Music

An interesting tale of what happens to a small, successful idea that challenges the way mainstream music is shared and digested.

There was a popular misconception that Muxtape only survived because it was “flying under the radar,” and the moment the major labels found out about it it’d be shut down. In actuality, the labels and the RIAA read web sites like everyone else, and I heard from them both within a week or so. An RIAA notice arrived in triplicate, via email, registered mail, and FedEx overnight (with print and CD versions). They demanded that I take down six specific muxtapes they felt were infringing, so I did.

We miss you Muxtape. We look forward to your next incarnation.

In this perfect storm of an episode of Magnum PI, Sharon Stone takes a header off the Hanauma Pali in a Porsche, all to the glorious faux-Vangelis End title theme to Blade Runner. More evidence that Magnum PI is pure super gold genius!

Another playlist up via muxtape. Drop yours in the comments.

Here’s a rainy day playlist for those connected to a computer. Music via Muxtape

I was about to write-off Nintendo’s DS system as another victim of overly cutesy marketing for the fetal crowd, until this morning. Legendary synth maker Korg has created a fully functioning soft synth, The Korg DS-10 with a six track sequencer. Based after their vintage MS-10/20 modular synths, the dual screen DS emulates the classic designs - patch cables included. Maybe this is still targeted to the glitch pop bands of the future, but I’d like to hope Nintendo was still thinking of their original demographic (the geezers we are). Although it’s Japan only - we can hope it gets imported (I’m pointing at you TNJ).

If you had a chance to catch The Police over the weekend, then you’re like most people who were blown away at the pure musicianship on display at the Blaisedell Center. A few things were evident, Sting is the poster boy for healthy living, Andy Summers (the eldest at 65) plays guitar like he’s 25 and Stewart Copeland is a complete musical joy to see play live. People often think The Police is Sting’s band, but I’ve always felt that Stewart Copeland was the center of the music (Sorry Sting fans). His drum style and energy gives The Police their catchy head nodding rhythms. Check out this clip with Jools Holland to hear how methodical Copeland is about his drumming.

Pau Hana Friday is back! Friday, February 15th at 6:00p we’ll be hosting Audible Empire at our Kaimuki studio.

What’s Pau Hana Friday? Well, it’s our studio open house that encourages creative networking and discussion. Everyone is welcome to join us and bring a six-pack of their favorite brew to unwind at the end of the work week. Bonus points for Tamura’s jalepeno pipikaula.

Things kick-off at 6:00 p.m. and we’ve invited our friends Audible Empire to bring their amps and cymbals for a sweaty rock set. Some other creative endeavors will be happening as well.

If you’re in the area, stop by and say hello.

There’s only 365 days in the year, which makes it hard to keep up on the millions of mp3s floating around the aethernet. It isn’t possible to listen to everything. Finding good musical resources is critical, lest you scuff Soulja Boy’s BAPEs while wandering the audio landscape. He’s a hard cat to avoid these days.

To make things a bit easier, I’ve compiled a few selections from the last 362 days that don’t come with their own dance… feel free to create your own, then post it to YouTube, then send us a link. That’s how we do in 2008.

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Well, it’s Friday, kittens and puppies are cute, and music videos don’t get much simpler.