I think a lot of artists are down on labels because you frequently hear of artists getting out of labels like a drunk going through rehab. "Hey, I heard you aren't signed with _______ anymore. No I'm not. Congratulations!" I've literally heard this from 3 or 4 artists who have been on labels and aren't anymore.
Last week I was at church talking with an artist who was really SOMETHING in the Christian scene in the 80's and 90's and she now does independent releases. Then she says this: the last 6 months have been the busiest months work-wise in her career! She's not playing the 'big venues' that she was when she was on the radio all the time, but then she can also get to know people after the show this way. She seems really happy about it.
I'm sure she's doing very well from songwriting royalties and distribution connections, but she said an unsigned friend of hers is gigging and selling cds from his trunk and made 6 figures last year. It ain't 300 million, but I, for one, don't need 300 million. I probably don't need 6 figures either, but it's nice to think that an unsigned artist doesn't have to starve to do what he/she loves.
june contest ... GOSSIP
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- KVRist
- 462 posts since 3 Feb, 2004 from HONG KONG
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- KVRAF
- 1955 posts since 5 Sep, 2003 from Denmark
Well. Time to get this thread back to what it's supposed to be. Annoying eachother with impolite reviews that are too short to convey any real criticism, but long enough to be (to paraphrase our favorite SW-figure) wroot.
AndreasE, Melrock: Very nicely done. Plinks and ploinks and very well behaved sounds. This is music with a proper upbringing, impeccable manners, and an ironed shirt. In other words: Not terrible exiting, but nice.
Farlukar, Oiiftm: This got some danger to it, a lurking menace. The drifting intonation is working very well. The hefty synth from about 1:05 is too much like some club genre I don't know the name of. But the danger persists. Very good, semi-dark, a bit too clubby but still on the right side. Liked it.
Pauli Phonik, 4'33" (RaceAgainstTime Eddit): It was not funny the first time this was done in the contest, though slightly funnier than this time.
You, Athens: Flawless production. The drums are not too bad, though sampled (?). The guitar work is lovely and the vocals' ok, too. Enjoyable, if not highly original. I'd be considering signing you, if I was running a commercial outfit with a little bit of musical awareness.
Wopelka, You know who's the new Man: Yeah! This is more like it. Excellent. I even like the French, though I don't understand a word. (Well maybe one or two to be honest). This is probably based on some loops? Nevertheless it's low down funky with a twinkle in the eye. Aye.
Donkey Tugger, Timberlake: I don't think I ever heard anything of mr. Timberlakes. This piece is, besides being very, very well produced – really nails the loudness thing, incoherent, almost insulting to my musical sensibility. Maybe it is supposed to be funny? I don't get it. But again – I have no clue about the teenage stuff you're allegedly paraphrasing. Far from your usual standard, I think. (And to think I mentioned you in my entry).
Hovmod, Record Deal: Continuing in the aggressive mode from last month. Good. Fun pastiche, though I think I spot some real anger peaking through? This could probably get signed – but might need a reel shredder for the solo
Peppy197, Power Peanuts: I cannot imagine what Power Peanuts is supposed to be? The piece is nicely done, but don't do much for me. It sounds a bit like musical doodling. Hints of interest towards the end – but they never unfolds.
VitaminD, Midnight is a Destination: It's so difficult to review music of genres you neither understand nor like. This is probably very good. Don't know. Production is a bit thin to though, both in bass and loudness. But maybe that's a good thing?
Knockman, The Contract: Ah, my favorite Japanese. This is greatness. No unnecessary stuff. You've really found your own voice. Incredible. You should really(!) get signed. Top piece.
...xander, Slow Down Jackie: This could have been very good if not for the sampled drums (and bass and brass and..., but the drums are the worst). I like your voice, the song is nicely constructed. The 15 piece band would have made this crawl the top of the charts. But nice enough.
TristezaOrange, Coastal Town: Couldn't dl.
