Month: April 2021

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Haulix Recommends: The Best New Music of April 30, 2021

New Music

From Dropkick Murphys to Tetrarch, there is something for everyone among this week’s best new releases.

Life will probably never be the same as it was before the COVID pandemic took the world by storm. Mourning the loss of the world we knew is normal, but it’s important to recognize all the good that continues to exist. Each new week brings us music that has the potential to change countless lives, and this week’s batch of new releases is no exception. There are too many good records for us to mention, but here are four we believe everyone should experience. This is the best new music of the week.

Dropkick Murphys – Turn Up That Dial (PIAS)

What more needs to be said about Dropkick Murphys? The Boston punk outfit has outlasted nearly every one of their peers, thanks to a fierce commitment to fan engagement and constant progression. Their latest combines heartfelt odes to simpler times and Punk anthems for a new generation that refuses to submit to society’s demands. At this point, it seems evident that Dropkick Murphys would rather die on stage than retire, and honestly, we aspire to that level of commitment in our craft. Long live Ken Casey. Long Live Al Barr. Long live DKM.

The Undertaking! – Funeral Psalms (Solid State)

When you add an exclamation point to your name, you better make good on the promise of delivering something worth shouting about. The Undertaking! does just that with their Solid State Records debut, Funeral Psalms. The ten-track offering leaves little room for interpretation, as the band pours every thought and emotion they have regarding the human experience into the record. Their relentless, in-your-face approach to songwriting will rattle your bones and help your soul break free from the confines of a culture that demands you put in eight hours every day working a job you hate to pay bills for the things you need to survive. This is retaliation. It is a work of art intended to incite change in whatever form that may be, and it couldn’t arrive at a better time.

Tetrarch – Unstable (Napalm Records)

Unstable finds Tretrach fulfilling their destiny. The forward-thinking metal band has been called the next big thing by every influential publication known to man. That kind of praise and adoration can make some skittish, but not Tetrarch. Unstable find the group honing their already impressive skills while finding creative new ways to drive home urgent messages regarding the finite nature of our existence. The record pulls back the curtain on mental health and economic anxiety to explore how growing up in the chaos of our world can inform our every waking thought. Some artists shy away from these topics because they view music as an escape, but Tetrarch sees it as a form of medicine. Through their art, Tetrarch is making it okay for everyone to admit they’re not okay, and that catharsis could very well usher in a better world for us all.

New Music Friday recommendations feature a collection of new releases from Haulix clients chosen by the company staff. Join Haulix today and gain immediate access to the industry’s leading digital promotional distribution platform: http://haulix.com/signup.

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Industry News News

When Will Concerts Return? April 2021 Update [Video]

The music industry is hoping for a busy fall tour season, but will concerts return before the leaves change?

Nearly fourteen months have passed since live music came to a halt seemingly overnight. As the battle against the global COVID-19 pandemic rages on, many are still wondering when concerts will return. Some states are testing the waters with socially distant outdoor events, while others are already welcoming full capacity crowds with few if any, COVID-related safety guidelines. Still, most places on Earth don’t have live music in any form, and no one really knows when that will change.

But the music industry is resilient. While theories and criticism abound, many are looking toward the future with full hearts and hopeful eyes. The demand for a return to normalcy is deafening, and many in the industry believe that live music can play a role in helping lure people out of their homes and back into social situations.

In this Music Biz update, host James Shotwell explores how a single announcement ushered in a lot of hope and anticipation for a busy 2021 concert season. He also looks at the potential drawbacks, hold-ups, and worries that come with change.

Speaking at a January conference held by the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, Dr. Anthony Fauci was asked about the potential for live entertainment to return in 2021:

“If everything goes right, this will occur sometime in the fall of 2021, so that by the time we get to the early to mid-fall, you can have people feeling safe performing onstage as well as people in the audience,” Fauci said, noting that the return depends upon getting between 70% to 85% of the population vaccinated, according to the New York Times. Along with the vaccination, Fauci said venues and theaters might need to take further safety precautions, particularly if they do not have adequate ventilation.”

Music Biz is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.

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News

All Hail The Yeti Appear On The Latest Inside Music Podcast

After a year of constant struggle, All Hail The Yeti is working toward a bright future with high hopes and big ideas.

For the members of All Hail The Yeti, learning they have booked an opening slot on one of the most anticipated metal tours of the fall was a sign things are slowly returning to normal. After the pandemic brought their typically relentless touring efforts to a standstill, the group spent the better part of the year without seeing one another in person. That did not stop them from creating, of course, but it did challenge their understanding of how to navigate the complicated business of entertainment.

