Top Country Music Festivals 2015 – 2016
Listening to your favourite country artist on a CD is one thing, especially if you crack the stereo at full volume and crank up the treble. But there is nothing better than seeing that same favourite artist, performing live.
Craven Country Jamboree
Canada may be home to quite a few wonderful attributes, but nothing as wonderful as the Craven Country Jamboree – known as the best country music festival in the world. For over 30 years, people from all over the world have gathered together to celebrate the world’s most popular country singers. Attractions include a songwriters circle, a hilarious hypnotist, bull riding events and the wildest pre-show party on the Saturday evening. The next festival is to be held on July 4th to July 12th 2015, and tickets are around $179’s per person. Visit their website at www.cravencountryjamboree.com
Summerfest
On the 24th of June, Milwaukee comes alive as people from far and near gather to jam to some of the worlds most talented music artists. This year one can expect to see a variety of gigs from Keith Urban to Linken Park. This event is not necessarily strictly country, but instead appeals to an eclectic taste. One of the greater events on the itinerary is the place where regular artists that have not made the big times, are given a chance to play. Send your applications to Reverbnation before 22 June 2015.
Tamworth Country Music Festival
Since 1972, the Australian Tamworth Country Music Festival has been the delight of all country music lovers’ hearts. Held in the first week of January every year, the next one is the 15th of January to the 24 January 2016. It includes a focus on celebrating the country culture and heritage of Australia, as well as live performances by top Australian country artists. Rated as number 8 in the Forbes list of the World’s Coolest Festivals, the Tamworth Country Music Festival is not one to be missed. Expect to see people not only from Tamworth and surrounding Australia, but from around the world. Accommodation can be booked up almost a year in advance, so put this one on the calendar and get hold of them at www.tcmf.com.au.
The Country Music Association Festival
In the heart and home of country music itself, you will find the penultimate country music festival. From June 15th to June 120th 2015, you need to be in Nashville, Tennessee. Everyone comes out of the woodworks for this festival, which includes unique items such as meet-n-greets with artists, as well as autograph signings and other meeting opportunities. Three stages will have artists performing live, whilst the area around you is abuzz and ablaze with shopping opportunities and prizes to be won. Tickets start at just $10’s, but to see it all you need to purchase a 4 day ticket. Find al the information you need at www.cmafest.com.
Across the globe, from America to Australia, there is an opportunity for everyone to see their favourite artists performing. And if the bucks are low, start saving as there is always always next year.
The Best Headphones for Your Recording Studio
The Best Headphones for Your Recording Studio
Choosing the right pair of headphones for a record studio is an investment. You’re bound to use it every-time when you use your studio for recording and mixing purposes. Ergonomics, build quality and comfort matter.
There are headphones that specialize and exist for individual tasks such as:
Unless you’re willing to spend money on separate headphones for each task, a compromise is necessary. The following headphones count among the best studio headphones that help with mixing and recording, both of which are tasks that you’ll be frequently undertaking in your recording studio.
Sony MDR7506
These are legendary cans. Affordable, timeless and precise in what they deliver, they’ve been around for decades and retail around $100. The headphones come with a soft-case which is handy while traveling. Altogether, this is one of the best studio headphones out there.
Sennheiser HD-280 Pro
Lasting around 6-8 years on average, the Sennheiser is one of the most comfortable and accurate sound-production studio headphones money can buy. It doesn’t cost a lot either, often under $100 which makes for a sound investment. It’s an all-purpose pair of headphones with parts that can easily be replaced.
Beyerdynamic DT 880
These are high end headphones with a wide frequency response range that exists from 5-35000 Hz. It comes with excellent detailed reproduction of sound and is very accurate.
The Extreme Isolation EX-29
It’s as the name suggests. This pair headphones is geared for maximum isolation and is designed for drummers, by a drummer. You could fly a helicopter, wearing these isolation headphones and they readily rival the isolation levels of many hearing protectors worn in mechanical industries. They don’t make for the prettiest pair of headphones but drummers and those seeking complete isolation don’t often seek a good-looking pair of headphones.
Benefits of Getting Involved Early In Music
Benefits of Getting Involved Early In Music
Getting kids into music at a very young age can help in their social growth in many ways. Besides, children usually grasp the notes easily and can appreciate the sounds of instruments, which also encourages them to play. You probably heard about babies listening to classical tunes turn out to be geniuses (but then, that’s another story). In the meantime, let’s find out how kids are honed into the world where beats and rhythm works perfectly in sync.
