u2 to perform at mtv ema

U2, one of the greatest rock bands of all time, will perform at the 2014 MTV EMA this Sunday November 9 at 9pm!

nine inch nails on acl

The Public Broadcasting Corporation (PBS) has a gem in Austin City Limits. The 40th anniversary of the show started off with a performance by Nine Inch Nails.

eleven fifty two

On October 17th, 2014, Eleven Fifty Two will take the stage at Rascals Live in Moline. The band released their first EP, titled The Company in August of 2012. This was released on iTunes, Rhapsody, and Amazon.

Their new EP is Day After Day and features two songs I particularly like: Fail and Push.

Fail has slashing guitar riffs and a machine gun like motion that excites this song through every note. Push reminds me of old Metallica right off the bat with a cutting edge that's unforgettable. I'm anxious to them live.

Promote your mixtape at ReverbNation.com

sonic highways

Rock musicians, as a rule, have a terrible time explaining why certain bands or artists influenced them and why they wrote a particular song. It's not their fault because so much trial and error goes into their creativity. Inspiration comes from both without and within.

Dave Grohl is, at least, somewhat of an exception. He explains the process of why he recorded a particular song, and where his lyrics came from. When I mention "where" in this post, I mean "where", as in location.

Grohl's new HBO series Sonic Highways is partly an extension of Sound City, a tribute to where he recorded Nevermind with Nirvana.

He wanted to make a new Foo Fighters album in a new way. So much so, he forced himself to find the "new" way. Each episode of Sonic Highways follows the progress of a new song. Unique for sure.

Grohl put it this way, "You have to know your past in order to know your future." Sonic Highways gets personal and that is what makes it special.

The series begins in Chicago and episode #2 is in Washington, D.C., an integration of Dave and his growing up in suburban Virginia.

Sonic Highways debuts Friday, October 17th at 11 PM Eastern on HBO.

mars electric reunion

Rascals Live was the place on Saturday, October 4, 2014 for a spectacular evening. The Mars Electric Reunion Show took place and it was absolutely phenomenal. A super audience was on hand and the performance was excellent. Jacob Bunton was on his game along with Chris, Carl, and local favorite Matt Finn.

Jacob Bunton

Matt Finn

Carl Ray

Chris Simmons

Photos by Mark Detl

mars electric

On Saturday, October 4, 2014 Rascals Live in Moline, Illinois will be hosting a special treat, The Reunion Show for Mars Electric. This band will feature Matt Finn, a founding member of Mars Electric and now the drummer for Divebomb.

Doors open at 9 PM. Show starts at 9:30. Special guest: Drama Major - $10 Cover.

Matt Finn

According to the Mars Electric Facebook Page, the band was first known by the name of Wish in 1995. They signed with Atlantic Records in 1997 and recorded an album but it wasn't released because Atlantic dropped them from their roster. In 1999 they signed with Columbia Records an released their debut record Beautiful Something. 

The band consisted of Jacob Bunton - vocals and guitars, guitarist Michael Swann who was replaced by Chris Simons in 1997, Carl Ray Hopper - bass, and Matt Finn - drums. They toured with Stone Temple Pilots, Motley Crue, Live, 3 Doors Down, Nickelback, Vertical Horizon, Alice Cooper, and Papa Roach following the album's release.

Mars Electric broke up in 2000. Bunton put together the band Lynam, which went on to sign with Atenzia Records in Sweden.

Learn how to put a song on itunes at ReverbNation.com

divinion and old man's curse

The Missipi Brewing Company was the place for a phenomenal show from two very distinct bands.

Missipi Brewing Co. - 107 Iowa Ave. - Muscatine IA

Friday, September 26, 2014 Divinion from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Old Man's Curse from Muscatine showed exactly what they were made of. There was plenty of great rock music to go around for everyone.

Old Man's Curse is from Muscatine. They consist of Dave Smith - vocals, Mark Wagler - guitar, Steve Kisner - bass, and Sean Dorton - drums. They are fantastic. Their cover of The Doors' Break On Through (to the Other Side) was glorious. Their blend of songs was appealing and I highly recommend seeing them. Their musicianship is spectacular. You will not be disappointed.

