Meet the Label
Are the acoustics to blame when some executive’s fancy stereo makes your demo sound like mush, or was it really mush in the first place? Can mush rule the world?
Music
A collection of 237 issues
The Unwritten Code of Subway Performers, Written
Experts answer what they know. The Non-Expert answers anything. This week we reveal the unspoken rules that govern the work, relationships, and processes that take place every day amongst the city's many subway musicians, ventriloquists, acrobats, and the like.
Demonstrating Value
When you know your band is the greatest that’s ever rocked, how do you convince the rest of the world? Are nine songs enough to change nine billion minds?
Albany Interlude
There’s no one like your immediate family to make your shortcomings into dinner conversation. Our favorite dreamer continues the saga by heading home to Albany, to confront a table of successful siblings.
Working the Demo
Trusting your instincts is tough; trusting others’ instincts can be a lot harder. Chastened with a broken ankle, Benchley puts his faith in his roommate’s healing hands, and his band’s ideas for their future.
Among the Horses
In the city of ambition, dreams are rarely packaged with paychecks, and everyone must do something to pay the bills—even if it doesn’t involve rock.
The Top 10 Albums of 2004
There were thousands of albums released by thousands of artists in 2004, so it must be hard to determine which were the 10 greatest, right? No, not really.
The Waiting
On the heels of sudden success—a good show, a potential manager—arrives doubt, fear, and the means for everything to fall apart.
Finding a Manager
How can a rock band plan for the unknown? What good are hours of practice and training when it only takes one bad microphone to ruin a show?
Benchley Athletic
Ruts can happen to anyone, even 23-year-olds, and the best response is a brand-new gym membership—and a new girlfriend?