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These
archive versions of The Session are posted as initially published. Deadlines,
contacts and links have not been updated. Please keep this in mind when
using this resource. In some cases, updates can be found in a more recent
edition of The Session.
August
2003
Office
News...
Fall
Hours: In September, we will resume regular hours of 9 am to noon, and
1 to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Please do call ahead if you are dropping
by, as we are short staffed or in meetings from time to time.
We
thank Crystal Fetter from the bottom of our hearts for volunteering a
ton of hours throughout June and July - in the SRIA office, as well as
at the Flatland Music Festival. Crystal is a third year university student
studying film. She has also taken on the position of Volunteer Coordinator
with the Western Canadian Music Awards for this year!
Stephanie
Thomson was hired for the CanSask Program position we posted back in June
(a government-funded initiative). Stephanie was one of the registered
candidates they provided for interviews; she's a long time SRIA member
and active performer. She's been a great help with Flatland cleanup, data
collection and assorted jobs. We hope to be able to retain her on a casual
basis after her contract ends this month.
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The
Eighth Annual Flatland Music Festival July 4-6 Victoria Park, Regina
Our
eighth year was a real test of willpower and financial planning. But when
it came down to it, we rocked!
Good
stuff:
Musically, it was probably our best festival ever. And of course, that's
the most important thing! From very new bands to the well established,
there were plenty of cool moments. We heard 29 hours of music with 38
performances...if you're curious, that's up from last year. We took a
deep breath and programmed only "really local" artists for headliners.
Guess what? We were so impressed! Not only did Sweetsalt, Stepchyle, Into
Eternity and Shifty Morgan kick butt, but we estimate we had the largest
Saturday night crowd ever.
We've
enclosed a festival program. We had a couple of late changes that you
should note: "Danny Balkwill with Morgan & Joel" was actually just
Morgan & Joel, as Danny progressed to a further round of the Canadian
Idol competitions and had to be in Toronto; Morally Sound and the Nancy
Ray-Guns traded places on Sunday...due to some vehicle problems, MS was
briefly stranded on the way to the gig. All ended well though, with both
bands putting on stellar performances despite the shake-up. La Raquette
a Claquettes had to pull out and were replaced by Regina's Jean Bilodeau.
The
addition of members of the Regina Symphony Orchestra, who performed during
the Shriners' Pancake Breakfast on Sunday morning, was truly beautiful.
Even though the skies were grey, windy and spewed the occasional raindrop,
the musicians just played on...and the food was great!
The
performers reflected our province...with 45% from Regina; 39% Saskatoon;
and 16% rural/other. (Applications submitted were 42% Regina, 29% Saskatoon,
and 30% rural/other.) As one performer said, "It was a great weekend of
music. I had such a good time playing as well as listening, meeting the
volunteers and signing autographs. This makes all the late nights hauling
equipment and all the other stuff that goes with playing music, worthwhile."
Kudos
to the top-selling artists of the weekend: Sweetsalt, Stepchyle, Butterfinger,
Big Dawg and Wheatmonkeys.
Our
fourth compilation CD, Flatland Music Festival 03, is the best edition
so far. If you don't have one, you should get one. Seriously. Only $15.
We'll be distributing the remainder between now and next summer. Stephanie
in our office did a great job of promoing it to all radio stations in
Saskatchewan.
Several
bands took advantage of the opportunity to receive the jury feedback for
their submission.
We
passed out special Flatland balloons again...always a big hit...and had
a great selection of awesome food and cool arts and crafts, plus community
information booths and kids' face painting on-site.
Our
compliments to this year's stage managers, Scott Pilling and Curtis Olson;
and to the fabulous sound guys - Greg (Hap) Vancha and Kevin Gould. The
on-stage sound was amazing and the front of house rocked!
Financially...we
did okay, even with poor weather nearly all day Sunday! We had allocated
a portion of our Cultural Industries Development Fund to covering any
festival shortfalls - such as those caused by inclement weather. We almost
didn't need it...but only due to cutbacks in budgetary areas such as headliner
fees, foregoing a web broadcast, etc.
Volunteers
rock. We had a bit of a tough time recruiting this year, seemingly because
there's so many additional events going on this year around Regina and
the province. We use a whole lot of volunteers to make the festival happen.
It's not all easy work - try lifting picnic tables over your head or picking
up garbage in 30-degree weather - but our volunteers always do a great
job! We held volunteer prize draws once again and, as usual, gave away
the collectible Flatland volunteer t-shirt. A volunteer party will be
held this fall - really, we've budgeted for it this time. (Watch for a
personal invitation in your mailbox.)
Our
volunteers come out year after year, both musicians and non-musicians
like, to support the Saskatchewan music industry. Not only do they work
selflessly, they have a sense of pride and ownership in the festival that
makes us feel really good about what we're doing. More on that later.
On
behalf of SRIA board, staff and membership, an enormous pat on the back
to the following who volunteered, plus anyone we may have accidentally
missed...
Marny
Duncan-Cary, Ashley Reiss, Jessica Keleman, Herb Ward, Jamie Burechailo,
Wilfred Dieter, Cas Bitner, Colin Richet, Dawn Suchoboki, Jodi Lepp, Kelly
Bitner, Jocelyn Drebot, Chad Eros, Brittan McCay, Meaghan Hickey, Jolene
Best, Tammy, June Holter, Sandra Ermel, Brendan Cleary, Trevor Streete,
Josif Ursu, Phyllis Lodoen, Vic Huard, Deanna Nolte, Corinne Kiefer, Chrystal
Bolander, Jerrod Mohr, Roxanne Cherpin, Phil Alderson, Terry Mayer, Larry
Heisler, Kelly Trachsel, Courtney Pauliuk, Scott Wright, Jason Peakman,
Guylaine Maltais, Brandon Kuntz, Cole Szekely, Karen Smith, Marianne Walsh,
Sheri Florizone, Karen Holt, Francine Kirk, Heidi Little, Ashley Castle,
Janet Baron, Mandy Byers, Stacey Caldwell, Dianne Ell, Phyllis Desjarlais,
Nehal El-Hadi, Pierre L'Heritier, Lisa Toth, Melanie Bishoff, Erin Gee,
Donna August, Murray August, Russell Rudd, Tony Walker, Derek Fuchs, Eugene
Wall, Greg Hargarten, Mark Bursey, Gary Brewer, Pam Cantin, Paula Woodfield,
Tom Donnelly, Jackie Kuntz, Christine Merkosky, Jackie Blondeau, Kevin
Switzer, Darren Scraper, Sharon Lindgren, Ben Winoski, Billie Kuntz, Tamara
Bloor, Kyle Sierens, Jim Kennedy, George Gessey, James Amico, April Denomie,
Benjamin Tingley, Jocelynn Bathgate, Dianna Firnez, Tamara Bloor, Carole
Wollbaum, Erin Aubert, Jen Eisler, Jennifer Krienkle, Brodie Seaman, Elsa
Gebremichael, Gord Arnold, Amber Kraft, Shelby Gaudet, Amanda Zinovich,
Greg Ochitwa, Thomas Roussin, Richard Medernach, Cynthia Wells, Steve
McDonnell, Denise Gerein, Tony Gerein, Linda Robertson, Barb Dedi, Randy
Desjarlais, Hal Pauliuk, Karen Blackwell Jones, Sarah McQuarrie, Passion
Brandy Moore, John Bellamy, Sandra Haldorson-Pulles, Justin Braaten, Ridena
Skergenick, Julie Atter, Stacy Atter, Joanne Crofford, Quentin Hauta,
Brenda Kerth, Stephan Lentzos, Josh Palmer, Cary Ciesielski, Len Boser,
Winter Fedyk, Dwayne Stradeski, Shannon Poace, Daniel Sauer, Daniel Lonechild,
Daniel Still, Matt Stewert, Stephan Peasley, Joe Musqua, Elizabeth McBride,
Doug Sweeney, AJ Boser, Thomas Aisacon, Joe Luciak, Chad Guy, Ian Brodland,
Emerson Ziffle, Thomas Adair, Alden Adair, Brian Nichol, Joe Lucaik and
Dave Taylor.
These
people in particular really saved our butts...Adrian Polsom, Kathy Stochmal,
Robin Adair, Crystal Fetter, The Sweetsalt boys (Benjamin Reynolds, Sam
Dufour and Jared Robinson), Kris Craig, Doogie Taylor, Jessie Korchinski,
Janet Wing, Dave Schook, Jason Breker, Jocelyn Bishoff, Chris Guskjolen,
Karen Cunningham, Carrie Horachek, Kim Fontaine, Rick August, Danny Fortier,
Nathan Pauliuk, Amanda Baron, Sheena, Jessica Binkley, Scott Pilling,
Curtis Olson, Eileen Laverty, Greg Hargarten, Roy Sydiaha and Robin Adair.
