Thorny Bleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #125 - May 16, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-16T09:27:55-07:00

Today's Topic? The Ten Habits of Passionate People

This week's Featured Song of The Week is Army Of One, the lead single from the upcoming debut EP by Falling For Scarlet, from Vancouver, BC.

This podcast was brought to you by Music XRay.

If you want to book a one-on-one private consultation with Brian, click here for more info.

The Marketing Woes of Music Subscription Services Spotify, Rdio, Rhpasody, MOG & Deezer: The Rock Star Branding Podcast #16

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-16T07:12:06-07:00

Join Brian Thompson, Michael Brandvold and Steve Jones for a 15 min. discussion on the branding and marketing problems that music subscription services Spotify, Rdio, Rhapsody, MOG and Deezer face in trying to expose their services to the mainstream music listening public.

Available on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and:

http://www.thornybleeder.com
http://www.thediydaily.com
http://www.michaelbrandvold.com
http://www.brandlikearockstar.com

If you want to book a one-on-one private consultation with Brian, click here for more info.

The DIY Daily Podcast #124 - May 15, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-15T10:45:29-07:00

Today's Topics?
10 Things To Stop Caring About Today

This week's Featured Song of The Week is Army Of One, the lead single from the upcoming debut EP by Falling For Scarlet, from Vancouver, BC.

This podcast was brought to you by our brand new sponsor, Music XRay.

Welcome aboard guys! If you want to submit your song to be my Featured Song Of The Week on this very podcast, send it to me via my Music XRay dropbox here.

If you want to book a one-on-one private consultation with Brian, click here for more info.

The DIY Daily Podcast #123 - May 14, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-14T09:47:45-07:00

Today's Topics?

The Art Of Listening + 9 Things No One Wants to Regret When They’re Older

This week's Featured Song of The Week is Army Of One, the lead single from the upcoming debut EP by Falling For Scarlet, from Vancouver, BC.

If you want to book a one-on-one private consultation with Brian, click here for more info.

The DIY Daily Podcast #122 - May 10, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-11T10:33:41-07:00

Today's Topic:

7 Harsh Truths They Don’t Tell You About Following Your Passion

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is Warning Signs from the amazing Jessica Beach. Visit Jessica's website or say hello on Twitter.

If you want to book a one-on-one private consultation with Brian, click here for more info.

Martin Atkins Talks About The Kickstarter Campaign For His New Book Band:Smart - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast #58

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-11T03:30:27-07:00

This Episode Is NSFW

Martin Atkins has been in a bunch of bands: Pigface, The Damage Manual, Killing Joke, and PiL and has also performed with Ministry and Nine Inch Nails. He's had a label, Invisible Records, for the last 20 years and wrote a popular book on the business of Touring called Tour:Smart. And now, Martin has just launched a Kickstarter campaign for his upcoming new book titled Band:Smart.

Join hosts Brian Thompson and Michael Brandvold for a rollicking fun chat with Martin, filled with countless F-Bombs and even a chicken salad. Connect with Martin on Twitter @marteeeen.

And don't forget to...

Give a shit and buy a fuck: Martin Atkin’s new Kickstarter project for Band:Smart

Featured Track Of The Week: August Ruins

This week we're stoked to announce our brand new Featured Track Of The Week, as selected from the submissions we received on the opportunity we created on our Music XRay account. If you want to submit your song to be featured, create a profile on Music Xray and send it to us here.

The track you hear at the end of this week's podcast is Gone Forgotten, from the band August Ruins. From Pittsburgh, PA these guys combine the speed and melody of California punk with the technicality of modern metal... with explosive results. Check out August Ruins on Facebook here.

Welcome To Our New Sponsor: Bandzoogle

We're pleased to welcome our good friends over at Bandzoogle for being one of our new sponsors for The Music Biz Weekly Podcast.

Use the promo code “musicbiz” when joining and get a 6 month completely free trial of Bandzoogle (vs. the standard 30 day).

If you're a solo artist or in a band, you need a website. That's Step 1. And if you don't have one, Bandzoogle is the place to go to get one up and running in no time. It's super easy and totally flexible. No programming required. And you can sell your music digitally and keep 100% of the sales. Killer. Check 'em out at Bandzoogle.com.

The DIY Daily Podcast #121 - May 10, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-10T10:34:40-07:00

Todays Topics:

In today's episode I share a private and disturbing story with you that I've wanted to tell you about for awhile, but finally I'm able to. Also...

Are You Postponing Your Life Until Tomorrow?

8 Ways to Start Living NOW
Click here to read this article

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is Warning Signs from the amazing Jessica Beach. Visit Jessica's website or say hello on Twitter.

The Future Belongs To The Curious video I played you the audio from can be viewed below or at this link.

If you want to book a one-on-one private consultation with Brian, click here for more info.

The DIY Daily Podcast #120 - May 9, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-09T08:59:14-07:00

Todays Topic:

10 bullshit-free ways to do the hard work and play to your leading edge

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is Warning Signs from the amazing Jessica Beach. Visit Jessica's website or say hello on Twitter.

If you want to book a one-on-one private consultation with Brian, click here for more info.

New Videos Posted: Direct-to-Fan Music Marketing Tutorials

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-08T20:23:27-07:00

We've ripped a few sample videos from the recording of the recent Direct to Fan Music Marketing Webinar that we put on with The Music Biz Weekly.

Direct to Fan is the practice of identifying people with an interest in your music, creating a relationship with those fans, promoting and marketing your music to them and going direct to them to finance your career by monetizing that relationship.

Direct-to-Fan is no longer an option — it’s a necessity.

How To Use ReverbNation To Promote Your Music: Webinar + Free Slideshow Download

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-09T06:50:55-07:00

We are very excited to have Nick Sehn, Product Manager for Promote It and Ferol Vernon from ReverbNation deliver this webinar, How To Use ReverbNation to Promote Your Music.

Join Brian Thompson and Michael Brandvold from The Music Biz Weekly along with Hypebot for a 60 minute webinar into the world of ReverbNation, followed by a 30 minute Q&A.

This webinar was Recorded Live on May 8, 2012 and the video recording can now be purchased at the link below for only $5.

The Importance Of An Artist Retaining Rights Ownership: The Rock Star Branding Podcast #15

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-09T06:50:52-07:00

Join Brian Thompson, Michael Brandvold and Steve Jones for a 12 min discussion on the importance of an artist retaining ownership of their brand, masters and copyright. We talk about DIY success story Headwater, label troubles for metal band All Shall Perish, and the shutting down of Roadrunner Records offices.

Available on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and:

http://www.thornybleeder.com
http://www.thediydaily.com
http://www.michaelbrandvold.com
http://www.brandlikearockstar.com

If you want to book a one-on-one private consultation with Brian, click here for more info.

The DIY Daily Podcast #119 - May 8, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-08T10:13:37-07:00

Episode #3 of The Bleeder Blog Video Podcast is now posted on our YouTube Channel...

Ever Wonder How Slash Sees His Audience?

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-07T10:15:17-07:00

I found this on Reddit and couldn't resist sharing it with you guys…

The DIY Daily Podcast #118 - May 7, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-07T10:15:20-07:00

Today's Topic: 7 Reasons You’re Not Reaching Your Goals

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is Warning Signs from the amazing Jessica Beach. Visit Jessica's website or say hello on Twitter.

If you want to book a one-on-one private consultation with Brian, click here for more info.

The DIY Daily Podcast #117 - May 4, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-04T08:24:19-07:00

Today's Topic?
The Top 5 Motivation Poisons

The article I feature in today's episode can be found here: The Top 5 Motivation Poisons.

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is "Somebody's Girl" from Toronto's Olarocks.

Two Guys Shoot The Shit About Social Media Marketing Perturbances with Facebook and Twitter - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast #57

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-04T06:30:00-07:00

Join Brian Thompson and Michael Brandvold for a chat about recent changes to Facebook Events and Trending Stories, changes to the Twitter Discover feed and the recent story of busking success with the band Headwater.

The DIY Daily Podcast #116 - May 3, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-03T10:19:53-07:00

Today's Topic?
20 Bad Habits Holding Good People Back

The article I feature in today's episode can be found here: 10 Ways To Be Happy, On Purpose.

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is "Somebody's Girl" from Toronto's Olarocks.

The DIY Daily Podcast #115 - May 2, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-02T10:07:00-07:00

Today's Topic?
10 Ways To Be Happy, On Purpose

The article I feature in today's episode can be found here:10 Ways To Be Happy, On Purpose.

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is "Somebody's Girl" from Toronto's Olarocks.

If you want to book a one-on-one private consultation with Brian, click here for more info.

How Artists Can Successfully Move Into A New Genre: The Rock Star Branding Podcast #14

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-02T07:29:24-07:00

Join Brian Thompson, Michael Brandvold and Steve Jones for a 15 min. open discussion on what it takes for an artist to successfull move into a new musical style and genre.

Artists we talk about include Lionel Richie, Aaron Lewis, Dallas Smith, Garth Brooks, Bon Jovi, Jessica Simpson, and Brett Michaels.

The DIY Daily Podcast #114 - May 1, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-05-01T09:34:42-07:00

Today's Topic?
29 Ways To Stay Creative

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is "Somebody's Girl" from Toronto's Olarocks.

29 Ways To Stay Creative (video + infographic)

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-30T12:38:20-07:00

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.

Click on Read More below to see the accompanying infographic.

The DIY Daily Podcast #113 - April 30, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-30T10:30:08-07:00

Today's Topic?

12 Action Inducing Lessons From Benjamin Franklin

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is "Somebody's Girl" from Toronto's Olarocks.

The DIY Daily Podcast #112 - April 27, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-27T08:12:37-07:00

Today's Topic?
How To Keep Happiness In Your Life

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is "Don't Let Go" from Seven Year Riot, from Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Henry Rollins Tells It Like It Is To Young People

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-27T06:34:37-07:00

Listen up kids and adults alike, Henry Rollins dishes out some damn fine life lessons here.

Rollins gives advice on discipline, self-reliance, and overcoming obstacles.

View the original video here from Big Think here.

A DIY Fan Funding Discussion with Kristin Hersh from Throwing Muses and Billy O'Connell from CASHMusic - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast #56

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-27T06:34:35-07:00

I'm super excited to share this week's new episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast with you. Myself and cohost Michael Brandvold were lucky enough to be joined by special guests Kristin Hersh and Billy O'Connell on the phone from their home in Portland, Oregon.

After founding her inﬂuential art-punk band Throwing Muses, at age 14, Kristin Hersh went on to spend the next 25 years confounding expectations and breaking rules - both her own and others’. From life as the reluctant front person for the Muses, to the solo career she swore never would happen, through the founding of an ambitious and altruistic nonproﬁt, and in her most recent foray into a surprisingly successful new career as an author, Kristin, like so many of us, didn’t see much of this coming.

In addition to Throwing Muses, Kristin performs with her other band 50FOOTWAVE and as a solo artist.

Billy O'Connell worked as a label manager of Sire Records and then left to begin a career in artist management, working with Throwing Muses, Pixies and Barkmarket. From 1999 through 2007 I founded Virtuous Ticketing, the world's first fair-trade ticket agency, as an artist-owned, sustainability-focussed and community centered alternative to Ticketmaster.

In 2007 Billy co-founded the Coalition of Artists & Stake Holders (CASHMusic) as an open- source project for sustainable music business practices.

Don't miss this episode with a truly inspirational artist.

Listen to this 50 minute podcast below on SoundCloud or via iTunes or on Stitcher Radio… and please leave us a comment with your thoughts.

The DIY Daily Podcast #111 - April 26, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-26T09:51:33-07:00

Today's Topic?
"12 Things You Should Be Able to Say About Yourself"

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is "Don't Let Go" from Seven Year Riot, from Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

A Credo For Making It Happen

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-26T09:51:36-07:00

I've been following Daniel LaPorte for a while now, and I think you should too. She has a fantastic blog which pumps out consistently inspiring and motivating content, which I often link to in The DIY Daily newsletter I publish.

Danielle just released a new book last week which I'm excited to read called The Fire Starter Sessions.

If you need a little passionate kick in the ass to persuade you to just get started with that thing you want to do, this could be just the thing you need.

Check out the short little video trailer below to get a vibe for what the books is all about… and if it intrigues you as much as it does me, let's compare notes next week after we've both finished reading it.

The DIY Daily Podcast #110 - April 25, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-25T11:42:27-07:00

Today's Topic?
"Mirror Neurons And Their Role In Marketing"

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is "Don't Let Go" from Seven Year Riot, from Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Now Available: Art Of Dying - Let The Fire Burn (The Lost Acoustic Album)

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-25T11:42:31-07:00

Never before available until now, Let The Fire Burn captures Art Of Dying in their final moments as an independent band with Thorny Bleeder Records, before they signed their major label deal with Intoxication/Reprise Records.

Recorded in the Summer of 2008, this is the much talked about Lost Acoustic Album that many fans have heard about and have been itching to hear.

The physical album release for Let The Fire Burn is packaged in a DVD case and contains not only the audio album but also comes with a full length DVD featuring 2 behind the scenes documentaries, numerous tour videos, their independent music videos, and a photo gallery.

The physical CD/DVD package will be available worldwide through CD Baby on May 1st and in Canada at HMV or your favourite record store.

For more information on this release, read this post.

Buy the Digital Album Now using the store below or pop over to iTunes and buy it at this link.

The DIY Daily Podcast #109 - April 24, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-24T10:58:07-07:00

Today's Topic?
8 Reasons Why You Fail at Creating New Habits

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is "Don't Let Go" from Seven Year Riot, from Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

The DIY Daily Podcast #108 - April 23, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-23T09:46:06-07:00

Today's Topic?
I Declare... A War On Weekends

Today's Featured Song Of The Week is "Don't Let Go" from Seven Year Riot, from Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Don't Complicate Things: Simplicity Is The Glory Of Expression [Infographic]

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-24T10:58:09-07:00

"Simplicity is the glory of expression”
—Walt Whitman

The best things in life are often the simplest.

Whatever your creative pursuit is, don't complicate things but adding too many unnecessary adornments.

Don't use too many words, too many notes, too many colours, or too many buttons.

As Steve Jobs once said,

A War On Weekends

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-21T18:24:20-07:00

It's Saturday, but does that mean it's a day off? Nope.

That's the one thing that I don't like about weekends.

Society has given us an expectation that you're supposed to relax, take it easy, kick back, and put your feet up on Weekends.

And it's because of this "expectation" that many of us don't get the shit done that we know we should. How many times have you heard someone say, "I just don't have enough time to do that thing that I want to do?"

And it never gets done.
The blog post never gets written. The photo is never taken. And the song is never sung.

Meanwhile, the TV flickers in the corner with the images of reruns seen countless times before.

(there's more to read… click the link below to continue)

The DIY Daily Podcast #107 - April 20, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-20T07:43:11-07:00

Today's Topic?

Pursue Your Passion: Goyte, A True DIY Music Success Story. You Can Do It Too.
PLUS
Crazy Talk: The Do-What-You-Love Guide

Today's Featured Song of the Week is "All My Friends" by The Treble. Find them on Facebook here and on Twitter here.

Pursue Your Passion: Goyte, A True DIY Music Success Story. You Can Do It Too.

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-19T20:14:53-07:00

Gotye feat. Kimbra ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ has hit the Number 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA while the album is now sitting at Number 7.

All of this success… for an album that was recorded by himself at home.

Here's an amazing example of someone who had a vision, pursued their passion and didn't let anything stand in their way. This defines DIY.

continue reading by clicking the link below… includes two short documentaries on the making of the album.

The DIY Daily Podcast #106 - April 19, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-19T10:26:00-07:00

Today's Topic?

10 Habits You Must Quit to Be Happy

Today's Featured Song of the Week is "All My Friends" by The Treble. Find them on Facebook here and on Twitter here.

Licensing Your Music for Film & TV: A Discussion with Song Supervisor Natasha Duprey - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast #55

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-20T06:00:34-07:00

Welcome to Episode 55 of The Music Biz Weekly, a weekly podcast co-hosted by Michael Brandvold and Brian Thompson. This episode is brought to you by Music XRay.

Today's podcast is undoubtedly going to be flagged and saved as a favourite by many of you. The topic we're covering today is our number one most requested subject:

How Do I Get My Music On Film and TV?

In this week's new episode we're joined by a prominent music industry friend here in Vancouver, one of Canada's leading Song Supervisors, Natasha Duprey.

click the link below to listen to the podcast…

A Social Media Interview with Brian Thompson on Personal Branding, Content Curation & Creation, Part 1

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-18T20:15:32-07:00

I was recently interviewed by Solveig Whittle, a student at University of Washington, for her class on Social Media. Solveig is a business woman, a musician and a student of digital marketing… so we had lots to talk about.

The following excerpt is taken from the original blog post on Solveig's blog here:

In the first half of our hour-long discussion, Brian and I talk about the role social media has played in his personal branding, his daily work life, and in the lives of the indie musicians he communicates and works with every day.

We cover:

The DIY Daily Podcast #105 - April 18, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-18T12:27:53-07:00

Today's Topic?

3 Ways You CAN.
Plus… The Science Of Creativity.

Today's Featured Song of the Week is "All My Friends" by The Treble. Find them on Facebook here and on Twitter here.

Live From Music City On BlogTalkRadio With Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-17T23:34:38-07:00

It was really cool to be a guest on Live From Music City today. It's a weekly radio show that airs on Tuesday nights at 6:00 pm PST on Blog Talk Radio, hosted by David Lowry.

In case you missed the live broadcast, there's a recording below. This is a long one though, so grab a fresh coffee and zen out with me for a bit k? This interview weighs in at a hefty 90 minutes.

But it's worth the investment of your time.

Listen to internet radio with Live From Music City on Blog Talk Radio

I dive deep into a lot of issues that developing artists face every day and I offer some strategies and ideas to help you rise above your peers.

Listen in the widget right here or download it from BlogTalkRadio here.

How To Use ReverbNation to Promote Your Music. Presented by The Music Biz Weekly and Hypebot.com.

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-17T21:49:17-07:00

When?
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Pacific Time)

Free and is open to the first 200 people
Register Here

The Rock Star Branding Podcast #13 - What's Dave Grohl's Rock n' Roll Secret to Success?

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-18T06:51:51-07:00

Join Brian Thompson, Michael Brandvold and Steve Jones for an open roundtable discussion on…

What's Dave Grohl's Rock n' Roll Secret to Success?

The man behind the Foo Fighters has had an amazing career in music, join us as we dissect his brand and distill the essence of what makes him so damn likeable.

New episodes air every Wednesday.

You'll be able to find it right here, but of course you'll also be able to find it on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher Radio, Thorny Bleeder, MichaelBrandvold.com and BrandLikeARockStar.com.

Direct To Fan Music Marketing Webinar Video is Now Available

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-18T08:19:54-07:00

200 people registered for the Direct To Fan Music Marketing Webinar, put on by The Music Biz Weekly and Hypebot, a sold out event. If you missed the event you can now watch the entire webinar, including the chat and Q&A on video for only $5.00.

Direct to Fan is the practice of identifying people with an interest in your music, creating a relationship with those fans, promoting and marketing your music to them and going direct to them to finance your career by monetizing that relationship.

Direct-to-Fan is no longer an option — it’s a necessity.

The DIY Daily Podcast #104 - April 17, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-17T10:10:32-07:00

Today's Topic?

Delivery Determines The Response
+
5 Qualities of People Who Change The World

Today's Featured Song of the Week is "All My Friends" by The Treble. Find them on Facebook here and on Twitter here.

Improve Your Blog Posts and Status Updates In One Simple Step: Don't Cry Wolf

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-17T08:12:05-07:00

If I were to offer you one piece of writing advice it would be this:

Stop Using The Exclamation Mark

Seriously. Stop it.
Remove the !!!

It's annoying.
And it makes you sound like a Valley Girl.
An overexcited Yes Man.
A Used Car Salesman.
A pre-pubescent little tween.

Don't exaggerate excitement.
Don't cry wolf.

Just talk to me, man. Talk. Don't yell. Don't over-promote. Just tell me what's happening.

Don't try to pretend that your gig at that shitty club is going to the not-to-miss music night of the year.

Don't waste hype.

(there's more to read… click the link below)

The DIY Daily Podcast #103 - April 16, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-16T09:43:12-07:00

Today's Topic?

3 Ways to Tame the Critical Voice Within

Today's Featured Song of the Week is "All My Friends" by The Treble. Find them on Facebook here and on Twitter here.

The DIY Daily Podcast #102 - April 13, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-13T07:40:35-07:00

Today's Topic?
Lessons in Creativity... and Just Doing It.

Today's Featured Song of The Week is the song Scientists from The Sons, who hail from Derby, England. Visit them online here.

Ep. 54: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Curt Smith From Tears For Fears Discusses Social Media and Being a DIY Artist

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-13T06:01:57-07:00

In this week's episode we were lucky enough to have a fantastic discussion with Curt Smith, co-founder of the multi-platinum British music group Tears For Fears, with which he continues to tour worldwide, as well as an acclaimed solo musician.

Curt also writes music for film, television and the web, most recently scoring the independent feature Meth Head. He is also a regular speaker at creative, media and technology events including TEDxHollywood, TEDxSan Francisco, the Billboard Film & TV Music Conference.

Join Curt, Brian Thompson and Michael for a great conversation about social media and music, and being a DIY artist with no label.

Visit Curt Online: http://www.curtsmithofficial.com

Listen on Soundcloud below, download on the widget below or via iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

As always, if you enjoyed this podcast please leave a comment and share it on your Facebook or Twitter page.

The DIY Daily Podcast #101 - April 12, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-12T10:31:33-07:00

Today's Topic?
Touring Isn't Just About Ticket & Merch Sales
PLUS...
Nine Things Successful People Do Differently

Today's Featured Song of The Week is the song Scientists from The Sons, who hail from Derby, England. Visit them online here.

Touring Isn't Just About Ticket & Merch Sales

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-11T20:10:54-07:00

Touring isn't just about ticket and merch sales.

It ignites conversations.
It gives people a reason to talk about you.

It sparks the fuel that enables your career to catch aflame.

It's about giving influencers a reason to play you on their radio show, to print a feature in their local entertainment paper, to publish a blog about you, to feature you on their podcast or to run a ticket contest in their local indie record store.

Click Read More for the rest of the article.

Thorny Bleeder Records New Release Announcement: Art Of Dying - Let The Fire Burn CD/DVD (aka The Lost Acoustic Album)

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-11T17:44:34-07:00

The Lost Acoustic Album: April 24

Let The Fire Burn is a "super package" from Art of Dying featuring a "Lost Acoustic Album" and a DVD that will become both a collector's item and favourite among fans. Packed with content, the DVD is "a few years in the life" of this amazing Canadian success story and the acoustic album is a true 'record' of a moment-in-time on a booze-drenched journey with producer Jeff Dawson.

This lost acoustic album and accompanying behind-the-scenes DVD captures Art Of Dying in their final moments with Thorny Bleeder before they were signed to Warner. This truly is a piece of rock history captured in time.

Click Read More for more detailed information...

The DIY Daily Podcast #100 - April 11, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-11T10:10:22-07:00

Today's Topic?

Seven Truths About You

Today's Featured Song of The Week is the song Scientists from The Sons, who hail from Derby, England. Visit them online here.

The Rock Star Branding Podcast #12 - Using the Power of Mystique & Allowing Media to Spin Your Story

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-11T07:29:30-07:00

Join Brian Thompson, Michael Brandvold and Steve Jones for an open roundtable discussion on the power of using mystique and myth and letting the press run with a story to enhance your brand.

Bands discussed are KISS, Frank Zappa, Alice Cooper, Sex Pistols, Deadmau5, and Lana Del Rey.

The DIY Daily Podcast #99 - April 10, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-10T11:32:52-07:00

Today's Topic?

Do You Have Purpose In All That You Do?
plus…
6 Steps to Crossing Anything Off Your Bucket List

Today's Featured Song of The Week is the song Scientists from The Sons, who hail from Derby, England. Visit them online here.

Be Daring. Be Different. #FreeWallpaper

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-09T21:45:29-07:00

Click Here to Download a #Free 1920x1080 #DesktopWallpaper.

Do You Have Purpose In All That You Do?

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-09T20:20:15-07:00

When was the last time you did something that really mattered?

When was the last time you did something that changed someone's life?

When was the last time you did something for someone... without being asked?

When was the last time you gave... with no expectation of receiving anything in return?

The DIY Daily Podcast #98 - April 9, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-09T10:32:15-07:00

Today's Topic?

34 Things I've Learned About Life & Adventure

Today's Featured Song of The Week is the song Scientists from The Sons, who hail from Derby, England. Visit them online here.

The DIY Daily Podcast #97 - April 6, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-06T10:59:07-07:00

Today's Topic?

12 Truths to Tell Yourself After a Mistake or Failure

This week's Featured Song of the Week is Wrath Like A City from the amazing Cobra Ramone from Vancouver, BC. Find her on Facebook here.

The DIY Daily Podcast #96 - April 5, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-05T10:13:43-07:00

Today's Topic?

Singularity and the Future of the Music Biz
PLUS...
The Power of Delight

This week's Featured Song of the Week is Wrath Like A City from the amazing Cobra Ramone from Vancouver, BC. Find her on Facebook here.

Singularity Approaches. A Glimpse of the Not-So-Distant Future: Project Glass.

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-04T22:27:02-07:00

technology should work for you — to be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don't.

a team within Google started Project Glass to build this exact kind of technology. one that helps you explore and share your world. one that puts you back in the moment, rather than staring at your phone and walking into a wall.

imagine being connected, with the power and knowledge base of the entire network of humanity, within instant recall at the blink of an eye or voice command.

watch the following video and then continue reading...

Ep. 53: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Getting Your Music Heard By Industry Professionals with Mike McCready Music Xray

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-06T06:44:01-07:00

Mike McCready is an entrepreneur in the music industry, CEO of Music Xray, a blogger on Huffington Post and musician. He is most known for having pioneered the science of hit song prediction using acoustic analysis software to analyze the underlying mathematical patterns in music.

Music Xray is a company who is facilitating a more efficient, lower cost and less risky A&R process. They help musicians and songwriters get deals and to get feedback from professionals who want to help them succeed. Music Xray helps them access music industry gatekeepers in a way that makes it rewarding for both parties.

(click on through to listen to the podcast after the jump)

The DIY Daily Podcast #95 - April 4, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-04T09:39:13-07:00

Today's Topic? 10 Music Business Fundamentals Inspired By Gandhi

This week's Featured Song of the Week is Wrath Like A City from the amazing Cobra Ramone from Vancouver, BC. Find her on Facebook here.

Follow @thornybleeder

The Rock Star Branding Podcast #11 - Have Fun With Your Brand To Make It Memorable

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-04T06:39:06-07:00

Join Brian Thompson, Michael Brandvold and Steve Jones for an open 10 minute roundtable discussion on the topic of having fun with your brand and using emotions to make it memorable. Includes examples from the band Hollerado.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #94 - April 3, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-03T11:04:08-07:00

Today's Topic?

10 Ways To Achieve Your Dreams
PLUS… Paying It Forward
AND… How to Inspire Happiness

This week's Featured Song of the Week is Wrath Like A City from the amazing Cobra Ramone from Vancouver, BC. Find her on Facebook here.

Webinar Announcement: Direct-to-Fan Marketing

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-02T20:00:17-07:00

Our next webinar is going to be on Monday, April 16 at 6pm PST.

Join Brian Thompson and Michael Brandvold from The Music Biz Weekly for a 60 minute introduction into the world of Direct-to-Fan Music Marketing, followed by a 30 minute Q&A.

The webinar is free and is open to the first 200 people who register and sign-in to the live event. A recorded video of the webinar will be made available at this link following the event.

click "more" below to visit the Registration link…

The DIY Daily Podcast #93 - April 2, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-02T11:00:00-07:00

Today's Topic? Pay It Forward!

This week's Featured Song of the Week is Wrath Like A City from the amazing Cobra Ramone from Vancouver, BC. Find her on Facebook here.

Follow @thornybleeder

Pay It Forward: Monthly Subscriptions Now Available

Brian Thompson — 2012-04-01T13:27:10-07:00

welcome to the all new monthly subscription plans from Thorny Bleeder and The DIY Daily.

what's this, you ask? are things changing around here?

fear not.
nothing's changing.
all of the daily newsletters, blogs, tips, tweets and podcasts remain 100% free.

but what is changing is your ability to compensate me for all of the content i create, curate and share with you.
that sounds pretty fair eh?

in the sidebar to the right you'll see three new monthly subscription plans, plus a one-time donation option as well.

you can choose to pay $4.99 per month, $9.99 per month, or $14.99 per month… all of which are only pennies a day.

all plans come with this impressive I Proudly Pay It Forward badge you see right here. display this badge of honour on your website and social profiles to show everyone how much of a kick-ass person you truly are.

that's it, that's all.
there's no change other than the ability for you to say thank you with a few spare pennies a day.

inspire. educate. motivate.

Recorded Webinar Now Available: Wordpress Plugins for Musicians

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-31T16:07:34-07:00

The recorded video from the webinar that Michael Brandvold and I did on March 26 is now available for purchase for only $5.00.

WordPress Plugins for Musicians

This is jam-packed talk with lots of useful information including:

Which plugins musicians need
How to find plugins artists want
How to review which plugin to install
How to remove plugins via ftp
What plugins help you get more traffic from Facebook and Twitter
How to setup a podcast.
How to add an email list signup
How to get more comments on your posts
How to stop spammers
How to setup and manage shows and tours
What plugins to use to run a contest
How to backup your website
How to giveaway a file in exchange for a Tweet and a Follow
How to install a direct-to-fan store with Topspin Media

THIS is Fanning the Fire of Fandom (VIDEO Example from The Boss)

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-30T12:25:01-07:00

In case you were unclear of the message I was trying to deliver in my recent post, Fan The Fire Of Fandom, here's a real-world example from none other than The Boss.

Bruce Springsteen jumps off stage in Philadelphia on the Wrecking Ball Tour and sings with the crowd and then chugs a beer that someone in the crowd hands him.

Check out the crowd. Look at their faces. See their smiles?

THIS is how you deepen the connection between fan and artist.
THIS is how you inject emotion into what you're doing.
THIS is how you create the intangible that can only be experienced…

THIS is fanning the fire of fandom.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #92 - March 30, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-30T10:06:44-07:00

Today's Topics?

1. Fan The Fire Of Fandom!
2. PLUS… 50 Ways to Nurture Your Happiness (Part 2)

The Featured Song of the Week today is from Rogers, Silver & Allen, with their song See You from their new album which you can download for free on SoundCloud here.

Follow @thornybleeder

Ep. 52: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Two Guys Bullshitting About Timeline, StageBloc & Spotify

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-30T06:42:50-07:00

Sorry for the shitty audio quality on this episode folks. We're a little stumped as to why it sounds like it was recorded in a toilet. Because it wasn't. Honest. I wouldn't do that to you.

An unedited, no-holds barred discussion with Brian Thompson and Michael Brandvold, bullshitting about a range of current music industry topics as: the all-new Facebook Timeline for Artist Fan Pages, a new website building platform for musicians called StageBloc, info on our upcoming Webinar on Direct-to-Fan Marketing on Monday, April 16, and the latest complaint about Spotify and other music subscription services from none other than the Black Keys.

Tune in every Friday for the latest episode.

Fan the Fire of Fandom

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-29T21:19:53-07:00

you might have a spark.
but you need a flame.
and once you have a flame,
you need a fire.

in fact, you need a raging fucking inferno.

you need to burst into flames and create the most fantastic of fans.
that's how you create true, sustainable longevity.

it's done by your fans and through your fans.
your most passionate fans are the key to your success.

are you fanning the fire of fandom?

(continue reading after the jump)

The DIY Daily Podcast #91 - March 29, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-29T10:13:47-07:00

Today's Topics?

1. Do Your Thing. Do The Deed And Get It Done.

2. To Get Ahead, Do 21 Things That Others Don’t

3. 50 Ways to Nurture Your Happiness

The Featured Song of the Week today is from Rogers, Silver & Allen, with their song See You from their new album which you can download for free on SoundCloud here.

Follow @thornybleeder

Do Your Thing. Do The Deed And Get It Done.

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-28T15:56:54-07:00

We all have a thing we want to do.
Big things. Little things. Creative things. Personal things.

But imagine if that thing you wanted to do didn't get done.
So if today was your last day, would you be content with what you did?
Would you be ok with what you didn't leave behind?

I don't know about you, but I want to leave something behind.
I want to be something more than just a fading memory.
I want something more than a 10 Year Pin.
I want something more than Employee Of The Month.
I want something more than being just another number on someone else's payroll.

If today was your last day, what would your legacy be?

Embracing Honesty & Transparency with Your Fans - The Rock Star Branding Podcast #10

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-28T13:58:45-07:00

Here's the 10th Episode of The Rock Star Branding Podcast.

In this episode we discuss branding lessons from Howard Stern, Hugh Grant, Marmite, Buckley's Cough Syrup, Van Halen, The Beatles, Coldplay.

New episodes air every Wednesday in all of the usual spots. You'll be able to find it right here, but of course you'll also be able to find it on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher Radio, Thorny Bleeder, MichaelBrandvold.com and BrandLikeARockStar.com.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #90 - March 26, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-26T09:32:26-07:00

Today's Topic?
Happiness First, Money Later
+
12 Life Lessons Learned in 12 Years on the Road

The Featured Song of the Week today is from Rogers, Silver & Allen, with their song See You from their new album which you can download for free on SoundCloud here.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #89 - March 23, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-23T09:52:13-07:00

Today's Topic?
5 Ways to Find Happiness by Living in the Moment
+
5 Keys to Enhancing Your Emotional Intelligence

The Featured Song of the Week today is from Joel Plaskett Emergency, with his new track You're Mine from the upcoming new album, Scrappy Happiness.

Follow @thornybleeder

Two Guys Bulshitting About Music, Live From CMW 2012 - Ep. 51: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-23T06:52:38-07:00

An unedited, no-holds barred discussion with Brian Thompson in Vancouver and Michael Brandvold, recording live from his hotel room at the 2012 Canadian Music Week in Toronto.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #88 - March 22, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-22T09:38:46-07:00

Today's Topic?
18 Truths to Start Telling Yourself

The Featured Song of the Week today is from Joel Plaskett Emergency, with his new track You're Mine from the upcoming new album, Scrappy Happiness.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #87 - March 21, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-21T09:18:30-07:00

Topic?
What Lies Behind Your Anger? + 7 Easy Ways to Improve a Bad Day

The Featured Song of the Week today is from Joel Plaskett Emergency, with his new track You're Mine from the upcoming new album, Scrappy Happiness.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #86 - March 20, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-20T10:28:46-07:00

Today's Topic?
Be The Architect Of Your Own Life!

The Featured Song of the Week today is from Joel Plaskett Emergency, with his new track You're Mine from the upcoming new album, Scrappy Happiness.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #85 - March 19, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-19T10:11:31-07:00

Today's Topic?
10 Critical Steps to Sustainable Life Change

The Featured Song of the Week today is from Joel Plaskett Emergency, with his new track You're Mine from the upcoming new album, Scrappy Happiness.

Follow @thornybleeder

The $8 billion iPod (TED Talks Video)

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-17T19:11:44-07:00

The following TEDtalks video form comedic author Rob Reid unveils Copyright Math, a remarkable new field of study based on actual numbers from entertainment industry lawyers and lobbyists. In this video Reid completely skewers the entertainment industry's inflated claims of damages that result from copyright infringement.

“[The first MP3 player] was a big Christmas hit, because what little hoodlum wouldn't want a million and a half bucks-worth of stolen goods in his pocket?”

Watch the video below for his hilarious 5-minute lecture, in which he demonstrates just how off-base some of these numbers from the RIAA and MPAA are.

Rob Reid is an author and a serial entrepreneur. He founded the company that created the Rhapsody music website, and his latest book, Year Zero, will be published in July. In it, aliens seek to erase the ruinous fines on their vast collections of pirated American music by destroying the Earth. Parts of it are made up.

I'll Be Speaking in Seattle on March 27

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-16T13:14:52-07:00

I just confirmed my participation in a killer music panel in Seattle at the Hard Rock Cafe on March 27. If you're in the Seatlle… you should come! This event is definitely going to sell out, so book your ticket asap.

How To Make Money With Your Music

Date & Time:
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Hard Rock Cafe Seattle
116 Pike Street
Seattle, WA

An Exclusive Networking Event for Music Professionals

Bruce Springsteen's 2012 SXSW Keynote Address (Video)

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-16T11:19:56-07:00

The description underneath the following video says it best:

"The Boss" himself delivered an inspirational keynote speech for 2012 SXSW in front of a packed convention centre crowd. Springsteen talks about his influences, how he still practices his rock n' roll poses in his bedroom mirror, and he even picked up the guitar to croon a bit for the crowd.

Bruce stated the obvious that there are tens of thousands of talented bands out there, giving young musicians hope by telling them to make a name for themselves in music by being, tough, cocky and humble.

The near-hour keynote proved to, not only those in attendance, but those listening/watching around the world, that "The Boss" needs to release an autobiography. Seriously! Who couldn't listen to Bruce speak for hours upon hours? The guy is a wordsmith. He is a poetic genius. This keynote proves that.

The DIY Daily Podcast #84 - March 16, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-16T09:51:43-07:00

Today's Topic?

The Three Requirements To Living A Simple And Fulfilling Life
+
Business Lessons From Elton John

Our Featured Song of the Week today is from Metaform, with his track Electric Eyes.

Follow @thornybleeder

A Discussion with Bruce Houghton, Publisher & Editor of Hypebot and Music Think Tank - Ep. 50: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-16T06:30:14-07:00

Join myself (Brian Thompson) and Michael Brandvold for this week's very special 50th Episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast for an amazing discussion with with Bruce Houghton, Publisher & Editor of Hypebot and Music Think Tank, and President of Skyline Music.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #83 - March 15, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-15T09:49:40-07:00

Today's Topic?
The Unpredictable Freedom and Sweetness of Chaos

Our Featured Song of the Week today is from Metaform, with his track Electric Eyes.

Follow @thornybleeder

Don't Hope. Believe.

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-14T12:54:12-07:00

Hope is a prison.
Hoping achieves nothing.
Hope is putting faith in superstition.

Quit wasting your time sitting around and hoping for something to happen.
Just go out and do it.

If you want something, manifest it.
Set your intent, focus your mind and do it.

Don't Hope. Believe.

Believe that you are capable.
Believe that you can do that thing you want to do.

Don't just think about it.
WILL it into being.
WILL into existence by doing the work that's necessary.

No excuses.

Only YOU can make the future you want for yourself.
The best way you can predict your future is to create it.

Start now.

The DIY Daily Podcast #82 - March 14, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-14T10:23:12-07:00

Today's Topic?

Cultivate Creativity: Remove Distractions In Your Life

Our Featured Song of the Week today is from Metaform, with his track Electric Eyes.

Follow @thornybleeder

The Rock Star Branding Podcast #8: The Importance of Having People Who Hate You

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-14T07:42:50-07:00

Our new weekly podcast series continues with our 8th Episode. Hit 'play' and join us for another quick 10 min. discussion on lessons for artists from KISS, Slayer and Justin Bieber.

Follow @thornybleeder

Cultivate Creativity: Remove Distractions in Your Life

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-13T12:26:35-07:00

I did it. I faced a fear today. Or as author Julien Smith puts it… I faced The Flinch.

I looked at fear and discomfort square in the face and said, "You have no power over me."

What I did has been a long time coming. I've been wanting to do this for at least a year, if not more. It's something that you yourself would probably never consider. In fact, most people would say it's kinda' crazy.

But I'm taking power over my life, one decision at a time.

And dammit… it feels good.

The decision I made this morning was an important step in my continuing pursuit to cultivate creativity, to remove the distractions in my life and to be as productive as possible.

I'm entering a new era in my life. I'm marking this date on my calendar as I have a strong hunch it will mark somewhat of a turning point for me.

The DIY Daily Podcast #81 - March 13, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-13T08:06:22-07:00

Today's Topic?
You Have a Bucket List, I Have a "Fuck It" List.
ALSO… My Secret for Turning Fear Into Opportunity.
AND… 12 Lies to Stop Telling Yourself.

Our Featured Song of the Week today is from Metaform, with his track Electric Eyes.

Follow @thornybleeder

You have a Bucket List, I have a "Fuck It" List.

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-12T20:12:28-07:00

Many people have a Bucket List, a list of things they want to do in their life before they die. While the intentions of this are great, I have an entirely different view.

This is my life… and it's ending one minute at a time.

Therefore I want to do everything I possibly can… including things I haven't even dreamt of yet.

So rather than try to come up with a To Do List which I know I'll change daily, I've decided to create the antonym of a Bucket List, a Fuck-It List.

My Fuck-It List is composed of things which I officially denounce forever in my pursuit to live a happy and fulfilled life.

The Top 10 Things I'm Saying Good-Bye to Forever:

From the Newspaper: a Feature Story on Brian Thompson from Thorny Bleeder and The DIY Daily

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-12T13:31:19-07:00

The Brandon Sun newspaper recently ran a full page feature story on me (whoa). But since they have a subscription based website, the article is locked behind a paywall and forever kept a secret for only their paying members.

Dammit.
How ridiculous is that? I can't even see the damn story that was written about me, without subscribing to a newspaper from a city that I don't live in?
Ugh.

But alas, thanks to Google Alerts I was just notified that the story has been copied and reposted on someone's music blog. Nice work mystery man. The Internet wins again.

So now that I finally have access to it, here's the entire article, appearing as it was published from the Brandon Sun print edition on March 1, 2012.

Want To Further Your Musical Career? Then Read On…

The DIY Daily Podcast #80 - March 12, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-12T10:21:30-07:00

Today's Topic? How to Change Your Mental State

Our Featured Song of the Week today is from Metaform, with his track Electric Eyes.

Follow @thornybleeder

10 Steps to Successful Music Marketing | Ep. 49: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-10T10:00:04-08:00

Join myself (Brian Thompson) and Michael Brandvold for this week's episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast for a discussion on powering through adversity while on the road, plus 10 Steps to Successful Music Marketing.

Here's the Slideshare document we refer to in this episode:

Creative Digital Marketing for Musicians & Songwriters

View more presentations from Brian Thompson

Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.

The DIY Daily Podcast #78 - March 8, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-08T09:00:00-08:00

Today's Topic? The Top 3 Skills You Need to Bounce Back From Anything

Our Featured Song of the Week today is from Zoo Lion, with their new song Lost In Translation.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #79 - March 9, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-09T09:00:00-08:00

Today's Topic? How To Live Today As If It Were Your Last & Enjoy It

Our Featured Song of the Week today is from Zoo Lion, with their new song Lost In Translation.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #77 - March 7, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-07T06:58:16-08:00

Today's Topic? How to Have a Passionate Life

Our Featured Song of the Week today is from Zoo Lion, with their new song Lost In Translation.

Follow @thornybleeder

The Rock Star Branding Podcast #7: Nurturing Your Fan Base

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-07T06:00:00-08:00

Our new weekly podcast series continues with our 7th Episode. Hit 'play' and join us for another quick 10 min. discussion on lessons for artists from KISS, Jimmy Buffet and Jack Johnson.

Follow @thornybleeder

Attention Canadian Artists: Meet TourHub, Your Band's New Best Friend

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-06T13:02:43-08:00

TourHub: Canada’s Venues At Your Fingertips

The Music Industry Associations which form the Canadian Council of Music Industry Associations, has spent much of the last year developing an innovative new tool that is set to revolutionize how bands plan and book tours in Canada. That tool is TourHub.

The DIY Daily Podcast #76 - March 6, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-06T09:52:16-08:00

Today's Topic? 5 Ways to Supersize Your Life

Our Featured Song of the Week today is from Zoo Lion, with their new song Lost In Translation.

Follow @thornybleeder

New Webinar Announcement: WordPress Plugins for Musicians

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-05T14:16:56-08:00

I'm excited to announce along with Michael Brandvold the next Webinar presented by The Music Biz Weekly:

WordPress Plugins for Musicians
March 26, 2012 6pm – 7:30pm PST
Cost to Attend – Free
Video After the Event – $5.00

This is going to be jammed packed talk with lots of useful information. Here's the key topics we'll be covering:

Which plugins do musicians need.
How to find plugins artists would want.
How to review which plugin to install.
How to remove plugins via ftp.
What plugins will help you get more traffic from Facebook and Twitter.
How to setup a podcast.
How to add an email list signup.
How to get more comments on your posts.
How to stop spammers.
How to setup and manage shows and tours.
What plugins do you need to run a contest.
How to backup your website.
How to giveaway a file in exchange for a Tweet and a Follow.
How to install a direct-to-fan store with Topspin Media.

The webinar is free to attend, so register now!

Art of Dying to Tour with Shinedown and Release New Single - "Sorry"

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-05T11:16:47-08:00

Art of Dying have announced that they will be joining this year’s Avalanche Tour with Shinedown and Adelita’s Way. Art of Dying played the inaugural run of the festival last year. They will join the tour from April 12 in Detroit until April 25 in Baltimore. A full list of dates is below.

Vocalist Jonny Hetherington, guitarists Greg Bradley and Tavis Stanley, bassist Cale Gontier, and drummer Jeff Brown make up Canadian rock band Art of Dying. Signed by Disturbed to their Intoxication Records imprint on Warner Bros Records, Art of Dying spent most of 2011 touring with hard rock heavyweights from Avenged Sevenfold and Three Days Grace on the Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival to Theory of A Deadman and Stone Sour on the 2011 Avalanche Tour. "Die Trying," the first single from their major label debut Vices and Virtues, was a Top 5 Active Rock hit and the follow up single "Get Thru This" made it into in the Top 15 on the Active Rock chart. The third single “Sorry” hits radio in early March (see the lyric video at this link: http://www.youtube.com/artofdying).

Click the Read More link to see the upcoming tour dates.

The DIY Daily Podcast #75 - March 5, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-05T08:22:14-08:00

Today's Topic? 5 Ways to Supersize Your Life

Our Featured Song of the Week today is from Zoo Lion, with their new song Lost In Translation.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #74 - March 2, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-02T10:20:53-08:00

Today's Topic?
How To Choose Happiness!

This week's Featured Song of the Week is the track Lonely Sunday, from Reign Wolf, aka Jordan Cook.

Follow @thornybleeder

Facebook Launches Timeline for Fan Pages - Ep. 48: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-02T06:00:00-08:00

Join myself (Brian Thompson) and Michael Brandvold for this week's episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast for a 45 min. discussion on the all-new Facebook Timeline for Fan Pages.

We tell you how to set it up properly and how to maximize it's full marketing potential for your band. We also share some tips on how to deal with trolls and negative criticism online.

Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.

The DIY Daily Podcast #73 - March 1, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-03-01T09:17:19-08:00

Today's Topic?

How I Quit Smoking + How To Harness The Magnificent Power Of Hate + How to Change Your Emotional Style.

This week's Featured Song of the Week is the track Lonely Sunday, from Reign Wolf, aka Jordan Cook.

Follow @thornybleeder

The Rock Star Branding Podcast #6: Damage Control of Your Brand as a Result of Legal Woes

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-29T06:00:00-08:00

Our new weekly podcast series continues with our sixth episode. Hit 'play' and join us for another quick 10 min. episode as we have a discussion surrounding the legal fallout from the stage collapse and fan deaths at a Sugarland concert in Indianna in August 2011.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #72 - February 29, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-29T09:04:40-08:00

Today's Topic? Happiness Makes Your Brain Work Better

This week's Featured Song of the Week is the track Lonely Sunday, from Reign Wolf, aka Jordan Cook.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #71 - February 28, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-28T09:28:43-08:00

Today's Topic? 12 Most Practical Habits to Easily Elevate Your Life

This week's Featured Song of the Week is the track Lonely Sunday, from Reign Wolf, aka Jordan Cook.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #70 - February 27, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-27T10:01:44-08:00

Today's Topic? 12 Things To Start Caring About Today.

This week's Featured Song of the Week is the track Lonely Sunday, from Reign Wolf, aka Jordan Cook.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Newsletter & Podcast - a Kinetic Typography Introduction

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-26T17:15:20-08:00

So I've been wanting to make an introduction video to The DIY Daily newsletter and podcast.

I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but then it hit me. Kinetic Typography. I love these types of videos… it's all about the words and the pacing.

So I decided to just do it. This weekend.
DIY.

Click the link below to read more about this project.

The DIY Daily Podcast #69 - February 24, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-24T10:06:41-08:00

Today's Topic:
Be the Best You: 7 Keys to a Positive Personality.

