2022 is here and NOW! Some of you are forging new paths. Others, you have time to set new music goals and mark life-changing moments.
Good News is -- recorded industry is growing for the fifth year in a row.
We bring you a producer turned music executive, a mastering guru, soulful circuitry, a Minecraft-inspired song, new singles, artists and videos. Mark your calendars for these live outdoor concerts and broadcast events.
Meet industry executives in our turntable and more...
Remain grateful to you, our valued sponsors and readers for supporting
music that lives and moves.
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studioexpresso offers a Choice Community of producers and studios to new and established artists. Producer and studio membership is by invitation.
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David Kershenbaum
Producing Lasting Songs
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David Kershenbaum (above) and below with Bernie Grundman and Tracy Chapman |
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Some songs continue to live with us and last for a long time. Take Hungry like the wolf by Duran Duran, Fast Car by Tracy Chapman, and Everything I do, I do it for you by Bryan Adams.
It's the songs on your playlist with heavy rotation everywhere you go -- in hotels, schools, restaurants, films, games... These hits command top value from publishers and music supervisors alike and are the soundtrack to our lives. What do these songs have in common? Producer David Kershenbaum.
Kershenbaum is a music executive with extensive experience and proven track record. David’s work covers all corners of the music business from producing, mixing, arranging, major label A&R, film & TV soundtracks as well as live theater. He has signed or worked with Janet Jackson, Joe Jackson, Supertramp, Cat Stevens, and Tori Amos, among others. His work with artists has garnered multiple Grammys as well as an Oscar nomination. "I've developed proven techniques that work in virtually any genre of music and get emotion from performances," says Kershenbaum.
This month we met up with David who is actively producing music in his newly constructed recording studio. “I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to discover and work with some of the worlds finest talent. I learned so much from each of them and I am absolutely humbled at their brilliance, ” adds Kershenbaum.
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Emily Lazar: A Mastering Guru At Work
ATCs take Center Stage At The Lodge, Manhattan, NY
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Emily Lazar's The Lodge (top) features ATC monitors, among her collection of large speakers
Lazar grew up with musical parents. Mom gave guitar lessons, while Dad gave her the technical bug."He was interested in finding cool recordings and equipment," says Lazar in an interview. Like most, Lazar’s first experiences of the music business came as an artist and songwriter. According to the celebrated mastering engineer, she was never satisfied with the recordings of her own band. However, she always seem to have a clear idea in her head of how her band should sound like. And that's what drew her to the art of mastering. After getting her master’s degree at NYU, she began work at Sony Classical where she gained production experience. She opened The Lodge, a GRAMMY-winning audio mastering facility that opened in 1997 in Greenwich Village in downtown Manhattan.
Lazar pioneered ‘stem mastering’ where she works with separate files for the main elements of the mix. She describes her approach to mastering in terms of vibe, color, flavor, tastes, locations, stories and feelings. What's the biggest challenge in mastering? According to Lazar: "Making a disparate collection of tracks work together as a coherent whole." When it comes to speakers Lazar uses a variety for reference including large ATCs, Genelec, ProAc and Duntech systems at The Lodge. “I listen on really large speakers, and really small speakers," says Lazar who was a triple nominee for album of the year at the 2021 Grammys thanks to her work on "Djesse Vol. 3" by Jacob Collier, "Women in Music Pt. III" by HAIM, and "Everyday Life" by Coldplay (below).
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Introducing The Daking Mic Pre 4T
Soulful Circuitry Meets Proprietary Problem-Solving Features
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Above: Brad Lunde with Geoff Daking |
Perfect for studio, live, and broadcast audio recording, the Mic-Pre 4T features 4 high end pre-amps in 1U of rack space, Jensen input/output transformers, and has now added variable high pass filters on each channel.
