GUEST POST by Kyle Bylin of indie label 50 Entertainment

In Malcolm Gladwell’s book, The Tipping Point, he describes the levels at which the momentum of  change becomes unstoppable.  Expanding on the notion that once an idea hits it's threshold there's a point when it proceeds to spread from its niche market origins and spills over into the masses.  Gladwell states, "Ideas and products and messages and behaviors spread like viruses do."

The success story of Staind can be traced back to a chain of events which lead to a moment called The Tipping Point of The Ballad.  Beyond their early fans, they were still a relatively unknown band upon the release of their second album Dysfunction in April of 1999.  The highest chart ranking it received was #74.  It wasn't until October 31 on the Family Values Tour, seven months later, that the path of the band changed forever.

Ten minutes before going on stage, Lewis decided to play the song “Outside.”  What happened that night in Biloxi, Mississippi Lewis later recalls as, “An accidental phenomenon.” Up until this performance the lyrics were often changed, but there... 

in front of thousands, he finished them while he sang.  This live acoustic version was picked up by radio stations across the country and the music video saw frequent airings on MTV2, becoming an instant hit through both mediums.  The compilation released in May 2000 featured “Outside” as a bonus track and went on to become gold-certified.

The buzz generated by the live acoustic version built the perfect bridge between Dysfunction and their follow up Break The Cycle by successfully introducing new fans to the band a few months before the album was released.  When Break The Cycle hit shelves on May 22, 2001 and it sold 716,000 copies it's first week.  By week fifteen, the album had sold nearly 2.9 million copies and went onto spill into the masses by selling more then 7 million copies in the US alone.

Gladwell goes onto describe that there are three rules which govern these types of epidemics.  In The Law of The Few he notes that the attainment of a tipping point requires the intervention of a number of influential people which he classifies as Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen.  Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit, a Connector, had a special gift for bringing the world together.  After discovering Staind, he signed them to Flip which gave them a platform to launch their career.  Napster (The Net), Television (MTV2), and Radio DJ's played the role of Mavens, the people we rely upon to connect us with new information.  The Salesmen, the staff of Flip's parent company Elekra, were the charismatic people with powerful negotiation skills who put Staind in front of the world.

In The Stickiness Factor, he examines the specific content of the message that makes it memorable and have impact.  Expanded upon by Dan and Chip Heath in their 2007 release Made To Stick, the brothers explored the principle of SUCCESs (Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and Stories.)  “Outside” was Simple because it was at the core of the idea of what Staind was about.  Unexpected due to the heaviness of their previous single “Mudshovel.”  Credible on Fred Durst's endorsement.  Most of all, the Story of Staind, four guys being discovered at a bar gig and getting signed, hits at the very heart of the romanticized notion of how “making it” in the music industry is defined.

Last, but not least, in The Power of Context Gladwell says, "Epidemics are sensitive to the conditions and circumstances of the times and places in which they occur."  With Napster at the height of it's popularity, mass-radio play still thriving, the rise of alternative/nu-metal movement, and major label budgets still intact, it becomes quite clear that the environment which Staind arrived in was more then receptive and quite likely to adopt the idea of behind “Outside” and a band of their nature.

As Aaron Lewis begins to strum his guitar, the crowd in the background roars, and his voice projects, “And you, can bring me to my knees,” you can feel the impact of years gone by and the burdens they bear.  In the space of just under six minutes, Lewis engages you with every word.  In reflection of this story, what other occurrences can you think of when a ballad caused a tipping point for an artist?

• From The "What's Taking So Long" Rumor Department:
  
  • I'm hearing multiple rumors that more indie distributors and labels are very close to signing MySpace Music deals and that several outside providers are biding to provide do-it-yourself tools for non-affiliated artists.
  • Apple's iTunes is in talks to sell all the major labels DRM free. (cNet) Finally...They should have done this a year ago.cNet agrees with Dear Steve Jobs: Set The Music Free.
• The CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival 2009 edition will run Tuesday, October 20 – Saturday, October 24 in New York City. Registration for 2009 is now open at www.cmj.com/marathon with special early bird prices available until December 19. Artist showcase submissions are being accepted now with a special one-week discount price until November 25.
• Have iPod sales peaked? (Alley Insider)
• Cable TV's Music Choice announces MOST DEMANDED - The Music Choice Video On Demand Awards. (press release)
• Live Nation, whose stock has been struggling along with the rest of the market, will present at the  J.P. Morgan 2008 SMid Cap Conference. (press release)
• Congratulations to David Rose as his very useful and increasingly popular d.i.y. destination KnowTheMusicBiz.com celebrates its 1st anniversary.

