Is the Music Industry dying?

6. Music. This is one of the saddest parts of the change story. The music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading. It's the lack of innovative new music being given a chance to get to the people who would like to hear it. Greed and corruption is the problem. The record labels and the radio conglomerates are simply self-destructing. Over 40% of the music purchased today is "catalog items," meaning traditional music that the public is familiar with. Older established artists. This is also true on the live concert circuit. To explore this fascinating and disturbing topic further, check out the book, "Appetite for Self-Destruction" by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary, "Before the Music Dies.

My mother forwarded me an email that included the above excerpt. As a music lover since birth, it struck a chord with me. My musical taste has changed over the years and I've always had a great admiration of those with the talent to write, sing or play music that can touch the souls of so many different people. I always wanted to voice like an Olivia Newton-John, play an instrument like Sheila E (don't laugh! She's one hell of a percussionist), and write music as artful & introspective as Tori Amos. I unfortunately wasn't born with any of these talents, but my love of music continues to grow... And, in my car, I put on a heck of a performance.

Personally, I turned to country/rock because of the "auto-tune invasion" of pop music. At first, I loved it mixed into a song or two... But then one day it was all that I heard on every radio station programmed into my radio. I reached beyond my dance music comfort zone and embraced country after seeing a few artists live... Their voices were raw, real and their own. People were playing instruments... No pre-recorded vocals or sound machines. Those that write their own music impress me the most, but sometimes a singers voice is strong enough that it doesn't matter. My only issue is when a country artist remakes a song made popular in another genre as recent as 5 yrs ago, but it works for some. Not all will embrace country/rock but for me it brought me back to my #1 stress reliever. Music will always understand what I'm going through, even when I don't. Music will always offer me a smile, when it seems there is nothing left to bring me joy. I can't be the only person that feels this way?

My wish would be for the music industry to stop with American Idol type stars... Pay attention to those that are busting their butts being original and aren't trying to appeal to the masses. When those "against the grain" types are given to the public we love them. Stop telling us what we should like and give us a choice.

To those that don't want music to die... Go to a show at a small bar/ venue! It's the best way to show you still feel something for music... Good music... Real music. Buy a full cd of an artist you like live. Artists, give a song or two away on your websites to get new people to listen to your music. Let's help breathe life back into music by supporting it from the ground up...

Toby Keith @ Mansfield, MA Sept 17, 2011

If you have never seen Toby Keith in concert, country music lover or not, you are missing out on an adrenaline rush. This man knows how to get your heart pumping, feet tapping and American Pride pulsing. He has been overlooked time and time again, but to his fans he will always be the Entertainer of the Year. I know personally, I won't miss his show in Boston and if I had the cash I'd probably see him in Maine, NH, CT AND Boston. He tends to sing his fan favorites throwing in a new song or two for his annual new release (his new cd Clancy's Tavern will be out in October). He know his crowd is there to party and he throws the best party around. He laughs, gets raunchy and delivers his songs perfectly. Some think he forgets his words - if you've been to enough shows, you know he changes the words to be a tad raunchier than the mainstream release. He brought the summer concert season to a fantastic close. I know my friends and I were wondering how it was over so soon and wish it had gone on for at least another 2 hours. He had his typical Ford advertisement video that preceded his entrance... people have called this years video cheesy and yes, I can see that... but being a dog lover I truly enjoyed the innocence of the dogs (ha innocence). Then with two loud explosions Bullets in the Gun was in full effect. He had his Easy Money Band stand with him and in some ways the band is as popular as Toby to the fans. This weekend's show was more energized than last year's show. He was feeling the crowd and the crowd was feeling him. He changed up the videos that play on the big screen behind him - which was refreshing to those that see him every year (though in all honesty who's watching the screens?). Toby sang most of the faves - As Good As I Once Was, I Wanna Talk About Me, Who's Your Daddy, How Do You Like Me Now etc. He also handed the mike over to Mica Roberts, his backup singer who really does have a voice that is worthy of a solo career, but in true fashion... many talented people are overlooked by younger, boppy singers that shouldn't be famous. She rocked out a version of Lady Marmalade and I personally felt she out-sang Christina Aguilera's (& the others) remake. Toby was later joined on stage by Scotty Emerick and they sang some of Toby's infamous bus songs such as Weed With Willie, The Taliban Song, Get Out of My Car, Ballad of Balad... some people may find these songs offensive, but seriously - if you truly listen to them they are always a bit tongue in cheek and if you still have your sense of humour you will enjoy them. Based on a poll of Toby Keith Warriors an oldie but goodie was also added to the setlist - Toby thrilled crowds with that one chosen slow song Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine On You. He explained how he sang this when he use to open for Reba. One of the other fabulous things about Toby - his voice is always as solid as on cd - if not stronger because his passion for the party shines through and when he hits a slow song - his voice is pure and sincere without ever losing that testosterone that makes women long for him and men want to sit back and drink a whiskey with him. In Toby Keith Tradition, he closed with American Soldier & Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue - always my favorite part of the show and I still get goosebumps. He pulled up 2 Navy Sailors in addition to 2 other guys (we assume they were Military but not sure what branch). They held flags and sang along with Toby. Being from a military town, formerly working with DoD contractors, etc - it always makes me proud that someone makes a point to remembers them. This is why I will always support Toby... in addition to great music, he's an ideal American and people could take a page from his book and learn to respect our Military despite their personal feelings on a war. These are still men & women putting their lives on the line for us - whether we agree or not. Thank you Toby for always remembering that. As much as I wanted to see J.T. Hodges I, unfortunately, missed his short 20 minute set - glad I saw him in VA and feel confident he rocked his show. I was unfortunately selling 3 tickets (because my friends and I decided to upgrade) and had to wait for the people purchasing those tickets to show up - they got stuck in traffic. I did speak to people sitting around us that agreed he was a solid performer and they commented he deserved to perform longer. After J.T., Eric Church performed. He really gets the crowd up and moving - he's not my preferred Toby opener, but the crowd does seem to get energized with him - so he's doing something right. I personally find him to be too "angry" as he thumps his chest. He did sing my personal favorite of his releases Smoke A Little Smoke and he does sound great live. MY issue is purely his stage presence.

