Hello and welcome to the final Blogger Spotlight column of the week. We thank you for sticking with us through the extra-long articles we have been running as of late, and encourage you to take an extra bathroom break before diving into the feature below. If you have any questions regarding the content of this blog, or if you would like to learn more information about the services offered by Haulix, please email james@haulix.com and share your thoughts. We can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.
A few weeks back I was scrolling through editorials on music blogs when I came across a voice I had never before encountered. The writer’s name was Alexa Rahmanparast, and her article on the importance of local music/scenes spoke to me in a way few columns had in recent memory. I reached out to the editor of the site which originally ran the column, and a few hours later was contacting Alexa for a feature in this blog.
I know we usually lead into these features with a bit of a teaser on what to expect from the interview, but this time around I thought we would switch it up and share with you an the very article that brought Alexa to our attention. You can read her words, which originally appeared on MindEqualsBlown, below:
As someone who has been to numerous concerts, I’ve seen those “Support Local Music” stickers all over the place. It seems as if the whole world is claiming they support local music, yet when I go to a local show, the room appears almost empty with only a few dedicated fans. On the other hand, if one goes to a show for a more prominent band, there is rarely any room to breathe. So where are all of these people who claim to support the local music scene?
It appears as if this campaign is almost the “cool” thing to follow. Many people claim to show interest in the support of their town’s music scene, but state that their scene is dead without even attending a single local show. What people fail to realize is that many of the more prominent bands that they support all started from the bottom and worked their way to the top, so it can’t be nearly as dead as they believe.
The music at a local level is far purer than music that has been tainted with fame. These musicians are completely free to be their true selves because they have no intervention from labels or, in some cases, managers. It is rumored that A Day to Remember has had issues with Victory Records for this particular reason. Also, people often refer to the musicians they once loved as “sellouts” because, while absolutely frustrating, eventually signed musicians almost always need to commercialize to appeal to every type of fan. On the flip side, local musicians have no one to please but their current fans and usually stick to their unique style.
Small-time bands also tend to show more humility, as the only thing keeping them alive is their local fanbase. However, it goes without saying that not all local musicians are humble people and not all famous musicians have heads the size of Jupiter. Jason Butler from Letlive. is actually one of the nicest people I have met. I met him at the Vans Warped Tour and he was incredibly cooperative and friendly. During the event, it started to rain and despite the fact that he was about to perform, he still went out of his way to go through with our scheduled interview. Yet, surprising things that popular bands do, such as asking for my name or my thoughts on their music, are things almost guaranteed upon meeting some of these local bands. At small shows, bands usually hang back to meet their fans and on some occasions even become close friends with them.
These small-time bands generally have smaller shows than popular artists, so it’s as if their concerts are something special for their small following. It is a completely different experience to go to a local show rather than one for a more famous band. On many occasions, people go to concerts for more prominent bands, such as Sleeping With Sirens or Pierce the Veil, because they have simply heard of these musicians or are hopeful of being future Mrs. Kellin Quinns or Mrs. Oliver Sykes. Yet, if one goes to a local show, such as those of Ocala-based band Wage War, people are most likely there for only the love of the music. This gives their shows a more personal feel.
Local concert-goers eventually start to see many familiar faces. People who frequently attend local shows ultimately build a sense of community and for the most part, these communities are incredibly positive. Sometimes, people meet complete strangers at these events who become some of their closest friends. I actually met my good friend Eric at a Battle of the Bands competition, at the venue Revolution in South Florida. I like to think that these shows give people comfort in knowing that there are similarly-minded people who have experienced many of the same struggles they have, as music is an incredibly emotional experience.
There’s also nothing cooler than seeing a band you have long supported make it in the big leagues. I’ve seen this one band, Shout London, grow from a little seedling into a huge success. I saw the band’s start-up and went to several shows, and eventually they graced the stage at the Orlando Vans Warped Tour venue playing alongside incredibly prominent bands such as Anarbor and Forever the Sickest Kids, who are in a similar genre. It’s such an amazing feeling to see them perform at a high level because it makes me feel like I had a big part in their uprising. I understand that I’m not the reason that they suddenly became popular, but the fact that my presence helped this band start up is an incredibly uplifting feeling.
