Category: Songs (Page 6 of 96)

Adele Skyfall theme

October 24, 2012 / Staff

Adele’s “Skyfall” theme already has over 37 million views on YouTube. Wow! It just shows that for the biggest stars, the music industry is doing just fine, and that music is still an incredibly important part of the pop culture sauce.

But the music business is incredibly fractured, and the whole structure has changed dramatically over the past 15 years. The road to success can take many different forms, and Adele is just one example as she got a recording contract offer after a friend posted her demo on Myspace. So of course the Internet is an important ingredient for every young band or artist. Then we have the music competitions like “American Idol” and “The Voice” that can get unbelievable exposure for young artists.

But few people can get on those programs, so if you want to work as a performer in the music business, you have to be willing to work at promotion. Fortunately, most young people have a good grasp on things like the Internet and social media, which can be incredible tools. But the smart ones are also using the old, time-tested tools of doing shows and then promoting them on the ground with flyers and brochures. For these types of things, you may not need custom printing as simple flyers can work to get the word out. But, image is everything in the entertainment business, and investing in some glossy and slick posters and handouts can do wonders, and these are now more affordable with options like cheap printing brochures at UPrinting or other options online. But you have to do all this together. Before a show, make sure to have videos posted on YouTube. Promote the show through Twitters, Facebook and other social media. Have your team use Twitter and Facebook the day of the show. Then, make sure to post cool photos and videos after the show. If you put the work in, you’ll see the results!

Artists, Pop, Songs, Videos

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How to Customize a Guitar for Your Needs

July 26, 2012 / Staff

Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When a person is fist learning to play the guitar they are usually content to use the instrument as it was originally manufactured. Eventually, however, the desire to customize the guitar to suit one’s musical and personal styles occurs. The musician with an unlimited budget can take their guitar to a professional shop and have it revamped. However there are several modifications that can be done by the owner:

The String’s the Thing

The easiest way to customize is to change out the strings. Because strings are made of several different materials and come in a variety of gauges, the tone of a guitar can be altered with different types. Classical guitars, which used to use catgut, now typically have nylon strings. Acoustic guitar strings are made of bronze or brass with different base metals. The type of metal influences the sound. Electric guitar strings must contain at least some steel due to the need for magnetism in generating sound.

The gauge of the strings influences the ease of playing and the tonality of the instrument. Lighter gauge strings are a good choice for jazz musicians. They are also an excellent choice for beginners, since they are easier to play. Electric guitar strings can also have different types of wrappings that influence their tone.

Pickup and Party

Another way to change up and add power to the guitar’s sound is to change out the pickups. Depending on brand of guitar and the type of pickup, a fuller brighter sound can be obtained. Adding a pickup can amplify the sound and add clear tones that aren’t harsh. Adding chrome pickups creates the tight tones that perfectly compliment rock or rockabilly music.

There are manufacturers who specialize in replicating the sound of vintage guitars to recreate the roots sounds of the early days of modern rock and blues.

Scalloped Frets

A more radical way to alter the guitar is to scallop the neck. Scalloping removes the wood between the frets so that a light touch is all that’s needed to create a big sound. A scalloped neck also allows easy bending for the blues and metal rock player.

Scalloping the neck can be time consuming and requires some tools. It’s important to take care not to damage the frets when filing out the wood between them. This can be done by hand with a round file. There is a great deal of sanding and buffing involved to create a smooth trough between the frets. Power tools simplify the various steps in the process.

Changing out the head or the whole neck can alter both the appearance and sound of the instrument. There are other cosmetic modifications that can be done to personalize the guitar’s look. Cosmetic changes like adding a new pick guard, painting or adding decals will change the look without changing the sound. Although many changes are easily done at home, for more complex alterations, local guitar teachers or music store personnel can provide references.

Songs

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Muskrat Ramble from Louis Armstrong

July 15, 2012 / Staff

Muskrat Ramble from Louis Armstrong with some bathing beauties from the 1920s in the background.

Artists, Jazz, Songs

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4 Perfect Songs and Artists for Your Next Poker Game

July 9, 2012 / Staff

Everyone loves a great game of poker, from the younger, less experienced players to the aged generations who have mastered the perfect “poker face”. While poker is generally associated with gambling, it has transformed into a game that is strictly for entertainment. During the early days of poker, it was considered easy money for the experienced players, who knew when to make their moves. Since then, many places have made gambling illegal, due to the financial situations that can arise among gamblers. Even so, it is the perfect card game to pass the time and enjoy the company of friends and family. Music is the perfect background noise, especially in lighthearted poker games.

Like any other activity, certain musical genres are preferred for poker games. Depending upon the musical preferences of the players involved, you may decide to choose a more intimidating rock song over a fun classical song. There are a great deal of songs and albums which will go great with a laid back poker game, many of which actually pertain to poker directly. These songs are also good for solitary poker, especially if you are playing through partypoker. Here, we have compiled many songs that will compliment your game, with a little information regarding the artist and lyrics.

“Money” by Pink Floyd : This song is perfect for poker games that involve true gambling. It is a classical song, and was released in 1973 on the album “The Dark Side of the Moon”. The song involves several special effects that relate to money, such as the sound of coins jingling or cash registers. Since this is an older and classical track, it may not exactly appeal to the younger crowd; so it is perfect for reminiscent games.

“The Gambler” by Kenny Rodgers : This song is very popular, and has been entertaining people since its release in 1978. Kenny Rodgers is a renowned country music star, so you know this song is sure to bring a smile to the faces of your guests. It involves a man who takes a train with no particular destination in mind, and another man whom he meets while aboard; this man is referred to as The Gambler. The Gambler converses with him, giving him a life lesson through poker phrases.

“Ace of Spades” by Motorhead : This is a classic rock song, which was released in 1980. Motorhead is an English band, which hit the singles chart in the UK for 12 weeks straight. This song is loaded with metaphors which pertain to gambling, which makes it the perfect track for a competitive game. Rock has been a favorite genre of many for decades, and it’s not going anywhere any time soon.

“The House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals : If you are interested in a classical folk song that reaches back into the 1960’s, this is it. This song is not exactly a mood booster, but it is a view of the life of a gambler. This song has many versions, with different artists involved. However, The Animals’ version has our vote. This simple ballad is quite enjoyable, and can be a lesson to players who tend to wager too much during a game.

Songs

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