12.23.2016

THE BIGGEST MYTHS MUSICIANS ARE TOLD


The Biggest Myths musicians are told?

Oscar Wilde once said ‘man is not himself when he is his own person. Give him a mask, and he’ll tell you the truth’, though this particular theory doesn’t seem to always apply to musicians; the idea of the stage persona is familiar to most music fans. But in music, past and present, the music industry has gifted us with a number of characters that contain certain myths in addition to being told myth themselves. This piece will investigate the certain myths that these musicians are told throughout their career:

Like any myth, whether it be in gambling, sports or indeed the music industry, we never know if they are deemed true, hence it being a myth, yet some are more realistic than others and let’s have a look at these certain myths:

Getting a record deal means you will be instantly successful within the music industry

When you see artists/bands getting their record deals, you automatically think that they’re going to make it big in the music scene; at the end of the day, they have been signed and now have a massive record deal. However, did you know that 98% of all acts that sign to major labels indeed fail, so simplifying this a whole lot more, this means that 98 out of the 100 artists who actually get the deal don’t actually recoup enough money to pay for their advances and end up getting dropped before their second album; sometimes their first!

Windowing is an effective strategy 
 
You must be thinking, what the heck does ‘windowing’ mean? Well in the music industry, windowing means holding off putting your album on streaming services for a window of time to maximise sales. It was known to be a rather effective strategy in 2012. But that was then, were now in 2017 and most things are digital now days and if people can’t get your music on iTunes or YouTube they will just move on.

Streaming is bad for music

This leads onto my next section. A CD or Download sale is treated equally no matter how great the album is. It’s a one-time payment to never be earned again. Now the problem with streaming, if a song is great and will played over and OVER again leads to earning more than just a single sale ever could, streaming pays less initially, but much more in the long run, only if the music is good and addictive of course.

Major record labels are leading the music industry 


Okay so there’s load money to be made working with major record labels, but leaders they are not, their album creation and marketing strategies are paint by number compared to the old school music industry. Look at Chance the rapper for example, unsigned, yet making a massive name for himself across the globe.

The problem with record labels, once you have signed to them, 80% of you work becomes their property, you lose most of the rights to your creation which can seem rather daunting for artists and this is why Chance right now refuses to sign any deals.       

11.15.2016

TIPS FOR MUSICIANS IN COLLEGE


Being an artist is one of those things that you are or you are not. There has to be a part of you that has deeply entrenched in whichever art you choose to pursue. Pursuing your art is in itself a matter of choosing between two paths that may lead you to the same destination. We are referring to taking a degree in your art. If you are a musician, this is an especially important decision. This article delves further into your decision, giving you handy tips as we go along.

First, you will need to understand what education is needed to become a musician. Before you opt to become a musician, you will need to research on what area of music you want to delve into. Because it is a highly competitive field, you will need to have multiple skills in order to be relevant in the music industry.

There are plenty of music degrees to choose from. Contrary to popular belief, getting a formal education is actually helpful. Especially if you want to become a technical musician. You will need to be taught about all the technical aspects of music, which will in turn widen your skill set and increase your chances of work after graduating.

If you want to sing, there are also vocal degrees that train you to use your voice to the utmost.

Once you have figured out what kind of music you would like to study, there is the issue of deciding where to study. You may already be in a college or aiming to join one. That is alright, there are plenty of colleges with music programs that will suit your needs. Of course, we will only list the best colleges for music so you can know where to begin your search. At the top of that list is Julliard School, which is in the US.

You could also try out Eastman School of Music, Curtis Institute of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Jacobs School of Music and Cleveland Institute of Music. These are but a few schools that will give you an idea of what kind of formal education you would be getting.


The above are the things you need to do in order to get a feeling of the available colleges for musicians. The institutes, as you have probably noticed, charge a pretty penny for the programs. With this in mind, you will have to think about possible sources of income that would pay your tuition fees.

A lot of people study part time as they work, thus financing their education. There is also the option of crowd sourcing funding for your education. You would be surprised at just how many people out there are willing to support your goals, as long as they are sensible and offer some incentive to them. There are various online sites that can help you with this, provided that you follow their regulations.

There is also the option of learning online. This would be important to consider if you have already enrolled into another degree program but are a musician at heart. On the other hand, if you cannot afford the exorbitant prices of high-end music institutes. With the existence of YouTube and other such sites, it is now possible for you to collect information from other industry experts who are willing to share their knowledge.

