As some may have noticed, I didn't post a Top Ten list for October. There are a few reasons for this, and it does point to a bigger announcement as well. While it has been a blast maintaining this blog, I've come to the decision that it is time to close it down.
First of all, this has been an amazing venture. It's been a great hobby, a great past time, an awesome way to research more about music, and learn more about the industry. Really, this whole blog has just been for my own personal fun and enjoyment.
As of this point, however, I've decided to move forward onto new projects. I feel like my efforts will be better directed towards new areas of writing. I still may post through social media my thoughts on recent music industry news or musical equipment, but this definitely won't be as frequent.
Thank you to everyone who supported this blog over the past few years.
Tuesday, 29 November 2016
Monday, 26 September 2016
Top Ten Songs for September
Almost time to start looking forward to Christmas music! To be honest, I've already started getting into the Christmas tunes, but I know everyone else will catch up soon.
1. All I Want - Kodaline - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cOCmC_m23E
It's so cool that this band is from Ireland. Almost following in the steps of the most famous Irish band ever, U2, they're travelling all over Europe in 3 months. Sometimes it's just crazy how much bands play. You'd think the vocalist's throat would get sore, the guitarist/drummer tired, but no, they keep going night after night.
2. Let Me Love You - DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMs0GnYze34
Bieber just doesn't stop. Another huge hit produced, another collaboration. Again, this one is keeping with Bieber's new sound, and is actually very similar to Cold Water in many ways. The song builds and falls in the same way, utilizes the same kind of transition music after the hook, and uses the same sound.
3. No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
Bethel Music is also coming out with a new album, from their new pair Jonathan David and Melissa Helser. They have some samples of their new songs on their website, and the last song is actually a radio edition of No Longer Slaves. I'm not sure how a different rendition of the song is going to sound, as I like the original so much, but we'll have to see.
4. Run Devil Run - David Crowder - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US1-R-R9lYQ
After the David Crowder Band broke up a few years back, I was afraid that it meant one of my favourite worship artists was retiring. But both David Crowder and his band mates, although going their separate ways, have continued to make music. This is one of Crowder's newer songs, as he just released a new album.
5. This I Believe (The Creed) - Hillsong Worship - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtUNQpu2b7Q
I'm absolutely mesmerized by the intro to this song. The quick piano notes in succession and then the eerie pause creates an amazing effect. It really adds to the worship feeling or vibe that the song is going for. The weirdest thing about it is the complete absence of some sort of percussion rhythm helping to get the song started off on the right beat. Of course, when they perform it they have a click track in their ears, but to the listener, it's an unique listen.
6. Dancing on My Own - Calum Scott - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q31tGyBJhRY
Kind of weird, but Calum Scott is only now starting to get famous. He just released this song along with different versions of it, he's only now starting to perform on talk shows like Ellen, and only starting to now get his name known in the States. Hopefully this sparks more music from him!
7. Boldly I Approach - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
So excited! Rend Collective is releasing a new album October 7th. A lot of the songs on the album aren't new exactly, as they rehash some of their most popular hits, but it should still be an exciting record. Titled Campfire 2, as part of their Campfire series, this should be a great album!
8. Yours - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLtkKJuV0u0
I didn't actually notice this, but The City Harmonic has lost one of their key members. One of the endearing stories behind the band is the fact that they held a spot for their original bassist, while he got treated for some major cancer. Sadly, after rejoining the band, he has decided to leave for personal ministry reasons.
9. Merry Christmas Everyone - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3jn0LnxS5c
Although their Christmas album was actually released two years ago, I was only actually able to listen to it a few months ago. It's an absolutely amazing album, filled with older traditional songs, and newer material as well. A perfect balance.
10. Impossible - James Arthur - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhj15W23IjA
Such a powerful voice. It's so unique, yet absolutely conquers every note possible. James Arthur is also such a character, and an artist. He's struggled since being the most successful X Factor winner in British history, but he's finally started to remerge on the music industry scene.