This week's featured Song of the Week is from Pittsburgh's Broken Fences, with their beautiful and lush track, Wait.

Follow @thornybleeder

Ep. 47: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - A Music Consultation with Dance Artist Barron S

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-24T07:02:05-08:00

We recently ran a contest where the winner gets to be a special guest on this very podcast. Well this is it!

So here's… A Music Consultation with Dance Artist Barron S.

** Sorry for the crummy AM Radio audio quality in this episode, we're not sure what happened. **

Tune in every Friday for the latest episode.

Follow Barron S online here:

www.barron-s.com
www.twitter.com/barronsmusic
www.facebook.com/barronsmusic

The DIY Daily Podcast #68 - February 23, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-23T10:16:40-08:00

Today's Topic:

20 Simple Ways to Stoke Your Self-Confidence

This week's featured Song of the Week is from Pittsburgh's Broken Fences, with their beautiful and lush track, Wait.

Follow @thornybleeder

Is Your Ambition Greater Than Your Ability?

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-22T12:11:04-08:00

Do you ever get frustrated that your ambition is greater than your ability?

Does that song in your head sound far better than what you just recorded? Is the painting you envisioned far grander than the oil you just committed to canvas? Are you unable to communicate the thoughts in your mind into cohesive prose?

It happens to all of us.

What sets the good apart from the great is hard work, tenacity, perseverance and a determined focus on knowing that you will eventually get there.

But success doesn't come overnight. Nor should it. Success needs to be earned.

When you feel like you've hit the brick wall in your creativity and you feel that the hard work that's required to rock at your thing is too overwhelming … watch the video below.

You're not alone.

Anyone who has achieved anything has hit the same wall as you. But the difference is, they pressed through it. Will you?

As Steven Pressfield says, Do The Work.

The DIY Daily Podcast #67 - February 22, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-22T09:31:42-08:00

Today's Topic?
How An Average Person Becomes Famous: The Path from Ordinary to Extraordinary

This week's featured Song of the Week is from Pittsburgh's Broken Fences, with their beautiful and lush track, Wait.
Follow @thornybleeder

U2 and the Dangers of Stretching Your Brand | The Rock Star Branding Podcast #5

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-22T06:43:32-08:00

Our new weekly podcast series continues with our fifth episode. Hit 'play' and join us for another quick 10 min. episode as we dive deeper into artist branding lessons from none other than U2.

Follow @thornybleeder

The Twitter Trolls: How to Deal with Criticism Online

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-21T18:07:45-08:00

It's impossible to be liked by everyone. No matter what you say or do online you risk the potential of offending someone (or even just rubbing them the wrong way). But for a musician, writer, photographer or anyone in the creative arts it can get even worse. Your soul, your art, is on display… available for anyone to rip it to shreds.

Enter the world of The Haters. The Trolls. The Vociferous Nerds hiding in their parent's basement behind a bag of half-eaten cheese doodles, whose job is to make everyone they encounter online feel worthless.

The Twitter Troll has taken things to a whole new level. With the speed of delivering a text message your ego and self worth can be crushed by a simple tweet sent from someone completely unknown to you... and delivered publicly for the whole world to see.

New Speaking Engagements Announced in Brandon and Winnipeg

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-21T18:07:43-08:00

Do you live in Manitoba?

If so, I have two new speaking engagements that were just announced. You should come!

Here's the info:

The DIY Daily Podcast #66 - February 21, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-21T09:44:19-08:00

Today's Topic? Top Ten Lies Of The Music Industry

This week's featured Song of the Week is from Pittsburgh's Broken Fences, with their beautiful and lush track, Wait.
Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #65 - February 20, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-20T11:11:34-08:00

Today's Topic?
Stop screwing around and do the work to hone your own special form of genius, right now!

This week's featured Song of the Week is from Pittsburgh's Broken Fences, with their beautiful and lush track, Wait.
Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #64 - February 17, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-17T09:33:54-08:00

Today's Topic?

Committing to Your Passion… plus, 10 Good Reminders for Stressful Times.

Follow @thornybleeder

Ep. #46: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Discussion with CD Baby President Brian Felsen

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-17T08:52:36-08:00

This Week's Topic:

A discussion with the President of CD Baby (not to mention Host Baby and Book Baby) Brian Felsen. Click play below and listen in on what changes are happening with the world's number one indie music distributor, plus his thoughts on music marketing, and sync licensing via RumbleFish.

Follow @thornybleeder

New Speaking Engagement Announcement: Music BC's Career Development Series

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-16T17:22:14-08:00

Your Online Presence, Is It Working For You?

Hey guys, I'll be speaking in Vancouver for Music BC's Career Development Series - Your Online Presence on Saturday, March 3.

Click this link to see info on all of my fellow panelists, including someone from San Francisco who you might be familiar with since he was a recent guest on The Music Biz Weekly Podcast, Hisham Dahud from Fame House. And not to mention we'll also be joined by the illustrious Lana Gay from CBC Music as our panel moderator (so we don't get into fights about who has a higher Klout score).

The panel also features Richard Bailey from Frontside and Darren Yada from Rethink.

March 3, 2012
1-4pm
Tom Lee Music Hall
929 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC

1-4pm @ Tom Lee Music Hall

Admission is free for Music BC members or $25 for the general public.

For more information click here.

The DIY Daily Podcast #63 - February 16, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-16T11:17:16-08:00

Today's Topic? Be Remarkable! Push Past the Fear. Have Courage to be YOU.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #62 - February 15, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-15T09:46:33-08:00

Today's Topic? Be Remarkable!

Follow @thornybleeder

The Rock Star Branding Podcast #4 - The Importance of Dialogue With Your Fans

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-15T06:44:14-08:00

Our all-new weekly podcast series continues with our fourth episode. Hit 'play' and join us for another quick 10 min. episode as we dive deeper into aritst branding lessons from none other than U2.

Follow @thornybleeder

Free Download: Creative Digital Marketing for Musicians - a Live Presentation by Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-14T17:01:28-08:00

I'm super happy to offer you a free download of the recording of a live speaking engagement I recently did in Toronto during Songposium 2012, put on by the amazing folks over at Songwriters Association of Canada.

What you're about to hear is a 66 minute live presentation on creative digital marketing for songwriters and musicians. Most of the presentation is centred around the following blog post of mine: Top 31 Ways to Suck at Social Media Marketing.

Click play in the player or enter your email address to receive a free download. If you can't see the player, then access it directly from this page.

*by entering your email address you'll be subscribed to The DIY Daily newsletter which I send every Monday - Friday. If you don't like it you can always unsubscribe… although, that's kinda' like kicking a puppy, so I wouldn't recommend doing that.

Thorny's Brian Thompson Discusses Marketing for Authors & Musicians on The Functional Nerds Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-14T12:09:52-08:00

In episode 090 of the Functional Nerds podcast, hosts Patrick Hester and John Anealio welcome back Gabrielle Gantz (book publicist) and welcome for the first time, Thorny Bleeder's Brian Thompson.

LISTEN HERE

The DIY Daily Podcast #61 - February 14, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-14T09:30:21-08:00

Today's Topic? Blogger Tips for Pinterest, and 12 Most Decisive Keys to LIVING Life.

This week's featured Song of the Week comes to us from Dollarqueen from Bruges, Belgium with their awesomely rocking' track, Plastic Girl.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #60 - February 13, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-13T10:14:37-08:00

Today's Topic? - 18 Ways To Inspire Everyone Around You

This week's featured Song of the Week comes to us from Dollarqueen from Bruges, Belgium with their awesomely rocking' track, Plastic Girl.

Follow @thornybleeder

Bloggers: Don't Lose Your Reader's Pinterest

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-12T18:26:20-08:00

With the insane popularity of Pinterest, bloggers need to put a laser focus on the images they use prior to publishing a new blog post.

On Pinterest, a person discovers new content (articles, blogs, books, music, videos and things to buy) by stumbling through intriguing pictures that other users post.

So if you don't have a compelling image, your new blog post will make a boring Pin. And a boring Pin is a lost opportunity to find new readers or fans.

The biggest mistake I see every new blogger make is not including an image in every post. A photo enhances your content, brings attention to your article and serves as a visual summary of the topic being discussed. With an optimized image strategy for each post you write, you're giving everyone a clear indicator of what to expect before they make the commitment to read it.

If Your Last Show Looked Like This...

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-10T20:56:54-08:00

…then you really need to sign up for The DIY Daily newsletter.

Sure… we've all been there. EVERY musician has been in this very circumstance before. But, does it have to be this way? Of course not. Well… not if you're any good at least.

If your last gig looked like this then don't just complain about it, do something. So… what can you do?

Start by subscribing to The DIY Daily newsletter. That's what it's there for, to help educate you with artist development, branding, social media, growing your fan base, direct-to-fan marketing and monetizing your music.

Don't let the horror of this type of situation continue.
Together… we can make a difference.
(yes, that was supposed to sound cheesy. Insert Sarah McLachlan and sad puppies here)

And the Winner of a Free Music Consultation is...

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-10T14:19:44-08:00

We had an amazing response to our first contest with The Music Biz Weekly Podcast, with close to fifty artist entries. Awesome.

But alas, there can only be one winner. So put your hands together and say …

Congratulations to
Barron S!

Not only will Barron have a free music and marketing consultation with myself and Michael Brandvold, but our call will also be recorded and aired as an upcoming episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast. We will also close the podcast featuring one of her very own songs… how's that for some added exposure?

We'll be recording our new episode in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for it being published soon. But until then, follow Barron online here:

www.barron-s.com
www.twitter.com/barronsmusic
www.facebook.com/barronsmusic

Submissions Close Feb. 15th - Let Your Voice Be Heard! Submit Your 10 Sec. Video Now

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-10T09:34:47-08:00

Video submissions are rolling in from all over the world…
and they're fucking amazing.

Entries close on February 15, so if you want to be a part of this amazing little project, you need to act now.

Curious what this is about? CLICK HERE

The DIY Daily Podcast #59 - February 10, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-10T09:34:45-08:00

Friday, February 10, 2012

Today's Topic? -> Horizontal Marketing vs. Vertical Marketing…AND… How to be Intentionally Happy.

Follow @thornybleeder

Ep. 45: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Two Guys Bullshitting About Music. The Clusterfuck Episode.

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-10T06:30:15-08:00

Join Michael Brandvold and myself as we have an open half hour discussion on music, tech and marketing. No planned topics, just two guys bullshitting about music. Here's the clusterfuck episode.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #58 - February 9, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-09T10:16:19-08:00

Today's Topic? Finding Inspiration: 6 Inspiring Tips for Creative People

Follow @thornybleeder

See the New Lyric Video for Art Of Dying's Sorry

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-08T12:56:58-08:00

Watch the official lyric video for Sorry, the new single off Art Of Dying's new album Vices and Virtues. Get the album now right here.

To celebrate the release, Art Of Dying wants YOU to change your profile pic on Facebook, Twitter and anywhere else you can think of, to a shot of YOU holding up an image that says “SORRY”. Don't we all need to say it to someone? We’ll pick the best ones and feature them.

Here's Jonny's profile pic:

The DIY Daily Podcast #57 - February 8, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-08T10:17:17-08:00

Today's Topic?
4 Reasons Why Happiness Is Not For Wimps
Follow @thornybleeder

The Rock Star Branding Podcast #3 - The Importance of Visual Identity

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-08T07:33:19-08:00

Our all-new weekly podcast series continues with our third episode. Hit 'play' and join us for another quick 10 min. episode as we dive deeper into branding lessons that artists can learn from AC/DC, Disturbed, Boston and Steve Jobs.
Follow @thornybleeder

New episodes will air every Wednesday in all of the usual spots. You'll be able to find it right here on Thorny Bleeder, but of course you'll also be able to find it on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher Radio, The DIY Daily, MichaelBrandvold.com and BrandLikeARockStar.com.

How to Promote Your Music on Facebook

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-08T15:28:44-08:00

If you weren't able to join us for the free live webinar on Mon, Feb. 6… then this is the next best thing.

For only $4.97 you can buy the 75 min. music marketing video tutorial webinar, hosted by Brian Thompson and Michael Brandvold, which teaches you in depth tips and tricks on how to use Facebook to promote your music.

To get the most out of Facebook and the myriad of opportunities it offers you in growing your fan base, you need to have a thorough understanding of how the platform is used and have a clear and concise strategy.

This webinar does that for you.

The Music Biz Weekly Marketing Webinar Presents: How To Use Facebook To Promote Your Music

View more presentations from Michael Brandvold

Still unsure? Take a look at the free slideshow below. This is the exact document we used for the outline to our presentation. Download it. It's yours for free. Take a flip through it and get a clear understanding of the topics we cover.

Cool.
Ya' ready to do clear the clouds circling your head over how to get your music heard on Facebook?

How to Promote Your Music
on Facebook: only $4.97

The DIY Daily Podcast #56 - February 7, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-07T10:26:39-08:00

Today's Topic?
How the Third Wave of Media Is Transforming Marketing Content

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #55 - February 6, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-06T11:12:40-08:00

Today's Topic?

What's Holding You Back? Grab The Wheel and Drive!

Follow @thornybleeder

Indie DIY Artist Tip: Outsource Your Music Video

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-03T20:53:09-08:00

I was browsing the music thread on Reddit and stumbled upon Drew Smith, an independent artist from Hamilton, Ontario. What caught my eye was the following headline, which had me incredibly intrigued:

So my brother outsourced his new music video to Bangalore, India. This is what he got back.

Was I intrigued? Big time.

Was the video going to be a lesson in what not to do? Was it going to become a viral sensation because it was so awful?

OR… was the end product something he could become incredibly proud of?

See for yourself:

Waging War Against Monotony and Mediocrity

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-03T15:02:55-08:00

After I wrote yesterday's article on lessons for success from KISS's Paul Stanley, I had a couple of tweets back and forth with his interviewer, Lee Hawkins (who also happens to be a musician himself) from the Wall Street Journal.

This morning Lee sent me another new interview which he thought I might be interested in with Cee-Lo Green, star judge of NBC's hit show 'The Voice' and the man behind such smash hits as Crazy and Fuck You!

Both interviews feature honest, straight-up talk on the business of music and current industry trends. Once again, there are some great takeaways for not only fellow musicians, but also for anyone living and pursuing a creative life.

These sound-bytes are as relevant to an entrepreneur as they are to any artist:

The DIY Daily Podcast #54 - February 3, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-03T10:44:02-08:00

Today's Topic?
The Key to Success? The Law of Commonality.
Follow @thornybleeder

How To Not Suck | Ep. 44: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-02T20:06:16-08:00

This Week's Topic? How To Not Suck
Making your music matter online, from social media reviews to songwriting.

Follow @thornybleeder

The Key to Success? The Law of Commonality.

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-02T16:00:39-08:00

Unlike some people I know, KISS has never been one of my favourite bands. Although admittedly when I was kid, yes… I definitely had a little KISS-phase (insert air band here). My brief love affair with them was mostly due to them releasing a couple of major new albums (Lick It Up and its follow Animalize) right at the same time as when I was discovering "heavy metal".

But aside from those couple of years, their music really didn't do much for me.

However, I've always respected the band's tenacity and perseverance in the music business. They've never given up, they've always stayed true to who they were, and they always delivered the goods to their diehard fans. Their unparalleled success, in both music and business, is a testament to their keen understanding of marketing and branding.

I just finished watching an intriguing new interview Paul Stanley did with the Wall Street Journal where he made some though provoking comments. I just had to share them with you. The most notable take aways in the interview were Paul's thoughts on his key to success and his philosophy on career longevity.

Words of wisdom from someone who has led a very long and successful career pursuing his creativity and life passions:

The DIY Daily Podcast #53 - February 2, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-02T10:16:20-08:00

Today's Topic? Hmm, Maybe You Ought To Finish That Thing.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #52 - February 1, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-01T09:58:39-08:00

Today's Topic?
Why you must stop dreaming and take a flying leap, right now.

Follow @thornybleeder

The Rock Star Branding Podcast #2 - More Lessons From AC/DC: Living Up To Fan Expectations

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-01T06:16:18-08:00

Our all-new weekly podcast series continues with our second episode. Hit 'play' and join us for another quick 10 min. episode as we dive deeper into branding lessons musicians can learn from AC/DC.

New episodes will air every Wednesday in all of the usual spots. You'll be able to find it right here on Thorny Bleeder, but of course you'll also be able to find it on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher Radio, The DIY Daily, MichaelBrandvold.com and BrandLikeARockStar.com.

Creative Digital Marketing For Songwriters

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-31T18:20:12-08:00

Here's a free download of a slideshow presentation I prepared for my speaking engagement at Songposium 2012 in Toronto last week.

Creative Digital Marketing for Musicians & Songwriters

View more presentations from Brian Thompson

The slides are a summary of the main "talking points" I was intending to use for my presentation… but unfortunately I ran out of time since I was having far too much fun going over this: Top 31 Ways to Suck at Social Media Marketing.

Regardless, many of the slides are represented by blogs I've already written and posted here on Thorny Bleeder. So if a certain slide intrigues you just do a quick search for it and you'll find more info.

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA): Explained (VIDEO)

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-31T18:20:08-08:00

I just stumbled upon this video and needed to share it. Regardless of SOPA(Stop Online Piracy Act) being squashed, our Internet freedoms and online culture continue to be threatened… globally.

ACTA has been secretly in the works for quite some time now, behind closed doors. Watch this for more info:

Info from the video description:
ACTA is one more offensive against the sharing of culture on the Internet. ACTA (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement) is an agreement secretly negotiated by a small "club" of like-minded countries (39 countries, including the 27 of the European Union, the United States, Japan, etc). Negotiated instead of being democratically debated, ACTA bypasses parliaments and international organizations to dictate a repressive logic dictated by the entertainment industries.

ACTA would impose new criminal sanctions forcing Internet actors to monitor and censor online communications. It is thus a major threat to freedom of expression online and creates legal uncertainty for Internet companies. In the name of trademarks and patents, it would also hamper access to generic medicines in poor countries.

When Internet Censorship Wins: A Taste Of The Future

Brian Thompson — 2012-02-01T06:16:24-08:00

Before The Movie Begins
stolen from The New Yorker. don't sue me bro.

" src="http://www.thornybleeder.com/index_files/120206_r21824_p233.jpeg" width="233" height="110" />

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.

The DIY Daily Podcast #51 - January 31, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-31T09:18:30-08:00

Today's Topic?
How To Make The Most Of The Mundane

Follow @thornybleeder

Hisham Dahud Talks About Music Marketing With BitTorrent | Ep. 43: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-26T20:02:38-08:00

Join Michael Brandvold and myself, Brian Thompson, for this week's 37min. episode.

This week we're joined by special guest Hisham Dahud (music industry journalist for Hypebot and digital marketer with Fame House). We get down and dirty and have a very in depth discussion about the recent and very successful campaign that electronic artist Pretty Lights did in partnership with BitTorrent.

Hit play below and share your thoughts with us in the comments. Or of course you can always send us a tweet or leave us a comment on Facebook too. Whichever you choose... share share share!

I Want YOU To Be The Star In My New Crowdsourced Video

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-26T12:21:46-08:00

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 go ahead and hit the record button. Right now. Seriously. If you wait and say you'll do it later… we both know it won't happen.

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

The DIY Daily Podcast #50 - January 26, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-26T10:08:41-08:00

Today's Topic?
10 Commandments for a Good Life

The DIY Daily Podcast #49 - January 25, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-25T14:14:43-08:00

Today's Topic?
12 Guaranteed Outcomes of Having Photography as a Hobby

The Rock Star Branding Podcast Ep. #1 - Lessons From AC/DC: Meeting Your Fan's Expectations

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-25T05:40:11-08:00

Woohoo! Here it is gang, the debut episode of yet another podcast series! Welcome to…

The Music Biz Weekly Presents… The Rock Star Branding Podcast
with your hosts Brian Thompson, Michael Brandvold and author Steve Jones.

Today's Topic?
Lessons From AC/DC: Meeting Your Fan's Expectations

This all-new weekly podcast series will air every Wednesday in all of the usual spots. You'll be able to find it right here on Thorny Bleeder, but of course you'll also be able to find it on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher Radio, The DIY Daily, MichaelBrandvold.com and BrandLikeARockStar.com.

Follow @thornybleeder

The DIY Daily Podcast #48 - January 24, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-24T09:30:17-08:00

Today's Topic?

The New Music Economy: Demand = Value
+
How To Get Motivated RIGHT NOW!

The New Music Economy: Demand = Value

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-23T18:33:11-08:00

The New Music Economy
Demand = Value

If there's no demand, there's no value.

If you create demand you create an opportunity for monetization.

Without demand, your music is essentially worthless to the public, regardless of what you paid to record and produce it.

Encourage an open environment of sharing around your music.
Sharing creates new fans.
Fans create demand.

Monetize!

The DIY Daily Podcast #47 - January 23, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-23T10:01:40-08:00

Today's Topic?
In Discussion, my new controversial blog post:

I Don't Want To Own Music, I Just Want To Listen To Music.

FREE Webinar Announcement: How To Use Facebook To Promote Your Music

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-22T13:13:42-08:00

Michael Brandvold and I are excited to announce the next Music Biz Weekly Music Marketing Webinar. This is going to be another great event for everyone, especially considering the topic: How To Use Facebook To Promote Your Music!

Oh… did I mention that it's free? Here's the deets:

When:
February 6, 2012
6pm–7:30pm PST

Cost to Attend Live Webinar:
Free

Recorded Video After the Event:
$5.00

I Don't Want To Own Music, I Want To Listen To Music.

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-21T17:09:29-08:00

"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.

The DIY Daily Podcast #46 - January 20, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-20T10:17:05-08:00

Today's Topic?
Tips On How To Regain Perspective

Contest! Enter To Win A Free Music Consultation

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-20T07:14:11-08:00

The Music Biz Weekly Podcast is having its first ever contest. We want to have one of YOU, our listeners, to be a special guest on an upcoming episode of our podcast.

This is an amazing opportunity for you to ask two experienced music marketers any questions you have on the music biz, branding, marketing, or social media. This is essentially a free consultation with both Brian Thompson and Michael Brandvold… except this will be recorded and made available for the entire world to hear!

After our 45min. podcast with YOU is complete, we'll end the podcast featuring one of YOUR recorded songs. This is an amazing opportunity for you to showcase your music to the world!

Entry is simple!

This Is The Type Of Art SOPA Would Kill

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-19T17:36:09-08:00

The Internet as we know it is under serious threat. What's being sold to Congress and the American public as a piece of legislation that will "put an end to piracy", is in actuality Government sponsored censorship (not unlike Internet in China).

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*

New Series Announced: The Rock Star Branding Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-19T14:34:21-08:00

I'm excited to finally let you guys in on something that's been in the works ever since Michael Brandvold and I recorded Episode 34 of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast with our special guest, author Steve Jones.

We had such a great time recording that podcast and had such a tremendous response from it that we decided to do some brainstorming to see what else we could possibly do together. Well, it quickly dawned on us… why spoil a good thing? Let's do more podcasts together!

And so… a new series was born:

The Music Biz Weekly Presents… The Rock Star Branding Podcast
with your hosts Brian Thompson, Michael Brandvold and Steve Jones.

This all-new weekly podcast series will air every Wednesday in all of the usual spots, with the debut episode airing on Wednesday, January 25. You'll be able to find it right here on Thorny Bleeder, but of course you'll also be able to find it on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher Radio, The DIY Daily, MichaelBrandvold.com and BrandLikeARockStar.com.

The DIY Daily Podcast #45 - January 19, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-19T09:06:10-08:00

Today's Topic?
Oppose SOPA… and Mantras For Business Success!

SOPA Hopes To Censor The Internet + Marketing On Pinterest | Ep. 42: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-20T07:14:14-08:00

Join Michael Brandvold and myself, Brian Thompson, for this week's 33min. episode.

This week we bullshit about various music and marketing topics such as thepending American legislation to censor the internet under the guise of killing piracy (SOPA and PIPA), plus more thoughts on using Facebook and Pinterest to market your music.

Hit Play and share your thoughts with us in the comments below! Or of course you can always send us a tweet or leave us a comment on Facebook too. Whichever you choose... share share share!

The DIY Daily Podcast #44 - January 18, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-18T09:25:50-08:00

Today's Topic
How To Become Creatively Unstuck

The DIY Daily Podcast #43 - January 17, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-17T10:11:09-08:00

Today's Topic?
5 No-BS Ways to Become Awesome in 5 Minutes

The DIY Daily Podcast #42 - January 16, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-16T10:17:07-08:00

Today's Topic?

"As You Evolve, So Should The Things That Describe You"
(OR... How I Just Invented the Term: Idea Development Engineer)

As You Evolve, So Should The Things That Describe You

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-15T12:50:35-08:00

When people ask what it is that I do, I sometimes feel my response is a bit muddled and not as focussed as it should be.

When I do branding consultations I tell clients they need to have a clear and well crafted elevator pitch that accurately conveys the message of who they are and what they're all about.

Your elevator pitch needs to be the essence of you, distilled down into a carefully concocted piece of prose. And If you're not happy with it, then you need to refine it. It needs to evolve, in tandem with you.

And so it dawned on me that I needed to heed my own advice.

The DIY Daily Podcast #41 - January 13, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-13T10:43:37-08:00

Today's Topic?
Choose To Be Awesome!

Van Halen, Facebook Subscriptions & Spin Magazine Twitter Album Reviews | Ep. 41: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-13T07:45:04-08:00

Join Michael Brandvold and myself, Brian Thompson, for this weeks 42min. episode as we bullshit about various music and marketing topics such as Van Halen, Facebook Subscriptions, MOG and Spin Magazine Tweets Album Reviews.

The DIY Daily Podcast #40 - January 12, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-12T10:17:00-08:00

Today's Topic?
The Complete Guide to Snapping the @#$% Out of It!

The DIY Daily Podcast #39 - January 11, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-11T09:41:50-08:00

Today's Topic:

Answering The Question, "When Are You Going To Grown Up?"

The DIY Daily Podcast #38 - January 10, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-10T10:40:47-08:00

Today's Topic?
"Learn To Let Things Go & Move On!"

Flow Chart: Should You Quit Your Band?

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-07T15:05:45-08:00

Need help deciding if your band is still worth your precious time?

Here's a flow chart courtesy of Guitar Squid for you to follow and see if perhaps it's time for you to move on…

The DIY Daily Podcast #37 - January 9, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-09T10:36:00-08:00

Today's topic?
3 Steps To Great Self-Esteem

How To Maximize Your Merch Sales At Venues

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-07T11:37:25-08:00

Guest Post by Skip Taylor
for SaskMusic's
"The Session".
Reprinted with permission.

Things have changed drastically in the music business in the last 10 years. Physical CD sales have continued to spiral downwards and musicians have been forced to adapt and become smarter at how they handle all areas of their business to survive. More and more, merch sales have become a larger part of the average independent artist’s overall revenue plan.

Merchandise sales has become an area of great innovation and increased efficiency for those artists trying to maximize revenue. As the industry has gone through great transitions, many different business models have emerged. In this article I am going to be discussing some general “best practices,” but depending on your business model they may or may not be right for you. Ultimately, you will have to decide what is right for you and your business.

Two Guys Bullshitting About Music | Ep. 40: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-06T07:34:28-08:00

Join Michael Brandvold and myself, Brian Thompson, for a 40min. episode as we bullshit about various music marketing topics such as listening to the social web for mentions of your brand, social media etiquette, how to pitch your music to people in the industry, plus a new option for you to get your music onto streaming music sites such as Spotify, Rdio, and MOG.

The DIY Daily Podcast #36 - January 6, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-06T10:12:08-08:00

Today's topic?
How To Get Past Limiting Beliefs!

Buy Your Tix Now: Songposium in Toronto, Halifax & Winnipeg

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-05T17:56:25-08:00

January 28 is quickly approaching and that's the day I'll be speaking on Digital Marketing at Songposium 2012 in Toronto. The event is also being live streamed to Halifax and Winnipeg, so if you're a musician in any of these areas I hope you'll take advantage of this amazing day of information.

BUY TICKETS HERE:
Toronto
Halifax
Winnipeg

The DIY Daily Podcast #35 - January 5, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-05T09:54:33-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #34 - January 4, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-04T09:48:51-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #33 - January 3, 2012

Brian Thompson — 2012-01-03T08:51:35-08:00

2012 Music Marketing Trends & Predictions | Ep. 39: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-30T12:14:23-08:00

This is our final episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast for 2011, Episode #39! Thanks so much for listening everyone, it's been an amazing first year for this podcast.

Click play below to listen to our end-of-the-year discussion on Music Marketing Trends and Predictions for 2012, inspired by this blog post from Bob Baker.

From myself and co-host Michael Brandvold… Happy New Year and all the best for 2012!
—Brian Thompson

The DIY Daily Podcast #32 - December 30, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-30T09:11:07-08:00

Special Podcast Guest Announcement: Brian Solis

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-22T18:20:36-08:00

Join us here on Friday, December 30th on The Music Biz Weekly Podcast where we'll be joined by a very special guest, Brian Solis.

Brian Solis is globally recognized as one of the most prominent thought leaders and published authors in new media. A digital analyst, sociologist, and futurist, Solis has studied and influenced the effects of emerging media on business, marketing, publishing, and culture.

His new book, The End Of Business As Usual, looks at the changing consumer landscape, its impact on business & what companies can do to adapt & lead. Solis' previous book,Engage, is regarded as the industry reference guide to build and measure success in the social web.

Briansolis.com is one the world's most read and linked to business and marketing blogs in the world.

Do not miss this incredible end-of-the-year episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast.

Top 20 Thorny Bleeder Marketing Advice Blog Posts for 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-29T14:56:06-08:00

Here's a year-end roundup of the Top 20 Music Marketing Articles I published this year, all of them original and exclusive content to Thorny Bleeder. These are listed in order of the number of views each blog post had, thanks to my Google Analytics data.

1. Change Your Thoughts. Change Your Mind. Change Your Life.

2. Danger! Do Not Use! Words To Avoid In Your Band Bio

3. 8 Ways To Get 100 Visitors A Day To Your Website

4. Here's Why the Number of Facebook 'Likes' Don't Matter

5. Top 10 Ways How To Feel Miserable As An Artist

The DIY Daily Podcast #31 - December 29, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-29T14:56:02-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #30 - December 28, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-28T10:05:47-08:00

Todays topic?
30 Challenges for 30 Days of Growth

Video: How to Use WordPress for Your Website

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-27T11:50:23-08:00

The recorded video of our WordPress Webinar is now available for only $5.

The Music Biz Weekly Music Marketing Webinar:
How to Use WordPress for Your Website

* How to install WordPress on your server.
* What hosting companies offer the best support for WordPress.
* What is the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
* Proper configuration on your WordPress install.
* How To Install A Theme (and how that process differs between .org and .com).
* How to enhance your WordPress site with plugins. Which plugins are must have.
* How to setup WordPress to work with Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
* How to format and write effective posts.
* How to do basic, but effective, Search Engine Optimization.
* How to add a email list and configure it to promote your music.
* How to run a contest on a WordPress site.
* How To Create A Music Page for Your Site.

The DIY Daily Podcast #28 - December 23, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-23T09:30:55-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #29 - December 27, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-27T08:28:35-08:00

What's More Important, a Facebook Like Or an Email Address? | Ep. 38: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-22T17:27:05-08:00

Join Michael Brandvold and myself as we discuss the differences, advantages and disadvantages between an artist collecting an email address in exchange from a fan for a Free Download versus collecting a Facebook 'Like' on their Fan Page.

There's lots to consider with your digital strategy when releasing new media to your fans. Hit Play below and get our take on the subject.

What do YOU think?

The DIY Daily Podcast #27 - December 22, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-22T09:40:20-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #26 - December 21, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-21T09:36:45-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #25 - December 20, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-20T08:33:11-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #24 - December 19, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-19T10:00:16-08:00

Our Favourite Episodes 0f 2011 | Ep. 37: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-16T09:19:00-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #23 - December 16, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-16T09:18:57-08:00

How Do You Grow Your Fan Base? It's Not Rocket Science.

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-15T21:19:26-08:00

Let's be honest here folks, the music biz is not rocket science.

If you follow The International Dude Of Leisure's 3 Rules Of Success, there's not much else left to say… other than this:

1. Write some fucking songs.

2. Play some fucking shows.

3. Record some fucking songs.

4. Talk to fucking fans.

5. Make some cool fucking shit to sell.

6. Goto 1.

This is where it all starts and ends.
Other than that, everything else is just in the details.

The DIY Daily Podcast #22 - December 15, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-15T09:30:45-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #21 - December 14, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-14T11:37:28-08:00

Soar Above The Clouds! Be An All-Encompassing Entertainment Brand

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-14T09:37:10-08:00

It's tough out there folks. There's definitely no shortage of bands out there, and they're all competing for the same attention and airplay and fans that you are. If you want to make a serious dent in this biz, you really need to soar above the rest - in everything you do.

Your songs have to rock harder. You have to make people dance more intensely, cry longer, think deeper and love more passionately.

Sure, one or two great songs can give you a taste of success, but beyond that you're going to need something more long term to keep your career on track. To keep people interested, to stay fresh, to keep people talking and spreading the word about you... you need something that goes above and beyond what everyone else is doing.

So aside your music, what else are you doing to rise above the noise of the cluttered music scene? Here's an idea, you need to think of yourself as an all-encompassing entertainment brand, right from the beginning.

The DIY Daily Podcast #20 - December 13, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-13T08:24:56-08:00

The Compelling And Powerful Power Of Confidence

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-13T06:04:33-08:00

I've seen oodles of bands perform over the years in dark and dingy small clubs to soft seat theatres to hockey arenas. I've seen some of the world's best and quite possibly the worst. I've also worked one-on-one with countless musicians and aside from sheer musical talent, one of the things that separates the good from the great is confidence.

When I think of bands without confidence, I think of shoegazers for example. You know, those bands who stand on stage and simply stare at their feet, too shy to truly connect with the audience. Too nervous to even look up and be 'present', for fear of being judged.

The DIY Daily Podcast #19 - December 12, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-12T08:27:47-08:00

Bob Baker Explains The 3 E's Of Content Marketing | Ep. 36: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-09T10:35:08-08:00

Today's guest on The Music Biz Weekly Podcast is none other than music marketing master Bob Baker, otherwise known as Mr. Buzz Factor.

Join myself, Michael Brandvold and Bob Baker for a fantastic 45min. roundtable discussion as we dive into Bob's 3 E's of Content Marketing: Educate, Entertain and Enlighten.

Not sure what the hell I mean by that? Well then click Play to find out!

Follow Bob online here:
Facebook | Twitter | The Buzz Factor Website

The DIY Daily Podcast #18 - December 9, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-09T08:12:22-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #17 - December 8, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-08T09:11:25-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #16 - December 7, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-07T08:22:02-08:00

Be Concise.

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-06T12:14:42-08:00

Whatever it is you create, keep it as short and to the point as possible.

Don't waste words, don't waste notes. Be economic. This includes songs, intros, solos, blog posts, comments, bios, essays, books, video messages... whatever.

Be careful not to cut a thought or emotion short, but don't over-think it either. It's a fine line that's easy to cross.

Be concise and efficient. It brings focus to your message.

Don't make the same mistake Metallica continues to make. Just because you think a riff is groovy or fun to play, it doesn't mean your fans want to hear you play the same damn thing over and over for 18 minutes.

To quote Shakespeare, "Brevity is the soul of wit".

I hope this wasn't too long.

—Brian Thompson

The DIY Daily Podcast #15 - December 6, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-06T08:55:50-08:00

The International Dude Of Leisure's 3 Rules of Success

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-05T16:39:22-08:00

The following three rules were inspired by a conversation I recently had over pints with International Dude of Leisure, Jay Deachman (professional drummer, Theory Of A Deadman, Default, Loverboy). He trusted me with the job to expand on all of the details for you, but only if I gave him proper attribution for the brilliant simplicity of his three-point plan to success.

Drummers, eh? Always wanting credit for something as simple as counting to three.

The DIY Daily Podcast #14 - December 5, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-05T09:18:46-08:00

More from Branding Like A Rock Star + Wordpress | Ep. 35: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-02T12:52:21-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #13 - December 2, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-02T08:58:11-08:00

Don't Let Your Past Dictate Your Future

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-01T18:24:59-08:00

Don't let the memory of a past experience hold you back or prevent you from trying again.

Everyone experiences failures. It's a part of life.

The important thing is to learn from the things that didn't work out for you. Take a step back from your failed attempts and try to remove your emotions from the situation. I realize how hard this is, but try to look at things from analytically.

If the same thing were to happen to someone else, what advice would you give them? When you take a subjective look at the situation, be honest with yourself and ask, Why? What was missing? What could have been done differently?

The DIY Daily Podcast #12 - December 1, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-12-01T09:18:16-08:00

Change Your Thoughts. Change Your Mind. Change Your Life.

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-30T21:11:02-08:00

A lot of musicians are nerds.
There. I said it.

Or should I say… were nerds. Their exterior may have a new shine to it now; calm, cool and collected. But on the inside, well that's a different story.

Let's face it, many of us became musicians to try and break free from those nerdy chains that bound us. We were introspective, overly shy and awkward kids, not quite knowing our place. But then we found something we loved, music. We embraced a niche that suited our passions, latched on to it and poured everything we had into truly being a part of it.

The DIY Daily Podcast #11 - November 30, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-30T08:29:25-08:00

Sharing Causes Sharing

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-30T13:21:48-08:00

—Dalai Lama" src="http://www.thornybleeder.com/index_files/share_knowledge.jpg" width="338" height="236" />

I received a really great email this morning that I just had to share with you. It's from someone who I've never spoken to before or have even heard from on Twitter or Facebook, yet apparently I've had an impact on him and his band.

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:

Yeah Yeah, I Know You Can Sing. But Where's Your Other Voice?

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-29T19:58:19-08:00

Did my title confuse you a bit? Good. Hopefully it intrigued you to read a little further. And even if you can't sing, this is written for anyone pursuing their passions and looking to find an audience.

The word Voice isn't used exclusively to describe the sound your face makes when you open that hole in your head. Voice is also used in a literary sense to describe a writer's style. It's used to convey an author's attitude, personality, and character.

So back to my opening statement. Yes, I know you can sing. But where's your other voice?

The internet's a big place you know. Is your voice only being heard through your music (or the product pictures you have displayed on your website)? The internet is made up of much more than just mp3's you know. So in order to take full advantage of what the online world and its community has to offer, you also have to write. Words.

Scary, huh? I know.

The DIY Daily Podcast #10 - November 29, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-29T12:37:39-08:00

People Don't Wait In A Digital Queue

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-28T17:07:02-08:00

Pre-Releases. Advance listening. Singles going to radio a month before they're available. Video premieres before the music can be purchased.

Why do labels and bands still do this? Is it out of old habit? Or lack of marketing creativity?

Seriously though, who are we kidding?

People don't wait in a queue on release day any more. And more importantly, digital lineups don't exist.

The DIY Daily Podcast #9 - November 28, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-28T09:10:56-08:00

Danger! Do Not Use! Words To Avoid In Your Band Bio

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-27T16:51:01-08:00

Words & Phrases I Never Want To Read
In An Artist Bio Ever, Ever Again:

molten
unique
brilliant
must-hear
hailing from
buzz worthy
one of a kind
forged in the...
fusing together
up and coming
critically acclaimed
eagerly anticipated
destined for success
fuses blank with blank

I think you get the idea, right? Please tell me you do.
Please?

Learn Facebook Page Insights: Training Course & Manual

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-25T12:55:19-08:00

If you take your social media marketing and fan engagement seriously, then you no doubt want to make the most of the metrics and data that Facebook has available to you.

But let's be honest, most people click on the Page Insights link on their Fan Page and get freaked out. Arghh! Too many numbers! Too many graphs! What the hell does it all mean?

Don't worry, I'm here to help. Page Insights are meant to help you optimize your Page publishing strategy on Facebook. And to help you make sense of it all, I've discovered a brand new interactive learning course that will show you how to use this valuable data that Facebook is sharing with us.

To launch the training course, make sure any pop-up blockers on your web browser are disabled. When you click the button, the course will open in a new window.

In addition to the interactive course above, there's also a new PDF manual from Facebook for Page Insights as well, download it below.

Facebook Page Insights: Product Guide For Facebook Page Owners
Download the Manual Here

The DIY Daily Podcast #7: November 24, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-24T09:15:03-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #5: November 22, 201

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-22T09:14:36-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #6: November 23, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-23T09:16:25-08:00

The DIY Daily Podcast #8: November 25, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-25T09:18:46-08:00

8 Steps To Get Your Band Noticed

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-24T12:31:36-08:00

This is a guest post written by Marty Zylstra
from the Vancouver band Sweetheart.

Recently Sweetheart independently released an EP titled "XOXOX". Over the past few months we've been sending CDs out to press, getting college radio play, and local/regional commercial radio spins.

Using this experience I have distilled a "code" of how to promote yourself as an indie band locally/regionally into this simple formula:

New Webinar: How To Use Wordpress For Your Band's Website

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-22T13:01:03-08:00

Michael Brandvold & Brian Thompson, hosts of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast are proud to announce the next of their new Live Webinar Sessions where we’ll be teaching music marketing techniques and hands-on instruction for artists to grow their audience and get their music heard.

This next Music Biz Weekly Webinar is titled:

How to Use WordPress for Your Band’s Website
and will happen on December 15, 2011 at 6pm PST.

We’ll be covering the following topics:

Conditioning Your Fans And Their Expectations

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-21T22:07:17-08:00

Bands & Brands:

Condition your fans' expectations. Reinforce your brand.

Consider these three things regarding your online behaviour: content regularity, content quality and content frequency.

If you mindfully act upon these three things dependably and reliably, you will condition your fans to return to your website on a regular basis to consume more content (pictures, videos, art, infographics, music, podcasts, advice, blogs, thoughts, poems… you name it).

A fan that consumes more content from you, and has a happy emotional response from it, has a stronger emotional attachment to your product, your art, your brand… you.

A strong emotional attachment is what creates a life long fan… or better yet, a loyal customer and brand evangelist.

It's really not that hard.
So… why aren't you posting and creating regular content?

The DIY Daily Podcast #4: November 21, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-21T09:19:32-08:00

A Tribute To Randy Ponzio, A Quest Poetic

For The People: A Tribute to Randy Ponzio, A Quest Poetic

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-20T13:53:40-08:00

It's with great sadness that I have to write this. A friend and brother in music, Randy Ponzio has been found dead in Vancouver.

I didn't know Randy for very long, or very well for that matter. We met in the summer after one of his performances. We had mutual respect for each other, both of us chasing our passions and living a truly DIY life to its fullest.

Randy went missing on November 15th, 2011. Yet earlier that very morning, the things Randy stood for were never more evident than on a couple of short comments he left on my Facebook profile. As you can see, his positivity and love was infectious; an all too rare commodity in this world.

The DIY Daily: Inspire. Educate. Motivate.

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-16T13:14:13-08:00

What started as a simple newsletter in January 2011 has now evolved into a full-fledged website. And it's all thanks to the amazing feedback, support and encouragement that I receive from all of my readers!

So as of today, The DIY Daily now has its very own web site and finally, an online archive. And with the new site I hope to continue pursuing my new mission statement for this new venture of mine: Educate. Inspire. Motivate.

Want to know the story behind The DIY Daily?

The DIY Podcast #3: November 17, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-17T08:33:02-08:00

CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW WEBSITE: The DIY Daily.com

The DIY Daily Podcast #2: November 16, 2011

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-16T08:29:44-08:00

Pssst… check out the soft launch of my brand new website, The DIY Daily.com!

Introducing… The DIY Daily Podcast, Episode #1

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-15T10:23:08-08:00

Welcome to the spontaneously recorded Episode #1which marks the beginning of... ? Well, the beginning of something which is clearly yet to be defined.

This is my all-new daily podcast which I plan to publish every weekday morning and will serve as a companion piece to The DIY Daily newsletter.

This is something I've thought about for quite some time, but have been putting off… simply due to it being a little out of my comfort zone. No cohost. Just me, sitting here at my computer talking to no one, yet pretending the world is listening. Would I have enough to talk about?

I could have kept on thinking about it and delaying it forever, but I just had to launch the damn thing it and get rolling.

Life beings at the end of your comfort zone.

This is clearly a work in progress, but I invite you to join me every morning and we'll figure it out together. Cool?

And for the record, yes… I will tone down my fake radio voice for tomorrow's episode.

Listen on the player below or directly Soundcloud here.

I'm a Featured Speaker at Songposium 2012

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-10T11:51:25-08:00

This just in: I'll be a featured speaker at the annual Songposium in Toronto on Saturday, January 28th, an event put on by the Songwriters Association of Canada.

Songposium is a one-day intensive seminar for aspiring and emerging songwriters. This year, Sonsposium will be held in Toronto and streamed to Winnipeg and Halifax in association with Manitoba Music and Music Nova Scotia. Hear from some of the foremost international talent in the music industry as they share their experience and knowledge to help you get your songs heard. This is also a great opportunity to network with songwriters in your area.

Brand Like A Rockstar! Ep. 34: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-17T12:59:57-08:00

This week's guest is best-selling author Steve Jones, whose newly released book Brand Like A Rock Star is racing up the Amazon book charts. Join Michael Brandvold and Brian Thompson for an incredibly insightful discussion on marketing, branding and what people can learn from the careers of successful musicians.

For nearly 30 years, Steve Jones has worked in the music industry in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. He's had a front row seat to the rise (and sometimes fall) of some of rock & roll's biggest. Combining his two passions, music and business, Steve takes the lessons learned from the greatest acts in rock history and applies them directly to your business.

Build a business as consistent as AC/DC and as surprising as KISS. Create fans as dedicated as Jimmy Buffett and The Grateful Dead. Be as passionate as U2 and as focused as Bob Marley.
Brand Like A Rock Star reveals the core marketing and branding strategies behind the success of the world's greatest bands and uses them to make your business rich and famous.

Check out Steve and Brand Like A Rock Star here:
http://brandlikearockstar.com

CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW WEBSITE: The DIY Daily.com

The Future of Music With Radio Legend Alan Cross - Ep. 33: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-10T23:19:19-08:00

For decades music fans across Canada have trusted our guest on today's podcast to keep them up to date on the very latest in new music.

Alan Cross is a Canadian radio broadcaster and a music writer… and admitted professional musical geek. He started in radio in 1980 and moved on to become Program Director at The Edge in Toronto, then the Senior Program Director for Corus Interactive and then Head Curator for Explore Music. His radio show The Ongoing History of New Music debuted in February 1993 and since then it’s… well, it's taken on a life of its own. There have been over 690 one-hour episodes... making it the longest-running music documentary in Canada and one of the longest in North America—if not the world!

Alan also has a weekly national column in the Metro newspaper and most recently has not only started a brand new radio show, The Secret History of Rock (Astral Radio), but he's also become the new voice of Aux.tv.

So click play and join us music nerds as we chat about music, technology and the shifting tides in the entertainment industry.

You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast on iTunes here, listen to it on Soundcloud here, or use the player below.

Here's Why the Number of Facebook 'Likes' Don't Matter

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-10T11:51:28-08:00

It's easy to think that the quantity of followers on a social network are important. After all, many of us are still ingrained with the standards of old-media advertising where you amass the largest audience possible and then throw a message out to them, hoping it sticks to at least a few.

But the days of mass advertising are long over for small brands. In the worlds of social media, quality trumps quantity. If you aren't engaging with fans on your Page, Facebook will simply filter you out of their status streams.

Did you hear that? If you aren't effectively connecting with your fans, they will no longer see your posts. This is thanks to Facebook's behind-the-scenes algorithm (called Edgerank) which filters and manages your stream from being a complete mess of garbage you don't care to see.

So if you ignore your page and don't give your fans content to participate with, these people you worked so hard to acquire will be lost to you.

I've compiled a few examples to showcase why the quality of both your fans is more important than the number of your 'Likes'. To better illustrate this point I've created a simple formula to compare a few Pages with:

'Likes' ÷ 'Talking About This' = Fan Page Comparison Ratio

Are Musicians Still Delusional About Getting Signed? - Ep. 32: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-04T13:47:22-07:00

We've chatted about this before… but we're talking about it again.

Why? Because it's a fact that 75% of artists still want to get signed by a major label, despite the fact that the majority of artists never see any money from these relationships and they often get dropped after only a couple of years, leaving them with nothing… not even the ownership of their album masters.

