tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54583140845499270132024-02-06T18:12:03.271-08:00"The Barking Eye"The Sault's Music News Blog•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-29472331630003267232011-02-23T13:31:00.000-08:002011-02-23T13:31:08.444-08:002011 Final Year for Freq`s Music Planet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Forum/Freq_Planet_space2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Forum/Freq_Planet_space2.jpg" /></a></div>After creating both the Musician's Central forum 10 years ago on Soonet and Freq's Music Planet forum the past 7 years, I've run out of time to maintain the site with all the music projects I've been currently involved with. To some the site has been entertaining while to others, it's been a thorn in their sides but for me, it's been a labour of love. To have had 2 forums exist for a total of 10 years these days is a long shot but it happened and I'm proud of that. Alas, for me though, I have so many other things I want to attempt and experiment with which leaves less time to dedicate to forums. I will most likely stop the Barking Eye blog also at the end of 2011 too just because interest in it has not been very strong. Freq's Music Planet on the other hand has had a great increase in traffic these past 3 years which makes this venture all worth while, however it`s time to move on as the saying goes. I do have other media projects in the works, one being a local music distribution site but I'm not sure yet if this is going to fly. I'm still working on the legal side of that. ;-) I have been tossing the idea of a recording studio too. Right now I have my own studio "Screaming Mosquito" but I'm considering the expansion of it to do other peoples projects. Again, not sure yet. <br />
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Right now, writing and recording original music of my own and others is my main focus and I want to dedicate even more time to that but also my graphics company Barking Eye Productions. Those 2 things are my love these days. At the end of 2011, I will decide on whether to fold this blog and the forum or pass it on to someone else. I have not given it much thought at this time. ;-) The forum gets roughly 50 to 80 hits a day which is pretty good for a forum that is not really advertised. It's just time to try other things. I will let everyone know of the forum's future when the time comes at the end of 2011.<br />
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The world is suppose to end in 2012 anyways so you won't really miss this blog or forum anyways.. HA! ;-) Still expect the same pile of goop for the remainder of the year though. :-)<br />
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Glen The Freq Thomas•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-80449323550103885052011-02-22T09:33:00.000-08:002011-02-22T09:57:48.773-08:00The Return of "Wishbone"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/185772_10150399693135475_603840474_17616976_4571286_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" j6="true" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/185772_10150399693135475_603840474_17616976_4571286_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's been a long few years for local rockers Wishbone since trying to get a fan base built in good old Sault Ste. Marie. Through a number of member changes in the band since the recording of their debut<br />
CD "Making Wishes, Breaking Bones", the band hopes that 2011 will be a positive change for them.<br />
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The concept of the band was developed by singer/ guitarist/ song writer Dennis Duguay who is the main song writer in the band. He constantly writes material but he also has vision of how his material should be laid out. That is not to say other members in the band cannot contribute or even add their own material. What I mean is that Dennis writes a song that makes it easy for the listener to visualize what he's singing about. Without a doubt, the reason Wishbone has forged through so much good and bad is simply the focus of Dennis. He wants to climb and build to reach his dream, just like the rest of us. ;-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183044_10150401590335475_603840474_17638860_5477296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183044_10150401590335475_603840474_17638860_5477296_n.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>Over the past few years the band has experienced many ups and downs, and some have cost the band in both it's reputation but also in members in the band. Of course, this happens to many bands in the business but for a band that had some great momentum on their side, the hard luck really took a chunk out of the bands forward motion. That, hopefully will change for 2011 as the band gets ready to embark on new shows and a new CD for this coming year. With all of that, even more music for yet a 3rd album is also ready developed by Dennis and Chris. Yes, returning to the drum seat is yours truly |O|, Glen Thomas but also new lead guitarist Tony Kajnar. After recording both Wishbone albums, I decided to part ways with the band because of internal problems within the band. After a year or so absence from the band and happily involved in my own projects, Dennis contacted me and asked if I would be interested in a reunion of the band or what is more appropriately called a rejuvenation of the band. Having a great love for the music and the musicianship in Wishbone, we had a meeting, talked over the problems and the future of the band and brought in my guitarist from my band Flat Stanley to fill the position of lead guitarist. The addition of Tony on guitar adds a great dimension to the band and his focus and love of original material will help Wishbone gain new ground this year. Of course, this also marks the rebirth of the rhythm section of Glen Thomas and bassist Chris Smith who are showcased on both Wishbone albums<br />
and a few live videos on Youtube. For me, that is one of the positive parts of returning to the band. Being that Chris and I both play multiple musical instruments especially drums and bass, this is a definite plus. The other positive is to play live all the original material I had a part in creating. With the addition of Tony Kajnar on guitar, brings a new depth and variety in the musicianship, a balance between members on a personal level, but also more focus on the music during the writing process but also in our live shows. Tony is a very dedicated musician who I'm sure will help Wishbone achieve positive results this year. The clock is ticking and we shall see if this all pans out well for the fans first and foremost but also for the band. We are all pumped in the band, so let's all hope for the best. |O|<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180440_10150401575995475_603840474_17638640_5407094_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" j6="true" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180440_10150401575995475_603840474_17638640_5407094_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
What's coming up next for Wishbone? Well, at this stage of the game we have a 2nd album already recorded and ready for pressing and will hopefully release it soon. The album has changed titles a few times but Dennis has now retitled it "Wishbone - The Kill". Expect to hear some of this material live soon. You may have heard a few songs off the album but soon you will hear all of it. On the gig front, venues have been asking about the band so look for us live soon around town when we have finished preparing our live show. We are also hoping for a spot in this years upcoming Rotaryfest for 2011. Again, we will confirm all news and shows as we get things organized.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/179879_10150403133665475_603840474_17660639_1954338_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/179879_10150403133665475_603840474_17660639_1954338_n.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br />
As you might expect, band member changes always affect fans but we're hoping you like the new lineup but also the partial return of the old lineup from the original Wishbone recordings.<br />
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Just a side note. The graphics I crreated for Wishbone are for promotional use. These do not reflect the actual 2nd album cover at all. I just enjoy creating graphics for projects I'm in whether they are used on posters, CD's or just for website promotion. Speaking of websites, Wishbone has a new website online where you can hear tracks from both albums but also view photos and videos of the band along with graphics I come up with.. Please visit our new website below and feel free to spread the music of Wishbone around. <br />
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Official Wishbone Website: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/wishbonemuzic">http://www.myspace.com/wishbonemuzic</a><br />
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If you are interested in buying a CD of Wishbone's first album, <br />
email us here <a href="mailto:wishbone_muzic@yahoo.ca">wishbone_muzic@yahoo.ca</a><br />
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All graphics are Copyright 2011 Glen Thomas (Barking Eye Graphics).•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-34402028001892521942011-01-11T12:34:00.000-08:002011-01-11T12:52:33.365-08:00Music Industry Crisis - A Must See For Musicians and Music LoversMy friend Brian sent me the link to this documentary film Music Industry Crisis "Before the Music Dies" about the state of the music industry. I watched it and can easily relate to this being that I'm a musician. This film which is broken down into 13 parts shows how the music industry has become all about money and not about the "creative" artist anymore. It also talks about the fall of radio programming and how it has turned it's back on the "true" artist. This film is a must see for musicians and music lovers alike who feel their tastes are not being met by local radio and the music industry and why this has happened. It also brings up MTV who basically helped kill creative music and spawned the "Barbie" image of entertainers you now see these days. Enjoy this film but most of all, if you like it and care about music, you'll pass this around to as many people as you can. <br />
Thanks...Glen "the Freq"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRUKeOVxYEd-VOj_p_IN__hl6-DHQ2dqiJtgGGK50bNKfiZ18ieXpw2_MtFGMx4bm6UOJgM_VjCogsqk5XIkAcCEkQJzmn6DGDEj1zmx72MZUCakbGTG4ECa0Idg5xnTKPit9fXoPZ4I/s400/music-industry-chaos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRUKeOVxYEd-VOj_p_IN__hl6-DHQ2dqiJtgGGK50bNKfiZ18ieXpw2_MtFGMx4bm6UOJgM_VjCogsqk5XIkAcCEkQJzmn6DGDEj1zmx72MZUCakbGTG4ECa0Idg5xnTKPit9fXoPZ4I/s400/music-industry-chaos.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPZztrRWjZ8">Music Industry Crisis Part 1</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbqWED8u5t4">Music Industry Crisis Part 2</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a8o40JCvfU">Music Industry Crisis Part 3</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soNLWoSMy1k">Music Industry Crisis Part 4</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9tpOvYDqyo">Music Industry Crisis Part 5</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soHC5hGaGhg">Music Industry Crisis part 6</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG4zYBK4iQE">Music Industry Crisis Part 7</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNXe2n6sTsk">Music Industry Crisis Part 8</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dqu82OYUhM">Music Industry Crisis Part 9</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_lVxCiCtro">Music Industry Crisis Part 10</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnt8DwfSw7c">Music Industry Crisis Part 11</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvIKTkHeulM">Music Industry Crisis Part 12</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf20Bpdyfog">Music Industry Crisis Part 13</a>•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-33362658843522204842011-01-11T10:48:00.000-08:002011-01-11T10:48:59.228-08:00New "Chris Belsito" Album "Revelation Come Late"Here's a little plug for local artist Chris Belsito. His new album has just been released. I purchased the album from the Rad Zone, one of the few supporters of local music left in this city. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chrisbelsito.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/RCL-Cover-287x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://www.chrisbelsito.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/RCL-Cover-287x300.jpg" /></a></div>Chris Belsito’s "Revelation Come Late" 2011.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The 12-track CD was produced by Miguel Gauthier at Stereo Soul Studios. The album features a wide array of sounds and styles. In addition to Chris, the album features performances by Craig West, Ed Young, Jay Case, Lindsay Pugh, Frank Deresti, Rachelle Risling, Dan Kreutzweiser, Brian Holmes and Miguel Gauthier. The biggest sound difference to me on this album is the addition of piano. Chris decided to stretch outside his normal realm of acoustic guitar to add this new dynamic to his music. Chris has always had a dark tone to his sound so adding piano seems to blend nicely with his writing style. Another added change is a little more rasp in his vocals, something not heard on earlier recordings. Could this be a Tom Waits influence? The CD is available for download on iTunes (or many of your other favorite download sites) and can be ordered online from IndiePool. It is also available by order through HMV, Chapters, and many other chains. In addition, if you live in Sault Ste. Marie, it is available at the Rad Zone and Case’s Music. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chrisbelsito.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/belsito-04111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://www.chrisbelsito.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/belsito-04111.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Official Website<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.chrisbelsito.com/">http://www.chrisbelsito.com/</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Track listing is as follows:<br />
