The Art of Sound at DC9 in Washington, D.C.Melina Afzal runs sound at DC9 in Washington, D.C., and she told us all about it...

How long have you been running sound? How did you get into it?

I was at the right place at the right time. There was a venue called the Palace Wonders. It hosted vaudeville/circus/burlesque shows. One day in a conversation, the owner asked if I wanted to run sound. I told her I knew nothing about sound. Her response was, 'You DJ, the board is the same as a mixer.' In that same conversation, the manager of the venue next door, the Red and Black--where I did DJ--asked if I wanted to run sound for the live music shows. It all started with running a couple of microphones and cues at the Palace of Wonders. Mixing bands is what I fell in love with. I picked up the Yamaha Sound reinforcement book and ran with it from there. A year later the two venues merged to a larger cap room and bigger artists--I got to build and expand on my skills before moving over to DC9. I am grateful, these two women opened the door for me.

BTW, it was a 24-channel Allen & Heath analog board. Thinking of it as a DJ mixer helped ease the anxiety of ‘what do all those knobs do?’

How did you get hooked up with DC9?

I first interned at DC9. When our sister venue closed, I transitioned over.

Any particular highlights? Which bands have been the best to work with?

So many highlights, a few to mention. First, I enjoy going to work. I am lucky to work with new-to- up and coming bands, to well-known artists who are working on new lesser-known projects. And we have an amazing local music scene here. Another highlight is, I like the production and process of working in sound, i.e. getting bands set up, making sure their monitors are right, sound checking, or dialing in vocals.* Working in a smaller room allows me to interact directly with artists. I get to build a rapport which goes a long way on both sides.  As a bonus, I work at the best venue in D.C. with hilarious co-workers. 

* Side note here. I used to struggle with getting vocals above instruments. The feedback was horrible. I came across an article [I can’t recall who wrote it] discussing sound-checking vocals first as a more practical approach. Since then, no feedback and perfect vocals. 

Many touring and local bands over the years stand out as being the best to work with. Narrowing it down to this year, Gruff Rhys and Billy Allen and the Pollies are two artists I enjoyed working with. A notable act, Captured by Robots. It was my first day interning at DC9.

How would you describe the acoustics/layout at DC9?

The building is a 124-year-old brick-row building. Our show floor is 230 cap room. It has a corner stage with carpeting on the stage walls. The ceiling is wood with rafters – which absorb the sound nicely. The rest of the room is drywall. It is a small warm room and yet mighty in sound.  

What gear do you use?

We have a M32 digital console, 4x JBL PRX 615M powered flown mains (15” + 1.5” Horn; 2 x VOID Sub Woofer cabs: 2 x18” per box powered by Tactical Audio TA2500 Power Amp; 4 x Electro-Voice EKX-15” 2-WAY Powered speaker wedge (15” + 1.5” Horn). Powered by Powersoft K 10 series amp. I use Sony MDr- 7506 headphone. 

For more information, visit dc9.club.The post The Art of Sound at DC9 in Washington, D.C. first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Erica Synths Launches Nightverb Desktop Reverb UnitErica Synths has officially launched its Nightverb desktop reverb unit, created in collaboration with 112dB. Nightverb is a new stereo reverb desktop unit that features a unique and musical custom algorithm and powerful save/recall functions for all parameters — all in a sleek aluminum case to aesthetically match Erica Synths' successful lineup of desktop units.

Redefining reverbIn creating Nightverb, the developmental focus was on the musical aspect of the effect – which offers extremely long decay tails without loss of harmonic integrity. Since multiple parameters can be adjusted at once, notes can be played individually and held in chords, pitch-shifted at a whim or used to create massive, ambient textures.Features: 

A unique, very musical stereo reverb algorithm by 112dB.com

Erica Synths custom DSP engine

12 parameters for detailed reverb design

All parameters are MIDI CC controllable

2-way MIDI communication (parameters can also transmit MIDI CC messages)

Freeze function with chromatic tuning – playable via MIDI notes (MIDI keyboard)

A configurable footswitch input

30 factory presets and 70 user preset slots

Preset export via USB

Dimensions: 23cm x 14,5cm x 7cm (including knobs)

