Module 5: Where Next, Bmore?
By the look of it, Baltimore's music shops are surviving. Between some of the big guns like The Sound Garden, The True Vine, CD Depot and Dimensions in Music, their collections, vinyl included, are most certainly not going out of style.
"People will never stop buying vinyl," Al Shipley, music writer for Baltimore City Paper says. "Stores like The Sound Garden and The True Vine have a loyal fan base."
But that's not to say that Baltimore's music shops aren't changing. In late 2007, Towson-grown music chain Record and Tape Traders was purchased by Value Music Concepts. The sale wasn't unexpected, but the impact was apparent.
"It was immediate. Record and Tape [Traders] were closing their warehouse so they sent out a letter to all the local labels and bands on consignment to let them know to pick up their CDs," Shipley says. "Prices went up too."
This meant that Record and Tape Traders would no longer sell releases from local musicians, tightening their spectrum as a local music shop. With many locations in the greater Baltimore area, this was certainly a damper on local music distribution.
Back in the day, before digital music began to take the market by storm, local vinyl shops and labels ran the Baltimore Club market, creating a supply and demand for local DJs. When digital music started into the scene, these shops and labels began to see the results of the invasion. "A couple shops went out of business, and DJs started selling their vinyl to places like The True Vine," Evan Weinstein, a Baltimore Club promoter, says.
"It was a combination of the time and the market changing and technology," Shipley says. "Baltimore isn't a major city, it's a smaller place. Places like New York always have something going on, but here it may seem like things drop off for a bit. It takes a while for everything to gel back into place."
So what's next for Baltimore? When and how is the new phase going to take place? Maybe sooner that we thought. Popular musicians like Beach House and Dan Deacon are receiving exposure on the major indie rock markets and helping to solidify Baltimore as a impressive outlet for new music. Wham City, a collection of artists and their venues founded in 2004, are helping to harness the talent.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Multimedia Package: Well Connected
Well Connected: Tracking Players in Telecommunications, Media and Technology
This multimedia package is from The Center for Public Integrity, "a nonprofit organization dedicated to producing original, responsible investigative journalism on issues of public concern." They are involved in issues both in the United States and around the world, all with a non-partisan viewpoint. The center is housed in Washington, D.C., and it has been running since 1990. They, along with this comprehensive multimedia package, publish investigative books and articles on the concerns of public issues. For example, The Center's website highlights projects titled "The Buying of the President 2008" and "The War Card: Orchestrated Deception on the Path of War".
In this specific multimedia package, Well Connected: Tracking Players in Telecommunications, Media and Technology, The Center for Public Integrity has created an interactive system to determine which corporations and companies own the media in your given zip code or city, the Media Tracker. On the introduction module of Well Connected, a site visitor can enter in their zip code or city and state to pull up a full list of businesses that own the major broadcast outlets like television and radio stations, cable communities, broadband providers and newspapers. Each result yields an area summary listing the broadcast owners and an interactive map. There are tabbed menu selections that further break down the summary into each type of broadcast.
Each summary also yields specific results about each corporation or business. For example, Well Connected breaks down the ownership summary of Clear Channel Communications, Inc., as well as listing its revenue and income, the company's corporate directors and executive officers, and a fully detailed breakdown of monetary contributions. Additionally, the package has sections called Latest Reports and Telecom Watch, which is presented in a blog format.
To sum up it's intended purpose, Well Connected aims to educate journalists, students and legislators. The information presented here is both full and detailed but easy enough to understand. Structurally, the project is easy to navigate. The Media Tracker, which is the package's main attraction, is incredibly simple to use. The sidebar provides all the links you would need outside of the Media Tracker, including a link to the homepage, FAQ's, a Methodology page, Archives, and a menu by industry. Navigation is done without any confusion, which is a strong point for the package.
However, the multimedia portion of the package is not as impressive as I would have liked. There are no photos or videos, and besides the interactive map given with each zip code, there isn't much else to entertain. This puts the main focus on the information, which is top notch for a mass communications student like myself. But, I imagine for someone who wasn't interested or in need of this information, this package would be rather boring. Nonetheless, the ease of use is certainly something that other packages should imitate, as well as the sheer amount of information. This package is an incredible resource.
Besides the lack of photos and videos, Well Connected could have improved their Latest Reports and Telecom Watch section with a primer that put the topic in context. I understand the full concept of the project, but it wouldn't hurt to have a small blurb explaining the weight of each article, sort of like a commentary from The Center Public Integrity.
