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Music

FL Studio Unleashed: The Ultimate Starter Tutorial for New Producers

Getting stuck into music production can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that hard. Whether you’re a budding artist or a DJ who wants to strike out making their own beats, our comprehensive FL Studio tutorial for beginners are designed to guide you through the process from beginner to pro.

Welcome to the world of music production with FL Studio

Everyone’s got an opinion on what DAW or digital audio workstation, is best, but one of the most common for beginners is FL Studio. This FL Studio tutorial for beginners will walk you through the basics, turning you from a newbie into a first-class producer.

Getting started: Installing and setting up FL Studio on your computer.

  • Download: Head to the official FL Studio website and choose either the PC or OSX version to download.
  • Install: Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts to install the software.
  • License: Once installed, enter your purchase key or opt for the trial version.
  • Setup: Adjust your audio settings; usually, the default setting works fine for most users. You may need to change the audio output if you are using an external sound card.
  • Plugins: Browse and add any additional plugins you want.
  • Shortcut: Create a desktop shortcut to easily open the software each time.
  • Explore: Open FL Studio and familiarize yourself with its layout.

Exploring the interface: A walkthrough of the different sections and tools

At first glance the interface of any DAW can be a head-scratcher, but here is a breakdown of the main sections of FL Studio, that you’ll use every time.

  • Channel Rack: This is where you add and organize instruments or samples.
  • Playlist: Drag and place your patterns, making the structure of your song.
  • Piano Roll: Create notes, melodies, and chords in no time.
  • Mixer: Mix, balance, and add effects to your tracks.
  • Browser: Find all your samples, presets, and plugins here.
  • Toolbar: Offers quick access to main controls like play, pause, and tempo.

Creating your first beat: Step-by-step instructions on building your own track.

When looking at any fl studio tutorial for beginners, one of the first things you’ll encounter are the steps you should take to build your own track, and the onboard FL plugins you should use, to get started making a track.

  • Create a beat: Use Fruity DrumSynth Live for creating drum patterns.
  • Compose a Melody: Use FL Keys to create a memorable melody.
  • Lay Down Bass: Use BooBass to create a low-slung bassline.
  • Shape Your Sound: Fine-tune with Fruity Parametric EQ 2 to remove or boost frequencies in any sound.
  • Space & Atmosphere: Fruity Reverb 2 gives depth and space to your track.
  • Control Dynamics: Use Fruity Limiter to ensure balanced volume.
  • Synthesize: For advanced sonic textures, use the Sytrus synth.

Get a look at our unique selection of amazing FL Studio tutorials, to get more in-depth tips on all these steps.

Adding melodies and samples: How to incorporate melodies and samples into your project?

Writing a good melody is essential to creating tracks that will attract the attention of record labels but also get people on the dancefloor fast! Here are a few tips on what FL Plugins you can use to start using melodies in FL Studio.

  • Drafting Ideas: Use FL Keys for basic piano melodies to start with.
  • Sampling: Drag samples directly into the Channel Rack for easy integration.
  • Melodic Design: Explore Sytrus for a range of synthesized melodies and textures.
  • Stringed Beauty: Harmless is great for plucked and string-like sounds.
  • Soundscapes: With Fruity Granulizer, manipulate samples for ambient textures.
  • Experimentation: Use SliceX to chop and rearrange any sample.
  • Layering: Combine sounds using Fruity Layer for richer melodies.

Mixing and mastering: Tips and techniques for achieving a professional sound.

Mixing and mastering is the final step in creating your next dancefloor monster, and FL Studio has a ton of onboard plugins to help you with this. Here are a few tips that we’ve gained from our extensive selection of producer-led tutorials on FL Studio music production on the Sonic Academy website:

  • Balance Levels: Use the Mixer to ensure no sound overshadows another.
  • Equalization: Adjust frequencies with Fruity Parametric EQ 2 to clarify and define.
  • Compression: Fruity Compressor keeps dynamics controlled and tight.
  • Stereo Imaging: Use Fruity Stereo Enhancer to widen or narrow your soundstage.
  • Enhance Harmonics: Brighten with Fruity Soft Clipper for subtle warmth.
  • Final Loudness: Maximus is your go-to for achieving a radio-ready volume.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, FL Studio music production offers an incredible platform for newbies and pros alike. The FL Studio tutorials we have on the website, will help you make first-class turns in FL in no time. We can’t wait to hear how you’re progressing with your own FL productions, drop us a message in the comments and let us know how you are getting on, or hit up the Sonic Academy blog.

