Robert Johnson Singer and Blues Guitarist

Years later, Johnson baffled British Invasion guitar heroes like Keith Richards and Eric Clapton, who originally thought there must have been a second—and maybe a third—guitarist on his solo recordings.

Almost as seductive as Johnson’s playing is the harrowing supernatural myth—full of hoodoo hexes and a supposed deal with the devil—that surrounds his life. “Hello Satan, I believe it’s time to go,” he sang in “Me and the Devil Blues,” and the assertion is still chillingly, utterly believable, Johnson eventually died from poison, said to have been administered by a jealous husband. The singer-guitarist was only 27 years old.

RANDALL RB35DT Bass Amplifier

Randall’s RB35DT is a thumping 35-watt bass amplifier with a highly regarded 12-inch Randall Jaguar speaker. Features include sweep control active inputs, compression and a double tuned cabinet enclosure for enhanced performance. Approx used amp price: $50 - $75 (if one can be found)

Note: The Randall RB 35 is an rare amp and quite hard to find.

DOD TEC series Processors

DOD has dazzled us with two righteous pedals in its TEC Series of multi-processors, the AcousTEC and VoTEC. The AcousTEC was designed with the acoustic guitarist in mind and features a more responsive analog compressor, three band EQ with boost/cut capabilities and effects that include chorus, flange and 12-string emulation. The VoTEC was designed exclusively for vocalists, allowing them to manipulate their vocal effects on stage in real time. Effects include pixellator, ring modulator, telephone, megaphone and vocal distortion. Both pedals come with factory presets and have user-definable program spaces. Approx used gear price: $10 - $25

ERNIE BALL Music Man Axis Sport Guitar

Ernie Ball’s Music Axis Sport guitar is now available with a Music Man MM90 vintage-style soapbar pickup that is designed to deliver the classic soapbark sound. The Axis Sport features a 25 ½ inch scale, 10 inch radius neck and Ernie Ball’s patented silent circuit. The guitar is available in both standard bridge and tremolo models. Approx used gear price: $600.00 - $800.00

By Dan Gillogy

It was 1996. Life was good. I was working a lot. My wife and I were expecting our 4th child. I had set up my own jingle house after freelancing as a session cat for years. I went out on my own after I had gotten fired from a theater gig I had had for 10 years.  We had done a few spots.

But basically all our work came from one or two clients. I was not good at cash flow management and I was spending more than I was making. And I was making well over a 100 G’s.

I also had a lunch time gig at a restaurant which held us over in between contracts. They were paying me $700 for around 10 shifts a week. In retrospect it was crummy money but it was paying the bills.

My first CD was out but sales were beginning to wane.

Then one day - I remember it was a Friday - two things happened. Our major jingle account let us go. They said they were going in another direction. When I went into my restaurant gig, I was immediately called into the office and told, over the phone by the owner, “You’re making too much money. Go home and don’t come back.”

It was at that point that I swore I would never be in that situation again. I would learn everything I could about building a business so that I wouldn’t put my wife or kids through that ever again.  I could have taken a straight job. But the evidence to me was overwhelming. I had skills as a player and a writer. But that didn’t mean a thang.

The Music Business is Two Words. You’ve got to treat it like a business or the world will eat you up and spit you out.

I eventually found a gig teaching music. It didn’t pay very well but I was able to take on private students after school. I lasted three years teaching at that school before I was able to bring in enough from private lessons to leave. I then built a teaching studio which I sold 2 years later for a handsome profit. How did I do it?

I treated it like a business. And the most important ingredient to all successful businesses out of all the business skills is Marketing.

Sure you’ve got to know how to sell. And yes you need to know how to deliver the goods and services. But Marketing is any business’ life blood.

I heard a story once about a high profile CEO. He was shocked when reading the yearly profit and loss statements to see that the independent contractor who was doing all the marketing was getting paid more than anyone in the corporation - including the CEO.

So Big Boss called Marketing Guy onto the carpet and asked him to explain himself. Marketing Guy says, “Yes, it is true. I get paid very well for what I do for your company. But also take a look at all the sales I have brought in since you hired me. Without me you would be up that proverbial creek without a paddle.”

