Canadian Musician articles from May 2005

Canadian Musician archives from May 2005

Producer's input required.(feedBACK)
May 1, 2005... Dear CM, I have been a subscriber for a year now and truly enjoy everything about your magazine. I rely on it to give me a vital Canadian perspective of the recording industry. I write to suggest an additional component to the magazine...

No support for Dual Disc.(Indie Insider)(problems with the format)(Column)
May 1, 2005... While many artists claim they are only artists and want to focus on that aspect of their careers, it is time that you have to focus on the business side of your art and how by doing this, you will generate more income to make your music your...

Building & continuing relationships.(Indie Insider)(using email to get fans to come to your shows)(Column)
May 1, 2005... As we all know, we have a much easier time building and continuing a relationship with someone when we can meet with them in person. When we can't, staying in touch by phone is the next best thing. But as your mailing list grows to hundreds...

Charity pays!(Indie Insider)
May 1, 2005... Looking for a way to add hundreds of new people to your mailing list in one day? One way is to play charity events. Most charitable events need live entertainment. Offer to play their fundraising or national events for free for their large...

Fourth annual National Jazz Awards coming to Toronto.(Changes)(Brief article)
May 1, 2005... On Tuesday, June 21, the annual National Jazz Awards will be celebrating both Canadian jazz musicians and its fourth year. There are 25 different categories of which musicians have been nominated, and fans can vote for their favourites...

Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival.(Changes)
May 1, 2005... The 19th annual TD Canada Trust Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival is scheduled to run from Friday June 24th to Sunday July 3rd, 2005. With more than 30 venues scheduled to participate throughout downtown Toronto, the festival will showcase...

54.40 signs with True North Records.(Changes)(Brief article)
May 1, 2005... 54.40 recently signed with True North Records, Canada's longest running independent music label. The new full-length album Yes To Everything is 54.40's 11th full-length studio recording. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Both produced and mixed...

Musician of the Year Kevin Breit.(Changes)
May 1, 2005... Recently, the Toronto Musicians' Association presented Kevin Breit, guitarist/songwriter, with the Musician of the Year Award for 2004. Part of the award reads, "In recognition of outstanding artistic excellence during 2004 and in honour...

Humber Songwriting Summer Workshop.(Changes)(held through the School of Creative and Performing Arts at Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, in Toronto)(Brief article)
May 1, 2005... Featuring Ed Robertson (Barenaked Ladies), Damhnait Doyle (Shaye), Stan Meissner, Andy Kim and Hayden Neale (Jacksoul), Humber's School of Creative and Performing Arts recently announced The Humber Songwriting Summer Workshop. The...

Guitar Workshop Plus provides lessons.(Changes)(Brief article)
May 1, 2005... Aspiring musicians of all ages, Guitar Workshop Plus is getting ready for the three upcoming summer sessions held in Oakville and Vancouver. Each session day will help promote music knowledge in both morning and afternoon classes, late...

Vintage Guitar Show gets a facelift.(Changes)
May 1, 2005... The first annual Antique Vintage Guitar Road Show and Auction will be held in Toronto from June 6 to 12, to share the passion for vintage guitars. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] From June 6 to 9, the itinerary will run from 12 to 8 p.m.,...

Events.(music festivals, workshops and conferences)(Calendar)
May 1, 2005... 1st Annual Los Angeles Amp Show Van Nuys, CA May 7, 2005 (818) 992-0745 info@ampshow.com, www.ampshow.com Jeunesse Musicales Montreal International Competition 2005 Montreal, PQ May 9-20, 2005 (514)...

Orange AD 140 head and PPC 412c cabinet.(ROAD test)
May 1, 2005... Let's get one thing out of the way right now... this amp looks really cool. Orange amps have always had a degree of different to them, from the groovy '60s logo (works great on a T-Shirt!) to the most obvious colour scheme ever, they have...

SABIAN Vault series crashes and Artisan rides.(ROAD test)(Product/service evaluation)
May 1, 2005... Constantly keeping the creative juices flowing for an art that's been around for centuries may be a challenge, but SABIAN does not rest on its laurels as they have introduced what is certainly going to be a popular collection which they have...

TC-Helicon VoiceLive.(ROAD test)(Product/service evaluation)
May 1, 2005... In 2003, TC-Helicon released the VoiceWorks, a rack-mounted studio unit dedicated to vocals. Now, they have released the VoiceLive vocal processor, which puts the same processing power and TC algorithms into a floor unit. The idea is that...

Some thoughts about recording and the studio.(guitar)
May 1, 2005... In this article, I'd like to discuss a new solo CD that I made recently, touching on the recording process and some general observations about the studio. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The recording studio is not the ideal environment for...