Overall, I was impressed, but there is clear room for improvement. As an organization that specializes in the telecommunications, I'd expect a more technologically advanced presentation.
This multimedia package is from The Center for Public Integrity, "a nonprofit organization dedicated to producing original, responsible investigative journalism on issues of public concern." They are involved in issues both in the United States and around the world, all with a non-partisan viewpoint. The center is housed in Washington, D.C., and it has been running since 1990. They, along with this comprehensive multimedia package, publish investigative books and articles on the concerns of public issues. For example, The Center's website highlights projects titled "The Buying of the President 2008" and "The War Card: Orchestrated Deception on the Path of War".
In this specific multimedia package, Well Connected: Tracking Players in Telecommunications, Media and Technology, The Center for Public Integrity has created an interactive system to determine which corporations and companies own the media in your given zip code or city, the Media Tracker. On the introduction module of Well Connected, a site visitor can enter in their zip code or city and state to pull up a full list of businesses that own the major broadcast outlets like television and radio stations, cable communities, broadband providers and newspapers. Each result yields an area summary listing the broadcast owners and an interactive map. There are tabbed menu selections that further break down the summary into each type of broadcast.
Each summary also yields specific results about each corporation or business. For example, Well Connected breaks down the ownership summary of Clear Channel Communications, Inc., as well as listing its revenue and income, the company's corporate directors and executive officers, and a fully detailed breakdown of monetary contributions. Additionally, the package has sections called Latest Reports and Telecom Watch, which is presented in a blog format.
To sum up it's intended purpose, Well Connected aims to educate journalists, students and legislators. The information presented here is both full and detailed but easy enough to understand. Structurally, the project is easy to navigate. The Media Tracker, which is the package's main attraction, is incredibly simple to use. The sidebar provides all the links you would need outside of the Media Tracker, including a link to the homepage, FAQ's, a Methodology page, Archives, and a menu by industry. Navigation is done without any confusion, which is a strong point for the package.
However, the multimedia portion of the package is not as impressive as I would have liked. There are no photos or videos, and besides the interactive map given with each zip code, there isn't much else to entertain. This puts the main focus on the information, which is top notch for a mass communications student like myself. But, I imagine for someone who wasn't interested or in need of this information, this package would be rather boring. Nonetheless, the ease of use is certainly something that other packages should imitate, as well as the sheer amount of information. This package is an incredible resource.
Besides the lack of photos and videos, Well Connected could have improved their Latest Reports and Telecom Watch section with a primer that put the topic in context. I understand the full concept of the project, but it wouldn't hurt to have a small blurb explaining the weight of each article, sort of like a commentary from The Center Public Integrity.
Overall, I was impressed, but there is clear room for improvement. As an organization that specializes in the telecommunications, I'd expect a more technologically advanced presentation.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Research & Module 4
Excepts and important facts from interview with Beth Varden, manager at The Sound Garden.
- manager for two years, been in Baltimore since 1996
- two current locations for TSG: Syracuse & Baltimore
- TSG has been open since 1993
- plans to renovate, including larger section for vinyl
How has business been affected by the digital media revolution?
"We haven't really been affected by digital music. I'd even say that our business has increased. Not everyone wants digital files, and because we have the best prices, people come to us. Like, the people who don't have iPods or computers, they're still interested in buying music from a store."
"College-aged kids are really into vinyl as well, and we're the only place in Baltimore that you can buy new vinyl."
Do you think that physical music will ever become obsolete?
"Obsolete? No way, I don't believe it. When the CD came out, people said the same thing."
"People still buy it for its aesthetic value. And digital music is usually a downgrade in quality."
How is TSG important to Baltimore music?
- local music section
- consignment for local artists, don't need national distribution to be sold at TSG
- local artists like Dan Deacon, Beach House, Celebration all helped and supported
- in-store performances are usually reserved for national, touring bands but sometimes they'll feature local bands, like The Human Bell
- anyone can use their bulletin board to promote their band/show/venue
Slideshow for The Sound Garden w/ Audio
Text for Module 4:
The Sound Garden (full module here)
It's sort of like a scene from "Empire Records" or "High Fidelity". As you walk in the front doors of Fells Point's The Sound Garden, it's clear that there is one thing on everyone's mind: finding that golden treasure.
