When Internet Censorship Wins: A Taste Of The Future
stolen from The New Yorker. don't sue me bro.
Please note that the use of any recording equipment to capture this film is strictly forbidden, including: camcorders, cameras, cell phones, charcoal, ink, paint (oil or water-based), and the human brain. On leaving the theatre, you will be assaulted by baseball-bat-wielding ushers, who will pummel your skull until you forget what you have seen.
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I Want YOU To Be The Star In My New Crowdsourced Video
So I decided to make a little "testimonial" video. It's not going to be anything fancy, just a short little thing for people to get a vibe for what I'm doing.
And I want YOU to be the star of the video.
That's right… I'm crowdsourcing baby!
So… if I've possibly taught you some cool new things, or if I've helped you in some way, or simplified your daily routine, or inspired you or motivated you somehow, then send me a brief 10-30 second video message with your testimonial.
And it doesn't matter whether you're a present or past client, a fellow tweeter, a happy facebooker, a blog reader, a quote lover, a newsletter diehard or a podcast fan. It doesn't matter… I just want to see your smiling face and hear what you have to say!

So turn on your camera (or use your iPhone), say a few short words (no longer than 30 seconds) and then send the file using the form that's right here in this blog post.
On February 15 I'll edit the clips together and air the video we made together right here on this page.
This will be fun!
I can't wait to see what you come up with.
—Brian Thompson
Follow @thornybleeder
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I Don't Want To Own Music, I Want To Listen To Music.

"Culture is the sum of all the forms of art, of love, and of thought, which, in the coarse or centuries, have enabled man to be less enslaved”
—Andre Malraux
An editorial by Brian Thompson.Click To Read More...
This Is The Type Of Art SOPA Would Kill

To be clear… unauthorized sharing (copying) of content found online could not only have your website taken down without due process, but it could also land you in jail.
For example, if you were to post a version of you performing a Michael Jackson song on YouTube, you could not only have your account removed but you could also face up to five years in prison. That's one more year than the man who killed the man Michael Jackson himself. For singing a song without first acquiring a license to do so.
That Tumblr or Pinterest page of yours where you repost someone else's photo or cartoon or image?
SOPA would kill that.
That song you downloaded and posted on your blog to share with friends and readers?
SOPA would kill that.
But beyond trying to kill the culture of sharing (which is something humans have always done), it will also kill the creation of new art altogether. Any piece of music or art that uses a mashup or a collaboration of existing pieces, without proper consent from the original creators, would be illegal and punishable.
The Stop Online Piracy Act is a misguided solutions to a misunderstood problem. For more information on the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), click here.
To give you a taste of the types of beautiful music that would cease to exist if SOPA were passed… I present to you the following mashup videos created by Pogomix (illegally of course).
This Is The Type Of Art SOPA Would Kill:
Upular (Pixar Remix)
Info:
Video for the track 'Upular', composed using chords, bass notes and vocal samples from the Disney Pixar film 'Up'.
*see more examples by clicking Read More below*Click To Read More...
Sharing Causes Sharing

And you know what? That's just a whole bunch of awesome. It's messages like this that make all of the countless hours I pour into my websites, blogs, podcasts and social media profiles worth it.
Here's the message I received:
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Will Apple's Ping Get The Push?

I think they need to make it web based and to focus on Twitter/Facebook integration and use it to supplement those networks, rather than compete with them.
Apple also needs to make iTunes a web-based player. With the new iTunes Match, they could very easily make it your new central, one-stop web-based music player, available anywhere and on any device, similar to what Rdio and Spotify are now offering music fans.
Apple needs a better music strategy than what has currently been presented. It just seems so scattered and unfocussed. I've been having a great discussion on this topic over on my Google+ profile, here's a couple of key comments:
"The problem with Ping is that it doesn't do anything new. It's a semi-social network that does nothing new or better (or even prettier)."
- Amy Plachta
"In addition, its a shame artists can't embed little music store widgets on their website, allowing their fans to purchase directly from iTunes without leaving their site. You're right, they need a new, web-based strategy badly."
- MaryLiz Bender
So what do YOU think... Will Apple's Ping Get The Push?
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so, you want to buy me a beer eh?

