AltWeeklies Wire
The instructive joy of artist-led labelsnew
Little labels started by musicians work because they understand the music industry and its oft-diminishing margins.
Can reissues stretch fans too thin?new
As ever-frank heavy metal critic Kim Kelly recently wrote, "Quit reissuing things. Not everything is a fucking 'classic.'"
Tags: Album reissues
The Triangle's Top 10 Albums of 2011new
During a year when several of the Triangle's best-known bands didn't release records, area acts released, by my count, at least 30 albums that will henceforth belong in forever rotation.
North Carolina is an Inexplicable Hotbed for American Idol Heavyweightsnew
What unites Fantasia, Scotty and Clay also unites them with a lot of other artists in these parts, historically and now.
The Year in Music 2011new
Musically, in the Triangle, there's an awful lot that we don't get to every week. At the close of this year, we check a few of those pockets.
Tags: Year in Music 2011
The Sad, Strange and Sweet Voyage of Bombadilnew
When Bombadil called it quits almost three years ago, they were one of the country's brightest young bands. Somehow, they're back.
Willie Nelson and a Spate of Veterans Take Their Bowsnew
Nelson has paired a decades-long string of hits with decades spent in service of them, constantly performing in front of new audiences.
Bon Iver's Long Wagernew
From his influences to his collaborators, former Raleigh musician Justin Vernon has taken a steady approach to his career -- and won.
New Music Raleigh's Classical Crossover in a Rock Clubnew
New Music Raleigh recruited Shara Worden for Penelope in large part because the piece, like the group itself, blurs the lines between classical and rock music.
Can Crowdfunding Change the Way Music is Made?new
With crowdfunding, people interested in seeing a certain endeavor completed can contribute money in tiered amounts in exchange for gratitude or goods.
Tags: Crowdfunding
Team Spirit: Durham's 307 Knox Records Turns Fivenew
Since 2004, the imprint has released 31 records—a compilation full of Bull City bands, full-lengths by Midtown Dickens, The Future Kings of Nowhere and Cantwell, Gomez & Jordan and a series of 7-inch vinyl singles. Meet founder Melissa Thomas.
Year in Review: A Sizable Fleet of North Carolina Bands Found Bigger Audiencesnew
This year, more than any other this decade, the Triangle's local band scene seemed to engender broader support. It was a good year to be, as one excellent local compilation put it, "hearing here," at home.
#thissongissogreat: How to Change This Band's Life, in 140 Characters or Lessnew
The Twitter paradigm reverts to the antiquated record-store clerk model, where you discover new music because you trust the person behind the counter who loves something you've yet to hear.
It's Your Noise, Too: Merge Records Turns 20new
Instead of pursuing the cold, quick cash-in of some hot new trend, Merge has consistently sought out the songs and bands its owners loved.
If Your Love is Cheap, Windows Loves Your Bandnew
Microsoft's Sponsored Songs program is the latest in a series of variably successful attempts by large companies to use independent music to reach a new audience. If it is to be a long-term strategy, though, many say it must form a stronger bond between the bands and brands it links.
