New Music, New Titles, New Arguments

This may seem to be an odd way to start this post, but... Hi!! The reason for this beginning is that it has been almost 2 months since the last entry. It's not that there wasn't anything to write about, it's just I was consumed with upgrading the station. Everything from adding more storage space for more music on the server, to doing research, to converting and uploading files - there never seems to be enough time in a day. Then factor in the "full time job" thing, and time really seems to slip through the fingers.

We pressed on, however, and we're getting there. As of this writing, over 225 titles have been added to the station... and more are coming, a lot more! Patience is a key word with this process. I never realized just how difficult it is to find mp3 versions of songs done by Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention without having to resort to vinyl. This also holds true with countless other bands and artists. In some cases, material is just not available yet.

Of course, I always welcome emails. I really do read all of them and respond to most. Note that key word there - MOST - because some do not warrant a response. I expected some emails (and flack) about some of the songs I added. I was actually kind of looking forward to it. Now, don't get me wrong here - it's not like the station is out to win some kind of contest or award or is trying to piss people off. 360 Degrees is definitely not going to get the nod for the Captain Obvious category because we are just not that mainstream, even when it comes to alternative music. On the other hand, we're also not trying to be the Kings of Obscurity, either.

Just like our mantra or mission statement, 360 Degrees is "classic to cutting edge". We feature four decades of alternative rock. We did this when we started and things haven't changed. The only thing that has changed, is the scope or depth of the music. What I mean by that is, we are finally able to feature more artists and titles that fit into this genre. Remember, alternative is not just a term or a type of music that ranges from the 90's through today. It's also about the music's influences - and I'm not just talking about the Ramones or the Sex Pistols either.

Face it - even the Ramones and the Pistols had influences. It's called music from the 60's like the Who, the Faces, MC5, Iggy Pop, and more. Here's another thought - all those artists had influences as well... like music from the 50's. Imagine that...

This is one reason why I've added artists like The Pink Fairies, The Troggs, The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds. The last two bands, I have to admit, raised some eyebrows. First off, the songs I added were some very early material done by each band; I'm talking circa 1965. All the songs are basic, straight forward, blues riff rock and roll... the very foundations taken almost 10 years later, modified somewhat, and turned into punk. I hate to break it to some people out there, but without the Stones and the Yardbirds, there ain't any modern rock n' roll. Period. Need further proof? Try to find a music rag from that era. Both those bands were flagged as "a new alternative sound to rock n' roll".

One of the greatest conversations I've ever had was with Seymour Stein of Sire and Warner Brothers fame. This was a number of years back, but during the conversation, he mentioned that when he first heard the Ramones, he heard music from the 60's, influences from surf, the Beach Boys, and more. He actually thought their music was "very catchy" believe it or not. So, just think... if he didn't listen to his gut and listened to these other people who told him he would "fuck up his label" if he signed The Ramones, where would we be today?

For those of you who are longing for more "obscure and/or non-mainstream" stuff from the 70's and beyond, we've got you covered. We're also added bands that truly cover the spectrum. Everything from Crass and The Plasmatics, to The Selector and Fishbone, to brand new material by Five Finger Death Punch, along with way too much more material to list.

So, keep your eye on our Facebook page as well as the blog along with an ear to the station. It will be different, cool and diverse. From classic to cutting edge. It will encompass 360 Degrees of Alternative music! Enjoy!

Until next time, keep listening.
Peace out,
Dave