Kings of A&R

28 Comments »

1. Aren’t these guys a little old to be playing this kind of music? Whatever happened to growing up? Some of those fan photos are a bit creepy. Maybe they just look especially old.

   Talk about generic… Back Down is the best thing they’ve got, but Mae & Anberlin should probably get some co-writing credits there.

   This band doesn’t have anything in common with the 10 songs you posted the other day. What incentive does anyone have to draw from those acts? The only stuff you ever post is totally stuck in “right now.” What you’re communicating is that if you’re really safe & by-the-book & have the right haircut we’ll feature you, but if you go out on a limb, like a lot of those acts were doing, you’re going to get passed up.

   Comment by Jon Cole — September 3, 2008 @ 9:57 am

2. Jon - I haven’t listened to a band in quite some time that had anything in common with the 10 songs we posted. No wonder the music biz is at an all time low. But, it’s all relative. I believe the band wrote a good song “Back Down” which seems to be an amazing feat these days.

   Depending on their live show, I would probably sign the band, put them back into studio, and challenge the band to write the best songs possible not fearing boundaries.

   I believe where there is smoke, there is fire..

   Comment by koar — September 3, 2008 @ 10:10 am

3. I like the song Back Down, far from original but its better than many of the bands on myspace and purevolume. They are listed in absolutepunk’s top 100!

   Comment by paramorefan — September 3, 2008 @ 10:58 am

4. Damn, their profile is under going maintenance now, i wanted to hear the song.

   Comment by rich — September 3, 2008 @ 11:00 am

5. I cannot access their myspace either…did jon scare them off?

   Comment by newworth — September 3, 2008 @ 12:23 pm

6. Eh, they’re nothing special, but they’re also not terrible I guess. If they were teamed up with somebody who is a more experienced songwriter, there could really be something there.

   Comment by david — September 3, 2008 @ 1:00 pm

7. …and, to Jon’s point, they’re no creepier than the Wiggles.

   Comment by david — September 3, 2008 @ 1:01 pm

8. *yawn*

   Comment by Etty Metal — September 3, 2008 @ 2:11 pm

9. ok..got to admitt i come here to read Jon’s rants.

   Comment by larry anderson — September 3, 2008 @ 3:08 pm

10. I agree with Larry. Jon, would you be interested in running for president?

    Comment by pablo — September 3, 2008 @ 3:16 pm

11. There is absolutely nothing compelling about this band. Utterly safe, and should sell a few copies, but if this band is supposed to be a “next big deal”, this flies completely in the face of your suggestions that you’re looking for new sounds. Same mediocre music, different band.

    Comment by Mondogarage — September 3, 2008 @ 3:54 pm

12. mondogarage - you still don’t get it. Blaming KOAR as if we control the quality of acts right in this creative drought. Don’t blame us on the polluted water, don’t blame labels for the lack of content. This band deserves to be heard because they wrote some decent songs - for goodness sakes, they sound like Pink Floyd compared to the multitude of crap on the internet. Give the band and a break and congratulate them for writing a good song.

    Comment by koar — September 3, 2008 @ 3:57 pm

13. I do really like this band alot and I’m going to order the EP. He is a good singer and I like the song Back Down and the other 3 on their myspace as well.

    Comment by davey — September 3, 2008 @ 7:26 pm

14. There’s more to it than a “decent song,” I think. The Monkees aren’t the only band to ever be successful. Acts like Bob Dylan & Fleetwood Mac & Johnny Cash, who were a little left of center but authentically so, are the ones that often made the biggest, longest lasting impact. U2, early Metallica, Loretta Lynn, Queen, even later Beatles stuff… it all shunned formulas, or at least the typical pop formula. If you stick to what you’re considering a “decent song,” hedging your bets on the sure things, you’re going to look right over all of the great acts.

