Bring Out the Musician in Your Kid With a Child Drum Set

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A child drum set would be an amazing gift for any kid because kids enjoy the thumping sounds and anything that makes sound will surely entice them. If you pay close attention to the normal behavior of a kid, you will notice that they will start thumping the surface with whatever they have in hand. Kids naturally tend to have a good ear for music and so it is always nice if you can improve on that fact. A child drum set will be a good start to seed in rhythm and music traits for your kid. This set will contain just the basic things to learn for the starters.

The basic kit contains the five essential things bass drums, snares, tom toms and cymbals. You can always configure what you would want to have in the kit but most people prefer the standard kit. Of course, it is for your kid to decide whether he likes drumming and learning the skill. This starter kit is perfect for the kids to learn the rhythm and improve the skills overall. It is wise to give the kid some private space with the drum set so that he can have a good time learning it peacefully. Creativity will start pouring in when they start to spend time alone with their drum set.

Musicians are said to have very good creative skills and that is the reason why you can surely count on the child drum set as means of enhancing your child's creative skills. Just consider it like a small price for honing in your child's talents. It is also a possibility that because of this small gift, your kid might become a great musician later on in life. Apart from that, drumming can also help improving the concentration and focus of your child. Drums can be a great way to give some exercise to your kid especially if they are glued to TV and video games.

Sure, it can be a little noisy in your home when the kid is practicing these but it will surely do good in improving the child's abilities. A child drum set is not really expensive and definitely, worth giving a try to see if your kid has interest in music.

Akon / Albums Review Konvikted

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Overall assessment of the product: 4 Stars

Just out of prison, Akon has presented to persuade his music to his audience. Konvicted is Akon the brand new release. Akon is blessed with a voice deep and warm.

The Senegalese-born American resident offer an attentive ear creates a full range of different musical influences. True to his African roots, the talented singer also enriched the CD with some reggae influences rap and R & B. Open the diary of a prisoner and ready for a mad rushAkon.

Shake Down opens the wonderful journey that is illuminated keyboard sounds with drums, violin, rhythmic clapping, and trumpet. The vocal performance is worthy of praise in every case. Enjoy singing and rhythmic swing.

Soft violins introduce swept away and hammering piano sheet music with guitar and flute sounds are mixed. Akon's singing talent is combined with well-delivered blows Styles P's.

No need to introduce Smack, with Eminem, which is one ofmost played and sung contemporary hits.

I Wanna Love You featuring Snoop Dogg is not really my cup of tea, since I am not that much into love songs. The graphic details of the song are not really useful, as far as I am concerned and the lyrics' quality could be improved.

Feel violin notes drop like pouring rain on the face of earth. Imagine a man screaming and standing in the rain. Feel the drama that is suggested by piano notes combined with soft violin sounds and vocals. It offers the colorful image of a person drowning in his sorrow. Feel free his soul broke all the negativity and how a plane crash in flames explode. I loved the rain. I recommend this song to you all, because it is beautiful on true feelings.

Never had time to a rhythmic song to the tune of guitar and keyboard sounds is built. The song is filled with nostalgic accents and tells the story of a boy left disappointed by his girlfriend.

Mama Africa is a hotReggae song with a good taste dedicated people of Senegal. I really liked this song, because Africa has always had and still has great importance in my life. Enjoy pure black lyrics remind listeners of the sunny continent called Africa.

I Can not Wait is enhanced with a funky taste. The rhythm track is full of joy and hope, feelings.

Gangsta Bop returns to the road. Will probably like the vibrating length, which is the vocal talent of AkonShine again.

Tired of running expresses the weariness of Thug Life. The track Gangsta tells the story of a man on the run and trying to escape the police.

Do not Matter is built on the harp and play the guitar. Sometimes two people love each other, but their entourage do not want to see them together and throw obstacles in their way to separate the lovers. Sometimes, two people of the world together. Both lovers are fighting for their right to love.Well done, good with a reggae flavor in the background.

Worldwide Akon is the album captures the eyes and ears attention '. Not only exceptional voice of Akon, which offers the full album of a group of several artistic collaborations and musical styles. I liked most of the songs and I think this album is definitely worth your attention.

Copyright © 2006 by Isabelle Eslinger
All rights reserved

What Do You Look For in Portable Speakers?

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There are a whole series of portable speakers that are available when you go to a large electronics store. Alternatively, you can also online portable speakers for a bargain and purchase, if you look around. There are some things you look for in a speaker to ensure that work well, are easy to use and that they perform optimally. For starters, try the standard 3.5 mm audio jack lets you connect any MP3 player or a computer / laptop in their permits. Ifit doesn't have one, then you should really move on. A set of speakers that doesn't have this will make it a real pain trying to get the music and speech from your MP3 player or laptop to the speakers.

The next thing to look for is quality sound. At the end of the day this is really the most important thing in portable speakers, so ensure that it's good! You can't expect the sound to be as good as normal speakers, but they sure come close. Ensure that they don't have too much bass or even triple, and the speakers have a dual channel make the sound more even. You should be able to test the speakers, if you buy, or when you get online then look at the reviews that are posted online, there are many of them.

