Welcome to another amazing month of music from the incredible musicians that make up the Sonicbids.com community. We have chose a select group of amazing musicians that will be speaking directly to the Skope readers. As always we encourage readers to dig deeper and check out their EPK’s.
The Van Allen Belt
http://www.sonicbids.com/TheVanAllenBelt
Skope: Were you excited about being an A2W artist for October?
The Van Allen Belt: Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes (There are 4 of us)
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
The Van Allen Belt: We’ll be promoting 2 new videos shortly. We’re also in the process of recording a new full length sequel album to our first release and adding to and further developing our live performance.
Skope: Do you have any big shows lined up for this month?
The Van Allen Belt: We’re looking forward to a live radio performance at The University of Pittsburgh’s radio station WPTS on November 16th, as well as some other gigs at that time. This month we’ll be taking over some live stages to experiment on our live set. Those shows will most likely be on the fly.
Skope: DO you plan on putting out any music with a Halloween theme?
The Van Allen Belt: Maybe a Thanksgiving theme song for November… No hints though.
Skope: Do you listen to the local radio where you live?
The Van Allen Belt: Yes, we only listen to the local radio when we listen to the radio. All of our local stations are great. Clearchannel just doesn’t make any sense. Admittedly, we do hand select most of our listenables however. We’ve spent a lot of time in our local libraries and record stores. We all have very diverse musical tastes, as should be evidenced in the style of our group.
Skope: Would you agree that the independent scene is stronger than ever?
The Van Allen Belt: Yes? Hard to concretely answer that one. “Independents” have gotten a lot of Major exposure over the last decade. It’s kind of a subjective question depending on the definition of “Independent” though.
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
The Van Allen Belt: Recording the new album and adding new elements to our live performance are the main areas of focus right now. Promotion is a tricky thing. It’s good to make oneself available but too much exposure can seem abusive to people, especially online where there are too many competitive portals to access. A viral status seems to be a coveted status on the web, however we find our money more well spent on developing ourselves as artists and creating innovative products with desirable identity. Our true goal is to achieve long term influence and respect form our peers, not to succeed like a flash in the pan and deplete as is the fate of so many in the industry.
site: http://thevanallenbelt.bandcamp.com
Alexandria Maillot
http://www.sonicbids.com/alexandriamaillot
Skope: Were you excited about being an A2W artist for October?
Alexandria Maillot: YES. It’s such an honour to be picked as an artist for such a great opportunity! It’s tremendously humbling to have people willing to promote your music and provide opportunities like this. It’s all an artist can ask for.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Alexandria Maillot: At the moment, I am in the midst of working on booking a Canadian and European tour for the release of my debut album, Just Another Girl. So, in the next few months, brand new videos, songs and tour dates will be added to my website. There isn’t anything specific, just pretty much everything in general!
Skope: Do you have any big shows lined up for this month?
Alexandria Maillot: I just did an amazing show in Vancouver with alternative party band Wassabi Collective which was an immense success. Bookings outside of Canada and in the US (New York, New York anyone?) are going to be added on to my site in the next few months, though. So, you better keep an eye out for it!
Skope: Do you plan on putting out any music with a Halloween theme?
Alexandria Maillot: Um, heck yes. I’ve written about a dozen halloween songs that have yet to come to fruition. However, I do plan on releasing something of the sort next year as a single. I’ll be doing that with a Christmas song this year, too. But, Halloween is literally my favourite holiday. I am a 7 year old kid again every time it comes around, and I couldn’t imagine not paying tribute to something I love so much.
Skope: Do you listen to the local radio where you live?
Alexandria Maillot:Yes! We have some great stations in Vancouver that represents how strong the local indie music scene we have going on here is. 100.5 the Peak FM is the best for it; their station not only plays local talent and promotes shows around the area on air and online, but also has a music program designed to help 20 artists every year for 7 years (started in 2009) to further their careers by providing them with a mass amount of opportunities including major festival showcases, an industry pro-filled bootcamp intensive, and a total of over $344,000 in direct artist development funding and prizes.
Skope: Would you agree that the independent scene is stronger than ever?
Alexandria Maillot: Most definitely. The industry is evolving every day, and is favouring independent artists with the exposure they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to get a few years ago. Music lovers are becoming more aware of the live local music and are becoming more involved by spreading the word around to everyone they know and going out to a ton of shows to support the artist directly. It’s amazing, really, how much people care about hearing and seeing real music.