1. All I Want - Kodaline - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cOCmC_m23E
It's so cool that this band is from Ireland. Almost following in the steps of the most famous Irish band ever, U2, they're travelling all over Europe in 3 months. Sometimes it's just crazy how much bands play. You'd think the vocalist's throat would get sore, the guitarist/drummer tired, but no, they keep going night after night.
2. Let Me Love You - DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMs0GnYze34
Bieber just doesn't stop. Another huge hit produced, another collaboration. Again, this one is keeping with Bieber's new sound, and is actually very similar to Cold Water in many ways. The song builds and falls in the same way, utilizes the same kind of transition music after the hook, and uses the same sound.
3. No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
Bethel Music is also coming out with a new album, from their new pair Jonathan David and Melissa Helser. They have some samples of their new songs on their website, and the last song is actually a radio edition of No Longer Slaves. I'm not sure how a different rendition of the song is going to sound, as I like the original so much, but we'll have to see.
4. Run Devil Run - David Crowder - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US1-R-R9lYQ
After the David Crowder Band broke up a few years back, I was afraid that it meant one of my favourite worship artists was retiring. But both David Crowder and his band mates, although going their separate ways, have continued to make music. This is one of Crowder's newer songs, as he just released a new album.
5. This I Believe (The Creed) - Hillsong Worship - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtUNQpu2b7Q
I'm absolutely mesmerized by the intro to this song. The quick piano notes in succession and then the eerie pause creates an amazing effect. It really adds to the worship feeling or vibe that the song is going for. The weirdest thing about it is the complete absence of some sort of percussion rhythm helping to get the song started off on the right beat. Of course, when they perform it they have a click track in their ears, but to the listener, it's an unique listen.
6. Dancing on My Own - Calum Scott - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q31tGyBJhRY
Kind of weird, but Calum Scott is only now starting to get famous. He just released this song along with different versions of it, he's only now starting to perform on talk shows like Ellen, and only starting to now get his name known in the States. Hopefully this sparks more music from him!
7. Boldly I Approach - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
So excited! Rend Collective is releasing a new album October 7th. A lot of the songs on the album aren't new exactly, as they rehash some of their most popular hits, but it should still be an exciting record. Titled Campfire 2, as part of their Campfire series, this should be a great album!
8. Yours - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLtkKJuV0u0
I didn't actually notice this, but The City Harmonic has lost one of their key members. One of the endearing stories behind the band is the fact that they held a spot for their original bassist, while he got treated for some major cancer. Sadly, after rejoining the band, he has decided to leave for personal ministry reasons.
9. Merry Christmas Everyone - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3jn0LnxS5c
Although their Christmas album was actually released two years ago, I was only actually able to listen to it a few months ago. It's an absolutely amazing album, filled with older traditional songs, and newer material as well. A perfect balance.
10. Impossible - James Arthur - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhj15W23IjA
Such a powerful voice. It's so unique, yet absolutely conquers every note possible. James Arthur is also such a character, and an artist. He's struggled since being the most successful X Factor winner in British history, but he's finally started to remerge on the music industry scene.
Sunday, 11 September 2016
Drake's Views Album Review
Rating: 8.2/10
Website: http://www.drakeofficial.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/views/id1108737195
A Canadian pioneer in the music industry, Drake only adds to his stellar resume with this amazing addition. Views is the culmination of Drake's musical skill, his life journey, and his experience in the industry. It's great to see such great music being played worldwide with the artist still staying so connected with his home roots.
Website: http://www.drakeofficial.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/views/id1108737195
A Canadian pioneer in the music industry, Drake only adds to his stellar resume with this amazing addition. Views is the culmination of Drake's musical skill, his life journey, and his experience in the industry. It's great to see such great music being played worldwide with the artist still staying so connected with his home roots.
Even though I'm not a huge fan of this style of music, you can still hear the quality and expertise of Drake's music. This album has some amazing tracks. Drake relies on his smooth vocals to compliment the catchy beats within each song. The highlight of the album is definitely One Dance, a collab with Wizkid and Kyla. Drake seems to do his best when he is collabing with other stars.
