L.A. Music Scene Spring 2018

Time flies when you’re swaying to and fro in the best damn Rock&Roll scene on the planet! Two words. Chuck Wright’s Ultimate Jam Night (UJN). The world famous Whisky A Go Go. Oh all right, twelve very fine words to be exact. And what is it exactly that channels such pure unbridled Rock&Roll passion? Could it be extraordinary musical talent? Could it be super cool committed fans? Could it be an unparalleled level of service that discerning fans demand? Perhaps it’s the raw edge that Rock&Roll delivers that inspires us to take on the world! Whatever it is, it’s here!

Simply put, the Ultimate Jam Night (UJN) rocks! It all begins with the very talented UJN House Band, featuring our Captain and UJN founder, legendary Bass player Chuck Wright, from Quiet Riot and Alice Cooper. Then we have the Emcee of Emcees, Lead Singer and multi instrumentalist Paulie Z. from The Sweet and Rubix Cube, who sets the enthusiasm bar so high, we could all fly to the moon! On lead guitar we have the legendary and very talented Mitch Perry from The Edgar Winter Band, who has performed with a long list of greats including Aerosmith and the Michael Shenker Group to name a few. The man who keeps it all together, I give you the amazing Joe Travers on Drums from Billy Idol and Duran Duran. To round out this amazing ensemble, we have the extremely versatile Walter Ino, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Survivor.

Let me explain how this works. Every week there is a very specific theme, with a well thought out list of songs representing. Roughly 50+ very talented musicians are each given a specific assignment. They practice at home and meet their fellow performers on stage and perform live, completely unrehearsed! I have to tell you, the level of talent and energy on this stage will completely blow you away! Of course there are mistakes, but generally, even tough music critics will applaud the high level of technical execution. And did I mention, there is often a brass or string section added, and sometimes a flute! The list of invited talent is deep and wide, spanning the generations. To round out this well crafted and highly professional operation, perched high above the stage on the second floor, is a trio of backup singers Paulie Z. refers to as “the secret sauce”. Now that you have the complete picture of talent, please note some of the wildly creative themes we have enjoyed this Spring!

Mar 20: Power Trio – Songs from bands with only three members, including Rush and Zebra.
Mar 27: Paul McCartney
Apr 3: Heaven and Hell – Songs with these words in the title, including Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door and Hells Bells.
Apr 10: Art of Instrumentals
Apr 17: 80’s Hair Bands – From the legendary Whisky that gave birth to this incredible era! Once again Paulie Z sets the bar high in full Axl Rose hair and bandana.
Apr 24: Rolling Stones
May 1: Rock&Roll Hall of Fame – Songs from this year’s inductees.
May 8: Pop Goes Rock – Taking very traditional “Pop” songs and adding a “Rock” flair to them. Brilliant fun!
May 22: Ladies of the 80’s – Including Pat Benatar, Cyndi Lauper, and Madonna.
Jun 5: Pride Night – Songs by artists and bands with LGBTQ members. This also served as a fundraiser for the Trevor Project which supports at risk LGBTQ teenagers. Musical highlights included a brilliant rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody that brought us all to our knees.
Jun 19: Southern Rock
Jun 26: Funk, Rock & Soul
Jul 10: Honoring the Life of David Z., brother to UJN Emcee & Lead Singer Paulie Z., who lost his young life in a terrible automobile accident while on tour just a year ago. Performing all of David’s favorite songs and raising money to fund a music scholarship in his name at Brooklyn College, highlights included Michael Jackson’s epic “Billie Jean”, Aerosmith’s “Dream On”, and a delightful romp of “Hey Mickey” with full dress cheerleaders on stage. The night concluded with an all ensemble vocal performance of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ with full audience participation!

The Whisky A Go Go is my home away from home and since my last update in March, I’ve attended so many great performances including Norwegian duo Ask Carol opening the night on April 20. You need to check them out! On May 10, Adler’s Appetite performed GN’R hits to a very enamored and sold out crowd before embarking on a tour to Australia. Featuring Constantine Maroulis of American Idol fame on vocals, UJN regular Sean McNabb on Bass, and original Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler, energy ran high! Direct support band honors were masterfully handled by up and coming local rock band “Classless Act”, founded by best friends London Hudson on Drums and Nico Tsangaris on Lead Guitar. You might recognize the last name Hudson. London is the eldest son of rock legend Saul Hudson, AKA Slash of Gun’s N’ Roses! A very young and extremely talented band, the amazing Derek Day, also a UJN regular, is lead vocalist. I highly recommend you check them out! Headlining Saturday night May 19 was a solo performance by Steven Pearcy of RATT, with an impressive opening by Tommy Delaney and The Angel City Rockers!