Just take a moment to consider everything that didn’t happen as a result of the pandemic. Not only did All Hail The Yeti lose countless dollars from canceled tour dates, but they also had to delay their long-awaited fourth studio album. That record, which the group almost completed before COVID-19 brought live music to a halt, has yet to see the light of day.

But here, in April 2021, the music industry is optimistic for the first time in over a year. Festivals and tours are getting announced every week, and a grown amount of artists are planning to release music before the calendar year comes to a close. That includes All Hail The Yeti, who’ve also begun work on the record that will follow.

In the latest episode of Inside Music, All Hail The Yeti’s founding member Connor Garrity reflects on the impact of the last year on his mental health and professional outlook. He discusses how his time away from the stage has provided other creative opportunities, as well as the story behind his band’s upcoming tour alongside Jinjer and Suicide Silence. He even spills a few details about the group’s highly-anticipated fourth record.

Inside Music is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.

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Industry News News

Why Livestream Concerts Are Here To Stay [Video]

Concerts are returning in 2021, but livestream events are forever.

A lot of bad things happened over the last year. You can apply that to the pandemic in general, but it’s also true for the music community. More people have been laid off or lost their jobs in music during the last year than in any other single calendar year to date. Those who held onto their jobs and careers did so by adapting to the challenges of a global pandemic. While some of the lessons learned may fade as things begin to return to normal, it’s evident that livestream performances are here to stay.

The popularity of livestream events should come as no surprise to anyone that follows consumer behavior trends. The music industry has been considering a large-scale embrace of streaming performances for over a decade. Still, there was no sense of urgency behind the movement until touring came to a screeching halt in March 2020. With nowhere to host gigs and countless artists itching to engage with fans, the industry quickly set to making streaming accessible, affordable, and easy for everyone. After all, people love watching their favorite shows and movies from any device wherever they go, so why wouldn’t the same be true for music?

The response from consumers has been overwhelming. Fans miss their favorite artists as much as those musicians miss their audience. The internet allows for engagement regardless of location, and many are willing to support artists financially. Whether or not artists charge for admission to their performances, there is money to be made through exclusive merch sales, Q&A events, and on-demand viewing, and more. Millions have already been made through livestreaming, and artists will make millions more in the years to come.

In the latest Music Biz update, James Shotwell reflects on the lessons learned during the pandemic before zeroing in on the continuing value of streaming performances. He discusses the evolution of the medium over the past year and makes a strong argument for greater popularity in the future. Check it out:

Music Biz is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.

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Editorials News Recommendations

Haulix Recommends: The Best New Music of April 23, 2021

From Body Void to Tilian, there is something for everyone among this week’s best new releases.

Life will probably never be the same as it was before the COVID pandemic took the world by storm. Mourning the loss of the world we knew is normal, but it’s important to recognize all the good that continues to exist. Each new week brings us music that has the potential to change countless lives, and this week’s batch of new releases is no exception. There are too many good records for us to mention, but here are four we believe everyone should experience. This is the best new music of the week.

BODY VOID – Bury Me Beneath This Rotting Earth (Prosthetic)

BODY VOID is one of the noisiest bands that we have ever heard. It’s almost impossible to describe just how much sound two individuals pouring every bit of emotion they feel into music can produce. Bury Me Beneath This Rotting Earth addresses the state of America in the context of our dying planet. The duo draws parallels between the crumbling infrastructure of the United States and the careless way humans are destroying the only world they call home. That may all read as defeatist, but on the contrary, BODY VOID is far from giving in or giving up. The band understands that we must first face the horrific reality of our situation if we ever hope to make positive changes. As discordant and harsh as moments on this record may be, there is an underlying thread that we can get through whatever the universe throws our way as long as we are willing to put in the effort to be better. 

Bodom After Midnight – Paint The Sky With Blood (Napalm)

All we can do in response to our lack of control is laugh and keep going. Paint The Sky With Blood was written to help usher in a new chapter for Bodom After Midnight, but it inadvertently became the final bow of a metal icon. The three-song EP is a fitting farewell to vocalist and guitarist Alexi Laiho, whose sudden passing recently sent shockwaves throughout the metal community. These songs are a testament to his enduring legacy, as well as a love letter to the genre itself. We consider this essential listening for any fan of heavy music, and we believe it is a fitting, albeit unfortunate, end to Laiho’s iconic career.

