Author: Christopher Laird Simmons

Native Instruments Releases Free HOLIDAY SELECTION 2009 Virtual Instrument

Christopher Laird Simmons

Berlin (MuseWire) – Native Instruments today released HOLIDAY SELECTION 2009, a freely downloadable instrument that combines selected sounds from the versatile range of KORE- and KONTAKT-Powered instruments. Covering a wide sonic spectrum from sampled acoustic instruments to futuristic soundscapes and radical poly-effects, HOLIDAY SELECTION 2009 provides diverse and musically useful sound material for all kinds […]

Christopher’s Music Industry Deals for Dec. 12, 2009

Christopher Laird Simmons

COLUMN: I’m back with our “final” batch of super end of the year deals for musicians, most of which expire very soon, or by end of the month (Dec. 31). Some are “while supply lasts,” so jump on them while you can. Today I have some great buys on virtual drum kits, a free download […]

Cledus T Judd song parodies Tiger Woods’ exploits – Caught by the Tail

Christopher Laird Simmons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MuseWire) – The comedic assault on Tiger Woods continues with the Cledus T. Judd release of a parody of the classic country song “Tiger by the Tail,” recorded by Buck Owens in 1965. Judd’s adaptation, “Tiger by the Tail (The Tale of Tiger Woods),” recorded just one week ago, is already spinning on […]

Introducing TC Electronic’s Impact Twin Audio Interface

Christopher Laird Simmons

Denmark (MuseWire) – TC Electronic's Impact Twin is a brand new, state of the art audio interface that features ground-breaking technology to ensure that what's being recorded sounds as good on the inside of a computer as it does on the outside. Impact Twin offers a pristine recording path thanks to its two mic pre's […]

Native Instruments and Abbey Road Announce Partnership

Christopher Laird Simmons

Berlin, Germany and London, UK (MuseWire) – Native Instruments today announced a close partnership with Abbey Road, the iconic British recording studios that have shaped the sound of popular music for over 75 years. Combining Native Instruments’ industry-leading expertise in music software design with Abbey Road’s unique engineering facilities, the two companies will create advanced […]

Fan Funded Music: Established recording artists adjust to changes in the music industry through fan funding

Christopher Laird Simmons

Nashville, Tenn. (MuseWire) – With the music industry now firmly engaged in a digital revolution, independent artists have taken the online lead by connecting directly with fans for the funding of new music initiatives. The Jeffersons, an inspiring new music project of established recording artists Lisa Brokop and Paul Jefferson, have launched a partnership with […]

Crysonic Releases Next Generation SINDO V3 Audio Plugin for Mac and PC

Christopher Laird Simmons

Adelaide SA (MuseWire) – Crysonic today announced the release of SINDO V3 and availability in Native Mac OSX AU,VST (PPC /Intel Mac) and PC VST formats. SINDO V3 is Crysonics third Generation Professional stereo image Expander (widener) / Narrowing Audio plug-in Processor. Offering an even greater number of enhanced new features and quality Sindo V3 […]

Blue Microphones hires industry veteran Dino Virella to lead pro sales

Christopher Laird Simmons

Westlake Village, Calif. (MuseWire) – Blue Microphones, a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, has hired industry veteran Dino Virella as Director of Global Sales ­ Professional Products. “With our expansion into the live market segment and some exciting things coming on the studio side, the timing for bringing in Dino couldn’t be better,” […]

ASK Video Now Shipping Level 2 Cubase 5 Tutorial

Christopher Laird Simmons

Ontario, Canada (MuseWire) – ASK Video Interactive Media, a leading creator of software tutorials on DVD, is now shipping the second installment of their Cubase 5 DVD tutorial series. In Cubase 5 Level 2, ASK Video CEO and Cubase guru Steve Kostrey dives into more advanced features of Steinberg’s legendary Cubase Music Creation and Production […]

Native Instruments Introduces SCARBEE JAY-BASS

Christopher Laird Simmons

Berlin (MuseWire) – ­Native Instruments today introduced SCARBEE JAY-BASS, a new software instrument that provides an authentic rendition of the legendary Fender Jazz Bass. JAY-BASS is based on the acclaimed Scarbee Red Bass library, and is the latest release in the partnership between Native Instruments and sampling expert Thomas Hansen Skarbye, complementing the available PRE-BASS […]

