june 2017
studioexpresso eZine
Since 2000 

Grammy-winner Katy Perry wrapped up her "Witness World Wide" live-stream with an intimate show hosted by YouTube at Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts in Los Angeles.   

 
Be sure to check our Summer calendar now filling up with music events.
July brings the recording industry to an urban oasis for more wining and networking experience.  The monthly Hammond Artist Hang continues in August with live streaming.  Discover key Grammy dates and news. We listen to a new release from a roaring talent who promises to deliver fun, then we take you to a mobile truck with forty years of star-studded history. Sit in with a Grammy-winning arranger who keeps us informed and inspired. Meet the music man behind billion + views, and look who's mastering direct to disc.  Take a listen to two artists from different corners of the world. 
We've got gear talk, digital art talk, fireworks and lot more... stay with us. 
 
Thanks for our 2 4,000 + readers and community of studios, composers, arrangers who create music that lives and moves.  Congrats to all of you who have renewed and enjoying work, industry networking and more.. Renew today. Thank you!
  
In This Issue
Renew Today...for 2017!
Le Mobile Celebrates 40 Years!
Witness Katy Perry
ATC & Silver Eye
Brent Fischer On Music
Grammy News & Dates
Meet Music Man YouTube's Lyor Cohen
Hammond Hang
 
Renew Today!

Studio Spotlights
Producer Profiles
eZine since 2000 to 24,000+ subscribers


Join us this evening for great music!
(see calendar section)

 

 
Le Mobile Celebrating 40 Years  
Star-Studded Sound On Wheels

   
Le Mobile's Guy and Ian Charbonneau with Director Steven Spielberg during the recording of Lincoln soundtrack by John Williams
 
Shout out a
40-year roar to |
Le Mobile, the award-winning mobile recording facility owned and operated by Guy and Ian Charbonneau.
Most recently producer and arranger Kristopher Pooley (R) with Katy Perry came in to record for her Witness Worldwide Finale.
Only if these wheels (rather walls) could talk...the diverse artists recorded here include Linkin Park, No Doubt, U2, The Offspring, Katy Perry, Keith Urban, Kanye, Andrea Bocelli and Jane's Addiction.
It's been said that when it comes to live recording it's best left to experts. Why? You don't get a second chance!

Guy Charbonneau's long and prestigious career has brought him numerous audio and TV industry music awards and worldwide recognition for live remote recordings, production, mixing and his world-class facility
in Carlsbad, Calif. studioexpresso sat with Guy and Ian to talk about audio news and solutions on the road. Read more on what's new at Le Mobile here  
 


Meet Drawmer's New Baby: MPA-90

Ivor Drawmer and his handpicked team of engineers unveiled the new Drawmer MPA-90 two-channel class D power amplifier. Its small dual monoblock design, with tabletop or rack mountable footprint, houses guts capable of delivering 90W per channel (into 4 Ohms) or 180W bridged - all with no annoying fan. Like Drawmer's MC2.1 Monitor Controller, the new MPA-90 treats audio signals with integrity: its output is lusciously transparent, revealing the beauty (and the faults!) of whatever is run through it. Also, like all Drawmer's products, the MPA-90 is built in England to last a lifetime, priced fairly at $695.

"The new Drawmer MPA-90 is the perfect partner to small passive loudspeakers like the Auratone® 5Cs or other small passives" says Brad Lunde, founder and president of TransAudio Group, Drawmer's longtime US distributor.
"Many Class D amps out there are just raw Class D modules, but the MPA-90 has a Drawmer designed and built custom front end to improve its sound. The MPA-90 sounds excellent and with the bridging feature, provides a future upgrade path. The MPA-90 is really the perfect complement to the Drawmer MC1.1 or MC2.1 Preamplifiers in matching housing, but it works great with any preamp."
Switching the Drawmer MPA-90 from stereo to mono bridged is easily accomplished with the flick of a switch and use of the mono loudspeaker jack. Its inputs are either balanced XLR or unbalanced phono to cover the two universes of gear, pro versus semi-pro/consumer that may feed it. It features thermal, overload, and power-up/power-down protection and front-panel standby, fault, and clip indicator LEDs. Its rugged steel chassis and brushed aluminum cover speaks to the Drawmer MPA-90's design integrity and longevity.
The MPA-90 is now available for shipping.  PRICE: $695.00 MAP


BETTERMAKER C502V 500 SERIES
  
Trans Audio Group Introduces the Boutique Analog Compressor 
 
TransAudio Group, Bettermaker's U.S. distributor, introduced the path breaking Bettermaker C502V at the AES's 139th Convention earlier this year in New York City. Like the rest of Bettermaker's catalog - which in just a few short years has earned numerous TEC, Resolution, and Prosound award nominations and wins, the C502V combines a boutique analog signal path (newsworthy in its own right) with intuitive, musical controls and complete parameter recall and automation from a linked DAW-based plug-in - high-end analog sound paired with a superior digital workflow. The C502V is the first compressor from Bettermaker, although with three distinct VCA flavors in one 500-series chassis, it could just as easily be described as the first three compressors from Bettermaker! Stereo, dual mono, or M/S modes, as well as USB or analog side-chain with adjustable high-pass filtering and "look ahead" functionality expand the C502V's universe of possibilities.




