The DI box: What it is and how to use one
Let's talk about what a DI box is and explore the variety of applications that make it a useful addition to studios and concert venues alike.

Does your track ever feel too static or lack depth? Here are 3 ways to create interesting soundscapes. Published at Splice Blog.
At https://vlcam.com I really like to make effects sound 3d-like to work good for a track.
#musicproduction #Producer #VLCAM #independent #Artist #Effects #3d

How to use Efx Fragments, Arturia’s granular synthesis plugin
We walk through the major sections and features in Arturia's Efx Fragments to showcase a few of the many ways that it can bring new life to a sound.

Make your drum samples unique with Steinberg’s Backbone
We walk through all of the major sections and features of Steinberg's Backbone, showing you how to add new layers, sculpt your sounds, and more.

How to Pitch Your Music for SyncOver the past couple years, we've published so many special episodes covering sync and music supervision that we decided to put together highlights of some of our favorite guests.

Is Music PR Worth It Anymore? Can AI Replace Sync Music? (Ari Q&A Part 6)This week Ari answers more of your questions! If you’d like to submit to our next round of questions, please sign up to our email list.

50 Best Boat Songs: Enjoy The Water (With Video!)We just had a week of 90-degree weather up here in Michigan (followed shortly by a week of 30-degree weather, but still…), which means that summer is approaching! 

Up here, one of our greatest pastimes is to get out on a boat, whether it be on one of our many rivers, bays, or lakes. 

While enjoying the waves and rays, we need some jams to enhance our time, right? 

Enter this list of the best boat songs to help you enjoy the water even more! 

I’ll go into detail on my top 20 picks and then offer dozens of more ideas past that. 

#1 “Sailing” by Christopher Cross (Pop)

“Sailing” by Christopher Cross is a timeless pop classic that captures the spirit of adventure and longing for freedom. Released in 1980, this Grammy-winning hit showcases Cross’s smooth vocals and melodic guitar riffs, creating a soothing and dreamy atmosphere. The heartfelt lyrics evoke images of sailing on open waters, seeking solace and escape from the challenges of life. With its catchy chorus and memorable melodies, “Sailing” remains a beloved anthem that continues to inspire listeners to set sail on their own personal journeys.

#2 “Come Sail Away” by Styx (Rock)

“Come Sail Away” by Styx is an iconic rock anthem that tells the story of a protagonist’s longing for escape and adventure. With its epic guitar riffs, soaring vocal harmonies, and powerful piano-driven melody, the song takes listeners on a musical journey. The lyrics evoke a sense of wanderlust and a yearning for freedom as the protagonist dreams of setting sail to unknown destinations. “Come Sail Away” is a timeless rock classic that continues to captivate audiences with its emotive storytelling and majestic musicality.

#3 “The Boat That I Row” by Lulu (Pop)

“The Boat That I Row” is a pop song by Scottish singer Lulu. Released in 1967, it features an upbeat melody and Lulu’s soulful vocals. The lyrics depict a confident and determined protagonist who navigates through life with independence and self-assurance, comparing her journey to rowing a boat. The song’s catchy chorus and Lulu’s powerful performance make it an enduring and iconic pop hit, showcasing her talent as a dynamic and charismatic vocalist. “The Boat That I Row” remains a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences with its catchy melody and empowering message.

#4 “Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding (R&B/Soul)

“Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding is a timeless R&B/Soul classic that was released posthumously in 1968. It features Redding’s soulful vocals and a laid-back groove with memorable whistling melodies. The song reflects on longing and loneliness, with lyrics that capture the bittersweet emotions of watching the tide roll away while waiting for something that may never come. With its unforgettable hooks and emotive performance, “Dock of the Bay” remains a beloved song that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences with its soulful sound.

#5 “I’m On a Boat” by The Lonely Island feat. T-Pain (Comedy Rap)

“I’m On a Boat” by The Lonely Island feat. T-Pain is a comedic rap song that humorously celebrates the joy of being on a boat. With catchy beats, clever wordplay, and exaggerated braggadocio, the song pokes fun at rap tropes while reveling in the absurdity of the situation. T-Pain’s auto-tuned vocals add to the comedic effect, making it a hilarious and memorable song that’s perfect for a lighthearted, comedic mood. It quickly became a viral hit and continues to be a favorite among comedy rap enthusiasts for its playful and entertaining lyrics.

