Coincidence

So if you, like most people, have been listening to top 40 radio, you may have heard this new song going around.  As the first single for the chart topping album "Lasers" by Lupe Fiasco, "The Show Goes On" has been getting tons of air time and is quickly filling up listeners iPods and cell phones.  At first listen the song sounds great. The song has a great positive message, especially for the minority African - American's of the U.S.  Basically it discuses the current problems that minorities face in today's culture and that even when the going get's tough, as the cliche goes, the show must go on.

Of course all that sounds great, however back in 2004 the indie band Modest Mouse released the song "Float On." Similar to "The Show Goes On" Modest Mouse's signature single discusses the idea that even when things seem bad, you must look for the good in every situation.  Besides having very similar themes, both songs also feature the exact same melody, based off of Pachebel's Canon.

Personally I don't think it's just a coincidence, but of course you can decide yourself.  Take a listen.

NoiseTrade

NoiseTrade.com

The other day I was doing the usual, searching Facebook to listen to some awesome, yet still undiscovered bands.  I came across one band that had an amazing offer.  You could download their entire new album entirely free! So I clicked on the link and found one of my new favorite websites.  If you have never heard of NoiseTrade.com you need to go check it out now! In fact, I'll include the link before I even finish my post.  Click here

Now what makes NoiseTrade different from other music download sites is incredible.  First, they legally offer free downloads of bands anywhere from local indie groups who post their music to some bands touring nationally and internationally.  All they request is that you submit them your zip code and email address to join the band's mailing list.  You can go check your email for the link to the download and next thing you know you're rocking out in your bedroom to some sweet tunes.  However, this is only the beginning to NoiseTrade's genius.

When a band's music is uploaded to the site, the album is placed on its on searchable profile.  Included on this profile are widgets to "like" the band or musician's Facebook page, visit their various online presences, buy their music, view their twitter stream, and share the music on your own Facebook page, twitter, or email, and leave a comment.  This allows for great viral growth for the band's featured!

However, although NoiseTrade.com has some amazing features, my favorite of them is the unique idea to allow viewers to donate to the band what they believe the album is worth.  Sure you can get your music for free by just submitting your information, but if you have ever been in a band, you know the hard work and expensive gear it takes to create some amazing music.  It's a really humbling experience as a band if you are essentially told what you are worth.  I love this concept, so way to go NoiseTrade.com!

Now if this didn't excite you to go check out the site, I don't know what will! So go check it out and find some awesome music!! If you hear anything you like, be sure to post it below so all our readings can share the experience the music together.

http://noisetrade.com/

Boltcutter Dubstep - Riley Bradway

Riley Bradway of Boltcutter Dubstep

When you think of "hardcore music," you're probably going to be thinking of screamo or metal rock.  These styles are alright, but they're somewhat repeated constantly through new local bands who are trying to become famous like the original creators of hardcore music.  Well there's another type of hardcore music, and it's called dubstep.  This style is the hardest, "bassiest," deepest techno around.  This week we're highlighting Boltcutter née Riley Bradway, a dubstep artist who's trying to spread the music.

Boltcutter, née Riley Bradway, is an experimental dubstep producer from Moodus, CT. He has been creating, producing, and DJing electronic music for about a year.  This experience shows that his dubstep skills are backed up with his background in the techno genre. Over the past year, he has amassed a good-sized following on various websites, including praise from icons such as Mojo Dubstep, LU10 Records, and Synthetic Epiphany.  Included with all of these accomplishments, he has remixed several different kinds of music, including Far East Movement's "Like A G6" and A Day To Remember's "You Be Tails, I'll Be Sonic."  As for his inspirations, Boltcutter has taken influence from almost everywhere imaginable. Core dubstep influences include Chrispy, Kaney, Skrillex, Tek-One, Mojo, C99, and Quartus Saul. He has also been impacted by the drum & bass movement, with artists like Delta Heavy and Roni Size. Others are Deadmau5, Diplo, Attack Attack!, Klaas, Chris Lake, and Bar9.

As for advice for upcoming producers, Boltcutter has a few things to say: "It's easy to make it in dubstep production these days because everyone is listening to it. That's also the problem: there are so many dubstep artists out there, it becomes difficult to distinguish yourself from others. Here's my advice: don't use presets. Make the sounds your own. Slave over your waveforms if you need to. Make sure there's something to your music that sets it apart from others."

If you don't know what dubstep is, or what it sounds like, now is a great time to look into the style.  It's starting to sprout all over the world, and there's no stopping a viral style of music.  Go check out Bolcutter's dubstep if you're just getting a taste of this wild style.  And if you already know about this genre, go listen to him anyway so that you have some new heavy bass for your sub woofers in our car.