 
Trans Audio Group 

    
Brent Fischer On Music   
Earlier this month Grammy-winning producer, composer, arranger Brent Fischer (Usher, Michael Jackson, Elvis Costello, The Roots) took a little break from his orchestral session at Los Angeles' NRG studios (above) in June to speak to Nick Poortman.  studioexrpesso and Record Production are pleased to bring you this interview filled with information, tips, inspirations and more.  How to arrange? Brent says just do it! Learn and keep improving.
Fischer who was guest speaker at Academy of Scoring Arts in May offers clinics and/or master classes for Universities and Music Conservatories on subjects that include: Expanding composition and arranging techniques, Clare Fischer's harmonic concepts for arrangers, composers and improvisers, Latin jazz grooves workshop, Transcribing complex harmonies for study--techniques for developing absolute relative pitch (more practical than perfect pitch) and expanding harmonic vocabulary. Brent with his late father Clare Fischer have a long history of working with stellar artists from Dizzy Gillespie and Cal Tjader to Prince and Michael Jackson.   
Brent Fischer is passionate about artist career development and offers a vast experience managing his father's publishing and recorded music catalogue.
Watch Brent Fischer interview with Nick Poortman here


 



Anne Bisson Direct-to-Disk   
Michael C. Ross Records Live Audiophile at Bernie's  

Playback in the cutting room (L-R):  Chief technician Beno May, mastering engineers Scott Sedillo, Chris Bellman, and Bernie Grundman, recording artist Anne Bisson, and producer/recording engineer Michael C. Ross. Photo by David Goggin. 

Charismatic Canadian jazz vocalist/pianist Anne Bisson recorded her new album direct-to-disk at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood. "Four Seasons in Jazz" was co-produced with Bisson and recorded by Michael C. Ross. Mastering engineers for the album were Scott Sedillo, Chris Bellman and Bernie Grundman, alongside chief technician Beno May. Bisson was accompanied by her double bass player Jean-Bertrand Carbou and drummer/percussionist Pierre Tanguay. The album's executive producers are Gary L. Koh of Genesis Advanced Technologies and Wuti Larnroongroj  of Brilliance Music & Studios. 
"We're recording the old-fashioned way," says Michael C. Ross. "The musicians are out in Bernie's spacious lounge area, which we converted into a recording studio with great microphones and acoustic treatment with gobos. The trio is playing live and I'm mixing it live and it's going right to vinyl." 
  





Goldfrapp Synth Whizz Will Gregory Bristol 
ATC SCM25A For Goldfrapp's Silver Eye 

Goldfrapp performed across US West Coast last September including at the Hollywood Bowl with New Order. Their shows have been described as "electric" and "catharsis."    Goldfrapp's Supernature sold over one million copies (their third album featuring striking smash hit 'Ooh La La').
Before finding critical acclaim and international chart success with vocalist Alison Goldfrapp synth whizz Will Gregory Bristol  predominantly recorded and toured throughout the Eighties with Tears For Fears, Peter Gabriel and trip-hop pioneers Portishead.  The multi-talented composer, keyboardist, and producer turned to London based ATC dealer Funky Junk to supplement his trusty Nineties-vintage SCM20 passive monitors with an altogether more modern SCM25A Pro three-way active studio pairing, promptly put to good use when working on the multiple Grammy®-nominated British electronic duo's recently released seventh studio album, Silver Eye. Watch the official video here
 
Problems have, however, occurred - albeit as far as Will Gregory's well-honed listening skills are concerned - when stepping outside his ATC comfort zone: "I've had to mix on other speakers when working elsewhere, but then when I play those mixes back on the SCM20s I end up making more changes - put it that way. Whatever else I play them on after I've made those changes, I don't want to make any more changes, so - in that sense - you can trust them to be accurate."
All of which rather begs the question: why the need to move on up to ATC's acclaimed SCM25A Pro three-way actives? An answer lies somewhat closer to home. Home is where the heart is, after all, and home for Will Gregory is a spacious Sixties bungalow also housing his primary studio setup (as well as a synth-based room and another room dedicated to analogue drum sounds and tape manipulation). Here he hunkered down for the best part of two years to work on the new Goldfrapp album, announced on Twitter by Alison Goldfrapp herself back in July 2015. While Will Gregory has not entirely forsaken his passive pair of beloved SCM20s, the larger SCM25A Pro three-way active studio monitors met with his approval in more ways than one: "What's good about the SCM25A Pros is that they're more muscular; they've got more bass end, and you can control that because they've got ports on the side, so you can decide how much or little you want, which is great. I love the totally practical, physical way that you can just remove or insert the bungs to change the bass, but, either way, they fill the room much better than the SCM20s."
Tricky as it may sound, residential room size played a part in influencing Will Gregory's studious SCM25A Pro purchasing decision. "I'm in quite a big room now," notes its owner, adding: "I'm here a lot of the time, so it functions like a home. I think they used to have more room in the Sixties, so it's got this large sitting room with a lovely picture window, which means you can see some nature while working. So I love it from that point of view, having spent so many years underground, which is where musicians seem to put themselves a lot the time in studios for some strange reason. But because we're detached here, we're not going to disturb our neighbours unduly, so it's ideal. But when I'm working with other people in there we clearly can't all fit in the sweet spot between the speakers, yet they manage to throw the sweet spot quite a long way into the room, so everyone can share it. They're also fantastic for just ramping up the vibe a little bit, but they have all that accuracy, so when you do sit yourself down in the sweet spot they're absolutely invaluable."
Invaluable for referencing that all-important bass end on Goldfrapp's eagerly-awaited seventh studio album, about which the dynamic duo themselves collectively commented: "Silver Eye belongs more to the electronic world of Supernature and Black Cherry. We've worked with some fantastic people on this album and we're really excited to share it with you."


