Why Music is a Crucial Part of Film and Game Development

Mon Jul 19 2021
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Meta: Music can be one of the most important parts of film and game development, setting the scene and prepping the viewer perfectly. Find out more about how those behind it do so here.

Why Music is a Crucial Part of Film and Game Development

Whether you are sitting down to watch your favourite movies or trying out a game of some sort, there is no denying that music will form an important part of your experience. It is a crucial part of film and game development, and some of our favourite pieces of media would be very different without the right pieces of music.

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Setting the Tone

BTW - White Cowbell Oklahoma, Arkells, Graham Brown Band, Shred Kelly, Cristina Vane, Donovan Woods

Fri Jul 16 2021
White Cowbell Oklahoma

This week we salute ICNA Relief Food Bank 6120 Montevideo Rd. Unit #4
Mississauga, Tel: 905-858-1067
Email: mississaugafb@icnareliefcanada.ca  Because of CoVid, please contact before going.
Support your local food bank. The need is real.

Steppin’ in with the raunch’n’roll of Toronto’s dukes of debauchery, White Cowbell Oklahoma. Featuring a nebulous syndicate of low-life participants and a show often compared to Kiss meets The Allman Brothers meet Frank Zappa meets The Tubes, the band has toured Europe and North America countless times, while completely disregarding musical trends, political correctness, and common decency.

With the band’s first archival release “Textos Raros – Vol 1 – 2001-2011”, White Cowbell Oklahoma presents over 40 minutes of eleven rare and never-released digital tracks due out on August 6th via the band's very own Slick Monkey Records.

Digital Is Over in So Many Ways

Fri Jul 16 2021
Peter Åstedt

People are going crazy to try to save their digital enterprises right now. Sorry to have to break the news to you but digital is not working in the music industry. The digital summits and showcases we had online were just to keep up with something at a time when live events were not allowed.

So far, it’s been a very few that I thought were good, and you saw that it was getting harder and harder to get people to log in to different online communities to be on there. The tragic part is that the only one I have heard taking on the positive about these digital events is the organizers. Mainly because there is a lot of funding to get if you are digital edition, second, it’s much easier for you  as you can gather a lot of people from around the world with just emailing and social media.

Problem with this is that, yes. you get funding, but you can’t get paid for doing it. The conferences I went to that cost money were very seldom occupied, most people in there were the people that got free tickets because they were speakers or friends with the organizer. Many of the events were free or you could decide the prize yourself.

Folk Rocker Glen Foster is Feelin’ Alive With the Release of Epic New Live Album

Fri Jul 16 2021
Glen Foster

When it comes to taking control of a room, Canadian folk-rock veteran Glen Foster is a master. And now, he’s got a brand-new live album to show just that; Feelin’ Alive.

Check out the YouTube single “Three Man Band here:

In late February, about a month before the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world, Glen Foster and friends — known professionally as the Glen Foster Group — presented a full-throttle live concert to an intimate crowd of just over 150 people at the Christ Community Church in his homeland of Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, in the West coast of Canada. Now, as Canadians are quickly becoming fully vaccinated, Foster has released this epic, 80-minute concert as his first-ever live album. It features 14 live cuts spanning his entire back-catalogue, and two bonus tracks recorded from the studio floor — “Friends Like That” and “Three Man Band.”

Vacation? What Is That?

Fri Jul 09 2021
Peter Åstedt

Right now, when I do my send-outs, I get an auto-reply from people that say they are on vacation. Especially in Sweden where it seems like we are shutting down the whole country during July. Yes, having five weeks vacation in a row in the summer is a must if you live in Sweden. Not for me though, I work in the music industry.

Ottawa Composer Huguette Lavigne Throws Back in the Key of “Piano Retro”

Fri Jul 09 2021
Huguette Lavigne

Innovative and prolific composer Huguette Lavigne is throwing back and taking you along for a jazzed-up, improvisational ride to “Piano Retro”.

