The Rise and Fall of The Music Industry

We are at Defcon 1.

When the highest volume music store in the USA closes down, what's to follow?
When it only takes 62,000 units sold of a CD to reach the #1 spot, we have a problem.

The Virgin Megastore in Times Square has been a focal point for in store cd release performances, and the epicenter of all music store sales in New York City and the USA. With the ever failing business model of Major Labels, and the Economic status of America, it was no surprise to hear that this store would be closing. And not only this store but the San Fransisco Virgin Megastore is also closing in April as well. And it's all due to album sales. Album sales are down 45% since 2000. So, it's no wonder that the stores are closing. It was Tower Records a few years back, and now Virgin. The bigger they are the harder they fall.

So, the biggest question is: What will fall next?

With downloads up 27% from just 2 years ago, the new model shows who's next to take the plunge, Major Labels. A study showed that music downloads will grow at an annual rate of 23% and by 2012 they will surpass all CD sales.

So, what does a band have to do to get ahead in this business?

Well, you'll just have to wait and see.

Shows in March

By now you've noticed our myspace has gone through some changes. We now have live shots from the Crash Mansion show which were taken by our great friend and also amazing photographer, Laura. To see more of her work go to myspace.com/lauraphoto

We also did a photo shoot, which I'm sure if you're readin this, you've seen the how to post for a band photo shoot. Make sure you send that over to all your band friends, that way everyone's photos all look exactly alike, and we will have accomplished our goal.

Next, SHOWS!!!! We are playing two shows in March. Sunday the 8th at Rebar in Dumbo Brooklyn. And Saturday the 21st at Trash Bar In Williamsburg Brooklyn. All who have seen us, come check out both shows, they will be a bit different then what you have seen in the past. The 8th we will be playing as a full acoustic band. All our songs will be reinterpreted into varies styles of music. So, the songs you may know will be a bit of a surprise when you see us oplay them on the 8th. And the 21st at Trash Bar we should have several new songs completed and ready to be played for your listen pleasure.

Look forward to seeing you all at the next two shows.

- Cruz

How to do a Band Photo shoot in 5 easy steps.

How to do a Band Photo shoot in 5 easy steps.


Step #1: The Look
First you need to make sure you have a group of three to five incredibly hot yet rugged guys. If in the case you are a band with a chick lead singer, make sure she has a ridiculous hair color, or is tougher than nails, in a, "Hey look at me, I'm sexy, but if you get too close I'll bite your head off" kinda way.


Step #2: The Look....again
Now that you have you're band members, you need a look. The best way to go about this step is to go to the most vintage thrift shop or indie clothing store. Buy all matching outfits. Now by matching we don't mean four black marching band coats, however this look has and will always work again and again. More so, buy a bunch of jackets, striped shirts, leather jackets, sun glasses too big for anyone's head, and lastly, boots. And also it's good to color coordinate. I mean, who doesn't LOVE matching outfits? Not you.

Step #3: The Look....and hold
Ok, this is the most important of all the steps. You need to start practicing right now. Go to the mirror. Are you there? Perfect. Look at yourself and make a face that says, I am the coolest person ever. Say to yourself, I am sexy, but I am WAY serious about music. Say to yourself, I rock harder than anyone, but I'm also love-able. Great, now practice that for about 6 hours a day, and in a week you'll have it down, and you can move on to step 4.

Step #4: The Location
Did you have a great week of getting the "Look" down? Fantastic, now you're ready to find a location. Here are a list of places perfect for what you're going for.

Alleyways
Rooftops with city views
Open fields
Industrial areas
Anything brick
Anything artsy that says, we are way more indie than you.

Those are just a few, but get creative, maybe you should take one in you're parents living room, I mean it's right there.

Step #5: The Shoot
The shoot is the least important of the steps, but it's necessary. We all know how much you enjoyed growing out some facial hair, and not washing your hair for a few days. And it's obvious you loved going to the thrift stores and looking like a band who shops together. Also don't forget that you've become a pro at making sexy faces, we all know how much thought you've put into quiting this whole "band" thing and starting a career as a model, but.....it's time to do this shoot. So, go to your location with a digital camera, prop it up and put the timer on. Everybody hold that face..........and flash.

Done. You can photoshop anything you don't like.

Hope this was helpful to all.

-Cruz

Emergency Broadcast System

This is just a test. If this were a real emergency and not a test, you would be informed.