Another staple for the Rock&Roll gymnast is the terrific Hunnypot Live show every other Monday night at The Mint! On May 14, a young up and coming female talent known as The Songery brought out the crowds, as well as the band jackiO, comprised of legendary talent from Oingo Boingo. I also really loved Old_Support on May 28, a folk rock grunge band with veteran talent who have performed multiple headlining shows on both coasts this year.

On Sunday April 8, I made a terrific little jaunt up to Ventura with some friends for the TRIBOO Classic Rock festival, featuring some very impressive cover bands including Led Zepplica and Hollywood Stones. On April 22, it was on to the bi-annual Party in the Parking Lot at the world famous Rainbow Lounge Bar & Grill on the Sunset Strip, featuring Faster Pussycat and Lynch Mob! Just an awesome day of music and fun! Mark your calendars for Sunday September 2 for the Labor Day weekend bash!

On May 4, I caught Kids On Bridges at The Viper Room all the way from Liverpool, UK. A young up and coming band, they describe themselves as “Dirty Filthy RDM, Pop Art Terrorists”. They’re very talented and will hopefully be returning to America later this year. I’ll keep you posted!

On May 6, supporting his first ever solo project “The Year Of The Tiger”, the incredibly talented Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge and Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators fame, brought down the house to a sold out crowd at Doug Weston’s The Troubadour.

On May 9, it was back to the iconic Hotel Cafe for a terrific evening with Nashville based Americana artist Szlachetka in support of his new album “Heart of My Hometown” by Grammy winning producer David Bianco. Rolling Stone magazine hails this artist as one of the 10 new country artists you need to know.

On May 15, 2018, for the first time since May 1981, when I stood on the grass just in front of the stage at the annual Mayfest party at SUNY Albany, I had the incredible honor to see one of my all time favorite bands, U2! Words can’t do justice to describe the incredible talent of this 4 person original member cast, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.! Outspoken political activists with a rich repertoire of important music, they performed many favorites to span the decades from the very emotional “Sunday Bloody Sunday” to one of my newer favorites “Cedarwood Road”. U2 is also raising awareness for a new movement #WOMENOFTHEWORLDTAKEOVER . It’s a very important global effort and you should learn more.

On May 21, I experienced my first School Night at Bardot in Hollywood, with UK based female trio Wildwood Kin. An indie alternative band, they just won the 2017 Bob Harris Emerging Artist of the Year Award, as well as earning two BBC Young Folk Award nominations. They released their first album “Turning Tides” in August 2017.

On Sunday June 24, I drove over to Pasadena for my first big southern California music festival Arroyo Seco, on the vast grounds of the Rose Bowl. I kicked off the afternoon at the Sycamore Stage with The Bangles performing all their classic hits, then on to the main stage for the incredibly talented Alanis Morissette. Gary Clarke Jr, whose music I did not know prior to this festival, provided riveting direct support to headliner Robert Plant, touring to support his new album, performing title cut “Carry Fire” and “The May Queen”. I hope he will add “Dance With You Tonight” and “Bluebirds Over the Mountain” to the live set. Still with incredible vocal ability, presence, and charm, Plant brought down the house with Led Zeppelin classics “Going to California”, “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You”, and “What Is and What Should Never Be”!

On Monday night June 25, it was on to my first Hollywood Bowl concert with the legendary Rod Stewart, now 73 years of age, who I first saw in concert on June 5, 1979 at Madison Square Garden. Also performing with Stewart was the legendary Cyndi Lauper, now 67. I salute both of these veteran artists, in awe of such passionate, energetic and brilliant vocal performances!

To close out the month, I returned to the Hotel Cafe Tuesday evening June 26, to see newly formed all female band Kitty Hawk. Nashville based, this terrific ensemble features Annie Bosko, Megan Mullins, and Annie Clements. Sitting at the table next to us, and invited up to the stage to perform a song with the ladies, was American actress, singer, and producer Rita Wilson, long time wife of two time Oscar Winner Tom Hanks!

