Saturday, December 27, 2008

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.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

MusicDishTV: Tah Mac - Time Of My Life

Time of My Life is the debut single taken from the much anticipated album, "Welcome 2 Tahland" and for late fall it looks set to sizzle! "Time of My Life" an uplifting, feel good record also lays down the ground work for Tah’s inevitable invasion of the charts. www.myspace.com/tahmac

"In this summertime jam, Tah Mac is partying it up on the beaches of 'Tahland'. Life appears to be great there - gorgeous girls, long beaches and lots of sun are all abundant. This is an all-around fun video." - MusicDishTV

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.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

MusicDishTV: Rachael Sage - Vertigo

Official promotional video for "Vertigo" from Rachael Sage's 2008 release CHANDELIER (MPress Records). Directed by Joshua Katcher. www.rachaelsage.com

"Rachael Sage is striking in this eclectic music video. Magicians, fortune tellers, clowns, puppeteers and escape artists are all commonplace here. While psychics deliver their tarot card prophecies and clowns juggle on stage, Rachael sings dutifully at an old-time piano. There is never a dull moment in this superbly produced video." - MusicDishTV

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.

Monday, December 22, 2008

FourTrack iPhone App Updated To Version 1.2 With Import Into RiffWorks V2.5

--Syncing FourTrack songs from iPhone to computer is now easier with direct import into RiffWorks--

Los Altos, CA - Sonoma Wire Works' FourTrack multitrack audio recorder for the iPhone has been updated to v1.2. FourTrack users can now import tracks, complete with pan and gain settings, directly into RiffWorks recording software for Mac and Windows. Songs can be instantly posted from RiffWorks to the RiffWorld.com community for comments, online collaboration, and contests. More tracks, effects, and drums can be added to songs using RiffWorks. All tracks can be exported as .wav files for use in any DAW.

FourTrack v1.2 iPhone App Improvements Include

* FourTrack WiFi Sync to RiffWorks - RiffWorks Standard and RiffWorks T4 v2.5 automatically detect and import tracks directly from the FourTrack iPhone app, including pan and gain settings, using Bonjour on Mac and Windows.

* 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.

* Disabled sleep during playback - Improves usability.

* Reduced battery usage - Saves battery when phone goes to sleep with FourTrack running.

About FourTrack
The FourTrack multitrack audio recorder for the iPhone is a songwriting and practice tool for singers, guitar players, piano players and other musicians who want to capture musical ideas and record songs on their iPhone. Plug in a microphone, arm a track, record, and repeat. FourTrack works with the iPhone built-in microphone or a headset mic. WiFi sync allows FourTrack recordings to be downloaded to any desktop computer running RiffWorks or with any browser. Tracks can then be loaded into any recording software (DAW) to continue working on songs. FourTrack is developed by Sonoma Wire Works, makers of RiffWorks guitar recording software, and by Retronyms, makers of Recorder, the top selling voice recorder for the iPhone. Introductory price: $9.99. http://www.sonomawireworks.com/iphone/fourtrack

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 to RiffWorld.com. FourTrack imports into RiffWorks T4 (free edition) and RiffWorks Standard ($129). http://www.sonomawireworks.com/riffworks.php

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 guitar recording software and the RiffWorld.com online collaboration community have received awards for performance and innovation, including a NAMM 08 Best in Show Trendsetter Award. The FourTrack iPhone application is their latest product. http://www.sonomawireworks.com

About The Retronyms
The Retronyms, headquartered in San Francisco's sunny Mission district, is a band of programmers and artists developing entertaining self-expression tools for PC, Mac and the iPhone. The Retronyms focus on creating fun-to-use products with a streamlined workflow, and providing excellent customer service. Current products include Snap, a web cam photo-booth, and Recorder, the top-selling voice recorder for the iPhone. http://www.retronyms.com

Inside The Music Business Holiday Bash To Benefit Salvation Army

On Tuesday December 23rd, the Inside the Music Business Holiday Bash will take place at the Mix Ultra Lounge in Hollywood, Florida. The event is open to the public and will provide a mix of music industry professionals, live music, food, beverage and giveaways. The night will benefit the Salvation Army of Ft. Lauderdale. "I decided to make our end of year mixer a holiday bash," said Eric Kline, Creator of the Inside the Music Business brand of products and services. "I heard the news that the Salvation Army of Ft. Lauderdale lost its main monetary donor for 2009, and could be on the verge of reducing services (food, water, shelter) to more than six thousand people in Broward County/Ft. Lauderdale." Something had to be done. After all, Kline's inspiration for entering the music business was borne out of the efforts of his musical heroes. "In the eighties, I revered artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi for their musical message and their actions in their own communities. I would always be impressed to see them give back. They donated money to local food banks and produced annual benefits." "We are delighted to be the beneficiary of this event," said Sally Gress, Director of Development at The Salvation Army in Ft. Lauderdale. "This has been a very rough year for fundraising, so we are appreciative of this effort." Kline has heard from a vast array of music industry professionals and expects the South Florida music community to support the night. Also several major players from New York and Nashville (down for the holidays) are expected. The event is open to the public (cover is $10) and will feature music from some of South Florida's premiere indie artists: Alejandra Alberti, Robbie Hazen and White Mike Oz. Excerpts of the artists' performances and power player interviews (which are recorded), will appear on the forthcoming Inside the Music Business Radio Show hosted by MC Serch. Other sponsors/strategic partners include: Steady Image Film & Video, Music Dish Network and Fedex Office. Attendees also have a chance to win Miami Heat and Florida Panther Tickets as well as studio time at Spectrum Recording Studios in Pompano Beach. Kline plans on expanding the Inside the Music Business mixers to other cities around the country in 2009 in conjunction with the launch of the radio show. People can donate directly to the Salvation Army of Ft. Lauderdale by contacting Sally Gress at 954.712.2431 http://www.InsideTheMusicBusiness.com

