Altavoz Distribution
Alli, Sales and Marketing Savant
DLFM Artist Moby on the Tonight Show this Thursday!
Liked what you heard from Moby on the Music That Changes The World box set from the David Lynch Foundation? Well, there’s more where that came from. Moby will be performing his exclusive track Poison Tree on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, this Thursday, April 26. And, if you didn’t get your copy of the box set because they sold out on Record Store Day, you can try your local record store again — along with other retailers — after the Leno performance, as we have shipped more of these beautiful, very cool box sets out!
In addition, Moby has a new album coming out on April 30th called Destroyed: Remixed which will be available through his official online store. The talented electro-musician’s new release features a selection of previously released remixes and exclusive material, plus Moby’s brand new 30-minute-long ambient track called “All Sides Gone.”
The Destroyed: Remixed album features collaborated remixes from an array of prominent artists including, Yeasayer, Holy Ghost!, Paul van Dyk, Photek and, our favorite artist — David Lynch.
Moby was sure to return the favor this past Saturday, Record Store Day, when he posted, “David Lynch and I have swapped remixes. In other words: he did a remix for me and I did a remix for him”. Sure enough, Moby remixed the David Lynch track Noah’s Ark and what a treat!
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Groundbreaking Grammys
The 54th Annual Grammy awards are this Sunday and I can’t wait. This year, Skrillex, one of my favorite EDM artists is nominated not once, but five times. Not surprisingly, he’s nominated in the Best Dance Recording category, but more impressive is he’s going up against Nicki Minaj, the Band Perry, Bon Iver, and J. Cole for the Best 
New Artist category.
As someone who listens to EDM almost constantly, this is an awesome thing to hear and will be even better if he wins. Although this kind of music has been around a long time, it has recently been brought into the spotlight and become more widely accepted. Skrillex being nominated five times is a huge demonstration of the growing popularity and public love of dance music.
To see all the nominees and learn more visit http://www.grammy.com/
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One Down, Two to Go
Every Summer there are three major music festivals that any music lover would die to go to: Coachella, Lollapolooza, and Bonnaroo. Each festival provides an eclectic, power-packed lineup of both popular and lesser known artists. There is something for everyone at each festival, from jam bands to rap to electronic dance music. Although the 2012 year has just begun, the wildly popular summer music festival Coachella is already sold out and it won’t be too much longer before Lollapolooza and Bonnaroo are too.
The crowd at last year's Coachella (2011)
Not long after they released their star-studded lineup for 2012, which includes headliners Radiohead, the Black Keys, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, Coachella reported that all tickets were sold out. Other outstanding artists that will be performing include Florence and the Machine, Kaskade, La Roux, Arctic Monkeys, and many more.
Although Lollapolooza and Bonnaroo have yet to release their 2012 lineups, fans have much to look forward to. Judging by Lollapolooza’s lineup from last year which featured Eminem, Coldplay, Muse, the Foo Fighters, and Deadmau5, 2012′s lineup should not disappoint. For those unlucky music lovers that couldn’t get their hands on Coachella tickets in time, Lollapolooza is sure to be a worthy replacement plan.
While Bonnaroo has yet to release their 2012 lineup, last year they mixed it up a little bit with some older artists, such as Neil Young and G. Love & Special Sauce. However, Bonnaroo’s 2011 lineup still showcased many of the same artists who performed at Lollapolooza and Coachella. Eminem headlined at both Lollapolooza AND Bonnaroo!
So don’t be discouraged if you couldn’t get tickets to 2012 Coachella, try for Lollapolooza or Bonnaroo this year, you can’t go wrong.
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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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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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Spotlight on Download for Good Artist Ozomatli
Ozomatli performing at the Edmonton Folk Festival 2007
I love Ozomatli. The eclectic band has an original sound that spans Latin, Hip Hop and Salsa with a crossover adult contemporary appeal that attracts fans of all ages and nationalities. Ozomatli’s sound is smooth and melodic, an easy listening feel that plays well in any situation or environment.
What makes me like Ozomatli even more is their work for charity and support of social causes all over the world. Most recently, the group performed for young kids at a school in Los Angeles. It is clear from online posts and pictures that Ozomatli truly enjoyed performing, almost as much as the audience enjoyed them!
Ozomatli’s unique style is now being heard by even more fans…their single “Monster” (which is available for download on iTunes on the Download for Good compilation album) has clocked in at number 10 on the Adult Contemporary Top 200 Chart. Even more impressive, I’ve heard that Ozomatli may get a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year! Maybe they’ll be able to add another Grammy to their previous three Grammy wins!
For a group that values their fans and their community so highly, it is truly rewarding to see their success. Check out Ozomatli on their Facebook page.
Get the facts on Digital vs. Physical music
The argument of whether digital music is more popular (i.e.: higher sales) than physical is an argument that has been getting a lot of press lately. It may be hard to tell what is fact and what is skewed in favor of one side or the other. I believe both digital and physical have their respective uses and importance. Digital music is quick and easy to purchase and can be taken with you wherever you are – a revolution in music listening that got its big break thanks to Steve Jobs and the iPod. But for the true music lover, physical music still rules – it has better sound quality for starters. Music is an analog experience, one that is distorted when it is compressed into a digital format. Plus, physical products also can offer extra components that are not available digitally, such as posters, autographed pictures and more.
Many people are under the misconception that the digital music market has completely taken over and is close to eliminating the physical music market. But this could not be further from the truth. Digital music may get a lot more hype, but the numbers don’t lie.