    I made you a mix that features 25 songs by upcoming bands that I listen to on a regular basis. All songs that came out in the past year or two, or have yet to be released. I omitted the obvious ones like Beck, Gnarls Barkley, Wilco, Of Montreal, the White Stripes, Spoon, Jenny Lewis, the Shins, My Morning Jacket, Modest Mouse, etc., but I did include a Rilo Kiley song just because I think it’s the best song that came out last year & absolutely everyone should be lucky enough to hear it. Those alone point to anything but a creative drought, but these 25 are just the tip of the iceberg in creative & authentic new music that will outlive “emo” a dozen times over.

    mix.isntitnice.com

    (fyi the software doesn’t seem to work in the new Google browser)

    Comment by Jon Cole — September 3, 2008 @ 10:14 pm

15. You’ve completely missed my point. I’m not blaiming KOAR for the quality of music.

    However, KOAR all too often speaks out of both sides of its mouth, decrying the alleged lack of quality of music, while at the same time continuing to champion bands that are no more than one or two degrees removed from safe and trendy middle of the road stuff, or whatever flavor Incubus, Nickleback, Fall Out Boy, or the Jonas Brothers is peddling.

    As Jon Cole correctly notes, there is plenty of vibrant, interesting, and quality music out there.

    The problem is not the quality of new music, and there is no creative drought, at least no more or no less so than there’s ever been previously. There is, however, a major drought in the big business aspect of the music industry, as it pertains to their ability to market music to consumers, who are tired of the majors continuing to shovel shit while trying to pass it off as diamonds. And that is where KOAR is, if not contributing to the problem, then denying the answer — by continuing to champion the same generic disposable crap but simply that recorded by a different band under a different name, yet otherwise completely manufactured by the same coterie.

    I’m sorry, but when there are plenty of of acts making memorable, interesting, and *different* music, such as DeVotchKa, New Pornographers, Ra Ra Riot, Margot & the Nuclear So-and-Sos…other people would mention other bands, these are just examples.

    You say I don’t get it, and you’re right. What I don’t get is why is KOAR more interested in trying to hawk more of the same old stuff and yet complaining about the quality of modern bands, when it doesn’t actually appear interested in finding or promoting anything that hasn’t already been done ad nauseum? You’re right, I don’t get that part.

    I’m not asking KOAR to promote any particular band, I’m simply asking KOAR to quit being so hypocritical, and quit trying to couch what you’re actually trying to do (that is, find the next platinum-selling act, because it sounds just like the last platinum-selling act) in language that appears to suggest that anything KOAR thinks isn’t going to sell a million copies is inherently crap.

    Comment by Mondogarage — September 4, 2008 @ 8:18 am

16. It’s not often that I stick up for Dean… and now is really no exception.

    However, I will say that KOAR featured Margot and the Nucelar So & So’s before they were signed — I heard them here first and they’re now one of my favorite bands.

    Unfortunately, that was quite a while ago and things seem to have changed out here…

    Comment by Jalan — September 4, 2008 @ 12:31 pm

17. We did feature and created the buzz for Margot & The Nuclear So & So’s. We featured the Killers when they performed at SXSW. I thought the Killers demo was fabulous, AJ one of the KOAR writers posted the Fray and Red Jump Suit.I’ll admit, we even liked the Katy Perry early recordings.

    http://www.kingsofar.com/2007/03/30/
    koar-industry-news-9/

    Jon - I can’t say I dislike your mix tape, in fact, all those could tracks could make the Garden State Soundtrack 2. Send those tracks to Zach Braff. Definitely good for a rainy day.

    I can’t stand the New Pornographers by the way, not my thing at all. But yes, we are in a creative drought, that’s beyond opinion. Music itself has taken a back seat to average person. No one stands out, but we will continue to post artists on KOAR who we feel are the cut above the rest.

    Some artists we post will be derivative others will not. Although we preach originality, we understand it’s hard to come by. Just because some of the artists we post aren’t revolutionists’ that doesn’t mean a good or great song cannot be written.

    STP were called Pearl Jam rip offs, but they wrote great songs. Eddie Vedder was called a rip off of Jim Morrison by some snobby critics, but he wrote great songs.

    I do feel KOAR posts the better artists than the other music blogs. Again, we try to post the best of the best.

    Comment by Dean — September 4, 2008 @ 1:24 pm

18. Or maybe it’s just that Zach Braff should start an A&R blog.

    Kings of A&R “created the buzz” for Margot & the Nuclear So & So’s? You posted last October that they had been signed. My comment on that post was “My roommate had Skeleton Key as his ringtone for nearly half of last year.” You’re overstating, Dean.

