(Press Release) Unsigned Bands Can Earn A Spot On “Songs For Film & TV 2” A Globally Distributed Compilation CD

Mystic, CT - April 30, 2008; American Laundromat Records invites unsigned artists and bands to submit for consideration an original song(s) for an upcoming compilation CD titled “Songs For Film & TV - Volume 2”. The CD will be released on American Laundromat Records and distributed worldwide at retail, online and through iTunes. It will also be sent to hundreds of music supervisors and filmmakers for placement consideration in film and television.

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 Rock and Roll Report Podcast #11: A Feature on Fastlane Records [88:03m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Podcast #11 is our first record label focus and we decided that it was only appropriate that it be Fastlane Records, one of our personal favourites and home to such Rock and Roll Report staples as American Anthem and Annex. We recently sat down with Shawn C. Lane, president of Fastlane for an interview which ended up lasting close to 3 hours and was more of enthusiastic conversation than interview that touched on everything from digital downloads, Cheap Trick and those billion dollar bills that came in every copy of Alice Cooper’s Billion Dollar Babies records “back in the day.” Of course the podcast features a hefty dose of rock and roll from a number of Fastlane Artists both past and present.

You can get more info on Fastlane Records on their website at www.fastlanerecords.com or their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/fastlanerecords.

We hope you enjoyed this indie record label feature on Fastlane Records and there are definitely more in the planning stages. If you liked what you heard, please buy the records, go see the bands live and continue to promote the amazing abundance of rock and roll being made each and every day literally around the world. Don’t forget to email your comments and suggestions to rockandrollreport@gmail.com or leave a voice comment on our comment line at 206-339-3646.

If you want to subscribe to the podcast, just click either of the links below:

Subscribe to The Rock and Roll Report Podcast

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Winnipeg, Manitoba’s Smallman Records is an amazing indie record label that has championed the little guy since it’s creation in 1997. Founded by Rob Krause and Jason Smith, Smallman has consistently supported bands that were just starting out, acting not only as their record label but taking on management duties for a number of the bands as well.

Check out their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/smallmanrecords and have a listen to current signings Sick City, Broadway Calls, Sights and Sounds and Daggermouth for a taste of their punk rockin’ sound.

Later.

Mark

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I heard about Full Breach Kicks Records through the Rock and Roll Geek Show and the effect was instantaneous. Within an hour of downloading their label sampler from their Media page I had added the Street Brats’ Destination Nowhere to Monday night’s Rock and Roll Radio playlist and I will probably be including a number of songs on next month’s show and hopefully the podcast as well.

This is a very cool little rock and roll record label and I am both excited and a bit upset that I haven’t discovered them before now. Absolutely first rate rock and roll from a really eclectic selection of bands like The Joneses, Rock ‘n Roll Stormtroopers, Sick Fits and the Soda Pop Kids to name just a few. Download the sampler, play at maximum volume and then order some records from these folks. I can think of no better way to consume a six pack then to have some Full Breach Kicks music blaring on the stereo.

You can check out their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/fullbreachkicks

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Mark

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Jeremy Morris is a musician, independent record label owner and a genuinely nice guy. He was kind enough to answer some questions about running a record label, the future of music and maintaining your faith in the sometimes amoral world of rock and roll.

The Rock and Roll Report: How did you get involved in the music field?

Jeremy Morris: I grew up in it. My father is a professional musician to this day. So I had my first band at age 13 and was playing out professionally at a very young age. My father really helped me alot to get the ball rolling.

RRR: Who are your musical heroes and inspirations

JM: For me it really started with the Beatles and Stones. I was totally into their music, but in the later years I would discover a love for a lot of progressive and electronic music too! Groups like Yes, Genesis, Kayak, Gentle Giant, Pink Floyd, Camel, Barclay James Harvest, Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, Steve Hillage, Amazing Blondel, Gordon Giltrap, Anthony Phillips, Steve Hackett, Ashra, etc…These bands would carry on where the Beatles left off.

RRR: Tell me a bit about the label. How long its been going, what the mission of it is and what kind of music does Jam Recordings release?

JM: The label went public with official releases in 1984. We pressed up 6000 copies for my first album. A bit ambitious for the time when indie labels were not so common. The mission of the label has always been to put out good music and bring happiness to many people. The styles range from rock, progressive, power pop, electronic, Christian, instrumental, ambient, etc.. If it’s good and I love it, then I will probably release it. I don’t go by what is popular, I go by what I like.

RRR: What kind of distribution does Jam Recordings have? Are you playing in the digital space as well and how?

