Canadian Musician articles from May 2004

Canadian Musician archives from May 2004

Seeking that Canadian sound.(Feed Back)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... Dear CM, Happy 25th CM. The successful Juno Awards in Edmonton are a testimony to the strength and resilience of Canadian music. It's been a long time coming, but we've got ways to go yet. Future issues of CM might want to cover, in...

Business is business.(Feed Back)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... Dear CM, Regarding the Nickelback debate, I would like to point out that certain radio stations must play certain songs a certain amount of times during the day. As well, certain listener requests and Top 10s, for example are rigged. Sure,...

Radio airplay 101: commercial airplay myths.(Indie Insider)(www.radiomedia.com)
May 1, 2004... When talking to people who are launching their first couple of projects, invariable the same misunderstood points come up concerning commercial regular-rotation airplay. Here they are: DJs Play the Records This only applies to...

Rejection praise.(Indie Insider)(www.MusicStrategies.com)
May 1, 2004... Over the years, I have written a few articles on rejection and done several workshops including ones at MusicStrategies.com about it. In continuing the philosophy of what you have been learning in the previous articles, "Wait! Before You Write...

Laziness & greed: how to make the most of them in the music biz.(Indie Insider)(www.TheBuzzFactor.com)
May 1, 2004... I recently read an online posting in which someone was venting about the apparent apathy of indie music people. He wrote "People tend to be lazy and greedy--a sour combination. Many people aren't aware of these traits in themselves." Here are...

Brian Chater receives first Industry Builder Award.(Changes)(Canadian Independent Music Awards)
May 1, 2004... Canada's most outstanding independent recording artists were honoured at the Canadian Independent Music Awards, "The Indies", which was held at The Phoenix Concert Theatre on March 3, where the inaugural Canadian Independent Music Industry...

Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival approaching.(Changes)(www.torontojazz.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... With winter finally coming to an end, the 18th annual Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival is right around the corner set for June 25-July 4, 2004. Ten days and 13 nights fulfilled with over 1,500 musicians entertaining over 500,000 music...

Seneca offers new Independent Music Production program.(Changes)(Seneca College)(www.senecac.on.ca)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The fact that technology and the Internet are changing the way music is made and marketed shouldn't be news to anyone. However recently, Peter Gabriel and Brian Eno collaborated to create a musician's alliance for artists to release their...

National Songwriting Competition winner announced.(Changes)(www.songwriters.ca)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Canadian Music Week and the Songwriters Association of Canada announced Lea Longo, from Montreal, PQ as the grand prize winner of the National Songwriting Competition. With her song "Ugly" which was chosen by a panel of industry experts, Longo...

Puretracks and Indie Pool announces partnership.(Changes)(www.indiepool.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Puretracks and Indie Pool are happy to announce that unsigned Canadian independent recording artists now have the chance to sell their music online at Puretracks.com, which features over 250,000 music tracks and is Canada's leading online...

Canadian Music Industry in jeopardy.(Changes)(www.savecanadianmusic.com)(FACTOR's contract with Department of Canadian Heritage up March 31, 2005)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Canadian Music Industry is standing on the edge of jeopardy, (and no, unfortunately we're not talking about Rock'n'Roll Jeopardy). FACTOR's contract with the Department of Canadian Heritage, whose program and funding is what stabilizes...

Canada Council for the Arts deadlines 2004-2005.(Changes)(www.canadacouncil.ca)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Canada Council for the Arts application deadlines for 2004-2005 are now available for viewing on the Web site's calendar at www.canadacouncil.ca. The site also provides information for all grant programs as well. Standing as a national...

Cowboy Junkies join MapleMusic recordings.(Changes)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... MapleMusic Recordings is happy to announce that Cowboy Junkies have joined the club for the release of their album One Soul Now, which is scheduled to be released June 2004. The Cowboy Junkies were formed in Toronto in 1985 and encompass...

Events.(Calendar)
May 1, 2004... Cape Breton Drum Festival Glace Bay, Cape Breton, NS May 1-2, 2004 (902) 727-2337 bruce@cbdrumfest.com, www.cbdrumfest.com Vintage Guitar Show Thornhill, ON June 5-6, 2004 (416) 222-8222, FAX (416) 222-0016...

DrumFrame VX-EZ.(Road Test)(includes related article "Distributor's Comments")
May 1, 2004... New products usually garner some exposure simply because they are just that: new. Many "traditionalists" will immediately assume that because a product goes against the grain it will ultimately be written off as somewhat of a fad or just...

Apple Power Mac G5.(Road Test)(www.apple.com)(www.ryerye.com)(Product/Service Evaluation)
May 1, 2004... Last summer, Apple unveiled its much anticipated G5 line of Power Macs. These machines promised faster clock speeds and a more efficient architecture, which would outperform all other computers running intensive graphic, video and audio...

Developing melodic ideas.(Guitar)(www.johnstowell.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Every jazz composer has a different approach to writing. For some, the melody appears first and a chord progression is created after the fact. For others, the process is reversed. I combine both methods. As a guitarist, I write on my...