Another very important thing is to take note of how to load or run the speakers. The best speakers away batteries, which are common procurement. This means that you do for very cheap, and if the batteries areIt is not possible without paying $ 50 for a battery replaced! The speakers, which can from the outlet and USB charging cable, are impractical, especially if you travel with a laptop.

"Drummers Only" Bob Gatzen Tuning Tip # 3

Bob's Best selling 155 minutes DVD-drum tuning, "Drum Tuning Sound and Design Simplified ... Tuning Tip # 3" Knowing where a drum on the side "



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcvQDh7U6Lo&hl=en

Cobus - Avenged Sevenfold - Bat Country (DRUMS COVER)

Laus Deo Semper www.facebook.com This is a drum cover (from the Dual-Cam Series) of A7X's damn cool song, Bat Country. Please keep in mind I played this with one bassdrum pedal, as opposed to the doublebass the rev used in the original recording of the song.. :) I have to emphasize, I know calling this a "cover" is wrong, seeing as I only PARTLY stayed true to the song's drums, through the WHOLE song i play some variations of the beats, phrasing and fills, I'm NOT aiming to be accurate to the original drums, I'm just aiming to enjoy myself.. :) And I thouroughly succeeded in doing that, I might add ;) Avenged Sevenfold - Bat Country from the 2005 release City of Evil is the copyrigthed property of its owner. (External) Drums by Cobus Potgieter | jaapvlooi@gmail.com *TECHNICAL INFO* (with my first set of covers, the Overhead Series, i got an insane amount of questions about my set-up.. so here's an in detail description of how i made these covers..) Drumkit: Tama Superstar Custom; in the Blue Metallic Fade Heads: Toms TOP: Remo Powerstroke 3, Clear. Toms BOTTOM: stock heads. Snare TOP: Remo Emperor, Coated. Snare BOTTOM: stock head. Bassdrum BATTER: Remo Powerstroke 4, Clear. Cymbals: Paiste PST 5 UNIVERSAL setup: 14" Hats 16" Crash 20" Ride 8" Istanbul Mehmet Splash Secondary Ride: Zildjian Planet Z (very muted, tightly screwed down) Secondary Crash: Paiste 502 16" Crash Bassdrum Pedal: - Tama Iron Cobra Jnr. [HP200B] *RECORDING* [Two Panasonic NVGS250 3CCD Cameras] I ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2ofsvi3MI8&hl=en

Pixie Shock

DJ Set 1 pt



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw6zy7JXAGs&hl=en

Mike Kinsella, Pride of Chicago Indie Music

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One of greatest musicians to come out of the chicago music scene , that has largely gone unknown. Mike Kinsella has played in many other bands leading to his current project "Owen". Mike has been playing in bands since he was twelve years old with his brother Tim Kinsella ( Cap'n Jazz , American Football, The One Up Downstairs, Owls and Joan of Arc.). Mike Kinsella is most known for his time in the bands American Football and Owen. Owen is a solo project in which Mike has recorded his own songs and played various instruments(Drums, bass, keyboards.). One of Mike's trademarks is his soft vocals twisted with bitter lyrics in some cases. His newest album is largely inspired by his wife and daughter, among other things getting older. Anyone who enjoys his music can't miss out on seeing Mike Kinsella live.

As many of the bands he has played in , most notably American Football which has a cult following of fans of late 90's indie / emo scene. His other work in Cap'n Jazz / Owls / Joan of Arc , has garnered much of the same acclaim. He is most widely known for currently for his solo project Owen , which he tours around the US playing in bars and various venues. And for the most part his live performance is just Mike by himself playing an acoustic guitar. This compliments his music in a great way I believe, because it feels like he's in your living room playing just for you. Thats what makes seeing Mike Kinsella live a great experience.

Safe Toys Make For A Merry Christmas

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Do you have a toddler on your gift list? If so, remember that small children and infants automatically put items in their mouths.

Inspect For Safety

Safety is the first thing you should check. Toys with small parts are always suspect. Parts small enough to fit into a tot's mouth can be a choking hazard.

Plush toys are ideal for small children, but check the construction. If the eyes, nose, or other small features are not tightly secured, these items can come off when a child inevitably chews on it.

Any toy with a sharp edge is a potential safety hazard. A child walking or running with such a toy can fall and be injured by it. Again, tots like to put things in their mouths, so sharp edges could cut their lips, gums or tongues.

Any Electric Or Heating Elements?

Only children 8 years of age or over should receive electric toys with heating elements. Don't be tempted to buy these for a younger child just because they would be fun to play with.

Find Out What's Been Recalled

Before setting out on a toy shopping trip, find out which have been recalled. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission can tell you at http://www.cpsc.gov or call toll-free (800) 638-2772. You might be surprised to find that some of the leading toy makers have had toys recalled. Some toys on the recall list include:

* Woody Dolls (distributed by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts) -- the doll's buttons can detach and pose a choking hazard for young children.

* Little People Animal Sounds Farm (by Fisher-Price) -- the screws on stall doors can come off, posing a choking or aspiration hazard. One child aspirated a screw into his lungs, requiring emergency surgery.

