Years ago, music fans would gather in little record stores to get excited over new releases, buy vinyl/cd’s, wonder over amazing artwork etc, but these days with the number of record stores and even big chains like HMV in decline, the boundaries of the internet is limitless and it is social networking that has risen to meet the demand of music lovers worldwide. 

The rise of sites such as Soundcloud and music clients such as Spotify have made it so much easier to discover and have access to new music, and older music for that matter. At the click of a button you are opened up to a world where you can pretty much find anything you are looking for instantly, and therefore be connected to similar artists and building the whole experience even further. 

In particular, this has been incredibly effective when it comes to unsigned bands trying to get noticed and get their foot in the door. Gone are the days of the MySpace revolution, these days more and more bands and artists now use the likes of Twitter and Facebook to promote themselves and bypass traditional media. Using such site breaks down the barriers between fan and artist and allows for interactivity on a more human level, rather than leaving the feeling of being untouchable. And it is not only effective for new artists, but has helped more established groups etc gain a whole new level of relationship with their fans. 

The rise of bands becoming more independent is getting bigger by the second. Major labels are happy to give one album deals to the next big thing, or TV talent show bands but what about smaller bands? How are they meant to make it? Since starting in 2009, Pledge Music has helped well over 1000 bands/musicians raise millions toward projects. It all works by artists setting themselves a target of what they want to raise in order to fund an album or a tour, and the fans pledge whatever amount they choose to make it happen. 

You may be familiar with the story of Ginger Wildheart and his amazing success with his triple album project through Pledge Music last year, we have certainly featured it well on LTMDTT. Well now he has a new project in the works that is doing even better, and it has been inspiring for other bands to get out there and try it for themselves. Our friends from Home Grown Rock, Voodoo Vegas are set to release their debut full length album, all funded through Pledge Music soon, and many other newer bands starting out are getting great success using this tool also. 

Choosing this route to promote yourself really brings music back to the old DIY ethos and echoes the mindset of the Punk era. Bands don’t necessarily need major labels now, using fans money and engaging with them directly means a wider choice for music lovers. 

I won’t even begin to touch on the debate of illegal downloads and the effect that has on the music industry, that is a whole other story of it’s own maybe another time, but in regards to this, illegally downloading music can be very harmful for new bands trying to make it which is why many begin by giving away music for free. 

I guess the point i am trying to get to here is that music is completely evolving, always changing, as is the way we consume it. But it seems that with the internet taking over, it is now even more important for the fans to be as much a part of this as the bands are. Whether that be funding the music, promoting the band, going to gigs and interacting with them on social networking sites, it is down to us to do our bit to get music out there. 

So do your bit, get involved, get consumed and keep music alive! Let us know your thoughts and experiences, get in touch! 

For more info on Pledge Music please visit http://www.pledgemusic.com/ where you can also find info on both Ginger and Voodoo Vegas’ projects. 

Caris Smith

As you may well have noticed, we have been featuring unsigned British bands on behalf of a new organisation under the name of Home Grown Rock. Set up by 2 rock & roll enthusiasts, Lisa and Lisa are investing their spare time into promoting those great underground bands for no profit.

With a residency arranged at the legendary 100 Club, they have arranged several line ups of the best the British have to offer. The first taking place on the 11th of August showcasing 5 brilliant, bluesy groups.

We have put together a little playlist of all those bands, check them out, and then get your tickets!

Bournemouth based Voodoo Vegas are the last of our features for the first upcoming Home Grown Rock gig at the 100 club this August!

Jam packed with blues riffs and slide guitar, Voodoo Vegas have tapped in to that classic rock n roll foundation that is so compelling. With riffs reminiscent to AC/DC, Lawrence Case’s gravelly vocals sit perfectly on top with a charismatic tone similar to that of Cormac Neeson in track King Without A Crown. With the influence of blues rock greats such as Aerosmith, the sliding tones of So Unkind are so irresistible that you can’t sit still. Their blend of catchy drum rhythms, blues hooks, captivating vocals and a snarly edge draws you and leaves you wanting more.

Another great unsigned UK rock act, show your support by heading to the 100 club on 11th August for a night of brilliant new bands!