Racquel Jones – IgnoRANT

We need Racquel Jones more than Racquel Jones needs us. A painter, model, rapper, and more, Jones is on a mission to make us more honest. She understands that life is too short to Chi away from confrontation, and she views her art as a means to start conversations. Her music touches on everything from sexual identity to religion, and it’s delivered in such a way that it makes you think while also moving your feet. You can dance to it or cry to it, but you shouldn’t live life without it. Racquel Jones is the future. Don’t get left behind.

Altarage – Succumb (Season Of Mist / Underground Activities)

Nothing can prepare you for what Altarage offers listeners on their fourth full-length album. Succumb is a sonic pummeling that will no doubt impress and devastate metal fans worldwide. The record dives into the destructive nature of many things, including nostalgia, and doubles down on the technical precision that has become a trademark of the mysterious group’s sound. From the relentless pace of “Negative Arrival” to the twenty-one-minute closing track, Altarage pulls out all the stops to deliver something special. 

Tilian – Factory Reset (Rise)

As if being in Dance Gavin Dance didn’t provide enough opportunities to explore every wild idea that came to mind, Tilian Pearson is back in the spotlight with his fourth solo studio album. Factory Reset does its absolute best to defy expectations. It’s an amalgamation of rock, pop, and soul aesthetics that never focuses on one idea or sound for too long. Tilian wants to remind listeners that life and art are what we make of it, and he does so by embracing the boundless possibilities of his artistic identity. He understands that if we cannot define him, we may realize that the same is true for ourselves. We can be anything and anyone we want, but it is on us to make our dreams a reality. Factory Reset is here to inspire experimentation, and it does so with wildly catchy hooks listeners won’t soon forget.

New Music Friday recommendations feature a collection of new releases from Haulix clients chosen by the company staff. Join Haulix today and gain immediate access to the industry’s leading digital promotional distribution platform: http://haulix.com/signup.

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Artist Advice Business Advice Editorials Industry News News

How New Artists Should Invest In Their Music Career [Video]

People always say that you need to invest in your career, but nobody tells you how to spend your money. We can help.

The vast majority of young musicians are building a career with limited resources. Not only do they have to balance their pursuit of music with jobs and other commitments, but they often have minimal financial resources. Every dollar matters. Musicians want to grow, but they also want to produce a good product, and sometimes, it’s unclear how to do both with a small budget.

Every career is unique, but there are many similarities. The most important of these being that songs matter above all. Without good songs that are produced well, there isn’t much you can do to build a career. You can throw money around all day, but those efforts will ultimately be in vain without quality material. Today’s listeners have zero tolerance for artists pushing poorly produced music, which is why we always recommend focusing any budget towards making the best possible product first—quality matters.

If you make the best possible recording you can afford and still have a budget, the second area we recommend artists invest in is digital advertising. Many services will do this for you, but we have found that most won’t do it well without a massive investment. The best course of action is to first participate in the multiple online training sessions for digital ads offered by companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Google, and others. These free courses will teach you everything you need to know about setting up targeted ads that deliver actual results, and from there, you can begin building a digital following.

We can go on and on about ways to invest your money, but it’s also important to note that there are many things artists waste money on that should be avoided at all costs. Those items and much more are outlined in the latest Music Biz video. Host James Shotwell will walk you through the best and worst ways to spend your money if you want to grow your career. He will also discuss the pros and cons of each investment and how your priorities may shift over time. Dig in now:

Music Biz is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.

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Industry News News Podcasts

Racquel Jones Appears On The Latest Inside Music Podcast

An artist in the truest sense, Racquel Jones is on a mission to make everyone more comfortable with being honest.

Racquel Jones is a one-of-a-kind human. Part rapper, part painter, part model, and all heart, Racquel is on a mission to make us a more open and understanding world. Her art speaks to the need to do away with hesitation and embrace the fleeting nature of all things. She appreciates the limited time we have to do all that our hearts desire, and she hopes to encourage others to live their best lives whenever possible.

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On April 24, Racquel’s new album, IGNORANT, will be released. It’s an absolutely powerful and mesmerizing record, covering topics ranging from the toxicity of Christianity/Catholicism, fighting against racism and sexism, as well as celebrating her accomplishments and beauty as a Black Jamaican woman in spite of her struggles. All of this is to the tune of aggressive and hypnotic beatwork, as well as catchy hooks that bring it all together. Racquel herself describes the record/her mission statement best.

