Get ahead the independent way, Reeperbahn Festival

Everyone seems to want to be an "Independent music producer". They want to be in control of their own destiny, decide on their music direction, artwork, recording process, but they also want a "Big Label" to pay for it all. Well if you are the type of person that like to do it on your own, I will recommend going to the numerour music conferences world wide. One that is coming up shortly is the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, Germany. Or.. Deutschland for you multilingual readers. Reeperbahn Festival Read all about it. I have represented people at conferences like this for years. It is a music convention, conference and showcase. The reason everyone needs to have much better connections in the industry, and be booked with major acts on a big tour. You will NEVER get a big support gig tour, unless you are on a major record label with bands that are similar, or with a major booking agent. Start small, but get prepared!!! There are lots of small companies that will help you climb the ladder. IF you do go to this festival, you will also have a bit of work to do. Mainly research and letting the labels, publishers, and your favorite bands that you want to support, and which labels you think suit your music that you will be there. MAKE A MEETING!!! Keep in contact with them. There is no point in applying for a meeting with a classical label for a rock band. Etc.. Also, there are SO many people attending, you would not be able to email all of them. When you buy a ticket you get access to the list of people coming, delegates, and contact details for them. It is a major plus. All meetings must be organised before you get there, or nobody will meet you, it must be organised. Make a definable and reachable goal for Reeperbahn. Get you name in the ears of people so that when you come over next year, you go to the Reeperbahn, try to get on the festival playing, and meet people that you already have a connection to. Long term commitment is important to the big labels. So start now, and don't give up. Cheers, Steve Iorio Epic-tourin.com

This winter in Australia, The Vagrants

Hello Again, Long time no write, sorry. Now that we are back from our European tour, I want to say thanks to all the people that came to see The Vagrants play, had a beer with us, gave us a place to stay, and for all the musicians in The Vagrants, and the bands that played with us, especially The On Fires. It is always a great night when you are playing with us. A quick update as to what The Vagrants are doing at the moment. All of the songs that I have written have always been written on an acoustic guitar. I didn't plan it that way, it is just the way it seems to happen. So now Renate and I are doing some acoustic shows. We have played a house party already and we are gearing up to do some more acoustic shows in and around Melbourne and then a bit in NSW, SA and QLD. We are also in the middle of writing new music as well. The new material will definitely be more diverse and we hope to not travel down roads we have already been down. We are Vagrants at heart!!! The other major item on our list is that Renate and I are working our asses off to make our small, but growing all too quickly, art/ gifts/ import/ greeting card company www.iqartcards.com. This company has been going for 12 years and helped to fund the beginning of The Vagrants and is dear to our hearts. It is art, it is helping artists, and helped us to stay sane/ insane during the day. Just wanted to say hi, hope you are all well, and let me know if you want to do a gig with The Vagrants (acoustic or electric) here in Australia before I head overseas in November. Cheers, Steve

Free hosting with cheap website building!!!

Hey guys,

Hope all is well. If you are getting this you might already know Renate and Steve Iorio and have probably been to our great website. I am not sure that you know, but Renate has been making all the e commerce sites as well as static sites. We are now building and hosting websites for others! Get us to build your site, as “Grand Opening Special” we will host your site FOR FREE FOR ONE YEAR!!!! The offer is good if you pay in September and website prices start at $195. If you don’t know us well, here is a bit of information about us, our experience and the websites we have built just below here.
If you are interested, just hit reply or go to the Indie Avenues Website. www.indieavenues.com

And pass this on to some people that might want a site!!!

I.Q Art was established in Australia 11 years ago by Renate and Steve Iorio. I.Q Art is an innovative wholesaler of quality products to over 800 stores across Australia and online. We supply greeting cards, gift cards, artwork, license images and photography, make websites, and distribute to a wide variety of outlets and industries.
www.iqartcards.com


The Vagrants are a high energy party rock band. Independence that is the word that sums up The Vagrants. Renate is the lead singer and Steve Iorio plays guitar and compose the original songs that range from very serious, to downright hysterical. The live show is high energy and is just a sweaty soaking wet t shirt ready to happen. The Vagrants have toured relentlessly for 7 years and manage themselves.
www.thevagrants.com