Khepira, Let Yourself Be Free: Again a musical genre I feel absolutely nothing for. Nicely produced. Maybe it would be good to dance to? [dancing] Nah, not for me.
Pheeleep, Dreaming: I somehow like the mood of this. But the individual elements annoys me a bit. Especially the guitar. I think they all sound to polished, to presetty (my new favorite for reviews). And then the music is over, drifted by without leaving anything but a nice, mellow feeling. Which is a nice accomplishment.
Ixox, The Road to a 25$ Deal: What a dissapointment. I really love your quirky songs. This is OK, but not anywhere near your usual stuff. Some interest is created towards the end in a cinematic sort of way. This maybe stands a bigger chance of a deal, but your vocal work is original. Sigh!
WoJ, Eight: The production seems a bit muffled. Don't know if it's intentional? I first thought: What a nice way to start an indy rock song. But the song never came? I don't think this holds up as an instrumental. But besides that and the muffledness, it's quite good.
Beardedone, It's a Deal: Hey master G. You keep getting better. Incredible programming skills. The synth sounds are close to being really interesting. The musical language is well developed, though it draws heavily on days gone by in some places (you know who). I miss just a tiny touch of real originality. But then I'm sure some spaced out jazz lable would have a go? Maybe time to quit the day job? Top piece.
System ERA, Let me just eat this shit!: Profanity can be good fun, and even very musical. I'm not sure you reach either with this. It must have been fun doint and got some nice elements. I don't think it's aggressive enough to be entirely convincing. But it's very well done, ends a bit abru
M'snah, Popstar: As a montage / pastiche this is very good. The actual music is very mechanic, but I guess most commercial music is.
Scamme, Obvious Junetic: Hm. What to think of this? Nicely done. The tremeloed guitar could have been put to more use to create some interest and movement. I feel this is what this piece lack. And the rhythm is not grooving enough to keep me focused. Instrumentals are bitches that way. But no real flaws and nice enough.
RichieBee, Child of the Eighties: That is one musical period I don't see any need to revisit. It's well done. Top quality. But does it matter? I found it semi-interesting. That's not half bad with grumpy, old me.
Katanaman, An Open Letter to the Man: Punk! I mean punk. Aren't you stretching this song a bit. I'm shure 45 seconds could have done. Crap sound, so it's right on the mark.
DanSad: No direct link.
Grotman, While You Were Sleeping: Interesting idea with the snoring as lead. I think. The background music was cute too.
Techbot, Copyright This: I'm with you on the political point you're making. But the collage isn't that interesting, sounds like bits thrown together without much consideration?
Remco, Future Bride: This was quite nice. A good song and a nice production. Sincerity is not bad. Could easily be in the commercial market.
ZioKiller, Noisy Town: Well done. But not doing anything for me. To nice. I can't hear anything that this music want to tell me. Other than, “oh – have a nice day”. The title baffles me.
Plunge, Tabasco: Grooves nicely. But to me this sound like a style exercise. Very well done, but nothing original. Enjoyable, though.
Mchlwlsn, Jongleur: Another nicely done instrumental that doesn't rock my boat or something. I'm very sorry, but all the talent this displays besides it does nothing for me.
Respirator, Biggest Hit: Don't know what I was thinking. Stupid.
Lady J, Mr. Right (Now): Destiny Childs. See I know a big, commercial name when it is so obvious. This sounds almost like a rip off to me? Or else I only now this kind of sound and vocals from DC and this is yet another genre I don't care to know the name of. Pretty well done, though. Nah. Extremely well done. Very commercial. Very not me.
AndreasE, Melrock: Very nicely done. Plinks and ploinks and very well behaved sounds. This is music with a proper upbringing, impeccable manners, and an ironed shirt. In other words: Not terrible exiting, but nice.
Farlukar, Oiiftm: This got some danger to it, a lurking menace. The drifting intonation is working very well. The hefty synth from about 1:05 is too much like some club genre I don't know the name of. But the danger persists. Very good, semi-dark, a bit too clubby but still on the right side. Liked it.