Trans Audio Group's Brad Lunde talks about ATC inventor Billy Woodman (left) during # GearFest 2017 Listen to the interview with Sweetwater's Lynn Fuston about ATC monitoring systems  here 
 





A Whole Lotta Mastering System 
Bettermaker Mastering Limiter Shipping Now! 

TransAudio Group, U.S. distributor of high-end professional audio recording equipment, is shipping the Bettermaker Mastering Limiter.  
BML combines a pure analog signal path with a USB connection that allows it to be controlled, recalled, automated, and A/B'd from its associated plug-in (The USB connection and plug-in only control the functionality of the hardware unit, no audio passes through the USB connection or plug-in). This unit is comprised of two separate level control circuits, an infinity to 1 limiter followed by a clipper. Both are fixed threshold circuits, with the limiter threshold approximately 3dB lower than the clipper. A user adjustable ratio controls the amount of work done by the limiter versus clipper, achieved through adjustment of the limiter attack time. Additionally, this unit features variable odd- and even-harmonic coloration, locally stored user presets, and responsive, comprehensive metering that frees up your computer screen for other workflow tasks.
   
"You cannot look at the Bettermaker Mastering Limiter as just one tool," explains Brad Lunde, founder and president of TransAudio Group. "It is a whole mastering system that replaces more than a few plug-ins and analog devices: limiter, clipper, saturator, M/S matrix, and a very sophisticated metering device. Its bright touchscreen display is pleasant to look at and frees up the computer screen. "Bettermaker's plug-in control is great. Not only can users recall and automate settings, but they can easily A/B settings from the plug-in to make smart decisions. You can also store and save presets right from the front panel or within Pro Tools or other DAW's," says Lunde. "The 'color' section is our original design; we did not model it on anything that is currently on the market," said Marek Walaszek, CEO at Addicted To Music group and the lead designer of the Bet-termaker products. "The idea is to give the user the ability to add odd harmonics, even harmonics, or both to the signal. The harmonics target a user specified area of the audio spectrum, which al-lows you to, for example, add even harmonics to the highs to give them a more smooth sound and odd harmonics to the lows to give them more bite. The color section mimics a wide-Q equalizer and users can apply equalization techniques when using this capability; after finding the target area us-ers adjust the amount to color to apply. Also, the color is not a mix of saturated signal and dry signal; the harmonic content becomes part of the original dry signal."
The metering page includes input, output, and reduction meters, a VU meter, RMS metering, LUFS (Short Term, Integral, Momentary, Loudness Range, View in Time) with TruePeak metering, K-metering, a FFT analyzer, a goniometer, a correlation meter, and three points of measurement: the plug-in, the physical input of the limiter, and the physical output of the limiter. An additional page allows users to customize their metering to fit their workflow.
U.S. PRICING: $3495.00 List * $2995.00 MAP
 
     
 

ATC monitors were at NAMM earlier in January where TransAudio Group showcased the popular near- and mid-field ATC SCM25A and SCM45A monitors, as well the new passive ATC SCM12 monitor and the ATC P1 PRO stand-alone amplifier.  You can hear ATCs at some of the world's best studios: East West, the Village, and Blackbird Studios.
TransAudio Group's Subwoofer Pros Studio Subs complemented the ATC SCM25As. TransAudio Group introduces the newest  and smallest member of the ATC family: the SCM12 Pro. Using the very same "all in-house built" components as its larger siblings, the SCM12 Pro delivers ATC's famous super-detailed "ATC midrange", solid imaging, and ideal balance that have made ATC the gold standard for working professionals across all music genres and audio industries. In a twist, TransAudio Group will combine the SCM12 Pro with ATC's all new P1 Pro 150W/channel rackmount amplifier in a bundle that breaks previous price barriers for ATC. The SCM12/P1 Pro monitor/amp package will carry a bundle MAP price of US $4350. If purchased separately, the SCM12 Pro is $1,990/pair MAP, and the P1 Pro amp is $3,490 MAP.

Additionally TransAudio created a new "free-to-the-dealer" display option.  The four-sided display makes it easy to showcase recording studio accessories, such as Accusound cable, Sabra-Som shock mounts, and Pauly and Hakan pop filters. "This display makes it much easier for the dealer to present and sell higher performance accessories. WE will service the display making it easy for the dealer to add plus revenue," said Lunde.
 
For more information on  ATCs  
contact  Brad Lunde at www.transaudiogroup.com  or call  702-365-5155.
ATC SCM25As in stock today at your favorite Pro Audio Dealer. Follow the link:

Trans Audio Group at NAMM 2017, Anaheim unveiling the new Drawmer MC3.1 and the newest and smallest member of the ATC family: the SCM12 Pro, among other cool studio toys. 
 
Alex Jacobsen of Auratone  Auratone 5C Sound Cubes 
The TEC-nominated Auratone Super Sound Cube reference monitor is a legend in the recording, broadcasting, and motion picture industries for its unfailing ability to represent mixes as they will so often appear in the "real world" - on small-format, zero-crossover loudspeakers.     
 
For more information on Aurotones visit  www.transaudiogroup.com  or call  Brad Lunde at 702-365-5155.   
 

Bettermaker, the Poland-based maker of high-end analog equalizers with plug-in control and recall, earned two nominations: one for the Bettermaker EQ502P 500 series module and one for the
Bettermaker EQ232P MKII rack-mount.

 
Drawmer's 1978 Tone Shaping Compressor, which incorporates different analog character circuitry and variable saturation, and Tube-Tech HLT 2A, which pairs high and low shelving with an innovative "tilt" midrange filter, earned nominations as well. Finally, ATC earned a nomination for the ATC SCM45A, three-way compact near-field monitor with unparalleled midrange fidelity. The winners will be determined by online voting via Mix, Pro Sound News, Pro Audio Review, and Electronic Musician and via professional audio and sound production organizations. 


