Digital Media Taken Over

So last night, this blog was due before midnight but instead of making sure my post was on time. I decided to capture something that was a great example of how digital media has taken over the music world. Last night at the House of Blues, here in Chicago I had another opportunity to see an amazing Israeli trance band, Infected Mushroom. The first time I saw these guys live, was at the same venue three years ago but this time there was no band. This time it was only the two founders, Erez Eisen and Amit Duvdevani. Below is a performance of what they are capable of doing.

 

Okay well when I saw them in 2010 they didn't have the garbage cans or the ladies beating on them either. When I saw them they had the keyboardist, the guitarist, bassist, lead singer and the drummer. However the drummer did use an electronic drum set instead of the traditional style.

This time on their Fungusamongus Tour, they use an Emulator Dual View System (DVS) by SmithsonMartin Inc. (http://www.smithsonmartin.com/dvs/) The Emulator DVS is a multi touch-screen midi control software that allows the audience to view what the artist or musician is doing. 

Now, I do think this highly expensive item is really cool and all but at the same time, I went to this show in hopes that it was going to be somewhat like the last show. 

On the other hand the Infected Mushroom did not have any visuals two years ago but the visual effects this time were pretty trippy. So cudos to them from the help of Projection Freak (http://www.projectionfreak.com/tag/software-based-control)

Some of this style of LED effects can be seen here in Chicago at Castle formerly known as Excalibur.

Here's the show from last night.

Their new album Army of Mushrooms is more dubstep and drum and bass heavy I stayed for about an hour because I got bored. I wanted to see a performance. If I wanted to watch some guys mess around on a piece of digital software I could have gone to a club or more cheaply, I could have worked on a project of my own. I can only be disappointed but that doesn't mean I will never pay to see them again. I am a fan.

Marketing major, Drummer

So lately, I have been talking with people in different aspects of the music industry. My first Q & A was with a guitarist, then the founder of Chicago Music Guide, Dennis M. Kelly and one of his writers, Tanya Vega a.k.a. Southside. I have been following Southside's blog for quite some time and I know she is on the road at the moment but when she returns to Chicago, I will try and make some time to hang out with her at a show as she interviews musicians. This will be an advantage and a good way to network.
My next interview is with a drummer, his name is Austin, originally from Ohio and now lives here in Chicago. I hung out with him the other night for a few hours and we talked about things from how he got started to singers to bands that perform as cover bands. He made a mention about Berklee and we also spoke about connections and how some times it just works out.

ME: So how did you get started playing the drums?
AUSTIN: It has always been a life long dream for me. I can remember when I was in the first or second grade, I told my parents I wanted to play the drums. My dad said I had to learn piano first, so I took a couple years of piano. The year before I got into band class in school my parents bought me my first drum set.

ME: That's cool that your parents supported you.
AUSTIN: Yeah, that was nice.

ME: So you obviously were in the percussion section.
AUSTIN: Yeah, (as he is smiling and snickers) I was into the whole Drumline thing in band too.
ME: That's cool. Those guys can get down on some drums. I always dug our percussion section in marching band.

ME: So you went to school for marketing? Where'd you go to school?
AUSTIN: Yeah, while I was still in high school a lot of my friends who also play drums went to music schools and I went to the University of Ohio for marketing.

ME: Have you done any marketing work in the music industry?
AUSTIN: I had an internship at a local record label. I did some marketing for them and while I was there, I got to meet some well known bands and learned more about the whole recording side of the business too.

ME: You know, that's what I hear a lot from people that I go to school with now. Some of the guys that I have class with said they've learned alot inside a studio while interning.
AUSTIN: I feel that it is somewhat true. I mean look at me, I'm a drummer who went to school for marketing. Now I just play at venues around the city or like tonight my friend is having a jam party and I need to get there sometime before 10pm to help set up the PA. I don't do anything involved with the marketing side now.

ME: Wow! A jam party, is this at someone's house? Well playing around the city at different venues is a way of marketing.
AUSTIN: Yeah, most of my friends are vocalist and musicians.

