Is Artists.MTV, Trying To Reinvent Music Platform, From Mashable.com

Alright, hold the phone, is this gonna actually work? Ok, we don't want to come off as pessimistic, but is MTV really trying to get back into music programming, by creating a new music discovery platform directly related to social media? Will be quite interested to see how all of this unfolds as there are a plethora of companies vying to be the dominating force in social networking when it comes to the music industry. 

One aspect that is quite compelling and worth the research is for upcoming bands to be only a few clicks away from much larger acts, as you can create your own band page within the site. These close encounters could really help to gain exposure for the multitudes of bands looking for their big break or for fans to find them through simply cruising the site. 

Go to original article on Mashable.com

Dive into Artists.MTV and request an invite



"When you hear a new band and you want to know more about them, the first place you go is probably Google. But searching for them yields a glut of disconnected information. You want to hear their music. You want to see if they use social media. Maybe you want to see them on tour or actually buy something to support them. And you never know if you’re going to find that all in one place.

Official band websites are often lacking, and fail to link between different platforms. You need a hub — something that connects things like Twitter, Bandcamp, and Soundcloud in on place. You specifically don’t want to have to conduct multiple Google searches just to find out if this band even uses those services.

This is a problem for both casual and diehard music fans, and that’s where Viacom thinks it has a big solution. That solution is Artists.MTV, a service which Viacom hopes will be artist-driven and which will replace artist pages on MTV.com beginning today.

Dermot McCormack, EVP of Digital for Viacom Music & Logo Group, believes that this solution specifically addresses what he calls the “post-Myspace world.”

“No one had stepped into that space to provide quality, trusted information around the artists you love, curated in a loving way,” he said. “We saw a need in the space and we thought we had the brand, the assets, and the temperament to do it.”

More than simply revamping the artist page — which in the past would have been controlled, owned, and managed by MTV — the new platform offers artists the opportunity to claim their page, or in the case of independent or emerging bands to create their own. From there, they are offered customization options, including the ability to create a Facebook Timeline-like cover photo.


Perhaps most impressive is that Artists.MTV is more than just an opportunity for bands to play in MTV’s sandbox. If you’re an established artist with MTV content to your name, it appears on your artist page. For artists with a long history tied to MTV, there’s even content from the early days, like this 1984 footage of a very young Madonna. Some early video content is being digitized for the first time ever.

Get More:
Madonna, Music News

But if a band has never had any MTV exposure, it can still sign up and populate its page with its own content. This is an important development for MTV. In conversation with McCormack, he consistently talked about MTV’s need to empower and give back to artists. The best way to do that is to make the platform open to anyone, which they’ve done. They’ve populated the database with one million artists, some of which they worked with in advance, like Band of Horses, to get their page populated. Others, from huge artists like Lady Gaga to smaller, independent acts will have the opportunity to “claim” their page starting on Sept. 6.

Down the line, there are various opportunities for artists to make money off their page, which is huge. While anyone will have the opportunity to promote their music via iTunes, Bandcamp, or any other vendor of their choosing, there will also be an ad revenue share for artists once the platform exits its beta period. While details of this have yet to be made available, this means artists will have the opportunity to make money directly via their MTV page — a very important step toward the empowerment that McCormack touted.

In order for that to be a success, both artists and fans will need to adopt the platform as a go-to music option. MTV appears to be ready for them. Whether or not they are willing to accept MTV as the middleman between them is what remains to be seen."

Tim Bradham's Chassis Works Featured On Depth Of Speed

"I had the opportunity to swing by TBC Hot Rods and Bikes in Fayetteville, NC and check out the shop. Every month the guys at the shop pool their funds together to bring in a band, food, and drinks for "Garage Night". It is something that really gives back to the automotive community in Fayetteville which is what it is all about. Tim Bradham is one of the nicest people you will meet and is a master fabricator. He creates a lot of things out of raw materials and it is amazing to see something start from nothing. 

Music:
Caspian: Epochs in Dmaj
Ronnie Hymes:UnIncorporated (reverbnation.com/ronniehymes)

We have set out on our journey across the USA. Join us over at the site and Facebook to find out where we currently are! If you have any car stories along our path please contact me." 

Josh Clason

depthofspeed.com 

facebook.com/DepthofSpeed

Depth of Speed: Something From Nothing from Josh Clason on Vimeo.

Backyard Black Smithing With A Home Built Power Hammer

Characters like MacGyver and the fellas from Mythbusters continue to inspire, for one very specific reason. They think through a problem and create a solution. By painting their way out of a corner, clever ideas resolve an issue at hand or help to further expand their quiver of tools.

