First up we’ve got MobBase President and CEO Charles Feinn.  MobBase enables artists to easily build and maintain their own iPhone apps, so it’s not surprising that our conversation centered on the emerging app market, and how artists can best make use of it.  You can learn more about MobBase by checking out their most recent press release here.  OK then, let’s get things started…

Thanks for taking to time to talk with us.  Can you give us a little background on you and the MobBase team?

We’re focused on just one thing:  creating tools for musicians to help them engage with fans, and in the process convert casual fans into loyal fans, and loyal fans into paying customers.

MobBase is our latest expression of this idea.  Mobile apps offer a fantastic opportunity for artists to connect with their fans.  The challenge was to make it super easy to build, launch and manage an app, and super inexpensive so every musician can have one. Based on the response we’re getting to MobBase, it looks like we’re making musicians happy on every count.

One of the other things I want to mention is that both my co-founder, Alan Khalfin, and I, are independent musicians. We started out building products to solve our own needs, and we haven’t strayed from those roots.

Where do you think the value is for artists in creating apps?  Is there a certain kind of artist that’s more suited to the app platform?

Fans want to be connected and involved with artists. iPhone apps are a fantastic way to deliver on that interest.

iPhone apps are the best way to stay connected with the content hungry, modern music fan. A MobBase iPhone app gives artists a mobile, interactive fan club, storefront, and merchandise table, and more. Through real-time interaction, artists can keep their fans up to date with all of their music, photos, videos, news, and tweets and can sell their show tickets, music and merch. This kind of constant connectivity allows artists to create meaningful relationships with their fans in order to succeed in today’s music industry.

Because of this, the MobBase platform is well suited for artists of all genres, and because artists can create a MobBase app for as little as 50 cents a day, it’s the perfect solution for any sized artist.

Are there any best practices you would advise artists to keep in mind when creating an app?

More than 50 MobBase apps have been launched already and there are a bunch more in the pipeline. There’s been a lot of creativity and imagination and as a result, a lot of different and amazing looks and feels. However we are also seeing a trend that the best received apps tend to be the ones with the most and richest content. Meaning great apps are featuring music and video of course, but also lyrics, album artwork, out takes, info about gigs and merch….and especially ‘insider” information that helps fans feel like they are participating in something special. That the band is just on the other side of the phone, close enough to connect.

Another thing we’re observing about the most successful apps is that there is new content added regularly. The MobBase dashboard gives artists the power to create a dynamic app that can updated frequently.

We encourage artists to maximize the effectiveness of their app by keeping feeds (twitter, news, blog, etc.) fresh and the content coming. If there is a new video out, add it to the app. When a new album is released, incorporate the artwork into the app’s design. The more new stuff fans get, the more they will feel connected.

For more tips and ideas on how to get the most out of your MobBase app, read our blog post here.

Do you have any plans to move beyond the iPhone platform?  In general, do you see apps as a movement that will gain traction elsewhere, or will Apple always run the show?

Right now, the iPhone accounts for more than 75% of app usage across all mobile platforms, so that is our focus.

We’re also looking at other platforms and over time expect to provide MobBase for them as well.

I know it’s early days, but do you have any thoughts on the iPad?  I’m thinking specifically from a music perspective.

We think that it’s great that Apple keeps pushing the envelope and MobBase apps are iPad ready. I think the iPad is positioned to become the go-to device for studying and use around campus. And, what better way to take a little break from your studies, than to check out what your favorite artist is up to, and see when they’ll be in town next. The larger screen is definitely going to add to the experience, as artists will be able to deliver higher quality photos and videos, and will be able to create new offerings, like digital box sets, and other special releases that can be purchased and accessed through the apps.

Thanks to Charles for the thoughtful answers, and stay tuned for more partner interviews coming soon!

