Mbop Megastore is now on the final stages of its initial expansion plan. With a massive ingestion of tracks happening on a daily basis, the promise of music from every genre for every generation is coming to fruition. MBop are very quickly heading to the magic 2 million track mark, and this is when the next stage begins.
With this massive selection of music comes the problem of actually directing and guiding people to brilliant music that may otherwise have stayed undiscovered. One way MBop are planning to achieve this is by using expert advisors to write content for the site. Another way is to bring the record buying community into the site. With a moderated forum, MBop hopes to lead the way in online music discussion, with people able to recommend records and discuss tastes and trends, building a community of music lovers from all genres.

Our collaboration with record labels across the board has allowed us to collect music from every angle, opening our market to its broadest capacity. Another exciting prospect is the imminent ingestion of the Beggars Group. This legendary name is one of the most versatile and forward thinking independent record labels in the world, and their addition to the Megastore is fantastic news for the store and its customers.

Not only is MBop intent on developing their relationship with the independent labels that are so important for keeping their cutting edge customer base happy, they are also focussing on something for the older consumer. This is being done by making sure that this current expansion phase has something for everyone, and as such, the store is showing a huge increase in the number of Classical, Jazz and Soul titles available for download, as well as specialised areas including Religious and gospel music, and genres including spoken word and stories. With access to the huge customer database that MBop possesses, news of the availability of these titles, some of which are unavailable elsewhere, will be spread far and wide in no time at all. Mbops unique selling point of building a Music society online has allowed members to enjoy music with friends. Our fusion of promotion and distribution puts our Megastore at a level of all-round expertise.

Justin Stoneman, journalist for The Independent newspaper recently devoted a full page spread to MBop founder Paul Ballance and his MBop brand, stating The new MBop business has successfully launched an attack on the big boys. This and other Media interest, together with the hard working MBop team has allowed MBop to reach the masses. Other success for the Megastore has come in the form of collaboration from leading music media organisations including Music Week, recognising MBop megastores success, advantages and plans for the future. The journey for Mbop has just begun, the expansion is rapid the focus is driven. MBops future holds a new community of Music loving members in a global online music society.

Article Source: Music Blog Site

All The Roadrunning is the latest Pop CD released by the richly talented Mark Knopfler who once again has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks. Im confident Mark Knopfler fans, and Pop fans alike will be pleased with this one.

Mark Knopfler has been a super star in the Pop genre for quite some time now and All The Roadrunning is an excellent illustration as to why.

These days its a very rare CD on which every single song is good or better than the one before it. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs.

Listen to and I think youll agree that the song choices are excellent, the production is outstanding and Mark Knopfler is clearly in top form.

While this entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 - I Dug Up A Diamond, track 6 - Love And Happiness For You, and track 12 - If This Is Goodbye

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 10 - Beyond My Wildest Dreams. Outstanding!

All The Roadrunning Release Notes:

Mark Knopfler originally released All The Roadrunning on Apr 25, 2006 on the Warner Bros. Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Beachcombing 2. I Dug Up A Diamond 3. This Is Us 4. Red Staggerwing 5. Rollin’ On 6. Love And Happiness For You 7. Right Now 8. Donkey Town 9. Belle Star 10. Beyond My Wildest Dreams 11. All The Roadrunning 12. If This Is Goodbye

Personnel: Mark Knopfler (vocals, guitar); Emmylou Harris (vocals, acoustic guitar); Richard Bennett (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, steel guitar); Dan Dugmore (acoustic guitar, pedal steel guitar); Paul Franklin (steel guitar); Glenn Duncan (mandolin, fiddle); Stuart Duncan (violin); Steve Conn (accordion); The Memphis Horns (horns); Guy Fletcher (piano, organ, synthesizer); Jim Cox (piano, organ); Glenn Worf (bass instrument); Danny Cummings (drums, tambourine); Chad Cromwell (drums).

Article Source: Music Blog Site

Is it a waste of time to try and get a record deal in the music industry today? Well, that is a question that each independent music artist must answer themselves. But, if you are one of those people who would love a record deal for whatever reason, then read on. Like most things, if you don’t go about things in the right way you can waste a lot of time, energy and cash with no result. A lot of the time, you are trying to reach the wrong music contacts or going about it all wrong.

The truth is that if you can produce what they are looking for at the right moment then you will be in luck. The music industry always needs new artists and bands. It is just a matter of who is making themselves accessible and ready for signing. So, basically, what you need to do is offer the music industry and those big music contacts what they want.

The music industry may be huge but there are also a huge number of independent music artists, bands, songwriters and producers vying to get those deals. Your challenge is to set yourself apart. The industry is drenched with albums of singers who can’t sing, bands with no sounds and songwriters with a plethora of boring songs!

