Ah, I remember the good old days when I had my first banjo lesson. Actually, it wasn’t exactly my first lesson. I had been using the internet to improve my “skill” for a while, and I was slightly conceited since I thought I had some idea about what I was doing. I watched videos of a real expert playing the banjo while the tabs were available as well. I learned a few songs and techniques that sounded interesting, but that was about the extent of my knowledge.
When I had my first real lesson, it broke down all those illusions I had of being a decent player. I tried to show off, but as soon as his deep eyes met mine I missed a chord. It was my first time to ever play any instrument in front of anyone, and I didn’t think I would get nervous. After all, I’ve always been a gifted public speaker. The only one in the room was my teacher, and I was having a terrible time.
I’m having a hard time seeing my future in banjo playing, especially since I can’t even whack up the ginger to play something in front of my own teacher. He’s a nice guy, and he can play the banjo like no other. He’s already taught me several exercise I can use for my next lesson. It’s also a great experience just to watch him play, since his skill far outweighs mine. I just hope I will sound at least slightly more decent the next time I have a lesson.
But if I always freeze up when I try to play at my lessons, I’m worried that my instructor will never be able to give me the help I truly need. It’s impossible to get feedback and constructive criticism if everything I play is absolute garbage. I think I will start recording my lone practice and playing it back for him. Hopefully I won’t freeze up just knowing that he will be listening to it soon…
If anyone or any company feels that your music will not make them money, there will be absolutely no interest in your music. That’s it in the nut shell. Remember, to always remember this. The Music Industry is about Money!
There are a few sources of money to be made in the music industry. They include but are not limited to:
· Record sales
· Songs played on the radio
· In movies and television
· Concerts
· Song writing
· Producing
· Merchandising
· Advertising
· CD-ROMs/DVDs
If you are an artist and want to get into the music business, you need 3 very important very good people in your corner batting for you on a daily basis. They include:
· Personal Manager – The most of important of the three. They should have contacts in the music industry, keep on eye on all your affairs, advise you on things to do, help promote your music, producers to hire, who to sign with when to go on tour, etc. The personal manager will receive 15% and 20% of an artists gross earnings and have good contacts with record companies A&R, Marketing / Sales, and Promotion departments.
· Music Attorney – A good attorney specializing in the music will know how to properly negotiate and structure the deals an artist makes. They should have good contacts and be trust worthy. Expect to pay between 100 and 200 per hour for a good music attorney. If an attorney thinks you will get signed, they forego a set fee and charge a percentage of artist’s earnings. In bigger cities, you’ll pay more than in smaller cities.
· Music Agent – Book concerts and special appearances. A Personal Manager will help the artist with selecting a good agent.
If you blow up and start generating the big money, then a good Manager / Accountant will be needed to handle your tax situation, review royalty statements, financing tours, offer invest advice and how to manage your money.
Getting recognized by mailing your demo to record labels isn’t impossible, however, 99.9% of the time your material will not get listened to. Even if you have the best song on the planet, it will not be listened to. Record labels want to limit their liability, so they do not listen to unsolicited music. Record labels don’t want to listen to numerous songs and then be held liable if someone claims their material was copied.
If you do decide to mail your CD to record label, send the “solicited” material. First get a contact, preferably an individual in the Artists & Repertoire (A&R) department. Call and first speak to someone. After sending your CD follow up to determine if the targeted individual received your material and another follow up call to determine if it was listened to. Submit 3 to 6 songs and send a bio and picture of yourself. Again this isn’t the preferred way to submit your material to major record labels.
Until you have music business advisors in your corner trying to promote you and there is a “buzz” going around about you, your demo will not reach the decision makers at the record labels. Record companies on a daily basis receive thousands of unsolicited CDs. Most likely your CD will be tossed into a bin located in a remote room filled with overflowing bins of CDs.
Record labels like to deal with artists who have a history of record sales. These are artist that may have produced and sold their own CDs locally or regionally. Record labels like to deal with artists who have performed their material and there is this “buzz” going on about them. MC Hammer, before he became famous, performed his own materials and sold his own records until a major record label signed him. MC Hammer had a lot of leverage in negotiating a good contract because he already proved on a local basis he could sell records.
Record companies want to limit their liability. If you are signed, you are considered an investment that will require some money and they want to see a premium return on their money invested in you. The more you can prove that you can sell record, the better chance you can get signed.
If you get signed to a record company, you the artist will go into the studio and record songs for the record company. The record company makes copies of the master recording and ships it to a distributor. The distributor is a wholesaler who then sells the CDs to retail outlets like Best Buy, Sam Goody and Tower Records. The record company then pumps money into marketing by advertising and promoting your music with hopes of selling records, thus making you a superstar and becoming rich!
It is not as easy as it sounds. It takes a lot of hard work by a talented group of people. Everyone has to work together to make this happen. There are usually many people behind the scenes working to make an artist a superstar.
Record companies often categorized into 4 groups: · Major label record companies - have the recording and operating resources to complete all function to sell records. Major label record companies are integrated in that they can handle the promotion, sales, marketing, and distribution to sell music. Major label record companies are Arista, Atlantic, Capital, and Sony.
· Major label affiliate labels – have special agreements with the major label record companies, where the major label may fund the smaller labels recording and operating expenses in exchange for a portion of the smaller label profits.
