By Jill

Published: September 20th, 2007

Giovanni La Rosa is the founder of Goodie Goodie Production Co. and has been booking events throughout the city since 1998. He also writes, develops, and funds independent films. How did you get started in the music biz? Well…let’s see…In high school, I threw kegs in the woods…It kinda gets hazy after that. What did it take to launch Goodie Goodie? Impeccable character, unbridled willpower, and poor risk management. Sprinkle some other worldly goals on top of that and you have framed things quite nicely. Best thing about the Philly music scene? Alternative venues. How do you select artists to perform at events? I think you mean to say who tells artists what events they can play at. We really just look for one ...

By Jill

Published: September 20th, 2007

How did you get High Two off the ground? High Two started in late 2003 with coffee can full of coins, a push from my friend Mark Christman, and the knowledge that the world needed to hear Dave Burrell properly recorded. It bore fruit with the June 2004 release of Dave Burrell's first album. What are the challenges of starting and maintaining a label? I think the biggest challenge is putting something new in front of people; you never know how anything is going to be received. Are you looking to broaden your artist roster? After the next crop of artists' deals are worked out, I don't think the music could get more broad. More music of various types is on the way, in a ...

By Jill

Published: September 20th, 2007

Recording costs are high, no doubt.  The risks can be higher, though...especially when album sales are low, and there is no guarantee of breaking even.  So it's no wonder that artists are looking toward alternative options like self-recording.  But what happens when you're working on your album at home, and you realize you need a professional? Jay Levin, co-owner of Turtle Studios, knows all about this situation.   He could probably spout a slew of unique circumstances and projects that reflect his enthusiasm for collaborating with independent artists.  One example is Culture Industry, the debut album from Philadelphia Slick.  I heard from the Slick crew about the album's progress once it hit Turtle Studios, and I knew then that I ...

By Jill

Published: September 20th, 2007

I was seeing this free publication everywhere, so I decided to find out what it was all about. Origivation, a combination of "original" and "preservation," encompasses Brian Cronin's thoughts on Philly's music scene and what it needs. What is Origivation and how did you get started? Origivation Magazine is a monthly publication with 10,000 copies distributed freely throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, including Central PA, DE, NJ, and NYC. I have always been a fan of original music- ever since I can remember. When the former publisher, Anthony Caroto, decided to relocate to Arizona, he presented me with an opportunity I couldn't resist. I was always a loyal reader and advertiser of the magazine, ...

By Jill

Published: September 20th, 2007

Just like most show-goers, I learned about R5 Productions going to see my favorite bands at the First Unitarian Church. Since then, I've been awestruck by Sean Agnew's ability to mix great music and a DIY attitude with such professionalism, and I had to find out more. How did you get into promoting shows? I started doing shows in '96 for punk and ska bands that I wanted to see who were skipping over Philly. Maybe seven or eight times a year - more of a hobby than a “business.” I never thought that it would turn into this. Back then, bands were normal functioning human beings and did most of the booking themselves, which made it a lot easier ...

By Jill

Published: September 18th, 2007

How and why did you start Sherman Community Arts? Basically, I had a friend who died who was an artist/musician. My response to her death was that I wanted to help create a network for artist/musician support. I guess I felt that making the choice to just do art or music usually means not having insurance (which caused her death), and other sacrifices. The general idea was to bring folks together in more of a network, or support model, to avoid such things happening again. I started Sherman Arts by just handing out postcards and letting folks know I was trying to create a network of artists and musicians. It was very vague, and essentially didn't really take off. Then, I ...

By Jill

Published: June 20th, 2007

Maori Holmes is exactly the kind of person that Black Lily provides a platform for: a strong female artist. Among her many positions in the music and film worlds, she's been a freelance writer, costume designer and film producer. Now with Black Lily, Maori is working with female artists of all backgrounds and races, helping them to be heard in a culture of stifled voices.  The organization produces the annual Black Lily Film and Music Festival, as well as other various events in Philly that celebrate female artistry and brilliance.  After last year's festival, Holmes gave us some of her time, and insight into her prowess. How did you get started in entertainment? I started out carrying crates ...