1. Room 702<br />
2. Candy Counsel<br />
3. Blueprints<br />
4. Best Silhouette<br />
5. Strange Logic<br />
6. One by One<br />
7. Silence Breaks My Heart<br />
8. Catatonic<br />
9. Canopy of Stars<br />
10. My Driver Comes<br />
11. Curve of the World<br />
12. Can I Change Your Mind•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-86301055721647282132011-01-11T09:58:00.000-08:002011-01-11T09:58:21.474-08:00Important Updates From "The Barking Eye"Many people have messaged me personally on various topics including some I've written about on the Barking Eye Blog and one of them is "why they can't comment" on this blog. The reason is quite simple. When I started this blog I had it open so that anyone could comment. That was short lived as almost immediately, idiots with verbal attacks started flooding the comments. Yes, these comments were from local musicians and readers that really had nothing to say that was worthy of posting. So, because of a few bad apples, the forum is heavily screened. Those on my friends list on Facebook and Myspace know how to get a hold of me and you can comment via email OR you can comment on links to this blog that I post on Facebook. I'm sorry but to keep this blog positive, it's best to keep comments on track, without hostility.<br />
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Next, I have had a ton of responses to the project I mentioned about a website to sell local artists music.<br />
Yes, I have been looking at grants to start such a site but also a main server computer base for such a project for all the material from local bands. This is not an easy business to start so I want to make sure I'm not getting in over my head with this. I am making sure if I do follow through on this that it will be a safe and secure site for local musicians to sell and promote their music. Suggestions have been rolling in since I posted the article and all of these are welcome. A few have commented on the single song format I mentioned in the main article. The reason for single song downloads is that it allows artists that just can't afford a full blow album of tracks, to sell a single song they might have recorded. Yes, full albums will be be made available but one song at a time. This is no different that "CDnow". I have looked at access to downloading an entire album in ZIP and FLAC formats but I'm still not convinced on it. High quality MP3's seem the most logical. Single song formats seems the easiest but it also seems to help the "little guy" sell a single song if that's all they have to promote. Some artists never get to the full album stage. I hope that makes sense. Details of the progress of my venture will follow in future posts. Stay tuned. ;-)<br />
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I must clarify for some that "The Barking Eye" is a simple blog dedicated to my thoughts and opinions about the local music scene. Some stories may be about current artists and some are from our cities past music scene. The topics I write about are ones that interest me. I apologize if they don't interest you. ;-) Some feel I should be talking about more current topics and more mainstream artists. I've also taken heat for not writing about Lop Lops and a few other bars or artists. First, let me say that there are bands and musicians in this city that never get written about and there are some from the past that put out music that again, never got written about. Forgotten bands and lost music. That alone, interests me to search these artists out and talk about them. As for venues like Lop Lops and others, I will simply say that they are always in the media spot light and so are their regular artists. I want to promote those that the media seems to ignore, miss or forget about. Lop Lops has been great for many local artists as have some of the other bars but there are artists that just can't get their feet into these establishments and again, those are the ones that interest me. Please do not take my blog the wrong way. I love to support local talent but I'm really after supporting the underdog. Other blogs like <a href="http://saultmetalscene.blogspot.com/">Sault Metal Scene</a> have the underground metal scene covered and I'd like to in some way shape or form help the other local music styles find a voice in local media. ;-)<br />
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Lastly, whether my comments or opinions tick you off or make you think, they are still my opinons so all you have to do is take them with a grain of salt as the saying goes. If you disagree, that is fine. If you enjoy what I talk about, that is fine too. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and so I voice those on my blog and forum. That does not mean you have the right to attack my opinions on my blogs or forums.<br />
It also doesn't give you the right to message me, phone me or email me with your displeasure. You can simply start your own sites and voice your opinions there. I don't have to hear everyones responses<br />
because, like I mentioned earlier, these sites are about what's on my mind at the time and not about getting into verbal attacks or back and forth bickering. In other words, I'm not into debating. ;-) That is not the purpose of this blog nor will it ever be. ;-)<br />
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Stay tuned <br />
Glen "the Freq"•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-82260547293500744582011-01-07T17:23:00.000-08:002011-01-07T17:23:01.609-08:00Website For Local Musicians to Sell Their MusicFor quite a while now I have pondered the idea of creating a website to sell music by local Sault Ste. Marie musicians. True, we have had some support with The Rad Zone and CD Plus in selling CD's we've created but with CD Plus now gone, an online site strictly for local artists to sell their music seems like a logical next step. I have been researching this for some time and I've come to the conclusion that selling music via the MP3 format online in single songs would be best. For the past few months I have been researching how I could achieve such a site, using Pay Pal, or credit card payments per song but also the ability to download full albums. Over the next while I'm going to talk with some local musicians to see if this is something they might be interested in contributing to with their music. Right now, local bands are basically selling their music by word of mouth, or like I mentioned earlier, through a few local stores. Yes, you could put your material on "itunes" or similar sites but I'm talking your home town and giving local fans easy access to buying the material. Right now, I'm researching online storage for such a venture and the cost to get this going. This is just an idea I've been working on and I won't say for sure if it's something definite, but a few I've mentioned this to, sound interested. The music has to be strictly local musicians but that can also be ones that have relocated. The focus has to be on the local scene. On top of all of that, finding a way to advertise to the city of Sault Ste. Marie is also a task and like any advertising, it costs money. Finding a way to promote such a site so local folks can first of all find the site let alone download music is a task in its self. I will keep you posted if I take the plunge on such a site or not. I still have more research to do.<br />
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Glen "the Freq"•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-8490020459506819612011-01-06T16:34:00.000-08:002011-01-07T03:20:18.184-08:00Attack of the Garage Bands - "Machines Dream"<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig1-2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig4-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2011's first edition of "Attack of the Garage Bands" starts off this year with local prog rock band "Machines Dream" who have been working hard recording their debut album. Craig West (<em>pictured right</em>) the band's vocalist, bassist and second guitarist was nice enough to let me invade the band's rehearsel and recording lair which is situated in an attic space of a beautiful old war time house. Craig West has been a staple in the local music scene for many years and an accomplished song writer. In this new band, Craig also handles the engineering duties for this project. I talked a few hours with him and got the low down on the gear and some of the software the band uses to record which is the basis of this topic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig3-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig3-2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig5-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig5-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The first thing I noticed about Craig's studio is the atmosphere it has. The attic is roughly 3 room sections but with an open concept and every corner has something related to music. I could just tell it was a great place to create music. One area in the central room is dedicated to the main recording rig, computer and monitor speakers. Around that are guitar amps, keyboard area and a jam space for the everyone to stand. In one smaller room off the main one is the vocal room and on the other end is the drum area. Being that the band is all about progressive rock, the guys seem to address technology with open arms. With that said, I noticed that electronic drums were being used for the album. The kit which is a <a href="http://www.roland.com/products/en/TD-4K/index.html">Roland TD4</a> set, just relays the midi data to the recording computer in which <a href="http://www.toontrack.com/">Toontrack's Superior Drummer 2</a> software takes over and supplies the sounds. This process eliminates the headaches of trying to achieve drum sounds from a real acoustic kit which can be a nightmare in some situations but also loud and uncontrollable in a small room. Craig says electonics are easier to record and control in their situation. Superior Drummer is quite popular amongst home studio engineers as there are unlimited combinations of drum sounds and editing you can use. The sweet thing about this software is that you can also control mic bleed in toms, snares and cymbals to help create room ambience from tight jazz situations to huge Led Zepplin sounding drums. You also get plug ins like EQ's and Noise Gates to help dial in your drum sound. Real drummers record the "samples" used by the software but it's the band's drummer playing his parts on the Roland kit that triggers these sounds through Midi. Understanding <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_Instrument_Digital_Interface">MIDI</a> confuses many but if you just keep in mind that MIDI is control data being sent and received by hardware such as keyboards or electronic drumsets and not an actual audio sound, you will have an easier time grasping it. That sent data then triggers sounds in the software which in Craig's case is Superior Drummer. This modern technology using software products like Superior Drummer or keyboard software synths like <a href="http://www.native-instruments.com/">Native Instruments</a> is the wave of the future. The physical keyboards or electronic drums are just controllers of the software on your computer. No sounds are needed from these physical hardware devices. You just play them, it sends the data to the computer and the software and you have rich full sounds without the hassles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig7-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig7-3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The main computer rig "Machines Dream" uses is <a href="http://www.apple.com/ca/">Apple</a> which is running Logic Pro software. This is the software that allows all the multitrack recording, effects and mixing. There are so many programs to choose from and we all have our favourites but <a href="http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/logicpro/">Logic Pro</a> is a great program. The interface that brings all the sounds received by the mics and line ins and brings them to the computer is called the <a href="http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/828mk3/">MOTU 828</a>. This converts analog audio sound into digital. There are many combinations you can use to achieve this so do a lot of research and find out what suits your needs. <a href="http://www.motu.com/audiovideo">MOTU</a> is only one brand name. Craig tells me that some of their songs were recorded live off the floor as ghost tracks where as others were done in stages. Where tracks off the floor were used, layering of other instruments and vocals were added later. Some of the ghost tracks were so good they were actually kept and used on the final versions. He also mentions that the entire band writes together for the most part but there are a few ideas that were created on his own. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig8-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig8-2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Main vocals are recorded in a small room off the main room like I mentioned earlier. The microphone used is an <a href="http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/9da35d460627c96c/index.html">Audio Technica AT4033</a> which Craig says was formerly used in a blues club in London England and sent over to him by a personal friend. Instruments are recorded with <a href="http://www.shure.com/americas/products/microphones/sm/sm57-instrument-microphone">SHURE SM57</a> mics and a few pencil condensor mics. Shure SM57 are an industry standard for studio and live situations. They are great on snare drums.<br />
