Non-Commvention-The Rescues
Was lucky enough to attend the Non-Commvention at World Cafe on Friday.Non-Comm is a gathering of of non-commercial radio programmers and DJs,record label and record promotion professionals,artists,and passionate music folk in general.It is three days of panel discussions,Artist showcases and music biz hobnobbing .It is always one of my favorite events because there is always a great buzz and you never know who you will end up meeting or chatting with.The general theme seemed to be how to adapt and survive in an industry that changes it’s business model almost by the minute.I attended a panel discussion led by WXPN program director Bruce Warren and featuring panelists Jim McGuinn,program director for The Current in Minneapolis,Brian McTeer from Weathervane Music and indie artist discovery project Shaking Through,and Bob Boylan from NPR’s All Songs Considered.The topic was how Social Media was integral in connecting with your audience today.It’s no surprise that Facebook,Tumbler,and Twitter have become crucial ways to get the pulse of the listener but how to track the effectiveness of Social Media seems to still be a tricky thing.An member of the audience brought up the point that in the future it will be more important for DJs to be tech savvy than on-air personalities.Changes indeed…hmmm.
The Artist showcases are the best part of Non-Comm.I saw a smokin set by soul revivalist Eli Paperboy Reed and his basnd but was blown away by new L.A. band The Rescues.This quartet of multi-instrumentalists features 2 guys and 2 girls who sing wonderfully. They were captivating from note one.Their debut full length on Universal/Republic will be released shortly.