Let’s assume you are not in the above state categories. Let’s say you really have what it takes. Now you only need to do a couple of things first.

1. Make yourself marketable to all A&R and record label music contacts that meet you.
2. Identify who or which companies are best suited to your needs and focus on those.

The music industry and independent music is changing and so should you be ever-changing or growing. Music is like fashion so you have to keep your music in fashion or it will go out of style. You have to be what is selling and what is hot right now and stay that way.

Surround yourself with people that are marketable and reliable as well. If you are in a band, make sure all your members have the same goals of success as you do. You can afford to have a weak link in the chain.

To get noticed, you need to take every chance to get your music reviewed in any media available. This can include entering competitions, putting up your website, building a solid fan-base, performing shows and creating a killer buzz. If you do all of the previous things, you will prove that your music and your style is marketable. In the end, what you want is your demo to arrive and for the record company already have an idea of who you are.

Article Source: Music Blog Site

Nils, the richly talented Smooth Jazz artist has released his latest CD titled Ready to Play and Wow! Its really a good one.

Unfortunately, its not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just cant force myself to get through. Not at all the case with this collection. On Ready to Play every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Ready to Play is a pleasantly varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are from personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

The CD grabs your attention right from the start with the title track Ready To Play and simply does not let go until the very last note of the very last song, Last Night. Which by the way is a really nice track as well.

Nils is one of those musicians with the ability to just bowl you over with his talent. The kind of artist its really a treat to be able to listen to.

If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this album. Overall Ready to Play is a great release. I give it my double thumbs up. Give it a long listen and I believe you will agree with me. I just don’t see how any fan of good music could be disappointed with one single track here.

While the entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 1 Ready To Play, track 5 Sunrise On Sunset, and track 11 Hurry Up And Wait.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, You Gotta Be. Good stuff!

Ready to Play Release Notes:

Nils originally released Ready to Play on January 23, 2007 on the Baja Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Ready To Play 2. Just Smile 3. Catnap 4. Midnight Breeze 5. Sunrise On Sunset 6. You Gotta Be 7. Dreamin’ 8. My Girl 9. Hi Five 10. Only You 11. Hurry Up And Wait 12. Last Night

Article Source: Music Blog Site

Are you a struggling artist who just wants their music to be heard or are you someone who is frustrated with the major labels and everything that comes along with them? It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have accomplished, anyone who has the desire can learn how to start an independent label. Over the next few minutes, we are going to explore why starting an Indie label is such a great idea.

Let’s say you are that struggling artist who can’t seem to catch a break. You want your music recorded and released to the public but can’t seem to get signed. Well, now-a-days, this isn’t a problem. Even if you thought you didn’t know how to start a record label before, you are about to learn just how easy it is.

Get in the studio, record your album and start selling. Is it really that easy? Well, yes and no. Yes, that is what you do and once you have accomplished the first step then you are well on your way.

Some people say they want to know how to start and run an independent label but they are worried because they aren’t artists themselves. That is absolutely ok. Maybe you are just a fan or just a lover of music, not a performer. This may be a plus for you. Although not always true but sometimes the creative artsy types have a harder time running the business side of a label. Maybe you should team up and have the best of worlds, a lover of and a performer of music.

Independent labels offer freedom for artists and owners. They also are known to have a bigger return on investment because there are less people to split profits with. You will retain complete creative control and all the rights to your music. If you have been searching for how to start an independent label, then look no further. The future is in the palm of your hands. It is relatively inexpensive in the beginning and when profits are generated then you will expand.

The time is now because the music market is expanding and the door is wide open for independent labels. It is better than ever so you need to act. Find a mentor that can help you learn how to start a record label if you need to. But you need to get in while the getting is good.

Article Source: Music Blog Site

Many people are under the impression when deciding how to start an independent record label that they need a large amount of experience and education about the music industry. Although this is not a bad thing, networking seems to play an even larger role in this industry. As the old saying goes, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” In this music biz this seems to ring true a thousand times over.

When deciding how to start and run an independent record label, this is the thing you need to keep in mind. As I said before, the key is networking. Networking is basically the act of making contacts as far as around the world if you can. But keep in mind when meeting people that it isn’t always just about business. You don’t want to become someone whose only goal in conversation is develop a contact.

In other words, always view situations by thinking about the other person’s perspective. When meeting an important person, ask yourself a few important questions. An example would be, “If you were this person, how would you like to be approached?” Also take into account how many people they hand their card out to everyday, and how to increase your chances of being noticed.

