42 posts tagged “a&r”

Did the comp on Saturday, I didn't win put put in a reasonable show which was nice.

Was the response to my chosen gig buddy of last night after I explained why I was an hour late for the Grammatics gig.

Grammatics

Missed the last tube so went to the chill bar thing around the corner for a while and watched some jazz/triphop thing. Then went for a wander and bought some cider (classy). Eventually went cab hunting which was unsuccessful. But managed to get into an Ibis hotel foyer for half an hour whilst we waited for one. Luckly a nice scottish bloke let us borrow his pass to get through the door. I had to spend half an hour looking like I was sort of queueing to get a room/sort of playing with my phone. My mate drank cider and took advantage of the free internet I think.

I'm off to see Goldheart Assembly at the Troubadour tomorrow as I came across them a while back and have been meaning to see them for a while. What gigs have you got coming up at the mo? I've had a shortage of 'We're playing here' emails. I'm out again tonight and on Satuday too I think. I should start cycling to venues maybe? That could be disasterous though I guess.

I've got a Columbia A&R meeting today where I'm going to really push an act I've mentioned before (but can't mention now ;-) in advance of meeting our Chairman. Got some really good stuff to present, most of which has come through here so I'm hoping to get a second blog signing some time soon. But that may take a bit of time I guess.

The reason I was so late for the gig was I got my new bike yesterday. The sales bloke looks exactly like Eric Idle and sounded like him too. Anyhoo, I got changed into my completly non-waterproof cycyling gear (monkey magic t-shirt and canvas shorts).

CHopper

2 comments

It's the first time I've had proper gears, the whole shimano thing is at least 10 years old but I'm a bit behind. I was used to gear changes on the cross bar like on my chopper (it was my brother's actually)

I sort of had an idea where to go, so headed over putney bridge for barnes, came through Barnes, got lost and didn't know where I was until I re-appeared pretty much outside my ex's house. Would have been difficult to explain why I was there so I managed to pedal a bit harder and get to the Thames in record time.

Again, I got lost and it was embarrasing as to how many other cyclists zipped past me at high speed. Probably with a snooty expression on their face but I only got to see their lycra-clad arses disappear into the distance. Hmm, I wonder if I should go for the lycra look? :-)

Eventually I had the "Ahh, I'm here" moment, shortly followed by the "Oh f**k, I'm here!!" moment. I'd overshot by a few miles and had a long trek home. 2 hours later I made it. According to tfl's website it should have taken 35 mins. Shite.

Hope all is tranquil and easy to find with you.

IB

I thought I should do one of those "why we do this, what's it all about" posts in response to the comments on the 'I'm Alive' post.

What it is.

I think it's important to identify what this platform is and it's purpose. Essentially, it's a submissions platform at it's core. The first port of call for artists who simply want to get their stuff heard by A&R at the labels who otherwise don't have access to those people via a well connected manager, lawer, the radio etc. On top of that it has powerful blogging tools which allow artists to further promote and develop their presence within the online community.

It has been started as a UK based project. However, I've always thought if I come accross something good it shouldn't be dismissed because of territory. So I still push oversees acts to the labels where possible. Though when I promote local acts on my nights they are not simply from London, I try to get talent from all over the country and I've been fairly successful in this so far. Except I haven't managed Scotland yet. :-)

Feedback

The feedback issue has been the subject of much arguement in the past. Bottom line is it's impossible to give constructive feedback often enough to satisfy the demands of those who feel they need it. Plus as was mentioned in the comments, there are people far more qualified than the likes of myself or other record company types to appraise music submissions. So who am I to say the chorus isn't strong enough, the mix is crap etc etc? I saw mentioned that artists need to have feedback in order to judge their own viability with the label. If you are a producer this may be the case if you are essentially pitching your wares. If you are a recording artist viability of your material isn't the question, the suitability of the label is. If we don't like it, don't respond in time etc then that's not the label for you.

What companies want?