* Drumsticks sold with toy drum sets (by Battat Incorporated) -- the end piece of the drumstick handle can break off, and the screw at the end of the drumstick can detach. Both pose a choking hazard.

Remove Dangerous Packaging Immediately

Watch for twist-ties that keep toys secure in their packages. They keep the toy looking good on the shelf, but become a hazard when the toy is removed from the package. Also check older siblings' toys for them. They need to be properly discarded to avoid any danger to a younger child. On Christmas morning, you can eliminate a suffocation hazard to your tot by immediately throwing away all plastic wrappings from the toys.

Do Your Research

Popular toys that children are clamoring for are hard to resist. Just do your research first. Keep the holidays happy and safe for your children.

Painkiller - Rock Band 2 Expert Drums - 5GS* w/ Ions with All Cymbals

READ THE DESCRIPTION FIRST!! I'm getting too many stupid comments. Song: Painkiller Artist: Judas Priest Well, this will be my third video of me playing Painkiller, each one progressively getting better. This will probably be the last solo drum video of this song I do until I FC it. I was able to get gold stars on this song shortly after I uploaded my last video, but I was too lazy to ever record it. I'm working on getting 100% on that last solo, I have yet to do it. I've nailed the first one, but once I can FC that last solo, I'm sure I will be able to FC the song soon. I only showed the footcam for the first solo, being that's where my most intense foot movements for this song happen. I would have kept it for the whole song, but I didn't have very much room in the shot to show my foot without blocking myself, the drums or the chart. Thanks to my new DVD recorder, I can now record with more ease and in higher quality instead recording with an old VCR with terrible quality. Another thing that's changed is the intro sequence. I felt that it needed a face-lift, not that there wasn't anything wrong with the incredibly nerdy old one. I also have Twitter now. Occasionally I post good scores so add me if you have it. twitter.com My IONS are set up fairly similar to that of a real drum set. I now currently use two different types of electronic cymbals. All three Ion cymbals I've had eventually broke. You may also notice that I've gotten a new 16" ride cymbal from Pintech. I use ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUyC4-Q1D_o&hl=en

Justin Amos boom solo

This is a drum set solo I wrote for my final project during my senior year of college last fall. ATTN: this solo was not written to show off my ability or fancy chops! That video will come in the near future. This is a collaboration of the many techniques I learned through my experience with college ensembles and drumline. In this solo you will find 21 of the standard rudiments applied to the full set. You will also hear a few Dream Theater and Metallica licks as well. For more info, check out drummerjustin myspace.com / contact me personally.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLMc23kHLJ0&hl=en

Drums - Do You Know Everything About It?

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Drums belong to the percussion family of instruments and have been around for as long as people can remember. If one were to look far enough back in history, they would probably find that people would beat on logs to make a sound. Drums have also been used by many people in ceremonies and ritualistic dances. Since then, the drum has grown and evolved as people have demanded more from the drum. In fact, the greatest advancements to the drum have possibly been made in the 1900s, when blues, jazz, rock and roll and other new forms of music that required the use of multiple drums throughout the song, though people were already experimenting with some changes to the drum in the late 1800s.

Today, a typical drum set or drum kit is composed of a number of different drums and cymbals. Most of the drums and cymbals in the set or kit are struck with sticks, mallets or brushes, while the rest of them are struck by using a foot pedal. It was in the late 1800s that the foot pedal was designed and used for the drums, while most of the other advancements to the drums occurred during the 1900s. One might wonder why there have been so many changes to the drums and why they would need to be so complex. Just think about the music that is being played and listened to in the world today. When paying extra, close attention to the different individual sounds present in the music, one will notice that there are numerous different drum sounds in the song that adds to it.

There are many people who want to learn the drums and take lessons, but few will be able to succeed at playing the drums just right. Many play them just fine and play the drums for fun on their spare time. With the complex drum set and kits out there today, a person has to focus and practice to be able to keep track of what they are doing.

It takes some talent and skill to be able to multi task the way that a drummer needs to. A person has to be able to use each hand for a different drum much of the time, and they have to be able to keep everything in sync. Many people have tried playing the drums but have been unable to manage so they will turn to something else.

Another reason why many people might not choose the drums is that a good kit can be fairly expensive, especially if it is bought new. Younger, newer drummers who are just starting to learn how to play and how to keep pace will attempt to buy used drum kits and sets instead.

Most will avoid purchasing a new drum set or kit until they are sure that they are serious musicians who want to continue playing. It must also be noted that like most other instruments, higher quality drum kits and sets will often cost more than lower quality ones.

