This week's AotW, the Josh Davis Band, is from my home state of Iowa.  They play gritty rock/roots/country type music.  The band is on the Authentic Records label, along with The Nadas (who also own/operate the label). 

JDB's latest album, Get Awesome, has been getting a lot of praise, and rightfully so.  Starting with the first track "Tambourine Girl" about the drunk girl in the bar that always has to get up on the stage with the band (I think we all know one), the album keeps you rocking and your foot tapping the whole way through.  Taking some pointers from The Nadas, JDB has some great vocals and harmonies not often seen in rock bands.  The album changes up the tempo with a few great ballads, including "Sweet Suffocation" which features a great acapella part towards the end of the track.  Josh has some unique vocals and some interesting writing. Many of his songs deal with drinking, relationships (and the bullshit that goes along with them), and other sorts of fun topics.  These guys are great live, so check out their schedule to find out when they'll be near you. 

If you make it down to SXSW, these guys typically play an Authentic Records Showcase along with The Nadas and the other bands on the label.  I have not seen any info about it for this year yet, but make sure to check it out, as it's always a good time and great music.  Meanwhile, go pick up a copy of The Josh Davis Band's album, Get Awesome.

There are a lot of great music blogs out there that offer some really solid info.  But recently, I was reading one that offered some advice that I animately disagree with.  I'm not going to call them out on it, because that's just not nice.  The blog suggested that when an artist or band gets busy enough, they should hire someone to update things such as their Twitter.  This is something that bands/artists should NEVER, ever do!  It all comes back to a blog that I posted a while back about having an authentic  conversation with the fans, and building those relationships.  It's very important that a band's online/social media efforts are giving fans an inside look, not just pushing the latest CD (or another thing of the band). 

Which brings me to my next point...

There is a plethera of online tools available to bands/artists today.  With everything to choose from, a lot of bands try to utilize all of the online tools, and do a half ass job with all of them.  Rather than trying to use all of the online tools, bands should take a serious look at their fanbase and where they hang out online.  Then select the online pieces that you know you can update regularly.  The number of those is up to each band, dependent on the amount of time and commitment they have to it.  Then do a fantastic job with those online tools that you're dedicated to, rather the half ass job with all of them.  But never give up those things and hire someone to do them.  If there is a need to trim back as you move along, that's okay.  But keep the relationships with your fans real.

This week's Artist of the Week is Dayna Lane from Nashville, TN.  Dayna's  first single "I'll Keep Believing" from her debut Vialex Records album was just recently released to radio.  The album will be coming out very soon, so check it out! 

Originally from Chicago, Dayna is a very down to earth girl with a great voice.  Think Jewel, with a little more grit. :)   She always has a smile on her face, and has a truly great heart.  Check out her new video that was just posted today!  Dayna has opened for several big artists (Jewel, Tim Reynolds, Taylor Dane, and more) and is going to be doing some limited touring soon, so stay tuned to her website at daynalanemusic.com to find out dates. 

Preview a couple of tracks from the new album on Dayna's myspace or her website. 

Muhammad Ali has always been a figure that I have admired and respected.  His wit was (and still is) as quick as his hands and feet, and often packed just as much power.  His hands may have slowed, but he's still got the wit - as evidenced in this funny video when he met George W. Bush.  Ali was probably the most brash, yet humble, man ever. 

I just saw a Muhammad Ali quote on Twitter recently that made me think of some musicians.  Ali always called himself "The Greatest".  When asked what great means, he responded "Great is never looking down on those that look up to you." 

This thought can translate over to musicians very well today.  A musician, hugely successful or not, should never act like they are a "rockstar" and are better than everyone else.  They may have some skills that are better than other peoples skills in that area, but the opposite is probably true as well.  I will never put up with an artist that I work with who thinks they are the "shit"...even if they are.  That being said, the right way to approach music (and life in general), is to stay grounded to your fans.  Have real conversations with them, build personal relationships, be grateful for them aiding in your success (and show it).  It is important to be brash enough to show off your skills, but be humble enough that people want to be a part of your career and help you along your path to success.  Without fans buying your music, coming to your show, buying a t-shirt, or telling a friend about your tunes, you would be nobody. 

With that, I leave you with a few more great Muhammad Ali quotes

I know, I've been slacking on the blog posts!  My apologies - with the holidays, spending time with the fam, trying to get some downtime, and working on a few other things, it proved to be a very busy time. 

I'm very excited about what is to come for 2009!  It will be a very interesting year, with a lot happening.  George Bush is down to 12 days (finally!), and it will be great to see what Barack can do. 

One of my good friends, Dayna Lane, just released her first single off her debut album with Vialex Records.  Check out her myspace to see what you think!  Dayna is a very talented and sweet girl, and has a bright future ahead of her.  Call your local radio station to request her first single, "I'll be Waiting". 

Another exciting thing I might be working on is a new music video!  One of my long-time friends, Tage Plantell, is a filmmaker.  We have worked together on some music videos previously, and had a great time and turned out a pretty good project.  We're in the process of tossing around a few different ideas for this project, so we'll see where it takes us.  Stay tuned on that!

The last thing I've been working on is a sort of "thesis" (if you will) about my thoughts on where the music industry is today, and what things seem to be working/not working. 

As you can see, I haven't been completely slacking, just on my blog posts.  But check back frequently in 2009...there is going to be a lot of exciting things going on.  Happy New Year and best of luck in 2009!