What's Happening In Music In: Pittsburgh

Although it may not be as famous as Austin's or New York City's, the music scene of Pittsburgh is pretty happening. In fact, Pittsburgh earned the #1 spot on Esquire magazine's "Cities That Rock" list in 2004--and it has only gotten better since. In a city known for its steel industry and blue collar atmosphere, music is a much-needed artistic and emotional release. The people in Pittsburgh work hard--and play even harder. Here at HillTop Records, we can certainly appreciate that.

If you love live music and are planning to visit Pittsburgh, you will not be disappointed by the city's many choices. A few of the most famous local venues are Club Cafe, Mr. Small's Funhouse and The Rex Theatre. Headliners range from world-renowned artists to up-and-coming garage bands on the brink of stardom. The latter probably feels more at home in Pittsburgh, where the population celebrates the entrepreneurial and undiscovered. The small town feel of the city helps to foster a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in and out of the music industry. Many large events are held each year with the primary purpose of introducing new artists to the scene. If you can, be sure to check out the annual "Best in the 'Burgh" music showcase or a festival like the Pittsburgh Blues Festival at Hartwood Acres. For a comprehensive calendar of upcoming concerts and events, check out the Pittsburgh Channel.

At any time of year, you can experience one of the main components of Pittsburgh's thriving music scene--its huge radio presence. Local stations like 102.5fm WDVE (for rock music) and 90.5fm WDUQ (jazz) cater to specific audiences, while 105.9fm The X welcomes submissions from local artists. College radio stations like Carnegie Mellon's 88.3fm WRCT and the University of Pittsburgh's 92.1fm WPTS are also popular. Meanwhile, on the Web you can hear Pittsburgh-specific podcasts like Iron City Rocks. Just like on our official website, there is something for everyone.

If you are a musician or songwriter living in Pittsburgh, you're in luck! There are so many great resources at your disposal. Online communities like Emayhem and Pittpunk can keep you informed, while organizations like Calliope and the Pittsburgh Jazz Society help preserve and foster the city's love of different genres. What's more, Pittsburgh is home to a huge number of music stores selling albums and equipment. You've got Drum World Pittsburgh, Backstage Guitars, the Brighton Music Center, Guitarzilla, The String Workshop, Volkwein's Music Robinson Township... The list goes on and on. See it in its entirety right here.

Not surprising given the number of outlets in the city, many famous musicians have called "The 'Burgh" their home. Celebrities with roots in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area include pop singer Christina Aguilera, popular composers Henry Mancini and Stephen Collins Foster, the legendary Perry Como and jazz great Billy Eckstine (one of the first musicians to be paid a $1 million recording contract.) Professional groups that still draw sizable crowds include the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (performances are held at Heinz Hall) and one of the few professional brass bands in the world, the River City Brass Band.

As early as the 1920's, Pittsburgh seemed destined to be a great city for music. This was when (partly due to the city's central geographical location) it became an important hub of jazz. Throughout the '30's and 40's, the Hill District was known as "Little Harlem." The community was filled with fantastic jazz venues--some of which helped to develop and promote the emergence of bebop! Celebrated singer Lena Horne, influential bassist Ray Brown and other jazz musicians like Mary Lou Williams, Billy Strayhorn (famous for being Duke Ellington's primary musical collaborator for 28 years) and Ahmad Jamal all owe their starts to Pittsburgh. To this day, the local jazz scene thrives.

Other genres that have found especially big followings in Pittsburgh include variations of indie rock, punk rock and hardcore punk. From the classical sounds that routinely fill the halls of architectural landmarks to the raw, edgy counter-culture that makes this a "City That Rocks," the music scene of Pittsburgh is as diverse and multi-faceted as its population.

R.I.P. Barnes & Noble?

First was Tower Records, then Virgin Megastores. The latest retail juggernaut to fall victim to the Internet revolution? Barnes & Noble. The major seller of books and music, who once struck fear in the hearts of independent stores nationwide, has gone the way of its own half-off clearance bins. According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, the company has admitted defeat and put itself up for sale this month. Investors cite low stock prices and (of course) the Internet as the main reasons for this maneuver. We at HillTop Records are well aware of how the Web has changed the music industy. However, the question remains--how did such a once-powerful entity manage to fall so far so fast?

Barnes & Noble has about 720 stores in the United States, and it sells approximately 300 million books each year. Not too long ago, those numbers represented a significant presence. However, just like countless other industry heavy-hitters, the retail chain has met its match on the World Wide Web. In particular, Amazon 's game-changing strategies have been giving Barnes & Noble stores a run for their money since the beginning. Compare Amazon Inc.'s market capitalization of $55 billion to Barnes & Noble's current cap at just under $950 million, and you will see that the brick-and-mortar chain is no longer the powerhouse that it once was.

While factors like customer service and overall convenience come into play, one key piece of the puzzle remains a topic of conversation: The groundbreaking launch of Amazon's digital book reader, the Kindle. There is no debating the extreme ease and convenience of having hundreds of books in one sleek and stylish package--one that, to boot, weighs less than a pound. While many still cling tight to traditional books for various reasons, the Kindle is undoubtedly here to stay. And while Barnes & Noble gave a good fight when they introduced their own version of the e-reader, the Nook, the product was apparently too little too late. The retail chain failed to evolve in a timely fashion (or perhaps just not enough?) and the end result is this sad news.

