Recently I have been pondering life, death, and how an early exit can be the best career move ever. Jim Morrison was undoubtedly a phenomenal front man. He created a mold that many performers have aspired to ever since. But he is more then just imitated. He is mythologized by popular culture to the point [...]
There was a recent Forbes interview with 50 Cent regarding the music business and how’s he taking on the future. Dave Kusek went into detail about the interview, but in a nutshell, 50 knows that he has to think of new ways to make money. He understands his popularity/celebrity/image is his brand and he’s extending [...]
A friend recently turned me on to Esperanza Spalding. I made the effort to check her out because my friend (whose taste I trust) was raving about her. I’m glad I did, because she’s killer. Think of a jazzed-out Erykah Badu. I’m going to buy her album. The point of this post is I wouldn’t [...]
I found a pair of pretty funny, but candid videos of Busta Rhymes talking about the music business as it stands today. Change is tough, especially if you liked how things used to be. Note: If you’re scared of swear words, don’t watch. Part 1 Part 2 Make Great Music, Hoover The New Rockstar [...]
One part catchy pop music One parts cute kids One part Major Label Marketing = A SHAT LOAD of MONEY. The Jonas Brothers are just the latest in a long history of music acts aimed directly at preteen girls. Everytime this formula is properly put into place the major labels merchandise the crap outta these [...]
With the playing field levelling out, everyone and their Grandma can record a song and have it online. It used to be about trying to win-over the interest and attention of a label, but now it’s about winning the interest and attention from music fans. There’s so much choice, it’s overwhelming. You have to stand out and be recommended by a [...]
Gerd Leonhard, co-author of The Future of Music was recently interviewed by The Downloader. If you haven’t heard of Gerd, you probably haven’t kept up with what’s going on with the digital world of music. No worries, you can start now. I’ll let you read the interview yourself, but two of the most important things [...]
“I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” -Bill Cosby In an online world where the competition for attention is so high, trying to be everything to everyone is plain insanity. If Bill Cosby knew that back in the day when the internet didn’t even exist, [...]
Soul Powerhouse Isaac Hayes died on Sunday. At age 65, the man left a mark on music. Most famous for the theme music to “Shaft”, Hayes was a session player for Otis Redding, wrote several hit songs for other artists including “Soul Man” for Sam and Dave, and recently was the voice of “Chef” in [...]
The Impact of YouTUBE and Online Video
As you already know, YouTube had given everyday people the chance to express themselves via online video. Musicians, actors, comedians, and companies have all used it for promotion and as a more personal platform to communicate with their audience (Note: you’ll soon be seeing some NewRockstarPhilosophy.com Videos by myself and Voyno). A presentation by an anthropologist outlines how YouTube [...]