As for what company's want I think a formulaic structure to A&R simply doesn't exist. That's more of a marketing thing which would be more at home with a creative publishers or catalogue label. Such as, "We need a product to co-incide with the olympics" or something. I have sat in many A&R meetings and each A&R person has their own angle and opinion on what acts we should be breaking. I have never heard anyone say "We really need an acoustic, early 20's, UK-based etc etc". It's simply the case of bringing what that particular scout has been in to. The head of the label does not instruct A&R as to what to bring in. A&R are employed to know what to bring in.

Power to the People?

I also read a comment talking of the company actively prohibiting the behaviours of groups within Vox or various groups set up to work in tandom with this project. How would that benefit us? For a kick off, this is hosted and maintained by Six Apart Inc, I couldn't have a group shut down if I wanted to. Plus I really encourage any development in community structures, groups and integration of other platforms. I think the weheartmusic page apitomises this concept and serves as a good example as to what can be achieved within a blogging community.

What do artists need to do to guarantee deals?

As regards what is required of an artist to warrant investment from a label this is impossible to quantify. I remember an act practically being signed on the strength of a myspace page whereas we recently got a signing off the blogs who signed up a year ago and there has been much to-ing a fro-ing since until the deal recently. I was in regular contact with them advising on deals, lawyers etc. Both are completely different as regards genre, investment and route into the company. I could probably list 30 or so different ways bands have come in. This really wouldn't help you as every signing can be slightly different.

Ultimately this is why I ask simply to submit your best material, rehearse loads and ask everyone everything. I've known acts signed off the strength of a gig, demo, buzz, recommendations, overall image, a recorded album etc etc. So the only way to truly advise on getting in, is to boil it down to what works in all those situations. Which is good music, shite songs wont be recommended, come across well at gigs, sound good online, generate a buzz, make a great album etc etc. Don't try to fulfill a market niche or some pre-conceived quota that you think the label may have or some kooky angle that you've devised.

Now then, from the comments I can probably see this will be pulled apart but I do think it's important to see this, and the label in it's true form. This is a demo submissions process, infinitely more practical than physical submissions though not perfect (yet). There's probably an air of mystery around the concept of A&R, the meetings, how it's all done, how we're potentially evil greedy no-gooders and all that. Truth is, I work closely with all of A&R who all come from the similar musical backgrounds, many are around my age (late twenties/early 30's) and who's only interest is to break acts that they are proud of pushing, as you don't want to be the guy who brought in something rubbish. It doesn't get much more complicated than that.

As I've preached many times before, due to the empowerment of artists through new technology and the competition within a shrinking market, it makes good business-sense to create different methods/channels to encourage as much new busness/markets/assets (ie you) as possible. Any ideas to expand this always welcome.

I'll shut up now. :-)

Hope all is less frustrated with you.

IB

... was the answer I gave my friend yesterday. She called to remind me of my promise to take her swimming.

I have never been so bruised, stiff and otherwise useless to the world as I was on Sunday. Why? Well, you may remember from my last post that I was going to give Roman-Greco wrestling a go. I did. I don't think I've ever done a more physically demanding sport in my life. Jujitsu is tough, but I don't do as much groundwork. This is INSANE. Saying that, the more experienced chaps know how to use the minimum amount of energy to maximum effect. Whereas I looked like I was somehow drowning with arms and legs flailing around. Most of the guys there are intimidatigly athletic and much fitter than me. One of the guys I met is an ex training partner of Chuck Liddell. Eek.

That said, I couldn't have met a bunch of more friendly, accomodating people. I was invited out to lunch afterwards and for a drink in the west end which was a really nice gesture. THere's no meat heads or ego's there. So I'll be going again.

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Anyhow, just been over to phonogenic for a chat about this and that as I like to on Monday's sometimes. As mentioned before I really like heading over there as I always walk away with some new insight into the dark art of A&R. Was chatting about some new signings that have been happening here and there including a couple of acts that recently created a feeding frenzy amongst the majors.

I've just got a message from the CHAPMAN FAMILY, they've confirmed for the 22nd March. So that should be great fun. The 22nd will also see the return of THE LOST LEVELS, who I frickin love. In a purely professional manner of course. They've got some new stuff including a track called '5' which I really like. Still confirming acts so new submissions always welcome.

