I just stumbled across a website that allows you to upload your music for free, and then put a player on your site. It’s mixcloud.com It’s based out of the UK, and currently I don’t get the  catch. They are all about streaming (no legal rights to deliver downloads) and there seems to be a community growing over at this site for people who love club / DJ type music. You can also upload talk shows (so I through a Cooler episode up there). When you upload a file you can then add chapters that allow people to jump to different sections and leave comments.

In general they want you to send your visitors to their website so they can try and sell advertisements. However, if your music fits this genre, and its free, I’m thinking, “What they heck.” Takes about 2 minutes to sign up and file out a profile.

David Lee Roth once said that he jumps around on stage because he wants the audience to jump around. In his immoral wisdom he said, “You just need to do it without throwing a rod man…”

I was listening to a jazz station this Sunday morning and heard some old Bennie Goodman (my mother was a big fan and taught me to jitter bug as a teenager). I will be talking about Bennie if a future Musicians Cooler Podcast. But I went and found this youtube video, and I notice something half way through as these guys took their solos. They were smiling (hard to play Clarinet and smile but Bennie did), if you watch the back row, all their knees are bobbing up and down to the beat in unison. Could it be this band is (gasp) having fun?

If your audience is dead, not paying attention to you I ask, is your band dead and not paying attention to them?

The Band Cheap trick dodged a bullet and now the Country Band Sugarland decided to “wait a second” before going on stage. This is video is shocking to watch – especially knowing that four people died. I point this out to say “the show must go on” is not a true statement when it’s raining sideways.The wind was crazy that day. My condolences to all the families of those who lost someone.

One of the keys to being a great singer is having a unique voice. John Corabi was in a band called The Scream, and later was tapped to replace Vince Neil in  Motely Crue 1994 (I loved the Crue with John). He was also in a band called Union with Ex-Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick. I read that he was getting ready to release an acoustic album. Cool! I thought, and Googled and found his website.

His website is dismal.

It has his schedule, and if you want contact him manager, see his facebook, and twitter. If you want to hear or see him you are out of luck?After all, why would want to HEAR a musician?

I was depressed. On a talent level he is up there. His website looks like it was made in 1996 with Microsoft Front Page.

What’s missing?

How about links to your discography? (OK, I get that Union and the Scream are out of Print – but where is a link to the new “Give me Air” album?)

How about a bio?

How about Videos? When I went to Youtube there are some good videos with John Solo, Motely Crue and the Scream.

What about photos? For those you have to go to his managements page.

Check out his website at http://johncorabi.com/

John if this post ever gets to you, please contact me so I can build a website for you that matches your talent 888-563-3228

Before I leave every gig I play, I try to find every staff member, shake their hand, and say thank you. Even the one with the pink stripper dancer pole in the middle of the stage. Blink 182 has not had a new single in 8 years (forever in the music business). To promote their new single they’ve released this video. The video explains how they found people who had illegally used their music in videos, and now they are using their video in their new single. While it is kind of a “turn the tables” move, its also their way of saying “thanks for being a fan.”

Here is the actual film festival. Much like the early Beatles, humor is a great way to connect with fans.

Lady Gaga appeared on the Howard Stern show, and before 9 O’clock in the morning sat down with a microphone and a piano and brought the house down. I’ve never really given her any kind of serious listen. I had just heard about her publicity stunts and meat dresses. I have a new found respect. After all, before you start anything you need some talent. If you’re like me and hated her before listening, I think you’ll be surprised. I was especially impressed with the range of melody.

 While everyone across the pond has known about Spotify (and online music service). However, it hasn’t been available in the US. Well, its on its way according to a page on the Spotify website.

This means that more people will be listening to their music on their computers, phones, and if you’re wondering how to get your music on the service, CD Baby is already a partner.

I once started to write a book about selling CDs, and I gave up when I realized there was no competition for CDBaby.com and as things have progressed digitally, the boys at CDbaby have done a good job of keeping up with the technology.

I am (sarcasm here, heavy duty sarcasm), overjoyed that another social network has started up. I haven’t even caught up on my twitter and facebook yet and Google releases Google+.

I did find a good post if you want to jump into the Google+ pool. Check it out.

Also, there will be (yet another) slight delay in podcasts as my portable recorder took a dive this weekend.

I decided to play with the iheartradio app for my smart phone. I found some comedy stations I listen to, and I found a great station for those who grew up in the 80s loving “metal” (Scorpions, Judas Priest, Ozzy, Ratt, Triuph, etc). It’s called “Slippery When Wet.”

The confusing part is this app is the brainchild of Clear Channel (the people who own pretty much every radio station). The reason I find this confusing is this app makes me want to turn off the radio. There are very few commercials (basically asking for me to be their friend on Facebook). When I clicked on the buy button (thinking this was a great way to move old catalog) the button did nothing (I was using firefox). So what is clear channel’s motive? In the end I don’t care. I just enjoy hearing some tunes I don’t normally hear on the radio.

I’m bummed there doesn’t seem to be a “indie” channel (there are 250 channels). I point this out that as a music lover. Anytime I can find a channel that gives me music I love (and that can be my iPod, a Podcast, etc) I always enjoy it. As a fellow musician, I am bringing our attention to it as well.

Matthew Ebel really is using social media to back up his obvious musical chops. He has a membership site for those looking to get “a little closer” to Matthew, and its working. He also gives a lot of stuff away, and it comes back to him in the form of loyal fans. When I went to check out his website, he has a great youtube video that showcases him setting up a beat for his song Lost My Way. In the video, you see Matthew “playing” with the audience, or as Tom Jackson would say “Making a moment” during his performance. It makes me want to go see him live (again). Check out the video below.

For more info check out his website at http://matthewebel.com/

Hear past appearances from Matthew on the Musicians Cooler

His Membershi Site is Paying the Rent

GIiging in Your Pajamas

Matthew Ebel Interview – Studio Quality on Beer and Pizza Budget