Everyday, artists and bands are working on getting their music out to their fans by utilizing one important source, the Internet.  Yet, the Internet just might be the enemy for these aspiring artists due to significant use of illegal peer-to-peer file sharing.  Companies like Napster, LimeWire, Grokster, and StreamCast were all charged and shut down for allegedly encouraging and using illegal P2P file sharing.  Since Napster was created in 1999, music sales have dropped 47% from $14.6 billion to $7.7 billion according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).  Russell Frost, an aspiring Jazz singer songwriter, found these numbers alarming. 

“This is the kind of stuff that freaks me out when getting into the music industry.  I put so much passion and so much time into my work hoping to earn some kind of profit.  To think that illegal music trade may be one thing from holding me back from my dream…it just rubs me the wrong way,” says Frost. 

And Frost might be right.  In 2009 it was recorded that only 37% of music retrieved by U.S. consumers was paid for.  But is this fair revenge on the music industry for overpricing CDs, concert tickets, or individual songs?  According to Jim D’Entremont, author of Napster and The Dogs of War, he states that fans and music consumers feel that the music industry is robbing them of their money.  Frequent LimeWire user (before it was shut down), Michelle Kane tells TuneItUpNewHaven!

“Why should I have to pay for individual songs if today’s technology is allowing me to have it for free?  I understand that it’s wrong and illegal, but most people don’t even realize they’re doing it.  If the music companies and whatnot don’t want people stealing their music, then they should make it less accessible.”

Companies like the RIAA have been doing exactly that by working with several colleges and universities across the nation to help prevent any sort of copyright infringement by blocking these illegal P2P file-sharing sites. Prior to any lawsuits like MGM vs. Grokster and the recent LimeWire cases, only 35% of people knew that file-sharing was illegal, but after, the percentage took off to more than 70% of music consumers understanding the consequences of illegal P2P file-sharing.  

“I just hope this is taken care of in the future.  There are so many artists out there who may not be affected by this, but for artists like me, who are just trying to get started, it could have a big impact on where our futures are headed” adds Frost.

There’s always the fear that companies like this will never stop being created, but everyone can do their part in preventing illegal peer-to-peer file sharing and only time will tell if it helps.

on Dipity.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1683671@N23/discuss/72157626476539079/

Hillary Dirks and The Lilly’s by TheSlrus08

The TuneItUpNewHaven application was designed to create easy access to local bands in New Haven.  By using the TuneItUpNewHaven application, you can discover upcoming events, current music news in New Haven, feature stories on underground artists, and much more.  Potential Markets this application might appeal to are local booking and talent music venue owners, and the average music listener.  Booking agencies would be the applications biggest appeal.  Being so close to New York City, it has 31% more booking and talent agencies than Connecticut alone.

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Every year concertgoers spend more and more money on tickets to see their favorite bands, but this can tend to get a bit pricey.  Luckily, New Haven offers a wide variety of music venues to see local and up-in-coming artists at affordable prices. 

In 1976, one of New Haven’s most popular music venues, Toad’s Place made its’ grand entrance into the music world. “They have showcases of everything from local hip-hop to nationally known Indie bands, when it is not doubling as a club,” says Chris Thompson, Music Director at WQAQ Radio.  Toad’s Place has featured music legends such as The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, and the Black Crowes.  Besides its reputation for music legends, Toad’s Place has been well known for years as being an affordable live music venue. “Toad’s Place actually brings a pretty wide variety of bands every year, generally under $15,” adds Thompson.  

Depending on the band performing that night, tickets range from $10 to $40. “I really enjoy going to local venues like Toad’s Place in new haven to experience new music and artists, especially since it’s so affordable,” said Tina Olsson, a local college student who frequently visits small music venues like Stella Blues and Toad’s Place.  “Most places have really laid back, comfortable atmospheres where I can go and hang out.  Whenever I can find free time, I’ll definitely be checking out some music in New Haven,” adds Olsson.

Over these past few years, more citizens of New Haven decided to follow the live music trend.  As of 2010, there are over 30 live music venues in New Haven all offering affordable cover fees and excellent music.  Some of these venues include, CafeNine, Stella Blues, Firehouse12, and Anna Liffey’s.  Some cover fees requiring no money for entry while the most expensive would range from $40 to $60.  Music is in high demand in New Haven.  If New Haven remains to keep their underground music scene affordable and growing, then more opportunities for musician lovers to get their music fix are on the way.

