This is an example of the speed of P2P downloading. The video is sped up, but it is typically a 3 minute process. Set to the tune of Crown on the Ground by Sleigh Bells.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Oh the things we learn...
The more I researched P2P file sharing, the more I began to reach a peculiar conclusion that not everything is as black and white as it seems. People seem to understand that the entire process is immoral; seriously, it’s theft. But why is the Web community, especially those that understand the reprehensive nature of the entire ordeal, continuing to download music in greater abundance?
The simple answer to this is that the accessibility of music downloads is increasing, and the methods of downloading are becoming elementary. It is merely point and click. And since an individual can maintain a sense of invisibility in the Web, people take advantage of the obscurity and become immersed in the world of file sharing. Another factor is, as mentioned in the previous blog post, the artists’ desire to reach a massive public without going through a particular publishing company. File sharing is the perfect approach for this. But is this attraction enough to propagate innocence?
P2P file sharing grew like wildfire when the Digital Millennium Copyright Act was passed, which brought about the MP3 revolution. Since the occurrence of the MP3 format, which sufficiently reduces the size of audio files, people have exceedingly uploaded music into file sharing software such as Limewire, Ares, Kazaa, and Soulseek. These allowed the user to download music files in a matter of seconds. But soon after these programs were established, torrent files began a wave of new downloading techniques. Through torrent sites such as Mininova, Suprnova, isoHunt, and the infamous Pirate Bay, the public was able to download full length albums in a matter of seconds without any ramifications whatsoever. To do this, they used client software such as BitTorrent and uTorrent. Thus began the popularization of the seeder and the leecher. The seeder is the individual that uploads the files, while the leecher is the person that downloads the files and immediately cuts off his communication with the rest of the download/upload traffic. In the internet world, the leecher is the enemy, while the seeder is praised by the P2P community. But from a legal standpoint, the seeder is guiltier, since he is distributing the files at a massive rate.
Whether you’re a seeder or leecher, downloading is still illegal. But why do we have such an increasing rate in the number of file sharers? The answer is obvious. The anonymity of the internet provides a safe haven for users and people are beginning to think, with evidence to back them, that music downloading is not as detrimental as it was first sought to be. Maybe not, but the final effect still remains to be seen. Sharers should at least exhibit wariness; for the sake of integrity, and for the sake of music.
The simple answer to this is that the accessibility of music downloads is increasing, and the methods of downloading are becoming elementary. It is merely point and click. And since an individual can maintain a sense of invisibility in the Web, people take advantage of the obscurity and become immersed in the world of file sharing. Another factor is, as mentioned in the previous blog post, the artists’ desire to reach a massive public without going through a particular publishing company. File sharing is the perfect approach for this. But is this attraction enough to propagate innocence?
P2P file sharing grew like wildfire when the Digital Millennium Copyright Act was passed, which brought about the MP3 revolution. Since the occurrence of the MP3 format, which sufficiently reduces the size of audio files, people have exceedingly uploaded music into file sharing software such as Limewire, Ares, Kazaa, and Soulseek. These allowed the user to download music files in a matter of seconds. But soon after these programs were established, torrent files began a wave of new downloading techniques. Through torrent sites such as Mininova, Suprnova, isoHunt, and the infamous Pirate Bay, the public was able to download full length albums in a matter of seconds without any ramifications whatsoever. To do this, they used client software such as BitTorrent and uTorrent. Thus began the popularization of the seeder and the leecher. The seeder is the individual that uploads the files, while the leecher is the person that downloads the files and immediately cuts off his communication with the rest of the download/upload traffic. In the internet world, the leecher is the enemy, while the seeder is praised by the P2P community. But from a legal standpoint, the seeder is guiltier, since he is distributing the files at a massive rate.
Whether you’re a seeder or leecher, downloading is still illegal. But why do we have such an increasing rate in the number of file sharers? The answer is obvious. The anonymity of the internet provides a safe haven for users and people are beginning to think, with evidence to back them, that music downloading is not as detrimental as it was first sought to be. Maybe not, but the final effect still remains to be seen. Sharers should at least exhibit wariness; for the sake of integrity, and for the sake of music.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Othello's: perfect advice...
