Alejandro Escovedo’s career is a masterclass in evolution, blending punk roots, Texan storytelling, and experimental rock. From his early days with San Francisco’s legendary punk band the Nuns to redefining roots rock with Rank and File and The True Believers, his music has always been a reflection of reinvention. His latest album, Echo Dancing, spans five decades, revisiting and reimagining his iconic work with influences like Brian Eno and Suicide. Whether sharing tales of his San Antonio upbringing or playing alongside the Sex Pistols at their final show, Broken Record podcast host Bruce Headlam talking to Alejandro’s journey is as compelling as his music. You can listen to it here.
The Black Eyed Peas’ Isolated Vocals For “I Gotta Feeling”
“I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas is a global anthem of celebration. With 14 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Grammy wins, and over 9 million downloads, it redefined what a pop hit could achieve. From weddings to worldwide parties, this track became the soundtrack of a generation’s best nights ever.
Sales Funnels Demystified: How to Drive More Leads and Close Deals?
By Mitch Rice
In order to thrive in this competitive industry, companies should look for ways to get revenue at a sustainable pace. This is what a sales funnel can give them, where it’s essentially a lead magnet for those who are looking for paying customers.
For starters, the right funnel will help you with the steps that you need to take. As a business owner, you might want to start creating reels that can help people become more interested in your products. They will often check your profile to see if there’s more to your offer.
Encouraging them to join your live webinars can also be a strategy that you can utilize. Gain new followers by consistently posting and being present at trade shows. Set-up a website and several landing pages that will help customers navigate their way towards the check-out buttons. The point is to become visible and to create a hook that will be persuasive enough for people to view your content.
Afterward, you need to qualify them to see if they can purchase your goods. This can be done by chatting with them, identifying their pain points, and seeing if they have a real need for your products. Below are other things that you need to know when it comes to setting these all up in a single platform.
What are Sales Funnels?
These tools will serve as a guide throughout your customers’ journey, and it’s going to be there from the time that they’ve become aware of your brand up to the point when the purchase is complete. Understanding how it works will help you sift through your audience and narrow down the prospects who are more likely to buy your products or services.
At the top, you need to focus on your brand and setting up a logo. You need to match the colors that represent your company well with your website and everything should be uniform. You need to get more views by becoming engaging. When people become more interested, they will start to follow or subscribe to your social media posts. Others are going to sign up on your email forms so they can get updates from you.
It’s where you nurture your leads and ramp up your efforts by providing them with value. You can also address their concerns and provide them with more information about your offers. The goal is to build a solid customer relationship and make sure that you appear authoritative in your chosen niche.
Ways to Drive More Leads
Quality Content is Important
You need to inform your audience about the features of your products in an entertaining way. Reach millions of viewers through properly edited videos and create evergreen blog posts that people will remember so you can become more memorable.
As your leads are becoming more interested, you need to be detailed by providing them with whitepapers. Find info about leads when you click here. You can also write an eBook with product descriptions or host a webinar that will allow you to explain what your company is all about. Being able to engage with your customers and providing actionable insights are going to attract a lot of people, so make sure to leverage it as much as possible.
Also, you might come across two sales funnels available: Leadpages and Clickfunnels. Clickfunnels are very powerful, with a visual editor that you can drag and drop. There’s no need for coding, and for the hosting service, you don’t need to subscribe to a third-party company in order to make your webpage live. Instead, the new domains can be registered inside your ClickFunnels account.
Get professional templates because the platform will do the heavy lifting for you. Navigate a lot of options from its library and you can also do some split tests. There are also autoresponders for emails where you can automate the sequences if you want.
On the other hand, Leadpages’ features might be too restrictive, where there are only certain places where you can drop your widgets. There is also a set-up where you can get one site for the standard plan and up to 50 sites for the advanced packages. You can read more about Clickfunnels compared to Leadpages in the link provided to see more of the features between the two. This way, you can decide which one is ideal for you.
Use Social Media Effectively
Facebook, Threads, X, YouTube, and Instagram are all powerful tools that can help you get discovered. A lot of people are now interacting with conversations that they feel are relevant, and when they’re interested, they can directly message you to know more. These platforms are going to help you get a steady stream of prospects in the process.