"All of these nominations go to inventor-owned companies, the kind of companies where innovation is king. We're proud to have these exciting new products recognized with TEC Award nominations," said Brad Lunde, founder and president of TransAudio Group. It's easy to imagine that there's nothing new under the sun in the world of pro audio, or that anything new is a gimmick, but that's simply not the case. The sound quality of Bettermaker's equalizers would have earned TEC nominations by itself, but the fact that their fully-analog circuitry can be recalled and automated via a plug-in interface has obvious advantages in a modern workflow. The Drawmer 1978 and the Tube-Tech HLT 2A prove that traditional compressor and equalizer topologies are not the only way to inspire fantastic mixes. Taking a different tack, ATC's SCM45A gives engineers a beefier three-way ATC nearfield with fidelity that ensures mixes will translate outside of the studio. Obviously, we encourage folks to cast their votes for these innovative tools!" adds Lunde.
  
For more information on  Auratones, Bettermaker EQ232P MKII , Drawmer's 1978 Tone Shaping Compressor, Tube-Tech HLT 2A  and   ATC SCM45A  For the latest info on Tube-Tech contact  Brad Lunde at www.transaudiogroup.com   or call  702-365-5155.


Trans Audio Group  
tag crew
l-r: Richard, Todd, Janis and Brad at Trans Audio Group    
 
 
For the latest info contact   
Brad Lunde at  702-365-5155 [email protected]
www.transaudiogroup.com  
TransAudio Group, founded by industry  veteran Brad Lunde, has quickly become the premier US importer/distributor and/or US sales and marketing representative for high-end audio. Success hinges on TransAudio providing dealers and end users with a higher standard of product expertise and support far beyond the norm. TAG product line includes A-Designs (USA),  ATC Loudspeakers (UK),
Questions- pricing, availability and dealer locations please email [email protected]
   



Summertime Wine Tasting
Summertime Wine Tasting @ Urban Press   
 
 

& Networking

Wednesday July 12, 2017 Upstairs on the patio

URBAN PRESS WINERY     
316 N San Fernando Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502  
 

 
"Winemaker Giovanni Dandrea will be choosing our next tasting of his Californian boutique collection of wines," says host Jane Scobie. Summer is definitely here. I'm looking forward to tasting Giovanni's Rose!  
 
RSVP to Jane Scobie:   [email protected]  
View photos from previous wine tastings events here 

Hammond Hang @ Church Keyboard Center in June
l-r: Robby Robinson, Alicia McCracken Morgan, Brian Charette, Gary Swan, Emiko and CKC's Nelson Dodge


Next Hammond Hang

Saturday August 5, 1pm

featuring
Robby Robinson  

Church Keyboard Center
250 W Duarte Rd Suite B Monrovia, CA  
 
RSVP to [email protected]

Thank you for your support of 2017 (June 5) Recording Industry Golf Tournament at Robinson Ranch!  Organizer Karen Dunn says it was another smash hit supporting the music and recording program at A Place Called Home www.apch.org 
APCH is a dynamic community center and safe haven in South Central Los Angeles. Music and recording are key components of the organization's program offering, and the APCH youth band performs and records on a regular basis.  
Honorary Chairs are Engineers Extraordinare, Ed Cherney and Al Schmitt
 
 
    
 
    
 

Developing Artist I Band Seeks Producer

When it comes to artist development, repertoire (content, catalog, material) and artist or band are two essential ingredients. It takes some work to polish your writing and arranging skills, discover new gear, shine your image and charm!
This should all lead to connecting to your audience, locally, nationally, and internationally. Today's social media environment and available online tools have made the connecting part easier than ever.  However, it still takes months and years to develop an artist or a band, find your signature sound, or your identity and brand. Then you have to keep the business side in check. How to budget to cover recording, marketing, PR costs. Have a friend or manager who helps with bookings, contracts and accounting.  All in a hard day's night but the rewards begin to pour in as you get your act in top gear!
Here at studioexpresso, we're all ears! Send us your request. Include your sound cloud, web site, YouTube links and email it to [email protected] 
subject line: Artist I Band Looking for Producer.


SouthTown


Southtow's original song, "Blue" was selected as a semi-finalist in the 2016 International Songwriting Competition. Out of more than 16,000 submissions from all over the world, "Blue" qualified in the top ten percent.  They are growing their following by playing at home base venues in San Antonio, Texas.
Listen to their 8-song demo of originals produced by members of Southtown: 
Jordan Gibbons, lead vocals, rhythm guitar;     Dana Smith, vocals, lead guitar, percussion; Gabriel Acevedo, drums, percussion and   Colton Daniels, bass, banjo.
Who is their all-time favorite producer? Don Was
Southtown is planning to  record their first EP in the fall of 2017
They are looking to work with a producer who can add value, fits their budget and timeline.  watch Greenville 
 


