As industry observer Bob Lefsetz reminded his followers earlier this week, there’s still no standard way to start generating buzz and “make it” in music. Plenty of musicians assume that relentless networking and appearances are what seal the deal—and they’re sometimes right—but Lefsetz’s point was that, more often than not, what breaks you is a chain of random occurrences and pleasant accidents. This notion is reaffirmed by stories like that of Sean Bones’ Sean Sullivan.
Of all there is to know about LA via Provo quartet Eyes Lips Eyes, know this: They’re responsible for the best music video of all time. Of all time! We’ll let Taylor have her moment, but any thing she’ll ever create won’t hold a candle to Eyes Lips Eyes’ “I Worked My Thighs For Eyes Lips Eyes” promotional Pledge Music video.
OK, so maybe this video isn’t a music video in the strictest sense of the word, but it’s moving picture and there’s a band involved so we’re going to count it. The premise? Well that’s simple. Eyes Lips Eyes thought, and correctly so, that they’d get more attention and follow through on their Pledge Music campaign if they made a video that stood out. So, they dolled themselves up in spandex and some A-cup sports bras, and proceeded to instruct viewers on how they could improve their social lives by working out their thighs to Eyes Lips Eyes.
Welcome to the first installment of our Presskit.to Bus Session videos from SXSW 2012! So yeah, it’s evident in the title that something is a little different about this round of IAtv Sessions—they took place on a bus! For those unaware, we picked up a BandWagon tour bus in Indiana and drove it to Austin for South by. It was our living quarters, a billboard for our new Presskit.to web app, and our mobile IAtv studio. We setup shop in a prime location across from Bandpage HQ on 7th and Sabine and hosted bands from around the world for Bus Sessions. As always, a big thanks to the generous tour support from Shure and the always stellar production services of Strewnshank Productions. These sessions wouldn’t be possible without their help! Over the course of 3 days we recorded Bus Sessions with 13 bands, and probably used a BandWagon like it’s never been used before!
We were pretty pumped to be able to collaborate with some Boston friends while down south, one example of which can be seen in this video of Herra Terra playing their new tune “Buried Youth.” The guys had a pretty successful SXSW all in all, highlights including hanging out at various panels at the convention center, seeing Kimbra perform in all of her glory, playing an official showcase at Valhalla and with Bad Rabbits at the final Beauty Bar show to round out their week on Sunday.
You’ll notice pretty quickly that this video was not shot with musicians playing a stripped down tune as is the case in the rest of our Bus Sessions. What started as a joke about an acoustic Herra Terra shoot consisting of the band drinking whiskey and breaking things on the bus quickly turned into us realizing that we could probably squeeze Herra Terra’s entire live rig and light show into the bus. The temptation to have a band play totally electric with all gadgets plugged in grew irresistible in this case, and Strewnshank’s Crickie Thomas made it happen. It was also our only session with a live audience. With five or six people crammed into our smelly bunks and countless more craining their necks on the street as they walked past, it was a pretty awesome experience.
Watch the guys play “Buried Youth” in the video above, and stay tuned throughout the rest of month for more Bus Session vids from South by Southwest 2012!
Every week, resident tastemaker Taylor Pile (FSOJ, Mirror Lady) lists 5 must-see concerts in the Boston area. This week’s bands include Earthquake Party, ABADABAD, Portlandia, Flogging Molly,Sharon Van Etten and Company of Thieves. Hear each selection in the video playlist above!
Show: Allston Pudding Presents - Earthquake Party, ABADABAD
Date: Monday February 20th
Venue: Great Scott
Why: Allston Pudding is without question one of Boston’s most well versed music blogs. I personally can tell you Earthquake Party and ABADABAD are bands worth checking out. I also can tell you there is almost no chance the tastemakers over at AP will disappoint when putting a show together.
Similar Artists: Surfer Blood, Real Estate, Youth Lagoon
Show: Portlandia
Date: Monday February 20th
Venue: Berklee Performance Center
Why: Flannel, fixed gears, ray bans, DIY cardigans, fanny pack, facial hair… you probably haven’t heard of it yet.
Similar Artist: Wild Flag, Sleater Kinny, Neon Indian, St. Vincent, Wash
Show: Flogging Molly
Date: Tuesday February 21st
Venue: House of Blues Boston
Why: Flogging Molly is a 7 piece “Celtic punk” band, and being sober at their show is frowned upon. Need I say more?
