State of the Arts
newtunes
Set List What Instrument Would you Play in a Band?
p 34
Courtney Robertson: Black Widow?
p 12
Pointless Celebrities
p 10
The Beatles: Greatest Band Ever?
p 14
Movement
p 22
False - Blackout Poetry
p 32
Letter from the Editors Dear Readers, Interested in music, movies, tv? Well, you picked the right magazine to read. Don’t worry about reading pages filled with boring text because we will do our job as writers and keep you entertained! Our master minds have combined ideas and worked hard to create this magazine. New Tunes Magazine strives to display the latest topics in music, television, and movies in new, fun, and interesting ways. We hope you enjoy! Riley, Izzy, Brenda and Caroline
Meet the Cast I
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Favorite Song: So, Let us Create Favorite Movie: The Abyss Favorite TV Show: Smash
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Favorite Song: Anything Country Favorite Movie: Little Rascals Favorite TV Show: Dance Moms newtunes Spring 2012
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Favorite Song: Fifteen by Taylor Swift & boyfriend by Justin Bieber Favorite Movie: Mean Girls & The Incredibles Favorite TV Show: Legend of the Seeker, Bones, Dora the Explorer
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Favorite Song: “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen Favorite Movie: Too many to name Favorite TV Show: Monk newtunes Spring 2012
everystockphoto.com
s e c e i P n Opinio
LOOKS
TALENT
by Ismael F PHOTO CREDIT: ALBERTO E. RODRIGUEZ PHOTO CREDIT: DANNY MARTINDALE
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envision a world where no one “whips their hair” and there are no “love stories,” where people “call to all the monsters” and “run, run, run, run, run to one another.” This is a happy place in time where talent trumps isolated beauty and those within the depths of the music industry can finally see the light. But alas, we are far from that day. Talent makes a great artist, though it seems that talent is not necessary to sell records in today’s music. The majority of “music lovers” everywhere apparently only see appearance, reducing talent to transparency. Though, let us hope that it is not too late to reverse the course and trun transparency into the thickest opacity, separating the “artists” from the just-pretty-faces. Taylor Swift IS the “country star!” It has long been known that country singers have a way of telling a story in their music. Maybe it’s just because other artists don’t take the time to try, but this is the only significant advantage in the music industry that Taylor Swift possesses in my eyes. Even so, she is bar ten thousand when it comes time to compare with the far better storytellers in her genre, such as Brad Paisley in “Whiskey Lullaby,” a powerful story that tells of the pains and sadness that result from a love affair. The truth is that she wants to stick with the audience that has so come to love her, and thus, her songwriting is childish, especially in her album’s title track, “Mean.” It is understandable that she “Speak[s] Now” to this younger demographic, yet she sings with little to no technique, save a few runs here and there. Take her 2012 Grammy performance of “Mean” for example. When she sings “…you can take me down,” “…I bet you got pushed around,” and just about every time she tells me, out of tune of course, that I “don’t know,” are about the only times she uses what should be a short and shimmering series of notes, otherwise known as a run.
PHOTO CREDIT: DISNEY CHANNEL/BRUCE BIRMELIN
Bridgit Mendler, a Disney actress in the popular children’s television series, Good Luck Charlie, and in the movie, Lemonade Mouth, is often compared to Taylor Swift in terms of looks, yet, unlike Swift, she sings with accurate runs and a natural vibrato. This is especially exemplified in her single, “Summertime,” a song that is not auto-tuned, made so for the movie that features it, The Secret World of Arrietty. This is a raw recording, proven with the absence of flex time and with a medium echo percentage added to her studio performance, showing off her rounded talent as a singer, adding to that of her acting. Then there is the case of Willow Smith, the definition of of nepotism (as the only reason she is famous is because of her daddy, Will Smith), known, not only for whipping her hair, but for the lyrics that she sings while doing so. Clearly worse than, if not the opposite of, Taylor Swift in that she cannot write worth ninety-nine cents on iTunes, she sings “I whip my hair back and forth” a total of SEVENTY complete times. At least Willow, as an eleven year old, has the rest of her progression into maturity to better herself as an artist. Poor Taylor, though, is already past her expiration date for vocal growth.
Problems with “the industry” include connection and looks…and connection…and looks. All within the realm of talent are embedded in a circuit board. The fancier looking chips (Taylor Swift) get bought and placed first and paths (Will Smith) link them to the prior generation (Willow Smith). The rest (Bridgit and China) lie largely if not entirely unknown. The positive side to this idea is that there are always upgrades and new “technological” discoveries being made. The next “Intel Core Processor” could be in development even as you read.