· Independent labels - distributes records through major labels. Independent labels have few employees. They tend to find talent, sign the talent, sees to it the music is recorded and contracts with major record labels to perform the promotion, marketing, and other functions.
· True independent labels – Has no association with a major label and distribute their music through independent distributors.
The A&R (Artists & Repertoire) Department
The A&R department is the talent scout. They are in charge of finding new talents. They are the eyes and ears of the record company. However, not because you get signed to a record label because an A&R representative likes you it doesn’t mean your CD will ever get produced and released. Executives higher in the company could cancel your deal if they feel your CD will not sell. A record company will have to invest several hundred thousands of dollars to release your CD, so they will be extremely cautious on whom they release.
The Marketing and Sales Department
This department is responsible for getting the public excited about your music and first selling to retail stores the idea of carrying your CD. They are responsible for promotional merchandise, advertising your CD, in store displays, publicity, your CD cover, etc.
The Promotions Department
This department is responsible for getting your music played on the radio. The individuals in this department will visit the various radio stations to convince them to play your material. If your material doesn’t get played, no one will now how you are. People will look at your CD in the retail store and wonder who you are. There is also a direct correlation with CD sales vs. how many times a song for that CD gets played on the radio. More air time on the radio equals more CD sales for the record companies.
Remember music is art, but to the record companies, it’s about money. Keep in mind that it’s a business. Keep in mind everyone is out to make money. The minute people believe that you will not make money for them, you will be dropped and these same people will turn to seek other new artists that they believe will make them money. Unfortunately, the record business doesn’t believe in grooming people. If your first CD isn’t a success, you are out. There are rarely second chances. There are always other talented people behind you who what their shot at fame.
Distribution
Most major retailers such as Tower records will not carry a CD unless the record has a distributor. A strong distributor ensures that your CD will be available in enough places so your CD will sell to ultimately make money. Major labels use large distributors who are better able to get record stores stocked. After years of consolidation, there are only 5 major national wholesale distributors in the US who are owned by conglomerates who also own major record labels. They are:
· BMG (distributes Arista, BMG and RCA)
· EMI (distributes Capital and Virg.)
· Sony Music (distributes Columbia, Epic and Sony)
· Universal Music Group (distributes Interscope, Island/Def Jam, and MCA)
· WEA (distributes Atlantic, Elektra and Warner Bros.)
Distribution via the Internet Record labels and artists are increasingly using the web to distribute their music. Unknown artists can also use sites like this mZeus.com, http://www.mZeus.com, to generate buzz about their music. However, unknown artists will still have to work hard to get the buzz going about their music. Ultimately, signing a contract with a major record label is the way to go. The major record labels have the financial muscle and people to give you a good shot at becoming famous.
Let’s face it. It’s all about money! Yes, the entertainment industry seems fun and exciting, but people are in it to make money. As an artist the most important contract in the music industry is the record contract. The royalty is a portion of money from record sales paid to the artist for his/her music. The record contract which is a negotiated legal agreement between the record label and artist will state how much royalty an artist is entitled to among other things.
An artist should have a good understanding of how royalties are calculated. A good music attorney will help with this process by making sure the artist is paid what he/she deserves. A 13% royalty for one artist may be a lot of money, however a 13% royalty for another maybe “chump change”.
So this is how the numbers work. An artist successfully signs a record contract. The artist goes to the studio and work diligently to create a CD that the record company fully supports. The record company via its distributor sells the CD with a suggested retail list price (SRLP) of $17.99 to a retailer for about $10.99. The distributor will take 10% - 14% of the $10.99. Therefore the record company will get about ½ the SRLP of $17.99. Independent record companies may receive less than ½ the SRLP. Major record companies will pay artist royalty as a percentage of SRLP.
Rates will vary of each artist depending on how successful their record sells. For a new artist who never had a record deal or has sold less than 100,000 albums will get a typical royalty rate of 12% to 14% of the SRLP. For an independent record label it maybe 10% to 14% of the SRLP. For established artists who have a track record of selling 200,000 to 500,000 albums the royalty rate maybe 14% to 16%. For artists who have sold over 750,000 albums the royalty rates maybe 16% to 18%. As you can see, the more successful the artist is, the higher the royalty. Additionally, royalty maybe based on how well the record sells. For instance, the record contract may state that an artist will get 12% for the first 100,000 units sold, 14% for 100,001 to 300,000 units sold, and 16% for over 300,000 units sold.
But hold your horses. If you sell 500,000 albums and have a royalty rate of 12% doesn’t mean you will get 12% of 500,000 at a SRLP of $17.98 which would equal $1,078,800. This is because as specified in the record contract, there are deductions (expenses) that have to be deducted.
To start off the bat, the record company will deduct a “packaging charge” from the SRLP which is typically 20% for cassettes and 25% for CDs.
Second, more often the artist is responsible for paying the record producer a portion of his/her royalties. Typically a producer will receive 3% to 4% of the SRLP.
Third, in the record business, the contract may state that the artist’s only generates royalties on 85% of the unit sales. For every 100 albums sold, 15 albums sold, the artist gets no royalty.
Forth, the record company will hold a portion of the royalty money because the distributor typically has an agreement with the retail outlets to take back and credit the retail stores money from unsold units. This is very important, because a good portion of your album could be returned to the record company if the album doesn’t sell! The money that’s held back is called a reserve. Reserves maybe held for 2 years before it’s paid to the artist. Typically a major record label will hold a reserve of 25% to 40% of the royalties.
