In the noise and confusion of SXSW I never got around to posting this interview with Ratatat’s Evan Mast (read it here). The focus was on music licensing and how Ratatat has broadened its exposure by having its music used in TV, movies, commercials, etc. They’ve also broadened their wallets along the way.

Licensing continues to be the new radio. Labels (including Saddle Creek) have personnel specifically dedicated to getting their bands’ music into commercials and movies. In the old days, there were those who considered such endeavors as “selling out.” Today, with record sales being usurped by downloading and leaks, it’s as an economic reality, and a way to survive. Of course you can always go to far, as Of Montreal proved. But like I said in that 2006 column, bands that can’t get played on the radio don’t have many options when it comes to getting their music heard (or making a living off music).

Anyway, check out the story, then go pick up some tickets for tonight’s Ratatat show at The Slowdown. Opening is hip-hop artist Despot and Montreal’s Think About Life. $15, 9 p.m.

Also tonight at PS Collective, The Boy Bathing is back. I’m assuming that this followup to last year’s MAMF appearance is probably a solo acoustic performance. Opening is Brad Hoshaw, Tim Koehn and Black SmoKers Duo. $5, 8 p.m.

Tomorrow: Little Brazil

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