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Alexandria Maillot: I’m currently in the midst of finishing off my debut album which will be available in the New Year. I’m tres excited and have been looking forward to such a milestone in my career for quite some time. To keep updated on my future endeavours you can sign up for a monthly e-newsletter on my website at www.alexandriamaillot.com which will give you sneak peaks of videos and new released as well as free song downloads and complementary show tickets, or just periodically check the site from time to time on news, tour dates and merch. I am also an avid tweeter, so you can follow me at @alexandriasing to hear my many random thoughts and ramblings, as well as my Facebook fan page under Alexandria Maillot. I’m virtually everywhere. Oh, and on a side note that has absolutely NOTHING to do with music, I am featured in the newly released movie Red Riding Hood starring alongside Amanda Seyfried and Gary Oldman. It’s my first ever flick, and I’m pretty darn proud to have been involved in such an amazing production. Check it out! www.alexandriamaillot.com
Sense to Fall
http://www.sonicbids.com/SensetoFall
A Do
http://www.sonicbids.com/adosongs
Skope: Were you excited about being an A2W artist for October?
A Do: Yes! It’s always great to be recognized as being an “Artist to Watch!” Although making music is something we are just compelled to do despite results, it does feel quite nice to see others connecting with your musical expression.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
A Do: We are certainly promoting our entire self-titled album which is really starting to take hold, but in particular we’re really highlighting the track on the album, “No” because as a we all identify with it as our “theme song”, the track just kind of sounds like the amalgam of our band’s personality.
Check it out at
http://soundcloud.com/adosongs/a-do-no
Skope: Do you have any big shows lined up for this month?
A Do: Dates for late fall will be released shortly! Right now the band has been busy producing our first music video for the track “No”, which is way more work than it seems but we’re excited to see the finished product! Follow us on Twitter @adosongs and on facebook.com/adosongs to catch it’s release!
Skope: DO you plan on putting out any music with a Halloween theme?
A Do: We haven’t considered it until this very moment. We’re always writing and putting tracks in the vault for future albums and it would be a great excuse to orchestrate harmonization of screeching cats.
Skope: Do you listen to the local radio where you live?
A Do: Sure do, the Boston area has some great local radio from colleges as Emerson, Tufts, BU, and many many more! In fact, it makes for a great cruising around town game as some of the locals only broadcast for a few miles, so if you drive around long enough it’s as if they all get their equal time- one drops, then dial in the other… and so on and so on. Its signal strength imposed variety! We especially love listening to Angelle Wood’s program, Boston Emissions on WZLX 100.7 and we check into BostonBandCrush.org regularly to get C.D. DiGuardia’s local recommendations!
Skope: Would you agree that the independent scene is stronger than ever?
A Do: Absolutely! The independent scene IS “The Scene!” The industry has simply changed from what it used to be, the power has been placed in the hands of artists and Boston has a ton of amazing independent bands and musicians reaching tons of fans. We think all music fans out there can appreciate artists trying to make a real connection whether it’s going to see a show at one of Boston’s amazing local clubs or supporting a musician playing at the T station or on the street. We love hitting up the monthly Rock N’ Roll Social in Allston and there’s tons and tons of amazing shows and events where Boston music fans can enjoy good local music!
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
A Do: Stay tuned for our upcoming shows and our new music video!
You can find us at adosongs.com, our reverbnation page
Friend us at facebook.com/adosongs
Check out our band page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Do/162333960483249?sk=app_2405167945
Chat with us on twitter.com/adosongs
See live videos at youtube.com/adoband
Caleb McGinn
www.sonicbids.com/CalebMcGinn
Skope: Were you excited about being an A2W artist for October?
Caleb McGinn: I was very excited about being selected for this opportunity.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Caleb McGinn: Currently, I’m promoting the CD I just released a little over a month ago, “Bigger Picture”. I recorded it in Nashville, TN with Jeremy McCoy. Jeremy has worked with The Fray, One Republic, and James Morrison so I was excited to have the opportunity to work with him. I REALLY like how the cd turned out as well. I feel like it has a nice variety and really represents my musical tastes and style.
Skope: Do you have any big shows lined up for this month?
Caleb McGinn: At the end of the month, I am one of the openers for a fairly well known country band called the Lo Cash Cowboys. Although, that’s not necessarily my genre of music, it’ll still be a fun show with a lot of people!
Skope: Do you plan on putting out any music with a Halloween theme?
Caleb McGinn: Not this year
Skope: Do you listen to the local radio where you live?
Caleb McGinn: I do, but we don’t have the greatest selection here so I tend to listen to online radio stations a little more.
