Music 101: 2008

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Foo Fighters and Coldplay to honour Neil Diamond

Foo Fighters and Coldplay have been announced to appear at Neil Diamond's forthcoming charity concert.They will join the likes of Adele, John Mayer, Tim McGraw and actress Jennifer Hudson at the charity gala gig at Los Angeles Convention Centre on February 6, 2009.Proceeds from the event will benefit the MusiCares program, which aids musicians in times of financial, medical and personal crisis, reports Rolling Stone.Diamond, who will also perform, was named MusiCares 2008 Person Of The Year for his charitable work.The veteran singer's most recent album 'Home Before Dark' hit Number One in the US chart in May. As previously reported on NME.COM, Diamond is being recognised for his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work.The singer, who recently donated aid to the relief fund established in the wake of Hurricane Ike, joins past honorees Bono, Aretha Franklin and Brian Wilson.The gala ceremony will take place two days before the Grammy Awards.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Top 5 Disruptive Music-Making Technologies

Ever since a caveman first clacked two stones together, musicians have relied on instruments — Bobby McFerrin and that guy from Police Academy notwithstanding.
These music creation technologies are disrupting the normal ways in which music has been made in the past.
1. The iPhone
When I saw the first MP3 player ten years ago this month, I expected portable music players to evolve a great deal in the coming decade. But other than the ability to hold more music and an improved interface, most players released since then have been essentially retreads of those first models.
Not so the iPhone (and iPod Touch). This device's large touch screen, tilt sensors and ability to install applications have already made it a handy device for going beyond music playback into the realm of music creation. Four Tracks ($10) replaces the hardware four track recorders of yore that used to cost hundreds of dollars. Talk about disruptive technology. Meanwhile the mood-enhancing Bloom, ZoozBeat pocket music studio, the harder-to-use Noise.io and other apps let people make music wherever they are, for a fraction of the cost of dedicated non-portable hardware.
2. Open-source audio software
One of the great disruptive forces when it comes to software is the open-source movement. Decentralized teams of programmers with varying amounts of time to commit to a project can produce stable, cheaper applications that compete with proprietary software.
Audacity, a free, open-source audio editor, has been a shining example of open-source software for years — so stable that I used it as the basis for a book of digital music tutorials, and that was over five years ago; the program has only improved since then. Now, it has competition from another open-source audio editor called Koblo Studio, which runs on new code (i.e. not Audacity), according to one of its creators, and offers more some advanced features. The program is free, but users can choose to buy virtual synthesizers, effects and other add-ons. Not too long ago, entry-level digital audio workstations cost hundreds of dollars, and many still do. Thanks to open-source developers, anyone can now record, edit and produce music for free.
3. Virtual synthesizers
Before the iPhone let us use virtual instruments on the go, the computer put them in the home studio. Computers are remarkably well-suited to pretending to be synthesizers. Because they rely on your computer for processing resources, a display and some of their input mechanisms, virtual synths are far, far cheaper than their real world counterparts while offering the same sounds and, usually, more advanced functionality.
Why buy all the hardware (keyboard, processor, etc.) again each time you want a new instrument? Virtual synths have allowed a new generation of musicians to discover yesterday's vintage equipment and customize their own sounds to a degree not imaginable in the hardware world. And as with other disruptive technologies, virtual synths do all of this at a far lower price than their hardware ancestors.
4. Portable digital audio recordersAs embarrassing as it is to admit, I think I'm in love with my Roland-Edirol R-09HR High Resolution WAVE/MP3 Recorder, pictured to the right. Not only is it perfect for interviews, with an optional tripod that lets me record without picking up table noise, an included wireless remote for altering settings without adding clicks to the recording and a slow playback option for transcribing speech, but it has also allowed me to record live music without distortion.
In the past, I've had to accept a certain level of digital distortion as part of the bargain of recording live audio. But the R-09HR has two gain settings that can each be tweaked to 80 different recording levels, so no sound seems too quiet or too loud for my R-09HR to pick up. The built in stereo condenser mics are high-quality enough for my purposes, but the device also accepts an external mic- or line-level source. Other high-end portables have been able to record loud audio without distorting, but this one (among other newer models) saves recordings as WAVs or MP3s on an SD card that my computers see as a plain old disk drive.
Some portable digital audio recorders, the R-09HR included, can record 24-bit audio, which allows their use on projects requiring better-than-CD audio quality. High-end portable recorders are disruptive in two ways: by making it possible to record super clean audio without a computer and by giving more concertgoers a way to sync photos and videos to higher-quality audio taped at shows.
5. Max/MSP
When I set out to make this list, my goal was not to include decades-old technology. Cycling '74's Max/MSP, a programming interface for sound (video introduction), elbowed its way onto the list nonetheless, because there's still nothing like it -- well, nothing exactly like it anyway. Forget about imitating synthesizers or making them portable; Max/MSP lets you build electronic instruments inside your computer by dragging and dropping objects and connecting them with virtual patch cords.
Ever wonder how people do things like play real music using Guitar Hero controllers or turn a Nintendo Wii controller into a theremin? Their secret, nine times out of ten, is Max/MSP. It's not the easiest program to learn, but neither are most other Jedi techniques.
Suggestions? Add a comment below; we'll take a look before we update the list.
See Also:
Eno and Chilvers Release Sweet Music App for iPhone
The New Hotness: FourTrack Audio Recorder for iPhone, iPod Touch
ZoozBeat Turns iPhone into Beat Factory for Three Bucks
The Inevitable Guitar Hero Controller Band Finally Surfaces
Photo: Rob Cruickshank

