From the monthly archives:

July 2011

Building Hip Hop Beats: 9 tips from multi-platinum producer Johnny Juice

by Michael Gallant July 27, 2011

On a casual listen, tracks by Jay-Z, Tupac, or KRS-One might seem simple in construction – charismatic rhymes riding a driving, repeating drum groove. But if you’ve ever tried building hip hop beats on your own from the ground up, you probably already know that producing something propulsive, gutsy, fresh, and original is not such a simple science – so where do you begin? We brought in one of the genre’s founding experts to offer some advice. Read more…

18 comments

Desktop Wallpaper – August Edition

by Disc Makers July 21, 2011

August Desktop WallpaperThe talented designers in our Design Studio created twelve original works of art (one for each month) that feature the cities where Disc Makers offices are located. Each month we will post a new design, in six common desktop sizes, so you can use them as your desktop wallpaper. August’s wallpaper features Nashville! Click here to get yours!

1 comment

Building a Home Studio
Focus on acoustics and get the most of your home recordings

by Keith Hatschek July 14, 2011

Mixing BoardMany of us have the gear to make our own home recordings, but often physical and/or acoustical limitations in the space where we record have an impact on the sound of our recordings. Parallel walls, cramped square rooms, or loud appliances can quickly ruin any home recording. If you are contemplating improving your garage, attic, basement, spare bedroom, or loft into a home studio to make better recordings, how do you go about it? Read more…

19 comments

One Thing a Day for My Songwriting Journey

by Doak Turner July 5, 2011

If I told you you should do over 350 things for your music career between now and this day next year, you’d probably think I was crazy. But you could do one thing a day, right? One thing a day over the year is how many? Exactly, 365 things on your journey in the next year. Read more…

4 comments

Setting Your Goals

by Ariel Hyatt July 1, 2011

In any aspect of your personal or professional life, setting goals is an empowering way to set the stage for success. In regard to your music, taking the time to visualize your goals can help you pave a personal roadmap for defining and achieving success with your career, whether you consider music your hobby or you are making a living out of it full-time. Read more…

2 comments

10 Questions to Ask a Potential Band Member

by David Hooper July 1, 2011

It’s like a job interview, but so much more. A band member isn’t just doing a job – they are joining your creative family. You want to be sure of their technical ability, and you also want to be sure they will blend with the rest of the band. Success for your group depends on a synergistic blend of personalities. Here are ten questions you can ask a potential band member to ensure they will be exactly what you need to take your band to the next level. Read more…

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