Hey there, music lovers! Let me spill the 311 on why only the big shots, the superstars, the singers who also act, the social media influencers who think they can carry a note; hit the road for tours while the smaller acts seem to be stuck

in their garage. It's not just about talent, the big names have a massive fan base that can fill arenas faster than you can say "encore." And you know what? Money talks, my peeps. Those huge acts bring in the big bucks, and that's what keeps the show on the road. Who cares about the young band with punk pop sensibilities with thousands of fans and followers? Will they sell merch? Can they pack an arena? 

Now, let's talk logistics. Touring, in itself, is no walk in the MacArthur Park. It takes a whole army of crew members, equipment, and a tour bus fancier than Elvis' living room! The big acts have all of the resources to pull off these mega productions, while the smaller bands might struggle to even book a decent venue. It's a tough world out there, and sometimes it's all about who's got the biggest wallet. Sadly, it's as simple as that. Also? The days of paying off radio and tv to get songs played, are loooong gone. The only thing which could possible be tweaked are the algorithms! 

When an indie artist or band looks to book a show or a run of shows, the process happens with a three-step process, known as "Hold, Challenge, & Confirm". This process for booking shows runs on a first-come, first-serve basis where the first artist to contractually commit to a date at a venue gets the show! For some, however, the process doesn't come so easy due to lack of industry knowledge or managers. 

How much will a promoter get? A manager? The venue? At the end of the day, would a five-piece band make anything to write home about? Tour budgets are very important. Groups rely on sponsorship and even labels still...

No question, the music scene is a wild ride, has been for a bit now, and you never know when the next big thing will hit the stage! So, keep rocking out in your garage or home studio, because who knows? Maybe one day you'll see a headliner selling out stadiums and living the tour life like a rockstar; with an unknown, yet well-followed indie group!

Blues and Its Dark Affair With the Music Industry

Hey! Let's dive into the long, dark and gross history between blues musicians and the record labels who took advantage of their talents. It's a story that's as old as time, and boy, does it have some twists and turns. You see, back in the day, blues musicians were like (and still are regarded as) the unsung heroes of the music world. They always poured their hearts and souls into their music, creating these raw, emotional tunes which resonated with people from all walks of life. But here's the kicker: record labels saw dollar signs instead of wholly appreciating the artistry of blues and its history.

These record labels quite simply saw the blues as a cash cow. They would swoop in, sign these talented musicians, and then proceed to exploit them like there was no tomorrow! Contracts were drawn up which were so one-sided, it'd made your head spin and blood boil! These poor blues artists were left with crumbs while the record labels raked in the big bucks. Sure, the exposure was fantastic and the genre itself thrived by the long overdue attention. But, at the end of the day, given many of these artists' financial situations, it is downright cruel to deny them of any revenue for their work. 

But you know what? Despite all the struggles and injustices, the blues never died! It kept on thriving, thanks to the sheer determination and talent of these musicians. It fueled their stories. They may have been taken advantage of, but they never let this stop them from creating music which spoke to the very depths of the human soul.

This disturbing history between blues musicians and record labels is a cautionary tale. It's a reminder the music industry isn't always fair, but it's also a testament to the resilience and power of the blues and its legends. Let's raise a glass of whisky to those unsung heroes who paved the way for generations of musicians to come.

The Values and Power of Protest Songs

Without question, protest songs have a long and impactful history. They've been used as a powerful tool to express dissent, challenge authority, and essentially, bring about social change. From the civil rights movement to the anti-war protests of the 1960s, these songs have played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing the masses. From U2 and Neil Young, to The Clash and John Lennon. They have the ability to capture the spirit of a generation and give voice to the marginalized. In my opinion, protest songs are not just catchy tunes, but a form of art that can inspire, educate, and unite people.

One of the earliest examples of protest songs can actually be traced way back to the labor movement of the early 20th century! Workers facing harsh working conditions and exploitation, used songs to rally support and demand better treatment. These songs, often sung on picket lines and at union meetings, not only boosted morale but spread awareness about the plight of all workers. Protest songs from this era served as a means of solidarity and resistance against oppressive labor practices. In my view? These songs were a powerful tool in the fight for workers' rights and laid the foundation for future protest songs...

The 1960s witnessed a surge in protest songs that reflected the social and political turmoil of the time! Artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger used their music in voicing opposition to the Vietnam War, racial inequality, and other pressing, hot-buttoned issues. Their songs became anthems for the anti-war movement and the civil rights movement, resonating with a generation seeking change. In my opinion, these protest songs not only expressed the frustrations and aspirations of the youth but also served as a catalyst for social movements as a whole. Lennon and Ono's "Give Peace a Chance", recorded during their "bed-in for peace" event in their Monteal hotel room, took protest songs to a brand new level!

In recent years, protest songs have continued to evolve and adapt to the changing times. Artists like M.I.A., Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino have used their platform to address issues such as police brutality, racial injustice, and systemic inequality. Their music has sparked conversations, raised awareness, and supported while igniting movements like "Black Lives Matter". Contemporary protest songs are a testament to the enduring power of music as a form of activism! They remind us art can be a force for change and a tool for social justice. Always.

Protest songs have played a significant role in shaping society and challenging the status quo. They have the superpower to inspire, educate, and mobilize people towards a common cause! From the labor movement to the civil rights movement to the present day and all of its insanity, these songs have given a voice to the marginalized and sparked social change. Let's face it: protest songs aren't just a form of entertainment, but a vital part of our cultural and political landscape.