MAGNETIC WEST MUSIC - Blog

How to Use Music to Boost your Retail Sales and Customer Loyalty

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 23:58:02 GMT

Music is more than just a background noise. It can influence how customers feel, behave, and remember your store. We will explore how to use music to create a memorable and engaging public environment that attracts and retains customers.

why music matters for retail stores.

Shopping in a retail store is not just a transaction. It is an emotional and sensory experience that online shopping cannot replicate. Customers want to feel transported, connected, and inspired by your store. Music can help you achieve that.
Music is the first thing customers notice when they enter your store. It sets the tone and mood for their visit. It can also affect their perception of your brand, products, and service. Research shows that music can increase customer satisfaction, dwell time, spending, and loyalty.

But not any music will do. You need to play music that fits your brand and your customers’ preferences. Music that is too loud, too quiet, too fast, or too slow can have negative effects on your customers’ mood and behavior. Music that is irrelevant, inconsistent, or outdated can damage your brand image and reputation.

How to choose the right music for your store

To play music that works for your store, you need to consider three factors: your brand, your customers and licensing.

Your brand: Your music should reflect your brand’s personality, values, and message. It should match your store’s design, lighting, and ambiance. It should also be consistent with your marketing and advertising campaigns. Your music should tell a story about who you are and what you stand for.

Your customers: Your music should appeal to your target audience and their tastes. It should also suit the context and purpose of their visit. For example, if you want to create a relaxing and soothing environment, you might play soft and slow music. If you want to create a lively and energetic environment, you might play upbeat and fast music.

Your Legal Responsibilities: Choosing the right music is only the first step. You also need to adhere to legal requirements of publicly broadcasting music. It is important to consider that, while it is a required investment to be able to legally play music to your customers, you will be supporting the artists by giving them an opportunity to collect performance royalties and being a part of the creative convergence of music enhancing the environment that houses your brand.

Here is a solid solution to take care of all three:

Use Soundtrack Your Brand, a streaming music service for businesses.

Soundtrack Your Brand is a music service that lets you stream licensed music for your store. It has over 560 curated playlists, thousands of artist stations, and millions of songs to choose from. You can also create your own playlists using custom keywords and genres. Soundtrack’s music is hand-picked and quality-checked by music experts to ensure brand-fit and customer satisfaction.

Soundtrack Your Brand lets you schedule your music in advance, so you don’t have to worry about changing it manually. You can set different playlists for different times of the day, days of the week, or seasons of the year. You can also adjust your music for different zones or areas in your store, such as the entrance, the fitting room, or the checkout.

Soundtrack Your Brand lets you control your music from any device, such as your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can access your account, change your playlists, adjust your volume, and monitor your playback from anywhere. You can also give your employees access to your music, so they can manage it on-site.

Soundtrack Your Brand keeps your music fresh and relevant by adding new songs and playlists every month. You can also discover new music and trends by browsing Soundtrack’s categories and recommendations. By updating your music, you can surprise and delight your customers with something new and exciting.

If you are ready to use music to boost your retail sales and customer loyalty, here are the steps to get started:

Sign up for Soundtrack’s free trial and create your account.
Choose your music from Soundtrack’s library or create your own playlists.
Download the Soundtrack Your Brand app on your device and connect it to your sound system.
Schedule your music and start playing it in your store.
Enjoy the benefits of music and watch your business grow.

Music is a powerful tool for retail stores. It can help you create a unique and memorable shopping experience that sets you apart from your competitors. It can also help you build a strong and loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more. With Soundtrack Your Brand, you can easily, affordably and legally use music to your advantage. Try it today and see the difference. 🎵

Build Your Brand with Music / Free Trial of SOUNDTRACK YOUR BRAND

Convergence: Music Use ( and Misuse) for Business

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 22:20:47 GMT

The Hidden Costs of Music Misuse in Businesses: A $1.38 Billion Industry Wake-Up Call

78% of small-to-midsize businesses in the US are currently misusing personal streaming accounts to play music for their customers. This seemingly harmless practice is costing the music industry a whopping $1.38 billion annually. The consequences of such misuse, drawing attention to a high-profile case in Las Vegas and urges the industry to raise awareness and provide legal alternatives.

The Venetian Case in Las Vegas
The renowned Venetian hotel in Las Vegas recently faced a $264 million lawsuit for illegally streaming songs via YouTube at its upscale karaoke lounge. Under new management by Apollo Private Equity, the lack of investment in music rights and artist ownership became apparent. This case sheds light on a widespread issue, as nearly 78% of 3.8 million small to midsize businesses in the US alone are misusing music.

Legal Ramifications and Industry Responsibility
Businesses often underestimate the importance of proper music licensing, leading to a myriad of legal and financial consequences. Copyright infringement fines can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Beyond fines, businesses may be required to pay damages to copyright holders for losses incurred. The responsibility lies not just with businesses, but with the industry itself to educate on proper music use and prevent the loss of income for creators and rights holders.

Protecting the Industry
Services like Soundtrack Your Brand offer comprehensive licenses, protecting businesses from illegal music use. While consumer DSP and ad-based services like YouTube and Pandora are popular among businesses, they often contribute to the problem. A collaborative effort within the industry, coupled with education, can prevent the loss of $1.38 billion in revenue annually and protect the rights of music creators.

The Power of Clarity
Misuse is rampant due to a lack of clarity on what businesses can or cannot do. Inaccurate information from performance rights organizations (PROs) exacerbates the problem. Soundtrack Your Brand, for instance, secured over 16,000 direct licenses globally to provide a vast catalog of music legally. It's crucial for businesses to understand the importance of proper licensing to maintain the value of music globally.

As we enter 2024, the music industry faces a significant financial loss due to the misuse of music in businesses. By fostering clarity, education, and collaboration within the industry, we can prevent another $1.38 billion loss. If you own a business like a café, restaurant, coffeeshop, retail store , hotel or gym that has public customers, you know that music has a positive impact on your customers' experience and you can help to protect the rights of music creators, ensure fair compensation, protect you from legal consequences and sustain the unique needs around B2B music by subscribing to Soundtrack Your Brand. Get started below with a fee trial and let me know if you need any help getting it set up!

CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED USING THE BENEFITS OF MUSIC FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Enhancing Your Business with Music

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Business owners and managers across diverse markets understand the significant impact music can have on their customers, employees, and overall business performance. Many have discovered that opting for a commercial music streaming service is the optimal way to provide the music that resonates with both customers and employees.

Here I explore some reasons why utilizing a business music streaming service can be advantageous for your operation.

Legal Compliance with Streaming Music Services for Business

One primary concern for businesses is ensuring legal compliance when playing music in their establishments. Using personal music subscriptions or radio broadcasts can potentially violate copyright laws, leading to substantial fines. Commercial music streaming services, however, come with all the necessary licenses, enabling businesses to play music legally and without the risk of legal repercussions.

Control Over Music Selection

Unlike traditional radio broadcasting, which leaves businesses at the mercy of pre-set programming, commercial streaming services provide businesses with control over the type of music played. The best commercial streaming services allow customization of music genres, removal of inappropriate songs, and offer clean alternatives for family-friendly establishments.

Ultimate Convenience with Commercial Music Streaming Services

Commercial music streaming services offer unparalleled convenience by providing access to hundreds of curated streams and playlists. This eliminates the need to fumble through multiple CDs or switch radio stations. Additionally, the best services allow businesses to choose their preferred streaming devices, enhancing ease of use.

Maximizing the Benefits of Music

From reducing stress to boosting revenue, there are numerous documented benefits associated with playing music in a business setting. Commercial streaming services enable businesses to harness these benefits by providing customers with an enhanced experience, ultimately elevating the business to new levels.

Sonic Branding + Setting the Mood

Music serves as a powerful tool for communicating a brand's personality to customers. The tempo, loudness, and style of music can help define a brand's image, attracting the right customers and setting the desired atmosphere.

In a competitive retail landscape, the quality of the shopping experience is a crucial differentiator. Music plays a significant role in creating and enhancing the retail experience, influencing shoppers' moods and feelings. Retailers can use music strategically to create different atmospheres based on their brand and target audience.

Background music helps create a personal space for customers by masking sounds and providing privacy as they browse the store. The majority of staff in stores without music believe that playing music makes shops more modern and appealing.

