Speakerheart

Naked Without Us, Kink Ador visit and more

We started off the morning with a visit by Kink Ador's Sharon and John.  They put on a good show at Christopher's last Wednesday night and came by to check out our space and meet the team.  Check them out on myspace and sample Cowboys and Indians.

If you are down Franklin way feel free to shoot me an email and maybe we can give you the 10 cent tour.

The Naked Without Us show at Exit Inn was a blast.  Josh Johnson from HGTV Design Star fame stopped by and got his free Las Paletas popsicle courtesy of Speakerheart on the way in.  We gave away about 300 popsicles before heading into the show.  We had about 10 speakerheart folks working the show.  Jennifer and I had dinner prior to the show at Ombi with our close friends Nathan Holman and Eileen Finnan from People Magazine.  Hopefully Eileen picked up some good scoop and story leads.

 

We just sent out an email to the artists participating in the beta launch about our pending launch of their stores.  When we launch artist's stores, all albums that are published will be available live on the site for purchase.  Email us if you have any questions.   

Lee Pepper

Speakerheart

Fresh Squeezed Music Series

Another successful Wednesday morning showcase.  Robert Lasalle and Brooke Anniable played.  The weather was great. 

Jozef Nuyens, owner of the Castle Recording Studio, Castle Music Group and of course Speakerheart CEO came out to hear these two talented artists. 

Here are some pics.  Thanks again Robert and Brooke, we look forward to hosting you at some future Speakerheart events.  (Don't forget Naked Without Us show tonight at Exit/In)

Email us if you are interested in playing on a Wednesday morning at Bongo.

Lee Pepper

Speakerheart

New Business Models

Heard an interview with Paul Anka on Howard yesterday.  Anka made a comment that the "major label and cd business is over.  As labels go under everyone will have to get together in a room and decide on the new model and then music sales will take off again."

It mirrors a similar statement that Adam Levine made on Howard a month ago that "the music business is dead but the artist business is alive and well."

More tools for artist support like Speakerheart are coming on line and artists are becoming better at internet marketing and branding than the labels. It is getting closer to the time we may need to rent a room and for a meeting.  Maybe Paul Anka can serve as our moderator.

Look for us at Digital Music Forum West in Los Angeles.  We will have a press conference on Thursday, October 4.  We will also have a music showcase at Nettwerk offices in Los Angeles on Thursday night.  Sara Melson and Josh Doyle will be performing at the showcase.   Email me if you would like an invite and details.

Lee Pepper

Speakerheart

 

Getting Close

We took a two hour maintenance period this afternoon as the team made database changes in preparation for our 1.0 launch of artist storefronts and shelves.   We testing tonight and throughout the day tomorrow.  We'll post more details tomorrow. 

We are now sponsoring the Fresh Squeezed Music series at Bongo Java on Belmont in Nashville each Wednesday morning at 10 am during September and probably weather permitting in October.  Check our myspace for a coupon and details.  Speakerheart artists will be playing each Wednesday.

Don't forget Christopher's showcase Wednesday night and the Naked Without Fashion Show.

Lee Pepper

Enjoying Next Big Nashville, Speakerheart Style

Friday night could be described as one of great music.  Next Big Nashville has taken over the city, and we started out at the Rutledge to see David Condos perform backed by a full band.  Condos rocked out and the songs felt as tight as the album.  The cello was a great touch and provided a cool dynamic on stage.  He concluded his set with what is becoming his trademark song "I Should Be Lost Without You", recently featured on Barnes & Noble's Sunday Music compilation.  I particularly enjoyed the harmonies on the live version of the song.

Next we rushed over to 12th and Porter to catch the end of Brandon Young's set.  Young sounded great and looks ready for his upcoming studio time in October.

After 12th and Porter, it was off to Cannery Ballroom for Butterfly Boucher, followed by Jeremy Lister.  Jeremy put on a great performance, as expected, complete with a duet with Katie Herzig.

Once Jeremy's set concluded, we walked next door to hear Brooke Waggoner.  This is the first time I've heard Brooke live and I was blown away.  It was refreshing to hear a set of keyboard, cello and violin, and Brooke nearly silenced the crowd at Mercy Lounge with her intimate stories and grace reminiscent of a Regina Spektor performance.  I picked up her recently-released EP Fresh Pair of Eyes and it doesn't disappoint.  This is the type of album I hope to see on Speakerheart as we approach our full launch.  The night concluded with Paper Route putting on a memorable performance to a packed house.  We have a great podcast we captured of Paper Route a few months ago that we can't wait to debut.

There's more great music to be enjoyed tonight, including Matthew Perryman Jones and Gabe Dixon Band.  Jones will be part of our Pies and Pints showcase at Christopher Pizza on September 26th.  Speaking of Pies and Pints, join us this Wednesday for a fantastic lineup as The Music Society Nashville and Speakerheart present Josh Doyle, Natalie Prass, David Condos and Patrick Coman.  The doors will open at 8 p.m. and music starts at 9 p.m.  See you there.

ddub

Bongo Java Free OJ Giveaway

The Speakerheart team hit Bongo Java at Belmont this morning with free orange juice and live performances from David Condos, Allie Peden and Adam Agin 

The event coincides with our continued closed beta and promotion of our artist showcases every Wednesday night at Christopher's this month. 

Thanks again to David, Allie and Adam for a nice performance and thanks to Belmont for a great turnout!