Published on: 12 October 2018
Last Updated on: 23 March 2019
I can still remember sitting at my ancient desktop computer in the early 2000s risking not only my computer’s health but also getting into a huge fight with my parents once they realized I had given my computer yet another virus to download my favorite band’s album off of LimeWire. Now I, like everyone who used LimeWire or any other site to download free music, knew I should have been paying for the music, but I was a kid and who cared- it was free! After all, Nelly was rich enough, I shouldn’t have to use my own money to listen to Hot In Herre on my Walkman CD player on my way to the bus stop. I, along with what seemed like everyone else in the world, was contributing to the decline in profits for those in the music industry.
Now that LimeWire and sites alike are practically extinct, you would think that the music industry would be on the rise again, but you would be wrong. Today, you can get “free” music without crashing your computer or risking any trouble from illegally downloading music. Apps and websites, like Spotify, are completely legal and can be completely free for users. Spotify makes streaming easy, convenient, and affordable, whether you pay $10 a month for a membership or listen to an ad every other song.
However, Spotify still makes money off of you whether you pay a membership fee or not due to those advertisements. You would think that money would go straight to the artists and Spotify would keep only a small percentage (after all it’s their music you’re listening to) but that’s just not the case. Even with millions of people streaming music on Spotify each month, the artists are not being compensated nearly as much as they should be for their music. That being said, unless you’re a superstar, you’re making next to nothing compared to what you should be making from Spotify. So basically unless you’re a Drake or Nicki of the world, that check may never come, and if it does you’d be lucky if it was enough to afford you your morning coffee.
So, what about new or local artists? Forget about it! Big musicians, while still being affected by Spotify negatively, are not hurting as bad as new talent. There isn’t even an option to search for new talent or artists in your area on Spotify. If you’re looking to discover some local gems you’re better off googling live music near me and hitting up a local bar or music venue. At least that way you know they’re making money from it whether the venue is paying them or you’re putting money directly in their tip jar. These new and local artists aren’t even getting a fair chance at streaming on apps like Spotify to make the small fraction of a penny per stream they are paying.
These free music apps like Spotify may be convenient and cost effective for us to use, but if we don’t support local and growing artists with our dollars they may not be able to continue creating music. With many excellent musicians today struggling to make it, you may not even get the chance to hear their music, especially if your music collection consists solely of the playlists you made on your Spotify account.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
Prepare to be astounded by the extraordinary resonance and ease of play of Atkin Guitars.
These remarkable instruments are the outcome of an incredible focus on precision that is invested into each and every one. From the carefully chosen tonewoods to the shaping of the neck and placement of frets, each element is thoroughly analyzed and meticulously fashioned to achieve flawless excellence.
Vintage-Inspired Attributes for a Timeless Melody
What truly sets Atkin Guitars apart is their vintage-inspired characteristics. Envision this: Adirondack or Sitka spruce tops, reminiscent of the golden era of guitars, grace many of their models.
Astonishingly, they even utilize traditional hot hide glue, an age-old adhesive thought to elevate the instrument's timbre. It's akin to possessing a time-traveling device that transports you back to the captivating days of extraordinary resonance!
A Model to Suit Every Preference and Playing Technique
Diversity is where Atkin Guitars shine. They offer an array of models that cater to various playing techniques and inclinations. Whether you're drawn to the Dreadnought, the O design, or the J-45, there's an option for everyone. Each model possesses its own unique character and tonal quality, prompting you to select thoughtfully, dear companion.
Unmatched Excellence and Endurance
Now, let's delve into the advantages of owning an Atkin Guitar. It's more than just strumming chords; it's a matchless encounter. When you possess an Atkin guitar, you cradle a piece of artistry in your hands. Handcrafted with devotion and a keen eye for detail, every guitar boasts its own distinct personality, rendering it as exceptional as the musician wielding it. That's truly a harmonious alliance!