Musical immersion! Let’s keep the light burning!

So I think it’s only fitting to lead you out with this stunning performance by two musical legends, in tribute to yet another, the one and only Freddie Mercury. Enjoy!

Queen, Elton John & Axl Rose Bohemian Rhapsody

Cover Photo Credits: Ultimate Jam Night Features “80’s Hair Bands” at The Whisky A Go Go April 17, 2018 with UJN Emcee & House Band Lead Singer Paulie Z. in full Axl Rose attire!

Please note all photos below are of amateur quality intended to capture the essence of the moment, not excellence in digital photography. Please feel free to reach out with any questions as to specifics and background story for each photo. Enjoy!

July 21, 2018 By Cynthia Drew In Rock&Roll Live /

Tom Keifer “The Way Life Goes” !

I knew pretty quickly that moving to the land of music and sunshine was one of the best decisions I had ever made. This thought was further cemented when I learned that the legendary Tom Keifer, lead singer and multi instrumentalist of 80’s rock band Cinderella was scheduled to perform on my birthday, Saturday night April 14, at the world famous Whisky A Go Go, my new home away from home! Most of you know how passionate I am about this wonderful genre we call Rock&Roll. Well, what you don’t know, and let me be the first to tell you, is that Tom Keifer now joins the coveted ranks of Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones to comprise the Rock&Roll Gymnast’s Top Five!

As I scanned the November 29, 2017 email newsletter from the ‘Whisky’, my eyes stopped dead in their tracks as I read “APR 14 Cinderella’s Tom Keifer”. How could that not catch your attention? I instantly bought a ticket and started to think about all those epic classics from the 80’s like “Nobody’s Fool”, “Don’t Know What You Got”, “Gypsy Road” and so many others. The list of hits is long! And if you pay close attention, you will see that of the forty-three tracks Cinderella released across four albums (two of which earned 3X platinum certification and one platinum), you will see that not only is Tom Keifer the sole songwriter for all the single hit tracks, but he is the sole songwriter for all but four of all forty-three tracks, and for those four, he is a co-writer. Do you have any idea how incredible that is? It’s one thing to have presence on stage and extraordinary musical ability. It’s quite another to also have the gift of creating lyric and song to fill a person’s soul! Of course this trend marches on in his new solo project release, where he is a writer or co-writer on all fourteen tracks.

Following my concert ticket purchase, I immediately started following Tom Keifer on Twitter and set out to learn his new solo material from the “The Way Life Goes” album. I went into iTunes and started listening to a few tracks. I immediately downloaded the entire album and proceeded to TomKeifer.com, where I purchased the Deluxe Edition “The Way Life Goes” fanpack. Yes it was that great out of the gate, and of course devoted Rock&Roll fans simply cherish fanpacks! In addition to the CD loaded with some riveting new material we’ll get to in a minute, there is a bonus DVD with a 30 minute documentary that brings you into the studio for an up close view of the actual production of the bonus tracks, produced by 3 time Grammy Award winning producer Vance Powell! This includes a masterful cover performance of the Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends”. And then to really knock it out of the park, Tom Keifer, in his infinite wisdom, brings in the incredibly talented Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, whose main musical influence is Keifer, to perform a simply epic duet of “Nobody’s Fool” that will bring you to your knees!

Now I was at a fever pitch and couldn’t wait for my birthday night to arrive! Huge thank you to the Whisky owner for the lovely VIP booth and for all my friends who came to celebrate and watch this Rock&Roll legend, still rockin’ the stage at a very fit and young 57 years of age! We were treated to a terrific mix of Cinderella classics including back to back “Don’t Know What You Got” right into “Nobody’s Fool”, with tears streaming down my face; to new releases “Solid Ground”, “It’s Not Enough”, and title cut “The Way Life Goes”. It was a full on rock explosion to a “packed to the rafters” sold out Whisky A Go Go! I hope as Tom Keifer and his band continue to tour, we will be treated to live performances of the many more hit tracks on this epic new release, including “Ain’t That a Bitch”, “Ask Me Yesterday”, “Fool’s Paradise”, and “The Flower Song”. “Yes of all the pretty flowers, baby I picked you!”

