You Can’t Come With Me!

Fairly recently, I realized something interesting.  We spend a great deal of time sharing our treasured moments with each other because we want people to feel the same as those things made us feel.  The problem is… they don’t.  Not really, anyway.  Even the people you physically spent those times with remember things their own way.

I could pick a random moment in time… playing Crossbows and Catapults with my brother at the kitchen table one Christmas vacation.  I was listening to Rainbow and Emmerson, Lake and Palmer he was listening to something else, across the table where the view was different.  It was the same hour that we shared and some things will match but they were unique experiences to each of us.

One of the things you read a lot in marketing is to bring your fans on your journey but how can you truly do that?  You can’t.  What you can do is share moments that you enjoyed or learned from and, perhaps, they will trigger something in others.  Take my example of Crossbows and Catapults.  Maybe you weren’t there (Unless you are Lee, you weren’t) but, perhaps that reminds you of a time your family sat at the table and played a board game, or cards or put a puzzle together.  Maybe there was tinsel hanging from the tree in the living room.  Perhaps you used a needle and thread and strung popcorn.

Maybe you aren’t in the studio with me when I create a song.  Maybe that song reminds me of winter because it was freezing outside when I composed it.  Maybe, for you, it is a summer song because you first heard it in July when you had Spotify on random at a picnic and my song came on.

What you can do is inspire ideas in others.  Maybe that ice pond I tried to build in my front yard one year wasn’t a good idea but perhaps that will give someone else the idea to find a skating rink or get lessons.  How about the time my brother and I started rolling snowballs and realized we could make giant snowballs and rolled a few together and then hollowed out a fort?

My point is that it doesn’t matter if you feel the same things I do.  It would be amazing if anyone shared my exact memories but that isn’t possible (at least with today’s technology.  Who knows what the future may bring).  All that matters is that you feel something.  That you smile.  Maybe even that you are inspired by music, a book, some holiday or vacation pictures that a friend posts.  Look, listen, read and be inspired!

Share your memories in the comments below and inspire others!

Cheers,
Scott

In case you are interested, here is a list of holiday music I have available (Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, CD Baby, Spotify and more):

Mental Sauna III: Christmas Inflections

We Three Kings (Featuring Taran Emmert on vocals and Bruce Vaught on acoustic guitar.

Haunted Holidays: Deadly Christmas

Haunted Holidays: Deadly Christmas II

Haunted Holidays II Promo

Mrs Clause

Las Vegas Strip Walk Southbound Part 2

Las Vegas Strip Walk Southbound Part 1

Atari Adventure - Finding the Easter Egg

Opium –A Hilarious, Erotic Adventure in Space

I went into this show with only one preconceived notion – it is going to be a bit naughty.  I didn’t know how mild that statement would be.  Walking into the theater, you feel transported back into a 50’s sci-fi film.  Surprisingly, the tasty drink menu (the drinks are tasty, not the menu itself – I did not sample that), are served in bags.  It does make them a little awkward to carry and they may be a little cold in your hands but the show will warm you up quickly enough.  My drink came with Pop Rocks and I highly suggest it.

I love the intimate theater, glowing in neon colors inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino.  The stage area is very small by typical Vegas standards but is absolutely perfect for this show.  Certainly a throwback to the old days of smaller venues and feeling more connected to the show instead of just a spectator. 

The premise of the show is that you are on Uranus (a joke that does get slightly overplayed) and you are headed to Las Vegas.  You meet the crew and experience their special talents along the way.  There is a lovely merger between classic show skills and new, inventive ways of performance displayed here.  In particular, the juggler, for example.  I have seen lots of jugglers over the years but I have never seen one work in this style before and it is quite impressive.  The contortionist was not only enjoyable but absolutely hilarious.  Those two alone are well worth the price of admission.

That isn’t to say the rest of the performance wasn’t fantastic, because it was.  From start to finish, if I wasn’t laughing from the jokes, I was in awe of the performances.  All backed by a very solid band, playing a good amount of familiar music that you will clap your hands to (don’t worry, they’ll let you know when to do this).   My stomach is actually sore today from laughing so much.

If you are planning on coming to town or already there, take a couple hours and have a rip roaring good time at Opium.  Beware, one way or another, you may get wet.

For tickets:

https://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/entertainment/exclusives/opium

Las Vegas Strip Walk Northbound Part 2 of 2

Part 2 of my journey.  Southbound walk begins next week.  I'll try and slow down the pace so it isn't so bouncy ;)

Las Vegas Strip Walk Northbound Part 1 of 2

Warm Sand - Relaxation, Calming and Wellness from Newport Beach, CA

12 Days of Murder Demo 2018

Dear Grandpa - FREE Single Release

Dear Grandpa was one of the most difficult songs I have ever written.  The emotion and memories and all that.  This was done shortly after the death of my last remaining grandfather.  He had been ill for a long time but it was still a shock to get the news, as it always is.

