The site was formed on September 25, 2000 by Tony Gisondi, a Mass Media Communications student at Plattsburgh State University. Tony thought it would be a great idea to use his college radio show "THIS is MODERN" to promote his favorite unsigned and unknown bands. Many of the bands he first contacted about the show jumped on board enthusiastically and began supporting the show the fullest extent. With the support of the musicians he was promoting, the show was a hit and the website grew around it. Soon the site featured artist profiles, CD reviews, and top 30 charts, and fans were able to help program the show. During the time the show was running, Tony was able to meet several musicians including Guster, John Mayer, and Jason Mraz. By the end of Tony's college career, countless musicians, record labels, publicity firms, music industry reps, and fans had grown to love the site. When Tony graduated from PSU in December 2001, rather than let the site fall by the wayside, he kept it alive, with the effortless and selfless help of the musicians and record labels it supports. The site became a point for fans and the music industry to collide in such a way that has only brought upon a wider interest in unsigned musicians and the unknown side of the music world. In fact, THISisMODERN.net was the first place that many fans were turned onto musicians like Mason Jennings, Matt Nathanson, Howie Day, Gavin DeGraw, and Norah Jones.
The mission of the site is simple: to help music fans of all types find out about the new and exciting music that is out there, that they may not have otherwise heard about. The site promotes both well known and underground, independent, and unsigned artists. By connecting the site's visitors to this wide array of artists, it allows them to make their own choices and assumptions based on the information set forth before them. You will never find a negative review on the site, nor will an artist be listed here if they hadn't sparked the interest of the site's creator.
The site has gone through 4 redesigns over the course of its existence, the most recent being this blog format. Each time the site was revamped, it became more streamlined, filled with new and exciting features, and sparked much more interest in the music world. THISisMODERN.net is ever-changing and always moving forward towards the common goal of getting great music into the ears of eager listeners. Now, as a blog, all of the information is contained in one spot, organized chronologically, based on when the information was added. The main feature is the blog, which contains CD and live show reviews, compilation tracklists, and other information pertaining to the music the site supports.
The site does not gain any profit at all. It is run completely free on the ambition of its creator in his spare time. It continues to let countless fans, musicians, and industry representatives in on the best kept secrets in the music world. Many musicians, record labels, and publicity firms already use THISisMODERN.net as a great, free promotional tool for all of their artists. The feedback is always great, and continues to flood the email inboxes at THISisMODERN.net. Enjoy!