So there is one more point of “incredible” I need to share. How many times have I used that word now? I’m sure not enough! In the lead up to this concert, I was trying to figure out how I had lost track of this multi platinum selling artist. I did a little research and learned that in the early 90’s, Tom Keifer lost his voice. He went to many doctors over multiple years and finally learned that he had a vocal cord paresis, in layman’s terms, a partially paralyzed vocal cord. This is a neurological condition for which there is no cure and he was told he would never sing again. Determined to prove them wrong, he forged on in relentless pursuit of better options. His determination paid off, thank goodness, and to this day, Tom Keifer has to do lengthy vocal exercises daily to train this partially paralyzed chord. This is in addition to practicing piano and many different versions of guitars, writing songs, and raising a teenage son with musician wife and bandmate Savannah Snow!

Now you get a clear picture of why Tom Keifer had made my “Top Five”. Further, you should know that his performance Saturday night April 14 at the Whisky A Go Go was damn impressive! And if that wasn’t enough, the performance this past Friday night, July 13 at the Pacific Amphitheatre was even better, accentuating with brilliant clarity, all those fine vocal curves he crafted back in the day. There is no force on this planet that will tame the beast that lies inside of the incredible musical talent of Mr. Tom Keifer. Bring it on baby and don’t ever look back !

I’ll leave you with this epic masterpiece. Enjoy!

Tom Keifer Lzzy Hale Duet Nobody’s Fool

Cover Photo Credits: Tom Keifer VIP Meet&Greet and Soundcheck The Rose, Pasadena April 13, 2018

Tom Keifer VIP Meet&Greet and Soundcheck The Rose, Pasadena April 13, 2018

Tom Keifer Whisky A Go Go April 14, 2018

Tom Keifer Pacific Amphitheatre July 13, 2018

July 20, 2018 By Cynthia Drew In Rock&Roll Live /

The Musical Artist P&L in Today’s Digital Streaming World – 2017 Update

The Rock&Roll gymnast is pleased to pen my 4th annual update of “The Musical Artist P&L in Today’s Digital Streaming World”. In the evolving recorded music marketplace, 2017 global revenue totaled $17.3 billion, up 8.1%¹. Just last year, growth of 5.99% was noted for being the fastest rate of growth since The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) began tracking the market in 1997.

In the United States, 2017 U.S. Record Industry sales revenue totaled $8.7 billion²on 778 million units sold, at a total average unit price of $8.13. Please refer to footnote below which explains key adjustments and calculations³. In comparison to 2016, sales revenue increased a record 17%, annual growth not seen since 1994. The average unit price increased 45% on strong growth in digital streaming subscriptions.

Ironically, the digital music format that sent the global recorded music industry plummeting by more than half between 1999 and 2014, is now leading the revival. 35.3 million U.S. consumers paid for interactive digital streaming subscriptions in 2017, nearly 6 times more than the 6.2 million who paid in 2013. Associated revenues hit $3.5 billion in 2017, up from just $350 million in 2013. For the same period, the digital streaming services have been successful at maintaining an annual average paid subscription rate of about $100.

In 2017 total U.S. streaming revenue reached $5.7 billion, up significantly from $1.5 billion in 2013. Globally, total streaming revenue reached $6.6 billion in 2017, up from $1.4 billion in 2013. Growth is expected to continue through 2030, but at a slower rate, as evidenced by initial slowing in 2017. Analyst Lisa Yang’s team at Goldman Sachs is forecasting global streaming revenue to reach $34 billion by the year 2030, comprised of $28 billion paid subscription, $6 billion ad supported. Goldman projects the music industry will hit $40 billion by 2030.

This brings me to the crux of my update this year, ad supported revenue by Google’s YouTube. Below you will find multiple graphs that tell the story of important trends in the U.S. recorded music industry. This year, please focus your attention immediately below on the U.S. Digital Streaming Revenue Trend graph, in particular the red colored slice “On Demand Ad Supported Streaming (Primarily YouTube).

