+ NEWS ARCHIVE+
2ND
ANNUAL LAUNCH EVENT
(The PMF Re-Introduces Itself to the World
with Bands, Board Members, and Partners)
Continuing
on our mission to serve as a clearinghouse and educational forum
for the Portland music community, The PMF will hold its
2nd annual Launch Event and Open House, on Wednesday Sept. 17,
at 6 p.m., at One City Center.
At the event, musicians and anyone interested in fostering organization,
cooperation and professionalism in the Portland music community
can network with like-minded people and sign up for membership
in the PMF. Local music will be playing and local businesses who
have partnered with the PMF will be on hand to talk about how
they would like to offer support to the local-music community.
There will also be a community networking table where anyone can
leave information that might be of interest to PMF members.
This
event is similar to the kick-off event held last year, which generated
100 memberships in the PMF, but this year the organization has
added an after-party and has a lot more to talk about. At 9 p.m.,
attendees will move to Empire Dine and Dance to see live music
from Gypsy
Tailwind and Hiss
& Chambers, plus DJ sets from Moshe
and rocket.one.
Tickets
to the after-party are ONLY$5.00, but the
first 50 attendees of the Launch Event will receive
FREE TICKETS! (Must
be 21+)
At
the Launch Event, PMF board members will be on hand to discuss
what the organization has accomplished in the last year and what
is to come. Since September 2007, the PMF has done the following:
•
Signed up more than 200 members
•
Held four educational seminar nights, where area musicians, music
professionals, and experts from around the country discussed working
with the media, booking gigs, publishing your music, gig professionalism,
and working with a recording engineer.
•
Attained 501c3 federal tax status, allowing individuals to make
tax-deductible donations to the PMF
•
Launched an online forum at http://portlandmusicfoundation.lefora.com/,
where area musicians and music professionals can discuss the PMF,
the area music scene, their upcoming events, and anything relevant
to working in the music industry
•
Held six networking nights at area businesses
In
2009, the Portland Music Foudation will continue these initiatives,
as well as announce a number of exciting developments that will
allow the organization to continue its goal of helping area musicians
and music professionals attain their industry goals.
PMF
membership costs $20 annually, and offers benefits like 20 percent
off band ads in the Portland Phoenix, 20 percent off advertising
at Citadel Radio, 10 percent off purchases at the Drum Shop, $10
off an hour of studio time at the Studio, 10 percent off the hourly
rate at Port Media recording studio, special pricing at the Arm
Factory, which produces promotional materials for bands, and free
lessons at the Maine Academy of Modern Music. In addition, membership
allows entrance into all PMF educational series and events, which
will resume in October and November.
For
more information, email: info@portlandmusicfoundation.org
FREAKY
BEAN COFFEE RELEASES “PMF MUSICIAN'S BLEND”>>>>>Now
area music fans can help out their local scene just by drinking
their morning cup of coffee. The Freaky Bean Coffee Company has
collaborated with the Portland Music Foundation to release the
PMF Musician’s Blend,
a coffee blend now available in 12-ounce bags at all Freaky Bean
and Maine Roasters Coffee Company locations and will be available
at the end of June online at www.freakybean.com.
One
dollar from the sale of each bag of PMF Musician’s Blend
will go towards the Foundation’s efforts to educate area
musicians on such topics as booking, press relations, publishing,
recording, and legal concerns.
The blend is part of Freaky Bean’s partnership with the
PMF, which also includes hosting PMF networking events at its
locations and supporting area singer/songwriters by having in-store
performances. The Musician’s Blend will also now be available
for sale at PMF events going forward.
“When we founded Freaky Bean back in 2005, my business partner
and I really wanted to create a contemporary coffee house with
more of an old-school come in and hang out kind of vibe,”
said Andy Kessler, Freaky Bean’s VP, Director of Creative
and E-commerce. “Since music is such a vital part of our
lives and our community we see this as a perfect fit and are thrilled
to be able to support such an incredible organization.”
