Film music and video

Need a Beat Creator? Here Are the Top 10 Things You Should Look for in an Online Beat Maker

WOW. It really is amazing how far we've progressed when it comes to creating beats. With the advent of the online beat maker, literally anybody can become a beat creator, cranking out professional quality beats in a minimum amount of time, using only their computer. But as with most innovations, there is a broad spectrum of options to choose from, with many being sub-par, and others being outstanding. Here are the Top 10 things you should ALWAYS look for in any online beat maker:

• A sleek, user-friendly interface that's easy to navigate. If the setup makes no sense and you can never find what you're looking for, you're going to get frustrated quickly and could end up abandoning your project.

• An efficient sequencer (I know that sounds like a fancy technical term, but it's basically just the screen you use to make your beats). You'll want one that improves your workflow by utilizing fast shortcuts, simple drag n' drop action, etc.

• In-depth video tutorials and customer support. You want to get started immediately, and shouldn't be left to fend for yourself once you've purchased the product.

• The ability to use your computer's keyboard so no other equipment is required. Unless you want to be carting around controllers and drum pads, you want a software that allows you to tap out the beats right on your computer's keyboard.

• A melodic component (instead of just percussion). Creating beats using just drums is awesome, but you also need built-in synthesizers so you can add that nasty bass line or catchy high lead.

• A multi-octave keyboard. You'll want to be able to reach the highest highs and lowest lows working with both your drums and synth sounds, so aim for at least a 3-4 octave range.

• High-quality, professionally mastered samples. It's cool to have old-school, "808"-style sounds on hand, but you need modern-sounding samples so those retro ones aren't your ONLY options.

• High-performance software. You need something that can handle all those high-quality samples and all the processing demands that go along with the tracking, editing, and mixing.

• TONS of built-in sounds and drum kits. You never know what you may be in the mood for creating, so you want a large sound bank to choose from, preferably with the ability to increase or upgrade it, and ideally to even import your own sounds.

• The ability to export your slamming beats in the higher-quality WAV format - NOT just mp3s. If you want to sound like a pro, you have to use what the pros use - simple as that.

With so many low-quality options on the market today, it really pays to take the time to do your research and find a beat maker that meets your needs. When you find it, you'll be cranking out pro quality beats from the comfort of your own home, and having a blast in the process. Good luck, and have fun!

My name's Ri Bo, but they call me the Beat Baron, and I've tried just about every beat making software out there. Of all the ones that I personally have tested, the beat creator profiled on the site http://www.beatcreatorproduction.com is by far the best, but you should decide for yourself. All I'm sayin' is this one has everything you need - check it out!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7576589

Bose(R) Solo TV Sound System - The Cool Alternative For Your Stereos

The Bose® Solo TV Sound System presents you with the new sleek sound solutions. It is so slick that it just fits below your HDTV, making the quality of your TV programs dramatically better. Frustrated that you cannot hear the dialogues of your favorite TV programs with utmost clarity? Does your flat panel TVs speaker cannot meet up with your requirements? Why not try our new product. All that you need to do is to connect our sound system to your TV and the other end to the wall, and sit back relax and enjoy your program. You do not even need a separate equipment to make our product work.

Want an even but wider sound throughout the room? The Bose® Solo TV Sound System provides you with the latest array technology making the sound heard wider and more even throughout the room. The Bose speaker comes up with the cutting-edge proprietary digital signal processing making the music and dialogues reach you more clearly and naturally, with added effects.

The compact alternative

Almost all TVs sized up to 37" and sometimes even up to 42" can be mounted on this audio system. This makes it very simple that you don't need to roam around for a separate stand for your sound system. You can place the Bose® Solo TV Sound System under a wall mounted TV, or a cabinet or a shelf. You can have it in your living room or your bedroom or anywhere you want. All that is needed is a plug-in to the socket on one side and the TV on the other and forget the whole world around with one finger touch on the remote.

High level performance

The Bose sound system comes to you with the proprietary digital signal processing that makes the sound more even and it detects every variation signal and hence you do not need to alter the volume with that tweak you hear with a sudden rise in volume. Even if your room is a very compact enclosure, the audio system makes the sound distributed evenly throughout, through the array technology.

Clarity

Hear your can`t-miss-it dialogues with the utmost clarity and hear even the subtle sound that may go without noticed otherwise, through the Bose® Solo TV Sound System. Try it once and you will become such an addict to your TV that you will turn up eventually into a couch potato. The task is made easier with the remote. It comes with just a four button remote that is extremely user- friendly and a universal remote that allows you to access the other components of your TV. Own your Bose® Solo TV Sound System and become your neighbor`s envy.

