#Website Tips for Musicians

[stellawembley]

Musicians! Have a Strategy when releasing music. Watch now!

  Musicians! Have a Strategy when releasing music. Watch now! Musicians! Have a Strategy when releasing music. Watch now!   Make sure to leave a comment on YouTube if you like the video (and give me a thumbs up) Affiliate Links * PreSonus Studio Channel Amazon Uk https://amzn.to/3TrKIpd Amazon USA https://amzn.to/4dZHVfp Behringer Compressor XL Amazon Uk https://amzn.to/47vrDZi Amazon USA…

[polyamorouspunk]

“Why Don’t You Just Move?”

A look at rural queerness and the hardcore scene.

With the recent and still on-going tragedy left in the wake of Hurricane Helene, a lot of light is being shed on southern states that make up Appalachia.

There’s a lot of misconceptions about Appalachia and the southern United States as a whole. There are a lot of good users on this website that have put a lot of effort into combating these harmful stereotypes and clearing up misconceptions.

But there’s more than just Appalachia in the south. There’s a lot of middle ground. Places that aren’t as rural as Appalachia, but places that aren’t as populated as cities like Raleigh, Richmond, Memphis, etc.

Places where people gather surrounded by other agricultural hubs.

There are queer people everywhere. In every culture, every religion, every country, in all of history, we have existed. We cannot and we will not be erased.

A common narrative that’s floated around for many years is “if red states are passing laws that are constructive to the LGBT+ community, then why don’t those people just move?”

So why don’t we just move?

I’m sure you can find a lot of well-written posts on here explaining many reasons why queer people not just in the southern states, but all over the world don’t “just move”, and one reason I’ve seen echoed over and over again is that “we have thriving communities here too”. We exist too.

How does one “be punk”?

It’s a question my mutuals and I get a lot, and a lot of us are tired of hearing it.

What does it mean to be punk?

Is it about the music? The clothes? The politics? Can you be punk if? Is it punk if you? Who? What? Where? When?

One common beginner tip to “being punk” is to find and join the local scene. This can lead to a lot of other questions, though. What is a scene? Where does one find the scene? How does one participate in the scene? Is there a minimum requirement?

Rest assured, literally no one is asking this offline.

A hardcore scene is so much more than just hardcore. A scene is a group of people where music is a common thread that builds the basis of other connections. A hardcore scene isn’t necessarily even hardcore.

“You have to listen to punk music to be punk”. Sure. But here’s the thing. In your local hardcore scene you will find: metal musicians, rappers, and more. You will attend shows with blues music, orchestras, and more.

Sometimes it’s not even music at all! Sometimes there is drag! Sometimes there are movie nights! Sometimes there are group outings!

It’s almost like… it’s just a social construct.

What is the local scene? The local scene is loud music. It’s smoking and drinking. It’s stopping by the corner store and the smoke and vape. It’s carpooling. It’s movie nights. It’s text chains. It’s group chats. It’s he-said-she-said. It’s they said. It’s AMAB enbies. It’s people who don’t care about “passing”. It’s DIY HRT. It’s she was a lesbian until she met him. It’s situationships. It’s hooking up and coming down. It’s bouncing from place to place to meet up with each other. It’s showing up someplace and seeing who’s there and waiting around to see who’s coming. It’s late nights spent partying on the weekends and back to school and work come the weekdays. It’s knowing someone by looks or name even if you haven’t put the two together yet. It’s trading socials. It’s Instagram stories and comments. It’s “DM for Address”. It’s “are you going tonight?” It’s “do you need a ride?” It’s “who else is going?”. It’s going somewhere and asking who’s coming. It’s sitting around on broken chairs and lawn furniture passing around a blunt, sharing a 24 pack of beer that 4 of you ran out to get with money you all pooled together, it’s “should we order pizza?” It’s “I brought donuts”. It’s hanging out in each other’s houses and rooms. It’s respecting the businesses that offer to house you. It’s generational friendships. It’s listening to your friends as they joke about their heritage and talk about their cultures. It’s the dog you pet when you’re sitting on the curb in ripped fishnets taking drunk selfies with your friends. It’s the man playing you the harmonica as you sit outside the THC drink bar on a Saturday night. It’s sitting out in the yard listening to someone play an acoustic set where they talk about the war and poverty and politics while you slowly get high surrounded by your friends. It’s sitting on a dock in the middle of the night fishing listening to emo music huddled together with your friends. It’s autistic people showing each other the bugs they’ve found in the dirt. It’s talking about your disabilities together. It’s shoving your friends in the pit and then holding their hands. It’s seeing the cos guys in their 40s and 50s who tend the bar and work the register calling you by whatever name and pronouns you give them. It’s all of this and so much more, and it cannot be conceptualized by one single fashion style, one single music style, one single belief system. It’s not someone calling you out because you went to Chick-Fil-A and don’t you know that’s bad, it’s not someone telling you that you’re a poser because you like Chappell Roan too or your clothes were bought at Forever 21 not thrifted and DIYed.

Everyone likes to talk about folk punk and other genres that bands like Dayz and Daze have popularized- or according to some, commodified and commercialized- but if you’re going to talk about music like folk punk, you’re going to have to respect the areas that it originated in.

