In cities all around the United States, both large and small, bands are in a garage making earth shattering music. They write with more passion than most do, influenced not by a label, but they pull everything from their lives. They write about their honest dreams and hopes, instead of writing about something a big label has told them to write about.
These musicians have a sense of respect for their music, and are not interested in financially capitalizing off the music, but just want their music and lyrics to influence others the way that their life experiences have influenced them. As a tribute to to what makes them who they are, Indie and underground musicians get famous not because a label had a deal with a radio station, but because their music is truly appreciated by many.
It can be hard to be an Indie musician these days in the United States. Labels make it increasingly harder to remain unique and individual, rather than conform and produce a water-downed 3 minute song with repetitive catchy versus. Progressive rock bands have it hard, because their songs are usually longer than the standard radio song average and follow a less standardized song structure.
For those who love Indie music, there are a variety of ways you can get involved and find more music. Indie websites are my personal favorite, but there are ways such as venues in every city where local musicians play, your friends who can refer musicians, as well as social networking sites where you can meet indie music lovers.
We applaud these musicians who have a "do it yourself" sense of contributing to the arts. The people who are remain pure in their goals, and pour their heart and soul into the music. They provide the trends that major labels follow, and even help set fashion trends. We send a plea to all these indie musicians to not give up, and keep making our lives better by doing what they do best.
I use websites like Pandora to get exposed to more music, my friends are a great resource, and I also find Indie Music Blogs and review websites to find new musicians.
-Jon Sanderson
Music Fundamentals - Intervals
Intervals are the fundamental building blocks of music allowing us to read and write music, and most importantly, to help us construct chords and harmonies. However words like major, minor, augmented, diminished, enharmonic and compound leave many people a bit confused, hopefully this article will throw some light on the subject.
The ‘distance’ between two notes is known as an interval. This is the difference in pitch between two notes. The size or amount of distance is measured numerically.
If we consider the C scale there are 8 notes; C D E F G A B C numbered from 1 through to 8. As an example the interval from C to G is a 5th as G is 5 notes above C. The interval from C to F is a 4th as F is 4 notes above C.
All intervals are measured from the first note of the scale. These intervals are given a name as well as a numeric value and in order of progression they are: C-D is a major 2nd, C-E is a major 3rd, C-F is a perfect 4th, C-G is a perfect 5th, C-A major 6th, C-B major 7 and finally C-C is a perfect octave.
The intervals that are perfect are so called because they have a certain purity about them that comes from the overtones and upper-partials that are contained within them (these will be explained in another article)
Intervals can be raised or lowered by a half-step/semitone. If a major interval is chromatically reduced by a half-step it becomes a minor interval e.g. C-E is a major 3rd, if it is lowered by a half-step (from C-Eb) the interval becomes a minor 3rd.
If a perfect interval is chromatically reduced by a half-step it becomes a diminished interval i.e. a perfect 4th lowered by a half-step becomes a diminished 4th.
If major or perfect intervals are raised by a half-step then they become an augmented interval i.e. a perfect 5th would become an augmented 5th.
Compound intervals are those that extend into the 2nd octave. C to D (in the next octave) is called either a major 9th or a compound major 2nd. C to F (next octave) is a perfect 11th or a compound perfect 4th.
Enharmonic intervals are those that differ in name but not pitch, for example C-G# is an augmented 5th and C-Ab is a minor 6th.
When intervals are inverted they reverse the relative position of the notes. C-G (perfect 5th) becomes G-C which is a perfect 4th, a 3rd would become a 6th. Perfect intervals when inverted remain perfect e.g. C-G being a perfect 5th would become a perfect 4th when inverted, a major becomes minor, minor becomes major, diminished becomes augmented and augmented becomes diminished.
These rules apply to all scales.
About The Author
Nigel Rowles
1986 Diploma in Music – Classical Guitar Major. I have been performing for 34 years either as solo instrumentalist, in duos, trios and in rock bands playing guitar or bass guitar. 10 years ago I started teaching guitar, bass and music theory which led me to independently writing, producing and publishing The Guitar Instruction, Musicianship & Reference Manual with DVD on Left & Right Hand Techniques.
http://www.nofretguitarlessons.com.au
The ‘distance’ between two notes is known as an interval. This is the difference in pitch between two notes. The size or amount of distance is measured numerically.