Check out “Piano Retro” on YouTube here:

The Ottawa-based pianist calls this new release from her latest album Five O’Clock Somewhere “old-school piano jazz… An easy going, smooth flowing, just plain cool jazzy piece and good for the soul.”

She then sets the throwback scene featuring an old-time jazz club player that she imagines performing the song. “Some guy sits down in a smoky room at a large black grand and plays around with jazzy swirls, runs and melodic twists,” Lavigne describes. “He doesn’t take it too seriously, and it all ends with his notes slipping down a long glissando and the bubbles on his brain disappear.”

Rabbi, Author & Musician Gary Zweig’s Kiddush Club Release Music to Get Motivated

Fri Jul 09 2021
Gary Zweig

Canada’s rockin’ Rabbi, author, musician, and founder of Kiddush Club Gary Zweig has just the soundtrack for getting families active this summer: the release of his new song, “Exercise”.

Check out “Exercise” on YouTube here:

Channelling everyone from the world’s greatest athletes to the beginner at-home fitness enthusiast, Zweig says he set out to create an exciting song to exercise alongside with.

“It’s fun, it’s funky, and it’s got a bit of rock and roll,” the Toronto-based multi-talented singer/songwriter enthuses. “I’m young at heart, so I wrote this song for kids of all ages — from 1 to 101 years old!”

Heard on Kiddush Club’s third album release, Toys, the nine-track LP joins Kiddush Club’s other releases — their eponymous LP, Kiddush Club, and The Wine Album.

BTW-Brittany Howard, 401 WST, Finny McConnell, Bill Heffernan, SOJA, Hannah Georgas, Jordana Talsky

Fri Jul 09 2021
Brittany Howard

This week we spotlight Thornhill Food Bank 1 Leaside Park Dr Unit 5B, Toronto, East York Office phone 647-428-9755
Email thorncliffefb@icnareliefcanada.ca

COVID19 -- Food Bank open by appointment only, call and leave message at any time but please do not call Mon or Thurs * counselling service by phone -- call for appointment or visit website to register

Steppin’ in with the boisterous blues rock of Brittany Howard. Jaime – the first solo album from Howard – has been reimagined by an astonishing cross-section of the five-time GRAMMY winner’s peers. Featuring fresh takes and remixes of the album’s 11 songs, Jaime Reimagined will be released by ATO Records in digital format on July 23 with the vinyl edition to follow on September 24.

Howard has shared the shimmering single “Presence” Little Dragon Remix along with the b-side, “Tomorrow” from Toronto jazzateers BadBadNotGood Remix.

Record Producer Taabu Joins Forces with Kenyan Singer Yviona for “Pigana”

Fri Jul 02 2021
Taabu & Yviona Pigana

Canadian record producer Spencer Heaslip, AKA Taabu, continues to showcase his musical talent and range with this, the release of his heart-pounding ominous new pop single “Pigana (feat. Yviona)” — available now!

Landing just a month after the release of his upbeat, bubblegum-pop EDM single, “Ooey Gooey (feat. Omega Mighty),” ''Pigana” is the second cut from the Toronto-based artist’s forthcoming debut album, Bellows.

Translating to “fight” in Kiswahili — Yviona’s native tongue — the title “Pigana” was inspired by the subject matter of the two-and-a-half-minute rollercoaster. Yviona, who wrote the lyrics, explains it was inspired by “broken relationships caused by miscommunication.”

Check out “Pigana” on YouTube here:  https://youtu.be/iXOm9SVi0IA

“This is a tale of two lovers who struggle to make it work before contemplating pulling the plug,” she adds.

For a breakup song so dark, and filled with so much intensity, you wouldn’t expect it to kick off with a Kalimba; it does, however, and it works beautifully.

What Do You Have To Offer?

