Blog: Ohio, Indiana, Michigan recap...

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October 25, 2006

Ohio, Indiana, Michigan recap...

Great midwest swing last week. Ohio, Indiana, Michigan...

IndianaCornfield.jpg

First stop was Columbus, home of the #1 ranked buckeyes (a fact of which was was frequently reminded). Had a nice chat with some OSU undergrads in the afternoon, then headed over to for a terrific evening town hall. About 60 people showed up for an engaging discussion at the Milo Arts center. Great old restored elementary school that has been converted into an artist friendly community center. We need more of those. Thanks again Jana for being such a welcoming and generous host. A very engaged and inquisitive group. (anyone have pics? my camera didn't work)

Second stop was Bloomington, IN...

Pretty good long stretch of farmland on the way. Couldn't help but think of Gene Hackman. Beautiful college town - leaves falling everywhere, great Fall day. Stopped in for an interview on WFIU, the local college/public radio affiliate then over the student center for a meetup.

WFIU.jpg

About 40 folks attended. Lots of musicians in the audience - not surprising given the size and strength of the music program there. Very loud call for Classical music. Some great discussion about machine-listening and other ways of clustering music suggestions. Also took in some bug fixes that I've shared with the team.

IndianaMeetup.jpg

Hung out aftewards with a couple grad students and a faculty member from the music informatics grad program. It's always interesting for me to talk about the genome within a theoretical/academic framework. Provides a great feedback mechanism. Genre continues to be the big hear everyone is trying to wrestle down. It's such a squirrely problem, and I'm not sure there's an elegant solution.

Long drive to Lansing the next day. Good group showed up for a extended discussion. A number of entrepreneurs-to-be were very curious about the whole startup experience. Got to meet a few folks I have been having extended email correspondence with, which is always fun.

MSUMeetup.jpg

Last stop was Ann Arbor. Paula, can't thank you enough for being such an amazing booster and host - you have a standing offer to accompany me (kids can tag along too). Non-stop day - career center staff, informatics students, music&technology class, service learning group and a great meetup to cap it off. I took a bunch of pictures, but for some reason my camera was malfunctioning that day.

If anyone has pix they want to share, please drop a comment.

Left with the requisite Tigers cap on my head...

Next stop New York City and Philadelphia, PA.

Tim (Founder)

Posted by Tim Westergren at October 25, 2006 09:23 AM

Comments

I wish I would have had the chance to meet you. I too want classical music! I cannot believe I get a "Huh?" when I search for Yo Yo Ma. DUDE!! What is up with that?

Uh yeah, I love Metallica and Gnarls Barkley and Black Eyed Peas but I also have to study some time and classical music is the BEST study music. It is relaxing and clears my mind so I can concentrate on my studies.

Posted by: Buckeyebren at October 25, 2006 07:20 PM

i just want to say that i think it is really amazing what ya'll are doing. i'm sure you know how much people love your site/program/company... but i just wanted to let you know that ya;ll have a lot of good karma coming your way. Thank you!

Posted by: amber at October 26, 2006 01:00 AM

How about sounds from a painted desert

Posted by: willsbird at October 26, 2006 02:31 AM

How about sounds from a painted desert

Posted by: willsbird at October 26, 2006 02:31 AM

Glad to hear you went to visit my alma mater. I even took a music technology class while I was there. When can you come to DC again?! I discovered you guys right after you came through last time.

Thanks for all the music.

Posted by: UMAlum at October 26, 2006 11:54 AM

Hi! I think Pandora is a great concept. However, there is something I think you ought to take into consideration: lyrics! At least, when I want music like Weird Al Yankowich, I want satire or parody, not serious music that only SOUNDS like Weird Al.
I don't know if it's feasible, but I thought about it, and thought I should tell you.

Posted by: Elias Helfer at October 26, 2006 12:50 PM

Hey!!
When you will come to Chile, South America? Remember Jimmi Hendrix's Voodoo Chile? Well, we are not vodoo, but we love music and we love Hendrix. In fact, Jimmi died sept. 18th, the same day of our birthday or Independence day.
So, we have some kind of connection with him.
Any way, I think you are doing a great job. I only miss classical music (or maybe I am doing the wrong input).
Congratulations from the other side of the world!!

Posted by: Mauricio Rodway at October 26, 2006 02:07 PM

You all should visit the music scene in OK! We have some great new groups and forms budding! We would love to have y'all here. So stop by sometime either in the big city or one of our small towns.

Posted by: Z at October 26, 2006 02:46 PM

I just think pandora music is great keep up the good work ole hippie housewife and mom have a great day ,peace out!

Posted by: T Marrs at October 27, 2006 03:14 AM

Hey yu guys at pandora are off the hook i love it keep up the great work later dudes!

Posted by: T Marrs at October 27, 2006 03:17 AM

heyy man. i know this probably isn't the right spot to make suggestions or anything, but i couldn't figure out where else to do it.

i know this is totally copying last fm, but it would be amazing if you guys could make the kind of charts they have, the ones that show the last few songs you've listened to, for like myspace profiles and so on. i would seriously love you FOREVER.

Posted by: amy at October 27, 2006 05:32 AM

Check out the central valley in CA. Salinas to Santa Cruz. There is a radio station named KPIG in Gilroy. They play a plethura (i think thats the word i'm looking for) of music. From Stevie Wonder to Bill Monroe.

Posted by: DeCou at October 27, 2006 06:01 AM

I would like a feature that allows me to block music by an entire artist rather than giving a particular song a "thumbs down" vote. I love Pandora, especially now that my kids are in school.

Posted by: Sandi at October 27, 2006 06:06 AM

Thank you so much for providing such a great service. A friend turned me on to your site just the other day and I have yet to listen to any other online music station while at work.

And to think you are right here in my back yard. Alamedian, you know, just over the brige or through the tube!

Just as your ideas have been written, by creating a station from the artists I have enjoyed in the past, I have also discovered several new artists and some really great music. Thank you! It's working!

I would like to see some streaming lyrics as part of the site. I know, I know, that would be a HUGE undertaking and require some serious SERVER power. You've gone this far, why not take it to the next level. Crank it to 11 baby!! ;)

Keep Hope Alive! Keep Music Alive!

Peace.

Posted by: OTB at October 27, 2006 08:24 AM

I do not think this is wheer I post suggestions but I can not get Pandora to deciefer between male and female vocals and I have not seen any evidance I can make it screen music based on subject of lyrics

Posted by: Dan at October 27, 2006 11:00 AM

I work from a home office. I cannot listen to the repetitive crap the corporate radio stations play all day and a person can only own so many CD's. I read about Pandora a couple months ago in the Phoenix New Times newspaper. I am in LOVE! I keep plugging in different "favorite artists" to see what you throw at me. It is very gratifying to sit back and listen to what you come up with. The new Quick Mix feature is a great idea, too! I love Ottmar Leibert and I love Radiohead and I love David Gray; It is so nice to mix them up instead of having to choose.

I don't have any complaints or any real suggestions. I think you have a wonderful thing going here. Pandora's box apparently was full of really good stuff. One question; Can I buy anything from any of the artists directly off of your site? Even if it is a link to Amazon or some other retailer? Ipod downloads could be cool, too. Ok, a couple suggestions.

Posted by: Joe B at October 27, 2006 07:56 PM

I was turned on to Pandora by Penny-arcade.com, and it's my only Internet radio station.

One experiment I'm trying is taking two seemingly disparate seeds (George Gershwin and Nine Inch Nails) and thumbs-downing the first selection from each (probably the most "representative" of their style). It'll be hard not to give thumbs, but I want to hear this station, see what the magical algorithm picks.

Posted by: BlueNight at October 29, 2006 08:57 AM

Hi all. I'm a serious, but concerned fan. I've started some thoughts on my blog about how Pandora can make some money and stay in business. If you're interested, check out http://doxspot.blogspot.com/2006/10/how-can-pandora-make-money.html#links

Posted by: Dox O'Ryan at October 29, 2006 07:35 PM

you guys got a spot on Attack of the Show! good job!!

Posted by: Matt Hopper at November 1, 2006 11:19 AM

I stumbled upon your web site yesterday. Thank you for the service you provide. I love classical music and worship/inspirational music. I am wondering if you have music on your site by John Belt. He is a christian musician whose site is www.johnbelt.com. It would be great if you can add his music to your site. thank you

Michael
Indianapolis

Posted by: Michael at November 1, 2006 01:17 PM

This is a great site. Love all the music on here. I've heard a jam band named Ekoostic Hookah and they are just awesome. If you can get these guys on your database that would be great. Thanks!

Posted by: Tim Newman at November 2, 2006 06:27 AM

Love all that you all do, thank so much. Jim pierce.

Posted by: james r pierce at November 2, 2006 11:04 AM

Ann Arbor is the greatest city ever. Some sweet record shops are Wazoo, Schoolkids Records and Encore Records. They're all very near to the U of M campus.

Posted by: Jon at November 12, 2006 07:06 PM

Thanks for stopping by Bloomington Indiana. Here is an Onion story that made me think of Pandora: "I Don't Make My Jukebox Selections For The Recognition"
see http://www.theonion.com/content/node/55260

Posted by: Will at November 15, 2006 04:51 AM

Pandora can add thousands and thousands of fans if it can venture into Classical music

Posted by: Paul C. Hsieh at November 15, 2006 02:09 PM

Can you please add Buckeye songs for the game for tomorrow? Pretty please with a cherry on top? I keep trying to add songs that have a "fight, go ohio" aspect to them but i don't think they are on the database yet. thanks!!!!!! go bucks!!!

Posted by: Liz at November 17, 2006 08:46 AM

Wow! I just discovered this site this morning! You guys are all geniuses, I would almost say servants of humanity! This is exactly what i need to help me explore my interests in music. best thing I have found on the internet in a long time. Maybe there is still hope. Now if there was only a way to have your station play to an iPod... Thank you all! I will be at this site a ton I know.

Posted by: Eric at November 17, 2006 09:00 AM

Hi Pandora is really a great website, love it :) but i think you should add so you can go backwards and hear songs again. (don't knowif that's possible, but i haven't found a way to do it)

Posted by: Johan at November 17, 2006 01:32 PM

I love the site. I have listened to so many different musicians in my genre that I would have not had a chance any other way. I do have one suggestion, I listen at work and am constantly having to raise and lower the volume to accomodate the songs. If there were any way you could equalize the volume, I would greatly appreciate it. Keep up the good work.

Posted by: Tom at November 17, 2006 06:32 PM

I wish that I had discovered your site before your trip to Ohio. I would have been there! I love your site. The fact that you don't just play the same things that we hear on the radio over and over again. The only thing that I would suggest is this: Because we don't always know the name or the artist of the song that we want to hear, is there a way to plug in a few lyrics and come up with possible matches?

Posted by: Michele at November 19, 2006 06:53 AM

how about some music from STEMM. UFC intro, Face The Pain. Thanx

Posted by: paul at November 19, 2006 08:15 AM

Hi There,

If you're ever in Southern Ohio, you should definitely check out the Eric Brooke Band. They're pretty good, a "jam band" of sorts. I think they have a dot com, but I'm unsure.


I love this project!

Posted by: Carly at November 22, 2006 09:45 AM

I would love to hook my mp3 player to pandora to download music. Is it possible and I just can't figure it out?

Posted by: Barbara at November 30, 2006 06:44 PM

I enjoy this website and plethora of music its fantastic.. I do have a question though when I book mark something how can listen to those songs I have bookmarked in it's entirety? thanks for the wonderful music.

Posted by: ollie at December 11, 2006 05:58 AM

The radio is great other than the few problems I am having with it,
1. I get way way too many songs that have nowhere near anything in common with the music i have manaully put in, not even close to the genre!!
2. I will never change my mind about songs i give a thumbs down, I was lead to believe that a thumbs down means, dont play this song ever. But i guess im wrong because the same songs that i give a thumbs down keep coming back. Why do you do this?
3. out of all the songs, ie ones i like, ones i dont like, ones that have absolutley nothing incommon with my profile. I have listened to the same song twice in one hour. im not kidding.
4. My radio must be broken, Ive selected one type or catagory of music, and i get all kinds of bands that i have no taste for. I give this radio a thumbs up and down. I will keep listening, for the reason that its still better than any fm station. <-period, even if my finger breaks from clicking on thumbs down with anger

Posted by: Jason Jason at January 8, 2007 07:44 AM

TimIm loving this pandora thing.. A day like to day Im grooving.. drinking my tea, and bagel, looking out my work window with the headphones on, just working away.. In my own world answering the phone every now and then, and loving cuz I can put on pause.. Im in heaven.. I look forward to listening everyday. The weather is yucky out but it doesn't bother me cuz again I put myself in my own world and Iwant to say you guys have a done a phenomenal job.. Keep doing what you do....be safe

Posted by: SweetT at January 23, 2007 07:59 AM

What up? I just wanted to say that I really appreciate this project/website. I'm always looking for new ways to find, listen, and communicate with people who love music.I found out about this site last week and I have been on non stop. Anyway keep doing what your doing, I love it!

Check me on my profile, I'll be listening)))(((

Posted by: Reese The Forth at February 5, 2007 11:43 AM

Did you have an opportunity to talk to the young men and women who run the I.U. radio station? My son works there and it was interesting to hear him talk about music selection.
Is anyone thinking about a Pandora for television?

Posted by: John at February 19, 2007 03:48 PM

Come south a bit and check out Indianapolis on your next round. Indy has a really awesome and underrated music scene. I suggest checking out The Melody Inn on Punk Rock Night, Locals Only, Birdy's, and Radio Radio.

Posted by: Adrienne at February 22, 2007 11:47 AM

You slept on the detroit scene. Next time you've got to make sure you make it to the D. It's the real music happening spot in Michigan. Sorry we missed you/you missed it.

Posted by: alice at February 26, 2007 12:04 PM

Too bad that you just visited I.U. in Indiana. You should have hit Purdue, my alma mater. I'm an old over-the hill engineer, who plays classical piano.Purdue has the largest proscenium theatre in the USA...larger than Radio City Music hall. It's an A&M school (ag.and engineering/science), has it's own airline, and has produced a large number of astronauts, etc. Has a great Christmas Show. Not as many musicians as Indiana U. but more techno-smarts types.

Posted by: hfarmer at March 17, 2007 06:54 PM

You guys should come to Lafayette Indiana and check ouyt the venue Downtown REcords, we have a great local music scene.
www.myspace.com/dtrecords

Posted by: Ben Taylor at April 3, 2007 05:33 PM

I just wanted to thank you for doing this. I stumbled onto Pandora the other day and now I can't wait to get home and put the headphones on and see what you come up with for me to listen to next. I've already bought CDs from several artists I didn't know anything about until I heard them on Pandora.

Posted by: Jan at April 24, 2007 04:58 PM

Hey there's a great band in Columbus called The Floorwalkers doing a sweet mix of some mellower bluesy tunes and some crazy fun classic rock. Their guitarist has a ton of soul and their singer makes every note count. Check them out!

Posted by: billy d at June 6, 2007 05:09 PM

hey tim this is really cool stuff. just type it in and jam to your favorite tunes. keep up the good work.

Posted by: john maloney at June 16, 2007 11:54 AM

Great Job!! Your Site is fantastic!! And Fun!! It makes my day. Thanks!

Posted by: Robert C Novak at June 29, 2007 10:40 AM

I live in Bloomington, Indiana, where music abounds, as you know. I find music I like and go buy it at Barnes & Noble. I won't deal with either Amazon, or iTunes. I have my reasons, and they are good ones. But, you are losing $$. Make a deal with B & N.

Posted by: Robert Price at August 2, 2007 04:15 PM

hey when will pandora create a on the road radio device i would really enjoy that

Posted by: otis at August 30, 2007 07:30 PM

how do meet new friends michigan area?

Posted by: re gi naloyd at August 31, 2007 04:01 PM

I love this site! Just wanted to put in a plug for Cincinnati, Ohio--good local bands and MidPoint Music Festival, Sept 26-29.

Posted by: Mary at September 9, 2007 04:24 PM

Would love to create a station based on song topic... Any possibilities I'm not aware of or that will be developing?

Posted by: Pete Montero at September 13, 2007 07:59 AM

I would like to purchase your system, it is a great idea, but,for me the music is good at times, but comes back to the old switch the radio station in the car and is not symmetrical with working with or studing with because you cannot go with all the songs on a single station like you can with a cd. I do like the idea of whole house system, would be great, I sell products and I was sold on your system, but to hear some songs you like and others you can't stand makes you just want to stay with home theather and your own cd's. Sorry

Posted by: marc at October 31, 2007 08:41 PM

Come back to columbus! You're missing out on the punk scene here! You should go to Tiffin, Ohio- Good stuff there. Cinci too. Actually, there are a few guys that do a lot of drone sets around tiffin too- like SUNN0))) but with more interesting tones (in my personal opinion.)

Posted by: @(-_-)@monkey at December 19, 2007 10:45 PM

Where have I been?? I just learned of this unbelievable site, and I feel like FINALLY someone has got the whole online music thing right! I am an instant convert - so much so that I am already looking into cancelling my other online subscriptions. If you have any information on investing in your company, please email it to me.

Posted by: Jason at December 21, 2007 06:56 AM

A close friend just recently introduced me to this listening venue. I was immediately pleased with the ease of use and robust nature of the system. This is wonderful concept. Is the music filtered for appropriate content for children? (explicit words, etc.filtered, CIPA compliant?).

Thanks

Posted by: Richard at December 26, 2007 07:31 AM

Check out The Flying Graysons!

www.myspace.com/thegraysons

Posted by: Heather at January 19, 2008 02:40 PM

I hooked up to your link from coasttocoastam website. I like your selections and ease of use as I am not suffering from tunnel audio syndrome. If you check out my preference you might find that it includes a very wide spectrum. If it sounds good I like it.

Posted by: Jonathan Johnson at February 29, 2008 02:26 PM

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