Jason McGerr - Interview and Performance

Death Cab for Cutie drummer from Hudson Music interviewed on his approach to drums.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3XBlAkANyc&hl=en

Sweating Bullets (Guitar Hero 5 Expert + Drums Sightread)

First things first. I know I'm not the best Rock Band/Guitar Hero drummer in the world and I'm not trying to be. I'm just uploading my videos for friends and family to view so please leave the "you suck" comments at the door. Having said that, I just bought a Hauppauge HD PVR and I was really itching to try it out. Most, if not all, of the videos that I'll be uploading will be in HD. Some people will have problems viewing videos in HD due to older/slower computers. If the videos seem to be choppy or laggy then this is most likely your problem. Some of the common questions I'm expecting to get are: Question: What type of drum kit are you using? Answer: I'm using an ION Drum Rocker. Question: What type of bass pedal are you using? Answer: I'm using a Roland KD-8 kick trigger and a kickbox. Question: Do you play real drums? Answer: No. I've never touched a set of drums in my life until I started playing Rock Band. Question: How did you get a gold drum icon Answer: You get a gold icon for finishing the ESL (Endless Set List) on hard. You get a platinum for finishing expert and an inverted icon for finishing on medium. Question: Which system do you play on? Answer: I play Rock Band on my 360, however, I do own a PS3 too. Question: What's your gamer tag? Answer: Whetzel (on both systems) Thanks for watching and if you would like to you can subscribe because I plan on uploading more videos as I get time. Some videos will be fc's, some will be Gold Stars and some will probably ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWbyHLM3MUs&hl=en

Working From Home - A Refreshing Alternative

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Presently there are lots of choices for an individual attempting to work from his or her home. The numerous types of work in the home jobs indicates there's something for everybody. An individual should first determine which kind of work from home career they really want to uncover. This will likely make getting a work from home job simpler.

Sales job opportunities are usually one of the greatest work at home choices. You will find direct sales jobs in which an individual keeps an inventory and also markets the items. An example associated with this kind of sales work can be cosmetic product sales. You can also find sales job opportunities where the individual sells items which are then shipped from the primary corporation. Frequently these kinds of jobs are usually known as affiliate programs. Additionally, there are opportunities to market via online auctions. Another kind of sales job can be on the telephone. The standard telesales job has become a well-known work from home alternative. Sales aren't for everybody, however people who work in sales discover there's incredible income generating possibilities.

An additional work from home career type is support services. A number of these jobs are usually on the phone. The standard work from home customer support telephone job requires answering incoming phone calls from individuals needing to purchase through online catalogs or even off a TV advertisement. Customer support may also include such niche work as clairvoyant reader jobs or even adult telephone line work.

Writing has become an excellent marketplace for work from home careers. The marketplace for web page content material is flourishing and lots of individuals are discovering this kind of work from home job fits them nicely. There's also resume writings opportunities as well as advertising writing. Writing work from home careers handle a sizable variety of industries and opens up numerous opportunities.

Typing positions have become well-known at the same time. For a number of these positions experience is necessary simply because they have been in set market locations such as medical or even law. Typing work opportunities are frequently known as transcription. There are actually very few opportunities in a work at home typing situation for somebody with no training.

These are several excellent samples of types of work in your own home careers. Virtually any job can be carried out from your home using the technology currently available. There are numerous possibilities for an individual who has a basic idea of what they wish to accomplish with a home-based career.

Make Learning Shapes Fun With Kids Crafts

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Learning shapes is a fundamental skill toddlers and preschool children learn early in life. Shapes are all around us in everyday items like the television, drinking glasses and even windows in our houses. But learning to recognize the many different shapes is not always easy for toddlers.
 
As parents, grandparents and daycare providers, we can help kids learn shapes while having lots of fun. Kids of all ages love to create and make things with their own hands and these kids craft ideas are a perfect way to incorporate some fun and lots of learning.
 
Shapes Crafts for Kids
 
When learning shapes, kids generally start with the basic shapes like circles, squares, triangles, etc. So think of anything that has these basic shapes and then turn it into a kids craft idea. For instance, using simple craft supplies like construction paper, scissors and glue you can make many different shapes crafts.
 
Here are some quick ideas for shapes crafts that you can do with your kids.
 
A House of Shapes
 
Cut out basic house shapes with different colored construction paper. Use a square or rectangle for the house, a triangle for the roof and several circles, ovals, smaller squares and rectangles for the parts of the house.
 
Then have the kids glue the house together on a piece of paper. They can use ovals, circles or whatever shape for the windows. Have them name the shapes as they glue their house together.
 
Animal Shapes Crafts
 
Kids can create many animals, insects and fish using some of the basic shapes. For instance, create a cute angel fish using triangle shapes to form the body, tail and fins. Penguins are all the rage right now and your kids can put one together with a few oval shapes and a circle for the head. Use black and white construction paper or craft foam and you can have a cute penguin in no time. Glue them to a popsicle stick and you have an instant puppet.
 
Inexpensive Crafts to Learn Shapes
 
Kids craft ideas do not have to be expensive or even use your typical craft supplies. Instead recycle some of your household items to make many different shaped crafts. Reuse an empty coffee can to make a simple drum. The circle shape of the can is perfect for creating a drum set. Just cover the can with construction paper, decorate and put the lid back on. Then use some wooden dowels or BBQ skewers and some wooden beads to create your drum sticks. If you don't have wooden beads you can even use marshmallows. Just stick the marshmallow on the end of the stick. You can even paint them which will help seal the gooey treat. Keep in mind, these drumsticks are not for eating. 
 
Use paper plates to create a king or queen's crown. Cut out several triangles from the middle of the plate and then decorate with glitter glue, beads and ribbon and they have a king or queen's crown they can wear.
 