Washington Wizards All-Star Gilbert Arenas, along with 50 children from his Zer0 Two Her0 Foundation, unveiled his wax figure today at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. Arenas posed side-by-side with his wax double and the children, who all donned Washington Wizards’ jerseys for the occasion.  The figure sports his signature #0 Washington Wizards home uniform, which was donated by Arenas. The wax figure will be a part of the attraction’s sports area alongside figures of other legendary athletes, including Evander Holyfield, Tiger Woods, Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali.

“Gilbert Arenas is one of today’s most beloved basketball players — both in Washington D.C. and on a national stage,” said Janine DiGioacchino, General Manager, Madame Tussauds New York and Washington D.C. “As we move into our second year in the nation’s capital, we are thrilled to have a figure of the Washington Wizards’ fan favorite in our attraction.”

“It is an honor to join the ranks of sports icons such as Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods by being immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.,” said Arenas.  “Like the Wizards, Madame Tussauds has become a fixture in the nation’s capital and one that I’m proud to be a part of.”

In order to create the incredibly lifelike figure, a team of Madame Tussauds studio artists flew in from London, UK to conduct a figure sitting with Arenas at the Verizon Center earlier this year.  Arenas was an enthusiastic participant in the creation of his wax figure – the sitting alone took more than two hours as the studio artists took hundreds of measurements and photos, as well as selected eye, hair and skin tone matches for his figure. The figure creation process is incredibly intricate.  Artists insert each strand of hair individually; the creation of Arenas’ figure’s head took nearly five weeks to complete. 

Since joining the NBA, Arenas has been a popular figure in the league.  Nicknamed The Hibachi and Agent Zero, he has transformed himself from a relative unknown to an NBA All-Star and a bona fide fan favorite.  His Agent Zero Blog on NBA.com, in which he offers fans an inside look into his whirlwind life with witty insights, is widely considered the top blog of any professional athlete today. 

Off the court, Arenas is passionate about several charities, including his own Zer0 2 Her0 Foundation, which helps promote the safety and well being of children by raising funds to support organizations that aid in the preservation of families through foster care, adoption and child welfare services.  

Fifty 7th and 8th grade students from James Madison Middle School in Prince George’s County, Maryland were part of the figure unveiling.  The students were recipients of Arenas’ Zer0 2 Her0 Foundation Christmas Dream program, and James Madison Middle School was a recipient of his Scores for Schools program last season.  Through Scores for Schools, Arenas donates $150 for every point he scores during Washington Wizards’ home games.

Washington Wizards’ fans will get to see Arenas’ wax figure again tomorrow when it makes its appearance at center court during the Wizards game against Houston at the Verizon Center.

Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House with its entrance on the corner of F and 10th Streets.  With a limited time offer of $10 tickets for adults and seniors and $8 for kids ages 12 and under, now is the time to visit D.C.’s interactive “must do” attraction.  For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300.

About Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.:
Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is a fully interactive, full-sensory experience, where visitors are able to touch, see and hear major historical events and celebrities in a way unlike any other Washington D.C. attraction.  Recent additions to the attraction include the beloved Jonas Brothers exhibit, where guests can snuggle up to figures of the famed trio and rock out with them on a pair of Gibson Guitars and a drum set.  Wax figures of superstars Penelope Cruz, Tyra Banks and Denzel Washington were recently introduced as well.  The attraction is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House.  The entrance is on the corner of 10th and F Streets.  For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300.

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GemStones “Free Chilly” [Trailer]

Startin’ off this hip hop update with a lil’ message from GemStones that summarizes the change that has enveloped the artist in the past couple years. I definitely admire his admission to his past and his willingness to move forward and spread positive messages. He says ‘09 is his year so I’d expect some major mixtapes and Troubles Of The World very soon! Down below, some solid hip hop featuring Lil’ Wayne, Twista’s sick verse on the lil’ Swagga Like Us remake, and from Chicago’s Mikkey Halsted & GLC! Definitely some MUST-see videos including the latest episode of ConsTV and the “Crash Dummie” video premiere, that could be unofficial, yet is a great look for up and coming FNFers He Say, She Say! (Shouts 2 Sean). Enjoy!

