TypePad Featured Blogs

Pro Hip Hop

Which Hip Hop artists are on the Top 10 Billboard Albums chart? Who won the Conference Beat Battle? Why did Lil Wayne’s ads get rebooted? All the answers, the artists, and the news are found here in Pro Hip Hop, the online roundup of “Hip Hop Marketing and Business News”. Soulja Boy’s Tour Dates? Right here. Snoop Dogg on a soap? Yep. Reviews of The Formula and The In Crowd? All that and more. Pro Hip Hop provides videos, posts, press releases, interviews and more, so that you get the latest and greatest on this distinctive music style; categories include some that you might not expect but are impacted by Hip Hop nonetheless (Politics, Finance, and Race, for example). Rap and Hip Hop have been giving a voice to the young for years and have created new styles of fashion, speech, and art, making the site well worth checking out.

Jazzwax

Lively, soulful and always emotional, jazz is distinctly American, and its many sounds and rich history are the subject of Jazzwax, journalist Marc Myers’ blog. Unique in its approach, the site’s posts consist primarily of interviews with jazz legends and significant recordings that belong in any jazz lover's CD or mp3 collection. Those interested in this unique sound can read opinions and interviews with musicians such as Louie Bellson, Hal McKusick, Teddy Charles, Yusef Lateef and this week, the great tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins. This site is a jazz lover’s delight, since you also can find (and buy) classic jazz albums, view YouTube clips, and visit the blogs and sites of noted musicians and jazz-centric radio stations. Today also starts a weeklong session of interviews with "America's greatest living jazz artist" Sonny Rollins.

WFMU blog

Radio Station WFMU broadcasts out of New Jersey, and it’s home to “caffeinated” rock, experimental pop, gospel throw downs, long forgotten disco divas… a mix of sounds as lively and captivating as Beware of the Blog the station’s site. DJs, readers, and station personnel create a lively community of sharp writing, insiders’ views, and differing opinions. Cases in point: music reviews, thoughts on politics, and music downloads - in this case, from a 1980’s band trying to improve the Beatle’s music (you be the judge). Listen live to the broadcasts, download archives for future listening, watch videos, and above all read the irreverent, biting, and always fascinating posts (such the ones on The Archie Club News).

Secret Society

No mystery here, this Secret Society is the home base of a New York-based ensemble and features observations on the music scene as well as politics, life in New York, and “whatever shiny baubles happen to catch my eye” (according to author Darcy James Argue). Case(s) in point: Midnight on the Bowery and your feet are soakin’ wet, complete with a set list with compositions by the Society; and I’ll take you down the only road I’ve ever been down. Funky headlines for posts, but they’re personal, vibrant, and keenly observational pieces of life in music (and more). Lots of categories (including record reviews, photo albums, and MP3 audio files to sample, see, and download too, making this a rich audio-visual repository of the creative life.

Monotonous Forest

Did that title get your attention? It’s derived from Dan Bennett’s quote, “How monotonous the sounds of the forest would be if the music came only from the Top Ten birds.” And that should be music to your ears, because Monotonous Forest goes off the beaten path to cover the sounds, sights, and news of music that you may not have heard. You won’t find top, pop, or hip hop here, but a realm of classical soundsthat may be unfamiliar to most. Author Bruce Hodges posts on subjects such as Christmas Music You Haven't Heard (though the holidays are over, you can check out the program listing and sample it for next year); new music from a 91-year old; and thoughts on the passing of composer Karlheinz Stockhausen. Bruce lives in New York and provides comments from Carnegie Hall (among other concert venues) that invite discussion – so settle in to your front-row seat and have a listen.

