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Amy Winehouse is Dead

Amy Winehouse is dead. She was 27.

Too many people in this business die young. Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain, just to name a few...

If you need help for substance abuse, please get it. Find a treatment center near you.

The Death of College Radio

The following comments from the newsletter of DJ Ron, which talks about Vanderbilt University's radio station, WRVU, pretty much sums up what is happening (or had happened) to college radio stations across the country...

On Tuesday afternoon around 2:30pm, WRVU 91.1 FM went off the air.  An agreement was made by the Vanderbilt Student Communications board to sell the broadcasting frequency to WPLN.  WRVU will be off the air for the summer and will return next fall as an online stream and a WPLN HD channel.   There are so many things that are wrong with this based on my perception.

WRVU was Vanderbilt's only media outlet that reached out to the Nashville community.  One of the statements that VSC board say is that students don't listen to FM radio.  That might be the case, but Nashvillians do.  WRVU offers a wide range of music and cultural programming that no other station does.   A lot of people grew up listening to WRVU and have a strong personal connection to it and the university because of it.

HD and online radio is not the same as FM and to say that is the same is both classist and elitist.  Who actually has an HD radio?  Online radio requires an internet connection on a computer or an advanced smart phone.  This kind of radio should be free and available to all regardless of financial means.  Making this content exclusive / unavailable to a lot of people is against the DNA of community radio. 

People at WRVU had no say or representation in the decision making process.  The Vanderbilt Student Communications board is made up of faculty and a few students at large.  When I was at Vanderbilt the VSC board actually represented its members - with people from each division helping make the decisions.  How can a board which doesn't include input from its members effectively govern it?

Every step of the way, this was handled by VSC board in a seemingly underhanded way.  When the exploration of a broadcast sale was announced to us in September, I tried to register SAVEWRVU that night.  Mysteriously, the three domains .org/.com/.net were bought more than a week before and were pointing to the insidevandy.com page (which had a seemingly biased article in place). The mysterious owner of the SaveWRVU domains agreed to point the sites to savewrvuradio, but I am wondering how much longer this will last.  DJs and students were under the impression from the VSC board that changes would not be made during the summer / when the students were out.  We didn't receive any notice and even the website  wrvu.org disappeared on Wednesday.

As a Vanderbilt alumnus and someone who has had the honor and privilege of broadcasting on WRVU for nearly 20 years, I am personally appalled on how all this was handled.   It makes me feel very upset at the both VSC board and Vanderbilt University for allowing this to happen.  

Personally, I have been an emotional basket case most of this week. WRVU-FM has been a major part of my life for all these years.  It is what kept me at Vanderbilt after my disastrous freshman year.  Doing the LGBT show gave me confidence and freedom.  Spinning the dance show allowed me to develop my skills as a DJ.  Without WRVU, I wouldn't be doing  who I am today.   

Technology is changing and college students are often the first to jump on things like listening to radio programming via mobile phones or computers, but I think he brings up a good point that, for a lot of people, broadcast radio is extremely important as it's a cheap and easy way to get information. You can get a radio for $5 and it works without a subscription or any kind of special software. Computers aren't there yet.

And then there is the "public interest" argument... Many commercial stations today have no "local" programming, having replaced it with syndicated content from who knows where. And what commercial station is going to run something controversial like gay/lesbian programming?

As far a music goes, local/regional acts don't stand a chance on most radio stations these days, with many music programming decisions being made hundreds (or even thousands) of miles away, by people who know nothing about the communities their stations serve, beyond how many people in those communities that Arbitron says are listening.

College radio is a vital part of the community. Not only because of local programming, but because it's a great launching pad for both new broadcast talent and musicians.

For example...

I started in radio in 1991, when I was a Freshman in college, doing production work for WSMS (University of Memphis). After graduation, I worked at WUMS (University of Mississippi), where I hosted a weekly show featuring music and interviews from independent acts from around the country. When I started my radio promotion company in 1995, college radio was the vehicle that helps us get bands exposure.

Like Ron mentioned above, without college radio, I probably wouldn't be doing what I am today.

Would you?

Something to think about... If you have a situation similar to the one going on with WRVU, I hope you'll consider these things before making a decision.

And I'll hope you'll add your "college radio stories" below, to show others reading this how important this medium is for the community...

"Safe" Art Doesn't Count

One of the cool things about Canada is FACTOR, the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings.

From the FACTOR website...

"Support is provided to Canadian recording artists, songwriters, managers, labels and distributors through various programs which all aid in the development of the industry. Whether an artist is looking to record a demo, full length sound recording, market and promote an already existing album or showcase and tour domestically and internationally, funding is available. FACTOR supports many facets of the infrastructure which must be in place in order for artists and Canadian labels to progress into the international arena."

Last August, a band called Living with Lions got $13,248 from FACTOR and produced an album called "Holy Shit."

And that's when the shit hit the fan...