JM: Jam has world wide distribution with many small indie outlets all over the globe. I find the little guys to be more honest by experience, (While the big boys may move more units, they are less likely to pay you…sad but true) I am still a firm believer in the traditional cd and lp and will continue with that format as long as people want it. I have never downloaded a song. I am not into that at all. I want the full package, the artwork, the lyrics, the information. To me this whole downloading thing is the McDonalds land of fast food music! … and it really hurting the concept of “The album”—A collection of songs that is meant to be listened to as a complete experience.

RRR: With all the doom and gloom in the music industry these days about slumping sales, how do you compete or at least break even in this cut throat world?

JM: I carry on by faith. Of course, I think the industry has always been difficult from day one. I am on a mission to keep making and providing good music because I was made to do that. God has always taken care of me. Somehow it all works out, even though it defies logic, God will provide. The orders come in and I ship out the music. It’s in His hands.

RRR: Your faith is very important to you. I remember the first time I heard “What God Wants” (fantastic song by the way!) I thought it was some kind of metaphor for something else (hey, I’m not too swift!) but it didn’t take me long to realize that the song was about your faith. How do you reconcile your faith with the sometimes crazy, immoral world of rock and roll?

JM: I am glad you like the song! Thanks. I have been criticized for many years by the religious people for being a rock musician. Playing this music has never been a problem for me because I don’t associate it with immorality. People like to blame music for our cultures problems ( but the music is really a mirror of our culture) I have played rock music in bars since I was 15 years old. I never got into drugs, drinking, smoking , or any of that. To me that was of no interest at all. I was there for the music, not the party.

RRR: You have been referred to as one of the hardest working men in rock and roll and you even have a tribute album out dedicated to your music. Why do you do what you do?

JM: I have a conviction that I was born to do this. I have been passionate about music all my life. I would be forsaking my calling if I didn’t do music. One must be true to who they really are.

RRR: The music industry has evolved considerably in the last few years. All this Web 2.0 technology like MySpace and YouTube are giving indie artists better tools to get their music out there to potential fans. What are your thoughts on these developments? How are you as an artist and a record label owner taking advantage of these technologies?

JM: I am a big fan of both MySpace and YouTube. I think it’s a wonderful networking tool for both musicians and music fans. I am working strong on both of these fronts and find that these developments are helping truly independents reach a greater audience than ever before. I have alot of music videos up on YouTube for example. The response has been great!

RRR: What are your near term and long term plans for Jam Records and your music?

JM: I plan to continue releasing as much music on the label as I can. (Both my own and other artists as well) The label is about to release a 3 cd charity set for Hurricane Katrina victims called “Sweet Relief”. The cd has 74 bands from 12 countries around the world. The profits from the release will go to help the poor and the homeless. I am very excited about this project.

I also have a 5 cd career spanning Jeremy Box set coming soon…. 5 cds of original recordings from 1976–2005 called “SONLIGHT” They are also many other projects in the pipeline. I am certainly not bored. I will do as much as I can while I am still here. The best is yet to come.

You can visit the Jam Recording website by going to http://www.jamrecordings.com/ or listen to his music at his MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/jeremyamorris

Later.

Mark

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Versailles Records have just announced that they will be releasing Race Track Rock Vol. I/II/III featuring a shitload of bands including One Bad Son and American Heartbreak, both of who have been played on Rock and Roll Report Radio as well as tracks featuring such guitarists as Jake E. Lee and Jimmy Crespo! God I remember when Crespo was playing in Aerosmith when Steve Tyler had no clue where the hell he was but be that as it may, there is a lot of cool looking stuff on the CD and it sounds like a lot of fun.

If that’s not enough, Versailles has also announced Skater Rock Vol. I/II which will be themed around and featuring the best in skateboarding rock and metal. According to their press release

The album will feature material from current/former members of Exodus, Dangerous Toys, Skid Row, Jetboy, Salty Dog, Watchtower, Saigon Kick, Black Sabbath, Dio, Axis, and others. In addition to the aforementioned material, the label is seeking original song submissions from up and coming, signed and unsigned millennium rock and metal bands. Each participating band will receive a photo and bio in the cd booklet, as well as promos. Interested bands should email inquiries to skateboardrock2007@yahoo.com.

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Mark

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100% Canadian owned, Bhurr Records is the home to some very cool Canadian bands including two of my personal favorites, Galore and Crash Kelly (who are of to LA to record their new record with Gilby Clarke once again producing).

According to their site, Bhurr Records is most interested “in exploring the Alternative, Garage, Power Pop and last, but by no means least, Rock n Roll genres.” Using just the examples of Crash Kelly and Galore, they are a beacon of quality rock and roll in a field crowded often times crowded with mediocrity. The lable is part of RCD Music, a full service management firm that has “has worked with more than 100 Artists, produced more than 500 events at venues across Canada, licensed music for foreign distribution, placed music in film and television shows and developed corporate marketing programs that bring Bands and Brands together.”

