Metrocon 2011 "CLUB METRO" Rave Party Adventure

Hello everyone, JB here with all of you again, and do I have an adventure to tell you.

As some of you may know, I am a traveler. I have been my entire life. I've been to a great number of places all over the world, and I have seen a great many of sites in my time. Recently though, my great friends from "PLANET RAVE" in the Alpha Centauri Solar Star System, contacted me and said that I needed to come and visit with them again, as it had been much too long since I last came to see them. 

Now as many of you may or may not know, Space Travel is EXTREMELY expensive, even for the most wealthy of individuals, not to mention its a logistical nightmare, and takes a great deal of time to plan, put together, execute, and fully complete. 

Fortunately enough for me, my friends from beyond the stars knew this, and that this was a potential problem for me to travel to see them, and being the all knowing beings of higher intelligence they are, they decided to help me out. They returned back to earth. 

And as luck would have it, they invited me to a very special event, they would be hosting.

The event was called "METROCON 2011" and within that event, was another event, their event titled "CLUB METRO RAVE!" This event was one of the Craziest, and Wildest events this traveler has ever witnessed or even been a part of. 

The "Club Metro" Rave Party was the Alpha Centaurians way of giving a musical gift to our world on one special night. Let's face it, being from "PLANET RAVE" there is one main thing they do, and they do it well. That is to RAVE & PARTY!!! This Rave Party was Absolutely Incredible. 

It was incredible for many different reasons. Not only the lights and sounds, and fellow "PLANET RAVE" beings here on Earth but, I was asked by the IMMORTAL one herself, the Goddess of Rave "General Zoe VanWest" to document this event for posterity and historical purposes, as this would be a night unlike any other, were the skies would open, and the Galaxies above us would be playing and singing at full volume to the Earth. 

I was truly honored and humbled to fulfill such a request. And little did I know that on this night, I would be fully assimilated into their culture and into their world. Who would have known, that such Advanced Intelligent beings from beyond on our own skies would need documentation, and would even ask a mere traveler of space and time to document this, but as many of you may know me personally or well enough, you know I will never turn someone down that requests my help. It's in my nature to help where I can.

They did not disappoint. On the night of June 17th 2011, the skies opened and the galaxy itself answered the call. There were beings in attendance from all over the Universe, of all shapes, sizes, colors, styles, and everything in between. It is hard to describe what happened next, as I cannot formulate the words properly enough to explain the beauty that was enrapturing me. 

The amazing sights, the powerful sounds, the lights so bright, and the fellow "PLANET RAVE" beings so loud with the music, I could not believe what I was hearing on this night. The Energy Surged through me and my body with a force so strong that at moments it was deafening.

It's almost as if the music and the crowd finally overtook me, & my soul was finally free & one with the music all within this moment. It was almost like the Alpha Centaurians had transformed me into one of their own for a moment, and I was able to see the world around them the way they see it when looking at ours. 

The performances by the Star Systems own "HELLBUNNY Go-Go Dance Troupe" were mesmerizing and breathtaking, as I watched General Zoe VanWest take the helm, and lead them through and control the crowd. I was and always will be in true awe of her commanding presence, beauty, grace, poise, and charm. It is truly a sight to behold.

The party lasted what seemed like a lifetime but was over, it seemed almost as quickly as it all began. Before I knew what was happening I was saying goodbye to my friends from beyond our own skies. Now I know I will see them again, but its always a sad moment to see them leave and for me to say goodbye. 

They were so impressed with the RAVERS here on Earth, a faction of their own people from long ago, when the first generation of Alpha Centaurians first landed on Earth many eons ago, and even though they are in human bodies and more human than Alpha Centaurians, the current Alpha Centaurians can still sense their long aged "RAVE/PARTY" mentalities still beating away to every beat of a drum within their minds, hearts, and souls. 

It was so impressive to them, that they have announced that they are coming back to give another musical gift in November of 2011 to Earth in the form of their highest party and honor, "KABOOM" at ShadoCon 2011.

Now this is a party you DO NOT & CANNOT miss! Everyone from across the Stars and the Universe will be at this party, and you should too! I will be there as well capturing all the magic and wonder.

Well my friends, I'm about to take off for another trip to somewhere out there within the Cosmos of our Universe, so until next time:

Keep the Music Alive and Always Listen to the Stars! The Galaxies Sing to All of Us, Will You be Listening for the Frequencies? Just Look up and Listen to the Stars. The Music is Beautiful and Heavenly!

 - JB BROCK

Arch Enemy "KHAOS LEGIONS" Album Review

Hello Everyone JB BROCK here with you today, and WOW, have I got a killer NEW CD Review for all of you!

          First in today's blog review I bring to you the extreme sound of Arch Enemy & their new record "KHAOS LEGIONS." This record is the first from Arch Enemy since 2009 and it (in this writers and reviewers opinion) is there strongest album to date! Khaos Legion paints a very vividly colorful portrait of where we are now within our society and, where we may be headed, should things continue on the path they are currently on within our world.

Track #1: Khaos Overture: The first track here is what really sets the story of this album in motion. From the beginning you hear the guitar build into a frenzied crescendo of sounds and as the drums take over and come more into play you feel the energy, the tidal wave that is coming, the sounds of life reigning out of control, the sirens that are whaling in the background, it is all building into that moment when society and the world are about to rip apart as the powder-keg of the world's instability is finally ready to explode, then a brief respite of silence, as you listen to the message at the end painting for you first hand the impending danger looming and what is and will be rising from all of the aftermath, this is KHAOS LEGIONS!"

Track #2: Yesterday is Dead and Gone: As this track opens you realize from the Intensity, that quite literally, the doorway to HELL itself has now been opened and what is streaming and spewing forth is making its way across the world at break neck speed with intensity the likes of which have never been witnessed or seen before on this planet, in this modern day world society. The screams of those burning in the fires, those who never had a voice before when they were alive, those who have suffered for so long, have now been given the power to finally unleash all of their pain, hatred, anger, aggression and torment, the power is so black, and dark, with so much fire and heat, it just consumes you and won't let go. Simply put, Yesterday is Dead and Gone.

Track #3: Bloodstained Cross: This track is just a straight to your face direct hit of pure metal fury. Listening along you can now feel the power of Armageddon as its reaching heights never before seen, the sirens in the beginning were and are your warning as to the danger coming forth your way, the world is becoming more and more enraptured, with the Khaos Legions, as they are assembling, and the great war of humanity is about to begin. Those of the religious sects and beliefs, only have a "Bloodstained Cross" to cling onto as they themselves are swept away, even with what they believed would save them from this war. The great battle of this world begins to take shape. A moment of more silent and tranquil reflection comes in to play, sort of as a calm before the storm starts to erupt again. Are you ready?

