Hey guys!
So I wanted to take some time to reflect on this blog. I love writing in it, but i need to be honest, in order to be the best, we must look at the best. I want my blog to be one of the top sources for music that you can find, but in order to do that I need to break down what makes other blogs, such as the very successful blog http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/.
I have mentioned this blog previously in a post, but now I wanted to break down what makes their blog so successful and what I can do to make this one even better. I will break this analysis down into sections, Content, Engagement, and Design.
Content:
From a content perspective, they are mainly covering new blues and jazz music daily. With daily posts, they are keeping the news on blues and jazz up to date all the time. This is an extremely advanced blog, with long posts that would almost be considered a pillar article.
Engagement:
The best content that site has to offer is the fact that they can actually get first hand interviews with artists. This allows for them to engage their readers very well into their blog posts and gives them an actual first hand look at how the artist does their music. Readers in the comments continue to say that they need to keep bringing in more and more people to interview because it is interesting and fun, but also that some of the blog posts are almost too long.
Design:
The initial design of the blog is a very slick and easy to follow when looking for posts. The user would not have a hard time at all finding what they are looking for. The main things they do right is having a search bar to locate all of the different articles. They also have a database of artists of which you can follow and search through. They also allow users to follow their blog via email, or via text to get scoop on what is happening.
These three main areas are what I am hoping that this blog has, and will accomplish in the future, and I am hopeful that by laying this out in here that I can at least see what the future holds for this blog!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Month Review(June)
Its getting near the end of the month, and my goal is to give you guys a grand summary of what has been posted within this month. Most of the main posts will dissappear from the main blog screen after a while. I want to also be able to summarize all the main points from those blog posts as well.
So by presenting you all with a quick little guide page to all of the albums listed in this, it will give you easy access to them:
Artist: Quasimoto Album: Yessir Whatever
One of the most interesting Hip-hop albums out there, but also one of the best albums I have listened to in a very long time. Must listen!
http://offstreammusic.blogspot.com/2013/06/artist-quasimoto-album-yessir-whatever.html
Artist: James Blake Album: Overgrown
If you are looking for a change in the electronic music area, then the laid-back and mellow mood of James Blake's Overgrown may be just what you are looking for.
http://offstreammusic.blogspot.com/2013/06/artist-james-blake-album-overgrown.html
Artist: The Left Album: Gas Mask
Easily, one of the best underground Hip-Hop albums I have heard. The production and lyrics within this is first class and you may not find a better album this year!
http://offstreammusic.blogspot.com/2013/06/artist-left-album-gas-mask.html
Artist: Tycho Album: Dive
So mellow and chilled that you will think you are on the beaches in Cali. A must listen for those who are looking for a nice change of pace in the electronic genre.
http://offstreammusic.blogspot.com/2013/06/artist-tycho-album-dive.html
So by presenting you all with a quick little guide page to all of the albums listed in this, it will give you easy access to them:
Artist: Quasimoto Album: Yessir Whatever
One of the most interesting Hip-hop albums out there, but also one of the best albums I have listened to in a very long time. Must listen!
http://offstreammusic.blogspot.com/2013/06/artist-quasimoto-album-yessir-whatever.html
Artist: James Blake Album: Overgrown
If you are looking for a change in the electronic music area, then the laid-back and mellow mood of James Blake's Overgrown may be just what you are looking for.
http://offstreammusic.blogspot.com/2013/06/artist-james-blake-album-overgrown.html
Artist: The Left Album: Gas Mask
Easily, one of the best underground Hip-Hop albums I have heard. The production and lyrics within this is first class and you may not find a better album this year!
http://offstreammusic.blogspot.com/2013/06/artist-left-album-gas-mask.html
Artist: Tycho Album: Dive
So mellow and chilled that you will think you are on the beaches in Cali. A must listen for those who are looking for a nice change of pace in the electronic genre.
http://offstreammusic.blogspot.com/2013/06/artist-tycho-album-dive.html
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Rdio, Streaming for the Future
There are times when I find myself looking for new music, that blogs, forums and site just do not cut it for me. It can be difficult when looking for music that is not well known to find it, if others don't know about it either. One of the things that I have learned to do is get a hold of products/services such as Pandora or Spotify to find new music, which are great apps and products.
Pandora
Spotify
These have been pretty effective in search for music within a certain genre, but it only allows for one song at a time on radio streaming app. Now, that has all changed for me thanks to Rdio!
