the locals blog

By casting your vote, you can help us get a dream gig at Lollapalooza. There are many fine reasons to vote for us…and I hope you’ll click this link and do so (http://www.sonicbids.com/lollapalooza08/BandProfile.aspx?candidate_id=4937 ) , but if you are entirely sick of all the voting….(this is our Puerto Rico people and you are the super delegates)… if you need some convincing…

Let me tell you about 1991.

I’ve wanted to be a singer all my life. But the in the late 80′s and early 90′s was when I knew I wanted to be ROCK singer. What happened in 1991?…the death of Freddy Mercury, the birth of grunge, the birth of Lollapalooza, with it’s amazing almost freakish cross section of bands from Indigo Girls to the greasy, inked up “scary” bands like Janes Addition, ( and for me) the end of the galactic hair faze.

I swore as I threw away my last can of Aquanet hairspray that I would one day be on stage at Lollapalooza.

Fast forward to 2008. The Locals are getting ready to release our new disc “Big Picture”, we’re so busy with all of the work that goes into that the we missed the start of the “Last Band Standing” contest. A contest where YOU can vote for who gets to play Lollapalooza. So we’re a little behind, but that is where you come in. Vote today, help make the dreams of recovering 80′s permaholic, ex-fold and roller, now indie- rocker (with better hair.. I hope) come true.

I hope you’ll vote for The Locals to play Lollapalooza. Don’t make me get the Aquanet people, the earth has suffered enough.

Yvonne

http://www.sonicbids.com/lollapalooza08/BandProfile.aspx?candidate_id=4937

When I was looking for a killer poster design for the “Big Picture” cd release party I headed over to Gigposters.com. If you dig poster art check it out. There are some amazing designers posting their stuff there. You can find just about anything.

I was cruising through all the work and found “Field Of Gravity” (AKA Ryan Flemming) I instantly thought.. this is the guy! So I emailed him, and within a about week we had a new poster design, all done via the magic of the interweb. Ryan does his thing in Orlando, FL, but based on his description of himself- “a cross between a bear and Rob Zombie”, Danger Boy is already looking into flights to meet this guy in person.

Here is what Ryan has to say about himself:

“Based in Orlando, FL, Field Of Gravity (aka: Ryan S. Fleming) does a lot of screen printed concert posters for various venues across central Florida. He also does a lot of other stuff, too. He’s a music nerd, a design nerd, a, well, nerd in general. He looks like a cross between a bear and, some might say, Rick Rubin, while others say Rob Zombie… He can be found lurking around town, drinking beer, at various bars/venues, supporting music in all forms. He believes in Unicorns and never had the opportunity to slide down a rainbow. One day he just might be that lucky!

And check out his work:

http://www.myspace.com/fieldofgravity

http://www.fieldofgravity.com
http://www.gigposters.com/designers.php?designer=74115

There are a couple of really scary things that are happening in government that are seem to be putting artists smack dab in the cross-hairs. Now while I think you can’t just put a blanket statement out that the “evil government is killing culture and art”, I mean we are all responsible for how our society changes in time, but some of things that the powers that be are doing, well let’s just say they sure don’t help much.

I’m not going to pretend to fully understand all the legal mumbo jumbo in city ordinances and federal mandates etc.. so if YOU DO please drop some knowledge on all of us about this and leave a comment. And most of all if you are a concerned party- leave a comment as well. The more discussion about it, the better. We have to let our civic leaders know where we stand on this.

To that end I sent around an email asking for input from promoters, artists, entertainment attorneys etc, basically just asking them to comment on what they think the ordinance will mean for artists, what we should do to fight it etc.

Here are some links for you to check out:

• Chicago’s promoter’s ordinance: What the city wants, the city gets?
• Chicago Reader Blog
• Background reading on the promoter’s ordinance: The proposed law, and the Chicago Music Commission’s response to it
• Chicagoartistsresource.org: Facts you should know about planning events. This one is very informative and really give you the actual facts about the ordinance
• Madalyn Sklar of Gogirlsmusic.com Blog On the Chicago City Promoter Ordinance

Some email responses for you to consider:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
“Hi Yvonne-

I’ve attached a link to the actual guidelines of this possible new event promoters’ ordinance.

I’ve attached it so that people can get the facts. This was given to me by a “higher-up” in the City of Chicago Cultural Planning office. I work in the Cultural Planning office as a music researcher to the site this link is posted to, so I have been hearing both sides of this issue. Although the ordinance will burden responsible venue owners with fees, which is unfortunate, many of the blogs which have been floating around on this issue are grossly filled with the wrong information. I encourage everyone to read the facts at this link.

http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/music/node/14676

Personally, I don’t see what difference having these license fees will make. I think it’s a shame that responsible event promoters and club owners in Chicago are essentially being punished for what was an unfortunate, isolated event. I am of course referring to the E2 nightclub incident. The live music scene in Chicago is not a flourishing one, considering the size of the City. Targeting event promoters and club owners with fees is like trying to get blood from a turnip. If the City wants to charge fees, then those fees should go back into the for-profit music community in some way – not to pay for city infrastructure improvements or for free City concerts which take away much needed audiences from the for-profit music community. As far as the other logistical considerations on the ordinance (contracts, record keeping, etc.), I have no doubt that responsible club owners and event promoters already perform and manage these tasks. One would have to keep records at the very least for tax purposes. This is why I feel the ordinance is just a way for the City to tap into more funds.

