Music industry applauds introduction of ‘No AI FRAUD Act’ in US CongressThe proposed law would establish 'an intellectual property right that every individual holds over their own likeness and voice'
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Bandsintown made 3.7B concert recommendations in 2023: Did you get your share?In 2023, Bandsintown made 3.7 billion concert recommendations for 1.5 million shows listed on Bandsintown.com to its 84 million registered live music fans. Those mindboggling stats should leave every touring. Continue reading
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Blackbird Studio Nabs New Fairchild 670John McBride, owner of famed Blackbird Studio in Nashville, has acquired one of the first new recreations of the legendary Fairchild 670 compressor/limiter. McBride's sizeable collection of vintage microphones and prized outboard gear includes a pristine vintage 670.

Visit Fairchild at NAMM 2024 Booth #14104

Toni Fishman, founder and CEO of microphone designer/manufacturer TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, in 2023 launched the new company, Fairchild Recording Equipment LLC. After five years of extensive R&D and precision testing, the authentic recreation of the legendary Fairchild 670 vacuum tube compressor is now available in very limited numbers.

After evaluation of the new unit in side-by-side testing with his vintage 670, Blackbird founder John McBride purchased it and remarked, "This new 670 is the most accurate re-creation of the original that I've come across, and it's significant that this milestone re-creation also provides modern bulletproof reliability."

Unlike other attempted Fairchild 670 re-creations, Fishman's new 670 utilizes the same tubes, custom-wound transformers and is built to the original specs. The architecture, point-to-point soldering and turret-style construction make this the only authentic recreation of the original 670 designed and built by Rein Narma at the request of recording innovator Les Paul in 1959.

The original Fairchild 670 has a reputation as the best sounding and most versatile compressor ever made. Used on countless hit recordings over the years, its unique combination of tube driven amplification and gain reduction gives the 670 a wide range of compression effects, from subtle and transparent to heavy and pumping. 

Fishman's new vacuum tube Fairchild 670 compressor is faithfully recreated to provide modern producers and audio engineers with the classic sound of the first intelligent automatic volume control limiter. With its dual-channel design and unique compression characteristics, the Fairchild 670 is capable of adding warmth, depth, and character to virtually any audio signal. The vacuum tube technology used in the 670 adds a natural, organic quality to the compressed signal, providing that distinctive classic analog sound to both digital and analog productions.

Key Features: Dual mono operation, six selectable time constants, threshold, compression, makeup gain controls, VU metering, hand-wired point-to-point construction, custom-designed transformers, tube-driven amplification.

Applications: vocals, drums, bass, guitars, strings, piano, brass, orchestral instruments, mix buss/mastering.

Sweetwater Sound, Inc. and Vintage King Audio have been named initial domestic dealers. European dealers include Klemm in Austria, Germany and Switzerland; Funky Junk in France, Italy and Spain; Cyber Farm in Denmark and Sweden; SX Pro in the UK. Asian dealers include MID in Japan; Gearlounge in South Korea, and Budee in China.

Bandzoogle adds an EPK plan for MusiciansMusician website platform Bandzoogle has added an EPK plan that enables the creation of an electronic press kit in minutes. EPKs are used by many musicians to book shows, solicit. Continue reading
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What’s new on InstagramFrom broadcast channels to new editing tools, templates, Reel upgrades, and post options to more tools that make collaboration easier, here’s everything new in the Instagram toolkit. by SHAE WOODWARD. Continue reading
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Queens Of The Stone Age at the Kia ForumJosh Homme hit some of his finest high notes as Queens of the Stone Age's "The Endis Nero" tour wrapped up in 2023 in the man's home state of California. One of the lasttrue rock stars and artists, Homme & Co. delivered a show in all caps. As manyhardcore Queens fans did attest following the show at the Forum, it was the band at theheight of their creative and raw power.

Even when Queens goes a little more stylistically slick, as they did on their previousalbum, "Villains," it's not all polish and sheen, especially live. One of the highlights ofany Queens shows, which this writer attended three of this year, is discoveringnewfound love for many of their tracks, thanks to the helluva live experience. "Villains ofCircumstance," made for such a disturbed, moving moment as Queens were drenchedin darkness. The melancholia behind the thunder was volcanic. A redundant reminderQueens can pull at the heartstrings when desired. As for the tracks off the new album“In Times No Roman,” such as the pained lyrics of “Time & Place,” continue to grow likeflowers under an acid-powered sun in a live setting.

Thunderous is exactly how to describe the work of dapper guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen,triple threat Dean Fertita (keyboards, guitar, backing vocals), mega-fingered bassistand energizer bunny Michael Shuman, and the mild-melter drummer, Jon Theodore.Talk about a group of singular artists playing together in such extreme harmony. Whenthese guys are all on stage together and let it rip – most notably in “God is in the Radio,”in which Theodore’s solo drums out the rest of the world – it’s a hard-charging, no-brakes pumped 100-minute or so experience.