The CEO could not dispute the numbers. Perplexed he looked into the Marketing Guy’s eyes who continued, “You can have all the contacts and all the networking and the best sales skills and staff in the world. But without me bringing in new leads, you’re useless.” Leaning in closer he whispered in Big Boss’ ear and said, “But I won’t tell anybody.”

There are so many keys to a thorough marketing plan that is was difficult to list them all or go into them in much detail here. So consider this an overview.

Follow these points and you will see a definite increase in profits in 6 months - sometimes less.

1) Use an easy to remember name that still conveys the main benefit of your band, CD, recording or distribution company.

When I was in college there was a bar we used to go to all the time after class. It was great bar. Peanut shells on the floor. Juicy hamburgers and quarter beer night every Tuesday. It was the perfect place to blow off a night partying so I wouldn’t have to think about doing homework. But the name was simple and easy to remember. The bar was called DILLIGAF’S. It was an acronym for an easy to remember phrase.

Great name. Easy to remember and it served its purpose.

Major corporations can name a product and build brand name recognition around it. You and I don’t have time or the money to do that.

Stop and think. What about the first image that pops into your head when you read these two names: Crisis Records or Rusty Chain.

Name your company something simple, to the point and useful. Save you’re your rapid creativity for something useful like writing great songs. When it comes to business, K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid.

There was a keyboard player on our circuit called Lonesome Don. The name seemed to work. He was never without female companionship.

How about the blues guys’ names? Does anyone remember Piano Red? Who could forget him? With a name like that there was no mistaking what he looked like or what he did.

I would rather have a simple name like Catchy Tunes for my music catalog company. Don’t keep ‘em guessing. Get to the point so when they finally find you, they will know exactly what you stand for and what your purpose is.

The 1970s was probably the first decade in which the cynicism of a generation was widely reflected in the popular culture and music of that generation. Like most decades, musically the ‘70s could be divided up into five year periods; the first years saw the rise of the influence of indie band the Velvet Underground and a shift away from bubble gum rock of the ‘60s; the Beatles broke up and suddenly everyone was experimenting.

In the garages of the United States and the United Kingdom, kids were figuring out just what the hell they really COULD do with their guitars and their electronic equipment, not to mention a pissed off voice. While the United Kingdom turned out some synthy stuff, the States and several bands in the UK were much more focused on the do it yourself grind that punk music offered. The indie ethos was thus created through the actions of the proto punk bands; they separated themselves from their cultural norms through their outward appearances as much as their music. Richard Hell, the Ramones, and in the UK the Sex Pistols all had their roots in the indie movement, and several of them never left the scene behind. Once again, indie was to have a huge influence on popular, although in the case of punk the major labels would not pick up on the fervor until the latter half of the 1990s, when (just as in the ‘70s) annoying music again ruled the day.

Another indie development in the 1970s was the creation of progressive rock. Now, this rock was totally at odds with Beatles, Byrds, and all the other peaceful music of the ‘60s. It created its sound using a full range of instruments, and was just as experimental as the electronica movement of the 1990s. Unlike punk, though, progressive rock was to catch big label attention early in its development, and made the jump from indie to “scene” relatively quickly. In fact, a big part of the growth of punk was in reaction to the commercialization of prog rock.

New Wave was the third form of music to develop on the indie scene, and like progressive rock it was quickly usurped and mutilated by labels, who would sign anyone with any connection to the true sound. This type of music was pretty much right in between punk and prog; experimental and edgy at the same time. In fact, some of the most influential artists in the New Wave movement are still cited by label successes such as U2 today; Elvis Costello was known for his pointed lyrics, and Blondie was perhaps the most well-known band of this era (although today they are labeled as disco in many ignorant quarters). Sire Records and Stiff Records were two of the major players in the indie market in the ‘70s.

Of course, when a new sound is created, sooner or later someone will capitalize on the potential money. When the big labels came knocking, it was the Clash and the Cult that answered the door; their New Wave sound was the newest hit on radio in the early ‘80s and signaled the end of New Wave as far as indie scene followers were concerned.