ME: That's a good crowd to be around. So how come you didn't go to school for music.
AUSTIN: Well like I said I did have some friends that went to school for music. Two of my friends went to Berklee and dropped out after a year or two. So I decided to go to school for something else, since I already knew how to play and I also got to experience the music business through marketing at a record label company.

ME: I love the piano. So can you still play keys?
AUSTIN: A little, I wish I would have kept up on it. I agree, I think the piano is an amazing instrument when used in music.

ME: One of my favorite singer/songwriters plays piano, do you know who Fiona Apple is?
AUSTIN: Yeah, just the timbre of her voice is unique.

ME: So what kind of music to you enjoy playing?
AUSTIN: I like jazz and funk, that's just my style but my band is a little harder than that. We have more of a My Bloody Valentine, Jimi Hendrix sound. It's very hook heavy.

ME: Cool, I'd like to come check you guys out some time. You have to let me know when your next show is.
AUSTIN: I wish would've remember to tell you before, you could've came and checked us out a week ago. We played at Quencher's.

ME: So what else do you listen to?
AUSTIN: I like a lot of classic rock and you know jam bands.

ME: That funny I was just talking to someone about a Queen cover band. I don't know how I feel about that. I mean I know there are Pink Floyd cover bands and many others but…
AUSTIN: Yeah but to have the kind of presence of Freddie Mercury. I don't know how I feel about that either.

ME: I'm not saying that there isn't a band out there that can perform and sound like a classic rock band. I mean there's an all women Led Zeppelin cover band.
AUSTIN: Lez Zeppelin

ME: Yeah, I saw them last summer and the only thing I can say is, They rocked, they were amazing. Extremely talented ladies. So do you mind if I share this in my blog?
AUSTIN: Sure go ahead
ME: Thanks man. I like to get different aspects of the music industry in my blog because not everyone does the same thing. Ya, know?

AUSTIN: Like I said earlier, my friends that went to Berklee, well we took a road trip to Colorado and we ended up meeting some other guys that went to Berklee and they were looking for a drummer and now one of my buddies tours with them. They all live in New York now. At the moment they're on a break from touring but that was a good connection we just happen to run into.

So a University of Ohio, marketing major decided to come to Chicago to have a better opportunity to get involved. Even though he is educated, enjoys playing and jamming out on the drums with his fellow mates whom also play and sing, says that he is glad that his parents were always supportive about playing music.

And if you're in the mood for some good craft beer and live music check out Quenchers Saloon.

Get Involved

So earlier this week, you may have read about a Q & A that I did with the founder of Chicago Music Guide. What about the people that work for them and their thoughts on music media or just music some type of musical knowledge? Well I had the opportunity to discuss this with someone that contributes her time to CMG. She goes my "Southside" on CMG's website. So I asked her a few questions of my own and how she got started in the business.

ME: I have been following your blog since the beginning of this year. I drew interests because my instructor wanted us to start a blog as a class project and we also had to look at other blogs within the music industry. I came across yours because I enjoy and support the local music scene. I see that you write for Chicago Music Guide, how did you get involved with CMG? If you don't mind me asking. 

I, myself have started a blog on music education and how it is important in a person's life. If I could pick your brain for a moment, I'd like to ask you a few questions about the music industry. 

SSide: Wow, never been interviewed before. My first with well-thought out

questions. Of course I will reply back with my answers.

ME? How did you get involved with CMG?

SSide: Started with CMG back in 2007 or 2008 when I first met a photographer named Beth Shandles who spotted me reviewing bands during MOB Fest at Elbo Room. She was the one who recommended my name to Dennis Kelly who in turned asked me to join as contributor to the site. From time to time I write and/or cover shows for CMG when I'm not busy with my schedule.

 

ME: Are you a musician yourself? 

If so, what do you play?

SSide: Yes - I know how to do my scales on piano but truly flunked out on the clarinet lessons when I was younger. Never really caught on with that instrument. However, I do sing but not professionally. I was part of my high school girls' chorus and church choir (both youth and adult).

 

ME:  How long have you been involved in the music industry?