Dave Smith

Steve Kisner

Mark Wagler

Sean Dorton

Divinion started it off with a presence that is electrifying and unique. With plenty of power and enough sophistication from vocalist George Wood, Divinion proves they are real and genuine with a new, fresh dose of songs. Their original music engrossed me and I'm very impressed with them.

Two songs I really liked are Insane Gesture and Relentless.

Free music player widget at ReverbNation.com

Relentless starts out with a rush of power and smoothly slows down to come back with that energy it started with. Tom Foraker's guitar took me through a winding road of monumental brilliance. Gregory Apple, the bassist, has the touch that you must see to appreciate. Jamie Lopata, on drums, has proved his skills with plenty of polish.

extra: romantic rebel

The Black Order Returns to DesMoines has another guest: Romantic Rebel from Chicago. KT and Alex, brother and sister, put their talents together and wrote several songs. This was in 2012 and within six months recorded a four song demo.

Becoming a promoting machine, they were booking shows and showcasing their talents more and more. Their tune "Dirty Love Song" is unmistakable and cutting edge.

Sell Music online at ReverbNation.com

divinion

Divinion is a progressive rock - metal band from Cedar Rapids/Iowa City. They frankly defy classification. There unique blend of metal, with what I'll dub classic rock, are blended together for a very unique sound that you won't forget.

Members are Tom Foraker - guitars, Jamie Lopata - drums, George Wood - vocals, and Gregory Apple - bass.

 Together they deliver the goods of strong leading edge musicianship. Tom's guitar riffs are sensational and George Wood has a unique voice that gives Divinion that something special we want to hear from every band we see. George is right at home on stage and probably would be in a Broadway musical too. He certainly has the strong voice for it.

Put the rhythm section of Gregory and Jamie in the mix and you have a sound that is very unique and amazing.

Their tune Insane Gesture is massive and crisp.

Learn how to get a song on itunes at ReverbNation.com

Catch Divinion when you can. They'll be performing at Missipi Brewing Company, 107 Iowa Ave. in Muscatine, IA on Friday the 26th. They along with special guest The Hong Kong Sleepover will warm folks up for Old Man's Curse. Show starts at 9:30 PM.

divebomb

DIvebomb is from Davenport IA. They consist of Brian Miner - vocalist, Jeff Hazen - guitars, Matt Finn - drums, and Evil Ed - Bass.

On Brian's Reverbnation space, there are five songs available for listening. Two in particular stand out for me:

• Is It Right - A very energized tune that has an unforgettable edge.
• Joyride - A spirited tune with an excellent acoustic guitar. Harmonies are very special.

Divebomb will be performing at Rascal's Live in Moline on Saturday, September 20th.

Email newsletters for bands at ReverbNation.com

the black order coming to des moines

The Des Moines entertainment schedule includes an event that’s sure to be a hit with alternative rock enthusiasts. 409 Entertainment announces the return of The Black Order with special guests Battle Red and Shatter. The show will be held at the House of Bricks, 525 East Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA on Wednesday, October 8, 2014. Doors open at 5 PM.

Admission price is $6 each with an admission price of $5 per person with a student ID.  

The Black Order was formed by guitarist and vocalist Ian Yaicher and first received recognition in 2008 for a three song demo. They are a prominent attraction in northwest Ohio and have played with Pop Evil and Sevendust.

Battle Red is from Davenport, IA and is currently recording a new CD. They have performed extensively throught Iowa and western Illinois.

Shatter has played opened for Megadeth, Tesla, and 3 Doors Down. They are from Clive, IA.

Share this event on Facebook and get a free 409 Entertainment can koozie at the door. Have the most shares and receive the autographed poster of this event.

Sell music on Amazon at ReverbNation.com

Learn how to place music on itunes at ReverbNation.com

Learn how to put a song on itunes at ReverbNation.com

american dog

I was fortunate enough to witness a great rock experience. The band is American Dog. And they do let it rip! I purchased their latest CD: Neanderthal and I was treated to some magnificent rock music.

Tesla and American Dog Tour

I was particularly impressed by their overall stage presence. There sound is unmistakeable as they rock the house. From the new CD, I really liked "Carnivore" and "Who's She Killin'". Good stage show songs that got the audience into it. Another one is "Sun Won't Shine" with an excellent slide guitar by Steve Theado. The title track, "Neanderthal" is catchy with a good hook that is powerful and the tune leads right into "Stuck in the Mud".