We
love our sponsors. Without their support there is no Flatland. New this
year, our beverage sponsor was Big Rock. We tried serving draft beer for
the first time ever. It was all good. The Flatland kit was provided by
Epek Percussion, a Saskatchewan-based drum company turning out world-class
product! The costs of our Flatland compilation were completely donated.
Thanks to Music Manufacturing Services; Rob Bryanton of Talking Dog Post
& Sound; Derek Bachman of Greenduplex Productions; and also to the
artists involved - they donated their licensing fees to make it all possible.
Thanks to the Leader-Post for the donation of advertising space prior
to the festival! ...and to the Prairie Dog and Planet S for publishing
our third program guide. (This was the first year the guide was available
comprehensively in Saskatoon!)
Flatland
Thanks our Partners and Sponsors...
This
we need to work on...
You've
heard it dozens of times...we can't do this event without volunteers.
And for a few scary moments on-site, that fact was driven home.
As
always, setup and teardown support is crucial. That's on the Friday the
festival starts, from 9 am on; on Sunday night after the music stops;
and on Monday following the festival. We managed to grab a few people
wandering through the site, and solicited help from the stage on Sunday
when things were looking pretty bleak. Unfortunately, unless we have volunteers
committed for these times in advance, next year we're going to have to
hire on additional labour, and that could mean additional expenses.
General
Stuff
Performers, remember to fill out and submit your SOCAN Festival Reporting
forms (for the originals you played at Flatland), so you can get some
performance royalties.
We've
had some offers to assist with an online broadcast for next year, so we'll
see what we can swing in that area.
We'll
still accept feedback forms (for a chance to win a Flatland prize pack)
until the end of August; visit www.flatlandmusicfestival.com to fill one
out, and for more pictures from the event.
The
performance application process may change slightly for next year, but
we still anticipate a deadline in March, 2004.
If
you have any comments or suggestions for next year, please forward them
to festival@saskrecording.ca or call 306-347-0676. See more at www.flatlandmusicfestival.com!
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of page
Western
Canadian Music Awards September 25-28, 2003 Regina, Saskatchewan
"Not
only is it going to be a great party, it'll be a place to learn and really
get some business done."
Western
Canadian Music Awards' Executive Director Thom Sparling is animated while
talking about the event, happening in Regina September 25-28. "We've been
doing this for five years (as Prairie Music Week), so we've really refined
the best way to hold an event like this and cater it to meet the needs
of everyone involved."
Prairie
Music Week was an annual event that traveled throughout the three prairie
provinces, promoting and celebrating the music of Manitoba, Saskatchewan
and Alberta. The Prairie Music Alliance (PMA) was created by the three
prairie music industry associations: MARIA, SRIA and ARIA to host PMW.
Last year, the PMA merged with the Pacific Music Industry Association
and the Recording Arts Industry - Yukon Association to form the
Western Canadian Music Alliance. The new group became the overseers of
the Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMAs).
"Regina
is the perfect place to hold the first WCMAs," Sparling says. "The community
has welcomed us into their city. We're planning a first class event and
we're proud to be able to call Regina home for the 2003 WCMAs."
There
are three main components involved with the Western Canadian Music Awards:
a conference, festival and the awards themselves. While these components
are similar to those found at other four-day music industry events, the
WCMAs will stand out by offering delegates a raw, grassroots approach
to every aspect of the event.
"We
want everyone to come and have a good time - I'm confident they
will, with the entertainment we've got lined up - but we also want
to encourage people to really get information or advice, something that
will stay with them long after WCMA weekend ends."
The
WCMA conference is designed with just that in mind. In addition to the
pick-your-brain panels about general topics like A&R, managing, and
agents, it will also include unique, one-on-one opportunities for delegates
to sit down with industry professionals from around the world.
"We're
bringing over 20 international delegates to Regina," says Robyn Young,
associate producer of the WCMA conference and industry awards. "This is
huge news for both the organization and everyone who either already has
their delegate pass or is thinking of getting one. The international delegates
will be taking part in panels, workshops and more general activities,
but the main reason we've invited them is to take part in the Meeting
Manager Program. In the weeks prior to the WCMAs, delegates can apply
online for a scheduled slot of time to sit down one-on-one with someone
of their choosing for 20 minutes. No matter where they are in
their career, each musician eventually thinks about getting their music
outside Canada. This will help them get the advice they need to get noticed
outside their home country."
The
international delegation includes media, agents, mangers, promoters and
many others from a variety of countries including Australia, the Netherlands,
Germany, the U.K., Scotland, Ireland and the U.S. The Meeting Manager
Program is an adjunct to the already stacked conference that includes
a number of panels centred on current topics that matter most to musicians.
"We
want to ask the questions that musicians can't find answers to anywhere
else," Sparling says. "Pose the questions they want answers to. Give them
helpful responses from a number of people. And if we don't happen to get
to their question, give them the opportunity to ask it themselves. This
isn't a closed door event; we want to get ideas and opinions out into
the open."
Buffy
Sainte-Marie has been named as the 2003 WCMA keynote speaker. The legendary
artist and activist was born in the Qu'Appelle Valley and has spent more
than four decades in the music industry as a singer, songwriter, guitarist,
artist and teacher. Her unbridled wisdom on a wide variety of topics makes
her a perfect fit for the WCMAs.
"Having
Ms. Sainte-Marie take part is thrilling," Sparling says. "For decades
she has been renowned worldwide for her music, art and opinions and we
are so excited to give our delegates the opportunity to draw from her
wisdom."
During
the day, delegates take part in the conference to learn and get advice,
but by night, the WCMAs shift into party mode, hosting a three night,
60-band festival that will infiltrate downtown Regina. All genres will
be represented at the festival and selected performers will have the opportunity
to play for their peers, fans and industry.
The
WCMAs are capped with the gala Western Canadian Music Awards, taking place
at the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts on Sunday, September 28. The show
will feature performances from Western Canada's heavyweights and will
hand out the first batch of WCMAs to the most deserving.
The
WCMAs aren't just composed of a festival, conference and awards show,
however. The industry awards will be held on the evening of Saturday,
September 27 and will honour the brightest players behind the scenes.
Youth Career Day brings in a variety of youth-oriented panels and speakers
to encourage those between the ages of 14 and 20 who are interested in
getting into the music industry. It doesn't even end there; details on
everything the WCMAs have to offer are available at www.westerncanadianmusicawards.ca.
"This
is going to be a breakthrough year for us," Sparling says. We're so excited
about this event, it's going to be great to gather everyone for four days
to talk about the issues that affect all of us, and really hold us together
as an industry."
At
the time of writing, a press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, August
19, to announce the nominees of Creative and Industry Awards, festival
artists, and further details.
Participating
SRIA members will receive their voting ballots near the end of August.
Be sure to fill yours in and send it in promptly, so YOUR voice will be
heard in this process as we recognize the West's best!
Notice
to SRIA Members...
For
artists outside of Regina - Travel bursaries are available to help you
attend WCMA. There is a limited number available; if demand exceeds supply
we will take the first qualifying applicants received. The forms are now
available from the SRIA office, or from our website (www.saskrecording.ca,
click Funding and then Application Forms.) Applicants must be Participating
SRIA members, must reside 250 km or more from Regina, and must register
as a conference delegate. Deadline: September 15.
Saskatoon
Delegates: If there is sufficient interest, we can arrange for a shuttle
van or bus, arriving for the conference on Thursday (or Friday), and returning
to Saskatoon on Monday morning. Please notify Julie, info@saskrecording.ca
if you're interested.
Billeting:
If there is sufficient interest we will arrange billets for out-of-town
guests.
1)
If you live in Regina and are able to host conference delegates, please
respond with the following: Your name, address and phone no. How many
guests you could accommodate? Is your home smoking or non? Are there pets
in your home? Which of the following (nights) would you be able to billet
- September 25/26/27/28?
2)
If you are travelling to Regina and would request a billet, please respond
with the following: Your name, address and phone no. How many people will
be in your group? Do you require smoking or non? Are you allergic to pets?
Which of the following (nights) are you seeking billets for - September
25/26/27/28?
Please
reply to Julie, info@saskrecording.ca.
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ANR
Lounge Offers Great Exposure for Recording Artists
The All New Releases Lounge, the Canadian music industry's most exciting
and ambitious endeavour, is a promising light for the future careers of
budding recording artists.