Endurance is another laurel for Atkin Guitars. These gems are constructed to withstand the test of time. Forged by adept craftsmen employing traditional methodologies and top-tier materials, they are geared to endure. So go on, indulge in musical sessions with your Atkin guitar for years to come, and perhaps even pass it down as a cherished family heirloom. Talk about an everlasting gift!
A Rich Legacy and Esteemed Standing
The narrative behind Atkin Guitars is as captivating as the instruments themselves. Established in Canterbury, England, in 1995 by the gifted luthier Alister Atkin, these guitars are the fruit of a storied heritage. Alister imbibed the craft of guitar crafting from his father, John Atkin, an esteemed luthier in the UK since the vibrant '60s. It's an authentic family affair!
Since their inception, Atkin Guitars have garnered a well-earned reputation for being among the most exceptional handcrafted guitars globally. Eminent musicians from all corners of the world, including notable figures, have fallen head over heels for the enchanting melody that resonates from these instruments. Who could blame them?
Services for Devotees of Guitars
And if you thought that was the extent of it, think again! Atkin Guitars also extends an array of services for enthusiasts of guitars like yourself. Need a repair? They've got you covered. Aiming to rejuvenate a vintage gem? They're up for the task. Longing for a bespoke creation to bring your most audacious dreams to life? They'll collaborate with you to craft a guitar tailored to your distinct requisites and preferences. Now, that's going above and beyond!
In Conclusion: Your Optimal Harmony Awaits
In closing, Atkin Guitars transcend the realm of commonplace instruments. They are masterworks lovingly crafted to deliver astonishing resonance and effortless playability. With a diverse selection of models at your disposal, you'll find your impeccable match without delay. Why settle for a run-of-the-mill guitar when you can possess an unparalleled Atkin masterpiece? Believe me, your auditory senses and nimble fingers will extend their gratitude!
Read Also:
These Music Streaming Services Can Get Your Groove On
How To Promote Live Music Events For Your Bar
Family Musicals: The Best Dads on The Stage
There are certain things in life that everyone would like to do. Most people would place ‘learning to play an instrument’ at the top of this list. After all, it is an impressive skill that can easily be used to entertain and wow people.
Well, the good news is that if you are considering picking up an instrument and learning how to play it, there are a number of advantages at your disposal. See, scientists have discovered that training to become a musician can actually improve your brain in terms of memory, planning capability, and information processing speed. This is true, even if you are an older adult!
So, as you can see, you really shouldn’t wait any longer to pursue this passion. However, if you are a little confused as to how to get started with the learning process, don’t fret. Here, you will find all the information and details that you need to know.
What Instrument Should You Play?
Now, if you were to take a poll, you will quickly find out that everyone has their own idea of what the ‘best’ instrument is. This can make it a lot more confusing to figure out which you should actually take up. In this instance, it can actually be helpful to ignore the advice most people give. What you should do instead is to take up the instrument you are actually passionate about. This way, you are much more likely to stick with it and actually learn how to play it. So, if you have always wanted to play the drums, then this is exactly what you should do!
If you don’t really have an instrument in mind, what should you do then? Well, even in this case, there is a good chance that you have one preference over others. So, start with that to determine if you will actually grow to like it. If you find that it isn't the instrument for you, then simply give something else a try. You will find that the process of trial and error, despite being lengthy, will often help you find the answer that you are looking for.
How Should You Choose Your Instrument?
Even after you have settled on a specific instrument, you may find it challenging to determine what brand or model you should start with. Here, it is best if you look online for some expert suggestions. This will allow you to get the perspective of experienced, talented musicians, increasing the likelihood that you get the right instrument for yourself.
Another option would be to head down to your local music store. You are bound to find employees that are well-versed in advising novice musicians on what instrument to buy. This avenue will also provide you with the opportunity to try out some of the brands and models for yourself to see if there is one that clicks with you. Nonetheless, you may not actually want to buy an instrument from such a store. To help save money, you may want to check out prices online. You will probably be able to find what you are looking for at a lower price.