The support of local music also helps strengthen local economies. It goes without saying that local venues are an important part of the local scene as they are the ones that provide musicians with a place to reach out to their fans. Places like Country, BlueGrass, and Blues, otherwise known as CBGB, helped start up local New York musicians from the ’70s to mid-2000s, making some incredibly famous, such as The Ramones, Blondie, The Talking Heads, and more. Every ticket sold at CBGB helped build the local economy.
It’s not actually all that difficult to become a supporter of the local music scene. Music supporters who would like to get involved should consider checking local venues and their ticket centers. Bands and venues also post a lot of their events online, which is an easier option for most. I’d also recommend supporting local musicians by purchasing their albums, as opposed to illegally downloading them, as they need a way to support themselves and continue to make music a career. Just talking to musicians about their music will help them determine how to stylistically move forward. I’ve had many bands who are starting up contact me for my thoughts on their music through social media sites such as Twitter. Even this kind of support can help a band out more than one could ever imagine. I just hope that one day, as many people show support for the local music scene as they do for the campaign.
We have no doubt Alexa will have a bright future in the music industry, and in the interview below she tells us a little bit about the things that inspire he to continue pursuing her dreams. If you would like to learn more about Alexa we highly recommend following both her and MEB on Twitter. Additional questions and comments can be left at the end of this post.
H: For the record, please state your name, job title, and the publication(s) you work for:
A: My name is Alexa Rahmanparast and I’m a staff writer for Mind Equals Blown.
H: Let’s begin with a bit of personal history. When you think of your earliest memories with music, what comes to mind?
A: I think I first realized that I was really into music the first time I heard Panic! At the Disco’s A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. I believe that I was in the fifth grade when “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” started playing on the main radio stations back home and it dawned on me that music was more than background noise.
H: What was the first album you purchased with your own money?
A: Coming from the digital day in age I started downloading music on iTunes, but I believe the first physical album that I purchased with my own money was The Seeking’s Yours Forever.
H: Many of the people we work with on these features can pinpoint specific albums and/or formative moments in life that steered them toward a career in entertainment. Do you have anything like this in your past?
A: I think I’ve always known deep down that I wanted to work with music, but I remember the moment I realized it. It’s actually quite random, I was watching the movie “Going the Distance” with my cousin and we were talking about Justin Long’s character, who happens to be an A&R representative for a label. After the movie my cousin mentioned that I would probably be really good at that and it all made sense.
H: What inspires you as a writer?
A: For as long as I remember I’ve been putting pen to paper. As a child I had loads of “poetry” books, so I can’t really say what has inspired me as a writer. It’s just always been that way and I couldn’t imagine my life if things were different.
H: Having a strong interest in music and writing is one thing, but taking the next step and becoming a journalist requires a lot of time and effort. What lead you to dabble in the world of music blogging?
A: I remember having a teacher in High School who told us she never worked a day in her life because she loved it so much. I guess you could say that there’s a lot of time and effort put into music journalism, but if there’s anything I could be writing about it may as well be something I love. I figured music blogging would be an excellent way to get involved in the music scene.
H: You are currently a contributor to Mind Equals Blown, which is a site we have become quite familiar with over the last year. What made MEB the site you chose to work for? Did you write anywhere else before joining the team?
A: Actually one of my best friends has been writing for MEB for a while now and I used to help her out with research and I’d join in on some interviews. She suggested that I should apply for MEB so that I could be involved in the scene while still making connections for the future. This is my first time working for a music publication and so far it’s been a lot of fun.
H: If someone were to ask you what separates the content found on MEB from its competitors, what would you tell them?
A: I think the fact that Mind Equals Blown focuses a lot on editorials, more so than other sites, is awesome. It gives readers a chance to get to know the people who are writing the other kinds of stories.
H: I’ve noticed you have a strong passion for editorials. Do you have any pieces from the last year you’re particularly proud of and would like to share with our readers? Go on, pat yourself on the back a bit!
A: I think it’s rather interesting. I wrote this piece about supporting local music back when I was still on trial to see whether or not I’d officially become a staff writer on the site. It’s the first piece I ever sent in to MEB and I didn’t even think it would get published. I remember hearing back from the editor about that piece and he loved it. Eventually it got published and I got quite a bit of positive feedback, so I guess I could say that I’m pretty proud of that editorial.
