Gear Reviews
Solid State Logic (SSL) Guitarstrip Modeling Plug-in REVIEW
Guitarists who dive into recording are often overwhelmed; things get much more nuanced in every way, and finding the right combination and application of effects, EQ and dynamics can be difficult. SSL has taken a lot of the guesswork out of navigating multiple...
REVIEW: Orangewood Mason Mahogany Live Acoustic Guitar
Starting with a Grand auditorium shape, the Orangewood Mason Mahogany Live Acoustic Guitar features a mahogany top, laminated sapele mahogany for the sides and back, and a C-shaped mahogany neck; it’s not lacking on quality materials. Scalloped bracing in a X pattern...
REVIEW: Sterling By Music Man Sabre Electric Guitar
Typically, when a manufacturer offers up a lower-priced import instrument, it’s been streamlined for costs; components are often inexpensive, electronics are simpler, and design features found in higher end models are skipped over. Ernie Ball Music Man took their...
How To
Thai Orchestra Relieves Pressures of COVID-19 Lockdown with Musical Horror Film
Thailand has thus far been lucky in avoiding the level of COVID fatalities that other countries have seen. But this has been achieved by imposing curfews, lockdowns and travel bans.The economic impact has been catastrophic, particularly in a country which depends on...
How to Play the Streaming Game in 2021
A little inside info for my music makers. I often get asked, “What exactly do I have to do to become successful by releasing music this year?” I get it, everyone wants THE answer, they want it to be simple and doable. Unfortunately, the way the music streaming system...
What’s Really Behind the Music Catalog Buying Frenzy?
All of the music industry is wondering why these classic catalog artists (Dylan, Paul Simon, et al.) are selling for 18x-25x multiples. Well, there is no one answer. One is taxes. Another is streamlining the estate process for wills and inheritance. In some cases,...
Buying Guide
6 Reasons to Use PreSonus Studio One 6
Getting the most out of your DAW investment is always the name of the game, and the upgrades between versions is in many cases not enough to make a user step up. Luckily, PreSonus’s Studio One 6 Professional launched in late 2022, and there are enough updates to make...
REVIEW: KRK GoAux 4 Four-inch Powered Portable Studio Monitors
In many cases, small format monitors are just upgraded consumer items with a professional name slapped on them. KRK monitors have been dubbed “the little yellow speaker that could,” and with their GoAux monitor range, these could be called “the VERY little yellow...
REVIEW: Pigtronix Star Eater Analog Fuzz Pedal
Not all fuzzes are created equal; the various vintages and versions, the tweaks, the re-issues, the everything-in-one model configurations. It’s overwhelming to sort through. Pigtronix has unleashed their new Star Eater, and its options are practical for what a fuzz...
Industry News
5 Rules for Modern Songwriters to Get Noticed
Secure More Licensing Opps Anyone in the music business will tell you that teaching songwriting is a difficult—if not impossible—task. There are some who do it well. For instance, Judy Stakee at Berklee is excellent. Whenever I am asked to teach songwriting, it...
Get Schooled at the ASCAP Experience
Learn new skills & career-boosting tips from the pros Just wanted to share some exciting news from our friends at the ASCAP Experience: "Shake off the lazy days of summer and kick back into gear with ASCAP Experience! We’ve got tons of sessions to help you set...
The August/September Issue Is Out Now!
Performer Magazine releases its latest issue, featuring a cover story on GA-20. INSIDE you'll find our feature interview with the blues-roots band GA-20 as well as features on Jenn Bostic, Baxter Hall, The Beths and much, much more. Read the issue in print, find it at...