Say hello to Mikey and Ian from Carbonine, the alt/rock foursome out of Southern California to get their view on the current state of the indie music scene. Carbonine have recently shared the stage with bands like Puddle of Mudd, Hoobastank, and Dishwalla… and will embark their debut tour this June, playing 18 shows in 17 days throughout the western US and Mexico. Check out Carbonine at www.fb.com/carboninemusic for more info.
What is indie music to you?
Ian: Indie music to me is independent music, or music that the “hipsters” listen to (laughs). It’s
been growing on me as of late though.
Mikey: Well… I think it also means being able to freely reveal/exhibit a sound that I’ve completely thought up and produced without the involvement of a major label or any other parties… having total creative control of your music basically.
Where do you see the music industry headed in five years?
Ian: I could see it getting back on track. It seems as if people are coming up with better business models. I could also see illegal downloads going away since music has been effected by that and artists seem to be doing something about it.
Mikey: Honestly, I don’t really see it changing in the next five years. It might evolve a little later, but I think it’s more of the same for the next five I’d say.
If you could change one thing about the current state of the music industry, what would it
be?
Ian: Illegal downloads. It’s really made it hard for upcoming bands to break into the industry and make a living. Bands record a 5-song EP for $10,000 and are only able to see half of that back if they’re lucky… or even less. Now bands have to hope people show up to shows and buy merch or otherwise… they start losing big time.
Mikey: I’d like to see a better exposure system for up-and-coming, talented, independent bands that are dying to be heard with great music. I guess there are too many new bands with great potential… a strong image… and somewhat of a following. I have to be speaking for every other musician/band out there when I say everyone wants to make it… but I think your music simply being liked is not enough. Nowadays, you almost have to be a very business-savvy person on top of being an incredible musician to barely scratch the surface of “making it big.”
When it comes to the music business, name one band/artist that you think is “doing it
right”?
Ian: Royal Blood seems to be doing well. They have a different and recognizable sound that people have been relating to as of late. I still can’t believe its only two people in the band! They are very innovative and my new favorite band. I really hope they will reignite rock music and put it back in the spotlight.
Mikey: A new band/artist that’s doing it right these days… Imagine Dragons immediately comes to mind. They’re popping up on the radio all the time, so apparently they are doing something right (laughs). For an alternative group, they’re always being played and they seem to be everywhere these days.
What’s the biggest challenge emerging artists face in the music business today?
Ian: I’d say breaking away from “pay-to-play” type of shows, people not going to shows because of the laziness of technology, illegal downloads, etc. There are plenty of other scams that screw over musicians, but these seem to be the big ones that have been decimating our local scene. No one ever seems to care unless you’re becoming something big.
Mikey: I’ve read about other extremely talented and hard working bands/artists that immerse themselves into their work and take it as a full-time gig, which is a great thing to do having not “made it” yet. Its extremely tough just being able to live off your work without any other sort of income these days. Bands go broke and break up mainly because of that reason alone, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Finances are always the biggest concern with any band I think. You can be the most talented, passionate musician in the world… but if you’re not getting the right team behind you for exposure, then your career will just go stagnant. You won’t move.
