Exploring the Scope of Rap As Being More Than Music

Forty years ago, if someone asked the question, "What will be the future fad of music"? Most would have said "electronic vibes," or implied that it would be something that had to do with computer orchestration, because when anyone thinks about the future, they associate it with the advance of technology.

Absolute no one would have guessed that the future of music entailed a form of poetic vernacular that overtones a beat resonating from standard or souped-up music.

This is a style that is separated from all other trends of music. Not really standing alone, but at a deeper meaning. The reason is that it is an image of a race, the multiplicity of people united by roots and origin. Rap is the array of Afro-American culture, the extension of their language and traditions. Rap is a combination of speech and music, more clearly said, it is speech laid over music or beat. And when we claim that people are joined together through music, which means everyone on earth, rap bonds the ones close to common kinship by music and then everybody else is either welcomed or a hostile reception is given to a newcomer. What is it that draws people to rap? Is it enticing? Could be. Those not adapted into the rap scene often state that the flow of speech is too quick and it is hard to distinguish the words. Sometimes it seems rap music is only for those from the mutual cradle. Outsiders are not invited.

The classified stance of rap is urban poetry of lyrical resistance. Therefore, it is not the music for the small village, like country music is. It is the assembly of power by those unified by music in big cities. The main focus is to resist the stanch of grievances that are experienced in urban areas because misfortune and hardship is more intense and numerous there.

Rap not only speaks to the mind and passions, but it speaks to the society surrounding the people, for the interest of the people. If the words or courage to speak bold statements are not there, then the subconscious takes control and the rap lyrics kicks in, which fortifies the ego and satisfies the lusts.

With the flow of the rhythm, most people, once captivated by the beat - mainly younger ones - become absorbed and begin to clearly hear the words that may define the mood they are in that day. If the boss comes to work with a "screw you" attitude, those who are "absorbed" will "feel" the message of the words and the beat, especially when riding in a fast-moving car. There's something magical about cruising with the music turned up full-blast that has a way of enthralling the mind and providing the means of temporal escape.

Certain songs have innocent words that make an impression upon the mind, which is released later at the vending machine. Others have phrases that are catchy and when a particular artist sings them, they will remain locked in the subconscious for a long time. Other rappers have distinctive voices that certain ones find appealing or resemble the vocal tone of their own voice, which makes it easy to sing along with.

The beat comes first, and then comes the lyrics. It doesn't flow as smoothly and as sweet as classical music, not as dazzling as pop, instead, the emotion of the world's harshness is heard with a scream of pain. Someone could even state that rap is the most pain expressing style of music. Those who sing it, or it might be better described as "those who read it," not only revive their feelings, but express their emotions concerning love, as most other styles do. The message that is conveyed is about life, plagued by its many problems, especially for the Afro-American people. Rap is a musical form of remedy for pain and oppression. All the tonics of the world basically have the same goal!

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Things To Consider When Hiring A Good Band

You can hire many different types of bands for a wedding, but you should choose the right one as music is what can either enlighten or dull your event. The wrong selection of music or band might ruin the event that comes only once in a couple's lifetime. Therefore, you need to be wise in your choice on both counts.

Types of Music for Wedding

For your reception and wedding party you can select from several bands and music. There are many live bands that can perform different types of music including jazz, pop, rock, soul, swing, salsa, R & B, Bollywood music, 70′, and more. The selection of music will depend on your own taste and mood of the event. The kind of guests you anticipate to grace the event will also contribute on the decision significantly. So you need to select the music carefully and hire a band accordingly to avoid your wedding reception becoming a dull event.

Wedding Bands

Selection of a live band or Tribute band also will depend on venue, budget and atmosphere. If a band who has lots of musicians is what your choice is, then the wedding's venue must be similarly proportioned to house the band. The instruments and musical equipment should also be considered in addition to the power outlets that will be needed to power them. Big music bands will demand higher rates and if you're able to afford this cost, you can opt for a very sumptuous one.

Wedding bands that readily play salsa, swing, pop, rock, jive, Bollywood and Latino music are more suitable to the event and you should select the band accordingly. The majority of music bands also play the DJ music for free to fill the gaps created due to breaks in their performance. You should ensure that the music band you hire offers this in the contract as it is really important. A small break can cause temporary halt to wedding's proceedings; however, a DJ can enliven the party easily.

Consider the Budget

This is another important factor to consider as it contributes to the selection of your music. The more money you're ready to shell out, the better the band. If you have money to spare, then you can hire diverse music bands for different parts of a wedding event. You otherwise can stick to one single band which can play music on the reception as that is where music is required essentially. Most bands play for 2- 3 hours only and you'll have an overtime section in the contract in order that you can expand the playing time in case the occasion requires.

For a small budget wedding, you can opt for a local band which will be a cheaper alternative to the more renowned wedding bands that go around the whole country. Whatever is your budget consideration, the music needs to be excellent, if you want your wedding party to be a successful and joyous one. Before selecting a good band, do background investigation of the band you're going to engage in order to ensure a very professional performance.

Reading Staff Notation on Guitar Is Like Keeping Track of Tribbles

Remember the "Tribbles"? If you're a "Trekkie" you do. They're the little creatures that multiplied exponentially faster than rabbits. In no time flat Captain Kirk had so many of the little critters on the Starship Enterprise that he needed to give orders to numerous "Tribble trackers" to keep them contained.

Reading staff notation on the guitar is a little like keeping track of Tribbles. Just when you thought you knew where the note "E" is, you find it on another string, then another. Guitar masters know there can be six or more ways to play any given pitch.

For any given pitch, the guitar has not just one or two "alternate fingerings", but as many as six or more. Because of this, I've yet to meet anyone who can read guitar staff notation well unless they've put significant and regular time into learning it. Some guitarists assume that knowing how to read staff notation on piano or some other instrument will provide adequate preparation for reading it as a guitar player, but this is not generally true. It will certainly help, but it is far from automatic.

Why is reading staff notation so much harder on a guitar than most other instruments? This is a difficult thing to explain, but perhaps an example may help: You are a piano player. You see a middle c written on the treble clef. You know that there is only one such key to depress. Now, imagine that there are six or more middle c's on the piano, each played by a different key. (They're probably not in the middle anymore!) In fact, imagine a piano that has at least two or three different keys to produce each one of the eighty-eight pitches possible on a piano! If you know anything about pipe organs, this might be comparable to having ranks and ranks of keyboards - as many as six or eight! This is comparable to what a guitar player must do whenever reading staff notation: for any given written pitch, a decision must be made almost instantaneously as to which of several places to fret it. Yikes - it's no wonder that few people master the organ - or reading staff notation on a guitar!

Bowed string players (like violinists) may have the best idea of the complexity of this process, having four strings to choose from (five in the case of some double basses). Guitar players have six strings, which add greatly to the challenge. (Not being a lutenist, I can only imagine the challenge of reading and playing music written for a Baroque lute with twenty or more strings. No wonder tablature was the notation de jour!)

Here's the really scary part: I have only described part of the problem. Yes, there is more to confound us noble guitar players! Guitar players also have to decide which of several techniques to use to produce any given pitch. Is it a plucked note, a natural harmonic, an artificial harmonic, produced with a slide, palm muted, tapped, etc? And what if alternate tunings are employed? Then the task can become virtually impossible, depending on the complexity of the tuning.

One of my favorite jokes goes like this:

Question: How do you stop a piano player from playing?

Answer: You take away their music.

Question: How do you stop a guitar player from playing?

Answer: You put music in front of them.

Get it? You might not. It's based on a generalization but it's often true. Piano players are often good at sight-reading, while guitar players are not so good. However, guitar players are often good at playing by ear, while piano players usually less so. Taking this generalization to the extreme, piano players don't play by ear and guitar players don't read staff notation. Thankfully, generalizations aren't always true. There are plenty of piano players who can play by ear, and plenty of guitar players who can read staff notation.

How do we solve this problem of guitar players being less likely to be proficient at reading staff notation? Unfortunately, I don't think there's a simple solution. Tablature is everywhere and it is easy to learn. Staff notation is abstract and challenging to learn. The nature of the guitar makes learning to read staff notation even harder than normal. I don't think there's an easy way to solve this problem. Unfortunately it usually takes motivation, dedication, regular practice, and lots of time.

So, when you run into a guitarist who can't read staff notation well (or at all), keep this in mind: Imagine yourself in Captain Kirk's shoes and try keeping track of an ever-multiplying batch of Tribbles!

