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 

Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring

The newest video from Mental Sauna III: Christmas Inflections

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

Mental Sauna Relaxation is the newest creation for creating a soothing surrounding.  Designed for iOS, this app has several things I am really excited to tell you about.  It works on both iPhone and iPad.

We are scheduled for release on November 2nd in the Apple store.  We already have Apple approval and are really excited to get this out there for you to experience.


Features:
There is over an hour and a half of brand new Mental Sauna music to enjoy – 17 songs. That is more than a full album! The music here is a little more laid back than previous releases and designed more toward sleep but could easily be used for meditation and even as a background for writing or just unwinding.

Next up is the timer. You can set the timer to stop the music from playing for a long period of time while keeping your battery charged. If you want to have the app play for 5 minutes, you can. 30 minutes? No problem and all the way to the full length of the music. But, if you want to have it as a background while you work for say 1 hour, simply set the timer and the music will stop at that point. Even better if you are using it to fall asleep. Drift away comfortably, knowing you aren’t wearing your battery down too much and possibly missing your morning alarm.

Another thing that we were able to do is imbed the music into the app itself. That means you do not have to worry about streaming or Wi-Fi. Before I moved to Las Vegas, I found that the hotel Wi-Fi reception was terrible at times but wouldn’t that be somewhere you would want to use this app? Of course! So, we just put the music inside it and you can listen anytime, anywhere and without using up any of your data plan or having to stand perfectly in the spot in your room where you get a signal.

Since the song list is too long to fit on the screen, a scrolling list has been provided with an indicator as to which song is being played. You can also start and stop any song at any time.

My favorite feature, and one I think you are really going to love, is the selector. You have the option of listening to the music straight forward or adding the sound of rain or a stream. Not only that but YOU control the volume. If you want to listen with a little bit of light rain, simply move the slider until the desired sound is reached. Would you prefer the stream? No problem – just hit the button for stream and it changes instantly. Too loud? Too soft? YOU control the level. Of course you control the level of the music with your iPhone or iPad as you would anything else so you can get the perfect mix.

That’s it in a nutshell.  I will be posting a demo video to my YouTube channel so keep an eye out for that.
https://www.youtube.com/user/ScottHaskinMusic

If all goes well, I am considering rolling this out for Android as well early next year.  I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks about it and I hope this new direction will bring even more happiness around the globe.
Scott