Once again, opportunities are presenting themselves for artists in the Norman music scene. In this case, local restaurant and music venue Othello’s is in the spotlight.
During these slow summer months, Othello’s is particularly busy booking shows for the fall season; not to mention their attempt at “scouting” artists through their open mic night, beginning August 26. This is a fantastic opportunity for local artists to get involved and make connections with people of similar aspirations. Othello’s is constantly working with the Norman music community to bring people together into the city’s nightlife.
Othello’s is located on the north side of Campus Corner, where there is an abundant amount of other venues and businesses. Throughout Othello’s 37 year presence in Norman, many musicians have come and gone through its doors. In recent memory, these performances include acts such as Travis Linville and Mike Hosty, two of Norman’s most powerful musical performers. Three to four nights per week, Othello’s provides a variety of live music. Through booking agent Charlie Rayl and JFR Productions, any ambitious young artist can attempt to work themselves into an opening set on a particular performance night, though it is recommended that most musicians begin by playing the open mic nights.
“A lot of people starting out playing open mic night have been booked by Charlie,” Othello’s assistant manager Jessica Stewart said. “It’s a good place to start.”
Essentially, Othello’s is the most musically diverse venue in Norman. They secure well recognized artists on a consistent basis, and still provide time slots for the zealous artists. It is a perfect combination for a successful music venue. If music is your dream, Othello’s is the perfect place to start. Stewart provides three strategies that are perfect for anybody, not just musicians, who are pursuing a goal.
“Stick with it, don’t be a pussy, and show up,” Stewart said.
During these slow summer months, Othello’s is particularly busy booking shows for the fall season; not to mention their attempt at “scouting” artists through their open mic night, beginning August 26. This is a fantastic opportunity for local artists to get involved and make connections with people of similar aspirations. Othello’s is constantly working with the Norman music community to bring people together into the city’s nightlife.
Othello’s is located on the north side of Campus Corner, where there is an abundant amount of other venues and businesses. Throughout Othello’s 37 year presence in Norman, many musicians have come and gone through its doors. In recent memory, these performances include acts such as Travis Linville and Mike Hosty, two of Norman’s most powerful musical performers. Three to four nights per week, Othello’s provides a variety of live music. Through booking agent Charlie Rayl and JFR Productions, any ambitious young artist can attempt to work themselves into an opening set on a particular performance night, though it is recommended that most musicians begin by playing the open mic nights.
“A lot of people starting out playing open mic night have been booked by Charlie,” Othello’s assistant manager Jessica Stewart said. “It’s a good place to start.”
Essentially, Othello’s is the most musically diverse venue in Norman. They secure well recognized artists on a consistent basis, and still provide time slots for the zealous artists. It is a perfect combination for a successful music venue. If music is your dream, Othello’s is the perfect place to start. Stewart provides three strategies that are perfect for anybody, not just musicians, who are pursuing a goal.
“Stick with it, don’t be a pussy, and show up,” Stewart said.
Controversy: P2P...
Discrepancy of opinion is continually being exposed as the main focal point within the internet calamity that is P2P (peer to peer) file sharing. Though most platforms of mass media are routinely downloaded illegally, the illegal downloading of music is the only category that bolsters arguments regarding integrity.
P2P downloading is becoming a popular method of media theft among the more competent internet community. In this, the most sought after media files are certainly music. The illegal file sharing of music was once unanimously considered detrimental to the music society and the artists, but since the process continued and was never fully ceased, more and more scrutiny is presenting itself as to whether or not the result is as harmful as people think. The increase in music downloads has culminated into a greater demand for music uploads, and seeders (file distributors) have certainly met this demand. As greater number of people download, the arguments have shifted toward the idea of free music distribution, and it is not simply the public that feels this concept is agreeable. Artists and musicians are beginning to realize that illegal downloading is becoming a great way for new music releases to garner more notoriety at a much quicker pace. This concept is the basic objective of the internet: instant access. Though numerous lawsuits have been issued due to this controversy, people are showing no sign of giving up file sharing. In the past, the majority of people voiced their concern with illegal music downloading, but, since the results have not clearly presented themselves as expected, the Web community is now beginning to embrace this opportunity.
