Gear Reviews
Everything You Need to Know About Clearing Music Samples
WHY YOU NEED A LICENSE I’ve been doing music clearances for going on 20 years, and the main thing I’ve noticed along the way is that many young artists have no idea what they are or how they work. It’s not their fault; it’s confusing! However, without the proper...
Steinberg UR-RT2 Audio Interface Review
Even before Dave Grohl put Rupert Neve back in the spotlight in the Sound City documentary, his name had been THE word in recording. Steinberg has now partnered with Rupert Neve to bring his classic preamp sound into a package that fits into a home studio, at a decent...
Washburn Revival Series Acoustic Guitar Review
Performer reviews the new throwback acoustic from Washburn as part of their Revival Series (Model RSG200SWVSK, to be exact) Washburn’s been making acoustics since the 1880s, and with that long history comes experience making some great sounding instruments. For the...
How To
Dear Bands, Here’s How to Write a Damn Press Release
As part of my job as a music journalist, I sift through anywhere from 50 to way-too-many press releases daily, separating the wheat from the chaff and trying to find something that fits into the holy trifecta of interesting, relevant, and newsworthy. By now, I've seen...
PHOTO GALLERY: We Are Scientists Live in Boston
Highly sarcastic, cautiously biting, and always endearing, We Are Scientists once again brought their two-bit comedy routine to Boston this past Wednesday to The Sinclair. As their first stop on their ten day tour with Surfer Blood, the boys were in high spirits while...
How to Make Money From Your Band’s YouTube Spins
SESAC Acquires Rumblefish: Monetizing Your Band’s Video Spins Just Got Easier I've long said, "Where there is video, there is music." With CD and download sales all but obliterated, abysmal streaming rates, and pressure on live ticket sales, video monetization will be...
Buying Guide
VIDEO PLAYLIST: Bose S1 Pro In-Depth Review
Back in January, we had an opportunity to test out the new BOSE S1 Pro personal PA system. Trying it out hands-on, we could tell instantly see what the buzz was about. It was lightweight, ultra-portable, priced affordably, and had an easy-to-use, yet powerful, set of...
VIDEO: Air Traffic Controller on the Benefits of Elixir Strings
We asked Boston-based band Air Traffic Controller to try out Elixir Optiweb strings, and use them both live and on a new recording. Here, the band discusses the long-lasting nature of Optiweb coated strings, and strings up in preparation for an exclusive recording...
Taylor K14CE Builder’s Edition Review
Learn why we called the new Taylor Guitars K14CE Builder's Edition Acoustic with V-Class Bracing the best acoustic guitar we've ever played in our latest review. If you don’t want to read this entire review, know this: the Taylor Builder’s Edition K14ce with V-Class...
Industry News
3 Tips For DIY Recording, Touring and Band Promotion
Before anything, take time to deeply connect to the foundational reasons as to why you do what you do as a DIY band. Determine what it is about your music that’s most important to you. That understanding will help you sustain focus on meaningful goals and remain...
Lake Street Dive Live at NEC
Celebrating their 150th Anniversary, the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA held a special concert featuring alums Lake Street Dive along with several student ensembles. “Having an orchestra, and big band, great faculty, arrangers and conductors – that...
How to Partner With Local Breweries on Your Next Album Release
The Lights Out + Aeronaut team up to release the first ever album on a can of beer. Learn more about the process, and how YOUR band can partner with local breweries on album promotions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG4_4G-_FH4 If your band is like mine, beer is...