Friday, December 19, 2008

Music Is Evolving As MP3 Turns Fully Interactive With The TronMe Software, From 3Dsolar

These tracks will be converted using the TronMe software, from 3Dsolar and will release the potential for 15 million new remixes of each song.

TronMe (www.tronme.com) is downloadable software that allows you to control and remix your favorite music and record your own interactive visual music video to go with it. This can then be shared with the world via YouTube, broadcast via Skype or MSN, or added onto Facebook or MySpace via a widget. If you’re voted one of the most accomplished videos then you can win prizes and rewards such as free tracks or tools to use on your player.

The beta software is going from strength to strength, clocking up a hundred new users daily and, with new technology, all these users will soon be able to convert their favorite mp3 tracks into an interactive format. This new version of the track, known as .IVS, can then be used on the TronMe player.

Patrick Levy Rosenthal 3D Solar CEO said, “We expect to convert around 10 million mp3 tracks into interactive format, this will lead to a major revolution in the way people enjoy music. Each converted track has the potential for around 15 million new remixes - that's a lot of new versions for a single file roughly the same size and price as the mp3.”

Almost any track can be converted easily with the help of the player and, as more tracks are converted, the choice of songs will grow quickly.

The last release of the player allows an auto play function to operate. This turns the TronMe player into a home music system. Once the player is open, the user doesn’t need to press anything, their music plays automatically and the software will remix the tracks based on the information analyzed from the webcam with stunning visual effects. Control can be regained at any time, to select new instruments or parts, but it is not necessary. Users can move to the music and see what happens - then share it online.

Interactivity is the future of music.

www.3dsolar.com

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Polarity/1 Raps Homelessness in "Winter In America" (MP3)

Taking a turn to rap, Polarity/1's "Winter In America (Chills To The Bone)" deals with the issue of homelessness, describing the brutally cold weather that they must endure. Proving the seriousness of the situation, Polarity/1 introduces the problem of drug addiction facing poor young people, suggesting that the country is to blame, and not parents: "You tried to raise 'em right, but before you know, they'll be suckin' on a crack pipe."


Download Polarity/1's "Winter In America (Chills To The Bone)" free MP3

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WINTER IN AMERICA (Chills To The Bone)

He had time. Had the world in his pocket
You never rock it chilly chilly smooth
Never tip the tip the ship the ship
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
20 years drinkin' beers slappin' backs
One vacation one heart attack
Honest work honest pay honest town

Just an American lad and his lassie
20 years poppin' rivets in a chassis
American dream died in its sleep
Kids go hungry when you get the pink sheet
Your luck is down they closed the plant
We get laid off Bob gets paid off
Whatcha gonna say when you get home
It's winter in America chills to the bone

CHORUS:
It's winter in America.
Chills to the bone
It's winter in America
You're on your own
The devil wants you on the phone

You walk the streets all day
3 months no job no pay
You believe the system works for you
But it's power lunch and you're the beef stew
Your wife out lookin' for a slave
4 kids sittin' home alone
You tried to raise em right
Before you know they'll be suckin' on a crack pipe
Feelin' weak like a gun at your back
Kids go hungry while Bob's kids have a Big Mac
Ok just chill
You know this won't last long
Word to the president
He says there's nothing wrong

CHORUS:
It's winter in America.
Chills to the bone
The devil wants you on the phone

Birth to your fifth child
Her hunger screams are wild
What's 20 years in the union for?
Congratulations you're one of the poor
Pray to the lord for a friend
Empty pockets tell you to fend for yourself
Put your self respect on a shelf
It's the last of your wealth you'll get no help
Initiation to the welfare line
Emasculation complete you're beat
Broke down cryin'

CHORUS:
It's winter in America.
Chills to the bone
It's winter in America
You're on your own
The devil wants you on the phone

Two years pass, your pride is gone
Your wife is silent, the bank took your home
Remember times when her body felt warm
Now the look in her eyes
could scare away a snow storm
Children cryin' pounds your brain
The president says, "Iraq is to blame"
You dream about politicians one night
You blast em with an Uzi
like 1,000 points of light
Wake up from the dream feelin' fine
Spend your last dollar on a nine

CHORUS:
It's winter in America.
Chills to the bone
It's winter in America
You're on your own
It's winter in America
You lose your home
The devil wants you on the phone

There ain't no time to grieve
Your kids look crazy they tug at your sleeve
Your wife's eyes stab at your heart
You're up like a bomb, smack her down - depart
It's the first time you ever hit your girl
You think about the gun the mother of pearl
Your brain's on fire your legs can't stand
Is this really you
with a gun in your hand?