Girl Jukebox

If you like your music a little on the indie-rock-new wave-electro-pop side, then tune in to Girl Jukebox, DJ Colleen Crumbcake's blog. As her name suggests, Colleen's a DJ and spins in clubs in the New York area - a job that gives her a unique perspective on what's new in music.  If you'd like to check out her sounds, Colleen plays a monthly gig in the metro area; or get a taste of her observations on food (and music), pets and music, happiness and music. Sensing a theme here? We do, and it's fun reading; Colleen's blog is rich in photos, links to music sources, New York sites, and unique places to shop, providing a one-of-a-kind resource for music lovers everywhere.

Fuseblog

Hear the latest? You will, at Fuseblog, the indie-rock/Euro Folk/Classic Rock/You name it spot for the sights and sounds of the music industry. Fuseblog goes behind the vinyl to give you news, reviews, and good old gossip about the stars, the concerts, and the happenings in rock. Case in point: How Aerosmith’s concert cancellation in Hawaii may cost them big bucks – and why; gossip behind the “big boss” of the boy bands, and what Madonna told Warner to do. Lots of photo albums and video- and sound clips of concerts, bands, and personalities enrich the blog; it’s irreverent, insightful, and a great site to see what’s behind the sounds!

Underrated

Are you ready to rock? In the Underrated blog, "sometimes band stalker" Rachael Darmanin writes about the music scene, fans, New York, and life in general. Hers is a fun, urban approach to celebrity, bands, and making a living in Manhattan. There are lots of observations on music and performers with concert schedules, reviews and updates added daily. You may not live in the Big Apple, but Rachael's blog will have you living the experience!

Filter Magazine

Do you march to the beat of a different drummer? Then you’ll find him (or her) at Filter Magazine, a blog dedicated to “helping you discover your new favorite band”. The blog is loaded with video interviews, album reviews, and exclusives on such groups as Grand Ole Party, the Perishers, and Just Jack. And if you want to read, see, and hear more about Indy Rock, Electronic, Hip Hop (and beyond) this is the place!

Calabash Music

Can the world become a better place by downloading music? The folks at Calabash Music believe it can. In response to some shocking numbers about foreign aid contributions made by the United States, they've created a project called "Tune Your World." The movement encourages Americans to download 10 songs from African musicians to help support African artists and nongovernmental organizations. The blog is choc-a-block with heart-stirring videos, free songs, profiles of musicians, album reviews, and other inspiring introductions to global music. Learn about the different types of song and dance from Chile to Senegal. Or use the blog as a way to cross borders and cultures while never leaving your desk. The video on Refugee All Stars puts site newbies straight into the heart of the matter.

Indie Blog Heaven

Indie Blog Heaven is a great little music blog with an excellent mix of band news, sample tracks, and random asides. We have to admit that as much as we love the hyper-caffeinated hipster snark of an enthusiastic music site, we sometimes worry that labors of love can be laborious to read. Not so with Heaven. The pace is relaxed, the tone is confident, and the attitude reflects a genuine affection for independent music artists (no matter what kind of label they're on). We love that IBH respects the artists and only offers tracks for a brief listen and encourages readers to support the artists they like. That spirit seems emblematic of the honest fandom of the best music blogs and bloggers, who go out of their way to offer their time, their ears, and their opinions so the rest of us can find great music.

Random Jottings of a Book and Opera Lover

It's nice to have a passion in life, but it's even better if you have two. Elaine is the author of Random Jottings of a Book and Opera Lover. Readers will delight in her trusted book reviews, of which there are many. Check out her favorite reads from 2006, and then visit her left sidebar to see what's currently on tap. This is a valuable resource for avid readers of Victorian Literature, as well as book groups looking to add some classics to their 2007 calendar. Taking inspiration from her 94-year-old mother, Elaine has started a Personal Challenge. She will stretch her boundaries to include one new modern novel every month this year. Help her with suggestions, and have fun following along. Every once in a while she gets side-tracked by an episode of ER or The West Wing, but that just makes her voice more human. Shakespeare fans, you're not alone. In fact, there's room for everyone to follow this Renaissance woman from Colchester to Covent Garden and back again.

