Category: Story Index

Haken Audio announces update to Continuum Fingerboard – Firmware v5.20

Christopher Laird Simmons

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (MuseWire) – Haken Audio announced this week an update to the Continuum Fingerboard OS and sound engine, bringing the firmware to version 5.20. Enhancements expand the mathematical language of the EaganMatrix, providing even more sonic design possibilities. This release also includes 10 new sound designs by Edmund Eagan that highlight the sonic versatility […]

Video Review: John Bowen SOLARIS Synthesizer – Part One – Chris’ Synth Show

Christopher Laird Simmons

VIDEO: Recently I found myself bemoaning the lack of walk-through “here are some demo patches” videos for a number of synths, keyboards and other music gear I own, so the obvious thing to do was start doing them myself and stop whining about it. So, with a new Nikon DSLR with HD video capability in hand, I thought I would start off this video review series with a fairly rare beast known as the John Bowen SOLARIS. (Chris’ Synth Show 2012)

Ambient Deviant Speedmetal Polka Chapter 5 – Sin, Sex & Cigarettes: The Toledo Show

John Scott G

MuseWire BOOK SERIAL – Chapter FIVE – Sin, Sex & Cigarettes: The Toledo Show — When you enter the dark fantasy that is The Toledo Show, you have only two choices: One, use all your will power to try resisting the delicious swirl of sin, sex and cigarettes that is unfolding before you; or Two: […]

TC Electronic Introduces Compact Bass Head: BH250 with TonePrint

Christopher Laird Simmons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MuseWire) – Summer NAMM: TC Electronic’s new BH250 compact bass head is the only bass head that offers virtually endless musical and tonal inspiration via the “revolutionary TonePrint concept” in a package small enough to fit in a gig bag pocket. This compact, low-end wonder comes with a massive 250 watts of power […]

Mic Mechanic announced by TC-Helicon as an Essential Vocal Toolbox for All Singers

Christopher Laird Simmons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MuseWire) – Summer NAMM: Featuring a set of 8 classic Reverb and Delay combinations, Mic Mechanic from TC-Helicon is the direct response to the singers who say “I don’t want to change my voice. I just want to sound great.” As such it is the perfect solution for lead and backup vocalists, or […]

Ultimate Heavy Metal Amp: Blackstar Announces the Gus G. BLACKFIRE 200

Christopher Laird Simmons

ASHVILLE, Tenn. (MuseWire) – Summer NAMM: Blackstar Amplification has announced their first signature amplifier – the Gus G. BLACKFIRE 200. Blackstar have been working closely with guitar hero Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind) to create the ultimate heavy metal amp. Based on Blackstar’s award winning Series One 200 amp design, this 200W, limited edition tube […]

HK Audio announces U.S. debut of LUCAS Nano – Lightweight Ultra Compact Active System

Christopher Laird Simmons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MuseWire) – Summer NAMM: HK Audio has announced the U.S. debut of LUCAS Nano (Lightweight Ultra Compact Active System). This new sound reinforcement system offers an ideal combination of small size, convenient options, and sound quality that rivals comparatively larger systems. Designed primarily for solo and acoustic performers and presenters, LUCAS Nano travels […]

Lag Guitars Announces Solid Body Electric Guitar Line with Arkane and Imperator Models

Christopher Laird Simmons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MuseWire) – Summer NAMM: Since Lâg Guitars debuted in the U.S. in 2010, their Tramontane series of acoustic guitars have been growing in popularity among a wide range of guitarists, from beginners to pros. Now, Lâg is proud to announce the U.S. debut of two solid body electric guitar series, Arkane and Imperator. […]

Korg announces Kronos X Music Workstation, Boosting Memory and SSD over original KRONOS

Christopher Laird Simmons

NASHVILLE,Tenn. (MuseWire) – Summer NAMM: Korg USA this week announced the arrival of the “Kronos X Music Workstation.” Since the debut of the original KRONOS music workstation in early 2011, Korg has continued to release system updates and additional Sound Libraries. Now, the Kronos family has expanded with the new Kronos X, which features hardware […]

TC-Helicon Adds New Features to VoiceLive Touch and VoiceLive 2

Christopher Laird Simmons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MuseWire) – Summer NAMM: VoiceLive Touch, the ultimate stand-mountable, hands-on vocal effect and looper unit, and VoiceLive 2, the flagship, floor-based effects solution for singers, have been rocking the singing word for years. Still, even great things can be improved upon, and with this in mind, TC-Helicon decided to do a lot of […]