Craft Beer at Coachella 2014

April 11, 2014 marked the first day that craft beer was offered at the innovative, critically acclaimed, six times selected by Pollstar as the "Festival of the Year", known none other than the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. America's largest music festival is defined by its diversity and jaw-dropping lineup of musical genres.

Nic Adler of L.A. Vegan Beer Fest and The Roxy, was recruited to develop a tantalizing, foodie paradise within the festival foregrounds. Adler enlisted friend and craft beer advocate, Tony Yanow, (of Golden Road and Tony's Darts Away) to help assemble the festival's craft beer list. With approximately 130 beers on tap, many hailing from the Golden State, it proved brews and tunes make perfect music together.

Heineken is still the top sponsor and rocked the festival in the Heineken House, with awesome surprise artists and mash ups. This year, the whimsical and world famous festival has opted for even more. On the 15th year, the groundbreaking, genre bending festival joined the craft beer revolution by serving a savory selection of craft brews in - what's come to be known as - the craft beer barn. I first gazed upon the barn across the cloudy lawn, at the Empire Polo Field at the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience on March 1st. I couldn't keep my eyes of it.

Located in the marketplace area, the barn supplied music lovers with some of the biggest names in craft beer. And like some of the sizzling superstars, the craft beer barn showcased some surprising cameos.

Beer has always been the drink of the masses. And when Coachelli-ans need reprieve from the dusty crowds, there's nothing more refreshing that a flavorful craft beer, in the shade.

Okay, here it is: The first Coachella music and craft beer pairings.

Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - rooted in gritty rock and roll, they draw influences from punk, psychedelic blues garage rock, rockabilly, soul and rhythm and blues. Having started in 1991, long before some of the bands and DJs that performed at Coachella came to be, Spencer has helped lead American roots music. They continue to emphasize creative expression with grizzly, blues-bending riffs, raw mashups and an unapologetic attitude. With a palm tree backdrop, there were no laser light shows. But their cover of Beastie Boys single "She's On It" was fantastically down and dirty-and a little greasy too.

Pair with: Stone/Kyle Hollingsworth/ Keri Kelli Collective Distortion IPA: Stone Brewing has made its name with bold, aggressively hoppy and - you guessed it - arrogant beers, since 1996. Stone was one of the major forces in craft innovation and hardcore, flavorful beer. Thundering in around 9.2% ABV, this hop face-punch is backed by Nugget, Comet and Calypso hops and then dry hopped with Vic's Secret, a new Australian hop, cranking the citrus notes with wild abandon. Stone traced the roots of brewing to the days when Old World herbs were used to spice beers, adding coriander and elderberries. The lightly roasted golden oats balances the spicy citrus notes in a visceral, cranked out IPA. Next time you're looking for a strong and aggressive beer, just asked yourself, "Do you wanna get heavy?"

Aloe Blacc killed it in the Mojave tent. With his crisp white shirt, sharp grey vest and fedora, the Orange County native and USC graduate exuded positivity and rays of California sunshine. Having been compared to John Coltrane, the horn players danced in unison to 'Soldier in the city'. The beats lifted our spirits to new levels, while the lyrics revealed social awareness. For Blacc, "it ain't that hard when you got soul."

Pair with The Bruery, Loakal Red: This American red ale has a ton of soul. It's oak aged with citrus and floral notes. A tribute to the growing Orange County beer scene, a portion of the older batch left to mature in new American oak barrels was then blended with the fresh dry-hopped batch. There's a sugary sweetness and funky, vibrant notes. Tastes of grapefruit, caramel, orange zest, toffee and light pine reveal a full body and solid balance. Similar to Blacc's voice, the texture is silky and downright delightful.

Fishbone: The legendary good-time ska, reggae, punk, metal, funk and soul fusion L.A. band didn't disappoint fans with their indefinable energy and talent. The second weekend, the band rocked the main stage with the most earnest fierceness I've seen in years. Angelo bounced around on stage, bringing us back to the days of raucous shows in the early 90s, pumping up early afternoon Coachella-goers for another amazing day in the desert sun. The band wowed with complex arrangements featuring instruments including the theremin, saxophone, trumpet and keyboard, inspiring uncontrollable and joyous head banging.

Pair with: Drake's Denogginizer - DIPA 9.75% ABV. Like Fishbone performing live, Denogginizer is packed with flavor and has also been known to blow a few minds. The hoppy, in-your-face Double Imperial Pale Ale features a crazy amount of pungent American hops. This somewhat experimental, high alcohol brew can't be contained and will leave you wanting more. Awards: Silver 2009 Great American Beer Festival.

Or pair with Golden Road Brewing 329 Lager: Like Fishbone, Golden Road is quintessentially Los Angeles. And it's low enough in alcohol that you can drink it all day. Trombone member, Flyin Jay, expressed that many of his favorite beers are lighter in flavor. A couple of his personal favorites are Hoegarden and Leffe. When asked the same question to Moore, the non-filtered, ultimate 'Fishbone Solder', quickly snipped, "I like Guinness because it's dark, it's heavy and it's in your face."

Beck is simply one of the best performers I've ever seen. Before playing a cover of Arcade Fire's "Rebellion (Lies)," Beck told a story about how he waited in a rainy line for 45 minutes to see them perform at a bar-the same bar where he'd seen The Black Keys a year earlier. "You know, that little bar down the street sometimes has the best music. Don't forget about that little bar." After "Devil's Haircut" and "Loser," the band rearranged "Think I'm in Love." The crowd erupted in dance with his cover of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." He even joined Arcade Fire onstage to cover Prince's "Controversy."

Pair with: Faction Brewing, 2 Hop Collab (Nelson/Galaxy): Faction is a brewery out of Alameda that likes to do things a little differently. This is a special beer brewed as part of the experimental and educational "2 Hop Collaboration Project." Various California breweries have participated, including Alpine, Ballast Point, Beachwood, Berryessa, Drake's, Faction, Kern, Moylan's, Stone and Triple Rock. Each participating brewery used the same pilsner malt backbone and then added two hops of their choosing. The Nelson Sauvin hop is named after the sauvignon blanc grape and is grown in New Zealand. Considered by some as "extreme," it's one of the world's most unique and delicious hops. It leans toward tropical notes such as passion fruit, mango and tangerine. Similarly tropical, Galaxy has rapidly become the most internationally recognized Australian hop. Thanks to notes of passion fruit and citrus and a high alpha acid level, this versatile hop is great as a late addition in the brewing process. Beck is no stranger to experimental projects, like the "Song Reader" project, so this cornucopia of awesomeness is a Beck-appropriate craft-beer project.

Arcade Fire: Win Butler started the set by introducing two special guests in disheveled robot masks, as a slightly inferior version of "Get Lucky" began to play. But, Butler assuredly didn't need the fake Daft Punk cameo, becauArcadeFirese their set was one of the most passionate and searing in Coachella history. Butler talked about gay human rights and belted out introspection, urging people to get behind a cause. The multi-instrumentalist band played Reflektor, showing off the romantic deep grooves and grandiose rhythms.

Pair with Blazing World, Modern Times: The relatively new San Diego brewery is making waves with their complex, flavorful, hybrid styles. They were named one of the "Top 10 New Breweries" in the world by RateBeer. Blazing World has a ton of hop character and makes a presence with bursts of pine, citrus and grapefruit flavors. This effervescent brew has a fantastic complexity, but still remains well-balanced with the malt backbone. This could be confused for an IPA, but has definite amber characteristics. The use of Nelson, Simcoe and Mosaic hops play together beautifully. As with Arcade Fire, there's something for everyone with this beer.

The DoLaB's 2014 Coachella stage line up for their 10 year Coachellaversary was stunningly energetic. The Los Angeles based company specializes in interactive eveDoLaB2nt productions, sustainable art installations and limitless self-expression. Nicknamed "The Heart of Coachella", the Do LaB stage has been a crowd favorite for the last decade. With their giant water guns and cozy shade structures, it was an amazing place to cool off. The avant-garde vaudeville troupe, Lucent Dossier Experience, headlined the amazing lineup of visceral, electronic acts.

I spoke with Dream Rockwell, the cofounder of The DoLaB and the director of Lucent Dossier Experience and Russell Ward,

Both expressed their excitement that Coachella has continued to "push back the fence," in regards to giving them more room to play and express themselves.

Rockwell said, "The crowd is younger, different and there's more art every year.

