I think that you do need some degree of luck to have success in the music industry. What I mean is that sometimes success can start by being in the right place at the right time. Like your band is playing at some bar and there just happens to be a record label representative there and likes your sound. Also knowing the right people is sometimes lucky so you can get signed and have success.
Getting lucky and having a public break down, like so many of the artist now a days, can definitely give you great success. Luck always plays a part of success because even the most talented people may not get any success. Someone like Kelly Clarkson probably would not be a household name if she wasn't lucky enough to try out for American Idol. To me she is so talent and the talent was almost wasted. So yes, luck does play a part in success.
But of course you need some degree of talent to make it. At least I believe that there has to be some, if very little, talent in someone to have success. Of course there is auto-tuning and lip syncing that can be done, but maybe the person had great writing skills but didn't have the singing abilities. So people might say that Britney Spears got all her success form luck or sexuality, but I believe that she can sing at least a little. And of course she has all the publicity to help her with her success, but I think there was some talent to begin with.
I don't know if I can think of anyone that has gotten by strictly on luck or strictly on talent, maybe there is, but I can't think of any (any suggestions?) Even greats (or at least in my eyes) like Shania Twain had luck on there side (Shania was discovered at the Deerhurst Resort in Ontario). So like I said before, I think you need a combination of luck and talent to have success in the music industry.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Rant #2
To start off, I am expecting no one to agree with this one, because I might be the only one that feels this way. What I'm really trying to say is that I believe that "emo" is not, or rather, no longer a genre of music.
First of all, lets look at what emo is defined as. Emo is short for Emotional. Now there are a lot of emotional songs in all kinds of music, but hardly any of them are labeled as emo, only the ones that are in rock music and dress a certain way. And that is what music is to me; a fashion. If a band is dress even remotedly emo (stranger that usual hair cut, tight pants, band t-shirts), there music is labeled emo. I mean Britney Spears and the Jonas Brothers have emotional songs (I know, hard to believe), but they aren't labeled emo, because they don't look at all. Emo is a fashion. I, in no way consider emo a genre, it may have been about 12 years aog, but as of the mid 2000's, no sir.
And that happens to a lot of the new bands around today. Most of them if they are some form of rock, they will automaticly be labelled as emo. This is very unfair because they are automaticly lumped into a stereotypical genre and in some ways, are over looked (unless you are Fall Out Boy) and there music isn't taken as seriously. Honestly, this just grinds my gears so bad.
Another thing that bugs be about emo is people saying that emo people are always depressed and cut themselves. This is just disrespectful. Depression is nothing to laugh about and both depression and cutting are serious pysological disorders and take years to get over. No one should joke about that. It's horrible.
Anyways, I think the main idea I'm trying to get across is that I don't believe emo is a genre anymore. It's all about the fashion, not the music.
First of all, lets look at what emo is defined as. Emo is short for Emotional. Now there are a lot of emotional songs in all kinds of music, but hardly any of them are labeled as emo, only the ones that are in rock music and dress a certain way. And that is what music is to me; a fashion. If a band is dress even remotedly emo (stranger that usual hair cut, tight pants, band t-shirts), there music is labeled emo. I mean Britney Spears and the Jonas Brothers have emotional songs (I know, hard to believe), but they aren't labeled emo, because they don't look at all. Emo is a fashion. I, in no way consider emo a genre, it may have been about 12 years aog, but as of the mid 2000's, no sir.
And that happens to a lot of the new bands around today. Most of them if they are some form of rock, they will automaticly be labelled as emo. This is very unfair because they are automaticly lumped into a stereotypical genre and in some ways, are over looked (unless you are Fall Out Boy) and there music isn't taken as seriously. Honestly, this just grinds my gears so bad.
Another thing that bugs be about emo is people saying that emo people are always depressed and cut themselves. This is just disrespectful. Depression is nothing to laugh about and both depression and cutting are serious pysological disorders and take years to get over. No one should joke about that. It's horrible.
Anyways, I think the main idea I'm trying to get across is that I don't believe emo is a genre anymore. It's all about the fashion, not the music.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thoughts on Music Technology #2
Well, there has been a lot of happenings since I last wrote a blog on music technology. Where to start is the question. We helped run a PA concert a couple weeks ago. It was nice being on the other side of things this time. I liked working with all the guitars; having thousands of dollars worth of guitars going through your hands is just amazing. But I have to be honest, it kind of hurt when I learnt that Orry had re tuned his guitar. Not that I'm attacking him, but I've been playing guitar for almost 4 years, I'm pretty sure I'm as good as him at tuning guitars, it's not that hard. But besides that, I loved working with the concert.
