Peer comment (week4)

Greetings Charles,

Prior to reading your blog I assumed I already knew who Babyface was remembering songs like “Every Time I Close My Eyes,” and “You Were There.” After running back a couple videos to refresh my memory I must say his music is very inspiring with amazing messages.

“Antonio “LA” Reid.  LA Reid and Babyface left the group “The Deele” in 1988 and in 1989 began their own label called LaFace Records.”

I found this very informative! I had no clue LaFace records was actually owned and started by L.A. Reid & Babyface but now the name makes a lot more sense! Lol.

Great post!

Thanks,

~@iric

Rabbit in the Moon

Rabbit in the Moon is an American electronic music group. Their style draws from psychedelic trance, house music and breakbeat, along with other diverse influences. Formed in 1992 in Tampa, Florida, the group currently consists of performer/singer Bunny, producer David “Confucius“ Christopher, and also a well-established DJ named Monk. The story of these artists is one shrouded in mystery, welling up from some primordial swampland.

Prior to Rabbit in the Moon, Confucius & Monk were both associated with throwing the first underground rave party’s in Florida, as well as collaborating on a new form of electronic music, mixing club music with hardcore punk, and alternative. Then one night at an underground party in Orlando, Confucius had an awakening, He realized there was a spiritual vibe missing from their music and wanted to elaborate. With Monk’s enthusiasm and direction, they formed Rabbit in the Moon and an independent label, hallucination recordings.

As Rabbit in the Moon’s music gained popularity in Florida’s underground, they realized it was time to make the next big step. Rabbit in the Moon need to perform their music live, but not like everyone else. They wanted something unique and different in contract with their music to grab the attention of listeners and brand in their brain forever!

Upon brainstorming their idea Confucius and Monk discovered stage performer Bunny and decided he would be a perfect fit to their vision. At the time Bunny was an innovative performance artist who fronted an industrial band in Tampa. After joining Rabbit in the Moon, Bunny began to create original abstract costumes that would possess him on stage, with each new character acting out strange rituals and forcing the crowd to take part.

It was this foreshadowed moment that Confucius and Monk’s vision for what was to become the Rabbit In The Moon live experience was now complete. With the combination of groundbreaking music, and Bunny’s mind-altering performances, Rabbit was propelled to the forefront of live electronic music.

In the new millennium Rabbit In The Moon’s live shows have grown into full-blown productions. Including the use of live interactive video (from OVT Visuals Chicago), live instruments, vocals by Bunny, fire dancers, pyro techniques, and a cast of rotating performers.

Rabbit In the Moon has reworked songs by artists such as Depeche Mode "Waiting for the Night", Tori Amos "Precious Things", Sarah McLachlan "Fear", "Possession", Orbital "Are We Here?", Smashing Pumpkins "The End Is the Beginning Is the End", Goldie "Inner City Life", White Zombie "Blood, Milk and Sky" and Delerium "Euphoria".





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_in_the_Moon

Peer comment (week3)

Shane, I totally agree with you about Run DMC. While deciding which Electronic Music Innovation to blog on I found myself at a cross road between Run DMC and the Wu Tang Clan. “In my opinion a specific element that makes DMC stand out is how they successfully incorporated many genres of music.  We can hear classical, rock, funk, the list just continues as the albums where pushed out.  Their undeniable drumbeats stand out in every song they have released. “ I could not agree with you anymore! I believe Run DMC was the first group to actually break the genre barrier and infuse multiple genre collaborations into a single piece, which will forever grant them a spot in music history. This is an excellent blog with great information! Keep up the great work!!

~@iric

Electronic Music Innovations: Wu-Tang Clan

The Wu-Tang Clan is a highly influential hip-hop collective from Staten Island, New York that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi-member of the group. They were formed in (and are associated with) the New York City borough of Staten Island (U-God, Method Man, RZA, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon) (referred to by members as "Shaolin"), though some of their members are from Brooklyn (Ol Dirty Bastard, GZA and Masta Killa) and one is from The Bronx (Inspectah Deck).

The Wu-Tang Clan has been a personal favorite of mine since its debut album “Enter the 36 chambers.” Their unique approach and delivery of music create’s an everlasting impression in your brain that is hard to forget. The Wu-tang clan is known for their very diverse and intellectual vocabulary that rhymes and flows together very fluently, discussing the hardships of coming up as a kid in Shaolin.