Pair with Clown Shoes, Chocolate Sombrero:

Clown Shoes prides themselves on silliness and self-expression, not just on their labels, but in the beer. The multi-limbed, clown shoes wearing Mexican wrestler on the label is just a taste of what you're in for in this Mexican-style chocolate stout. Coming in at 9% ABV, the imperial stout is brewed with an intimate combination of roasted dark malts, ancho chile, cinnamon and organic vanilla extract. A sharp sweetness arrives with an interesting variety of aromas, all working quite well together. This sucker hits on all levels with nice texture, good flavor and balance.

Just some of the other featured craft beers:

Avery Brewing Company, The Reverend

AleSmith Brewing, Lil Devil

Babe's Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse, 29 Palms Pale Ale

Ballast Point Brewing, Sculpin IPA

Bear Republic Brewing, Racer 5 IPA

The Bruery, Saison De Lente (2014)

The Bruery, Oude Tart (w/ Cherries)

Coachella Valley Brewing, Kolschella

Coachella Valley Volstead IPL

Eagle Rock, ERBS IPA

Faction Brewing, Pale Ale

Faction Brewing, Winter IPA

Gigantic Brewing, Bang On!

Golden Road Brewing, Point The Way IPA

Green Flash Brewing, West Coast IPA

Great Divide Brewing, Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti

Hangar 24, Orange Wheat

La Quinta Brewing, Windy Point Wheat

The Lost Abbey, Judgment Day

Magnolia Pub and Brewery, Prescription Pale Ale

Noble Ale Works, Simcoe Showers

Noble Ale Works, Rosalita

Brouwerij Mort Subite, Kriek

Pizza Port, Ponto Session IPA

Port Brewing Company, Dawn Patrol Dark

Port Brewing, Mongo Double IPA

Wiens Brewing, Type 3 IPA

Stone Brewing Co, Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA

Smog City Brewing, Hoptonic IPA

Smog City, Groundwork Coffee Porter

Wiens Brewing, Millennium Falconers

Zipline Brewing, Oak Aged India Red Ale

Just as Beck was reminiscing about the humble beginnings of Coachella, saying, "this Coachella seemed like a good idea", the addition of craft beers has proved to be a tasty success.

Contemporary Christian Music - Godly or Worldly?

After careful consideration I have decided to publish this study on contemporary christian music (CCM) with the hopes of bringing to light the truth behind the music. It is not my intention to criticize or offend anyone or to appear self-righteous in any way. I believe we are presently living in the end age and the much anticipated return of Christ is imminent. With that being said, I also believe, because we are living in the end age, Satan is working harder now than ever before to deceive "the very elect". We must remain vigilant in protecting ourselves from the "wiles of the enemy". The apostle Paul wrote "Having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts." (2 Tim 3:5-6)

When and why was music created?

Surprisingly, music was created when God created Lucifer. Ezekiel said of Satan, "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created." (Ez. 28:13) The Hebrew word for tabrets is toph which translated means tambourine. Lucifer (Satan) has music built in him. Lucifer was given the ability to play beautiful music through his "workmanship" and to understand its purpose as well. Music is a part of who he is. Are we so naive to think that he wouldn't use what he knows best to deceive God's children? Why did God create music? God created music for His enjoyment! So we could sing praises to Him, worship Him, and give thanks to Him. (Psalm 95:1, 104:33, 150:2 Eph. 5:19) Music in the bible was always positive. It was never used in a negative way.

What's wrong with CCM?

Contemporary is a well suited word to describe this music as it includes all the various styles such as rock, jazz, blues, dance, metal, rap, alternative, new age, grunge, punk, thrash, death, gothic and industrial. Regardless of the form, the essences of all Contemporary Christian Music are the same, to share God's love to the current generation in a way that can be both understood and enjoyed. Some CCM artists are sincere but most are seeking fame and fortune. Being sincere, however, does not make it right. So how can we distinguish the contemporary music from the more traditional christian music? Simple, the beat. CCM usually has a backbeat rhythm, whether loud or soft. Emphasis on the 2nd and 4th beats or on other unnatural beats. Listen carefully for the beat. Test it by letting your body respond to the rhythm. Does it make you feel like dancing or jigging? If it does, it's the backbeat rhythm. That dance feeling is what makes backbeat music fleshly. It is the beat that activates our fleshly lusts regardless of the lyrics. Remember what Jesus said in John 4:24; "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." No mention of us worshipping Him in the flesh. Following is a quote from a former Satanist concerning beats, "I am very sensitive to the beat in music, because when I was a boy I played the drums during our village worship rituals. The beats I played on the drums was to get demonic spirits to enter people. When I became a christian, I rejected this kind of beat because I knew the damage that was being done. When I turned on a christian radio station in the United States I was shocked. The beat I used to play to summon evil spirits was in the music I heard on the christian radio station." There are many testimonies about summoning evil spirits through beats and drums and it's no wonder that many artists are drug addicted and practice homosexual lifestyles including CCM artists. There are many CCM artists that are proud self-proclaimed homosexuals such as Tonex, Ray Boltz, Marsha Stevens, Jennifer Knapp, and others. As we know, this kind of behavior is detestable to God but yet, churches all over the country, all types of denominations, continue to play their music as an offering to our Holy God. One of the major problems I believe in churches is the lack of discernment and judgment. The attitude is "if it sounds good let's play it!" This attitude is the same attitude expressed in the satanic bible, as their motto is "do what thou wilt".

Supporters of CCM have two main arguments when defending their music. First is the need for change. They claim that teenagers and young adults no longer respond to the traditional "gospel" music and the church needs to stoop to their level to reach them. And that sounds good but what are you reaching them with? The church has taken what was described earlier as fleshly or worldly music and slapped some weak lyrics to it and call it Godly music. I'll talk more about the lyrics later. CCM is nothing more than well-disguised rock or pop music. That's why young people are so attracted to it. Not because of the lyrics but because of the rhythm or beat. We know this is true because when asked, young people admit they like rock or pop music because of the beat and many times they don't even know or can't understand the lyrics. If we really need to stoop to the sinner's level to reach them, where will it stop? Should the church build a liquor store so to reach the alcoholics? Maybe the church should open a strip club as to reach the people involved in smut. Putting worldly music in church does not make it anymore christian music than christian porn.

Secondly, CCM supporters ask how can songs with Godly lyrics be evil or demonic? Let us look at some CCM songs that are on top of the christian music charts. Mandisa put out a song titled "Overcomer" that hit number one on charts.

Staring at a stop sign

Watching people drive by

T Mac on the radio

Got so much on your mind

Nothings really going right

Looking for a ray of hope

Whatever it is you may be going through

He's not gonna let it get the best of you

You're an overcomer

Stay in the fight 'til the final round

You're not going under

'Cause God is holding you right now

You might be down for a moment

Feeling like it's hopeless

That's when He reminds you

That you're an overcomer

Everybody's been down

Hit the bottom, hit the ground

Oh, you're not alone

Just take a breath, don't forget

Hang on to His promises

He wants you to know

The same man, The Great I Am

The one who overcame death

Is living inside of you

At first glance, these lyrics appear to be good. And these lyrics are typical of most CCM artists. Very positive and uplifting. It certainly makes you feel warm and fuzzy doesn't it? I have a couple of questions... where's Jesus? Where's the Blood? Where's the message of salvation? How does this song bring glory and honor to our Lord? We can give these lyrics to a Muslim or a Buddhist and they would have no problem with it because they both believe in God. The one thing that makes us, as Christians, different is our belief in the redemptive, sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ. And a great majority of CCM songs steer clear of that subject. Why you ask? Because this is a business. This is how these artists make their living. They sing what's popular and acceptable to the majority. The super popular band Third Day's lead singer, Mac Powell, said in an interview, "Also another thing that God's been teaching me is the unity of the body of Christ. He really wants us to join together. He says, "Just as I have loved you, you must love one another." So it's time that we tear down denominational walls and time that we tear down racial barriers and social barriers and things that separate us and come together hand in hand and start loving one another. That's when the world is going to know who we are. They're going to know who we are by our love for one another. That's what the Lord's been teaching us and wanting us to share with people."