What an astoundingly awesome singer she is too; she more than deserves to be artist of the month for her breathtaking track ‘Still Your Girl’ Her voice literally gives me goosebumps which, other than men in suits/uniforms and/or a sharp breeze, hardly ever happens.

On her bio, it’s says that Sharon’s work…

‘… has haunting melodies reminiscent of Evanescence and the grittiness of blues singer-songwriter Joss Stone, Sharon Paquette showcases a voice that exhibits rich tonal confidence. Her fresh and honest lyrics cut the soul and breathe new life into relevant themes of hope and perseverance’

And I agree! Except for the Joss Stone bit; to be honest, I think Sharon is in a class above Ms Stone if only for the sophistication of her vocals and the fact she doesn’t have to have her head surgically removed from her own sphincter region every morning.

Sharon has the book learnin’ to go with her awesome talent too… before pursuing her singing career, Sharon studied voice, classical singing, music theory, and composition at the University of Windsor. She later taught these things herself at a school in Ontario as well as tutoring song writing workshops.

So, we’ve established that she’s got an amazing voice, an awesome band, excellent technical abilities, writes beautiful lyrics and has a face so pretty it makes angels weep… why then is Sharon not at number one all over the world? Well, the music biz is a fickle mistress but we at IGiggIt have no doubt that Sharon will be a global superstar very soon.

Her tracks are available from her own website and on iTunes so it won’t be long a’comin!

Congratulations Sharon and please do keep providing us with your music; it’s like auditory crack so hook us up soon!

That’s it for now but don’t forget to tell your friends about IGiggIt and just how freakin’ wonderful we are… because we are.

I’ll be back soon with a review of one of our upcoming auditions so until then, let’s be tuneful out there kids, and let’s never eat yellow snow or play chicken with a real chicken; they’ll win every time. Also, never get into a stranger’s van unless the nice man offers you sweets or has a real cute puppy.

Lynn

G’day, bienvenue and so on! It’s great to see so many new fans and new artists on site, so from us all here at IGiggIt! thank you for joining us and for supporting the cause of bringing class A new artists to the listening world.

It’s also great to know that there are so many uber talented musicians out there and that new and original music isn’t dead; it’s just been in a coma for a really long time but it’s out there waiting to be discovered and with the help of you beautiful fans, we can put new artists on the music map. IGiggIt! is still finding its feet but we’re getting bigger every day and as we all know, size does matter, regardless of what your girlfriend might tell you.

You, my dear friend, are in on the genesis of a new music world. Welcome to the revolution! You - the fans - collectively form the spermatazoa that are just waiting to rush into the new musical eggs - that’s you artists - to produce a new generation of audiologically beautiful babies. We at IGiggIt! are the test tube that these babies are going to grow up in, so add your genetic fingerprint to the future of sound by spreading the word about IGiggIt!

One leedle thing though - you need to vote for the artists to make any impact. It’s spiffy that you guys are coming to IGiggIt! and checking out the artists but remember to vote on the tracks. It’s only by seeing who gets the most votes that we can move the artists forward on IGiggIt! So, in the words of the Sugarbabes, push the button and let me know before I get the wrong idea and go… Yeah, I know that was lame but you get the point right?

Anyway, back to business. I thought we might put the old virtual spotlight on one of our Upcoming Auditions for this month, and yet again, I’m truly amazed at the quality of some of the artists and their tracks.

One of my favorite’s this month is Steve Q with his awesome track, Comin’ Down. This tune sends me to a place where the sun shines, the beers are cold and the air is redolent with a sense of Emilia carried on a warm breeze. Yes, it’s that good! It’s the kind of tune that in ten years time will be on one of those CDs that compiles the all-time best driving songs. By then, Steve Q is going to be bigger than a big thing, mark my words. How he isn’t giving Kid Rock a run for top spot in the album charts already is a mystery to me.

Steve Q’s real guitars, real drums and real heart have put this song on top of my personal top ten this month.Steve’s voice is a treat to the ears and it would be just plain wrong to deny your own ears a chance to vibrate to his melodious oral explusions. I love big words. I do.

