August 2007

by Robin Noll

 

     This month for some reason I’m anxious to see the final product of the Pennsylvania Musician. I don’t know why. It just seems we’re coming out the 2nd this month and it seems late as we have been coming out by the first lately (I  hope you noticed). I’m anxious to get it printed and delivered, because people are calling and asking when it will be on the streets, especially Echoburn’s fans and family.

   I got to go with Rachel to interview Echoburn up at the Saloon in State College. It was a rainy night and we had a little difficulty seeing exactly where it was and here we were pulled up right in front of the place (duh). It was fun to see Rachel “Rocks” in action. Out of the four of our children I never imagined that Rachel would be the one  to get into the “Live” music scene but she is thoroughly enjoying herself. The only problem she’s having is getting enough time to see all the “live” music she would like to. Family obligations take up quite a bit of time. Hopefully she’ll enjoy it for years to come. She spent this past weekend at Fuzetival in Allentown and met and heard a lot of great music. She’s looking forward to going to IMC ‘07 in Philly August 29th. Hopefully everything will work out and we’ll be hosting a stage where bands can come in and perform a song or two and Racetrack Studios will be recording and give you a CD right after your performance. So if you’re going to go to IMC hunt Rachel “Rocks” down and look for the Racetrack, Fanteez and Pennsylvania Musician booths and stage and we’ll hook you up with a FREE recording and get to meet you.

   Back to the Echoburn interview. I was trying to be good and just listen and observe (anyone who knows me, knows that I can’t resist offering my two cents.) I found it interesting when Joey said not only was he inspired by his musical father but he lived in Mechanicsburg and would go by Wanda’s and see Fuel’s name upon the marquee. Back then Wanda’s would have all age shows that Fuel was  playing just to acquire new fans. Joey said one day he was watching MTV when the first Fuel song came on and he said, “Wow, that sounds familar.”  At the end of the video he saw that it was “Fuel” PA’s Fuel, “hey, I know those guys”.

    It was an interesting story to me because Fuel actually utilized our pages to help establish their fan base. In fact they bought the cover 3 times when we were selling it. (We don’t sell it anymore. I like to give it to the bands that support us on a consistent basis. We have a lot of bands waiting to get on the cover — we’ll get to you eventually.) Anyway, Jodie Abercombie was a marketing major and they moved to the area because it was centrally located to huge music markets, DC, NY, Philly, Baltimore. They knew from seeing the PA Musician that there were places to perform and an avenue to get the word out about who and what they were up to. We spent many a phone conversation talking about the importance of marketing.  Jodie was amazing, of course the record company got rid of him as soon as they were signed…Hmmm. Marketing and promotion does work but I don’t want to harp on it. You either believe in it or you don’t.

   On the way home from State College Rachel and I were talking about all the musicians that are out there that haven’t quite found the right combination of musicians to form a successful and satisfying sound. Yet when I think of all the musicians that have found each other and have connected and have gone on to either have a professional band playing the club circuit and even taking it further by touring regionally. Plus a number of musicians that have gone on to world wide fame. It’s just amazing. One thing I know, if you have a dream and desire, don’t let it go. Keep pursuing that dream and take it as far as you can.

    One band that has decided to call it quits is Til December. It seems as if they have been around forever. I remember talking to them years ago trying my hardest to get them in the paper. They kept saying, “We only have fans outside of the state. There’s no place to play in PA and they don’t really like our music. Things changed and they wound up advertising and grew a big fan base in PA as well as beyond. We’re going to miss Til December but I know we’ll be seeing all the guys around in various groups and projects. Once a musician, always a musician. Whitey plays everyday and teaches. Music is a life long love that never dies. You can read Til December’s “Official Release” on page 18, I think.

    Millennium Music Conference #12 is underway. Harris is all ready working on new venues that will handle original music on the West Shore. I use to live in Camp Hill and the area’s a great place to catch “live” music. The West Shore always has been a big supporter of “original music” and all music for that matter. Matt at Gullifty’s hosts music almost every night of the week. Chris at Rumors in Enola has expanded to cover Thursdays, with “Live” original music plus she still hosts her favorite bands on Saturdays. Fetzer Music Management is booking some great musicians into her venue. Chris will be participating in this year’s MMC 12.  I sure hope if you’re an original musician you submit your material to Mr. Harris and become a part of the Conference. It’s always interesting and you meet a lot of great people. It’s good to have a place where we can all congregate and share what we have to offer and help each other accomplish our dreams. (Happy Birthday John!!!)

    Another issue done. November will be our 300th issue. We will officially be 25 years old. I hope you decide to join us for that issue. The November issue will be out on the streets by November 1st. 25 Years, wow!

   “The Lord inhabits the praises of His people.” I praise Him for letting us continue to serve the music industry and I am very thankful to all of our faithful readers and to all the many advertisers who support us each and every month.