Paperback Writer: A Bakersfield, California literature, music and news blog: Lost Ocean in the Bakersfield Californian, but not on front page of Eye Street

Lost Ocean in the Bakersfield Californian, but not on front page of Eye Street - By N.L. Belardes

I'm about to post this comment on the Bakersfield.com blogs but thought I would actually post here first. This is a blog entry sent to me by someone who wanted me to know that a kid named Robin was happy that Lost Ocean made it into the local paper.

Robin writes in the post, "I'm proud of Lost Ocean":

FINALLY!

My brother-in-law's band, Lost Ocean, is finally getting the media coverage it deserves!

Since most of you folks are older, you probably won't care as much for their band as your kids will; the music's probably meant more for younger people. But I've been waiting a long time for The Californian to actually write a story about his band, because they were signed to Credential a long time ago.

I didn't know if I'd ever see the day. :)

Well, anyway, I'm proud of him and his other band members. I guess there isn't much more to say than that. I wish I could call and congratulate them, but I don't want to bother them while they're on tour. I'm sure my sister will talk to him soon...

Psssst. Hey, Belardes, I know you're out there somewhere, because I've seen you on Bakersfield.com before. You don't mind if I have a link to your blog post, do you?

Here's my response:

Hi Robin,

I've written about Lost Ocean probably around 10 times, including one of their initial shows which was at the first location for Gigantic Vintage in downtown Bakersfield. You can really see the transformation in the boys of Lost Ocean by just reading through the articles and photos I've posted through the past 2 years.

Lost Ocean is an emigma for Bakersfield in both the style of music and their success. Why, Soulajar, though a decent band got more of a front page spread in the Californian than EMI-signed Lost Ocean is just strange, but typical. Don't get me wrong, Soulajar is awesome. But you see my point: based upon success, Lost Ocean should have been the first band written about, not The Dives, and not Soulajar.

I think bands like Lost Ocean need support and encouragement from their hometown (as do all Bakersfield bands). Look at how Korn used to mock Bakersfield for years. I don't blame them. There was no radio or print coverage at all for a long time. And yet Korn spawned Nu-metal. And now Korn has uplifted Bakersfield with kind words in the press, though likely the band is now broken up. Sources are telling me they're through.

Will Lost Ocean spawn a movement? Not sure. The Filthies might with their "rural rock punk" sounds as they're coming out strong in just weeks with a new release from Fallen Angel records titled "Your Turn".

Lost Ocean's ep "Night to Life" is amazing, and their now hidden album "Douse the Choir" is a masterpiece in arrangement. Skyler's piano movements are a wonder... and he was what, maybe 18 or 19 when "Douse the Choir" was recorded?

Thanks for the shout out, Robin. And post all the blog links you'd like...

A big thanks to Erik Loyd for writing the article, "Band preps for major release, follow-up album".

This entry was posted by N.L. Belardes, on Thursday, January 11, 2007. You can leave your response.

Matt | 5:55 PM |

A major label band should have a publicist in charge of making sure they are written about in trades and music rags, that's their job. This just proves once again, that money can't buy a band love.

I just Googled "Lost Ocean" and there was very little about them on the net, except for some local blogs.

Soulajar did the local leg work, and probably followed my advice from an earlier Californian bashing.

Let's face it, even NOFX wants to see their face on the cover of the Rolling Stone, and local bands love to show their familys their picture in the local paper.

So, once again, I'll break it down again: How to get your band in The Californian, newspaper, or blog.

1) Find out who writes the articles.
2) Send them a decent promo pack.
3) Send the reporter or blogger an e-mail, and phone message to follow-up.
4) Don't bug too much, like you're "the only Coca-Cola in the desert," and be patient. The sea is full of fish like you.
5) Remember reporters have lives too, and if they don't want to attend your show on their day off, find someone who will.
6) If no one cares, take matters into your own hands, and start your own blog.
7) Develop relationships with media outlets, so they remember you. Media people love to say they discovered you. (ex: Paperback Writer...hehehehe) They will be flattered and write about you again.
;-)
Lol!!It's easy-peasy!!

***Send me a Lost Ocean CD, I'll write about you and review the CD too. I've only heard excerpts on iTunes, and it is need CD for review.)