Lyor Cohen, The Lion at YouTube Behind One Billion + Fans 



These days if you want to be noticed as an artist, you best have a sizeable following on YouTube where you have potential of having one-billion+ fans!
Then there's iTunes, Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, Soundcloud and Twitter.
Just follow the boutique label 300 Ent. format introducing their artists: Highly Suspect, Coast Modern, Conrad Sewell, Cobi, Fetty Wap, Young Thug, Riff Raff
Back in 2013, founder Lyor Cohen was sitting comfortable at 300.
Then Google (owns YouTube) led an investment round that contributed $5 million to Cohen's startup. Fast forward today, he is stepping down from 300 as CEO in order to focus on his new role as global head of music at YouTube.  With this recent appointment, YouTube becomes the latest streamer to bring in a music executive with decades of experience dealing with artists. Apple Music launched with Jimmy Iovine leading the charge, who had previously run Interscope for 25 years; Spotify recently brought on Troy Carter as global head of creator services, who had managed Lady Gaga and Charlie Puth through his Atom Factory company; and Jay Z is, of course, the public face of Tidal's ownership structure.
Cohen has a long to do list at YouTube, including repairing the company's relationship with the music business. "Lyor is a lion of the music industry," said YouTube's Chief Business Officer Robert Kyncl in a statement. For the past year Kyncl has, effectively, been serving as the video streaming giant's interim head of music -- which has been a rough one for the company's relationship with the music industry. Beginning in April of this year, music stakeholders began pressuring YouTube over what they dubbed "the value gap" -- that YouTube (Red subscription tier, and the YouTube Music app.), despite being one of the most common digital destinations for music listening, was not paying rates on par with services like Spotify or Apple Music. 
If anyone Cohen is poised to do this and more.  Just look at his pedigree. He had previously headed up Warner Music Group as its chairman/CEO of recorded music until 2012; before that, he ran the consolidated Island Def Jam Music Group after Def Jam, of which he was president, was sold to Universal Music Group in 1998. He got his start as an artist manager at Russell Simmons' Rush Artist Management in the 1980s, working with Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys, among others.  Lyor's focus: Bridging the gap between technology and music.
In an open letter to his new team at YouTube he explains how. 1. Take distrust out of the equation.  2. Help build on great music, and break new artists and songs.
3. Work a collaborative relationship between the music industry and the technologies shaping the future of music business.

"As long as you're busy being born, you won't be busy dying. "
--Lyor Cohen (Cohen's letter to his staff at 300 announcing his new gig at YouTube)



 
Björk Digital
   

Corky, innovative, instinctual, emotional, ever-changing, always surprising, björk digital takes you inside her story-telling videos. Though, you could say the VR experience is still at its infancy.  We soon get tired of  wearing goggles, hand sets with wires attached and wish for true reality as in physically walking on the beach (not virtually)!  However, to gain new audiences, artists are pushing the technological envelope. Björk Digital was presented last month by LA Phil in Los Angeles May 19-June 4 at Magic Box at the Reef in Los Angeles.  The Björk Digital is a series of experiences: It begins with the Biophilia room, a hands-on educational space which showcases Björk's innovative apps and custom-made musical instruments, encouraging users to dive into an exploration of musicology, science and technology; then, six VR experiences where users are transported with
custom headsets; and finally, the Cinema room, a curated program of Björk's extensive and groundbreaking music videos spanning her career thus far, remastered for a unique exhibition cinema experience. Included videos are directed by Michel Gondry, Spike Jonze, Alexander McQueen, and many more.
It's has been at Sydney, Tokyo and London, in association with DHC/ART Foundation for Contemporary Art. The journey starts in a small theater with two large parallel screens, four projectors, and a metric ton of fidelity speakers (surrounding the room includin
g above your head).  A group of 25 get to hear and watch Björk's 11-minute powerful song, Black Lake. It feels like being in the cave with her channeling mother earth. The audience is encouraged to walk around and hear the mixed audio.  The room within room creates a sensual and intense experience.  She herself has said that it's hard to put soul into the tools humans make. So, how does she keep her audience captive for 90 minutes? In this presentation, two methods of VR is used. One, Film-based where you enter a 360 degree virtual reality world and the other, a more advanced computer game simulation technology where you somewhat interact with the images.  Next you're escorted to another room where you wear the goggles and sit on a swivel stool to hear and watch her come to life in her videos 'Notget' and stonemilker . This tender and emotional piece of music with string arrangements takes you to a beach near Ice land. You can follow björk (left or right, up into the sky or down by her feet in the water) in 360 degrees, and watch her perform the haunting first track from her global hit record Vulnicura.    

There are two-three more VR experiences including entering björk's mouth while she's singing, and interacting via a glove. Finally it was time to sit in a room with pillows on the floor where you can lounge comfortably and watch all of her videos for as long as you wish in 5.1 surround system.
Most interesting was Biophilio. A series of music apps created by björk for tablet computers which looks at linkages between science and music. It gives you the opportunity to engage music students in a more exciting ways.  I wished there was more time to explore this portion which was presented in the beginning of the show while we were in the waiting space. This music teaching method is actually used in schools across Scandinavia.  
Björk remains avant-guarde  and unearthly. Through her unique arctic passion, fashion, poetry, depiction of nature, mythology and imagery, her voice remains organic, primal, lonely, but uniting and healing. bjork digital draws from her fusion of classical, punk, jazz, hip hop, pop, soul, electronic, in all the realm of visual. 



Happy Birthday America!
 

After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it two days later on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more. 
America went on to make more memorable histories:  Trans-Oceanic Cable Communication, 1858, First in Flight, 1903, Model T Ford, 1908, Panama Canal, 1914, Men on the Moon, 1969, Cell Phones, 1973, and The Internet, circa 1985.
We are also responsible for the First Nuclear Reactor, 1942. We are not perfect but we're committed to making life better for those who belief in "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
America is great because Americans are free and original. Immigrants came here from different corners of the world with positive ideas and energy.   This land of diversity and opportunity is our home. Happy 4th! Enjoy the Fireworks  
 

 
Humans are biologically hardwired for music, and it is nearly universally viewed as the most exalted of all art forms.
It's this higher calling that brings beauty and expression into the world, enriching lives of millions. Thank you for your gifts.