The new Daking Mic Pre 4T is designed for the widest possible range of inputs, from vintage, low-gain ribbons, to high-gain modern condensers, and instruments via the DI. Avoiding clipping and distortion is critical for error-free capture of that once-in-a-lifetime magical performance. Daking’s variable low pass filters make it possible to have a different low-filter setting on each of the four input channels, preventing unwanted over saturation of the transformer. "The Instrument DI passes through the ultra linear Jensen output transformer for one of the best DI’s around. The Daking Mic Pre 4T is the one pre-amp that’s right for many different sources, rather than the costly “different pre-amps for different sources” approach," says Brad Lunde. Watch the YouTube interview with Trans Audio Group's Brad Lunde, where Geoff Daking goes into great detail on the design and features of the new Mic-Pre 4T. Daking Audio gear is built in USA and distributed by TransAudio Group.
Built in the USA, Daking uses only high-end parts like Jensen input and output transformers in a high-end design using all-discrete transistor Class A circuitry. How's that for Soulful circuitry meets proprietary problem-solving features? Order yours today! Watch the interview here
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ATC models:
"ATC monitors are something you have to experience to really grasp how different they are from everything else. Lets just say that you can hear details you’ve never heard before, leading you to faster, more accurate decisions in your creative process," says Brad Lunde, President of Trans Audio Group.
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Models range from $5,000 to $50,000 per pair and all share a very similar sound. For larger rooms and midfield, applications check out the SEM45 with dual 6.5-inch drivers and the fantastic SEM150 with a 15-inch woofer and 350 Watts of power. Choose the size that works for your space. More info here
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Trans Audio Group -- The Recording Studio Equipment Experts. Call to order from their trusted brands:
A-Designs (USA), ATC Loudspeakers (UK), Auratone, Bettermaker, Daking Audio, Drawmer, Hakan, Latch Lake, Mojave Audio, Mutec, Pete's Place Audio, Sabra-Som, Subwoofer Pros, and Tube-Tech
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Video Spotlight
Statues: The New Single from Amy McDonald
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'Statues' is the new single from Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Elizabeth Macdonald's album: 'The Human Demands.' She started playing in pubs and coffee houses around Glasgow at the age of 15.
Since, Amy has released five studio albums. Macdonald performed, along with U2, at the German 2009 Echo Awards, where she won an award in the category "Best International Newcomer.
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Last year in May, she represented Scotland at the Free European Song Contest 2021, hosted in Cologne, Germany. The song ultimately finished in fourth place with 77 points.
Amy's song Statues, is in this month's studioexpresso video spotlight. The Performers are: IV - Ivy Pratt SJ - Seren Jackson 'RaeGun' - Rae Clay Brookie - Brooklyn Appiah
"This song was inspired by my childhood memories. Where I used to live, the house I grew up in and everything else in between. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I do. It truly celebrates young people being awesome," says Macdonalds who is managed by London-based Ignition.
Song: Statues
Writer: Amy Elizabeth Macdonald
Video Director: Jackson Ducasse
Production: Ceremony London DOP: Anna Patarakina First AC: Kate Eccarius Camera Assistant: Ailsa Vanessa Tapping Gaffer: Kristóf Szentgyörgyváry Electrician: Sam Hussein Art Direction: Maria Hardy Hair & Make Up: Jess Cheetham Hair & Make Up Assistant: Bea Toivonen Covid Officer: George Baker Edit and Grade: Tim Fernandez Commissioner: Faye H Purcell
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Cavetown Releases MineCraft-Inspired Squares / y 13
U.S. SPRING 2022 HEADLINE TOUR freat TESSA VIOLET & ADDISON GRACE
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U.K. indie-pop phenom Cavetown (Robin Skinner) releases his latest project squares / y 13 on Sire Records. The song is an interpolation of the Minecraft soundtrack composed by German musician Daniel Rosenfeld, better known as C418. The ethereal two-track bundle is accompanied by an equally soothing 17-minute visual created by Cavetown and his friends within the game (photo: AP)
“Minecraft is a game that really got me through a difficult year and was the reason I met some amazing people who I would now consider my dearest friends,” Cavetown explains. “The soundtrack is addictive, and I felt inspired to create my own lyrics and instrumentation based on some of my favourite C418 compositions. The friends I made through Minecraft all helped out with what turned out to be more of a short film than a music video, and I am so proud of what we put together!! The whole project wouldn’t exist without a deeply distressing time in my life. I survived another lap around the sun thanks to these songs, the video, my friends, and one very special game.”
