tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006753834118732182024-03-13T07:19:03.937-07:00The Best Studiov77http://www.blogger.com/profile/17300675559504680938noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800675383411873218.post-5342728260112355072012-02-02T22:36:00.000-08:002012-03-21T22:37:31.591-07:00Downtempo Electronica Music - How To Identify This Genre? Downtempo electronica music originated in the United Kingdom in the 1990s. It was one of those musical styles that partly grew out from the need to offer club visitors a chance to relax from impulsive and fast paced dance beats. Since it has similar elements to trip hop, ambient music, and chill out, the differences between those musical styles are not so big. However, downtempo still has its own distinctive characteristics, making it an independent genre.<br />
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1. The beat<br />
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Rhythm plays an important role in this genre. Unlike the beatless forms of ambient music, downtempo electronica usually has a beat or groove. Though it can be rhythmically also more complex and diverse, the beat is often built up from smaller repeating patterns, called loops, making the songs sound hypnotic.<br />
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Just like trip hop, downtempo electronica music merges elements of slowed down breakbeats and hip hop. Nonetheless, the rhythm maintains its laid-back state. It is not as aggressive as in trance, and slower than in trip hop.<br />
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2. The use of instruments<br />
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While ambient music features mainly electronically processed sounds, downtempo encompasses a wider variety of instruments. Besides electronic and electroacoustic instruments, the typical instruments of this genre include also guitars, drums, bass, percussion, brass, strings, flute. Depending on the artist and their selection of the sounds, the musical texture can therefore be quite dense, having a broad spectrum of instruments playing at the same time.<br />
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3. Mixture of various music genres<br />
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Due to the wide variety of different musical styles that downtempo electronica music incorporates, it is often also viewed as experimental music. Elements of soul, ambient, electronic music, jazz, funk, hip hop, and dub, are mixed with electronically modified melodies and synthesizer sounds.<br />
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Both the structure and the harmony of the song can be influenced by various genres. While some songs are built on one or two simple chords, others are harmonically more diverse. Playful and jazz-like melodies alternate with ambient and atmospheric soundscapes. Acoustic instruments co-exist with electronic sounds. Though vocals are not so regular, they are used in a variety of ways, ranging from gentle and mellow singing, to rap and speech.<br />
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Downtempo electronica music is a mixture of various genres. It is similar to trip hop, ambient music, and chill out. While being beat-driven, the rhythm is not so aggressive as in trance, and the overall mood is often mellow and relaxed. This music style mixes acoustic instruments with electronic sounds and confronts melodic phrases to soundscapes. Though each artist has their own unique influences and sound preferences, these three aforementioned characteristics are common to most downtempo music, making it easier to identify this genre.v77http://www.blogger.com/profile/17300675559504680938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800675383411873218.post-53807996136245433432012-01-14T22:36:00.000-08:002012-03-21T22:36:48.469-07:00Club Lights - Getting the Right One<div style="text-align: justify;">There are a lot of things that you need to consider when you choose to start a club as a business. This includes things like the location that is suitable and accessible for your target population, getting the right DJ and crew for your club, the drinks and food items that you will be serving, etc. However, aside from these things, another important thing that you need to look into is getting the right lights for your club.<br />
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Club lights will either help build your club's reputation or it can be the cause of its downfall. People going to clubs find it relaxing and enjoyable to be in dimly lit spaces. However, if you have too little lighting, this can cause other problems for you and your patrons. Spills and falls can become a common occurrence if you're club is too dark. Also, it would be hard for your patrons to see each other and what's going on around them.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
You can choose from several options when it comes to club lightings, which can illuminate your club as well as provide dazzling effects. This includes items like:<br />
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1. Black lights - this type of illumination gives off ultraviolet radiation and very little visible light at the same time. This is due to the dark blue optical filtering material which is placed within the bulb. The light emitted by the bulb is filtered, allowing very little visible light to pass through. However, the ultraviolet light can also create a fluorescent glow on the surfaces of certain materials.<br />
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2. LED Par-cans - par cans are lighting equipments that can give great emphasis on a certain area. This is being used for commercial, transportation or even residential purposes. Common par cans only emit a single color of light and can easily heat up when used. However, LED par-cans are different. They can provide color to large areas in your club, as well as provide consistent color throughout a room or a performing stage. Compared to regular par-cans, they also have a quick on and off capability, quick color change effects, and also have dimming options. They also function in a much lower temperature compared to regular par cans, which limits any possibility of overheating or burn injuries.<br />