Check out their music store to order any one of their quality releases.

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Mark

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Based out of Dallas, Texas, Idol Records is a very cool record label with bucket loads of attitude and the bands to back it up. When I first heard the Idol Records band The Fags, I instantly became a fan as their Cheap Trick on steroids rock and roll swagger won me over song after song after song. Having recently signed Glen Reynolds to the fold, Idol Records boasts the aforementioned Fags and Reynolds in addition to Black Tie Dynasty, Mitra, PPT, Sponge, Watershed, Flickerstick and more. To whet your appetite, check out these cool MP3s:

The Fags: Truly, Truly

Black Tie Dynasty: I Like U

Mitra: Crucifixed

More can be found on their Audio page or check out their MySpace page for more music.

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Part 1 of this interview can be found here.

RRR: I have always felt that the live show was integral to rock and roll, especially in this day of music videos and You Tube. Your thoughts?

SCL: Oh sure, if you can’t make the audience feel their part of a rock and roll spectacle you need to pack-it-up and go home. We approach each recording as if the band is playing live..you can’t fool the fans, they know when there’s no energy and then they get bored and move-on. I always wanted the fans to put a FLR release in their car stereo and get the feeling the band is in the backseat playing live as the kick-drum is thumping up against the drivers seat (laughs)..crowd participation is everything to us, I also want fans to be comfortable with the quality of our releases that they will buy blindly anything we put out because they know it pure quality from the heart. That’s our main mission/goal of our existence.

RRR: What kind of distribution does Fastlane have? Are you playing in the digital space as well and how?

SCL: We have distro all through North America and picking up more all the time. We also cover Europe/Japan, etc. It’s never enough and we’ll never settle on any certain territory as we are always eager to expand all over the country, etc. Small/medium/large we just want to make sure it’s available in storeas abroad and if it isn’t you can go to the counter and order it…it’s all about convienence for the consumer. As for digital we are on iTunes, Yahoo, etc, etc..you can also go to our interactive website (shameless plug) www.fastlanerecords.com and download one song or the whole album or you can be old-fashion and actually (gasp) by the CD in the hard copy version..jewel case and all (laughs)..why someone wouldn’t want the actual hard copy of the release and read through the booklet and listen to the disc at the same time is really beyond me as I waited as a eager kid for the newest Alice Cooper/KISS Record to come out so I could check out the posters/tattoos/decals, etc..I’ll never know, but hey it’s a new era and you have to roll with the changes and we give the audience a choice which I really think they appreciate having choices that suits them and their element.

RRR: I’ve noticed that Fastlane has done some pretty cool tribute projects. For those who may not have been aware, what have you done in the past and what do you have in store for the future?

SCL: As I mentioned the NY Dolls tribute ‘Jetboys Of Babylon’ came out in 2005 all done in HD and features a all-star line-up including David Johansen/The Alarm/Steve Jones/FLIPP and many more…liners written by Dolls biographer Nina Antonia. Also the Rick Springfield tribute ‘Working Class Dogs’ which features members of Rick’s band among others. Don’t be fooled by being a tribute to Rick Springfield, these rock and are done modern to appeal to his fans and their kids as well..also done in HD. We also have on the chopping block the Beatles tribute ‘Beatle-Esque’ and one to The SWEET called ‘Sweetness’ and last but not least the Cheap Trick tribute ‘Tricked Out’. Understand I hate/loathe tributes as their all done tasteless and lackluster and we have no intentions of churning out tribute after tribute. We wanted to take a handful of bands/people and pay homage to, but do it right and for the right reasons, etc. Partial proceeds of our tributes go to the American Cancer Society.

RRR: The Rock and Roll exists to constantly remind people that rock and roll is far from dead and FastLane certainly believes in the power of the amplified guitar! What do you see as rock and roll’s prospects? Do you see it shrinking into a specialized niche like blues while the pop tarts of the American Idol generation monopolizes mainstream media?

SCL: Yes, we think the amped-up guitar is the backbone of rock and roll at it’s best. It signifies rebellion as much as angst and aggression and when used properly with hooks/harmonies galore it’s meant for a escape of everyday life, we here at FLR don’t believe in preaching a message or driving a political message home. Music is a escape from everyday life..if you want a sermon/message then attend church. Were trying to bring a oasis and a wall of sound to relieve aggression/tension. American Idol is nothing but manufactured drivel catered to the masses of young people who actually think that’s all the choices they have for great music..sad, really. I think like any other trend AI will run it’s course and it will go down in the annals of music history of contrived/manufactured pop-stars that have material written for them..not a original/creative bone in their body. Anything that’s not real comes out in the wash.