Dubbed
the ANR Lounge, the innovative online service has been created
to help recording artists maximize promotion of their new CDs to radio
at no charge. It is the first of its kind in the world. Recording artists
and their representatives can create a virtual promotional kit for their
new CD release, which will include bios, sound clips and images. Once
uploaded and accepted, the ANR Lounge will automatically post the new
release in the Lounge, to be accessed by influential radio programmers
from coast to coast to coast.
"The
success of this service is two-fold," says CIRPA's
Anna Maria Russo, project coordinator. "The ANR Lounge creates an unprecedented
level of two-way communication between the artist and radio stations and
it eliminates the intimidating geographical vastness of the country. It
has never been easier and cheaper for an artist from St. Johns to try
to get airplay in Victoria."
The
project is the love-child of each regional music industry association,
lead by CIRPA (the Canadian Independent Record Production Association)
and FACTOR (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent On Record).
All
artists are invited to post their new releases to the site. Every week
an email announcement of the new releases - including yours - will be
distributed to radio stations across Canada (all formats). Register online
at www.mincanada.com to upload information about your new release, including
sound clips and images.
If
you've already added your release, you can now view the site at www.mincanada.com.
Once you are in the member reception area, click on ANR Lounge in the
upper silver navigation bar. (All SRIA members will be receiving a password
to view the site, whether or not they have posted a release.)
Watch
for more exciting features being added to the site over the coming months!
(Please
note: If you've been having difficulty uploading your release to the site
please contact the SRIA office, and we'll try to assist you in the process.)
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Artist
& Studio News
RELEASES
AND PREMIERES...
-
Big Dawg finished recording their first album in Basement Studios, and
held a release party at Rochdale Brews and Cues, Regina, on June 21.
The band has since signed to Basement Studios for booking/promotions.
-
Common Weal Community Arts unveiled "Prairie Echo" on June 22 in Regina.
The Prairie Echo CD is a collection of five collaborative, community-based
sound creations. These creations are a result of a Common Weal initiative;
linking professional artists with "a community of people"
in the production of an audio composition, providing a forum for collective
voice.
-
Jack Semple has completed a new CD called "Wakeup Time", featuring the
Chess Club. The CD is all acoustic guitar duets consisting of Jack,
with Greg Lowe (from Winnipeg). There are eight original tunes plus
a couple of jazz covers. You can listen to a sample of the CD at www.greglowe.com.
-
John Arcand's new recording, "Celebrating Tradition", is out.
Get more info, including how to order, at www.johnarcand.com.
-
Stephanie Thomson released the first single from an upcoming album.
The title track "Modern Day Attraction" was released to Canadian country
radio in June. PHD Canada and Studio 11 Records will handle distribution;
the album will also be available through www.stephaniethomson.com and
www.cdbaby.com. The 14 tracks of pop crossover songs, which Stephanie
wrote or co-wrote, were produced by Chris Burke Gaffney in Winnipeg
at NB Studios. Stephanie shot a music video for the planned second single,
"What Do I Gotta Do," in Saskatoon in July, with Tony Hyrunchuk directing.
Luke McMaster, co-writer on the song, cameod in the video. Stephanie
also won the North Dakota State Fair's "Colgate Country Showdown" in
July. Stephanie will move on to the next level of competition in South
Dakota, September 5. (Finalists from that event will move on to the
final competition where one winner receives $100,000 US and a recording
contract with Lyric Street Records.)
-
MapleMusic Recordings is pleased to announce that Regina crooner Jason
Plumb is joining the MapleMusic Recordings family to release his debut
solo album, "Under and Over", on September 23. Jason is familiar to
many as the lead singer of the Waltons, whose debut album "Lik My Trakter",
moved more than 80,000 copies and earned the band a Juno Award for Best
New Artist. The Waltons went on to tour Canada, United States and Europe
with bands like Blue Rodeo, The Bodeans, Jimmy Nail and Barenaked Ladies.
Ed Robertson is producer for the project, recorded by Jeremy D'Arby
at Canterbury Sound in Toronto. Jason was joined in the studio by Ian
LeFeuvre, Peter von Althen and Maury Lafoy of Ottawa group Starling.
Sarah Harmer also guests. The album was mixed by Lefeuvre and David
Travers-Smith and mastered by Joao Carvalho at Umbrella Sound Studios,
Toronto. Recent dates with labelmates Skydiggers have shown that Jason
is ready for the road with a new six-piece band. Watch for him on the
Canadian festival circuit this summer with a full Canadian tour to follow
in the fall. Jason has agency representation by Glenn Vogelsang, The
Agency Group, Toronto. Coming soon: www.jasonplumb.com.
-
AutoPilot's "When You Were" was released on August 7 at the Wash n'
Slosh.
-
Saskatoon's Carrie Horachek released her debut solo album, "Out the
Car Window", on June 6 at Crawdaddy's Voodoo Lounge. Produced by Captain
Tractor alumni Brock Skywalker, "it's a weirdly eclectic mix of styles
and phases; music fans interested in singer/songwriter types will catch
this groove". The feel of the album sways from pop to folk, occasionally
throwing in a bit of funk, maybe even old school country. See www.carriehorachek.com
for pics and audio.
-
Regina's Dave Taylor returned from a Western Canadian tour with Calgary's
Jasmine Whenham to release his new CD in Regina on May 31. "My, aren't
you pretty" - his eighth project - is a nine-song, multi-tracked-live-off-the-floor
2 track, recorded at Cafe Ultimate. It features 4, 6, or 10 part vocal
harmonies, vocalized drum loops and guitar loops all with the help of
a line6 DL4 pedal. This recording represents what Dave now does live;
a fully arranged recording made to order. A planned cover album titled
"I'm Prettier than you" will be recorded next year. You can find 3 songs
from the new CD at www.mp3.com/davetaylor and he's also proud of his
new website at www.davetaylormusic.com. The site, designed by Brodie
Seaman, has all the dirty info that you'll need to know about Dave and
his music. Dave hits the road in August with Dave Lang for the "Dave's
Not Here" tour through Western Canada. Dave Lang is proud to be releasing
his first CD in six years. "Live & In Quonset" was recorded in Regina
at "Dave's Bar and Grill" with friends Tolan McNeil and Garth Johnson
(Carolyn Mark "alumni").
-
Heidi Little has released a live acoustic album, "Live In a Shoe Box",
in conjunction with a rock record, "Little Roadz." Little is set up
with a new seven song, transitional rock record, produced and arranged
with the support of fellow singer/songwriter, Jason Forrest Plumb. Little
Roadz elaborates Little's love for 70s edgy rawk, while the eight song
Live In A Shoe Box solo disc for acoustic fans was recorded live by
CBC Radio, for use in their Women's Voices Concert Series - with Little
on acoustic, accompanied and Cody Gamracy on electric guitar. Catch
Little on her fall tour with supporting band, Ghosts of Modern Man.
New website www.heidilittle.com should be up soon - check out snazzy
new merch and of course, two new records. You can also find info and
tracks at www.canadiancreative.com.
-
5 Star Productions are pleased to announce recording artists CurvedWorth's
debut self-titled CD release in August. The disc was produced by Steve
Dodd and CurvedWorth, recorded and mixed by Steve Dodd at Sound Mind
Studios. Three songs can be found at http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/564/curvedworth.html,
or their website, www.curvedworth.com.
- The
new Fight The Monster CD, "Meat Hotel" is now available (in Regina)
at X-Ray Records, Buy the Book, and Buzzword Books. They play "folk
inspired rock and roll". Check out fightthemonster.com.
-
The Junior Pantherz "Ballistics" CD Release Party was held on July 25
at Amigo's (with opener Ef Perriera). They followed up with a performance
at the Georgestock Festival. Ballistics is the Pantherz fourth self
recorded, produced, mixed, mastered and designed album. The album will
be available at most major centres and will be serviced to all major
radio outlets. New songs will be posted at www.juniorpantherz.com.
NEWS...
-
Regina's Weak at Best is in a huge online contest for the Warped Tour
battle of the bands. With about 2600 bands entered, currently Weak at
Best is ranked 5 out of those 2,600 - the only band from Canada in the
top 10. The end of the contest is September 3. Go and vote at http://battle.ernieball.com/bb7/view_band.php?action=byvenue&venue=11.
For more info on the band, visit www.weakatbest.com or www.mp3.com/weakatbest/.
- Transit
Studios is a brand new 2100 sq.ft., state of the art recording studio.
It's fully equipped to cater to any of your audio needs, and supplies
many services such as audio branding, audio for web or video, music
production, studio consultation, media design and more. Centred around
Digidesign's ProTools, capable of 32 track recording mixing, editing
and mastering services; facilities include 2 studio floor and 2 voice-over
booths, of varying sizes. Transit boasts a unique collection of microphones,
professional drum kit, and wide assortment of digital effects. Recent
clients include The Nancy Ray-Guns and The Greyscale. For info, 306-351-0280,
info@transitstudios.net, or www.transitstudios.net.