The speed, rhythm, and volume of in-store music affect the pace of customer flow through the store. Retailers can strategically use different music styles based on the time of day to influence customer behavior and achieve specific goals.

Music can alter people's perception of time, making waiting times feel shorter. Entertaining customers with good music reduces boredom and annoyance, increasing the likelihood of their return.

Research shows that music can influence shopping behavior, impacting what shoppers choose and how much they buy. The type of music played can act as a trigger for specific purchases, making it a valuable tool for retailers looking to drive sales.

Increase Productivity

In-store music benefits not only customers but also employees and managers. An effective music strategy can boost staff morale, concentration, and productivity, contributing to a positive working environment. Conclusion In conclusion, investing in a business music streaming service can be a game-changer for retail businesses. From legal compliance to enhancing the shopping experience, the strategic use of music can create a strong connection with target markets and set a brand apart in a competitive landscape. Whether aiming to communicate brand personality or increase employee productivity, the right music strategy can have a profound impact on the success of a retail business.

Click Here to Get Started using the Benefits of Music for Your Business

Convergence: Exploring the Evolution of Americana Music and Emotional Memory

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 20:01:08 GMT

Harmony Through Time

Within the tendency to define musical genres, Americana stands out as a timeless thread that weaves through the fabric of American culture. Its roots delve deep into the soil of history, invoking emotions and memories that seem to be etched in our collective souls. From the twang of banjos to the modern beat, the evolution of Americana music is a journey that reflects the changing tapestry of our emotional experiences and attraction to a sound of this country.

A Call from the Past

Americana's journey holds the rustic sounds of banjos, resonating across the Appalachian Mountains and echoing through the history of the nation. The banjo's unique timbre has the power to reawaken something primal, something buried deep within our emotional memory. It's as if the strings are pulling at the threads of our past, unraveling tales of struggle, resilience, and the spirit of a nation finding its identity. This sound helped trigger the resurgence and birth of Americana as a music genre in the 90s with T Bone Burnett's soundtrack to O' Brother Where Art Thou?

As time clicks on, so does the evolution of Americana music. From folk ballads to country twangs, and bluesy laments to rock-infused anthems, Americana music adapts to the cultural shifts while preserving the essence of its roots. The genre has become a dynamic expression of American life, capturing the spirit of each era it traverses.

Nostalgia in the Digital Age

We find ourselves immersed in a digital age where electronic beats coexist with the traditional sounds of Americana. As the digital landscape transforms the way we create and consume music, it raises the question: How long will it take for Americana to change, and what will be the catalyst for this evolution?

While electronic beats might seem like a departure from the acoustic roots of Americana, they can also be seen as an extension of the genre's adaptability. The fusion of traditional instruments with modern technology opens new avenues for creative expression, pushing Americana into uncharted territory without losing its connection to emotional memory.

A Musical Time Capsule

Americana's ability to evoke emotions and memories is a testament to its enduring legacy. As the genre continues to evolve, it serves as a musical time capsule, preserving the sentiments of bygone eras while embracing the innovations of the present. The nostalgia it instills remains a constant, even as the melodies transform to reflect the changing landscape of American culture.

In the ever-evolving symphony of American music, Americana stands as a bridge between past and present, tradition and innovation. The sounds of banjos may resonate with the whispers of history, but the genre's ability to adapt ensures that it remains a living, breathing entity. As digital music creation joins the ensemble, Americana's evolution becomes a dynamic and harmonious journey through the emotional memory of a nation. The melody continues to unfold, echoing the sentiments of generations past and paving the way for the emotional echoes of the future.

Convergence: Exploring the Intimate Dance Between Sex and Music

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 05:39:38 GMT

There are few things in life that can compare to the profound emotions stirred by music and the intimate connection shared in the realm of physical intimacy. In this exploration, we delve into the fascinating interplay between two of life's greatest pleasures: sex and music.

The Role of the Limbic System: At the heart of this intricate dance lies the limbic system, the neurological powerhouse responsible for producing emotions. Whether it's the rush of excitement, the warmth of love, or the thrill of desire, the limbic system is the orchestrator of our emotional symphony.

Dopamine, Oxytocin, and Music - The Science of Sex and Sound:

Enter the scientific dimension of this captivating relationship. Dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, and oxytocin, the hormone linked to bonding and affection, play pivotal roles in both music appreciation and sexual experiences.
In the world of committed, exclusive relationships, the parallel between the euphoria induced by a favorite melody and the ecstasy shared with a partner becomes apparent. Now, let's explore the intoxicating blend of these neurochemicals with the enchanting melodies that make up the soundtrack to our most intimate moments.

Setting the Mood: Music as a Catalyst for Romance:
Picture this: dimmed lights, candles casting a warm glow, and the pouring of wine - the perfect prelude to a romantic evening. It's a scenario that has played out countless times, and for good reason. Music has the remarkable ability to enhance moods and kindle the flames of romance. Sweet melodies provide the soundtrack to shared glances, stolen kisses, and the unspoken language of desire.

The Concept of Bedroom Pop: Enter the realm of "Bedroom Pop," where the fusion of music and intimacy is seamlessly woven into the fabric of connection. A shared dance to a particular song becomes a ritual, a secret language only the lovers understand. The comfort found in the rhythm of a familiar tune creates an atmosphere that transcends the physical and dives into the emotional.

Navigating Distractions: The Dual Nature of Music in the Bedroom

While music can be the perfect ally in setting the mood, it's essential to acknowledge its potential as a distraction. The wrong choice of music may disrupt the harmony of the moment, pulling attention away from the intimate dance partners. Striking the right balance between enhancing the ambiance and avoiding distractions is an art in itself.

Arousal by Sound: The Sensual Power of Music

Beyond the confines of private spaces, music possesses the extraordinary ability to arouse desire even in public settings. The mere strains of a familiar tune can trigger thoughts of a partner's body and evoke a sense of arousal. It's a testament to the lasting imprint that music leaves on our sensory experiences, intertwining with our emotions and desires.

In the intersection of sex and music, a profound and nuanced connection emerges. As we navigate the symphony of our emotions and the dance of our bodies, the harmonious blend of dopamine, oxytocin, and music creates a tapestry of pleasure, intimacy, and connection. So, the next time you find yourself lost in the melodies of romance, remember that the sweetest crescendos are often found in the harmonious union of sex and sound.

Unveiling the Melody: Nurturing Musical Minds in the Young

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:29:14 GMT

Observing teaching music to the youngest minds, a poignant question echoed in my direction a few weeks ago: how can we make music education both enjoyable and memorable for children? After careful exploration and contemplation, I will share some insights. This wisdom isn't confined to kindergarten; it's a melody adaptable to any young classroom. Also, feel free to harmonize by sharing your experiences in the comment box below.
Embarking on the symphony of instructing kindergarten music may seem like a whimsical journey. The little ones appear endearing and well-mannered, their developmental literature suggesting an impressive capacity for absorbing vast amounts of information at this tender age. So, why the teacher's strain, you may wonder?
The truth is, navigating this age group demands an innate understanding of each unique child and a strategic approach. Teaching these little maestros requires courage and honesty from educators willing to acknowledge areas where fulfillment may be lacking. I commend the teachers embracing this challenge; your resilience is understood.
The burden on teachers amplifies when parents invest extra funds for music lessons beyond the standard curriculum. Expectations soar. Parents anticipate joy, ease, instant musical prowess, and flawless retention. However, for young minds, music is a foreign language—a ubiquitous sound permeating our world, seemingly simple until you attempt to create it. Mistakes turn the once-familiar sound into a cacophony.
If music becomes an arduous task, children won't retain or relish it. As you absorb these insights, consider them a catalyst for growth. You need not implement everything at once; instead, use these ideas as stepping stones for exploration. Feel free to disagree; perhaps testing a small change in your routine might unveil unexpected success.
These strategies are versatile, scalable for one-on-one sessions or expansive classrooms. Resourcefulness prevails; seek assistance, engage parents as teacher aides, sustaining momentum throughout lessons.
Music, inherently, is an active lesson, even in music theory. Like learning a foreign language by immersing in its country, music theory thrives through total immersion. Passive learning falls short; sitting and discussing won't suffice. Research attests that an active style retains over 80% of content.
In my experience with active learning, parents marveled at their children's superior recall. The secret? Active immersion; children were deeply engaged, surpassing passive observers—the parents. An awe-inspiring difference!
Good news for teachers—active learning is accessible anytime, requiring no special personality or additional materials beyond a typical music classroom. It necessitates a change in perspective, often diverging from traditional teaching methods.
Let the symphony commence with these four guiding notes for a music theory class for kindergarten children:

Individual Concepts: Less is More

Imagine learning to ride a bike with a myriad of instructions—balance, pedaling, gears, steering, bells, brakes. Overwhelming, isn't it? Similarly, teaching music theory often inundates young minds with multiple concepts simultaneously. Instead, introduce one concept at a time, allowing thorough comprehension and retention.