Gracias,
Matt Munoz
Musician & Journalist
Mento Buru / Bakotopia.com / Mas Magazine

n.l. | 6:18 PM |

This is great advice.

Matt | 6:50 PM |

Oops. The end of my comment looks screwy.

Let me try that again..

"I've only heard excerpts on iTunes, and it is...(need CD for review.)

YO EMI!
Send me a Lost Ocean CD, or get our boys in Rolling Stone!
Matt Munoz
c/o
Bakotopia.com
P.O. Box 2344
Bakersfield, CA
93303

Mike C | 10:16 AM |

Matt got it right. You want coverage? Do the legwork...Bands shouldn't EXPECT anything from anyone. We (Aum Studio Productions / Soulajar) contacted Erik Loyd after reading some of his recent reviews and articles. We let him know of the EP release, upcoming Spotlight show, etc. Showed him a promo kit, and we got a call back.

What went into getting the article, and more so front page? Plenty of factors, I'm sure...Good timing being one. Perseverance being another.

Signed bands are covered in magazines and newspapers for a reason...and that reason ISNT because they are a signed act. It's because they have a publicist who keeps in touch with the writers/reviewers, and submit promo kits to all the necessary people. Obviously having a good reputation of sending quality acts helps.

Clearly a signed act on a known label will have an easier time getting coverage, but that doesn't mean the coverage comes on its own.

Soulajar's EP will be made available nearly everywhere most signed acts are (except for the added luxury of the in store distrubution and product placement). They aren't signed. We didn't spend a dime on advertisement (except for the cost of print materials such as postcards and posters).

At the end of the day, the signed act still has more potential of reaching a larger crowd, but that shouldn't stop local unsigned groups from working hard.

n.l. | 10:28 AM |

Signed or unsigned, you have to work hard. Marketing is the key.

My minor criticism of the Californian is not a criticism of the musical and marketing talent of Soulajar, Lost Ocean or The Dives.

It's just an opinion.

I appreciate that Erik Loyd is writing about local music.

Mike C | 11:42 AM |

Unfortunately a lot of signed acts sign away their rights to 'work hard' in the marketing realm. There are plenty of restrictions on advertisement, shows played, etc. What happens when you sign away those rights, but your label makes the choice or lack thereof to not do any publicity work?

I can't speak for Lost Ocean, as I don't know their personal contract stipulations.

John Martin | 3:42 PM |

To insinuate that Soulajar is any lesser of a musical act than Lost Ocean based on the fact that Lost Ocean is signed to a small sub-label of EMI would be completely ignorant. Sounds like drama to me.

I'm a big fan of local bands and Cal State jazz and stuff, and as good as Lost Ocean is, they only appeal to a small scene locally. Seems like bands like Mento Buru, The Dives, and especially Soulajar are giving Bakersfield audiences much more variety to get into... wider range of ages. Don’t get me wrong, Lost Ocean is a great band, but it seems that Mr. Belardes is overstating their talent just a bit. Not to mention Lost Ocean does not seek out Bakersfield. They never do anything around town? Seems they are more concerned about myspace, touring churches, and Nashville then they are about reaching Bakersfield audiences.

n.l. | 4:00 PM |

Martin, you missed the point completely. The point is Soulajar is not a signed band. Has nothing to do with talent. And obviously you dont know about Lost Ocean, as I'm guessing if you were to add up Bakersfield shows over the past two years, you'd find Lost Ocean has likely performed more locally, and without major personnel changes I might add. And I never once saw them perform at a church. Gigantic Vintage, Boiler Room, The Gate, Stramler Park to name a few... those are generic Bakersfield venues where many non-Christian bands perform.

Get a grip, talent wasn't the point. Success was. And that idea is based upon, if Erik Loyd is choosing bands, not on how fancy they market to him, but on their potential to become signed bands, then Lost Ocean is ahead in the race.

Maybe next week Soulajar will be signed. Doesn't matter. Wasn't the point.

Mike C | 5:54 PM |

This thing gets juicer by the minute! ha. Just out of curiosity, how are you all defining 'success'? I'm getting the idea from the context that being signed = success, or more successful than not being signed? Am I off on that assumption?

n.l. | 6:28 PM |

That's a question for one, Erik Loyd in how he determines a band's success in relation to whether they deserve a write-up in the Californian or not. And another, his supervisors must determine such as well for placement within the paper (and other factors as well).

