During the holiday time, it’s pretty easy to get caught up in the gluttony of overspending/ out doing your neighbors with little benefit to those less fortunate. Thanks to the Daily Bunch we learned about the inspiring story of a very wealthy and smart man (hence the wealth) that gave us a little perspective about having enough and sharing the rest to benefit others with music education. Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby and Host Baby, set up a trust, “Independent Musicians Charitable Remainder Unitrust” as the owner of his company. He’s allotted 5% each year from it for his living expenses (because that’s all he needs according to him) and when he dies the rest will go to Music Education. So when he sold his company for $22 million, it all went into the trust and by doing it this way he saved $5M. WOW! More mula for musica, me gusta mucho!
When we see so many music programs go by the wayside during these times, it’s truly inspiring to hear stories like this that show it’s still a priority for some people at the sacrifice of their own luxuries. Thanks Derek for some perspective!
(Photo Credit: Wired.com)
Posted by Jamie on Dec 11
Click here to listen to a few of the leaked tracks off of the soundtrack to the latest Vampire Flick “New Moon”. The soundtrack is out on 10/20 on Atlantic. Bon Iver and St. Vincent really know how to capture that haunting feel, but you probably could have guessed that. The tracks by Thom Yorke and Grizzly Bear feat. Victoria Legrand aren’t too shabby either. Fantastic work matching the perfect artists with the movie genre. Can’t wait for the full album release (with hopefully some better quality).
(via Stereogum)
Update: By popular demand, the soundtrack release has been moved up to this Friday, the 16th. Check out the full story here.
(via The Tripwire)
Posted by Jamie on Oct 14
I love when Urban Outfitters puts out music compilations! So many good bands all in one place for streaming or free download. They recently came out with LSTN 5, which includes awesome tracks by St. Vincent, Grizzly Bear, Luke Top, Au Revoir Simone, Passion Pit, Polly Scattergood plus many more. Check it out now!
Posted by Jamie on Jun 18
Here’s a little something for your brain to chew on in regards to the music industry: the EconMusic Conference just posted a fantastic article entitled “10 Songs That Rocked The Digital Music World” in which they go through 10 trailblazing artists in the digital music space. They have some amazing statistics and some surprises in who really made this distribution model work for them.
(Via Paidcontent.org)
Posted by Jamie on Feb 06
Posted by Jamie on Feb 03
Check out the Coachella 2009 Line-up below:
The bookers at AEG and Goldenvoice didn’t do too shabby this year with their line-up. All of the usual suspects are there either promoting their new album or doing their yearly tour, but there are some cool acts to check out such as Paul McCartney, Leonard Cohen, Beirut, Girl Talk, Ida Maria, The Cure, and Rahzel….who is one of the coolest beat boxers out there.
And of course you MUST check out the Fleet Foxes slot. Their show in October is one of the best live shows I saw in 2008. They have something we like to call true talent.
Posted by Jamie on Feb 02
John Forte – “Life Has Just Begun” from The ICU on Vimeo.
“On November 24, 2008, Forté was granted a commutation by President George W. Bush after having served more than seven years of a fourteen-year federal prison sentence. Those who campaigned on his behalf include Carly Simon and Senator Orrin Hatch (R) of Utah. On December 22, 2008, Forte walked out of Fort Dix Correctional Institution to resume his life and tell his story through music, film and prose.”
John was released on the morning of December 22nd, 2008 after doing time for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Talk about a Christmas present that truly means something. You can read on the Daily Beast John’s words describing the day of his release. Also, you can check out his homecoming and one of his new songs in the video above.
I’m a huge fan of John’s from back when he was with the Fugees, but even more of his album that he wrote under house arrest I, John. It’s definitely a very introspective album as he prepares for his sentence. He served his time and I’m happy he is out now to make more amazing music.
Check out one of his new songs appropriately entitled “Homecoming” with Talib Kweli and Kanye West.
Posted by Jamie on Feb 02