Fri Jul 02 2021
Peter Åstedt

Do you really have something to offer? This question needs to be asked in so many different ways and forms. People today give out music, but is that really something to offer? I was doing a funny video for my friends and was amazed about how many free pictures and music was out there for my project. And most of them are really great. Made by people in their spare time who just want to share what they have filmed or composed. And for my project that was enough. I found what I needed and put it together.

Of course, this was a hobby thing. If I worked on Netflix and did a bigger TV-series these pictures or music might not be up in the top-notch material, they need to compete in their channels. Of course, they pay to get the best material as well. The problem is that most of the material that is offered is in the hobby quality that I used.

BTW - Lorde, Lightman Jarvis Ecstatic Band, Taylor Abrahamse, Pink, Royal Wood, Andrew Cassara, Laura Rain and The Caesars

Fri Jul 02 2021
Lorde

This week we spotlight Thornhill Food Bank 1 Leaside Park Dr Unit 5B, Toronto, East York Office phone 647-428-9755
Email thorncliffefb@icnareliefcanada.ca

Stepping in with a very timely single from Lorde. Her first new music in four years, Solar Power is a light, summery anthem inspired by the storied folk songwriters of the 60s and 70s and early 2000s pop (see The Mamas & The Papas, Crosby, Stills & Nash meets TLC, Destiny's Child, All Saints).It’s also the title track of her August 20th album of new music.

In a statement, she explained: “The album is a celebration of the natural world, an attempt at immortalizing the deep, transcendent feelings I have when I’m outdoors. In times of heartache, grief, deep love, or confusion, I look to the natural world for answers. I’ve learned to breathe out, and tune in. This is what came through.”

BTW This Week-Robin Cisek, SaintVicious, Patrick Watson, Mike Boguski, Caty Perry, Adam Ndaro Solomon

Fri Jun 25 2021
Robin Cisek

This week we spotlight Parkdale Community Food Bank, 1499 Queen St. W. 416-532-2375.

Parkdale Community Food Bank continues to service clients during this challenging time for our community. We are following Public Health Ontario guidelines and taking additional precautions to keep our employees, volunteers and clients safe.

Open Wednesday: 11a.m.–3p.m.
Thursday: 11a.m.–3p.m.
Friday: 10:30a.m.–1:30p.m.
Saturday: 10:30a.m.–1:30p.m.

The Music Industry Screwed Me!

Fri Jun 25 2021
Peter Åstedt

You always hear about people saying that they got screwed by the music industry. Yes, the music industry is a very competitive environment so don’t think it’s a nine to five place. And yes, there is always some shady stuff, but not really more shady than in any other business. What is actually more common is that people are screwing themselves because of their own lack of knowledge.

The biggest problem in the music industry is that it’s too easy to just start a business and claim that you are part of the industry. No education, no credentials, nothing. Even with an education, you still need an extended amount of networks and a genuine interest in how things are developing to be considered valid in the industry. The problem is that many just think this is a bit more competitive nine to five work, when in actuality it is a lifestyle.

So who screws who in the industry?

BTW-Felix Cartal/KRoy, Billie Ellish, The Hello Darlings, Lara Hope & The Arktones, Collingwood Summer Music Festival, The Century Band

Fri Jun 18 2021
Felix Cartal & KRoy

Highlighting this week The Sharing Place, 624 Annette Street. This non-profit compassion organization provides warm meals on a weekly basis as well as a food and clothing bank for all people regardless of faith, income, or culture. Donations of non-perishable food items or funds are always needed. Phone (416) 762-3322

Open 10 a.m. Thursdays till the food runs out.

Ed Sheeran Confirms Official Return with the Release of New Single “Bad Habits”

Fri Jun 18 2021
Ed Sheeran

Sheeran has confirmed his official return with the announcement of his brand-new single “Bad Habits,” out everywhere June 25, 2021.

