03/11/2010

NJ-based Keith Monacchio is a previous member of the bands Commons and Semibeings. You can check out his music at:  www.myspace.com/keithmonacchio

1. What was the first record/cassette/CD that you owned and how did it change you?  It was an 8-track of the Beatles Abbey Road.  It changed me the same way the Beatles changed everyone. 
2. If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be?  I'd like to sit down and talk to Lucinda wiliams sometime.  She seems like she has a lot of war stories to tell about the music industry.
3. What would the name of your band's biography be?  Well, being that I'm recently solo, after spending the better part of two decades in a band, I'd call my biography "I was in a band that lasted 10 years together..and I made it out the other side somewhat intact."
4. Which musician would you be most comfortable dating your mom?  This is a tough one because I was reaised by a single mother and no one would be good enough for her.  But,  It would have to be someone that I respected musically.  But, probably a side player, like a sax player or a piano player.
5. Name your dream tour: up to 5 bands, dead or alive.  Nick Drake, Otis Redding, Beck (acoustic), The Sundays, and Dylan (circa 1965 acoustic))
6. How would it feel to play with your favorite band?   I'd be to worried that they would be pompous jerf-off's, so I probably would not speak to them unless they engaged me in conversation.
7. What's the funniest moment your band has ever experienced?  Once, my guitar player threw the drummer over his drums during the set.  IOt was a tussleon stage about a tipped over hi-hat stand.  Joe just launched him over his drums.  We kept playing and finnished the song, sans drums.
8. ...the craziest/most bizarre?  We once played in the basement of this NYC club.  That was flooded around the stage with water.  I kept getting shocked off the mic and was generally fearing for my life.  The theme of the night at the upstairs club, was "Trip and go naked".  So, as I was getting shocked, naked people on acid and X were strolling by.  Very strange.
9. Who are you musically influenced by that no one would ever guess by listening to your music?  Nirvana
10. Tell us about the most unique member of your band and why he/she has earned this title.  From the Commons, it would have to be the drummer.  Tom is just a strange guy.  It always looked as if at any point, he wanted to kill one of us.
11. If someone invested a million dollars into your band, how would you use the money?  Hire a really good radio and publicity firm to to get the word out. 
12. How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing time?  It's a rush that i don't get tired of feeling.  But, it makes it that much worse when you don't have a night where you are connecting with the audience. 
13. Which 5 songs would you cover if you had a cover band?  I think about this sometimes, because I don't know any covers. Elvis Costello - "Shipbuilding",  Peter Gabriel - "Mercy Street", Prince - "Computer Blue", U2 - "Where the Streets Have No Name", The Beatles - "Getting Better"
14. If you swapped ipods with other members of your band, what's the most surprising music you'd find?   Nothing would surprise me.  The center of a a good band is to come from different places musically.  all the elements they bring will make the kind of music your making that much more interesting.
15. Name the place you'd most like to play a show, anywhere in the world. I'd like to play at "Town Hall" in NYC.  An intimate night of music from Keith Monacchio.
16. What's the most memorable musicial moment of your life?  1997 - CMJ Festival The Semibeings at the Westbeth Theater.  Place was packed...  We were off our asses good that night!!  Although, I blew it after when CMJ magazine wanted to take a photo of the band.  I was so drunk I kept dropping my pants.  The picture or story never ran.
17. If you got a band tattoo, which band would it be?  I would never get a tattoo and if I did it wouldn't be a of some silly band name.
18. Tell us a situation where another band really helped you out.  I'll tell you an oppisite story of a band not helping out.  We were opening for the band "Live".  Big show for us.  Our drummer cracks his snare head in soundcheck.  We begged the drummer of "Live" to lend us one of his back-up's..he refused.  It worked out as one of our friends hauled it back to our rehearsal space to get another snare head. He made it in 20 minutes flat and we pl;ayed our full set.  I hate "Live" to this day.
19. What moment has made all of the hard work being a musician worth it? The best part for me is when I finish a record and can put it on my CD rack with all the others.  It represents a body of work that I'm proud f.  To me the CD is not done until I slide it into it proper slot in the rack.  It represents some small victory in this disgusting business. 
20. If your band was a comic, what would each member's super power be? Rodney Dangerfield.  I never thought we got the full respect we deserved. 

03/04/2010

These interview questions were answered by various members of Philadelphia-based band The Interventions.

1. What was the first record/cassette/CD that you owned and how did it change you? Carmen - Tragic Kingdom by No Doubt. Eric - Chumbawumba. "It didnt change me, Metallica did." Joe - Californiacation by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. "It changed me because it's when i first LOVED music". Jeffers - 1,039 Smoothed Out Slappy Hours by Green Day. "it got me into punk and punk changed my life"
2. If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be?Eric - James Hetfield. Joe - Chad Sexton. Mij - John Fogerty
3. What would the name of your band's biography be? University Of Diversity. The true story of the Interventions.
4. Which musician would you be most comfortable dating your mom? Jim - TomDelounge. Joe - Jon Bon jovi
5. Name your dream tour: up to 5 bands, dead or alive. 311, Queen, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Marley
6. How would it feel to play with your favorite band? Orgasmic
7. What's the funniest moment your band has ever experienced? When Carmen couldnt move the boulder on a crazy trip
8. ...the craziest/most bizarre? Diner Nights
9. Who are you musically influenced by that no one would ever guess by listening to your music? Jazz, CCR, Hip Hop
10. Tell us about the most unique member of your band and why he/she has earned this title. We are all unique in our own way. We alot to the table
11. If someone invested a million dollars into your band, how would you use the money? Weed, Beer, New Equiptment, Bangin Bus, Banging tour, Merch, and a dog
12. How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing time? Jim - In Heaven. Joe - Lost.
13. Which 5 songs would you cover if you had a cover band? Beautiful Disaster by 311. Shortest Straw by Metallica. Maps by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. No Woman, No Cry by Bob Marley. And Same In The End by Sublime 
14. If you swapped ipods with other members of your band, what's the most surprising music you'd find? Classical on Carmen's ipod. Mambo Number 5 by lou Bega. 
15. Name the place you'd most like to play a show, anywhere in the world. Festival Pier
16. What's the most memorable musicial moment of your life?Writing Ode, the first song we ever wrote as a band
17. If you got a band tattoo, which band would it be? Jim - I'already have a chili peppers one, but i'd go with a 311 one. Joe - Slightly stoopid because they had cool ass art
18. Tell us a situation where another band really helped you out. Nomad Fool got a show at Doc Watsons
19. What moment has made all of the hard work being a musician worth it? Steppin on main stage of the Troc, and then proceeding to rock the shit out that place
20. If your band was a comic, what would each member's super power be? Joe - Walk Through walls. Eric - To be able to fix anything...cause he's a tool. Carmen - Flyer. Jeffers - To be able to run as fast as light

03/04/2010

03/03/2010

5 Tips from Behind the Merch Table

As you may already know, there's more that goes into selling merch than just lugging a bin of t-shirts into your show. You went through all of the effort to get merchandise printed, so why not make the most of it? Here are some tips to help you sell merchandise, keep it organized, and give your fans an experience while you do it.

1. Create a cool and unique way to display your merch
Think of your merch table as a storefront window. While it's not the absolute most important aspect of merchandise (if someone just wants to buy a t-shirt from you, they may do it regardless), it does set you apart from other bands. So get creative! Some of my favorite merch table displays have included t-shirts hung up inside of guitar cases, display screens with live footage or other creative material, even stringing Christmas lights and other decorations around the table. That table is yours to use, so take a bit of time to plan how to best utilize your space. Everyone at the show will stop by just to see what the hell is going on over there!

2. Stay organized
This part is important for saving both time and sanity. With different t-shirt designs, styles, colors, and sizes, if you don't have a system set up you could spend 20 minutes fulfilling each order. Different systems work for different bands, but there are a few efficient ideas I've seen over the years. One is to roll up each individual shirt and put a piece of masking tape around it. On the piece of tape, write the shirt design and the size. You could even separate each design by bin, so you only need to write the size. This makes it easy to grab the size you need, plus you can also store tons of shirts this way (time and space efficient!). Another idea is to get plastic stackable drawers, each one designated for a different size. When a size-medium fan asks what shirts you have available, you just open the drawer and the options are right in front of you! As long as everything has a place, it'll be easy to find what you're looking for, especially when you're pressed for time.

3.Keep inventory
It's a great thing when a fan wants to give you money to wear a piece of merchandise with your band name on it. So what's worse than running out of merchandise at a show when fans are eager and willing to make a purchase? In order to prevent this from happening, you have to be sure to keep track of inventory. We've put together an inventory sheet for you to print and use behind the table! When you see that a certain design, size, or color is getting low, do a re-order with us. (Did you know that when you re-order shirts, since we already have the screens, you don't have to pay a set-up fee or worry about resending us artwork?) On this sheet, you'll see what you came to the show with, what you left with, and how much money you should have in the cash box. Click here to download the inventory/sales sheet

4.Build your mailing list
You want to allow the fans you make at shows to keep in touch with you; this is how you build up a following. However, you can't grow your fan base if you have no way to contact your new fans about upcoming shows, releases, or news. Take advantage of your merch table and the people that visit it by building up your mailing list. Even a simple clipboard with a form for collecting contact info will do the trick! I've seen bands that have traded the clipboard for a laptop, leaving it on their table with a page open for fans to input their info. Regardless of your means for collecting the information, the most important aspect is to make sure you're pro-active with your list. Go around the room asking people to sign up for your mailing list. Before you know it, you'll have an entire audience waiting for your updates!

5.Keep it personal
Use your merch table as a home base for your fans to interact with you. The more band members you have present, the better! When you take the time to be personal, building a relationship with the audience at a show, you're more likely to make a lasting impression on potential fans. Who wouldn't rather buy a t-shirt from a band they support, not only musically, but because you're great people? Stay connected with your fans and use your merch table as a resource to do it.

03/02/2010

Answers from Kiirstin (vocals), Greg (bass) and Corinne (flute/clarinet/sax/back-up vocals) of Verity in Stereo. You can check these guys and gals out at www.verityinstereo.com.

1. What was the first record/cassette/CD that you owned and how did it change you? KIIRSTIN: The first two I owned were presents from my mom when I was about 8.  They were Mariah Carey and Paula Abdul.  They made me realize that I could own music and didn't have to just listen to it on the radio.  GREG: One of the first cd's I remember buying was Puff Daddy's "I'll Be Missing You." It didn't really change me, just annoyed my Mom because I listened to it over and over again. CORINNE: The Beatles and Queen were introduced to me at a very, very young age (all of them..the parents already had them all).  They were my first introduction to the world of rock and roll and I took one listen and fell in love.  Those tapes were played on repeat hundreds of times a day for the first 6 years of my life.

2. If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be?  KIIRSTIN: Brandon Boyd of Incubus GREG: James Jamerson was the bassist on all the hit Motown records CORINNE: Brian May from Queen or George Harrison.  They're tied.

3. Which musician would you be most comfortable dating your mom?  KIIRSTIN: Paul McCartney, I think that would make her life. GREG: Sting, He's quite the lover  CORINNE: Brian May! 
 
4. What's the funniest moment your band has ever experienced? KIIRSTIN: There are way too many to pick just one but Craig and Mikal ragging on each other is always hilarious. GREG:  My favorite moment is when Mikal used the voice modulator to sound like Sloth from the Goonies. "Baby Ruth?" CORINNE: Well, I've only been playing with them 6 months, but we've definitely shared tons of laughs together.  The 'junk joggin' moment was pretty hilarious

5. ...the craziest/most bizarre? GREG: When Craig spit beats for a random poor guy on the streets of Brooklyn. CORINNE: hmmmm...the only thing that comes to mind is when we were playing the Italian festival and the power went out during one of our sets. 

6. Who are you musically influenced by that no one would ever guess by listening to your music? KIIRSTIN: Glassjaw - we sound NOTHING like them, but I definitely look to Daryl for vocal inspiration GREG:  I listen to a lot of Jazz, which might not come through on our recordings.  I really don't know. CORINNE:  Freddie Mercury, he puts a classical twist on rock music that not many musicians have accomplished or even attempted. 

7. Tell us about the most unique member of your band and why he/she has earned this title. KIIRSTIN: Definitely Mikal.  If you met him at a bar you would never think he'd be the type of kid to play keyboard in a band. GREG: I think we're all unique but the most is Mikal in my opinion.  You never really know what he's thinking and he'll prove you wrong every time you think you do. CORINNE: The eggs...end of story.

8. If someone invested a million dollars into your band, how would you use the money? KIIRSTIN: Tour bus!!! AND recording, AND posters of us plastered everywhere, AND t-shirts, stickers, etc,  GREG: PAYOLA..haha j/k.  I would want to buy a van, with seats, and tour everywhere in the US, buy everyone new instruments, and build a nice recording studio. CORINNE: recording, and European tour!

9. How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing time?  KIIRSTIN: I've been performing since I was 2 years old, but I just started performing my own music about 5 years ago.  You always feed off the crowd's energy when performing, but when your own stuff is appreciated its even that much more amazing. GREG: I love it when you get good vibes from the crowd.  It's one of the best feelings ever. CORINNE: It's always an amazing feeling to have the crowd really into the music when you're on stage.  For those 40 minutes, you feel like a complete rock star. 
 
10. What's the most memorable musical moment of your life? KIIRSTIN: Touring. I love being on the road. GREG: Playing the CD release show at the Pony CORINNE: Definitely name in lights at the Stone Pony.

11. Tell us a situation where another band really helped you out. KIIRSTIN: Anytime you forget equipment for a show you go into a state of panic.  So many great bands have let us borrow floor toms, cymbals, and amps just so we could have a good show. GREG:  I got to go to Canada with Hsu-Nami just because I was friends with all of them.  That was pretty cool.

12. What moment has made all of the hard work being a musician worth it? KIIRSTIN: I don't think I've hit that moment yet.  It will be the moment I can quit my day job and go on tour full-time.  GREG:  There aren't specific moments.  I just look back at my life and I'm happy that I've chosen to pursue music.  It has brought me most of my happiness throughout my life. CORINNE: Honestly, when you can walk in to a group of musicians and everything just seems to fall into place, that's the moment for me. 

13. If your band was a comic, what would each member's super power be? CORINNE: Kiirstin- she'd be like Storm from x-men, ability to control the weather Greg- mind control...DEFINITELY hah, Craig- he'd be stretch armstrong Mikal- oh boy...I guess his would be the ability to fly  Me-invisibility

03/02/2010

327 Bowery, NY NY. between 2nd (Joey Ramone Place) and 3rd Streets on the Bowery (3rd Avenue)

The show is a showcase for River City Extension in NYC for industry and Press. Its a very important show for them. if you check out the FB invite..i wrote a whole thing...

March 5th @ The Bowery Electric
w/Bones Royal
hosted by Nicole Atkins
9pm doors
$8 cover

River City Extension will be performing before some of the most important people in the music industry. We would like to invite you to come out and support this band, so they can grow out of New Jersey, and into the national market. This is going to be a very important show. For us, as fans, to show our support, will only help define the importance of this band, and their budding career.

If you could please consider making it out, or at least, consider letting anyone you know that may live in the NYC area to go, would be greatly appreciated.

The show will not only be a great night of music and people, but this show will be helping the success of this band. So please, sound the alarm.

02/15/2010

We were on-hand for both the Philly and New York Murder City Devils shows this weekend, partying it up, and seeing lots of old (and new) faces. Here's a video of "Rum To Whiskey" from the TLA in Philly - probably one of my favorite sounding venues.

Video courtesy of @theonlyflygirlz

02/12/2010

02/11/2010

02/05/2010

Rock photography legend Mark Weiss and Primal Stare Studios Launch ‘Vision of Your Sound’ Contest

One Band Will Win Six-Hour Shoot with Legendary Rock Photographer

Tinton Falls, NJ (02.01.10) -- Primal Stare Studios has teamed up with legendary rock photographer Mark Weiss to bring his unique style to a new generation of emerging musical acts.

Mark’s fresh off of the Guns N Roses Canadian tour and is ready to give your band the rockstar treatment! Primal Stare Studios, a cutting-edge interactive design firm, boasts one of the greatest photo/video studios on the East Coast.

The winning band will receive one six-hour photo session with Weiss at the exclusive Primal Stare Studios. Shoot will last 6 hours and you’ll have a professional stylist on hand to help you look your best. We’ll also have a videographer attached to your shoot, and we will provide a 3-5 minute edited behind the scenes clip of your shoot with Mark Weiss for your self promotion (you tube, facebook, myspace, etc).

Here’s how to enter Vision of Your Sound

Go to http://www.primalstarestudios.com/weisscontest and submit your current publicity shots.

Once your entry has been approved, we’ll provide you a link to send to all your fans (via email blast, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.) and encourage them to vote for their favorite band.

Visit the site to keep track of how your band is doing.

The band with the most votes wins (we’ll also pick a second band to do a quick one look photo shoot w Mark as a runner’s up prize!)

Entries close at midnight, Monday, March 1.

The winner will be announced Friday March 5th and that information will be posted at the Primal Stare Studios Website.

About Mark Weiss: From his humble beginnings in the 70's as a teenager shooting Led Zeppelin, KISS , and Queen; Mark continues to photograph the biggest names in the music business, including Ozzy, Bon Jovi, The Black Eyed Peas, Nickelback and Gwen Stefani.

His photographs have been seen on album covers (including Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet" and Twisted Sister's "Stay Hungry') in books, and in music magazines around the world. 

To view his photography visit http://www.weissguygallery.com.

Who better to shoot your up and coming band than this iconic star maker?

About Primal Stare: Primal Stare Studios ( http://www.primalstarestudios.com , http://www.primalstare.com ) embraces the rock and roll lifestyle, and has produced high-profile interactive work for clients that include the US Air Force, AARP, Kohler, Covidien, Texas A&M, and many other corporate leaders looking for creative tech approaches to marketing and branding.

With the opening of their massive photo/video studios Primal Stare has expanded its capabilities to incorporate cutting edge photography and video work.

The studio is proud to feature established artists that include Weiss, Rolando Gomez, Mike McLaughlin, David Langley and David Guy Maynard as part of its expanding curriculum of workshops, classes, and themed shooting events.

Primal Stare Studios also offers band packages, wedding and event coverage, boudoir, portraits, headshots and family photography. 

For more information about Primal Stare Studios, or to arrange a consultation, please contact:

Tom Gilmour
Studio Manager
Tom [at] primalstare.com
O: 732.212.2880

02/04/2010

If you're going to be around St. Augustine Florida the weekend of March 12-14th come say hello - we'll be partying it up at No Idea Records Harvest of Hope Festival.

A little about the festival:

Welcome to the second annual Harvest of Hope Fest, a charity fundraiser & music festival for the Gainesville, Florida based Harvest of Hope Foundation.

Our three day multiple stage alternative music festival, March 12-14th, 2010, was created to help benefit and raise awareness for the Harvest of Hope Foundaiton (www.harvestofhope.net), a nonprofit charity organization that provides educational grants, scholarships, emergency financial assistance, and service oriented aid to migrant farmworkers and seasonal farmworkers all accross the United States. The primary mission of our event is to help generate a higher level of social conscious regarding the multifaceted life and hardships of underpaid and overworked seasonal farmworkers, migrant farmworker and undocumented farmworkers. Furthermore, our event emphasizes not only on migrant farmworkers but we also put focus on being family friendly (All Ages Event!) as well as being "Green" environmentally conscious. In addition, we are proud to boast that our musical line up will showcase not only a large group of musicians who are donating their time and performances to the cause, but will also showcase a variety of performance artist, indie arts & crafts, indie filmmakers, progressive musicians from around the globe, non-profits businesses, local area businesses, and progressive organizations.