PHOTO CREDIT: DISNEY CHANNEL/BRUCE BIRMELIN
China Anne McClain, yet another Disney star and close to Willow in appearence, is also a singer that makes use of “kid-friendly” runs (she is on Disney channel) and has a vibrato in the works. With already three singles under her belt, equal in number to those of Willow Smith coincidentally, as well as having earned a peak spot of 86th on The Billboard’s Hot 100 week forty-five of 2011 for “Calling All the Monsters,” China has begun to grasp the essence of the music industry and, (again) just like Willow, has only room to grow and improve as an artist. It can be clearly shown, all nepotism aside, that China is due to progress much farther than Willow could ever hope to.
newtunes spring 2012
P
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by Brenda Sanchez
Celebrities
T
he saying “Hard work pays off ” may apply to most people but there are exceptions. Celebrities like Paris Hilton, Snookie, and Kim Kardashian receive the big check at the end of the day but where was the hard work? Nicole Elizabeth Polizzi, “Snooki,” receives $30 ,000 per episode on the reality TV show “The Jersey Shore.” She basically gets paid to get crazy and party. Kim Kardashian has a net worth of $35 million and
“...increased herfame by spending time partying”
photo courtesy of famousbase
newtunes Spring 2012
receives $40,000 per episode. Her lifestyle of drama & marriages earns her a big check. Sure, she started her clothing line and perfume line but that was not hard work. Kim Kardashian didn’t actually wear a lab coat and used chemicals to make her perfume. She has people do that for her. All she has to do is add her name to the products for them to sell. Fame gets you millions. Then there’s Paris Hilton, who was born into a wealthy family, being the granddaughter of Hotel magnate Conrad Hilton. She increased her fame by spending her time partying. Partying can earn you millions when you’re famous. Yet she considers herself a businesswoman. Many would argue that Paris is a hard working woman. According to one Paris Hilton website, “She doesn't really have any free time nowadays. However, she manages to find some time to party and have fun, but even partying is sometimes for business.” Paris has a shoe line, perfume, a CD album, a book, clothes lines, and has been in small parts in movies, and some TV shows. Is it because of her talent or her fame? There are stars that you see on
television that express some sort of talent; like singing, comedy, dancing or acting. If they were to make millions, that would be reasonable. They’re talented and chances are they worked hard for it. Other celebrities are famous for pointless reasons, celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Snookie and Paris Hilton. They’re getting paid for making appearances at events and parties. They’re not talented or hard working “business women.” They make careers out of doing what they do best, keeping people entertained. They’re pointless celebrities that earn more than they should.
photo courtesy to TMZ
photo courtesy of Alex CD
newtunes Spring 2012
B L : n o s t r e b o R y e A Courtn C K by Riley Syzdek
Courtney and Ben on her hometown date in Scottsdale, Arizona. Photo Courtesy of ABC
W I D O W ?
Does this controversial contestant deserve all the hate?
H
ave you ever had the attitude “I don’t care if people like me, I just need to get the job done?” Well, in this case, the “job” is winning Bachelor Ben Flajnik’s heart. America can watch one of the Bachelor’s most controversial contestants, Courtney Robertson, stealing Ben’s attention when the show airs every Monday on ABC. Courtney has become the woman everyone loves to hate because of her risky actions toward not only Ben but the other women in the house. Courtney can often be found making immature comments about the other contestants or using the catchphrase, “Winning!” The Bachelor fan community has been divided into Team Courtney and Team Emily because of their ongoing feud, most of America obviously siding with contestant Emily O’Brien. Emily had disliked Courtney from the beginning, taking offense to her bold advances toward Ben. She even used some of her one-on-one time with the bachelor to confront him with her feelings about Courtney. Many believe speaking her mind was the reason their relationship ended so abruptly during the seventh rose ceremony. The show’s host, Chris Harrison, has a few things to say about Courtney. “I know Courtney will be judged by her behavior on this date, but.... She’s making moves on Ben and the other girls aren’t.” Could making enemies in the house be a strategy to get closer to Ben? “The other women are so worried about the unwritten code of conduct and...about Courtney they aren’t worried about the most important person…Ben!” Chris also compares Courtney to a controversial contestant on
Bachelor Season 15 named Michelle Money, saying that her sense of humor may be misinterpreted as Michelle’s was. Michelle appeared overly emotional and fairly crazy as she pined for Brad Womack’s love. After the season wrapped, she appeared on Bachelor Pad 2, seemingly sweet as can be. Courtney’s close friend and fellow model, Carrie Tivador, has only good things to say about her. “I think the producers want a good story, so they’re editing the footage to make one. She also said and did a lot of nice things for the other girls, but that’s not being shown.” The majority of these girls haven’t exactly been fair to Courtney either, talking about her behind her back and being negative around Ben. “They see how much Ben likes her and, to be honest, some of them were downright cruel. To me, Emily seems like the ringleader.”