In Her Words: 

“The voice of the record is addressing truth; in its raw blatant pure form void of the disposition of wrong or right. It’s my voice…along with the voice of anyone who has ever felt stereotyped. It may seem at times cynical, sarcastic, provocative and uncomfortable, but the anguish is palpable by intention. It’s a voice unique, but one that anyone can understand. It’s the voice of undiplomatic gritty intelligence, relatable to all cultures, transcending pop cultural vernacular and ‘waves’. It’s the voice of powerful women made to feel powerless. It’s the voice of black kings made to feel less than human. It’s the voice of sexual freedom in the face of misogynistic false standards for women. It’s the voice of a young Jamaican woman who’s seen the world and its parallel stereotype universes in all cultures. It’s the edgy voice of Jamaica, a rebel beauty queen, a fallen preacher’s child, the only sister among three brothers, four years in art school and a bachelor of fine arts. That’s me, I’m that voice. I’m Racquel Jones. I create music that’s conceptual, but not too esoteric; intelligent but dope, relatable yet deep, revolutionary and soulful, thoughtful in its words, learned in its language, but totally accessible. That’s me and I’m baring my soul for the world to see and hear.”

In the latest episode of Inside Music, host James Shotwell chats with Racquel Jones about her career and creative process. Racquel reveals the inspirations for her new album and her ongoing struggle to overcome any hesitation she feels toward sharing her truth. The discussion also highlights music videos, maintaining creativity in a pandemic, and why being yourself to the fullest extent possible is the best way to live life. Check it out:

Inside Music is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup​ for details.

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Industry News News

How To Win Fans Without Annoying Your Audience [VIDEO]

Everyone wants to win fans online, but not everyone can grow their audience without alienating their listeners.

Digital promotion is a complicated proposition. On the one hand, it has never been easier to reach your audience and engage with fans regularly. At the same time, every attempt to grow that audience runs the risk of alienating the people who already love your music. As with many things in life, successful digital marketing it’s all about finding a balance, and we are here to help.

We believe it is entirely possible to steadily grow your audience without feeling tethered to social media at all times or driving yourself crazy trying to develop content ideas. Figuring out the right recipe for your career and audience will take time, but we can give you several things to consider when planning your future promotional efforts. 

The most important thing you need to know about digital promotion is that people are more intelligent than you think. Nobody needs to be told where your music is available because they assume that it’s available everywhere. Very few artists only post their music to one or two platforms, so you don’t need to tell people where to find your art. Your music, like the music created by everyone else, is available wherever people consume music. That is the world we live in.

The next thing to consider is what type of contact you are creating. Most social media managers will tell you that they try to balance different pieces of content that entertain, educate, or inform. Some posts can do all three, but others may only tackle one or two. Here are some quick examples:

Entertaining content makes people feel something. Artists often use song clips and video teasers to elicit an emotional response from their audience. 

Educational content teaches us something, such as how to pre-order your new record or follow your account on Spotify.

Informative content tells us something important, such as tour dates. 

Once you figure out the type of contact you want to post, you may wonder how frequently you should be posting to various digital platforms. You can find many tutorials on maximizing reach online, but we recommend prioritizing your mental health above all else. You should only post every day if you have the content and time to do so. If that feels too overwhelming, then maybe posting two or three times a week instead is a better approach. Your fans will adjust their expectations to match your output, so as long as you develop a routine, whatever you choose to do will work.

In the latest Music Biz update, host James Shotwell teaches you how to win fans without annoying your audience. He walks through things most musicians do not consider before posting online and offers advice to make all your promotional efforts more welcoming to everyone they reach. Check it out:

Music Biz is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup​ for details.

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Editorials Haulix Industry News News Recommendations

Haulix Recommends: The Best New Music of April 16, 2021

From Greta Van Fleet to Cannibal Corpse, there is something for everyone among this week’s best new releases.

Life will probably never be the same as it was before the COVID pandemic took the world by storm. Mourning the loss of the world we knew is normal, but it’s important to recognize all the good that continues to exist. Each new week brings us music that has the potential to change countless lives, and this week’s batch of new releases is no exception. There are too many good records for us to mention, but here are four we believe everyone should experience. This is the best new music of the week.

Greta Van Fleet – The Battle at Garden’s Gate (Republic)

Michigan’s Greta Van Fleet has spent the better part of the last decade becoming one of the most talked-about rock bands on the planet. The group has been the subject of so much discussion that it’s almost hard to believe that they’re only on their second album. The Battle at Garden’s Gate expands on the foundation of previous releases by channeling the influence of several iconic rock acts whose names now adorn the walls of the genre’s hall of fame. But this record is not merely a rehash of things we’ve heard previously. Greta Van Fleet asserts themselves more than ever with this release, and their wide-eyed youthfulness is present throughout the album. The pitch-perfect combination of old and new gives The Battle At Garden’s Gate a sense of timelessness, and it points to a bright future for the band.