Rdio
Rdio was introduced to me probably about a month ago, and since then I have never looked back. If you call yourself a music lover, then you must have an Rdio account. The product allows you to search through all types of music from your computer, tablet, or smart phone. It allows for full album streaming, and playlist creation. Seriously. Search any artist, and it will have it. All types of genres, and all types of music you have been looking for.
Rdio gives you a 14 day trial to try it out, and in that time frame you will find that the 10 dollar a month charge is well worth it! Once you are sucked into it, there is no going back.
I recommend this product/service 100% over the other streaming music apps and websites. Give it a try, and I gurantee you will not be sorry!
Pandora
Spotify
These have been pretty effective in search for music within a certain genre, but it only allows for one song at a time on radio streaming app. Now, that has all changed for me thanks to Rdio!
Rdio
Rdio was introduced to me probably about a month ago, and since then I have never looked back. If you call yourself a music lover, then you must have an Rdio account. The product allows you to search through all types of music from your computer, tablet, or smart phone. It allows for full album streaming, and playlist creation. Seriously. Search any artist, and it will have it. All types of genres, and all types of music you have been looking for.
Rdio gives you a 14 day trial to try it out, and in that time frame you will find that the 10 dollar a month charge is well worth it! Once you are sucked into it, there is no going back.
I recommend this product/service 100% over the other streaming music apps and websites. Give it a try, and I gurantee you will not be sorry!
Artist: Quasimoto Album: Yessir Whatever
Music blogs, and underground hip-hop sites began exploding over the past couple of months because a rumor began to spread that Madlib, had finished his latest album under his alter ego, Quasimoto (also known as Lord Quas) . Quas is known for the raised pitch of his voice as if he was inhaling helium. He didn't like the sound of his voice so he decided to slow his recorder down, rap slowly, then speed the recording back up to produce Quasimoto's distinctive high pitched voice.
One of the main blogs that I tend to check, is potholesinmyblog.com, which is a hip-hop based blog that really does a good job of mixing up reviews and news into one blog. It goes through both mainstream and underground hip-hop but is a great source if you are looking to see what is new on the hip-hop scene.
I decided not to write a review for this album, but let you guys look at the review of the album from this blog!
Link: http://potholesinmyblog.com/album-reviews-quasimoto-yessir-whatever/
I think this review is a very clean and straight forward look into what exactly Quasimoto is as an artist. He uses all kinds of influences in order to create his beats and also draws from various different sources in order to make his lyrics. I agree with the reviewer when they say that Madlib(Quas) is not afraid of releasing music, and most times his music can be somewhat disappointing, but this release is not.
Check out the review and check out the album, well worth the listen.
One of the main blogs that I tend to check, is potholesinmyblog.com, which is a hip-hop based blog that really does a good job of mixing up reviews and news into one blog. It goes through both mainstream and underground hip-hop but is a great source if you are looking to see what is new on the hip-hop scene.
I decided not to write a review for this album, but let you guys look at the review of the album from this blog!
Link: http://potholesinmyblog.com/album-reviews-quasimoto-yessir-whatever/
I think this review is a very clean and straight forward look into what exactly Quasimoto is as an artist. He uses all kinds of influences in order to create his beats and also draws from various different sources in order to make his lyrics. I agree with the reviewer when they say that Madlib(Quas) is not afraid of releasing music, and most times his music can be somewhat disappointing, but this release is not.
Check out the review and check out the album, well worth the listen.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Website
Hey guys!
Just wanted to put this out there in the open.
The website associated with this blog is live now as well. I have not mentioned it because I have gotten caught up with trying to promote the blog and I forgot that the site along with it is up.
Link: http://offstreammusic.webs.com/
The site is not much to look at now(Still working out the kinks), but my goal is to have a fully functional site that not only allows users to see an archive of the music that I post within the blog, but also even more music than is on the blog. I also would like for the users of the site to be able to rate the albums and artists.
Having a musical database will allow for me as site master to track all of the artists and albums already been used, and for you as the user to go through and find more of the music that you have been missing!
The site is also a great resource to get daily updates as well, along with various articles that I have written about how I get my music, how to get the same music I do, and even promote groups of albums and where to find deals!
So if you got the time, head on over to the site and check it out, I promise you it will be up and running at full speed at some point, and once it is I hope you enjoy the functionality of it!
Just wanted to put this out there in the open.
The website associated with this blog is live now as well. I have not mentioned it because I have gotten caught up with trying to promote the blog and I forgot that the site along with it is up.