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Music

Resonate Your Passion: Selling and Buying Pianos in Music Shops

There’s a special bond between musicians and their pianos. These big, beautiful instruments aren’t just objects – with their ability to produce such emotive music, they become like an extension of the player’s soul. When pianists walk into a music shop on the hunt for a new instrument, it’s an exciting, emotional journey. They’re looking for that perfect piano – the one that will resonate with their passion and help them share their deepest feelings through music.

In this article, we’ll look at the deep connection musicians have with their pianos, and why music shops play such an important role for both buyers and sellers. We’ll explore what goes into finding that dream piano that’s just right for each musician. Pianos aren’t just instruments, they’re musical partners that can inspire great artistry when the right human-piano match is made. There’s real joy in finding the one that vibrates on the same frequency as the musician’s soul.

The Power of Pianos: A Passionate Connection

For musicians, a piano is more than just a wooden frame with keys. It is a source of inspiration and a way to express themselves artistically. The emotional bond between a musician and their piano is powerful. Each note played, each melody created, carries a piece of their heart and soul. The piano becomes a trusted friend in times of joy and sorrow, a companion in moments of solitude, and a voice to share feelings that words cannot capture. As musicians play their pianos, they form an unbreakable bond—a passion that resonates with each keystroke. The piano becomes an integral part of their musical journey, being there through compositions, performances, and personal growth. It’s common for musicians to speak fondly of their pianos, remembering the melodies that flowed from their fingertips and the memories made over the years.

Selling Your Beloved Piano: A Bittersweet Farewell

Deciding to sell a beloved piano is bittersweet. While selling may start a new chapter in the musician’s life, it also means saying goodbye to an instrument holding cherished memories. Finding the right buyer becomes very important. Music shops play a key role in this process by connecting musicians with interested and appreciative buyers. Selling a piano through a music store gives musicians confidence that their instrument will find a home where it will continue making beautiful music. The process is more than just a transaction – it’s a heartfelt passing of the musical torch to another soul who will carry on the piano’s legacy.

The Joy of Buying New Pianos: Discovering Your Soul Instrument

When you’re ready for a fresh start musically, nothing beats the thrill of shopping for a brand-new piano. Music stores are like treasure troves, full of possibilities – grand pianos, uprights, modern digital keyboards, you name it. Trying out different instruments is like going on a journey to find your soul piano – the one that really speaks to your personal playing style and aspirations. When you hit the right keys, you can feel the passion resonating through you. Whether you’re drawn to the rich, warm timbre of a grand or the versatility of a digital keyboard, your new piano represents a blank canvas, ready for you to pour your creativity into and reach new musical heights. This is the start of an exciting new chapter in your musical story.

Unveiling the Charm of Vintage and Used Pianos

While new pianos offer novelty, there’s something charming about vintage and used models too. These instruments each have their own unique history and character, shaped by the musicians who played them and the melodies they produced. For some players, the vintage piano sound – rich with nostalgia – is the real allure.

In piano store San Diego, you can often uncover gems among the old and used pianos waiting to be found. Each one has its own story to tell. Buying a vintage piano isn’t just getting an instrument – it’s connecting to the past through a piece of musical heritage. It’s embracing history

The Art of Restoring Vintage Pianos

Restoring old pianos is an art form that gives new life to old instruments. In the hands of skilled experts, these pianos are carefully refurbished, bringing them back to their original splendor. It’s a labor of love, as each piano gets the attention and care it deserves.

When musicians play a beautifully restored old piano, they experience the joy of connecting with the past. These pianos become a bridge between generations, where melodies from long ago blend seamlessly with new compositions. Restored pianos are more than just instruments – they’re time capsules, preserving the legacy of music and craftsmanship from years gone by.

Trade-Ins and Upgrades: Enhancing Your Musical Journey

For musicians looking for a change in their musical journey, trade-ins and upgrades present an appealing option. Trading in their current piano allows musicians to upgrade—a chance to explore new possibilities and embrace a fresh musical direction. The process fosters a sense of continuity, as musicians stay connected to the music shop community.