Most importantly, the festival will be focused on raising funds for the Harvest of Hope Foundation and to create a greater social awareness about our countries' community of migrant farmworkers who are more commonly referred to as the people who pick the food we eat daily.

While on-site you'll find incredible music on 3 daytime stages, eclectic culture, quality art, and crafts, delicious food and drinks, great microbrews, ice, an ATM machine, a General Store, and more. St. Augustine, Florida is a small town with a great natural food co-op, and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming.

Please remember that you are a guest of the town and represent the festival to the community at large. We ask that you are good neighbors both inside the festival grounds and in St. Augustine and St. Johns County.

Thank you for your cooperation and support, and for being an integral part of our wonderful community. Please visit the links at the top of the page to help make your arrival and stay at the festival as easy and comfortable as possible.

And now, a list of bands:

Billy Bragg, Dr. Dog, The Mountain Goats, Rogue Wave, Delta Spirit, Senses Fail, Anti-Flag, Man Man, Dead Prez, 7 Seconds, Kimya Dawson, Torche, Anvil, Japanther, Strike Anywhere, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Sea Wolf, Dr. Octagon AKA Kool Keith, Dead Confederate, A Wilhelm Scream, Portugal. the Man, Leatherface, Crime in Stereo, Matt Pond PA, Dead to Me, Smoke or Fire, Fruit Bats, Bear in Heaven, Freelance Whales, Broadway Calls, Cobra Skulls, Small Brown Bike, Glint, Stars of Track and Field, Danielson, Twin Tigers, Black Sheep, Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band, James Husband (of Montreal), Signals (ex-The Mae Shi), Ortolan, Mercury Program, Off With Their Heads, The Loved Ones, Past Lives, forgetters, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Assholeparade, Defiance Ohio, Chris Wollard & the Ship Thieves, Bomb the Music Industry!, Dear Landlord, David Rovics, The Riot Before, This Bike is a Pipebomb, Des Ark, Ben Davis & The Jett$, Shellshag, Weatherbox, Holopaw, Hawks & Doves, Angelo Spencer, The Blacklist Royals, Lemuria, The Measure [sa], Paul Baribeau, Algernon Cadwallader, Your Heart Breaks, Fin Fang Foom, Yula Beeri, The Future Virgins, Good Luck, The Menzingers, Capsule, Ben & Vesper, Jon Snodgrass, Cheap Girls, Austin Lucas, Mike Hale, Street Eaters, O Pioneers!, Army of Ponch, Virgins, Gatorface, Protagonist, American Cheeseburger, Savage Brewtality, Brainworms, New Bruises, Tubers, Cory Branan, Look Mexico, Yesterday's Ring, Whiskey & Co., Worn in Red, Ninja Gun, Grabass Charlestons, FIYA, Spanish Gamble, Anchor Arms, How Dare You, Slow Claw, Heads Held High, The Casting Out, Low Red Land, The Itchy Hearts, Yardwork, Panthro UK United 13, Mumpsy, The Beauvilles, The Tim Version, 3rd Stone, Tiltwheel, Dan Padilla, The Future Now, D.P., City of Ships, Sloane Peterson, Too Many Daves, Pretty Boy Thorson, Nut Nut, Ornate Escape, and The Mike Bernos Band.

Needless to say we're pretty stoked to be working with No Idea Records again and a part of this great benefit

02/03/2010

Submitted by Jim Santora, vocalist for Redliner. This NJ Metal/Rock band is "looking to redefine melodic hard rock" and can be seen playing all over NJ and PA.  To listen to some tunes check out myspace.com/redlinerrock or www.redlinerrock.com.

1.      What was the first record/cassette/CD that you owned and how did it
change you?  - Rubber Ducky by Ernie and I Love Trash by Oscar The Grouch
on 45.  God I don’t think anything gets better than Sesame Street.  That
started my love of music….
2.      If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be?
Kevn Kinney from Drivin N Cryin….
3.      What would the name of your band's biography be?   We Are Not Van
Halen! The Official Story of Redliner
4.      Which musician would you be most comfortable dating your mom?  Probably
a dead one.
5.      Name your dream tour: up to 5 bands, dead or alive.   King’s X, Drivin
N Cryin, Dokken, Coheed & Cambria and Type O Negative
6.      How would it feel to play with your favorite band? It would be the
greatest dream that I would never want to wake from…
7.      What's the funniest moment your band has ever experienced?
8.      ...the craziest/most bizarre?
9.      Who are you musically influenced by that no one would ever guess by
listening to your music?  R.E.M.
10.     Tell us about the most unique member of your band and why he/she has
earned this title.
11.     If someone invested a million dollars into your band, how would you
use the money?   Hit the studio with a producer and put together a top of
the line disc, hire someone to push it to radio and start touring…
12.     How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing
time?  You just feel such a rush and it just continues to feed you.  As a
band, we just keep pushing even harder because we don’t want the crowd to
stop!!!
13.     Which 5 songs would you cover if you had a cover band?  Time For Me To
Fly by Reo Speedwagon,  If You Leave Me Now By Chicago (hard rockin
version),  Bored by Deftones, Superman’s Dead by Our Lady Peace and
Jailbreak by Thin Lizzy
14.     If you swapped ipods with other members of your band, what's the most
surprising music you'd find?  That our drummer Don Valentino will have Pop
Top 40 stuff on his…LOL
15.     Name the place you'd most like to play a show, anywhere in the world.
 Budokan in Japan would be very cool….
16.     What's the most memorable musicial moment of your life?  Playing in my
former band 77LeSabre where Redliner guitarist Kurt Dillon was also a
member of and opening for Tesla.  What an awesome experience and to play
we a band that we loved….
17.     If you got a band tattoo, which band would it be?   King’s X
18.     Tell us a situation where another band really helped you out.   Our
friends in Bound By Nothing have hooked us up with some really cool shows…
 We are always trading off gigs but their gigs are always fun!!!
19.     What moment has made all of the hard work being a musician worth it?
Just being told by people after the show that we rocked or telling us that
certain songs really stood out…  It just makes you feel like all the
practice and work on the songs really pays off when everyone enjoys it at
much as you do performing it.
20.     If your band was a comic, what would each member's super power be?

02/02/2010

Endall is a metal/rock band hailing from New Jersey.  They will be playing this year's Break Contest on Jan 17.  To check out some tunes, please visit: myspace.com/EndallNJ

1. What was the first record/cassette/CD that you owned and how did it change you? Mob Rules - Sabbath. the rest I stole from older siblings.
2. If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be? I would pick the beer over a brain. Why would I want someone elses brain?Oh,pick a musicians brain whilst drinkin a beer. Ok. Gareth - Dimebag. Charlie - Phil Lynott. Me - Keith Moon.
3. What would the name of your band's biography be? "F##K the odds !"
4. Which musician would you be most comfortable dating your mom? No one in my band! How about Tiny Tim. 7 foot tall uke player. Gotta be entertaining at the least.
5. Name your dream tour: up to 5 bands, dead or alive. Pantera , Kiss , Thin Lizzy , Drowning Pool and of course Endall 
6. How would it feel to play with your favorite band? Humbling. Once in a lifetime acheivement
7. What's the funniest moment your band has ever experienced? Lots of funny shit. especially on the road. If you don't laugh you'll kill each other.
8. ...the craziest/most bizarre? Playin a club in Jersey and a girl in the front was headbangin full on then looked up and projectile puked. Kept on headbangin though. Hardcore. Kinda makes you wonder if your music makes people vomit.
9. Who are you musically influenced by that no one would ever guess by listening to your music? Winger !
10. Tell us about the most unique member of your band and why he/she has earned this title. Charlie (bass) One second he looks like he'll rip your head off then bust into a spot on Peter Griffin impression. Btw...awesome bassist
11. If someone invested a million dollars into your band, how would you use the money? Buy the "sham-wow!" guy to be the Endall hypeman! Yes we'd purchase a person. Seriously. Hire the best producer we could to do our full length. Buy some awesome merch. And of course a "ghetto fabulous" tour bus.
12. How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing time? Incredibly stoked , gracious and so in the moment. Very hard to explain though.
13. Which 5 songs would you cover if you had a cover band?Bodies by D.Pool , Slither by V.Revolver , anything by Down , Jet by P.Mccartney and the muppet theme song.
14. If you swapped ipods with other members of your band, what's the most surprising music you'd find? Christian Rock on Charlies
15. Name the place you'd most like to play a show, anywhere in the world. MSG 
16. What's the most memorable musicial moment of your life? Endall at the legendary Stone Pony
17. If you got a band tattoo, which band would it be? Endall of course!
18. Tell us a situation where another band really helped you out. Scarlett Carsen (another awesome Jersey band). We've got a tight friendship with them. Try to support each other as much as possible. Black Water Rising and My Mortality were also very cool.
19. What moment has made all of the hard work being a musician worth it? The little things I think. A car drivin by and you hear your song blastin out of it. A kid askin you to sign something. A crowd movin to your music, Don't matter if it's 10 or 500 people. Things you can't dip in platinum and hang on the wall. 
20. If your band was a comic, what would each member's super power be? Charlie would have powers drawn from the energy in his hair, "By the power of Hairyskull , I have the power!" Gareth would be the "Shredder". Sh80 would beat up villians with his huge penis. Bet you can't guess who answered these questions! Ha Ha  .                   
    

02/01/2010

Answers submitted by drummer of Kakiat Park, Adam Magnan.  Check out music from this blues jam band from NY at: myspace.com/kakiatpark.

1. What was the first record/cassette/CD that you owned and how did it change you? Linkin Park, they fused rap and rock, NO ONE'S EVER DONE THAT BEFORE! (jk)
2. If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be? Trey Anastasio,
3. What would the name of your band's biography be? "Kakiat Park: who are these guys?!"
4. Which musician would you be most comfortable dating your mom? Robert Plant, He's classy but he knows how to rock ;-)
5. Name your dream tour: up to 5 bands, dead or alive. Pavement, Frank Zappa,
6. How would it feel to play with your favorite band? Ever have sex with a supermodel? No? Yeah, us either...
7. What's the funniest moment your band has ever experienced? The kids in the internet chatrooms watching our live studio streams said some funny stuff.
8. ...the craziest/most bizarre? When the same internet kids found out the phone number of the local chinese place when Dave was trying to make an order and they logged up the line so we couldn't get any food!
9. Who are you musically influenced by that no one would ever guess by listening to your music? Debussy: it's difficult to imitate piano on drums!
10. Tell us about the most unique member of your band and why he/she has earned this title. Joey Calfa: He shreds so hard that I need a diaper sometimes.
11. If someone invested a million dollars into your band, how would you use the money? Um... seriously? Three letters.
12. How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing time? Have you ever seen the movie the incredibles?
13. Which 5 songs would you cover if you had a cover band? Go Go Power Rangers, Go Go Power Rangers, Go Go Power Rangers, Go Go Power Rangers and the Saved By the Bell theme.
14. If you swapped ipods with other members of your band, what's the most surprising music you'd find? Billy Joel, probably.
15. Name the place you'd most like to play a show, anywhere in the world. Red Rocks
16. What's the most memorable musicial moment of your life? The first time I got stoned and played music... But I wish I could remember it!
17. If you got a band tattoo, which band would it be? Joey has a Jimmy Eat World tattoo, and it's pretty rad.
18. Tell us a situation where another band really helped you out. When one of our opening bands broke into their drummer's mom's house to get a PA at the last minute for a bar show. Thanks, Evan!
19. What moment has made all of the hard work being a musician worth it? When you look into the crowd and see someone dancing their ass off.
20. If your band was a comic, what would each member's super power be? Joey: Super Speed, Dave: Keen Insight, Nate: Super Hearing, Sam: FUCKING OFF, Adam: Asian Eyes

01/29/2010

Submitted by 3SO's Justice. You can check out 3SO's EPK at: http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.asp?epk_id=170075
and follow the 3SO Blog: http://3soband.blogspot.com

1. What was the first record/cassette/CD that you owned and how did it change you?

1. If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be?

1. What would the name of your band's biography be?

1. Which musician would you be most comfortable dating your mom?

1. Name your dream tour: up to 5 bands, dead or alive.

1. How would it feel to play with your favorite band?

1. What's the funniest moment your band has ever experienced?

1. Who are you musically influenced by that no one would ever guess by listening to your music?

1. Tell us about the most unique member of your band and why he/she has earned this title.

1. If someone invested a million dollars into your band, how would you use the money?

1. How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing time?

1. Which 5 songs would you cover if you had a cover band?

1. If you swapped ipods with other members of your band, what's the most surprising music you'd find?

1. Name the place you'd most like to play a show, anywhere in the world.

1. What's the most memorable musical moment of your life?

1. If you got a band tattoo, which band would it be?

1. Tell us a situation where another band really helped you out.

1. What moment has made all of the hard work being a musician worth it?

1. If your band was a comic, what would each member's super power be?

01/28/2010

Submitted by Jesse from Blackout Stereo.  This North Jersey based punk rock n roll band "Black out stereo" is set to record their full length under Faction Zero records in late Feb.

1. If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be? Bruce
2. What would the name of your band's biography be? drunken third
3. Which musician would you be most comfortable dating your mom? Elton John
4. How would it feel to play with your favorite band? ummm awesome.
5. Who are you musically influenced by that no one would ever guess by listening to your music? The Ron-nets
6. If someone invested a million dollars into your band, how would you use the money? better equipment and rent
7. How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing time? cathartic
8. Which 5 songs would you cover if you had a cover band?
9. If you swapped ipods with other members of your band, what's the most surprising music you'd find? shit indie rock
10. Name the place you'd most like to play a show, anywhere in the world.Cuba

01/27/2010

Submitted by Ben, bass player for Blameshift. These Long Island natives are no strangers to the road.  With 8 national tours under their belt, you know they have something big brewing!  To keep their fans involved, they've created a contest for bands to design their new album artwork! To learn more about their contest, tours, or to check out some tunes, go to: Myspace.com/blameshift

1.  What was the first record/cassette/CD that you owned and how did it change you?   I'll go with CD on this one cause it's a better story.. It was either Boyz2Men or All4One lol I sang a track off one of those albums to a girl I liked in grade school and she stopped talking to me.. Made me realize at an early age that I wasn't a singer!

  If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be?  Well I don't drink so I suppose I would rather pick any musicians brain over a beer but I feel like Henry Rollins would have some interesting things to talk about.

Which musician would you be most comfortable dating your mom?  I hear Dee Snider is a gentleman..



How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing time? There's nothing like being on a stage in front of people who are there to hear you play the music you've created! It's always a rush of adrenaline and emotion, an unexplainable feeling to anyone who hasn't actually experienced it..

If you swapped ipods with other members of your band, what's the most surprising music you'd find?  I don't think I would be surprised at all lol.. I think my library is probably more obscure than the rest of my bands put together..

If you got a band tattoo, which band would it be? I did that in 2007 with the band I was in at the time while on tour in Toledo Ohio. We all got it done and we stopped playing about a year later but they were and still are some of the best friends I feel I will ever meet.. Support what you love..

What moment has made all of the hard work being a musician worth it?. Every moment of being a musician is worth it.. It's what I love to do..

 If your band was a comic, what would each member's super power be?  Jenny would be able to grab food out of anyones plate without a trace, Tim could turn into a hulk like being after eating a can of peanuts but red and with a terrible respiratory problem, James could just get so mad at things they explode and I would have earth trembling super seizures cause I can only have regular ones right now..

01/25/2010

01/22/2010

This talented Asbury Park native can be seen weekly in Asbury Park, as well as NYC and other NJ locations. Rick Barry's hook-filled folk/rock songs and consistant live performances have made him a pillar in the vibrant music scene of Asbury Park. Check out his tunes at Myspace.com/RickBarryMusic

1. What was the first record/cassette/CD that you owned and how did it change you? I bought New Kids on The Block on Cassette in an attempt to impress a girl when I was in 2nd grade.

2. If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be? Motzart

3. What would the name of your band's biography be? The Human Cannonball

4. Which musician would you be most comfortable dating your mom? Tom Waits

5. Name your dream tour: up to 5 bands, dead or alive. Pedro The Lion, The Beatles, Nirvana

6. How would it feel to play with your favorite band?ummm...good

7. What's the funniest moment your band has ever experienced? Justin punched Ron in the dick, 50 times, slowly.

8. ...the craziest/most bizarre? Danbury, CT

9. Who are you musically influenced by that no one would ever guess by listening to your music? Mudhoney

10. Tell us about the most unique member of your band and why he/she has earned this title. They are all unique

11. If someone invested a million dollars into your band, how would you use the money? Cocaine and hookers, or a Roth IRA

12. How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing time? Like a failure.

13. Which 5 songs would you cover if you had a cover band? probably the same tunes we cover now, The Smiths, Rilo Kiley, The Pixies, Billy Bragg, Weezer

14. If you swapped ipods with other members of your band, what's the most surprising music you'd find? Andy probably has a bunch of Jesus music in his Ipod

15. Name the place you'd most like to play a show, anywhere in the world. Ireland

16. What's the most memorable musicial moment of your life? My first time playing infront of people. The 8th grade talent show. It's pretty much the only thing I remember at this point.

17. If you got a band tattoo, which band would it be? Dylan

18. Tell us a situation where another band really helped you out. nothing comes to mind, I'm sure there is something though.

19. What moment has made all of the hard work being a musician worth it? When the song comes together

20. If your band was a comic, what would each member's super power be? I would have ninja powers, Justin would have super hearing and Andy would die for our sins

01/21/2010

Submitted by singer/songwriter Natalie Gelman. You can catch this talented acoustic musician on her US tour between now and April! For more information and to listen to her music, please visit: myspace.com/nataliegelman.

   1. What was the first record/cassette/CD that you owned and how did it change you?
My first CD was Like A Prayer by Madonna. I don't think it it effected my music, but it was a ton of fun to dance around to when I was 8 years old.
   2. If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be?
Patty Griffin! I would love to talk to her about songwriting and inspiration. If I was going to talk business then I would talk to Trent Reznor. I know it's out of my musical realm, but he's creative and thinks outside of the box.
   3. Name your dream tour: up to 5 bands, dead or alive.
Patty Griffin, Sheryl Crow, U2, The Beatles and Carol King.
   4. How would it feel to play with your favorite band?
I would probably be pretty excited and nervous before the show, but to sing with Patty Griffin would be amazing. She puts a lot of passion in her songs. When I see her live it seems to get the whole band excited and connected.
   5. What's the funniest moment your band has ever experienced?
I used to play in Miami where I was going to school. We were practicing outside of this pizza place and this giant Miami water bug crawled across my foot. I was pretty freaked out, but we were so exhilarated for our first show as a band. I blew it off, but a few minutes later it crawled across my foot again(did I mention I was in flip-flops). I jumped onto my bass player with my guitar still on clinging for dear life and the rest of the band start laughing at me.
   6. ...the craziest/most bizarre?
 I did do a rollerblading tour up the East Coast from Miami, Fl to NYC, NY. You see and learn a lot on your feet for 1500 miles!
   7. Who are you musically influenced by that no one would ever guess by listening to your music?
Leonard Bernstein. I think he was a great composer. I love his work for both choirs, solo performers and musicals. He used a lot of contemporary elements while still keeping his music approachable and listenable.
   8. If someone invested a million dollars into your band, how would you use the money?
I am really overdue for a new record so that is the first thing! After that I would love to try some unique promo methods and do something outside of what people have come to expect.
   9. How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing time?
That's the whole point! Live performing is my favorite thing to do and there is no place I would rather be then performing on stage.
   10. Name the place you'd most like to play a show, anywhere in the world.
I really can't wait to tour Europe, but it would also be incredible to play on the Rock Boat.
   11. What's the most memorable musicial moment of your life?
When I first started performing I took my guitar with me on a spring break cruise. Every night, my friend and I would sing in the karoke bar. Half way through the cruise the host asked me if I would perform in a talent show the next day. I said yes, but only if I could sing one of my own songs. I performed one of my original songs and everyone who was there, all 1200 people gave me a standing ovation. It was definitely a pivotal moment that affirmed that making music is what I should be doing. It also helps that people were asking for an autograph the last two days of the cruise! ;)
   12. Tell us a situation where another band really helped you out.
When I first started writing I performed in a talent show at my college called UM Idol. I had a pretty good sound check, but was really thrown off when it came to the show and was trying to hit notes that I shouldn't have been. Needless to say, I didn't make the finals, but afterward, one of the other performers(Allan Douglas) encouraged me to keep writing. Now they are one of my favorite co-writers and if it wasn't for him, I am not sure if I would be still writing.
   13. What moment has made all of the hard work being a musician worth it?
Every time I am on stage and I see people really enjoying the show or someone comes up after a show and tells me how much they loved a song or it moved them. It takes a lot of courage to keep putting yourself out there as an independent artist and without fans that connect with what I'm doing, there would be no reason to push as hard as I do.
   14. If your band was a comic, what would each member's super power be?
The power to instantly change strings and tune a guitar with my eyes...including the guitars of bands that I am watching!

