Chris Devine

How to Read the Fine Print and Get a Fair Advance Deal

Knowledge in Advance With all the legitimate criticism of record deals we’ve heard in recent years, advances have gotten a bad rap. They aren’t the kiss of death for an artist; when done right, they can benefit your career. “Advance” shouldn’t be a dirty word, though...

MY FAVORITE AXE with KRON

WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS? The KRON mothership Eurorack modular synthesizer – a Mortal Kombat...

[VIDEO] The Howling Tongues & Elixir OPTIWEB Coated Guitar Strings Pt. 3

We recently asked Nick Magliochetti from one of our favorite bands, The Howling Tongues, to test...

How to Choose the Best USB Audio Interface

What makes the best USB audio interface for my needs? It’s a common question, and Yamaha and...

Record Review: Doomtree

by Dana Forsythe | Feb 29, 2012 | Hip-Hop & Electronic, Reviews

Doomtree No Kings Minneapolis, MN “Eclectic Midwest hip-hop collective delivers again” On No Kings, their second album, Minneapolis based rap collective Doomtree offer up a hybrid of slick street...

Record Review: Dare Dukes + The Blackstock Collection

by Ashley Amaru | Feb 29, 2012 | Reviews

Dare Dukes + The Blackstock Collection Thugs and China Dolls Savannah, GA “Intriguing lyrics and compelling vocals” If you are looking for a songwriter with deep lyrics and a unique voice, then Dare...

Record Review: Cass McCombs

by Noelle Janka | Feb 29, 2012 | Folk & Singer/Songwriter, Reviews

Cass McCombs Humor Risk San Francisco, CA “Indie-folk’s favorite mercurial mystery man strikes again” Halfway between a troubadour and a magician, Cass McCombs churns out albums that are always...

Record Review: Black Bananas

by Ari Goldberg | Feb 29, 2012 | Hip-Hop & Electronic, Indie Rock, Reviews

Black Bananas Rad Times Xpress IV Washington, D.C. “A beautiful haze of acid drenched noise” It wouldn’t be fair to call Black Banana’s sound a melting pot. It’s a junkyard. On Rad Times Xpress...

Record Review: Animals As Leaders

by Derek Burns | Feb 29, 2012 | Metal, Reviews

Animals As Leaders Weightless Washington, D.C. “Chimera of emotive shred, finger-style jazz & electronica” Animals As Leaders’ tendency to plunge from lofty, circling jazz chords into ice-capped...

Record Review: Alert New London

by Gail Fountain | Feb 29, 2012 | Reviews

Alert New London Youth Columbus, OH “Dreamy music with meaning” Ambient music and lovely vocals are currently popular musical stylings. However, many bands won’t conquer the techniques that keep...

Maximize Facebook Marketing to Build Your Fan Base

by Pamela Ricci | Feb 8, 2012 | Music Promotion

Most musicians know that social media is an essential tool for building and maintaining a fan base. What many do not know is how to really take advantage of those tools to create measurable...

THEFT PREVENTION: Keep Your Gear Safe From Criminal Hands

by Chris Devine | Feb 8, 2012 | Band Management, Live Sound

Don't advertise; get rid of all the bumper stickers on your car that relate to a piece of musical gear you own. It's like saying, “This car contains any of the following: Ampeg, Fender, Mesa/Boogie,...

Bob Ludwig’s Tips for Home Recorders

by Benjamin Ricci | Feb 3, 2012 | Interviews and Features, Music Production, Music Recording Plugins & Apps

Bob Ludwig, while technically needing no introduction, will still get one here. Why? Because the man deserves it for all the amazing work he’s done in the field of mastering. As one of the top...