scoop of hubbub

Austin City Limits Music Festival 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:15:00 +0000

I was really trying not to let it get to me... I figured that I now live in Austin, TX and I could go to ACL Fest next year, but I am so bugged that I am not going to be there today when the gates open. If moving wasn't so damn expensive, I'd buy these tickets on StubHub.

I'm not super pumped about the line up, but it is the experience that I want. When you go to a music festival it is like you're in a completely different world for the time being. LUCKILY, I did win tickets to see Jack White's taping for ACL Live on Sunday and there are always the ACL Late Night shows I can hit up.

I hope everyone that is going has fun and is careful. Wear your rain boots just in case it rains like it did yesterday - it's looking like it might. I'll be at home watching from my couch on the YouTube webcast.

Flying Lotus - Until The Quiet Comes

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 02:47:00 +0000

This album is on repeat. End post.

Flying Lotus - 'Small Moments'

(Excerpts from Until The Quiet Comes)

Adele - 'Skyfall'

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 22:16:00 +0000

A teaser track of Adele's theme song for 007 Skyfall was leaked today. You can hear 90 seconds of it here or below.

It is a very sorrowful track. Keep in mind we are only hearing the first 90 seconds of a 4 minute and 46 second long song, so it may pick up. With the 007 Skyfall trailer starting out with Bond being "dead" the movie may very well have a bit of sorrow to it.

It is a good song, but it doesn't beat Jack White's and Alicia Keys' Quantum of Solace theme song, 'Another Way To Die.'

UPDATE 10/12/12:
The SoundCloud clip was taken down, but here is the YouTube video for the entire song of 'Skyfall.'

Matt & Kim's New Album "Lightning"

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:41:00 +0000

Matt & Kim have such a great energy. During their shows they are all over the place - bouncing around, cracking jokes, cursing, apologizing to the young-ins for cursing, crowd booty dancing. On Twitter they are continually engaging with their fans, even giving out their phone number for you to text or call them. Them being such amazing human beings is a reason (in addition to their music) why I am totally pumped for their new album Lightning, which released TODAY.

We've been hearing "Let's Go" for a few months and it's a great first single off of the album. At first listen "Now" stands out to me. It has a techy sound to it and is kind of edgy with it's beats. "I Said" and "I Wonder" also have a funkiness to them with the keyboard going. Really digging those two songs. Matt tweeted this morning that "It's Alright" is one of their favorites. The other songs aren't jumping out at me yet...maybe they'll grow on me.

Matt & Kim have made videos for all of the songs on Lightning and you can find them on their YouTube Channel. Which is your favorite?

Matt & Kim - "It's Alright"

You can find the full length album on Spotify or you can purchase it on iTunes.

Azealia Banks - "Luxury"

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:21:00 +0000

I caught Azealia Banks' show at Coachella and I instantly loved her. I saw this video on UPROXX and it reminded me of how awesome she is. Look at those legs, too!

Azealia Banks - "Luxury"

I also love this one...

U.S. Tops The List As Music Pirates

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:27:00 +0000

We're number 1! We're number 1!...in illegal music downloads.

MusicMetric reported that the U.S. topped the list as the biggest music pirates, moving 96.6 million illegal files in the first half of 2012. Following by the U.K. (43.3 million), Italy (33.2 million), and Canada (about 24 million).

Surprising? Not really. However, I am a little disappointed that Drake is the number one artist being downloaded. He's good, but I really wish America had better taste in their music.
___
Sources:
http://www.avclub.com/articles/new-report-shows-the-us-leading-in-illegal-downloa,85052/
http://www.spin.com/articles/drake-most-illegally-downloaded-artist
http://www.forbes.com/sites/parmyolson/2012/02/23/the-tricky-job-of-banning-the-pirate-bay/

Fleetwood Mac Tribute Album: Just Tell Me That You Want Me

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:30:00 +0000

Even though A.V. Club gave it a C+, I am excited about the Fleetwood Mac tribute album, Just Tell Me That You Want Me. But I'm usually excited about any great artist(s) being re-imagined by other great artists.