One thing that has improved since last time is the fact that there isn't a bunch of people in the office that really shouldn't be in the office. I mean, there have been a few times, but nothing unbearable. We can finally work in peace.
Another thing is the mastering, and thanks to some EQ knowledge, I now understand for the most part what I am doing when I am mastering a track. I know what "slider" is supposed to go up or down when I want to hear something while I'm mastering. That has definitely improved since last time.
Two things I can't wait for are the full band track by track recording and the myspace. It is going to be fun to record the tracks kind of how they do it in the real studios. So yeah, that it is something I am definitely looking forward too. And myspace is going to be fun. The band came up with many good ideas of what to put up there and a hilarious band picture. I have to admit I am going to get my brother to teach me some HTML and CSS so that I can make the myspace page awesome, so it may be another month until it is finished.
The one thing that isn't really any better than a couple months ago is the setting up for bands. They still seem to get in the way, but we haven't done much setting up lately because all of the bands are starting new songs so maybe it has changed, I don't know. Another thing is that somethings, these blogs seem to be kind of a hassle, but overall, I don't hate them, it still is fun to read other peoples' opinions.
I have to say that this class is way more organized than it was a couple months ago. I could honestly say that a couple months ago, I wasn't sure if we would be able to finish all of our projects, but now I can see we can, it will just take a little work. And yes, this is still my favorite class.
One thing that has improved since last time is the fact that there isn't a bunch of people in the office that really shouldn't be in the office. I mean, there have been a few times, but nothing unbearable. We can finally work in peace.
Another thing is the mastering, and thanks to some EQ knowledge, I now understand for the most part what I am doing when I am mastering a track. I know what "slider" is supposed to go up or down when I want to hear something while I'm mastering. That has definitely improved since last time.
Two things I can't wait for are the full band track by track recording and the myspace. It is going to be fun to record the tracks kind of how they do it in the real studios. So yeah, that it is something I am definitely looking forward too. And myspace is going to be fun. The band came up with many good ideas of what to put up there and a hilarious band picture. I have to admit I am going to get my brother to teach me some HTML and CSS so that I can make the myspace page awesome, so it may be another month until it is finished.
The one thing that isn't really any better than a couple months ago is the setting up for bands. They still seem to get in the way, but we haven't done much setting up lately because all of the bands are starting new songs so maybe it has changed, I don't know. Another thing is that somethings, these blogs seem to be kind of a hassle, but overall, I don't hate them, it still is fun to read other peoples' opinions.
I have to say that this class is way more organized than it was a couple months ago. I could honestly say that a couple months ago, I wasn't sure if we would be able to finish all of our projects, but now I can see we can, it will just take a little work. And yes, this is still my favorite class.
Friday, November 21, 2008
How I Use Music and How Music Uses Me
I use music in many ways. Like this weekend. I had to work Midnight Madness and I had to work later than normal. I hate working a 7 or 8 hour shift straight, so to keep myself preoccupied I listened to music. Only there is no radio in the back so I was listening to the music in my head, and lots of time it starts to repeat the same thing, but at least it keeps me preoccupied. Music keeps me going at work, because probably without it I would go insane with it.
Another way I use music is when I clean at home. Again this is the kinda the same as it is at work, only there is actual music playing in the background instead of just my head.
I also use music to release my emotions. There have been so many days I come home stressed or upset and just sit down and write a song or listen to a song. Both way let me release my emotions and if feels so much better.
I use you help me with my homework. There are a lot of distractions all around me, so I put my music on and I can work so much better than I could without it. I get so much more work done. When I'm just walking or even working out, I use music. I use it to keep me going. I push myself to keep going through the song and if it is upbeat, it keeps my energy up.
One way I noticed how music uses me is in movies and TV shows. In a show like survivor, they constantly use music to make you feel a certain way. With some thing like tribal counsel, the music is all intense so you are all tensed up and worried. The same is for their challenges. Movies do the same thing with music. I really just noticed that a lot in things in media.
Another way I use music is when I clean at home. Again this is the kinda the same as it is at work, only there is actual music playing in the background instead of just my head.
I also use music to release my emotions. There have been so many days I come home stressed or upset and just sit down and write a song or listen to a song. Both way let me release my emotions and if feels so much better.
I use you help me with my homework. There are a lot of distractions all around me, so I put my music on and I can work so much better than I could without it. I get so much more work done. When I'm just walking or even working out, I use music. I use it to keep me going. I push myself to keep going through the song and if it is upbeat, it keeps my energy up.
