There's something special in having the latest album before anyone else and playing it for your friends.
Two Milwaukee music promoters are creating their own venue in Bayview to spin yet to be released albums for the community.
Ryan Matteson, public relations director for the Pabst Theater and blogger for Wisconsin music Web site Muzzle of Bees, and Ryan Schleicher, promotions director at WMSE 91.7, have been teaming up this year, playing soon-to-be-released records at Burnhearts, 2599 S. Logan Ave.
They'll be at the bar Tuesday at 7 p.m. for their third listening party, giving away prizes while playing Justin Townes Earle's latest release Midnight at the Movies (out March 3). Rushmor Records will be on hand selling copies as well.
The listening parties, which are free, are more of a social gathering than anything, but it allows Schleicher and Matteson the opportunity to promote quality music to the city.
"I feel certainly obligated in my position as one of the voices that speaks directly to the community to keep supporting good things and not just use it to benefit the station," Schleicher said. "I would feel like I would be ripping off the community if my goal was just to bring money to the station."
Animal Collective's new record (released Jan. 20) was the first listening party held at Burnhearts, and Matteson said about 90 people showed up.
"I was just thrilled when people starting walking through the door of the Animal Collective (listening party)," he said. "It just felt like it was the right thing to do."
The large turnout was partly due to Animal Collective's faithful following, Matteson said, and while other events might not receive as much attendance, the gatherings are still a fun place to get together.
"Justin Townes Earle is very different," Matteson said. "Sure he has a great pedigree of musician in him, but he's still a very much under the radar songwriter."
Earle, son of country icon Steve Earle, plays a brand of Nashville country and bluesy folk.
Schleicher said he really wants to emphasize the music scene in Milwaukee because it will help the city grow as a music hub.
"The stronger the city becomes as a music base the better attendance will be at record release parties, at record stores, at concerts and at Summerfest," he said.
The two said they have no set dates for other bands but are still set on doing more listening parties.
"There's a lot of different ways to experience and enjoy music," Schleicher said. "You could put a CD on, download something or go to a show. It's just another way to enjoy the music."