That certainly sounds good and many Christians have jumped on their bandwagon but what does the bible say about this? Jesus said He came to separate people, "For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law" (Matthew 10:35) What did Jesus mean by this? He simply meant that the truth of His message would divide people. He would rather we separate because of truth than to unite in error. If you are like me, I have often wondered how the antichrist would be able to unite all the religions of the world and form one religion. I now know how that is possible; by teaching tolerance. By tearing down denominational walls and living in unity with each other. Jesus said "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34) We, as true Christians need to stop looking for "peace on earth" and start speaking and teaching the truth. Our peace will come when our Savior returns! Have you ever noticed that the disciples and apostles never had peace with the world? They also suffered tremendously but the majority of today's Christians have total peace with the world and believe that they shouldn't suffer at all? Getting back to the lyrics. Most CCM lyrics purposely leave out the message of Jesus because it's offensive to some people. How can they sell their music to people they offend? This is why most CCM lyrics have a spirit of tolerance in them. Jesus clearly said that His message was going to separate people and cause division. To try and mend the division is nothing more that ecumenism. By definition ecumenism is "A movement promoting worldwide unity among religions or denominations." This is truly the work of Satan. CCM artists that promote peace among religions and strive to tear down denominational walls, which is most of them, are working to achieve Satan's goal, which is to unite the world's religions into one. This dear brothers and sisters is the spirit of antichrist. Let's look at another song that made it to number three on the billboard charts. "Help Me Find It" by Sidewalk Prophets.

I don't know where to go from here

It all used to seem so clear

I'm finding I can't do this on my own

I don't know where to go from here

As long as I know that You are near

I'm done fighting I'm finally letting go

I will trust in You, You have never failed

[chorus]

If there's a road I should walk

Help me find it

If I need to be still

Give me peace for the moment

Whatever your will

Can you help me find it

I'm giving you fear and You give faith

I'm giving You doubt

You give me grace

For every step I've never been alone

Even when it hurts, You'll have Your way

Even in the valley I will say

With every breath You've never let me go.

Once again the lyrics are not blatantly false or evil, however, there's no message here. Never does the song say who "He" is. We could infer that He is Jesus or God or we could replace he with Allah's name or any other name and it would make perfect sense. My point is, CCM artists do this on purpose so that any denomination or any religion for that matter can identify with it. Songs like these cannot possibly please God because there's no praise, worship, reverence or even acknowledgement of God. They are simply worldly songs with a hint of religion poked in them. This is a spirit of tolerance that is attempting to "set aside" our differences and only focus on similarities. How much tolerance did Jesus have for the Pharisees or Sadducees? Absolutely none! He continued to speak the truth of the Gospel regardless of who it offended. He never tried to co-exist in peace with beliefs or doctrines that were in error. All forms of offerings, including music that we give to the Lord should be worthy offerings. Any offering that is fleshly or worldly will be rejected by our Holy God. Worldly music with religious lyrics is still worldly music and should be left in the world and not offered to our God.

Furthermore, when visiting the websites of these ultra-famous CCM artists, I noticed there was something missing. There's absolutely no mention of salvation. No prayer to guide you through salvation; no explanation of the salvation plan and no offers of help. You won't find anything but an order form to buy music and t-shirts and a schedule of their concerts so you can buy overpriced tickets. Actually, it's exactly the same as any worldly rock band's website! I challenge you to visit video websites such as YouTube and watch clips of these concerts. You'll find screaming teenage girls on the front row shouting their devotions and admirations for these guys. EXACTLY like a rock concert! Some of these CCM bands are worshipped like Elvis or the Beatles were. How can this be Godly? These artists, and I use that word cautiously, must be of the world to be that popular. Because Jesus said, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you; for so did their fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 6:26). Jesus also said, "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." (John 15:19) I can only come to the logical conclusion that these bands are of the world. John wrote in 1John 2:15, "Love not the world, neither the things of the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

The apostle Paul wrote, "Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?" (2Cor 6:14) When we yoke ourselves together with the world we are actually coming into agreement with what they believe. The ultra-famous Christian metal band Jars of Clay, perform with self-proclaimed Satanist Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy, as many know, was the guy who used to chew the heads off live bats during his concerts. So, we have a so-called Christian group doing concerts with Satanists. Can any music they produce bring glory or honor to God? As I said before, many of these CCM artists are searching for fame and fortune with no regard for God's Holy Word. Jars of Clay named Jimmy Hendrix and the Beatles as their inspiration. Amy Grant said, "I love to hear Billy Joel, Kenny Loggings and the Doobie Brothers". The band Delirious said, "Our musical heroes are U2, Radiohead and Blur". The group Deliverance performs songs by secular rock groups. Their "What a Joke" album has the song "After Forever" by the vile, blasphemous, pagan rock group Black Sabbath. These CCM artists are nothing more than wolves in sheep clothing. And they have no place in our churches. Many CCM songs chart on rock and pop charts. This should tell us that the world accepts and approves of their music. According to John 15:19, anything the world approves of should not be in our churches.

As I have already stated, I do not have the desire to offend or disrespect anyone. However, if the truth of this message offends or angers people, then it couldn't be avoided. Our goal as Christians should be to please and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in truth and spirit. We are called to separate ourselves from the world; not incorporate the world in our churches.

Da Rich Kidzz Release My School Bus Is My Limo Service Video

You may remember last year when the rap music video for "Hot Cheetos and Takis," by a group called Da Rich Kidzz, started floating around the Internet. If not, I'll just say it features some very hip middle-school students dancing and rapping about after school snacks. While there's no shortage of rappers endorsing products for free, this particular example feels a little different because of the age of the performers and their surprising skill. Are these kids honestly that passionate for spicy corn-based snacks? Or, is the video a creative attempt at subtle product placement?

I did a little research and found out that not only are these kids' talents definitely being used for marketing purposes, but also this commercial isn't the only instance. A Kmart sponsored production of Da Rich Kidzz features a song called "My Limo" in which the children confuse their school bus driver with a limo service.

At first glance, it would be easy to believe that Da Rich Kidzz are actually just really excited to go back to school. That would mean the chorus chant, "My school bus is my limo," is an earnest feeling of pride about looking cool on the way to school. Between hooks, the video features individual kids rapping about their clothes in a way that mimics well-known hip hop terminology in an all-ages appropriate way. One girl brags, "this baby she got back-pack," while advertising buzz phrases like "back to school style" and "shop your way" are voiced throughout the performance.

Though not initially apparent from the groups' Vemeo page, other links explain that the video (and presumably the song production) was paid for by Kmart, in a rather well done example of guerrilla marketing.

It seems that pretending the school bus is a limo service works for the company's back to school advertising campaign as a way to project an image of confidence and success that middle school students are looking for in their clothing choices. The relationship to public schools, and the fact that Kmart is a relatively affordable department store, sort of confuses the issue. At one point, while one young man is repeating "my hoodie for a hunnie," we see two performers posing with a 10-dollar bill and a giant gold ring in the shape of a K. This, according to the flow of the verse, translates directly to "getting mad props, every single day."

It might be easy to deride this song as inauthentic because it confuses children to think that an affordable department store brand offers luxury and style.

On the other hand, the kids in the video seem like they're having a lot of fun. If it helps kids get excited about going to school by pretending the school bus is a limo service, then it might be a really good thing. In reality, it's a great example of talented kids expressing themselves artistically in a wholesome way. Regardless of who paid for the camera crew and studio time, it seems like a pretty good campaign to me.

The Guide to Buying Beats Online

If you are a starting-up rapper or artist and don't have any beat making programs, then you have to find someone else to create your beats. Which is fine! Not everyone writes their own music and lyrics, so don't feel down. There are many options with the access of the internet. With these sites, you are able to choose any of them and then you buy beats! Plain and simple. There are a couple of categories when it comes to buying beats: social, membership social and entrepreneurial.

Social is what it sounds like. Producers who are on a limited budget use cost friendly means to promote their beats which is: social media. One of the most used is SoundCloud. SoundCloud has a free plan for musicians and artists to upload music to and share. I've seen a number of producers present their beats this way. An excellent and effective and a great way for a simple way to share to other social media platforms. It's easy to reach out to those producers and ask to buy beats online from them. I'm sure they won't turn you down!

Another place to look for to buy beats online is MyFlashStore. MyFlashStore is a website that provides the tools for producers to sell and promote their beats while tracking sales and providing coupons and discounts. It's a great all-in-one solution for the low-budget artist and producer. Their site is set up like a social network but gives you the opportunity to buy beats from producers. This is a great way to gain relations with other producers and see what kind of beats are available out there.

The last option on the list is going the independent route. There are many producers out on the internet that have built and pursue their own beat businesses online. Searching the web for those websites are quite easy and there are quite a few to choose from! Some use MyFlashStore or Soundclick (another social media beat selling site) but there are a few who have their own domain names and hosting plans. These are the beat makers who work hard every day and earn what they make regardless of the amount they sell them for. If I were to choose any, I'd choose this option. I believe in the mantra of staying "local".