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3. LED moving heads - these lighting equipments are great for onstage or party lighting. They are designed to rotate and move in different directions, illuminating different parts of the stage or room. Most LED moving heads come with standard color LED lights of red, blue and green, which creates a lot of color possibilities when blended together.<br />
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4. Fiber optic lighting - if you need something to illuminate an area while having a decorative purpose as well, then you might want to consider placing this kind of lighting into your club. This can type of lighting equipment can provide an area with ample illumination, while having the capability to change colors on cue.<br />
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5. DMX controller - it would be hard to control every piece of lighting equipment that you have in order for them to go with the music or the atmosphere in your club. However, with a DMX controller, you can have an automated light show that can go with the beat of the music. With this equipment, you can set up your lighting equipments, foggers, dimmers or anything that you want to connect to the computer to follow a certain program or to function automatically.v77http://www.blogger.com/profile/17300675559504680938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800675383411873218.post-60801932883739720282011-12-28T22:35:00.000-08:002012-03-21T22:36:02.051-07:00Sweelinck - Variations on Est-Ce Mars<div style="text-align: justify;">Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562-1621) was a Dutch organist and composer. His father was also an organist. The family moved to Amsterdam shortly after Jan's birth, and his father took the position of organist at the Oude Kirk (Old Church) there. Jan also was organist at the same church after the death of his father. Sweelinck was one of the first major keyboard players in Europe, and he helped establish the Northern German school of organ playing as exemplified by J.S. Bach.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
He was one of the first organists to play fugues by giving the subject first, and have the other voices follow in succession. He also extended the use of the organ pedals and was one of the first to use the pedals for the voice in a fugue. He was also a very good teacher as many of his keyboard works were written for his students. His influence was widespread, as his music was known in England. He had earned the nickname 'The Orpheus Of Amsterdam' and the city fathers would bring guests from the surrounding area to hear him play.<br />
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He evidently spent his entire life in Amsterdam, but his expertise on organs was in high demand so he traveled inspecting and testing organs and giving advice on their construction. After the Calvinist Reformation of the church in Amsterdam, organ music was no longer allowed during church service. Sweelinck would give impromptu recitals on the organ an hour before and an hour after church services. These impromptu recitals were very popular, as Sweelinck would play the popular tunes of the day and then improvise variations on the tune.<br />
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Sweelinck left about 70 compositions for keyboard, and a glimpse of his powers as an improviser can be heard in these pieces. The Variations on Est-ce Mars is one such example. The tune is French and was well-known at the time. The first line of the song roughly translates to: "Is that Mars, the great god of battles, that I see?" The words may not mean much to modern ears, but Sweelinck shows his imagination and skill in the seven variations on the tune.<br />
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As with all music that is so old, there are performance practices of the time that we know little about, if anything at all. Without knowing how these pieces were actually performed, especially in a time where improvisation was much more prevalent, any modern performance may be but an approximation. Be that as it may, the music of Sweelinck and other composers of so long ago can still be listened to and appreciated, especially if a sensitive musician is playing the music. Music can be a powerful form of expression and can bridge the centuries.v77http://www.blogger.com/profile/17300675559504680938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800675383411873218.post-43129920921189587402011-11-13T22:33:00.000-08:002012-03-21T22:34:21.098-07:00Buy Hip Hop Beats That Effectively Reflects the Emotions of Your Lyrics<div style="text-align: justify;">With many recording artists style, swag, rhyme scheme, execution, and delivery finding the right beat that matches their overall persona as an artist can sometimes be a matter of trial and error. When an artist sought out to buy hip hop beats they sometimes find themselves stuck with a track that did not work for them. As a recording artist/producer myself I've made that mistake in the beginning of my career. I've purchased instrumentals and recorded on them just to find that it was an utter waste of time and dissatisfaction. Even with one of my best beats I've created my style didn't match the vibe and emotion the track was emitting.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
You've got to be aware of what you're capable of and not capable of when singing or rapping over a song. Not everyone is a Rick Ross, Wayne, Drake, Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, etc. For me it took me 6 years to find my true style and what beats worked for me. If you're new and unaware of what you sound like and never been in a studio I suggest you get yourself an mp3 recorder or old school tape deck. Record yourself over a track in the back ground to gauge where you might stand as far as your style goes then evolve from there.<br />