“The Freaky Bean came to us as music fans who really want
to support the local scene,” said Adam Ayan the Grammy Award-winning
mastering engineer of Gateway Mastering & DVD and the Portland
Music Foundation’s Founder and President. “When they
stepped up to the plate we immediately saw that they get what
we are trying to do and really are devoted to strengthening Portland’s
music scene. And we are also big fans of their coffee.”
Portland Music Foundation members will have the opportunity to
perform at Freaky Bean locations when they book through the company’s
music coordinator Mike Jones. Further, PMF musician members will
also be able to perform at Maine Roasters Coffee Company stores
in Yarmouth and Falmouth, which are wholly owned and operated
by Freaky Bean.
ABOUT
FREAKY BEAN
Established in 2005, Freaky Bean Coffee Company roasts all its
coffees to bring out the unique flavor of all its beans and is
dedicated to educating its customers about specific coffee flavor
profiles. The Freaky Bean is the only coffee company in Maine
to offer tastings in its specially constructed Cupping Room in
the Westbrook location. The Freaky Bean is a community-oriented
business that encourages customers to hang out and relax over
a great cup of freshly roasted coffee or espresso based drinks.
Presently operating three retail locations – 855 Main Street,
Westbrook, and 360 US Route 1, Scarborough and 2 Cabela Way in
Scarborough, the company will soon open another location, on Broadway
in South Portland. Once opened these stores will make the Freaky
Bean Maine’s largest coffee retailer/roastery.
For
more information, www.freakybean.com,
or email info@portlandmusicfoundation.org
PORTLAND
MUSIC FOUNDATION ATTAINS 501c3 STATUS>>>>>
The Portland Music Foundation recently attained its 501c3 federal
tax status, making the PMF eligible for a number of grants and
making donations to the organization tax deductible.
“Acquiring our 501c3 federal tax-exempt status from the
IRS is an enormous step forward for the Portland Music Foundation,”
said PMF president Adam Ayan. “This status now allows us
to accept tax deductible donations, as well as solidifies the
organization as an official public charity, allowing the PMF to
continue its mission of supporting, organizing, and nurturing
the Portland music community.”
Lawyer David Ordway helped the Portland Music Foundation navigate
the bureaucratic hurdles necessary to gain 501c3 status and provided
instrumental advice. Accountant Tom Lee helped the organization
prepare tax documents.
Over the past year, the Portland Music Foundation has organized
two series of educational seminars, held at the St. Lawrence Arts
Center, and a series of mixers and networking events held at six
local coffeeshops and watering holes. The PMF currently has more
than 200 members, who’ve paid $20 for a year’s worth
of discounts at area businesses and access to the PMF educational
seminars.
PMF events will continue starting with its Second Annual Launch
Event (with after party), Sept. 17, and its next educational series,
which starts Oct. 8.
PORTLAND
MUSIC FOUNDATION LAUNCHES ONLINE FORUM>>>>>
Thanks
to the efforts of area musician and web programmer Dan
Bodoff, the Portland Music Foundation now has an online
forum where you can ask questions of PMF board members, discuss
just about any topic you want with other area musicians and music
professionals, exchange gigs, and look for and sell musical instruments.
That’s right. The PMF is all geeked out.
Find the forum @ http://portlandmusicfoundation.lefora.com/
The Portland Music Foundation board members and a number of our
Board of Trustees members are moderators of the forum and try
to monitor it as best we can. We hope it’s a place people
can exchange ideas about making bands, clubs, and the rest of
the local music industry more successful. Or more fun. Or better.
Or whatever. Just be nice to each other.
