The Cost of Music Piracy

Music piracy is a hot issue, that won't go away. There is a new name to piracy, and that is "Digital Piracy".with file sharing so easily done, most people do share music, and without knowing it, are actually committing the crime of piracy.

Music piracy is one of the most debated and heated issues from musicians and artists to record companies and music publishers.

All songs that are published are protected by copyright laws. The songwriters or owners of the copyrighted songs are the people who lose money on sales of their songs.

The Music Piracy Calculator:

Here is an actual piracy calculator, where you can see the cost of your pirated songs. Its an interesting calculator that lets you know the value of the songs you have downloaded for free.

This gadget is just for fun and to be informed that piracy does kill music.
Here is the link: Music Piracy Calculator

How much would you owe?  

By George Luker (C) Copyright 2011 Krule Music

Neumann U87 Microphone: Studio Classic

All top notch and well known recording studio's use the Neumann U87 studio condenser microphone. The high quality microphone has been used in most of the classic songs ever recorded, from all genres of music. Since 1967 the Neumann U87 microphone has become an industry standard for all recording studios, films, public broadcasting and television studios.

The unique design and characteristics of the condenser microphone, make it the preferred choice of recording equipment.

The Neumann U87 condenser microphone is designed with three polar patterns, omni directional, cardioid, and figure-8, which gives the microphone its unique tone and recording versatility. 

The microphone has a A 10 dB attenuation switch that is located at the back, and can also handle sound pressure levels up to 127 dB without distortion.

With its unique design quality and polar patterns, the microphone  can be used for many applications in studio and broadcasting. The ability to change polar patterns and microphone angles, gives producers a wide range of sound recording options, since frequencies and be recorded at different angles, levels, and with clarity. 

Its used widely as a instrument recording microphone, but also a vocal mic, since it has flexibility and sensitivity in the  dynamics of its omni directional reception.

The microphone has the ability to be used close to its sound source, and maintain crystal clear clarity in its reception of frequencies. 

The response frequency of the cardioid and figure-8 directional characteristics are very flat for direct frontal sound reception. 

The Neumann U87 Ai condenser microphone is a one of a kind industry standard for quality recording and broadcasting. 

Microphones are the key part of any recording process, Shure microphones are the next best microphone on the market after the Neumann U87 microphone. Like all products available, you pay for the quality, if you are recording with a $49 dollar mic, you will not have a great recorded sound. If you record with a $350 microphone you will notice the difference in sound. 


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By George Luker (C) Copyright 2011 Krule Music

Dunlop 535Q Crybaby Wah Pedal: The Leader in Quality

The Dunlop 535Q Muli-Wah Crybaby pedal, is one of latest crybaby pedals from Dunlop manufacturing. The 535Q is close in spec to the original Jim Dunlop Cry Baby pedal. The GCB-95 which is the original cry baby pedal is the best selling guitar pedal of all time.

The 535Q Multi-Wah Crybaby Benefits Versus the Original Wah Pedal:

The 535Q Multi-Wah Crybaby pedal is the same as the original pedal, the difference is the added flexibility of the pedal, which makes it customizable.

The main advantage is you can control the tone of the wah, that the pedal produces. You can also control the intensity of the pedal effect, this is done with the "Q" button.

Like the original cry baby pedal, the 535Q is durable and built to take the abuse of being on the road.

The picture to the left demonstrates some of the typical settings for the 535Q Multi-Wah pedal. 

Note: always plug the Wah pedal before all other effects pedals, this will give you the best sound and control. This is a basic tip for all wah pedals.




 

The Original Crybaby Wah Pedal: the GCB-95:

This is the exact model and pedal Jimi Hendrix used in the studio and when he played live. The GCB-95 is the wah pedal that put Dunlop on the map for guitar effects.


The Original Crybaby Wah pedal (GCB-95) that started the rock revolution. This is the pedal that Jimi Hendrix used at the historic Woodstock concert, and on many of his recordings including the all time classic "Voodoo Child".

The GCB-95 is still built to its original design spec, and is still manufactured in the USA by Dunlop Manufacturing Inc.