SSide: Seems like forever! LOL I've been involved way back in the days when underground house music was the rage here in Chicago. I used to date a DJ named James "Jack Rabbit" Martin before his death in 1990. That's when I sort of dropped out of it until 2005 when I discovered a music site called dMusic. At first it started out as a hobby - reviewing and interviewing artists and bands on that site for an internet radio station called Fearless Radio where I was an avid listener to The New Music Binge. Then host - Rocco gave me the moniker SouthSide since I was calling from the Southside of Chicago. My first review as SouthSide happened on Sept 12 2006 at SubT. Can't remember the bands that played yet I never knew what would transpire after posting it.

 

ME: When you were growing up did you have a music program in your school?

SSide: Yes - we had music classes at both elementary and high school level (which was an elective)

 

ME: Do you feel that it is important for children these days to be involved in some type of music program?

SSide: Yes, I do. How are kids today suppose to know that Mozart was the original "rock hard and die young" rock star of his time? Or that Brahms' and Bach's compositions can be heard in modern music today. Music no matter the genre whether it's rock to hip hop to classical and even neo/modern jazz exposes them to a world were sound, lyrics, tempo, harmonies and melodies are formed to create something new and refreshing each and every day. Without it, I see a dull uncultured world for this generation and others.

 

ME: Do you have any advice for those parents who would like to have their children involved in music, as to, where they could go?

SSide: My advice - start when they're in the womb or even while they're babies. I exposed both o my daughters (now 20 and 11) to classical (Mozart, Bach, Handel, et al) to classic rock (Led Zeppelin, The Who, Beatles, Pink Floyd - my youngest loved track 4 "Great Gig In The Sky" to Dark Side of the Moon) to modern jazz (Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Johnny Mathis, Ella, Duke Ellington) and more as well as theatric musicals when they were young. Kids, believe or not, are exposed to music every single day whether it's commercials to the shows on PBS and even cartoons. Take them to see a Broadway show like the Lion King or Beauty and the Beast ...also check out The Old Town School of Music. They have classes for kids as young as babies and toddlers as well as classes if you want your chlid to learn an instrument.

ME: How do you feel about learning music off the internet?

SSide: Learning off the net I think is a wonderful idea and good way of connecting with others around the world when it's impossible to meet face to face for lessons. I have a friend in LA (Dan Sindel) who does guitar lessons on the net via Skype to connect with his students.

So everyone has different experiences in the music world. How do you so your self years from now?

In the Industry

So I've been giving you guys information on music schools and what they have to offer. Last week, I featured a small interview with a guitarist who started out practicing on his buddies acoustic guitar and moved onto metal music. I recently asked him if he had any other projects coming up and he's about to collaborate with a fellow co-worker who happens to be a singer/songwriter.
A few weeks ago I led a class discussion on digital media, my presentation was about the local scene and presented to the class a webzine called, Chicago Music Guide.

Before I led this discussion, I managed to get ahold (via email) of the founder of CMG, Dennis M. Kelly and asked him a few questions about his involvement in the industry.

Mr. Kelly,

Hello, my name is Monique Leyba and I am an Audio Production major at the Illinois Institute of Art here in Chicago. I came across your webzine as I am a supporter of the local music scene. I feel these are the people who should have a helping hand of getting noticed. I am doing some research for a led class discussion on media delivery. I was wondering if you could answer some questions that I have about Chicago Music Guide. 

Good day Monique,

Thank you very much for your email and your interest with Chicago Music Guide!

I am happy to answer your questions for you and supplying the answers.

ME: How did the concept of Chicago Music Guide come to you?

DMK: I came up with Chicago Music Guide just out of the basic desire to help promote my friends band as well as other local artists I've come to admire back in 2000. But it wasn't until 2004 where it became clear to me that in order for this to be more effective, I needed to bring on some people to provide better coverage. Things pretty much grew from there.

ME: Did you grow up here in Chicago?

DMK: I've lived in various Chicago suburbs all my life but have always had a love for Chicago's creative spirit. I love the cultural diversity, the creativity that flows from the city and the inspiration I personally feel from the city. There is no other city that captures my attention like Chicago in the world.

