ArtistWorks Drum Academy Launches Luis Conte School Of Percussion

Napa California-based technology and music education company ArtistWorks launched the interactive, online Luis Conte School of Percussion (LCSP) on April 11th, 2012, it was announced today. Grammy™ Award-winning, master percussionist Luis Conte has worked with some of the greatest names in contemporary music, including Madonna, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Santana, Jackson Browne, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, James Taylor, Shakira, Ozzy Osbourne, and Arturo Sandoval among others. Known for his impeccable feel, technique, musical knowledge and tasteful musicality as well as his ability to blend Afro-Cuban percussion styles in to contemporary Pop and Rock music -- Luis Conte is one of the most prolific and talented artists in contemporary music. As part of the ArtistWorks Drum Academy (ADA), the LCSP contains hundreds of high quality video percussion lessons that explore a wide variety of percussion styles and world rhythms including Martillo, Cha-Cha, Guaguanco, Columbia, Bembe, Songo, Salsa, Merengue, Samba and Mozambique as well as Hip-Hop, Electronica, Jazz, Soul and Reggae. The LCSP also offers a full curriculum of percussion techniques on how to play a diverse array of percussion instruments including congas, bongos, timbales, cajon, guiro, hand percussion and more. For the first time ever, ArtistWorks will offer bilingual lesson options. A native of Santiago, Cuba, Conte has recorded a number of video lessons in both English and Spanish and will respond to student video exchange questions in the individual student’s language of choice. The LCSP utilizes ArtistWork’s patent-pending, breakout video technology to create a direct, personalized educational experience. Subscribing students view Conte’s extensive curriculum of beginner-to-advanced percussion lessons and submit a video with questions/performances directly to Conte via webcam or smart phone for critique and guidance. Conte then reviews and responds personally to each student video submission. These “video-exchanges” are posted in the LCSP for all subscribing students to view and subsequently learn from Conte and from each other – creating a “virtual classroom” with an ever-evolving curriculum. ArtistWorks students study in a guided, self-paced environment that allows them to drive the learning process according to their schedule and access instructor guidance and critique at their own pace. Multiple camera angles allow students to see lessons from alternate viewpoints so they may analyze techniques from different vantage points. In addition, students can slow lessons down, and loop lessons to allow them to break lessons down and focus on every detail. “I talk to young players all the time who have watched my educational DVDs and they always have questions for me,” says Conte. “Now they can just ask me those questions personally and I can help them on the spot.” The Luis Conte School of Percussion www.contepercussion.com is open to percussionists, drummers, drum circles and drum groups at all levels of proficiency. Subscription fees are reasonably priced at $90.00 for 3 months; $150.00 for 6 months and $240.00 for a 12-month subscription. The ArtistWork’s Drum Academy also offers Rock drumming lessons with The Thomas Lang School of Drums and Jazz/Fusion drumming lessons with The Billy Cobham School of Drums. The ADA is not the static online learning experience seen before on DVD or other online education and video download sites. Rather, ADA schools take full advantage of high-resolution video, leading-edge social media tools and the Internet’s interactive capabilities to create a robust learning environment Founded in 2009 by former AOL executive David Butler, ArtistWorks, Inc is a Napa California-based technology and music education company that has created a proprietary, patent pending, online "video exchange" visual education platform which allows virtuoso musicians to “teach the world” by presenting their full method, technique or curriculum in HD video to subscribing students. Utilizing simple web cams, students are able to submit videos through the site to the ArtistWorks’ instructors for individualized critique and guidance – creating a two-way, individualized educational experience. ArtistWorks currently offers curriculums from such world-class, virtuoso artists as: guitarist Andreas Oberg; harmonica artist, Howard Levy; fingerstyle guitarist Martin Taylor; DJ Qbert; pianist Christie Peery; rock drummer Thomas Lang, jazz/fusion drummer, Billy Cobham, percussionist Luis Conte, banjo player Tony Trischka, flat pick guitar player Bryan Sutton, dobro player Andy Hall, mandolin player Mike Marshall, double bass player Missy Raines and fiddle player Darol Anger. For more information please visit: www.artistworksdrumacademy.com, artistworks.com or contepercussion.com Contact: elizabethlang@rockarcadia.com