Warm ups and chord toners.(Keyboards)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Here's an exercise based on a four-note pattern that consists of the root, 2nd, 3rd and 5th tone of the major scale. It moves through the cycle of 4ths. As you play the highest note in each chord, move finger 1 (right hand) and finger 5 (left...

Developing your own style--how do you do it?(Bass)
May 1, 2004... Orin Isaacs: I think I'm just playing with more taste than when I was younger. I was just full of a lot of notes and speed back then. Now I concentrate on grooving. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Earl Pereira (Wide Mouth Mason): I guess I keep...

Open your ears--what to listen to when playing.(Bass)
May 1, 2004... Bruce Gordon: Everything... but it does depend on the song. Orin Isaacs: I listen to the whole band. Hopefully everybody is in a pocket where we can lock. I can't be busy if the guitar player is busy. The keyboard has to be with me. If the...

It's about time.(Percussion)(www.salemdrum.com)
May 1, 2004... Part 2 Greetings all you timekeepers. Now that you had two months to get acquainted with your metronome, you may be a little frustrated at first. Let's go further with ways of practicing with it Counting Is A Must Throughout my...

Fun with triads.(Woodwinds)(www.alexdean.ca)
May 1, 2004... In the last couple of years I've been trying to incorporate a technique called "triad coupling" in my soloing. This is largely due to a few conversations with the great saxophonist and teacher, Pat Labarbera. In explaining the technique he...

The trumpet section.(Brass)(www.chasesanborn.com)
May 1, 2004... As a member of the trumpet section, your role is obvious: follow the lead trumpet. Listen to the lead player more closely than you listen to your own part. You should be a shadow, listening and phrasing together as closely as possible. This...

Hard drive recording.(Digital Music)(Column)
May 1, 2004... Most of the time, recording on hard drive is a simple pleasure of engineering life. I don't have to pinch myself to stay awake while rewinding the tape, and I no longer get a bicep workout as I lift the next roll of two-inch onto the tape deck....

Vocal fitness--vocal balance.(Vocals)
May 1, 2004... It's all about balance. You will hear everyone from new age gurus to marriage counselors to characters in beer commercials proclaim this statement. It's pretty much a cliche but there is something of a universal truth in every cliche. With...

Randy Bachman: it's a Jazz Thing.(rock musician Canada)(Interview)(Cover Story)
May 1, 2004... after a 30-year career, 140 Gold and Platinum album/singles awards and sales in excess of 40 million records worldwide Randy Bachman is back to begin, what he calls, "A walk down the path he never took." Although jazz elements have been a...

Sarah Harmer: unhurried. Unpretentious. Unaffected.(rock musician Canada)("All of Our Names")(Interview)
May 1, 2004... Sarah Harmer is the embodiment of rural life. Unhurried. Unpretentious. Unaffected by the pressures of the big city and big business--in this case the music business and any call to rush out an album. Her last, 2000's You Were Here, slowly...

Guitar 2004: from Butthole Surfers to Righteous Babes, guitarists from all over the musical map weigh in.(rock musicians)(Interview)
May 1, 2004... Every year, Canadian Musician checks in with a select group of guitarists to find out from the professionals what they're doing, how they're doing it, and how they got where they are. Arguably, in no past year has the list been so disparate....

Demystifying duplication: by all accounts, the recording industry is a very different place than it was even 15 years ago.(analysis)
May 1, 2004... With the advent of home recording, a young band can make a CD for a fraction of what independent bands of past decades have done. The world famous figure for which Nirvana recorded its debut album, Bleach, was a paltry $600, but a band can now...

Custom duplicators: below you'll find a listing of companies that can help you realize your dreams of producing your very own CD.(listings)(Directory)
May 1, 2004... 46 Productions St. Charles, IL (630) 365-5003 www.46p.com Accudub Inc. Toronto, ON (416) 504-5262 www.accudub.com Accurate Audio Toronto, ON (416) 928-2978 redliner@on.aibn.com Advance...

Recording electric guitar.(Recording)
May 1, 2004... The best guitar sound starts with the best sound source. The guitar (including bass guitar) must be in tip-top shape--properly aligned and intonated, with all knobs, switches and cables checked and in working order. Most important, it must be...

Managing your time.(Live Sound)
May 1, 2004... At least once a day the comment spews forth from a casual observer: "How many days did it take you folks to put all this equipment in here?" "Well," you nonchalantly reply, "We started at 8 a.m. this morning." That usually achieves the...

Artist development.(Business)
May 1, 2004... So you've decided you want to enter the music industry and turn your passion for music into a business... maybe even a career. The allure of million-dollar deals, glamorous marketing budgets, and international VIP privileges are just too much...

Korg digital concert pianos.(Hot Gear)(www.korgcanada.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Korg recently introduced the NC-500 and the NC-300 Concert Digital Pianos, providing rich piano sounds and features that are fitting for any pianist--from student to professional. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The NC-500 and NC-300 have a...