Native Instruments and Dirigent announce they will conclude 15 year distribution partnership at the end of 2012

Christopher Laird Simmons

BERLIN, Germany (MuseWire) – Native Instruments and Dirigent this week announced that they will conclude their distribution partnership at the end of this year. After nearly 15 years of highly successful cooperation with Japanese distributor Dirigent, Native Instruments is now preparing to open up a dedicated Japanese branch in 2013. With an initial staff of […]

Moog Music resurrects Moogerfooger Analog Effects Module, the MF-104M Analog Delay

Christopher Laird Simmons

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (MuseWire) – Moog Music Inc. recently announced the release of its newest Moogerfooger Analog Effects Module, the “MF-104M Analog Delay.” It is the next generation of Moog’s Analog Delay effects pedals and includes significant feature and function upgrades not found in other analog delay units. The MF-104M features an all-analog signal path with […]

Blackstar Amplification Expands Revolutionary ID: Series Amps, with patent-applied-for True Valve Power and USB

Christopher Laird Simmons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MuseWire) – Summer NAMM: Blackstar Amplification has expanded their groundbreaking ID: Series of programmable guitar amplifiers with the addition of the 15W ID:15TVP Combo an 30W ID:30TVP Combo. Designed by the same team responsible for the acclaimed Blackstar tube amps, this series of affordable amps represents the culmination of over seven years of […]

VOX Announces Apache Series Travel Guitars: Classic VOX Body Shapes Return with Enhanced Features

Christopher Laird Simmons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MuseWire) – Summer NAMM: VOX Amplification has announced creation of the “Apache Series” of Travel Guitars. The new Series brings back two of the most unique body styles from the classic VOX back catalog: the Teardrop-shape Apache I, and the Phantom-style Apache II. Both have been enhanced with onboard amplification and practice features. […]

Korg USA Announces Polysix for Propellerhead Reason Rack Extension Plugin Format

Christopher Laird Simmons

MELVILLE, N.Y. (MuseWire) – Korg’s original Polysix programmable six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer was introduced in 1981. With a full-sounding voice structure, classic effects and performance functions, the Polysix became a world-wide hit. Its distinctive string and pad sounds are still often heard to this day. Now Korg announces the Polysix for Reason, a software version […]

Audinate Adds Attero Tech as Authorized System Implementer for Dante Network Audio Technologies

Christopher Laird Simmons

PORTLAND, Ore. (MuseWire) – Attero Tech, an AV networking specialist, and Audinate, the inventors of the award winning Dante media networking solution, announced today that Attero Tech is now an official Audinate Authorized Implementer for Dante technology. Attero Tech is a leading provider of unique and cost-effective networked AV solutions. Attero Tech solutions help AV […]

Audinate and Shure Partner for Dante Network Audio and ULX-D Wireless Line

Christopher Laird Simmons

PORTLAND, Ore. (MuseWire) – Shure Incorporated and Audinate, Inc. have announced a licensing agreement for Audinate’s Dante™ digital audio networking technology. Dante networking enables multiple channels of audio to be distributed to a variety of devices over a single Ethernet cable. Dante networking provides reliable, low latency audio transport and can coexist safely on the […]

Book Review: ‘Jazz/Not Jazz’ Attempts the Impossible and Fails

John Scott G

The dozen essays in “Jazz/Not Jazz” all tend to pick, poke, and prod the meaning of the term and the elastic nature of the genre. Which is good, but the book is often academic in the extreme and often turns into a snooze-a-palooza. After trying for years to interest friends in jazz, it must be […]

Ambient Deviant Speedmetal Polka Chapter 4 – First, They Laughed: A Big Bad Blast of Buckethead

John Scott G

MuseWire BOOK SERIAL – Chapter FOUR – First, They Laughed: A Big Bad Blast of Buckethead — Hitting the stage incognito isn’t new but no one else has been outfitted like this: an oriental theater mask, a nylon hoodie, and a family-size chicken bucket from KFC. Reactions are derisive and derogatory until the guy starts […]

Michael Hoover named new President of Cakewalk Inc.

