Friday, May 9, 2008
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Music Industry Newswire - News, Reviews, Events and Rants from the Music Business
   
Music Reviews
Music Review: Sheva
Music Review: Rob Kendt ‘I’m Not Sentimental’ - Too Much Talent is a Dangerous Thing
New CDs Take Music in All Directions
» More CD & Music Reviews
Software News
N.I. and Beatport Launch SYNC, a Free Music Playback Application
D’Accord Music Releases iChords 2.0 - Allows Musicians to Download and Recognize Files from Multiple Media Sources
Steinberg Introduces Nuendo 4 Advanced Audio and Post Production System
» More Software News
Gear News
iZotope Releases RX Plug-ins: Essential Tools for Cleaning and Restoring Audio
Four New KORE SoundPacks Announced by Native Instruments
Nocturn: The First Small Footprint Intelligent Plug-In Controller
» More Gear News
Interviews
Interview: Pure Harmony from DoubleVision
Interview: The Saga of Sheena Metal
Interview: Danielle Egnew - Rocker with Political Ideas and a Broadway Throat
» More Interviews
    
Most Popular Stories:
  • Audio Mastering: Top Ten Tips for Sonic Excellence - Part 1 - Getting Started
  • Steinberg Introduces Nuendo 4 Advanced Audio and Post Production System
  • N.I. and Beatport Launch SYNC, a Free Music Playback Application
  • Cakewalk Announces SONAR 7 DAW Now Shipping
  • Review: Western Digital My Book Premium Edition 500GB
  • Native Instruments Announces KONTAKT 3 Software Sampler
  • Apple Unveils Logic Studio - Major Upgrade to Logic Pro and Introduces MainStage
  • D'Accord Music Releases iChords 2.0 - Allows Musicians to Download and Recognize Files from Multiple Media Sources
  • Innovative Transcription Software Recognizes Chords From Any MP3 Music File
  • iZotope Technology Key to Platinum Notes
  •  

    Latest Stories from Music Industry Newswire
    Friday, May 9, 2008

    Interview: Pure Harmony from DoubleVision

    Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:14:45 -0700 PDT
    by Scott G - The G-Man - Staff Editor

    DoubleVisionINTERVIEW: When you hear the name DoubleVision, you may think it’s a byproduct of too much drinking. Instead, DoubleVision is a singing duo of identical twins from South Australia. Recording in a country-pop style, Candice and Nadinne are making waves down under and having a blast doing so.

    iZotope Releases RX Plug-ins: Essential Tools for Cleaning and Restoring Audio

    Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:16:07 -0700 PDT
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — iZotope, Inc., a leading innovator in audio signal processing technology, has released iZotope RX(TM) audio restoration plug-ins, featuring the essential tools for cleaning and restoring audio. Available for VST, Audio Unit, MAS, ProTools (RTAS, AudioSuite), and DirectX, the plug-ins are now included with the award-winning standalone version for the same price of $349.

    Streaming Music Industry Will Generate $70B Over Six Years, says Insight Research

    Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:46:15 -0700 PDT
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    BOONTON, N.J. — Streaming video and music distributed across the Internet, an IPTV network, or a mobile handset will generate $70 billion in network-derived and content-derived revenue into the US markets over the next six years, according to a new market research study from The Insight Research Corporation.

    Behind the Eye: Tascam ‘Portastud’ Recording Studio - Are You Stud Enough?

    Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:51:35 -0700 PDT
    by Christopher Laird Simmons - Staff Editor

    COLUMN: One of the most hilarious things I’ve seen online lately is at the online music store, Musicians Friend, which is selling a “mislabeled” version of the Tascam DP-02CF Portastudio, which has a mis-print on the actual recorder of “Portastud.”

    Kentucky Acoustic Rock Musician Spins Up Live 6-State Tour of… Laundry Mats?

    Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:22:14 -0700 PDT
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    BARDSTOWN, Ky. — An acoustic rock musician from Bardstown, Kentucky will embark on a month-long tour of laundry mats, spanning a number of cities in six states. Matthew Fogle kicks off the promotional expedition, aptly entitled “Spring Cleaning Tour ‘08″ on Monday, March 24th in his hometown of Bardstown. The tour then visits nearly 20 laundry mats in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, and other stops in Kentucky.

    Triumph from Tragedy: Self-Made Hip-Hop Artist SOLOW13 Spreads the TRUTH

    Thu, 28 Feb 2008 01:09:25 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Underground Mexican hip-hop artist/entrepreneur, SOLOW13, breaks the music game wide open by establishing his own label, TRUTH LOVES LA WFAMILIA, LLC or simply LAWFAMILIA, LLC. The new imprint is a collaborative partnership between SOLOW13 and famed West Coast label, Latin Thug Records - best known for being founded by Cypress Hill’s Sen Dog and home to the Reyes Brothers, B Real’s “Gunslinger” albums and many other notable releases.