RRR: What are your thoughts on DRM, podcasting, Internet radio and digital music downloads?

SCL: We embrace/welcome it. Podcasting is taking over radio it seems. When you have a good product it sells itself no matter what it’s played on. Again word-of-mouth will always carry beyond the call of duty. You have to keep up with the ever-changing world of technology or get lost in a cloud of dust. As I stated, we already have digital downloading available on our website as well as the other outlets..visibility is a viable approach as you have to make sure your product is in reach, I don’t care how great your release is, if no one hears it or does not know it even exist, it falls on deaf ears. It has really become a dog eat dog world in the audio realm. You always have to stay a step-ahead or you will be left in back of the line. In closing I think rock and roll fans are smart enough to scour the web and find what suits their musical taste and we here at FLR believe we offer-up enough variety in the rock/pop genre (and everything else in-between) there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. Feel free to visit our awesome interactive website at www.fastlanerecords.com as well as our my space site at www.myspace.com/fastlanerecords.

We also have a side company in the IRG (Independent Recording Group) www.independentrecordinggroup.com that networks with other quality Indie labels (as we believe in strength in numbers) to help build a strong/viable force to bring high-quality releases to the masses of music fans that are ready for a change. There really is a choice in music, we just have to educate ourselves better and seek-it-out. We feel feel confident that FLR will make a lasting impression on your music buying as we offer variety and high-quality releases to impress the most fickle music fan.

I would like to thank Shawn for taking his time out for speaking to me and I highly recommend you check out the Fastlane Records site and have a listen to what they are doing. Its all pretty amazing and sounds great live!

Later.

Mark

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Based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Fastlane Records is a great indie label which not only pumps out cool, unabashed melodic hard pop to hard rock and roll but they think big. I recently chatted with Fastlane Records owner and CEO Shawn C. Lane on what makes the label tick, what kind of music they are looking for and life in the iTunes generation. Part 1 runs today, Part 2 concludes tomorrow.

RRR: Tell me a bit about the label. How long its been going, what the mission of it is and what kind of music makes the FastLane grade?

SCL: FastLane Records originated in 1994 when I was managing a local band that was starting to take off at the time called Erotic Suicide. There was a buzz from Japan to England on this band as MTV-Europe called them one of America’s brightest hope in music, but remember at this time grunge had really reared it’s ugly head and had taken over the radio and MTV among others and gritty/sleazy rock and roll that we were doing at this time had all but died. We decided in 2000 to bring FastLane Records to fruition 24/7 as an actual Label and open our doors to find the best newcomers and undiscovered/upcoming talent we possibly could in the hard pop to hard rock genre with a guitar edge/crunch.

Our mission from day one is what it still is, which is straight-up, non-apologetic, slap-across-the-face rock and roll with a flair for showmanship as well as great musicianship..’audio for your ears and a visual for your eyes’ we like to say. Gone are the days of what I call ‘Shoegazer’s’..bands that look like the brother’s of a frat house. Anytime you can’t tell the band onstage from the kids in the crowd..it’s a problem (laughs). We stay away from the cookie-cutter approach as other major/indie labels go for which is the flavor-of-the-week, I personally think that’s about as contrived and artificial as you can get. We recieve many demos per week/month and it would be so easy to sign everything that comes across your desk, but I’m to old-school and believe in ‘quality not quanity’.

The kind of music we strive and look for is the kind that gives you that heart-pumping, unadulterated feeling of a ‘real’ rock show when you paid your hard earned money and you got a band that looked and sounds like a rock and roll band. Image is just important as the music to us..it’s actually 50/50 concoction that’s why it’s so hard to scour the globe for the band that meets the criteria. We specialize in hard pop to hard rock, but were a very guitar oriented driven label.

RRR: One of the things you state that you are trying to bring back to rock and roll is showmanship. What do you mean about that and how are you going about achieving it?

SCL: Showmanship is such a lost art form. In the last ten plus years we have been de-sensitised in thinking that everything you see on the video channels look like the neighbor’s kid practicing in the garage, etc. I’m a product/child of the 80’s and weened on Motley/Ratt, etc and I also know the big hair and over-the-top antics, big hair and lipstick will never come back, but it also made Hollywood and the world take notice between 1984-1990 or so. Everyone borrows/steals from someone else and if your going to steal..do it right (laughs). We like to think we borrow from the yesteryear bands (circa 70’s/80’s) and add a modern day twist to the mix. The audience have grown weary of today’s products and with the absence of rock videos on MTV, etc it really has taken away from a lost art that used to move product. I think that’s why all the nostalgia acts from the 80’s do so well on packaged tours because people want to be entertained visually as well as by the music..it really is a univeral language.

