The April 2nd “100% Podsafe” issue of iProng Magazine features an interview with Anji discussing Lovespirals, going podsafe, getting into podcasting, music licensing, live performance vs studio recording, and much more. Also included this issue is a great article on eMusic vs Amazon downloads, interviews with fellow podsafe artists Geoff Smith and Natalie Gelman, and an article with Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes, who released their new single to the Podsafe Music Network. By the way, you can check out tons of Lovespirals tracks on the PMN for use on podcasts, internet radio, Second Life DJ sets, and more!
Lovespirals Remix Contest Ends April 1st!
Only a few days remain to enter the Peace Love Productions Lovespirals Remix Contest! All entries are due in by April 1st for consideration to win an iPod Touch, a year’s subscription to the PLP Producer’s Vault, all 3 Lovespirals’ CDs – personally autographed by Anji Bee and Ryan Lum – and inclusion on a Lovespirals remix digital EP and CD. Many cool remixes have been submitted, but there’s still room for more entries. The top 5 remixes will be featured on Lovespirals Podsafe Music Network remix page and considered for inclusion on a digital-only “This Truth” remix EP, and the runner-up remix will also receive all 3 Lovespirals’ CDs, personally autographed by the band. This is a great way for remix producers to get some exposure through podcasts and cross-promotion, so come join the fun!
Download the Lovespirals remix contest promo mp3 for your podcast or radio show!
Listen to the remix contest promo:
[audio:http://chillcuts.com/promos/Lovespirals_Remix_Contest_Promo.mp3]
Listen to the original mix of “This Truth:
[audio: http://www.chillcuts.com/audio/mp3_128/this_truth.mp3]
Anji Bee Interview on Podfinder UK
Mini Interview with The Chillcast’s Anji Bee
Anji Bee is the soft, sultry, sexy voice of the Chillcast, and one half of the Lovespirals.
When & why did you begin podcasting?
I used to be a college DJ, hosting several music shows and working in station management for 3 years. After I left, I discovered online radio. I started a Live365 station back in January 2000. Eventually I produced some half hour interview features, such as one with Hungry Lucy in May 2005. Garageband had just begun their free podcast service, so I uploaded it there, too. I followed up with a feature on Lovespirals, and then decided it was high time I did a podcast proper.
My first podcast was Chillin’ with Lovespirals, which launched in early June 2005. The idea was that a podcast would be the perfect way to share information and music from our upcoming new album, Free & Easy. I had already been sharing audio interviews online on sites like Mp3.com and SoundClick for years, so I knew our fans enjoyed hearing us discuss our music. I had a hard time, though, convincing my partner, Ryan Lum, that it was a good idea because there weren’t any band podcasts out there yet and he was worried about our bandwidth. Our first episodes were fairly short because of the bandwidth issue.
I still really wanted to do a music podcast, too, and I briefly toyed with the idea of combining concepts into one show, but I’m glad I didn’t, because it would have been too confusing. Chillin’ with Lovespirals is a talk show, whereas The Chillcast is a music show. Sure, sometimes we play a little music on Chillin’ with Lovespirals, and sometimes I have conversations on The Chillcast, but they are totally different. Ryan and I do a much more informal show than when I’m alone in the studio, and you really get to see more of who I am as a person, rather than as a DJ.
Anyway, The Chillcast with Anji Bee, began its life as The Chillcuts Chillcast as more of a tie-in to Lovespirals, since our label name is Chillcuts. I hosted the first 3 episodes on OurMedia.org in January 2006, then I was picked up by PodShow, and the rest – as they say – is history…
What is the most significant thing to happen to you personally as a direct result of producing your podcast?
Podcasting has changed my whole life, honestly! The biggest and best result is that I was able to “quit my dayjob” just like Adam Curry talked about on the DSC when he signed me as part of the first big group of producers to the PodShow network. It has been incredibly liberating to be able to focus solely on audio production, whether it be podcasts or music. And since I have more time to devote to my craft, I’ve been able to improve my skills – both with my singing and my voiceover work. Likewise, I’m able to spend more time developing my marketing, which increases my listener base, so all the way around, it has been fantastic. I’ve met so many wonderful people through podcasting, too, and many of them have inspired me to try new things and reach new vistas. I really can’t say enough about what a great growing experience podcasting has been for me.