But don't start mourning the loss of Barnes & Noble quite yet! According to investors, the company already has a few potential buyers. Hopefully, the next owner will be more web-savvy. We will try to keep you updated on any important developments here and on the HillTop Records official website. In the meantime, allow this turn of events to act as a lesson to media retailers large and small: While nostalgia has its place, technology is in charge. Even the mightiest of companies will fall if they do not accept that fact--and adjust their business strategies accordingly.

On the bright side, Borders Group Inc. (the nation's second largest bookstore chain) is doing quite well--thanks in part to the company's decision to go digital earlier this year. Consumers can now pre-order the new Cruz Reader and Cruz Tablet by Velocity Micro at Borders. Google Inc. is also planning on joining the e-reader game; it recently announced the impending launch of its new e-book store, Google Editions. Following the obvious success of Apple's iPad, it appears that the e-book is the wave of the future. One day, a tattered cover containing carefully dogeared pages may be as obsolete as a CD or cassette. However, as we've said before, that day has not come quite yet.

Great American Songwriters: Rodgers & Hart

One of the greatest songwriting duos to have ever existed, Richard Rodgers (1902 – 1979) and Lorenz Hart (1895 – 1943) collaborated on 28 stage musicals and over 500 songs over the course of their joint career. The pair were first introduced in 1919, while both men were students at Columbia University. What started off as an assignment to write an amateur club show quickly turned into a lucrative business partnership. Among many other things, the two have certainly earned a mention on our HillTop Records blog.

Six years after that fateful first introduction, Rodgers and Hart produced their first successful Broadway musical--The Garrick Gaieties, featuring the hit song "Manhattan." The critical acclaim of that piece alone led to a series of successful projects. By the late 1920's, the duo were among the most popular songwriters in America. While Rodgers and Hart owed their start to musical theater, the advent of sound in film quickly drew their attention away. During the mid-'30's, they wrote a succession of well-known songs for films including "It's Easy to Remember" and "Isn't It Romantic?" Eventually, Rodgers and Hart were led back to the stage--by Billy Rose's Jumbo in 1935. In the years that followed, many of the songwriting pair's greatest musicals were adapted into films. On Your Toes (1936) and Babes in Arms (1937) both made the transition.

However, no Rodgers and Hart musical was quite as provocative and groundbreaking as Pal Joey in 1941. Based on the novel (first written as a series of letters in The New Yorker) by John O'Hara, the stage musical comedy is commonly considered to be the songwriting pair's "masterpiece." It was unique in that decade's world of musical theater for the fact that the storyline followed a truly unlikable character--seedy nightclub entertainer Joey Evans. By the time the musical was revived in 1952, audiences had become more accustomed to darker themes on Broadway--thanks in large part to Rodgers' collaborations with Oscar Hammerstein.

Other important works by Rodgers and Hart include songs like "Blue Moon," "My Funny Valentine" and "The Lady is a Tramp" and productions like the 1932 film The Phantom President and the 1939 Broadway musical Too Many Girls. We know that these classics have influenced our HillTop Records songwriters under contractand many others. In September of 1938, the pair were immortalized on the cover of Time Magazine. The article stated that the songwriters' joint success relied "on a commercial instinct that most of their rivals have apparently ignored." In another part of the story, Time touted the duo's "spirit of adventure" and said that "as Rodgers and Hart see it, what was killing musicomedy [sic] was its sameness, its tameness, its eternal rhyming of June with moon."

The songwriters' departure from that traditional brand of writing can be attributed to lyricist Hart's unique point of view. His playful and oftentimes melodramatic choice of words coupled with his trademark polysyllabic rhymes were able to draw unexpected emotions from audiences. Meanwhile, Rodgers' compositions are often grouped with those by Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern and considered to be among the best in history. Together, the two songwriters managed to raise the bar during the era of slapstick comedic revues. They frequently drew inspiration from unexpected sources (the 1938 The Boys From Syracuse was based on William Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors) and incorporated exceptional dance numbers like ballets choreographed by George Balanchine.

The last known collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart was the revision of a 1927 production of theirs: A Connecticut Yankee, based on Mark Twain's novel. In 1943, the pair re-did the musical and added new songs. Later that year, Hart tragically died of pneumonia and Rodgers went on to enjoy another famous business partnership--this time with Hammerstein.

Obviously, many have since drawn comparisons between the two pairs. The main contrast can be seen within the differing tones of the lyricists. While Hammerstein was known for a sincere optimism that sometimes bordered on corny, Hart's lyrics almost always contained an undertone of sadness or ambivalence. This sense of melancholy has been attributed to the lyricist's well-documented struggles with alcoholism and sexual identity. These personal turmoils became so great toward the end of Hart's life that, right before the pair collaborated on their final piece, Rodgers and Hart briefly parted ways. A few years after his passing, Lorenz Hart's life was greatly romanticized in the 1948 MGM biopic Words and Music.

Both Rodgers and Hart won many awards and accolades. However, the former is one of only two people to date who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony (known collectively as an EGOT), and a Pulitzer Prize. The other is Marvin Hamlisch, also mentioned on our HillTop Records blog. With Hammerstein, Rodgers won a total of 35 Tony Awards, 15 Academy Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes, two Grammy Awards, and two Emmy Awards. After Hammerstein's death in 1960, Rodgers continued to write. He collaborated with everyone from Stephen Sondheim to Martin Charnin (of Annie fame.) Even decades after his death in 1979, Richard Rodgers is remembered fondly by musicians and audience members. Several schools, theaters and even professional awards in musical theater have been named after him. Fellow American composer Alec Wilder famously wrote of the artist:

"Of all the writers whose songs are considered and examined in this book, those of Rodgers show the highest degree of consistent excellence, inventiveness, and sophistication...[A]fter spending weeks playing his songs, I am more than impressed and respectful: I am astonished."