From Known to Unknown

Begin with the familiar, bridging to the unfamiliar. Harness the power of relatability by connecting new concepts to something children already understand. A simple house analogy, like a musical manuscript forming walls, roof, and windows, anchors complex music theory concepts. Make learning a journey from the known to the unknown.

Diverse Mediums for Reinforcement

Repeat and reinforce concepts through various mediums—whiteboard stories, magnet notes, interactive games, drawing exercises, and more. Engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic channels to instill a holistic understanding. Adapt these mediums to suit your learners' preferences and learning styles.

Challenge and Acknowledge Achievements

Even in captivating lessons, challenges weave the threads of learning, fostering focus. Implement challenges—sticker charts, happy/sad face boards, individual tasks—fuelling a sense of accomplishment. Transform perceived hardships into triumphs, turning reluctant activities into classroom highlights.

Dancing into Harmony: Elevate heart rates and create a receptive state for learning by initiating a dance. Irrespective of music genre, infuse a "feel-good" atmosphere. Gradually increase tempo, culminating in an excited, jumping crescendo—ideal for optimal retention.

Whiteboard Storytime: Craft a succinct, engaging story about the day's pitch theory concept. Use relatable analogies, such as the musical house, fostering participation and understanding. Encourage children to join in the drawing process, making learning a collective adventure.

Note Race Game: Transform learning into a thrilling race. Divide the class, create a competitive yet fun environment. Test their knowledge with a race involving placing music notes on lines or spaces, reinforcing the day's learned concept.

Worksheet Exploration: Design a simple worksheet focusing on the day's core concept. Emphasize tracing, consolidating known elements to solidify understanding rather than testing unfamiliar territories.

Instrumental Exploration: Utilize classroom instruments like xylophones or keyboards to reinforce concepts. Play songs aligned with the day's lesson, incorporating paper templates for practice. Ensure a gradual introduction, omitting rhythm for now, focusing on playing in time.

Solfege Singing: Commence with simple songs like "Hot Cross Buns," sung in solfege. Over time, witness the pride as children conquer solfege versions.

Games Galore: Introduce a variety of games—snap, matching, dice, spinners, bingo—to revise and extend knowledge. A new game each week keeps the class engaged, ensuring continuous learning and retention. As you embark on this symphonic journey, remember that teaching music to children transcends instruction—it's a shared voyage into the magical world of melodies, fostering a lifelong love for the language of music.

Rhythm Unleashed: Illustrate rhythm on the whiteboard using time signatures, rhythm symbols, and repeat signs. Engage the class in rhythmic clapping, encouraging questions. Transition to a class set of percussion instruments, letting them play along to classical accompaniment.

Music Appreciation: Select classical pieces, turning them into interactive stories. Let the children dance like dinosaurs or swim like fish, amplifying the emotive connection to the music. Encourage creative storytelling, sparking their imagination.

Cultivating Harmony: Building a Music Convergence Tribe

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 23:16:33 GMT

In the vast realm of music, where diverse genres intertwine with various forms of media and lifestyles like fitness, fashion and ceremony, there emerges a unique and vibrant community – a tribe. The tribe, in this context, represents a collective of individuals bound not only by their passion for music but also by a shared interest in the convergence of music with media and lifestyle. This convergence creates a rich tapestry of interconnected experiences that inspire, resonate, and bring people together.
A tribe is more than just a group of people; it is a community linked by common threads, connected to one another and a central idea. In the case of a music convergence tribe, the central idea revolves around the dynamic interplay between music, media, and lifestyle. This convergence transcends traditional boundaries, allowing enthusiasts to explore the intricate relationships between sound and various facets of life.
Creating a Hub for Connection
To nurture this tribe, it's essential to establish a dedicated space for communication and collaboration. I am looking to have this hub here on Patreon serve as the beating heart of the community, providing a platform for individuals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discover new dimensions of music convergence.
Encouraging Exploration
A music convergence tribe thrives on the exploration of diverse musical landscapes and their intersections with other forms of art and lifestyle. I am encouraging community members to share their favorite projects, unique playlists, and instances where music has seamlessly converged with media, be it in films, advertisements, or more direct lifestyle converegcences such as how music has helped you heal or celebrate.
Spotlighting Creativity
A music convergence tribe is a breeding ground for creativity. I want to showcase the talents of members, whether they are musicians, visual artists, or storytellers. I aim to create opportunities for collaborative projects that allow this tribe to actively contribute to the ongoing narrative of Magnetic West Music.
Fostering a Supportive Environment
Above all, a thriving tribe is built on a foundation of respect, openness, and support. Encourage constructive conversations, celebrate diverse perspectives, and create an environment where individuals feel free to express themselves without judgment. In doing so, the tribe becomes a safe haven for music enthusiasts to explore, learn, and grow together.
Ready, Set, let's go!
As the melody of music intertwines with the rhythms of media and lifestyle, the creation of a music convergence tribe becomes a celebration of shared passions and boundless creativity. By establishing a space for connection, encouraging exploration, and fostering a supportive community, we can amplify the harmonious convergence of music in our lives. Together, let us cultivate a community that not only appreciates the beauty of music convergence but actively contributes to its ever-evolving symphony.

Cultivating An Anti-Hustle Music Culture

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 15:36:55 GMT

The idea of anti-hustle in the context of music culture can have a profound impact on human connection and the overall experience of music. By embracing a slower, more intentional approach to life and business, individuals and organizations involved in the music industry can foster deeper connections and find greater meaning in their work. Here's how this concept can be applied:

1. Authenticity and Emotional Expression: The anti-hustle approach encourages musicians and music industry professionals to focus on creating music that reflects their true emotions and values. This emphasis on authenticity can lead to more meaningful and relatable music that resonates with listeners on a deeper level. By slowing down and taking the time to connect with their own emotions and experiences, artists can create music that evokes genuine human connection.

2. Collaborative Relationships: In the fast-paced nature of the music industry, collaborations are often rushed or driven solely by commercial considerations. Embracing the anti-hustle mentality allows artists and industry professionals to build deeper, more meaningful relationships based on mutual respect, shared values, and creative exploration. Taking the time to connect on a personal level can lead to collaborative projects that are driven by artistic vision and a shared sense of purpose.

3. Live Music Experiences: Slowing down and finding meaning in our lives allows for a greater appreciation of live music experiences. Both artists and fans can benefit from creating and attending concerts, festivals, and other events that prioritize connection and community. By cultivating an environment that encourages human interaction and emotional engagement, live music experiences become more than just entertainment—they become transformative and memorable moments of shared connection.

4. Mindful Consumption: In a culture focused on hustle and constant consumption, taking time to slow down and appreciate music can have a profound impact. Encouraging listeners to engage with music mindfully—actively listening, reflecting, and connecting with the emotions conveyed—enhances the overall music experience. This shift can lead to deeper connections between artists and their audience, fostering a sense of shared understanding and appreciation.

5. Supporting Independent Artists: The anti-hustle mindset encourages individuals and businesses within the music industry to take the time to discover and support independent artists. By slowing down and actively seeking out lesser-known talents, they can help nurture a diverse and vibrant music culture. This support can range from promoting independent artists through various platforms, organizing intimate gigs, or providing resources and mentorship.

Ultimately, the idea of anti-hustle cultivates a music culture that values human connection, authenticity, and meaningful experiences. By embracing a slower, more intentional approach to music creation, promotion, and consumption, individuals and businesses in the industry can enable music to become a powerful force in our culture, capable of fostering deep connections and enriching our lives.

