FMP 025 – Banshee Tree
FMP 024 – Bridget Law and Tierro Lee
A New Path Forward
A New Path Forward for the Music Industry

An Empty Red Rock Amphitheater
Unique Times - Early 2020
Festivals all over the world are being canceled, postponed, or reimagined due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Since the dawn of the internet, there have never been such far-ranging closures, travel restrictions, gathering prohibitions, government-mandated lockdowns, and stay at home orders. Seemingly overnight, the world has changed. The world has adapted. Many people are 'working from home' as a result.
Two of the most startling visual representations of the drastic change experienced across the world include:
- The Decrease of Pollution in China as Seen from Space
- The Decrease in Percentage of People Traveling Within Cities Across the Globe
The drastic changes in society have caused many artists to rethink their approach, dust off their online marketing skills, and rekindle those email lists. Gone are the golden days of the recording industry when artists could make money from physical sales of CDs, Tapes, and Records. Are the golden days of touring gone too? Many artists have turned online for answers.
New Opportunities
It seems as though this is just the beginning. The door has been opened for a while but people are catching on to the possibilities afforded by high-speed internet and the creations of talented computer software engineers who make the whole process happen seamlessly. While earning money online is not novel, it is becoming more widespread and mainstream. Festivals are popping up online. Artists are streaming from their homes, and people are finally tuning in to be apart of the live events happening left and right. Bands are playing to in-person crowds of zero while streaming their sets to thousands. Large organizations are amplifying the movement even further and some are even raising money for charities on top of that.
A New Frontiers - Online Festivals
Let's take a deep dive into a recent online festival. Beatport hosted an online festival, ReConnect.
The festival featured 33 hours of uninterrupted music, featured artists from around the world streaming from their homes, and raised over $180,000 in the process. Get this, the cost of a ticket was $0!
Not even Live Nation's greedy little hands could tack on a $10+ digital 'convenience' charge. According to Beatport's' website, all of the money raised was donated to the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund as well as the AFEM (Association for Electronic Music) Members’ COVID-19 Hardship Fund. Although, on a different page there is the "Bridges for Music" organization that is cited as a recipient of donations. Regardless, the money was definitely donated to several charitable organizations.
How did they do it you might ask? They corraled a top-notch list of acts and leveraged the artist's networks to promote the event. Sure Beatport has its own reach but by collaborating with artists, who promoted the event and their set times, amplified the awareness for the event and leveraged geographically diverse 'influencers'. The event was an Electronic Music Event and According to Alive 365,
ReConnect reached over 8.5 million people!
Hey Boomers, only 400,000 people attended Woodstock, for reference. That is over 21x the size of Woodstock! The nature of the event is completely different than traditional concerts with artists live-streaming their sets from their homes. It was an intimate party. Families, friends and strangers alike tuned in on their preferred platform. Twitch, a gamer-centric live-streaming company helped provide the servers and tech so that millions could take part in the event. People tuned in on YouTube as well. All the while, live chats and donations streamed in. It is an incredible feat for technology and artists alike that people were able to come together on short notice and "ReConnect" the world through music. It is perhaps the largest music festival ever to have occurred. A list of the largest concerts top out at 3.5 million people and the largest festival tops out at 3.1 Million attendees.
The Initial LineUp from ReConnect featured electronic musicians and DJs from around the world and included: A-Trak, Agoria, ANNA, Axel Boman, BLOND:ISH, Bonobo (DJ set), Carl Cox, Chris Liebing, Destructo, Duke Dumont, Eats Everything, GRiZ, La Fleur, Nastia, Nicole Moudaber, Nina Kraviz, Nora En Pure, RÜFÜS DU SOL (DJ set), Sébastien Léger, Themba, Todd Terry, TOKiMONSTA, UMEK, Wax Motif, Waze & Odyssey, Gorgon City
** More artists played. The initial 24-hour lineup above.
What does the future hold?