Frightened Rabbit on MUZU

Artist: Frightened Rabbit
Title: Winter of Mixed Drinks
Label: Fat Cat Records
Genre: Rock : Indie
UPC: 600116998422
Territory: World
Release Date: 03.09.10

To hear why the critics are raving, look no further than the label’s two compilation albums, Collection I and Collection II which IODA is now proudly digitally distributing for your listening pleasure! Their roster includes Icelandic neo-classical composer Ólafur Arnalds, Electronica/IDM music artist Ryan Lee West aka Rival Consoles, from London (UK), contemporary solo pianist Nils Frahm from Berlin (DE), Peter Broderick, a Portland, Oregon (US) based multi-instrumentalist and former member of the band Efterklang (DK), instrumental rock quintet Codes in the Clouds from Dartford, Kent (UK), dream-gaze pop band Kyte from Leicester (UK), German contemporary folk singer and songwriter Patrick Zimmer aka Finn. from Hamburg, Justin Lockey’s electronica project The British Expeditionary Force from Newcastle Upon Tyne (UK), Ólafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen’s techno group Kiasmos (IS). Rock Sound from the UK calls the albums “Essential listening for sonic explorers” and awards the first a 9/10.

Catch one of the best new labels around on the upswing and see what real, quality independent music sounds like.

Artist: Various Artists
Title: Collection I
Label: Erased Tapes
Genre: Alternative : Alternative Rock
UPC: 0823566484820
Territory: World  (Ex-  Europe)
Release Date: 02.01.10

Artist: Various Artists
Title: Collection II
Label: Erased Tapes
Genre: Alternative : Alternative Rock
UPC: 4050486010761
Territory: World  (Ex-  Europe)
Release Date: 02.01.10

Hometapes is home to audio artists Bear In Heaven, Slaraffenland, Brad Laner, Megafaun, The Caribbean, Stars Like Fleas, Shedding, Feathers, CYNE and more. Their visual portfolio bears the stamp of artist like Friends With You, Cody Hudson, Josh Keyes, Kathleen Lolley, Graphic Havoc, and of course Adam and Sarah’s own work as well. Hometapes boasts a truly a diverse roster of talent from all over the globe spanning many genres and styles. So what is the underlying theme that brings these artists together? This quote from their website gives us a glimpse in to what Hometapes really stands for:

“Hearing and making music, taking pictures, writing something down, designing a page or a package, watching through windows, driving, walking, talking: these are the modest pillars of Hometapes. We engineer products that represent us, our friends/collaborators, and creative everyday life. Sometimes they exceed our expectations and we surely hope they excite yours. Hometapes = music, art, and everything else.” -home-tapes.com

2009 was Hometapes most successful year to date with releases from Bear In Heaven, Megafaun, Slaraffenland and others and 2010 looks to be even better. Recently featured by Billboard in their article “Class of 2010: Keep an Eye Out For These Up-And-Coming Indie Labels,” it’s clear Hometapes is poised and ready to take it to the next level. We look forward to seeing what they have coming up. Whatever it is we know it will be beautifully presented and true to it’s form.

Enjoy some free tracks from several of Hometapes’ most recent releases:
Bear In Heaven
“Lovesick Teenagers” (mp3)
from “Beast Rest Forth Mouth”
(Hometapes)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

Megafaun
“The Fade” (mp3)
from “Gather, Form & Fly”
(Hometapes)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

CYNE
“Pretty Apollo” (mp3)
from “Water For Mars”
(Hometapes)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

Slaraffenland
“I’m a Machine” (mp3)
from “Sunshine EP”
(Hometapes)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

Best Pop Instrumental Performance – Béla Fleck – Throw Down Your Heart: Tales from The Acoustic Planet Vol.3 – Africa [Rounder]

Best New Age Album – David Darling – Prayer for Compassion [Wind Over the Earth]

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album – New Orleans Jazz Orchestra – Book One [World Village]

Best Bluegrass Album – Steve Martin – The Crow/New Songs for the Give String Banjo [Rounder]

Best Traditional Folk Album – Loudon Wainwright III – High Wide & Handsome – The Charlie Poole Project [Proper Records]

Best Traditional World Music Album – Mamadou Diabate – Douga Mansa [World Village]