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My motto is "Our Music Is Amplified Through Its Evolution". And how true this statement stands. Recording yourself in the way I described above is one of the most passive ways for you to better understand your style. Not to mention it's also a great method for building your freestyle rap as well. But that will be in another article. So be sure to research the numerous sites they have online pertaining to beats. For me I find instrumentals that have chill, Mo town samples with 808s and what not added to them to be my best choice. I speak about realistic chill things when I flow.<br />
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I'm not pissed about my position so why rap about something or style I'm not. You should do the same so I say again make sure you do your extended research before you partake on a project that my only make you waste valuable time in and out the studio. Then again it sometimes takes a few cycles of trial and error to find the right path on what reflects your true style as a recording artist.v77http://www.blogger.com/profile/17300675559504680938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800675383411873218.post-32899521358175318832011-10-24T22:32:00.000-07:002012-03-21T22:33:09.262-07:00Choosing Between a Plastic and Brass Trombone<div style="text-align: justify;">Introduction to the Trombone For Beginners<br />
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The trombone is a very special musical instrument. It is usually made using brass and it is shaped into a kind of long "S" shape. The sound is produced by vibrating one's lip area with the mouthpiece and also shifting the length of the telescoping tube slide up and down. Though most trombones employ a slide, valve trombones have three valves like a trumpet instead of the slide. The two most widely used categories of trombones include the tenor trombone as well as the bass trombone.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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Brass or Plastic<br />
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The trombone belongs to the brass group of instruments and it has existed ever since the 17th century. A short while ago though, there has been innovations with constructing trombones out of plastic instead of brass. Many say that these plastic trombones are incredibly comparable in sound to their brass predecessors. These new plastic trombones can be an excellent option for learners, playing in a marching band, as well as for traveling along with. Let's have a look at some of the distinctions between plastic and brass trombones.<br />
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Price<br />
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When it comes to price, trombones may get somewhat pricey for a student. The accessories that you'll need will probably add more to that total as well. Some of the accessories you may possibly need to have can be a trombone case, a bow protector, a maintenance kit, and slide cream. Traditional brass trombones could cost you anywhere between $200 to $600 excluding the accessories. The recent popular plastic trombones available for sale really are a lot more economical, priced at about $150 to get a brand new one. I personally highly recommend a plastic trombone for the learner who would like to keep their price down.<br />
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Ease of Playing<br />
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When it comes to the main difference of playing a brass or a plastic trombone, they're nearly the same. Really the only difference that I'm aware of is that the slide on the plastic one has a distinctive feel with it which takes a bit of adjusting to. It will get smoother with use though. Since you will only be beginning learning your new instrument, this should not be a major problem.<br />
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Quality & Style<br />
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With regards to style, conventional brass trombones just about all appear similar to they have for a very long time. If you're searching for a little something a lot more cutting-edge, the plastic trombones are the ideal way to go. Many of them may be found in several colors and will really be noticeable in a crowd! Both types can be easily damaged if you are not careful with it so a good case is strongly recommended with either a brass or plastic trombone.<br />
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Therefore Which Kind of Trombone Should You Start Out With?<br />
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When it comes down to making your final decision regarding purchasing a brass or maybe plastic trombone, there really isn't any obvious winner. It genuinely is dependent upon what type you'd probably prefer. If you would like perform standard trombone music in an orchestra or maybe music group, you might like to think about deciding on the brass trombone. If you would like a more inexpensive musical instrument, one that will be suitable for traveling, and something that looks modern-day and unique, a plastic trombone may be the best option for you. Whatever one you decide on, have a great time trying to play the trombone please remember... practice, practice, practice!v77http://www.blogger.com/profile/17300675559504680938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800675383411873218.post-55342214220252288222011-10-01T22:31:00.000-07:002012-03-21T22:32:04.478-07:00Branding and Dynamics - A Band's Map to Success<div style="text-align: justify;">I was a hippie, a product of the 60's. I could tell another hippie very easily. If I saw a guy with long hair driving an old Volkswagen bus with a peace sign painted on the sides, I knew exactly what he was about. We had a sort of communication of the counter culture. That is branding. I know you hear that a lot. And I know you have heard that branding is more than just creating a good band name and logo. There was an entire identity of the counterculture that pervaded the country. This culture had more or less a single identity. Or I should say a single consciousness held by many thousands of young men and women. We were one. Long live peace and love. Well your band is the same.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