What's Happening In Music In: Providence and Newport

Perhaps an unlikely place for a happening music scene, the city of Providence, Rhode Island has long been an undiscovered gem. Underground enclaves of artist-run venues ensure that music lovers have much to see and do. What's more, now that the city is currently attempting to re-brand itself as the "Creative Capital," it is experiencing a significant surge in artistic activity. This, of course, extends to the local music scene. In particular, obscure genres like "noise rock" (pioneered by groups like Lightning Bolt and Arab on Radar) and other forms of alternative rock have found large followings in Providence. Our HillTop Records songwriters have a lot to look forward to there.

A main contributor to Providence's successful music scene is its large student population. The Rhode Island School of Design on College Hill is the alma mater of many famous musicians, and is even where the members of the Talking Heads first met. Meanwhile, Brown University helped to develop the minds and talents of artists like Duncan Sheik, Lisa Loeb, Mary Chapin Carpenter and OK Go singer, Damian Kulash. Nowadays, aspiring musicians and their fans fill the same concert venues that these legends once frequented. Local institutions include Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel and the Dunkin Donuts Center. The latter has hosted everyone from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Motley Crue. These grand venues mingle with smaller, harder-to-find destinations to create a dynamic and intriguing music scene. Meanwhile, during the hot summer months, Providence's music scene is enhanced by another key feature: WaterFire, an environmental art installation that consists of about 100 bonfires positioned right above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the downtown area. The beloved event typically incorporates many performances of classical and world music. For a comprehensive calendar of upcoming events, click here.

While you're at it, consider a trip to the nearby town of Newport. Roughly 20 miles from the heart of the capital city, the coastal town is known for its picturesque maritime charm. It is also known for being the site of several important music festivals, which we at HillTop Records love. Among these, the most famous may be the Newport Jazz Festival. Originally started in 1954 by George Wein, the festival has since welcomed jazz greats like Miles Davis, Muddy Waters, Nina Simone, Ray Charles, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk. In 1960, the celebrated event was documented in the film Jazz on a Summer's Day. It was moved to New York City in 1971, but re-established in Newport in 1985. The festival continues to take place towards the end of every summer and while it is too late to enjoy the 2010 event, it is not too early to begin planning for the 2011 festivities.

Another popular music festival held in the seaside town is the Newport Folk Festival. Also founded by George Wein, this event began in 1959. Famous folk musicians who have participated in this event (which, like the Newport Jazz Festival, was moved to New York City in '71 but returned to Newport in '86) include Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, Suzanne Vega, Buffalo Springfield, The Pixies and the Violent Femmes. However, the music festival's most well-known performance to date occurred in 1965, when Bob Dylan took the stage--accompanied for the very first time by electric instruments!

Perhaps less famous but equally worth attending are Newport's Sunset Music Festival and the Newport Music Festival. The first is the newest of the town's major events; it was only founded in 1997. Since then, it has showcased contemporary headliners like Peter Frampton, the Gin Blossoms, Better Than Ezra, Cheap Trick and Something Corporate. In contrast, the Newport Music Festival focuses on classical music. Since being established in 1969, the event has featured up-and-comers from around the world as well as many members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. What makes this event unique is the fact that since its original outdoor venue was found unconducive to chamber music, performances were moved to the grand rooms of stately Newport mansions. The resulting effect is glamorous and exclusive, even though the festival is open to the public.

In recent years, Newport has also began cultivating rock music and ska punk scenes. The most successful rock band from the town is probably Throwing Muses. However, The Cowsills and Sublime tribute band Badfish have also found fairly large followings. Newport, Providence and even Rhode Island as a whole have all established themselves on the national music scene--which is pretty impressive, given the state's diminutive size.

Rhode Island's love of music can be traced back as far as 1733, when the first organ designed specifically for a church was installed at Newport's Trinity Church. Since then, the state and its capital have made quiet yet significant steps towards building a great music scene. There is still a lot to be discovered within Providence, Newport and surrounding communities. Immerse yourself in the rich local culture, and allow yourself to become a part of its promising future.

The Mid-Year Recap: 2010 Sales Trends and Statistics

We've just passed the mid-year mark, and thought it may be worthwhile for HillTop Records to reflect on recent statistics and trends within the music industry. It should come as no surprise that one of the dominant issues at hand is MP3 vs. CD sales. As the latter continues to dwindle, the sales of MP3's continue to rise steadily in 2010. We've mentioned in previous posts the losing battle that CD's (and brick-and-mortar sales in general) are fighting against online music downloads. Last month, Nielsen Soundscan reinforced what we already know to be true when they released their first-half breakdown of music sales stats in the U.S. Here are some numbers that may be of interest to you:

- Overall albums are down -11.0%, with 154MM units sold (mid-year 2010 vs. 2009)

Physical albums are down -17.7%, with 112MM units sold. However, digital albums are up +13.7%, with 42MM units sold and digital tracks are flat (down -0.2%), with 597MM units sold.

What do these numbers mean, exactly? Well, first and foremost, record sales are down overall. However, with our global economy in the state that it currently is, the sales of most everything are down these days. Other factors that may be contributing to these numbers are the continued presence of illegal MP3 downloads, and the rising popularity of online radio (ie. with so much quality music available for free, consumers may be less inclined to purchase specific tracks.)