Courtney Robertson Mean things have been said about other girls in the house throughout the season – starting the cocktail party of the first night. Many women commented on Monica’s strange behavior and called Blakely Shea names for stealing Ben away on a group date. When Shawntel C. from Brad Womack’s season appeared during a cocktail party asking Ben if she could have a chance at finding love, the women were less than welcoming to her also. Although some of Courtney’s behavior is inexcusable, she is constantly open and kind during her time with Ben. Some say it’s an act, but Courtney’s friends and family
swear that the side of her showing through to Ben is the real Courtney. Courtney’s ex-boyfriend Dylan Hall, whom she dated for seven years, agreed to an interview about the controversy of season 16. “She’s upset about all the nasty things being said about her, but she’s trying to stay positive….All these girls are hating on her, so you’ve got to put two and two together. It’s not hard to figure out why.” Is he possibly commenting on how Courtney often uses bold flirting techniques and sex appeal to secure time with Ben? One fan comments, Courtney seems “like a lot of fun and has some life to her.…her playfulness and openness is refreshing”. So if Courtney’s family, friends, and old flames having nothing but praise for her, why has America decided she doesn’t deserve Ben? Is it possible that Courtney’s friend in the house, Casey Shteamer, is right in saying that she is really just misunderstood and “sweet to people who are sweet to her”? Why should she be forced to be kind to the women who are saying just as much about her as she is about them? Is it really wrong for Courtney to close herself off to the other women and spend her time focusing on the people she cares for? There are many rumors that Courtney has received the final rose and is currently engaged to Ben Flajnik. Articles such as “5 Reasons Ben Flajnik and Courtney Robertson Could Actually Work” point out that they seem to have a strong connection and a lot in common. In Ben’s Week 7 blog, he himself admitted his feelings for her were strong He has decided thus far that he wants to meet her family – so where will their relationship go? She has been spotted in San Francisco, where Ben lives, walking his dog. One thing is for sure – Season 16 will definitely have an interesting Women Tell All. newtunes Spring 2012
The Beatles: Greatest Band Ever? Were they really the best?
by Caroline Shi
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f you love music, there’s a big chance that you are one of the millions of Beatles fans in the world. Everywhere, every day, people are talking about how great the Beatles were. But were the Beatles really the “greatest band ever?” Other bands like Queen and Journey were phenomenal as well. Although the Beatles produced great music, they’re also overrated. Many other bands produced great music as well. Yet the Beatles are still the most loved band by listeners. Whenever I visit any music website rating different bands, most of the time the Beatles occupy the number one position. Whenever I ask someone about their opinion on the Beatles, most people give very positive feedback about them. Calling the Beatles (or any other band) number one is very subjective. Some people may
newtunes Spring 2012
strongly concur while others may reject this opinion. But what really makes a band the best? Some may say that it’s the music that counts while others may say it’s the number of sales that they had or the number of hits they had. In the end, the question can’t be answered. Opinions and interests will differ and the topic will remain controversial. I personally don’t think the Beatles are the best band, but that’s just my opinion.
It’s true that the Beatles were extremely successful with their 27 number one singles and 19 number one albums (according to beatles-yesterday.com). But other bands were successful as well. According to discogs. com, Queen had 18 number one singles and 18 number one albums. Why should the Beatles be called number one while many other great bands out there are ignored? The Beatles also just happened to be in the right spot
Photo courtesy of thebeatles.com
other band out there. For example, in the song “She Loves You,” one stanza goes like this: “She said she loves you, and you know that can’t be bad. Yes she loves you, and you know you should be glad.” The lyrics are very simple. Their beats were not exceptionally good and the singers were not the best. Personally, I find Queen and Journey’s music better than their music. Their lyrics and beats were just as meaningful and catchy as the Beatles. These two bands’
Another band I think is excellent is Queen. “Under Pressure” is one of the most inspiring songs I’ve ever heard. Some say that the Beatles experimented with different genres of music and that’s what made them the The Beatles
The Beatle’s album Abbey Road at the right time. Music wasn’t at its high point back then, and the Beatles just happened to introduce new music at that right time in history. They were very influential, but if you listen to their music, it’s not anything out of the ordinary. Many Beatles fans say that the Beatles were great songwriters. This is merely an opinion. Their songs are very simple and the lyrics aren’t particularly better than any other band. I’m not saying that simplicity is bad. I’m just saying that they weren’t better than any The Beatles’ album A Hard Day’s Night
Photo courtesy of chartstats.com
“The Beatles also just happened to be in the right spot at the right time.” music is still enjoyed by many people today (like the Beatles). Also, I believe there are other bands like the Bee Gees that should be considered to be among the top bands. Again, this comes back to the issue how no one can define the “greatest band ever.” The Bee Gees, in my opinion, are one of the best bands I’ve ever heard. Their harmonies are very melodious and their lyrics are very inspirational. In my opinion, they are better songwriters and better singers than the Beatles. Freddie Mercury was also an amazing singer that was better than any of the Beatles in my opinion.