H: The reason you came onto our radar was because of a piece I read not long ago on local music scenes. The debate over whether or not bands should focus on building a following regionally has come into the spotlight a lot as of late. Where do you stand on the subject?
A: I’m a huge supporter of building a following regionally. I think the local music scene is where things should start as everything is so much purer. You know the fans are there because they like your music, not because you’re a big name musician playing a show that everyone and their mother is attending. Of course, if a band starts up and suddenly makes it big I say more power to them, but I think they’d be missing out on the experience.
H: Speaking of young bands just starting to find their place in the world, Mind Equals Blown has developed a reputation for exposing new artists to the world. When you want to discover new music, where do you turn?
A: I’ve always been pretty big on finding up and coming musicians. I’m actually the President of the local musician organization at my University, so that’s one way I seek out new talent. I’m also pretty big on finding new musicians through social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. It goes without saying that MEB is also an excellent place to find new artists.
H: Let’s spin the tables a bit. I know your email gets flooded with requests from artists and groups for exposure on MEB. What advice would you offer to up and comers to help separate themselves from others vying for digital space?
A: I feel like a lot of the bands who have messaged me tried making small talk first so as to not seem like they’re using me. While I think it’s nice when a musician tries to connect with their fans (or future fans) on a personal note, it also feels kind of fake for the most part. If I get a message that says something along the lines of “Hey, what kind of music do you like?” then I’ll probably just ignore it or take months to respond because I’m not looking to make small talk. Just get to the point, we both know why you’re messaging me.
H: When it comes to receiving music for review and feature consideration, which distribution platforms do you prefer to receive music from and why?
A: I’d be totally lying if I said I’ve used anything, really. I still am one of MEB’s newbies, so I haven’t quite learned all of the tricks yet. Normally, I’ve just waited for the albums to come out on iTunes or Spotify and go on from there.
H: Your involvement with MEB has been growing in recent months. What career goals do you currently possess, and how have they changed in the last year?
A: I’ve actually known since I was in my Junior year of High School. For now, I think I’d like to be an A&R representative for a label, but I’m still not sure which one yet. I just think that discovering new talent and granting them an opportunity to make it out there would be so rewarding.
H: What do you think is the biggest problem facing young professionals hoping to enter the music industry today? Do you have any advice to offer?
A: I think a lot of young musicians may not start out with the largest fanbase, so they immediately change their sound to fit what the masses like. It seems like they’re betraying themselves to just make it big and I think that’s a huge mistake. Music is such a pure form of expression, so people shouldn’t lose themselves along the way.
H: What can you tell us about MEB’s plans for 2014?
A: With the new year, we certainly have new things brewing. We’ll certainly have new music to review and our much loved editorials will be as strong as ever.
H: Okay, that should cover everything. Before I let you go, do you have any final thoughts to share with our readers?
A: Just to make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the interesting new material that both MEB and Haulix will be releasing!
Hello, everyone. Welcome to the second and final Blogger Spotlight feature of the week. We have a special column planned for later this week and thought a two-day celebration of writers would be a good way to kickoff December. If you have a suggestion for a future column on this blog, or if have questions about Haulix and the services we offer, please email james@haulix.com and share your thoughts. We can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.
The best websites are only as good as their contributors, and right now in alternative music it is hard to come across a more diverse and talented team than that of Mind Equals Blown. We’ve already told you about the early days of the site, but today we’re going to learn about life in one of the industry’s fastest-growing blogs from the perspective of a contributor who is just starting to find his footing in the music business.
Tyler Sharp is one of the first writers to be featured on this blog that we discovered through our efforts with this very series. We saw Tyler’s name come up when looking at social sharing numbers from recent articles and quickly sought out his work as a writer. When we realized he was part of Mind Equals Blown we knew he had a story to share, and fortunately for us he was kind enough to let us in his journey thus far.
Making a name for yourself in music today is harder than ever, and while writing is definitely a good way to get your foot in the door it can also take years to offer any true returns for your effort. Tyler’s talents have already given him a leg up against his peers, and I have no doubt he’ll continue to succeed in whatever avenues of the business he chooses to pursue in the future. If you would like to informed on everything he has going on, make sure you bookmark and frequent Mind Equals Blown. Additional questions and comments can be left at the end of this post.