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| Independent |
Friday, 2 September 2016
How To: Change Guitar Strings Part Two
This is part two of the how to series on changing guitar strings. This post with include some visual examples with short explanations. For more in depth details, check out the first post in this series.
Step One - Loosen the existing string. Make sure to remember where the string has previously been pulled through the tuning knob.
Step Two - Cut the loosened existing string. I tend to cut closer to the head of the guitar.
Step Three - Remove the cut string from both ends of the guitar. Clean the neck, the body, and the bridge.
Step Four - Add the new string starting by putting it into place on the bridge, and then stringing it through the tuning knob. Make sure to string it through exactly how the previous one was done. Leave the string a little loose to utilize while stringing it around the knob.
Step Five - Start to tighten it. Start by wrapping the string around the top of where it goes into the tuning knob, and then continue to tighten underneath. This locks the string into place.
Step Six - Tune.
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| Step One |
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| Step Two |
Step Two - Cut the loosened existing string. I tend to cut closer to the head of the guitar.
Step Three - Remove the cut string from both ends of the guitar. Clean the neck, the body, and the bridge.
Step Four - Add the new string starting by putting it into place on the bridge, and then stringing it through the tuning knob. Make sure to string it through exactly how the previous one was done. Leave the string a little loose to utilize while stringing it around the knob.
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| Step Three |
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| Step Four |
Step Five - Start to tighten it. Start by wrapping the string around the top of where it goes into the tuning knob, and then continue to tighten underneath. This locks the string into place.
Step Six - Tune.
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| Step Five |
Thursday, 25 August 2016
Top Ten Songs for August
Song of the summer definitely goes to Drake with One Dance. Justin Bieber made a very strong late run with new collaborations with Major Lazer and DJ Snake, which are two very good tracks, but Drake has remained on top. Dance music was definitely the genre that dominated throughout the summer.
1. All I Want - Kodaline - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cOCmC_m23E
Kodaline is a very interesting band. This one song jumps out at me every time I listen to it, but I've been trying to get into their other stuff, and to me, it's just ok. Nothing else even comes close to the success of this song in my eyes. They have a sound which is great, but it's just too bland for me.
2. Cold Water - Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber and MO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a59gmGkq_pw
Scooter Braun is an absolutely amazing manager. He has helped turn Justin Bieber back into the musical dominant force that he once was, while maturing his sound, and expanding his audience at the same time. Bieber's new album was the launch of the project, and these single releases are even better. Sure, Bieber will still make a mistake here and there, but Scooter Braun has him on the pathway to future success.
3. One Dance - Drake - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IIspaicSnY
I don't really have a huge understanding or knowledge base of Drake's style of music, but even I can tell that he is extremely skilled at what he does. He continually churns out hits that have absolutely contagious beats and tracks.
4. Bummin - Relient K - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NLgFvOKrqI
Another band that has been extremely popular without me paying much attention is Relient K. They were one of the pioneers of the new sound of Christian rock. I actually really really enjoy listening to this song. Musically, the melody is set up in a simple but perfect and catchy way.
5. No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
One thing that I've also really liked looking into is online worship training material. A lot of people that lead worship only have training in the form of mentorship or experience. Having someone like Bethel Music, trusted professionals, share their knowledge, and biblically teach on the artform of worship is an amazing resource. Bethel Music actually has an online School of Worship, which looks amazing!
6. Boldly I Approach - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
I really love the lyrics from this song. They're so eloquent, so worship filled. It's like a song from the heart right to God. I love listening to the song, and singing it, it almost feels like I wrote the words myself, that's how connected I feel to the lyrics.
7. Tennessee Whiskey - Chris Stapleton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zAThXFOy2c
Kind of a fun fact; Chris Stapleton defined his own album as an adult album, not for kids. He clearly has a deep connection with this album, and all of the songs on it. He describes his work with such love, and understanding of what he has done.
8. Dancing on My Own - Calum Scott - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q31tGyBJhRY
I really really hope that this guy isn't a one hit wonder. It seems that this version of the song was tailor made, so I really hope that he can find or write a very similar song. He has an amazing voice, and seems like an amazing character, so I really am hoping he becomes a big hit.