I understand that some of these artist may not be one's first choice in paying tribute to Fleetwood Mac, but no one is ever going to sound like the original and it just isn't meant to sound that way. Fleetwood Mac has such a unique mellow sound from a different time, it is going to be hard to duplicate it in today's music and mindset. A.V. Club I say to you, cut these "alt-rock superstars" some slack on their rendition of these hits.

However, I do agree that Gardens & Villa's version of "Gypsy" is the best covered song on the album and did Fleetwood Mac justice. Best Coast's "Rhiannon" is my least favorite. It feels flimsy and Cosentino throws in a southern drawl that just doesn't fit.

You can buy the album now on iTunes. What do you think? Yes? No?
__
Sources:
http://www.avclub.com/articles/various-artists-just-tell-me-that-you-want-me-a-tr,83767/

Muse's Olympic Anthem "Survival"

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 04:11:00 +0000

Muse with Olympic torch

I love Muse (so does everyone else these days) and I am proud of them for their Olympic anthem, "Survival." The song makes me want to run, go further, go harder, WIN! So, I feel that it is completely appropriate to be the "official" song of the 2012 Olympics.

That being said, it isn't my favorite Muse song and will only reside on my "workout" playlist. There are a few elements of the song that sound like the Muse that I love - some raunchy guitar and Bellamy hitting a few high notes - but that is about it. I can only hope that the next album sounds better than this anthem.

---

Sources:

Picture from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18133072

Coachella 2013? Yes, please.

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 08:13:00 +0000

I know Coachella 2012 is old news by now, but it was amazing and if anyone is wondering...yes, I will be at Coachella 2013. Weekend 2 to be exact. Tickets have been purchased and planning has begun.

I'm back?

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 08:05:00 +0000

I'm a terrible person and stopped posting unannounced. These past few months have been incredibly busy with work, travel, concerts, Coachella, and such.

I promise I will post more...

Here is a video that makes me happy. YouTube is being a pain, so I'm posting the link from Popstache.

Dirty Projectors - Gun Has No Trigger

Up & Coming Artist: Walker Lukens

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:56:00 +0000

If you haven't heard of Walker Lukens, you will within the next year or so. He has a soulful sound with quality lyrics that your ears just can't deny.

Watch for his full length album "Devoted" in late 2012 and an EP in March to tide you over. In the mean time get a taste of what Lukens' has to offer on his Bampcamp.

'Emma!' - Walker Lukens & Grand Child

SOPA/PIPA DEAD

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:58:00 +0000

I'm sure you've all heard by now, (I'm just a bit slow with updating my blog...) but SOPA and PIPA were pulled! VICTORY!

Here is a fun infographic from SOPA Strike. Keep bugging your senators, so these two don't come back.

___
Sources:
http://sopastrike.com/numbers/

SOPA/PIPA Strike - January 18, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:59:00 +0000

I know most of the people that read my blog are friends and family (and I love you all for reading what I write), so you may remember my post about Protect IP Act (PIPA) (I still love you if you don't). I barely scratched the surface on what is wrong with this act in "Is Legislation Keeping Up With The Times?" but it is a mixture of confusing terms obviously put together to bedazzle us into thinking it is a good thing. The same goes for Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). Here is a nice infographic and more explanation to help you understand a little better.

Congress will vote to pass these acts on January 24, 2012 - PIPA in the Senate, SOPA in the House. We need to stand up and protect our rights of free speech, privacy, and prosperity. I am a true believer in artists getting credit for what they create, WHATEVER type of artist that may be. But these are a step in the wrong direction and not the legislation that is needed.

Tomorrow, January 18, 2012 (or today if you're on the East Coast) many majors websites plus hundreds of others, will be on strike to protest the internet censorship bills, SOPA and PIPA. You can join the list and also contact your congress representative by visiting SOPA Strike. You can also use Wikipedia's Congress Lookup website for locating your representative.