Join Michael Brandvold and I as we kick off our discussion around a recent email to Bob Lefsetz that was sent to him by Matt Murphy, The Jazz Lawyer.

You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast oniTunes here… or listen to it on Soundcloud here or using the player below.

Ep. 32: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Are Musicians Still Delusional About Getting Signed? by Thorny Bleeder

As always I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments, join in on the discussion below...

Conversations As Moments Of Conversion

Brian Thompson — 2011-11-01T09:30:17-07:00

Bands and brands, this is for you.

The Power of Networking and Engaging in Conversations

Everyone is telling you to step-up your use of social media to connect with fans and to reach them where they congregate, online. Yet many of you don't. You still post nothing but a steady stream of spammy type status updates such as: Listen To This! Buy My CD! Order Now! Like My Page! We're Awesome, Tell Your Friends!

Be honest, when you see postings like this appear in your social stream, how do you react? You don't. You tune them out.

Messages like that are nothing but advertising... and no one likes to be advertised to. Trust me, you won't get anywhere using that type of approach.

Will Apple's Ping Get The Push?

Brian Thompson — 2011-10-31T12:37:53-07:00

Now that Apple has launched iCloud, I wonder if they'll ever make a serious revitalized push with their fledgling social network for music, Ping?

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?

Rejection Is Not A Four Letter Word

Brian Thompson — 2011-10-28T14:07:03-07:00

By Skip Taylor for SaskMusic's "The Session", www.saskmusic.org. Reprinted with permission.

We have all faced rejection at some point in our lives. Some rejections are certainly more painful than others. Most rejections, however, do not have to be the end of the story. An initial rejection by someone or something can, if handled correctly, lead to an opportunity. Rejection can also be a great opportunity for us to learn about ourselves. In my 15 years as a promotion rep for a major label, I faced rejection every day. Every time I went into a radio station it was my job to push for airplay on our tracks until the station said no. If they were playing four tracks it was my job to ask about the fifth track. If they were playing all five tracks it was my job to try and get rotation bumps. My job was not complete until all adds and rotation bumps were exhausted and the station ultimately said “No”. Over time I developed some strategies that helped me disarm rejection and turn rejection into acceptance. While I use a radio analogy here, these concepts can be used in any business area.

Songwriting Tips From Heart's Multi-Platinum Co-Writer Sue Ennis - Ep. 31: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-10-28T11:56:03-07:00

On today's episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast we are joined by a very special guest, Sue Ennis.

Sue Ennis is a nationally recognized songwriter, best known for her work with the platinum-selling Seattle rock band Heart.

Sue has co-written over 50 songs with Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart with over 30 million records sold. She has earned 10 gold, 4 platinum, 1 triple platinum and 1 quintuple platinum album.

Sue is a band member of The Lovemongers, a Music Producer, a Vocal/Performance Coach, teaches songwriting workshops, and is President of the Board of Governors, Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Recording Academy (NARAS).

You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast on iTunes here… or listen to it on Soundcloud here or using the player below.

Join us in an amazing discussion with this phenomenally creative and successful artist!
Ep. 31: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Songwriting Tips From Heart's Co-Writer Sue Ennis by Thorny Bleeder

As always I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments, join in on the discussion below...

Social Media Updates from Klout, Bandcamp and Chime.in - Ep. 30: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-10-19T13:19:18-07:00

This week's podcast is a couple of days early since I'm flying up North to Whitehorse, Yukon tomorrow to speak at the BreakOut West Festival, which is a part of the Western Canadian Music Awards.

Today's discussion is a digital media 2.0 update centred around a few different topics. We talk about how co-host Michael Brandvold is featured as a Klout Star this week on Klout's website, and we also chat about a newly discovered feature from Bandcamp, their brand new Facebook music player app for a band's fan page.

For independent bands out there, this is HUGE. Read all about it here. No lie… it took me 90 seconds to install it.

And lastly, we discuss a brand new social media network that was just launched yesterday called Chime.in. I've only spent a day on it, but I'm already a big fan.

Sign up to Chime.in and check it out! And don't forget to follow me, here's my profile: http://chime.in/user/thornybleeder

You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast on iTunes here… or listen to it on Soundcloud here or using the player below.

Ep. 30: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Social Media Updates from Klout, Bandcamp and Chime.in by Thorny Bleeder

Kyle Bylin from Billboard on Social Charts & Geo-Social Mobile Music Apps

Brian Thompson — 2011-10-14T11:45:47-07:00

Hot off the press! Here's Episode 29 of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast, featuring myself, Brian Thompson, and my co-host Michael Brandvold.

We're joined today with special guest Kyle Bylin, Social/Streaming Chart Manager at Billboard. Kyle is also the former Editor of Hypebot.com and Music Think Tank.

This is a really intriguing and thought provoking discussion on the future of music, social music charts, mobile music apps and where things are headed with music discovery.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's podcast, please join the discussion and leave your thoughts in the comments below. Go on… do it!

You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast on iTunes here… or listen to it on Soundcloud here or using the player below.

Ep. 29: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Kyle Bylin from Billboard on Social Charts & Mobile Music by Thorny Bleeder

Brian Thompson Joins Music BC's Board of Directors

Brian Thompson — 2011-10-12T15:49:56-07:00

I'm happy to announce that I have been voted onto the Board of Directors for MusicBC. It happened last night at the Annual General Meeting with a full house in attendance. I'm honoured to have received the necessary votes to have a chair on the board.

I'm a tireless advocate for the music community, artist development and DIY career education… and Music BC does an amazing amount of selfless work for arts and culture in British Columbia. This is a perfect fit. I'm excited to sit down with the rest of the board members and play an active role in our Province's amazing future in music!

What is Music BC?

A Tribute to Steve Jobs - Ep. 28: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-10-12T12:16:27-07:00

The recent passing of Steve Jobs was an event that impacted both Michael and I considerably, so we decided to do a special edition of our podcast in tribute to the man who not only inspired both of us, but changed many industries simultaneously.

You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast on iTunes here… or listen to it on Soundcloud here or using the player below.

Ep. 28: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Tribute to Steve Jobs by Thorny Bleeder

Be Personal. Name Names.

Brian Thompson — 2011-10-07T11:29:01-07:00

Do you realize how special it is for a fan to have their name mentioned in a tweet, on a Facebook post or in a YouTube video? Or how about a shout-out on your blog?

Recognize your fans for being the awesome supporters that they are.

Not only will it make someone's week incredibly special, it will deepen the connection they have with you, further enabling the possibility of creating a lifelong fan.

This is a painless and priceless thing to do and it will undoubtedly set you apart from everyone else...

Make a difference. Make your fans smile! Be personal. Name names.

(photo taken from Art Of Dying's fan submitted photos on their Facebook page)

The True Meaning of DIY. Be Your Own Boss. - Ep. 27: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-10-06T23:12:12-07:00

The title of this week's podcast says it all...

DIY = Being Self Reliant

Listen the podcast below for our 30 minute discussion on things you should consider as you prepare to do things on your own in the world of indie music marketing and promotion.

Despite what the term DIY implies, you don't need to do it all yourself… but you do need to remain in control and to find the right people to help support your goals.

Be smart, build yourself a quality support team.

You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast on iTunes here… or listen to it on Soundcloud here or using the player below.
Ep. 27: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - The True Meaning of DIY. Be Your Own Boss. by Thorny Bleeder

Steve Jobs. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

Brian Thompson — 2011-10-06T19:03:28-07:00

Steve Jobs
February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011

Thank you Steve... you've inspired us beyond measure. Your passion, your vision, your leadership, your tenacity, your perserverance… your products.

I can think of nothing better to share than the following two videos as we remember and celebrate one of the most important figures of our time.

Here's a 1997 version of a commercial which never aired featuring Steve Jobs narrating the first Think Different commercial, Here's to the Crazy Ones (Richard Dreyfuss ended up doing the voiceover for the spot that aired).

This next video is the "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish." address Steve delivered in 2005 at Stanford University, which I'm sure many of you have already seen. It's a must-see.

Drawing from some of the most pivotal points in his life, Steve Jobs, chief executive officer and co-founder of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, urged graduates to pursue their dreams and see the opportunities in life's setbacks -- including death itself -- at the university's 114th Commencement on June 12, 2005.

Transcript of Steve Jobs' address here.

Staying Relevant and Keeping in the Public Eye

Brian Thompson — 2011-10-04T10:50:39-07:00

Frequency and consistency is everything in today's connected world.

Most brands (and bands) find it a constant struggle to remain relevant and current to their customers and fans. But the truth is, it really isn't that difficult. In fact, it's easier than ever before.

What happened yesterday is old news. It's all about real time. It's about right now.

What's happening right now on Twitter? What's happening right now with my friends on Facebook's status ticker? What new music was leaked or just released this morning? What are today's blogs saying about that show last night? What's this week's unexpected viral video sensation?

All of these questions that we seek out in our day to day lives are based in the present. The now. The current and the happening.

Are you playing this game? Are you providing your connected audience with content for them to engage with on a regular basis?

It's not difficult, but it does take a concentrated effort and a focus to create a routine for your online marketing plan.

Let's make it really simple for you. Start with the following two basic concepts and then increase the two key modifiers (frequency and consistency) as you become more comfortable with your new social media marketing efforts.

1. Do something Small (at the very least) once a week.
This can be a blog post, a video blog, sharing a new photo, a gig, an interview...

2. Do something Big once a month.
This can be a live performance video, a free download of an acoustic cover tune or a new song or demo, a contest, a big event, new merch, new cross-promotions with other brands, bands, or charities, a live and interactive streaming video Q&A session. The only limit is your creativity.

You create your own story. Don't let your book remain unwritten.

Create content and engageable actions on a regular basis to give your audience something to chew on and to talk about.Social Media is word of mouth. If you're not giving people something to talk about, you're just simply not in the game.

-- Brian Thompson

Bob Cramer CEO of Nimbit Offers Direct-to-Fan Advice - Ep. 26: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-30T11:47:44-07:00

Today's guest on The Music Biz Weekly Podcast is Bob Cramer, CEO of Nimbit.

Nimbit creates solutions for independent musicians and independent record labels around the Direct-to-Fan Music Business Model. Direct-to-Fan gives musicians control over their music, fans, business and careers.

Nimbit artists use an online dashboard to see and manage their music business. This includes sales information, fan information, marketing promotions and results, storefront results, central product catalog (e.g., digital and physical music, merchandise, eTickets), central content management (e.g., band profile and gigs). This allows products and content to be entered once then viewed and changed in one place.

You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast on iTunes here… or listen to it on Soundcloud here or using the player below.

Ep. 26: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Bob Cramer CEO of Nimbit Offers Direct-to-Fan Advice by Thorny Bleeder

*sorry for the crummy audio from my end of Skype on this podcast. For some reason my iMac's mic kicked in instead of the really good external mic I always use. Dammit.

10 Career Tips From Hank Moody & Californication

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-29T13:16:44-07:00

I don't watch much TV, but Showtime's Californication is undoubtedly one of my favourite shows from the past decade. It's honest, hilarious and it truthfully captures the life of tormented yet creative artist.

The show's central character Hank Moody, portrayed by David Duchovny, is an erratic but esteemed writer who frequently becomes embroiled in bizarre, and in some cases, scandalous situations. Yet he's highly successful and everyone loves him, or loves to hate him.

Hank's a messed up guy, yet I still think there's a lot we can learn from his straight forward, no-bullshit attitude towards life.

So here's what I came up with:

Marketing via Targeted Connections

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-28T12:02:10-07:00

I don't care what industry you're in, but the quantity of your followers means nothing compared to the quality of your followers.

And by followers, I mean your Facebook Friends, your Twitter Followers, those who have you in a Google+ Circle, and your email subscribers… amongst many others.

Here's a quote I recently heard while listening to the Six Pixels of Separation Podcast with Mitch Joel (sorry, I can't recall which episode it was):

If you don't surround yourself with people who have the potential to care about you and care what you're doing, you're wasting your time, you're wasting your effort and wasting your potential. You have to find these people in a mindful and systematic way.

Truth. Keep this in mind, as this also pertains to who you bring into your inner circle as a part of your team.

So whatever you do, don't just focus your online social media efforts on quantity of connections. Instead, focus your efforts on building a true network of quality fans and influencers.

Don't know how? For starters, put Twitter Search to work for you. I recently did an 84 min. webinar on this exact topic (How to Use Twitter to Promote Your Music). Click here to purchase it for only $5, using the following discount code: mbww050.

What methods do you use to connect with potential fans and industry insiders who matter most to you?

Engage Your Audience. But what the hell does that mean?

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-27T12:48:23-07:00

Do you constantly hear people tell you to "Engage Your Audience" when it comes to social media?

I see and hear those words everywhere. And admittedly, I almost always use those same words myself when consulting with clients.

Engage Your Audience.

Its become one of the most overused phrases in online marketing. Yet despite its overuse it remains the most succinct way to summarize the concept of how to successfully market your brand (or band) using social media.

But how many of you actually understand what this marketing lingo actually means? To help you out I've brainstormed 15 Tips on how you can put the word Engage to use in your everyday social media status updates.

Click the Read More link to see my Top 15 Tips…

Music Industry Showcase Tips for Artists - Ep. 25: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-22T11:30:32-07:00

In this week's episode Michael Brandvold and I have an open discussion about how an artist or band can make the most of an industry showcase. Both of us have participated in many different panels over the years, with Michael most recently being on a panel earlier this week at the Driven conference in Atlanta.

Whether your showcase is in front of a panel of judges, A&R reps, music industry executives, or just in front of an audience of tastemakers at a conference… we have some straight forward and simple advice to share with you.

You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast on iTunes here… or listen to it on Soundcloud here or using the player below.

Ep. 25: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Music Industry Showcase Tips for Artists by Thorny Bleeder

Video Premiere: Art of Dying Party and Play Hard on 'Get Thru This'

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-21T10:57:18-07:00

Art Of Dying just premiered the new official new video for Get Thru This today on Noisecreep.

Here's what Noisecreep had to say about it, republished as it originally appears here...

Foo Fighters Vs. Westboro Baptist Church

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-18T12:21:21-07:00

This is fucking brilliant.

On Aug. 30th, 2011 Westboro Baptist Church called for a picket of the Foo Fighters show in Kansas City. Well, Dave Grohl and Co. had a little something up their sleeves as a rebuke to their religious hate-speak.

And to you bands and artists out there, remember that blog post I made a few days ago? Looking for Success? 10 Ways To Go Beyond the Usual. This is the shit I'm talking about folks…

Success In The Music Industry

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-16T11:16:12-07:00

I've heard the name, but knew nothing about him. But after reading the most recent Lefsetz Letter (from Bob Lefsetz) titled Howard Bloom - Success in Music Industry, I was beyond intrigued about this former music industry publicist, Howard Bloom.

Howard Bloom is an American author. Born June 25, 1943 in Buffalo, New York, he was a publicist in the 1970s and 1980s for singers and bands such as Prince, Billy Joel, and Styx. In 1988 he became disabled with chronic fatigue syndrome. Since then he has published three books on human evolution and group behaviour, The Genius of the Beast, The Global Brain and The Lucifer Principle, which are informed by his ideas about what underlies the success of major rock and roll artists.

These books generalize and extend his ideas about what makes rock and roll artists successful to human nature. According to him: "Everything from the wolf-pack behaviour of music business executives to the lemming-like conduct of hypocritical journalists helped shape my insights" and that "The real magic of rock happens at a concert, where if the performers are successful, individuals ... merge in a pulse of common emotion ... This consolidation mirrors the force that create much of both human good and evil".

Turn off the TV. Hit pause on your music… and watch the video below, it's 6 minutes well spent. There are so many incredible quotes from Howard in this short little video, including:

"There is no such thing as being a genius. Every single day you have to deliver things in wondrous ways to the best of your minimal abilities."

"The trick is persistence… once you get a sense of what you want to do, do it with all your strength and all your might and do it every day…"

What take-aways did you get from this video?

Is Social Media a Silver Bullet to Success?

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-16T11:13:03-07:00

No.
There is no silver bullet, no single solution to success in music, the arts, or entrepreneurial startups. But... there is a very well known and proven path.

In marketing, it's referred to as the Sales Funnel, which is as described as simply as this:

Awareness
Connection
Commerce

Now, if we parlay that into Music Marketing Direct-to-Fan terms, here's a formula for you to consider, made popular by technology blog Techdirt here:

CwF + RtB = $$$

defined as: connect with fans + reason to buy = sales
(read more about this formula here)

While social media won't guarantee your success, if it's used smartly and creatively it will begin to illuminate the path to awareness with your target audience. What you do with that connection is up to you.

And that's where it all begins...

Social Media Week Vancouver: Music Is Social. Are You?

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-12T16:59:36-07:00

I'll be hosting a very special Arts Mashup during Social Media Week, and it's totally free too. Here's the details on the session, I hope to see you there!

Music Is Social. Are You?
How to Use Social Media to Elevate Your Career as an Artist

PLEASE REGISTER HERE

Join Brian Thompson (leading music biz blogger, music industry consultant, artist manager) from Thorny Bleeder and Chris Brandt (Music Business Professor) from Nimbus School of Recording Arts in a three hour session dedicated to helping artists understand the world of social media and how to leverage it to create new fans and business opportunities in the arts.

Friday, September 23
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
ING Café (466 Howe St., Vancouver, BC)
FREE

Looking for Success? 10 Ways To Go Beyond The Usual.

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-12T10:17:11-07:00

1 Dare to be different.
2 Create a stir.
3 Stand out from the crowd.
4 Get people talking.
5 Be consistent.
6 Be real. Be transparent.
7 Be patient and let people discover you on their own.
8 Have some Wow factor!
9 Connect with fans.
10 Pull people in. Don't push.

'Amazing' will spread on its own… but only if you let it happen naturally.

If you focus on pulling people into your world one at a time, rather than cramming your content (a product, a message, a sales pitch) down people's throats, you will find yourself going from gaining ten new fans at a time, to hundreds at a time... to literally thousands.

~ Brian Thompson

A Plan to Focus on Fan Relationships. Ep. 24 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-09T12:10:51-07:00

Today's podcast is all about the importance of fan relationships. Without fans, your music will simply fall on deaf ears and you'll have no chance of a career in music.

Michael Brandvold and I talk about the importance of having a long term plan and a band philosophy which everyone agrees with and which can be a unifying theme behind everything you do.

The idea for today's discussion popped up after seeing the following article on Hypebot. Check it out:
Rich Holtzman, Manager Of Portugal. The Man On How Social Media Built & Saved The Band

You can subscribe to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast on iTunes here… or listen to it on Soundcloud here or using the player below.

Ep. 24: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - A Plan to Focus on Fan Relationships by Thorny Bleeder

And as a thanks to you, the dedicated listeners of our podcast, we'd like to pass on a special discount for our recent webinar.

Just use the following coupon code - mbww050 - and you can receive our 84min. hands-on video tutorial entitled How To Use Twitter to Promote Your Music for only $5.

That's a 50% savings from our regular price. Only 5 bucks to learn how some advanced Twitter techniques to gain new fans and promote your music? Sweet.

Download the 84 minute hands-on video tutorial here.

Grace Under Pressure: Persistence & Perseverance

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-08T15:32:00-07:00

Actress Shirley MacLaine realized at a young age that if she wasn't selected for a role that she auditioned for, it simply wasn't her time yet… it was someone else's. She accepted that if she didn't get a part, it was because she wasn't prepared enough.

She didn't let it get her down. She didn't give up. Instead, she became even more relentlessly focussed on her goals with a renewed energy to keep working at her craft.

Keep the dream people. Never stop improving yourself. Keep your goals in sight and your time will come. But... you have to be ready for it first.

~ Brian Thompson

Top Barriers Limiting You From Your Dream Job

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-07T13:28:44-07:00

If you're a regular reader & viewer of my blogs, video blogs and podcasts you'll know that I frequently compare the pursuit of a career of an artist to that of being an entrepreneur.

In my daily scouring of the net to share articles with you in The DIY Daily newsletter, I stumbled upon this fantastic article and just had to share it with you.

What do you think? What's holding you back from accomplishing your dreams? Chances are… it's you. We are often the biggest obstacles to achieving our own goals.

Ok, here it is…

Released Today: New Album from Billy the Kid & the Southside Boys on iTunes, Amazon & Spotify

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-06T09:37:01-07:00

The new album from Billy the Kid & the Southside Boys, Ours, is officially released today on iTunes, Amazon and the popular streaming music site Spotify.

And of course the album is also available on Billy's website as either a digital download, a CD or on Vinyl. She also has a bunch of different merch + album bundles available as well, check them out here.

If you haven't seen this iPhone-shot video yet, check it out, it's for one of my favourite songs from the new album, Us Broken Hearts.

See Billy LIVE on tour this month…

US Tour Dates: Summer 2011

Booking Gigs and How to be Prepared: Ep. 23 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-02T12:39:17-07:00

The title says it all.

In a band and unsure how to go about booking shows or how to approach putting a tour together? Then you need to listen to today's new podcast.

Listen to it on Soundcloud here or just click play on the player below.

What hurdles have you faced while booking shows?
Share your experiences and knowledge using the comments below!

Ep. 23: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast- Booking Gigs and How to be Prepared by Thorny Bleeder

How to Use Twitter to Promote Your Music (free download)

Brian Thompson — 2011-09-01T13:48:40-07:00

How to Use Twitter to Promote Your Music

View more presentations from Brian Thompson

Here's a free download of the slideshow that accompanied last night's Music Marketing Webinar that Michael Brandvold and I presented on behalf of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast.

Did you miss the live webinar?

Download the 84 minute hands-on video tutorial here for only $9.99.

so, you want to buy me a beer eh?

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-28T12:46:00-07:00

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.

Punk Band Releases Tribute to Billy the Kid

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-28T12:45:10-07:00

The Lucky Ones, a punk band from St. Catharines, Ontario (home to Alexisonfire, City and Colour) have just released a new song they wrote as a tribute to singer/songwriter Billy the Kid. How cool is that?

The song is written to, for, and about Billy the Kid… and if you know anything about this indie DIY girl's history, you'll agree that the lyrics are simply awesome.

Listen to the song below:

BILLY THE KID by wearetheluckyones

In related news, another tribute to Billy recently via a vegetarian hemp burger

named after her in Ottawa at the Baja Burger Shack (Voted Ottawa's Best Burger), the Billy Burger!

"Inspired by Singer/Songwriter Billy Pettinger", the Billy Burgers are made with southwestern black bean n' roasted chile, triple lentil n' curry, great greek quinoa caesar, asian bbq, sesame Thai and jamming Jamaican jerk. yum!

Not only do they sound out-of-this-world delicious, but 50 cents from every burger sold goes to support The Lost Youth Music Society. Now that's a class act.

Billy the Kid and The Lost Cause continue to inspire… what more could an artist ask for?

Download the new album from Billy the Kid for free below.

New Music Video Shot Entirely on the iPhone Ashleigh Eymann - Footwork

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-26T11:56:34-07:00

I recently started working with an amazing new client who I just have to share with you guys, Ashleigh Eymann (pronounced "eeman").

Ashleigh Eymann is a soul singin, rap slingin' independent and collaborative artist and one of the fortunate PEAK Performance Project Top 20 finalists for 2011, a $100,000 year artist-search contest put on by Vancouver's 100.5 The Peak FM.

Dare I say… look out Nelly Furtado? I don't think I'm far off the mark with this one. This an extremely talented new artist that we can expect to see some big things from in the near future.

Ashleigh just released a brand new music video for the funky track Footwork, filmed entirely on her iPhone. Check it out below.

Visit Ashleigh on Facebook here, on Twitter here and on her website here (new site coming soon).

Paul Myers Discusses Content Creation in the Digital Market Ep. 22 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-26T11:56:36-07:00

Today's podcast is a hilarious, engaging and informative discussion with Paul Myers on content creation in the digital market.

Paul has tons of experience in many different content types from music, book publishing, journalism, writing, broadcasting… you name it, he's done it. He's also a digital native and is involved online with both his music blog and twitter account, so he has a great sense of how to leverage the power of the internet to propel his content.

Ep. 22: The Music Biz Weekly - Paul Myers Discusses Content Creation in the Digital Market by Thorny Bleeder

NEW Intro for The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-24T10:10:43-07:00

Check out our kick ass new intro for The Music Biz Weekly Podcast... how killer is this?
Many thanks to Bill Young Productions for the great job! http://promo.concerts.com

Tune in this Friday, August 26 for our next episode with special guest Paul Myers!

NEW Intro for The Music Biz Weekly Podcast by Thorny Bleeder

Ep. 21 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast Jonny from Art Of Dying Talks About Connecting With Fans And Social Networking

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-19T13:51:44-07:00

Today's podcast is an exclusive discussion with one of my closest friends, Jonny Hetherington, lead singer for the hard rock band Art Of Dying.

Our discussion centres on how Jonny and Art Of Dying use social media to stay connected with their fans and what drives them to stay so dedicated and passionate to their use of new media. We also get the no-bullshit inside-scoop on what it's really like for a band signed to a major label with digital marketing.

Art Of Dying had a Top 10 song earlier this year with the hard rocking track Die Trying. Their latest single Get Thru This is featured on the Transformers 3 Soundtrack and the band is now touring through America on the Uproar Tour along with Avenged Sevenfold, Three Days Grace, Seether, Bullet For My Valentine, Escape The Fate, Sevendust, Black Tide and Hell Or Highwater.

Ep. 21 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast: Art Of Dying Talks About Social Networking by Thorny Bleeder

Special Offer To Our Podcast Listeners!
Use "mbwp025" for a 25% discount on our upcoming Music Marketing Webinar on August 31, How To Use Twitter To Promote Your Music.

What it's Really Like to Work in a Music Store

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-17T09:40:44-07:00

Some of you may have seen these before, they're not new… but damn, they're just too funny not to share!

There's 5 videos in total, so click on the Read More link to see the rest of them...

New Bundles Available from Billy the Kid

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-22T14:26:08-07:00

Get it Now

See even more bundles by clicking Read More below…

Dream Theater Keyboardist, Guest On Next Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-06T15:34:02-07:00

We just confirmed some very exciting news...

Our special guest on the next episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcastis Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess.

We'll be talking about how he connects with fans using social media,

in particular his success with sites such as YouTube and Twitter. We'll also be touching on Dream Theater's drummer audition video series, their highly anticipated upcoming album "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" due out this September and their North American Tour.

Tune in to http://www.thornybleeder.com this coming Friday, August 12thand join myself and cohost Michael Brandvold for what's going to be an amazing new episode.

The podcast will be posted immediately after it's recorded and should be online around 12:30-1pm PST.

Sharing is Caring. Billy the Kid's New Album... for Free.

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-11T13:16:12-07:00

it's time to give back.
so here it is... this is Ours.
go ahead and share this with your friends and family too.

and if you have a blog, it'd be cool if you could post these little thingies on your site for your readers to enjoy as well...

listen to the entire album here:

download a free copy of the album here:

Visit Billy online and say thanks:
Blog/Website
Twitter
Facebook

Ep. 20 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater Talks Fan Engagement

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-12T13:26:51-07:00

We have an amazing conversation to share with you for Episode 20, a candid conversation with Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater about fan engagement, social media, music marketing, technology, and his favourite iPhone and iPAd apps.

This is a must listen episode…

The Music Biz Weekly, a weekly podcast co-hosted by Michael Brandvold and Brian Thompson. Each week we discuss the latest events in the music business and music marketing events and techniques.

Tune in every Friday for the latest episode.

Episode 20 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast: Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater Talks Fan Engagement by Thorny Bleeder

Special Offer To Our Podcast Listeners!
Use "mbwp025" for a 25% discount on our upcoming Music Marketing Webinar, How To Use Twitter To Promote Your Music.

Free Song #9

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-10T10:35:51-07:00

This week's free download is Girl Don't You Fall For My Man from Billy the Kid's new album, Ours.

Listen to the song below and download a 320kbs mp3 using the box to the right.

Order your copy of a CD, Vinyl or Digital Download here:
www.billythekidonline.com

The Transcendental Magic Of Live Music

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-10T10:45:48-07:00

The following is a guest post from my very good friend Chris Brandt, Music Business Instructor at Nimbus School of Recording Arts.

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.

Music Marketing Webinar: How To Use Twitter To Promote Your Music

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-08T15:24:22-07:00

Wednesday, August 31, 2011
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Pacific Time)
$49 USD

Michael Brandvold & Brian Thompson, hosts of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast are proud to announce the first of their new Live Webinar Sessions where we'll be teaching music marketing techniques and hands-on instruction for artists to grow their audience and get their music heard.

This Music Biz Weekly Webinar is titled:
"How to Easily use Twitter to Promote Your Music"

We'll be covering the following topics:

- How to setup and customize your Twitter profile
- How to get more followers targeted to your unique musical style
- How to monitor what is being said about you online
- How to talk and engage with your fans
- How to create and find new opportunities in the music industry

Additional topics could be added as time permits.

Our goal is to make sure you leave this webinar with hands-on action items which you can put into use immediately. We'll have also have an open question period at the end of the session.

Kevin Schallie from Columbia Performs Acoustic Version of Setting Sun

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-08T13:17:15-07:00

Our good friends over at Nimbus School of Recording Arts are presenting a series of 20 different videos from local Vancouver artists performing their favourite acoustic cover songs.

Nimbus was founded by legendary producers Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper) and GCGarth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers) with Kevin Williams (Hot Sole Music), having drawn upon their extensive experience and multi-platinum successes to create some of the most progressive Sound Recording, Music Production, Music Business, and Artist Development programs in the world.

Here's Kevin Schallie, singer/songwriter for the band Columbia, with his version of "Setting Sun" by the Chemical Brothers and Noel Gallagher.

New DIY Resource: Thorny Bleeder Trending Topics

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-08T13:17:17-07:00

Let's face it, a huge chunk of you readers probably aren't on Twitter. That makes me sad… but I'll get over it.

There's also plenty of you that haven't subscribed to my daily newsletter, The DIY Daily. That makes me sad too. But hey, you can still sign up any time you want for free right here.

My goal is to provide as much valuable content as possible for you on a daily basis regarding music marketing, social media, DIY tips, indie advice, digital music news and entrepreneurial motivation. So if you're not following either of the above resources, you're missing out on some serious shit that can help your career.

But that's ok, I have a new solution for you!

And it's thanks to a new website called Twylah. Every day this new page of mine auto-magically updates itself based on the popularity of the web links that I tweet out every single day.

If I send out a news story that no one cares about, you won't see it. If it's super popular, it'll be front and centre so you don't miss it. This new webpage an amazing summary of all my Twitter posts… and you don't even have to be a Twitter user to enjoy it.

Check it out below and add this site to your daily online reading:

Visit & Bookmark our Trending Topics page here:
http://www.twylah.com/thornybleeder

Episode 19 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast Email Marketing for Musicians

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-05T14:01:21-07:00

The title says it all… today's podcast touches on Email Marketing for Musicians.

Click the Soundcloud widget to listen to it right here, or listen directly on Soundcloud itself here.

Follow us on Twitter:
@michaelsb
@thornybleeder

Follow us on Google+:
http://gplus.to/brandvold
http://gplus.to/thornybleeder

This Podcast is Available on iTunes and at:
http://www.thornybleeder.com
http://www.michaelbrandvold.com

Facebook: The Musician's Playbook

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-05T14:07:33-07:00

Facebook has recently published an incredibly useful tool for everyone in the music industry, an official handbook for how to market your music on the world's number one social media networking site.

But be prepared, this isn't a short read.

It's an in depth 40 page document detailing the ins and outs of everything you'll need to know. It not only teaches you hot to pimp out your fan page, but it also shares valuable insight on how to maximize fan engagement and interaction… which is what everyone's #1 goal should be.

I've embedded the document below, but if you need to see the direct source you can find the document on Scribd here.

Musician's Playbook

8 Ways To Get 100 Visitors A Day To Your Website

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-03T12:24:53-07:00

I received a tweet yesterday from fellow music marketer Chris Rockett from Promote Your Music, asking if I'd like to participate in a mutli-blogger guest post he's putting together for his website.

He had one question to ask and wanted a reply that was around 200 words long. So without skipping a beat I quickly cranked out the following email and fired it off to him.

Stay tuned to Promote Your Music for Chris's complete post with more tips on this topic from other music marketing bloggers.

Question:
What is the fastest way to get 100 targeted fans per day visiting your website on a consistent basis, without using paid traffic?

My Answer:

Innovate. Dare To Be Different.

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-02T09:23:42-07:00

How to Succeed in Life:

1. Dare to be different.
2. Be passionate.
3. Be curious.
4. Be creative in everything you do.
5. Innovate.
6. Deconstruct the old, build something new.
7. Be the disruptive change in a boring industry.
8. Change the game.
9. Don't play by the rules.
10. Stand apart from the crowd.

...Get Noticed!

Billy the Kid Releases Free Song #8, Plus 2 New Music Videos

Brian Thompson — 2011-08-02T09:25:11-07:00

New music video for Diamonds.

Directed by Douglas Thomson.
http://www.directordouglas.com
visit http://www.billythekidonline.com to download this song.

Free Song #8 - Back In The Sand

Episode 18 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast Introduction to Google+ for Musicians

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-29T13:17:35-07:00

The Music Biz Weekly, a weekly podcast co-hosted by Michael Brandvold and Brian Thompson. Each week Michael and Brian discuss the latest events in the music business and music marketing events and techniques. Tune in every Friday for the latest episode.

This week we take on the hottest piece of tech and social media news there is, Google Plus, the exciting new social network that's only a month old.

Do you need to be on Google+?
Why should you be on this ultra-new network?
Do I need to invest a lot of time in it?
How can Google+ help me market my music?

Listen to the podcast below for all of the answers to these questions and more.
Episode 18 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast: Introduction to Google+ for Musicians by Thorny Bleeder

Follow us on Google+:
http://gplus.to/brandvold
http://gplus.to/thornybleeder

This Podcast is Available on iTunes and at:
http://www.thornybleeder.com
http://www.michaelbrandvold.com

Art Of Dying Interview on Rockline

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-27T12:00:24-07:00

Art Of Dying were guests on the legendary and nationally syndicated Rockline radio show this past Monday. This show has been on the air for 28 years and is a classic and trusted rock n' roll institution, hosted by the one and only Bob Coburn.

Missed the show?

Listen to an mp3 of the interview on the Rockline Archives here.

Columbia Prepares for Release of New Song & Video

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-27T12:15:03-07:00

Vancouver's brit-inspired rockers Columbia have been spending most of the year in some intensive songwriting sessions, gearing up for the recording of their second album.

But the whole recording process can be a lengthy one, so rather than wait many months to release something new, the band decided to jump into a friend's studio and crank out one of their favourite new songs as quickly as possible.

And that they did. One week later the song is not only finished and awaiting the mixing and mastering stage, but they've also filmed a video for it too.

So in prep for the new song, here's the lyrics for you, plus a little teaser for the new video we'll be premiering next week. If you've seen the band perform recently, then you might already be familiar with the new song, The Time.

Free Song #7 from Billy the Kid: Where We Are

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-27T12:15:00-07:00

Listen to the new song here, Where We Are:

A new week means a new free song from Billy the Kid! Download your free copy now using the little download box to the right. Can't see it? Visit www.billythekidonline.com.

If you're in Vancouver this weekend, Billy the Kid will be playing a free show at SHOREFest this Saturday, July 30, at 5pm, at the Kits Beach Stage (right beside the pool), along with Ryan McAllister, Prairie Dance Club, and more.

It's also the first night of the Celebration of Lights Fireworks Festival, so it's sure to be a great little party with tons of people buzzing around, see you there!

Here's a little slideshow Billy created to accompany this week's new song…

Episode 17 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast How To Promote AT Your Shows

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-22T16:30:51-07:00

Today's topic is all about promoting your concert while you are AT your concert.

As a performing artist, what you do offstage, while you're in the venue, is just as important as your performance itself. Stand out. Be recognizable. Be approachable. Do something special each night to make potential fans remember you and talk about you afterwards.

Listen the to podcast right here for a full 30mins. of many more suggestions and ideas on what you can do to make your gig a memorable one.

Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here. Join the discussion and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

If you can't see the embedded podcast player, click here to go to the podcast page directly on Soundcloud.
You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.

Billy the Kid CD & Vinyl Pre-Orders Are Here!

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-21T23:50:23-07:00

The final mixes are complete. The masters are finished. The artwork has been signed off on and delivered to the printers. And… finally, after many many months of hard work and planning, the manufacturing of Ours has begun!

So to celebrate this momentous feel-good moment, we have officially launched Pre-Orders for both the CD and the oh-so-precious Vinyl of Ours, by Billy the Kid & the Southside Boys.

Visit the full store with many more items available here:
http://www.billythekidonline.com/store

Free Song #6 from Billy the Kid: Long Time Coming

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-19T20:34:11-07:00

I love Tuesdays. Ever since I was a kid Tuesday's have always meant new music, because of course that's when the record labels have always made their new releases available. So even though it's a whole new world out there in terms of music distribution, there's something to be said for tradition. I like the anticipation of it. Waiting for that special day when you finally get to hear that new audio treat you've been anxiously awaiting.

And today is one of those days. Listen to the new song here:

And download it for free here:

Every Tuesday Billy the Kid has been releasing a new song for free from her upcoming album, Ours, being released on September 13. And today's song is one of my favourites from the new album, Long Time Coming.

If your'e a fan of acoustic/roots singer/songwriters like Ryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, and Neil Young then you'll fall in love with these incredible new songs.

Grab your free copy of Long Time Coming below and leave a comment with your thoughts on this week's new song! Out of the first six freebies, which one is your favourite?

Can't see the free download widget above?
Visit www.billythekidonline.com.

Video Premiere: 'What's Left' by Late July

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-19T20:37:31-07:00

"What's Left" by Late July

Buy the tunes at www.latejuly.bandcamp.com
Directed by Nicole Simone
Shot by Nate Kogan
Edited by Adrian Vieni
Make Up & Styling by Alexandra Rotundo

"‪Doghearted" by Late July‬

The Music Biz Weekly Twitter Hashtag Event

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-18T11:08:54-07:00

Hashtag #mbwp

Join Michael Brandvold and Brian Thompson from The Music Biz Weekly podcast this Wednesday July 20th at 5pm PST for their first Twitter Hashtag Event. Michael and Brian will be available to discuss the podcast, questions about past topics, past guests, ideas for future topics and guests. To join this twitter event log into Twitter and do a Search for the hashtag #mbwp and you will be able to follow all the discussions. If you have a question just tweet it with the hashtag #mbwp and it is automatically part of the event.

The Music Biz Weekly podcast has quickly grown to become a must-listen podcast for anyone interested in the music business and music marketing.

Sue Ennis, a teacher at Shoreline Community College near Seattle, recently made the podcast required listening and discussion for her music business class. Sue is also a well respected songwriter, her songs include such rock hits as Straight On, Even It Up and Dog and Butterfly. She has co-written over 65 songs for the rock band Heart.

Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here. Join the discussion and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

What NOT To Do When Marketing Your Band

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-16T11:41:35-07:00

There are many “don’ts” that people are unaware of when marketing to certain audiences. This blog focuses on marketing don’ts for musicians trying to promote their band throughout communities. Some individuals over promote, while others do not advertise enough. Be sure to follow these six steps, because if you don’t you may send current and potential fans away from supporting your music.

Episode 16 - The Music Biz Weekly Podcast Mobile Apps For Musicians

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-15T12:52:11-07:00

It's Friday! And that means another new episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast with Brian Thompson from Thorny Bleeder and Michael Brandvold from Michael Brandvold Marketing.

Todays topic is all about smart phones and the must-have mobile apps that can make a musician's life easier, more organized, and more connected to the social networks to help you market your music.

Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here. Join the discussion and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

If you can't see the embedded podcast player, click here to go to the podcast page directly on Soundcloud.
You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.

Art Of Dying - Get Thru This (Official Lyric Video)

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-13T17:12:15-07:00

See the new official lyric video for Get Thru This from Art Of Dying's album "Vices and Virtues."
Get it at iTunes now: http://wbr.fm/rqRYcB.

Also on the new Transformers 3 soundtrack!

A Few More Thoughts On Google+

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-12T12:05:22-07:00

Good morning Google+ peoples.

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.

Free Song #5 from Billy the Kid: Alison

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-12T12:04:25-07:00

Listen to the new song and get your free download below:

Can't see the widgets above?
Click here to visit www.billythekidonline.com to get your free download.

Google+ Thorny Bleeder

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-10T15:19:21-07:00

I'm on the new Google+ social network now. Are you?

To be honest, I really don't know what to think of it yet. It's clearly in a Beta development stage with lots of bugs and some usability issues, not to mention no iPhone app yet (although apparently it's finished and they're just waiting for Apple to approve it for the App Store).

Hopefully it fairs better than Google's previous attempts with social media, ie. Google Wave and Google Buzz. But one positive thing is that a lot of people seem to really love it so far. I'm not 100% sold yet... but I'm still giving it a go regardless. Never say never!

So if you're on Google+ add me to one of your circles here: http://www.gplus.to/thornybleeder

And if you're not on it yet and you want an invitation, just leave your email address in the comments below or send me a direct message on Twitter and I'll send you an invite!

Billy the Kid Covers Gordon Lightfoot's Sundown

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-09T13:53:00-07:00

CBC is on the hunt for the greatest undiscovered talent in the country to be a part of a major new music series "Cover Me Canada" on CBC Television, which premieres Sunday, September 18th at 9pm.

And just for the fun of it Billy the Kid decided to toss her hat in the ring. Here's her cover version of a classic Canadian by Gordon Lightfoot, Sundown.

Episode 15: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast Interview with Tom McAlevey CEO of Radical.FM

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-08T12:44:51-07:00

We have a very special guest on today's episode of The Music Biz Weekly podcast, CEO Tom McAlevey from Radical.fm, an exciting new internet radio service that is getting tons of industry buzz.

Radical.FM combines user tailored music stations (like Pandora™ and Slacker™) with on-demand playlist functionality (like Rhapsody™ and Spotify™), and adds unique social networking and powerful personal broadcasting capabilities.

But there is so much more.
Truthfully, this could very well be a game changer in not only streaming and on demand music, but also in personalized radio DJ radio broadcasting, instantly giving every user a live voice to the world... with their very own radio station.

Listen to the entire podcast and judge for yourself all of the exciting features Radical.fm will soon be launching.

What do you think? Have you tried Radical yet? Join the discussion and let us know in the comments below!

If you can't see the embedded podcast player, click here to go to the podcast page directly on Soundcloud.
You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.

Apple Applies For Controversial Patent

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-05T11:08:12-07:00

Ok, this isn't new news (it's a week old now), but the reason I'm posting this is because the CBC News segment that I was featured on has finally hit YouTube, which means I can finally embed the video for you to check out.

I had about a 15 minute interview for this segment, but only one sentence was kept. Such is the world of TV and short soundbites!

So here it is, from CBC News:

Apple has applied for a patent for technology that would block iPhone cameras from recording live concerts:

Book Your Very Own Living Room Concert

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-05T09:42:58-07:00

LIVE In Vancouver - This Thursday!
Billy The Kid is finally playing a show in Vancouver this week, it's been awhile huh?

The Biltmore Cabaret
Thursday, July 7
On Stage at 9pm sharp

I'd suggest getting there at 8pm though, just so you don't miss anything...

Ok, now here's the main event. Check this out:

Details:
- Flat fee of $500 (plus any travel and PA rental expenses, if required)
- You promote & market the show however you feel comfortable
- Celebrating an occasion? Perhaps it's free to all of your invited friends
- Want to make some extra cash? Promote the private show to your friends and sell tickets. YOU keep all of the proceeds.
- Billy will require complimentary room and board (food) for the night of the show

Click the 'Get It Now' button below and we'll be in touch asap to sort out all of the arrangements.

Episode 14: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast MySpace, Google+, Turntable.fm and Radical.fm

Brian Thompson — 2011-07-01T14:55:17-07:00

Welcome back to The Music Biz Weekly Podcast! We've had the last two weeks off while Michael was taking a vacation, but we're back at it and have lots to talk about.

In today's episode we talk about a new Apple patent for technology that allows venue operators to disable your iPhone's camera functions during live events, the sale of MySpace, the new social network that Google has launched (Google+), and two new internet-radio based startups, Turntable.fm and Radical.fm.

** Don't miss next week's podcast (episode 15), we'll be joined by the CEO and founder for Radical.fm, Thomas McAlevey.

Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here. Join the discussion and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Concert Posters and the Rise of Legal Rights

Brian Thompson — 2011-06-30T12:06:09-07:00

This is a special guest post from Martin Frascogna, Entertainment Attorney (www.frascognalaw.com).

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.

Free Song Of The Week: Goodbye, California

Brian Thompson — 2011-06-30T09:38:32-07:00

It’s Week #3 of the all-new Free Song promotion from Billy The Kid… and this week’s new free download is Goodbye, California.

Be the first to listen and download your Free MP3 using the box to the right.

Can't see the download widget? Got to www.billythekidonline.com to get your free download.

Enjoy!
See you next week for Freebie #4…

Free Song #2 from Billy the Kid: Us Broken Hearts

Brian Thompson — 2011-06-21T00:35:17-07:00

It's Week #2 of new free music from Billy the Kid. This week's never-before-heard freebie is Us Broken Hearts, from the forthcoming album titled Ours (due in September).

Not only do we have a free high quality mp3 for you (see the little widget to the right), we also have a new video to accompany it that Billy filmed on her iPhone during her recent trip to Europe. This is an exclusive world-wide premiere folks...

Billy the Kid's DIY iPhone Music Video
Us Broken Hearts

Please share the new above video and download widget with your friends... sharing is caring :)

First Listen: New Song From TV Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2011-06-17T10:38:59-07:00

Check out the new TV Heart Attack promo video below for their upcoming show in Vancouver at Venue, Thursday July 28 (join the Facebook event page here).

The song featured in this clip brand new and never before heard. The song is 'Like You Want To' (this is a rough mix, unmixed and unmastered) from the upcoming TVHA release Post Traumatic Love.

Billy the Kid Releasing 12 New Songs For Free One a Week For Just One Week Each

Brian Thompson — 2011-06-13T11:34:20-07:00

The wait is over. After months of raising cash via a very unique album pre-order campaign, Billy The Kid's new fan-funded album is finished.

Well, kind of. We don't have any physical copies yet, you'll have to wait until September for that... but we do have the digital files!

The final mixes and masters for the appropriately titled album, Ours, just rolled in last week. And without skipping a beat we're releasing the very first song today as a free download. But don't hesitate, this free download is only available for one week. Next week this offer will be removed and replaced with yet another new song for a free download. And it too will only be available for one week.

We're going to keep doing this every week for the next 12 weeks. And when all 12 of the songs have been given away... the physical packages will then be released to the world on www.billythekidonline.com.

Download the song from the widget right here and share the link with your friends on Twitter and Facebook. Share the love, this freebie will only last for one week!

Oh yeah, don't forget to visit's website www.billythekidonline.com.... it's brand new and fully pimped out for this exciting new chapter in her career!

Episode 13: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Apple's iCloud

Brian Thompson — 2011-06-09T11:59:46-07:00

Check out this week's podcast as Brian and Michael discuss the big news that come out from Apple this week. Not only did they announce their much anticipated iCloud, but they also surprised people with their iTunes Match service. On top of that, they also announced the latest versions of both their mobile and computer operating systems, iOS 5 and Mac OSX Lion. Both of which solidify Apple's place at the industry leader and innovator.

For more info on the full set of iCloud features, click here. For more information on iTunes in the Cloud, click here.

Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Thanks for listening,
~ Brian Thompson

Columbia Helps Raise Over $3500 For MS Society

Brian Thompson — 2011-06-06T15:01:02-07:00

This just in! So proud of my boys in Columbia for helping out with this amazing cause...

Litterally sparked by a dream, Salmon Arm based alternative rock musician Aimie Laws, set forth the "Only Human" Rock for MS Tour on May 25th. Joined by Thorny Bleeder Recording artists Columbia, Vancouver hip hop artist Furthermore and long time friend Nicole Comis, along with tour manger Ben Stewart, the group held 9 events in British Columbia performing with the intentions to educate, promote and raise funds for the MS Society of Canada. Other supporting artists include Versus The Nothing, Shannon Beth Ireland, Immaculate, City of Sparks, Grim Hymn and the Horrors, Ashley Dempster, and Sasha Lewis.

