Do YOU know what today is?!!  Here’s a hint:

Okay, imagine way back to this very day in 1948 – Back to when your parents were born, back to when Columbia Records made the FIRST ever LP (long playing) album! Before, there was only EPs, music was short. You could only hear a few songs at a time. Then the LP came along and changed everything!

At the beginning of LPs, they were recorded at speeds of 74 and 82 rpm (revolutions per minute). When Columbia Records made what we know of LPs today, they made the speed 33 rpm.The first album on this new format was The Voice of Frank Sinatra.

Now You could put on a record and dance! As a musician, you could experiment with sounds and not worry that you will run out of time. LP’s opened Pandora’s box and this still goes on today! We haven’t shaken off LP’s and  many bands still put their albums out on it. Because there is nothing like it! The sound is fantastic. The album art work is better than CD’s. The list goes on! We here at LP33 follow this tradition of giving you more music.  So, now you know why LP33 ROCKS!!!!

The artwork of Flying Lotus‘ Cosmogramma was created by Leigh McCloskey.

If his face is familiar to you, click here.

An artist on LP33’s one-to-watch radar, Hugo, let us on set during the shooting of his video for “99 Problems”. In a basement in downtown Los Angeles, the dude walked through dirt, hung upside down, and entertained crawling creatures to create what he calls “moral jeopardy”.

Here’s a teaser of what’s to come:

Also check out the photos from the photo shoot here, and the full track “99 Problems” below.

99 Problems by HugoOfficial

5. David Guetta ft. Fergie; his latest release:

4. Morcheeba are back with yet another beautiful album, ‘Blood Like Lemon’. This is the lead release:

3. Florence & the Machine’s Up Close interview. The band are really breaking into the US music scene right now:

2. Mike Posner is the new party boy on the block -check out our interview with him at SXSW, but this song has just moved up to #19 in the Billboard Hot 100

2. Kele who also doubles up as the lead singer of Bloc Party has just launched a solo career, come top of an LP33 poll and is on tour in the US this summer:

1. Lonestar have become the sound of the summer for a lot of the States with ‘You’re The Reason Why’ and they performed the track live and acoustically for the LP33 team. Check out their profile for a full interview:

Daily highlights of LP33.tv’s content our always available on our Spotlight Channel

You can also buy the new album, Drink The Sea, here!

*Photo credit: Jorge Roberto Ramirez.

Acrassicauda was playing as part of the “Scion Metal Show” and last night the they made their Los Angeles debut at the world famous Roxy Theatre, and the crowd loved it! It didn’t take long for the mosh pits to break out at the small venue, and the energy in the room was simply amazing. The music is solid and live show is not to be missed, expect to hear more from these guys very soon.

We compiled a list of guys who also included those who are out, bi, trans, gay, queer, said they’d be willing to try, bit flirty with guys, and ones that just spark our gay-dar, however that blog will likely come further down the line.  This list is restricted to those who’ve officially come out loud and proud as Gay. Further down the post,  we also break down the Top 5 Hip Gays, Top 5 Take Home to Mother, and Top 5 Just to Take Home.

So without further ago, here’s what we think.  Agree?  Disagree?  Have a suggestion?  Throw it in the comments.

20. Neil Patrick Harris

Photo Credit: Capital M

Neil Patrick Harris is best known as an actor in the hit show How I Met Your Mother (…and let’s not forget Doogie Howser, M.D.), but since 1997 Broadway has been a major part of his life with musical theater shows such as Rent and Amadeus.  Writer’s note: He would have come up higher in the list based on looks alone, but given music and performing aren’t his main focus, he’s #20.

The man, however, can sing.  Check out the internet show, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog:

19.  Sliimy

The Parisian pop star is a darling of the gay and hipster scenes in mainland Europe, and was championed for a while in the US by Perez Hilton. LP33 caught up with Sliimy a few months back.  Check out the interview, and his adorable nature, right here.

18.  Junior Vasquez

Photo Credit: cena carioca

Junior Vasquez, real name Donald Mattern, is a bit of an older sexy dude – in fact, he’s a virile 60.  Throughout his career, he has made hundreds (if not thousands) of boys get sweaty and topless in nightclubs in NY and around the world. He’s a true superstar DJ, and in recent history, has also added producer credits to his name working with artists as diverse as Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Madonna, and John Mellancamp. He’s not uncontroversial, with a reported high profile fall out with Madonna and a drug problem – but he’s bought a lot of joy *cough* to a lot of guys.