NEW
MEMBER BENEFIT FOR LOCALLY PRODUCED SWAG>>>>>
The
Portland Music Foundation has teamed with Dominic D'Alessio &
the Arm
Factory,
a collection of local artists based in Westbrook’s Dana
Warp Mill, to secure reduced rates on design services and reproduction
of T-shirts, posters, flyers, handbills, and stickers. They even
offer custom CD and vinyl package design. GET
RATES HERE
Yes, you can get cheaper stuff in the Internet if you look hard
enough, but the Arm Factory has some highly talented
artists who are willing to work with you on logo, T-shirt, and
poster design, and the quality of the end results is top shelf.
Plus, you’re keeping your spending local, which means more
people have money in their pockets to come to your shows and buy
your discs!
To receive the rates below, mention your PMF membership when you
call up the Arm Factory at 207.233.0742 or thearmfactory@gmail.com,
or visit their site at www.thearmfactory.com.
PORTLAND
MUSIC FOUNDATION CELEBRATES OUR 1st YEAR!>>>>>
Happy Birthday PMF! This June marked the Portland Music Foundation's
first year of existence. The PMF incorporated as non-profit in
the state of Maine one year ago last month, and has begun its
mission to help organize, support, nurture and promote the music
community of greater Portland.
Our first year has been an eventful and successful one. Starting
with our Diageo Speakeasy fundraiser and Launch Event in the fall
of 2007, and continuing with our Educational Workshop Series and
Mixer Series in 2008, the PMF has been hard at work providing
quality services for the musicians of greater Portland. Our membership
perks have also steadily grown, and we will work hard to further
expand them. The PMF Membership base has grown throughout the
year to more than 200 members!
NOW
WHAT CAN WE DO NEXT FOR YOU?
The PMF has many exciting plans for the second half of 2008, including:
an official Portland Music Foundation online message forum (see
below); a new round of Educational Workshops in collaboration
with the Maine Center for Creativity; a new round of mixers; and
a second annual Launch Event Sept. 17 (okay, it’s more like
an open house, but we like the idea of a “second annual
launch”). Stay tuned for more details.
So now the questions for you, fellow PMF members, are:
1.
What can the PMF do better in the second half of 2008, and beyond?
VOTE
HERE
2.
What topic would you most like to see addressed in our next educational
workshop series? VOTE
HERE
We are asking for any and all suggestions you may have for us
to better serve YOU. That is why we are here!
Adam
Ayan
President, Portland Music Foundation
WBLM
& SHIPYARD RELEASE GREETINGS FROM AREA CODE 207 CD VOLUME
7>>>>>102.9
WBLM-FM and Cornmeal Records, in association with Shipyard Brewing
Company, Casco Bay Brewing Company and The Inn On Peaks Island,
are proud to announce the release of "Greetings From Area
Code 207, Volume 7", a compilation CD of songs from Maine
bands and musicians. As
with "Greetings From Area Code 207 Volumes 1- 6" (compilation
CDs released in 2000-2005), 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit
The St Lawrence Arts Center on Munjoy Hill in Portland. The six
volumes (plus a best-of CD, "Maine Tracks", released
by Bangor Savings Bank in 2007) have raised over $100,000 to date.
Headlining
Volume 7 are previously unreleased songs by Ray Lamontagne, Rustic
Overtones, Phantom Buffalo, Sara Cox, The Coming Grass, As Fast
As, The Boneheads, Darien Brahms, Adam Gardner (Guster), Jon Nolan,
Steve Jones and Seekonk, along with 9 others. The disc was mastered
at the world famous Gateway Mastering studios in Portland by Grammy
Award winning engineer Adam Ayan. The new CD will be available
at all Bull Moose stores (located throughout Maine and in Portsmouth
and Salem NH) and at Borders Books and Music in South Portland.
It will be available on-line at www.bullmoose.com and at www.cornmealrecords.com.
“I
guess I say this each time we release one of these compilations,
but this is the best one yet“ said Charlie Gaylord, the
CD’s executive producer and principal of Cornmeal Records.
“It is a testament to our local musicians and music scene
that, pound for pound, we continue to be asgood as any city in
the country”.
