So, we released In Loving Memory in July, and we've been really, really happy with what people are saying about it - on iTunes, facebook, twitter, blogs, and in emails to us... If you reviewed it or rated it on iTunes, first I want to thank you. Second....... I want to ask you to do it again!!
We just changed digital distributors, and in doing so, we had to re-"release" a new version of the EP, and the other one will be taken down within a few days. Because of that, we're losing everything that we had gathered over the last 7 months - reviews, ratings, likes, sales records, "Listeners also bought," playlists, blah blah blah... If you wrote a review, I'd be super pumped if you just copied and pasted the old to to the new release. If you didn't write a review, I would love you forever (yes, you personally) if you would review it!
Unfortunately, it's going up about $2 for the whole album, because some of the fancy discounts that the last distributor had are unavailable to us. (So, if you haven't bought it yet, it might be wise to buy it now while it's still available from the old distributor, hint hint).
And we WILL be having Manic Monday this week!
Sorry - this blog entry seems to be all business... Let me try to change that up a bit...
This past Monday, we went through a bunch of songs (some pretty much written, some still in the skeleton phase) in order to figure out what we're going to start recording for the next EP! Two of them might be familiar to some of you (Answer and One More Chance) as we've played them live a number of times. The others will still have to remain a secret until we can at least record a little bit to give you a taste. We've got a lot of stuff to choose from, and it all depends on what plays well together. And doesn't run with scissors.
I need your feedback on an idea, too:
There's a big hoopla going around about Crowdfunding - basically, would you be interested in helping us pay for our next record if we gave you something in return? And what would those things be? Stuff that we've thought of:
What would you want us to make available that would make it worth your while to help us pay the costs of our next record? (Just so you know - we haven't started recording yet, so this is just in theory right now)
BLOOMERS ROCK!
-David
MB
Look Dad Creative
Angie Reed
Feb 18, 2011 @ 2:34pm
Ok, so my friend Holly Hildebrand told me about this group called Manic Bloom......"they're REALLY good" she says. "My brother-in-law Jeff, yeah the one who helped put up your Christmas lights, is one of them." So for about a year (I kid you NOT) I have this sticky note on my desk that simply says "Manic Bloom" to remind me to check it out (obviously THAT didn't work so well!). I kept putting it off, although every time I saw Holly I'd ask about Jeff, and tell her I still needed to get that CD....
Well, guess what? I finally bought BOTH of them, and I am BLOWN AWAY!! This does NOT sound like a new group. The instrumentals are SO creative....the music is fresh, and doesn't sound like everyone else's.... each song is so different from the next. And the lyrics? Well, they are soooo open for interpretation! The vocals are awesome..... beautiful voice(s). And the latest CD cover? Fantastic! I cannot say enough about your music.....And the cool thing is, your music crosses the generations. I am a 46 year-old mom of 3 teens and a 21 year old, but I can tell you this music fits my kids' likes as well as mine.
I was at a friend's house last night with a handful of ladies from my church... I mentioned you guys and played a little of your music for them, and one of them has already posted on my FB that she's purchased your CD and wanted to know if you guys have a FB!! I'm a firm believer in word-of-mouth advertisement, and I will most definitely be spreading the word....Having teens, this shouldn't be difficult....lol
Anyway, I know I am rambling (I'm good at it, so I don't deny myself! lol) but I just wanted to thank you guys for doin' what you do!
Your new friend,
Angie
Spencer Heath
Feb 18, 2011 @ 5:22pm
Always fantastic to hear news from the ever-phenomenal Manic Bloom.
The comment above mine (Angie's) just made my day. I can't imagine how it makes you guys feel! I introduced the girlfriend to you guys the other day, and she's a big fan. I'm always doing my best to Bloom responsibly. :)
Speaking of which, I'm always down to write something for you guys if you can use it... be it synesthesia related, an in-depth album review, whatever. I'm a decent writer and would be happy to write to anyone or any publication spreading the good word for you guys. Let me know!
I'll see y'all in three weeks at Red Gorilla. I can't wait!
P.S. Crowdfunding - great idea. I'm SO down. The perks that you mentioned are nice, but not required. I just want you guys to keep doing what you love/do best. :)
David
Feb 18, 2011 @ 8:28pm
Angie - thanks so much! Spencer is right - comments like that pump us up and encourage us more than you know! I'm glad for the year old post-it note! :)
Spencer - thanks for spreading the word, and for reposting the iTunes review! You are more than a decent writer - and I'll definitely keep you in mind for stuff we need in the future. We won't be at Red Gorilla, but we will be at University of North Texas - Denton on the 26th... Hopefully you can swing that one? Even bring the girlfriend?
-David
MB
Ruphondorm
Feb 19, 2011 @ 10:24am
Hey DAVID!!!! Its been a while since we have talked and I will try to be at the next manic monday. As for helping you pay for your next album I would help but I am not sure how?
kristee12281
Feb 20, 2011 @ 4:15am
Alright David. I went to try to post a review and there are problems with Itunes so I will keep checking back later to see if I can't get that review in for you.
As far as crowdfunding, I'm down with it. I would love to have my name in the music liner. I support you guys 100% so I want only the best for you and the band. :)
Yay for manic monday. Here's hoping I can remember to attend. hahaha. Might have to have someone text me to remind me.
Whatever you guys do, wherever you guys go...I am so down for it.
Miss you guys bunches. :)
Always and forever your FRIEND,
Kristy
Kyle Hinterser
Feb 21, 2011 @ 5:11pm
Hey I'm on my way to re-review right now! Anything for you guys! Especially crowdfunding. I think that it'd be awesome to have my name in one of the lines or one of those extras you were talking about. Just let me (and all of us Bloomers) know the details as soon as they become available!
Kyle
Jeff Bridge
Feb 22, 2011 @ 12:28am
Well forgive me but I landed here on a search for a Manic Street Preachers blog but after listening to you free download - awesome!
Jeff Hildebrand
Feb 22, 2011 @ 6:31am
Jeff Bridge.......we don't mind how you got here, but just that you stay.
We hope you've got room in your heart to be a fan of both Manic Bands. : )
-Hildee
MB
Mandy!
Feb 22, 2011 @ 7:55am
Hey guys! I think "Crowdfunding" seems like a perfectly rational and smart idea. Would you just put up a PayPal link on the home page or something? I mean it's up to us as fans whether or not to participate, and as an up-and-coming band, I'm of the opinion that you need to do whatever it takes! Most of your fans won't expect anything in return except an amazing album, which we know you'll deliver. I'd be happy to give a few bucks when I could....as starving artists ourselves at times, my hubs and I are always happy to help out.
See you in Denton in a few weeks!
-Mandy