the blogford files

I’m in NYC this morning getting ready to film a short piece about Tone Box Digital for Wired.com.  It’s a bit gloomy up here but there is something about this city I like…  However, it’s Friday and I didn’t want to miss the second edition of Free Music Friday!  I had some requests this week for some acoustic music and country…  It’s a bit on the alt side of both genres, hope that works… What’s next week?

Peter Bradley Adams
“I’ll Forget you” (mp3)
from “Leavetaking”
(Sarathan Records)

Buy at Amazon MP3 Store (label link)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album

Rodriguez
“Sugar Man” (mp3)
from “Cold Fact”
(Light In The Attic)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album

The last track won’t be around too long. This album was featured on NPR’s “All Songs Considered”. It was included in one of the Five Recordings To Hear Before You Die special. The band is Five Eight and this album was put out in 2000.

Five Eight
“All My Patients” (mp3)
from “The Good Nurse”
(Deep Elm)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at eMusic
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album

Well, some of you do.  However, being in a new arena with social media my sarcasm, talk and tweets can come across in many ways.  Some facts, so you guys don’t have to ask who I voted for.

• I was undecided until the night before on who I was voting for.
• I was 100% Obama just a month ago.
• I was 50/50 less than two weeks ago.
• When it came time to vote- I voted for McCain.
• I am not a Republican.
• I am not a Democrat.
• I am a Christian.
• I am an American.
• I chose McCain because of experience.
• I chose McCain because he would have given my small business more of a chance to be successful.
• I do not want to redistribute my hard work.
• I want to decide who I help.  It is my job, not the Government’s.
• I want to continue deciding and providing the best healthcare to my children.
• I give money to many organizations that I know give to the less fortunate.
• I am 100% proud that America has come this far to elect a bi-racial president.
• I support Obama.
• I will not be a liberal smart-ass and take cheap shots at Obama- unlike the last 4 years towards Bush.

My prayers and best wishes for the coming years.  I pray that Change can actually happen and that we as a nation can come together.

<sincerity done, back to my sarcastic, fun-loving self>

I’m looking for some input as I continue to define the Tone Box Digital business model.  I have a few questions and would love some input from indie artists & indie biz folks.  Got 5 mins?  Can you help me out?

Here’s what I’m studying/looking for- You can answer all or just a couple.  Also, you can answer here in the comments or feel free to email me.

1. As an indie artist or someone who works with indie artists what do you feel is missing to take you to the next level?
2. Can you define your “next level”?
3. Do you believe a major label will help more or less in your career?
4. Do you work on your music career like you would with any job or goal?
5. Do you have digital distribution?  Worldwide?
6. What are you doing online to market, share your music & build your fan base?

That’s it.  Please share with any artists or biz folks you know.  Once I’ve compiled, I’ll post a follow up blog with my answers and findings…

Thanks!!!!!

Yes, this is a spin off of Totally Free Music Tuesday. Except it’s not Tuesday- it’s Friday. I’m going to try my hardest to make this a weekly thing- if I get slack feel free to call my mom and let her know or just email me and say “Hey, I want some free music!”. Click the button to the right of each album to download the mp3.

Marching Band
“Make No Plans” (mp3)
from “Spark Large”
(U & L Records, Inc.)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks

Next is Dragonette with the incredibly catchy and rump-bumpin beat that is “I Get Around”. It’s a pop/alt track with some heavy dance influence. Not my usual but this caught my ear.

Dragonette
“I Get Around” (mp3)
from “Galore”
(I Surrender Records)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks
More On This Album

Last for your weekend fix is Deltron 3030 featuring Del The Funky Homosapien and Dan the Automator. This is not a new album but it’s just hit the digital world. It’s old school hip-hop/rap- good stuff to rip with while driving.

Del The Funky Homosapien, Dan the Automator
“Mastermind” (mp3)
from “Deltron 3030″
(Deltron Projects)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks
Buy at GroupieTunes
Buy at mTraks
More On This Album

So what do you think? Keep bringing the free music? Do you guys just want to download or do I turn this into a podcast?

After many, many years of speculation and jokes the Guns N’ Roses album “Chinese Democracy” is upon us. Set to release in November, doubters and fans will see if all comes to fruition. After hearing the first single which is the title track, I must say I’m a bit intrigued. It’s absolutely not what I expected and I kind of like it. Part of me doesn’t want to like it just because the circus that is Axl Rose. No matter, it’s not a bad track. If this is any preview of the full album we could be in for a surprisingly good rock album.

Here’s the track to see for yourself. What do you think?