Photo courtesy of Flickr best. Queen did the same thing. One of their songs, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” is very creative and it features different vocal parts and an unusual style of music. It blends heavy metal, opera, classical, and choral music together all into one song. So the question is: Were the Beatles really the best band ever? I don’t think so. The Beatles were a prominent band but they are overrated. Their music was good but not any better than anyone else.
newtunes Spring 2012
photo courtesy of everystockphoto.com
Feature Stories
Austin’s Music Central Waterloo Records: The best record store in town by Caroline Shi
R
ows of CDs line the walls. Boxes and stacks of records cover the store. Music plays in the background but at a level providing a perfect balance between a quiet shopping experience and a casual social scene. The smell of old vinyl records pervades the store and the air, chilled. One customer picks up a CD and gazes at it intently while others casually stroll down the aisles, scanning the innumerable shelves of CDs and other records. A Waterloo Records logo sits on the door, greeting customers. Waterloo Records owner John Kunz opened his store along with his partner Louis Karp on April Fool’s Day in 1982 with a mission. He wanted a music store that could serve as a meeting place for all kinds of music lovers. Waterloo Records’ diverse selection of music and friendly shopping environment make it a frequent stopping place for music listeners. In fact, Rolling Stones magazine recently named it one of the best record stores in the USA. Waterloo Records has “everything you could ask for” along with plenty of in-store performances. “I just knew Austin wanted and deserved a record store, deserving of its scene, its live music, its newtunes Spring 2012
gathering place,” says Kunz. With the constantly changing music industry, business for records stores has been tough. Record stores have gained other competition like iTunes and other online stores over the years. However, Waterloo Records has always been successful and loved by Austinites for 30 years. But what makes this store special? When asked, Kunz replied: “It’s that sense of discovery that we kind of challenge people with. It’s one thing to always have, or hopefully always have, what they’re looking for when they come in,” Kunz says. “But it’s another thing to say that ‘If that excites you, I’ll bet you’re really gonna like this and this is something you probably never knew about.’ We just connect pretty well with people in doing what we are trying to do.” “I think there are so many good stores that deserve recognition in Austin and thankfully we have such a great community. For us, we have such a diverse collection of music and we have such an excellent staff of true music experts in every genre imaginable,” says manager Jessie Johnson. One of the many things Waterloo Records is well known for is their
in-store performances. Local artists along with more famous artists like Nirvana and Willie Nelson have performed here, sometimes before their big concert later that evening. Kunz describes the in-store performances as the “appetizer version of the full meal.” “There’s also the opportunity to actually get to meet the band, get something autographed by them,” Kunz says. “And there’s a real personal connection that gets to happen between fan and music maker.” “We just try to keep a good balance between having enough live shows so the people that want to see live music get to have that, or the rest of the week can just be for a nice quiet shopping experience in the store,” says Johnson. Waterloo Records’ signature logo has been around for many years. It is featured on t-shirts, caps, and other merchandise. Surprisingly, Waterloo Records didn’t come up with the logo, but got it from the London subway (called “the underground”). “One of the guys that worked here went on a trip to Eng-
land and he had a picture taken of himself down in the Waterloo station of the underground stop and they had a tile mosaic of the logo. We all looked at that and went ‘Wow that looks really cool.’ So we made a t-shirt with that on it and everybody loved it,” says Kunz. Like any other store, Waterloo Records has encountered multiple obstacles along the way. Times were changing and so were the customers. A certain incident occurred. Waterloo Records has dealt with several impediments over the years. “The music industry has been in a big ol’ decline since 9-11. A lot of that was 9-11, a lot of that was people’s perceptions about the value of music. There was also the perception that everything on the internet should be free. When somebody’s paying for music sometimes they only want one song and they’re happy having one track. That doesn’t provide the income for that musician or for the store selling it that it once provided when they were selling the full album (you had to either get the full album or nothing),” Kunz explains. One would expect there to be much competition between record stores (trying to get more customers). However, Waterloo Records and other record stores in Austin have always shared a strong bond. “Austin always had a real good camaraderie amongst all the record stores and there was a real sense of cooperation. If you shop at any one of those stores and show a receipt at any other store you’ll get a discount on anything you buy so it really is everyone standing arm and arm in my opinion,” says Kunz. There are many different ways in which the record stores come together and help each other out. “We have a little pull down menu of all the other record stores’ phone numbers. So if we’re ever helping a customer and we can’t find or we don’t have what they’re looking for, we’ll pull
down that list and say ‘Do you want me to call this other store to see if they have it?’” adds Johnson. Kunz has always enjoyed running Waterloo Records over the years. To him, music means more than anything. “I think being happy is a whole lot more important ultimately, than having a bigger paycheck,” Kunz says. “It’s really nice having your hobby be your job.”
