This year has been a whirlwind adventure for me and I want to thank you all for being part of a historic part of Radio Revolution and WFAL Falcon Radio. The one moment that eclipses all else that's happened on the show was, of course, the Dave Matthews Band Marathon on Dec. 4th. Thanks to Pat Dougherty, Matt Leininger, Matt Melvin, all the DJs that stopped in to offer their support and of course Tim Reynolds! 2009 is going to be bigger, better, and more "Revolutionary" than 2008.
So, it's New Years Eve and in the long standing tradition of resolutions, I'm about 1-20 all time in that record...the one being having a radio show (kept that one!) So this year I decided to say no to a resolution, and yes to a Revolution-and this year, you can all take part! Here's how:
My New Year's Revolution is to support local my local bands and record stores.
We've all fallen into the trap of downloading illegally or even worse, buying from Wal-Mart. Let's forget downloading illegally for a second and focus on major companies...when you look at the numbers, new and upcoming artists are not being sold at stores like Best Buy and Wal-Mart and the only large name company you can buy only a small portion of new music from is iTunes. Now I have nothing wrong with iTunes, it introduces me to new artists a lot but there's still artists out there that they do not have. Artists like Noah and the Whale, Sara Bareilles and others were not on iTunes let alone the major stores until they had commercial fame.
So where can you go to find artists that might be the new Van Morrison, AC/DC, or James Taylor? At your local mom & pop music store.
If you happen to live in Bowling Green or attend the school you more than likely know the name Finders Records. Finders has been my favorite store to find different artists when the mainstream artists don't cut it for me. Just walk in and you're greeted by walls and walls of albums (and even vinyl!) just waiting to be listened to. This is just one example, there are thousands of stores just like this all over America and the world.
What's another way to support the music? Go to a concert! Next time you're on Ticketmaster getting ready to purchase those Taylor Swift tickets, save your money and go see a local band for a change. Many local bands make most of their money from concert revenue these days and better yet, the atmosphere at a smaller venue is exciting and more intimate that your typical arena concert.
Now, in no way am I saying stop listening to your favorite rock and rollers; there's nothing wrong with listening to Rush, The Clash, etc. on your iPods but learn about new artists, and support the local scene. There was a time when your favorite band was a nobody, trying to get their big break...the next big band is out there waiting for that chance too.
Happy New Year everybody, have a rockin' 2009
Tim
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Online resources to support local bands/stores
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