Hitting the communities of Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Kamloops, Vancouver and Salmon Arm, the crew didn't really know what to expect. Finding a strong connection with fans and new friends along the way everyone involved found themselves humbled, listening to stories of how others are touched by the disease, regardless of age. Although the success in the tour is measured by the group more on the feedback and the educational factor than the amount of money raised, they have brought in a total of $3,645.57 for the charity itself.

Interest has been sparked in the possibility of doing the tour again in the future, hopefully building on its success and educating even more people and raising even more funds.

Episode 12: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast Web Tools To Make You Stand Apart From The Crowd

Brian Thompson — 2011-06-02T14:07:58-07:00

Our 12th episode! Listen to Thorny Bleeder's Brian Thompson and Michael Brandvold from Michael Brandvold Marketing as they have an uncharted, unscripted, straight-talkin, no-BS chat.

For this podcast we had no preplanned topics at all, we just hit "record" and went for it!

We start off by talking about Lady Gaga's response to the Amazon 99 cent album promotion, and then we shoot off into a discussion about new web tools to help bands market their music and to stand out from the rest of the crowd. We chat about Soundcloud, Tumblr, Soundrain, Minno, VYou, and then close the episode with some tips on formatting your blog posts.

Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your own tips and tricks with us!

20,000 Tweets By The Sea

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-31T14:40:23-07:00

This is a special broadcast in celebration of my 20,000th tweet!
I'm a nerd, I know.

But seriously though, I've had so much amazing success on Twitter that I felt I just had to do something special for this momentous little occasion.

So this is it. No cake. No presents. Just one big huge Thank-You to all of my amazing friends on Twitter! You guys rule. Seriously.

If you're wondering what the website is that you can vote on, that I mentioned in the video, here it is: http://urbancultureconference.com

And lastly... if you're wondering what that wicked blues tune is that's playing in the background, it's Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin' Bastards, "She Ain't You", featuring none other than the legendary Luther Dickinson on slide! Visit Ross online here: http://www.rossneilsen.com

Thanks for watching... peace!
Brian

How Do YOU Fit Into Culture?

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-31T12:03:04-07:00

or
Content Marketing: Finding Your Niche

How Do You Fit Into Culture?

Not your band.
Not your music.
YOU.

The individual behind the music.

You are unique. You have individual tastes, interests, passions, and hobbies. Now... think for a moment. If you were to talk about a diverse subject matter on your blog (rather than just your music), and in your videos, in your photos, and in your tweets… you can attract an entirely new audience, which you never thought you could have access to.

People search the web to find answers to their questions. Perhaps YOU have the answer they're looking for! But they'll never find you if you don't blog about it. Or tweet it. Or make a video and post in on YouTube.

Examples:

1. Perhaps you like to cook.
Well... talk about it and share your knowledge and experiences!
Did you just whip up a batch of a killer homemade BBQ sauce? Share the recipe on your blog.

2. Are you an origami expert?
Blog about it! Create some instructional How-To YouTube videos (with your music playing in the background).

3. Do you have a pet hedgehog?
Cute always wins online.

This is Content Marketing.
This is Inbound Marketing.

This is how you enable potential fans to stumble upon your music... while they're searching for answers and info in Google Search.

Now that you've enabled fans to discover you... now it's time to turn the tables and for you to find them! If you want to enable fan-discovery, you need to search the web and dive into conversations surrounding the topics that interest you in your life. You’ll be amazed at who you meet and what they do!

Use Twitter Search.
Better yet, drill down the results even deeper by using: http://search.twitter.com
Use the extended search option to hyper-locate people discussing keywords surrounding your subject goal.

Search relevant Hashtags on Twitter, and then follow the key communicators on the topic… and talk to them! Create conversation and create a new relationship, that's what being Social is all about.

Use Google Blog Search. Use Technocrati Blog Search.
Find the blogs who specialize in these topics and start connecting with them!

Open yourself up to a whole new world. Be yourself, share yourself... and communicate with likeminded people! You'll be blown away at the results.
Trust me.

~ Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson: Most Influential Twitter User in Vancouver?

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-31T12:03:00-07:00

I just noticed last night that I was nominated as Most Influential Twitter User at the Urban Culture Conference Awards in Vancouver!

Whoa.

Most of the nominations have been collecting votes for the past month, so I've got some massive catching up to do! It's a fan-voting process, one vote per person, and luckily there's no sign up or registration required.

If you follow me on Twitter and like the shit I post and share, it'd be wicked to have your support.

Let's show everyone how awesome the Thorny Bleeder community is!

Vote Here
Click on "Misc" then on "Twitter User"

PS - Thorny Bleeder is also nominated as Best Music Blog! So we'd love to have your vote for that category too :)

Follow Brian On Twitter Here!

Episode 11: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast How To Create An Event Around Your Album Release

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-27T10:16:21-07:00

In today's podcast Michael Brandvold and I chat about this week's Amazon promotion for the new Lady Gaga album where they sold her new digital release, one day only, for only 99 cents. We discuss some of the problems this promotion had, the history of music retailers doing this type of "loss-leader" event, and we close with some key take-away learnings which artists can use in developing their music career by injecting some exciting and creative promotions into the mix.

Want to hear more? Well you'll just have to click 'play' then won't you? :)

Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here, Michael on Twitter here, Ian on Twitter here, and Topspin Media on Twitter here.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your own tips and tricks with us!

Thanks for listening,
~ Brian Thompson

Canada's Hardest Working Band: Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin' Bastards

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-31T12:02:55-07:00

Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards don't stop. These Bastards define the blues.

MP3: Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin' Bastards
She Ain't You (featuring Luther Dickinson)

visit our Free Downloads page for free album downloads from Ross Neilsen

They're the epitome of the balls-to-the-wall work ethic and the tireless hustle that's needed to stand out from the rest of the crowd. And that they are. Just take a look at the following self-booked tour these Bastards are about to embark on.

Canada, do yourself a favour and catch this band live on one of the following dates! This is the real deal... an exciting, live, dirty blues rawk n' roll touring-machine!

2011 SUMMER TOUR DATES:

Episode 10: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast What Do Fans Want? Albums, Singles, or EPs?

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-20T13:52:11-07:00

Here it is, our 10th Episode! Wow, time flies.

Well after two weeks of having some amazing guests (Ian Rogers from Topspin on Episode 8, J Sider from RootsMusic on Episode 9), this week's episode finds us back to just Michael and myself. Today's discussion begins with a reading from a recent article titled "Albums" (from April 28, 2011) in The Lefsetz Letters, written by Bob Lefsetz.

Check out Bob Lefsetz and The Lefsetz Letters. Read the "Albums" article here.

What begin on-topic with how music used to be released in the past, and how it should be released now, in the digital social age. But then we take a bit of a detour and discuss "brand monitoring" on social channels and across the web. Are you listening to what the internet is saying about you? If not, you need to. Anyways, listen to the podcast to learn more!

And many thanks listening everyone. If you enjoyed this episode and think you might have a friend who'll dig it, please share!

So, what do you think... Albums, Singles, or EPs? What's your choice?

~ Brian Thompson

A Modern Musicians Handbook - The Do's and Don'ts

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-20T13:52:07-07:00

This is a special guest post from contributor, Jeff Ojeda (Online Marketing, Graphic Designer for Chief Music Management).

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...

DIY Tip - Sometimes I Work Better In The Dark

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-19T11:51:32-07:00

Life can be demanding. We all have our mandatory jobs and chores to the pay bills, but most of us also have our passion projects too. Too often, life gets in the way of spending some quality time to work on these goals.

You can find success, inspiration, and get some serious work done on these projects by simply changing your routine and/or the environment you do them in.

Every now and then I'll pull an all-nighter work session. I turn the lights out, close the blinds, turn on some non-distracting music (classical, mellow jazz, ambient, etc.)... and Focus!

It's amazing how much quality work you can crank out when there's no distractions. Its quiet, it's easier to get "in the zone", there's no emails coming in, there's no phone calls... there's no expectations.

It's just you and your work.

Now I'm not saying everyone should pull all-nighters, but you can find similar success with increased productivity by simplebeing in a different environment and having a different mind-set or approach to the task at hand.

Even something as simple as relocating to a coffee shop for a couple of hours with your laptop can equal 5 hours of work anywhere else!

Mix it up and stay inspired.

Thanks for watching :)
Brian Thompson

Heyo! We're Nominated For Best Music Blog

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-23T10:03:04-07:00

Yup yup, we've been nominated for another web award, this one comes from the Urban Culture Conference Awards for Best Music Blog. Sweet!

And like all similar web awards, the winner is determined via an online vote. But luckily, this isn't a "vote everyday" kind of thing. One vote per person, and that's all it takes!

So, here's my call to action for anyone reading this:

If you like all of the free music downloads we give away (here), if you like our free daily newsletter with digital music news, marketing tips and breaking social media news (here), if you enjoy the endless stream of informative tweets we share (here), then perhaps you could toss us a very quick vote as a thank-you! :)

VOTE HERE
(just click on Blog, then on Music)

The goal of the first annual Urban Culture Conference in Vancouver to bring together thousands of like-minded people for a weekend of music, entertainment, seminars, and events showcasing the city’s artistic and athletic talent.

It’s about sharing new experiences, learning about the current scenes, and opening up to new movements within urban culture.

Billy the Kid - Song Search 2011 Top 20 Finalist

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-18T15:36:07-07:00

I am soooo very happy to announce that Billy the Kid has been selected as a Top 20 Finalist in this year's Song Search, put on by Vancouver's Shore 104 FM!

The song that got her into the Top 20 shortlist is the stunning track, The Drugs (featuring the phenomenal Garth Hudson from The Band), featured to your left. Go ahead, hit play. You'll love it. And feel free to download it as well, there's a little button just waiting for you to click it. Oh yeah, it's free.

And here's a video of Billy playing the song live for Alan Cross and Explore Music:
\

Congrats to those who made it into the Top 20 Shortlist! One of these lucky artists will have the opportunity to open for Jim Cuddy and perform an intimate set to a sold-out room at SHOREfest Whistler. Keep your eyes on the Shore 104 news feed (or on Twitter here) to find out who that artist will be!

The winner of Song Search will receive a jumpstart prize pack valued over $20,000 which includes:

A fully mixed and mastered 4-song EP by Nimbus School of Recording Arts, Produced by Shawn Cole (Bend Sinister, Hannah Georgas)
A professionally produced Electronic Press Kit (EPK) by Insider Films
All expenses paid trip and artist showcase at Rifflandia 2011
Extensive airplay on Shore 104.3 FM
A $5000 gift certificate courtesy of Long & McQuade

In alphabetical order, here's the full Top 20:

1. Billy the Kid - "The Drugs"
2. BJ Block and Dawn Pemberton - "Just Be"
3. Freeflow - "Sunny Days"
4. Mark Irving - "Fool For You"
5. Ivory Sky - "Crazy Queen"
6. Jackie Treehorn - "Cruel"
7. Reid Jamieson - "Lost"
8. Steph Macpherson - "Summer Salute"
9. The Matinee - "Sweetwater"
10. Ryan McAllister - "This Black Heart"
11. Ryan McMahon and the Company Damn - "We Live Forever"
12. The Midnight Hours - "Invisible Prison"
13. Sheree Plett - "Old House"
14. Randy Ponzio of Quest Poetics - "For the People"
15. Portage and Main - "What Have I Done"
16. Prairie Dance Club - "Until They Put Me In The Ground"
17. Redbird - "Oh Please My Heart"
18. Ben Sigston - "More Than I Ever Did Know"
19. The Sumner Brothers - "You Will Find Me"
20. Watasun - "It's You"

Rockers Doing Good: The Rock 4 MS Tour

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-18T15:36:03-07:00

Columbia is getting ready to embark on a very special tour, along with Aimie Laws, to support Multiple Sclerosis, the Rock for MS Tour. All proceeds go to the MS Society.

May 25th – June 4th 2011
9 cities, 11 days
One Great Cause!

Columbia will be playing acoustically and will play many new songs from their upcoming album.

Tour Dates:
May 25 – Penticton @ Voodoo's (8pm)
May 26 – Kelowna @ Chapters Indigo in the Orchard Park Mall (3:30pm)
May 27 – Vernon @ Sneakers (8pm)
May 30 – Armstrong @ Pleasant Valley Senior Secondary School
May 31 – Enderby @ The Cliffs Cafe (8pm)
June 1 – Kamloops @ Pougue Mahones Pub (8pm)
June 2 – Vancouver @ Pinceton Pub (8pm)
June 3 – Kelowna @ The House (8pm)
June 4 – Salmon Arm @ Hideaway Pub (8pm)

Check out this special video blog from Columbia's Kevin and Richard, make sure you check out the bloopers at the end!

Episode 9: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast Discussing Facebook Marketing with the CEO of RootMusic

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-13T13:08:25-07:00

Welcome to another not-to-miss episode for all of you music marketers! We have another amazing guest today, RootMusic's CEO and Founder, J. Sider.

RootMusic is a music startup based in San Francisco, California that makes the popular application BandPage, which is currently the number one entertainment application on Facebook with over 17 million users a month. BandPage launched in March 2010 and is an application that allows artists to create customized Fan Pages within Facebook. In August 2010, Billboard named RootMusic one of the "Top 10 Best Digital Media Startups".

The RootMusic BandPage Editor enables bands and musicians to easily create a professional-grade Facebook fan page via a simple and intuitive process. There have been over 200 articles written about BandPage, with TechCrunch saying that "RootMusic will probably be the service that changes the way Facebook looks when it comes to music."

BandPage provides the following features:

Music player
Video Streaming
Live Twitter Feeds
Touring Schedule
Integrated photos from Facebook
Downloadable Tracks
Biography and Contact Panes
Integrated Facebook Wall

On April 1, the company launched a "Plus" edition of the product, which is available for $1.99 a month. This option allows users to customize their colours, fonts and have a banner on the top of their page.

Episode 8: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast Music Marketing w/ Ian Rogers, CEO Topspin Media

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-06T10:56:56-07:00

Thanks to the power of Twitter, we have a very special guest on this week's podcast, Ian Rogers, CEO of Topspin Media. We had an amazing discussion with Ian on social media,

music marketing, and of course the Topspin direct-to-fan marketing platform.

Topspin Media (also known as Topspin) is a technology company that provides e-commerce and marketing software & services for artists, their representatives, and their business partners. According to their website, their mission is to empower independent artists to build sustainable businesses, and to supply established artists, record labels, and managers with tools that allow them to operate in the modern music industry.

Topspin was founded in 2007 by Peter Gotcher (co-creator of ProTools) and Shamal Ranasinghe. In 2008, former Yahoo!Music General Manager Ian Rogers was named CEO of Topspin. The company initially engaged with a small number of clients on a one-on-one basis, gradually adding more artists and new features. In 2008, Topspin was named Indie Visionary of the Year by Billboard magazine. The company has had a notable presence at industry conferences such as MIDEM and South By Southwest.

Listen the podcast on Soundcloud here:

Topspin's software include the ability to create and customize an online store, engage in targeted email marketing, and promote art and media through a variety of widgets. Users are able to collect fan email addresses in exchange for a free download, create streaming media players, offer bundles of different products, and sell tickets & fan-club memberships. In 2010, Topspin launched a feature that allowed users to sell tickets with barcodes that could be printed at home and scanned with a custom iPhone app.

Topspin serves over three thousand artists including musicians, filmmakers, and authors. Notable clients include: David Byrne and Brian Eno, Paul McCartney, Linkin Park, Eminem, Beastie Boys, Arcade Fire, and Trent Reznor.

Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here, Michael on Twitter here, Ian on Twitter here, and Topspin Media on Twitter here.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your own tips and tricks with us!

Ross Neilsen Performs Live for Roots Music

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-05T12:17:30-07:00

See the original article in its entirety on Roots Music here, including three additional live performances:
http://www.rootsmusic.ca/2011/04/13/ross-neilsens-amazing-drive/

New Quartered Video: Eternity Below

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-05T12:17:25-07:00

Visit Quartered online here.

Billy the Kid Performs Live On BalconyTV

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-05T12:17:31-07:00

See the original article here:
http://www.balconytv.com/v/billy-the-kid/

And don't forget to pre-order Billy's upcoming new album titled "Ours" here: http://www.billythekidonline.com

DIY Tip - Under Sell & Over Deliver

Brian Thompson — 2011-05-04T10:45:12-07:00

I get solicited with a ton of new music from independent artists. And on the flipside of that, I've also sent out a slew of cold-call emails and press releases to industry people as well.

One of the main things I've learned from being on the receiving end of these messages, and from getting successful replies to the messages I've sent out, is that you need to NOT "over sell" your music or product.

If you rave and go on and on and on about how great you or your product is, I immediately call BS and delete the message, let alone listen to the music. And I know I'm not alone in this. When you receive hundreds and hundreds of weekly emails, it's just a natural part of the review and editing process.

So... if you want your message to be read, and for your links to be clicked and listened to or looked at, under sell... and over deliver! Intrigue me with a short little description. Be humble. Be honest. Give me an idea of what it is about, but please don't tell me it's the next-best-thing... nothing can ever live up to that hype. Nothing.

But if you create an air of intrigue and pull me in and I end up being blown away by it, you win! Nothing beats the feeling of having discovered something truly amazing... especially if you get the sense that the artist doesn't even realize how killer the music is.

So there you go. A quick little promo tip for you...

Under Sell & Over Deliver!

Thanks for watching :)
Brian Thompson

Episode 7: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast E-Commerce Solutions For Bands

Brian Thompson — 2011-04-29T13:25:50-07:00

Here we go folks, another edition of our weekly podcast featuring Brian Thompson from Thorny Bleeder and Michael Brandvold from Michael Brandvold Marketing.

This week's topic? E-Commerce Solutions for Bands.

We discuss everything from getting your music up on iTunes and the Amazon MP3 Store, in addition to options on how to handle your merchandise sales and email marketing campaigns.

What platforms are you using to sell your band's music and merch?

Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your own tips and tricks with us!

The Rebellion: Spring Tour

Brian Thompson — 2011-04-28T10:44:23-07:00

MP3: The Rebellion
Ocean Breeze

The Rebellion have just announced a Spring Tour of Western Canada, in preparation for their upcoming new album. Check out the first single from the new album above, Ocean Breeze... as heard on our free compilation download, Get Thorny 3.

THE REBELLION - 2011 TOUR
(with Sly Business)

May 12 - Canmore, AB - The Canmore Hotel
May 13 - Golden, BC - The Rock Water Bar & Grill
May 14 - Kelowna, BC - Doc Willoughby's
May 16 - Penticton, BC -Voodoo Lounge
May 17 - Vancouver, BC - The Media Club
MAY 18 - Victoria, BC - Lucky Bar
MAY 19 - Parksville, BC, Rod and Gun Pub
MAY 20 - Crofton, BC - Crofton Hotel
May 21-22 - Sombrio, BC - Beach Party
May 23 - Duncan, BC - Garage Showroom
May 24 - Tofino, BC – The Maquinna
May 26 - Banff, AB - The Devi's Gap
May 27 - Calgary, AB - The Shamrock
May 28 - Edmonton, AB - Filthy McNasty's (4pm-6pm)

http://www.therebellion.ca

Episode 6: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast Cloud Music Vs. Subscription Music

Brian Thompson — 2011-04-22T11:55:00-07:00

Hey, it's Friday again! Sweet. And that means that we have another new episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast.

Today Brian and Michael discuss "The Cloud", what it is, and how some players in the new music industry hope to use as "the next big thing" to spur innovation and new revenues. On the flip side of these music storage lockers in the cloud are Subscription Music Services.

Listen to the podcast below to hear about the pros and cons of each service and to hear Brian and Michael's opinions.

Episode 6: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Cloud Music vs. Subscription Music by Thorny Bleeder

Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your own tips and tricks with us!

Thanks for listening, see you again next week!
Brian

DIY Tip - Change Your Future!

Brian Thompson — 2011-04-22T11:51:04-07:00

Everything that happens to you today is a result of what you did yesterday, last month... 6 months ago. If you're not happy with where things are at in your world today, then make some changes and do things differently... it will change your future! Otherwise, if you keep doing things exactly as you have been, you'll be in the exact same spot six months or a year from now.

Change your future by making changes in your life Today!

DIY Tip - Personal Branding

Brian Thompson — 2011-04-15T15:43:38-07:00

Outside of (and in addition) to what you're already doing with your band, you should also consider your own personal branding and how it can complement and enhance your music's brand.

Do you write? Are you a photographer? A cartoonist? Are you a producer, film directors, music teacher, graphic artist, financial analysts, chef, yoga instructor, train collector, or kite enthusiast?

Diversify. Add these elements to your bio and discuss them in interviews. Blog about them on your band's website. Join niche forums on the internet dedicated to these creative pursuits and start new conversations with those communities.

Publicize and promote what you're doing... and your music will have a better chance of being found and stumbled upon by an entirely new community.

Thanks for watching,
Brian Thompson

Episode 5: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast Social Media Etiquette

Brian Thompson — 2011-04-15T12:51:32-07:00

Here it is folks, this week's episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast, with your hosts Brian Thompson from Thorny Bleeder and Michael Brandvold from Michael Brandvold Marketing.

This week's discussion is about Social Media etiquette on Facebook and Twitter, along with some additional tips and tricks to help take you to the next level of engagement and interactivity with your followers and fans.

Episode 5 Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Social Media Etiquette by MichaelBrandvoldMarketing
Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter here and Michael on Twitter here.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share your own tips and tricks with us!

Thanks for listening, see you again next week!
Brian

Episode 4: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast Music Industry Still Blaming Napster

Brian Thompson — 2011-04-08T13:03:11-07:00

This week's episode of The Music Biz Weekly Podcast is a discussion spurned from the chart, pictured to the right, which was featured today on numerous websites including Mashable, Hypebot, and The Hollywood Reporter.

Listen to the podcast below and feel free to download a copy of the mp3 for your iPhone/iPod (by clicking on the little down arrow):
Episode 4: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Music Industry Still Blaming Napster With False Numbers by Thorny Bleeder

Below is the original article, appearing as it was published on Mashable:

According to the labels, record sales would have burgeoned if not for the existence of file-sharing site Napster. The labels’ optimistic forecast comes in the form of a chart included in a trial brief for their case against LimeWire.

The above chart was born out of a case brought by major labels like Sony Corp.’s Arista Records and Warner Music Group Corp.’s Atlantic Records against LimeWire. The trial is scheduled to begin May 2.

In the brief, the labels say:

“The evidence will demonstrate that there has been a $55 billion decline in record industry revenue over the last decade. Plaintiffs and Defendants disagree as to whether mass filesharing through peer-to-peer services has been the primary cause of this decline (Plaintiffs’ position), or just one of several causes (Defendants’ position). But even if LimeWire caused only a fraction of this decline, Plaintiffs’ damages would still be in the billions of dollars. Plaintiffs will offer evidence at trial demonstrating that far greater than a fraction of this harm was caused by LimeWire.”

What do you think of the labels’ position? Are Napster, LimeWire and Co. to blame for the declining music industry? Should the labels have embraced file-sharing earlier and adapted it to their own purposes? Let us know in the comments.

[via Mashable, via The Hollywood Reporter]
Image courtesy of iStockphoto, shulz

DIY Tip - Polish Before You Promote

Brian Thompson — 2011-04-07T12:04:25-07:00

Before you start promoting your music to industry professionals (agents, managers, labels, etc.) there's a few things you need to make sure if you have in order first.

- Have a website.

- Can I listen to your music somewhere other than MySpace? (Bandcamp, Soundcloud, etc.)

- Can I download free samples of your music?

- Make sure you have a Blog and have recent posts.

- Optimize your Facebook Page and have a music player installed on it (and make sure you're actually engaging with fans on FB regularly too).

- Be active on Twitter.

- Do you have video performance clips on YouTube?

You might only have one chance at connecting with an industry insider, make sure all of your ducks are in a row before you reach out to them! If your presentation is anything less than professional, they'll probably just walk away and ignore you.

Polish Before You Promote!

Late July: Exclusive Interview + Free Album Downloads

Brian Thompson — 2011-04-06T12:08:22-07:00

Hello faithful readers and newcomers alike... I have a new artist I'm excited to introduce to you to today, Late July (aka Nicole Simone)!

I just finished recording a little interview podcast with Nicole via Skype and I was planning on publishing this post next week, but dammit... I'm just too excited to get this incredible new music into your playlist that I decided to post it asap.

But wait, that's not it! I also just posted both albums from Late July on our Free Music page!
Whoa.

Yup, two more free album downloads!
Click here and download them, 100% free, no strings attached.

Ok, so now that you've downloaded her two albums... check out my interview with Late July below:

Thorny Bleeder Podcast with Late July

Listen Here:
MP3: Interview with Late July, aka Nicole Simone
(to save this mp3 to your desktop, right click and 'Save As')

If you love Late July's music as much as I do, please visit her on Bandcamp or iTunes and buy her album as a sign of support for this amazing independent artist.

Connect with Late July:
Website: http://miss.latejuly.ca
Bandcamp: http://latejuly.bandcamp.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MissLateJuly
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/latejulymusic

New Video from Quartered: Nothing Without Love

Brian Thompson — 2011-04-05T10:24:31-07:00

This is a Quick glimpse into what goes into an average show for Quartered. Filmed, edited and produced by Charles Schrodt from Full.Speed.Ahead Productions.

Episode 3: The Music Biz Weekly Majority Of Bands Still Want To Get Signed

Brian Thompson — 2011-04-01T16:27:57-07:00

Welcome to the third episode of The Music Biz Weekly, a weekly podcast co-hosted by Michael Brandvold and Brian Thompson.

We've been getting some amazing feedback, keep 'em coming! Send us your subject ideas for future episodes, thoughts on what we've discussed and any comments on how we can make the podcast better.

This week’s episode:
Majority Of Bands Still Want To Get Signed
In a recent survey conducted by ReverbNation and Digital Music News, over 75% of indie artists said that it was one of their goals to get signed to a record label. The exact percentage varied from genre to genre, including a high of 81% of hip hop artists wanting a deal, and a low of 63% of alternative artists wanting to get signed. See the poll here.

Episode 3: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Majority of Bands Still Want to Get Signed by Thorny Bleeder

DIY Tip: Where's The Wow?

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-31T14:16:31-07:00

Ok. Your album rocks. It's a modern day masterpiece. It's FULL of Wow. The Wow Factor is in full effect!

But… why are you having such a tough time to get people to talk about you? Where's the word of mouth? Where's the press and the blog buzz? Where's the fans freaking out about you on Facebook and Twitter? Where are the people at your gigs? And… where are the sales?

I'm willing to bet that you're lacking the Wow Factor in everything else you're doing. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you have to be different than everyone else, in everything you do. Add some Wow to your marketing and promotion, your graphics, photos, videos, blogs and tweets!

If you want to be the subject of people raving about you behind your back, make sure you're worth talking about… in everything you do. Add some Wow!

Featured Artist: The Rebellion

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-31T12:01:04-07:00

MP3: The Rebellion
Ocean Breeze

This week's featured artist from our Get Thorny 3 freebie download compilation (get it here) is our very own boys from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan... The Rebellion. The track you're listening to above is a brand new track for 2011 that is only available on Get Thorny 3... a Thorny Bleeder exclusive!

With influences like Muse, Coldplay, The Police, Jeff Buckley and Jimmy Hendrix, The Rebellion's music and anthemic spirit has allowed them to grow a solid fan base, grass roots style, by playing tons of shows and never taking no for an answer. Their 2010 Thorny Bleeder debut album titled Time received lots of buzz and attention, including hitting some music bloggers' Best of The Year lists.

Expect to hear a lot more from these guys in the coming months. A brand new album is now complete and ready to roll, with plans for a late Spring release. There will also be a new video or two, a new (old) tour bus, and lots of miles on the road as they take their show to as many towns and cities as possible. The band also recently finished recording a live performance broadcast for a CBC Radio special called The Cold Road (air date has yet to be announced).

2011 should be a breakout year for these boys. The Rebellion has only begun!

Episode 2: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-25T13:42:06-07:00

Welcome to the second episode of The Music Biz Weekly, a weekly podcast co-hosted by Michael Brandvold and Brian Thompson. The first podcast was received with great comments and over 200 listens in the first week!

This week’s episode:
A Band’s Website & How A Band Should Blog
Episode 2: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - Band Websites & Blogging by Thorny Bleeder

The Best Guitar Case EVER

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-24T23:26:41-07:00

Billy the Kid - These City Lights by Thorny Bleeder

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.

DIY Tip - Make Do With Less and Be More

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-24T10:19:13-07:00

Ok, first things first. This video was shot early in the morning after an insomnia-filled night, resulting in less than three hours sleep. So I made do with less. I look tired. My voice sounds a little scratchy. My eyes are watery... but I think I still got my point across in a record 49 seconds.

Today's DIY Tip is a quick little reminder of something we all know but rarely practice. By following this tiny little bit of advice you can learn more, do more... and accomplish more!

So this is it. Make do with less. Less TV, less video games, less pointless web surfing for pointless content, and perhaps for some people... even less sleep.

Instead, take those minutes and hours saved and do more reading, researching, learning, communicating, networking, marketing, promoting, practicing, creating... doing!

Make your life Rock. Get off the couch and just do it!

Thanks for watching!

DIY Tip: Passion, Persistance, Perseverance & Tenacity

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-23T15:57:09-07:00

Today's DIY Tip is a simple reminder of what history has proven to us time and time again:

Success = Passion + Persistance + Perseverance + Tenacity

If you have these ingredients and and personality traits, you are destined to succeed at whatever it is you set out to do in life.

I also talk a little about the new Art Of Dying album that was just released, Vices And Virtues, and the fundraising campaign that Billy the Kid has launched.

Thanks for watching!
Brian Thompson

Art Of Dying Releases New Album & Video Premiere

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-22T10:46:25-07:00

The wait is over!

Vices and Virtues the major label debut album from Art of Dying drenched in blood, sweat, tears and beers, is now available everywhere. Get it today in stores or buy it now at iTunes HERE! And get Die Trying for free this week at iTunes as the Single Of The Week here.

Lastly, We are proud to unveil the official video for Die Trying! Watch it below... now!

Featured Artist: Christopher Arruda

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-23T12:41:57-07:00

MP3: Christopher Arruda
Olympus At Noon

This week's featured artist from Get Thorny 3, our free download compilation available here, is Christopher Arruda.

Christopher Arruda came very close to never making music again.

Having spent his late teens and early twenties fronting popular rock band The Lady Esther and touring with ambitious post-rock outfit Open, Parachute!, the twenty-six year old artist spent a year and a half trying to live what he thought was a normal life. “I had a job, a girlfriend and a home. I’d given up on music because I’d never been able to succeed. I really thought I had all the ingredients to be happy and then all at once, I woke up and realized I’d become so afraid of failure that I’d stopped living at all.”

This revelation spawned an explosion of creativity. His debut record “God Hates a Coward” was recorded almost immediately in Victoria, B.C. over the summer of 2009. It was a personal statement for Arruda – a record about hope – about standing for something – about stepping over the edge and taking a chance. While the initial plan was to sell the record at a few local shows, the collection was so well received amongst his peers that a music video was shot for the title track in April 2010 followed by a tour of Western Canada. Christopher returned home to even more good news – he had been selected as one of the top 20 BC acts to participate in the prestigious Peak Performance Project put on by Vancouver’s 100.5 The Peak FM.

His momentum continues to build. By cementing a foundation in Western Canada and surrounding himself with like-minded individuals through the Peak Performance Project, he is an artist poised on the edge of finally reaching his full potential. His performances are bold and varied. One moment a boisterous shout and the next a soft whisper, he strives to connect with his audience through unbridled fervor and a captivating presence. The material also continues to pour forth – a collection of intimate and raw demos entitled The SWAIN EP was released September 5th 2010 to outstanding feedback. The SWAIN EP has already sold out of it’s limited pressing.

With success stacking up behind him, Christopher Arruda is the young Canadian artist to watch. “Find Someone, Build an Empire”, his second full length record is being written with plans to record in the summer of 2011. A national tour will follow. Christopher has been fortunate enough to share the stage with such artists as Thrice, Tegan and Sarah, Acres of Lions, Said the Whale, Hey Ocean!, Maurice, Protest the Hero and Theset.

Chris has a brand new recording available, the Swain EP is available for whatever price you want to pay at christopherarruda.bandcamp.com.

Billy the Kid - Fan Funded

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-20T15:41:56-07:00

Following the breakout success of the Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace) produced EP, The Lost Cause, Vancouver singer/songwriter Billy the Kid (Billy Pettinger) decided to give back to her fans by recording a new album which will be given away for free on the internet.

In order to pull this off, Billy launched a fan funding campaign on her website http://www.billythekidonline.com to raise the money necessary to record her new album. Her fans pulled through in droves, pre-ordering a variety of different album bundles, and the album was recorded over the course of two months, in three different cities in early 2011.

Now that recording is complete, the album needs to be mixed and mastered, which is another considerable expense. So Billy decided to launch phase two of her fan funding campaign. However this time around, she has one-upped herself and has created some incredibly creative new fundraising options.

New fund raising options include a hand drawn cartoon of you for $50, a night on the town with Billy for $200, a weekend with her for $500, co-writing a song with her for $1000, an original song written for you or a loved one for $1000, have Billy mailed to your house for $2000 and hang out with her for a week while she films a documentary of your time together, buy publishing rights to half of one of her new songs for $5000, and finally for $10,000 you can own the publishing rights to any song of your choice.

Once the funds are raised the album will be finished and released immediately on the internet for free.

There’s a reason people refer to Billy the Kid as the DIY Poster Girl.

For more information please visit http://www.billythekidonline.com.

Episode 1: The Music Biz Weekly

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-18T14:55:58-07:00

Welcome to the debut episode of our brand new podcast, The Music Biz Weekly!

Featuring your hosts Michael Brandvold and Brian Thompson.

Come back every Friday to download a new episode.

The Music Biz Weekly Podcast - March 18, 2011 by MichaelBrandvoldMarketing

Black Hat Villain Loses Singer

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-17T14:09:27-07:00

It's with a heavy heart that I have to post this. Scotty Tuesday, frontman for the amazing Black Hat Villain, has decided to leave the band and focus on his acoustic-based solo career (Scott Valentine). He will performing with the band one last time this Saturday at the 2nd Annual Capital City Tattoo Convention, in Victoria, BC. Daily admission is $20.

If you haven't seen Black Hat Villain play live, buy a fucking plane ticket to Victoria right now.
Seriously. They're that fucking good.

In the past year Scotty has wowed audiences across Western Canada with his commanding stage presence and his monstrous voice. He is without a doubt one of the best frontman around. No lie.

What follows is Scotty's goodbye message to his fans, followed by a farewell video he put together:

The Music Biz Weekly: A New Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-17T14:09:31-07:00

I'm excited to announce a new feature here on Thorny Bleeder, The Music Biz Weekly, a weekly podcast co-hosted by Michael Brandvold and Brian Thompson. Each week Michael and Brian will discuss the latest events in the music business and music marketing events and techniques.

Tune in every week for the latest discussions and comments on the music business

Be sure to follow both Michael and Brian on Twitter for updates on each week's podcast.

Michael Brandvold - @michaelsb
Brian Thompson - @thornybleeder

Debut Episode : March 18, 2011

Topics:
Introductions to Michael and Brian, and a discussion on Jon Bon Jovi blaming Steve Jobs for killing the music business.

DIY Tip: Social Media Rewards For Fandom & Loyalty

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-15T11:51:45-07:00

Today's DIY Tip is about monitoring the mentions of your band (or brand) online and making the most out of your supporters and fans.

If you're tracking what's being said about you online (Twitter, blogs, blog comments, Facebook fan page postings, etc.) you have a huge opportunity to reward your fans and strengthen the relationship.

Do you have a casual, unconnected fan who casually mentioned you in their Twitter feed? Why don't you send them a private thank you message? Why don't you reward their public display of affection for you with a link to a free download? Or a coupon for a discount in your store? Or a meet n' great opportunity at one of your live shows? Or a personalized video thank you message?

The possibilities are endless and the upside benefits are immeasurable. And it only takes a moment of your time!

By giving out random acts of kindness to people who speak about you, you're opening the doors to creating a potential lifelong fan or customer, who in turn will continue to evangelize you to their friends and followers, which in turn creates new fans.

It's just one big happy, continuous circle of social currency paying off... for both you and your fans.

Reward your fans and keep the love coming!

Thanks for watching!
Brian Thompson

DIY Tip: Social Media Is A Slow Roast, Not A TV Dinner

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-14T12:53:19-07:00

Today's DIY Tip video blog is about developing and nurturing new relationships with people of influence (music blogger, magazine editor, agent, manager, label, etc.) through social media, before you hit them up with a sales pitch or a favour.

Don't rush things online, it doesn't work! To quote Chris Brogran in his book Trust Agents, "Social Media Is A Slow Roast, Not A TV Dinner!".

Thanks for watching!
Brian Thompson

Get Thorny 3 Featured Artist: Daniel Moir

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-11T11:01:55-08:00

MP3: DANIEL MOIR

SUNDRUNK
(from Get Thorny 3)

This week's featured artist from our Get Thorny 3 free download compilation (24 artists, 24 tracks) is Daniel Moir. In just a short time, the young singer/songwriter has already accomplished feats that outnumber his few years. Drawing inspiration from personal insight and life experience that varies from a rocky childhood to vagabonding through Europe, Daniel has created a unique blend of folk music that shines wisdom far beyond his years.

Before pursuing a solo career, Daniel honed his performance skills singing, playing and recording with various local Bands. Daniel’s music was soon noticed by producer Tom Dobrzanski, who invited Daniel to his Vancouver studio to work on his debut solo EP, “the Country and the Sea”. The album charted on college radio across Canada and was

heavily licensed, with the song "Change the World" appearing in the season finale of NBC's popular medical-drama, Mercy. This created much hype for this debut full-length album; "Road"."Road" was recorded in Calgary, AB with multi-award and Juno-winning producer Russell Broom (Jan Arden, Emm Gryner, Sam Roberts), and was co-engineered by David Kean (Bjork, Audities Foundation, etc.)

Daniel recently performed in a CBC concert for Alberta Arts Days which was aired to millions as a television special. After several Canadian tours and performances at various festivals, including playing for est. 15,000 at the Edmonton Folk Festival, it is safe to say that the future is bright for Daniel Moir.

As well as being a musician, Daniel is also an accomplished painter, he is dedicated in the practice of meditation and is a nature-enthusiast. He continues to write, record and tour relentlessly.

Visit Daniel Moir online: http://danielmoir.com

Top 10: Best Music Website in Canada

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-10T12:14:36-08:00

Well we didn't take the top honours, but there's nothing but huge smiles over here at Thorny Bleeder HQ!

All I can say is... THANK YOU!

This whole ride has been such an amazing feeling. Not in a thousand years did I think there would even be a contest for this type of thing. It was an honour to just be nominated. But then, week by week, your votes rolled in and pushed us into the next round. It's been such an outstanding stream of ongoing support and it's these good vibes that just keep pushing me to make things even better here at Thorny Bleeder.

The Thorny Bleeder community amazes me each and every day. This Top 10 placing is for you as much as it is for us! Seriously.

DIY Tip: Transform Online Chatter into Offline Opportunities

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-08T13:15:47-08:00

Today's DIY Tip video blog is about transforming online chatter into offline opportunities.

Stuck in a rut online? Take it offline and connect in real life!

Stand out from the crowd, connect with influencers in your industry via the phone or going out for a beer or a coffee. Become more than just a tweet that scrolls across someone's screen... new opportunities await you.

PS - Can you tell that there's some reno's going on in my building?

Thanks for watching!
Brian

NEW Video from The Post War... Starring My Dog!

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-08T13:16:45-08:00

Our good friends in The Post War just released a brand new video today for their new single, Save Ourselves. The band is also offering the song as a free download, so swing by their website and download a copy for yoruself.

Not only does this song kick ass, but I have to take extra special pride in this video since it stars my very own dog, Koda the Siberian Husky! Yes, yes, there will be a meet and greet and paw print autograph signing at a shopping mall near you.

And in case you wanted to see more of Koda, if you snoop around our YouTube channel you might just find a few more home videos of her....

And now... the online debut of Save Ourselves from The Post War!

DIY TIp: Don't Push, Pull Them In!

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-07T11:19:18-08:00

Today's video blog DIY Tip is about abolishing the idea that "...if you build it they will come."

Regardless of whether it's your latest album or recording, your blog, your book, or whatever it is your'e trying to spread to the world... you need to pull people in with creative use of social media.

Old media is dead.

Get started with social media today and pull people in by creating intrigue and interest... without cramming and pushing stuff down people's throats (ie. "advertising" or "selling" your goods).

Thanks for watching!

PS - Don't forget to sign up to The DIY Daily newsletter... it's free and full of tons of killer tips and information. Information is power!

Top 10 Ways How To Feel Miserable As An Artist

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-06T10:08:52-08:00

(Or, What Not Do Do)

1. Constantly compare yourself to other artists.

2. Talk to your family about what you do and expect them to cheer you on.

3. Base the success of your entire career on one project.

4. Stick with what you know.

5. Undervalue your expertise.

6. Let money dictate what you do.

7. Bow to societal pressures.

8. Only do work that your family would love.

9. Do whatever the client/customer/gallery owner/patron/investor/ asks.

10. Set unachievable/overwhelming goals. To be accomplished by tomorrow.

Art Of Dying: The Making Of Vices & Virtues Pt. 3

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-04T17:02:53-08:00

Go behind the scenes with Art of Dying making their new album of Vices and Virtues. New album in stores March 22, 2011. For more info and touring visit www.artofdyingmusic.com.

And in other Art Of Dying news, the band was filming the video for their smash hit Die Trying this week. Watch for it soon...

T-Shirt Design Contest for Quartered

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-04T10:46:02-08:00

Quartered has extended a challenge to their fans:

- Do you enjoy drawing?

- Do you dabble in graphic arts?

- Ever see a piece of clothing and think, “I could design a piece better then that!”

Well here's your chance to shine!
http://www.quartered.ca

Get Thorny 3 Featured Artist - Scott Valentine

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-03T14:19:07-08:00

MP3: SCOTT VALENTINE

Green The New Black (from Get Thorny 3)

This week's featured artist from our Get Thorny 3 compilation (a free download!) is Scott Valentine, based out of Victoria, BC.

Valentine fuses rich and soulful melodies across his unique 5-string acoustic rhythm guitar style while his lyrical tales depict mankind and the struggles of life in the 21st Century. He's a passionate man with a mission, challenging the status quo and inspiring change.

Valentine's music is indie acoustic, folk, soul with a stunning and powerful voice, inspired by the likes of Eddie Vedder and Ray LaMontagne. Check out his epic 5 disc debut album Seasons, a journey through birth, life and death... and from Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

Valentine is currently in the midst of writing songs for his upcoming new album and we hope to have a new song teaser in the next couple of months.

Watch the Earth Day inspired video for Green The New Black below and make sure you download our 24 track multi-artist compilation, Get Thorny 3. It's free!

Thorny Bleeder: Top 10 Best Music Website in Canada!

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-03T11:34:40-08:00

CBC Radio 3 just announced theFinal Top 10 for their Best Canadian Music Websitesearch, and Thorny Bleedermade the cut!

Thank You so much everyone!

The final round of voting starts NOW! So let's go crazy and VOTE once a day until Wednesday, March 9 at midnight.

VOTE HERE: http://r3.ca/0CvO

Please share the voting link above with your friends and followers on Facebook and Twitter. Let's do this! :)

Video: Q&A with Columbia

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-01T20:13:18-08:00

Here's the recorded video from our Live Video Q & Eh? web chat via Livestream, from March 1st, with special guests Kevin and Richard from the band Columbia.

We had a small little glitch with the feed, so we had to chop it up into two parts... sorry for the tech difficulties everyone!

As always, thanks for tuning in!

Watch live streaming video from thornybleeder at livestream.com

thornybleeder on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

Ask Brian From Thorny Bleeder Anything ...And He'll Reply With A Video!

Brian Thompson — 2011-06-06T15:13:41-07:00

Hey guys! It's me, Brian Thompson from Thorny Bleeder... and I have another cool new feature to unveil for everyone! It's my new profile on VYou. Check out my embedded video below and ask me a question! Better yet, visit my full profile page here.

VYou allows people to broadcast video structured as conversations, offering the most personal form of social interaction on the web. It works like this: you record video responses to messages entered by friends and fans. VYou organizes their messages and your videos into conversations, making the experience feel continuously live even though the content is stored.

VYou lets you get advice from experts, interact with your favourite celebrity or organization, or communicate with friends and family using a social presence that persists even when you're away!

Schedule Change: Webchat with Columbia now March 1

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-26T13:13:27-08:00

So I decided to not try and compete with the big Oscars show tomorrow night. I think they have a bit more marketing muscle than I do. Plus, in the past month I've had to go toe-to-toe with first the Superbowl and then The Grammys. I'd rather not do it again. After all, I want as many people to tune in and converse with use as possible!

So... the Live Video Q & Eh? Session with me, Brian Thompson, along with Kevin and Rich from the band Columbia, that was originally planned for tomorrow night has been officially rescheduled for:

Tuesday, March 1 at 7pm PST / 10pm PST

Grab your phone and put in your calendar with a little reminder, we want you to join us and participate! We'll be answering your questions live as you type them into the chat window. Columbia will also be performing some live acoustic songs for us too!

It's gonna be a killer fun night, see you then!

Get Thorny 3 Featured Artist: Fox and the Law

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-24T15:28:51-08:00

MP3: Fox and the Law
Fairhaven (from Get Thorny 3)

As many of you know, on January 15th we released our latest Free MP3 Download compilation, Get Thorny 3. If you don't have it yet, download it for free here. Get Thorny 3 features 24 songs from 24 artists, spread out over two different "sides": Side Eh? and Side Be?.

Over the course of the next twenty-four weeks we'll be featuring one band every week who appears on Get Thorny 3, one by one, as they appear in the track listing. So without further delay, ladies and gentlemen I present to you Fox and the Law, from Seattle, the only non-Canadian artist on our latest compilation.

Fox and the Law have the distinction of being the first track on Get Thorny 3 with the hauntingly beautiful song, Fairhaven. Truth be told, this track is unlike any others this band has, but there's something about its ethereal mood that I just couldn't ignore. And what better way to kick off the mellower side of our compilation than with this beauty.

So rather than trying to describe this band to you myself, check out this recent review I uncovered:

Fox and The Law Outfox Seattle Rock
By Sara Jayne Crow

While Seattle has historically birthed raw, guitar-driven strains of rock—the garage rock of the ‘60s, the psychedelic guitar strains of artists like Jimi Hendrix and the later flannel-laden grunge movement—the Jet City’s rock output has recently tended towards wispy, subdued shoe-gazing. So it’s something of a relief to see a motley group of four mount The Crocodile’s stage on a September night (Guy Keltner, Ryan Granger, Jeff Fairbanks, and Dan O’Neil as Fox and The Law) and shimmy through a set of raw, wall-of-sound, romp ‘n stomp rock. Guy saunters and jumps about the stage as if he’s channeling Pete Townshend, strumming his guitar with such intensity that it seems the strings will break. Jeff (bass) and Ryan (guitar) mirror his licks through ever-progressing, dirty chord changes as Dan anchors in a percussive cacophony.

Fox and The Law are reminiscent of the New York no wave movement frontmen Teenage Jesus and The Jerks and Richard Hell and the Voidoids, or even Tennessee’s Be Your Own Pet. Catching a wave on a riptide of chord progressions and surfing a cavalcade of staggered time measures, the band is Seattle’s next best export.

We did it. We're a Top 20 Best Canadian Music Website!

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-24T12:36:35-08:00

CBC Radio 3 just announced the Top 20 Searchlight finalists for Best Canadian Music Website, as voted by you, and... Thorny Bleeder made the list!

While I don't really concern myself with contests and who's better than who, this does indeed put a big huge smile on my face.

I know there's better websites out there. But... what this does confirm is the Power of a Community. We are a tribe, a collective of like-minded, passionate music lovers. And I can't think of any other music site in the country who has such a strong and supportive group of people behind it!

Everyday we gather together on this website, every morning through The DIY Daily newsletter, on Twitter via a relentless stream of one-on-one discussions, on Facebook with group conversations, on Formspring through our Ask Me Anything feature, on Livestream with our Live Video Chat Q & Eh? Sessions, and of course on YouTube, Tumblr, Posterous, and Flickr.

We're everywhere... and so are you. We connect on many different levels. Yes, Thorny Bleeder is much more than just a website. We are a community. A tribe. And that my friends, is what being included in the Top 20 is all about. It's the cherry on top of the new media sundae! It's proof that what we're doing is connecting with you. And that's pretty fucking rad.

