-
Features
An activity-based view of the latest featured content from our community.
-
Featured Products
-
Our picks
-
A warning on the future of music
john posted a topic in Musician's Lounge,
Hey
As ever, an interesting interview by Rick Beato with American music critic and historian Ted Gioia.
Interesting. Any thoughts?
cheers
John
-
- 25 replies
-
-
You, Aged 20
john posted a topic in Musician's Lounge,
Hey gang
I thought it would be a bit of fun to post up old pics… namely, photos of you, aged 20! Are you game?
So here I am in 1987, rehearsing with my band, The Outside Edge…
That’s me on the guitar.
Cheers
John-
- 23 replies
Picked By
Mahesh , -
-
Has Lockdown Helped Your Songwriting?
john posted a topic in Songwriting,
Hey gang
I know a lot of people have had a lot of extra time on their hands. At the same time I am aware of a lot who sit in perpetual boredom, who have largely wasted their time.
What about you? Did you add to your skills? Add to your song or composition collection? Did lockdown light a fuse under your ass?
Cheers
John-
- 7 replies
Picked By
Mahesh , -
-
FREE &/or OPEN SOURCE VST Plugins & Virtual Instruments [2021]
Mahesh posted a topic in Music Production and Recording,
Lemme start with a few that I use
CAKEWALK BY BANDLAB : https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk
I've alread created a topic on this on this very board. I've used many DAWs before Cakewalk but after switching to Windows, this has been my constant and only choice. Not that there aren't great alternatives, but for a free software - it's the most robust, full fledged DAW you can get! I was particularly impressed by how good the virtual instruments are on this. If you haven't tried Cakewalk yet, you totally should. And if you're an old SONAR user who wants to share some thoughts, feel free to do so here : https://forums.songstuff.com/topic/55230-any-cakewalk-users-here-i-just-started-using-it/
Spitfire LABS : https://labs.spitfireaudio.com
Spitfire Audio has been a godsend for virtual instruments and sample libraries for many years now. So when LABS was first announced as an unending FREE series of instruments and sounds, I was very quick to latch on. I've used it for a couple years now including on my previous single "Fading Colours". I recorded this in my old room last year during lockdown. The piano and strings used for final part of the song was from LABS. Fading Colours : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDGy3X4tT-0
Wider : https://polyversemusic.com/products/wider/
I used to do all kinds of things to work with the spatial width on my tracks. Some worked well, some would bring about phase issues on which I'd spend a lot of time investigating. Sometimes I'd end up rolling things back to the way I started. That is until recently when I discovered Wider and it's such a hassle free, straight up piece of software. It handles phase really well unless you crank things up too much but more than anything, it's quick to turn on or off while I'm trying to bring some life into my sounds when needed. You should totally have it handy.
-
- 14 replies
Picked By
Mahesh , -
-
Independent Music Poll
john posted a topic in Musician's Lounge,
Hi Gang
Thought I would ask a few basic questions about how you feel about indie music.
Please take part!
As well as voting, please feel free to add comments.
Cheers
John-
- 27 replies
Picked By
Mahesh , -
-
-
Topics
-
- 2 replies
- 38 views
-
- 0 replies
- 13 views
-
- 0 replies
- 17 views
-
- 3 replies
- 45 views
-
- 15 replies
- 676 views
-
-
Images
-
Blogs
-
- 61
entries - 52
comments - 74971
views
Recent Entries
Latest Entry
34 Songs To Record!
Eek! How did it get to be so many? 34. That’s not including the radio edits.
So while I am recording, I am also sorting songs, creating a song inventory and trying to make sense of it. I’m not so sure about how to categorise the way isolated riffs, one or lines of lyrics, recordings of melodies. Not my problem today.
Today, I choose my lead singles. The 2 or 3 stand alone sings, not currently planned to be on an EP or album. The track lists are shaping up nicely. Today I get to go over the track selections with my A&R dude. I’m really looking forward to finally getting them nailed down!
I’m also beginning to rattle around ideas for music videos for the singles. I bought a drone for some outdoor shots. That should be fun.
- Read more...
