My First Days as a Bright-Eyed Intern at Independent Distribution Collective…as told by Ashley Lamp

A Journalist by degree and music enthusiast by passion, I decided to follow my heart and ears into the artist management industry.  After a bit of Googling the artist management and distribution industry, I found San Francisco’s Independent Distribution Collective.  (I was actually referred to them by a friend of theirs in the industry, Chameleon Music).

I said to myself, “Self, these guys sound extremely passionate about their work and their their independent distribution business model is right down my alley”. So, I sent an email out, crossed my fingers and after an intense, three-day long interview process (by intense, I mean a friendly, laid-back meeting with the guys and Luna, the office dog), they brought me on as an intern under Jerome Forney in the Digital Operations & Marketing Department.

Day One, IDC’s owner Steffen Franz demonstrated his A&R process, when he approved a group out of Jamaica who have been in the Reggae scene for more than 15 years.  We listened to their demo tracks and Steffen qualified them to be a fit for IDC.  Once the band was OK’ed the team immediately sent out a letter to the artist describing him next steps.

Stay tuned: later on in the blog, I will interview Steffen about his selection process.

Day Two, Durojaiye Versatile dropped by our office.  He was talking with us about his vision for his next EP.  Look out for his new style and collaborations coming your way soon!  He says he’s really changing things up the next go-around.

Day Three, Ben Lang had the other intern and myself learning the process of compiling Solicitation Kits to be sent to retailers they have built relationships with all over the U.S.  Every day I have been able to roll up my sleeves and take part of the quick, ever-evolving world of independent music distribution.

Enough about me…  As you follow our blog, we will keep you updated on independent distribution trends, latest music happenings, and you will even get a behind-the-scenes view into the genius that is Independent Distribution Collective.

Castles In Spain Releases Fifth Full-Length CD/ Album Release Party Info!

June 16, 2011 – San Francisco, CA – Castles in Spain, referred to as “Bombay Zeppelin” by the San Francisco Bay Guardian, is proud to announce the release of their fifth studio CD,  Reminiscing Chapter V, on July 23, 2011.  Castles in Spain will celebrate with their Album Release Party on Saturday, July 23, 2011, at the Red Devil Lounge.  The ten track Reminiscing Chapter V, released on the Chameleon Music label, was recorded at Radiostar Studios and produced by Sylvia Massy, who has produced such iconic acts as Prince, Tool, System of a Down, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M, Johnny Cash, and countless others.

“Reminiscing Chapter V,” states Sylvia, “flows from beginning to end, like a really good movie.  You listen and get caught up in the characters and the stories.  Castles In Spain has that San Francisco sound that we have not heard in a very long time.  It’s an album that has found the right time and place.”

Castles in Spain has been described as being inspired by many people, things and genres, but ultimately defying description.  Castles in Spain’s unique sonic agenda melds tribal rhythms, cinematic and atmospheric vibes and even Middle Eastern and Spanish influences into a sensuously soulful and melodically ethereal style.

Castles in Spain is fronted by award-winning vocalist, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter, Biachi Notaro, who embodies the swagger of Joan Jett, heartfelt passion of Melissa Etheridge and Johnette Napolitano and melodic songwriting sensibilities of Linda Perry.  Biachi caught the bug for singing and performing when she first appeared on stage with her mother, a professional singer, percussionist and belly dancer from Bombay, India, at only four years old.  Her love or Rock and Roll developed upon receiving her first drum set at age seven.  Castles in Spain is rounded out by Joe Birtola on bass guitar, Derek Richmond on electric guitar, and Anthony Verdier on drums.

1340 Magazine states “the music is at once tough, lush and hypnotic, often reminiscent of the epic sounding Jane’s Addiction,” and The San Francisco Bay Guardian describes Castles in Spain as, “Imagine Jimmy Page and Robert Plant riding through the desert, kicking up dust and camel shit at some Cairo bazaar, where Chrissie Hynde is sitting in with Jane’s Addiction, playing Black Sabbath and middle-eastern folk music.”

Online Rock magazine concludes, “You cannot categorize the music, yet the music has a pop sensibility and the performances are passionate and sincere.  The band has an amazing ability to speak to their audiences,” and the music is, “at once tough, lush and hypnotic, often reminiscent of the musical atmosphere created by bands like Porno for Pyros.”

What: Castles In Spain Album Release Party
Where: Red Devil Lounge, 1655 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 http://www.reddevillounge.com
When: Saturday, July 23, 2011.  Doors: 8 p.m. Music: 9 p.m.

For more information visit the Castles in Spain website at: www.castlesinspain.com