In summary, I do not agree with the proposed ordinance, but it is important that people have the correct facts so they can intelligently dispute the issue. Many of the blogs paint a much grimmer picture than what is actually being proposed. The sky will not fall…..we’ll just all start non-profit orgs so we can get around this issue. Really, I can see www.martyrslive.org . Can’t you? Maybe then we will actually get some much deserved support, positive recognition and funding from the City!

Temple

Temple Schultz
Band Leader, Rhapsody Orchestra
Phone: (312) 924-5750
www.rhapsodyorchestra.com

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“I think it’s ridiculous for any public official to think they have the right to stop live music in any capacity. Most musicians crave an outlet for their music to be heard by a live audience whether it’s a large stadium, medium size club, small venue, the local coffee shop or even a house concert. On the flipside most people crave live music, which is why they spend their hard earned money on a show and will drive long distances to see their favorite performers. And let me tell you independent artists are NOT exempt from this. They have wonderful, crazy, rabid fans who will walk the ends of the earth to see them perform live. Who give anyone the right to take that away?

As an event promoter there is no way we could afford the ridiculous fees the City of Chicago wants to impose so that means sorry but NO GoGirls shows in Chicago. How sad to tell our members, “sorry but your city makes it impossible for us to produce a show here.” Would indie musicians resort to creating an “underground” music scene? You bet! But how ridiculous to have to hide this and worry about the legalities of these actions.

Hmm, I have to say that it makes me proud that I live in Texas where it would be considered a crime if someone tried to take our music away. After all, Austin is THE live music capital of the world.

Madalyn Sklar, Founder
GoGirlsMusic.com, “cuz chicks rock!”
The oldest & largest online community of indie women musicians!
*CELEBRATING 12 YEARS ON THE WEB!
http://www.gogirlsmusic.com“

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And how about some more good news?

I was cruising around Live365′s (internet radio) MySpace page and found an article about some US gov ruling that will heavily impact internet radio. Here is an excerpt from their blog:

“A recent ruling by the United States Copyright Royalty Board threatens the future of internet radio, and the potential for artists like you to be discovered by listeners around the globe.

Last month 10,000 DJ’s spun over 100,000 different musical artists on their Live365 Internet Radio stations. 25 million hours of music streamed to 5 million music fans. Every one of the 150 million performances accounted for, and composition and sound recording royalties paid. Variety unheard of on am, fm, even satellite radio. And that’s just Live365!

Now Internet Radio has been singled out from all other radio, burdened with fees not paid by AM or FM stations, and at rates 3-4 times that paid by satellite and cable radio. The new regulations even include absurd minimums to penalize the smallest webcasters with the highest rates.

If these regulations stay as they are, Internet Radio is going to be reduced to few stations playing only limited number of mainstream acts over and over. Sound familiar? It doesn’t have to…” Here is a link to the full article:

Live365 Myspace Blog

Ok DB has been getting his little plastic undies in a bunch because we’re doing all these interviews with other bands on the bill but never with him (what a diva!). So here it is, everything you’ve always wanted to know about Danger Boy.

1. What’s in the backseat of your car right now?

A couple of naked Barbie Dolls, a GI Joe and a pack of cigarettes.

2.What was the last thing you threw up?

My little plastic hands when the freak on “Deal or No Deal” said “no deal” after being offered $100k to stop being stupid.

3. What’s your favorite curse word?

Smarf

4. Menthol or regular cigarettes?
I don’t smoke them, I just roll them up in my little plastic sleeve. I’m auditioning for “You’re the one that I want”

5. What’s your favorite episode of Grey’s Anatomy?
never saw it.. ditto.

6. does anyone have blackmail on me?
doesnt everyone have blackmail on me?

7. If you could marry any celebrity today who would it be?
She-ra Princess of Power, or one of those Olsen twins.

8. When was the last time you watched T.V.?
last night. qvc, bought assorted chocolates from spain

9. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?
try 30 feet.

10. Are you wearing socks right now?
no

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?
my own spit.

12. What are you wearing right now?
what i always wear…a mask, a cape, little tights, a red spandex shirt and boots.

13. Last food you ate?
cheese food.

14. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?
no. someone did add a bitchin sticker to my cape at the last locals show though.

15. When is the last time you ran?
danger boy doesnt run, he flies.

16. What’s the last sporting event you watched?
full contact chess, on the full contact chess channel

17. Last movie you saw?
little miss sunshine- awesome

18. Who is the last person you sent a message to on myspace?
pam

19. Ever go to camp?
band camp, this one time…

20. Do you like sushi?
yes

Are you in a band?
I am the 4th member of The Locals. I do not sing or play an instrument, nor am I used as an instrument. Can you guess my role?

