How the internet threatens to transform urban music
I stay up on new music trends and my hobby is unearthing hidden talent that is relatively unknown to the masses. As a self pronounced urban music guru, I enjoy introducing unknown artists to my friends and colleagues. I love engaging in conversations about the unsung heroes and sheroes of the music industry. In fact, it’s a downright competition between my friends and I as we scramble to see who can find the hottest of the hottest. I’ve never understood why music executives don’t simply walk out of their back door and into the nearest hood to find the next new music icon. Read More

Producing and recording your music
So maybe some of our tax money is going to some of the right places. The Chicago Cultural Center has some pretty cool stuff going on that everyone should check out and it’s free!!!! Every month they put on “Musicians at Work” Forums called “Dialogues with Chicago’s music community”. Every month, Mondays at 6pm, some of Chicago’s music industry professionals come to discuss and offer advice to musicians and other industry leaders in the music community on a particular theme. Afterwards there is post-forum networking that offers the chance to ask additional questions to the panelists and network with all the other musicians who attend. You never know where you’re going to find that next Mr. or Mrs. Right Musician or musical connection!!! It’s a great place to go listen, learn, and network. Read More

Laying down Studio Tracks like a Pro
Today I would like to talk about a very powerful studio tracking technique, that isn’t well known, but if properly executed, will make you sound as tight as if the band was playing together. Read More

High production, high energy in the studio
I have worked for years in a commercial recording studio, and have observed all kinds of artists create their masterpieces, pay their tolls, and then leave. Some of these songs made deep impressions in my mind, and even many years later I can recall those pieces as if they were recorded yesterday. Others songs rapidly blurred away into obscurity. I ask you--what do you think the difference is between the two? Read More

Demo Time
So you have printed your business cards on the PC, and you know a guy who can design eye-catching posters for your band. Do you really need a demo? You bet. One of the best calling cards that a band can have is a recorded demo of your sound. It is not only a vital component of a good press kit; but it will also stand on its own. A demo will display your style of music, level of proficiency, and will capture your bands unique sound. Read More

Success (and what it means to you)
The word success brings to mind many different images to many people. To some, it is the full blown celebrity, complete with limos and security guards. To others, it can be a deeper spiritual form of success which goes unseen by anyone. Read More