Avoiding studio stress.(keyboards)
May 1, 2005... Just because something is effortless to play live doesn't necessarily mean that it will translate to record without a fight. The simple fact is that live audiences tend to be far more forgiving and less pessimistically critical than a...

How do I play this big fat guitar?(bass)(Column)
May 1, 2005... Can I use my pick? What's that? Oh... it's the drummer... This is the first column I've written for CM and my hope is to share with you some of the insight that I've acquired over the last couple years. Those familiar with my group The...

The art and philosophy of speed and how to apply it to drumming.(percussion)(Column)
May 1, 2005... Every drummer, be it a beginning drum student through to professional status has at one time or another wanted to acquire the ability to be able to play and/or solo on the drum set at an extremely fast rate because in a general sense people...

A jazzer at the Symphony.(woodwinds)
May 1, 2005... Back in November, 2004, I had the opportunity to perform the "Saxophone Concerto" by Alexander Glazounov, a piece that I have been practicing on and off for almost five years, with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra. This was a significant event...

Choosing a mouthpiece.(brass)(Column)
May 1, 2005... In the back of every brass player's mind is a nagging thought: "Is there a better mouthpiece for me?" This question leads many brass players, especially trumpet players, to eventually acquire a shelf full of mouthpieces. Some players find...

Web surfing for tubes.(digital music)
May 1, 2005... Hi, my name is Alec Watson and I am an E-bay-aholic. I have been ripped-off when I thought I was getting a steal, my packages have been violated by Canada customs, but every once in a while, I get a deal which makes all the rip-offs seem...

Achieving vocal fitness.(vocals)(Column)
May 1, 2005... 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...

Producing & marketing your own record Part two: getting out there, getting heard, through partnerships, marketing and delivery.(Discussion)
May 1, 2005... At the moment, no one seems entirely certain what the future of the music industry looks like and that means it's more of a scramble to sell records, maintain careers, or just plain eke out a living from your music than ever. That said, it's...

Joel Plaskett: have songs will travel.(Biography)
May 1, 2005... It may just be an aside to producer, Bob Hoag, or longtime collaborator, Ian McGettigan, but, on the last track of his new record, the last thing Maple Music Recordings artist, Joel says is, "What does that sound like?" In a way it sounds...

Amanda Stott.(Biography)
May 1, 2005... Amanda Stott would not sing lines like, "Hit me, baby, one more time" or "My body's too bootylicious for ya babe." No, even though she was raised in a Christian home just like Britney Spears and the members of Destiny's Child were, this young...

Guitar 2005.(Canadian guitarists discuss their craft)(Cover story)(Discussion)
May 1, 2005... Every guitarist can remember the exact moment they were inspired to play the guitar. It may have been a band they saw, a guitar riff they heard or simply the look of the instrument. Regardless of the inspiration, it's what happens after that...

Harmonic quality and function.(writing)(Column)
May 1, 2005... Part 1 I would agree that the terms "quality" and "function" sound remarkably analytical and you may already be wondering if the concepts in this column will be too academic and theoretical for use in any real practical application in...

Good mixing habits.(recording)(Column)
May 1, 2005... Writing on mixing is a difficult task. Try explaining to someone, without actually being there, how to paint a picture, how to play the blues, or how to remove a spleen. These basic few points just scratch the surface of good mixing habits....

Before the lights go out.(live sound)(excerpt from "Professional Sound Reinforcement Techniques")(Excerpt)
May 1, 2005... If your Front of House area right before show time resembles Cape Canaveral (i.e. extremely organized) just prior to a shuttle launch then you're going to feel like I'm preaching to the choir in this article. If you're the kind that...

Would a band by any other name sound just as sweet?(business)(take proper legal precautions before adopting a band name)
May 1, 2005... The views and opinions expressed in this article are not meant to substitute legal advice which should be sought in each particular instance. There is a scene at the beginning of the movie This Is Spinal Tap when the members of the fictional...

Pearl River line of digital pianos.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Pearl River Piano Group America Ltd. recently stepped into the world of digital pianos and introduced a line of their own with nine models ranging from entry-level student models to feature-packed baby grand pianos. Peal River's line of...

VOX AC30 Custom Classic series.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... The highly praised VOX AC30 line of amplifiers, originally released back in 1959, has been re-released with the AC30 Custom Classic series combining attributes of the original with carefully selected "boutique" features that bring the AC30's...

BBE Acousticmax.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... BBE recently introduced the Acousticmax foot pedal style acoustic preamp, built on the success of the renowned 386 acoustic preamp. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BBE's Acousticmax is designed for those whom are serious about playing as well...