What podcasts, if any, do you regularly listen to or watch?
I have to admit I’m a bit spotty with my podcast listening/watching. The one show that I remain totally loyal to is the first podcast I ever subscribed to, and that’s Diggnation. I’ve been a fan of Kevin Rose since he used to be a supporting cast member of The Screen Savers on Tech TV, and I’ve followed everything he’s done since that time. I’ve been listening to the Daily Source Code since Adam started the Podsafe Music Network in 2005. Once he played Lovespirals on the show, I was pretty hooked! Many people actually discovered me through the conversations that Adam and I have had on his show via audio clips. Sometimes it’s hard to keep with him, he’s so prolific, but I check in to see what’s new. I’m also a big fan of In Over Your Head and was devastated when Julien took an extended hiatus recently, but he just made a new episode so I’m hoping he’ll get back into it. Of course I also like to keep up with my friends and ShowGirls co-hosts, the Rumor Girls! I’m into several more music-based shows as well, like Radio BSOTS and Dave’s Lounge, as well as mixed music and talk shows like Mysterious Universe and Friday Favecast. I also dig Tea with Hungry Lucy – and if I’m not mistaken, I was the one to inspire them to begin their show! There’s so many other podcasts that I check out from time to time that I couldn’t possibly list them all, but just to throw out a few; Accident Hash, Cranky Geeks, TWIT, and tons of others.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Honestly, I had a hard time deciding between an artist, a musician, an actor, or a writer and I think that now I’ve pretty much combined all of those things in what I do. I record and release music, I create my website and album art, I perform in my vidcasts and podcasts, and I write – well, not only lyrics, but blog posts, bios, blurbs, heck even this interview. Seems like there’s lots of writing involved in my line of work, surprisingly.
Read the rest of this Mini-Interview with The Chillcast’s Anji Bee on the Podfinder UK site!
Chillin' with Lovespirals #49
[audio:http://m.podshow.com/media/3839/episodes/104745/chillinwithlovespirals-104745-03-19-2008.mp3]
Download Chillin’ with Lovespirals #49 MP3
Ryan and Anji return with stories about their new Logic Studio setup vs their old Pro Tools 24 setup, writing and recording new music, entries to Lovespirals PLP Remix Contest, Dig! on DVD, Ariel PR takes on our Motherless Child EP, joining thesixtyone.com, Anji competing in the Pod 5 Idol competition, Lovespirals on Pod 5, the MP3 Taser Holster, seeing Robert Rich live at the Goethe Institute, Anji’s recent Chillcast specials; NIU Support Collabocast and St. Paddy’s Day Chillout Mix. The show ends with “This Truth (donOesterby Mix)” – the full song, not just a clip. Enjoy!
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More Reviews of Lovespirals' 'Long Way From Home' CD
Reviews are still popping up of Lovespirals recent album, Long Way From Home, in partial thanks to the efforts of Ariel PR who helped to push the album when it was released this past October 23rd.
Jason Moore of Opus writes:
Ultimately, Lum and Bee are all about creating a mood with their music, a relaxed and blissed-out vibe that should be no stranger to fans of dreampop, chill-out electronica, and atmospheric pop. This is music for both late night sessions and noon daydreams, for both listening to at work when you need to escape the pressure of the day and at home when you simply need to unwind with a good book and a glass of wine.
Miles Klee said in Hot Indie News:
Bluesy slide guitar work sometimes shades over into Santana-like finger-meandering, and vocalist Anji Bee’s layered voice paints bright glaze over already dreamy arrangements. It’s as though the glancing disaffection of 80’s and 90’s dream-poppers has been filtered through an AM radio, a mutation that works by dint of sounding completely natural on an evolutionary view.
From the Green Arrow Radio blog:
More than melancholic music, there is a sense that they traveled with you on similar & familiar roads with the radio tuned to the same left of the dial station in the middle of wherever. After nearly a decade of artistic collaboration between singer/songwriter, Anji Bee, & multi instrumentalist & producer, Ryan Lum, it is no wonder that they have managed to put together an album of answers to questions yet asked with a subtle sultry sense of sound security.