Track #4: Under Black Flags We March: As this track starts and comes into full volume you can feel the quietness of the Legions coming together and the forming of the battalions eroding away. The guitars themselves paint the picture coming forth once again. The drums themselves paint the rest of the story, that the Khaos Legions have now amassed and are now beginning to make their way forward all while "Under Black Flags We March." The lines have been drawn, the sides have been chosen, the war is now starting. The few of those of Humanity as we know it today, are the ones who are quickly turning and joining the Khaos Legions or will fight and become part of the resistance to try and save humanity and its ideas, their deaths while sad and unnecessary will be unfortunate collateral damage as all wars before them have brought. The sound of this song builds the momentum.

Track #5: No Gods, No Masters: We listen closely as there is no one spiritual being or entity to help us. The message of this song, is not to rely on the so called "GOD" or "GODS" above, or even religion to help or interfere in anyway within your own life and personal struggles. We, I and You, have all been placed here on this Earth Planet, in a form of "HELL ON EARTH" if you will, as a proving ground, to see just what we are made of and to test us as well as to what we as Humans are made of. As we listen to the main chorus of the song "I am who I am, take it or leave it, a rebel at heart, No Gods, No Masters, My Time Has Come." Will you be the master of your own destiny, or will it be of your own destruction?"

Track #6: City of the Dead: With this track, we are welcomed back to that place that most of us have visited or have been at, at one time or another, or are currently within in our own personal lives. We listen to the haunting voices of ages of time itself calling out from the depths of the past, at the beginning of the track as we take that first step back into our own souls and into the recesses of our our own minds. The music kicks in, like a gunblast to a light switch and turns on the lights from the darkness we have been walking through, within our own individual lives, with the many things that have either, caused us pain, and as some of us may have caused pain to others, we now see what has happened and start to see the aftermath of the destruction we have and may still continue to create or that has been created for not only ourselves but one another. Will you rise from the "CITY OF THE DEAD" and make your way above back to the living?

Track #7: Through the Eyes of a Raven: The music itself on this track is very dark and forbidding even by Arch Enemy's usual standards. It is definitely great to see them expanding their musical creativity to new heights and extremes, (I myself) am highly impressed to see them take their creativity musically and sonically this far. This track seems to talk of the humanity and essence of humanity that has been lost within our society currently. Just as black as a Raven's feathers are, this track speaks to the evil and destruction that seems to follow mankind. It is truly an excellent track, a definite highly recommended track to listen to with a surprise twist at the end, a moment of reflection if you will. "Let the Raven Strike!"

Track #8: Cruelty Without Beauty: As we are now within the actual body of the record we come to a place where the great battle is raging at full power musically. There are not much in the way of lyrics here, but as for what there are, they paint a picture of the creatures of the Khaos Legions speaking to us as they fight, we can hear from the lyrics if you will, the thoughts of the fighters as they battle, almost sharing one collective mind, all while each individual voice screams out in pain, anger, torment, horror, and agony. The power here is truly immense and chaotic. Hold on everyone as we go further into the battle, prepare to see first hand the price of war that is waged, "Cruelty Without Beauty."

Track #9: We Are a Godless Entity:  We are now at a moment on this record where we find an instrumental moment complete and divine. This is where we are in the minds of all who are fighting for humanity and for other causes. This is the moment of shell shock you see soldiers and warriors face in the heat of battle within the war. This is where the battle itself slows down into a slow-motion state and you can feel your heartbeat, and sense everything around and amongst you, as you take a 360 panoramic view while catching your breath. However its only for a moment as we dive back into the war, the music here is truly beautiful for this moment. Another great track indeed.

Track #10: Cult of Chaos: Hold on everyone, we are going right back into battle. On this track the music here is nothing but machine gun fire hell fury. Listen to the battle cry, "WE ARE LEGION." The rounds are exploding the speed is intense, the war is at 110% full power. There is no turning back now you must fight to live, or stand your ground and die! You can only "BE AS FREE AS YOU CAN BE." Here the calls from the battle commanders being called out, protect everyone you can, hold you ground men, do not let up, do not back down, keep fighting, bring hell to the enemy! An excellent track here indeed, with moments of pure musical magic, that Arch Enemy have been known for, and they do not disappoint here!

Track #11 Thorns In My Flesh: We are now hitting on all twelve cylinders, there is no letting up now, the guns are firing, the bombs are going off, the music is coming at you at a crazy unheard of speed, its just relentless. The shrapnel is coming as fast as possible soldiers and warriors are being ripped into and apart, there is blood everywhere. You soldier though will not back down, "YOU CONTROL YOUR DESTINY." The battle is raging onward. Musically it is incredible the picture it paints, this song is one of Arch Enemy's finest.

Track #12 Turn To Dust (Instrumental): For now we reach the precipice of the battle the smoke is now starting to clear. We now start to see just where we have come from and the destruction we have laid within our wake and that has been laid before us. Now we see the apocalyptic winter wasteland before us, sadly it is not over. The music on this track is as beautiful to listen to as it is haunting in the picture that it paints.

Track #13 Vengeance Is Mine: One final battle, this is for all or nothing. The speed here is at break neck super strike levels, and now you must win, everything else is lost, this is the moment when you must lay it all on the line, they are counting on you soldier. This is your chance to set all that is wrong right! You have the key, the road is clearing, your sights are set, take careful aim, and fire when ready. May the Heavens above watching make sure to guide your shot straight and true for battle and glory, for this battle will determine everything! Here the call "VENGEANCE IS MINE!" Musically crafted as another metal masterpiece, the sped and fury know no end.

Track #14 Secrets: We are now at the end of this war. But there is something that all of you should know. "I HAVE A SECRET  I JUST CAN'T TELL, I HAVE CREATED MY OWN HELL." Does that sound familiar to you? Is the battle we have just fought the true apocalypse, or is it the war we wage everyday with one another, or even personally in order to live and to survive? We all have "SECRETS" & Skeletons within our own closets. How will you let them control you or over take who you are? Will you? Will you battle them? Will you win or will you lose? Are the Secrets you hold within even that meaningful? Only you have the answer!

Well everyone I hope you have enjoyed the journey thus far on Arch Enemy's newest album "KHAOS LEGIONS." In this writers opinion, this is a truly remarkable album, and a personal best from Arch Enemy and crew. I (myself) cannot wait to see them live as they head out on full tour to support this album. Hopefully they will be coming to a town near you, and if they come this way, well you know I will be there to capture every moment of it, and may even talk with Arch Enemy if possible!

Keep the Metal alive everyone, and until next time \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/ HORNS UP!!!!