Jason Aldean Taps Sparkart as Web Partner

Christopher Laird Simmons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MuseWire) – Multi-platinum country rocker Jason Aldean has partnered with Sparkart Group, Inc., an Oakland-based full-service independent digital agency, to develop, design, and manage the official Jason Aldean online portal, www.jasonaldean.com, which launched today. Aldean joins Sparkart’s roster of music clients which includes Evanescence, Janet Jackson, The Killers, and Carrie Underwood, among numerous […]

TC-Helicon Introduces VoiceTone Harmony-G XT Pedal for Singing Guitarists

Christopher Laird Simmons

Victoria, Canada (MuseWire) – TC-Helicon is renowned for delivering the best tools for enhancing vocal performances and VoiceTone Harmony-G XT is no exception. With improved harmony technology and the reverb taken from its big brother, VoiceLive 2, Harmony-G XT improves vocal tone and provides pro effects and vocal harmony controlled by naturally playing guitar. Specifically […]

Songdrops Music Announces the Release of Bryant Oden’s Second Album – Songdrops 2: Bedtime Songs

Christopher Laird Simmons

BOULDER, Colo. (MuseWire) – Songdrops Music (www.Songdrops.com) announces the release of children’s music artist Bryant Oden’s second album, “Songdrops 2: Bedtime Songs” to be released December 1st. The album is comprised of soothing, relaxing children’s songs including “Love Is” and “Just as You Are.” Oden’s first CD, “Songdrops: 30 Songs for Kids,” was released November […]

Best Irish Band 2009: 50 Acts Enter Cross-Atlantic Irish Battle of the Bands

Christopher Laird Simmons

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (MuseWire) – Be gosh and begorra! 50 bands have taken their battle to YouTube to claim the title of “Best Irish Band 2009.” Organizers of this online battle of the bands competition – Strangford Lough Brewing Company (SLBC) and Diablo’s, of the Light Management Group (LMG) – have been overwhelmed by entries […]

Audiofile Engineering Releases FiRe 1.3 iPhone App

Christopher Laird Simmons

Minneapolis, Minn. (MuseWire) – Audiofile Engineering, a leading audio software developer for Mac, has released version 1.3 of FiRe, their professional field recording App for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. This version incorporates many new features including professional audio effects powered by industry leader iZotope. The most notable of the features is the new […]

sE Electronics release 4 new Super-products leading up to 2010 and their 10th Anniversary

Christopher Laird Simmons

U.K. (MuseWire) – sE are shipping 4 new MI products to take the market by storm this Xmas, in one of the most exciting product roll-outs in the MI sector this decade. “After a year of planning and researching the very best competitor deals and bundles, we think we’ve come up with 4, literally unbeatable, […]

Open Labs Announces SoundSlate Rack Mount Music System

Christopher Laird Simmons

COLUMN: During their O-Live broadcast/webcast today, Open Labs revealed their newest music PC product, called SoundSlate, which has the Open Labs UI, and about 10,000 sounds built-in, with support for dual monitors. It’s a stand alone music PC that fits in one standard rack mount space, and has an external touch panel interface. It comes […]

Native Instruments Introduces SONIC FICTION

Christopher Laird Simmons

Berlin, Germany (MuseWire) – Native Instruments today introduced SONIC FICTION, a new KORE-Powered instrument that combines inventive field recording with advanced synthesis into an arsenal of hundreds of genuinely otherworldly sounds. Designed by prolific sound design artist Jeremiah Savage and usable with KORE 2 and the free KORE PLAYER, the instrument provides musicians and producers […]

Irish Music Battle of the Bands – Pits Ireland and US Musicians Against Each Other

Christopher Laird Simmons

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (MuseWire) – Strangford Lough Brewing Company (SLBC) and the Monte Carlo Casino Las Vegas Resort and Casino are launching a ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition for bands who play Irish music. The prize is an amazing chance to play at Diablo’s in the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas! The […]