17. Elton John

Photo Credit: Luke Robinson

We love Elton. A true Queen in every sense of the word, he’s lived a full life and there aren’t many people in the western world who haven’t grown up hearing his tracks.  While he did wobble a bit with marriage to a lovely Australian lady in the ’80s – he more recently was one of the very first men to go through a ‘Civil Partnership’ ceremony in the UK. He got married in Windsor in the same office as Prince Charles. In terms of being a high profile advocate for ‘the cause’ we’re also hoping he might send a few presents our way.

16. Antony Hegarty (Antony & The Johnsons)

Photo Credit: Pieter Van Hattem

Born in suburban England, but raised in Amsterdam and California, Antony is a true character, musical genius, and can be fairly described as a ‘musician’s musician’. He’s most famous for being part of Antony & The Johnsons but has also worked with people like Lou Reed, Boy George, and Bjork. He’s definitely on the artsier, progressive side of music – working a lot the last couple of years with Opera Houses and Symphony Orchestras.  He made #16 on our list, not through traditional looks, but character and musical ability.

15. Jónsi Birgisson (Sigur Rós)

Photo credit: Cole Bulas

Whilst Jónsi is currently working solo, he’s best know from Sigur Rós, the post punk Icelandic band that inspires a hugely passionate and loyal fan base.  That band is on an indefinite hiatus, but Jónsi is currently out on tour supporting his solo album, Go.  He also makes beautiful music with his boyfriend and music collaborator Alex Somers.

Here he is in action as part of Sigur Rós with Bjork:

14 . Del Marquis (Scissor Sisters)

Del is the guitarist in Scissor Sisters, and is perfect if you like them quiet and stylish. According to the band’s DVD, he stalked several famous guitarists over the years, including Robert Smith from The Cure.

13. Michael Stipe (R.E.M.)

He’s a musical genius, intelligent, rugged – and funny. This video kinda sums that up:

12. Darren Hayes (Savage Garden)

Darren first came to fame as one half of Savage Garden with their 1997 hit “Truly Madly Deeply”.  At that time, Darren was married (to a woman) and just moving from his native Australia to New York.  Fast forward a decade and he’s living in the UK, married to a guy called Richard, and recording music – with a new album due out early 2011, and a single later this year.

11. Sam Sparro

Sam is currently best known as a musician in the UK who has had success with tracks like “Black & Gold“, where he was also the darling of music, fashion and gay press.  Australian by birth, Sam lives between Los Angeles and London.  Having broken in Europe, Sam is now focusing on the US with a new single, “Corrected” featuring DMC and Mason.

10. Rufus Wainwright

Rufus is not just an awesome musician, but one of early few out and proud musicians who put it out there before it became fashionable. The son of country music stars Laudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, he’s been following his own distinct path from making folksy sounds, right through to an opera.  He’s had a lot of drama in his personal life, from sexual assaults to addiction, and the sad death of his mother earlier this year due to cancer.

9. Jake Shears (Scissor Sisters)

Photo Credit: Darwin Bell

Jake is the first of 3 members of the Scissor Sisters in today’s Sexiest Gay Male Musician countdown to make our Top 10.  Jake was born in Arizona, but is most famous in the UK where the band had the best selling album of 2004, as well as truly entering the pantheon of gay greatness by co-writing a song for Kylie Minogue with fellow Scissor Sister, Babydaddy.  Jake has had a bit of a wild life, famously being a go-go boy and erotic dancer when he first moved to New York, but now  is happily married to a man named Chris (whom refuses to divulge more about his identity).

8. Babydaddy (Scissor Sisters)

We don’t always believe in going for the obvious choice. Quiet and strong do well for us, and Jake Shears has even sung about his admiration for his Babydaddy.  In fact even the man himself famously said, “Jake gets a lot of attention just by virtue of being the lead singer, but when the boys want a little beef, they come to me”.  Babbydaddy’s real name is Scott Hoffman and was born in Houston, TX.

7. Matt Morris

Matt had a pretty musical upbringing – his dad was Country star Gary Morris and he starred in the Mickey Mouse club in the early ’90s.  Justin Timberlake wasn’t just a fellow Mousketeer, he signed Matt to his record label, Tenman Records, a little while ago.  Matt is married to Sean Michael Morris and they have 3 lovely dogs.

6. Adam Lambert

So Adam got famous as the runner up on  American Idol, but has caused a lot of controversy since being the US’s first high profile, openly gay pop star.  Adam also caused a lot of controversy on our selection committee – female followers were adamant he was hot, but were outvoted by the gay male members who wanted a little more raw edge in their Top 10.