i've had a number of people on twitter and facebook recently say they'd like to buy me a beer as a thank-you for all of the valuable info and music i share every day. that's totally cool of you guys, thanks.
well, why not then?
so i decided to take you up on your generous offer… just use the donate button below to quench my thirst and say thanks.
you guys rock.
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The Transcendental Magic Of Live Music

It's a beautiful piece that captures the essence and beauty of live music, the transcendental magic that happens in brief moments when watching a brilliant artist get lost in song. This piece was inspired after attending a theatre performance by Adele at The Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver on August 9, 2011.
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A Few More Thoughts On Google+
This thing is a getting a ton of crazy buzz with many saying they're seeing far more engagement and link click-throughs than on Twitter or Facebook. But isn't that expected from a new service that is almost entirely populated with early adopters trying to stake their ground and make a presence?
Pundits are expecting Google+ will overtake Facebook, pointing towards a lack of spam and the ability to control your stream and privacy settings as one of the key indicators.
But in all honesty, almost everything I'm seeing on G+ is self-promotional. Won't it just be a matter of time before the content we see is identical to that which we've come to loathe on Facebook?
A couple of the most well known bloggers in the tech world are already stating they'll start using G+ as their new blogging platform. But is this really something that should replace a blog on your website? I'm thinking not. Even though it's a Google product, do we fully know and understand how our status updates will be indexed by Google Search yet?
Regardless, this is still a new and exciting platform us techies and web nerds need to jump on and experience to the fullest to truly understand its potential.
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Concert Posters and the Rise of Legal Rights

Thanks for the amazing insight Martin!
Concert posters have long been the standard when promoting gigs. It’s simple, efficient, and people generally love seeing these unique pieces of art. In today’s DIY market coupled with fading music sales, artists are beginning to rely heavily upon poster design as an additional merchandise revenue stream but few realize concert posters/design pack a hefty legal punch. In short: Who owns the concert poster? The band that’s performing? The designers who designed the poster? Perhaps the venue that booked the artist? If you don’t think these issues are important, think again. Concert posters are quickly becoming the hottest piece of merchandise, not only for growing indie acts but major artist as well. Indie bands with limited edition numbered prints have been able to sell good designs for $100, therefore banking more on posters than CD sales. Take an established group with a vintage concert poster back from the 60’s and it may sell for $10,000+. I can’t touch upon the global issues concerning concert posters due to the enormity of the content, nor will I address all the legal implications in detail, however I do suggest using the information below as a solid foundation, a brief flicker of insight into the multitude of issues that can quickly snowball out of control.
Use of concert posters have traditionally worked as follows: A music venue and/or promoter books a band and subsequently hires an artist to design a concert poster surrounding the performance. The band provides the venue/promoter with photography and logos who in return passes the information off to the poster designer. With new technology new methods are used. Now it may be common for a band to design a concert poster and later provide the poster to certain venues showcasing the venue logo/information. Others may hire poster designers who design, print, and distribute the poster. Regardless, every scenario identified consist of three major legal components, often ignored, which (especially in today’s music market) inevitable come back to bite someone in the ass. When these components are combined two questions emerge: who owns the poster and who owns the poster design? In order to touch upon these questions, let’s review the three legal components and how they’re used.
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A Modern Musicians Handbook - The Do's and Don'ts

I have decided to write another rant, but this time a more informative one. I figured now that I have some valuable experience under my belt, why not share some advice/lessons I have learned over the years in hopes to help the developing artists out. (If you are not a band, artist or someone in music - this will bore you).
Here is a bunch of info that I would have loved to hear first hand when I was my own artist/band playing shows, touring, spending $, etc...
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The Best Guitar Case EVER
This is the most insane guitar case I've ever seen. It's such an amazing piece of art. When you touch it and feel it, and examine its workmanship, it's stunning. Everything seems so organic and real with its layered textures.
This custom guitar case was built for Vancouver singer/songwriter Billy the Kid (Billy Pettinger) by The Funk Trunk Case Co. and was presented to her while on tour in Eastern Canada.
Continue reading to see more photos.
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How Can We Improve?