Learning to Play Guitar - Tips From A Guitarist

Learning to Play Guitar

Guitar playing is a fantastic hobby and great fun - if you learn the right way. You can, if you wish, also earn extra money from it if you're in a band that becomes fairly popular. Given time, learning to play the guitar will mean that you can play in live gigs and even go on to teach others how to play guitar, once you have become a competent guitarist yourself. However, the most important thing is to learn to play your guitar for the sheer pleasure of being able to make music. The guitar is such a beautiful instrument and sounds great.

I have put together some tips and tricks for you to take note of so that you can learn to play guitar as quickly and easily as possible. They should help put you on the road to playing the sort of guitar that you would like to play as soon as possible.

Study Your Instrument

You need to know how to play the guitar correctly if you want to play your instrument to a good standard. Bearing in mind that playing incorrectly from the outset will mean that you will develop bad habits which will become very difficult to correct later and that will adversely affect your guitar playing. Make sure you learn the basics from the outset including simple things such as how to hold the instrument properly. It will pay dividends for years to come.

Find a Competent Teacher, Book or Online Resource

Make sure that you are learning to play guitar from a trusted source. A local teacher giving you one-to-one tuition is undoubtedly the best way forward but you can learn a great deal from books and also various online resources and videos. These courses can give you a variety of written, audio and video lessons that you can watch over and over again.

Obtain a Good Quality Chord Chart

All guitarists need to know how to play a wide variety of chords. A chord chart will show you how to do this although you don't need to worry about the fact that there may be a multitude of chords shown to you on the chart. The trick is to start with just the simple ones and then build your chord repertoire up as you go along. You will soon find that a lot of chords can be learnt very quickly and easily because you can use the same chord "shape" in different positions up and down the guitar neck giving you lots of different chords quickly and easily.

Practice Regularly Everyday

Even a short practice on a daily basis can make the world of difference to your guitar playing skills. You may find that life gets in the way and that you are tempted to leave it for a week and then practice a lot at the weekend, for instance. Try to avoid this by having the regularly scheduled slot in each day where you play for at least a few minutes. It is far, far better to practice a little bit each day, even if only for a short time, than to leave it several days then have a long practice all in one go. Both your brain and your fingers will learn the guitar more quickly and easily with daily practice

Develop Some Patience

The guitar can be quite demanding at first. Not least, because of the amount of physical effort needed to hold down strings in different places all at once. There is quite a lot going on with both your hands and your brain when you first start to learn to play the guitar so you may find it something of a challenge at the outset. The good news is that you will undoubtedly make progress quickly just so long as you practice a few minutes at least each day. Any instrument is going to take awhile to learn to play in the guitar is no different.

Don't worry; it needn't be that difficult, especially if you are realistic in the goals that you set yourself with your guitar playing.

Learn And Play With Better Players

Find out who you know who already play guitar to a good standard. You will be able to pick up an awful lot if you play with musicians who are already able to play to a good standard. You will find it not only motivational but you will also find tips and techniques from them that will speed you up with your guitar learning. It'll be great fun, too, to play other musicians, as that is one of the things that making music is really all about.

Learn Guitar Chords For Beginning Guitarists

Here are some great tips for help you to learn guitar chords as quickly and easily as possible. I have put this together for you so that you can actually pick up and play your guitar and start to enjoy being a guitarist.

Okay, then, let's start looking at learning guitar chords which is a fundamental part of playing the guitar.

1. Be persistent.

Practice makes perfect and this is especially the case when you want to learn it chords. It will be some think of a challenge when you first start out but think of the benefits when you can play guitar chords quickly and easily. The guitar requires at least some effort when you first start learning to play it but be rest assured that it is perfectly normal to find it difficult at the outset. You will make some mistakes and find some of the finger positions difficult but this is something that all of us guitarists go through first.

Do not fall to the temptation to throw in the towel after just a day or two but keep practising. You will get there and it will not be long before you are playing chords with ease.

2. Keep visualising.

This is a simple technique but it can be vital to your guitar playing for success. Put the picture in your mind of where each finger needs to be placed before you try to play the guitar chord. Taking a moment to do this will help you learn where your fingers need to go more quickly and easily than just constantly looking at your fingers before placing them on the fretboard. The next step is to imagine where your fingers need to be on the next chord that you wish to move to, just before you make the move, and then put your fingers in the correct position for the next chord.

You will start out learning relatively simple chords so this is easier than it sounds.

3. The slow but sure.

Start with the simple, open chords, and do not try to take on too much all at once. Also, stay with the more straightforward chord progressions for now and do not be overambitious. There are hundreds of songs that you can play with just three or four chords and you will sound great playing them. You will also build up your dexterity and ability to change chords and learn how to play new ones by making sure that you can make the chord changes in these relatively simple chord progressions.

4. Build up your finger strength.

Playing regularly exercising your fingers will build up not only your dexterity but also the strength in the muscles of your fingers. This will happen if you practice for a relatively short time most days rather than leaving several days between practice sessions.

5. Try not to look at your hands.

It is natural to want to look at your hands whilst you are placing them on the guitar fretboard when learning guitar chords, at first. However, you need to build up something called "muscle memory." This is where your fingers go into the right place automatically without you looking at the guitar fretboard. Yes, of course, you will need to look that the fretboard at first at least a little bit, but keep this down to the smallest glance. Try to reduce the amount of time that you look at the guitar fretboard as much as possible as quickly as possible.

Start to put your hand into the correct chord position without looking at your left hand very shortly after learning a new guitar chord. Practice putting your fingers into the right position several times without looking on a regular basis.

6. Use your little finger.

Guitar chord charts will show you how to finger each chord. However, you might be tempted not to use your little finger as they show you, but this is a shortcut to disaster. You may be surprised at how much you can use your smallest finger and how capable it is of doing when you are learning to play the guitar.

It is essential that you use all fingers and that you do not try to push your smallest finger away from the fretboard when playing guitar chords. Keep all your fingers close to the strings and available for use and you will find that this pays dividends to you when you start to learn more complex chords, later on in your guitarist career.

7. Learn the root notes of chords.

It is essential that you learn the bass note of each chord. This is also known as the root note of the chord. It is usually very obvious which note this is on your guitar chart and you can easily pick up and remember which note is the root note for any chord. Do not overlook this because you need to know where to start your strum from for each chord. If you play the wrong bass note in your guitar chord then it is likely to sound out of tune.

8. Use your ears as well as your eyes.

This technique is very popular amongst leading guitarists around the world. You need to look at things from every angle in order to learn guitar chords effectively. First of all, listen to the chord once you are playing it and learn what that chord sounds like. Each and every chord has a unique sound and many people are able to identify every chord just by listening to it. This will not only increase your enjoyment of learning to play the guitar but will also enable you to pick out chords from songs that you hear performed elsewhere.

It is also a great idea to use your eyes when learning a guitar chord. Keep your guitar chord chart where you can see it and look at it when you are learning a guitar chord. Think about where your fingers are going and use your sense of touch to try to remember where your fingers have been placed for each call.

Chrissie Hynde - Stockholm

Chrissie Hynde has been making music for more than three decades as the only permanent member of The Pretenders. That's thirty years having fronted one of the most influential bands of the early New Wave movement. There are few women in rock and roll are more deserving of the title "badass". Though Hynde has always been considered the frontwoman and driving force of the group, it was always maintained that The Pretenders is a band, not just Hynde. Stockholm represents Hynde's first truly solo endeavor and she embraces the opportunity to experiment with sounds, but still doesn't stray too far from anything in The Pretenders' extensive back catalog.

Stockholm was recorded in its namesake city, with production and co-writing falling on the shoulders of Björn Yttling, of the indie pop band Peter Björn and John. The album features contributions from Neil Young, Yttling, and Joakin Åhlund of the Caesars (Swedish garage rock band known for their early 2000s hit, "Jerk It Out"). Yttling is a veteran producer of various indie and indie-leaning pop bands and does a commendable, but uninspiring job on Stockholm. Chrissie's vocals are high enough in the mix for her strong voice and vibrato to shine through and be admired, but there is little variation in its recording, with very few noticeable overdubs, harmonies or interesting effects to shake things up throughout the album. The instrumentation for the most part does its job to back up Hynde, but is also fairly lacking in variation or bite, which is a shame. The Pretenders have managed to keep some edge in their more recent albums, not always an easy feat for bands that have been around as long as Hynde and company. Keeping that edge on her solo album would have definitely pleased longtime fans.