H: For the record, please state your name, position, and the site(s) you write for:
TS: Tyler Sharp, News Director, Mind Equals Blown.
H: To who or what do you attribute your interest in music? Writing?
TS: Musically, it was the band Underoath who really peaked my interest and essentially helped mold into the person I am today. They were the first band that introduced me to not only heavy music, but music outside of pop culture. As for writing, I have always been an avid reader. I love telling stories and I believe there is an important story to be told with music – I’m just trying to help write it.
H: When you think of your earliest memories with music, what comes to mind?
TS: Growing up I was always surrounded by the music my parents listened to (Led Zepplin, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Fleetwood Mac, etc.), but I never initially took a liking to music. It wasn’t until I was in the fourth grade sitting in my living room watching Green Day perform their single “American Idiot” on the Grammy’s, that I really began my journey with music. The rest is history, I suppose you could say.
H: An interest in music is fairly common, but a desire to make a career in it is something else entirely. Do you recall the first time you realized the entertainment business was the place for you?
TS: As a matter of fact, I do. I was a Junior in high school, finally realizing that performing in a band for the rest of my life wasn’t exactly the most practical life choice. I had always enjoyed reading reviews of albums and interviews with bands and it just hit me that I could do that. I had never really thought about it before, but it literally hit me like a deer in the headlights one day, and I’ve been working towards my goal of a making a career out of it ever since.
H: You’re currently a resident of Indiana, which is not exactly the first place that comes to mind when people think of the music industry. What can you tell us about your local scene and how you first got your start networking in the business?
TS: I live in the Northwest part of the state, about an hour outside of Chicago. The music scene is somewhat confusing around here. Allow me to explain: Unfortunately, there is a lot of judgement and division. We have the hardcore kids, pop-punk kids, deathcore kids and everyone in between, but it just doesn’t seem like anyone can find a common ground. If your band doesn’t sound a certain way and or you don’t dress a certain way, then you don’t “fit in.” I know this situation isn’t unique to NWI, it’s just extremely disheartening to see so much seclusion in a scene that is supposedly built upon acceptance. Don’t get me wrong, there are some very good-hearted, reputable people here (kids, bands and promoters alike), it’s just discouraging that you have to search for them.
H: Onto your work with MindEqualsBlown. When did you first learn of MEB, and what lead you to apply for a contributor position?
TS: It was around January of last year when I first heard of MEB. At the time, I was operating my own music news-based website, The Scene As We Know It. I realized that while I loved owning a website and having others writing for me, I just wasn’t happy with the situation anymore – it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I felt like TSAWKI had run its course and I had the opportunity to open a new door, so I began searching around for a new website to contribute my efforts to. I first came across MEB in a forum on AbsolutePunk. I checked out the site multiple times before applying, weighing my options. I finally decided that I really liked what they were doing and felt as though I could bring some new opportunities to the table for them – so I applied and am currently coming up on my one year anniversary.
H: There are a lot of sites in existence covering the areas of music MEB is known for. What is it about the content offered by MEB that sets you apart from the competition?
TS: A good portion of our content is editorial based. I’ve noticed a lot of sites out there right now are more concerned about quantity, rather than quality, in regards to content. We try to tackle the major stories and issues in the industry today, but with a more in depth look than other sites may offer. Even our news stories offer not only the story itself, but our opinion and the chance for you to voice yours as well.
H: Like many bloggers, you do not get paid your efforts. Why do it?
TS: It may sound cliche, but I really do just love it. I love working with bands and PR people and setting up exclusives and premieres. I always get this underlying excitement when we break a huge news story or premiere a brand new song for a band. Seeing how much impact I have as a writer on the industry, even if it’s just a little bit here and there, just makes it all worth it.
H: What is the biggest misconception people have about the music industry?
TS: I think a lot of people see the music industry as this idealistic place where everyone plays nice and there’s never any controversy. The music industry is essentially a battle ground and you have fight for everything you can get, because there are a hundred people right behind you reaching for the same goals.
H: In addition to working on MEB, what steps are you taking to further your pursuit of a career in music?
TS: I’m currently attending Purdue University North Central for a degree in Communications. I’m really hoping to make a career out of writing, and I thoroughly believe music is where I’m supposed to be – so we’ll just see where it goes!
