industry
The music world is characterized by a blend of constants and continuous change; Beat examines the inside of the industry from recording studios to record labels, live performances, music streaming technology and beyond.
Navigating the Business of Music: An Unabashed, Uncensored Tale (Pt. 1)
For as far back as I can remember, it was always a dream to work in the music business. Starting out at the age of 17, I found myself working county fairs in rural Ohio, helping to setup and tear down equipment for emerging artists.
By Rick Larntz6 years ago in Beat
How Country Music Has Changed and Why That's Okay
Country music has changed over the years. Think about the olden days of Hank Williams (not III or Jr!), then go forward a few years to Johnny Cash, and then forward a little more to Waylon Jennings. Now, think about country music today. You don’t need to listen for long to know that something has changed. Many country music purists dislike the new wave of country because it sounds so similar to other styles of music. But ultimately, this is good for country music.
By Joe Milton6 years ago in Beat
A Love Letter to the CD
Technology often manages to fail us somehow. I remembered this fact not too long ago: Ahead of the release date of Palaye Royale's Boom Boom Room: Side B, which I'd been anticipating for months, I tried to change my iTunes payment details and the computer said no. A software update and a reinstallation of iTunes later, it still said no. No more downloads for you, Emma. That's what happens when you aren't rich enough to replace your computer every time something flashier comes out.
By E.W Hemmings6 years ago in Beat
Being a Musician in London in 2018
First of all, I'd like to say I have 0 regrets about becoming a musician. I love my life and there's no career path I'd rather be in. I do shows with my band, and as a solo project often, and the response is (usually...) pretty decent and I leave the venue feeling buzzed. However after the adrenaline wears off, the 20 people we've been nagging to come to the show head home and our wallets are empty...after the sixth or seventh show in 2 weeks after a long summer, it all comes flooding back. That feeling of knowing you're just about breaking even, and you're going to need to find a job, probably not even to do with music. I feel there's a few things that can be done just to help us out!
By Harry Baker6 years ago in Beat
Music Is Not a Competitive Sport
Who's the BEST guitarist? The BEST bass player? The BEST drummer? The BEST vocalist? I hear these comparisons all the time, and I have for years and years. In fact, I heard it again yesterday and who knows about today because it's not over yet. Musicians often have musical heroes. Those they aspire to play like. The artists that they spend years listening to and trying to sound like. There's nothing wrong with that, and we who play can learn so much by emulating the musicians who inspire us. However, does that make them the "best?" We may have opinions, but is there an actual measure that one can use to calculate who the best is on any instrument? Is it fame or wealth? I would think not. Would it be who has mind-blowing technique that is so fast we have to slow it down to try to learn it? Does fastest equal best? Most obscure chord changes and solos over those chords? Is that better than a ballad that can tug at your heart and bring real tears?
By Dave Stark6 years ago in Beat