A Musician’s Guide to the Galaxy

I’ve been a musician half my lifetime. Within months of recording my first demo, I had rave reviews in magazines, and got to open for international bands, and play large festivals. I got my first (local indie) deal instantly.

Two years after I moved to Hollywood I landed a Recording contract with a Major label. Suddenly I had money, toured in a big bus, played in large arena’s, shot several videos, met thousands of people, and didn’t have a day job for years.

I eagerly engaged in all the stereotypical behavior expected of a rock star in the making: ego mania, ungratefulness, drug abuse and eventually, rehab.

After years spent chasing and living the dream I found myself with neither a Label, or a drug habit, and I noticed I wasn’t missing the pressure of either one.

But I still wanted to make music. So now what?

In the past I would make a demo, then try to get a record deal by playing awkward showcases for record executives. Then, if successful, we would spend a fortune trying to recreate the magic of those demo’s with a mega producer of choice. After the release, we would nervously await the weekly sound scan verdict.

This time around, there aren’t that many labels left. And at this point in time, I’m too fucking old to do some weird American Idol audition for someone who besides money, has nothing to offer that I don’t already have myself.

I figure, for my current project NOISE WITHIN there has to be another way.

My band consists of career musicians, reputable enough to get the word out without a million dollar marketing budget. I have my own studio, and can independently make a recording that gets my point across.

In a time when record companies no longer take the time to find an audience for their acts, and people don’t want to pay for music, why not get it to them directly, for free?

People are broke anyway, so I consider free music a self-serving “stimulus package”. And in stead of offering some tracks for free, I’d rather appeal to as many people as possible by handing out the album as a whole. The knife cuts both ways.

If people enjoy our music, they can always support us by buying a T-Shirt or coming to our shows.

Some people go hunting, scuba diving, or watch reality TV. Musicians write songs and jam. Regardless of the availability of huge record deals, or bus tours.

Download our latest album for free here.