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Broken Records sits down with JT Hodges

James Wesley Friday, Sept 16, 2011

James Wesley @ Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill Foxboro, MA, a photo by vacshell on Flickr.

We drove down to Foxboro, MA to see James Wesley at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill.  It was also my first time at Toby's bar - there was a 2 hour wait... we were starving since we came after work and had a tad over an hour drive.  So we stalked a table... we knew that kids weren't allowed in for the show and there were 2 families at a table in the bar.  We stalked that table like Blake Shelton hunting deer. Drunk and obvious. Yes.

There was a contest to win tickets to see/meet Toby at this show the next evening.  There was a girl that came in wearing a hoodie and red heels.  Every one was trying to figure the outfit out... well the more she drank the hoodie became unzipped and off.  She was wearing a Wonder Woman costume under the hoodie.  I may add, no one else was dressed in costume... there was plenty of red, white and blue... but you knew she'd win... she was nearly naked! So not expected at a James Wesley show.

James came on and began singing Rooster. He sounded as pure and strong as usual. He has such a rich voice that has a "traditional country" sound - yet his music is pretty much that "new country" style. He's very appreciative to his fans and it shows through every time he performs; he's truly one of those guys you just want to see succeed because he's so genuine & talented. Many sang along with him to Real & Didn't I.

For the first time ever, he had cds available to be purchased. This was thrilling for those that have seen him many times and have been longing for more than the 3 songs that have been available on iTunes. He stuck around to autograph the cds and chat with his fans.
The set list he performed is as follows:
Rooster
How Much Do You Love Me
Mama Tried
Jackson Hole
Real
Silver Wings
Sea of Heartbreak
I Ain't Running Trouble Down
You Should be Here with Me
Julie
Fast as You
Walking Contradiction
Didn't I
Folsom Prison

You should definitely check him out - buy his songs on iTunes or see him live. He's worth the money.

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Eric Church with Toby Keith

Eric Church is performing tomorrow night before Toby Keith. This is my personal favorite of his hits. Hope you'll be there tomorrow night with him... drinkin' a little drink... maybe in a red cup ;)

JT Hodges - Opening for Toby Keith

JT Hodges is opening for Toby Keith (& Eric Church) this weekend in CT and MA.

You should make an effort to see his performance. I've seen him once and he was amazing! The few people there, because they were all tailgating and not there for the openers - I get it, were blown away! We were all talking about how amazing he was. Trust me, tailgate early to make time to get into the show and see JT Hodges. He's worth it - and ladies, he's pretty hot... trust me - go early!

I will be there early and rockin' out to him on Saturday in MA... hope to see the place packed for him!

James Wesley will be performing @ Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill (Foxboro, MA)

Friday, September 16, 2011 James Wesley will be taking the stage at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill in Foxboro, MA.  It will be my first time going to TKILTBG but not my first time seeing this up and coming country singer.  The first time I saw him was at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston opening for Joe Nichols.  I had never heard him nor his hit Real. But his charming, unassuming personality and amazing voice coupled with his smile that makes you feel as if you are his friend... I knew I had to immediately download anything I could find of him.  I am looking forward to seeing him this Friday and hope to have new video/pictures to post here... but for now please enjoy his latest single Didn't I.

And if you haven't seen him live, but want a sample...  here he was singing Shake it Off at Hard Rock Cafe in Boston - Sept 2010.

Congratulations to Jake Owen!

Jake Owen has his first #1 song with the summer hit Barefoot Blue Jean Night.  If you are from the south this describes almost all of your summer weekends.

A truly appreciative Jake Owen called fans after the release of his most recent CD (Barefoot Blue Jean Night - also reached number 1 iTunes Country albums) via Twitter.  I was slightly envious since I was at work when the fun started and wasn't able to throw my number out there! That's ok... a lot of fans had their days made by a very charming and deserving Jake Owen.

Country Strong Movie Clip "Give In To Me" Official (HD)

I finally watched Country Strong today... I knew the gist of the movie, but I didn't expect such a tear jerker.  I had little desire to see the film, but noticed it on one of my movie channels, so I DVRed it since Gwyneth Paltrow received so much praise for the film.  I think the lesser known stars, Garrett Hedlund  (Beau) and Leighton Meester (Chiles), completely stole the movie.  They were fabulous in their roles and their voices were far superior to Gwnyeth's.  Don't get me wrong, Paltrow had a nice voice, but rather bland in comparison to Garrett and Leighton, except of course on the song that was released under the name of the film, Country Strong.  I do really believe of all the stars (excluding Tim McGraw, of course) Garrett Hedlund is the one that should be considering a singing career.  He perfectly portrayed his character and had the talent to back it up.