Pauli Phonik, 4'33" (RaceAgainstTime Eddit): It was not funny the first time this was done in the contest, though slightly funnier than this time.
You, Athens: Flawless production. The drums are not too bad, though sampled (?). The guitar work is lovely and the vocals' ok, too. Enjoyable, if not highly original. I'd be considering signing you, if I was running a commercial outfit with a little bit of musical awareness.
Wopelka, You know who's the new Man: Yeah! This is more like it. Excellent. I even like the French, though I don't understand a word. (Well maybe one or two to be honest). This is probably based on some loops? Nevertheless it's low down funky with a twinkle in the eye. Aye.
Donkey Tugger, Timberlake: I don't think I ever heard anything of mr. Timberlakes. This piece is, besides being very, very well produced – really nails the loudness thing, incoherent, almost insulting to my musical sensibility. Maybe it is supposed to be funny? I don't get it. But again – I have no clue about the teenage stuff you're allegedly paraphrasing. Far from your usual standard, I think. (And to think I mentioned you in my entry).
Hovmod, Record Deal: Continuing in the aggressive mode from last month. Good. Fun pastiche, though I think I spot some real anger peaking through? This could probably get signed – but might need a reel shredder for the solo
Peppy197, Power Peanuts: I cannot imagine what Power Peanuts is supposed to be? The piece is nicely done, but don't do much for me. It sounds a bit like musical doodling. Hints of interest towards the end – but they never unfolds.
VitaminD, Midnight is a Destination: It's so difficult to review music of genres you neither understand nor like. This is probably very good. Don't know. Production is a bit thin to though, both in bass and loudness. But maybe that's a good thing?
Knockman, The Contract: Ah, my favorite Japanese. This is greatness. No unnecessary stuff. You've really found your own voice. Incredible. You should really(!) get signed. Top piece.
...xander, Slow Down Jackie: This could have been very good if not for the sampled drums (and bass and brass and..., but the drums are the worst). I like your voice, the song is nicely constructed. The 15 piece band would have made this crawl the top of the charts. But nice enough.
TristezaOrange, Coastal Town: Couldn't dl.
Khepira, Let Yourself Be Free: Again a musical genre I feel absolutely nothing for. Nicely produced. Maybe it would be good to dance to? [dancing] Nah, not for me.
Pheeleep, Dreaming: I somehow like the mood of this. But the individual elements annoys me a bit. Especially the guitar. I think they all sound to polished, to presetty (my new favorite for reviews). And then the music is over, drifted by without leaving anything but a nice, mellow feeling. Which is a nice accomplishment.
Ixox, The Road to a 25$ Deal: What a dissapointment. I really love your quirky songs. This is OK, but not anywhere near your usual stuff. Some interest is created towards the end in a cinematic sort of way. This maybe stands a bigger chance of a deal, but your vocal work is original. Sigh!
WoJ, Eight: The production seems a bit muffled. Don't know if it's intentional? I first thought: What a nice way to start an indy rock song. But the song never came? I don't think this holds up as an instrumental. But besides that and the muffledness, it's quite good.
Beardedone, It's a Deal: Hey master G. You keep getting better. Incredible programming skills. The synth sounds are close to being really interesting. The musical language is well developed, though it draws heavily on days gone by in some places (you know who). I miss just a tiny touch of real originality. But then I'm sure some spaced out jazz lable would have a go? Maybe time to quit the day job? Top piece.
System ERA, Let me just eat this shit!: Profanity can be good fun, and even very musical. I'm not sure you reach either with this. It must have been fun doint and got some nice elements. I don't think it's aggressive enough to be entirely convincing. But it's very well done, ends a bit abru
M'snah, Popstar: As a montage / pastiche this is very good. The actual music is very mechanic, but I guess most commercial music is.
Scamme, Obvious Junetic: Hm. What to think of this? Nicely done. The tremeloed guitar could have been put to more use to create some interest and movement. I feel this is what this piece lack. And the rhythm is not grooving enough to keep me focused. Instrumentals are bitches that way. But no real flaws and nice enough.
