STOMP

Dispute Launched a
Unique Entertainment Company
In the 1980s, drummer and street performer Luke Cresswell couldn’t use traditional instruments while performing on public streets, so he began using ordinary items that had a percussive beat.

This idea served a number of purposes. Not only did he have access to an original supply of free or low-cost musical instruments, but it was a creative way to get attention. It would be nearly impossible to walk past someone playing a noisy, unusual item without stopping to watch in amusement. In time, the strategy would lead to a thriving business.

Years later, Cresswell and his musical partner were locked in dispute with their record company and unable to record or stage music because of a contractual stipulation, so they decided to create a new sound: one that didn’t have a melody. They used their street performances as the inspiration for a new dance troupe called STOMP! using common items for musical effect.

Today, the group has been seen by more than 12 million people around the world.

References
http://www.stomponline.com/instruments.php
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5046442.ece
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/10/the-creators-of-stomp-are-bringing-pandemonium-to-la.html




Music Production & Recording Arts

More Women Needed
The music production industry has only a tiny percentage of women and many people know little about the field. These issues inspired the creation of a nonprofit organization that seeks to train more women to enter the specialized industry involved in media and pop culture.

A reference book highly recommended by industry insiders for people who want to learn about the business end of the music business; from piracy and copyright law, to royalties for sound recordings, check out the 10th edition of This Business of Music.  M. William Krasilovsky, Sidney Shemel, John M. Gross, and Jonathan Feinstein. References http://www.womensaudiomission.org/ http://www.soundchannel.org/ http://www.randomhouse.com/book/95609/this-business-of-music-10th-edition-by-m-william-krasilovsky-and-sidney-shemel