With regards to songwriting, Stockholm is fairly hit-and-miss. Album opener "You or No One" is a serviceable adult contemporary love song with some string section backings, but one of the strongest tunes on the album comes next with "Dark Sunglasses." Hynde performed this song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon somewhat recently. It is a worthy single for this album and would not have felt out of place on an early Pretenders album. The song's brisk pace and driving beat make it extremely catchy and the wordplay is some of Hynde's finest. Other interesting tunes on this album include "Down the Wrong Way," "Sweet Nuthin'," and "Adding the Blue." "Down the Wrong Way" features some searing guitar leads from Neil Young, but is otherwise forgettable. "Sweet Nuthin'" is another average but catchy track with a few interesting lyrical twists. "Adding the Blue" is the closer for Stockholm and shows off some of the best writing on the album. It reveals a more vulnerable side of Hynde with stirring lines like "I can't draw from memories or photos/ I need blood and breath, but you left me nothing." Much of the rest of the album could be considered filler, but there are a few moments of respectable lyrics and guitar licks sprinkled throughout the albums eleven tracks.

For a solo undertaking, Hynde's first time out of the gate isn't a bad effort. Stockholm mostly seems to show just how much The Pretenders isn't just a vehicle for Hynde, even if she is in the driver's seat. Perhaps she just wanted to branch out and try experimenting with some new sounds and genres for her first solo album. With nine studio albums under her belt with The Pretenders, she certainly has earned the right to do whatever she feels like, but it's unfortunate that what she wanted to try seems so bland for the most part. This album is only for the most initiated fans of The Pretenders and Chrissie Hynde. If you're still intrigued, special order this on CD or LP at your local Slackers.

Choosing Your First Dance For a Wedding

The recommendation is that both of you feel happy and feel like it's a song that makes you both feel that connection that you have and make sure it's strong and it has a special vibe to it that will seal that bond with that first dance you have together. Take all the time in the world and think about it as much as you need. If you are having trouble deciding on the right song, you can ask for advice from the musician you hire and you will get plenty of great options to choose from.

You have to remember that this moment should be just as private and special to you as the moment when you say I do. This is why it has to be a truly special tune that is going to create the perfect start of your relationship with that person that you love so much. The good news is that for guys this is something that is usually left to the woman to decide, but if a guy wants to be romantic he can participate in the decision and that will make it even more meaningful for both of you. Just remember to make it unforgettable for both of you and it will be perfect.

The Value of having a live musician at your wedding ceremony

Some people forget how important it is to have a live musician in your wedding in order to get the best possible results available. There is no doubt that a good party always needs to have someone who is inciting the crow to have fun and do things that will be fun and unforgettable. This is why the live musician is an essential element of your party and you should never forget that. Do not find yourself having to get people to dance or do have fun. You need to leave this to a professional.

The musician that you hire needs to understand the kind of music that you like and this is going to be a mayor entertainment factor that cannot be denied. The best weddings have always had a great musician that is running things and making sure that everyone gets pumped up and in the mood to party hard. If you want this to be a night to remember for the rest of your life and also make it special for your guests, you need to make sure that someone is running the show properly and with experience.

You cannot argue that there is no way to compare a stereo system with a play list and a live musician who is going to be interacting with the audience and making sure that everyone has plenty of fun. This is the best way to make that night truly special for all the people who attend the wedding. Never leave the fun to an automatic play list and you will see that the party will be amazing and exciting. Hire a professional who knows how to get people to interact and to really let loose. This is the best way to make everyone feel happy and never forget your party.

Up-lighting Decor- How it adds a form of elegance to the ambiance

There is no doubt that proper lighting is the best way to get things done right in any kind of event that is supposed to be special and not about business. You really have to create a perfect mood and avoid the regular lighting scenarios that are boring and dull. You should always look for a way to have the most original mood with up-lighting decor. This is going to make it a lot easier for you to get the right kind look that is elegant. The room will be bright enough to see things clearly, but dark enough to maintain a level of mystery with it.

Sometimes people fail to realize the things that will make a an event more engaging and one of those things is without a doubt the way the entire room is lit and decorated. IT has been proven that people will feel more inclined to be extroverted when the illumination of a room is good but not too bright. This is a psychological phenomenon that occurs in all kinds of social gatherings. This is why we recommend that you use up-lighting decor for any kind of situation and you will never regret making this decision for your wedding, party or special event.

You will find this to be the most engaging and useful way to make your party much cooler and get everyone to feel like they have been immersed in a situation that is a lot more powerful than what they would expect from a regular event. You will really make your wedding or your party unique and unforgettable with the right kind of mood. There is no doubt that this is going to make a huge difference in everything related to the event.

DJ wedding entertainment- Celebrating your wedding with quality wedding entertainment

There are very few moments in life that can be as important and relevant to a person as the day they get married. There is no doubt that this is going to be a moment that you will want everyone involved to remember for the rest of your life. You will be committing to a relationship that is going to last a lifetime and you will certainly want to celebrate this moment with those you care about and love.

This is the reason why you need to always remember that you need a DJ for your wedding. You need someone who will know the right kind of mood depending on the hours of the day and night. A professional DJ will also make sure that you and everyone at the party is having the best time possible. There is no way to deny the huge difference that a live musician is going to make at a party when compared to a set of songs that plays automatically on a computer or mp3 player. You can't leave all of the fun and the great times to a machine that will play random tracks.

Your wedding should be the most special moment and the one that you and your guests should never forget. This is why you have to make sure that you can find the best possible DJ for your event. Do not go for anyone that claims to know what they are doing and search for people with plenty of experience that they can prove to you. Once you find a qualified professional, you will be able to stop worrying about that important aspect of your party. A great DJ can be the difference between a boring and uneventful party and a truly good one.

Throwback: OPM Bands and Their Songs

Who says that only an old picture of you can be throwback? OPM Bands and their songs also deserve to be throwback! Whether you are a 70s, 80s, 90s or 2000s baby, we can all still feel nostalgic whenever we hear those songs from the past. Here are some OPM Bands and their famous songs that will forever have an impact on us.

Boyfriends
This famous band from the 1970s which consists of Gary Ariola, Bob Guzman, Artie Ilacad and Lloyd Sale will always be a crowd favorite. It's been decades since their prime year but until now, Pinoys can't still get over with their songs especially "Sumayaw, Sumunod" - which has also been used as an OST of many Filipino comedy movies.

Cinderella
I personally think that no matter how old you are, it is not possible that you do not know the tune of "Ang Boyfriend Kong Baduy" and the lovely lovely and sentimental song "T.L. Ako Sa'yo". Though I was not born in the time of their prominence, I am still in love and I still appreciate these songs from Cinderella. Unfortunately, Yolly Samson, their vocalist died from brain cancer 17 years ago, making it hard for the Cinderella to replicate those OPM hits they had. That is okay, though, their songs are enough to have a part in our heart.

Hotdog
This band formed by brothers Dennis and Rene Garcia surely made every disco-goers in the 70s to dance in their famous hits such as "Annie Batungbakal" and "Bongga Ka, Day!". I still remember seeing many versions of choreography with these songs. Truly, they touched and caught the Pinoy hearts and they surely know our kiliti when it comes to OPM hits by having a plain lyrics but accompanied with a great melody and catchy tune.

Apo Hiking Society
Aaaaahh, the good 'ol times! Notably known for the lovely and fun trio composed of Jim Paredes, Danny Javier and Boboy Garavillo, this band proved to us that they are not only the best song-wise but also appeal-wise. "Batang Bata Ka Pa", "Syotang Pa-class" and "Doo Bi Doo" are just some of the songs that we are still enjoying even up to now. Luckily, this trio appears and sings their songs live on national TV every once in a while.

Parokya ni Edgar
I know that this band is not that throwback-material as they are still very very active even up until now but admit it, we miss their late 90s songs like "Buloy", "Picha Pie" and that sentimental and heartwarming song - with a great guitar solo, mind you - "Halaga". We are indeed so lucky that Parokya ni Edgar is still making new songs that will indeed be enjoyed by Pinoys again.

Hale, Imago, Spongecola, Callalily, Silent Sanctuary
Fast forward to mid-2000s, these boy bands with cute members who can sing and play guitar became a hit again. Hale's "The Day You Said Goodnight", Imago's "Taralets!", Spongecola's "Tuliro", Callalily's "Magbalik" and Silent Sanctuary "Ikaw Lamang" were the songs that accompanied us through our good and rough times and we're glad to have them.