01/21/2010

Friends Of eatsleepbreathemusic.com Take %10 off all roll stickers for the whole month of February. To order go to http://bandsonabudget.com/contact and mention "ESB"

Please submit all logos in adobe illustrator format.

01/17/2010

Submitted by Bill Lee and the rest of Walking with Cavemen.  Known around the Bandsonabudget.com office as an exceptionally great band, this New Brunswick-based band can be discovered here: www.walkingwithcavemen.com

1.  What was the first record/cassette/CD that you owned and how did it change you?  (Bill) Phil Collins' 'But Seriously.."   I had this cassette when I was 5 years old, well my mother had it.  It changed my life.  I was able to somehow figure out the melodic line of the chorus in "Another Day in Paradise"  I remember vividly my mother freaking out and calling my grandmother. Shortly after I was taking piano lessons.
2.  If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be?(Bill) John Frusciante. I met him once. He is vastly knowledgeable about things like engineering, (audio)  space & time & ghosts, song writing, and general music wizardry.  I want to be his grasshopper.
3.  What would the name of your band's biography be? "Standing in the Shadows of Motown"  Actually there already is a film.... its called BBC's  "Walking with cavemen"  and its about primates.
4.  Which musician would you be most comfortable dating your mom? George Michael
5.  Name your dream tour: up to 5 bands, dead or alive.  The Beatles, Bethoven (solo) Blur, T-Rex, Son House.   We wouldn't play we would just haul gear and hang out.
6.  How would it feel to play with your favorite band? It would feel like sitting on Santa's lap, only with music.
7 & 8  What's the funniest moment your band has ever experienced?  … the craziest/most bizarre? It was impossible to pin down either of these questions.  All responses relate to testicles.
9.  Who are you musically influenced by that no one would ever guess by listening to your music? Aside from our drummer, we've all at one time or another or currently have been influenced by different types of american punk rock and hardcore/post hardcore music.  Our music is not very "punk" at all, but it really is at the heart of what we do.
10.  Tell us about the most unique member of your band and why he/she has earned this title. Mark( guitar) is the most unique because he is provocative.  We also call him Mike sometimes. Mike is fierce and likes to dance. Mark is solemn and nurturing.
11.  If someone invested a million dollars into your band, how would you use the money? We would upgrade our recording studio and quit our jobs to make the record we dream about making.
12.  How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing time?  I can speak for the band, and for most bands, that when that occurs, its a real blur and a real zonking effect. Youre just on muscle memory at that point.  When I used to play guitar in bands I'd be doing so much I couldn't really pay attention to the audience. Now that I'm on bass,  I like to make eye contact.  I like to allow actual words and thought processes to happen while playing a show.
13.  Which 5 songs would you cover if you had a cover band? That would never happen.  But: #1  Billy Brag- Levi Stubb's Tears. #2 Rolling Stones-Citadel  #3 Tom Petty-You're So Bad #4 Blur-Tender   #5 Misfits-Where Eagles Dare
14.  If you swapped ipods with other members of your band, what's the most surprising music you'd find?  You'd find a whole lot of recordings of farts and pooping uploaded via certain members' cell phones.  That's no joke.
15.  Name the place you'd most like to play a show, anywhere in the world.  The Grand Canyon,  only its filled with people partying hard.
16.  What's the most memorable musicial moment of your life? So far, Santos Party House was a big night for us as a unit.  Biggest show we've played, best sound etc.  We each have our own personal highs though.  This is a band comprised of people that have played in many projects prior to this.  We're old blues men now.
17.  If you got a band tattoo, which band would it be?  It would be a pepsi can that says "Blur" on it instead of pepsi.  Im actually getting this and it will be my only band tattoo for  life.
18.  Tell us a situation where another band really helped you out. We don't like to be negative, but we can't really think of one. Aside from getting lots of show invites from other bands, we've had more problems than help outs so far. Maybe that will change in 2010.
19.   What moment has made all of the hard work being a musician worth it?  It's not one moment, it can't be.  We're a young band, but it's the progression that makes it worth it.  Listening to rehearsal tapes, early ep's etc, and seeing how you've grown as musicians and friends is where it's at.
20.   If your band was a comic, what would each member's super power be? Trevor:  Tear power:  The power to get upset and fill a room with tears, drowning everyone in under a minute.
       Dan:  Bear Power:  The power to change one's beard into any conceivable object. i.e. Beard Sword
       Mark:  Cat Eye:  The Power to influence a person for good...or evil
       Todd:  Charles Manson's Brain:  The Power to know 100's of random Charles Manson interview quotes, which doubles as the power to make Billy laugh at all times.
       Bill:  Iron Fist:  Self explanatory.

01/14/2010

01/12/2010

Submitted by: Adam Bird, singer/guitarist of Those Mockingbirds.  This indie band is based out of Montclair, NJ and can be seen at venues in NJ, NYC, and Connecticut. Those Mockingbirds just finished recording a CD with Tom Beaujour, the creator and former Editor and Chief of Revolver Magazine.  To check out some tunes, please visit: Myspace.com/ThoseMockingbirds

1. What was the first record/cassette/CD that you owned and how did it change you?  "Dangerous" by Michael Jackson... it is what first steered me towards wanting to be on a stage...though at the time I hadnt REALLY discovered Rock n Roll yet...
2. If you could pick any musician's brain over a beer, who would it be? Jack White
3. What would the name of your band's biography be? "Mockingbird is the word"
4. Which musician would you be most comfortable dating your mom? Rivers Cuomo
5. Name your dream tour: up to 5 bands, dead or alive. Nirvana, White Stripes, The Beatles, Zeppelin, Sonic Youth.
6. How would it feel to play with your favorite band? it would probably feel pretty flattering above all else.
7. What's the funniest moment your band has ever experienced? when Tory's mother met up with us on our first tour, and gave her an old violin case she had in high school. to save Tory the embarrassment of what was on that case, i will leave it at that until we start releasing videos from that tour.
8. ...the craziest/most bizarre? riding a mechanical bull during a contract signing.
9. Who are you musically influenced by that no one would ever guess by listening to your music? Eminem
10. Tell us about the most unique member of your band and why he/she has earned this title. probably Dane. He is a special little guy, and his blood is 4% marinara sauce. to my knowledge, hes the only human being with this trait... in fact, he was scouted to be an X-Man, but he turned ole Chucky Xavier down.
11. If someone invested a million dollars into your band, how would you use the money? to get into the studio, and to get a new touring vehicle.
12. How do you feel being on stage when the audience is having an amazing time? the closest i can come to actually describing it is saying, pretty untouchable. but that really does it no justice.
13. Which 5 songs would you cover if you had a cover band? we already cover "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac... and if i list any more i would be giving away future cover songs we are planning. sorry!
14. If you swapped ipods with other members of your band, what's the most surprising music you'd find? Lady GaGa on Matt's, because youd think hes too hardcore for that.
15. Name the place you'd most like to play a show, anywhere in the world. Tokyo, Japan.
16. What's the most memorable musicial moment of your life? touring in general... all rolled into one.
17. If you got a band tattoo, which band would it be? i wouldnt get a band tattoo, but maybe a band related one... like a musicial staff with notes from a favorite song or something corny like that.
18. Tell us a situation where another band really helped you out. Ultra Violent Lights really helped us out by letting two of us travel in their van on our first tour because we didnt have enough room in ours.
19. What moment has made all of the hard work being a musician worth it? there is no single moment. for me, its every show, no matter how many people are there, and every time i write a new song that i get excited about.
20. If your band was a comic, what would each member's super power be? well Dane, as mentioned above can shoot marinara sauce from his hands... Tory's power would be the ability to use her hair as a whip like wonder woman. Dom would be the brute strength... Matt would catch fire like Human Torch... and i would probably just carry a wand around in homage to Harry Potter.

01/07/2010

01/05/2010

1. Get organized
Before being able to clear your heads and start planning for the year, you have to clear your space. Organize the area where you practice; throw out or donate anything you don't need, fix any instruments that need repairs, stock up on guitar strings, picks, and drum sticks. When you're finished you'll feel like you can take over the world!

2. Acknowledge 2009's accomplishments
Making goals will be an important part of starting the year off right, but let's first take a moment to honor the last year and all the things your band has to be proud of. You can either verbally acknowledge these accomplishments or write them down to display in your rehearsal space. Point out the best shows, funnest memories, and any ways that your band has made steps forward since the previous year. Pat yourselves on the back, then be ready to set up 2010 to kick 2009's ass.

3. Make a list of goals for 2010
This step is the meat and potatoes of this “How To”. You want to make an impression, take over, move 10 steps ahead this year. So what exactly do you want to accomplish? Does your band want to put out a new CD? Go on tour? Get a record deal? Think of all of your dreams that you've had as a band and turn them into goals for your 2010 list. Once all of your goals have been realized and recorded, break them down. How are you going to accomplish each goal? Take each idea one step at a time. For example, if you want to go on tour, first figure out who will be booking it: will you try to find an agent or book a DIY tour? How long do you want to go for? When will everyone be available? Then start mapping it out. Next, start making calls. One step at a time, you're moving closer to accomplishing your goal. If you want to get signed, you may want to start with getting press kits made. Perhaps networking and handing out IndieCards for your band at events would be your ticket to getting signed. Think of each step your band needs to take, and write it down. The goal as a whole may seem overwhelming to accomplish, but each step is within reach. Want to put out a new CD? First decide how many songs you want to record. Then start writing the material. Find a producer and decide where you're going to record: do you know someone with a home studio or do you want to put in money to go to a state-of-the-art studio? Will you release it yourselves or on a record label? Anything you can think of doing, you are able to do. So dream big, work hard, and take it one step at a time until you've scratched every one of those goals off of your 2010 list!

4. Create a calendar
It can be easy to procrastinate or let time slip by without working at your goals, so here's an idea that'll keep you on track! Get a band calendar and hang it in your practice space. Use this calendar as a timeline for when you want to get things done, as well as for your practice and show schedule. If you wanted to have new t-shirts done by the end of the month, you won't have to worry about forgetting to order them if the deadline is staring right at you! This will also help each member because everyone will be able to clearly see what the schedule looks like, allowing you to...

5. Plan ahead
Using your calendar and list, you'll find it easy to plan ahead. This is the key to accomplishing goals, making progress, and not incorporating stress into any of your plans for 2010. Don't wait til the last minute to order CDs for your record release party, tshirts for your tour, or IndieCards for a music conference. Plan in the fall for next year's South by Southwest and start promoting your new record in the winter for a summer release. Big plans involve planning ahead, so don't let this factor take away from all the things you could be accomplishing this year. 2010... this is your band's year!

01/05/2010

01/02/2010

Key changes in music business

By GRAELYN BRASHEAR
COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU
Originally Printed 12/30/2009 in the Asbury Park Press
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009912300357

Even though the alternative folk-rockers of Toms River band River City Extension got a big break this year when New Brunswick-based XOXO Records agreed to sign them, lead singer Joe Michelini said life hasn't changed much.

The contract the band is signing is really just a formal recognition of an already well-established relationship with the small independent label, Michelini said.

"We've been working with these people for years now," Michelini said. "They're all our best friends. We all hang out together, we drink together, we eat together."

The band's six members still are cheerfully playing at small venues along the Shore, and they're still pulling out the stops when it comes to self-promotion, whether it's posting videos of recording session on their blog or offering to cook fans dinner in return for a donation to their tour fund.

The cooperative, do-it-yourself approach they've used to make a name for themselves has become the hallmark of the local and national music scene in the first decade of the 21st century. In the past 10 years, musicians in all genres have taken advantage of the popularization of digital music, internet blogs and social networking sites to launch themselves without the assistance of big-name music labels. On the Jersey Shore, and especially among those playing the famed venues of Asbury Park, such independent artists have come together to create a community that's gaining recognition nationwide.

Bret Morgan, co-founder of Asbury Park-based music merchandising company Bands on a Budget, has watched the changes unfold in his backyard.

"Making merchandise has gotten a lot more affordable," Morgan said. "Everybody can set up a home studio and have quality recording, which wasn't possible 10, 15 years ago."

As a result, he said, more artists are putting out their own CDs, printing T-shirts, networking and booking shows. "They can basically do everything themselves," Morgan said, "and make money and be able to do it as a lifestyle."

The most noticeable effect on the Shore music scene has been sheer numbers. There are more bands than ever, Morgan said, and there's a new sense of camaraderie among musicians that's propeling the scene forward. Artists like Nicole Atkins, currently on a national tour, and the members of The Gaslight Anthem are helping other groups get a leg up.

"We have some bands that have broken out recently," he said, "and once one or two break through to a national level, it just opens the floodgates."

Whatever it takes

River City Extension's Michelini is just 21, but he's a lifelong musician, and he's watched the Shore scene go from fractured and cutthroat to downright harmonious as bands realize the benefits of community that works together. Between the big live music markets of New York and Philadelphia, a new generation of artists have made a home here, he said, and they're making great music.

"We're helping each other out for shows, playing songs with each other . . . lending our guitars, whatever we need," Michelini said. "It's like the bar is being raised, and we're all helping each other up."

That kind of support is attractive to other artists, said Billy O'Brien, 26, who started managing shows in Asbury Park "when it looked like post-World-War-II Hiroshima," and is now in artist and community development as part of ShoreAlternative.com, an online radio station that serves Monmouth and Ocean counties.

The Shore's vibrant music community has given national acts more incentive to play its venues, and to stay a few days and make local connections, said O'Brien.

"I think that's what's giving the bands credibility," he said. "When these bands come through, they see something that's thriving, and that's special."

It's all combined to make the Shore scene the latest poster child for a new paradigm in music.

"I'll put our local scene in Asbury Park and in New Jersey up against pretty much everyone," O'Brien said.

12/22/2009

Now, formally a member of the XOXO Records family, Tom's River, NJ Folk/Punk outlet, River City Extension will be hosting a fundraiser for tour this Wednesday night at Cool Beans Cafe in Toms River. All the details are below:

River City Ext fundraiser this Wednesday
12/23 @ Cool Beans in Toms River
6pm+
All Ages
w/
River City Extension
Brick And Mortar
Grand Alto
Foxes and Lions

This will be a fundraiser to help get River City Extension on tour, the show itself is free, here is how the fundraiser will work:

-Order a coffee, it will help out the restaurant.
-$2+ Gets you a sticker
-$5+ Gets you a t-shirt
-$15+ Reserves your copy of the new album, along with a sticker
-$25+ Reserves new album + t-shirt
-$50+ Personalized copy of new album with a t-shirt
-$100 Band member of your choice takes you out to dinner
-$150+ Band will come to your house and cook you dinner
-$250+ New album (cd+vinyl), 2 t-shirts, a sticker, and dinner from the band

River City Extension's new album the Unmistakable Man will be released in May on XOXO/Hope & Anchor Records

12/18/2009

Note - We will have limited holiday hours starting on Wednesday 12/23 until Monday 1/4.

Turnaround times are subject to be slightly longer than usual but we will be responding to all email and order requests.

Have a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for your business in 2009 and we look forward to serving your merchandise needs in 2010 and beyond.

12/08/2009

12/03/2009

We get a lot of questions regarding our ordering process and how one goes about making merchandise with us so, in an effort to alleviate your concerns, we bring you an article on exactly how our ordering works. enjoy!

1. Shop the site, decide what kind of merchandise you'd like to buy
Ordering merchandise shouldn't be considered a chore for bands. With all of our products clearly displayed on our site, we suggest that you browse our different merchandise options and make a decision about what you'd like to order. Want a few different promotional products, or are unsure what to order? Consider one of our merchandise packages!

2. Fill out a contact request form
Once your band has decided what kind of merchandise you'd like to make, the ordering process begins! Simply fill out a contact request form with the information about your order. Let us know what products, colors, sizes, etc. you're interested in. Don't worry, this isn't final- you'll have time to fine tune your order later on if you'd like.

3. Speak to a representative
Within 24 hours of submitting your contact form, a representative at Bandsonabudget.com will get in touch with you about your order. Remember that we're here to assist you every step of the way, so feel free to ask any questions!

4. Get a Bandsonabudget.com Account
Upon filling out the contact request form, a Bandsonabudget.com account will be automatically created for you. This account will allow you to login to see your invoice, upload art, access IndieCards campaigns, see your order history, etc. Simply go to Bandsonabudget.com/login, and use your email address as your username and the password that was emailed to you.

5. Review Invoice
After your order has been finalized between you and your representative, a formal invoice will be uploaded to your account page, which includes all shipping, taxes, and order information. Once you have reviewed the information and are ready to place the order, you can pay right on that page with a credit card!

6. Upload artwork
If your artwork is ready, simply upload it using the upload form under “FILES/ARTWORK”. We'll check the resolution to make sure your merchandise will be the highest quality possible. When ordering t-shirts, we'll send you a proof that shows exactly what your artwork will look like on a shirt. Once you've approved it, we'll put your order into production. If you need help setting up your art, we have an in-house designer who is available at a reasonable hourly rate.

7. Get awesome merchandise
Turnaround time for merchandise depends on which products you ordered, but generally within 7-10 business days you will have your merchandise shipped to your provided address. Local bands also have the option of picking up t-shirts right from our Asbury Park address. Now it's time to share your merch with the world!

12/03/2009

At Bandsonabudget.com, we love having the opportunity to support other companies run by musicians for musicians. Our friends over at Pledge Music have been making their mark through record releases, band management, marketing and development of big bands with big hits, and little bands who are right behind. With a state of the art recording studio at their fingertips and a wealth of music knowledge in their background, these guys are the real deal.

So what is this company, with their hands in so many areas of the music industry? Pledge Music is a music site that "collaborates modern online marketing and old school biz know-how". The motive for this multi-faceted company extends beyond the joy of bringing music from bands to fans; they provide an opportunity for music lovers and music creators to work together to raise money for charity. Visit their site to experience great new music and become an active participant in the release process.

11/17/2009

Black Friday Specials ALL WEEK!!!

Making it through the holidays is no easy feat, so we think you deserve a little incentive! Starting on Black Friday (Nov 27th) and going through Dec 4th, we're excited to bring you some big savings on merchandise from Bandsonabudget.com! Our specials include:

Wool Hat Special
The cold air sweeping in gives many bands' fans a reason to skip a show, but not yours! Help your fans cruise warmly through winter, while also getting promotion from a prime location: their heads. That's right, this month we're pleased to offer you a “beanie” special!