Fifth, advances paid from the record company to the artist are deducted from the artist’s royalty. Advances include but are not limited to the:
· Recording studio expenses (new artists to an independent my get an advancement of $0 to $80,000, new artist to a major record label $150,000 to $400,000
· Hiring independent promoters to help sell the albums
· Cost of making a music video (promotions and an inexpensive music video can cost $150,000 to $200,000.
When money is made for the record sales, these costs are deducted from the artist’s royalties. This is called re-coupment. Therefore, if the artist’s record isn’t successful, the artist may never see a dime. If the royalties are less than the deductions, they artists may well owe the record company money by being in the red! This negative cost maybe carried over to the next album release. A good record contract will not allow a negative cost from one album to be carried over to another album (cross collateralization). If there isn’t another album the record company generally eats the loss.
There are many other costs that the record company will not charge the artists. This includes marketing and in-house promotions (free CD give away, etc.).
So how much does an artist make for a gold album (500,000 albums sold).
Check out the math:
CD (suggested retail list price SRLP) = $ 17.99 Less CD Packaging of 20% = $ -4.50 NET = $ 13.49 Times: Net artist royalty rate (12% - 3% to producer) = X 9% Gross royalty per CD (9% of $13.48) = $ 1.21 Times 500,000 albums = $ 500,000 SUB TOTAL = $ 605,00 Times: Royalty bearing % (15% o = no royalty) = X 85% Gross Royalty = $ 514,250 Less advances: Recording, promo, music video, tour = $ -350,000 TOTAL ROYALTY TO ARTIST = $ 164,250 - Reserves (35%) returned by retailer) = $ -57,487.50 (1) ACTUAL ROYALTY PAID TO ARTIST = $ 106,762.50
(1)Reserves will be paid to artist in 2 years if no CDs returned by retailer
Remember the artist still has to pay TAXES! Don’t forget Uncle Sam has to get his cut! Also, don’t forget the Personal Manger, the Attorney, the Accountant, the Agent and other numerous expenses.
However, there are many other royalties that an artist can acquire. They include, Record Clubs, Compilation CDs, Samplers (low-priced albums in which a few artists are featured), Premiums (albums sold with other products, such as cereal), Film Soundtrack Album, Music Video Sales, Greatest Hit’s Album, Foreign Royalties (song played in some foreign country radio stations pay royalties, unlike the US), Master Use License (music used in a movie, television, commercial, the Internet, CD-ROM and DVD), etc.
Of course because of the Internet, the rules royalties are changing. Many people now buy their music via the Internet. Just think, no packaging required and no distribution to traditional retail stores needed. Some websites allow customers to buy individual songs as oppose to an album. Changes are currently taking place on how royalties are calculated because of the Internet. Many attorneys are pushing to have royalties be based on each song sold as oppose to each album sold. So stay tuned!
If you're planning a Houston wedding, you'll confront the million-and-one decisions that all brides face. Who should you ask to be in your bridal party? Where will you find the perfect wedding dress? What do you need to pack for your honeymoon? In the process, it's important to remember that the enjoyment of your guests is also your responsibility. To ensure that they have a wonderful time at your reception, you should select a professional wedding DJ in Houston who can take some of that responsibility off your shoulders. These simple guidelines will help you find the Houston disc jockey that is a perfect fit for your wedding.
Find the Right Houston Wedding DJ
Initially, the thought of having to find the right wedding DJ in Houston can be overwhelming. Take some time to cruise the Internet and locate DJs in Houston who specialize in weddings. Make a list and run the names by your caterer, photographer, and the manager of your reception venue. They should be familiar with Houston DJs and can help you narrow down your list.
Is it the Right Music for You?
Once you have narrowed the field, it's time to start making calls. If you have a particular type of music you'd like played at your reception, check to see if he has that music available. Keep in mind, though, that your reception is likely to include guests ranging in age and musical preferences. A professional Houston DJ will have an eclectic mix of music that will get everyone to his or her feet. By all means, ensure that the songs you want are on his play list, but also realize that part of his job is to set the cadence for your reception. By starting your reception off with light music, your DJ will help to put everyone at ease. Through music, he'll help to move the event along, from your first dance with your new husband, to the cutting of the wedding cake, the tossing of your bouquet, and the departure of you and the groom.
A Houston Wedding DJ Provides More than Music
When choosing from among DJs in Houston, remember that you not only want him to provide terrific musical entertainment, but also to act as an emcee. For that reason, you need to check out the DJ's attitude, personality, promptness, and ability to please the wedding guests. The best way to ensure your wedding reception will be handled in a professional manner is to stop by another wedding reception and watch him in action. By seeing him perform, you will get to know his personality, the quality of his performance, and reaction he receives from the guests.
Important Things to Consider when Hiring a Wedding DJ
Before you sign a contract with a Houston wedding DJ, make sure that he has (or will get) the songs you would like played at your reception. Make sure that he accepts requests, as your guests will enjoy being able to dance to their favorite tunes.
Even if you don't know much about sound equipment ask about it. A professional DJ in Houston should have top quality equipment and high-end professional lighting, both of which will make your reception more enjoyable for your guests.