Overall a great show and I highly recommend seeing them.

Buy Neanderthal from Amazon

The American Dog Collection from Amazon

Michael Hannon

Steve Theado

Michael Harris - drums, Michael Bertelsen - SwordFlameMedia, and Michael Hannon - bass and lead vocals

pandora's contribtion

In another blog I posted about Pandora. Pandora is the infrastructure for 100,000 artists. They have taught much about audience and fan engagement.

Brand strategy and success. Pandora has been a master at it. Competition in the space is heating up and I'm curious how Pandora will hold up. But I can't help but think of 2011, a good year for Pandora.

Original Post: Pandora's Contribution on 1776media

what american idol taught

I know American Idol is probably on its way out. A good run and all of that. There is most likely not enough room in the space for it and The Voice. That tells me the target audience isn't big enough for both shows.

 However, I picked up on something from Noisey, Music by Vice that I liked and feel is profound for musicians in bands.

In the article by Maura Johnston, a Kiss tribute band is auditioning for the Gene Simmons role. A distraction was created by the guy jumping around while playing. Yes, a distraction. He was told just to play. The connection with the band was lost.

All bands need to focus on this. Play. Don't create any distractions that keeps your band from connecting with the audience. Connect with your band and you'll connect with your audience.  

coldplay: fix you

I really like the organ at the beginning of this one. The song takes its own journey and is soulful and soothing. Good guitar too.

redbox better

Seems that a competition is going and going strong..... or is there? Redbox is outpacing iTunes and Netflix. Location, location, location. That's what is keeping Redbox in the game. Nice pricing is helping too.

HERE'S THE LINK TO THE STORY:

Redbox Better Than iTunes, Netflix - Business Insider

pearl jam: fall tour

Pearl Jam has announced recently new dates for their Fall tour which gets under way on October 1st in Cincinnati. They will be at the iWireless Center in Moline on October 17th, with ticket sales starting on Friday, May 30th.

Tickets are also available through TicketMaster.

More info on the Pearl Jam Tour.

time.com: coldplay

Time magazine featured Cold Play was featured in TIME.com, giving the band plenty of praise. Being a band to grab what's new and keeping their historical perspectives alive and well, Cold Play has matured through the process of beginning and beginning again. One can only hope they keep their spectrum of influence alive and well. I feel they will. Ghost Stories is their sixth studio album. They have explored with diligence, the rock and R & B sounds that have given them much.

rockin' for ronald

Cedar Rapids, Iowa will be the metropolitan area for music on May 17th. Jules Bar will host a rockin' event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. Musical boundaries will be pushed to the limit as the headliner for this event is Paisty Jenny, a band from Nebraska with a sound that's catchy and moving. Their songs include "Criminal" and "Anything", which gained momentum via an 8-week national radio campaign that completed on March 1, 2012.


Divinion will be there too, displaying their unique, athemish sound blended with sophistication and rock roots, which is unmistakeable and appealing. I saw Divinion on April 27th and was highly impressed.

Rounding out the line-up is Violent Intent.
The event starts at 3 PM with a motorcycle and car show. Ronald McDonald House serves about 7 million families a year, offering housing facilities for families with loved ones experiencing extended hospital treatment.

wcf.com was the source for this post.

Lethal Injektion @ Renny's JDRF Benefit Show

Lethal Injektion took to the stage at Rascals Live in Moline IL on April 27th, 2013.

coldplay's a sky full of stars

A Sky Full Of Stars was released today and has already reached #1 on @iTunesMusic in 73 countries! Thanks everyone. A pic.twitter.com/gxgOOXvDIx
— Coldplay (@coldplay) May 2, 2014

 Coldplay is using Twitter to get the word out!

thankfully

ac/dc planning a new album

Developments are surrounding this project. Malcolm Young will be absent as the rhythm guitarist and one of the songwriters, but the group has decided to press on without him. Details on this story are from ACDCFans.net and have that the band begin recording this month. Brendan O'Brien is set to produce, who's credits include Pearl Jam and Aerosmith. O'Brien produced AC/DC's Black Ice in 2008.