24 beanies for $99
50 beanies for $199

Includes one color ink and has a 10 day turnaround time.
order now

IndieCard/Viral Marketing Package
Viral marketing is key to getting your music out to new fans at a very low price. To help you do that, we've put together a package which includes the following elements for the low price of $125:

1,000 static data IndieCards
125 plays on Grooveshark.com (they'll match your song to music with similar fans)
Featured spot on our website (we'll write an article about your band and feature it on bandsonabudget.com)

order now

Vinyl Banner Blowout
Want to jazz up your merch table, stage backdrop, or any other location where you want some additional attention on your band? Bandsonabudget.com regularly offers affordable vinyl banners, but for one week only, we're pleased to offer you an additional discount of only $4.65/square foot on 4 sizes!

3'x3' for $41.85
3'x5' for $69.75
3'x6' for $83.70
3'x8' for $111.60

order now

Our banners are full color, full bleed, single sided, and made of outdoor vinyl. All banners include grommets and hems at no extra charge.

Cut Vinyl Sticker Special
Not to be confused with our stickers on a roll, we're pleased to offer you cut vinyl stickers especially for the Black Friday Special week! As always, we only offer high-quality stickers printed on weatherproof vinyl.

2” stickers
500 2-inch stickers for $160 (10% off) $144
1,000 2-inch stickers $180 (10% off) $162

4” stickers
500 4-inch stickers for $180 (10% off) $162
1,000 4-inch stickers for $210 (10% off) $189

Available as circle or square stickers. Price includes 1 ink color.
order now

To order any Black Friday Special just contact us.

11/11/2009

NJ's Own “Sounds from Atlantis” to Perform at Doc Watson's and Crocodile Rock this Month

November 11, 2009- Hailing from Westville, NJ, the up and coming indie band Sounds from Atlantis are moving like a freight train that we highly recommend not getting out of the way of. If you haven't been able to catch this band rocking out yet, you're in luck. To promote their new EP, “No Mercy has the Sea”, the 4-piece will be making stops in both Philadelphia and Allentown, PA this month. On November 19, the band will be playing Doc Watson's Pub in Philadelphia with Windlestrae, while November 28th will be with The Overexposed and Kae at Crocodile Rock in Allentown, PA. Not 21+? Don't worry, the Allentown show is all ages!

Labeled as “modern electric Americana”, Sounds from Atlantis creates new sounds and delivers them to you with a touch of good old fashion rock 'n roll. If you can't make it out to Doc Watson's or Crocodile Rock, at least download some tracks on itunes and visit their websites; you'll be glad you did!

11/19 Doc Watson's Pub in Philadelphia, PA with Windlestrae 8pm, 21+, $8
11/28 Crocodile Rock in Allentown, PA with The Overexposed and Kae, 5pm, all ages $10

SoundsfromAtlantis.com

11/03/2009

The Aquarian's, John Pfeiffer did a great piece on our friends over at ShoreAlternative.com.  Read the full article below and be sure to come out every Tuesday night and check out what they have going on.

There are many methods that upstart organizers use for attracting patrons.They use flyers and coupons and passes galore but it’s never easy, evenwith all the networkingwebsites at their disposal today, it still takes somemagic to get cash-strapped people into the club.The Shore Alternative guys have found magic in the form of an earnest and musically starved scene down at the end of the Ocean Ave. strip. Their place of business isTheWonder Bar and let me tell ya, business is booming. Led by BillyO’Brien akaMillion Dolla Bill and program director for 105.7 The Hawk Greg Perillo, S*ALT has seen a huge upswing in popularity.Built on the same theory of success as the ‘80s label Factory Records, S*ALT is doing grassroots well. As many typical success stories go, their first six months were a crap shoot and no one wanted anything to do with them, now sponsorship requests are coming in fast and furious and things show no sign of slowing down.

One thing I noticed about the S*ALT night was that the hipster clans and drama queens often associated with localmusic were absent and in their place was a group of laid back people and a solid grouping of bands hailing from all over the continent. Charged with a true passion, you could see the S*ALT guys running around, shaking hands, keeping an eye out and truly enjoying what they do.They didn’t hide backstage and wait to count money; they were out in the crowd.That vibe is infectious and I could sense that the style of their show is well ahead of the curve. Boasting one of the most diverse booking policies in the city- matter of fact, the only thing the acts have in common is their quality—the bands are picked less on draw and more on appeal as developmental acts that have something to offer.Localmixedwith International (tonight’s outstanding band Rubik was from Finland) works well and even the Wonder Bar sound (infamous for being hit or miss) was awesome.

I spoke with Shore Alternative’s Billy O'Brien about the origins and formulas of this great Tuesday night series.

So how did you come up with this cool idea?
We started Shore Alternative when all the radio stations went top 40 and from there we evolved into doing live shows. As things progressed I had the opportunity to meet with the developer, Madison Marquette, who asked us in to see if we wanted to do something at the Wonderbar. So we sat down and I said I’ll do a low-dough door show and I’ll give it to the bands and they said ok. We started putting theses packages together in June and it just started going so well that we’ve just continued.

What kind of feedback have you been getting on S*ALT?
Feedback comes in the form of 100-150 people everyweek and that’s a growing number. Record labels are starting to hear about the show and it’s interesting how word of mouth can perpetuate things and how it’s so much more effective than other promo. And now I have people coming tome with all these bands that are unbelievable and are starting to build followings so we have been able to diversify ourselves as a developing companymore than just radio because were actually developing bands in NJ besides just the local scene. Is the focus of S*ALT going national? The local scene is the number one focus but being able to bring bands from other markets enables us to build a network throughout the country. We want every local band to reach out to us. One of the coolest things we do is use a correct formula for the band by tying theminto the radio shows (they have two shows at 105.7 TheHawk and 94.3 The Point courtesy of Perillos building the S*ALT through Millennium radio). If things go well and everyone loves them we put them into rotation and turn them into a power artist.

What makes you different than the typical NJ promoter?
People don’t believe in grassroots development anymore, they think you can just get tickets sold, slap shit together and it’s going to happen through numbers. That business model is dead. If you build things right with good intentions and truly believe in what you’re doing, people will come around to that feeling. And the proof is in the fact that the crowds are strong. They’re hungry for music. Its also not like they just come for one band and then leave (a major NJ problem) they are here looking for new music and a place to belong. We’re keeping things true and organic. We’re all musicians and musicians run S*ALT. Those other guys play calculators, we play fucking guitars. For more info on upcoming S*ALT seasoned shows head over to shorealternative.com.

11/02/2009

The music industry is certainly in the middle of a paradigm shift, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. As labels are becoming more obsolete, many bands are taking this opportunity to learn how to get things done themselves. Putting out a CD is something that can be done by anyone, but we're here to give you some tips on how to do it right!

A successful record is nothing without the music. Phase one: the creative aspect.  Before selecting which songs you want to record, you need to decide if you want to put out a single, sampler/demo, EP, or full-length CD. There are several factors that can help you determine this, specifically purpose and budget. If the purpose of recording is to shop your band to venues, labels, etc., it's best to select your strongest songs and go with a 3-4 song sampler. Alternatively, if you want to put out a record simply to deliver your music to your fans and you feel like you have enough quality material and resources, go with a full-length. Just remember, putting out a full-length demands some more resources than a sampler or an EP. That brings us to budget. Putting out a record without label support costs money. Ideally, your band or someone you know has a studio set up with pro-tools, allowing you to do a quality recording without going into a state-of-the-art $100/hour studio. If the actual recording budget isn't a huge concern, it could potentially be more efficient to record a full length over an EP. Getting a CD pressed costs the same amount regardless of how many songs are on it, however you can sell them at a higher price if there's a greater number of tracks. This will allow you to recoup your expenses much faster.

Let's move on to the belle of the ball, the reason we're all here, what it all comes down to: the music. There are so many aspects that go along with putting out a record, but this should be the #1 focus, especially in phase 1. We all get anxious to put some tunes down, but don't compromise the quality of your record by rushing it.

Step one: look at your entire catalog of songs, and select your strongest tracks. Try to avoid too many filler tracks. If you're struggling to come up with 10 or more quality tracks for a full-length, you may want to consider just releasing a solid EP.

Step two: Pre-production. These songs are your babies, and when you're so familiar with them, it's often hard to hear the potential for small changes to improve them. If you can't afford a professional producer, ask someone you know with a musical background for input. The more fine-tuning you work out before you head into the studio, the more prepared you'll be (remember, more time means more money!). At this point you know what type of record you're putting out, which songs will go on it, and the songs are ready to be tracked. Time to lay those beats down!

Once the recording is complete and the tracks have been mixed, it's time to move on to phase two: The fine tuning.The final touches on the record aren't going to necessarily make or break the songs, but it will determine how professionally your songs will be presented to your audience. Three important steps come into play in phase two:

1. First, determine the track order.

Start out strong, keeping in mind that some people (namely labels, venues, etc.) won't give it more than a few minutes, or even seconds. If you have a single, place it early enough in the record so your audience doesn't have to dig for it. You want your CD to be an experience; spread out slower songs instead of bunching up tracks with a similar feel. Focus on the overall vibe of the record, instead of individual songs. Create playlists with several different song order variations, and listen to them as a whole. Ask outsiders for input. Consider the songs that work best as openers and closers at your live shows. Song order is important; it's how you and your fans will get to know and love your record for the rest of it's life, so spend some time on this step!

2. A crucial step in creating a professional-sounding record is mastering.

Having your record mastered ensures that all of the tracks will be a standard volume and will sound bright and full. You don't want your fans to put the CD on in their car, only to hear a mere muffled murmur of the songs you worked so hard on. By mastering the tracks, the sound quality will be comparable to any major label record. Details are important, such has having smooth and equal transitions between tracks. This process is imperative in giving your record a professional sound; consider it the finishing touches on your masterpiece.

3. We're told not to judge a book by it's cover... but some do, so let's talk about CD packaging!

You want your CD to be the full package. The goods are inside, so you want to make the outside match as well (this sounds like a make-over show). When it comes to art, there's really no right or wrong. Simple vs. detailed, black and white vs. full color, photography vs. drawn art, it's all up to you. However, there are some tips to keep in mind when determining how to wrap up these tunes of yours. First, keep in mind the style of your music when coming up with the style of the package. Obviously having an acoustic record with lyrics dabbling in the wonders of love shouldn't have artwork that makes people think they've come across hell's headlining metal band. So try to match the artwork with the overall vibe of the music. That's the only advice we'll give on the artwork itself; it's your creation! It's very important to make sure that somewhere in the packaging you include the credits (composers, musicians, as well as engineering, producing, mastering, etc. info), contact info, publishing company, copyrights, and any other pertinent information. And of course, don't forget the track titles on the back!

The last important thing to mention is a bar code. By including a bar code on your CD, you are allowing yourself to set up sound scan at record stores and at shows. This is a system set up to officially track how many records are being sold. When getting your CDs pressed, simply ask the company you're ordering them through to include a bar code, you'll be happy you did it!

You've accomplished a great feat by creating a record with the full package. Now onto phase 3: your CD's life.

The CDs are hot off the press and in your hands- what an amazing feeling! It took a lot of work to get to this point, but this is no time to rest! Celebrate, yes; rest, no. Now is when the work really starts (if you want to do this right!). In order to make the most out of your efforts and use your record as a vehicle to get further as a band, there are several important aspects to tackle at this point: sales, promotion, touring, licensing. Let's break them down.

1. You don't need a big distribution deal to sell records.

Bands often get so caught up with the idea of distribution deals that they forget about the more important “D”: demand. As an up-and-coming artist, it's not important to have your CDs in as many stores as possible, rather just a few right places. These days, the Internet is your absolute best resource for selling your CD, both for digital and physical sales. When a digital track is purchased, it costs no money for you (as opposed to a physical CD), so the money that goes to you is 100% profit. When fans want to buy a physical CD from you, they can do so online; therefore, you're only sending out CDs that have been purchased. One of the most efficient ways for bands to sell their music is CDBaby.com. The way it works is you'll have your own page on this site where fans can order CDs (CD Baby will even send them out for you, so you don't have to worry about anything). They also submit your tracks to all the major digital download sites, including i tunes. You can use the links they provide to sell your music on your website, Facebook, Myspace, etc. The best part is, when you have a certain amount of money in your account, CDBaby.com will wire your profit right into a bank account. Doesn't get much easier than that! In addition to covering the online angle, you could also go into your local record stores and sell your disc on consignment. You simply walk in with 3-5 CDs, they'll give you an invoice indicating how many records you left there, and if someone buys a CD, you go in and pick up your money. As long as your music is available to any fans that want to buy it, there's no sense worrying about getting your record into stores across the country where there's not demand yet!

2. Your record is out in the world, now you just need everyone else to know it!

Marketing and promotion: perhaps the most important tools for making your record a success. Once your music is available for fans to buy, you need to let them know about you. There are several ways to do this, that we promise aren't too intimidating! Let's start with the basics, which I'm sure you already have covered, and that of course is the web. Don't do what a lot of people do and mistake social networking sites not as a great resource, but as the only resource. Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc. are fantastic tools that you should be updating regularly, but don't rely on them as your only form of promotion. Make sure that you have a website full of information, especially links to buy the record (don't ever make a fan search your site to figure out how to buy your CD! Make it easy for them). Blogs are also a great way to link your product to the outside world. Keep a journal online documenting everything that your band is doing, and include useful information that people outside of your existing fan base would like to read. This will hopefully draw them in, introduce them to your great music, and expand your fan base! Now remember, there are many other ways to promote your record outside of the Internet. We strongly recommend getting postcards and posters made with your album artwork and information. Send these promo materials to venues where you'll be playing (or even ones you're not!), in record stores, tattoo parlors, and any local hang outs you can think of. Send your CD and a nice cover letter to local radio stations. Also, don't underestimate the importance of press. Getting a review or setting up an interview for an article can go a very long way. Put together a spreadsheet of local, regional, and even national music rags and send a CD to them (be sure to include a letter and one-sheet with info about the band). No one can expect up-and-coming artists to be able to afford a full page ad in one of these magazines, but press is free. Good press in a credible magazine can single handedly create buzz on a band, so it's worth the effort you put into sending those discs out!

3. Being a hero is something to be proud of, but let's take this to a national level!

Many will agree that touring on a record is a necessity. You want as much heat on your record as possible, in as many places as possible. This is a grassroots effort, and involves playing local clubs around the country to slowly build up that fan base and the popularity of your new CD simultaneously. In my experience, you sell more records on the road then you do playing local shows. Think of all of those CDs sprinkled across the country that will plant seeds for the next time you visit that city. Having a CD is the most important aspect of touring, because you have something to leave behind that properly represents you. Each time you go back you'll have a bigger fan base, until your popularity has spread across the nation! Don't know how to go on tour without label support? We've got a blog about that which gives you all the support you need!

4. It's all about the music, but it's nice to collect a paycheck for your hard work!
We know you're doing all of this because of your love for music and faith in your band. But without a label putting money and resources behind you, we know this can get expensive. Think of it as an investment; you believe you've got the goods, and you've put in the work and money to see it through. The positive side of not having a record label is that you don't have to share any of your rights, royalties, or revenue with anyone! So let's figure out how to recoup your expenses, then get some additional money rolling in for the band. The first step is not the easiest to understand, but it certainly is one of the most important, and it's called publishing. We've put together a nice long blog to help you set up your publishing, so we won't go too deep into the logistics here. Basically, you set up a publishing company for your band, send out some CDs and put the effort into getting your songs played by anyone and everyone, and in time collect royalties. This isn't the best way to make money in the short term, but it'll pay off for years to come! For short term income ideas, let's look to the most obvious, easiest, and beneficial ways to make money: merchandise! As a band, you get great rates on custom merchandise, then you can mark it up however much you'd like to sell to fans at your shows. Not only will you be making your fans happy and recouping money, you'll also have free marketing!

This may seem like a lot of work, and to tell you the truth, it is. But hey, if it was easy everyone would do it. It often takes one great record to break a band, so if you think of the potential outcome of your hard work, isn't it worth it?

Nina Chiminec is the marketing director at BandsOnABudget.com In her previous life she was the head of new media at SPV Records. Her clients included Motorhead, Type O Negative, and Skinny Puppy. She also spent 8 years recording and touring with the NJ rock band Avery. She can be reached at nina [at] bandsonabudget.com.

11/02/2009

In the course of two weeks, I unintentionally saw 3 of the best bands I've seen all year, and they came a long way to blow my mind. We're pretty spoiled with heaps of talented bands in the Asbury Park area, and we see where the local influences stem from. However, it's interesting to see bands that grew up in completely different cultures, with diverse musical backgrounds shaping their style. Though these bands were a little different than those I'm used to seeing in this area, good music is good music, and these guys were all refreshingly top notch.

Let's start with Red Wanting Blue, hailing all the way from Columbus, Ohio. What, Ohio isn't considered an exotic land? Fair enough, but these guys sound like they came from heaven, and I hear that's pretty nice. While far from angelic, these guys have so much charisma that it was practically spilling out of Asbury's beloved Saint on this cold October night. Even though their songs don't sound like they were written by the guy who invented the wheel, they did have a pretty original sound, and these songs were solid. I mean really good. My favorite song came towards the end of the set, starting off with a rhythmic hand clapping and guitar strumming. The tune was called “You're my Las Vegas”, and it had the charm of being so catchy and fun that you felt you could sing along by the first chorus. What sold me on this band more than their tight performance and lovable songs was the energy. Their front man was theatrical and professional, with a huge smile as a constant on his face from beginning to end. The energy that spanned across all 5 band members and into the crowd (including the staff!) is what really made this a performance to remember.

The second artist that impressed me this October actually did come from somewhere far away: Perth, Australia. Having just returned from Australia, I was so excited to meet this guy, just to hear his accent. Travis Caudle and his lovely wife Nat (who looks exactly like Natalie Portman) were some of the kindest people to ever play the Saint. The accents and sweet personalities had sold me on them prior to Travis' set, but that made me even more impressed when his music blew the crowd away as well. I guess if you're playing shows on the other side of the world, you have to have some talent! It's amazing how one acoustic guitar and one person's vocals can fill a room. His songs were beautiful, passionate, well-written and well-performed, to the point that I forgot the accent and personality and became absorbed solely by his music. Well done Travis.

I didn't just save the best for last, I wanted these guys to headline this review because I have quite a lot to say about them! And also because they were the last of the 3 bands I saw during my little 2 week musical adventure. They're called Rubik, and they're from Finland. I ended up at the Wonder Bar seeing these guys because my buddies at Shore Alternative swore up and down that this band couldn't be missed. Trusting their opinion and wanting to support musicians so far from home, I ended up in front of these 6 foreigners, having no idea what I was in store for. Wow. These guys are... different. It's as if they write normal, great songs, and then they go back and throw a ton of stuff on top of it. They do this in a few different ways, but mostly by incorporating a slew of different instruments. The stage looked like a Sam Ash, with keyboards and synths on stage right, left, and center. That's not all; they have two spare musicians on stage to rock out on a different instrument every other beat. Trombones, maracas, then playing a floor tom with the maracas, mouth-powered pianos, a BIRD (it was an instrument shaped as a bird, that made bird sounds), and on and on. The first track on their record opens up with a pretty synth melody and mellow vocals which continues on throughout the whole song, only every few measures you have lyrics shouting and drums pounding loudly over top. Musically, this band is unpredictable. Because the songs don't have a clear structure, you feel a little lost in the intensity of all the noise going on; however, the energy is so empowering, it just feels good to be lost in it. These guys had such an impact on me that I went to see them at Webster Hall the following night, where they played as part of the Syndicate's CMJ party. Turns out, the Wonder Bar show wasn't a fluke- Rubik blew me away once again. The room stood still once they left the stage, as we tried to get our bearings and digest what had just happened. If you like all of your senses to be overloaded in the best way possible, try to find this band before they head back overseas.

