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2011 DC/MD/VA Metal Recap / Looking to 2012
It’s that time of year again, when metal fans do battle over the “best” albums of 2011 across the Internet. Even though I plan on entering the fray with my own list soon, for now I decided to compile a list of new releases from the area, as well as highlight some of the most exciting metal news for the DMV area.
Major New Releases in 2011 from DC/MD/VA
Animals as Leaders – Weightless (November 8, 2011)
Even though junk like Nickelback and Korn are still topping hard rock charts, a glimmer of hope for heavy music exists with Animals as Leaders. The instrumental ‘djent‘ band masterminded by Tosin Abasi saw their second release move 6,120 units since its debut, and recently has moved 11,129 units cumulatively. Even though I don’t much care for instrumental metal or djent, its nice to see a band that’s not hard rock, christian metalcore, or deathcore move some albums. Animals As Leaders is signed to Prosthetic Records, who have released their debut and sophomore albums. Head over to their Facebook and check ‘em out.
Cannabis Corpse – Beneath Grow Lights Thou Shalt Rise (July 12, 2011)
Cannabis Corpse is a death metal act from Richmond, VA whose music clearly displays their extreme love of two things: weed and old school death metal. The album is rife with tributes to old classics such as Morbid Angel and Deicide. The music video for Gateways to Inhalation is a “metal party” video, and one of my favorite videos this year. Cannabis Corpse’s latest was released via Tankcrimes. Check out their video below.
Darkest Hour – The Human Romance (February 22, 2011)
Not really my thing, but I saw them at Summer Slaughter this summer and could see why Darkest Hour has so many fans, they do put on a great show for what they are. If you like metalcore and are from the area, you probably already have this album / know everything about this band. The Human Romance was Darkest Hour’s first release for E1 music, after having been with Victory Records for 10 years.
Dying Fetus – History Repeats Itself (July 19, 2011)
So this isn’t an album but it was one of the recordings I got the most excited about in 2011. Dying Fetus is one of my favorite bands of all time, and this was a nice release to tide me over until they finally release their next album (see more on that further down). This EP featured one short new track, and covers of Napalm Death, Bolt Thrower, Cannibal Corpse, and Dehumanized. The EP was released via Relapse Records.
Magrudergrind – Crusher (March 28, 2011)
This isn’t an LP either, just another EP. Magrudergrind is a sick grindcore outfit from Washington DC. I only just started listening to Magrudergrind this year, after hearing their self-titled sophomore LP. That album had been engineered by Kurt Ballou of Converge fame and mastered by Scott Hull of Pig Destroyer. That alone was enough for me to check them out. I’m not sure who worked on this album (besides Magrudergrind obviously), but its another six blistering tracks of grindcore. The EP was released via Bones Brigade Records and also Scion A/V.
Anticipating Upcoming Releases:
Some of the area’s staple acts are preparing new albums for 2012. It was revealed way back in July by Metal Injection that Pig Destroyer has a new drummer, Adam Jarvis. If that name sounds familiar, it should, because he is the current (insanely awesome) drummer of Misery Index, another DMV local (and another of my favorite bands). Adam Jarvis is crazy sick with the drums, and this was announced way back in July so I hope a new Pig Destroyer record is well under way. The last thing they released was their departure-from-grind EP, Natasha.
Municipal Waste, the thrash/punk outfit from Richmond, VA also announced today via their Facebook that they have completed work on their fifth album, which will be called “The Fatal Feast”. I love Municipal Waste – their sound reminds me of Reign In Blood-era Slayer only without the cheesy Satanic vibe and replaced with an equally cheesy party vibe. Also this album is gonna be out on Nuclear Blast, their past three albums were out on Earache. Municipal Waste’s albums have all been very solid, so I don’t expect this one to disappoint.
Also announced (also via Facebook) was the album title of Dying Fetus‘ 2012 effort, which will apparently be titled “Reign Supreme”. Dying Fetus’ 2009 (Descend into Depravity) release was their best since the classic 2000 Destroy the Opposition, and from the way Jon Gallagher (mastermind of Dying Fetus) has described the new album, it should top their last effort. Either way I’m very excited for it. The album will be released via Relapse Records.
Last but not least, Lamb of God is set to release a new album called “Resolution” January 24th 2012. I was not a fan of their past two albums, Sacrament and Wrath, but I am a huge fan of their older material. Either way, Lamb of God has got to be the biggest act in the USA as far as metal, so its a big deal any time a new album of theirs is released. I will definitely be scoping it out the day of release, even though their new song called “Ghost Walking” leads me to believe it will sound a lot like Wrath. Anyway, MetalSucks premiered the new track last Monday, be sure to give it a listen! You can already buy the track all over the place, and the new album will be released via Epic Records and Roadrunner Records.
Stay tuned for a follow-up post on these anticipations, as well as my year end list of favorite metal albums.