The pedal is one of the only products on the market, that has not changed since it was first introduced to the market. Dunlop is one of the only manufacturers for guitar effects and instruments, that has not changed or outsourced the production since day one.

No matter which crybaby wah pedal you choose from , you get a top quality guitar effects pedal, and that has never changed over time.

Who Uses Dunlop Crybaby Wah Pedals?
The following is an impressive list of guitarists who only use Dunlop Crybaby wah pedals, of course Jimi Hendrix is one of the first guitarists to use the wah pedal. Some of the other guitar hero's are Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Prince, Steve Lukather, Adrian Smith, Vivian Campbell, John Frusciante, Warren di Martini, Warren Haynes, Robin Finck, Steve Vai, and many other guitarists.

If you're looking for a wah pedal, the 535Q Crybaby Multi-Wah Pedal or the original from Dunlop is the only pedals you should even consider. Time tested, musician approved, and still manufactured to exact specs.

By George Luker (C) Copyright 2011 Krule Music

2011 Songwriting Contest

Calling all musicians, songwriters, beat makers, and producers, Song of the year is once again accepting songs for its annual songwriting contest. Winners in each category of the songwriting contest will have their material sent to record labels, music publishers, and other music industry insiders, for their consideration. The winners will also receive over $135,000 in cash and prizes. 

The 2011 songwriting contest provides a great opportunity for indie musicians and songwriters, to get their songs noticed by a panel of music industry judges, and at the same time a chance to win cash and prizes. The ultimate benefit is having your song forwarded to record labels, music publishers, and music supervisors. 

How the Songwriting Contest Works: 

All songwriting contest entries are listened to, reviewed and judged by the songwriting merits. Production qualities of the songs are not taken into consideration, as it is the song that is the focus and most important part. The contest is looking for songwriters, so production quality is not judged, which means a simple home recording is acceptable. 

Before entering the songwriting contest, best advice would be to do a little reading on songwriting structures, methods and ability.  Masterwriter Songwriting Software is one of the best songwriting software's on the market. It was developed by songwriters, with their specific needs in mind. Masterwriter comes with all the tools needed for quick play back and arranging with virtual instruments, to printing sheet music with the songwriters credentials. Highly recommended for all songwriters.

Songwriting Contest Prizes:

1^st. Place Prize:

$60,000 Cash (US Dollars)

$6,000 Gift Certificate at Guitar Center

Apple Mac Pro - 2.93GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon - Configured for music recording (Retail Value $10,849.00) (View Details)

Apple LED Cinema – 27” Flat panel monitor (Retail Value $999.00)

Home Studio Package - Apple Final Cut Studio video software, Logic Studio, M-Audio Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller (Retail Value $2,777.89)

Taylor Guitar – 814CE Grand Auditorium Acoustic Electric (Retail Value $4,058.99)

Yamaha Keyboard - Motif XS8 Music Production Synth (Retail Value $3,999.99) & MLAN16e2 mLan Expansion Board (Retail Value $299.00)

Solidstand Keyboard Stand (Retail Value $1,295.00)

2^nd. Place Price:

$10,000 Cash (US Dollars)

$3,000 Gift Certificate at Guitar Center

Taylor Guitar – 814CE Grand Auditorium Acoustic Electric (Retail Value $4,058.99)

3^rd Place Price:

$500 Cash (US Dollars)

10 Category Winners:

$50 Cash (US Dollars)

The songwriting contest is open to everyone, details entry and submit song forms are available at the Song of The Year.

Good luck to all. 

By George Luker (C) Copyright 2011 Krule Music

Sonar 8 Drum Kits: Tips to Mix and Add to Tracks

Video on Cakewalk Sonar 8 music recording software. A Look at how to configure the Studio Instruments - drum kit and make general settings before adding the track to your song. The video is easy to follow, and you can quickly learn the tips and tricks for your music recordings.