Of special note on Volume 7 are the two live tracks recorded at
One City Center by Ray Lamontagne and Rustic Overtones. Lamontagne,
with a solo acoustic song, is appearing on his fourth consecutive
GFAC 207 CD and The Overtones recording is from their historic
comeback show held on July 27, 2007 on the BLM patio, overlooking
Monument Square, in front of an estimated 6,000 fans. These two
tracks are not available anywhere else.
NEW
BENEFIT ADDED FOR PMF MEMBERS>>>>>We're
constantly working to drum up new member benefits. This month,
we've signed up Port Media, a relatively new
recording studio down in Kennebunkport. Built in an 18th century
farm house and designed by Tom Marks of Los Angeles,
Port Media's relaxed atmosphere is designed to inspire creativity.
Equipment
includes: Pro Tools; Neumann, AKG, and Shure microphones;
Millennia Media and Universal Audio microphone preamps; and Universal
Audio's 1176ln compressor... just the tip of the iceburg of gear!
Port
Media is offering a 10% discount off of its hourly
rate to PMF members.
Check
out www.port-media.com
for all the details, or email Michael McNerney,
the proprietor.
“MISTAKES
WERE MADE” EVENT OFFERS PLENTY OF LESSONS>>>>>
On
April 16, a brave crowd fought against the sunny weather and the
impulse to watch the Sox play the Yankees to hear nine professionals
in the local music industry talk about the lessons they’ve
learned through some of the mistakes they’ve made as they’ve
built their careers. Here is a synopsis of the major points:
Sonya
Tomlinson, aka Sontiago: Don’t assume people know
who you are. Don’t try to promote your disc nationally without
a paid publicist. Don’t forget to sign up with ASCAP or
some other publishing firm. Don’t forget you can write all
your music expenses off as part of your taxes.
Herb
Ivy, station manager, WCYY, WBLM: Don’t forget
to communicate and plan. Calling something a McPigeon sandwich
on the air is a bad idea if McDonald’s advertises with you
radio station. As the stakes get higher, plan more.
Dan
Connor, musician, Goud’s Thumb, Gypsy Tailwind:
Don’t name your band Goud’s Thumb. Make sure you think
about your band name, have a story behind it, and use the English
language.
Kate
Schrock, solo musician: Make sure you understand the
motives behind the decisions that are being made for you by people
who work for you, like publicists and agents. Don’t forget
that people make bad decisions for bad reasons, and sometimes
it can sidetrack your career.
Todd
Richard, musician, publicist, jack of all trades: Don’t
forget to take some of the money your band makes for yourself.
Even a little bit for a few beers or gas money means a lot. If
you’re a Christian band, don’t worry about how many
Jesuses per minute you have in your songs. Seriously. Check the
credentials of the people offering to work with you or for you.
Yasmin
Craig Vitalius, violinist, Portland Symphony Orchestra (and other
ensembles): Always be prepared, whether it’s for
an audition or a gig. You might have five minutes that will affect
the rest of your career. Don’t practice so much you injure
yourself. Make sure to take care of your body and treat it as
nicely as you treat your instrument. Stop if you hurt, but take
it to the limit if you can.
Spencer
Albee, musician, Rustic Overtones, As Fast As: Don’t
put your high-minded ideals about taking advantage of good opportunities.
If you have a chance to play in front of everybody who’ll
be distributing Arista’s albums for the next year, don’t
just play the songs you think are cool and impressive. Play your
hits. If a famous producer like Daniel Lanois wants to work with
you, don’t try to dictate the terms. Just make the record.
But also make sure you listen to your instincts and don’t
make something that isn’t yours.
Brett
Wickard, co-owner, Bull Moose Music: Always remember
what’s in it for the other guy. Make sure the bar does well
the night you play, or the store that sells your record makes
money off it. If there’s nothing in it for them, why would
they contribute to your success? Always make sure you treat the
frontline people well, whether it’s at a record store where
you’re making an appearance or at a club where you’re
playing. The owner of the place will judge you by how you treat
the counter people and the waitstaff, so don’t shit on them
and then suck up to the owner. That won’t get you anywhere.