Happy 4th of July (enjoy Sufjan Stevens)! 
Until next month,    Music lives and moves!

Claris Sayadian-Dodge, Founder I Editor studioexpresso

Visit exotic studio destinations at  studioexpresso home page
Help fans find you easily and contact us to update your profile  with your social networking links (sample: Kenny Aronoff).
Simply send an email to c [email protected] or
call 818.990.3031 and tell us your artist story and say "I want to RENEW!"
Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter
 
   


Guy Charbonneau with Kristopher Pooley recording for Katy Perry's Witness Wordwide Finale



Katy Perry
Witness
Capitol Records

Katy Perry's fifth studio album, Witness was released on June 9th by Capitol Records.
This is a different album from a different artist. She's turning her voice to witness seismic changes in our society and culture.  But, she remains the all-American outspoken girl who believes in cause and effect, and in freedoms we cherish. She has changed. Perry is growing and seeking spiritual truths.  Unlike her "cover girl" bubble gum image, she appears modern, honest, personal, and emotionally direct in "Miss You More," sounding more like a country pop ballad. We witness her nerdy side showcasing at times wacky thoughts and ideas. But, she appears stronger.  Gone are the long hair, cheeky outfits and the familiar Max Martin and Dr Luke productions. In are her sleek short do and futuristic (almost alien-like) outfits. Enter new collaborators: Mike Will Made It, DJ Mustard, Hot Chip, the underrated British house producer Duke Dumont, and three songs by the electro-pop indie band Purity Ring. We still hear her undeniable groove in "Swish,  Swish" featuring Nicki Minaj
The album's lead single, "
 Chained to the Rhythm" featuring Skip Marley, was released on February 10. Perhaps she's speaking to all Americans, in red and blue states, when she sings: "So comfortable, we live in a bubble, a bubble. So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble."  It went on to top the charts reaching number four in the United States. The second single, " Bon Appetit" with Migos, followed late April (debuted during SNL).  On Witness  Perry has set the buffet and offering her true self for everyone to enjoy.  "Save as Draft" is the record's fourth single out this month in June (Live At Finale Show 2017 recorded by Le Mobile). As the lyrics go here, we all struggle letting, "...sleeping dogs lie."
For Perry fans, this one will surprise you.
Love it or hate it, it's Katy Perry reborn. She's the statue of liberty brought back to life.  She is carrying the torch for us, for people of all color, gender and religion who believe that "Karma is not a liar, she keeps receipts"!
Clubs should love the dance mixes on Witness. We dig the new Perry. She's bold, she's beautiful and she's all-American FUN. "And, you can't touch this!"
It's a perfect Spin for your 4th of July party.
The concert tour supporting the album, titled Witness: The Tour, will run in North America from September 2017 to February 2018


           



TELEFUNKEN   DIAMOND SERIES
 MICROPHONES From Trans Audio Group

Say hello to TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik's flagship Diamond Series -- the ELAM 251E, U47, and C12 large-diaphragm as well as the ELAM 260 small-diaphragm condensers -- now available through Trans Audio Group.  "For the fraction of the price of a vintage unit (assuming one could even find a vintage unit for sale!), TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik has come closer to recreating the original 1950's era microphones than any other manufacturer to date," says Brad Lunde. And this is good news for studios who can have interchangeable parts and sonics of the very best vintage models. "Offering faithful recreations of these highly-valued originals has been Telefunken's goal from the beginning," adds Lunde.  
 

¡Intenso!  
Clare Fischer Latin Jazz Big Band Directed By Brent Fischer  
Clavo Records
Available at ClareFischer.com, CD Baby, iTune and Amazon
 
 
  

 


 
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studioexpresso producers featured at
NAMM 2017

 
 

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Brent Fischer


"Imagination is more important than knowledge" --Albert Einstein
    




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"Four Seasons in Jazz" will be released August 11, 2017 on the Brilliance Music & Studios record label, coinciding with the Hong Kong High End Audio Visual Show. Learn more at:  http://www.fourseasonsinjazz.com
In addition to hi-res digital files and CDs, Bisson also releases her music on highest quality audiophile vinyl LPs, as well as 15 ips reel-to-reel analog tape.

 
Trans Audio Group booth at Summer NAMM
A Designs HAMMER 2, an easy-to-use amplifier for both main mixing and tracking.
Bettermaker's Award-Winning 502V 500 Series boutique analog compressor
Daking's Famous Line of Compressors and Mic Pre's
Drawm er's MC1.1

Monitor Preamp and the new 1978 Stereo FET Compressor.
And the Auratone Reference Monitors ever present at every studio!   



"What's good about the SCM25A Pros is that they're more muscular; they've got more bass end, and you can control that... they manage to throw the sweet spot quite a long way into the room, so everyone can share it... but they have all that accuracy, so when you do sit yourself down in the sweet spot they're absolutely invaluable."
- Will Gregory
 

 



      
HAMMOND HANG
at
250 W Duarte Rd. Suite B Monrovia, CA 91016
 
The Sound . The S oul . The One 
  the Hammond SK2 organ
 


Hammond Artist
 Robby Robinson



Music director, composer, arranger, and producer Robby Robinson  (Tom Jones & Liza Minnelli, The Beach Boys, The Commodores, Four Tops, Albert King) is best known as music director/keyboardist & Hammond organist for the iconic Jersey Boy, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons since 1978.