Success, as you know, can be defined in many ways. Just creating a song is success. Maybe performing live is success. And in today's world of Indie publishing, success has a whole new definition in terms of labels/non-labels.

That's a good point. John Martin made the same point in his second entry, which I'm not seeing on here. John, can you re-upload your comment? It's not showing up.

Great discussion.

n.l. | 6:32 PM |

In my opinion, Soulajar is very successful. But my opinion regarding write-ups in the paper and bands who have really stepped into the world of music labels and potential huge distribution, I'm happily pointing to Lost Ocean. Who knows, maybe Soulajar is next up, or The Filthies, Fatt Katt, Dalloways, or American Standard. It's just my opinion being expressed. And it's all subjective and depends on perspective.

I think my kids' band is successful too. And they just play for fun.

Mike C | 6:39 PM |

I'm not so sure it's Erik's roll to determine success, or to choose to do a writeup because of success. I never saw that as even a factor.

Also, there seems to be some preconceived notion that being signed is the end-all-be-all, or that Soulajar even wishes to be signed. I think their own article is a good reference point on that very issue.

I remember way back when, local band Misbliss signed a deal...it brought ooh's and ahh's to everyone. Wow a signed band in Bakersfield! No one cared to look into the actual contract, or the nearly non existent label, and that seemed to be their doom.

I'm a bit perturbed at the fact that this all started from a gracious Lost Ocean fan's posting, and it quickly turned into a 'who's more deserving' rant, instead of a praise that local artists are getting some great coverage.

I'm surprised noone's made the connection between the 3 bands in question: Soulajar, Lost Ocean, The Dives. Brian Boozer (Soulajar), Jeff Gray (Lost Ocean), and Chris Hunter (formerly Stereotactic, now Dives) grew up playing together in Exonerate and the Curves. I'm pretty sure the last thing they'd all want is some argument over who deserves more headlines.

n.l. | 6:59 PM |

I don't see a problem with expressing an opinion. You're here expressing your opinion aren't you?

I never degraded Soulajar. I think you're taking my opinion too personal.

Only Erik Loyd can define if a local band is newsworthy or not. I think some form of success plays into that newsworthiness. Otherwise every band would deserve to be in the Californian.

I sure don't mind mentioning every band over here as I have my own set of values for what I think is newsworthy for the Paperback Writer blog.

Just because bands are finally getting written about in the Californian doesn't mean people can't be critical. My Descartian approach might not be yours. And that's OK. You found value in this discussion, so you joined in.

My agenda is to uplift the Bakersfield music scene. People who know me understand that. Being critical doesn't take away from my valuing Bakersfield bands.

The Bakersfield music scene rocks!

Mike C | 7:37 PM |

I don't recall ever claiming that you degraded Soulajar. It seems like there's a lot of shifting boats and strawman fallacies w/ Mr Loyd's intentions or duties going on here. It was you, after all, that claimed 'success' was the centerpiece of discussion, so I asked you how you were defining success, and you told me how other people may or may not define it. Doesn't seem to be any solid footing for discussion or criticism.

Since Rolling Stone was the tongue'n'cheek pinnacle of success in this thread, I ask you this:

If Soulajar or the Dives were to get a review in Rolling Stone before Lost Ocean, are they still not as successful because they aren't signed or haven't played Jerry's Pizza 200 times? Would neither of them be worthy of such 'honor' ?

John Martin | 9:43 PM |

Belardes, you keep changing the subject ever so slightly, thus avoiding having to explain yourself. You’ve danced around each and every question that has come your way, making it seem as if you’re not sure where you stand. It’s as if you want to support local acts, and you do, but you obviously have a bias opinion of Lost Ocean because they are “signed”. And for some reason, it seems you have something out for Soulajar, as if they chose to be on the front cover of the Eye Street or had done something against you? Maybe they have, I have no clue! Let’s make this simple… Please explain your comment that started this whole thing:

"Why, Soulajar, though a decent band got more of a front page spread in the Californian than EMI-signed Lost Ocean is just strange, but typical."

