The Indy In-Tune Blog

Covering you from the front row, to backstage, and right out to the alley behind the club.

Local Is Our Genre #049: What's YOUR Genre?

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, September 11, 2016
Topic: We talk a bit about the necessity of genre-typing in an age of recommendation engines and playist sharing.... (Read Full Article)




Local Is Our Genre #048: Release the Trackin'

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, August 14, 2016
Topic: A completely off-the-rails episode featuring a studio full of special guests talking about strategies for releasing singles, albums, ep’s.... (Read Full Article)




Local Is Our Genre #047: Rock the Vote!

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, August 7, 2016
Topic: A little history and information about a great organization and how music and activism relate to each other.... (Read Full Article)




Local Is Our Genre #046: Mailing Lists

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, July 31, 2016
Topic: Mailing lists: How to do you manage them? What do you do with them? What tools exist to make this easier?... (Read Full Article)




Local Is Our Genre #045: You or Your Fans?

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, July 24, 2016
Topic: When writing and performing, who are you doing it for?... (Read Full Article)




Local Is Our Genre #044: We're Back

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, July 17, 2016
Topic: We’re back with a new format after a few personal disasters and regrouping. We talk about a few handy sites and services that will come in handy for artists and bands, a local music history moment, and our usual top five weirdness.... (Read Full Article)




Local Is Our Genre #043: Censorship

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, May 22, 2016
Topic: A little primer on the history of censorship and how it affects us today …... (Read Full Article)




Local Is Our Genre #042: The Importance of Podcasting and Internet Radio

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, May 15, 2016
Topic: Finally a topic Darrin, NUVO’s Cultural Visionary Award Trailblazer 2016, knows a little something about..... (Read Full Article)




Local Is Our Genre #041: A Few Random Thoughts

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, May 8, 2016
Topic: Sorry, nothing horribly planned out, but we had a few extraneous thoughts and observations that weren’t quite big enough to warrant their own show.... (Read Full Article)




Local Is Our Genre #040: Radiothon 2016 Preview

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, May 1, 2016
Topic: Talking about this year’s Indy In-Tune Radiothon, some of the stories from years past, and what is involved in putting together small festival shows like this on a regular basis.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #039: Returning to the Old Format

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, April 10, 2016
Topic: Continuing our break from the history lesson and going back to the old format this week to talk about these fly-by-night “promotion companies” that have reared their heads in our scene recently.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #038: Series 2, Part 4

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, April 3, 2016
Topic: World War II looms on the horizon. We take a look at how that affects the local music scene and the venues still reeling from the depression.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #037: Series 2, Part 3

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, March 27, 2016
Topic: We explore some of the popular venues of the depression-era music scene.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #036: Series 2, Part 2

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Topic: We briefly discuss the formation of ASCAP and its effect on early radio, then take a look at some of the early record labels and production houses here in Indiana.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #035: Series 2, Part 1

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, March 13, 2016
Topic: We dive into our exploration of the history of Indianapolis’ music with a crazy flyby of 1863-1929 in just over 30 minutes.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #034: Series 2, Pilot

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, March 6, 2016
Topic: Just a quick show to remind everyone that we’re still alive and to our plans for the show in 2016.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #033: Series 1 Wrap-Up

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, October 25, 2015
Topic: Oh, like we need a topic?! What do you people WANT form us!?... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #032: Sponsorship

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Thursday, October 1, 2015
Topic: The king of media monetizing, Johnny Lyles, discusses the pros and cons of taking money from sponsors.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #031: Networking Redux

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Friday, September 25, 2015
Topic: Another look at networking and developing your network. This time, from multiple perspectives.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #030: Mixtape Show

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Friday, September 18, 2015
We really had no topic prepared, so we just spun a few tunes.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #029: Submitting to Major Media Outlets

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Monday, August 24, 2015
Topic: There are right ways and wrong ways to approach media outlets such as radio and print. We’re going to enlighten you a bit.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #028: Mile of Music and Festivals

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Monday, August 17, 2015
Topic: Last week, Indianapolis invaded Appleton Wisconsin. Ben Cannon talks a bit out that event as well as what to look for when your band invades the festival circuit.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #027: Social Media Mistakes

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Monday, August 10, 2015
Topic: An interesting article listing things you are doing wrong with your social media strategy … and we added a few of our own.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #026: First-Time Jitters

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Topic: Everybody gets them, some never get over them. We take a look at the pressures of performing original music for the first time and how to deal with them.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #025: Open Mic Nights

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Topic: Sometimes praised, sometimes maligned, we look at the benefits of playing open mic nights, the different types, and choosing th eone that is right for you.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #024: The Important Under-21 Demographic

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Topic: Why is the under 21 demographic (particularly females) vital to the commercial success of your band? How can you make yourself more marketable to them? We’ve got a couple of insiders to explain it.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #023: From Studio to Stage

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Topic: Ryan M. Brewer (again…) talks about approaching your studio work and your stage show “with a purpose.”... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #022: The Realities of Touring