Trading in a piano is not just about finding a new instrument—it’s about the journey of musical growth and discovery. Upgrading to a more advanced piano opens new horizons, inspiring musicians to reach new heights in their artistry. As they play passionately on the keys of their new instrument, they embark on an exciting new chapter in their musical voyage.

Finding Your Perfect Match: The Piano Selection Process

When musicians start looking for their dream piano, it’s like going on a journey to find their soulmate. They think hard about what they really want and need in an instrument. Some want that rich, booming sound of a grand piano for big concerts. Others might like how versatile a digital keyboard is for recording songs and writing music.

At music shops, musicians get to try out all kinds of pianos, listening for the one that really speaks to their heart. The staff is super knowledgeable. They give great tips and ideas about pianos that would be a good fit based on the musician’s style and goals. The search isn’t rushed – finding your perfect piano is personal and emotional, filled with passion.

The Heartfelt Connection: Buying from Local Music Shops

Getting your piano from a local shop is so much more than just a transaction. It creates a heartfelt bond that goes beyond the piano itself. Supporting these local businesses doesn’t just help the community – it also means you get personalized help and expert advice.

In these shops, musicians find more than just instruments. They find a peaceful, inspiring place to express themselves through music. The staff really understands each piano’s unique qualities. They patiently guide musicians through choosing the right one. This special connection helps musicians appreciate their piano even more, as they become part of a community that shares their love of music.

Conclusion

Pianos carry unique stories reflecting the musicians who played them. Selling a beloved piano is bittersweet, but the new owner continues its legacy. Buying a piano is exhilarating—finding your soul instrument. Among the pianos in music shops are hidden gems with stories to tell. Restoring vintage pianos brings forth timeless beauty. Trading up resonates with pursuing excellence. Music shops facilitate this journey of passion and artistry. As pianists connect with their passion, guided by staff expertise, they find the piano that becomes their creative companion. Let your passion guide you on this journey of selling, buying, and playing pianos. In their melodies discover the emotive power of music.

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Celebrity

#CocoLive – The Bodyguard, Bournemouth Pavilion, Bournemouth

Returning to the role of Rachel Marron for a second time, there’s no bigger fan of The Bodyguard than Zoe Birkett and her passion for the role is second to none.

Based on the 1992 romantic thriller film of the same name, the theatre production is an exemplary showcase of the songs of Whitney Houston brought to life by the talented Zoe.

The stellar supporting cast includes Emily-Mae who portrays Rachel’s slightly beleaguered sister Nicki and the charming former Emmerdale and Hollyoaks actor Ayden Callaghan who portrays the gruff titular character of Frank Farmer – the bodyguard brilliantly.

Stepping into a role originally portrayed by Whitney Houston is no easy feat, but Zoe is unfazed and really makes it her own. She is a sensational vocalist and shows what a triple threat she really is with her sublime vocals, dancing and acting all on point.

Her sensitive portrayal of Rachel, a woman who is fighting to live her life to the fullest, despite the threat from a mysterious stalker is feisty, but Zoe plays the role with an intoxicating playfulness that really makes the audience root for her and her adorable son played by the fantastic Kaylen Luke who is making his professional theatre debut as Fletcher.

Emily-Mae who portrays Nicki Marron is captivating and hits the spot of Rachel’s overlooked sister exquisitely. She has her chance to shine on a few different numbers including ‘All the Man that I Need’ and duetting with Zoe/Rachel too and sings with a real emotional elegance, particularly with her part of the duet of ‘Saving All My Love For You’.

Supported by a fantastic cast and ensemble which includes the wonderful Marios Nicolaides as Rachel’s stalker who plays the role with a real sense of sinister brilliance.

From toe-tapping numbers like ‘I’m Every Woman’ to ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ to mesmerising  power ballads like ‘Run to You’, ‘One Moment in Time’ and, of course, that classic tearjerker ‘I Will Always Love You’.

This was a first-class production and has it all – romance, intrigue and of course a huge selection of Whitney Houston classics which all make for a fantastic night out.

The Bodyguard is at Bournemouth Pavilion until 12th August 2023 – more information and tickets can be found here. Other tour dates can be found here.

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#CocoLive – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, 02 Academy, Bournemouth

Fresh from a stint touring the USA, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have made a triumphant return to the UK where they are undertaking a series of gigs which includes a brief pit stop at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth.

