming out with this lounge-meets-underwater-club type of music. Their first single, which has yet to be released in the U.S. is called "Ecstasy" and the background of the entire song is none other than the famous car alarm songs of Lil Wayne's "Lollipop". Only, be sure to listen carefully because the words are not at all what you think! And yes, I just learned that the beat of "lollipop" really was made from car alarms. I'm posting the original Lil Wayne video BUT with the JJ song... check it out.. its fun, simple, and makes for a killer new summer song (Lil Wayne's version is soooooo 2008).

2. Air France- This band has got to be my favorite on the label by far. While I read in different reviews that they can be considered "pure bubble foam pop", I can't seem to label them in any way. All I can say about this band is that I picture them as my perfect soundtrack to a looooooooong road trip from coast to coast. Very few bands that I come across have the ability to let the listener imagine their own scenery with music, but Air France happens to do just that. Its ambiguity lets the listener make whatever he or she wants. Even Pitchfork.com (my snobby, indie music bible) named them as one of the Best New Music of 2009... thats how good they are!

So I can't really add a new music obsession without saying that these two new bands that partner up with The Tough Alliance are hands down this weeks music obsession. Check out those videos, and be sure to tell me if you love it or hate it. i'll try not to cry if you don't like it.

The labels website is www.sincerelyyours.se but don't get your hopes up. It's very vague. I suggest you stick to www.pitchfork.com for any news on these bands

Til next time, remember to Keep Rockin'!

Dalit@themensfashionblog.com

Before The Music Ends: 07.10.09

Are we too Incubated?

Last night was the San Diego show on the Incubus tour. In terms of this band, I like to consider myself a "whatever fan"; I don't particularly dislike the band, but I don't like them enough to get their records. Makes sense, right? However, being the concert junkie that I am, it was hard to pass up some last minute free tickets to Incubus... why not?? Incubus is one of the lasting grunge/rock bands since the 90s, so here's the wrap up of the show.

For starters, Brandon Boyd still has the innate ability to make girls scream and squeal. I'll admit, I'm somewhat of a sucker for my skinny rockers with half sleeves. Before the show got started, on the big jumbotrons were ads being displayed, but underneath were text messages people were submitting, scrolling on the bottom of the screen. For the small fee of a regular text message, you sent in your message, and it would appear before the hundreds (yeah, at first it was pretty dead) of fans. Some were funny, others were inappropriate, there were the "Mike was here" texts, but the majority read along the lines of "Brandon Boyd have my babies!" I left a little disappointed that my text was never shown... As the opening band started playing, The Duke Spirit from San Diego, it was a little worrisome that the pit had about 100 people tops and the seats nowhere near half filled. My instant thought: damn recession is affecting these concerts. I later came to the conclusion that the opening band was boring and "blah" and thats why it was dead. 

When Incubus finally got on stage, the sun had already set and luckily the entire places was filled up; the pit was full, the seats were filled, and above me the lawn was covered in blankets and lawnchairs. The economy is no match for Incubus fans. Boyd came on stage to a plethora of howls and screams of girls who looked and sounded like they were willing to kill for him. Opening up with "Pardon Me" was a good choice. The set was simple; they had a giant screen behind them that changed colors with every song, and occasionally random clips popped up. At times, the crowd sang louder than the band which was impressive considering that the crowd consisted of too many 15 year olds. By far, their best performance was "Megalomaniac", which had the crowd jumping along, singing along, and even I threw up my fists a couple of times. 

The encore was a disappointed. After they played their "last song", which was I Wish You Were Here, they disappeared, but reappeared 5 minutes later to play two more songs. They were BORING!! Maybe its because I'm not a fan, but they chose to play two slow songs and then disappear for good. The only good thing that came from that was watching the chick next to me dance as if she was in a belly dance competition.

All in all, I have some tips for Incubus and their tour managers:

1.  Brandon Boyd, if you're going to wear a wifebeater, make sure it fits. 

2. Only the stage speakers were on. The rest of the amphitheater speakers needed to also be on. The wind kept blowing the sound and I'd say half of the show sounded muffled.

