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My Next Read: “Music and the Making of Modern Japan” by Margaret Mehl

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Music and the Making of Modern Japan” by Margaret Mehl

Japan was the first non-Western nation to compete with the Western powers at their own game. The country’s rise to a major player on the stage of Western music has been equally spectacular. The connection between these two developments, however, has never been explored.

How did making music make Japan modern? How did Japan make music that originated in Europe its own? And what happened to Japan’s traditional music in the process? Music and the Making of Modern Japan by Margaret Mehl answers these questions. Discussing musical modernization in the context of globalization and nation-building, Margaret Mehl argues that, far from being a side-show, music was part of the action on centre stage. Making music became an important vehicle for empowering the people of Japan to join in the shaping of the modern world.

In only fifty years, from the 1870s to the early 1920s, Japanese people laid the foundations for the country’s post-war rise as a musical as well as an economic power. Meanwhile, new types of popular song, fuelled by the growing global record industry, successfully blended inspiration from the West with musical characteristics perceived as Japanese.

Music and the Making of Modern Japan represents a fresh contribution to historical research on making music as a major cultural, social, and political force.

High-Quality Cannabis Seeds for Indoor and Outdoor Growing

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

When it comes to growing cannabis, the quality of the seeds you choose can make all the difference. High-quality cannabis seeds are essential for both indoor and outdoor cultivation, influencing the yield, potency, and overall health of the plant.

A prominent player in this field is Blimburn Seeds, a renowned seed bank with over 20 years of experience. Their personalized service and germination guarantee highlight the importance of selecting a reliable source for your cannabis seeds.

Benefits of High-Quality Seeds

High-quality cannabis seeds offer a range of advantages for both novice and experienced growers. Firstly, these seeds provide the foundation for healthy plants with desirable characteristics.

For instance, high-quality seeds are more likely to produce plants with high levels of THC or CBD, depending on the strain. This is particularly appealing for those looking to grow cannabis for medicinal or recreational use.

Additionally, high-quality cannabis seeds from reputable sources often come with detailed information about the strains and cultivation guides. This support can be invaluable, especially for those new to growing.

It’s worth noting that Blimburn Seeds not only provides premium seeds but also offers resources to help growers maximize their success. This educational aspect empowers growers to make informed decisions throughout the cultivation process.

Choosing Cannabis Seeds

When selecting cannabis seeds, several factors should be considered. Firstly, evaluate the type of cultivation you plan to undertake, whether indoor or outdoor, as this can influence your seed choice. Indoor growing typically allows for greater control over environmental factors, while outdoor cultivation often involves dealing with variable weather conditions. As a result, certain strains may be better suited to one method over the other.

Additionally, it’s essential to consider the strains themselves. Cannabis comes in various strains, each with its unique characteristics and effects. Indica strains are known for their relaxing properties, while sativa strains are often linked to stimulating and energizing effects.

Hybrid strains combine elements of both, catering to diverse preferences. By understanding the differences, you can select seeds that align with your cultivation goals. In this context, Blimburn Seeds offers a wide range of strains, ensuring growers can find something that fits their needs. Their industry expertise means they can provide expert advice on which strains are best suited to specific environments or desired effects.

Germination: A Critical Step

One of the most critical steps in the cultivation process is germination. Quality seeds are more likely to germinate successfully, leading to healthy seedlings. In contrast, low-quality seeds can result in poor germination rates and weak plants. This reality underscores the importance of purchasing seeds from reputable sources like Blimburn Seeds, which guarantees germination for their products.

Moreover, the germination process itself can vary depending on the type of seed. For instance, some seeds may require specific conditions such as humidity levels, temperature, and darkness. Understanding these requirements can help ensure successful germination. Fortunately, well-established seed banks often provide detailed instructions to guide growers through the process.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

10 Tips for Musicians on When to Hire a Publicist

Eric Alper
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10 Tips for Musicians on When to Hire a Publicist

As a musician, knowing when to bring in professional help can be the key to reaching new heights in your career. Publicists are the behind-the-scenes powerhouses who can turn your hard work into headlines, your music into must-hears, and your milestones into moments. But when is the right time to make that call? If you’re thinking about any or all of these 10 tips, you’ll be ready.