Everyone want’s to talk about “local punk bands” when half the bands you’re seeing don’t even fall under the genre of punk.

Your local scene isn’t always going to be skate parks and thrash music.

Sometimes it’s the mom cooking you and all your queer friends dinner on a Friday night in her kitchen with crosses and a picture frame of her family with the quote “live, laugh, love”.

Sometimes it’s sitting around and listening to men who are old enough to be your grandfather with Vietnam Veteran hats play the blues while a pig roasts in a backyard BBQ, even though you’re in your 20s and you have blue hair and pronouns.

It’s sitting around and listening to your elders talk about how the scene used to be “back in the day”. Talk about the shows they’ve been to, the bands they’ve seen in their prime.

It’s asking what you do for work, where do you live, what brought you down here, what’s your college major?

It’s people. It’s people connecting to people. Regardless of the color of their skin. Regardless of gender or sexuality. It’s people of all ages coming together to listen to music with the idea that what you all have in common is living here and now, hating politicians, and thinking that someone should do something about the shitty state the world is in. It’s not a conglomerate. It’s individuality, and there’s no real wrong way of doing it unless you’re a Trump Supporter or a Nazi, and even then, they still have their own factions of the punk scene that are going to overlap with yours on occasion. The best you can do then is stand up for what you believe in and stay safe.

There are scenes just like mine all over this country. In southern states, in rural areas, in places that other, mainly white queers have “written off”.

So why don’t we just move?

Because this is our scene, and it’s what we make it, and in the heart of the south in the Bible Belt, we’re making it a queer-inclusive space despite what’s happening around us.

[somesecretpie]

Fans and Creators of Webtoons!

I want to talk about Line Webtoon’s new “Super Like” program and why it sucks for literally everyone.

What is a “Super Like?”

According to their website, super likes are a new way for webtoon creators to monetize their work. Readers can pay real money to buy a super like for their favorite webtoon, and the creator gets a fraction of that money.

Wait, a fraction? Not all of it?

Yep! Webtoon skims quite a chunk off the top.

30% goes to Webtoon, and then another 30% of that amount goes to the payment processor.

So what do creators get? 49 cents for every dollar their fans try to give them. Literally half.

That’s pretty ludicrous, right?

Interestingly enough, they announced that they had a “tipping system” in the works in the same email they ended the CANVAS creator rewards program (and many comic creators livelihoods)

They said tipping system in their social media posts too

Obviously this tipping system is referring to super likes right? They say they���re going to do a tipping system, and then this rolls out.

But “tips” are not something that buisinesses can just take a cut of, at least not in the United States. According to the Department of Labor, it is illegal for any amount of tips from customers to go to an employer.

Webtoon is trying to walk back this language, of course. You won’t find the word “tip” anywhere on their website page explaining how it works. But those old social media posts are still up.

This is all pretty scummy

But wait, it gets worse!

They removed the Patreon button at the end of episodes and replaced it with this:

Yep! That’s right. Webtoon really said “what if we replace the tipping system that already existed with a shittier one where you only get half of it 🥺”

Unsurprisingly, they faced a ton of backlash.

Webtoon was quick to point out that the Patreon button was only removed from the end of episodes and there was still a button on the creator’s homepage. But of course, the end of episodes is where that button matters the most.

Creators know this. Webtoon knows this.

Eventually, after days of continued complaints from creators on social media, Webtoon went on damage control mode and announced that they would be putting the Patreon button back at the end of episodes—

As of right now (May 11th, 2024) the Patreon button is still not back.

***

So…Super likes are “super totally not a tip.”

But if they aren’t tips…what are they?

Well there’s a bit more to the story of what a super like actually is. After announceing the program, the app updated to reveal a new ranking category on the front page

When you click on this ranking tab, you can see that there is now both a daily and weekly ranking

If you’re a CANVAS creator, you know how difficult and seemingly random it can be to get your comic on the front page of the app—so my immediate worry was that comic creators were going to buy superlikes on their own series to get in this ranking and…

Yep, that’s already happening.

But why would webtoon even allow creators to buy superlikes for themselves? How does that make sense?

Surely goading desperate creators into buying superlikes can’t be that lucrative, can it?

No. I think there’s another, possibly even worse reason.

Fandom wars

If you’re into music, you probably are aware of how common it is for super fans to make concerted efforts to get their favorite musician to the top of the billboard charts. They coordinate over social media, stream music on loop as soon as an album drops to inflate the numbers, buy albums in bulk to increase sales, all so that they can say their fav is number one. It’s especially common among K-pop fans and swifties

This phenomena is well documented

Fans of Webtoons can be just as ravenous as K-pop, so I think Webtoon is trying to capitalize on this. They want to encourage fandom war and make money. That’s why they have this ranking. Not only can super fans brag about their favorite series topping the charts but they can wear their super like proudly on their reader profile that webtoon will be rolling out soon.

They’re just testing this super like stuff out on CANVAS right now, but once this starts up with originals? Oh. It will be a very profitable, very terrible mess.

(Oh and I mean profitable for webtoon, not creators, in case that wasn’t clear.)

***

Anyway, if you’re a creator, do yourself a favor and don’t enable super likes.

