Mar 22 2007
More I's CUBE ahead
I met with Kana (I's CUBE's manager) yesterday at a Starbuck's in Hiroo. I brought my laptop intending to show her music.podshow.com and hopefully convince her to upload some tracks to it. But Starbucks here don't have wireless access (campers aren't profitable) and I couldn't siphon off enough bandwidth from an nearby unsecured access point. One of these days I'm going to have to buy myself a card with an external antenna jack that I can plug into a Pringle's can.
We talked about the legal issues that come with playing and recording music. She's far more familiar with the details than most artists are about their own music and warned me to be very careful. On of the things I want to do is help indy artists sell their music online, either by setting up a Zen Cart store or by helping them take advantage of iTunes, CD Baby, etc. by helping them getting set up with TuneCore. The question for me right now is, how do I find the time? I barely have enough time to even blog.
She also sent me a song from I's CUBE that I'll play on my next podcast–the one I recorded last night but need to edit.
Kana is someone I feel lucky to know. Her drive to achieve her goals is greater than her sense of fear–something I'm working on, so it's good to have a role model. She president of her own record label to promote the bands she loves the most. This is no small feat, considering that the music industry is rife with organized crime and profits are small unless you have a runaway hit. But I have a strong feeling that she has what it takes to be successful. I doubt she's the kind of person who looks at herself in the mirror every morning and repeats affirmation mantras. She seems to just naturally have confidence. (For the record, I force myself to fake it, kicking and screaming all the way.)
Supposedly similar posts:
How long has she had this company open and what exactly are your plans to help them?
She established the company last month, but has been doing exactly the same work without officially hanging a sign out since last fall.
About my plans to help them: I like sharing the music I enjoy with others, and I like helping others achieve their dreams, especially when they're dreaming big. That's all. My gut feeling is something good will eventually come from it.
I know its not much but maybe you could set up donations for them to buy equiptment and promotion?
I would help with a donation.
You can donate here:
http://1upmusic.jp/worldwebcart.html
In return for your donation, they'll send you a CD.
I have to say the singer on the album has a lovely voice! but Its not really my type of music
I think she's good enough to make it though!
@Daz: I have coworkers who said exactly the same thing.
An Orinoco card are one of the best cards with external WiFi antenna connector btw
I go war driving with the one I have sometimes
I completely agree with Daz Sly and your coworkers. Unbelievable voice, sappy songs. One exception is その風にのって. On that track she reminds me of a young Ann Wilson (from Heart). She would be perfect fronting a more rockin' band - there are some great Japanese "noise" bands that have a large international following. Example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melt-Banana
I got in contact with Kana through MySpace to ask her about I's CUBE gigs in April but they're not in Tokyo then! I'll have to find other street performers on my trip.