ME: How can a local artist get featured on Chicago Music Guide?

DMK: We offer free local artist pages on our site all the time and interviews can either be requested by email or in some cases, we have requested the interviews; it depends. 

ME: Is there a process or is it your staff members that go seek the featured artists shown?

DMK: We are currently putting a more formalized process in place for our music tips and features that should have been incorporated sooner, but wasn't.

ME: Does CMG try to focus on artists from the Chicagoland area?

DMK: Yes, it is our belief that it is the Chicago artists who are our "treasure" and who need to exposure more than national artists and therefore will always receive more assistance from us.

ME: I see that CMG has a European tour, can you explain a little more of what that section is about?

DMK: Thank you for asking!

Yes, this is a very new section we added just a couple weeks ago in fact in the hopes that this tool provided by Rail Europe could help assist artists who are in the planning stages of booking a European tour. While it cannot help them to book the venue dates in each city, it can help out a great deal in making the process more streamlined and provide a more relaxed experience by traveling by train.

ME: How does one become a musician of the month on CMG?

DMK: This is also a new section to the site; with more new sections being added monthly through the course of this year, in fact.

So far, the artists have been hand-picked and they have been picked primarily for their above and beyond services to the community either by playing in many bands and teaching or doing showcases, etc. 

It is primarily a way to focus on an individual musician, apart from the band as a whole. 

ME: How does CMG get its funding? Are you non-profit?

DMK: Mainly through the advertisers at this point, but there are many other revenue streams as yet untapped that we are working on at the moment.

ME: Has CMG always used video media on the site? Do you feel that the presence of the material increases the site's popularity? Or the artists?

DMK: We have used video media previously on the site (on and off) and yes, I personally feel it is a valuable asset on our site. I am a very visual person myself, and feel we all (as a society) tend to connect more with multimedia far more than a static image or text ever will. Words are powerful, words are thought-provoking, but nothing grabs attention better than video (in my book).

ME: I'm also writing a blog for this class it's called, educatewithmusicmedia.blogspot.com. Here I am discussing how music education is important and a difference of what is makes in someone's life.

Do you have kids and what are your thoughts about having music education in their lives or in any child's life?

DMK: Yes, I have two children, a son (7) and daughter (4). Neither has expressed any extreme interest in music yet, but my wife and I will be introducing them more to music soon as we develop yet another new aspect to our site, so, we'll see if the desire to learn an instrument will get sparked with them at that time.

If so, we firmly believe they should have a solid training under their belt and feel that both our children could do it (should that be the direction they want to go in) but we'll leave it up to them.

ME: Since there are schools here in Chicago that do not provide a music class for kids, do you know of or have any recommendations for digital media education that can help a child get involved with music? 

DMK: Offhand, I am not familiar with any digital media education in the Chicago area, however, schools like People's Music School is one place we are featuring this month and there will be a benefit concert for them on Sunday, February 17th at Lincoln Hall. You can learn more about them here: http://peoplesmusicschool.org/

There are many more locations in the city in suburbs that we'll be highlighting throughout the year, so, check back often!

ME: Mr. Kelly I would like to thank you for your time and consideration. I hope to hear back from you real soon.

DMK: You're most welcome Monique! This was most enjoyable too as I usually am the one writing the questions. I sincerely appreciate your interest again with us and hope that my answers were helpful.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to let me know and I'll be happy to answer more for you.

Thanks again Monique!

Sincerely,

Monique Leyba

Audio Production major

A.I. 

Finding out that the people that work for CMG are past and present people from the music industry and they are volunteer workers, I asked Mr. Kelly if it was possible if I could come aboard and write for his webzine. In response, he mentioned when I have some more free time on my hands, I am more than welcomed to come aboard and just let him know when I'm ready.

So here is a another way to get involved in some type of digital music media.

As an audio major, it feels good to have someone welcoming you into the industry.