    Music Critics Must Die: Taking the Maxim Magazine Approach to the Max

    Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:06:09 -0800 PST
    by Scott G - The G-Man - Staff Editor

    Scott G with Minarik SamhainCOLUMN: Scott G says we shouldn’t be too hard on Maxim magazine for reviewing an album they hadn’t heard. They are pioneers in a new form of rock journalism.

    Signatures Network and Live Nation Named in Wrongful Termination Suit Filed by Rukin Hyland Doria and Tindall

    Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:48:23 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The law firm of Rukin Hyland Doria & Tindall LLP has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the former CFO of Signatures Network Inc. (SNI) in California Superior Court (Case No. CGC-08-472337) charging that SNI wrongfully terminated him after he protested allegedly fraudulent practices at the company that deprived its musical artists of millions of dollars in royalty payments.

    Music Critics Must Die: The Death of Pro Tools & Other NAMM Events

    Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:10:04 -0800 PST
    by Scott G - The G-Man - Staff Editor

    Minarik InfernoCOLUMN: Scott G was happy to ogle the tons of software, DAWs, gadgets, guitars, and gear galore at the NAMM show, but an Apple demo seemed to predict the way the industry is moving.

    Willie Nelson Calls for Impeachment of Bush on The Alex Jones Show

    Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:09:43 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    Alex Jones ShowAUSTIN, Texas — American icon Willie Nelson says he supports efforts to impeach President Bush and “throw the bastards out,” adding that the administration will do anything to stay in power, including staging an event to cancel the election. In his second appearance this month, Nelson told The Alex Jones Show today that he supported Dennis Kucinich’s attempt to impeach Bush.

    Manhattan LAMN Jam Launches Tuesday, March 18: Artists Perform for $20,000 in Prizes

    Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:30:22 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Music Network’s “LAMN Jam” heads for the Big Apple. Launched three years ago in Los Angeles (where performances continue), LAMN Jams go beyond traditional showcases by featuring artists performing original songs, followed by instant professional critiques from a panel of industry experts. This year, artists will perform for $20,000 in prizes.

    Music Critics Must Die: Grammy Whammy

    Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:31:07 -0800 PST
    by Scott G - The G-Man - Staff Editor

    Dave Grohl of Foo FightersCOLUMN: Proving once more that bigger does not mean better, the 50th Grammy Awards event was bombastic, bumbling and bloated. Scott G watched and would have been appalled if he wasn’t so bored.

    JSM Music Celebrates Its Top 10 Super Bowl Ad Featuring Justin Timberlake

    Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:22:37 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    JSM Music IncNEW YORK, N.Y. — JSM Music, Inc., the largest commercial music production company in America, scored a major touch down at the Super Bowl having provided music for one of the top ad-spots during the game. JSM’s music was featured on Pepsi’s “Magnetic Attraction” advertisement which showcased the musical and acting talents of superstar performer Justin Timberlake.

    BETA Records Announces New Program to Sign 100 Indie Music Artists in 2008

    Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:23:12 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Rebelling against the current downturn for traditional record companies, Chris Honetschlaeger, President of BETA Records, has announced a new generation of record deal which partners the company with the artist in a non-exclusive three song contract and plans to sign 100 artists in 2008.

    Four New KORE SoundPacks Announced by Native Instruments

    Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:48:57 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    BERLIN and LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Native Instruments this week announced an upcoming expansion of its recently established KORE SOUNDPACK line, with four additional high-quality libraries scheduled for release in March. The new sound packs will offer a wide selection of inspiring, production-ready sound material for various musical applications and styles, ranging from state-of-the-art synthesizer sounds to highly authentic horns and versatile acoustic drums.

    Nocturn: The First Small Footprint Intelligent Plug-In Controller

    Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:27:35 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    Novation NocturnHIGH WYCOMBE, UK — Novation has announced the worldwide launch of Nocturn, their latest MIDI controller. Novation’s most affordable hardware controller to date, Nocturn promises to unleash the full potential of all your favourite instrument and effect plug-ins. Featuring the latest Automap Universal 2.0 software, exclusive to Novation controllers, Nocturn provides automatic, instant and intelligent control of all automatable plug-ins within every major sequencer, including Pro Tools.