Relaxin' at Camarillo

Andy Stott is documenting his attempt to become a better jazz guitarist -- that's Relaxin' at Camarillo -- and it's a lot of fun to follow, whether you're an accomplished player or just a musician manqué. He started back in June of last year, with the intention "to chart each hurdle as try to fashion myself into a half-decent jazz guitarist while passing on anything useful I find out along the way." That sounds like a uniquely wonderful rationale for blogging and we're happy to report that, eight months later, Andy is still blogging, playing, and seems to be more excited than ever about his musical education. So, pull up a chair, put on Andy's excellent Pandora streaming radio station (in the left-hand sidebar) and read about inspirations like Django Reinhardt, Kenny Burrell,  Joe Pass, and Grant Green. Of course, we also like to tip our hat to Andy's wife, whose excellent craft blog, Mr  Monkeysuit, inspired him to start his own TypePad site.

Root Magazine

Do you know the difference between Samba and Salsa? Professional photographer and dance enthusiast Marcy Mendelson is building a global community for lovers of dance, culture, and music. Root Magazine educates its readers on dance while pointing to all kinds of world beats from Bhangra to Tango. There are posts about news, events, and even book reviews. Travelers will enjoy the guides to Flamenco in Andalucía and Sevilla, while music collectors can double check their lists against Marcy's "must-haves" in African Music. We love that readers are encouraged to participate in photo and essay contests. The Root Community Board lists classes and workshops and the left nav bar is reserved for photos -- but the best way to tap into the rhythms of dance on Root is by watching the video clips.

Video Static

Want to know which music videos are in the pipeline? Want to know which directors are taking a shot at creating the next MTV sensation? If so, Video Static is the place to be. Steven Gottlieb makes it his business to track every production company, every video shoot, and all the latest clips to be added to network rotations. He's been tracking the music video industry for over a decade, formerly as the Senior Editor of CVC Report, and more recently as the man behind Video Static. Making extensive use of categories to detail the companies, directors reps, record labels, and video networks that make up this amazingly creative industry, Gottlieb has created a site that stands alone as a crucial source for the music-video professional. And if that's not enough, he's got video clips. Janet Jackson, anyone?

Third Day

Two-time Grammy-winning Christian Rock band Third Day knows how to keep their fans happy. The Southern band has nine albums, lively message boards, an affectionate name for their fans (Gomers), and a blog that shows the behind-the-scenes action of musicians on tour. Gomers wear orange shirts to show their support and have plenty of their own websites to prove their love, including Gomertopia. The Third Day Blog is full of photo albums of the band, a blogroll of their supporters, and something a little less expected -- a book club. The band loves U2, travels more than most people do in a lifetime, are proud to be Christian, and you can tell by their posts and their pics, they love their work -- touching thousands of people with their music every night.
 

WFMU's Beware of the Blog

WFMU's Beware of the Blog is a hub for all the action at the freeform station Rolling Stone called "the best radio station" for four years in a row. More importantly, Matt Groening -- creator of The Simpsons -- likes WFMU. Playing a dizzying variety of programs that range from Antique Phonograph Music to "Fist-pumping, air-drumming freeform mayhem," WFMU is based near New York City. Of course, you don't have to be local to partake -- FMU is fully Internet ready with streams and downloadable podcasts. It's okay if you don't know what twee indie pop, hot-rod music, or schlock-a-billy is, if you want your rock caffeinated, need a hit of the latest hip hop or world beat music, or want to get hooked on a DJ that gives a damn -- WFMU is your new best friend. They even have one show that sums up the best of WFMU for those that want a taste before ordering a full cup. Use the blog to get the DJs favorite MP3 downloads, find out what's hot this week, hear about film, fiction, and much more. Obscure music that touches you like no one else has doesn't come cheap. WFMU is totally supported by their listeners, just like the blog. So show up to their annual record fair and contribute to the cause.