Producer and founding leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, The Rza is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. He has produced almost all of Wu-Tang Clan's albums as well as many Wu-Tang solo and affiliate projects. He is widely considered one of the most influential and landmark hip-hop producers of all time. He subsequently gained attention for his work scoring and then later acting in films. His revolutionary techniques of sampling, speeding up tracks to fit the beat laced, and his cinematic skits sprinkled throughout albums have greatly inspired other producers in the industry. He produced for a slew of Wu Tang solo albums as well as group albums that dominated not only commercially, but also thematically and artistically. His production from the mid 90's to the late 90's brought about one of the greatest 'bouts' or 'runs' of inspiration the industry has seen, creating various classics.

The Wu-Tang Clan’s versatile, unique, and epic production will forever inspire me, opening the doors for many ideas and techniques utilized today.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu-Tang_Clan

Kraftwerk

Kraftwerk, is an influential electronic music project, residing out of Dusseldorf, Germany. Formed by Ralf Hutter and Florian Schneider in 1970, and was fronted by them until Schneider’s departure in 2008. The signature Kraftwerk sound combines driving, repetitive rhythms with catchy melodies, mainly following a Western classical style of harmony, with a minimalistic and strictly electronic instrumentation. The group's simplified lyrics are at times sung through a vocoder or computer generated speech software. Kraftwerk were one of the first groups to popularize electronic music and are considered pioneers and innovators in the electronic music field. In the 1970s and early 1980s, Kraftwerk's distinctive sound was revolutionary, and has had a lasting effect across many genres of modern music.

In 1974 Kraftwerk release Autobahn, moving away from the sound of its earlier albums. Hutter and Schneider had invested in newer technology such as the Minimoog and the EMS Synthi AKS, helping give Kraftwerk a newer, disciplined sound. Autobahn would also be the last album that Conny Plank would engineer. After the commercial success of Autobahn, the band members invested money into updating their studio. This meant they no longer had to rely on outside producers.

In 1975 Kraftwerk began to work on a follow-up album, Radio-Activity. After further investment in new equipment, the Kling Klang Studio became a fully working recording studio. It was decided that the new album would have a central theme. This theme came from Kraftwerk's shared interest in radio communication, which had become enhanced on their last tour of the United States.

In March of 1977 Kraftwerk released Trans-Europe Express, recorded at Kling Klang Studio. Trans-Europe Express was mixed at the Record Plant Studios in Los Angeles. It was around this time that Hütter and Schneider met David Bowie at Kling Klang Studio. Collaboration was mentioned in an interview with Hütter, but it never materialised.

In May 1978 Kraftwerk released The Man-Machine, recorded at the Kling Klang Studio. Due to the complexity of the recording the album was mixed at Studio Rudas in Düsseldorf. The band hired sound engineer Leanard Jackson from Detroit to work together with Joschko Rudas on the final mix of the record. The Man-Machine was the first Kraftwerk album where Karl Bartos was co-credited as songwriter.

In May 1981 Kraftwerk released the album Computer World  on EMI records. The album was recorded at Kling Klang Studio between 1978 and 1981. Some of the electronic vocals on Computer World were created using a Texas Instruments Language Translator. "Computer Love" was released as a single from the album backed with the earlier Kraftwerk track "The Model". The single reached the number one position in the UK, making "The Model" Kraftwerk's most successful record in the UK. The bands live set focused increasingly on song-based material, with greater use of vocals and the use of sequencing equipment for percussion and musical lines. The approach taken by the group was to use the sequencing equipment interactively, thus allowing room for improvisation.

Kraftwerk are innovators and pioneers of electronic music, they were experimenting with equipment and also having equipment specially designed for them to use that had never been used in music production before. When Kraftwerk began producing no one in the music industry was utilizing the Vocoder, Drum Machine, EMS Synthi AKS, ect., Kraftwerk was the first. Since the birth of Kraftwerk the electronic music industry has been on a steady climb birthing acts such as Afrika Bambaataa, Bjork, Aphex Twin, Fatboy Slim, Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, The Crystal Method, Epoch, Moby. I personally love Kraftwerk, I believe without innovators like Kraftwerk music production would not be as advanced and technical as it is today.. 




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraftwerk

The Beatles-Revolver (Week 2 Podcast)

Peer comment

Joshua Knight,

I totally agree with everything you have said about Marvin Gaye. I truly find him as one of the most inspirational and influential artist of all times. Not only was Marvin a self proclaimed Singer/Songwriter he was also an amazing producer, producing majority of his classic hits being backed by the “Funk Brothers” Motown’s in-house band. Marvin was a pioneer, writing and singing about what he believed in and standing behind his every word. It is really hard to find an original artist who is not scared to stand up against the music industry, government, and people to speak out about what they believe in. “I see a person that would stop at nothing to see his dreams, wants and desired come to pass,” well said Josh. That is Dedication, desire, and drive, at its best, at man that will stop at nothing..