We just basically incorporate that mindset into the millinium and set-forth to put out a great product that will sell itself on it’s own strengths and hope it appeals to the masses.

RRR: What are the bands currently signed to the label?

SCL: As of now we have American Anthem (which you may remember toured with Bret Michaels in 2003 as his opening band as well as his band for his set playing the Poison songs). We also have a great band from N.Y. called The Meddling Kids which are great power-pop/edged rockers that are just fantastic. We also have from Nashville the Red Carpet Rats who just are incredible in their songwriting and performance as their finishing up their record with Jim Ebert (Butch Walker fame) and it’s just a mind-blower. We also house Annex from Green Bay, WI..these guys are over-the-top showman with a awesome stage-show as they deliver a fury of anthemic structures songs that stick in your head for days. As of now their first single were releasing (uncensored/censored versions of the audio as well as a video to accompany it) called ‘Brought It On Yourself’ has been a staple on the podcast network for the last few weeks in the top ten world-wide of podcasters and climbing everyday. Radio will be serviced with the radio-edit version this month..this could really be the break-out song of this year indie wise. (Rock and Roll Report Radio has already played the “radio unfriendly” version a few times already! ed.) We also have other bands were finalising as we speak.

We also have some great tributes we have out, such as the NY Dolls tribute ‘Jetboys Of Babylon’ we did in 2005 that features David Johansen himself redoing ‘Babylon’ (at the time we did this the NY Dolls reunion was on the table and I was the one speaking with the late great Arthur Kane about doing something for this tribute, I was also the one to make him aware of the Dolls reunion show in England put together from Morrissey) it also featured FLIPP/Steve Jones/ The Alarm and many more. Right now, we have just finished a Rick Springfield tribute called ‘Working Class Dogs’ and it flat-out rocks and modernizes his hits into the millinium. In the works (on the subject of tributes) we have one to Cheap Trick called ‘Tricked Out’ which we have pictures and liner notes supplied to us by none other than CREEM magazine (for you older readers, CREEM was a major staple in rock magazines throughout the 70’s and part of the early 80’s) and there’s talks about one to the Beatles called ‘Beatle-Esque’ and also the SWEET called ‘Sweetness’..those latter mentioned are still in the planning stages.

RRR: I like the fact that Fastlane artists tend to have great hooks and harmonies, something that almost seems old fashioned in this day and age. Is this a concsious decision?

SCL: Absolutely, 100% on purpose and we stand by it as well as resemble that remark (laughs). Rock and roll has always meant to be fun, tongue-in-cheek, raunchy and full-on debauchery at it’s finest. You take great hooks/harmonies with a soaring, guitar laden crunchiness for the structuring and your not only appealing to the college kids/power-popsters, but also metal fans who appreciate the guitar playing and musicianship as well…really, something for everyone. It’s designed for universal appeal..hate it/love it, but you can’t deny/ignore it.
We feel were onto a formula that is timeless and has a market in every major outlet you can find our releases in the rock/pop section and not the Indie section nor the Alternative (god, I hate that term) section way in the back that know one can find/see.

RRR: With the record industry in such disarray and the sales of CDs declining according to most estimates, how do you see a small indie like FastLane surviving and even thriving in this iTunes world?

SCL: You roll with the punches and keep up with the modern changes in technology as well as anything in cutting-edge. I wouldn’t exactly call FLR a small Indie. Maybe a medium Indie (laughs). We also take pride in our packaging of the CD’s (remember the old Alice Cooper/KISS packaging) we incorporate all the visuals as well as adding props to go inside. We also have taken upon ourselves audio-wise to master all our releases in high-definition which is a huge plus as most Indies do not want that costs it takes for this process..it’s costly, but well worth-it in our book. Only afew Majors have dabbled in the HDCD format. It might change now as the popularity is growing from HDTV’S/HDDVD’S to HD Radio, but we have been doing it since 2004 and will continue to do so..more bang for your buck. iTunes we have totally embraced as well as other knock-off companies..the more the better. Word-of-mouth will always be the best form of advertisement no matter how many thousands of dollars you spend on print ads, etc. If something sucks, it sucks…you can’t shine shit.

Check back tomorrow for part 2 of our interview with Shawn as we talk about everything from podcasting and the power of the amplified guitar. See you then!

Mark

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I originally published this 2 years ago but I am republishing it today because on the next Drastic Plastic Program on CKUT 90.3 FM I will be part of our monthly 3 Amigos spectacular and will be focusing on this very label as well as playing theit latest release from the excellent band The Marahajas (have a listen to "Sometimes I Miss Me". What is so impressive about Crusher Records is their incredible crafstmanship. They put out vinyl 45 records that are amazing in their high quality. Thick vinyl, sturdy packaging with great artwork on the covers and kick ass garage rock and roll punk that is a perfect combination of vicious guitars, snot nosed vocals and wailing organ that just drips rock and roll attitude. So have a listen on February 26th, 2007 between 10:00 - 11:00 PM at www.ckut.ca and enjoy their stuff.