Similar Artist: Dropkick Murphys, The Tossers, The Real McKenzies
Show: Sharon Van Etten
Date: Thursday Februrary 24th
Venue: Paradise Rock Club
Why: Sharon Van Etten is an incredible songwriter. Don’t agree with me? Aaron Dessner of The National sure does - her latest effort was produced by him. This is the perfect show for any fan of creative, out of the box songwriting.
Similar Artist: Wye Oak, Little Scream, Porcelain Raft
Show: Company of Thieves
Date: Friday February 25
Venue: Cafe 939
Why: Company of Thieves stick out to me in a very specific way. The reason I say that is because the band is all over the place musically; just by listening to them you can tell that all the members come from different backgrounds to create an organic, yet exciting sound. Sidenote: there will be horns.
Similar Artist: Sleeper Agent, Gold Motel, An Horse
written by Sean Robinson
All music blogs are different, but one of the best parts about them is that, due to the restrictions of their full time jobs, most bloggers are music lovers that only have the time and desire to write about the music they love. Whether you’re coming in on tour or are a local, getting featured on a Boston-based blog is a great way to expand your fan base, release new music, and promote your upcoming shows. Check out the list below to find out about some of the best Boston blogs and how you can submit your music to them.
Jump The Turnstyle - Born in 2008, Jump the Turnstyle is Boston’s go-to blog for Hip Hop and Rap oriented content. It regularly features new music, news, and whatever else the dudes find funny on the Internet. They don’t have an official submission policy, but their contact tab throws you directly to their email. Be warned, though, it is occasionally NSFW.
Boston Band Crush - Boston Band Crush has a variety of unique aspects that set it apart from other blogs. Being one of the few blogs entirely dedicated to the vast diversity of Boston bands, they also write advice articles for artists, release compilations and gladly accept submissions. They cover releases as well as live shows and claim their “purpose is to inform, not to criticize,” so no worries if you have an off night.
Boston Music Spotlight - Updated daily, the self-proclaimed “leading source of music news and concert information in New England” might be considered affected if their claim wasn’t so close to the truth. Featuring news, reviews, and a variety of other content, their posts range from mainstream artists on tour in New England to spotlights on upcoming local artists. They have no official submission policy, so reaching out to them may be worth the effort.
Ryan’s Smashing Life - A problem that often faces blogs that highlight both national and native talent is the balance between them. The way in which RSL is able to harmonize the two are one of the reasons it’s long been one of the most popular. Scroll down on the RSL homepage and you’ll find RSL’s Soundcloud dropbox with which you can submit to their indie-minded contributing writers.
Bradley’s Almanac - While they are, for the most part, an mp3 blog, Bradley’s Alminac is unique in that it posts a lot of live and rare mp3’s legally. The only way he’ll post commercially available music is if he gets the go ahead from the artist or management and likes it. When you reach out, make sure to include your tie to Boston, as he gives preference to locals.
Allston Pudding - With a heavy focus on the diverse Allston live music scene, Allston Pudding consistently puts out great concert reviews and mp3 downloads. Combined with their mixtapes, and open submission policy, AP’s earned a reputation as one of the best and even garnered them the Best Music Blog award at the 2011 Boston Music Awards.
Dysonsound - This popular Jamaica Plain based blog features both national and local acts in a variety of genres. While you’re never sure what Dyson’s going to be into, his strong opinions and recently launched podcastmake the submit worth your effort.
Sleepover Shows - Whether you’re on tour or from Boston, one resource worth hitting up is Sleepover shows. Filmed in unique and strange settings, the offer was always to play a short, 3-song set in exchange for a place to stay overnight, though more frequently they just shoot before or after the show. Mostly focused on indie and alternative acts, they give contact information, but nothing about their submission policy.
Music Savage - Kyle at Music Savage gets back to what blogs are all about: sharing a love of music. His blog primarily calls attention to new indie and lo-fi music and encourages artists to submit music.
I Heart Noise - The moniker says it all. These guys are into underground metal, electronic, and other varieties of music that make a lot of noise. In addition to regular content, they also release mixtapes and interviews and provide contact info for submissions.
Profile with Green Line Inbound on Residencies, Cover Songs, and Managing Band Expenses
Read the full article here
Boston is notorious for terrible parking and small, competitive venues so it’s possible that a place to stash the van during the show isn’t going to be provided. Whether you just need a place to stow the van for the gig or find yourself partying too hard and spending the night on the town, here’s a list of the best parking for each of Boston’s neighborhoods.
Boston is notorious for terrible parking and small, competitive venues so it’s possible that a place to stash the van during the show isn’t going to be provided. Whether you just need a place to stow the van for the gig or find yourself partying too hard and spending the night on the town, here’s a list of the best parking for each of Boston’s neighborhoods.
