Brooklyn kicks off the Vans Warped Tour '11

For the first time in Warped Tour's history, the annual Warped Tour Kick-Off Party was held on the east coast. The party was held this past friday at an old converted warehouse now re-done and re-named "House of Vans." I was lucky enough to score a ticket into the party and it was a blast to say the least. Picture an indoor skate ramp to your left, a stage to your right, and free food and drink everywhere you turn. The warehouse was teeming with fans and friends of the festival and even creator Kevin Lyman was seen walking around all night. The line-up that night featured some of Warped's buzz bands including The Wonder Years, MC Lars and Moving Mountains. All bands played great sets and definitely set the Warped Tour vibe, and yes, the mosh pit was in full swing. Lyman introduced the trailer to the 2010 Warped Tour documentary and friend and annual vender, Keep-a-Breast, spoke about their new campaign as well. The party was great opportunity to meet and greet some industry folks, hang with friends, hear some good music, and preview what Warped Tour has in store for '11.

Is the idea of the "rock star" officially dead?

Tour manager and guest blogger for PropertyOfZack, Curran Blevins, recently posted his thoughts on the shifting relationship bands have with their fans. Blevins talks about how being accessible to fans can lead to higher merchandise sales, but can it also raise fan expectations to an inappropriate level? The blog post can be read HERE.

Wish I was there.... SXSW 2011

I'm really sad SXSW was not a reality for me this year. So, I just spent a ton of time trying to vicariously live out the festival via the internet. Here's some the blogs that have the latest on SXSW '11.

Vans Girls Blog
The Counter Culture
Spin Magazine Online

Know Your Venue: Irving Plaza

The historic Irving Plaza is conveniently located around the corner from Union Square on the quiet and quaint Irving Place. The 1200 capacity ballroom is a good place to see bigger acts and still like feel like you're in a small club. Bands like Circa Survive, All Time Low, Underoath, and the annual AP Tour are usually playing the venue when they come into New York City. Irving tends to attract a good mix of music genres and audience types. Record label suits are usually found hanging by the bar while various band members can be found running all over the venue or having a formal meet and greet downstairs. The venue is also is very promo friendly, so you'll be sure to be bombarded by local bands and promo reps when leaving the show.(This can be good and bad.)If you want to have a great view, bolt the balcony and stay there! Otherwise, you probably get a good view by hanging out the back too. If you want to be in the middle of all the action, stay in the pit. I always tend to have a really good time whenever I'm here whether I'm hanging out on the balcony or in the pit.

View the calender and buy tickets here!

The Importance of technology.

You'd be lost without your cell phone and everyone knows it. But what alot of people don't know is that a smartphone is an industry person's best friend....and manager, schedule, and office all wrapped in one. Make sure these apps/features are on your iPhone next time you reach for it.

1. E-mail - People communicate largely through e-mail, so having your e-mail accounts(s) sync to your phone is an industry staple. Also, check it often! Whether someone is e-mailing you about a gig at SXSW or they want to have lunch with you to discuss something, it'll probably be sent via e-mail.

2. Calender - We're all busy and most of us can't remember every detail we need to. So, low and behold, a calender can hold all our interviews, dinners, meetings, etc. and even remind us of them! Personally, I can't live a day without my phone calender and maybe I depend on it more than I should, but whatever. Having a updated calender is a great way to keep organized and cover your butt so you don't forget about that interview tomorrow!

3. Social Networking Apps - Being relevant on the internet is important and knowing what people are talking about is important. Having friends in the music industry is always important since thats how it functions and what better way to stay in touch then via facebook? Also, interfaces like twitter, foursquare, and facebook are great marketing tools to keep track of. With your phone, all these sites are viewable on the go and whenever you want.

4. Updated Address Book - I always forget to save e-mail addresses and then I end up googling the person to find it next time I need to get in contact. Having an up to date address book is really valuable especially when it comes time to look for an internship or job. Most smartphones organize info by person, so you can tap someone's name and have their numbers, e-mails and even address all in one place.

I recently stumbled upon this poster. I really do believe this embodies a successful music industry professional, whether an intern or a VP of marketing. Can I say I've found the key to success in a poster? I hope so!

How to be a good street teamer!

