Acclaimed Michael Jackson/Jeff Beck Guitarist to visit the Institute

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Jennifer Batten, most recognised for her time as Michael Jackson’s guitarist over three world tours, will visit the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in Kilburn to give an exclusive masterclass to students, on Thursday 31st May.

Jennifer rose from the guitar underground in the 1980s, becoming acclaimed for her savvy musicianship and highly original approach to the electric guitar. The major turning point in her career however came when she was selected from over one hundred guitarists to play in Michael Jackson’s highly skilled band, which toured the world for one and a half years playing for over four and a half million people.

In the spring of ’92, shortly after the releasing her own album – ‘Above, Below, and Beyond’ – she was asked again to join Michael Jackson for his ‘Dangerous’ tour. In January ’93, she joined Jackson to partake in Superbowl XXVII’s half time entertainment which aired to 1.5 billion people in 80 nations. It was the largest audience in television history. She completed her second solo record, ‘Jennifer Batten’s Tribal Rage~Momentum’, just before she was asked to join Michael Jackson once more for his two-year world tour supporting his double album ‘HIStory’ in 1997.

In the spring of ‘98 the legendary Jeff Beck asked Jennifer to join his band. They joined forces for three years on the CD’s ‘Who Else’, and ‘You Had It Coming’ which were both supported by world tours. Other guest appearances include CD’s with Carmine Appice, Michael Sembello, Carl Anderson, Carina Alfie and several rock tributes.

Jennifer has authored two music books and has just released her third solo CD/DVD entitled ‘Whatever’. With this third effort, she has ventured into electronica, vocal samples, and film and is supporting the release with a multimedia one woman show, playing guitar in synch with projected self made films.

It is this multimedia show that will begin Jennifer’s masterclass at the Institute, after which she will talk about her career and experiences, based on questions the students ask.

For more information on this event or courses at the Institute, contact us directly:

Posted in Education, Events, Guitar

Mackie’s DL1608 in the Field with Dierks Bentley and Brad

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Planet-Musician

When Mackie launched the DL1608 Digital Live Mixer with iPad Control at NAMM earlier this year it turned more than a few heads in the industry. This full featured, 16-channel mixer introduced an entirely new take on live sound with its groundbreaking new paradigm – complete iPad control. As Mackie gears up for the launch of the DL1608’s Master Fader control app in June and the arrival of the DL1608 in stores worldwide later this summer, they’re field testing the app by putting it in the hands of front of house engineers in a wide range of real world scenarios.

Most recently, the DL1608 got some face-time with FOH engineers for Dierks Bentley and Brad (Stone Gossard, Shawn Smith, Regan Hagar, Jeremy Toback). Both engineers used the DL1608 for the first time on April 21, 2012 at Seattle independent music store, Easy Street Records. The live show was part of national Record Store Day, an annual celebration where 700 independently owned record stores collaborate with musicians to celebrate the art of music. Easy Street Records features a small venue with a maximum capacity of 750 people that commonly hosts afternoon shows with touring artists scheduled for headlining shows at larger Seattle venues later that evening.  With an extremely tight front of house space, the venue demands a compact mixer solution that can guarantee premium sound and give the engineer massive control.

Both FOH engineers, Pugs (Dierks Bentley) and Barrett Jones (Brad), had time for only a quick tutorial before their 30-minute sound checks.  Normally a FOH engineer wouldn’t touch a digital mixer they’ve never used  just minutes before a show (especially since this performance would be streaming live on Sirius Satellite Radio), but in this case both engineers found the user interface intuitive and comprehensive, with all the functionality they expect in a digital mixer. “Although I had never used this mixer before, it was straight forward, easy to use, and well laid out,” said Barrett Jones.

Besides having an intuitive interface that was easy to navigate with little instruction, another huge benefit of the DL1608 is the ability to control the mixer from anywhere in the venue. “It was great to be able to tweak the monitors from each monitor position on stage with the iPad controller… the ability to mix the show while walking around the floor was really nice,” said Jones.