"Sound Garden is a freakin' mecca!" London Scalise, a self-proclaimed music junkie and vinyl collector exclaims. "You can't find everything you're looking for in those corporate stores. I'm there at least once a week."
When you walk in the front doors, the foyer is lined, layered and overwhelmed with concert posters and free magazines. There is almost always a line. In the heart of the store, CD shelves create rows and rows of mixed and matched album art. At Sound Garden, there are albums that you never knew you wanted until you found them at Sound Garden, the kind of albums that make a collection shine.
Beth Varden has been manager at The Sound Garden for two years now, but she's been shopping here for much longer, she says. Like many of The Sound Garden's customers, she believes that physical music will not lose it's importance and value in the face of digital music. "Not everyone wants digital files, and because we have the best prices, people come to us. Like, the people who don't have iPods or computers, they're still interested in buying music from a store."
The only place in Baltimore that carries new vinyl, The Sound Garden attracts both the dedicated old-timers roped into a record's high quality and the college student engaged by its aesthetic.
But not everyone likes vinyl. "You can buy two CDs here for the price of one at other places. Especially in the used section," longtime customer Tyler Miller explains.
To keep up with and support the Baltimore music scene, The Sound Garden offers consignment deals for local artists that aren't blessed with national distribution. There's a section dedicated only to Baltimore releases and the shop has even hosted in-store performances by local bands like The Human Bell. But that's nothing compared to the bulletin boards at the front of the store, which reads like an ultimate hub of Baltimore's up-and-coming happenings. If there ever is an epitome of Baltimore music, here is where is all exists.
Google Map of Baltimore Record Shops
View Larger Map
- manager for two years, been in Baltimore since 1996
- two current locations for TSG: Syracuse & Baltimore
- TSG has been open since 1993
- plans to renovate, including larger section for vinyl
How has business been affected by the digital media revolution?
"We haven't really been affected by digital music. I'd even say that our business has increased. Not everyone wants digital files, and because we have the best prices, people come to us. Like, the people who don't have iPods or computers, they're still interested in buying music from a store."
"College-aged kids are really into vinyl as well, and we're the only place in Baltimore that you can buy new vinyl."
Do you think that physical music will ever become obsolete?
"Obsolete? No way, I don't believe it. When the CD came out, people said the same thing."
"People still buy it for its aesthetic value. And digital music is usually a downgrade in quality."
How is TSG important to Baltimore music?
- local music section
- consignment for local artists, don't need national distribution to be sold at TSG
- local artists like Dan Deacon, Beach House, Celebration all helped and supported
- in-store performances are usually reserved for national, touring bands but sometimes they'll feature local bands, like The Human Bell
- anyone can use their bulletin board to promote their band/show/venue
Slideshow for The Sound Garden w/ Audio
Text for Module 4:
The Sound Garden (full module here)
It's sort of like a scene from "Empire Records" or "High Fidelity". As you walk in the front doors of Fells Point's The Sound Garden, it's clear that there is one thing on everyone's mind: finding that golden treasure.
"Sound Garden is a freakin' mecca!" London Scalise, a self-proclaimed music junkie and vinyl collector exclaims. "You can't find everything you're looking for in those corporate stores. I'm there at least once a week."
When you walk in the front doors, the foyer is lined, layered and overwhelmed with concert posters and free magazines. There is almost always a line. In the heart of the store, CD shelves create rows and rows of mixed and matched album art. At Sound Garden, there are albums that you never knew you wanted until you found them at Sound Garden, the kind of albums that make a collection shine.
Beth Varden has been manager at The Sound Garden for two years now, but she's been shopping here for much longer, she says. Like many of The Sound Garden's customers, she believes that physical music will not lose it's importance and value in the face of digital music. "Not everyone wants digital files, and because we have the best prices, people come to us. Like, the people who don't have iPods or computers, they're still interested in buying music from a store."
The only place in Baltimore that carries new vinyl, The Sound Garden attracts both the dedicated old-timers roped into a record's high quality and the college student engaged by its aesthetic.
But not everyone likes vinyl. "You can buy two CDs here for the price of one at other places. Especially in the used section," longtime customer Tyler Miller explains.
To keep up with and support the Baltimore music scene, The Sound Garden offers consignment deals for local artists that aren't blessed with national distribution. There's a section dedicated only to Baltimore releases and the shop has even hosted in-store performances by local bands like The Human Bell. But that's nothing compared to the bulletin boards at the front of the store, which reads like an ultimate hub of Baltimore's up-and-coming happenings. If there ever is an epitome of Baltimore music, here is where is all exists.