What Pinoys Are Looking For In Their OPM Songs

Us, Filipinos value music so much that we already have a set of our own criteria whether the song will be a hit or a miss. Notice how there are some OPM songs that do not make it to the cut and not that well-loved and appreciated by the Pinoys? Artists and composers must know that there are some special things that us, Pinoys, are specifically looking for in our OPM songs. What are those?

1) Famous, Fresh-faced Celebrity
Admit it, what we notice first especially when we are watching an OPM song on the television is the singer, and the song itself only comes second. Pinoys are looking for the famous fresh-faced celebrity that will sing the song for them and make them feel like they are serenaded. Take for example, Daniel Padilla's "Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat". It is loved and well-received by the Pinoy masses because Daniel Padilla is the freshest and most famous teen celebrity right now in the Philippines. Imagine the song being sang by a new and upcoming singer, I do not think it would really appeal that much and make it as big as it is compared to Daniel Padilla singing it. We love celebrities so much and we have that cute crushes on them that seeing them just having their adorable faces and moves while singing for us make it impossible for us to resist them! Right?

2) Relatable Lyrics
Who have not already sung their hearts out with an OPM song? I guess we all did! We all have our own favorite OPM songs that we will always treasure and have a place in our heart. Most OPM songs that are consistent in the top spot have one thing in common: Pinoys love them and can relate with them. Feeling broken hearted? Cry your heart out while singing the famous karaoke song "Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita?" by Roselle Nava, in love with a friend and afraid of falling even deeper? Belt out the "Paano Na Kaya?" song by Bugoy Drillon, or if you have that special crush on someone who you think is perfect despite of being simple, sing that "Simpleng Tulad Mo" by Daniel Padilla. The thing is, no matter what you are feeling and no matter what your current mood is, there are tons of OPM songs for you!

3) Catchy Tunes
I am one of the people who are actually surprised about Maja Salvador's newest song and album, but I must admit, I love it! It's catchy tune definitely is a winner for me. Try listening to Maja Salvador's "Dahan Dahan" in case you still haven't. We love good catchy and upbeat music every now and then especially while we are on hiatus listening to senti ones. Let us not forget the songs that every generation in the Philippines knows. Bayani Agbayani's "Ocho, Ocho", Vhong Navarro's feel-good novelty song "Pamela One", and Willie Revillame's "Boom Tarat Tarat!". All these are still sang, danced and enjoyed by many Pinoys around the world because of their catchy tunes.

Learn To Begin A Career As A Full Time Music Producer With Jake One Instrumentals As Your Guide

Are you a sample-based Hip Hop producer who has the dream to turn your bedroom hobby into a successful career? Learn from Seattle native and producer extraordinaire Jake One who has successfully gone from working a full-time job to becoming an in-demand music producer of top artists. In order to stand a chance in the competitive music industry like Jake, know that it takes an extraordinary ear and attitude among other important things if you want to succeed.

Making a bunch of beats and blindly emailing them to every blog or record executive in your sight just isn't going to cut it when it comes to finding success as a full-time self-employed music producer. Consider yourself a business person and be more realistic about your decisions of how to gain the attention of the right people. Sit down and create a well-defined plan toward each important aspect of your career, placing as much detail and care into your legal documents, management, brand presence and forms of compensation as you do into your actual music. Jake One instrumentals are unmistakable in their sonic quality and representation of what a Hip Hop beat should sound like. Use this sound along with the following career advice as inspiration to prepare you for embarking on a career in professional music production so that you can reap the long-term benefits and outlast your competition.

Making the transition from music production as a hobby into a career can be hard especially if you are not coming from an entrepreneurial mindset. Learn to take your self out of your bedroom and away from the cozy space of your room where you share your music with your friends. Instead, step out into a reality which entails legal documents, aspects of earning publishing and the reality of networking within an industry of A&Rs and artists who are not guaranteed to like you or your music.

Consider hiring a manager to oversee many of the aspects of your career that you may otherwise be unfamiliar with or to busy to undertake. Even though this move may weigh heavy on your budget, it can be a beneficial investment in the long run once you take into account the amount of time you will save consolidating your labor. A manager can help you by handling aspects of networking, document management and gaining recognition with various entities within your industry while you focus on your musical craft and output. For example, Jake One was able to become recognized and gain a management deal with The Money Management Group which eventually led to him gaining high level placement opportunities with leading acts. Jake One instrumentals take the art of sampling as music to a new level and are among the highest quality within the Hip Hop community, garnering accolades from many of the most admired artists.

When the time comes that you finally receive the call that your music will be featured on a major album release and you see your name listed in the credits, be happy but stick to your grind. Work harder in fact because the reality of getting paid for placements is that you may not see your earnings from the record label for months or sometimes even an entire year! As you land your first set of placements for your music while gaining more exposure and building artists relationships throughout the financial struggle, remain persistent. Those who outlast the hard times will see the fruit of their labor begin to grow, just as Jake One has done has done in his career. The Seattle producer of diverse artists began with humble beginnings in working with underground acts to landing high-level placements of his music on songs which have hit heavy rotation on commercial radio.

Your first inclination as a producer who has just embarked on your career is to get your music in front of as much people as you know how within your immediate reach. Choose your placement submissions wisely and only work with artists who you truly believe are good since this is where your name will remain etched as you rise in your career. There may be some temptation to produce for artists who you don't believe are truly good just to keep money in your pocket but this is not a good path to take in an inevitable struggle which you must overcome during your early career. Find an outstanding artist, gain attention for producing memorable music on that project then leverage it into work with other talented artists who admire your work. Jake One instrumentals are created with a universal and lasting appeal which makes his music stand out among many. He is known for leveraging one outstanding music production into a line of other opportunities which follow after by collaborating with artists respected by himself and a niche audience. This work flow strategy is essential to your growth, success and greater placement opportunities.

In the fast-paced world of the internet, many aspiring artists who have no knowledge of licensing are likely to download and record their vocals over your production whether they care about copyrighting or not. This reality of the internet proves that the integrity and identity of your music is at risk. In order to combat piracy of your music, there are a few things you can do:

1. Only upload lo quality versions of your music to showcase online. This includes the music you upload to your website or producer communities. Don't compress the audio too much, just enough so that your mp3 or wave file has been reduced in quality to the point an artist would not consider trying to use it for their mix tape or album.

2. Add drops to the music you showcase online. "Drops" are defined as an audio watermark or copyright in the form of an audio phrase which repeats at numerous intervals throughout your audio track. Many producers use their name as a drop either using their own voice or a voice over professional as a repeatable sound effect. When listeners hear your drop, it creates a unique identity for your music and protects it from piracy at the same time.

3. Set up a page on your website which outlines a contract of leasing and licensing rights. This is similar to a terms of use page you find on standard websites, only this type of page is designed for people to gain a clear understanding of the legal aspects pertaining to your music.

The gamut of business and administrative duties associated in being a professional music producer cannot be overlooked when considering a serious full-time career. Whether you decide to proceed by yourself into this jungle of A&Rs, artists, managers, aspiring producers and fans, the more you know the more you will be equipped to handle it all and keep afloat. Study the path of Jake One to gain insight toward the career of a producer who has made moves in both his artistic craft and business which continue to serve as the foundation for his musical longevity.

The Gal With the Golden Git Knocks 'em Dead With a Killer Workshop On Guitar Care

It is a dark and dreary night. Cold, damp air crushes through the nostrils, weighing heavily on the lungs. Faintly, in the distance, the sound of a guitarist playing the James Bond theme wafts through the turbid air. Spastic bolts of lightning animate the darkness, remnants from an earlier thunderstorm.

Jody Love, a tall, muscular woman with soft facial features, boldly makes her way down a deserted city street. With a look of determination in her radiant eyes, she is on her way to present a workshop on guitar care at a local convention. Her shoulder-length golden locks bouncing in lockstep with her steadfast gait, she is dressed for the weather, wearing a yellow nearly-see-through rain jacket and rain boots. Just barely visible underneath, a form-fitting thigh-length yellow dress neatly clings to her flattering figure. In her left hand is a folded compact umbrella - yellow - in her right, a guitar case - gold.

A lesser person would have trouble carrying the sturdy-looking rectangular guitar case, but she navigates it with ease. It's a Nivil brand case, doubly padded with waterproof joints, and sporting triple-locking mechanisms fortified with Teflon extrusions and spring-loaded shock-absorbing bumper guards. For extra protection, the case is enclosed in a waterproof, transparent, flexible overcoat. Clearly visible through the overcoat, and printed in bold black letters, is the phrase "Model 0007, Special Order Design #BXZ1000, 21st Century Survivor SeriesTM Guitar GuardianTM. "If it ain't a NivilTM, it ain't a livin'!"