RichieBee, Child of the Eighties: That is one musical period I don't see any need to revisit. It's well done. Top quality. But does it matter? I found it semi-interesting. That's not half bad with grumpy, old me.
Katanaman, An Open Letter to the Man: Punk! I mean punk. Aren't you stretching this song a bit. I'm shure 45 seconds could have done. Crap sound, so it's right on the mark.
DanSad: No direct link.
Grotman, While You Were Sleeping: Interesting idea with the snoring as lead. I think. The background music was cute too.
Techbot, Copyright This: I'm with you on the political point you're making. But the collage isn't that interesting, sounds like bits thrown together without much consideration?
Remco, Future Bride: This was quite nice. A good song and a nice production. Sincerity is not bad. Could easily be in the commercial market.
ZioKiller, Noisy Town: Well done. But not doing anything for me. To nice. I can't hear anything that this music want to tell me. Other than, “oh – have a nice day”. The title baffles me.
Plunge, Tabasco: Grooves nicely. But to me this sound like a style exercise. Very well done, but nothing original. Enjoyable, though.
Mchlwlsn, Jongleur: Another nicely done instrumental that doesn't rock my boat or something. I'm very sorry, but all the talent this displays besides it does nothing for me.
Respirator, Biggest Hit: Don't know what I was thinking. Stupid.
Lady J, Mr. Right (Now): Destiny Childs. See I know a big, commercial name when it is so obvious. This sounds almost like a rip off to me? Or else I only now this kind of sound and vocals from DC and this is yet another genre I don't care to know the name of. Pretty well done, though. Nah. Extremely well done. Very commercial. Very not me.
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- KVRAF
- 3266 posts since 22 Sep, 2003 from under the sun
hey, thanks for the review, Thomas!respirator wrote:Wopelka, You know who's the new Man: Yeah! This is more like it. Excellent. I even like the French, though I don't understand a word. (Well maybe one or two to be honest). This is probably based on some loops? Nevertheless it's low down funky with a twinkle in the eye. Aye.
there's an English translation in the RULES & SUBMiSSIONS thread, if you are interested to know the meaning of the French rap.
the only loop i used is a drum beat, chopped, varied and tweaked into FL Slicer, and stengthened with a touch of DR-008.
the rest is completely home-made, the bass included (even though it's a simple pattern, endlessly repeated, i must admit
)cheers
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- KVRian
- 1206 posts since 10 Apr, 2002 from Born, living and probably dying in Germany
respirator wrote:AndreasE, Melrock: Very nicely done. Plinks and ploinks and very well behaved sounds. This is music with a proper upbringing, impeccable manners, and an ironed shirt. In other words: Not terrible exiting, but nice.
Thanks for this nice comment, respirator. 
Listen to some Monkey-Music-
- KVRAF
- 2093 posts since 19 Jun, 2003 from UTM 18 317254E 4295335N (WGS84/NAD83)
Thanks for the nice words, repirator. The drums are mostly Apple Loops with a bit of mangling and overdubs. Glad you liked the geetars and stuff. When I saw the theme this month, I considered carefully what kind of song I'd make. Then I decided to just do whatever came naturally and despite all the electronics and synthiness, it had that simple downhome country flava. Sleek and Pough have managed to successfully evoke that spirit in the past, so I thought I'd push the song that way. I hear country is gaining popularity again (at least in the States). I think it's because mainstream country is sounding more like Top-40 Pop/RnB in a Stetson. How ironic that I tried to just be myself and 'do whatever' and it comes out sounding not highly original. Well, I'll bet there won't be one other entry this month like it.respirator wrote:...The drums are not too bad, though sampled (?). The guitar work is lovely and the vocals' ok, too. Enjoyable, if not highly original. I'd be considering signing you, if I was running a commercial outfit with a little bit of musical awareness.
