In the old days, record labels provided three critical services to musicians:

1. The recording equipment needed to capture sound of a band at its best.
2. The ability to promote a band to millions.
3. The ability to distribute the music (vinyl, cassettes, CDs).

We all know the old days are just that—old. We all know that technology has made it possible for a band to truly be independent. The combination of Pro Tools, digital music, and social networking sites on which we all spend too much time makes B.B.M.L (Big, Bad, Music Labels) a collective dead man walking. Bloomsday Rising has been so inspired by the shift in power that we are currently recording, mixing, producing, and distributing an EP titled We Hope This Finds You Well on our own. The cost for you to get your hands on one of these? Nada. We have finally clued in on the fact that, for a relative unknown band such as BR, recognition is the only currency. And let's be honest, most of us aren't paying for any music anyway.

I can't tell you how empowering the experience has been so far. We're recording a list new originals that grab you by the collar from the first note. Be on the look out for video journals of the recording process, as well as live takes of the new songs in the weeks to come.

As always, thank you for the support. Please join us at our next show:

Thursday, July 24

9:00 PM (Bloomsday Rising on at 10:00 PM)

Hotel Utah Saloon (www.hotelutahsaloon.com)

With guests The Chop (www.myspace.com/thechopmusic ) and Rayzed (www.myspace.com/rayzed )

I came to The Black Keys scene very late (six months ago), but I felt like a teenager again when I first heard them. Over the past year I have been lamenting to friends that it had been some time since I last felt true excitement when I heard a band for the first time. Well, that all changed the first time a friend of mine made a CD of The Black Keys for me. Of course Dan Aurbach's thick and heavy tones and riffs are exceptional; and drummer Patrick Carney is the perfect compliment to the Blues and Funk influenced sound; but what stands out the most to me is Aurbach's voice. It's dripping with character, style, and--of course--soul.

How refreshing to watch a no-frills band get its due. And the best part is they're even better live than they are on the album, which is the true test in the end. If you haven't given them a listen, do yourself a favor and do so immediately. I promise you won't be let down.

May 9, 2008 - Be sure to check out Bloomsday Rising's encore performance at Ireland's on June 21!

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May 9, 2008 - Be sure to check out Bloomsday Rising's encore performance at Ireland's on June 21!

Add iLike to your MySpace - Bloomsday Rising on iLike

Bloomsday Rising return to Ireland's 32 for an encore to last month's USF Thirsty Thursday celebration.

Last time, it was about getting over your midterm anxiety, and 9 out of 10 doctors agreed that we were more effective than Paxil in laboratory tests. This time around, it's about taking a sanity break from finals, and that's why we chose Friday night...because Saturday is a lovely day to sleep in and recharge the brain.

As always, this will be a video event. So look hot, dance hard, and try to forget all about that "real world" out there, because it'll still be there when you sober up.

21+ / No cover