#6 “Boat Drinks” by Jimmy Buffett (Country/Pop)

“Boat Drinks” by Jimmy Buffett is a catchy country/pop song that captures the carefree spirit of life by the water. With its laid-back vibes, playful lyrics, and infectious melody, the song is a quintessential anthem for those who love to unwind on a boat with their favorite drink in hand. Buffett’s signature blend of country, pop, and tropical influences creates a feel-good atmosphere that makes you want to kick back, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life on the water. “Boat Drinks” is a classic Jimmy Buffett track that transports listeners to a sunny, beachy paradise with its breezy melodies and toe-tapping rhythm.

#7 “Orinoco Flow” by Enya (New Age/Pop)

“Orinoco Flow” by Enya is a captivating blend of New Age and Pop music that transports listeners on a soothing musical journey. With its dreamy melodies, ethereal vocals, and lush instrumentation, the song evokes a sense of tranquility and adventure. Enya’s enchanting voice floats effortlessly over the mesmerizing music, creating a sense of serenity and escape. “Orinoco Flow” is a timeless and evocative composition that has captivated audiences with its mystical and otherworldly allure, making it a beloved classic in the genre of New Age and Pop music.

#8 “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot (Folk)

“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot is a haunting folk ballad that tells the tragic story of the 1975 shipwreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior. With its mournful melodies and poignant lyrics, the song paints a vivid picture of the perilous journey and the crew’s fateful fate. The most memorable quote from the song, “The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down,” has become iconic, capturing the enduring impact and legacy of this tragic event. Lightfoot’s emotive vocals and masterful storytelling make “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” a timeless and unforgettable folk masterpiece.

#9 “Sloop John B” by The Beach Boys (Pop/Rock)

“Sloop John B” by The Beach Boys is a catchy and upbeat Pop/Rock tune that showcases the band’s signature harmonies and vocal prowess. Inspired by a traditional folk song, the track’s most memorable quote, “This is the worst trip I’ve ever been on,” reflects the song’s narrative about a troubled sailing trip. With its infectious melodies and tight vocal harmonies, “Sloop John B” has become a timeless classic that captures the carefree spirit of the beach and the joy of singing along to a catchy tune.

#10 “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin (Pop)

“Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin is a timeless Pop classic that has been performed in various venues around the world. Originally released in 1959, the song has since been covered by numerous artists and featured in films, TV shows, and commercials. It has been performed in iconic venues such as the Copacabana nightclub in New York City, the Moulin Rouge in Paris, and the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas. Darin’s smooth vocals and the song’s lively big band arrangement create a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere, transporting listeners to a bygone era of glamorous performances in renowned venues across the globe.

#11 “Boat on the River” by Styx (Rock)

“Boat on the River” by Styx is a soulful and introspective Rock ballad that has been performed in various places, showcasing the band’s versatility. The song’s acoustic guitar-driven melody and emotive vocals tell a poignant story of self-reflection and contemplation. Styx has performed “Boat on the River” in numerous venues, from sold-out arenas to intimate acoustic sets, showcasing the song’s timeless appeal. Its heartfelt lyrics and melodic hooks resonate with audiences, making it a beloved track in Styx’s discography and a cherished gem in the realm of Rock music.

#12 “Boats and Birds” by Gregory and the Hawk (Indie Folk)

“Boats and Birds” by Gregory and the Hawk is a tender Indie Folk song with poetic lyrics and delicate acoustic instrumentation. It has been performed in intimate settings like coffeehouses, small venues, and open mic nights, captivating audiences with haunting vocals and intricate guitar work. The emotive and evocative nature of the song has made it a favorite among Indie Folk enthusiasts worldwide.

#13 “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” (Children’s Song)

“Row, Row, Row Your Boat” is a beloved children’s song that has been passed down through generations. Its simple yet catchy melody and playful lyrics encourage kids to sing and engage in imaginative play. The song’s timeless charm and repetitive structure make it a favorite among young children, who delight in singing along and mimicking rowing motions.

#14 “Boatman” by Levellers (Folk/Rock)

“Boatman” by Levellers is a Folk/Rock anthem that combines energetic instrumentals with powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. The song’s rousing chorus and driving rhythm create an infectious and uplifting vibe, making it a favorite among fans of folk and rock music alike. “Boatman” is a spirited and memorable tune that captures the essence of Levellers’ unique blend of folk and rock influences.

#15 “Boat to Nowhere” by David Crosby (Folk/Rock)

“Boat to Nowhere” by David Crosby is a Folk/Rock gem that showcases his soulful voice and poignant songwriting. The introspective lyrics and melodic guitar work paint a vivid picture of a journey without a clear destination. Crosby’s emotive performance and heartfelt storytelling make “Boat to Nowhere” a captivating and timeless addition to the Folk/Rock genre.