If you’re a fan of a webcomic, just donate to that creators patreon or Ko-Fi to show your support. Don’t give a red cent to webtoon because they did not do any of the work to make the series you love, alright?

Also check out my webtoon haha.

[vague-humanoid]

I first heard about ghost artists in the summer of 2017. At the time, I was new to the music-streaming beat. I had been researching the influence of major labels on Spotify playlists since the previous year, and my first report had just been published. Within a few days, the owner of an independent record label in New York dropped me a line to let me know about a mysterious phenomenon that was “in the air” and of growing concern to those in the indie music scene: Spotify, the rumor had it, was filling its most popular playlists with stock music attributed to pseudonymous musicians—variously called ghost or fake artists—presumably in an effort to reduce its royalty payouts. Some even speculated that Spotify might be making the tracks itself. At a time when playlists created by the company were becoming crucial sources of revenue for independent artists and labels, this was a troubling allegation.

At first, it sounded to me like a conspiracy theory. Surely, I thought, these artists were just DIY hustlers trying to game the system. But the tips kept coming. Over the next few months, I received more notes from readers, musicians, and label owners about the so-called fake-artist issue than about anything else. One digital strategist at an independent record label worried that the problem could soon grow more insidious. “So far it’s happening within a genre that mostly affects artists at labels like the one I work for, or Kranky, or Constellation,” the strategist said, referring to two long-running indie labels.* “But I doubt that it’ll be unique to our corner of the music world for long.”

By July, the story had burst into public view, after a Vulture article resurfaced a year-old item from the trade press claiming that Spotify was filling some of its popular and relaxing mood playlists—such as those for “jazz,” “chill,” and “peaceful piano” music—with cheap fake-artist offerings created by the company. A Spotify spokesperson, in turn, told the music press that these reports were “categorically untrue, full stop”: the company was not creating its own fake-artist tracks. But while Spotify may not have created them, it stopped short of denying that it had added them to its playlists. The spokesperson’s rebuttal only stoked the interest of the media, and by the end of the summer, articles on the matter appeared from NPR and the Guardian, among other outlets. Journalists scrutinized the music of some of the artists they suspected to be fake and speculated about how they had become so popular on Spotify. Before the year was out, the music writer David Turner had used analytics data to illustrate how Spotify’s “Ambient Chill” playlist had largely been wiped of well-known artists like Brian Eno, Bibio, and Jon Hopkins, whose music was replaced by tracks from Epidemic Sound, a Swedish company that offers a subscription-based library of production music—the kind of stock material often used in the background of advertisements, TV programs, and assorted video content.

For years, I referred to the names that would pop up on these playlists simply as “mystery viral artists.” Such artists often had millions of streams on Spotify and pride of place on the company’s own mood-themed playlists, which were compiled by a team of in-house curators. And they often had Spotify’s verified-artist badge. But they were clearly fake. Their “labels” were frequently listed as stock-music companies like Epidemic, and their profiles included generic, possibly AI-generated imagery, often with no artist biographies or links to websites. Google searches came up empty.

In the years following that initial salvo of negative press, other controversies served as useful distractions for Spotify: the company’s 2019 move into podcasting and eventual $250 million deal with Joe Rogan, for example, and its 2020 introduction of Discovery Mode, a program through which musicians or labels accept a lower royalty rate in exchange for algorithmic promotion. The fake-artist saga faded into the background, another of Spotify’s unresolved scandals as the company increasingly came under fire and musicians grew more emboldened to speak out against it with each passing year.

Then, in 2022, an investigation by the Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter revived the allegations. By comparing streaming data against documents retrieved from the Swedish copyright collection society STIM, the newspaper revealed that around twenty songwriters were behind the work of more than five hundred “artists,” and that thousands of their tracks were on Spotify and had been streamed millions of times.

[valkyriexo]

Vote for Stray Kids !!

This is a short version of the following guide for SKZ Comeback voting. Credit goes to this guide. I am simply making a version for tumblr users!!! ⤷ straykids comeback guide

This guide covers 6 platforms where you can vote for Stray Kids:

⤷ Idolchamp ⤷ Mubeat ⤷ Superstarx ⤷ Mnet+ ⤷Diggus ⤷ Allchart

On most voting apps, you have to collect hearts or voting units that are used to vote with, and it needs to be collected overtime. Some do have options to purchase these voting units but as long as all STAYs collect and do their best to meet the goals per account bases suggested then together we can ensure we dominate voting during a comeback. You can collect these voting units by watching ads, doing tasks, answering quizzes, etc.

ઇଓ IDOLCHAMP

Idolchamp is the app used for pre-voting on MBC M SHOW CHAMPION and other polls that helps in the promotion of Stray Kids.

⤷ App store ⤷ Google play store ⤷ Quiz Answers

IDOLCHAMP is used for SHOW CHAMPION PRE-VOTING! There is no live vote and GAP MATTERS we need 1st place with a large gap for the highest amount of points possible.

ઇଓ MUBEAT

Mubeat is the app used for pre-voting and live voting on MUSIC CORE also other polls that helps in the promotion of Stray Kids

⤷ App Store ⤷ Google Play Store ⤷ Quiz Answers

MUBEAT is used for pre-Voting and LIVE Voting for SHOW! MUSIC CORE. Multiple accounts per device are allowed. There are restrictions on how many ads each device can watch every 24 hours, watch all ads on 5 accounts per device.