Weight: 833g 

What's included

NIGHTVERB reverb effects unit

Universal 12VDC wall wart adapter with the power cable

User manual
The post Erica Synths Launches Nightverb Desktop Reverb Unit first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Binaural beats are known for their positive effects on the brain. Universal Music has invented tech that can generate and add them to existing audio tracksMBW has unearthed a recent patent application from Universal that could have a significant impact on the wellness space
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You can now make takedown requests for AI-generated YouTube videos that mimic your likenessThe video platform is working to mitigate the worst impacts of AI content, even as it works to develop AI tools
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Threads has 175 Million monthly active usersThreads has reached a level that musicians and music marketers must pay attention to. Meta-owned Twitter rival Threads now has 175 million monthly active users just a year after launching.
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8 lessons on How to Build a Loyal AF FanbaseLearn why loyal and engaged fans are crucial to sustaining a successful career and how to build a superfan community.
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Touring Safely: Protecting Your Gear and VehicleMakng money from live performances is both more important thanks to streaming and harder thanks to inflation and increased competition than ever. Now more than ever, doing it smalrtly matters.
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Classical Highlights for June 2024There are several notable piano recordings among this month's reviews, highlighted by veteran artist Pierre-Laurent Aimard's take on Schubert's Ländler dances and Yunchan Lim (pictured) displaying astonishing artistry in Chopin's Etudes. Definitely worth a listen!

Record companies tell MBW: Nope, the industry isn’t losing paying subscribers in SwedenRecord companies left bemused by YouGov findings, as MBW reveals their internal data in key market
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TikTok’s parent company has filed a US patent application for a device that plays musicFiling suggests that ByteDance may have considered the market power of an iPod-like device
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Minneapolis Shines Bright at 8th Annual Prince CelebrationMinneapolis radiated with the energy of Prince devotees from around the globe as fans united to pay homage to the iconic musician and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Purple Rain. The Minneapolis Prince Celebration 2024 offered an immersive experience filled with Purple Rain-themed programming, electrifying performances by renowned artists, and thought-provoking panel discussions throughout downtown Minneapolis and Paisley Park — Prince’s iconic private estate, active museum, recording studio, and concert venue. The weekend served as a vibrant homage to Prince’s enduring legacy and his indelible cultural influence.

From June 20th through June 24th, the Minneapolis Prince Celebration welcomed special guests for insightful conversations and appearances. Among the event's highlights were unforgettable live performances by funk legend Morris Day, members of Prince’s band New Power Generation (NPG), The Revolution (Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Bobby Z, BrownMark, and Dr. Fink) with special guest Judith Hill, Taj Farrant, Liv Warfield, vocal ensemble James Grear & Company, Collide Worship, and award-winning gospel performer Darnell Davis & Remnant, and more.

Guests also enjoyed thefirst-ever Prince Celebration Block Party and an exclusive sneak peek of the stage adaptation of Purple Rain, offering a glimpse into Prince’s artistic journey and creative genius. The event also honored Prince’s esteemed collaborator, producer & engineer Susan Rogers, with the Prince Lifetime Legacy Award, highlighting her invaluable contributions to Prince's musical legacy.

Prince’s former attorney, manager and friend, L. Londell McMillan shares, “Thanks to everyone who made Prince Celebration 2024 a resounding success! In his cherished home, we honored Prince's legacy with music, heartfelt conversations, and memorable events on the 8th anniversary of his passing. As we commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Purple Rain, expect more celebrations and music that honor Prince's enduring impact and inspire generations to come. Stay tuned for part two of this year-long Celebration of Purple Rain.”

The resounding success of this year’s Minneapolis Prince Celebration is a testament to Prince's enduring influence. On June 27, 2024, the City of Minneapolis passed a resolution recognizing June 2024 as the 40th Anniversary of Purple Rain. The city stated, “Prince, The Revolution, and ‘Purple Rain’ will always be celebrated and revered in the city of Minneapolis for their artistry, creativity, and genius that they brought to our community.”The post Minneapolis Shines Bright at 8th Annual Prince Celebration first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

3 Strategies that turn Superfans into Super Marketers [YouTube Culture & Trends Report]According to the new YouTube Culture & Trends Report, 89% of Gen Z describe themselves as fans of someone or something. In comparison, 65% consider themselves "video content creators," and 80% say they consume content about their favorites at least once a week.
The post 3 Strategies that turn Superfans into Super Marketers [YouTube Culture & Trends Report] appeared first on Hypebot.

How Music Street Teams have evolved and why you still need oneIf you have a street team or have ever thought about starting one and want to learn how they've evolved in the digital age, this Music Biz Weekly podcast episode is for you.
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Master Your Music Library: Top Tips for Organizing Music FilesTransform your music library with these expert tips for organizing your files. Learn the secrets to seamless file management and boost your productivity quickly.  by CRISTINA CANO of DIY Musician. Continue reading
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Warner Chappell Music now represents the publishing catalog of Tom Petty around the worldWCM hails pact as a milestone agreement with late songwriter's estate
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