Christopher Laird Simmons

BOSTON, Mass. (MuseWire) – Cakewalk, Inc., the world’s leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, today announced the resignation of Greg Hendershott as Chief Executive Officer. Michael Hoover, currently Executive Vice President of Products, has been named President and will assume primary responsibility for all day-to-day Company operations, […]

Music Internships – Aligning Yourself for the Best Experience Possible

Loren Weisman

MuseWire COLUMN: Music internships can be a great opportunity for the beginner to the semi pro, to the professional musician that might be changing focus to another aspect of the music business. At the same time, the wrong music internship can leave you as an unpaid employee, doing crap work and learning nothing. Before jumping […]

Ambient Deviant Speedmetal Polka Chapter 3: Falling into the Abyss: Front Line Assembly

John Scott G

MuseWire BOOK SERIAL – Chapter THREE – Falling into the Abyss: Front Line Assembly — Industrial rock flirts with pure noise, goes out on dates with electronica, and then shacks up with body-bouncing beats. Having embraced all three of these approaches, Front Line Assembly makes music that is aggressive, loud, abrasive, anarchic, nihilistic, and existential. […]

Musicrow announces Bass Lab Virtual Synthesizer for Native Instruments REAKTOR

Christopher Laird Simmons

MuseWire NEWS: Musicrow has announced a new virtual instrument for REAKTOR, called Bass Lab. According to the company, “Bass Lab is a fully equipped laboratory for the production of ultra-modern fat and punchy electronic bass sounds. It offers 14 different saw waveforms, 11 types of resonant low pass filters, super fast envelopes, a bass booster […]

Toontrack announce N.Y. VOL.2 Presets – Neil Dorfsman – Companion to New York Studios Vol.2 SDX for Superior Drummer

Christopher Laird Simmons

MuseWire NEWS: Toontrack today announced a new preset library for its popular drum sample virtual instruments, Superior Drummer 2.0: N.Y. VOL.2 PRESETS – NEIL DORFSMAN. The company describes it like so: “In this pack Neil gives you five fine examples of exactly how great, unique and diverse one can get a quality drum recording like […]

TC Electronic Announces LM2 Radar Loudness Meter Plug-in Supporting all Major DAWS

Christopher Laird Simmons

RISSKOV, Denmark (MuseWire) – TC’s highly acclaimed Radar Loudness Meter technology is now available as a dedicated stereo plug-in supporting all major plug-in formats. The new LM2 plug-in features TC’s innovative Radar Display that provides a quick – yet detailed – overview of the loudness landscape of any stereo audio signal. The main radar view […]

Cakewalk Announces HD Grand Pianos for Dimension Pro and LE Virtual Instruments

Christopher Laird Simmons

MuseWire NEWS: Cakewalk this week announced a new “high definition” digital piano library for its Dimension Pro and LE virtual instrument platforms. Based on the success of the HD Songwriters Collection, Digital Sound Factory brings two new grand pianos to Dimension Pro/LE in High Definition. Using high quality microphones and preamps, multiple layers were recorded […]

Romancing the Macabre: Curse in the Woods Spearhead Original Sound with a Freshly Cut Debut Album

Christopher Laird Simmons

MONTREAL, Quebec (MuseWire) – At the crossroads between pop, folk and horror music, the Montreal-based group Curse in the Woods bring you their bold first album, “The Deals They Made.” Composed of nine musicians and a video projectionist, the group pioneered their way passed the ordinary to draw forth a theatrical and melodic reflection of […]

StudioBLADE keyboard production station for Mac OS X announced by Music Computing

Christopher Laird Simmons

AUSTIN, Texas (MuseWire) – Music Computing, the makers of all-in-one keyboard production stations and multi-touch touchscreens, announced today it has released a Mac OS X compatible version of the StudioBLADE keyboard production station. StudioBLADEs are all-in-one music production stations complete with piano keys, drum trigger pads, knobs, sliders, thousands of sound presets and software for […]

Star Trek Convention In Nashville Features Sandra Piller Onstage June 9 with Award-Winning Songwriter Jane Bach

Christopher Laird Simmons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MuseWire) — Sandra Piller, country singer-songwriter and widow of beloved Star Trek head writer/producer Michael Piller, will be appearing at the official Star Trek convention in Nashville on June 9 and performing alongside Jane Bach, award-winning hit songwriter for Tammy Wynette, Reba […]

Nashville-style Songwriter Rounds Invade New York In June Featuring Jane Bach, Sandra Piller, Kati Mac, Billy Lee, Jake Holmes

Christopher Laird Simmons

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (MuseWire) — Bringing a country music tradition to Manhattan, Jane Bach, Sandra Piller, Kati Mac, Billy Lee, and special guest Jake Holmes are set for “Nashville in New York,” a pair of songwriter rounds which will take place this June at […]