Skope: Would you agree that the independent scene is stronger than ever?
Caleb McGinn: Absolutely. There are SO many independent artists out there it is truly incredible. It’s nice to see that people can get there name out there without having to be on a major label. I’ve been inspired by a handful of artists that are using the DIY approach to the music business. There is a lot of talent out there and it’s nice to be able to have a variety to listen to.
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Caleb McGinn: At this point, I’m planning for a big 2012, planning to play at a lot of colleges across the country and mixing in other shows and festivals along the way. I’m also looking to do more artist collaborations so if you are interested, drop me an email! All of my contact info and music can be found at www.calebmcginn.com!
Vonnegutrade
www.sonicbids.com/Vonnegutrade
The Electric Boogaloo
www.sonicbids.com/TheElectricBoogaloo
Skope: Were you excited about being an A2W artist for October?
The Electric Boogaloo: Definitely, being featured as an “Artist to watch” is always a good thing.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
The Electric Boogaloo: Well, we are just getting ready to debut some new original music at our next performance, but aside from that, we’re not specifically promoting anything…just playing live as often as we’re able.
Skope: Do you have any big shows lined up for this month?
The Electric Boogaloo: Yes. Our next big show will be at the beautiful Mayne Stage Theater in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, in support of another Chicago group, Family Groove Company, for their 2nd annual Black Wednesday concert. We’re excited about the opportunity to be back at this awesome venue in support of another local artist!
Skope: Do you plan on putting out any music with a Halloween theme?
The Electric Boogaloo: Doubtful
Skope: Do you listen to the local radio where you live?
The Electric Boogaloo: Rarely. Most of out music is consumed via Ipod these days.
Skope: Would you agree that the independent scene is stronger than ever?
The Electric Boogaloo: Well we have only been a real part of the scene in Chicago for about a year or so now, but it definitely seems like there is a large pool of young, talented, musicians that seem to be getting stronger every single day.
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
The Electric Boogaloo: For us, it’s more of the same. Lots of gigging around the Chicago area, looking to expand more across the midwest.
You can find us online at:
Facebook:
http://Facebook.com/TheElectricBoogaloo
Youtube:
http://youtube.com/user/TheElectricBoogal00
or the Live Music Archive:
http://Archive.org/details/TheElectricBoogaloo
J.D. Tharpe and the Foothill Billy Band
www.sonicbids.com/JDTharpeandtheFoothillBillyBand
Skope: Were you excited about being an A2W artist for October?
JD Tharpe: Absolutely! When people are talking about you — well, people are talking about you!
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
JD Tharpe: We are currently doing many appearances in the Los Angeles area in support of our debut single “If You Couldn’t Say Goodbye” It’s a song I wrote years ago when my mom passed away, but I saved it until I felt the time was right to record it. I was there when she passed, but the song looks at the situation, “What would it be like if you weren’t there to be able to say goodbye?” During the release of the single an ironic thing happened; my grandma was placed in Hospice while we were doing the promotion of our single. Because of commitments and most of our money being sunk into studio time and promotion, I was not able to get home before she passed. The song speaks to anyone who has ever lost a loved one and wasn’t there to have that moment, that closure. What were your last words to them and how did you leave things? This is especially true of our soldiers in battle today. When you close your eyes, do you see your last moments with them as having been the way you wanted, or did you say something you couldn’t take back? Think about it.
Skope: Do you have any big shows lined up for this coming month?
JD Tharpe: Yes! We are appearing at the world famous Molly Malone’s and the House of Blues in Los Angeles in November.
Skope: DO you plan on putting out any music with a Halloween theme?
JD Tharpe: We’re more of an all around band, so we can play any time of year. But for family reasons we won’t be performing again until November 2nd at Molly’s.
Skope: Do you listen to the local radio where you live?
JD Tharpe: Yes, Go Country 105 is the main local station in Los Angeles but (and this is just an opinion) it seems they don’t play many up and coming bands or even help to promote unknown artists when they are doing charitable events (unless you pay them). Country isn’t a big format in LA, so it’s hard to understand why they don’t do more to get additional ears listening to their station.
Skope: Would you agree that the independent scene is stronger than ever?
JD Tharpe: As a whole yes, with the internet and the ability to release a single having come full circle (the days of the 45 have returned). The one great thing about it all, is that you can record and master a quality single and release it without a label. With great marketing and savvy skill, an artist can get heard in today’s market.
Skope: What is coming up for you & where are you online?