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Topic: Our biggest fan, Ryan M. Brewer, espouses his wisdom on booking tours and what you can expect from being on the road.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #021: Contracts

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Topic: Our special guest, Ryan M. Brewer (uncredited) discusses why you need contracts, when you need contracts, why don’t you have contracts?!... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #020: Reflections on Internet Radio

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Topic: A brief discussion of Internet radio and the similarities and differences between RFI/DoItIndy and Indy In-Tune. Then a big, long discussion of albums that most-impacted our lives.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #019: Pros and Cons of Genres

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Monday, June 1, 2015
Topic: An impromptu discussion this week. Putting music in a genre is a necessary evil, some people like them, some don’t. They come in very handy some times, they are burdens others.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #018: Bans vs Solo Artists

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Topic: Is it easier to gain success and notoriety as a band or a solo artist? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #017: Art and Your Visual Image

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Topic: The role of art in your music. Choosing a visual image to go with your music. How much involvement do you need? How to choose a visual artist that will make you most effective.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #016: Performing Rights Organizations

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Topic: Pros and cons of performing rights organizations from the artist and venue perspective. When should you join? What should you expect?... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #015: Sticking to Yer Guns vs Sellign out

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Topic: When you reach a certain level, do you stick to your guns, do you do what’s popular, do you follow your fan expectations, or do you grow as an artist and try to break new ground hoping they follow along.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #014: On-Stage vs Off-Stage Personas

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, April 26, 2015
Topic: Von Stranz is with us again discussing the difference between how we present ourselves on-stage as compared to how we may be in real life.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #013: Fan Interactions

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, April 12, 2015
Topic: Almost, if not more important, than playing is how to deal with the audience. We look at a number of different situations and how to handle them.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #012: Merchandising

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, April 5, 2015
Topic: Expanding your band’s brand with physical products. Some ideas and advice for what and how to sell.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #011: So You Want to Hit the Studio

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, March 29, 2015
Topic: Tips for picking the right studio and getting the most out of the experience.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #010: Stick to Yer Guns

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, March 22, 2015
Topic: Okay, we know we keep saying to change it up and try new things, but sometimes it’s all about persistence too.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #009: Topic Free Show #2

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, March 8, 2015
Topic: Sort of a “Best of” or “Awards Show” motif … We’ll be back on-topic next week. Promise.... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #008: Topic Free Show #1

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, March 8, 2015
Topic: Ummm … well … none … really …... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #007: Booking and Promoting

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Topic: Do’s and Don’t of Setting Up Gigs In Town and Out of Town... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #006: Stop Giving Your Music Away

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, February 15, 2015
Topic: Arguments Against and Alternatives to Giving Music Away; Advice for Hiring and Working with a Manager or Promoter... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #005: So You Want to Be Famous

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Monday, February 9, 2015
Topic: How to Develop and Use a Professional Network Guests: Mia Kileen (Musician/Radio Host), Ben Myers (Musician), Diesel Reeves (Comedian)... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #004: Networking

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Monday, February 2, 2015
Topic: How to Develop and Use a Professional Network Guests: Mia Kileen (Musician/Radio Host), Ben Myers (Musician), Diesel Reeves (Comedian)... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #003: Goal Setting

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, January 25, 2015
Topic: Goal Setting... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #002: Tequila Party

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, January 18, 2015
Topic: Strive to Improve... (Read Full Article)


Local Is Our Genre #001: The Pilot

By: Ben Cannon and Darrin Snider -- Sunday, January 11, 2015
Topic: Make Choices / Fail Fast Guest: Megan Hopkins... (Read Full Article)


Useful Links Elsewhere

Handy places to visit if you are part of, or want to know more about, our music scene ...

Solicitations and Submissions

Solicitations for blog posts can be made by sending and email to "blog -at- indyintune -dot- com" and should follow these guidelines:

  • Local (Indianapolis-based) acts always have priority.
  • Visisting acts playing a bill with one or more local acts are also considered.
  • We generally don't like to repeat content found on other sites. If your request already has a lot of coverage on other sites, it will be considered low-priority unless you can give us an exclusive angle.
  • For obvious reasons, we don't do solicited album reviews, though we do appreciate you letting us know when you have a new release. Consider coming in and talking about the album yourself live on the air or a podcast.
  • All of our staff writers are unpaid enthusiasts. All requests for blog posts are entirely at their descretion.
  • As such, they generally need a lot of lead-time to put something out -- we're talking weeks of lead time, not hours.
  • That said, individual authors have full authority to ignore the following guidelines and write whatever they want ... if you can convince them to.
  • In addition, feel free to write your own post and submit it for posting as a "guest blogger." Those almost always get accepted.
  • Finally, regional or national acts submitting without meeting the above guidelines are generally ignored. We're not trying to be dicks, but if you send us a generic form-letter with your press release, and it doesn't even remotely concern a local artist or event, then you're not part of our core focus.