A Slight Turn off The Beaten Path

If you occasionally glance at my blog you may have noticed an increase in the number of music-related postings I've been doing (well there have only been two but you know what I mean). It seems as if my blog is taking a different shape - a shape that I am excited to conform to.

Music is my passion and will always be for as long as I live. So it makes sense to me that I should blog about something I am passionate about. But don't get me wrong, I am passionate about all things advertising/social media-related as well. Therefore I will continue to write about these things too. The only difference is that I will distinguish my music-related posts with these markings: ♪{Musac BlogRevue}♪ (just for your ease and my amusement).

The point of this post is to give you a glimpse into the transformations taking place in my blog. "Thoughts from a Distance" is slowly but surely becoming what it seeks out to be "✯ Sporadic thoughts ✯ Insightful insights ✯ Attempt at words" or a big ol' mash-up of systematic disorder.

'Hmm note to self: Use Systematic Disorder to cash-in on as good band name....'

So if you are reading this, you can continually expect to find that whatever happens to randomly inspire me shall be written.

Also if you are reading this, are in a band, and have a CD that doesn't suck, send it to me and I'll review it!

Thank you that is all...

♪{Musac BlogRevue} East Coast Dirt Debut CD: A Dirty Blend of Brilliant Complexity ♪

(Check out the preface to this post, "The Dirt on East Coast Dirt")

Last January I was asked by a friend at Suprema Lex Music to check out the Asheville-based band, East Coast Dirt, at the Preservation Pub. I walked in half-expecting a slightly amateurish group frantically struggling to keep things in tune; however, that was not the case at all. No, I was surprisingly hit by a wall of funky, improv-driven sounds, or as they coin it, “sneaker boogaloo”.

Now I get the awesome chance to review East Coast Dirt’s debut CD. Unfortunately, I have to narrow it down to a couple of my favorite songs, which is hard to do with an album chockfull of audible splendors. The whole album is an infusion of chaotic elements of jazz, percussion, electric guitar, and keys that all coexist in perfect harmony.

The first track I listened to was no doubt destined for me to stumble upon. Perhaps it is the title of the song, “10-15 on Mole Mountain”, that stirs up my imagination, but I can’t help but envision deep, heavy guitar riffs theming a journeyed car ride along a mountainside. It’s as if an electric guitar consummated with Latin rhythms and birthed the taunting melodies of this song. (That may have been a tad bit unrefined, sorry.....) 

.... Let’s just say that I can’t seem to get this one out of my head since I first heard it!

The next track to strike my immediate fancy, “The Dog that Bit Me”, is a monstrous product of tunes ranging from all sides of the music spectrum. If I could describe the elements of this song in one long, run-on sentence it would be intense dub/reggae beats meets Electric Light Orchestra blended with sporadic bursts of Rusted Root-inspired percussions and invigorating jam band-y vocals that are all interwoven into one little package. Needless to say, it's like eating candy because it's so sweeeett!

(Did I insert enough adjectives in there?) 

I can assure you that East Coast Dirt doesn't hold anything back on this one as they shove a collection of genres straight into your eardrum. However, as frenzied as it sounds, the album intelligently merges arrangements of melodies and grooves in a very thoughtful way.

I could probably analyze and dissect every song on this entire CD, but that would ruin the surprise you’re in store for. (Or your attention span might start to shift to that of a two-year-old.) So purchase a copy at one of their shows near you and find out for yourself. I must forewarn you though; be prepared for an eargasm of jazzy-funk and psychedelic-rock layers that are utlimately going to rock yo' socks off.


Click on the player below for a little East Coast Dirt teaser...

Chatroulette..... The Next Social Media "Craze"

Chatroulette,  a new video chat platform, is becoming one of the biggest social media phenomenons to hit the virtual world since Twitter. In February alone there were around 30 million unique visitors to the site (one million US visitors according to Comscore reports). 

The concept is that you are coming face-to-face with a randomly selected person and have the option to choose "next" to skip them and on to the next (kind of like a girl who gets tired of the Boy of the Week and is off to the next victim). You are creepily taking a quick look into another stranger's life. Luckily, no subscription or personal information is required.