Sources:
http://mashable.com/2012/01/17/sopa-companies-dark-list/
http://sopastrike.com/strike/

http://sopastrike.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:CongressLookup
http://americancensorship.org/infographic.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:SOPA_initiative/Learn_more

Coachella 2012 Line Up - Are You Pleased?

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:55:00 +0000

So, it isn't the GREATEST line up in the history of line ups, but I am pumped all the same. I will be at weekend two, so track me down!

Here is my list for the weekend and of course I'll stop by the headliners:

Swedish House Mafia
GIRLS
The Horrors
Frank Ocean
The Black Angels
Other Lives
Bon Iver
The Shins
Miike Snow
St. Vincent
AWOLNATION
Big Pink
Beirut
Girl Talk
Santigold
Real Estate
Growlers

I want to see as much as possible, these are the musts...

DON'T FORGET! The rest of the tickets will be released this Friday, January 13, 2012. Good luck!

Audio Invasion 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:55:00 +0000

The Bamp Project will be bringing Foster The People, Cage The Elephant, Best Coast, and Mariachi El Bronx to Oahu on February 8, 2012 for Audio Invasion. We don't get many bands here on the islands that I highly anticipate, so I am stoked about this event.

Check Bamp's Audio Invasion site for more details, or buy tickets at Ticketmaster.

See you there!

Merry Christmas Playlist

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:25:00 +0000

Be sure to check out my Spotify holiday playlist - Ho Ho Ho. It will put a jolt of holiday cheer in you.

I compiled a very eclectic mix of holiday songs for your enjoyment. I think you should listen to them all, but I know you are probably busy, so please make note of the following:

"I Wish It Was Christmas Today" - Julian Casablancas (duh.)
"Christmas Duel" - Cyndi Lauper and The Hives (love it)
"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" - N'SYNC (takes me back)
"Last Christmas" - Wham! (no need for an explanation here)
"Auld Lang Syne - Rob Hilton Mix" - The Dissident Army (wowza)
"Christmas Day" - She & Him (classy)
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" - Judy Garland (even classier. heart = happy)
"Feliz Navidad" - Christmas Songs (meow)

For real, you should listen to them all, because they are all amazing.

Enjoy! Happy Holidays!

End Of The Year List

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 02:24:00 +0000

I usually don't like seeing the end of the year "best of..." lists that come out around this time of year. They annoy me, because most are peppered with mediocre music and those who should be recognized, are not (opinion!).

I don't make my own list, because just as everyone else's lists annoy me, I'm sure other would think mine was just as boring. BUT, I am still going to point out my top personal favorites from this year, in no specific order.

Other Lives - "Tamer Animals"

Beirut - "The Riptide"

The Antlers - "Burst Apart"

I obviously have more than three favorites, but these three albums have been tremendously influential and enjoyed this year. I love these albums like I love an old friend. If you haven't listened to these three, it is a shame and you should immediately click the links above.

Jack Johnson Stops By the 9th Annual John Kelly Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:12:00 +0000

If you've read my blog before, you know that I am currently in an internship at an event planning and PR firm, Under My Umbrella. We've currently been working our tails off to bring together the 9th Annual John Kelly Environmental Awards and after all of our hard work, we pulled it off last night.

The event was put on by the Oahu chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, "a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's oceans, waves and beaches." The Surfrider Foundation is a great organization working towards preserving our beaches and has many followers and supporters.

In attendance lastnight was musician, Jack Johnson. If you know anything about Jack, you know that he is all about keeping things "green" and minimizing waste. He supports the Surfrider Foundation and all of their efforts.

Luckily, Jack was willing to play a few songs for us last night and I got a few on my phone. Please excuse the poor quality of the videos, but please notice the most adorable little girl dancing alone on the dance floor.

"Better Together" Live at John Kelly Environmental Awards

"Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" Live at John Kelly Environmental Awards

If you are interested in keeping our beaches and oceans clean, check out the Surfrider Foundation and get some more information on them.

How To Make The Most Out Of Your Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:22:00 +0000

Do you know how to promote yourself on a blogging platform? Are you interacting with your followers correctly? These are things that artists should know when they begin a blog to help promote themselves. It is all about connecting with your fans.