Total On Demand Ad Supported Streaming revenue, which is primarily YouTube, totaled $659 million in the U.S. in 2017, compared to paid subscription streaming revenue of $3.5 billion. YouTube currently has three times the number of users as Spotify, Pandora, and SoundCloud combined⁴. It takes 1,449 streams on YouTube to generate a $1.00 to content creators, compared to 230 streams for Spotify paid, and 133 streams for Apple Music⁴. You should also know that, as to the claim of music discovery, 81% of YouTube users listen to music they already know⁴. Google’s YouTube, which has formidable political capital in the United States, takes advantage of the Safe Harbor Provision in the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act, a law enacted before user content upload platforms even existed. Google earned pre tax income of $27.2 billion in 2017, despite the fact that a $2.7 billion fine was levied by the European Commission because Google’s display and ranking of shopping search results and ads infringed European competition law. A key determinant in Google’s P&L success is “paid clicks”, which improved 32% net in 2017, as reported in their current annual report, with ‘growth in YouTube engagement ads as a noted driver in improved paid click margins.’ Google has maintained impressive gross profit margins around 60% since at least 2013. Google 2017 Annual Report.

From an economic perspective, since 1999 the recorded music industry has experienced a significant transfer of wealth to the digital technology industry. While the balance is beginning to shift back to recorded music, this shift will never be complete until the issue of YouTube ad supported revenue is properly addressed. Why does this matter? First, music is created and performed by individuals we call songwriters and artists, small businesses who used to make a good living, and today are struggling to survive. The foundation of the U.S. economy is the middle class, whose wealth is continually eroding. Gen X and young baby boomers are on track to be the first generation to retire worse off financially than earlier generations. More on retirement here. This trend in the long run is not sustainable for the U.S. economy. World Economic Forum on income disparity.

It should also be noted that Trump’s tax plan will do nothing for these small business owners. No one will be watching more YouTube videos because they have more disposable income. And if they do, under the current scenario, Google will reap the lion share of those profits, not content creators. Further, Google has consistently enjoyed a 19% effective corporate tax rate since at least 2013, so there will be no new goodies to pass on to the minions.

Second, without songwriters there is no music. It will not happen tomorrow, but in the long run this will also affect the live music industry, a $10 billion industry in the U.S. in 2017. Eventually it will also affect the streaming services, as the well of new inventory will dry up.

To wrap it up on a positive note, landmark legislation recently introduced “The Music Modernization Act”, which will improve the bottom line for everyone from little songwriters to the mighty streaming services, is well on it’s way to becoming the law of the land. It has already passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives, and is currently open in the U.S. Senate after passing unanimously by the Senate Judiciary committee. This is all due to the strategic and creative behind the scenes negotiations by tireless music creator advocates, including some exceptional women, all founding Board members of Songwriters of North America (SONA), the little engine that could! I give you Dina LaPolt Esq., President LaPolt Law and SONA Legal Counsel; Michelle Lewis SONA Executive Director and ASCAP Board Director; Kay Hanley, multi talented recording artist, songwriter, and composer; and Shelley Peiken, platinum selling songwriter and two time Grammy nominee. Bravo ladies and thank you!

Google, you’re next!

To lead us out, in celebration of the profound ability that music has to generate peace in our world, I’l leave you with this epic 80’s rock ballad performed live at the Moscow Music Peace Festival in 1989. Enjoy!

Cinderella – Nobody’s Fool Live from Moscow

Cover photo credits: Slash, taken by Cynthia Drew of her favorite photo from the 2018 Limited Edition Appetite For Destruction Locked and Loaded box set.

¹All Global data is sourced by the IFPI 2018 Global Music Report.

²All U.S. data is sourced by the Recording Industry Association of America database, with all $ figures expressed in inflation adjusted dollars, and with minor historical adjustments made each year to reflect final sales figures and any accounting adjustments. RIAA Sales Database.

³2017 U.S. total units sold of 778 million includes 35.3 million paid subscription streaming. Also note that certain forms of revenue cannot be quantified in units sold and are therefore excluded in the average price calculations. This includes Limited Tier Paid Subscription, On-Demand Streaming (Ad-Supported), Sound Exchange Distributions, Other Ad-Supported Streaming, and Synchronization revenue.

⁴YouTube stats courtesy Dina LaPolt Esq. President LaPolt Law and Instructor UCLA Extension course “Legal and Practical Aspects of the Music Business”.