So back to the questions... 1. Is this the start of a major shift in the music industry? 2. Will live-streaming events continue to reshape the music scene? 3. How long before VR (Virtual Reality) / AR (Augmented Reality) live-streamed events become commonplace? 4. Will music and musicians benefit from such shifts in 'attendance'? 5. Will new forms of art emerge from the remote presence? 6. Can I still dance with people at a show? 7. Will Music Creation Change? 8. Will Music Die?
I will attempt to answer the following questions and provide my predictions for the future. I know the only thing I know about the future is that I don't know it... Yet. I will take the questions in stride and embrace the uncertainty. My predictions to the above questions are addressed in order.
1. I believe this is the start of a new shift in the music industry. No longer are we going to movie theaters to enjoy the entertainment but we now stream it from our phones, TVs, and tablets. Concerts, especially the largest artists and acts, will have a majority attendance from a remote location. Currently, most artists have an 'in-person' audience of 0, so you could argue that it has already happened. However, I would like to believe that live in-person events will come back as strong as they were in 2019. Another major shift in the music experience is already underway, moving from in-person to a remote live experience.
2. Live-Streaming Events will continue and will complement the live in-person experience for years to come. By the year 2030 there will begin to be a noticeable absence of in-person attendees at events. To compensate for this, events will begin offering 'digital perks' at live in-person events to slow the shift. This could mean AR (Augmented Reality) art installments at live events only available for in-person attendees. In short, there will be in-person perks offered only to those who attend physically, in an attempt to motivate people to get up off their couch and dance.
3. This answer hinges on the word "commonplace". I must start by referencing a great quote. "The future is already here, it is just not evenly distributed"- William Gibson. This is a question of human behavior not a question of technology. According to recent stats (from early 2020) the world has a human population of 7.8 Billion people and 3.8 Billion people are not yet 'online'. So is the internet commonplace now? Some might argue yes. So perhaps commonplace, for the purpose of this article, represents a ~50% market share. To get back to the question, it is already possible to have a VR conference. Here is an article about a virtual reality conference that the writer attended in 2018. So in short, yes. VR and AR music events are coming. It is just a matter of time before the equipment evolves and the price point is lowered so that many people can enjoy and attend the digital experience. Live stream events in the regular 'flat' format will take over first before VR / AR live events. When the technology finally arrives and is standardized with common formats, like mp4 videos, and can be played on a myriad of devices (Magic Leap, Google Cardboard, Oculus VR, Apple VR, Android VR, etc) live-streaming on a 2D 'flat' screen will be old fashioned, like watching a movie on a Black & White TV. VR has been like a mirage, with interest peaking in 2016 (according to Google Trends as of the writing of this article). My estimated time frame for a majority of content creators to start making the switch from 'flat' videos to 'VR' content is 2030. I predict that a key technology will be the 'flattening' of the content from 'VR' to the current standard formats so the older executives can justify the switch because the content will be 'backward compatible' to run on legacy technology like your brand new smart TV.
4. I certainly hope that musicians benefit from the evolving technology but expect the future to be similar to the past. When the record labels suffered, from the transition from physical to digital sales, so did musicians. I think that derivative works will be sorted out using technology and therefore musicians will earn more money from future recreations and remixes of their work. I suspect that the future transition will be another difficult transition for many artists but ultimately, I believe that artists will end up leveraging their global audience and benefit from doing so.
5. I believe that artists will work together to create immersive experiences. Android Jones, a renowned digital artist has collaborated with top tier electronic musicians, to create 3D visual experiences accompanied by octatonic sound. One of his signature pieces is called Samsakra. I suspect that in the future visual artists will become as important as the audio arts. Creating a unification of experience will be the result. Humans are visual creatures and visuals will become more intertwined with music as 3d spaces are created and enjoyed. To take this one step further, there should be a term invented to represent a group of cross-disciplinary artists who perform together. I imagine a DJ and a visual artist will create works together with one working with pressure waves and the other working with light waves in a harmonic duo. There is no need to limit to two people and groups of the visual form are just as likely to form. These artists could sell tickets to their virtual experiences so, in theory, they are opening up their presentation to the minds and homes of anyone in the world.