Aspiring musicians and bands especially enjoy file sharing for both its effectiveness in amassing popularity and its ideal design to reach a limitless audience, though, this viewpoint is not specified to developing musicians. Artists that have already maintained a proven status in the music scene have not gone without making their opinions noted. For instance, Radiohead, a still very popular band that peaked in popularity in the mid-90s, released their seventh studio album, In Rainbows, in 2006 as a free music download. For timeliness sake, Eminem’s new album, Recovery, has been one of the top illegally downloaded albums since its release on June 21. The album has also been the number one selling album since its release as well. Eminem has maintained the number-one-seller status in the debut week for six consecutive releases. This has not been done since the Beatles, and Eminem’s entire career has been immersed in the world of illegal file sharing.
On the other side of this spectrum still lie those that are against P2P file sharing, and those that tolerate it. These two are best kept together, since they have become few and far between. The illegal downloading of music is in no way innocent. It is illegal for a reason. Mostly, file sharing affects the record companies, production companies, and music stores. While artists still have the ability to obtain revenue from live performances, music businesses have no other means of profit other than album sales. Companies are constantly looking for alternative methods of production. Since the reemergence of popularity in the 12-inch vinyl record, artists have begun issuing and reissuing new and old albums alike in the vinyl format. As people begin to buy into this and invest in new, auxiliary-cable friendly record players, vinyl sales are starting to make up to 50 percent of a store’s total revenue. The power of nostalgia is truly great.
Accordingly, the industry has not been hit hard by lack of sales. People are still buying CDs and vinyls, including the individuals that download them. But it is still important to maintain a cautious eye over the entire process of P2P. The controversy over file sharing is not going to end any time soon. Though it seems that, as a majority, we have fallen to an opposite stance on the issue in comparison to a few years ago, it could be that we have not seen the legalities that were promised. Take notice, because these could be coming very soon.
Below is an interview with Jarrod Church, assistant manager at Hastings Entertainment in Norman, Oklahoma. In this clip, he talks about the effects of illegal music downloading and how it affects his store. I will later post the interview in its entirety in which he addresses album sells versus vinyl sells, the future of the music business, the need for oversight into peer to peer downloading, and complete thoughts on file sharing with complete commentary. Very interesting stuff.
P2P downloading is becoming a popular method of media theft among the more competent internet community. In this, the most sought after media files are certainly music. The illegal file sharing of music was once unanimously considered detrimental to the music society and the artists, but since the process continued and was never fully ceased, more and more scrutiny is presenting itself as to whether or not the result is as harmful as people think. The increase in music downloads has culminated into a greater demand for music uploads, and seeders (file distributors) have certainly met this demand. As greater number of people download, the arguments have shifted toward the idea of free music distribution, and it is not simply the public that feels this concept is agreeable. Artists and musicians are beginning to realize that illegal downloading is becoming a great way for new music releases to garner more notoriety at a much quicker pace. This concept is the basic objective of the internet: instant access. Though numerous lawsuits have been issued due to this controversy, people are showing no sign of giving up file sharing. In the past, the majority of people voiced their concern with illegal music downloading, but, since the results have not clearly presented themselves as expected, the Web community is now beginning to embrace this opportunity.
Aspiring musicians and bands especially enjoy file sharing for both its effectiveness in amassing popularity and its ideal design to reach a limitless audience, though, this viewpoint is not specified to developing musicians. Artists that have already maintained a proven status in the music scene have not gone without making their opinions noted. For instance, Radiohead, a still very popular band that peaked in popularity in the mid-90s, released their seventh studio album, In Rainbows, in 2006 as a free music download. For timeliness sake, Eminem’s new album, Recovery, has been one of the top illegally downloaded albums since its release on June 21. The album has also been the number one selling album since its release as well. Eminem has maintained the number-one-seller status in the debut week for six consecutive releases. This has not been done since the Beatles, and Eminem’s entire career has been immersed in the world of illegal file sharing.