Love is The Home / The Music of Ukraine

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 20:31:46 GMT

For the past year, the inconceivably destructive return of war to Europe has brought horror and shock to the people of Ukraine. My heart is with the Ukrainian people, those who are bravely resisting the Russian invasion, those who are being forced to flee the fighting in the face of terrible conditions and those who are, or who cry for, the far too many victims. The loss is unfathomable.

This past week I have been texting with someone in Kharkiv, Ukraine. After a grueling year in a frontline city, after losing her home and her family, with some destiny at play and of course a bit of technological assistance we happened upon each other’s contact info and communicating with someone who has been experiencing a loss of such a distinct magnitude made me question loss. I noticed a shift in me, like the aperture of my camera lens rotated. I was at the beach the other day thinking about this and I could hear the in the deep tones of the tides, and within me, a submarine subconscious voice, clarity, focus.

the love is the home
the voice of nature, music
brings it all back to the love,

I’ve been researching, focusing on helping Ukrainian refugees find a home to build their lives back up. Furthermore, exploring and appreciating the diverse landscape of Ukrainian music I have found it to be joyful and fierce, energy packed and remarkable.

the love is the home,
trusting in the currents, the music of nature
swimming in the love, and connecting with others.

I’ve created a playlist here for you to explore the sounds of this vibrant culture and to support Ukrainian artists and the Ukrainian people.

🇺🇦 Ukrainian Love 💙💛 PLAYLIST - Support Ukrainian Artists
40 songs exploring the wide array of Ukrainian music styles.

Listen - □□ Ukrainian Love □□ PLAYLIST

Also check out:

Music Defends Ukraine
https://shpytal.com/musicians-defend-ukraine/

And

This portal brings together calls for donations from the (I)NGO community in Ukraine and neighboring countries, with the aim of connecting with the actions from the philanthropic sector.
https://ngoforukraine.eu/

booksmart music motivation

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 16:21:17 GMT

Benefits of Listening to Music While Studying

Are you one of the many students at campuses nationwide walking around with earbuds in or headphones on, knowing that music affects your mood and can help you cope with the multiple layers of university stress? Have you taken the extra step to craft a playlist as study-aid?

Music can help you feel relaxed, and it may also help improve your focus. Additionally, listening to instrumental music may help stimulate the brain for improved concentration and reduced boredom .

Perhaps you have to read for hours because there’s an assignment deadline approaching. This buildup of stress can lead to anxiety making the process of reading counterproductive. Reading is an exercise that requires full attention and it is best to minimize distraction. One might think that music could be a distraction and with some types of music that might be the case but putting the right instrumental mood music on in the background can help you destress by raising the level of endorphins in your blood and make it easier to comprehend and retain the information. Calming sounds can serve as white noise and drown out other distracting noises such as restless roommates, neighbors or one’s own wandering mind.

in the study zone

Studying can become monotonous and some brain candy can help break you out of the spell and stimulate both sides of the brain simultaneously.
Most stimulating input is often taken in by either our right, creative brain hemisphere, or by the left left side which is more analytical. The corpus callosum is what connects the two hemispheres and when listening to music a distinctive activation occurs that stimulates both sides of the brain at once. This enhanced brain function allows for greater storage of information and releases beneficial endorphins like serotonin that promote well-being and relaxation.

Increased relaxation and lower levels of stress can lift spirits, help you feel optimistic when staring at the large text book on your desk or for those times when you aren’t feeling so confident that you’ll be able to fill pages with meaningful words for the research paper. Having the right music on may be the extra motivational energy burst you need to stay in the study zone because the brain often associates music with positive experiences and when you’re in a good frame of mind it is typically easier to focus on a task.

study buddy

Big exam coming up? Some people claim that music can be too distracting. Some music that has a lot of lyrics or is obnoxious or even too sleep inducing could pull focus but you know what else is distracting… Stress and the daunting task of sifting through lengthy volumes of intellectually challenging material!

The right selection of music can help reduce stress, keep your mind from wandering and even make you feel more confident. Several studies discovered that music has a powerful triple-action on your heart rate, brain activity and release of biochemical stress-reducing effects (Cervellin & Lippi, 2011). suggesting that music enhances cognitive function, stimulating the brain to be more alert and increase knowledge retention.

Consider a custom playlist as a musical companion during your studies. Especially instrumental songs with no lyrics (For & Embrey, 1972) Some people believe only classical music can work to your advantage while studying which is mostly due to Dr Gordon Shaw’s “Mozart Effect”. Poised on the findings that the IQ of a student group had improved just by listening to Mozart’s “Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major” constantly. But studies also show that electronic music for students improves concentration.

Playing music while you study can make it more interesting , especially for those subjects that you find less than enjoyable which will give you more endurance to keep you focused on completing your assignments.

For Spotify users, here is the Study Hall playlist I created, a collection of engaging indie electronica instrumentals, with beats to keep you alert and repetitive melodies to relieve stress and aid concentration.

STUDY HALL playlist on Spotify

Listen

listening to nature : sunset crows

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 19:42:51 GMT

Birds of a Feather - a poem inspired by the sound of crows

birds of a feather in the kitchen together,
we all share this meal, we've made a life, a pie,
many hands in the mix

another crow homeward at the end of the day,
the sunset hour when the veils of light and shadow
blend like cake batter

your echoing cry and my wing beats together in the blender
whipped up a thick recipe
a sound pouring over us

these crows in the kitchen, a sunset parade
my daydream traveler come home to me
you live in my heart

birds of a feather in the kitchen together
what will we create next? your birthday cake?
it could be any day to celebrate your flight, your music,
your echoing call across the canyon country,
from coast to coast

all the crows coming home at the end of the day
we share stories, we hear ourselves in each other's words
we the family, makin' cakes
birds of a feather in the kitchen together

Saved By A Song - Mary Gauthier's inspiring new book

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 19:10:01 GMT

Part memoir, part look into the healing power of songwriting... author and performing songwriter Mary Gauthier's book Saved by a Song : The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting potently delivers a heartwarming display on how songwriting can soothe the wounds of the creator and listener.

I particularly like following Mary's journey from discovering songwriting as a means to communicate about her own traumas to the honorable service of songwriting with veterans to help them give a voice to their own story. Through recalling her troubled past as an adopted child and her struggles with substance abuse, without oversweetening but far from minimizing, Mary describes her creation of songs and lyrics as a therapeutic force in her life .

“Witnessing other people’s lives through stories is a kind of medicine, and the magic is getting the story emotionally honest.” - Mary Gauthier

This has been a uniquely meaningful book for me to read. It does not exactly lay out the nuts and bolts of how to write a song. In other words, this book is not for songwriting techniques, chord progressions, melodic notation, verse/chorus formats and such…which is fine, there's plenty of other books for that and Saved By A Song's honest approach is what makes this personal story of songwriting so valuable. In the book, she is basing her songwriting on the emotional landscape of expression, the motivation there is more inspiring then reliant on rigid templates, it’s the source to say what needs to be said through song. Mary reminds us that her collegue Ralph Murphy said “It’s not your job to sing the listeners your diary. Your job is to sing to the listeners theirs.”

The book is for songwriters and artists of all kinds, therapists and even mental health professionals. Mary's book helps one understand that one can be saved by a song but also that the world can be changed by a song. Saved By a Song is a heartwarming story, an easily comprehensible philosophy on why songwriting is important, and a solid source of inspiration.

“artists are like firemen; when the rest of the world is running away from the explosion, they run to it and report back...
                 The ask is this: no matter how many songs you’ve written - each time, the struggle is to get back to that singular place where it is just you and the fire alone in the room.”
                                                                                    - Mary Gauthier

PSYCHOLOGY OF SOUND : TONE OF VOICE

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 17:34:12 GMT

We are a world of sound, vibrationally communicating with each other and our surrounding environment. The power of words is held in their definition as well as in their delivery. The way we produce our words and the tone that they are delivered with directly affects our communication with one another.

My fascination with this began with the foundational aspects of music; melody, meter, the sound of emotion, and essentially, tonal vibrations. With this sense as a guide for communication and listening, one can develop an awareness of how spoken words carry more meaning than just their definition.