6. As clothes become smart, filled with sensors and our digital worlds begin to merge through VR and AR, I do think that you could dance 'with' someone from the other side of the globe. 5G is purported to bring latency down to under 12 milliseconds. Some even speculate that that number could be as low as 1 millisecond. With a virtual avatar in a VR / AR environment, is seems feasible as though you could truly dance together without noticing a time delay between your movements. One critical difference is, you won't "step on anyone toes" or bump into someone, for in the virtual space mass does not actually collide. However, you may get a haptic response, like a rumble pack on Nintendo 64.
7. Music is already created, recorded and modified digitally. While analog techniques are likely to be used for an effect, a majority of music is already digitally altered. This trend will continue and I predict many new digital instruments will be created. One innovative example created by a small team here in Boulder, Colorado is Specdrums, which enables you to drum on different colors and create different audio frequencies based on your digital program. Musicians and DAWs (digital audio workstations) will begin to support and create quadraphonic and octatonic sound. What is 16 called? How many angles can sound come from and still be distinct? The bitrates of audio files will likely increase but sample rates will not likely increase much (as the Nyquist sampling rate and Nyquist Frequency dictate) as a higher sample rate is only applicable to frequencies beyond human hearing.
8. No.
It would surprise me if virtual events leveraging VR and AR do not start popping up this decade. With 5G just around the corner, faster connectivity speeds are here to stay. New Software Languages and Platforms will emerge as tools for artists and businesses to leverage. When Apple's rumored AR / VR Glasses come out and Googles "Glass" project comes out of hibernation, more devices will hit the market incentivizing business, developers, and content creators to leverage the platform. Consider the fact that a mobile app was not created until the iPhone. The AR/VR devices are in their infancy (think Motorola's Razor, cool at the time but not that functional compared to modern smartphones) and many different twists and turns are coming. Eventually, when things get standardized, I suspect entertainment and music to be one of the first broadly utilized applications for these new platforms.
Stay Tuned ~
Back to the music!
Some of my favorite sets from ReConnect included:
Griz
Nora En Pure
Rufus Du Sol
Sonic Bloom 2019 – Get Ready!
Sonic Bloom 2019 June 20th - June 23rd
is fast approaching!

Sonic Bloom's 2019 Linup Finalized... Who is going?
SONIC BLOOM, Colorado’s premiere electronic music festival, is celebrating its 14th edition this year with a bold nod to the thoughtful and diverse musical curation that has catapulted this boutique festival into worldwide recognition.
Sonic Bloom is not to be missed for those who love electronic music! This festival is the gold standard in the USA featuring some of the worlds top electronic artists and raises the bar year after year. The festival is held during the summer solstice and happens to start on my birthday!-).
Here is what you need to know about Phase-3 Lineup Announcements:
Um..
Adam Deitch
Seied
Adam Apollo
With Tweener sets by:
Melody Lines
ELCTRX
LowPro
CatParty
Patrick Skyler
AVRY
PhLo
Bruce Chillis
Andrew Rothschild
NotLo
Featured Yoga, Sound Healing & Movement Classes in the Yoga D'Om with Live Music by:
Of The Trees
HÄANA
TOR
Drishti Beats
Miraja
Moon Frog
Blossomn
Adam Apollo
Joey Burton
Treaphort
Boulder Vibrational Healing
Seraiah
Sanj
Artisan Jones
Chachi Mendoza
Emily Rainflower & Mike Redhawk
Honey Pocket
Lunar Playboy
Jiiniikwe Medicine Bird
Check out the Sonic Bloom Orchestra lineup which has been an amazing, long-standing tradition to close out our stellar festival:
Sonic Bloom Orchestra feat. Members of SCI, TBA, Russ Liquid Test, HÄANA and Zilla with Opiuo, Sasha Rose, Jordan Polovina plus surprise guests!
Bloom is an ideal festival for those looking for something different, SONIC BLOOM is a unique foray into an intelligent co-creative experience. With short lines, respectful community and plenty of room to dance, camp and be, this weekend in paradise steps away from the day-to-day. Thought provoking workshops hosted by internationally acclaimed speakers, a diverse range of yoga and movement workshops, overflowing visual art and unique vendors provide a little something for everyone.