#16 “The Riverboat Song” by Ocean Colour Scene (Britpop/Rock)

“The Riverboat Song” by Ocean Colour Scene is a high-energy Britpop/Rock anthem that oozes with swagger and attitude. With its infectious guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and powerful vocals, the song exudes a sense of rebelliousness and adventure. It’s a timeless and electrifying track that has become a staple in the Britpop genre, capturing the essence of the era with its raw energy and catchy hooks.

#17 “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (Rock)

“Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a timeless Rock classic that features an infectious rhythm, powerful vocals, and memorable guitar riffs. The song’s energetic and soulful vibe, along with its iconic “Rollin’ on the river” chorus, has made it a beloved anthem that continues to captivate listeners with its irresistible groove and catchy melodies.

#18 “Boat Trip” by Ziggy Marley (Reggae)

“Boat Trip” by Ziggy Marley is a vibrant Reggae tune that brings the laid-back vibes of the Caribbean to life. With its catchy rhythms, infectious melodies, and Ziggy Marley’s smooth vocals, the song creates a feel-good atmosphere that’s perfect for cruising on the waves or dancing along to the reggae beats.

#19 “Boat Drinks” by Alan Jackson (Country)

“Boat Drinks” by Alan Jackson is a laid-back Country tune that captures the carefree spirit of the beach and the joys of escaping to the water. With its catchy melody, twangy guitars, and Jackson’s smooth vocals, the song is a perfect soundtrack for kicking back, sipping drinks, and enjoying the sun-kissed vibes of a coastal getaway.

#20 “Boat Leaks” by Beastie Boys (Hip-Hop)

“Boat Leaks” by Beastie Boys is a high-energy Hip-Hop track from their album “The Mix-Up.” With its funky grooves, catchy samples, and clever wordplay, the song showcases the Beastie Boys’ unique style and wit. It’s a standout track that embodies their innovative approach to blending genres and pushing the boundaries of Hip-Hop music.

30 More Examples Of The Best Boat Songs

#21 “Boat to Sail” by Loggins and Messina (Rock)

#22 “Boat Behind” by Kings of Convenience (Indie Folk)

#23 “The Boat That I Built” by Tom Chapin (Children’s Song)

#24 “Boat on the Ocean” by John Butler Trio (Folk Rock)

#25 “My Boat” by Little Joy (Indie Pop/Rock)

#26 “Boats on the Water” by Gregory Page (Folk)

#27 “Boat Drinks” by Zac Brown Band (Country)

#28 “Boat of Love” by The B-52’s (Pop/Rock)

#29 “Boat Song” by Woodkid (Indie/Pop)

#30 “Boat on the River” by Baba Shrimps (Indie Folk)

#31 “Yellow Boat” by Julia Holter (Indie Pop/Experimental)

#32 “Boat Dance” by The Black Lillies (Americana)

#33 “Boats Against the Current” by Eric Carmen (Pop)

#34 “Boat Club” by Blood Orange (R&B/Pop)

#35 “Rock the Boat” by Aaliyah (R&B/Pop)

#36 “Boat to Nowhere” by Johnny Reid (Country)

#37 “Boat” by Minus the Bear (Indie Rock)

#38 “Boats and Trains” by George Michael (Pop/R&B)

#39 “Boat” by Yusuf/Cat Stevens (Folk Rock)

#40 “Boat Behind” by Lykke Li (Indie Pop)

#41 “Boats on the Shore” by Adam Cohen (Folk Rock)

#42 “Farewell to Tarwathie” by Judy Collins (Folk)

#43 “The Boat is in the Barn” by Built to Spill (Indie Rock)

#44 “Boats on the River” by Moon Taxi (Alternative/Indie)

#45 “Shrimp Boats” by Jo Stafford (Jazz/Pop)

#46 “Boat to Liverpool” by Nathan Carter (Country)

#47 “Boats” by Kenny Chesney (Country)

#48 “Boatman’s Call” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (Alternative Rock)

#49 “Boats on a River” by Peter Gabriel (Progressive Rock)

#50 “Boat to Nowhere” by Randy Travis (Country)

Blues Bossa: A 7-Step Exercise To Master Improvisation Over Jazz TunesAre you a jazz musician looking to improve your improvisation skills and develop your improvisation techniques? If so, learning “Blue Bossa” is a great place to start. In this blog post, we’ll take you through a 7-step exercise that will help you achieve these goals. This exercise is the same we used on our “Charlie Parker’s Confirmation” lesson.