Ingenuity comes in many forms and creating your own tools is a particular fascination of ours. When it comes to metal, we are all ears and hands in this scenario. Have a look at this video about a home made black smith power hammer. Did you ever think about making an engine block for a table stand? Yep, we sure have many times and even made one. Below is also a fabrication table made from the crankshaft of the donor engine we bought. These guys upped the ante and for that clever solution and we salute you.

Find out more on blacksmithing tools from the Naked Anvil youtube page

Crank shaft as base for a portable fabrication table

Proportionate size with our old Cafe Racer in the process of being rebuilt

Why Local Bands Don't Get Signed, From MetalHolic.com

How often do you go into a venue to see some act play and stand in amazement thinking on how great a particular band is. They could be on fire that particular show and melt faces and then poof, nothing. This happens more than you think as many fans tend to forget what they did five minutes ago, let alone go online or chase down a band to help support them. 

One huge notion to remember is that if you just had a thirty minute set, there are 23:30:00 hours left for that 24 hour time period. Now is the time to go and really build your fan base. I don't think we will ever see the likes of a band such as the Beatles again. The world wide hysteria, the young kids screaming with excitement by the millions. Well, maybe a few boy bands can do this, but in our specific genres of dirty rock n' roll, real country and punk, it is just not the norm.

If you really want to make a difference and be heard it takes a lot more than just writing great songs. You have to cultivate who you are as an individual relating to your music and sell yourself. Yep, we said it, sell yourself. Fans don't want pussies, they want the dream. They want to live vicariously through the words, the music and most of all the artist. Is there any other reason why individuals are put on pedestals? Take a look at all the Waylon, Pantera, Metallica, Hank Williams, etc. tattoos. Fans want to emulate their hero's. So buckle down, man up and make your career happen. History is written by the winners.

Think on the topics below and see what you can do to further your career. The world is waiting...

Link to original post on MetalHolic.com

11 Reasons Why Local Bands Don't Get Signed

"Dealing with the local music scene these days is very challenging for management, booking, promotion companies and record labels. To be able to get any artist to the next level requires being able to take the package and sell it to the public or other entertainment professionals or companies. Unfortunately, too often the product is rarely worth buying or even helping to promote further. Bands and artists tend to have this notion that, “Without the music you have nothing,” when dealing with industry professionals. While this is true to an extent, it’s not the whole story. In the industry, we can hire songwriters that have a proven track record, hire musicians to record it and make our own successful bands that we own completely and can control. We don’t need local artists with attitudes, little work ethic or strive not be productive in furthering their own careers. We all do what we love for a reason. It’s not always about being successful but for the satisfaction for seeing someone achieve their dreams so we keep diving into the murky waters of local musicians to find those that are worth partnering with.

The package, as we refer to the artist’s business plan or presentation, has to be ready to go and that is the artist’s responsibility to get there. It doesn’t fall on anyone’s shoulders to make this happen except for you. There is no excuse, what with all the free info out on the internet in books and magazines, that an artist can’t figure out the basics of the business, create a presentation and become attractive to the people who can help them get to the next level. Until that happens, it’s hard to get a manager, booking agent or anyone else to be excited about making 0% of 0% because the artist has created absolutely no demand for themselves. The money isn’t available in the industry for developmental deals as it was say 15-years ago. Thus the artist’s chances of getting signed on with professional representations are slimmer if they don’t present an attractive market value. Here are a few of the reasons that artists intentionally shoot themselves in the proverbial foot. This is by no means a comprehensive list, just some very obvious points.

• Not Booking Enough Shows: Most bands/artists want others to do this for them but in truth and reality, the artist should be booking their own shows until they are gigging at least 80-dates a year regionally and making money doing it. Why would anyone in the industry want to waste time booking a band that isn’t willing to do it themselves, does not understand the basics of promotion and end up making a small percentage of absolutely nothing for their work? There are no short cuts here. Pick up the phone and dial for dollars.

• Poor Promotion: Most artists spend very little time and effort promoting and usually post a gig once or twice on some form of social media expecting people to see it and show up on such short notice. This is absolutely pathetic. Especially in a band with several members, usually only one person promotes it. In no way shape or form is this acceptable, nor will anyone in the industry look kindly on an artist that does this. You don’t deserve to get paid at all if this is how you sell your band. Believe it or not, we all look at this and notice how well people promote themselves. Also, social media sites are not the only form or promotion needed. You still need flyers, advertisements and many other forms of creative promotion. It is not everyone else’s job to do all your promotion. When you are looking for opportunities with your gigs and no one shows up for your shows, you lose on many levels and miss out on opportunities.