Warwick CrossWalker FX Rockbag.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Warwick recently introduced the Crosswalk FX Rockbag, fabricated with tried and tested water repellent RockTex surface material. Protecting the instrument is 20 mm of thick padding, a neck-support-system and a PVC-bottom with metal feet....

Spector Performer 4 DLX bass.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Spector recently released its latest addition to the Spector bass guitar line--the Performer 4 DLX bass guitar. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Performer 4 DLX, available in matte black, cherry red, blue, honeyburst and holoflash black...

Ashdown Performer Series bass strings.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Ashdown recently launched the Performance Series of bass strings, offering a high-quality alternative to their renowned Wide Boy Series of hand wound strings. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Performance Series, made of stainless steel,...

American Audio TLC Pro 8 x 14 DJ rackmount case.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... American Audio recently introduced the TLC Pro 8 x 14, a rackmount case on wheels designed to hold an entire DJ audio setup from mixers and CD players to amplifiers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The lightweight yet rugged TLC Pro 8 x 14...

Latin Percussion 40th Anniversary Djembe.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Latin Percussion recently unveiled the LP 40th Anniversary Djembe, manufactured from kiln dried Siam oak. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Each of the limited edition drums are finished in a lavish red fade that matches the 40th Anniversary...

Boss DB-30 metronome.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Boss recently released the DB-30 metronome, a portable and reliable timekeeper for musicians on the road. The DB-30, in addition to having a few timekeeping tricks up its sleeve, is also capable of laying down an assortment of rhythm patterns...

Evans MX white marching snare batter.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Evans recently introduced the MX white marching snare batter head, which produces a much softer feel in comparison to thicker heads, according to Evans. The MX's distinctive thin-weave Aramid Fiber and polyester construction offers...

Meinl Mb20 Series.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Meinl recently unveiled the Mb20 Series of cymbals, featuring a combination of advanced materials, craftsmanship and strength, resulting in what Meinl feels is an aggressive sound. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Mb20 cymbals are cast...

Music Man Stealth Black Bongo.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Music Man recently unveiled a new option for the Bongo bass--a sleek new flat black finish, which is aimed at players whom prefer the feel and appearance that only a non-gloss satin finish can provide. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Applied Acoustic Systems String Studio.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Applied Acoustic Systems recently unveiled String Studio, replacing all oscillator, filter and envelope stage with real-life stringed instrument components. String Studio features a new and innovative String Model interacting with picks,...

Radial ProD2 Stereo Direct Box.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Radial Engineering recently released the ProD2 Stereo Direct Box with two discrete channels designed specifically for musicians and sound companies. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The ProD2 is built following Radial's tradition for maximum...

Warner Bros. instructional DVDs.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Warner Bros. Publications recently introduced two instructional DVDs from Jazz Artist Walter Beasley--Sound Production for the Saxophone and Hip Hop Improvisation. Sound Production for the Saxophone offers a full hour of advice on...

Peavey Signature Omniac guitar.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Peavey recently released the Signature Omniac JD guitar, which was designed with rock'n'roll legend Jerry Donahue. The Signature Omniac corrals five groundbreaking rock tones into a fully modern, expertly crafted guitar. [ILLUSTRATION...

Native Instruments Komplete Sound.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Native Instruments recently unveiled Komplete Sound--a collection of ensembles, sounds and samples from NI's array of software instruments combined into one single package. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NI Komplete Sound greatly expands the...

Conn-Selmer Greenhoe trumpet valve.(hot Gear)
May 1, 2005... Conn-Selmer Inc. recently introduced the addition of the Greenhoe valve to the C.G. Conn professional model 88H tenor and 62H bass trombones. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Greenhoe valve, invented by instrument designer and...

Doubting Paris.(SHOWCase)(Brief article)
May 1, 2005... Who: Doubting Paris Where: Langley, BC What: no doubt Contact: www.doubtingparis.com 'Dakona singer Ryan McAllister engineered the original Doubting Paris demos that wound up in the hands of producers Daniel Mendez (Eve 6,...

Go!(SHOWCase)(Brief article)
May 1, 2005... Who: Go! Where: Toronto What: '80s revivalists Contact: Coalition Entertainment, 10271 Yonge St., #202, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3B5 (905) 508-0025, www.gorockandroll.com. Starting out as a trio known as The Scenes, these...

Kuba.(SHOWCase)(Brief article)
May 1, 2005... Who: Kuba Where: Vancouver, BC What: soul man Contact: Digniti Recordings Ltd., 1128 Leonard St., Victoria, BC V8V 2S4 kuba@digniti.com or nickblasko@telus.net, www.kuba.ca or www.digniti.com. Winner of this year's National...