STOP SOPA: The Real Truth
I recently came across a video that uncovers some vital information regarding SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act). I haven’t seen the research he says he’s compiled, but Michael Mozart makes a very good case in his YouTube video. He says the same companies and people who are pushing for SOPA to pass made the software (tools) to pirate intellectual property available to people like you and me. Why would they do that? The video below considers this question and more. Please take the time to watch, because the outcome of SOPA could deeply affect you!
Related articles
- How SOPA Would Kill Art & Creativity Online (readwriteweb.com)
- Go Daddy’s SOPA Entanglement (zdnet.com)
- Namecheap.com: We say no to SOPA (community.namecheap.com)
- The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) Delayed into 2012 (securityorb.com)
- Go Daddy withdraws SOPA support (ubergizmo.com)
- Hearings on Controversial Internet-Regulating SOPA Delayed to 2012 [Video] (kotaku.com)
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Bands and Beer (maybe a shot too)
I talk to many labels and bands as a part of my job. These conversations opened my eyes to a number of interesting trends, particularly around distribution. One that I find particularly strange is that even as many bands and artists have trouble making ends meet, they stubbornly refuse to put their music where fans are looking and ready to make a purchase. To that end, streaming is a good way to help get you noticed… but it is not a way to make a living. In 2012, the industry players will have to deal with this as many labels, bands and artists are taking matters into their own hands.
Here are some of my top distribution trends and issues to be on the lookout for in 2012:
Show at The Dunes in Columbia Heights
Let’s Not Get Physical
I am always surprised when distribution is an afterthought, if it even gets that much attention. Often a up and coming band or artist will tell me they have distribution — they are on iTunes and sell from their own website. Even the more well-known bands I talk to haven’t considered physical distribution as a significant way to add to their digital sales revenue, and increase exposure to some influential music industry people (record store owners). When I mention physical music, the labels and bands I’m talking to say what everybody else says…”people still buy CDs?”. When I tell them yes, AND vinyl records, they get psyched. Labels and bands don’t believe in physical because the media tells them not to. Heck, until I saw the actual sales numbers, I hardly believed it. The reality is that no band or artist can be successful without a strategy for digital AND physical distribution. They MUST use BOTH of these mediums (and more) to penetrate through the clutter and be where fans are seeking to buy music.
Streaming is Dead, Long Live Streaming
Another thing I hear over and over again – bands and artists HATE streaming services. Yeah, I said it! They don’t get anything from it, and they aren’t shy to talk smack about it. Interestingly, there was an article in Spin recently about the Black Keys’ “diplomatic” statement on why they do not like or plan to use streaming services. They feel like they are not yet able to “replace royalties from record sales with the royalties from streams, particularly for a band that “makes a living selling music.” Hmmm, well said. I’d say that is a key revenue component labels, bands and artists are going to need to consider in 2012.
Let the Digital Dust Settle
Digital – streaming and downloads – is on the upswing, and cannot be ignored. The issue is going to be how the deals between labels and bands can be made more fair so band and artists recognize more of their revenue from streaming – but also the streaming services and the differences between free and paid subscription needs to be reviewed and changed to better compensate the artists. The dust has not settled on having a solid and fair digital streaming service. To make this point, last month U.K. music distributor STHoldings pulled more than 200 indie labels off of Spotify, Rdio, and other streaming services, complaining about the services “cannibalizing” their digital sales, according to the Spin article from above. While the debate doesn’t appear likely to be resolved anytime soon, clearly a band’s got to have both digital downloads and physical sales to bring in those royalties and make that living.
So HEY YOU! BAND! LABEL! Whoever is reading this, if you have a following somewhere in the world, I’ve got news for you. Physical accounts for the majority of recorded music revenue; let Altavoz put your music in stores and also make it available digitally. We’re a full service direct distributor. We do it all. My number is: 301.95MUSIC and my twitter account is @followmealexg - I’ll text or talk to you all day about it, or anything music industry for that matter.
I’ll be back to scouting bands in the DMV area after the holidays. Let me know if you are playing and I will make an appearance. Maybe even buy you a beer or two if your music is extra awesome.
Related articles
Weekend Round Up – Holiday cheer with a tint of green
It’s the time of year when the industry remembers all that we’ve done for them, and stuffs our stockings with good cheer. I won’t say no to that. Here’s the weekend Round Up:
I’ve always loved Black Friday, and recently discovered Cyber Monday. Now, I find there is also a Green Monday! We’re a country of labels, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised….but seriously, Green Monday? I you didn’t already know, Green Monday, or the second Monday in December, is usually the day that sales for online retailers peak during the year. With the huge success of Cyber Monday, you’d think Green Monday might not be the best day in sales for 2011, but ComScore is predicting at least $1 billion in sales, which would push this year’s Green Monday ahead of the past two years. Big retailers, such as Sears and K-Mart, have 70% discounts across all their departments and many online retailers will be offering free standard and expedited shipping, as an added incentive.