AC/DC's Angus Young

Lead singer Brian Johnson said that the band is ready to get the project going.

FULL STORY ON theneeds.com

in the library

O: Found by @ynikyonc in New York Public Library in Jeff Belanger's Who's Haunting the White House #lyricshunt pic.twitter.com/PgQsmgB7yb
— Coldplay (@coldplay) April 30, 2014

Never know what is stored in a library. 

Coldplay's site

renny's jdrf benefit

 

Rascals Live was the place on Sunday, April 27th for a live show showcasing several area bands to benefit juvenile diabetes. The weather wasn't too cooperative because storm fronts rolled in and the show was ended early due to power outage threats. Despite this, a good crowd was on hand.

Featured were Barncore Betty from Clinton, Iowa, a homespun, family affair that was excellent, giving us a grassroots, gritty sound that's unique and passionate.Also Manic Depressive Teddy Bears and Divinion, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Manic Depressive Teddy Bears

Divinion Drum

Divinion

coldplay: ghost stories

The new album, Ghost Stories, out 19 May. Pre-order: iTunes http://t.co/Ag2Imhzapx CD: http://t.co/XglCkWwdzs. A pic.twitter.com/5dmveqLXPT
— Coldplay (@coldplay) March 19, 2014

Coldplay's Sixth Record

system of a down - aerials

Life is a waterfall..........

ice t has concerns

ICE T HAS CONCERNS OVER ROCK 'N ROLL

The lack of black artists has Ice T concerned. He mentioned that African-Americans essentially invented rock 'n roll music. Rage, energy, and fun are the ingredients for good rock 'n roll.

READ THE STORY from fattimenews.com

remembering steve clark

Remembering Steve Clark - On this day in 1960, Def Leppard co-founding guitarist Steve Clark was born in Sheffield (UK). Steve would have been 54 today. Never forgotten! Died January 8, 1991.

apple and the new iphone spot

Ad of the Day: Apple uses Pixies' "Gigantic" in infectious iPhone spot. http://t.co/Y6BJtmPyRq pic.twitter.com/z1SeUdZbaH
— Adweek (@Adweek) April 23, 2014

It uses a reworked version of "Gigantic" by the Pixies—the band's first single from way back in 1988—to show how the iPhone and its apps can integrate into musical performances and the recording process (and do some other neat things, too).

The opportunities are gigantic, the spot seems to say.

The Pixies - 4 NEW SONGS!

vinyl record sales growing

Vinyl record sales are growing at a faster rate than digital album sales http://t.co/znL4tIlIlb pic.twitter.com/yRbF7e52tM
— Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) April 22, 2014

As part of the "Wiring the World" series, Bloomberg's Jon Erlichman went to check out one of the few remaining factories where records are made. (Source: Bloomberg)

brand reality

Plenty of brands have been built without image ads.
 Reader's Digest comes to mind.

Brand Reality - Brand Presentation - Brand Building

Direct marketing is a better brand building tool than conventional brand image ads.
Focus on brand reality, because there is no substitute! Brand has power. Brand has status.
Make a brand to increase sales. A brand personality needs worked out!

Therefore, think of brands as people. Opinions are formed with information. Interaction creates more information. This creates more reality - brand reality.

This information creates a conversation for your brand. There is a message in the conversation and this conversation gets passed around. This word-of-mouth approach takes more time and is best in the long run. Your story, created by your customers, needs advertised.

Direct marketing by definition involves a company interacting with its customers. Direct marketing is a powerful brand building tool. Brands built this way really deliver.

Following a strategy which interacts with customers drives sales increases.

A marketer's concentration should focus on the reality of their brand and ways to communicate that attribute to the widest possible audience.

Direct marketing and brand reality are "peas and carrots" that create brand value.

Increase your sales (or following, friends, etc.) and boost your brand value with direct marketing.

Contact me at SwordFlameMedia to discuss a direct marketing strategy that develops a conversation, builds your brand, and increases your sales.

blogging

Mix the bowl. Blog for reflection, thought leadership, and sales. Blogging ties interests and objectives together.

First I blog content that is full of personality. The passion of the industry you're in comes to the forefront. This showcases you to those who have an interest too! Your voice in the conversation is heard. This moves you and your product forward.