I know I mentioned local Chicago music schools but other universities offer music media programs. Ball State University offers a Music Media Production and Industry program for undergraduates. (Previously called Music Technology)
The degree offers much of the same just like the Chicago schools like audio production, music theory, history or music, music business, arranging and performance and internships with professionals in the music industry.
The way I found out about this university offering this program, I have an old friend whose son is a junior in high school and in his vocational class he adds sound to movies. So pretty much he is doing what most of us at A.I. did in Audio Technology I.
Below is a picture of what their studio looks like:

Going into the music world

There are many different options that schools offer to give you the knowledge of digital media that is used in the within the music industry. Here is a list of some of the local schools here in Chicago that offer audio programs.
Chicago Recording Connection Audio School, this school places their students inside a Chicago recording studio. The student works as an apprentice in the studio where they learn audio engineering, music producing, mixing or live audio. "The RECORDING CONNECTION advantage is our mentor-apprentice approach." (Recording Connection Audio Institute. Sallie Mae. 2013. Web.)

Tribeca Flashpoint Academy is located downtown Chicago, just like the Recording Connection, this is a part college, part industry apprenticeship that offers hands-on programs. Below is a tour of what goes on at Tribeca. At the 6:00 minute mark the President & CEO, Howard A. Tullman will take you to the sixth floor where the sound labs are located.

 As a majority of my blog followers, we attend The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago. Here you will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Audio Production. The program here teaches students concepts and technical skills that are used in the field of audio engineering. The instructors show students the equipment used to record, edit and master audio projects. The students will get hands-on training with industry related equipment and technology. Some of the course topics include music theory, electronics, recording techniques and live sound. Other courses will focus on the business side of the music industry such as Survey of the Music Industry, Marketing and Management and Media Delivery. For anyone interested in attending this school somewhere other than Chicago, The Art Institute has campuses across the country.

And for those who would choose (as some call it our rival school) Columbia College, located in the south loop on Michigan Ave. across from Lollapalooza's playground, Grant Park. Do me a favor and don't let anyone confuse this college with one of the most Ivy League schools in the U.S. Columbia University, Columbia College doesn't even compare. They offer their expertise for undergraduate students in live and recorded sound design, engineering, production, design and management of audio installations and vibration/noise measurement and control. "The Audio Arts + Acoustics Department provides students with the knowledge skills, and artistic sensibility necessary to systematically and expertly control sound and sound structures." (Columbia College Chicago. National Highway Institute. 2013. Web.) Other programs include Classical Guitar and an advanced degree in Music Composition for the Screen.

Now just because all these institutes are out there to advanced you into a higher education, not all musicians and people within the music industry attend some type of college or university. Some people were self taught. I had spoken with an individual whom taught himself how to play guitar at the young age of 9. I spoke to this gentleman just yesterday on how he got started into music. Let's call him, Duane.
Duane: "I remember asking my music teacher if I could play guitar in jazz band and she told me, "There are no guitar players in jazz."
Me: "What grade was this?"
Duane: "I don't remember what grade but I was only like 8 or 9, so I borrowed my buddy's acoustic guitar and was obsessed with it. I remembering practicing everyday and playing the same chords over and over until my fingers hurt."
Me: "Oh wow, that's some intensive practices."
Duane: "Well come to find out years later, there are tons of guitar jazz musicians."
Me: "Yeah I was thinking that a moment ago when your teacher said there were none."
Duane: "Once I knew how to play the guitar my mom bought me my first electric guitar, then it was metal music after that."
Me: "Metal, huh?"
Duane: "Yeah, I played with a couple of metal bands in Tampa and realized, unless that's all you want to do is play metal music and your an amazing metal guitarist then going anywhere might be a big challenge for you, you know?"
Me: "I understand, so what are you doing these days?"
Duane: "Well I've been hanging out with some buddies and we've had jam sessions, one recently in a storage-like building in Ravenswood. It was pretty awesome. We hung out, drank some beers and jammed for about 6 hours. It was a great night. I also have been teaching myself how to play more jazz style music and other styles as well." 
Me: "Nice, so broadening your musical talents on the guitar then, huh?"
Duane: "Yeah, there are just more opportunities if you know how to play other styles of music. There are so many guitar players out there and one person might get a gig over you because you don't know how to play a certain style."
Me: "I feel you, man. I play the sax and it's been years since I've picked it up. I remember playing solos in jazz band in high school. I liked standing out and showing what I could do. The solos weren't pieces of music that was prewritten I had to write original stuff and use it for competitions."
Duane: "I think it's really cool that you ask me about music. I love talking about it."
Me: "Haha, thanks man. 