5. George Michael

George was another controversial figure in countdown positioning.  Musically he’s exceptionally talented, can look after his dates, and was (and definitely still is) a sex symbol for many a gay guy and straight women. He’s had a little controversy around his behavior recently with being stoned at the wheel of his Range Rover, but let’s face it.  He’d probably be a, erm, tiger in the lovin’ department. We thought this was the most appropriate George video to play, Father Figure:

4. Will Young

Will is a nice, clean, loving young man, vaguely related to British royalty, winner of the UK’s X Factor, and consequently, a big star in the UK.  He’s best known in the US for his song, ‘Leave Right Now’ which got played as ejected contestants left the stage on American Idol – also appearing on this years season finale.  Will has made Top 5 for being classy boyfriend material and we  thought we’d link to one of his sexier videos, an homage to Top Gun:

3. Rostam Batmanglij (Vampire Weekend)

Vampire Weekend is one of the hippest bands of the moment. Rostam was born in Iran, but grew up in DC and attended Columbia where he met the rest of his band mates. Rostam is one of the 2 main songwriters in the band, but has also been taking some time out with a side project called Discovery. You can read more about Rostam in this Out Magazine interview.

We caught up with Rostam (far left) and the rest of the band members at last years SXSW talking about making their album Contra, which finally got released earlier this year.

2. Ricky Martin

It took some time, but Ricky finally officially told the world what we all had assumed.  Better late than never.  Ricky has developed from teen heart-throb to a global sex star, and now is playing the doting father.  No word on whether Ricky is sharing his parenting responsibilities with a special someone, although tabloids have pictured him with a handsome beach buddy (that we think he’d make a lovely couple with).  Check out this video of our #2 Sexiest Gay Male Musician.

1. Kele Okereke (Bloc Party)

Kele on the front cover of Attitude Magazine

So the sexiest, most talented musician for this LP33 survey is Kele Okereke, best known as lead singer of electro-indie band Bloc Party, and sole talent behind the upcoming album The Boxer.  Kele won top spot through his combination of musical talent, hip indie cred, and sure fire sexual oomph.  One of the LP33 team had the honor of passing him in a hotel corridor – he reportedly made our mans knees go weak.  Born in Liverpool to Nigerian parents, raised in London. Whilst Kele is out and discussed some of the stories behind his lyrics – for example in Attitude magazine – he’s also a very shy guy and generally doesn’t like to talk about his personal life.  Bless, it makes us like him even more.  Check out his brand new release:

And our other gay Top 5’s….

Top 5 Gay Hipster Musicians

5. Sam Sparro

4. Babydaddy

3. Matt Morris

2. Rostam Batmanglij

1. Kele Okereke

Top 5 to take home to Mom

5. Matt Morris

4. Adam Lambert

3. Will Young

2. Rostam Batmanglij

1. Ricky Martin

Top 5 to just take home…

5. Elton “fat wallet” John

4. Sam Sparro

3. George Michael

2. Ricky Martin

1. Kele Okereke

So how does our list stack up?  Miss anyone?  Let us know!

Florence + The Machine has already taken the UK by storm, recognized by The BRIT, MTV Europe, and Meteor Awards. She has been on the NME Awards tour, and performed at Glastonbury, Reading, and Leeds festivals. Her debut album, Lungs, held the #2 spot on the UK charts for its first 5 weeks, and hit the #1 spot after staying for 28 weeks.

Florence is a force.

However, there’s also a soft, yet madly creative side to Florence Welch. Beneath the costumes and the edgy lyrics lies a story of musical alchemy.

Here is the exclusive LP33 interview with the beauty, as she tells you what she doesn’t know, what she likes, and what NOT to do.

Quadron are a Danish duo bringing their own brand of electronic soul & R&B to the forefront.  The New York Post has called them a “mix between Adele, The Supremes, and Sade” and very soon you will have a chance to see for yourself.

Off the back of their self titled debut, the duo consisting of vocalist CoCo and producer Robin Hannibal have woven electronic tinged, ’60s inspired, pop/R&B that will keep you swaying and bobbing with each track.  Do yourself a favor and head to Plug Research to download Quadron’s album.

Quadron have been carving themselves a niche in the music scene and are now beginning to reap the benefits.  They’re kicking of their summer dates with a performance at UCLA’s annual Jazz Reggae Festival and through the summer, closing out on June 29th in Philadelphia, PA.

“Buster Keaton” and tour dates below:

May 30th – JazzReggae Festival at UCLA
June 6th – Amoeba in-store  Los Angeles, CA
June 7th – KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic Los Angeles, CA
June 11th – Mosaic Lounge in San Jose, CA
June 12th – The New Parish in Oakland, CA
June 13th – Som Bar in San Francisco, CA
June 15th – KEXP Live Performance Seattle, WA
June 15th – Nectar Lounge in Seattle, WA
June 17th – The Fix in Portland, OR
June 23rd – Liv in Washington DC, MD
June 24th – Southpaw in NY, NY
June 25th – Spring 4th in Atlanta, GA
June 26th – Venue TBC in Miami, FL
June 29th – Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia, PA

I thought it would be fitting to follow up my last blog post, “Merchandise Marketing Lesson from Katy Perry“, with an entry that speaks about one of the many intricacies of merchandising: the fact that most venues charge artists a fee in exchange for the right to sell merchandise at the club.

