"We want to apologize to all the kids and bands who made special efforts and traveled so far to be there for the weekend. We were very sorry to see that the weekend ended as it did."

Breathe Carolina - I.D.G.A.F Music Video

Breathe Carolina | MySpace Music Videos

Source

Cruel Hand - Lock and Key

Ivoryline - Vessels

Touche Amore/La Dispute - Split 7"

This Condition - Spirit

Avenged Sevenfold - Nightmare

36 Crazyfists - Collisions and Castaways

The Spill Canvas - Formalities

A complete list can be found here.

Would you try this method to reach new fans?

Lonely:

For pictures of the bands that did play, check out day 1, day 2, day 3.

Vamos A La Playa:

Italian Rick Roll, New Music Seminar and PBR

1. DYI is not DTF, and DIY has its limitations.
2. Consider Consolidation.
3. Control Is Good: Think More Data, Better Cuts, More Flexible Pricing.
4. Quality Is the Beginning of the Conversation.
5. Consider "FQ," or the "F*&k-ability Quotient" 

"Even if you are semi-famous, operating at the lowest cost structure possible has never been more important."

There’s nothing wrong with sending an introduction message with a friend request and there’s nothing wrong with letting your fans know that you’re on iTunes. There is something wrong with telling someone who hasn’t even listened to your music yet where to buy your music. It comes off as pushy and fake.

Your potential fans aren’t stupid. They know that they’re one of a few hundred friend requests in a day. The key is not only to make them feel valuable, but to actually value your potential fans. The more loyal fans you have, the better.  In the current times of Twitter, where real members from major bands have accounts that fans can follow, there isn’t room for bands who think they’re too cool to communicate with fans.

When initiating conversation with new or potential fans, be genuine. If someone will take the time to listen to your music, thank them. Offer future communication for comments or messages and be real. Don’t use auto-responses to save time. You should never be too big or busy to talk to the “little people.” Those little people will get behind your music and further your career. 

Blog post by GregHG

When Greg isn't writing for likeZEBRA, he can be found talking on the phone and fighting bulls.

o Albums that sold at least one copy in 2009: 98,000
o Albums selling more than 10,000 units in 2009: 1,319
o Albums selling more than 10,000 units in 2008: 1,515
o Albums selling more than 250,000 units in 2009: 85
o Albums selling more than 250,000 units in 2001: 214
o Albums selling more than 5,000 units in 2009: 2,058
o Albums selling under than 1,000 units in their first year of release: 92,601
o Number of albums selling less than 100 copies in 2009: 81,000

Source

First, Billboard Magazine covered The Next Music Business Unveiled, which focused on fan-relationship management.

- Engagement makes money for artists, awareness does not.

- It takes 14 clicks to download music from Amazon without an account (12 on iTunes) vs. 4 clicks for typical torrent site.  Streams take 1.

- People prefer one click downloads to anything else

- 81% of all albums sold last year sold under 100 copies. But... there were 5 tracks sold for every album.

- Even though it's now a singles market, many labels are still album-centric.

- Artists need to make sure they are easily findable on search engines.

- Primary focus of new artists needs to be finding a core fan base.

- Artists, you may not want to hear it, but you have to look at yourselves as    businesses.

- High awareness with low engagement is a hobby, not a business.

- Direct to fans is the future of the industry

- A name your own price strategy works well for indie acts on the road.

- Record covers and post on iTunes in order to drive revenue.

- Artists need to know how to write compelling copy.

- People give your songs a five second chance.

- Think of fans as customers

- Ask the stalker-type fans to help you.

- Music has a 10/90 rule -- 10% of your fans will provide 90% of your revenue.

- Streaming is growing but acquisition still pays the bills

- Top 50 new songs account for 2/3 of song downloads last year

- Even though it's now a singles markets many labels are still album-centric

- Stop overplaying your local market!

The next part of the seminar, The Future of Media, featured guest panels from MySpace Music, Pandora, GroupM, Emmis NY, CBS Interactive, PepsiCo and All Things Digital. Coverage can be found here.

A few excerpts:

“Frank Goodman of CBS Interactive: SoundScan is less and less relevant as to what people listen to, Last.fm does a better job for insight“

“Alex Cameron of Emmis NY: Money was currency, time was currency, now trust is the currency. Build your own "fanvocates" + align good partnerships”

“Joe Kennedy of Pandora: We listen to every submission.  30% of submissions from DIY artists get into Pandora.  And "we encourage the other 70%" to improve their art.  "We want to include everything they can," but "as soon as the music is ready," and "we only care about the quality of music, we're seeking to bring great art" to listeners.”

2. Not all posts need to be (or should be) about promoting the band.

3. This applies to Twitter and your band in general: what type of persona do you want to portray to your fans and potential fans? If you are interested in politics, incorporate that. If you are the partying type, tweet about it. No dirty details are needed, but funny or interesting little anecdotes are great. Twitter followers like to live vicariously, especially through musicians.

4. Tweet from your phone; don’t wait until you’re at a computer to post something cool.

5. Utilize TwitPic. If you have something music related to post, go for it, but random images work too.  This continues the idea that Twitter followers want to be in on what's going on in the life of a musician.

6. Make sure to @reply anyone who sends something @ the band. Even if a random person that the band is following posts something cool, respond. Let followers know you’re interested.