Exploring the field of how vibrations communicate emotions, one can develop a sense of how words affect a conversation and how they act in resonance or dissonance within a single person or in a relationship. This experience is like being a piece of an orchestral movement, with your unique instrument, harmonizing with the thematic melody.

Resonance / Dissonance

How do our emotions affect how we deliver our words? How do the vibrations of our voice affect our listener’s nerves? We listen to voices and words simultaneously, and consciously as well as somatically and subconsciously. Dissonance happens when the tone of voice clashes with your emotion, two notes that don’t blend well, don’t sound good together. We can notice dissonance, sometimes from passive aggression, between the different ways that someone else communicates, and we are left with a sometimes confusing, conflicted, and perhaps traumatized feeling. While on the other hand, we notice resonance in a tone of voice and are often left with a peaceful, uplifting feeling.

Good Vibes / Conversation as Song

Our tone of voice can be in alignment with somatic experiences like fears and turn-ons.
Certain tones of voice can vibrationally resonate with you, like how vibrations resonate in the body of a guitar. In these situations you might find yourself thinking that a certain feeling “resonates with me”. When you are on the same page as the person you are talking with, you are attuned and the tones of your voices can resonate with each other and you can be in harmony like two separate tones that harmonize together in a song. This is an important skill to develop your tone of voice to play your distinct role in the orchestral movement. This can be a conversation, a business meeting, customer service and other situations where you want to instill a certain feeling which you can tailor to the unique recipient in the performer / audience relationship.

Each conversation brings its own topic to light through tone of voice, the underlying sentiment or frustrations that are being communicated with dynamic vibrational delivery. The sounds/vibrations of emotion in conjunction with the way in which words are formed themselves determine vibrational receiving of the message. When we talk to a baby or a cute puppy we automatically manipulate our voices to be higher pitched, to sound sweet and gentler.

Not only do we choose words to say to one another but we express how we feel through our tone of voice. Often unaware of the way we might sound to the person we are talking to until it’s too late, because we may think that we are effectively masking our inner feelings, and furthermore, we may have even been masking them from ourselves.

The tone of voice can be a distraction from content. What if we made a conscious effort to deliver our words with a tone of voice that enhanced the conversation instead of sweeping it up in a wave of emotion? Is this conscious verbal economy sustainable? What if we ask ourselves what we want to be communicating through the tone of our voices alongside the actual words?

Physiological Response

Licensed Therapist Stephanie Mae Neilson describes tone as communication in and of itself; Tone of voice is its own conversation, the felt conversation, the known conversation that doesn’t make it into the words. This conversation is always happening within, alongside, in tandem with, the words and meanings level of the dialogue. This is the conversation of the animal self, the body, of the nonverbal, preverbal realm. The animal body has vibrational exchange with the animal body of someone else. This content and energy of the exchange can be accepted no matter whether “good” or “bad” , as long as there is no dissonance between content, energy. Words can be chosen intentionally in order to direct vibration through the correct instrument, like sending air through a pipe organ.

Embedded Tone

Words shape sound. Choosing words intentionally to shape tone is a quality of an instrument. It gives the speaker a choice in how sound is channeled, alleviating some of the pressure from the body to project, accent or blow through sound to create vibrations. Some words carry their own tone, an added complexity to intentional vocalizations. Words can sound condescending, patronizing, sarcastic, manipulative and confusing. The tone of the words can create cognitive dissonance if they are used in a way that is misaligned with the meaning of the word or used as part of an act. Explosive words, harsh words and expletives blast their way through a conversation and can be damaging while soft and sweet toned words imply a certain tenderness. Certain words are built for delivering a message regardless of how you say them because they have an embedded tone.

Love Language / Tone as a Tool

We can use tone as a tool. We have choices in speech and listening. Are you, or is the other, communicating from a place of safety and security in the physical body? The sound of security in a voice and strength in a voice can help someone who is struggling with fear or paranoia. Forced shifts in one’s tone of voice can lead to confidence and ability to be seen or get needs met. What would high versus low pitch or fast versus slow ask for from the listener?
Beneficial Tonalities . How can vibrations aid in a challenging conversation? We can be mindful of how we use our voice to shift the energy of one another or match the energy of one another. How do you respond to speaking with someone who is highly anxious and speaks with a higher pitched tone versus someone who is grounded and happy versus someone who is depressed speaking with a droning low tone? The awareness of the way we produce our words and with what tone they are delivered with has the potential to benefit our well being, our relationships and our businesses.

Join the Conversation

What experience have you had that has been influenced significantly by tone of voice?

what does the sound of your voice look like?

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 23:39:12 GMT

Chrome Music Lab is an interactive website that makes music creation more accessible through fun, hands-on experiments.
Explore music and its connections to science, math, art, and more.

You can make your own songs and save them with the Song Maker experiment as I've done here:
( click to play )

You can play with these experiments across devices – phones, tablets, laptops – just by opening the site on a web browser such as Chrome and explore the visuals of sound and more with the Chrome Music Lab ( << click to explore )

Here's what my voice looks like:

what does your voice look like?
take a screenshot of it and tag #magneticwestmusic and #chromemusiclab on Instagram for a chance to win some music prizes.

Algorithm of the Saints

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 04:28:15 GMT

MTV, the jukebox of my childhood, created the soundtrack to our household. It was the stream that kept a creative culture afloat in my life despite my underdeveloped taste in music. Nonetheless, even at that age I could feel that it was an important piece of my media consumerism. A song would pop up every once in a while that my older sister would want turned up. I was learned by example that music discovery was a valuable adolescence right of passage.

One autumn day in 1990 a beat resonated in my heart, it moved me. There I was, just 12 years old, watching an opening scene featuring the percussion ensemble of Paul Simon’s Obvious Child, it made me feel so much excitement for creativity and human spirit that it surely shaped my passion for music and art. To just say that the album that it belonged to, Rhythm of The Saints, became the core soundtrack to my life for the next few years, might be an understatement because it was also an inspiration to me as a songwriter, and now I know that if it weren’t for MTV I might not have experienced the discovery of it the same way. The convergence of the music with the video and the playlist programming of MTV played a big role in the discovery.

These days, with discovery being primarily an algorithm based shuffle, music discovery is much more technologically developed. I look at the first run in this world as Pandora, where the radio station that you created would offer new songs that fit the playlist, songs that you may have not heard before.

The intuitive machine behind music streaming powerhouse Spotify took this to a new level by widening the circle to have the analytical programming include much more independent music and therefore more to discover that you normally wouldn’t find elsewhere.

In a league of its own, YouTube created another level of intimate videos, a world of personal music discovery with their algorithms suggesting covers and originals by artists in their bedroom or backyard. YouTube is perhaps the best example of the evolution of the music video convergence in today’s algorithmic music consumerism since the time of MTV. The algorithm of YouTube dictates what you watch 70% of the time. 81% of American YouTube users say they regularly watch videos recommended by the algorithm according to the article “Many Turn to YouTube for Children’s Content, News, How-To Lessons” by the Pew Research Center, Washington, D.C. (NOVEMBER 7, 2018)

The second largest force for me from the pre-streaming era of music discovery was from movies. Soundtracks were developed and led people to fall in love with songs that supported the stories they adored. How does this come into play now for music discovery with movie streaming giants such as Netflix? Are more people discovering music from TV and movies nowadays?

I feel confident that algorithmic music consumerism will continue to develop with more analytical data that is received from the listener's devices. Could there also be a resurgence in good old word-of-mouth music discovery as music appreciation develops alongside the robotic feed of music? Will there be a wholehearted response to the technological push that streaming services deliver?

tone of voice

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 16:59:57 GMT

When we talk, how does it sound?

Does it feel like a love language or does it feel like a challenge? Each conversation brings its own topic to light through tone of voice, the underlying sentiment or frustrations that are being communicated with dynamic vibrational delivery.

Not only do we choose worlds to say to one another but we express how we feel through our tone of voice. Often unaware of the way we might sound to the person we are talking to, until it’s too late. What if we made a conscious effort to deliver our words with a tone of voice that enhanced the conversation instead of sweeping it up in a wave of emotion? What if we ask ourselves what we want to be communicating through the tone of our voices alongside the actual words?

