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What Am I Doing Now? (New Year Edition)

January 14, 2020 · Leave a Comment

This month seems like the beginning of a year of transition but, when you think about it, every new year is a year of transition. The flick-of-a-switch from one numbered timeline to the next is arbitrary, but the anticipation of flicking does inspire reflection and taking of stock. This one’s more potent as it’s the start of a new decade. The self-examination was particularly intense this time.

2019 felt like an ‘in-between’ year — like I spent it preparing for something. There were accomplishments and significant moments (like marriage!), but looking back, I see a lot of things getting set up for the future.

What am I setting up? Well, this is the year of 8DSync and going all-in on music publishing and licensing. It’s an area I’ve worked in for two decades but as a side-gig to other endeavors. Now with the help of my colleagues Miguel Bustamante and Craig Snyder, I have brought 8DSync to the forefront. The move makes sense — I am more knowledgable in music publishing than any other music business field, and it’s what I do best. Time to lean in.

Beginning the year, I’m in the process of redesigning the 8DSync website from scratch. Not understanding what I was getting into, I decided to do this redesign myself. The site is looking great, but it’s a work in progress as well as a time-consuming one. I’m adding many artist and release pages over the next few months.

Some of those artists represent new signings to the 8DSync roster. We start the year with these exciting additions: Kingston, New York’s psychedelic Shana Falana, the UK roots-rock act Swampmeat Family Band, Jonathan Brodeur and his power-poptastic Bird Streets project, and a lovely downtempo label out of Ireland called WeGrowWax. There’s also a new album from Scotland’s The Little Kicks on the horizon. That’s a lot of fantastic music to look forward to straight away.

Another of my projects due for a refresh is the 8D Industries label. We took a hiatus as the artists concocted releases, but now it seems likely we’ll have new music from Monta At Odds, San Mateo, and More Ghost Than Man before next summer.

But what about Q-Burns Abstract Message, you ask? I’m working on a new batch of songs, too. It’s all quite different, and I debate even using the Q-BAM moniker, though I probably will. I’d like to have a consistent slate of releases this year — perhaps a series or 3 or 4 song EPs — which will be a challenge. I must remind myself that we make the time, we don’t find the time.

And there’s a ton of writing in my future. The 8sided blog is an integral part of my life, and I enjoy working on it. I’m meeting cool new people through it, too (drop me a line anytime). I have internal debates over what this blog is exactly — is it a place for music industry commentary, or reviews and notes on the culture, or can I get personal, or can I get silly? I’m leaning towards it being all these things. But one thing I plan to examine repeatedly is how we’ve grown to rely on the biggest corporations in history for the dissemination of our art. How do we maintain our independence as the tech-giants chip it away? That’s the theme of the blog if there is one.

For over a year, I’ve been threatening to start a newsletter. All the cool kids are doing it, and I want to hang with the cool kids. Well, it’s ready to launch, and it has a name: Ringo Dreams of Lawn Care. What’s that about, right? Just bear with me. The newsletter will be different than the blog though I’m not sure how yet. The first few ideas for issues are more personal, more story-oriented. I’ll base it on my experiences juggling all these things — the publishing company, the label, Q-BAM — and the trials of working in the music industry from outside of the music industry. I’m sure I’ll also write about interesting things I’m reading and watching and hearing, too. It will be good, and I’m setting the first issue free in a few weeks. Please sign up here.

What am I looking for in 2020? Well, besides the replacement of some of our world leaders (omg plz), I’d like more excuses to travel. I already have flights booked for returns to SXSW and MusicBiz, but would enjoy several more chances to ride on airplanes. I’d also like to pick up a couple more consultancy clients this year, whether artists or labels needing help with branding, positioning, and release strategies or companies looking for assistance with music publishing and rights management. And I’d love to advise and collaborate with a cool outsider artist, band, or label — one dedicated to a musical niche with no mainstream aspiration and struggling with being seen in 2020’s ephemeral information whirlpool. If that’s you and you’re willing to do the work, then feel free to get in touch.

One last tidbit: I mentioned SXSW above. I’m thrilled to announce that there will be an 8DSync showcase at the festival this March, featuring many of the artists mentioned above. I’ll have the details soon. I played SXSW a few times as Q-BAM in the past, but I’ve never been on the organizing side of a showcase. So that’s exciting.

OK, you didn’t ask for it, but now you’re up to date on my activities. And, as a byproduct of this ramble, I have a clearer idea of what I’d like to do over the next few months. 2020 is the year when all that table-setting in 2019 pays off. Now I’d like to hear from you. What are your big plans? Is there an opportunity for us to work together, or bounce around some ideas? I’m game. I have the feeling this could be our year.

