http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7Cn_gjevik&feature=player_embedded

I found

http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2009/03/youtube_has_banned_the_james_r.php

Today and couldn’t believe Youtube have banned James randi. Post this video on your blog and help this viral.

Yes I know – I missed September > November. I’ve been busy recording a demo for a vocalist i’m working with what can I say. Keep an eye out for www.taranaval.com coming soon.

In the meantime, check out Penny Hartgerink

http://www.myspace.com/pennyhartgerink

I had the great fortune of sitting in on some of the recording sessions, and I can tell you – she is incredibly talented and her music is as genuine and honest as it sounds. If you have the chance to see her live [she's from Sydney], don’t pass it up. One to definately watch, some very creative motivated people are working with her.

Something I recently found -

How The Song Doctor Works

It’s simple. The artist visits our website, puts through their payment, uploads their song, and within 4 weeks they receive an evaluation sheet, (in pdf format), via email. This sheet provides comprehensive feedback pertaining to the song from an A&R perspective.

The form will inform the artist honestly – and in detail – what’s right with their song and what’s wrong with it. The evaluation will cover every aspect of the song; its arrangement, sound, lyrics, melodies, instrumentation and much, much more. It’ll explain how to turn (if possible) the tune into a credible, crossover radio hit. This is whathe does best.

However, as well as providing valuable feedback for up-and-coming songwriters, the service also allows those writers to have their work heard by an Australian music industry heavyweight. Who knows, this could be their big break?

Normal cost each song $300.00 + GST
APRA members discount $250.00 + GST.

www.TheAandRDepartment.com.

Sounds interesting, don’t know how much value to put on the review – but it could be a good way to get a educated opinion on your music.

Just finished some Pro Tools certifications at AFTRS here in Sydney, and must say I was very impressed with the facilities and the teachers. I learned so much and found the course invaluable in furthering my knowledge of Pro Tools. As you may notice, I don’t give a lot of plugs, it’s pretty hard to impress me. So rest assured this is genuine praise and public thanks!

To find a course in your state go to

http://www.aftrs.edu.au/courses/industryshortcourses/findacourse.aspx

Well youtube artist really!

Jess Chalker www.youtube.com/alleycat82

Her myspace is

http://www.myspace.com/jessicachalker  

Beautiful voice, great songs…one to definately watch! She’s playing at the Vanguard in Sydney on Sepetember 9, so do yourself a favour and grab some tickets…now!

 Michael

On Tuesday evening the 4th of August, Songsalive will be holding a song critique workshop at the Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, here is a blurb from their website

“Songsalive! holds workshops where songwriters gather to share their songs, gain feedback and develop relationships within the songwriting communities we have created around the world. The first half is solely dedicated to an in-the-round workshop where writers present one song each – either on tape, CD or live – followed by a guest speaker/industry discussion in the second half and plenty of time to talk and network. Moderated by Stephen Kiely.”

What : Sydney Song Critique Workshop
Where : Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL
When : Tuesday, 4th August, 730pm
Cost : Free for members; $5 for non-members. $2 for members of other musician/songwriting groups.

For more information check out their website

http://www.songsalive.org/sydney.html#Workshops

ABOUT SONGSALIVE!

Songsalive! is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the nurturing, support and promotion of songwriters and composers worldwide.  Founded in 1997 by Gilli Moon Aliotti and Roxanne Kiely, in Sydney Australia, Songsalive! is run by songwriters for songwriters. It acts as an epicentre, a heart of the international songwriting community and music markets, bridging the gaps, tapping songwriters into the pulse of the business and at the same time giving them and their music the support they deserve. Songsalive! gives life to songs, provide opportunities for collaboration, create awareness about original music, promote and educate through an amazing network of programs designed especially for songwriters and original music. Support Songsalive! and help energize the business of songwriting and music. Join the Songsalive! network and become a link in the chain.

Here is the inaugural monthly MySpace recommendation. Each month I’ll sort through all the emails from friends and colleagues and put you guys on to an artist that I think you should definitely check out. I don’t care what genre, so long as the music is good. 99% of the time this will be someone with 5000 or less myspace page hits, although once in a while I might feel the need to give a bigger artist some respect!

This week, check out -

www.myspace.com/omaakadaddyo

Hip Hop, Tight flows and solid beats – put this in your car and turn the speakers up.

Feel free to send me links to artists that you’re listening to, the lower the page hits and the nicer the artist the better. Give those who are talented the shine they need and deserve.

Michael

A list of a few places to head if you want to help with something musical, or you can catch me posting on there every now and again

homerecording.com

gearslutz.com

futureproducers.com

sibeliusforum.com

prosoundweb.com

prodigy-pro.com

Absolutely invaluable resources

Welcome, and thanks for dropping by. This site is an observation into my journey to becoming a record producer. I’ve written the story so far in the about section.

Tonight I’ve been going back to my musical roots and learning Sibelius. I’ve got a session with drummer Gordon Rytmeister in 8 days, and I’m busily getting my lead sheets ready. I’ve saved up for the last few weeks, so I am going to learn as much as I can. I’m hoping to create a demo that will land me a publishing deal, at least that’s the plan. If nothing else, it will be another fun brick in this long road of learning and musical enjoyment.

If you’d like to hear what i’m working on at the moment, there’s a few tracks up on my myspace

www.myspace.com/heavyrainproductions

Michael