There are three ingredients to the identity of your band. The first is based on a mission statement. I bet you never thought of that. You need to change the way you think. Your mission statement includes the bands values, vision, and ethics. This prevails all of your performances. You have to have a purpose that includes giving to others. Such a purpose involves, for the most part, in really understanding the audience and fans. If you really understand what is going on in their dynamic then your band's purpose may involve what they are wanting instead of your motives being based upon money or the band's business advancement. Money and advancement comes more easily if you, as a group, are committed to the happiness and well being of your audience. It is amazing how many groups miss this. So the group's responsibility is to exude this band-ideal. You have to totally embody your values in your behavior toward others. You have to show as well as tell others what you stand for and then follow through with your actions. This will bring you much love from fans and club owner's alike. This is the band to audience dynamic. And it is controlled by a set of values that you control, not a club owner or an audience. Please get this right. You are in control of all dynamics.<br />
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The second ingredient is the band's collective self image. If the band is happy and positive then the collective image of the group will be just that. But if the band dynamic is off, as it sometimes is, then it needs to be addressed immediately. There are always underlying issues that sometimes never get taken care of. They boil and boil until the smallest thing will bring about a break up. If you are all committed to this process and are all on board for the duration, then it is to your group's benefit to make sure that you have honest bitch sessions. Remember to set some ground rules and never ever leave a session, no matter how long it takes, with anyone feeling slighted or not understood. You have to have full agreement in your group's thinking and beliefs. And please remember that this over all band image is extremely affected by how well you are performing in your marketplace. This means how your music is not only perceived by the group, but also the perception of your product by the fans, crowds, and club owners.<br />
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The final ingredient is the total sum of the self-esteem of each individual player in relation to the sum total of the image of the band. You know the old story. Some one just does not feel like they fit in. And honestly sometimes they do not. This is where you have to be honest between each other. And I have to tell you. If you have someone in the group who is not as committed as you, no matter the playing ability, you have to let them go. This is so hard. I struggled here until I looked at my career as being in the balance and then you just have to make a decision. It is easier to put up with someone who is very talented and make excuses. But that one person can be replaced. And you are trying to make this a profession, not a high school gang of buddies. Treat it carefully.<br />
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Fear is the greatest problem of the band dynamic. Fear is the greatest problem of the human life. Fear often sets our comfort zone. We tread close and dangerously to the outer limits of our fear but do not make many break throughs. I am not talking about stage fright. That is something that all musicians have to overcome. How you do it is strictly personal. Just be careful with the alcohol and drugs. I am not going to preach. You should be smart in your day to day life as well as your stage life. I am talking about the fear of rejection, which is probably the main motivator in our musical lives. It is a monster that is often hid by enormous egos in our line of work. Be humble and thankful and treat all with respect. Do not be afraid to succeed as a professional musician. Your fear will hold you back from what is possible for you to obtain as an individual or group. Confront the fear of rejection and fear of failure by your positive thinking, speech, and actions.<br />
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Because of your multi-dimensional mind you can make your life into anything you want by simply really deciding to do so. When you really decide you will not entertain any thought contrary to the belief of success. When you really decide to be successful as a musician then your actions will positively reflect that decision. If you are making decisions that are not in line with the utmost and higher calling of musicianship, then you have to diagnose the problem. And that problem lies within the belief system of one or more members of the band. This is heavy stuff, but it is the way things get done. Do you not realize that this is exactly what is going through the minds of coaches of professional sports teams? The athletes are all given material along these same lines. The professional athlete is the same as you. They have had to program their minds for success and you do to. They started at a young age. When they played little league baseball everyone would comment on their talent. They believed in their talent. Every decision they made in their young lives was geared to become a professional athlete. They programmed their thoughts as a baseball player. They identified their self as a professional baseball player. And nothing was allowed to get in the way. You have to have the same mind set. If you take this thing any other way you will not succeed.<br />