Question:
What else would you like to see from Thorny Bleeder?
How can we improve and make our online experience even better for you?
We have tons of informative blog posts, oodles of free music downloads, hours of live & interactive Q&A video webinars & podcasts, a constant daily stream of educating tweets, plus our latest creation... The DIY Daily newsletter.
What are we missing? What else can we do to make your Thorny experience even better?
Let us know in the comments below!
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The Reality of Artist Development Deals at Major Labels
In this clip from www.artistshousemusic.org - Owen Husney, a manager, talks about today's lack of artist development by the record companies and the importance of a fan base.
If bands want quality guidance from a label, they need to have already proved themselves independently.
And this is the reality of the music industry these days. Whether you're shopping for a label, a manager, an agent, a publicist, or a radio promoter...you have to eliminate as much risk as possible for your potential partners by proving to the industry that you have the work ethic, and the drive, to do this with our without anyone else's help. That's the kind of attitude that lands a band a team of pros and propels them to the next level...
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A Musician’s Life On The Road: The Glory & The Grind

If you're an artist with dreams of turning your music into a full time career, you need to read this article. Regardless of what stage your development and fan base is at, this is a must read.
It's one of the most accurate depictions and analyses of what it's like to be on the road, and what it takes to make it in today's music biz.
Take note of the comments the author makes about who Nettwerk Records and Terry McBride chooses to represent. From the article:
"When artists come to Nettwerk Management looking for a shot at the big time, he makes sure they understand what’s going to be required of them: a minimum of 200 and probably 250 appearances a year, which basically means the total abandonment of every non-musical aspect of their lives."
And a quote from Terry himself:
“I don’t take on a client unless there’s a few key things. One is if they really want this more than anything in their life . . . It’s about work, believing in yourself, about having a passion to make it and being authentic. That’s what it’s about. It’s not rocket science. You’ve gotta have the talent and you’ve gotta have the work ethic to back it up.”
Truth.
Read the full article here: A musician’s life on the road: The glory and the grind
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What Gets You Out Of The House To See Live Music?