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I noticed a group of speaker combinations in Craig's studio which included pairings of house speakers but the main recording rig utilizes <a href="http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/B2030A.aspx">Berringer Truth Monitors</a> that handle roughly 150 watts of playback power. In reserve, Craig has a set of <a href="http://www.slando.ru/photos/live/99/prodam_monitornye_kolonki_tannoy_6_5_pbm_22272299_1_F.jpg">Tannoy 6.5</a> inches, and a <a href="http://www.krksys.com/index.php">KRK</a> system with a sub. Many studios use multiple speaker setups just to help make sure the recordings sound good on a variety of systems for example, car, home and ghetto blaster set ups. Also used in Craig's studio are <a href="http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/FBQ3102.aspx">Berringer Ultragraph Pro Equalizers</a> with the main rig. Equalizers are a much needed device in home recording. Do your homework on these before you buy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig9-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig9-3.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig10-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig10-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Craig let me listen to numerous tracks the band has been working on including "Everyone Says Goodbye" which has some edgy guitar happening in it, "Mad For All Seasons" (previewed on their Facebook pag) and "Traping Stars For Solitude" to name a few. My first impression was the dynamic factor of the music. There is a lot of depth to their music. My impressions of what I heard were simply that no one locally sounds like them and that's a good thing. Their influences to my ears are from bands like Alan Parsons Project and Pink Floyd for starters. Finding an audience locally might take a bit of time but in my opinion, the local music scene is due for a change and you never know, "Machines Dream" might be leaders in the direction people may want to explore. I know for me, their music is a breath of fresh air over what is out there currently. The musicianship is top notch and the material is well thought out and well written. I wish more bands took the care in writing as these guys seem to be doing. Another key fact to this bands recordings are that they aren't afraid to use layers of instruments. Keyboards are featured heavily in a lot of the music but acoustic and electric guitars also have magical moments. The bass and drum parts remind me of Pink Floyd and cradle the songs beautifully throughout some of these 8 to 10 minute epics. The material is very experimental and it appears to me they are trying to give each instrument a chance to shine in each composition while not taking away from the lyrical content. Yes, I like to call their efforts "music that makes you think".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig2-2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>I'm not sure when the album will be completed but I do know you won't be disappointed by the product and I know first hand these guys are puting a lot of time and effort into this judging by the tracks I've heard. Thanks to Craig West for letting me pluck his brain for this article, letting me visit his studio,but most of all letting me hear the original material of the upcoming Machines Dreams album.<br />
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The idea of these articles for my topic "Attack of the Garage Bands" is to simply help those starting out in music to get into writing and recording their own material but to also give some insight into what certain bands use gear wise and software wise to aid you in building a home studio of your own.<br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Machines%20Dream/Craig6.jpg" width="150" /></a>Glen "the Freq"•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-25352793910814823002011-01-04T11:58:00.000-08:002011-01-04T16:40:02.454-08:00Flashback Attack # 3 !!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Forum/Flashback_attack2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Forum/Flashback_attack2.png" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Forum/BigsuitCD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" n4="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Forum/BigsuitCD2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Starting 2011's Flashback Attack series is a killer local band that consisted of some of the Sault's most stellar musicians all wrapped up in really nice, neat suits. Yes, the band that should have had a stronger following but slipped through the holes in the local music scene were known as "Big Suit". The band consisted of guitar greats Jay Case and Brian Oja who also handled most of the vocals, drummer powerhouse Ed Yound who also sang and local bass player legend George "the Rav" Ravlich. George would later be replaced by Frank Deresti on bass. The band came from a number of defunct bands like Crankshaft and The Crank Shop. Big Suit's mission was to play all original rock material on their gigs but like most local acts find out, that doesn't get you a lot of gigs so the shows were few and far between. I had the pleasure of seeing the band live a few times and they were an extremely tight band with no lack of music chops.The band wrote and recorded one CD simply called "Big Suit" , released May of 2005 at a release party show at the Galazy Cinema from which their killer tune "Big Man on the Motorway" quickly became a fan <br />
favourite. The band's song also made it to an "extreme video" release for snowmachining and or downhill skiing. I have no listing of the actual title. Big Suit officially went on hiatus in 2009 but do get together for the rare reunion show. Band members are spread out into other projects these days but rumours have it they had written enough material for a 2nd album. Time will tell if they release this material. All links to their old website and sound files are long gone and officially dead. Posted below is a video presentation of the band's song "Big Man on the Motorway". ENJOY!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-81991000441448013012011-01-04T10:09:00.000-08:002011-01-04T10:09:29.741-08:00New Song "One Finger Groove" by Glen the freq Thomas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs069.snc6/167900_10150358075490475_603840474_16917341_2810007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs069.snc6/167900_10150358075490475_603840474_16917341_2810007_n.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><br />
To start the 2011 year off on a song writing note, I have recorded a new song called "One Finger Groove" that will be free to download at the link below for a short time. The tune is a rock song with just a taste of prog thrown in for good measure. Just click the play button to listen to it and if you like it and want a copy, just hit download. It's all free.<br />
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<center><img border="0" height="0" src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyOTQxNjMxMjkwNzYmcHQ9MTI5NDE2MzEzNTQwMyZwPTI3MDgxJmQ9cHJvX3BsYXllcl9maXJzdF9nZW4mZz*xJm89/ZGE2MWVmODE5MmQyNDNhM2JhZWYxMzZmYjM3YTM2OWUmb2Y9MA==.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /><embed align="top" allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" allowscriptaccess="always" bgcolor="#ffffff" flashvars="id=artist_47166&posted_by=&skin_id=PWAS1006&background_color=EEEEEE&border_color=000000&auto_play=true&shuffle=false" height="200" loop="false" quality="best" seamlesstabbing="false" src="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/swf/40/pro_widget.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="262" wmode="opaque"></center><center> </center><center>Download the new song "One Finger Groove" </center><center>by Glen "the Freq" Thomas at the link below.</center><center><a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_6594807">http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_6594807</a><br />
<img border="0" height="0" src="http://www.reverbnation.com/widgets/trk/40/artist_47166//t.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /></center>•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-20414579041077071682011-01-03T11:17:00.000-08:002011-01-03T11:17:59.696-08:00New Year 2011, New Stories, New MusicFirst, Happy New Year to all Barking Eye followers out there in internet land. I know updates on this blog are not regular and probably won't be just because I have so much on the go but I do hope you hang in there for the topics I do post. Lots of stuff is in the works for the coming weeks and months so please be patient. <br />
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Coming in the next few weeks are:<br />
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1. New Episodes of "Attack of the Garage Bands" featuring the band "Machines Dream"<br />
2. New music news on local artists Kalle Mattson, Mike Cliffe, Glen Thomas, Jim O'leary and more.<br />
3. News of a possible local music scene download site for local bands only may be in development.<br />
4. Show case on a few local photographers that cover musicians featuring Brian Tremblay, Donna Hopper and a few others<br />
5. A history of some of the local music venues that have come and gone over the years<br />
6. A story on why Sault Ste. Marie Ontario has no true rock radio station<br />
7. Flashback stories on local guitarist Frank Adamo and the long lost album he released many years ago and also the band "Big Suit" and their only CD release.<br />
8. Plus lots of other insight and gossip around ye old music scene involving new bands and band break ups.<br />
9. The truth surrounding the rumour that Basswerx Studios is now making a trial run with recording.<br />
10. Story on sound systems and why local bands have faultered in using them.<br />
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Stay tuned!!!<br />
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Glen "the Freq" Thomas•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-12259977182194585302010-11-20T18:54:00.000-08:002010-11-26T17:13:13.084-08:00The Sault's Prog Rock Scene???First, what is Prog Rock? Well, it's short for "progressive rock" and quite simply it's music that in most cases incorporates songs with odd time signatures, technical structures with many parts, extended lyrical story lines, extended instrumentation just for starters. Of course, that is not always the case and there are prog songs that are short. Some prog rock music is based on concepts like for example Rush's 2112, or Queensryches Operation Mind Crimes. Bands that you may or may not know as prog rock are "Yes, Rush, Saga, The Jelly Jam, Platypus, Marillion, Dream Theater and many more. My favourite band Porcupine Tree has introduced prog rock to a new generation and is amazingly popular at this point in time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs591.ash2/154330_169973769696895_168312546529684_488813_497523_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs591.ash2/154330_169973769696895_168312546529684_488813_497523_n.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>So, what does the Sault have to offer in prog rock music? Well, to be quite honest, not much, HOWEVER, there are a few bands that have ventured into the prog rock arena locally. Recently I came across the band "Machines Dream" that will be making their live debut November 27 at Lop Lops. The members of this band are as follows, Keith Conway: Guitar, Vocals, Ken Coulter: Drums Brian Holmes: Keyboards, Bass, Craig West: Bass, Guitar, Vocals. Machines Dream has invaded Facebook and here is a bio snippet from their site.<br />
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<em> "Three of the four members had played together before, in 2008 at a one-off Christmas show, performing a bunch of covers by bands such as Roxy Music, Pink Floyd, Gary Numan, and others. </em><br />
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<em>In early 2009, bass player and vocalist, Craig West recruited the other band members to work on a nice little solo album. </em><br />