‼️ LIVE VOTING for Music Core 

Limited per account to 5 Live Voting tickets which cost 30 Beats per ticket (150 Beats for 5 tickets) and are Non-refundable so wait to exchange Beats for Live tickets till bases make announcements to exchange.

The GAP MATTERS in the LIVE VOTING for Music Core; we need 1st place with a large gap for points the highest amount of points possible.

!! Purchase tickets

You can also purchase 5 Voting tickets per account for $1.99 USD but again they are non-refundable and do expire after 30 days. 📍TIP: If you plan to purchase instead of collecting on Mubeat it is worth spending $4.99 on STAR BEATS and using them on the games to win Heart Beats instead, that way you get your 150 to exchange for Live Voting tickets and replenish your reserves with any extra you win.

ઇଓ SUPERSTARX

SUPERSTARX is used for live voting for INKIGAYO as well as the HOT Stage poll after each week's broadcast!

⤷ App Store ⤷ Google Play Store

SUPERSTARX is used for LIVE VOTING on INKIGAYO as well as the weekly HOT STAGE voting. Multiple accounts can be created and used.

ઇଓ ​MNET+

MNET PLUS is the app used for pre-voting and live voting on MCOUNTDOWN & MAMA VOTING!

⤷ App Store ⤷ Google Play Store ⤷ Website

MNET+ is use for Pre-Voting & LIVE Voting on MCOUNTDOWN. Accounts are limited to 1 vote per Device per Day for Pre-Voting (3 Days) & 1 Vote per Device during the LIVE Voting.

Account creation & voting is now Device Locked meaning you can only vote with 1 account per device. Which means we need every STAY with at least 1 account. The more accounts STAYs have the more votes because the GAP MATTERS; we need 1st place with a large gap for the highest amount of points possible. Be sure to log in to your MNET accounts; be sure they are still active and/or create new accounts if you do not have any.

ઇଓ DIGGUS

DIGGUS is used for pre-voting for ISTAYs only for INKIGAYO!

⤷ App Store ⤷ Google Play Store

Diggus is use for ISTAYS pre-voting on INKIGAYO. Accounts are limited to 1 vote per day for Pre-Voting (5 Days)

The more accounts STAYs have the more votes because the GAP MATTERS; we need 1st place with a large gap for the highest amount of points possible. Account creation & voting is NOT restricted & it is unlimited.

ઇଓ ALLCHART

ALLCHART is used for pre-voting for MUSIC BANK!

⤷ App Store ⤷ Google Play Store

This app also has an additional vote for artists who perform each week on Music Bank called BPM or Best Performance Musician. We suggest reserving all hearts for prevoting and following fanbases for updates &/or changes regarding this new app. Account creation is not restricted but the available missions each day are device locked. So if you do all missions on one account and log into another account on the same device they will all be completed. 

ઇଓ MORE INFO

⤷ Stay Voting Zone

⤷ TeamSVS

[gor3sigil]

As much as I beg writers to not put their books ONLY on Amazon, I beg musicians to not release their music ONLY on streaming platforms.

I know it's convenient lots of ways and they worked hard to make both artists and consumers dependent on their platforms but if we're going to try and take it down, I need people to make their own websites where we can buy independantly. I want nothing MORE than buy shit FROM artists.

And I'm not even speaking about physical releases that cost a lot of money. Put your music on Bandcamp or online linked to Paypal. Offer your books digitally on itch.io, where you can put your games too.

Diversify your platforms and format of your art, share it on more independent online and physical spaces, distribute it via mail, social medias, have an online wallet where people can buy and tip you !

I'm a very, very small artist myself, and maybe I'm super naive about all that and it's just not possible but if it is, do it. It's the only way out.

[littlequeenies]

On February 1973 the American short lived "Star" magazine published its first issue (volume 2, #1).

It focused on glam-rock music and teen fashions and was mainly for girls and giving them beauty tips and how to behave in relationships and meet rock stars.

Teen model Shray Mecham was on the cover and back cover of the first issue, as well as inside (photos 2 & 5), and teen model Karen Umphrey was also featured inside the magazine in varius articles (photos 3 & 4, 6 to 8).

***

To read the whole issue (all of them!) and see all the musicians, sections and the other models featured, please go to the amazing star1973.com website (were we got these photos from). Ryan did an amazing job!

Please, credit his website if you re-share these photos anywhere.

[cyberpunkonline]

Anyone who grew up in the 1990s and was part of the Internet as it grew will recognise one or all of these and probably have been involved in all of them.

The 1990s witnessed the emergence of several distinct subcultures, each with its own digital presence on the early internet. These subcultures embraced various aspects of technology, shaping their identities and interactions online. Let's explore some of the prominent subcultures of the 1990s and their relationship with technology:

Cyberpunk: The cyberpunk subculture was heavily influenced by science fiction and dystopian themes. It embraced the idea of a high-tech, low-life society. Online forums and early internet communities provided cyberpunks with platforms to discuss cybernetics, virtual reality, hacking, and the impact of technology on society. While the subculture itself did not die out, its influence gradually merged with broader science fiction and hacker communities.

