Music

Oct 3, 2008
Music, Tech

Share & Share Alike

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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.

Sep 16, 2008
Media, Music, Video

Thomas Magnum – Bladerunner

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!

May 9, 2008
Music

Night Flight

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

Apr 9, 2008
Music

Weather

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

Mar 14, 2008
Music

Norg

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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).

Feb 17, 2008
Music

Stewart Copeland: Reggae 101

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.

Feb 7, 2008
Event, Music

Friday Pau Hana Returns

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.

Dec 28, 2007
Music

Shadow Banquet

Shadow Banquet

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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Nov 16, 2007
Music, Tech

Beatport Sync – iTunes Killer?

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Probably not, but for those looking for a little something different, Beatport Sync by Native Instruments is the cat’s pajamas. Named after the amazing music store Beatport, ‘Sync allows you to manage your music like iTunes, it will even reference you iTunes library directly avoiding migration of files between each program. It is also a portal to the Beatport site (ala iTunes music store) allowing you to download the latest Trance racket in the privacy of your own home, away from those judging eyes at the record shop. Here are a couple of key features that may make Beatport Sync a part of your laptop arsenal.

Pros:

  • Seamless iTunes intergration
  • BPM analyzer (Hell yeah!)
  • Cross fader for the party DJ
  • Beat syncing utilities from NI Traktor
  • Beatport sample streams are longer then 30sec
  • Downloads are DRM free Mp3s
  • Selectable Audio outputs for laptop DJs
  • It’s free! (Double Hell yeah!)

Cons:

  • GUI is a screen hog
  • Runs on Flash 9
  • Doesn’t feel rock solid like iTunes, probably cause it’s Flash and not Cocoa.
  • Have to surrender your email for download link

A little warning about installing new programs, your experience with programs like this may vary based on your computer’s overall specs. Take a look at the download page for more information regarding system reqs. Also, Beatport is a Electronic music website, no feel good Jack Johnson stuff heaw. Download now

Nov 16, 2007
Music, Video

Here Kitty Kitty

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