 - JB BROCK

RATT and their (2010) Album "INFESTATION"

Hey everyone JB here with you again today, and I bring to you a piece of Historic musical wonder today. First off this Album and its Artist have been in the business for about 30 or more years, and even after an almost two decade long absence they come back to life hitting on all eight cylinders like never before.

     Today I bring you a review of an album called “Infestation”, which was released in the later part of last year (2010) by none other than the legendary hard rocking, wild party group, with sexual innuendo’s straight out of the 1980’s itself, RATT.

     Now just to start here if you don’t know who “RATT” exactly are and your saying I’ve never heard their music, believe me you have actually. Countless 1980’s movies, and radio stations even today, on Sirius XM Satellite Radio and more play their music on a consistent basis. Most of you actually know their signature song as it is listed on most 1980’s & 1990’s Ballad Compilation CD albums. 1984’s “Round And Round.” I’m sure once you hear this song again you will be right on track here.

     Most may not know that the lead singer of RATT is none other than the Wild Front Man himself “Stephen Pearcy.” With most of their members now in their fifties its hard to imagine that they are rocking as hard as they still do but, one listen to this new album, will transport those of you who may have been around then, right back to 1984 and their very first album “Out of the Cellar.”

     That band is seen by many (including me) as an essential piece of the 1980’s hair metal scene, and transports us all back to a time at least (in this writer’s opinion) that was much simpler, and simply better in terms of music and the world. I salute the 1980’s as I sit here and write this and think back to a time of never ending parties, lights, and everything else we could never get enough of. I will never forget those days, how I do miss them.

On to the new album “Infestation.”

     Track One: “EAT ME UP ALIVE” comes out of the gate just as hard rocking as one could expect from the boys here and does not slow down, it is literally a straight to your face, sex driven innuendo, shot to your body that just puts you into that relaxed “To Cool For School” type of attitude.

     Track Two: “Best Of Me” is the track that will transport you back to the 1980’s. Just listen to the rhythm section and those guitars crank up and that once again hard edge rocking love song about someone, and love trying to leave, comes all flooding back, pleading to all of us with its chorus “No No, Please Don’t Leave Me, Standing Here Alone, You Got “The Best of Me” like a cry directly from the 1980’s to not go because the party is still going.

     Track Three: “A Little Too Much” is a track that spells it out for everyone. As it states in many more word “Here is the deal, and this is how it’s going to be.” Straightforward and Hard Rocking, as the Train we are on now for this journey just keeps rolling along with us in full swing with the rhythm carrying us along felt in this track.

     Track Four: “Look Out Below” is a track swimming in blues laced sludge. One listen to the Guitars and the Rhythm section and its slowed pace bring this right to the front for the listener. It’s almost like the music is in a sense going out of its way in a sense “coming to get you!” It is just Hard Rocking, and definitely a Truly Wicked track to listen to.

     Track Five: “Last Call” Well take me to the Bar with this one here. We pick the speed right back up, and flying down the road we go. This is Modern “Rock N Roll” at its finest (if you ask me). Just dancing with some Bluesy Sludge Undertones in the background harmonies for an extra-added nice touch. The moments of slowdowns and buildups are also a newer welcome change on this rock n roll track as your given just enough space to get back into the groove and keep right on going if you miss a step. This is definitely another track worth listening to here.

     Track Six: “Lost Weekend” This track folks really grabbed and stood out to me. It slams in hard and just takes you to the summer instantly, and you all know the day I’m talking about. It is the day where everyone piles in the car, the sun is out, the coolers are loaded down, and everyone is headed down to the beach for a weekend of fun in the sun, while we’re still so damn young and in high school with out a care in the world, and as we drive this song is playing while we watch the girls strip going down the road along side of us in their little hot to trot convertible or whatever sports car, and how we wish we’re in that car but we know they are headed to the beach too. This song is one of the “Ultimate” party anthems I believe of all time.

     Track Seven: “As Good As It Gets” Now this is the track where the sludge finally comes to the surface. This track is just covered, drenched, and dripping, in soulful southern blues, jazz, and good old-fashioned rock n roll. It has edge, it has soul, it just gets your body moving to the slow steady rhythm where everyone is just so damn cool as far as anyone can see at this party and can tell. Like they sing it is truly “As Good As It Gets” on this one. Let the rhythm carry you away here.

     Track Eight: “Garden Of Eden” This is a moment of literal “Rock N Roll” perfection to me. This song catches you in the beginning and just will not let you go. Not to fast, not to slow, it just puts you right in the moment that defined the 1970’s, blues swinging sludge, hard rocking, and just describes someone to a perfect literal T., and you know, it could even be me its talking about, so you (dear reader) reading this, might just have to personally meet me someday to find out if it’s true.

     Track Nine: “Take A Big Bite” Here we are folks on the home stretch of our trip, and the speed here is just insane. I can’t say anything else other than for this part of the ride I’m going to do just that and “Take A Big Bite.” This track is simply FUCKING WICKED!!!! HORNS UP \m/ \m/ Rock N Roll again at its finest!!!

     Track Ten: “Take Me Home” This track seemed a bit out of place to me for some reason. It’s still a definite good track, and it definitely has a slowed down, bluesy, ballad type of vibe that RATT has always been known for in the past. This track though (in my opinion) really didn’t fit in with the overall mix here, though it is a good moment to catch your breath as our journey is almost over.

     Track Eleven: “Don’t Let Go” Right out of the starting gate as we can see our destination back to the present coming up fast. “Don’t Let Go” gives it all its got, to get us there fast. Once again throughout this track you can almost hear the 1980’s calling out to us one last time, as the time portal closes behind us, giving us our last glimpses of what once was, and laid the foundation for the music we experience today. This track is definitely a blitzkrieg right to the ears and jugular, even for RATT” that’s pretty damn good to me!

     RATT have definitely recaptured that “SPARK” that made them one of the Hair Metal Gods of the 1980’s and their new album “Infestation” does not fail, as it simply picks right back up where it left off in 1985. Infestation is Eleven Solid Tracks of Rock N Roll that transport us back in time to the 1980’s with modern day technology and sound, showing where we have been and where we are now. This simply is a great album and (at least for me) it does stay in constant heavy rotation in my music choices so go check it out, and experience a little piece of a time when the party never stopped.

Catch you all on the WILDSIDE!!!!

 - JB

Real Music "PUNK ROCK, THRASH METAL, & HEAVY METAL."

Hello everyone in Internet world, all of my fans, friends, and followers especially, JB here with you all once again. Yes I know it has been awhile. I am sorry for that, things and time just keep getting away from me it seems, and with so much going on in my life anymore, things get a bit hectic.