We’ve created an entire video with slow and fast versions of each step so you can play along. We’ve also included two backing tracks (slow & fast) for you to practice. The complete PDF is available on the mDecks Music Youtube Channel on their “Exclusive Access” membership tab. They have amazing content with hundreds of lessons like this one. You can join here: Join mDecks “Exclusive Access”

Blue Bossa 7-Step Exercise explained step-by-step

Let’s take a look at the 7-step exercise outlined in the video:

Step 1 and 2 involve playing the broken chords up in root position and inversions, respectively, focusing on target notes. These exercises help you gain a solid understanding of the chord structure of the tune, which is essential for improvisation.

Step 1: Broken chords up in root position Begin by playing the basic chords of the tune in root position, but instead of playing them all at once, play them one note at a time. This is known as playing broken chords.

Step 2: Broken chord up in inversions (think of target notes) Next, play the broken chords in inversions, and focus on hitting target notes as you play each chord.

Step 3 and 4 help you build speed and agility by playing the broken chords in ascending and descending order. These exercises help you gain dexterity in your fingers and become more comfortable moving around the chords.

Step 3: Up then down Play the broken chords in ascending order, then descend back down the chords in the same order.

Step 4: Down then up Now, do the opposite of step 3. Descend the chords, and then ascend back up in the same order.

Step 5 is all about playing the notes in an angular and broken pattern, focusing on key target notes. This step helps you break away from the strict chord structure and adds an interesting element to your playing.

Step 6 is where you add chromaticism to your playing. You’ll approach the first note of the chord from one half-step below, giving your playing a more sophisticated sound.

Step 7 is the most advanced step, where you add enclosures to your playing. By trapping a note with notes above and below before resolving to the target note, you’ll create a more complex sound. You’ll also learn how to anticipate the enclosure by adding both diatonic and chromatic notes.

Once you’ve completed all seven steps, it’s time to practice “free play,” where you can take the skills you’ve learned and improvise over the tune in your unique way.

By following this 7-step exercise, you’ll improve your improvisation skills in no time. This exercise is an excellent way to develop your jazz musicianship and improvisation skills, and is a fundamental part of any jazz education. So grab your instrument and start practicing!

If you’re looking for a great book with a collection of bebop lines in all keys, backing tracks and a more advanced approach, check out Bebop Lines You Should Know. 

This book is an essential guide for anyone who wants to master bebop improvisation. It covers everything from basic to advanced concepts like Chromatic Approaches, Enclosures, Scale Combinations, Lick Transformations, and Beat Targeting.The book also includes a collection of bebop lines from legendary artists like Bud Powell, Kenny Barron, Wynton Kelly, and Bill Evans, along with play-along backing tracks, video lessons, and a Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro XML file with progressions from the bebop lines.

Jazz Piano for Beginners: Play “All Of You” with Rootless Chords. TutorialJazz pianists often use rootless voicings to create a more open and modern sound. These voicings allow for greater flexibility in the left hand, while the right hand can play the melody or improvisation. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to play “All Of You” using rootless voicings, and how to apply the same techniques to any other jazz standard.

What you’ll learn in this tutorial

First, we’ll start with Abm6 chord. Instead of playing the root (Ab), we’ll replace it with the 9th of the chord (Bb). This creates a more modern and open sound. We’ll then show you 4 inversions of this voicing, and explain how to choose the right inversion based on the melody and low interval limit.

Next, we’ll move to the Ebmaj7 chord (measure 2). Again, we’ll replace the root (Eb) with the 9th of the chord (F). We’ll demonstrate how staying close to the previous chord creates a nice voice-leading, and how each voice in the voicing creates smooth lines.

Moving on to the Fm7b5 chord, we won’t use any substitutions. Instead, we’ll use the 4 notes in the chord. However, since the melody note is really low, the voicing will look like a 3-note voicing.

The Bb7b9 chord is a dominant chord that can be voiced in many different ways. We’ll replace the root (Bb) with the 9th of the chord (B natural), and the 5th (F) with the 13th (Gb). However, we need to be careful and use the correct tensions. Since the 13th is rarely shown in the chord symbol, we’ll assume it’s flat. We’ll demonstrate how to use the b9 and #9 interchangeably, and how to choose the right voicing based on the melody.

In the Abm7 chord in measure 7, we’ll replace the root (Ab) with the 9th of the chord (Bb). However, since the melody is already playing the B natural, we don’t need it in our voicing. We’ll show you how to omit the Bb to avoid obscuring the melody.

In the Db7 chord, we’ll use the two substitutions for dominant chords, 9 for root and 13 for 5. However, we won’t follow the voice-leading rule, and we’ll explain why. We’ll also demonstrate how to use tensions, and how to avoid placing them at the bottom of the voicing.