- The
Wheatmonkeys showcased at the COCA Conference (Canadian Organization
of Campus Activities) in Montreal. After a successful showcase at this
year's Canadian Music Week, followed by a mid-west campus tour, the
Wheatmonkeys began their summer tour schedule in support of their "DANGER".
The Wheatmonkeys shared the bill with Goldfinger and Story of the Year
for two dates in Winnipeg and Saskatoon. Check out www.wheatmonkeys.com
for audio/video and pics.
- Regina's
DJ QUARTZ won the DMC Saskatchewan Elimination DMC contest and travelled
to Montreal in July to compete in the finals. For more info, visit www.dmccanada.com/2003_canadian_eliminations.htm
or www.djquartz.ca.
- Brad
Johner's second single, and the title track from his album "Free", has
been a smash hit from the beginning, something many radio programmers
predicted upon first listen. Although Brad is no stranger to radio success,
with many Johner Brother tunes receiving top 20 status, Johner finds
this new success particularly gratifying. The first single, "Hello",
and its video both charted well when released last fall. Brad's popularity
has led to continued success on the touring front, as Brad will be crossing
Canada twice in the winter as well as playing a full slate of country
festivals and grandstand shows this summer. Free, distributed by Royalty
Records, can be purchased in stores or at www.bradjohner.com.
- The
touchtone gurus album "Blue in the Face" was nominated for Independent
Recording of the Year at COCA Nationals 2003. The gurus were also invited
to showcase at NXNE, but had to decline due to other commitments.
- Saskatoon
artist Brenda Baker and hubby Art Slade are proud parents to Tori Lorranne
Slade, who arrived on July 19, weighing 5lbs 12.5 oz. Wooo-hoo!
- Marthie
Nel's "die Israeliet" is slated to be made into a music video for Afrikaans
Television channel in South Africa.
- Nancy
Ray-Guns performed at O'Hanlon's for the official release party of National
Pist Magazine on August 10.
- Marny
Duncan-Cary has received a Sask. Arts Board grant to help fund her in-progress
recording project, which she's working on with Bart McKay at Sound Edge
Studio in Saskatoon...she will also be showcasing at the CCMAs in Calgary
on Sept. 5. She's very excited and hopes folks from Saskatchewan attending
will come out and cheer her on!
- Vincent
Murphy has been appointed Marketing and Programs Coordinator of Land
of the Loon Resort and Conference Centre in Anglin Lake. Vincent is
returning to the north following seven years in Regina, where he developed
and facilitated a series of personal development and creative expression
workshops, and is also recognized for his skills as a master storyteller.
The Land of the Loon Resort is a four-season facility offering a wide
range of modern vacation and conference accommodations and services,
located in the heart of the boreal forest region, 65 km north of Prince
Albert. View www.landoftheloonresort.com for more info.
-
Freedom Sound, Yorkton has installed a new ProTools rig Mac G4 with
all the bells and whistles and an Alesis HD 24 hard drive recorder.
-
Allison Uitti wrote a song related to some history sessions offered
by the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (about the desire to return
to the original meaning of the treaties vs. the Indian Act which was
forced on the First Nations people). Her class, along with their carepartners
from Confederation Park School, just finished recording the song for
use on the Treaty Commissioner's website, and also performed it for
Treaty Day on June 17.
-
Elyse Bruce has started a new initiative...establishing a business that
creates instrumental music CDs. They are created specifically for the
client (schools and non-profits) as a fundraiser, and can cover a variety
of styles from classical to jazz through to ambient electronica and
dance club music.
-
The Long Day's Night Music Festival was a great success. Art Gallery
of Swift Current and Blenders: art+music @ art gallery of Swift Current
entertained over 2400 people during the festival, June 18 to 22. Under
a big-top tent in the open field beside Swift Current's RC Dahl Centre,
the crowds listened to an amazing lineup of performers, featuring Saskatoon
storyteller/banjo player Bonnie Logan, Bob King and Family, Helen Gauvin
and Jacqueline Hudec, Trevor Caswell, Swift Current's The Remainders,
Back Alley John accompanied by accordion player Howard Chapman, B.C.
Read, Skavenjah, The Hudec Brothers, Jordan Cook Band, Swift Current's
Across the Creek, The Prairie Trumpet Ensemble, The Kenny Marco Trio,
the Angie Tysseland/Terry Long Duo, and SwingSoniq.
-
Ghosts of Modern Man joined the Warped Tour in Calgary on July 2. After
playing over 80 shows across Canada since January, the band has made
headway with songs for the new record. The band will be in full writing
mode for the new album, and hope to have it released by mid October.
Up to date info on the band can be found at www.ghostsofmodernman.com
or www.articamusic.com.
-
Bev Zizzy has been working on material for "In the Spirit of Tess",
some of which will be unveiled in upcoming concerts, with a tentative
release date in September.
-
Michelle Boudreau will be releasing "down" this summer - a new live
solo EP recorded at the Westminster Church in Regina.
-
2nd Avenue Mitch has a new site at www.2ndavenuemitch.com. Sign the
guestbook and watch for new MP3s.
-
Meckelborg Music Services and Audio Art Recording have formed a new
partnership and location under the name Audio Art Recording. The new
location is 269b 3rd Ave South, Saskatoon. The studio will be in the
basement (1700+ square feet that used to be a fur storage vault), and
Cinepost Films has moved in on the main level. The floor plan will have
2 control rooms, 3 performance rooms and a lounge. A grand opening will
take place shortly.
-
Best wishes to Bill Gerald, Regional Director of Radio and Television
for CBC Saskatchewan, who is retiring. His successor is David Kyle.
-
Congratulations to 2003 Canadian Country Music Award Nominees...For
Album Of The Year, Free - Brad Johner; SOCAN Song Of The Year, Free
(written by Brad Johner/James Grandy; recorded by Brad Johner); Group
Or Duo Of The Year, Poverty Plainsmen; 2003 CCMA Industry Award Nominees...Talent
Buyer Or Promoter Of The Year, Mark Smith (Big Dog Entertainment); Country
Club Of The Year, The Pump Roadhouse - Regina; Record Producer Of The
Year, Bart McKay - Free (Brad Johner); 2003 CCMA Independent Award Nominees...Independent
Group Or Duo Of The Year, Johner Brothers and Poverty Plainsmen; 2003
CCMA Broadcast Award Nominees...Radio Station Of The Year, Major Market,
CJWW - Saskatoon; Music Director Of The Year, Major Market, Dawn Woroniuk
- CJWW, Saskatoon; Music Director Of The Year, Secondary Market, Abbey
White - CILG-FM, Moose Jaw; On-Air Personality(s) Of The Year, Secondary
Market, Abbey White - CILG-FM, Moose Jaw. 2003 CCMA Musician Award Nominees...All-Star
Band...Drums, Brad Johnson (Poverty Plainsmen); Fiddle, Pat Allingham
(Emerson Drive) and Cory Churko (Shania Twain); Bass, Sean Smith (Poverty
Plainsmen); Keyboards, Bart McKay (Brad Johner). Winners will be announced
on September 8 from the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, AB.
-
Dogz Lyfe is a new, young Regina rap duo consisting of Robin Favel (aka
Burden) and Cameron Nicholls/Dell'agnese (aka Infamous). Since January
they've been participating in rap battles, open mikes, the Crow Hop
Cafe and various performances around the province. Now signed to Lightening
Strike Agency, they've begun work on an album titled "Leaving an Infamous
Burden" - watch for them, and visit http://lightening_strike.tripod.com/crazyhorse/
for more info.
-
McFlett Video Productions are now located in Saskatchewan. With over
12 years broadcast experience with MuchMusic, CityTV, CTV and 8 years
operating our own company, we have the solution to all your video requirements.
We offer first class video production, on-site shootings, in-house editing
and music videos. Music consultant with 20 years experience with bands
such as Thin Lizzy, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, one of Scotland's top
club bands (Sad Eyes) and numerous other satisfied musicians. We customize
our shooting/editing/production to suit your needs and price our videos
to match your budget. Contact us to create a "musical demo tape" to
shop to clubs, agents, managers, TV, etc! Call David or Sherry at 306-533-5506
or 306-522-9275 or email david@mcflettproductions.com.
-
Saskatoon violinist Kerry Duwors has won the Eckhardt-Gramatte National
Music Competition. The E-Gre alternates between voice, strings and piano.