Links:


http://www.myspace.com/BoltcutterCT
http://www.purevolume.com/Boltcutter/
http://apps.facebook.com/reverbnation_fb/artist/Boltcutter

The Lips

Anthony Laido of The Lips

Today we're going to show you an awesome new Indie band called "The Lips."  Here on Indie Alternative Rock, we believe in praising the best, and exposing the up and coming bands.  We're predicting that this band will be a great Indie music group that will gain many listeners over the course of the next few years.  Take a look at the info that we came up with!

BIO/PRESS: "The Lips" are an accomplished independent garage/punk duo from Oakland, New Jersey. "The Lips" started out as an experimental side project consisting of mostly electronic music in May of 2009, but has changed drastically since. Having won more than 20 songwriting awards worldwide, and focusing on extremely raw songwriting and production, it is only a matter of time until "The Lips" are recognized as one of the greatest independent artists of recent memory. They are expecting to release their debut album "A Generation In A Jar" in the summer of 2011. *THE AM demo EP is available via download now*

Heres what some other listeners had to say... RadioIndy.com

"The words are simple. 'I don't really think you know too much about anything.' That is the opening sentence on the title track 'Why Is There A Jew On The Cross?' off the debut demo by "The Lips." Controversial? Yes. Original? Yes. Good? YES!!! It is obvious someone doesn't care about selling out or trying to fit in to the industry that seems to be dying more and more every single day. The Lips' unique blend of garage/punk rock, and electronic pop anchor a sound desperately needed in a time where originality seems to be fading. *****!!!"

Jason @ Banana Peel Radio - BC Radio in Vancouver

"To say Anthony M. Laido is an artist is an understatement. Laido (The Lips' frontman) has created one of the most original sounds in recent memory. His first release since his years as a member of 'DubSound Distortion' as a teen, show the industry once again why he is one of the very few rising stars of this generation. The full-length debut demo is not only original, but is an unbelievable work of art. The music in very few words, could be described as 'disturbing pop music, that leaves you wanting more, and more, and more.' If you haven't heard this remarkable band yet, I suggest you do so immediately."

Some Different Accomplishments... 2007-2009 - Anthony M. Laido received 20 songwriting awards world-wide before his 19th birthday, including 7 wins for VH-1's "Song of the Year" competition. Anthony M. Laido received 2 "Grindie" awards for Best Alternative Rock Album 2 consecutive years (2008-2009). 2010 - "The Lips" were aired on over 400 radio stations world-wide, including 101.9 RXP (New York City FM) and garnered regular airplay on a number of FM stations in Burbank, California. 2011 - "The Lips" were the featured "Artist of the Month" on Purevolume.

Our Opinion..Personally, The Indie Team believes that "The Lips" are a great excuse to listen to Indie music.  Anthony Laido has made this band into something amazing over the past few years.  With his original sound, creative name, and massive experience in the industry, we believe that Anthony Laido and "The Lips" are worth listening to any day of the week.  Check out this great band, you won't regret it. 

Links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thelipsnj
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thelipsnj

*If you like what you hear be sure to check out The Lips on itunes

Jacob Vanags

Jacob Vanags

Lets take a trip to New York.  One of the hardest places to make it in music.  If you're a native of the New York land, then you've probably heard of an artist by the name of Jacob Vanags.  Jacob Vanags is one of the results of the revolutionary pop piano style created by Ben Folds.  The only difference about Jacob Vanags is the elimination of jazz in his style.  Being that Jacob Vanags is based soley on the pop genre in his piano style makes him a much more popular choice in New York.

Why do we, the Indie Team, like Jacob Vanags?  What makes him stand out from other musicians.  Well to be quite honest, Jacob Vanags isn't a super popular artist.  He's basically a local New York musician.  He doesn't compete in the music industry with mainstream artists yet, but we feel that he has the potential to do so.  It's just a matter of time.  But to answer the previous question, we would have to say his offstage actions do the trick for standing out from other musicians.

Of course Jacob Vanags is a good musican.  Of course he has a good live show.  And of course he has great original music.  That's a given.  Why else would he be on our blog?  The reason he stands out is because he makes people feel great.  His live show isn't just entertainment, it's involvement.  I actually produced a show with Jacob Vanags.  The whole experience was great.  He ended up driving from New York to Pennsylvania just to play for a small crowd.  As he set up his equipment, he interacted with local fans who showed up early.  He stayed after the show to talk with some new fans he made.  And most importantly he worked well with all of the employees at the venue.  It was like everyone was already friends with Jacob Vanags.

Why Jacob Vanags?  I've never heard of this guy in my life!  These are typical things that you might be saying to yourself right now.  The man is phenomenol.  That's all we can say to get across the great quality of his music.  Go check it out for yourself.  Are there any local bands that are similar to what we've provided?

Website: http://www.reverbnation.com/jacobvanags
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jacobvanags
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jacobvanagsmusic