HAMMOND HANG on June 25 featured Hammond Brother, author, band leader, composer, producer Brian Charette
(Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan) who is active author and educator. He writes for Keyboard Magazine, DownBeat, and Czech magazine Muzikus. Find his book: "101 Hammond B3 Tips" on  Amazon

"The event is a chance to get 'up close and personal' with a different featured Hammond artist every month," says Emiko, Hammond's new social media liaison and HamTV hostess. 
The interviews are streamed live on Facebook where you can take part in the Q&A following. The format includes a short performance by the guest artist, and networking with refreshments. 

Next Hammond hang:

Saturday August 5, 1pm  
featuring Keyboard whiz

Robby Robinson  (Jersey Boys)
Church Keyboard Center
250 W Duarte Rd Suite B Monrovia, CA


RSVP here  
Space is very limited
The Hammond Hang is open to all ages and we welcome all music lovers. See you there!!
 

  

  Hammond and Leslie products in Southern California contact
CKC
800.717.KEYS

Hammond gear, gig bags and more... 
Serving Pro Artists in the studio or on stage  
Call Nelson at 909-599-7899 to
schedule your visit and ask for     
 SK1-73 or SK-2  artist pricing available at  
Church Keyboard Center 
 
Tavis Smiley interview with 'The Ambassador of Soul" and Hammond artist Ellis Hall for PBS  Mr Hall performed two songs and spoke about the depth of his musical career
Watch it here
   


Alejandro Sanz 
  2017 Latin Recording Academy® 

Person of The Year
   Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017
Rafa Sardina, Executive & Music Producer   
    
      
Spanish singer/songwriter and musician Alejandro Sanz will be honored as the 2017 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year during a prestigious gala held on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. An 18-time Latin GRAMMY® and three-time GRAMMY winner, Sanz will be honored for his artistry and substantial philanthropic contributions to organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children and Greenpeace, among others. 
The Person of the Year award is bestowed to musicians in recognition of their artistic achievement in the Latin music industry and commitment to philanthropy. Past honorees include Marc Anthony, Roberto Carlos, Joan Manuel Serrat, Miguel Bosé, Caetano Veloso, Shakira, Plácido Domingo, Juan Gabriel, Gloria Estefan, Juan Luis Guerra, Ricky Martin, José José, Carlos Santana, Gilberto Gil, Vicente Fernández, Julio Iglesias, and Emilio Estefan.   
"His (Sanz') philanthropic work, his leadership, in addition to his inspiring music, speaks volumes about his many contributions to the Latin community over the years and we are thrilled to be honoring him.""said Gabriel Abaroa, President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. 
"I'm honored to receive this recognition from the Latin Recording Academy," said Alejandro Sanz. "I'm very grateful and can't wait for the moment to arrive to discover all the surprises in store."
This year's star-studded gala will feature a concert tribute, including renditions of Sanz' renowned repertoire by an impressive array of notable artists and friends. The event precedes the 18th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, airing Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, 8-11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central) live on Univision from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.  
"The net proceeds from the gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® whose mission is to further international awareness and appreciation of the significant contributions of Latin music and its makers to the world's culture through scholarships, fellowships, grants, and educational programs," says the listed executive producer, Rafa Sardina (Alejandro Sanz, Beyoncé, Beto Cuevas, Calle 13, Plácido Domingo,  Juan Gabriel, Michael Jackson, Juanes,  Rodrigo y Gabriela, D'Angelo, Luis Miguel) who is a nine-time Latin GRAMMY® and three-time GRAMMY® winning producer, mixer and engineer.    
 


 
Related GRAMMY®  News

GRAMMY®  has signed a four-year agreement with AEG for STAPLES Center to host the GRAMMY® telecast when the show returns to Los Angeles in 2019 following its 60th anniversary celebration in New York this coming January.

Newly Elected Latin
Recording Academy®
Trustees
Congrats to Javier Aguirre, executive VP and CFO for Cisneros, Latin GRAMMY® award winning engineer, Eduardo Bergallo (Aterciopelados, Gustavo Cerati, Fonseca, Natalia Lafourcade, Lucybell, Shakira, Soda Stereo), Eva Cebrián (director at PRISA radio Spain), and nine-time Latin GRAMMY® and three-time GRAMMY® winning producer, mixer and engineer  Rafa Sardina (Alejandro Sanz, Beyoncé, Beto Cuevas, Calle 13, Plácido Domingo,  Juan Gabriel, Michael Jackson, Juanes,  Rodrigo y Gabriela, D'Angelo, Luis Miguel) who will serve on The Latin Recording Academy's Board of Trustees for the next three years. They, along with the continuing members of the Board, assume the great responsibility of enforcing bylaws, in addition to creating committees-executive, finance, governance, television, nomination, and award-to chart the course of The Latin Recording Academy.   

GRAMMY Awards Voting Will Now Be Online 
For the first time, voting members will cast their votes online rather than by paper ballot. This transition will provide greater flexibility for touring artists, eliminate the possibility of invalid ballots, and protect further against fraudulent voting. All voting members in good standing will be eligible to vote online in both rounds for the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards.   
Songwriters Now Recognized In Album Of The Year 
Moving forward, all music creators (songwriters, producers, engineers, mixers, mastering engineers, featured artists) credited with at least 33 percent or more playing time on the winning album will be eligible to receive a GRAMMY in the Album Of The Year category. Previously, songwriters were not recognized in this category.