I found this article on Billboard.biz by Chris Payne, which could be helpful for musicians using a blog to promote themselves. Though the article specifically discusses a musician’s presence on the blog platform, Tumblr, these tips can be applied to any blogging site. Below are the most important points that I took away from the article. As a fan, these are the things that I want to see when I visit an artist’s blog. You can see the full list of tips at Billboard.biz.

Don’t Be Shy. Get Personal!

Fans want to know what you do during your every day life. Where you travel to, what you eat for lunch, who you record with in the studio… These are all things that help your followers feel closer to you and want to know more about you.

Do Know What Sort of Content To Post

Keep in mind that this is not your band’s website. Yes, you can link to your tour dates and music on your site, but make sure you are posting content that is current and relevant to YOUR blog. Post pictures and videos from the night’s gig or of where you are traveling. These are all things that will pull viewers into your site.

Do Respond To Messages

Like I said, it is all about connecting with your fans and I can honestly say that I love it when a musician responds to something that I have posted. It is a very exciting feeling, so make your fans happy and RESPOND. Also, the person asking the question could be a writer or promoter wanting to get in touch with you. Keep your eyes open for these types of opportunities.

Do Mind Your Manners

Even though this is a more personal and relaxed platform, it doesn’t mean that you can just hang out in your underwear, so to speak. Make sure your posts are relevant and polite. Try not to pull a Kanye West and get all controversial on your followers, unless that is the angle you are trying to work.

Again, to see the full list of the dos and don’ts of blogging, go to Billboard.biz.

___

Sources:
http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/indies/musicians-on-tumblr-ten-dos-and-don-ts-from-1005541772.story
http://www.aweber.com/blog-newsletters.htm

Girls - 'Vomit'

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:27:00 +0000

Girls performed their new album 'Father, Son, Holy Ghost.' See more at Pitchfork.tv.

Girls - 'Vomit'

Beirut - 'Santa Fe'

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:32:00 +0000

For your viewing pleasure...and mine. I love Beirut.

Beirut - 'Santa Fe'

And now live on Jimmy Fallon...I love Beirut, again.

Beirut - 'Santa Fe' on Late Night Jimmy Fallon

How Does Your Sponsor Make You Look?

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:18:00 +0000

Everyone needs a sponsor for touring, unless you’re driving across country in a beat up van. Even then money is spread so thin, you ask mom and dad to “sponsor” you a few bucks. My point is money is always needed for touring and promoting your music, but what does that sponsor say about your band or music?

Recently, Holy Ghost! had schedule tour dates across the U.S. to spread their joyous sound, only to realize they didn’t know how they were going to make it to each show. Luckily, Mountain Dew’s in-house record label, Green Label Sound, came to the rescue.

Green Label Sound is known to promote more indie sounding musicians, so it was a match made in musical heaven. Mountain Dew is also linked with extreme sports such as snow boarding and skate boarding, which in a lot of cases seems to go hand and hand with indie electro rock. Billboard.biz reports that, “Mountain Dew will receive on-site signage and product availability throughout the Holy Ghost - but any other branding opportunities will be strictly improvisational.”

In addition to receiving the money needed to tour, the band was also able to afford opening acts and a promotional tour video, which you can see below. This was obviously a good match up of musicians and tour sponsors, but is it always such a good pairing?

In 2009, Rascal Flatts signed a major tour sponsorship deal with JC Penney to promote the band’s new album ‘Unstoppable’ and JCP’s line ‘American Living.’ Per CMT.com, the sponsorship deal called for the band to agree to the following:

Wear clothing from Penney's American Living apparel line during concerts.
Compose and record a tribute song titled "American Living" (to be available on a special CD sold only through Penney stores with CD proceeds going to the J.C. Penney Afterschool Fund, which funds afterschool programs).
Show American Living commercials throughout their concerts on two huge screens on either side of the stage. One of which you can view below.
Wrap their fleet of tour trucks and buses in American Living commercial signage.
Make American Living merchandise available for sale at each concert.

In my mind, that looks a lot like a band selling out. I’m not saying that JCP’s ‘American Living’ brand doesn’t match Rascal Flatt’s brand, but it is a bit excessive to wrap some much of the band’s identity in a JCP package.

All I am pointing out here is to be smart in your decision of choosing a tour sponsor. I understand every musician wants to promote their music and make a living, but at what cost. Make sure you aren’t selling your soul to get your music out there and that your sponsorship promotes the brand you’ve built.

___

Sources:
http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/touring/how-mountain-dew-saved-holy-ghost-s-tour-1005437152.story
http://www.greenlabelsound.com/
http://www.cmt.com/news/nashville-skyline/1605967/nashville-skyline-is-rascal-flatts-tour-sponsorship-penney-wise.jhtml
http://www.countrystandardtime.com/news/newsitem.asp?xid=2614
http://www.cmt.com/videos/misc/367098/jc-penney-commercial.jhtml

ESTRIA INVITATIONAL FINAL IN HONOLULU - 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:23:00 +0000

Here is a video of the 2011 Estria Invitational graffiti battle in Honolulu, HI. The event was held at the Honolulu Academy of Arts at Linekona on September 3, 2011. As part of my internship at Under My Umbrella, I was lucky enough to be a part of this event and learn a great deal.

ESTRIA INVITATIONAL FINAL IN HONOLULU

For more information visit the Estria Foundation's website or follow him on twitter at @estria.

St. Vincent - 'Year of the Tiger'

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 08:10:00 +0000

If you haven't listened to St. Vincent's new album 'Strange Mercy' you should get on it. It's amazing.

Below is a video of one of the new songs off of the album, enjoy. She's so bad ass.

St. Vincent - 'Year of the Tiger'

Time To Put It To Use

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Billingsley) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:34:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I wrote about what Pete Cashmore of Mashable and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook could teach a young entrepreneur in “Learn From The Experts.” These two men have definitely made something of themselves following a few key rules, and it is about time for me to flee the nest to put those tips to use.

These two men have taught me to think long term when developing a business plan. Not only does show investors that you have a well thought out plan, but it helped me to see the big picture. By envisioning the whole process, it allowed me to tweak ideas and think of new ones.

The second and main thing these two entrepreneurs taught me was to dream big. My business plan includes ideas that I never thought I would be capable of coming up with. I have completely taken my beginning idea and ran with it. Sometimes it can be difficult for me to be as creative as I want, but I pushed myself very hard for this project and I am glad that I dreamed big.

As a graduate student, I have done my fair share of researching different techniques for being successful and it seems that two keys to have are creativity and persistence. As long as you have these traits you will survive. There are many bright minds out there, but they don’t have the motivation to make something of themselves. And I’ll be honest, there are a lot of times that I just want to quit, but where’s the fun in that?

In addition to following these tips, you should pay special attention to certain sections of your business plan. Entrepreneur.com says the business concept, market overview, and financials sections are the most important and I completely agree with them. The business concept section will give the investor an idea of what your product/service is. It is where they get to know you. Secondly, the market overview helps to investor to understand if there is a market for your idea. If there isn’t any room for growth in the market, then the investor isn’t going to be interested. Lastly, the investor needs to know what kind of money you are looking for. By providing him with your financial section they will know exactly how much is needed to start your business.

I have constantly taken these techniques into account while developing my final business plan. So many factors go into the development of a business plan; what to do, what not to do, how to word it, how to make it look, etc. On top of that, the people you hand your business play to have already viewed many other business plans, so you have to make yours stand out.

Just remember that your idea is great and that you can reach your goals with persistence.

___

Sources:

http://www.allfacebook.com/what-every-entrepreneur-should-learn-from-mark-zuckerberg-2010-06

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/219592

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/38290

http://billingsleykatie.blogspot.com/2011/10/learn-from-experts.html

http://www.betadaily.com/2010/02/07/professional-business-plan-writer/