Is anyone doing this?

How about sites that host independent label/unsigned band videos?

KPH

seriously, nothing?

KPH

Popmatters used to review music videos, but never the independents. Strictly the TRL shlock. Lostatsea.net once featured video reviews, but like the site, those reviews fell deep into the innernet abyss - they're no longer archived on the site.

The only place I've ever seen legitimate video critique was on the Austin Music Network forums. Doesn't Boston offer the equivalent of an AMN?

And why isn't Bon Savants playing SXSW? Seems like an ideal event for the up-and-comers.

You know that the news page on the Bv site is screwed up?

eric - yep, sure do.

moxie - bon savants don't have management, a booking agent, or the money to have much use for an event the size of SXSW. trust me, it wouldn't even be worth it for us to go without any of those things as part of our promotional "push" on behalf of the band. i would love to go at some point, but not until we have a proper label and some sense that it would actually be worth the investment required.

KPH

I think it would be worthwhile for you to attend the conference, rub elbows with biz-folk and get your name out there. I don't mean to simplify it as such, like networking to get a job, but this is what you're trying to accomplish in the long-run. I fully understand your rationale, but in the end, it would be worthwhile. Plus, if memory serves correct, you guys haven't hit this part of the country yet. It's a pretty rabid scene for new music, as you already know. I even saw Apollo Sunshine & & the Thermodynamics bc of a rec you once made on CMJ ... if they can do it, you guys could realistically pull this off, no?

Heck, I don't know many in the music biz, per se, but I could gladly point you in the right direction of those who've some clout at SXSW. I think they'd listen and easily grant you a gig or two at a showcase. You'd have to put the silver tongue to use from that point on, though. Thought for food.

Right, but Apollo had that additional level of structural support when they went out a few years ago (and some other things going for them). At this point, when we play a show in NYC, which is 3 hours, 20 minutes away, we are playing to crowds 1/10 the size of those we play in Boston. Clearly, the 4 of us alone are not getting it done on the promotional side. Once we have developed something approaching a following outside of Boston, we can consider the investment that something like SXSW would require - believe me, I agree 100% with your advice. It's the upfront costs that are the problem.

Unfortunately, all the additional assistance in the world won't help at this moment: I'm broke right now and can't afford to take the time off from work to tour or go to things like SXSW, CMJ, etc.

Rest assured though, we are putting together a promotional push for the fall, and if that goes well, we will submit for SXSW, at which time, I will definitely hit you up for the clout.

-Kev.