Spring 2010
Production in your pocket
Despite their modest size and weight, the latest generation of compact recorders brings big sound and heavy-duty features to musicians on the go.
Getting Your Share Fare
Learn how a fast Internet connection and the right software lets you get your music to fans and clients from anywhere.
Media Mine
Remember when the owner's manual to your tape recorder was the size of a diner's menu? With today's high-powered software, the documentation can look more like an encyclopedia, which is why we like the clean layout of Hal Leonard's Power Tools book/DVD combos.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear For Songwriters and Producers
Winter 2010
The Big Squeeze
Compressors may seem like utilitarian tools designed to control dynamic range, but in the right hands, the use of compression can be an art unto itself.
Supercharge Your Creative Flow
Digital recording tools are amazing creative aids, but they can also be distracting or intimidating.
Tina Shafer
Over her 19 years with the New York Songwriter's Circle, Director and President Tina Shafer has seen a lot of talent develop. Such songwriters as Norah Jones, Jesse Harris, Gavin DeGraw, Richard Julian, Vanessa Carlton, and Company of Thieves have emergred from the Circle's regular performances and annual songwriting contests.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear For Songwriters and Producers
Fall 2009
Plugging Into "Unplugged" Sound
It's a cruel irony that the acoustic guitar, blessed with a unique combination of portability and usefulness as both a solo and accompanying instrument, can lose so much of its character when amplified.
Viva The Vocal
Great vocal production is the magic ingredient on hits in all genres. But nailing that killer lead vocal track is often easier said then done. In this article, well explore some tried and true recording techniques and then check in with a few top flight engineer/producers on how they go about chasing that perfect take.
Sondre Lerche
At the tender age of 27, Norwegian-born singer/songwriter Sondre Lerche has already spent almost a decade in the spotlight.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear For Songwriters and Producers
Summer 2010
You Out to Be in Pictures
Author Lorian Hemingway has found incredible success in the family business.
Properllerhead Record
With Record ($299), the makers of the popular Reason suite of software productions tools offer their own take on the DAW.
Jill Sobule
Over the course of her long career, singer and songwriter Jill Sobule has built a reputation for creative independence. Yet despite consistent critical acclaim and an incredibly loyal following, she's never found a permanent home of a record label.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear For Songwriters and Producers
Spring 2009
It's Under ControlFrom compact units that can slip into a laptop case to consoles that resemble professional studio mixers, control surfaces are making computeraudio productions more of a hands-on experience than ever before.
The Lowdown On Getting Down LowThe ability to create the ideal bass balance is an essential studio skill; these tips should help achieve a healthy bottom line.
The art and craft of Adam SchlesingerAdam Schlesinger is one of those rare musicians who can thrive in different musical environments while maintaining the stylistic integrity of each one.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear For Songwriters and Producers
Winter 2009
Pre-SchoolPreamps, which boost the signal of microphones so they can work with mixers and audio interfaces, can be the most important gear in your studio.
Phone HomeHeadphones come in more varieties and offer better performance than ever before.
The art and craft of Stephen SchwartzEqually adept as a lyricist and composer, Stephen Schwartz has enjoyed one of the most prolific and honored careers in history of modern musical theater.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear For Songwriters and Producers
Fall 2008
Technology Pitches InThe latest pitch manipulation tools sound more natural—and offer more creative possibilities than ever before.
Convert!Choosing the right tools to bring analog audio to the digital realm—and vice versa—can make a major difference in the quality of your recording.
The art and craft of Billy SteinbergThe world was a much different place when mega-songsmith Billy Steinberg secured his first major cut, Linda Ronstadt's "How Do I Make You," in 1980.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers
Summer 2008
Get into the LoopLoop production has been a mainstay for electronic, dance and soundtrack music for years, but new tools make it more appealing to songwriters than ever before.
Surround for SongwritersSurround sound may be a specialty format for album production, but it’s become the norm for film and TV. Here’s what you need to know to prepare your mixes for the screen.
The art and craft of... Lori McKennaMost aspiring artists begin pounding the pavement as teens—but not country-based singer and songwriter Lori McKenna, who took a decidedly different route.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers
Spring 2008
A "Logical" Approach To Mobile Music CreationFast notebook computers, portable interfaces, and powerful software such as Apple's Logic Pro 8 let songwriters and producers create music, anytime, anywhere.
Mastering BasicsThe final stage of the production process can be critical.
The art and craft of... Rodney CrowellAfter working in Emmylou Harris's celebrated Hot Band for much of the 1970s, Texas-born songwriter Rodney Crowell began cranking out the hits for the likes of the Oak Ridge Boys, Willie Nelson and ex-wife Rosanne Cash, while waiting patiently for his own solo career to take flight.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers
Fall 2007
License To EarnPump Audio puts music licensing in composers' hands
Monitoring BasicsA well-chosen and set up monitoring system is critical in delivering mixes that will sound good outside the friendly confines of your studio.
The art and craft of… Jimmy JamAfter several fruitful years working with Prince during the early part of the '80s, R&B songwriters Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis made the decision to strike out on their own.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers
Summer 2007
Scoring SoftwareNotion Music releases a version 2.0.
Tips For The MixMixing is more about the ears than the gear.
The Art and Craft of... Aimee MannAfter struggling with major labels, Aimee Mann to the indie route to success.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers.
Spring 2007
A Soft Synth Steps OutCakewalk adds a new "Dimension" to the desktop studio.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers.
Six String MagicPro tips for recording guitars.
The Art and Craft of... Desmond ChildDesmond Child is a hit machine. He's written or co-written successfully with a diverse array of artists, including Kiss, Ricky Martin, Joan Jett, Aerosmith, Hall and Oates, Iggy Pop, the Baha Men, Clay Aiken and many others.