Yet another thing to keep in mind is that the music industry is still very much in a state of transition; consumers, producers (including HillTop Records) and artists are still finding their footing in this evolving world. As they do, music sales are bound to fluctuate. The sales of MP3 downloads continue to increase--a sign that we are progressing. At the same time, vinyl sales are apparently up 9.1%--perhaps proof that in the midst of this technological revolution, some people are feeling a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.

One entity that is probably not feeling very nostalgic these days is iTunes. The company currently accounts for a whopping 28% of all music sales in the U.S. This number marks a 4% gain since 2009, and further establishes iTunes as a force to be reckoned with. Like Nielsen Soundscan, iTunes has also released their own mid-year findings. Here are the digital media retailer's top selling singles and albums since the start of the New Year:

Singles

1. “Tik Tok,” Ke$ha
2. “Hey, Soul Sister,” Train
3. “BedRock,” Young Money, Lloyd
4. “Bad Romance,” Lady GaGa
5. “Blah Blah Blah (feat. 3OH!3),” Ke$ha
6. “Replay,” Iyaz
7. “Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys),” Jay-Z
8. “Fireflies,” Owl City
9. “Sexy Chick (feat. Akon),” David Guetta
10. “Naturally,” Selena Gomez & The Scene

Albums

1. “Contra,” Vampire Weekend
2. “Animal,” Ke$ha
3. “The Fame Monster (standard),” Lady GaGa
4. “Soldier of Love,” Sade
5. “Ocean Eyes,” Owl City *
6. “The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies),” Black Eyed Peas
7. “Battle Studies,” John Mayer
8. “The Best of Sade,” Sade
9. “The Element of Freedom,” Alicia Keys
10. “The Love Uncompromised,” Jason Castro

(* A few months ago, we mentioned Owl City in a post about Internet success stories. These results really highlight the mutually beneficial relationship that aspiring songwriters can have with the Internet!)

In the #2 spot after iTunes, Amazon and Walmart are tied at 12% of sales. The two institutions profit from both digital and physical music sales--a tactic that places them in a very advantageous position. Even those consumers who prefer a hard copy of music to an online download have inadvertently become accustomed to a new (digitally enhanced) lifestyle. A virtual store is able to offer a much larger selection than a brick-and-mortar establishment, not to mention an easier and faster shopping experience.

With the introduction of groundbreaking products like the iPad and Kindle, the virtual retail industry is primed to become even more competitive. It is exciting to predict the next steps and changes our industry will make. As always, we at HillTop Records will do our best to keep you informed.

What's Happening In Music In: Athens, GA

What do the B-52's, R.E.M. and the Indigo Girls have in common? Why, they all got their start in Athens, Georgia! The southern city has long been a hub of culture and popular music, thanks largely in part to its large student population. Home to the University of Georgia campus and local institutions like the the WUOG college radio station, Athens is a great destination for music lovers. Its sizable contributions to rock, bluegrass and country music have earned it the nickname "the Liverpool of the South"--quite a feat for a city whom music historian Richie Unterberger once described as a "sleepy [place where] it's difficult to imagine anyone working up a sweat, let alone playing rock music."

Although it hosts the Athens Symphony Orchestra and many Western classical performances, Athens is best known for its thriving rock music scene. We'd wager that many of our HillTop Records songwriters under contract are familiar with it. If you are currently planning a trip to Athens, definitely consider including a live concert or two. Most of the trendiest venues can be found in the small downtown district of the northern part of the city. Despite its cozy size, this area offers a large number of major concert halls. Some of the most acclaimed include the 40 Watt Club nightclub (one of the country's most famous indie rock venues) and the UGA Performing Arts Center (home to the Ramsey Concert Hall and the Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall.) The Caledonia Lounge and the Melting Point continue to propel the local music scene, as does the University of Georgia's Athens campus.

Even student institutions in Athens tend to be exceptionally talented and professional. Check out the ARCO Chamber Orchestra, the Redcoat Marching Band, the University Philharmonica, local concert choirs and jazz bands, Men's and Women's Glee Clubs, and brass and woodwind ensembles like the Hugh Hodgson School of Music's Georgia Brass Quintet and Georgia Woodwind Quintet.
The Athens Youth Symphony and the Athens Choral Society (founded in 1971) continue to produce compelling shows throughout the city as well.

On an even grander scale, Athens is known to offer a few major music festivals each year. We've mentioned a few on our HillTop Records blog. During the summer, Athfest and the Athens Popfest (the last occurred just last weekend) both draw impressive crowds. Meanwhile, in late spring, the city welcomes the Athens Human Rights Festival and the North Georgia Folk Festival. To find up-to-date information on these and other current events, check out the music directory of the Flagpole (Athens' most prominent media outlet for art and alternative music) or the comprehensive calendar at Online Athens.

Unfortunately, one of the city's most historic live music venues (the famous Georgia Theatre, converted from an old cinema) tragically burnt down last year. The institution is currently collecting funds to rebuild the landmark; in the meantime, there are other attractions at which you can learn of the city's rich music history. In particular, the Morton Theater is quite celebrated. Opened during the early 20th century, the venue is often credited with establishing the largest music scene in Athens (especially with regards to African American performers) since the Civil War. It also claims to be the only theater from that era remaining in operation today.

The focal point of Athens' music scene, its indie rock culture, can be traced back to the 1950's. This is when Allen's Bar and Grill in Normaltown began attracting crowds with its live performances, and when popular bandleaders like the legendary Jimmy Dorsey held dances at local branches of the American Legion Hall and the YMCA. The Canteen in Memorial Park was also put on the map when Terry "Mad Dog" Melton and his band began playing there in 1958. However, Athens' hey day really occurred in the 70's.

