Canadian Musician articles from July 2002

Canadian Musician archives from July 2002

Misguided songwriter?(Feedback)
July 1, 2002... Dear CM, I could not help but respond to the letter from Erin Gignac titled "Songwriting Sessions a Waste" Erin appears to write out of a deep frustration with the music industry, but it is not fair to lash out at James Linderman (or...

More cash for your craft: the lowdown on the Sound Recording Special Payments Fund.(DIY)(Sound Recording Special Payments Fund )
July 1, 2002... If you've ever been called into a session to perform on an album that went on to sell many thousands or millions of copies, and all you have to show for it is your initial scale wage, this article is for you. Alternately, if you ever plan to...

Should you start your own publishing company?(DIY)
July 1, 2002... Besides the obvious profit potential, which is attractive to anyone seeking a good business to start, there are several situations that make setting up a publishing company a natural move: * Songwriters may want greater control over their...

Play 'em again man--how to boil bass strings.(Care Corner)
July 1, 2002... Ah, the beauty of a fresh string, is there any greater sound? The brightness resonating with every pluck and slap, the glimmer of tonal perfection and a smooth sheen that just screams new! Well open the drawer and pull out those old spare sets,...

Canada Council for the Arts deadline dates.(DIY)
July 1, 2002... The Canada Council for the Arts is a national agency that provides grants and services to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations in dance, media arts, music, theatre, writing and publishing, interdisciplinary work and performance...

SOCAN collects.(Changes)(Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada)
July 1, 2002... For the past half-decade digital pay audio services have broadcasted music through digital channels on satellite and cable systems, without paying any royalties. A recent announcement from the Copyright Board is about to change all that. ...

Pen a prize winner.(Changes)(International Songwriting Competition)
July 1, 2002... Dust off your pens, de-case your acoustic and pull out those 'Only you can think of something that imaginative' lyrics--the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is now accepting entries. The ISC is providing amateur and professional...

Who the hell is Dakona?(Changes)
July 1, 2002... They've played the Viper Room in LA and Brownies in NYC, they've attracted enough attention to have most major US labels bid on them, Madonna's Maverick Records signed them, and they've had Pete Yorn open for them. Still the question remains:...

Sonic ... coming to a theatre near you.(Changes)
July 1, 2002... Toronto-based Sonic, who is currently promoting their CD Sister Boombox, has signed a deal with Famous Players to be advertised on up to 800 movie screens across Canada as well, the band has been shipped to various theatres nation-wide to...

Events.(Calendar)
July 1, 2002... Huntsville Festival of the Arts Huntsville, ON, July 4-21, 2002 (800) 663-2787, FAX (705) 789-8988, info@huntsvillefestival.on.ca, www.huntsvillefestival.com Atlantic Jazz Festival 2002 Halifax, NS, July 5-13, 2002 (800)...

Downloading illegal music.(Music Online)
July 1, 2002... Downloading music off the Internet is one of the most popular and controversial issues on the Internet today and probably will be for a long time. As technology improves, music is being downloaded and distributed over the Internet more quickly...

Vitaminic.(Resources)
July 1, 2002... ... Vitaminic helps you discover new music groups who have chosen to put their music out on the Internet in MP3 format. The Vitaminic directory is compiled in order of musical genre and it gives you some information about the band or artist...

Copernic.(Resources)
July 1, 2002... ... If your favourite search engine doesn't always yield the results you want, download Copernic at www.copernic.com. Copernic searches 20 searches and is available in a free version and two paid versions.

Pollstar.(Resources)
July 1, 2002... ... Pollstar provides music business professionals with worldwide concert tour schedules, ticket sales results, music industry contact directories, trade news and unique specialized data services. In addition to publishing the concert...

Music Discovery Network.(Resources)
July 1, 2002... ... The Music Discovery Network (MDN) is an organization dedicated to the advancement and success of independent music. Membership includes: music enthusiasts, artists, labels, media, stores, educators, promoters, venue operators, vendors and...