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There is a law of habit that you should give notice to. Ninety five per cent of the things you do are because of a deep seated habit that you have developed. Newton's first law of physics states that an object at rest tends to remain at rest and an object in motion tends to remain in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. You have to be that outside force. You have to bring your energy into your beliefs and get your business in motion. It is easier to keep momentum going than to let it die and try and get it going again. Get it going and keep it going. Whatever it takes. Just do it. The good news is that whatever you want to change you can change. You have to develop the habit of success. And yes that is a habit, just as failure is a habit. Practice being successful.v77http://www.blogger.com/profile/17300675559504680938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800675383411873218.post-79049988827872945962011-09-12T22:29:00.000-07:002012-03-21T22:30:48.530-07:00Meet Timbaland's Best Kept Secret<div style="text-align: justify;">A few weeks ago when I was in Los Angeles I was introduced to a very talented singer/songwriter named, Lyrica Anderson. Lyrica is currently signed to Super Producer Timbaland's Mosley Music Group and has written songs for artists like Hannah Montana, Demi Lovato and Charece.<br />
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Originally we had planned to do a video interview, but due to her schedule and label meetings we weren't able to make it happen. However, I was able to do a phone interview with her when I made it back to Dallas.<br />
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Kelland: Where are you originally from?</div><a name='more'></a><br />
Lyrica: I from California, but my family is from Dallas, TX. I've been in California all my life, but my father is from Louisiana so my background is "creole."<br />
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Kelland: So how did you get started in the industry?<br />
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Lyrica: My mother was a singer/songwriter and I always went to the studio with her and I knew when I was very young music is what I wanted to do. I had a few productions deals and management deals before I made it to where I am now.<br />
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Kelland: At what point did you decide this was what you wanted to do with your life?<br />
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Lyrica: When I was thirteen. I just knew there was nothing else I wanted to do.<br />
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Kelland: How do you balance your career as an artist and as a writer?<br />
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Lyrica: At first it was really hard, because I would write these really amazing songs and I would be like wow I want to keep this. I would write for a certain artist and I would find different styles that I thought would be dope for me. But, once I really realized who I was an artist, I could really separate Lyrica the artist from the songwriter. Now I pretty much know when a record is mines cause I can feel it in my gut.<br />
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Kelland: Who are you as an artist?<br />
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Lyrica: LOL, its kind of hard to put it in words, but I'm a pop artist/ R & B artist. I'm a real artist. I talk about my experiences and all the different sides that I express is shown in my music.<br />
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Kelland: What artists do you draw inspiration from?<br />
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Lyrica: Kelis, I like her a lot. Mariah, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Timbaland. I use to study him a lot.<br />
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Kelland: How did you hook up with Timbaland?<br />
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Lyrica: A gentleman name Mason. I was in restaurant and he came up to me and said he had heard some of your work and introduced me to Tim and the rest is history.<br />
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Kelland: Are there any artist that you would like to work with?<br />
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Lyrica: Pharrell, Andre 3000, Miguel and Wale.<br />
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Kelland: How do you gain such a large following online without actually releasing a project yet?<br />
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Lyrica: That's really crazy... What happened was, I wrote a song for a Filipino singer named Charice that performed on Oprah and it hit #1 on Billboard. That's were it really started. Then I started picking up work from Disney and it started building up with me just being myself and talking to people on Twitter. Plus word of mouth with Timbaland and Missy tweeting me all the time.<br />
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Kelland: How important is social media in helping new artists break through?<br />
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Lyrica: I thinks it's very important. The people are already sitting online at home and if they can't afford a computer they are on their phone just watching a looking for the next thing. The cool thing is you don't even have to be signed and people will start catching on to your work.<br />
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Kelland: When can we hear some of your new music?<br />
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Lyrica: Right away! We 're gonna do "Love Me" first and then "Jello" We are about to get it popping real soon. Also you gonna hear me on Timbaland's new album Shock Value 3 its coming out this summer. I can't tell you the songs lol. We did so many records, but we do have to reserve the element of surprise.v77http://www.blogger.com/profile/17300675559504680938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800675383411873218.post-82989320025582641132011-08-11T22:28:00.000-07:002012-03-21T22:29:29.155-07:00DjBooth - Introduce Your Audience to New Talent<div style="text-align: justify;">DjBooth.Net is an online destination for DJs, artists, and music industry taste makers to network, share, listen to new music releases, and stay up to date on the latest DJ technology.<br />