photos courtesy of Caroline Shi
newtunes Spring 2012
photo courtesy of Clavier Werke
Amping it Up
O
n a mild Tuesday night in April, Tyler Watts steps into his classroom. It’s practically a small box, but serves its purpose well enough – a space to teach people, young and old, music. The walls are lined with posters of music legends and small paintings, created by Watts’ young students, that would make almost anyone smile. The room is furnished only with a desk, two chairs, a music stand, and a standard-sized shelf. An acoustic guitar and an electric guitar rest on stands in the corner. This is where Watts spends nearly every afternoon – a cramped room in a chilly music studio located in South Austin. A graduate of the University of Texas, Watts’s everyday life consists of music, whether he is rehearsing with his band, performing downtown, or teaching batches of aspiring musicians. Watts has been interested in music practically his whole life. He enjoyed music newtunes Spring 2012
by Riley Syzdek
class in elementary school and began piano lessons in third grade. The instrument didn’t fit quite right, and he quit after a mere two months. When he started playing guitar, however, things changed. “I started playing during the summer after eighth grade, and really fell in love with it,” he remembers. From then on, Watts would grow into an experienced artist. Watts credits a friend for his inspiration to become a musician. After listening to a boy a few grades ahead play “all of the good Dave Matthews Band songs”, a band of which Watts was a huge fan, he began to teach himself how to play the guitar. “I just loved listening to [the friend] play. I decided I’d like to figure out how to do it myself,” he remembers. Watts sharpened his guitar skills throughout high school until he realized he had hit a wall. What would come next was unexpected. The guitar teacher that Watts had been
taking lessons from moved away, and told Watts that he should take his job. Watts was recommended his teacher’s music studio, and started teaching right away. “I definitely was not ready to teach, but that period in high school made me a much better teacher today,” Watts explains. He has been teaching music for about five years now. Watts, who has taught for the past five years, believes that his job as a teacher is to help his students explore music and dive outside of their comfort zones. He often does this by pushing his own musical tastes onto others. For students with different tastes in music, venturing into other genres allows them to put their skills to use on a wider spectrum. Since each musical genre is different,unique techniques and styles of playing are introduced. “Strangely enough, I think my favorite instrument to listen to is saxophone,” he says. “I find myself trying to emulate the melodies saxophonists play when I listen to jazz.” These different styles and techniques help Tyler’s students not only learn to play the guitar but allow them to use it in interesting and exciting ways. Not only a source of income, Tyler acknowledges teaching for helping him become a better musician. The total number of hours spent in his classroom teaching probably total to more than fifteen a week, which is a lot of valuable practice time for musicians. “I feel like every day I learn something new about the guitar because I realize so many things about the guitar while I teach,” explains Watts. Watching his students’ ideas and interests change makes the long hours worthwhile. “I love watching them become better musicians,” he comments. In his free time, Watts uses his skills to provide entertainment for bunches of people. He is in a band made up of some of his former University of Texas professors, one of the thousands taking the stage in Austin, Texas. But Watts describes living in the Live Music Capitol of the World as a double-edged sword. An upside to the situation is that “We get a lot of artists from all over the world coming through town who are right on the cusp of getting big, so you get to see people at an exciting stage in their career,” Watts says. He explains that, for Austin musicians, it is easy to book gigs and find people to play with, but making a living can be a challenge due to the abundance of live music. Though playing in his band mainly serves as a form of recreation, performing for crowds of attentive
ears is Tyler’s favorite pastime. Displaying his musical talent and receiving positive feedback from appreciative listeners is quite rewarding. “If you can get to the point where you can turn your brain off while you perform, it’s really a pretty euphoric experience,” says Watts. He hopes that one day all of his students can experience the same feeling.
photos courtesy of everystockphoto.com
newtunes Spring 2012
No Time but to Shine
by Brenda Sanchez
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room crowded with nervous kids. Not to mention the anxious parents. All standing in line, memorizing their script, waiting for their turn. Some have come from outside the city, having hour long drives, only to wait more. They all came for the same purpose, to audition for the chance to be represented by Celebrity Star Events. James Inghram, an international talent director, holds the celebrity star events around the nation, in search for talented young girls and boys between the ages 6 and 19. Celebrity Star Events is an organized agency where already working actors share their talented skills and help starting actors with their careers. This involves several acting classes, and summer camps. Those interested in a possible career in the acting industry come to audition. “I was very nervous. I kept reading my script, and fixing my hair. My mom kept telling me to relax and just do my best,” says Alejandra, a ten year old girl auditioned when a celebrity star event was newtunes Spring 2012
photo courtesy of James Ingrhram
photo courtesy of James Ingrhram
held in Austin, TX. Alejandra heard about Celebrity Star Events through the radio. She called and made an appointment. When she arrived at the place of the audition that weekend she found many other kids and young teens making a line that extended outside the building doors. “We waited for more than hour,” says Alejandra’s mom. “They had woody from The Suite Life On Deck!,” says Alejandra.
For usual Celebrity Star Events, a presentation is made before the actual auditioning process begins. A celebrity appearance is part of the event. In the Austin celebrity event, Matthew Timmons, or “Woody” from The Suite Life on Deck, was the guy hearing the auditions. “I was surprised to see him inside the auditioning room. It made me more nervous to know he would hear my audition, but he was really nice. I acted out a commercial on GAP jeans.” The kids had a choice on what commercial they wanted to act out for their audition. They had the script for commercials like Pepsi and GAP Jeans. They then had the option to memorize the script or use it during their audition. To make a good impression, most kids spent the time they had waiting in line to memorize their script. “ I remember they had high school musical songs playing in the background. It was pretty hard not to sing along but at the same time I was trying hard to get my lines down.” After her audition Alejandra felt pretty confident. “I tried my best and that’s all that matters,” she says.