One way I noticed how music uses me is in movies and TV shows. In a show like survivor, they constantly use music to make you feel a certain way. With some thing like tribal counsel, the music is all intense so you are all tensed up and worried. The same is for their challenges. Movies do the same thing with music. I really just noticed that a lot in things in media.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Controversial Figures in Music
The band I'm going to talk about is the same band that I'm going to do for my Rockumentary next semester. They are the Dixie Chicks. Now you don't necessarily have to follow country music to know why they have been controversial, but it was before the whole George Bush thing that they were controversial.
The Dixie Chick have almost always been controversial to most country critics and fans. The first time was when they released "Goodbye Earl". This song was a song about domestic violence, and in the end these two friends decide to kill the husband of the one friend who is getting abused. Many country stations refused to play the song because of that fact. But the Dixie Chicks came back say that this is a song of empowerment to people that are getting domestically abused, but in no way promoting domestic abuse or are wanting people to kill an abuser. They just want action taken. Despite the song being pulled from some stations, the song still peaked at #13 on the country charts.
The one controversy that most people know about was the one with President Bush. It was just after the invasion of Iraq has started. At a concert that took place in London, lead singer, Natalie Maines, stated "Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas," which is the Dixie Chicks home state. This came with major backlash, and in my opinion, people overreacted. But what many people don't know is that fellow band member Emily Robison stated that the band supported the American troops 100 percent.
The main reason for the criticism was that they believed that she shouldn't have criticized Bush on foreign soil. But even Bush didn't care what the Dixie Chicks said. Maines apologized a couple of weeks later, but the hatred didn't stop. Lipton stopped an endorsement deal they have with the "Chicks", fans had parties where they would in some way destroy the Dixie Chick's CDs, and some former fans even sent death threats to the girls. Even fellow country stars attack them (ie. Toby Keith doctoring a picture making Maines look like Saddam Hussein.) Talk about overreacting. What I find funny about this is that at this same time, many celebrities where criticizing Bush and they never got any backlash whatsoever. And honestly, if someone said something about a politician I liked, I would just let it breeze past me. Not everyone is going to like the President.
In the end, the Dixie Chicks had the last laugh. Though their record sales have dropped, it has given them more freedom to write what they want and don't feel any pressure from the country side of things anymore. Lipton resigned them to there contract, they won 5 Grammy awards (which I think the honestly deserved, it was an awesome album), and a song about the experience that peaked in the top 5 of American charts.
Honestly, I think most people blew the situation way out of proportion an overreacted to the comment. I support both sides (the Dixie Chicks and the government), and I realize that everyone is entitled to free speak. If only everyone saw it that way, then this all would have not happened.
The Dixie Chick have almost always been controversial to most country critics and fans. The first time was when they released "Goodbye Earl". This song was a song about domestic violence, and in the end these two friends decide to kill the husband of the one friend who is getting abused. Many country stations refused to play the song because of that fact. But the Dixie Chicks came back say that this is a song of empowerment to people that are getting domestically abused, but in no way promoting domestic abuse or are wanting people to kill an abuser. They just want action taken. Despite the song being pulled from some stations, the song still peaked at #13 on the country charts.
The one controversy that most people know about was the one with President Bush. It was just after the invasion of Iraq has started. At a concert that took place in London, lead singer, Natalie Maines, stated "Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas," which is the Dixie Chicks home state. This came with major backlash, and in my opinion, people overreacted. But what many people don't know is that fellow band member Emily Robison stated that the band supported the American troops 100 percent.
The main reason for the criticism was that they believed that she shouldn't have criticized Bush on foreign soil. But even Bush didn't care what the Dixie Chicks said. Maines apologized a couple of weeks later, but the hatred didn't stop. Lipton stopped an endorsement deal they have with the "Chicks", fans had parties where they would in some way destroy the Dixie Chick's CDs, and some former fans even sent death threats to the girls. Even fellow country stars attack them (ie. Toby Keith doctoring a picture making Maines look like Saddam Hussein.) Talk about overreacting. What I find funny about this is that at this same time, many celebrities where criticizing Bush and they never got any backlash whatsoever. And honestly, if someone said something about a politician I liked, I would just let it breeze past me. Not everyone is going to like the President.
In the end, the Dixie Chicks had the last laugh. Though their record sales have dropped, it has given them more freedom to write what they want and don't feel any pressure from the country side of things anymore. Lipton resigned them to there contract, they won 5 Grammy awards (which I think the honestly deserved, it was an awesome album), and a song about the experience that peaked in the top 5 of American charts.