7. Retweet interesting posts from other users or from relevant accounts/links. If you like it, others will too.

8. Don't whine. If a series of shows isn't as successful as you hoped, it's not Twitter's fault. If money is tight for the band, it's not really something to let fans know about. They want to know about the music, but not necessarily the gory details of being in a band. There's a line.

9. The main thing to keep in mind is to create a Twitter feed that you would personally be interested in following. If your posts don’t excite you, they certainly won’t matter to people less connected to your music than you are.

Do you have any additional advice that you'd like to add? Let us know in the comments!

The Speed of Dark FEVER:

"Muscle Hawk is the gritty, funky, electro-thrash project of Salt Lake producer/musicians Greg Bower and Josh Holyoak. They have gained recognition, playing their live electronic set in some of SLC's hottest dance spots, as well as playing on the 2010 Campus Rail Jam Tour, the 2009 X96 Maverick Big Ass Show and at The SLC Gallivan Center. They crunch the dance floor with their engorged electronic riffs, 80s funk, nasty metallic drums and vocal samples torqued all to hell. They've received a lot of attention from read more.

"But what they don’t explain is that “outsiders” don’t hate a lot of music because they don’t understand it.
They hate it because they are smart and the music sucks."

Five tasks that can be outsourced while you focus on the music. 
One might recommend you personally try your hand at these first though- saving money is still very important.

A better way to sequence the songs on your new album
Favorite to least favorite is not always the way to do it. 

Utilizing rough mixes 
Use these to improve, not just listen to what you already recorded

Oh MySpace:

MySpace, RIAA and Creeds

I have just recently purchased The Maine's new album, "Black & White." I have to say the album is by far the best they have made.

Right now my favorite tracks from the album are: Right Girl, Inside of You, Listen to Your Heart, and Growing Up. I am not saying the others suck, but those songs really make me want to get up and start dancing. The lyrics to "Right Girl" are kind of what makes that song my little favorite. "I did the wrong thing, to the right girl." That has happened to a lot of my girl friends, and believe it or not they actually say that line a lot.

Other than that, the album it self is really good, and I totally recommend it to anyone who likes that type of genre of music. :)

Buy It

Want a free t-shirt like Ashley? Send us a show or album review or any other musical commentary! Click here for details.

What would you have preferred that money be spent on instead?

An album that came out this year that I think was without a doubt incredible was Every Avenue's 'Picture Perfect' album. With some bands their 2nd cd (not including their EP's) it's a little harder for them to top the first one. I was definitely impressed with this one. All the songs were catchy and really got stuck in my head after listening to them.

The song 'Picture Perfect' is like a song that makes you happy and is a song telling you to live your life without anyone telling you, you can't do something. Another great song from this album is 'For Always, Forever'. This song makes you happy and is a song you want to blast in your car and scream the lyrics at the top of your lungs!! It's about having fun and not regretting things.

This album is my main album of the year not just because it's upbeat, and fun but because anyone can relate to it.

Buy It

Want a free t-shirt like Ashley? Send us a show or album review or any other musical commentary! Click here for details.

VersaEmerge (Fixed At Zero out now) | MySpace Music Videos

For anyone who hasn't heard of the band Sleeping With Sirens, I highly suggest you listen to their album With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear. The title alone is something completely new.

The lead singer, Kellin Quinn, combines his soft voice with a bit of a hardcore screaming twist. Immediately after I heard the first song, If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn, I fell in love. I anticipated the days until the album finally came out in late March. The first day it came out, I downloaded it on iTunes and the cd didn't fail to amaze me.

From the upbeat style of The Bomb Dot Com V2.0 to the slower style of Let Love Bleed Red, there's something for everyone. This is definitely one of those CDs that you can put on repeat and just listen to for days. Also, with themes such as love and missing the person you love, these are songs that you can dedicate to those who mean the most to you. Personally, I've never been one for the very deep voices so when I heard Kellin Quinn's voice, I immediately fell in love. So for anyone who has never heard of or listened to Sleeping With Sirens, I suggest you pick up a copy of With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear with high regards. Buy it here.

Want a free t-shirt like Autumn? Send us a show or album review or any other musical commentary! Click here for details.

Coheed And Cambria covers The Smiths

Source

I'll Take On More Than One:

"Don't Wake Aislin is a Dallas, Texas rock band that has been together since 2004. DWA is widely known for their unique brand of alternative rock, including a female singer whose vocals range from breathtakingly beautiful melodies to raw screaming, and their powerful, high-end...read more.

Parkway Drive – “Carrion” @ Las Cruces, NM

3OH!3 featuring Andrew W.K. – “House Party” @ Ventura, CA

Motion City Soundtrack – “Everything is Alright” @ Carson, CA

Emarosa – “A Toast to Future Kids” @ Indianapolis, IN

Set Your Goals – “Summer Jam” @ San Antonio, TX

Every Time I Die – “We’rewolf” @ Cleveland, OH Every Time I Die – CRAWL of Death

Pierce the Veil – “The Boy Who Could Fly” @ Carson, CA

The Dillinger Escape Plan – “43% Burnt” @ Mountain View, CA

All-American Rejects – “Dirty Little Secret” @ Mountain View, CA

It does look pretty unappealing. What are your thoughts?

In addition to the offer of a free t-shirt to anyone who writes about their experiences at this year’s Warped Tour, the offer is now extended to anyone who wants to write a blog entry for us.  That’s right; we want to add your personal touch to the likeZEBRA Buzz Blog and will reward you with a free t-shirt.