The Celebrity Cafe‘s Ray Anderson mused:
Empty and sad, but of full of emotion, their album Long Way from Home is medicine for those that dig the alternative. How can you take a gut-wrenching classic like “Motherless Child” and make it sadder? Let the “Lovespirals” get a hold of it. It’s easy to fall into the loose, country-tinged groove of “Caught in a Groove” and let your soul be taken for a ride. By the time the “upbeat” “Lovelight” comes on, you won’t mind being “A Long Way from Home,” and I think you’ll want to stay there.
Read or written a great review of Lovespirals? Then post a link here, by all mean!
Lovespirals on Shifted Sound Podcast 98
[audio:http://www.shiftedsound.com/podcasts/shiftedsound098.mp3]
Download Shifted Sound #98 MP3
Two Lovespirals tracks and a promo for the “This Truth” remix contest were included on this week’s Shifted Sound Podcast Episode 98. Also included are some highly enjoyable poppy alternative tracks by Brad Laner, LeConcord and more. Shelby has got a great musical ear for sure!
Accident Hash Podcast #260 Includes Lovespirals
[audio:http://m.podshow.com/media/212/episodes/100328/accidenthash-100328-02-22-2008.mp3http://m.podshow.com/media/212/episodes/94198/accidenthash-94198-01-10-2008.mp3]
Download Accident Hash #260 MP3
Our buddy C.C. Chapman has once again shared his love of Lovespirals with his loyal audience in this “snowy afternoon” chillout session, Accident Hash style. If you’ve somehow been under a podcasting rock and haven’t heard his award winning show yet, check it out today! C.C.’s good humor, positivity, and love of music shines through in every podcast and never fails to bring a smile…
Chillin’ with Lovespirals #48
[audio:http://media.podshow.com/media/3839/episodes/99999/chillinwithlovespirals-99999-02-19-2008_pshow_228164.mp3]
Download Chillin’ with Lovespirals #48 MP3
Ryan and Anji are back with news and updates about their recording gear, “This Truth” Remix Contest, launch of a new Lovespirals/The Chillcast Beach Cottage created by Kirsty Hawkshaw in SecondLife, Lovespirals Feature on SolipsisticNATION, and 2 touching listener emails; one from fellow indie musician Tony Pucci, and the other from a NIU Grad Student. Please feel free to send your own listener email or audio comments into the band at info[at]lovespirals.com or just leave a comment on our blog at lovespirals.com!
Lovespirals Chillin’ in their SecondLife Beach Cottage
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New Lovespirals Remix Contest on PeaceLoveProductions
Remix Lovespirals‘ podsafe single, “This Truth,” from their latest album, Long Way From Home, for the PeaceLoveProduction Remix Contest! The finalist will win an iPod Touch, a year’s subscription to the PLP Producer’s Vault, and all 3 Lovespirals’ CDs – personally autographed by Anji Bee and Ryan Lum – plus inclusion on a Lovespirals remix digital EP and CD. The runner-up will win the 3 CDs plus inclusion on the remix EP and CD. Additionally, the top 5 remixes will be offered as podsafe singles on the Podsafe Music Network. The contest began 2/8/2008 and runs until 4/1/2008. Good luck!
Listen to Anji’s audio promo: [audio:http://chillcuts.com/promos/Lovespirals_Remix_Contest_Promo.mp3]
Podcasters & Radio DJs:
- Download the Lovespirals Remix Contest Promo (1 min)
- Download the original track on Lovespirals’ PMN page
- Download the Favemix on Fave Nite’s PMN page
- Download more remixes from the Lovespirals Remix PMN page
Solipsistic NATION Podcast Features Lovespirals
In honor of Valentine’s Day, the excellent Solipsistic NATION podcast is featuring Lovespirals! Bazooka Joe interviews Ryan and Anji via Skype about the band’s evolving sound, their musical history, the effect of technology on the band, the duo’s songwriting process, and much more. Interspersed with the interview are 7 full length songs — including several special permissions (non-podsafe) tracks — and a few of Anji’s side projects.
