From the editor

Latin Beat Magazine, Oct, 2004 by Rudy Mangual

Music websites claiming to impact the model for how artists will survive and thrive in today's evolving music industry have become commonplace and favorite locations for inspiring musicians. Author and radio show host Justin Goldberg was hailed by critics earlier this year for his book "The Ultimate Survival Guide to the New Music Industry: Handbook for Hell." His assessment of how and why most of the music industry is where it is has opened the eyes of many who still enjoy creating music. The success of his book has led him to become a regular on the radio talk show circuit and in demand as a speaker at colleges and music conferences. He is currently holding a series of discussion groups and lectures related to his book and the music industry at events nationwide as well as in Europe. But many claim that it's his unique website, www.indie911.com, that is taking canter stage for Goldberg. Founded over a year ago as a music community service for readers of his book who wanted a forum for their music to be heard, the site has become a runner-up to such online music sites such as Soundclick and mp3.com by sponsoring a grassroots-driven audio guide to some of the world's best new music, most of which is released independently and completely overlooked by the major recording companies. Indie911.com has filled a void in the present music industry, enabling both consumers and the expanding independent music business sector to experience the flow of new artists and labels, which are emerging daily. The site claims to be adding an average of 1,000 new songs each month to an online play list that currently broadcasts over 15,000 songs for free to listeners from a single click. This is all part of a unique system that compensates its artists through advertising, membership and licensing revenues. The company also produces a syndicated, bi-weekly radio show, which showcases the best "independent and un-dependent" new music around. Truly, most of the music on this site as well as on all the other related sites, cater mainly to the alternative music movements and to the more rock and contemporary related genres. Still they are all open to work with all types and forms of music including Latin rhythms. Regardless, all the information within these sites as well as Goldberg's book are but food for thought as well as an excellent map for navigating through the troubled waters of today's music business.

In this issue of Latin Beat Magazine Volume 14, Number 8, October 2004 you can enjoy the talents of veteran salsa singer/composer/bandleader Jose Alberto "El Canario" who is celebrating his 25 anniversary in the business; from the pan of Frank M. Figueroa, Three Legendary Trios will take you back to the "Golden Age" of Latin music with Los Panchos, Trio Borinquen and Trio Matamoros; meet a hot young female singer in Jennifer Peña; Jesse Varela takes a look at 30 years of Los Lobos, plus lots of other great musical information and news.

We salute and congratulate all the Latin Grammy nominees and winners of this year's awards in Los Angeles, California. Felicidades a todos.

Next month's (Volume 14, Number 9 November 2004) is our special annual Percussion/Drum issue in celebration of "National Drum Month" by the industry. Do not miss it.

Visit our website www.lbmo.com or www.latinbeatmagazine.com to complete your Latin Beat Magazine experience.