Cavetown also recently announced his nearly sold-out 2022 U.S. headline tour, featuring support from Tessa Violet and Addison Grace. Kicking off on March 22nd in Buffalo, NY, the 20+ date run will make stops in major markets across the country, including Boston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Nashville, to name a few. Tickets are on sale now at www.cave.town/shows
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Christian Leave Unveils New EP Days Like Lost Dogs
Christian Pils Up 6 Million Streams and Embarks on beabadoobee’s 25+ date U.S. Fall Tour
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Alt-breakout Christian Leave returns with his latest EP, Days Like Lost Dogs, on Warner Records. The nostalgic sounding record features singles “Maybe” and “10 Steps,” and arrives alongside a black-and-white film noir style video for title track which features a cast of furry friends. Watch it Here, and listen to the entire 7-track EP Here.
“I don’t know where I’m going but I know who I am! This project is a collection of songs that I feel amplifies those revelations and states this new path that I am on,” says Leave. Earlier this year, the 21-year-old garnered widespread critical acclaim for his Heavy Hitting Hurts My Head EP, featuring infectious Filth, Bedache, and Your Life Your Time. Beyond piling up 6 million total streams and counting, the record earned him the top spot on high-profile playlists, including Spotify’s Lorem, Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Indie and Fresh Indie, Apple Music’s INDIY, and Pandora’s New Music Now, just to name a few.
Days Like Lost Dogs arrives just days before Christian embarks on beabadoobee’s 25+ date U.S. fall tour alongside BLACKSTARKIDS. Tickets are available at christianleave.world
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Rapper Jawny BadLuck Picks TELEFUNKEN TF11 Mic
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Originally a Rock, Soul, and Punk drummer, Jawny BadLuck found his voice through hip-hop and made the transition to MC. After graduating from Full Sail's Recording Arts and Science program in Florida, he began working as a chief engineer at a nearby recording studio. In 2018, he teamed up with Tampa's Grand Bay Recording Studios for his single "Last Cigarette" and in 2020 he released his collaboration with New Mexico artist, Jandro, on "Southwest Fiesta."
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The video scored over a million views on YouTube in its first week and reached #17 on the Billboard charts in October 2021.
A Full Sail graduate, BadLuck has been traveling and recording new material with his personal TELEFUNKEN TF11 large diaphragm FET microphone. "It's just so much easier now to capture the true sound of my voice," he says.
Check out the first single from Jawny Badluck new album "Eyes 4 You"
Left: Jawny BadlLuck is seen with his TF11 mic at On The Moon Studios in Albuquerque, NM. Photo by Nick Johnson.
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Fischer Jazz Fest
An Outdoor Concert in Studio City
Sunday, January 30, Noon - 1
Fischer Tribute 2 Salsa & Samba
Sunday March 6, 8:00 pm
Venice West
1717 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
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The 2022 Grammy Awards will Now take place in Las Vegas on April 3 |
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The 64th annual Grammy Awards will now be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 3, the Recording Academy has announced.
The ceremony was originally scheduled for Jan. 31 at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles but was postponed due to growing concerns surrounding the Omicron variant. "We are excited to take the Grammys to Las Vegas for the very first time, and to put on a world-class show," Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement.
Jon Batiste, the soulful musician who also serves as the bandleader on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," leads the nominees with 11. Congrats to all nominees.