Scott
Ordway, owner, Ideal Entertainment Group, management firm:
You need to treat your music like a career, and it can be your
career if you treat it that way. Focus on the business aspects,
learn about contracts, make sure you network and develop contacts.
Like any business, whom you know is as important as what you know
or how you play.
PMF
IN-DEPTH SESSIONS HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR CYBER LITERACY>>>>>
If you missed our first members-only, in-depth educational sessions
back in February, here’s a tip: make sure your email
skills are polished and refined. For the roughly 75 members
in attendance at the St. Lawrence Arts Center, the message that
came through loud and clear in both the Press Relations 101 and
Gigging 101 sessions is that journalists, booking agents, club
owners and virtually anyone else in the business likes to be contacted
digitally, not by phone, and definitely not with a hard-copy press
kit (dang, those are like soooo 1996).
In
the Press Relations 101, Press Herald scribe Aimsel Ponti emphasized
the need for a decent subject line, to help her wade through the
hundreds of inquiries she gets daily. She said she responds to
everything, but maybe will get back more quickly to someone who
gives her a frame of reference and lets her know that she’s
covered that band before. Chris Dahlen, writer for internationally
known web site www.pitchforkmedia.com and national magazine Paste,
said he unfortunately can’t reply to all of the emails he
receives (not many at all, actually), but he’s looking to
establish a connection with band, and hopes that bands contacting
him have an idea of his past writings and why he’d be likely
to review them. Sam Pfeifle, music writer at the Portland Phoenix,
agreed with both Ponti and Dahlen that nothing should be mailed
without a request. An initial email can say that a CD is being
released, and ask if the writer would like a copy. Once bands
get a”yes,” they’re much more likely to have
their postage rewarded with a review than if an album showed up
unannounced on a writer’s doorstep.
In
Gigging 101, Lauren Wayne, talent buyer and promoter for Live
Nation and the White Heart, agreed that all communication should
be done via email, and emphasized that bands looking to get opening
slots should be able to present a business case for why they should
be included. Pat May, northeast agent for Skyline Music, a talent
seller, agreed with this, saying bands need to develop their “stats”:
how many can you put in a room, how often, and where? How many
plays do you have on Myspace? Mark Lourie, May’s colleague
at Skyline, emphasized that bands shouldn’t get ahead of
themselves. “These bands come to me saying they can draw
300 in their home town and say, ‘Let’s tour the country.’
No. The next step is playing in cities reachable on one tank of
gas.” Alias, a hip-hop artist who’s toured the U.S.
and Europe with the anticon label, pointed out that Portland is
a great place to be for just that reason: Within a day’s
drive you have Boston, Worcester, Northampton, New York, Burlington—all
of them with music scenes and live clubs.
Finally,
Recording 101 didn’t focus much on emailing, but did emphasize
that bands prepare for their studio experience so that they make
the most of it. Jim Begley, recording engineer and producer at
the Studio and elsewhere, said it’s sometimes the simple
things that need to be taken care of—getting new strings,
new drum heads, getting guitars properly intonated, etc. Walt
Craven, guitarist and vocalist for Goud’s Thumb, 6gig, and
Lost on Liftoff, said it was important to record yourself, and
listen to yourself, often before even entering the studio. Just
a boombox in the corner of the practice space is often all that’s
necessary for a band to realize that all the parts don’t
quite fit on a song. There was also much talk of the role of a
producer. Adam Ayan, mastering and recording engineer at Gateway
Mastering and DVD, said most producers he’s worked with
have very much been in it for the art and the artist, but that
bands need to learn to trust producers if they’re going
to get anything out of the experience.
This,
of course, is just the tip of the iceberg of what was discussed,
as attendees were treated to four hours of presentations.The
next round of educational courses will be offered April 16 and
May 14. Click here
for info.