3. NO ONE WANTS TO PAY $10 FOR THREE CHICKEN TENDERS. 

4. Don't EVER end with two slow songs. You should have ended with "Wish You Were Here" instead.

Would I recommend and Incubus show to others? Yeah. If you're an Incubus fan. While they do have stage presence, it's nothing exciting. I feel like this show was meant for those fans who were genuinely there for the Incubus music and didnt care about the stage and all the extra stuff.... for me, if I'm paying for a show... I want a show. But, the guys still have it, there's no denying it, and theres no better feeling than watching a live band on a warm summer night under a full moon... that alone is worth my $1o chicken tenders.

MUSIC OBSESSION:

THE TOUGH ALLIANCE- "Neo-Violence". Very Electro-pop with a Carribean feel to it... what? don't ask. just listen.

Stay Rockin'!

Remember to Email me for ANY AND ALL comments! dalit@themensfashionblog.com

Before The Music Ends. 06.11.09

I've missed a few days, but no worries... I'm back! Starting your own business is hard work, but hey, it's gotta be done! I usually look forward to summer because its the season of music. Well, okay, every season is the season of music, but summer tends to be when more artists and bands tour, come together for festivals, and all around,the industry wakes up. I live for these festivals because it's always a great deal to pay a set price for a few days of nonstop music, and usually that includes plenty of the bands you've been wanting to see play together in the same festival. Some of them are pricey, but there are other ones that can be pretty fairly priced, and even sometimes free! So, if you've been thinking of attending a festival, here's your quick guide to the best music festivals around:

Technically still Spring, Coachella tends to be what kicks off my summer. Coachella Valley Arts and Music Festival is a three day indie music festival that generally has acts from the rock, hip hop and electronic. One of the key things of this festival is that they like to bring bands to reunite here. Previous years have seen a Jane's Addiction, Rage Against The Machine, Souxie and the Banshees reunions, as well as Roger Waters of Pink Floyd and Paul McCartney this year. Tickets for the three day festival run $269, or $99/day. It does get pretty pricey when you consider where you'll stay (I camped for $50 all three days!), food and water, which in the 110 degree whether is absolutely necessary and can run at about $8 a bottle! As pricey as it is, it is definitely worth it. Where else can you catch over 150 bands play throughout the day, catch some great art sculptures and interact with 160,000 people? It's definitely something NOT to be missed. www.coachella.com

The Bonnaroo Arts and Music Festival is one that I haven't yet attended but am DYING to go (and no, not only because my love Bruce Springsteen is headlining) and was called by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2008 as the "best over the top summer festival". This festival ranges from 4 to 5 days, and the genre of the acts is broader with acts in indie rock, rock, hip hop, bluegrass, american and many more styles. This festival takes place on a 500 + acre farm in Tennessee and includes a crafts fair, as well as free activities for the attendees to do like silent karaoke, comedy clubs, and independent film screenings. This year, the festival is four days and tickets are reasonably priced at $275.00 with campsites and RV parking sites available. This one for the price is sure the be the big bang for your buck, and if any of you can make it out tomorrow, I guarantee you'll have a great time! www.bonnaroo.com

Another of my favorites is the Mile High Music Festival is located outside of Denver, Colorado. Its a two days festival that is priced at $162 for 2 day passes, or $90 per day, or even the great Carpool deal which at $650 includes 4 2-day passes and special carpool parking, which saves you A LOT on parking alone! This year's headliners are Widespread Panic, The Fray, and Tool with other artists include 3OH!3, Matt Nathanson, India.Arie, The Black Keys, Thievery Corporation and many more. This show takes place on July 17 and 18, and I think its one thats definitely worth checking out. www.milehighmusicfestival.com

Since I cannot unfortunately take up the entire page to tell you wonderful readers about all the festivals, I'm going to leave you with the websites of others that I strongly suggest you look at, at the bottom of the page... you will most likely catch me at some of these! For now, the current music obsession HAS to be Placebo's "For What It's Worth" off their new album Battle of the Sun on Vagrant Records. Just like only Placebo can do, the song has the goth-glam-rock with lyrics that steer away from the rainbows and flowers, "For What It's Worth, I Nearly Died. I Have a Slow Disease That Sucked Me Dry". Check out the video to the song... and love it! Placebo- "For What It's Worth"

Dalit's crazy playlist: today it's very jumbled up, but i can tell you that its exactly what played in that order on my ride to the gas station!