Heritage Minister James Moore is pissed. "It's one thing for art to be edgy," he said. "It's another thing for art to be deliberately attacking a group of Canadians based on their faith."

So the band is pulling the album and giving back the money...

"We regret the negative attention that this matter has brought to FACTOR," was what they said about the decision.

The album will be released later as a non-FACTOR project.

My Thoughts:

I like that Canada has something like FACTOR. Not only is it good for upcoming artists, it's also good for the country. Being so close to the United States, which is the #1 producer of "entertainment" in the world, it would be easy to be run over, and things like FACTOR grants and "Canadian Content" laws have helped to make sure that hasn't happened...at least not as much.

I think it was a classy act for the band to give back the money.

What I find frustrating is that this is even an issue. Even the United States, which has been marketed as the beacon of "freedom" and expression, has seen similar issues involving the National Endowment for the Arts.

What Makes "Good" Art?

I don't know, but I do know what makes for boring art that doesn't matter...

Art that everybody likes doesn't exist and art that everybody ignores doesn't count.

Art that doesn't offend at least somebody doesn't count.

Art that plays it safe doesn't count.

What Counts As "Canadian" Content?

There is a "technical" of getting art on tape as well as the "creative" side. Shouldn't "Canadian Content" have both? If so...

"Canada's Next Top Model" is a ripoff of the United States and it doesn't count.

"Canadian Idol" is a ripoff of the United States and it doesn't count.

"Dragon's Den" is a ripoff of England and it doesn't count.

The Bottom Line

If you want "Canadian Content" to exist, you have to embrace all of it, even if you don't like it.

Google is Pissed at Major Record Labels

Last month, Amazon launched a "Cloud Player" ahead of both Google and Apple. No license needed, or so they think, since users are uploading their own music.

Google wants to do the same thing and they're pissed...at the major record labels. "Disgusted" is the actual word that was used. They're trying to do things by the book, with a license, but are having problems getting that taken care of, because major labels don't want to play ball.

One solution... Google should buy the music industry.

Another... Google should follow Amazon, put up its music locker without a license, and let the legal system figure out if it's legal or not.

I signed up for Amazon's cloud service the day it was launched. Since then, I've purchased four albums and various singles, even though I uploaded 32,263 songs that I already owned and had no need to buy any more...especially when you add the other music services I subscribe to, including two Sirius radios, three XM radios, and Pandora.

But I did... Because it was so easy. In fact, it was so easy, two of the albums I purchased were titles I already owned on CD and could have converted to mp3 and uploaded myself for free.

I prefer "easy" over "free" though...just like most people.

See something you want, click on the "buy" button, and you've got it in your locker...instantly. No downloads, no software to mess with. You can listen to it from any computer or your mobile phone.

Making things easier to buy will save the music business. Too bad not everybody in "music industry" gets that.

Grammy Awards - Why They Don't Matter Anymore

The Grammy Awards is this Sunday. It used to be a big deal and the "old school" industry is still putting on a brave face and acting like it still is.

I think it's great that people in an industry are honored by their peers, and that's nice for this weekend, but shortly thereafter, possibly the next morning, the only thing that will matter is what the fans think. The "industry" doesn't count like it once did. That's because the "industry" is biased, self-absorbed, and stuck in a "this is the way we do things, because we've always done it this way" mindset, totally oblivious of everything around us.

Fans know better. About music styles, about music distribution, about everything... Always.

So, in honor of the Grammy Awards, here are some equally worthless awards for you to add to your bio. 

1. Lifetime Achievement in Autotune 
2. Most Brazen Madonna Ripoff
3. Best Use of the 987 CDs (of a 1000-CD Run) That Didn't Sell
4. Most Outrageous Photoshop Treatment
5. The Jethro Tull Award (a hard rock/metal performance award given to an act that is NEITHER Hard Rock nor Metal)

People buy music because they connect with it, not because it won a Grammy. Remember that. 

Charlie Louvin 1927-2011

Charlie Louvin died last night.

As half of the Louvin Brothers, he was one of the most influential musicians of the '40s and '50s.  The Louvins defined close harmony duet singing for several generations of country fans.

After the Louvin Brothers disbanded in 1963, Charlie began a solo career, recording for Capitol Records until 1975.  During that time, he had songs make the Top Ten -- "I Don't Love You Anymore" and "See the Big Man Cry" as well as a series of other hits.

In 2001, he was admitted to the Country Music Hall of Fame

And he kept up... A recent album has guest appearances by Elvis Costello, George Jones, Jeff Tweedy, Will Oldham, Tom T. Hall, members of Bright Eyes, Lambchop, Superchunk and more.  He played Bonnaroo.

I did an interview with Charlie Louvin, which I'm posting below.  We talked about all of this, his relationship with Elvis Presley, how the business has changed over the years, and more.

