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Author: Keith Hatschek

four takes on big yellow taxi

Anatomy of a cover song: Four takes on “Big Yellow Taxi”

January 20, 2023January 20, 2023 Keith Hatschek

So you picked a cover song, now what? Rather than copying the original version note-for-note, the best covers typically take the essence of the original and reshape it, so that the performing artist makes the song their own while adding something special and recognizable to their repertoire. Read more.

audio engineer using compressors in a recording studio

Using compressors and limiters in your home studio

December 18, 2022December 19, 2022 Keith Hatschek

Using compressors and limiters when recording and mixing allows you to smooth out passages to better control a track. Read the post.

use of reverb and delay in six classic tracks

Using reverb and delay: Lessons from six classic tracks

December 9, 2022December 9, 2022 Keith Hatschek

One way to better understand the adept use of recording techniques is to study classic hits. We’ve got six examples of expertly crafted songs that showcase creative use of reverb and delay. Read the post.

guitar intonation issues

Guitar intonation: How to recognize and fix tuning issues

November 11, 2022November 11, 2022 Keith Hatschek

Many factors can cause your stringed instrument to have intonation problems, including old strings and fluctuations in weather and humidity. Maintain and protect your instrument to keep your guitar in tune. Read the post.

music mastering

Why does my music need mastering?

October 6, 2021August 2, 2022 Keith Hatschek

Home recording is easier and more affordable than ever, which makes the role of mastering ever more important. Here are some objective reasons that make the case for mastering your recordings. Read the post

recording acoustic guitar

Recording acoustic guitar: Experiment with mic placement

September 7, 2021September 8, 2021 Keith Hatschek

The mics you use on any instrument in your home studio recording are a major variable in how your recording will sound, but mic placement is a big part of capturing the best tone for your recording. Read the post

protect your hearing

Practical strategies to protect your hearing as a musician

August 10, 2021August 17, 2021 Keith Hatschek

Most hearing loss associated with exposure to loud noises, or noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), is permanent, painless, and preventable. If you are a musician, you need to be proactive when it comes to minimizing risks to protect your hearing. Read the post.

home recording studio

Thinking about building a home recording studio? Answer these questions first.

July 16, 2021October 13, 2021 Keith Hatschek

Thinking of putting a home recording studio together? Here are five things to consider before you start investing in materials and gear. Read the post.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

What the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act means to the working musician

November 28, 2018March 3, 2020 Keith Hatschek

Changes included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could have a meaningful impact for working musicians — some will keep money in your pocket, others won’t. Read the post.

Music Modernization Act

A look at the Music Modernization Act

October 26, 2018January 15, 2019 Keith Hatschek

Music creatives of all types, along with the entire digital music ecosystem, celebrated the signing of the Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act into law on October 11, 2018. Read the post.

A musician demonstrating some slide guitar techniques.

Slide guitar: A tutorial in six videos

October 11, 2018January 15, 2019 Keith Hatschek

If you haven’t ever tried to play slide guitar, all you need is a metal or glass slide, some patience, and to apply a few basic tips, as presented in these six videos. Read the post.

iconic songs

Breaking down two iconic songs from the Rolling Stones

September 25, 2018September 25, 2018 Keith Hatschek

In part two of our series, we break down two more iconic songs from the Rolling Stones’ library: 1966’s “Under My Thumb” and “Ruby Tuesday.” Read the post.

guitar riffs

Guitar riffs, sonic hooks, and the Rolling Stones’ iconic sound

September 11, 2018September 12, 2018 Keith Hatschek

With guitar riffs like the one in “The Last Time,” the Rolling Stones established their musical signature on the way to becoming songwriting legends. Read the post.

SoundExchange royalties

Don’t miss out on SoundExchange royalties

June 12, 2018June 12, 2018 Keith Hatschek

SoundExchange has paid out more than $5 billion to its more than 155,000 members since its founding in 2000. Do you have SoundExchange royalties waiting for you? Read the post.

offstage music careers

Want to work in music? Consider these offstage music careers.

April 17, 2018April 19, 2018 Keith Hatschek

When someone mentions that they are pursuing a career in music, the first thing that pops into most people’s minds is performing. It’s only natural, and while there is a lot written about performance careers, there’s less about non-performance, offstage music careers. Read the post.

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