On the other side of this spectrum still lie those that are against P2P file sharing, and those that tolerate it. These two are best kept together, since they have become few and far between. The illegal downloading of music is in no way innocent. It is illegal for a reason. Mostly, file sharing affects the record companies, production companies, and music stores. While artists still have the ability to obtain revenue from live performances, music businesses have no other means of profit other than album sales. Companies are constantly looking for alternative methods of production. Since the reemergence of popularity in the 12-inch vinyl record, artists have begun issuing and reissuing new and old albums alike in the vinyl format. As people begin to buy into this and invest in new, auxiliary-cable friendly record players, vinyl sales are starting to make up to 50 percent of a store’s total revenue. The power of nostalgia is truly great.
Accordingly, the industry has not been hit hard by lack of sales. People are still buying CDs and vinyls, including the individuals that download them. But it is still important to maintain a cautious eye over the entire process of P2P. The controversy over file sharing is not going to end any time soon. Though it seems that, as a majority, we have fallen to an opposite stance on the issue in comparison to a few years ago, it could be that we have not seen the legalities that were promised. Take notice, because these could be coming very soon.
Below is an interview with Jarrod Church, assistant manager at Hastings Entertainment in Norman, Oklahoma. In this clip, he talks about the effects of illegal music downloading and how it affects his store. I will later post the interview in its entirety in which he addresses album sells versus vinyl sells, the future of the music business, the need for oversight into peer to peer downloading, and complete thoughts on file sharing with complete commentary. Very interesting stuff.
Open mic opportunities...
Michelangelo’s Coffee and Wine Bar has been providing Norman artists, young and old, with countless opportunities to begin their musical endeavors.
As a fair amount of Norman musicians seek that headlining spot on the various stages throughout the city, most of the local ambitious artists are looking for a beginning point. Michelangelo’s accommodates these individuals best by presenting singer-songwriters with a nonexclusive stage and a chance to break out of the proverbial reluctant bubble.
Michelangelo’s has a medley of beneficial scenarios that fresh local musicians MUST engage in. Of these, the most pertinent to the inexperienced artists are the once-a-week to biweekly songwriter’s open mic night, and the conventional open mic night that is held every Thursday. The songwriter’s mic night is a union of sorts that enables artists to exhibit their songwriting skills for the examination and critique from fellow composers. This allows the artists to expose their prowess to an audience of both fresh and experienced musicians.
In addition to the songwriter’s organization, Michelangelo’s also provides the stereotypical mic night every week. This night is perfect for those musicians that are just getting their feet wet in the Norman music scene. Michelangelo’s is trying its best to provide inexperienced artists with a venue to polish themselves musically, Michelangelo’s clerk Kristin Schimmel said.
It is the responsibility of Norman musicians to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity where he/she can learn the ins and outs of performing to a select audience. Michelangelo’s provides the perfect platform for the practicing artist.
Norman production...
In recent years, there has been a substantial growth of recording businesses within the Norman music scene.
Gradually, Norman musicians are being provided the critical opportunity to get their music onto that much coveted 120 millimeter compact disc, and it is the upstanding Norman music lovers that are indulging these artists.
More and more recording studios and music labels are establishing themselves in Norman. For artists, this means that more and more possibilities are being implemented. Through local studios such as the tiny hole in the wall that is Blackwatch Studios
and Chris Harris' Hook Echo Sound, and labels like Nice People, musicians are being aided in areas where they typically lack either the knowledge or the equipment to record their sound.
Hook Echo Sound is the perfect example of the music businesses’ contribution to an embracing group of musicians. Chris Harris, Hook Echo’s producer, collaborates with local record stores like Guestroom to hand over a band or artist’s EP or LP recording.
The businesses then sell the music to their customers, which garner publicity for the artists.
Though this is just one of many methods Norman musicians have to gain attention, it is most certainly one of the more important. It is an unbelievable asset for musicians to have the backing of studios and producers that are so devoted to a local audience.
Gradually, Norman musicians are being provided the critical opportunity to get their music onto that much coveted 120 millimeter compact disc, and it is the upstanding Norman music lovers that are indulging these artists.