During the days of eccentric thrift store fashions, raucous house parties and hallucinogenics, Athens thrived as an important hub of alternative music.
College students and other fans filled the large rooms of the Georgia Theatre, the 40 Watt Club and the Uptown Lounge. Institutions like Ort's Oldies (the oldest record store in Athens, located on Jackson Street) and the Lamar Dodd School of Art further established Athens as a force to be reckoned with. The city became a factory, producing one successful rock and New Wave band after another. After R.E.M. and the B-52's attracted major record labels to Athens, other up-and-coming groups saw great success. Pylon, Oh-OK and the members of the Elephant 6 Recording Company owe their nationwide followings to their beginnings in Athens.

On the outskirts of the city, meanwhile, the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia began turning out great additions to the folk and bluegrass scene. The area even developed its own genres--the Appalachian bluegrass style, and the Piedmont blues. The Packway Handle Band and Bluebilly Grit were among the region's most successful bluegrass bands. Over the years, Athens has remained on the forefront of the rock and bluegrass scenes. In other genres, it has been less influential. However, that does not mean that the city has not contributed at all. Country music owes the rise of the Drive-By Truckers to Athens, while "dirty south"-style hip hop was introduced to the local scene by rapper Bubba Sparxxx. From Louis Armstrong to The Jesters to Widespread Panic, so many great musical acts have found their footing in Athens. Take a stroll along the historical streets of the city, and you will be following in their legendary footsteps.

What's Happening In Music In: Miami

Well known for its beautiful beaches and fabulous nightlife scene, Miami has long been a happening holiday destination. Its warm weather and vibrant culture attract crowds of visitors, and there is never a shortage of things to see and do. Among its many distractions, Miami counts a colorful and diverse music scene--and, of course, we at HillTop Records appreciate that! Laidback reggae rhythms mingle with lively Latin beats and heavy doses of house and hip hop, creating a soundtrack reminiscent of the city itself--fun, upbeat, and always ready to party.

If you are in or headed to Miami sometime soon, consider attending a concert or music festival. While most cities across the U.S. hold most of their large events during the sunny summer months, Miami is able to celebrate indoors and outdoors all year-round. A prime example of this is the the annual Ultra Music Festival, part of the city's Winter Music Conference in March. Art Basel also takes place during the wintertime (every December) and if you're planning on visiting during November 12-14, definitely check out this year's Miami Music Festival. Tickets can currently be purchased online. Other annual events worth attending include the Bang! Music Festival, the Langerado Festival and Subtropics (a unique experimental sound arts festival.)

On a smaller scale, concerts are constantly taking place in trendy nightclubs and dive bars across the city. Whether you prefer dancing to the hottest beats of the hippest DJ or relaxing to the smooth stylings of a local jazz singer, you will always find something to attract your attention here. We at HillTop Records love it all. Click here for a comprehensive calendar of upcoming events, or keep in touch with the local venues known for their great concerts: Venues like B.E.D. , Space and PS14 are always solid bets for those in the DJ club scene. Meanwhile, Churchill's Pub (known as the CBGB of Miami and home to Sweat Records) specializes in indie rock and hosts the popular "Miami Jazz Jam" every Monday. Rex at The Marlin and Buck 15 are other hot spots known for their eclectic calendar of shows. However, keep in mind that within Miami's nightlife scene, the popularity of venues (and even the venues themselves) come and go.

If you'd like to delve into the history of the city's music scene, head to the Miami Science Museum. While this might seem like an unlikely host, the museum actually has a fascinating exhibit on music--Music Música. The exhibit is divided into two sections. "American Sabor: Latinos in US Popular Music" celebrates the profound impact Latin culture has had on American music, while "Access All Areas" analyzes the physics, technology, and art of music through 33 unique interactive and hands-on exhibits.

While the city is obviously seen as a hub for Latin music in the US, Miami has historically welcomed a great number of genres. The city's recording industry first started in the 1950's, when Criteria Studios was established. The institution is most famous for producing Rumours by Fleetwood Mac and Hotel California by The Eagles. A couple of decades later, Henry Stone founded TK Records. That company is often credited for establishing the local indie scene of the 1970's and giving us KC and the Sunshine Band, Betty Wright and other soul and disco greats. That decade marked the heyday of disco and of Miami's music scene. George McCrae, Anita Ward and Foxy all got their start in Miami.

If you look at the number of recording artists who have called Miami home, you might be surprised by the variety. Hometown heroes include Gloria Estefan, Marilyn Manson and Vanilla Ice. What's more, although he's not a native of South Florida, some would say that Jimmy Buffett owes much of his success to the Miami area. Local venues are equally varied, ranging from hole-in-the-wall rock bars from the late '80's to multi-story nightclubs whose walls vibrate with drum and bass. Cuban and Latino influences can be found throughout the city--in marketplaces, sidewalk cafes, and Havana-themed bars. This is, after all, the city that inspired the Buena Vista Social Club (1997) and the home of MTV Latin America.

Miami has even created its own musical genre, called "Miami bass." The booming, bass-heavy style of hip hop was developed in the mid-1980's and can still be heard on the airwaves across America today. Legendary pioneers of the genre and other variations of Southern rap include 2 Live Crew, Pitbull, Trick Daddy and Rick Ross. To this day, their chart-topping hits can be heard playing in the clubs of South Beach and in every other major city. Miami continues to leave its mark on the music world.