1. You Have a Specific Project to Promote

Got a new single, album, or music video ready to drop? Maybe a tour is just around the corner? That’s the golden moment to hire a publicist. They’re experts at crafting a narrative and creating a buzz that keeps your project top-of-mind and top-of-playlists. Timing is everything, and a publicist ensures you hit the mark.

2. You’ve Established Your Brand and Sound

Your sound is unmistakable, your visuals are cohesive, and your brand screams you. Now it’s time for a publicist to amplify that identity and introduce it to the media on a silver platter. Think of them as the bridge between your artistry and the wider world of listeners who need to know you.

3. You Need Help Navigating Media

Media relations can feel like a maze. Who do you contact? What do you say? A publicist knows how to craft compelling pitches, approach the right journalists, and secure coverage that puts your music in the spotlight. They’re not just navigating the map; they’re drawing it.

4. You’re Struggling to Reach Beyond Your Network

You’ve tapped out your immediate circle, and the growth has stalled. A publicist has the connections and strategies to push your music into new territories, new markets, and onto bigger stages. They’ll get your sound where it needs to be—beyond your comfort zone.

5. You’re Ready to Invest in Your Career

Hiring a publicist isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in your future. If you’ve got a budget and are ready to put your money where your music is, a publicist will give you the professional edge to make waves. It’s about seeing your career as a long game and setting yourself up for success.

6. You Have a Defined Goal

What’s the dream? More media coverage? A viral playlist hit? A feature in your favorite magazine? A publicist thrives on clear, measurable objectives. Tell them what you want, and they’ll turn those goals into actionable plans and tangible results.

7. You Need a Fresh Perspective

Feeling stuck or uninspired about your image or approach? A publicist brings a fresh set of eyes, new ideas, and innovative strategies to take your career to the next level. Whether it’s rebranding or reimagining, they’ll help you see your potential in ways you never expected.

8. You’re Too Busy to Handle PR Yourself

Between gigs, recording sessions, and social media, you’re wearing a thousand hats—and PR feels like one too many. A publicist takes the weight off your shoulders, managing press inquiries, media outreach, and interviews so you can focus on what matters most: the music.

9. You Want Access to Larger Opportunities

Ever wonder how artists get that coveted feature in a major publication or land a slot at a top festival? It’s not just luck—it’s connections. Publicists have the relationships and industry clout to get you in front of the right people and open doors you didn’t know existed.

10. You’re Launching a Major Milestone

Big moments deserve big attention. Whether it’s your debut album, a groundbreaking collaboration, or an award nomination, a publicist knows how to capitalize on your milestones. They’ll make sure these career-defining moments don’t just pass—they shine.

Every artist has a story worth telling, and the right publicist knows how to tell it. Whether you’re just starting out or hitting your stride, hiring a publicist at the right time can transform your music career. Ready to take the leap? For all your publicity needs, feel free to email Eric@ThatEricAlper.com or call me at 647-971-3742. With 25+ years of experience and a deep passion for connecting artists to audiences, I’m here to help you make an impact.

My Next Read: Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love by Leah Kardos (33 1/3 Series)

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love by Leah Kardos (33 1/3 Series)

Leah Kardos’ book charts the emergence of Kate Bush in the early-to-mid-1980s as a courageous experimentalist, a singularly expressive recording artist and a visionary music producer.

Track-by-track commentaries focus on the experience of the album from the listener’s point of view, drawing attention to the art and craft of Bush’s songwriting, production and sound design. It considers the vast impact and influence that Hounds Of Love has had on music cultures and creative practices through the years, underlining the artist’s importance as a barrier-smashing, template-defying, business-smart, record-breaking, never-compromising role model for artists everywhere.