Thursday, December 18, 2008

music buzz

Enlarge

50 Cent is solidifying his multimedia turf.
His video game, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, comes out Feb. 24, followed by his album Before I Self Destruct in March. And he just wrapped filming for another movie, 13, due in 2010, a remake of the crime drama (with Mickey Rourke and Jason Statham) that won the 2006 Grand Jury award at the Sundance Film Festival. On location in Yonkers, N.Y., USA TODAY's Mike Snider talked with 50 Cent about video games, music and his life.
Q: How do video games fit into your career in music and films?A: Video games became more important as touring came, because there was the tour bus and you have several people there at the same time — and the option of reading a book, because you are on airplanes for a long time. So those two things became exciting at the same time. That's why I established G-Unit Books and I went into games. … In the future, (people) should look forward to me being a part of video games that I'm not actually starring in, a game as entertaining as Centipede was for me. And Pac-Man. You didn't always need eight buttons. (In the Atari days) it was a joystick and a button. I want to get back to that. Let's simplify things a little bit. (Eminem) has got all of this in his studio, the arcade stuff. He will go, 'I bet you can't beat me at Ms. Pac-Man.' He still wants to play that.
READ MORE: 50 Cent opens up about his new video game, 'Blood on the Sand'

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Bitch Fight - Katy Perry vs. Lily Allen
8 hours ago 0 comments
British singer Lily Allen has slammed Katy Perry after she called her fat! Perry has...

Celebs Party in Adidas Ad!
8 hours ago 0 comments
Katy Perry, Estelle, The Ting Tings and Missy Elliot join a string of stars to appear in the latest ...

Chris Brown's Got Milk
8 hours ago 0 comments
Chris Brown is the latest star to don a milk moustache for a print ad for the 'Got Milk' campaign...

Parents F**ked Off At Britney
32 hours ago 0 comments
Parents are apparently outraged at the content in one of the songs on Britney Spears' new album 'Cir...

Coldplay Deny Copyright Allegations
32 hours ago 0 comments
Coldplay have denied allegations that their hit song 'Viva La Vida' rips off a Joe Satriani...

Justin Jizzed In His Pants
2 days ago 0 comments
Justin Timberlake has starred in a new 'Saturday Night Live' video following on from the success of ...

Bitch Fight - Katy Perry vs. Lily Allen
8 hours ago 0 comments

British singer Lily Allen has slammed Katy Perry after she called her fat!

Perry has...
Celebs Party in Adidas Ad!
8 hours ago 0 comments

Katy Perry, Estelle, The Ting Tings and Missy Elliot join a string of stars to appear in the latest ...
Chris Brown's Got Milk
8 hours ago 0 comments

Chris Brown is the latest star to don a milk moustache for a print ad for the 'Got Milk' campaign...
Parents F**ked Off At Britney
32 hours ago 0 comments

Parents are apparently outraged at the content in one of the songs on Britney Spears' new album 'Cir...
Coldplay Deny Copyright Allegations
32 hours ago 0 comments

Coldplay have denied allegations that their hit song 'Viva La Vida' rips off a Joe Satriani...
Justin Jizzed In His Pants
2 days ago 0 comments

Justin Timberlake has starred in a new 'Saturday Night Live' video following on from the success of ...

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Katy Perry feat. DMIP - Hot n Cold (Heiss und .. mp3
15896Lady GaGa - Poker Face mp3
14909Pink - So What mp3
12666Britney Spears - Womanizer (Russ Castel.. mp3
11078akon - dangerous mp3
9400Christina Aguilera - Keeps Gettin' Better mp3
7248Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire mp3
6366The Killers - Human mp3
6136Miley Cyrus - 7 Things mp3
6016

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Continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe, knowing from what persons you learned them.—2 Tim. 3:14.