Virtuoso Drummers Billy Cobham, Thomas Lang & Luis Conte Ink Deal with ArtistWorks to Launch Interactive Online Drum Schools

ArtistWorks Drum Academy Debuts on December 8th 2011 Featuring Unique 2-Way Video Exchange

(11.11.11 – Los Angeles, CA) Napa California-based music education company ArtistWorks will premiere the ArtistWorks Drum Academy (ADA) with the debut of online schools from three of the world’s most accomplished, respected and talented drummers: world-renowned jazz and drumming legend Billy Cobham, drumming superstar/producer Thomas Lang, and Latin Percussion Icon Luis Conte. Launching on December 8th, both the Billy Cobham Drum School (BCDS) and the Thomas Lang Drum School (TLDS) will utilize ArtistWorks’ patent-pending video technology, allowing for two-way video exchange and interactive instruction to elevate online instruction to an unprecedented new level. The Luis Conte Percussion School (LCPS) will be added in January of 2012.

The ArtistWorks online visual education format allows virtuoso musicians to teach students all over the world by presenting their full method in a series of high-quality video lessons online. Subscribing students work through the lessons and use simple web cams to submit videos to their teacher for critique and guidance. The Artists easily review and respond to student videos on their own time using the ArtistWorks Video Management System (patent pending). Both student video and Artist response are paired together online as a “Video Exchange” for the entire community to learn from.

“We are proud to offer drummers of all experience levels – regardless of their geographic location – the same remarkable opportunity to study music with the very best drummers in the world,” says ArtistWorks founder, David Butler. “Without question, Thomas, Billy, and Luis are the top players in their genres of rock/pop , jazz/fusion drumming and percussion, and the opportunity to learn directly from them and interact with them personally is priceless.”

The Thomas Lang Drum School, Billy Cobham Drum School, and Luis Conte Percussion School contains hundreds of high-quality video lessons starting from the beginner level and progressing to the advanced level. Unlike other static learning experiences seen before on DVD or other online sites, the ADA is a groundbreaking new model of online musical instruction that revolutionizes music education. The ADA Schools take full advantage of high-resolution video, cutting-edge social media tools, and the Internet’s interactive capabilities to create a robust learning environment. Not only do the schools offer hundreds of real-time and slow motion lessons available 24/7, they also enable teaching through personalized video exchanges with students all over the world.

World-renowned drumming superstar/producer, award-winning instructional DVD creator and author, Thomas Lang is a founding member of the progressive, heavy metal trio stOrk and has worked with artists such as Asia, Falco, Geri Halliwell and Spice Girls among others. Lang is widely considered to be one of the most talented and technically proficient drummers in the world and was named #13 on Rhythm magazine’s list of “Top Drummers of the Past 25 Years” .

“ArtistWorks has created an incredibly inspiring interactive platform that not only allows me to interact directly with my students, but allows students to learn and interact with each other,” says Lang. “Learning should be an organic, multi-dimensional experience and with the ADA students get the benefit of social interaction as well as direct, personal instruction.” – Thomas Lang

Legendary jazz drummer, bandleader and composer Billy Cobham has worked with Miles Davis, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jack Bruce and Bobby and the Midnights among others. Cobham has performed, recorded, and produced at the World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) with Peter Gabriel and currently serves as an Official Patron of WOMAD. With his legendary drumming style that combines exacting precision and explosive power -- Cobham is generally considered to be jazz-fusion’s greatest and most influential drummer.

“The networking on my site is both fun and functional,” says Cobham. “Students support each other while everyone explores the curriculum. There is an environment of camaraderie and unity that is essential to learning. I find the concept of being able to communicate directly with students all over the world incredibly exciting.”- Billy Cobham

The Thomas Lang Drum School (www.Thomaslangdrums.com) and the Billy Cobham School of Drums (www.cobhamdrums.com) will debut December 8th and both are open to drummers at all levels of proficiency. The Luis Conte Percussion School (www.luisdrums.com) will be added in January of 2012. Student membership plans are reasonably priced per school at $90.00 for 3 months, $150.00 for 6 months, and $240.00 for a 12-month subscription.

