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