Lil’ Wayne “Best Thing”

FULL, Limited DJ, Track off upcoming mixtape, The Drought Is Over 6

Jim Jones “Jackin’ Swagga From Us” f/ Lil’ Wayne, Twista, & NOE

FULL, CDQ

DJ Drama “Day Dreaming” f/ Akon & Snoop Dogg

FULL, CDQ, Track off upcoming album, Gangsta Grillz 2

Mikkey Halsted “Who Am I”

Producer: Kanye West - FULL, CDQ *Tibs Fav.™

GLC “I’m The Shit”

FULL, CDQ, Track off upcoming mixtape, Similar To The Letters

————————————————————————————–

ConsTV: The Roots Join GITD Tour

Ludacris - Theater Of The Mind Trailer

Talib Kweli On Sound Session

Stat Quo Speaks On Split w/ Shady/Aftermath

He Say, She Say “Crash Dummie”

UNOFFICIAL VIDEO PREMIERE!

~ Sgt. Tibs

“Brought to you by Fruit of the Loom.”

How would you feel about your music being preceded by a brief recorded message from the underwear maker? Are fans just as willing to listen to audio advertising at the start of songs as they are willing to put up with seeing ads? If it means they get the song for free, apparently the answer is yes.

We’ve talked about bands and brands partnering up (like Throw Me The Statue in an Urban Outfitters commercial) and the trend is clearly not slowing down. In this new frontier, it’s becoming imperative to think outside the box and explore new media. Even CBS is doing it: OMG Boobies: Victoria’s Secret on Your Mobile. One of the most prevalent examples of band/brand partnerships that we’re seeing as of late is the ad-supported music model.

trueAnthem, which we first stumbled across because of their early work with Ultraviolet Sound, has been forging ahead and signing more and more bands. Led by Brad Barnes, they are pioneering a “new way for independent and undiscovered artists and bands to get paid while sharing their music with their fans for free - and without having to sign away their lives to a major music label”. Check out their widget (which you can grab and post wherever) - you can download the artists’ album for free. Free, as long as you don’t mind hearing and ad at the start of each song.

Personally, I don’t mind at all. The folks at trueAnthem (probably largely thanks to Emaleigh) have done a great job of pairing the right brand with each band and presenting the sponsor’s messaging in an appropriate way. If you browse through the various bands, you notice brands like Guitar Center, Steve Madden, and Baby Phat… and when you hear that band’s music you can’t help but nod and go “yep… that’s a fit”.

Another interesting example is the recently launched digital music service WE7, which has “all four majors and hundreds of independent labels via The Orchard on board.” Compensation is derived from ad revenues.

What seemed like a distant pipedream not too long ago is certainly becoming the new reality. The music industry simply must accept that the new generation of music consumers - you know, the ones who grew up with the internet and can’t imagine a world without it - expect to get their music for free (one way or another). And they want to consume it in their own way, on their own time, and in their preferred way. So, we might as well make that possible and find ways to still pay the artists. And that is exactly what WE7 has done.

A key ingredient in this equation is obviously appropriate pairing of bands and brands. The sites and services who do this best will likely come out on top. The advertisers need to reach their target demographics. And the music capturing that particular audience might be just the vehicle to get them there.

“Gilbert Arenas is one of today’s most beloved basketball players -- both in Washington D.C. and on a national stage,” said Janine DiGioacchino, General Manager, Madame Tussauds New York and Washington D.C. “As we move into our second year in the nation’s capital, we are thrilled to have a figure of the Washington Wizards’ fan favorite in our attraction.”

“It is an honor to join the ranks of sports icons such as Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods by being immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.,” said Arenas.  “Like the Wizards, Madame Tussauds has become a fixture in the nation’s capital and one that I’m proud to be a part of.”

In order to create the incredibly lifelike figure, a team of Madame Tussauds studio artists flew in from London, UK to conduct a figure sitting with Arenas at the Verizon Center earlier this year.  Arenas was an enthusiastic participant in the creation of his wax figure – the sitting alone took more than two hours as the studio artists took hundreds of measurements and photos, as well as selected eye, hair and skin tone matches for his figure. The figure creation process is incredibly intricate.  Artists insert each strand of hair individually; the creation of Arenas’ figure’s head took nearly five weeks to complete. 

Since joining the NBA, Arenas has been a popular figure in the league.  Nicknamed The Hibachi and Agent Zero, he has transformed himself from a relative unknown to an NBA All-Star and a bona fide fan favorite.  His Agent Zero Blog on NBA.com, in which he offers fans an inside look into his whirlwind life with witty insights, is widely considered the top blog of any professional athlete today. 

