Flight of the White Cotton Alien from the album Dreamscape

New Album - Haunted Holidays: Deadly Christmas III

It is here!  Haunted Holidays: Deadly Christmas III

The third and final album in the Deadly Christmas series, where I take your favorite classic Christmas songs and twist them into nightmares…

1. O Little Town Of Destruction
2. Hark! The Herald Angels Lie
3. We Three Kings Will Take Your Soul
4. What Child Is This?
5. Joy From The World
6. Shchedryk Claws
7. We Wish You A Gory Bloodbath
8. Deck The Halls With Bone And Sinew
9. Last Stand Of The Sugared Plum Fairy

Artwork by Kelly at OutsideTheBox.photo and the cover lettering by Rebecca Poole at Dreams2Media.com

Amazon
iTunes / Apple Music
Google Play
Spotify and more!

Sweet dreams...

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

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!

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 

Sacred Space?

A few days ago, I was searching for something on YouTube.  For those of you that don’t know, I have a channel there with some videos for Mental Sauna music, some videos about my app and some of the short films I composed the music for.  Anyway, I am digging through videos and I stumble across a beautiful picture of a waterfall and the caption told me it was a video about the sound of the water accompanied with gentle music.  Since this is my field, I was curious and clicked on it.

The music, while not quite my style, was enjoyable, though not particularly relaxing to me but the waterfall was stunning and I was curious as to where this was.  Checking the description, I saw it was not listed so I thought that perhaps the answer may be in the comments.  I never got far enough to find out.

I couldn’t even tell you exactly how it happened but it went from a few polite comments supporting the video to a hateful political rant that went on and on with several people bashing each other about who even knows what.  There was name calling, arguing and opinions dramatically stated but, as usual, no one seemed to be listening to what anyone else was saying.  They were too busy shouting to get their point across.

Is there nothing sacred anymore?  Are there no forums safe from people’s hatred and having to show everyone how they know better than everyone else?  The whole point of posting a video such as the one I stumbled across was to be able to escape, reset and recharge.  How can anyone do that with all the noise in the world?

It isn’t a matter if whether we can do better than this or should do better than this.  We HAVE to start doing better than this.  This is something I address in my forthcoming novel The Universal Court.  Hopefully, we can start turning the tide and be able to find more sacred places where we can go to escape all the hatred and anger that is solving nothing at all.

My old blog used to get hit with all kinds of spam so I moved it here to BlogSpot and it has been much better.  However, be it here, my website, YouTube page, Soundcloud, etc., anytime I see something negative (not talking about constructive feedback but anger, hatred, etc.), I immediately delete it and block the user.  I will always do what I can to keep my world as peaceful as possible unless using it as an example, as I have done here.  Hopefully, together, we can all make a difference and drown out all the noise with joy, respect, consideration, peace and love.

What about you?  What is a sacred place that you go to, physical, internet, music, meditation or somewhere else?

Let’s make the world better!

For those that are interested, here is my YouTube page:

https://www.youtube.com/user/ScottHaskinMusic

Cheers,

Scott

Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring

The newest video from Mental Sauna III: Christmas Inflections

Zumanity – The Darker Side of Cirque Du Soleil

If you want to see an amazing artistic show but want something with a bit of a naughty edge to it, Zumanity may be the show for you.  Located in the New York, New York Hotel and Casino on the south end of The Strip, across from The MGM Grand.

The music, dance and acrobatics are exactly the quality you’ve come to expect from Cirque.  The music has got some groove to it with strong funk beats backing a very powerful band that plays on a catwalk above the stage.  The show has everything from aerialists to cage fights all overseen by masters that make sure their prey do what they are told.  Intermingled with the show are several comedy sketches that I won’t spoil for you but add a great deal of levity to the atmosphere.