This intimate gig for a venue that holds fewer than 1500 was a somewhat surprising addition to the rocker’s tour and was recorded in its entirety by Absolute Radio.

Despite production wise being a slightly scaled down version from the Brighton gig the night before, it still visually had all the hallmarks of being a classic Noel Gallagher gig.

The stage was still adorned with colourful flowers and potted plants as well as a lifesize cardboard cutout of legendary football manager Pep Guardiola proudly wrapped in a Manchester City Football Club scarf.

Noel’s latest album, the brilliant ‘Council Skies’ has been one of my favourite albums of the year so I was more chuffed than Thomas the Tank Engine to see him perform tracks from this live. 

Noel kicked off proceedings with the hypnotic ‘Pretty Boy’ with its menacing glittering neo-psych guitars and post-punk energy. There was no doubt that Noel meant business.

Noel gave a spellbinding performance on the beautiful ‘Open the Door, See What You Find’ which gave the sold out crowd ample opportunities to sing along. This was preceded by Noel’s quip that the next track ‘was not Supersonic!’.

Ably supported by backing vocalist – the fantastic Jessica Greenfield, this was a real standout and effortlessly showcased his spectacular performance skills.

There’s no doubt that Noel Gallagher is an extraordinary performer in his own right, but the other members of the band Gem Archer, Mike Rowe, Russell Pritchard and Chris Sharrock also get a chance to shine. On ‘Pretty Boy’, Russell’s driving bass lines are particularly exceptional as well as on ‘Council Skies’.

A consummate musician, Gem Archer is a guitaring heavyweight champion of the world once again proving why he is one the best guitarists in music which included an incredible heart-pumping guitar solo on ‘Easy Now’.

From the kaleidoscopic ‘We’re Going To Get There In The End’ to ‘AKA…What A Life’, Noel delivered a sublime stroll through Noel’s ever-evolving career post Oasis which included a stunning rendition of ‘We’re on Our Way Now’.

Whilst there was an emphasis on NGHFB’s material, the delighted audience were treated to a smorgasbord of both Oasis classics and deep cuts which included one of the best renditions of ‘The Importance of Being Idle’ that I have ever heard.

Noel’s vocals were phenomenal and the passion, prowess and power were palpable in both his performance and delivery on tracks like ‘The Masterplan’, ‘Half The World Away’ as well as on a stripped back and highly emotive version of  ‘Live Forever’.

Closing with the aforementioned monumental masterpiece, a sensational reimagining of Bob Dylan’s ‘Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)’ and of course the obligatory powerhouse that is ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’, this was a standup masterclass in performance and showmanship and once again cements Noel as one of the best songwriters and storytellers that the UK has ever produced.

Photo Credits:  Joe Flanagan & Emma Harrison

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Festivals

#CocoLive – blur, Lucca Summer Festival, Italy

One of the most anticipated gigs of the European festival calendar, the Lucca Summer Festival has a pedigree in attracting international talent to perform at this critically-acclaimed music event in the pretty city of Lucca.

As the blazing hot sun set over the famed city walls, blur emerged to a rapturous crowd and kicked off their vibrant and expansive set with a blistering rendition of the utterly sublime ‘St Charles Square’ taken from their new number one album ‘The Ballad Of Darren’.

Despite it being a relatively new track, thousands of the enthralled fans sung along to those now immortal lines ‘I fucked up / I’m not the first to do it’.

This then segued into the shimmering grooves of ‘There’s No Other Way’, their breakthrough hit from 1991’s ‘Leisure’ which was a kaleidoscopic swirl of youthful exuberance which still resonates with the same vivacity over 31 years later.

This was swiftly followed by a frenetic ‘Popscene’, the punchy ‘Tracy Jacks’ and ‘Beetlebum’ with its iconic metronomic riffs executed perfectly from the masterful Graham Coxon.

His kaleidoscopic guitars have always elevated blur’s sound alongside impeccable bass playing from the ever-jovial Alex James and the thunderous drums from Dave Rowntree.

Ever a charismatic frontman and fantastic songwriter, Damon Albarn’s passion and energy was evident and he played a huge part in whipping the crowd into a frenzy.