You’re right… typically the Californian is bas-akwards, but they finally got it right and you’re throwing your arms up? Shouldn’t we all be stoked that our local boys are being showcased? You started this topic and no one else. No beating around the bush here! Explain exactly why you think Lost Ocean is more deserving and why it was “strange” to feature one of Bakersfield’s strongest musical acts of all time?

n.l. | 10:20 PM |

Hi John. Email me and I will send you my phone number. You're right. I am beating around the bush because I feel there's something I can't say on my site. You picked a quote of mine that I think sums up my thoughts that are purposely vague, though critical of the local paper, albeit a minor criticism.

I am definitely not dissing Soulajar, though you may feel I am. I even showed up and pre-paid for their ep, and recorded an interview for my site the day they were at Kosmos... Soulajar is a great band.

n.l. | 10:24 PM |

Mike C: If any of us in Bakersfield ever get into the Rolling Stone besides our DA, it will be muy success all around. I'll buy the beer and shout success from atop the Panorama Bluffs.

Robin | 1:48 AM |

Oy! Now I'm sorry I even wrote the blog post and had a link to Belardes' blog. And I'm sorry it took me so long to leave a comment; I'm really not too much of a blog commenter. I'm embarrassed now.

OK, here's the deal. The guys (Lost Ocean) are on tour and don't know that I wrote my blog post about them, nor do they know about this blog post. At least, I'm pretty sure they don't know about it, anyway. The reason I wrote my blog post was because, quite simply, I'm proud of what they've accomplished, which should be obvious when you see the title of my blog post. At the beginning of the blog entry, I stated, "...is finally getting the media coverage it deserves!" When I said that, all I meant was that I thought The Californian should have written a story sooner because they should have known about Lost Ocean and the fact that they had been signed, seeing as how they're the local newspaper and should know these kinds of things. By "media coverage," I didn't really mean anything beyond The Californian. I didn't mean in any way that the boys themselves had been seeking out media coverage. I'm sorry if any y'all were thinking otherwise about the situation. (Oh, and by the way, before Belardes' blog post reply to mine, I didn't know where they had even been placed in the paper since my paper has been disappearing.)

I personally didn't say anything about Soulajar and don't know much about them. However, I did receive a friend request from them on The Northwest Voice's site, which I did not accept. I don't like accepting friend requests when all they're after is having the highest amount of friends.

I'm sorry I got you into this mess, Belardes. Now I understand what you meant when you asked Jason to moderate on here a few days ago. Ha ha. Occasionally I'll stop by here whenever I hear about your latest Lost Ocean reviews, and then I'll find myself reading other things. I remember when your blog was still linked to The Californian's blog list, but then they took it down.

Anyway, folks, my dog is sleeping on my bed and waiting for me, so I should go to bed. I should be back tomorrow if there are any more questions, and hopefully this blog post won't get any uglier.

dw | 8:21 AM |

Robin, hope you don't loose too much sleep on this whole blog thing, I think you did what any proud family member or friend would do.
There are some good "rules" or "tips" to media attention for musicians here (any "rules/tips" to being a good music journalist too?).
Seems like every musician has tons of friends and family who aren't savvy to that industry. Why should they be? And they comment from their heart, and that's cool!
I never got the impression that the band members wrote this initial blog/letter, seemed pretty clear right from the get go.
Lost Ocean is a good band, has a cool website, the music page works well and bulletin board.I Googled "lost ocean band" just now and got a few more reviews and stuff which was groovy.
Robin, you do bring up a good blog "tip" though, in your first paragraph(apologizing for not commenting sooner).
Might be a good one for the new year here: If a person knows from N.L. that a blog will be started on their behalf, maybe that person could join in right off the top. Might alleviate the potential for concerns and uppityness. But you know, it's all good!lol
Best wishes to Lost Ocean! Hope to see you in Billboard too!

Mike C | 11:11 AM |

Hey Robin, your original post was completely understood, and never in question. I'm glad you wrote that on bakersfield.com...by chance did you submit anything to the opinion section of the paper? It's always good to encourage them to keep writing about local artists.

As for adding you on the Northwest Voice...It's a site to make connections with local community members, and letting them know about upcoming events. Since Bakotopia (part of the Mas/Northwest Voice/Southwest Voice/Californian team) is co-sponsoring the upcoming show we are putting on at the Spotlight Theatre, I figured it would be a good chance to let their readers know about the event. Sorry if you saw any ulterior motives, which weren't intended.

