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New York Dolls
How Independent is "Indie" Music?
How independent is your favorite "indie" band? Growing numbers of artists are gaining prominence through Internet-created, grassroots campaigns. Still others are forming their own labels so they don't have to answer to major-label demands. But as these trends develop -- and as bands increasingly try to play up their independent credentials -- does the term "indie" still mean what it used to? We get two opinions on the subject as we're joined by Ryan Schreiber, senior editor of Pitchfork Media, and Michael Caplan, co-founder of the label Or Music and a veteran of the majors. Also on the show: a look at "New York Doll," filmmaker Greg Whiteley's documentary about the legendary New York punk band. The film follows 55-year-old Arthur "Killer" Kane, bassist and founding member of the New York Dolls, in his life post-Dolls as a recovering alcoholic and converted Mormon.
Independent's Day
Ryan Schreiber, editor-in-chief of Pitchfork Media, and Michael Caplan, co-founder of the label Or Music, discuss the state of the indie music scene.
» Pitchfork Media
» Or Music Web site
» Who Owns What? A Breakdown of the major and indie labels
New York Doll
Filmmaker Greg Whiteley discusses his documentary on the seminal punk band.
» New York Doll Web site
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Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
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Soundcheck Blog
Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
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Noteworthy New York
Soundcheck
We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.
Your "Democracy Song"
Soundcheck
As we march toward Election Day, Soundcheck wants you to identify a song that captures the spirit of democracy. It might be Woody Guthrie’s populist classic “This Land Is Your Land” or Sly and the Family Stone’s funky hit “Everyday People.” It might even be a current Top 40 hit with mass appeal. Put on your musical thinking cap, get creative, then post your song here.
Buying Music: A Smackdown Series
Soundcheck
Check out our ongoing series of Soundcheck Smackdown debates on the music marketplace -- and how we shop inside it. Part I: the pros and cons of MySpace. Part II: two documentarians throw down over music at Wal-Mart. Coming up: Part III: iTunes and Part IV: iPod vs. Zune
- Comments [26]
Atmosphere
Soundcheck
With minimalist beats and confessional rhymes, the hip-hop duo Atmosphere became the toast of the hip-hop underground after it formed 10 years ago. Now, the group has turned to classic funk and soul, and frontman Slug is still telling captivating stories. They perform in our studio.
- Comments [2]
Tin Pan Alley
Soundcheck
A two-block stretch of West 28th Street was once the home of American songwriters and music publishers. But buildings in area are now up for sale, and preservationists fear a major development is in the works. We look at the history and future of Tin Pan Alley.
I Am Azerrad ... No, I Am Azerrad!
Soundcheck
Nirvana biographer and indie-rock historian Michael Azerrad writes about musicians for a living. Now, the British band Tubelord (pictured) has written about him -- and the lyrics are a tad scary.
- Comments [1]
Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile
Soundcheck
Two major players from the worlds of classical and American roots music have joined forces for an album of new material. They perform in our studio.
- Comments [7]
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