Thanks,

Eric Livingston

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s image and music prior to recording “What’s going on” portrayed love, intimate relationships, and also sexual relations. Marvin Gaye was a Motown ledged and also a major sex symbol of the 60’s and 70s with all the greatest love songs produced by Motown at the current time.

While writing, “What’s going on” Marvin Gaye was heavily affected and influenced by many current events and negative tragedies surrounding him. Marvin’s singing partner, Tammi Terrell, had suffered and died of a serious brain tumor. Also his brother Frankie had just returned from serving in the Vietnam War and was very depressed, he told Marvin horrific stories of children eating out of garbage cans which brought a entirely new value of life to Marvin.

 Member of The Four Tops, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, came up with the song idea for “What’s Going on.” Unfortunately, The Four Tops were not interested in performing the track so Obie searched out trying to find other artists who would better compliment the song. No other artist had the courage to rise against and perform a “protest song” like “What’s going on” so Obie became unsuccessful until discovering Marvin. Upon recording “What’s going on” Marvin feel vastly in love with the track, becoming one of his most anticipated projects.

When Marvin proudly presented his masterpiece to Berry Gordy at Motown records, Berry refused to release the track, claiming it to be “The worst thing he had ever heard,” which began a Motown war. Marvin then began to boycott performing for Motown records until the track was released. In the meantime Marvin decided he wanted to be a professional football player for the Detroit Lions and began to train and practice with the team, claiming to become in the best physical shape of his life. Shortly after executive vice-president Barney Ales released the track without Gordy knowing and the song became the hottest single in America selling 100,000 copies in a single day.

A few characteristics from the “What’s Going On” album that sets it apart from other soul recordings of the mid 1960s and 70s is its messages conveyed, lyrical content, and production. Many artists at the current time were “puppet” like artist only imitating prior success song thought to be popular rather then singing and writing about relevant and current events. On the “What’s going on” album Marvin spoke out and revolted for what he believed in and did not back down. Another unique trait at that time is Marvin produced all his own music while being backed by the Funk brothers in the studio.

Marvin Gaye is one of the most inspirational musicians to date. His music is incredibly smooth while production being Sharp and on point. His lyrics are well thought, structured, and preformed exquisitely. As a person I believe he was a very independent, spoken, and respected, someone who would stand up for what they believed in and sit down for nothing, A true icon.. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Gaye

The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground & Nico are known for their experimentalist performance sensibilities, as well as the focus on controversial subject matter and descriptions of topics expressed. With majority of their material pertaining to drug abuse, prostitution, sadism, masochism and sexual deviancy this would make The Velvet Underground one of the most unique, offensive, and talked about groups of the late 1960’s.

Lou Reed (primary lyricist) and John Cale are both songwriters and also founding brothers of The Velvet Underground, forming the band in early 1965 and shortly after recruiting Reed's college friend Sterling Morrison and Cale's flatmate Angus Maclise. Unfortunately for the band Reed and Cale has had an on going discrepancy about creative disagreements, spawning since the band was formed. This has caused multiple break-ups, fights, disagreements, and end resulting in the two members actually never speaking again.
Promoter, Supporter, and Producer Andy Warhol helped The Velvet Underground tremendously. Not only did he fund and produce their projects he also provided a place to play and experiment. Andy Warhol was full of great ideas, his plan was to merge Music, Art and Film onto a single platform and deliver it at once for an unforgettable experience, using The Velvet Underground as the axis.

 The Velvet had many unique traits about them that set them apart from the others. Obviously their lyrics being one, having such songs like "I'm Waiting for the Man" that describes a man's efforts to obtain heroin while "Venus in Furs" is a nearly literal interpretation of the nineteenth century novel of the same name (which itself prominently features accounts of BDSM). One of the best-known tracks on their album is "Heroin", a song that details an individual's use of the drug and the experience of feeling its effects.

 Another amazing trait about The Velvet Underground was Cales awesome ability and additive instrumentation of the Viola. Cale's viola was used on several of the album's songs, notably "Venus in Furs" and "Heroin". The viola used guitar and mandolin strings, and when played loudly, Cale would liken its sound to that of an airplane engine. Cale's viola technique usually involved drones, or single notes sustained over long periods of time. He would, however, vary his attack, speed, or even add other notes on top to create differing tones while maintaining a consistent pitch.

 I believe The Velvet Underground and Andy Warhol are both pioneers of many techniques and performances used today. The evolution of Music Videos, live video effects, and visual performances have all spawned from pioneers such as this.  Although offensive to many with there explicit lyrical content and heavy drug use, The Velvet Underground has forever marked their place in history. 