Maximizing your efforts will mean that you don’t just rely on organic posting and hope someone else will stumble across your page. Instead, you might need to invest in paid ads to make sure that you’re reaching the right demographics. Using a mix of the two will help you save money and earn revenue. These platforms are going to allow you to showcase the personality of your brand and forge strong connections with your audience, especially if you can reply to their comments.
Optimize Your Website for Lead Generation
Set-up a good point of contact for your customers since it’s an essential component of the funnel. You need to make sure that the website is functional for both desktop and mobile. It should also be visually-appealing with calls-to-action buttons that can help customers take the right action. Be clear when you want them to sign up for newsletters and enable them to request for consultations when needed.
You also need to incorporate forms that can capture the email addresses of your customers. Make only one-liners that won’t confuse them, and make sure that they understand that by signing up on their sites, you’re giving them a free and valuable resource. This is in exchange for their details so you can get more leads. Analyze the performance of your site and create and make adjustments whenever possible.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Massive Bob Dylan Auction Coming Thanks To Success Of ‘A Complete Unknown’ Film
James Mangold’s film “A Complete Unknown” has reignited spirited discourse about Bob Dylan, the enigmatic artist who gave voice to a generation. With Timothee Chalamet in the role of the young Dylan, the film offers a glimpse into his early career, tracing it from folk troubadour to rock poet.
Coinciding with the Searchlight Pictures release is a treasure trove of Dylan memorabilia hitting the auction block in “Celebrating Bob Dylan: The Aronowitz Archive, T Bone Burnett, & More” auction event at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum on January 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST – providing a bridge to the era the film portrays. This convergence of cinematic representation and historical artifacts invites us into an even deeper exploration of Dylan’s legacy, connecting the film’s narrative with the tangible echoes of his past.
The forthcoming auction directly connects the dots to the film through the precious items preserved in the Al Aronowitz Archive. It features 60 items, 50 of these from Aronowitz’s personal archive, including two pages containing three progressive typewritten drafts of the lyrics to “Mr. Tambourine Man” (estimate: $400,000-$600,000), an early Dylan oil painting from 1968 ($200,000-$300,000), a 1963 handbill from his first major headline performance at Town Hall in New York City ($1,500-$2,000), early vintage photographs, original sketches and much more. The auction also includes a 1983 Fender Telecaster made for and owned by Bob Dylan ($80,000-$120,000) and signed handwritten lyrics for “Blowin’ In The Wind” ($15,000-$20,000). Find a full list of items with photos and descriptions via Julien’s Auctions website.
The collection offers connections to specific events and themes woven into the film’s narrative. The vintage photographs from Dylan’s 1961 recording sessions captured by the lens of Don Hunstein offer an intimate window into the nascent talent, and resonate with the film’s depiction of Dylan’s arrival in New York. Similarly, the 1962 press release bio mirrors the film’s exploration of his meteoric rise to fame and the “Blowin’ In The Wind” promo single harks back to Dylan’s emergence as a voice of social conscience, a theme that “A Complete Unknown” explores through his involvement in the Civil Rights movement.
Perhaps the most captivating item in the collection are the draft lyrics for “Mr. Tambourine Man.” These handwritten pages offer a glimpse into the alchemical process of songwriting. The film subtly alludes to the writing of this masterpiece, showcasing Dylan’s immersion in the bohemian counterculture of the time. These lyrics embody the very spirit of creative exploration that “A Complete Unknown” so beautifully captures.
Another highlight of the auction that connects the past and present is a one-of-one Ionic Original disc of Bob Dylan’s new studio recording of “The Times They Are A-Changin'” (estimate: $400,000-$600,000), from a special session with multi-Grammy winning producer T Bone Burnett. The auction marks the second public sale of an Ionic Original recording following “Blowin’ In The Wind” in 2022.