“I look for smart kids with good grades who are passionate about acting,” says Inghram.
photo courtesy of celebritystar.tv
photo courtesy of coolshots.blogspot.com
James Inghram who has traveled around the world three times, hitting six continents not only enjoys his job because of the traveling but because he is good at what he does; discovering new talent. James Inghram has also auditioned himself. “I have auditioned for a few reality shows. I show them my character and allow the casting director decide whether he can use me in his show. I was NERVOUS but getting on that platform I had no time but to SHINE!” In this industry looks can get you a role in a movie, or a TV show. It’s all on the casting director. Part of the auditioning process is to be prepared but it’s also important to be confident. “The most important part is confidence and passion. Be an example of what you want to be. You're given that one chance to be in front of someone great. Sell yourself.” newtunes Spring 2012
mov eme nt by Ismael F
A
sousaphone within a simple black material case leans against a tall wooden cabinet, typical of a teacher’s classroom. The case reads, in worn yellow duct tape, “Minor Mishap.” The scene alone defines what this gem of a marching band is all about. A treasure trove of different interests that radiates the universally appreciable common ideal of great music and good times. And not just because that’s what Minor Mishap believes. “Our music is universally likeable, like, it’s hard to imagine someone listening to our songs going ‘Ugh, that sucks! I don’t want to listen to that,’ so we do have that going for us,” says member, Alison Earnhart. Earnhart, a busy woman with so much on her mind, manages to maintain a fun, easy going attitude shared with the rest of the band. She owns the sousaphone that sits in her classroom on days of practice after work, used at performances for HONK! and other street marching band related events where bands from major cities all over the country come together and share a celebration of music. Although Minor Mishap tends to shy away from large commercial events, speaking for everyone in the band, Earnhart finds that they do try to move their underground roots in every opportunity that comes their way, all the while keeping them firmly planted in community. “In America, we don’t have that sense of community street band where it’s just adults who get together on the weekends to play for fun and entertain themselves and the community,” Earnhart says. “We’re part of a movement to try and make that happen in America, and it’s slowly happened city by city where there’s a lot of different bands out there.” While Minor Mishap hopes to get the ball rolling across the nation by spreading this love of music, Earnhart contributes by already being ahead of the game having started her musical career in the fifth grade on alto sax.
newtunes spring 20122
“I was a huge band geek. That was my big thing in school,” says a proud Earnhart. “I actually wanted to be a band director when I was in high school.” Unfortunately, Alison realized that was not going to be a secure occupation, as she began to watch her music friends come back from college jobless because there can be only one band director per school, after all. Fortunately, she always knew, even from a young age, that she would probably become a teacher when she grew up. It simply fit her personality. “’Man, I could totally do this forever,’” says Earnhart of her upper level high school science studies. “I started to realize just how much I loved science.”
“It’s the best “I loved being able experience ever, to do this. It’s really because it’s altruistic inspiring when I So she became a science teacher, all the while glad and really selfish all watch other bands in being able to continue her music on the side at the same time, like Minor Mishap… with Minor Mishap. And, as they recently ‘cause, whenever [with] all these adults, made attendance at a HONK! festival in you’re a performer, real adults that have Austin, Texas, she finds happiness in it always feeds your other jobs, from all being amongst her own. ego to have people over the country who also dancing around loving have a tremendous amount your music. It’s like ‘Yeah of fun playing in a band. I I’m causing that, that’s wish that were more available to awesome!,’” says Earnhart. people,” says Earnhart. “I want kids in high school and college who love Even though this may be the case, to play but are not gonna be professional Earnhart upholds that strong sense of musicians to be inspired and have options community, that sense of how her band like ‘yes you can be a normal-regular-nongets together with others and just has classical-musician-person but still get a fun time wherever they happen to play your horn on the weekends to be. ‘cause it’s fun.’” “That sense of sharing a As an artist, it is natural to musical performance, draw inspiration from do it’s hard to put into and inspire those what we do. It is a very spiritual thing for words, but it’s around oneself, and pretty much all of us in the band.” absolutely magical that is what drives and it is sacred to people to pursue As a teacher and musician, it can be difficult at times to me and it is sacred music. Earnhart is no balance priorities with what you love to do and, with Minor to the other exception. Mishap’s defining colors, black and yellow, the term “busy band members. as a bee” suits Ms. Alison Earnhart. [This is] why we “I’m in the prime of my life where I can accomplish all these things,” she says. “[I ask myself] why not ‘cause I’m never gonna have this opportunity again, you know? I can take a break when I’m in my forties…maybe.” Until that time arrives, Earnhart continues to enjoy all that life has to offer. “I play in all the bands I can, and I teach and do all the different programs here at school that I possibly can. I also do kickboxing, and I also travel a lot, and I’m getting my master’s degree right now. I’ve got a dog and a house and a boyfriend and all these other things, and it’s really damn fun!, so I’m not gonna stop until something makes me stop.” newtunes spring 20122
photo courtesy of everystockphoto.com
Alternative Story Forms
. . . s s e c o r P ing
n o i dit
u A e Th
by Brenda Sanchez
prepared. Depending on Be the audition you may need a headshot and an actor’s resume. You also want to have a few monologues prepared.