Let's face it, we all have busy lives. Everyone has to find a way to make room in their schedules for work, school, girlfriends & boyfriends, cats & dogs, the family, needlepoint lessons at the community centre, eating Doritos on the couch, and masturbating to porn.
It doesn't seem like there's much time for anything else does it?
And that folks, is why many of us don't get out to see live music as much as we really want to. Despite being invited to a hundred shows a week on Facebook, you just can't simply go to everything. Excuses are made, hearts are broken, friends are lost...and you get the eight hours sleep you deserve.
But, on the flip side of this is when you actually do get out. Those rare occasions when you actually drag your sorry ass out of your condo or basement suite and you go and see some live music, whether it be an international touring band or a local favourite that just crawled out of a basement in the burbs.
And do you know what almost always happens when you make that choice to get out? You love it. You have the time of your life, hear some great tunes, support your local scene, you meet new friends...and you throw up on old ones.
So, in those glorious moments leading up to you rocking out at a local concert, what's the main deciding factor that gets you out of the house to see live music?
1. You love the band.
2. Your love the venue.
3. Your friends are going.
4. You're hoping there will be some hotties there.
5. It's close to your home.
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Music Can Learn From Fashion's "Free" Culture
Copyright law's grip on film, music and software is suffocating...yet it barely touches the fashion industry...and fashion benefits because of it, in both innovation and sales, says Johanna Blakley. At TEDxUSC 2010, she talks about what all creative industries can learn from fashion's "free" culture.
Fashion encourages an open creative process and because there is no copyright, design has been elevated. So why hasn't copying destroyed the fashion industry? And without ownership (copyright), is there an incentive for creators to innovate?
Watch the video below to find out...this is a very intriguing concept which people need to consider. So...sow can this free culture be transposed over to the music and entertainment industries? Discuss!
To view more TED Talks videos, go here: http://www.ted.comClick To Read More...
Does File Sharing Help The Industry? A Discussion.
Today we bring yet another music biz discussion video from AUX.tv, featuring Alan Cross, AUX Weekly host Barry Taylor, CBC Radio 3's Craig Norris, and Sirius Radio's director of Canadian Content Andreanne Sasseville.
Does file sharing actually encourage people to buy music? Is it good for the bands and the consumer? You probably already know what our opinion is...Free The Music! In a nutshell, our opinion is that file sharing helps spread music to the masses and create new fans.
But that's just our opinion, watch the vid below to see what these industry experts think...
Click To Read More...
Satellite Radio and Social Media: A Discussion
Today we bring you yet another music industry video discussion, care of AUX.tv.
This discussion features Alan Cross, David Marsden, AUX Weekly's Barry Taylor and Jay "Mad Dog" Michaels from Virgin Radio. Find out how satellite radio compares to terrestrial radio and how the new technology of social media is keeping the 'older' radio technology fresh.
Is Satellite Radio really the lazy man's iPod? Watch the video below for this intriguing discussion and leave your comments and thoughts below!
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The Role Of The Radio DJ: A Discussion
We're happy to bring you another video from AUX TV featuring Alan Cross from Explore Music, David Marsden, AUX Weekly's Barry Taylor and Jay "Mad Dog" Michaels from Virgin Radio.
In this roundtable discussion, the panelists discuss the role of the radio DJ as gatekeepers of music - what freedoms do DJs need to guide music culture? Does the current state of commercial radio allow DJs any freedom for editorial choices?
Radio DJs used to be cultural gatekeepers, a trusted music filter who listened to all of the bad music so you didn't have to. Has this era passed? Where are things going from here?
Watch the video below and leave us your comments on your thoughts!
Is Radio Dead? A Discussion.

Check out this video below featuring Alan Cross, David Marsden, AUX Weekly's Barry Taylor and Jay "Mad Dog" Michaels from Virgin Radio.
It's the age-old question of the state of today's airwaves, and these industry veterans break down the pros and cons of how deejays can operate.
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Need a New Bio, Website, or Social Media Help?
Do you need a new Biography that effectively communicates what you’re all about?
Are you relying on MySpace for your web profile? Don’t. You need your own Website and now’s the time to get one.
Do you need help on figuring out how to use Social Media to spread your music?
Do you need some help brainstorming a unique marketing plan for the next phase in your development?
If so, we can help!
Click To Read More...
Top 50 Albums Of The Decade

Here it is, a music nerd’s list of my Top Albums Of The Decade, from 2000-2009.
I had originally planned to simply create a Top 10, but after I started pouring over all of the eligible contenders I realized that restricting my list to only ten albums was virtually impossible. I’ve enjoyed so many albums this past decade that choosing ten albums just didn’t seem fair.
One of the problems I encounter when making a favourite album list is my wide range of tastes. I love rock, punk, metal, alternative, indie, and jazz all the same; so it’s hard for me to place a Slayer album next to a Norah Jones album on the same list.
So to remedy this situation I’ve created two lists: a Top 25 for Hard Rock and a Top 25 for Alternative & Indie. Each list is below...
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Shift Happens: The Changing Media Landscape
10 Ways To Make The Most Out Of Social Media

I've mentioned it before on these pages, but it needs repeating...as an artist, you are an entrepreneur. And as an entrepreneurial business, marketing is one of your biggest hurdles. It's marketing that brings fans to your website, to your concerts, and ultimately end up buying your music and t-shirts.
So what's your marketing plan? What are you doing online to get noticed and to spread your personal brand? And perhaps even more importantly, how are you delivering that message?
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My Solution To Save The Music Industry