Meet the E-Label

Once upon a time, the music industry was controlled by major record labels. Huge corporations like Sony, EMI and Universal bankrolled discovered talent (found by well-payed executives who spent endless evenings in bars and nightclubs, seeking out new artists) until they (hopefully) began to make millions of dollars off record sales and concert tours--of which most was kept by the record labels. The business model made sense when it was first created, and over the years that followed. Hopeful musicians had the talent but no start-up capital; record labels had the business savvy and funding to launch a career. It was a partnership that worked. However, we at HillTop Records know that nearly everything about the music industry has changed.

Now those days--days that were really not too long ago--sound like lore. Today, the Internet runs the game--and frequently changes it. The result is a fast-past, intangible environment in which brick-and-mortar institutions find themselves rapidly becoming obsolete. It is no secret that EMI, Sony, etc. are losing money by the billions. Although Nielsen SoundScan reports a steady climb in units sold (and, in some recent years, a drastic increase), those "units" are now MP3 downloads instead of CD's. Do the math, and you yourself will see what once-powerful music execs have discovered: If they don't change the way in which they operate, they will not be operating much longer.

In 2005, Warner Music Group answered this call to change by announcing the launch of a groundbreaking new division: Cordless Recordings, the company's e-label division. A departure from a traditional record label, an e-label deals solely with online entities. Instead of booking concert tours, it uploads videos and live feeds to the web. Instead of manufacturing and distributing CD's to stores, it releases MP3 singles and 3-song bundles for purchase online. Music blogs (similar to HillTop Records'), e-mail blasts and social networking sites facilitate promotion and the "instant gratification" factor.

Because of these differences, an e-label obviously has a much lower overhead. This allows for increased flexibility and freedom. Instead of focusing on a select few artists to "make it big," an e-label is able to manage a large number of up-and-comers. It takes a lot of pressure off of unknown artists, as they no longer need to fear being dropped if their first album is not a success. In many ways, the e-label takes the record label back to its idealistic roots, encouraging it to focus on the creative rather than the bottom line.

While the financial ramifications are certainly devastating (back in March, EMI reported a whopping $2.4 billion loss), they are indicative of what our economic climate is experiencing as a whole: After years of doing a lot of work for a little pay, frustrated underlings are forgoing the traditional corporate ladder in favor of entrepreneurship. The result is a re-distribution of wealth and success across many fields, including the music industry.

Overall, this shift towards the virtual heralds an exciting new era in music. Sites like YouTube and MySpace are vehicles that all musicians can take advantage of--not just the ones signed to major record labels. In fact, some artists are seeing such success with grassroots online marketing and distribution that they are leaving their labels altogether in favor of an autonomous approach. An example is Okay Go, who recently ditched EMI. Ten years ago, that departure would have been viewed as absurd if not career suicide. Now, new media and tech-savvy fans give musicians a choice that they never had before. In response, major record labels must also offer a choice. An e-label division has so far proved a step in the right direction.

On the international front, Japan is seeing great success with e-labels. Yamaha's Asovina division has tracks on over 25 different online stores, while BabeStar by Victor Entertainment sells songs for an unprecedented 99 yen (or $0.90) apiece. Another e-label, mf247 (247 Music), was recently created by former Sony Music Entertainment president, Shigeo Maruyama, to offer a more proactive option to aspiring musicians. For just JPY 10,000 (US$92.00), a band or artist can create an account and upload songs directly to the mf247 site. As is the case with their American counterparts, these Japanese e-labels all have two very clear purposes: to compete in the digital arena, and to lower the cost of developing and promoting an unknown artist. That second goal is definitely being met; an e-label that deals solely with digital distribution outlets typically spends 30-40% of the amount needed to launch a traditional CD release as a means of introducing an artist.

Not to be outdone by companies overseas, American record labels are adding and rearranging divisions to remain competitive. However, the "Big Four" are not responding to this great shift in the same way. Warner's Cordless Recordings is unique in its operations. Artists release "clusters" of songs every few months as opposed to a CD every few years, and also retain ownership of the masters and copyrights while signed. Meanwhile, RED (Sony's indie distribution arm) incorporates new media into its original business model (most recently by slashing prices of online downloads to an unprecedented 15 cents, and also by introducing a cutting-edge, video game-like way to browse and download music on Amie Street) and EMI is taking preliminary steps to leave the game altogether. No longer a traditional record label, the "comprehensive rights management company" is now solely focused on multi-media deals that promise a profit even as record sales dwindle.

So, what does all of this mean for aspiring songwriters and musicians? A lot, actually--and most of it's good. With so many opportunities in online marketing and distribution, up-and-coming artists are able to be heard--and at a fraction of the price it would have cost years ago. An e-label acts as a flexible, affordable middleman between you and the public. Production costs are lower, audiences are larger, and it's now easier for you to realize your dreams. For more information, you know where to look--our official website, HillTopRecords.com!

What's Happening In Music In: Detroit

Originally built to realize Henry Ford's dream of creating a "Motor City," Detroit has since evolved into so much more. The Michigan metropolis is home to a dynamic, diverse population--and an equally interesting cultural scene. Since the Great Depression created within the city a melting pot of ethnic minorities, the music scene of Detroit has reflected its multi-cultural identity. In particular, the "Black Bottom" neighborhood of the city became a haven for jazz musicians, blues singers and big bands. From Duke Ellington to Ella Fitzgerald, countless legends played in the smokey clubs that lined the streets of the Paradise Valley entertainment district. While much has changed since those early days, the city of Detroit--and, in particular, its thriving music scene--stays true to its roots. At HillTop Records, we celebrate that.