1.
photo courtesy of HakanDahlstrom
2.
photo courtesy of Brenda Sanchez newtunes Spring 2012
During the audition you may be asked to do cold readings, or you may be given audition sides.
When actually auditioning, remember to stay in character. Don’t look at the camera and be respectful to everyone who might be in the room hearing
3. photo courtesy of Flickr.com
4.
If your audition goes well you will get a call back. A Call back means you get to go back and audition again, usually for the same part. photo courtesy of Brenda Sanchez
5.
If you make the final cut,
you’re on your way to a great start! If not remember that the casting director might keep you in mind for future casting.
photo courtesy of Flickr.com
newtunes Spring 2012
How to Start a BAND by Riley Syzdek
Being in a band can serve many purposes - providing entertainment, an extra source of income, and many opportunities to meet unique people. Whether you want someone to perform with at open mic night or strive to have crazy fans chasing after you, here’s a simple stepby-step guide on how to start your very own band.
newtunes Spring 2012
1
Find Musicians. Ask around to find people that are
interested in playing. Putting out ads and searching on the internet may be beneficial to attract band members. Make sure you have a singer, guitarist, bassist, and drummer.
Brand Yourselves. Brainstorm with your band members to come up with a name. The name can be meaningful and represent something or funny and cool. Make sure your title isn’t taken.
3
Practice.
2
Find a practice space, like someone’s garage, and get together! Play your instruments and work on getting in sync. Becoming a good band takes time and effort.
photos courtesy of fotopedia.com, public-domain-image.com, archive.gerardlazu.com
4
5
Write Songs.
Start composing your own music. Come up with catchy riffs and melodies and write interesting lyrics. To headline a show, you should have around 11 songs ready to go.
Record A Demo. Make a CD that includes a few of the band’s songs. These tracks should exhibit the best work of your band. Demo CDs can be given to record labels and sold to fans at gigs.
7
6 Play Gigs.
Start locally - perform outside and around your town. Go to open mic nights. If you have a manager, begin booking gigs around your city.
Get Involved.
Make sure your band is available to fans. Create a website and a facebook page, twitter, or other social networking accounts. Send your demos to record labels and producers to get the word out. You are on your way! newtunes Spring 2012
newtunes spring 2012
FALSE
by Ismael F
Watchful waiting was good strategy at the Unsound Festival, a five-day international caucus of the (mostly) electronic fringe in New York that ended on Sunday. Unsound’s offerings covered thrash-metal, dub reggae and ethereal pop. But they converged on a fondness for the amorphous, the unresolved, the shadowy, the liminal — sounds appearing just above the aural horizon — merged with the technology of loops, echoes and effects, and often with a video backdrop. Three concerts I saw, out of more than a dozen Unsound events, rewarded a certain mode of perception. What’s that sound that just became noticeable? Was it there before? Is it repeating, changing, interlocking, pulling toward a tangent? And sometimes: Can you dance to it? Two shows at Le Poisson Rouge revolved around meta-dance music, or disembodied body music: not blatant, focused club bangers but compositions abstracted from similar materials. Bits of dance genres bobbed to the surfaces of private electronic lagoons at Thursday’s concert featuring two British acts — the group Hype Williams (not the video director) and the solo composer Actress. Hype Williams started its hourlong set with a loyalty test. For some 20 minutes just a few elements — a chattery electronic rhythm, a male voice singing one phrase, some organlike synthesizer chords — were looped, moving in and out of phase. Eventually the set lurched into motion: sirens and helicopters; quasi songs with Inga Copeland intoning lines like “I’m a happy survivor” or playing melodica over slithering dub bass lines; a burst of rapid-fire live drumming amid dense electronics; spoken words over brusque drumbeats; more sirens, church bells, gunfire. It was a dazed amble through an urban battlefield, intriguingly inexplicable. k a Darren Cunningham and his laptop, layered a rudimentary 4/4 drumbeat with disorientation: buzzes, hiccupy blips, stuttery beats and chopped-up vocals. At a few points everything aligned as something like a house-music club track, but the sounds melted and distorted, and the big beat went into hiding as the music subsided into hums and radar beeps. Having embraced amorphousness, Actress tried the opposite extreme: the deliberately retro “Maze,” crisp like Kraftwerk. Reggae got dismantled on Friday night at Le Poisson Rouge by the German musician Pole and the Los Angeles band Sun Araw. Pole, a k a Stefan