CHORUS: It's winter in America
Chills to the bone
It's winter in America
You're on your own
It's winter in America You lose your home
The devil wants you on the phone

Seven winds blow through the town
Seven shots and the flesh is torn
Seven people dead in the Detroit dawn
Somewhere out there's seven new people born

CHORUS:
It's winter in America.
Chills to the bone
It's winter in America.
Chills to the bone
It's winter in America.
Chills to the bone
----------

The music of New York City-based Polarity/1 is exactly what the name suggests: conjoined opposites -- a mash up of new: cutting edge electronica/hip hop/nu-jazz and old; roots music of America (blues, funk, country, early jazz), Brazil (samba, pagoda, etc.) and West African groove science. Polarity also describes the dual streams of Polarity/1's musical output: songs and instrumentals.

For more free music from Polarity/1, join his mailing list

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

MusicDishTV: Bethany & Rufus - If I Had My Way (Spirit of Woodstock)

Excerpt from Peter, Bethany & Rufus: The Spirit of Woodstock (2008). Bethany Yarrow and Rufus Cappadocia play with "Bonga" Jean Baptiste (percussion) and Sheila Anozier (dance). Throw down dancing to a Rev. Gary Davis classic. www.bethanyandrufus.com

"'If I Had My Way' relies more on the influence of roots music than some of Bethany & Rufus’ other songs, giving it a faster, dance-tinged vibe. It’s an interesting retelling of the age-old Samson and Delilah story, bringing personal choice into the saga. The beat of the song speeds up to effectively match and emphasize the pace of the story. culminating in grooving drum solos, interspersed with Bethany’s smooth voice." - MusicDishTV

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.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Kerchoonz Live Competition To Find The Hardest Working Unsigned Acts

Kerchoonz.com - the much anticipated answer to the music industry's current downloading problem - is to scrap its artist sign-up fee for Christmas.

The groundbreaking new website, swamped by over 8 million hits and 80,000 unique visitors in November, is scrapping its £12.50 fee to mark the start of Kerchoonz Live - a month long competition to find the hardest working unsigned acts on the circuit.

Bands and artists have until the end of December to use Kerchoonz.com to promote themselves and earn money in a bid to bag a recording session at a famous Glasgow studio. As well as being able to record three tracks at the hands of top producer Ian Morrow (Wet Wet Wet, Rod Stewart, Seal), acts will get to keep all money earned from plays and downloads on Kerchoonz.com.

"I can imagine it's going to be huge and why not?" says former Stereophonics star Stuart Cable. "Becoming a professional musician in a band is the hardest job in the world - so to do it this way is great."

The social media platform lets registered artists and songwriters share their music and videos with fans while getting paid for every stream and download through a combination of the ISRC and play counts by utilizing unique coding and encryption within the application. Kerchoonz pays unsigned acts half a penny for every play and up to 10p for every download - by far the largest payments available to any act choosing to give away their music online.

Artists can even earn money by recommending other musicians to the site and, with no limit on the number of people you can recommend, it's the hardest working acts that will reap the greatest rewards.

"Kerchoonz.com takes the world of online music to a completely different dimension by allowing musicians to earn money from their work without being exploited" says Co-Founder, Indiana Gregg.

Kerchoonz.com is currently locked in talks with both independent and major record labels to bring further content to the site, providing a comprehensive music catalogue for fans.

"If bands and artists use the promotional tools we provide for them, Kerchoonz.com will act just like a record company. Artists can effectively ‘sell' their music without charging their fans anything for it," says Gregg.

Kerchoonz is a place where musicians, artists, film makers, fans, business people, and technologists can meet and exchange in a free and open environment. Our mission is to provide a social platform that enables all of us to explore and create, listen and be heard, give. receive, and discover. Kerchoonz was founded by musicians who believe that artists and musicians should be encouraged and also compensated for their work.

http://www.kerchoonz.com

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Best Of The Batch: Mobile In Motion - American Diarrhea 2


Artist: Mobile in Motion (www.myspace.com/117987602)
Track: American Diarrhea 2
Album: Shadows of Danger

"American Diarrhea 2" is absolutely mad, but in a very good way. Stock-related news clips from the likes of Maria Bartiromo run rampant overtop electronic music that experiments with a wide variety of sounds. Listening to financial news has never been so entertaining or relevant to today's madness.


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