There is definitely a reason the show is for 18+.  Aside from suggestive sex and in your face provocative (but not actual sexual) acts, there actually is some nudity, so leave your inhibitions at the door, relax and enjoy a spectacular night at Zumanity!

www.cirquedusoleil.com

New Available: Mental Sauna IV: Worlds

It’s here!  The newest album in the Mental Sauna collection, Mental Sauna IV: Worlds, is now available for purchase!

This album is a unique take on the Mental Sauna series, featuring five extended songs, specially recorded in the tuning of A432. Believed to be more in harmony with the frequencies of the human body.  Each piece of music takes you in a journey to a different world for a completely unique experience.

The best part?  Special pricing at only $5.00 ($4.95 on some sites)!

A huge thank you to Kelly at OutsideTheBox.photo who has always done a stunning job on my artwork and to Kris Wagner for a beautiful job on the lettering.

Tracklist:

Field of Solitude

Water World

Forest Pathway

Warm Sand

Ice Cave

How can Mental Sauna music be used?

·  *  Assists with sleep and helps curb insomnia

·  *  Use during meditation

·  *  Great for your hotel when you travel

·  *  Use during yoga

·  *  Use during birthing exercises and add it to your birthing playlist

·  *  Use it to block out the world while working on creative projects, writing or journaling

·  *  Play it in your home or workplace to create a relaxing atmosphere

·  *  Play it when your mind is racing to help calm it

·  *  Great for calming children

Don’t just take my advice, check it out for yourself and read the reviews.

Mental Sauna IV: Worlds is now available at:
iTunes

CD Baby

Google Play

Amazon: (pending)

Enjoy and Namaste,

Scott

A Night at the Edge of the Water: “O” By Cirque Du Soleil

Maybe there is just something about the particular shade of blue that Cirque Du Soleil uses in their promotional material for “O” at The Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, but there is a deep coolness that touches your skin and draws you in to want to know what it is all about.  It had been about 8 years or so since I had seen the show from a seat that gave away a lot of secrets to how this masterpiece is achieved.  When I saw it again last week, I wished I had gone more often.

From what I remember about my first visit, some things in the show had changed.  Not surprising as shows are revamped from time to time.  For one, the sound in the theater is absolutely fantastic.  The music sounds larger than life and was crystal clear to this audio engineer’s ear.  The score by Benoit Jutras has some very ethnic touches among the ballads and power pieces that make a great balance and truly enhance the show.

Equally impressive is the talent on stage and the stage itself, which is constantly transforming.  The timing of the talent was virtually flawless and there are a lot of moving parts to this show.  A great deal of work goes into each and every one of these large scale productions but the water shows have another element (forgive the pun) altogether.

As if all that wasn’t enough, there is a perfect balance of music to show to comedy as a couple clowns bring levity when things are getting on the edge of too intense.

While a bit more expensive (that water doesn’t maintain itself, you know) than the majority of the rest of the shows, it remains a must see for Vegas.  For the best deals, check out www.cirquedusoleil.com and join the Cirque Club for free and doors to special pricing will be opened.

Warning… people in the first few rows may get wet…

Le Reve – A Show That Flows Like Water

Just a few hours ago, I was fortunate enough to attend my first performance of Le Reve at the Wynn Hotel.  Though the show has been there for many years, I hadn’t made it over to see it (quite regrettably).  I was thrilled I finally did.

As with all the major shows I have been to here in Las Vegas, from the moment you walk into the theater, you know you are about to see something sensational.  The setting is exquisite with a small lounge set in the middle of a pool of water, often barely visible in the mist.  The lighting changes and highlights it here and there as music plays softly in the background.

The show takes off from there and it is a non-stop ride.  Unlike many of the shows on The Strip, there is no pre-show.  Just mood.  Once the lights go down, you will be treated to a spectacular array of dance, acrobatics and the search for love, set on a constantly changing stage and pool.