Honestly, I think most people blew the situation way out of proportion an overreacted to the comment. I support both sides (the Dixie Chicks and the government), and I realize that everyone is entitled to free speak. If only everyone saw it that way, then this all would have not happened.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Concert Review
As you know, I was recently at the Lenny Kravitz concert in Winnipeg last week. Overall, the production was quite good. The part of the production that I like the best was the lights. The weren't overly complicated or anything, the just seemed to suit the performance.
In one review I read, the writer said she didn't like the fact that there wasn't a more complicated, but it was just right for me. I loved the fact that they had the lights going exactly to the music and the beat. As you already know, simple things amuse me. And I know it may have been a bad thing, but I loved it when the keyboard didn't work. I think seeing him throw it off the stage was probably better than the solo that there would have been.
One thing I didn't like about the production was the loudness. Now I'm all about being loud, but it just seemed too loud. And the thing is that Lenny is a man that can hit some fairly high notes, so sometimes it was overwhelming.
Somethings I didn't like about the concert in general was the outros. On some songs they were good, but sometimes they were the same length as the song to begin with. And most of the songs had long outros, so it got repetitive.
That being said, it really picked up when they played American Woman. They just kept the energy up from then on. I also liked the connection he had with his fans. How many artists do you know go out into the crowd and interact with the fans. The last thing I liked was the musicianship. No one ever missed a beat, even when things weren't working properly.
The concert was an awesome experience, but would have been better without all the super long endings.
In one review I read, the writer said she didn't like the fact that there wasn't a more complicated, but it was just right for me. I loved the fact that they had the lights going exactly to the music and the beat. As you already know, simple things amuse me. And I know it may have been a bad thing, but I loved it when the keyboard didn't work. I think seeing him throw it off the stage was probably better than the solo that there would have been.
One thing I didn't like about the production was the loudness. Now I'm all about being loud, but it just seemed too loud. And the thing is that Lenny is a man that can hit some fairly high notes, so sometimes it was overwhelming.
Somethings I didn't like about the concert in general was the outros. On some songs they were good, but sometimes they were the same length as the song to begin with. And most of the songs had long outros, so it got repetitive.
That being said, it really picked up when they played American Woman. They just kept the energy up from then on. I also liked the connection he had with his fans. How many artists do you know go out into the crowd and interact with the fans. The last thing I liked was the musicianship. No one ever missed a beat, even when things weren't working properly.
The concert was an awesome experience, but would have been better without all the super long endings.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Rant #1
Well isn't this going to be fun! What's really been bugging me lately about the music industry is that it is no longer about the music. It's all about the money and they way they make that money is by selling sex. I don't mean anything like street walkers, though, sometimes it can be just as bad.
Take the Pussycat Dolls for example. I'm not one to say that they don't care about the music, but it seems to me that it isn't there highest priority. It seems like there all about money and selling, well sex. I mean they did a song called "Buttons" and you'd have to be blind to see that the song is a direct reference to sex.
It's no surprise that sex sells. People like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and like I said before, the Pussycat Dolls have made it into a defined art. What's better than someone that can sing? Someone that can sing and that is half naked all the time. That's not at all the way I think, but for sure there are a lot, and I mean a lot of people that think that way. The consumers could care less what they are singing about as long as they look super hot singing it. This in turn causes more album sells, therefore more money, they spend it and live like kings, and yet they can't ever seem to by clothes.
I'm now going to turn my direction to Britney Spears. There might be a chance that she was about the music in the beginning, but it just kept tumbling downhill. Take her newest video for example. I couldn't make it through the video because I could stand the sight of her being completely naked for most of the song. I just don't see the point in it. It wasn't the least bit artsy so you can't even say that. There is no way to deny that Britney sells sex, and almost only that ( that means I think the songs suck just so you know).
Then there is a bimbo like Paris Hilton. She should have never picked up a mic. It was obvious it wasn't about the music from the start. In her music videos she was always over some guy and half naked if not almost fully. It was a way for her to add just that much more money to her piggy bank that is overflowing and get publicity out of it.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that a lot of mainstream music (and not only girls, there are guys that sell sex too, I just couldn't put 20 examples up) is all about selling sex so they can sell the records. It's no longer about the music for them, even if it was to start. That being said, there are great artist that are out there, I guess you just have to look hard enough.
Take the Pussycat Dolls for example. I'm not one to say that they don't care about the music, but it seems to me that it isn't there highest priority. It seems like there all about money and selling, well sex. I mean they did a song called "Buttons" and you'd have to be blind to see that the song is a direct reference to sex.