H: As someone who writes a lot of news, what is the most comment mistake you see artists make when trying to get the attention of journalists?
TS: Being unsociable. Let’s face it, a generic press-release template that says your band rocks like so-and-so and has shared the stage with so-and-so really doesn’t have much impact on me – and I’m sure I’m not alone. Bands need to get more personable; talk to me about your band, ask about the website, show me that you actually care about getting your name out there. There are too many outfits out there that just assume they deserve all the publicity in the world because they released a somewhat well-produced single, or went on a two week run with one of their “biggest inspirations.” It’s okay to be confident about your band (that’s good), but when you come off as arrogant or conceited, you’ll soon find that you’re not going to get anywhere fast.
H: If you could offer one piece of advice to artists hoping for more exposure on sites, what would it be?
TS: Like I said above, get personable. Talk with people and make connections. Meeting people and making new acquaintances is a huge perk about being involved in music, and I think a lot of people overlook that sometimes. Almost everyone involved in the industry has some sort of online presence, get in contact and open some doors for your band. Sending me a mass message on Facebook telling me to check out your band because you saw that I ‘Like’ this band or that band doesn’t exactly make me want to look into yours. Spark up an actual conversation and see where it goes.
H: When it comes to receiving music for review purposes, which services do you prefer and why?
TS: To be completely honest, Haulix is the only one I’ve ever used! I really love how all the materials are so easy to access and the new password integration is a very nice addition. It’s simple, straight to the point, and just enjoyable to work with.
H: What is your ultimate career goal?
TS: This is a tough question considering I don’t know exactly where I want to go with my career as of yet. I suppose in a perfect world, after I graduate I’ll find myself working for a large music-based publication, following bands around while they’re on tour and writing feature articles on them. Traveling is something I’ve always wanted to do, and fortunately enough, it seems to go hand-in-hand with music.
H: If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
TS: I would definitely change the divisions between genres and fan bases. I mean, I get that if you’re a Trapped Under Ice fan, you’re not necessarily going to jam the new Black Veil Brides record and actually enjoy or respect it. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean there has to be this large gap between fan-bases. If you don’t like a certain band or type of music, don’t listen to them; don’t discriminate against a person because of their musical likings.
H: Before we let you go, do you have anything else you would like to share with our readers?
TS: Come talk to me about your band, who knows, maybe you’ll end up on MindEqualsBlown!
A new week has begun, and with it we have another fantastic Blogger Spotlight to share with all of you.
In a time where many music blogs are running as fast as they can to join larger organizations in hopes of monetization, Mind Equals Blown stands apart as a force for independent thought in a cluttered online world. There coverage rests mainly in the alternative world, but they have been known to venture into the realm of pop and beyond whenever their editors deemed talent worthy of their feed. Between news, lists, editorials, and reviews that are more in depth than the efforts of many major publications, MEB has carved a nice niche for themselves on the fringe of modern music blogging that is quickly finding a fervent following. At the head of it all is Drew Maroon, a twenty-something with a love for music than runs deeper than the ocean. We spoke with Drew about his work on MEB, how he came to work in music, and where he sees his efforts headed in the future. You can find his responses following the MEB logo below.
As always, if you enjoy this spotlight piece please make sure you do whatever you can to support the efforts of Drew and the people who make Mind Equals Blown a reality every day. Click here to Follow MEB on Twitter, and click here to Like them on Facebook.
H: For those unaware, please state your name, the site you work for, and your role at said site:
DM: My name is Drew Maroon. I’m the founder, owner, editor and whatever else you can think of at Mind Equals Blown.
H: You have had a presence in blogging for a few years. Is Mind Equals Blown your first website? If not, would you please tell us how you got your start in writing?
DM: Yeah, MEB was my first. I started MEB during my freshman year at the University of Florida. I’m a metalhead who essentially has no metalhead friends. I would find all these cool metal bands that I wanted to talk about and my friends wanted nothing to do with it, so I began writing about them online through MEB. Basically, it just snowballed from there. It didn’t really take off until that winter when Jack Appleby (now of Absolute Punk) came on board. He really pushed MEB to the next level.