• Misuse Of Social Media: If all you do is complain about the venues, management or any other form of the music business, you are signing your death warrant. Again, people in the industry and your peers see this and who would want to book you back at a venue or assist your band if this is your level of professionalism. You are a business, act like it. Grow up and quit using your bands page to complain. If you want to do that, do it in private where we can’t see it. This is common sense that seems to have escaped many artists.

• Wasting Time Goofing Off On Facebook: If you have time to post a million personal things on Facebook but don’t promote your show then you aren’t serious about this business. Stop spending time goofing off and start making things happen for your music. Facebook is a great networking tool when used right. The excuse, “I am so busy,” is quite weak when we can see your profile. This goes for both sides of the business, not just artists.

• Not Getting Back To People: When you approach someone and ask for their advice, services or whatever else and say, “I’ll get back to you,” then do it.  The usual excuse again is, “Sorry, I was so sick” or “I have been so busy” but again we can see your social media so if you are well enough or have time to do that, you are well enough to practice a common courtesy and get back in touch with people, regardless of the outcome you decide on. This applies to getting back to people on booking a show, a meeting, or any other situation involving your band, music or related promotions. It is also basic good business manners.

• Not Doing Your Research: Approaching people about services they don’t even offer. This happens all of the time. You see a business name and just assume at what they do but don’t even research the company. You are wasting everyone’s time and showing how lazy and unprofessional you are.

• Not Accepting Gigs Because You Don’t Have The Money: “Sorry we don’t have the money to drive that far,” is a ridiculous excuse for a local or regional booking. You don’t have the money to drive to open a new market but you do have money to buy beer, party with your friends, buy drugs, go camping or visit someone three states away. Again, your Facebook page gives this all away. If you do not want to play a show for specific reasons, then politely decline, thus hopefully leaving the door open for future shows. If you aren’t able to be dedicated to your vision and dream by planning in advance and having a band fund for specific use: gear, travel, other expenses then don’t even bother approaching anyone. You can’t build a solid fan base if you aren’t playing out.

• Not Having An Appropriate Press Kit: Everyone has been doing this long enough to know you need one. No matter if you are a band, solo artist or musician looking for extra work. Everyone should have an electronic press kit (EPK) and/or hard copy press kit. Sending someone to Facebook, Myspace, Reverbnation, YouTube or other social music site, while a plus, is not a replacement for a professional media kit. If you don’t have one, you do not show serious business regard for your own career so why should anyone in the industry.

• Sending One Line Emails Saying You Need Representation: Again if you don’t have a press kit and you can’t take the time to compose a proper business letter and introduction about yourself or your band, don’t even bother. All you are doing is showing how lazy you really are. Be professional, always.

• Only Being Able To Play Weekends: We are all looking for bands than can tour, not just play every now and then. It’s hard to break a new market and build a fan base when you can only play one quarter of the year. Not only that, but you are competing with so many other bands for these bookings when weeknights are so much easier to get. This is why people with families often get passed by. It’s too hard to coordinate everything. We all make choices in life and once you decide to get married and have kids more often than not you aren’t able to be on the road enough. This does not apply to everyone, as many do have support systems in place to allow for travel. If you are serious about your career, have this support system in place. No one makes any money if you can’t play so they won’t sign you. It may not be fair but everyone involved has to pay their bills so why would anyone sign a band that can’t make them money? It’s not about the music when it comes to getting signed, it’s about people earning a living.

• Expecting To Work Without A Contract: First of all, one of the main rules of the music business is…always get a contract, so why you would you even consider asking someone to work with you without one? Why would a smart business owner work relentlessly to help you further your career just so you can walk away with the success they brought you? If another agency comes along and offers you a deal and you choose to go with them, without a contract featuring a ‘buy-out clause’ your former manager or agent is screwed and may be liable for future booking, promotions or business deals being worked for your project. The standard industry rap goes that the “industry and music business” people are the ones that screw over the artists but I know from experience that artists are fabulous about breaching contracts because they do not want to pay someone. Our courts are full of artists being sued by companies for breach of contract so it goes both ways. No one should EVER work without a contract, period. No one should risk his or her business on a promise or handshake agreement. You will get the short end of the stick every time.

