Audiosocket Partners with Lands’ End Canvas to Launch New Music Now Band Competition

Go to landsendcanvas.com/backstage - Tune in, Vote and Enter to Win $250 Concert Cash Daily!

Music transcends the test of time and is rooted in authenticity much like the timeless style of Lands’ End Canvas. To find the band that best represents the look, feel and sound of the classic apparel line with a modern twist, Lands End Canvas customers have the chance to go “backstage” at landsendcanvas.com/backstage and vote for an up-and-coming band as part of the New Music Now campaign. From now until June 27, 2011, profiles and music from five up-and-coming bands will be featured at the site where music fans can tune in to hear original tracks and then vote for the band that best represents the Lands’ End Canvas style. Visitors can vote for their favorite band once each day to be entered to win one of ten $250 LiveNation® Concert Cash™ prizes good towards concert tickets and merchandise at LiveNation.com. Concert Cash winners to be announced on July 11, 2011.

“At Lands’ End Canvas we know music and style go hand-in-hand,” said Chris Kolbe, EVP, Chief Design and Merchandising Officer, Lands’ End. “Through the New Music Now campaign we wanted to help connect our customers with original, undiscovered artists and share our passion for indie music.”

Five Featured Bands

Audiosocket considered hundreds of bands for the New Music Now campaign and the five selected finalist include:

• JD McPherson, Chicago – Made in an entirely vintage analogue studio, Signs and Signifiers will make you want to go back and pull out and dust off all of those Elvis, Little Richard and James Brown LPs. JD breathes some major new life into a style we don’t hear much on the radio anymore. You are going to be hearing a lot from this guy soon though!

• The Wandas, Boston – The Wandas are about to break big with their upcoming 2011 release produced by Patrick Krief of The Dears and featuring members of indie rock idols The Stills and Stars.

• Archie Powell and The Exports, Chicago -- A super fun, high energy post-garage band out of the Midwest that takes a page out of the song books of Paul Westerberg and Tom Petty. It’s exciting and smart music that doesn’t skimp on sarcasm.

• Kero One, San Francisco -- If you haven’t heard of Kero One yet you are about to start hearing about him a lot. Already a huge star in Japan this Bay Area hip hop artist has been getting attention from all the right places these days including a major endorsement from Will.i.am.

• Visqueen, Seattle -- Visqueen has been a staple on the Northwest rock scene for years but their new album Message to Garcia has certainly been their crowning achievement garnering rave reviews from nearly every major source for music news. Rachel Flotard is a powerhouse front woman known also known for her prominent roll in Neko Case’s band whom she has also recruited to sing on this album.

“At Audiosocket, we are always on the lookout for opportunities for independent artists. The bands we have selected for the New Music Now campaign are top notch and without a doubt deserve this kind of spotlight,” said Mike Turner, Director of Creative Music Services for Audiosocket. “The interactive “fan engagement” style of programs such as the New Music Now campaign with Lands’ End Canvas is great for artist development and discovering emerging talent.”

Votes will be tabulated after June 27, 2011 and the winning band will be announced on July 11, 2011. The winning band will receive $3,000 worth of studio time to record a CD and a featured spot on landsendcanvas.com and its Facebook page.

Anti-Piracy Legislation - Copyright Protection or Internet Restriction?

Today a bipartisan group of Senators introduced legislation that has significant interest for those of us involved in the music industry as well as those of us who value the freedom we currently have on the internet.

The law is called the “Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act” and was introduced as an attempt to combat piracy of music, movies and other products ranging from pharmaceuticals to various consumer products. This new law would allow the Department of Justice to track and shut down a website that is “…primarily designed, has no demonstrable, commercially significant purpose or use other than…to offer goods or services in violation of title 17, United States Code,” in other words, websites currently offering access to illegal downloads, streaming, or sale of copyrighted content and counterfeit products. The way the law works now, it is up to the copyright holders or a third-party trade group to file a civil suit. Under this new law, this responsibility would be shifted to the Department of Justice.

When Brent first brought this topic up with me, I thought it was a great idea. As a musician who releases music on his own label I have begun to fully support more restrictions on illegal downloads. I love the music industry, I work within it, and I don’t want to see it brought to its knees. But I also love the freedom of the internet and as I researched this more, reading different perspectives on it, I began to see the potential threats this could pose to that precious internet freedom.

Brent had mentioned that one problem he had was that the Department of Justice wouldn’t have the capabilities to differentiate between a website offering illegal downloads and, for example, a blog where the artist is simply offering free streaming or downloading of an exclusive track.

Another argument that I read on huliq.com is that this new law would give the Department of Justice the power to block the domain of a given website that they deem illegal, therefore making certain parts of the internet “off limits.” This could be seen as essentially the same sort of internet censorship done in the Peoples Republic of China. It’s likely that it would encourage underground users and other countries to create their own DNS servers….essentially creating an “underground” internet and killing the “world wide web” as we know it.