Timothy was reared in a religiously divided home. His father was a Greek, and his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother Lois were of Jewish origin. (Acts 16:1) Eunice and Lois taught Timothy truths from the Hebrew Scriptures from his infancy. After they converted to Christianity, they no doubt helped persuade him to believe Christian teachings. Clearly, Timothy took full advantage of this excellent training. Paul noted: "I recollect the faith which is in you without any hypocrisy, and which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice." (2 Tim. 1:5) If you are blessed with God-fearing parents and grandparents who, like Lois and Eunice, recognize the importance of spiritual goals, give their advice careful consideration. They have your best interests at heart.—Prov. 1:5.

Monday, December 8, 2008

most important text message - dec 08

Better is a needy but wise child than an old but stupid king.—Eccl. 4:13.

A Christian elder in West Africa visited an aged anointed brother and asked him, "How are you doing?" The brother responded, "I can run, I can skip, I can jump, and I can hop," attempting to act out his words as he said them. "But," he added, "I cannot fly." His intent was understood. ‘What I can do, I am glad to do, but what I cannot do, I do not do.’ The elder who made that visit is now in his 80’s, and he fondly remembers that brother’s sense of humor and his loyalty. The godly qualities that an older person manifests can make a long-lasting impression on others. Of course, age alone does not automatically produce wisdom and Christlike qualities. The Bible states: "Gray-headedness is a crown of beauty when it is found in the way of righteousness." (Prov. 16:31) If you are advanced in years, do you appreciate just how your words and actions can affect others beneficially? w07 6/1 2:1, 2

Thursday, December 4, 2008

most important text message - dec 07

The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.—1 John 5:19.

Concerning Satan, the apostle Paul says: "If, now, the good news we declare is in fact veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through." (2 Cor. 4:3, 4) Satan is "a liar and the father of the lie," but he portrays himself as "an angel of light." (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 11:14) He has the power and the methods needed to blind the minds of the world’s rulers and their subjects. With propaganda and religious myths and lies, he has deceived mankind. Today, demonic forces under the control of Satan the Devil are behind the scenes, exercising influence on human rulers and on mankind in general, prompting them to commit unspeakable acts of genocide, terrorism, and murder. w07 3/15 2:7, 9

most important text message - dec 06

The world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.—1 John 2:17.

Jehovah created humans with the desire to live forever. "Time indefinite he has put in their heart," the Bible tells us. (Eccl. 3:11) Is God cruel, giving us such a desire and then making it impossible to fulfill it? No, indeed, for "God is love." (1 John 4:8) He will use the resurrection to make everlasting life possible for people who have died. Thanks to the resurrection hope, we can have a secure future. We need not be frantic, driven to reach our full potential right now. We need not make use of this dying world "to the full." (1 Cor. 7:29-31) Unlike those with no real hope, we have the wonderful gift of knowing that if we remain faithful to Jehovah God, we will have all eternity to laud him and enjoy life. By all means, then, let us daily praise Jehovah, who makes the resurrection hope a certainty! w07 5/15 2:17, 18

most important text message - dec 05

Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive.—Heb. 13:17.

There are many practical ways in which we can cooperate with appointed overseers. Have the elders arranged to hold meetings for field service on days and at times that require changes in our routine? Let us put forth an effort to support the new arrangements. We may receive unexpected blessings. Is the service overseer visiting our Congregation Book Study? Let us have as full a share as possible in the preaching work that week. Have we received an assignment in the Theocratic Ministry School? We should make it a point to be present and to carry out our assignment. Has the Congregation Book Study overseer announced that it is our group’s turn to clean the Kingdom Hall? Let us give him full support, within the limits of our health and strength. In these and many other ways, we demonstrate our submission to the men whom Jehovah and his Son have appointed to care for the flock. w07 4/1 2:15

most important text message - dec 04

Man, born of woman, is short-lived and glutted with agitation.—Job 14:1.

God-fearing Job was right when he said the above. Perhaps you are a parent who is working hard to give your children spiritual guidance. They must endure trials at school, but how happy you are when they take a firm stand for Jehovah and his righteous principles! Possibly you are experiencing hardships and temptations in the workplace. These and other situations can be endured, however, because ‘Jehovah daily carries the load for you.’ (Ps. 68:19) You may think of yourself as just an average person, but bear in mind that Jehovah will never forget your work and the love you show for his holy name. (Heb. 6:10) With his help, you can endure tests of faith. So keep the doing of God’s will in your prayers and plans. Then you can be confident of divine blessing and support as you await Jehovah’s day with endurance. w07 7/15 3:22, 23

most important text message - dec 03

Search through me, O God, and know my heart. Examine me, and know my disquieting thoughts, and see whether there is in me any painful way, and lead me in the way of time indefinite.—Ps. 139:23, 24.

Being made in God’s image, we are endowed with free will. We can choose to do good or to do bad. With that freedom comes moral accountability. David did not want to be classed with the wicked. (Ps. 139:19-22) He wanted to avoid making painful mistakes. Thus, upon contemplating Jehovah’s all-encompassing knowledge, David humbly asked God to examine his innermost person and to guide him in the way that leads to life. God’s righteous moral standards apply to everyone; so we too need to make right choices. Jehovah urges all of us to obey him. Doing so brings us his favor and many benefits. (John 12:50; 1 Tim. 4:8) Walking with Jehovah day by day helps us to cultivate inner calm, even in the face of grievous problems.—Phil. 4:6, 7. w07 6/15 1:16, 17

most important text message - dec 02

When being reviled, we bless; when being persecuted, we bear up; when being defamed, we entreat.—1 Cor. 4:12, 13.

True Christians today are being watched by the people of this world. (1 Cor. 4:9) When those around us observe the fine things we do even while we are being treated unjustly, they may be inclined to look more favorably upon our Christian message. (1 Pet. 2:12) How far, though, should we go in order to promote peace? We should go as far as possible. Paul tells his Christian brothers: "If possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men." (Rom. 12:18) "If possible" and "as far as it depends upon you" are qualifying expressions indicating that making peace with others may not always be possible. For instance, we will not disobey a command of God just to keep peace with man. (Matt. 10:34-36; Heb. 12:14) Still, we do everything we reasonably can—without compromising righteous principles—to make peace "with all men." w07 7/1 1:13, 14

मोस्ट इम्पोर्तंत टेक्स्ट मेसेज फॉर दिसम्बर 01

The congregation । . . entered into a period of peace, being built up.—Acts 9:31.

While Jesus was still with the apostles, he gave indications as to the arrangement within that soon-to-be-established congregation. Jesus taught by word and deed that some in the congregation would take the lead. They would do so by serving, or ministering to, others in their group. Christ said: "You know that those who appear to be ruling the nations lord it over them . . . This is not the way among you; but whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all." (Mark 10:42-44) Clearly, "the congregation of God" would not be merely scattered, isolated individuals, amounting to an amorphous congregation. (1 Cor. 11:22) Rather, there would be structure, with individuals in the congregation interacting with one another. w07 4/15 2:2, 3

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

thought for the day - November 26 2008

Jehovah your God will bless you . . . , and you must become nothing but joyful.—Deut. 16:15.

Joy is a state of great happiness. Jehovah is "the happy God." (1 Tim. 1:11; Ps. 104:31) The Son delights to do his Father’s will. (Ps. 40:8; Heb. 10:7-9) And "the joy of Jehovah is [our] stronghold." (Neh. 8:10) God-given joy brings us deep satisfaction when we do the divine will even in times of hardship, sorrow, or persecution. What happiness "the very knowledge of God" brings us! (Prov. 2:1-5) Our joyous relationship with God is based on accurate knowledge and faith in him and in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. (1 John 2:1, 2) Being part of the only true international brotherhood is another source of joy. (Zeph. 3:9; Hag. 2:7) Our Kingdom hope and the grand privilege of declaring the good news make us joyful. (Matt. 6:9, 10; 24:14) So does the prospect of everlasting life. (John 17:3) Since we have such a grand hope, we should be "nothing but joyful." w07 7/15 2:9, 10

thought for the day - November 25 2008

The heavens are declaring the glory of God; and of the work of his hands the expanse is telling.—Ps. 19:1.

As a youth, David was often outside, shepherding the flocks. The sheep lowered their heads to graze, but he raised his eyes to the heavens. In the evening darkness, David reflected on the grandeur of the universe and what it all meant. Although young, David had already discerned that he was "wonderfully made." (Ps. 139:14) Acting on this insight brought him great benefits throughout his life. If we, young and old, praise and serve our Grand Creator, our present and future life will be delightful. Regarding those who stay close to Jehovah and live by his righteous ways, the Bible promises: "They will still keep on thriving during gray-headedness, fat and fresh they will continue to be, to tell that Jehovah is upright." (Ps. 92:14, 15) And we will have the hope of enjoying our Maker’s wonderful works forever. w07 6/15 1:18, 19

Monday, November 24, 2008

thought for the day - November 24 2008

If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals upon his head.—Rom. 12:20.

What does this text mean?

To "heap fiery coals upon his head" is a figure of speech drawn from the method of smelting metals in Bible times. Ore was put into a furnace, and a layer of coals was put not only underneath the ore but also on top of it. Fiery coals heaped on top increased the heat so that the hard metal melted and separated from the impurities in the ore. Similarly, by doing kind deeds to an opposer, we may "melt" his hardness and bring out his better qualities. (2 Ki. 6:14-23) In fact, numerous members of the Christian congregation were first attracted to true worship by the kind deeds that Jehovah’s servants performed in their behalf. By forgoing retaliation and promoting peace, we lovingly hope to help even some fierce opposers to become worshippers of Jehovah.

Music 101