After years of doing this and dealing with all types and genres of artists, the most common reason for artists not getting signed is that they are not focused on their end goal. They spend money on things they don’t need such as alcohol, drugs or video games instead of putting it into their careers and business package where it needs to go. To be successful means spending money on your career, missing friends because you are busting your butt working hard, and taking your act on the road into new markets. Don’t expect your team to do it for you, to be focused on you and your career when you can’t even do it for yourselves. This makes no sense what so ever. Again, no one in the industry will get involved with an artist that can’t and won’t work as hard as everyone else.

These are also many of the reasons most artists will be let go by a professional company. More often than not, these reasons make it very, very difficult to promote you and sell your package and product or in general, make anything happen for you. This is a business and the artist needs to treat it like one. Be professional at all times, work hard always and get focused. Quit blaming everyone else for what you are not doing for yourself.

Without having a great package to work with and sell, people just aren’t interested in not being able to make any money. It is the artist’s responsibility to build their business to an appropriate level before expecting or seeking help. Remember this is business and everyone needs to make money, not just the artist.

Good Luck!"

Run What Ya Brung After Party - October 6th, 2012

Damn is this bike run going to be a good time. We have a great club that is hosting the show with the Get Down in West Asheville, NC. Add in the great bands including Southband Turnaround, She Rides an the Go Devils.

Run What Ya Brung After Party at the Get Down in West Asheville, NC on October 6th 2012

Rory Kelly - Feature Interview On Rock And Roll Army

Rory Kelly interview on RockAndRollArmy.com in Spain

Rory Kelly will be invading Spain this October and he has been getting some press in Europe, just in time for the tour to kick off. Its a quick read below and a few things are muddied in translation, but the point comes across loud and clear. Big things are in store for these fellas, so sit back and take a listen.

Link to original post on Rock And Roll Army

"Although our country is a complete unknown, Rory Kelly is one of those tours that any fan of Rock 'n' Roll should not miss. Some may sound your name will be fought in the ranks of Crank County Daredevils, but here we are going to find something more along the lines of a bluesy hard rock with balls discográficamente has two fruits in the form of discs, " Better Than The Blues "and most recently" Do not Shake My Family Tree ". Next October we will visit with his trio of Billy Miller on bass and Mike Kelly on drums (if you noticed the coincidence of name is that effectively no relationship between them: Mike is the father of Rory). So we got in touch with him so he would answer a short questionnaire.

- First of all congratulations on your latest album, this way "Do not Shake My Family Tree" we liked a lot. Are you happy with it?

- Thanks, glad you like the new album. Yes, we are very happy with it. We put much time and effort on the disc and has been well received by many of our fans.

- You'll be on tour in Spain in October. I think this will be your first time in Spain alone, what can we expect from these shows?

- Well, this is a very energetic and fun band on stage. We try to give something a little different every night, keeping our sets spontaneous and fun.

- It will be a very long tour. I hope you like our country ...

- I've always said that Spain is my favorite country to tour: great people and beautiful scenery.

- Your biography says you're a self-taught musician. What led you to choose the guitar and what are your main influences?

- Well, I was a drummer originally, but I started playing guitar when I was about 10 years old. My father taught me [to play] the guitar, but then my first influence was Kurt Cobain. As I got older I were enjoying more soloists and Dimebag [Darrell], Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter ... guys who played the guitar excellently but keeping the feeling.

- You played well in the County Daredevils Crank, what can you tell us then?

- It was a very fun in my life. I learned a lot about the tours and recordings with Crank County Daredevils. I learned what to do and what not to do while on tour with that band.

- After ordained Rory Kelly's Triple Threat, how did you get that sound swamp your own band from the Crank County Daredevils of sleaze?

- It was a natural progression for me. I took the elements of each style of music I liked and mixed them all. And then a little slow tempo.

- Your first album was "Better Than The Blues". What you tell us about that album?

- Originally it was supposed to be a demo. But then a small local label we edited it and began to catch on. I had a hard getting the students to re-record the bass parts because the guy who was temporarily unable to make the lines [low]. Then we get to Billy [Miller] and all took shape.

- Returning to the last album, "Do not Shake My Family Tree", you edited it just under the name of Rory Kelly. Why?

- Actually it was a decision everyone but me. It was against this, but our drummer Mike (who is also my father) and Billy thought it would be better without the "Triple Threat". Then Rusty Knuckles (our label) agreed, so I just did.

- You are in North Carolina, how is the rock scene there now? Is there a new band that you like and you want to share with us?

- The scene here is growing, and is a good time to be in the music scene in Asheville, NC. My new favorite band is the group of punk girls all of my wife, Zombie Queen.

- As you said before, your father Mike is the drummer of your band. Can not you do something weird?

