Author: Christopher Laird Simmons

Chicago’s Jeff Fest Arts and Music Festival Creates Three Fun-Filled Days for Fest-Goers July 26-28, 2013

Christopher Laird Simmons

CHICAGO, Ill., July 10, 2013 (MuseWire) — Jeff Fest Arts and Music Festival features something for everyone from dancers to musicians, actors and artists, and a hands-on community paint project. The three-day festival kicks off Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28, 2013. Located on the grounds of Jefferson Memorial Park on Chicago’s Northwest side, Jeff Fest Arts and Music Festival has become one of Chicago’s most highly anticipated neighborhood music festivals of the summer.

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DiscWatcher REVIEW: A Good Day to Die Hard proves it’s time to let McClane ‘Die Easy’

Christopher Laird Simmons

REVIEW: It’s safe to say that “A Good Day to Die Hard” was on my “most wanted to see” list for films headed to Blu-ray for Spring 2013. However, to get to the heart of this review in the second sentence: this movie totally sucks. There are so many flubs, continuity problems, poor filmmaking, terrible […]

elysia expands 500 Series with xfilter 500 true stereo EQ

Christopher Laird Simmons

MuseWire: High-end studio processor manufacturer elysia is proud to announce availability of the xfilter 500, a true stereo EQ in 500 series format. The entire audio path of the xfilter 500 consists of 100% Class-A circuitry, resulting in an exceptionally open ‘boutique’ sound with impeccable transient projection and solid punch. These sensational sonic characteristics combine […]

XILS-lab launches XILS V+ virtual instrument and effects plug-in, recreates Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus

Christopher Laird Simmons

MuseWire: XILS-lab is proud to announce availability of its XILS V+ virtual instrument and effects plug-in, a faithful emulation of a well-known keyboard vocoder classic, as of May 27, 2013. Following a year of intense instrument modelling deep inside XILS-lab’s ear-opening laboratories, the XILS V+ virtual instrument and effects plug-in has finally emerged, sounding nigh […]

InfoComm Approves AV Networking World for RU Certification Credits

Christopher Laird Simmons

MuseWire: AV Networking World 2013, which will be held in Orlando, Florida on June 11, has been approved by InfoComm International as a CTS accredited training program. Certified Technology Specialists (CTSÒ) who participate in this informative networking training will be eligible to receive 4 RU Credits upon completion of the class. This free all-day training […]

Arturia memorialises Moog’s birthday with Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack promotion

Christopher Laird Simmons

MuseWire: Music software and hardware company Arturia is introducing a timely time- limited pricing promotion for its limited-edition Dr. Bob’s Collector Pack produced in collaboration with — and in aid of — The Bob Moog Foundation as a tribute to synthesizer pioneer Dr. Bob Moog who would have been 79 on May 23, 2013. Arturia’s […]

Focusrite Introduces Scarlett 18i8 and 6i6 USB 2.0 audio interfaces

Christopher Laird Simmons

MuseWire: Focusrite is pleased to announce the introduction of two new members of its Scarlett range of USB 2.0 audio interfaces: the Scarlett 18i8 (18 in, 8 out) and Scarlett 6i6 (6-in, 6-out). Both feature award-winning Focusrite mic pres, designed specifically for Focusrite’s computer music interfaces, and Focusrite’s renowned precision 24bit/96KHz conversion for maximum transparency. […]

UVI releases Demo Version of their Electro Suite collection dedicated to Electro, EDM and Dance music

Christopher Laird Simmons

MuseWire: UVI has released a Demo Version of their Electro Suite collection dedicated to Electro, EDM and Dance music. The 5 instruments of Electro Suite – DrumShaper, DirtyMONO, CarminePoly, SweepMachine and MissionControl – come packed with nearly 4.5 GB of sample material carefully recorded from over 2 decades of choice equipment at 24-bit / 96 […]

Waldorf boosts Rocket hardware synthesizer higher with free iOS app

Christopher Laird Simmons

MuseWire NEWS: Today, synthesizer developer Waldorf is proud to announce availability of Rocket Control, a free iOS assistant app for iPad that boosts the capabilities of its Rocket hardware synthesizer. Earlier this year, Waldorf went “hell for leather” (according to the company press release) to break the price/performance sound barrier when launching its revolutionary Rocket, […]

News: TC Electronic announces free Gary Lucas TonePrints

Christopher Laird Simmons

Risskov, Denmark (MuseWire) – The spotlight moves on to the next guitarist in the runaway success TonePrint series – and lands on Gary Lucas. Gary is a Grammy(R) -nominated songwriter, composer for film and television, and an international recording artist with over twenty solo albums to date. His TonePrints for Hall Of Fame reverb, Flashback […]