I had originally wrote this post for We Are The Kids after seeing that many of the blog's followers were interested in getting involved in street teams. I've been street teaming for about 6 years for a few different record labels and music companies and I thought I'd share a few important things I've learned over the years.

1. Check your e-mail frequently. Many street team leaders rely on e-mail to keep in touch with their teamers and this is usually how missions/assignments are assigned. If not by e-mail, labels may also have a website for teamers to log into and view updates posted there. (I know fancorps is a popular website for record label street teams.) If the street team has a twitter, facebook, etc., make sure to stay connected through those sites also.

2. Keep in touch with your street team leader. It's important to build a relationship with your leader for a multitude of reasons. If you're willing to work hard and invest your time than that will definitely work in your favor. If you can prove that you are responsible and reliable, your leader will definitely choose you over another teamer they rarely hear from if they need someone to cover a show for one of their band's upcoming tours. Sometimes your leader may even reach out you about special assignments if you stand out to them. One of my old street team leaders hooked me up with a job at CMJ and wrote a few college recommendations for me because I always made sure she knew she could count on me!

3. Be prepared. This is super important! If you are street teaming at a show, make sure you have all of the materials your leader mailed to you with you. Make sure the venue allows you to poster the place and ask if they have any special instructions. (For example, some venues won't allow you to poster using tape and only allow sticky tack, some venues don't care. Some venues won't allow stickers to be passed out before the show, some venues don't allow stickers at all, etc.) Another important thing to remember is to always carry your camera! Your leader is going to want you to upload photos along with your report. Also, if your leader gave you the contact information of anyone you may need to contact while covering the show, make sure you saved those numbers! I always print out a copy of the e-mail my leader sent me just in case security doesn't believe I'm their to work or I need to get in contact with a tour manager, etc.

4. Be on time. If you are covering a show or helping out at a festival it's very important to be punctual. Usually, teamers are expected to show up to the venue an hour before doors to poster or/and meet the band's tour manager for further instruction. Your leader should e-mail you everything you need to know when they assign you a mission. (If they don't, shoot them a quick e-mail a week or so before the show asking them what's up. They'll most likely be impressed to see that you're taking initiative.) I usually show up to a venue an hour and a half before doors, poster the venue and then go grab dinner with some friends before the show starts. Also, make sure to submit your reports and online assignments on time!

5. Be professional. I know it's tempting to go up to your favorite band when they're loading in and ask for a picture or wait around for them inside the venue before the doors open. The truth is, bands are really busy before a show and the reason you were allowed into the venue early is to get your job done. I've been told by many a tour manager that teamers who linger around the venue waiting for bands generally don't make a good impression. I know I had street team leaders that will ask tour managers about street teamers at shows. I'm not saying you shouldn't introduce yourself to your favorite band or their crew, I'm just saying that there's plenty of time for that during and after the show. Also, if your leader gives you a tour manager's phone number, only call them if you need to get in touch with them and make sure those numbers stay away from friends that love to prank call people.

6. Have fun and take advantage of the opportunity. You should be street teaming because you want to gain experience in the industry and love music! Street teaming can lead to a slew of other opportunities if you let it. Introduce yourself to tour managers and merch people. Ask them about their jobs and how they got started. Make friends with security guards and venue staff. The music industry is all about networking and being connected. Remember, it never hurts to have friends. Good Luck!

Social Media Marketing at it's finest.

Check out BoozleTwist and see just how the Bamboozle is trying to take over the social networking world. Crazy!

Go Radio goes 'Track by Track'

Go Radio's debut record Lucky Street was released today and it looks like frontman Jason Lancaster isn't afraid of sharing his inspiration. I've been watching this band for quite a while now and I'm very pleased with the outcome of Lucky Street. It's sincere, well written and well produced and it's streaming on myspace! I'm excited to see what's in store for these kids in the future.

But about the new record...the band recently tweeted a link to this Alternative Press article. 'Track by Track' is always something I really enjoy reading. As easy as it is to get wrapped up in the business of music (especially being a record label intern), it's nice to be reminded of why people make music in the first place. Lancaster briefly and simply explains all the songs on their debut album. He tells everything  from a dream he had about NYC to how he wants to keep his father's memory alive. I think Go Radio is one of the most promising bands in the scene and I except much success coming their way soon.

P.S. They'll be playing a show at Highline Ballroom on 3/16!