I write to you all today, in a sort of continuation from a previous blog of before, where I reviewed and talked about “Punk Rock” music in which I was at that time and am now once again currently listening to. Now let me explain some things here. Number one, I am a music minded, music business individual, and with that said it also goes without saying that I like and enjoy all types of music, from all types of musical genres. Just ask anyone that knows me personally well today.

Everyday I am always listening to different types of music, from all over the world, and I have noticed something about today’s music that is much different than yesterday’s music. Do you know what it is or could be? If not that is okay. I can at least tell you what I believe it to be and it might just make some sense. No one style of music is created equal. Not even one song is created equally. So some reading this may have an issue with what I’m about to say.

MOST MUSIC OF TODAY HAS NO HEART, SOUL, CREATIVITY OR INDIVIDUALITY.

Now I know what you’re probably all thinking and or saying at this point. How exactly do I know this, or how can I even begin to think that way about a form of artistic expression that is subject to interpretation?

Let us start with the music of today. Most individuals at this point in time are only familiar with the Technological age of the Internet and digital downloaded albums and songs from iTunes, Rhapsody, and others. Even fewer individuals are familiar with Compact Discs known as “CD’s” and still even fewer individuals, are familiar with the origins of Recorded Music in the Mediums of Cassette Tapes and LP Records known by us “Old-School” individuals as vinyl.

Most people of today do no visit their local records shops, to even search for gems of albums (and you should), as many and more of these once great places to find these precious musical gems close their doors and go out of business each and every single day. People today buy songs or “Singles” as it is known in today’s current online marketplace, and with that we have witnessed the significant loss and subsequent destruction of artistic creativeness found in albums, songs, and even the artwork of these albums.

What people buy today and listen to this week is usually on its way out the door, forgotten about, and onto something newer happily referred to as “the next big thing” by the start of next week.

With all of that stated and now said and off my proverbial chest, it brings me to my main point. I unfortunately have been thoroughly disappointed in the styles and offerings of many music genres for well over the past 10-20 years. Now I know I am just one individual but I believe, that there may be others who feel like me out there in the world today.

Artists and Bands of today seem only concerned about quick financial compensation, and for at least some that fact, I can understand this with the world we in which live in today. We face great personal financial struggles everyday with the world’s current economic status. Hey I feel it too, I am no different! So wanting to make lots of money to keep living and enjoying the better things in life is something I want just as much as anyone else reading this.

Music today though almost seems to have no substance anymore. Now as for the artists who actually do still hold true to these values and practice them of yesterday gone by, right there is point number two. You almost never hear out of those artists and or bands today. If you want to, you have to go looking for them, and most sadly today do not because they don’t want to take that time and effort to find a gem of musical masterpiece creation.

What a crying shame that is because there is still so much beautiful and amazing music that is not being heard today, thanks to corporations, money, politics, TV Reality shows, and a whole list of other reasons.

This all really needs to stop in my opinion. We need to get back to the “Old-School” ways of doing things and especially in making music and actually look forward to a new music release and what it means to us. Not just for the next big thing coming down the pipeline to fill another moment in time for some stupid club party.

So recently I decided to go back to modern music’s roots, and I mean all the way back to the late 70’s and early 80’s. Right back into the punk and thrash worlds of musical creation. All to get back in touch with why I fell in love with music in the first place. Back to the feeling of when it all was right and seemed right.

Listening to Bands recently like “The Adolescents”, “The Germs”, “Bad Brains”, “The Dead Kennedy’s”, “Circle Jerks”, The Sex Pistols”, “TSOL”, “X”, “Agent Orange” and I did not stop there. I also went back to the early days of Heavy Metal and Death Metal bands as well, with the likes of: “Morbid Angel”, “Carcass”, “Celtic Frost”, “Mayhem”, “Burzum”, “Twisted Sister”, early “Metallica”, “Megadeth”, “Slayer”, “Anthrax”, “Venom” my personal favorites “Motorhead” and early “Sepultura” with the Brazilian brother’s Max and Igor Cavelera at the helm.

This to me, are the times, and days and ages, when music was all about fun, the world, and just being who you actually were, and enjoying the moment you were in or wherever you were at.

What happened to this? Where did the heart and soul of music go? Why is it all now all about money and nothing else? I just don’t get it myself. May be it was me who missed something along the way. Let’s change this and go back to the days of the 80’s and yesterday. Who wouldn’t benefit from that?

 - JB

Captain's Log 1

JB BROCK Personal Review of CIRCLE II CIRCLE and their New Album "Consequence Of Power"

     Hello one and all, JB here with you again. Things have been mad crazy & busy for me as of time lately but I am here on a special singular blog to bring you all something very unique and exciting.

     A few weeks ago, I caught up with a very good friend of mine, this person and myself have been out of touch much too long, and it was good to see them. Although this individual had alot to tell me and share with me.

     My friend is Mr. Johnny Osborn and he is one part of the "Power Metal" group "CIRCLE II CIRCLE" all coming to you out of Tampa, Florida. This group consists of four members featuring the likes of: Johnny Osborn on Drums, Rollie Feldman on Guitars, Mitch Stewart on Bass Guitar and Keyboards, and at the helm belting out the metal fury unlike any other one human could do it, Vocalist Zak Stevens from two of the most historical groups of "Power Metal" from the 80's and 90's into the 2000's, yes that's right I am talking about the groups that all of you know by heart from that time and era of metal's beginnings "Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Yes folks you heard me correctly on this, and with all of this combined experience from the road, and the studio they all make up the new power house that is Circle II Circle.

     Recently as I stated before me and Johnny got a chance to catch up and I was able to acquire their newest album featuring Johnny on drums called "Consequence Of Power" and let me tell you all this, this album will literally blow all of you out of your seats, and blow you away! There is a story behind this album and contained within it. I will encourage all of you to go and buy this album so you can experience the story first hand for yourselves. This album can be purchased through the bands websites, so I definitely recommend buying it that way or even reaching out to me, and I will let the band know, and they will sell it to you directly!

     The songwriting is incredibly amazing and very haunting, truly inspiring at times (if you ask me, as you will be able to hear it when you listen to it) the guitars are just insanely crazy with all of their power and force (how I love that Guitarist), the bass and keyboards provide more than enough oomph to keep you moving (which so rocks hard core), and the drums, well the drums just drive the beat of each song like a hammer of relentlessness and make it become part of you, the hypnotic-ness of those drum percussions from Johnny Osborn just drive each song into your brain and into your soul (at least it did for me just check out the song "Episodes of Mania" to see what I mean) but seriously, go and buy this album and you will see what I mean for yourself, it is just so damn good, you will not be disappointed!

     Now just to inform you Circle II Circle have been around since 2002 so they do have some other albums as well which I will be reviewing hopefully soon (as I am certain those rock just as hard as this one), but I myself cannot say enough about just how excellent and great, and just absolutely kick-ass this album "Consequence of Power" truly is! The energy from these guys playing here truly has got to be experienced, you will never hear anything like this again in your lives!!! 