9. Cleopatra - The Lumineers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN5s9N_pTUs
Interestingly, a lot of websites list the Lumineers under the rock genre. I really believe that they are more folk then rock. They tend to rely on the instruments that are more so folk then rock, their songs sound a lot more folk then rock, everything seems to point to them being a folk band.
10. The Wolf - Mumford and Sons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD3iXpv4h-o
Last month I drew similarities between the Lumineers and Rend Collective. This month I'm adding a third part to that comparison. Mumford and Sons are a little more hyped up then the other two, and tend to enjoy more upbeat material, but they also rely on the folk genre.
1. All I Want - Kodaline - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cOCmC_m23E
Kodaline is a very interesting band. This one song jumps out at me every time I listen to it, but I've been trying to get into their other stuff, and to me, it's just ok. Nothing else even comes close to the success of this song in my eyes. They have a sound which is great, but it's just too bland for me.
2. Cold Water - Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber and MO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a59gmGkq_pw
Scooter Braun is an absolutely amazing manager. He has helped turn Justin Bieber back into the musical dominant force that he once was, while maturing his sound, and expanding his audience at the same time. Bieber's new album was the launch of the project, and these single releases are even better. Sure, Bieber will still make a mistake here and there, but Scooter Braun has him on the pathway to future success.
3. One Dance - Drake - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IIspaicSnY
I don't really have a huge understanding or knowledge base of Drake's style of music, but even I can tell that he is extremely skilled at what he does. He continually churns out hits that have absolutely contagious beats and tracks.
4. Bummin - Relient K - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NLgFvOKrqI
Another band that has been extremely popular without me paying much attention is Relient K. They were one of the pioneers of the new sound of Christian rock. I actually really really enjoy listening to this song. Musically, the melody is set up in a simple but perfect and catchy way.
5. No Longer Slaves - Bethel Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
One thing that I've also really liked looking into is online worship training material. A lot of people that lead worship only have training in the form of mentorship or experience. Having someone like Bethel Music, trusted professionals, share their knowledge, and biblically teach on the artform of worship is an amazing resource. Bethel Music actually has an online School of Worship, which looks amazing!
6. Boldly I Approach - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
I really love the lyrics from this song. They're so eloquent, so worship filled. It's like a song from the heart right to God. I love listening to the song, and singing it, it almost feels like I wrote the words myself, that's how connected I feel to the lyrics.
7. Tennessee Whiskey - Chris Stapleton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zAThXFOy2c
Kind of a fun fact; Chris Stapleton defined his own album as an adult album, not for kids. He clearly has a deep connection with this album, and all of the songs on it. He describes his work with such love, and understanding of what he has done.
8. Dancing on My Own - Calum Scott - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q31tGyBJhRY
I really really hope that this guy isn't a one hit wonder. It seems that this version of the song was tailor made, so I really hope that he can find or write a very similar song. He has an amazing voice, and seems like an amazing character, so I really am hoping he becomes a big hit.
9. Cleopatra - The Lumineers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN5s9N_pTUs
Interestingly, a lot of websites list the Lumineers under the rock genre. I really believe that they are more folk then rock. They tend to rely on the instruments that are more so folk then rock, their songs sound a lot more folk then rock, everything seems to point to them being a folk band.
10. The Wolf - Mumford and Sons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD3iXpv4h-o
Last month I drew similarities between the Lumineers and Rend Collective. This month I'm adding a third part to that comparison. Mumford and Sons are a little more hyped up then the other two, and tend to enjoy more upbeat material, but they also rely on the folk genre.
Saturday, 20 August 2016
How To: Change Guitar Strings
Seems like something extremely simple and basic, but in reality, this isn't always the easiest procedure. It's nice to have the knowledge of how to do it before actually going through with it. To start, I usually change my strings as soon as they start to sound off, or lose their shine. To prolong this, it's important to keep your guitars in the right atmosphere, and use string cleaner. Professionals will actually change their strings before every gig, while others I know follow the strict procedure of changing them every three months. Strings do after time wear out, so whatever practice you do follow, make sure you are changing them every so often.