Where the heart is
Always keep the music playing at your home entertainment lounge. It doesn’t matter if you’re into rock, jazz, R&B, classical or pop. Your child will discover his or her own interests in a matter of time. It is essential to get adequate exposure to all types of music rather than limiting to a certain type of genre. If you want them to appreciate instruments this early, you can play the soundtrack orchestra or perhaps take them to live musical showdowns.
Have the instruments
It helps to have any musical instruments ready. Be it the piano, guitar, drums or violin. Children should be able to touch it freely and not see the equipment as something they cannot try to hold. Encourage them instead of pointing at their mistakes. They will eventually learn how to use it properly with professional guidance at the right time.
Continue the journey
As soon as the kids gets into school age, inquire about the music programs offered at their school. Allowing them to spend extra time after school (for intensive learning) helps build more self-discipline and self-confidence. Let them practice what they learned during weekends and see how they progress.
Document their development
Always be present during their recitals and be ready to snap videos any minute. And who knows? It could be just the beginning of another great history in the world of music.
Then and Now: Between Vintage Vinyl and High-Resolution Audio
Then and Now: Between Vintage Vinyl and High-Resolution Audio
HRA or high-resolution audio is currently tagged as the best music format for your listening pleasure. Of course we already have gone digital but ever since the vinyl has been creeping back in our time, the analog playback are also making it to the mainstream.
The laidback appeal
HRA’s streamlined playback is said to be better than that of the vinyl records. Why? It only requires a digital format with HRA specifications to run. There are sites exclusively for this such as QuBuz and HDtracks where you can buy HRA tracks directly.
The retro appeal
The current revival of vinyl meanwhile takes us back to the nostalgic past. Get mesmerized by touching the record album and the fall in love all over again with the warm sound that only the vinyl could create.
Where to get HRA
Major companies have already released a special hardware that could playback HRA files via stereo or headphones as well as through your PCs.
Where to get vinyl
The trend that goes with Instagram and anything vintage has brought back the vinyl era in more ways than one. What makes it more special is how you acquired the old record and the story behind it. Mostly, you can find these via online sellers or got it from a family heirloom (if you’re very lucky).
What we think
As for durability, an HRA file can last for many years without high maintenance. The Vinyl on the other hand may need extra care. However, most music enthusiasts won’t mind the difference because of the fact that both are really fabulous finds. We are now in the generation where we could see highly impressive products almost every single day. Nevertheless, what’s important is we can jive to any type of music be it with a drop of a needle or a swift tap onscreen.
Your New First Love: How to Choose Your 1st Guitar All Over Again
Your New First Love: How to Choose Your 1st Guitar All Over Again
More often than not, your very first guitar was bought off-the-rack when you first had it. But now that you are more dedicated to make it to the music scene, you can start over again since you know better what makes a worthy-piece of equipment.
Acoustic or electric
Once you’ve figured out whether you’re into contemporary, grunge, blues, country, pop, jazz or rock music, the right type of guitar should be the first thing to consider. Nowadays, there’s an acoustic-electric type of guitar other than just plainly for acoustic or electrifying jam sessions. Take inspirations from music icons and what types of guitar they usually own.
Strummin’ to perfection
A broken string can’t play the right music so it only makes sense to pick the best strings for your new guitar. It doesn’t matter whether it’s steel or nylon just as long as you consider the thickness (gauge) of the string. The larger the gauge, the more precise and stronger it is to use for your budding profession. A good string usually lasts a couple of years.
Well-crafted instrument
Make sure the tonewood defines the sound of your guitar. The best guitars are crafted with the highest quality of wood that withstands any type of climate. It should be durable enough against cracking and warping with the change of weather.
What does your wallet say?
Okay, guitars come in several price range but you don’t have to spend your entire savings for a piece of equipment. If you practiced well enough with a basic guitar, perhaps it’s high time to go pro. Besides that, the cost of the guitar largely depends on the style, version and the label. But since you are seriously preparing for some real gigs and live performances, you can opt for the mid-range this time (as long as your wallet says so).
The Humble Beginnings: How to Get Into the Mainstream
Endorsing yourself to the music community can be a tad challenging considering the tight competition. But did you know that building on your connections and learning the tricks how the Internet can set out a trend could get you there soon? Let’s find out more.
Mingle with the right people
You have to go out and get yourself noticed. Meet fellow artists and get some referrals, eventually you will meet some producers and make the right connections. Nowadays you don’t have to literally go out and visit some gigs all the time. The World Wide Web is big enough to explore while the social media has made it smaller so you can narrow down your search.