Duwors will take part in a national tour and make a solo appearance
with the Montreal Chamber Orchestra.
-
David L. McIntyre's new Concerto for Piano and Orchestra received a
thunderous ovation at its April 12 premiere at the Saskatchewan Centre
of the Arts, Regina. German pianist Catherine Vickers and the RSO, under
the direction of Victor Sawa, were recorded for June 29 broadcast on
CBC's Symphony Hall. The same concert opened with Fanfare for a Beloved
City, a new work for Brass and Timpani celebrating Regina's 100th Anniversary.
Over the summer David launched Roy Street Music, with the publication
of two volumes of music from his Organ Notebook (1: Preludes & Interludes;
2: Postludes & Processionals). With the recent release of Sonata
No. 2 for Flute and Piano, Blis Music Publishers of Brandon, Manitoba
now carries both of the McIntyre flute sonatas. David's newest work,
an elegy for orchestra, will be premiered on the season opener of the
Regina Symphony Orchestra, September 20.
-
Regina's To The Point has enjoyed a busy summer of out-of-town dates
and four festival gigs within Saskatchewan. The band also performed
in Edmonton and Banff, Alberta in early August. To The Point's search
for backing continues, as they return to the studio in the fall to finish
tracks for a forthcoming full-length CD release. Visit their updated
web site at www.tothepointmusic.com.
-
Congratulations to recent approvals under the Sask. Arts Board's Individual
Assistance Program...Jason Cullimore, Marny Duncan-Cary, Gregory Duncan,
Edith Gruber, Amy Horvey, Eileen Laverty, Clarence Logan, Tom McCaslin,
Stephen Runge, and Jack Semple.
-
Matt Burgener, formerly of North Battleford, is now working at the Toronto
Blues Society, and recently finished his first album. His website is
www.mattmasters.com.
-
RipperTrain's first single, "Hard & Faded" has been well received.
They just completed dates in Alberta and Saskatoon, and more are posted
on their website, www.5-starproduction.com.
-
Cosmic Pad Studios has had a busy year. 2002 ended with Ross Nykiforuk
and Jay Semko composing music for the TV series "Body and Soul." In
early March, the fishing season opened and The Northern Pikes recorded
their new album, "It's A Good Life." Produced by The Pikes and Ross
Nykiforuk, the album was recorded and mixed at Cosmic Pad Studios on
their new ProTools HD3 system. Currently Angie Tysseland is finishing
a new album with Ross as producer, and in October Kenny Greer (Red Rider)
and Hollis Brown will be hangin' at the Pad. And let's not forget to
mention the new climate-controlled atmosphere at Cosmic Pad...just watch
the tuning!
-
The 6th Annual John Arcand Fiddle Fest was a huge success, with 53 fiddlers
and 24 jiggers competing, and attendance was up! Plans will begin for
the 7th Annual John Arcand Fiddle Fest 2004, August 13-15.
-
Recording of Into Eternity's "Buried In Oblivion" is nearing completion.
Grant Hall and staff at Touchwood Studios, who worked with Into Eternity
on the "Dead Or Dreaming" album, now have the task of mixing the new
album alongside the band. In other studio news, Tim and Rob laid down
guest guitar solos for an acquaintance on his upcoming full-length record
for Dutch record label Fear/Dark. The band played to a near-capacity
crowd in their hometown of Regina on July 18 with Rob's live debut in
the band. On August 13 they performed at the U of R for a MuchMusic-taped
event. In addition, watch for an interview with the band on Much's "Going
Coastal" in September. Go to intoeternity.com to see more.
Classifieds
-
Music teacher Mike Vancha needs guitarists, bassists, pianists, and
drummers for good paying teaching jobs. He needs help teaching private
lessons as he has many on his waiting list, especially beginners, who
want lessons desperately. Phone 306-586-5023 for details.
-
Experienced vocalist w/guitar & bass needs $$ gigs NOW - any style.
Need an experienced singer/player to sub in? I can learn your song list
FAST so please give me a call. Just moved back to Saskatoon from Calgary.
Sung professionally for 15 years, studied music in the Commercial Music
Program at Capilano College, North Vancouver and playing full-time since
1989 - lots of touring. I play solid rhythm guitar and bass, have Taylor
acoustic & Warwick Fortress and in-ear monitors, great pitch, great
ears, and love singing harmony/blending and prefer working with vocal-oriented
bands. Rock-solid time, and have played to a click for 12 years. LOTS
of experience doing sound from stage: can ring-out monitors, mike a
drum kit, and get a good mix. Played in cover bands doing Top 40, retro,
rock/alternative and country. Versatile vocal style. Happiest singing
slamming R&B urban soul but love whatever the crowd does (honest).
Looking to join professional, non-touring band to front or as sideman
(bass). Contact Angie, tigerlilly8@shaw.ca.
-
Experienced soundman looking for gigs - 25 years experience, easy to
work with, versatile sound tech, can travel, with or without gear. Also
am drummer/vocalist, over 20 years experience, looking for working band,
can play country, rock, blues, R & B, good gear, good attitude.
Currently living in Yorkton, but can travel. Contact Frank Newcomb,
306-782-0489 or email frankn@sasktel.net.
-
Factory built trailer 10'L-5'H-5.5'W...loaded, with complete Peavey-Yorkville
P.A. system. Suitable for 4-5 piece band, $6800. Price negotiable, cash
only. Phone 306-763-4745 or 306-961-6976, fax 306-922-2503, or email
garry.larson@sasktel.net.
-
Moose Jaw Youth String Orchestra is currently accepting new players
ages 6 to 18, for instruction in violin, viola, cello or string bass.
All levels of ability are welcome. No musical background is required
and rentals are available. For information, call Mary Cross at 306-694-4862
or Rhae Ann Bromley at 306-692-2306.
-
Looking for bass player whose influences are Hendrix, Black Sabbath,
etc. to play original material, and some covers. Regina based band.
Contact Wilf, 591-3771 or work 543-3237.
-
Looking for young, experienced and dedicated musicians to form a country/pop
band to be located in Saskatoon. Lead vocalist needs a drummer, lead
guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards, bass and specialty. For more info
contact Melanie 306-477-5093 or melanie_charpentier@hotmail.com.
-
Guitar/Bass player with vocal abilities, in mid-30s, looking for other
similarly aged persons in Swift Current and area to form a band for
jamming and occasional live gigs. Open to most genres. Am willing to
join existing band. If interested, please contact Greg at grntg@yahoo.com.
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Industry
News
- The
Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), along with
broadcast partner CTV, have announced that Edmonton will host the 2004
JUNO Awards from April 2-4, 2004. This announcement marks the first
time Edmonton will host Canada's largest music industry award show.
Melanie Berry, President of CARAS, says that selecting a new host city
is just one of many elements that mark the expansion of the JUNO Awards.
CARAS also announced that it has extended its broadcast deal for The
JUNO Awards by two years (2004 and 2005) with CTV. Last year's JUNO
Awards, hosted by the nation's capital, generated unprecedented records
of success. At 2.2 million viewers, the 2003 JUNO Awards Telecast hosted
by superstar Shania Twain, eclipsed the 2003 Grammy Awards (Feb. 23,
2.1 million viewers) and shattered box office records at the Corel Centre,
selling out tickets in a matter of minutes. International media attendance
at the telecast also tripled to include representatives from Gemini
Radio, the largest private broadcaster in the UK, People, Rolling Stone,
InStyle and US Magazine in the U.S. For more information on the 33rd
annual Juno Awards, visit www.juno-awards.ca.
-
Universal Music Canada has a new business to business website is available
to its customers. Clients of Universal Music can register on the site,
www.umusicbiz.ca. The primary purpose of the site is to provide easily
accessible information and digital assets for download for by retail,
radio and media customers.
-
FCC votes to relax media ownership rules: Despite overwhelming opposition,
the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 for "radical
deregulation" of media ownership rules that previously limited the size
and power of media companies. The new rules, voted on June 2, allow
a newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership rule, which permits a company
to own a newspaper and a TV station in the same market, as well as significantly
increasing the number of TV stations one company can own. Every two
years, the FCC is mandated by Congress to justify their rules in regard
to diversity, localism and competition. This year the commission felt
that the previous rules were not applicable in this new day of technology.