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The site which mainly caters to the hip-hop community has been around since 2003 and was created by two DJs, Brian "Z" Zisook and Dave Macli.<br />
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Below are the results of an interview I had last week with "The Booths" Co-Founder Brian "Z" Zisook.<br />
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How did DJBooth.net start?</div><a name='more'></a><br />
DJBooth.net first started as a DJs-only oriented site, offering reviews of DJ gear and posting DJ playlists from across the country. Over several years, it expanded and became the full-scale online music magazine and digital distribution arm you see today. All of these decisions were made based on a love for hip hop music and the culture of DJing.<br />
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How you explain your site to those that are unfamiliar with it?<br />
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For someone unfamiliar with our brand or website I would explain the DJBooth as a professional platform where artists, mainstream and independent alike, are given the chance to showcase their very best work for an audience that is ripe with trend setters and taste makers.<br />
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How do you select the music that is included on your site?<br />
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Along with a staff of music scouts and our two editors I select all of the music that is featured on our site(s) on a daily basis. We receive several thousand submissions per month. If the music is quality it will find its way onto our homepage.<br />
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You guys have been around for quite some time how have you maintained your relevancy?<br />
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The DJBooth has been around since late 2003, but it has been reformatted and redesigned several times over the past 8+ years. In order to remain relevant in the current online marketplace you must always freshen up your look, continue to stay ahead of the proverbial curve (which we feel is one of our specialties), and be willing to task risks and make decisions knowing that the end result could be negative. For every handful of ideas that become regular features or staples of our site, there have been just as many that never amounted to anything. Additionally, we maintain journalistic integrity - something that has been lost in today's current copy and paste blogger climate.<br />
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Have streaming music services like Spotify and Rdio changed the way you do business at all?<br />
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We have been streaming music since we first morphed The DJBooth into a full-scale online music magazine so it came as no surprise that streaming would become popular. The difference between a service like Spotify and The DJBooth is that we are a destination to discover new artists. You go to Spotify to listen to who you already know of and like.<br />
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Do you have plans to roll-out a mobile platform in the near future?<br />
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We are actually in the middle of creating a brand new, mobile-friendly version of The DJBooth, which will focus on our streaming features, our editorial content, our ratings/feedback system, and our weekly updated charts. This is very exciting for us and we are looking forward to rolling out a beta version before the end of the calendar year.<br />
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What kind of advice would you give any up and coming Dj?<br />
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The best advice I could give to an up-in-coming DJ would be to stand out from the pack. It's easy to see what other DJs are spinning/playing and follow their lead. Unfortunately, it is this way of thinking that has absolutely ruined commercial radio. Take risks, introduce your audience to new talent that you believe in. Blaze your own trail! Its easier now than ever before to get your hands on new music, play it for your crowd/following, and connect with the artist to make sure they're aware of your efforts to help break them in your market/area.v77http://www.blogger.com/profile/17300675559504680938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800675383411873218.post-21849467023981428762011-07-25T22:27:00.000-07:002012-03-21T22:28:12.239-07:00Lady Gaga's Rise To Fame<div style="text-align: justify;">The music industry is always buzzing in today's world. Teenagers in particular are keeping up to speed with the latest music artists. I'm going to go through Lady Gaga's (Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) rise to fame, and where she is today.<br />
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Lady Gaga is an American pop singer, and was born and raised in New York city, America. She studied at the "Convent of the Sacred Heart", and briefly studied at "New York University's Tisch School of the Arts", before she decided she would like to do a musical career. She first began to perform in the rock scene of Manhatton's Lower East Side, and by 2007 was signed with "Steamline Records". While she was employed there an artist know as Akon noticed her outstanding vocal capabilities, and signed her on with his label, "Kon Live Distribution".</div><a name='more'></a><br />