Songwriter’s Workshop at Univ. Southern Mississippi, Jan. 2010

Christopher Laird Simmons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MuseWire) – The University of Southern Mississippi and the Entertainment Industry Program in the School of Music are proud to announce the first ever Songwriter’s Workshop, January 11-15, 2010. Hosted by Nashville songwriter and publisher Justin Peters, this workshop is open to Southern Miss students as well as the public at large. Justin […]

Christopher’s Music Industry Deals for Nov. 12, 2009

Christopher Laird Simmons

COLUMN: Hello again, and I hope some of you are finding these holiday music instrument and software count-down deals of interest. There are certainly more and more of them popping up in anticipation of black friday (day after Thanksgiving in U.S.), and the general economy this year finally picking up. IK MULTIMEDIA: Okay, first off, […]

Blue Microphones Announces Yeti USB Condenser Mic

Christopher Laird Simmons

Westlake Village, Calif. (MuseWire) – ­ Blue Microphones, a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, announces Yeti, the first THX® Certified microphone. The latest addition to Blue’s new consumer line, the Yeti is the ultimate USB microphone for professional recording. The Yeti features: • The first USB mic to offer Blue’s premium condenser capsules […]

Best Service announces ‘Gladiator 2 Complete’

Christopher Laird Simmons

Muenchen, Germany (MuseWire) – Today, Best Service announced “Gladiator 2 Complete.” Gladiator gives you a groundbreaking approach to sound generation. Its exclusive HCM synthesis technique by Tone2 covers new and unique aural territory, only possible with Gladiator. The innovative synthesis, design and unmatched sound quality, make this not only the perfect instrument, but also the […]

Native Instruments Releases MASCHINE 1.1

Christopher Laird Simmons

Berlin, Germany (MuseWire — Native Instruments today released MASCHINE 1.1, a free software update for its innovative groove production studio. The new version further optimizes the workflow and increases the creative potential of MASCHINE through new MIDI I/O capabilities, support for the REX loop format, enhanced controller interaction, and more. To allow producers to easily […]

Native Instruments Releases Four Acoustic Piano Emulations in Individual Download Format

Christopher Laird Simmons

Berlin, Germany (MuseWire) – Native Instruments today introduced the BERLIN, NEW YORK and VIENNA CONCERT GRAND as well as UPRIGHT PIANO, four software instruments that offer detailed reproductions of some of the world’s most revered pianos. Previously available within the acclaimed AKOUSTIK PIANO, these instruments can now be purchased individually to specifically accommodate a certain […]

KV331 Audio Announces SynthMaster 2.0

Christopher Laird Simmons

SYNTH NEWS: KV331 Audio has announced SynthMaster 2.0, the long-awaited sequel to their semi-modular software synthesizer and multi-effects plug-in SynthMaster. Version 2.0 has gone through major changes compared to the first version.

Review: Sonic Reality ‘Sonic Refill Ultra Loaded’

Christopher Laird Simmons

REVIEW: If you’re a long-time user of Propellerhead’s REASON application, or just coming back to it with the new version 4, as I am, then you are probably impressed by Reason’s new capabilities, and its general ease of use. Reason is very cool because it’s set-up as a virtual studio, where you need nothing else […]

Dave Smith Instruments announces Potentiometer Edition of Poly Evolver Keyboard Now Available

Christopher Laird Simmons

Half Moon Bay, Calif. (MuseWire) – Dave Smith Instruments has released an updated version of its flagship synthesizer keyboard, the Poly Evolver. The new version boasts 60 potentiometers among its complement of 78 rotary controls. “The response to the pot edition of the Prophet '08 has been overwhelmingly positive,” said company founder Dave Smith, “so […]

Christopher’s Music Industry Deals for 11.05.09

Christopher Laird Simmons

COLUMN: Here I am again with a bunch of new music instrument deals. Couldn’t wait a week for these since many of them are only good for a short time, or only during November. If you’re looking to buy yourself some gear for the holidays, or maybe go on a diet and eat a smaller […]

Roger Linn Design releases AdrenaLinn Sync Plug-In

Christopher Laird Simmons

BERKELEY, Calif. (MuseWire) – AdrenaLinn Sync is a new software plug-in from Roger Linn Design that provides the same unique beat-synced filter modulation and sequencing effects of our AdrenaLinn III guitar pedal. However, it goes even further, adding: * More Control — More parameters to fine-tune your filter modulation and filter sequencing effects. * More […]