The components of the box

The whole box consists of the Bose® Solo TV Sound System, the Remote Control, the Power Cord, Optical digital audio cable and an analogue cable. The box comes along with a user manual with step by step instructions making your audio system extremely user friendly. You can approach the online product support center for any further technical assistance.

Purchase this product for just 399$ and you will just feel it worth every dime. The sound effect provided by the Bose® Solo TV Sound System is spectacular and the clarity is just amazing. The Bose® Solo TV Sound System makes it sure that it makes a big difference with your HDTV alluring you into a world of ecstasy. Why settle for something less, when you just deserve the best!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7543620

Where Do Clarinets Come From?

The clarinet can trace its roots back to the Stone Age -- when denizens crafted flutes out of hollowed bone!

Perhaps the scales were not perfect -- but these original flutes were not orchestral instruments to be played together with other musicians. These flutes were used by individuals playing solo -- but perhaps being enjoyed by groups. As such, tuning didn't need to be standard or perfect.

The woodwind family of instruments evolved from the basic bone flutes. Scales and tuning became standardized as musicians began playing together; reeds were introduced as a method of creating the initial sound.

Clarinets are a little special, though. They did not evolve naturally, but were instead a direct development from an existing instrument -- the chalumeau.

The chalumeau was essentially a shepherd instrument -- a flute with a reed -- meant to be played solo. No surviving samples exist -- but it most likely looked like a recorder with a reed. Since it was a solo instrument (meaning it wasn't necessarily in tune with other orchestral instruments), composers tended to ignore it.

In early 1700, though, instrument makers began to "improve" the chalumeau -- they standardized tuning and hole placement, they improved the functionality of "overblowing" (to achieve different registers) while keeping hole placement standard. The increased range of the revised instrument brings us up almost all the way to the birth of the clarinet.

The problem with the increased range is that intonation suffered. Hole placement that worked for the lower register did not function well for the upper register. Since you can't move the holes, this created a problem.

Instrument maker C.H. Denner who lived in Nuremberg, Germany approached this problem by creating two extra holes. This brought the intonation of both registers close together (still not perfect, but not too far off). Players were able to correct the remaining intonation issues by adjusting their embouchure.

And this revised instrument was the first clarinet!

These were still simple instruments -- they still looked much like a recorder. Players could play loud and the instrument was capable of swift note sequences that were difficult to play on a trumpet. Because of this, composers specified this instrument to replace trumpets that participated in high registered -- these trumpets were called "clarini". So -- the replacement instrument became known as "clarinets"!

This new instrument, the clarinet, drew much interest from composers of the day who rushed to rewrite existing pieces or compose entirely new pieces specifying the clarinet.

Instrument makers continued to improve upon the clarinet design -- for instance, Theobald Boehm (known as a flute maker) defined the mathematics to calculate perfect tone hole placement; he also invented the ring key. Ring keys make it possible to have holes larger than a finger can cover. These techniques became known as the "Boehm" clarinet model.

Other models exist -- for instance the "Oehler" model, the "Muller" model, and the "Albert" model -- but the clarinet as we know it today was essentially defined.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7650392

4 Tips For New Musical Artists Who Are Just Getting Started

A lot has changed in the music world over the last ten or fifteen years. In the old days, an artist had to perfect their craft and hope that they were discovered at a local gig, or hope that they would get really lucky and meet somebody in the music promotion business who would take the time to get to know them and appreciate their talent.

Well, that's not the norm anymore. Sure, it can still happen, but the odds are even worse than they were back then. That probably sounds like bad news, huh? Well, in reality, it's not. Why? Because there are so many more opportunities for artists to connect with their fans and so many options to promote now, that you don't have to wait to be discovered. You now have the option of making your own luck, and as far as this author is concerned, that's a fantastic place to be.

Of course, that does mean a lot of hard work, maybe more hard work than before. Because now you have to be both artist and promoter, creative talent and business person. But as I like to say, and truly believe, no great reward comes without great sacrifice. It's kind of nice that way, because it means that when you make it, you've certainly earned it.

So what I'd like to do in this article is talk about 4 things that every new artist should do and know when they are starting out. Even better, these four principles can be kept going all through your career, no matter how big you might get.

Tip #1 - You must have a dream

This is non-negotiable, guys. If you want anything in life, especially something you don't have now, and something that will take a lot of work and dedication, you'd better turn it into a dream. It's our dreams that we peruse the hardest and suffer for the most.

And what is a dream? Is it just a desire for something, a want? No, a dream is a mixture of want and need, a clear goal backed by strong, almost overpowering emotional need. Dreams aren't just things we want, they are things we have to have or we'll just die! When you can turn your musical career into that kind of desire, you will have taken a huge step toward success.