Hounds Of Love invites you to not only listen, but to cross the boundaries of sensory experience into realms of imagination and possibility. Poised and accessible, yet still experimental and complex, with Hounds Of Love Bush mastered the art of her studio-based songcraft, finally achieving full control of her creative process.

My Next Read: “Streaming Music, Streaming Capital” By Eric Drott

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Streaming Music, Streaming Capital” By Eric Drott

In Streaming Music, Streaming Capital, Eric Drott analyzes the political economy of online music streaming platforms. Attentive to the way streaming has reordered the production, circulation, and consumption of music, Drott examines key features of this new musical economy, including the roles played by data collection, playlisting, new methods of copyright enforcement, and the calculation of listening metrics. Yet because streaming underscores how uneasily music sits within existing regimes of private property, its rise calls for a broader reconsideration of music’s complex and contradictory relation to capitalism.

Drott’s analysis is not simply a matter of how music is formatted in line with dominant measures of economic value; equally important is how music eludes such measures, a situation that threatens to reduce music to a cheap, abundant resource. By interrogating the tensions between streaming’s benefits and pitfalls, Drott sheds light on music’s situation within digital capitalism, from growing concentrations of monopoly power and music’s use in corporate surveillance to issues of musical value, labor, and artist pay.

Eric Drott is Associate Professor of Music Theory at the University of Texas at Austin and author of Music and the Elusive Revolution: Cultural Politics and Political Culture in France, 1968–1981.

My Next Read: “Corporate Life in the Digital Music Industry: Remaking the Major Record Label from the Inside Out” by Toby Bennett

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Corporate Life in the Digital Music Industry: Remaking the Major Record Label from the Inside Out” by Toby Bennett

Drawing on a deep and long-term first-hand engagement with major labels in the early years of the 21st century, Corporate Life in the Digital Music Industry: Remaking the Major Record Label from the Inside Out by Toby Bennett sheds new light ‘behind the scenes’, at a time of drastic and far-reaching transformation. Refreshingly, it centers not on artists and the most powerful decision-makers but on everyday experiences of work and back-office corporate employees.

Doing so reveals the internal activities and conflicts that, while hidden from public view, enable processes of change: from paperwork, data systems, managerial pressures and redundancies to graduate training schemes, departmental politics and shared playlists, providing a new route into understanding the broader cultures and infrastructures of the global recording industry. This oft-forgotten office work tells a different story of contemporary digital music, one more sensitive to the complex intersections that texture the conduct of work and organizational life.

Why Metadata Matters in Music

Eric Alper
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Why Metadata Matters in Music

In the digital age of music, metadata has become the unsung hero of the industry. Simply put, metadata refers to the information that accompanies a music file, such as the song title, artist name, album name, release year, genre, and more. While it may seem like a minor detail, metadata plays a pivotal role in ensuring your music is discoverable, credited, and monetized. Without accurate metadata, even the most brilliant tracks can get lost in the vast digital ether, leaving artists without the recognition or royalties they deserve.

Metadata is essential for music discovery. Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube rely heavily on metadata to recommend tracks to listeners. When a fan searches for a genre, mood, or even a specific lyric, the platform uses metadata to provide relevant results. Well-tagged songs have a higher chance of appearing in curated playlists or algorithm-based recommendations, which are key drivers of exposure in today’s music economy. For independent artists, nailing metadata is like setting a digital roadmap that leads listeners directly to their work.

But metadata isn’t just about discovery; it’s also the backbone of proper credit and royalty payments. Each time a song is streamed, downloaded, or played on the radio, metadata ensures that the right people—composers, lyricists, performers, and producers—get their share of the earnings. Missing or incorrect metadata can lead to delayed payments or even lost income, as it becomes difficult to trace ownership. This is especially critical in an era where collaboration across borders is common, and tracking contributions accurately can make or break an artist’s livelihood. So watch and make sure what the artist name is correct – and all the same – right across the board on social media and DSPs.