Listening to a new album and want to tell us about it? See a show recently that rocked your world? We’re not too picky here, if you have something to talk about, and it’s music-related, we want to read it.

Once you collect your thoughts, send them to gfulleman@likezebra.com. Make sure to include your name, address and shirt size.

That’s it. Easy, right? Start writing!

Sexy Sax:

El Shaka, Prince, Giving Away Music, Sexy Saxaphones and much much more...

Bad Religion
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Circle Jerks
Articles Of Faith
Snapcase
Less Than Jake
The Lawrence Arms
Bouncing Souls
High On Fire
Corrosion Of Conformity
Riverboat Gamblers
Red Oktoberfest presented by Red Scare
“Busted At Oz” Reunion
Cro-Mags
fun.
Negative Approach
Smoking Popes
Bhopal Stiffs
The Meatmen
Agnostic Front
Off With Their Heads
Brendan Kelly
The Toasters
Roy Ellis a.k.a. Mr. Symarip
Righteous Fool

Source

In other news, likeZEBRA is still free for all users.

To enter the contest, watch the video to get familiar with the lyrics and then record a video of yourself singing karaoke to the song. Once recorded, submit it as a response to this video.

 

Are you attending the 2010 Vans Warped Tour? likeZEBRA wants to know all about it.

We are looking for tour reports from any and all dates from the Warped Tour. If you attended, send us a write-up on your time there and we’ll feature it in the likeZEBRA Blog. We’d love to know what bands you watched, how they played, how intense the pits were and anything else you want to include.

If writing isn’t your thing, but you took pictures, send those our way. Just let us know what bands are in each shot so we can label them accordingly.

We want to reward those who take the time to write something up, so we'll be sending likeZEBRA t-shirts to those who write something for the site. Free is always good, right?

If we receive more than one report for a specific date, don’t worry, we won’t take anything out. There are so many bands playing each location that it will help to have more people’s accounts of the day.

Be sure to submit your summary and/or photos to gfulleman@likezebra.com and include your name and the date of the tour you attended. 

(t-shirts available while supplies last)

2 Bedroom Apartment:

Danielle Ate the Sandwich, who answers to her grandmother as Danielle Anderson, has been singing and writing songs since 2006. Getting her start at open mic nights in Fort Collins, Colorado, while she attended Colorado State University, Danielle eventually started booking shows all over the state, making a name and finding a place for who she wanted to be as a musician. After gaining national attention from her videos on youtube in 2009, Danielle started pursuing music as a full time career and began touring nationally...read more.

A WILHELM SCREAM | MySpace Music Videos

Dear Charlie,

I read your letter and I do understand where you are coming from.  You bring up valid points.  I personally regret any of the collateral damage the boycott is causing you, other like-minded arts promoters and the fans in Arizona.  A boycott is, inherently, a blunt instrument.  It is an imperfect weapon, a carpet bomb, when all involved would prefer a surgical strike.  I agree with you in part, and the radio host you quoted, that the authors and supporters of SB1070 could give a shit whether or not my band, or any other Artist, ever plays Arizona again.  The only thing, clearly, that these people care about is Money and Power, that and the creation and preservation of an Anglo-Centric Police State where every Immigrant and Non-White citizen is considered subhuman.  They want them stripped of their basic human rights and reduced to slaves for Corporate America and the White Race.  They are engaged in blatant class warfare.  It is evil, pure and simple.

I have on many occasions spoken my mind from stage.  I have offered organizations table space by the merch booth.  I have donated a dollar-a-ticket, or the entire guarantee, to different causes.  I have registered voters.  I have played on behalf of political candidates.  Sadly, this time, I fear none of that is enough.  If I return to Arizona to pay lip service to a roomful of kids at the Marquee it will do absolutely no good for anyone.  What I can do is to help organize, and play my small part in, what I hope is the largest and most effective boycott this country has seen in a long time.  To work it will have to involve members from all sectors of society.  The Sports Industry, the Entertainment Industry, the Tourism and Convention Industry, other State and City governments, private businesses and individuals from around the country and the world---all of whom, by the way, are already participating in the boycott.  Much of the Artist end of the boycott is symbolic, I acknowledge, and no real threat to the economics of the State.  But it is an important part none-the-less for awareness and messaging.   The Boycott has to be so widespread and devastating that the Arizona State Legislature and Governor have no choice but to repeal their unconstitutional, immoral and hateful law.  It has to hurt them in the only place they feel any pain, their pocketbooks. 

What I would encourage you to do, if you haven't already started, is to organize with all the local businesses you can to put as much pressure as possible on your State Government until the Law is repealed.  An economic death rattle is the only cry of outrage they will hear.

I realize that the people of Arizona did not vote on SB1070 and I empathize with the anger and frustration you all must feel.  I applaud what you are doing with Viva Arizona and do wonder if there might be a way to reconcile both our efforts while maintaining the integrity of each.  After all, we are trying to achieve the same thing.  But just as you may feel the boycott is an empty gesture, I fear that if we return to business as usual (under the guise of some civic movement) that this will all devolve into the typical grandstanding that is political activism in music. It might make us feel better but won't do a damn thing to change the minds of the radical, racist minority that seem to have controlled Arizona politics for decades. In short, it will lose its teeth.

