Trader Joes 4 Life

So this is completely off topic. But today, I felt compelled to tell you why YOU should shop at Trader Joes.

1. Mediterranean Hummus - nuff said. and if you add in a bag of carrots that's like $2 - you're good to go for the week.

2. The workers are probably the happiest people who will ever bag your groceries... period. And it's not the fake happy you get at publix where the have their protocol lines they have to say and you can tell they don't mean it.

3. The beer selection (AND if you're not in effing TN - you can get 2 buck chuck - which is really more like three but that doesnt rhyme so ya know... ) is unbeatable.

4. Price - you can't beat it

5. Free Samples - don't act like you don't like them. The other day I tried this milk made from almonds... and then i bought it... boo yah

6. Nutrition label- most things there are pretty health conscious and you're aren't going to see much that's god awful for you. And i gaurentee whatever they have is better than the equivalent at public or kroger.

7. Surprise items.. One time I was at the register and there were dried hibiscus petals for candy... naturally, I bought them. I will probably never buy them again, but if it were to ever come up in a conversation like "never have i ever eaten hibiscus petals..." I have.

8. Organic. Much of what they offer is organic and we should all be eating that.

9. They alter their name for different genres of food. Example: Italian trader joes is trader gorgios... awesome

10. I tried so hard to make it to ten so I'm going to go with Mediterranean humus again. I'm serious about this.

So go on out to trader joes, buy one of their reusable bags and change your life, for the better

a.p.e. radio

So I came across this article from Billboard and thought it was really cool.

The gist of it is that artists will now be able to host/dj their own radio stations. Front Line Management (owned by Irving Azoff - who also owns Ticketmaster, and has basically created a monopoly in the music industry) along with Clear Channel Radio are teaming up to create a.p.e. radio (artist personal experience).

Artists will have a 24-hour, streaming online channels where the can upload about 1,000 songs, of their choice, for fans to access and listen to. Though most songs will be from other artists, there will be a song or two from the host. In addition to the songs, artists will also give stories about the music and their lives in interviews (often these stories for the artists will be linked to their songs that they play).

From a marketing standpoint, this is going to be such a good branding tool for artist allowing them to build up their image and deepening relationship with fans. AND while the artist is engaging consumers, they will also simultaneously be able to promote tours, albums, and other news important to the artist.... sneaky, sneaky....

These radio stations will not be terrestrial (i.e. 95.5 the beeYAAAT) but they will be found online or by using the iheartradio app for the iPhone or BlackBerry. Artists will also be able to add widgets to their web pages.

I can't even remember what music was like before the internet... Now you can be friends with artists on facebook and myspace, follow them on twitter, read their blogs from their websites, and soon you'll be able to listen to 1,000 song play list that they have created for their fans - so cool! I often wonder what my favorite artists are listening to, and now, I'll know.

Yusuf Douchebag

You would have to read my first post about the whole Coldplay plagiarism thing, but here's the update from Rolling Stone with deliciously douchebaggy quotes like:

"They did copy my song but I don't think they did it on purpose."

"I have even copied myself without even knowing I have done it."

....do not pass go... do not collect $200...

Oh! Two Saturdays ago I went to the Coldplay show here in Nashville. It was awesome. That is all.

It's been a while

Wow.... I can't believe it's been two weeks since I've updated.

The office has been out of control the past two weeks- but in a good way. I will try not to mention work on this blog because I don't want to be tied to my job, nor do I want anything I say to reflect on my place of work. That being said, I am very grateful for my job. I work with wonderful and inspiring people - people that do crazy big things in the music industry.

Every day I learn something new about the industry and about myself. I came into my job based mainly on personality - I was just as qualified as others but my personality scored the the gig. I could not be more grateful for everything that has gone into that: family, friends, and all my life experiences that make me who I am today. I am fortunate to have been brought in to such an accepting environment because these people are teaching me to be a professional everyday. And for that I am grateful, as I'm pretty sure some other company would have fired me by now.

