Tag Archive for 'SideCho Media'

SIDECHO MEDIA TAKES OVER THE INDIE ROCK CHANNEL: WIN THE ULTIMATE ALBUM PROMO PACKAGE

Published by Sam C. on November 5, 2009 in Contest Announcements. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

In today’s world of independent music, self-releasing albums is becoming the norm. But how do you distinguish yourself from the rest of the crowd? This is where SideCho Media steps in. SideCho Media, a sister of SideCho Records offers digital distribution, promotion and consulting services. This month SideCho wants to award the ultimate promo package to one high-ranking OurStage Indie Rock act in need of some help getting their new record out there! The winning artist will receive $5,000 dollars worth of online promotion and consulting services, such as distribution to over 250 digital retailers, regional promotion at physical record stores, accounting breakdowns, bio composition and much more! Upload your best new track into the Indie Rock Channel before November 22nd to compete.  Prizing eligibility is limited to artists with recent or upcoming releases, so don’t forget to check out the FAQ to make sure you qualify.

Can’t compete in the channel? You can always be a judge! After all, SideCho needs some help finding a deserving winner. That’s why they’re rewarding the Best Predictor of the final rankings for November’s Indie Rock Channel with a prize of their own. The fan with the best ears will win a Music Critic’s Grab Bag filled handpicked goodies such as a signed pair of drumsticks from Ilan Rubin (Nine Inch Nails), signed posters, an assortment of CDs and more. Click here to start judging the Indie Rock Channel.

For more information on rules and prizes visit ourstage.com/go/sidecho.

MARKETPLACE NEWS: SPOTLIGHT ON SIDECHO MEDIA AND JASON HEATH & THE GREEDY SOULS

Published by BethanyLeavey on September 2, 2009 in Artist News, Interviews, Marketplace News and OurStage Partners. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

The OurStage Marketplace connects artists looking for gigs with venues looking for new talent. With amazing opportunities both around the USA and the world, the OurStage Marketplace is the place to be for up-and-coming artists!

This week, we’re putting the spotlight on Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls. Like last week’s featured artist August Rising, Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls submitted their EPK to SideCho Media’s EPK dropbox in the OurStage Marketplace. The SideCho Staff liked what they heard and signed the band to a digital distribution deal, making their music available to music lovers worldwide at over 250 digital retailers and promoting the band’s debut album The Vain Hope of Horse.

Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls

Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls

Jason Heath and his bandmates make gritty, twangy Americana with a lineup that includes guitar, organ, accordion, harmonica, fiddle and piano. Their songs deal with the struggles of everyday people, whether they are personal or political. Heath’s storytelling skills are a credit to influences Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Their album The Vain Hope of Horse was digitally released  on August 25th by SideCho Media and is available for download on iTunes, eMusic, Amazon mp3, Rhapsody and many more digital retailers. OurStage was able to talk to Jason Heath himself and ask some questions about their most recent record.

OS: You guys collaborated with some big names on this album like Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine/The Nightwatchman), Wayne Kramer (MC5) and Nels Cline (Wilco). How did this come about?

JH: I met Tom years ago when he attended a show of mine in Hollywood at what is now known as the Viper Room. Sharing similar views and aspirations, we became friends and my band opened a few times for Rage Against The Machine. He also produced a record for that outfit and later when he was crafting his alter ego, The Nightwatchman, he covered and rearranged one of my songs and we would do open-mic nights together to work out our material. So when I was making The Vain Hope of Horse it only seemed natural to ask him to be involved and I was fortunate to get him on there.

I met Nels when I worked at a record company that distributed his album Silencer. I was blown away by his playing and used to bug the label guys all day to work his record harder…it was a jazz/world music label and I don’t think they knew what they had in Nels. I worked in the mail room and warehouse and they would charge the musicians for CD’s for them to sell at shows…since I was in charge of the inventory I would just slip ‘em out the back door to Nels when he would come by.

I met Wayne doing the Axis of Justice Nights at the Hotel Cafe with Tom Morello. We have become close friends and he’s helped me out quite a bit…personally as well as musically. He’s one of the greatest guys I’ve ever met!! In or out of the music business!!

OS: With seven band members and a variety of instrument including guitar, upright bass and piano, what is your songwriting process like?

JH: The process is certainly not something I try to quantify in terms of a “step a, b, c” sort of thing. I try to keep out of the way as much as possible… the best songs seem to come that way for me. Sometimes it starts with just a phrase or a melody or both. I don’t write much down. I tend to think if it sticks around long enough in my head then it probably really wants to become a song at some point and then it kinda does. Sometimes I have no idea exactly what I’m talkin’ about, or even what chord I’m playin’, until sometime afterward—if ever. After I flesh it out a bit on the guitar or piano then I’ll play it for the guys/gals and see what they think. After they’ve put their touch on it, we’ll take it into the studio and experiment with arrangements/instrumentation for a bit…they’re always evolving and taking different directions…I like that about our songs. Other times we hit a groove and the whole thing is done in a few minutes…ya never know.