A VC

Fred Wilson is the Managing Partner of Flatiron Partners and Union Square Ventures, two New York City venture capital firms. How does he have the energy to handle two jobs at once? Well, just check out his personal blog, A VC, and you might get an idea. Fred's directness, intelligence, and enthusiasm have propelled his TypePad site to become one of the most popular blogs on the Web. Wilson's subjects range from new technology to new music, and from business plans to dinner plans. It doesn't hurt that Fred's job (and the influence of his blog) gives him early access to a lot of cool gadgets and services. But it's not an insider's view that makes A VC special -- Fred's dedication and unflagging energy come through in almost every post. Even if you don't find something fascinating in Fred's personal, business, or music-related "musings," check in to see the latest in widgets and add-ons for blog sidebars. If they ever need a host for a Pimp My Blog TV show, Fred's almost certainly a shoe-in.

Hear 2.0

Mark Ramsey is the author of Fresh Air, a guide to marketing for radio stations, as well as the mind behind Hear 2.0, a great blog dedicated to trends and tactics for music programmers. Of course, Hear 2.0 will appeal to anyone who is fascinated by the everchanging audioscape that shapes our lives -- from satellite radio to downloadable music to mp3-player addiction to the podcasting revolution. Ramsey focuses on "traditional" radio and the challenges and changes that they're facing, and he does it with a depth of knowledge and inquisitiveness that you'd expect from someone who runs his own "audio entertainment strategy company." So whether you're a radio station programmer or someone who doesn't know "AC" from "Top 40," check out Hear 2.0 and listen to Mark Ramsey's take on "what's next."

Fugue State

At some point, we all think about learning to play an instrument. For most of us, it's just wishful thinking, but for born musicians, it's just something they have to do -- a translator for their soul. Fugue State acts as a bridge between both worlds -- that of the everyday Joe or Jane and the serious musician. Erin, a veteran flute player traded music for a career in journalism. Fifteen years later, she's decided to start over again, this time with a cello. Her blog reads like a personal diary. There are few links, no photos, and for the first few months we know that she's concentrating more on her instrument than the blog. As time goes by, Erin becomes increasingly comfortable with her cello and with blogging. The two pursuits are harmonizing. See what's its like to have to stop practicing because of pain in your fingertips, go to Erin's first rehearsal, and remember, as she does, to stop and look back on how far she's come. Fugue State is an honest blog, and an insightful look into a world that too few of us will get a chance to travel.

Village Indian

Village Indian is a music blog out of NYC, written by a guy named Amrit, who sees more shows in two weeks than most of  us see in a calendar year. Amrit writes live reviews for his own blog as well as the blogging juggernaut, Stereogum. Not a bad gig, but make sure you don't simply rely on the 'gum to get you the inside scoop on Amrit's concert comings and goings. Bookmark the Village for interviews with and tasty MP3s from bands like Tilly and the Wall, Wolfmother, and Nicole Atkins. Most recently, Amrit ventured forth from the isle of Manhattan to cover Lollapalooza in Chicago and then over to Norway to check out the 100+ bands performing at the Oya Festival. (It's a rough life, being a rock critic.) So, if you love music blogs (and who doesn't?),  make sure you stop by the Village Indian for a listen.

David Byrne

David Byrne has been making music and art for decades, using an incredibly wide range of tools and techniques -- from the acoustic guitar to motion-picture camera to the PowerPoint presentation. That said, it comes as no surprise that Byrne is adept at becoming adept. His foray into networked media began years ago and has produced a gorgeous website, a streaming radio show, and a frequently updated online journal. The writing touches on everything from politics to philosophy, and includes notes on nature, religion, science, and even some of Byrne's dreams. However, if you read the journal for the Travel section alone, you'll be amply rewarded with tales every time Byrne finds himself in another part of the world. Marfa, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, London, the Phillipines, and the itinerary goes on and on.  The writing is honest and direct and every word makes it perfectly clear you're in the presence of a thoughtful, observant, relentlessly curious explorer of the world.

