Friday, August 10, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Slightly Stoopid is on “Top of The World”
Not long after I moved to FL in 2001, I found myself engulfed in the lifestyle. Beach, awesome friends, and yes once again music. I stumbled upon my first Slightly Stoopid album in 2004, Acoustic Roots: Live and Direct. It's unquestionable that right then, the first time I heard "Collie Man" was the point in time I fell in love with this music scene. Man I couldn’t wait to hear "Prophet" live, which I did soon there after at my still favorite concert venue Jannus Landing in St. Petersburg, FL. I was blown away. Signed by Bradly Nowell under Jon Phillips’ Skunk Records, Stoopid was set to carry on Sublime’s legacy and lead way for hundreds of Cali ska/reggae/rock musicians to come without expectation. In my eyes Miles and Kyle revolutionized a style of inspiration.
Since the release of their last album Slightly Not Stoned Enough to Eat Breakfast Yet Stoopid, in 2008 fans like me have been craving but patiently anticipating a new album. In the meantime we are serene with the reasoning of waiting four year, that is live shows! Well, August 14th Slightly Stoopid will feed our hunger with a perfectly formed and planned out new album produced from their own studio (Thank God!). Top of The World, the 21 track album will be unforgettable on the bands roster.
Over the years Slightly Stoopid has built a brand name for themselves that has been irreplaceable in my mind. You never really think of a band needing to “brand” themselves, but I’ve come to learn it is the most important thing for any individual. Slightly Stoopid has built up a internal customer loyalty program between themselves, and the fans. I would say touring 80% of the year and making every show an unforgettable experience has won my loyalty. In a remarkable way this band has stayed true to their music and the industry. They have made a sense of community amongst fans through personal meetings and fan forums, and have kept their lives open as much as they can through personal blogs, Twitters posts, Facebook and other social media. Even an iPhone app. It amazes me how such honest musicians can utilize commercial changes in an industry, and capitalize humbly off them without overextending their own means.
I recently had the chance to go see the Unity tour featuring Soja, Slightly Stoopid, and 311. With the anticipation of the new album Top of The World, I was desperately hoping to hear some new jams, and I did. Stoopid played new music not yet released, and offered a new concert T-shirt featuring the albums design with the tour dates on the back, a must have! As soon as I got home I went online to check out some of the features of the new album. Stoopid is collaborating with artists such as G. Love and Don Carlos on this 21-track album, yeah I said 21 NEW Stoopid tracks! You have to pay respect to a family of dedicated musicians that will take time to put out quality instead of quantity, for the sake of the core which is the fans and the regard of their own lives. Stoopid’s passion and loyalty to their followers only convinces me to be further hooked on the product they offer, incredible music you can get lost in. Stoopid fans also get the chance to preview all of the songs now on iTunes, and from pre-order. They have already posted new tracks on their site as well to get you pumped for the release. To me, it is bands like Slightly Stoopid that make me appreciate the music industry and want to be a part of it. I see a future where bands don't sell out and last ten years. Their good vibes and love for their music undeniably shows they have an irie mind! So my album is pre-ordered and I can’t wait for August 14th.
Hit Me With Music
Not long after I moved to FL in 2001, I found myself engulfed in the lifestyle. Beach, awesome friends, and yes once again music. I stumbled upon my first Slightly Stoopid album in 2004, Acoustic Roots: Live and Direct. It's unquestionable that right then, the first time I heard "Collie Man" was the point in time I fell in love with this music scene. Man I couldn’t wait to hear "Prophet" live, which I did soon there after at my still favorite concert venue Jannus Landing in St. Petersburg, FL. I was blown away. Signed by Bradly Nowell under Jon Phillips’ Skunk Records, Stoopid was set to carry on Sublime’s legacy and lead way for hundreds of Cali ska/reggae/rock musicians to come without expectation. In my eyes Miles and Kyle revolutionized a style of inspiration.
Since the release of their last album Slightly Not Stoned Enough to Eat Breakfast Yet Stoopid, in 2008 fans like me have been craving but patiently anticipating a new album. In the meantime we are serene with the reasoning of waiting four year, that is live shows! Well, August 14th Slightly Stoopid will feed our hunger with a perfectly formed and planned out new album produced from their own studio (Thank God!). Top of The World, the 21 track album will be unforgettable on the bands roster.