So now we move into yet another week of Daily Voting. All previous votes are wiped clean and we start from scratch for one more week!

So here we go folks, voting starts now!

VOTE
once a day:
http://r3.ca/0CvO
Please share this on your Facebook and Twitter and urge your friends to vote.
Each and every vote makes a difference!

Here's the schedule:
Thursday, March 3 - Top 10 Announcement
Thursday, March 10 - Winner Announcement

Video Podcast: Best Canadian Music Website?

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-23T13:21:52-08:00

It's the last day of votes before the next cut for CBC Radio 3's search for Best Canadian Music Website. Who wants to help take Thorny Bleeder to the Top 15? Each and every vote makes a difference!

Vote Here:
http://ow.ly/41WDD
(no signup or registration required)

It'd be rad if you could share this video and/or the voting link on your Facebook profile, your Twitter and your blog. Let's do this!

Thanks so much everyone, much love!
Brian

Podcast: Art Of Dying Interview with Hard Rock Nights

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-23T13:21:49-08:00

MP3 Podcast: Art Of Dying
Interview with Jonny

Canada’s best kept secret in rock n’ roll, Vancouver’s Art of Dying, are busy preparing for the March 22nd release of their major label debut “Vices & Virtues” and preparing to hit the road as part of the Avalanche Tour. Vocalist and co-founder Jonny Hetherington took the time to join Hard Rock Nights host Brian Basher for a special edition of the internationally syndicated radio show.

Jonny talks about recording the new album in Los Angeles, working with legendary producer Howard Benson, a busy spring/summer touring schedule, and the story behind his own record label Thorny Bleeder Records.

Jonny’s interview debuted on Monday Feb. 21st on the nightly edition of Hard Rock Nights and will be rebroadcast on the weekly edition of Hard Rock Nights by affiliates around the world.

Visit http://hardrocknights.com/affiliates for a full list of stations and times.

This just in!
Part 2 to The Making Of Vices and Virtues:

Video: Q&A with Pro Drummer Jay Deachman

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-20T21:41:41-08:00

Here's the recorded video from our live video Q & Eh? web chat via Livestream from February 20th, with special guest Jay Deachman.

Watch live streaming video from thornybleeder at livestream.com

Art Of Dying: The Making of Vices and Virtues

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-18T13:06:49-08:00

Holy crapballs Tampa Bay, you're in for one hell of a show on April 21st! Art Of Dying was just announced to an amazing hard rock lineup for this year's 98 Rock Fest.

Art Of Dying joins 3 Doors Down, Seether, Stone Sour, Theory Of A Deadman, Skillet, Halestorm, and more for an incredible day of rock!

And in other news, watch the video below and go behind the scenes of Art of Dying making their new album of Vices and Virtues. New album in stores March 22, 2011. For more info and touring visit www.artofdyingmusic.com.

Feb 20: Live Q&A with Pro Drummer Jay Deachman

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-18T11:30:06-08:00

Tune in to our Livestream channel this Sunday, February 20 at 7pm PST / 10pm EST for a LIVE video web chat with Brian Thompson from Thorny Bleeder and International Dude of Leisure, Jay Deachman: Professional Drummer, Teacher, and Writer.

Jay has toured with Default, Theory Of A Deadman, Paul Gilbert, Loveboy, Daniel Wesley and many more. He's also an in-demand session drummer and drum tech and has a very impressive list of credits.

If you haven't tuned in to one of our live Q & Eh? sessions before, you're in for a treat. It's a no-holds barred, unscripted music industry chat. No bullshit. Just a couple of dudes hanging out, drinking a couple of pints and chatting with our live audience! We sit down in the front of the camera with no agenda other than to answer your questions as you type them into our chat window!

Tune in LIVE here:
http://www.livestream.com/thornybleeder

I'll see you on Sunday night at 7pm!

For more info on Jay, check out his website here:
http://www.jaydeachman.com

Canada Voted... Thorny Bleeder is in the Top 30!

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-17T16:57:48-08:00

CBC Radio 3 posted the following mission to their listeners: Choose the Best Canadian Music Website.

A long list was made and Canada voted.

You answered the call to arms... and your voice was heard!

That's right, Thorny Bleeder made the cut today... this very website is now in the final Top 30!

So once again, we move on to yet another week of voting. You know the story, you're allowed one vote per day, per user. No registration or email signup is required.

Ever since I started this website my sole aim was to develop and create a true grassroots community of artists and music lovers. And you know what? Making the Top 30 proves that together we're achieving that goal! And that my friends, means the world to me.

So, with respect... I ask yet again for your quick vote once a day. Can we do this?
Yes We Can!

Together we can take Thorny Bleeder to the Top 15!

VOTE: http://r3.ca/0CvO
Please share this on your Facebook and Twitter and urge your friends to vote.
Each and every vote makes a difference!

Thanks so much everyone!
-- Brian Thompson

Video: Q & Eh? with the Music Director from The Peak FM

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-13T21:54:53-08:00

In case you missed the live web chat event, here's the two hour recorded video from the February 13, 2011 Q & Eh? with Brian Thompson and guests James Sutton (Music Director, The Peak FM) and Josh Palmer (The Rebellion).

Enjoy!

Watch live streaming video from thornybleeder at livestream.com

This Sunday: Live Video Webchat Q&A with James Sutton

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-11T14:38:09-08:00

This Sunday at 7pm PST, join Brian Thompson from Thorny Bleeder with special guest James Sutton, Music Director for 100.5 The Peak FM, for a live video web chat Q&A session on Livestream.

Tune in here: http://www.livestream.com/thornybleeder

James Sutton
James Sutton is the Music Director for 100.5 The PEAK. You can also hear him on the air on various weekdays from 10am-3pm.

Schedule
Mon-Fri - 10:00am to 3:00pm

Description
James, unlike the rest of The PEAK crew, is not living his dream. He’s actually always wanted to be a dragon slayer in fantasy novels, movies, video games and such. Wait, scratch that, he’s actually always wanted to be a science fiction hero; a SPACE dragon killer.Sadly, he is cursed spending his days playing excellent music and pretending he’s a DJ.

James Sutton is the Music Director for 100.5 The PEAK. You can also hear him on the air on various weekdays from 10am-3pm.

NEW Art Of Dying: Whole World's Crazy

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-11T13:40:11-08:00

Listen to "Whole World's Crazy" below, the brand new track from Art Of Dying, available March 22 on the upcoming Vices And Virtues album.

Download the song for FREE from their Facebook Page now.

Vancouver: Black Hat Villain LIVE - Wednesday Feb. 16

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-11T13:40:08-08:00

Event Details
Date: Wed, Feb. 16, 2011
Time: 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
99.3 The Fox and Donnelly Nightclubs.
Loud Wednesdays Official Launch

Republic
Wednesday Feburary 16, 2011

Live Performance By:
Black Hat VIllian
Beyond The Fall
Like A Martyr

Local Bands Performing live weekly plus
DJ's Matty C & Trevor Risk.
BUY TICKETS
Venue Details
Location: Republic Nightclub
Address: 958 Granville Street (between Smithe and Nelson, Downtown, Vancouver)

New Quartered Shows Announced

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-11T13:40:06-08:00

Quartered LIVE:

Feb 21st: @ The Media Club,
Vancouver, BC

Feb 25th: @ Club Climax
Maple Ridge, BC

Feb 26th: @ The Cambie,
Nanaimo, BC

How Can We Improve?

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-10T11:00:54-08:00

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!

We Made the Top 60 for Best Canadian Music Website!

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-09T11:13:46-08:00

CBC Radio 3 has just released the Top 60 Shortlist in their search for Best Canadian Music Website... and we made the cut!

This is because of YOU and every who's been voting for Thorny Bleeder this past week. Thank you so much!

And now it goes to yet another round of Voting.

So here I come to you, with hat in hand, asking for your help (every day for the next week) to take Thorny Bleeder to the Top 30 (which will be announced next week).

VOTE HERE
No registration required
One vote per 24 hour period.

While this would of course be a nice little stroke to the ego if we make the next cut, the main thing I want to do is to expose the True North Strong And Free (Canaduh) to some of the best new music in the country.

The more eyes we can bring to these Thorny Bleeder pages, the more free downloads we'll give away, and the more fans our artists will have. That's quite the circle of love, no?

Podcast: Interview & Acoustic Performance with Columbia

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-08T19:53:03-08:00

Download an interview podcast with Kevin and Rich from Columbia on Hot Shot Bands Radio, from Feb. 5, 2011.

Listen Here: Columbia Interview with HSB Radio (Feb. 5, 2011)

In this 66 min. podcast Kev and Rich discuss with HSB Radio Host Tracey their past and future plans, they have some laughs, tell some funny stories, and then play some phenomenal live unplugged performances.

Not to miss: Near the end of the podcast is an absolutely stunning acoustic cover version of 'Back From Cali' by Slash with Myles Kennedy. You have to hear this. Fast forward to the 47 min. mark if you don't have time to sit through the whole thing.

Check out HSB Radio here: www.hotshotbands.com. It's a really great hard rock internet radio station playing killer tunes you won't hear anywhere else. Totally pro and broadcasting 24-7.

Live Podcast Schedule: Q & Eh? with Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-08T19:53:06-08:00

I've had such amazing feedback from our live video web chats that I just scheduled three more weeks for you!
I've got some killer guests coming up who I know will be entertaining, funny, and informative. I hope you tune in live and participate in the live Q & Eh? with Brian Thompson. It's really cool talking to people live and answering your questions, as they roll in, straight from you.

Another really cool thing that's happening is that viewers are connecting one on one in the chat room and are making new friends, through the music.

I think that's pretty fucking awesome.

Join me here:
Sunday, February 13 - 7pm
with special guest James Sutton
Music Director, 100.5 The PEAK FM

Sunday, February 20 - 7pm
with special guest Jay Deachman.
Professional Drummer (Theory Of A Deadman, Default)

Sunday, February 27 - 7pm
with special guests Columbia featuring live acoustic performances

Tune in live here:
http://www.livestream.com/thornybleeder

Art Of Dying Album Cover Released

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-08T13:08:21-08:00

Track listing:

1 Die Trying
2 Get Thru This
3 Sorry
4 Whole World’s Crazy
5 Completely
6 I Will Be There
7 You Don’t Know Me
8 Raining (featuring Adam Gontier)
9 Best I Can
10 Straight Across My Mind
11 Breathe Again

Available
March 22

Art Of Dying released the following message this morning:

"We're ecstatic to introduce you to the album art for Vices and Virtues! 11 songs from us to you to be released March 22! And… Introducing Smeagol the Raven! It was an amazing experience working with this bird for the cover shot. More from Smeagol coming soon…

Jonny, Greg, Jeffy, Tavis and Cale.
The Art of Dying is my life to live"

Video: Thorny Bleeder Q & Eh? with Nimbus School Of Recording Arts

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-06T22:32:29-08:00

We had a live video chat webisode tonight and it was EPIC!

We had such a great turnout that it went for over two and a half hours long.

Whoa.

So... if you have a spare 2 1/2 hours, and you're really interested in music marketing, watch the recorded version of our video web chat below!

Watch live streaming video from thornybleeder at livestream.com

Saturday Night: Columbia Live on Hot Shot Bands Radio

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-05T12:52:57-08:00

Tonight, Saturday Feb. 5th, Columbia will be appearing on Hot Shot Bands internet radio station, Vancouver's #1 internet station.

Tune in Tonight! LIVE at 8pm PST

Kevin and Rich from Columbia will be performing two acoustic songs Live On Air, along with a full interview.

Tune in here: www.hotshotbands.com

Not familiar with Columbia? Check out the MP3 of their song Motor Ride below and see if it tickles your British Rock sensibilities.

MP3: Columbia - Motor Ride

Dig the tune? Download the album for free.

Art Of Dying Album Release Date + Free Song Download

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-04T09:12:00-08:00

The wait is over.

The major label debut album from Art Of Dying, Vices and Virtues, is being released on March 22.

But that's not it. If you head over to Art Of Dying's Facebook Page right now, there's a brand new Free Song Download waiting for you.

Click Here to Download
Whole World's Crazy

...an exclusive new song from Vices and Virtues.

The new album drops two days before their first date on the Avalanche Tour, alongside Stone Sour, Theory Of A Deadman, Skillet, and Halestorm.

Click here for full tour date information.

Thorny Bleeder Nominated for Best Canadian Music Website

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-03T12:54:51-08:00

Whoa. I didn't see that one coming!

CBC Radio 3, the world's coolest internet-only radio station, run by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), has just announced the Long List to their search for the Best Canadian Music Website.

And amidst the list, there we are. Thorny Bleeder! So now it goes to a Vote. And this is where we need your help:

You do not need to be logged in to vote.
Each person gets one vote per 24 hour period.
In one week CBC Radio 3 will reveal the Top 50, and then will keep on votin' and whittlin' until the winner is announced on March 10.

VOTE HERE

We couldn't have had this nomination if it wasn't for all of our friends, fans, and followers... so this pat on the back and wink of acknowledgement is for you too.

Thanks a bunch for all your support and it would mean the world to us if you could vote each and every day until this thing is over. And as a thank-you for voting, why don't you go and grab yourself some free music downloads? Go ahead, it's on us.

Storify: Making Stories From The Social Web

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-03T09:59:39-08:00

Every time I see a new social media tool, utility, service, app or website I just have to try it out. You never know which one's going to be the next big thing and you can't really trust all of the hype, reviews and press releases that flood the blogs. So whenever I see one that catches my eye I immediately sign up, dive in, and just try things out for myself.

This approach has led to some pretty spectacular tools in my social media arsenal. There are tools I can't live without such as Evernote and Instapaper, and then there's great Twitter management tools like Tweepi, Klout, and Twitter Grader, and of course there's always a plethora of new music sites which offer great potential, with my most recent favourite being Viinyl.

I was on a popular news site not too long ago when I noticed...

Art Of Dying Added to Rock On The Range with A Perfect Circle

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-01T09:59:40-08:00

Art Of Dying has kicked things into overdrive in anticipation of Vices & Virtues, their upcoming new release on Intoxication/Reprise/Warner Records. Only a few days ago they announced their inclusion on the Avalanche Tour with Stone Sour, Theory Of A Deadman, Skillet, and Halestorm. That announcement was followed by an addition to Edgefest VII in Little Rock, Arkansas along with headliners Avenged Sevenfold.

And that brings us to this morning. Art Of Dying has just been added to a phenomenal line up at Rock On The Range in Columbus, Ohio with headliners A Perfect Circle, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Korn, and many more. Check out the festival website for more information.

With "Die Trying" (on iTunes here) climbing the Active Rock Charts in North America, Art Of Dying are setting things up quite nicely for one hell of a rock n' roll ride in 2011.

Stay tuned to The Bleeder Blog for the latest breaking news from Art Of Dying, including the pending release date for Vices & Virtues.

ROTR 2011 Radio Promo by rightarment

ECMA Nominee Ross Neilsen to Celebrate CD Release with Acoustic Playhouse Performance

Brian Thompson — 2011-02-01T09:48:25-08:00

Fredericton, NB – Canada’s hardest working blues rock act, Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin’ Bastards are set to launch their new album Live at The Acoustic Grill with a highly anticipated CD release concert at The Fredericton Playhouse on Saturday, April 9 at 8pm.

Co-presented by 105.3 The Fox, The Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, and The Fredericton Playhouse, this event will showcase Neilsen and his band in what Neilsen describes as “…a nice contrast to our blistering electric show.” Adds Neilsen, “...with me on acoustic guitar for the duration of the show, and with no screaming electric to hide behind, it will be an evening of storytelling that features tales of ‘where the songs come from’.”

Proving that hard work pays off, Neilsen was honoured with a nomination for Best New Artist at The Maple Blues Awards in 2010, two Rising Star awards from CBC, and just received his third Blues Recording of the Year nomination from the East Coast Music Association. Neilsen also won Best Blues Recording for Redemption, his last studio album, at the 2010 MusicNB awards.

“Ross Neilsen is a stellar hometown talent that we’ve watched develop into a formidable blues artist,” said the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival’s Music Director, Brent Staeben. “To think that it was only a few short years ago that he won our Galaxie Rising Star competition, and now he’s celebrating his sixth album release at The Playhouse, it’s a prime example of why the Festival is dedicated to showcasing local talent. We’re happy to continue our support for Ross by co-presenting this landmark show with 105.3 FM The Fox and The Fredericton Playhouse.”

Tickets for Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin’ Bastards’ CD Release Concert are on sale now at the Fredericton Playhouse box office 1-866-884-5800, or online at www.theplayhouse.ca.

Regular tickets - $20
Premium tickets - $28 (includes a copy of Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin’ Bastards: Live at the Acoustic Grill)

Brian Thompson Added as Speaker at Social Media Camp

Brian Thompson — 2011-01-31T12:37:45-08:00

Thorny Bleeder is happy to announce that our very own Brian Thompson has just been added as a speaker to the Social Media Camp 2011 conference in beautiful Victoria, BC.

The first Social Media Camp in Victoria had over 450 people in attendance. See how they rated SMCV10.

The second annual Social Media Camp, dubbed #SMCV11 (for your Twitter users), is scheduled for Friday, June 3rd & Saturday, June 4th at the Victoria Conference Centre. Two jam packed days committed to the Social Media exploration, sharing and learning with a double-shot of networking.

Whether you are an avid Facebook user, interested in learning about Twitter, or you’re trying to grow your business by leveraging social media tools – there is something for everyone at this event.

Hope to see you there!

Register Today

Art Of Dying Announce Avalanche Tour in the US

Brian Thompson — 2011-01-27T16:29:15-08:00

Art Of Dying had an exciting announcement this morning, their participation in this year's Avalanche Tour, featuring Stone Sour, Theory Of A Deadman, Skillet, Halestorm, and Art Of Dying.

The tour kicks off on March 24th in Chicago, IL and wraps up May 1st in Uncasville, CT. For a full list of tour dates, visit the official website of the Avalanche Tour here.

NEW Q & Eh? Live Video Chat: Sunday, Feb. 6

Brian Thompson — 2011-01-27T16:29:18-08:00

Join Thorny Bleeder's Brian Thompson and special guest Chris Brandt for an uncensored, live video chat Q & EH? session:

NEW Livestream Video Event:
Sunday, February 6
7pm PST / 10pm EST

Tune in Live:
http://www.livestream.com/thornybleeder

This is a free event and it's a completely open forum for you to ask whatever questions you have for Brian and Chris. Topics for discussion include (but aren't limited to):

Social Media Marketing
Artist Development
Music Marketing
Thorny Bleeder
Nimbus School Of Recording Arts

Who the F@#k is Chris Brandt?

Chris Brandt is the Department Head and instructor of the Music Business program at Nimbus School of Recording Arts.

With 10 years’ experience at Universal Music, Chris managed the sales, promotion and marketing of over 6,000 releases a year. In 2004 he launched Cazart! Records, an independent label and music publishing company. Most recently, Chris spent 3 years as the President of the Board of Directors for Music BC.

Through his work at Nimbus, Chris is proud to support the efforts of Music Therapists at BC Children’s Hospital and Canuck Place, and partner with The Music Therapy Ride to design mobile recording units for use in hospitals. In his other life, Chris teaches regular yoga classes and workshops.

Lock this date into your calendar now and we'll see you online Sunday, February 6th at 7pm PST!

Billy the Kid: CMW Showcase & CMW Speaker/Panelist

Brian Thompson — 2011-03-02T11:32:52-08:00

Who's going to Canadian Music Week in Toronto?

If so, you should probably add this into your iPhone Calendar right now, 'cause I know you're going to have lots of gigs to attend!

BILLY THE KID
(with full band)
She'll be playing a ton of new songs from her upcoming new album!

Show Date: Thursday March 10, 2011
The Dakota Tavern
249 Ossington Avenue
(416) 850-4579

Show information:
All wristbands-passes accepted
19 & over show

Ticket Price:
$10.00 Advance

View Billy's Profile on CMW's website

View the Facebook Event

SHOWCASE SCHEDULE
Ruth Minnikin 9:00PM
Lake of Stew 10:00PM
Billy The Kid 11:00PM
Jen Lane 12:00AM
Kevin Kane 1:00AM
The Barr Brothers 2:00AM

Billy will also be speaking on a panel at CMW. If you have a Conference Pass, please join her:

BACHELORS OF AUDIO: BREAKING INTO THE COLLEGE MARKET
When: Friday, March 11
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Room: Salon A

Speakers:
Adam Countryman (The Agency Group), Earle Taylor (COCA), Patrick Michael Maloney (Fanshawe College), Ben Buchanan (The Windish Agency), Billy The Kid, Todd Shearon (University of Windsor), and Ian Gormely (CHRY 105.5 FM)

Billy the Kid Records New Fan-Funded Album

Brian Thompson — 2011-01-25T14:34:44-08:00

Billy the Kid is busier than ever after an incredible year of non-stop touring in 2010 in support of her Raine Maida produced EP, The Lost Cause (available for free download here).

Billy is currently in a studio in Richmond, Virginia (Sound Of Music) recording her next batch of songs, along with the brilliant Long Arms as her backing band. And just two weeks ago she was in The Hive in Vancouver, BC working on even more songs. But that's not it. She'll be finishing up a final batch of new recordings in Toronto this March.

Three sessions, in three different studios, in three different cities, with three different vibes.
Nice.

Billy has committed herself to Give Back to her fans this year. Every song that's being recorded will be released as a free download! We'll be giving away new free music from Billy every couple of weeks, and once all of the tracks have been handed out... the final physical package will be released this coming Fall.

Hint hint: I hope you like vinyl. There's going to be an incredible double-vinyl version coming out, bundling all of her new 2011 recordings, in addition to The Lost Cause EP being one of the sides.

The recordings are far from being done yet. There's still more recording to be done, mixing, mastering, artwork, etc. And all of this means more money is needed to finish everything. This is a 100% DIY fan-funded album, any and all album pre-orders go directly towards the cost of producing the new music.

So if you're a fan and enjoy Billy's music, please take a quick moment and send her some love with an album pre-order. Your support means the world to Billy and us, and it keeps the music coming!

PRE--ORDER THE NEW FAN-FUNDED ALBUM HERE

Check out the video below. Billy took a few moments out of her busy recording schedule to send everyone who's pre-ordered her upcoming new album a heartfelt thank-you.

Ross Neilsen Receives ECMA Nomination for Blues Recording of the Year

Brian Thompson — 2011-01-25T14:34:36-08:00

The 2011 ECMA Nominations came out last week and we're thrilled to announce that our very own Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin' Bastards have been nominated for Blues Recording of the Year. Congrats guys!

Check out these recent quotes from John Vermilyea at The Blues Report:

"Over the last 3 years, Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards, have been catching the attention of a lot of people, not only with their epic tourings, 240,000+Kms, but also because of their epic sound. Hailing from the East Coast of Canada, they already have 5 national tours and over 600 shows under their belts and they managed to do it 100% independently on their own, which is a testament to their creative business savvy."

"Redemption" comes at you hot n heavy, straight out of the gates, and if you think you going to get a bathroom break or even want one, when listening to this gem, think again. Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards are an invigorating, energetic, and rejuvenating sound, the likes of which you have not heard in a long time. Especially true for Neilsen's Over Drive Style of Guitar Playing.

"Redemption" gets a resounding high five from me via my highest rating of 5*****. Brilliant and Fresh Blues/Rock, all in one fabulous package. Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards are not only going places, but they are also going far.

ECMA Nominations for Blues Recording of the Year:

John Campbelljohn - Good to Go
Matt Andersen - Piggyback
Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin' Bastards - Redemption
Scott Parsons - Live at Mahogany Hall
The Dungaree Brothers with The Hupman Brothers Band - The South Mountain Swamp Rock Opera
Thom Swift - Blue Sky Day

For a full list of ECMA nominations, visit their website here.

ROSS NEILSEN & THE SUFFERIN' BASTARDS
REDEMPTION
(Blues/Blues Rock)

LISTEN:
MP3: Afflicted

And lastly, I'll leave you with this fresh new fan-made time-lapse video, shot and edited by Shawn Bastard. The art piece you're about to see was created by Ryan Mclaughlin, an up and coming artist in the Fredericotn NB area. The Song is a cover of Howlin' Wolf's Commit a Crime, found on the ECMA nominated album Redemption.

Get Thorny 3: A Spoof Commercial

Brian Thompson — 2011-01-25T14:34:40-08:00

Do you remember those cheesy old TV commercials from the 80's for K-Tel records? Well for some reason I was inspired to fart around with iMovie and created my own version for our latest release, the free donload Get Thorny 3.

Is it over the top? Yes. Silly and pointless? Sure is!
Here it is:

And in a similar moment of silly online inspiration, I created the following animated video using a free online website I stumbled upon. Don't hate. Just having some fun... ;)

Thorny Bleeder: Now With Even More Free Downloads

Brian Thompson — 2011-01-15T05:09:38-08:00

Welcome to the new Thorny Bleeder!
We've got a whole new look and a ton of new features we're happy to share with you.

One of those new features is The DIY Daily, which is a free daily newsletter that delivers digital music news, social media tips, DIY marketing advice, inspirational thoughts for entrepreneurs, and much more.

And another new feature, is even more Free Music Downloads!

In addition to the 24 track, free compilation we just released, Get Thorny 3, we've also just posted free album downloads from Billy the Kid, Billy and The Lost Boys, Black Hat Villain, Burning Borders, Columbia, Quartered, The Rebellion, Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin' Bastards, Scott Valentine, and TV Heart Attack.

Go to our Free Music page to get your free downloads, no strings attached.

And remember, sharing is caring. Please share the music with at least one friend.

DIY Artist: Let Your Fans Ask You Anything

Brian Thompson — 2011-01-12T09:30:31-08:00

Have you checked out the latest popular social media site, Formspring?

It's a site which simply allows users to ask you anything, even anonymously, with no limits to the length of your reply. Fomspring encourages people to find out more about each other in a simple and fun way. Responses can range from straightforward to surprising and can lead to understanding something more about the people you know or find interesting.

This social website is growing very quickly, especially within the under-20 demographic, and already has over 20 million users.

Last Friday I created a profile for myself, and in just a few days I've answered 41 questions from fans & followers across my networks.

One of my artists, Billy the Kid, created her Formspring page the following day here. And since Saturday, she's answered a whopping 162 questions from fans! And with each and every reply she makes, she strengthens the bond between artist and fan.

If you want to truly embrace the social web, connect with fans and peers, and open yourself up to new potential, don't ignore Formspring. It's a powerful tool for building a lasting relationship with your most ardent supporters. With Formspring you can have fun, share insights, and relate to fans in a completely new way.

Note: Tumblr blogs also have a "Ask Me Anything" feature, although it does have a different demographic.

NEW: The DIY Daily Newsletter

Brian Thompson — 2011-01-07T08:54:03-08:00

Today we announce a brand new service which I think you'll find pretty helpful.

The DIY Daily is a free daily newsletter delivering digital music news, social media tips, DIY marketing advice, inspirational thoughts for entrepreneurs, and much more.

Too busy to keep up to date with what matters most to you? Let us search the web so you don't have to.

Sign up for The DIY Daily:

Do you think your friends might be interested in this? Send them a link to our signup page:
http://www.tinyletter.com/thornybleeder

Video Performance with Billy the Kid

Brian Thompson — 2011-01-02T21:59:16-08:00

Here's the recorded video of tonight's debut episode of Q & Eh? with Brian Thompson, featuring a hangout session and live acoustic performance with singer/songwriter Billy the Kid.

Watch live streaming video from thornybleeder at livestream.com

FREE Download of Black Hat Villain EP

Brian Thompson — 2010-12-30T14:47:25-08:00

Happy New Year from Thorny Bleeder and Black Hat Villain!

We owe everyone a huge thank-you for all the love you've shown Black Hat Villain in 2010, it was an amazing first year out of the gates for these Vancouver Island boys.

From the recording and release of their debut EP and getting it mixed by the best man in the rock n' roll biz, Mike Fraser, to being a Top 3 Winner in the FOX Vancouver Seeds competition, to getting radio airplay all over North America, to oodles and oodles of press in newspapers, magazines, and blogs...to their successful first tour across the Rockies, to two sold out performances on stage at one of Canada's best venues, the legendary Commodore Ballroom, to countless club gigs... and finally, to the growing legion of dedicated fans affectionately known as the Black Hat Nation.

We salute you!

So as a sign of our gratitude, we've decided to give you Black Hat Villain's debut EP, My Generation...for Free! Just plop your email address into the box below, and your download will begin.

Wicked.

You can also get the free download on their website as well, so please share this with your friends and let them in on the great new music that is... Black Hat Villain.

Live Video Chat & Performance with Billy the Kid

Brian Thompson — 2010-12-29T14:29:27-08:00

Join us this Sunday, January 2 at 7pm PST/10pm EST for a LIVE Video Chat with Brian Thompson from Thorny Bleeder Records and his special guest, Billy the Kid.

Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and spend your evening chilling with us for the debut episode of Q & Eh? with Brian Thompson.

Both Brian and Billy will be answering your questions live, as they roll in from our viewers, and the subject matter is completely open. And not only that, but Billy will also have her guitar with her, so you can expect to see a couple of live acoustic performances from this amazing singer/songwriter too.

Nice.

You can either come back to this page and watch the live video in the player below, or you can visit our official channel on Livestream at the following link: http://www.livestream.com/thornybleeder.

So don't forget, we need YOU to help make this a success! Plop a little reminder into your phone's calendar and join us this Sunday night for some wicked conversations, live music, fun times and good laughs!

New Black Hat Villain Video for Creature

Brian Thompson — 2010-12-18T12:30:19-08:00

Check out this new & exclusive fan video for Black Hat Villain, in their raw form, behind the scenes.

Watch footage from live shows, the recording studio, radio interviews, a photo shoot with legendary photographer Erich Saide, and candid tongue-in-cheek shots from being on the road, all set to the track of fan favourite song, "Creature".

Edited by Ryan Weldon

Black Hat Villain - Creature

Billy the Kid: Single Added to Radio & New Videos

Brian Thompson — 2010-12-18T12:04:04-08:00

I'm happy to report that "These City Lights" by Billy the Kid has been added into Heavy Rotation on Shore 104 FM in Vancouver. Heavy Rotation? Yup, that means she's getting the maximum number of spins per day that they can give any artist. How great is that?! Can you feel the love?

Listen: Billy The Kid - These City Lights

Most radio stations freeze their playlists for the month of December, and a big chunk of January, so this is a pretty special achievement for us. In January we'll be continuing our radio campaign to promote the song to other stations across the country.

Music fans can play a big roll in getting songs added to a station's playlist, more than most people realize. So if you're a fan of Billy's, you can help by simply calling in or emailing a request for "These City Lights" to your local Alternative, Roots, or Adult radio station. This type of feedback from a station's audience can only help make our job a little easier when we start approaching each station for airplay in the new year.

If you live in the Vancouver area and want to show your support, call Shore 104 FM at (604) 280-1043 or email onair@shore104.com.

And in other Billy the Kid news, she continues to crank out new homemade videos during her downtown while she's on tour in Newfoundland with Rex Goudie. Check out this week's latest new videos from Billy:

Billy the Kid: Drown
(documents the work Billy did with Raine Maida)

Billy the Kid: Won't Be The Same

Billy the Kid: Gone
(New song: recorded on her iPhone after soundcheck at the Garrick Theatre in Bonavista, Newfoundland)

Public Service Announcement from TV Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2010-11-18T09:43:39-08:00

Big Brother is watching. Do your part.

TV Heart Attack. Crucial Music.

New Billy the Kid Demo: Your House

Brian Thompson — 2010-12-10T12:07:15-08:00

Billy the Kid is quite the prolific artist, DIY to the core. A case in point is all of the new songs she's recording directly onto her laptop and posting on YouTube, with zero editing or post-production. And they don't need it either. This is the type of honesty and talent that proves what a real artist is.

With just her guitar, piano and voice, she's cranking out new songs at a feverish pitch. And with video demos that sound this good, how can we not be excited about her new album in 2011? Here's one of my favourites from her batch of new songs, titled Your House. Here's what Billy has to say about it:

"While staying at a friend's house some band mates of his came over and all the girls were saying "Woooow I Loooove your house!" It occurred to me that someone might potentially end up marrying him just because his house is just THAT cool. I wrote this song so he's careful who he invites over over from now on! Be warned! ;)"

Taylor Guitars Test Drive: Ross Neilsen

Brian Thompson — 2010-12-10T12:07:11-08:00

Thorny Bleeder bluesman Ross Neilsen is taking part in a promotion with Taylor Guitars and Elixir Strings called Test Drive 2010. It's one of those online things where votes are accumulated daily, one per email address.

Ross is a full time touring musician who has played almost 200 shows in 2010 alone. Any support we can send his way will be appreciated more than you know! Music gear is expensive, so winning this thing would be a huge boost for his career.

So... here's a little request to anyone who wants to take two-seconds out of their day and send Ross a quick Vote:

VOTE FOR ROSS NEILSEN HERE

And here's a fresh video update from the Master Bastard himself! Recorded just today, here's a video blog from Ross, recorded as he bounces down the highway in his tour van :

Don't Be Lost in a Crowd, Leave Digital Footprints

Brian Thompson — 2010-12-09T11:37:45-08:00

One of the fundamentals of marketing is to know who your customer is and understand their behaviours. But, do artists and their teams really grasp this concept?

The biggest struggle any developing artist faces is figuring out how to reach new fans. But rarely do they approach this hurdle from the right mindset.

Every artist needs to spend some serious time understanding and decrypting the behaviour of a music fan and how they discover new music. You can learn an awful lot about how to market and promote your own music by simply learning the importance of how to build fans, by being a fan.

So let's take a look in the mirror shall we? As a self-confessed music junkie myself, I need to reflect upon how I stumbled upon my most recent musical passions. Admittedly, the process is different with each and every artist. The more resources an artist has behind them, the easier it is to discover them through traditional media (radio, magazines, TV, film). But time after time I've discovered new independent artists by stumbling upon an online trail of their digital footprints. And these new artists who I've become fans and supporters of are just as cash-strapped as yourself.

Wait a minute. Digital footprints?

Let me explain.

Billy The Kid Joins Thorny Bleeder Management Roster

Brian Thompson — 2010-12-04T15:14:07-08:00

Listen: Billy The Kid - These City Lights

I can't tell you how excited I am about this piece of news. What started out as me being a casual listener of Billy The Kid quickly morphed into me becoming a true fan and believer, which then resulted in us becoming good friends...and it's now taken the next logical step: I'm now managing Billy The Kid. That's right, Its official folks, Billy The Kid has joined the Thorny Bleeder collective of managed artists! Welcome to the family Billy!

From her DIY punk rock beginnings as vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter for Billy and the Lost Boys, to running her own record label (Lost Records), to the many accomplishments she's racked up over the past few years as a solo artist, Billy is a one of a kind artist who truly "gets it". She embodies all of the attributes I look for in an artist: passion, persistence, tenacity, transparency with her audience, natural marketing savvy...and not giving a fuck. Not to mention, she's one hell of a songwriter, musician, and performer too.

Billy has an amazing story that you simply must read for yourself. Pop over to her website and give her bio a read, you'll see what I mean. She's an inspiring, one of a kind artist who has an incredibly bright future.

Billy The Kid is just about to finish the busiest year of her life, with over 120 live performances in the past twelve months, plus countless interviews, news articles, blogs, and TV appearances. She just returned home from a six week Canadian Tour with Rex Goudie and ten short days later she's flying to Newfoundland for her final 12 shows of the year.

So what's next? Recording, recording, and more recording. Billy has a ton of new songs and is stoked to get back in the studio and lay them down. We've got some pretty damn cool stuff in the works for 2011, it's going to be a pretty creative and fantastic year.

Billy is an artist you definitely want to follow online. She's all over social media and constantly talks to her friends and fans, posts photos and videos, shares news and experiences as they happen, posts random contests, and the coolest thing of all...she regularly posts new songs as they're written.

Follow Billy The Kid on Twitter. Like her on Facebook. And if you really want to show your support, pre-order her upcoming album here.

Stay tuned to Thorny Bleeder for more great news coming soon!

-- Brian Thompson

These City Lights, Live on The Hour

The Way I Miss You - Live at Tractorgrease

Back In The Sand, Live @ The Verge/XM Radio

Quotes from the press:
"Precociously gifted."
- The Georgia Straight

“One of Canada’s rising stars.”
- See Magazine

"Prolific and incredibly talented."
- The Leader-Post

“Billy is a DIY poster girl.”
- Vue Weekly

"Always stood apart from the pack with true street-level integrity, an almost Mennonitish indie-rock work ethic and outstanding musicianship."
- Nerve Magazine

"(Billy)'s the kind of thorough, do-it-yourself poster girl that will go to hell and back in order to put out a good record."
- Beatroute Magazine

“If you need any inspiration to keep your New Year’s Resolution “I shall cast off the shackles of procrastination and actually do something with myself...” look no further than a young lady who goes by the name of Billy the Kid.”
– Chartattack

Steel Panther LIVE w/ Black Hat Villain

Brian Thompson — 2010-11-22T08:53:14-08:00

Santa Fox Ball
featuring Steel Panther

with special guests:
Black Hat Villain, Stars Of Boulevard, and Beyond The Fall

WHEN: Wed. Dec. 8th
WHERE: The Commodore Ballroom
AGE: 19 and Over
PRICE: $25.00 (inc HST/plus SC)

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH AT 10AM.

Tickets:
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Steel-Panther-tickets/artist/1266501

For the 2010 Santa Fox Ball, Steel Panther returns to headline the night’s festivities for the second consecutive year.

Anyone who thought that the glory days of hair metal and glam rock went the way of the fanny pack, will be happy to know that Los Angeles’ Steel Panther is cranking the time machine back to 1986 and are ready to RAWK!

The Reality of Artist Development Deals at Major Labels

Brian Thompson — 2010-11-02T09:09:55-07:00

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...

A Musician’s Life On The Road: The Glory & The Grind

Brian Thompson — 2010-11-02T09:09:51-07:00

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

Edmonton Radio Adds Black Hat Villain to Playlist

Brian Thompson — 2010-10-27T16:20:20-07:00

Edmonton's Best Rock, 100.3 FM The Bear, has officially added the Black Hat Villain single 'My Generation' into regular rotation this week.

This is huge news for us, The Bear is one of Canada's most respected and listened to rock stations, with very dedicated listeners. The Black Hat Nation continues to grow!

If you live in the area, you can request 'My Generation' on The Bear using the following web form:

http://www.thebearrocks.com/requests.aspx

Or... fire off a quick text (click the image for more info):

Introducing: Drop D Design

Brian Thompson — 2010-10-19T18:00:12-07:00

After running a freelance web and graphic design business on the side for almost two years, I finally decided to formalize my work with a name, a logo, and a new website. And this is it, the all new Drop D Design!

What started as a side project to help friends, musicians and artists with affordable solutions for branding themselves online, has now morphed into a full-fledged business. And for those wondering about my alter-ego, Thorny Bleeder Records, yes…of course, it's still up and running 1000%!

A lot of the work I was doing for Thorny Bleeder was web-related in one way or another, so as more web design jobs started rolling in I realized it didn’t really make sense for a “record label & artist management” company to be doing this type of work, so Drop D Design was born.

This is only Day 1 of the humble beginnings of this new venture, but take a peak at the portfolio and keep us in mind if there’s any work you might have for us. From custom web designs and social media customizations, to gig posters, logos, and album designs, to video editing and title animation….we’re here to help make your life easier!

http://www.dropddesign.com

Brian Thompson / Founder & Director - Drop D Design

NEW Lyric Video from Art Of Dying - Die Trying

Brian Thompson — 2010-10-19T18:00:08-07:00

Here it is, the long awaited new single from Art Of Dying, Die Trying! This is the first single from their upcoming album on Reprise/Warner, titled "Vices & Virtues", due to be released in 2011.

3 Do-Not-Miss Gigs in Vancouver

Brian Thompson — 2010-10-19T17:54:39-07:00

We've got three amazing kick-ass Do-Not-Miss live gigs in the Lower Mainland (BC) this week, check 'em out below and we hope to see ya' there with your fists in the air!

Live!
with guests
THE POST WAR
" src="http://www.thornybleeder.com/index_files/62847_485508551336_203985896336_6578234_5924495_n.jpg" width="250" height="382" />

BLACK HAT VILLAIN
with guests THE POST WAR

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21

LIBRARY SQUARE PUB
300 W. Georgia St.

Doors @ 9PM
Show @ 10PM

TICKETS $10 AT THE DOOR

Facebook Event

VENICE QUEEN (2009 Seeds Finalists)
WESTERN MEDICINE" src="http://www.thornybleeder.com/index_files/72501_137080673005782_100001115504403_179228_7750770_n.jpg" width="257" height="396" />

BLACK HAT VILLAIN (2010 Seeds Finalists)
VENICE QUEEN (2009 Seeds Finalists)
WESTERN MEDICINE

ENVY NIGHTCLUB
11920 70TH Avenue
DELTA,BC 604-956-5967

Saturday,October 23

Doors @ 9pm,Show 10pm, Cover $10

Facebook Event

QUARTERED CD Release Party
w/ guests FAME, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Stella

Rickshaw Theatre
254 East Hastings
Vancouver, BC

Doors @ 8pm
Door Cover $15
First band will be on at 9pm

Facebook Event

Blues Recording Of The Year: Ross Neilsen

Brian Thompson — 2010-10-19T13:00:04-07:00

In case you missed this amazing news, Ross Neilsen & the Sufferin' Bastards just won Blues Recording Of The Year for their Thorny Bleeder Records release, Redemption, at the New Brunswick Music Awards!

Check out the following link for the full details:
http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/front/article/1257424

ROSS NEILSEN and the SUFFERIN' BASTARDS
REDEMPTION

NEW Art Of Dying Single: Die Trying

Brian Thompson — 2010-09-24T13:39:35-07:00

Being the web savvy individual that I am...I think it's pretty safe to say that I've uncovered a huge surprise that's coming from Art Of Dying next Tuesday, September 28.

The graphic you're seeing is the official cover art for Die Trying, the debut single release from the upcoming Art Of Dying album on Reprise Records.

This the website that gave it away.

To Art Of Dying fans, Die Trying isn't necessarily a new song, although it's never had an official release. The song has been a highlight of the band's live shows for a couple of years now, due in part to an early demo of the song, featuring a guest duet with Shaun Morgan from Seether, that leaked to the internet and became a fan favourite. The song has had a few different versions as the band has tweaked it over the years, one being a little slower and more acoustic driven, while the other one being a full-on raging rocker.

This newly recorded version of Die Trying was recorded in LA with producer Howard Benson, engineer Mike Plotnikoff, and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge.

Get ready to fire up your iTunes or Amazon MP3 Store on Tuesday, Sept. 28 to download the first new song from Art Of Dying in three years!

The Rebellion Begin Recording New Album

Brian Thompson — 2010-09-24T13:14:30-07:00

It's been awhile since we've posted an update from the guys in The Rebellion, but good things come to those who wait. After finishing up some spring touring earlier this year, lead singer/guitarist/keyboardist Josh Palmer took some time off to travel Europe. After returning home the lads jumped right into the studio to start tracking for their next album.

Lucky for us they had video camera rolling. Check out the video below for an exclusive sneak peak into a brand new song from The Rebellion (to be released sometime in 2011).

Free MP3 Music Download: Get Thorny 3

Brian Thompson — 2011-01-15T05:19:38-08:00

FREE DOWNLOAD
AVAILABLE NOW

It's here. The wait is over.

Get Thorny 3.
24 Songs from 24 Artists.
Two Sides.
1 Mix
1 Love

Free & Legal. All songs contributed by the artists

Our free mp3 music download series continues with Get Thorny 3. This mix is so long we had to chop it into two different vibes, distinguished by Side Eh? and Side Be?

Check out this killer mix we've put together for you:

Get Thorny 3
Side Eh?
1 Fox And The Law - Fairhaven
2 Billy The Kid - These City Lights
3 Scott Valentine - Green The New Black
4 Daniel Moir - Sundrunk
5 Christopher Arruda - Olympus At Noon
6 The Rebellion - Ocean Breeze
7 TV Heart Attack - Here And Now
8 Columbia - Motor Ride
9 Poor Young Things - Easy
10 Lions In The Street - Gold Pour Down
11 The Order Of Good Cheer - Shake It Shirtless
12 Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin' Bastards
- She Ain't You (featuring Luther Dickinson)

Side Be?
1 Black Hat Villain - All My Friends Are Dead
2 AM Glory - So Nice To See You
3 Zoo Lion - If Rock Was Born In The City
4 Venice Queen - Rehab
5 Static In The Stars - Raise Your Voice
6 Burning Borders - Beauty School Drop Out
7 The Post War - Piece By Piece
8 Easy Sleezy - Inside Standing Out
9 Quartered - Walks Like A Ghost
10 Dead Eyes Open - The Rising
11 Western Medicine - Combustion
12 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - Dangerous

We hope you dig it. Let us know what you think, your feedback is important to us!

And remember, sharing is caring. Please share the music with at least one friend.

Download Here

NEW Thorny Bleeder Merch for 2011!

Brian Thompson — 2011-01-15T05:19:32-08:00

Dude. We've got a new website, a new album, more free downloads, and new merch too.

Check it out.

We've got T-shirts, Hats, Zip Hoodies, and Running Jackets...all with our new 2011 logo.

Check 'em out:

It'd be pretty cool to see some of these walking down the street someday...
; )

SnowSeeker's Fresh Trax Band Search

Brian Thompson — 2010-09-09T12:48:35-07:00

We've stumbled up another company who's providing a great opportunity for indie artists in Western Canada. This one is from SnowSeekers with their Fresh Trax band search.

And since we have an incredibly biased opinion of who should win this thing....this is all you have to do: One visit, one Vote for our boys in Black Hat Villain...and then you're done!

Vote For Black Hat Villain Here

Ross Neilsen Nominated For Best Blues Album

Brian Thompson — 2010-09-09T08:55:24-07:00

We’re very happy to announce that Redemption by Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin' Bastards has received its first award nomination! The album is nominated for Best Blues Recording from New Brunswick’s Music Industry organization, MusicNB. They will host their first ever awards ceremony in Moncton during their annual MNB Week, taking place October 8 & 9th.

This industry awards nomination has a slight twist from other similar awards, 25% of the votes come from the public. So if you want to show Ross and the Bastards how much you dig them, follow the link below and help them win Best Blues Recording, plus an additional vote for Fan Favourite.

Vote here:
http://awards-prix.musiquenb.org

Columbia Announces New Tour Dates

Brian Thompson — 2010-09-03T15:00:28-07:00

New Tour Dates were just announced this morning by Columbia. This is their fourth and final tour of 2010, so make sure you mark your local city's date in your calendar.

Keep up to date with their latest tour announcements here:
http://www.columbiaband.com/tour.html

Join Our Ride "Fall Tour"(4th Leg)

October 6th Vernon, B.C.

October 7th Edmonton, Alberta

October 8th Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan (All Ages)

October 9th Brandon, Manitoba

October 10th Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan (All Ages Acoustic)

October 12th Lethbridge, Alberta (All Ages Acoustic)

October 13th Yorkton, Saskatchewan (All Ages)

October 14th Calgary, Alberta (W/ Good Bye Beatdown)

October 15th Kelowna, B.C.

October 16th Kamloops, B.C.

October 17th Vernon, B.C. (All Ages TBA)

October 19th Vancouver, B.C. The Roxy (Home coming show)

Your Vote Can Help Save The World

Brian Thompson — 2010-09-01T15:41:39-07:00

Scott Valentine has just moved into the final round of yet another amazing opportunity for this gifted songwriter. Valentine's song "Save The World" (see the video below) is now in the Top 55 selections out of more than 700 national applicants for the David Suzuki Foundation's Playlist For The Planet competition, done with the support of the CBC Radio3 user community.

The finalists were just announced and the final Voting Round has already started this morning. The details are simple, vote once a day from now until Sept. 7th.

So, once again I'm having to call upon our readers, supporters, and fans to help us out with daily voting. We need your help to make this dream a reality for Scott Valentine! If you know anything about Valentine, he truly wants to save the world, and having one of his songs added to his lifelong hero's (David Suzuki) projects would mean the world to him.

Together we can do it...let's support this amazing and gifted artist and give him the the increased exposure and recognition he deserves.

VOTE HERE

Music & Marketing Q&A: Watch It Live @ 7pm PST

Brian Thompson — 2010-08-31T14:44:11-07:00

** UPDATED POST **

The video below is now the pre-recorded version from the live event.