Established in 2004 in Gothenburg Sweden, Crusher Records is intent on spreading "great psychedelic garage rock and roll sounds all over the world" and with their first batch of releases they are certainly well on their way. Currently with three great bands on their roster- The Mainliners (check out the MP3 of Dead Man’s Hall), Dead Man (download this MP3 sample of Ship Ahoy) and The Sacred Sailors (download the MP3 of You My Friend), Crusher Records is a record label headed in the right direction. Check them out ASAP. They of course have a MySpace page located at: http://www.myspace.com/crusherrecords.

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Go check out Yep Roc Records home page right now as they have all kinds of full length albums streaming for free for your listening pleasure including:

* The Moaners’ "slow burning" Blackwing Yalobusha
   
* Dolorean’s You Can’t Win (which Amazon says "supplies the soundtrack for life in general")
   
* You Am I’s Convicts ("poppy punk that vibes the Replacements - Rolling Stone)
   
* Kristin Hersh’s Learn To Sing Like A Star ("unsettling in a good way" - Rolling Stone)
   
* Sloan’s Never Hear The End Of It ("power pop majesty" - Village Voice)
   
* and the amazing covers on SCOTS’ Countrypolitan Favorites, "where rural and urban sensibilities meet."

Pretty cool but then Yep Roc is a pretty cool label.

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Besides being a very cool indie record label, Chicago-based Smog Veil Records have recently unveiled their plans for a very cool green headquarters. "I really want to be an example of sustainability in our business," Smog Veil Records owner Frank Mauceri recently told a Chicago Tribune reporter (feature ran October 16, 2006). According to a recent press release:

Smog Veil Records will unveil the all green, all sustainable building they have been working on since 2006 in July of this year. The building features a revolutionary design for a green roof with power-generating wind turbines. In order to implement the design Mauceri had to get the City of Chicago to pass an ordinance allowing such a structure on the roof. With the use of sustainable construction, the building is designed with numerous eco-friendly features. This live-work space will be the centerpiece of the company’s efforts to be greener. The building is designed so that about 40 to 45 percent of the structure¹s electrical needs will be wind and solar generated. The building may in fact end up selling electricity back to the cities power grid if these numbers are exceeded. The structure’s Green Strategies include 80% recycling of demolished materials; three Wind Turbines and 30 solar panels on roof; Geothermal Heating and Cooling; Terrazzo floor containing recycled glass and owner supplied (Smog Veil) vinyl albums. The building has been selected to be one of the City of Chicago¹s Green Building Case Studies by the City of Chicago Green Permit Program.

Very cool and similar to efforts that labels such as SubPop are pursuing. Once again the indies are leading the way!

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Steven Van Zandt has a new project to keep him busy between hosting his nationally syndicated radio show, Underground Garage, playing with Bruce Springsteen¹s E Street Band and acting on The Soprano¹s. Yahoo.com reports Van Zandt has just started his own record label, Wicked Cool Records. Besides putting out records from new bands, one of the label’s staples is a plan to release four compilation albums per year under the title, The Coolest Songs in the World.

Source: 2006 Punmaster’s MusicWire http://www.punmaster.com

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I don’t normally like to publicize something like a record label’s brand new online store but Bomp Records holds a special place in my heart. As one of the greatest indie labels of all time and the creation of the late great Greg Shaw, Bomp continues to amaze me and Suzi Shaw has managed to keep the mailorder biz growing to become one of the prime places to buy cool rock and roll. Now Bomp is pleased to announce that their brand new Bomp Store is live and accepting your business. Check it out. There are some incredibly cool records just waiting for a place to be played loud.

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Just got this from the ultra-cool Norton Records:

THURS. NOV. 9 NORTON RECORDS 20TH ANNIVERSARY RADIO SHOW FEATURING THE REAL
KIDS LIVE! Dave the Spazz hosts a live broadcast featuring THE REAL KIDS at
WFMU with the Norton crew on tap with special guests and tons of call ins! Join
the party as it happens with the miracle of the worldwide internet! Tune in
manually on your Motorola at 91.1 FM or krank ya keyboard over to
http://www.wfmu.org on Nov. 20 from 8-11 PM EST!

Gotta tune in to that!

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The very cool Yep Roc Records has hopped onto the podcating bandwagon with their brand new monthly Yepcast. According to their announcement:

Yepcast is our new monthly podcast devoted to giving you the heads up, the downlow, the nod, the nudge, the wink - in other words, the first shot at hearing new Yep Roc music, artist news, interviews, the skinny on exclusive tracks and bonuses from the Yep Roc Web Shop - all of that. But don’t worry, it’s not a big commercial. It’s all about the music.