It's no surprise that sex sells. People like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and like I said before, the Pussycat Dolls have made it into a defined art. What's better than someone that can sing? Someone that can sing and that is half naked all the time. That's not at all the way I think, but for sure there are a lot, and I mean a lot of people that think that way. The consumers could care less what they are singing about as long as they look super hot singing it. This in turn causes more album sells, therefore more money, they spend it and live like kings, and yet they can't ever seem to by clothes.
I'm now going to turn my direction to Britney Spears. There might be a chance that she was about the music in the beginning, but it just kept tumbling downhill. Take her newest video for example. I couldn't make it through the video because I could stand the sight of her being completely naked for most of the song. I just don't see the point in it. It wasn't the least bit artsy so you can't even say that. There is no way to deny that Britney sells sex, and almost only that ( that means I think the songs suck just so you know).
Then there is a bimbo like Paris Hilton. She should have never picked up a mic. It was obvious it wasn't about the music from the start. In her music videos she was always over some guy and half naked if not almost fully. It was a way for her to add just that much more money to her piggy bank that is overflowing and get publicity out of it.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that a lot of mainstream music (and not only girls, there are guys that sell sex too, I just couldn't put 20 examples up) is all about selling sex so they can sell the records. It's no longer about the music for them, even if it was to start. That being said, there are great artist that are out there, I guess you just have to look hard enough.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Is Music the Career for Me?
The answer is yes. Though I'm not completely sure what direction I'm going to go in to. What is for sure is that I will always be apart of music, meaning I will always be listening to music. That will never change.
Music in some way will be my career. My ultimate dream of course would to actually be in a band. Getting to travel the world, meet new people and best of all, play my music for people that actually enjoy it would be a dream come true. I wouldn't mind waking up in a different city everyday.I would get to see the world and work at the same time.
But I'm not sure what I'm going to do if that doesn't work out. I'm been thinking about what I would want to do, and I know that it would be something tied to the music industry. One thing I have been looking at is sound engineering. I wouldn't mind being behind the scenes. I'd get to work with some very talented bands and help them create something completely awesome. It's kind of like what we are doing in this class, but way more in depth. I would love to work the sound board and everthing. I really love recording and creating things. I could even travel with a band and be there sound "guy". That would be a plus.
Other thing I am looking into is the business side of things. I'm not totally sure what I would go into specifically though. There are so many choices. An A&R Rep would be cool. Going to clubs and show cases, and listen to demos would be an awesome job. I could hear all the new music that is coming out and could help find the next big thing. Or even a Artist manager would be cool. I'd help a band get to were they want to go.
Then there are some careers that would be awesome, but are probably not going to happen because I'm not sure I'm suited for the job like a roadie or a tour manager. I would get to travel around the world and work with the bands. The only down side is that I wouldn't be able to play music, but that doesn't matter if I get to help another band make there dreams come true.
So it seems I have some thinking to do, but I know that I will have a music related career.
Music in some way will be my career. My ultimate dream of course would to actually be in a band. Getting to travel the world, meet new people and best of all, play my music for people that actually enjoy it would be a dream come true. I wouldn't mind waking up in a different city everyday.I would get to see the world and work at the same time.
But I'm not sure what I'm going to do if that doesn't work out. I'm been thinking about what I would want to do, and I know that it would be something tied to the music industry. One thing I have been looking at is sound engineering. I wouldn't mind being behind the scenes. I'd get to work with some very talented bands and help them create something completely awesome. It's kind of like what we are doing in this class, but way more in depth. I would love to work the sound board and everthing. I really love recording and creating things. I could even travel with a band and be there sound "guy". That would be a plus.
Other thing I am looking into is the business side of things. I'm not totally sure what I would go into specifically though. There are so many choices. An A&R Rep would be cool. Going to clubs and show cases, and listen to demos would be an awesome job. I could hear all the new music that is coming out and could help find the next big thing. Or even a Artist manager would be cool. I'd help a band get to were they want to go.
Then there are some careers that would be awesome, but are probably not going to happen because I'm not sure I'm suited for the job like a roadie or a tour manager. I would get to travel around the world and work with the bands. The only down side is that I wouldn't be able to play music, but that doesn't matter if I get to help another band make there dreams come true.
So it seems I have some thinking to do, but I know that I will have a music related career.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Thoughts on Music Technology #1
It's been very interesting. With all the problems that we have encountered (soundboards and speakers going), I think the course is doing fairly good for a first time class. Quite a few of the things we are doing this class I have some previous experience with since I've been in PA (setting up, running the sound board, knowing about different mics and doing some recording).