Album Definition Expanded To Allow For More Inclusion In Classical, Dance, And Jazz Fields 
To be eligible for GRAMMY® consideration, an album must comprise a minimum total playing time of 15 minutes with at least five distinct tracks or a minimum total playing time of 30 minutes with no minimum track requirement. Prior to this amended album definition, the only delineation was 15 minutes and five tracks. The definition expansion allows for greater inclusion of music creators who produce longer pieces, particularly in the Classical, Dance, and Jazz Fields. 
 
KEY DATES

Eligibility Period: Oct. 1, 2016-Sept. 30, 2017 
First-Round Ballot Period: Oct. 16-29, 2017 
Nominations: Nov. 28, 2017 
Final-Round Ballot Period: Dec. 7-21, 2017 
60th Annual GRAMMY Awards: Jan. 28, 2018

 
 
Give Back & Celebrate Music
Bid On Signed Memorabilia to Benefit MusiCares® Now Through July

The latest GRA   MMY® Charity Online Auctions is presented, in partnership with Matchfire, and  in honor of the 13th annual MusiCares MAP Fund® benefit concert honoring multi-GRAMMY-winning artist
Adam Clayton of U2.

Winning bidders can enjoy extraordinary rock memorabilia and trips around the world with all proceeds benefiting the GRAMMY Museum Foundation® and MusiCares. Featured items include:
  • Music memorabilia signed by Garbage, Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), Little Big Town, Rihanna, Silversun Pickups, Weezer, and more!
  • Premium concert and meet and greet experience with Chick Corea
  • Limited edition prints from GRAMMY nominee Robby Krieger of the Doors. Each piece is numbered and hand signed and comes with a certificate of authenticity
  • Luxury trips to destinations such as Mexico and Florida
The auction runs now through July 8, 2017.
@
www.ebay.com/grammy 



Grammy Museum Honors David Foster

The GRAMMY Museum® will honor 16-time GRAMMY® Award winner David Foster at its third annual Gala, taking place Sept. 19 at The Novo in Los Angeles. Foster will receive the Architects of Sound Award in recognition of his unparalleled contributions to music. The benefit will support the Museum's newly expanded music education programs, which were integrated with those of its sister organization, the GRAMMY Foundation, earlier this year.
"It's an honor to be celebrated by the GRAMMY Museum and to support such a great cause as music education. The Museum's education programs are very important platforms for young emerging artists so I am thrilled to be part of this Gala," said Foster. 
The Gala will also recognize Nathan Strayhorn, the recipient of the 2017 Jane Ortner Education Award, which honors K-12 academic teachers who use music in the classroom as a powerful educational tool.
 
The GRAMMY Museum Gala is presented by Cheryl and Haim Saban, with additional support from gold sponsors Carolyn Powers, AEG, Chuck Ortner, and the Recording Academy. The Gala will begin with a dinner catered by Wolfgang Puck Catering, followed by the award presentation and a tribute concert featuring performances to be announced soon by renowned musicians and aspiring student musicians who have previously participated in the Museum's music education programs. Gala attendees will also receive a special gift provided by luxury beauty box subscription service GLOSSYBOX. Wine served at the event will be provided courtesy of Trattore Farms. or information on purchasing tables and tickets to the event, please contact John Morrison at the GRAMMY Museum, [email protected]



Lanark Artefax
Cinematic Meets Electronic

Calum MacRae is a 23-year-old Glasgow-based English Literature graduate who makes sublime electronic music under the name Lanark Artefax. Why Lanark?  Lanark is his favorite book/novel by Scottish writer Alasdair Grey. "When a thing is perfect it is eternal," reads one of its most striking lines. "It can be destroyed afterward, or slowly decay, but its perfection is safe in the past, which is the only inevitable part of the universe," reads the lines in Grey's book which resonates with MacRae.
next EP released on Whities on June 9th.
Pre-order here: http://www.whiti.es/ 
Sequences of images, patterns and words help make up MacRae's universe-- same sounds that have piqued the attention of electronic music heavyweights like Aphex Twin and Björk
He describes his "Windox Rush EP (inspired by sounds of Lee Gamble at Bloc Fest) on the Manchester label Cong Burn Waves his "transition period."
How to "interface with the sublime?" MacRae finds it in a Scottish cathedral with Gothic architecture. "They were built for a specific purpose, which was to sublimate purpose," says MacRae. Watch his work from Touch Absence here

 

Amin Sharifi

A Portrait of the Composer As A Young Man 


21st century classical music refers to art music produced since the year 2000. It has some elements of the previous century, including postmodernism, polystylism and eclecticism, and mashups which seek to incorporate elements of all genres - classical, pop, rock, jazz, folk, and so on. Newly released A Portrait of the Composer as a Young Man (the title inspired by Irish writer James Joyce's first novel) is an album of composer, Amin Sharifi's select chamber music composed from 2013 to 2016, performed and recorded by members of Pierrot-Tehran New Music Ensemble, Breakout Ensemble and solo artists in Germany, the U.S. and Iran. Sharifi studied composition at Art University of Tehran and Indiana University Jacobs School of Music under direction of Don Freund, David Dzubay, Peter Ablinger, Klaus Lang, John Gibson, and Nader Mashayekhi. His music is influenced by contemporary classical music  specifically Spectralism.
Perhaps in his own way Amin is aiming to help the East meet West in the 21st century. Well the trains may never meet, but it's nice to ride in each one towards a better understanding.  
 
 


40,000 Year-Old Instrument

The early instrument made from the bone of
a vulture wing
   
Archaeological discoveries prove that early humans who occupied Europe had a fairly sophisticated culture, complete with alcohol, adornments, art objects and music that they developed there or even brought with them from Africa when they moved to the new continent 40,000 years ago.




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