Nina Chiminec is the marketing director at BandsOnABudget.com In her previous life she was the head of new media at SPV Records. Her clients included Motorhead, Type O Negative, and Skinny Puppy. She also spent 8 years recording and touring with the NJ rock band Avery. She can be reached at nina [at] bandsonabudget.com.

11/02/2009

10/29/2009

For immediate release October 29, 2009

For the 8th consecutive year, No Idea Records has put together a phenomenal underground music festival in the downtown of Gainesville, FL. From Halloween Eve throughout the first of November, The Fest will be a host to over 5,000 music fans and 200 bands. Think South by Southwest, but less intense and more about the music than the industry. From the more well-known artists such as Less Than Jake, Strike Anywhere, and Dillinger Four, to No Idea's roster of punk-turns-country favorite Tim Barry, his buddy Josh Small, and the on-again-off-again Drag the River, there's something for everyone here. Just trust us, this festival is one of the best.

The owners of Bandsonabudget.com have long been fans and supporters of The Fest (they will have attended half of them!), so it makes sense for them to be involved this year. The company has been known to sponsor events based on being fans of the bands and labels themselves, but also because they support the cause. Festivals like this give opportunities to so many bands, and they truly do a great job creating their own independent music culture. If you're one of the lucky 5,000 to attend, keep an eye out for the Bandsonabudget.com logos through the guidebook and the rest of the Fest!

For more information on the fest, please visit: www.TheFestFL.com

10/16/2009

Digital Mastering Has Arrived

We've been offering it on a limited basis to our customers and newsletter subscribers but we're proud to announce digital mastering as a new service at BandsOnABudget.com. Read below for info about our new service.

Once your recording and mixing is finished, there's one more important step before sending it over for CD pressing: mastering. This process is imperative in giving your record a professional sound; consider it the finishing touches on your masterpiece. Your songs will be compressed to make sure they're at a standard CD volume and EQed to make the mix sound bright and full. Details are important, so we'll have your track transitions and any other special requests taken care of to make sure the final result sounds exactly how you imagined. The quick turnaround and affordable prices can't be beat, so don't leave out this aspect of the recording process!

Standard turnaround time in most cases is within 48 hours of receiving files. One of your mastered tracks will be sent as a sample within 24 hours, so you'll have input on the overall sound and EQ. To submit your tracks for mastering, CDs can be sent via mail or uploaded online. Tracks should be sent as WAV or AIFF files, stereo interleaved at a minimum of 16-bit, 44.1KHz. In addition to being able to access the tracks immediately online once the process is completed, a master CD will be shipped to you too. We also master vinyl releases!

To place an order or to receive a custom quote please call us toll free at 1 866-471-3868 or fill out our contact form.

Pricing

10/14/2009

Awesome show this Sunday at the Asbury Lanes.

The Revival Tour:

Chuck Ragan
Tim Barry
Jim Ward
Jenny Own Youngs

$13/adv $15/dos
Doors 7PM
All Ages
Oct 18th, 2009
http://www.asburylanes.com

10/13/2009

Mix 'n Match Hoodie Sale!

HOODIES ONLY $9.99

Sale Begins Wednesday October 14 @ 9am Sale Ends October 15th @ 12pm For one day only, BandsonaBudget.com is offering hoodies for only $9.99.  Keep in mind, most bands sell hooded sweatshirts at shows for $20-30, so not only will you be keeping your fans warm, you'll also be putting lots of extra money in your cash box!

The way this offer works is simple: the total number of apparel items in your order has to add up to 24. You can order as few as 1 hoodie, or as many as 24 (or more!) to complete the order, mixing and matching with any of our high-quality t-shirts to fulfill the remaining quantity.

The $9.99 special includes a Gildan pull-over hooded sweatshirt, plus one color printing on the front or back. Remember, you can also throw as many hoodies as you want onto any order for this special price, so take advantage!! For new orders, there is a $25 screen set up charge.

Over two dozen colors to choose from:
Ash
Black
Carolina
Blue
Cherry
Red
Dark
Chocolate
Dark
Heather
Forest
Green
Gold
Honey
Indigo
Blue
Irish
Green
Kiwi
Light
Blue
Light
Pink
Maroon
Navy
Orange
Paprika
Purple
Red
Royal
Sand
Sport
Grey
Tan
Violet
White

Contact us today to place your order!

Remember to include in your message the colors, quantities and sizes you would like to order.

10/07/2009

BandsOnABudget.com/ShoreAlternative.com/The Punkyard Present:

Dec 16th
Ben Franklin
The Amboys
Skull Motion
Sound of the American Doomsday Cult

The Asbury Lanes
209 4th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
$10, 21+ 9PM

10/05/2009

09/28/2009

Shore Alternative is bringing another great show to Asbury Park next Tuesday October 6th.  Come check out the Riverwinds and Old Bat.  It's only $2 to get in and there will be drink specials, ticket giveaways, etc.

Also - be sure to visit their newly revamped website at http://www.shorealternative.com

09/04/2009

09/04/2009

Go check out the nice little piece Jason Thomson did about us over at the TriCity News.

08/21/2009

Jac

http://www.myspace.com/jacnj

BandsOnABudget.com was out at the Asbury Lanes last night and caught an amazing set from New Brunswick, NJ's Jac. Check out the video above and be sure to check out their myspace page for some additional videos and mp3s.

Jác is a band led by Ritchie Monteiro. Other members include: Katie Campo, Tom Millet, Bob Hackimer, Ryan Shafer, and Andrew Dodemaide. All have been in or are presently in music projects of their own, but are indulging the idea of bringing more untraditional instruments to the surface. The ensemble of instruments include: Ritchie - vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, piano, ukulele, percussion, accordion, trumpet, harmonica, Tom - bass, acoustic guitar, vocals, ukulele, Kate - accordion, violin, piano, acoustic guitar, vocals, Bob - drums, percussion, vocals, Ryan - Saxophone, ukulele, percussion, Andrew D - Violin, ukulele, percussion. Jác songwriting influences are broad, ranging from folk, jazz, spanish flamenco, country, Eastern European, blues, classical and many more. Art will also play an intergral role to the band, led by Gary Bennett and Ritchie Monteiro. Jác can be seen playing venues in the months to come. Check back on this sight for clips of new music and artwork.

08/19/2009

ShoreAlternative.com Night

Come out every Tuesday night to the Wonderbar in Asbury Park, NJ to catch some of the newest up and coming bands (many of them customers of BandsOnABudget.com). This week we have the following in store:

Sally Boyd
Werewolves
Gimme Drugs
Soft Black

Admission is only $2 and there are drink specials all ngiht. Come show your support and say hello.

08/19/2009

The Defog [Philadelphia, PA]

The Defog is an indie/shoegaze/rock band located in Philadelphia. A collage of flowing pianos, eclectic samples and loops, punchy guitar, melodic bass, intricate percussion, and emotional vocals build the framework for this unique ensemble.

We were out at the Wonderbar in Asbury Park, NJ last night and got to check out a great set from this up and coming band from Philly. Check out a song from last nights set above...

08/18/2009

Surfrider Foundation and Barefoot Wines Asbury Park Beach Cleanup

Saturday, August 29th from 2-4 PM hundreds of volunteers will be helping Surfrider Foundation and Barefoot Wines clean the beaches of Asbury Park, NJ. To show our appreciation, beach cleaners 21 and up will be treated to a reception with light food and Barefoot Wine at the Stone Pony from 5-6PM. Then at 6PM, there will be a free concert, open to all, featuring Mason Jennings, Cold War Kids, Gavin DeGraw, and Joss Stone!

Again, the concert is free, you don’t even have to do the beach clean up but we hope you will.

The beach cleanup is open to all but the reception and concert are strictly 21 and over. You must RSVP for this event by going to www.beachrescueconcert.com.

08/03/2009

We're proud to announce that BandsOnABudget.com will be a sponsor of The Fest 8 in Gainesville, FL on October 30th, October 31st and November 1st 2009. We're super excited to be involved with the No Idea Records guys and even more excited to be going back to Gainesville to see some really awesome bands. More details to follow but look for some exclusive Fest specials, Indeicards, and other news in the near future.

About The Fest

THE FEST is a culmination of bands and friends from all over converging for a few days of pure insanity all over the fine city of Gainesville, FL. The first one took place May 24th and 25th of 2002 and was thought to have gone down in history as the drunkest and rowdiest time ever to be had in Gainesville. We hosted over 60 bands in two days at 6 different venues, got free beer from Pabst Blue Ribbon, had a massive late night after show that was mistaken for a riot, watched HAR MAR SUPERSTAR start the largest dance party in his underwear, first time we got to see Against Me play to over 100 people, and I think the only other "big" band we had was Pretty Girls Make Graves. Man, how things have changed. Overall I think people were hung over for the rest of their natural lives. So in a nutshell it was a fucking blast. Read More

07/31/2009

Check out this weeks killer Shore Alternative show at the Wonderbar this Tuesday. Come show your love for Howie, one of our new guys who also happens to play in Athletics.  Mention "color separations" and he'll buy you a beer...

07/31/2009

Media Kit

BandsOnABudget.com Vector Logos

07/20/2009

Our friends at On The Verge have posted an exclusive video with The Matches performing their song "Honest and Anonymous". Check it out below.

On The Verge celebrated our launch with a show at Ace of Clubs in New York City featuring performances by The Matches, Drive By and Those Mockingbirds. In this OTV exclusive clip, Independent Music Award Winning band the Matches gives our crew a special acoustic performance post-show backstage at Ace of Clubs. Check it out and stay tuned to OTV for interviews with each band and exclusive debuts by the Matches. GET MORE FROM THE MATCHES AT WWW.PLANETVERGE.COM

For more from On The Verge, visit http://www.planetverge.com

07/15/2009

Our friends at On The Verge have posted an exclusive acoustic song from The Matches. Watch them perform "Needs and Wants".

In an On the Verge exclusive, the Matches premiere Needs and Wants off their upcoming album. Its so addictive that even our cameraman couldnt stop humming it after he was finished editing it. GET MORE FROM THE MATCHES AT WWW.PLANETVERGE.COM

For more exclusives from On The Verge, check out http://www.youtube.com/user/PlanetVerge. 

07/14/2009

On The Verge has a video interview up with Dan Keyes of Young Love. In it, he talks about a number of things including his old band, his influences, and much more.

Days before releasing new album, "One of Us," Young Love frontman Dan Keyes sat down with Jordana at Webster Hall to discuss the album, the rough patches in his life and his positive outlook on it all. Join us in the dressing room for this interview exclusive. Follow us on Twitter @planetverge for updates on when Part 2 (when the cameras "weren't rolling") will be released.

For more great interviews from On The Verge, visit http://www.planetverge.com

07/08/2009

Exclusive to BandsOnABudget.com, we're bringing you a few new tunes from Joe Michelini of River City Extention's performance at Shore Alternative's weekly event at the Wonderbar in Asbury Park, NJ.  If you are unfamilar with these guys a strongly urge you to get familiar.

07/07/2009

Our friends at On The Verge have posted a video featuring Matt Lord of Sohodolls.

For more videos from On The Verge, check out www.planetverge.com

07/07/2009

Our friends at On The Verge have a video up with Rob Hitt. In this interview, Rob discusses discusses various aspects of what it is like being a vegetarian.

Previously the drummer for Midtown, Rob Hitt is now into it all: hes a manager for bands with Crush Management, resident DJ at Angels & Kings (he even owns part of the joint) and hes one of the East Villages sexiest vegetarians. Jordana gets Rob to sit still (well, sort of still) for a few minutes to discuss his love of tofu turkey and much more.

For more from On The Verge, visit www.planetverge.com

07/07/2009

07/02/2009

Come Hang out with us next Tuesday (and every Tuesday) at the WonderBar in Asbury Park NJ.  This week's lineup includes Montagna & The Mouth To Mouth, Brook Pridemore, and Kenny Junior.

07/02/2009

Asbury Park Venue Hosts “Monkeying with the Movies” on July 18

ASBURY PARK (June 30, 2009) – The ShowRoom, Asbury Park’s independent cinema and multi-purpose venue, will host the musical group Monkeyworks, a seven-piece electro-acoustic music ensemble, for a special “Monkeying with the Movies” live event. The group will score music to silent film classics live at the Cookman Avenue movie theater on Saturday, July 18 at 8:00 p.m.

Monkeyworks is known for its unique, interactive performances and impromptu compositions. At The ShowRoom, they will bring improvised, live music to silent film classics starring Fatty Arbuckle, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, Keystone Cops and Felix the Cat. The group will then take requests from the audience to compose and perform songs on the spot.

“The ShowRoom is thrilled to welcome Monkeyworks to Asbury Park,” said Nancy Sabino, co-owner of The ShowRoom. “Our venue provides a blend of film, music and culture that creates fun, interactive experiences for our audiences. Monkeyworks are the ideal performers to highlight the multifaceted, theatrical experiences that The ShowRoom was designed for.”

Monkeyworks has been together since 1997 and has recently released a second CD entitled “Seeking.” Combining styles such as Jazz, Rock, African, Cajun, Middle Eastern, and Ambient music, the group creates a truly diverse and one-of-a-kind experience for audiences. Monkeyworks’ unique sound and concept has led to performances at famous musical events and venues such as the Guggenheim Museum’s WorldBeat Jazz concert series and the Knitting Factory.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.theshowroomap.com or call 732-502-0472. Tickets for “Monkeying with the Movies” are $10.00. For more information on Monkeyworks, please visit www.monkeyworksmusic.com.

About The ShowRoom Opened in April 2009, The ShowRoom is both an independent film theater and a multi-purpose venue located at 708 Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ. In addition to screening critically acclaimed, independent, classic, foreign, family and festival-winning film, The ShowRoom endeavors to provide the community with a versatile space for business meetings, art openings, live performances, book signings and more. Owners Michael Sodano and Nancy Sabino are film-industry veterans with more than 25 years of experience in creative communications for corporate productions. With The ShowRoom, first-rate cinema is becoming yet another component in Asbury Park’s growing downtown arts community. For more information, or to learn about film screenings, please visit www.theshowroomap.com or call 732-502-0472.

06/26/2009

Our friends over at On The Verge have an interview up with the band Hanson. They cover a number of topics including the reason behind their barefoot walks, their new album, and much more.

Hanson hosted its 102nd Walk around the world raise AIDS awareness at Montclair State University in November. On The Verge was there for every freshly manicured, barefoot step, along with about 200 other action takers. Later on, we invaded the brothers dressing room to discuss the importance of The Walk Campaign (Hanson generously donates $1 per walker to help African children) and the bands secrets for self-made success in todays music industry. Aspiring indies, grab a pen and paper because youre going to want to note the words of wisdom from Issac, Taylor and Zac.

For more videos from On The Verge, visit www.planetverge.com

06/26/2009

Our friends at On The Verge have posted a video interview with Jet Lag Gemini. The band talks about their current tour, their new album, and more.

For more from On The Verge, visit www.planetverge.com

06/26/2009

Check out On The Verge featuring Butch Walker. In the interview, he covers a variety of topics, such as what makes his new album "Sycamore Meadows" different from previous albums, his friendship with Pink, and more.

It's no secret that we love Butch Walker. He's decorated the pages of Planet Verge since we were a mere print zine and now he's lighting up our airwaves. This is the first in a series of segments we're bringing you on the former Marvelous 3 frontman turned mega-awesome solo artist/producer. Hop on the tour bus with us before his show at Maxwells, NJ and then tag along as we head to the Stone Pony and chat with Butch fans.

For more great interviews from On The Verge, visit http://www.planetverge.com.

06/26/2009

If you're in the area on June 30th, stop by the Wonderbar at 1213 Ocean Ave in Asbury Park. Our friends at ShoreAlternative.com are putting on a show featuring Chemtrail, Future Future, and Brick Mortar. There will be guest Djs and ticket giveaways. We will have a table set up as well, so stop by and say hi while you're there. Don't miss out on what is guaranteed to be a fun night!  

06/24/2009

Interesting article on how Amanda Palmer used Twitter to gross over $19,000 last month.  Yes - she may not exactly be 'indie' but there are still plenty of creative ideas for marketing your band on Twitter...

http://mikeking.berkleemusicblogs.com/2009/06/23/how-an-indie-musician-can-make-19000-in-10-hours-using-twitter/

06/17/2009

Mi2n has a great writeup on out friends over at Planet Verge.

The girls of Planet Verge have teamed up with digital network ambush.tv to produce On The Verge, the Internet TV show that is one-part band interviews, one-part scene and one-part philanthropy. It’s “What’s Hot and What’s Important”, but most of all, it’s what the On the Verge hosts live and breathe. Producers/Hosts Joelle Caputa, Jordana Reim and Jess Sager bring viewers backstage for OTV-exclusive acoustic shows, to the red carpet, the runway and… the farm (watch and see!). The girls are playful and conscientious, some straightedge, some vegan, and all living it up with regular doses of rock n’ roll.

Planet Verge and ambush.tv began production for On the Verge in October 2008 and are proud to announce the debut of episodes online at www.planetverge.com. Episodes are filmed on location as well as at the ambush.tv studios in Hoboken, New Jersey.

read the full article here

06/09/2009

Our friends over at On The Verge have some pretty cool stuff going on. Go check out their recent interview with The Academy Is...

In one the the first ever On The Verge interviews, Jordana sits down with William Beckett and Adam Siska of The Academy Is... at Atlantic Records for an intimate chat about their album Fast Times at Barrington High, the guys' favorite high school memories, Adam's love for older women, William's history of being a heartbreaker and much more. See how far these guys have come since their cafeteria days at Barrington High and maybe even learn about the inspiration behind their song, "Beware Cougar." (Cue: eyebrow raise).

06/01/2009

05/29/2009

The popularity of IndieCards is constantly increasing, as there are many uses for this innovative promotional tool. Whether you are a musician, a label, a small business owner, a radio station, or just an average joe, IndieCards can be used to your benefit in a number of ways. Still not familiar with the concept of IndieCards? Here are the top 4 ways IndieCards can be used:

1) Hand Out As Demos
If you have ever been to any kind of concert, I'm sure you have been handed a band's demo CD before. It is always great to get free stuff, but sometimes it is inconvenient to carry around a bulky CD. Do your fans a favor and get IndieCards, so when you hand them out, they can just stick the cards right in their pocket

2) Promotional Postcards
In addition to just including your music on the card, you can also use the physical card as a method of advertising as well. Bands can include information on the actual card as well, including the band name, website, show dates, and other items. Instead of handing out postcards and a CD, why not just get IndieCards, where you can combine the two in this compact format.

3) Replacement For CDs
We already went over how handing out IndieCards is more convenient for fans at concerts due to its compact size, but for full length CDs in general that people purchase anywhere, it is also a good alternative. People like sleek products, and it seems like the smaller the product, the better. Cell phones used to be the size of a brick (e.g. the Zack Morris phone), but have evolved into fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand. The same case works for music, as it is a lot easier to handle something the size of a credit card than a bulky CD case.

4) Added Value To Sell With CDs and Vinyl
Although IndieCards are becoming the new trend in music distribution, there will always be people who prefer CDs to the cards. For the people who still enjoy purchasing CDs, you can still get IndieCards to include with the CD as a bonus for the customers. This gives them the option to either use the CD or IndieCard to listen to the music. This extra bonus also entices the customers to purchase the CD since there would be an added value to the purchase.

It also comes in handy with Vinyl records. Not everyone who buys Vinyl records has a record player and many people want to be able to put their music on their iPod. By releasing IndieCards with a 7” or full length vinyl record, it gives the people the ability to enjoy your music in multiple formats.

Don't miss out on IndieCards, available here at BandsOnABudget.com!

05/28/2009

While it may not directly pertain to all y'all bands on a budget, we'd like to plug a great new iPhone app released by our friends over at Zetetic.net.