Tip #2 - Try to be unique

I heard singer Franky Beverly say on an awards show one time that you should never fall for the flavor of the week. Do what you feel. That has stuck with me because it's exactly what I believe. I didn't get into music, and fall in love with it when I was a little girl just so I could copy somebody else and get lost in a sea of the same ole thing.

I have a pretty distinct sound. Sure, it's been influenced by a variety of musical styles, from rock to pop, to reggae to hip hop. But I don't set out to just copy something or try to sound like everyone else. And neither should you.

There's nothing wrong with creating a song that seems to fit in well with the current sounds of your genre, that is bound to happen. There's a fine line between fitting in and duplication. It's tough sometimes, but it's possible. Think about all the great artists you've liked through the years and how distinct their sounds are. And yet, how all of their work has its own flavor, a flavor you can pick up on. That's the best path to follow when creating your tunes.

Tip #3 - Learn the business

Like I said before, when you're independent, you have to wear all the hats, at least for a while. Eventually, you may hook up with a small record label, or a group, or some people who can complement your talents with their own. But no matter what, you should know all aspects of your craft.

That means you need to be more than a lyricist and musician. You should know the engineering too. Know how to mix and master your songs. You should learn the business side of things, how to treat yourself as a company and negotiate fees and keep accounts and so forth. And you should really, really, get to understand marketing. Marketing is at least as important as your talent, maybe more so, because marketing is how you get yourself out there and get people to like you.

Marketing and publishing and engineering may not be the fun parts of music, but they will ensure that when you get up on that stage, there will be lots of screaming fans to enjoy what you have to offer them.

Tip #4 - Take it seriously

Music is fun, isn't it? Writing and creating songs, getting up on that stage and playing and singing and dancing is awesome. There's nothing like it. But that is the reward of some very hard work, dedication and yes, suffering. That's right, you're gonna have to suffer a bit if you want to reach that height.

So take your music career seriously. Treat it like a job, or better yet, a business. Focus on the things you can do and where you can take action. You may have to work two jobs while you're building it, believe me, I know this for a fact, but it's worth it. And one day, when you have reached a level of success you only dreamed about, you'll have a great story to tell about your rise.

We could talk endlessly about these tips, and lots more, but I'll save that for another article. Just keep these four in mind and you'll be off to a good start. And do you know what's really cool about this? That success is measured by you, not by anyone else. You can grow to a point where you are a regional star, playing medium sized venues every month, selling T-shirts and CD's and music downloads by the hundreds and make some pretty good money. I know a lot of musicians who would be thrilled to make forty or fifty grand a year doing what they love. And that's the great part about doing it yourself. That kind of success is way doable. And once you get there, it just builds on itself. So keep dreaming, keep creating and shoot for the stars, and remember, it's Chaddy B to the Boom!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7635143

Making Your Party Great With the Hiring of Party Equipment

If you have planned a party and you want to make it as exciting as possible, you may not be sure what you can do to spice it up and bring something to your guests that will be a little bit different than all of the other parties they have been to. If it is a party that is casual and you want to add some fun, you may want to think about a karaoke machine hire as it can be a great form of entertainment that may not be expected at all.

Karaoke machines are a lot of fun. A lot of the fun is seeing who is brave enough to get up in front of the crowd and sing. There is much fun to be had for those who can sing really well, as well as for those who just enjoy music and will entertain with their less and beautiful singing ability.

If you will have several different age groups at your party, the karaoke machine rental can be a great option for entertainment. It is something that all ages can participate in, and all guests will enjoy. If you have a lot of people coming together that don't know each other or don't know each other well, karaoke can be a great ice breaker as everyone will get to talking and laughing and daring one another to enjoy the process and entertain the crowds.

The great thing about this type of entertainment is that it can go where you go. Many times, when you choose to hire party equipment you have to consider the venue that you will be hosting the party at and whether the equipment will fit the setting or will work in the setting for a wide variety of reasons. Karaoke can go just about anywhere, as it can be self contained and rather portable. Even if you are outdoors or in a remote location, this equipment can come with you.

Karaoke machines come in a variety of different technologies. If you need something simple and straight forward you can go with the music and a microphone, or if you want something that is more high tech you can add monitors and a larger selection of music to choose from that is all digital and very high quality. No matter your location, your desire for technology, or your budget, karaoke is a feasible option for the entertainment of your guests.