Uncommon

Uncommon is a beautifully designed site that covers the world of Christian bands. Josh Sullivan and crew offer reports and rumors on both emerging and established acts. One glance at the roster of modern faith-based bands like Underoath, The Classic Crime, and Blindside, and you'll realize the Christian rock has come a very long way since the days of Stryper. That said, the focus here is the music first, and the faith an integral second. Music fans who take a secular path their iPod playlists need not steer clear -- there's plenty of Uncommon to hear and enjoy. And now there's also plenty to see, as the site recently spawned its own Uncommon TV video countdown.

Pop-Ed

Subtitled "The Rhapsody Staff Blog," Pop-Ed is a collaborative effort between a dozen of the employees at the popular online music service. Proving that music sites are run by people who love music first and foremost, and bit-rates and back catalogs a distant second, these music fans lovingly craft long-form posts about new music discoveries, their favorite rock-related movies, and off-the-beaten-path musical genres. If you like music blogs, put Pop-Ed on your playlist. If you are a fan of online music services, give Rhapsody a look. They've even got another TypePad blog entirely dedicated to their web services.

Mashuptown

It's hard to express how psyched we were to learn that Mashuptown was a TypePad blog. We'd known about the Mashuptown podcast for ages, having discovered it during the early days of the iTunes podcast directory. Every couple of days, Art Wickson lovingly submits, for your approval, a stellar example of the mashup genre -- two or more recognizable songs overlaid into a single, often mind-blowing track. If mashups are your cup of chai, then M-town is a crucial stop on the road to nirvana. If you're not sure whether this kind of "bastard pop" is music to your ears, it's well worth a short visit to find out. Art posts descriptions of each of the songs, and fully credits the mixologists and the original artists. After listening to a few delectable examples, you'll probably be desperate to subscribe. Use your favorite feed reader or follow Art's directions on how to download straight to iTunes. Hard-core fans can mix up their own tracks and submit them to the Mashuptown message board.

The Rest is Noise

Alex Ross writes for The New Yorker, which is always a nice bullet-point on the ol' resumé. But, you ask, can he blog? Yes, dear reader, he can blog with the best of them. His subject matter is music. Popular music on occasion, timeless (aka classical) music more regularly -- or, as Ross has tongue-in-cheekily renamed it, "Awesome Music." But don't turn away if you don't have season tickets to the symphony. Ross's real subject matter is music that moves people.His writing is suffused with intelligence and passion, and reading his articles and posts can be an exhilirating as hearing a great piece of music for the first time. If you haven't read Ross before, you're about to be introduced to a virtuoso.

Mikory's ABBA Blog

Abba fans, unite! The Swedish pop royalty that rocked the '70s and '80s are still having the time of their lives. Mikory's ABBA Blog accounts for their every move from Bjorn's tax issues to Agnetha's latest squeeze. See what's making Benny happy these days, and pictures of Frida at King Carl XVI Gustaf's 60th birthday party. There are photo albums of each of the original four members, and links to all things in the virtual ABBA universe. ABBA Plaza awarded Mikory's blog the 2005 ABBA blog of the year. The winner takes it all!

Idol Chatter

USA Today has some great blogs. We've featured one before, the excellent Pop Candy, and we'll probably feature more in the future. That said, today belongs to Idol Chatter, music editor Ken Barnes' commentary on the continuing phenomenon that is American Idol. This is the show's fifth season and judging by the enthusiasm of this blog's commenters, it's as popular as ever. From thousands of hopefuls, the current competition has been pared down to two -- Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks -- and whether or not you have a rooting interest, you have to admit that Idol makes for great conversation. With the show airing on multiple nights each week, Barnes has his hands full with performances to critique, votes to handicap, and results to analyze, but Idol Chatter paints a picture of a tireless blogger who is just hitting his stride as the show enters its home stretch.