About the auction, Myles Aronowitz, son of Al, explains: “Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Mick Jagger, Jerry Garcia, Carole King… My Father was this incredible connector. He was much more than a journalist, he understood what these artists were trying to do. He didn’t just meet these cultural icons, he brought them together. He introduced Allen Ginsberg to Bob Dylan, Bob Dylan to The Beatles. My Father was the one who turned The Beatles on for the first time. He connected Jimi Hendrix with Miles Davis, Nico with Lou Reed. He wasn’t just a writer with a powerbase as a New York columnist; Al had this unique kind of magic. He made these introductions that went on to shape culture itself. It was more than power or influence-there was something truly magical about what he did. The collection represents my Father’s instinctive ability to identify and connect with greatness. Each item is evidence of this, and how with his magic, he literally brought you into the room!”
About the Ionic Original, T Bone Burnett explains, “Hearing Bob Dylan sing ‘The Times They Are A-Changin” sixty years after he wrote it is a moving experience. The times, have, in fact changed, and the listener can hear the gravity and the consequence of the sixty years of life that have passed since he first wrote and recorded the song. Although Bob’s earlier version of this song is, of course, a classic recording, to my way of listening, this Ionic Original is the definitive version of this indelible song.”
“Celebrating Bob Dylan: The Aronowitz Archive, T Bone Burnett, & More” goes beyond the acquisition of memorabilia, and offers a portal into the heart of Dylan’s world. By stringing together the chords of the film’s narrative with the market debut of these tangible artifacts, we gain a profound appreciation for the artist’s transformative journey. Whether you’re a lifelong Dylan devotee or a newcomer captivated by “A Complete Unknown,” register and bid on this archive collection from Al Aronowitz that presents an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of music history and to embark on a deeper exploration of the enigmatic legacy of Bob Dylan – one that continues to inspire and challenge us decades later.
In honor of “Celebrating Bob Dylan,” a special exhibition showcasing highlights from the Al Aronowitz collection is on now through Friday, January 17. The auction will follow on January 18th at 10 a.m. CT from the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum.
Nola Blue Records Signs Legendary Maria Muldaur and Estimable Candice Ivory
Nola Blue Records proudly announces the signing of two esteemed artists, six-time GRAMMY nominee Maria Muldaur and critically acclaimed vocalist Candice Ivory, with new albums planned for summer release. In addition, Nola Blue recording artist The Alexis P. Suter Band announces their full-length album, Four Wheels Beats Two Heels. The title track teaser was released August 16, 2024 and is available on all digital platforms.
Maria Muldaur is best known world-wide for her 1973 mega-hit “Midnight at the Oasis,” which received two Grammy nominations, and enshrined her forever in the hearts of Baby Boomers everywhere; but despite her considerable pop music success, her 62 year career could best be described as a long and adventurous odyssey through the various forms of American Roots Music. In Sept. 2019, The Americana Music Association awarded Maria “The Lifetime Achievement Americana Trailblazer Award” for her lifelong work of covering the depth and breadth of American Roots music and for being one of the pioneers who laid the groundwork for what we’ve come to call ‘Americana Music’. She has recorded 43 solo albums covering all kinds of American Roots Music, including Blues, Gospel, R&B, Jug Band, Jazz and Big Band, but has now settled comfortably into her favorite idiom, the Blues. In recent years, often joining forces with some of the top names in the business, Maria has recorded and produced at least a dozen Blues albums, garnering for Grammy nominations and various Blues awards.
Candice Ivory, aka the Queen of Avant Soul, is a recipient of the Rising Star award from Blues Blast Magazine and is a guest artist on Antonio Vergara’s GRAMMY-nominated album, The Fury. Ivory was born near Memphis, TN, to a family steeped in the musical traditions of the Mississippi Delta. Her great-uncle Will Roy Sanders was an internationally recognized blues singer, and family members belonged to prominent gospel groups such as the Salem Harmonizers. Ivory began performing professionally at 14, and has released 3 albums of her original compositions. Her most recent album, When the Levee Breaks, produced by Charlie Hunter, features 12 songs by blues legend Memphis Minnie.