News: Native Instruments Introduces KAOZ THEORY Expansion for iMASCHINE

Christopher Laird Simmons

BERLIN (MuseWire) – Native Instruments today launched a new range of iMASCHINE Expansions with the release of KAOZ THEORY – created by the much-lauded DJ and producer Kerri ‘Kaoz’ Chandler. These new iMASCHINE Expansions will be created in collaboration with internationally renowned artists from different genres, and will be available for iMASCHINE only. Users can […]

News: ‘The Artist’s Guide to Success in the Music Business’ by Loren Weisman slated for national release in August

Christopher Laird Simmons

AUSTIN, Texas (MuseWire) — Greenleaf Press announces the upcoming release of ‘The Artist’s Guide to Success in the Music Business’ by Loren Weisman. ‘The Artist’s Guide to Success in the Music Business’ (ISBN: 978-1-60832-578-8, 7×9 Paperback, 446 pages, $19.95) will be available nationwide on August 13, 2013 and will be published simultaneously in an eBook edition (ISBN: 978-1-60832-579-5, $7.99) and an audio book edition.

Clay Aiken’s National Inclusion Project Receives 2013 Neotrope NonProfit PR Grant

Christopher Laird Simmons

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (MuseWire) — The National Inclusion Project, co-founded by entertainer Clay Aiken, is pleased to announce it is one of 10 recipients for 2013 of Neotrope’s annual J.L. Simmons Non-Profit PR Grant award. With this commitment, Neotrope(R) will provide public relations (PR) and cause-marketing support to the National Inclusion Project over the next year to raise awareness around its programs and accomplishments.

Who-do Review: Doctor Who ‘The Bells of Saint John’

Christopher Laird Simmons

REVIEW: Having grown up with Doctor Who in the ’70s here in California, where the local PBS stations would run the program on weekends, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of the “new Who” series (SERIES 1 to 7), and while it took me awhile to warm up to Matt Smith’s incarnation, I believe he’s now fully […]

Muse Research shipping rack-mount RECEPTOR QU4TTRO and RECEPTOR TRIO Music Systems

Christopher Laird Simmons

SAN JOSE, Calif. (MuseWire) — Music and audio technology developer Muse Research & Development is proud to announce availability of RECEPTOR QU4TTRO and RECEPTOR TRIO, the latest additions to its line of dedicated hardware plug-in players.

Electronic Synthesizer Pioneer Bob Moog Inducted Into Inventors Hall of Fame

Christopher Laird Simmons

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (MuseWire) — According to a newsletter from Moog Music today, “It is with great honor that we announce that Bob Moog is one of the United States Patent and Trademark Office 2013 National Inventors Hall of Fame inductees.” This is an honor that is bestowed to “individuals who conceived, patented, and advanced so many of the great technological achievements that have changed our world.”

Country Singer Sandra Piller Joins Her Mom, Actress Sandra Giles, at The Hollywood Show 2013

Christopher Laird Simmons

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (MuseWire) — Featuring in-person appearances of more than five dozen celebrities from classic motion pictures and television, The Hollywood Show has emerged as one of the world’s most celebrated autograph and photo-opportunities for fans, and the upcoming event will feature country singer, and Shady Hill Records recording artist, Sandra Piller on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 19, 20, and 21, 2013.

Ruth Roberts – Children’s Music Songwriter for All Seasons

Christopher Laird Simmons

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (MuseWire) — Whatever holiday pops up on your calendar, two things are always true: kids are happy about it and the late Ruth Roberts wrote kids’ music to help you celebrate it. ‘Children’s music was the special province of Ruth Roberts,’ says Susan Nicoletti, Director of Operations for Goldenrod Music.

KV331 Audio announces SynthMaster 2.61 with 750 Factory Presets

Christopher Laird Simmons

MuseWire NEWS: The busy bees at KV331 Audio continue to hone their formidable virtual synth instrument with yet another periodic update, now at v2.6. There is likely no other bit of music making software out there with this many continuous enhancements made in response to both user input and actual feature additions. This update brings […]

JMWest Entertainment Announces Single Release Party for JUSTICE’s ‘By My Side’

Christopher Laird Simmons

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (MuseWire) — JMWest Entertainment announced today that they will host a release party for signed recording artist JUSTICE and her new single “By My Side.” The event will be held at the Gibson Showroom in Beverly Hills on March 19, 2013.