Strip is a secure Password Manager and Data Vault that protects your sensitive information with 256-bit AES encryption.

Store your passwords, financial details, and other data without fear of prying eyes, device loss, or theft. Perfect for IT, legal, medical, and business professionals with a need for security and confidentiality.

For more info check out the Lite Version in the itunes app store at http://bit.ly/tdwgi

05/26/2009

Just a quick post memorial-day tidbit - gradedbutedible.com posted a review of our services on their website - check it out or see below...

"Technically, night one. We got here late, cuz I hadda drive way long to pick up my awesome new shirts, which I friggin LOVE. In fact if you need shirts, and you're in NJ or somewhere near, you should buy your shirts from Bands on a Budget, because his prices are great, and Bret's an awesome guy. So anyways. We drove a long time (me= me n Randy), Connecticut BLOWS, and we got here and went to check in to the con Thursday night. And the badges SUCK this year. What the hell? I'm gonna try to post tomorrow about Friday, so maybe check back? If I can pull my shit together I will really post all weekend! EXCITING."

http://gradedbutedible.com

05/15/2009

Many thanks to Drew for whipping up this video short interview for us.  Check it out here:

Here's the link to the higher resolution version

05/15/2009

There are many bands looking to make an impact in the local music scene, but it seems as though one band stands out above the rest; that band is Ben Franklin. No, Benjamin Franklin didn't rise from the dead and start a kick ass band, but even if he did, it wouldn't be able to touch this Brooklyn  band.

Ben Franklin is a group of really enthusiastic and creative characters that chose their namesake for obvious reasons: they get excited and make things. The music tends to follow their interests, fairly all over the spectrum of rock. All three of them are battle-tested from previous acts (Days Awake, The Meltdowns, The OAOTs) and years of playing live. Forming in Dec 2008, Ben Franklin were able to put their first show together in a mere four rehearsals.

Ben Franklin consists of singer/guitarist Billy Gray, Eddie Garza, who sings and plays bass, and Sarah Tomek, who sings and wails on the drum kit. 

The band is releasing their first EP,  These Are the Most Delicate Songs, Saturday May 16th at I.M. Automata Chino in Jersey City, NJ, followed by releasing their first full-length album in early Summer 2009 on Tank Crash! records.

To hear more from Ben Franklin and get updates on what is new with the band, visit their myspace page at www.myspace.com/wearebenfranklin.

05/12/2009

BandsOnABudget.com is proud to announce that we will be sponsoring the 3rd annual Asbury Rock Stars Charity Softball Tournament. On August 8th, 2009, the tournament kicks off at Bert Willis Field in Neptune, NJ featuring eight softball games with more than 80 players fighting for charities of their choosing.

The idea of a charity softball tournament featuring Asbury Park based musicians came from Rick Barry, who presented the idea to friend and event planner Ali Fisk. Shortly after, Shannon Breslin and Mallory Massara became involved with the project as well, helping organize different aspects of the event. Last to join in was BandsOnABudget.com's own Danny Croak, who donated all of the screen printed shirts for everyone involved.

The tournament is proving to be successful way to raise a substantial amount of money for a good cause. The number of participants in the tournament last year doubled from the previous year, and it looks as if it will continue to grow again this year. Sign ups end on May 24th, 2009, so anyone who is interested must visit www.asburyrockstarscharity.com and register by that date.

We encourage everyone to check out the website and donate for this great cause. It will be a fun and friendly game that will bring people together to raise money for different charities. Bring your friends, family, and whoever else you can find to have some fun playing softball with some musicians for a good cause.

05/11/2009

BandsOnABudget.com has released a Spring Sampler IndieCard featuring 11 BandsOnABudget.com customer's original tracks.

For those who are not sure what an IndieCard is or how it works, IndieCards are used as an alternative to CDs. The cards are about the size of a credit card and contain a unique code on the back. By entering the code on BandsOnABudget.com, you gain access to exclusive content from the band.

The Spring Sampler IndieCard features various genres of music to include something for music lovers of all kinds.

Track listing for the sampler:

1.Blameshift – F.A.K.E. (myspace.com/blameshift)
2.One False Move – Drowning Melody (myspace.com/1falsemove)
3.At Rest – Dressed For Death (myspace.com/atrestmusic)
4.They Sound Like Robots – Allisyndrome (myspace.com/theysoundlikerobotsnj)
5.The Emmaus Project – Can You Tell Me? (myspace.com/theemmausproject66)
6.Natalie Gelman – Never Had You (myspace.com/nataliegelman)
7.C.O.G.- Child of God – Know Your Bible (myspace.com/pdsoul)
8.Bess Rogers – Bulldozer (myspace.com/bessrogers)
9.Tommy Strazza & The Model Citizens – Detour (myspace.com/tommystrazza)
10.Eric Ginsberg – Break My Rules (myspace.com/ericginsberg)
11.The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa – The Shooter Is Me (myspace.com/theecstasyofsaintteresa)

Give the sampler a listen, and while you're here, check out the new merchandise specials here at BandsOnABudget.com!

05/04/2009

05/01/2009

Just a few new/updated specials to throw at you today - full newsletter coming next week with lots of goodies...

1000 Static Data IndieCards™
FREE w/ 100 piece T-shirt Orders.

1000 Static Data Indiecards™ $79

With Any T-shirt Order, otherwise only $99.

24 White Shirts: $99

Gilden G500 100% Cotton T-shirts,
1 Color, 1 Location Print

5000 4x6 Postcards: $169

Doubled Sided, Glossy, Full Color

50 11x17 Posters: $75
100 11x17 Posters: $99

Full Color, 1 Sided

To order Contact Us

05/01/2009

Here you can download the Intellectual Property Release (IPR) forms for your CD order:

IPR Form Page 1

IPRform Page 2

04/17/2009

Happy Friday all - just wanted to give a quick plug to our friends over at ShoreAlternativeRadio.com

ShoreAlternative.com is an Internet based radio station/lifestyle network dedicated to playing the best of Indie Rock/Alternative in an easily accessible manor. It is made easy to listen in any time of the day on your computer or even on the go with your iPod Touch or iPhone.

ShoreAlternative.com plays the likes of Radiohead, TV On the Radio, The Cure, The Shins, Death Cab for Cutie, Muse, Lilly Allen, Bjork, Depeche Mode, Beck, My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes, Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire, Morrissey/Smiths, Interpol, and many more bands. They play good music that you won't hear on other stations.

You can also find what's happening with your favorite bands in the Alternative News section of the website, including updates on album releases, news on bands, and more.

Find Top 20 lists as well as the Top 10 Buzz Songs on ShoreAlternative.com. Bands currently on the top of their charts include Depeche Mode, U2, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kings of Leon, and Coldplay.

In addition to the top artists charts is the Artist of the Week section of the site, where each week, a different artist is profiled. This week, The Soundscapes is the band holding this honor. This is a good way to give bands selected as the Artist of the Week exposure to a large audience who may or may not know who they are.

Stay tuned to ShoreAlternative.com to listen to the best of Indie/Alternative music from wherever you happen to be.

04/10/2009

Static Data IndieCard™ Templates

Photoshop .psd (7.8 MB)

Variable Data Plastic IndieCard™ Templates

Plastic IndieCard Illustrator .ai (CS1) (2.58 MB)
Plastic IndieCard Illustrator .ai (CS3) (2.45 MB)
Zipped Archive Illustrator .ai (CS1 & CS3) (3.38 MB)

04/10/2009

Photoshop .psd 4x6 Postcard Template (4.74MB)
Zipped Archive 4x6 Postcard Template (2.29MB)

04/02/2009

04/01/2009

For Immediate Release April 1st, 2009 Asbury Park, NJ

This ain't no April Fools Joke...

BandsOnABudget.com would like to announce the launch a new digital download service for artists & musicians. Dubbed IndieCards™, this online service accompanies our line of digital download products and allows your friends & fans to download exclusive tracks, content, and whatever other media you want to share with them.

For more information and pricing for our digital download card products please visit http://www.BandsOnABudget.com/viewpage/digitaldownloadcards

03/28/2009

For Immediate Release
March 28th, 2009
Asbury Park, NJ

BandsOnABudget.com is proud to announce that we now supply static data download cards. Our most budget-minded option, static download cards are made of recycled paper, are full color, front and back, and feature a uniform 'static' code on the entire set. These cards are perfect for giving away in lieu of demos or as promotional items.

Static data download cards start as low as $89 for 500 cards. They are also available in quantities of 1000 for $99. Want more than 1000? Call us for pricing on quantities of 2500, 5000, or greater.

Looking for something more? As always, we offer the regular 30mm digital download cards starting at $235 for 500. This card contains full color on one side and black and white on the other. Full pricing details are available at: http://bandsonabudget.com/viewpage/digitaldownloadcards.

Don't miss out on this great chance to promote your music for a low price with digital download cards, available now at BandsOnABudget.com!

03/28/2009

Our not so secret digital download card service has been slowly been rolling out as of late.  Were ready to start beta testing the system and need a few bands willing to beat on our system. 

What are the benefits you might wonder?

Well, first you can get in on the ground level of our brand new, cutting edge service, and quite honestly, you'll get bragging rights.

Better still (well, what can be better than that), you'll also get a free portal for your band to host their music and have your friends, family, and fans download content.  Think of it as a faster, not as annoying version of purevolume or myspace.

Want to get started - it's free and simple - just visit http://BandsOnABudget.com/contact and tell us you're interested in being a beta tester.

Cheers

The BandsOnABudget.com Team

03/26/2009

2009 SXSW Frank Turner Review
By Nina Chiminec

Buried amongst the names of over one thousand bands at the South by Southwest Music Conference, it takes something special to make your way onto someone’s schedule three times in two days. With eyes glazed over, I finished going through the entire list of artists playing the festival this year, and starred the shows that were a priority to me. My coworkers laughed as they asked “Who is this Frank Turner guy, and why is he on your list THREE times?” I explained that I’d be happy to make it to one of the shows and I didn’t realistically think I’d catch more than that. To my surprise, the only thing that I needed after my 4:00am wake up call to the airport on Thursday was a cold beer and some Texas sunshine. By the afternoon I was heading toward the power center of the festival, Sixth Street, and I had one artist on my mind. While standing at the door of The Wave, going through all the routine verifications needed to enter an Austin bar, I heard Frank right above me on the rooftop stage. How appropriate that the words I could hear while waiting at the door downstairs were “always on the guestlist, but always stuck in traffic”. Finally I got through the door and I was already able to check my championed artist off my list for that year

The one other time I saw Frank Turner before this moment was unintentional, and it was months prior. Some artists hook you in with their voice, some with their playing, but this English boy captures his audience with his soul. Yes, I’m fully aware of how cheesy that sounds, but I’m easily influenced by inspiration, and he had me hooked from song one. Fast forward half a year and half a country; I’m reunited with the songs that I listened to so much that I had to put myself on probation in order to not get too sick of. Unlike the acoustic set on the Revival Tour, this time around Frank was joined by a band which he admittedly only met that morning. Obviously very professional musicians, they seemed to have a good time playing familiar songs and let Frank rest easy while he captured every last sardine on that rooftop. Without much need to chat between songs, Frank shared the stories of his life with each song he sang. We learned of the death of a dear friend in “Long Live the Queen” that would tear anyone’s heart out if it wasn’t coupled with an uplifting musical overtone. He reminisces about old friends, plans for revolutions, and lost passions, without sounding defeated. If anything, he was singing his heart out as if to beg us to live our lives, and to remind us that “life is about love, lost minutes, and lost evenings, about fire in our bellies and about furtive little feelings”. It’s clear that Frank’s lyrics are more like real-time thoughts and experiences, than a process where he sits down and has to think of things to say. And maybe I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in the desire to be inspired like that sometimes. So much in fact, that after dinner that evening two more of my friends were intrigued enough to see him. So off to show #2.

It must have been the lighting at Latitude 30 because Frank eerily resembled a young Bruce Springsteen as he took the stage. Being from New Jersey, my small entourage of inherent Springsteen fans nodded in approval when he first opened up and shared his life with us. I was slightly disappointed at first by the similarity of the day’s two set lists, but with his inexhaustible energy, his presence just never gets weary. When he stops singing his songs as if he got his heart broken last night and just wrote a song about it this morning, then maybe I’ll stop listening to them like it’s my first time. He also completely redeemed himself by debuting a newly written song, which in my opinion paid homage to the style of Billy Bragg even more so than his other songs. The gist of the song was that there is nothing special or different about musicians and famous people; in the end, we’re all the same. As if we didn’t think you were humble enough, Frank Turner. Making jokes about his almost-white jeans, he neared the end of his set with a cover of The Postal Service’s “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight”, convincing the audience that if they weren’t familiar with the song, well then they’re just not Indie Rock. The thing about these down-to-earth artists with their hearts stitched on their sleeves is that they make you really want to just sit down and have a beer with them. So with my ego waiting in the crowd, I approached him, as nothing but a fan, to buy him a beer at the bar. At this point I would have thought I’d already be on overload, but when his group invited me to accompany them to another show down the road (which somehow I hadn’t even heard about), I nodded yes, waved goodbye to my friends, and headed into the night.

I don’t think that Frank’s 11:00 show at the intimate hole-in-the-wall bar, Plush, was part of the official music conference, but that provided a more suitable vibe. As we entered, the room was dark and crowded with its attention on Jonah Matranga from the band Far. Not even one Shinerbock later, I was sitting on a tall stack of cinderblocks behind the stage watching Frank play his first acoustic show of the day. In this environment, you can see how Frank’s musical background is rooted in punk and hardcore. He thrives off of the energy and intimacy of his audience standing feet away from him, with only his own height to separate him from the crowd. Even with the heaviest genre influencing his music being folk, that passion and anxt in his songs were clearly not inspired by country sunshine. Now, I can’t say that I have a slew of friends that reside in London, but I’m confident to say that there are few people more proud to be from there than Frank. Not surprisingly, his songs greatly reflect the roots of his country, and his own personal life story growing up there. His songs may not dwell solely on politics and revolution, but five minutes into a conversation with him, this profoundly intelligent person didn’t need to tell me that he had a history degree. Charming and smart. With a third, slightly more sweaty, but ever-powerful Frank Turner show under my belt, we watched half of a Lucero set at Dirty Dog Saloon, and called it an early night (which in Austin just means slightly before last call).

Anyone that has made the pilgrimage to SXSW before has probably noticed the pattern that takes place. Most people get in and relax on Wednesday, Thursday is a party day, Friday is a recovery day, and Saturday is the last hurrah. As it happened, Friday was indeed a bit hazy (looking back it was probably attributed to the whiskey breakfast more so than the lack of sleep). I hadn’t planned to go to another Frank Turner show that weekend, but without realizing it, I had managed to spread the word about my talented new English friend to an even larger group of co-workers and friends by the time his show came around on Friday night, so there I was again. This fourth and final show was at a little bar called Friends, which proved to be very appropriate for Frank. Upon entering the packed little room, I was completely intrigued by a really funny musician standing on a chair on the stage. Not realizing any sort of connection, Frank asked if I knew the song of his “I Knew Prufrock Before he Got Famous”, one of my favorites, which I composedly confirmed that I did. The next few minutes were like seeing a book you’ve read 100 times come to life. He pointed to the man on the stage, his friend Jay from Beans on Toast, and explained, “Jay is our St George and he's standing on a wooden chair, he sings songs and he slays dragons and he's losing all his hair”, then he calls over his friend Justin and introduces him to me as “Justin is the last great romantic poet, he's the only one among us who is ever gonna make it”. That night, his songs really came to life for me, and I don’t even think it was the whiskey. What was also different about this show was that there were so many artists, that they each had a mere 15 minute set. Maybe they were judging Frank’s following based on his minimal fan base at last year’s festival, but they were in for a surprise. Not even 5 songs into his set, the venue was giving him the boot. Together with the crowd, Frank pleaded for one more song, but to no avail. He had had enough time to get the room mesmerized, and we were hungry for more. “Out to the streets!” was the last thing to go through the microphone. Only Frank Turner. Only Frank Turner could stand in the middle of Sixth Street, amongst a flowing river of people by the thousands, standing safely in a nest of fans, with only the amplification of his own vocal chords and the help of some friends to finish his set. The last two songs, right there on the street, proved to be a truly memorable moment for all of us. We sang our hearts out, arms around strangers, trying to help Frank tell his story, and creating one for ourselves too. We were all proud to be a part of something that night.

Sometimes I get so caught up in the business of the music industry, that I forget what roped me in to begin with. As many people in this field can attest, such a huge amount of music goes through our ears that it can get hard to hear it after a while. On a personal level, one musician sang, and he sang to me. He reminded me that it’s a sunny day, and I need to get outside. There’s a lot of life to be lived, and even if we had 100 lifetimes, it wouldn’t be enough to do it all. When you stand in a crowded room amongst a sea of people, and we each feel like the words are being sung just to us, that’s what it is to be inspired. I’m not sure if it took all four shows to bring this kind of perspective back into my life or to remind me of my love for music, but I can honestly say that I came back from Austin a little different this year.

Nina Chiminec is a contributing writer for BandsonaBudget.com who works full time doing PR for SPV Records. She works with such bands as Motorhead, Sepultura, Skinny Puppy, etc. In addition to her PR background, Nina was also the bassist and manager of the NJ- based band Avery for 8 years.

03/25/2009

Typically we've been using our "live from" series to promote up and coming artists but it's no secret that the staff over here at BandsOnABudget.com are huge Bruce Springsteen fans.

Being situated in Asbury Park, it's also no secret that before any summer tours he typically sets up shop in Convention Hall on the Asbury Park Boardwalk for a week or so to rehearse and work on a live show.  The culmination of this year's rehersal were two live shows where he played in front of around 3000 rabid fans, including your's truly.

Below are a few pictures and the setlist from the March 24th, 2009 show at convention hall.  Enjoy!

Photos
(courtesy of Nina and her Iphone)

Setlist

"Badlands"
“Outlaw Pete”
“My Lucky Day”
“Night”
“Out in the Street”
“Working On a Dream”
“Johnny 99″
“I Ain’t Got No Home”
“Good Eye”
“Radio Nowhere”
“Candy’s Room”
“Because the Night”
“Mary’s Place”
“The Wrestler”
“This Life”
“Long Walk Home”
“Surprise, Surprise”
“Badlands”
“No Surrender”

Encore:
“Hard Times Come Again No More”
“Mustang Sally” (w/ John Eddie)
“Thunder Road”
“Born to Run”
“American Land”
“Seven Nights to Rock”

That's it for now.  We have a lot of updates coming soon including a SXSW roundup and a "Live From" Blog featuring Frank Turner.

Bret Morgan is an owner of and web developer for BandsOnABudget.com and DBLSystems.com. In his free time he enjoys surfing, ashtanga yoga, riding bikes (both motorized and foot powered), and reading. His current beer of choice is Carlsberg. He can be contacted at bret [at] BandsOnABudget.com

03/21/2009

Bands On A Budget, Ben Franklin, web development and more were all discussed on the latest blog over at Zetetic.net - go check out the full article: http://zetetic.net/blog/2009/03/20/bands-on-a-budget-ben-franklin/

03/19/2009

Just a quick thursday afternoon update.  If you're local to Monmouth County, NJ go check out the quick mention of BandsOnABudget.com on page 20.  If you're into that sort of thing... ;)

That's all now now, be sure to pick up our Austin 2009 sampler at SXSW this weekend in Texas.

03/12/2009

Tommy Strazza

Web: TommyStrazza.com

Myspace: MySpace.com/tommystrazza

Facebook: Tommy Strazza on Facebook

Here is a quote from one of Tommy Strazza's biggest fans, and is by no means biased by their friendship to him or by the fact that they are in actuality writing the very same bio you are about to read:

When Tommy straps on his guitar, whether its in a dusty, drunken New Brunswick apartment, or on stage at the world famous Stone Pony, he becomes a completely different person altogether. Its the kind of person we dont get to hear from too often these days the kind of person looking to take us somewhere special and its somewhere each and every one of us will never want to leave.