Hosted once again on the stunning Hummingbird Ranch, riverside camping is easily available, children and families are welcomed end encouraged and a hand is always outstretched to join in, contribute and participate.
SONIC BLOOM remains an event for the true individual; a welcoming, creative community encouraging the exploration human potential, the next wave of art and music and the possibility of a more beautiful and just world. We come together June 20-23 to celebrate a global community that believes in the power of art, music and innovation to inspire a future worth believing in.
For more information on SONIC BLOOM, please visit the official website: sonicbloomfestival.com
SONIC BLOOM'S Network Links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sonic_bloom
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/
Promo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
SONIC BLOOM Tickets:
Ticket Link: https://ticketf.ly/2OllcOa
FB Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/
The Sunday Night Get Down
The Sunday Night Get Down - The Motet

Photos by: Molly Buckiewicz (https://www.mojophotography.org/)
Listen to the Motet's Latest album:
Concert Review
Writing by: Greg Powell
Hailing from Colorado, The Motet has gathered a cult following over the last few years and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. I remember seeing them for the first time at their annual, Halloween mountain show and having it be the highlight of my year. I felt like I was in a time warp back to the funk era. It was refreshing to hear such a passionate tribute to old school funk, performed with such energy and raw musicianship. It was obvious at the time that they were in a league of their own, demanding a larger stage and much-deserved recognition. Since then they have released several albums, built a devoted fan base and worked their way up to be Red Rocks headliners.

Sunday’s show at the Midtown Ballroom in Bend, OR was one for the books. The venue was packed early with excited fans ready for a night of shameless dancing. The opener, John Medeski’s Mad Skillet, got things warmed up quickly with their jazz-influenced jams. Medeski was a master on the keyboards and the use of a Sousaphone as their bass instrument really added another element to the performance.

By the time The Motet took the stage the whole crowd was ready to move. They eased into their set with the lights turned low and an instrumental jam. Lead singer Lyle Divinsky jumped on stage and the band dropped into a hard-hitting single from their new album. People of all ages and backgrounds crowded the front, ready to let loose. The band built more energy the longer they played and were able to streamline their set, with minimal downtime between songs. There are not many groups that can start a party with the opening song and keep the crowd dancing hard through their encore.

Their latest release, Death or Devotion, is a 10-track studio album, released via their own music label. It is a well-rounded compilation of catchy singles and badass funk tunes. Make sure to give it a listen and stay up to date on The Motet’s upcoming tour dates, most notably July 12th when they will be back at Red Rocks with Galactic for another rowdy night of music and good times.
For more check out our podcast episode with Dave Watts, the founder of the Motet.
Arise 2018 – Photo Recap

Arise Music Festival in Loveland, Colorado 2018 - Photo Recap
Another orbit around the sun and another opportunity to shoot at Arise Music Festival. Here are some of my favorite moments and photos from the event. Huge shout out to all of the artists who made this festival possible.
Photos by Michael Morahan
Groove Cruise – 2019 Lineup

GROOVE CRUISE MIAMI 2019 CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY & ANNOUNCES PHASE I LINEUP FEAT. KASKADE, ALY & FILA, HOT SINCE 82, MK, MARKUS SCHULZ, SIMON PATTERSON + MORE!
August 8, 2018 — Dance your way across the turquoise waters of the Caribbean with Groove Cruise Miamiwhich announces Phase I of their highly-anticipated 2019 lineup today. Setting sail on the deluxe Celebrity Infinity next January 10th - 14th, 2019, Groove Cruise Miami will offer up an array of electronic music legends and up-and-coming acts, primed to deliver the best in house, trance and techno. Don’t miss this opportunity to dance, discover, and follow your inner compass to an experience of a lifetime.