Rob Papen announces two limited-edition virtual instrument synth bundles

Christopher Laird Simmons

ECHT, The Netherlands (MuseWire) – Respected virtual instrument and plug-in developer Rob Papen has this week announced availability of two limited-edition synth plug-in bundles, EDM Synth Bundle and Urban Synth Bundle, each comprising three carefully-chosen Rob Papen virtual instruments with combined savings of around 45 percent. The aptly-named EDM Synth Bundle is a highly-flexible, Herculean […]

Helios Ray expansion for Maschine announced by Native Instruments covers Broken Beat scene

Christopher Laird Simmons

BERLIN, Germany (MuseWire) – Today, Native Instruments announced “HELIOS RAY” – a new MASCHINE Expansion providing sounds and beats drawing from London’s broken beat scene and LA’s abstract beat producers. Containing three separate styles of drum kits as well as unique Melodic Kits and new MASSIVE presets, HELIOS RAY is out now for MASCHINE and […]

Audinate and Innovative Electronic Designs Announce Licensing Agreement for Dante digital-media networking technology

Christopher Laird Simmons

PORTLAND, Ore. (MuseWire) – Audinate is pleased to announce that Innovative Electronic Designs, LLC has licensed Audinate’s Dante digital-media networking technology and will incorporate Dante into several exciting new products. Audinate’s patented Dante solution is a media networking solution suite designed to transport many channels of high-resolution, uncompressed, low-latency digital media over relatively long distances […]

Komplete 9 announced by Native Instruments featuring new Monark analog-modeling synth and Battery 4 Virtual Drum Machine

Christopher Laird Simmons

BERLIN, Germany (MuseWire) – Today, Native Instruments announced the latest generation of its two industry-standard KOMPLETE software bundles. KOMPLETE 9 includes 33 instruments and effects with six new additions, including the brand-new MONARK monosynth, plus the completely redesigned BATTERY 4 drum sampler. KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE includes all 65 current KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects at the […]

Hollywood Meets Nashville as Jane Bach, Sandra Piller and Special Guests Perform a Songwriter’s Round at Genghis Cohen

Christopher Laird Simmons

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (MuseWire) — Hearing great songs in an up-close-and-personal setting is common in music-friendly towns like Nashville, but Hollywood is not to be outdone as Genghis Cohen presents a special Monday evening “songwriter’s round” on March 18 featuring Jane Bach, Sandra Piller, Kaela Gardner, and Kyle Megginson. “We love this location for […]

Philly Teen Country Music Phenom Releases Debut Album – ‘Torri Melhart – The Acoustic Sessions EP’ Hits iTunes, Amazon Worldwide

Christopher Laird Simmons

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (MuseWire) — Meet Torri Melhart, a 14-year-old Country singer and songwriter from the Philadelphia area who is having a great year. More than 50,000 Twitter followers and 3,000 Facebook fans make up her “Melhearts” and are helping her generate tremendous buzz as a young performer trying to prove herself on the national country music scene.

Korg Finally Updates ‘Legacy Collection’ to 64-bit, previously announced before ready

Christopher Laird Simmons

MELVILLE, N.Y. (MuseWire) – Today, Korg announced their virtual instrument Legacy Collection is finally available in 64-bit. The collection is a complete software recreation of five legendary KORG Synthesizers – the MS-20, Polysix, Mono/Poly, M1 and WAVESTATION – complemented by the included MDE-X Effects Suite, which boasts 19 different effects algorithms. Although previously announced as […]

Haken Audio announce new firmware version for the Continuum Fingerboard instrument, version 5.50

Christopher Laird Simmons

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (MuseWire) — Today, Haken Audio announced a new firmware version for the Continuum Fingerboard, version 5.50. Among the updates, the number of “carefully crafted internal preset sounds” for the EagenMatrix has been increased by 16. Included in these new sounds are designs using the new timbre elements available in the GrainSilo.

Calculate Royalties with QuickBooks Data – DashBook Software Extends Integration with Widely-Used Accounting System

Christopher Laird Simmons

HOUSTON, Texas (MuseWire) — Financial Softworks, LLC announced today the release of the latest enhancements to their popular DashBook Royalty Pro system, which now includes the ability to directly create royalty checks or bill payments within Intuit’s QuickBooks.

UVI announces JX3P-inspired UVX-3P Virtual Vintage Synth Instrument

Christopher Laird Simmons

Paris, France (MuseWire) — Adding to their recent lineup of classic (“vintage”) synth sound instruments based on ’70s and ’80s synthesizers, UVI has released the “UVX-3P” which is clearly inspired by the Roland JX-3P, one of the first MIDI-enabled analog-digital keyboards.