Listening in Colors: Lydia Purple

David Kronemyer

MuseWire COLUMN: Lydia Purple is one of those songs that, for me, encapsulate an era. It is evocative and redolent of the late 1960s. Like a latter-day time traveler, I cannot listen to it without being magically transported back to another world, another moment in space and time. The iconic version was performed by the […]

The Music Biz: Planning for the Work After the Music is Done

Loren Weisman

MuseWire COLUMN: Artists need to think past the recording to get it heard, to get it sold and to get that larger fan base at shows. Too many focus on the recording and don’t think about the marketing, the promotion and the branding of how they will get that music out there. Looking at the […]

Native Instruments releases TRAKTOR PRO 2.5 – introduces the innovative Remix Decks with 64 Loop Slots

Christopher Laird Simmons

BERLIN, Germany (MuseWire) – Today, Native Instruments announced the availability of TRAKTOR PRO 2.5. This latest version introduces the innovative Remix Decks, giving access to a powerful loop suite made up of 64 slots, each able to hold loops, one-shot samples or even tracks. DJs can control up to four Remix Decks at once and […]

Ultimate Music Desk: Music Computing Releases Waterproof Bullet-Resistant Touch Screens and Interactive Tables

Christopher Laird Simmons

AUSTIN, Texas (MuseWire) – Liquids, bullets and electronics usually don’t mix, but you never know these days. The latest additions to the MotionCOMMAND(TM) line of multi-touch products from Music Computing can take the hit and keep on making hits. Released today are waterproof MotionCOMMAND FRAMES that can instantly turn any video monitor into a multi-touchscreen. […]

Back to the Byrds House: Eight Miles High

David Kronemyer

MuseWire COLUMN: “Eight Miles High” is one of the greatest songs of all time. It influenced me significantly and from what I can discern from multiple sources had major social-cultural impact also. It doesn’t help that I idolize the Byrds and McGuinn is one of my musical heroes. There are different versions of the song’s […]

To Celebrate Bob Moog’s Birthday, Spectrasonics expands Bob Moog Tribute Library sound pack for Omnisphere

Christopher Laird Simmons

BURBANK, Calif. (MuseWire) – Celebrating Bob Moog’s 78th birthday today, Spectrasonics has announced a free update to the Bob Moog Tribute Library for Omnisphere, with 78 new patches. With these new patches by Eric Persing, the library now features “over 800 stunning sounds for Omnisphere,” according to the company. Existing Moog Tribute Library customers can […]

GOOG: Music Pioneer and Inventor Bob Moog’s Birthday Garners Google Recognition and Industry Support

Christopher Laird Simmons

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (MuseWire) – The Bob Moog Foundation announced today that it is being joined by supporters worldwide in their celebration of the anniversary of the synth pioneer’s 78th birthday. Global technology leader Google released their latest doodle, an interactive, synthesizer-based, playable logo (“GOOG”), which honors Bob Moog’s inventions. The Moog Doodle can be played […]

Toontrack announce ‘Pop!’ EZX Drum Samples and MIDI for Songwriters

Christopher Laird Simmons

Sweden (MuseWire) – For the past decade and counting, Toontrack has recorded drums in some of the world’s best studios, with some of the most esteemed engineers, with the most in-demand players and with only the best of the best in terms gear at their disposal. With sounds recorded in legendary studios like New York’s […]

Native Instruments introduces THE GIANT – Virtual Instrument featuring the Intense Sound of the Klavins Piano Model 370i

Christopher Laird Simmons

BERLIN, Germany (MuseWire) – Native Instruments today introduced THE GIANT, a new instrument based on the world’s biggest upright piano. For use in KONTAKT 5 or the free KONTAKT 5 PLAYER, THE GIANT features the intense sound of the Klavins Piano Model 370i, a super-sized instrument delivering a colossal sonic spectrum equally well-suited to urban […]

Moog Music Celebrates Namesake Pioneer with One Day Birthday Promotion Event to Benefit Bob Moog Foundation

Christopher Laird Simmons

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (MuseWire) – In celebration of electronic music pioneer Bob Moog’s 78th birthday, Moog Music, Inc. will donate 50 percent of all online clothing and merchandise sales on May 23rd to the Bob Moog Foundation. For every $350 raised, the company will also donate one Etherwave Theremin to the Foundation’s educational initiative, Dr. Bob’s […]