There is street parking all up and down Commonwealth Ave., (Great Scott & Paradise) Brighton Ave., (Brighton Music Hall), and Cambridge St., (O’Brien’s) but it can be tricky with a van & trailer because these are in high traffic spots. Brighton Music Hall & Paradise are the only venues in this area who might offer bands free parking out front, but for the most part you’re on your own. You won’t usually have trouble parking when you get there during sound check times because it’s during the transition of commuters and night owls, but if you need a place for overnight, the safest and best bet for finding extended (and free) parking in on Chestnut Hill Ave. in Brighton between Washington St. and Commonwealth Avenue. It’s about 8 blocks from any of these venues, doesn’t have “parking permit” restrictions, usually has large spots to park, and is in a really safe neighborhood.
Type: Meters/Parking lot
Tow Risk: Depends on the area, but tow trucks are constantly on the prowl in Allston. Brighton isn’t as scary.
Parking Signs: Keep an eye on the street signs. Parking rules typically change from block to block.
Trailer parking: Finding more than one consecutive parking spot can be tough, but it’s more likely on Comm Ave, Brighton Ave and Chestnut Hill Ave.
Safety: College kids are everywhere. Put your stuff under the seats and lock it up!
While the meters in the area shut off at 6:00PM, finding street parking in Central Square can be difficult. However, depending on what venue you are playing, you have options for garages. If you’re playing All Asia, they will validate parking in The University Hot Parking Lot directly behind the venue. For The Middle East and TT the Bear’s a good shot is behind the McDonald’s on Bishop Richard Allen Dr. Alternatively, The Middle East provides a parking spot you can use during the show, but it’s quite a few blocks away and not necessarily worth the hassle if you can find street parking. An alternative if you’d prefer cover is the Green Street Parking Garage located on Green Street a block away from both clubs.
Type: Meters/Parking Lot/Garage
Tow risk: Cambridge likes to hand out tickets like candy. Park legally and you should be fine.
Parking signs: Keep an eye on the street signs. Parking rules typically change from block to block.
Trailer parking: difficult
Safety: Lock your doors.
There’s a lot of metered parking on side streets in Harvard Square, but it gets competitive when the meters shut off at 8PM. However, before 8PM it’s a 2 hour limit. Club Passim offers discounted parking in the University Parking Garage for $7 for the evening. There’s free parking at 124 Mt. Auburn St. in The Cambridge Common Parking Lot behind the Lizard Lounge, which can also be an option for clubs closer to Harvard Square if you’re comfortable with the half-mile walk.
Type: Meters/Parking lot/Garage
Tow risk: Cambridge likes to hand out tickets like candy. Park legally and you should be fine.
Parking signs: Keep an eye on the street signs. Parking rules typically change from block to block.
Trailer or Bus parking: difficult
Safety: Lock your doors.
There’s 2 hour street parking all around the Fenway area where the meters are off at 6:00PM and don’t go on until 10:00AM if you need to leave the van overnight. However, it is advised that you don’t leave gear in the van overnight because the area can get sketchy. If street parking isn’t an option, many of the gas stations in the area offer parking and can often be persuaded to lower their asking price down to $10 for the night when there isn’t a Red Sox game. Be sure to check the Red Sox schedule because parking can get more expensive and more competitive. The Landmark Center lot/garage and Pilgrim Parking Garage on Lansdowne Street is also an option.
Type: Meters/Parking lot/Garage
Tow risk: Avoid street parking at all costs during Red Sox games.
Parking signs: Keep an eye on the street signs. Parking rules typically change from block to block.
Trailer parking: veneus can usually provide parking or at least help you find spot.
Safety: Hide your shit & lock your doors.
Street parking in the theater district is rare at best. Your best bet is a lot at 41 Stuart Street that is $15 for the duration. Pilgrim Parking on Charles Street South is within walking distance of the Colonial, Shubert, Wilbur, and Emerson theaters, as well as Royale, Charles Playhouse, and Citi Center. They’ll charge you $20 and while the theater district is pretty safe, it’ll be less risky for your gear than parking in the lot. If you don’t want to spend the money or the venue won’t validate another option to consider is dropping your stuff off, parking farther away, and taking the T in.
Available: Meters/Parking lot/Garage
Tow risk: High. Park in a garage.
Parking signs: Keep an eye on the street signs. Parking rules typically change from block to block.
Trailer parking: Moderate - It’s hard to come by, but there are meters along these streets.
Safety: Hide your shit & lock your doors.