Link: http://offstreammusic.webs.com/
The site is not much to look at now(Still working out the kinks), but my goal is to have a fully functional site that not only allows users to see an archive of the music that I post within the blog, but also even more music than is on the blog. I also would like for the users of the site to be able to rate the albums and artists.
Having a musical database will allow for me as site master to track all of the artists and albums already been used, and for you as the user to go through and find more of the music that you have been missing!
The site is also a great resource to get daily updates as well, along with various articles that I have written about how I get my music, how to get the same music I do, and even promote groups of albums and where to find deals!
So if you got the time, head on over to the site and check it out, I promise you it will be up and running at full speed at some point, and once it is I hope you enjoy the functionality of it!
Artist: James Blake Album: Overgrown
Review:
This will be my first album review, my plan was to review about an album a week or so, so this is my first one!
James Blake is a post-dubstep, electronic musician from London, England, United Kingdom. James began his final year at Goldsmiths in September 2009 studying popular music while recording songs in his bedroom. Blake attended The Latymer Schooland and released his debut 12 “Air and Lack Thereof” on Hemlock Audio in July 2009.
There are some albums that lay the foundation for the future of certain genres. When looking at James Blake's album Overgrown, the foundation for the electronic music scene of the future is being set. This album is truly a must have if you are trying to find that type of music that sets itself apart from the rest of the electronic music scene.
James Blake dumps the pervading future garage style of his debut album for a more intimate, yet detailed mood. The new direction that Blake has taken with his album, compared to his last has set the stage for him to grow even more as an artist. "New" direction may be slightly misleading though; what's going on here is essentially an evolution. Blake's brand of laid-back electronic is still here, yet stripped down to its base elements with a heavy focus on detail.
Again, this album is not for the most part, like any other electronic album I have ever heard. Laid-back tones, and a focus on the details makes this album a solid listen.
Rating 4.5/5
This will be my first album review, my plan was to review about an album a week or so, so this is my first one!
James Blake is a post-dubstep, electronic musician from London, England, United Kingdom. James began his final year at Goldsmiths in September 2009 studying popular music while recording songs in his bedroom. Blake attended The Latymer Schooland and released his debut 12 “Air and Lack Thereof” on Hemlock Audio in July 2009.
There are some albums that lay the foundation for the future of certain genres. When looking at James Blake's album Overgrown, the foundation for the electronic music scene of the future is being set. This album is truly a must have if you are trying to find that type of music that sets itself apart from the rest of the electronic music scene.
James Blake dumps the pervading future garage style of his debut album for a more intimate, yet detailed mood. The new direction that Blake has taken with his album, compared to his last has set the stage for him to grow even more as an artist. "New" direction may be slightly misleading though; what's going on here is essentially an evolution. Blake's brand of laid-back electronic is still here, yet stripped down to its base elements with a heavy focus on detail.
Again, this album is not for the most part, like any other electronic album I have ever heard. Laid-back tones, and a focus on the details makes this album a solid listen.
Rating 4.5/5
Monday, June 24, 2013
Best Places to Find New Music Pt. 2
Through this blog I will mention a bunch of different albums, artists, and even songs that I find to be very fresh and new.
Previous Blog:
http://offstreammusic.blogspot.com/2013/06/best-places-to-find-new-music.html
My previous post talked about the different websites that I use to try and gain more and more music to my overall database of music that I have. But the biggest spots that I tend to find music is in blogs. Just like this one, blogs tend to have some of the best new listens that you can find on the internet. If you can find a blog that is written by someone or a group of people that share the same interests as you in music then you can be in heaven.
More recently I have gotten into Jazz a bit more. While Jazz can be heard by the masses on the radio, Jazz is still a less popular type of music to find. One of the best blogs that I have ever used is the NPR blog on Jazz music.
NPR: A Blog Supreme
Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/
This blog keeps you up to date on all of the different trends, news, and new music that come from the Jazz genre of music. It is an extremely interesting blog, simply because it really lets you get into the heads of some of the artists about what motivates them, and what influences them to make the music they do. I highly recommend this site for those that are wanting to get into Jazz genre.
Previous Blog:
http://offstreammusic.blogspot.com/2013/06/best-places-to-find-new-music.html
My previous post talked about the different websites that I use to try and gain more and more music to my overall database of music that I have. But the biggest spots that I tend to find music is in blogs. Just like this one, blogs tend to have some of the best new listens that you can find on the internet. If you can find a blog that is written by someone or a group of people that share the same interests as you in music then you can be in heaven.