Photo Credit: Frances Coprandoni
Photo Credit: Frances Coprandoni

This was undoubtedly a nostalgic look back at their illustrious back catalogue, which was an impeccable highlight reel of their illustrious career from the transcendental ‘This is A Low’ to the luscious art-pop magic of ‘The Universal’.

But, it was also an opportunity for the four-piece to effortlessly showcase tracks from their new album ‘The Ballad of Darren’.

Despite being new material, the songs from ‘Darren’ are set to be deft masterpieces with standout tracks like ‘The Narcissist’ and ‘Barbaric’ thrilling the crowd.

This was an electrifying and assured performance from the quartet and their enduring and endearing friendship was evident.

In ‘Tender’, Damon showed pure emotion and gave a vital and hypnotic performance, whilst in ‘Parklife’ and ‘Girls & Boys’, Damon in the former channelled the iconic Phil Daniels’ and delivered his iconic monologue with his own charm and swagger whilst donning his original Fila tracksuit from the Girls and Boys music video for the latter.

Photo Credit: Frances Coprandoni
Photo Credit: Frances Coprandoni

After a triumphant and transcendent  set, blur closed with a spine tingling and captivating rendition of the beautiful and elegiac ‘The Universal’ which is one of blur’s finest tracks. Passionate, powerful and assured, this was blur at their very best.

Yes – it really, really, really did happen and blur’s performance at Lucca was an absolute masterclass and celebration of the band’s legacy.

Photo Credit:  Frances Coprandoni

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Art

Why this captivating exhibition from Paul McCartney offers a fascinating insight into life as a Beatle

We think we all know the Beatles, but the new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery ‘Eyes of the Storm’ perfectly encapsulates what life was like as a Beatle during that pivotal time as Beatlemania took hold in the early sixties.

It’s fair to say that as well as being the biggest music act in the world, the fab four changed both pop culture and the world in its entirety when the Beatles’ fame catapulted from local lads ‘done good’ to stratospheric levels that no one could have ever imagined.

Least of all Paul McCartney, whose artistic efforts and vision has resulted in a fascinating insight into life as one quarter of the world’s most talked about band as they hit the big time.

There are so many photos of The Beatles that are etched into my memory, largely down to having them on my bedroom wall as a teenager in the nineties, but Paul’s very special collection of photos provides a truly compelling and intimate take on not only his life, but of John, George and Ringo as well as other loved ones from Paul’s life.

This uniquely personal perspective on what it was like to be in the Beatle at the start of ‘Beatlemania’ and takes the viewer on a real journey as you join the Beatles on a magical mystery tour from the streets of London and Liverpool onwards to Paris, New York, Washington DC and the sun-dappled beaches of Miami.

Career highlights are immaculately captured such as the Beatles appearance on the biggest TV show in the world at the time – The Ed Sullivan show which was watched by over 73 million viewers.

Inspired by his parents ‘Kodak Brownie’ camera, the young Paul clearly had a knack for photos from an early age. His younger brother Michael was a keen photographer too and subsequently made a career out of his passion and has even had books published of his work.

He used a 35mm Pentax camera as favoured by professional photographers like David Bailey to take on tour with him to capture those special moments behind the scenes with both his bandmates and the extended Beatles family.

It only came to light recently that this beguiling collection of almost 1000 photos were not lost, but were in the musician’s archives.

Paul said “Somewhere in the back of my mind, I always knew I had taken some photos in the 1960s..it was a crazy whirlwind that we were living through, touring and working pretty much every day and seeing loads of people who wanted to photograph us. There were loads of eyes and cameras, at the centre of this storm”.

He insists his intention is not to be ‘seen as a master photographer’ but an ‘occasional photographer who happened to be in the right place at the right time’.

His vision of turning the camera on to the photographers themselves is a mirror into the world that he was inhabiting.

As well as his brother Mike, Paul was also influenced by the creative photographers around him which included the great Dezo Hoffman and German photographer Astrid Kirchherr who they met in Hamburg in 1960 with Astrid falling in love with Stuart Sutcliffe (a former member of the Beatles)

The exhibition starts with a striking trio of photos – a self portrait of Paul himself which shows he has always been ahead of the curve and doing selfies before a selfie was an actual thing!

It also perfectly illustrates the intensity of the band’s work schedule with rehearsals, relentless press junkets, tours, TV appearances and more.