I did not have the chance to ask him if he went to any music school but I'll have the opportunity at a later date.

I have more interviews to come. I want to share stories with you and inform you of how others got their start in the industry. Next week I will feature the founder of Chicago Music Guide and a contributor who donates her time to CMG and supports the local music scene.
                                    

As the Years Go On

The are many jobs out there for a person to get hired onto but some people don't want that after they graduate. As a young adult enters the work force (or they may have already started while still in high school) they either want money to go out with their friends or maybe because their parents make them. What if their interests just so happen to be within the music industry? I did say previously, there are schools without music programs but even if you had one or not. They realize that a 9 to 5 job just isn't their vision of work and misses learning.

There are many universities, colleges, institutes and other ways of getting started, learning and ways to become a music industry professional.
I mentioned Berklee College of Music a couple of blogs ago and according to them they have, "5 Online Music Courses That Could Fortify Your Career". (Thill,Scott. Wired. Conde Nast. 2013. Web.)
These courses include, The Future of Music and the Music Business, Music Marketing 101, Music Marketing: Press, Promotion, Distribution and Retail, Concert Touring and Artist Management. The classes combined, you will have a firm understanding and a base knowledge of music and the industry. Along with attracting fans, the financial aspects to live sound and creating ways to help an artist.

http://www.youtube.com/user/BerkleeMusic Click on this link. Do it! I couldn't decide which video to use so check it out. I know the video, "Details on Online Music Degrees from Berklee" is 27:32 long but if you have time watch it. Then check out the, Featured Playlist videos. Berklee President, Roger Brown mentions that Berklee offers, Turntablism. How sweet is that! I'm just sayin'.
There are digital online courses that their main focus is a specific genre type. For instance, Dubspot Online is an online music academy that teaches students the practices of electronic music production to help them create awesome music.

Their online ceritifications include programs using platforms such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Native Instruments Komplete for sound design and synthesis techniques and Mixing and Mastering. These are just several of the programs unique courses that Dubspot features.

If one of these two schools are not of any interest to someone but would like more information on other online music schools or programs, stay tuned. I'll be back with more later this week. Thanks for viewing in, until next time my readers.

More course material

The other day I talked about Smart Music and how they charge for their service. Well, I received a comment asking how a company like this survives when there are other platforms such as YouTube that can reach out and teach someone how to play just about anything. Smart Music focuses more on a classroom setting then a computer/self taught process. Smart Music allows the student to play along with the music they are practices and in an effort to guide them what they have done wrong and what they are doing right. This also gives the teachers a sense of how their students are doing outside of the classroom.
Now I never said that I personally think that this program is great nor have I actually seen it used in a classroom setting but I just wonder myself how efficient this really is. I remember when I was in Junior High and High School, if we needed help our music teacher was there an hour after school to lend his/her help to us. Yet, I do feel that Smart Music is a much more useful program to a band student then YouTube.
As for some more ways of learning, Hudson Music is a video and audio product support company. They supply videos for music instructions and entertainment. The program and membership is free through http://www.hudsonmusic.com/hudson/ you can purchase and download some video lessons, audio and play-along tracks. Hudson focuses mainly on playing the drums. Some of their instant downloads include: Getting Started on Djembe, Getting Started on Cajon and Intense Metal Drumming II. Hudson Music has a feature about their artists, from jazz drummer legend Buddy Rich to individual snare drum champion Jeff Queen.
If you know someone or who may be a drum teacher, they can register in the program to share and learn about how to incorporate the material from Hudson Music into their teachings.
The video below presents the Hudson Music Teacher Integration Program.