Rave and Electronic Music: The rave subculture gained significant popularity during the 1990s, with a focus on electronic music, dance, and a sense of unity. The internet allowed ravers to share information about upcoming events, DJs, and music releases. Online message boards and chat rooms facilitated the exchange of mixtapes and the creation of virtual communities centered around the rave scene. As the decade progressed, the rave subculture evolved and diversified, giving rise to various electronic music genres and festival culture.

Grunge: The grunge subculture emerged from the alternative rock scene, characterized by a rejection of mainstream culture and an embrace of a DIY ethos. While the early internet played a relatively minor role in the grunge movement, alternative music websites and forums provided spaces for fans to discuss bands, share bootlegs, and connect with like-minded individuals. The grunge subculture waned in the late 1990s following the death of prominent musicians and a shift in popular music trends.

Goth: The goth subculture found a strong presence on the early internet, where it thrived in online communities and bulletin boards. Goths used technology to connect with others who shared an interest in dark aesthetics, music, literature, and fashion. The internet allowed goths to transcend geographical boundaries and form international networks, fostering a sense of belonging. While the goth subculture did not entirely die out, its prominence and visibility diminished in the 2000s.

Skater and Surfer: Skater and surfer subcultures, while distinct, often overlapped and shared similar attitudes and interests. While these subcultures were more rooted in physical activities, the early internet provided a means for skaters and surfers to connect and share videos, photos, and tips. Online skateboarding and surfing communities allowed enthusiasts to discuss techniques, equipment, and upcoming events. These subcultures continue to thrive today, both online and offline.

It's important to note that subcultures are dynamic, and their influence often transcends specific time periods. While some subcultures experienced a decline in visibility, their influence can still be seen in subsequent cultural movements and niche communities. Additionally, as the digital landscape evolved, new subcultures emerged, creating spaces for individuals who may have felt culturally displaced after the decline of previous movements

[awthredestim]

Commission for Chelicera.

· - · -  · - · - · - · - · - · - · - · - ·

See, this is what happens when you let me go hog on the violence of a Fallout piece. Do you guys remember that Vault in Fallout 3 where you go in to find a violin for that sweet old lady who has a radio station? Yeah, this is based on that, Vault 92 it was, wasn't it?

Octavia has gone full mental and killed the hell out of her musician friends. I have nothing against the other musician ponies in this scene, of course. It felt wrong not to go hyper-violent.

That Fallout TV show turned out to be one of the best things to come out this year, hasn't it?

And yes, drawing this one was one hell of a lot of fun, especially Octavia's dishevelled looks.

Please, let me know what you think of it in the comments. I appreciate every single one I receive.

You can check the Making Of post right here.

Check out Movie Slate's Patreon! It's a Tip Jar Patreon.

Check out my Subscribestar for some more lewd goodies.

Thank you!

Feel free to follow me in any of these other websites.

[ Art Tumblr ] [ DeviantArt ] [ Patreon ][ BlueSky ] [ NewGrounds ] [ FurAffinity ]

[ ArtStation ] [ Pillowfort ] [ Instagram ]

[ Movie Slate's Ask Blog ] [ Twitter ] [ Pinterest ] [ Picarto ]

[siiinfully]

continued from this with @thebewitchedbaker

9c "This is what you wanted, right?" he whispered in Spanish, voice husky with lust. One hand gripped a handful of those golden locks while the other gave her as a firm slap. The baker took a look at his handy work, enjoying the show that was her second orgasm. She knew what she was doing. As innocent as she played, Serena knew how Chris would get around this time. Organizing interviews for some potential hires for Luna's Moonlight Delights, two websites for two local musicians and of course some small logo work for a friend. The baker asked for no distractions. What did he get? Serena's coy smile and her finger pulling him close by his necklace. With a kiss to his neck, he was promised no distractions...in her most seductive voice. Whenever he would prepare for work, she would walk around in her latest lingerie. Stretching with a not so subtle moan. If was sitting at his desk, she would sit on his lap with an ever so pleasing grind of her hips. Texts were filled with desires of feeling his thick arousal sliding in and out of her. The minute, no second his work was done. The baker damn near sped to her apartment and greeted her with a kiss, easily slipping off those unnecessary clothes. One minute she was giggling, the next she was on all fours blessing his ears with moans of his name. His hips slapped against hers, slamming every inch of his dick into her welcoming pussy. "We're just getting started, my love," he whispered with another swat to her ass, "I'm going to fuck you like this all night~" He leans close to her ear, finally giving her the coup de grace. "This is exactly what you wanted, right?" All in Russian.

He was a man of impressive self-control.

He was a man of tasty pastry creations.

He was…a man.

Proof of that was shoved roughly into her the instant he’d finished all of his responsibilities, and the fact that he had waited until everything was finished on his end made him 100x sexier. Serena moaned, her juices coating him upon hearing the perfectly spoken Russian near her ear. What else could she say to that? He knew exactly what he was doing when he switched from Spanish to English to Russian.

“Y-yes, Daddy,” she whimpered, her Spanish shakier than it usually was. Anyone who was being railed within an inch of their life wouldn’t be as articulate. She was being ridden, her skin pink and getting pinker by the second with each thrust of his hips.

