HEADLINERS

• Editorial
• German Radio Stations Notice BEDROCK
• CDBaby heads BEDROCKs USA initiative
• What Crap Is That? now on mp3
• Gigging About
• Editorial

In this edition we carry news of some really exciting events that have taken place in the bands life of late. Stimulated by the fantastic support we receive from you folks out there, together with the encouragement that comes at us from far and wide, we've turned up the pitch of our marketing activities a notch or two. Obviously, not having money to follow the high profile route of media advertising, we're doing it the traditional route, seeking out opportunities to exploit - near and far - wherever they may exist. Typically, we're looking for radio stations, their managers and disk jockeys, who may be sympathetic to our cause. Then there are other people, both within the music industry or on its fringes. There's plenty of one-to-one stuff going on, there being no substitute for personal approaches. Our tentacles are constantly stretching in seek of potential allies. And the cost? Just the odd BEDROCK CD here and there and a bit of stationery and postage, The rest is telephone calls, e-mails and letters. That's probably what these efforts consume most of  one's own time. But, hey, for BEDROCK it's worth it!

You may well ask why we just don't satisfy ourselves with being content to sit and gig away in Oranjemund. Yes, we could do that. But, for us, BEDROCK has always been about seeing just how far it is possible to take an amateur rock band, manned by part-time musicians, with a little bit of creativity and loads of resourcefulness. Even at our ages! If, through our efforts, more and more people pick up instruments or try to achieve more than they already have, one of our biggest objectives will have been accomplished. Don't just be happy to sit in your 'garage' gigging away  unless you're content to do that. Jump on the "trampoline of opportunity" (to quote Steve Segerman of SA Rock Digest) and make some space for yourselves! We have already far exceeded our initial expectations so, at this stage, the horizon just keeps pushing backwards. It's a fascinating experience and we sincerely hope you will all stick with us for the rest of the ride! It should be fun.

German Radio Stations Notice BEDROCK

We were delighted when we recently received requests from two radio stations in Germany for our material. Most pleasing is the fact that these were unsolicited approaches. With a turn of speed rarely seen from the band, CD's were quickly winging their way across to Germany for, what we hope, will be some meaningful airplay. The stations are EMS and Radio 98.6 so, if you know anyone in Germany who has those stations on their radio dial, ask them to listen out for the rockin' sounds of the Band In The Sand.

CDBaby Heads BEDROCK's USA Initiative

Every businessman and musician knows that the ultimate dream for entrepreneur is to crack the mighty consumer market of the United States. Although we have sold the odd CD to North American customers, it is only this year that we have conscientiously decided to try to build up some sort of fan base in the States. Although we have previously encouraged enquirers from the States to order our CD's off South Africa's own independent music cyberstore, One World (www.cd.co.za), there has been a reluctance amongst prospective American and Canadian buyers to do this. It may be the perceived postal delay or, perhaps, an ignorance about just how safe their credit card details will be. Maybe some  with all due respect to them  don't know where Africa is, let alone Namibia! Be that as it may, we started to look for a One World equivalent in the USA and our endeavours led us to CDBaby. This has got to be one of the corniest names we've ever come across for a music cyberstore but don't be fooled by the title - these guys are incredibly jacked up!! Our stock is with them already and they have opened a BEDROCK page on their site and, hey, we've even sold our first CD through them!! If you'd like to have a look follow the CDBaby link from BEDROCK's home page (www.bedrockband.com) or just go to www.cdbaby.com and search for BEDROCK. Check out our first CD review, too, on their site where the reviewer says that "So, Where's The Party?" has got to be the best "African rock" he's ever heard, never having taken to anything he had previously heard. Sky's the limit? We'll see!

"What Crap is That?" Now On MP3

Following the recent success of "Crowd Invasion" off our most recent CD, "So, Where's The Party?", another song which has proven to be popular at our gigs, "What Crap Is That?" is now available at www.samp3.com If you have already done so, please pop along there and download the track to add another "hit" to our register.

Gigging About

Yesterday (Saturday 17 May) we played our first gig at Rosh Pinah on the occasion of the opening of the Candle Rock Riding Club. The gig was a lunchtime one and a very pleasant day was had by all. There was a good attendance of townsfolk, the weather was warm and clear and the whole event had been impeccably well organized. To read more about the occasion turn to the DIARY page at our website (www.bedrockband.com)

This coming Friday (23 May) we head up to Luderitz for a double-headed. Friday night is not open to the general public, however, Saturday is and we're loking forward to another foot-stompin' at the Kapp's Hotel. Due to the success of our last gig there in the hotel's pub, "Rumours" we have been relocated to the hotel's hall which is considerably bigger and has a stage. So, if you're a buchter or you're planning to be in Luderitz next weekend, mosey on down to the Kapp's Hotel where you will find us in full cry from 8:00 pm onwards. Entry fee is N$10.00 per head and we'll have the usual array of BEDROCK CD's and merchandise on sale.

For Oranjemunders, our next public gig at our home base will be The Don on the night of Friday, 6 June, 2003. It will have been a while since we've played "at home" so we're looking forward to a great turnout. Entry will be free and we'll start rockin' from 8:00 pm.

Further ahead, two gigs that have the makings of big occasions are:

Saturday, 13 September, 2003, when we play at the opening event of Skorpion Mine at Rosh Pinah; and

Sunday, 21 September, 2003, which will see us "taking up the slack" from mid-afternoon after the prize-giving for that weekend's Nashua sponsored golf competition will have been completed.

Stick them in your diary just so you don't forget all about them!

'Till next time, Have Fun!

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BedRock - The Band in the Sand
http://www.bedrockband.com
bedrock@bedrockband.com

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