More recently I have gotten into Jazz a bit more. While Jazz can be heard by the masses on the radio, Jazz is still a less popular type of music to find. One of the best blogs that I have ever used is the NPR blog on Jazz music.
NPR: A Blog Supreme
Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/
This blog keeps you up to date on all of the different trends, news, and new music that come from the Jazz genre of music. It is an extremely interesting blog, simply because it really lets you get into the heads of some of the artists about what motivates them, and what influences them to make the music they do. I highly recommend this site for those that are wanting to get into Jazz genre.
Best Places to Find New Music
While working on this blog, I find myself always searching for new ways to find new music. I am always trying to see if there are new websites, blogs, or forums where I can locate music that is fresh and new that most people are not aware of.
There are of course, the usual sites that have the Top 40 playlists that everyone seems to be looking for now, but to find those music sites that allow you to hear music that is unheard can be very difficult to find. It took me a lot of digging, and some of the sites you may of heard of, but they are all very good at finding the exact type of music you are looking for.
Below is a list of sites, and forums that I have used to either find new music, rate music, or to just read reviews for albums. The list also includes sites that allow for free streaming of full albums, and downloads of albums(Legally of course!).
There are of course, the usual sites that have the Top 40 playlists that everyone seems to be looking for now, but to find those music sites that allow you to hear music that is unheard can be very difficult to find. It took me a lot of digging, and some of the sites you may of heard of, but they are all very good at finding the exact type of music you are looking for.
Below is a list of sites, and forums that I have used to either find new music, rate music, or to just read reviews for albums. The list also includes sites that allow for free streaming of full albums, and downloads of albums(Legally of course!).
- http://www.sputnikmusic.com/
- https://soundcloud.com/
- http://www.datpiff.com/
- http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/
- http://www.pandora.com/
- http://www.rdio.com/
- http://hypem.com/popular
- http://www.stereomood.com/
I hope that these sites will help you find the music that you are searching for, and even find music that you find that you would like to have posted on the blog. I am always willing to hear the music that you all find.
Email: offstreammusic@gmail.com
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Artist: The Left Album: Gas Mask
Whenever I find myself looking for new Hip-Hop to listen to, I find it very difficult to find anything that even remotely worth listening to. There really are only a few TRUE hip-hop artists that are left. Ever since hip-hop hit the mainstream, it has been muddled by very generic beats and very bland lyrics that all are about the same vulgar things. The evolution of the genre has made it so the people who listen to it are almost frowned upon.
Luckily for those who are still looking for good, conscious hip-hop there are still some who hold to the original form. The Left is a prime example of this. The Left is a hip hop group consisted of Journalist 103 (rapper), Apollo Brown (producer) and DJ Soko (Turntablist) out of Detroit Michigan.
Gas Mask is a fantastic old school album that really is refreshing to hear in these times. The production on the album make it a very strong outing. His production consists of soul and jazz samples from the 60s and 70s, placed on top of hard-hitting drums and occasional horns and piano melodies.
But what makes this album standout, is the witty and catchy lyrics within it. Starting from the song "Gas Mask". They basically send a heavy message out to the phony artists that real music triumphs over the mainstream rap that is out there. This is what makes this album so great. The fact that they know they could create songs like the ones you hear all the time, but they choose to treat the music like it is art, like it should be.
Overall, if you are a hip-hop lover, or just getting into it this is a great listen!
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gas-mask-deluxe-edition/id528504237
Luckily for those who are still looking for good, conscious hip-hop there are still some who hold to the original form. The Left is a prime example of this. The Left is a hip hop group consisted of Journalist 103 (rapper), Apollo Brown (producer) and DJ Soko (Turntablist) out of Detroit Michigan.
Gas Mask is a fantastic old school album that really is refreshing to hear in these times. The production on the album make it a very strong outing. His production consists of soul and jazz samples from the 60s and 70s, placed on top of hard-hitting drums and occasional horns and piano melodies.
But what makes this album standout, is the witty and catchy lyrics within it. Starting from the song "Gas Mask". They basically send a heavy message out to the phony artists that real music triumphs over the mainstream rap that is out there. This is what makes this album so great. The fact that they know they could create songs like the ones you hear all the time, but they choose to treat the music like it is art, like it should be.
Overall, if you are a hip-hop lover, or just getting into it this is a great listen!
