 | MIDWEST RUMBLINGS |  |
Regional Music Demo ReviewsMidwest Rumblings…by Rachel Komar
Dear Bands, Fans, and Readers,
Due to recent ventures in my life, I have decided to give up my monthly Midwest BEAT column.
I have been working at Atlantic Records for over a year now, and I have decided to start a record label of my own as well. We are currently looking for bands to add to our roster, so please check out www.injectrecords.com if you are interested in more information.
I am also going to Columbia College full time and basically just trying to survive on my own. I love this column, but I don’t have time to review these demos with as much depth and detail as they deserve. I hope all of you can understand. I still love helping out local bands; however, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to email me at: hotlocalbands@yahoo.com
Seeing as how this is my last column, I decided to change things up a bit. Instead of doing reviews this month, I wanted to speak my mind on certain issues I have dealt with in the past.
First of all, writing for this magazine for over a year now, I have come across quite a few demos, most of which looked exactly the same. I understand that being in a local band, one may not have much money, but an understanding must be met that the quality put into a demo truly reflects the quality of the band. If I can’t take the demo seriously, then how am I supposed to know the band is serious about their music?
When making a CD, whether it is a few songs or a full length, record at the best place possible and take your time. Also, when pressing and packaging the CD, make sure to put in a lot more time, money, and effort.
The goal is to make people want to listen to your CD, not throw it out the car window. Once you’ve created the best CD possible, within your budget, then you need to make a press kit.
This includes the CD, a bio, a professional picture (usually an 8x10 in black and white), and any other credentials you have as a band.
In a day and age of originality conquering overall, please remember not to compare your band to other bands. When bands tell me they sound like Incubus, for example, I rarely even bother listening to their CD because I already own every single Incubus album; therefore, what would be the point of listening to a band that’s trying to break out and form their own identity when they are attempting to sound like a band that’s already out there?
Labels, managements, and all other companies in the music business are looking for music that stands out, not something that blends in. If you truly want lasting power as a band, just write the music you want and don’t try to make it sound like what you hear on the radio.
This business is so rapidly changing that putting all your efforts into sounding like Modest Mouse, for example, could prove to be a waste, when a totally different style comes to play next year, or even next month. If your music is good, people will want to listen. It’s as simple as that.
Image and a good website also have a major reflection on a band. As much as I hate admitting it, image plays an important role in determining if your band will make it. I don’t believe one should look like everyone else; originality is still a great quality to have even when it comes to image, but at least make sure you are presentable and look your best, especially when playing shows.
Also, make sure to have a good, easily navigable website. The Internet has become the best means of promotion, so the more you can utilize it, the better off you will be. A great site to be on at the moment, is www.myspace.com Check it out if you haven’t yet.
With the closing of my last column, I just wanted to say thank you to Tom Lounges and all the bands and friends that have supported me in the past years.
Also, thank you to the fans for supporting these local bands. Without you, they would be nothing, and without these bands, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today. Please keep sending your demos my way. I can’t wait to hear more original music! Send demos, singles and EPs to be reviewed to: ------------ Midwest Rumblings c/o Midwest BEAT P.O. Box 9069 • Highland, IN 46322 Email Rachel at: hotlocalbands@yahoo.com
| ||
Web Design By: All Rights Reserved © Hungry Mind Design2003 | ||