    Cakewalk Expands Strategic Alliance with Roland

    Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:07:23 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    Cakewalk, maker of leading DAW application SONAR, has announced an expansion of their strategic relationship with Roland. According to the company, this is the natural progression of a relationship that goes back more than a decade. In 1995 Roland began distributing Cakewalk products in Japan.

    Cakewalk Releases Minimoog Tribute Expansion Pack for Rapture and SONAR 7 Customers

    Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:51:47 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    ANAHIEM, Calif. — WINTER NAMM 2008 — Cakewalk, the world’s leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, today announces The Minimoog Tribute Expansion Pack for Rapture and Rapture LE. Created by Craig Anderton, the Minimoog Tribute Expansion Pack pays tribute to Bob Moog’s legacy and pioneering work in the field of music synthesis.

    Crysonic Announces CryCoder Vocoder

    Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:32:18 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    ADELAIDE, Australia — Crysonic have announced their first new product of the year, CryCoder Vocoder, to be released this month including the availability of free Mac OS AU/VST versions of SINDO V1.0 and Spectra C1 for previous license holders.

    SOLOW13 Brings the Heat with His Debut CD Release on Latin Thug Records: WARRIOR13

    Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:46:59 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Latin Thug Records presents the debut album from ground-breaking artist SOLOW13. The album will be available in stores and online February 26, 2008. Produced by SOLOW13 and Aaron (T-Bone) Boatright, the project represents a lifetime of work and experiences from this breaking talent. Legendary mastering engineer Brian “Big Bass” Gardner (Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop, Linkin Park, Madonna) mastered the project to create what will surely become a classic, iconic album.

    Reason 4 Tutorial DVD Released by ASK Video

    Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:06:38 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    ONTARIO, Canada — ASK Video Interactive Media, a leading creator of software tutorials on DVD, is now shipping a new DVD Video Tutorial featuring over five hours of instruction on Propellerhead’s Reason version 4.

    VirSyn Announces Next Generation Vocoder

    Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:52:54 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    PFINZTAL, Germany — VirSyn announced today the release of MATRIX - The Voice Coder, “The Vocoder for the 21st century.” MATRIX sets a new milestone in the long history of Vocoders started by Homer Dudley in 1936. This new application provides precise analog modelling 8-pole filters and extremely fast envelope followers for unprecedented resynthesis quality.

    Trombone Shorty Gives a Special Christmas Gift to New Orleans

    Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:00:57 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    NEW ORLEANS, La. — The newly built church was filled to its capacity of 1500 seats; people were seated in the aisles, standing in the doorways, and waiting in the hallway to hear the music. Traffic around the church was snarled and backed up for six blocks, as more people continued to make their way to hear Trombone Shorty, and his musical guests perform at a free Christmas concert at the First Baptist Church of New Orleans this past week, it was announced today by New Orleans Music Hall of Fame.

    FXpansion Announces BFD2 Drum Production Workstation

    Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:46:16 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    LONDON, U.K. — FXpansion Audio UK Ltd. announced today the availability of the new BFD version 2. BFD2 is the most powerful acoustic drum production workstation ever. New features include 10 full kits, extra snares, cymbals, and more; added detail - Multiple mic positions, expressive articulations, up to 96 velocity layers.

    Touring Musician Jacob Hill to Compete in Mister International 2007

    Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:03:08 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    BOSTON, Mass. — Jacob Hill, a 24-year-old songwriter, musician, and model from Plymouth, Massachusetts, will represent the United States in the second Mister International pageant to be held in Kuching, Malaysia from December 20 to 31. In May 2006, Hill was hand-selected by Critical Beauty, a pageant website and pageant consulting firm based in Boston, via an online casting.

    Native Instruments Offers Kontakt 3 Demo Version Download

    Sat, 15 Dec 2007 17:31:36 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    BERLIN, Germany — Native Instruments today announced that a demo version of KONTAKT 3, the latest version of its industry-leading software sampler, is now available. With its powerful high-resolution audio engine, comprehensive sound shaping capabilities, unique KSP script programming, and universal sample format compatibility, KONTAKT has established the cutting edge of sampling technology for music production, live performance and sound design.

    ASK Video Ships Second Cubase 4 Training Course on DVD

    Sat, 15 Dec 2007 17:10:06 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    ONTARIO, Canada — ASK Video Interactive Media, a leading creator of software tutorials on DVD, is now shipping the Cubase 4 Level 2 Training Course on DVD, the second DVD in a three part series. ASK Video Founder and former Steinberg Product Specialist Steve Kostrey is back in Cubase 4 Level 2 to cover everything from Advanced Editing, Advanced Mixing, Scoring, and Video to complete audio file management.