"This decision empowers America's new media elite," said FCC Commissioner
Michael Copps during the hearing. "The citizens are almost unanimously
opposed to these regulations. They are screaming for us to protest their
local interests." Critics of the FCC claim the new rules would limit
diversity and reduce the voices to which people are exposed in the delivery
of the news. "A dark cloud looms over America," said Jonathan Adelstein,
the other dissenting FCC commissioner. "This is a massive weakening
of media ownership rules. Today's rules don't just let the big get bigger,
they don't let the small get started at all." Media mogul Ted Turner,
a major shareholder in the largest of five media corporations, even
opposed the deregulations, saying, "They will stifle debate, inhibit
new ideas and shut out smaller businesses trying to compete." "The FCC's
rule changes will do for television what they did for radio-set off
a wave of ownership consolidation that will eventually mean fewer distinct
voices in the industry and a further loss of localism," said Hub Brown,
associate professor of journalism at Syracuse University's Newhouse
School of Public Communications. Protesters outside and inside the meeting
chanted, "Mass deregulation of the mass communication is the end of
democracy!" They were immediately removed from the room.
-
The Radio Starmaker Fund announced a new round of funding approvals
for a new group of up-and-coming Canadian artists. A total of $723,732
will be distributed among 11 rising Canadian stars, including Sam Roberts,
Sloan, Glamour Puss, Denzal Sinclaire, Bif Naked, Corb Lund Band, Theory
of a Deadman, Delerium, Gob, The Paperboys and The Be Good Tanyas, to
support marketing and promotional initiatives such as print/radio/TV
advertising, promo tours and tour enhancement. Every quarter, The Radio
Starmaker Fund - an initiative of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters,
in partnership with the Canadian Independent Record Production Association
and the Canadian Recording Industry Association - provides grants and
bursaries targeting worthy artists in support of their continued efforts
to advance their careers.
-
Public announcement from the Alliance Of Canadian Cinema, Television
And Radio Artists (ACTRA) - ACTRA represents actors and all other performers,
including background performers (extras) in Canada in the recorded media,
including film and television production, radio, and commercial advertising.
Almost every production that engages Performers in Canada has a signed
contract with ACTRA. Performers wishing to secure stable employment
in Canada in this field are able to do so only through ACTRA. There
are no other legitimate organizations even similar to it. The purpose
of this alert is to make performers and the public aware that claims
or offerings made by individuals or companies to the effect that they
can secure employment for you in that industry should be viewed with
extreme caution. ACTRA's reputation and that of the professional film
production community is not served by persons engaged in activities
designed to take money from the public while providing little or nothing
in return. ACTRA is well acquainted with all the casting and talent
agents working in this jurisdiction. Should you require advice regarding
the legitimacy of any individual or company related to the industry,
call the ACTRA office. Mike Burns is the ACTRA Saskatchewan Branch Representative,
located in Regina at 306-757-0885.
-
New Software...Gigorama Soloflight 1.0 is a new product for Windows
that manages bookings, lessons, contract printing, earning/expense summaries
and more. An accompanying manual contains further indie management info.
PC only, it's $89.95 CDN and available from www.musicbooksplus.com.
-
Oasis CD's label division, Rain Dog Records, has created a package of
electronic marketing and distribution services, including...your music
encoded and submitted for consideration to the Apple iTunes Music Store
(for PAID playback on the iPod player - iPod owners purchase music by
downloading it); your recordings in the Replicheck "audio fingerprint"
database for reporting (CMJ, performing rights organizations, and so
on); a listing of all your iTunes tracks on the Indie Channel, an independent
outlet devoted to promoting and tracking indie music on the iTunes Music
Store. In partnership with CD Baby, they also provide digital music
delivery options also for Listen.com, Emusic and other digital distributors.
The signup fee is $30 (per album title) for the iTunes Music Store/Listen.com/eMusic
package or $55 to add Replicheck audio fingerprinting. Visit RaindogRecords.com
for more info or email questions to digital@oasisCD.com.
-
CD Baby is also offering digital distribution - to Apple iTunes, Listen.com,
and more. They keep 9% of all income from your music. One-time setup
cost of $40 (per album title). They require exclusivity for these services
(only) during the contract.
-
Sonicbids provides an online method to deliver your press kit competitions,
festivals, and more. Their Sonicbids Electronic Press Kit (EPK™)
is a web-based graphic interface that contains all the basic information
of a musical act such as music, photos or date calendar. It can then
be emailed to anyone or submitted in online promoter accounts through
a virtual "Drop Box". The Drop Box is an area in each artist account
where musician members can submit their EPK with one click to a list
of exclusive Sonicbids partners, including conferences, live showcases,
festivals, and a growing list of clubs. In certain situations where
there is a fee associated with a submission (such as with a music conference)
you can both pay the submission fee and submit your electronic press
kit to the partner at once. (No more last minute courier fees!) The
EPK is not a replacement for your current website; it's more like an
ad, easy to update (for the sender) and quick to review (for the recipient).
If they want to find out more in-depth info about your band, they'll
go to your site. Subscriptions to the service start at $49.95 U.S. per
year. Visit www.sonicbids.com for more information.
-
NXNE 10th ANNIVERSARY: June 10 - 12, 2004. Your NXNE delegate badge
gives you: Priority access to see over 400 festival acts - Full access
to: keynote address - CBCRadio3.com live recording - trademark "up-close"
panels, roundtables and workshops - Demo listens and one-on-one mentor
sessions - SOCAN Songwriters Session - Free legal clinics - NXNE 2004
Directory - Registrant's Delegate Bag - Full access to the NXNE Filmfest,
including one-day conference (Saturday, June 12) and three nights of
great music-related independent films. Call 416-863-6963 or visit www.nxne.com
for more info.
-
BMI Negotiates new commercial radio airplay royalties: The multi-year
deal, worth over $1 billion, covers most U.S. commercial radio stations
through 2006. It comes nearly four years after talks between BMI and
the Radio Music License Committee (RMLC) first broke down. With a trial
date looming the groups finally reached an agreement. The new arrangement
sets a flat fee for the radio industry, replacing the previous "percentage
of station royalties" system used to calculate royalties payable. BMI
says it's a good deal for the more than 300,000 songwriters, composers
and music publishers it represents, as it will give them a more predictable
rate structure, and is expected to save time and money. The RMLC hopes
to work a similar deal in pending negotiations with the American Society
of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
-
Clear Channel under investigation: The largest radio owner in the U.S.
is being looked into due to consolidation and "use of coercive tactics".
Among the complaints are allegations that Clear Channel punishes artists
who don't use the company's concert promotion arm by pulling, or threatening
to pull, radio airplay for their songs.
-
Radio airplay on Sirius satellite channels will now be reported to major
labels and trade publications including Radio & Records. The charts
will also be available to subscribers at www.mediabase.com (info, www.sirius.com.)
and, Nielsen SoundScan has added music download sales to its reports.
-
Indie Pool's e-commerce service - Indie Pool hosts secure e-commerce
order pages for thousands of Canadian recording artists. To view an
example go to www.indiepool.com/CUT8CD. $100 setup, $9 per month. They
provide you with a direct link to a personal, secure order page. Every
time an order is placed online for your CD or merch, you receive an
email in real time with the customer's name, address, e-mail and phone
number, allowing you to manage and add to your fan club. Indie Pool
fills all orders within 24 hours and they manage customer service. CALL
1-888-88-INDIE (1-888-884-6343) for details.
-
SRIA members looking for an online retail system for their website are
now eligible to receive RDR's SELLNET program...free! This specifically
generic system will give your website Visa, MasterCard and American
Express, and will enable you to have worldwide distribution. The SELLNET
program is free to all members - no hook up charges, one time fees,
monthly or yearly invoices. If you are interested, or require more details,
please email joe@rdrmusic.com or call 1-800-557-3723.
a) It's like an EBAY™ for Canadian musicians: A brand new music
website for musicians wanting to buy or sell gear, or searching for
players. It's open to Canadian residents only (skipping duty and exchange
hassles), and it's free to place a basic ad - commercial businesses/dealers
can purchase packages as well. Plus, Musicbeat does not charge any fees
or commissions on gear sold. Instead of a big corporation, it's the
brainchild of a couple of Edmonton musicians who saw a need in the market.
Check it out, and get rid of that unused gear sitting in your basement...www.musicbeat.ca!
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of page
State
of the Industry: Downloading
With a value
of $4.6 billion, the number of pirated CDs in worldwide circulation has
now reached 1/3 of all albums produced, reports the International Federation
of the Phonographic Industry. IFPI, representing 1500 record companies
in 70 countries, is stepping up efforts to control the most prolific producers
of pirated recordings - Brazil, China, Mexico, Paraguay, Poland, Russia,
Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and the Ukraine. These figures seem to correspond
with a recent U.S. survey indicating 1/3 of all music customers have purchased
fewer CDs this year than last year. The study notes several factors for
the decrease, including economic uncertainty and the belief that CDs are
overpriced. 41% of young consumers stated that "downloading and burning
music tracks" were an additional reason for purchasing less. However,
the study also notes that there are successful strategies for winning
back consumers' attention...including bonus tracks, stickers, rebate offers,
and video content.