While the show is generally fast moving and serious, there are a couple spots of relief from the story line with some wonderfully timed comedic acts.  They actually play into a bit of a side story, fighting for the affection of the lead and allow you some moments to catch your breath before the next choreographed piece.

Check out when you are in town.  It will be well spent time that you will not soon forget.

Click here for details:  Le Reve

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The $25 Amazon Gift card is still going, compliments of myself and these wonderful authors:  Natasha Larry, DE Wyatt, Kosta Angelou, Jeff Mariotte and Rainy Kaye.  This one ends September 24^th, 2016 with the drawing on the 30^th.

Click here for the Giveaway!

Journey of Life: Cirque Du Soleil’s Mystere

One thing that seems to hold true for every Cirque Du Soleil show I have attended:  from the moment you walk into the room, you know something spectacular is going to happen.  The Mystere theatre at Treasure Island in Las Vegas, NV is no different and the show certainly holds up to the initial impression.

The show starts before the show starts so make sure to keep your eyes moving around the room.  Then the lights dim, and the journey begins.  The story of life is told through acrobatics, seemingly inhuman balancing, jumping, tumbling, swinging, dance and comedy, all driven by beautiful music and vocals.  As soon as you leave, you’ll want to head across the aisle to the Mystere store and pick up a copy of the soundtrack, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

The lighting throughout the show sets the perfect mood as you go through the story and you can feel how hard these people have worked to make every act play out beautifully and every song the perfect accompaniment.  You’ll be amazed at how quickly time has passed when you are introduced to the famous Alice, the Snail.

A note on the soundtrack – The available soundtrack is a live show captured some years ago. Since then, the show has gone through some changes.  There is also an early studio soundtrack that you can sometimes find on Ebay.  Personally, I think it is worth hearing both versions.

I have always found the best to be in the front two or three rows in the upper section, near the audio engineer.  You can see pretty much everything from there as the show does have things going on outside of the stage area from time to time (or well above it).  I was surprised to find that sitting right by the stage was also a great place to be.  I would have thought much would be missed from there but I was wrong.

Go to their website www.cirqueDuSoleil.com and join the Cirque Club for free and you will be eligible for discount ticket pricing.  Treasure Island is no longer part of the MGM properties and so parking is currently free at the hotel.

On a personal note, this was the first Cirque show I attended and it had a huge impact on me.  It was the beginning of the inspiration for my album Kamu Vole’.

When you come to town, make sure this one is on your list of must see items!

The Bright Side

It is so hard to be impartial when you are talking about your favorite shows, as my last couple entries probably prove.  This one, in particular, is especially dear to my heart.

Aside from having the distinct honor of being the audio engineer on this production, working with this team is nothing short of an incredible experience.  Every single person is truly a talented and dedicated professional.  From the writer and composers to the musicians to the director and producer to the set designers to the lighting team to the support staff to the performers.

On top of that, the production is fantastic.  The story and characters are compelling.  The music will stay in your head for days.  The dialog will keep you laughing and the story will not be something you will soon forget.  It is the perfect combination of humor and serious life situations.  Equally as haunting as it is hilarious.

Written by Ernie Curcio, lyrics by Jolana Sampson, music by Jolana Sampson and Martin Kaye.

Music Director and Pianist Angela Chan, Score and Arrangements Martin St. Pierre (Cirque Du Soleil, Tin Toy Cars), Electric and Acoustic Guitar Andrew Chute (Tin Toy Cars) and Bass Guitar Peter Fand (Tin Toy Cars)

Cast:
Bob Torti - Richard Hauser

Victoria Matlock - Shelly Hauser

Maverick Hiu - Aiden Hauser

Marcus Weiss - The Doctor

Scott McAdam - The Colonel / Nurse

This is currently on short run in Las Vegas but I have no doubt it will be back.  Come see it at the Cockroach Theater, 1025 S First Street, Las Vegas, NV 89104, in the Art District near The Stratosphere Hotel.