This is not meant to replace the formal education that you would receive in institutes. Instead, it is meant to provide a foundation for your knowledge in music, therefore leading you to gaining more information when you are able to. Learning from these sites will also not provide formal certification, which may be necessary for getting some opportunities. However, this being an artist’s world, a lot depends on what you can actually do, not your papers. Professional dissertation writers can help you with your papers.


Finally, put a lot of work into your actual skills and maintain your love for the craft. This cannot be emphasized enough. To become a musician, of whatever kind, a deep-rooted passion is of absolute importance. Without it, music itself is dead. Also, seek out opportunities to be part of performances, projects and tours. These will help you feel what the industry is like, what is required of you and how best your skills apply.

It also helps you build a strong network that is necessary for any business, not just music. Do not forget to have your fun while you are still in college. We wish you the best at pursuing music; it is as fulfilling as it is exciting.

11.13.2016

LEON RUSSELL HAS DIED AT 74


Sad news today Leon Russell died in Nashville at age 74. He was one of my most favorite musicians. I was lucky to have seen him perform many times over the years. So lucky to have seen the 1970 Joe Cocker Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour, but my favorite Leon  show was when he toured with Willie Nelson.

Really loved his Jumpin Jack flash/Youngblood medley from George Harrison's Bangladesh benefit....


Here is some bio on Leon....

Leon Russell (born Claude Russell Bridges; April 2, 1942 - November 13, 2016) was an American musician and songwriter, who recorded as a session musician, sideman, and maintained a solo career.


Russell began his musical career at the age of 14 in the nightclubs of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He and his group the Starlighters, which included J.J. Cale, Leo Feathers, Chuck Blackwell and Johnny Williams, were instrumental in creating the style of music known as the Tulsa Sound.

After settling in Los Angeles, he studied guitar with James Burton. Known mostly as a session musician early in his career, as a solo artist he has crossed genres to include rock and roll, blues, and gospel music, playing with artists as varied as Jan & Dean, Gary Lewis, George Harrison, Gram Parsons, Delaney Bramlett, Ringo Starr, Doris Day, Elton John, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, the Byrds, Barbra Streisand, the Beach Boys, the Ventures, Willie Nelson, Badfinger, Tijuana Brass, Frank Sinatra, the Band, Bob Dylan, J.J. Cale, B.B. King, Dave Mason, Glen Campbell, Joe Cocker and the Rolling Stones.



FULL SUPER MOON IN TAURUS 14 NOVEMBER 2016




This Moon is a supermoon and is the closest the Moon has been to Earth for 68 years. The Full Moon on Monday November 14 2016 is at 23 degrees Taurus. It’s what is commonly called a “supermoon”, or technically a “perigee full moon” – a phenomenon that occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon being the closest it gets to the Earth on its orbit.

What makes this one special is that the moon is going to be even closer to the Earth than it normally gets, making it a tiny bit bigger than even your average supermoon.


WELLINGTON = Tuesday * 15th November 2016 * 02:52:06 am (NZDT)
SYDNEY = Tuesday * 15th November 2016 * 12:52:06 am (AEDT)
TOKYO = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 10:52:06 pm (JST)
BEIJING = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 09:52:06 pm (CST)
BANGKOK = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 08:52:06 pm (ICT)
DELHI = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 07:22:54 pm (IST)
DUBAI = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 05:52:06 pm (GST)
MOSCOW = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 04:52:06 pm (MSK)
BERLIN = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 02:52:06 pm (CET)
LAGOS = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 02:52:06 pm (WAT)
LONDON = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 01:52:06 pm (GMT)
RIO = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 11:52:06 am (BRST)
SANTIAGO = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 10:52:06 am (CLST)
NEW YORK = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 08:52:06 am (EST)
MEXICO CITY = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 07:52:06 am (CST)
CALGARY = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 06:52:06 am (MST)
LOS ANGELES = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 05:52:06 am (PST)
ANCHORAGE = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 04:52:06 am (AKST)
HONOLULU = Monday * 14th November 2016 * 03:52:06 am (HAST)

11.10.2016

WHAT TO WEAR AT NIGHT AT THE CASINO


Unless you live in Las Vegas, a casino is not a place you spend time at too often. And when you finally decide to spend a night with gambling, you might find it difficult to think of the perfect outfit to wear on a casino night. Should you go with a retro look? A casual one, or a relaxed one? Well, to make things a bit easier for you here is a short guide on the dos and don'ts of dressing up for a night of gambling.


