From the monthly archives:

September 2009

What rights do music listeners have?

September 30, 2009

The simple answer is zero.  Music fans can purchase a copy of music and listen to it.  That is it.  Any action taken to distribute it is breaking the law.  Yes, that includes Peer to Peer (P2P) networks. Ars Technica published an interesting article the other day regarding some misconceptions.   Some people believe that it [...]

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The 2009 Movie Fame-Compared to the 1980 Version, It’s Just Another High School Musical

September 29, 2009

Over the weekend, Contrapuntist and I went to go see the newly released movie, Fame. Having already seen the 1980 version, I can’t help but compare the two. Both movies follow a group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists through their four years of study at the New York High School of Performing Arts. The [...]

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Tea Stain Clothing Teams up with Rock Stars to Raise Money for Music-Related Charities

September 27, 2009

Recently, rocker fashion has come back in style in a big way. I’ve seen department stores selling AC/DC and Led Zeppelin T-shirts, not to mention all the little kids wearing T-shirts with the Rolling Stones flaming lips logo. And, according to “The Seattle Times,” “Rock [is] the hard-edge fashion look for fall.” Well now, you [...]

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What Does Healthcare Reform Mean to Musicians: Part I – Our Story

September 24, 2009

We all need doctors and hospitals. We also need pharmaceutical companies to develop medicines to combat illness.  The biggest question is: How do we pay for healthcare so we can receive treatment without breaking the bank?   Some people believe we are entitled to healthcare, others believe the opposite.  It is a controversial topic causing a [...]

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Album Review: Notes On A Dream by Jordan Rudess

September 23, 2009

Thanks to Christopher B. at PR That Rocks, I was sent a copy of Notes on a Dream by Jordan Rudess. Rudess is best known as the keyboardist of Dream Theater, one of my all time favorite progressive metal bands.  Rudess joined Dream Theater in 1999 becoming an integral part of the band. Since then, [...]

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Methods of Mayhem Invites YOU to Collaborate on Their Upcoming Album

September 22, 2009

Have you ever wanted to record an album with a world-famous rock star? Well, now you may have the chance. Methods of Mayhem, fronted by Tommy Lee (drummer for Mötley Crüe) is working on a new album, and they are looking for fresh ideas. Here is some information from the Roadrunner Records press release: Methods [...]

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US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Speaks about Arts in the Schools

September 21, 2009

I’m a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM). In the September 2009 issue of the AFM’s journal, International Musician, there was a wonderful article about Secretary Duncan’s speech at a SupportMusic Coalition teleconference hosted by NAMM (the association of the international music products industry). According to [...]

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Mikael Åkerfeldt, Russell Allen, and Daniel Gildenlöw-Three Powerhouse Voices of Progressive Rock

September 18, 2009

As I’ve mentioned before, Dream Theater is my favorite band. I’ve used it as a jumping-off point into the world of progressive music, which has some of the most innovative music of any genre today. I’m still getting to know a lot of the bands, but what I have noticed is the virtuosity of not [...]

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Rebuilding Iraq: Ottmar Liebert and Rahim Alhaj Return to Moorish Traditions

September 17, 2009

The Spanish guitar and the sounds of flamenco have a Middle Eastern connection that dates back to the Moorish conquest of Spain in the eighth century.  In fact, as an undergraduate student studying classical guitar, I learned that one of the first treatises of musical instruments was written during this time period.  As a result, [...]

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My Latin Side, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Latin Music USA

September 16, 2009

Yesterday marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage month.   When I first started blogging, I provided snippets about my Hispanic background.  I haven’t kept it a secret, but I also haven’t talked about it much.   Well, that is about to change. I have had a  fascination for a long time to learn everything about Latin American [...]

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