Gear Reviews
2019 State of the Music Industry
It’s 2019; look at that number again. 2019. Doesn’t that kind of blow your mind? We are pretty much closer to 2040 than we are to 1999. Is this what you thought it would look and feel like? I want to give you a realistic outlook on where we are as an industry and put...
3 Things You Should Know About Musical Instrument Insurance
Let’s get it out of the way: insurance is not the most exciting topic we cover here at Performer. But be honest with yourself – would you rather have the security of knowing your precious gear is covered in case the unthinkable happens, or would you rather leave it...
3 Tips For Getting Great Sounds From Your Analog Synth
THE NEW GOLDEN AGE OF ANALOG SYNTHESIS Analog synths have undergone a radical resurgence in the last 7 or 8 years. Companies like Moog and Korg are now re-issuing and updating their former flagship models, or innovating once more with brand new iterations of the form....
How To
Legal Pad: Tax Tips for Musicians
Maximize Your Band’s Income Tax Deductions EVERY YEAR, YOU SPEND CONSIDERABLE AMOUNTS OF MONEY ADVANCING YOUR CAREER. From gear to travel expenses to promotional materials, your annual out-of-pocket expenses can be substantial. The time is now to get your finances...
Ryan Adams and Butch Walker Live in Boston
As the designated opener for Ryan Adams on his latest tour, Butch Walker proved to be his perfect touring companion. Like Adams, Walker knows how to deliver charismatically and play wholeheartedly. "21+," the first song of his set, was draped in quivery vocals and...
Why Twitter Should Not Be the New Press Release
Twitter is a critically important social media tool for every band. If you're not using it, you're missing out. Twitter is fast, efficient, and gets the point across in 140-character transmissions. It cuts through the digital ether, and God knows we're all wading in...
Buying Guide
AKAI Fire FL Studio Controller REVIEW
For beat makers and home studio enthusiasts, there is no shortage of great controllers on the market. Whether you’re crafting synth-based toplines or putting an entire EDM project together from scratch, having a physical, tactile control to play with enhances the...
IK Multimedia unveils AXE I/O premium audio interface with unique advanced guitar tone shaping
IK Multimedia proudly announces AXE I/O™. This high-end audio interface and controller is now available, and delivers premium sound and innovative features designed for guitarists seeking the perfect way to record with world-class tone and professional techniques. The...
Samson MediaOne M50 Studio Monitors Review
Monitors are a key element in any studio, from the bedroom and basement, to high-end facilities alike. But having a set of speakers with Titanium/Kevlar/unicorn hair drivers with infinitely tunable crossovers might be unreasonable for most home studios. Samson’s...
Industry News
Insurance Matters: What Happens When a Claim is Filed Against You as a Performer
With the help of our friends at K&K Insurance, we’ve put together a number of helpful insurance resources for today’s performing musicians, including the following: The Difference Between Liability Insurance and Property Insurance for Musicians 5 Ways to Mitigate...
Audio-Technica Publishes New Video Tracing the Making of Its Flagship AT5047 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology for over 50 years, continues its ongoing activities surrounding the introduction of its acclaimed AT5047 Cardioid Condenser Microphone, including a new making-of video and a series of rollout events around...
Performer Gives Away Two Sets of Simmons SD2000 Electronic Drum Kits
Performer has selected its two winners in our recent Simmons SD2000 Electronic Drum Kit Giveaway. Over the course of the fall, Derek Donato of Reef'd and Richard Thomas will both test out the new electronic kits to their fullest and put them through their paces to...