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New Retro
There is a controversy brewing where a given groups promotion relies on live gigs – but which type of group is promoted better – a live band with instruments or a home studio recorded hip hop act? It's hard to say who is making more money or being promoted the best . .but I've come to the conclusion that live bands are able to tour the country more readily than an act without a live drummer and some form of instrument. I mean . . .concerts where people DJ and spin records are growing like crazy . . .and most people are use to hearing a mechanical drum pattern on the dance floor – but when it comes to promotion and support, which type of group gains more of an audience?
So, I heard about a new band in Washington, DC called New Retro from a friend and photographer. She hops into clubs regularly and checks the scene out all week long. One of her favorite acts or bands that have been playing in the neighborhood was New Retro. They remind me of the Roots – only because they perform hip hop with live instruments – but their sound is very different because New Retro incorporates a soul singer along with a rapper. The soul or R&B singer fills out several tunes or keeps the melody going with background performances. The roots, basically, will incorporate a singer from another group from time to time . .but they rap. That's their main staple. Their bassist keeps the groove going on most of their earlier work – and in live performces, the Roots will release guitar riffs and keyboard patterns. . .but New Retro will sing to you on some tracks. What I thought was interesting about the live band was their use of sampled recordings when they're in the studio. The songs fit well in a radio format for rap . . but on stage the band is able to duplicate the sample and make it their own. You'd think a live band like New Retro would shy away from copyright infringement since they utilize live instruments and can perform their own work . . .but they've been known to record sampled music for recordings.
I was listening to “Two Step” - which was a live sounding tune with crashing acoustic drums – a very strange sound these days. I'm used to mechanical drum patterns, so much, hearing an acoustic drum seems different or strange. Regardless, “Two Step” is a good tune with vocals climbing up the melody and instruments providing a stable beginning for the drummers rhythm. Once you hear “Two Step” . . you're in New Retro “land”. Everything is live and the music is reminiscent of the 80's when live bands ruled the world. New Retro brings back the live sound and allows the listener to make a decision on what tunes they'd like to hear out of all songs recorded - “Should we listen to a rap mechanical beat, or a live drummer?” Both worlds are on the album . . .but to answer the main question I had mentioned in the beginning of this article, which type of group is being promoted the best? In the rap world, a hip hop artist can rely on a good video and a decent radio track to propel his or he music – but in New Retro's line of work . .they might have to rely on college radio to perk up the listener for a live acoustic sound. If an audience member chooses to see a concert, New Retro might be on tour through out the United States or playing in a town near you – while the rapper is gaining momentum and financing through streaming youtube videos and word of mouth. New Retro, on the other hand, is selling t-shirts and CDs at a local club or pub. So who is being promoted the best? Well . .by looking at record sales, hip hop seems to be going gold or platinum . . .but back at home in Washington, DC . . .New Retro is playing the 8x10 or the Velvet Lounge on a regular basis. In fact, . . .New Retro will be playing a live gig at the Sylvan Theater on Friday, September 18 – 5:40pm. The local rap acts might have gigs in various clubs . . .but when it comes to paying gigs . .I think New Retro might have the upper hand. Then again, a local rap act can get signed and go platinum . . .so it's hard to say when rap wins out and when bands like New Retro succeed in bringing in the cash. They might be able to survive as a nationally known touring act – Look at Maroon 5. They're a live band and they get videos and radio air play . ..so when will New Retro get it's big chance to hit the radio? What kind of break will they need in order to bee seen and heard on MTV – just like the Roots – a successful model of what's to come for groups like New Retro. The live band sound can tour the nation before getting signed to a major record deal . . .but once they get signed . .they can enjoy the good life while their tunes go gold on itunes or stream through MTV and youtube. Which type of group or act is most successful? It's hard to say. The majority of rap acts are seen on top of the world selling major albums on digital download . . .but the average reverbnation rapper has no idea how much money New Retro is making when they play the 8x10 or the Velvet Lounge. One group is getting live gigs while the rap group is at home recording works for their next video. When their youtube hits 100,000 visits. . .they might see some advertsing money . .. but so will New Retro. So . . .if you were a performing act . . which model would you select? A live band or group, or a pre-recorded rap act with no drummer?
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