Friday, May 21^st 8PM

Saturday, May 22^nd 8PM

Sunday, May 23^rd 2PM

Thurdsay, May 26^th 8PM

Friday, May 27^th 8PM

Saturday, May 28^th 8PM

Sunday, May 29^th 2PM

Thursday, June 2^nd 8PM

Friday, June 3^rd – DARK

Saturday, June 4^th 8PM

Sunday, June 5^th 2PM Final Performance of this run.

Come see it!!!

On another note, there is still a little time left:

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Mesmerizing Experience - Cirque Du Soleil's KA

I’ll never forget the first time I attended Cirque Du Soleil’s KA at the MGM Grand hotel (the giant green building at the south end of The Strip – you can’t miss it), here in Las Vegas.  At least ten times through the night I thought it couldn’t be really happening right there in front of me.  It had to be a trick or a film projected onto the stage.  That was even before the stage got up and moved.

From the moment you enter the theater area, you’ll know something magical is about to take place.  Ornately decorated and towering above you.  Most seats in the theater are great but some of the far side seats have slightly limited views, though they make you feel more a part of the action, being so close.  Personally, I think the best seats are in the first couple rows of the upper section, right in the middle.

As is typical with Cirque, the show starts before the show starts so be sure to keep an eye on things once you find your seat.  When the lights go out, you won’t even remember you are sitting in a large theater as the show carries you away on an unforgettable journey of music, fighting, love, loss and the evil that set it all in motion.

The music is spectacular and is performed by truly world class musicians.  This is one of my favorite soundtracks and was composed by Rene DuPere, who also co-wrote my other favorite soundtrack, which I will be covering in an upcoming blog.

For tickets, be sure to check out Cirque’s free fan club at www.cirquedusoleil.com, and see what specials they have.  Definitely a show to see if you want to experience the true depth of entertainment offered here in Las Vegas.

* * *

My newest book, What Happened In Vegas… is available on Amazon and the Kindle version is on sale for only $1.99.  If you do not have a Kindle, you can grab the free Amazon Kindle Reader app and enjoy it in full color.  There is a black and white print version also available there as well.
https://www.amazon.com/What-Happened-Vegas-Scott-Haskin-ebook/dp/B01E2AL28M?ie=UTF8&keywords=scott%20haskin&qid=1462810784&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1

* * * 

I’m partnering with some amazing writers on a couple giveaways – take a moment to enter – you could win!

Rainy Kaye - http://www.amazon.com/Rainy-Kaye/e/B00JBI4VPM/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1462809548&sr=8-2-ent

Natasha Larry - http://www.amazon.com/Natasha-Larry/e/B0051BVEGW/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1462809567&sr=8-2-ent

http://www.winnertakesallgiveaway.com/

Silent Loudness – The Blue Man Group, Las Vegas

There are so many things to see and do in Las Vegas, you could spend hours deciding what the best choices are to fit into your vacation schedule.  There are restaurants, shows, bars, concerts, clubs, rides, zip lines, pools, musical fountain shows, gardens, candy factories and more.  You want to do as much as you can but you also want to relax.  Seeing one of the many shows allows you to sit back and take a load off while someone else does all the work.

I’ve seen The Blue Man group twice since my move to Las Vegas a year ago.  Both times were at their new venue at The Luxor Hotel and Casino, located in the upstairs atrium near the walkway to Mandalay bay and all the restaurants and shops they have.  Just across the way are the Titanic Museum, the Bodies exhibit and the theater there Carrot Top and Fantasy perform.

The theater is cozy and you will have a great view no matter where you sit.  The first few rows have a splash zone and they will provide the needed gear.  The sound system is fantastic, providing a crystal clear and well mixed audio experience.  The seats are comfortable and allow you to settle in and 

enjoy the show.

I won’t give any spoilers but I will tell you that the Blue Men never say a word.  Their movements and expressions are enough to make you laugh and their musicality will draw you in with their unique instruments and rhythms.  Their backing band is made up of some of the best musicians Las Vegas has to offer and give a top notch performance in support of the Blue Men themselves.