If it isn’t clear by now, Queens goes hard. What’s been particularly wonderful about thistour, though, which reached another peak on a wild night in Glasgow, Scotland, was thepeace and love behind the chaos of it all. Josh Homme pontificating about love? Beinghere and now? Well, the tour was called “The End is Nero” for a reason, and duringthese apocalyptic days and daze, Homme’s "let’s love each other, man" attitude provesinfectious. If the end is truly near, at least Queens of the Stone Age are providing thesoundtrack.

Queens Of The Stone Age

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Sir Lucian Grainge: After ‘artist-centric’ royalties, UMG’s ‘next focus’ is ‘superfan experiences and products’UMG is 'already in advanced discussions with [its] platform partners regarding this phase and will have more to announce in the coming months,' said Grainge in his New Year note to UMG staff
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Smashing Pumpkins are holding Open Auditions to find a new GuitaristThe Smashing Pumpkins are looking for a new guitarist, and anyone – as in anyone who thinks they can share the stage with Billy Corgan – is welcome to apply.. Continue reading
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Record Store Day sets 2024 dateThe next Record Store Day will be on Saturday, April 20th. “Be sure to save that date on your calendars for the largest single-day music event in the world, taking. Continue reading
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QUICK HITS: Roxi to launch in US with Sinclair • MBW Entrepreneur Of The Year • EastCoast EntertainmentMusic video platform ROXi has partnered with station owner Sinclair to create the first interactive over-the-air broadcast channels in the US. Initially, three interactive music TV channels will launch in. Continue reading
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‘XP Music Futures showcased how strong the music industry in the MENA region can become.’Saudi Arabia recently played host to the third edition of XP Music Futures, a three-day industry conference held in Riyadh
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Key Songs In The Life Of… Joe KentishThe President of Warner Records discusses the songs and artists that have influenced his life and career to date
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Gulf Coast Records Announces the Signing of New England-Based Blues/Roots Band The Wicked Lo-DownGulf Coast Records announces the signing of New England-based blues/roots band, The Wicked Lo-Down, and will release their label debut CD, Out of Line, on March 8th, 2024. The Wicked Lo-Down is comprised of Nick David - Vocals/Harmonica; Paul Size – Guitar; Jeffrey Berg – Guitar/ Background Vocals; Brad Hallen – Bass; and Nick Toscano – Drums. Out of Line was produced by The Wicked Lo-Down and recorded, mixed and mastered by Jeffrey Berg at Walking Stick Studios, Auburn Mass. Pre-order The Wicked Lo-Down album here: https://www.wickedld.com/.

“Nick David has a blues and rock ‘n’ roll sound that’s deep and soulful,” said Gulf Coast label head Mike Zito in making the announcement. “His singing, writing, and harp playing are old school, yet fresh all at once. The Wicked Lo-Down is a fantastic group behind Nick. Paul Size on guitar is legendary in Texas Blues. Together they bring an exciting new album to the genre and Gulf Coast Records.”

“The Wicked Lo-Down couldn’t be more excited to sign with Gulf Coast Records,” said lead singer Nick David. “We are honored knowing that Mike Zito sees something in us and our music that is worth putting some muscle behind. Gulf Coast is the perfect label for the music that we are creating and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with them.”

Formed in 2020 just before the Covid lockdown by guitar giant Paul Size (The Red Devils, Mick Jagger, Sugar Ray & the Bluetones) and powerhouse blues belter Nick David (Mr. Nick & the Dirty Tricks, Queen City Kings), The Wicked Lo-Down  blends raw Texas blues and hard hitting Northeast R&B into their own completely original house rockin' sound. Their debut album, We Hot, received critical acclaim from some of the biggest names in the blues world and beyond. Consisting of ten well crafted, barn burners, We Hot established The Wicked Lo-Down as a true force to be reckoned- with and left no doubt that from Austin to Boston is how they roll.

Out of Line, the second record from The Wicked Lo-Down, includes 11 sure-fire originals and two rock solid, unexpected covers: Hound Dog Taylor’s “Just Can’t Make It;” and a bluesified take on “Toxic,” which was originally done by pop princess Britney Spears and the band proceeds to turn completely inside-out.  “With ‘Toxic,’ The Wicked Lo-Down have re-crafted this interesting piece of bubble gum pop into a sinister, fierce, rockin’ Texas shuffle with help from the great Monster Mike Welch on guitar,” declares Nick David.

As with their previous release, the focal point of Out of Line is on the songs. Highlighting the songwriting of Berg, David and Size, the band once again solidifies its place by continuing to carve out a lane all its own, making the new disc a must-listen for hard core fans of bands like The Red Devils and the original Fabulous Thunderbirds. 

About “The Wildest One” track, Nick David says:  “The Wildest One (Lester’s Boogie)” was written as a tribute to the great Lester Butler. The head riff was something that popped into the mind of long time bandmate Paul Size as something that reminded him intensely of Lester and the rest of the song was built around that. The lyrics, written by Nick David reference the life & music of Lester, including song titles from the Red Devils and 13 records. 

The Wicked Lo-Down will celebrate the release of Out of Line at the upcoming 2024 New England Winter Blues Festival and Tour, as part of the Gulf Coast Records Revue.  The band will have a limited number of new CDs available at these shows. Stay tuned for more CD release parties in the spring!