If we consider the C scale there are 8 notes; C D E F G A B C numbered from 1 through to 8. As an example the interval from C to G is a 5th as G is 5 notes above C. The interval from C to F is a 4th as F is 4 notes above C.
All intervals are measured from the first note of the scale. These intervals are given a name as well as a numeric value and in order of progression they are: C-D is a major 2nd, C-E is a major 3rd, C-F is a perfect 4th, C-G is a perfect 5th, C-A major 6th, C-B major 7 and finally C-C is a perfect octave.
The intervals that are perfect are so called because they have a certain purity about them that comes from the overtones and upper-partials that are contained within them (these will be explained in another article)
Intervals can be raised or lowered by a half-step/semitone. If a major interval is chromatically reduced by a half-step it becomes a minor interval e.g. C-E is a major 3rd, if it is lowered by a half-step (from C-Eb) the interval becomes a minor 3rd.
If a perfect interval is chromatically reduced by a half-step it becomes a diminished interval i.e. a perfect 4th lowered by a half-step becomes a diminished 4th.
If major or perfect intervals are raised by a half-step then they become an augmented interval i.e. a perfect 5th would become an augmented 5th.
Compound intervals are those that extend into the 2nd octave. C to D (in the next octave) is called either a major 9th or a compound major 2nd. C to F (next octave) is a perfect 11th or a compound perfect 4th.
Enharmonic intervals are those that differ in name but not pitch, for example C-G# is an augmented 5th and C-Ab is a minor 6th.
When intervals are inverted they reverse the relative position of the notes. C-G (perfect 5th) becomes G-C which is a perfect 4th, a 3rd would become a 6th. Perfect intervals when inverted remain perfect e.g. C-G being a perfect 5th would become a perfect 4th when inverted, a major becomes minor, minor becomes major, diminished becomes augmented and augmented becomes diminished.
These rules apply to all scales.
About The Author
Nigel Rowles
1986 Diploma in Music – Classical Guitar Major. I have been performing for 34 years either as solo instrumentalist, in duos, trios and in rock bands playing guitar or bass guitar. 10 years ago I started teaching guitar, bass and music theory which led me to independently writing, producing and publishing The Guitar Instruction, Musicianship & Reference Manual with DVD on Left & Right Hand Techniques.
http://www.nofretguitarlessons.com.au
Starting A Musical Career
Beginning a musical career can be difficult if you do not know how to break into the mainstream industry. Everyone has dreams and yours are no less important, but unless you know the right people to contact or the best businesses to approach, you could be left floundering in one spot, unable to move forward and unable to go back. If you are looking to carry your singing, acting, performing, or unique career forward to the next level, you will need to know what kind of people to consult and where to go.
Depending on what exactly you are searching for you should find an excellent music consultant. There are companies locally that are available to assist you in determining what music would best suit you, or how to best go about presenting your music you have either written or had written for you. Your performance is directly related to your ability and your presentation and if you have someone that is qualified in that aspect, it will help to move your career further ahead in the right direction that much faster.
The ins and outs of the music industry can be extremely overwhelming to the layman and offers no respite to singers and performers alike, regardless of your talent. You need a music industry consultant to help you understand everything you will be involved in and help you keep a fresh perspective on what will be involved in your journey to the top. With their help and assistance you will be able to better understand everything surrounding your endeavors. Although they can only show you the way to a certain limit, their input will be helpful toward setting your goals and accomplishing them.
Looking at things from the other end of the business spectrum, engaging the assistance of a music business consultant is another excellent way of getting a handle on the music industry from a business perspective to better fulfill any goals you are trying to achieve. There are various fronts to the business aspect of music, and knowing the right people can raise your chances of succeeding. The business end of show business can be confusing, but hiring the right consultant can put you in a better place to understand and use the benefits to move up and forward toward the career you desire.
Keep these in mind when you are beginning your music, singing, or acting career. There will be many ups and downs during your journey, why make them any more difficult than necessary?
About The Author
Ty Cohen
Platinum Millennium Publishing
PO Box 644
Garner, NC 27529
Ty@PlatinumMillennium.com
1-866-752-9968
Want Free Music Biz Advice?