Sheeran hinted at his return to music last week in a now viral clip alongside actress and close friend Courtney Cox. In addition to this, Sheeran has also unveiled the single’s accompanying artwork that reveals him as a vampire character, which he has been teasing on his social channels recently, including in overnight posts featuring a string of London landmark projections, including the Tate Modern.

Commenting on his comeback, Ed Sheeran says: “I’ve been working away in the studio over recent months and I can’t wait for you to hear ‘Bad Habits.’ I always aim to push myself and my music in new directions and hopefully you’ll hear that on the new single. Feels great to be back!”

Check out Bad Habits on YouTube here:

Understanding the ”No Filter” World

Fri Jun 18 2021
Peter Åstedt

Before in the industry, there were filters for everything. Like when an artist recorded in a studio there was a producer that made decisions. Then the producer took it to the record label and they made decisions. The record label took it to the distributor, and they had their opinions. Not optimal for sure, many of the complaints back in the days were a long time between when the artist had recorded a song until it actually was out on the market. Another complaint was that much of the artist's work was changed by different opinions, right or wrong.

All that has changed. Today an artist can record in the day and get it out to the audience the same minute the song is finished. That is why the demo is no longer exists. Demo was the song roughly recorded for different people in the chain to give comments, so they didn’t have to get back and do it again. Today with all digital it’s so easy to change you consider everything release ready, the demo is gone.

How To Make the Most Out of a Showcase Festival

Fri Jun 11 2021
Peter Åstedt

So, you got booked to a Showcase Festival or are planning to attend one. Congratulations if you got booked and great if you plan to visit one, good choice. In this part of Showcase Festivals for Dummies, I will go guide you through the dos and dont’s of how to make the most out of a Showcase Festival.

Firstly, don’t overdo it. Many artists get really excited that they will get a show at a Showcase Festival and suddenly they are planning a show of a lifetime. Yes, its can be an opportunity of a lifetime but the people that are going to see you want to see what they get. So, if you book a small choir of singers for the background vocals and an extra person on the saxophone, yes, it will sound great and be amazing on stage, but for the professionals, we will think “okay, the promo picture showed four people in the band do we really need the other extra eight? That will be a massive cost in transportation. Try to make a great show that you can re-create every time. So even if it’s tempting for this time using some fireworks, if it’s not in the show every time just skip the extravaganza, be excellent at everything else.

BTW – Art Bergmann, Suzy Bogguss, Glass Animals, The Cooper Brothers, Sleater-Kinney, Olivia Lunny, Liz Phair, Maroon 5, Garbage, Dany Laj and the Looks

Fri Jun 04 2021
Art Bergmann Photo Credit David Kotsibie

This week we spotlight Beeton Cupboard Foodbank at St. Michaels All Angels Church.611 St. Clair Ave. West. (416) 653-3593. Our outreach program remains a high priority at this time. The Beeton Cupboard Food Bank is an essential service and will continue serving our community on Wednesdays. Steps have been taken to adjust service delivery in line with up-to-date Public Health advice.

Open 11:30 - 12:30 on Wednesdays

Merck Mercuriadis: Catalyst for Change Pt. 2 For Change And The Ulterior Motive

Fri Jun 04 2021
Merck, Nile Rogers, Dave Stewart

If you missed Catalyst for Change Pt. 1 here you go:
cashboxcanada.ca/features-cover-story/merck-mercuriadis-catalyst-change/4860

In 2013 The Wu-Tang Clan created the NFT, when they sold the only copy of “Once Upon A Time in Shaolin” for 2 Million. The group wanted it to be a bankable investment like Renaissance Art…

The album was played for 13 minutes at MoMA PS1 for 154 people on March 2, 2015, there were no recordings made of this event, security confiscated attendee's cell phones before the event began. After the event, the album was stored at Royal Mansour Hotel and all backup copies were destroyed. Later on, it was sold at Paddle8 for 2 million dollars to Martin Shkreli. Making it the most expensive record ever sold.  The first NFT.

Hipgnosis is at the right place in the right time.