Category Archives: Blog
Eyes on Youtube: Musicians Seek Major Changes
Remember back in the day when musicians were banding together against services like Pandora and Spotify?
These days the music worlds attention is focused on Youtube, claiming the service doesn’t pay enough royalties. There is a demand to change the law that allows Youtube to operate this way, highlighting the need to track every dollar as listening habits transition to streaming vs. download.
Katy Perry, Billy Joel, Pharrell Williams Bon Jovi and many other big names in the industry have signed letters asking for copyright law modification. Prominent managers like Irving Azoff has also criticized Youtube in multiple instances.
Somehow, despite Youtube’s massive audience, they appear to produce less direct income for musicians than the likes of vinyl record sales – which is a relatively small market. And while Youtube does act as a mechanism to promote music, it is also an ‘easy way out’ – not providing a substantial source of revenue for anybody…but Youtube.
As we speak, major record labels are in the midst of renegotiating their contracts with Youtube. It will be an interesting story to follow. We all know the music industry is behind the times when it comes to keeping up with technology – maybe this is the start of that changing.
10 Must-See Concerts in Boston this month
Quite a few must-See concerts in Boston this month! A large variety of talent is making it’s way to town, are you going to see any of these shows?
1. The Cure – to perform over four decades worth of music you love! Catch them Thursday June 16th, 7:30 Agganis Arena ($17.50-$77.50)
2. Aesop Rock – June 17th, 8pm at the Paradise Rock Club ($20, 18+) – following the release of The Impossible Kid, Aesop Rock returns to Boston to perform with Rob Sonic and DJ Zone. Don’t miss it!
3. Brian Wilson – You won’t want to miss this Beach Boy’s icon performing with the Boston Pops! This chance doesn’t come around every day! Friday/Saturday performances – June 17/18th- 7pm at Symphony Hall
4. Deerhoof – In anticipation of the bands next album, The Magic (which comes out the same night of this show) – Deerhoof will be performing Friday, June 24th at Brighton Music Hall, 8pm ($16, 18+). Avid fans won’t want to miss out!
5. Bearstronaut *Local Gem!* – If you haven’t seen or heard of Bearstronaut, you should check them out! They’ll be celebrating the release of their new record Telecoast Friday June 10th at the Sinclair, 8pm ($12, 18+)
6. Motion City Soundtrack– Two decades worth of loyal fans are sure to be present at the two shows (the first is sold out) at the Paradise. Tickets are still available for Monday, June 13th ($30). This So Long, Farewell Tour is in fact, their final tour. If you’ve been itching to catch a show before they’re gone this is your chance!
7. Ellie Goulding– Do you follow commercial pop music? If so you’ve definitely heard Ellie Goulding on multiple hit records recently. Check her out Wednesday, June 15th at TD Garden, 7:30pm ($25-55).
8. Beyonce – “Queen” Beyonce will be dancing her way to Gillette Stadium Friday, June 3rd at 8pm ($50-$310.. but we’re guessing this is sold out?). She’s had quite a controversial year, and will be rolling into town with her Formation World Tour in just a few days!
9. Ceelo Green– Soulful singer Ceelo will be performing many of his catchy hits at the Paradise Rock Club – Friday June 10th, 7pm ($25). This is a great venue to see such a huge talent!
10. Leann Rimes- A fixture on the music scene since her debut in 1996, Leann will be performing at the Wilbur Theatre on Thursday, June 9th (doors at 7pm). In light of her recent release, Spitfire- her set is expected to feature many new tunes as well as the classics you expect to hear.
Jamaica Plain Porchfest – Saturday, July 9th
Not to be confused with Somerville’s Annual Porchfest (which took place this past weekend) – in early July, Jamaica Plain will hold it’s third annual Porchfest.
In 2015, JP’s Porchfest featured well over 133 musicians (bands/solo performers) – and over 100 other acts featuring spoken word, dance, storytelling and even circus inspired routines. Nearly 70 porches were turned into stages, satisfying an audience of ~10,000 people!
These events are an amazing experience for the creative community- giving artists and musicians of all kinds a unique opportunity to share their passion with those who reside around them. However, with it’s growing popularity, it is safe to assume that it is becoming an event worth traveling to. Folks outside JP, even the city itself are making the trek to be immersed in a cultural experience hard to find elsewhere.
Join in on the fun! Even though registration for performing is all closed up for this year, be sure to head over to Jamaica Plain on July 9th (12pm-6pm) to enjoy the diverse talent! (Check out the “special arts porches” for Dance, Theater, Spoken word and Storytelling performances!)
‘Gearing Up’ for Spring 2016!
Home >> What’s New?
We’ve recently added some new items to our rental inventory- see below! Now available for rent!
JBL VTX M-20
Aguilar Tone Hammer 500
Venue Spotlight: Paradise Rock Club
Introducing our new blog series: Venue Spotlight – a featured where we will highlight popular spots to catch a great show in Massachusetts! Event planners, show promoters and touring bands pay attention to these as you may discover the next location for your event!