John Martin | 1:03 PM |

Robin,

Don’t feel bad about anything! Your post was completely cool and understandable. Nick Belardes comments were the only thing in question. It’s important that people hold bloggers accountable for their comments. I was referred to read this thread by a buddy of mine and I felt compelled to converse.

It has nothing to do with the Lost Ocean boys. If the situation was reversed, I would have gone to bat for them. If you look at my last post, you can see the NL quote in question. Anyway, I feel it’s been resolved somewhat just by Nick admitting that there was more behind his comment than what was stated. That’s all I was after from the start. We’re all super proud of Lost Ocean here and hope they’re having a blast on tour!

n.l. | 1:31 PM |

I'm in total agreement. John's keeping me in check, and my teeny weeny criticism is meant as checks and balances too...

Rock on!

n.l. | 2:50 PM |

*UPDATE: I'm reading that Korn isn't breaking up, even though sources are telling me otherwise.

Also, Lost Ocean has a cool new site design.

n.l. | 2:52 PM |

And here's my review of Lost Ocean's Night to Life in case you haven't read it.

Zach | 1:39 AM |

hi, this is Zach the bassist for The Dives. And I wish nothing but good luck to Lost Ocean. I've known all of the guys for quite a few years now and I'm glad to see them doing well. I just saw Bret recently and he gave me a CD. My hope is my band gets to experience some of the success that Lost Ocean is.

I hope everyone understand we are just doing what we love and trying to get our music heard by people who'd like to hear it.

Matt | 5:55 PM |
A major label band should have a publicist in charge of making sure they are written about in trades and music rags, that's their job. This just proves once again, that money can't buy a band love.

I just Googled "Lost Ocean" and there was very little about them on the net, except for some local blogs.

Soulajar did the local leg work, and probably followed my advice from an earlier Californian bashing.

Let's face it, even NOFX wants to see their face on the cover of the Rolling Stone, and local bands love to show their familys their picture in the local paper.

So, once again, I'll break it down again: How to get your band in The Californian, newspaper, or blog.

1) Find out who writes the articles.
2) Send them a decent promo pack.
3) Send the reporter or blogger an e-mail, and phone message to follow-up.
4) Don't bug too much, like you're "the only Coca-Cola in the desert," and be patient. The sea is full of fish like you.
5) Remember reporters have lives too, and if they don't want to attend your show on their day off, find someone who will.
6) If no one cares, take matters into your own hands, and start your own blog.
7) Develop relationships with media outlets, so they remember you. Media people love to say they discovered you. (ex: Paperback Writer...hehehehe) They will be flattered and write about you again.
;-)
Lol!!It's easy-peasy!!

***Send me a Lost Ocean CD, I'll write about you and review the CD too. I've only heard excerpts on iTunes, and it is need CD for review.)

Gracias,
Matt Munoz
Musician & Journalist
Mento Buru / Bakotopia.com / Mas Magazine
n.l. | 6:18 PM |
This is great advice.
Matt | 6:50 PM |
Oops. The end of my comment looks screwy.

Let me try that again..

"I've only heard excerpts on iTunes, and it is...(need CD for review.)

YO EMI!
Send me a Lost Ocean CD, or get our boys in Rolling Stone!
Matt Munoz
c/o
Bakotopia.com
P.O. Box 2344
Bakersfield, CA
93303
Mike C | 10:16 AM |
Matt got it right. You want coverage? Do the legwork...Bands shouldn't EXPECT anything from anyone. We (Aum Studio Productions / Soulajar) contacted Erik Loyd after reading some of his recent reviews and articles. We let him know of the EP release, upcoming Spotlight show, etc. Showed him a promo kit, and we got a call back.

What went into getting the article, and more so front page? Plenty of factors, I'm sure...Good timing being one. Perseverance being another.

Signed bands are covered in magazines and newspapers for a reason...and that reason ISNT because they are a signed act. It's because they have a publicist who keeps in touch with the writers/reviewers, and submit promo kits to all the necessary people. Obviously having a good reputation of sending quality acts helps.

Clearly a signed act on a known label will have an easier time getting coverage, but that doesn't mean the coverage comes on its own.

Soulajar's EP will be made available nearly everywhere most signed acts are (except for the added luxury of the in store distrubution and product placement). They aren't signed. We didn't spend a dime on advertisement (except for the cost of print materials such as postcards and posters).