Miguel Lagares, who also goes by “Praise”, tells TuneitUpNewHaven just exactly what he has gone through in order to get where he is today.

This past Saturday eleven bands lined up to perform in this year’s Battle of the Bands.  Battle of the Bands is put on by Quinnipiac University’s own campus radio station, WQAQ.  While there were only three chances to place in this battle, the competition from the bands was fierce and tough.

Third place with a grand total winning of $300 went to 3-time WQAQ Battle of the Bands winner The Great Caesar.  Due to their victory, The Great Caesar will now be opening for the WQAQ Spring Concert.  The competition did not end there.

This years Battle of the Bands was said to be the most diverse yet.  All acts ranged from solo guitar acts and duos, to provocative rap like The Roast Beafs with their intense and promiscuous lyrics, and heavy metal bands.  “The competition this year was incredible and all different kinds of music than what we’re used to in the past, but I knew we would bring it home” said junior Billy Scully who left with a sweet prize of his own.

Second place went to Sydney Russell and Billy Scully.  The two juniors brought home $200 with their acoustic guitar duo.  Another rapper that caught the judges’ attention was up in coming rap artist Miguel “Praise” Lagares and his partner Nick Fouche also known as Mr. Gravity.  As they performed their inspiring Bobcat hit ‘Live the Legend’, both contestants just fell short of winning third place, but that did not put down the hopes of contestant Nick Fouche,

“I can’t believe all the talent there is at this school. It was also a great experience for myself to get on stage for the first time in over a year to do what I love. I think WQAQ did a great job putting this event together. I had a great time being a part of it, especially with my partner Praise and I look forward to competing again if we have another one.”

Finally, third place with a winning of $100 went to the final act of the night, Wavelength.

Great Caesar will perform on April 16 at the WQAQ Spring Concert.  WQAQ has yet to announce the headlining band, but be sure to check out The Great Caesar.

Local Hamden musician, Billy Scully tells TuneitUpNewHaven! about his struggles in being an upcoming musician.

No Rest for the Weary

Once a month, every month, Toad’s Place makes sure to keep the venue on its toes by showcasing New Haven’s local and best hip hop groups.  The New Haven rap scene is one of the most kept up with and popular musical interests of the area.

Toad’s Place showcases between 7 to 8 artists every performance.  These aspiring hip-hop masters are hoping these small stages take them to the big show.  Tonight you can catch Take Flight Money Gang, Take Off Boyz, Scoop G, Jayimez, Toney-B, Turn of the Tide, andTonna B at 8 PM.

Ian Axel is a 25-year-old pop/indie artist from New York, New York.  This video captures the shock of becoming a local celebrity and where it all led to for him.  Ian began playing piano when he was 3-years-old and writing his own music at the age of 10.  Ian had always aspired to be a well-known musician, but never expected as much as he was given. 

In today’s day and age, inspiring artists like Ian, deal with struggles in order to make it to the top.  Ian was recently quoted saying, “the world repsonds to what you give it.”  

Ian shows just how much a struggling artist has the chance to make it by just putting themselves out there.  Is Ian ready to take an even bigger leap towards fame?  You can decide for yourself.  Go check him out at The Space in Hamden, CT Thursday March, 3 at 7 PM.  Tickets are on sale now for $10.

In a rough-around-the-edges city like New Haven, CT that’s known for it’s crime, lies a whole culture of music that’s unseen and unheard.  This blog was designed to create easy access to new artists and bands, venues, and events.  One of the most popular venues in New Haven is the infamous Toad’s Place. Toad’s Place offers a wide variety selection of all types of music.  They give the chance that new artists and bands all dream of; a moment in the spot light.

Toad’s Place targets their venue towards big dreamers who are ready to take the stage.  New artists struggle to make themselves heard and will do whatever it takes to make it big.  Russell Frost of Hamden, CT has recently started a new reggae band and is anticipating to be heard.  He went right to the Toad’s Place website, which allows you to sign up and audition for a spot on the stage.  If selected, a time and date is given for when the band will be showcased.

Toad’s Place isn’t the only ones trying to help breakthrough artists.  The New Haven Advocate spends it time featuring alternative news, film reviews, music listings, restaurant reviews, and much more of the New Haven area.  It creates a great opportunity to get connected with the music scene in New Haven.

New artists all across the country are just waiting to breakthrough and make it in the “music biz”.  It’s a tough struggle, but only the most driven and most passionate will succeed.