With our tenth edition we introduce a development. Each new issue will focus on a specific theme. This week's them was inspired by our interview with Josh Street who made the point that in today's fast-paced world it has almost become a prerequisite that one wear many hats in order to make it in the music business. So we'll be taking a look at some articles, videos and links that will hopefully inspire you to don a few more caps.
With our new focus, though, we are not going to forget local bands regardless of the week's theme, so, as always...if you are a local musician or in a band (or know of one) and would like to get the word out about upcoming shows, releases or projects, drop us a line.
You can follow and contact us on twitter @ playgroundpc, or send a message to our Facebook page administrators: Ford Seeuws or Justin Weathermon.
LOCAL STUFF
Branching Out: Interview with Local Album Man Josh Street
We got in touch with Joshua Street this week, founder of Branch Records, to tell us a bit about his company, background and recording process.
PMC: When/how did you get the idea to start a record company?
I've always been really passionate about music. So has pretty much everyone around me. Like most great ideas they start with just friends talking, but after a while it progressed to a lot more. In the past, I was really discouraged with how music was developing. A lot of great music and talented people, but not a whole lot of environments and support systems to nurture it. Branch is a culmination of those ideas and feelings. As I answer these questions, I'm listening to artists create music and sitting in a studio built by the label. I really can't complain.
What distinguishes you as a record company?
We don't operate like one. A normal record company operates by promotional formulas and media outlets. Push the record here and there. Follow the market to this style and that style. We just pick music we are passionate about, creative people we like, develop the tools they need, and cultivate an environment to support their success. You can waste a lot of time trying to follow in someone else's shoes.
What is your favorite part of recording/promoting music?
Recording was one of my original passions, but probably my favorite part of what we do is creating tools and forming partnerships that build our artist community.
Any music that you find yourself listening to more than others?
I love music you can drive to and think about. Woodale, Ben Folds, David Gray come to mind. I indulge in a good 80's ballad every now and again.
You have any advice for young musicians, kids in school band, who may be interested in a future in recording?
Be ready to trudge your own path. The current system isn't set up to produce another Wynton Marsalis or Michael Jackson. They came during an old paradigm. The exciting thing is you have never had access to so many opportunities to create a job for yourself in music. Just be willing to wear a few different hats.
If you're interested in supporting local music, give Branch a hand this week. They are on their way to South By Southwest and are looking to hold their own panel on exploring new models for record labels. Read more at the Branch Records Blog, and please consider voting for their panel.
CONNECT WITH BRANCH:
Branch on Facebook
Branch on Twitter
Branch Website
LOCAL ARTISTS
Erich von Hinken
Erich got his start in music at age 5 with piano lessons. You can see him in action as a little tyke in this video from Erich's video blog (which we'll be getting back to in a minute).Citing a broad range of influences from Beethoven, Chopin, and Bach to Anathallo, MuteMath, and Sigur Rios, Erich is as adept with the classics as he is with contemporary music of various styles.
Erich graduated from GCCC last year, having composed numerous original works including a string quartet and works for piano. All the while he was honing his improvisation and songwriting skills and released his own record with the help of the boys at Branch.
Erich is currently attending the FSU School of Music and has taken up keyboard duties with an up-and-coming Tallahassee band named Vera.
As far as multitasking goes, he's been known to break out a theremin, Key-tar, and if the music thing doesn't work he could always resort to playing Link if they ever make an adaptation of Zelda to the big screen:
The above video came from a video blog that Erich maintained last year in which he played everything from Power Rangers and Pokemon to Beethoven, Alicia Keys and Biz Markie. He also featured guest artists, and one of our own makes a cameo to play a bit of Beethoven and Journey. Visit Erich's Youtube channel to watch and listen.
CONNECT WITH ERICH:
Erich Von Hinken.com
Erich on Myspace
Vera on Facebook
LOCAL EVENTS
The Panama City Music Association has released their 2010 calendar. All performances are at the Marina Civic Center at 7:30 p.m.:
Monday, January 25 - The Pirates of Penzance
Monday, February 8 - The Israel Ballet, "Don Quixote"
Thursday, March 4 - Odessa Philharmonic with Cellist, William DeRosa
Wednesday, March 10- "Annie," Broadway Musical
Individual Events
Heart of David Worship Series
Featuring Ford Seeuws on violin and Johnny Burrows, Vocalist.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
6:00pm - 7:00pm
GULF BEACH BAPTIST CHURCH
10620-HUTCHISON BLVD(Middle Beach Rd)
Call 234-8892 for more info or visit the Heart of David Worship Series Event Page for more info.