Get out the old newspapers and create a Paper Mache craft. Paper Mache is a great way to create many different shaped crafts. You can create an oval shaped Easter egg by blowing up a balloon (into an oval shape) and then just start laying your Paper Mache together. Once everything is dried, just decorate and you have a finished craft. 
 
Shapes Activities
 
Learning shapes with kids crafts are a great way to get the children involved and having fun while they learn. You can also add many shapes activities for kids to help reinforce their learning.  Create several flash cards with different shapes and have them play "concentration" or matching the shapes with the cards.
 
You can even reinvent those old favorite childhood games like "red light, green light". Instead of the child calling out red light, green light, give them two shapes to call out and one shape would mean go and the other would mean stop. Another kid's activity idea for learning shapes is to place different objects around the house. Then ask your child to find all square shaped objects, and then circle shapes, etc.
 
Another great way to help with their learning is with fun songs or lyrics. Studies show that by adding a catchy tune or lyrics children are able to retain the information better. Rather you use kids craft ideas, activities, a catchy song or a combination of all of these, you and your kids will have fun while they learn their shapes.

The Top 10 Reasons Why You Suck At Playing Guitar

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You don't 'need' to play guitar enough.

If you desire to become a great guitarist, you have to want it badly enough to sacrifice other parts of your life to devote to practice.

This doesn't mean you have to give up your social life and never take the guitar out of your hands until your Jimi Hendrix...

But it does mean you need to set aside time to practice and commit to actually it.

If you really want to learn guitar then you shouldn't feel the need to put it off till later to make time for some television!

You have limiting beliefs about your ability.

Believe it or not, many people have hidden limiting beliefs which stop them from progressing into the guitarists they want to be.

Do your friends/spouse/parents knock you and think you're wasting your time?
Don't let anyone put you off from doing something that's important to you.

Even the greatest players had to start somewhere! There is no such thing as 'natural ability'. Nobody was born playing guitar, they had to learn too. So don't be hard on yourself if you can't play as well as you'd like just yet - and don't let anyone stop you from trying.

Don't listen to anyone's negativity!

You don't know how to practice.

Practice just isn't as simple as you have been led to believe. Many people just get their guitar and run through some exercises, a song, or a guitar tab the same way they have done it hundreds of times before, and they just aren't getting any benefit or improvement from doing that. So you need to know how to practice effectively.

You don't put enough time aside for practice.

If you want to get really good on guitar, then you need to be setting a side a set period of time each day or each week for practice.

It's okay to vary it from week to week if you like, but you have to commit to actually practicing regularly otherwise it's going to take you much more time to improve.

You don't set goals.

It's important to have some kind of goal in your practice. How can you get anywhere without first knowing where you're going? By setting yourself targets to aim for in your practice, you will get their much faster.

You Don't focus on one thing at a Time.

You need to have some focus when you practice. You need to be aware of what you're trying to do, and not trying to learn too many things at once.

Many people try to learn too many songs, too many tabs, or too many guitar method books all at the same time and suffer from information overload.

How many songs can you play a part of, but not the whole thing? You need to focus on one thing at a time!

You Don't Play Slowly Enough At First

It's important not to just play something as fast as possible, or as fast as you have heard some other guy play it on the radio. You need to take things slow - and play slowly enough so you don't keep making mistakes.

You Try To Learn Things You Aren't Ready For

It's important that you know you're capabilities. This isn't to say you shouldn't strive to improve, but you must remember to start at the beginning.

You can't take any short-cuts without having to pay for it in the long-run.

You're Taking Lessons From Someone Who Can't Teach

You may have a friend who can play guitar, or some guy down the road used to give lessons 25 years ago - but just because someone can play guitar, doesn't actually mean they have the skills to teach guitar.

The two things are actually very different. And if you're not learning from someone who knows how to teach, you could be causing yourself more problems than your solving by having lessons from this person.

You Don't Have A Good Guitar

You don't need to break the bank by getting that $1000 guitar just yet, but you at least need a fairly decent guitar that will inspire you to pick it up and play it!

Many of the cheap starter packs for beginners just aren't up to scratch, and cause many budding guitar players to give up in frustration without giving it a fair chance.

The Death-Defying Warehouse Party Life - An Interview by 'William of Orange'

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About an entire local music industry that's rarely heard from, briefly navigated by a remote being that coalesces, rarely, around music scenes and their absurd atrocities; published by "The Stranger" weekly newspaper of Seattle, WA.

Sonny Chelf is the orneriest house party producer I know who hails from Tacoma. In fact, he's the only such producer I know from Tacoma. Most of those kind of guys hang about the Seattle area, drifting back and forth in their musical skeins and ongoing search for monetary angles.

Jason Alley's from Issaquah. They both operate forklifts in warehouses for their real livings. And I met them over coffee awhile ago at Starbucks on Broadway for a happy, peppy interview with two of the greater Seattle area's own warehouse party producers.

Sonny, casual, relaxed and vivacious, wore "Portuguese" golden earrings; Jason, soft-spoken and shy, wore a diamond-blue ball cap over his sweet blue eyes and blond hair. Sonny is fair and Black, but doesn't sound that way until you press him, and then a trickle of southern Blacklish begins to filter in, conversationally speaking.