You might feel as if you're doing the same thing over and over again. We all get that feeling - and that's ok. Just don't project that feeling to your audience.

Think of this.

 We aren't bored. Just in a daily routine. Others might wish to have our routine - think of that too.

I keep on topic - part of my routine - so your message remains fresh and vibrant. I'll create blog content for you. If you need that content often for your creative process, I'll write that into your blog posts. Trends, conversations, and information about you go into the blog. This gets you Social Media traction to establish your brand. Then we'll use it, share it, post it, and email it. I feel blogs are best used for outbound marketing efforts - not just for inbound marketing. I'll make your blog revolve and evolve!

Voice

With blogging, your voice is established, which helps your stature and develops your niche.

Two items come to mind:

1. Search engine rankings become higher as your blog becomes indexed in Google and other search engines.
2. As the same topics are written about multiple times, and are shared, your voice is developed.

Blogging needs to reflect the impact of your daily, creative influence. Yes, I wrote "daily", so you'll always have plenty of content - which can be re-purposed for future Social Media work. That way you create information - you create history.

Catalog

Your blog becomes a catalog of information and therefore an asset of you, for you and your readers. I take an active role in your blog and blogging efforts to establish your online presence. Your voice is your voice. This endeavor creates your knowledge and insight in your industry and creates a better future.

Message

Your blog is your message. I'll work with you to draw-up a marketing department and learn what topics are to absorbed into your organization. You too are involved in the blogging process. You'll make an impact on what marketing creates!

I'll help you go after the initiative to make goals, create, and work for innovation that's relevant to you and your audience. I'll develop sources to enhance the topics we'll promote. This has a greater impact on your career and your online showcase so you'll become an industry authority.

SwordFlameMedia takes you through the process step-by-step, allowing you to be involved in command decisions. Contact me for a content marketing plan and proposal.

5 REASONS WHY YOUR COMPANY OR CLIENT NEEDS A BLOG

the power of story

Making the complex clear. That's why I do what I do.

There is an importance of the self-story. It's to connect and share a story. That's the goal. That's the purpose. Doing just that is the focal point putting our message out so that it comes across.

I internalize sharply so I can crystallize ideas and visions. I speak and write in simple terms.

By bringing in anecdote, mnemonic, metaphor, storytelling, and analogy, I connect the essence of a message with both logic and emotion. The goal is to relate and connect the vision by writing simply and straightforwardly.

I never underestimate the power of self-story. The best fiction writers capture the core of rising and falling action of a well-plotted story.

 

DISTILL THE ESSENCES

People look for stories they can connect to. Connect and share a story. That's what I do.

PEOPLE DESIRE TO FEEL IT!

LET SwordFlameMedia TELL IT

blog biz

Reader click through rates are getting shorter. That's a challenge for bloggers. Posts aren't getting read all the way through. We bloggers must think through the entire writing process. That's a given in Social Media marketing and engagement efforts.

I have to ask, "Is my blog in the right place?" Meaning, I am putting my entire effort at the forefront of the topic and subject. Usually. But this means writing more by writing less. Welcome to blogging, the paradox of Social Media engagement. But we asked for it.

• We still need blogs
• Information is for sharing
• Entertain
• Start and lead the conversation

 Discussions are going away from comments. Hardly anyone comments anymore. I wish folks would. I can't quite put a handle on it. Are we too lazy? Tweeting the post with our own comment on the tweet is the new way. That's not bad, after all we get mileage from that. So, make "things" more tweetable. Quite a challenge... but we're in it for the challenge.

Keep the client at the forefront. The client provides the content. It's my job to be sure that content gets marketed in the right spots so users are kept up with what's going on. Also the user is part of the content to an extent. It's a two-way street. Pave the road. That's what I do.

the headline

Headlines get your stories read. They get more clicks. Often, it's the headline that only gets read. Here are some tips I use to get you more exposure.

1. Use powerful words.
2. Personality.
3. Use desire.
4. Content focus.

Every post must be a learning experience for the reader. The use of images means more that ever, especially with social platforms Pinterest and Instagram.

I match content well with what you want your brand to project.

HOW TO BUILD YOUR BRAND