Who else wants to receive free advice from "Mr X", a man who has helped artist such as New Edition, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Puff Daddy, Prince and More, including up an comers just like you, to sell nearly 150 Gold & Platinum Albums Worldwide!
Now he wants to help you, by offering you private consulting as well as giving you a free copy of his audio CD "7 Golden Secrets to Succeeding in the Music Industry" Visit http://www.MusicBizCenter.com/freecd1 to get your free CD mailed out to you right now.
Depending on what exactly you are searching for you should find an excellent music consultant. There are companies locally that are available to assist you in determining what music would best suit you, or how to best go about presenting your music you have either written or had written for you. Your performance is directly related to your ability and your presentation and if you have someone that is qualified in that aspect, it will help to move your career further ahead in the right direction that much faster.
The ins and outs of the music industry can be extremely overwhelming to the layman and offers no respite to singers and performers alike, regardless of your talent. You need a music industry consultant to help you understand everything you will be involved in and help you keep a fresh perspective on what will be involved in your journey to the top. With their help and assistance you will be able to better understand everything surrounding your endeavors. Although they can only show you the way to a certain limit, their input will be helpful toward setting your goals and accomplishing them.
Looking at things from the other end of the business spectrum, engaging the assistance of a music business consultant is another excellent way of getting a handle on the music industry from a business perspective to better fulfill any goals you are trying to achieve. There are various fronts to the business aspect of music, and knowing the right people can raise your chances of succeeding. The business end of show business can be confusing, but hiring the right consultant can put you in a better place to understand and use the benefits to move up and forward toward the career you desire.
Keep these in mind when you are beginning your music, singing, or acting career. There will be many ups and downs during your journey, why make them any more difficult than necessary?
About The Author
Ty Cohen
Platinum Millennium Publishing
PO Box 644
Garner, NC 27529
Ty@PlatinumMillennium.com
1-866-752-9968
Want Free Music Biz Advice?
Who else wants to receive free advice from "Mr X", a man who has helped artist such as New Edition, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Puff Daddy, Prince and More, including up an comers just like you, to sell nearly 150 Gold & Platinum Albums Worldwide!
Now he wants to help you, by offering you private consulting as well as giving you a free copy of his audio CD "7 Golden Secrets to Succeeding in the Music Industry" Visit http://www.MusicBizCenter.com/freecd1 to get your free CD mailed out to you right now.
The New Master of Latin Hip-Hop
Jonathan Espinosa, better known as "REVIVER" was born in the Dominican Republic on June 18. His music career starts at the age of 10 when he used to write and sing for his own entertainment. In 2000 “REVIVER” arrives to The United State looking for a better future. Soon he earned respect and admiration of others through his music. At the beginning of 2007 "REVIVER" started working on his new album which is going to be called "IT IS WHAT IT IS". Along side with the number 1 reggaeton producer of New York City (GAME-G). REVIVER has had open shows and shared the stage with most of the famous reggaeton artists such as: Tito El Bambino, Zion, Lennox, Calle 13, Ivy Queen, Arcangel, LDA, De La Getto, Alexis y Fido, Tego Calderon, Hector El Father and many more. At this moment REVIVE
R is working on his own without the help of any record company. He has been featured in many mix tapes. His songs get play on some internet radio stations, and in most of the major radio stations in the Dominican Republic. To find out more about REVIVER, his music, videos, shows and more visit www.myspace.com/revivermusic
Your career started at the age of 10. When did you know that you wanted to seriously pursue a music career?
REVIVER: I always used to write songs and sing for my own entertainment. My friends back in high school used to tell me how good I was at doing music and ask me how come I didn’t do it professionally. Then after I graduated from high school I decided it was time for me to show the world what I had to offer musically.
What was your first step towards a professional music career?
REVIVER: I had to opportunity to meet the best music producer in the Spanish side of urban music in New York City “Game G”. I guess that’s how I got started into doing music professionally. It was like I was in high school and working with him was like going to college. I can say own my music career to him in a way. He is the one that helped me develop my skills as an artist and showed me how to do it professionally.
There are a ton of artists out there. Some with talent and some with just a gimmick. However, there are a lot of talented artists out there who don’t have major deals. What makes you unique as an artist?