Google Map of Baltimore Record Shops
View Larger Map
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Research: Be More Indie - 04.09.08
Noteworthy excerpts from interview with London Scalise, mild vinyl collector and Baltimore music follower:
How often do you head to record shops around Baltimore?
At least once a week (laughs). Sound Garden and Record & Tape Traders are my two jams. I drop so much money there. Sound Garden is a freakin' mecca! You can't find everything you're looking for in those corporate stores... But Sound Garden... Whenever I go in there, I end up spending way too much money.
What about Record & Tape Traders? Can you find a good selection there?
You used to be able to. Well, you still can, but since it got bought out it's not the same. I'm not positive but I think the prices are going up too.
You collect vinyl too?
Yeah, but not as much as some of the Baltimore music kids do. I've seen some crazy mad collections.
Are Baltimore music fans different than other cities, like Philadelphia or New York City?
Uh, yes! We're so much more hardass. Ha, no really, I think that Baltimore kids are just really united. We all stick together and believe in the music we're making.
So how is the sound of Baltimore music different?
Man, that's a hard question. We're not stuck in one sound? Maybe. I feel like indie bands in Philly or New York get stuck in the sound of what's cool. Like, you know when a band is from Brookyln. Like Vampire Weekend. Baltimore is more about seeing what you can come up with.
Interviews Conducted:
- Employees at The Sound Garden
- Al Shipley of The City Paper
- London Scalise, Baltimore music fan
- Evan Weinstein, Baltimore Club promoter
- Employees at R&TT
More research:
About Record & Tape Trader Buyout ; Repercussions on Local Bands/Musicians
About Dimensions In Music
Music Liberated and It's Previous Role in Vinyl Pricing in Baltimore
Scottie B., Baltimore Club DJ, Selling All His Vinyl to The True Vine
Sounds N Da Hood - Baltimore Music Shop Moves to Atlanta
Set up Google Map of all the Baltimore indie record shops??
Noteworthy except from The programmer as journalist: a Q&A with Adrian Holovaty:
"Holovaty: The main value in understanding programming is the advantage of knowing what's possible, in terms of both data analysis and data presentation. It helps one think of journalism beyond the plain (and kind of boring) format of the news story."
How often do you head to record shops around Baltimore?
At least once a week (laughs). Sound Garden and Record & Tape Traders are my two jams. I drop so much money there. Sound Garden is a freakin' mecca! You can't find everything you're looking for in those corporate stores... But Sound Garden... Whenever I go in there, I end up spending way too much money.
What about Record & Tape Traders? Can you find a good selection there?
You used to be able to. Well, you still can, but since it got bought out it's not the same. I'm not positive but I think the prices are going up too.
You collect vinyl too?
Yeah, but not as much as some of the Baltimore music kids do. I've seen some crazy mad collections.
Are Baltimore music fans different than other cities, like Philadelphia or New York City?
Uh, yes! We're so much more hardass. Ha, no really, I think that Baltimore kids are just really united. We all stick together and believe in the music we're making.
So how is the sound of Baltimore music different?
Man, that's a hard question. We're not stuck in one sound? Maybe. I feel like indie bands in Philly or New York get stuck in the sound of what's cool. Like, you know when a band is from Brookyln. Like Vampire Weekend. Baltimore is more about seeing what you can come up with.
Interviews Conducted:
- Employees at The Sound Garden
- Al Shipley of The City Paper
- London Scalise, Baltimore music fan
- Evan Weinstein, Baltimore Club promoter
- Employees at R&TT
More research:
About Record & Tape Trader Buyout ; Repercussions on Local Bands/Musicians
About Dimensions In Music
Music Liberated and It's Previous Role in Vinyl Pricing in Baltimore
Scottie B., Baltimore Club DJ, Selling All His Vinyl to The True Vine
Sounds N Da Hood - Baltimore Music Shop Moves to Atlanta
Set up Google Map of all the Baltimore indie record shops??
Noteworthy except from The programmer as journalist: a Q&A with Adrian Holovaty:
"Holovaty: The main value in understanding programming is the advantage of knowing what's possible, in terms of both data analysis and data presentation. It helps one think of journalism beyond the plain (and kind of boring) format of the news story."
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