Online casinos: no dress code


This one is the easiest: if your idea of fun is to play casino games, you can simply seek out an online casino. The All Jackpots casino available in Canada doesn't have a dress code - in fact, it comes to your home, bringing a massive collection of great games with it. You can play at the All Jackpots casino wearing slippers, yoga pants, worn-down sweatshirts, or whatever else you might find comfortable. All it cares about is to bring the fun to you.

The All Jackpots Canada has all the games you may hope to find in a Vegas casino, maybe even more. Its software safeguards your privacy better than any casino security in Vegas. Besides, the All Jackpots saves you the trouble of driving, finding a parking place, possibly even lodging and dining for the night.


Mind the dress code


The dress code required by a casino depends largely on what kind of audience it wants to attract. As a general rule, you are expected not to show up in sweatpants and printed t-shirts, and shorts & sandals are also out of the question. Depending on the profile of the casino you plan to visit, men can usually make do with a pair of jeans, a shirt (or plain t-shirt) and a comfy jacket, while women can make do with any dressy outfit.


General "don'ts" 


Here is a list of don'ts from The Star Casino in Sydney, which you can take as a general guide to what never to wear to a casino night:
  • Dirty, ripped, torn or soiled clothing
  • Work uniforms
  • Clothing bearing offensive slogans and / or pictures
  • Face paint or disguises
  • Dirty, worn or damaged footwear, UGG boots, Crocs, rubber beach thongs and open toed shoes (for men)
  • Active sportswear including gym-wear, training shirts, beachwear or swim suits
  • Men's singlet, tank tops or t-shirts
  • Steel cap boots and any other forms of work boots
  • Hats or caps, except for medical reasons
  • Shorts (for men)
  • Any other clothing deemed not to be neat, tidy or appropriate

On special occasions, or to access certain facilities inside the casino, you're usually required to adhere to a much more specific dress code. Make sure to check with the casino before you go, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

VOTE FOR THE MC5 TO BE INDUCTED IN THE ROCK HALL OF FAME!


GREAT News from AP just came in today that the Cleveland Rock Hall of Fame has once again nominated the Mighty MC5!!


The number of punk fans who can ID an MC5 song that doesn't begin with a profanity-laden promise of jam-kicking-out is ever-dwindling, but they still feel Important -- one of the defining names of proto-punk -- and no one would be tremendously surprised to find out they'd been a down-ballot inductee a decade ago without anyone really noticing. The Stooges are already in and the New York Dolls haven't been nominated in 15 years, the MC5 seems like a solid pick here.




Legendary Drummer Dennis Thompson feels it is a great honor to be nominated with all the many greats of rock and roll history!

So all of you legions of MC5 fans get on all of your devices and let's share this story world wide... VOTE FOR THE MC5!!!!

AND A BIG SHOUT OUT TO HBO, MICK JAGGER, MARTY SCORSESE, AND TERENCE WINTER FOR USING KICKING OUT THE JAMS ON VINYL!!!
Read MORE


10.07.2016

QUINTESSENTIALS YOU MUST HAVE DURING WINTER BINGO SEASON IN UK!


Quintessentials you must have to beat the UK weather

Every season has its own wardrobe essentials and with the season getting a bit chilly, now it’s all about being warm yet stylish. Here, I’ve got for you, our top 5 Autumn essentials you are going to love wearing to all occasions!

The Cashmere Sweater

Cashmere crewneck sweaters never go out of style. This chic layering piece can be teamed up with almost anything like skirts, leather pants or shorts. It looks even better with a collared shirt worn underneath. Cashmere Sweaters looks best when you are off to school or going for a casual outing in the afternoon.

Statement Coats

When it comes to winter, the outer layer of your outfit becomes the most important or the visible part of you. Try wearing a nice and long, pop-colored statement coat to any neutral or all-black outfit when you are going clubbing. Make a statement out of it!

Over The Knee Boots

This is the perfect winter wear! Over the knee boots can be dressed down with pants and a sweater for a casual daytime look or even glammed up with a skirt or mini dress at night for a chic look. They don’t just look extremely sultry but also keep you warm. So if you do not have a pair yet. Trust me, you need them now!