Best Contemporary World Music Album – Béla Fleck – Throw Down Your Heart: Tales from The Acoustic Planet Vol.3 – Africa [Rounder]

Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album – Buckwheat Zydeco – Lay Your Burden Down [Alligator Records]

Best Engineered Album, Classical – Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony Chorus, San Francisco Symphony – Mahler: Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major – Adagio from Symphony No. 10 [San Francisco Symphony]

Best Classical Album – Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony Chorus, San Francisco Symphony – Mahler: Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major – Adagio from Symphony No. 10 [San Francisco Symphony]

Best Choral Performance – Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony Chorus, San Francisco Symphony – Mahler: Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major – Adagio from Symphony No. 10 [San Francisco Symphony]

Best Small Ensemble Performance – Theatre of Voices, Paul Hillier – Lang: The Little Match Girl Passion [Harmonia Mundi]

The wait is finally over. After dropping the lead single and lead-up EP late last year, the new Statik Selektah full-length is here! Featuring too many standout rappers to even list here Stat’s latest offering is a clear sign that he has taken his game to the next level. No longer just an underground beatmaker, Stat has truly become the new go-to producer laying down joints for albums by Lloyd Banks, M.O.P., Foxy Brown, Saigon and even executive producing The Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack for Rockstar Games. While many producer-based hip hop albums end up sounding more like unofficial mixtapes, Stat’s  well developed style and expert mixing allow 100 Proof to avoid that pitfall. What we get instead is a soul-filled sample-laden banger. At 17 tracks this is a true LP, not some 7 track EP with few remixes tacked on.

100 Proof starts off smooth as butter with “So Close, So Far.” Bun B’s deep vocals flow over Stat’s laid back production easing us into the record. Wale also delivers a solid verse and Colin Munroe’s vocals fit nicely as a hook. Stat wastes no time getting in to this record dropping the lead single “Critically Acclaimed” next. Featuring Lil Fame, Saigon and Sean P this track really knocks. Exemplifying Stat’s signature style of big booming beats, deftly cut samples and live cuts and scratches “Critically Acclaimed” reminds us how Stat got where he is today. “Night People” is a real radio banger replete with an R&B chorus and a soul vocal sample. Expect to hear this one on Hot97 shortly. On “Drunken Nights” Reks, Joe Scudda and J.F.K. reflect on the mistakes made under the influence. Giving some real meaning to the album title this track remains easy to nod to while carrying a real message.

The track order is clearly thought out and of course well mixed, which allows 100 Proof to flow seamlessly from track to track. With so many different rappers it’s amazing Stat manages to pull off this feat. With beats ranging from the mellow “So Close, So Far,” to the upbeat and fun “Laughing” to the more gangsta “Follow We,” Stat showcases his range and versatility. Easily my #1 track “The Thrill Is Gone” features 2 of my favorite NY (now-not-so) underground rappers and a great Biggie sample cut over a laid back boom-bap beat. Styles P and Talib Kweli kill it as usual dropping their effortless flows over Stat’s musical accompaniment. There are no let downs at the end of this record as the last 6 tracks feature some of the best production. “The Coast” stands out and fits perfectly with Evidence, Kali and Fashawn’s west coast flows. Overall 100 Proof lives up to it’s name and further solidifies Stat’s place in the upper echelon of hip-hop producers.

Grab a copy of “Night People” to take with you:

Statik Selektah
“Night People (feat. Freeway, Red Cafe & Masspike Miles)” (mp3)
from “100 Proof (The Hangover)”
(Brick Records)

More On This Album

#03.

Artist: Burial
Title: Untrue
Label: Hyperdub
Genre: Electronic
UPC: 5024545486520
Territory: World
Release Date: 11.05.07

“Ghost Hardware” (mp3)
from “Untrue”
(Hyperdub)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

#25.
Artist: Burial
Title: Burial
Label: Hyperdub
Genre: Electronic
UPC: 5024545413021
Territory: World ex- Japan
Release Date: 05.15.06

Stream this album from Rhapsody

#39.