Founded in 2008 by former AOL executive David Butler, ArtistWorks, Inc is a Napa California-based technology and music education company that has created a proprietary, online "video exchange" education platform, which allows virtuoso musicians to “teach the world” by presenting their full method, technique or curriculum in HD video to subscribing students. Using simple web cams, students are able to submit videos to their teachers for individualized critique and guidance – creating a two-way, individualized educational experience. ArtistWorks currently offers curriculums from such world-class, virtuoso artists as: jazz guitarist Andreas Oberg; harmonica master Howard Levy; fingerstyle guitarist Martin Taylor; turntablist DJ Qbert; pianist Christie Peery; and the ArtistWorks Academy of Bluegrass with Tony Trischka (banjo), Mike Marshall (mandolin), Darol Anger (fiddle), Bryan Sutton (guitar), Missy Raines (bass), and Andy Hall (dobro).

For more information please visit: www.artistworksdrumacademy.com, www.Thomaslangdrums.com and www.cobhamdrums.com

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Media Contact: Elizabeth Lang, MUSO Entertainment – 323.243.4959 or via email at press@artistworksdrumacademy.com

Ludovico Einaudi, Robert Lippok, Ronald Lippok Release Cloudland CD

Opening Your Imagination to the Cloudland of Whitetree

Pianist Extraordinaire Ludovico Einaudi joins the Lippoks on a futuristic journey

@ LE POISSON ROUGE, NEW YORK - JUNE 2
@ HOTEL CAFΙ, LOS ANGELES - JUNE 6

Against all odds, pianist Ludovico Einaudi has emerged as one of the world's most exciting and beloved voices in contemporary classical/ ambient/electronic music. Living during a time where modern sensibilities are marketed as easily manufactured (and easily forgettable) pop hits, Einaudi stands tall as a passionate purveyor of his lifelong muse. None of this implies that the Milan resident is without knowledge of the present: his latest collaboration -- Whitetree, with brothers Ronald and Robert Lippok -- is an important contribution to the century-old search for the merging of classical and electronic music. Considering Einaudi's recent accolades, such as being the only classical artist invited to perform at the European iTunes Festival, Whitetree's success is guaranteed.

The trio's debut, Cloudland (Ponderosa Music & Arts/Harmonia Mundi) is an exciting blend of Einaudi's gorgeously refined aesthetics on piano set against Ronald Lippok's sympathetic and knowledgeable rhythms on drums (not to mention the magic he creates on marimba and keyboards), as well as brother Robert's wizardry with electronics -- the brothers are two-thirds of the Berlin and Dusseldorf-based palindromic post-rock group To Rococo Rot. Meeting in 2006 when Einuadi invited the Lippoks on an Italian tour, collaboration seemed necessary and, as one can hear on every one of Cloudland's ten tracks, effortless.

Whitetree has been born into an important musical heritage, one professed by musical experimenters such as Erik Satie's minimalist efforts and "bare bones" sounds, Luigi Russolo's search for the "art of noise" (in which music is differentiated from noise by its purposive arrangement), Jorg Mager's love of microtones and the invention of his "voice of the spheres," and later Edgard Varθse, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Indeed, that last contemporary's film work recalls Einaudi's own cinematic efforts, such as his soundtrack work for Fuori Dal Mondo and This is England. Perhaps these three men, upon entering the Berlin studio in 2007-08, set out to champion the message of conductor Leopold Stowkowski: "Soon we shall have entirely new methods of tone production by electrical means. Thus will begin a new era of music."

One certainly feels that listening to Cloudland in the comfort of their headphones, or snuggled into a warm space encompassed by crisp speakers from which these artists speak. The surround-sense experience is gripping: the opening "Slow Ocean," a reverberating, lo-fi echo creeps into a synthesized dreamscape before Einaudi's first notes take hold; instantly one is hypnotized. It is the type of song -- indeed, this is the type of album -- that holds the listener in its spell. When the drums finally emerge on "Kyril," the release is rapturous; this is the ecstatic union of classical temperament with technology, an audio textbook of generations bonding. When one is aware of history, one can write it into the future -- this is Whitetree's great gift.

