The Hippodrome

I’ve decided to try to use The Hippodrome as a personal blog, for writing and other stuff, because I’ve heard that blogging is really in. My tone will now be less pretentious and more professional. Sound good?

Friends,

The Hippodrome has existed for over a year as a bastion of unsigned music. I started this blog because I thought traditional record labels were lame and obsolete, and I’ve tried to create a place that tried to debunk the myths surrounding the word “signed.”

After a year of brooding on the industry’s problems, I feel that there are still valid aspects of the record label, namely the camaraderie of being on a team, the promotional benefits, and the ability to organize creativity constructively. The things I still don’t like are the traditional cost structures, the use of CDs as a release method, and the master-narrative-turned-plague phrase, “music-piracy.”

This is why, with three of the best “unsigned” bands I’ve ever come across, I’ve started Amazing Wow, a new type of music label. At Amazing Wow, we offer all our music for free online, making money off on-site ads, merchandise, and tours. I sincerely believe this model is the future of the industry. No pay what you want conscience tripping crap and no DRM. We’re hosted on a carbon-neutral server, and are working on beautiful t-shirts, heavy gram vinyl, and other creative merchandise that people will actually want to buy.

Never have I questioned the idea that bands are businesses, but I have tried to question the way that the business is run. Amazing Wow has a long way to go, but just as you’ve all read this blog, I hope you’ll stay current over there. We’ll be keeping an eye on music industry news, and of course, we’re open to “unsigned bands” just like The Hippodrome has always been. So get over there and start downloading!

Thanks again for the support.

Ben

Turbo Broom Scene:

From the classic film Breakin’, this is Turbo’s coming out dance. I think I’d like this less if you couldn’t see the string on the floating broom.

DJ Jubilee:

A friend turned me on to this dude last year, and I’ve since watched this video upwards of 30 times. DJ Jubilee coined hundreds of dances, and managed to make this incredibly high budget film showcasing a bunch of them.


MTV Breaking

MTV hit their high point in 1985 with this commercial. This is a Tim and Eric goldmine.

Kitty Dance

I really had no idea cats could break dance, but just like I didn’t know hot girls did virtual hula hooping, Youtube proved me wrong.

Fire & Ice – Ski Dance

Two things I love: skiing and breakdancing. The tongue move is the highlight.

Ready for the four hippest bands this fall? Instant cred, go!

The Band: Miracles of Modern Science
The Single: MR2

Miracles of Modern Science (or M.O.M.S) might look on first appearance like just another space-rock bluegrass band. But actually, they play really fucking catchy pop songs that call to mind vintage Andrew Bird or Final Fantasy.

The Band: Women
The Single: Black Rice

Women have been mentioned on Pitchfork and the big blogs, but still haven’t hit the way they will in a few months. Jagjaguwar just picked these dudes up, so expect a publicity blitz very soon.

The Band: Guatemala City
The Single: Kim Chee Soup

Guatemala City just dropped Yolanda, and if you call yourself someone into creative electronic music, this is for you.

The Band: The Craters
The Single: Samba Party

The Craters just put out their first proper album, Kissing/ Samba Party, and will tour the Northeast in November. Think Animal Collective 2.0..

Now you and your girlfriend have something new to talk about. Phew!

M.O.M.s have just put out a new single and a new mix of an oldie. Enjoy it!

And believe me everyone, there’s an exciting explanation on the way for the lack of updates. It rhymes with Eckard Fable.

Audio: Eating Me Alive
Audio: MR2