Fender Acoustasonic updates.(Hot Gear)(www.fender.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Fender recently introduced the latest updates on two of its Acoustasonic family members. The Acoustasonic Jr. and Acoustasonic 30 have now been fitted with on board, state-of-the-art DSP effects that, Fender feels, offer even more versatility...

Keller Vintage Mahogany shells.(Hot Gear)(www.kellerproducts.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Keller Products recently introduced a new line of Vintage Mahogany shells, constructed from African Mahogany, North American Poplar and enhanced with VSS technology. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Vintage Mahogany shells, although...

Marshall's AS100D.(Hot Gear)(www.eriksonmusic.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Marshall Amplification recently introduced its AS100D Acoustic Combo Amplifier which features new, sonically enhanced Celestion speakers and a redesigned front panel. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The AS100D is a 4-channel, 2 X 8" combo...

Avalon Legacy Series.(Hot Gear)(www.wescanmusic.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Avalon recently introduced their Legacy Series of handmade acoustic guitars. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Avalon's craftsmen are accomplished musicians themselves and have an understanding for tone quality and are paramount to designing a...

Traynor YBA200 bass amp.(Hot Gear)(www.yorkville.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Yorkville Sound recently announced the re-release of its Traynor YBA200 bass amplifier. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This newest addition to the Traynor line of amps is an all-tube, fan-cooled, 200-watt bass head. Powered by four Sovtek...

Shure Beta 98H/C.(Hot Gear)(www.sfm.ca)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Shure recently introduced the Beta 98H/C, a premium cardioid condenser instrumental microphone that clamps into the bell of any wind instrument or onto the rim of percussion instruments. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With the integrated...

Hip-Hop Hits.(Hot Gear)(www.halleonard.com)(Book Review)(Brief Review)
May 1, 2004... Hip-Hop Hits contains the lyrics to eight chart-topping tracks that allow anyone to rap, rhyme and flow along with and is perfect for rehearsing, jamming at parties, auditioning for a performance or just perfecting skills. [ILLUSTRATION...

eMedia Version 3.0--Guitar Method Vol. One CD-ROM.(Hot Gear)(www.emediamusic.com)(Video Recording Review)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... EMedia Music Corp. recently released the Version 3.0 of its Guitar Method Vol. One CD-ROM, which includes a whole new chapter on modern rock guitar, new higher-quality split-screen videos and more. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] eMedia Guitar...

Two new Crafter Guitars.(Hot Gear)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Crafter Guitars is proud to present two new Twin Bird guitars, both new solid top cutaway-style acoustic electric guitars. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The TB-BUBINGA model features a solid Engelmann Spruce top, Bubinga hardwood back and...

Wolfe Tayne saxophone mouthpieces.(Hot Gear)(www.gleblanc.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Leblanc recently introduced the Wolfe Tayne saxophone mouthpieces. Otto Link mouthpieces have, for many years, been on the list of the jazz saxophonists most preferred and sought-after metal mouthpieces. In the 1950's, Link developed five WT...

The Rhythmic Construction Of World Music DVD.(Hot Gear)(www.warnerbrospublications.com)(Video Recording Review)(Brief Review)
May 1, 2004... Warner Brothers Publications recently released The Rhythmic Construction Of World Music, a DVD that teaches an assortment of rhythmic elements that are involved in World Music. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Malaysia native Steve Thornton,...

Deering's Legacy banjo.(Hot Gear)(www.deeringbanjos.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Deering Banjo Company recently released the new Legacy model banjo; a banjo that, according to Deering, has the ability to deliver the classic bluegrass sound that is sought out by fast-driving pro banjo players. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Peavey Millennium bass.(Hot Gear)(www.peavey.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Peavey Electronics Corporation recently introduced it Millennium AC BXP bass guitars, which are available in 4- and 5-string versions and feature active electronics. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With their solid low end, playability and...

Vacuity.(ShowCase)(www.vacuity.net)(Brief Article)(Sound Recording Review)
May 1, 2004... Who: Vacuity Where: Kitchener, ON What: brink rock Contact: 211-301 Traynor Ave., Kitchener. ON N2C 2H3, www.vacuity.net, vacuity@vacuity.net The voice is the star. Like Raine Maida, Gord Downie and Matt Good, Vacuity...

Rye.(ShowCase)(www.ryerye.com)(Brief Article)(Sound Recording Review)
May 1, 2004... Who: Rye Where: Toronto, ON What: classic Canadian lick-or Contact: rye@ryerye.com, www.ryerye.com Rye is the solo band from Moist/David Usher bassist Jeff Pearce and he's traded in the 4-string for guitar and steps up as the...

The Rumours.(ShowCase)(www.therumoursonline.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Who: The Rumours Where: Vancouver, BC What: mighty metal retro Contact: PO Box 27536, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1N0 www.therumoursonline.com, therumours@shaw.ca Not to be confused with the Fleetwood Mac cover act from Mississauga,...