Seriously? This is the next social media phenomenon?

Sounds like a short-lived craze in my opinion. I don't see any value you are getting out of Chatroulette. At least with Twitter you are gaining valuable information from other Tweeters through shared articles, news, specials, etc. I Can Has Cheezburger is making one a little happier each day with a good laugh. And with Facebook you are building personal relationships with friends, family, co-workers or other networks. Plus you have some control over what information is shared and who can see it. 

Oh and not to mention what sort of obscenities you'll run into with Chatroulette.

No thanks. I'll let this craze slide and stick to the rule engraved in me since I was a child of never talking to strangers. I'd like to try and avoid any dirty old men with their pants down as much as possible. 

What do you think about Chatroulette? Do you think it will remain a strong player in the social media realm? What effect do you think it will have on other video chat platforms?

Discuss.....

I Can Has Unhealthy Obzezzion Wit Kittehs

Do you have things you obsess over? Perhaps things like shoes, tiny collectibles or boy bands? I too have an obsession........

......an obsession with CATS.

Ironically, I'm not a huge cat person. They're alright from time to time. Of course they'll give you the time of day when they want to. When it's "convenient" for them (they're rather selfish in my opinion).

No, my obsession started from a little thing called ICanHasCheezburger. LOLCats are the culprit for my obsession.

How can you not like this............

..............and this...............

...........or this????

As you can see, ICanHasCheezburger features silly pictures of cats with silly captions. Who would of thought that this hilarious site and its sister site, Fail Blog, would have nearly 50 million page views a month (self reported for the network), and over 1 million unique visitors for ICanHasCheezeburger.com (according to Compete.com statistics). *(Data from 2009)

In other words, serious $$cha-ching$$ potential. 

Ben Huh, CEO of the CheezBurger network, explained in a past Inc. article that they have a simple company mission: “making everyone happy for 5 minutes a day.”

Of course, ICanHasCheezburger wasn't a success overnight. It took alot of followers to ignite the flame but it soon spread like wildfire. As the network grew larger so did the launch of new sites. The cool thing about each site is that each pertains to a different niche audience based on their interests.

Here's a list of a few of their other sites:

• Engrish Funny
• Failbooking  
• There, I Fixed It 
• IHasAHotdog 
• ROFLrazzi

So how do they get the ideas for these radical sites? Interestingly, it's the users who are the brains behind these sites and they submit more than 10 thousand submissions of content a DAY.

I believe that the Cheezburger network is a great example of a growing trend in business models - one that focuses on the consumer and builds from customer feedback, recommendations, and interactions.

So yes, because of LOLCats I can't help but imagine a cat in some ridiculous pose with some outrageous caption from every kitteh I see. Thus the reason why I just want to squeeze every kitty to death.

I Can Has Unhealthy Obzezzion Wit Kittehs?


What do you think the future holds for user-inspired content?

Do you think more companies will adopt this type of model?

Money Ain't A Thang

So picture this: I'm sitting at home yesterday couch-ridden due to a sinus-infection and minor bronchitis. Of course there is absolutely nothing on TV so I am forced to watch marathons of The Real Housewives of Orange County and The Millionaire Matchmaker. What do these shows have in common besides millionaires, gaudy jewelry, cocky attitudes and silicon? Surprisingly, it's the presence of two, high-profile, self-made, successful women.

1. It's really hard to see successful a chick on television that has accumulated wealth on her own.

and

2. Especially today when all you see is extremely superficial reality television.

I wanted to stand up and give them the **HELL YEAHs**!

                                         Successful Business Woman #1

Vicki Gunvalson of The Real Housewives of Orange County is a successful business woman who owns here own life insurance company. Out of all of the wives on the TRHOC she is the only one who has found success on her own and is a big advocate for self success.  For example, in season 1, when the housewives go on a jewelry shopping spree, one housewife moans that she doesn't have a man in her life to buy her jewels in the shop; Gunvalson responds by telling her that she doesn't need a man to buy her things because they can earn the money independently and purchase the jewels themselves.