Groove.ca.(Resources)
July 1, 2002... ... Groove.ca announced a new feature added to their site called the Public Mix section. DJs worldwide can now upload their own mixed set via FTP for all to listen to. This will give a lot of people the exposure they are looking for. Mix sets...

Music Business Solutions.(Resources)
July 1, 2002... ... Check out Music Business Solutions at www.mbsolutions.com/resource/for thousands of music-related resources. The emphasis in the Musician's Resource Directory is on resources that are most helpful to musicians who are trying to establish...

Canadian Musician.(Resources)
July 1, 2002... ... Visit the Canadian Musician Web site and check out the new Online News section. You will be able to find all the latest news about the industry, products, artists and more. You can also view the news archives and search the stories. Check...

Music Books Plus.(Resources)
July 1, 2002... ... Music Books Plus has greatly expanded their catalogue and now features online over 5,000 books, videos and CD-ROMs on music, recording, audio, songwriting, MIDI, multimedia and the Internet. You can join the electronic newsletter or request...

Serato Pitch 'n Time 2.(Road Test)
July 1, 2002... Serato Pitch 'n Time 2 is a state-of-the-art time stretching and pitch shifting plug-in for Pro Tools endorsed by heavy hitters such as mastering legend Bob Ludwig. An AudioSuite-only plug-in (i.e. no real-time processing as an insert), Pitch...

Burns Brian May Signature Guitar.(Road Test)
July 1, 2002... In May 2002, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" was named the most popular song of all time by the Guinness Book of World Records. At its release it had no precedent--unique for its symphonic arrangement and the fact that the 'string section' was...

Evolution MK-249C.(Road Test)
July 1, 2002... Well, there are a number of inexpensive keyboard controllers on the market such as the Midiman Line (which includes the new Oxygen8), the Roland PC70 and PC300 etc. What makes the Evolution MK-249C different? Well, first, it's very well built....

Walking bass lines.(Guitar)
July 1, 2002... Getting a grip on how the bass line functions in songs will help you with your writing, arranging and choices for chord ideas down the road. But for now let's adventure into the approach of giving the illusion of two guitars playing at the same...

Buying synthesizer.(Keyboards)
July 1, 2002... In response to phone calls and e-mails I've had from other musicians in the community I've put together a short guide to help you when you buy your next synthesizer. I must begin with the bad news that it's going to take you weeks, not...

Stand out.(Bass)
July 1, 2002... I have to share with you something I've noticed that is sad, but true. Musically, the general public expects very little from us bass players. I know some of you are rejoicing but most of you hate this fact as much as I do. That is why I've...

Being human.(Percussion)
July 1, 2002... When was the last time you sat down and just listened to your drums? Each drum and cymbal in your setup has a unique sound and that sound is altered by your unique way extracting its uniqueness. That's a lot of unique. The sample world...

Functioning physically contexts.(Woodwinds)
July 1, 2002... Introduction This article is dedicated primarily to those who play flute in non-classical contexts. However, it is likely to be of relevance to most wind players. So, whenever you see the word, "instrument", feel free to substitute your...

The cheeseburger.(Brass)
July 1, 2002... Popeye's Chord A hamburger has three components: bun, meat, and bun. Similarly, a triad has three notes: 1, 3 and 5. The most important part of the hamburger is the meat; it is the component that identifies it as a hamburger. The 3rd is...

Digital audio workstation: the all-in-one wonder.(Digital Music)
July 1, 2002... In this instalment of the digital column, I will try to simplify/explain and uncover the complex world of digital audio workstations. Recently, I was on ROBTV--The Bottom Line with Michael Vaughan, where I was able to show some new technology...

Your voice muscle.(Vocals)(Interview)
July 1, 2002... What kind of warm-up exercises do you do? I never prepare to write, I always just write or don't write, but before performing live I do some silly things with my lips and to warm up my throat I make all the strange noises. I also stretch...

