Artist HQ

If you’re a producer who uses Ableton Live, check this article out on Create Digital Music where they display tips on using the popular software for live performance provided by Thavius Beck. Thavius, a well talented LA-based producer and rapper, is one of the frequents at the popular Low End Theory club which is home to rising artists like Flying Lotus, Gaslamp Killer, and Nosaj Thing. As a certified ableton trainer, Thavius Beck has worked with artists ranging from Nine Inch Nails to Saul Williams to create unique atmospheric beats. Aside from making music, he’s also a trainer at The Downtown Independent in Los Angeles in which runs a bi-weekly Ableton Live workshop.

Visit the article here to read and learn about these tips and maybe eveb start implementing them in your live sets!

Are you one of those artists or musicians who play bars every other weekend? Do you continually get your friends to show up to small gigs but feel like you have the potential to get more? If so, consider thinking “outside of the box” or should we say, “outside of the bar” . Read this article written by Luke Andrews on why it’s important for indie artists to play shows beyond their comfort zones in bars and why it’s important to promote yourself constantly. Luke Andrews is a professional musician who heads “The LA Accident (The Luke Andrews Accident) and also a contributor to Head Above Music, a well known blog that consists of musicians providing tips and advice about music, songwriting, gear, booking, touring, travel and health.

Ever wonder what happened to hardcore/punk bands The Suicide File, Give Up The Ghost, Malbec, The Explosion or The Hope Conspiracy ? Holy Fever happened, a garage-punk sounding chaotic force that’s not to be reckoned with. The LA based punk band (minus David Weinberg/Volcals) carry on their aggressive tone which cite influences from their hardcore past projects. While Dave’s hardcore screaming takes reigns of their sound, Samantha Barbera’s angelic voice add a nice compliment creating a formula for punk anthems. Don’t believe me? Check them out here, and if you’re in the SoCal area, check them out at The Glasshouse in Pomona, May 26, 2012. They will share the stage with Hot Water Music and Touche Amore.

Vinny Ribbas has provided another great list for you guys to reference but this time these aren’t guidelines to abide by. The list contains 15 reasons why indie artists are either failing or succeeding in the music industry. Check out this important read on IndieConnect. We’ve listed the key points for you here but click on the image or on this link to see the full article.

1. 1. Work Ethic
2. 2. Lack of Knowledge
3. 3. Ineffective Efforts
4. 4. Building Relationships
5. 5. Strong Foundation
6. 6. Team
7. 7. Talent
8. 8. Uniqueness
9. 9. Perseverance
10. 10. Image
11. 11. Finances
12. 12. Professionalism
13. 13. Freshness
14. 14. Fan Management
15. 15. Communication

The man behind the rock and roll amps has passed away at 88 years old. The “Lord of Loud” paved a way for musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townsend, Kurt Cobain and just about every guitarist in the 60′s and 70′s leading into the future.  Without Jim Marshall, many musicians and artists wouldn’t be where they’re at today as there would be now rowdy and heavy riffs to rock out to. Celebrate his existence by listening to a playlist consisting of guitarists who used Marshall amps.