New EP Released in March

This is my first blog entry since being named manager for the band. Actually, this is my first blog entry period, being that this is the first submission to this blog since it was created. So much has happened for Betsy Wells over the last several months, including the release of their very good self-titled EP in March. This is such a monumental occurrence because this marked the first iTunes submission from the band, although I believe "Into the Wind" [2008] is just as worthy (I should probably make that happen actually). Myspace and Facebook are one thing, but to offer a product for a premium in the most popular music store in the galaxy, it gives your band a certain mantra amongst fans. And believe me, this mantra is a very positive thing for Betsy Wells. I was going to spend this submission reviewing the album, but then I thought; I'm the manager, fan's want to hear from outside sources how good something is. So I will leave the reviews up to the press (but I can guarantee they will be positive). I decided to talk about just what it is Betsy Wells will be up to in the next several months.

If you didn't know already, Thursday May 20th will mark the first time Betsy Wells will perform at a music venue that is not in Nebraska. Hallelujah! Chicago will welcome Betsy Wells to Goose Island Brewery (right next to Wrigley field), as they headline the show for the 21+ crowd. If your from Omaha or Chicago, you probably have heard of a band called Swizzle Tree. Well, Steve from the band (Swizzle Steve) is actually in charge of booking at Goose Island. If you are 21+, then making your way down to Betsy Wells' first non-domestic show would be a great way to show your support for the band that started out playing in the backyards of people's houses. Friday May 21st actually marks the second live performance outside the wonderful state of Nebraska, as The Beauty Shop in Fairfield, IA plays host to Betsy Wells and several other very-talented regional bands. I have a very special announcement to make, however I can not due so until May 3rd. Believe me, this is one not to miss, as it entails Betsy Wells having the opportunity to play with nationally renowned acts. I WILL POST AS SOON AS I AM ALLOWED! I am posting shows on the Myspace page and the newly created Reverb Nation page, also linked through Myspace. Check dates and go to the ones that look awesome.

Moving away from booking for a moment, I have been hard at work speaking with production companies and setting up interviews for the band. I feel that if Betsy Wells is going to become national (and I do believe that they will), marketing and promotion should be to the extreme. So many bands have the talent, but they don't make-it because they don't have the promotion necessary to introduce people to their music. Secret Note Productions out of Chicago will be interviewing the band before the Goose Island show, and then filming the show for those of you who can't make it out. It will be available on their blog and Youtube. I have also set up a radio interview at Mars Cafe in Des Moines, Iowa (yes, my home) with Scented Vinyl. Daniel Bosman will be asking the band a lot of questions and then will be having them perform live in the studio for a sort-of demo session for listeners. This will be happening in July so stay posted.

To conclude, I feel a record deal on the horizon if you fans keep staying loyal, Betsy Wells keeps making more fans, and a hot lava lamp doesn't explode all over their pretty little faces (thus, causing all of them to look like Seal. Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea actually. But there is only one Hedi Klum. Damn you Seal!)

Stephen Murray