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NAMM Moves to June 3-5, 2022
The world's largest annual musical instrument and equipment trade event, The NAMM Show, is postponing its winter edition at the Anaheim Convention Center from Jan. 20-23 to
June 3-5, 2022 The move was prompted by continuing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
studioexpresso @ NAMM feat producers, musicians from its community
Curt Bisquera (Sarah McLachlan, Elton John), Kenny Aronoff (Smashing Pumpkins, John Mellencamp, Sting), Greg Penny (Elton John, KD Lang), Rafa Sardina (Lady Gaga, John Legend), Niko Bolas (Neil Young, LeAnn Rimes), Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hedrix, Kiss), Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Faith No More), Cheche Alara (Christina Aguilera), Kim Bullard (Elton John, Kelly Clarkson), Cristina Abaroa (Celine Dion, Enrique Iglasias), Brady Leffler (Hot Chelle Rae, Justin Beieber), Al Schmitt (Diana Krall, Paul McCartney), Alex Acuna (LA Phil, Beck), Teddy Campbell (American idol, The Tonight Show w Leno), Ellis Hall (Ray Charles, Tower of Power), Jacob Armen (Prince), Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt), Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Melody Gardot), Manny Marroquin (Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys), Dave Schiffman (Adele, Limp Bizkit), Gregg Field (Sinatra, Pharell), Sylvia Massy (Tool, Johnny Cash), CJ Vanston (Toto, spinal Tap), Dame Gail Dorsey (David Bowie, Gwen Stefani), Jenny Mason (The Mrs), Neal Pogue (Outkast, Andre 3000), Leland Sklar (Phil Collins, James Taylor), Moogie Canazio (Sergio Mendes, Sarah Vaughan), Laura Dickinson (Frozen II, Lady and the Tramp), Daniel Seeff (KJazz, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz), James Torme, and Brent Fischer (D'Angelo, Elvis Costello and The Roots).
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Ethiopia Habtermariam Elevated to Chairman & CEO of Motown |
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Universal Music Group has elevated Ethiopia Habtermariam to chairman & CEO of Motown, reporting directly to UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge. She had been president of the label since 2014. According to the announcement, in connection with Habtemariam’s promotion, Motown will have “greater creative and commercial independence to advance its mission of artistic, social and entrepreneurial empowerment.”
Since joining Motown, Habtemariam oversaw the label’s relocation to Los Angeles from New York in 2014. Under her leadership, Motown continues its traditions of artist development and partnerships with creative and entrepreneurial entities, including Atlanta-based Quality Control Music. The QC-Motown partnership has produced hits from City Girls, Migos, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty and others, with QC growing to become one of leading hip-hop and R&B music and entertainment companies. Other prominent companies and artists under Motown’s roof include Blacksmith Records (D'Angelo, Ted When, Vince Staples), and Since the 80s (Asiahn, Njomza), along with artists Erykah Badu, Kem and Tiana Major9, among many others. Tiana Major9, who joined Motown’s roster in the beginning of 2019, is currently nominated for a Grammy (Best R&B Song) for “Collide.”
In making this announcement, Grainge said, “Motown is such an important voice and, just as when it was founded by Berry Gordy, its impact continues to be felt around the world. Motown’s resurgence and powerful partnerships under Ethiopia’s leadership has advanced the label’s legacy as home to some of today’s biggest hitmakers and most meaningful voices in music.”
Habtemariam said, “It’s an incredible honor to represent and define what Motown is today. I’ve always understood the power of music and the responsibility I have, not only to continue to be an advocate for artists and creators, but to forge new paths for entrepreneurs and to lift up our next generation of executives around the world. I’d like to thank Lucian for his constant support and guidance over the years; my Motown team for all they have done and continue to do; the Capitol team for their help in building Motown over these past six years; Clarence Avant who has always taught me about the power of responsibility; and to Mr. Berry Gordy, for his faith in me to carry on his legacy.”
Prior to joining Motown, Habtemariam was president of urban music & co-head of creative at Universal Music Publishing Group.
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Composer Andrew Joslyn Joins 4X GRAMMY-winning Yolanda Adams as
Co-Chair of the Recording Academy's National Advocacy Committee
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The Recording Academy has announced that Composer and violinist Andrew Joslyn will join four-time GRAMMY-winning artist Yolanda Adams as Co-Chair of the Academy's National Advocacy Committee. Additionally, independent music industry veteran and Chair of the Academy's Board of Trustees Tammy Hurt and GRAMMY-nominated artist, songwriter and producer Rico Love will join the Committee.
Advocacy Committee members include founding member and Chair of the Songwriters & Composers Wing, multi-platinum songwriter and producer Evan Bogart; GRAMMY-winning composer, producer and singer Claudia Brant; and 2021 NEA Jazz Master and three-time GRAMMY-winning drummer, composer, producer, and educator Terri Lyne Carrington.
CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason jr. will serve as an ex officio member. Serving as the voice for all music creators alongside the Academy's Advocacy team in Washington, D.C., the committee is composed of leading performers, producers, songwriters, and studio engineers, and works to determine specific policy positions of the Recording Academy and advance the interests of all music creators. The Advocacy Committee will continue its work toward economic fairness and recovery for all music creators, building on the success of the past year and recent Behind The Record™ Advocacy meetings, during which hundreds of creators across the country advocated virtually to their representatives in support of key priorities, including pending legislation: The Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act, which allows an individual to fully expense for tax purposes the cost of new studio recordings on their taxes, up to $150,000, within the same year of production; The American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), which enables artists and producers to finally collect royalties when their music is broadcast on AM/FM radio, while establishing key protections for local and public broadcasters.
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Exceleration Music Executive Hires
Joining as head of global sales & retail marketing, Mike Gillespie (pictured top left) will assume responsibility for Exceleration’s global sales, physical distribution, and retail marketing. His background includes over a decade serving as senior vice president of commercial sales at Concord Music and formerly VP of sales customer operations at Universal Music Group. He has also held management positions at Red Distribution, Pavement/Zoo Entertainment and Relativity Records/Sony Music Group.
Bela Zecker (pictured top right) joins the team as label manager, responsible for overseeing day-to-day communication with Exceleration’s label partners and ensuring the potential of their catalogues and releases are fully realized. She was at Soundcloud, where she was senior manager, independent label Relations.
Andy Lewis has also been appointed as commercial partnership manager. Working alongside Darin Soler, Exceleration’s head of global marketing & commercial partnerships, he will seek to maximize consumption and engagement for Exceleration’s content, working externally with DSPs and internally across the company’s team and its fast-growing roster of labels and artists.
Lewis spent 15 years at Sony Music, where he worked in several alternative artist marketing, product management, and global partner development roles – most recently as VP of partner development.
Emma Walker, formerly at RCA Record, joins as accounting & administrative assistant and will be involved in royalties and general business administration. Working within the finance team under Donna Feeley
David Piechota has joined the finance team as revenue & royalty administrative assistant. Piechota also releases his own music under the name Dave Koda. Glen Barros, founding Exceleration partner, said: “One of Exceleration’s guiding principles is to put people first in all that we do. So, despite our rapid growth, we are taking great care in building our team. I can truly say that this group – Mike, Bela, Andy, Emma and Dave – perfectly fit the ethos we’re creating here at Exceleration.
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Music Trends
Growth Despite Lock down
Music has proven to be lock-down-proof. Data collected by the Recording Industry Assn. of America measuring U.S. music revenues in 2020 demonstrates the market is resilience. The RIAA year-end report, released Feb. 26, reveals that the industry as a whole grew 9.2% in 2020 to $12.2 billion at estimated retail value. The driving force is demand for good songs. There has been a serge in music consumption during lock down, including in screen-centric activities like Netflix, Twitch, and clubhouse.
Big Demand for Song Catalogs
You're the master of your house when you own your publishing and recording masters. Art and Music are both assets but very different. Consider this. Fine art doesn’t generate income until it’s sold, whereas music royalties are generating income 24/7. In 2020 and into 2021, music IP sizzled, with healthy demand from publishers and brokers. Taylor Swift’s masters for her first six albums cost Shamrock Capital around $300 million. Older hits are seen as safer bets because they’ve already stood the test of time.
Hipgnosis initially invested $23 million for the catalog of rapper, writer and producer The-Dream in 2018. Since, the company has spend more than $2 billion on music assets.