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- KVRian
- 1349 posts since 12 Jan, 2003 from Paris
Hmm.... Thanks ?respirator wrote:Ixox, The Road to a 25$ Deal: What a dissapointment. I really love your quirky songs. This is OK, but not anywhere near your usual stuff. Some interest is created towards the end in a cinematic sort of way. This maybe stands a bigger chance of a deal, but your vocal work is original. Sigh!
In fact my tracks that are in the hall of fame are not my usual vocal work....
Anyway, the fact that you like my usual songs makes me glad.
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- angelboy
- 4586 posts since 21 Aug, 2001 from Larnaca, Cyprus
Of course you couldn't. It's an entire coastal town you're trying to d/l.respirator wrote: TristezaOrange, Coastal Town: Couldn't dl.
Works fine here though.
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- Narcissistic Messiah
- 4565 posts since 8 Apr, 2002 from https://soundcloud.com/remcoh
Remco, Future Bride: This was quite nice. A good song and a nice production. Sincerity is not bad. Could easily be in the commercial market.
oh its not?thanks for the kind words mate
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- KVRAF
- 3345 posts since 8 Nov, 2003 from Amsterdam
Thanks. I know it's not something you'd listen to voluntarilyrespirator wrote:M'snah, Popstar: As a montage / pastiche this is very good. The actual music is very mechanic, but I guess most commercial music is.
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- KVRAF
- 6496 posts since 26 Nov, 2004 from Frederick, MD
Totally OT here: I tried to PM you but keep getting told your user name doesn't exist.You™ wrote:...bunch of stuff...
Just wanted to say thanks for donating your May prize and . . . take a look at my latest song in the Music Cafe
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- KVRAF
- 2093 posts since 19 Jun, 2003 from UTM 18 317254E 4295335N (WGS84/NAD83)
You're welcome. You put a lot of work into your piece, you deserve something.emdot_ambient wrote:...Just wanted to say thanks for donating your May prize and . . . take a look at my latest song in the Music Cafe
You can PM me easiest by clicking the PM under my name in a post or you can email me directly at f2 (at) f2sys (dot) net. I'll go check out your song...-
- KVRAF
- 4878 posts since 13 Jun, 2002 from Montreal
Hello Thomas!Beardedone, It's a Deal: Hey master G. You keep getting better. Incredible programming skills. The synth sounds are close to being really interesting. The musical language is well developed, though it draws heavily on days gone by in some places (you know who). I miss just a tiny touch of real originality. But then I'm sure some spaced out jazz lable would have a go? Maybe time to quit the day job? Top piece.
Thanks so much for such positive words. I really appreciate it.
I have to admit I was a bit lazy with the musical language I used relying too much on modal lines (that is why you are referring to PM, right?).
About synths, I was after a bit of a new noodle using CronoX2 and Symptohm. I like the way Symptohm can morroh but I am still stuck with the factory patches -s some of which terrific.
As for quitting my day job!
Thanks but itstill pays quite well> My kids are still young so I better hold on to it for now.Cheers,
Gordon
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- KVRist
- 462 posts since 30 Nov, 2003
Well, you've got to realise this is no average punk band. For instance, we took the time to make an epic 10 second guitar intro intro in this song, so we're naturally making songs that last up to 30 seconds longer than other bands'. We're not like the bands you see in those crappy shows. We make meaningful music about killing your parents and suggesting anarchy.respirator wrote:Katanaman, An Open Letter to the Man: Punk! I mean punk. Aren't you stretching this song a bit. I'm shure 45 seconds could have done. Crap sound, so it's right on the mark.
Thanks for the review and look out for our next single "I hate herpes".
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- KVRist
- 462 posts since 30 Nov, 2003
Thanks for listening. I did spend more time mixing than making the song. It took some serious EQ and effects to get it to have such a bad sound quality. I tried to make it somewhat clear and balanced, though(as much as the concept would allow) so it's good to see I made a decent mixing job....xander wrote:Kantanaman - Mr Man:
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- KVRAF
- 4878 posts since 13 Jun, 2002 from Montreal