Youth Musicians ‘Heartbeat’ from Israeli and Palestinian to Perform at US Department of State in Washington, DC

Christopher Laird Simmons

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MuseWire) – Musical group and interfaith non-profit organization HEARTBEAT will perform and participate in a discussion at the U.S. Department of State on Wednesday, March 6, at 3 p.m. in the Dean Acheson Auditorium. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will host the Jerusalem-based organization that unites Israeli and Palestinian youth musicians […]

Audinate Updates Dante Virtual Soundcard with WDM to support latest Windows Applications

Christopher Laird Simmons

PORTLAND, Ore. (MuseWire) – Today, Audinate shared the news that they have updated their Dante Virtual Soundcard software for Windows, with version 3.2.0. According to the company announcement, “The Dante Virtual Soundcard allows your PC or Mac to connect your favorite audio application directly to a Dante audio network. Dante Virtual Soundcard uses the standard […]

Akai Pro announces new Version 1.3 MPC Software for Renaissance, Studio and Fly

Christopher Laird Simmons

MuseWire NEWS: Today, Akai Pro has announced updated MPC Software with a “completely redesigned plugin architecture,” now with support for multi-timbral VST and AU plugins, and access to the same plugin across multiple sequences. Also notable is the SP1200 Ring, offering an all-new “Vintage Mode” with a classic SP1200 trick to give you raw 12-bit […]

Audinate offers reduced pricing for Dante Virtual Soundcard software, enabling audio over IP

Christopher Laird Simmons

PORTLAND, Ore. (MuseWire) – Today, Audinate, the creators of Dante™ media networking solutions, have announced a special promotion for their popular Dante Virtual Soundcard software. The single seat license normally sells for $149.99 is now discounted 80% and can be purchased for $29.99 for a limited time. The Dante Virtual Soundcard allows a PC/Mac to […]

KV331 Audio updates SynthMaster Virtual Instrument to v2.5.4.152, plus new sound bank from Nori Ubukata

Christopher Laird Simmons

Music Industry Newswire NEWS: The folks at KV331 have recently announced their latest update to SynthMaster 2.5. As the virtual instrument continues to evolve, KV331 has done a remarkable job of quashing bugs while at the same time adding and enhancing features such as stereo panning for stereo SFZ oscillators, and multiple user preset folders. As per usual the major update is free of charge to registered owners.

123creative releases ‘Dreamscape’ Soundset for Native Instruments MASSIVE

Christopher Laird Simmons

SLOVAKIA (MuseWire) – Relative newcomer to the sound patch and instrument sound scene, Slovakia based “123creative.com” has announced a new sound-set for NI’s “MASSIVE” virtual instrument, called “Dreamscape.” According to the company, “Dreamscape contains 148 presets ranging from lush and smooth pads to dirty screaming basses and otherworldly plucks and atmospheres. The set consists of […]

UVI Sounds and Software announces VI Labs’ True Keys Pianos is now ‘UVI Powered’

Christopher Laird Simmons

Paris, France (MuseWire — UVI has announced that the sound wizards at VI Labs’ wonderful keyboard libraries are now “powered by UVI.” Per the UVI press release, “We at UVI are very pleased to welcome aboard VI Labs, whose products integrate cutting-edge technology resulting in highly efficient, realistic and deeply customizable sound tools.” VI Labs’ […]

TC Electronic Announces Free Guitar World TonePrints featuring Guitar World legend Paul Riario

Christopher Laird Simmons

RISSKOV, Denmark (MuseWire) – TC Electronic is announcing the immediate availability of two brand-new TonePrints made in close collaboration with Guitar World legend Paul Riario. Paul’s two TonePrints are available free of charge via www.tcelectronic.com/paul-riario or through the free TonePrint app for iOS and Android. Paul spent some time at TC HQ towards the end […]

Camel Audio updates ALCHEMY PLAYER, adds ‘Taste of Camel’ Patch Library

Christopher Laird Simmons

EDINBURGH, U.K. (MuseWire) – This past week, professional audio plug-ins developer Camel Audio announced availability of Alchemy Player v1.55, a major update to its free popular Alchemy Sound Library and SFZ player synthesizer, together with “Taste of Camel,” a tasty Alchemy appetiser for all users (free for owners of the full version of Alchemy). While […]

Native Instruments Releases TRAKTOR DJ ‘App’ Exclusively for iPads with iOS 6 or above

Christopher Laird Simmons

BERLIN, Germany (MuseWire) – This week, Native Instruments released TRAKTOR DJ – “a unique, hands-on DJ app built from the ground up for iPad aimed at DJs of all levels from novices to touring professionals.” Created by the same team behind the top-selling TRAKTOR brand, TRAKTOR DJ strikes a balance between instant, fun usability and […]

International Chanteuse brings ‘The Lords Lover’ a Spiritual Sexpose to Hollywood’s Los Globos Cabaret Theater

Christopher Laird Simmons

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (MuseWire) — Written and directed by international chanteuse, Juliet Annerino, ‘THE LORD’S LOVER’ breaks conventional boundaries of modern stage with cabaret, performance art, live music, dramatic theater, exotic dance, and cutting edge video imagery. The intricacies of human sexuality and controversial themes of desire and free will are explored and celebrated.

