Gighive still needs some more tweaks that are in the works. A new artist profile is being setup for indie artists to utilize. The site will be up and running soon!! Stay tuned...

By Editor Noe Pacheco

Independent artists need to purchase their own Web site domain name. This is imperative for indie artists, because the link to their site is what they need to employ in order to utilize search engine optimization.

For example, their Web site link needs to be posted on other Web sites, forums, blogs and message boards. Basically, this is similar to posting flyers all over the cities where they are playing shows. Every flyer seen and picked up is another potential fan that the band attracts.

By applying this method, indie artists are strengthening their page rank status, according to search engines. The artist's Web site is more likely to be on the first page of searches when a person types in the artist's name in a search engine such as Google, or Yahoo.

By Editor Noe Pacheco

Photo by David Williams (Ryan performing in Chicago)

Nashville, Tenn.'s, Matthew Ryan, has had a prolific journey as an independent musician who has kept moving forward. Ryan's latest release, Matthew Ryan vs. The Silver State, received rave reviews.

Recently, the indie musician released his single, Some Streets Lead Nowhere, and is preparing for a tour in Italy. I had a chance to ask Ryan about his tour and projects moving forward...

GH: You're working on a new album, right. How is that goin'?
 
MR: Well, right now, I'm writing and recording as I go. I want this next record to be dealing in an almost nuclear intimacy. Probably a bit rawer. I have a lot on my mind lately. So far it's a beautifully apocalyptic collection of love songs. I've always liked Everyday Is Like Sunday by Morrissey. So, on some level, that song is the measure for these next songs.
 
GH: Is this a self-funded album?
 
MR: I've decided that labels don't have the best interests of art in mind. So, my manager and are are completely dismantling our "label" relationships in the US. However, we'll probably stay with One Little Indian in the UK. They're a great bunch of people, and I think because of Bjork's involvement, they continue to stand by artists and their work.
 
GH: Do you have a certain "sound" you are going for on this new album? 
MR: I want the next record to sound like this picture.

Not because it's a picture of me, but because it could be a vivid conversation with anyone.

The first ever music directory and social network, Gighive.com (Beta), will be launching November 24, 2008.

Incorporating an independent artist blog, The Buzz, Gighive will provide indie artists with a voice. Gighive will also provide an innovative artist profile to its layout. The site will prove that it is more than just a social network.

By Editor Noe Pacheco

Battling with years of constant negativity, N.K. will release his newest CD today, Branded By The Struggle, which is filled with tracks of the indie rapper trying to overcome his negative experiences.

"I was always in the streets tryin' to get money for [my family]," N.K. explained. "Now I hang with stars, but I'm still strugglin', you know?"

"No amount of money can change what I have been through as a boy to a young man, and even now that I am a grown man, things I had to do in the past to survive are still around. So that's the album name, Branded By The Stuggle."

N.K. has been working on the album for 5 years and received some help producing during the making of the CD.

"I produced 75% of [Struggle], but I also got production [help] from Justice "Big Jus" Johnson (DMX, Mya), N.K. said. "I also got co-production with Rush Money Productions out of San Diego and Ren from No Gimmicks."  

By Mike Doney

Photo by Mark Winkley

I recently had the chance to chat with Matthew Thomas Dillon, the London-based musician more commonly known as Windmill, about his debut album and tour, as well as some new material in the works for 2009.

With his unique, utterly distinctive vocals and prodigious songwriting ability, Windmill recently released his debut album, Puddle City Racing Lights, in the U.S., more than a year removed from its original release in the U.K.  Born and raised in the small town of Newport Pagnell, Windmill rose from the ashes of Dillons Son, joining indie label Static Caravan, before eventually signing with Melodic Records.  In the midst of finishing up his U.K. tour for PCRL, Windmill has been tirelessly working on new material for the sophomore album, Epcot Starfields.

By Editor Noe Pacheco

Innovation is the one word I would use to describe Obscure Belts' line of designs. Founded by sculptor, Bryan Schultz, Obscure Belts has become one of the most creative belt buckle lines to come out in recent years. 

From the tweaked out rotating design of the Dial to the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics of the Osiris buckle, Schultz has shown his wide range of inspirations for his art.   