Indie Avenues is a company helping people in different areas of life. Founded by Renate and Steve Iorio it is a venture that brings all of our different friends, contacts and business partners of the past to use their expertise to help each other succeed in their present project. We have just added website building and website hosting and SEO (search engine optimization) to our portfolio. As an introductory offer in the month of September, we are giving ONE FREE YEAR OF WEBHOSTING to anyone that has a site built by IQ Website.
www.indieavenues.com


Merch Bitch has just recently been established, but has come from Steve and Renate’s long history of helping Australian artists to showcase their music here and internationally, get radio airplay, gigs, tours, legal issues, accounting, grants, and manage their bands. The decline in profits in the record industry has meant that many artists have no way of selling physical product to fans that may want the full CD and not just a download.
www.merchbitch.com.au


Blind Beatroot was set up by Steve and Renate while operating the Australian Showcases at Popkomm in Berlin. They have been managing bands, hotels, tours, companies and project for many years in many projects. In an effort to help others they built a website for all to use and put up information, contacts, and helpful hints from their experience.
www.blindbeatroot.com


Some of the other website that we have built are:
www.belle-cher.com
www.perfectlywrite.com.au
www.drewparsonsaudio.com

Hope to see you at the Cherry Bar on Oct. 21st, The Vagrants are playing with the legendary "X".
--
Stephen Iorio ♪ +♪ = ♥
steve@thevagrants.com
www.thevagrants.com
www.youtube.com/thevagrants
www.facebook.com/thevagrants
www.myspace.com/vagrantsmusic

The Vagrants, Can't take anymore

So the CD launch of The Vagrants new CD STAND UP , has come and gone. We have had more airplay than imagined, great reviews and really fantastic response from the crowd at our gigs.
THANK YOU!!!!!!

A lot of people just keep asking what is the song "Can't Take Anymore" all about? Well firstly, have a look at the lyrics at:
http://www.reverbnation.com/vagrants

There are some songwriters that believe that "People should get their own meaning from a song". To tell you the truth, I believe that in general, (not always) but that is just a way for a songwriter to get more people like his songs. F*$% THAT!!! I really want people to know what I think. LOVE OR HATE IT!!!!

This song is about all the bullshit advertising that is up in our faces in the most pristine places. ON the slopes in ski resorts, on the roads, on your computer screen pop ups, on TV, radio, and even in state and national forests. AHHHHHHHHHHH

I may write the songs, but Renate Ludwig the lead singer of The Vagrants reads thru all the lyrics and picks the ones that she loves. She picks songs she is passionate about. So I can tell you she sings this with a passion that I am unable to do, and I thank her for that.

I can't take anymore!!!!!
Steve Iorio
www.thevagrants.com

The Vagrants launch new CD, "Stand Up" Aug. 27, Cherry Bar

Starting a new blog as well, check out The Vagrants!!!

The Vagrants launch their spectacular new cd "STAND UP" at the Cherry Bar on Aug. 27th at the Cherry Bar. The first 100 people get a free shot of Jagermeister. It is no wonder why the tour was called the "Stand up and get Stupid Tour".

If you are a friend, pass it on.

If you are in media or a journalist member text me (0417 810 710) to get on the door list. Thanks so much for the help, it is really appreciated. We are getting an amazing reception of the new CD and it really gives us inspiration in a hard industry.

"Kate Roseler" is our publicist, so you e mail her or call her anytime on 0466 549 357. All the information you are likely to need is up on the website links below, by you are also welcome to call me my number is at the bottom.


Cheers,
Steve
--
Stephen Iorio ♪ +♪ = ♥
steve@thevagrants.com
www.thevagrants.com
www.youtube.com/thevagrants
www.facebook.com/thevagrants
www.myspace.com/vagrantsmusic

Great Blog from Muhlhausen Germany!!!

Hey Guys, Christina Sophie is just a great chick and she wrote this after a Vagrants gig. You might have to translate it, but hey, that is a cool challenge.

Steve
www.thevagrants.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

http://chrissygoestoaustralia.blogspot.com/2011/07/thanks-for-rockin-out-with-vagrants.html

"Thank's for rockin' out with "The Vagrants"
Hallo ihr Lieben,

ich hatte dieses mal echt keine Ahnung, wie ich meinen Post anfangen soll zu schreiben.
Aber ich will mich jetzt einfach mal versuchen. ;)
Es war Freitag, der 13. (Mai.)
Viele denken es sein ein Pechtag, aber das Kann ich so gar nicht verstehen.
Dieses Jahr war es einer der besten Tage überhaupt.