‘Soul Music Week’ is February 15-24, 2013 – Music Fans to Support America’s Great Musical Form

Christopher Laird Simmons

DETROIT, Mich. (MuseWire) — SoulTracks and soul music fans around the world are taking action to support soul music, one of the most revered forms of music in the world. From Motown to Memphis, from James Brown to Jill Scott, ‘soul music’ is the sound of our lifetime.

Hip Hop Group ‘Audiopharmacy’ to Tour Asia and the Pacific with American Music Abroad

Christopher Laird Simmons

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MuseWire) – The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is pleased to announce that San Francisco-based hip hop group Audiopharmacy will tour Southeast Asia and the Pacific as part of the American Music Abroad program. With roots in hip hop, Audiopharmacy fuses live instrumentation and global musical styles, making […]

Music Consultant, Producer and Coach Loren Weisman speaking at MMC 17

Christopher Laird Simmons

HARRISBURG, Pa. (MuseWire) — On Friday, February 15, at 2:30 p.m., Loren Weisman will be delivering ‘The State of The Record Deal in 2013: Myths vs. Reality’ at the 17th Annual Millennium Music Conference (MMC) in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Loren will discuss a great deal of the behind the scenes activity and what is really going on as regards what it really takes to thrive in today’s business.

Sandra Piller in LAWIM Singer-Songwriter Night at M Bar in Hollywood

Christopher Laird Simmons

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (MuseWire) — Sandra Piller, performer of hit songs including “Days Like These” and “Love Goes On,” joins four noted artists in a special performance on Wednesday, February 13, at the M Bar in Hollywood. In observance of Valentine’s Day, all numbers on the evening program will be love songs. The event is […]

Stewart Audio announces technology licensing agreement with Audinate PTY, LTD for compact Networked Amplifiers

Christopher Laird Simmons

SILICON VALLEY, Calif. (MuseWire) – Stewart Audio, an innovator in small, compact Networked Amplifiers is pleased to announce a technology licensing agreement with Audinate PTY, LTD the inventors of Dante™ the award winning, digital media networking solution. Stewart Audio will be one of the first licensees to offer a Dante Ultimo™ solution in their line […]

Fulbright-mtvU Fellowship 2013-2014: U.S. Dept. of State and mtvU Announce Artists to Help Nominate Candidates

Christopher Laird Simmons

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MuseWire) – The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and mtvU, MTV’s 24-hour college network, announce today musical artists Imagine Dragons, Rita Ora and Steve Aoki will help review and nominate candidates for the 2013-2014 Fulbright-mtvU Fellowships. The Department of State sponsors Fulbright-mtvU Fellowships to promote music as a […]

Afghan National Institute of Music Ensembles Visit the United States

Christopher Laird Simmons

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MuseWire) – The U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that ensembles of the Afghan National Institute of Music (ANIM) will travel to three cities in the United States from February 3-15 for performances and cultural exchange with American youth orchestras. The group will begin its tour with a small ensemble performance […]

Audinate Launches Dante Ultimo OEM Solution for Integrated Networked Audio over IP

Christopher Laird Simmons

PORTLAND, Ore. (MuseWire) – Audinate is proud to announce the newest member of the Dante product family: Ultimo. Ultimo is a complete, fully-featured, ready-to-use Dante interface for networked audio products, integrated into a single 13 x 13mm chip. By providing an integrated, cost-effective networked audio solution over a 100Mbps Ethernet interface, Ultimo extends the benefits […]

New ‘King Korg’ Analog Modeling Synth Keyboard announced by Korg

Christopher Laird Simmons

ANAHEIM, Calif. (MuseWire) — WINTER NAMM: Korg USA announces the King Korg analog modeling synth. Focused on live performance, it features Korg’s new XMT (Xpanded Modeling Technology) engine, with many types of oscillators and filters that can accurately model sought-after vintage analog synths. With its controls laid out in easily identifiable sections, King Korg delivers the unique characteristics of a dedicated synthesizer, while remaining approachable to players who are new to synthesizers.