Gear Reviews
Mad Professor Big Tweedy Drive Pedal Review
Pedals used to be a way to boost or drive a guitar signal into an amp. Now it’s not uncommon to find pedals that emulate amps themselves. Mad Professor’s Big Tweedy covers that big American tweed tone, without a lot of fuss. It’s quite simple control-wise; the Volume,...
Ampeg Classic Analog Bass Preamp Pedal Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHHG21cvHLE When it comes to classic rock bass guitar tones, Ampeg always comes to mind. Now they’ve figured out how to get those great tones in a pedal. The controls are quite simple; a three band EQ and volume knobs do exactly what’s...
Ampeg Scrambler Bass Overdrive Pedal Review
The drive control on the new Ampeg Scrambler deliver the perfect amount of grit, and the blend is like a mix control, balancing between the overdriven and unaffected tone. At lower settings, the drive control is still very present; it’s thick and meaty. At this point...
How To
How to Run a Live Music Venue: Age Restrictions, Alcohol, Liability & The Law
RUNNING A MUSIC VENUE COMES WITH MANY STRINGS ATTACHED. While a main concern is booking quality bands and getting a paying audience in night after night, there are many other considerations that a venue owner must deal with every day. This month’s Legal Pad looks...
Make Money Selling Holiday-Themed Music or: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (For Indie Music)
Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa! I know, I know, it's only November; so what's with all the holiday brouhaha? Simple, these next few months could explode your musical career, if you follow just a few steps right now. First, this is an important...
A Million Dollar Record Label for $20 with DistroKid
Steve Jobs' nightmare has come true; it's now possible for “just anybody” to get on iTunes. At an Apple special event way back in 2003, Jobs was defending criticism of iTunes' small catalog (then only 400k tracks) by saying, “This number could have easily been much...
Buying Guide
Enter to win THREE new Sterling Microphones
We're looking for two studio testers to demo these awesome new mics in the Sterling lineup (total value $999). Got what it takes to win the "Sterling Mic Locker Challenge?" Enter below... Can your studio use some new additions to the stale, tired mic locker you're...
[VIDEO] Air Traffic Controller Tests out the Blue Spark SL in the Studio
Our friends in Air Traffic Controller are testing out the entire range of Blue Microphones' 'Essential Series,' which they'll be using to record an EXCLUSIVE new version of one of the tracks off their latest record, Echo Papa. Watch as the guys start tracking with the...
Simmons Introduces SD550 Mesh-Head Electronic Drum Kit
Following up on the success of its breakthrough SD2000 mesh-head electronic drum kit, Simmons has introduced the SD550 full-sized, five-piece, mesh-head electronic drum kit. Advanced, tension-able mesh pads with variable attack response technology enable expressive...
Industry News
Preparing for My Morning Jacket’s Two Sold-Out Hometown Shows
Preview By Lara Kinne Louisville-based My Morning Jacket returns to their hometown for two epic performances at Iroquois Amphitheater on May 12 & 13 with openers Twin Limb. It was is the echo chamber of MMJ’s salad days, retaining all of the unrefined, crisp...
Quick Recap: The Used Celebrate Turbulence and Triumph at Boston’s House of Blues
The Used's two-night stand this past weekend at Boston's House of Blues was the pinnacle of a band relishing in a chaotic career that has spanned nearly two decades. For their 15 Year Anniversary Tour, the band is dedicating two consecutive nights in each city to...
DotBlockchain: The Fight for Fair Trade Music And What It Means For Indies
Fair Trade Music and the Dot Blockchain Music Project: Building the Future Music Industry (Pt1) Put on your thinking caps, we’re going to delve into this whole “blockchain” thing you’ve been hearing about in music industry news circles. If you haven’t heard the term...