Als ich gelesen habe das „The Vagrants“ nach Mühlhausen komen würden, dachte ich: „Okay, kann man sich ja mal anhören.“
Ich hatte vorher im Internet schonmal in die Lieder reingehört, und fand diese ziemlich gut.
Das diese Band aus Australien kommt, ist natürlich ein weiterer Pluspunkt gewesen.
Naja am besagten Abend des 13. Mai’s bin ich dann mit ein paar Freunden in die „KuFa“ in Mühlhausen gegangen.

Mit der Vorband „Pastic Society“ gab es einen super Einstieg in den Abend. Danke euch vielmals dafür. Ich rede jetzt mal nicht so viel von eurem tollen Auftritt, da es ja eigentlich um Australien geht in diesem Blog. ;)



Das Autogrammposter an meiner Wand :)
Daher auch der Name des Post's ;)
Aber nun zum eigentlichen Thema:

„The Vagrants“

Ich weiß bis heute noch nicht, wie ich den 13. Mai in Worte fassen soll...
Nach dem Auftritt der Vagrants hab ich zu Paula gesagt: "Komm, die sprechen wir an und holen uns Autogramme!" Ich glaub sie war anfangs skeptisch, aber ich bin dann einfach drauf los.
Sie sind echt supernett. Danke Steve vielmals für das nette Gespräch und der ganzen Band für den tollen Auftritt. Leider habe ich weder Fotos noch Videos von dem Auftritt, da meine Speicherkarte von der Kamera den Geist aufgegeben hat, bevor ich die Dateien runterziehen konnte.
So kann ich meine Erinnerungen leider nur in Text- und nicht in Bild- und Videoform mit euch teilen.
Ich kann nur eins sagen: Nächstes Jahr sind sie wieder in Europa und auch in Deutschland auf Tour, wie sie erzählt haben, also geht zu einem der Konzerte! ;)

The Vagrants come back!! bringing Australian Rock on another European Tour

Just wanted to let you all know that I am back on The Vagrants blog and of course I need to keep it a bit more updated. All of the next gigs for our European Tour 2011 are up on www.myspace.com/vagrantsmusic

Hope you are all having a great year so far. If you want to join our facebook it is
www.facebook.com/thevagrants.

Cheers,
Steve
PS, I am living in St. Anton Austria and snowboarding. As with our indie rock, our indie attitude and being a typical Australian Rock band, travelling is all part of the process. My lovely wife Renate Iorio, Renate Ludwig is still in Melbourne, and she and the band, all of The Vagrants will join me here in April.

--
Stephen Iorio
steve@thevagrants.com
www.thevagrants.com
www.youtube.com/thevagrants
www.facebook.com/thevagrants
www.myspace.com/vagrantsmusic

The Vagrants at the Brunswick Hotel

Known for blazing live shows, The Vagrants will be doing a last sneaky little gig at the Brunswick Hotel, 140 Sydney Rd, on Saturday Night, Dec. 11th. It is a fund raiser with 20 bands, and The Vagrants have been asked to headline the event. Front chick Renate Ludwig and songwriter Steve Iorio are both suckers for a good cause. The Vagrants have been an institution in the Melbourne music scene for 6 years and have recently stopped doing shows. This is the only gig they have booked and the future is very uncertain. With 3 CD's out, there will be plenty of new and old music for all to rock out !!! Facebook/thevagrants. Rumors of drug rehab, breaking up, heading back to Europe will all be forgotten once The Vagrants cross the white line, get on stage and ROCK THE FUCK OUT!!!