More and more recording studios and music labels are establishing themselves in Norman. For artists, this means that more and more possibilities are being implemented. Through local studios such as the tiny hole in the wall that is Blackwatch Studios
and Chris Harris' Hook Echo Sound, and labels like Nice People, musicians are being aided in areas where they typically lack either the knowledge or the equipment to record their sound.
Hook Echo Sound is the perfect example of the music businesses’ contribution to an embracing group of musicians. Chris Harris, Hook Echo’s producer, collaborates with local record stores like Guestroom to hand over a band or artist’s EP or LP recording.
The businesses then sell the music to their customers, which garner publicity for the artists. Though this is just one of many methods Norman musicians have to gain attention, it is most certainly one of the more important. It is an unbelievable asset for musicians to have the backing of studios and producers that are so devoted to a local audience.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Austin Ray Interview...
Austin Ray Emge is a musician local to the Norman music scene. He has performed at popular music venues around the Norman and Oklahoma City metropolitan area, and is consistently earning that much needed notoriety. He moved from Durant to Norman two years ago to pursue his dream of a music career. Gradually, he is meeting his aspiration.
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Sunday, June 20, 2010
If you are a musician attempting to thrive in the Norman music scene, the most effective way to perform to larger audiences is to book shows at Norman’s most popular venues, the Deli and the Opolis.
The Opolis and the Deli are two Norman music venues that take pride in their contribution to the young local music culture. They are known to frequently provide fantastic opportunities for local musicians to expand their music to a bigger audience.
The Deli, located just north of the University of Oklahoma campus on the north side of Campus Corner, is a 21 and up bar that has amassed an outstanding popularity with the Norman citizens. The bar provides live music every night of the week, and the crowds consistently get larger. The Deli requires musicians to send in a demo tape if they are interested in performing. The Opolis, however, makes their performance selections typically by word of mouth. If a particular band is gaining notoriety or their name is being tossed around throughout the various Norman venues, the Opolis will generally pick up on this and look further into the band’s legitimacy. While the Deli seems to be the popular music setting for the public, the Opolis has primarily obtained the most recognition from artists.
“The Opolis does a great job of making us feel at home, especially with the free beer and pitas and hummus,” bassist Zack Reeves said. “I won’t say we gorge, but we gorge.”
“The Opolis is probably the most credible Norman venue for musicians,” musician Austin Ray said. “If you’re good, you’re going to play there.”
Although these are merely two of the music venues in Norman, they are certainly the most praised. If a Norman artist finds his or herself performing in one or both of these places, then they are surely one step closer to a fun musical pursuit.
The Opolis and the Deli are two Norman music venues that take pride in their contribution to the young local music culture. They are known to frequently provide fantastic opportunities for local musicians to expand their music to a bigger audience.
The Deli, located just north of the University of Oklahoma campus on the north side of Campus Corner, is a 21 and up bar that has amassed an outstanding popularity with the Norman citizens. The bar provides live music every night of the week, and the crowds consistently get larger. The Deli requires musicians to send in a demo tape if they are interested in performing. The Opolis, however, makes their performance selections typically by word of mouth. If a particular band is gaining notoriety or their name is being tossed around throughout the various Norman venues, the Opolis will generally pick up on this and look further into the band’s legitimacy. While the Deli seems to be the popular music setting for the public, the Opolis has primarily obtained the most recognition from artists.
“The Opolis does a great job of making us feel at home, especially with the free beer and pitas and hummus,” bassist Zack Reeves said. “I won’t say we gorge, but we gorge.”
“The Opolis is probably the most credible Norman venue for musicians,” musician Austin Ray said. “If you’re good, you’re going to play there.”
Although these are merely two of the music venues in Norman, they are certainly the most praised. If a Norman artist finds his or herself performing in one or both of these places, then they are surely one step closer to a fun musical pursuit.
The best opportunity for Norman artists...
The Norman Music Festival provides the Norman music scene with a committed method for striving, young artists to jumpstart their musical ventures.
The festival is typically held during a weekend in April, beginning Saturday evening and running through Sunday night. This allows those certain ambitious artists to select a spot within an approximately 20 hour timeslot of free music. All these individuals would have to do to perform is bring their instruments and find an open space on the street or sidewalk.
