Motives

I’m currently working my 5th episode, which I’m kinda psyched about. This podcast was something of an experiment—the scratching of a creative itch—and I wasn’t sure I was going to make it this far. Therefore, I’d like to say a quick and sincere thanks to all the bands who’ve been cool with me spinning their jams. That said, I’m not sure how much longer I’m gonna continue. Naturally, I want to keep this going as long as I can, but believe it or not, finding 7 songs to play isn’t always easy. We’ll, finding the songs is easy, but getting the permission to play them isn’t. 

I wonder why. I can’t be sure, of course, but I get the feeling that some of the people I contact about playing a song are skeptical of my motives. I find this unfortunate because my motives are pure. Nevertheless, should anyone out there need me to hear it directly from me, then let me be clear: I simply want to help spread the word about the good, cool, awesome (pick your adjective) bands I discover online and help them get their music into more ears. That is it. I make no money from the podcast — in fact each episode costs me about $10, so I lose money. All I get out of this podcast is the pleasure that comes from doing something creative and from introducing people to cool jams. 

At the same time, I sort of understand the skepticism too. The emphasis on doing things “yourself” in DIY culture, coupled with the understated yet ever-present mythology of the rugged individualist lurking in the American psyche, has made us all a little wary of anyone offering their assistance without asking for anything in return. I mean, he or she must be up to something, right? Maybe. While a healthy does of skepticism might be practical, a willingness to support one another’s creative endeavors is more punk rock. Providing that support is precisely what I’m up to with this podcast. 

But how much support can I really provide? It’s a fair question. I don’t have a bazillion followers. Yet, even if I introduce your band to just 10 people, isn’t that worth it given that all I’m asking for is permission to play a song? As a musician, isn’t your goal to get your music heard by more people? This is exactly the service I (aim to) provide. I don’t ask for a dime for it and I never will. 

So, major props to everyone who recognizes and is down with that. I really, really couldn’t do it without you.

Welcome to 7 Songs with Joe3

 At its core, and as its name implies, Seven Songs with Joe3, is a bi-weekly podcast that presents 7 songs from DIY and small-label artists that I think you should hear. That's the premise. 

Yes, there are thousands of music podcasts out there, but what sets this one apart is that it’s my humble attempt to give back to the D.I.Y. music community that has given me so much. I don't make any money doing this. In fact, I lose money, but that's okay. I'm more interested in helping bands spread the word about what they're doing.   
 

A Few Things You Should Know

I'm from Buffalo, New York, and that beautiful city is where I cut my musical teeth in the punk/hardcore  scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now, I live in the DC-area and have been playing in bands and going to shows here since the mid-1990s. I'm telling you this because each episode of this podcast will likely feature bands from these localities. However, I am keen to expand beyond them and will do my best to include music from other areas/regions. You can help me do that letting me know about bands you think I need to hear.

And hey, if you're in a band, send me an MP3 of your best jam for possible inclusion on a future episode. Punk, hardcore, metal, alternative ... I'm open to just about anything. Just send your music to this email address, and along with your jam, please include anything else you think I might need to know.

Have a listen!

In addition to listening to episodes on this blog, you can find episodes of the show on SoundCloud. If you like what you hear, please tell a friend. For information on new episodes and other stuff, follow me on Instagram @joe3_smith.

Thanks for listening!