The Tragically Hip.(Cover Story)
July 1, 2002... Wayne Gretzky, Cirque du Soleil, SCTV and The Tragically Hip: Which one doesn't belong? If you asked any of the guys in The Hip about their recent induction into the Canadian Walk of Fame, the answer would be themselves. A legion of dedicated...

Holly McNarland: a place to call home.
July 1, 2002... Close your eyes, think back half a decade or so and bring to mind the chill that drove through your body as a barely-known Vancouverite belted out verse about being numb, asking the question that defined the '90s: "Where do you fit in?" ...

Keyboards: so you're dusting off the ivories, are you? Welcome to Canadian musician's focus on ...
July 1, 2002... There was a time in the early to mid-'90s when being a keyboard player in a rock band was only slightly less isolating than being the only guy on the block with the black plague, Given that we now seem to be enjoying a bit of a renaissance, as...

The alchemy of music and audio software.
July 1, 2002... Once upon a time in a galaxy not so far away, bipedal humanoids, in the form of nomadic folk-minstrels, commonly foreswore worldly comforts and luxuries in the hopes that their aural masterpieces would bring rewards, acclaim and immortality....

'We're talking about communication, we're not talking about self-indulgence': part II.(Writing)(Interview)
July 1, 2002... This is part two of CM's three-part series delving into all that is Tom Wilson and his unique writing style. Widely recognized as a rebel in the industry, Tom sat down with us and shared his views on where good songs come from. A word of...

Recording options for the indie artist.(Recording)
July 1, 2002... These days, the independent artist or group has to weigh many different options when it comes to recording--unlike the major label artist who usually gets the opportunity to record and mix in a world class studio because the record company is...

Touring tricks techniques.(Live Sound)
July 1, 2002... Put All Your Ducks In A Row Old sound engineers never die, they just move to Vegas and run sound for singers our parents listened to. Well, at least that happened to some sound engineers that I know, including myself for a short time. It...

Recording agreements: part I; The views and opinions expressed in this article are not meant to substitute for legal advice which should be sought in each particular instance.(Business)
July 1, 2002... Introduction This article is the first of a two-part article reviewing the major terms found in a typical Canadian Major Record Company recording contract. Of course, individual circumstances can vary widely depending on the bargaining...

The Art of Chords.(Hot Gear)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
July 1, 2002... A new book by Stephane Gagnon, The Art of Chords, takes a new approach on teaching guitar players how to read and understand chords. With knowledge of only six chords, two basic formulas and some rudiment of music theory, anyone can understand...

Roland MC-09 PhraseLab.(Hot Gear)(Roland Canada Music Ltd.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Roland has recently released the MC-09 PhraseLab, a desktop tool that combines a four-part audio looper with a DSP monosynth capable of creating lead, bass and rhythm sound as well, the unit includes a vintage step sequencer, onboard effects,...

ToneBone tube distortion pedals.(Hot Gear)(from Radial Engineering)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Radial Engineering, a division of JP CableTek Electronics Ltd., is pleased to announce its latest in guitar tube distortion pedals. The ToneBone Classic and the ToneBone Hot British distortion pedals provide the guitarist with a wide range of...

Titanium guitar strings.(Hot Gear)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Rohrbacher Technologies has unveiled their new corrosion proof Medium Tension Titanium Acoustic Guitar Strings. The strings are constructed with electrochemically-matched materials to eliminate corrosion, and are designed to outlast...

Fender all-in-one KXR Series amplifiers.(Hot Gear)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Fender Musical Instruments Corp. has recently released a new amplifier series to its expansive line of musical instruments and professional audio products. The KXR Series offers convenient, all-in-one amplifiers with full frequency reproduction...

Johnson acoustic/electric basses.(Hot Gear)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Johnson has recently announced the release of two new instruments in their line of acoustic/electric basses. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The JG-622-E acoustic/electric jumbo bass is designed for beginning bassists. Built with a Spruce top...