During the 10-hour day, which featured performances by four bands in total, the DL1608 performed without a hitch and Mackie received tremendous hands-on insight from the engineers. These real world field tests are an essential part of Mackie’s product design process. Stress testing the hardware in a variety of conditions ensures the DL1608 hardware will work reliably for customers. In addition, real world feedback on the Master Fader control application will shape future updates as it continually evolves through simple app store updates, adding value to the DL1608.

The Master Fader app will be available free in the iOS-App Store in June 2012. Mackie will also soon premiere a DL1608 video podcast series offering tons of great information about the DL1608, including all the basics, advanced how-to’s, and tips and tricks. Later episodes will specifically respond to questions that customers pose to Mackie’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. The DL1608 video podcast series will start in May 2012 in iTunes. The DL1608 will begin shipping in Summer 2012.

Posted in Digital, Live Sound, Mixers, News, Production, Technology

Rockschool announces Competition to win Fender Telecaster, Jazz Bass and Mapex Saturn Snare

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Rockschool, the leading accredited provider of rock and pop exams worldwide, are giving three lucky winners the opportunity to win one of the three instruments used on their 2012 Syllabus Book covers. The new 2012-2018 Syllabus has just been launched and to help celebrate the introduction Rockschool are announcing this special competition with a chance to win the following top musical instruments:

  • Fender: Standard Telecaster – Arctic White with Maple Neck
  • Fender: Standard Jazz Bass Guitar – Arctic White with Maple Neck
  • Mapex 14 x 5.5 Saturn snare in Arctic white with black hardware

The new 2012-2018 Guitar, Bass and Drums Syllabus are the culmination of 21 years of experience and understanding of rock and pop music education. Material for the new Syllabus was recorded in one of the United Kingdom’s top studios and every track features live instrumentation and first-rate performances from world-class musicians. These include Grammy award winning legendary guitarist Larry Carlton, top session drummer Jason Bowld (Pitchshifter, Bullet For My Valentine) and session great percussionist Nir Z whose credits include Genesis, Chris Cornell and John Mayer to name a few!

To be in with a chance of winning one of the three instruments head to the Rockschool Site and answer the simple questions provided. The 2012-2018 Rockschool Guitar, Bass and Drums Syllabus is now available to buy from Music Room See http://www.musicroom.com/Search/Find.aspx?searchtext=Rockschool.

Posted in Bass, Drums & Percussion, Education, Guitar, Special Offers

Learn To Play John Mayer – a new DVD from Lick Library

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Lick Library present Learn To Play John Mayer, a double DVD set of over three hours of guitar lessons of great blues from this much admired singer, songwriter. John Mayer’s playing has been likened to the legendary blues guitarist Eric Clapton for his laid back, harmonically astute smooth blues sound.

Learn to Play John Mayer (RRP £24.99) provides note for note lessons to five songs; the uniquely tuned Neon from the platinum selling Room For Square Album and the contagious, mid tempo Bigger Than My Body from John’s second album Heavier Things. Next come the bittersweet Slow Dancing In A Burning Room, the easy going bluesy Gravity and the melancholic Stop This Train from the Grammy award winning Continuum album.

Helping you through the guitar lesson is the highly sought after freelance guitarist and producer Mike Casswell. He strips five classic John Mayer tracks back to the bare notes and takes you through them, step by step as you build the song together and learn to play guitar in John Mayer’s bluesy manner. The screen is split so that not only can you see what Mike is doing on the fret board, but you can also see how he emulates John Mayer’s unique strumming technique.

As well as Learn To Play John Mayer, Lick Library has also recorded John Mayer Jam Trax (£9.99), full backing tracks for each song using live musicians. Both of these are available from www.licklibrary.com. Alternatively buy the Perfect Partner Set (RRP £29.98) and save £5.00.

Posted in DVD, Education, Guitar

ModernBeats releases ‘Radio MAX’ Music Loops

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Packed with over 200 Pop Radio music loops, 600 files in 3 formats (WAV/AIFF/REX2), and 814MB in size, ModernBeats releases the ‘Radio MAX’ loop library. The loopset was designed at the popular Top-40 Radio tempo of 120BPM and provides 10 construction-style multi-track Radio/Pop/R&B/Dance music themes with up to 4 variations per theme: “Hook 1″, “Hook 2″, “Verse 1″, and “Verse 2″.

‘Radio MAX’ features a wide array of chart-topping Pop R&B Dance radio performances in the style of platinum Pop R&B Dance music artists such as Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Katy Perry, Madonna, Ke$ha, Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, and more. All loops mix-match seamlessly together in a construction-style layout allowing for full mixing control and arrangement.

Radio MAX Music Loops – Multi-Track Instruments Included:

  • Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Bells, Analog Bass, Arpeggio Synths
  • Brass Section, Breath Sound Effects, Chorus Synths, Choir Pads
  • Electric Guitar, Ensemble Strings, Glide Bass, Guitar Harmonics
  • Horns Section, Marcato Strings, Muted Guitar, Portamento Synths
  • Phaser Pads, Piano, Staccato Strings, Saw Synth Leads
  • Square Synth Leads, Sync Synths, Synth Bells, Synth Pads
  • Synth Sound Effects, Violins, Vocoder FX, & Vocal Sound FX

Radio MAX Loops is offered as a download, priced at just $39.95. For more information plus audio demos, visit: http://www.modernbeats.com/loopsets.php.

Posted in Audio, Loops, Samples

Avid Releases Latest Version of Sibelius First; The Fastest, Easiest Way to Write and Share Music

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Planet-Musician

New innovative design, incredible included sounds and comprehensive sharing options make Sibelius First the premiere solution for beginning notation and composition

Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced the release of Sibelius First, the easiest and most intuitive way for aspiring composers, songwriters, arrangers and students to write and share music.

Sibelius First combines the Sibelius Student and Sibelius First notation products into a single easy-to-use, powerful, and fun music composition tool. The new Sibelius First takes advantage of the features introduced by Avid’s Sibelius 7, including a task-oriented UI specifically designed to guide you through the creative process, exceptional playback and sound quality, 64-bit technology and support for the latest operating systems—plus new video export functionality, online publishing, and direct sharing to YouTube, SoundCloud, and Facebook, and more.

Sibelius First’s standout features include:

  • Easy-to-use interface: Using Sibelius First is faster and easier than ever, thanks to a refined, task-oriented user interface that makes it possible to get great results without prior experience
  • Enter notes the way you want: Choose from scanning, transcribing, or MIDI import to quickly get your ideas into Sibelius First—now with full MusicXML interchange for transferring your music into and out of other applications
  • Exclusive Sound Library: Includes a premium sound library so you can hear your compositions played back in amazing detail on high-quality sampled instruments, and produce better quality exports
  • Full 64-bit support: Unlock the full power of your 64-bit computer, and directly address more than 4GB of RAM
  • Smart tools: no engraving or notation expertise required to get great results. Magnetic layout and dynamic parts make it easy to produce and tailor your scores to suit musicians of all kinds
  • Take your scores on the go: Sibelius First scores can be added to the score library on the Avid Scorch app (sold separately)
  • Exciting new social media and video sharing options: Users can easily export compositions as videos and publish their work to social media websites (YouTube, SoundCloud, Facebook) along with traditional print, email, or audio exports

Availability and Pricing

Sibelius First software is available now for £99 GBP / €120 EURO and multi-seat 5 packs are available for £239 / €291. Current Sibelius First and Sibelius Student customers may take advantage of upgrade options for £29.99/€39.To learn more visit Sibelius online. For purchasing inquiries, please visit the Sibelius Store.

Posted in Computer, Recording, Sheet Music, Software, Song Writing, Technology

Protection Racket sign Peter Erskine

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Protection Racket proudly welcomes Grammy award winning Peter Erskine to the Family. Peter is a world-renowned highly skilled session drummer in a wide and varied number of musical settings including big band, jazz-rock / fusion groups, theatre, dance, film and television.

Peter is famous for his dedication to time keeping and recognised by his refined rhythms, individual fills and powerful solos. So much so that readers of Modern Drummer have now voted Peter Jazz Drummer of the year an amazing ten times. He was a member of the jazz-fusion band, Weather Report and has worked with many famous artists including Steely Dan, Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell.

Protection Racket cases provide lightweight and tough protection on the road, perfect for busy hardworking drummers like Peter. They all come with ergo dynamic grab handles, sturdy straps, strong chunky zips and soft fleecy linings. They keep your drums warm in cold weather, dry when it rains, ding & scratch free when on the move and even polish you’re drums whilst in transit!

To find out more about the Protection Racket range and their endorsees visit www.protectionracket.co.uk.

Posted in Cases, Drums & Percussion, News

Orange Music Electronic Company Ltd Awarded Third Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2012

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Orange Music Electronic Company Ltd (OMEC) has been awarded, for the third time in six years, the coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade. The company is one of the most recognised guitar amplifier manufacturers in the world.

This great honour is made in recognition of OMEC’s outstanding achievement having grown its export sales by 90% since their last award in 2009. They now sell to over 80 countries worldwide.

In the six years since receiving its first award, OMEC has launched many new and innovative products, expanded into the computer market and celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Managing Director Damon Waller commented ‘We are especially proud to be presented with this Award in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year, and we aim to continue doing what we do best, designing, building and creating new innovative products and building the  brand.

Cliff Cooper, founder and CEO, also commented, saying “It was always our dream for Orange Amplification to become a truly global company and, with factories in three Continents and a worldwide distribution network, to now receive the accolade of the Queens Award for the third time is so very special. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff around the world who with their dedication and enthusiasm have made this possible.

Posted in Amplification, Guitar, News

Invite to Special Drum Channel Live Music Event To Support The Fender Music Foundation 26th April

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Planet-Musician

On April 26th, the Fender Music Foundation, is hosting its first online benefit concert “Save Music Education” in partnership with ReverbNation. The event will take place on “virtual” stages (via Stageit.com) throughout the country on Thursday, April 26, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Proceeds to The Fender Music Foundation will support the organization’s mission to provide musical instruments to music programs in need across the United States. I am a board member and I know they do great work in getting instruments to kids who cannot afford them.

Full Press Release:
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-fender-music-foundation-hosts-online-benefit-concert-on-stageit-in-partnership-with-reverbnation-and-heineken-144607275.html

DrumChannel.com is supporting the foundation by streaming a special concert at 6 pm on April 26 from our Drum Channel studio live on Stageit.com. The evening will feature Gannin Arnold on guitar (producer, song writer member of Taylor Hawkins band Coattail Riders); Tim Landers on bass (legendary studio bass player) and an list of all-star drummers including: Terry Bozzio (Modern Drummer Hall of Fame, Frank Zappa alumni drummer), Alex Acuna (legendary studio musician), Cobus Potgieter (most viewed drummer on YouTube), along with some surprises.

Posted in Drums & Percussion, Events

Lick Library Release Jam With Joe Bonamassa

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Planet-Musician

Lick Library’s Jam With Joe Bonamassa shows you how to get that unique mix of seventies hard rock and British pure electric blues rock with a double DVD set of guitar lessons.

The track lessons are by Danny Gill, former Joe Satriani pupil and teacher at MI Hollywood. Jam With Joe Bonamassa (£27.99) breaks down the classic blues-rock of Bridge To Better Days and Joe’s interpretation of the Led Zeppelin track Tea For One. Danny than takes a look at the upbeat electric rave up that is Sloe Gin, the hard rocking Story Of A Quarryman and sparklingly vibrant guitar notes of The Ballard Of Joe Henry with its zepplinesque rhythm. The last two tracks are more recent covers of Bobby Parker’s Steal Your Heart Away with a solo to make you weep and Jeff Beck’s Spanish Boots, which Joe Bonamassa has transformed with his excellent arrangement skills.

If you want to learn more about playing in the style of Joe Bonamassa, check out the Quick Licks Joe Bonamassa DVD, which is full of up-tempo blues riffs in the key of G. Both of these DVDs are available from www.licklibrary.com.

Posted in DVD, Education, Guitar