Music Monday - Consequence of Sound Talks Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend and More...

Music Monday Q&A

Running a music blog/website ca be a 24-hour job. People like Consequence of Sound's Alex Young don't have regular set hours because if you want to break the latest news, and beat others to the punch, you need to be ready to do so at the drop of a hat. That means a lot of work, late hours and scanning the Internet for new music. Based in New York and Chicago, one of CoS' coolest sections is Festival Outlook; a database that keeps track of all the newest lineup and rumors running around for music festivals all over the world. They must have spies on the inside. Considering how busy he is, we truly appreciate Young answering our questions.

1. How long has CoS been operating?
We have been up and running since September 2007. Ironically enough, however, it was never meant to be one... it eventually evolved into. Initially, it was just a hobby, but after meeting Michael Roffman – who is now the President & Editor-in-Chief – it sort of quickly evolved into a full-time profession.

2. What makes CoS different from other websites?
I think the thing that separates us from a lot of other websites is our passion. It’s not like we’re making a living off this – at least so far – but we’re still completely obsessed with making sure we are first to report a story, review an album, etc. We don’t have necessarily have hours. Instead, we often find ourselves posting at all hours of the day and night, seven days a week. I’m not sure many other websites can say that.


3. Do you think CoS has a specific musical niche?
We pride ourselves on covering all genres, ranging from indie rock and hip-hop to alt-country and electronica. So I don’t think we have a specific niche per say.

4. What contemporary albums are you looking forward to coming out?
Arcade Fire, Ra Ra Riot, The Thermals, Beastie Boys, and Kanye West.

5. How does CoS support independent music and what is important about doing so?
I think it goes without saying that no one buys music anymore. So the best ways to support artists are to do things like buy merch, attend a concert, and telling a friend. So make sure you do that. On CoS, we do things like post tour announcements and provide links to buy tickets and post spotlights about up-and-coming bands. We are also really trying to get into the events business, which would serve as another vehicle to showcase independent artists.

6. Do you think online publications are taking precedence over print magazines? What kind of effect do you think that has on bands?
In some respects, yes, but I do think both can co-exist. A magazine is a better outlet for feature stories since it’s a more engaging activity to read print on a page than it is on a website. (People on the web have short attention spans.). But I think when it comes to news and learning about new artists, online publications take precedence. After all, a magazine cannot publish breaking news or include an mp3.

7. What blogs/publications do you read other than your own?
My favorite websites are twentyfourbit.com (most unique info out there), rockitoutblog.com (only music blog that is also a video blog), stereogum.com (they are some of the most clever writers out there), and brooklynvegan.com (since I live in New York).

8. What has been your most definitive moment since you started at CoS?
Standing on stage during Vampire Weekend’s set at Lollapalooza last year and staring out at the 60,000 people watching.

9. If there is any musician/band you could interview (dead or alive) who would it be?
Jack White. By far the most interesting musician alive. I would love to write a book about him one day.

10. If you could be in any band (of all time), who would you rock with?
The Clash? The Raconteurs? The Thermals? Couldn’t choose just one.

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