<em>Craig, along with drummer Ken Coulter, keyboard player and bassist Brian Holmes, and guitarist Keith Conway began free-jamming, writing material together, and having a rather fun time in doing so. They put out an EP as Craig West Band. But it wasn't prog enough! So screw the solo album! They renamed the band 'Machines Dream', feeling that it reflected both their sound, and their collaborative process. The group perform songs they have written, in addition to dedicating time in each performance for pure improv, creating new prog as they go." </em><br />
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On their Facebook site they have a song preview for a song called "Mad For All Seasons" from what appears to be an EP they have set to release. The problem folks is that Facebook does not allow linking to videos and some music audio files you post on it so promoting these types of media are useless with Facebook. So, I can't post a preview of the song here. I have sent a message to one of the band members about a possible link to the song from another source. With that said, always consider the option like Youtube for video and audio in addition to Facebook or better yet, just use MySpace for your bands main page. It allows everything to be linked. The song posted is quite good and the sound is also on the money. Style wise, there is a flavour of Porcupine Tree but only a taste. They have PT as an influence which is how I became interested in this local band. Here's a link to their Facebook page but if you're not a member, you won't be able to view much. Actually, there isn't much to see on their site yet anyways. Facebook is very limited at this point in time. <a href="http://www.machinesdream.com/">http://www.machinesdream.com/</a><br />
Another prog rock band is the duo of Mike Cliffe and yours truly, ME! I won't go into a long bio of the band but I will simply say that Mike and I have a common love for technical music and we always like thinking outside the box of mainstream music. Our song "Dog's Breakfast" (preview video below) has odd time signatures and a little over the top musical expression with a little edge thrown in for good measure. Cliff and I and a few others will be involved in a project in the near future that involves a Disney connection. ;-) No details yet but when things are set to go, you can be sure I'll post about it here. In the meantime, Mike and I have another song called "Evil Tuba" that will be released to the public soon. As always, free for your hearing consumption.<br />
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For me progressive rock, jazz and jazz fusion have always influenced my own playing and musical tastes. I will be honest in saying that basic rock, metal and country, although enjoyable to listen to, is not what I want to do creativity wise or playing wise on drums. It bores me in a lot of ways. Prog rock stretches your imagination and most of this type of music has a depth that modern radio friendly music just doesn't have. My own solo music also has a prog vibe to it just because it's what I grew up listening to. It kind of gets in your blood. :-) When writing prog music the challenge is merging the parts to make it sound smooth and somewhat seemless. Progressive rock kinda died in the late 70's because some bands just started to stick whatever parts they could together to make these epic songs<br />
and it just failed. The idea of prog rock in my opinion is to take you on a journey but there has to be some type of depth. In my own case, I like to throw a little humour in for good measure. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Forum/Drone_forum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Forum/Drone_forum.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>My own songs "<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_4984929">The Drones</a>" has that sarcastic humour. An instrumental tune I wrote called "<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_6144261">Crab Apple Orchard</a>" was also written with prog intent. <br />
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Mike Cliffe & Glen Thomas - Dog's Breakfast (Video)<br />
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I'm just touching the surface of the local progressive rock underground scene. If you have any info on prog rock bands hiding in Sault Ste. Marie, drop me a line. I'd love to hear about you and your music.•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-1449613726596335362010-11-18T16:27:00.000-08:002010-11-18T16:49:23.891-08:00Attack of the Garage Bands "Riverin"Yes kids, we have yet another installment of the "Attack of the Garage Bands" series. The purpose of this topic is to touch base with local bands that do their own home recording and the tools of the trade they use. It also gives people a chance to hear music from local musicians and support their efforts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs381.ash2/65949_434711998470_96227888470_5029296_2013299_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs381.ash2/65949_434711998470_96227888470_5029296_2013299_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs359.snc4/44210_438381915893_513710893_5771901_1153839_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs359.snc4/44210_438381915893_513710893_5771901_1153839_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>"Riverin" is a two piece band featuring Matt Hicks and Matthew <br />
Clement. Matt and Matthew record their music in their own basement recording studio known as "QuarterTone Studios". The music of Riverin is what I call experimental but you can definitely hear influences of Nine Inch Nails in their songs. The production on their music is quite good and we will discuss what they used to obtain this quality along with their writing process for their material.<br />
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After a few messages back and foth between the band, here is what the band uses for gear but also the procedure they use to create their unique brand of music.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs127.snc3/17454_457502205723_544370723_10986946_5767600_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs127.snc3/17454_457502205723_544370723_10986946_5767600_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Matthew: "Well Matt and I both write the music. We start with an idea (either big or small and on any instrument we use) and just keep bouncing other ideas back and forth until we have a song. <br />
As for gear in the studio, we use <a href="http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/StudiophileBX5aDeluxe.html">M-Audio BX5a Deluxe</a> monitors, <a href="http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/KeyRig49.html">M-Audio Keyrig 49 MIDI Controller</a>, <a href="http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrack.html">M-Audio Fast Track MKII Audio Interface</a>, <a href="http://www.apexelectronics.com/">Apex</a> usb mic (soon to be replaced with the M-Audio Lunna II), <a href="http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11035219">Sony MDR-V150 Studio Monitor Series Headphones</a>, <a href="http://www.epiphone.com/">Epiphone</a> SG Special, <a href="http://www.fender.com/">Fender</a> Squire P-Bass, Fender Squire Strat, <a href="http://www.rotosound.com/">Rotosound</a> strings, and <a href="http://www.ernieball.com/">Ernie Ball Super Slinkies</a>. Westbury 5 piece (<a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v276/35/80/544370723/n544370723_3711373_8287.jpg">Matt's drums</a>), with <a href="http://www.sabian.com/en/">Sabian</a> B8s (14" hats, 14 & 16" crashes, 10" splash, 20" ride, 18" china, and an Ice Bell). With the hardware in my studio (QuarterTone Studios), I use a 2.6GHz processor, 160 gig 17" iMac with 3 gig memory, and a 13" <a href="http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/">MacBook Pro</a> with 160 gig hard drive, 2.53 GHz processor,an 4 gigs of memory as a mobile studio. For software I use <a href="http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/">Apple's Logic Pro 8 Studio</a> on both Macs. I also use <a href="http://www.fxpansion.com/index.php?page=53&tab=148">FXpansion BFD2</a>. First thing we do when recording, are the drums, then guitars in that order. I have been using BFD2 a lot recently because of the different plug-ins available instead of Logic. After that Matt and I go through our other tracks, consisting of bass, piano, synths, and strings. We spend the majority of our time working on synths, and keys coming up with as many different textures as we can. Then the very last thing we record, is vocals. I do my mixing, adding of plug ins and other effects. Then I go to <a href="http://www.apple.com/support/waveburner/">WaveBurner</a> (a part of Logic Studio) and do the mastering." <br />
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The guys tell me they are looking to expand to a full basement recording studio in the near future. This is always a good thing since it gives you full control over bigger and better projects. Many bands are investing in their own studios and registering their own personal "Indie" record labels. I know in my own case, my label is "<a href="http://www.myspace.com/barkingeye">Barking Eye Productions</a>" but their are other local ones like "<a href="http://www.murderfly.com/">Murderous Butterfly Music</a>" and Wishtunes. The new breed of garage bands want full control and that goes from the writing and recording right down to doing their own graphics and promotions. That's what makes the garage band scene so great in my opinion. These musicians achieve full creative control and their music actually gets noticed.<br />
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Here is a short bio of the band Riverin:<br />
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<em>Formed in 2009, in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Riverin consists of two former members of </em><em>Dirty Virgin. Matt Clement and Matt Hicks met in 2006 when Hicks joined Dirty Virgin. After </em><br />
<em>a few years off and on with Dirty Virgin, Clement left while Hicks stayed in the band for a </em><br />
<em>while later. Hicks and Clement remained in contact and decided to start a project together. </em><br />
<em>They wanted to make an original sound, with an original feel. Putting together elements </em><br />
<em>from their heroes, Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Motley Crue, Guns and Roses, among </em><br />
<em>others they formed Riverin. The music contains elements of the standard instruments such as </em><br />
<em>drums, bass, and guitars and others like piano, synthesizers, orchestral pieces, and other </em><br />
<em>various instruments that the guys wanted to put together to create an original sound. The </em><br />
<em>bands EP RIVERIN, which was recorded at Hicks’ QuarterTone Recording Studio in Sault Ste. </em><br />
<em>Marie, is almost finished, and will be released soon. The band is looking for members to </em><br />
<em>fill out the roster and get the band on stage.</em><br />
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Please support this local band by visiting their official Myspace Website below.<br />
<a href="http://www.myspace.com/riverinonline">http://www.myspace.com/riverinonline</a><br />
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Now, for a chance to listen to the "Riverin" brand of music, check it out below.<br />
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<center><img border="0" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyOTAxMjY2ODQ3NzEmcHQ9MTI5MDEyNjY5MTY3MiZwPTI3MDgxJmQ9cHJvX3BsYXllcl9maXJzdF9nZW4mZz*xJm89/ODk2OGU1ZmNlZjYzNGUwNjgyNGM5NGJjMWU5YWQ3NmUmb2Y9MA==.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /><embed align="top" allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" allowscriptaccess="always" bgcolor="#ffffff" flashvars="id=artist_1024896&posted_by=artist_47166&skin_id=PWAS1003&background_color=EEEEEE&border_color=000000&auto_play=false&shuffle=false" height="200" loop="false" quality="best" seamlesstabbing="false" src="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/swf/40/pro_widget.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="262" wmode="opaque"><br />
<img border="0" height="0" src="http://www.reverbnation.com/widgets/trk/40/artist_1024896/artist_47166/t.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /><img border="0" height="1" src="http://a.triggit.com/px?u=reverbnation&rtv=1024896wd,Rock,Industrial,Metal" width="1" /></center>•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-35997026350050612202010-11-13T16:58:00.000-08:002010-11-13T17:09:38.078-08:00Blackmeat Powder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/1/l_eb8cc5d6047d4e0484736781dc924c47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" px="true" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/1/l_eb8cc5d6047d4e0484736781dc924c47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Blackmeat Powder is a heavy rock metal band based out of Peterborough Ontario Canada featuring <br />
Blain Konkle - Vocals --- Sully McMahon - Bass --- Brad Davidson - Drums --<br />
- Rob Bowler - Lead and Rhythm Guitars --- Paul Tikkanen - Lead and Rhythm Guitars.<br />
(Paul Tikkanen is not in the photo above) <br />
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Here is a brief bio from their website:<br />