While many musical genres have found an audience in Detroit, a few stand out as particularly beloved. Gospel has been a strong force since the 1940's, when Oliver Green famously formed The Detroiters. Other iconic Gospel musicians who hailed from Detroit include Della Reese, Mattie Moss Clark (who first introduced three-part harmony to gospel choral music), the Reverend CL Franklin (whose moving sermons were recorded on Chess Record's gospel label) and his daughter, Grammy Award winner Aretha Franklin.

Jazz and pop (two of HillTop Records' favorite genres) have also seen great success in Detroit. The first genre inspired Detroit locals like Sippie Wallace, Hank Jones and Tommy Flanagan. The second, meanwhile, introduced the world to Sonny Bono and Aaliyah (also both from Detroit.) However, no Detroit native has reached the same level of success as one international superstar: Madonna. Born and raised just outside the city limits, the songstress remains one of the greatest pop icons of all time.

If Madonna is one of Detroit's greatest claims to musical fame, then Motown Records is definitely another. Originally called Tamla Records in the 1950's, the now-legendary label has turned out some of the greatest recording artists in the world. They include The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye. However, even before Motown Records came on the scene, Detroit had established itself as a major force in the genres of soul and R&B. The steady climb started when Little Willie John made his debut in 1955, and was propelled forward by Fortune Records' success in 1956. In 1967, George Clinton and The Parliaments (later known as Funkadelic) worked with Revilot Records to introduce funk to mainstream R&B.

Even during the disco-crazed days of the 1970's, Detroit was able to maintain its reputation as a musical force. By this time, the city had established itself in the rock and roll scene. It was a hub of high-energy rock, which eventually paved the way for hard rock and punk. Local bands like Alice Cooper and Popcorn Blizzard (featuring Meat Loaf) were showcased in Detroit-based publication CREEM: "America's Only Rock 'n' Roll Magazine." The magazine is another one of the city's greatest contributions to the American music scene.

By the '80's and '90's, Detroit had amassed an incredible number of music icons--and even helped to promote a few new genres across the U.S. It spawned one of the first important hardcore punk scenes, and major labels and live music venues popped up around the city. From Social Distortion to Circle Jerks, the greatest punk bands of all time have played in Detroit. At the same time, techno music was becoming popular--and all thanks to Detroit. The city was actually the hometown of techno's four Founding Fathers: Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May and Eddie Fowlkes.

Thanks to heavy-hitters like Kid Rock and Eminem, hip-hop has also had its hey day in Detroit. To this day, the city's music scene thrives across all genres. It is easy to find live concerts and events in the area. Click here for a comprehensive calendar of upcoming shows, or simply check in with some of the city's more popular concert venues. Comprised of eighteen professional theaters, the city's theater district is the nation's second largest after New York City. From the acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Opera House to mainstream institutions like the Fox Theatre and the Fillmore, there is always something happening in music in Detroit.

The World of Internet Radio

Long gone are the days of limited choices. This statement is true in just about every aspect of our daily life, including what we listen to. While your car stereo may still have just a few stations programmed, there are so many more options on another common device--your computer. Since the concept of Internet radio was first developed, hundreds of fantastic online stations have hit the airwaves. Some focus on specific genres or topics, while others strive to highlight all facets of mainstream music (which is also what we do at HillTop Records.) Without a doubt, Internet radio has changed the game. So, how do you become a player in this new technological world?

Firstly, one should have a basic understanding of what Internet radio is. Obviously, it's a different animal than AM or FM. This new type of radio appears to be unchained and impulsive, living freely in the "Wild West"-like World Wide Web. What makes the concept so exciting is the fact that anyone can participate--all you need is a computer, an MP3 collection, and possibly a microphone. Your PC can mix audio sources coming from your soundcard (ie. your music library or a recording of your own voice) and transform it into a "stream" of data. That data is then hosted by a streaming server (there are a few whose software is free to download) and transmitted to your listeners. You can literally put whatever you want on your live stream, and have people around the entire world hear it!

There are technicalities involved, of course, and things to look out for. For instance, you want to become familiar with "bitrate"--the audio quality of a radio stream. This is measured in kbps (kilo bits per second) or just "k" for short. Those using a dial-up Internet connection will probably not be able to transmit a stream any higher than 24k, which sounds similar to hearing something over the phone. By comparison, 128k stereo is more like CD-quality sound. Most online radio stations offer several streams at different bitrates, to be heard by listeners with different types of Internet connections. The faster your connection, the better your sound.

Once you've selected a wavestreaming server (see the list of resources at the end of this blog entry) and downloaded the appropriate encoder and software, you will be ready to create your content. Because the Internet is not under the FCC's jurisdiction, you can pretty much put whatever you want on your Internet radio station (as long as it's legal.) At the very least, you will want to create a live stream (it can be 24/7) of music, interviews, comedy, commentary, or what-have-you. However, the most successful Internet radio stations have more than that. In fact, they have entire websites with separate pages devoted to different features. You can include a playlist page, a listening page (with multiple ways to listen, like Windows Media and Realplayer) and even a page that allows listeners to submit requests along with a basic home page. Remember that when it comes to creating and promoting a product, visuals matter.

Once you've decided what to put on your station and created your radio site, you will want to do some marketing to reach potential listeners. You don't need to invest a lot of money into this if you don't want to. Start by telling all of your friends to listen, and tell their friends. Lots of successful Internet radio stations started with word of mouth. You can also advertise on music-related message boards, in chat rooms, and anywhere else you think you might find an audience. For more tips on how to promote yourself online, read our previous post on the subject.