If you don't have the opportunity to watch him perform, be sure to ask the DJ what he will be wearing at your reception. Most Houston DJs wear tuxedos to weddings, but there are some who don't. By discussing this with the DJ in advance, you'll eliminate any problems or embarrassing moments on your big day.
Having the right Houston DJ will not only guarantee that your special day is well-organized, but will add to wonderful, lifelong memories.
A good music lesson is simply the best way to learn how to play the piano. This is because most people need the discipline they get from learning how to play music in a certain sequence of time. Once you master one lesson, you will be able to move on to the next with a great deal of confidence as your skills start to improve. It’s this confidence that is going to keep you wanting to play the piano and increase your musical knowledge and ability.
The piano is one of the most popular musical instruments today. Most people who are starting out choose to play the piano because of its diversity and simplicity. Once you learn to play the piano, you’ll be able to pick up almost any other instrument and be able to produce some type of quality sound.
When looking for the right style of piano to play, you should consider how serious you are about learning. You will find some pianos are extremely expensive, and this type of piano may not be necessary for someone who is just starting out. Pianos do tend to hold their value, and if you take good care of it you can probably sell it many years later for a decent price when you are ready to replace it with something newer.
The music of the piano can be heard almost anywhere including clubs, schools, churches, symphonies, and at home. Once you get into a routine for each music lesson you take, you’ll find that making time to practice is something you look forward to.
Learning online through an online piano course is a great way to play in your own home without having to fuss with scheduling or finding a teacher. You decide when you want to learn your next lesson, as well as when you have the confidence to move on to the next music lesson. Many people are already finding out how easy it so to learn how to play the piano on their own.
Each music lesson is designed to teach you what you need in order to advance to the next level. All of the notes and chords for the next set of songs are presented at the beginning of the lesson. You don’t move forward until you feel you are ready. This means you can spend more time on one lesson over another if you’d like. And it also means you can go back to a lesson at any time to review what you’ve already learned.
At Hear and Play, we know that finding the right music lesson to get you started at learning to play the piano is the key to creating a successful new hobby or passion. We offer online learning guides and reference tools to effectively help you learn to play music by ear. Contact us today at http://www.hearandplay.com/ to learn more.
Joe is a lead guitarist in a covers / remake band. He is a good guitarist and cool under pressure. He plays for a band called the Psycho Nymphos. They are a five piece band with two guitarist, keys, bass and drums. The other guitarist also doubles as the singer. Yet this is Joe’s nightmare. As a guitarist, this scenario should induce uncontrollable trembling of all body parts and have you soiling your underwear. This, is the gig from hell.
Thinking that he starts at 10:00, Joe shows up at the venue with two hours to spare. Well, it would be two hours to spare, but Joe got given the wrong information. The Band is due to start at 8:30 and Joe hasn’t even unpacked his gear yet, let alone set up. They had been trying to call Joe on his phone, but it was switched off. Joe, keeping cool, unpacks his car in a hurry and somehow manages to get everything set up only 10 minutes late. The crowd is getting restless and the bar manager is furious. Joe is keeping his cool.
Tribute bands usually play the music of a certain to get people through the door to see the bands OWN songs thrown in between the artist of tribute. Since December 2004, I have been watching one band in particular, a Slayer tribute act. Not once, has this band added their own music to their set list. NOT ONCE. When a fan of a band (particularly Slayer) is out on the town checking out live entertainment, they what to see what they are paying for, a tribute. Not a little of this and a little of that. So, do they have their own songs? According to the drummer of the band, yes. Dead Skin Mask is the most accurate Slayer tribute band I have ever seen. Monster drum kit, stacks of amps, and most important, the ability to convey the music through that equipment. That is what really counts. There is no Slayer act out there better than Dead Skin Mask, well except for the metal masters themselves. To date I have checked out a handful of them, since I have lived all around the USA. I have contacted the drummer of the band, to get the inside info on the Dead Skin Mask project and the progress of their original music as well as the scoop on what he is up to…
Slayer Girl: So Dead Skin Mask isn’t “dead”!
Mykill: (Laugh) Nah! We are around. There are a lot of different things I’m doing. Sometimes one is put on “hold” for a bit. But, with exception of one in particular, I really enjoy my bands.
SG: Which one do you not?
M: Hahaha! I .. uhh.. Yup!
Sg: I see. DSM is writing originals now?
M: Oh yeah. It has been talk for a while, but we are in the process now. Between The 3 of them (Danny M, Joey K, Romeo V) there are some great ideas. One of the last projects, the guy wanted to write poseur ass ballads, like love song sh*t! I hate that crap. The “hair band” and bullsh*t spandex days are fortunately dead and buried. This band is into some serious music, not like the ridiculous sh*t that other guy is into.
SG: So I take it you don’t like love songs?
M: No, not really. There is what I listen to… What I buy… and what I compose. All 3 are VERY different. My CD collection would make you think I’m schizophrenic.
SG: How many projects are you involved with right now?
M: Well, a new development has arisen. A while back, I came up with this name the last band (1 person) did not like. It could have been used as a song or album title. I really wanted to use it as the name of the band, but certain people were/are set in their ridiculous ways. So, on one of the many hiatus’s this particular band had, three of us used it. The name I came up with is PAWNS OF CHRIST. Angel F, Romeo V, and I decided that we 3 will go on working together, and that will be our band name. It will have absolutely NO connection to the “other” band we were in. NOTHING at all! The music will be a combination of all our tastes combined. Not so much just that of one like before. The past endeavor was discouraging. Idiots not showing up, scheduling a practice… then not showing up, canceling shows, and so on. Real childish sh*t. Well, the three of us are sick of it. All 3 of us will now go on leaving the “problem” behind, so to speak.