Just this past week, the little town of Fremont Nebraska passed a very similar, almost more radical, city ordinance.  It was co-authored and championed by Kris Kobach of Kansas who helped write SB1070.  I was outraged, saddened and embarrassed for their town and my state.   I am already in the process of organizing a fund-raiser for the NE chapter of the ACLU who is suing the town of Fremont.  Our situation requires immediate legal action and a campaign for public awareness (there has been very little press on this).  Charlie, I promise you, if this Fremont law had been passed Statewide instead of in a rural town of 25,000 people, I would be the first to call for a boycott of my home state. This way of thinking and legislating is so dangerous, and such a threat to our basic ideals as Americans and Humans, that we cannot stand by and do nothing.  We cannot play on as if nothing is wrong.  This is not just about Arizona.  I am not just skipping a tour date.  This is not going to be easy for anyone.

Charlie, I consider you a friend and you have always been great to my bands and me.  I have played for you many times and I hope to do so again soon in New Mexico or anywhere else.  I sincerely look forward to the day when I can return to Arizona and this will all seem like a bad dream.  But I can't come back now.  I'm sorry. I hope you will understand.

Your friend,
Conor Oberst

Source

We wish him a fast recovery.

1.Cut It Up
2.Intransit
3.Alert the Audience!
4.Great Lakes / Great Escapes
5.On With the Show
6.Chapter 13: The Hero Appears
7.Sixteen Hours
8.Uptown Free Radio
9.Smokestacks
10.A Wishful Puppeteer
11.Recovering the Opposable Thumb
12.Light Breathing (Me and Martha Plimpton in a Fancy Elevator)
13.Necrotism: Decanting the Insalubrious (Cyborg Midnight) Part 7
14.Brick Wall Views
15.Quincentuple Your Money
16.Lose Your Illusion 1
17.An Evening of Extraordinary Circumstance
18.Nebraska
19.Hey, What Time is 'Pensacola: Wings of Gold' on Anyway?
20.106 South
21.Turnstyles
22.Boatless Booze Cruise Part 1
23.Your Gravest Words
24.The Ramblin' Boys of Pleasure
25.100 Resolutions
26.The Northside, the L&L, and Any Number of Crappy Apartments
27.Like a Record Player
28.Are You There Margaret? It's Me, God.
29.Presenting: The Dancing Machine (The Robot With the Monkey Head)
30.The Raw and Searing Flesh
31.The Disaster March

Source

Another Hit:

Throughout most of popular music’s history, it meant something to score a hit single. If a song was on the radio, you could bet it had been thoughtfully crafted and artfully performed. Unfortunately for music fans, those days seem to have passed. We now live in a time when the soundtrack to “Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakuel” can spend twenty-one weeks on the Billboard Charts. Enter the DownBeat Keys. With their latest release, “Instant Gratification,” this dynamic group of musicians effectively answers the music industry’s plea for...read more.

Are you attending the 2010 Vans Warped Tour? likeZEBRA wants to know all about it.

We are looking for tour reports from any and all dates from the Warped Tour. If you attended, send us a write-up on your time there and we’ll feature it in the likeZEBRA Blog. We’d love to know what bands you watched, how they played, how intense the pits were and anything else you want to include.

If writing isn’t your thing, but you took pictures, send those our way. Just let us know what bands are in each shot so we can label them accordingly.

If we receive more than one report for a specific date, don’t worry, we won’t take anything out. There are so many bands playing each location that it will help to have more people’s accounts of the day.

Be sure to submit your summary and/or photos to gfulleman@likezebra.com and include your name and the date of the tour you attended. 

Have fun out there!

What online music discovery service do you use most?

Attention likeZEBRA artists,

We need your music! Each week, the likeZEBRA podcasts begin and end with samples from our registered artists and our listeners deserve to hear your music. 

To be involved, make sure to upload your music to the site, and then send us a message with the specific track’s name and the album title. Feel free to message us with more than one track. We’ll be adding new artists to podcasts throughout the year, so make sure to send your music to jon@likezebra.com and listen in to see when it’s used. If your song is used we will be sure to message you. Let us know if you have any questions.

Thanks to all who entered and retweeted. Make sure to continue following @likeZEBRA on Twitter for the latest in music and industry news.

Continue checking for future contests through likeZEBRA.

Read the whole article.

What do you think? Will you use the service? Comment below.

If all you do on Facebook or Twitter is spew updates, that's a glorified RSS feed, not social media.

Main Stage (note: not all bands are playing every date)

Alkaline Trio 
Andrew W.K.
The Dillinger Escape Plan
Face To Face 
The Bouncing Souls
The All-American Rejects
Motion City Soundtrack
Bring Me The Horizon 
Street Sweeper Social Club 
We The Kings 
3OH!3 
Every Time I Die 
Reel Big Fish 
Pennywise 
Streetlight Manifesto
GBH
Anti-Flag
Dropkick Murphys 

Sitting on Time:

Justin, aka Jay Dee Queue, was born and raised in various towns on the south shore of Massachusetts. After haphazardly requesting it, Justin received his first CD at age three: "Rat in the Kitchen" by UB40. It was love at first "hear", so to speak: this CD left a huge impression on him, inspiring a life-long love of reggae and music in general. At age eleven, he moved with his mother and step-father to Orange County, California, a move that would to some extent shape his multi-cultural approach towards his environment. After moving to Seattle in 2001...read more

"I'm really proud that this many artists have already come on board, and I hope more will join soon"

LikeZEBRA is collecting information from its artists and fans to improve the quality of the site and services.  We would love to hear feedback from you regarding your experiences with likeZEBRA and your needs as a fan or creator of music. Please answer the following questions in a reply. This is your chance to make improvements to the site!