“Such a…such a vigorous w-wolf,” was her next praise, her voice trembling, but not as much as her body was shivering. As overstimulated as she was getting, she also knew that this was just the beginning of their encounter. She’d riled him up to this state, and now, she was reaping the consequences. If only all crimes had sex as their punishments; everyone would end up becoming a criminal at least thrice in their life.

“That’s it, Papi…take it all out on me. I was so naughty to you when you were busy…nnnghh…but wh-who could resist? So…so sexy when you’re b-b-baking…always wanted to lick the icing off your naked chest…oh!” The tingling in her core was being stoked into a flame, one that spread from her lower body to the rest of her, until even the tips of her ears felt warm. Until she couldn’t hear anything but their mutual cries of lust and longing, the wet slap of his hips against her raw behind.

[psshaw]

Musicians set up tip jars on their websites like 2000s webcomic artists did challenge

[gibsonmusicart]

How to Sell Your Songs

In the dynamic world of music, songwriters often face the challenge of not just creating beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, but also selling their songs effectively.

Whether you’re a budding songwriter or a seasoned artist looking to expand your reach, understanding the ins and outs of selling your songs is essential for turning your passion into profit.

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to navigate this process, from polishing your craft to finding the right platforms and connections to monetize your music.

1. Perfecting Your Craft

Before you can sell your songs, it's crucial to ensure they’re polished and ready for the public. Here are a few tips:

Write Regularly: Dedicate time each day or week to write new material. The more you write, the better you’ll become.

Seek Feedback: Share your songs with trusted friends, fellow musicians, or songwriting groups. Constructive criticism can help improve your work.

Refine Your Production: Consider investing in basic recording equipment or collaborating with a producer to create a high-quality demo. A polished sound can make a significant difference in how your song is received.

2. Understanding Copyright and Licensing

Before attempting to sell your songs, it’s essential to understand copyright laws and how to protect your work. Here are some key points:

Copyright Your Work: Register your songs with a copyright office to protect yourself from unauthorized use. This gives you legal rights over your music.

Explore Licensing Options: Licensing your songs for use in films, commercials, or other media can be a lucrative opportunity. Research different types of licenses (e.g., sync licenses) that can help you earn revenue.

3. Building a Brand

Developing a personal brand is crucial for your success as a songwriter. This involves:

Creating an Online Presence: Use platforms like social media, a personal website, or music distribution services to showcase your work. Regularly update fans on your progress and new releases.

Networking: Attend music events, workshops, and local showcases to meet industry professionals. Building relationships can lead to valuable opportunities for song sales.

4. Exploring Different Avenues to Sell Your Songs

There are various channels through which you can sell your songs or get them into the hands of performers:

Direct Sales: You can sell your music directly to consumers through platforms like Bandcamp, SoundCloud, or your own website. Ensure you have an easy purchase system set up for fans.

Music Publishing Companies: Pitch your songs to music publishers, who can help get your music in the hands of artists and synchronizing opportunities in TV and film.

Online Marketplaces: Websites like Songtradr and SoundBetter allow songwriters to connect with artists looking for songs. Create profiles and upload your work to attract potential buyers.

Social Media Promotion: Reach out to independent artists through social media platforms. This personal touch can lead to collaboration or purchase of your songs.

5. Collaborate with Other Artists

Collaborating with other musicians can expand your reach and enhance your creative output:

Co-Write with Others: Partnering with other songwriters can lead to dynamic results and new musical ideas. Collaborative songwriting can also amplify your exposure as you tap into each other's audiences.

Join Songwriting Communities: Whether online or in your local area, being part of a songwriting community can provide you access to networking opportunities and potential collaborators.

6. Pitching Your Songs

When you're ready to pitch your songs:

Build a Professional Pitch Package: Create an electronic press kit (EPK) that includes your bio, press photos, and links to your music. Make sure your pitch is professional and tailored to the recipient.

Research Artists and Opportunities: Identify singers, bands, or music supervisors whose style matches your songs. When pitching, highlight why your song would be a good fit for them.

7. Embrace Digital Distribution

Digital distribution has revolutionized the music industry. Use these platforms to reach a wider audience:

Distributors: Use services like DistroKid, Tunecore, or CD Baby to distribute your songs to major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

Streaming Royalties: Familiarize yourself with how streaming royalties work so you can maximize earnings from listeners.

8. Be Persistent and Patient

The music industry is rife with competition, and success often requires time and effort. Stay motivated and resilient—success doesn't usually happen overnight. Continue honing your craft, networking, and exploring new channels for your work.

Conclusion

Selling your songs can be an exhilarating yet challenging journey. By focusing on refining your craft, understanding the business side of music, and effectively promoting your work, you can carve out a space for yourself in the industry. Remember, every successful songwriter started from somewhere, and with passion and perseverance, you can turn your musical dreams into reality. - SongwriterWorks.com

[omegaremix]

Vinyl Bay 777 shopping list, 2018.

I haven’t visited Plainview since the sordid community college days. It was when I set my best-friend Brandon up with Manzana, the girl I was set up with through one of my friends in senior year. We were over her house with some of her friends for what would be my final get-together there. It felt unusual because it was my only visit there during the community-college era and I already was far removed from everyone I was friends with, friends who helped make-then-break situations. Plainview was great for what it was worth until things started to decline.