At the end of the day, the signed act still has more potential of reaching a larger crowd, but that shouldn't stop local unsigned groups from working hard.
n.l. | 10:28 AM |
Signed or unsigned, you have to work hard. Marketing is the key.

My minor criticism of the Californian is not a criticism of the musical and marketing talent of Soulajar, Lost Ocean or The Dives.

It's just an opinion.

I appreciate that Erik Loyd is writing about local music.
Mike C | 11:42 AM |
Unfortunately a lot of signed acts sign away their rights to 'work hard' in the marketing realm. There are plenty of restrictions on advertisement, shows played, etc. What happens when you sign away those rights, but your label makes the choice or lack thereof to not do any publicity work?

I can't speak for Lost Ocean, as I don't know their personal contract stipulations.
John Martin | 3:42 PM |
To insinuate that Soulajar is any lesser of a musical act than Lost Ocean based on the fact that Lost Ocean is signed to a small sub-label of EMI would be completely ignorant. Sounds like drama to me.

I'm a big fan of local bands and Cal State jazz and stuff, and as good as Lost Ocean is, they only appeal to a small scene locally. Seems like bands like Mento Buru, The Dives, and especially Soulajar are giving Bakersfield audiences much more variety to get into... wider range of ages. Don’t get me wrong, Lost Ocean is a great band, but it seems that Mr. Belardes is overstating their talent just a bit. Not to mention Lost Ocean does not seek out Bakersfield. They never do anything around town? Seems they are more concerned about myspace, touring churches, and Nashville then they are about reaching Bakersfield audiences.
n.l. | 4:00 PM |
Martin, you missed the point completely. The point is Soulajar is not a signed band. Has nothing to do with talent. And obviously you dont know about Lost Ocean, as I'm guessing if you were to add up Bakersfield shows over the past two years, you'd find Lost Ocean has likely performed more locally, and without major personnel changes I might add. And I never once saw them perform at a church. Gigantic Vintage, Boiler Room, The Gate, Stramler Park to name a few... those are generic Bakersfield venues where many non-Christian bands perform.

Get a grip, talent wasn't the point. Success was. And that idea is based upon, if Erik Loyd is choosing bands, not on how fancy they market to him, but on their potential to become signed bands, then Lost Ocean is ahead in the race.

Maybe next week Soulajar will be signed. Doesn't matter. Wasn't the point.
Mike C | 5:54 PM |
This thing gets juicer by the minute! ha. Just out of curiosity, how are you all defining 'success'? I'm getting the idea from the context that being signed = success, or more successful than not being signed? Am I off on that assumption?
n.l. | 6:28 PM |
That's a question for one, Erik Loyd in how he determines a band's success in relation to whether they deserve a write-up in the Californian or not. And another, his supervisors must determine such as well for placement within the paper (and other factors as well).

Success, as you know, can be defined in many ways. Just creating a song is success. Maybe performing live is success. And in today's world of Indie publishing, success has a whole new definition in terms of labels/non-labels.

That's a good point. John Martin made the same point in his second entry, which I'm not seeing on here. John, can you re-upload your comment? It's not showing up.

Great discussion.
n.l. | 6:32 PM |
In my opinion, Soulajar is very successful. But my opinion regarding write-ups in the paper and bands who have really stepped into the world of music labels and potential huge distribution, I'm happily pointing to Lost Ocean. Who knows, maybe Soulajar is next up, or The Filthies, Fatt Katt, Dalloways, or American Standard. It's just my opinion being expressed. And it's all subjective and depends on perspective.

I think my kids' band is successful too. And they just play for fun.
Mike C | 6:39 PM |
I'm not so sure it's Erik's roll to determine success, or to choose to do a writeup because of success. I never saw that as even a factor.

Also, there seems to be some preconceived notion that being signed is the end-all-be-all, or that Soulajar even wishes to be signed. I think their own article is a good reference point on that very issue.

I remember way back when, local band Misbliss signed a deal...it brought ooh's and ahh's to everyone. Wow a signed band in Bakersfield! No one cared to look into the actual contract, or the nearly non existent label, and that seemed to be their doom.

I'm a bit perturbed at the fact that this all started from a gracious Lost Ocean fan's posting, and it quickly turned into a 'who's more deserving' rant, instead of a praise that local artists are getting some great coverage.