The site since then has really taken on a life of its own. Our staff is solely to praise for its success. It is a group effort.
H: What initially drove you to have an interest in the music industry? Being in your twenties and having now gone through the ringer of freelance, do you still see this business as a viable career option?
DM: There are all these fantastic bands that go unnoticed for whatever reason. I just wanted to help them get the exposure they deserved. Sometimes a quick blog post is all a band needs to get in front of the right person.
I do see the business as a viable career option, yes. But, you have to love it. I think very few people make a lot of money doing what they love, so it’s a choice. I’ve actually changed my major and I’m pursuing my MBA in hopes of doing something like this for a living.
H: Mind Equals Blown is one of the biggest sites not yet attached to a major company, like SpinMedia. Are you choosing to stay independent on purpose? If so, what drives your DIY ethic?
DM: We are proudly independent at the moment. The site exists because of all of the hard work and dedication of the awesome staffers that MEB has. No one earns a dime (myself included) so everyone who works for MEB does so on a volunteer basis.
To me, that is amazing. These people work so hard to produce something they’re proud of and passionate about. The staff is the absolute heart and soul of this site and it would be nowhere today without them and all their hard work.
H: In terms of content, what is it about MEB that separates your offerings from those of your numerous competitors?
DM: I hope people associate us with in-depth features and editorials. For me, that is where music journalism lies – with the story. Album reviews are great and all, but the real interesting aspect is the story behind the album, you know. Why did the artist change their sound a bit? What influenced them? Most of the time there is a very interesting story just waiting to be written.
That is the direction I’m constantly pushing MEB in and I think we’ve done a great job with our first little step.
H: MEB tends to write longer news articles and in-depth features. With that in mind, how do you feel about the ‘buzzfeed-ification’ of news (ie, move to shorter stories and more lists) online?
DM: Glad to see we are associated with in-depth features! However, people like different things. I don’t mind lists every now-and-again, but I’d always choose a good story over a ‘Top 10 whatever’ list. That isn’t to say they’re not entertaining in their own way. Oftentimes they are very fun! I think lists like that can be a great addition to strong content, but shouldn’t be the main source of content.
H: You cover a variety of talent on your site. How do you go about discovering new bands?
DM: This is where our staff shines brightest. Every staff member has a vast and unique scope of music that influences what they cover and what they write about.
Personally, I like to click through Bandcamp. Bandcamp has a ton of awesome metal music just waiting to be heard.
H: Let’s say the artists come to you. What advice would you offer those hoping to gain your attention via email or other social means?
DM: Good music is always going to rise to the top. If you make great music you will eventually get the exposure you deserve. Other than that, keep it simple. Get straight to the point and link me to somewhere where I can stream your music. Also, if I have to ‘like’ your Facebook page to hear a song, I’m immediately moving on.
I want to help promote your band, that is why the site was started to begin with. Feel free to reach out to us on the @mindequalsblown Twitter, Facebook or individually to staff members.
H: When it comes to receiving music for review and feature consideration, which services do you prefer and why?
DM: Not to be perceived as being biased, but definitely Haulix. Haulix takes all of the hassle out of receiving new music. It simply combines everything on one page and provides you with promo pictures, bios, videos and whatever else. Since most of the publicists we work with tend to use it, it’s nice to be able to quick switch back to your full catalog of promos you’ve received.
H: If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
DM: To see artists get a bigger return on their music. The scene is driven by touring and merch – that seems so backwards to me. I think the industry is broken as it is, but we are slowly moving into a new age where we can directly support artists we feel rightly deserve it.
Look at Protest the Hero – they did an Indiegogo for their new album and raised the money in less than 24 hours. They then went on to almost triple their original asking amount. This is a band that takes their time between records and, as a result, puts out quality music every time. I was more than happy to drop $50 for their new album.
Maybe someday in the future the industry can get to a happy medium between labels and this ability to directly support a band.
H: You write a lot about having big plans on the horizon. Can you tell us a bit about what MEB has planned for the remainder of 2013?
DM: We are always cooking up a lot of fun stuff over on MEB, some that sees the light of day and a lot that doesn’t. We’re always going to be pushing out more original features and quality content, sticking with what we do best. We’re continuing to grow and evolve. We may be a 5 year old site but I still feel as if we’re just getting started!