JD Tharpe: We have many things we’re working on, and have charities we care greatly about. Our main charity is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital but we also help local schools like ICA Catholic and St. Joes as well. Giving our time to local fundraisers for the elderly and orphanages is yet another way to help our community. We believe in using our music to make a difference.
Good Luck Jane
www.sonicbids.com/GoodLuckJaneRock
Skope: Were you excited about being an A2W artist for October?
Good Luck Jane: Absolutely! Skope Magazine is a great music site that really focuses on up and coming acts. We are happy to be a part of it!
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Good Luck Jane: We just released a brand new single called “Walking on the Ceiling” this week. It is now available on iTunes.
Skope: Do you have any big shows lined up for this month?
Good Luck Jane: We play this Friday in Chicago at Cubby Bear. It is our Free 21+ show where we’ll be introducing our new single live for the first time. In November, we will be performing at Purdue University.
Skope: DO you plan on putting out any music with a Halloween theme?
Good Luck Jane: Unfortunately we don’t. But we’ll have something fun on our facebook page around Halloween!
Skope: Do you listen to the local radio where you live?
Good Luck Jane: We always flip through the radio station around Chicago. We’re a big fan of Fearless Radio in Chicago, because they focus on a lot of music that you wouldn’t hear on a standard radio, and they have awesome interviews and performances. We’ve gotten to interview there a few times and we love the place.
Skope: Would you agree that the independent scene is stronger than ever?
Good Luck Jane: The independent scene is tough. Everyone has to work together. We were lucky enough to be a part of the Earn it Yourself program run by the Van’s Warped Tour, which held a meeting in our city to focus on the music scene. We worked with other local bands to understand the best ways to grow the music scene. We also won our chance to perform at Warped Tour that night. We learned so much and we constantly try to work alonside other local bands to help the music scene. It is getting stronger, but it still has ways to go as long as people work hard together instead of battling for the spotlight.
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Good Luck Jane: We will be performing at a few Dance Marathon events this fall/spring at numerous colleges in the midwest. Dance Marathons are huge events that raise money for pediatric cancer. We decided to perform at multiple colleges for this to show that we support the cure. We love being a part of the cause and we’re ready for an awesome ride. Some colleges include Purdue University, University of Iowa, and Ohio State University. You can find us on all social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Purevolume, etc. www.GoodLuckJane.com has the hub to all of our sites. Glad to be a part of Skopemag!
Steve Lane and the Autocrats
www.sonicbids.com/SteveLaneandtheAutocrats
UNDUN
www.sonicbids.com/UNDUN5
Laura Wilde
www.sonicbids.com/laurawildemusic
Skope: Were you excited about being an A2W artist for October?
Laura Wilde: Extremely! I feel as though I’ve won something. It is a fabulous opportunity and a wonderful chance to gain some exposure.
Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?
Laura Wilde: My album “Sold My Soul” is due for release January 31st, which I’m really excited about. I’ll also be releasing a few singles,some music videos and touring.
Skope: Do you have any big shows lined up for this month?
Laura Wilde: I’m currently booking dates for a pre album release tour of the West Coast leading up to Christmas. I’ll also be appearing at some high schools around the State to play for some of my younger fans that can’t access the “21 & over” venues.
Skope: DO you plan on putting out any music with a Halloween theme?
Laura Wilde: I do have a track I’ve written called ‘Freeek!’ which is pretty scary and would work well for Halloween. I also have another track “Lets Roll” where I’m dressed as a Super Hero in the video, which could also lend itself to a Halloween theme.
Skope: Do you listen to the local radio where you live?
Laura Wilde: Yes, I listen to Kroq but I’m an avid channel surfer which drives people crazy when they are in the car with me. I hate to feel like I’m missing out on another good song playing on a different station, so I end up hearing nothing!
Skope: Would you agree that the independent scene is stronger than ever?
Laura Wilde: It has to be as the labels aren’t signing acts with the same vigor as they used to. You now have to attain a certain level of success on your own before they will consider you, but then you might think, “Hey, I’ve gotten this far on my own. Where were you when I needed you?”
Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?
Laura Wilde: Online I have 3 Facebook friend pages and a Fan Page, a web page on laurawilde.com. I’m also on Twitter and have some videos on my youtube channel but keep your eyes peeled as there is plenty more to come.
I’ve got an exciting year ahead for 2012, where I’m releasing my debut album and touring to promote it. I just had a great show at the Whisky with my awesome new band. I can’t wait to hit the road with them and get it all out there!
Fontaine James
www.sonicbids.com/FontaineJames
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