So what's happening out there? I haven't really got any news from any of you. Are you still out there? Are you doing wonderful things? I hope so. If so I want to hear about them. Big apologies to Stewart at Emsar as I haven't got back to you yet. Just got out the end of a horrible week. Will be in touch today.

Hope all is well with you.

IB

Hello all,

Meeting up with another artist today. Had a sucessful meeting yesterday, brought someone in to audition for Phonogenic. That's one of the many reasons I like Paul and Tops over there. You hear of people performing in the office of A&R people back in the day but you don't hear many stories like that now. They're supportive of what I do and give real insight into what working in A&R is. It's the 3rd time I've been involved in a live demo for an artist in the building. The first was for Jono McCleery which I was able to film and the second was for an act called Nuala. She was great, hoping she's doing well.

Got a message from Freddy today, sounds like he's really busy and working on some interesting stuff in Nashville. I'd keep an eye on his blog for any new tracks that appear as he's got some great tracks.

Meant to be visiting another Jujitsu club tonight but starting to feel a bit off colour. Might just head home and do some much needed chores instead. :-)

So what is everyone up to out there, anything good coming up?

Hope all is well with you.

IB

Hello,

Sorry it's been a while. I'd like to say I've been too crazy busy to blog, but I haven't. I have been really busy but there's always time for a quick post I guess.

Tiny Tiny Stage

I spent Friday feeling really really really rough. Beyond rough, broken in fact. This was because on Thursday night I was at a showcase for Jono McCleery arranged by my mate Sam (Dirtyboots). It was held at the Black Gardinia on Dean street, a venue I knew as Push a couple of years back. It's the smallest venue I've ever been in. The stage is about the size of my bathroom (which is tiny) and as it's underground there's no room for overlap. However, it's a fantastic venue.

Most places I go to in London follow the same generic bar'y/pub pubbie/bar format with a selection of over priced obscure lagers. Here, you buy Red Stripe by the can, or Becks by the bottle, plus a couple of others. Plus it's full of character, you wont find anywhere else like it. I decided to switch to wine and it's served in a half pint tumbler. Eek. :-)

The reason I got so plastered that night was I hadn't had a drink for a week and a bit, so my resiliance was down, and I hadn't had anything to eat since brekkie. Couple that with the two hours of hanging about with nothing to do and I ended up very out of focus for the set.

Loads of Character Though

Call me a traditionalist, but I like proper signs on loos. Rather than the usual Male and Female symbols on the toilets they have 'Snakes' and 'Fishtails' written in cursive on the doors. Twice I ended up in the girls loo for lack of efficient signage. The second time making a tit of myself in front of one of Columbia marketing's lot. I doubt I'll ever be able to look her in the eye again. Maybe I can just hide for a year or so. Ugh. I'm hoping no one remembers but they probably do.

Jono's set was fantastic. He only had his drummer with him which was probably better considering the size. I did laugh when Jono passed me by the stage and asked "Whereabouts is the venue, is it through there?" gesturing to the Fishtails door. "Nope, this is it" and with that I think he began to wonder what sort of gig this was going to be.

He played a lot of new material which was great plus a couple of well placed covers. He's often gigging so of you're local he really is a must see.

The weekend consisted of heavy gymmage as I've just joined one. For the first time I'm actually enjoying excercise plus it keeps me out of trouble.

Will keep you up to speed on the collaboration developments. I hope to have some news for you by the end of this week.

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Shortwave Fade

Gigs 19/10/2007

Shortwave Fade are playing the Dublin Castle. So go check em ooot. Looks like it all starts around 8ish.

So is there anything interesting happening out there?

Hope all is well with you.

IB

After a 2am call with Vox this morning to discuss my plans of world domination I'm prepared for my meeting in Old Street with LastFM.

I'm really excited as to what may come from the discussions though I don't want to get my hopes to high, staying realistic and such. I'm sure there is going to be some level of collaboration in some way though. As many Voxers already use LastFM anyway.

