Drewdaism

What's New Is Old

A lot of people ask me what new artists I am listening to these days that I would recommend to them.  There are a ton of great new artists that are emerging and being discovered by music listeners who know where to listen to find new music.

The other night I was with a few friends who asked me the new artist question.  As I started to list a menu of these artists, they asked me "Yes, but will I like them?  Will they be too hard for me."

I thought for a moment and knew that they would love the music I was recommending.  Why?  Because it was so similar to the music they grew up on.

Very interesting what is happening in the new rock scene right now.  Emerging artists are channeling their rock influences and they are not ashamed to show it.  The result is a sound that is reminiscent of many established rock acts.

Take a listen to the song titled "Mine Ain't Yours" by Lions In The Street. 

http://www.myspace.com/lionsinthestreet

A few of the guys in my office heard me playing this and thought the Stones had a new single out.  It is a perfect blend of the Stones and Faces.  And if you look at their MySpace page, they single these acts out as major influences (by the way, you can download the single for free on their webpage.)

Other examples: Silversun Pickups "Lazy Eye" influenced by the Smashing Pumpkins.

http://www.myspace.com/silversunpickups

Scott Matthews "Passing Stranger" picks up on Joni Mitchell and some softer Zeppelin.

http://www.myspace.com/scottmatthewsmusic

And even the "established" artists like Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and John Fogerty, all who have new albums out right now, all have gone back to sound very much like their original roots.

Take a listen to Springsteen's latest "Radio Nowhere" or "Girls In Their Summer Clothes."  This is classic Bruce. Neil Young has a single called "Spirit Road" and same goes here for this cut.  Finally, Fogerty's latest even has one called "Creedence Song."  Anybody who has mentioned these acts to me in the past several weeks since their releases have all noted these artists "sound like themselves again."

Music goes in cycles.  Interesting to see where this Rock cycle is going next.

Rock Star or Deli Owner?

One afternoon, a few weeks ago, on our almost near daily walk to one of the 58 Starbucks that are located around the corner from our office, we passed by this posting at the local Synagogue, announcing the Bar Mitzvah upcoming that weekend.

We took a look at it and saw the name...how cool is that?..Ace Ehrlich. It really doesn't get better than that. Some very cool parents.   

By the way, I read the Temple's newsletter. Upcoming Bar Mitzvahs in coming weeks: Kanye Goldstein and Fergie Bono Cohen.

Photo Credit: E Ronning

Music: the Movitator

I've always used music as a motivator....when I was in school, today when I am at work, exercising....for me, the right songs get into my head and help me get done what needs to get done.  Its my ultimate weapon.

Today I ran my first race in years, a 5 miler through my town on Long Island.  I had been running again for awhile and have got myself back into decent shape.  But when I was done with the race, I noticed that I couldn't remember much about it other than the music I had put on my iPod especially for this run.  I can't tell you much about what the person in front of me was wearing or about the people lined up on the streets watching the race.  But I can tell you what song was playing and where I was on the route at that time. 

I was really pleased with my performance today. Yes, training was a big part of that.  But the music didn't hurt either.

Music is a huge connector into people's emotions.  Advertising around music clearly helps marketers tap into their emotional set and message around it. 

Here's a picture of my killer running crew from today...Todd Greenberg, me, Lloyd Lefcourt and Rob Klugman..all close to or over 40...3 out of 4 of us with iPods on in the pic.  Guess it is not just me that feels this way about their Music.

The Re-Birth of Rock

So many great Rock acts with music to play. Bands like Spoon, the New Pornographers, the Hives, Digby, Silversun Pickups, the Cat Empire are all getting frequent airplay on the radio stations I listen to online as well in within my iPod.

Ironically, over the past couple of years, the number of Rock Radio stations has decreased with many changing format to Talk, Spanish, and Adult Contemporary.  Over the past several months, that has started to reverse, and Rock Radio stations are starting to make a come back.

That said, ,any of these Rock stations are focused on 80's Active Rock and 90's Alternative, and the acts mentioned above get little to no commercial radio airplay.  Its a shame, because I really do believe there is great potential for Rock radio to re-capture some decent Male 18-34 listenership, but it can't be done playing Guns and Roses and Soundgarden.  These acts are almost completely irrelevant to the demo.  If Rock radio focused on emerging acts, they have a chance to really win some listenership.  That's what Rock radio always did.  It needs to refocus.

Given what my company does in the online radio space, I want you to know that this blog will NOT be about beating up on commercial radio.  I am a fan huge fan of the medium.  While I think that commercial radio has lost some of its edge, I think there are some really good shining examples of great stations and personalities throughout the country that I will highlight in future writings.

So Much To Say....

So I've been talking about doing this for awhile..and so it begins.  Welcome to my blog. Lots that goes in my head, so I hope to do my best to get my thoughts in writing and out to you as often as I can.

What specifically goes on in my mind?  Lots.  But here I plan to write around music, media, audio, radio, advertising...with the occasional random warped thought every now and then as well.  Kind of like a day at the office for me.

The blog will continue to evolve in the same way that Britney Spears has evolved as a parent, so please let me know your thoughts and feedback as it does.

Here we go....

"Open Up My Head and Let Me Out"...DMB

What specifically goes on in my mind?  Lots.  But here I plan to write around music, media, audio, radio, advertising...with the occasional random warped thought every now and then as well.  Kind of like a day at the office for me.

The blog will continue to evolve in the same way that Britney Spears has evolved as a parent, so please let me know your thoughts and feedback as it does.

Here we go....

"Open Up My Head and Let Me Out"...DMB