     Speaking of that, that brings me into my next point, (as I sit here currently listening to the album as I write this) if you love what I have said so far and your saying to yourself, "I want to see these guys live" well my faithful friends and followers all of you are in luck. With a new year comes a great many new challenges and goals and one of those very goals is to play for all of their fans here in the U.S., so just in case you have not figured it out, Circle II Circle are heading out on tour starting March 23, 2011.

     If you find yourself in the Midwest of the U.S.A. this year in late March, into April and beyond (check the website listed below for tour dates) then you will experience the true power of Circle II Circle on their 2010 - 2011 World Tour. That's right everyone, these guys are so huge already they are on a WORLD TOUR which goes into the latter part of this year. This group is and are no strangers to playing all of the biggest metal/rock festivals all over the world and we are fortunate to have them back in the U.S.A. for now, so get out there and go see them before it is too late.

Tracks of Note: (LITERALLY ALL OF THEM) but if I had to pick they would be: 

- Symptoms of Fate (see the Acoustic Video on Youtube of this as well)

- Episodes of Mania (Just Blitzkrieg Wicked Rocking Metal)

- Redemption (Another just Hard Rocking Excellent Song that Drives relentlessly, thanks Johnny for those drums on this one)

- Take Back Yesterday (This song is just CRAZY MAD GOOD, driving us along like a Train and the Keyboard/Piano adds such a nice wickedly haunting quality to the song)

- Anathema (Just a Brutal Crushing Song of Power, You Guys did this one EXCELLENTLY HERE!)

- Blood Of An Angel (Just Hauntingly Beautiful, Everything About this Song is just Amazing, you guys really got it here)

     Oh by the way, when all of you (MY FANS & FOLLOWERS) buy this album (CRANK IT UP AS LOUD AS YOU CAN) sit back, have a beer, or some wine, whatever your preference (more is always preferably better), and kick back to listen to this album it in its entirety (again and again, its so good when you do it LOUD)!!!! Go out and buy this album, as it will be the album of the year! CIRCLE II CIRCLE are taking the WORLD by STORM!!! 

 - JB BROCK

Links to CIRCLE II CIRCLE

Band Website: http://www.circle2circle.net/

Facebook.com: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Circle-II-Circle/294591561656

Myspace.com: http://www.myspace.com/circleiicircle

ReverbNation.com: http://www.reverbnation.com/circle2circle

Twitter.com: http://twitter.com/circle2circle

BAND: CircleIICircle from Central Florida

Hey everyone JB here with you today, just a quick note on a really good friend of mine and their band.

CircleIICircle are a powerhouse band that is unlike any other band out today.
With elements of Rock N Roll, and Metal these guys are a force to be reckoned with.

So please do me a huge favor, go and check them out on the links provided below.

If you want to see them live in person make sure you like the links on FB provided below and on my FB page as well (which management is operating currently) and a Florida Show might just be in the works soon!!!

See you all on the WILD SIDE!!!!

-       JB BROCK

Band Website: http://www.circle2circle.net/

Facebook.com: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Circle-II-Circle/294591561656

Myspace.com: http://www.myspace.com/circleiicircle

ReverbNation.com: http://www.reverbnation.com/circle2circle

Twitter.com: http://twitter.com/circle2circle

Freak Fest II 2011

Hey everyone, JB here with you again. Its been a little while now things have been crazy busy with me as of late, and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Freak Fest II 2011. Now if you missed this show, then you missed one hell of an event. This was one for the ages.

I made the journey to this event, and I certainly was not disappointed. Everyone there associated with the venue and the bands treated me as if one of their own.

We start out the night with the band “Kritikal Resistance.” These guys deliver on all eight cylinders just insane crazy lyrics, jaw dropping speed and a playing technical prowl less that really started the event off right, firing away into a musical sonic crescendo. These individuals here are going to be huge and have amassed a following that is crazy in size.

I also had the chance to spend some time with some very dear friends of mine who always treat me like of them and of their own as well.

Yes first and foremost I am talking about the Immortal One Herself, The Solar System Queen of Rave herself, Zoe VanWest. On this night she was decked out for the metal scene, which she is adapting to quite nicely and starting to put her own spin and style upon.

Zoe then presented to me an utmost honor and introduced me to, her highest-ranking Col. Of Rave the one and only “Col. Mistress Mixtress Krikett.” It was an utmost Honor and Pleasure to meet Col. Krikett who is as lovely and beautiful, as she is Talented in the world of Rave and Hardcore Style in this traveler’s opinion.

Mistress Mixtress Krikett comes to us via the Alpha Centauri Star System by way of NC. She is here in Florida for a short time on an exploration mission, so make sure if your in NC to be sure to check this truly talented woman out and see her style of rave and spin on the music, which as this traveler observed, was quite impressive and amazing indeed.

The main hit of the whole night was Zoe VanWest’s direct equal, the King of Hardcore Style Rave and New York Metal, The Legendary one himself, and a personal good friend of mine, “DJ Hellroy” others know him as “Rob VanWest.” This man can make the heaven’s sing, and on this night he did not disappoint in that fact. The solar system was definitely in tune and in synch with him.

His live set was truly amazing, you had to be there to experience it, you have got to hear this man spin those records, and as he closed out his set he chose a very special track with a “Very Metal” and appropriate cover of “Hey Man, Nice Shot” by Filter. Joining him on vocals were James Harrison who is the founder of Tampa Bay Metal Scene and also Guitarist for the band “Psykotribe “ a Horror Rock Band (very awesome band indeed) and Mr. Jeff Dal Pezzo from “A Broken Machine.” The “Metal” twist on this song was truly inspiring, so look for a Death Metal version of this song soon with DJ Hellroy and Myself in the upcoming future.

The next band on the list was a band called “Scar City.” These individuals are going to be huge. The band is mind-numbingly fast, with elements of slowed down melodies, just long enough to come back and blast you again. This band delivered a blitzkrieg set of just jaw-dropping, rip-roaring, straight to your face music that never quits. All of the members seemed to be extremely very humble and also appearing to be individuals with families so, they all seemed very down to earth.

Look for these guys on the radio very soon. Two of my personal favorites from this night by them were “Fuck You” and “Shallow” both song encompassing all in terms of standing up to others for who you are, not changing for them, or anyone else in what they want you to conform to and be, and standing firm in the belief of who it is you are! They love the crowd, they engage them and have them involved in their performances and just really tore the house down. Look for these guys coming soon to a town near you.