    Eiosis Releases the E2Deesser, the First in the Series of E2Processors

    Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:56:55 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    PARIS, France — The E2Deesser features Eiosis’ patented, exclusive processing structure and algorithm to bring you a new approach to de-essing. It allows the independent processing of sibilants inside vocal tracks in an extremely easy to use and efficient manner.

    Yamaha Releases MS Vista FireWire Updates for MOTIF XS and n Series Mixers

    Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:36:27 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    BUENA PARK, Calif. — Yamaha Corporation of America has released new drivers and firmware updates for their GO46 Mobile FireWire Audio Interface, MOTIF XS Synthesizer Workstation, and n Series FireWire Digital Mixing Studios.

    Notion Music Launches Second Annual Realize Music Challenge

    Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:29:38 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    GREENSBORO, N.C. — NOTION Music, Inc., creators of NOTION music composition and performance software, has kicked off the second annual Realize Music Challenge. Again this year, composers from around the world will submit an orchestral piece completed in NOTION software for a chance to win a recording session with the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra at the legendary Abbey Road Studios.

    Music Critics Must Die: Awards Show Season

    Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:11:44 -0800 PST
    by Scott G - The G-Man - Staff Editor

    Gianetta Marconi, dance music artistCOLUMN: Going behind the scenes and inside the shenanigans, Scott G peers through the smoke and tries to avoid the noise as he accompanies Giannetta Marconi to the Los Angeles Music Awards.

    Arturia Analog Factory 2.0 Now Shipping - Free Upgrade for Existing Users

    Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:23:12 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    MEYLAN, France — Version 2 of Analog Factory is now shippping from Arturia. Registered users of 1.0 can download this upgrade for free. With 3500 presets, improved management of the effects and up-to-date compatibility with all sequencers, Analog Factory 2.0 is the instrument of choice when quality sounds must be accessible through a simple workflow.

    Grandmaster Flash Switches to Traktor Scratch, Moves from Vinyl to Digital DJ System

    Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:00:28 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    BERLIN, Germany — Native Instruments and legendary hip hop artist Grandmaster Flash just announced a collaboration based on Flash’s recent decision to switch to TRAKTOR SCRATCH, finally making the move to a digital DJ system after three decades of pioneering vinyl DJing.

    Voice Coaches Education and Recording Studios Partners with Voices.com

    Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:32:15 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    NEW YORK, N.Y. — Voice Coaches, a voice over educational institution based in Schenectady, NY, has implemented a perfect way for their graduates to start their voice acting careers off by partnering with Voices.com, the industry’s online marketplace. Already trained and armed with a voice over demo, the grads from Voice Coaches will be able to manage their own website at Voices.com.

    B Real Brings the Heat with His New Release: The Gunslinger 3 - For A Few Dollars More

    Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:32:39 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Rap icon B Real of Cypress Hill brings the heat just in time to melt away those holiday blues with the release of his eagerly anticipated new mixtape, The Gunslinger 3: For A Few Dollars More on Latin Thug Records, available in stores and online December 11 across the USA.

    Powered Up Against Autism - Music Celebrities Come Out for the Cause

    Sat, 01 Dec 2007 16:46:12 -0800 PST
    by Christopher Laird Simmons - Staff Editor

    BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Nearly one hundred celebrities powered up and showed their support over two days for the fight against autism by signing a special edition BugE Personal EV Transport. The vehicle, built especially by Harvey Coachworks of Knoxville, MD., will be offered for auction on eBay.com from Dec 10th to Dec 20th to benefit Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against autism.

    AccessMusicNetwork Launches Internet Radio Toolkit

    Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:27:38 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — AccessMusicNetwork.com announced today a new and innovative Internet Radio software product being provided as a packaged toolkit for the Entertainment and Leisure marketplace. The company’s Internet Radio Station Toolkit for professionals is being introduced with several listening audiences and demographics in mind including women, teenagers, and seniors.

    BETA Records Partners with Audiobaba to Match Mainstream Music Artist Searches to Indie Talent

    Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:56:00 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Georg van Handel (CEO) and Chris Honetschlaeger (President) of BETA Records, LLC, announced today that they will partner with Audiobaba to match mainstream artist searches to unsigned artists. Using their proprietary acoustic fingerprinting technology.

    N.I. and Beatport Launch SYNC, a Free Music Playback Application

    Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:19:19 -0800 PST
    by Jesse JJ Jame - Staff Editor

    BERLIN, Germany — Native Instruments and Beatport recently unveiled Beatport SYNC, a free music playback application for Mac and Windows that provides a unique feature set for modern listening habits. Based on the groundbreaking TRAKTOR DJ software, Beatport SYNC combines powerful music management capabilities with basic DJ mixing functions.