"I have always liked mechanical devices, architecture, scuplture, and drawing," said Schultz. "I think that constantly observing the world I live in inspires me to create new art."

Provided by Big Picture Media

Synchronize your watches (I’ve always wanted to say that) to tune in to The Gunz Show this Sunday at 8pmEST. Click here: www.idobiradio.com (top right hand corner) to hear Lauren Ianuzzi hang with Gunz while he plays two of his favorite tracks off her upcoming EP. Coheed and Cambria will also be special guests on the show that evening…it is not to miss!

Also- Lauren Ianuzzi is Playing Manhattan’s Lower East Side on Tuesday, 10/28 at 8:15pm / The Annex – 152 Orchard Street. See you there!

Visit www.laurenianuzzi.com for more information about the indie artist.

By Editor Noe Pacheco

An independent band is ready to market themselves by touring after: putting a core band together, rehearsing new music, and recording music for a CD, or an EP. Selling products during a tour such as t-shirts, CD's, stickers and other marketable products are essential for a band to do to fund the project.  

Booking shows can be an impossible thing for an indie band to do if the band do not know the best way to grab a club promoter's attention. Promoters and club owners generally book in advance, so it is imperative that a band contacts them months, maybe a year before touring.

Bands need to create flyers/postcards, and send them out constantly. Not just to different promoters, but repeatedly to the same promoters. Sending a flyer to the same promoter should be done every month or so to let them know you are serious about the opportunity, and to get them to remember your band.

Provided by Big Picture Media

Florida indie rockers Copeland officially released their latest You Are My Sunshine on Tooth and Nail Records. The full album is currently being streamed on AOL Music's CD Listening Parties.

Copeland is kicking off a US headlining tour in Carrboro, NC on October 21st, 2008 spanning the country from the east to west coast. Lovedrug, Lydia and Lights will support.

Matthew Ryan's newest single, Some Streets Lead Nowhere, is available on iTunes. An interview with the indie musician will be posted next week. Here is an indie video for his latest single with lyrics.

Provided by Big Picture Media

Florida indie rockers Copeland officially release their latest You Are My Sunshine today on Tooth and Nail Records. The full album is currently being streamed on AOL Music's CD Listening Parties.

With songs like the guitar-driven "What Do I Know" and the ethereal tinges of "Good Morning Fire Eater," You Are My Sunshine bursts with that bright hook Copeland has been longing for since they set out to make music eight years ago. The gossamer epic beauty of "Not So Tough Found Out," one of the many standouts featuring the dramatic vocal delivery of Wisconsin-bred songstress Rae Cassidy Klagstad, nicely culminates Copeland's desire in keeping the message of the album an individual matter.

Additionally, the band is being featured today as Spin.com's Artist of the Day, revealing a new single "Should You Return." Copeland is kicking off a US headlining tour in Carrboro, NC on October 21st, 2008 spanning the country from the east to west coast. Lovedrug, Lydia and Lights will support.

Visit www.thecopelandsite.com for more information about the band.

By Editor Noe Pacheco

Independent musicians who try to find managers, booking agents, and publicists through Myspace, Facebook, and other social networks, need to be aware of people who will approach the band to try and take advantage of them.

The person who is promising promotion and shows could ultimately be a scam artist who just wants the artists' money. The scammer more than likely used to work for a major label.

"The labels have been cutting staff for a few years, and a lot of those people are now on the street working freelance as "agents," "A&R consultants," "managers," and other job titles," stated Robert Arthur, who is the Business Manager for the indie band Northern Room.

By Editor Noe Pacheco

Due to the resignation of lead singer, Andrew Jonathan, Northern Room has decided to part ways after 4 years as a band.

The indie band is scheduled to perform Nov. 8th at Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wisc., which will now be their farewell performance.

The band thanked their fans for all of their support through out the years in a statement sent by the band.

Northern Room does have a new single called, Blacklight, which will be available in the next few weeks. They did mention that new music, which was in the middle of the recording process could be available by the end of the year, as well.

The indie band also stated, "We would like to end the way a rock band should: on a stage, in a hall filled with screaming fans. So, we invite you to join us at Turner Hall Ballroom on Saturday November 8th to share one last night together, as we celebrate four wonderful years of Northern Room."

Tickets for the show are available through the Turner Hall Ballroom box office and online.