Some words carry their own tone, an added complexity to intentional vocalizations. Explosive words, harsh words and expletives blast their way through a conversation and can be damaging while soft and sweet toned words imply a certain tenderness. These words are built for delivering a message regardless of how you say them.

Just try and say “ I love fuzzy bunnies” with an angry explosive tone. Do you believe the tone or the words? Does the message work?

Tweek the Creaksbox

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 17:18:58 GMT

Creaksbox by Hidden Orchestra + Animita Designs

Creaksbox is an online music manipulator machine using the music soundtrack from CREAKS a new video game by Animita Designs. The maestro of Creaksbox is Hidden Orchestra’s Joe Acheson who played many instruments on the soundtrack. The Creaksbox site describes it as “ a music player for an adaptive soundtrack. There are hundreds and thousands of variables, which creates a ‘living soundtrack’ that feels fresh every time you hear it”

Ever since I first entered the world of Machinarium, the award-winning independent adventure puzzle game featuring Josef the adorable robot, I have been enchanted by the use of sound and music in the games. The creative team at Animita Design has brought to life intricate musical convergences in their games where sound is magic, tones are language. In Samorost 3, the depth of this convergence goes even further as I have written about here. CREAKS follows suit, with more music convergences to reveal language and puzzles as well as the soundtrack to support the mystery of the game’s story.

The Creaksbox gives you the chance to explore the tonal landscape in unique ways by tweeking with the controls to constantly blend pieces of the soundtrack together.
It weaves the tracks and shifts the 6 needle record player head which crawls through the grooves of an animated vinyl record like a creepy robotic spider in true Anamita Design fashion.

Flip the progress changer toggle and advance the time clock even more to manipulate the sounds even more to a web of melodies, lots of eerie clarinet reminiscent of Samorost 3 and often, chaotic mixes of electro arpeggios. Open the instrument info. tab for pictures of the featured instruments created by the Creaksbox artist, Jan Chlup.

Strat by choosing a length of time to have it running and tweek the Creaksbox yourself to create a soundtrack and unlock your own mysterious treasure. What stories might the sound evoke for you?

http://creaksbox.amanita-design.net/

Inside Sound

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 01:47:47 GMT

we are sound chambers.

I can always hear it behind my thoughts, just waiting there for me patiently.

It is a pulse.

Music moves me and intends to even when I am too darn heavy to budge.

There are songs that are particularly inspiring to me, music that opens me like a piece of fruit. The rind just peels away and I spread each juicy section of my emotions splashing out. Finally, I explode, turning inside out by an intricately crafted arrangement of vibrations. When I allow music to move through me like this then I become the instrument. My body resonates like the hollow wooden body of an acoustic guitar.

We are all sound chambers for one voice or another. When we let sounds bounce around inside us we keep that vibration going, like we collectively step on the sustain pedal of a piano.

the giant guitar

On several occasions, my 12 year old son and I like to entertain each other by talking about a giant guitar. One so large that, as it lays there in some wide open west coast valley, or better yet, at a proper establishment for such a creation like The Clark, you have to look at its entirety from a distance. We imagine you can set a ladder against it and climb up to the top surface, plant your feet there and stare across the girth of the gleaming metal strings, down into the sound hole like it’s some sci-fi, space station on an alien planet.

Here’s where the idea has steeped enough to step into. Lowering yourself down into the hole you hang from the largest string, the bass, and once your body relaxes a bit, you let go.  The string, which, to scale, would be a large metal cable, like the kind used to build bridges, vibrates with such a fantastically Earth shaking shutter that the sound chamber that you are dropping into becomes so thick with vibrations you could almost feel it slow down your fall. Gravity itself is denied by the levity of reverberating sound. You float down as the sound waves disperse into the open air and gently land. Inside the great hall of the instrument, the music swallows you. The light patterns in the room are shifting with the skylight sound-hole.

A part of you may never want to leave. The part of you that will pay respect to the new discovery inside the echo chamber. The other part of you that perhaps wants coffee or to hold close to one you love will get you headed home but most likely with a new way to listen.

The Creative Soundscape of Samorost 3

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 23:09:15 GMT

Samorost 3, an adventure puzzle game by Anamita design, follows a curious space gnome who uses the powers of a magic flute to travel across the cosmos in search of its mysterious origins. Visit nine unique and alien worlds teeming with colorful challenges, creatures and surprises to discover, brought to life with beautiful artwork, sound and music.

The little gnome's horn sounds like a clarinet. He lives in a world of floating planets made of various natural pieces, a world full of creatures that communicate through sound and the player progresses through the game solving sound based puzzles.

Like other brilliantly composed soundtracks of Anamita games, such as Machinarium, the magical soundtrack of Samorost 3 is a blend of live acoustic instruments and electronica, with handpan like organic bell tones and ambient / chill percussion / beats.

The water wheel well organ is a gorgeous instrument that you play with an 8 note controller to play the melody.

A mouse that lives in one of the instrument’s pipes sings a song that you can mimic to get an achievement .

Each achievement in the game has its own sound. There’s a section in the menu that has all the achievement symbols that you can click on to spin them to mix their sounds together. All of them together make quite a busy song but a few of them together make fun music mixing.

Speaking of which : There’s a musical pond near the gnome's lighthouse that is fun to play with and there is a band of lizards that sing a song together based on how you manipulate the plants in the pond next to them.

The world of Samorost 3 is full of communication through emotional sound, no words needed.

The bug in the picture below hums tones from its antenna when you strum them like the strings of a harp.

Pretty much every thing you click on makes a sound and then you have a gorgeous, creative soundtrack by Tomas "Floex" Dvorak.

Samorost 3 is a very fascinating, beautiful, musical and creative sound puzzle game to play. You can download it here.

Exploring King Roy Wing's New Album

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 21:45:40 GMT

King Roy Wing is a five piece indie folk band in my current hometown of Ashland, Oregon. I recently met with Dan Sherrill at Mix Cafe in Ashland, and we talked about their new album, These Rolling Hills, which he produced.

The cover photo was taken at the historic Hanley Farm.

As a producer and sound engineer and one who knows that not all houses are built the same, Dan sought out a natural, untreated space that had real character for the recording.

"when I walk into any room that I’m potentially going to record in, I clap, just to hear what the reflections sound like, to listen to the space, too often the room sounds dead... it’s all about vibe...it’s not like I want some cathedral ceiling, all I want is somewhere that has clarity. "

The group decided to rent a house deep in the country near Tiller, Oregon and for five long days they recorded the songs.

"we moved all the furniture into this one room, the downstairs floor with the kitchen we turned into a recording studio. "

“What I really wanted to focus on for this record was to capture what we do live as a group, to recreate our live dynamic, while having control” which Dan did by tracking the album, recording the instruments on separate tracks and then layering them together.  Dan finished the album at his home studio, known as Rent A Puppy Records, doing the mixing and the remaining components of the recording.

The songs of These Rolling Hills, written by Michael Henry, might seem fairly simple at first but the arrangements are complex.  “We all had our hands on every song, Henry wrote the melody and lyrics, we arranged our parts." says Sherrill.

The mood of the album’s start, with the song Temperate Son, opens the heart like the sunrise, like waking up to a particular eventful day that perhaps you had been anticipating and step forward into courageously. It is evident in the tones of lead singer Michael Henry’s voice and the soft layered harmonies that what is being communicated here is sincere. The strings swell like waves of honey and are lovely and uplifting in a Horsefeathers type way. The song builds into its own landscape and after a wholesome double bass featured section performed by Jenica Smith, the piece deepens with some electric layers to boldly reach the edge of where you might not have thought the song would travel but once you are there it feels like quite the welcome exploration. A banjo politely trickles its way in to start the next tune, Over The Noz, an instrumental. With a spring in its step, this piece progresses from a Goat Rodeo Session type tune to a carefree bluegrass journey toward a magical land.  The next song,  Copper Wolf,  delivers some down home grit along with some slapping bass, chunky guitar and a solid dobro performance by Gaur Groover.  The album returns to its original sentiment with the title track, These Rolling Hills, a heartwarming and longing folk-hymn, a timeless stretch of the Americana highway that feels so familiar. From there we arrive at Cherokee Hill where we find its story supported by some creative classic electric guitar and poignant fiddle melodies by Hanna Winters.