Continue reading ‘MARKETPLACE NEWS: SPOTLIGHT ON SIDECHO MEDIA AND JASON HEATH & THE GREEDY SOULS’

MARKETPLACE NEWS: SPOTLIGHT ON SIDECHO MEDIA AND AUGUST RISING

Published by BethanyLeavey on August 26, 2009 in Artist Feature, Interviews, Marketplace News and OurStage Partners. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

The OurStage Marketplace connects artists looking for gigs with venues looking for new talent. With amazing opportunities both around the USA and the world, the OurStage Marketplace is the place to be for up-and-coming artists!

Back in May, SideCho Media opened an EPK dropbox in the OurStage Marketplace in hopes of finding new independent talent to work with. SideCho found what they were looking for in OurStage artists August Rising and Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls, signing both bands to digital distribution deals. In addition to making their records available worldwide at over 250 digital retailers and promoting their new releases, SideCho will be helping the bands out on the management side to make sure they make the most of this opportunity.

August Rising Promo

August Rising

This week, we have a Q&A with August Rising. Although they have only been together for two years, August Rising’s hook-laden rock has made a big impression on fans and industry professionals alike. In addition to earning an OurStage #1 Channel Prize in the March 2009 Indie Rock Channel and having 20,167 friends on Myspace, the band’s song “Lay Your Hands On Me” was declared “a hit” by DJ Valentine of Los Angeles’ STAR 98.7FM. Their album August Rising was released digitally on August 18th by SideCho Media and is available for download on iTunes, eMusic, Amazon mp3, Rhapsody and many more digital retailers. OurStage was able to ask the band some questions about their album and musical influences.

OurStage: Tell us about your record.

August Rising: Well, its something we’ve been working on for two years and are really excited about what we’ve been able to accomplish. We’ve tried to write songs that grab the listener initially with a catchy hook or chorus, but also makes them want to press repeat because there’s something deeper as well. We’ve also tried to keep it uncluttered and simple in certain regards, so we’re able to play everything that’s recorded in a live setting. We also don’t want to hide a song behind layers of sound, because our favorite songs usually have the distinction of simplicity. Hopefully our listeners will feel we’ve accomplished that.

OS: What do you think are the benefits of digital distribution?

AR: We really don’t think bands who are starting out can be very successful without embracing digital networking in at least some fashion. Even the established bands utilize it to promote and sell a huge portion of their music. It is the quickest and easiest way to get heard and start building a fanbase. Before digital distribution existed, up-and-coming music artists would have go play everywhere to build a fanbase and do things like sell music from the trunk of their car. Now we can reach more people in less time by using a computer.

Continue reading ‘MARKETPLACE NEWS: SPOTLIGHT ON SIDECHO MEDIA AND AUGUST RISING’

MARKETPLACE NEWS: SPOTLIGHT ON HIGH PROFILE GIGS

Published by BethanyLeavey on July 29, 2009 in Artist News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

The OurStage Marketplace connects artists looking for gigs with venues looking for new talent. With amazing opportunities both around the USA and the world, the OurStage Marketplace is the place to be for up-and-coming artists!


This week, we are putting the spotlight on  OurStage Marketplace High Profile Gigs. While all of the opportunities in Marketplace are great, the High Profile Gigs are the ones that can really help put artists on the map. Choose the gigs that interest you, dust of your EPK, and start submitting!

One Planet Festival

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Genres: Rock, Alternative, Funk, Indie Pop, Indie Rock, Pop, Punk, Southern Rock, Acoustic, Folk, Bluegrass, Singer-Songwriter (female), Singer-Songwriter (male), Country, Alternative Country, Traditional Country, Electronica, Hip Hop, Alternative Hip Hop, Rap, Hard Rock, Metal, Blues, Experimental, Jazz, Latin, New Age / World, Reggae

Submission Deadline: August 1, 2009

The UK’s One Planet Festival in Lancaster celebrates the area through film, music and the arts while also raising awareness about climate change and the sustainable practices that can be used to lessen its effects. One Planet includes a film festival, a sustainable exposition, great food and— of course—live music from local, national and international bands. The One Planet Festival is looking for 10 artists on OurStage to play at this year’s festival, which will run from October 9th to October 11th. Each band will play two shows over the weekend at £100-200 GBP per show for bands and £50-100 per show for solo or duos.

Submit your EPK HERE!