    Comment by Jon Cole — September 4, 2008 @ 1:59 pm

19. Jon -

    I’m a big believer in not taking credit when credit is not due. But you’re pretty good with your accusatory comments. Kings of A&R had 3 upgrades, we featured the band when they perfomed at SXSW as a band to watch. We followed. If you use alexa time machine, you can see some the artists KOAR talked about 5 - 6 years ago, including the revelation theory, state of shock, etc..

    The band is good and worked hard building a following and deserve success. We just help getting others to listen who make a difference in a bands career.

    Comment by koar — September 4, 2008 @ 3:02 pm

20. My bad, Dean. I apologize.

    Comment by Jon Cole — September 4, 2008 @ 3:29 pm

21. where are the “Stray Cats” when we need them…
    ok how about this..inspite of the vast audience that the internet has, is it radio that makes the stars ?
    could radio still sell a trend or a style of music that the public will see as next big thing ?

    Comment by larry anderson — September 4, 2008 @ 3:45 pm

22. Jon, that mix was a great idea. Thanks for turning us on to some new stuff. I haven’t heard the vast majority of those artists (though a lot of their names keep popping up in the magazines I buy). Good stuff.

    Comment by David — September 7, 2008 @ 11:21 am

23. Hm…. I don’t get it. Beatles were PURE pop. 100%. Bands that make such a huge cultural impact are all pop. What do you expect? And anytime an unknown band does really well and becomes successful haters always trash them. Why? Cuz they themselves are pessimistic and nobodies.

    My opinion is that if you can make music (or even have people make music for you) and be in the music/entertainment industry and be successful…. then you’re doing a good job and I respect you. How can you TRULY define music from this “purist” standpoint?? Who determines the guidelines? What is the standard? To me, the only standard is success and following that, longevity. Whether you think it sucks or you think its brilliant or you think the artist is a sellout our a fraud. None of it matters. No one cares. Their success (or lack there of) is the only true determining element in any band / entertainers career.

    Comment by Jeff — September 9, 2008 @ 2:49 pm

24. Btw, totally not bashing the Beatles. They were amazing. Have two fabulous song writers work together in one band… its a miracle formula.

    I’m just sick of ANYONE and EVERYONE who whines and complains about supposed standards that aren’t here that once were etc etc. Ultimately, the people… the fans… are the only thing that matters and they decide. Deal with it.

    Comment by Jeff — September 9, 2008 @ 2:52 pm

25. Now that you’ve shone light on the situation, I can’t help but agree. inPASSING are great just like the beATLES.

    Now is not the time to wage a war against standards… the music industry is collapsing.

    Comment by Jon Cole — September 9, 2008 @ 10:59 pm

26. Dean, I think your ears deceive you. Recommend something good before you loose your integrity completely.

    Comment by Marc — September 10, 2008 @ 8:17 pm

27. The music industry is collapsing because want to be A&R individuals, such as the one that runs this website, give credit to crappy bands and don’t find real talent. Everyone has a right to their own opinion, but why be so outspoken about bands that aren’t good? If the taste level and ear for talent isnt’t there shouldn’t you so something else than create an A&R website?

    Comment by Marc — September 10, 2008 @ 8:23 pm

28. I think everyone has gotten way off base here.
    InPassing is a great band with the right formula. They have catchy, fun music with 4 hot guys in the band, so in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with that. Are they going to be bigger than the Beatles, probably not, but I don’t think that is the point here. They just want to write and play music THEY like and have a good time doing it. And as a chick, I have no problem watching them do it.
    Jon, please stop trying to hate bands just because you aren’t as attractive or talented as they are, or who don’t measure up to your elitist music standards. Yes, there are bands in history that no one will live up to, but the beauty of music is that anyone can make it, and its for them to enjoy. If you do not like it, it’s as easy as turning down the volume.

    Also, to the creepy and old comment, REALLY??? are you kidding me? These guys are neither creepy, or old, unless you think anyone over the age of 17 is “Old”.
    If I had to bet, you are probably a mid 30’s balding dude with a comb over and nothing better to do than rant on about young studs like these guys.

    I hope everyone lightens up and enjoys music for what it is! Personally, I will go crank up my inpassing cd and enjoy the rest of my weekend.
    I encourage everyone to do the same.

    Comment by CL — September 12, 2008 @ 12:44 pm

 Comments Feed / TrackBack URL

Leave a comment