Chris Godber in God Bless America Concert
Saturday, September 12, 2009
11:00am - 2:00pm
Panama City Mall
Join Chris and many other artists at the Panama City Mall for a Free Concert! This is an inside event and should be in the center of the mall or on the Dillard's Wing. (More details to come....) Do a little shopping, listen to some music, it's all good! Chris goes on at 12:00PM.
Facebook Event Page
Ongoing Events
Backstage Pass Concert Series
Cash Money performs tonight! Last in the series!
Dark and cool speakeasy atmosphere. Show up early and tour the backstage area. Local bands and you on stage!
Friday Nights from July 24th-August 28th
6:30 - 8:00
Marina Civic Center (Stage Entrance at Northeast corner of building)
$5
Tickets are available in advance - online at www.marinaciviccenter.com and at Civic Center box office window.
More information on their Facebook Event Page.
Live in Concert at the Martin Theatre
Sundays from now through Sept. 13
The Martin Theatre Green Room
3 - 7 p.m.
$2
This week featuring Blue Ribbon Healers.
Details:
3 to 4 pm is a meet and greet with the artists,
at 4 we begin recording the show for WKGC.
Come and be a part of the show. 5PM to 7PM is music and more music.
Every week Lucky Mudd opens up the the afternoon of music for a different musical guest.
For more details visit Emerald Coast Studio.com.
Will Therrien
Will's Wednesdays-7 pm @ Mellow Mushroom on the beach.
Saturdays - 8 pm @ Joey's Coffee Shop on Front Beach Road
Jazz, Jazz, Jazz!
On Wednesday nights, jazz fans have numerous options:
*Jazz Vocalist Suzanne Stewart-McDowell performs in the patio at the Los Antojitos Restaurant from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The restaurant is located about a mile east of the bridge on the edge of St. Andrews on Hwy. 98.
*Musician Steve Wiggins heads up a lively jam session at the Grand Panama Coffee Shop adjacent to the Edgewater Resort on Font Beach Road.
*Jazz Jam at the Granite Cafe (on the corner of Beck Ave and 10th St. in St. Andrews)from 6 - 10 pm. Bring an instrument and a bit of rhythm and join the jam!
YOUTUBE TALENT
* If you haven't heard Paul Dateh, the hip-hop violinist, you're missing out. Here he is demonstrating today's theme with style. Plus, he's doing it to help a friend fight cancer. Cool idea...
* While not necessarily keeping in with the theme, they're local boys, so we'll cut them a break. The Carolinas did a little live music at The Gap, so if you haven't heard them yet, here's their video of the performance:
The Carolinas also have some free tunes available at Bandcamp.
* Shenzo, the rock violist we featured last week, knows a thing or two about multitasking. In fact, he takes it a weee bit over the top with his Electric Stunt Orchestra:
LINKS/NEWS
* As if high schoolers aren't already wearing enough hats, here's another one to throw their way. The National Association of Music Merchants is hosting a contest for high school and Jr. High students who play in a band performing their own original songs. "Each of the 10 finalists will receive prize money to purchase new gear—and so will their school music programs! In addition, the winning band will travel to Europe next March to perform at the 2010 SchoolJam Germany finals in Frankfurt" -from the NAMM website. The deadline for applications is October 15.
Check out their 30 second promo:
More info is available at the following sites:
NAMM's Article on the School Jam Contest
The School Jam USA Home Page
School Jam USA on Facbeook
School Jam USA on Twitter
School Jam USA on Myspace
* The LA Times has an insightful article referencing It Might Get Loud, a film in which Director Davis Guggenheim rounded up rock icons Jimmy Page, the Edge and Jack White to talk about life in the rock world. LA Times writer chatted with all three and included excerpts from their discussion. Read Wanna Be a Rock Star: Career Advice from JImmy Page, the Edge, and Jack White (thanks to PowellMusic for the find).
* Some good discussion about songwriting is occurring at Twitter's Songwriting Community Blog (yes, such a thing exists). If writing songs is one of the hats you are wearing (or are aspiring to wear) check out this article on Adding Soul to Your Songwriting (thanks to Jon Ostrow for the find).
TOTALLY RANDOM
* Another Flowchart for you this week (courtesy XKCD).
Well, that's all for this week. Thanks for reading!
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