From their UK November tour in 1963 which is captured in black and white with the instantly recognisable mop top hair, slick suits and that omnipresent cheeky glint in their eyes, you can see there were two sides to the Beatles.

The professional musicians putting on the razzle dazzle to the world and behind the scenes, four ordinary lads who wanted down time, to be a tourist in Washington and see the White House and relax and have a well-earned rest.

As well as the brilliant pictures, there’s some endearing anecdotes from Paul who reminisces about the time the band were in Paris and they heard they had reached number 1 in America where they ‘screamed and jumped on each other and ran around the hotel room and danced’.

One particular photo really shows the camaraderie that the four young men had with the band having a pillow fight at a hotel in Paris in 1964. This is not one taken by McCartney, but it effortlessly sums up life with The Beatles.

As Beatlemania increased, the Beatles world got bigger and at the same time smaller. Their journey into superstardom is further demonstrated by Paul switching from shooting in black and white into colour.

This is further magnified when they spent some time in Miami with those pinks and blues really popping out at you.

This transition is symbolic of how far they had come from the leafy streets of Liverpool to a millionaire’s lifestyle in Miami.

The Miami collection is largely behind the scenes shots of the boys relaxing, sunbathing and even attempting to water ski. These dreamy images inspired Paul to create a film exclusively for the exhibition which is unmissable.

With over 250 pictures included in this rare and electrifying exhibition, this is an absolute must to go and see, not just for fans of Paul and The Beatles, but for anyone interested in music, photography, fashion and more.

You’ll love it – Yeah Yeah Yeah!

Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm is at the National Portrait Gallery, from 28 June to 1 October.

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Festivals

#CocoLive – The Who, 02 Arena, London

After six decades together, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend still have that indomitable spirit and compelling chemistry that has been a huge part of their appeal and enduring legacy.

‘The Who Hits Back’, has the band complete with Zak Starkey on drums navigate their way through a crowd-pleasing compilation of hits some of which have been reimagined with the help of a very talented Heart of London Philharmonic Orchestra whose orchestral performance including some exquisite strings which helps elevate the iconic tunes from classic rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia even further.

Of course Pete Townshend’s trademark cascading windmills make an appearance much to the delight of the enraptured audience who had previously been told to ‘Wake the fuck up, come on!’ by the animated 78 year old. He had a point – if you are at a rock ‘n’ roll gig, especially when it’s the legendary Who, wake the hell up!

Kicking their vibrant and expansive set off with a great selection of tracks from ‘Tommy’ which included ‘The Acid Queen’, ‘Amazing Journey’ and of course ‘Pinball Wizard’, the rationale behind using an orchestra was crystal clear and it was a refreshing reimagining of what was already superb songs from such a groundbreaking film.

Pete spoke to the sold-out audience about his love for performing and his gratitude for the love and appreciation from the audience. Cynics might profess that The Who were just on a money making mission to ease them into (eventual) retirement, but it’s clear that the passion and love for live performances is still there which is to be admired.

With the orchestra taking a breather for the second part of the set, the band took us on a stellar sonic journey right back to where it first started with some of the band’s earlier material. 

From the visceral ‘I Can’t Explain’ which was a real rip roaring affair to a crowd pleasing ‘The Kids Are Alright’, this effortlessly showcased why The Who were such an integral part of the music landscape in the ‘60’s and beyond. The former was the first time they had played this track since 2017 as was ‘Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere’ which was the first time it was performed since 2014.

This retrospective set prompted Pete to declare that ‘You have to be pretty old to remember this stuff’ with Roger Daltrey responding with the retort ‘Don’t look at me. I don’t bloody know!’, this charming banter then segued on to one of the bands most ferocious hits, a rousing rendition of ‘My Generation’ which always gets the crowd going.

Ever consummate professionals, the last track of the second part of the set ‘Behind Blue Eyes’ was started over due to Roger struggling with his ear piece and having missed the sound check due to the traffic around the arena. It turns out that the second time was a charm and it was beautifully executed and was chock-full of emotion.

The orchestra rejoined the band for the third part of the gig which included ‘The Rock’ complete with compelling and thought provoking visuals, ‘The Real Me’, and ‘Love, Reign O’er Me’, concluding with the incredible ‘Baba O’Riley’ and and intimate version of ‘Tea & Theatre’ which had just Roger and Pete performing together, before they shared a hug and a reflective moment.