Artist: Matthew Dear
Title: Asa Breed
Label: Ghostly International
Genre: Electronic
UPC: 804297906522
Territory: The Americas
Release Date: 04.01.08

“Don and Sherri” (mp3)
from “Asa Breed”
(Ghostly International)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

“IODA Raises Its Classical Brow, Again- Classical is actually a top-selling genre for IODA, and at Midem this weekend, the distributor announced another major partnership. The Philadelphia Orchestra is trusting its digital distribution to IODA, and joining an IODA catalog that already includes the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), San Francisco Symphony Orchestra (SSO), Harmonia Mundi, Hyperion Records, and the New York Philharmonic.” -Digital Music News

You can read the press release over at IODAlliance.com and also look out for our other exciting MIDEM announcements!

Quartet San Francisco
“Take Five” (mp3)
from “QSF Plays Brubeck”
(Violinjazz Recordings)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the release of Time Out, QSF pays tribute to the mastery of Brubeck with the first-ever all Brubeck string quartet CD!

Grammy nominees for their last two releases (2006 and 2007)and International Tango competition winners (New York , 2004), Quartet San Francisco expresses itself in its agility and standout virtuosic playing. Quartet San Francisco is Jeremy Cohen and Alisa Rose , violinists, Keith Lawrence, violist, and Michelle Djokic, cellist. As crossover specialists they excel in multiple styles ó from jazz to tango, pop to funk, blues to bluegrass, gypsy swing to big band and beyond .

Nominee, 52nd Annual GRAMMY© Awards:
Best Classical Crossover Album
Best Engineered Album, Classical

NPR Weekend Edition, Sunday January 31, 2010

The Philadelphia Orchestra, Stewart Goodyear, David Bilger, Christoph Eschenbach
“Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 35″ (mp3)
from “Shostakovich: Piano Concertos Nos. 1&2″
(The Philadelphia Orchestra)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
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Album Notes:
Composer: Shostakovich
Piano Concerto Nos. 1 and 2
Composed in 1933 and 1957
Christoph Eschenbach: Conductor
Steward Goodyear: Piano
Recorded live October 13, 2006, Verizon Hall, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

It is not unusual for performers to play in challenging situations, however few situations are more challenging than the one captured on this recording. In a testament to his skill and artistry, Stewart Goodyear stepped in to play when the featured soloist for this concert canceled on the morning of the first rehearsal. Not only did Goodyear literally hop on a train to make it in time for an afternoon rehearsal, he stepped into the very challenging programmed repertoire without blinking. Two Shostakovitch Concertos on one program? No problem – and they are played with such passion and excitement that it was rightfully lauded in the press as one of the best concerts in recent memory.

Production Credits:
Producer: Charles Gagnon
Balance Engineer: Charles Gagnon
Recording Engineer: Charles Gagnon
Editor: Charles Gagnon
Christoph Eschenbach Bio Photo: Jessica Griffin
Stewart Goodyear Bio Photo: Andrew Garn

The Philadelphia Orchestra, Christoph Eschenbach
“Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 “Choral”" (mp3)
from “Beethoven: Symphony No. 9″
(The Philadelphia Orchestra)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
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Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 (ìChoralî)
Composed from 1822-24: Ludwig van Beethoven
Recorded live May 20, 2006, Verizon Hall, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

This is part of Christoph Eschenbach’s 2005-06 season Beethoven cycle with the Philadelphia Orchestra. It was originally aired on NPR’s Performance Today in a Beethoven “marathon” of consecutive symphonies, and has received wide public and critical acclaim. Of the three in the recorded history of The Philadelphia Orchestra, only the Eschenbach and the Muti are currently available.

Album Notes:
Christoph Eschenbach Conductor
Marina Mescheriakova Soprano
Jill Grove Mezzo-soprano
Vinson Cole Tenor
Alan Held Bass-baritone
The Philadelphia Singers Chorale
David Hayes Music Director