When networking, be brief in the beginning of the conversation. Let them know exactly what they need to know about yourself and the label you have begun. After a brief introduction, the conversation could last for hours, but even if it doesn’t, it is better to have said the important factors instead of wasting their time and yours.

It is very important to never underestimate the power and importance of the assistance of a lower-level person. Sometimes the best way to get a hold of the person you want to reach is by developing a relationship with their assistants. They are the closest connection you have with the person you are trying to reach. Keep in mind, assistant can help immensely by making sure that your information is given more priority on the boss’s desk than others.

With all this said, I hope you understand the importance of networking when working on how to start an independent label. These are some great tips on doing just this and I hope you keep them in mind as you learn how to start and run an independent record label.

Article Source: Music Blog Site

Sometimes your guitar will start playing different. It may not be a major problem but something is not quite right with it. Perhaps it has a small buzz or rattle. You know something does not feel right but the problem is so small it is hard to figure out just what the problem is. You need a system to try to figure out what your guitar problems may be.

Almost any major problem should be taken to a professional guitar repairman. They have the tools and the knowledge to fix problems that most people would have a hard time doing at home. You can often find small guitar problems by starting at one end and working your way to the other. This article will look at a few parts of the guitar and how they may give you problems.

Start at your tuning keys and check to make sure they are tight. If the screws are loose or missing the tuning keys may move slightly and cause you to have problems keeping your guitar in tune. Make sure they are turn smoothly and are not too tight or too loose. You may want to replace your tuners with a better set if you are having any problems keeping your guitar in tune.

You may want to turn your attention to the nut at the top of your fingerboard next. Take a look and see if the strings are sitting in the groves. They should all be about the same height and there should not be any part of the nut broken off. Sometimes a string may shift slightly out of the nut and cause a buzz or rattle when you play.

Take a look at the fingerboard and frets next. The fingerboard should not show any severe signs of wear or uneven spots. There may be some normal wear in this area but you should be fine here as long as you do not spot any extreme wear.

The frets are another story as they will wear and cause you all kinds of playing problems. Look for any uneven wear or sharp edges. A fret job is really a job for a guitar repair professional and is not something the average player will want to take on.

Take a look at the bridge and see if everything looks all right. You want to check for gaps between the top of the guitar and the bottom of the bridge. Make sure you do not see any cracks in the wood and the saddle is sitting in the bridge straight. Once again if you need the bridge worked on it is usually best to leave this to a pro.

By taking a look at the different parts of your guitar you may just find your guitar problems. If everything looks fine but you still have that buzz or rattle take your guitar into someone you trust to give it a better look.

Article Source: Music Blog Site

Gregg Karukas has released his most recent album entitled Looking Up.

Looking Up opens with an outstanding track in Girl In The Red Dress that I anticipate will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It really is a very nice track.

Looking Up is a nicely varied, mix of 11 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

The nice thing about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Smooth Jazz isnt your favorite genre you still cant help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Listen and I think youll agree that the song choices are excellent, the production is outstanding and Gregg Karukas’s piano playing is as usual in top form. Of particular note on this offering is his amazing rendition of First Flight Home with Rick Braun.

While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 1 Girl In The Red Dress, track 5 First Flight Home, and track 10 Deep Into You.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6 Show Me The Way. What a great track!

Looking Up Release Notes:

Gregg Karukas originally released Looking Up on Aug 30, 2005 on the Trippin N Rhythm Records record label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Girl In The Red Dress - (with Michael O’Neill) 2. London Underground - (with Michael O’Neill) 3. Looking Up - (with Thom Rotella) 4. Relentless - (with Michael O’Neill) 5. First Flight Home - (with Rick Braun/Ricardo Silveira) 6. Show Me The Way - (with Michael O’Neill/Andy Suzuki) 7. Corner Club/Clube De Esquina - (with Ricardo Silveira/Andy Suzuki) 8. Isabella - (with Richard Smith) 9. Cross Rhodes - (with Ricardo Silveira/Michael O’Neill/Andy Suzuki) 10. Deep Into You - (with Peter White/Richard Smith) 11. Lost In Negril - (with Richard Smith)

Personnel: Gregg Karukas (piano, keyboards, synthesizer, programming); Peter White , Ricardo Silveira (guitar); Michael O’Neill, Thom Rotella (electric guitar); Andy Suzuki (flute, saxophone); Rick Braun (trumpet). Recording information: Night Owl, Los Angeles, CA (2004 - 2005).

Article Source: Music Blog Site

One word describes the CD Night Sessions from Chris Botti… AWESOME!