Apollo feels strangely wonderful and with the magic that the well balanced voices deliver in the lyrics, it’s easy to appreciate the unique, creative melody and picturesque lyrics. The song splashes into electric guitar land until the peppery notes of another instrumental, American Mastodon, come jumping in like a refreshing river. The tight string-band interaction of the instruments here are really fun and feel like a sophisticated bluegrass celebration.

Weeds Amongst the Wheat and Ojai Pixie keep the traditional music heartbeat rolling with multiple flavors of bluegrass glory. Finally, Maria, a sweet, slow burn delivers stellar harmonies, Dan Sherrill’s lush telecaster and soaring fiddle.

Dan Sherrill of King Roy Wing

“We're excited to see what’s next ” Sherrill says.

After chatting more about songwriting, Dan and I walked over to his house and checked out his studio space and gear:

a glance at some of the equipment that Dan used to record These Rolling Hills

These Rolling Hills is a glistening picture of Americana. The album pumps like a mellow and full bodied river carving through an isolated range and all the while inviting the listener to plunge in the water and soak in the refreshing tributaries that spring up beneath rocks and join the waters wide.

Listen to the album here on Spotify :
https://open.spotify.com/artist/00sMH6tTbZguBqTbOVfCCE

learn more about King Roy Wing on their Website here :
http://www.kingroywing.com/

TURTLE by Cross-Channel Music

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 18:47:08 GMT

I am very happy to have found Cross-Channel Music, a project from London that has produced a gorgeous 4 song EP called Average Rock Star. The 33 second "intro" sets a fantastic wave of emotion with layered horns like the perfect soundtrack to watching the sun rise majestically out of the ocean's horizon. Then, with staccato strings bubbling like clockwork, the song "Turtle" emerges like the fascination of a hundred baby turtles cracking out of their shells and waddling their way across the sand to the water.

Cross-Channel Music's singer/songwriter + music composer Pierre Lassegues, delivers his track Turtle like he is building a majestic sand castle in front of you. His rich baritone vocals, percussive effervescence and endearing cello swell the waves of emotion and, one of my favorite parts, a very wholesome arpeggio layer of sun soaked electric guitar, pulls you into this kingdom like a wide eyed child discovering the kaleidoscope of life. Meanwhile, the lyrics shed light on an otherwise humble creature to be a regal king of this fantasy land and of course relatable to our human condition with the shells we keep to cover ourselves but find our way from stuck on our back to our feet once again.

" the world moves fast and you move slow...."

This song soars gorgeously. The rest of the tracks on the EP are just as well crafted. Enjoy listening to this beautiful track and support the artist by purchasing a download of the track.

Pierre recorded the EP with Jim Wallis at Bella Union studio back in June last year. The beautiful Brass parts are played by Will Dollard. The EP’s haunting cover art, is Pierre's good friend, illustrator and designer Yannick Rigour.

Average Rock Star by Cross-Channel Music

8 simple things you can do to support Magnetic West Music

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 21:48:44 GMT

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is now closed to the public and the circuit of wonderful wineries, bars and other live music venues here in Southern Oregon, where I normally perform have closed their doors so I am focusing on delivering my music online. Live performances were a large part of my income so now since I am working from home I need your support and here are some great ways that you can contribute.

Buy CDs, stickers and other Merch. from the Magnetic West Music online SHOP.

Download my music on Bandcamp - I make more from this than I do from streaming.
Here are the links to the Bandcamp accounts for my various projects:
Son Ravello / Magnetic West Music / Kites & Crows

Become a patron of Magnetic West Music on Patreon.
For as little as $1. a month you can support the creative ongoings of my music convergence projects and receive exclusive content.

plus Patrons of Magnetic West Music ( The Real Deal tier + up ) will receive a CD pack in the mail!

Come explore more of what this Patreon place is all about, check out the tiers I have made or create your own, watch the video < < HERE > >

Listen to my music on streaming platforms, every play is monetized:
Son Ravello : Spotify / Apple Music / AmazonMusic
Kites & Crows : Spotify / Apple Music / AmazonMusic
Add a song to your Spotify or Apple playlist.
Share links to your favorite tracks

Subscribe to my YouTube channel ( + enjoy watching the videos ! )

Include my music in your own videos.
search for music at MagneticWestMusic.com

Discerning the Parts of Ego in Music Performance

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 18:26:37 GMT

QUESTIONING MYSELF

Performing music can be very overwhelming to me sometimes. There’s a part of each performance that always has me questioning it. Every time I am onstage or every time I post a video of myself singing, I question it. How can I be sure that this is sincere? Should I be so self-assured to share this with an audience and assume it is valuable? What part of me needs to perform my songs? We all want to be liked, but am I just showing off? Does that part exist purely to feel accepted and admired? How do I differentiate between the mindsets of egotistical and self-confident in performance? Are these questions that only I seek the answer to, or are audiences keen on being aware whether or not the performer is too ego driven? What parts of your ego do you not share with others or even allow yourself to develop? What parts of your ego are helpful to you for being confident to deliver something that you can share with the world?

HUMILITY

It is humbling to share your heartfelt work through performing music. There’s certainly a specific humility that is needed to get up on stage but it is obvious that you have to believe in yourself as well. What drives you to take it out of the bedroom and onto the stage? Often, after a performance, someone will express to me how my music made them feel, how it helped them through a hard time. Well, there’s the proof, my music is useful. Still, I have to believe that I am not the only one that finds the questions will find their way back to me. What if the performance you are sharing isn’t helpful, or doesn’t add value in anyway to someone else’s life, well then, what’s the use of sharing it?

Carrie Cheadle, a mental skills trainer, who approaches these questions of humility from the field of sport psychology, answers this very well :

“There is a difference between having a healthy ego and being egotistical. Once you cross the line to egotistical – it can be detrimental to your performance. There’s a continuum that has self-assured on one end and arrogance on the other. When you’re self-assured, you’re confident in yourself and confident in your ability regardless of the competition and what’s going on around you. When you’re arrogant, your “confidence” comes from exaggerating your importance and belittling others.

Working on humility helps you move towards the self-assured side on the continuum and a great way to work on humility is to stop passing judgement on others. We ALL do it. At some point you’ll find yourself talking shit about someone else in order to feel better about yourself or your own situation. We don’t consciously realize we’re doing it, but that’s exactly what we’re doing. One of the most AMAZING impacts of actively working on humility and having a deep respect for the people around you, is that it can actually help you improve your own performance. When you stop judging others, you stop judging yourself. When you stop focusing on them, you start focusing on you.”

This mindset can help performers manage their emotions and persevere under pressure. What are the other ways that you have found help you reach your peak performance without the battle of the ego hindering your flow?

The Soundtrack Of Your Life With Spotify

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 03:34:19 GMT

I think the best music streaming app. to have on your phone is Spotify. You can try it out, for free, and if you want to pay 10 bucks a month and get Premium, you can avoid having to listen to advertisements. If others in your household want Premium then you can get The Family Plan for 15.99 a month. That’s the price of one CD. All the music and podcasts you want, in your pocket, for that price is pretty good. If you stick with the free plan you’ll be limited to listening to music in shuffle mode and can only skip a certain amount of tracks per hour. A lot of other people seem to love Spotify as much as I do. Spotify has around 30 million paying subscribers and nearly 90 million users total, which is more than any other music-streaming platform out there. To put it in perspective, Apple Music has about 13 Million subscribers.

I listen to music and podcasts everyday and Spotify is my main source. If you decide to download the app. and try it out, here’s a simple guide to get started and have all the music and podcasts you need to build the soundtrack of your life.

The 3 main tabs at the bottom of the screen: HOME, SEARCH and YOUR LIBRARY.

Home Sweet Home

The Home section displays Spotify’s great approach to music for lifestyle convergence. It contains your recent playlists, new episodes of podcasts that you follow, playlists hand-picked for you by Spotify, music you might like based on what you’ve listened to, the main songs you listen to, playlists that you’ve created or ones you follow, songs you can’t get enough of, other recommendations and one of my favorite sections, Mood.

