It's Not the Words, it's the Feeling?

It appears as though a good place to start would be with the obvious: The Digital Trend.

Is it a trend?
Is it the Future?
Is it the end of the way it was then,
Since you now do it on your computer? [I will rhyme periodically].

Well, according to some it is the Future, and record companies had better step up and quit whining about the 'good old days'... or else! Some spry entrepreneur, like another Mark Zuckerberg, might sweep away what's known, with his own!

Here's an article from The Guardian [online]:

"Music Industry Struggles to Make Digital Leap of Faith"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/jan/31/music-industry-digital-midem

It is truly a brave new world out there, and I'm sure we'll soon meet the genius who will define our accepted consumer interface for music. Is it iTunes? Is it ReverbNation? Is it Facebook?

I'm full of questions, just out of the gate. I guess though, if that Guardian article is proved correct, the issue to focus on is a shift from "content" to "experience." How will we "experience" music in the days to come? How do you experience music now? Why don't you like it the way it is and how will you be convinced there is something better for you? I personally like vinyl the best, the intimacy of DJ'ing a 45rpm session. For portablity, I enjoy the odd MP3, but lament the poor audio compression techniques of today in the face of massive digital storage potential.

This program [Cubase 5.5] I'm using, allows me to create a digital stereo FULL SURROUND experience that could probably only be fully enjoyed on a decent surround sound system or a home theatre. Why isn't that the Future? Pop in my Blu-Ray album and kick back to the most realistic sound imaginable, while your 1080p HDTV magically transforms into a cozy fireplace or a window to some tropical beach....?

Well, the answer to that probably rests in remotest of African villiages; on a Chinese cellphone; or an Indian radio station; or on the latest gadgit in some ice-road trucker's cab up North. It only seems to catch on if everyone is able to reach it. I don't even have a 'full-surround' sound system (in fact, I'm not even totally sure that's really how you refer to one). Truth is, I'm one of the many - one of the 'just-getting-by' out there. I can't afford Law School, so what's in it for me in this new world of digital licencing and brand-building? What is the common denominator? Is it as simple as 'supply and demand'?

Another key question I hope to cover soon is "can I do it all myself?" The word 'experience' is a close etymological cousin to "experiment," so I'd be wise to start getting my feet wet and test out some of the free online resources that claim to be tailored for me... I'll let you know how goes.

Good luck out there,
~The Shoestring Troubadour.

Welcome...

Welcome to my WEB-LOG!
(I still think 'Blog' sounds like something you do after drinking too much)

Here, I will attempt to keep you posted on many of my music business-based epiphanies.

The music industry is a big and complicated machine to me, full of bits and pieces I don't fully understand, yet. I'm a musician and composer from Ottawa, Canada, and I love all kinds of music. I love learning about music too, so I've enrolled in the Algonquin College certificate program "Digital Music Production," with hope that it might shed light on the murk and mystery of the industry, marketing, and let's face it - money making. Who wouldn't want to get paid to do what they love? I ask.

I'm on a budget, and am interested in the 'do-it-yourself' route to music-fuelled subsistence. I guess that's why I'm learning to use programs like Cubase 5 and taking courses that develop my 'production value' [pun intended]. Showbiz has always seemed to require financial resources I'm sure we've all only dreamed about. But maybe not anymore...

This is the 'digital' age, after all, and the potential for self-innovation and marketing online appears limitless. Have we finally arrived at the point where the balance between talent and money can finally be levelled?? I sure hope so.

I am The Shoestring Troubadour. Let's see what's out there!