Betke, brings the cerebral disposition of minimal techno to a fondness for Jamaican dub reggae. That added up to slow, sparse, mostly minor-chorded music with throbbing subwoofer moments and to pieces where a repeating static glitch or blip defined the rhythm as much as the (virtual) bass drum. Dub can be a trap for Pole, pulling him toward simply recreating a well-worn genre; his better stretches were the starker, glitchier ones. Sun Araw, led by Cameron Stallones on guitar, keyboards and echo-laden vocals, was set up like a band — two guitars, saxophone, drummer — but its music was a happy jungle of electronic repetition and live playing. Loops and echoes reconfigured reggae, funk and Afrobeat in dizzying ways; the music cackled and hopped, ready to trip up dancers or just get trippy in decidedly 21st-century grooves. On Saturday night the festival presented a commission: “Trinity,” a collaboration by Lustmord, from Los Angeles, and Biosphere, from Norway. The West Park Presbyterian Church had been turned into a surround-sound environment. Trinity was the name of the first test of the atomic bomb, in New Mexico, and the images on the video screen at the church were black-and-white film of desert landscapes, 1940s bomb technology and eventually the detonation. Lustmord and Biosphere are kindred spirits, masters of ominous ambience: enveloping, murky, ultraslow-motion music. “Trinity” filled the room with tectonic rumbles and gradual whooshes, with tolling crashes followed by silences, with air-raid sirens, with claustrophobically thick cluster chords that were sometimes electronic and sometimes orchestral — part Penderecki, part “A Day in the Life” — and with spoken words from the era, wondering, “What have we done?” They embraced technology to question where technology can lead.
Private Electronic Lagoons Just Above the Aural Horizon Unsound Festival at Le Poisson Rouge Music Review by: John Pareles
from: The New York Times, April 22, 2012
newtunes spring 2012
ld u o w t n e m u r t s in t a Wh ? d n a b a in y la p you by Caroline Shi
1. What do you usually do in your spare time? A. Read a book B. Hang out with your friends C. Listen to music D. Go shopping
4. What kind of movies do you like? A. Thriller/Action B. Romance C. Science Fiction D. Comedy
5. What is your favorite color? 2. What kind of music do you like? A. Rock B. Hip-hop C. Pop D. Alternative
3. What is your favorite subject in school? A. Math B. English C. Social Studies D. Science
newtunes Spring 2012
A. Blue B. Red/Orange C. Green/Yellow D. Black
6. You’re having lunch with your friends. Which of these is most like you? A. You’re always talking to the whole group and generating conversation B. You still talk, but maybe to one or two people C. You’re the quiet one of the group D. You talk to yourself
7. How would you describe yourself? A. Enthusiastic B. Different from most people C. Reserved D. Unpredictable
8. A random person punches you in the face. What do you do? A. Punch them back B. Sue them C. Yell at them D. Tickle them
9. Out of these four people, who is your favorite? A. Geddy Lee B. Angus Young C. Neil Peart D. Freddie Mercury
Points at the bottom of the next page
Results
photos courtesy of flickr.com
9-15 Points
You’re the lead singer of the band! You always enjoy being in the spotlight whether its hanging out with your friends or participating during class. Although you have an open personality and a friendly attitude, you sometimes may be a little arrogant and egotistic. Great singers include Freddie Mercury, the BeeGees, and Steve Perry.
16-23 Points
You’re the electric guitarist! You’re spunky, unpredictable, and when you approach a task, you complete it with soul! Although you have a great sense of humor, your unpredictability may sometimes surprise or scare people. Great electric guitarists include Slash, Jimi Hendrix, and Frank Zappa.
24-29 Points
You’re the bass guitarist of the band! You’re mysterious, creative, and unique. Although you have a very artistic mind, people might find you slightly strange sometimes. Great bassists include Geddy Lee and Guy Pratt.
30-36 Points
You’re the drummer! You may not be the spotlight of the group, but you’re always there to back up the group and keep the beat going. It sometimes may be hard for people to start talking to you. Great drummers include Neil Peart, Buddy Rich, and Gene Krupa.
Question 1: A. 4 points B. 1 point C. 3 points D. 2 points
Question 2: A. 2 points B. 4 points C. 1 point D. 3 points
Question 3: A. 2 points B. 4 points C. 1 point D. 3 points
Question 4: A. 2 points B. 4 points C. 3 points D. 1 point
Question 5: A. 3 points B. 1 point C. 2 points D. 4 points
Question 6: A. 1 point B. 2 point C. 4 points D. 3 points
Question 7: A. 1 point B. 3 points C. 4 points D. 2 points
Question 8: A. 4 points B. 3 points C. 1 point D. 2 points
Question 9: A. 3 points B. 2 points C. 4 points D. 1 point
newtunes Spring 2012
photo courtesy of hotl.com