Hail The Sun – New Age Filth (Equal Vision)

Equal Vision Records has a knack for finding and nurturing artists that defy easy classification. Hail The Sun, for example, cannot be filed away as either an alternative rock band or post-punk scene darlings. The group is too experimental for radio but not heavy enough for the so-called underground scene, which affords the band space to define themselves. New Age Filth is a progressive and profoundly emotional record that explores a vast range of human experiences to create an all-encompassing look at what it means to live in the world today. By blending their journeys into the record, Hail The Sun keeps things grounded while maintaining lofty ambitions for the future of their music. New Age Filth is, to put it simply, impressive in every way. 

Escape The Fate – Chemical Warfare (Better Noise)

Escape the Fate burst onto the rock scene as an amalgamation of 80s hair metal eccentricities and modern alt-rock edge. That image and sound catapulted the group to the forefront of their genre, but they did not let that early success slow their efforts to evolve. The band is now largely sober, far less image-focused, and tighter than ever. Chemical Warfare takes the band’s journey and puts it into song, detailing all the struggles and setbacks that created the men that the members have become over the last decade. It’s a profoundly inspirational collection of tracks written with the hope of influencing positive change that arrives precisely when the rock world needs it most. Where they go from here is anyone’s guess, but fans will be happy to know the band is at the top of their game with this release. 

Cannibal Corpse – Violence Unimagined (Metal Blade)

Though many have tried, no one can replicate the heaviness or aggression of Cannibal Corpse. Violence Unimagined, the band’s fifteenth studio album, is the latest testament to the enduring talent of Buffalo’s best export. It’s eleven tracks of masterfully produced and crushingly brutal death metal performed with precision by the people mainly responsible for the genre’s global popularity. Cannibal Corpse has nothing left to prove, and they know it, so instead, they’re making the best music they can — as only they can — for the benefit of metal fans everywhere.

The Offspring – Let The Bad Times Roll (Concord)

Over three and a half decades into their career, The Offspring continue to deliver their signature combination of so-cal punk and alternative rock with Let The Bad Times Roll. Many groups would be happy to rest on the success of their catalog, but Dexter Holland and crew push forward. Their latest channels the frustrations of the past year and the many ongoing terrors of the world into a collection of songs that demand listeners find joy wherever they can. Make no mistake: Let The Bad Times Roll is not about ignoring all the wrongs in the world. It’s about finding happiness amid the chaos and how creating spaces for others to do the same will make this planet more hospitable for everyone.

New Music Friday recommendations feature a collection of new releases from Haulix clients chosen by the company staff. Join Haulix today and gain immediate access to the industry’s leading digital promotional distribution platform: http://haulix.com/signup.

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News

How To Hire A Music Publicist [Video]

Finding the right publicist for your next release is a challenge, but knowing what to ask can make all the difference.

Music publicity is one of the most challenging jobs in entertainment. Publicists work long hours to help artists cut through the noise and be heard. They go above and beyond daily to make sure their clients’ stories are heard, often in places that the artists themselves would never be able to reach, and they rarely receive the thanks they deserve. Music PR is, in many ways, the bridge between anonymity and stardom.

But finding the right publicist for your music can be challenging. Just because someone can promote a band or artist that makes music somewhat similar to yours does not mean they can do the same for you. Likewise, it’s possible someone who never worked with an artist like you could help you find new audiences. Others will promise you the world and deliver nothing. 

While we can’t make decisions for you, we can provide the tools you need to make the best choice for your career and wallet. In the latest Music Biz update, host James Shotwell walks through more than half a dozen questions every artist should ask a publicist before hiring them. These questions cover expectations, costs, and the publicist’s understanding of the project in question, among other things. Check it out:

Questions covered in the video above include:

  • Please tell me about my music (describe what it is you think I/we do)
  • How do you define a PR agency’s worth to a client?
  • What do you feel about your agency’s worth in the context of that answer?
  • What isn’t your job?
  • Why is your agency best suited to work this specific record for this specific band?
  • What kind of adjustments have you had to make since starting your own agency?
  • Can you provide a SWOT analysis of our project?
  • What is a story that needs to be told about this band and this record for it to achieve the most commercial success?
  • How do you prioritize clients?
  • This band is outside of the genre of your biggest acts. How do you make that into a strength?
  • What is the current rate for your services? Do you offer discounts on multi-month commitments as opposed to month-by-month payments?

Asking these questions can help you find the right person or team to help make your next release the success you deserve. Don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you need to feel confident in your decision.

Music Biz is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.

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