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<em>"After a failed attempt to resurrect another band and not wanting to lose momentum or the musical bond they had formed, Sully McMahon, Blain Konkle, and Rob Bowler walked away from the project, and started their own band. since that time, they've been recording in rob's apartment, affectionately known as the argyle abyss, losing things, relaxing, drinking beer, and laughing. they started looking for a drummer and finally found one in Brad Davidson, an old friend of the guys. last, but not least, they brought in another guitarist, Paul Tikkanen, to bring the edge to the band, that final piece of the Blackmeat Powder puzzle. hopefully by Christmas 2010 they will stumble thru the empties with the first Blackmeat Powder cd for all to hear!!! "</em><br />
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<a href="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/78/l_79a2118775024a398d21187f0c4a612c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/78/l_79a2118775024a398d21187f0c4a612c.jpg" width="130" /></a>Paul Tikkanen is a local Saultite that left the city years ago to follow his musical dreams in original music. He had his own band "Tikkanen" for a number of years and released a very solid debut album with that band. After that, he was in numerous projects before taking a 13 year hiatus. He returns in<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">this new band "Blackmeat Powder" that have been rehearsing for roughly a year and are working on both original songs and covers. They recently posted videos on Facebook but unfortunately, those vids can't be linked to news blogs like this. They are reportedly doing a show soon and hopefully, I'll have vids from it to post them on The Barking Eye In the meantime, you can visit their official Myspace page at the link below to get a taste of the band. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The band definitely has roots in classic rock and metal. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/blackmeatpowder">http://www.myspace.com/blackmeatpowder</a></div><br />
Here are song samples from the band. One song is called "Mulletboy"and it reminds me of Rush's "I Think I'm Going Bald". It's also got a little humour in it which reminds me of the writing style of the band Max Webster. Listen to it and other tunes at the link below.<br />
<a href="http://www.myspace.com/142260137/music/playlists/26831?songid=61391813&ap=1&sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4cdf3493cc3d9484,0">Music by Blackmeat Powder</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs159.snc3/18676_1271067769876_1025335395_30843739_7867877_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" px="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs159.snc3/18676_1271067769876_1025335395_30843739_7867877_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Paul and I spent some time in our youth writing music in a band called "Thansis Colle". At the time, no one wanted to hear original material and I remember doing a gig where we actually had the plug pulled on us because they hated what we were doing but honestly, that band was a highlight to my career and to this day I love the music we created. Paul is a very talented guitarist and definitely has a style that is unique. At the time we were together, no one sounded like him and that really got me interested in playing drums in his band. <br />
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Stay tuned for vids of "Blackmeat Powder" as soon as I get them. ;-)•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-17752741057721715682010-11-08T00:05:00.000-08:002010-11-08T01:11:25.958-08:00FLASHBACK ATTACK #2!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Forum/Flashback_attack2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Forum/Flashback_attack2.png" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1728/57/71/630222533/n630222533_2180816_5431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" px="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1728/57/71/630222533/n630222533_2180816_5431.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dale Corcoran on the left - Tim Harrington on the right (band-"Vandl")</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aor-fm.com/albums/1463/Wall-Of-Silence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.aor-fm.com/albums/1463/Wall-Of-Silence.jpg" /></a></div>I have a solid installment for Part 2 of the Flashback Attack series brought to you by The Barking Eye Blog. One of the most talented musicians locally in the past few decades has been bass player Tim Harrington. Most these days may have heard his name but have no idea of what Tim has done. I'll give you just a brief history. Locally, Tim became well known as the the bass player for the band "Riggy Zomba" that featured local singer Dale Corcoran, guitarist Chris Lloyd, keyboardist Howard Bertolo and drummer Augustino DeMartinis. This band would later become the well known touring act Vandl with a few member changes along the way. Tim would later play bass for Lee Aaron, Aldo Nova, The Works and a band that should have made it but didn't called "Wall of Silence". <br />
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"Wall of Silence" put out one album called "Shock to the System". The album is quite good and production is killer but unfortunately it was released in the doom year 1992 when grunge rock sent many melodic rock bands to their early graves. "Wall of Silence" was one of them. The album is worth a listen if you can find it but today is your lucky day because some sweet lovable music lover has posted most of the album on Youtube so sit back and enjoy a few tracks from the album that includes the solid bass playing of local artist Tim Harrington. Other band members include Brian Malone lead vocals, Jim Huff guitar, Stuart Zaltz keyboards and Scott Lucas drums. <br />
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As a special bonus for all those doubting the old Freq about Tim being with Aldo Nova, I've added 2 videos that include not only one local Sault musician named Tim Harrington but a second local talent in videos with Aldo Nova. The other being keyboardist Howard Bertolo who played with Tim in the band the Works and Vandl. Now if that wasn't enough I've added some ultra rare 1991 live footage of an Aldo Nova show featuring Tim Harrington along with Phil X. <br />
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Here is the track listing for the Wall of Silence Album - "Shock to the System"<br />
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1. Shock to the System <br />
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2. Edge of a Heartbreak <br />
3. It's Only Love <br />
4. Last Nite <br />
5. Blood Is Thicker Than Water <br />
6. Addicted <br />
7. Prove Your Love <br />
8. Skin and Bones <br />
9. Stop the Rain <br />
10. Nobody's Hero <br />
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And now, a few songs for your listening pleasure.<br />
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Wall of Silence - Shock To the System<br />
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<object height="285" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zTy4TyUNB-Y?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zTy4TyUNB-Y?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="380" height="285"></embed></object><br />
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Wall of Silence - Addicted<br />
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<object height="285" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e1LEZgQYNLA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e1LEZgQYNLA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="380" height="285"></embed></object><br />
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Aldo Nova - Medicine Man<br />
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<object height="285" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/viFZHh1PDFE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/viFZHh1PDFE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="380" height="285"></embed></object><br />
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Aldo Nova - Blood On The Bricks<br />
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<object height="285" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xhL4JBSojxE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xhL4JBSojxE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="380" height="285"></embed></object><br />
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LIVE FOOTAGE of Aldo Nova with Tim Harrington and Phil X on guitar 1991<br />
"Fantasy"<br />
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<object height="285" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xeyCepxu4PQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xeyCepxu4PQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="380" height="285"></embed></object>•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-59377355403361057602010-11-07T20:57:00.000-08:002010-11-07T21:48:28.039-08:00New Videos from 4 Local Artists<div class="separator" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" px="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs255.snc4/40113_452588196013_595461013_6891126_1980093_n.jpg" /></div>The first batch of videos are from the local band called "Cherry Crush" featuring musicians; <br />
Taryn Bugyra - Vocals<br />
Jules Cote - Vocals, Guitar<br />
John Amendola - Bass, Vocals<br />
Justin Marandola - Drums<br />
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The band has more of a dance music style than a rock one which is what I thought they were going to be but none the less, the band is good. I'm sure they'll be quite popular once they have a few more gigs under their belts. Here is a taste of the band via videos from their Youtube group. The vids really show how strong Cherry Crush is vocally with Jules and Taryn sharing lead.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CHERRYCRUSHband">Cherry Crush Youtube Videos</a><br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs463.ash2/73637_1699073998259_1280188051_31865328_8247178_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" px="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs463.ash2/73637_1699073998259_1280188051_31865328_8247178_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Next, we have a new video by Sonny Boy Mick. Sonny Boy Mick is local singer/ guitarist and former Saultite, Steve McPhail. The song is called "Nobody's Better Than You" and it can be viewed at this link. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUQ52MTGO0g&feature=share">"Nobody's Better Than You Video"</a>. The song and video are well produced and the music has a very folk rock flavour to it. I did a write up on Steve a while back so you might want to check the archives on the Barking Eye for that. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs247.snc4/39672_10150218608510551_433325185550_13846859_4306019_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" px="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs247.snc4/39672_10150218608510551_433325185550_13846859_4306019_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>From Sault Ste. Marie Michigan we have a few live videos from the band "The Hixx" featuring the merging of members of the old band "Mama's Boys" and "Hogan's Goat". The band plays classic rock with a taste of country thrown in. Local guitar great and owner of Grooves Music, Gary Hatch plays lead guitar in this band and some lead vocals on the second video. The band has been playing steady over the river. Check out a video of "the Hixx" doing the Cars song "Let's Go" here >> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq9EA761N2c">"The Hixx - Let's Go Video"</a> and also the band doing the classic C.C.R song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMx-luwhWUQ">"Born on a Bayou"</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/hs326.snc4/41481_716386484_3733657_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/hs326.snc4/41481_716386484_3733657_n.jpg" /></a></div>Last, we have a video by Mike Cliffe, local guitarist and songwriter. This is a video Mike created for the song "Dog's Breakfast" that he and I recorded a little while ago. The song is an instrumental experimental tune in the style of 70's Prog rock. View the video at this link. <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yi3ygDVDhA">Dog's Breakfast Video by Mike Cliffe</a><br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Glen "The Freq"•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-42847683096841959352010-11-02T10:51:00.000-07:002010-11-02T10:53:42.109-07:00There Were Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs616.snc4/59595_131354210248566_129699433747377_190292_2490455_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" nx="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs616.snc4/59595_131354210248566_129699433747377_190292_2490455_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Local singer/ musician Dale Corcoran, who now lives in the U.K. has a new project in the works and it is called "There Were Four". This is a Beatles Tribute act but one that showcases the Beatles solo work and also a renunion that never happened to the real band. "There Were Four" are currently rehearsing and recording demos for their promotional ads and will hopefully be touring soon. The band apears to be managed and promoted by <a href="http://www.accententertainment.co.uk/">Accent Entertainment</a> based out of the United Kingdom.<br />
<br />