Here's five reasons why musicians like Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Stevie Nicks are selling their song catalogs right now. 1. The Spotify Effect. Growing streaming subscribers are now paying $144 million. 2. Low Interest rates. Since the buying power of one dollar today is likely to be similar to that of one dollar tomorrow, buyers are more willing to pay more for a music catalog now than they would be if interest rates were higher. 3. Lost Income due to Cancelled Tours Due to Covid. 4. Rising Capital gain Taxes. Now taxed at 20%, it may go up as high as 39.6% for people who earn more than $1 million a year. 5. Besides being beloved music legends, what do these icons have in common? Prince. Aretha Franklin. James Brown. Tom Petty - they all passed away without leaving a will to dictate how to manage their estates. Read studioexpresso report: Your Songs Your Assets
Live Scene Slowly Coming Back
In the U.K., Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that “nightclubs and large events” can reopen by June 21 prompted Live Nation to announce rescheduled dates for three major festivals, selling some 170,000 tickets in four days.
Expanding Music Discovery Platforms
Gen Z favorite app, TikTok takes the cake. Why? It distributes content based on performance and interests, allowing for good content to have a wide reach despite how many followers you have.
Now major labels are paying attention to artists with the largest followings — take Hitco Entertainment with D’Amelio; Warner Records with Banks and Nessa Barrett; and Curtis Waters with BMG.
Songwriting Trends
Most writing sessions lately are happening via streaming, via Zoom, instead of in person! Most writers prefer in-person writing, where there's the physical connection of being in a room with somebody, reading body language and facial movements. There's an updside. Zoom writing makes it possible to expand your universe. You can reach out to your favorite co-writer in New Zeland, or Netherlands or perhaps you know and like a writer in Nashville or down under. Just send an invite and begin work! The world is your oyster.
The Growing Latin Charm
Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” became the first song of any genre to log a billion streams on Spotify (between the original and the remix featuring Justin Bieber, it’s now up to 2.6 billion). Reggaeton and Latin trap lead the new surge, but streaming is lifting cumbia and Regional Mexican too — take Snoop Dogg’s recent teaming with Banda MS on “Qué Maldición.”
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Quality Control/Motown/Capitol superstar LilBaby (aka Dominique Jones) has the year’s biggest album with My Turn which was recently certified as 2020’s only double-platinum album. Meanwhile, the rapper’s thoughtful “The Bigger Picture” (received two nominations at the 63rd Grammy's: Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song) powerfully crystallized a movement for social justice amid systemic inequality, now favored for big Grammy love. My Turn produced 12 songs that appeared the Billboard Hot100 chart, giving him a career total of 47 songs on the chart, putting him at a tie with Prince and Paul McCartney.
"In Bigger Picture I already felt a responsibility before “The Bigger Picture,” and that’s how it even came out. For a minute now, it’s been my responsibility to speak for my side and stand up for them. Because if I don’t do it, well, who else?," he said in an interview with Hits Daily Double.
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In May 2021, Jones visited the White House with the family of George Floyd marking one year since Floyd's murder and met with VP, Harris.
LilBaby rose to mainstream fame in 2017 following the release of his mixtape Perfect Timing.
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99 Neighbors To Release Wherever You're Going I Hope It's Great
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All seven members of the Burlington, Vermont, alt-rap collective, 99 Neighbors can agree that the best things in life take time and focus. Yes, their bedrock is still back there in the 24-hour art hub of an apartment where it all began, and their singular sound is still the hyperactive crush of rock, pop, R&B, and hip-hop heard on their gripping 2019 project, Television. But their new album Wherever You’re Going I Hope It’s Great is built around the idea of moving forward with intention. Listen to their second single from the new album 49-er.
The LP is rich with new sonic strains from dusty jazz to UK-inspired electronica to thrilling pop.
The collective’s members also had time for both experience and reflection, resulting in lyrics that delve deep into identity, addiction, discovery, and meaning. A genuine joy permeates the new music, even when the songs touch on heavy themes. It’s the sound of seven friends living out their dreams, struggles, and triumphs together. As rapper/singer HANKNATIVE puts it, “We all just want the best for each other.”
Juju - Producer . Instrumentalist . Composer . Engineer
Somba - Producer . Engineer . Composer . Songwriter . Videographer
Swank - Vocalist . Songwriter
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RIP Lisa Roy Petocz
05-00-57---12-31-21
2022 began with news of several beloved celebrities leaving our world from Betty White to Sidney Poitier, fashion icon André Leon Talley, and Meatloaf. Our professional audio, and recording industries lost a true treasure, Lisa Roy Petocz.