1.     Who are your favorite artists or bands?

2.     What styles of music do you listen to?

3.     What do you like about likeZEBRA.com?

4.     What do you dislike about likeZEBRA.com?

5.     As a music fan, what would keep you coming back to likeZEBRA.com?

6.     What features would you like to see added to the site?

7.     Is anything confusing or unnecessary on likeZEBRA?

8.     What social networks do you frequent?

9.     How important is it to keep up with the latest music news?

10.   What sites do you use to find new music?

11.   What other sites do you frequent?

12.   How many hours per day do you spend online?

13.   How many shows do you attend per month?

14.   In what ways are you actively involved in your local scene?

15.   Besides music, what other hobbies or interests do you spend your time on?

Does this seem like a good way to find a quality date?

Lemon String:

RIAA vs. Limewire, The Situation, more ICP and much much more...

"Determine who your most loyal fans will be, learn everything about them, and then begin to market TO them..."

KEVIN EARNEST "CAROM THE PHRASE" from Gorillacoustic.com on Vimeo.

5 Tips to Increase Sales in This Falling Music Industry - Communication, interaction, engagement and more

Organizing Your Merch: Include a Show Schedule - Keep your fans coming back to future shows

The Stupid Thing Every Band Does: Having a Terrible PA -A good sounding PA system is a sound investment

How To Use MySpace Artist Dashboard Analytics To Help Your Group - For those bands that use Myspace as a promotional tool

UPDATE: Below are the fully-revealed covers. The bands featured are The Rocket Summer, Bring Me the Horizon, Alkaline Trio, We the Kings, VersaEmerge, Four Year Strong, Andrew WK and Emarosa.

Last year, I won a contest for a VIP pass to the Vans Warped Tour.  The contest (that they call fan appreciation) was created by the tour itself. The VIP ticket allowed me free priority entry into the event as well as a chance to watch a main stage band from the side of the stage.

The requirement to be eligible consisted of the completion of three surveys. Not too bad, right? The questionnaires are released at staggered dates leading up to the beginning of the summer tour.  They can be slightly time consuming and tedious, but the prize of free tickets is worth answering questions about myself. I’ve managed harder tasks than this.

The amount of questions asked in these surveys is intense. I went back and answered the questions again, just to remember how it is. I spent 42 minutes answering the three sets of surveys.  The topics were for data collection to discover what their fans are into and value. I understand this. They’re a company. A few of the topics were slightly ridiculous though. “Knowing that Kia is a sponsor of the tour, does that compel you to go test-drive or buy a new Kia?” Yes, I ran out the door and drove straight to a Kia dealership (do they have dealerships?).

Simple topics (interest in sports, shoes and tv viewing habits) quickly became tedious. I don’t really plan to learn to play a specific sport in the next 6 months. It’s not on my to-do list, sorry Warped Tour/Vans. Finally, after questions about the environment, personal budgeting, the economy and more, I finished. I didn’t give the contest much thought afterwards, but luckily enough, I received an email confirming that I won a pass to the Ventura, CA date.

I arrived to the festival early, as was required to get in, and met with the girl who managed the winners. She handed me a palm pilot and asked me to answer the questions and then go up and down the line and ask four or five more concertgoers to do the same. I began the survey and it there it was… the same questions I answered a month before.

I answered the questions as fast as possible to save time. I then had to give these same questions to four more unsuspecting fans. The sad thing is I answered the questions to earn a free ticket. These poor people would get nothing. I made an effort to ask friends who came along. Tricking a total stranger into it would be like punching that stranger in the arm.

Finally, just before the gates would open to the public, I finished my collection of target audience data. I returned the palm pilot to the Warped employee and was escorted inside. As I later watched Thrice play from the side of the main stage, that survey didn’t seem so bad. This year however, I think I’ll just pay to get in, or hope I win tickets from likeZEBRA’s twitter contest.

To gain entry to the event, fill out the ordering information on the ticket page.  Your tickets will be available at will-call the night of the show.  For an additional $2 discount off each ticket, visit Wildwood Music Co.'s profile at likeZEBRA for a flyer and promo code.

likeZEBRA is also offering a chance for fans to earn free drinks and a chance to win a $100 iTunes gift card and more. During the checkout process, select the option to create a fan account and take part in the FanShare program.  You will receive an individual link to direct friends and fellow fans to the ticket page. For every 10 tickets purchased through your link, you will receive 2 free tickets to the show or $20 in free drinks on the night of the show.  The fan with the most ticket sales will receive a $100 iTunes gift card, a Wildwood Music Co. signed EP and a Wildwood Music Co t-shirt.

"By juxtaposing high energy, piano-infused choruses with a mixture of classic and space-rock interludes, the quintet breaks the mold of traditional songwriting and creates a sound all their own."

Three songs can be heard here. Their album will be available August 17. 

Home of the Slaves:

Darkness Descends is a Metal , Hardcore band from all over New Jersey. In the short time that the band has been together as a whole they have play with bands such as Agents of Man, Bulldoze, All out War, Psychostick, Mobile Death Camp(Beefcake from GWAR) and Mark Rizzo (Soulfly) just to name a few. The band expresses its true soul through the music and it especially comes across in there live performances.

"In one instance, I literally went from playing to no one to selling a small venue out in 6 months by playing once a month, collecting emails, then nurturing that list with content."

Read the complete interview here.