On my mother’s side, my grandfather was someone I admired greatly growing up.  He knew about everything, built things, played drums (although I could never get him to play my kit), made me parts for my own drums when I had toy kits in the beginning and was someone I always wanted to be around.  On my father’s side, my grandfather was at work a lot of the time, where he preferred to be.  I spent very little time with him but he was a kind man with a loving heart.  We would go on day trips on the weekends sometimes but never an overnight.  In early years, he smoked cigars and I can still remember the smell.  They did not create the best aroma but there is a comfort in that memory just the same.

The rest of the story I will let the song tell.

On location filming Cult Cartel with MoviesMakingADifference (Check them out  they do truly fantastic things that affect people's lives in an amazing way!), I looked up between takes and saw these two clouds that were a perfect representation of the story.  So close but so far.  The same but very different.  I immediately connected them with the song and snapped a quick picture on my phone.  I had been planning on releasing the song already so this was just perfect.

Originally, the idea for the song was going to be licensing Return to Innocence by Enigma and putting the beat and chanting from the song as the background to me rapping  these letters to my grandfathers ala Eminem’s song Stan.  Not having the resources for that, I composed the music after playing around with some cello sounds.  I then did a demo version where I rapped but then changed it to a straight read.

I hope you enjoy it.  It may be an emotional connection for you or it may not.  Relationships are unique to each person.  Some people are raised by their grandparents and others never even meet them.  Both were very special to me in their own ways.

Exclusive release on CDBaby

Click to listen or download for free: Dear Grandpa

DEADLY CHRISTMAS - Dark Christmas Horror Tales | Creepy Dark Storytellin...

My Haunted Holidays: Deadly Christmas album is now being promoted by Horror Music World.  Check out their channel and send them some love.  And this video, of course :)

Carnival Music

Mental Sauna V: Maternity

Today marks the release of my newest album and fifth in the Mental Sauna series.

This album is geared toward pre-delivery through birth and after to help create a serene environment for parents and child. Try it on your birthing playlist!

Photo by Kelly Kincart
Model: Melissa Robin
Lettering: Rebecca Poole

Although it has a maternity focus, this music can also be used as all Mental Sauna music - relaxation, sleep, yoga, meditation and more.

Listen to samples on my Facebook Player:

1) What Do Babies Dream About?
2) It's All New
3) Toy Piano
4) Everything's A Pillow
5) The Long Slumber
6) Warm Glow in My Room
7) Play Mobile
8) Filled With Love
9) The Gentle Rattle
10) Fuzzy Blanket
11) Mother's Heartbeat
12) Music Box

Amazon

iTunes

Google Play

Please remember to leave reviews and ratings - so vital to artists these days!  Thank you and enjoy!!!

This is an update to my review of the Ozone series.  To see the initial review, please follow this link:

http://www.scorecastonline.com/2014/12/20/review-ozone-6-izotope/

One thing that I can tell you is that since I purchased Ozone 3, which now seems so basic by comparison, it is very rare for me to send any music out without running it through Ozone first.  Usually, if I do, it is more likely to be sound design or something for a quick demo.  Anything that is going to be final audio or an audition piece goes through Ozone first.  Period.  I work with Ozone and RX (another huge program for cleaning audio) nearly every single day in my studio and can’t imagine living without them.

As a side note, Ozone Elements can be a great way to get your feet wet in the world of mastering.  Personally, if you are serious about it, just go for the full version.  It is worth it in the long run. 

New Modules:

These modules have a different look than the others.  They have a crème and gray background that give them a warmer look and let you know immediately you are looking at screens different than what you are used to seeing, if you are a previous user.  You can still setup a chain of up to 6, including plugins not in Ozone.

Vintage EQ (Advanced Only) – Mid/Side or Stereo options as well as low and high boost and cut.  Individual settings are available for Low, Low Mid, Mid, High-Mid, High Boost and High Cut, giving you great dynamic control in shaping your master.

Vintage Tape – I am especially excited to see this addition as I use tape warmers quite a bit in my music, especially in my Mental Sauna series.  Input Drive, Bias (at either 15 or 30 ips) Harmonics and separate Low and High Emphasis settings (with graphic examples showing the extremes).

Vintage Compressor (Advanced Only) – Same view as Vintage Limiter.  Options for mid and side.  Detection Filter. 1) -40000 Hz and -400 Hz (Left and right only), 2) 800 Hz to 9000 Hz and -8 Db to +8 dB, 3) 4000 Hz to 12000 Hz and -8 Db to +8 dB.  Threshold 0 to -60 dB.  Ratio, Aspect and Release.  Modes include Sharp, Balanced and Smooth.  There is also a slider for Gain Make Up (manual or auto).