This month they feature an exclusive interview with Radio Birdman’s Deniz Tek, plus music from the new Yeproc releases by Radio Birdman The Sadies, Spencer Dickinson and a sneak preview of Jim Lauderdale’s two new releases. Sounds cool. Look for a new Yepcast on the first Friday of every month and look for my take on the new Yep Roc releases from said Radio Birdman, the Minus 5 and The Sadies coming up soon on The Rock and Roll Report.

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(PRESS RELEASE) Back in 1996 Terrance Damian started an independent record company called "3000 Records" www.3000records.com as a student at Western Michigan University. Since then, he finished college, got a few corporate jobs, and eventually ended up pursuing the career he enjoys the most, being a Musician. With his debut full length CD "A Simple Life" scheduled for release during fall 2006, and consistent touring, he is establishing his music career. At the same time, he helps other Musicians through the many connections he has made since starting his label "3000 Records" 10 years ago.

A good definition of 3000 Records is "an organization that operates as an independent record label and offers Music Promotion Services to other record labels and serious independent Musicians". At this time 3000 Records mostly releases Co-Op CDs (compilations). The CDs are used as a promotional tool to reach college radio, independent radio, international radio, satellite radio, internet radio, and magazines, film, and T.V. production companies, and A & R staff. The music is also promoted in music retail stores, music conferences, and through other music related events. The services are designed to help Artists with USA music promotion, international music promotion, music retail promotion, online music promotion, radio promotion, and more.
(more…)

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If you are looking for a great source of environmental news and views you can use then look no further than Grist Magazine the legendary "beacon in the smog" which gives you all the news you need but with a dose of humor which is much appreciated when the discussion turns to things like global warming.

Anyhow they featured a story on famed record label Sub Pop and their becoming "the first Green-e certified record label company in the United States." What they have done is bought enough Green-e certified Green Tags, also known as renewable energy credits which will enable the company to be powered by environmentally friendly energy sources 100%.

What these Green Tags do is fulfill Sub Pop’s energy requirements by using environmentally friendly renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass and geo thermal in place of the more traditional and destructive energy sources such as electricity drawn from coal fired plants or nuclear. More information can be found at Green-e.Org, Resource Solutions and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

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(Press Release) On the heels of its third anniversary, Liquor and Poker Music - the “rock” arm of the Century Family, has assembled its first compilation, a collection of female tribute bands paying homage to some of classic rock and metal’s biggest names. In stores Aug. 22, the 13-track Girls Got Rhythm - featuring cover art by Alan Forbes (AFI, Queens of the Stone Age, Black Crowes), the artist who designed the Liquor and Poker logo above - features such well-known groups as The Iron Maidens, Cheap Chick and Mistress of Reality, as well as three acts celebrating AC/DC.

The complete track listing is as follows:

1. Thundherstruck - Thunderstruck (AC/DC)

2. The Iron Maidens - Run To The Hills (Iron Maiden)

3. Mistress of Reality - Fairies Wear Boots (Black Sabbath)

4. Cheap Chick - Surrender (Cheap Trick)

5. Black Diamond - Love Gun (Kiss)

6. Ms. Fits - Last Caress (The Misfits)

7. Hell’s Belles - Back In Black (AC/DC)

8. The Little Dolls - I Don’t Know (Ozzy Osbourne)

9. Zepparella - The Lemon Song (Led Zeppelin)

10. Kissexy - Lick It Up (Kiss)

11. Whole Lotta Rosies - Dog Eat Dog (AC/DC)

12. Ramonas - Sheena Is A Punk Rocker (The Ramones)

13. Foxey Lady - Foxey Lady (Jimi Hendrix)

Plans for a series of record release parties are currently underway, and a Girls Got Rhythm tour is also in the works.

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Takeover Records’ third “Sign My Band” contest is already in full effect, but this time around a new twist has been added to the competition: There’s no guarantee one band will be offered a record deal from the label. “I want to use the contest more as platform to showcase ten amazing unsigned bands and help jump-start their careers,” said Takeover Records owner Ben Harper. “I may or may not sign one of them.”

After seeing previous “Sign My Band” contest finalists picked up by labels like Virgin (The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus), Nitro (Hit The Switch), SideCho (Stars of Track and Field) and Outlook (Daphne Loves Derby), it became apparent that the contest had some clout. “Takeover will be recommending all finalists in the contest to other labels were affiliated with,” Harper said. Though it’s uncertain if a record deal will be offered up, one song from each of the ten finalists chosen will be featured on an up-and-coming Takeover Records compilation CD, and the winner of the contest will get to tour the U.S. with bands on the label’s roster in 2007.