Enough about that. I will now leave you with a quote from my boss that she told us today in staff meeting... one of the many jewels she bestowes upon us:

"You are only as good as the information given to you"

Pharrell is the poo... so take a big wiff!

For a guy who got his first break, according to Billboard.biz, writting a verse for the hit called "Rump Shaker," Pharrell has come a long way! Shortly after that, he went on to work with artists like Kelis to winning awards for his production on Britney Spear's"I'm a Slave for You" and on Justin Timberlake's "Justified."

Consequently, Pharrell is widely known for producing and also for his albums with N.E.R.D. (fyi- they're working on finishing another right now) as well as his solo album. And while we're on the subject, can we talk about the fact that he's about to start producing Sara Bareilles' next album.... I'm dying

But what most of us didn't know, including myself, is that he also has two apparel companies. Ice Cream, a clothing line that is geared toward the urban skater demographic, is in the process of being made into a TV show- I'm assuming something along the lines of 'Ace of Cakes'. The other, Billionaire Boys Club, is a more elite brand. Pharell says it's his idea of what Ralph Lauren clothes would look like if they were made by Willy Wonka.

On top of all this, he's now in talks with Cornerstone, a consulting firm, to launch a branding consulting agency...

I hope one day they are writing articles like this about me. Which is why I started this blog - I guess it's my first step towards marketing myself. In college, especially in my major classes all they spoke about was marketing yourself and doing things like writing blogs, web pages, twitter, and many other online outlets. During that time, all I heard was "blah blah blah... stuff I don't have time for... blah blah blah." Well, here I am now about 6 months out--- wow, that's crazy! --- and I've already knocked out the blog and twitter. So I guess next up is the website, and then I'll figure out the roster of businesses I plan to start within the next 10 years.

Shame I can't just produce a song called called Booty Twister... or can I ?????

Get it Pharrell!

Summer Music

So one of the ongoing documents I've been working on for work is to keep up with a list of upcoming tours and albums for 2009... I know, painful right?? So I thought I'd let you in on it as well - not that you couldn't check it out in Billboard Magazine, or Rolling Stone.

But first, I'd like to grace you with a few albums that I have recently acquired that I think you should listen to as well - as I am addicted. Some of these are brand new, others I'm a little behind the curve. In no particular order:

Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Passion Pit - Manners

The Killers - Day and Age

Band of Horses - Cease to Begin

Bat for Lashes - Two Suns

... yes I've been pitchforking it a lot, lately.

June:

311 - "Uplifter" - 2nd

DMB - "Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King" - 2nd

Jeff Buckley - "Grace around the World" - 2nd

Paolo Nutini - "Sunny Side Up" - 2nd

Regina Spektor - "Far" - 2nd

Incubus - "Monuments and Melodies" - 16th

Third Eye Blind - "Ursa Major" - 23rd

Cage - "Depart from Me" - 30th

July:

I got nothin'... except for this jewel...

Sugar Ray- "Music for Cougars" - 21st

if you didn't think that was a joke then leave this blog immediately

August

Collective Soul - TBA- 4th

A Fine Frenzy - "Bomb in a Birdcage" - 4th

Avett Brothers - "I and Love and You" - 4th

Colbie Caillat - "The Breakthrough" - 25th

Jet - "Shaka Rock" - 25th

David Gray - "Draw the Line" - AugustTBA

The Flaming Lips - TBA - TBA

Concerts:

Aerosmith, June - September

Jay-Z (ft. Ciara), July - September

Elton John Billy Joel, May - August

The Killers, May - September

Kings of Leon, May - September

Lady Gaga, May - September

Pearl Jam, August

Jimmy Buffet, May - September

Coldplay, May - August

Counting Crows, May - August

DMB, May - September

Death Cab for Cutie, July

Blink 182 (w/Weezer/FOB/TBS/AAR) - July- September

The Fray, June - August

Incubus, July-August

Jason Mraz, July- August

No Doubt, May - August

Rascal Flatts, June - September

Lily Allen, May - September

Bat for Lashes, May- June

The Beach Boys, May - September

Boys 2 Men, May- September

Camera Obscura, May - September

The Dead Weather, June - August

The Decemberists, May - August

Gavin DeGraw, May - August

Fleet Foxes, May -September

Franz Ferdinand, May - July

Grizzly Bear, May -August

Keane, May - August

John Legend, June - September

Paolo Nutini, July-August

Passion Pit, May- July

Katy Perry, July - September

Santigold, May - August

The Script, May - August

Sugar Ray, May - September

Third Eye Blind, May - June

311, May - July

Hulu is where it's at

So one of my close friends from back in college recently advised me that if I were to buy stock, it should be in Hulu. He was right. 

Hulu is blowing up all over the place. They will soon be offering content from ABC, which means that they will have content from every major network other than CBS.  I don't know about you, but I watch hulu all the time. Since I work a lot, and I'm not forking out the cash for Tivo, Hulugives me the chance to watch the shows I want at my leisure.  And now, to make Hulu more user friendly they have added a desktop app to make the user experience easier and allow you to access hulu material from outside your browser. 

Check out this PC Magazine article on it. 

Working in the music industry (and dealing with companies) I'm desperately working on ways we can get in with this brand- I think it's a huge opportunity for my company and if we don't get on it, someone else will. 

Always be thinking on your toes! 

I Frickin' Love Chris Martin

I know, this is like entry number five, but I'm very passionate about the band and they've been getting a lot of press lately. So here goes...

 

First and foremost, Coldplay got a rockin' review on the kick off of their tour from Rolling Stone. If you've ever been to a show, you know what an amazing performance the put on.  The boys make it clear that they're their to entertain and they do just that. Martin jumps all over the stage, flailing his body in whatever direction it takes him. And the rest of the guys, who I'm sure would also flail around the stage if their instruments permitted, are just as into the show as Martin. I loved all the effects at the last show and it looks like it will be about the same this time around when I go to see them at the Sommet Center June 6th with Snow Patrol.  Those guys also know how to put on a show- I've seen them twice at the Tabernacle in Atlanta (one of my favorite venue's to date) and they were great both times. (However the last time I went, the Tabernacle's sound was jacked up and they had to start songs over again- they actually played 'Chasing Cars' about 4 times- which was pretty miserable)

 

Here's Coldplay's North American set list, courtesy of Rolling Stone:

 

“Life In Technicolor”
“Violet Hill”
“Clocks”
“In My Place”
“Yellow”
“Glass Of Water”
“Cemeteries Of London”
“42″
“Fix You”
“Strawberry Swing”
“God Put A Smile Upon Your Face”
“Talk”
“The Hardest Part”
“Postcards From Far Away”
“Viva La Vida”
“Lost!”
“Green Eyes”
“Death Will Never Conquer”
“I’m A Believer”
——
“Politik”
“Lovers In Japan”
“Death And All His Friends”
——-
“The Scientist”
“Life in Technicolor 2″

 

The second reason I love him is his response to the accusations against theirplagiarism.(and I'm sure the band too- for the record, I understand there is more to the band than him and both Guy, Will, and Johnny contribute much to their success). He calls them "inspiring" and says:

“You think, ‘Right, if everyone’s trying to take away our best song, then we’d better write 25 better ones.’ And so just at the point where I was thinking about getting fat and becoming complacent, I’ve been finding more inspiration. Now we’ve got more to prove than ever before.” 

I just love the "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" attitude! They are taking the issue with class and grace and only going to get better because of it. Imagine if you were already awesome and then had to prove that you were more awesome than most thought. Did that make sense?

 

I. Can. Not. Wait... Until their next album.

9yr old BA & Joaq the Rapper

Thanks to Perez's twitter I came across this article earlier today.  It's about a 3rd grader, Ethan, in west Denver who is organizing a rally in support of gay marraige.  Growing up with gay neighbors, the nine-year-old can't understand why they aren't allowed to get married. Ethan says "They're the same as other people." And he's right.