The lineup of the band is as follows:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Dale Corcoran as Paul McCartney </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs345.ash2/62494_129709390413048_129699433747377_180725_7834128_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs345.ash2/62494_129709390413048_129699433747377_180725_7834128_n.jpg" width="117" /></a></div><br />
Shaun Friedrich as John Lennon <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs710.snc4/63074_129994870384500_129699433747377_181921_5134400_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs710.snc4/63074_129994870384500_129699433747377_181921_5134400_n.jpg" width="130" /></a> Glen Knowler as George Harrison<a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs683.snc4/62386_129709403746380_129699433747377_180726_1049824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs683.snc4/62386_129709403746380_129699433747377_180726_1049824_n.jpg" width="107" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Max Frudd as Ringo Starr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs675.snc4/61511_129711597079494_129699433747377_180738_3896828_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs675.snc4/61511_129711597079494_129699433747377_180738_3896828_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a small description of the project from information found on their official Facebook site.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>"Just to let you know a bit about what we at "There Were Four" are all about. We are not your typical "Beatles Tribute" band, we are a large scale production show, featuring the solo careers of each of the Beatles, culminating in a "reunion that never was". It is shaping up to be one of the most unique and professional shows on the theatre circuit. We are looking forward to bringing some joy and happiness, as well as "Beatle memories" to as many people around the world as we can. </em></div><em></em><br />
<em>Peace and Love </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>From The Cast of "There Were Four"</em> <br />
<em></em> <br />
I've heard a few of their demos that are posted on their Facebook page and they sound pretty good and Beatle-ish. Hopefully the will have a complete website done soon with video and audio samples. The samples available on their Facebook site cannot be linked to this site so for now, you all have to suffer to hear them OR you can become a fan on their site and get a taste. :-) <br />
<br />
Glen "the Freq".•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-9714892554130708402010-10-31T04:35:00.000-07:002010-10-31T04:59:46.187-07:00The Fall of Another Great CD Joint :-(As one of CD Plus's employees Darren put it, "it's the end of an era". After serving our local Soo community for well over 10 years, the franchise known as CD Plus has closed it's doors in good ole Sault Ste. Marie along with other communities, leaving all us fans of rare and obscure music and movies to fend for themselves. Some may not remember the excellent CD shop known as Mr. Disc back in it's day but they were with owner Todd Gordon, the leading CD establishment specializing in getting the public rare material to sink their teeth into. I LOVED that store but with the internet, piracy and used CD's selling so cheaply, Mr. Disc closed it's doors some years ago. To fill that huge void, CD Plus made it's appearance in 2 locations locally but was later merged to the Cambrian Mall location as a single outlet. Jake and the great staff there were the best and my own experiences with the staff and the material they could get for me were nothing shy of excellent. I think Jake spent more time researching rare music and movies at home than he did at work so he could be on top of the game when dealing with customers at work. You got to know the staff so well that in my own case, they knew my tastes and any new release by artists I loved were already ordered and sitting there waiting for me. It felt like I was on cruise control. They also promoted my own bands by letting us sell our CD's through their shop and put up posters. My biggest enjoyment was buying old monster movies from them as Jake was on top of classic horror, sci fi and monster films. All that is gone now, leaving us huge music and movie collectors like myself to deal with crappy square box jungles like Walmart where you can't special order anything but worse, nothing underground in the way of music is presented. I can only say that I am stunned by CD Plus pulling the plug on our local store and wish Jake and staff the best. Many thanks to all of them for feeding our addictions with truly rare media. I've not talked to Jake yet but I hope that maybe, just maybe, a new independent CD and DVD joint might arise from one of these employees. You just never know. We can dream can't we? :-) Until then, thanks for all the great service, friendships, movies and music. Best of luck to all of you.<br />
<br />
Glen "the Freq".•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-18751245061167868392010-10-05T16:45:00.000-07:002010-10-05T16:45:09.353-07:00Wishbone's 2nd Album Preview <a href="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/27/l_641a6d4eb7144004920b44d4695e5b2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/27/l_641a6d4eb7144004920b44d4695e5b2a.jpg" /></a> It's been almost a year easy since I recorded drum tracks for Wishbone's second album which was supposedly called "St. Misery". I've heard it may have changed and I've also heard that they're recording Wishbone 3 and abandoning Wishbone 2. These are rumours of course. The fact is that it took me a lot of effort to get a copy of the album the band and I worked hard on and recorded. I also recorded their first album plus did all the graphic work for it, their website and tons of other promotional things. Like many bands, we had a bad divorce and getting a "deserved" copy of Wishbone 2 was not happening even though I had easily earned it. So through my own connections I finally got a copy. I present you 5 songs from the 12 song album that if the band does get their shit together and release it properly like the first album, it will be worth a listen. Personally, I'm proud of the material and how it turned out and the band played a lot better on this offering than the first. So here's a taste of the long awaited Wishbone 2 album which at the time I recorded it, was called "St. Misery".<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.myspace.com/music/41625491/songs/75308071/?ap=1&sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4cabb3068f3ef43f,0">The Messenger by Wishbone</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.myspace.com/music/41625491/songs/75308002/?ap=1&sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4cabb58e50d96e34,0">Johnny Fisco by Wishbone</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.myspace.com/music/41625491/songs/75307803/?ap=1&sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4cabb5c2967675dc,0">Race For Time by Wishbone</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.myspace.com/music/41625491/songs/75307903/?ap=1&sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4cabb5feac3fec38,0">Devil's Dancing Shoes by Wishbone</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.myspace.com/music/41625491/songs/75308114/?ap=1&sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4cabb637e99b92ff,0">Highwire by Wishbone</a><br />
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Enjoy!!<br />
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Glen "the Freq"•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-25620451233132425622010-10-01T22:48:00.000-07:002010-10-01T23:16:53.720-07:00Flashback Attack !!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Forum/Flashback_attack2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/BarkingEye/Forum/Flashback_attack2.png" width="301" /></a></div>Yes, if you haven't noticed already, I enjoy digging into the archives of our local music history and presenting many artists that most have not heard of, or haven't heard of in a long time. I decided to create this section of the Barking Eye blog to showcase those long forgotten musicians who helped develop the local Sault music scene. Please pass this page on to your friends as we reflect on<br />
some very talented individuals who continue to write, record and perform music.<br />
<br />
First on the list is guitarist, singer, songwriter Steve McPhail. It's been a long time since Steve has played the local music scene but there was a time his band Edison Slave, or Bedrock were common names throughout the local scene. Edison Slave enjoyed a long loyal following here and I'm sure most fans miss them. Steve hit the road with Bedrock but it wasn't too long after he was in the band "Total Stranger" with musicians from outside of the Sault. Total Stranger went on to record 4 albums and toured throughout Canada. I was lucky enough to see "Total Stranger" on 3 or 4 passes through the Sault on their tours. Now a days, Steve plays in the band "Sonny Boy Nik" (<a href="http://www.myspace.com/sbmmusic">http://www.myspace.com/sbmmusic</a>). The song I present today is from the first self titled "Total Stranger" album. The track is called "Things You're Missing". It was released around 1985 if memory serves me correctly. Steve sings lead vocal and plays guitar on this song.<br />
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"Total Stranger-Things You're Missing"<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvidmg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv470%2FBarkingEye%2FGlens%2520Videos%2FTotalStranger-ThingsYoureMissing.mp4" height="300" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" wmode="transparent"><br />
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Second, we have Frank Rodi, an extremely gifted guitar player who still has many fans around the Sault. Frank is also a solid vocalist and song writer but it's his guitar playing that got people's attention. Frank played in numerous local bands in the late 70's and 80's but he eventually found songwriting and original material to be his main focus. The Frank Rodi Project was basically Frank, his material and a selection of guest musicians who helped him create and record his music. How do I know this? Well that's easy. I was the drummer on 2 of Frank's first recordings with the "Project". 2 songs were done during the first sessions. One called "Jimmy" and the one I showcase today on this first Flashback Attack installment. This song is called "Candy". These 2 songs are more commercial sounding as Frank was shooting for a Journey/ Boston flavour at the time. The musicians on this recording are as follows: Frank Rodi - guitar and lead vocals, Gigi Micelli on backing vocals however he sings lead on the song called "Jimmy". Both have similar voices. Bass duties were Dama Chandamo, keyboards Tony Bafone (I'm not quite sure on his name) and me, Glen Thomas on drums. We rehearsed the 2 songs in my basment one night and recorded the next day at the now defunct Satelite Sound Studios. All I can say is that is was a lot of fun. The last local band Frank was part of before moving away from the Sault was called "Holy Diver". Frank still records today and you can visit his website at (<a href="http://www.myspace.com/rodiproject">http://www.myspace.com/rodiproject</a>). Here now, is the song "Candy" by the Frank Rodi Project. Time frame on this tune eludes me but I'll say late 80's early 90's.<br />
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"Frank Rodi Project - Candy"<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvidmg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv470%2FBarkingEye%2FGlens%2520Videos%2FFrankRodiProject-Candy.mp4" height="300" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" wmode="transparent"><br />
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Now for a really rare treat. Third, we have local vocalist Paul Pozzebon. Paul back in the 80's was one of the Sault's finest rock singers. Paul was hired into a later version of my band Driver and we took 2nd place in a battle of the bands at the Back Door bar many years ago. We were the only Canadian band in the show. From there, Paul and I connected again in a band called "Hostage" and we recorded a song called "Too Much". That song is rare but not as rare as the one I present today. Paul was always busy writing and recording and I just happened to find this ultra rare recording of his song called "In the City". Guest musicians on this recording are not known to me. It's been too long and there is no references to go off of. It does sound like Frank Rodi on guitar but that's a guess. It is Paul singing on the track. He is the one that gave me this song almost 2 decades ago. Paul was right into Judas Priest at the time and you can hear a little of that influence in this song. After the band "Hostage" folded, Paul just vanished and I have no clue where he went. He seemed to have dropped from the music scene altogether. I will say honestly that probably only a handful of this recording exists today so enjoy one of the Sault's finest rock singers, Paul Pozzebon and his song "In the City" here on the Barking Eye's Flashback Attack.<br />
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"Paul Pozzebon - In the City"<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvidmg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv470%2FBarkingEye%2FGlens%2520Videos%2FPaulPozzebon-IntheCity.mp4" height="300" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" wmode="transparent"><br />