Social Media, Celebrity’s gift to the masses
Just this past week, Grammy-award winner Adele promised to tweet if she could get 10,000 people to follow a charity on Twitter. Within hours, the number was reached and Adele graced the world with her first tweet. Needless to say, it was epic and a sign of good tweets to come. What it showed is that thousands of people around the world are hooked into social media AND love getting a peek into the lives of the celebrities and musicians they love. Twitter is great because fans have the chance to talk one-on-one with their favorite artist for the world to see. Facebook is also good for fans, where they can subscribe to exclusive, longer version of content from their favorite artists. Now, if only Beyonce would tweet and keep us updated on little Jayonce……one can dream.
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Decisions, Decisions…
It’s Friday night again and there are more than a few options for music lovers in the DMV area. We here at Altavoz have narrowed it down to three possible options for a solid music filled Friday night at some of our favorite venues:
At The Black Cat tonight, Oh Land will be performing at 9:00pm. Oh Land is a fairly new and up and coming electronic/pop artist who has been described as a hybrid of Feist and Robyn. Hurry up and get tickets as soon as possible, because they could sell out at any time! Biscuit Miller & the Mix will be at Madam’s Organ in Adams Morgan at 10:00 pm. Bisuit Miller & the Mix is a blues, rock, and funk group from Chicago. And finally, Comet Ping Pong will be hosting a record release party tonight. The Jet Age, a local DC indie band, will be there along with Deathfix and The Mean Ideas. The event goes from 10:30pm-1am.
As unfortunate as it is, we can’t be in three places at once, so give us your opinion or let us know if you’re going and maybe we’ll see you there. Have a good Friday!
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Congrats Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees 2012!
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees were announced yesterday, and lots of great performers will be recognized for their contribution to the world of music next April in Cleveland, OH. Among honorees are the Beastie Boys, Guns N’ Roses, Laura Nyro, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donovan and The Small Faces/The Faces; there’s a lot of variety in the 2012 group.
Here at Altavoz, we are especially proud that Donovan will become part of this fabled club. In the same month next year, his song “Listen” will be part of a four-record vinyl compilation release in support of the David Lynch Foundation.
The song as described on the David Lynch Foundation Music website goes like this, “If the archetype of the aphorism could be cooed into revealing its shape, to be used as the illuminated polygon for a zero gravity cross-dimensional partner dance with your inner child, “Listen” would be at the top of the list of potential candidates. It’s a fox-trot to dreamscape jazz, that moves like a brass pendulum carving mandalas on an extraterrestrial white sand beach, while outside your apartment a light rain makes the lawn smell incredible. That classic Donovan lullaby-mystique will haunt you, waking or dreaming, this life or the next.”
Ok, so I have no idea what any of that means, but it actually is true! When you listen to “Listen”, you are taken on a mystical journey, could be back in time or even into the future….depending on your mood at that moment, the journey will be meaningful and unique.
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Music Business and some SOCO. Take a Swig.
Washington, DC
For young people who want a job in the music biz, the industry can seem like a big, bad, scary place. But it doesn’t have to be. I knew from the moment I entered college that I would somehow be involved with music and the industry. Once I made it, I had a lot to learn. My philosophy on learning fast: get thrown into the lion’s den. It works.
Since arriving in our nation’s capital to work for Altavoz Distribution, I have spent time in the den and learned a lot about the music industry. To help you newbies, I am going to share some things I learned while taming and making friends with those lions….I call it “SOCO”, and I don’t mean the drink. You want to be successful? You need to SOCO. Trust me.
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Local DMV Artist Worth Sampeling
Theo Sampel is a local DMV artist who is worthy of your attention. You may have seen him at the bar he manages, Cities Restaurant and Lounge. However, managing Cities is not Sampel’s claim to fame. Perfecting his craft for more than a decade, Theo has a hypnotizing voice and awesome mastery of the guitar.
Some fans liken Theo’s vocals to the haunted charm found in Thom Yorke of Radiohead, but with a touch of David Bowie’s deep, pained, voice. The album is particularly refreshing to hear today as many artists have steered away from the tortured, yet soothing sound that Sampel This embodies. Other big name musicians such as Marc Capponi (Piano/Keys), Dajando Smith (Bass Guitar), and Tom Barrick (Percussion) are on the album.
It is definitely worth giving a listen. Sampel This is available for purchase on iTunes (linked below). Physical copies are available at Crooked Beat Records in Washington, DC and will be available at more physical retailers soon!
Learn more about Theo Sampel:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theo-Sampel/116747191719007
https://twitter.com/theosampel
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Weekend Round-Up – The New School of Music?
It seems everyone is trying to innovate in the digital space, especially when it comes to business models and processes in the industry. One strategy I’ve noticed, is the branding of some practices being “Old School” to make way for a company’s new and improved way of doing business. Sometimes, these “new school” ideas are very smart, necessary improvements.There are also those few ideas that achieve the end goal but go about it the wrong way. Here are some great and not so great business strategies that have recently sprouted up (or in one case, come to light) in this week’s Weekend Round-Up.
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