Understanding Your Options for Learning:
So after narrowing down your instrument options and purchasing one, the next thing on your list would be to learn how to play it. Once upon a time, your only real choice would have been to find a music teacher who operated in the same area as you did. While this is still one of the more popular options, there are also a number of other avenues.
These days, you have the opportunity to decide how you want to learn to play an instrument. For instance, if you do want a teacher, there necessarily isn’t a need to have to go to a physical studio. Instead, there are now a number of tutors who operate over the internet, mostly over platforms such as Skype. Here, you will be taught how to play your instrument without ever having to leave the comfort of your home.
If you feel like a tutor is a little bit too expensive, then you can go down the self-teaching route. If you prefer an old-fashioned method, you can always opt for music books – of which there are many. These days, however, free online tutorials are often a much better alternative. Here, experienced musicians will walk you through how to play various instruments. In many instances, they will even break down how to play some of your favorite songs.
In the end, it is all about determining what option works for you best. Some people thrive under close and strict instruction while others need the freedom to learn at their own pace. Just try out both options and figure out which one affords you more progress.
Set a Goal for Yourself:
Before you actually start playing the instrument, it can be useful to set a goal for yourself. What this is, is entirely up to you. For some people, their main goal is to learn how to play their favorite music. Others, want to master every aspect of a particular instrument. Once you have narrowed down your long-term goal, you should try to break it down into smaller objectives. This can help you to track your own progress and can even act as motivation for you to keep going. So, try to set an aim for yourself every week if you can so that you can stay consistent in terms of practice and effort.
Prepare for Disappointment:
Everyone has an idea of what a particular instrument should sound like. For instance, in your mind, you will be able to imagine the tinkling of ivories or the light tapping of a drum set. Well, the truth is, in the beginning, you probably won’t sound anything like what you imagined. In fact, you may end up creating truly horrific noises when you first get started playing. Now, it can be easy to feel discouraged at this point and want to give up immediately. However, you should keep in mind that even the greatest musicians sounded awful in their early years.
The other thing that you shouldn’t worry about is the fact that you may not make progress as quickly as you would like. It is vital to remember that it isn’t easy to learn how to play an instrument. Your mind and body have to be able to grasp a number of different techniques and then figure out how to coordinate with each other. Due to this, there is a good chance that it may take you a bit longer than you first anticipated to master an instrument. Well, there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of – it is completely natural. The only thing you should focus on is succeeding at your current task, regardless of how long it takes.
Remember That Practice Makes Perfect:
When you watch other people play an instrument, they can often make it look so effortless. This is why a lot of people forget that it actually takes quite a bit of practice to become so good. Most professional musicians practice around six to eight hours each day. Of course, you probably don’t have so much time to spend on your hobby but you don’t need to practice this much either. The key here is to set a realistic practice schedule for yourself so that you are actually able to stick with it.
Depending on how much free time you have, try to spend at least 30 minutes to half an hour each day, mastering your musical instrument. If you don’t have a lot of spare time, try breaking your practice up into smaller time slots. Try to practice for 30 minutes in the morning and then spend another half-hour in the evening perfecting your skills.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun:
When you are focused on becoming better, it is easy to be overtaken by the technical aspects of the process. As a result, you might forget to actually enjoy yourself and this can be a real shame. It is important to keep in mind that you are learning to play an instrument for yourself. So, you really should be enjoying this time. If you find yourself getting frustrated, try to switch tactics for a short while. Take a break and try to learn a short, crazy tune just so that you can help yourself ease up a bit. After all, there isn’t too much sense in continuing if you aren’t having fun.
Join Other Beginners:
If you are used to playing by yourself, it can be easy to lose your passion for the project. This is why you may want to try joining up with other musicians every now and then. Since this can be a rather daunting thing to do, it may be best to meet up with others who are at a similar learning stage. This way, no one has to feel embarrassed or self-conscious. Instead, everyone can just focus on having a good time and putting together a fun jam session.
So, this is all you need to know about learning to play an instrument. While it can be a bit tough in the beginning, you should keep in mind that it does get better – and so will you so. Trust in yourself and never give up!