I guess the main problem I’m having is giving the Department of Justice the power to shut down any website that it deems as being in violation of copyright laws. Right now they’re focusing on bit torrent sites but who’s to say they won’t go after folks making mix tapes and trading them online or after artists that are seeking exposure by offering free downloads? I think I need more reassurances that this isn’t going to happen before I support this legislation. We should keep our eyes on this. It’s in its infant stage and still needs to go into committee and put up for a vote but it has the potential to seriously infringe internet freedom if not kept in check.

Law's should be drafted that protect copyrights while at the same time limiting the government’s ability to restrict the general freedom of the internet. When that balance is struck, successful protections will have been achieved for all parties. That should be the main goal.

A Note to Myspace Music

For years I have felt that Myspace squandered the one thing it has always done well, music. I have scratched my head as I watched the platform go from an acquisition valued at over 500M to a near ghost town of a social network, at least as it pertains to mind-share.

Today, Digital Music News posted a blog that posed the question "Can Myspace break bands?". Reading the post brought me back to that head scratching state. To me the short answer is "Yes, they can!" However, I still hit a wall when I think of how quickly they wasted their influence.

Looking at the stats provided by Digital Music News you can see that Myspace music has an audience. In fact, it appears to be growing.





With over 6 million bands using the platform they have a wealth of content that they could be leveraging, far beyond simple advertising dollars. According to the study, myspace focuses on a newly signed artist (usually a major label act) and there is significant impact for a number of weeks. In all reality, the Myspace features work as a spark the ignites a social media fire. They light a match.... BAM, an artist lights up. Shouldn't that tell them something?

Myspace, here's an idea for you. Leverage the full weight of your power and offering. You're owned by one of the most powerful media enterprises in the world. You've got millions of bands using your platform and fans willing to go there to listen to their content.

First off, clean up your act. Your interface is so cluttered and broken people are reluctant to use it. Don't be greedy. More ads do not equal more revenue. Quality, relevant advertising equals more revenue. Keep it simple and your audience will appreciate it.

Next, don't focus squarely on the majors. There are hundreds of hidden gems buried within Myspace music. FIND THEM and then give lasting support. I'm not suggesting you be all things to all bands. But, by supporting emerging acts and bringing them to light, you'll bolster your own brand and increase your revenues as well.

If your influence can move a talented group from obscurity to notoriety then you too should share in the reward. Create a fair and equitable arrangement between your company and the indie artist that you've chosen to support. As they rise up the charts, share in publishing. Leverage your influence and help the artist get their music licensed within the other media products Fox develops daily. Use your news channels (both local and national) to build the press story for the artist you're supporting. Fill the tub so all ships rise. There's real money in it.

While Myspace is considered a thing of the past, you have a golden opportunity to take the one thing you've done well and use it to rebuild your company and your brand. Find the great unsigned artists within Myspace. Filter that content. Export it through your strong, powerful existing network and influence the landscape through the delivery of tomorrow's next top artists. You've got the content, you've got the audience and you've got the power to have a lasting impact. Use it and rebuild your brand and grow your future success. Ignore it and lose forever the one chance you have for salvation.

Audiosocket Adds GRAMMY-nominated Rocker to Advisory Board

Photo: Dan Schlatter

We're thrilled to announce here first that Dave Dederer, best-known as a founding member of the multi-platinum, twice GRAMMY-nominated band The Presidents of the United States of America has joined the Audiosocket advisory board.

In recent years, Dave has made a mark as an executive as Seattle digital media company Melodeo. Melodeo’s nuTsie music apps are the #1 paid music listening products in the Apple App Store and the company recently held the #1 overall spot for all apps in the App Store for more than a week with its Top 100s music app. Melodeo was acquired in mid-June by HP.

“My co-founder Jenn Miller and I have a strong vision for Audiosocket,” said Audiosocket co-founder and CEO Brent McCrossen, “but we recognize the need for a strong team to be the best. We’re happy to have Dave join our staff and investors, who we think are the best out there.  Dave’s experience running The Presidents’ business and with Melodeo gives him a unique perspective that we can use to our advantage.” 

“Pre-cleared music is one of the few areas of the music business where I see unlimited growth moving forward,” said The Presidents’ Dave Dederer, “Audiosocket has better content, technology and business models than its competitors and is poised for success.  I’m honored to be asked to join the team and look forward to helping out.”

For more information on licensing fresh independent music, please call 206.701.7931.

Rock and Run! Seattle's Rock and Roll Marathon

I don't know about you, but when I work out I need some rockin' tunes blasting in my headphones to keep me motivated. Now imagine if you had a LIVE band playing for you while you work out! Well that's the deal at the Seattle Rock N' Roll Marathon happening this Saturday, June 26th....local bands and cheer squads are set up throughout a full or half marathon course that goes from Tukwila, along the scenic shores of Lake Washington, to the finish line at Qwest Field in downtown Seattle. All along the course are entertainment stages featuring some of the hottest bands in the Seattle music scene like Audiosocket artists BOAT and Carrie Clark and the Lonesome Lovers. Click here for a full schedule of artists. All proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Society as well, so you can get fit, rock out, and benefit a good cause. You can wake up Sunday morning feeling refreshed knowing that you supported the local music scene without downing 5 beers and a Dante dog at 2 in the morning (well, okay, maybe that's just me). The website says that the event is sold out but that the American Cancer Society has a limited number of entries available. Check out their website for more info. Here's a video of Boat performing live on KEXP to wet your whistle. Now get on those sneakers and get out there!