Caboose, a former staffer of my time at Stony Brook Press, messaged me last year and announced he was a newly-enlisted music-phile. I never even thought anything else of him during our days at the Press. He then tipped me off of Vinyl Bay 777. Plainview now has a record store, but it came with a slight warning: it would be too pricey. I was meaning to go since hearing of it and it looked real good. Owned by artist and Italian chef Frank Napoli, he wanted his store to stand out and he’s succeeded. Everything of Vinyl Bay 777 looks great, a strong mission statement where everything is clean, graded accurately, and perfectly organized by alphabetical order and genre. It had a professionally-built website where it gave you part of a superbly-organized feel. It was also where I started feeling a slight crunch: I started to browse their inventory on their site and the average / median prices were set a little high. It’s not the whole story as it would take anyone hours to get a more accurate feel of what Vinyl Bay 777 had in store. It was still in the cards for me to visit any way to get the true picture.

All it took to get there was a drive down to the Long Island Expressway (L.I.E., not named after Ron Morelli’s label, regretably) and it was right off its’ closest exit. Located in an industrial area, you need to curve through some buildings to get to some tight parking lots. There it was with a double-mural painting of various iconic musicians in front of the store. I walk in and it did look amazing. It’s tight quarters, but no other record store was such efficient in space and pulled it off looing good. Rows and rows of vinyl. Even more under. Tables with crates of 12″ and 7″ on top of it. Rolling caddies of cassette bins. On the walls are collectible classic records. Shelves upon shelves of CDs. Close to any category you could think of with few exceptions, they have it. Look around and you’ll see some shelves of music-related books, documentaries, and live shows on DVD. More collectibles, vinyl records pinned to the ceiling, action figures, star-studded memorabilia, and Beanie Babies down below. At the front of the counter were magazines ranging from Boys Life to about four bins of Playboy. Hugh Hefner is turning over right now. So far, so good.

As I started browsing through the store, I slowly realized Caboose was right. The lowest common price of any title in the store was $5.77 with few lower exceptions. $7.77, $17.77, $25.77, $39.77, $12.77. Notice a pattern? They price after themselves. Inifinity Records has a few vinyl bins mixed with various titles for $2.76 and I don’t even know the significance of those numbers. It wasn’t the $__.77 that got to me, it was indeed the overall pricing. They priced their stock higher than any other store I seen. Records, cassettes, and discs priced for only a few dollars in other stores were priced two, three, even four times at Vinyl Bay. That went for most of their stock regardless, no artist or genre was treated differently. You could walk away with several hardcore and punk 45′s for a dollar or two somewhere else. Not Vinyl Bay. The entire small shelf of those 45′s were priced enough that it prevented me from taking some of it home. Cassettes were selling for mostly $5.77 to $7.77 where other places still selling them do so for a few dollars less. Ouch.

Even though I still felt the pinch, I still continued to walk through its stock. They had a great selection of jazz, rock, hip-hop, industrial, metal, the classics, and etcetera across all formats. I did have ideas of what I wanted to pick up, and that’s all that became of my visit. I couldn’t help but to hold back because I have had about 15 or 20 titles I wanted to buy, but Vinyl Bay 777′s pricing add up quickly in my head. There were no dollar bins as their grading system and overall aesthetic prevented it, which I do understand. Vinyl Bay 777 vied to be different and it does. It does so by offering a lot of rarites, obscure, and hard-to-find titles not found often and at high-quality. They don’t sell “Dean Martin, Barbra Streisand, Mitch Miller, Andy Williams or showtunes…big band, film scores, or soundtracks.” They sell top-notch titles. It’s for collectors, not for pick-up-and-go artists like myself. I can’t blame them.

It’s a shame, really, because they do have lots of great stuff and they do aim for quality. That’s something Vinyl Bay will bat all the way to home plate. I do understand if a store prices specific titles accordingly by rarity and condition here and there. Because Vinyl Bay is for connoiseurs. They do take their rarity and grading 100% which explains why the average threshold of pricing is higher than most stores. On my end, I didn’t feel any bit accessible. I shop to win, not shop for only one or two things.  I don’t shop according to grade or condition, I shop for quantity and value. I do have the money the spend, but it doesn’t mean I’d want to needlessly overpay on titles I could find in other places for half the price. But I have to say, at least they have integrity. They weren’t the Long Island Vinyl Exchange years ago where half their stock was un-priced and their owner made you pay whatever he said off the top of his head. He was out in less than a year. Remember that.

After 45 minutes, I left Vinyl Bay 777 purchasing nothing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great store for those who want it and they do a great job for what they’re set out to do. It’s just not for me. As I walked out, I noticed a sign urging customers to write two reviews on different social media accounts and show them to the store for a 15% discount. Too little, too late. Here’s my review. I’m not coming back.

Vinyl Bay 777 shopping list: no dice.

[crowjodojocasahouse]

hii sorry if it sounds weird but are you still drumming? if so do you have anything drum related you want to say ? :)

hi!! not weird at all! i am still drumming, and i assure you i'll never stop. it's not just a hobby, it's my pride and joy, my lifestyle. i moved to the city and am currently pursuing a music degree.

the drumming related thing: just do it. so many people always say "ooo that's so cool that you play drums i wish i played drums" DOOOO IIIIT. i know starting is scary, and can be expensive, but here are five relatively cheap things to help you get started.