One thing I definitely like about this class is the recording aspect. I has always kind of captivated me. When we got to go into the office and record the Butlers' one track at a time was probably one of the coolest things we have done so far. Even though its unfinished, the parts that were done sounded so awesome, and if felt so good to know that we helped create that. All the tech students were like "That is so awesome that we helped create that." It's definitely a highlight.
And the H4 doesn't seem that hard to me, but that's is probably because I used it last year.
Another thing is these blogs. It's cool to just talk about music and hear others opinions on music related topics. I honestly can't wait until the rants, those are going to pretty awesome. I also have to squeeze in that I think that it's cool that the tech students get to come along on the concert trip. I love going to concerts.
One thing that I don't like is setting up with the band getting ready at the same time. I remember once we did it in no time whatsoever when the band wasn't there. But when they are there, it just seem so much harder. There are more people hanging around getting in the way, and more noise so it makes it harder to talk to the person at the sound board, or even right next to you. Another thing is that sometimes the bands seem like kids that aren't taking there ridalin. You pretty much have to jump up and down to get there attention just to sound check, and then they start playing when they shouldn't. I can deal with it, but it is definitely annoying. To go along with that, sometime those kids just need to get out of the office and let us work. It's hard to master a track when you can't even hear it.
One thing I would like to learn more about is EQ. I don't know much about it, and I think it makes it harder to master a track and even mix the sound board when there isn't much knowledge of it. The last thing is that I kind of wish we could had more help with some things. It's not Jones' fault because he has to play with the bands, but for future classes it is something to take into consideration.
This is by far my favorite class this semester and I think it will help we with whatever I go into with the music industry. I love all the behind the scenes kind of stuff.
One thing I definitely like about this class is the recording aspect. I has always kind of captivated me. When we got to go into the office and record the Butlers' one track at a time was probably one of the coolest things we have done so far. Even though its unfinished, the parts that were done sounded so awesome, and if felt so good to know that we helped create that. All the tech students were like "That is so awesome that we helped create that." It's definitely a highlight.
And the H4 doesn't seem that hard to me, but that's is probably because I used it last year.
Another thing is these blogs. It's cool to just talk about music and hear others opinions on music related topics. I honestly can't wait until the rants, those are going to pretty awesome. I also have to squeeze in that I think that it's cool that the tech students get to come along on the concert trip. I love going to concerts.
One thing that I don't like is setting up with the band getting ready at the same time. I remember once we did it in no time whatsoever when the band wasn't there. But when they are there, it just seem so much harder. There are more people hanging around getting in the way, and more noise so it makes it harder to talk to the person at the sound board, or even right next to you. Another thing is that sometimes the bands seem like kids that aren't taking there ridalin. You pretty much have to jump up and down to get there attention just to sound check, and then they start playing when they shouldn't. I can deal with it, but it is definitely annoying. To go along with that, sometime those kids just need to get out of the office and let us work. It's hard to master a track when you can't even hear it.
One thing I would like to learn more about is EQ. I don't know much about it, and I think it makes it harder to master a track and even mix the sound board when there isn't much knowledge of it. The last thing is that I kind of wish we could had more help with some things. It's not Jones' fault because he has to play with the bands, but for future classes it is something to take into consideration.
This is by far my favorite class this semester and I think it will help we with whatever I go into with the music industry. I love all the behind the scenes kind of stuff.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
My Least Favorite
My least favorite genre would probably have to be either metal or rap/ hip hop. On occasion I will listen to to these genre, but typically, nope!
I'm not totally sure what I don't like about metal. It probably not melodic enough for me. I'm not really into music that is all about to total distortion of your guitar (don't get me wrong, I love distortion), I just feel like there is too much distortion that you don't really get something melodic. Of course there is some metal that is more melodic and I can stand that stuff.
Then there is rap/hip hop. I actually don't hate the genre that much, it's more of what some of the artists have made the genre into. Artist like 50 Cent, Lil Wayne and Soulja Boy just bug me. They rap about how awesome they are or how much money they have, or how much booty they are getting. I just hate that. But then there are songs like Where is the love by The Black Eyed Peas (personal favorite) and Change by Tupac that have some actually meaning to them. If it wasn't for artist like 50 Cent, I would probably love hip hop more. I mean I love the beats and that whole idea, it's just the message they send with there music I hate.
I'm also not a huge fan of screaming music. There are the few songs that I will listen to that have screaming, but for the most part, I'm really not that huge of a fan. There is no way I could make it through an entire song of screaming.
