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.
Argotec
www.sonicbids.com/Argotec
SKOPE:What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
ARGOTEC: We think it means a lot that we are being featured in such a diverse community. Especially because of how diverse our sound is. We believe we are a good fit for SKOPE because our message is poositive and our sound is eclectic and fresh.
SKOPE: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
ARGOTEC:.Inspiration for us comes regardless of the weather or season. It has more to do with how the state of our lives is at any point in time, current events,(and the consequences of them), and what books and or new music we are into at the moment.
SKOPE: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
ARGOTEC:. We think 2010 in particular is an exciting time to be an independent artist because of the influx of super talented cats coming out of the L.A. Beat scene. Those Low End Theory Guys are making the independent music scene as big as I remember seeing it since the first few years of Rawkus Records. We feel like when little guys that make big music finally start to garner the recognition they deserve there is some sort of trickle down, almost a level of consciousness/ awareness raised for more refreshing innovative tunes to be given a chance. So hopefully Low End Theory will make way for bigger and better tunes to easily hit the market much like how the explosion of Rawkus Records make way for entities like Rhymesayers and Quannum.
SKOPE: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
ARGOTEC: We currently listening to Low End Theory Podcasts and WNYC’s Radio Lab Podcasts like crazy. The Gaslamp Killer is just plain ridiculous. We have been digging P.O.S. and Brother Ali lately as well as Flying Lotus, Doomtree, our good friends Ancient Tongue and Revenge of the Dragon, De La Soul, Tribe, KRS, El-P, Blackalicious, Aesop Rock, MF DOOM, Portishead, Aphex Twin, DR.Octagon, Quaizimoto/Madlib, DJ Shadow, Immortal Technique, and Blackstarr just to name a few.
SKOPE: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
ARGOTEC: We don’t think that the internet has leveled the playing field as much as it has flooded the market. It seems as though Major Label Artists always follow the “formula for success”. That is to say, major label artists do what their predecessors have done exactly to the tee, because those major labels backing them seem to be afraid of innovative/ new sounds that aren’t “a sure thing”. We believe the internet has given a voice to people who wouldn’t have had a platform to be discovered before.
SKOPE: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
ARGOTEC: We are currently working on an EP and getting on festivals throughout the US and abroad. We are also promoting our debut album “Wherewithal” which can be downloaded for free by contacting us through any social media outlet, or listened to for free at http://www.reverbnation.com/argotec. We have been selected to be featured on URB.com with a “Sonicbids Select” Artist Profile.
We can be found on the internet at:
http://www.ArgotecMusic.com
Brian Mackey
www.sonicbids.com/brianmackeymusic
Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Brian: It means there is validation, from the obvious to the obscure. Side by side with artists from all genres, I really feel honored to be a part of it.
Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Brian: I want to say yes, but to be honest with you sometimes a cold, dark, rainy day brings out a happy song too.
Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Brian: Freedom to be creative without the restraints of too many corporate dictates. If i want to sound like a garageband, I can, If I want to record in garageband… I can :)
Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Brian: Well that’s a good question. I’m more like a drop-in listener. I come across a lot of stuff by accident all over the internet, and there are so many that it would take me an hour and a half to mention. But my roots are planted deeply in old classical music, infused with 80’s pop with a tinge of what’s going on now.
Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
Brian: Most definitely. This write up is proof of it. There are a lot of people that may or may not get recognized. The one’s that do, are on the internet or some form of media that can be self directed and put in front of a listener they normally would have no contact with.
Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Brian: I’m currently recording my next album, and am doing some touring. My next shows will be at Muzikfest in Bethlehem, PA, Akron Univeristy in Ohio, and Central Park in NYC. And of course this fine Write-Up in Skope, but you know this already by reading it, don’t you… :)
For more information about Brian Mackey go to www.brianmackeymusic.com and
www.myspace.com/brimackey
Brother Num
www.sonicbids.com/BrotherNum
Anna Garrott
www.sonicbids.com/AnnaGarrott
Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
AG: I’m honored and thrilled! Thanks to music communities such as Skopemag.com, music and news about up-and-coming independent artists can now reach millions of viewers and subscribers. It helps level the playing field a bit to have a media outlet such as Skope that not only informs readers about their favorite “Top 20” artists, but also introduces viewers/readers to new indie artists at the same time.
Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
AG: I wouldn’t say the summer weather makes me “more” inspired necessarily than the colder months, but it inspires me in a different way. As an artist and writer, I am constantly drawing from the things around me and/or how they make me feel to capture that in a song. For me, I tend to write more ballads with a darker subject matter in the colder months. Likewise, when spring and summer begin to roll around, the groovin’ melodies and lighthearted good-time, good lovin’ songs pour out. The instrumentation for these songs that I tend to favor also varies from season to season. It’s the overall ‘attitude’ of the song that really denotes that, however. For example, I tend to want dobro or a heavy string section for the darker ballads, and a harmonica, mandolin or a horn section feels right for the more up-tempo songs.
Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
AG: The music industry is one (if not the most) unpredictable industries that I know. It’s hard to have a concrete business plan because the game is constantly changing due to the internet and the digital era. I, for one, am so grateful to be an independent artist signed to the independent label (Blue Steel Records) right now. It is such a great time for the “indies” in the music business because we are now able to accomplish the very same things that the “majors” once totally dominated. And…being a part of smaller label, I have much greater creative control and input over my music, and I feel that is simply a necessity as an artist.
Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
AG: Oh man, where to begin? I listen to a smorgasbord of music! Sam Cooke, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, The Allman Bros, Needtobreathe, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zero’s, Van Morrison, Patty Griffin, Brett Dennon, The Levees, Susan Tedeschi, Robert Earl Keen, David Nail, Fleetwood Mac, Otis Redding, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Widespread Panic, and The Four Tops…. to name a few.
Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
I wouldn’t exactly say it has leveled the playing field yet, but the Internet certainly has given the independent artists and labels a much better chance of success. Thanks to the internet and the digital era, people can have access to all different genres of music…not just what is being played on Top 20 Radio. A band can now have millions of digital downloads and a sold-out tour all without ever releasing a single to commercial radio. Not to mention, I think the listeners are glad to now have outlets to find new artists and bands instead of the same handful that are currently played on Top 20 radio. It’s become a win-win situation for both the artist and fans!
Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
AG: With the success of the first single behind us, we are now in the studio working on the second, follow-up single and album. We are also currently putting together the fall tour that that will cover ground anywhere from New Mexico to Michigan. To stay up-to-date, check out www.AnnaGarrott.com for info, blogs, merchandise, and most importantly, when we’ll be playing in a city near you!
Merksmilez
www.sonicbids.com/Merksmilez
Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Merksmilez: It means my music is appreciated in a diverse atmosphere. In a diverse atmosphere to be spotlighted as an artist to watch is a great accomplishment and representation of the hard working paying off.
Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Merksmilez: Well, in general I am inspired by stories and the events that take place around me on a daily basis. I can be inspired by the smallest thing, which allows me to write all year around.
Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Merksmilez: Freedom major artist usually have restraints as far as deadlines to submit a finished project that sometimes can affect the productivity of an artist if the deadline isn’t reasonable for what the artist is attempting to create.
Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Merksmilez: Eminem, Nas and Damien Marley, Kanye, Alicia Keys, Trey Songs the list goes on including independent artist as well as major artist in the equation.
Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
Merksmilez: Definitely, music communities such as Skope are a testament to that in it. Artist of today rely on the internet to reach their audience. With different creditable sources online those audiences are reached and validate the artist’s ability. A big internet presence within your music translates to a multitude of opportunities for your music career.
Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Merksmilez: I am working on my album. I’m picking my first single right now. Trying to perform at as many festivals as possible. You can talk to me on twitter @merksmilez. I have a blog that basically documents my progression www.merksmilez.blogspot.com And of course my EPK is right on Sonicbids.com/merksmilez
Brite Lite Brite
www.sonicbids.com/britelitebrite
Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Brite Lite Brite: It’s exciting! Our music attracts a very diverse crowd, so being featured in Skope gets our music out to the right people.
Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Brite Lite Brite: The vibe of summer does affect how we write music. In the warmest months, we tend towards edgy party music. In the dead of winter our songs usually come out sparkly, textured and symphonic. Fall and spring are just our bowl of porridge, when the perfect weather and the energy of the city let us get it just right.
Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Brite Lite Brite: Technology. For one, the possibilities are limitless. We no longer need a major label to put out music and videos. We are almost our own Brite Lite Brite monopoly. Marketing and distribution are the only things left we need to outsource. The other thing is our application of technology. What we do was not possible 4 years ago. The technology is finally coming into its own and being on the forefront of it allows us to pioneer brand new territory in live production, sound design, and interactive performance. Check out our live videos and you will see what we’re talking about!
Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Brite Lite Brite: Right now we’re listening to The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, CSS, Crystal Castles, Cut Copy, Santigold, Air, The Knife, Hot Chip, Private, Louis La Roche, Deadmau5, Ratatat, Justice, Major Lazer
Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
Brite Lite Brite: It used to be that a major label was your only chance. Now anyone with talent can be heard with a little hard work. Before we even released our album, Universe Universe, it was leaked online and showed up on 20 different torrent sites, Youtube, and free downloadable playlists. By the time the album was released a lot of people had already heard it, which only fueled the hype of the release. There is a new business model emerging that will actually get artists paid per play by advertisers, so the music is free for the listener. We’re excited about this, our music gets played often enough and the desirability of a major label contract shrinks every year.
Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Brite Lite Brite: In September we’ll be releasing our latest track “I Lost My Heart Tonight” as a single, followed up by our second album release in Spring 2011. Right now we’re promoting our debut album Universe Universe, available on iTunes, amazon.com, and www.britelitebrite.com. We’ll be playing the MTN album release party at Music Ecology on August 3rd in Boston, Open Stage 2010 in Central Park on Sept. 4th and East River Park on October 16th in NYC, and other shows and parties in and around Boston.
Rumbletone
www.sonicbids.com/Rumbletone
Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Rumbletone: It validates the hours,days, and years of hard work as a working band, a songwriter, and the blood,sweat, and tears of our works with our recent debut Cd release. We believe it is relevant in today’s music as well as the music we grew up with.” Old school meets New school”. To be featured with and along side bands that are the music of yesterday,today,and tomorrow is well beyond a tap on the back, or a” You guys rock” comment at a gig (which is all good!) but to have our music recognized in the presence of such a diverse music community is extremely gratifying.
Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Rumbletone: Absolutely! The lyrics to Vacation verse 2 says it all.
we’ll get lots of sun, everyday
take a swim , let’s walk the bay
my bare feet are in the sand
now i know i’m in the promised land
rainbow skies are my destiny
i realize…
i’m on my vacation
The only thing living in Kauai is that this is part of daily life instead of vacation! Sorry, we all make choices. You can’t help but be inspired by the awe inspiring ocean,waterfalls,vegetation,sunrises,sunsets, and the Aloha spirit of the people that live here and visit here.
Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Rumbletone: The journey and the unknown future. First it started with recording, mastering the CD, the Cd release, radio buzz, release party gigs, local music critic reviews, internet radio stations, Sonicbids submissions ,Skopemag.and more gigs! The journey where it begins and where it goes nobody knows. The available tools for bands in 2010 gives us access to endless opportunities to keep the dream alive. Thanks for Rock and Roll and the internet.
Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Rumbletone: Re-release of Exile on Main Street-Rolling Stones , Kings of Leon, Stone Temple Pilots, Puddle of Mudd, Pearl Jam, Citizen Cope , Social Distortion, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Robin Trower
Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
Rumbletone: It certainly has enabled indie artists a chance to expose and share their music with fans and peers alike. Leveled , much closer the field, indie bands can fly on and all over the radar on internet radio like jango,last fm,etc.
Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Rumbletone: We got some local and outer island gigs, the biggest on Oahu coming up at The Monarch Room in The Royal Hawaiian Hotel for the Jams World Fashion show/concert a benefit for the Children’s Cancer Society. We working on getting into some festivals in the mainland, more artists to watch features, more glowing Cd reviews. People can find us on our website Http://www.Rumbletone.org or at www.reverbnation.com/rumbletone ,Cdbaby, & I-Tunes.
Lathan Moore
www.sonicbids.com/LathanMoore
Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Lathan Moore: Like many of the online media outlets, Skope Mag, affords me the opportunity to share my music with an audience that I might not otherwise be able to reach. It’s another outside-of-the-box avenue for me a many independent artists!
Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Lathan Moore: The summer months are “working” months when most artists, including me, are on the road playing gigs. If an idea hits me, no matter the time of year, I’ll sit and write. But, it seems more often than not, I’ll find myself writing more during the cooler months when the tour schedule has simmered down.
Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Lathan Moore: The possibilities are endless! Being an independent artist there are very little “boundaries.” As a Blue Steel Recording artist, I feel like the doors are wide open and that allows me to be more creative.
Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Lathan Moore: I listen to all types of music but I try to listen to a lot of new country. Being a writer, I feel it’s important to stay on top of what’s being played and I have to stay on top of what radio likes…with the hope that maybe I’ll get a cut.
Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
Lathan Moore: I think so. The Internet enables an indie artist to share their music with an audience that is worldwide. I might not be touring in Europe, but folks abroad can still hear my music and purchase it. The Internet and the independent artist are equal to an artist working with a major label. Now, with the Internet, we have the same “capabilities” really.
Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Lathan Moore: I’m on the road now promoting my new single, “Beautiful Girl” renewing old acquaintances and making new friends. It’s exciting to release a new single and CD, but over the course of time that it takes to actually get the project done and out there, I’m ready to start work on a new one. So, searching for songs and writing new music is my concentration in the coming months.
Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Roy Orbs: I suppose its a testament to the diverseness of our own music.
Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
RO:No. It makes me sluggish and im hard all day. Its very sultry out there. Law usually does its best work in the winter. We are however working hard on our full-length follow-up to the ‘of monkeys and man’ ep.
Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
RO: Probably the oil spill.
Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
RO: Ive been listening to Saul Williams a lot. And our new record constantly. My bandmates krimm and the boy listen to nothing but death metal. Johnny ola – peabo bryson. none of these influences appear on the new cd.
Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
RO: Not quite. One still needs gross amounts of money and tv is still huge at getting your sound out there. However it is easier now than it ever was to lure thousands of victims to your basement, which is where i spend most of my time.
Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
RO: Currently we are working on our full lengther. It is to be tentatively called, ‘welcome to lucifer at work.’ This ones more personal and emotional than our previous installment, which i refer to as ‘hard science’ (the ‘of monkeys..’ ep). It will also include our usual social critique and commentary. Its very heavy and dark except the single, ‘Jeffrey Dahmer’ which you can currently hear an excerpt on our myspace page. www.myspace.com/luciferatwork .
Superart
www.sonicbids.com/Superart
Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
SUPERART: Let’s be honest – it’s always nice to be featured and recognized for your work, right? The fact that it’s SKOPE just makes it that much better. Our music is just starting to go public and we feel like we fit right in with what SKOPE is all about.
Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
SUPERART: It certainly makes you more inspired to get out and play shows. This is the best time of the year to be productive and play as many gigs as you can. Also, our music sounds really good when you’re driving fast with all the windows down – summer is great for that.
Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
SUPERART: There are absolutely more ways to get your music out independently now than ever before, and we don’t anticipate that changing. Artists have so much more control than they did, say, 10 years ago – and it’s only going to be more so in the future. We also think that a lot of consumers are turned off by the music production factories of the major lables.
Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
SUPERART: The Beatles remastered (stereo) catalog, Them Crooked Vultures, the new Dead Weather album… It’s a few years old, but Zero 7 is just awesome. Kyshona Armstrong. Tracy Bonham just came out with a great record.
Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
SUPERART: It’s leveled the field, but only compared to where it was before. You still can’t compare indie vs. major artists. In terms of exposure, opportunity, and money it’s still not even close. The internet has, however, become a great tool for indie artists and fans to connect, and thank god for that.
Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
SUPERART: Our debut album, “The Weirdbeard Sessions” was just released on iTunes last month, so feel free to download yourself a copy. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. We’re on Facebook and, of course, Sonicbids. Our EPK is at www.sonicbids.com/Superart and our MySpace is www.myspace.com/superartband. Thank you SKOPE and thank you all.
Lillith
www.sonicbids.com/Lillith
Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
Lillith: We love it, of course, and since our music is hard to put in a straight genre it feels like we fit among the diversity of artists being featured in Skope.
Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
Lillith: Well, we live in the cold north and have not seen much sun this summer, so warm weather hasn’t helped us to be creative. We think rather that cold causes us to be more creative, because there isn’t much else to do and we can be focused on our work. This summer we have produced several songs in a row, for our next album, so for our part, one can say that maybe it’s okay that the sun stays behind clouds a bit longer.
Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
Lillith: There are so many different directions in music today, which is exciting to be a part of. We rely on the notion of creative freedom; – the music can’t really be controlled and tamed.
Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
Lillith: Right now we’re listening to the great psycedelic/surf-band The Black Angels, Karen Elson (especially the song “The Ghost Who Walkes”), Amanda Palmer, Tom Waits and as always The Doors.
Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
Lillith: Internet has made it so people can decide what music they want to hear, and not only be consumed by music from major recordlabels. At the same time it’s easier for a band from Norway, like us, to reach an audience worldwide. But it’s still hard for an indie artist to get the same exposure as an major label artist, in the lack of capital and support.
Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
Lillith: Currently, Lillith is working with new material for next full-length album, and got a new bandmember for this one on piano/harmonica etc. We promise many surprises for the next album. The musical expression will be somewhat different than our debutalbum. We will perform some of the new material on gigs in the autumn 2010. Readers can learn more about Lillith at; www.myspace.com/oflillith
Yung Khan
www.sonicbids.com/YungKhan
Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?
YK: It means a lot to me that I’ve gotten an opportunity as much in this day and age when the market is so flooded with artists it can be hard to break away from the pack and opprutunites like this make that possible. Also being a crossover artist making all types of music it’s important for my music to reach varous types of people and genres of music and that’s what a magazine as diverse as Skope does.
Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?
YK: For me I can’t say the warm summer helps me with my creativity if anything the summer provides more distractions then anything because there is so much do to and look at. My best music actually always comes when I am extremely bored stressed out or if there’s a lot of drama currently in my life and it comes spontaneously. In the summer there always something to do there’s no drama and everything is ussually good and there’s a lot of distractions so I’m not in the studio laying down tracks as much.
Skope: What is the most exciting aspect of being an independent artist in 2010?
YK: Wow the most exciting aspect of being an indie artist in 2010 is the opprutunities. There are so many opportunities available to indie artist today that weren’t available 15 or even 10 years ago networking, promotional, and recording wise. If a dude wanted to drop a mixtape for instance he could record the tracks at his house promote his mixtape via the internet and make his music avalible to the whole world to hear. I know myself I’ve had people from Vietnam Japan and Isreal contact me and tell me there fans. That wouldn’t have been possible ten years ago without a major distribution and record deal.
Skope: What other bands & musicians are you listening to right now?
YK: Honestly I probably listen to myself more then I listen to any other artist. Not to sound arrogant but its like if you ask an athlete who do they watch on TV they will tell you they’re fans of other dudes but they watch themselves more then anyone to critique themselves. It’s a way to get better and I’m always listening and trying to get better. Outside of that I listen to a couple mainstream artist. Lil Wayne is my favorite rapper. I like Drake. I think “Thank Me Later” was a good album. I also was feeling that “Recovery” by Eminem was a great album. He’s an inspirations since we come from the same state but I’m really waiting on Kanye’s new album to drop, outside of Weezy, Kanye is my fav rapper.
Skope: Has the Internet leveled the playing field between indie & major label artists?
YK: I think the internet has leveled the playing field to a certain point. I don’t belive the playing field will ever be level because major artist will always have the power of “the industry” behind them. Basically the power to say a song will get airplay everywhere so fans of that genre will hear it one way or another. That’s why still in this day and age most artists goal is still to get a record deal because even thought the internet has made is easier for indie artist voices to be heard it doesn’t have the driving force the industry has
Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?
YK: Umm my current mixtape “I-KHAN” is available for free download at my official website www.yungkhan.com along with my other mixtapes. My next mixtape Mortal Khanbat 2 (MK2) drops early December or January. Add me on facebook. At www.facebook.com/yungkhan & FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER www.twitter.com/ydotk that’s where you can learn about me but definately follow me on the twitter.
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