Finally, metadata is a tool for preserving your legacy. As music catalogs grow and songs age, accurate metadata ensures that your work remains organized and identifiable. From licensing opportunities in film and television to ensuring future generations can find and appreciate your music, metadata is a safeguard against your art being forgotten. In a world where a single misstep can mean invisibility, understanding and optimizing your music’s metadata isn’t just important—it’s essential.

In short, metadata is the key to being found, credited, paid, and remembered. For artists, managers, and producers, it’s worth taking the time to get it right. For all your publicity needs, feel free to email Eric@ThatEricAlper.com or call me at 647-971-3742. With 25+ years of experience and a deep passion for connecting artists to audiences, I’m here to help you make an impact.

5 Surprising Facts About ‘A Love Supreme’ by John Coltrane

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About ‘A Love Supreme’ by John Coltrane

Some albums change the way we hear music; A Love Supreme by John Coltrane changes the way we feel it. Released in 1965, this masterpiece isn’t just about saxophone solos or complex jazz—it’s about spirituality, gratitude, and transformation. From its iconic chant to its soaring improvisations, it’s an album that speaks to the soul as much as the ears. This is more than music—it’s a statement, a journey, and a revelation. Let’s dive into the brilliance of A Love Supreme.

1. Recorded in a Single Session

The sheer brilliance of A Love Supreme came together in just one recording session on December 9, 1964, at Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey. This highlights not only the extraordinary talent of John Coltrane but also the seamless chemistry of his quartet, featuring McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones.

2. The Influence of Spirituality
Coltrane saw A Love Supreme as a spiritual declaration, expressing gratitude and acknowledging his musical gift as coming from a higher power. The album’s devotional nature has even inspired the creation of the Saint John Coltrane African Orthodox Church in San Francisco, where this record is considered sacred.

3. The Chant Was a Last-Minute Addition
The iconic chant of “a love supreme” on the first track, “Acknowledgement,” wasn’t planned. Coltrane overdubbed his voice nineteen times to create this chant, turning a simple four-note motif into one of the album’s most memorable and unifying features.

4. A Rare Live Performance
For decades, the only known live performance of A Love Supreme was from the Festival Mondial du Jazz Antibes in France in July 1965. However, a second live recording was discovered, captured at The Penthouse in Seattle on October 2, 1965. This rare set was released in 2021, providing an even deeper insight into the masterpiece.

5. A Hidden Homage to African-American Preachers
The fourth movement, “Psalm,” is a musical interpretation of a devotional poem included in the liner notes. Coltrane “plays” the words on his saxophone, and scholars believe this was a nod to the sermon style of African-American preachers, blending music with spoken word in a deeply spiritual way.

A Love Supreme is a spiritual journey, a masterclass in improvisation, and a bold declaration of gratitude. John Coltrane poured his heart, soul, and genius into every note, creating a work that continues to resonate with listeners and musicians decades later. It’s more than music; it’s a moment in time that changed everything.

10 Songs Inspired by Books

Eric Alper
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10 Songs Inspired by Books

Books and music—two art forms that tell stories, spark imagination, and make us feel deeply. When musicians take inspiration from literature, the results can be extraordinary, combining the power of prose with the rhythm of melody. Here are 10 songs that transformed literary worlds into unforgettable tunes.

1. Kate Bush – “Wuthering Heights”
Inspired by Emily Brontë’s novel of the same name, Kate Bush channels the haunting passion of Catherine and Heathcliff’s tragic love. With ethereal vocals and dramatic storytelling, it’s a perfect musical embodiment of gothic romance.

2. Iron Maiden – “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
This epic track brings Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic poem to life, complete with chilling lyrics about curses and redemption. At nearly 14 minutes, it’s as grand and sprawling as the tale itself.

3. The Police – “Don’t Stand So Close to Me”
Sting nods to Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita in this cautionary tale of infatuation and taboo. The track’s tension mirrors the complexity of the book’s controversial themes.

4. Jefferson Airplane – “White Rabbit”
Drawing from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, this psychedelic anthem captures the surreal, dreamlike quality of the book. Grace Slick’s vocals feel like a trip down the rabbit hole.