SG: Issues?
M: Me? Nah!
SG: So you must practice a lot?
M: ahhll, mostly the only time I play is when we practice or play a show. The way my life is situated right now, does not really allow me to. When I need to write something, I pretty much compose it in my head, and am fortunate enough to be able to “play my thoughts”. Yea, it takes a run through or so, but not much more than that. I recall a time when what I would “play in my head” was way more difficult than I could actually do. I am glad that I have been able to develop the skills, in actual ability, to be able to do that. Real glad.
SG: What do you do to get ready before a live performance?
M: I try to get my hands on as much coffee as I can! (laugh) Usually that is difficult, though. I think we will have to add fresh coffee to our rider! I stretch a bit, do some little things to get the blood flowin. Usually the pre-show nerves and adrenalin are enough for that.
SG: So no pre-show rituals or superstitious activities?
M: Of course, blood drinking and we all talk in 3 word sentences.
SG: Really?!
M: No. I’m kidding. How are you recording this anyway?
SG: I have a receiver-mounted microphone that goes to a micro cassette. A suction cup holds it to the earpiece and it picks up both ends of the conversation.
M: Ahh.
SG: So how many songs are played at “sound check”?
M:(laugh) None! There are many factors that prevent it. Most of the time, it is because of the lame-assed bands ahead of us. They all have to COMPLETELY disassemble their sh*t in the stage. F*cking losers. There are so many reasons, it is pathetic.
SG: Who is the biggest name you have shared the stage with?
M: Biggest to me, or the “biggest” name?
SG: Both.
M: Well to the general public, the biggest names would be Judas Priest, Budgie, and George Lynch. There are a few more, but I don’t want to be obnoxious. To me, though, it has to be Fear Factory and Exodus. Once again, there are more, but I’ll stop there.
SG: What band(s) did you do that with?
M: …………(silence)
SG: Okay! What is Pawns of Christ about?
M: What does the name mean, or what is the project about?
SG: Both again.
M: Well, the definition of the project is simple, fast. The material is a style that the 3 of us could not do before due to… whatever. As for the name, uhm. Supposedly we are all here and really have no control of what is to happen. Call is fate, karma, God, whatever. There is some force that controls everything. I heard the metaphor that life is a tape that is playing. We don’t know what is ahead, but it is already recorded. We just have not “heard” it yet. We’re puppets, so to speak, no control over anything. Our actions seem like our doing, but some say it is not. Something is controlling us, moving us…just as in chess. The pawns are of the least value, therefore, they are sacrificed first. They are almost worthless. Just as humanity is, or seems to be if you look at it a certain way. Just look around you. Life is not exactly great. All the sh*t balls around, and whatnot. I don’t want to step on too many toes, so I’ll stop there. Hope I answered you somewhat.
SG: Somewhat, damn!
M: Alrighty!
SG: So ‘Pawns’ will be heavy, musically?
M: You could say that. Lyrically….I don’t want to even consider the bullsh*t it will contain. All of us are pretty god dam angry about something or other.
SG: I see in all you interviews with other people talk of your drum set. You seem to love talking about your “stuff”. What are you using?
M: And oh how I do. I am using the best. Just like when I first started back when I was 12 or 13. But today, it is on a lager scale. The drums I use are the strongest I have EVER seen. TAMA, of course. I have somewhat older ones. The toms are a combination of older ROCKSTAR DX, and newer SWINGSTAR’s. My Kicks are ROCKSTAR PRO. Also a bit older. The pedals I use vary from time to time. Mostly I use my HP-25’s. I believe they are called FLEXIFLYER. Other times I use modified IRON COBRA JR’s. I have 2 18X22 SWINGSTAR kicks still in the boxes. I just have to replace my older toms with the same sizes of newer ones. I don’t need to, but I do want to. My gear is fine as is, but new is good! So I have, right now, 2 26” kicks, 2 MTH 100’s, 1 MTH 900, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 mounted toms and a 16 floor. Maple 3.5 X 14” piccolo snare.
Cymbals are also top notch, especially. PAISTE. I use a combination of almost series line they came out with! RUDE, 2002, 3000, SIGNATURE, 2000, DIMENSIONS, ALPHA, PST 3, PST 5, 802, 502’s (new and older), 2000 COLORSOUND…I think that is all. If I keep going, I’ll rattle off all the sizes of each and every one!
SG: NA, NA, NA…
M: Okay, then… Sticks are VATER 3A FATBACK nylon. With VATER stick and finger tape.
SG: You wear gloves, too.
M: Yeah.
SG: I see! Are you about your projects?
M: Well, very. I will take what talent, or whatever you want to call it, as far as I’m allowed to, whatever that means.
SG: Whom do you admire, or, who influenced you?
M: DAM! No short answers for these 2! Shhhewww, where do I start? Growing up, it was Ron Bushy. My parents had 2 Iron Butterfly records I adored. Ron Tutt from Elvis fame caught my ear as well. I heard a solo he did way back when….WOW!!! During that time The Police were pretty popular. Stewart Copeland was cool. I liked his riffs. Well, I still do. Around then I was finding Alex Van Halen. I focused on him for years. As a younger kid, he was the most sought after in my little world. I really dug his work. You have to remember, ALL these drummers, I really admire. There is no order to which are “better” or not. All are so different, musically, that this is in no way a comparison.