How long have you been involved in the warehouse game, I suddenly ask.

Sonny: The first part of this took place in 1981. That was in Germany. Parties in Germany used more hype. Parties here seem to be more about money and competition.

Jason: I joined TUF Productions for the last party. I joined with another party than ours...some producers have a different agenda than others...(indicating Sonny, giggling.)

What is your agenda? I asked the cute black dude.

Sonny: First we sit there and have a headache. Nah, usually I like to find a space first. That's kind of a last minute thing you have to do.

Jason: There's been a lot of problems with the city. The city is pushing hard to shut the shows down.

Sonny: There was a battle over permits being in order.

Jason: The city would threaten to take the house over.

Sonny: Yeah.

Jason: The city would intimate that a party would be through. The owners of the building would refuse to rent to those who produced shows, for fear their properties would have police action taken against them.

These statements led to general murmurings amongst us.

So, whatever is your "agenda" now, I softly inquired.

Sonny: (About) the agenda? Line up the DJs!!! They come from everywhere, basically. When we produce a flyer, we try to promote it (the party) day in and day out. During that time, we finish producing the rest of the show. Lights, sound, security, permits, "etcetera." And then it's showtime! I like to get in a building at noon, but it never happens. Just to fine-tune the building! (He laughed, sliding slowly backwards in his seat.)

Jason: If we have decorations, some people put up fences. (I never found out what "fences" are.) It needs all completed. The sound system usually arrives in the middle of things.

We joked around about the house movement...."Yeah, the houses are moving!!!" as I'm not much of a raver m'self, yet. The joints do indeed jump.

What message to others, anyway, do you guys have to impart?

Jason: Positive energy.

Sonny: Peace, love, joining one another together. But after the party comes the teardown. I hate it, but it has to be done.

I asked Sonny if that's his real name. Yes, it is. He was wearing a hunting cap, Polynesian earrings, and he vaguely resembled a certain letter of the alphabet due to his glasses.

Jason's blue ball cap was fastidiously reversed. Two more either-bread and mayonnaise guys could not be found, but they were definitely having to skirt the law.

I finally found out what happened last spring, which had been the current House Party Mystery Scenario.

Sonny: A dividing of the whole scene here occurred. There were occurrences of two parties being thrown on the same night. Something had to stop. Seattle's not that big. It's not that good here, we need more party room. Evolution (back in October, and partially run by a close relative of mine named Joachim, incidentally) just had 1500 people. It was over 15, really.

Jason: We had over 1200. But Seattle is not really a good indicator. In LA (what doesn't begin, end, and stall out in LA?) they have BIG huge parties, with a couple hundred thousand people, easily.

A couple...what? I stupifiedly intoned, slurping my Starbucks. That couldn't be real, I thought, they'd need a football stadium...which they have, somewhere.

I dreamed to myself, the party interview vortex has been reentered. I've been being told that everyone and no one ever interviews these warehouse party guys. Now I see why. No one ever believes them when they talk about the party sizes.

Sonny then said he begged in on things with Jason through a mutual friend of theirs named Tim. On Tim, Sonny said, "we've talked to Tim. How're you?" This, referring to my earlier interview more on the Seattle end of things, with Joachim. Tim, there, is not a part of the company anymore. I guess that's the party vortex for you.

Sonny next managed to imitate the world's blandest, meekest expression, which was already on Jason's wan, pink face.

Jason: All I have to say is we hope people keep supporting the shows.

Sonny: I'm the quiet person of all this. I like to come in like the wind and leave...like...the wind....

Jason: I like to be around the people. I like to be around the friends. (I always got the impression this is a tightly-knit, hard-to-enter crowd. But I asked them about making a living at it.)

Sonny: I like to be around this for the money. If I didn't do this for the money, I wouldn't do it.

It feels like I've learned, after several interviews with Seattle/Tacoma's warehouse partying folks, that there's no money in this, really. Off the last shows, they don't seem to have made a dime.

PeaceFrog's Civilization party in November barely broke even, in fact losing at least $200. One of the PeaceFrog producers told me only about half the people coming in even paid. I don't think Joachim got his cut at all. But their group is still plugging away at making the lively, eventful, and appreciably loud parties continue to happen.

Sonny said, the way I feel...it might make the WRONG money...(I think he meant the probably drug revenues from hangers-on selling at the parties.) Me, I broke in with: But, what if you were, say, normal?

Jason: Good point.

Sonny: What if everybody else was like what's on the street, already there. (Recall that Sonny's Black, please.) You're gonna get 'em "thowed in jay-al." I've done two (parties) in Tacoma (an infamously Black establishment, in some ways.) There's a problem with that. Seattle people don't travel. The Dome is too commercial. This isn't...a commercial event...that I do.

Go to shows, Sonny said. I have a real job. I work, in a warehouse, driving forklifts. I'm a laborer. Saturday nights are my date. That's the party date. (He pretty much implied this is his social life. I am forced to think both Sonny and Jason are house-devoted, maximally.)

After this pleasant, caring interview time was spent, one happy writer left those two fine, unrude, music-bestrewed dudes to hit their next appointment in town. The memory lingers, but the music is fortunately elsewhere, waiting for the next party to begin. From the sound of things, I would suggest checking out LA, if I were you.