The next band that blew me away was a band hailing from Ocala, FL. They are known as EBULLUTION. These guys started out with just insane crushing death metal fury. I mean it was truly a blast way back to the old days of what “Thrash/Death Metal” truly used to be. Me and the Solar System Queen of Rave "Zoe VanWest" were head banging about as hard as we could go during their first song. Now unfortunately I was not able to pick up on their CD’s at the show, (sad for me yes I know) but I will be following this group closely and as soon as I can I will and I will bring you the review.

The Band that just blew me away was none other than “A Broken Machine.” Now I stated earlier that Jeff Dal Pezzo was from this band. What I did not mention earlier was that Jeff and Myself had talked most of the time I was there, even from the beginning from when I arrived. He and Zoe VanWest are currently collaborating on an upcoming track that will be hitting the airwaves and online I believe very soon.

Well as the night progressed and the raffles, (yes there were raffle drawings for books, shirts, and even two different guitars, you really should have been there) Jeff and I spoke once more, and being the consummate marketer and promoter he is, and figuring that I love the Legendary “IRON MAIDEN” which I do as evident by the T-Shirt I wore on this night, he made me a deal. If they really ripped it up and tore the shit out of their cover of the “IRON MAIDEN” song they were going to perform, and they impressed me, that I would buy one their shirts.

They did not disappoint at all. They killed the cover hardcore!!! Jeff even came out while playing on his what looked to be “RED Ibanez” 6 string electric guitar (don’t quote me on this fact) and played some right by me in the middle of the crowd. He looked for approval from me of what I thought, I gave him a nod and the metal horns, and when it was all done, I purchased a shirt and received a free copy of their EP CD album. Jeff and the rest of the band were very cool. They even had a new drummer “Joey Blaque” this night (reasons still unknown) and this young kid, came out and ripped the place apart on the drums! He is a very talented drummer and I hope to hear their full length CD album very soon in the near future.

As the night progressed, more and more band followed and the night was just full of people who love metal and music coming together acting as one big family. The stereotypes of what most believe about metal and rave were all thrown out the door as all of the people here treated everyone like family and friends, enjoying being around one another. It truly made this traveler smile, to see such sites, and as such I even received a few pats of the back, hugs, and well wishes as well.

So if you ever find yourself in Largo, FL please, stop by and check out “Gasoline Alley Café’.” They will treat you right, they put on a really great show, and they have some really awesome food and drinks. This is definitely a place I will come back too again and again.

Ok guys, I got to jet for now, lots to still review and go through for all of you. Till next time, take care everyone, keep the Metal and Rave music scene alive and kicking into the rest of the 21st century!

As always CATCH YOU ALL on the WILD SIDE!!!!
HORNS UP \m/ \m/

 - JB

P.S. Here are the links to the band’s pages if you visit them and friend them tell them that
Music Blogger JB SENT YOU!!!

DJ Hellroy a.k.a. Rob VanWest
http://www.facebook.com/robert.vanwest

Mixtress Krikett
http://www.facebook.com/pages/mixtress-krikett/104799639573964

Kritikal Resistance
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kritikal-Resistance/160899397256856
http://www.myspace.com/kritikalresistance

Scar City
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scar-City/131601223550148?v=wall
http://www.myspace.com/sctampa

Psykotribe
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001742830068
http://www.myspace.com/psykotribe

Sledgegrinder
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SledgegrindeR/115486422968?v=wall

EBULLUTION
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ebullition/154127271289817?v=wall

A Broken Machine
http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Broken-Machine/119023371500092

February 2011 Movie Review Time

     Hey everyone JB here with you again. It's been bit I know for movie and music reviews, hopefully my other forums have been keeping you entertained on some subjects I have posted about recently, if that in and of itself has not kept your appetite at bay for more info from me, well never fear, JB is here! I've got another set of reviews coming at you today!

     Today I will be talking about a few of the newer movies that I have been catching up on lately with and finally had a chance to see. Let's dive right on in!

Lost Boys 3: The Thirst

      I've been watching this movie series for over 20 years now (no its not a sign of my age) but I've always enjoyed the concept started in 1987 mixing Vampires with Rock N Roll music. Back in those days it was just something that had never been tried before, surprising to say, and it was considered very "experimental" at that time to mix those elements. They did and what was born from it was a enduring love and new modern spins on the long lasting stories of vampires that we have all come to know and love, which in and of itself, have spawned alot of the ideas about vampires we know and see in movies today. Suffice it to say that perhaps without "The Lost Boys" and its catalyst as a springboard to modernize the stories of vampires we may not have some of the other series about vampires we currently have.

     LB3 though sadly is where our journey ends in the exploration of vampires, at least for now. Sadly as we all may or may not know one of the famous and infamous "Frog Brothers" "Corey Haim" passed away a couple of years ago and it seemed for a time we might never know how things would have turned out for the "Frog Brothers." Always one to keep going just like in the movie "Corey Feldman" in his role of "Edgar Frog" brought us all back into the story as it was given a revamp and re-modernization into today and the 21st century. I can say that this "straight to DVD release" is an excellent movie and really took me back all the way "Santa Carla" from years past back to number one. Corey Feldman himself keeps doing an excellent job as a vampire hunter and destroyer, and in the end actually takes a few upgrades himself. One of which is a young book store woman with a twist in that one (watch it till the very end to find out) and the other being we see Edgar with a kindle book reader. Yes that's right, Edgar makes his way into the 21st century just like so many of you have done currently, speaking of which (I need to myself). Overall in excellent movie in my opinion as I do own all three in the "Lost Boys" series and even though it seems the end now, there is a twist at the end (like I said before) and i truly hope that this is not the last movie we see from them, I know after nearly 20 years (2 Decades) what more can they do your asking, well this fan certainly hopes for more!

5 out 5 stars is my rating.

District 9:

     This has definitely been on my radar screen for a while now. District 9 starts out as what you might think it would for an alien movie but quickly assumes an identity all of its own. Shot from  "First & Second Person Perspectives" literally. We see the story of government corruption, a family trying to get back home, what love and devotion can be in some respects (if you have that in your life), what losing that love and devotion can do to some, and even what humans can and are doing to one another. I would like to think that if that really did happen to us in the here and now, on our everyday earth, and we did have a race of aliens wanting to live here in somewhat harmony with us as humans, we might treat them alittle bit better than what I observed in this movie. It was truly a captivating story to me that drew me into the movie very well, as I am certain it will and may have done with all of you, it is a definite must see. 4 out of 5 stars is my rating.