If you are looking for a memorable experience that is just fun (and even a little educational), check them out and purchase your tickets at the link below.
https://www.luxor.com/en/entertainment/blue-man-group.html

Show tip #1:
If you are staying at the hotel, leave your stuff in the room save for your room key, tickets and wallet in case you want to make a purchase from the Blue Man Store, located right outside the theater.  You want to enjoy the show and not have to be distracted keeping track of anything but fun.

Also, check this out - Good through the end of May!  Sponsored by my friend and talented authors Rainy of the Dark and Natasha Larry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Becoming An Indie Film Composer Book

Becoming an Indie Film Composer3^rd (and final) Edition

With a little time on my hands and a huge amount of career growth and experience behind me, I thought it was time to give my book one last overhaul.  As I began to make updates from my apartment outside Los Angeles, finishing in my new place just outside Las Vegas, I began to realize just how far I had come and how much things had changed since first writing the book.  I saw more and more that I had much more to share, so I carefully went through each chapter, updating as I went, and added new chapters as well.

                The biggest need for an update, and not surprisingly, was on the tech side.  When I first wrote the book, I had never even heard of a USB MIDI cable.  Probably because they didn’t exist.  Time for a major update but one I know will also be outdated again in a couple years, most likely.  Fortunately, that is for good reasons as products become more efficient and reliable and expansive, so I am okay with that.  Even still, in recent years, I have read books discussing the days of scoring to picture using actual film reels so I think it will be fine.

                The new chapters include stories from more recent experiences and more clearly defined patch and Cue lists.  There may be some difficulty in the way they appear from version to version and, to accommodate audio book listeners, I have decided to make them available on my website for free and you can get those right now at: http://www.scotthaskin.com/?page_id=165

                In addition to the book, I have also recorded an entire new audio book for three reasons.  1)  Because there is so much new information (it is nearly twice as long as the original) that listeners would be missing out on.  2)  I had many comments that stated they wished I had read it the first time.  3)  It comes out differently when you say it as opposed to writing it.  When writing, I think we can be honest but a little focused on how things sound which, at times, can be a bit unnatural.  When I recorded this, I used the book as a guideline more than reading it directly so it came out to be a different thing.  Both have the same basic information but each is a different experience.

                My experiences and perceptions of my time in Los Angeles are also included.  These are simply my own experiences and how they work with my personality.  100 people could be exactly where I was in the exact same circumstances and have 100 different results.  In any case, it is certainly an insight that you only get if you have been there.

                Overall, I hope this book continues to help anyone involved or interested in the world of film score composition.  It is really a very entry level book in many ways but not only entry level.  I had a bad review on Audible on the original audio book because the reader was expecting something more advanced.  I thought the title stated it pretty clearly but, for those who are looking for something more on how to navigate large studios and record orchestras, this is not the book for you.  You might want to read The Emerging Film Composer by Richard Bellis or a similar book.  There are a lot out there.

                Please feel free to spread the word and let anyone know about this book if you think they could benefit from it.  One of the greatest joys I have had in life in the letters I get from composers telling me what helped them feel not so alone or helped them in a process.  To make a difference in people’s lives is one of the greatest human experiences there is, in my opinion.

                If you have read the book, I would greatly appreciate a review on Amazon and, if you have listened to the new audio book, please leave me a review on iTunes, ACX or Audible.  As of today, the audio book it still in process at ACX, but will be available very soon.

                Currently, the book is available at Amazon (print version and Kindle) and CreateSpace.  I will have a PDF version available shortly for purchase through my website.

                Lastly, I want to thank everyone for all the encouragement and support.  To know that people believe in you and what you are doing is an amazing thing and makes me find ways to work even harder and bring more content out to you!

- SKH 7-21-15