John Lennon Songwriting Contest Session II

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Genres: Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop, World, Rhythm & Blues, Hip Hop, Gospel/Inspirational, Latin, Electronic, Folk and Children’s. Instrumental compositions are encouraged.

Submission Deadline: December 12, 2009

The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is an international songwriting contest open to both amateur and professional songwriters. Entries will be judged on originality, melody, composition and—when applicable—lyrics  by a panel of industry tastemakers including Natasha Bedingfield, Bob Weir, The Black Eyed Peas and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. The Maxell Song of the Year winner will receive $20,000, an Apple Computer with Logic Pro, Mackie mixer and studio monitor as well as a $1,000 scholarship to Digital Media Academy. Also up for grabs are $5,000 in new studio equipment, a week of performances on the 2010 Vans Warped Tour and a home page feature on Purevolume.com.

Submit your EPK HERE!

The John Lennon Songwriting Contest and NAMM Present: Play The 2010 NAMM Show

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Genres: Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop, World, Rhythm & Blues, Hip Hop, Gospel/Inspirational, Latin, Electronic, Folk and Children’s. Instrumental compositions are encouraged.

Submission Deadline: October 31, 2009

Everyone who enters the John Lennon Songwriting Contest by October 19, 2009 is eligible to win a trip to play the 2010 NAMM Show! The NAMM music show highlights the latest and greatest gear the music industry has to offer from the most up-to-date recording software to hand crafted guitars. Not open to the public, NAMM is the place to be for industry leaders and insiders. The winning artist will receive airfare from their home city to Anaheim, CA, hotel accommodations in Anaheim, admission to the 2010 Winter NAMM Show, a showcase performance during NAMM, recording session on the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus and more!

Submit your EPK HERE!

SideCho Media EPK Dropbox

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Genres: Pop, Rock, Alternative, Funk, Indie Pop, Indie Rock, Modern Rock, Punk, Southern Rock, Acoustic, Folk, Bluegrass, Singer-Songwriter (female), Singer-Songwriter (male), Country, Alternative Country, Traditional Country, Electronica, Club/Dance, Hip Hop, Alternative Hip Hop, Hard Rock, Metal, Blues, Experimental, Jazz, Latin, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae

Application Deadline: December 31, 2009

Digital distribution, promotion and consulting service SideCho Media—sister of independent label SideCho Records—is looking for new talent on OurStage! Submitting your EPK will put you in consideration for a digital distribution deal with SideCho Media. Make sure your EPK includes at least two full tracks, an artist bio, similar artists (who do you think you sound like and what influences your music?), hi-res photos, videos, contact information and past press including interviews, blurbs, articles, show listings, etc.

Submit your EPK HERE!

For more info about how to create a dynamite EPK, check out Kate B’s blog.

For more info about the OurStage Marketplace, check out the Marketplace FAQ section.

OURSTAGE WELCOMES NEW PARTNER SIDECHO MEDIA

Published by KB@OS on June 2, 2009 in OurStage Partners and OurStage Updates. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

sidecho_media_logo OurStage is pleased to welcome, SideCho Media, the digital distribution sister company of indie label SideCho Records, into our family of Partners. In our ongoing quest to support independent artists, OurStage creates partnerships with like-minded businesses. So we couldn’t be any happier to introduce the OurStage artist community to SideCho.

For the month of June, SideCho is offering a digital distribution deal—accompanied with full service marketing support for a LP release—to one high-ranking artist competing in the Indie Rock Channel. The lucky recipient will receive services valued at $5,000 including media solicitation, bio composition, marketing plan formulation, booking assistance and promotion of the LP in brick and mortar record stores.

If Indie Rock is not your thing, don’t fret! SideCho Media services all genres of music and is looking for other OurStage artists with a new LP in need of distribution. If you have recently recorded a new album and are looking for an artist-friendly, non-exclusive deal then submit your OurStage EPK to the SideCho “gig” listing in Marketplace (located in the main nav on www.ourstage.com). SideCho will review only material submitted through their Marketplace listing. Be sure to update and complete your EPK prior to submitting.

SideCho Media differs from other digital distribution services because they only work with artists and material they feel passionate about. Their artists receive all the dedication and support that a label affords while still maintaining the freedom that comes from being indie. OurStage is very excited to bring all of you this career-building opportunity.

Past & Present Clients: Ilan Rubin (Nine Inch Nails), Michael Zapruder, K.O. the Legend, Eeenie Meenie Records, Custard Records, Bad Taste Records, Cheap Lullaby Records, Urband & Lazar Music, Cantora Records, End Sounds Records, Five-One Records, and more.

For a complete list of services awarded as well as information on how to enter the Indie Rock music channel contest go here.