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.
Thursday 25 August 2016
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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| Wikipedia |
Tuesday 2 August 2016
Chris Stapleton's Traveller Album Review
Rating: 9.3/10
Website: http://www.chrisstapleton.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/traveller/id980334914
It's an absolute treasure to find music such as this. This is very much the announcement of Chris Stapleton on the international music scene. For many years he's been behind the scenes, writing out hits for some top artists. Finally he's decided to showcase his own talent, and he's still coming out with some astounding hits. His smooth, effortless vocals drive every track on this album forward. His ingenuity in song writing is crystal clear, and his musical creativity is well deserving of the excitement and respect that this album has generated.
The album is a perfect showcase of this artist's talent. Hit tracks like Traveller, Fire Away, and Tennessee Whiskey are the symbolism of the heart of Stapleton, with other tracks like Whiskey and You, and Nobody to Blame telling the story of the track. It is clear that the album is music straight from the soul of Stapleton. Actually, Stapleton stated that the album was really the result of his soul searching during a trip from Phoenix to Nashville after the death of his father.
Website: http://www.chrisstapleton.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/traveller/id980334914
It's an absolute treasure to find music such as this. This is very much the announcement of Chris Stapleton on the international music scene. For many years he's been behind the scenes, writing out hits for some top artists. Finally he's decided to showcase his own talent, and he's still coming out with some astounding hits. His smooth, effortless vocals drive every track on this album forward. His ingenuity in song writing is crystal clear, and his musical creativity is well deserving of the excitement and respect that this album has generated.
The album is a perfect showcase of this artist's talent. Hit tracks like Traveller, Fire Away, and Tennessee Whiskey are the symbolism of the heart of Stapleton, with other tracks like Whiskey and You, and Nobody to Blame telling the story of the track. It is clear that the album is music straight from the soul of Stapleton. Actually, Stapleton stated that the album was really the result of his soul searching during a trip from Phoenix to Nashville after the death of his father.
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