Jody Love is well known in guitar circles as the official spokesperson for Nivil brand guitar gear. Nivil is the brand of choice for gigging musicians everywhere on the seven continents. (The Brits - Jody Love one of them - claim there are only six.) She tours the world giving lectures on guitar care, doing live concerts, and - it is widely rumored, though unproven - performing undercover work as a spy for the British government. It is said that she has a license to kill - a perfect image for the Princess of Love-Death-Metal, the genre she singlehandedly defined through the twisted amalgam of her softly sensual feminine physique mixed with killer guitar riffs.

The contents of her guitar case - aside from her guitar (her Jody Love artist-model white and blood-red Flying-V) - are a carefully guarded secret. Whenever Ms. Love removes the guitar, Mr. Condor - her buff bodyguard, confidante, and long-rumored lover - makes sure the case is locked and gripped firmly in his muscular hands. The case features an elite 1024-bit encryption, dual eye-and-fingerprint-scanning lock - a device used by high-level government officials and wealthy aristocrats.

Having arrived at her destination, Ms. Love prepares for her workshop presentation. She gracefully disrobes her rain gear, fully revealing her stunning and alluring dress. Nimbly crouching down to open her guitar case, she removes her guitar, stands up, and holds it to her chest. After attaching the guitar strap to the top of the guitar, she throws the strap with élan over her left shoulder, catching it as it flows around her right side. Effortlessly attaching the strap to the bottom of her guitar in an instant, she shakes her hair loose and lets the guitar hang limply from her statuesque body. She looks utterly breathtaking, a mesmerizing meld of woman and guitar. The beauty of her façade, contrasted with the dangerous angularity of the guitar, forms an otherworldly silhouette.

Though she is far away from the audience that is gathered for her guitar care workshop, it is clear they have spotted her just as she has finished her preparation ritual. Their noisy banter immediately drops to a single astonished collective hush. Ms. Love walks confidently toward them, each step like a knife being driven into the hard wood floor. Arriving at the stage, she confidently steps up to the pedestal, looks directly at the audience, and presents the look of someone who has stared death in the face and won with malice. Every member of the audience has a look of absolute awe, with a subtle hint of prescient, unconscious foreboding.

A comment from the audience breaks the steely silence.

Ms. Love, may I say that you look impeccable today!

Ms. Love: Merci beaucoup!

The French words fit her voice - soft, yet striking. They almost disguise her subtle British accent.

Another member of the audience chimes in.

Your guitar looks impeccable too, Ms. Love! How do you keep it in such good condition?

Ms. Love: I treat it with tender loving care. Get it? Lov-ing care!

She pauses, expecting a response... Getting none, she continues, somewhat emphatically, nearly Valley Girl-like, with an American accent.

Like, you know, my last name is like, Love, like, you know?!

The audience finally grasps the joke and laughs heartily.

She goes on speaking once she's taken the time to bask in the rays of approval emanating from the audience, returning to her light British accent, now with more weight.

But seriously, it is love that you give your ax.

(A sly smile comes over Mr. Condor's face.)

Ms. Love continues without acknowledging Mr. Condor, in a vocal tone more dramatic, with the pregnant pauses typical of an accomplished Shakespearean actor.

But what is love? 'Tis not hereafter. Present mirth hath present laughter. What's to come is still unsure. So...

She forms her lips nearly in a kiss as the audience expects to hear "come kiss me sweet and twenty", the rest of the Shakespeare sonnet. Events seem to occur in slow motion. Mr. Condor is transfixed by Ms. Love's slowly-moving lips. It is a moment of ephemeral magic.

But Ms. Love lets her mouth form words instead of a kiss. Events are back in real time as Ms. Love continues speaking, now less dramatically.

To put the Shakespeare quoting to rest, [Mr. Condor looks disappointed] it boils down to several critical things.

The audience expects to hear a long lecture on guitar care, but something happens that abruptly changes everything. The James Bond theme rings out lustily from a cell phone, shattering the mood. Audience members look around with shock and embarrassment on their faces, worried that one of them forgot to turn their ringer off. They are all surprised when it is none other than Ms. Love who puts a cell phone to her ear. (Who else would have a James Bond ring tone?) The audience looks at one another quizzically, wondering what could possibly merit the attention of Ms. Love in the middle of a workshop. After a very brief phone conversation punctuated with two-and-three syllable answers from Ms. Love - "Yes ma'am." "Of course." "No delay." "On it." - she puts her phone away and gives Mr. Condor a look of urgency. Something is afoot.

With an impatient voice, Ms. Love speaks to the audience.

I regret to inform you that I must leave unexpectedly, before finishing the workshop. But here - let me give you a handout that I prepared earlier. It will explain everything you need to know about caring for your guitar.

Ms. Love hurriedly picks up a stack of paper from a nearby table and awkwardly hands it to the nearest member of the audience, nearly dropping the bundle on the floor in her haste to embark.

I'm sorry that I must rush off so quickly, but I've been given an assignment, er, ah, I mean, a rehearsal.

The glitch in Ms. Love's words hints that she is not being totally forthcoming. Four people shout from the audience - with Gatling gun urgency - questions that are on everyone's minds.

Are you a spy, Ms. Love? Is there a weapon in your guitar case? Are you an assassin? Are you rushing off to a kill?

Ms. Love stands still, perhaps unsure of how to respond. Mr. Condor, obviously nervous as a result of these pointed questions, motions emphatically to Ms. Love that they must leave immediately. Ms. Love takes Mr. Condor's cue and hastily makes one last comment to the audience.

I'm sorry I have to leave. Thank you for coming.

She turns to face Mr. Condor. Quickly dismounting her guitar, she presents it to him and speaks sternly in a subdued voice.

My guitar in the case please. At once Mr. Condor! We mustn't be late! It's urgent!

Mr. Condor quickly places the guitar in its case, then hands the case to Ms. Love. She quickly but elegantly turns and walks away, carrying her golden guitar case, and waves back with a backward glance of her raised arm and hand as the audience breaks into fits of spackled uncertain applause.

Once Ms. Love and Mr. Condor are gone, the applause quickly dies out. Members of the audience share the handout with one another. They speculate in hushed tones about where Ms. Love is headed and what she will do there. Although astonished at the unusual content and brief length of Ms. Love's truncated workshop, they are impressed with her appearance and appreciative of the handout's contents.

JODY LOVE'S RULES FOR GUITAR LOVE

Your Guitar is NOT an ATI (All-Terrain Instrument)

How to Keep It from Becoming ATL (A Total Loss)

RULE I Moderate the climate - not too hot, not too cold, not too dry, not too humid (40-50% relative humidity).

RULE II Cleanliness is next to Guitarlyness.

RULE III Drafts are for professional athletes and future military personnel, not guitars.

RULE IV Bumps and grinds can soon become downs and outs.

RULE V Nix planes, trains, and automobiles as much as possible - guitars are homebodies.

RULE VI Hard-shell cases protect you from becoming a nut case. Buy a NivilTM case. "If it ain't a Nivil, it ain't a livin'!"

RULE VII Keep it tuned to standard pitch (what it was originally set up for) and it will play at a fever pitch.

RULE VIII When you're not playing it, keep it locked in the case or on a sturdy guitar stand. It'll thank you for it and be a stand-up guitar!

RULE IX Don't wait till your guitar says, "My neck needs a massage!" Apply lemon oil to the fretboard about once a year.

RULE X Don't let your guitar get all strung out! Change strings when needed to maintain a tiptop sound.

RULE XI Guitars are not sun gods: They like it better where they can be cool (but not too cool!) and collected. (NEVER put your ax in a tanning bed!)

RULE XII Give your ax all of your love. I do! (but only when Mr. Condor's not around)

Sincerely,

Jody Love

What really happened that day after Jody Love left? Perhaps she had to answer to an urgent request from the Queen. Did she use her license to kill while protecting the Crown from the perils of impertinency and malevolence? Who knows? It is likely that the truth will never be told. Barring an answer, it is best to be content with having witnessed one of the greatest guitarists of our time, a truly singular original, give an appearance of a sort that, short and imperfect as it was, may nevertheless rarely be surpassed.

Jody Love left us longing for a future engagement where she will again dazzle with her presence. Will it be sooner or later? Sooner, hopefully, for some cannot live long without her spectacle, and, sadly, her spectacle cannot long live. But, in the meantime, one should relish the thought of her next apparition.

(to be continued?)