Whether you wind up finding 10 or 1,000 listeners, you may find that running your own Internet radio station is lots of fun. The unregulated nature of the Web offers so much more flexibility and freedom than other platforms. As we said before, you are allowed to stream whatever you want on your online radio station (just as long as it's legal.) Since no one "owns" the Internet, there is no one to report to. Unlike with other mediums, you do not need a license to broadcast over the Internet. However, you still need to heed copyright laws. If any of the content of your stream is copyrighted material (as published songs are), you could be at risk. Make sure to cover your bases; do as much research as possible before broadcasting anything that you are not the sole owner of. Music licensing is available for those looking to legally stream copyrighted material online. Typically, the individual or organization pays a one-time fee to a licensing body, who then in turn distributes the appropriate royalties to copyright holders. Popular 3rd-party licensing bodies who provide this service in the U.S. include LoudCity, BMI and SoundExchange. To counteract the fees required to play copyrighted material, successful Internet radio stations typically sell ad space. However, even these "commercial" streams are still much less saturated with advertisements than traditional radio. This is, of course, part of the medium's appeal.

If the world of Internet radio sounds like something you'd like to dive into, check out a few independent Internet radio sites for inspiration. If you have iTunes on your computer, you can click on the "radio" feature and browse hundreds of streaming stations according to genre. Another great library of Internet radio stations can be found at Live365.com. According to the site, it features over 6,000 live broadcasts by real people (not computer programs or large corporations) that stream everything from classical to metal. Another fun fact about Live365.com: If you choose to transmit your station through their site, they will cover your royalties with your subscription fee (packages for basic personal stations start at $5.95/month.) Expenses can vary drastically according to the content of your site and the size of your audience.

Other excellent resources that will help get you started:

SHOUTcast - an online directory of over 40,000 free Internet radio stations. The site also provides free software that you can download and use to create your own station.

Helix - a simple and free streaming media server software program, great for beginners. Download Helix Server Basic or a limited-day trial of a more advanced program for free at RealNetworks.com.

Quicktime Streaming Server and Quicktime Broadcaster - user-friendly media software for Mac. Both programs are available at Apple.com.

Peercast - a non-profit website that provides free peer-to-peer broadcasting software, making it easy to listen to and stream live radio online.

Icecast - free server software for streaming multimedia

Andromeda - a cutting-edge, more advanced program that scans your MP3's and presents them as a fully-featured streaming website. This is a great option for those looking to create a full-service Internet radio station.

Reasons To Love August: Upcoming Music Festivals

The last month of summertime marks a turning point. It encourages revelers to embrace the great outdoors, soaking up as much sun and fresh air as possible before the seasons change. Here is a partial list (more can be found at festivals.com) of upcoming concerts and events that will help you get the summer out of your system:

On the first of the month, we've got Jazz on the Lawn in Santa Monica, California (8/1/2010 - 8/8/2010.) The picnic-friendly event, held at City Hall, showcases smooth African and Cuban rhythms--and is completely free of charge.

The KPO Summer Music Festival (8/2/2010 - 8/15/2010) in Homer/Soldotna, Alaska is also free of charge. Its lunchtime concerts incorporate a wide range of musical genres.

Throughout most of August, those in the Boston, Massachusetts area should check out the Youth and Muse International Music Festival (8/2/2010 - 8/21/2010.)

Another ongoing event that will keep you partying through August is the Peninsula Music Festival (8/3/2010 - 8/21/2010) in Fish Creek, Wisconsin.

If you're in Los Angeles, California, kick off the month at the 2010 Grove Summer Concert Series (8/4/2010 - 8/25/2010.) It offers a new live act every Wednesday evening.

The Port Townsend Country Blues Festival (8/4/2010 - 8/7/2010) is another popular event, drawing crowds of blues lovers to Port Townsend, Washington.

Slightly later on in the month, we've got the Cincy Blues Fest (8/6/2010 - 8/7/2010) in Cincinnati, Ohio and the Dunegrass Music Festival (8/6/2010 - 8/9/2010) in Empire, Michigan. Both celebrations honor America's musical heritage in a laidback and lively setting.

Towards the middle of August, residents of East Lansing, Michigan should keep an eye out for the Great Lakes Folk Festival (8/13/2010 - 8/15/2010.) At the same time, Heritage Music BluesFest reaches Wheeling, West Virginia and the Long Beach Jazz Festival draws listeners to Long Beach, California.

Brownsville, Oregon becomes a happening place to visit when it holds the Willamette Country Music Festival (8/19/2010 - 8/22/2010.) The 3-day event boasts a wide range of musical acts along with various vendors, activities and exhibitions.

Another small town celebrates the end of summer with the Hoxeyville Music Festival (8/20/2010 - 8/22/2010) in Wellston, Michigan.

If you like musicals, then you'll definitely want to hit up Stages: A Festival of New Musicals (8/20/2010 - 8/22/2010) in Chicago, Illinois.

A few other unique music festivals that will help you close out summer:

- The 20th Annual Cotati Accordion Festival (8/21/2010 - 8/22/2010) in Cotati, California

- The 2nd Annual Cincinnati Salsa Festival (8/26/2010 - 8/29/2010) in Cincinnati, Ohio

- The Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival (8/26/2010 - 8/29/2010) in Litchfield, Maine

- The Knoxville Jazz Festival (8/26/2010 - 8/28/2010) in Knoxville, Tennessee

- The Hampton Roads Music Festival (8/27/2010 - 8/29/2010) in Suffolk, Virginia

- The Stone Soup Music Faire (8/28/2010 - 8/29/2010) in Grover Beach, California