Read Also :
The Right Light Set-Up For Your Band
If you have ever tried to record your voice, in a studio or at home, you might have realized that the final recording sounds nothing like you thought it would. You do know that you sound great, have heard that you do, and other people have told you the same thing.
So, what happened? The difference is caused by the way we hear sounds; first through the air and then as vibrations that travel through the skill. This combination can muddy how the voice sounds,
Here are a few things you can do to make you sound much better when recording:
1. Practice Beforehand
Recording in a studio can be very intimidating and to cut the tension, a lot of new singers rush things. This rushing can make you sound a lot worse than you did at home. The best way to overcome these feelings is to practice a lot.
When practicing, record everything and listen back to it. Doing so allows you to correct anything you do not like. It also helps you establish the right key for the type of song you are recording and to work on any vocal range issues that come up.
Once you have the song and the vocal technique down, recording in a studio will be easier, and you will not have to do too many takes.
You will also know the melody and lyrics so well that singing in front of people will not feel intimidating as you will know exactly what you need to do.
Many recording studios offer rehearsal spaces to hire too. This is something that the Los Angeles recording studio PIRATE offers for anybody who wants to get some extra hours in before jumping straight into a recording session.
2. Check Your Posture
Posture is so important when recording. Slight movements and posture can distort the recording as the microphone in the studio will be very sensitive.
The correct posture requires that you start by relaxing your whole body. Any tension, especially in the abdomen, can interfere with your ability to sing.
Next, stand with your legs slightly apart with one foot slightly forward. This stance gives you stability while ensuring you are leaning slightly forward. Straighten your back and ensure your chin is parallel to the floor.
3. Select the Right Microphone
The microphone makes a massive difference depending on the type of singer you are. Before you start recording, run through some verses using different microphones.
You should record three versions of the song without changing the EQ setting and listen back. You will then be able to choose the microphone that makes you sound best.
Always choose a recording studio with a condenser microphone. The diaphragms in these microphones are extremely light meaning they follow soundwaves better than dynamic microphones.
The other reason why a recording studio might use a condenser microphone is that it has a much higher sensitivity which is great for lower sounds, and a lot less noise than traditional dynamic microphones.
A reputable studio will also use a curtained booth to stop interference when recording vocals and ensure crispier recordings.
4. Practice Your Microphone Technique
You should also know how to use the microphone you choose correctly. One of the things you should know is the microphone volume control. This involves moving close to the microphone when your voice becomes software and further if it gets loud.
Doing so ensures you record at a decent volume for both loud and soft parts which reduces the need for a lot of compressions when mixing.
Second, you should learn how to avoid sibilance and popping. Sibilance is the hissing you hear when you make an F or S sound.
Popping happens as you pronounce B’s and P’s because these sounds create bursts of air as they are pronounced. You can avoid both of these issues by adjusting the distance and angle from the microphone.
Lastly, you should avoid getting breathing sounds in your recording. This is done by using a pop filter and moving your head to the side and out of the way when taking a breath. If you do not do this, the breath sound will need to be edited out later.
Related Resource: Want to Learn How to Learn How to Play an Instrument? Here’s What Every Beginner Should Know
5. Put Emotion in Your Songs
Music is meant to move your listeners while also helping them connect with the song. The best way to achieve both of these is to add emotion to your song.
To do this, ensure you are communicating the lyrics and not just singing them. Use emotion to make your audience understand what you mean in each line.
Remember that the emotions you add to the song will depend on the lyrics and the type of song you are doing. If you have a hard time adding the correct emotion to a song, talk to a producer and they will get you on the right track.
Mistakes happen all the time when recording, and you might end up sounding nothing like you expected. Following the tips above and practicing would help you see a noticeable difference in the quality of your recordings.
Read Also:
Find the Required Music Lyrics at Allmusicals.com
8 Problems Only Music Lovers Will Know
Demystified: The interesting connection between politics and music