Tune in tonight...Tuesday, August 31 at 7pm PST (10PM EST), to take part in our very first Live Video Q&A Session with Thorny Bleeder's Managing Partner, Brian Thompson, on the music industry, marketing, and any other questions you might have. And of course, it's 100% free!

Watch the live video & interactive chat right here on this very page. Just login with your Twitter, Facebook, AOL or MySpace login and you're good to go! I'll see you tonight...

Live Video: Black Hat Villain at The Commodore

Brian Thompson — 2010-08-31T09:23:51-07:00

Watch the LIVE VIdeo highlights of Black Hat Villain performing live at The Commodore Ballroom in downtown Vancouver, BC for 99.3 The Fox Seeds 2010 Launch Party below.

Thanks to our good friend Chris Fisher for filming and putting together this incredibly cool edit for us. Check out some of Chris's amazing live photos beneath the video link as well...

19 Essential Artist Advice Blogs You May Have Missed

Brian Thompson — 2010-08-30T13:59:44-07:00

We know, it’s summer and you don’t want to stay indoors all day everyday, staring at a computer screen and reading blogs about how you can improve your career in music. Well don’t worry, even if you missed some of our columns while relaxing on the beach, we’ve put together a great list of our previous Indie Artist Advice columns on The Bleeder Blog so you can get you all caught up.

Summer is almost over and Fall is quickly approaching. If you're an independent artist, now's the time to dive in and refocus your efforts for the last quarter of the year.

If these articles leave you hungry for more information and ideas, we do private one-on-one consultations. Maybe we can help you out! Even if you're not in our area (Vancouver), we also do sessions via Skype. Feel free to send us an email if you're interested: brian@thornybleeder.com

Ok, let's get to it. Dig in and enjoy...

Black Hat Villain Rocks Vancouver Fox Seeds Party

Brian Thompson — 2010-08-30T11:19:25-07:00

It was an incredible night of live music at last Friday's big launch party for the 2010 Vancouver Fox Seeds contest, put on by 99.3 The Fox. All three winning bands put on fantastic world class performances: Beyond The Fall, Stars Of Boulevard, and Black Hat Villain.

While our boys in Black Hat Villain didn't take home the "Platinum" prize, it's safe to say that they wooed the crowd and left a lasting impression on hundreds of new fans that night. The reviews are starting to roll in, and it's quite evident this is the start of a very exciting ride for this band.

Check out this review snippet from the Vancouver Concert Addicts blog: Fox Seeds; High Octane Battle:

"Final performers to the platform were Black Hat Villain, from Vancouver Island. The vocalist of this band, came out in a white suit, a towering, lanky man with a big bushy beard. Unlike the first to leads, he brought more power to the stage. This band had the most sincerity and organic rock blood. Each member owned his position, working hard but really pouring themselves into every note. Out of each band in the finals, it was this band that had something truly amazing. Every song felt original, and again unlike the first two bands, not like a rip off of some other group. The explosive presentation rocked the audience, and had the building swaying. By far this was the best group."

New Fan Video for Art Of Dying

Brian Thompson — 2010-08-28T22:38:11-07:00

LIVE Q&A on Music & Marketing with Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson — 2010-08-25T13:25:20-07:00

Hey folks, I had a random little idea this morning and decided to waste no time and throw it into action immediately. And that's the beauty of the world we live in today, you can make anything happen almost instantly!

So, here it is. Starting this coming Tuesday, August 31 at 7pm PST (10PM EST), I'm going to launch a weekly Live Video Q&A Session on the music industry and marketing. And of course, it's 100% free.

This free community event for our collective of artists, fans and readers will happen live on our Thorny Bleeder UStream Channel with myself, Brian Thompson. You can either watch as an anonymous lurker, or you can login with your UStreamn, Facebook, Google or Yahoo accounts and participate in a live chat! Ask your questions to me via the live chat window, and I'll answer you in real time!

So in order for this test to work, I need you to mark down this date and time in your calendar and show up on time...otherwise I'll just be sitting there staring blankly at an empty chat window, twiddling my thumbs.

It's an open forum, so feel free to ask me anything you like: advice, tips, suggestions, experiences, thoughts, ideas...you name it!

Tune in LIVE here on Tuesday, August 31 at 7pm PST: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/thornybleeder

Buy the New Quartered Album Direct

Brian Thompson — 2010-08-25T12:32:13-07:00

Interested in buying the new Quartered album, Walks Like A Ghost? Not interested in giving your money to iTunes or Amazon? Well, why don't you...

But it directly from us,
Thorny Bleeder Records,
right here

Now Available: Quartered 'Walks Like A Ghost'

Brian Thompson — 2010-08-24T09:34:19-07:00

Walks Like A Ghost, the long awaited and much anticipated new album from Quartered has finally arrived!

To celebrate the release of this incredible and album, we've partnered with our good friends over at TuneLab Music to give the world a free stream of the entire album!

Listen to Walks Like A Ghost at this location.

If you live in Canada, the album is available everywhere that sells CDs. But as you know, music retailers are stocking fewer and fewer titles on their shelves these days, so if you can't find it make sure you ask one of the store staff so they can order it in for you.

And of course the album is available at all of your favourite digital music download stores. But for some reason, the album isn't up on iTunes yet. We're not sure why and are looking into it as we speak. In the meantime, visit any of the sites below to buy your digital copy today!

Amazon
eMusic
Rhapsody
Shockhound

Plus: Napster, MySpace, Spotify, IMVU, MediaNet, Nokia, Zune, and Thumbplay.

New online merch and a physcial CD store coming soon, stay tuned!

We Need Your Help: VOTE for Save The World

Brian Thompson — 2010-08-19T13:23:37-07:00

Ok Thorny Bleeders, it's time to rally the power of our music loving collective!

Here's a challenge to everyone who reads this: let's see if we can make this happen together and with the support of each of our friends:

Scott Valentine Presents (the solo project for the singer of Black Hat Villain) needs your help in getting his song chosen for David Suzuki's Playlist For The Planet.

All you have to do is click the link below, scroll to the bottom of the page and click "I choose this one" next to his song Save the World.

CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR VOTE ON THE CBC RADIO 3 WEBSITE

If you haven't see the brand new video for this song yet, which was inspired by the Free Hugs video, watch it below:

Free Music. Save The World.

Brian Thompson — 2010-08-17T11:00:45-07:00

This is an exclusive follow up to the blog we posted on May 7, 2010 entitled "Watch It Grow: An Experiment In Digital Busking".

Read the backstory here first, and then watch the video below from our friend Scott Valentine...

This video features the song, SAVE THE WORLD - a song by Scott Valentine Presents.

FREE MUSIC
Download Scott Valentine's Earth Day, All Day, Every Day soundtrack here for free.

Playlist For The Planet

Brian Thompson — 2010-07-31T07:16:19-07:00

The one and only David Suzuki has recently launched a new contest for singer/songwriters, the Playlist For The Planet Contest. Check out his website here for more information.

A Playlist for the Planet CD and downloadable album will be released by Universal Music this October — and we're hoping to get the Scott Valentine song "Save The World" to be part of it. We hope Save The World will become an anthem for change — a song that will inspire us all!

Since a clean, healthy, sustainable planet is something we all need, David Suzuki and CBC Radio 3 are putting out a Canada-wide call for songwriters of all levels to bring their talents forward.

Make sure you join Playlist for the Planet on the CBC Radio 3 website, and also visit Scott Valentine's profile on the CBC R3 website here.

A part of this contest will be the all-too-familiar Vote For Me element, which has become all too commonplace within music and social media these days. But alas, it's a necessary evil to help spread the music and for contests like this to pick the cream of the crop. We hate always having to ask for votes, it's just far too "spammy" for our likes...but...what can we do? This is a contest which is near and dear to both us and Scott Valentine, so we need to just dive in and play along.

So to get things started and to round up some excitement for this event, we've decide to give everyone a Free Download of Save The World! Grab it. Love it. And most importantly...Share it!

Save The World by SVpresents

And don't forget about our incredible Summer Singer/Songwriter Showcase at The Media Club in Vancouver on August 19th, featuring Scott Valentine, Bodhi Jones, and Cory Woodward. Tickets at the door for only $10. Join the Facebook Event page here.

What Gets You Out Of The House To See Live Music?

Brian Thompson — 2010-07-27T15:03:36-07:00

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.

Quartered Reveal New Album Artwork

Brian Thompson — 2010-07-22T14:27:41-07:00

Quartered have just revealed the album artwork to their highly anticipated new release, Walks Like A Ghost, available everywhere Tuesday, August 24.

The band is currently on tour across Canada as they whip the promotional machine into high gear...

Scott Valentine: Live in July...Twice!

Brian Thompson — 2010-07-09T10:52:37-07:00

The Shore 104, Sounds of Summer Finalist Scott Valentine will be performing for a special summer event at the landmark Granville Island watering hole, The Backstage Lounge.

The Reckoners will be closing the night both as a duo and with their latest 5 piece ensemble including Noah Walker, Sam Heard, and Evan Bates.

This will be an amazing night with some of the best singer/songwriters in Canada, definitely a night that's not to be missed!

Scott Valentine and The Reckoners
Tuesday, July 27

The Backstage Lounge
Granville Island, Vancouver, BC

8:30pm
Tickets: $10 at the door

Visit the official Facebook Event listing here.

Just Announced!

FREE CONCERT ON THE BEACH!

Scott Valentine will be performing at the Celebration of Light International Fireworks Festival in Vancouver!

Saturday, July 31
2:15pm
SHOREfest / Sunset Beach Stage

Brought to you by SHORE 104 FM - Roots, Rock & Rhythm. Sunshine, Live Music...and Fireworks! What could be better than that?

Black Hat Villain: Top 3 Finalist in FOX Seeds!

Brian Thompson — 2010-07-05T12:14:34-07:00

It was just announced that Black Hat Villain have made the cut and are now in the Final Top 3 for the 2010 Fox Vancouver Seeds competition, courtesy of 99.3 The Fox!

After a gripping and phenomenal performance at The Bourbon on Canada Day, we're thrilled at this latest piece of news for the entire Black Hat Nation. This is a pretty big deal for a rock band in Canada; to be selected as one of the Top 3 by both fans and industry veterans from over 400 total applicants!

Previous SEEDS winners include Art Of Dying, Nickelback, Big Naked, Default, Veer Union, Matthew Good, State Of Shock...and many more!

So for 2010, along with Black Hat Villain, the Top 3 is rounded out by our good friends Beyond The Fall and Stars Of Boulevard.

So what's next? The Top 3 bands will now perform for their Vancouver fans and the Canadian music industry impresario at The Legendary Commodore Ballroom on Friday, August 27, along with headliners The Arkells. After their performances, that very night...on stage...the Big Final Winner will be announced!

Below you'll find a fresh new LIVE video from Black Hat Villain's Canada Day gig that just surfaced this afternoon online, care of the Seeds Documented project put on by Out Front Musik.

If you haven't checked Black Hat Villain out yet, you owe it to rock n' roll to see what all the buzz is about! Do yourself a favour and plop down a measly $6 on iTunes for their just released new EP, 'My Generation'.

Buy it on iTunes here

"Sounds Of Summer" Top 10 Finalist: Scott Valentine

Brian Thompson — 2010-07-05T12:08:02-07:00

It was just announced live on-air only moments ago...Scott Valentine has made it into the final Top 10 for the 2010 Sounds Of Summer Song Search, put on by SHORE 104 FM in Vancouver!

Valentine's song 'Do It For Love' now moves into the final stages of this new and exciting songwriter song search in BC. If you'd like to hear his new single, pop on over to Valentine's MySpace page here.

The next phase in this competition is for fans to vote for their favourite, so stay tuned for further details!

For more information visit www.shoresoundsofsummer.com.

Congratulations Scotty!

Explore Music Indie Track Of The Day: Columbia

Brian Thompson — 2010-07-05T10:15:17-07:00

Columbia is featured once again on ExploreMusic.com today as the INDIE TRACK OF THE DAY with their single "10 Out Of 10".

The song is featured on the Explore Music Podcast, which can be downloaded from iTunes.

Click the link below to check out today's feature:

http://www.exploremusic.com/indie-track/2010-07-05/Columbia-10-out-of-10

Live Video: Black Hat Villain on Canada Day 2010

Brian Thompson — 2010-07-04T13:33:32-07:00

On Canada Day, July 1st 2010, filmmaker Chris Fisher captured Black Hat Villain's Vancouver Seeds Showcase for the 99.3 THE FOX FM at The Bourbon in Vancouver.

Using only one camera and a day to edit all of the footage, this up and coming film magician captures the passion and energy of Black Hat Villain's live performance and cut it to the studio track "My Generation", the first single from the band's debut six-song EP of the same name.

A big shout-out to Chris for his time, energy and talent and we look forward to creating a full blown music video for this song in the coming months ahead.

In the meantime, please show his work some love and share this video throughout The Black Hat Nation!

Godin Guitars Endorse Jeff Wang from Quartered

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-30T09:58:52-07:00

Jeff Wang, guitarist from Quartered, is now a Godin Guitars endorsed artist. Check out what their website feature had to say:

Recently returning from a tour to the Philippines with his band Quartered, Jeff Wang currently plays the Godin Redline 2. He has played with many different guitars on stage and the Redline 2 has definitely been the best sounding guitar yet. "The set up is very solid. I play in a progressive metal band and this guitar comes across well with both high and low gain settings. The sound and tone is very heavy when I need it to be." Jeff and his and his Redline 2 will be embarking on a cross country Canadian tour from Vancouver British Columbia to Montreal Quebec and back, in promotion of Quartered`s new album, "Walks Like A Ghost" to be release in the summer of 2010.

http://www.myspace.com/Quartered

See the feature on Jeff Wang
at the Godin Guitars website here:
http://www.godinguitars.com/godinplayersnews.htm

NxEW Feature: Thorny Bleeder Part I: Black Hat Villain

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-30T09:59:00-07:00

The NxEW music blog, otherwise known as North by East West ("A Geographically Impossible Blog For A Geographically Impossible Country"), has just published the first part in a series of articles and reviews on some of our Thorny Bleeder family. The feature below is an interview with Sam and Scotty from the band Black Hat Villain, where they discuss the band and their relationship with Thorny Bleeder and Brian Thompson, managing partner.

Their feature story is republished below, but please swing by their site and check it out. They're covering some amazing independent Canadian music that the mainstream media is ignoring, assisted by a team of freelance music journalists coast to coast.

Quartered Announce Canadian Tour Dates

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-28T13:17:59-07:00

Walks Like A Ghost
Summer Tour 2010

Does File Sharing Help The Industry? A Discussion.

Brian Thompson — 2010-07-02T14:20:34-07:00

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...

Satellite Radio and Social Media: A Discussion

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-30T09:58:58-07:00

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!

The Role Of The Radio DJ: A Discussion

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-29T10:05:17-07:00

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!

Breaking News: FREE Single Download from Quartered

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-25T13:47:57-07:00

The long wait is over, new music from Quartered is here! And in typical Thorny Bleeder fashion, we're giving you this first taste for FREE!

The brand new single Eternity Below is from the upcoming Walks Like A Ghost album, available everywhere on Tuesday, August 24 through Thorny Bleeder Records.

Combining melodic with experimental, heavy sounds through the use of odd time signatures, hook-laden bridges, and solid balls-out brutally hardcore riffs, Quartered's sound can best be described as gutsy and genre defying. But, who do they sound like? Think Deftones meets Alexisonfire, and that'll give you a good starting point.

Having just returned home from a tour of the Philippines where they performed with Lamb Of God, Testament, and Slapshock, Quartered are now gearing up for their 2010 Canadian Summer Tour in support of their highly anticipated new album, Walks Like A Ghost. New dates are being added weekly, so stay tuned to their new show listings on their MySpace page here.

Recorded in Vancouver at the legendary Mushroom Studios, the new album was produced by Ben Kaplan (Chevelle, Trapt, The Gallows, Biffy Clyro).

Ok, let's get to it! Listen to the new single Eternity Below right here, right now...and then just click the Download button for your FREE track!

<a href="http://thornybleeder.bandcamp.com/album/walks-like-a-ghost">Eternity Below by Thorny Bleeder Records</a>

Is Radio Dead? A Discussion.

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-25T11:49:21-07:00

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.

Explore Music Features Black Hat Villain

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-25T08:10:30-07:00

I've worked with a lot of bands over the years, but I've never seen one develop as much momentum as Black Hat Villain have in such a short span of time. The Black Hat Nation received another huge shot in the arm today as Canada's favourite music historian/DJ/author/blogger Alan Cross has featured the band and their track "Country" on his Explore Music website and nationally syndicated radio show. This is the second time he's featured the band this year! Killer.

Here's what Alan Cross had to say on today's feature:

"We’ve also covered Black Hat Villain in the past. They’re from Victoria, BC and play the same kind of stuff you’d hear from Chevelle or Breaking Benjamin. Sludge and snarl. Their EP is called My Generation. See what you think of a song called “Country”."

Check out the Explore Music website here.

Shamwow! But wait, that's not it. In other breaking news this week, rock music blog Rockstar Weekly has featured a live review of Black Hat Villain's recent live performance at the Thorny Bleeder Records Showcase in Vancouver. This is such a glowing review we're blushing! The writer clearly gets the band and feels as passionately about their music and their live show as much as we do.

Check it out the full review below:

Written by Dan Savoie on Wednesday, 23 June 2010

BLACK HAT VILLAIN
MY GENERATION (EP)
Buy it on iTunes

"One of the best bands to come out of Vancouver, BC is the dirty and dangerous rock n’ rollers Black Hat Villain. The band has released a 6-track EP, My Generation, which quite frankly could be the best release of the year. The tracks are hard hitting and grab you from the opening of the title track through to Country, the EP’s closer. The only weakness that I can come up with about the My Generation EP is that it is only 6 tracks long and way too short - but it is only an EP after all.

My Generation is a catchy anthem and could truly be the voice of the next generation, while One Way Street, All My Friends Are Dead and Rain Or Shine are a bit more crunchy and direct. Throughout the CD, there is a powerful rhythm section providing the driving power of the band, while the guitars and harmony vocals sell it.

RockStar Weekly recently attended a Thorny Bleeder Records showcase and that’s where we caught a Black Hat Villain performance. It was the crowd interaction and the fist pumping that made us want to investigate what all the fuss was about. By the time they played My Generation, the audience was transfixed on the band and we were sold on their ability to rock the crap out of us.

It’s exciting to hear a band that loves to rock out and kick some serious ass. Rush might have owned it in the 80s and Nickelback are the current reigning champions of melodic rock n’ roll, but Black Hat Villain are the most likely successor to Canada’s international rock throne. This is honest sounding vintage rock n’ roll with a bit of punch. And a band like this only comes around once in a generation – my generation."

From Rockstar Weekly, appears as originally published here.

LIVE! Black Hat Villain with Southern Death Threat

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-23T15:27:50-07:00

Two of the most talked about bands in Vancouver unite for a night of kick-ass rock n' roll that's not to be missed!

BLACK HAT VILLAIN
SOUTHERN DEATH THREAT
with special guests DEAD CITY SCANDAL

Friday, July 23

The Shark Club
Vancouver, BC
180 West Georgia Street
view map

$10 at the Door
Doors at 8pm, Show at 9pm
Join the Facebook Event Page

Free Music? Yes please.

MP3: Black Hat Villain - My Generation

MP3: Southern Death Threat - Addiction

(to Download and Save to your desktop, right click on this link and “Save Link As”)

Canada's Longest Running Blues Program Interviews Ross Neilsen

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-23T15:27:53-07:00

Ross Neilsen and The Sufferin' Bastards have been getting their fair share of press lately. And with good reason. This hard working band is in the middle of yet another cross-Canadian tour while promoting their new album, Redemption. And with their new single 'Afflicted' getting spins at blues specialty programs, college radio, and rock radio stations across the country, the press is taking notice. Hard work pays off as the band has been getting articles and reviews in almost every city they play in, which is a fantastic tribute to these road warriors.

While at a tour stop in Edmonton last week Neilsen had the pleasure of co-hosting the Natch'l Blues show on the CKUA Radio Network with host Holger Petersen.

This is Canada's longest-running blues program and has been on the air since 1969. Natch’l Blues is the quintessential destination for the serious blues fan or the curious newcomer. Presented every week by Canada's blues emissary, Holger Petersen, head of Stony Plain Records and longtime CKUA host, the program is a collection of the best music of the genre and interviews with the greatest names in blues.

So sit back, pour yourself a drink, and listen to this intriguing conversation with one of Canada's best blues musicians and one of Canada's most celebrated blues tastemakers:

MP3: Ross Neilsen Interview by Holger Petersen (Part 1)

MP3: Ross Neilsen Interview by Holger Petersen (Part 2)

And one last thing...check out this fan-filmed live performance video that recently surfaced on YouTube:

For more information on Ross Neilsen or to follow his daily Tour Blog, visit him online at http://www.rossneilsen.com.

Thorny Tweeters

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-16T19:05:11-07:00

So, who out there is on Twitter? Are you? If so, make sure you follow our entire collective of Thorny Bleeder artists!

There's lots of conversations going on each and every day with all of our artists... and they'd love to connect with you! Reach out, say hello, and click 'follow'!

If you're only watching this blog page and our Facebook pages, you're missing out on lots of cool conversations, exclusive pics and videos, contests, and stuff that only happens on Twitter. Don't have an account? Sign up and see what all the buzz is about!

Special Video Message & Performance from Scott Valentine

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-16T08:50:08-07:00

Breaking News: Black Hat Villain, Top 20 Fox Seeds!

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-11T15:30:08-07:00

It's official, 99.3 The Fox just made the announcement for the 2010 Top 20 Fox Seeds bands...and Black Hat Villain made the cut!

So to all of the mighty Fox listeners and judges, welcome to the Black Hat Nation!

What's that you ask? The Black Hat Nation is the friends, family, followers, supporters and fans of Black Hat Villain. This isn't about one band against the world, this is a tribe of like minded rock n' rollers baby!

So what's next? The Top 20 bands will now move on to the Showcase Round where they'll battle on stage at The Bourbon in downtown Vancouver in front of both fans and industry judges. After all of the showcases are finished and the judges' votes are in...the final 3 will be chosen!

The Black Hat Villain Fox Seeds Showcase is CANADA DAY
Thursday, July 1 at The Bourbon!

We hope to see everyone there!

And a big congrats to all of the bands who've made it this far. This is shaping up to be the best year yet for this long-running Vancouver rock n' roll tradition.

I'll see you at The Bourbon on July 1st...Canada Day!

View the full list of Top 20 bands here.

Black Hat Villain Interview on Rock 107.1 in Kansas

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-10T11:27:24-07:00

Joel Jarrett from Rock 107.1 FM in Columbus, Kansas had a live on-air interview yesterday with Scotty Tuesday, lead singer for Black Hat Villain.

It's a pretty cool little story how Black Hat Villain's current single, My Generation, ended up in rotation on Rock 107.1. Their program director found the song when it was featured as a free download on Tunelab.com. After checking it out he knew his listeners would love it, so he quickly added it to their station's playlist. However, none of the band or ourselves here at Thorny Bleeder knew anything about it until one of Rock 107.1's listeners dropped by the Black Hat Villain Facebook Page and let us know where he had discovered the band...

You gotta' love the social power of the interwebs! As an artist manager and record label, it's tough getting your bands played on the radio...especially getting them into regular rotation. There's no shortage of competition, that's for sure. But when a radio station adds your song without you having to nag them...well...that's just bloody cool as hell.

Here's an mp3 of that interview from June 9th:

MP3 Podcast: Interview with Scotty Tuesday

Black Hat Villain, 2010 Seeds Finalist

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-07T13:24:22-07:00

The good news continues to roll in today! And here I thought Monday's were supposed to suck, no?

After an amazing performance at The Shark Club in Vancouver this past Saturday, it was just announced that Black Hat Villain has made the Top 50 for the 2010 Fox Vancouver Seeds competition, courtesy of 99.3 The Fox.

View the full list of Top 50 bands here.

The Top 50 will be whittled down to a Top 20 which will be announced this Friday, June 11 at 6pm. If the band makes the next cut, they'll move on to the next phase which is the live showcase round. Stay tuned to the Fox and to Thorny Bleeder for more updates!

And if you haven't checked out the band yet, you owe it to rock n' roll to see what all the buzz is about!

Do yourself a favour and drop down a measly $6 on iTunes for their just released new EP, 'My Generation'.

Buy it on iTunes here

Scott Valentine Hits Top 20 in Shore FM Song Search

Brian Thompson — 2010-06-07T11:34:39-07:00

We're happy to report that Scott Valentine has made it into the Top 20 for the 2010 Sounds Of Summer Song Search, put on by SHORE 104 FM in Vancouver!

We submitted a song called 'Do It For Love' from Valentine's epic five disc Seasons album for the competition and are thrilled that the judges loved the song as much as we do. This single hasn't been aired on the radio yet, but you'll be hearing it very soon on 104 Shore! If you want to hear this new single, pop on over to Valentine's MySpace page here.

Shore FM will be profiling each of the Top 20 artists on air and soon you'll have the chance to vote for your favourite.

For more information visit www.shoresoundsofsummer.com.

2 Hour Podcast: The Stepping Stone with Thorny Bleeder & Quartered

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-31T12:01:45-07:00

Thorny Bleeder's Brian Thompson and all of the guys in Quartered co-hosted The Stepping Stone indie radio show last night for two fast-paced hours of music, laughs, chats about indie artist development, beer and vulgarity...courtesy of our host Dick Maidment!

And a very special treat awaits you...brand new music from Quartered! During the show we spun three different tracks from Quartered's upcoming new album 'Walks Like A Ghost'. You don't want to miss these tracks, they're freakin' unbelievable. We also spun tracks from Black Hat Villain, Special Ops, and Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards.

Let's get to it. Below is the full two hour broadcast which you can either listen to right here or download for your iPod or iTunes. The show gets going around the 6 minute mark...

MP3 Podcast: Part 1 - The Stepping Stone with Brian Thompson with Quartered

MP3 Podcast: Part 2 - The Stepping Stone with Brian Thompson with Quartered
(to Download and Save to your desktop, right click on this link and “Save Link As”)

TV Heart Attack Preps New Claymation Video

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-28T14:31:17-07:00

TV Heart Attack are working on an incredibly exciting new video for the song 'Wolves', a fan favourite from their current EP, Lost In The Sway.

The video is being done by Chad Krowchuk and it's a soon-to-be claymation masterpiece! Set in a Tim Burton-esque dark and creepy landscape, the video will be the perfect visual accompaniment to this moody and brooding track. The video is scheduled for release in late Summer, early Fall...

Haven't heard Wolves yet? Check out the song below, followed by some exclusive photos from this amazing work in progress...

Top 10 Ways To Sell More Merch

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-27T11:42:36-07:00

I remember reading an interview with the band D.R.I. many years ago, who said that if it wasn't for t-shirt sales they wouldn't be able to exist as a band. As a kid, I was shocked that a band wasn't able to survive on music sales and performances alone. And that was many years before music's digital revolution.

So here we are in 2010 and band merchandise is more import than ever. As an artist, independent or signed, merch is your lifeblood. It's your store front. It's where you make your money. It's where you connect with your fans. It's what gives your band a face on the streets.

Your merch table is your music career survival kit, and it deserves to be treated as such.

As a former music buyer for one of Canada's largest music chains, I spent many hours analyzing consumer behaviours and how people react to product placement, display techniques, and their affect on sales. It's not a hard thing to grasp, much of it is common sense: Make your shit look good and put it in a highly visible location.

So let's get to it. Here's my list on how you as an artist can make the most of your merchandise...

Music Can Learn From Fashion's "Free" Culture

Brian Thompson — 2010-07-05T10:15:22-07:00

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.com

Dear Internet: Help Scott Valentine Write A New Song!

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-26T14:47:38-07:00

Who wants to help Scott Valentine write a new song?

He's looking for people willing to share their observations, thoughts and feelings of their experiences during the economic crisis of the past two years for his new song, "Main Street."

He plans to start recording new material this fall and if your input inspires the song you'll be the first to hear it when it's done!

What do you think? Send your ideas and thoughts to Valentine via Twitter or Facebook.

Thorny Bleeder Showcase: Free Music Download with Online Pre-Sale

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-20T16:38:04-07:00

We like giving away free music. It makes us happy. It makes you happy.

So in honour of this philosophy we've decided to offer everyone a FREE download when you buy an advance ticket online to our upcoming Thorny Bleeder Records Showcase on June 5th at The Shark Club in Vancouver.

The Free Download contains new music from all 3 bands on the bill, including BRAND NEW, unreleased material from Quartered's upcoming album, 'Walks Like A Ghost'!

Receive a Thorny Bleeder
Exclusive 3-Song Download
with Each Ticket Pre-sale!

BUY ADVANCE TICKETS HERE

Join the Black Hat Nation...and VOTE!

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-18T15:59:52-07:00

Sooo...who's voted on Supernova today for the Vancouver Seeds contest? With your support, together we can help spread the awesomeness that is Black Hat Villain to the rest of Canada!

Let's do it. Let's show the world what the power of a tribe can do.

Vote once a day here: http://cfox.supernova.com/

Black Hat Villain has entered Vancouver Seeds contest, put on by 99.3 The Fox and Supernova.com. This is a fan-based competition based on voting...so head over to Supernova.com, create yourself a quick personal profile...and VOTE for Black Hat Villain!

This is a highly prestigious and well-respected competition in the music industry, which has been responsible for launching the international careers of Nickelback, Default, Art Of Dying, and many more....

New Release Day: Ross Neilsen and Special Ops

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-24T12:09:13-07:00

Thorny Bleeder Records releases two amazing new albums to music stores across Canada today; Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards "Redemption" and Special Ops "Through The Heart Of The Infidel". Check them out below.

Ask your local CD retailer to order a few copies if you don't see them on the shelf, let them know you want it! Both albums are available nationwide through Universal Music.

ROSS NEILSEN and the SUFFERIN' BASTARDS
REDEMPTION
(Blues/Blues Rock)
On Tour Now!

LISTEN TO THE NEW SINGLE HERE!
Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards - Afflicted

SPECIAL OPS
THROUGH THE HEART OF THE INFIDEL
(Hard Rock/Metal)
On Tour Now!

LISTEN TO THE NEW SINGLE HERE!
Special Ops - Pressure

Podcast: The A-List Interview with Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-17T17:04:13-07:00

I had the pleasure of speaking with Amy and Andrea from The A List this afternoon on Blog Talk Radio and I've posted the mp3 below for you to listen to (or you can download it and plop it on your iPod so you can listen to it later while you're sitting on the toilet or on the bus).

The A List is an entertainment show dedicated to both new/up and coming and well-known bands, artists, musicians, actors, comedians, and anything entertainment related. We promise to provide a professional yet relaxed atmosphere to all our guests and the best entertainers for our listeners....

...three women taking the industry by storm and bringing you the greatest interviews in entertainment!

LISTEN HERE:
MP3: The A-List with Brian Thompson

Thorny Bleeder Sponsors Aggression MMA Event

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-18T16:20:06-07:00

Thorny Bleeder is happy to be a sponsor of the following MMA event put on by Aggression MMA this Friday, May 21st in Vernon, BC.

If you're in the Okanagan and want to check out some fights this long weekend, check it out!

And while you're in Vernon, you can also join us at MotoFest 2010 on Saturday, with Black Hat Villain, Columbia, Gob, Mariana's Trench, Swollen Members...and more!

New Animated Video from Black Hat Villain!

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-12T13:44:35-07:00

Black Hat Villain bring the dirty and dangerous rock & roll back into view with their debut EP, My Generation.

One Way Street reflects the melodic tension and driving force of their musical mayhem and so does this unique music video, written and directed by lead singer Scotty Tuesday.

It's a multi-layered video with a cool storyline and subtitles, so it will probably take a few views to digest all of it. This video took several months to make and we're really excited to see what thinks of it. Leave your comments below, we'd love to hear from you!

So without further delay...here's the worldwide debut release of the new video for One Way Street:

Like it? Post it on your Facebook page, Tweet it, Share it and spread the love!

And in other Black Hat Villain news, the band has entered Vancouver Seeds, put on by 99.3 The Fox and Supernova.com.

This is a fan-based competition based on voting...so head over to Supernova.com, create yourself a quick personal profile...and VOTE for Black Hat Villain!

You can vote once a day, so if you love this band show your support each and every day of the week. Voting starts Monday, May 17.

Find their profile page here: http://cfox.supernova.com/BlackHatVillain

Let's show the world what Black Hat Villain is about!

LISTEN and BUY the new Black Hat Villain EP here:

<a href="http://blackhatvillain.bandcamp.com/album/my-generation-ep">My Generation by Black Hat Villain</a>

or on iTunes here.

Fuck Cancer: Special Ops US Tour Dates Postponed

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-12T13:44:20-07:00

Due to the unfortunate news from the Special Ops infantry, the Montreal rock quartet has issued the following statement:

"It comes with great sadness to announce to our fans, friends & family that our bassist Waldo Thornhill's battle with cancer continues. Due to this matter, we will be postponing our current US tour dates but will be performing our upcoming Canadian dates. Bassist and good friend of Special Ops, Matt Mullet has been asked to substitute while Thornhill undergoes treatment."

In 2008, Thornhill was previously diagnosed and conquered cancer, which led to Special Ops current recording "Through The Heart of The Infidel" that they are currently on tour presented by RockstarWeekly.com to promote for its release on May 25th on Thorny Bleeder Records.

* Special Ops will be at the Thorny Bleeder Showcase June 5th in Vancouver at The Shark Club with label mates Quartered and Black Hat Villain.

All of us here at Thorny Bleeder send our love out to Wally, our rock n' roll brother. We wish you nothing but the best and we look forward to you slaying this beast with the same intense passion which you pour into your music!

For up to date information on the band, their news, and current tour dates, visit the band's official MySpace page here: http://www.myspace.com/opsmission

If you're intrigued with the Fuck Cancer ribbon above, please visit the official Fuck Cancer movement here: http://www.letsfcancer.com.

They have some very cool t-shirts, stickers, coffee mugs and more which you can buy online to support the movement. The website also has online donations and lots of social media tools to help spread the word regarding this extremely important message and life-saving cause.

Come on folks, together....we can FUCK CANCER!

Band uses recyclables to finance new recording

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-07T14:59:11-07:00

It's often been said that people look for hope in the bottom of a bottle.

But if you're assuming that Fredericton's own Ross Neilsen and The Sufferin' Bastards hit the bottle looking for inspiration behind their smokin' new record, Redemption, you ought to think again.

To cover the costs of producing their new record, Neilsen and the Bastards relied upon the generosity of fellow New Brunswickers, who donated their returnable beverage containers so that the band could claim the deposit money to put towards their recording fees.

SchMusic BC: Industry Panel with Thorny Bleeder

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-28T15:43:51-07:00

The infamous SchMusic BC Networking Party, put on by the fine folks from MusicBC, returns to the Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver!

You know the deal – come out for a free drink, no cover, and meet some local industry folks and fellow musicians to help forward your career!

Tuesday, May 25th
7:00-9:00pm
RSVP to: rsvp@musicbc.org

*** Added bonus for Music BC Members ***

The Redemption Tour: Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-28T11:29:28-07:00

Sinners Unite!

It's that time of year again folks! The Spring thaw is in full effect and people are having nasty, devilish, lusty thoughts! What to do?

Well, Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards are encouraging you to get out and explore these desires. Worried about the long term effects of poor decision?

Don't Be!

The Bastards are on tour again and bringing their loud, sweaty rock 'n roll REDEMPTION to town just for people like you!

So go ahead and make those bad choices and then get to a show to REDEEM yourself. The new CD will be available at all of the live gigs so you can take it home to help get you through those weak moments throughout the rest of the year.

Here are the dates that we have for you so far, but keep checking www.rossneilsen.com to see what new cities and dates get added along the way!

Join the Offcial Redemption Tour Facebook Event Page here.

Thorny Bleeder Showcase: June 5th, Vancouver

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-04T16:44:58-07:00

We're thrilled to announce an incredibly special night of unparalleled, hard-hitting LIVE music in Vancouver on Saturday, June 5th! Mark this one down in your calendars baby, this night will be off the hook!

THORNY BLEEDER RECORDS SHOWCASE
with
QUARTERED
SPECIAL OPS
BLACK HAT VILLAIN

JUNE 5th
The Shark Club
Vancouver, BC

Concert Announcement: MotoFest 2010

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-27T11:18:48-07:00

HUGE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

Thorny Bleeder Records managed artists Columbia and Black Hat Villain have just been added to the coolest rock festival in the Okanagan, MotoFest 2010!

We're thrilled to announce they'll be playing at this wicked all-day, outdoor concert alongside Mariana's Trench, Swollen Members, Gob, These Kids Wear Crowns, Run The Red Light, Whitfield, The Malibu Knights, and Shattered Tone.

Check it out and get your tix now!

Watch It Grow: An Experiment In Digital Busking

Brian Thompson — 2010-05-07T14:59:14-07:00

If you're a regular reader of The Bleeder Blog, you'll remember a blog we posted in late April titled: Vancouver Musician Cultivates Earth Day Interest. On Earth Day, April 22, Victoria singer/songwriter Scott Valentine hit the streets of Vancouver and handed out 19,000 digital songs via free download cards.

It's a little grassroots street level marketing campaign which I've decided to call Digital Busking (or if you prefer, Busking 2.0). So if you happen to hear this term pop up anywhere in the next couple of years, remember that you heard it here first!

Continue reading for exclusive photos and feedback from the event...

It's New Release Day at Thorny Bleeder!

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-26T11:21:10-07:00

Today is a HUGE day for Thorny Bleeder!

We've got THREE albums which are now available digitally worldwide! Go to iTunes and support some of our amazing independent bands.

ROSS NEILSEN and the SUFFERIN' BASTARDS
REDEMPTION

Digital Release: Tuesday, April 27
CD in Stores: Tuesday, May 25

SPECIAL OPS
THROUGH THE HEART OF THE INFIDEL

Digital Release: Tuesday, April 27
CD in Stores: Tuesday, May 25

BLACK HAT VILLAIN
MY GENERATION (EP)

Digital Release: Tuesday, April 27

Uncharted Waves Interviews Columbia

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-20T09:02:19-07:00

The Uncharted Waves radio show on OWWR Radio in New York has become a huge supporter of all things Thorny Bleeder. The love for our artists continued last Friday, April 16th when they had an exclusive interview with Kevin Schallié, lead singer for Columbia.

Listen to the interview below or download it to your iPod!

Listen here:
(it's a big file, so it will take a moment to load)

MP3 Interview - Kevin Schallié from Columbia

(to Download and Save to your desktop, right click on this link and “Save Link As”)

Uncharted Waves Interviews Art from TV Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-19T16:16:49-07:00

The Uncharted Waves radio show on OWWR Radio in New York recently had a hilarious interview with Art Guest from TV Heart Attack. You gotta' check this one out.

Since the interview was at noon NYC time, that meant that poor Art was still half asleep and in bed for the interview, which resulted in a hilarious back and forth exchange between Art and Etan, the interviewer.

Listen here:
(it's a big file, so it will take a moment to load)

MP3 Interview - Art Guest from TV Heart Attack

(to Download and Save to your desktop, right click on this link and “Save Link As”)

K94 Rocks Two Hour Thorny Bleeder Records Special

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-19T16:16:55-07:00

Tune in to k94rocks.com this Wednesday, April 21 for a very special 2 Hour Feature on Thorny Bleeder Records!

How freakin' cool is that?

Two full hours on yours truly, the little indie label that refuses to quit and is devoted to FreeThe Music!

This exclusive feature will be on the "Doc's Alternative Universe" program, which runs from 9am - 11am PST (12pm - 2pm ET).

LIVE: Black Hat Villain with Like A Storm in Vancouver

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-16T12:05:36-07:00

The First 100 People Through The Door Receive a Free Black Hat Villain Wristband!

Listen: Black Hat Villain - My Generation
(to Download and Save to your desktop, right click on this link and “Save Link As”)

This is an early show, so be sure to show up at 8pm otherwise you're going to kick yourself for missing out on the debut Vancouver performance of Black Hat Villain. Only $10 at the door!

This is a not-to-miss Vancouver live music event. Come and see why the industry is buzzing about Black Hat Villain who is currently the Band Of The Month on ZoneFM in Victoria, while their new single 'My Generation" is now in regular rotation on the Galaxie Rock music channel (via your cable provider).

Also performing are the one and only Like A Storm and Hybrahma.

Click this poster and Add Yourself to the Official Facebook Event >>

About Like A Storm:

"Fresh off two US arena tours with rock giants Creed, Shinedown and Puddle of Mudd, New Zealand-bred Like A Storm have been turning heads in every city they've played across America.

The band strikes a balance between warm electronics and massive hard rock. Matt describes their style comprehensively. "It's a big rock sound with a lot of different textures. Every time you listen to it, you'll hear something new. It's a combination of all of our favorite sounds - from heavy rock to electronic music."

http://www.myspace.com/likeastorm

Special Ops Announce North American Tour

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-08T09:36:18-07:00

Available Digitally: April 27
Available In Stores: May 25

Releasing their third studio album "Through The Heart of The Infidel" via Vancouver label Thorny Bleeder Records (digitally April 27th and CD in stores on May 25th). Montreal rockers Special Ops are proud to announce their Canada & US "Through The Heart of The Infidel Tour" presented by Rockstar Weekly. The tour will kick off in Toronto on April 28th and see the infantry invade 60 plus dates to support their latest release.

Special Ops' third album, "Through The Heart of The Infidel" was produced by award winning producer & mixer Glen Robinson (Voivod, The Ramones, AC/DC, Gwar, Queensryche, Nashville Pussy) along with the engineering and production talents of Kevin Jardine (Slaves on Dope, Monarchy), and displays a fusion of the members’ diverse cultures.

From Akbar’s intricate native Middle Eastern influence of guitar finger picking/ strumming to Abe’s unique blend of North American street-style vocal delivery, backed by a well-armed rhythm section of Waldo Thornhill’s thumping bass and drummer Clarence McGillacutty’s pounding fury, Special Ops have unleashed a direct hit to follow up their award nominated independent release “Phase 2: Amidst The Madness”.

Tour Dates:

Vancouver Musician Cultivates Earth Day Interest

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-19T06:53:16-07:00

Victoria BC-based Scott Valentine Delivers Free Music with a Twist

On Earth Day, April 22, Victoria singer/songwriter Scott Valentine is hitting the streets of Vancouver with a new tune…literally.

The homegrown singer/songwriter was moved to action by the insufficient spotlight today’s environmental issues receive. Valentine will be at high-exposure downtown Vancouver locations on Earth Day, promoting his second single, ‘Green The New Black’ (as heard on 104.3 Shore FM) by handing out 1,000 free music drop cards, each with a unique PIN providing the recipient with a free download of what Valentine hopes will be eventually recognized as the Unofficial Earth Day Anthem.

But there’s a unique twist…these drop cards are made from 100% post-consumer junk mail and embedded with wildflower seeds. After each card has been redeemed it can be planted under a thin layer of soil and it will blossom into a wildflower garden!

“It should be Earth Day, all day, every day,” says Valentine. “I believe this song will plant that seed of awareness. These drop cards are a pretty cool way of celebrating that.”

Anyone interested in receiving a FREE Seedcard on Earth Day can receive updated location information by following him on Twitter @ScottyTuesday.

Listen to Scott Valentine’s music at www.scottvalentinepresents.com

Free Show! Black Hat Villain to Perform for the Victoria Salmon Kings Fans

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-05T17:50:47-07:00

Black Hat Villain will be warming up the Victoria Salmon King hockey fans with a FREE outdoor performance this Thursday, April 8th at 5:30 PM in front of the Save On Foods Memorial Arena.

This is an official Salmon Kings event and is sponsored by The Zone 91.3 FM.

Join the Black Hat Nation and see what all the buzz is about, see you there!

New Release Announcement: April 27

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-05T13:35:26-07:00

April 27 is a HUGE day for Thorny Bleeder Records! We've got THREE albums coming out on the same day, and each one is completely different from the next, so there's something for everyone!

Support independent music and jot this date into your calendar. Here's what we have coming...

Thorny Bleeder Records Impacting at Radio

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-05T10:02:13-07:00

We've been kicking things into high gear lately with some incredible support from our good friends at radio stations across Canada.

Check out the following list of our new singles which have recently been added into regular rotation!

Happy Easter from Art Of Dying!

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-04T16:16:13-07:00

Happy Easter everyone!

And to celebrate, here's a very special acoustic performance of "Fits Of Clarity" from Art Of Dying's Jonny Hetherington. Performed and filmed today, just for you!

Burning Borders To Continue With New Members

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-03T11:14:00-07:00

Official Statement from remaining band members Justin Griffiths and Kevin Catroppa:

Earth Day: Watch It Grow!

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-04T10:25:15-07:00

We have an incredibly fun and engaging plan for Earth Day (April 22) in both Victoria and Vancouver, in unison with the stunning music from Scott Valentine Presents. Are you interested in being a part of this special event? It's as easy as giving away Free Music and sharing smiles!

If you want to join us and our tribe on Earth Day, send Scotty a message and we'll give you the details:

Contact Scott Valentine here

And in honour of Spring here's a free song download from the man himself, Scott Valentine:

FREE MP3 > Listen & Download:
Watch It Grow
(to Download and Save to your desktop, right click on this link and “Save Link As”)

Seasons: A Film Journey, Spring (Part 1 of IV)

How To Break Your Band: Social Media

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-02T10:22:33-07:00

The following video is from social media marketing guru Gary Vaynerchuck from Wine Library TV, who I've mentioned before here. This guy is doing everything right with social media and he's created an amazing brand for not only himself, but his company too.

In only 4 minutes he successfully explains why you must embrace and exploit social media now to grow the profile of your business. While his thoughts are directed towards businesses, we all know that as a DIY artist in an independent band you face the exact same hurdles; reaching a new audience, gaining new fans, and monetizing your new followers to grow your business.

Watch this video, there's some important lessons here for everyone!

Black Hat Villain Announces Worldwide Digital Release

Brian Thompson — 2010-04-01T10:50:54-07:00

Thorny Bleeder kicks it up a notch with Black Hat Villain, Band Of The Month on The Zone 91.3 FM! Pop on over to theZone.fm and you'll find three exclusive free downloads from the band.

Check out the two radio teasers below from The Zone as we lead up to the Official April 27th Worldwide Digital Release of their debut six-song EP entitled My Generation.

But the buzz doesn't stop there! Black Hat Villain are also a Featured Artist on one of the best hard rock music blogs in the world, TuneLab Music. Check out the TuneLab feature page here, where you're able to grab a Free Download of their first single, My Generation.

91.3 FM The Zone: Commercial1

91.3 FM The Zone: Commercial2

New Art of Dying Music Video - Ghosts and Heroin

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-29T22:35:33-07:00

Check this out: New Art of Dying Music Video - Ghosts and Heroin, filmed and edited today by Jonny Hetherington.

Here's what Jonny had to say about it:

"The song "Build a Wall" completely inspired me today to create my first indie music video.

Build a Wall is one of my favorite songs on the debut Art of Dying record. It inspired me to go out into the streets of Vancouver and capture this video. It rained like hell today, which really matched the mood of this song. The theme of the video is "Ghost of the Buses" as I never actually filmed myself directly, only my reflection. Homelessness and mobility are huge issues in any major center and Vancouver is no exception. This video was filmed in East Vancouver and Gastown where you don't have to go far to find character and interesting people. This neighborhood is home to Canadian artists, musicians, drug dealers, hookers and the countries only "safe injection" heroin site. Probably one of the only places in the world that you can see heroin addicts and rich tourists bumping shoulders. It's also the neighborhood that Art of Dying got it's start playing in dingy bars and rehearsing in heart of it all."
-- Jonny Hetherington

And hey Art Of Dying fans...how many of you have heard "A Lot To Live For"? This unreleased solo gem from Jonny Hetherington was featured in the web series "TheVetala". Check out the trailer below which features some cool footage of Jonny in the studio.

Watch out for the brand new album from Art Of Dying coming out later this year on Reprise/Warner.

Burning Borders: Official Break Up Statement

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-29T12:22:18-07:00

Due to irreconcilable differences between members, Brian Reed and Levi Catroppa have officially resigned from the project "Burning Borders" (2005-2010).

Below is the official statement from Brian Reed and Levi Catroppa, Vocalist and Drummer of Burning Borders.

Top 31 Ways To Suck At Social Media Marketing

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-29T12:46:58-07:00

If you want to truly SUCK at using social media, please follow this list closely and you'll be guaranteed limited exposure and zero online buzz!

