TechDirt has a post today regarding a judge’s decision to examine the constitutionality of the RIAA’s fines which have ranged from $750 to $30,000 [!!!!] per song in their still ongoing lawsuits against music downloaders.

While that whole issue will likely be addressed here at some point, the TechDirt site covers a lot of ground on the subject of music downloading and lawsuits and provides links to some great additional coverage. Here’s the search results for TechDirt’s stories involving the RIAA.

SOME ADVICE: If you’re interested in music [or replace music with whatever else you’re interested in] you should read more than just music sites, magazines etc. First off, it’s amazing, in the case of music at least, how many other industries, non-music blogs etc. will touch on the role of music, whether in general or as relating to their specific industry [marketing blogs have been good sources for music news/ideas as have tech ones].

By reading a wide variety of subjects/sources, it’ll also provide insight into other areas/businesses where you may be able to find inspiration to take back to your music/business.

Grant Robertson of the Digital Music Weblog writes about local folk artist Old Man Luedecke [you’ll find links for music as well as a video from YouTube].

One thing I love about blogs is the easy access for writers to write about music from anywhere in the world, so it’s always great when I come across someone from away talking about a local artist. It’s one thing for myself to talk up a local whether I know them or not, but always nice to see others enjoying the work artists here are doing.

And Old Man Ludecke is certainly a deserving candidate for such coverage as well. Not really all that old, he’s a dedicated and hardworking artist who is constantly touring. With a loyal fan base in these parts it’s hard not to expect fans of traditional banjo played folk in other regions not to enjoy this young man’s love of all things old.

You can read the review noted on Digital Music Weblog of his most recent album, Hitherland at Sceneandheard.ca

I plan on using this blog as a platform to talk about what it’s like to take the plunge and start a label, manage a band or any business related to music for that matter like my rehearsal spaces. I hope to start a page of links and other resources that have helped me and might be of use to anyone else considering a similar path. I’ll also be profiling other people/sites that might provide some insight for anyone interested in this career path.

Some of the categories I’ll be using will further explain what I will be covering here:

Business: Will cover points noted above, things I’ve learned trying myself, good resources else where and anything else that might be related to running a label/management company or even a band.
You’ll also see industry news and happenings covered here.

CDs/MP3s/Live Reviews: Here I’ll be reviewing/directing people to bands in one form or another

Digital: Anything internet/Mp3 related - could cover reviews, industry news, marketing opportunities whatever. It’ll be worked out in time.

Old News: Anything of significance in the recent past pre-this blog that will add to any readers understanding of why I’m doing any of this. Easy means of building up the content as well.

Marketing: The internet and the DIY spirit each on their own have provided some ingenious means of marketing music, combine the two with the goal of sharing music and we have a changed industry. Other non-tech based marketing ideas will be covered as well.

Sounds Local: One benefit of the running a rehearsal space is the benefit it provides in exposing you to various genres of music. I’ve been turned on to genres I didn’t know existed in the past. I’ve also had a first hand opportunity to learn about the wealth of talent that calls Canada’s East Coast home and will be highlighting as many local acts as I can.

Labels: There’s plenty of labels out there that can serve as great models for anyone looking to start their own - profiles and tracks from their artists will be forth coming.
Again, I’m sure there’ll be more added, some dropped - it’ll be worked out.

The plan is also to have some other people join in on here soon and let them tackle whatever they like happening in music. In time we may also be looking for “Sounds Local” posts from various regions/cities.

Hopefully in time this blog will introduce you to some great new music, and if you’re involved from the business end, give you some insight and new ideas to use in your own pursuits.