22. How old do you want to be when you have kids?
I am a kid.

23. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw?
No I only drink Tequilla, but I do drink it from a sippy cup, does that count?

24. What is your name?
Danger Boy!!

25. Are you someone’s best friend?
no, still looking.

26. Where is your bf/gf right now?
DB flies solo.

27. What was the last thing you said?
“DB flies solo”. I say everything I type outloud.

28. What kind of watch do you have on?
None. Because I so regularly break the space time continuum, there seems little point.

29. What do you think of when you think of Australia?
Tristan Rogers from General Hospital.

http://www.tristanrogers.com/bio.php

30. Ever ridden on a roller coaster?
no

31. Do you have a favorite Gemstone?
I rarely wear any sort of gems. They slow me down when flying.

32. Do you go inside or thru the drive threw at fast food places?
I do fit there yes.

33. Do you have a roommate?
No. I used to live with my brother, but we had to trade him to the kidnappers for my release.. long story.

34. What is your favorite number?
Nine is awesome.

35. Do you have a dog?
Dog’s try and eat me. Do you think I’m crazy?

36. What happened in 1993?
Hair was bad, but better than in 1983.

37. Does your first memory involve your dad?
My father, John Stamos, had no idea he was my father until like 2002. We’ve never spoken. So no, and thanks for bringing it up.

38. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
My belt is breaking. The glue is coming off.

39. Do you like watching a bonfire?
I like starting bonfires.

40. Are you allergic to anything?
peas

41. Favorite shoes that you wear all the time?
boots

42. What have you learned from life?
pears and cheese go good together. wine is nice too.

43. Are you jealous of anyone?
spiderman. he has a great outfit and can kiss upside down. i cant kiss with a head rush. no way.

44. Is anyone jealous of you?
everyone is.

45. Do you hate anyone?
No. Danger Boy is all about the LOVE

46. Do any of your friends have children?
yes

47. Do you ever take medication to fall asleep?
no. but i do take “medication” for my glaucoma…;)

48. What CD is in your CD player?
Dropmore Scarlet

49. Do you own any band t-shirts?
yes, i own them, but they are always too big for me to wear. so i make socks out of them. i have shit load of socks. do you have any idea how many socks i can get out of one human size tshirt. it’s astounding. especially when you consider that i never wear socks, but i hate to waste so there you go.

50. Do you do your own dishes?
no. i rent them.

51. Would you date anyone covered in tattoos?
of course

52. How old do you want to be when you get married?
92 1/2

54. How did you get one of your scars?
breaking up a fight between drew barrymore and al roker.

55. What was the last thing you purchased?
Ham.

56. Is there anybody that wants to do you?
Is there anybody who DOESNT want to do me?

Ever wondered if that is indeed Danger Boy’s real hair?

Ever wanted to see what’s “under the cape”?

Ever wandered which one of The Locals has “tingers”?

Well wonder no more, it’s all here in a recent interview we did with Gogirlsmusic.com

Gogirlsmusic.com Interview With The Locals

We want to thank Madalyn and the whole crew at Gogirlsmusic.com for their tireless support of indie music! You guys rock!

The Locals were interviewed by GoGirlsmusic.com

”

GoGirls Elite Interview with The Locals

by Annette Warner

Editor’s Note:

Occasionally, if you are as lucky as I am, you get to get up and use the bathroom thrice to keep from wetting your pants while interviewing talented and hilarious folks like the band members of the Chicago based rock band, The Locals. This I did. Aside from being incredibly easy to listen to musicians with strong hook tunes, awesome vocals, loaded melody’s and radio ready talent, they are likely one of the most creatively driven promoters of themselves I’ve ever appreciated. And I gotta say…musicians struggle harder than ever in a much easier to be heard industry to be recognized these days, – and most of us, knowing we’ll barely, if ever, break even, rely on plastic to eat, and make it from gig to gig. But there’s a certain danger, boy let me tell ya, , when we start sharing our plastic with fans..,and sleep with our plastic in cheap hotels, start buying our plastic drinks instead of the other way around, and, when you get to the point you never know where your plastic is going to turn up next…you are a member of The Locals…

I hope you enjoy reading this interview with three of the most amusing, engaging and authentically crafty musicians I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know, and their side-sorta-kickette, Danger Boy – (Who, not much of a team player, chose to be separate from the group for his own interview.) –

Hey! Enjoy! – Annette Warner – Editor”

READ THE INTERVIEW »

Special thanks to Razor & Die at WLUW in Chicago. They have been playing songs from our new CD, Big Picture, over the last few weeks. Tune in on Thursdays from 11:00am until 2:00pm, both on 88.7fm in Chicago and streamcast at wluw.org. to check out Razor & Die in action.