The release aligns with the beginning of the World Cup, which began today.

"Get up to date news, Twitter, build your own set list, info and more on bands, video on the official You Tube Warped Channel and more."

Images of the app can be found here.

On Blast:

likeZEBRA Twitter Contest, End of the Music Industry, DJ Clay and much much more...

For those interested in attending Warped Tour this year, likeZEBRA is giving away 2 free tickets. Simply post the following message to Twitter:

RT @likeZEBRA and follow for a chance to win 2 tickets to the 2010 Vans Warped Tour date of your choice! #likezebra #warpedtour

Sullivan, also called "The Rev," died Dec. 28 from a "combined effect of multiple drugs and alcohol," Orange County Coroner Deputy Dan Aikin said Thursday. The drugs listed were Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Diazepam, Nordiazepam, and ethanol, he said.

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Does the addition of the keyboard and the songs posted so far add any new interest and excitement to the series? Do you plan to pick up the game when it's released?

“A limited number of these shoes and sandals will be available for sale on each stop of the Vans Warped Tour. These are limited edition items not available online or at any other retail outlet. Get to Warped early and head on over to the main Vans booth to get your pair. A limited quantity of sizes will be available so come on by and get your pair!”

Click here to see more..

"bummed that a writing demo of 'Thermacare' leaked online today - the plan is to record this song with my band and put this on my upcoming record. either way, i hope you all dig it, it's really 'all about the music' for me anyways."

The current state of the music industry is allowing more independent bands to succeed on their own hard work. Now that your group has songs or videos recorded, it’s time to put them into the hands of your adoring fans.

likeZEBRA’s Custom Media Solutions site provides bands with easy to navigate ordering pages for CDs, DVDs, flash drives, postcards, posters and flyers. All items can be ordered any time online and will be sent directly to you. With competitive pricing and fast turnaround time, this is a crucial step for any music project.

Whether you need short-run CD/DVD duplication or Replication, you’re covered. Orders of replication for 300 units or more can also include a free UPC barcode, a vital step for placement of your album in stores around the world.

The latest addition to the likeZEBRA media solutions are USB flash drives. These can hold up to 4 gb of music and data, allowing for an incredible multimedia experience for your fans. Visit the likeZEBRA Custom Media Solutions page and start your project now (scroll over the Start Project button).

My Security:

Below is Salient's video for "My Security"

Strep:

Strep, Fried Chicken, Thom Yorke and much much more...

Lakers:

Lakers, ICP acoustic cover and The Academy KISS

Tokyo Police Club wants everyone to be a Champ. To embrace the spirit of their forthcoming album, due out June 8th via Dine Alone Records in Canada, the band is calling on their fans: “Challenge us to something. Anything. Ping pong. Baking. Mario. Nerf guns. Hockey. Unicycling. Catching grapes in your mouth. You name it. When we come to your town on tour we'll make it happen.

This summer, it's on.” Fans can enter their ideas at TokyoPoliceClub.com… Winners will have access to tickets, merchandise, etc. and the chance to hang with the guys while competing in whatever activity they submitted.

Bells:

Intimate and playful, placid and serene. Melancholy and dark, with occasional hints of passing sadness. This is the sound of Sydney Wayser, a twenty one year-old singer-songwriter who with her French father and American mother has lived her life between Paris and Los Angeles. Sydney's music is rife with tales and adventure; it quite simply draws you into her world, delicately. Read More

Codpiece:

Codpieces, Beiber fever and Astronaut Down Indie Album Review...

Gatekeeper:

Since the inception of AM Aesthetic in 2008 as a songwriting experiment with Rob Suchecki on vocals and guitar, and Pat Raimondi on bass, things have progressed quite quickly into: "AM Aesthetic: The Hardest Working Band You've Never Heard Of".Read More

Colorado:

Colorado, Radio Adelaide release and the best white virgin rapper...

2010 Stage Names:

TEGGART STAGE - "the Main Stage will be named for our late friend Stewart Teggart this summer. He was a giant in our business and in our hearts. Stewart will be missed this summer, but he will always be with us."

ALTEC LANSING STAGE
GLAMOUR KILLS STAGE
AP / ADVENT STAGE
SKULLCANDY STAGE
KIA KEVIN SAYS STAGE
ERNIE BALL BATTLE OF THE BANDS STAGE

Love:

Neal and Phil have been playing together for a long time now... close to 4 years. The band fully developed when drummer Jesse Robichaud joined the group last winter. The Dead Beats began by playing house parties only asking for free beer as compensation. Before long they had developed a following and started playing bars in the local Boston and North Shore areas. The band is influenced by artists like Lou Reed, The New York Dolls, The Rolling Stones etc. The live performance aspect of their music is of great importance to what they do. "We can all play our instruments, but our job is to keep you entertained! Nothing is more entertaining to us than Rock and Roll." Read More

Below is their single:

The Dropout:

"Hello everyone. On Wednesday morning, I got a phone call that informed me that I was kicked out of Punchline. This came as a huge, unpleasant surprise to me. I really enjoyed the 3 tours, 81 shows, and 30-some states I got to see. Thanks to everyone who made it a cool year. No thanks to anyone who made it come to this. I’ll see you around."

 Patrick James Dee

Siete de Mayo:

Cinco de Mayo, New Music and Indie Album Review of likeZEBRA artist Modern Science.

