Monthly Archives: May 2011

DW Launches Edge Magazine International

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Drum Workshop, Inc., American manufacturer of DW brand drums, pedals and hardware, and publisher of the industry-wide distributed publication, Edge Magazine, has recently announced the introduction of Edge Magazine International. The first issue of the web-published magazine is available via free PDF download now at www.dwdrums.com and features a variety of proprietary content from artists outside of the United States.

Drum Workshop Director of Marketing, Scott Donnell, comments, “We’re so incredibly fortunate to work with the caliber of high-profile drummers we do, both here in the States and overseas. Because our marketing efforts tend to be global and not tailored to each local market, drummers outside the US rarely receive the same level of visibility as internationally-known artists. The International Edge Magazine was the perfect chance to expose more amazing players to a world audience.”

The inaugural issue includes a cover story with Austrian drumming phenomena, Thomas Lang, features with Bertram Engel, Carlos Hercules and Bodo Stricker, lessons, new product releases from DW and PDP, and more. Edge International is slated for release on a semi-annual basis and will always be free to download.

Donnell adds, “We’re starting out in Western Europe, however we’re planning to expand our representation to South America, Asia, Eastern Bloc countries and maybe even the Middle East. We really want everyone to see how diverse and talented our family of artists has become over the years. We’ve partnered with www.drumpress.com, the German-based drummer’s website, to translate some of the features in to other languages. Digital marketing and social networking has allowed us to reach more drummers around the world, it’s up to us to take advantage of it.”

Drum Workshop, Inc. is an American manufacturer of professional drums, pedals and hardware. Many of the world’s top professionals, such as Sheila E., Mick Fleetwood, Neil Peart, Max Weinberg and Dave Grohl have made the DW brand “The Drummer’s Choice.” Drum Workshop is also home to Pacific Drums and Percussion, a full line of production drum and hardware products.

For further information, visit Drum Workshop, Inc. online at: www.dwdrums.com.

Posted in Drums & Percussion, News

Institute student Raphaella performs at UEFA Champions League Final 2011 celebration party

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance vocal Degree student Raphaella and her band performed at an exclusive private pre-match event for the UEFA Champions League at The Roundhouse in Camden on Friday 27th May.

Performing her own arrangement of the iconic Clash song ‘I’m Not Down’ as well as original material such as ‘Playing Games’, Raphaella and her band, which comprised of Institute student Dave Baker on bass and alumnus Jason Condison on drums, were accompanied by the Roundhouse Choir and a spectacular visual show from Silk Aerial artists.

After already headlining the Apple store as part of City Showcase 2011 and performing at the industry attended Music Week Awards, Raphaella is still set to headline prominent London venues ‘The Bowery’ and ‘The Bedford’ in the coming weeks.

For more information events and masterclasses at the Institute, contact us directly:

Posted in Education, Events

Troy D. Antunes to host Institute bass masterclass

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance is delighted to welcome one of the busiest bass players and Musical Directors in contemporary, commercial music, Troy D. Antunes, for an intimate and exclusive bass masterclass at their London facility on Tuesday 20th June 2011.

Those who may have read his cover story from this month’s Bass Guitar magazine will already know that Troy, who is also known as FunkySillohuette, has been an integral part of the music industry for over 20 years. He has worked with some of the most successful high-profile pop artist of recent times, including the Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Gloria Estefan, Marky Mark, Ciara and Samantha Mumba.

As a music producer Troy has developed the sound of a diverse range of artists from hip hop legend DMX to Liz McClarnon of Atomic Kitten and Bradley McIntosh, formally of the group S Club 7, for each of their solo projects.

Troy is now based in the UK where he runs FunkyViva Productions Ltd – a Production and Management company.

For more information on this Masterclass or other events at the Institute, contact us directly:

Posted in Bass, Education, Events

Mackie Expands Popular ProFX Mixer Series

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Offers increased channel count and compression for larger applications.

Mackie today announces two additions to its popular ProFX Compact Effects Mixer series — the ProFX16 and ProFX22. With increased channel count and useful tools like dedicated inline compression, both new models are perfect for mid-sized venues and bands looking for a do-it-all live sound solution.

“The ProFX line has always been about maximum utility,” said Matt Redmon, Mackie Product Manager.  “Now, with the new ProFX16 and ProFX22, larger applications can benefit from Mackie’s out-of-the-box live sound solution.”

Like all ProFX Series mixers, the new 16-channel ProFX16 and 22-channel ProFX22 deliver a host of features designed to eliminate the need for additional rackmount gear. On the front end, Mackie low-noise, high-headroom preamps work with LED metering and 60mm faders on each channel to keep levels in check. Every channel also features 3-band EQ. All ProFX mixers offer an integrated 32-bit RMFX™ effects processor with 16 “Gig-Ready” FX and a 7-band graphic EQ for simple tuning of mains or monitors. The built-in USB interface allows the user to record the show and stream back music for breaks or integration into the mix. A rugged, solid steel chassis with protective ABS sidecheeks offers superior impact-resistance. The new ProFX16 and ProFX22 not only increase the number of mic pres needed for larger applications, they also feature dedicated inline compression for simple, one-knob compression of critical vocals and instruments.

“They’re easy to operate, sound great and virtually eliminate the need for expensive, heavy outboard gear,” remarked Redmon. “They’re perfect for any performance venue, house of worship or band that needs a ton of professional tools and are on a budget.”

The new ProFX16 and ProFX22 join the popular ProFX Series, which also features the ultra-compact ProFX8 and ProFX12. Both new ProFX models will be available worldwide in Q2, 2011. Pricing is as follows: ProFX16 – Euro list price €599 Inc tax / UK list price of £499 Inc Vat, ProFX22 – Euro list price €799 Inc tax / UK list price of £699 Inc Vat. For more detailed product information, please visit www.mackie.com.

Posted in Audio, Effects, Mixers, Technology

Second issue of Guitar Interactive now launched

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Guitar Interactive, issue two is ready to take to the stage. The launch issue, distributed free by Lick Library, was the first truly interactive online magazine for guitarists, and this second issue is set to deliver an even more rewarding experience to the reader. It is packed full of a diverse range of articles and uses ground breaking technologies to provide readers with a special combination of information and inspiration.

Issue two leads with a video interview of Joe Satriani by his former pupil Danny Gill. The feature makes the most of using new on-line technology to supplement the interview with a series of guitar tuition videos showing you how to nail Joe’s style and technique. These videos have all the standard Lick Library hallmarks, the spilt screen showing what both of Danny’s hands are doing at the same time, the ability to replay time and time again, and of course Danny breaks it all down into easy to follow bite size pieces.

Next, bringing all these elements together, Guitar Interactive reviews Joe’s signature gear from Ibanez, Vox (Pedals) and Marshall. This feature also includes and excusive interview with the Marshall designer who personally handles the modifications to Joe’s amps.

This is followed by an appreciation of the late great Gary Moore by Jamie Humphries. Gary was acknowledged as one of the finest and most expressive blues and rock guitarists of his generation. With a natural soulful style, and an ability to play gloriously in many different fashions, he was widely respected across all genres. ‘Music’ he once said, ‘just flows through me.’ Who better than Jamie, one of Britain’s top rock guitarists and tutors to bring to life this hefty style analysis, as he walks you through an interactive celebration of this wonderful man.

Brand new to this second issue is an acoustic section. This fresh innovative section brings together an interview with Doyle Dykes, the master of the finger style of playing, plus exclusive footage of the show Doyle played for Taylor Guitars at NAMM 2011. Issue two also features over 50 pages of product reviews including guitars from Ibanez, Taylor, Martin and Schecter plus amps from Blackstar, Orange and pedals and effects from Line 6, Vox, Tascam, Rothwell and much much more.

All these fast paced articles are seamlessly linked with compelling columns, exciting editorials and of course even more reviews than were crammed into issue one.  You can investigate, by direct links, further technical specifications of the products being reviewed, check out advertiser’s websites directly, and email to friends or share via social networks anything that takes your fancy.

The debut issue proved a runaway success, attracting over 90,000 readers. Issue two builds on that success and has over 180 pages and features more than 4.5 hours of video content, promising to be an even bigger and better blockbuster.

Guitar Interactive is available free from www.iguitarmag.com/issue2 , no strings attached!

Posted in Guitar, News

Chad Smith, Neil Peart and Terry Bozzio TV Shows Now On Demand With Comcast

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Drum Channel is now available On Demand in 18 million Comcast Digital households on the A & R Channel. Three shows are already available and a new show will be added every month.

Viewers will be able to find the Drum Channel shows in the A & R Channel Originals Folder, in the music folder on VOD.  Comcast subscribers can access it by pressing 1 or VOD on their remote, then scrolling down to the music folder. The first three shows now available are:

  1. The Back Story – the drummers of Rush, Jethro Tull and Frank Zappa share their stories and wisdom. Neil Peart, Doane Perry and Terry Bozzio also perform an amazing drum improvisation.
  2. Alex Acuña Trio; Acuña-Hoff-Mathisen, three of the most accomplished musicians in the world. Alex Acuña played with Weather Report and performed on over 1000 soundtracks and records. They perform and discuss stories of rhythm and culture.
  3. The Chad Smith Show. Chad is the beat behind the Red Hot Chili Peppers, With guest Kenny Aronoff, (John Mellencamp) they talk and play with the Bombastic Meatbats, one of LA’s hottest bands.

Drum Channel works with the best drummers in the world and their shows offer hours of interviews, roundtable discussions, band concerts, drum jams, master classes and drum lessons. Drum Channel shows bring you exclusive and original content providing rare access to drumming legends which gives you a special opportunity to learn about their lives and the many tips and techniques they love to share.

Comcast is the largest cable operator, home internet service provider, and third largest home telephone service provider in the United States, providing cable television, broadband Internet, and telephone service to both residential and commercial customers in 39 states and the District of Columbia.

To find out more about Drum Channel Shows visit DrumChannel.com.

To find out more about Comcast visit Comcast.com.

Posted in Drums & Percussion, Education, Events

Patchbanks & Sound Co release Ultra Drums – Kick Drums

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Planet-Musician

For those in search of ultra-quality drum samples, search no further – as we present an impeccable collection of 101 selective kick drums suited for house, trance and electronic club music. Perfecting your kick can be tedious when your drum sample has been re-sampled, not recorded properly or rendered with distasteful compression/eq settings – which is why we’ve sourced only but the best analog and digital drum modules that were recorded, processed and mixed through high-end gear to offer the most raw and robust sound possible. Expect nothing but superb sound quality like you never heard before.

  • Quantity: 101 Drum Samples
  • File Type: Wav
  • Music Styles: House, Trance, Electro, Club
  • Price: $14.95

For demos and product info please visit www.patchbanks.com.

Posted in Drums & Percussion, Samples

Lick Library Present: Jam With Def Leppard Guitar Tuition DVD

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Lick Library wants to help you improve your guitar playing in 2011. With that in mind they have just released the Jam with Def Leppard guitar tuition double DVD complete with a CD of backing tracks to play along to. This DVD set takes you right from the early years through to more current tracks so you can really learn to play songs from one of the best selling bands in the world.

Def Leppard, who headline Download June 2011, are one of only five rock bands with two original studio albums selling over ten millions copies in the US, the other four being The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Van Halen. Their music is a multi-layered mixture of hard rock and pop, full of harmonic vocals and melodic guitar riffs. Their trade mark dual guitar sound arising from the inventive guitar orchestration of the ‘terror twins’ Steve Clark and Phil Collen. The combination of Steve ‘the riffmaster’ Clark and Phil Collen proved to be a perfect one. They challenged, complimented and inspired each other producing the ideal guitar tandem. Clark’s playing was rhythmic, melodic which contrasted and worked well with Collen’s more technical and precise approach.

Jam with Def Leppard (RRP £27.99) – brings you seven timeless Def Leppard tracks which includes Bring On the Heartbreak from their 1981 second album High ’n’ Dry. From Def Leppard’s third album Pyromania, released in 1983, Jamie Humphries takes a look at the all time great Photograph, which some consider the best pop metal song ever and Rock of Ages notable for the lack of guitar playing during the verses, but the choruses more than make up for that.  Also broken down into bite size pieces is the title track of the 1987 fourth album Hysteria, a mellow ballad with a clean guitar melody. This song has eleven guitar parts; Jamie concentrates on what you can hear and presents a hybrid you can play. Also from this album is the bands first top ten hit in the UK Animal, the song often regarded as the bands signature song Pour Some Sugar on Me and finally the wonderful power ballad Love Bites.

Jamie Humphries, one of the UK’s top rock guitarists, currently on tour with Brian May, presents the guitar tuition DVD. With the characteristic Lick Library split screen you can clearly see both of Jamie’s hands as he walks you through these tracks giving plain easy to understand explanations of what he is doing as he goes along. The set comes with a CD of all seven backing track so you can practice what you learn with a real band. Guitar tuition is at its best when you can go back, slow down, play along whenever and however you want, and that is exactly what this DVD allows you to do.

Going to Download this year? As well as Lick Library’s new DVD on the headliners Def Leppard they also have Guitar Tuition DVD’s on other Download bands including Avenge Sevenfold. To find out more about the full range of products visit www.licklibrary.com.

Posted in DVD, Education, Guitar

The Institute’s Robbie Boyd to play Beachbreak Live 2011

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance is proud to announce that songwriting alumnus Robbie Boyd has been booked to play at the 5th year anniversary of Beachbreak Live as part of the biggest line-up to date.

Robbie has been booked to play two different stages during the festival, the first performing a solo acoustic set and the second with his full band. Sir Tim Rice recently referred to Robbie as a “very talented new singer/songwriter with the ability to create original songs without losing the commercial touch,” after selecting and playing one of Robbie’s tracks ‘Oh Alaska’ on his BBC Radio 2 series, ‘My American Pie’. Having played venues such as the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire already, Robbie is well set to impress the crowds at Beachbreak Live 2011.

Beachbreak Live is billed as the pinnacle of summer festivals for students attracting over 20,000 people each day of the event which runs from Thursday 16th June to Sunday 19th June. Robbie will be joining acts such as Tinie Tempah, White Lies, We Are Scientists, Katy B, Ed Sheeran and Example on the bill.

For more information on the Festival including how to book your tickets, please visit: www.beachbreaklive.com

For more information on courses and events at the Institute, contact us directly:

Posted in Education, Events

Over 500 Drum Rudiments!!

Posted on May 14, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Popular drumming education web site – NinjaDrummist.com has finally reached over 500 Drum Rudiments in their Rudiment Encyclopedia!

This time last year, Lewis Partridge (the site’s founder) had compiled a list of around 300 rudiments based on 2 years of research into rudimental drumming culture and its history. Drummers from all over the world began to send in new rudiments to add to the list and now the encyclopedia contains over 500 sticking patterns!

In order to help you in learning and perfecting each drum rudiment, they have included easy to read examples, performance tips, free PDF sheet music and video tutorials. Lewis is also compiling a book containing all 500 drum rudiments in an educational work book style layout that will hopefully be released sometime next year!

There are currently 566 variations so far!

Do you know of any Drum Rudiments that are not listed in Lewis’ encyclopedia? Please contact Lewis and help to keep this educational resource complete and up to date.

Posted in Drums & Percussion, Education, Sheet Music, Snare Drums