Making money from music on the ‘net: Calif. Copyright Conference event 11.10.09 in Los Angeles

Christopher Laird Simmons

LOS ANGLES, Calif. (MuseWire — Building a fan base and earning money in a digital world are the topics for a special presentation by the California Copyright Conference (www.theccc.org) in Los Angeles. The CCC event will feature representatives from some of the industry's top digital companies and content providers. The program, which offers CLE credit […]

IK Multimedia Announces the Mobile Groove Video Contest on YouTube

Christopher Laird Simmons

Modena, Italy (MuseWire -– IK Multimedia is proud to announce the “Mobile Groove Video Contest” on YouTube, powered by GrooveMaker, FourTrack, MixMeister Scratch, DopplerPad and InstantDrummer apps for iPhone/iTouch! Post your iPhone/iPod Music Video on YouTube by December 15th, 2009 and you may win cool DJ gear and your share of over $6000 worth in […]

Christopher’s Music Industry Deals for 11.03.09

Christopher Laird Simmons

SYNTH DEALS: As many of you who know me already know, I’m a bit of a bargain hound, or deal hunter, or whatever you might call it. Every month I get a raft of “wow” deals on music gear, software, etc., and while I had started to do a special page on the site, (2009)

Detroit-based Country Music Artist Billy Craig Pens Tune to Support ‘Make a Wish’ Foundation

Christopher Laird Simmons

DETROIT (MuseWire) – Last summer Billy Craig had the pleasure of performing at a “Make-A-Wish” event. After performing and meeting some of the great kids and the great people of this organization, he was moved and found himself wanting to do something more to help this awesome cause. Billy says, “Driving home from the event, […]

Native Instruments Announces TRAKTOR KONTROL X1

Christopher Laird Simmons

Berlin, Germany (MuseWire) – Native Instruments today announced TRAKTOR KONTROL X1, a highly functional performance controller that gives DJs immediate hands-on control over vital aspects of their performance. Designed by the team behind the groundbreaking TRAKTOR DJ platform, the compact KONTROL X1 offers an unprecedented level of integration with the latest TRAKTOR generation for maximum […]

When Music Is Your Life The ASCAP I Create Music EXPO is Your Event

Christopher Laird Simmons

LOS ANGELES (MuseWire) – The world doesn’t need more music. It needs more great music. If you have lyrics in your head, melodies in your heart and rhythm in your soul, then music is your life. But before you can make it a career, you need to master your craft. The ASCAP “I Create Music” […]

MusicWorks Interactive Releases 2nd Finale DVD Tutorial

Christopher Laird Simmons

ATLANTA, Ga. (MuseWire) – MusicWorks Interactive, publisher of educational books and DVDs for the music profession, has released The Finale 2010 Tutorial DVD-ROM, a video tutorial for Finale 2010 notation software. The title follows up on the company’s hugely successful tutorial for Finale 2008 and 2009. This ambitious DVD includes 9 hours of video instruction […]

NARIP Events: How To Market & License Music For Video Games, Nov. 19 in L.A.

Christopher Laird Simmons

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (MuseWire) – You are cordially invited to NARIP's ART OF THE MUSIC DEAL: What Happens Before You $ign on the Dotted Line? How To Market & License Music For Video Games on Thursday, November 19, 2009 in Los Angeles. Confirmed speakers include Electronic Arts' Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing STEVE SCHNUR […]

Native Instruments Introduces SCARBEE MM-BASS and SCARBEE PRE-BASS Amped

Christopher Laird Simmons

Berlin, Germany (MuseWire) – Native Instruments today introduced SCARBEE MM-BASS, a new software instrument that provides an authentic rendition of the distinctive Musicman Sterling electric bass. MM-BASS is based on the acclaimed Scarbee Black Bass library, and is the latest release in the partnership between Native Instruments and sampling expert Thomas Hansen Skarbye. Powered by […]

IMSTA Launches Let’s Talk Piracy Survey 2009

Christopher Laird Simmons

Toronto, Ont. (MuseWire) – The International Music Software Trade Association (IMSTA) has just deployed its 2009 “Let’s Talk Piracy” survey, which will be active until December 31st 2009. The non-profit association aims to reduce the demand for pirated music software through campaigns that are designed to raise awareness and change user behavior. The 2009 survey […]