A Play On Words - The Acoustic
Broken Social Scene- Forgiveness Rock Record
Everyone Everywhere - Everyone Everywhere
Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma
Josh Ritter - So Runs The World Away
Minus the Bear - Omni
Nathaniel Rateliff - In Memory of Loss
Our Last Night - We Will All Evolve
Soulfly - Omen
The Fall - Your Future Our Clutter
The Hold Steady - Heaven is Whenever
The Insurgence - The Insurgence
The Morning Of - The Way I Fell In
The New Pornographers - Together
Tonic - Tonic

Cartel 

Trouble:

Kari's story is one of extreme hard work and intense passion. Originally from South Florida, Kari Kimmel moved to Los Angeles 5 years ago to pursue her love of music. She has done everything from writing, recording and co-producing her own music to having her songs featured in over 100 film and tv shows including Shall We Dance, Dreamgirls, Nights In Rodanthe, WallE, Ella Enchanted, White Chicks, Private Practice, The Gilmore Girls, The Young and The Restless, KimPossible, The Hills, and G... Read More...

Can't Think of a Name:

Trent Reznor and wife's new band, Bret Michaels and ICP lyrics

"...In surveying the state of the business now, however, many of the decisions made by these very same executives over the past 12 years have resulted in nothing less than complete failure. The recorded music business, which used to be largely responsible for more than 60% of the revenue an artist generated, now brings in about 9% of an artist's take..." Read more

Nowhere to Run:

Kansas City Gunfight was formed on Christmas day, December 2005, in southern Orange County. Bent on finding a way to break into the over crowded and fickle Orange County hardcore/metal scene, where bands continued to come and go, each sounding just like the last, they refused to be another name lost in the shuffle. As soon as KCG began playing shows with acts such as: The Headcat featuring Lemmy (Motorhead) and Slim Jim (Stray Cats), Sever Your Ties, Three Bad Jacks, Faster Pussycat, Driven AD and Emmure, it became clear that something special was happening. Read More...

Hey everyone. I apologize that the tour had to be cancelled but I had to get home to be with my Dad. He has an aggressive tumor in his brain and will be undergoing surgery this week. He wanted to convey his apologies as well (though I’m sure you’ll agree it’s unnecessary,) and also his thanks for your support of the band and our family. The tumor is near the language center of his brain which has made communicating increasingly difficult for him, so my Mom helped to edit the message below that he composed to all of you.

I want to say how sorry I am to each of you who have to miss seeing Thrice in concert on account of my health issues. I have been diagnosed with a large brain tumor and things at this point are very unsure and serious. I will be having surgery in the next few days. Both Dustin and his brother Chase were out on tour and returned home for some precious family time. I am blessed to have the most unbelievable family to support and love me through this. Through the years I have met many amazing Thrice fans who are the most wonderful people, as a matter of fact as I was having my CT scan and the technician asked if I was Dustin Kensrue’s dad, and I proudly said Yes!!!! I love all of the guys in this awesome band and am sorry for the fact this is affecting them too. This has been a tough year on all of the guys in Thrice with family heartache, we all thank you for your prayers and good wishes!
Doug Kensrue

I want to thank everyone for their understanding and support and prayers. I spent last night and today with my family and am very glad I made the decision to leave as quickly as I did. Life is precious and fleeting, and events like these make real the fact that every moment is a gift, not a right. I thank God for the gift of my father, for the ways he has loved me and the things he has taught me thus far, and for the ways he will continue to love me and teach me in the time that God gives us. 

By the grace of God,
Dustin Kensrue

Going Green:

April 20th and an Indie Album Review of Delorean

6.14 | Billings, MT @ The Railyard
6.15 | Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
6.16 | Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre
6.18 | Edmonton, AB @ Avenue Theatre
6.19 | Calgary, AB @ The Den
6.20 | Regina, SK @ The Exchange
6.21 | Winnipeg, MB @ West End Cultural Centre
6.23 | Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre
6.24 | Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop
6.25 | Toronto, ONT @ Opera House Concert Venue
6.26 | Montreal, QC @ Underworld
6.28 | London, ONT @ Call The Office
6.29 | Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theatre

Outta Control:

Hailing from Santa Barbara, California, Rebelution has developed into the front runner for grassroots, independent and touring driven music groups representing the Cali-Reggae scene. Originally formed in 2004, members Eric Rachmany (vocals / guitar,) Rory Carey (keyboards,) Wesley Finley (drums,) and Marley D. Williams (bass) met in college, while residing in Isla Vista, a popular beachside community in Santa Barbara. It was there that the seeds to Rebelution's future would be planted-- and would instill their kick back, worry free vibes, catchy refrain, and optimistic, inspiring, and engaging music that would leave their listeners with the sense that they have the power to make this world a better place.

Taxes:

Punk Goes Classic Rock, Slash and Coachella

Blinding Me:

Miracles:

Wildwood Music Co. stops by the studio, Insane Clown Posse and an Indie Album Review of Stuedabakerbrown:

Look Alice:

I am more then aware the the news you have heard of seems rash, and probably hasty. I wanted to be able to write a few thing down here to maybe help you understand a bit, or at least clear up the rumor mill before it starts grind like a mo fo’.

1. Underoath and i have parted ways. Yes that is a true statement. There is no bad blood, there is no anger, i was in that band for eleven years, i love every person with my whole heart, i love the music we made together, the shows we played and the good times we had. People change, times change, and sometimes change just comes hunting for you.

2. Yes i will continue to play in the almost. I will also play acoustic, as well as speak and do other musical/ ministry type things.