Plus +1 for Vicki!

                                                                                                                                                                                                             Successful Business Woman #2

Patti Stanger founded the Millionaire's Club, a matchmaking service in L.A. because she felt that successful men in the dating arena needed a private, exclusive club where they could come to find their beautiful and "intelligent" wives (I say " " because we all know who they end up going for any...). Amusingly, clients pay megabucks (up to $25,000+)  for her services. Needless to say, she is raking in the cash. So in short, business began booming and soon enough she had her own reality show, The Millionaire Matchmaker. 

Plus +1 for Patti!

Money Ain't A Thang  
After goggling and admiring their self-made wealth and fame I started to realize something. Not only are Vicki and Patti seen as controlling and wound up like a screw-driver (which could put a slight damper on personal relationships); they also appear so consumed in their business and sucess that they don't have time for all the REAL things that matter: ie. relationships, LIFE,  family and time to one's self. Even Patti claims on her show that her business is a 24/7 job.

Ok,  maybe now they have time to do all of that stuff. But I'm sure that in the process of gaining all of that success alot of sacrifices had to be made and many moments were missed out on.

I, myself, would love to be successful. However, I will not do it at the expense of well, for one thing, my sanity, well-being, or time spent with those I care about. We're losing cherished moments in the process of trying to reach this illusionary purpose. An illusion that selfworth is based on obtaining superficial tangibles.

MONEY ≠ SELF WORTH


What do you think?

♪{Musac BlogRevue} The Dirt on East Coast Dirt♪

Wednesday night I had the pleasure of checking out the beats of Asheville natives, East Coast Dirt at the Preservation Pub. Instantly I was impressed by their funky chaotic instrumentals. Going in not having a clue of what to expect, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It was if I was slapped in the face by elements of rock, roots, and experimental sounds (they cleverly deem this mash of audibles "Sneaker Booglaoo"). As soon as I got a taste I immediately associated it with the experimental jazz sounds of MMW (Medeski Martin and Wood).

Though East Coast Dirt brings a fairly new sound to the mix, band members Wilson Hawes (bass guitar, vocals), Brad Boughton (drums, vocals),  Brian Steele (guitar, bass, vocals) and Will Little (keyboards, guitar, vocals) are no amateurs. Delivering complexity, with a dash of spontaneity and a touch of playfulness, the band's chemistry sends sparks flying all over the stage.

Although the band mostly tours on the east coast, their growing fan base has allowed them to expand geographically. After collaborating in the studios this winter, the band is set to release a new album in Spring 2010. The new album captures the dynamics of their live shows while emphasizing each member's unique writing styles and innovative instrumentals.

Don't miss out on this progressive rock-fusion quartet! It'll be sure to make you put your boogie shoes and party pants on!

* Photos by Kelsey Caran Wiggins                                   


Find a shows near you.
Suprema Lex Music

Whoa Whoa Technology! Slow down! Let me breathe for a Second..

(Note: The topic I have written is strictly a matter of opinion. I do not mean to offend anyone, as these are only observations. In a sense, I could be considered hypocritical as I do, myself, use technology and appreciate it to an extent. I am merely speaking of getting into the hype of technology.)

Technology, to me, is a double-edged sword. Of course technology has revolutionized every single aspect in our lives, whether it be in communication, health, research, transportation, etc but I also see it as a path to destruction. To me, it’s my “how can I live with out you?” to my “bane of my existence.” We, as a society, are so reliant on technology and we seek to eternally expand its advancement. But it’s certain types of technologies that get me…. gadgets per se. From refrigerators and washing machines that tell you “Good morning”, the time of day, and the temperature outside to cell phones telling you where you are, what your pet’s vet records are, and how to say, “Where is the bathroom?” in French.

Sometimes I just wonder, ‘is all of this necessary?’ When is enough enough? And, will we ever live a simplistic lifestyle ever again?