Build your own website
Next thing you need is to have a website to back-up all the stuffs that you are promoting to your social circle. By this time you will have a cult of followers so why not give them updates about your latest gigs, new music and even a brief background of your existence through your very own website?
Perform LIVE on musical events (for FREE)
You can’t just engage your fans to music within the confines of the Internet. If you are roving to different places or states, let it be known. It is still essential to interact with your fans personally even though it’s a lot easier to get it done over the computer or even through your smartphone.
Stay on the loop via social media
Fans would love to hear from you anytime of day. It doesn’t have to be all about your music promotions and stuffs. Be more like any of them where you share behind the scenes of your every day activities. You don’t have to do this every hour or so. Just letting them know you exist and that they are part of your life and growing career could go a long way.
The Best Free Digital Recording Apps on Windows for Musicians
It’s an expensive habit, being a musician. If you’re serious about your trade, you’re likely to spend plenty of money on essential recording equipment, the instruments and more. With this in mind, you’ll be pleased to know that there are some excellent digital recording software that’s available for free, if you’re a Windows user.
The cherry-picked ones, in no particular order are:
Audacity
Audacity is a popular software among budding musicians with plenty of features and is free to use. It has an open source license and is extremely light-weight, making it perfectly usable even on older computers (if some of you out there are on a student’s budget!). Audacity supports various codecs including MP3, WAV, OGG and AIFF sound files.
You can just about use Audacity for all your audio requirements.
Wavosaur Free Audio Editor
Wavosaur does it all, as a free sound and audio editor. You can also use it as a WAV editor for editing, processing and recording sounds which can be output to MP3 files. It also has a sample rate of up to 192 kHz and does not contain an installer, thereby sparing your Windows registry. Another excellent software that’s free to use.
KRISTAL Audio Engine
While a commercial license is available, KRISTAL is entirely free for personal, educational and non-commercial usage. Rejoice!
As a modular system, it contains a mixing console with sequencers, live audio inputs and other features are available as add-ons (also free). If you’re a musician who is new to the world of recording and mixing, KRISTAL is a good choice.
Quartz AudioMaster
Packed with features to the brim, Quartz AudioMaster also includes MIDI sequencing for those who prefer it and makes for a capable software which help you record, mix, compose and share music on your Windows computer.
Quick Tips for that Booming Drum Mix!
Quick Tips for that Booming Drum Mix!
Drums are some of the oldest instruments ever invented, as percussion instruments normally go. Modern day drums are in stark contrast when compared to their ancestral beginnings and yet with the resources and technology available, there are simple tricks available for you get an extra oomph and punch for that excellent, much-desired drum mix.
Fundamentally, you’ll need three things to help create that perfect drum sound. They are:
The ways and means in which you use the three above processors, defines the way your drums sound. Here are a few tips to help with that punchy sound.
Tip 1: Use compression steadily.
Most drummers don’t usually hit their drums hard, which negates the consistency that listeners seek from that unique sound. A simple work-around is to use compression that’ll help steady each hit on the drum to make them sound similar.
Tip 2: Clean up the sound with an equalizer.
Three steps. That’s all you’ll need to make a great sound for your drums.
Tip 3: Make use of a Master Reverb
Employing a master reverb on the tracks is a surefire way of bringing depth and space to the drum sounds. Tune all of your drums to the same reverb and then use them to balance the amount individually for each drum. A nice drum patch goes a long way in bringing that depth while avoiding any clutter within the mix.
Tip 4: Use parallel compression to bring that extra punch to your drums!
It may sound heady but parallel compression is simply another way of using your compressor. Essentially, you’re creating a better, punchier sub group to mix with your clean drums, rather than connecting it separately with each individual drum track.
Choosing the Right Set of Drums for You
The running joke is that the drummers are often neglected. Never in the spotlight and ridiculed because of it. It’s easy to put down the drummer, traditionally speaking but the beat of the drum is often the most crucial aspect of a band’s music and tone. There is no beat, nor rhythm without drums and there is something so fundamentally primitive and pure about drumming.
Fundamental Drumming
A simple drum set includes:
The most common drum-set is the 4-piece that includes the snare and bass drum sets, a single mounted tom and a floor tom, originally made popular by Ringo Starr with the Beatles. It’s also popular because:
Larger kits = Advanced drumming.