Montreal, Quebec born Lisa Roy served as the president of Rock & Roy Entertainment. Roy’s roots in the music business began when she and a partner co-founded Ground Control Studios. She was a fire cracker, entrepreneur , publicist, promoter, fashionista, caring friend and colleague. She was a driven creative and a constant in the LA and Nashville music scene - running studios, producing and promoting events, products, people, pitching ideas and so much more. Every year, before Covid, she would invite me to her events -- Rock Cellar, AES, P&E wing. She and Phil Ramone may have coined "behind-the-scenes technical coverage of the GRAMMY® Awards." Who can forget her tours, leading us in her high heel stilettos over the metal framed scaffolding (the temp cat walk to remote recording trucks).
She knew how to dress! Pictures of her began circulating on social media on New Year's day. Pictures of her wearing a Russian fur hat, like a character from Doctor Zhivago; pictures of her in her 60s flower power getup, mini skirt, and long white boots! The boys loved it! And us girls we admired how she balanced FUN with professionalism in a male-dominated world. Everyone respected and loved her. She added style and sparkle to our sometimes dry and techy world and it was appreciated by all. Above all, she loved producers and musicians. She called and offered to support us during a book signing for Al Schmitt at Capitol. She was always supportive of my boys, especially, Rafa Sardina and Brent Fischer. Leland Sklar posted a YouTube message on behalf of himself and his band mates, the Immediate Family (The Section). Lisa Roy worked with Alan Parsons, Kenny Loggins, Jack Black, Billy Bob Thornton, CJ Vanston and Derek Smalls of Spinal Tap. Many of us were invited to her events like Tyminski’s Southern Gothic at The Village, Andy Summers at The GRAMMY Museum, to name a few.
Lisa Roy was fierce, upbeat and loved her work. Grateful I had the chance to express my respect and gratitude for her work during a private lunch meet few years back at her favorite Mexican restaurant on the west side. Now I imagine her with her beloved husband, engineer/mixer Csaba Petocz and other favorite producers like Phil, Ed Cherney, Al Schmitt gathering cool cats and having a party! I reached out to her dear colleague and friend, Robbie Clyne. He applauded and supported her, especially after Lisa lost her beloved husband and says it best: "Lroy had the most positive attitude of anyone I know. What I have been saying to people is the glass was always 1/2 full for Lisa... In fact, I think if you asked her she would say, "The glass is 1/2 full and I think it is Dom Pérignon!"
Let's raise our glasses to our maven with tears and cheers!
Sending love to her family, friend Kooch, and all of you in her audio/music family. God bless your beautiful soul Lisa Roy. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and sparkle.
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New Year's Day From Cat McLean's Situation Room Recorded at Prairie Sun
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New Year's Day off Cat McLean's new album Situation Room was recorded at Prairie Sun with Prairie Prince on drums, John Shields on bass, Ms McLean on cello, guitar and vocals. The track was recorded and mixed by Nate Nauseda of Prairie Sun. Video recording by Dave Chin, Alejandro R. Torres and editing production also by ART.
Now in its fourth decade of operation, Prairie Sun is known as a residential recording facility with a technical bent toward vintage analog-recording equipment as well as state-of-the-art digital technology. Van Morrison, Greg Allman, Kate Wolf, Mickey Hart, Primus, Faith No More, the Melvins, Ramblin’ Jack Eliot, and surf music creator Dick Dale all have recorded at Prairie Sun. Sonoma County artist Tom Waits, whose Bone Machine album, winner of the 1992 Grammy for Best Alternative release, was co-produced by Waits and his wife, Kathleen Brennan, entirely at Prairie Sun. On your next visit to Norther Cali, make this a must stop and ask 707-795-7011 owner/artist Mooka for a studio tour!