If I was to pick some artist that I just don't like and won't listen to, they would probably be Madonna, Fall Out Boy, and Simple Plan. There is just something about them that bugs me to death and can't stand to listen to them.
So when it comes to music, I may be a little pickier that most people, but I like what I like.
I'm not totally sure what I don't like about metal. It probably not melodic enough for me. I'm not really into music that is all about to total distortion of your guitar (don't get me wrong, I love distortion), I just feel like there is too much distortion that you don't really get something melodic. Of course there is some metal that is more melodic and I can stand that stuff.
Then there is rap/hip hop. I actually don't hate the genre that much, it's more of what some of the artists have made the genre into. Artist like 50 Cent, Lil Wayne and Soulja Boy just bug me. They rap about how awesome they are or how much money they have, or how much booty they are getting. I just hate that. But then there are songs like Where is the love by The Black Eyed Peas (personal favorite) and Change by Tupac that have some actually meaning to them. If it wasn't for artist like 50 Cent, I would probably love hip hop more. I mean I love the beats and that whole idea, it's just the message they send with there music I hate.
I'm also not a huge fan of screaming music. There are the few songs that I will listen to that have screaming, but for the most part, I'm really not that huge of a fan. There is no way I could make it through an entire song of screaming.
If I was to pick some artist that I just don't like and won't listen to, they would probably be Madonna, Fall Out Boy, and Simple Plan. There is just something about them that bugs me to death and can't stand to listen to them.
So when it comes to music, I may be a little pickier that most people, but I like what I like.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
My Favorite Music
I don't know if I can say that I really have a favorite genre when it comes to music. I enjoy quite a few. Though, if you would have asked me about 4 years ago, I would have told you that I loved country music. Now I'm into almost anything. If I had to pick though, I would have to say that my favorite is rock and all its subgenres. I don't know what it is, but I guess I love it when you can just head bang (and not the way that the metal heads do it, lol) to a song, then be jamming to a ballad.
Not to say a mainly listen to country and rock. As much as I hate to admit it, I do love some pop every now and then. It just gets me into a mood that no other genre can. It's usually not all too complicated, so it is a really easy listen.
If I had to pick my all-time favorite artist, I would have to pick Shania Twain. As lame as it sounds, it's true. She is the person that made me fall in love with music. The first CD I heard of hers was Come On Over. There was not one song on that CD that I didn't love or didn't know all the words to. She was the reason I picked up a guitar. I'm not entirely sure why I was so attracted to her music. It was something I never heard before. She even had me wanting to become a country singer (that didn't last to long). Even though I fell in love with her music something like 10 years ago, it still feels like the first time listening to it, it never gets old. Her songs can go from something more poppy like That don't impress me much, to something more country like Any Man of Mine. I just love the range she has. Not to mention that she has such a unique voice. I mean, if you hear one of her songs on the radio, you automatically know it her. Oh, there is so much I could write about her, but I'm afraid it would turn into an essay.
At the moment, and for the past 2 years, Paramore has been my favorite band. To be honest, at first I wasn't all into them. But after leaving their music for a while I came back and just fell in love with it. I had just happened to stumble upon their myspace one boring summer day, I had no idea that they would become one of my favorite band. I've never would have thought that a band with an average age of 16 or 17 could make such great music. Seeing a 15 year old bang the drums like he had been doing it for decades just amazed me. Then there is the singing and the songwriting. Hearing a 16 year old belt out notes that I can only hit in my dreams was awesome and write circles around anyone else their age. Of course they are a little older now, but they still come back with the same intensity they had from the beginning. And they keep the hits coming. I can't think of one song I don't like by them, but to pick favorites, they would probably have to be Pressure, Emergency, Here We Go Again, Let the Flames Begin and We Are Broken. They are suppost to be doing some songs for the new Twilight movie, so I can't wait to hear that.
I'm starting to realize how long this post is... oh well.
Currently I'm enjoying many different bands. A lot of them I saw at Warped Tour this past year, but didn't really start listening to them until after warped. Bands like The Academy Is..., Cobra Starship, Gym Class Heroes, We The Kings and even Katy Perry. I'm also enjoying bands like The All American Rejects, The Almost, Sum 41 and Blink 182 that I've loved for years. Most of the band are indie/alternative bands with some punk. And like I said before I do indulge in some pop, like Katy Perry, who is one of my current favorites. I just have to say, take a listen to other songs on her album before you judge her for I Kissed A Girl. Slow songs like Thinking of You, Mannequin and I'm Still Breathing show how awesome a singer and songwriter she is, and others like Hot n' Cold, Ur So Gay and Fingerprints show off her sense of humour and ability to write catchy songs. When I went to see her at Warped Tour, I wasn't expecting anything spectular, but she impressed me quite a bit. I mean, that girl can sing. But trust me, I had the same outlook on her as most people do until I heard her album.
