This week, it's my conversation with Bryan Hamill about how music discovery has evolved over the years.
Show notes:
Recorded at a noisy pub in Cambridge, Mass.
Check out Bryan's blog The Ash Gray Proclamation
Pre-gaming prior to Swervedriver show
Bryan used to find out about music from radio (WBCN, WFNX) and magazines
The inevitable teenage metal phase
Older brother introduced him to bands like the Neighborhoods and the Replacements
Record reviews and tips from friends were important
Boston rock scene was pivotal, then and now
Worked in radio for several years
Started blog 9 years ago to champion indie rock scene
Scours Soundcloud, Twitter, Spotify for new music
Major labels are less important now
Nobody plays indie rock on radio other than college stations
Bands make money through playing shows and selling merch
Records sales are no longer a factor
Tips from publicists and bands
Bands don't have to compromise because chances of success are slight
As a teen, found music by combing through stacks at record stores
Boston still has great clubs to see new music
Corporatization of radio is bad for everyone
Rock is niche music now
As a genre, rock is in a down cycle
Completely Conspicuous is available through the iTunes podcast directory. Subscribe and write a review!
The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian.