Metal Guitarist Andy James to host exclusive masterclass at the Institute

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The Guitar Institute (part of London’s  Institute of Contemporary Music Performance) is proud to welcome one of the UK’s leading metal guitarists, Andy James, for an intimate and exclusive guitar masterclass focusing on techniques and musical creativity at their London facility on Friday 30th September 2011.

Andy James is a master technician and a major contributor to the Lick Library in heavy rock and metal styles. As a songwriter he shows creative flare and originality, having recently released his debut self-titled solo album through Transcend Music.  Now endorsed by Blackstar Amplification, ESP Guitars and Rotosound, Andy can be found holding workshops and masterclasses as far afield as N.A.M.M. and it has just been confirmed that 2011 will see Andy release his very own custom signature ESP guitar.

Andy will be talking with students from the Institute about his experience, the development of his technique and the importance of originality and creativity as a musician. A graduate of the Guitar Institute in 2004, Andy has a wealth of knowledge to impart on how to build a career as a musician during your studies and after graduating. Having recently been voted in the top 20 of all time shredders by TruthInShredding.com, one of the world’s most popular specialist guitar website, this is a masterclass not to be missed.

Following the masterclass, Andy will also be joined by his band, Sacred Mother Tongue, for a live gig at the Good Ship, Kilburn. The set will comprise material from Sacred Mother Tongue’s new album, as well as tracks from Andy’s self-titled album release, including the leading track ‘War March’ and critics’ choice ‘Burn it Down’.

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

Posted in Education, Events, News

Institute to support 2011 Songfest event

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance is delighted to announce that it will be supporting this year’s Songfest event, which is set to return for a second year after an explosive start in 2010.

Organised by BASCA (British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, the campaigning organisation also known for hosting the Ivor Novello Awards) Songfest will this year take place at the Bedford in Balham, London, a venue synonymous with promoting new, up-and-coming songwriting talent and a venue regularly used by Institute students. Aimed at the Ivor Novello-winning songwriters of the future, Songfest gives attendees the chance to learn from the professionals, network with industry executives and develop their song writing skills.

Speakers already confirmed for this year’s extravaganza include: Chris Difford (Squeeze); Nerina Pallot; MOBO-nominated acts Omar and Mike Hough; beatboxer extraordinaire Shlomo; world renowned producer Steve Levine; newcomers and youtube sensations Sam Beeton and Dan Priddy; Pete Kirtley (songwriter with Guy Chambers, Ryan Tedder and Kim Wilde) and Bill Padley (songwriter and producer with Sheryl Crow, the Fugees, Ronan Keating, Blue, Atomic Kitten).

Each panel and session has been carefully curated to appeal to the next generation of songwriters and includes ‘The Secrets of the Chart-Toppers: What makes a No.1 Hit Record?’; ‘The Craft of Songwriting’; ‘Common Pitfalls of Signing Deals’; ‘Tips on Bedroom Recording’; ‘Self-Promotion and Making Money’; and ‘How to Become a You Tube sensation!’

Delegates will also be given the opportunity to network with professionals and executives working in the British music industry. Each day will end with a live music showcase at the Bedford. Tickets are on sale now exclusively via We Got Tickets. Day tickets cost £20. Tickets for the entire three days cost £50.

For further information, please contact:

Posted in Education, Events, News

Patchbanks release Raw Southern Horns

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Patchbanks presents another long awaited horn collection containing 100+ bangin’ loops—strictly for producing massive bass-filled southern beats. Inside you’ll find selective sounds of big stab hooks, brass sections, solo horns and our new 3-in-1 harmony compositions that gives you a big ensemble mix ready to go! No turning back on this one, it’s the hot collection every producer wants right now.

  • Quantity: 100+ Loops
  • File Type: Wav
  • Music Styles: Dirty South, Hip Hop
  • Bpm Range: 60-88 Bpm
  • Price: $24.95 CAN

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

Posted in Audio, Loops, Samples

Drum Channel ‘Secrets From the Pros’ Drum Lessons

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Drum Channel’s ‘Secrets from the Pros’ series features the best drummers and teachers in the world! This goldmine of drumming instruction sees these top pros share their playing secrets with you in an extensive and in-depth library of videos where you can learn to play drums when you want, at the speed you need, in the style of music you enjoy.

The series features over fifty lessons, with the unsurpassed Thomas Pridgen, legendary Jim Chapin, Chad Smith, Gregg Bissonette, Peter Erskine and many, many more. The drum lessons cover every aspect of playing the drums from the basics for beginners to the more complicated techniques and rudiments for the advanced players looking to refine their skills. The lessons get in close and show you how to set up your drums and tune them properly, explain the different ways you can hold the sticks, they demonstrate hand and feet approaches, give details on how to keep the beat / time, whilst also revealing the use of the valuable tips and hard won tricks. Different styles of music – jazz, rock, and funk – are used throughout the lessons to illustrate the techniques being discussed.

You can dip in and out of the lessons when you want and you can view them over and over again – until you get it nailed. Each teacher takes you through the lesson a step at a time, explaining clearly what they are doing as they go along. You can use these lessons to prepare you for private instruction or support your existing lessons or simply get you ready for more Drum Channel lessons.

The All Access Membership Pass Plan gives you the right of entry to this wealth of drumming lessons and countless other learning aids such as Master Classes with top professional drummers, videos of the greats playing, shows where the leading drummers of the day talk about what they love best – drumming! The All Access Membership Pass Plans are available in one of three ways – choose which arrangement suits you the most. There is a recurring monthly subscription of $4.99, a six month non-recurring subscription – and get a month free at $24.95, or a twelve month non-recurring subscription – and get two months free at $49.90. You can even try before you buy. There are lots 10 FREE lessons, some covering the basics, others describe more advanced techniques.

Remember the more you learn the more fun it will be, and on Drum Channel you can learn from the best drummers in the world.

Newsflash: Coming soon lessons with Neil Peart and Freddie Gruber.

Available exclusively through Drum Channel go to https://drumchannel.ssl.subhub.com/subscribe/signupform to find out more.

Posted in Drums & Percussion, Education

Institute graduate ‘Daughter’ plays Reading Festival

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance is delighted to announce that songwriting graduate Elena Tonra, aka ‘Daughter’, has made her mark on the big stage with two outstanding performances at Reading and Leeds festivals.

Featured on the world-renowned ‘BBC Introducing’ stage, Daughter performed to a jam-packed tent, and received great feedback from a crowd who were more than ready to appreciate her soaring melodies and angelic vocals. Previous acts that have performed on BBC’s Introducing stage include Florence and the Machine, Biffy Clyro, Ed Sheeran, and Everything Everything.

After reaching #3 in the Most Popular Song Chart, Daughter were thrust in to the spotlight once again, gaining their first national radio play on BBC 6 Music w/ Tom Robinson and first national radio session on Jo Good’s BBC London. Stakes were raised once again when The Independent’s Barometer column tipped her as a’ One to Watch’ because of “beautifully-sung, literary folk” and “ethereal melancholy”.

Daughter was chosen by the BBC to feature on their Introducing Stage along with other top up and coming artists from the UK. It’s a fantastic achievement and we’re sure it’s only the start of a very bright future for her. The Institute would like to congratulate Elena and wish her all the best with her career.

For more information on this announcement or information about how you can follow in Elena’s footsteps by joining a course at the Institute please contact us directly:

Posted in Education, News

Orange Amps Signs New Endorsee’s Both Sides Of The Atlantic

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Planet-Musician

2011 has been a fantastic year for Orange Amps with top artists from both sides of the Atlantic becoming part of the growing Orange Amp endorsee roster. The great new signings represent some of the finest, award-winning and innovative talent in the industry today, covering all music genres.

Joining the Orange Amps ranks are Tom Peterson of Cheap Trick, a band ranked number twenty five in VH1’s list of 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. Then we have Earl Slick, guitarist with an incredible history who has worked with David Bowie and is now playing in the critically acclaimed New York Dolls.

Also coming to the Orange Amp roster is Tommy Henriksen the guitarist with the Alice Cooper band – inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2011. In addition there are also Scott Holiday, Robin Everhart from the Rival Sons who are currently nominated for Best New Band and Album of the year at the forthcoming Classic Rock awards.

Further signings include Grammy award winning bands with Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park and Fred Durst with Limp Bizkit. In addition there is also Frankie Poullain with The Darkness, recently reformed and headlined the Download festival this year and James Alexander O’Gorman from the 2011 Ivor Novello nominated band Scouting for Girls.

Finally Orange have signed Maciek Ofstad,  Bjarte Lund Rolland, Vidar Landa from the Norwegian band Kvelertak who were presented with two Spellemann Awards—a prestigious Norwegian music award similar to the American Grammy Award—for Best Newcomer and Best Rock Band.

To see the full list of new artist’s signings which includes over thirty more new bands please visit the Orange website at www.orangeamps.com.

Posted in Amplification, Artists, Guitar, News

Issue Four iGuitar magazine features Joe Bonamassa plus hours of Guitar Lessons

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Issue four of the free digital Magazine iGuitar is now live and is packed with over 180 pages of video interviews, guitar lessons and gear reviews. The latest issue features an exclusive interview with the great blues legend Joe Bonamassa, including a special blues masterclass with Danny Gill and an in-depth Bonamassa gear section including Joe’s very own Lazy J amp and a full analysis and review of the fabulously rare and expensive ‘59 Gibson Les Paul. There’s even the ’59 Challenge – showing readers how to get Joe’s trademark sounds on a budget!

iGuitar four also includes an interview with fretless guitar king Guthrie Govan who talks about mastering these unique instruments. Other artists featured include over an hour’s video interview with the inspirational Bruce Welch from the Shadows and a profile of Roy Buchanan, inventor of the pinched harmonic.

With a huge catalogue of video lessons, Lick Library have included in this issue a wide range of columns featuring free to view tutorials on all styles. iGuitar is much more than a magazine you can read, these lessons feature some of the UK best guitar teachers giving you tips and easy to follow lessons in how to get better at playing the guitar.

Gear reviews in the latest issue include the new Stetsbar Pro II tremolo, Marshall Class 5, Epiphone Bonamassa Les Paul, Vintage MRJBM, Splawn Nitro 100 watt head, Orange TH30C, Lazy J J80 combo, Rickenbacker 330/12 12–string, Yamaha RGX 420DZ 2 guitar, Hughes & Kettner 60 DFX Edition Blue, Plutoneium Chi Wah Wah, Digitech Whammy DT, G&L 30th anniversary ASAT as more!

The dedicated acoustic ‘Quiet Room’ section reveals a newly filmed Collings guitars factory tour and an interview with the legendary Bill Collings, reviews of the Collings C10, Freshman Apollo 3DC and Washburn WD25 guitars plus a beginner’s fingerstyle guitar technique session with renowned virtuoso payer and teacher Giorgio Serci – the latest star signing to the iGuitar team.

iGuitar offers readers an exceptional experience with its dynamic design and layout, and its fully interactive multi media presentation. There’s a fantastic free to enter Rotosound competition in the latest issue to win strings for a year and you can also download free the TAB for all the features and lessons in the latest issue!

iGuitar is available free from www.iguitarmag.com/issue4 , no strings attached!

Posted in Guitar, News

Rotosound Endorsee John Renbourn to Appear At The London Acoustic Guitar Show 2011

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Rotosound are pleased to announce endorsee John Renbourn, founding member of Pentangle and acclaimed solo artist, will be joining them on the stand at the London Acoustic Guitar Show 2011, 10th and 11th September at 5 pm on the Saturday and at 10.30 on the Sunday.

World renowned instrumentalist John Renbourn career has spanned four decades and his prolific output as a highly respected solo artist continues unabated with the release this year of his critically acclaimed album Palermo Snow. He continues to tour, record and run workshops and will be also playing on the live stage at the London Acoustic show with Stefan Grossman.

Rotosound will be featuring a wide range of their acoustic, classical guitar strings and accessories on their stand at the show as well as having some great show offers. They will also be debuting at the show the award winning new Cooper guitar stand. This versatile, compact, and wooden guitar stand only weighs 16 ounces (500gms), can be opened with one hand and folds up to fit conveniently in gig bags or the headstock area of most guitar cases.

The Rotosound team are looking forward to meeting you at the show and also welcoming John Renbourn on their stand where you will have the opportunity to meet this great guitarist.

For more information about Rotosound and its endorsees visit www.rotosound.com.

Posted in Artists, Events, Guitar, Strings

Lick Library Bring You Learn To Play Metallica Vol. 3

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Lick Library guitar DVD learning experience just got even better with the release of Learn to Play Metallica Vol. 3. This DVD brings you more insight into how to play arguably some of the greatest riffs of all time.

Metallica are one of the most influential heavy metal bands today. With nine Grammy awards, five consecutive albums debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 charts, and more than one hundred million records sold worldwide. Keith Hammett is a renowned student of all things guitar; he even had lessons from Joe Satriani. He continues to bring a stunning array of lead guitar parts and mean riffs making Metallica’s more melodic with his controlled guitar work.

Helping you learn these killer riffs is the highly respected thrash metal guitarist Andy James. Andy, fresh from appearing at Download this year with his band Sacred Mother Tongue, is the perfect guitar teacher; ready to show you each song note for note, in meticulous detail with the patience and willingness to not be concerned when you don’t get it right first time and need to rewind. Andy talks calmly, using straightforward explanations, and the split screen makes his hand positions easily observed. Techniques covered in these guitar lessons include basic licks, alternate picking and bending, with the main focus being metal rhythm.

Learn to Play Metallica Vol. 3 (RRP £24.99) guitar tuition DVD takes a look at five of the best loved Metallica tracks. From the 1983 album, Kill ‘Em All, Andy takes you through the solos and unusual bending of Seek & Destroy. Next come For Whom The Bell Tolls and Creeping Death from the 1984 Album Ride the Lightening and then Harvester of Sorrows from the …..And Justice For All album. The fifth track is classic Wherever I May Roam, from the Metallica (Or The Black Album).

Then once you have learnt all the songs you can play along to them at home with the Metallica Jamtrax Vol. 3.

Also available at www.licklibrary.com are Learn to Play Metallica Vol.1 and Vol. 2, Metallica Jamtrax Vol.1 and Vol. 2 and Quick Licks: Kirk Hammett.

Posted in DVD, Education, Guitar

Avid Announces New M-Audio ultra portable Keystation Mini 32 Keyboard Controller and hot new look, sound for BX D2 Studio Monitors

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Introduces 32-key mini controller, delivering ultimate portable playability.
Advances best-selling M-Audio BX monitor line with new look, improved sound.

Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced the availability of the new M-Audio® Keystation Mini 32 ultra-portable keyboard controller, as well as the
M-Audio BX D2 studio monitor series—the next generation of the best-selling BX Deluxe family. These new offerings extend Avid’s commitment to deliver best-in-class quality, performance, and value to mobile musicians, producers, and video editors.

The Keystation Mini 32 is a 32-note, USB bus-powered keyboard controller designed for musicians on the go. Small enough to fit in a backpack, this ultra-portable controller delivers unmatched playability in its class, with features including:

  • 32 low-profile mini-keys, enabling musicians to play two-handed parts
  • Highly musical velocity curves, allowing keyboard sensitivity customization to individual playing styles
  • 4 assignable controls, including a knob, providing real-time control of DAW and virtual instrument functions
  • USB bus-powered, plug-and-play connectivity including iPad compatibility (iPad Camera Connection Kit required; check specific apps to verify MIDI support)

The BX D2 series monitors—comprised of the BX8 D2 and BX5 D2 models— flaunt a new look,and improved sound. These models from the best-selling line deliver a listening experience that’s true to the source, helping musicians, producers, and video editors create mixes that translate well across listening systems. Plus they look great. Along with the exceptional accuracy and sonic definition that studio and post-production professionals demand, the BX D2 series features:

  • Technology leveraged from high-end M-Audio monitors, providing enhanced acoustic performance, especially in the low-frequency range
  • Kevlar low-frequency drivers and waveguide-loaded silk dome tweeters, providing rich, defined bass and smooth, clear highs
  • The BX8 D2 features an 8” woofer and 130 watts of distributed power and the BX5 D2 is equipped with a 5” woofer and features 70 watts of distributed power, delivering cohesive, accurate sound
  • Optimized rear port, providing extended low-frequency response

“The M-Audio brand is leading the way in the mobile studio revolution,” said Tanguy Leborgne, Avid vice president of consumer products and solutions “Now, the new Keystation Mini 32 pushes the category further than ever before—giving on-the-go musicians a way to create great music and effects through an ultra-playable, ultra-portable design. In addition, the updated BX5 D2 and BX8 D2 monitors extend our best-selling studio monitor legacy, delivering the look and performance musicians and video editors demand.”

Availability and Pricing

Keystation Mini 32 is available from September in EMEA for £54.99 GBP / €63 EUR.
The BX5 D2 and BX8 D2 are available in EMEA now for £215 GBP / €255 EUR and £319 / €379, respectively. To learn more visit m-audio.com or shop.avid.com.

Posted in Keyboard, MIDI, Monitoring, Speakers, Studio