The music industry's money, energy, passion and creativity would be better spent trying to improve upon the user experience of file sharing rather than fighting it through legislation.
Focus on what the music consumer really wants, and deliver it, blowing away any and all expectations.
The businesss needs to out-think the freebie alternatives, create something new that can't be replicated through file sharing, and then monetize that new technology through a paid monthly service.
No, I'm not talking about another iTunes clone. That's boring. And while I do love Spotify, it can become boring as well since there's no Recommendation Engine to encourage new music discoveries. And there's no graphics to to entertain the ADHD kids.
The answer lies within existing technologies which we can morph and create something with. Something new that...
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Interview with Brian Thompson
This is a special interview with Brian Thompson of Thorny Bleeder Records, brought to you by Todd Sanft, guitarist for Quartered.
MP3: Quartered - Brother
We had conversed over the phone as well as by email and I wanted to share this great stuff with all of you. Stay tuned as this will be an ongoing series with various artists and companies that make up Vancouver and the world. Again thank you for the support and pass it along if you think anyone you know would like to read it.
Todd: How did you get into the music industry? What made you pick this particular industry?
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Moral Decay: Dave Wenger RIP

This is an update to yesterday's blog about some music I was looking for from an early 90's metal band from Victoria, BC by the name of Moral Decay, featuring Dave Wenger, who went on to form influential indie act Daddy's Hands. Dave was struck and killed by a car in Montreal in 2006. He was only 33.
So one day later after I launched my blog and search for a digital copy of Moral Decay, my mission is complete. I have acquired a digital copy of their demo cassette, To Build An End, from the early '90's.
And now...here it is being passed back to the metal and Dave Wenger community, for you to appreciate.
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Moral Decay: A Lost Relic From My Youth

Over the past few years I've often found myself trying to remember the name of an amazing metal band who I used to see live in Kelowna, BC. I often found myself thinking of them, but could never quite remember their name. I guess I can blame the excess of my wasted youth for that. Their name constantly found its way to the the tip of my tongue, almost coming into sight, but always seeming to slip away.
This mystery band had an impact on my teenage years. I could tell there was something special about them, their raw talent was palpable. Original, passionate metal filled with intricacy and emotion. Executed with precision, their music was unimaginably professional for the band's young age. If I can recall, their lead singer and guitar player, who was the obvious star of the group, was still in high school. Click To Read More...
What Music Will Define This Generation?

The music industry lost an icon and a modern day legend on June 25, 2009. While Michael Jackson was seemingly inactive during the past decade and a half, his previous three decades of music, innovation, and record-breaking sales is impossible to ignore. His impact on popular culture is massive; from music, to the art of live performances, to music videos, to dance, to fashion, to philanthropy.
Regardless of your opinion on the man and his music, these are facts. It's impossible to imagine the '80s without him.
So, my question is this:
What music will define this generation?
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Video: Death of The Rock Critic?