● a standard classic, 5A drumsticks (i know, vater, controversial, i'm a vater guy what can i say): https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VHP5AW--vater-american-hickory-drumsticks-power-5a-wood-tip

● an evans realfeel drum pad, closest drum pad to feeling like a snare that i've played (i linked the cheapest option, but there are larger ones and also double-sided ones): https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RealFeel6--evans-6-inch-realfeel-mountable-pad

● Tommy Igoe's "Great Hands For A Lifetime" curriculum. This curriculum starts from the very beginning. It teaches you the basics of hand technique, then goes all the way up to advanced hand patterns. You can buy it online, it comes with the full book (pdf), a poster with his Lifetime Warmup on it (pdf), complementary videos that accompany the text, and mp3 files of Tommy Igoe taking you through three different iterations of the Lifetime Warmup (basic, intermediate, and advanced). i'm not sponsored i promise HAHAH, i just swear by this program. i've been studying it with my teacher for over a year now and my technique has improved so much.: https://hudsonmusic.com/product/great-hands-for-a-lifetime/

a book to help you begin reading music, even if you don't stick with drums, this book is the bible for every musician. Progressive Steps To Syncopation For The Modern Drummer by Ted Reed. it begins with simple rhythms and they get a bit more complex as the book progresses. nothing outside of 4/4.

here's the International Drum Rudiments as outlined by the Percussive Arts Society. the asterisks indicate the original 26 traditional rudiments. this website not only has a pdf, but also downloadable audio files of every rudiment so you can hear them and read them. it's all free!

all together, this stuff costs about $80. it's not super cheap but it's cheaper than a whole kit and private lessons. it is possible to at least start playing drums without spending over $100. DON'T WAIT!!! NOW IS THE TIME!!!!! you get out of it what you put into it. if you put your heart into it, you'll get everything you could want out of it.

cheers!

[wedding-djhire]

Keeping the Celebration Alive: How to Entertain Your Guests at a Wedding Reception

Introduction:

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and one of your primary goals is to ensure that your guests have an unforgettable time. At Wedding DJ Hire, we know how to create lasting memories and keep the party going, and are happy to share with you some wedding entertainment tips and tricks!  

Firstly it’s essential to plan entertaining activities for your wedding reception. In this article, we’ll explore creative ways to entertain your guests and make your special day even more remarkable.

1. Music and Dance:

• A great wedding DJ or live musician can set the tone for the entire reception. Ensure a diverse music playlist that caters to various tastes and encourages everyone to hit the dance floor.

• Consider having a dance-off or a “dance your way to the couple” contest to get guests involved.

2. Photo Booth Fun:

• Set up a photo booth with props, toys, backdrops, and instant prints. This provides a fun and interactive way for guests to capture memories.

• Create a scrapbook where guests can leave a copy of their photos along with heartfelt messages.

3. Lawn Games:

• If you have an outdoor wedding or reception, lawn games like croquet, giant Jenga, or ring toss can keep guests entertained during downtime.

• Provide a designated area for these games, complete with seating for spectators.

4. Interactive Food Stations:

• Food can be entertainment too! Consider unique food stations like a sushi bar, ice-cream bar, taco station, or a make-your-own dessert bar.

• Interactive food stations engage guests and add an element of fun to the dining experience.

5. Signature Cocktails:

• Create special cocktails named after you as a couple. This adds a personal touch and gives guests something to talk about.

• You can even offer a “mixology station” where guests can customize their own drinks.

6. Table Games and Trivia:

• Place trivia cards or conversation starters at each table to encourage interaction among guests.

• Board games like Scrabble or crossword puzzles can also be a hit at tables.

7. Live Entertainment:

• Consider hiring additional entertainers like magicians, caricature artists, belly-dancers, or a fire-dancing troupe to provide unique experiences throughout the evening.

• Live entertainment can be an exciting surprise for your guests.

8. Speeches and Toasts:

• Heartfelt and entertaining speeches can be a highlight of the evening. Encourage your selected speakers to share funny anecdotes and warm wishes.

• Keep speeches concise to maintain guest engagement.

9. Surprise Elements:

• Add unexpected surprises to your reception, like a flash mob, acoustic musical performance by a guest - or better yet the bride or groom, choreographed dance by the bridal party or bride or groom, or a surprise fireworks display.

• These unexpected moments will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

10. Late-Night Snacks:

• Offer late-night snacks like pizza slices, mini sliders, or a candy bar to keep energy levels up.

• These snacks can fuel guests for more dancing and festivities.

Conclusion:

Entertaining your guests at a wedding reception isn’t just about music and dancing; it’s about creating a joyful and memorable experience. Mix and match these ideas to suit your style and budget, and don’t be afraid to add your personal touch. With careful planning, your wedding reception will be a delightful celebration that your guests will cherish for years to come.

At Wedding DJ Hire, we help you to come up with unique and exciting ideas to liven up your party - whether it be a wedding, birthday, corporate event or just an excuse to get together, we can make your event an unforgettable one for you and your guests! Visit our website at https://wedding-djhire.com.au/ to hire our best DJs.