The Music Biz: Most Frequently Asked Questions – Asking the Right Questions

Loren Weisman

MuseWire COLUMN: In the music industry of today, the more questions that are asked more frequently will help artists make the smarter choices. There are a great deal of people out there that know what they are talking about, just as there are truck loads more than are fakes. The more questions an artist asks […]

Fleecing Indie Artists: The Music Conference

John Scott G

MuseWire COLUMN: You say you want to make money in the music business and you don’t care how. Let’s see if you’re ready. Greedy? Check. Ruthless? Check. Predatory? Check. Okay, you just might be well-prepared to screw artists by putting on a music conference. Indie musicians dream of many things. Fame. Fortune. Somebody playing one […]

Force of Nature and Act of God: An Appreciation of Solomon Burke

John Scott G

MuseWire COLUMN: In blending soul, R&B, gospel, and rock, Solomon Burke had the ability to reach from the stage and shake listeners to their very core. The might and majesty of Burke is honored in this updated version of a review of his 1997 stage show. It is just before midnight and I am standing […]

Lectrosonics Introduces ASPEN Dante Network Processor: 32×32 channel Plug ‘N Play network audio transport

Christopher Laird Simmons

PORTLAND, Ore. (MuseWire) – Meeting the demand for reliable network audio transport, Lectrosonics has developed the SPNDNT network processor to expand the ASPEN digital matrix processor family. The new network processor is much more than a simple network interface. Instead, it is a full featured DSP processor that can address both the ASPEN and Dante […]

Music Computing announces ControlBLADE Gen2 – Ivy Bridge PC or Mac-powered Music Workstations

Christopher Laird Simmons

AUSTIN, Texas (MuseWire) – Music Computing, the maker of advanced computer-based musical instruments announced today its new ControlBLADE Gen2 line of all-in-one music keyboard production stations; powered by either Windows or Mac OS systems. Priced from $1,899, the line represents a new standard in value and performance. ControlBLADEs are all-in-one music production stations complete with […]

Music Meets Racial Profiling – Word-Soul Artist ‘LadyBoss-Amanishakhete’ teams with Portland Hip Hop Producer Anuff

Christopher Laird Simmons

PORTLAND, Ore. (MuseWire) – The Trayvon Martin murder amid racial profiling and stand-your-ground, taunting black males daily has inspired one word-soul artist to speak out. This travesty amid today’s hate-based politics inspired the release of LadyBoss Amanishakhete’s new single: “Murder 2012,” produced with Portland Hip Hop Artist Anuff. LadyBoss, who recently added the name “Amanishakhete” […]

Racial Profiling, Trayvon Martin Death Inspires New Single by Word-Soul Artist LadyBoss-Amanishakhete

Christopher Laird Simmons

PORTLAND, Ore., May 1, 2012 (MuseWire) — The Trayvon Martin murder may have grabbed national headlines over the course of 45 days, but it appears to have died down despite racial profiling and stand-your-ground, taunting black males daily. This travesty amid today’s hate-based politics inspires the release of LadyBoss-Amanishakhete’s (A-ma-ni-sha-kete) new single: ‘Murder 2012.’

Arturia announce Spring 2012 ‘Hybrid Madness Promotion’

Christopher Laird Simmons

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. (MuseWire) – Arturia U.S. today announced a special promotion from May through June, 2012, for quite large product upgrades when purchasing either a Spark drum machine package, or any Analog Experience keyboard/software combo. According to Arturia, the package upgrades include: * If you buy Spark you will get a FREE V Collection […]

Korg Announces Mega micro Giveaway Contest

Christopher Laird Simmons

MELVILLE, N.Y. (MuseWire) – This year marks the tenth anniversary of the best-selling microKorg Synthesizer/Vocoder, which became the premier member of Korg’s “micro” family of products. As part of the year-long celebration, Korg USA is giving away a different micro-series product every month from May 1 through Dec 31, 2012! U.S. customers can enter the […]

Korg USA Announces iKaossilator V2.1 iOS App and Special Half Price Sale

Christopher Laird Simmons

MELVILLE, N.Y. (MuseWire) – Korg has released Version 2.1 of its best-selling iKaossilator app for the iPhone and iPad. To celebrate the new release, current iKaossilator users can update at no cost. New users can purchase iKaossilator V2.1 from the App Store (inside the iTunes Store) at a special price of $9.99 USD – a […]