-
- 0 comments
- 61
-
- 212
entries - 111
comments - 571223
views
Recent Entries
Breaking through the noise in today’s music industry can be daunting, especially with the sheer volume of new music being released every day. However, there are several effective strategies that artists can use to enhance their visibility and stand out in a crowded market. Here’s a deeper dive into how you can increase your visibility:
1. Utilize Social Media Platforms Strategically
Content Variety: Post a mix of content related to your music, including behind-the-scenes footage, live performances, and personal stories. This variety can capture the attention of different segments of your audience.
Engage Actively: Respond to comments, participate in trends, and engage with other artists and fans. Active engagement helps in building a community around your music.
Targeted Ads: Use social media advertising to target specific demographics who are most likely to enjoy your genre. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer powerful targeting tools.
2. Leverage Streaming Services’ Playlists
Submit to Playlists: Services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music have features that allow artists to submit unreleased tracks for playlist consideration. Getting your song on a popular playlist can significantly increase your visibility.
Create Your Own Playlists: Include your tracks alongside other popular songs of similar genres. This not only increases your visibility but also positions your music among established names.
3. Collaborate with Other Artists
Features on Tracks: Work with artists from your genre or related genres. This exposes you to their fanbase and vice versa.
Cross-Promotion: Share each other’s content, appear in each other’s videos, or perform together live. This mutual promotion is beneficial for reaching broader audiences.
4. Press and Media Coverage
Press Releases: Send out press releases for new releases, events, or significant milestones to music blogs, magazines, and news outlets.
Interviews: Try to get interviews on podcasts, radio stations, or music channels. These platforms provide an opportunity to discuss your music in-depth and reach potential new fans.
5. Music Videos and Visual Content
High-Quality Music Videos: Invest in creating compelling music videos that can be shared across various platforms, including YouTube and Vimeo.
Lyric Videos and Visualizers: These are less expensive alternatives to full music videos and can also help maintain audience interest and engagement.
6. Live Performances and Tours
Local Gigs and Tours: Perform at local venues or go on tour. Each performance is an opportunity to gain fans and sell merchandise.
Online Concerts: With the rise of digital platforms, hosting live concerts online can also reach global audiences without the logistical challenges of touring.
7. Email Marketing
Newsletters: Build an email list and send out newsletters to keep your fans updated on new releases, tours, and merchandise. This direct line of communication keeps your audience engaged over the long term.
Each of these strategies offers a unique avenue for increasing your visibility in the music industry. By combining several approaches and consistently promoting your music, you can enhance your presence and reach more listeners, even in a highly saturated market.
- Read more...
-
- 0 comments
- 212
-
Latest Entry
Day 1276%@ - and I'm trying to keep steady
Making a record is so much work! In the past 2 years, I felt like getting things set up for the actual work would be the hardest task - putting together a team, curating the songs, figuring out the budget etc.
Now that these things are out of the way, I expected to feel a little relieved about it. I'm only intimidated about the things to come - getting the second round of demos recorded with the musicians, setting up the crowd funding campaign for the all the logistical costs, reviving my fan following to the level of excitement of my previous release - which was years ago. Sigh. Feels like and probably is a gazillion things that is NOT making music before actually getting to those fun bits. 🥲One day at a time - that's how I've been able to keep my cool, really.
-
- 73
entries - 40
comments - 5174
views
Recent Entries
Latest Entry
Avid Technology Confirms $1.4 Billion Sale to STG
The sale has happened...from public to private. Now we wait to see how we will be effected.
https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2023/08/17/avid-technology-stg-sale-agreement/
- 73
-
- 1
entry - 0
comments - 1142
views
Recent Entries
As the second release from Brody Brown's debut album, "The Kick Back," "Eyes On Me" is a melodic uptempo track that is guaranteed to ignite the club scene. This captivating song has been making waves on DJs' playlists nationwide, leaving listeners enchanted by Brody's unique lyrical approach. Its infectious appeal makes it a favorite that keeps finding its way back onto repeat.
Produced by the talented trio of Brody Brown, Point Guard, and M-Millz, "Eyes On Me" showcases their collaborative expertise in crafting mesmerizing beats and captivating melodies.
This exceptional release comes under the esteemed labels of 80's Baby Ent. and Def Jam, solidifying Brody B's presence in the music industry.
Get ready to have your eyes and ears fixated on "Eyes On Me" as it captivates audiences with its undeniable charm and irresistible energy.
- Read more...
-
- 0 comments
- 1
-