Party entertainment can be a tricky task. You want something that everyone can get involved with-including those who want to get involved and those who want to simply be spectators. If you will have a wide variety of guests in age and in level of familiarity, karaoke is a great option. Whether it is a small part of the entertainment or a larger part of it, you'll find that it is a great hit, making it worth considering for your next event.

Looking to hire party equipment in Melbourne? Dial A Jukebox is a leading jukebox and karaoke hire company based in Melbourne. Check out their website for additional details.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7814776

The Different Types of Electric Violins

Electric violins have been around for a long time and in today's world, they are available in different styles. There is the full electric type with built-in pickup and there is the electro-acoustic violin which has a separate pickup that is usually attached to the bridge, body and fingerboard. This piece will feature on full electric type and how you can find them.

Yamaha electric violins are available in the market and they are referred to as silent electric violins because they produce very little external noise while playing. They are ideal for home use because you won't disturb your neighbors or housemates while playing. A pair of headphones can be plugged into the violin so that you will be able to hear the sound as if you are in a concert. These violins can be plugged into an amplifier in order to get the best output.

The Stagg electric violins are made from solid maple and are coated with lacquer to give them smooth colored finish. There is a built-in 2 band equalizer and headphone pre-amp that are volume controlled. You will also find the case, a bow, rosin and a pair of stereo headphones in the package.

Violinsmart electric violins are affordable and are built to the standard of instruments two or three times their price. Majority of them come in a padded bag, a bow, rosin, a pair of headphones and an amp cable. There is also a built-in shoulder rest so that more comfort will be derived while playing the instrument. There are varieties of this brand of violin with the solid wood electric violin being a popular choice. You will also have the opportunity of choosing different colors since there are many varieties available.

The Barcelona beginner series electric violins are ideal for beginners. This is because they are affordable and everything that a beginner needs is incorporated in the set. The beginner series consist of the violin, a bow, hardshell case, rosin, a pair of headphones and an amp lead. There are seven colors to choose from giving you the opportunity to have a wide range of choices.

Cecilio electric violins are made from solid maple with an ebony fingerboard and mother-of-pearl inlay on the tailpiece. The Cecilio set consists of a hardshell case, a Brazil wood bow with Mongolian horsehair, an extra set of strings, a pair of headphones, rosin and an amp lead. You can get any of these violins from reputable online and offline stores.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7806942

Independent Film Distribution: Why Day and Date Releases Work

To understand the release-window business model many in independent film distribution still rely on today, we need to rewind to the start of a begone era: the rise of (physical) home entertainment. Thanks to the arrival of VHS players in most households, film distribution bloomed & blossomed with another profitable outlet. Distributors started to feel more confident to spend large sums of money on film marketing in cinemas as they would recoup their investment with physical sales. Time-windows kept these releases from competing with each other, allowing films to take advantage of different markets at different times. In the late nineties DVD organically replaced VHS as people continued to have no other choice but wait for months until films were available in shops if they missed it in cinemas.

This all changed with the rise of digital. Initially, digital sales were recognized as ANOTHER way to exploit content, on top of the existing routes & tagged as a new window at the end of the line. But more & more the collective psyche of the people started to change and we evolved from a passive audience into a democratic one: we want to decide when we watch what and where.

In July 2009 we released Slumdog Millionaire on DVD in the Netherlands, less than 5 months after its release in cinemas. We were at a deadlock; the film was still screening at a good number of theatres throughout the country but a summer release for the DVD was out of the question. Waiting until September was not an option either as we would loose momentum and risked harsh competition for retail space. For the first time we shrunk our window and planned for a mid-June release. When announced the phone rang off the hook with retailers wanting to advance the release on one end - mid-June can still be tricky - and theatre programmers worried about empty cinema seats on the other. But DVD sales and theatre admissions proved great results in its first weekend with even some screens selling out!

What we all feared had not happened: DVD did not cannibalise cinema. When I come to think of it now, this is not surprising. The experience of watching a film while nestled in cosy red pluche is very different from the comfort of your home. So why not let people decide themselves where and how they prefer to watch your film? In fact, it'll discourage them to download illegally and it could actually increase your film's revenue as your maximising on the impact of your marketing campaign. Because let's face it, few of us in independent film distribution have much to spend, let alone on multiple release moments.

I am a true believer this will be the future of film distribution. Independent filmmakers and producers who self distributed their film have already widely adopted this strategy together with some indie film distributors. Artificial Eye's recently rebranded Curzon Home Cinema day-and-date releases major independent titles like Yaron Zilberman's A Late Quartet as well as documentary distributor Dogwoof, both paving the way for other film distribution companies to follow.

DVD & Video on Demand do not cannibalize cinema, day-and-date releases are the future of film distribution: they increase film revenue, and combat piracy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7751534