There are different systems that strings are set up on. There's light strings, regular, studio, heavy, e.t.c. That just depends on what style of music you play the most. I've actually tried most of them, and certain ones are harder to maintain on the guitar, and there is actually a big sound difference and playability to them as well. Also take into account the different bridge systems for differing guitars. There's electric vs. acoustic (which isn't necessarily a different bridge system but does pose differences), Floyd Rose (terrible...), and many others.
In general, here are some tips on how to change guitar strings. First of all, go string by string. A common misconception is to take all of the strings off and then replace all of the strings. Instead, take one string off, replace it, and then continue. Start with the lowest E string, or 6E. Loosen the string by a few turns, and then cut the string close to the nut. Take out both ends of the string. Start near the bridge and attach the string, laying it all the way up to the tuner peg. Make sure you put it through so that the string is facing in towards the middle of the guitar. From there, bend the string around and start twisting to tighten it. Do one loop over top of the end sticking out, and then continue underneath. This makes sure the string doesn't slip. Once it is tight enough, cut the loose end off and continue with the rest of the strings. Make sure you tune right away after putting all the strings on.
There are different systems that strings are set up on. There's light strings, regular, studio, heavy, e.t.c. That just depends on what style of music you play the most. I've actually tried most of them, and certain ones are harder to maintain on the guitar, and there is actually a big sound difference and playability to them as well. Also take into account the different bridge systems for differing guitars. There's electric vs. acoustic (which isn't necessarily a different bridge system but does pose differences), Floyd Rose (terrible...), and many others.
In general, here are some tips on how to change guitar strings. First of all, go string by string. A common misconception is to take all of the strings off and then replace all of the strings. Instead, take one string off, replace it, and then continue. Start with the lowest E string, or 6E. Loosen the string by a few turns, and then cut the string close to the nut. Take out both ends of the string. Start near the bridge and attach the string, laying it all the way up to the tuner peg. Make sure you put it through so that the string is facing in towards the middle of the guitar. From there, bend the string around and start twisting to tighten it. Do one loop over top of the end sticking out, and then continue underneath. This makes sure the string doesn't slip. Once it is tight enough, cut the loose end off and continue with the rest of the strings. Make sure you tune right away after putting all the strings on.
Wednesday, 10 August 2016
The 1975's I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it Album Review
Rating: 9.1/10
Website: http://the1975.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/i-like-it-when-you-sleep-for/id1065068027
I'm trying to remove as much bias from this review, because I absolutely love this band and their sound. This album is the perfect progression for the group, as they evolve their sound, and continue to spread their music around the world. The 1975 tries to stay true to their original ideology while adapting some new styles to really ramp up this album.
Website: http://the1975.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/i-like-it-when-you-sleep-for/id1065068027
I'm trying to remove as much bias from this review, because I absolutely love this band and their sound. This album is the perfect progression for the group, as they evolve their sound, and continue to spread their music around the world. The 1975 tries to stay true to their original ideology while adapting some new styles to really ramp up this album.
While The 1975 was always going to have trouble replicating the top quality of their first album, they've done an amazing job producing a very good follow up record. With a natural progression, the band still holds onto its unique, pop rock sound that got it all started. Their genius lyrics continue to get better and better, while they add more electronic sounds to really develop the album even more. Again, each song holds something so different, it makes the entire album a joy to listen to.
The only hindrance to the album goes to the group's core. The lyrical content is sometimes over the top, especially with profanities. The actual themes aren't too too bad, but the execution could be much more efficient without the stressed swear words. Again, this is just the band's personality, so can't really be changed too much, but if it were to happen, The 1975 would become so much better.
The only hindrance to the album goes to the group's core. The lyrical content is sometimes over the top, especially with profanities. The actual themes aren't too too bad, but the execution could be much more efficient without the stressed swear words. Again, this is just the band's personality, so can't really be changed too much, but if it were to happen, The 1975 would become so much better.
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