Piracy was
a hot topic at the AFM convention in Las Vegas...where delegates noted,
"recorded music requires the creative contribution, talent and hard work
of tens of thousands of musicians…who depend on legitimate sales
to earn a living and continue creating music." Speaking on behalf of over
110,000 professional musicians in the United States and Canada, delegates
urged all music lovers to support musicians by refusing to purchase pirated
CDs and refusing to engage in unauthorized downloading of copyrighted
music files. "Musicians make music for love, but they can't afford to
do it without an income."
Covenant
Corporation has launched Protected By Covenant, a system that utilizes
music pirates' own file trading networks. Covenant gives away cash and
prizes to recruit fans and file traders to assist in protecting songs.
Some prizes have already been awarded - with enthusiastic accolades from
die-hard file traders. The Covenant Media Distributor software automatically
downloads music tracks to members' computers for further trading. The
tracks remind traders to "do the right thing by artists" by paying for
their songs. They're attempting to defuse the escalating tension between
record labels and consumers over digital distribution issues. When file
traders become members of Covenant they help to protect and promote the
artists; as well, Covenant is helping to educate the fans and file traders
as to why it isn't cool to steal music online. Covenant recently launched
its Members Internet site and services at www.protectedbycovenant.com.
The Recording
Industry Association of America launched a massive counterattack on piracy,
by surprising approximately 1000 suspected illegal users with federal
subpoenas. The campaign began just weeks after U.S. appeals court rulings
stating that internet providers must turn over the true identities of
subscribers who are suspected of illegally sharing music and movie files,
upon subpoena. (Most file sharers use nicknames or aliases online, and
cannot be readily traced without the cooperation of their internet provider.)
Some of the U.S.'s largest Internet providers are now compelled to provide
names and addresses for users on their networks. U.S. copyright laws allow
for damages of $750 to $150,000 for each song illegally shared from a
person's computer, but RIAA has said it would be open to settlement proposals
from defendants. The subpoenas cite file sharers with as few as five songs
being shared from their hard drive. Peer 2 Peer users, meanwhile, are
attempting to fight back with new software designed specifically to prevent
monitoring of their online activities.
In some cases,
the general public is getting a quick lesson in music copyright law...previously
unaware that use of the software could result in a warning, lawsuit or
criminal prosecution. "The idea really is not to be selective - people
(should) know that if they're offering a substantial number of files for
others to copy, they are at risk," stated RIAA's Cary Sherman. Referred
to as "Internet's equivalent of shock and awe", many downloaders are finding
out that copyright lawyers can get through the presumed anonymity of file-sharing,
even when hiding behind nicknames. In homes where parents or grandparents
may not closely monitor Internet usage, the news could be especially surprising
- for example, where a teen has been using the family computer to download
hundreds of illegal files, their father (who pays the internet service
bills) may receive a subpoena. Outside legal experts urged the music industry
to carefully select targets for its earliest lawsuits, and said they were
doubtful the RIAA would ultimately choose to sue everyone subpoenaed,
after taking individual circumstances into account.
As expected,
Napster is reinventing itself - as a legal, for-pay download service.
Napster 2.0 clients will be able to purchase individual tracks from a
library of 500,000 songs, can pay for programmed radio stations, and/or
get unlimited access through a subscription program. In addition to material
provided by record labels, Napster hopes to set up its own studio to record
exclusive live tracks and artist interviews. Currently in negotiations
with major labels for content, a site launch is planned by the end of
the year.
Pay-per-download
is gathering strength, with Listen.com streaming more than 11 million
on-demand songs to subscribers in June (more than 350,000 songs per day).
Listen.com recently formed new distribution partnership with RealNetworks,
offering 79-cent a song downloads (so far, only to U.S. customers) or
users can pay a monthly fee to receive unlimited downloads. Their library
includes over 25,000 albums, from both major and independent artists.
However,
even as paid downloads and (hopefully) the accompanying royalties are
put into place, there's the ethical issue of "the album as an art form."
Several major artists will not be approving the download of their individual
songs, in an effort to protect albums as a cohesive unit. It could be
a tough decision for many, especially independent artists who are less
focused on "singles", instead writing whole albums with a central theme
and intended order. Some say it's a losing battle, though; if songs aren't
made available legally, people will go ahead and download them illegally.
Canada is
watching U.S. developments with great interest - considering CD sales
here at home are down 20% over the last three years. The U.S.'s recent
crackdown (with a new bill suggesting a five-year prison sentence plus
$250,000 fine) is far more aggressive than the Canadian Recording Industry
Association's campaign thus far, which mostly involves an education program
aimed at young music fans. CRIA notes that the American measures seem
to be working - there's been a large drop in peer-to-peer activity. Later
this year, Canadians will have access to Buymusic.com (PC), Apple iTunes
and Puretracks.com in order to find legal downloads. As it becomes easier
for consumers to find what they want legally, the attraction to using
illegal P2P networks should diminish.
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Send
Stuff Here
Please note:
Publication in this section is not necessarily an endorsement by SRIA.
Please use your own discretion.
- Airplay
Opportunity: The Eagle (Swift Current) and Golden West radio stations
across the province will be starting a locally produced feature highlighting
our province's music. However at this point, they don't have enough
Saskatchewan music to get it off the ground! They request all artists
with Adult Contemporary product released in the past 2-3 years to forward
it as soon as possible. Contact, or send product to, Kim Johnston, Program
Director, The Eagle 94-One, Swift Current SK, S9H 0L1; call 306-773-4605
or email eagle941@sasktel.net. (Artists, get on this one! Show them
encouragement for supporting Sask. music!)
-
Mainstage Showcase Applications for the 2004 Pacific Contact, March
26 -30th, 2004 are available at www.bctouring.org. Deadline October
15. If you have difficulty opening the PDF file, contact the BCTC office
at fyi@bctouring.org. If it's your first time applying to showcase at
Pacific Contact and you want to know what it's all about or what to
expect, see the archived 2003 and 2002 events also on the BCTC website.
The preliminary schedule for Pacific Contact 2004 will be posted to
the website in September.
-
2004 DIY Music Festival, Los Angeles: to be held February 9. Entry fee
$25 U.S. The live music event, which teams top independent talent with
nationally recognized acts, is part of the DIY Convention: Do It Yourself
in Film, Music & Books. Entrants are also eligible to be selected
to appear at the ongoing Club DIY showcase series, held on the first
Thursday of each month at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles and at
various times in other cities throughout the year. Submissions to the
festival must have been released after Jan. 1, 2001 and created using
recording equipment and other tools generally available to anyone. Entry
forms are available online at www.DIYMusicFestival.com. Individuals
entering the contest will be admitted free to the 2004 DIY Convention
and Film Festival in Los Angeles. Entrants will also be reviewed by
the DIYReporter.com.
-
4th Annual CMT/CMT.com NSAI Song Contest - win a three-day trip to Nashville
including airfare and accommodations, appointments with music publishers
and A&R representatives of record labels, an opportunity to perform
at the legendary Bluebird Café, an on-air interview on a WSM
radio program and a mentoring session with an award-winning songwriter
(and many more prizes). All entrants receive a judging report. $5 off
if you enter before Sept. 30. Deadline November 29. Entry fee $35 US.
Visit www.cmt.com/comm/sweep/nsai/2003/.
-
Alaska's Tundra Trash Radio plays heavy metal, hardcore rock, industrial
metal, numetal, stoner rock, heavier alternative rock, etc. (no speed/thrash
metal). Contact Alaska's Tundra Trash Radio, Attn: Beth Jobe, PO Box
657, Soldotna, AK 99669 USA, tundratrash@hotmail.com or visit www.tundratrashradio.com.
- "Airwaves"
Contest for indie artists - sponsored by Music Media Network. The winning
entry will receive 8 weeks of free professional radio promotion to 50
college and university radio stations across the country. Deadline September
1. See musicmedianetwork.com/airwaves.html.
-
Country Western Corner - contact Ed & Barbara King, Ekingehk@cs.com
or www.wingnut.net/ehk.htm. Reviews/ and or artist interviews. Cater
to country and gospel music, but also accept R&B, jazz, pop, and
Cajun.
-
The John Lennon Songwriting Contest - entries will be judged based upon
originality, melody, composition, and lyrics (when applicable). Deadline
is September 28. Categories for rock, pop, jazz, world, country, gospel/inspiration,
R&B, hip hop, Latin, electronic, folk and children's. Entry fee
$30 U.S. Info/entry form, visit www.jlsc.com.