- The truth is that it's pretty cool. It's a freak and likes to party and have fun with us on the road. But it is a huge battery and a lot of young guys who wanted the job were unable to play their parts. They wanted to make the battery more complicated and I wanted a way to John Bonham. So my father was perfect for the job ... plus it has a very good career and is a good teacher on the road.

- Well, we are finishing the interview, you want to add something to our readers?

- [In Castilian] We are excited to come to Spain and hope to see you all in October."

Rory Kelly - 2012 October Tour in Spain

Run What Ya Brung - October 5th and 6th 2012

We started a new run last fall as a sort of gathering for like minded folks, that wanted to put some miles down and disappear into the hills. What we thought would be just a weekend of riding turned into some debauchery, lasting memories of good times and one high quality bike run. The measure of this event is based up on the quality of those involved along with tuning your machines to be ready for the terrain.

Our ideal run involves quite a few clicks down the road, as 200 miles is just getting warmed up for us. On the map for Run What Ya Brung we didn't include any actual routes for the run, instead we focused on meeting points. Folks are planning on rolling in from far and wide so choose your routes according to the roads you want to roll on. These mountain roads are absolutely epic and especially in the fall.

For Friday October 5th we will be meeting up at the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Camp. If you are worried about missing the run, due to work, have no worries. Show up whenever you can, as a lot of us will be getting to the campsite before sunset. If ya want to roll with a pack, there will be an event page added to Facebook for everyone to link up.

Below is a map with most of the information and web links already put into it, so click away. There is no cost to the run upfront. The Blue Ridge Motorcycle Camp only requires reservations for those who want a cabin. The cabin's easily sleep two and potentially one on the floor if yall want to be pack them in. On saturday afternoon we will also be rolling over to Wheels Through Time to pay homage to the best damn motorcycle museum in the nation.

As for Saturday night, we have reserved an entire house in West Asheville that is a Bed and Breakfast, part hostel, that easily accommodates around sixteen. Whoever wants in on this, get in touch asap as these spots will go fast. Just map out other hotels close by as we are working on a big parking lot roll in party to the spot for Saturday night. The Get Down in West Asheville will be rocked by The Go Devils, She Rides and Southbound Turnaround.

Need any more info, hit me up on Facebook. Let's Roll!

Run What Ya Brung, Oct. 5th & 6th 2012 - Western, North Carolina

View Run What Ya Brung - Oct. 5th & 6th 2012 in a larger map

A few photos from last year's Run What Ya Brung

One Eyed Willie was our patron saint

Rollin' into the after party in Black Mountain, NC

Wild Wil' Wes and a serious batch of Moonshine

Shakey Mike tends to get naked in random locations

Stopping into Wheels Through Time is always a must

Run What Ya Brung after party on Saturday Oct 6th at the Get Down in West Asheville, NC

Did The AMD Bike Build Winner, Get Styling Cues From Shinya?

Did the AMD 2012 Motorcycle build winner, get styling cues from Shinya Kimura? After looking at various photos I can see a lot of similar vibes. Not that it is bad to emulate such a standout bike, but Shinya's bike is the Samurai warrior compared to Thunderbike of Germany's Steampunk. Each has amazing lines and a distinct personality but the grit and assymetrical lines of Shinya's ups the ante beyond another build. The Spike is pure soul.

Shinya Kimura's - Spike, custom Knucklehead

AMD 2012 Winner, Thunderbike of Germany's - PainTTLess

Doing Things By Hand, From Sign Painting To Bicycle Frames

Personally, there is nothing more satisfying than the art of creating an object by hand. You could build a dog house, craft a gas tank out of sheet metal or even do a killer hand painted sign, but in that process of bringing something new to fruition, there is a feeling of satisfaction of a job well done that tends to permeate the finished task. Next time you are building something or looking for ideas, don't rush through to the finish, maybe think on the old traditional ways of doing things and have an appreciation for craftsmanship.

Check out Golden West Sign Arts 

Dig into SoulCraft Bicycles

Jack Daniel's meets The Signpainter from Travis Robertson on Vimeo.


FROM STEEL: The Making of a Soulcraft from michael evans on Vimeo.

Bonneville Speed Week 2012, First Glance

Another year and another missed opportunity to make it out to the Bonneville Salt Flats for Speed Week. As the music label continues to grow at a rapid pace it is becoming more difficult to get to some of our other projects for which we have been planning for quite some time. Have a look at some of the photos we found over on Flickr from Rudy Van Bree. Can't wait to see more and hear about some of the racing.

Link to Rudy Van Bree's photos on Flickr