Top 10 Ways To Break Up Your Band

Brian Thompson — 2010-07-09T10:52:40-07:00

I've worked with tons of bands over the years and one thing remains constant, they almost all breakup eventually. Sure, some can go the distance and outlast the others, but what sets them apart from the bands that just can't seem to keep it together and fall apart?

Well, if you hate the music you play and you want to break up your band, here's a quick checklist for you:

Leave the business side of things to just one band member.
Don't have regular band meetings.
Don't educate yourself on marketing and promotion.
Don't make a list of goals (and never revise them if you do).
Don't utilize the power of social media and online networking tools.
Don't take your band seriously as an entrepreneurial business.
Don't network with other bands and industry people.
Don't build a team of passionate and experienced people around you.
Assume that potential fans, blogs, press, radio stations, labels and agents will find out about your band just because your music is so damn awesome.
Don't respect your fans, and don't interact with them in the way "new media" empowers you to.

Burning Borders R.I.P. (2005-2010)

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-27T11:34:14-07:00

It's with a broken heart that we announce the disbanding of Burning Borders.

Thorny Bleeder Expands to TV and Film Music Licensing

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-27T07:51:47-07:00

We're pleased to announce the licensing arm at Thorny Bleeder Records has been officially launched! TBR will be working to place quality music in TV series, films and advertising campaigns through our trusted industry contacts.

Licensing is such a great way for bands and artists to get worldwide exposure and see real income from their recorded

Send TBR your track

material, but it's hard to get your music into the hands of the people that can make this happen. Music supervisors and publishers are constantly sifting through new music and have learned to lean on dependent filters of great music. And that's where TBR Music Licensing comes in.

This service is available to artists everywhere. Send us your recorded material, and we'll do our best to get it placed if we feel it fits what we're looking for. Quality, vibe and subject matter are key elements that will help you stand out.

Contact us for more information and we can help get the ball rolling, or upload a high quality MP3 to us right now using this Soundcloud Dropbox.

Black Hat Villain - The Zone Band of the Month!

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-24T19:48:22-07:00

Victoria bad boys Black Hat Villain will be Band Of The Month on The Zone 91.3FM in April.

On April 1st head over to TheZone.fm where we'll be featuring three exclusive Free Downloads from Black Hat Villain's brand new, yet-to-be- released My

Generation EP. The new EP was produced by Adam Sutherland (Armchair Cynics), with four of the six tracks on this explosive package mixed by studio whiz Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica).

Black Hat Villain will be receiving a huge presence on TheZone.fm for the entire month and will then headline a Band of the Month showcase gig at Evolution on Thursday, April 29.

The first 50 people at the showcase (between 9:00-10:00 pm) pay no cover, and are entered to win an early bird prize for a cool Zone prize of the month.
At 12:30 am, Hot House Pizza brings pizza for everyone there and, at the end of the night, we'll make our grand prize draw for our huge Zone prize of the month!

The band has some very cool merch too, including this bag of swag that's sitting on Dave Sawchuk's desk. Send him a message on Twitter or give him a call and he'll give you one for free!

Black Hat Villain is a freight train of rock n roll swagger waiting to grab you by the collar and make you pump your fist in the air. Rock n' Roll is back baby!

FREE MP3
Listen: Black Hat Villain - My Generation
(to Download and Save to your desktop, right click on this link and “Save Link As”)

TV Heart Attack Added to Heavy Rotation on Galaxie Rock

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-23T10:53:07-07:00

Galaxie Rock has just added 'Nowhere Fast', the brand new single from TV Heart Attack, into Heavy Rotation!

TV Heart Attack Releases NEW Single to Radio

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-22T11:07:54-07:00

TV Heart Attack has just released their new single "Nowhere Fast" to Canadian Radio this morning, so if you dig it...request it at your favourite station!

NxEW Interview with Columbia

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-20T13:39:39-07:00

Interview with Columbia's Richard Jaquard and Kevin Schallie

In the band Columbia, there are five members that have come together to form a dynamic yet naturally appealing band in today's music. They also have the technical know how with innovative Management representation in the form of Thorny Bleeder Records. Managing partner Brian Thompson adds another dynamic to the band's already impressive foundation.

A Call To Arms! Help Program TV Heart Attack on MuchMoreMusic

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-20T13:39:43-07:00

Be a music video programmer!

TV Heart Attack's newest video for their smash single AO is now being aired in rotation on Much More in Canada! And with your help, the true and faithful TVHA Fans, we can group together and vote this video to the Top 10!

Click Here and Pick your Top 10 videos from the entire MuchMore playlist...and make sure you select TV Heart Attack's AO!

Live Review: TV Heart Attack @ CMW 2010

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-18T20:37:57-07:00

TV Heart Attack launches an audio assault on The Hideout
March 10, 2010
The Hideout - Toronto, ON

(as originally published by Nathan Howes here)

Bass amps break down. Microphones not working properly. Getting a phone call from your mother in between songs. Even these distractions couldn’t stop TV Heart Attack from playing their show.

Live Review: Burning Borders @ CMW 2010

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-18T20:37:56-07:00

Burning Borders sets Neutral on fire
March 11, 2010
Neutral - Toronto, ON
(as originally published by Nathan Howes here)

It doesn’t matter if there’s only one person in the audience-or a thousand, Burning Borders will still give you you’re money’s worth and then some. That’s exactly what they did recently at Neutral.

Podcast: A Discussion on Digital Media

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-16T14:15:05-07:00

Thanks to the power of Twitter and its ability to connect strangers all over the world who have a common interest, I recently met Paul Vet, a student at Ryerson University in Toronto. Paul can be found on Twitter with the username @640k.

Paul is a doing his thesis on social media and is taking his Masters in Media Production, so he decided to reach out and see if I was interested in doing an interview with him for his studies...which I gladly accepted.

So in keeping with my beliefs in social media and sharing things with everyone, I recorded our hour-long conversation and posted it below for you to eavesdrop in on.

Interludes: An Interview with TV Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-16T15:50:09-07:00

TV Heart Attack's recent Canadian Tour kicked off in Kelowna, BC at renowned venue The Habitat alongside Thorny Bleeder Records brothers-in-arms The Rebellion and their Peak Performance Project pals in Bend Sinister.

After their blistering set they sat down in the Habitat Lounge for a sweaty, post-show interview for an exclusive web series called Interludes. Here's the video:

Columbia Post New Tour Video Blog

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-12T11:52:05-08:00

Check out the latest edition of the Columbia Tour Video Blogs below. This band is relentless with filming each and every move while they're on tour, so don't miss out and swing by their YouTube page for a whole bunch of other silly video shenanigans.

Podcast: Uncharted Waves Interview with Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-12T18:14:15-08:00

Brian Thompson, Managing Partner of Thorny Bleeder Records, had a live on-air interview with the Uncharted Waves radio show in NYC on OWWR Radio earlier today.

We've posted an MP3 of the interview below for you to check out in case you missed it.

LISTEN HERE:
MP3 Podcast: Interview with Brian Thompson

(to Download and Save to your desktop, right click on this link and “Save Link As”)

Breaking News: Thorny Bleeder Signs Montreal Rockers Special Ops

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-12T11:54:05-08:00

BOOM!

Thorny Bleeder Records is proud to announce our latest signing, Montreal infantry-rockers Special Ops to our unique collective and family of artists! Welcome aboard brothers!

Special Ops have emerged to become one of the most sought after metal outfits where bottom heavy distorted elegance fuses with ethnically infectious rhythms. These infantry rockers have returned to the battlefront with a fresh new release titled, “Through The Heart of The Infidel”.

Tonight at CMW

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-10T12:31:35-08:00

Canadian Music Week officially kicks off tonight in Toronto.

So if you're reading this blog AND you're in Toronto, you can catch three of our artists performing at showcases tonight!

Quartered To Perform in Philippines at Metal Festival

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-05T15:17:27-08:00

MP3: Quartered - Brother

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our metal brethren in the band Quartered have just been officially confirmed for the Pulp Summer Slam Festival 10, the largest metal festival in the Philippines, on April 17th.

The festival is being headlined by the current titans of metal, Lamb Of God, along with classic thrash gods Testament. Quartered, their good friends Slapshock, and thirty other bands fill out the rest of the day's lineup.

Here's a little bit of more info on the festival, courtesy of Pure Grain Audio:

"One of the hallmarks of the Pulp Summer Slam 10 is the unbelievable ticket price of only $6.50 US which equates to 300 Philippine Pesos. Included with price of admission are sodas, beer, pizza, and free cell load.

Bands On The Run

Brian Thompson — 2010-03-05T11:16:22-08:00

Thorny Bleeder Records artists are cutting a swath through the Canadian prairies and are touring all over the country during the next four weeks.

Check out the list of Tour Dates below for each band while they make the long trek to Toronto for Canadian Music Week.

And for all the music fans in Southern Ontario, don't miss out on the extra-special Thorny Bleeder Records Showcase in St. Catharines on Tuesday, March 9th at The Mansion House, with special guest headliners Flatlined. Check out the event on Facebook here.

TV Heart Attack Releases AO Music Video

Brian Thompson — 2010-02-23T07:33:29-08:00

TV Heart Attack just finished the video for AO, the first single from their Lost In The Sway EP...and this is the Official Worldwide Premiere!

The video was just uploaded to YouTube and is now being personally delivered to MuchMusic by our secret agents in the Far East (Toronto).

Farewell To The Painted Birds

Brian Thompson — 2010-02-17T09:10:41-08:00

The trials, tribulations, struggles, and the ups and downs of being an independent artist in the new milenium have taken its toll on yet another band who showed great potential for making a name for themselves. Vancouver's The Painted Birds announced on their blog this morning that the band has called it quits after hinting towards this announcement in a recent Facebook posting which said they were playing their very last show.

The Painted Birds are featured on our Get Thorny 2 free album download with their single Wash Away. Listen to their very last recorded song below while you read their goodbye blog posting.

Best of luck guys and thanks for the music...hopefully this won't be the last music we hear from each of you.

MP3: The Painted Birds - Wash Away

Live Music Aboard Pirate Ship Sinks

Brian Thompson — 2010-02-16T11:28:14-08:00

In case you haven't noticed the update on our Facebook Page, the gigs aboard the Russian Tall Ship The Kruzenshtern have all been cancelled.

We had quite the headache aboard the ship last Friday when Columbia and Black Hat Villain were set to perform on the evening of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic opening ceremonies. Unfortunately neither band was able to perform and all subsequent gigs were cancelled by the ship's entertainment coordinator.

Celebrate The Olympics Aboard An Olympic Pirate Ship!

Brian Thompson — 2010-02-12T15:49:54-08:00

The day our home city has been waiting for for the past eight years is finally upon us, the Official Opening Ceremony for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics!

Celebrate in style aboard the Russian Tall ship The Kruzenshtern, situated at the Burrard Dry Dock next to Lonsdale Quary in North Vancouver.

Welcome aboard this once in a lifetime opportunity and rock out with some the finest musicians Vancouver has to offer! Here's a list of our Thorny Bleeder shows:

Tonight!
February 12th - Columbia and Black Hat Villain

February 15th - Cory Woodward
(featured on the Get Thorny 2 compilation)

February 21st - TV Heart Attack

February 25th - Burning Borders

Thorny Bleeder Records at Canadian Music Week

Brian Thompson — 2010-02-08T20:57:26-08:00

Are you going to Canadian Music Week in Toronto from March 10-14th? If so, make sure you check out all of our Thorny Bleeder Records Showcases!

We've got lots going on and our bands are super stoked to be performing during this very influential music festival.

Here's a list of our events:

Columbia and Black Hat Villain Perform During the 2010 Olympics

Brian Thompson — 2010-02-08T20:39:51-08:00

MP3: BLACK HAT VILLAIN - MY GENERATION

MP3: COLUMBIA - 10 Out Of 10

THIS FRIDAY, FEB. 12th, Columbia and Black Hat Villain will be performing during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, aboard the Russian Tall Ship, Kruzenstern!

The ship will be turn into an exclusive night club every night during its stay in Vancouver.

Tickets are $50 each and include two drinks, some post-party munchies, two bands and a DJ!

We're pretty excited over here at Thorny Bleeder, not only because this is a great opportunity for both of our bands to be a part of this special once-in-a-lifetime event, but this will also be the debut Vancouver performance for Black Hat Villain! Rumour has it that the band will be giving away lots of freebies to everyone in attendance, so this is without a doubt a night you don't want to miss.

Columbia Wins Supernova's Vancouver Finals

Brian Thompson — 2010-02-04T11:43:43-08:00

Columbia has won the Supernova.com Vancouver City Finals...as the best independent band in the city!

Ross Neilsen #2 on the College Charts

Brian Thompson — 2010-02-04T10:52:42-08:00

Congrats to Ross Neilsen for moving up the College Folk/Roots/Blues Charts to the #2 position!

See the full charts here.

Live HD Video: Scott Valentine Peforms at Shore 104 FM

Brian Thompson — 2010-02-04T09:41:19-08:00

Official Reaction to the 2010 Grammy Awards

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-31T21:45:15-08:00

Thorny Bleeder Artists On Tour

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-31T16:45:01-08:00

A slew of Thorny Bleeder Records artists will be hitting the road and travelling across the country in March, with many gigs booked between Vancouver and Quebec.

More dates are being booked almost daily, so join your favourite band's Facebook fan page and watch out for a live show near you.

Bands on tour include TV Heart Attack, Columbia, Burning Borders, The Rebellion, and Ross Neilsen and Sufferin' Bastards.

Ross Neilsen Performs At The 2010 Vancouver Olympics

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-31T16:54:28-08:00

Ross Neilsen - Back For More

Guess who just got the official invite to perform at the Olympics? Ross Neilsen!

Yeaaah! Congrats man, and well deserved.

Ross Neilsen will be playing his solo set at the Atlantic Canada House (otherwise known as the Arts Club Theatre) on Granville Island.

Stay tuned for performance dates and times. In the meantime you read Ross's blog about his news here.

And don't forget to download Ross's first two albums for FREE on our downloads page here.

Scott Valentine Visits The Shore 104 FM Studio

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-29T09:50:13-08:00

Scott Valentine will be visiting the Shore 104 FM studio in Vancouver on Wednesday, February 3rd at 6PM PST for a live acoustic performance and interview.

Scotty will be performing his single "Forgotten" which is in heavy rotation on the station.

MP3: SCOTT VALENTINE - FORGOTTEN

Mark it on your calendar and I hope you can tune in to hear this amazing singer/songwriter with a voice as big as the man himself.

You can even listen to it live on the web right here: http://www.shore104.com.

Free The Music: New Downloads from Burning Borders and Quartered

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-31T22:12:03-08:00

In our continued pursuit to Free The Music, we have just added three new albums to our Free Downloads page for you to enjoy!

The debut album from Burning Borders, the debut album from Quartered, and last year's EP form Quartered.

Free Downloads, no strings attached.
Grab It. Love It. Share It!

If you dig the tunes, support the bands however you can by sharing the music with your friends, calling radio stations asking for airplay, buying their stuff on iTunes, or grabbing a CD or a T-Shirt. Your support keeps the music coming!

Get Thorny 2 Featured Artist Podcast: Columbia

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-28T14:50:29-08:00

For the next 17 weeks we'll be featuring all of the artists who appear on our brand new Get Thorny 2 free album download (available here).

To kick off our first week of features, here's an interview podcast with Kevin Schallie, singer/songwriter for the band Columbia.

MP3: COLUMBIA - 10 Out Of 10

Their new single 10 Out Of 10 (posted above) has just been delivered to Canadian Radio, so request it at your favourite station today!

The band is embarking on a cross-country Canadian Tour in March, so keep your eyes peeled to their website for tour dates in a town near you.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW HERE:
MP3 Podcast: An Interview with Kevin Schallie from Columbia (to Download and Save to your library or desktop, right click and “Save Link As”)

(photo courtesy of Ashley Perry Photography)

Uncharted Waves Spotlight

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-16T13:54:05-08:00

The Uncharted Waves radio show at SUNY College At Old Westbury (OWWR campus radio) in New York just did a massive feature on Thorny Bleeder Records and our recently released free album download Get Thorny 2. We can't thank them enough for the huge show of support and for digging the music we're putting out!

They were kind of enough to upload the episode to their blog as a downloadable podcast, which we're now passing over to you. Listen to it or download the file below. It's almost two hours long, so download it to your iPod and listen to it while you're sitting in transit or just play it over the stereo while you're cleaning house or cooking dinner!

Listen or Download Here:

MP3 Podcast: Uncharted Waves, Episode 36
(to Download and Save to your library or desktop, right click and “Save Link As”)

Free The Music: 3 More Albums Released For Free

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-15T13:10:52-08:00

While many in the music industry may call us crazy, we like to think of ourselves as forward thinkers embracing a new reality. Our goal, our responsibility...is to have our music heard by the world.

Let's face it, there's no shortage of music to listen to these days. In fact, it can be quite overwhelming. But what good does music do any of us if it's locked in an online vault where you have no chance of discovering it?

Podcast: Interview with Ross Neilsen

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-14T20:54:14-08:00

Ross Neilsen and The Sufferin' Bastards are in Mississippi right now, recording their next album for Thorny Bleeder Records with Cody Dickinson (drummer for North Mississippi Allstars) at the famed Zebra Studios.

Check out this 15 min. chat I just had with Ross where he tells us all about his adventures down South and what we can expect with his upcoming album.

LISTEN HERE:

MP3 Podcast: An Interview with Ross Neilsen (to Download and Save to your library or desktop, right click and “Save Link As”)

Explore Music: TV Heart Attack 'Wolves'

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-08T18:32:04-08:00

For the second time in just two months, Canada's most respected radio DJ, Alan Cross, has featured TV Heart Attack. The buzz just won't stop for these guys and 2010 is promising to be the best year yet for this four-piece.

Their hauntingly beautiful Wolves is the Indie Track Of The Day on the Explore Music website. Check out the feature here...

Podcast: Interview with Jason from TV Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-07T15:34:57-08:00

Welcome to our second audio podcast! Today's episode is an exclusive one-on-one interview between Jason Corbett from TV Heart Attack and Brian Thompson from Thorny Bleeder Records.

We’ll be featuring new interviews each and every week, so sign up for our email alerts (in the right hand column) or subscribe to our RSS Feed so you don't miss out on any of the action.

And don't forget that you can download the latest TV Heart Attack single AO from our brand spanking new Get Thorny 2 free album download! Not strings attached, just click on our Free Downloads tab and start your download now!

MP3 Podcast: An Interview with Jason Corbett
(to Download and Save to your library or desktop, right click and “Save Link As”)

New FREE THE MUSIC Merch Store

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-07T15:36:22-08:00

We have a brand new section on our website and it's the Official FREE THE MUSIC Merch Store!

You asked, we delivered.

Sorry we didn't make it in time for your Xmas gift, but now you can exchange that cheesy sweater and get what you really wanted (just don't tell mom what you did).

VISIT THE STORE

We need your feedback so let us know what you think. We'll be adding a ton of new designs in the near future, so make sure you let us know what style and design you like the best!

So what do we mean by Free The Music?

Get Thorny and find out!

Need a New Bio, Website, or Social Media Help?

Brian Thompson — 2010-01-05T10:57:13-08:00

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!

Now Available: Free Album Download - Get Thorny 2

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-30T14:48:11-08:00

It’s The Bleeder Blog’s One Year Anniversary!

Yup, this blog and website has been up and running for a full year now, so it’s time to celebrate with some free new music, woohoo!

When we launched The Bleeder Blog in December 2008, we did it alongside a free album download, titled Get Thorny. It featured sixteen tracks by sixteen up and coming independent artists, and the response was overwhelming. In the past year we’ve had thousands and thousands of music fans from all over the world download the compilation and fall in love with some new artists which they probably would never of had the chance of hearing before.

So now we’re doing it again with Get Thorny 2. Seventeen tracks from seventeen amazing independent artists in glorious 320 kbps MP3 high fidelity. Each track has been carefully filtered through our Thorny Bleeder ears to ensure that we pass along nothing but the finest to our listeners...

Top 50 Albums Of The Decade

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-30T13:40:40-08:00

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...

Tonight: K94 Rocks Features Canadian Indies

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-28T13:39:02-08:00

Tune in to www.k94rocks.com on Monday night, from 8-10 pm ET and check out their Canadian Indie band special, featuring a couple of our Thorny Bleeder artists.

Thorny Bleeder Records Releases The Rebellion

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-28T13:39:04-08:00

MP3: The Rebellion - Dr. Don't

On Tuesday, December 29, Thorny Bleeder Records releases Time, the remixed and remastered debut album from The Rebellion. The album features the first single Dr. Don’t.

To some, Josh Palmer may look familiar to you. Palmer is a former Canadian Idol contestant from 2005. In just over a decade, Palmer has gone from child prodigy to Canadian celebrity. He toured across the nation from coast to coast by the time he was 17, released independent solo albums, and was watched by 3.5 million people each week on Canadian Idol. But after leaving the Canadian Idol stage, Palmer was frustrated with not being able to showcase himself as a real artist.

Rather than continue on the course of doing another solo album, Palmer decided it was time to start a new band. He recruited Romanian multi-instrumentalist Silviu Moldovan on guitar, Congolese percussionist Christian Kongawi on drums, and Ryan Schultz on bass.

Episode 5: The Bleeder Blog Video Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-18T15:19:01-08:00

Episode #5 of The Bleeder Blog Video Podcast is now posted on our YouTube Channel, or watch it here...

Help Send Ross Neilsen To Mississippi

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-18T11:41:58-08:00

Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin Bastards are an old school band in many ways, but they ain’t-yo-grand-daddies-kinda blues. The boys are coming off their 3rd cross Canada tour, hoisting a nomination for 'Best New Group' at this years Maple Blues Awards, and they need your help this Xmas.

They're hosting an online bottle drive to cover the $12,000 cost of heading to Zebra Ranch studios in Mississippi to record with producer, Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi All-Stars, Hill Country Review).

Donate the proceeds from your 'empties' at www.rossneilsen.com this holiday season and keep the blues alive!

Episode 4: The Bleeder Blog Video Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-09T14:00:29-08:00

Episode #4 of The Bleeder Blog Video Podcast is now posted on our YouTube Channel...

In this episode the mysterious TV Heart Attack “QR Code” Campaign is finally revealed.

Ambient/Electronica Fan? Check out Balligomingo

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-09T10:46:08-08:00

MP3: Balligomingo - Over You

I’ve recently starting doing a little bit of work for a group called Balligomingo. Check out the track above, if you’re into the smooth electronica influenced sounds of Delerium, Deep Forest, Sacred Spirit, or even Moby, this is definitely something that will be right up your alley.

TBR in the News

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-08T19:57:57-08:00

The CanWest News Service sent out their weekly music column to their newspapers today which included some tasty Thorny Bleeder tidbits, including news briefs on Art Of Dying and buzz-band Columbia.

Check out the article as originally printed in The Province newspaper...

Exclusive: The Bleeder Blog Interview with Jonny from Art Of Dying

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-07T20:40:43-08:00

I have a special treat for everyone today, an exclusive one-on-one interview with my good friend and business partner, Jonny Hetherington, from the band Art Of Dying.

We chat about Art Of Dying’s recent signing to Warner/Reprise Records, his time in LA while recording with producer Howard Benson, tips and advice on artist development, Thorny Bleeder Records, and the importance of building a smart business team around you.

The interview is 34 minutes long (33MB), so you might want to save it and listen to it on your iPod while you’re stuck in traffic or sitting on the bus...OR...just listen to it right here!

MP3: The Bleeder Blog Podcast: An Interview with Jonny Hetherington
(to Save to your library or desktop, right click and “Save Link As”)

Episode 3: The Bleeder Blog Video Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-07T16:25:30-08:00

Episode #3 of The Bleeder Blog Video Podcast is now posted on our YouTube Channel...

Episode 2: The Bleeder Blog Video Podcast

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-04T13:50:15-08:00

Less than a day later after launching the debut episode and I've already cranked out Episode 2 of the new Bleeder Blog Video Podcast...I'm on a roll baby! Check out the video below the latest news and happenings in the world of Thorny Bleeder Records.

Thorny Bleeder Records Partners With Insider Films

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-04T13:27:11-08:00

Thorny Bleeder Records is pleased to announce a new partnership with Insider Films, Canada's premier music video production company. This new partnership simply means that we're going to help connect their creative directors and producers with new artists, and vice versa.

So if you're an artist and are in need of some video content...and who isn't...drop me a line and I'll be happy to help you with more information and get the ball rolling.

Check out the video compilation below for a breif glimpse at some of the many clips from their vast repertoire of amazing music productions.

The Bleeder Blog Video Podcast: Debut Episode!

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-03T17:22:52-08:00

So here it is, the debut episode of The Bleeder Blog Video Podcast.

This is something I've wanted to do for quite awhile, but always seemed to put it off for one reason or another. But no more procrastinating.

Watch the video below and leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you...

After the video you'll find a number of web links to things I talk about in the video.

This Is My Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-01T12:31:52-08:00

Want to know more about TV Heart Attack? Check out this great little video for a behind-the-scenes story, directly from the band themselves...

Art Of Dying Signs Worldwide Deal

Brian Thompson — 2009-12-01T07:44:24-08:00

Canadian hard rockers Art of Dying have signed a worldwide recording contract with Reprise Records/Intoxication Records under the wing of multi-platinum selling band Disturbed.

"We couldn't be more excited about joining the Warner family and we're so proud to be the first signing to Intoxication Records" (The label started by Dan Donegan and David Draiman of Disturbed), says Art of Dying vocalist Jonny Hetherington.

Art of Dying is currently in Los Angeles putting the finishing touches on their worldwide debut with producer Howard Benson.

"Signing this deal and making a record with Howard has been a dream come true" says Hetherington. "We have the best fans in the world and they've helped us get here... This record is for them!"

See the official press release below:
_________________________________

For Immediate Release

REPRISE RECORDS SIGNS VANCOUVER HARD ROCK BAND ART OF DYING

Black Hat Villain is Coming...

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-26T17:53:55-08:00

Black Hat Villain went over to Vancouver on Monday, Nov. 23rd & came back with a management deal & a Mike Fraser mix of one of our favorite songs, My Generation. Here are the details:

MANAGEMENT!!!

Black Hat Villain are extremely excited to announce our friend & music industry veteran, Brian Thompson from Thorny Bleeder Records, as our Manager!

Brian's established relationships with some of the music industries top players, coupled with his passion for Black Hat Villain's music, make him an extremely important asset in BHV's quest for world domination!

TV Heart Attack Release QR Code-Enabled Remix

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-19T00:40:47-08:00

TV Heart Attack have just released a very unique free download on their website. In fact, it's so unique that I've never heard of any other band doing anything like it before.

And it's fucking brilliiant.

I'm not kidding. It's Nine Inch Nails brilliant.

Shift Happens: The Changing Media Landscape

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-18T13:50:37-08:00

This is an official update to the original "Shift Happens" video.

CMJ Artist Spotlight on TV Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-16T19:06:59-08:00

We're chuffed to bits over here at Thorny Bleeder and The Bleeder Blog these days. The goods news just keeps rolling in on a weekly basis for our artists. We just got word this afternoon that CMJ (College Music Journal), the industry bible for emerging artists, has just selected our good friends in TV Heart Attack for this week's CMJ Artist Spotlight.

This has landed the band on the home page of both CMJ.com and Sonicbids.com for the entire week, in addition to putting them in the running for an upcoming artist feature in the printed version of CMJ.

Not only is this exposing the band to a slew of new fans but it's also showcasing the group to key tastemakers in the music industry from booking agents, concert promoters, and radio programmers.

Congrats to TV Heart Attack on their continued success!

PS - the official video for AO is coming soon! We can't wait for everyone to see this mini-masterpiece...

Just Released! Ross Neilsen 'Early Grave'

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-16T19:07:02-08:00

MP3: Ross Neilsen - Back For More

Tuesday, November 17th brings us the official release date for Ross Neilsen and his blistering slab of blues-rawk, the critically acclaimed 'Early Grave' album.

So don't delay and download the album from any digital store, or find it on the shelf of your favourite Canadian music store to hear for yourself what all the buzz is about with this smoking hot blues phenom.

Ross and his band the Sufferin' Bastards are in the middle of yet another national Canadian tour in support of the record, and the momentum just keeps picking up steam with each and every gig they play.

NEW Radio Interview With Art Of Dying

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-14T14:15:26-08:00

Tune in to CFOX 99.3 FM on Monday, November 16, between 3-5 PM Pacific to hear a brand new interview with Jonny from Art Of Dying and DJ extraordinaire Todd Hancock.

Excitement is building up around Art Of Dying thanks to Get Thru This being the theme song for the upcoming WWE: Survivor Series. Check out the new trailer below that's now being pumped up in anticipation for the big event...

The Bleeder Blog Joins Mog Music Network

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-13T22:21:19-08:00

Hey guess what? The Bleeder Blog has just joined The MOG Music Network!

If you haven't heard of MOG before, it's a social community that combines the Top 300 music blogs from around the internet, all in one place. They have millions of visitors every month and are rated as one of the Top 10 most visited music sites on the web.

Buzz Band Columbia Release Album via The Pirate Party

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-18T09:42:03-08:00

It's a wet and depressing West Coast kind of day over here in Vancouver, pretty typical for November. So I'm sitting here sipping away on my third mug of coffee and thinking to myself, "What could we do at Thorny Bleeder Records to help brighten up everyone's day a little and spread some love on this dark and dreary day?"

And then it hit me...Free Music!

So I quickly got in touch with Kevin Schallie, singer for buzz band Columbia, who just happen to be one of the bands I'm managing. "Dude. Free music. Let's put your album out there for the whole world to listen to man...are you in?"

"Dude! Thumbs up man! Free the music and the fans will follow!"

New Music Featured On Web Series 'The Vetala'

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-13T11:37:02-08:00

Today, Friday the 13th, marks the official launch of a really cool new web series called The Vetala. It's a supernatural thriller about a hostile, conflicted spirit from the pages of Sanskrit mythology, and the succession of people it travels through.

The first three episodes of The Vetala are now online at www.thevetala.com. Check them out, I think you'll be impressed. Sign up for updates and join them on Facebook for news, production pics, credits, etc. Future episodes will follow on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout November & December.

So why am I talking about it here on The Bleeder Blog? Well, it happens to feature some new music from Art Of Dying and a new solo track from Jonny Hetherington.

My Solution To Save The Music Industry

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-13T11:37:05-08:00

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...

Shore 104 FM Adds Scott Valentine Track

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-12T19:01:25-08:00

Breaking Thorny Bleeder news: Shore 104 FM in Vancouver has just added the amazing track 'Forgotten' by Scott Valentine Presents into daily rotation!

Vancouver's newest music station focusses on Roots, Rock & Rhytm and is a much needed breath of fresh air in the local music scene.

So now we're putting a call out to all of the Scott Valentine Presents fans to send Shore 104 your feedback via telephone, email, Facebook, or Twitter. Your positive feedback can help get take this song to the next level. Together we can make Scott Valentine the next big buzz to come out of the amazing Vancouver music scene...

Contact Shore 104 FM
Phone: (604) 280-104
Email: heydude@shore104.com

Columbia Tour Video Blogs

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-09T11:53:14-08:00

In case you're not following Thorny Bleeder on Twitter or Facebook (shame on you), you've probably missed out on a few things you'd really dig.

For example, check out these brand new tour video blogs from Columbia as they tour down the West Coast of America...

Global Treaty Could Throw Filesharers Off Internet

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-06T12:54:40-08:00

"Leaked details of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement being negotiated in secret by most of the world's largest economies suggest Internet file-sharers could be blocked from accessing the Internet if they are repeatedly accused of sharing copyrighted material, say media and digital-rights watchdogs."

(Source: http://rawstory.com/2009/11/global-treaty-three-strikes/)

This is wrong. So very, very wrong. And this is why I'm...

WWE Theme Song by Art Of Dying

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-02T10:43:47-08:00

We've seen Art Of Dying's career develop quite organically over the past few years, which is exactly what an artist needs to do these days. If you become a huge hit right out of the box, the chances are stacked against you that you'll fade into obscurity just as quickly.

But with Art Of Dying, things have always developed on a very natural path, earning new fans one at a time. And now, the next step in the evolution of the band and their growing audience...an official WWE theme song! What more could a rock band want? Well, besides being on Guitar Hero of course.

Check out the official WWE site here: http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/

And if you're into some WWE action, make sure we check out this special event:

Envy for Borders

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-31T11:07:52-07:00

Yesterday's Gone is the title of the new album from local modern-rock quintet Burning Borders, which celebrates with a Halloween-night gig at Envy in North Delta (the club formerly known as Cheers).

Columbia Kicks Off US Tour On Hallow's Eve

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-31T11:07:58-07:00

Fans will have the opportunity to see Columbia at the intimate Tom Lee Mega Store in Vancouver B.C. on October 31st, with a massive costume contest, prizing give away, and Indie Battle of the Bands® competition. Columbia, who headline the event, will play this one last Canadian date before hitting the U.S. on tour.

Ross Neilsen Nominated For Maple Blues Award

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-31T11:08:01-07:00

Our Halloween hearts are filled with pride as we announce that Ross Neilsen has just been nominated as Best New Artist for a Maple Blues Award. We couldn't agree more with the nomination as Ross Neilsen and his Sufferin' Bastards are without a doubt one of the hardest working blues acts in this country, playing upwards of 200 self-booked shows a year.

To read Ross's take on the nomination, visit his Global Domination Blog here: http://rossneilsen.blogspot.com/2009/10/maple-blues-nomination.html

This nomination couldn't come at a better time as we here at Thorny Bleeder Records will be officially releasing the amazing Ross Neilsen album, Early Grave, on November 17, worldwide.

One Tweet Is All It Takes

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-27T10:22:13-07:00

Check this out, One Tweet Is All It Takes!

http://twitter.com/thornybleeder/status/5205607250

Give us two seconds of your time and we'll reward you with a free gift of music! Share the music with your friends and spread the love...

Behind The Scenes With TV Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-27T08:50:19-07:00

TV Heart Attack teams up with Greendale Productions to shoot the official music video for their single AO, from their newly released album Lost In The Sway. This is an exclusive behind the scenes look at what went on, with your host...Art Guest!

Live & Acoustic: TV Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-21T08:56:11-07:00

Columbia Signs Management Deal

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-17T10:14:15-07:00

Listen:
MP3: COLUMBIA - 10 OUT OF 10
MP3: COLUMBIA - TAKE ME
MP3: COLUMBIA- MOTOR RIDE

While this hasn't been the best kept secret and many of you have already noticed a few hints scattered around online here and there....it's now officially official. The ink is dry and the deal is done. Columbia just signed a management deal with Brian Thompson of Thorny Bleeder Records.

Welcome to the family boys!

We're so incredibly stoked to have Columbia join our unique collective of artists. By adding yet another one of Canada's top indie acts to our roster, Thorny Bleeder Records continues to make a profound impact on the independent scene...and our voices are being heard!

Winners Announced!

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-15T12:35:27-07:00

Without further adieu, the winners of the TV Heart Attack CD Contest are:

TV Heart Attack: Guerilla Marketing 101

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-12T11:49:34-07:00

See the video below and watch Art from TV Heart Attack take to the streets of VanCity to promote their new record 'Lost in the Sway'.

Featuring multiple 40ft. videos projected onto the sides of prominent buildings in busy downtown Vancouver, Art gives us a lesson in Guerilla Marketing 101.

The Death Of A Scene: The Cobalt Closes

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-12T11:04:26-07:00

After smashing heads and melting faces for nearly a decade, Vancouver's hardcore bar shut its doors on October 1, 2009. A sad day in the underground punk & metal scene. A big huge kudos to Wendy 13 for everything she's done for the Vancouver underground, let's hope she finds herself a solid new venue to call home sometime soon.

10 Ways To Make The Most Out Of Social Media

Brian Thompson — 2009-11-17T19:47:22-08:00

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?

UpVenue.com Interviews Scott Valentine

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-05T11:00:32-07:00

Music blog UpVenue.com just posted a brand new interview with indie acoustic, singer/songwriter Scott Valentine.
This is a really great interview that dives deep into what makes Valentine tick.

Check it out here:

http://www.upvenue.com/music-news/blog-headline/1101/scott-valentine-interview.html

TV Heart Attack LIVE

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-03T20:53:33-07:00

TV HEART ATTACK
LIVE AT THE PEAK PERFORMANCE SERIES

MP3: TV HEART ATTACK - AO

Thursday October 15th
The Cellar
Vancouver, BC

Burning Borders Fall Tour

Brian Thompson — 2009-10-03T20:52:42-07:00

BURNING BORDERS
YESTERDAY'S GONE FALL TOUR
BC and Alberta

MP3: Burning Borders - Leading

Interview with Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-29T13:38:41-07:00

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?

Pirate Party Of Canada Gets Thorny

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-27T09:12:30-07:00

As first reported by the Torrent Freak blog, Canada's very own Pirate Party has just launched their very own BitTorrent tracker, code named Captain (CaPT - Canadian Pirate Tracker).

By starting a BitTorrent tracker the Pirates hope to show that BitTorrent and filesharing are not a threat, but a great tool for artists to promote their work.

So as a show of support for the Pirate Party of Canada, Thorny Bleeder Records are proud to announce that our sixteen track, multi-artist Get Thorny compilation is now availalbe for free on their website.

A Rebellion Has Begun!

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-25T16:11:33-07:00

The Rebellion performed at this year's Ness Creek Music Festival in July, and we just received some official live footage of their epic performance.

Check out the video after the jump for The Rebellion performing "Time" from their soon to be released Thorny Bleeder Records debut album, due to hit shelves in early 2010.

Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin' Bastards National Tour

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-24T11:08:17-07:00

MP3: ROSS NEILSEN - BACK FOR MORE

Well it's that time of year again folks. You know, the days get shorter, the nights longer, the leaves are turning, mustaches are growing and rock 'n roll is infecting earpussies in Canada from one coast to another.

Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin' Bastards are about to embark on their third National Tour in 12 months and all of us at Thorny Bleeder Records are super stoked. We'll be announcing the official worldwide re-release of the studio album Early Grave in the very near future, so keep your eyes on The Bleeder Blog for updates.

This tour will take the three bastards from their home in New Brunswick out to where the Trans Canada ends in the mystical and intoxicating locale of Tofino, and then back home again.

Check out the dates below and get yer sweet little asses out to a show, and don't forget to tell a friend. Other dates will be added soon so keep checking back...

Ghosts In The Machine

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-22T15:03:18-07:00

Our website was down for the past couple of days, including our email server...sorry folks! We found some ghosts in the machine that were wreaking havoc on our internet tubes.

But we're back up and running at full steam as if nothing happened, so all is good!

If you tried emailing any of us in the past few days, we didn't get your message so please resend it.

Cool? Cool.

Ok, now where were we....?

LIVE Interview On Woody Radio MONDAY NIGHT

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-13T20:12:30-07:00

Woody Radio will be doing a big feature on Thorny Bleeder Records on Monday night!

DJ Boz will be spinning tons of tunes from our artists and he'll also be interviewing me, Brian Thompson, Managing Partner at Thorny Bleeder.

Tune in live to the Woody Radio website to participate in a live chat with other listeners.

Monday, Sept. 14
6 PM Pacific / 9 PM Eastern
http://www.woodyradio.com
(You can also find Woody Radio on iTunes under Hard Rock/Metal on the Radio toolbar.)

I hope you have a chance to tune in! If you do, send us your comments and feedback...we always love hearing from you!

Need A New Release Album Guide?

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-13T20:10:32-07:00

I just wanted to pass along a great resource for all of you music loving Canadians, the Tuesday Guide at www.tuesdayguide.com.

This site lists all of the key new releases each and every week, along with streaming MP3's and other little tidbits about each album.

If you like staying on top of the latest in new music hitting the record store shelves and iTunes each week, you gotta' keep your eye on this site...

ENTER TO WIN A TV Heart Attack CD

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-10T18:28:28-07:00

Enter To Win
the brand new
TV Heart Attack CD!

Rules:
1. Share this video on your Facebook page.

2. Join the Thorny Bleeder Records Fan Page here.

3. Leave a comment on our Facebook Fan Page saying "AO!"

Draw Date: Oct. 10th
** 5 Random Winners will be drawn from all entrants and will be contacted for their mailing address to receive their prize. **

Good luck!

TV Heart Attack - AO Teaser Video

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-10T15:27:39-07:00

Request 'AO'
by TV HEART ATTACK
at your favourite radio station today!

Coming Soon...

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-09T23:27:36-07:00

How To Make Successful YouTube Videos

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-04T11:18:10-07:00

I had a conversation with someone this morning about how to create successful viral vidoes for your band, so I figured I might as well share my thougths with everyone on The Bleeder Blog since it's something that most artists can improve upon.

In a world of expensive marketing and promotion campaigns, creating online video content for your band is a no brainer. It's inexpensive, quick and easy, and more often than not it leads to a source of discovery for new fans.

New Releases Available Today

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-01T17:46:29-07:00

It's New Release Day here at Thorny Bleeder Records!

We're super proud to deliver two amazing new releases to the world today:

TV Heart Attack "Lost In The Sway"

Burning Borders "Yesterday's Gone"

Both releases are available in stores everywhere across Canada, so if you don't see it on the shelf request it or special order it.

And for the rest of the world, both albums are available at all digital download stores including iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Amie Street, Rhapsody, Napster, LaLa, Shockhound, IMVU, and the Limewire Store.

District 9 Director Works with Art Of Dying

Brian Thompson — 2009-08-25T20:13:05-07:00

Before Art Of Dying was Art Of Dying, they were known as Sunlikestar.

And before Neill Blomkamp was known as the brilliant new director behind the summer blockbuster District 9, he directed a music video for the song Day Survive by Sunlikestar.

Check out the video below for a glimpse at the roots of where Blomkamp and Art Of Dying got their start...

Random, Entertaining Interview with TV Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2009-08-25T20:12:49-07:00

Check out the following link for a "random, entertaining" interview with TV Heart Attack on music site UpVenue. The hilarious interview is poster here.

And don't forget, the brand new TV Heart Attack EP, Lost In The Sway, is available September 1st.

Art Of Dying Invades Local Radio Station

Brian Thompson — 2009-08-18T16:19:58-07:00

All five members of Art Of Dying will be on air at The Fox, CFOX 99.3 FM in Vancouver, tomorrow at 6 PM Pacific. Tune in to hear the interview plus a live acoustic performance.

It's sure to be a hilarious piece of radio as these guys are never ones to be quiet and shy. Listen live on the internet at the following link: http://www.cfox.com.

I'll be heading down to the radio station with my iPhone in hand, tweeting live videos, photos and updates as the craziness takes place. So if you're not following Thorny Bleeder Records on Twitter yet, now's your chance to see some exclusive content, as it happens.

Follow us @thornybleeder and don't forget to follow @artofdying as well. Jonny from Art Of Dying posts exclusive photos on a daily basis that you won't get to see anywhere else.

Persistence Leads To Success

Brian Thompson — 2009-09-23T14:00:35-07:00

As an artist you are just like any other entrepreneur, hoping that your passion and talent will lead to a sustaining career. But as with any entrepreneur, simply having a great product isn't enough.

How will people hear of what you have to offer? How will you develop a buzz around your music?

Creating a solid business and marketing plan with a clearly defined goal is the first step. But as you work through your plan and make all of the necessary calls, you'll undoubtedly be confronted with many closed doors and unanswered emails. This is where the majority of bands falter and begin to lose their way. They give up far too early and aren't prepared for the countless hours of working the finished product...your album.

So what sets successful artists and entrepreneurs apart from the rest of the pack? Persistence and perseverance. It may sound like an overused cliche, but it's the truth: Persistence leads to success.

Hapa-Ning.com > Music Spotlight on Thorny Bleeder

Brian Thompson — 2009-08-13T21:13:10-07:00

We just got featured on Hapa-Ning.com, Vancouver's Restaurants, Bars, Clubs & Music Guide. We're going to be featuring Thorny Bleeder artists on their site on a regular basis, so make sure you bookmark their site or subscribe to their feed.

Check out the article on TBR at the following link:

http://hapa-ning.com/2009/08/13/music-spotlight-vancouvers-thorny-bleeder-records/

Thorny Bleeder Update: August Oh-Nine

Brian Thompson — 2009-08-12T15:48:18-07:00

I just updated the Artist Pages on our website. Check them out, there's a new page for each artist on our roster. It's just a start for what will eventually include tour dates, photos, videos, and more little tidbits from each artist..

Us Thorny Bleeder's are getting super excited for the two albums we're about to release worldwide on September 1st; TV Heart Attack "Lost In The Sway EP" and Burning Borders "Yesterday's Gone". We can't wait to share this incredible new music with everyone!

If you want to help us and the bands out, call your local radio station and request their current singles (TV Heart Attack "AO" and Burning Borders "Leading")...every phone call makes a difference, you wouldn't believe how tough it is to get on the radio these days when you're an independent.

More website changes are coming down the pipe within the next month or two as well, including a brand new Thorny Bleeder Store. Yeehaw!

What else is happening? Well, Art Of Dying is getting ready to...

TV Heart Attack: AO Video Shoot

Brian Thompson — 2009-08-06T17:21:05-07:00

In a band? Need a Tour Van?

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-31T08:38:08-07:00

2003 E 350 XLT
15 Passenger Van

$13,900 (Vancouver)

This 15 Passenger van is in excellent condition, perfect for touring North America with maintenance and servicing up to date.

It's a 15 passenger E-350 Club Wagon with 160,000kms. It has power windows, power locks, air conditioning, power driver seat, CD player, tow hitch and more.

Winter tires also available for sale with the van.

Please contact:
brian@thornybleeder.com

Burning Borders Being Blogged

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-31T00:13:51-07:00

Vancouver hard rock act Burning Borders have been getting some blog love lately, in anticipation of their upcoming album Yesterday's Gone, available everywhere September 1.

Our good friends at Pure Grain Audio and TuneLab Music have just posted a couple of teasers at the following sites:

Pure Grain Audio

TuneLab Music

The first single Leading is at radio stations now across Canada. So if you wanna help us out, call in and request it.

A Western Canadian Tour is being booked as we speak, so keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming tour announcement real soon.

Listen to the new single here:
MP3: Burning Borders - Leading

Featured Artist: Chris Witoski

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-27T10:46:46-07:00

Chris Witoski has been performing on stages world wide for the majority of his musical career as vocalist/guitarist for the group Splitract, and as former guitarist/back up vocalist with Art Of Dying. He's shared stages with some of rocks most well know acts, including Seether, Staind, My Chemical Romance, Tool, Theory of a Deadman and Papa Roach.

In 2008 Witoski decided to pursue his own creative avenues and began recording his sophmore solo release. Witoski's single "Chance" was featured on 99.3 The Fox in 2008 and gained him recognition as one of the top twenty finalists on that year's Fox Seeds program.

Fast forward one year and countless hours spent in the recording studio and the first single from his upcoming album is now officially released; the fantastic, laid back, summertime vibe, acoustic track, “Shine”.

Over The Coals Will Kill You

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-25T13:01:01-07:00

Vancouver's premier metal outfit Over The Coals have just launched a brand new website in anticipation of the upcoming worldwide re-release of their album, Closed Eyes At Sunrise.

Visit OTC at their new online: www.OverTheCoalsWillKillYou.com.

Shows Announced: Vancouver Island in August

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-23T22:46:50-07:00

RUINED ENTERTAINMENT
&
THORNY BLEEDER RECORDS PRESENT:

OVER THE COALS
BURNING BORDERS
BLACK HAT VILLAIN

VICTORIA: AUGUST 21: SUGAR NIGHTCLUB
*update, this show has been cancelled*

NANAIMO: AUGUST 22: SPICE NIGHTCLUB
* this show is still on! *

JOIN THE EVENT ON FACEBOOK HERE

Black Hat Villain Post New Songs

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-23T09:46:08-07:00

Black Hat Villain have just posted six new pre-production, rough cut recordings on their MySpace page from their current studio work with Adam Sutherland at the controls (from 604 Records' Armchair Cynics).

Listen to the rough versions of their new songs here:
http://www.myspace.com/blackhatvillain

Black Hat Villain will be performing at the following dates on Vancouver Island, with more shows being added soon:

August 15 - Station House Pub - Langford, BC (with Armchair Cynics)

August 21 - Sugar Nightclub - Victoria, BC (with Burning Borders and Over The Coals)

August 22 - Spice Nightclub - Nanaimo, BC (with Burning Borders and Over The Coals)

Visit BHV's online home at:
http://www.blackhatvillain.com

New Art Of Dying Interview with UpVenue

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-16T12:01:49-07:00

Music blob UpVenue has just posted a brand new interview with Jonny from Art Of Dying. Read the interview at this link.