Saw 7: The Final Chapter

     This movie was definitely quite an intriguing and interesting movie to say the least. Non-stop action, twists and turns at each and every turn and it finally seemed to put alot of the pieces together. Once again "Jigsaw" never disappoints as he has inevitably foreseen all of the events that are about to take place and has prepared for them. I don't want to spoil too much of it for you all, just in case your like me and have not watched the movie yet, all I can tell you is that there is no shortage of blood, guts, mutilation, decapitation, gore, gore gore, and more blood blood, and even more blood. Even though this states this is the "Final Chapter" I somehow don't believe this (as you will have to watch it to understand that statement) and I hope that it isn't but if it truly is, then it has been one awesome journey and one wicked hell of a ride along the "SAW" story. 4 out of 5 stars is my rating.

From Paris with Love:

     This was just a phenomenal movie in this blog-writers opinion. A modern day take on a very realistic type of circumstance. It does not disappoint on the action sequences, car chases, explosions, guns, shooting, blood, destruction and more. Although that is not what really makes this movie complete, there is another story underlying it. In a world where nothing anymore is at it seems, and terrorists and other threats run amuck, we find ourselves being unsuspectedly led into a love story that has a rather particular unseen twist type ending. As "John Travolta's" character states in the movie "Love will get you killed." Sadly in most instances I would have to say I agree, but before I go into some tangent about love you all probably don't want to hear and I'm not ready to go into yet (at this point in my life) check out this movie and see what I mean. It will definitely draw you in and keep you on the edge of your seat. 5 out of 5 stars is my rating.

     There you have it everyone, as you can tell i am trying to get to newer movies and play the catch up game so to speak…he he he he! Enjoy them please, go check out these movies, enjoy yourselves, live, laugh, love and enjoy everyday!

     See you all again from the WILD SIDE of life!!! 

          - JB

Topic of the day: “Social Media and Media News Reporting”

JB BROCK here with you all again today kind of quickly, hoping everyone is doing good in the 2nd month of 2011.

I pose Two Questions to all of you here in the Blogger World?

1. How in your opinions have social media changed the way we receive media today?

2. Do you feel that having access to news immediately while it’s happening is beneficial to you and everyone else?

- JB BROCK

T-Shirt Advertising in Florida going Global!

Hey Everyone JB here with you again. From time to time, I have a few free moments in my hectic schedule to go searching on the Internet or catch a bit of TV. 

     Today in my detective gatherings and research I bring to all of you something very unique and amazing in my opinion. This news story was featured locally in Tampa on February 2, 2011, and was brought to my attention on February 3, 2011. A Social Networking Genius found a way to make his financial gains increase exponentially by paying it forward to others in the world, even spreading his wealth globally. Now that I have your attention, your probably asking, “JB what in the world did you just say?” Ok allow me to clarify abit for you.

     Let me introduce to you Mr. Jason Sadler and iwearyourshirt.com. Now Mr. Sadler and myself are somewhat similar people in some respects. We both are Social Networking Gurus, if you will. However with that being said, Mr. Jason Sadler though has done far more than I have in Social Networking and has made a career of it. For the past two years, Mr. Sadler has being making money by wearing t-shirts. Yes that’s right everyone, I said that he is making money by wearing t-shirts. Social Networking is all about meeting people you don’t know, and building professional relationships with them. Helping them out in whatever they may utilize in your services, and vice-versa. Well that in and of itself also encompasses advertising. What’s a better way to meet new people and expose them to products or services that they may need or want and may not have thought they needed or wanted, you advertise!

     Starting two years ago, Jason and his team started iwearyourshirt.com. Basically Jason and his crew promote businesses, products, and even service to the masses via social networking pages, such as the ever-popular Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, and many more. Everyday he and his team of now 5 on air personalities each produce a live video chat with everyone that may or may not follow them or know them, of course having hopes to have people follow them and in turn they will follow you. Sounds like a great deal right? Today was actually the first time I myself spoke with anyone from this company, including Ms. Amber Rose Plaster and the founder himself of iwearyourshirt.com, Mr. Jason Sadler. In speaking to both of them I was made to feel like a welcome part of their circle of friends. Pretty awesome if you ask me!

     These individuals are just like all of us, me and you. They are very down to earth, regular everyday people with normal (whatever your definition of normal maybe) lives, doing their thing everyday, living their lives, and giving us a way to be a part of that, and also providing a great service by introducing all of us in the masses (the public) to new products, services, and companies, because whether you want to face it or not, advertising is still the main way corporations reach out to everyone in the world, and the game of advertising is becoming ever increasingly more intense. So be ready to see a whole host and list of new ideas in advertising because, there are definitely a lot of great products out there, and these awesome individuals are giving all of us a way to see new companies just starting and becoming established on the horizon before anyone else knows about them.

iwearyourshirt.com consists of a 5-person crew currently for 2011 and features:

1. Mr. Jason Sadler from: Jacksonville, Florida (Founder/ Live Video Personality)

2. Mr. Deandre Upshaw from: Dallas, Texas (Live Video Personality)

3. Ms. Angela Seales from: New York, New York (Live Video Personality)

4. Mr. Neal Brooks from: Springfield, Missouri (Live Video Personality)

5. Ms. Amber Plaster from: Las Vegas, Nevada (Live Video Personality)

Catch their news story here @:http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/consumer/getting-paid-to-put-on-clothes-02022011 

The website is @: http://www.iwearyourshirt.com where you can find out more about each of them.

Go there and check them out! Trust me on this you will not be disappointed that you did. These people are great have a great idea and concept and receive my 110% full approval!!!! If you ask me, we need more cool people and companies in the world like them!!!

See you down the road soon guys and gals.

- JB

 P.S.  follow slowboyracing.com and furnish123.com, these are two great companies featured right now and they are offering chances to win some really great prizes throughout the month of February!!! 

Tell them iwearyourshirt.com sent you!

A THANK YOU NOTE TO EVERYONE!!!

I wanted to take a moment in my rather uniquely busy schedule and say "THANK YOU" to everyone (friends, fans, and followers) that has and does still continue to visit my blog here on blogger.com.


Your support and comments, and page views are so appreciated and welcomed!!!
It is the reason I keep on writing and bringing you the content I bring to all of you everyday.


Thank You one and all!


Humbly,
- JB BROCK

Subject: “360’ Deal” a.k.a. “Multiple Rights Deal”

Subject: “360’ Deal” a.k.a. “Multiple Rights Deal”

     Some of you may, or may not have ever heard of this deal before.

     In the video I found at artistshousemusic.org, Clinical Professor of Music Industry at USC’s Thornton School “Mr. Mark Goldstein” gives an almost 6 minute brief about how this type of deal came to be in existence. This deal was materialized in thought first off by, “The Warner Music Group”, during the mid to late nineties. With their own rough first draft in place, one of the first artists to encounter this new deal and actually agree to it was the legendary artist we all know as Madonna (I cannot say I am her biggest fan).

