I have so many examples…it also amazes me how some people come into your life, and then leave.  Some come back, some don’t.  Well, I am extremely happy to have reunited with a long time friend that I have been friends with for over a decade.  He is also the newest addition to M.I.N.  Things are looking good…we share some of the same ideas, and he has already brought a bunch to the table in a very short time.  We can finally get this filming of the ground, and the live podcast interviews rollin’ baby!

 Stay tuned!  I thank you all so much for your support…I encourage you all to be vocal and tell us what YOU want.  We will soon be giving away Chicago area concert tickets to yet to be named bands, for your contribution to the site…for instance, if you bring your friends to the site, and they let us know, that will get you some free tix!  We will announce the show and the contest at a later date.  Hope you all take care and stay warm!  Rock out with your…well, you get the idea. 

-Randy

I micro blog more on Twitter than I blog here, so be sure to follow me @MusicInterviews.  Please keep the suggestions flowing...I also want to thank you all for your patience...this hobby/business requires money, and I'm sure you can understand when looking at the broad spectrum of the worst financial period known to man that we are currently enduring.  I promise more and great memories for you all!  Take care!

Randy

ROCK

• Picture Me Broken
• Automatic Fire (which will be playing with Papa Roach & Shinedown)

COUNTRY

• Shane Wyatt
• Bryan Ragsdale
• Cathy-Anne McClintock

Lil’ Wayne                                                     

The Carter – Documentary

QD3 Entertainment

 I believe it was CNN.com where I saw something about Lil’ Wayne, and how he is suing to prevent his documentary from coming out.  The story stated that he enjoyed the film and it was even made by Quincy Jones III.  What documentary?  Hmmmm…the first thing I did was search the net for streams.  After a few pages, I found a good one.

 Now, I don’t support damaging habits, self destruction, or anything that comes close to that spectrum.   I am a fan of Wayne’s though, and so I gave it a gander.  He is a genius when it comes to marketing himself and his music.  He will undoubtedly be the best when his career is over. 

 It is an interesting film…it always amazes me to see how some people, namely musicians, spend their time and what they do with their lives.  Music is history, and generation after generation learns from the past and is inspired by the past.  This leads me to my point, which is why I could see Wayne trying to stop this from distribution.  It could possibly damage his future career, and maybe set a bad example for our youth.

 Unfortunately, the film dwells on Wayne’s “cough syrup” habit, and his “need for weed.”  If the audience can look past this, they will find a work ethic like no other.  Wayne lives, eats, and sleeps his music.  Every time he gets an idea, he records it.  He literally walks around with a mobile recording studio, and that’s dedication.  None the less, it’s worth a look.  One of the aspects that made me laugh, and even made me proud, was a scene where a journalist is asking him questions…stupid, pointless questions.  You will know what I mean when you see it.  Anyway, he kicks the guy out and says the interview is over.  The whole time I am thinking to myself, “how did this jag-bag get credentials to Lil’ Wayne?”  It was ridiculous.  If I had that opportunity, I would have a normal conversation with him.  Instead, this guy has a notepad full of notes, and is talking about poetry, etc.  The notepad is a turnoff to the musician at first sight.  It should have been me asking him questions dammit!  Knowing that I am a better “interviewer” than that guy is what made me proud…

 Among the many aspects of Wayne’s life, you get to see his life on a tour bus, a sneak peak at his wealthy lifestyle, and even an intimate look at his “family.”  From his crew to his young daughter that he had when he was fifteen.  They even show some behind the scenes work of his upcoming album where he actually plays the guitar.  When Wayne’s legal mess is cleared up, it will be interesting to see how he evolves into this “rock star” label that has been given to him, especially with the release of Rebirth.

 -Randy

I had the amazing opportunity to be a student of Milan Opacich: luthier and well respected Serbian Tamburitza maker.

I have never seen somebody so passionate about what they do, especially in a business of hands on, tedious work.  For decades, Milan has made hundred’s of instruments, including guitars for the great Chet Atkins. 

 If anybody is interested in being a student of Milan’s, his door is always open.  I am having my dreadnaught finished as we speak, and it is something that I am extremely proud of.  Whether you are a guitar player or not, the experience is amazing.  It goes beyond music and the instrument.  Every time I am in the room with him, it’s like being in a history class.  I encourage you, especially if you are close to Chicago land, to give him a call and set up a class.  This is an experience and instrument you can’t buy anywhere.

 Milan Opacich Music
2255 Robinhood Blvd
Schererville, IN 46375

 http://www.indiana.edu/~tradarts/programs/masterartist_opacich.html

Milan and one of his students...