REVIVER: My style, the way I write, the way I think, the way I treat my fans. I always say I don’t have fans I have family.
What’s your career philosophy?
REVIVER: Well I can tell you this; every single song I write has to do with something that happened to me or to someone close to me. What I am by this is that I don’t write non sense songs like a lot of artists do. My philosophy on my career is that everything happens for a reason and you should always see what positive you can get out of a negative. So I never give up no matter what.
What’s your idea of success? When do you know you have accomplished what you wanted to accomplish with your music career?
REVIVER: Success to me is when I bring my message through my music to someone who can identify itself with the lyrics in my songs. I guess to me if I got to reached a least one person who can say “that song is like it was wrote to tell my story what I am going through” I could say I’ve succeeded. I don’t do it for the money and the fame. I do it so people can relate to my songs.
Full Interview Available In Downloaded Issue
R is working on his own without the help of any record company. He has been featured in many mix tapes. His songs get play on some internet radio stations, and in most of the major radio stations in the Dominican Republic. To find out more about REVIVER, his music, videos, shows and more visit www.myspace.com/revivermusicYour career started at the age of 10. When did you know that you wanted to seriously pursue a music career?
REVIVER: I always used to write songs and sing for my own entertainment. My friends back in high school used to tell me how good I was at doing music and ask me how come I didn’t do it professionally. Then after I graduated from high school I decided it was time for me to show the world what I had to offer musically.
What was your first step towards a professional music career?
REVIVER: I had to opportunity to meet the best music producer in the Spanish side of urban music in New York City “Game G”. I guess that’s how I got started into doing music professionally. It was like I was in high school and working with him was like going to college. I can say own my music career to him in a way. He is the one that helped me develop my skills as an artist and showed me how to do it professionally.
There are a ton of artists out there. Some with talent and some with just a gimmick. However, there are a lot of talented artists out there who don’t have major deals. What makes you unique as an artist?
REVIVER: My style, the way I write, the way I think, the way I treat my fans. I always say I don’t have fans I have family.
What’s your career philosophy?
REVIVER: Well I can tell you this; every single song I write has to do with something that happened to me or to someone close to me. What I am by this is that I don’t write non sense songs like a lot of artists do. My philosophy on my career is that everything happens for a reason and you should always see what positive you can get out of a negative. So I never give up no matter what.
What’s your idea of success? When do you know you have accomplished what you wanted to accomplish with your music career?
REVIVER: Success to me is when I bring my message through my music to someone who can identify itself with the lyrics in my songs. I guess to me if I got to reached a least one person who can say “that song is like it was wrote to tell my story what I am going through” I could say I’ve succeeded. I don’t do it for the money and the fame. I do it so people can relate to my songs.
Full Interview Available In Downloaded Issue
King of the Heights
Music Recommendations
Minus P
I don’t buy if I hate it. And I just bought Minus P’s latest release only two days before this issue was to be distributed. I had another artist to recommend, but I was feeling this collection of some of the hottest Latin hip-hop tracks I’ve bought in a while. Minus P has an amazing ability to take it to the streets and keep it gritty and switch up and serenade the ladies without sounding corner. What it all boils down to is LYRICS. And Minus P got a notepad full of hot lyrics that continues to deliver from track to track. Get it, right now!
MinsP.com
Minus P
I don’t buy if I hate it. And I just bought Minus P’s latest release only two days before this issue was to be distributed. I had another artist to recommend, but I was feeling this collection of some of the hottest Latin hip-hop tracks I’ve bought in a while. Minus P has an amazing ability to take it to the streets and keep it gritty and switch up and serenade the ladies without sounding corner. What it all boils down to is LYRICS. And Minus P got a notepad full of hot lyrics that continues to deliver from track to track. Get it, right now!
MinsP.com
White Girl Soul
Stephanie Anderson
You got to love anyone whose musical influences range from Led Zeppelin and Tom Petty and cross all kinds of spectrums to Mary J. Blige and Lauryn Hill. Sound like a stretch? Maybe not. What do all her influences have in common? Soul. And she’s got it. I’m not saying that just because she’s from my home state. She got something deep inside her music that touches you from the bottom of your feet and works its way to your heart. Beautiful woman. Beautiful personality. Beautiful Music.
StephanieAndersonMusic.com
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