I'm surprised noone's made the connection between the 3 bands in question: Soulajar, Lost Ocean, The Dives. Brian Boozer (Soulajar), Jeff Gray (Lost Ocean), and Chris Hunter (formerly Stereotactic, now Dives) grew up playing together in Exonerate and the Curves. I'm pretty sure the last thing they'd all want is some argument over who deserves more headlines.
n.l. | 6:59 PM |
I don't see a problem with expressing an opinion. You're here expressing your opinion aren't you?

I never degraded Soulajar. I think you're taking my opinion too personal.

Only Erik Loyd can define if a local band is newsworthy or not. I think some form of success plays into that newsworthiness. Otherwise every band would deserve to be in the Californian.

I sure don't mind mentioning every band over here as I have my own set of values for what I think is newsworthy for the Paperback Writer blog.

Just because bands are finally getting written about in the Californian doesn't mean people can't be critical. My Descartian approach might not be yours. And that's OK. You found value in this discussion, so you joined in.

My agenda is to uplift the Bakersfield music scene. People who know me understand that. Being critical doesn't take away from my valuing Bakersfield bands.

The Bakersfield music scene rocks!
Mike C | 7:37 PM |
I don't recall ever claiming that you degraded Soulajar. It seems like there's a lot of shifting boats and strawman fallacies w/ Mr Loyd's intentions or duties going on here. It was you, after all, that claimed 'success' was the centerpiece of discussion, so I asked you how you were defining success, and you told me how other people may or may not define it. Doesn't seem to be any solid footing for discussion or criticism.

Since Rolling Stone was the tongue'n'cheek pinnacle of success in this thread, I ask you this:

If Soulajar or the Dives were to get a review in Rolling Stone before Lost Ocean, are they still not as successful because they aren't signed or haven't played Jerry's Pizza 200 times? Would neither of them be worthy of such 'honor' ?
John Martin | 9:43 PM |
Belardes, you keep changing the subject ever so slightly, thus avoiding having to explain yourself. You’ve danced around each and every question that has come your way, making it seem as if you’re not sure where you stand. It’s as if you want to support local acts, and you do, but you obviously have a bias opinion of Lost Ocean because they are “signed”. And for some reason, it seems you have something out for Soulajar, as if they chose to be on the front cover of the Eye Street or had done something against you? Maybe they have, I have no clue! Let’s make this simple… Please explain your comment that started this whole thing:

"Why, Soulajar, though a decent band got more of a front page spread in the Californian than EMI-signed Lost Ocean is just strange, but typical."

You’re right… typically the Californian is bas-akwards, but they finally got it right and you’re throwing your arms up? Shouldn’t we all be stoked that our local boys are being showcased? You started this topic and no one else. No beating around the bush here! Explain exactly why you think Lost Ocean is more deserving and why it was “strange” to feature one of Bakersfield’s strongest musical acts of all time?
n.l. | 10:20 PM |
Hi John. Email me and I will send you my phone number. You're right. I am beating around the bush because I feel there's something I can't say on my site. You picked a quote of mine that I think sums up my thoughts that are purposely vague, though critical of the local paper, albeit a minor criticism.

I am definitely not dissing Soulajar, though you may feel I am. I even showed up and pre-paid for their ep, and recorded an interview for my site the day they were at Kosmos... Soulajar is a great band.
n.l. | 10:24 PM |
Mike C: If any of us in Bakersfield ever get into the Rolling Stone besides our DA, it will be muy success all around. I'll buy the beer and shout success from atop the Panorama Bluffs.
Robin | 1:48 AM |
Oy! Now I'm sorry I even wrote the blog post and had a link to Belardes' blog. And I'm sorry it took me so long to leave a comment; I'm really not too much of a blog commenter. I'm embarrassed now.

OK, here's the deal. The guys (Lost Ocean) are on tour and don't know that I wrote my blog post about them, nor do they know about this blog post. At least, I'm pretty sure they don't know about it, anyway. The reason I wrote my blog post was because, quite simply, I'm proud of what they've accomplished, which should be obvious when you see the title of my blog post. At the beginning of the blog entry, I stated, "...is finally getting the media coverage it deserves!" When I said that, all I meant was that I thought The Californian should have written a story sooner because they should have known about Lost Ocean and the fact that they had been signed, seeing as how they're the local newspaper and should know these kinds of things. By "media coverage," I didn't really mean anything beyond The Californian. I didn't mean in any way that the boys themselves had been seeking out media coverage. I'm sorry if any y'all were thinking otherwise about the situation. (Oh, and by the way, before Belardes' blog post reply to mine, I didn't know where they had even been placed in the paper since my paper has been disappearing.)