 What’s new?  Well, I am just trying to lay down some blue prints here of how the future of this site is going to look.  I have had a ton of requests coming in for large and small/up and coming bands.  I love it all, so look forward to many more in the future.  I will be doing about 3 interviews a week till the end of the year.  The only problem with these, like I said before, is that most of them don’t allow me enough time to accomplish what I have set out to do, and that’s Bringing the Bands to the Fans.  I still want to focus on that, because that’s what separates me from the rest.  Period. 

 Until I figure out our forum and what I want to do with it, submit any question that you may have on the Contact Us page.  I will respond the same day.  GUARANTEED.  I want to thank you all for the support and the growing numbers.  The more numbers equals the more interviews which then equals greater opportunities for everybody.  Free stuff, signed stuff, and maybe even some ticket giveaways in the future.  If you all need anything, let me know!  Thanks once again!  Happy Holidays and its time to celebrate MusicInterviewsNow’s first Birthday!

 -Randy

 Well, it’s slow out there apparently…and apparently musicians don’t need help.  It’s all good though.  There are always those slow periods.  The thing that sucks is that we have primarily specialized in interviews, and getting their voices heard.  We will have to change that!

 I’ve been reading a lot about different sites, and their claim to this music business…and one particular site that pokes fun at others.  It seems that they are offended by others doing their own thing, and might feel threatened by the content.  Well, let it be known that we are about documenting Rock and music history for that matter…documenting musicians’ thoughts and feelings at that particular time.  We are about getting their music out by all means.  This is not a business in the sense of money making.  This is a hobby that is meant to help.  100% funded by myself…period.

 Let me fill you in on something else…I can’t even begin to tell you what goes into this.  Any bit of content on any particular band or musician goes through a ton of people before I get to work with it.  And usually a ton of work equals about 15-20 minutes of material.  When we started this, we had no idea about any competition…it wasn’t even a thought.  We had no intentions of making money or caring about what other sites thought.  We did this for the fans and the musicians.  So when I heard our name mentioned, I was a bit surprised.  Enough about that…we love your input and look forward to hearing from you.  Surprisingly in this slow time, the site views has been up, and I can’t thank you enough for that.  Take care!

   - R.H.

     MusicInterviewsNow.com

Well, we are getting closer to our very first anniversary.  I don't know why I say our...it's not like I employ anybody, lol.  Besides Scott, who I got into this gig with, and Eric, who is my partner in crime at this point...we will just refer to M.I.N. as an organization I suppose...Anyway, I keep reflecting on our accomplishments over the past 9 months or so.  I am very proud to say the least.  A lot of work has gone into what we have done, and I only hope it has been a tremendous help to those artists who sacrificed their time for M.I.N.!

I often think about what the future will bring...I am doing this on my personal budget.  No money coming in...only going out...all from my 9-5 job...actually its 7:30 to 4.  So, do the math...I personally believe we have something beautiful here.  Artists want a voice, and I am happy to be that for them.  We have a pretty good archive for you.  There are so many things that I want to be able to do for you all, but because of the money situation, I have to be patient.  In the works for the site is the ability to film the in person interviews.  So, I am hopping on the Mac wagon.  That will be my first investment of the New Year...Luckily, someone I know has great camera equipment, and enjoys filming...so that is readily available.  I actually filmed some SCUBA sessions with him, so I know his work, and he offered to lend a hand.  Look for that!  I have to lay down some guitar tracks for the music...I will whip up some cool intro shit...I should do that for live audio too.  We started to do that for the Pod casts when Scott was working with me, but someone else laid down the guitar track.  That is no longer available.  Looks like I will have to dust off the old PRS' and start jamming. 

Do you guys have any ideas at all as to what you would enjoy seeing and interacting with on the site?  If so, please go to the Contact Us page, and drop me a line.  You can address it to me, Randy, and let me know what you think.  All I want to do is get better, and cater to your needs and wants.  Like I said before, this is an excellent resource, and I am so privileged...yes, privileged to be doing this.  Why let a beautiful thing go to waste?  So, the traffic to the site is cranking now.  I am ecstatic.  I mean it doubles just about every month.  So thanks to all of you!  We are getting more and more newbie's to the site too.  Very awesome!  A quick little shout out to Square Space!  Also, an old friend of mine who designs DJ software actually supplied much of the traffic at the very beginning...thanks Justin for putting my ad up!  Check out his link below.  I am trying to get him to advertise more, so look out for that, help a brother out!  The software is awesome and easy to use...and very inexpensive!

Ok, I think I am out for the day...keep checkin' my Tweets...I usually tweet at least once a day.  As soon as I have an interview confirmed or an event, I will be sure to post it to Twitter before anything else.  I put the widget on the home page of the site as well as our MySpace page...although I have to admit that the MySpace isn't getting tended to like it should.  All right, I'm out!  PEACE!

-Randy

MusicInterviewsNow.com