As Groove Cruise celebrates its monumental 15th anniversary, the soundtrack for this year’s cruise will be provided by an amazing roster of 2019 headliners that include critically-acclaimed Chicago-bred EDM superstar Kaskade, Egyptian trance duo Aly & Fila, Yorkshire-based house/techno phenom Hot Since 82, Detroit house legend MK (Marc Kinchen), German-born, Miami-based trance icon Markus Schulz, and Irish house music extraordinaire Simon Patterson.
Supporting artists on the Phase I lineup include Anthony Attalla, Blackgummy, Chus & Ceballos, Cocodrills, Eli & Fur, Leftwing & Kody, Liquid Todd, Prok & Fitch, Roger Sanchez, Technasia, Adam Scott, Chris Garcia, Dancetronauts, Dean Mason, Drums of the Sun, DSK CHK, Eva Kane, Geronimo, Grube & Hovesepian, Kristen Knight, Kristina Sky, Laser Assassins, Luccio, Scotty Boy Scooter & Lavelle, and Stellar — more TBA in the coming months.
As part of his headlining act, MK will bring his globally - renowned AREA10 party straight to the decks of Groove Cruise, consistently known for featuring some of the hottest names in electronic music as special guests. Groove Cruise Miami will also feature a stellar series of hosted stages, ensuring that there is more than enough music to keep cruisers dancing ‘til sunrise. Look forward to stage takeovers by Coldharbour, Eve, Future Sound of Egypt, Incorrect, Never Going Home, Rubber Ducky, Stereo Productions and Under the Radr.
Surrounded by bumping beats and the beloved GC Fam, captains aboard Groove Cruise Miami will voyage to two new destinations in 2019—the stunning, tropical island of Cozumel, Mexico and Key West, Florida. Known for its clear, aquamarine waters, vibrant snorkeling, and culinary delights, Cozumel will add an extra layer of travel and culture to Groove Cruise’s already impressive itinerary. The Groove Cruise family will also be making a stop in Key West, an intimate island hub and favorite Floridian destination. Rolling out further initiatives to heighten the peak experience Groove Cruise Miami delivers, the ship will now depart from the port of Ft. Lauderdale. What was once an arduous cab ride from airport to port is now direct; GC Fam will be able to travel from plane to boat in a matter of minutes.
Among the first passenger cruise vessels to be powered by smokeless turbine engines, the premium 2,170-passenger Celebrity Infinity is elegantly themed with its iconic three-level foyer grand staircase and sophisticated decor. Captains will discover a bevy of novelty features including a retro restaurant, Egyptian-themed casino, basketball court, jogging track, shuffleboard, indoor solarium and pool, fine dining, and more than 100 spa cabins. From sprawling penthouses (complete with butler and baby grand piano) to the petite and elegant Sky Suites, Groove Cruise on the Celebrity Infinity will undoubtedly be the most luxurious festival experience yet—welcome to the suite life! Click here to snag one of these epic suites before they’re booked. More info surrounding on-board activities and artists activations coming soon!
For those who reside on the West Coast, Groove Cruise Cabo is extending the party to land, air and space with their San Diego pre-party taking place from 8pm - 12am on October 9, 2018, the Tuesday before the festival sets sail. Blasting into San Diego’s iconic Air and Space Museum in Historical Balboa Park, the GC Fam will imbue the museum with outrageous fashion, good vibes, and thumping dance music, giving attendees a flavorful taste of the Groove Cruise experience. A surprise lineup of soon-to-be-announced DJs will transform this sanctuary of science into an intergalactic dance party unlike any other.
For tickets & more info: Groove Cruise Miami 2019
STAY CONNECTED
Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud | Twitter | Website | YouTube
About Groove Cruise
What started in 2004 as a group of 125 thrill-seeking house-heads (led by founder Jason Beukema) sailing on a cruise together has erupted into the world’s first and largest floating dance music festival. Groove Cruise is the only music cruise to sail from both East and West coasts, and is a non-stop experience comprised of four straight days of beach, pool and theme parties, great food, EDM and luxurious destination parties. In addition to the standard cruise amenities, there are also artist activities, yoga classes (often paired with deep house), costume parties, and various onboard events that rival the best dance music festivals in the world. Groove Cruise is produced by Whet Travel.