Tommy Strazza was born to play rock and roll music. And thats not a quote; its a fact. One of the east coasts best kept secrets, Tommy grew up in the quiet suburban town of East Brunswick, New Jersey and has been flapping his musical wings across the country since the early 90s, spreading his rock n roll gospels for all to hear, performing both solo, and currently with his band Tommy Strazza & The Model Citizens.

The live show is church to me, explains Tommy. Some bands and artists take you to school I want to take you to church baptize you in all that is good, pure, and sacred about rock and roll music and everyone is welcome.

If the live show is church, then the albums and songs are the scriptures from which I, and the band refer to they have to tell a story, and serve a purpose not just be a collection of songs on a record. They have to be related to one another, and co-exist for the same cause.

Since many of the bands Tommy has played in have had rotating roster issues, and in order not to lose momentum, Tommy took the liberty to learn how to play several instruments. In addition to writing and producing all of his own songs, he performs some of them entirely on his own, as well.

He started his first solo project, Crawl, in 1999. His self-titled second release was kicked off with a highly acclaimed performance at Asbury Park's Stone Pony on September 22, 2002.

"That was one hell of a show I'm glad to have been a part of Tommy Strazza's world for an hour." - Tris McCall, Jersey Beat Magazine.

Currently on his third solo album, and playing all over the east coast, both solo, and with his band, Tommy continues to leave an impression on the growing New Jersey rock scene.

"I want to be an inspiration, a risk taker and an envelope pusher I want to excite people about music, the way that it grabbed me as a kid."

Time to get excited folks, because Tommy Strazza has arrived!!!

Tommy's song "Detour" has been nominated for "Song Of The Year" at the 2007 Asbury Music Awards!!!

Tommy was nominated for "Best Male Acoustic Act" at the 2008 Asbury Music Awards.

03/06/2009

02/27/2009

BandsOnABudget is a merchandising company geared towards giving musicians a one-stop outlet for affordable band merchandise. Custom merchandise sold on their website, BandsOnABudget.com, includes T-Shirts, Hooded Sweatshirts, Posters, Postcards, Stickers, Vinyl Banners, Short-Run CD Packages, and the newly listed Digital Download Cards, all at very affordable prices. New items are constantly being added to their already impressive inventory of offerings.

Don't want to order through the website? Visit the storefront located at 626 Mattison Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where staff will be happy to help you with your order. Store hours are Monday thru Friday 9AM-6PM.

In addition to merchandising, BandsOnABudget.com also supplies a number of informative blogs for musicians across the world, giving tips on how to book a tour, how to market your band, and more.  BandsOnABudget.com has also recently added a new blog series, entitled Live From BandsOnABudget.com, where a new band or radio station is profiled each month. This is a great opportunity to provide exposure for musicians from all over to a large amount of people.

BandsOnABudget.com is not limited to just musicians. The merchandise is available for anybody interested, and is great for small businesses, schools, brokers, and for promoting events.

Not only does BandsOnABudget feature a wide variety of merchandise, but many of the items offered use Eco-friendly materials. They offer the option of using organic and recycled material for T-Shirts, Postcards and Digital Download Cards on recycled stock, as well as an Eco-Wallet made out of recycled cardboard for CDs. Go green with BandsOnABudget.com!

The storefront is located at the center of the burgeoning New Jersey music scene, with musical events occurring on a nightly basis. Some famous musicians, including Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, got their start only miles away from where the store is located in Asbury Park. Newly popular bands like Saves The Day, Senses Fail, My Chemical Romance, The Gaslight Anthem and many more call New Jersey their home as well.

Since it's inception in 2006, BandsOnABudget.com has sponsored and been involved in events such as the South By Southwest Music Conference in Austin, TX, the CMJ Music Conference in New York City, The Dewey Beach Music Conference, & the Seaside Music Festival.  BandsOnaBudget.com also sponsors and promotes nearby events at The Wave Gathering Festival, Collide-A-Scope, Asbury Park's Monthly Art's and Music Night, as well as shows at O'Tooles, located inside the Convention Hall on the Asbury Park boardwalk. They also work with non-profits including the Asbury Park Rockstar Charity Softball Tournament, Surfrider, & the Arts Coalition of Asbury Park (Artscap).

With a prime location and the desire to give back to the music scene, BandsOnABudget.com continues to provide affordable merchandise and exposure for musicians all over the world.

For more information, visit www.BandsOnABudget.com, call 1-866-471-3868, or stop by the storefront located at 626 Mattison Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

02/26/2009

BandsOnABudget.com is proud to announce the availability of two new products into it's line of affordable line of merchandise.

First off are our state of the art digital download cards. These 30mm "credit card" sized download cards are perfect for use as a promotional giveaway or to sell at shows in lieu of a traditional CD or DVD. Available now in quantities starting at 500, each card contains a unique pin number where your fans can download and access your mp3s and other digital content. For a quote or for more information be sure to visit our digital download card page.

And secondly, if you haven't checked out another recent addition, our short run CDs, you don't know what you're missing. Starting with quantities as low as 100 our short run CD's come in a variety of packaging including screen printed sleeves, eco-wallets, and recycled cardboard. We'll post some photos on our site soon enough, but for now, if you're local to Asbury Park, NJ, stop on down and see them for yourselves - not only are they affordable, they're certainly one of the most unique items you'll ever be able to add to your merch bin. Check out pricing for our short run cd's here

02/13/2009

01/30/2009

Amongst the current sea of bands that make up the ever-bustling NJ music scene, few stand out quite like River City Extension. Perhaps it's the fact that their range of influences spans across genres and ties together sounds inspired outside of their immediate demographic. Whatever the reason, their unique upbeat folk/rock sound adds a refreshing twist to the music scene and is sure to grab any first time listener's attention.

Along with vocalist Desiree Hartman, cellist Jennifer Fantaccione, and bassist Michael Costaney, frontman Joe Michelini started River City Extension in August of 2007. Soon after, some additions and rearrangements were made, to perfectly construct this unique musical ensemble. This included the additions of Nick Cucci, and trumpet player Dan Melius, while Mike Costaney took on a new roll as drummer. To add new musical elements, Matt Goold recently joined in on banjo and mandolin, along with Matt Lonnergan on bass. If you've seen this band live, you can see how naturally these members perfectly contribute their piece of the puzzle.

The 2009 release of their EP, entitled NauticalSabbatical, exhibits exactly what the band is about: creating something unique, and incredibly musically pleasing. The title track off the EP drags you in with its intense intro and takes you on an incredible musical journey.

The next track on the EP, "Clever and Quickness", is my personal favorite. Right off the bat, the upbeat song makes you want to get up and dance. The diverse usage of instruments and vocals makes this track incredibly fun to listen to.

River City Extension slows it down a bit with the song "It's No Ha-ha-ha". With its harmonica hooks and strong lyrics, this song demands multiple listens; after you hear it once, you won't want it to be over.

NauticalSabbatical does a good job establishing the fun, upbeat style that River City Extension is all about. Music fans will, without a doubt, be hearing more from this group for time to come.

To learn more about River City Extension, visit them at Myspace.com/rivercityextension.

Drew Chiminec is is a contributing editor for BandsOnABudget.com. He can be reached at drew [at] bandsonabudget.com.

01/26/2009

BandsOnABudget.com Winter Specials
Current Specials (thru 4/01/2009)

24 White Shirts: $99
Gilden G500 100% Cotton T-shirts,
1 Color, 1 Location Print

25 FREE Tour Posters
With New Printed Apparel Orders of 36+ Pieces

24 Hoodies: $11.78 each / 24 Zip Ups: $14.78 each
1 Color, 1 Location Print

5000 4x6 Postcards: $169
Doubled Sided, Glossy, Full Color

50 11x17 Posters: $75 / 100 11x17 Posters: $99
Full Color, 1 Sided

4'x2' Vinyl Banner: $49 / 8'x2' Vinyl Banner: $99
Full Color with Hems & Grommets

1 Color Stickers: $79 for 500 / $99 for 1000
Available Sizes: 2" Square, 2" Circle, + more

Short Run CD Specials:
100 CDs - Jewel Case, Full Color CD 4/4 2-Panel Insert, 4/0 Traycard w/ Black Tray - $279 (or $269 with new 36+ T-Shirt Orders)
100 CDs - Jewel Case, Full Color CD 4/4 4-Panel Insert, 4/0 Traycard w/ Black Tray - $310 (or $299 with new 36+ T-Shirt Orders)
100 CDs - Full Color 5" Jacket Full Color CD - $279 (or $269 with new 36+ T-Shirt Orders)
100 CDs - 1 Color Screen Printed 5" Jacket (Cardboard Sleeve), Full Color CD - $209 (or $199 with new 36+ T-Shirt Orders)
100 CDs - 1 Color Screen Printed Eco-Pack With Insert Pocket, Full Color CD - $309 (or $299 with new 36+ T-Shirt Orders)

100 Full Color CD's (no packaging) - $109
100 Full Blank Color CD's- $89
100 Full Color DVD's - $179
100 Full Blank Color DVD's - $159

Click here to order or call 732-701-9045.

01/23/2009

BandsOnABudget.com is now offering a line of short run CD & DVDs, Digitpacks, and Eco-Wallets. These affordable options are the perfect solution for bands and musicians that want to shop a demo, have something to give away at an event, or just aren't looking to press 1000+ CDs.

Available in quantities as low as 100, package your short run CD order with a t-shirt order and save even more. To see a full list of prices please visit our short run CD page.

01/16/2009

01/15/2009

Bandsonabudget.com saves you money when you make merch. Keep that money in your pocket by having a good inventory. Here's a merch inventory and sales sheet which will help you from show to show. The sheet will keeps track of what you brought to the show, what you're leaving with, what you gave out, what you sold, and how much money you should have. The sheet also includes a section for venue percentage, to help you settle up with venues which collect a portion of your sales. The inventory and sales sheet is in .pdf format. If you'd like an excel file which you can edit and also includes formulas, go to our contact page and write "send merch inventory sheet".

Click To Download Inventory Sales Sheet

01/14/2009

Just a quick update for y'all in regards to 2 shows BandsOnABudget.com will be bringing to Asbury Park.

Friday 2/6/2009
8PM | 21+ | FREE |
O'Tooles Pub (on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, inside Convention Hall)

Jeff Plate (sikamor rooney)
In one lab, a 60s-era rocker geneticist takes the DNA from Bob Dylan, Question Mark & The Mysterians (”96 Tears”), and The Seeds (”Pushin’ Too Hard”) and mixed it up in a test tube and lets it ferment for a while. In a second lab across the hall, an 80’s-era mod-punk-garage band rocker geneticist does the same with DNA from Iggy Pop, Lenny Kaye (of Nuggests fame), and a sampling of early Kinks DNA. Curious, and for the sake of science, the scientists mix the content of the two test tubes to see what results. When the kid grows up, you might have the sound of Sikamor Rooney, an up and coming band out of the East Village. Sikamor Rooney’s upbeat sound is an eclectic blend of musical styles and genres that seems to be influenced by a wide range of bands from the past 40 years, but it works. And it’s fun. They’ve been called “street wise folk rock” and “rapid-fire country punk”, yet to me, they’ve captured the pure retro garage folksy pre- punk Big Apple invasion sound. Sikamor Rooney is comprised of guitarist and vocalist Bradley York, bassist Anthony Chick, 26, both Big Apple natives, and drummer and vocalist Jeff Plate, from Jersey.

Bryan Wood (the riverwinds)
In a little over a year NJ natives, The Riverwinds, have exceeded their expectations and accomplished all the goals they set out to meet. They are testing themselves with a new level of standards. They already have:
Released "The First" EP Jan. 2008. (Sales 2000+)
Performed at Bamboozle Festival at Giants Stadium May 2008.
Successful east coast/midwest tour Summer 2008.
Hand picked by PureVolume.com for front page feature.
Featured unsigned band feature on TheDailyChorus.com
Garnered support from regional radio stations (GROCK, WMCX).
The Riverwinds have just wrapped up the recording of their debut full length due out Spring 2009. The album which fuses classic guitar solos, bluesy rhythms, and honest vocal content will be released on CD, vinyl, and digitally.

Friday 2/20/2009 (in conjunction with Collide-A-Scope)
8PM | All Ages | FREE |
America's Cup (633 Cookman Ave Asbury Park, NJ)

Scott Liss (solo acoustic)
Scott Liss & The Sixty-Six are a three-piece rock/psychedelic folk band from New Jersey formed by singer-songwriter Scott Liss, James Griffith, and Gianni Scalise.
+ 1 TBA

01/10/2009

Live From BandsOnABudget. com is a new segment we will be bringing you on occasion. Each segment will feature different 'local' artists from somewhere in America. Basically, to get involved we just need you to fill out this brief survey and send it back to us. Everything is free, all we ask is a link back to the article on your website, Myspace, Facebook, etc. if we end up writing up your band.

Questions:

1) Name of your band and band members

2) Your Hometown

3) Your Influences & Style

4) What you sound like

5) A Brief Bio

6) Some venues, bands you might have played with

7) Your band email, website, Myspace and/or any other ways for people to get in touch with you...

8) Your name

Please reply here or just send to drew@BandsOnABudget.com

01/09/2009

Live From BandsOnABudget.com is a new segment we will be bringing you on occasion. Each segment will feature a different 'local' college radio station from somewhere in America and tell you what they are playing.

Interested in having your radio station or band featured in our segment? Email us at drew@BandsOnABudget.com.

90.7 KFSR

This week we spoke to Griffin Snyder, the music director over at KFSR in Fresno, California and asked him who he's playing.

90.7 KFSR is a unique college radio station. They don't have a large staff but make up for it with quality music. If you tune just anytime in the midday hours, you'll hear the best mix of old Jazz, but tune in between 6pm and Midnight any weekday night and you'll hear The Evening Eclectic. This is Fresno's hidden gem of Indie rock goodness. They have 12 dedicated DJ's who bring the best mix of brand new and older indie rock hits to the Fresno airwaves. Some of the bands that are currently in rotation at KFSR include:

Rademacher - They are currently the biggest Indie hit here in Fresno and are currently doing a residency over at Spaceland in LA for the month of December I believe. They just released their new EP called ERA and it has a very bluesy rock feel to it. The line up is simple; drums, guitar, bass. I would love to see these guys get more exposure.

The Aircrash - This is a group of 5 guys who have put together a pretty solid sound. It reminds me of something like Coldplay mixed with Evangelicals. Their lead singer sounds like Thom Yorke too. They haven't released anything but are working on a new album.

Circles and Circles - This is a group of wonderful musicians who have all played in Fresno bands for the past couple years and have come together to create this very unique and mellow sound. This is a Fresno band at its core, and we love them for always creating music and playing local shows.

For more information on 90.7 KFSR you can contact them here:
Griffin Snyder
KFSR Music Director
Mail Stop SA119
5201 N. Maple
Fresno, CA 93740

01/09/2009

Asbury's own monthly night of art, music, poetry, and film is coming up next week. Be sure to stop by and check out all the cool events and happenings.

12/19/2008

Live From BandsOnABudget.com is a new seqment we will be bringing you on occassion starting, well now, but officially in 2009. Each segment will feature a different 'local' college radio station from somewhere in America and tell you what they are playing.

Interested in having your radio station or band featured in our segment? Email us at drew@BandsOnABudget.com.

WVFS

WVFS, broadcasting out of Tallahassee, Florida, started off in September of 1987 as an Album Oriented Rock station, but has since switched over to a eclectic/alternative/experimental college format in short order. Some of the bands that are currently in rotation at WVFS include:

Continental Divide - Alternative/Experimental from Destin/Sarasota/Tallahassee, Florida.

Dead Legs - Psychedelic/Lounge from Tallahassee, Florida.

Spike Mott and the Blackest Knights of the Darkest Apocalypse - Rock from Tallahassee, Florida.

Woset - 2-step/Garage/Jazz from Tallahassee, Florida.

Collection of the Late Howell Bend - Healing & Easy Listening/Melodramatic Popular Song/Visual from Tallahassee, Florida.

WVFS recently celebrated their 20th Anniversary, and are showing no signs of slowing, proudly broadcasting 24 hours a day.

For more information on WVFS, visit their website at http://wvfs.fsu.edu, or tune into 89.7 FM near Tallahassee!

12/17/2008

As we approach December's 3rd Friday, tt's that time of the month again for Collide-A-Scope - Asbury Park's own monthly arts and music night. Head on over to http://www.CollideAP.com for all the info.

Also - The Bands On A Budget store will be closed from Monday 12/22 and re-open on Monday 1/5. We will be available by appointment and via email and phone during this time so you will be able to place orders during this time. For questions/info/last minute orders contact us here or call 732-701-9045

12/12/2008

We know that if you’re in a band you’re a pretty cool guy or gal… but when it comes to the holidays we’re all just gitty little kids. You work hard all year, so it’s important to take the time to celebrate, give back, and get your ducks in a row for the New Year. In this special holiday edition blog, we will suggest ways to make the holidays as a band more fun, productive, and charitable!

1. Take advantage of the fact that you’re going to spend a little money on each other. Band members always need something. Whether your guitar player is always scrounging around for picks, or your singer has been duct-taping the mic to the stand after breaking the clip- there are always things to spend money on. If your band is planning on exchanging gifts for the holidays, make it a rule of thumb to keep it band-related. Not only do you get to be a nice pal by giving a gift, but you’re putting your money where your band really needs it.

2. Use your talent to give back. During this giving time of year, there are many ways for bands to incorporate charity into your shows. First, pick a cause that your band really believes in. There are several ways that you can raise money as a band to contribute to your charity of choice. One option is to pledge a percentage of your merchandise profits to the charity. Another option is to hold a show and donate all profits to the cause. If you want an even more simple way to give back, set up a food or toy drive at all of your shows around the holidays.

3. Instead of spending money this holiday season, how about making some? If you have all of your publishing set up (if not, read the blog on setting up publishing for your band), your main goal is to get usage out of your songs so you can collect royalties. Did you know that the songs that make the most money are marching band scores, children’s music, and holiday music? Get in the holiday spirit by writing some holiday songs and trying to get people to license them from you. Then all you have to do is sit back, and collect a check!

4. Start off the New Year with a fresh set of goals.The start of a new year is very refreshing. In addition to joining a gym and swearing to lose 10 pounds as your New Year resolution, sit down with your band members and come up with your own goals for 2009. Collectively decide where you’d like to be in a year, and come up with a strategy for how you want to get there. If your goal is to put out a new record, sketch a time line for when you’d write the songs, book studio time, and plan to put out the CD. It’s also a good opportunity to look back at your accomplishments from the previous year, and brainstorm how to build on that.

5. And most importantly….. Celebrate!!! When you’re done donating to charity and raking in the big bucks from your hit single “Rock ‘n Roll Reindeer”, take the time to throw your own band Holiday party. Invite all of your friends, family, and fans, and give them a private show. Shameless self promotion? Perhaps. But everyone loves a party, and by now you’re smart enough to know that every ounce of promotion counts!

Nina Chiminec is the head of New Media and a publicist at SPV Records. Her clients include Motorhead, Type O Negative, and Skinny Puppy. She also spent 8 years recording and touring with the NJ rock band Avery. In her free time she is a contributing editor for BandsOnABudget.com. She can be reached at nina [at] bandsonabudget.com.

12/05/2008

While we here at BandsOnABudget.com are based out of the United States we, on occasion, work with artists visiting from Canada, Mexico, Europe, and other International points. When visiting you may encounter obstacles such as tariffs, over-zealous border patrol, and space limitations when it comes to merchandise so it's important to think things through before planning a tour to the United States. Below are a few things that you should take into consideration when gearing up for an International tour.