This year, the festival provided Norman citizens with 14 main stages that were carefully organized throughout the blocks following Main and Gray streets between Porter and Santa Fe avenues. Each of these stages had roughly 10 bands playing on each stage throughout Saturday and Sunday. Essentially, the festival has 140 bands performing within a 48 hour time period. It becomes a competitive endeavor for bands to obtain a headlining spot in the festival. Of the bands that headlined the stages, Deerpeople was among the most popular; as they accumulated a large gathering of people in Norman’s popular music venue, the Opolis.
“The audience was amazing, packed to the walls, and a little intoxicated,” Deerpeople bassist Zack Reeves said. “We got a great crowd response, and people were stuffed in there from front to back. It was one of the most fun crowds we’ve ever played to. Norman was super good to us.”
The Norman Music Festival has proven to be the elite music festival in Oklahoma. Local bands and musicians have a fantastic opportunity to perform, connect, and achieve that much needed notoriety. When the festival lineups begin to be confirmed, it is crucial that artists jump in to obtain that feature lineup spot.
Photo contributed by Zack Reeves
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Musicians, look no further...
In the past year, an increasing amount of aspiring bands and musicians are obtaining good fortune in the music industry through Guestroom Records in Norman, Okla.
Guestroom, a two store syndicate located in downtown Norman and northwestern Oklahoma City, has been assisting eager artists in their musical endeavors by providing free ad space and consignment. Bands seeking notoriety are welcomed into Guestroom. Here they can drop off promotional fliers for upcoming shows and CDs to earn cash. Guestroom then contributes all the money made off these albums back to the band.
Travis Searle and Justin Sowers, the cofounders of Guestroom Records, began their musical business in two individual record stores, Shadowplay and CD Zone, located just north of the University of Oklahoma on Campus Corner. After shutting down these establishments, Searle and Sowers opened Guestroom Records in Norman, and later expanded to Oklahoma City.
If the musical incentives are not enough for the ambitious Norman musician, Guestroom additionally collaborates with the Opolis and the Deli, two very popular Norman music venues, to steer talented bands for show-booking at these sites. Furthermore, Guestroom has begun to issue their own record label, which many bands, such as the Starlight Mints, Rainbows Are Free, the Boom Bang, and Gangstar Museum, have committed to, Searle said.
With various music organizations collaborating to develop their homegrown talent, the Norman and Oklahoma City metropolitan area is gradually becoming the powerhouse in the Oklahoma music scene. With exceptional establishments like Guestroom, this endeavor will be achieved in no time.
Guestroom, a two store syndicate located in downtown Norman and northwestern Oklahoma City, has been assisting eager artists in their musical endeavors by providing free ad space and consignment. Bands seeking notoriety are welcomed into Guestroom. Here they can drop off promotional fliers for upcoming shows and CDs to earn cash. Guestroom then contributes all the money made off these albums back to the band.
Travis Searle and Justin Sowers, the cofounders of Guestroom Records, began their musical business in two individual record stores, Shadowplay and CD Zone, located just north of the University of Oklahoma on Campus Corner. After shutting down these establishments, Searle and Sowers opened Guestroom Records in Norman, and later expanded to Oklahoma City.
If the musical incentives are not enough for the ambitious Norman musician, Guestroom additionally collaborates with the Opolis and the Deli, two very popular Norman music venues, to steer talented bands for show-booking at these sites. Furthermore, Guestroom has begun to issue their own record label, which many bands, such as the Starlight Mints, Rainbows Are Free, the Boom Bang, and Gangstar Museum, have committed to, Searle said.
With various music organizations collaborating to develop their homegrown talent, the Norman and Oklahoma City metropolitan area is gradually becoming the powerhouse in the Oklahoma music scene. With exceptional establishments like Guestroom, this endeavor will be achieved in no time.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
One SOP (sense of place) and one PWOP (portrait w/o a person). The tree is located in a wooded area just outside my apartment complex. The limbs had been cut down on only one side, though I have no idea why. The album cover couch describes my personality fully. From the banjo to guitar to NYC and Bob Dylan. Not to mention Jeremy the frog chillin' in the background.
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