This is a must-see, hilarious video taken from the 140 Characters Conference of speaker Christopher R. Weingarten, music critic for Rolling Stone and Idolator. His topic is how music blogs and Twitter have killed the music critic, and in its wake, 'good' music itself. This is an incredibly witty and insightful presentation that I'm sure everyone will get a kick out of, and hopefully create some conversation on this blog in the process.
Christopher R. Weingarten has also launched a new Twitter profile @1000TimesYes, where he's doing 1000 micro-music reviews in one year. He's currently at #408, it's a cool concept.
Video below...Click To Read More...
A Unique Parallel: Craft Brewers And Indie Labels
Article and video appear as originally posted on Hypebot at this link,it was too perfect to change or alter for The Bleeder Blog, it echoes my sentiments exactly...
Live Review: Lamb Of God, Vancouver 04/08/09
This is a guest post from local music industry veteran, and devoted metalhead, Lyle C.
Like what you've read? Leave a comment and let Lyle know what you think! And if you're nice...he might just return for a few more postings too.
And how about YOU? Interested in submitting some music-related content to The Bleeder Blog? If so, send me an email and let me know what you've got... Click To Read More...
The Life And Hard Times Of Guy Terrifico
A friend recently recommended The Life And Hard Times Of Guy Terrifico to me, a movie I've never heard of, despite it being a Canadian film all about music. If you're a music lover, and you are, because you're on The Bleeder Blog...you must see this movie. It's an instant classic.
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How To Get The Most Out Of The Bleeder Blog
You're not getting the most out of The Bleeder Blog if you haven't done these two things yet...
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Free Downloads A Sign Of Your Success?
Well, in short...Yes. The amount of downloads on bit torrent sites DO signal the amount of success you're having. Makes sense, right?
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John Mellencamp: The State Of The Music Business
John Mellencamp posted the following editorial in today's Huffington Post...
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Seth Godin on the Music Business
Fantastic audio interview with Seth Godin, marketing guru and author of the best selling book "Tribes". You don't want to miss this one...
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16 Great Music Add-Ons for Firefox
Is Firefox your browser of choice?
If so, check out the following article on some great plug-ins to enhance your music listening experience while online.
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The 75 Albums Every Man Should Own
New Comment Features
I've just installed four new features into The Bleeder Blog's commenting system. Check it out:...
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What The Bands You Listen To…Listen To
Interesting site to check out...
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Should ISPs Pay Music Royalties?
This isn't a new argument, this debate actually goes back about six or seven years. Nor am I suggesting this as a final solution to the financial woes of the music industry.
But the question begs to be asked yet again: Should Internet Service Providers (ISPs) pay digital music royalties?Click To Read More...
Did The iPod Kill Album Art?
I think it's safe to say, the iPod has killed album art. Or at least, its changed our perception and emotional connection to it, and the mass appeal it once had.
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The Mix Tape Question
I saw this idea on the SWSW website, where they're asking the following question to bands they interview. So I thought, what the hell...let's toss it out to The Bleeder Blog readers and see what they have to say...
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Sharing: Good For Business?
Sharing is good for business.
Just ask Radiohead or Nine Inch Nails, it certainly worked for them. NIN's Ghosts I-IV album was given away for free last year by the artist, but it was also the number one digital download album of the year on Amazon.Click To Read More...
An Important Message From The Entertainment Industry
Funny cartoon inside...
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U2 Review: No Line On The Horizon
I'll admit, I was frightened to listen to the new U2 album. I really, really don't like the first single, Get On Your Boots.
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Beneath The Surface: Women In Rock
Have you ever noticed in politics that when a female representative doesn’t win the votes, they almost never run again the following year? It appears as though career-oriented women today tend to fall off the horse and never seem get back on. The same thing appears to happen in today’s music industry.
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Free The Internet!
Ok, time for me to rant a little.
One of the beauties of the internet is its ability to eliminate borders and geographical boundaries and for everything to be accessible to everyone, everywhere (unless in you're in China or another country who's access is controlled by the government).
But lately, when it comes to music and movies, the internet machine is continually throwing road blocks in front of my browsing tendencies.
You see, I'm a Canadian. And apparently that's a problem.
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Best Storefront EVER
Ok, If you've been online in the past few days, and you're a music junkie, the chances are pretty good you've already seen this photo. But if not...you gotta' see this.
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Video: Seth Godin On Why You Need A Tribe
Seth Godin is one of the world's most acclaimed marketing gurus, authors and speakers. His most recent book, the best-selling "Tribes", is a must-read for anyone interested in becoming a "Leader of a Tribe".
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Before The Music Dies
It's been called "the most important film a music fan will ever see."
See for yourself.
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Are We There Yet?
These days, the music industry seems to change with the seasons. As the Fall leaves wither and fade away, so will that new Britney Spears single. This can only have one person wonder:
Where are all the “Great” artists of our time? Have they come and gone?
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