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I hope you enjoyed the first addition of this series. Stay tuned as there are more rare tunes coming soon.<br />
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Glen "the Freq"•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-62530276889055719852010-09-13T09:52:00.000-07:002010-09-13T10:35:50.513-07:00Mike Cliffe - Glen Thomas Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.reverbnation.com/data_public/photo/image/149/1498994/fb-guitar-2_1255325471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cache.reverbnation.com/data_public/photo/image/149/1498994/fb-guitar-2_1255325471.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs282.snc3/27740_393048631484_716386484_4618781_430741_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
Over the past few months local guitarist/ song writer Mike Cliffe and I have been working on music material that we are releasing at random for anyone who cares to listen to it. Mike and I have mutual friends but oddly have never met. Our music creations together happen purely through the internet. If Mike has an idea, he sends it to me and I add parts or if I have a suggestion, he retools the idea. It's been a fun experience. We use similar software that allows us to exchange sound files which we place in our own specific software. It sounds more complicated than it is. The result is the ability to create music with other people without ever leaving your own house or moving one tiny bit of gear. I LOVE IT. Mike and I have musical tastes that are what I'd like to call "out of the box". This simply means, it's not your normal sounding music. Mike and I have a common theme in our individual original music that requires a listener to be open minded as this "stuff" is not always like the warm fuzzy music you hear every day on the radio. It is what you might call "abstract art". We have done a few songs together with more in the works and we've also included another online artist "Karin Beckerus" for vocals and keyboards on a song called "Bad Regime". Karin has written tons of material and also enjoys collaborations with other musicians.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs135.snc1/5771_207634220474_603840474_7753247_4752782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs135.snc1/5771_207634220474_603840474_7753247_4752782_n.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>Our newest song is called "Dog's Breakfast" and features Mike Cliffe on guitar and guitar synths and me, Glen Thomas on drums, bass and keyboards. The song is based on an idea by me for a prog rock song with an old 70's flavour. We wanted some odd time signatures in it and some tempo changes. A lot of prog rock songs back then sounded like a bunch of short stories tied together to make one giant song. This is kind of that idea but squashed into a 4 minute song. The guitar riffs are Mike's creative edge as I suggested he try and come up with some tight machine type rhythms for a certain part. Mike spends a lot of time writing so he can come with an idea in the blink of an eye. It's uncanny. :-) We attained the machine type rhythm by having the drums and bass follow the guitar riff for each picking part Mike did. Sure, we could have made it even tighter like todays "perfect" sounding music but honestly, we wanted to attain some realism here. ;-) To soften the edge just a bit but add some growl, I played keyboards over top of this part using some great Native Instruments software that produces one of the best sounding Leslie "Deep Purple" like organ sounds you can buy without dropping thousands of bucks on a real one. |O| Mike added some underlying guitar synth sounds in the background to help blend the parts together and again, give it the 70's prog rock feel and sound. Neither Mike or I know how the finished product is going to sound as we put it together.. We just send ideas back and forth and see if they work. We add and subtract parts and see what clicks or for the most part, sounds interesting together. ;-)<br />
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We hope you enjoy the music we create and we do understand if you don't "get" what we're doing. Creating this music is just a lot of "brain candy fun" for Mike and I and if it's not your cup of tea, that's totally fine. Most music in the progressive rock style has to find it's audience and it's not always easy. If you like what we're doing, let us know as there will be more music coming soon.<br />
<br />
Here is the link to our 2 latest songs.<br />
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Dog's Breakfast - Mike Cliffe & Glen Thomas<br />
<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/2897543">http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/2897543</a><br />
<br />
Bad Regime - Mike Cliffe, Karin Beckerus & Glen Thomas<br />
<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_4671010">http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_4671010</a>•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-57653263056519471382010-08-31T01:06:00.000-07:002010-08-31T01:06:07.879-07:00Beatlemania On Tour - The Beatles Experience Sept 15-2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebeatlesexperience.net/images/beatles.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://www.thebeatlesexperience.net/images/beatles.gif" width="320" /></a></div>Ok. This is a bit confusing but from what I understand, this particular tribute band is called "The Beatles Experience" and the tour is called "Beatlemania on Tour". Not to be confused with the actual Tribute act "Beatlemania" that played here last winter. I think I have this correct. There are soooo many Beatles Tribute acts out there and I've listened to quite a few and I'll say that some are just bad. The original "Beatlemania" was great but that branched out into a franchise with numerous bands of the same name, touring the world. I saw the original which is by far the best. Another good one is "Rain" which again has a long time history of a top quality show. The band that's coming here in September is ok. Not the best. Their videos on their site don't do them justice but if you like the Beatles and their music then September 15 at the Kiwanis Theatre at 8 p.m. in Sault Ste. Marie is for you. Tickets are $39-59. I love the Beatles so I'll probably venture out to this show. <br />
You can visit the the bands website here. <a href="http://www.thebeatlesexperience.net/">http://www.thebeatlesexperience.net/</a> I always hope Tribute acts "look and sound" like the originals but lately, most have given up looking like them. Kinda sucks really ;-)<br />
The one thing that is cool is that this Paul McCartney plays a left handed bass like the original Paul. That is rare. See ya there<br />
<br />
<br />
Freq :-)•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-64278708136813421322010-08-30T23:23:00.000-07:002010-08-30T23:27:11.200-07:00Errol Monchka - Local Artist Showcase #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.artwanted.com/large/79/11010_76279.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crcalgoma.ca/UploadedFiles/Image/Mural_presentation_Event_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.crcalgoma.ca/UploadedFiles/Image/Mural_presentation_Event_013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Born in the heart of the great Lakes, Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada where he resides with his son Noah. Errol Monchka has made a career illustrating commercial illustration. Being able to create an array of styles, this talent has been a great asset to corp. art directors. Being able to illustrate extreme photo realism to powerful graphics, there is no end to the direction Errol has been able to enter. When assignments slow down, you can usually find Errol working on some amazing self promotional work. Presently Errol has been working on illustrations for Play Station and has raised the bar for digital creations. Errol states, "I believe artists should constantly challenge themselves to create better work every piece they create." "Don't be afraid to push the limit of your skills." Errol is always willing to correspond with fellow artists to discuss everything from airbrushing, digital art, to marketing. Feel free to contact Errol anytime. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.artwanted.com/large/01/11010_75201.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://images.artwanted.com/large/01/11010_75201.gif" width="320" /></a></div>Errol's work has been viewed by many local Sault folks as they pass the Wardlaw gas station on Wellington Street West. The entire building was airbrushed years ago. Before that, he airbrushed the interior of the old Eastgate bar in florescent coloured murals that stood out with the aid of black lighting. His paintings took up entire walls in the bar. His most famous piece is one of the Edmund Fitzgerald ship that was lost in a tragic storm. This print can be purchased online ...<a href="http://3d.artwanted.com/imageview.cfm?id=79733">"HERE".</a><br />
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Errol for a time was involved in airbrushing T-shirts with famous music and film stars as the theme. I saw a few when he first did them and they were stunning. He recently did this one of Bon Jovi below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs261.ash1/18876_1274760903453_1062843395_30887681_1679840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs261.ash1/18876_1274760903453_1062843395_30887681_1679840_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
One of my personal faves of Errol's work is this one below that took Errol nearly 5 years to complete. <br />
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More local artist showcases are coming soon, so stay tuned.<br />
<br />
Glen "the Freq"<br />
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</a></div>•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-61611276292194769212010-08-30T09:21:00.000-07:002010-08-30T09:33:51.970-07:00Attack of the Garage Bands "Tym Morrison"Here is another installment of Barking Eye's "Attack of the Garage Band" series. This time around, we feature local guitarist/ singer/ songwriter, Tym Morrison. The focus of this series is to showcase what local musicians use to record their original music which means, the gear, techniques, software, etc. Tym is a well established local musician who basically crafted his music himself playing all the instruments himself and or programming drum parts or using drum samples. Here is a run down of what Tym used throughout his recordings.<br />
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<br />
Tym Morrison:<br />
<br />
<span class="GBThreadMessageRow_Date"></span> <span class="GBThreadMessageRow_BranchLink"></span> <span class="GBThreadMessageRow_ReportLink"></span> <br />
<div class="GBThreadMessageRow_Body"><div class="GBThreadMessageRow_Body_Content">1. I didn't have a lot of gear at that time but this is what I had when I recorded the solo project CD in 2006. A <a href="http://www.peavey.com/index.cfm">Peavey</a> classic 50/50, Peavey Rockmaster, Peavey stereo cab, <a href="http://www.roland.com/">Roland</a> gp8, <a href="http://www.alesis.com/en/index.php">Alessis</a> Microverb 4, Alessis Midiverb 2, my computer with the <a href="http://www.creative.com/soundblaster/">Soundblaster Platimun</a> card, <a href="http://www.shure.com/">Shure</a> sm58 and sm57, <a href="http://www.silvertoneguitar.com/">Silvertone</a> Acoustic 6 string.<br />
<br />
2. I usually lay down keyboards and drums first ported from Fruity Loops <a href="http://flstudio.image-line.com/">(http://flstudio.image-line.com/)</a>, then once in Cakewalk <a href="http://www.cakewalk.com/">(http://www.cakewalk.com/)</a>, I lay down the guitars next, then bass and lastly vocals. <br />
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3. Most songs I write on guitar first, but for example, the "Only Linux" song I came up with, I did the drum beat first and wrote the guitar riff around it.<br />
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4. I did all my recordings in my apartment. I was working on many songs at the time, and still have many unfinished yet partially recorded projects from even before that time that I need to finish lol. I still record everything the same way now. I like the creative control of not having to pay someone else by doing it at home.<br />
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5. <a href="http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/MusicCreator/default.asp">Cakewalk Music Creator</a>, Fruity Loops 3 (I now use the latest version) <a href="http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/soundforgesoftware">Sound Forge</a>, Music Match (to convert to MP3). That's all the software I used back then , and I use a lot of the same software now, but I always check out other recording software. I like Cakewalk and continue to use it because I'm so familiar with this software. <br />
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6. All drums are sequenced in Fruity Loops, but I use my own drum samples that I got from an old site years back called "16bitsamples.com", where I found lots of cool stuff. I downloaded tons of drum machine wav files and ended up using all these maple kit wav file recordings.<br />
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7. I did everything myself and at one time, I had considered getting a singer for the project, because my voice was not that strong back then, but I'm glad I did it myself.My voice should be a lot stronger on my next CD.<br />