To pigeonhole Einaudi would be fruitless. While classical music is his foundation, he is no less educated in that fine line where popular music meets film meets radio play. His contribution to "Kyril" hints at this, as does the simple and direct melody of "Mercury Sands." His sense of timing is superb, as when he hangs a half-beat behind his piano with the guitar on "Koepenik" every step of the way. The naturalness in their music was the result of time well spent on the road and a natural camaraderie formed between the three, as Robert says:

"We played as a band. Always live, always in one room. With just a few overdubs. We wanted it to be as natural as possible. This is what made mixing the record so adventurous. We had so many takes of our songs to go through! Going into the studio together was very special. Our tour had been quite ‘loud,' full-on. Recording the material, we had the chance to add some quiet ideas as well."

These quieter moments are of equal merit. "Derek's Garden," with its haunting effects reminiscent of one trudging along the interior of a dark castle that he or she was not invited to, calmed by the sensuous strains of Einaudi's ivory. The playfully titled "Ulysses and the Cats" also exhibits those reflective, internal qualities, reminding one of the mythological inspiration for Einuadi's last solo recording, Divenire: the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, with the famous maxim attributed to him: everything is in a state of flux. One can claim this to be a headline for all of Einaudi's projects, Whitetree contributing the most recent and possibly most versatile to his vast catalog. Given the fluidity by which the album was recorded, Einaudi seems to agree:

"It all came out very naturally, from the first sessions in the rehearsal room. Listening and concentrating to sounds and loops made by Robert and Ronald, sometimes I didn't even know who was making it. I sat at the piano and closed my eyes, entered that space of sounds, and I opened my imagination. It was like searching figures and forms in an abstract painting or pulling out emotions from the clouds. Then we were playing for long, losing ourselves into the music, responding to each other inputs, it was like building castles with the sand, no rules, everything was possible."

This then is the role of the artist: to make real the images and sounds one hears in their imagination. Borrowing its name from the Amos Tutuola novel, The Palm-Wine Drunkard, Whitetree is forging a modern mythology, both very old and rooted in the Western classical tradition as well as up-to-date with the everyday life of our technologically-inclined world. Interestingly, another of Tutuola's novels, My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, was the title of the seminal album recorded by Brian Eno and David Byrne in 1981; today it is heralded as the first "world music electronic" album. Perhaps in three decades Whitetree will be seen to have made a similar mark for their important blend of classical and electronic music. With one listen to this album, you will agree.
For further information: Doreen D'Agostino 646.829.0652 /917.916.2626 doreendagostino@earthlink.net http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whitetree/133868080226
http://www.myspace.com/whitetreespace

RiffWorks Guitar Recording & Online Collaboration Software Updated To Version 2.5

--Export, 32-bit recording and 32-bit mix make RiffWorks Standard the ideal DAW companion.--

Los Altos, CA - Sonoma Wire Works has released a free update for RiffWorks Standard recording software (Windows & Mac). RiffWorks Standard v2.5 is now the ideal sketchpad for professional DAW users with new features like export, 32-bit recording and 32-bit mix. With RiffWorks Standard you can record ideas at the moment of inspiration, create complete songs with drums and effects, collaborate online with musicians around the world, post tunes to the RiffWorld.com online community, and now export to any DAW for editing and mastering.

RiffWorks Standard v2.5 Improvements Include:

- New Export Options:
o Export Current Riff - Export all the layers of the currently selected Riff as Acidized .wav files including the InstantDrummer and Metronome. Files can then be imported into any DAW.
o Export All Riffs - Exports all riffs from a song as .wav files into separate file folders.
o Sonoma 7 VST Plugin - The 7 award-winning effects from RiffWorks as a VST Plugin. Effects presets are saved during export for access from the Sonoma 7 VST plugin in your DAW. This plugin is available for free to all RiffWorks Standard users as a separate download.
- 32-bit Recording and Export - RiffWorks has always done all processing at 32-bit, but audio files were saved as 16-bit for space and performance reasons. 32-bit file recording is now available as an option in the Audio Setup Window. 32-bit provides the highest recording quality, but takes twice as much disk space.
- 32-bit Mix - The option to mix a 32-bit floating point .wav file allows users to take their final mix into a mastering program at the highest quality.
- Improved Master Output Compressor/Limiter* - All new program-dependent master output compressor/limiter increases overall output level and eliminates pumping and breathing at high output levels.
- Improved Compressor* - New algorithm improves compressors on Layers and Riffs.
- FourTrack Import* - RiffWorks Standard and RiffWorks T4 v2.5 automatically detect and import tracks, complete with gain and pan settings, directly from the FourTrack iPhone application using Bonjour on Mac and Windows.
- RiffLink Progress Bar* - RiffLink now has a progress bar during song loading.
- Many bugs have been fixed, including:
o RiffLink peformance*
o Sound improvements*
o RiffEffects on SongLayers*
o Export/Import SongLayers*

*Improvements marked with an asterix are also included in the RiffWorks T4 v2.5 (free edition) update.

About RiffWorks
RiffWorks easy-to-use guitar recording software includes automatic track creation, loop recording, guitar-oriented effects, InstantDrummer, professionally recorded drum tracks, online music collaboration, and song posting. RiffWorld.com rolls it all into a friendly online community with song contests and more. Download RiffWorks T4 free recording software or purchase RiffWorks Standard for the most features.

RiffWorks T4 v2.5 (Free Edition): http://www.sonomawireworks.com/T4

RiffWorks Standard v2.5 ($129): http://www.sonomawireworks.com/riffworks.php

RiffWorks Standard, by Sonoma Wire Works, is available as a download and CD from Sonoma Wire Works.
RiffWorks Standard CDs are distributed to dealers worldwide by IK Multimedia.

About Sonoma Wire Works
Incorporated in 2003 and headquartered in Los Altos, California, Sonoma Wire Works develops products and services that help musicians enjoy playing, recording and sharing music. RiffWorks has received awards for performance and innovation, including a NAMM 08 Best in Show Trendsetter Award.

MusicDishTV: Johannes Welsch - A Little Drum

Percussionist Johannes Welsch introduces a darbuka. Filmmaker Lester Alfonso produced a beautiful video about "A Little Drum" - and some things it does! www.indie-music.com/bands/Johannes_Welsch

MusicDishTV is more than an online video channel; it is the place to find out what's happening in the music world and hear brilliant new talent before they hit the radio airwaves. Artists & bands can submit their videos at http://tv.musicdish.net.

Call For Entries: Holiday RiffRumble Holiday Song Contest Judged By Rooney

Record a song with RiffWorks and enter to win a Dean Markley Guitar, an iPod touch with FourTrack and more.

Los Altos, CA - Sonoma Wire Works announces the Holiday RiffRumble, the 14th song contest for RiffWorks recording software users. Contestants worldwide will compete for $4120 in prizes, including a Dean Markley Acoustic Guitar, an iPod touch with FourTrack by Sonoma Wire Works, an Ultrasound AG30 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier, 12 sets of Dean Markley VintageBronze Guitar Strings, RiffWorks InstantDrummer Sessions by Discrete Drums, and Recording Magazines. Any RiffCast enabled edition of RiffWorks, including RiffWorks T4 free recording software may be used to record solo entries and online collaborations with a holiday or winter theme. The power pop band, Rooney, will choose the Grand Prize winner. Entries will be accepted for two weeks: November 24 - December 7, 2008. Votes accepted November 24 - December 14. No purchase necessary and no entry fee. Contest & Prize Details: http://www.riffworld.com/riffrumble/rr14