Knitted Woolen Dress

The easiest way to show a bit of skin and stay cozy at the same time is by wearing a cute knitted woolen dress.You can totally go for bright colors or earthy colors or even choose between a firm fitting style or a relaxed version, based on the occasion.

Leather Jackets

This, personally is my very own favorite! No matter what the Bingo Diamond venue or what time it is, you really can’t go wrong here. Wear them with skinny jeans and a tee for those casual morning outings or leather pants along with ankle boots if you are heading for a party or probably to a fancy casino or bingo hall. The leather jacket has the power to transform any winter outfit from drab to fab!

So this season of fall, don’t go out with your regular pullovers. Wear something that oozes stylishness. Be confident while walking down the street.

9.25.2016

RETRO KIMMER TOURS THE MUSHROOM HOUSES OF CHARLEVOIX !


Just a few weeks back My Mom (right) and her friend Carol (left)) accompanied me to Charlevoix, Michigan to experience The Mushroom House Tour in person! We shot a lot of photos!



Welcoming you to the Park Avenue section of homes is a 7-ton boulder placed at Park Avenue and Grant Street.


The Half House aka The Honeymoon House


The Half House aka The Honeymoon House

GEM TOURING CAR

Mushroom House Tours offer walking and driving in GEM car tours of the legendary architect/engineer Earl A. Young's famous Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix, Michigan. We have been guiding tours for the past 7 years and would love to take your group!


Amazing stonework by Earl Young















Alex King and I shot all of these photos and they are going to be captioned soon. For now I just wanted to share a bit of this gorgeous tour that Edith Pair guides so beautifully.


9.03.2016

WHAT TO WEAR ON YOUR FIRST DATE


What to Wear on Your First Date: A Few Style Tips

The first date is always the most important. Whether the relationship can continue depends highly on the experience you and the person you’re meeting have on that first date. The first date is even more important when the two of you have been communicating online. Transitioning from online dating to an offline relationship is an important step to complete.

Wearing the right clothes could make the difference between a successful first date and a failed one. The look you sport will define the first impression you make. To help you prepare for your upcoming first date, here are a few style tips to consider.

Comfort First

The first date is often awkward as it is, so there is no need to make the situation worse by dressing in something you’re not comfortable wearing. Comfort should always be your first priority. That said, you shouldn’t go too far with comfort and show up to your first date wearing a tracksuit either.

A nice mini dress for women or a simple pair of jeans and shirt for men are great choices to consider. You can stay comfortable wearing these outfits and still look stylish to create a positive first impression. Make sure you look tidy too. No matter what outfit you choose to wear, wrinkles and stains will definitely ruin the first impression you’re trying to make.


Stay Classy

It’s always tempting to show the best parts of yourself on a first date. A slightly revealing neckline or perhaps a tight pair of jeans to show off those thighs of yours are great on other occasions, but they may not be the best picks for a first date. Of course, how sexy you should be depends highly on what you’re dating goals are.

In most cases, however, staying classy and wearing an outfit that shows the good side of you without revealing too much is the way to go. You should also avoid other extremes when dressing for the first date. Heavy makeup or outfits that reveal too much skin are among the things you may want to avoid.

Be You

Don’t wear an outfit that you wouldn’t normally wear to other occasions. First dates are about making a good impression, but that doesn’t mean you should be anyone else but yourself. Besides, wearing an outfit you wouldn’t normally wear will only make you feel uncomfortable on the date.

Don’t hesitate to add small touches that scream “you.” You can, for example, wear your favorite anime scarf to the date. You still have to make sure the scarf works well with the rest of the outfit, but small touches like this can help make the date more enjoyable and personal.

Meeting someone new for the first time can be quite daunting, especially after weeks of dating online. With the tips we talked about earlier, at least you don’t have to worry about what to wear to make a good first impression. Stay comfortable, stay classy and stay true to yourself; you’ll have a fantastic first date and plenty of great stories to tell afterwards.

8.19.2016

TOP 10 DAVID GILMOUR SONGS


Retrokimmer and great guys at Ticket Select have sorted some of the best British classic songs of the year that are making waves round the world. And with no exceptions one cannot do this without talking about the Top 10 David Gilmour Songs of his new album. This amazing English singer, guitarist and songwriter has blessed us with some great songs. Check out his top 10 solo hits.


A Boat Lies Waiting
Straight from his Rattle That Lock album, Gilmour gives us a spectacular piano music. As he sings in this wonderful song called "A Boat Lies Waiting,” which comes off a Floyd signature, Gilmour brings back that consoling harmonies of David Crosby and Graham Nash on this track.