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8. This first Cd was a learning process for me. I know now that good microphones are key, in quality recordings. Also, compression is important to get good volume levels. But this was my first time trying to record a CD, and it didn't turn out too bad. I have better microphones and gear now and the next CD will be much better, but I'm content with my first attempt. Practice makes perfect.<br />
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<a href="http://www.tymmorrison.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.tymmorrison.com</a> Tym's CD, and many other recordings<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cavemanmorrison.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.cavemanmorrison.com</a> </div><div class="GBThreadMessageRow_ReferrerLink"></div><div class="GBThreadMessageRow_Body_Attachment"><div class="UIStoryAttachment" id="m4c7bd12fce4ca5f4813f0"><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Media UIStoryAttachment_MediaSingle"><div class="UIMediaItem"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.tymmorrison.com%252F&h=6b853&ref=nf" id="" target="_blank" title=""></a><br />
<div class="UIMediaItem_Wrapper"></div></div></div><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Info "><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Title">Note: Like Tym, I use Music Match software to convert my wav files to MP3's however, the Music Match software company was absorbed by Yahoo and is now defunct but you can still use older versions of the software here. <a href="http://www.oldapps.com/musicmatch.php">Older Music Match Software</a></div><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Title"><br />
</div><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Title">Tym and his band are in a transition period as they change drummers but he is always around the local music scene doing acoustic shows when his band is not playing. </div><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Title"><br />
</div><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Title">Big thanks to Tym for the input on his music creation. Stay tuned for more of the "Attack of the Garage Band" series coming soon.</div><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Title"><br />
</div><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Title">Glen "the Freq" Thomas</div><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Caption"><a href="http://www.tymmorrison.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br />
</a></div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ajax/share_dialog.php?s=99&appid=2309869772&p[]=603840474&p[]=113435808710995" rel="dialog"><br />
</a></div></div></div></div>•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-39082490027385725862010-08-30T08:39:00.000-07:002010-08-30T09:48:54.062-07:00Stolen Music Gear Alert...!!!!Local musician Josh Norling had 2 of his saxophones stolen from outside of the Solo Trattoria Restaurant<br />
yesterday. Please read his personal message posted earlier today on Sootoday.<br />
<br />
<i>"To whom it may concern, My name is Josh and I'm a musician. I was performing at a benefit last night at Solo Trattoria, and just before I left the gig my friend's car was broken into and two of my saxophones were stolen. I'm a music major in university and performing with these saxophones is how I make my living. If all the SooToday.com readers could keep a lookout for an LA Sax tenor and soprano saxophone in a Reunion Blues gig gag I would greatly appreciate any information. Also if any pawn brokers, and music stores could keep an eye out for them and notify the authorities. Thank you. I can be reached anytime at 1-705-919-4133, I can also be reached at 759-1556.</i><br />
<i>Sincerely,<br />
Josh Norling"</i><br />
<br />
Musician theft unfortunately has been a growing problem in the local Sault area and a number of people I know including myself have experienced the horror of having your prized instruments ripped off. Simply put, if a thief wants your stuff badly enough, they will get it and that doesn't matter if it's in a bar, house, car etc. You can take precautions and yes folks, there is insurance for musicians. Here are a few things to know.<br />
<br />
1. Be aware that normal household insurance will normally only cover $2500 worth of music gear. If you want more covered, like myself, you must pay extra for it and it must be on it's own insurance policy. This only covers gear that normally stays in your house. If you want to use certain gear on gigs, then you will need insurance that covers your gear on tour. The world insurance leader for musicians is "Lloyd's of London" (<a href="http://www.lloyds.com/">http://www.lloyds.com/</a>). Even our local Musician's Union has insurance plan info through this firm. Of course, if you want to play, you've got to pay. Most insurance for your gear is based on the dollar worth of your gear. For example, for every $100 worth of gear you pay $2. Serial numbers and descriptions (photos of the actual gear) are all pluses when getting insurance but also for record keeping. REMEMBER....House insurance will cover your instruments "IF" you get and pay for a separate policy but the gear can't leave the house. This is very important. Car insurance is also tricky as it will only cover so much so you have to be clear with your insurance broker on your intentions. Bottom line is, you can't replace a good quality instrument as no 2 instruments are alike. I have insurance policies on my gear and it costs a fair amount but then again, I have quite a bit and most gear just stays at home. It's best to be safe than sorry. <br />
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2. Bars and Venues you play will normally "NOT" cover stolen music gear as these businesses have no clue what you own and yes, you could lie about what you have. I've had friends get their entire stage of gear stolen with no insurance. They got nothing!!! Be aware of this ok? The insurance companies want "proof" of what you own and if you have no proof of your gear, you're up the creek without a paddle. Create a manifest list of every nut and bolt and serial number of all your gear down to the last wire along with photos and descriptions and present it to your insurance company but also give a copy to your local police.<br />
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3. Take tons of photos, copy all serial numbers, write down accurate descriptions of your gear right down to the scratches and dents in your gear. All this leads to proving ownership of your gear. If you have no serial numbers on the gear, get an engraver and create one in a spot not noticeable to the public. If you have microphones, engrave the inside core of the mic, for guitars, engrave the wood behind the pick guard, for drums, engrave the inside of one lug on each drum. Try anything to get a serial number on your stuff if there isn't one already but even add one as mentioned just in case.<br />
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4. It is nearly impossible to get music gear back because in most cases, the people that steal it either leave town or keep it in their own house for years or dismantle it and use the parts or in most cases, sell it off to someone else. There is some hope as a few people I know have had their gear found and returned. One found his guitar on Ebay and quickly notified authorities. One person I know, who had his guitar registered, was called by Toronto police when his guitar was found in a Toronto pawn shop. Cops always check the pawn shops for stolen gear. His guitar was returned.<br />
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5. NEVER leave stuff in your car. You're asking for it to be stolen. If you leave it in your car, you're advertising it for a quick grab and take. I've known numerous musicians who have suffered loss from a car break in. Just don't leave it in a car, it's that simple unless you have someone you know stand there keeping an eye on the car. When loading your gear up at night, "NEVER" leave your gear moving vehicle unattended. Always have a spotter. If you have a Cube Van like me, back the truck tight up against a wall so as to not give access to the back draw door of the truck if it's full of gear. If they can't reach the lock, in the center of the door, you're protected. I have heard of one instance where the thieves used a rolling car jack to jack the back of a cube van up at the back wheels, and roll the truck forward to access the back door of the cube van and steal the gear, but that to me was someone scouting the bar where this band played. Most thieves aren't walking around with a 3 ton car jack. ;-)<br />
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6. For quick one night gigs, have a used instrument that you know you won't miss if it gets stolen. I always have 2 cheap drumsets I use for gigs I feel might have a potential theft problem. If you're doing a top gig and you need to use your best gear, don't leave it out of your site or if at least have a spotter.<br />
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7. Never leave small things on stage like mics, capos, harmonicas, tuners, pedals, cymbals etc. You're asking for it to be stolen. You must remember thieves come in all shapes and sizes and yes some are employees in the establishments you play. Don't trust "ANYONE" in a bar. Things can be taken quickly and people you don't know hanging around your stage could be scoping your gear. Always be observant of strangers near your stage. When you're not at the bar and your gear is there, you're relying on the employees to keep an eye on your gear but the fact is, they they have their own job to do and they can't watch your stuff 24/7 so there is opportunity for thieves to steal during the day while the business is open and you're not there.<br />
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8. Always file a police report on your stolen gear. If you don't, you're an idiot and deserve to have your gear ripped off. After that, check the pawn shops, EBAY, used antique stores, local music stores, Customs, online sites that sell gear locally but also talk to people who work at the bar you played in. Find out if anyone saw someone suspicious. Yes, even check people you know, ask the question, who do you trust?<br />
<br />
9. Cover your stage gear with black sheets. This is a simple thing and what it does is hide what you or your<br />
band is playing. You'd be surprised how much you notice people uncovering big black sheets on a stage then just a person grabbing a guitar pedal. It's like a giant flag and even bar employees can notice someone moving sheets to get to your gear. Sounds stupid but it actually works.<br />
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It is unfortunate when a friend or fellow musician loses their gear to theft. We all go into a unity mode and we want to get the persons responsible. In the case of Josh, the musician experiencing this today, music is his income and definitely a huge part of his life. Musical instruments are not cheap to replace and musicians become one with the instruments they have developed their craft with. It's like getting stabbed in the heart.<br />
I've had gear stolen and some of that were cymbals. My favourite cymbal to be honest and someone in our local community now has it in their possession without my permission. ;-) It's a horrible experience and not one I'd wish on anyone.<br />
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<br />
Keep an eye and ear out for Josh's saxophones. The good thing about this theft is that their aren't many sax players around so if it shows up in pawn shops, music stores etc., it will hopefully flag some awareness.•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458314084549927013.post-9090750359410279282010-08-18T07:05:00.000-07:002010-08-18T07:05:50.686-07:00The Sault Music Scene on FacebookI came across this site a long time ago called "The Sault Music Scene" that features, for the most part, bands that played the old "Zombie -a- Go Go" non alcoholic bar that use to be on Gore Street in good ole Sault Ste. Marie. This site also features bands that use to play that bar when is was called the Centennial. Upstairs, there use to be a bowling alley and downstairs was a hall that many many bands played over the years. I girl named Anita and her sister leased the main floor to start the Zombie - a - Go Go bar which ran for quite a while. I played there quite a few times with a band called Driver and with a band called Spy vs Spy. I have nothing but fond memories of the shows there along with the owners.. There is a massive history of local bands that have played within the walls of that old building (said to be haunted ;-) and a lot of it is showcased on the Sault Music Scene's Facebook page. Over 300 photos of bands and posters of some of the Sault's most interesting music acts are posted on this site. The site was started by local drummer Don MacDonald who also graced this old establishment. You can join the Sault Music Scene Facebook page by going ........<a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3206095245&v=photos&so=240#%21/group.php?gid=3206095245&v=wall">>"HERE"<</a> Check it out, you won't be disappointed. You may just remember some of these old bands. ;-)•»¶hê ƒRëq»•-)•––––http://www.blogger.com/profile/16973470971558284671noreply@blogger.com0