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gas-mask-deluxe-edition/id528504237
 |
| The Left - Gas Mask |
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Artist: Tycho Album: Dive
Electronic music has began to hit a stale path, where all the music has began to sound the same. It seems like the norm now is to have the same generic beat, and then throw some synth in on the track. Whenever I have heard new electronic artists, i find myself asking, "are there any electronic artists who have their own unique sound?". Tycho is the answer to this question.
Tycho is the music project of San Francisco artist and producer Scott Hansen. As Tycho, Hansen blends swirling melodies into vaguely triumphant arcs that crisscross between stuttering beats and vocal samples, creating rolling sonic landscapes that extend into the horizon.
For a while, Tycho was considered to be just an average electronic/chillwave artist. Most of the sounds he created sounded similar to the mainstream techno music. But with this album, Tycho has begun to find his niche within the electronic music world.
Dive encompasses all of the great aspects of what makes Tycho such a great artists. From the moment you begin to listen, you hear something that your ears have been dying for. The layers and laid back tone within Dive make it such an easy listen, and a breath of fresh air for electronic dance music. The album tone and flow make it a must listen for anyone who is looking for a new twist on what is EDM.
Dive is a must listen for those looking for something new and fresh in the electronic music scene.
Top Tracks:
Dive
Coastal Brake
Elegy
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dive/id465155665
Tycho is the music project of San Francisco artist and producer Scott Hansen. As Tycho, Hansen blends swirling melodies into vaguely triumphant arcs that crisscross between stuttering beats and vocal samples, creating rolling sonic landscapes that extend into the horizon.
For a while, Tycho was considered to be just an average electronic/chillwave artist. Most of the sounds he created sounded similar to the mainstream techno music. But with this album, Tycho has begun to find his niche within the electronic music world.
Dive encompasses all of the great aspects of what makes Tycho such a great artists. From the moment you begin to listen, you hear something that your ears have been dying for. The layers and laid back tone within Dive make it such an easy listen, and a breath of fresh air for electronic dance music. The album tone and flow make it a must listen for anyone who is looking for a new twist on what is EDM.
Dive is a must listen for those looking for something new and fresh in the electronic music scene.
Top Tracks:
Dive
Coastal Brake
Elegy
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dive/id465155665
 |
| Tycho- Dive |
About Me!
My name is Steady Streamer. I am a technology buff, a runner and
music lover! I am a music nerd and make a living finding the next big
thing in music before it is ever heard.
Music has always been a large part of my life. My family consists of many music majors and my brother is a music teacher. Music has always been taught to me as an art. I have been to almost 10 different broadway plays, and experienced many different styles of music in concert. When i look for music i take the word ARTist as it should be. Art.
In 2007, I truly began to see music for what it is. I saw people get caught up with what was "Mainstream Music". Generic, bland music that all sounded about the same. That is when I began to just take hours and hours and listen to music of all types of genres. True Hip-Hop, Jazz, Indie music etc. Music that was made with flavor and soul. Music that has true taste to it, and was not just thrown together to make a number one hit on the radio.
Since 2007, it has become a large hobby of mine to find new music. The place I found this music was not on the mainstream, but offstream, where real music was being made.
My goal is give you the opportunity to share in the music that I love. This blog will be updated daily to give you the music your ears have been missing!
If you have anymore questions feel free to contact me: OffStreamMusic@gmail.com
Feel free to visit the site for information: http://offstreammusic.webs.com/
Music has always been a large part of my life. My family consists of many music majors and my brother is a music teacher. Music has always been taught to me as an art. I have been to almost 10 different broadway plays, and experienced many different styles of music in concert. When i look for music i take the word ARTist as it should be. Art.
In 2007, I truly began to see music for what it is. I saw people get caught up with what was "Mainstream Music". Generic, bland music that all sounded about the same. That is when I began to just take hours and hours and listen to music of all types of genres. True Hip-Hop, Jazz, Indie music etc. Music that was made with flavor and soul. Music that has true taste to it, and was not just thrown together to make a number one hit on the radio.
Since 2007, it has become a large hobby of mine to find new music. The place I found this music was not on the mainstream, but offstream, where real music was being made.
My goal is give you the opportunity to share in the music that I love. This blog will be updated daily to give you the music your ears have been missing!
If you have anymore questions feel free to contact me: OffStreamMusic@gmail.com
Feel free to visit the site for information: http://offstreammusic.webs.com/
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