Vintage Limiter - This is very easy and simple to use with straight forward settings.  View the waveform in two different settings (upper left of screen) Choose between Analog, Tube or Modern.  Set your Floor and ceiling between -20db and 0db.  Decide how much character you want it to have (slow is 10, fast is 0). 

Additions to Previous Modules:

Main Interface (Advanced Only) – A button was added for Codecs where you can set the bit rate from 96 to 320 kps.  MP3, AAC.  Solo Codec Artifacts Preview.  This allows you to preview what your audio will sound like in different formats so you can prevent signal loss in your final.  Each type of coding can make different changes so it is extremely beneficial to be able to prevent that.

*** Make sure to bypass this in your final export ***

It also appears they have expended the export selection from just WAV to also include AIFF, MP3 and AAC.  You can also now add metadata to your track upon export.  That means I no longer have to go back into Sonar, open my track and export it again JUST to add the metadata.  Great, time saving addition.

Dynamics – Added an Adaptive Release mode.  This allows you to automate your release times, which gives you a lot more freedom and control over your sound.

Maximizer – IRC IV (Intelligent Release Control) has been added to the selections.  This has been designed to prevent distortion while allowing you to maximize your volume.  IRC I is the basic model.  It will work quickly with transients and slowly to bass sounds where IRC II focuses more on clarity.  IRC III would be great for EDM and anything that really pumps.  IRC IV builds on III but preserves the detail and less on transients.  Each of these have their own character so play around and see what each can do to your audio.  I don’t like to define things to specifically because it may limit creativity and experimentation.     

There are also additional stock presets to get you started.  These can be great for rush demos and various things but, personally, I find I use them as a foundation and make little tweaks and save as new presets.  Keep in mind that the majority of music I compose is for relaxation and I also do a lot of horror music so my settings and needs may be quite different from what others need.

Additional Notes:

Don’t think of these modules as limited to use in Ozone.  I have often used an EQ or a compressor on an individual track as well.  I can see adding Vintage tape to my master bus or even an individual track if it sounds too cold and digital.

Downside:

I would love to be able to expand this to full screen however, like many tools on our business the user is unable to change the size of the GUI.  I can understand if it causes issues with the performance but, otherwise it would be nice to be able to stretch or shrink it since people sue different resolutions based on their setups.  I don’t know the specifics with Ozone but it seems all the iZotope products I have work in the same manner.

Overall, there are some great additions and certainly a reason to upgrade from previous versions.  If you are stubborn and stayed on Ozone 3, don’t make the mistake I made.  Get the new version ASAP!

Tony & Tina’s Wedding 2018 - Las Vegas

At Bally’s Las Vegas inside Buca Di Beppo

Isn’t it funny that in my last Blog, I spoke about my dislike for audience interaction at a show and the very next show I attend is nothing but audience interaction?  This was completely different, though.  Instead of being brought on stage and being asked to do whatever crazy thing, this dinner show puts you in the family – which family depends on where your table is.  I sat right next to the bride’s mother, who could cut steel with her gaze.

For a small room, it certainly felt big as the entire wedding and reception was held there.  As usual, I don’t want to give the experience away but I will say that you could see this show 5 times in a row and have a completely different experience every time, which I love.  Total props to actors that can roll with whatever random thing may happen or an audience member says.  They do a great job with that!

There is a full dinner service and more props to the wait staff for finding ways to work around the show, which constantly moves around them.  I am sure that, over time, this process will become the norm for them and they will be even more efficient than they already are.

The downside is that there are, at times, multiple things happening and you don’t know what to pay attention to.  The reality of this at a wedding, however, was true to form.  You want to pay attention to everything and everyone but it isn’t possible.  Also, depending on where you are seated, you may have to readjust the angle of your chair or seating position, especially during dinner, because the show does not stop (nor should it). 

The challenge of blogging about a show is how much to reveal and I really have a goal of keeping things spoiler free.  If I seem like I lack a lot of detail or am vague, that is why.  This show is worth experiencing as it unfolds on the night you go.  Sit back and enjoy!

Open to the public Friday, June 15^th, 2018.  Remember dinner and dessert are built into the ticket price so be hungry – there is plenty of food.
Tickets:
https://www.caesars.com/ballys-las-vegas/shows/tony-n-tinas-wedding#.Wx9k19VKipo

Jabbawockeez: Jreamz – Journey Within

Tonight, for the first time, I attended Jabbawockeez at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.  I had walked by the theater dozens of times and never thought much of it.  From what little I knew, it was a hip-hop dance show, neither of which held any interest for me.   Much like opera, I have the greatest respect for those who work hard and do it well, but I wasn’t excited to experience it.  Less than ten minutes in, I was so glad I went.