SEARCH

Search for a song, an artist, a podcast topic…
Tap the search tab, a little magnifying glass, and type in something you are searching for. If you like the song and want to save it to Your Library you can tap the little heart on the right side of the player button. Spotify will give you matches to your query as you type, including artists, songs, playlists, albums, podcasts, podcast episodes and profiles that match your search.

Search / BROWSE

Inside the search section you can Browse . Explore Spotify’s amazingly vast catalog of featured playlists, charts, new releases and genres to build the soundtrack of your life. The tiles at the top are playlists that Spotify thinks you'll enjoy, based on your listening habits.

When you are in the Search Section, notice the camera icon in the top-right; this lets you scan special Spotify tags that link to a specific playlist or song. You might see these tags on Artist’s concert posters or promotional materials, or you can scan it from a friend who has opened a tag of a song on their screen .

tapping the 3 dots to the right of a song opens up the song’s info. page which includes the scan-able tag.

Spotify’s Genres & Moods section is a great way to cue up playlists based on activities. This is one of the features that proves Spotify is keen to the idea that Music Makes the Moment!

The last tab is YOUR LIBRARY but if you are new to Spotify, then you haven’t built much of a library yet, so let’s look at a few other main components of using Spotify first and before long you will have built your library and you'll see how it's the soundtrack of your life.

-Now Playing -
The Now Playing bar always shows at bottom of screen right above the navigation tabs.. Tap it to see full details, including Play/Pause and Seek buttons, Shuffle and Repeat functions. Touch the three-dot menu int the upper right hand side of the screen for options pertaining to the current track. Here, you can access a bunch of functions like adding the song to a playlist, putting it queue, share it, go to a radio station based on the songs and more.
-Follow a Playlist -
Scroll to see the Playlist results from your search. If you like a playlist and want to save it to your playlists then you can follow it and it will get added to your playlists.
-Turn the Radio On -
You can choose a radio station that’s pre-made or tap the "+" button at the top to create a station based on a song or artist.

Build your library

The very last tab in the app is Your Library. It's where you can store and organize all the music you find on Spotify.  This tab is a collection of all the music you’ve saved in Spotify. You’ll find your Playlists, Albums, Liked Songs, Artists, any stations that you created in the Radio tab and more for easy browsing.  Here you can also also find everything you’ve recently played,

Want to Make a Playlist?     You have several options:
> Tap the option button (circle with three dots) next to a song and hit "Add to playlist." You can add it to an existing one that you created (not someone else's you're following) or create a new Playlist with this song.
> Go to the Playlists section in Your Music, tap the Edit button in the corner, then the "+" that appears in the upper-left corner.

When you create a playlist, you can decide whether to make it public or not. If it’s public, anyone can search for it and it will appear on your user page. Right-click a playlist and choose Make Public to send it out to the masses.

To further build your playlist you’ll see Recommended Songs for your playlist if you scroll and You can click Add to drop these into your playlist to make it even better.

> Build a Playlist with Your Friends

Right-click it and choose Collaborative Playlist. Share the link and other Premium users can edit it and add to it.  note: you need Premium to make Collaborative Playlists on a mobile device.

Playlist Options

Download songs

Going on a hike or road trip to a remote place? You can Download songs for offline listening.

To download music, go to Your Library. At the top of any playlist, album, artist, or your entire Songs list, flip the switch to "Available offline."
It is recommended that you connect to Wi-Fi and charger cord first because downloading songs sucks up data and battery power. You can listen to that music even when your device is in airplane mode — and it won’t use your data if you are online.

Line ‘em Up!

Queue songs to play next. You can queue up music on the fly by tapping the option button next to a song (circle with three dots) and choosing "Add to Up Next." To view the queue, go to the Now Playing screen (tap the bar at the bottom of the app) and hit the icon in the upper-right corner (three lines).

Some additional activities:

Share a Song or Playlist:
Spotify makes it easy to share music and podcasts with others.
To share on mobile, tap the three-dot icon on any artist, album, or playlist page, or next to a song. Tap Share and you’ll see several sharing options, including Copy Link.

Discover New Music:
The Related Artists section on every artist's page suggests other artist you might like. Right below the list of popular tracks, you'll see a little section with a list of similar artists. Choose one and explore.

Social Features:
Follow your friends in the app to you view (and add) their playlists, see what music they're listening to and directly send them music you like. To find and add friends, go to Your Music and tap your photo at the top-right corner. Hit "Find Friends." You can also go to the main search bar and look for them there.

Follow an Artist:
Use this feature to get notifications when an artist you like releases new music or adds it to Spotify for the first time. Just go to an artist's page and hit "Follow" at the top.

hit the Follow button in the upper right corner to get notices when the artist releases new music!

Some settings you might want to play with:
Go to your Library and hit the gear icon at the top. There are a lot of settings to choose from, so here are some important ones:

Gapless playback. This is my favorite setting. You can take out the gap between songs with this feature. You can even adjust the crossfade slider to make the songs overlap which is great for continuous play for workouts, wedding dances and events like that when you don’t want the music to stop.

Stream / download quality. You can set download & stream quality to Normal if you want to save some data.

Offline mode. Enable this mode and Spotify will only let you play downloaded music.

Here's a Playlist I made and embedded with a special HTML Code that Spotify provides for every unique playlist, song, artist or episode.

Follow Magnetic West Music on Spotify

As a music consumer that grew up making mix tapes on cassette and saving ups my allowance to by a CD, I am simply amazed by Spotify and love all of the features for integrating all of my favorite music into my life. One of my main uses of play-listing on is for fitness and Spotify even has special features for that purpose. Stay tuned here for an upcoming guide to using Spotify for fitness. In the mean time, explore all the playlists that I’ve created, follow them, collaborate with me.

Share some of your playlists and favorite songs and podcasts on Spotify here in the comments section below.

Please Become a Patron of Magnetic West Music >

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There's a Baby Shark in my Head

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 05:12:22 GMT

Song stuck in your head?
We all know, stuck-song syndrome happens. In fact, according to a Finnish study, about 92% of people experience this cognitive itch weekly and these types of parasites are clearly not consciously self induced.

Is it a clear sign of a good song? Does it signify that the song is well endowed
with catchy melodies to slosh around in your noggin whether you want them to or not? Indeed, no matter if you like the song or not, it'll get in there. You hear someone humming it or it is playing in the grocery store or from the radio on your way to work and you say “thanks a lot, now that song is stuck in my head !”

Does a memory trigger a repetitive loop that your brain is needing to express? Is there something you see that triggers a song? Are you merely filling the void of a bored mind with an uplifting beat? It could be any combination of these triggers but the musical simplicity, repetition and vocalization of something such as the “doot-do do-dootie-doot” in the baby shark song makes the sound swim around in your fishbowl head, feeding on your brain for days.

This unique musical phenomenon, scientifically known as "involuntary musical imagery”, or INMI comes from the German orwhurm."

Experts on INMI from Goldsmiths, University of London indicate that music with notes that last longer but are closer together in pitch are more likely to get stuck in your head. Perhaps a good example of this would be the Star Wars Imperial March song ? Oops sorry if that is stuck in your head now! The scientists created a model that could predict whether a tune has the potential to take up residence in your head with an over 80% success rate. Why is it usually just a snippet? Something in that part of that song that hooked you in?

Is there an emotion that triggers a song? Perhaps we have this innate ability to store a song in our radio head so we can pass along the vibration and communicate the message to ourselves or perhaps our brain waves get addicted to the pattern.

FREE THE SHARK!

It’s been said that a song gets stuck in your head because you haven’t heard the end of it. You’ve been exposed to a pieces of it and it won’t go away so to get it out of your head you need to listen to the whole song. Does this work? Is this some sort of survival tactic for music to stay active in human culture?

The other option is to replace the song with another one. In your experience is this a guaranteed fix? Does it cure the problem? Can it chase the baby shark but not be so
catchy itself to take it’s place endlessly sending waves to your inner ear?

These scientists call it the the "saturate and seek closure" method. Listen to the tune all the way through, at full volume, preferably singing along. By concentrating on the full version of the tune, the tune that haunts your inner ear will be broadcast by your radio heart beat until the very last chord fades from your mind.

How could the practical or therapeutic uses of ear-worms benefit for our brains and mental health? Try and anchor a melody in your head all day and see what happens.