Raise your glass and tip your bartender well this Thursday (12/01) at Bowery Electric. New Jersey’s noir-pop mastermind,Shayfer James, will be showcasing songs off his new release,Counterfeit Arcade, out today. It’s a very special release party where bringing a friend gets you a signed copy of the record, beginning at 9pm.

Photo courtesy of Easy Apple 

The inspiration for Shayfer James‘ new song “Diggin’ Up Hatches” comes from a place we’re all familiar with: A land called cyberspace. “I’m fascinated with the concept that presently living is the last generation who have experienced life both before and during the age of being completely plugged in,” James tells Hive. “I wrote the song as an anthem for the folks who understand how temporary this age has the potential of being, and as a wake up call for those who do not.”

Such a warning call was the first song he wrote for his new record, Counterfeit Arcade, where a dark and funky piano arrangement lets you know that this wired situation is one that James thinks is quite dire. “I strive to capture as much of the storm as I can,” he says of his songwriting process. “It’s not always convenient for me or the people around me that my head lives where it does. I just try to illustrate what it looks like when I close my eyes.” In this case, it’s digital poison removal.

Counterfeit Arcade is out November 29.

TVD Contributor Ariane Trahan is the founder of Easy Apple, an artist development company that bridges the gap for musicians between New York City and New Orleans. 

After traveling 1,300 miles, along with a packed schedule the first two days, getting to a morning panel was rough. In comes “Next Generation of A&R Executives.” Like a lot of panels I went to, the room was flooded with young sponges, every seat filled. People lined up against the wall, sitting on the floor with their notebooks and ipads.

Moderated by Fuse TV’s Allison Hagendorf, the truth was unveiled for all A&R hopefuls: if you want to get a job as a rep for a label, start your own label. Though the objective of Artist & Repertoire remains the same, the process of how a rep does her job and the role the artist plays in securing a rep have come a long way.

“A&R Philosophy,” a panel containing long-time reps from Warner, Atlantic, Columbia, and Road Runner, along with indie label Electrofone, was held soon after, allowing a complete picture of today’s A&R. The most important points the panelists wanted to leave with the audience were ones that ring true in all facets of the music industry (but were appreciated nonetheless): be nice to everyone, learn everything you can, and create a buzz on your own first.

CMJ Highlight: hosted by Cantora Labs and smartwater, the number one artist in Australia right now, Gotye, performed in a spectacular setting atop the Thompkins Hotel. You can’t beat a backdrop of beautiful blue skies, floor to ceiling windows, and an Absolut open bar on a rooftop in the middle of the day. With dual drums, keyboards, samplers, bass, and finger snapping—attendees were able to truly appreciate all of what goes into a Gotye song.

Gotye Photo Credit: Loren Wohl, Time Out NY

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