Genz Benz GBE 400 bass amp.(Hot Gear)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Genz Benz Enclosures has recently introduced their new line of Bass Amplification systems, the GBE 400. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The GBE 400 is the smaller brother of the GBE 600 and features a complete solid-state design with the...

QRS Self-Tuning Piano.(Hot Gear)(QRS Music Technologies)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... QRS Music Technologies, makers of the Pianomation system, has recently introduced the Self-Tuning Piano. The automated system tunes the piano by passing an electrical current through its strings and in turn warming or cooling the strings,...

Zeeta guitar amp.(Hot Gear)(guitar amplifier)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Maven Peal Instruments has recently released their newest guitar amplifier. Designed to help guitarists protect their hearing, the Zeeta guitar amplifier feature Maven Peal's new Sag Circuit, a patented new power supply design that gives...

HQ Percussion practice pads.(Hot Gear)(four new models of marching tenor drum practice pads )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... HQ Percussion Products has recently designed four new models of marching tenor drum practice pads for their line of RealFeel practice pads designed with the active tenor drummer in mind. Tenor Practice Pads offer true-to-size playing...

DW 9000 Series limited bass drum pedals.(Hot Gear)(from Durm Workshop)
July 1, 2002... Drum Workshop has recently announced the addition of a limited number of DW 9000 Series bass drum pedals to its roster of drum accessories. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The DW 9000 Series pedals are made with titanium and handcrafted...

Artist Elite microphone series.(Hot Gear)(from Audio-Technica US Inc. )
July 1, 2002... Audio-Technica has recently unveiled the next generation of live performance microphones--the Artist Elite Series. The series features four handheld microphones (two condenser and two dynamic) with each mic bringing sound quality to...

Rock Star 101.(Hot Gear)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
July 1, 2002... Allworth Press has recently released their latest guide to survival and success in the music business, Rock Star 101. The book was penned by industry veteran Marc Ferrari, former guitarist for Keel, and accounts what it is to live the life of a...

Guitar Synth v2.1.(Hot Gear)(from Lateral Solution Ltd. )
July 1, 2002... Lateral Solution has released the latest version of their innovative Guitar Synth software. Version 2.1 of the virtual polyphonic guitar synthesizer allows you to control the synthesizer built into your soundcard, or an external synthesizer, by...

B-1 single-diaphragm condenser mic.(Hot Gear)
July 1, 2002... Behringer has recently added a new model to its line of professional microphones. The B-1 is a single-diaphragm condenser microphone especially designed with home studio musicians and recording engineers in mind. The B-1 reproduces sound...

Alesis airSynth.(Hot Gear)
July 1, 2002... Alesis has recently unveiled the airSynth, a tabletop product that produces dramatic synthesized sounds and sound effects. A follow-up to the Alesis airFX, the airSynth is the second product to incorporate Alesis Semiconductor's...

Christine Fellows.(ShowCase)
July 1, 2002... Who: Christine Fellows Where: Winnipeg, MB What: Tantalizingly original avant-folk-pop Contact: Shauna de Cartier, Sixshooter Records, 98038 Queen St. E, Toronto, ON, M4M 1JO (416) 465-2459, FAX (416) 532-0331,...

Greg MacPherson Band.(ShowCase)
July 1, 2002... Who: Greg MacPherson Band Where: Winnipeg, MB What: Raw, lean rock with intelligence, conscience and soul Contact: (204) 943-8419, greg_macpherson@hotmail.com, www.gregmacpherson.com; The G7 Welcoming Committee, PO Box 27006, 360...

Touchtone Gurus.(ShowCase)
July 1, 2002... Who: Touchtone Gurus Where: Saskatoon, SK What: Irresistibly catchy modern pop-rock Contact: Yvonne Valnea, Last Tango Productions, (416) 538-1838, lastango@pathcom.com, www.touchtonegurus.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...