The 2024 New England Winter Blues Festival will feature four Gulf Coast Records recording artists and four of the blues world’s most fierce and beloved guitar slingers: Popa Chubby, Albert Castiglia, Monster Mike Welch and Paul Size (of The Wicked Lo-Down), who  will be bringing bona fide Blues Guitarmageddon to the New England this coming February.

The 14th annual New England Winter Blues Festival Presents: A Gulf Coast Records Revue

Feb 15 - The Rex Theater - Manchester, NH

Feb 16 - Blue Ocean Music Hall - Salisbury Beach, MA

Feb 17 - The Fallout Shelter - Norwood, MA

Feb 18 - Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club - Portsmouth, NH

Meet the Band

Nick David: For the last 25 years, dynamo Blues shouter, unorthodox harmonica ace and extraordinary stage presence Nick David has been entertaining audiences in New England and around the world. Nick spent 12 years fronting the widely regarded Mr. Nick & the Dirty Tricks, which included the Billboard charted album, Oh Wow, produced by the legendary Curtis Salgado. Nick has performed and recorded with many notable musicians, including; Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson, The Holmes Brothers, John Popper, Otis Grand, Jerry Portnoy, Duke Robillard, Ronnie Earl, Curtis Salgado, Big Bill Morganfield, Jason Ricci, James Harman, The Nighthawks, Rick Estrin and Junior Watson, to name a few. 

Paul Size: For the last 40 years, Paul Size has been the pure embodiment of blistering Texas Blues guitar. Having grown up and made his bones in Texas amongst modern day Blues royalty like Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and SRV, it is no surprise that he turned out to be the juggernaut that he is today. At just 19 years old, Paul moved to LA to join the famed Red Devils, where he spent three years traveling around the world, playing and recording with a wide variety of musicians including Mick Jagger, Los Lobos, The Allman Brothers, The Black Crowes, Doyle Bramhall, Doyle Bramhall II, Kim Wilson, and Ronnie Earl. He recorded one full-length record and did several recording projects with legendary producer Rick Rubin. After moving to New England, Paul spent several years in the stalwart Johnny Hoy & the Bluefish and recorded and toured as a member of New England Blues royalty, Sugar Ray & the Bluetones. 

Brad Hallen: Having been a full time musician since 1975, Brad has played on over 200 records to date and has recorded and toured the world many times over with Blues and R&B artists such as Duke Robillard, Jimmie Vaughn, Susan Tedeschi, James Cotton, Billy Boy Arnold, Curtis Salgado, Hubert Sumlin, Roomful of Blues, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, The Founders, Monster Mike Welch as, well as many Rock artists including Iggy Pop, Ministry, Ric Ocasek, Elliot Easton and Ben Orr (The Cars), Jane Wiedlin (The Go Go’s), The Nervous Eaters, The Joneses, Willie Alexander, Aimee Mann and many others

Jeff Berg: Jeff Berg has been an integral part of the New England Blues scene for the last 30 years, whether fronting and playing guitar in his own band, Night Train, playing bass for ubiquitous New England Blues stompers Ryan Hartt and The Blue Hearts, or original rock outfit The Howl. In addition, Jeff is chief recording engineer at Walking Stick Studio, as well as record producer and label owner of Feffrey Records. 

Nick Toscano: Nick Toscano has been playing drums in all forms of musical settings in New England and beyond for over 30 years. In addition to The Wicked Lo-Down, he’s recorded albums as a member of Ryan Hartt and the Blue Hearts, The Eric Ducoff Band, Chris Capaldi, The Raymond McMorrin Quintet, and others. Nick has also been on the road with some dynamite touring artists including Junior Watson, Mark Hummel, Rusty Zinn, and Anson Funderburgh. 

Out of Line Track Listing and Songwriting Credits 

1) Kill Me or Keep Me (J. Berg)

2) Marchin’ On (N. David, P. Size)

3) Bogeyman (N. David)

4) Out of Line (N. David, P. Size)

5) The Wildest One (Lester’s Boogie) (N. David, P. Size)

6) Toxic (C. Dennis, H. Jonback, C. Karlsson, P. Winnberg)

7) Action Woman (N. David, P. Size)

8) If I (J. Berg)

9) Dime Store Darling (J. Berg)

10) You Don’t Know Me (J. Berg, N. David)

11) Vanna Be (P. Size)

12) Put Up With You (N. David) 

13) Just Can’t Make It (T.R. Taylor)

Special Guests

Mike Zito - Guitar on Out of Line

Monster Mike Welch - Guitar on Toxic

‘As time goes by, people realise what extraordinary songwriters they are.’MBW’s World’s Greatest Managers series meets Wendy Laister, who has managed Duran Duran for over two decades
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Metallica names Marching Band contest winners & offers fan engagement lesson [VIDEO]After learning that their music was a favorite among college and high school marching bands, last April, Metallica announced a contest with almost $200,000 in prizes that challenged marching bands. Continue reading
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