And don't forget to check out the brand new Official Art Of Dying iPhone App available from the iTunes App Store here.

Moral Decay: Dave Wenger RIP

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-15T20:39:28-07:00

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.

Moral Decay: A Lost Relic From My Youth

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-14T12:49:53-07:00

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.

Black Hat Villain: Live Peformance Footage

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-14T11:17:35-07:00

Black Hat Villain have just posted seven new live performance videos from their recent show at Sugar Nightclub in Victoria, BC on Scott Valentine's Vimeo site.

You can check out the videos at this location:
http://vimeo.com/scottvalentine/videos

...or view the videos below, after the jump.

Black Hat Villain are currently in the studio recording their debut EP with new vocalist Scott Valentine. Yes, that's the same Scott Valentine who we talk about frequently on this site, the singer/songwriter who has released the epic 5-disc masterpiece, Seasons. Valentine's solo project differs considerably from his work with Black Hat Villain, they showcase two very different sides to a diverse musical mind.

The MySpace site for Black Hat Villain currently features recordings with their former vocalist, so for the time being these new videos are the only place where you can get a taste of what's to come from this exciting five piece.

Contrast Podcast with Scott Valentine Presents

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-14T09:01:12-07:00

Scott Valentine Presents is featured in the latest episode of The Contrast Podcast, where musicians introduce their songs and have their say about their very own songs.

You can download the podcast directly from this link:
Contrast Podcast

Valentine's song 'Cheerleader' can be found at the 42:43 mark.

What Music Will Define This Generation?

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-10T14:32:19-07:00

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?

Art Of Dying Launches Official iPhone App

Brian Thompson — 2009-07-06T09:57:33-07:00

This is the official Art Of Dying app for the iPhone or iPod Touch and is a must-have for Art Of Dying fans and concert-goers. Keep up to date with Art Of Dying while you're on the go!

TV Heart Attack at 37,000 Feet?

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-30T16:07:44-07:00

TV Heart Attack continues to make waves and turn heads while gearing up for the August 25th release date of their upcoming release, 'Lost In The Sway'. The band was recently selected as a Top 20 finalists in the The PEAK Performance Project, put on by 100.5 The PEAK FM, in Vancouver.

This is BC’s largest musical talent search ever. The PEAK Performance Project is a seven year, $5.29 million plan which intends to move three emerging British Columbia artists annually to a national stage. The project is administered by the Music BC Industry Association and funded by 100.5 The PEAK.

The three PEAK Performers of the Year will share $275,000 in cash for sustained career development. Distribution of the money will be as follows: First place receives $150,000; second place receives $75,000; and third place receives $50,000.

So what's this about TV Heart Attack at 37,000 feet?

This Week's Live Shows in VanGroover

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-30T11:09:44-07:00

If you're in Vancouver this week there's a lot of great live shows you gotta' check out, and it all starts tonight!

Supporting live music keeps the music coming...

Tonight, June 30
Over The Coals
w/ Black Betty
@ The Roxy

Wednesday, July 1
Southern Death Threat
w/ Macula and Sammus Theory
@ Pub 340

Thursday, July 2
TV Heart Attack
w/ Veer Union and Soul Side In
@ Venue (formerly The Plaza Club)

NEW Alice In Chains Song!

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-30T10:30:40-07:00

I'm a huge Alice In Chains fan.

So when my friend Pedwell sent me a tweet with a YouTube link to a new song from their upcoming album, I felt an excitement for music that I haven't had in a very, very long time. And thankfully, I wasn't let down.

The new song "A Looking In View" from their upcoming album "Black Gives Way To Blue", available Sept. 29, can be downloaded from their official site here: http://www.aliceinchains.com/

Heavy, sludgy, dirty guitars. Dark and moody, with William DuVall's vocals being the perfect successor to the late, great Layne Staley.

The vibe that we all loved, remains.

Listen for yourself:

Quartered: In the News

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-19T11:25:48-07:00

The following article is re-posted as it originally appears in the Peace Arch News, at this link.

Rock Group Maturing
By Alex Browne - Peace Arch News

The most recent EP by Quartered, Straight Out The Sandbox, represents a quantum leap forward by a hard-working band.

The music retains all the raw intensity and emotional power of the White Rock-based group’s debut CD, The Falls Of Autumn, but has acquired additional polish, tight musicianship and a new and convincing sophistication in production.

There is also the band’s same capacity to surprise, and capitalize on their many musical influences to create music that defies the usual expectations of metal-tinged rock.

Burning Borders: New Release August 25

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-18T12:49:32-07:00

Burning Borders and Thorny Bleeder Records are proud to announce that their new release 'Yesterday's Gone' will officially be released worldwide on Tuesday, August 25.

Request 'LEADING'
by BURNING BORDERS
at your favourite radio station today!

NEW Burning Borders - Leading

TV Heart Attack: New Release August 25

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-18T12:48:23-07:00

TV Heart Attack and Thorny Bleeder Records are proud to announce that their new release 'Lost In The Sway' will officially be released worldwide on Tuesday, August 25.

Request 'A O'
by TV HEART ATTACK
at your favourite radio station today!

NEW TV HEART ATTACK - A O

The Rebellion REMIX "Start Us Over"

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-18T13:57:04-07:00

The Rebellion have teamed up with FACTOR for a fresh remix of their track "Start Us Over".

Click the link below to listen to the mp3...

The Rebellion - Start Us Over (FACTOR Remix)

Scott Valentine: Free Song #13 - "Little Black Book"

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-18T11:42:12-07:00

Scott Valentine Presents continues his Free Song A Week For A Year with 'Little Black Book', available now on his website.

Sign up to his mailing list and you'll not only receive a free song every Tuesday in your email, but you can also go to the Free Song Archive on his site and download all of the songs you've previously missed! Nice.

If you like Valentine's music and want to support what he's doing, please visit his online store and order a copy of his beautifully packaged, 5-disc album, or a t-shirt, or a tote bag.

And lastly...

Request 'FORGOTTEN'
by SCOTT VALENTINE PRESENTS
at your favourite radio station today!

NEW SCOTT VALENTINE - FORGOTTEN

Video: Death of The Rock Critic?

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-18T09:33:39-07:00

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...

The Online Artist Report Card

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-17T08:48:38-07:00

Some of the things I discover online are far too important to just send a quick little tweet about, and this is one of them. In today's world of Web 2.0 and the development of independent artists, what you do in the online world is quite possibly the single most important aspect of your career.

Are you hunkering down at the computer every day, connecting with fans or trying to find new ones? Are you easy to find online? Is there enough interesting content about your band to keep fans interested and excited about what you're doing?

I found this Online Artist Report Card on the music marketing and social media blog Way Cool Jnr at this link, which was originally developed from Native Digital.

So if you're pursuing a career in music, take the following quiz and see how you measure up with 'Social Media Marketing'.

Neilsen's Obsession Good For Fans

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-16T16:33:06-07:00

Ross Neilsen continues to generate lots of press across the country, thanks in large part to his non-stop touring from coast to coast, and to his relentless work ethic.

Today's latest press on Neilsen rolls in from New Brunswick, care of The Daily Gleaner. I've reprinted the article below, as it originally appeared at this link.

Band to Watch: Black Hat Villain

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-15T13:44:54-07:00

I just got back from Victoria (on Vancouver Island) yesterday, after going to check out the newly re-launched Black Hat Villain, which now features Scott Valentine on vocals. While this was only their second live performance with their new lineup, you'd never guess it judging by how unbelievably solid these guys are. 'Pro' is an understatement. These guys are ready to go and I won't be surprised if they have major labels knocking on their door very soon.

Show Success Before Asking For Help

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-11T12:17:49-07:00

Regardless of how everyone is probably sick of hearing all the press and buzz about Twitter, myself included, I continue to use it daily to spread music industry related news and articles, free mp3's, and tips for music marketing and promotion. To the uninitiated, Twitter is an over-hyped, social web-thingy that doesn't really make any sense. But if you give it a chance, and 'follow' the right people with similar interests, you'll find a wealth of information and knowledge that would otherwise be lost.

Here's an example of the type of thing I send out on Twitter: http://sivers.org/success-first

Top 5 Touring Tips for Artists

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-08T09:16:32-07:00

Martin Atkins, drummer from Public Image, Killing Joke and Nine Inch Nails wrote a book called Tour Smart. A video was just posted online at New Music Strategies where Andrew Dubber gives him a quick interview and he shares some touring tips with everyone.

See the video interview below, followed by another video of Martin Atkins talking about his book:

Video: Art Of Dying's Tavis Stanley on E! Online

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-07T20:56:58-07:00

In a recent episode, E! News Weekend named Nicole Arbour and her "beau" Tavis Stanley, of rock band Art of Dying, "Canada's Coolest Couple" in the half hour "Cool Canada" special where E! followed the famous couple on a winter vacation in cottage country.

View the E! video with Tavis Stanley and Nicole Arbour here:

Metadata And The Name Of Your Band

Brian Thompson — 2009-08-05T16:46:26-07:00

There's a new, major label Canadian band that just popped up recently, a product of Universal Music Canada and Much Music's "reality show" disBAND, and they're called Stereos. Their name actually sounds kinda cool. It's almost daring, to boldly name yourself after such an archetypical item of pop culture is risky.

Personally, I can't stand the band. Their music makes me angry. They're a young, hipster, tattooed band in skinny jeans and dayglo t-shirts that tries to look rock, yet they sing with a digital vocoder/auto-tuner thing, not unlike all of the poppy hip-hoppers. You know, that damn voice modulation thing, that dreadful device originally brought upon us by Cher (you know the song I'm talking about).

But the point of this post isn't to bash their music or their style (I'll save that for another post). The point I want to bring up and discuss is their name, Stereos, and whether it's a wise choice considering the time we're in, the age of Web 3.0?

Thorny Bleeder Records Signs Quartered

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-08T10:05:59-07:00

Thorny Bleeder Records is pleased to announce the signing of Vancouver band Quartered.

Quartered are currently in writing sessions and are shopping for a producer for their upcoming Thorny Bleeder debut album, due out in Spring 2010.

Click below to listen to "Brother" by Quartered, which is available on our Get Thorny free album download.

Quartered - Brother

A Unique Parallel: Craft Brewers And Indie Labels

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-10T10:36:31-07:00

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...

Ross Neilsen To Record With Acclaimed Producer Jim Dickinson

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-09T20:02:08-07:00

East Coast blues artist Ross Neilsen is putting plans in place for his next studio album, to be recorded early in 2010, and has just confirmed that the album will be recorded at Zebra Ranch with acclaimed producer Jim Dickinson, father of Luther and Cody of three-time Grammy nominated North Mississippi All Stars.

Among many other production and performance credits, Dickinson recorded "Wild Horses" with the Rolling Stones in 1969 for their album 'Sticky Fingers'. He also played on Bob Dylan's 'Time Out Of Mind', 1998's Grammy winning Record of the Year.

In The News: Art Of Dying, Peterborough Examiner

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-05T08:54:17-07:00

The following article is posted as it originally appears in the Peterborough Examiner

Art of Dying at Moho

Posted By KRISTIAN PARTINGTON, SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER

In the world of rock music, the small town of Norwood carries a big punch. It's a place that breeds a core of musicians eager to spread their art into the wider world and in a business that's cutthroat, at best, they're leaving their mark.

The latest group is Art of Dying, a five-piece band whose name inspires something dark or sinister, but whose members are anything but. These guys are fuelled by a passion for music and a love of all things beautiful in life.

Ross Neilsen LIVE on CBC Radio, June 6

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-03T09:32:01-07:00

Ross Neilsen - Back For More

ATLANTIC AIRWAVES:
Saturday afternoons at 5:05 p.m.

LIVE Art Of Dying Video: June 2, Ottawa

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-03T09:26:06-07:00

More live Art Of Dying video is surfacing on the web each and every day, thanks to their big Canadian tour with Disturbed.

The video below is courtesy of our good friend Claudia in Montreal, from Live 'N Loud Magazine. This is fresh footage from last night's show in Ottawa and is a compilation of both old and new songs.

TV Heart Attack To Shoot New Video

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-02T15:13:47-07:00

NEW TV HEART ATTACK - A O

TV Heart Attack is all set to shoot a video for their upcoming single 'A O', from their forthcoming Thorny Bleeder Records release 'Lost In The Sway'.

Over The Coals News: 2nd Guitarist Added, Sponsorship from Jager, New Video

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-03T10:26:28-07:00

Over The Coals - Shadows

Over the Coals would like to announce and welcome to the band their newest brother in arms, Adam Repetowski on guitar. The band is now a fine-tuned, 5-piece, ass-kicking, metal machine. If this band wasn't loud enough and didn't tear your face off before, watch out...a new era of OTC-branded metal is upon us.

2 New Scott Valentine Videos Free Downloads

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-02T08:59:55-07:00

Below is the second video of 4 parts that make up the accompanying DVD of the Seasons album, entitled 'Seasons: A Film Journey'. With the beginning of each season, a new part of the story/short film will be revealed.

LIVE Art Of Dying On YouTube

Brian Thompson — 2009-06-01T17:03:11-07:00

I just spoke to Jonny from Art Of Dying this morning, reporting from the road while on tour with Disturbed, Skindred, and All That Remains. The guys are having the time of their lives bouncing around Eastern Canada and the Maritimes in their RV, and the shows are apparently "killer!".

If you type Art Of Dying into YouTube and sort the results by the newest videos posted, you'll see a ton of new live videos posted by fans from their cameras and cell phones. You gotta' love music nowadays, there's zero delay in spreading the music. Here's one of those fan-captured live videos for you to check out, recorded live in Moncton only days ago, on May 29th.

3 Axioms of 21st Century Music Biz

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-31T10:59:43-07:00

The following summary regarding the marketing and promotion of music in the twenty-first century comes from James Lamberti, VP Of Marketing & Artist Services for Topspin Media, a new technology startup.

These three tiny bullet points summarize the business perfectly for today's artist and content owner. Of course, it does over-simplifiy things greatly as none of these steps are simple to excel at, and each requires a tremendous amount of time to successfully develop.

Just Announced: TV Heart Attack with The Veer Union

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-29T15:49:13-07:00

TV Heart Attack with be supporting The Veer Union at Venue in Vancouver, on July 2nd, along with Soul Side In.

This show is going to sell out fast, get your tix now!

ADD THIS EVENT TO YOUR FACEBOOK PROFILE

Just Announced: Scott Valentine with Pedwell

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-29T15:17:16-07:00

Join us for an amazing night of acoustic, singer/songwriters:

Scott Valentine
with
Pedwell

June 23
The Railway Club
Vancouver, BC

$8 at the door

ADD THIS EVENT TO YOUR FACEBOOK PROFILE

Burning Borders: NEW Single

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-29T15:56:32-07:00

Hard rockers Burning Borders are set to release the first single from their upcoming Thorny Bleeder Records album, 'Yesterday's Gone', to radio stations across the country.

Be the first to hear the new single right here, right now, on The Bleeder Blog. Click the button below to listen now!

Like what you hear? Comment below and show them some love!

The album 'Yesterday's Gone' will be released this summer, with the date to be announced soon.

NEW Burning Borders - Leading

Give 'Em What They Want

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-27T14:02:10-07:00

To be a successful business you need to understand your customer, how they relate to your product, and what they want from your product.

Is the music business doing this? Are you doing this?

TV Heart Attack: NEW Single

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-27T11:46:43-07:00

TV Heart Attack is gearing up for the release of their brand new single, AO, from the forthcoming Thorny Bleeder Records release 'Lost In The Sway'.

The single will be shipped to radio in the next couple of weeks, but you can hear it here first on The Bleeder Blog...

NEW TV Heart Attack - A O

Scott Valentine Presents: Where Do We Belong?

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-26T14:03:59-07:00

Here's a live video of the 10th of 57 songs that Scott Valentine will be releasing FREE every Tuesday for One Year. It's also the first song from the "Summer" record, so check out the new vibes, emotions and moods of the "'Summer' disc from 'Seasons'.

Art Of Dying Embraces Twitter

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-25T14:18:37-07:00

To many, Twitter is an over-hyped social media site that just doesn't seem to make sense. I suppose its simplicity is confusing. So, what can be done with a tiny little 140 character posting? Well for starters, you can jump on over to the Thorny Bleeder Twitter page to see some examples of what we're doing with it, or you can also check out what Art Of Dying is doing with their Twitter page for something a little different.

Free Concert: Scott Valentine, May 28, Vancouver

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-21T22:02:09-07:00

Free early show at Timbre Restaurant, 6-8 pm.

In Concert: TV Heart Attack, May 23 in Vancouver

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-21T21:30:12-07:00

This Saturday at Richards on Richards...

Scott Valentine Presents "Sweet Freedom"

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-19T09:13:03-07:00

This week's unique live performance video from Scott Valentine Presents is the song "Sweet Freedom", the last song from the Spring CD, which is a part of the Seasons 5-disc concept album.

Art of Dying Announces 2 Headlining Shows in Ontario

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-14T11:09:55-07:00

Art Of Dying have just announced two headlining shows in Ontario; one as a warm-up show before their upcoming Canadian Tour with Disturbed, and one as a Wrap Party after the stadium tour.

Episode 2: The Bleeder Sessions with Burning Borders

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-12T16:06:30-07:00

Welcome to Episode 2 of our brand new live, renegade, gourilla-style, acoustic video series, The Bleeder Sessions. Subscribe to The Bleeder Blog and watch for new episodes of The Bleeder Sessions coming soon!

Episode 2 features our very own Burning Borders, with an exclusive acoustic performance of "Disposable".

Scott Valentine Presents "You're A Star" - Live

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-12T09:30:52-07:00

This is a live clip from the Scott Valentine Presents performance at the Thorny Bleeder Records Showcase on April 28th in Vancouver at The Media Club.

Today's Press: In Tune With The Seasons

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-08T08:28:21-07:00

A 57-song album that's about connecting, healing

BY TOM HARRISON, THE PROVINCE MAY 8, 2009

Featured Artist: Columbia

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-05T17:03:33-07:00

Columbia's founding members have spent the past three years creating what they call the New Universal Rock. In other words....Big Rock. Stadium Rock. Anthem Rock. Rock the way it should be; with catchy licks, pounding rhythms and meaningful lyrics.

Scott Valentine Presents Free Song Week 7

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-05T17:03:30-07:00

So it's Tuesday morning...and that means it's time for another free song from Scott Valentine Presents! This week's song is Believe In This. Each week Scott films a fresh live performance video to accompany that week's free download, which is availalbe on his website at www.scottvalentinepresents.com.

The Bleeder Blog via Twitter, Email, RSS, Friendfeed & Tumblr

Brian Thompson — 2009-05-05T17:03:23-07:00

Join the growing Thorny Bleeder tribe on Twitter at twitter.com/thornybleeder. 1590 people are following Thorny Bleeder there, with our tribe growing daily. In addition to our regular posts, I also tweet about...

NEW: The Bleeder Sessions

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-28T11:28:00-07:00

The Bleeder Blog and Thorny Bleeder Records proudly present our brand new live, renegade, gourilla-style, acoustic video series, The Bleeder Sessions.

Art Of Dying Added To Canadian Disturbed Tour

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-28T11:06:55-07:00

Eastern Canada will see it's first live performances from Art of Dying as they open all Canadian dates on this spring's Disturbed arena tour!

A Unique Live Performance: SVP Free Song #6

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-28T10:32:21-07:00

This video is a special live version of the 6th of 57 songs that Scott Valentine Presents will be releasing FREE, every Tuesday for One Year.

MAJOR Announcement,...

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-27T19:42:10-07:00

A MAJOR Announcement has just been posted at Art Of Dying's website...

Victoria News: Through Winter Into Spring

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-22T08:25:24-07:00

Scott Valentine Presents is featured in today's Victoria News. Full article inside...

Autotune Taken To Its Ultimate Conclusion

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-21T20:08:09-07:00

Video showing the power (or lack thereof)...of Autuotune.
On a dog.

4/20 Vancouver BC

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-21T14:04:09-07:00

Each year in Vancouver one of the world's largest 420 rallies takes place at the Vancouver Art Gallery, smack-dab in the middle of downtown. The Bleeder Blog was there, camera in hand, to capture the event...

Free Song Of The Week #5

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-21T13:59:59-07:00

So it's Tuesday morning...and that means it's time for another free song from Scott Valentine Presents! This week's song is Rewind. Each week Scott films a fresh live performance video to accompany that week's free download, which is availalbe on his website at www.scottvalentinepresents.com.

East Coast Blues Artist Ross Neilsen Announces Distribution Deal and 40 Date Canadian Tour

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-14T10:10:44-07:00

FREDERICTON -- East Coast blues artist Ross Neilsen might sing the blues but he sure does have a lot to be happy about lately. With a successful solo acoustic tour wrapped up only days ago, Neilsen is smiling ear to ear as he announces the signing of a distribution deal with Thorny Bleeder Records, based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Scott Valentine Presents: "Jukebox" A Unique Live Performance

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-14T09:40:36-07:00

Here's a special live performance of the 4th of 57 songs that Scott Valentine will be releasing Free every Tuesday for One Year.

Hop on over to Valentine's website www.scottvalentinepresents.com and sign up to have a new song delivered to your email inbox each and every week.

Live Review: Lamb Of God, Vancouver 04/08/09

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-15T15:26:34-07:00

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...

Yuca: Exclusive Studio Session

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-12T11:27:14-07:00

New YUCA song! Check out an exclusive peek at YUCA in their rehearsal space, working on their new song, Ghosts.

Kill Rhythm: RIP 2004-2009

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-09T07:58:12-07:00

Due to shifting priorities, Vancouver heavy-rock veterans KILL RHYTHM have decided to call it a day. Their last show was in Vancouver during JunoFest on March 22.

Thorny Bleeder Records Live Showcase!

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-08T18:03:24-07:00

In the Vancouver area on April 28? If so, click the Read More link below to listen to some new bands we'll be presenting at our debut Thorny Bleeder Records Live Showcase.

Featured Artist: The Rebellion

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-06T08:45:29-07:00

If you happened to read our latest Thorny Bleeder Records update, you'll already know we just signed an incredible act from Saskatoon called The Rebellion. So who are these guys? To some, Josh Palmer may look familiar to you. Palmer is a former Canadian Idol contestant from 2005.

Scott Valentine Presents: Choose Your Own Price

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-03T14:52:50-07:00

As with everything Scott Valentine does, he's challenging the status quo and music industry standard, and has come up with an incredibly generous and original offer for his fans to buy the Seasons album. If giving away every track on the four CD album wasn't enough, Valentine is now letting you buy the album by Choosing Your Own Price.

The Life And Hard Times Of Guy Terrifico

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-02T17:53:16-07:00

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.

Audio Interview with Scott Valentine

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-02T09:34:02-07:00

Our good friends over at RockOm.net have just posted an audio interview podcast with Scott Valentine. Valentine talks about his musical inspirations, his vision for the 4-disc concept album Seasons, and his time spent with renowned Ishmael author, Daniel Quinn.

The Diss Of The Decade: NIN vs. Chris Cornell

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-01T12:05:27-07:00

Well, being that it's April Fool's Day...Trent has done it again, in what I'm now officially labeling as The Diss Of The Decade. If you follow rock news, or follow NIN on Twitter, it's no secret that Reznor despises what Chris Cornell has done with his latest album, produced by Timbaland.

Scott Valentine Featured on RockOm

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-31T15:46:00-07:00

Our very own Scott Valentine is this week's featured artist on the RockOm website. They''ll also be following Scott each and every week through his Free Song A Week campaign. Be sure to check out this great website, offering a very unique perspective on music...

Bob Dylan Parody Video

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-27T12:10:07-07:00

This video is priceless. You've just gotta check this one out.
It's so incredibly well done, they need to make a full feature movie out of this concept!

How To Get The Most Out Of The Bleeder Blog

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-27T08:18:40-07:00

You're not getting the most out of The Bleeder Blog if you haven't done these two things yet...

Spring Update From Quartered

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-26T20:57:51-07:00

Our good friends in Quartered just posted an update for their fans...

Over The Coals on CBC Radio3

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-26T20:50:07-07:00

CBC Radio 3 has launched a new installment of its metal podcast, "Full Metal Podcast 2".

Singer/Songwriter Gives Away Free Song A Week For A Year

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-24T11:29:33-07:00

Thorny Bleeder is extremely honoured to present our latest discovery, Scott Valentine. We've created a truly unique approach to spread Scott's music to the world; through a newly launched website...

Free Downloads A Sign Of Your Success?

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-26T20:42:48-07:00

Well, in short...Yes. The amount of downloads on bit torrent sites DO signal the amount of success you're having. Makes sense, right?

Podcast: Media, Gatekeepers, Fandom, Gaming & More

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-23T16:23:15-07:00

Have a spare hour to listen in on a captivating discussion from music industry insiders?

John Mellencamp: The State Of The Music Business

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-23T09:35:19-07:00

John Mellencamp posted the following editorial in today's Huffington Post...

From Studio Janitor To Nominee For Recording Engineer Of The Year

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-23T09:16:03-07:00

Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Motley Crüe -- Mike Fraser's discography reads like a who's who of hard-rock royalty.

FACTOR 2009-2010 Program Changes

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-20T17:04:53-07:00

Are you a Canadian artist? If so, there's some very important changes to FACTOR applications which were just announced.

Seth Godin on the Music Business

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-19T10:21:51-07:00

Fantastic audio interview with Seth Godin, marketing guru and author of the best selling book "Tribes". You don't want to miss this one...

The Pirate Bay Gets Thorny

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-18T20:34:53-07:00

The Thorny Bleeder Records compilation, Get Thorny, is now on available on The Pirate Bay and many other Bit Torrent sites for a free download.

B.C. Case Could Change Canadian Web Landscape

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-17T10:19:25-07:00

Ok folks, THIS is scary.

The Future of the Music Industry

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-13T20:45:29-07:00

What is happening to the music industry?

Interesting article worth reading.

SXSW 2009 on BitTorrent: 6 GB of Free Music

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-13T19:02:35-07:00

The South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival is one of the largest and most popular in the United States. For the fifth year in a row, SXSW has released a DRM-free, RIAA-safe collection of songs totaling 6 GB, which can all be downloaded for free, thanks to BitTorrent.

Thorny Bleeder Records Update

Brian Thompson — 2009-04-03T16:08:22-07:00

- 5 New Artist signings.
- 1 NEW Management signing.
- Thorny Bleeder Records Live Showcase.

Twitter Music Promotion and Marketing Guide

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-11T10:44:35-07:00

Are you on Twitter yet? Is your band?

It can be confusing at first, regardless of how simple it may appear to be.

Five Tips for Musicians to Engage Their Fans Digitally

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-11T10:25:35-07:00

In today's wired marketplace, musicians have to forge a personal relationship with their audience to keep their fans' interest. And for many, that means creating opportunities for fans to have an inside look into all aspects of an artist's life.

16 Great Music Add-Ons for Firefox

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-10T09:11:59-07:00

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.

The 75 Albums Every Man Should Own

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-09T13:10:38-07:00

I found this article in Esquire through the user generated website Reddit...

New Comment Features

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-07T09:32:37-08:00

I've just installed four new features into The Bleeder Blog's commenting system. Check it out:...

Kill Rhythm Confirmed For JunoFest

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-06T13:26:20-08:00

KILL RHYTHM will take part in the 38th annual Juno Awards' weekend festivities...

Tavis Stanley from Art Of Dying Featured On TV

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-06T15:51:00-08:00

Tune into the E! Network on...

Featured Artist: Ross Neilsen

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-05T10:36:02-08:00

Two time ECMA (East Coast Music Association) nominee and two time CBC Rising Star Award winner, Ross Neilsen, eats, breathes and sleeps the blues.

What The Bands You Listen To…Listen To

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-04T19:53:47-08:00

Interesting site to check out...

'Get Thorny' In The 'International Songwriting Competition' Finals

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-02T16:37:46-08:00

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) has announced its finalists today.

And not one...but two bands from the Thorny Bleeder Records "Get Thorny" free web-compilation-download have been selected as Top 15 finalists in the Rock Category for Best Song.

Virgin Radio Vancouver Features New TV Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2009-03-02T08:57:16-08:00

Virgin Radio Vancouver, 95.3 FM, is featuring TV Heart Attack's new song "AO" everyday this week. The song is off of their upcoming Thorny Bleeder Records release, "Lost In The Sway".

Should ISPs Pay Music Royalties?

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-28T09:37:30-08:00

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?

Playing For Change: One Love

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-27T20:30:40-08:00

Playing For Change is a movement to connect the world through music.

The act of playing music with people of different cultures, religions, economics and politics is a powerful statement. It shows that we can find ways of working together and sharing our experiences with one another in a positive way. Music has the power to break down the walls between cultures, to raise the level of human understanding.

What Killed The Music Industry?

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-27T10:35:08-08:00

As you may know, the founders of The Pirate Bay (the world's most popular Bit Torrent site) are currently on trial in Sweden, which is sure to be the most important case the file-sharing community has ever witnessed.

Concert Junkies Rejoice: Setlist.fm

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-26T09:10:52-08:00

A really cool new social media website has just launched that any serious music fan or collector of live bootlegs needs to check out. Setlist.fm is a free wiki-like service to collect and share setlists.

A.M. Glory Launches New MySpace

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-26T08:37:10-08:00

Winnipeg's A.M. Glory's has just launched their new MySpace page, alongside a brand new song, "Dance All Night".

The Mix Tape Question

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-26T10:04:19-08:00

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...

Did The iPod Kill Album Art?

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-26T10:04:23-08:00

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.

Sharing: Good For Business?

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-25T10:11:59-08:00

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.

An Important Message From The Entertainment Industry

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-24T17:53:14-08:00

Funny cartoon inside...

Twitter Meets Music Blog: Blip.fm

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-22T10:45:00-08:00

Are you on the cutting edge of Web 2.0 and like to be part of the latest social networking sites?

U2 Review: No Line On The Horizon

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-21T20:02:50-08:00

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.

Beneath The Surface: Women In Rock

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-21T11:18:04-08:00

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.

Former NIN Drummer Has New Ideas For Album Promotion

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-20T10:37:39-08:00

You know how Nine Inch Nails tie the digital goods (which can be duplicated ad infinitum) to scarce goods (merch, collector’s items, signed items, etc) to engage their audience and give them a chance to choose how much they’re willing to spend and what exactly they’re getting for their money?

Well, their former drummer Josh Freese has a new album, and he has decided to take the concept a couple of steps further.

It's pretty funny to see Josh taking the piss out of Trent Reznor for his ideas on releasing numerous "Special Edition Packages".

J.D. Fortune Fired From INXS, Homeless

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-19T13:27:36-08:00

“Rock Star: INXS” Singer Says He’s Homeless and Bandless

This Is What A Criminal Looks Like

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-19T09:57:21-08:00

In case you haven't heard, the popular bit torrent site Pirate Bay is currently on trial in Sweden, with the plaintiffs being Warner Bros, MGM, EMI, Colombia Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Sony BMG and Universal.

Free The Internet!

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-20T14:10:42-08:00

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.

SXSW '09: Music Player

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-19T09:55:16-08:00

"In its 22 years, SXSW has grown from a tiny music festival in the Texas capital into a massive, unavoidable media beast that reflects, discusses and showcases trends in culture and media but also often creates them." - National Post, 3/13/08

$99 Music Videos

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-19T09:54:45-08:00

$99 Music Videos is an independent music channel of music videos, all made for $99 or less.

Best Storefront EVER

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-13T18:14:32-08:00

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.

EA's NHL 09 Features TV Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-13T18:14:36-08:00

Big news! Thorny Bleeder's very own TV Heart Attack has three songs featured one of the world's most popular game franchises ever, the NHL series.

Featured Artist: Over The Coals

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-11T10:25:00-08:00

Vancouver seems to be turning into quite a hotbed of upcoming world class metal in the past few years; Six Inches Of Blood, Bison BC, Southern Death Threat, to name just a few. Add to the list today's featured artist, Over The Coals.

Art Of Dying News Postponed

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-10T15:47:37-08:00

An update from Art Of Dying...

Video: Seth Godin On Why You Need A Tribe

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-10T11:57:06-08:00

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".

New Art Of Dying Song

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-08T12:53:21-08:00

Here's a live clip from Youtube of a new song Art Of Dying performed recently in Saskatoon, while on tour with Disturbed.

New Model For Music Business Profits

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-05T15:38:47-08:00

Last month at Midem Mike Masnick from Techdirt gave a 15 min. presentation on Trent Reznor's successful approach and attitude towards the new music business.

Art Of Dying In The News

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-03T20:14:49-08:00

News article on Art Of Dying in today's Vernon Morning Star.

Full article inside...

Breaking News

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-03T18:40:58-08:00

...from the Wall Street Journal:

"Ticketmaster and Live Nation are close to a merger, in a deal that would consolidate two of the most powerful forces in the music industry under one roof."

Featured Artist: Cosmedic

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-03T14:30:19-08:00

Freaky guitar lines, memorable choruses, and eccentric sexy grooves sums up Cosmedic, an independent Vancouver based 4-piece.

Before The Music Dies

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-01T17:55:21-08:00

It's been called "the most important film a music fan will ever see."
See for yourself.

New Comment Section

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-01T15:30:53-08:00

I've just finished a slight redesign of the site...

Nettwerk CEO Puts Fans in Charge of Bands

Brian Thompson — 2009-02-01T09:39:47-08:00

The people formerly known as the audience are doing more than just fact-checking newspaper stories, time-shifting TV shows and capturing breaking news on their cameraphones. They are also helping run their favorite bands, designing and voting on concert T-shirts, mixing studio albums and even voting on which cities should be included in a band's tour.

Yuca Web Exclusive

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-30T11:00:23-08:00

Yuca performs their new song "Melt You", in this web exclusive video, live from their studio.

Duff McKagan, Financial Analyst For Playboy

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-30T10:41:42-08:00

This is priceless. I couldn't decide if I should place this under "Humour" or "Music News". All I can say is...thank god it's not Stephen Adler.

Microsoft Songsmith

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-30T09:16:32-08:00

How is that a corporation the size of Microsoft can continually get things so completely and utterly wrong?

Microsoft recently released a new piece of software called Songsmith. The concept is simple; sing a song into the program and it makes the music for you.

Sounds great right?

Something's Coming...

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-28T21:54:12-08:00

Something BIG is coming to the land of Dying...

Vancouver’s ROCK 101 adds vinyl Friday show

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-28T21:15:48-08:00

FROM VANCOUVER’S ROCK 101 WEBSITE:

Once upon a time, a long time ago, music was played from hard vinyl discs. The discs were purchased from record stores in elaborately and painstakingly designed sleeves. The true music experience culminated in the spinning of records at 33 1/3 rpms.

Music Thoughts

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-28T20:38:15-08:00

Do you have some quotes that inspire you, as you make your own music?

Noel Gallagher's Bar Tab

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-28T11:33:59-08:00

haha, this is priceless. Who said rock n' roll was dead?

Art Of Dying Announce Vernon Shows

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-27T21:06:08-08:00

Art of Dying will be playing two shows in Vernon, British Columbia in the first week of February!

Alan Cross Launches Online Music Show

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-27T11:45:30-08:00

Alan Cross, the music historian/DJ from Toronto's 102.1 The Edge, is launching a new online music show next week.

The Future Of The Music Industry

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-22T17:44:06-08:00

News from the 2009 Midem conference in Cannes, France.

Featured Artist: Quartered

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-22T13:01:56-08:00

Do you like your bands heavy, soulful, groovy as hell, and with vocals that aren't marred by trendy screamo antics?

6 Hot Tips For Building Your Fan Base

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-20T18:24:32-08:00

Our special guest contributor Kimberley Bjorklund, from K&B Management/Consulting in California, weighs in with some great tips for the independent artist.

Are We There Yet?

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-20T11:02:08-08:00

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?

Guest Contributors

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-19T11:11:56-08:00

Starting today, The Bleeder Blog will now be featuring occasional articles and blogs written by an exclusive list of guest contributors.

Building Your Fan List

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-19T11:24:55-08:00

What's the most important part in Music, that has always been there, and always will be, but is the most Ignored?

The Power Of Blogging

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-19T09:30:02-08:00

I'm a huge supporter of blogging for the independent musician. There's a zillion articles on the internet espousing the benefits of blogging for artists, fans, and businesses.

Global Metal

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-17T13:19:47-08:00

I just watched the stellar documentary "Global Metal" by Sam Dunn, which is a must-see movie for anyone interested in music, globalization, culture, and anthropology.

Be A Pop Star With Only 4 Chords!

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-16T16:51:22-08:00

This video is a little long (5:12), but it's a perfect example of "inspiration" versus "plagiarism"...and it’s pretty damn funny too.

Jonny Hetherington Launches New MySpace

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-14T09:25:05-08:00

Art Of Dying's Jonny Hetherington (and Thorny Bleeder Records co-founder) has just launched a new MySpace profile. It'll feature new songs, lyrics, blogs and interviews.

Yuca Seeks New Guitarist

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-13T12:29:41-08:00

Vancouver's Yuca are looking to fill the position of Lead Guitarist.

Goodbye, London Astoria.

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-14T13:29:28-08:00

The legendary music venue, the London Astoria Theatre, is closing its doors forever on January 15, with the last ever show taking place today, Wednesday, January 14. Open since 1976, London's most famous rock n' roll venue has hosted many of the biggest names and has also been the choice of numerous live concert recordings (Radiohead, Sum 41, Black Label Society).

The Turn: "Cut To Pieces" Video

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-12T19:09:17-08:00

If you haven't had a chance to check out Vancouver's The Turn, check out their debut music video here.

2008: Music Sales In Review

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-11T12:05:33-08:00

Not surprisingly, overall album sales continued to drop in Canada. In 2008, 40.6 million units were sold, a drop of 8.5 per cent from the previous year (the US posted a similar decrease).

Kill Rhythm Hope For A Taste Of Chaos

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-10T09:52:52-08:00

Vancouver's KILL RHYTHM are vying for a slot on the Western Canadian Taste Of Chaos tour dates, as a part of the Ernie Ball Battle Of The Bands.

NEW Burning Borders Video

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-08T16:42:53-08:00

Just released and hot off the press, we bring you the brand new Burning Borders video for their killer new song, "Sleep".

Message From Trent Reznor

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-07T20:05:59-08:00

The following message was posted today on the NIN website. How cool is this?! It's great to see Trent kicking the year off with an innovative approach and digital strategy.

Bleeder Blog Update

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-07T17:53:42-08:00

Thanks for reading The Bleeder Blog everyone, your support has been outstanding!

Our new site continues to evolve, we're not finished with it yet! There's still a few missing elements I hope to add soon, including the ability to leave Comments on each blog posting, as well as installing a Forum for group discussion.

Why Give Music Away For Free?

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-06T15:28:22-08:00

I've had a lot of people ask me recently why The Bleeder Blog and Thorny Bleeder Records would give away music for free. As I approached bands for our Get Thorny free album download, you can imagine what some of the reactions were.

Featured Artist: Burning Borders

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-06T14:30:27-08:00

Vancouver's Burning Borders are back in the studio, putting finishing touches on their upcoming album at Ear Art Studios with producer Tim Neuhaus.

Apple Announces New Digital Pricing

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-06T10:36:13-08:00

At today's MacWorld Expo in San Francisco, Apple made a big announcement regarding their iTunes Music Store which will secure their position as the industry's leading music retailer.

For Men Only (sfw).

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-05T16:42:59-08:00

Ok, this is tagged as For Men Only because it's from a Stars Wars nerd, to Star Wars nerds. We all know that women hate that movie, any my girlfriend just confirmed that by saying "that's the stupidest video I've ever seen".

A Band As A Brand

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-05T12:50:16-08:00

When the word "brand" comes up in indie music circles people are often turned off, insisting that the branding of music dilutes creativity and reduces artistic expression into a commodity, devoid of expressive merit. But what is a brand? Is having your band as a "brand" that awful of a thing?

Music. Life's Bookmark.

Brian Thompson — 2009-01-02T09:46:44-08:00

It's a wonderfully strange world we live in. Our time on earth is such an incredibly short footnote in the history of mankind, yet our memories still seem to escape us. They're stashed away and filed into the dark depths of our memory, often lost forever and never to be recovered. However, we do have a unique emergency backup to recover our lost memories - our senses and their amazing memory recall abilities.

Featured Artist: Sweetheart

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-31T09:40:01-08:00

Vangroover's Sweetheart is a genuine indie-rock gem just waiting to explode.

Digital Music Sales Set New Record

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-31T09:24:27-08:00

Weekly U.S. digital track sales set a new record Dec. 22- 28 with 47.7 million sold

200 Digital Music Startups From 2008

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-30T13:30:01-08:00

2008 has been a startling year for innovation in digital music. Check out the link below for a list of 200 new digital music startups, all from just this past year.

The Power Of Goal Setting

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-30T10:26:59-08:00

Are you in a band committed to making music your full time career?

If so, do you have a 12 month plan? a 24 month plan? What goals have you set for yourself, other than "playing lots of shows and selling lots of CDs"?

Isolated David Lee Roth Vocal Track

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-23T11:24:41-08:00

Ok folks, this is a CLASSIC! If you haven't heard this yet, watch it now. Oh god, I'm laughing just thinking about it.

Thorny Bleeder In The News

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-23T10:03:24-08:00

Thorny Bleeder Records is featured in todays issue of Vancouver's 'The Province' newspaper!

Check it out the link here, the article is at the bottom of the page

Legal Downloads Growing Faster Than Piracy

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-22T23:35:54-08:00

The recession is not driving music lovers to piracy. Just away from their CD players.

Music Industry Decides To Nag Instead Of Sue

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-22T22:15:27-08:00

The Wall Street Journal reports that the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) will stop its campaign of mass suits against illegal file sharers. Why the change of heart? It's not working. Never has, never will.

Featured Artist: Versus The Nothing

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-22T19:18:47-08:00

Vancouver's Versus The Nothing is one of the city's best young rock acts emerging on the local scene. The band was a Top 5 finalist on the 2008 CFOX Seeds competition (a Vancouver radio station contest showcasing local talent) and their track "Let It All Come Down" has been getting steady spins at radio ever since.

5 Key Elements To Success

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-21T18:33:01-08:00

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about what the key elements to success are and I've come up with this list of traits that should be an essential part of your every day life. These aren't intended to be exclusive to a musician's career, they're for anyone pursuing a goal in life, business or otherwise.

FREE CHRISTMAS DOWNLOAD

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-19T11:46:07-08:00

Merry Christmas from The Bleeder Blog and all of us here at Thorny Bleeder Records!

We have a very special treat for you from now until New Years, a limited time Free Holiday Download just for you.

Art Of Dying Nominated for "Best New Group" at the 2009 CRMA's

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-19T10:38:21-08:00

reak open the champagne!

The 2009 Canadian Radio Music Awards have just been announced and Thorny Bleeder Records' very own Art Of Dying have just been nominated for BEST NEW GROUP/SOLO ARTIST (ROCK) OF THE YEAR of the year.

4 Dirty Little Secrets Of Music 2.0

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-19T09:50:45-08:00

...

Is The Album Dead?

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-18T10:51:43-08:00

Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has revealed that 2007's Zeitgeist will be their last album.

Canadian Idol is...Idle.

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-17T15:20:34-08:00

Although it is their #2 rated show, CTV has suspended the 2009 series of Canadian Idol. Apparently it is quite expensive to produce, and CTV is predicting decreases in advertising revenue.

Featured Artist: Southern Death Threat

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-16T21:23:55-08:00

If you haven't listened to Southern Death Threat yet, you're in for a treat. The following track is a southern fried, booze soaked, acoustic metal classic. Check out the track below and download it for free on our "Get Thorny" compilation.

Is The Price Of Music Dropping?

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-16T15:57:24-08:00

Let's hope so. Lower music prices for the consumer can only spur greater sales and help save a weak industry.

Featured Artist: TV Heart Attack

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-15T22:05:54-08:00

Live @ The Plaza Club
Dec. 18th
Vancouver, BC

LIVE on The Fox!

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-15T12:44:30-08:00

Our good friends at The Fox, Vancouver's rock station at 99.3 FM, have invited me (umm...Brian Thompson) to co-host some on-air, afternoon shenanigans with them, this Wednesday, Dec. 17th.

Welcome To The Bleeder Blog

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-15T12:20:34-08:00

Welcome to The Bleeder Blog everyone! We've officially launched our new website today and hope you come back often. If you want to stay up to date with all of our latest news and free music offerings, subscribe to our RSS feed.

Thorny Bleeder Records Releases Free Mp3 Album Download, New Website, And Artist Services Division

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-09T11:57:12-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Art Of Dying Launches New Website

Brian Thompson — 2008-12-09T11:50:53-08:00

Art Of Dying has just launched their new website at www.artofdyingmusic.com.

NEW Art Of Dying Interviews Posted

Brian Thompson — 2008-11-20T20:02:52-08:00

Two new interviews with Jonny Hetherington from Art Of Dying, with the Rochester, Minnesota Post Bulletin and the Edmonton, Alberta Vue Magazine.

How do you appease your musical appetite?

Brian Thompson — 2008-10-26T13:48:51-07:00

Ok, there's lots of ways to appease your musical appetite, but which way do you consume music the most?

Shure Canada Welcomes Art Of Dying

Brian Thompson — 2008-10-23T12:00:25-07:00

Bold and powerful meets Legendary Performance...

The Bleeder Blog Redesign Continues

Brian Thompson — 2008-10-05T02:53:17-07:00

So I've been holed up for the past 10 days on this website, staying up far too late each night, and consuming far too much caffeine....and after much hair pulling and crash course training, it's come along quite a bit!

Egypt Central Added To Disturbed Tour

Brian Thompson — 2008-10-02T05:14:00-07:00

Egypt Central will join Disturbed’s upcoming tour with Art of Dying which kicks off in November. Check out the dates here.

Art Of Dying with Disturbed

Brian Thompson — 2008-10-01T23:42:03-07:00

Disturbed Invites Art Of Dying For Second Tour!

We've finally been given the okay to reveal our BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!

We are pleased to announce that 'ART of DYING' has just confirmed a US/Canadian tour with multi platinum artists 'DISTURBED'!!!!!

Canadian Music Week 2009

Brian Thompson — 2008-09-30T22:45:38-07:00

Who’s going to CMW 2009 in Toronto? Have you gone before? Has the experience helped you or your band in any way?

Art Of Dying's "Get Through This" Top 20 Rock Single

Brian Thompson — 2008-07-10T17:36:00-07:00

Art Of Dying's second single from their debut album, "Get Through This", has just hit the Top 20 in Canada's Rock Charts!

NEW Art Of Dying Single Hits Radio

Brian Thompson — 2008-09-28T17:35:00-07:00

Art Of Dying's latest single, "You Don't Know Me", was released to all Canadian rock radio stations today.

NEW! Thorny Bleeder Compilation

Brian Thompson — 2008-09-29T23:15:00-07:00

The first Thorny Bleeder Records/Bleeder Blog compilation is coming soon!

New Acoustic Album?

Brian Thompson — 2008-08-15T23:14:00-07:00

Art Of Dying spent some of their summer working on a new acoustic album in beautiful White Rock, BC.

Thorny Bleeder Records Looking For New Bands

Brian Thompson — 2008-09-24T23:00:00-07:00

Thorny Bleeder Records and The Bleeder Blog are looking for new bands to work with and to share their music with the rest of the world.

Think you have what it takes?

New Management For Art Of Dying

Brian Thompson — 2008-09-07T23:00:00-07:00

Art Of Dying is proud to announce their new management with...

Art Of Dying Demos 7 New Songs

Brian Thompson — 2008-09-22T22:59:00-07:00

Art Of Dying is getting ready for their sophomore release, due sometime in the first half of 2009.

New Art Of Dying Tour Dates

Brian Thompson — 2008-09-26T22:59:46-07:00

...

Yamaha Guitars Endorses Art Of Dying's Greg Bradley

Brian Thompson — 2008-09-19T22:59:15-07:00

Thorny Bleeder Records is proud to announce that Greg Bradley from Art Of Dying is now sponsored by Yamaha Guitars.

Yamaha Drums Endorses Art Of Dying's Jeff Brown

Brian Thompson — 2008-07-26T22:45:00-07:00

Thorny Bleeder Records is proud to announce that Jeff Brown from Art Of Dying is now officially sponsored by Yamaha Drums.