SG: OKAY, OKAY!
M: I just want to stress that fact, that’s all. Later I got into heavier music. Drummers like Dave Lombardo, Louie Clemente, Charlie Benante, Sid Falck, Paul Bostaph, Raymond Herrera, Scott Travis…wow, I just realized that most if not all use TAMA and or PAISTE! Sh*t, coincidence? Hmm. All of them are great drummers, it only makes sense that they would also use great gear as well.
SG: So sharing the stage with JP must have been an honor and a thrill?
M: Those 2 words don’t even express what I feel when I recollect that show!
SG: What is this Internet Band I saw on the Lost Soul Forum?
M: Oh yeah, Lost Soul was my old band from back in Connecticut. The guitar player (Bryan Reilly) and I are collaborating again. It, as of yet, is just in a real beginning phase. He is putting together some riffs, and I have some drum ideas I need to record and e-mail him. I don’t know exactly what to expect with this type of arrangement. Bryan (Reilly) is great, so as for quality of the material, I am not concerned at all. It will be very good, with out a doubt. So Bryan and I are going to send ideas to one and other, and see what pops up….
SG: Sorry to cut you off, but won’t that be expensive and extremely time-consuming?
M: In today’s digital age, it is a lot easier and quicker than one would think. The worst part is writing the music. The easy part is recording and transferring files via FTP or e-mail. It is instantaneous. No more waiting for an ADAT tape or cassette through the Postal System. Don’t get me wrong. I love ADATS. That is what I record everything on. I’ll transfer the 8 tracks to the computer then convert them to a WAV or MP3 for FTP.
SG: How’s it going?
M: Software and computer glitches have delayed this way more than necessary. I’m very optimistic, though. Bryan is amazing on the geetar. Your phone bill is gonna kill you for this conversation!
SG: Nah, it is a cell and after 7pm.
M: …alright.
SG: I guess this will be my last one. I’m sure you are busy…
M: (sarcastically) OH YEAH, SURE AM!!!!
SG: …anyway, what is the largest group you have played for at one time?
M: Something close to 2,500. A bit less or bit more. Around there.
Wow! A very entertaing interview. Most musicians I interview to are way too serious. Some act as if they’re out to cure the world of its ails. RIGHT!
A big thanks to Mike for his time and cooperation. I truly appreciate it.
Check out some of his sites:
Music like any other form of art is a great form of entertainment for you. Your blues, emo, indie, folk or music videos are a great source of fun for you and your loved ones. Whether it's an African village enjoying the live beats of the drum or a club in the middle of New York, the effect is the same. The music does it all for them.
You can enjoy a great time with music as a form of fun by dancing. Simply get up and take to the floor. When listening to your blues, emo or folk songs there is no better way for you to express your feeling that shaking what you've got. Just let your hair down for a moment and let the music take you. You are sure to enjoy it every time you get on the floor. Music causes you to just want to move. It stirs within you slowly until you can't hold still no more.
You can also enjoy music by simply watching the artists do what they love. You enjoy musicals and operas this way. The music just causes you to sit still and enjoy. The moment is like an experience out of this world. For a moment you forget about everything else. You focus on the music. The indie, folk or alternative songs capture your consciousness. It's like a musical trance. You feel it in your inner most being. That's how music entertains you.
Even without having to go out for that opera or musical, you know that music will still entertain you wherever you are. You can have a great time just sitting and listening to your best emo or indie CD right in your living room. Call your friends to enjoy the moment with you. It lightens the mood and makes you all laugh without a care in the world. It's even okay if you choose to dance right in the middle of your living room. The music transforms an uneventful and boring evening into one you are sure not to forget.
Music entertains you quite well in clubs and discos. If going out is your cup of tea, you know how much fun this is. When the music is playing out loud and the lighting adds to the effect you can't help but enjoy. Everything goes here. While sipping on your favorite drink and whispering at your friend's ear, you know that you don't want the evening to end. The indie, folk, alternative or emo songs played for you make the atmosphere just as you want it to be. At this point, you unleash your vivacious side and you can confidently ask that guy, "wanna dance?" This is because you're really entertained.
Music as a form of entertainment is evident in celebrations and special occasions. You know how without the folk, emo or indie music at your best friend's graduation you would have had a drab time. You can swear that the only reason you stayed was because of the music.
Music videos are something that Mich is fond of. He has much more information at his website.
Playing the violin has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Whether it was playing a solo piece or playing in an orchestra, the ability to play a piece composed by Bach, Mozart or Vivaldi and other great composers is one of the greatest accomplishments that a classical musician could wish for.
Although it is not one of those tasks that can be learned overnight (unless you are a musical genius), with practice and dedication you can soon be playing pieces that will light up your soul. One of the reasons why I chose to play the violin was its soothing and melodic sound, one that I feel is like no other.
The second reason why I chose this stringed instrument was for the ability to virtually take it with me anywhere I go. Even when I travel on a plane it's not a problem. It is not like a Cello, bass or a harp which are big, heavy and bulky and you certainly cannot take those instruments with you!