I'm hoping to start a LastFM community which could feed our music community with the benefits that LastFM users enjoy just as their widgets, playlist options etc. In response I would also set up a Vox A&R profile within LastFM to establish our presence within there. Over time I hope to increase the integration with things such as the possibility of making Vox blogs 'blidgets' which you can syndicate within your LastFM profile aswell as other platforms, whilst using LastFM's broadcast options within your profiles if you so choose. This is my blog as a widget:

Wouldn't it be great if your blog was a base that linked out to all the other bits and pieces of your online identity and integrated some of the functions you like using in one place? That's what I'm thiking anyway.

Anyhoot, I'm rambling as I haven't been out doing anything fun. Ooh, except I got to use a Jo staff in my class last night and felt like a ninja or something.

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Gigs 14/11/2007

JB Newman is playing the Bedford tonight in Balham. I really like 'I Fought the Floor', really striking vocals and worth checking out. Kicks off at 7.30

The Illusive Dave Huges is playing teh 12 Bar on Denmark St tonight, 8pm onwards.

ODi, one of our first artists to join is playing The Aftermath at the Harrogate Blues Bar. Another 8pm start.

Hope all is well in Voxland. Will let you know how this afternoon goes.

IB

I was at the Dublin Castle last night to see Victors and had a really nice evening. Plus I didn't get drunk which was a bonus. That's part of my new healthy regieme.

What do I do again?

Me with me best mates in t'world

To be honest, last night was probably the first time I really felt like some kind of 'A&R', rather than a chap at a gig who works for a label trying to stumble across a good act. Mainly because I was able to read the lineups on the walls for the forthcoming weeks and recognise a lot of names and knew some of them personally, aswell as the various stickers dotted about the place. Plus on watching the band I was able to think beyond are they 'good' or 'bad' confidently and think objectively about what I was witnessing. I do feel like I'm going to be found out one day or something and ejected. "Him, there! Yes that's the guy. Posing as some digital A&R twat, get the dartgun". It's difficult to know when you're actually doing a good job.

On going into the venue I noticed a CODA sticker on the door and saw Shortwave Fade listed as playing on Monday. This gave me a bit of a paternal feeling and grinned for a while. It's been really great to see the community grow and getting a feel for who's out there. There's a couple of other bands playing who I want to see and introduce to the whole Vox thing too as I've heard them about and had mates rave on to me about them.

V For Victors

Ok, Victors. Just as with bands like the Standards it's very obvious when you see a band that's been playing for a while which was apparent here, even though they had a stand-in, in the form of fromer Ultrasound guitarist Richard Green. The first thing you notice is a seemingly effortless tightness to the playing, and the other thing tends to be amazing equipment. Fantastic amps, Rickenbacker guitars, and Gibson organ and a Fender Bass Piano (!?!?). (I looked for one of those Fenders for about a year). The keyboardist had a true Manzarek set up. Musically, can hear a lot of influences in there which gave me an early 90's Pulp/Soundtrack or Our Lives feel. Whereas tracks like 4400 show a blues-rock influence which gave a nice stompy interjection. Really tight set and enjoyable to watch. If you're in Leeds get along to a gig.

Should Bands Be Breaking Their Ass Getting to London?

There were a couple of moments of true brilliance which I felt really happy to witness in the exclusive crowd of about 10 people. This also posed a problem. It's rare that you get much in the way of passing trade in such venues, which made me think. Are you better off playing smaller towns where there is more of a hunger for live music, or playing London where the more historic venues are? I for one know that our guys travel all over the country (and beyond) to see people perform so is London really the centre of everything that is used to be? Don't get me wrong, passing trade does still exist and there are those music lovers who turn up at venues just to see who's playing but this takes hard work on the part of the promoter. Dirtyboots' night has been built up over a long time and as a result people usually turn up because it's a Dirtyboots night, rather than who's playing. That's because he only books great bands, rather than many promoters who'll book whoever can pull a crowd. Plus you can only play a gig like the 100 Club, at the 100 Club. Hmm, not sure where I'm going with this but it did get me thinking. Should you play at home or away?

