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Wednesday, 02 December 2009

Auto-tune: it's more common than you think

Watch the video below to learn about the history of auto-tune and how often it is really used in popular music today. The software costs between $300 and $700, meaning that the "average Joe" and casual music-maker probably couldn't afford it.

Monday, 30 November 2009

What's wrong with music that's already popular?

Technically, nothing. You're free to have your own opinions - just be aware that you have more choices than what your local radio station and MTV force-feed you!

Think of it this way. How often have you thought about how cool it would be to be a rock star? Most people never take the initiative or have the time to learn to play an instrument or how to compose music. Hardly any of those that do ever become famous for their efforts. They instead focus on other careers, and therefore spend very little time on touring and recording albums, although they might be equally as talented as anyone who is famous.

The reason? They feel like it's a waste of time. And they might be right - if they were signed with a record company, they wouldn't be allowed the same artistic freedom as they are when music is just a hobby.

Remember, there's nothing wrong with music that you really like. Just make sure you don't like the music you like because someone else is pressuring you into it, whether it's someone you know or a giant corporation. Music is an art, and not something that can come pre-packaged in a formula.

Sunday, 29 November 2009

Are you a musician?
You might be wondering how get your name out locally to people in your area. Here are some ways.
- Attend an open mic night at a coffeehouse or bar such as the Muddy Cup or Cubbyhole. Most people who hang out in places like them are already open to listening to new artists, particularly if they're from near where they live. It also allows people to see you rather than you hiding behind a computer screen or recording.
- Make a Myspace or Purevolume account. People on the music sections of these sites are already in the process of looking for music to listen to, so all you have to do is state your genre of music and upload a few songs. It is also easy to network with bands that sound similar to you or have a similar message, meaning you can coordinate performances.
- Post your songs or performances on sites like Facebook and Twitter. People usually go on social networking sites because they want to be with people, but can't at the time or can't find anything to do. Give them something to do, like listen your music or find out when you'll be playing live.
- Give your music to your local radio station. It's worth a shot. Most radio stations have strict instructions as to what they can and can't play, but some DJs sneak in songs occasionally they otherwise wouldn't be able to play, so why not try?

Friday, 27 November 2009

Places to hear live music

Muddy Cup - New Paltz, NY
Fair-trade coffeehouse located on Main St that offers open mic nights with acoustic artists, bands, and poets. Two floors with plenty of space and free board games.

50 Main - New Paltz, NY
Another fair-trade coffeehouse next to the Muddy Cup on Main St. Offers the same style of open mic nights and free music, but is more progressive-friendly and sponsors events in coordination with organizations like PETA.

The Chance Complex - Poughkeepsie, NY
Includes The Chance, The Loft, and the Platinum Lounge. Offers a wide variety of music, but it's always a good idea to check the schedule: there isn't a concert every night, plus the cost is occasionally quite high. Save The Chance for a band you really love!

The Cubbyhole - Poughkeepsie, NY
Located on Raymond Avenue near Vassar College, the Cubbyhole hosts open mic nights every Tuesday and sometimes also on Mondays and Thursdays. It also schedules bands to play for free. When you come on an open mic night, drink coupons are also given out.

Waryas Park - Poughkeepsie, NY
AKA "The Waterfront," Waryas often has jazz and big bands play for free. The park is also very child-friendly, as it has bathrooms, food, and a playground in addition to the beautiful scenery.

Spanky's, Mahoney's, Noah's Ark - Poughkeepsie, NY
The various bars in Poughkeepsie often schedule free music. Be careful of the age to get in, though, as some nights the age is 18, and the others, 21.

Oasis/Cab's - New Paltz, NY
Again, be careful of the age to enter. Cab's is always 18 to get in, while Oasis changes on a daily basis. Cab's usually features rock bands or 80's tributes, whereas Oasis is open to more experimental types of music.

Thursday, 26 November 2009

"The State of the Music Industry"

...according to random interviews in NYC. Pay special attention to people's descriptions of the talent vs. "what sells" controversy. What do you think?