Three-time Blues Music Award nominee Alexis P. Suter owns a voice that ranges from a pained passion to explosive and soul bearing. Elmore Magazine described it as “a pulsating wave of sound that radiates from the depths of her being.” The Alexis P. Suter Band, a powerful and unique five piece ensemble that artfully blends the lines between Blues, Soul and Rock music, burst onto the music scene as regular performers at Levon Helm’s legendary Midnight Rambles in Woodstock, NY. The group has been making music together for nearly two decades.
“As a fellow female blues professional, I am personally very inspired by all three of these artists,” shares Sallie Bengtson, Nola Blue Records president. “Perhaps most interesting to me is the shared connections of these women, and how effortlessly this trifecta developed. Muldaur and Ivory have both demonstrated respect for Memphis Minnie via albums released in her honor (First Came Memphis Minnie by Muldaur [Stony Plain, 2012] and When the Levee Breaks: The Music of Memphis Minnie by Ivory [Little Village, 2023]). Muldaur and Ivory have shared Woodstock and Levon Helm Rambles experiences. Having just celebrated ten years of Nola Blue Records throughout 2024, this opens an exciting new chapter of continued contributions to the blues community.”
The Alexis P. Suter Band will release the 4 Wheels Beats 2 Heels album, on June 6. Visit alexispsuter.com and follow @alexispsuterband on Facebook for all news and updates.
Maria Muldaur will be releasing a tribute to Victoria Spivey, the legendary Classic Blues queen and record label owner who was her early inspiration and mentor, on July 11.
Candice Ivory will shine a light on her “Belle of Bentonia” moniker with an album inspired by and featuring Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, master of the hypnotic Bentonia School of blues. Ivory’s album will be released on August 8.
DEADROCKS XI: ZEDS DEAD at Red Rocks Amphitheatre Two Nights: Wednesday, July 2 & Thursday, July 3, 2025
AEG Presents is thrilled to announce the return of ZEDS DEAD to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre for DEADROCKS XI on Wednesday, July 2 and Thursday, July 3, 2025. Doors will open at 5:00 PM, with the show beginning at 6:00 PM each night.
Since its inception, DEADROCKS has become one of the most anticipated electronic music events in Colorado, showcasing ZEDS DEAD’s signature, genre-blending sound at the legendary open-air venue. Fans can expect two unforgettable nights filled with groundbreaking productions, special guests, and the high-energy performances that have cemented ZEDS DEAD as one of dance music’s most acclaimed acts.
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 10 at 10:00 AM MT. Ticket prices range from $52.80 – $139.95 plus applicable service charges. This event is open to all ages.
Purchase Tickets Online
- July 2: https://www.axs.com/events/815387/deadrocks-xi-with-zeds-dead-tickets
- July 3: https://www.axs.com/events/815377/deadrocks-xi-with-zeds-dead-tickets
Known for combining elements of EDM, dubstep, trap, and house with hip-hop and rock influences, Canadian duo ZEDS DEAD has built a global following with their dynamic production style. Having headlined sold-out shows worldwide, their reputation for immersive live sets continues to solidify ZEDS DEAD as one of the most innovative acts in electronic music.
Elton John’s Isolated Vocals For “Levon”
“Levon,” a timeless track from Elton John’s Madman Across the Water album, showcases Bernie Taupin’s evocative storytelling and Paul Buckmaster’s sweeping orchestral arrangements. Inspired by The Band’s Levon Helm, the song climbed to #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a fan favorite.
10 Little-Known Facts About YouTube That Might Surprise You
When we think of YouTube, it’s hard to imagine life without it. A platform that began with a simple idea has grown into one of the most influential cultural phenomena of our time. From viral cat videos to global music premieres, YouTube has become a cornerstone of modern entertainment and communication. But even the most avid YouTubers might not know these fascinating facts about the platform’s history and impact. Let’s dive in!
