

Record Label Analysis Is time running out for record labels?Record Label Analysis by ~benjmartin
INTENDED PUBLICATION: Observer Music Monthly
As more and more artists seek alternative avenues to distribute their music and the threat of digital downloading becomes ever more real, could we soon be calling time on the traditional recording industry?
It appears that both major and independent record labels are facing increasing competition from its long-time nemesis, digital piracy, but also facing a struggle with the bands and consumers as well, not to mention a possible fight with their once good friend, the concert promoters on their hands.
2007 was a turbulent year for the big record label


Enter Shikari Review ENTER SHIKARI REVIEWEnter Shikari Review by ~benjmartin
Ravers On Their Worst Behaviour
Rating: 10/13
For a band that are still technically unsigned (they created their own label), Enter Shikari are a band who have achieved an enormous amount, in a short space of time, all off their own backs. This year has seen their debut 'Take To The Skies' reach number 4 in the UK album chart, a sold out UK tour in the first half of 2006, followed by the obligatory slog around the UK and European festivals, towards the end of which, they picked up two Kerrang! Awards, one for spirit of independence and one for Best Live Band
It is the latter award, by all accounts, is most deserved


Lethal Bizzle Review LETHAL BIZZLELethal Bizzle Review by ~benjmartin
w/ Skinnyman & Marvin The Marsh
Upper Stannary, Penryn
27 November 2007
Lethal Bizzle (aka London grindie (grind/indie) star Maxwell Ansah) unfortunately missed out on playing the Princess Pavillions supporting punk sensations Gallows due to other commitments, so this gig in the tiny Upper Stannary is an enticing prospect for an artist who, given his current speedy rise to popularity in both the indie and hip hop scenes, probably wont be playing venues and gigs this intimate for a good while yet.
Opening act Marv The Marsh is widely credited as the creator of the Grindie genre, so unsurprisingly


MTV - Moron's Television MTV: Moron's TelevisionMTV - Moron's Television by ~benjmartin
The Buggles told us that video killed the radio star and now something is killing the video star. Ironically, it's MTV.
MTV are increasing their entertainment output this year. This means more shows like Pimp My Ride, My Super Sweet 16, Scarred, Next and all manner of reality shows variating on the lots of people in one house competing to date super rich/attractive/famous arsehole format. This also means LESS music videos. So the station that revolutionised the music industry, now is increasingly having less and less to do with mu