Sonar 8 comes with free drum kit, which is easy to use to make your own beats and simply add the drums to your tracks. Studio Instruments – Drum Kit has an amazing real life sound, much like the other Studio instruments, that is included with Sonar 8

5 Things to Look For When Purchasing Rap / RnB Beats From Producers Vs Beatmakers

If you are a singer, songwriter, or rapper, you are always looking for new and great music. You constantly need to keep your skills on point by writing new material. You should always be continuing to grow your catalog and get passed that same 3 song demo you have been passing out at the same open mic sessions the last 4 years, right? I know it's true. Seriously, if you have been pursuing your dreams of a publishing or record deal, you should know by now that you can not achieve this on your own. You need a team around you to reach that goal and the most important team member that you need now is a MUSIC PRODUCER.

A real Music Producer is much more than a beatmaker. A beatmaker can only put sounds together and that's it. A music producer can not only create your music for you, he or she will be able to develop your style, co-write and produce your songs, provides arrangement tips, teach you the music business (music and business), setup and overview recording, mixing and mastering sessions, understand music theory, vocal harmonies, have released recordings in the past, take your career to new heights and more.

Unfortunately, most people tend to label 'beatmakers' as 'producers' in the urban music genre, but as you can see, there really is no comparison. On the internet, beatmakers are a dime a dozen but there are very few music producers available for up and coming artists. Producers such as Timbaland and Tricky Stewart are not affordable or available for up and coming artists so where should you look to find your producer and which will really benefit you?

1. Find a site that offer tips for you to further your career. A music producer will offer music business tips for you. Beatmakers pages usually do not offer any tips for you because they primary focus is selling you a beat and not furthering your career. Look for a producer that will offers tips and is a giver not a taker.

2. Look for an official site not a free social networking page. A music producer is a businessperson and they will have invested the time and money into quality equipment but also a professional website. A producer will not rely on free sites to sell beats on. Perception is reality so if someone has invested in the image of the business, they are someone to consider investing in.

3. People oriented, great service! Some producers online pretend like they have the schedule of a Timbaland and never reply back to emails, phone calls, etc. If someone doesn't reply back within 48 hrs, move on! For example, I know someone that I will consider a producer who has been online for a few years who has promised to give everyone who signs up for his newsletter on his site a free e-book. Well, after personally signing up and knowing a couple of people who also signed up, we never received the e-book. All we received was an immediate email stating that the e-book was in the final editing phase. This has been over a year now and nothing. Unfortunately, he still uses that same tactic to get people on his email list to this day! In addition, he never replies back to emails. See #5 below.

4. A music producer will not give you music that has samples in it and not disclose the consequences you could face by selling it with your vocals. Beatmakers sell beats with samples in it quite often and that is illegal no matter how long the sample is or how many CDs you intend to sell. A music producer understands the music business and copyright law and knows that you can not sell any music that contains a sample and not disclose that to you to get sample clearance. Don't be deceived!

5. Look for someone with integrity! Integrity is consistency of actions, values, methods, measures and principles. Integrity may be seen as the quality of having a sense of honesty and truthfulness in regard to the motivations for one's actions. Remember, everything that quacks isn't a duck!

BONUS: A music producer will offer songwriting or have songwriters in their production company! Sometimes you need help making that hit!

Bottom line: You can get beats from anyone but if you plan to make it in the music industry, you need a music producer. I highly suggest you invest your time, money and talent with a music producer. Why not get your music and guidance from the same source? Less headaches and less pending legal issues.

If you would like to check out a great one stop music resource site, go to HotBeatsandHooks.com. You will find an award winning producer and a great songwriting team available plus e-books, videos and more for artists!

Get the Free E-Book "How to Make the Bedroom Artist Sound Pro" at HotBeatsandHooks.com and view the Indie Artist Success Pak at MusicIndustryTips.net today!


About the Author
Black Music Award winning producer/songwriter/speaker of Kontagiouz Soundz Producktionz, Christopher Harold (TRILL NOTEZ), has won the Black Music Award, launched MusicIndustryTips.net, and HotBeatsandHooks.com. He has been nominated for the Sounds of Soul award, produced signature jingles for the Sacramento Kings, Calfornia Dept of Health Services, television, film, singers, songwriters, rappers and more!