It's amazing to me how someone so young an innconcent can not only have an opinion on such a relevant subject, but take action upon it - something that most people my age or older can't say. This kid has been emailing, calling, and having personal contact with all kinds of people including, public officials. He has gotten a few to speak at rally he is holding in Denver tomorrow! INSANE!! 

In other, not so inspiring news...

 I'm sure many of you are aware that Joaquin  Phoenix made a very bizzare appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman earlier this year.  The scruffy disheveled actor was in transition to becoming a rapper. And don't worry, he'll be comming out with a full album produced by none  other than P Diddy.  his brother-in law,  Casey Aflec, will be filming a documentary of the charade. You can also submit video footage for potential use in the documentary.

Most  speculate the documentary will be similar to Sascha Baron Cohen's Borat, but I think that's a little to predictable for Pheonix. Actually, I think that's exactly what he want's people to think. I believe the comedy in this documentary will be much darker and less crude than 2006's Borat.

Scorsese? Sinatra?

Yes, Please!

Let's be honest, there's not much else to say. Scorsese is a theatrical genius and Frank Sinatra is a legend - what's not to love?  This will be the first feature portraying the former Rat Pack member's life on the silver screen and it's already off to a good start. Even his daughter, Tina, will be the executive producer behind it all.  Check out the Rolling Stone article for more deets here.

Jack White in Music City

The future is looking up here in Music City! Jack White, among others including country star Emmylou Harris, has recently joined Nashville's Music Business Council. 

What's on the agenda? Well for starters they're looking to construct a downtown amphitheater for Nashville, which is something the city is seriously lacking.  Opening an amphitheater in the heart of music city would attract all sorts of new tallent and increase revenue for the city. 

What else could Nashville use.... a non-country music festival, you say?? Well, you're in luck because that's another thing White has on his to-do list. Both of these initiatives alone are HUGE! But thats not all.  On top of that, the board is looking to enhance and expand the CMA Music Festival and increase the emphasis on music education- a component that cannot be overlooked as it is the foundation and the future of the music industry.

I can't express how pumped I am about this.  Nashville, though a huge center for country music, is also home to rock and roll and other genre's as well- a facet of the city that is often overlooked. 

Check out the Billboard article.

But as most of us know, Jack White is a busy man.  On top of his new role on the board,Pitchfork tells us that his new band, The Dead Weather, had announced the title of their new album Horehound, with album art. The Dead Weather also announced dates for a tour coming to a city near you kicking off June 11th in Louisville, KY. And for all you White Stripes fans, White hasn't yet forgoten his origins and promises new music to be coming from them soon, hopefully later this year. Get excited...

LEAVE CHRIS MARTIN ALONE*

*my impression of Chris Coker doing his "LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE" rant. 

By now, you probably have figured out where I stand on this issue. But lets recap for thoes of you who haven't been reading RollingStone, Pitchfork,Billboard, or any other music publication.  Yusuf Islam, or the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens, is claiming that Coldplay ripped some tunage from his 1973 track "Foreigner Suite." He claims his son pointed out that Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" sounds an awful like like his song.

Check out the YouTube link with the video comparison: 

...and I know what you're thinking ----BAD KITTY!

And you're right.  I mean, maybe the chord progression is similar, but if every artist sued every other artist who used "their" chord progression - we'd be in the courtrooms all day, every day. But, hey, maybe in this recession it'd open up some clerk jobs for people who have been laid off - Way to go Yusuf!

Sadly, this is the second go-round of action being taken against Coldplay for musical plagiarism. I've always admired Chris Martin for being the 1st to admit that he borrows musical ideas and has been heavily influenced by such artists as Radiohead and U2, but this is a little much.

LEAVE CHRIS MARTIN ALONE!!! ... but seriously

and p.s. ... can we just give Coldplay some props- they're giving fans who attend their concerts a free live CD and people can download it from online even if they miss the show.

That's what we should be focusing on... not Cat calls!