1) Drop ship Your Merchandise To Your First Show
You may not be aware of it but, as an international visitor, if you plan on bringing anything into the United States and selling it, like t-shirts or hoodies, you are going to have to pay a tariff, or tax, on it. This can be quite a hassle and sometimes customs will not even let you bring your merchandise over the border. There is an easy solution, however, and that is to print your merchandise in the United States and have it shipped to the club, bar, hall, or basement of your first show. Not only will you avoid any tariffs you'll also be able to lighten your load and avoid any extra baggage fees.

2) Print Only What You Need
Unfortunately, the same rules may apply when leaving the United State, and you may be subject to tariffs and excise taxes when bringing your merchandise back into your home country. The best way to avoid doing this is to NOT come home with any merchandise by printing only what you need. While this may be a shameless plug, we have a 3-5 day turnaround and can accommodate a variety of shipping methods; so it's easy to re-order and have your new merchandise drop shipped to a future date should you run low on the road. After the first few nights you'll be able to get a handle of how much you are selling and how far in advance you will need to order to keep from running out.

3) Bring An Extra Duffel Bag
Do yourself a favor and throw an extra duffel bag into your luggage when you leave for tour. Should you have extra merchandise at the end of the tour you can use this bag to bring it back home. Pass it off as dirty laundry when going through customs and avoid any import/export issues.

4) Print Promo Materials In Advance
With the rising cost of everything these days, even something as simple as mailing a poster or press kit to a club can really put a dent into your budget, especially if you're mailing it from overseas. Cut down on this cost by printing your promo materials in the states and mailing directly to the clubs in advance. While we do not advertise it on our website, we can assist you with mailing any promo materials and press kits – just ask us and we'll be happy to work with you.

5) Consider Digital Download Cards As An Alternative To CD's
Lets face it, CD's are quickly going the way of VHS and 8-tracks. They're also not cheap to produce and they weight a lot. In short, when touring from another country they just take up valuable space. On that note, consider ditching CD's and moving to a digital solution. We've been a huge fan of download cards for the past year or so and have been using them at events as promo items for that very reason. Not only are they cheaper than CDs, they take up a lot less room and, face it, they're a lot cooler. Again, while we do not currently advertise them on our site, BandsOnABudget.com can readily assist your should you decide to make the leap and ditch the compact disc.

Bret Morgan is an owner of and web developer for BandsOnABudget.com, SwimMerch.com, ZenMerch.com, and DBLSystems.com. In his free time he enjoys surfing, ashtanga yoga, riding bikes (both motorized and foot powered), and reading. His current beer of choice is Carlsberg. He can be contacted at bret [at] BandsOnABudget.com

12/03/2008

12/02/2008

Hope the post-turkey/tofurky hangover has passed. Just a quick Tuesday morning update. Go check out a few interviews from bands participating in the 2008 Battle of the BandChi in Baltimore Interview.

Just Plain Ridiculous

Lifeblood

The Three Tree Experience

11/20/2008

Its common knowledge that writing great songs and having a great live show is only half the battle when it comes to succeeding as a band. Standing out from the 1000's of others trying to do the same thing as you takes dedication, a lot of hard work, and a strong set of marketing tools to promote your music from multiple angles. Below are a few keys things that you NEED to do to succeed as a band.

1) Learn The Role of Social Media Sites

Let me be clear – baring a few extreme examples, posting on Myspace or your local “scene” message board will NOT break your band. Nor will sitting tirelessly for hours on any of these sites adding friends or spamming other users about how great your new demo is. Social media sites such as Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, & others are great tools to compliment your other methods of promoting and marketing yourself. Far too many bands use these sites as their primary means of reaching out to fans and this rarely succeeds. Do yourself a favor and limit your time to about 10%-20% of the total time you spend marketing your band. Use your new found time to hand out flyers, go to shows, or to writing some new songs.

2) Build Your Contact List

You know your supposed to do it but even the best of us are slackers when it comes to building our contact list at shows. Make it a goal to put out a sign up sheet at every show. Even better – walk around after your set with a clipboard and ask people to sign up. Give them something free, like a sticker or demo, to make the offer sweeter. Be sure to try and ask for name, email, myspace, facebook, twitter, hometown, and phone number.

3) Hand Out Flyers, Stickers, Posters, & Postcards... Everywhere...

One of the most effective ways to promote yourself is through printed promotional materials such as stickers, flyers, posters, and postcards. Before the Internet really exploded, this was one of the ONLY ways a band had to promote themselves. While it's become somewhat of a lost art form, I still think it the most effective means of marketing yourself. Print up stickers and put them on everything – telephone poles, bathroom walls, venues, tollbooths, etc. Make some tour posters, flyers, or 4x6 Postcards and hand them out at shows, put them in record shops, coffee shops, venues, bars, and anywhere YOU might notice a flyer. Before any shows send a club some promotional materials about 2-3 weeks in advance. Get your material out there any way that you can.

4) Hang Out At Your Shows

Again, you know you're supposed to do it but all too often you skip out to go to a party, bar, or home to hang out with your girl/boyfriend. Make it a goal that at least one person from your band will show up early to see the openers and stay though the end of the show. Talk to the other bands and start to build your network. Stay in touch with these bands and swap shows with them. Introduce yourselves to promoters and club owners and give them something to remember your band. You may have noticed that it seems like the same bands are always getting the opening slots for all the big shows. As a former club owner and promoter I can attest that 9 times out of 10 I booked bands that I had met personally and had somehow made a positive impact on me. I also noticed what bands stayed and supported the other bands and the ones that packed up and were out the door right after they played. Do you want to guess which bands I gave the opening slots to?

5) Play Shows

Its simple. It's easy. Now just do it. Make it a goal to play a show every weekend. Do you have problems getting booked by clubs or bars? Don't let that stop you – book your own shows. Backyards, basements, colleges, & coffee shops all make great venues. Use your network of bands and help book each other. Check out sites like SonicBids for festivals in your area and apply to be a showcasing artist. There are so many avenues to playing shows so don't let “we can't get booked” stop you from playing.

6) Build a Press List and Work It.

One of the most underused means of promotion is using the local media to help promote your event. Many of these organizations NEED event listings, artist interviews, and other “local” news items. I suggest making a media contact list that consists of local papers (both music related and just general papers), zines, college radio stations, blogs, & labels. Send out press releases and updates at least once a month but be sure not to over saturate them with information to the point that it ends up being skimmed over. Contact your local college radio stations and try and set up in studio interviews and performances. Get creative – the sky's the limit.

Bret Morgan is an owner of and web developer for BandsOnABudget.com, SwimMerch.com, ZenMerch.com, and DBLSystems.com. In his free time he enjoys surfing, ashtanga yoga, riding bikes (both motorized and foot powered), and reading. His current beer of choice is Carlsberg. He can be contacted at bret [at] BandsOnABudget.com or you can follow him on Twitter

11/20/2008

Read it here and give us a little Digg

Oh yeah - follow us on Twitter

11/14/2008

I remember when I first started playing in bands there were two things that “made you official” and they were a demo CD and a t-shirt. Making the CD was easy, we'd get some beers and spend a few nights recording on a 4-track and then another few nights burning them onto CD-Rs on my computer. Throw in a trip to Staples (or just pilfering from whatever office job I had at the time) for some jewel cases and some photocopied jacket covers and we were half way to being a “real” band.

T-shirts were a whole other matter. I didn't know the first thing about making a T-shirt for my band. “How do I make a design?”, “Where do I even go once I have a design?”, and “What type of shirt do I use for printing?” were just a few of the questions that plagued me.

Fortunately, I have covered the guidelines for preparing t-shirts designs for screen printing in my past blog "A 5 Minute Guide To Preparing Your Artwork For Screen Printing". While it won't help you out on the creative side of your design, it'll get you started on making sure your artwork is ready and capable to be printed when the time comes.

I also have an answer for the question of where to go once you have a design. Pardon the shameless plug, but you are reading a blog for BandsOnABudget.com: Your One Stop Merch Shop, so in short – you're already in the right place.

The final question “What kind of shirt do I use for printing” is a much trickier question. While I could go on for hours I've decided to keep things simple and discuss the most popular shirts we print at BandsOnABudget.com . This list is by no means exhaustive and doesn't cover brands such as Alternative Apparel, Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, or Jerzees. With that being said – here is our T-Shirt Roundup:

The Gilden G500 100% Heavy Cotton T-Shirt:

This T-shirt is one of the most popular “band” shirts out there. It provides a great blend of affordability with quality and can easily be compared to it's other 100% cotton competitors from Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, and Jerzees. While there are “cheaper” T-Shirts on the market they are often mixes of cotton and other synthetics to produce a lighter and less quality garment. If you've ever had the experience of buying a shirt, washing it a few times, having the colors fade, and the shirt fall apart then this is usually the result of a cheap “throw-away” garment. On the other hand, the Gilden G500 is a great shirt with a great price and will not only hold up to years of washing but retain it's ink for a long time to come.

Link To Price Chart

The American Apparel 2001 Fine Jersey Short Sleeve T-shirt

American Apparel is the Mercedes of the T-Shirt world, minus, of course, the fact that they are produced in the U.S.A. and Mercedes is a product of German engineering. That aside, the American Apparel 2001 is a high quality, extremely durable, and extremely soft garment – in fact according to their marketing it is “The softest, smoothest, best-looking T-shirt available anywhere. “. It holds inks exceptionally well and their cuts are a little more form fitting than a Gilden G500. The downside to all these wonderful amenities is, of course, the price, which is typically several dollars more per piece; but don't let that dissuade you from taking this garment for a test drive. If you've ever bought a shirt from a big “rock-concert” the chance is that it was an American Apparel.

Link To Price Chart

The Tultex Fine Jersey T-Shirt

Tultex is a relatively new T-Shirt manufacturer to the game, in it's current form, anyway. Tultex aims to bridge the gap between the Gilden/Hanes/Fruit of the Loom (and other 100% cotton blends) and higher end brands such as American and Alternative Apparel. It is also priced accordingly and will typically run a little more than a Gilden G500 but a little less than an American Apparel 2001. Quality wise, it is softer than a Gilden G500 yet not as durable as the American Apparel 2001. It does hold it's ink extremely well and comes standard with a convenient “tear away” tag. Tultex has been gaining a lot of popularity with touring bands these days such as Fallout Boy and even Motorhead.

Link To Price Chart

The Anvil Organic 100% Cotton Shirt (OR420)

The last shirt on our roundup, and my personal favorite, is the 100% Organic Cotton T-Shirt from Anvil. First produced in 2007, this shirt was Anvil's solution to creating an affordable, yet non-toxic and sustainable, organic cotton T-Shirt. While a little more expensive than a Gilden G500, it is price much lower than competing organics from Alternative Apparel, American Apparel, & Econscious. I prefer the OR420 not only because is it sustainable, it's affordable. While produced in Honduras, it is guaranteed to have been produce in both environmentally and socially responsible ways - so rest easy that this shirt was NOT produced in a sweatshop.

Link To Price Chart

Bret Morgan is an owner of and web developer for BandsOnABudget.com, SwimMerch.com, ZenMerch.com, and DBLSystems.com. In his free time he enjoys surfing, ashtanga yoga, riding bikes (both motorized and foot powered), and reading. His current beer of choice is Carlsberg. He can be contacted at bret [at] BandsOnABudget.com

11/14/2008

Yes - we've jumped on the band wagon and joined twitter - you can follow us at: Twitter.com/bandsonabudget. Join today and be privy to up to the minute updates, exclusive specials, and other tidbits coming to you in 140 characters or less.

11/11/2008

We had a really great time talking to all of you last Saturday night at the Stone Pony. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners at this year's awards ceremony. Here's what the Asbury Park Press had to say about the night:

ASBURY PARK — Unbowed in the face of national economic turmoil, the Asbury Park music community rallied firm Saturday in its resolve to continue to stand behind the city's renaissance and to carry it into the future.

"In the end, it's all about the song and the performance," said Scott Stamper, co-owner of The Saint nightclub, as he and Adam Weisberg kicked off their 16th annual Asbury Music Awards celebration at The Stone Pony. "There certainly are hard times ahead, but music and entertainment will see us through."

The event provided fans, artists and insiders the opportunity to reflect on what many believe was a banner year for the Asbury Park music scene.

"We're coming off an incredible summer," said Kyle Brendle, Stone Pony house promoter. "A sold-out Fourth of July weekend with Southside (Johnny) and Moe. Billy Idol, which, from the fans' perspective, couldn't have gotten much better. We had Bob Dylan in August, that was like a papal blessing for us.

"I think our biggest achievement this year, though, has been re-establishing Asbury Park as a national market, through Live Nation scheduling Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre in conjunction with Madison Marquette fully opening the Grand Arcade," added Brendle, who was honored at the show with this year's Living Legend award. "There are amenities now that really provide a support system for concertgoers. The pavilions are coming alive. The Asbury Park boardwalk is full-on again. To see throngs of people out there, it's definitely the brightest spot in our music scene right now."

Escorted to The Stone Pony stage by a duet of kimono-clad beauties, host Joe Harvard maintained an upbeat, comedic tone throughout the show.

Harvard began the evening by introducing a short film by Mallory Massara of Asbury Park, which re-edited a portion of the Bruce Lee classic "Fist of Fury" to star various Asbury Music Award nominees.

With event regulars such as Status Green and Last Perfect Thing away on tour, the live-performance portion of this year's awards featured a host of younger up-and-coming acts, including Lost in Society, Last Days of Empire, The Eryn Shewell Band, Delft and Outside the Box.

The Stone Pony's summer 2008 house band, Outside the Box — Jeff Cafone, Warren Thieleman, Mark Masefield and Francis Valentino — took home awards for Top Young Band and Top Blues Band.

The popular "Best Thing to Happen . . . " award this year went to Asbury favorite Rick Barry, for launching his "Night in Progress" live performance series at The Saint. Barry's monthly event spotlights new material from local songwriters that so far have included George Wirth, Keith Monacchio, Bret Mosley, Justin Hillman, Tommy Strazza, Kelly Carvin and Glen Burtnik.

"This award really goes to Scott (Stamper) and all the artists who played and made it a great night," Barry said.

The more than 30 awards given out at the ceremony included nods to Top Rock Band (Last Perfect Thing), Top Local Release (Arlan Feiles' "Come Sunday Morning"), Top Punk/Ska Band (The Sex Zombies), Top Indie Rock Band (The Obvious), Top Jersey Roots Band (Maybe Pete), Top Heavy Rock Band (Sekond Skyn), Top Jam Band (Green Tag Sale), Top Live Performance (Status Green) and Top Groove Band (Turtle Soup).

"Being recognized at the AMAs (Asbury Music Awards), that does mean something," said Turtle Soup keyboardist Ben Feld. "When you're trying to get noticed by different venues, yeah, people do pay attention to these types of things."

"Winning here is huge in helping us take what we do from a local to a regional level," said Jeff "Mudd" Mahajan, the band's guitarist. "Larger jam band festivals, for example, are definitely responsive to our success. I mean, the better we do, the better they do."

Winners

(Taken From The Asbury Park Press)

ASBURY PARK — Top Male Acoustic Act: Keith Kenny
Top Female Acoustic Act: Divine Sign
Top Male Vocalist: Lou Montesano
Top Female Vocalist: Kerry McNulty (Divine Sign)
Top Guitarist: Jeremy Korpas: (Green Tag Sale)
Top Bassist: Jay Walker(Colie Brice & The New Age Blues Experience)
Top Drummer: Andrew Lenaghan (Green Tag Sale)
Top Keyboard Player: Arlan Feiles & The Lone Howdys
Song of The Year: “Firebomb” (Status Green)
Top Journalist In Support Of Live Music: John Pfeiffer (Aquarian Weekly/ECR)
Top News Publication in Support Of Live Music: (Aquarian Weekly/ ECR)
Top Local Release: “Come Sunday Morning” (Arlan Feiles)
Top Radio Personality: Jeff Raspe (90.5 “The Night”)
Top Radio Station: 90.5 “The Night” (Brookdale Public Radio)
Best Thing To Happen in 2007/2008: “A Night In Progress Series” Hosted by Rick Barry
Top Pop Band: Status Green
Top Indie Rock Band: The Obvious
Top Jersey Roots Band: Maybe Pete
Top Rock Band: Last Perfect Thing
Top Heavy Rock Band: Sekond Skyn
Top Young Band (under 21): Outside The Box
Top Live Performance: Status Green
Top Jam Band: Green Tag Sale
Top Advant Garde Act: Colie Brice & New Age Blues Experience
Top Americana: Arlan Feiles & The Lone Howdys
Top Groove Band: Turtle Soup
Top Blues Band: Outside The Box
Top Punk/Ska Band: The Sex Zombies
Poet Laureate: Jessi Smith
Top Music Website To Support Live Original Music: AsburyMusic.com
Living Legend 2008: Kyle Brendle
James M. MacDonald Musician’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Billy McKelvey

11/06/2008

11/04/2008

Just a quick reminder (in case you've been living under a rock), today is election day. Get out and vote, regardless of your affiliation. The lines are long here in NJ so make sure to leave plenty of time as well...

10/22/2008

Hot off the presses, Bands On A Budget's got stickers! To request yours just go here and ask us to send some your way.

10/13/2008

10/10/2008

Just a quick Friday update for ya'll. Many of you have asked for price charts and we've listened. Now you can conveniently download price charts for all of the apparel items featured on our website. What are you waiting for? Go check it out here.

Have a good weekend and if you're local to New Jersey come say hello tommorrow night for the Revival Tour at the Asbury Lanes.

10/09/2008

BandsOnABudget.com / XOXO Records Present:

Showcase At CMJ 2008
Fri Oct 24th 18+ Doors: 7:00PM $10
The Mean Fiddler
266 West 47 Street

8:00PM - Perfuma
9:00PM - Missiles & Markers
10:00PM - Gimme Drugs
11:00PM - For Science
12:00AM - Young Hearts

10/07/2008

Being a part of the Asbury Park art and music community BandsOnABudget.com just wanted to do our part in spreading the word for this new series of events coming to the downtown.

For immediate release-- A number of local arts professionals and art advocates have united, donating their time and talents to form a coalition committed to preserving the arts scene for which Asbury Park is famous. The brainchild of this dedicated committee, Collide-A-Scope, is a once monthly celebration of the arts to take place in town. Targeting a more culturally minded audience than the one attracted by First Saturday and meant to be inclusive to anyone passionate about the arts, Collide-A-Scope will explode into Asbury on October 17th and is set to continue the third Friday of every month.

This event is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and organized with the help of M Studio (www.mdidit.com) and The Arts Coalition of Asbury Park (www.artscap.org). Unlike the retail-driven First Saturdays, Collide-A-Scope’s goal is to educate people coming to Asbury Park on the local arts scene and ensure that art thrives in Asbury Park. Curator tours of galleries, led by ArtsCAP's Dennis Carroll (beginning at Crybaby Gallery at 7:00 p.m.) enable vistors to meet the artists and visit key art sites.

The first Collide-A-Scope evening on October 17th will include:
An ArtsCAP Wine Tasting at Mattison Park from 8:00-10:00 p.m. featuring an up-and-coming local artist and selected wine and cheeses. A $20 tax-deductible contribution gets you all the wine, art and culture you can imbibe.
The "Abstract Relationships" exhibit by Rumson Artist Claire Boren at the Apart gallery on Bangs.
Crybaby Gallery’s show featuring the work of top contemporary post-graffiti writers-- Ales "Bask" Hostomsky. Cookman Ave.
Double bill drama presentation of “Outrageous Dames: Women Behaving Badly and Madly” at The Stephen Crane House
The Gallery at 629 Cookman with a show called "Thi