So, if you like Comin’ Down as much as I do, vote for it! If you don’t like it… well, you’re probably clinically insane but hey, you’re still entitled to an opinion - I guess - so either hit the GiggIt! button if you love it or the DawggIt! button if you don’t.

Steve has lots of upcoming gigs in and around Florida so if you can, go see him. Tell him I said hi and have a beer for me!

Til next time my children, be good and if you can’t be good, be bad.

Lynn - IGiggIt! Junkie

The Lynn Effect

I havent promoted the site much but just enough to get a few bands and fans here to test the functionality.  traffic has been small and with the exception of a few adds on craigslist and a myspace page, I haven’t done any promotion-then Lynn came along.  As you see below, traffic is almost vertical since her first post here.

hmmmm…who is Lynn?

IGiggIt! Junkie or International Woman of Mystery?

Her song, ‘Materialistic’, has received the most iGiggIt! votes this month, SO… who is Dakota Wade and what’s she about?

Well, I’ll tell you… because I’m just that kind to you, you crazy iGiggIt kids!

Dakota is, incredibly, only sixteen years old, but her music belies that fact. Dakota has been recording her own music since she was nine years old, so she’s already a seasoned professional. In 2007, Dakota won first place in the American Idol Underground song competition with her entry entitled, ‘Mistake’.

Since then, she’s played live venues all over LA, Hollywood and California, and I would bet a limb or two that we’re going to be seeing Dakota going global before long. Her already prestigious career is spiraling ever upward with the release of her self-titled album, ‘Kota’. Dakota co-wrote three of the tracks on her album with Danielle Brisebois, who co-wrote and produced Natasha Bedingfield’s huge hit, ‘Unwritten’ as well as her new single, ‘Pocketful of Sunshine’.

The Dakota/Danielle collaborations have been produced by Wayne Wilkins who’s worked with artists such as Natasha Bedingfield, Leona Lewis, Keri Hilson, Michelle Williams and Girlicious to name but a few.

Dakota’s sound is redolent of artists of the evolved Britney Spears kind; that is, with pop at the heart of the proceedings but demonstrating a seminal growth within the genre that takes her music from the merely ‘catchy’ to the sophisticated. There’s mercifully no sign of the tendancy of some comparable artists to write lyrics that merely rhyme, regardless of whether they make sense or not.

For someone of Dakota’s age to demonstrate the level of commitment and, let’s face it, business sense, to achieve all that she has at just sixteen makes us here at iGiggit! think that she’s going to be bigger than a big thing and demand audiences – and the appropriate revenue – of the Beyonce, Rhianna, All Saints and Gwen Stefani ilk.

Not an easy feat given the wealth of artists who dither on the edges of the music business until they are just too old to dither any longer without a zimmer. Mind you, being on the rock scene with zimmer frames hasn’t stopped the Rolling Stones, but they were well established before their back’s gave out… they just ask their groupies to go on top these days. Those young enough to do so without medical support hose are just as eager to worship at the altar of rock success as they were back in the day.

However, this iGiggIt groupie does not believe Dakota will dither on the edge of anything; she is as Venus ascending and her star will burn bright for a very long time, provided she doesn’t go the way of the Winehouse and the Spears and become so famous, so rich, so fast, that she loses her way.

I doubt that she will to be honest. She has those most rare qualities in a young and talented artiste; a sensible attitude and a determination to achieve via ACTUAL effort. She’s not been mass produced or spewed out of some indeterminate cloning factory somewhere out near Area 51… the kind of organization that specializes in the production of bimbettes who have breasts larger than their IQs.

It has to be said that luck always plays a part in the fall or rise of any new artiste, but the lady in charge of luck seems to have been smiling down on Dakota, and long may she. With a talent the size of Dakota’s the only time luck has been required to play a part is in putting her in the right place at the right time. It’s done well and Dakota Wade will continue to do so. Put money on it, take it to the bank… whatever euphemism for ‘guaranteed winner’ you prefer, they will all apply to Dakota.

Take care ’til next time my children, and hey, let’s be tuneful out there!

Lynn - IGiggIt! Junkie and Audio Slave