Lady Gaga is very well known for her flamboyant, crazy outfits. She is inspired by acts and artists such as, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Madonna and the Queen. She has sold an estimate of over 23 million albums and 64 million singles worldwide. Lady Gaga is also known for protesting and campaigning for rights, she is most commonly known for her work in the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered) community.<br />
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Her album, "The Fame" (2008), was what brought her to prominence and fame. It had no problem topping the charts with her hit songs, "Just Dance" and "Poker Face", world - wide hits and a critical success. After she went on her first tour, "The Fame Ball", she released her second album, "The Fame Monster" (2009). The album contained the hit singles, "Bad Romance", "Alejandro" and "Telephone". Due to the success of the album she was able to embark on her "Monster Ball Tour", which later became the highest - grossing concert tours of all time. By this time, Lady Gaga was definitely an international success.<br />
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To date, her latest album is "Born This Way" (2011). The album has topped the charts in the most major markets, and more places in the world. This album generated the smash hit songs, "Born This Way", "Judas", "The Edge of Glory" and "Marry the Night".<br />
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From performing in bars to performing on stage, Lady Gaga has become one the most highest - grossing artists of all time. She has even been nominated for a few awards at the Brits 2010 and won, best international female solo. She was also nominated for that award in the Brits 2012 but unfortunately did not win.v77http://www.blogger.com/profile/17300675559504680938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-800675383411873218.post-26561082086781441272011-07-11T22:21:00.000-07:002012-03-21T22:27:01.187-07:00Kingston MTD Andrew Gouche Signature Bass<div style="text-align: justify;">MTD Kingston AG<br />
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A renowned bass guitar builder and a great bass player, already longtime friends, joined forces in 2010 to design a special, signature bass that bears both their names. The result is the new MTD Kingston AG 5-string electric bass.<br />
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Michael Tobias, the MT in Michael Tobias Designs, has been designing and building some of the world's greatest electric basses for over 35 years. He started Tobias Guitars in 1977, sold the successful company to Gibson in 1990, and continued building basses for Gibson with Tobias/Gibson serial numbers until late 1992 when he moved into a consulting role. A year later he started his custom MTD line in upstate New York where he currently turns out just 10 handcrafted, custom instruments per month, including 4-, 5-, 6- and 7-string electric basses, acoustic basses and a few electric 6-string guitars. The Kingston line is manufactured in Korea to his exacting specifications.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
Andrew Gouche (pronounced goo-SHAY), the AG in MTD Kingston AG, is a well-known gospel bass player. He has toured with bassist Larry Graham who played with the influential funk band Sly and the Family Stone from 1966 to 1972 and went on to front his own funk band, Graham Central Station, from 1973 to 1979. Graham pioneered the art of slap-pop electric bass playing which provides percussive and rhythmic elements in addition to the notes of the bass line. Andrew exemplifies that technique for today's generation of bass players. Gouche's other credits include performing with Gladys Knight, the "Empress of Soul," and Chaka Khan, known as the "Queen of Funk." In a nod to his exceptional abilities on the bass, he appeared on the cover of Bass Player Magazine in 2009.<br />
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Fans who have seen Andrew Gouche play this instrument live or in numerous videos have noticed that it seems to glide through his hands and makes some wonderful feel-good notes. In Michael Tobias' own words, the AG "is a bright, sweet bass." This amazing instrument is loaded with custom features and has received full approval from Andrew Gouche. It should. His initials are on it. So let's take a look at what went into building this world-class bass guitar.<br />
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Tobias started with an alder body and burl maple top, giving the AG a great tone paired with a gorgeous look, courtesy of Mike's personal design concepts. Then he added two MTD signature features: the Buzz Feiten Tuning System, making it possible to play in tune everywhere, and the ergonomically carved, asymmetrical, one-piece maple neck. This neck is thinner on the lower side than the upper for incredibly comfortable and fast playing.<br />
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A purpleheart fingerboard gives the neck Andrew's favorite tone and feel combined with the visual impact of this exotic, imported heartwood. The MTD Kingston AG also has Michael's patented Quick Release Bridge for instant string changes. And to top it all off, this beauty has a custom color finish that matches the purpleheart fretboard.<br />
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For a killer tone Andrew chose two special Bartolini Soapbar pickups, a proprietary design made for MTD by Bill Bartolini. These are the type of passive pickups found mostly in high-end basses. They are included in this model because the MTD Kingston line was designed and created to be able to provide premium features at an affordable price.<br />
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The MTD Kingston Andrew Gouche model, like Tobias's handmade American models, has a 35-inch scale that makes it a perfect length for a better B tone on a 5-string. This is the ideal bass for extended-range playing. During Andrew's video demonstration for the AG model he states, "The range is so broad I could hit that percussion thing."v77http://www.blogger.com/profile/17300675559504680938noreply@blogger.com0