The third reason was the ease of learning. I say "easy" because unlike a piano, guitar or a harp, a violin only has four strings (G, D, A, E) and a bow you must learn to use. Once you learn the four basic strings, then comes learning the finger positions that go on those strings that will make the notes. Next, comes the correct holding position for the bow which will allow you to gently glide across the strings and begin to make music.
Once one learns the basics like how to hold the violin, the correct position of the feet, and how to hold the bow, you can go on to begin making music. One very good place to start to learn the pitch are practicing scales. Yes, they may seem boring at first but they will eventually help the violin player with tuning and correct finger positions (too flat or too sharp).
For the beginning violin player some of the easiest pieces to start with would Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Mary Had A Little Lamb. Simple pieces like these will help in getting a sense of accomplishment and not one of frustration. If you begin with anything more difficult it will only bring discouragement in trying to learn to play the violin.
Playing the violin not only gives me a sense of accomplishment but has also become somewhat therapeutic. Those moments when I am stressed or have a feeling of frustration I can just take out my violin and it just becomes music for my soul. It has been one of my greatest investments!
Here is how to get further information on violin playing! Learn the basics of violin musical instruments and you too can learn to play today!
Learning how to play violin can be an exciting adventure leading to eventual mastery. How you start to learn violin , however, is vitally important if you wish to succeed and play violin to a good standard for years to come. Here are some tips to get you started along the path to play violin in a way that will
bring you great satisfaction as you progress in your violin lessons.
Violin Lesson Tip #1
Set yourself goals so your progress can be measured and enjoyed.
These should include short, medium and long-term goals and can be reviewed as you learn how to play violin.
A short term goal might be to perfect how you hold the bow, or to master a short piece.
Violin Lesson Tip #2
Immerse yourself in the world of the violin.
Listen to radio concerts, buy CD's and play them wherever you are ; watch video or TV footage of professional players ; if you get the chance go to see live performers really play violin.
You'll learn how to play violin by studying top exponents as much as through your violin lessons.
Violin Lesson Tip #3
Get to know YOUR violin. They're all different just as we are, and also need looking after to stay in top shape - so develop a little love affair with your new friend.
Violin Lesson Tip #4
One of the hardest violin lessons is that of achieving excellent posture. The fact is that a good posture , once learnt, will be the basis of how well you play and also how much effort you put into merely standing rather than concentrating on how you play violin. Put in the work early on and you'll benefit for life.
Violin Lesson Tip #5
If you want to learn violin to a top standard then your violin lessons surely have to come from a top exponent of how to play. There is so much to learn that cannot be book-learned that a good teacher will provide. Your violin lessons need to be visual , structured to your needs and progress and , of course, convenient for you to
attend. If you've a concert violinist around the corner - fantastic !, although probably very expensive too. If not then you can have a top violinist at your beck and call, 24/7, by using video lessons. These are reviewed on my violin lessons site.
You might love to play the guitar, but you're not progressing at the rate that you used to. You can remember learning chords and riffs before, but now things are starting to slow down.
If you think that your skills are going through a dull period, don't worry. Here are some simple and fast tips to play guitar that can get you out of the slump and learning faster again.
1. Own an acoustic and electric guitar. Sometimes the different styles between the acoustic and electric guitars can hold a guitarist back on what they want to learn. For the best results, own each kind of guitar, that way you can hook up to an amp when you have time, and take your instrument elsewhere when you need to practice.
2. Talk to your friends and relatives. Your friends and relatives might have guitar information you didn't even know about, but you'll never find out if you don't ask. Sit down with some of your guitar buddies and trade secrets and tips to play guitar better.
3. Watch professionals in action. How are you going to know how the pros play the guitar if you don't see them in action? Go to shows or watch television specials of your idols to see what their favorite licks are and how they're executed.
4. Watch some online videos. There's so much information about tutorials and tips to play guitar for free on the internet that so many guitarists overlook it and get discouraged. Do some quick research on a search engine and you'll discover tons of valuable guitar information that can speed up your progress quickly.
5. Have a jam session with some other guitarists. If you like the style of some of the other local artists in your area, maybe you should invite them over for a little jam session. You can watch their tricks, trade some of your own, and if you're lucky you might have a small band starting in your living room.
It might really be discouraging when you're just not progressing like you used to when you first started playing the guitar, but you can't let that hold you back. Try out some of these tips to play guitar for yourself, and learn at least one new thing for the guitar each day.
Kyle Hoffman has performed in a number of successful musical acts as an experienced guitarist with enthusiasm in the rock and metal genres. To learn his effective tips on learning fast electric guitar for FREE, visit his popular guitar blog, How To Guitar Tune!
Learning to play guitar? Consider online guitar lessons.
Remember the old pre-web days? You used the phonebook to look up a friend or a business, TV guide to see what was on the box, record stores to buy your albums.
Now these things, for the most of us, are done online. And of course it works a lot faster, more convenient and down right better. Maybe some other things should be done this way too? Like learning the guitar for example.
The old way vs. The new way of learning the guitar
The old way: Look up local guitar teacher, either through your local music store or the phonebook. Call them and sign up for lessons, hope they're good, and do as they say. Pay them by the lesson. if you were in luck you're local teacher was great and you learned a lot, and if not, well, it's kind of hard to tell when you don't have that much to compare with right? Basically, you were stuck with the guitar teacher that happenend to be around
The new way: Sign up for free guitar lesson online, have access to the materials, audio, video and print, in the comfort of your own home, play the lesson over and over again, if the teacher's good, you stick with them, if not, try another free guitar lesson before deciding on learning from any particular teacher.