5. Bob Dylan – “Desolation Row”
Packed with literary references, including T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound, Dylan’s sprawling track is a kaleidoscope of cultural and poetic influences. It’s less a song and more a literary collage.

6. Radiohead – “2 + 2 = 5”
George Orwell’s 1984 inspired this dystopian anthem, channeling the novel’s themes of surveillance, rebellion, and doublethink. Radiohead turns Orwell’s warnings into a sonic wake-up call.

7. David Bowie – “1984”
Another ode to Orwell’s classic, Bowie’s funky dystopian track turns the oppressive atmosphere of 1984 into a danceable warning about authoritarianism.

8. Led Zeppelin – “Ramble On”
J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings finds its way into this rock classic. With mentions of Gollum and Mordor, it’s a journey through Middle-earth set to Jimmy Page’s iconic riffs.

9. Suzanne Vega – “Calypso”
Told from the perspective of the nymph in Homer’s The Odyssey, this song gives a voice to Calypso’s side of the story, blending mythological depth with Vega’s poetic lyricism.

10. The Decemberists – “The Crane Wife”
Based on a Japanese folktale, this indie masterpiece tells a heartbreaking story of love, sacrifice, and greed. The Decemberists turn a centuries-old tale into a modern-day epic.

Books have always inspired musicians to dig deeper, to translate words into melodies, and to create something entirely new. These songs remind us how art feeds art, and how the stories that move us can resonate across mediums and generations

The 10 Best Hip-Hop Albums Of All Time

Eric Alper
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The 10 Best Hip-Hop Albums Of All Time

Hip-hop is the voice of the people, blending raw stories, unstoppable rhythms, and cultural truths. These 10 albums didn’t just dominate the airwaves—they changed the game. If you’re building your essential hip-hop playlist, these are the records you can’t ignore.

1. Nas – Illmatic (1994)
Nas’s debut is a masterclass in storytelling, painting vivid pictures of life in Queensbridge. With flawless production and lyrical genius, Illmatic set the gold standard for rap albums.

2. Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
Blending jazz, funk, and hip-hop, Kendrick’s magnum opus is as profound as it is innovative. Tackling issues of race, identity, and self-worth, this album redefined what rap could be.

3. The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die (1994)
Biggie’s debut chronicles the highs and lows of his life with charisma and unmatched flow. With hits like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa,” this album remains an all-time classic.

4. Public Enemy – It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988)
With its revolutionary sound and message, this album became the anthem of a movement. Chuck D’s lyrics and the Bomb Squad’s beats turned hip-hop into a tool for change.

5. OutKast – Stankonia (2000)
André 3000 and Big Boi brought Southern hip-hop to the forefront with this explosive record. Stankonia gave us unforgettable tracks like “Ms. Jackson” and “So Fresh, So Clean.”

6. Dr. Dre – The Chronic (1992)
This album defined West Coast hip-hop, introducing G-Funk to the world and launching Snoop Dogg’s career. Dre’s influence resonates to this day.

7. Wu-Tang Clan – Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)
With gritty beats and unforgettable rhymes, Wu-Tang’s debut was unlike anything before. It’s a landmark in collective creativity and hip-hop innovation.

8. Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)
Lauryn Hill’s solo debut blends hip-hop, soul, and R&B into a personal and political masterpiece. It’s a landmark record that resonates across generations.

9. Jay-Z – The Blueprint (2001)
Jay-Z’s lyrical brilliance and Kanye West’s soulful production make this a defining moment in hip-hop. Tracks like “Izzo (H.O.V.A)” showcase his ability to balance confidence and introspection.

10. A Tribe Called Quest – The Low End Theory (1991)
Fusing jazz influences with socially conscious lyrics, this album redefined hip-hop’s possibilities. Q-Tip and Phife Dawg’s chemistry shines on every track.

These albums milestones in hip-hop’s incredible journey. They represent voices, struggles, and triumphs that continue to inspire and never go out of style.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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