Demo submissions for the “Sign My Band” contest are being accepted all summer at the Takeover Records tent on any stop of the Vans Warped Tour, and the ten finalists will be selected by Takeover staffers. The finalists can expect to be promoted on PureVolume.com and receive prizes from Ambiguous Clothing, The Wedge Studios and Wonka Candy, as well as have one of their songs on the compilation to be released by Takeover. Oh, and a full recommendation by Takeover Records is also part of the deal.

For more details and further updates on the “Sign My Band” contest, visit www.takeoverrock.com.

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(PRESS RELEASE) Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA) To Host ‘Declaration of Independence’ Conference in Philadelphia; JUNE 14-16

First-ever gathering of ADA’s leading independent labels will feature performances from Ted Leo + Pharmacists, matt pond PA, Yo La Tengo
and others at the Trocadero

NEW YORK, June 6, 2006-In a first-of-its-kind event, Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA), the No. 1 distributor of independent music in the U.S., will host a gathering of its family of labels in America’s cradle of independence, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from June 14-16.

A meeting of more than 60 of the industry’s leading independent labels, the "Declaration of Independence" conference is a forum designed to empower ADA’s distributed labels with helpful background about the topics most relevant to them, such as online, mobile and satellite distribution, research and information gathering and street marketing.

The conference will also celebrate the continued success and longevity of ADA, which Newsweek recently dubbed, "…the darling of U.S. indie labels…" ADA is part of Warner Music Group.

The conference will culminate with a presentation from Wired magazine’s, editor in chief, Chris Anderson, author of the influential article, "The Long Tail." Anderson believes that the culture and economy is shifting from a focus on a relatively small number of "hits" at the head of the demand curve and toward a huge number of niches in the tail of the demand curve.

ADA will also host "Indies Only," two nights of performances by some of the country’s leading independent artists, including Ted Leo + Pharmacists, matt pond PA, The Mooney Suzuki, Todd Barry, The Stills and the indie rock legends, Yo La Tengo.

"Indies Only" shows will be held at the Trocadero Theatre and all music performances will be open to the public. For ticket information and a list of artist performances, please visit www.thetroc.com.

(more…)

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The perennialy cool Sundazed Records has just started a very cool Music News blog that you should check out. Sundazed is of course home to an incredible assortment of very cool reissues both on CD and vinyl. Check ‘em out ASAP.
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Nothing says "I Love You Dad" more than a 2 CD compilation featuring the vintage sounds of Genesis, ELP, Rush, Yes, Jethro Tull and more. That’s right Classic Rock magazine has put together an impressive array of prog rock talent onto 2 CDs called Prog Rock. Check out this track list:

CD1

1. Genesis- Carpet Crawlers
               
2. Jethro Tull – Sweet Dream
               
3. Van Der Graaf Generator – Killer
               
4. Focus – Syliva
               
5. Curved Air – Backstreet Luv
               
6. Steve Hackett – Firth Of Fifth
               
7. Manfred Mann – Solar Fire
               
8. Greenslade – Bedtime Manners Are Extra
               
9. Procol Harum – A Salty Dog
             
10. Rare Bird – Sympathy
             
11. Renaissance – Northern Lights
             
12. Family – Burlesque
             
13. Colosseum – Those About To Die
             
14. Marillion – Forgotten Sons

CD2

1. Yes – Yours Is No Disgrace
               
2. Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Lucky Man
               
3. The Nice – America
               
4. Barclay James Harvest – Child Of The Universe
               
5. Rush – The Spirit Of Radio
               
6. Blue Őyster Cult – (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
               
7. Traffic – Hole In My Shoe
               
8. Spirit – Fresh Garbage
               
9. Argent – Hold Your Head Up
             
10. Atomic Rooster – Tomorrow Night
             
11. IQ – Erosion
             
12. Twelfth Night – Love Song
             
13. Caravan – For Richard

And if that doesn’t get the old man rummaging through the attic for his old concert flask and roach clip collection then you might want to tell him that the original line up of Genesis might be touring in 2008! Prog rock rules!

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Check this out straight from the Face Down Records June 2006 newsletter:

ABOUT A GIRL CD

FDR’s "About a Girl" CD will feature indie, power-pop, and garage rock bands covering the greatest all-time rock n roll songs featuring a girl’s name in the title and chorus. We are currently recruiting bands to contribute. Submission deadline is set for Sep. 1, 2006. Let us know your favorite tunes with a girl’s name!  We will be tracking submissions and song requests via a new My Space page designed just for this album.  Check it out here – http://www.myspace.com/fdraboutagirl

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