It's like having the teacher move in with you, accessible when you want to learn, and the ability to kindly ask them to leave (or kick them out!) when you decide to move on.
So, do you go with the old way or the new way?
For some advice on online guitar teachers that let you sample their stuff for free, check out http://www.onlineguitarguide.com
Have you come to a point in your guitar-based hobby where you can't get motivated to play? The thought of pulling out the guitar and going through songs just seems like too much to organize. Well, you might be caught in a slump, but that doesn't mean that you can't kick yourself out of it. Here are some very simple strategies to jump start your guitar practices and get yourself some guitar motivation.
1. Have confidence in yourself. A lot of the problem to not wanting to pick up your guitar is because you might be beginning to feel like you can't play. Tell yourself that by doing a little bit at a time, you can eventually become a guitar-playing machine.
2. Schedule time to practice. If you don't make a conscious effort to interrupt the normal layout of the day to fit in some guitar practice time, you might never get your guitar motivation back. Plan out, in your mind or on paper, when and for how long you can spare time to practice the guitar. Even ten or fifteen minutes can get you into the groove again.
3. Find a quiet space to practice. It's pretty unbearable to practice the guitar where there are all sorts of noise and distractions to keep it from being enjoyable. Find somewhere that you know is to yourself for a half hour at least and just jam.
4. Practice what you want. Maybe you didn't want to play again because the thought of another scale or practice riff just sounded terrible to you. Then don't play them! If you sit down to your next guitar practice knowing that you can play whatever you want, you're almost guaranteed to get your motivation back.
5. Reward yourself when it's over. Another thing that guitarists miss out on is a little reward to themselves for completing their agenda. It can be small like buying an ice cream cone or going to the movies, but the purpose is to let yourself know that you did a good job.
Gaining that old guitar motivation again can be a bit tough if you've been forced to practice on things you didn't want or more than you wanted. The next time you sit down with the guitar, make a pact that you're going to play on your own terms.
Kyle Hoffman is an established guitarist with years of experience in a number of successful bands. Read his valuable FREE report on what to look for in a fast electric guitar course at his popular guitar blog, How To Guitar Tune.
Even before deciding to learn your first chord, it's natural to want to ask how long does it take to learn the play the guitar. But, how do you interpret an answer when somebody with zero talent classes themselves as being able to play, meanwhile someone else might be great in comparison, but lack the confidence to admit they're good.
Learning The Guitar : Finding The Real Milestone
Lots of people give up playing guitar soon after starting because they don't enjoy being worse than amateur and think it's too much like hard work to get any better. However, it's not usually anything to do with 'you' because it's rare to find someone that would never be able to play guitar properly. It's down to how much your guitar lessons are on your wavelength and make you want to do it. I wouldn't like to learn rock guitar from a geek that probably liked every band I hated, it just wouldn't inspire me. I'd want to learn from a rock guitarist so I could learn to emulate him. If your books or your online guitar lessons are too boring, too technical or just failing to the get results you know you can achieve, you begin to think you can't do it, but you can. In other words, if you like the Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl was sending you online guitar lessons personally, you'd probably learn how to play the guitar in record speed.
It's tempting to be put off by what you don't yet know or can't do. I've played the guitar for 25 years and I still don't know everything, but this doesn't stop you from joining bands and everyone around you being a little bit jealous they can't grab an electric guitar and do what you can do.
Don't get caught up with thinking 'How long does it take to learn to play the guitar' if you're not enjoying your lessons because that can lead onto impatience and quitting. It's much better to find someone cool to learn from, that way, you'll enjoy the progress and then one day you'll realize:
...hey, I'm actually getting quite good at this...
That's the real guitar lesson milestone.
If you need to hear great noises coming from your guitar and don't want to wait any longer, don't spread yourself thinly over a load of different resources. You be much better treating something like a guitar crash course and absolutely nailing every section of it.
People that go back to the drawing board when things aren't going well usually overtake themselves in no time and that momentum just carries on. Most people don't do this and get information overload, suffer a guitar meltdown and end up mastering nothing, soon to be overtaken by absolute beginners.
Get in the mood for going to rock school, enjoy it and there might be a surprise for you along the way, visit http://www.GuitarCrash.info
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=817f9911-ad6b-4b17-ba3f-d119e91da76a)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=7dd96ee7-0fd3-4fb4-8936-f46fdcfae111)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=6342fffe-7923-4508-8547-c2805f789a0e)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=4f3c6dff-a9f7-40fe-aaac-b90eda8bbf07)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=285358fb-5326-43e8-b521-ae6f0691e58a)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=bba31a17-dcd6-4cc5-85f1-7b7581550413)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=56f81647-036b-4f81-940d-f70135b146e8)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=6c2bfcef-8a9f-4ba7-a629-8df3e7877e4d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=d90750c6-4cb1-4b49-b02b-0c55405e09b6)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=9f6ed5d4-d228-4989-9c7e-14ad62b7e277)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=9762833f-0a12-4232-a132-3527b7fc5f8a)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=e79b928e-ec6b-4298-8a0b-0f4374f5b207)
Posts