Audiosocket picks for Sasquatch and Folklife 2010

Memorial Day Weekend is here and if you live in the beautiful northwestern United States you know that this weekend is the kickoff of the summer festival season. Woo hoo!

The big indie-rock fest Sasquatch is starting this Saturday and has a stellar lineup as usual. Highlights for me would be:

Shabazz Palaces - Seattle's latest hip-hop sensation featuring Butterfly of Digable Planets, opening the Main Stage at 12:05pm on Saturday.

The National - They just released an incredible new album and they're performing on the Main Stage at 7pm on Saturday.

The Very Best - A really great indie-Afro-pop band out of East London. They'll be at the Rumpus Room Stage at 7:30pm on Saturday.

LCD Soundsystem - I can't stop listening to their new one and they are always incredible live. They'll be at the Mainstage at 7pm on Sunday.

The Fruit Bats - Portland indie-folksters at the Yeti Stage at 7:30pm on Sunday.

Public Enemy!!! - Can't believe these legends are making an appearance, 9:45 at the Bigfoot Stage on Sunday.

Simian Mobile Disco - They're performing at 10pm on Sunday so it'll be a tough decision between these guys and PE but they're doing a DJ set and these London electro-house superstars know how to get the dance floor nice and sweaty. They're at the Rumpus Room Stage. Check out the super sexy video for "Hustler" but may not be work-appropriate....it's that sexy!



The Heavy - This UK combo are an amazing mash up of some of my favorite music 60's soul, garage, classic reggae, and punk rock and are not to be missed. They open the Main Stage at noon on Monday. They're also gonna be touring with the incredible Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings!

She and Him - M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel's side project. They're like the Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood for the indie-rock generation. The first album was so-so but this new one kicks ass, in a 60's pop kind of way. They're on the Mainstage at 5:20pm on Monday.

Camera Obscura- Scottish twee-popsters are making an appearance. Fans of Belle and Sebastian take note - Bigfoot Stage, 6:50pm on Monday.


This same weekend, my personal favorite local festival is happening. It's the 39th Annual NW Folklife Festival. If you don't already have tickets to Sasquatch, it's all sold out, so this may be your only option.

My band The Bad Things has played this for the last 5 years and I love it. It's free (although a $10 a day donation is strongly suggested) and is always jam-packed with great music. I like to just walk around and watch all the street performers. They pretty much let anyone perform on the pathways of Seattle Center and buskers from all over the west coast come up to play on the streets and make a little change. But, there are some great bands playing on the various stages, even some Audiosocket artists. Here are my picks for Folklife:

Orkestar Zirkonium - Freaking incredible roving 16-piece Balkan brass band - Friday, 7pm on the Fountain Lawn Stage. 

The Tallboys - Pike Place Market busker extraordinaires who play infectious old-time string band music - Friday, 9pm on the Center House Stage.
The Bad Things (Audiosocket artist!) - A shameless plug for my band. We play punk-influenced folk music with touches of cabaret, gypsy, ska, country, and soul music - Saturday, 1pm on the Vera Stage.

The Curious Mystery - Lo-Fi, psychedelic indie folk on the legendary K Records out of Olympia - Saturday, 5pm in the Center House Theatre.

The Roy Kay Trio - 50's rockabilly/Americana trio with a serious Buddy Holly vibe - Sunday, 3:40pm on the Fountain Lawn Stage.

The Georgetown Orbits (Audiosocket artist!) - Seattle's hottest ska/rocksteady/early reggae band will be bringing the skank to the Seattle Center - Monday, 6pm on the Mural Amphitheatre Stage.

Here's someones video that I found on YouTube that captures the feel of the festival...you can walk around and see everything from circus performers, free jazz, crusty-punk jug bands, little girls playing ukulele, bag pipers, or old-time string bands. Love spring in the northwest! Now get out there and see some music!

M.I.A.'s Revolutionary New Marketing Campaign

I've written about this new M.I.A. album on here in the past and its release is coming up here in June. So far, I'm totally blown away by the marketing around this record. Her style is so striking and edgy.

I saw her a couple years ago at Sasquatch and was amazed watching her control thousands of people playing such grimy, political, funky music. it just felt like the most CURRENT thing happening all day.....it felt immediate and revolutionary and reminded me of how punk sounded when I heard it back in the day. Not in the style of music but in the excitement and aggression.

She put out an extremely disturbing new video for the single "Born Free" (it's already been pulled from YouTube for explicit content) that folks will be talking about for a while, now she's part of a "guerilla art campaign" happening around London in conjunction with Britain's general election. That's one of her billboards above. You can see more billboards from the campaign here.

Can't wait for that new record! Now, I'll shut up about her already! Oh, and here's a video of her doing "Paper Planes" at that Sasquatch show....okay, I'm done.