Finally, we’ll tackle the Gm7 chord, which is a tricky one. We’ll explain why using the 9th for the root doesn’t work, and why using the b9 from the key of Eb doesn’t work either. Instead, we’ll replace the 5th (D) with the 11th (C), creating a 7sus sound that works well for a iii chord.

Throughout the tutorial, we’ll also explain how to apply these techniques to any other jazz standard. We recommend checking out the “Essential Jazz Piano Voicings” course offered by mDecks. This course is designed to help jazz musicians of all levels to master essential jazz voicings. The course includes detailed tutorials, exercises, and practice sessions on rootless and root voicings, including the most common substitutions for dominant and minor chords. Students will also learn how to voice-lead and create smooth chord progressions, and how to apply these techniques to any jazz standard. The course comes with interactive tools and a comprehensive PDF book, providing a complete and thorough learning experience.

How Royalties Work for Producers, Songwriters, Artists, Labels; Release Strategy (Ari Q&A Part 5)This week Ari answers more of your questions! If you’d like to submit to our next round of questions, please sign up to our email list.

How to Release an Album in 2023 (live from 🎤 SXSW by Ari Herstand).
#musicproduction #Music #Release #MusicIndustry #artists #Musicians

27 Jobs in the Music Industry other than Recording ArtistI have been constantly amazed by just how many professions there are in the New Music Business other than merely recording artist and performing musician. Here are 27 jobs in the music industry.

How to Release an Album in 2023 (Live from SXSW)Releasing music today is vastly different from releasing music even just 5 years ago. It's no longer about release week. It's now about release year. There are extremely important steps to take before *and after* the release of each single and album to make sure you have the biggest effect.

UPSAHL on Pop Songwriting Sessions and the Economics of TouringUPSAHL has ignited a groundswell of fan adoration and tastemaker praise by way of numerous indie alternative gems. “Can You Hear Me Now” achieved a palpable viral buzz followed by the widely praised single “Drugs,” which has been used in nearly two million TikTok videos, reaching #6 on the Viral Chart and the #1 Sound on the Trends Chart.

Mastering 7sus4 Chords like Bill Evans – “I Do It For Your Love” Intro – Jazz Piano TranscriptionOne of the most iconic piano intros in the history of jazz is Bill Evans’ intro in “I Do It For Your Love” from his album Affinity. The chords he plays in this intro are so unique and captivating that they leave listeners wondering where they came from and how to create something similar. In this video, we will dive deep into the concept of 7sus4 chords, specifically as Bill Evans used them in this intro, and learn how to create voicings like his.

Before we begin, let’s briefly discuss what a 7sus4 chord is. A 7sus4 chord is a dominant 7th chord with the third replaced by the fourth. For example, a D7sus4 chord would consist of the notes D, G, A, and C. The chord symbol can be written as D7sus4 or D7sus.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the chords Bill Evans played in his intro. The chord progression is a simple D7sus4, to Eb7sus4, to E7sus4.

To play the first chord, a run-of-the-mill D7sus4 voicing can be used.

However, to achieve the unique sound of Bill Evans’ voicing, the chord needs to be extended as much as possible.

To extend the chord, we stack thirds starting on the top note of the basic D7sus4 voicing. This gives us the notes D, G, A, C, E, G, B, D, and F#. The next note, A, is already in the voicing, so we don’t need to add it again. Notice that the third (F#) appears above the fourth (G) as a tension, rather than below it as in an add11 chord.

On his right hand, Bill Evans plays a Bm triad. He also drops the ninth (E) down an octave, making it a second.

To make this voicing easier to remember, it can be thought of as two upper structures: an add9 on the bVII and a minor triad on the 13th (or the 6th). Using this perspective, a D7sus4 can be voiced as Bm over Cadd9 over D. To achieve the final voicing, two Cadd9 chords can be stacked, with the highest and lowest notes removed. The resulting voicing is a D7sus4 with the 9, the 13th, and tension 3.

To play Bill Evans’ intro in “I Do It For Your Love,” simply start on a D7sus4 and move it up chromatically, creating the following sequence: D7sus4, Eb7sus4, E7sus4. The voicings for the latter two chords can be created using the same principles we used for the D7sus4.

By understanding and mastering 7sus4 chords like Bill Evans, you can add a unique and captivating sound to your playing. Practice these voicings and experiment with them in different chord progressions to fully understand their sound and potential.

If you are interested in more music resources like this, visit the mDecks Theory Journal on mDecks.com and gain access to their expanding library of music books, apps, piano arrangements, improvisation tips, and songwriting strategies.