3. Yes underoath will remain a band, yes without me.

4. I really still love you, alot.

5. I am still giving drum lessons, all your appointments will be honored and kept.

6. Everything you read here is true, regardless of what your friends or internet connection might tell you.

7. Its all good. listen to uo, listen to the almost if you want, times change, roll with the hurricane.

I love ya,

aaron

"We are taking this opportunity to sadly inform you the six of us have decided at the end of the current european tour, Aaron will no longer be playing in Underoath. This was not a decision made in haste but a thought out and prayed upon group agreement. It in no way effects any of the shows left on this tour. They will still be our best efforts and enjoyable experiences for all.

For the future, Aaron will be pursuing other musical and ministry endeavors. As for the rest of us we will continue to work hard on the new Underoath record. We appreciate the love and support from everyone in the past and hope that all of us will continue to receive your support on our future paths. We love you guys."

"I would first like to point out that it would be the coldest day in hell for him to get back in our band..."

SXSW Part 2:

Suprise band stops by the studio, SXSW Interviews Part 2: Bamboo Shoots

Grand Ol Party:

SXSW Part 1:

SXSW Interviews Part 1: Family of the Year

Count on Me:

"5 emotionally detached hardcore kids playing pop punk..."

St. Patty's:

On My Shoulder:

"We are trying to make something more than just music. We are guided by passion and connected by a common love for what we create. We believe music is a celebration, an inspiration, a release, an art. We believe in pursuing something bigger than ourselves. We can%u2019t promise success, but we can promise sincerity. We are hopeful. We are driven. We are Brothers at Sea."

SXSW:

FamilyoftheYear.Net

CONTACT: Whitesmith Entertainment 

"Chugjug":

by Mike radionowhere.net

-Chas | Cuban Cigar Crisis

Alternative Press - Tim Karan on 3/1/10 - altpress.com

Nickelback vs. a Pickle, Diva's and an Organ

"After seven years as the keyboard player of Sherwood I've had to make a tough decision in saying goodbye. This has been such a great experience, but there just comes a time when you have to walk away." 

1. Hit The Lights "More Than A Feeling" [Boston]
2. VersaEmerge "Paint It Black" [The Rolling Stones]
3. The Almost "Free Fallin'" [Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers]
4. Mayday Parade "We Are The Champions" [Queen]
5. The Summer Set "Rock 'n Roll All Nite" [KISS]
6. We The Kings "Caught Up In You" [.38 Special]
7. A Skylit Drive "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" [Journey]
8. I See Stars "Your Love" [The Outfield]
9. Pierce The Veil "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" [Blue Oyster Cult]
10. Forever The Sickest Kids "Crazy Train" [Ozzy Osbourne]
11. The Maine "Pour Some Sugar On Me" [Def Leppard]
12. Envy On The Coast "All Along The Watchtower" [Jimi Hendrix]
13. Every Avenue "Take Me Home Tonight" [Eddie Money]
14. Never Shout Never "Bohemian Rhapsody" [Queen]
15. blessthefall "Dream On" [Aerosmith]

Singer/songwriter and former Cobra Starship keytarist Elisa Jordana grew up as Elisa Schwartz in Old Bridge, NJ, listening to New Kids on the Block, Whitney Houston, but it was Debbie Gibson who inspired her to write her own songs. She wrote her first song at age seven; by the time she was in her teens, she was writing songs for her high school's musicals. Schwartz moved to New York City at 17 and continued to write and play around the city, working with Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit group. When she saw Cobra Starship leader Gabriel Saporta at a club, she told him she should be a part of his band, and so Schwartz became the group's keytar player. She left Cobra Starship in 2007 and focused on her solo career, adopting the persona of glamorous pop star Elisa Jordana.

Indie Album Review | The Southern Sea

This weeks podcast is dedicated to our dear friend Matt Chidgey. He was a legend and is deeply missed.

How to Install the likeZEBRA Widget from likeZEBRA on Vimeo.

Four Year Strong's new song "Wasting Time" can be streamed below. Pick it up on iTunes as well.

Fight from Above consists of Miner (vocals, guitar), Zack (lead guitar), Krook (bass) and Dave (drums). The band was formed organically, from four friends who were already spending most days together anyway and discovered a shared love for music. Initially, Miner, Zack and Dave were playing as a three piece, but they eventually asked Krook (who was at every show anyway) to learn to play bass and join the band. Improbably, Krook purchased an instrument he had never played and within a few months Fight From Above was born.

Fight From Above are currently busy playing shows in support of L.A. Kids and writing new material for their next record. Their music has been featured on L.A's KROQ 106.7 and STAR 98.7, as well as MTV's "Real World" and "The Hills". read more

2.8 - Jemina Pearl on The Daily Habit (FUEL)
2.8 - The Bravery on Jimmy Kimmel (ABC)
2.9 - Regina Spektor on Jimmy Fallon (NBC)
2.10 - Switchfoot on The Daily Habit (FUEL)
2.10 - Editors on Jimmy Kimmel (ABC)
2.10 - Yeasayer on Jimmy Fallon (NBC)
2.11 - Duane Peters & The Great Unwashed on The Daily Habit (FUEL)
2.12 - The Soft Pack on David Letterman (CBS)
2.12 - Dashboard Confessional on Jimmy Kimmel (ABC)

Alkaline Trio | MySpace Music Videos

Upcoming likeZEBRA Contest, Men at Work, Top NFL Songs