The lyrics from the set finale speak a thousand words and say it all ‘We did it all, didn’t we’. And for Roger and Pete this certainly rings true. Did The Who absolutely smash it for this fantastic gig in London – You Better – You Bet!

Photo Credit: Joe Flanagan & Emma Harrison

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Music

Music Production Training: Learn the Art of Crafting Hit Songs

This article is the perfect place to start for individuals who find themselves humming tunes and creating melodies on their guitar or piano or simply wishing to explore the world of music production. Music production training can turn these aspirations into reality.

Understanding Music Production

Music production combines various elements such as lyrics, melody, harmony, rhythm, and more. It involves technical steps like recording and mixing to create a final sound. The ultimate goal is to craft something exceptional that resonates with listeners worldwide – the creation of hit songs.

The Role of Technology

In today’s world, technology has made music production more accessible than ever before. However, it still requires a solid grasp of fundamental tools like digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and FL Studio, along with VST plugins that offer impressive engineering capabilities and effects.

Music production training entails learning from experts who possess experience in creating outstanding tracks. It involves developing skills in various areas, including songwriting, arranging, and professional mixing, ensuring the final product is marketable and tailored to consumer preferences.

Creativity plays a significant role, as producers must combine different sounds or use nature-inspired ambient elements to create a unique vibe. This is a challenge for average producers but becomes achievable with practice, ultimately captivating listeners worldwide.

Why is Music Production Important?

Music can change lives, bringing people together through its energy and conveying stories that evoke joy, comfort, and nostalgia. In the age of digital streaming services, music production is crucial for artists seeking to channel their creativity and reach a global audience.

Gone are the days when music production was solely discussed among seasoned producers, and mastering advanced DAW software took years. Today, producing a hit song involves nailing key elements and experimenting with them while utilizing engineering expertise.

Music production also holds value beyond the creation of modern electronic sounds. Even in the past, immortal tracks were created with more primitive equipment like analog tapes and MIDI controllers. These tracks conveyed melodious notes and timeless storytelling relevant to experienced listeners.

How Does it Work?

Music production has five key stages: writing, arranging, recording, mixing, and mastering.

Writing involves capturing ideas for melodies and harmonies, whether through listening to playlists or organic composition using instruments. Keeping a structured composition journal with diverse influences allows musicians to save compositions anytime.

Arranging combines catchy melodies into an organized structure, building towards a pivotal point. This stage involves instrumentally adding drums, bass, guitar, synths, keys, and more to create the desired feel, ensuring alignment of frequencies and corresponding scales and harmonic intervals across different musical sequences.

Recording allows artists to express their unique voices, conveying subject matter and themes that reflect their intended message. Recording time varies among individuals as each story unfolds differently. The focus should be on recording techniques and interpretations that make the craft unique.

Mixing brings the final polished sound to life, implementing EQ adjustments and concise FX layers that cater to listeners’ tastes and envisioned occasions.

Lastly, mastering combines the final version of an arranged and mixed track, akin to adding the final touches to a cake before serving.

Afterward, experimentation with modern tools and crowd evaluation is encouraged, providing exhilarating moments for listeners to cherish for years.

In conclusion, music production training is an essential skill that enhances creativity and enables individuals to create unique and impactful music. Whether just starting out or already experienced, there is always more to learn from industry professionals. So, if you want to craft hit songs, look no further than music production training. Let’s get started!

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Festivals

#CocoLive – Pulp and Wet Leg, Finsbury Park, London

Vibrant orange confetti shooting across the audience, an orchestra wearing bucket hats and some customary handography moves from Pulp’s iconic frontman Jarvis Cocker, Pulp’s triumphant return to Finsbury Park was so much more than just a sensational live music performance.

It was a superb showcase of a much-loved band’s enduring legacy and one of the most celebrated bands of the Britpop era. Pulp served up an energetic and sparkling set chock-full of fan favourites and deep cuts like ‘Pink Glove’.

Ably supported by Exotic Gardens, Baxter Dury and THE band of the moment, the super-talented Wet Leg who showcased why they are one of the best British bands in the scene right now. Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers are captivating performers each in their own way.