Back To Business, Changing Vox Music Bits

Further to the suggestions made in the various discussions here and there, very slowly but surely, I think I'm making some progress as regards the music developments in the A&R element of Vox. Hopefully tonight, or tomorrow night I'm going to be speaking to someone from their product team about what can be done with this platform. So far I've been thinking it would be good to have a series of music tools for artists. Maybe even an option for a 'music profile' similar to the upgrades you make in the likes of myspace or facebook. Obviously they're a different style of platform whereas this is blogging, but it would be good for the tools to be there if wanted I think:

Media player - either we (labels) develop something, or we get a Vox bespoke player integrated. I would image they would be far better for the job as the level of integration into the community would be far better with less margin for bugs.

Hit Counter - This could mean, page views, track plays, who's been playing. I'm curious to find out what's possible. I've embedded a 3rd party counter on mine for the past couple of months and it's nice to see traffic.

IP Map - I.e.Like the thing I posted the other day, but sidebar compatible. It's nice to know where your readers are, and who they are.

Degree of Adjustable Layout - The beauty of this platform is it's simplicity and ease at setting up. However, it would be useful to be able to format the size of the side bar (within reasonable limits) to accomodate larger 3rd party widgets.

Syndication - Just as there was Sega or Nintendo kids, Nike or Reebok, PS3 or Xbox, there will always be Myspace people, Facebook people, Bebo people etc etc. However, everyone dabbles to a degree. I've got hundreds of accounts in everything, very little of which I use. However, if I could tie the ones I do use together a little more on a central blog I'd be over the moon. Vox's ease at linking to outside sources is great. Plus that whole preview page thing when you hover over the link is excellent too. I think this is an area that can really be capitalised on. It would be great to have a page in which focus could be drawn to other pages and content also drawn in. Or, take pieces of your blog and place elsewhere. This is what the likes of Reverbnation seem to thrive on. I managed to make my vox blog a facebook widget using widgetbox, it was horrifically difficult for me. Wouldn't it be great if your blog could be packaged up and included on your preferred page with functionality you'l like to share with others? Or vice versa, if you're more of a 'Vox' person then bring the other elements of your digital identity into one place.

Anyway, have a think about that and add to whatever you think needs adding too, or come up with something else.

Back To Music Matters

Back onto music. I listened to Daniel Flay and the Irreparable Guilt last night. Really great stuff, there's no track listing but I LOVE THIS TRACK, LISTEN TO IT NOW. Quite Snow Patrol in places, but more interesting. Any track that makes me feel different, think of someone or somewhere, or feel like a different person is good in my book. I've had a poke around their blog and their myspace and I'm going to get onto seeing them live (if they'll reply to my damn message).

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Gigs (for the next few days)

Quite one tonight - Dave Hughes is playing at Varsova in Paisley, can't find him in Vox though. Would the real Dave Huges please stand up?

The Standards are playing at the Enterprise tomorrow at 8.30 onwards. If you haven't seen them live and you live in London you need to see them as part of your musical education. As much a part of the fabric of the live circuit as plastic cups and sticky carpets. Excellent songs and a great spectacle live.

Also playing tomorrow are Coda, Alright the Captain and the Avangelists at the Common Rooms in Dungannon. Looks like it kicks off around 9ish. Just had a listen to the Alright the Captain stuff and it's really good. Coda are great of course too, but I've said that before. Check dem.

For those that couldn't get enough on the first night, Coda and Alright the Captain are at Lavery's Bunker in Belfast on Saturday. Looks like it might be in the afternoon but check the sites for details.

Runner are at Feeling Gloomy (?!), Carling Bar Academy in Islington. Go take a looook.

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Ahhhh. What a long post, finished now. To keep thing random I was walking around the park near work and realised how lucky I am to work near a park in Autumn and felt all poetic n such. So I took these.

Hope all is well with you.

IB

Just had a look at my hit counter that I stuck on here in August and it's over 10k now! Gosh. Though I do think a large

percentage of that is probably mum as I know she reads my blog to see what I'm up to.

Had another fun packed weekend though that will probably be my last for a while as I need to economise on the lead up to xmas.