New Dionne Warwick song, released today, benefits Starlight Children’s Foundation

Christopher Laird Simmons

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (MuseWire) – Today Starlight Children’s Foundation(TM) and New Gold Music Ltd. are excited to release the song “Starlight,” sung by the legendary Dionne Warwick, and written by Dean Pitchford, prolific writer of Fame and creator of Footloose, and William Goldstein, whose versatile career includes the original music for NBC’s Fame TV series. […]

NARIP Events New York: Touring for a Living – How to Make the Mo$t from the Road

Christopher Laird Simmons

NEW YORK (MuseWire) – NARIP New York assembles a top line-up of speakers including agents, buyers and artist managers to discuss the strongest sector of the modern music business: the concert industry. Where are the best opportunities today? Join us at this special program. Record sales may not be huge in recent years for many […]

Blue Launches Encore Series Mics at Esquire Soho

Christopher Laird Simmons

New York City (MuseWire) – Blue Microphones, a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, launched Encore, their new series of live microphones, with an event at Esquire Magazine’s new Signature Space at the Soho Mews in New York City on October 9, 2009. A large crowd of audio industry press and dealers were treated […]

Bryant Oden’s debut CD ‘Songdrops: 30 Songs for Kids’ gets help from viral YouTube videos

Christopher Laird Simmons

BOULDER, Colo. (MuseWire) – As unlikely as it sounds, “The Duck Song,” the lead song on Bryant Oden’s debut CD “Songdrops: 30 Songs for Kids” (being released Nov. 1st through www.Songdrops.com) has been all the rage in schools across the U.S. and beyond. Videos of the song have millions of views on YouTube, and hundreds […]

New York’s Avatar Studios to host its first ‘ask the producers’ event

Christopher Laird Simmons

New York, NY (MuseWire) – AVATAR STUDIOS is one of the most prestigious and legendary recording facilities in the world. On Monday evening, October 19, AVATAR STUDIOS will once again make history when it will host its first ever “Ask The Producers” panel featuring Steve Lillywhite, Roy Hendrickson and Kevin Killen. Billed as a Pre-CMJ […]

ASK Video Ships Pro Tools 8 Level 3 Tutorial DVD

Christopher Laird Simmons

Ontario, Canada (MuseWire –­ ASK Video Interactive Media, a leading creator of software tutorials on DVD, is now shipping the third DVD in a 4-part training series for Pro Tools 8. In this Level 3 DVD, ASK digs into the more advanced features of Pro Tools 8 such as sharing sessions with other DAWs, correcting […]

Golosio Goes Global with Songs on 3 Continents

Christopher Laird Simmons

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (MuseWire) – Golosio Music Publishing (www.golosio.com) is celebrating songs released in Europe, Australia and North America, each of which has a music video on YouTube and FookMovie. “The international response to our songs is very exciting,” notes firm partner John Scott G, “especially since Golosio is a relatively new music publishing company.” […]

Shafer Joins iZotope as Director of Product Management

Christopher Laird Simmons

AES, New York, NY (MuseWire) – iZotope, Inc., a leading developer of audio signal processing tools and effects, announces the addition of media product veteran Hart Shafer to the position of Director of Product Management. Shafer joins iZotope from Adobe Systems Incorporated and will be tasked with the worldwide responsibility for strategy and design of […]

iZotope Gets Closer to Customers While Going Green

Christopher Laird Simmons

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (MuseWire) – ­iZotope, Inc. announced today that its distribution relationship with M-Audio came to a close on October 1st, 2009. iZotope will now handle distribution responsibilities of its Ozone 4, iZotope RX, Spectron and Trash products. iZotope is also transitioning to an eco-friendly digital serial number delivery system to their dealer and distributor […]

VirSyn announces KLON – The Vocal Designer

Christopher Laird Simmons

PFINZTAL, Germany (MuseWire) – Pump up your voice! The heart of the vocal designer plugin KLON is a harmonic pitch shifter for natural pitch and formant manipulation of vocal sounds in realtime. KLON takes your voice and adds up to 16 different copies of your voice in realtime. The 16 pitch shifters inside KLON are […]