On average, a venue will charge a fee of 25% of the revenue generated from sales of non-music merch that take place at the club (venues do not typically take a percentage of the revenue generated from CD sales that take place at the club). If you have not yet started selling your merch at shows, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with this practice; you’ll need to take it into consideration when pricing your merch and you’ll need to factor it into your bottom line.

In this video, Tisa Mylar, manager at the historic Whisky A Go-Go on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip, speaks about common merchandising practices at the Whisky and why venues take a percentage of merchandise sales. She also covers other topics related to live shows including how to get booked at the Whisky, the likelihood of being seen by A&Rs and others in the industry when playing at the Whiskey, the practice of “pre-sale”, web-casts and DVDs of live performances, and how the income generated from the door compares to the income generated from the bar.

LP33.tv Main Page

We here at LP33 are very excited to announce a brand spankin’ new LP33.tv!

Now fans and artists alike can enjoy a whole boatload of new features, all alongside the existing capability of being able to create a free profile and share videos of your band, or favorite band!

Hang out, look around.

Here’s the rundown of some of the great new features you’re about to find:

- A brand new player design

Artists, rest assured that when you send your fans to your LP33.tv profile, your video is going to be showcased in a the best possible light.

Fans, watch your favorite videos, live performances, and LP33 interviews on a larger, sleeker new media player.

- New and improved PERSONALIZED suggestions and recommendations

Artists, you’ll be sure to come across thousands of new eyes with our recommendation tools!  Just make sure you fill out your influences when you create your free profile.

Fans, we’re here to help you discover amazing new music!  Music recommendations will be made for you based on the artists you like in your free profile.

- Brand new Featured Artist section on each channel

Artists, you have a chance at being featured on LP33.tv’s channels, perused by loads of new eyes daily!

Fans, check out some great new artists that we HAND SELECT for our readers.

Could YOU be part of our featured artists?

- Added friend feed

Artists, you can keep up with what your fans are up to, and know your updates will be delivered directly to their personal pages.

Fans, you’ll stay on top of what not only your friends are up to, but what your favorite bands have going on!  And you’ll have to look no further than your LP33.tv profile.

- Enhanced navigation history tool bar

Like a brand new band?  Want to hear more?  Back track easily to keep track of all the great new music you’ve just found.

- Facebook “Like” Button

Show your friends on Facebook that you found something rad!  ”Like” on LP33.tv keeps you connected.

Like it? Connect on Facebook!

Not a member yet?  What are you waiting for?  Set up your free profile – artists, click here.  Fans, click here.

Just Blaze aside, a great remix, is a great remix, no matter the definition.   As summer gears up and tours begin there has been no shortage of quality material and artists dabbling in other’s work: here, here, and here.  Today’s is no different as Gil Scott Heron’s stellar “New York Is Killing Me” receives the treatment with a verse from Mighty Mighty Mos Def and The Acorn get a helping hand, leading up to their new album No Ghost, by way of Four Tet with a remix of “Restoration.”

Head over to 2DopeBoyz.com to grab “New York Is Killing Me” – UPDATE: download

Head over to Stereogum.com to get your bite of The Acorn’s “Restoration”

You won’t regret the losing the hard drive space.

They hit the road through the first half of June, ending on the 17th.  Then they pick back up for Lollapalooza (August 6 – 8, 2010).  June is highlighted by their Bonnaroo performance on June 11th.

Full list below:

Tour Dates:
June
4 Louisville, KY – Zanzabar
5 Indianapolis, IN – Radio Radio
6 Chicago, IL – Do Division Festival
7 Iowa City, IA – Blue Moose
8 Kansas City, MO – Crossroads
9 St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
11 Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo Music Festival
13 Washington, DC – DC9
14 New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
15 Broklyn, NY – Knitting Factory
16 Buffalo, NY – Mohawk Place
17 Toronto, Ontario – Legendary Horseshoe Tavern

August
06-08 Chicago, IL – Lollapalooza

Off the back of their debut release Treats duo Sleigh Bells have been on tour across Europe.

They’ve recently announced, on their Myspace page, tour dates that will have them traversing the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, and finishing up at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago, IL on July 18th.

Dates below: