Collegiate Times

Political science teaching assistant Ryan Artrip has recorded his own album,

"I write when I am the lowest and when I'm at my highest, I get nothing out of it," Artrip claims. "Most of what I produce is crap; I guess the most depressing topics I can find and have affected me are things I've seen. I had two childhood friends that had overdosed around the time I was writing material for "Minus Hollywood." Loss is just this human tragedy I try to describe in what I write, whether it makes me feel strong or sappy sad."

After recording his EP a little over two years ago, Artrip didn't find online promotion the most effective.

"I found that if you promote yourself online, you tend to have a superficial fan base and false friends," Artrip asserts. "I don't have too much faith in MySpace, but you have to utilize yourself as a standard."

Regardless, "Minus Hollywood" has found its way on iTunes, CD Baby and garnered more than 15,000 plays on MySpace.

However, Artrip admits that an accumulation of plays is only a marker. CD Baby, a straightforward method of digital distribution, will put your music on iTunes -- not much profit, but Artrip definitely sees a paycheck.

"After I put my EP on iTunes, I sent it out to radio stations, tried to get my friends to put it on online forums. I think to some degree, it was superficial, but going to festivals and giving people albums in person really made them seem like they cared about it," Artrip said.

Word of mouth has worked well for Artrip. Blacksburg has played genuine host, not only providing education and employment but a medium to deliver his message. Although the Blacksburg music scene is yet growing, Gillie's Late Night and the Gobbler has accommodated well.

"I think it is all pretty contingent on what kind of music you play and who you are," Artrip said. "When I first got here four years ago, I viewed Blacksburg as not being too accommodated toward music. But I believe there has been a movement of foundation. Whether it be constant with the music I play, I don't necessarily think so. People are caring about local music. I think Blacksburg could be a great music town, but it's a work in progress."

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