1. California Uber Allies- Dead Kennedys

2. Wishing Well- The Airborne Toxic Event

3. Knocked Up- Kings of Leon

4. In Love With Myself- David Guetta

5. It's Alright- 311

Other Festivals:

www.lollapalooza.com www.allpointswest.com www.austincitylimits.com www.bumbershoot.com www.bamboozle.com www.stagecoach.com www.outsidelands.com www. pitchforkmusicfestival.com www.street-scene.com www.summerfest.com www.burningman.com www.warpedtour.com

Stay Rockin'!

-Dalit

dalit@themensfashionblog.com

Before the Music Ends. 06.08.09

Dalit @ N.A.R.M.

Yesterday marked the kickoff the annual National Association of Recording Merchandisers, and I just had to be there. Let me just clear this up that it was not just a convention to bring together all members of the industry, but rather it was a convention featuring labels, artists, distributors and retailers to discuss music content delivery. What this means is with the industry changing dramatically now, music distribution has also changed, and as we turn into a more digital society, the industry is working hard to see just how we can monetize off it. This convention runs through Wednesday June 10, but seeing as how I am not an established industry professional (yet), I was unable to attend to rest of the convention, but was able to go to the Crash Course yesterday.

If there is anybody out there that is interested in getting into this business, this was the place to be, but if you couldn’t make it, I am more than happy to share what I learned. Rick Bengloff of A2IM and Ted Cohen of TAG did an amazing job of moderating the panelists consisting of major distributors, label execs, retailers, etc. and the attendees were engaged and interactive. I am the kind of person who researches EVERYTHING to make sure I know what is going on, and I walked in thinking that I knew enough of the basics of the industry and that this would only serve as a refresher and a way to network and promote myself and my company. I was wrong!!! There is so much to this industry that one crash course could never be enough to even begin to describe what’s going on.

Here’s my crash course as to what I learned yesterday:

1. Every artist, label, or company no matter what size needs to register with SoundExchange because they make sure that the artists and labels get the money from the royalties that would normally just be lost.

2. 98% of what record labels release fail

3. In order to effectively promote your music, embracing ALL channels of promotion is key to success… Using old school methods like direct mail handouts is actually more effective than email because a physical mail requires you to look at it before throwing it away; email can easily be discarded or gets lost in Spam Folders

5. Face to face contact is important between an artist and customers to sell music because it has a 16 second window of opportunity for impression. Those 16 seconds with one person has the ability to travel to 100 people around them.

6. Social Networking Sites are complimentary to artists’ presence. They should not be the sole or the most important aspect of artist communication.

The WEA/Rhino hosted Welcome Reception was excellent. On the terrace of the San Diego Marriot overlooking the harbor and Coronado Island, it was the perfect place to enjoy cocktails (on the house!) and amazing food, while networking and meeting new people. The theme was the 40^th anniversary of Woodstock, “Love The One You’re With”, and I took an amazing photo with a new friend in 60s outfits… unfortunately that picture will have to wait until I pick it up from where I left it yesterday. The industry showcase featured performances from Sugar Ray (you’re allowed to chuckle…), Filter (awesome show), The Pink Spiders, State of Man, and a few other people I totally missed. All in all, for a newbie in the business this was a CRITICAL thing to attend, and if there is anybody out there looking for where to start, get online and find these panels and conventions and get out there and make yourself known. I promise you one thing, if you don’t go out and look for it, no one will come looking for you.

The Current Obession of the Week is a local band called The Getdown, my first band as an independent manager! They are awesome and fun and can totally rock the house! No link this week as we are BRAND NEW and getting ready to take over the world! As we prepare to promote and record new stuff, we’ll be posting videos online. For now check out www.myspace.com/thegetdown.

Stay Rockin’!

-Dalit Troyce, Music Editor

dalit@themensfashionblog.com