-
Canadian Musician "Showcase" - If you are an unsigned Canadian artist,
send them a complete bio, glossy colour photo, cassette/CD, and your
contact info. Send complete package to Canadian Musician, 23 Hannover
Dr., #7, St. Catharines, ON L2W 1A3.
-
Great American Song 2003 - All entrants receive written evaluations
of their songs. Deadline is November 7. Categories for pop/adult contemporary,
rock/alt, country, contemporary acoustic/folk, R&B/hip-hop/rap,
Christian/gospel, instrumental, special (children's, Christmas, novelty,
patriotic, other) and lyrics only. Entry fee $20 U.S. Info and entry,
www.GreatAmericanSong.com.
-
Norman Famous Rants and Reviews - www.elsob.net/normanfamous.html. Online
reviews of independent CD releases.
-
Unsigned The Magazine - info@unsignedthemagazine.com, www.unsignedthemagazine.com.
An online Hip Hop magazine designed to give unsigned artists and labels
maximum exposure and support.
-
Evolving Artist - Derek Tremblay derek.tremblay@evolvingartist.com,
www.evolvingartist.com. Recording artists interviewed and CD reviews.
-
(Reprint) Cooch Music's 6th Amateur Songwriting Contest. Entry fee $10
US; deadline August 31. Info www.coochmusic.com or info@coochmusic.com.
-
(Reprint) CBC Radio 3 invites artists to join its new music service,
RootsMusicCanada.com. This free, non-commercial, internet radio site
spotlights and promotes Canadian music in the genres of country, folk,
Celtic, bluegrass, Aboriginal, Francophone and world beat. Artists are
encouraged to sign up now and become part of Canada's independent roots
music community. All music is stream-only (not downloadable by the public)
and artists maintain all publishing rights to their original work. For
more information on how to get access to this site, or if you have any
questions, contact james@cbcr3.com or 604-662-6722.
-
(Reprint) The International Songwriting Competition accepts entries
until September 15. $100,000 in cash and prizes. All musicians, bands
& solo artists are invited to participate. For info/entry form visit
www.songwritingcompetition.com or call 781-306-0441. Categories include:
Pop/Top 40; Rock; Country; AAA/Roots/Americana; R&B/Hip-Hop; Blues;
Folk/Singer-Songwriter; Jazz; World; Gospel/Christian; Dance/Electronica;
Lyrics Only; and Teen. Entry fee $30 U.S.
-
(Reprint) American Songwriter Magazine's Lyric Writing Contest - 6 contests
per year. Lyrics only, no cassettes. Winner of each period receive a
Martin Sigma DR-1ST guitar. Deadlines September 19 and November 21.
Entry fee $10 U.S. Info, www.americansongwriter.com or 615-321-6096.
- Internet
Radio Stations you can submit material to:
-
World Fusion Internet Radio, Submissions@CultureBeyondBorders.com, http://CultureBeyondBorders.com.
Plays an eclectic mix of world-influenced music from ambient to industrial.
Streams 24/7. Accept submissions for airplay and review, but please
restrict to world-influenced music.
-
Independent Country Universe, Mark Bee, markbee@greenmountainmusic.com,
www.greenmountainmusic.com. Syndicated show from Boulton Beach Studios
playing independent and small label artists. Artists are also promoted
on the website and there is a special ‘backpage' site for artists.
-
TE! Radio, radio@tomasianent.com, www.live365.com/stations/tomasianent.
A rhythm-oriented station featuring original music by indie artists,
as well as dance, pop, R&B, hip-hop, and rhythm oriented rock favorites.
Upcoming DJs featured in MixTape show; indie artists in new music showcase.
-
Radio X Chicago, Charles Leet, charles@livexradio.com, www.radioxchicago.com.
Independent alternative internet radio.
-
RadioAid.com, Rob Vining robv@radioaid.com, www.RadioAid.com. Original,
user-friendly streaming radio, playlists created from a worldwide network
of artists.
-
KTCJ, Kenny Love, Producer, kenlove@txucom.net, www.ktcj.com. Diversified
format of gospel music - blues, gospel, jazz, hip-hop and R&B music.
KTCJ 105.9 FM (Magic 106), 329 N. Converse, Centerville, TX 75833 USA.
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Saskatchewan
Indie Releases
DESPISTADO
despistado
Notes: Their long awaited 6-song EP is doing very well. "Intense, eccentric
rock" group based in Regina, lately often found on the tour road.
Produced by: Dave Taylor and despistado.
Recorded at: New Music Productions, Regina.
Engineered by: Cary Ciesielski, Pat Andrews, Dave Taylor and Matt Besler.
Mixed by: Cary Ciesielski, Pat Andrews and Dave Taylor.
Mastered by: Pat Andrews and Dave Taylor.
More info: www.despistadomusic.com
B.C.
READ
"Live"
Notes: As a follow-up to his critically acclaimed "My Tunes" debut, B.C.
has released a dozen live tracks; nine were recorded by CBC during last
summer's SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, and three at the Mid-Winter
Blues Festival 2002.
Produced by: B.C. Read.
CBC Tracks by: Bonnie Austring-Winter producer, Chris Haynes engineer.
Mid-Winter Blues tracks by: Tom Shapiro, engineer.
Engineered and mastered by: Glenn Ens at Audio Art Studios, Saskatoon.
Songwriters: Various, original and traditional.
More info: www.bcread.com
17
SPEEDHEAD
Cotton Candy
Notes: "A three piece, powerful hard rock band with a heavy pop attitude."
Brothers Gerald and Maurice Brisson, with Justin Cooney.
Produced by: Carson Cole and 17 Speedhead.
Recorded at: The Coop (Brownfield, AB).
Engineered by: Carson Cole.
Edited by: The Madd Hadder.
Mixed and mastered by: Carson Cole.
Songwriters: 17 Speedhead and Carson Cole, except "Drown" and "Splintered
Nights" by 17 Speedhead.
More Info: www.17speedhead.com
SAMUEL
THE BLACK SHAMAN
Quivering
Notes: The band describes its objective as "to create an original sound
that is also dynamic and passionate, intended to convey their passion
for music and the deep emotional release they want fans to feel."
Produced by: Miles Patrick Yohnke.
Recorded and mixed by: Steve Dodd.
Songwriters: Samuel the Black Shaman.
More info: www.saskrecording.ca/artists/bio/Samuel/Samuel.html
KATHRYN
HEGAN
The Journey Begins
Notes: Singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Kathryn has been a member
of various groups around Regina, and releases her debut, which features
"all original material, with various themes and rhythms."
Recorded and mixed by: Ray Bell.
Songwriter: Kathryn Hegan.
MAURICE
RICHARD LIBBY.BLUES
homemade
Notes: "Gritty blues with a contemporary sensibility. Searing guitar and
passionate vocals. Harmonica, slide guitar, sardonic humour and a deep
respect for traditions of the greats who came before..."
Produced and engineered by: Maurice Richard Libby.
Songwriter: Maurice Richard Libby.
FIGHT
THE MONSTER
Meat Hotel
Notes: The first release from one of Regina's biggest buzz bands. The
trio presents head-on lyrics with a meld of several genres, including
folk, rock, and blues.
Produced by: Dave Taylor and Fight The Monster.
Engineered by: Dave Lang and Dave Taylor.
Mixed by: Dave Lang, Dave Taylor and Fight The Monster.
Recorded at: Dave's Bar and Grill, Regina.
Songwriters: Fight the Monster.
More info: www.fightthemonster.com
BOB
KING
What can you sing?
Notes: Prolific children's performer Bob King has released his latest
album, featuring 14 tracks. This is a fun album with some kid-friendly
tunes, but mostly adult-directed material.
Recorded at: Maddock Studios (Winnipeg, MB) and Touchwood Studios, Regina;
"Fat Boy" at Norman Dugas Studios (Winnipeg, MB).
Engineered by: Johnny Gasparic and Dave Roman; "Fat Boy" by Norman Dugas.
Songwriter: Bob King (except for two traditional pieces).
More info: www.thenewpaths.com
DOUG
CAMPBELL
"Prairie Dog" Doug & Friends
Notes: This whimsical eleven-track album features lots of guest players,
and a colourful array of instruments. A family-friendly production.
Produced by: Doug Campbell, Darrell Bueckert and Wes Froese.
Engineered by: Darrell Bueckert.
Recorded, mixed and mastered at: Sea Shell Sound, Saskatoon except "Flying
Canoe", which was recorded, engineered and mixed by Ross Nykiforuk at
Cosmic Pad Studio, Saskatoon.
Songwriter: Doug Campbell.
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