[audio:http://media.podshow.com/media/9683/episodes/98300/nation-98300-02-07-2008_pshow_226443.mp3]
Chillin' with Lovespirals #47
[audio:http://media.podshow.com/media/3839/episodes/98136/chillinwithlovespirals-98136-02-06-2008_pshow_226291.mp3]
Download Chillin’ with Lovespirals #47 MP3
Ryan and Anji are back with lots of personal and band news including the extended celebration of Anji’s birthday, the band’s harrowing winter storm incident, new recording gear, broken mixer update, a Lovespirals feature on Solipsistic Nation podcast, Long Way From Home on Pandora, Lovespirals guest DJing Yourgasms radio show, audio feedback from War-n of Hungry Lucy, and a clip of the new Chandeen song, “Tomorrow” featuring Anji’s vocals and lyrics.
Anji enjoying the sunset on her birthday
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Anji Bee featured on Behind the Monitor
Woman Behind the Monitor (and the Mic): Anji Bee
“The Sexiest Voice in Podcasting” Anji Bee of the Chillcast talks about the show and her double life as both podcaster and musician.
TREVOR: How did the Chillcast get its start?
ANJI: I guess you could say The Chillcast got its start with college radio DJ’ing. After 3 years of doing various shows and working in management at a college radio station, I was pretty well hooked. Then I discovered Internet radio, and started creating both live and prerecorded Internet radio content – including interviews with indie bands like Hungry Lucy and Sunburn in Cyprus. Eventually podcasts were invented, and I put 2 and 2 together. Podcasting was better than radio because listeners could tune in whenever was most convenient for them – which seemed really revolutionary! My first podcast was actually Chillin’ with Lovespirals, which Ryan and I launched to help promote our 2nd album, Free & Easy. Shortly after, I started getting permissions from indie band friends to create a weekly music show podcast – because you have to understand that at this time the podsafe music movement was barely getting started! Adam Curry had just begun his Podsafe Music Network — which is actually how he and I met and became friends, when Lovespirals joined the site. Adam played us on the Daily Source Code, and then we started talking back and forth on his podcast about Creative Commons vs BMI and all those kinds of things. To make a long story a bit shorter, I put together a few fledgling episodes of The Chillcast, hosting them on the Internet Archive site and C.C. Chapman, who was really active with PodShow at the time, pitched the show to Adam and PodShow management, and I was signed as one of the first group of podcasters to the new PodShow Podcast Network.
TREVOR: What have you learned from operating on both sides of the broadcasting world, as a podcaster and as a musician?
ANJI: Good question. Podcasting is a great way to communicate with your fans, to give them a sense of who you are as a person, as well as to inform them of your latest projects. You can really build a sense of brethrenship, not only with your fans, but fellow indie musicians and fellow podcasters. Podcasts are more intimate than a newsletter, less time consuming than a forum, and both more immediate and long lasting than a personal appearance. I’m surprised more bands aren’t doing podcasts, actually.
TREVOR: Chillin’ with the Lovespirals was one of the earliest band podcasts, what was the impetus behind such inspiration and foresight?
ANJI: Well I mentioned this briefly in your earlier question, but the idea was to share information about the new album we were releasing, and what better way to promote an album than with the music itself? We had shared audio interviews we’d done with radio stations in mp3 format on music sites for years, so I knew people liked to listen to us talk about our music and band experiences. We have all the recording gear here at our disposal, so it just seemed logical to produce our own audio content and make it available via our site. We had fun doing it, too. At that time, iTunes was just launching their podcast directory, so getting listed on that was a real thrill.
TREVOR: Why should a band be PodSafe?
ANJI: Podcasts are a very low cost promotional tool. Unlike radio, it’s very easy to break into the podcasting world. There are still relatively few bands vying for attention on podcasts. If your music is good, you’re bound to get noticed. And podcast subscribers are truly interested in music. These are the cutting edge people who have sought out an alternative form of entertainment; they’re serious. If they like something they hear on a show, they actually go out and buy it. I get email and comments all the time about buying music from my shows — in fact, I got one this week from a guy who was sad that Sun Dula Amen wasn’t on iTunes yet, because he wanted to buy it! And of course, I know for a fact that I sell my own CDs from podcasts, I see the proof from orders on the Lovespirals Webstore.
Read the rest of this interview with Anji Bee on the CyberPR Blog