I remember him as being a really nice guy and very down-to-earth.  As he was leaving our studio that day, he told me and the show's producer, "I can't believe we've lived in the same town so long and I've never met you boys."

INTERVIEW WITH CHARLIE LOUVIN:

Want a Music Business Degree? You May Want to Think Twice Before Attending Belmont University...

I normally don't get into political or social discussions on this blog, but as Belmont University is one of the top music business schools in the US, I think it's an important topic that should be addressed.  If you're considering attending Belmont University to further your music business career, you need to be aware of this.

Belmont University women's soccer coach Lisa Howe is without a job today, and the reason may involve her sexual orientation.

The Tennessee Human Rights Act does not offer protection based on sexual orientation, so if that was the factor in firing her, Belmont University is fine legally.  In Tennesseee, the only protection you get when it comes to employment and public accommodation is from discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and age (if you're older than 40).

But is this the kind of school where you can effectively learn about the music business?

I realize that there are three sides to every story, but let's assume for a minute that what the Belmont University soccer team is saying about the issue is correct, the allegations are true, and that Lisa Howe was fired because she's a lesbian.  If that's the case, before you attend Belmont University, you should know...

1. Belmont University is isolating gay students. 

How can you tell gay students that "it gets better" when you're showing them, by example, that it doesn't. 

By firing Lisa Howe, what you're saying is that, even if you're older and supposedly past the "bullying" stage of life, even if you're the most successful person that has ever been in the position you're in, and even if you've got the support of those around you, you can still be kicked to the curb simply because a few people in power don't agree with your decision to love someone of the same gender. 

So what's the point of spending $50,000 on a music business degree or working hard to be the best in your field when you're gay?  It doesn't matter anyway...

2. Belmont University is isolating non-gay students.

This is 2010.  The vast majority of people under 21 don't care if somebody is homosexual.  They have more pressing things to worry about, like whether or not the $50,000 they're spending on "higher education" is worthwhile and whether or not they'll be able to get a job when they graduate.

By firing a competent teacher, just because she is lesbian, the administration of Belmont University is holding onto "old" values that no longer work.  Furthermore, they're wasting time, money, and energy on something the majority of people don't care about.  This should make anybody attending Belmont University (or thinking about attending) question how many other worthless things the administration is holding onto...

3. Belmont University is isolating the music business.

This industry is open.  Look at who has top singles right now-- Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Bruno Mars, Pink... Taylor Swift's Wham! cover is making its annual appearance for the holidays... Gay-friendly?  Yes!

And this doesn't begin to include the number of producers, songwriters, and artists who are not just gay-friendly, but also gay.  And the number is big...

Do you want to attend a school where this very large segment of the music business is welcomed or one, like Belmont University, that kicks these people to the curb.

4. Belmont University is isolating music consumers.

Who buys the majority of music?  The age group that Belmont Univerisity is supposedly trying to serve.  And as I've already explained, they have bigger things to worry about than whether or not somebody is gay.

Belmont University needs to get with the program.  We're in a business where what is happening RIGHT NOW is the only thing that matters.  Do you want to study the music business at a university that gets that or one, like Belmont University, that is decades behind in its understanding of people?

12/8 UPDATE: Mike Curb says, "It's time for Belmont to change."

Post your thoughts below...

Girl Talk Lawsuit? Not Likely...

Mashup artist Girl Talk released his fifth album this week (download here) and this article by Joe Mullin has some of the best reasons I've seen on why he hasn't been sued yet.

Among the reasons...

1. He'd be a ready-made hero for copyright reformers and would likely have some of the top copyright attorneys in the country willing to represent him for free.
   
   
2. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, which believes sampling music falls under fair use, is jonesing to get involved with a case like this.
   
   
3. In the big scheme of things, most people have no idea who Girl Talk is.  If he wins a case like this, it would open the door for bigger, more popular arists to sample music for free.  That would kill a valuable source of licensing income for the music industry.

See my posts on Illegal Art and how Copying Expands the Music Business for more thoughts and feel free to leave your own in the comments section below...

ReTune Nashville - Help for Flooded Musicians in Nashville

Musicians in the Nashville music community had their livelihoods compromised when, in May 2010, floodwaters overtook key storage areas, performance venues, and residences where musical instruments and other gear were stored. Homes were ruined, studios were flooded, and innumerable items were damaged.

ReTune Nashville has taken these now silent, water-damaged instruments and given them new life as physical art. The finished masterpieces will be auctioned off to the highest bidder this Saturday, October 23rd. The funds raised will directly benefit Nashville’s working musicians through MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief and The Nashville Musicians Association Flood Relief Fund.

More info...

iPhone 4 and Music Promotion

People can't seem to get enough of iPhone 4.  Even before it was out, Apple fans were going crazy talking about it.

The short film below is a great example of a creative person not only taking advantage of the iPhone's video technology, but also the hype surrounding it.

You really should have done something similar with a music video for your band.  Next time...

Thoughts? Post them below...