I personally didn't say anything about Soulajar and don't know much about them. However, I did receive a friend request from them on The Northwest Voice's site, which I did not accept. I don't like accepting friend requests when all they're after is having the highest amount of friends.

I'm sorry I got you into this mess, Belardes. Now I understand what you meant when you asked Jason to moderate on here a few days ago. Ha ha. Occasionally I'll stop by here whenever I hear about your latest Lost Ocean reviews, and then I'll find myself reading other things. I remember when your blog was still linked to The Californian's blog list, but then they took it down.

Anyway, folks, my dog is sleeping on my bed and waiting for me, so I should go to bed. I should be back tomorrow if there are any more questions, and hopefully this blog post won't get any uglier.
dw | 8:21 AM |
Robin, hope you don't loose too much sleep on this whole blog thing, I think you did what any proud family member or friend would do.
There are some good "rules" or "tips" to media attention for musicians here (any "rules/tips" to being a good music journalist too?).
Seems like every musician has tons of friends and family who aren't savvy to that industry. Why should they be? And they comment from their heart, and that's cool!
I never got the impression that the band members wrote this initial blog/letter, seemed pretty clear right from the get go.
Lost Ocean is a good band, has a cool website, the music page works well and bulletin board.I Googled "lost ocean band" just now and got a few more reviews and stuff which was groovy.
Robin, you do bring up a good blog "tip" though, in your first paragraph(apologizing for not commenting sooner).
Might be a good one for the new year here: If a person knows from N.L. that a blog will be started on their behalf, maybe that person could join in right off the top. Might alleviate the potential for concerns and uppityness. But you know, it's all good!lol
Best wishes to Lost Ocean! Hope to see you in Billboard too!
Mike C | 11:11 AM |
Hey Robin, your original post was completely understood, and never in question. I'm glad you wrote that on bakersfield.com...by chance did you submit anything to the opinion section of the paper? It's always good to encourage them to keep writing about local artists.

As for adding you on the Northwest Voice...It's a site to make connections with local community members, and letting them know about upcoming events. Since Bakotopia (part of the Mas/Northwest Voice/Southwest Voice/Californian team) is co-sponsoring the upcoming show we are putting on at the Spotlight Theatre, I figured it would be a good chance to let their readers know about the event. Sorry if you saw any ulterior motives, which weren't intended.
John Martin | 1:03 PM |
Robin,

Don’t feel bad about anything! Your post was completely cool and understandable. Nick Belardes comments were the only thing in question. It’s important that people hold bloggers accountable for their comments. I was referred to read this thread by a buddy of mine and I felt compelled to converse.

It has nothing to do with the Lost Ocean boys. If the situation was reversed, I would have gone to bat for them. If you look at my last post, you can see the NL quote in question. Anyway, I feel it’s been resolved somewhat just by Nick admitting that there was more behind his comment than what was stated. That’s all I was after from the start. We’re all super proud of Lost Ocean here and hope they’re having a blast on tour!
n.l. | 1:31 PM |
I'm in total agreement. John's keeping me in check, and my teeny weeny criticism is meant as checks and balances too...

Rock on!
n.l. | 2:50 PM |
*UPDATE: I'm reading that Korn isn't breaking up, even though sources are telling me otherwise.

Also, Lost Ocean has a cool new site design.
n.l. | 2:52 PM |
And here's my review of Lost Ocean's Night to Life in case you haven't read it.
Zach | 1:39 AM |
hi, this is Zach the bassist for The Dives. And I wish nothing but good luck to Lost Ocean. I've known all of the guys for quite a few years now and I'm glad to see them doing well. I just saw Bret recently and he gave me a CD. My hope is my band gets to experience some of the success that Lost Ocean is.

I hope everyone understand we are just doing what we love and trying to get our music heard by people who'd like to hear it.

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Lost Ocean in the Bakersfield Californian, but not on front page of Eye Street - By N.L. Belardes

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