5 A.M
5 A.M is a very soft melodic piece and is one of the best tracks off this fourth solo album and I personally like the cool and relaxing feeling it brings while listening to it. Expect to be thrilled by the awesome display of Gilmour’s talent.


The girl in the yellow dress
On his Rattle That Lock album, comes another hit you would love to hear – a song he titled “The girl in the yellow dress”. As the songs starts and you hear David Gilmour singing the first verse, you just know what to expect from this great singer. The feel of the song gives you certain hype and leaves you with an aura of happiness.


Today
If you want to feel the power of voice and great guitar combined on a great song, “Today” is the song to listen to. Makes me feel like going to the sea to just relax. He displayed his mangiest quality as a singer and a guitarist on this song.


Face of Stone
“Face of Stone” is another masterpiece you must listen to from Gilmour’s Rattle That Lock album. You can just feel the song from the synchrony between his voice and the instrumental. You can almost feel the soul of his vocals as he tries to pass along his message.


Dancing Right in Front of me
For all those that are fans of great love songs, Gilmour gives us a wonderful love song he titles “Dancing Right in Front of me”. In this song, you will see the great lyrical ability of David Gilmour. This is a great pick anytime.


In Any Tongue
“In Any Tongue” is the title of this energetic guitar filled splendour from Gilmour. I was so taken by the richness of the lyrics that I put this on repeat all day. This song has to be among his best hits.


Beauty
The ladies cannot go through the Rattle That Lock album without mentioning “Beauty”. If you listen closely, you will feel the clarity of the strings as they play on the soundtrack and also as you listen closely to what Gilmour is saying in this song, you will want to just sing it to your lady anytime.


A Boat Lies Waiting
"Something I never knew, in silence I'd hear you". The rhymes already tell you what to expect on this track. This is straight off the track, “A Boat Lies Waiting”. When you want to relax, this song will take you where you want to be.


And Then…
And finally comes another great song from David Gilmour’s Rattle That Lock album titled “And Then”. This song makes me remember a lot of his old classics that caught my attention. You can never listen to this song and not marvel at Gilmour’s vocal dexterity. This is a sure pick on hit top 10 songs.


Now you can see why David Gilmour is still one of the most talented singers and songwriters of all time. And here is your chance to experience David Gilmour concerts in London. With all these wonderful songs off his fourth solo album, you don’t have a choice but to just love his amazing talent!!


6.20.2016

FULL MOON IN SAGITTARIUS WITH SUMMER SOLSTICE!


Watch for a full-looking moon on the eve of the June solstice (June 19, 2016) and a full moon on the solstice itself (June 20). From what we’ve been able to gather (sources below), this is the first full moon to fall on the June solstice since the year 1967, which some recall as the year of the Summer of Love, a social phenomenon centered on San Francisco, London and other places around the globe. There’ve been a number of near misses of full moons on June solstices, however. And we are indeed talking about the June solstice, not solstices in general. In fact, there was a full moon eclipse on the December solstice in 2010. READ MORE

The exact time of the next full moon is:
Monday * 20th June 2016 * 01:02:24 pm
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Moon sign: Sagittarius 29° 32'

Here you find this time converted into different timezones for other cities:
WELLINGTON = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 11:02:24 pm (NZST)
SYDNEY = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 09:02:24 pm (AEST)
TOKYO = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 08:02:24 pm (JST)
BEIJING = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 07:02:24 pm (CST)
BANGKOK = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 06:02:24 pm (ICT)
DELHI = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 04:32:24 pm (IST)
DUBAI = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 03:02:24 pm (GST)
MOSCOW = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 02:02:24 am (MSK)
BERLIN = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 01:02:24 pm (CEST)
LAGOS = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 12:02:24 pm (WAT)
LONDON = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 12:02:24 pm (BST)
RIO = Sunday Monday 20th June 2016 * 08:02:24 am (BRT)
SANTIAGO = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 08:02:24 am (CLT)
NEW YORK = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 07:02:24 am (EDT)
MEXICO CITY = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 06:02:24 am (CDT)
CALGARY = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 05:02:24 am (MDT)
LOS ANGELES = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 04:02:24 am (PDT)
ANCHORAGE = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 03:02:24 am (AKDT)
HONOLULU = Monday * 20th June 2016 * 01:02:24 am (HAST)

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