Welcome to Acid Music Studio

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Your system requirements for acid music studio are an 800 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM and 200 MB for total install. Acid music studio uses a very easy pick and paint loop system. All you need is to pick a loop and paint it into your workspace. The number of tracks allowed a massive music studio is only limited by your computer's ability to handle. It uses a very easy to use loop selection system. You have a window that you select your loops from. When loading loops it is best to use organization because it uses a simple file and folder selection system.

Acid music studio works with 70 to 200 beats per minute. This allows you to take most any loop and make it sound quite different. By using various effects you can make a small number of loops sound like a very large library of loops. Acidized loops have built-in information about the loops normal beats per minute and its normal pitch. By using acid music studio you can change both the beats per minute and pitch easily.

The program contains a very easy-to-use split tool. This allows you to take any loop and chop it up for customization. It also contains a tool called the chopper. The chopper does the same thing as the split tool only is far more in depth. By using it's also easy to use copy and paste tools. You can take one loop and use it to create your own customized loops.

Acid music studio also has built-in MIDI and synth program add-ins. It also includes live recording capability. These features I have not used much but intend to do so in the future. I will convey my findings in my blog. I'm looking forward to using them more with the exception of the built-in recording capability because I use other software for those functions.

Pitch shift, pan envelope and volume envelope. Pitch shift allows you to change the pitch of a loop. This allows you to take one loop and make it sound different. Much like the changing the beats per minute this allows you to take a small collection of loops and make it seem much larger. Pan envelope allows you to move the sound within the stereo field. The stereo field is your ability to hear left and right and directly in front. This would typically be called a 2.0 speaker set-up. By moving the sound of your track or individual loops from left to right or center. You change the effect of what people will be hearing. This is your most important tool. When you watch a movie in a theater and you hear the sound move all around you, this is action in the stereo field. In music this is used to give a more lifelike sound. When recording drums the position of the drums in a typical drum set will be taken into account. Bass kick in the middle, and other drums arranged from left to right. This gives a sensation of actually being in front of the drum kit. Volume envelope is your other most important tool probably more important than any other. It allows you to change the volume of each individual track, also giving a more lifelike feeling by giving contrast to each individual track or loop. For example in rock music the guitars bass and other instruments will be louder when they are only playing by themselves, and will all become quieter during singing or vocal tracks.

One last nice thing about acid music studio movie I'll talk about here. Is its ability to render in 13 different types of sound files. With 11 templates. This allows you to control exactly how big a file and how nice you want to finished product to sound on your computer. The file sizes range from raw audio, MP3s, Windows player audio files. Etc. Each file type allowing you to control the size of the file. And the quality at which you wish to save it. Lower file size equals less quality. These file formats work by removing certain aspects of the song which normally unhearable, do contain aspects of how you hear the song and make it sound better. Think of how singing in the bathroom sounds. The type of walls used, and close space gives a very nice tone to singing. And while parts of what you are hearing are not completely audible they do add vibration which you feel. Converting to MP3, removes really extreme levels of these sounds and sensations. Strictly speaking this does not lower the level of the music's quality a great deal. But for those who like real good quality recording it will be a noticeable difference.

Quik-Tips Pt.4 "More Horsepower for your Kit"

This is Vol.4 of the Quik-Tip series with 4 new ways to increase "Horsepower" for your kit. Bob plays a nice opening solo for your entertainment



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKXCrnb46aA&hl=en

Reasons To Learn To Play The Drums

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Learning to play a musical instrument has many benefits. Although the research is inconclusive, many researchers believe that exposure to music and learning to play an instrument may increase your IQ and sharpen your memory. In short, learning a musical instrument can make you a bit smarter.

In addition, learning a new skill requires work and endurance, and learning to play a musical instrument is no exception to that rule. Endurance requires discipline, and when these qualities are acquired, no doubt you will have every reason to have a healthy sense of pride knowing that you have indeed achieved a great thing and had some fun in the process.

Now, that we have enough reasons as to why taking up a musical instrument is a great idea, we are presented with another dilemma. What musical instrument do you want to learn to play? With so many instruments to choose from, it is not an easy decision to make. Yes, this is the part of the article where I try to persuade you into thinking that the drum set is the greatest invention ever, next to sliced bread of course.

Being One With the Beat

While every musical instrument requires that you have a sense of rhythm and beat, the beat takes on a different meaning if you are a drummer. If you are in a band, you know that the drummer sets the tone for the whole band while they are playing.

Although in the background, the drummer takes the lead and controls the beat and timing for the rest of the members. Drumming teaches you when to take the lead, how to be in union and harmony with a team, and essentially how to be one with the beat of any song.

Workout and Physical Exertion

Drumming requires a lot of movement, and even though you are seated on a stool, you still get a great workout. Your hands gently clench the drumsticks as you thrust your wrists back and forth while methodically hitting the hi-hats and snare, and occasionally (or very frequently depending on your style) you heave and stretch your arms forward and back reaching to hit tom toms, crashes, splashes, and rides making for awesome fills and rolls. Your feet control the bass drum and the hi-hat, and these also require much movement. In addition, the rest of your body cannot help but to live in the moment and sway and groove to the melodies that are being created.