The Vagrants NEWS: I leave Melbourne Dec. 15th to live in St. Anton, Austria for winter until Easter. The Vagrants will do a European tour in May. It's a healthy decision, I love Austria, the job, money, snowboarding, and the opportunity to practice my language skills! I love my wife, and she is very understanding. 18 years together and she still say she is going to miss me. See you there for a bit of the white stuff!




http://www.facebook.com/TheVagrants?v=app_2344061033&ref=mf

RIP Phillip Dark Rock Mullenger

Rest in peace my friend Dark!! Thanks for everything you gave to me, Renate and your support of The Vagrants while you were alive. I am glad there are so many that want to pay respects now, but I also hope you knew while you were alive how much we all loved you. Sometimes I think it is harder to live than to die, so life without you mate will be a little more lonely and empty. Flamboyant and brave, but a caring softy on the inside. You were the perfect combo.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?profile=1&id=100000279524011

Dark Rock Mullenger

The Vagrants Steve Iorio says...

Well we are all praying for Dark!!! Karie has done an amazing job keeping us up to date, but it is not looking good at the moment. Dark is a fighter, and I am sure he will not go down without a huge fight. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=597034934&v=wall&story_fbid=445603319934#!/profile.php?id=100000279524011

Love from The Vagrants, Steve Iorio, and Renate Ludwig

Vagrants Recording!!!

Well guys the first recording session is done. We got 6 songs done in a day!!! Drums, bass, rhythm guitar and a guide vocal. Day 2 we did extra guitar parts, and some re amping of the bass. We also listened to the takes that we did.

It is a bit of a dilemma at the moment because Andy Gardner and Ben Redlich were not always available to do all the gigs and recording so Renate and I have used Brett Spicer and Connor O'Neill for recording of the first few songs. It feels weird to not have Andy there for sure, but it has gone really well and Renate is singing extremely well.

I LOVE / HATE recording. It takes so long to get the microphones set up and actually EQ'd, line levels set, placement of the mic's for good sound and not in the way, and THEN we have to hit them all consistently to get the right sound. It too 6 hours to set up the drums!!! BUT... the sound is awesome. The waiting is torture but like most things in life, you go thru a bit of pain to get a result you really want and strive for.

Cheers,
Steve

Boss Compression Sustainer pedal CS 3

BOSS compression pedal cheap,
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230493438962&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_926wt_1137

As heard on The Vagrants CD!!!

The Vagrants selling a Marshall JCM 900

4 sale The Vagrants much loved and much used Marshall JCM 900 http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230493382237&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:AU:1123

I have a new Amp Sponsor that I will tell you about soon... I will be using that on stage and I just don't have the money, or space to keep my trusty JCM.

Steve

Female Prime Minister in Autralia

This is GREAT news for Australia and the rest of the world. Julia Gillard is a solid person that has always stood up for working class people and has come from a working class family. She knows the value of hard work and I think and really hope that she is another step forward for a great country like Australia.

The Vagrants are a hard working band, and all come from working class backgrounds. We have all educated ourselves and we appreciate what she stands for. Great education for all, and a fair shot at improving your situation that you were born into.

More on Jules at...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Gillard

Having said that, I will be the first to congratulate her, and I will also be the most vocal of opponents when she is doing what I think is wrong. I am not Labour or Liberal, but every vote should be a conscience vote.

Cheers,
Steve Iorio
www.thevagrants.com

Stephen Iorio in Rehab?

Many people have just commented on this. Of course there are many types of Rehab, and of course Steve's was "alternative" like their music. So read and see what you think.

----------------------
Songwriter and guitarist for The Vagrants Steve Iorio has recently returned from a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation program in Austria.

After finishing off 50 gigs in 11 weeks in Europe last year, the talented but broken guitarist suffered the same fate as many people that get too close to the flame, and just got burned out. Upon the completion of the program which included 4 months without any pharmaceutical or distilled means of improving his mood came out with a smile on his face. Steve said, "I have seen the dark side, but came through it, and I have written heaps of new songs that see both the light and dark".

The Vagrants will begin recording the new songs at the end of June with legendary producer engineer Drew Parsons. No shows are announced as of yet, but rumor has it that the band are really chomping at the bit to get back on stage. When asked about when The Vagrants would be back on stage, Renate Ludwig the vocalist said, "I'm sure it won't be long, playing gigs is what we do!!!"

New Website for The Vagrants
www.thevagrants.com

The Vagrants. Com

We have just secured (finally after 6 years of bidding) the rights to the .com

THE VAGRANTS . COM !!!!

Renate has just set it up so if there are any problems, please just e mail her at renate@thevagrants.com.au

Cheers,
Steve
www.thevagrants.com