Not to say a mainly listen to country and rock. As much as I hate to admit it, I do love some pop every now and then. It just gets me into a mood that no other genre can. It's usually not all too complicated, so it is a really easy listen.
If I had to pick my all-time favorite artist, I would have to pick Shania Twain. As lame as it sounds, it's true. She is the person that made me fall in love with music. The first CD I heard of hers was Come On Over. There was not one song on that CD that I didn't love or didn't know all the words to. She was the reason I picked up a guitar. I'm not entirely sure why I was so attracted to her music. It was something I never heard before. She even had me wanting to become a country singer (that didn't last to long). Even though I fell in love with her music something like 10 years ago, it still feels like the first time listening to it, it never gets old. Her songs can go from something more poppy like That don't impress me much, to something more country like Any Man of Mine. I just love the range she has. Not to mention that she has such a unique voice. I mean, if you hear one of her songs on the radio, you automatically know it her. Oh, there is so much I could write about her, but I'm afraid it would turn into an essay.
At the moment, and for the past 2 years, Paramore has been my favorite band. To be honest, at first I wasn't all into them. But after leaving their music for a while I came back and just fell in love with it. I had just happened to stumble upon their myspace one boring summer day, I had no idea that they would become one of my favorite band. I've never would have thought that a band with an average age of 16 or 17 could make such great music. Seeing a 15 year old bang the drums like he had been doing it for decades just amazed me. Then there is the singing and the songwriting. Hearing a 16 year old belt out notes that I can only hit in my dreams was awesome and write circles around anyone else their age. Of course they are a little older now, but they still come back with the same intensity they had from the beginning. And they keep the hits coming. I can't think of one song I don't like by them, but to pick favorites, they would probably have to be Pressure, Emergency, Here We Go Again, Let the Flames Begin and We Are Broken. They are suppost to be doing some songs for the new Twilight movie, so I can't wait to hear that.
I'm starting to realize how long this post is... oh well.
Currently I'm enjoying many different bands. A lot of them I saw at Warped Tour this past year, but didn't really start listening to them until after warped. Bands like The Academy Is..., Cobra Starship, Gym Class Heroes, We The Kings and even Katy Perry. I'm also enjoying bands like The All American Rejects, The Almost, Sum 41 and Blink 182 that I've loved for years. Most of the band are indie/alternative bands with some punk. And like I said before I do indulge in some pop, like Katy Perry, who is one of my current favorites. I just have to say, take a listen to other songs on her album before you judge her for I Kissed A Girl. Slow songs like Thinking of You, Mannequin and I'm Still Breathing show how awesome a singer and songwriter she is, and others like Hot n' Cold, Ur So Gay and Fingerprints show off her sense of humour and ability to write catchy songs. When I went to see her at Warped Tour, I wasn't expecting anything spectular, but she impressed me quite a bit. I mean, that girl can sing. But trust me, I had the same outlook on her as most people do until I heard her album.
Monday, September 15, 2008
What is Music?
Music to me is more than a series of notes put into an order that sounds pleasant to the ear, it is an expression. If you ask song writers why they started to write, most of them will probably say that they felt that is what a way for them to let out what they were feeling inside and just express it to everyone. For me, music is exactly that. I mean it could be the most cheesy and poppy song in the world, but if it connects to me in some way, I just fall in love with it. Having said that, there are songs that I don't have any connection with, but still love it just because of the way it was written. But I also use music in my daily life, or I should say my daily life is music. Music is in me at all hours of the day, probably even when I am sleeping. My t.v. wakes me up in them morning and the channel it is programmed to is a music channel, so I wake up to music. On the way to school I'm listening to my mp3 player. In class, there is usually a song playing in my head. The same goes for when I'm at work. Even as I write this blog I have a song playing in my head. Music is non-stop in my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Music may be way different for someone else. It could be just a way to keep themselves entertained while they are doing something. It could also be something that helps them escape reality. Music mean something different to everyone and I find that kind of cool.
So if you were to ask me what I define music as, well, it's what ever you want it to be.
Music may be way different for someone else. It could be just a way to keep themselves entertained while they are doing something. It could also be something that helps them escape reality. Music mean something different to everyone and I find that kind of cool.
So if you were to ask me what I define music as, well, it's what ever you want it to be.
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