What’s in your Press Kit?
Posted on September 20, 2007
Filed Under: Promotion, Music Business
The goal of every band is to play more gigs and get more press. The reason is simple, more gigs and more press lead to more money in merch sales and gig fees. The problem that a lot of new bands/artists face when they start trying to build their music career is that they have a hard time getting their foot in the door. Many venues are wary of booking artists they’ve never heard and it is nearly impossible to get press for much the same reason. To this end, almost every struggling musician has gone through the process of recording a demo. Read more
Music Career Juice - Review
Posted on September 18, 2007
Filed Under: Music Business, Reviews
Let’s face it, musicians are everywhere and whether it’s someone who noodles on the guitar or piano on the weekend, someone who plays out a few times a month, or someone who takes it more seriously and gigs a few times a week (or more), they all share one thing. They love music. They love learning, listening to, and performing music. There’s also another thing that most of them share. A lack of understanding of the business side of music. Read more
New Hampshire Smoking Ban goes into effect on 9/17/07 - Dry Cleaners in state of mourning
Posted on September 16, 2007
Filed Under: Opinion, NH News
I guess as a non-smoker I just never understood the level of vitriol spouted against the smoking ban as it was being debated and voted on (and subsequently passed) earlier this year. I simply don’t see a downside for any bar or restaurant owner. The universal ban passed by the New Hampshire legislature does not penalize any one business or single any owner out. The playing field will be just as level on September 17 as it was 6 months ago. Every bar and restaurant is in the same boat so no one can logically claim that their clientele will suddenly up and leave for greener (or smokier) pastures (leaving aside the fact that their establishment may have sucked in the first place). Read more
Nashua Folk Festival - Review
Posted on September 14, 2007
Filed Under: NH News, Reviews, Events
Well, it’s official. The Nashua Folk Festival was a successful event. The weather, on the other hand, left a lot to be desired. The turnout for this first annual event was actually very good and although the crowd looked smaller because of the size of the grass area in front of the stage their participation was great. It was a true family event with everything from babies in diapers to old ladies knitting under a tree and everything in between.
New clubs opening in Boston
Posted on September 12, 2007
Filed Under: MA News
The Boston Phoenix has a short piece covering a couple of rock clubs that are opening in Boston.
Check it out: thephoenix.com
Who really knows whether The Baseball Tavern (complete with what appears to be a “little-league” inspired logo) and Church will end up being decent venues to play at but the booking agent for Church mentions a desire to create a “local-and-underground-touring-act club” so that sounds promising. Of course, I’m not sure how well “upscale bistro” and “rock club” go together. What do I know.
-Ben
Upcoming Shows in Boston - Oct 07
Posted on September 11, 2007
Filed Under: Upcoming Shows
October is looking like quite a month for music in New England. There are some great bands coming around and I definitely suggest that you check them out.
Helpful Band Links - 9/10/07
Posted on September 10, 2007
Filed Under: Helpful Links
Well, the first annual Nashua Folk Festival is in the books and we’re going to post a review and pictures soon. To make a long story short the day was a blast. To make a short story long, well, you’ll have to wait for the full review.
In the meantime, I wanted to share some links that I thought might be handy for up and coming bands. This is something that I’ll be doing on a regular basis so if you run across any sites or articles that you think are worthy of the list then please send them along. If you’re really feeling adventurous you can post them in the forums as well.
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed it’s that there don’t seem to be many decent sites out there to help new bands promote themselves. There’s a ton of information but most of it is so outdated that it’s almost useless. Hopefully that’s a problem that Indie Music New England (with input from the bands that are out there doing it everyday, specifically you) can help to solve.
IMNE Site Status
Posted on September 7, 2007
Filed Under: Site News
So things are slowly moving along. The basic functionality of the site is now in place. The blogs are working, the forums are set up, everything is going swimmingly. The front-end design is not completely done. I’ve found a couple of really great themes to start working from but there’s still a ways to go regarding customization. You’ll be noticing these changes as they appear over the next few weeks. I can’t imagine making any announcements about them, I’ll just post them live.
The forums will probably be going through more changes than anything else. Eventually I’d like to have a category for every state but such things take time. And I am lazy. Such is life. Regardless, feel free to browse around the forums and share your thoughts and opinions.
Also, please send any feedback you might have since the only way this site will grow into something that is useful and/or entertaining for the community is if we know just what the hell you all want. We’re certainly not going to implement every suggestion but if it passes our lofty standards it just may end up on the site.
-Ben
Nashua Folk Festival - 9/8/07
Posted on September 7, 2007
Filed Under: Events
It’s almost that time. The first annual Nashua Folk Festival is a mere 25 hours away. For those who don’t know, the Nashua Folk Festival was put together by a couple of local musicians (Craig Ferreira and Chris Michaud). Their idea was to bring together a number of local area musicians for a free one day festival of acoustic music. So far the line up looks solid and I’m looking forward to checking out the show as well as participating (full disclosure: Dan Buckner and I, collectively known as Building James, will be taking the stage tomorrow afternoon). Read more
IMNE is opening its doors
Posted on September 6, 2007
Filed Under: Site News
Indie Music New England is a gathering place for independant musicians in the New England area. IMNE offers a place for musicians and fans to interact and discuss upcoming events and the latest local music news.
In the coming weeks IMNE will be adding forums and news pages as well as a calendar of events. Other additions to the site in the coming months will include artist bios, music reviews and blogs.
Thanks for helping keep the local indie music scene alive.
-The IMNE team
« go back