Being a musician isn’t cheap, is it? There are recording costs, tour expenses, shipping materials, equipment repairs/rentals/repurchases, the cost of hiring a publicist or a marketer, and/or a radio tracker to push your music if you’re going at it DIY. And don’t even get me started on matching outfits. It’s both normal and encouraged to…
It was late 2009 when I got my first taste of Agadez. Searching a relatively primitive YouTube for new music to explore for an ethnomusicology class, I came across a four-minute clip that would change my perspective on the electric guitar for years to come. Recorded in 2004 by Sublime Frequencies founder Hisham Mayet, the…
Every day, the metal gates are rolled up, the padlocks are unlocked, and the side-alley doors are swung open for business. The master power switches are flipped on, the tubes warm to a nice sizzle, and, one by one, each tool and instrument buzzes to life. From wide, wooden live rooms, to dark, dank project…
This article originally appeared on The Ethan Hein Blog. I complain a lot on my blog about the traditional teaching of music theory. Fortunately, a better alternative exists: Everyday Tonality by Philip Tagg. Don’t be put off by the DIY look of the website; the book is the single best explanation I know of for how harmony works across…
Malcolm Young, co-founder, rhythm guitarist, and soulful driving force behind the legendary rock group AC/DC, passed away on November 18, 2017. He died peacefully at the young age of 64 after an extended battle with dementia, surrounded by family members. AC/DC is one of the greatest rock groups of all time, both culturally and financially.…
Welcome back to our new series on Flypaper, Album Histories Monthly, which brings you the story of a single album each month, in the month that it was originally released. Last month, we covered the Replacements’ 1984 goofball-punk classic, Let It Be. This month: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts – I Love Rock ‘n Roll Release Date: November 18, 1981 “Looking…
+ Learning about synths and sound design? Preview Soundfly’s definitive new course, Advanced Synths and Patch Design for Producers for free and subscribe for access. In case you don’t know by now, I’m happy to fill you in: There is a new Star Wars movie coming out next week. If you know anything about the…
Welcome back to our new series on Flypaper, Album Histories Monthly, which brings you the story of a single album each month, in the month that it was originally released. Last month, we covered Joan Jett’s I Love Rock ‘n Roll. This month: Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force – Planet Rock Release Date: December 1, 1986 “Back then there was no such…
Before the synthesizer, electronic experimenters were already at work with another instrument — the tape recorder. Before the ability to record, musical excellence, virtuosity, and authenticity were associated with playing a live instrument. In fact, recording was often perceived as a “dishonest” activity by some artists at its introduction. Until it fell into the hands of those willing…
Looking to start your own podcast? Here’s a one-stop shop for gear recommendations, room setup tips, and pro advice from one of NYC’s great engineers!
Planning your next cross-country tour? Here are 8 cities where you’re guaranteed a great, youthful, and excited audience, and a variety of spaces to boot.
Why does it seem like all the songs on the radio are about breakups? Why do sad chords sound so pleasurable? Welcome to the Sadness Paradox.
There’s something kind of incredible about podcasts. As stories and reports told in audio, they have this way of transporting you to another world. Almost as if you’re being read to by someone very close to you, they can inspire in a way that’s unlike any other medium. If you’re like me and constantly on…
Understanding the differences between these two types of Equalization can help you sculpt your mixes like a radio-ready professional.
It’s not just about about guesting on other podcasts, there are tons of ways artists can use the podcast ecosystem to brand-build in 2023!
+ Welcome to Soundfly! We help curious musicians meet their goals with creative online courses. Whatever you want to learn, whenever you need to learn it: subscribe now to start learning on the ’Fly. Perhaps one of the biggest differences between a professional and an amateur musician is what I call “showing up.” Now, obviously, this can take many forms. When faced…