Three Categories to Win

* Grand Prize (Rooney's Choice): The musician who enters the song chosen by Rooney band members wins a Dean Markley DM-J360 E Acoustic Guitar. This flat-top jumbo acoustic recalls the Gibson J-160 that John Lennon used with the Beatles. It features book-matched mahogany back and sides, a solid mahogany neck, a solid book-matched spruce top, a slim 15 fret ebony fret-board, gold-plated tuners with simulated tortoise knobs, ivroid binding, and a gold-plated stereo input jack for a neck position installed custom pick-up with both volume and tone controls as part of the body (valued at $3250). Includes hard shell case. 5 RiffWorks InstantDrummer Sessions by Discrete Drums ($49.95) and Recording Magazines ($19.95). Total Value: $3320

* 2nd Prize (Contestants' Choice): The musician who enters the song that receives the most votes from the contestants wins an Apple iPod touch 8GB (value $229) plus the FourTrack iPhone/iPod touch app by Sonoma Wire Works ($9.99). An Ultrasound AG30 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier - the best selling compact acoustic amp on the market for the last 5 years is built to Dean Markley's specs for Ultrasound Amps. At 30 watts and just 20 pounds, the AG-30 is perfect for recording and coffee shop gigs. Feedback control, EQ shape control, effects loop, direct out, line out, headphone out, and a 5-year warranty fill out the features (MSRP $300). 5 RiffWorks InstantDrummer Sessions by Discrete Drums ($49.95). Recording Magazines ($19.95). Total Value: $600

* 3rd Prize (Most Public Votes): The musician who enters the song that receives the most shouts from the public wins 12 sets of Dean Markley VintageBronze Guitar Strings in a wooden gift box (MSRP $135). Five RiffWorks InstantDrummer Sessions by Discrete Drums ($49.95). Recording Magazines ($19.95). Total Value: $200

About RiffWorks
RiffWorks easy-to-use guitar recording software includes automatic track creation, loop recording, guitar-oriented effects, InstantDrummer, professionally recorded drum tracks, online music collaboration, and song posting. RiffWorld.com rolls it all into a vibrant online community. RiffWorks Standard Pricing: $129. RiffWorks T4 free download available: http://www.sonomawireworks.com/T4

About RiffRumble
RiffRumble song contests are hosted by Sonoma Wire Works on RiffWorld.com and sponsored by the hottest music industry companies. Sponsors for past RiffRumbles have included Line 6, IK Multimedia, Taylor Guitars, Seymour Duncan, Schecter Guitars, Recording Magazine, and more. Holiday RiffRumble: http://www.riffworld.com/riffrumble/rr14

Steve Negus Of SAGA To Release Solo Album Through Cyclone Records

Steve Negus, the powerhouse behind the multi-platinum selling prog rock band Saga for over 20 years has now released a solo project that captures his signature drumming and songwriting in uncompromising style.

Aptly called "Dare to Dream", the album is comprised of 11 tracks drawn from years of material written during and after the Saga era and is a very personal reflection on his career to date and in looking towards the future. Featuring a guest appearance by Jim Gilmour of Saga fame and also veterans Al Langlade and Mark Severn (who died shortly after the project was completed), the album is diverse and compelling, drawing the listener in with complex rhythms, insightful lyrics and catchy hooks.

Listen to Steve Negus' "Lust"

Steve Negus has this to say: "I have every confidence in label owner Brad Trew's abilities to represent my best interests with the release of my first solo CD "Dare to Dream" and subsequent releases. I see this relationship as a long term commitment on both of our parts to bring my music to the people. I am delighted to have Brad and his team as part of the Negus extended family."

Track Listing:
1. Lust
2. Catch My Fall
3. Dare to Dream
4. Nightmare
5. I Rest My Case
6. No Heaven, No Hell
7. As I Am
8. One Man's Army
9. Body and Soul
10. Satellites
11. Epitaph for Mark

About Steve Negus:
Steve Negus was co-founder of the multi-platinum selling progressive rock band SAGA. Having played with the band for over 20 years and released 17 studio albums, Steve has become a recognized drummer worldwide. Steve has also played with Chris de Burgh, Rupert Hine and was part of GNP (The Gilmour Negus Project) with fellow Saga band mate Jim Gilmour, Red Rider bassist Jeff Jones and Rob Bevan.

To keep up to date on the band, visit http://www.stevenegus.com or their label site at http://www.cyclonerecords.ca