Drunken prat in hat, does the hair come off with it?

I was out at Calvados in Clapham the other day. I've started to really like the areas. Might try and live there at some point. Apart from dancing like and idiot and stealing my mate Deb's hat (which is risky as she lethal at jujitsu) the evening was quite civilised in the most part and had a really good one. I was speaking to a young scottish lass and she was asking me about bands I'd been listening to and I mentioned Lady Mercedes. "They're sooooo brilliant!" she squeeked and insisted that I go to see them some time soon. She was only visiting London for a couple of days before heading back north and couldn't recommend them enough. If you live up in that part of the world be sure to go see them. I hope to head to Scotland eventually but I don't see it happening before Christmas. I've never actually been up there which is unforgivable I guess considering I could just take the train or something.

I haven't heard back from my US A&R counterparts as yet so I'll be sure to chase that up this afternoon. I'll chase up our suggestions to Vox aswell as I want to add stuff to my list. Also I've started investigating other options such as reverbnation who have very powerful syndication tools for social media sites. Plus it seems they're still in their early stages which always presents good opportunities for mutual development.

It looks like I've got the gig on the first of December sorted as regards line-up. I'm now looking at the 28th aswell. So far I've got a band called Helene who, shock horror, are outside of Vox currently. Though I intend to change this. Maybe have a look at their Myspace, see what you think.

Vote Show Pony are playing tonight at 93 Feet East. Plus it's a free gig I believe to there's no reason not to attend if you're nearby. Well worth checking out as I imagine they're quite fun live. I'm going to try and make it down. This is going to be my first test of not drinking. I'm going teetotal for a week or two as part of the whole trying to be healthy thing.

Dear sir, thankyou for your submission, however....

I still have about 2 tonnes of demos to go through. They still come in so I open em up and mail them back to tell them to get a blog set up instead. Don't know what caused the sudden influx last month. Tell your mates, spread the word that we don't want CD's dammit. I'm going

to start the day with Era Vulgaris at teeth trembling volume through my headphones. I love this album. Songs for the Deaf was my favourite QOTSA album, but I think this maybe taking over. It's quite like JH's Eagles of Death Metal stuff on our label but I still prefer QOTSA. I still haven't seen them live either. :-(

Apart from VSP I don't know of any other Vox gigs

Era Vulgaris

happening tonight. So add em or comment on this post to update. Especially if there's anything happening in East London as I'm over that way anyway.

Hope all is well with you.

IB

Just sent off my new A&R list to the labels, will get onto them this afternoon and hassle them to see what they think. I treat the lists as almost my own personal best-of's. I will start publishing them once this platform has been running a year I think. I'm in with RCA tomorrow so will be able to show off my wares there aswell.

I was meant to go to the Fox Cub's gig last night but as it took me about an hour and a half to get home to drop my stuff off, and I couldn't get any cash out because of this...

23102007102.jpg

..I couldn't make it. Damn. I had to scrounge change from around my room to make it to work this morning.

It's such a hassle but it will probably stop me spending for a while which isn't a bad thing.

Anyhow. I've forwarded on the results from the discussions happening around the development of the A&R platform to my boss. I also mentioned to Ged the recent activity and he was pleased to hear of the input and has been having a look around I believe.

Rather than put a poll up, which is what I thought about doing in the first place. I'm simply going to investigate every option to see how feasable it is first then see if I'm in a position to implement them. If it's something fairly easy (like the new media player) then we might aswell just do it. The more complicated ideas, like co-branded nationwide gigs, may be a little harder to acheive. But I will have a look nonetheless.

Big apologies to the Fox Cubs, it all got a bit much once I got home. Will have to catch the next one. Did anyone go to the Claire Toomey gig? I'm curious to see what she is like live too. 

Tonight Shortwave Fade are playing at the Charlotte in Leicester. They've been in the community a while and are worth checking out. I really like their track Stay As You Are, take a listen if you get time.

Hope all is well with you, keep on adding the gigs and as soon as I've glued my card back together I'll start getting out and about again.

Hope all is well with you.

IB