Yes, drumming requires constant movement which gives you a major workout benefit. So, it is safe to say that you may very possibly be able to lose weight and get in better physical shape if you do choose to take up drumming.

Coordination

Can you rub your stomach with one hand while patting your head with the other? Well, drumming can require two-way, three-way, and even four-way coordination. If you want to increase your coordination and dexterity, learning to drum can help you.

Learning to play an instrument can be fun, while at the same time you are able to acquire skills and develop good qualities. If I have not got you pumped on taking up drumming, I will settle with being able to persuade you with learning to play a musical instrument. We would all be able to survive without music. However, things will be fairly dull. Music adds flavor and color to life, so enjoy it in any way that you are able to.

The Final Countdown by Europe (Lego: Rock Band Expert Drums)

DON'T ASK HOW I GOT THE GAME EARLY! Sightread for me :) If you have any request for me, feel free and I will try to put a video up, not guaranteeing an FC though. Want free DLC? moourl.com Dosurveys, earn points, and get Microsoft Points, Playstation Cards or Wii Points! Read this and don't ask the same questions over and over, thank you. Q. What drum set do you use? A. Goodwoods and a Rock Pedal. Q. What do you use to record your videos? A. easycap, $20 on ebay and it gets the job done. Q. Why are your videos laggy sometimes? A. My computer isn't that great. Q. What game system do you play on and what is your Gamertag? A. Xbox 360 and if you really feel like it, add me - Justinpwnsu Check out these videos also www.youtube.com www.youtube.com Also check out these awesome sites www.rockpedal.com www.goodwoodmods.com www.rockbandparts.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFRw0_I6Zdg&hl=en

Karaoke Machines - Features And Fun

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There are many different types of karaoke machines on the market today. Whether you are planning a party, or simply want to entertain a few friends, there is a karaoke machine out there to fit your needs. While many people are using computers for this purpose, there are still many advantages to owning an actual karaoke machine. Portability is, perhaps, one of the biggest advantages, as it allows you to transport the machine from one location to another both quickly and easily. It also allows you to set it up in different rooms of the house in order to accommodate the varying number of participating guests.

There are several features to look for when deciding to purchase a karaoke machine, many of which are now standard and, are therefore, found on many machines. Still, you should be aware of the features you want, and check to see that the machine you purchase has them.

A basic karaoke machine consists of audio input for connecting external electronic audio devices such as tape decks, CD players, and now, MP3 players, a means of altering the pitch of the actual music, (not the pitch of the singer's voice), and an audio output so that others can hear the music and singer.

Some lower end machines include a feature which allows you to play a standard song on the machine and suppress the singer's voice so that it isn't heard. This, however, is generally ineffective as it often decreases the quality of the music, and often times distorts the overall sound. This can be especially problematic if the singer is being recorded.

At least one microphone input is also included, and many machines come with a mic. Higher end karaoke machines also come equipped with a method for connecting it to another type of machine that will allow video encoding. This will enable the lyrics to be displayed on a screen so that the performer may read them while singing. This feature is typically found in bars and clubs that offer karaoke, but is now commonly done at home as well.

While many karaoke machines were equipped with two tape decks, thus allowing singers to record their performances while using karaoke backups already pre-recorded on another cassette, the machines of today typically include one tape deck and a CD player. Recording your performance still isn't a problem, since most backups are now available on CD, which has become standard.

Should I Buy the Best Monster Drum Set Or the Best Small Drum Kit?

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Wondering whether to buy the best monster drum set or the best small drum kit? This is an important question that deserves utmost attention when you are in the market for buying the best drums. It can be very exciting buying a drum set. I equate it to a young child allowed to pick out a toy from a toy store, so many things to choose from. You may even want to have a set-up like your favorite drum artist. In any event, we will explore some areas that may help in your purchasing decision.

How much money are you willing to spend?

This question alone may serve to help your decision regarding the purchase. Granted, a monster set (9 piece or more) will most likely cost more than a smaller drum kit, especially if it is one of the top brand name sets. To add into the costs, you will probably need some drum accessories and drum parts such as tension screws drum and cymbal cases. Cost may not be a problem for some but for others this bit of information may be all that they need.

Storage and set-up

Storing and setting up can be a problem for both the monster and the small drum set. Space is a commodity and the more there is, the less cramped you will be. You might want to keep in mind the amount of time for breakdown and set-up.

Transporting the kit

Transporting your set to gigs, studios, or rehearsals will require a vehicle that can manage all of the equipment. Most often, drummers have to move their own equipment (unless you are famous and have roadies do it for you). This can be a bit of a challenge if your band is performing with other bands. This would require bands to set-up and breakdown quickly.

Performing

What style of music do you like to play? Maybe you enjoy rock, in which you may settle for a monster kit or a small set for jazz performing. Though, there are some famous drummers that will have monster sets for jazz and smaller sets for rock. You will have to investigate what works best for you.

Take your time

We have just explored some of the key factors in helping you to determine your drum purchase. Take your time with this process so that you will have a good foundation in your decision. Once you have come to a resolution, enjoy the journey of buying your new drum set.