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Velvet_Underground

The Beatles - Revolver

The Beatles, an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960 and one of the most commercially and internationally successful acts in the history of popular music. Prior to recording of Revolver The Beatles had a very pop and commercial like sound that was designed to sell records. Similar to the early Beach Boys, majority of The Beatles songs were composed and arranged to deliver a complete story like album, with lyrics consisting of love and relationship filled messages. 

The Beatles album “Revolver” had a substantial amount of non-musical influences such as psychedelic drugs like LSD, Marijuana, and also a large amount of alcohol. Paul McCartney and John Lennon also met and spent an abundant amount of time with many influential people during these times that would also impact their creativity.

Revolver marked the beginning of The Beatles really experimenting in the recording studio. The use of the studio as an instrument during the recording of Revolver is abrupt from the start of the album. The Beatles introduced a variety of studio sounds while a countdown happens. The Beatles are also credited as being the first band to use Direct Input to record their guitars through a recording console. Revolver was also the first record that used compression as a sonic tool by using over compression on the drums to make them sound more mysterious. They also used artificial double tracking to thicken their sound by delaying the vocal track. Aside from literally hearing the studio, Revolver is heavily populated with various effects that could not be reproduced live.

As an industry professional, what intrigues me the most about the Revolver album is the risk that the Beatles were willing to take. With such an experimental composition the lyrics and instruments seemed to mesh well to create an overlapping theme of euphoria that is essential in understanding the Revolver album. I am grateful for all the new innovations and new studio techniques that this album has to offer.


References: 


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatles

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolver_(album)


Album Art:


http://thepicturehouse.org/films?field_genere_value_many_to_one%5B%5D=Music+and+Film

The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds

                              

The Beach Boys are an all American rock band that was formed in 1961. Residing out of southern California the Beach Boys earlier music was heavily influenced and mostly inspired by the sunny beach life of California, lyrics reflecting a youth culture of surfing, cars, and romance. The group was originally arranged of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. They were managed early on by the Wilsons' father Murry. The band's leader, composer, arranger and producer Brian Wilson was responsible for writing most of the band's early singles and albums.

The Beach Boys signed with Capital Records in mid-1962, upon signing Wilson wrote and/or co-wrote more than 24 Top 40 hits including, “Surfin’ USA”, “Surfer Girl”, Little Deuce Coupe”, Surfin’ Safari”, “In My Room”, “Fun, Fun, Fun”, “Be True to Your School”, “I Get Around”, “Help Me Rhonda”, “Dance, Dance, Dance”, and “California Girls”. These songs and their accompanying albums were an international success, critically acclaiming The Beach Boys one of the biggest acts of the early 1960’s.

During the mid-1960s, Brian's advancing creative ambition and songwriting ability would dominate the group's musical direction by featuring a more complex, intricate and multi-layered sound. In it, he wove elaborate layers of vocal harmonies, coupled with sound effects and unconventional instruments such as bicycle bells, buzzing organs, harpsichords, flutes, Electro-Theremin, dog whistles, trains, Hawaiian-sounding string instruments, Coca-Cola cans and barking dogs, along with the more usual keyboards and guitars.

I believe Pet Sounds made Brian Wilson a pioneer of music, setting him apart from all the original producers or the 1960’s era. Stimulating his creativity with drug use Wilson would open his mind to exploring new techniques of composing and arrangement that are still utilized today.  You can hear the influence of Wilson’s pioneered production evolve through music in such bands known as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Hendrix, and even still utilized in more modern music like Techno, Hip hop, and Rock. 


References: 
http://web.me.com/fullsailmh2/Music_History_Repository/Additional_Resources_-_Pet_Sounds.html


David N. Howard (2004). Sonic Alchemy Pg. 49-91


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet_Sounds


Album Art:
 http://captaincook.tumblr.com/post/2629094121/discopotential-33-3-art-show-the-beach-boys

About me

Greetings,

 My name is Eric Livingston I am a young musical connoisseur who is infatuated with exploring and producing original, exclusive, and pioneering type music. Residing out of Central Florida I began my music career as a resident DJ at multiple nightclubs around central Florida mostly consisting of the greater Tampa Bay area. Later into my DJ career I decided that with my knowledge of music and growing obsession of the Hip hop culture I wanted to be more involved with the movement and decided to put my knowledge to work by producing original beats for artist.

Due to the lack of Funds, Equipment, Software, and knowledge I decided to join Full Sail University’s Music Production Program. Honestly I believe it has been the smartest decision I have ever made.  Not only have I obtained the required equipment, I have mastered the ability to navigate and successfully operate top of the line software such as Logic Pro, I have also had the opportunity to network with a significant amount of professionals in the music industry landing me gigs with professionals in the music industry.

Thanks,

~@iric

#StudioLife