Hester (lead guitar and backing vocals) is a prodigious guitarist and has a sweet tone to her vocals reminiscent of Nina Persson from The Cardigans, whilst Rhian (main vocals and rhythm guitar) delivers her silky vocals confidently with vigour and humour and has a real swagger to her performance.

Performing tracks from their stunning eponymous debut like ‘Ur Mum’, ‘Wet Dream’, ‘Piece of Shit’ and of course ‘Chaise Longue’, this was a first-class performance from the indie-rockers.

The sold-out crowd at Finsbury Park were in the mood to celebrate and Pulp didn’t disappoint and their jam packed set was an entirely celebratory affair.

There was a reflective moment before a heartfelt performance of ‘‘Something Changed’ from 1995’s ‘Different Class’ where frontman Jarvis Cocker paid tribute to the late bassist Steve Mackey.

Jarvis commented that the band wanted ‘to do something that is a tribute to Steve Mackey’s memory’ and how ‘Something Changed’ is about how ‘somebody can enter your life and really change it all’.

It was a beautiful and touching moment and you could really feel the emotion and energy throughout the 45,000  crowd.

Pulp kicked off proceedings with ‘I Spy’ (a masterclass in storytelling) closely followed by a jubilant rendition of ‘Disco 2000’, the year might have changed, but the feeling and joy from this track is as omnipresent as ever.

The band paid tribute to the LGBTQIA+ community with ‘Mis-Shapes’ and had the crowd singing along with ‘Sorted for E’s & Wizz’, where the entire string section donned bucket hats reminiscent of the rave era which was an hilarious interlude and showed why Pulp have always been about the humour and celebrating the extraordinary.

The thrillingly-tight band showed what consummate musicians they all are with the charismatic Jarvis Cocker front and centre. HIs showmanship and dance moves (which includes his renowned hand-ography) was met with appreciation and cheers from the enraptured crowd,

‘Do You Remember The First Time?’, ‘Sunrise’ and ‘Babies’ were enthralling and almost otherworldly whereas ‘Common People’ was electrifying, flamboyant and anthemic.

Pulp proved once again not only why they were and still are one of the most quintessentially British bands of all times, but why their songwriting and performance style is simply unforgettable.

The vibrant graphics flashed the momentous words that this would be a ‘night you will remember for the rest of your lives’ and this certainly cannot be denied. If their mission was to put on an unforgettable show, then they surpassed all expectations and more. Mission accomplished!

Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett

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Celebrity

#CocoLive – Lionel Richie, Broadlands, Hampshire

Vital, captivating and celebratory, Lionel Richie requires no introduction and countless superlatives – none of which are sufficient to describe the soulful superstar who has entertained generation upon generation of fans the world over.

Fans at his sold out gig at Broadlands in the heart of the leafy Hampshire countryside were treated to a jam-packed set of career-spanning hits from the consummate professional who treated the crowd to a spellbinding display.

Was there dancing all night long?! You bet there was! How could you not when dancing to some of Lionel’s most-loved and cherished hits which the crowd-pleasing crooner delivered splendidly.

Mr Richie, who last year was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame where he performed his iconic track ‘Easy’ with the Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl was performing back in the UK for the first time since 2019.

Triumphant and captivating, Lionel treated his fans to energetic renditions of hits from his impressive solo career as well as from his time with the Commodores.

Arriving in true rock ‘n’ roll style in a helicopter that flew over the enthralled audience, Lionel reiterated that this was a rock ‘n’ roll show and showed his endearing personality throughout.

As well as being a supremely talented performer and showman, Lionel is also incredibly quick-witted and made humorous references throughout including articulating his initial bewilderment and disdain for a somewhat suspicious-tasting purple drink that he eventually grew to love.

Resplendent in a series of sparkly jackets (one with the immortal words ‘All Night Long’ adorned on the back) Lionel delivered a sucker punch of hits which included ‘Easy’, ‘Se La’, ‘My Destiny’ which effortlessly sat alongside fan favourite ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’, ‘Say You, Say Me’, ‘All Night Long’ and the emotive ‘Hello’.

An exemplary example of soulful pop song craft and showmanship, Lionel Richie once again proved what an absolute powerhouse he is with a euphoric and electrifying set that will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Photo Credit: Alan Silfen

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