Over the years Slightly Stoopid has built a brand name for themselves that has been irreplaceable in my mind. You never really think of a band needing to “brand” themselves, but I’ve come to learn it is the most important thing for any individual. Slightly Stoopid has built up a internal customer loyalty program between themselves, and the fans. I would say touring 80% of the year and making every show an unforgettable experience has won my loyalty. In a remarkable way this band has stayed true to their music and the industry. They have made a sense of community amongst fans through personal meetings and fan forums, and have kept their lives open as much as they can through personal blogs, Twitters posts, Facebook and other social media. Even an iPhone app. It amazes me how such honest musicians can utilize commercial changes in an industry, and capitalize humbly off them without overextending their own means.
I recently had the chance to go see the Unity tour featuring Soja, Slightly Stoopid, and 311. With the anticipation of the new album Top of The World, I was desperately hoping to hear some new jams, and I did. Stoopid played new music not yet released, and offered a new concert T-shirt featuring the albums design with the tour dates on the back, a must have! As soon as I got home I went online to check out some of the features of the new album. Stoopid is collaborating with artists such as G. Love and Don Carlos on this 21-track album, yeah I said 21 NEW Stoopid tracks! You have to pay respect to a family of dedicated musicians that will take time to put out quality instead of quantity, for the sake of the core which is the fans and the regard of their own lives. Stoopid’s passion and loyalty to their followers only convinces me to be further hooked on the product they offer, incredible music you can get lost in. Stoopid fans also get the chance to preview all of the songs now on iTunes, and from pre-order. They have already posted new tracks on their site as well to get you pumped for the release. To me, it is bands like Slightly Stoopid that make me appreciate the music industry and want to be a part of it. I see a future where bands don't sell out and last ten years. Their good vibes and love for their music undeniably shows they have an irie mind! So my album is pre-ordered and I can’t wait for August 14th.
Hit Me With Music
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
My Journey To Here
After reading the “About Me” section, I want to further
introduce the reason I’m here. My story is mostly about a passion and love for
music, followed by the ambitions pushing me to write this blog today as a
student. I hope to encourage others to reach for the unknown of their future
dreams, without being scared of what you might lose, because the only loss will
be the doubts of yourself. There is always a right time to reach the level of fulfillment
you want out of life, it’s now. Give yourself an irie mind.
Since my first major commitment since I’ve moved to Florida,
the Cali style reggae/rock scene has a hold of me and I don’t want it to let
go. Who doesn’t listen to traditional reggae to improve their mood? But I will forever
reminisce the year I repeatedly listened to Pepper’s “Kona Town” and Slightly
Stoopid’s “Closer to the Sun” album enough to drive anyone around me crazy. I
spent my days in and days out serving tables at a beautiful restaurant on the
bay in Sarasota, FL, going to the beach on my days off, purchasing mass amounts
of new albums on iTunes (they make it way too easy to purchase great music,
it’s just one click!) as well as getting free downloads frequently given out by
new artists, and patiently waiting for the next time I can go see a live show.
What happened after that last show, while watching The Movement perform and chatting
with some amazing human beings changed my life forever. I took the step I knew
was vital for my own well-being. Within weeks I was enrolled at Full Sail University
under their Bachelors Degree in Music Business. Putting myself into an accelerated
business course was scary to say the least, especially taking into account that
I haven’t been required to do any actual “homework” in 12 years. This course
and my teachers have pushed me and utilized my passions to a level I couldn’t
imagine possible. Here I am maintaining a 3.95 GPA, with a smile on my face (well,
most of the time. Being determined to achieve excellence is time consuming and difficult
at times). I’ve taken every learning opportunity given to me imaginable, to
grow and fulfill my life with my dreams of being a part of the music in my close
future. I want to achieve endless creative possibilities and success for
myself, as well as giving the same opportunities for future artists. With
constant innovation in a multi-dimensional industry and a strong business
background, the only way to go is up for me.
That being said, with this blog I want to continuously
inspire to keep a clear and positive mind, even when it’s really hard. There is
always a way to get you there. I hope to utilize my love for music by sharing
some of my favorite artist’s and shows, the beauty of the environment, and some
elements that inspire me. Check out some of my favorite links and view updates
from the Controlled Substance Sound Labs and Pier Magazine.
Keep an Irie Mind and let the Music hit you!
- Jen Zielinski
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