- The First Video Was About Elephants
The first-ever YouTube video, “Me at the Zoo,” was uploaded by co-founder Jawed Karim on April 23, 2005. It features Karim talking about elephants at the San Diego Zoo. This 19-second clip has now become iconic, marking the beginning of a digital revolution. - It Was Almost a Dating Site
Believe it or not, YouTube’s original concept was to be a video dating platform called “Tune In Hook Up.” Inspired by websites like Hot or Not, the founders pivoted to a general video-sharing site when the dating idea didn’t take off. - Google’s Big Bet
Google acquired YouTube in 2006 for $1.65 billion in stock—a move some thought was risky at the time. Today, it seems like a bargain, with YouTube generating over $30 billion in annual ad revenue. - YouTube’s Bandwidth in 2007 Was Astounding
By 2007, YouTube was consuming as much bandwidth as the entire internet did in 2000. This fact alone underscores how rapidly the platform reshaped the digital landscape. - The Birth of YouTube Stars
YouTube’s Partner Program, launched in 2007, allowed creators to earn money from ads. This transformed hobbies into careers and gave birth to a new kind of celebrity—the YouTuber. - YouTube’s Most Watched Video Took Years to Be Surpassed
“Baby Shark Dance” holds the title for the most-viewed video on YouTube, but before that, “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ruled the platform, amassing billions of views and solidifying YouTube as a global music powerhouse. - Every Minute Counts
As of 2023, over 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute. That’s more than 82 years of content uploaded every day! - YouTube Helped Define “Viral”
The Lonely Island’s Lazy Sunday and OK Go’s Here It Goes Again music video were some of the first viral sensations on YouTube. They showed the world that the internet could make anything a phenomenon overnight. - A Pioneer in Monetization Models
YouTube was the first major platform to successfully integrate a revenue-sharing model for creators, paving the way for modern influencer culture and digital advertising strategies. - It’s More Than Entertainment
YouTube has played a critical role in education, activism, and journalism. From tutorials and online courses to citizen journalism capturing historic events, the platform’s impact extends far beyond entertainment.
YouTube isn’t just a platform; it’s a cultural powerhouse that has shaped how we create, share, and consume media. Whether you’re learning a new skill, finding a new artist, or just falling into a late-night rabbit hole of videos, YouTube continues to connect us in ways the founders probably never imagined. So the next time you watch a video, remember: you’re part of a story that started with an elephant at the zoo.
5 Surprising Facts About Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Cosmo’s Factory”
Few albums capture the essence of a band quite like Cosmo’s Factory does for Creedence Clearwater Revival. Released on July 16, 1970, this iconic record showcases the band at their creative and commercial peak. With six top 5 singles, a blend of genres that defined their swamp rock sound, and critical acclaim that endures to this day, Cosmo’s Factory stands as a cornerstone in rock history. A case can be made the CCR – in 2025 – is American’s biggest band (check Spotify streams for proof.) Here are five lesser-known facts about the album that made waves across the globe.
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- The Warehouse Behind the Name
The album title comes from the band’s Berkeley rehearsal space, dubbed “The Factory” by drummer Doug “Cosmo” Clifford. This was where John Fogerty’s relentless practice schedule pushed the band to perfection, earning the space its nickname. Clifford joked that the album’s success was inevitable since it was named after him! - “Travelin’ Band” Is a Tribute to Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Golden Era
“Travelin’ Band” channels the high-energy spirit of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll, drawing inspiration from legends like Little Richard. With its driving rhythm and exuberant delivery, the song captures the thrill of life on the road and remains a fan favorite for its infectious celebration of rock’s roots - A Hidden Message in “Run Through the Jungle”
Often mistaken for a Vietnam War commentary, “Run Through the Jungle” was actually about gun control in America. Fogerty wrote the track after reading that there was one gun for every person in the U.S., reflecting his alarm at the country’s growing gun culture. - “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” Was for a Child, Not an Acid Trip
Contrary to drug-related interpretations, the whimsical imagery in “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” was inspired by Dr. Seuss and written for Fogerty’s three-year-old son, Josh. The “flying spoon” refers to a playful parade, not narcotics, as some fans speculated. - An 11-Minute Gamble That Paid Off
The band’s cover of Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” stretched to 11 minutes, showcasing their ability to balance structure and improvisation. While CCR was known for concise arrangements, this jam proved they could extend their sound without losing their edge.
- The Warehouse Behind the Name
From rockabilly to soul, psychedelia to swamp rock, CCR captured a moment in time while proving their timelessness. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious listener, this album is a journey worth taking—and one that still resonates, over 50 years later.