About Whet Travel
Over 12,000 people each year choose Whet Travel for their music cruise adventure. Whet Travel has executed 24 full ship charters including Groove Cruise Miami January 10-14, 2019 (15 year anniversary), Cabo and LA as well as Salsa Cruise (20 year anniversary Oct 29-Nov 2 overnight in Havana Cuba). Whet Travel received the prestigious Charter Partner of the year award from Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines and Inc Magazine ranked Whet Travel as the #4 fastest growing travel company in the USA.
Press
“Combining the luxury and travel of a cruise ship with the pulsating, all-night party of an electronic music festival, it is no wonder that this event sold out so quickly.” — Huffington Post
“The Groove Cruise is The #1 Place in The World to Get Your Groove.” — Travel Channel
”Only after attending can one understand the logistical marvel that is Groove Cruise.” — LA Weekly
“No VIP area or backstage or green room, and it was obvious how it made people feel: free.” — YourEDM
“Just like most movie sequels and TV reboots, Groove Cruise Miami is floating proof in a monsoon market of spinoff rave boats that nothing ever quite lives up to the original.” — Billboard
Photo Recap Sonic Bloom 2018
How Creative Hobbies Can Better Your Mental Health Regardless of Your Age

Written by: Julie Morris
Life comes at us fast. Between work, family
Invest in Yourself
Sometimes you need to take a step back from life and do something that you enjoy. A good hobby can become a powerful tool in helping you cope with stress and unwind. As you continue your pursuit, it can lead to learning a unique skill. It can also be a gateway into opening new social connections and increase your confidence.
This is why it is common for those suffering from depression or recovering from addiction to be recommended they take up a hobby. Often hobbies provide a sense of structure in their lives and give a sense of purpose. It is a great way for them to feel like they have control over their lives.
Sketch it Out
Drawing can be an incredibly soothing outlet. For many, it becomes a form of self-expression and a way to unload thoughts that might otherwise be too difficult to form into words. Not to mention, drawing is known to improve motor skills and creative problem solving.
If you are new to drawing, be patient, especially if what is in your head is not translating to the page. Art takes time to master properly. Try taking a class to boost your skills or turn online. There are numerous resources from step by step tutorials to videos that teach you the basic techniques. However, one of the best things about art is that there is no wrong way to do it.
Feel the Beat
Contrary to popular belief, it is never too late to pick up an instrument. In fact, adults may have the advantage over children. They are able to quickly grasp more abstract concepts and are self-motivated to learn.
Setting time aside each day to practice can feel like a large commitment, but it is one that is well worth it. The sense of accomplishment you will feel from finally mastering a song is unrivaled. Not to mention, playing music is great way to sharpen your memory and enhance cognitive thinking. Whether you are picking up an instrument for the first time or renewing a childhood hobby, you can still reap the same benefits music provides to the brain from just a few months of practice according to National Geographic.
Turn Inward
Poetry is a great way to loosen and unload your thoughts. It is an amazing form of expression that forces you to become more introspective, which can help heal emotional pain through reflection.
Do not be intimidated by poetry. There is no wrong way to write it. If you want to stick to highly structured poems, you can. If you prefer more freeform and less rules, you can do that too. Creative Writing Now is great resource to help you get started.
Turn Up the Heat
Some of the best hobbies are the ones we share with others. Cooking is a great way to incorporate your friends. You can cook up a delicious meal for them or invite them into the kitchen with you to cook together. This is an excellent opportunity for you to bond and grow closer.
Sharing a meal you’ve made can be immensely satisfying. Cooking your own meals is also a great way for you to eat healthier and save some money, according to the Chicago Tribune. Teaching yourself to shop and prepare your own food will reduce the amount of processed and unhealthy foods you eat.
Protect Your Time
While hobbies are amazing to share with your friends and family, keep in mind that a great hobby is one that you do solely for yourself. You do not want to feel any pressure to satisfy someone else when you sit down to do your hobby. This is why it is so important that you pick something that you’ll love.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.
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