Brisbanite Ben Salter is releasing his debut solo record sometime soon. Doing these things on a musician’s wage can be difficult sometimes. As I see it, the cost of production far outweighs the money reaped from sales, something local musicians have to come to terms with early, I wager.
Salter is employing an interesting approach. People can pre-purchase the album which go to production costs and they get a nice souvenir and record credits.
He writes:
This is not a charity.The way it works is, if you pay the price of an album ($25) now then when it’s finished (in July 2011, all going to plan) you’ll get the signed album on CD, a link to download it, a badge and sticker, a shout out in the credits, plus a bonus, limited edition EP of stuff that I’m going to record specially for this campaign. If you donate more, you’ll get a variety of different ‘perks’, as listed on the right here: t-shirts, Vinyl, A2 prints, private shows, tickets, garden gnomes*, nude photographs**.. your money’s worth basically, and more. Plus all contributors of $50 or more will see a donation made to the World Wildlife Fund and RSPCA on their behalf to help out kitties great and small. Isn’t that sweet? You just pay in advance, instead of once it’s out, and as a result I don’t need to borrow money, you get a warm inner glow and everyone’s happy.***
A few weeks back I talked about local mathematics rockers Mr. Maps launching their first record Wire Empire at The Alley. Well, Mother Nature put a dent in that plan and the great flood of 2011 meant that the gig had to be cancelled. But fear not, my friends!
The gig has been rescheduled and is happening tomorrow night at The Alley with Skinny Jean and Doom Doom and Grids/Units/Planes. I believe this will also be the last show featuring keyboardist Chloe Cooper who is moving on from the band. Sad face, indeed.
In the spirit of supporting this local group of ever so cool musicians, here is a preview of the record found on youtube. I believe this is on Wire Empire and is called ‘Tennis Party’.
Aberfeldy are a band from Edinburgh, Scotland. They write a cute folksy pop songs about a range of typical subjects – such as love, intergalactic space stations and vegetarian restaurants. I had ‘Young Forever’ on at work the other day and remember how much I enjoy this song.
Alpine are from Melbourne, signed to Ivy League Records and released their debut EP in late 2010. They sound a bit like a lot of bands going around nowadays, dream pop music is in fashion. They sound a bit like Australia’s version of The XX.
I was talking to Phoebe from the band last week for Rave Magazine (forthcoming). I particularly like this song off the EP, especially the chorus.
The flood has ruined most of my life the last two weeks. While I’m lucky enough to still have a house, my work has been chaotic. I now have to catch up two weeks work as fast as humanely possible because my office was in the flood fall out zone.
Anyway, in local news, awesome local rock group HITS have put out what I believe is their first video clip. I’ve embedded it below, so enjoy.
*ps. I actually wrote this the other day and forgot to publish. My bad.
Brisbane electronic act RE:ENACTMENT have a brand new song called SCRAPS available for purchase and download. Apparently it was written/recorded during the floods themselves.
Proceeds go to the RSPCA and helping out little guys doing it tough in the post-flood Brisbane. Like the guy pictured above. Think of it, if you don’t buy it, this doggy MAY DIE.
Well, well, well. In addition to Flood Bank, another bunch of musician types are getting together to put on a concert for the benefit of flood victims. This one features is a bit of a super-star lineup, with Custard and Screamfeeder apparently reforming (again) for presumably a one off show in support of those in need. They’re joined by Regurgitator, Kate Miller-Heidke, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Gentle Ben & His Sensitive Side and Little Scout.
Wow, thats a pretty stellar lineup.
Anyway, its all going down February 6 at the HiFi in Brisbane, and tickets are available January 18 directly from the HiFi. Cost is $35 I believe.
Also, good news for Mr. Maps fans, they’ve rescheduled their Wire Empire opening gig to February 12 at the Alley. Details via facebook.
Ahh, I’m a sucker for this type of breezy pop music. My Norwegian friend Lisa sent me a few tracks from Norwegian pop band The Margarets, a group allegedly named after a house cleaner. They remind me a bit of The Byrds, Big Star and The Posies, and nestle quite comfortably in that 1990s vein of pop music. This song in particular is a highlight. Undeniably upbeat and positive, how can you not help but feel more positive?
Despite talking about some interesting gigs happening this weekend, the flood has meant that some have been called off.
Kitchen’s Floor at Woodland was cancelled for obvious reasons.
Mr Maps album launch for Wire Empire is now postponed.
Undead Apes at Burst City tonight seems to be cancelled (boo!).
Apparently, so long as Burst City has power, the Blank Realm/Feathers gig will go ahead tomorrow night. Highly recommended.
Otherwise perennial PLOASD favourite, Bonfire Nights, are supporting We All Want To at Rics Cafe tomorrow night.
Also, it seems Mt Augustus will be performing at Browning Street Studios tonight.
Brisbanite Ben Salter is releasing his debut solo record sometime soon. Doing these things on a musician’s wage can be difficult sometimes. As I see it, the cost of production far outweighs the money reaped from sales, something local musicians have to come to terms with early, I wager.