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The Smile Band Live In London with A Worldwide Broadcast
Jonny Greenwood, Tom Skinner, Thom Yorke
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The Smile, the new group comprising Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood and Sons Of Kemet’s Tom Skinner, will play three consecutive live shows in twenty-four hours at Magazine London, in the heart of London’s Docklands, on January 29 and 30. Performing to a seated audience in the round, each show will be broadcast to local venues around the world. The performances bring together a live show, a livestream, and a cinematic film, captured by award-winning director, Paul Dugdale and produced by Driift. All three Broadcasts will also be available to ticketholders as unlimited, on-demand replays for 48 hours from 2:00 pm GMT Sunday, January 30.
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Jonny Greenwood Scores Licorice Pizza
Movie Named After The SoCal Record Store
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Not to be mixed with the Licorice Pizza record store pop up on Ventura Blvd in Studio City (top), the name comes from a long-gone chain of L.A. record shops founded in Long Beach by James Greenwood in 1969. By the time the Glendale-based chain was sold in 1985 there were 34 locations in Southern California, including Canoga Park, North Hollywood, Reseda, and the Sherman Oaks Galleria. They used to offer a money-back guarantee on records and heavily promoted local concerts, drawing fans in to buy the music before or after a big concert. Music was an ever-dwindling source of income for the stores, which were making 70 percent of their profit from video rentals years before Blockbuster came to California.
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While their ever-evolving relationship provides the framework for the film, “Licorice Pizza” is really about a young woman’s journey of self-discovery: trying out different jobs and clothes, different priorities and personalities, and seeing what fits. Director Paul Thomas Anderson's film has r eceived acclaim from critics and received three awards from the National Board of Review, including Best Film. It was also named one of the best films of 2021 by the American Film Institute and received four nominations at the 79th Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, along with eight nominations at the 27th Critics' Choice Awards, including Best Picture. Cast includes: Sean Penn, Bradley Cooper, Tom Waits and Maya Rudolph. The official soundtrack will be released by Republic Records. It's packed with 1970s hits and heavy on soft rock, including tracks from Paul McCartney, Gordon Lightfoot, James Gang, Seals and Croft, David Bowie, Sonny & Cher, and more. Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead guitarist) composed the film's score cues. The first trailer for the film, which was released online on September 27, 2021, was set to David Bowie's "Life on Mars." Official Trailer here
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The Players at Super Bowl 56
Sunday February 13 at SoFi stadium, Inglewood, CA
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Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar will perform at this year's Super Bowl halftime show. Super Bowl 56 will take place on Sunday, February 13, 2022 at SoFi statdium in Los Angeles –the home of the Chargers and Rams. “I’m grateful to Jay-Z, Roc Nation, the NFL, and Pepsi as well as Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar for joining me in what will be an unforgettable cultural moment,” Dr Dre said. Headlining On Location’s pregame hospitality events before Super Bowl LVI will be legendary rock band, The Black Crowes, and iconic performer and producer, Wyclef Jean. More info and Tix here
Pepsi released a video titled “The Call,” featuring the five music superstars who will perform at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 13. The clip was created by F. Gary Gray, who directed 2015’s Straight Outta Compton, the hit biopic about Dre’s group N.W.A. Watch here
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Supporting Creators & Self-Expression |
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Until next month,
Express yourselves, support laws that support music makers, and enjoy the road less traveled.
Music Lives and Moves!
Claris Sayadian-Dodge founder/editor
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Among the most famous journeys in literature is that of Robert Frost, who describes in The Road Not Taken, two diverging roads in a wood and “taking the one less traveled.” This much-discussed metaphor of the crossroads is what we are continually confronted in life. Frost uses imagery of the natural world to give form to such intangible, yet keenly felt, emotions as doubt, regret, fear, and longing.
The process we go through to create art, to transform a mental image into something physical, is a reflection of our thought processes. How many times in a day do you stop to consider what or how you are feeling?
Self-expression takes many forms. It's your unique take on life expressed in lyrics or melody of a song, story in a book or film. It's the way you write to request a favor or pitch an idea. Self-expression is healing in ways that can help a person convey emotions that are difficult to verbalize. Some of you are masters of self expression. THE LYRICS: 1956 to the Present by Paul McCartne is the delightful journey by such master, Paul McCartney.
Enjoy your journey of self-expression and welcome to 2022!
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