Refreshingly, Night Sessions was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

The nice thing about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Smooth Jazz isnt your favorite style you still cant help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Smooth Jazz fans will recognize some of the players that have been assembled to play along with Botti on this CD. Artists like Shawn Colvin, Kazu Matsui, Jeff Lorber, and Billy Childs just to name a few.

The CD really grabs your attention right from the very first note of the very first song, Lisa and doesn’t let go until the very last note of the very last song. Which is by the way a very nice closing track.

Overall Night Sessions is an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up, as it is most definitely a worthy addition to any Smooth Jazz collection. Truly an outstanding Smooth Jazz CD. A collection completely void of any wasted time, as each track is simply superb.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 3 Streets Ahead, track 4 When I See You, and track 11 Through An Open Window.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1, Lisa. Its a great track!

Night Sessions Release Notes:

Chris Botti originally released Night Sessions on Oct 30, 2001 on the Columbia label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Lisa 2. Miami Overnight 3. Streets Ahead 4. Interlude 5. All Would Envy - (featuring Shawn Colvin) 6. Best Time 7. When I See You 8. You Move Me 9. Blue Horizon 10. Light The Stars 11. Through An Open Window 12. Easter Parade

Personnel: Chris Botti (trumpet); Shawn Colvin, Lani Groves, Camilla (vocals); Bill Reichenbach (trombone); Kazu Matsui (shakuhachi); Kipper (keyboards, programming); Jeff Lorber, Billy Childs, Jeff Young (keyboards); Dominic Miller, Shane Fontayne, Heitor Pereira, Marc Shulman (guitar); Christian McBride, Jimmy Johnson, Jon Ossman (bass); Vinnie Colaiuta, Abe Laboriel, Jr. (drums); Luis Conte (percussion). Engineers include: Kevin Killen, Christopher J. Roberts, Kipper. Recorded at Boogie Nights, Hollywood and Sony Studios, Santa Monica, California; Clear Creek Recording, Austin, Texas; Ted Spencer Recording, New York, New York.

Article Source: Music Blog Site

Guitar playing has always been a part of the pastime of both the teens and adults. More so, not only the men are the ones who are learned in playing the guitar but also the women. Some of them perceive the skill as a good form of hobby while there are those who find careers with it. Whichever is the reason for one to be particularly interested in playing the guitar, what matters is his natural learning ability, his desire to learn the style, tricks, and techniques, and the patience, perseverance, and dedication that are to be fully exerted.

Wherever in the world, the guitar is one of the musical instruments that is held to be the easiest to play. Guitars could be seen all over the camping, concerts, singing presentations, and many other get-together activities. It is also for its popularity that many people take the interest to learn how to play it. However, not all of those who try manage to succeed. What they fail to realize is that guitar playing is indeed easy and simple. One basic reason as to why many of those who venture into learning how to play the instrument fail is because right from the start, they already heap pressure on themselves. They come round with bits of unrealistic prospects. They always think that they could right away play their favorite musical genres.

If you truly want to succeed and learn how the guitar could be played easily, you must gain full understanding about the instrument itself, the music that you are to play, and train your fingers to coordinate with the necessary motions as you pluck the strings and press on the chords. For a clearer comprehension, read on.

A Few Tips for You as a Beginner

Secure a chord chart. The chord chart will be your guide as it clearly shows you how the fingers should be positioned when playing the various kinds of guitar chords. Playing the chords of the guitar is simply the same with pressing those of the organ chords. If you intend to learn by yourself, the chord chart will be of best aid to you.

Guitar made easy allows you to learn in the privacy of your own home. Learn how the chords should be read. Yes, you may have a chords chart but if you do not know how to read them, it would all be useless.

Do the finger exercises. It would help a lot to exercise the finger muscles so that they would be flexible especially when working with the chord positioning.

Learn the chords one at a time. Since there are too many types of guitar chords, do not be too ambitious to cover all of them in one single session. For a beginner like you, it would be practical to master each of the chords one by one. Do not jump into another without first flawlessly playing the other. In a day, try learning at least three chords and practice them continuously until such time that you could already manage to play them in a fast pace. Remember that it would require too much patience and hard work on your part.

Know the function of your right hand. Take note that your right hand should coordinate with your left hand. Most beginners find it hard to continue with strumming because the left hand is still unsettled with the chord to be pressed. This is quite normal but in the succeeding days of your practice you will soon eliminate this habit.

Get an inspirational song. The best possible way of learning to play a musical piece is by having the tune inside your mind. As you have gotten familiar with the guitar chords, then you could play the tune in your head and consequently go on with working on the chords and strumming the strings.

Remember that it is no joke to learn to play the guitar. Yes, it is easy and simple but still, it requires the proper skills and training. Keep these tips in your mind and they could surely help you out.

Article Source: Music Blog Site