Additional toms that come with bigger sets such as a five-piece, six-piece or larger ones than those are routinely used in genres including metal and heavy rock. For the beginner and a casual drummer, a starter drum set or a 4-piece will do swimmingly and makes for a good choice.
Drum Woods
Drums with different woods offer distinctively different sounds, each of which are unique. Some of the most-used wood for producing drums are:
Cymbals
Drummers will swear that cymbals are a fundamental component of drum sets. Ironically, most drum sets don’t come with cymbals which leaves you to buy them separately. Different kinds of cymbals include:
Top Country Music Festivals 2015 – 2016
Top Country Music Festivals 2015 – 2016
Listening to your favourite country artist on a CD is one thing, especially if you crack the stereo at full volume and crank up the treble. But there is nothing better than seeing that same favourite artist, performing live.
Craven Country Jamboree
Canada may be home to quite a few wonderful attributes, but nothing as wonderful as the Craven Country Jamboree – known as the best country music festival in the world. For over 30 years, people from all over the world have gathered together to celebrate the world’s most popular country singers. Attractions include a songwriters circle, a hilarious hypnotist, bull riding events and the wildest pre-show party on the Saturday evening. The next festival is to be held on July 4th to July 12th 2015, and tickets are around $179’s per person. Visit their website at www.cravencountryjamboree.com
Summerfest
On the 24th of June, Milwaukee comes alive as people from far and near gather to jam to some of the worlds most talented music artists. This year one can expect to see a variety of gigs from Keith Urban to Linken Park. This event is not necessarily strictly country, but instead appeals to an eclectic taste. One of the greater events on the itinerary is the place where regular artists that have not made the big times, are given a chance to play. Send your applications to Reverbnation before 22 June 2015.
Tamworth Country Music Festival
Since 1972, the Australian Tamworth Country Music Festival has been the delight of all country music lovers’ hearts. Held in the first week of January every year, the next one is the 15th of January to the 24 January 2016. It includes a focus on celebrating the country culture and heritage of Australia, as well as live performances by top Australian country artists. Rated as number 8 in the Forbes list of the World’s Coolest Festivals, the Tamworth Country Music Festival is not one to be missed. Expect to see people not only from Tamworth and surrounding Australia, but from around the world. Accommodation can be booked up almost a year in advance, so put this one on the calendar and get hold of them at www.tcmf.com.au.
The Country Music Association Festival
In the heart and home of country music itself, you will find the penultimate country music festival. From June 15th to June 120th 2015, you need to be in Nashville, Tennessee. Everyone comes out of the woodworks for this festival, which includes unique items such as meet-n-greets with artists, as well as autograph signings and other meeting opportunities. Three stages will have artists performing live, whilst the area around you is abuzz and ablaze with shopping opportunities and prizes to be won. Tickets start at just $10’s, but to see it all you need to purchase a 4 day ticket. Find al the information you need at www.cmafest.com.
Across the globe, from America to Australia, there is an opportunity for everyone to see their favourite artists performing. And if the bucks are low, start saving as there is always always next year.
Beginner’s Essentials for a Home Recording Studio
Beginner’s Essentials for a Home Recording Studio
It’s often a daunting task to set up a recording studio at home and you can’t be blamed for being overwhelmed at the beginning of such an endeavor.
Fret not. There are simple, affordable solutions to help set up a functional and efficient recording studio at home for beginners.
The perfect newbie Studio
With the following items, you’ll be well on your way to quickly set up a home recording studio.
A computer
A must-have for any modern-day recording studio, this is bound to take a big chunk off of your budget. A Mac is more recommendable than a PC, being the industry standard with most mainstream studios. Recommended Mac models are:
A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)/ Audio Interface Combo
A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is what you’ll need as a software to edit, record and mix your recordings on your computer. Furthermore, the Audio interface connects your studio equipment to your computer. These can be purchased separately but beginners are advised to get a combo.
Avid Pro Tools make some of the best beginner/entry-level combos in the business. Some of their best-sellers include:
Headphones
Studio headphones, much like others that make this list are fundamental to your homes studio setup. Sony offers the legendary MDR-V6s which are affordable and flat, giving you the perfect headphones for your first home studio.
Microphones
If you’ve been looking at home studio setups, odds are that you’re already aware of the Shure SM57. You can’t go wrong with this versatile and affordable microphone.
Cables
For a beginner, having a clean, clutter-free studio helps. A standard studio in a 10×10 room could do with the Mogami Silver XLR 25ft (cable for your microphone).
Plug in and get started!