Now, I’m not trying to discount technology. Heck, my industry worships it. The advertising industry is constantly clawing and scratching just to keep up with technology. I’m just trying to take a step back here and reevaluate the impact technology is having on our planet and society as a whole.  We are a society that is so fast-paced and on-the-go, and are constantly seeking the easiest ways to cut the corners of everyday life. I can’t help but fear that either we are on the path to laziness or just completely missing out on life’s simplicities. In simplicities I mean living a life with the absence of technology (i.e. visiting a friend, enjoying the outdoors without constantly talking or texting on the phone, or reading a paperback book instead of a digital on).

I’m all for advancements in finding the cure for diseases and determining more energy efficient usages. But where do our values lie? Apparently in cool gadgets like Amazon Kindle (For me, no thanks - I like to read without straining my eyes from trying to read teeny tiny typeface) and TomToms (Um MAPQUEST THAT SHIT! And yes I realize that Mapquest is just another facet of technology BUT there is one difference: Map quest is FREEEEE. Or are the little things called maps still available?).

I just can’t get that tiny voice of Dr. Mariea Hoy’s out of my head in Advertising Issues class as she pounded our heads with the issues of classical theory (people are innately intelligent enough to actively seek out information before making purchasing decisions) vs. neoclassical theory (people are easily persuaded by the influence of others  - i.e. media, advertising – in making purchasing decisions). One of the discussions that most comes to mind is that of overconsumption. One of our readings commented that overconumption = the world’s apocalypse. Basically, in a nut shell, the world as we know it will end because we as human beings have completely exhausted all of our resources due to our need for overconsumption and will completely wipe out our entire race, all other existing species, and the environment. Ishamel, a novel written by Daniel Quinn speaks of a fundamental difference between two types of people: Leavers and Takers. The Leavers take what they need from the world and leave the rest alone. Living in this manner ("in the hands of the gods"), Leavers thrive in times of abundance and dwindle in times of scarcity. Takers on the other hand, well, take. Takers are people often referred to as "civilized." Takers produce enormous food surpluses, which allows them to thwart the gods when they decide it's the Takers' time to go hungry.

Ok…..I’m going off in a tangent here. The point I’m trying to make is that technology is evidence of our need for overconsumption as we constantly seek to upgrade and use up our resources. I feel that perhaps we should focus our technological efforts and spending on more important things like finding the cure for cancer, than on upgrading gadgets that make our go-go lifestyle easier.


(Another food for thought that is not entirely related to the thoughts above.)

Here is my question: Do I have to be into the iPhone, iTouch, e-book, Blackberry to be considered tech-savvy? Can I be up-to-date, “with the times”, “ahead of the curb”, if I myself do not practice getting into the hype of technology? For example, I’m so lame my OLD cell phone (I have to emphasis old because I caved in and bought a new ENV3 with my Verizon upgrade…only because I got an upgrade though) could only dial people the old-fashioned way and text with graphics that resembled that of the Ataris era. Which, honestly, I was ok with. I don’t really need an iPod on my phone when I already have an iPod (and have gone through about 5). Or the T-Mobile G1 that has instant access to Google when I have a computer in front of me about 90% of my lifetime.

So how behind the times am I? Well, as far as social media goes - yes, I use Facebook (I think I could be considered an early adopter in this mass social phenomena). Of course I used Myspace (before it took on its creepy, sketchy-like persona). LinkedIn? Check! Twitter? Check!

Ok, so am I a laggard? I sure as hell hope not because as a young professional I have a technologically-savvy, Gen-Y reputation to uphold.

According to the Innovation Adoption Curve I fall into the early to late majority categories:

Early Majority: Thoughtful people, careful but accepting change more quickly than the average.

Late Majority: Skeptic people, will use new ideas or products only when the majority is using it.

However, I have my own set of definitions. In my own Innovation Adoption Curve I am in the “I Don’t Really Care” to the “I Will Not Conform To Society” curve.

So does anybody else feel this way? Do you feel overconsumption and the need for new gadgets is destroying our society? Can you be cool, hip, and “with it”, if you don’t fall into the hype of new gadgets? DISCUSS….