Paradise Rock Club
Venue Breakdown
aka: The Paradise
Address: 967 Commonwealth Ave, Boston MA
Capacity: 933
[General Admission ]
Tickets / Show Schedule
The Paradise Rock Club, formerly known as the Paradise Theater, opened on September 27th, 1977 . Its relatively small size is of mass appeal for top local rock, alternative and American bands in or visiting Boston.
Some say The Paradise experienced it’s “claim to fame” when U2 played their first Boston show there in 1981. It has consistently been a “first stop” in Boston for many foreign touring acts. Show goers always enjoy this cozy venue- with it’s full-length bar along the back, great visibility from all sides (one exception being the two metal pillars in the middle) – and the wide stage. The venue’s dimensions and overall energetic vibe offer an excellent, intimate experience for all music lovers.
Upcoming 2016 events include:
April 20th, 6pm : Journeys Presents Atlast Genius (w/ Skylar Grey, The Young Wild) – Tickets
April 22nd, 7pm: Good Charlotte (w/ Waterparks, Trophy Wives) – SOLD OUT
April 23rd, 8pm: Pink Talking Fish (w/ the Indobox) – Tickets
April 28th, 7pm: The Noise Presents NOFX + Special Guests – The Hepatitis Bathtub Tour – SOLD OUT
April 29th, 8pm: Elephant Revival (w/ Chadwick Stokes) – Tickets
May 4th, 7pm – The Darkness – Back to the USSA Tour (w/ RavenEye) – Tickets
Local Music News: Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory to Merge
Two of the best music schools in the country are soon to join forces. Berklee College of Music, founded in 1945 and Boston Conservatory, founded in 1967- announced last year that their programs would be merging. Only recently have we come to learn this will be effective in or around June 2016.
Conveniently, the two campuses are just a couple blocks away from each other near Fenway which will undoubtedly aid the students traveling back and forth. Berklee will retain its name and the Conservatory will become known as the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Separate admissions processes and financial aid will continue for now, but facilities, programs and faculty will be accessible to students from each institution. Students will also be able to transfer between programs and even pursue joint degrees.
Conservatory students will benefit from the new access to performance traditions of other cultures and genres as well as contemporary ‘digital infrastructure’. Currently, Berklee students don’t have access to a music theater program, or a classical music program. While the two schools were never in direct competition, they will be able to attract more musicians and offer a diversified experience to all those who enroll.
Without a doubt, this merger will create a “powerhouse” of sorts for Boston in terms of music, theater and dance.
Boston Calling – May 2016 Line Up
If you’re from Boston and are into music festivals, chances are you’ve already done your research on the upcoming Boston Calling Music Festival for May 2016. If you’re living under a rock (since tickets went on sale January 15th on BostonCalling.com) however- this post is for you.
The biannual festival is set to take place Memorial Day weekend May 27th-29th at City Hall Plaza. At first glance, the lineup appears to be stacked with big names including Australian Pop singer Sia, Swedish popstar Robyn and electronic duo Disclosure. Other notable highlights include Janelle Monáe, Sufjan Stevens, Courtney Barnett and sister trio Haim.
The full lineup:
Sia – Disclosure – Robyn- Odeza
Sufjan Stevens – Haim – Miike Snow
Janelle Monae – City and Colour – Courtney Barnett
Elle King – The Front Bottoms – Børns
Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaries – The Vaccines
Vince Staples – Battles – Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Christine and the Queens – Lisa Hannigan and Aaron Dessner
Lizzo – Palehound – Michael Christmas
Now hiring! Backline technician wanted.
Backline Technician
Bergsten Music is committed to providing top quality production services for Boston, New England, and the North East. A staple in Boston for over 40 years, we’ve worked with every type of client from local productions to major national tours.
Job Description:
As a Backline Technician at Bergsten, you will work in a fast paced, professional environment with a variety of responsibilities ranging from show preparation, delivery & pick-up to providing full on-site technical support. You will need to be comfortable working with a wide range of musical instruments in a live performance environment. The right candidate will be a team player, will be able to work professionally under high pressure and will value attention to detail.
Some of your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):
– Gathering and testing requested gear in our warehouse.
– Loading and unloading trucks.
– Set up and tending gear on-location.
Job Requirements
– Excellent knowledge of the set up and breakdown of standard backline gear.
– Able to lift heavy cases over 50 lbs.
– Must be flexible to work irregular hours (nights and weekends included)
– Must be comfortable driving trucks up to 26’ (CDL not required)
– Experience in lighting design a MAJOR plus
Salary commensurate on experience.
Benefits and retirement offered for full time positions.
Please submit to BergstenJobs@Gmail.com a current resume and three references for consideration for this position. No calls please.
‘Gearing Up’ for Spring 2015
Home >> What’s New?
We’ve recently added some new items to our rental inventory- see below! Now available for rent!
Native Instruments – Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2
Fender American Standard Stratocaster – Mystic red
Akai MPK 61 Midi Performance Controller
JBL VP7212MDP 12″ Powered Stage Monitors
DPA d:fine 4066 Headset (Beige)
Eternal Lighting – CubeEcho RGBWA+UV DMX
Yamaha- CL5 Digital Console
Pioneer – DJM-900SRT
Roland RD-800
Meyer – M’elodie Line Array
Dolby Lake – DLP – Digital System Processor / Crossover