U.S. recording industry revenues for physical music in 2010 were $6.4 billion dollars, in comparison to $5.2 billion in U.S. digital revenue. The worldwide statistics have a much wider gap. For 2010, worldwide physical revenue brought in a staggering $22.2 billion dollars. Worldwide digital music revenue only brought in $12.9 billion. These numbers show that while digital music is popular and is a growing sector, physical music will always have a fan base.
In fact, according to Nielsen SoundScan, 2011 year-to-date album track sales remain up by 3+% and 10+%, respectively. It’s also the 20th straight week where year-to-date albums are up over their 2010 numbers, with digital albums actually jumping about 20%.”
Statistics provided by: http://www.grabstats.com/statcategorymain.asp?StatCatID=9 and Nielson Soundscan
Related articles
- Steve Jobs ‘single-handedly’ created the digital music market (telegraph.co.uk)
Remembering Steve Jobs, and the value of music
As the CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs undisputedly established himself as an iconic game changer in the music business. He made music accessible in a way it had never been before, starting a revolution in the way fans obtain and listen to music. From the first iPod to the most recent innovations in cloud technology, Jobs’ earth shattering impact on the music industry is not just permanent – visionaries who follow him hopefully will build on his ideas and make music an even bigger and better part of our lives. Thanks to Steve Jobs music is available anywhere and everywhere, but in the process of this innovation music has been positioned as much more of a commodity. I believe it is important to not lose and misinterpret the value of music just because it is so easy to get.
Here at Altavoz music is something that is cherished and truly appreciated. It is more than just another product to add to a consumer’s repertoire. Music is an important part of life, providing motivation, inspiration, and comfort to the people who listen to it. No matter how the music industry changes it is extremely important to not lose sight of the value that music adds to our lives.
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- Bono compares Steve Jobs to Elvis (suburbanmen.com)
- Steve Jobs died of respiratory arrest, health official says (cnn.com)
- Yes, Steve Jobs was an innovative genius. But.. (insightscoop.typepad.com)
Maroon 5 supports charity, gives back
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Maroon 5 is just one of those bands. One of those bands that have been able to withstand the volatility and faced-paced environment of the music business. Since 2002 when their hit album Songs About Jane came out, Maroon 5 has been a highly revered band. Lead singer and guitarist Adam Levine has one of the most distinct, recognizable voices that I have heard in a long time. Levine’s impressive range and inflection can be identified by almost anyone, fan or not. His unique voice has no doubt contributed to the success of the band.
Maroon 5’s newest album Hands All Over is receiving rave reviews. With hits such as “Moves like Jagger” and “Misery” fans are very pleased with the long awaited release of their third album (almost 4 years since the last album, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long). Looking beyond the hits on Hands All Over, Maroon 5 has another reason for fans to rave. The band has donated a never before released song to the David Lynch Foundation Music. “The Air I Breathe” can only be heard on the compilation Download for Good: Music That Changes the World: Vol. 1.
“The Air I Breathe” has quite a bluesy feel without abandoning that distinct, well-loved Maroon 5 style that the band brings to all of their tracks. This track is one of the slower on the album, but the passion in Adam’s crooning vocals brings just as much excitement to the song as a catchy, quick beat does. Personally it is one of my favorite songs on the album.
“The Air I Breathe” can be purchased via iTunes as part of the Download for Good compilation. Buy the one song, songs by all of the 33 artists, or pick and choose among your favorites — you won’t be sorry. http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/download-for-good/id445954687
The song is also part of the soon to be released deluxe box set of Download for Good to be sold through local retailers. The box set features re-mastered songs by Reuben Cohen @ Lurssen mastering, as well as a 42 page book with unique art for each artist, the Alive Drive to connect to the David Lynch community for exclusive concerts, music and entertainment. For more information check out: http://davidlynchfoundationmusic.org/music/detail/download_for_good
Related articles
- Local No. 1: Maroon 5′s ‘Jagger’ takes over the top spot (pbpulse.com)
- Download for Good single hits #10 on the AC Top 200 chart (altavozdistroco.wordpress.com)
- Adam Levine Calls ” Moves Like Jagger ” a ” Risk ” for Maroon 5 : Video Interview (afacetofacewith.wordpress.com)
- Maroon 5 – It Won’t Be Soon Before Long (netwidz.com)
Deluxe products win out every time!
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As a frequent consumer of music, and a college student, I always appreciate it when I purchase a product that gives me more bang for my buck. Most often when purchasing music I am provided with a multitude of options, digital or physical, regular or acoustic, standard or deluxe. One of these options is always a no brainer for me and many other consumers: Deluxe is better.
Whether I am shopping for music on iTunes or see a CD or vinyl album I’ve been dying to buy, I am always instantly drawn to the deluxe version. Without a second thought I will purchase deluxe over standard every time. For an insignificantly small increase (or sometimes a worthy significant increase!) in price I can get anything from exclusive, unreleased singles to merchandise to a cool DVD. Receiving bonus material with an album is the same as a serial shopper finding a liquidation sale, it is overwhelmingly gratifying. Especially at a time where money is tight for many young people, value for money is crucial. Bonus content on deluxe products are essentially rewards given to the fan. It is the artist’s way of saying thank you for the support. Whether it is a previously unreleased track or a remixed version of a song, it is something that is extra, something exclusive. I will continue to purchase deluxe products and am confident that I am not alone!
Related articles
- Nirvana~Nevermind Super Deluxe Edition (itsabstworld.com)
- A special deluxe version of U2′s Achtung Baby on the way (muzicmagazine.com)
- The Who – Quadrophenia “Director’s Cut” Super Deluxe Box Set (musicbyday.com)