     The 360’ deal was not highly publicized or even brought to much light during the late 90’s time period. No one it seemed at that time was really paying attention, suffice it to say. The basic premise of the deal was brought forth in though for record companies (labels) to find a more lucrative way of capitalizing on different financial income generating streams, so that record companies (labels) could make more money off of their artists (have a bigger piece, chunk, or cut, of the pie).

     For some artists this is not an overall issue, of which is really of great concern to. Artists like (Madonna, Jay-Z, and Robbie Williams), plus countless others, have been in these types of deals, for over the past 15 years in the music industry and when you achieve that super stardom level of fame and fortune, say like, (Lady Gaga, Little Wayne, Justin Bieber, The Jonas Brothers, and Madonna listed for those of you to be familiar with those artists of today reading this) then giving up more money in lieu of some of the other perks you might receive, is not an overall issue.

     Unless you are an up and coming artist trying to debut, then things can become a bit, well muddied to say the least, from what I have seen as of late. Now according to Former CEO of Capital Records “Mr. Jason Flom” the reason for this type of deal is because “The record label is creating a career for the artist.” I have a problem with this statement and I will tell you why.

     Yes in one instance I can see what he is saying but, when you stop and think about what he just said, is it that, they are truly creating careers for artists and giving them a platform to build a future upon or, is it that they are just looking to make more money off of artists in all aspects of revenue generation as another way to maintain control while giving these artists less and less? As you can tell there are some differing schools of thought on this subject matter.

     All of this information was relevant and current as of 2007. Things significantly changed though in the year 2008. In that year the production company known as “Live Nation” which hosts numerous events throughout the U.S. and some parts internationally around the world, resurrected the seemingly almost dead “360’ deal.” Now a whole host of new artists are being told from the start that this is the deal they are getting now, no way out of it. Costs that have been associated with trying to break the deal are an astounding number you would not believe (almost did not believe it myself).

     Recently in the past 10+ months I did some heavy digging around on this issue. I’ve read many articles on this story and I believe the biggest parts of information I have retrieved have been from artists themselves, who are not happy about this deal in the industry. What I found is a bit shocking! Simply for the fact that some of these artists are not being told particulars on some of the necessary information they need to know about.

     Now in my own personal opinion here for a moment, I believe that if your not smart enough, as an artist, to see the reality of the way things are going, then you may wind up getting what you deserve in the end. If you need conformation of this fact please see, some of today’s younger talents that are always featured on shows like “Entertainment Tonight”, “The Insider”, and “Access Hollywood” and you will see what I am saying in how these artists are spending the money faster than it comes in.

     Now following below is some of my findings on this unique subject matter. As of today (from what I am told by insiders) this deal is now an optional type of deal, but quickly becoming mandatory in today’s suffering economy and slumping music sales.

     “In the “360’ Deal” an Artist, Band, Solo Artist, Musician, signs away almost all of their rights over their projects. The record label issues a contract that you  (have the option) to sign, with lots of dollar signs usually, and in turn this is what they receive from you. They will take a cut, or portion (percentage of their own determination) of everything you make financially.

     Everything from CD albums (Intellectual Property), Music Videos you may cut for Album Singles, Performances you do within and around the world, Online sales (Digital Downloads) of any albums you have ready and available for download, even Product Endorsements, and or merchandise (purchased from online Company Websites), so on and so forth.

     What seems most interesting to me (enough for me to raise an eyebrow) is that they literally have this power over you for 10 years (one decade). You cannot break this contract. Nothing you make will essentially be yours in this time period. You will also have limited to no creative input in any of your projects that you are involved with.

Math breakdown: “360’ deal.”

Let’s say that you work for a record label, and you make $11 Million Dollars in net sales for them.

Let’s also say that they advanced you $1 Million Dollars up front before you began.

     Now the $1 Million Advance Upfront has to cover costs that you as the Recording Artist incur (Promotion, Marketing, Living, etc.). The first $500,000 is the average price you will use to record your album. You then have the other $500,000 left over.

     Well let’s say you pay your manager 20% Commission for the year, so he or she will see $100,000 Dollars in payment for that year. Of course you will have lawyers (entertainment attorney’s), and they are usually paid somewhere in the range of $25,000+ (USD) Dollars per year for their services. Yes folks, even when you are signed to a major label, you usually will almost always incur the costs associated with these individuals, not the label, they are on your team, so it is your responsibility.

     So now you have $375,000 Dollars left to split between an average of 4 people (in a band) after all of these costs in the beginning. After income tax, yes folks, you have to pay tax on the money you earn, as this is seen as income by the I.R.S., you will then have $243,750 Dollars to split between 4 people after the usual government (33 1/3% Tax) and the appropriate taxes are taken out by the record company (label).

     If you then take $243,750 Dollars and divide this between the average of 4 people that are usually in the band, each member in the band will take home a grand total of $60,937 Dollars.

     Congratulations everyone, and for all of your hard work and sacrifice. You may have made your record label $11 Million Dollars, and all you will see of it will be $60,937 Dollars for the year. Not to mention the personal income tax that you and or each band member will be personally taxed each year on that principle amount.

     The math gets a bit complicated when you really get into it but it comes out to a range of around $23.40 you will be paid from your major record label per every $1000 Dollars you make for them in the course of this “360’ Deal.”

And as “Mr. Walter Cronkite” used to say (for those of you old enough to remember) 

“And That’s The Way It Is.”

References Cited:

#1. Goldstein, M. (November 2007). Mark Goldstein. “Are 360’ Deals Worth It?” artistshousemusic.org. Retrieved on this date of: January 23, 2011, from, artistshousemusic.org.http://www.artistshousemusic.org/videos/are+360+deals+worth+it

#2. Flom, J. (October 2007). Jason Flom. “Why 360 Deals Are Good for Major Labels” artistshousemusic.org. Retrieved on this date of: January 23, 2011, from, artistshousemusic.org.http://www.artistshousemusic.org/videos/jason+flom+former+ceo+of+capitol+music+group+on+why+360+deals+are+good+for+major+labels

#3. McDonald, H. (2010). Heather McDonald. “360 Deals.” musicians.about.com. Retrieved on this date of: January 23, 2011, from, musicians.about.com. http://musicians.about.com/od/ah/g/360deals.htm

#4. Jurgensen, J. (January 29, 2010). John Jurgensen.online.wsj.com. “The Lessons of Lady Gaga.” Retrieved on this date of: January 23, 2011, from, online.wsj.com.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704094304575029621644867154.html

#5. Cole, T. (November 24, 2010). Tom Cole. “What Exactly Is A 360 Deal?”npr.org. Retrieved on this date of: January 23, 2011, from, npr.org. http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2010/11/24/131574836/you-ask-we-answer-what-exactly-is-a-360-deal

 - JB BROCK