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Soundcheck

Wednesday, August 16, 2006
  • IODA  Long Tail example

    Following The Long Tail

    The hot best seller, "The Long Tail," is causing a sensation with its claims about how the Internet is rewriting the old rules of commerce, especially when it comes to digital music sales. The book’s Chris Anderson joins guest host Anthony DeCurtis to discuss his blockbuster ideas and address his critics. Also: a live performance by songwriter Vienna Teng. She worked as a software engineer at Cisco for two years before she decided to quit and pursue her dream as a singer-songwriter. She explains why she traded in one keyboard for another.

The Truth Behind The Long Tail

Chris Anderson's theory of The Long Tail attempts to explain how business strategies have changed with the explosion of internet retail. But music industry analyst Barry Sosnick argues that it's just another catchy business phrase. They join us to debate the theory.

From Cisco Systems to Songwriting

Vienna Teng explains how she moved from Silicon Valley to the singer-songwriter circuit. She'll perform live in the studio.

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

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.

Tin Pan Alley

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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!

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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.

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

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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.

Tina Dico

Soundcheck

Singer-songwriter Tina Dico tops the charts in her native Denmark. She joins us to share songs from her latest full-length album, "Count to Ten," as well as a trilogy of EPs.