Off the court, Arenas is passionate about several charities, including his own Zer0 2 Her0 Foundation, which helps promote the safety and well being of children by raising funds to support organizations that aid in the preservation of families through foster care, adoption and child welfare services.  

Fifty 7th and 8th grade students from James Madison Middle School in Prince George’s County, Maryland were part of the figure unveiling.  The students were recipients of Arenas’ Zer0 2 Her0 Foundation Christmas Dream program, and James Madison Middle School was a recipient of his Scores for Schools program last season.  Through Scores for Schools, Arenas donates $150 for every point he scores during Washington Wizards’ home games.

Washington Wizards’ fans will get to see Arenas’ wax figure again tomorrow when it makes its appearance at center court during the Wizards game against Houston at the Verizon Center.

Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House with its entrance on the corner of F and 10th Streets.  With a limited time offer of $10 tickets for adults and seniors and $8 for kids ages 12 and under, now is the time to visit D.C.’s interactive “must do” attraction.  For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300.

About Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.:

Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is a fully interactive, full-sensory experience, where visitors are able to touch, see and hear major historical events and celebrities in a way unlike any other Washington D.C. attraction.  Recent additions to the attraction include the beloved Jonas Brothers exhibit, where guests can snuggle up to figures of the famed trio and rock out with them on a pair of Gibson Guitars and a drum set.  Wax figures of superstars Penelope Cruz, Tyra Banks and Denzel Washington were recently introduced as well.  The attraction is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House.  The entrance is on the corner of 10th and F Streets.  For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300.

###

Lauren Harris, daughter of Iron Maiden founder member Steve Harris, will be releasing her new single, “Your Turn”, worldwide at one second past midnight as the first OFFICIAL release of 2009.

Lauren Harris on amazon.com

Lauren Harris on amazon.co.uk

This groundbreaking event, in conjunction with worldwide music distribution giants, The Orchard is the brainchild of Quite Great Communications’ marketing team, Redlands, and is the first of its type.

The single will be released at 00:00:01 in every major territory across the planet and it’s already creating considerable industry buzz worldwide.

Joe Arditti, Redlands chief marketing consultant, said of the venture:

“The recent global success of American female rock/pop artists such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Pink has opened up the rock genre to a far more mainstream market. More importantly, there is a gap in the British market for our very own Rock Goddess. We are proud to be working alongside Demolition Records and The Orchard with a British artist who can rival these American acts. What better way to bring in 2009, than with a new star born at midnight!”

Taken from her critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Calm Before The Storm’, which features performances from her father, Iron Maiden founder and bassist, Steve Harris on a number of tracks - the first time he has played on anything besides a Maiden track, ever!

An original rock chick, Lauren is no stranger to touring around the world. She has already performed in front of millions worldwide and will again be wowing audiences with her energetic stage presence on her upcoming world tour.

‘Calm Before The Storm’ is an eclectic mix of high-energy pop-rock tracks and has already received rave reviews in the alternative press. Lauren is now launching a full on assault on the British public.

Her catchy power-pop songs draw comparisons to American acts such as The Donnas and Paramore as well as more mainstream artists such as Avril Lavigne and Pink but with a distinctly British attitude and sound.

“She has the lungpower and poise to roam the heartland of American rock radio” - Kerrang!

“Watch out - there’s a new rock chick in town!” - Rock Sound Magazine

“Lauren’s star is on the rise… There’s definitely a storm brewing.” - Big Cheese Magazine

Lauren Harris 2008/2009 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

NOVEMBER 27th 2008 Zurich, Ohstoflager Switzerland
NOVEMBER 28th 2008 Zoe Club, Milan Italy
DECEMBER 2nd 2008 Barcelona, Mephisto Spain
DECEMBER 3rd 2008 Madrid, Heineken Spain
DECEMBER 5th 2008 Uden Nieuwe Pul Holland
DECEMBER 6th 2008 Kerkrade Rocktempel Holland
DECEMBER 8th 2008 London, The Underworld UK
DECEMBER 9th 2008 Leeds, Rios UK
DECEMBER 10th 2008 Glasgow, Cathouse UK
DECEMBER 11th 2008 Peterborough, The Park UK
JANUARY 19th 2009 Halsinki, Tavista Finland
JANUARY 21st 2009 Stockholm, Mosebacke Sweden
JANUARY 22nd 2009 Oslo, John Dee Norway
JANUARY 23rd 2009 Copenhagen, The Rock Denmark

Lauren Harris MySpace