The setting is intimate.  Certainly comfortable seating (I was treated to the front row, where the long bench was comfortable and my ticket also came with a gift, free drink and popcorn (always remember to tip your bartender and wait staff)).  Even being nearly directly in front of the stage left speakers, the sound was not overbearing.  In all fairness, I did wear my Eargasm Ear Plugs, as I do in any venue.  Hip-hop, by nature, can be bass heavy and driving with percussion so I always suggest bringing ear plugs.

I don’t want to give away too much about the show because it really is simply an amazing experience with a fantastic message.  The story line is generally easy to follow.  It does get slightly abstract at points but always comes back quickly.  That is just the nature of the art but it is tastefully done with some fascinating dance moves and simple but powerful costuming.  The music, lights, and effects do not disappoint in any way; very tasteful and compliment the show well.  There are many musical favorites and even the sound of Mario grabbing coins in the basement.

Being the private, sheltered individual that I am, there is one thing I didn’t like.  I realize I may be in the minority on that so I will preface my statement with that going in.  There is some crowd participation involved.  Clapping, stand up (aside from the standing ovation) and two people are even brought to the stage.  My take on this is that I prefer to be fairly anonymous at an event.  I like to observe and enjoy and though this is common practice is some of the major shows, I prefer concert style, where I know I can go in, watch in my own way (which usually just tapping my foot while I watch and listen, taking it all in).  Again, I will say, that is just me.  There are plenty of people that jumped up immediately and I thought one girl might even start twerking.

Overall, I wish I had taken advantage and seen this show much sooner.  If you like talented dancers, a well put together evening and surprises around every corner, go see this show!

https://www.mgmgrand.com/en/entertainment/jabbawockeez.html

As of this writing, the show performs Thursday through Monday but that is always subject to change.  Enjoy!

Honest Reviews: Eargasm Earplugs

Attending the NAMM show this year started with a benefit before I even arrived.  The lovely folks at Eargasm were giving away 100 pairs of earplugs and I was lucky enough to secure one of them.  Here are my thoughts:

First off, let’s talk about the name.  Genius, right?  Couple that with delightful, light blue packaging and you have a winning marketing campaign.  The packaging is indeed sturdy and classy.  A padded cardboard box hosts the product.  I have to remember that the customer experience will be a little different as I did not check them out prior.  I did not go to a website to check them out, order online or in a store.  I walked up to their booth and presented a QR code.

I was asked if I wanted clear or blue earplugs.  My initial thought was that it would be hard to find a clear earplug that was dropped on the floor so I went with blue.  I headed off to lunch and opened the box outside the show.  The earplugs come in tiny Ziplock bags, which are hell to open.  Again, not knowing how they worked, I saw two pairs of ear plugs.  One clear and one blue.  I was a bit put off, wondering why I was given a choice.  As it turned out, it was a large pair and a small pair and there were only filters in the large.  I would have to remove the filter and put it in the smaller plugs if the large ones did not fit, which they didn’t.  The small plugs, however, fit like a dream, despite the thick rubber.  Here begs the question, if I am paying for two pairs of earplugs, why do I only get one that I can use, one that does nothing without the filters and no spare?

Included is a solid container that attaches to your keychain.  This thing is like a small safe and I trust it won’t open by itself like other earplugs I have tried.

The sound:  Let’s get to the most important thing, shall we?  How well do they work?  Once I switched the filters to the smaller plugs (not the easiest thing in the world to do but not too difficult either), I immediately noticed a huge amount of noise reduction.  Of course, you would expect this.  In this case, however, there was a higher clarity instead of just a noise reduction with a muffled effect.  For the first time, I could actually hear conversations without having to take one of the plugs out.  The really is the most important function, after all.  I can go to concerts, loud events such as NAMM and even walk the Vegas Strip in comfort and protecting one of the most vital parts of my body.  Thank you, Eargasm!!!

Overall, I think the packaging could benefit with some tweaks.  Maybe if they change out the bag (or just carefully cut it open), change the sizes to include two small or two large sets of earplugs to double the value for the consumer.  $30 a set isn’t a lot to ask, especially for this quality, but having a spare pair instead of a pair I can’t use would be nice.  Plus, if the filters are in the wrong size pair, you have to switch them right away before you can do anything with them.  On the plus side, the noise reduction, comfort and the fact I can hold a conversation while keeping my ears protected is a dream!

Give them a try!  For more information:  https://eargasmearplugs.com/products/eargasm-high-fidelity-earplugs