Filed Under: From The Notebook Tagged With: 8D Industries, 8DSync, Bird Streets, Consultancy, Craig Snyder, Email Newsletters, Miguel Bustamante, Monta At Odds, More Ghost Than Man, MusicBiz, now, Q-Burns Abstract Message, Ringo Dreams of Lawn Care, San Mateo, Shana Falana, Swampmeat Family Band, SXSW, The Little Kicks, WeGrowWax

What Am I Doing Now? (February 2018 Recap)

March 1, 2018 · Leave a Comment

  • I’ve brought on a couple of new clients for publishing representation: San Francisco’s Sleight Of Hands (check out their excellent cover of “I’m Not In Love”) and Nathan Maners. There are others in the works. Exciting times here at 8DSync.
  • I’m also working on two new projects in an advisory role: an upcoming EP from Arthur’s Landing titled Spring Collection; and a single from Terry Grant’s More Ghost Than Man project, taken from his stunning 2016 self-titled album.
  • A major project this month was the launch of Snax’s PledgeMusic campaign for the vinyl version of his excellent Shady Lights album. I was closely involved in putting this together and enjoyed collaborating with Snax and the PledgeMusic team. This company has a great crew working behind the scenes. If you are a fan of limited edition vinyl in a deluxe package or solid electronic funk music in general, then I implore you to check out Snax’s Shady Lights campaign.
  • Eagle eyes may notice that I’ve removed the Services tab from this site. I’ve decided to do fewer label services projects and focus more on music publishing, licensing, and consultancy. I’ll be revamping things here over the following weeks, and will be offering a new way that I can help independent labels and self-released artists determine and implement innovative strategies. Stay tuned.
  • The weather is warming up in Florida. We’ve already hit the mid-80s a few times, and we’re not yet out of February. I’m torn between being worried and overjoyed. Regardless, I’m resuming my Lake Holden paddle board sessions, a highlight of my day and the preferred way to meditate and think.
  • What I Read This Month:

    The Founder’s Dilemmas
    Finish

  • What I Watched This Month:

    The Square
    Hiroshima, Mon Amour
    BPM (Beats Per Minute) (my favorite 2017 movie, I think)
    Phantom Thread

  • What I Listened To This Month:

    Deutsche Elektronische Musik 3: Experimental German Rock and Electronic Music 1970-82
    Palta – Universel
    Pendant – Make Me Know You Sweet
    Patrick Cowley – Afternooners
    San Mateo – Breather
    The House In The Woods – Bucolica
    Kuniyuki Takahashi – Early Tape Works (1986 – 1993)

  • A Few Other Things I Enjoyed This Month:

    Seth Godin has a fantastic new weekly podcast titled Akimbo
    If you make true crime documentaries then act quickly to acquire the rights to this tale of the Worst Roomate Ever
    I like the writer Steven Johnson, and I’ve been wrapping my head around blockchain, so I found this article fascinating: Beyond The Bitcoin Bubble
    Artist Winston Smith designed all those Dead Kennedys album covers I loved as a teenager. It’s a pleasure to find out he’s a pretty cool dude, too.

Filed Under: From The Notebook Tagged With: 8DSync, Book Recommendations, Buddhist Army, Lake Holden, More Ghost Than Man, Movie Recommendations, Music Recommendations, now, Snax

8D Projects: E1sbar’s “Du Jour” In Nude Nite Video (NSFW)

January 6, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Now here’s a spicy music license from our 8DSync agency. Nude Nite is a annual event held in Orlando and Tampa that focuses on artistic nudes and it’s the largest event of its kind in the country. Nude Nite brings together hundreds of artists for three evenings of visual art, performance, and a cast of characters both in costume and out. Before each new show a video teaser is created with highlights from the past year’s event. This latest video features the lovely sound of E1sbar’s “Du Jour” to accompany footage from the sensual festivity. As may be obvious, this video is probably not safe for work. You can listen to more tracks from E1sbar HERE and you can find info about Nude Nite HERE.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 8DSync

8D Projects: Eros – “Floating In The Clouds” In Video For ICARO Paragliders

December 21, 2015 · Leave a Comment

ICARO Paragliders has used “Floating In The Clouds” by 8DSync artist Eros in their latest video, which was filmed among the wonderful scenery of Macedonia. The special way that the song has been edited to match the video – including a gusty breakdown just past the midsection – really makes this video come alive. Based here in Orlando, Eros is one of our busiest and most requested artists. Check out more of his available catalog on the 8DSync site.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 8DSync, Music Licensing

8D Projects: JJ Bull – “121 Miles” In Video For Burton Snowboards

November 12, 2015 · Leave a Comment

The emotional instrumental to JJ Bull’s “121 Miles” is used in this great Burton Snowboards video, licensed through 8DSync. Professional boarder Kelly Clark talks about her preferred boards and gear as Bull’s music sets a nostalgic-then-uplifting mood. JJ Bull is a folk-based artist from Scotland, and we love his distinctive and evocative style … be sure to check out more of his music on our 8DSync site.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 8DSync, Music Licensing

8D Projects: Tom Appl’s “Badibidab” Licensed To Vallarta Adventures

September 14, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Licensed through 8DSync, Tom Appl’s “Badibidab” is a deleriously upbeat earworm of a tune, and it makes a fine soundtrack for Vallarta Adventures’ new video advertisement showcasing the tourism company’s ‘beach hideaway’ at Las Caletas (once the private home of film director John Huston, as pointed out in the YouTube description). We’re loving how the music drives the video and gives some enhanced expression to the gorgeous imagery. You can check out more songs by Tom Appl on our 8DSync web site.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 8DSync, Music Licensing

8sided.blog

 
 
 
 
 
 
Michael Donaldson (@qburns) helps niche artists and labels with music rights, marketing, and growth strategies.

8sided.blog is his zine about sound, culture, and the punk rock dream.

"An industry bellows through rhythm and noise."
 
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