®
Issue # 1 Sep 08
Second Life Music Publication
All Matters Of Music Because All Music Matters
Gibson® Island Opens
Wi Real E n a pipho ne Mast erbui Guita ld r
Slurreal Crossover – A Recording Contract from the Stages of Second Life
New! Open Mic Directory
Tip´s & Tricks: Hosting Live Concerts Optimize Your Broadcast Sound
Editor's Note With this, our first publication of “Music Matters” magazine, we found and explored communications in SL‘s melodic metaverse. With the endless supply of informative and knowledgable resources available, it is our hope to help limit your searches, keep you up to date with happenings, and entertain you with interesting stories, relevant to Second Life‘s Live Music scene. Music Matters will be a quarterly publication, with reference tables that will be updated more frequently. We hope you enjoy the read, subscribe, and respond to us with your thoughts. Looking forward to seeing you again in December. – Editor
Impressum Publisher Pat Insoo Editor Chapl Paisley Assistant Editor Summer Serra Art Layout & Design Kaela Kilara Contributors Chapl Paisley Cypress Rosewood Jess Oranos Marjorie Schlossman Summer Serra Taff Nouvelle Pat Insoo Sales Reslez
Table of Contents 5 10 12
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Melodic Maestro – Creating Landscapes with Music
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Advertisers Index
Chapl’s Salon Players From the World Stage to Second Life. Chapl´s Salon in the USA, hosts iconic Classical Players
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A Slurreal Crossover – Von Johin´s Story
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Venue Spotlight Feature The Sunshine Daydream Theatre
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The Soundman Tweaky, Tweaky SL Star. You want to shine bright as you are
Gibson Island, Epiphonia & Baldwin Keys Settling in on the Second Life Grid
Open Mic Directory Where to go. Breaking the Ice in this new medium
The Perfect Show The Pleasures and Perils of event hosting
Melodic Maestro By Summer Serra
The melody rises. Its harmonious tendrils gently swirl and slowly, encompass the senses.
There is something magical about music and it‘s indescribable power to instill and bring forth emotions, thoughts and memories. Torben Asp harnesses that
magic in his musical compositions, transmitting feelings and visions to his attentive audience. Long before his appearance in Second Life, Torben‘s life was infused with melodies. He hummed compositions in childhood and later, as a teen, learned how to record tracks with portable keyboard and tape recorder. While still a teen, a selection from his first recording played to 2500 attendees at a soccer stadium, providing amazing exposure for the young composer. And as music composition software emerged from advancing technology, Torben‘s fascination with making music was re-confirmed. Once in this virtual metaverse, Torben began to build his foundation with “The Yard Club.” “The Yard Club” has evolved from its early start as a dance club to a thriving live-music venue. As the live
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“I feel I have made some rings in the water. Now people should just discover the rings and try to find the center of it.” performers circulated, Torben began to wonder how people would respond to his musical compositions. October 19, 2007, bravery prevailed and Torben presented to his audience music that was anything but the usual mainstream. Torben arranges performances electronically, using music software and a MIDI keyboard: “I want to create pictures and set you in a certain mood instead of being the next superstar and I like to call it ‘Recreative Music’. From the high-energy electronica by Darude, and 7
the pioneer of synth, Jean Michel Jarre, to the classical-master compositions of Mozart and Vivaldi, Torben cites a wealth of inspiration. But Torben‘s recent successful creative revelations sprang from inworld experiences! Red Rock Mesa, in Native Lands, developed to preserve southwest and Native American culture, gave light to Torben‘s, “Indian Proverb”. “The Cypress Chronicle”, was developed after being acquainted with fellow artist Cypress Rosewood. Discovering the experience of Recreative
Music is quite simple. With an album available at CDBaby, MP3‘s on inworld MP3 kiosks, and Torben’s weekly inworld performance schedule posted on his website www.torbenasp.com, it is not difficult to find Torben‘s instrumental journey. His website also offers a taste of a few of his compositions and a link to purchase his new CD “Senses”. Once there, one can also explore Torben‘s Diary of his upcoming travels on the grid and canvass the review page that could leave you with a burning question “Does he water his plants?”. 9
Live music on the grid allows exposure to a multitude of genres. Torben Asp had made his imprint on the grid, and is excited at being able to present his personal style and genre. “I feel I have made some rings in the water....now people should just discover the rings and try to find the center of it.”
Advertiser Index Circes´s Circle of Sound » 10 Corona Villas » 19 DreamSphere » 30 Ravenlong Productions » 42 FCMC Radio » 8 Fire n Ice » 40 In the Garden » 38
JustSoul Promotions » 10 Kaelaidoscope » 1 Majestic Weddings » 25 Moondoggirl » 11 MP3 By Me » 15 SL Live Radio » 46 Taj Hejem III » 31 The Stream Team » 44
By Marjorie Schlossman
Chapl’s Salon Players Chapl Paisley loves music and loves her friends and combines the two in her RL living room by broadcasting chamber music into Second Life. An abstract painter, Paisley, also a violinist, learned about broadcasting into Second Life when she met SL music guru Reslez Steeplchase at her own solo art show in the lobby of Small World gallery. The staff at the gallery learned that she played the violin and asked her to perform in conjunction with the exhibit. She bought some equipment and soon she was broadcasting into the gallery with her friend Charity Zipper on piano. After such an exciting experience, playing for friends and gallery visitors, Chapl was hooked.
Pianist and cellist, MaryBeth Brim joined Chapl Paisley for another couple of concerts. Former Metropolitan Opera tenor, DonJose Highbrow and accompanist, Diva Haystack presented a charming concert of Viennese love songs. Most recently violinist Ndugu Magic and his RL wife, pianist Wisdom Magic, performed an eclectic concert of magical, virtuoso music, on the heels of their RL worldwide concertizing. Paisley hopes to share the wealth of her marvelous, musical, RL friends list with the people in Second Life in futur concerts. Stay in touch. You are always invited to join her.
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A Slurreal Crossover Von Johin hits the Big Time
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By Taff Nouvelle
With his raspy blues-man voice and his smoking guitar, Von Johin expertly captures the audience and manipulates them into a spiraling ecstasy, first with a slow direct number, then he will pick up the tempo or for contrast, sing a spiritual tune, performing both call and response himself.
Von Johin began playing in SL after a friend he talked to in a Nashville grocery store, himself a musician, told him about the music scene in Second Life ™.
Von Johin is a blues man, just a man and his guitar, playing real blues to a worldwide audience and preferring to keep his RL and SL name separate. In real life, he has been playing for many years and has played many gigs from small clubs to venues like the Haight Street Fair in front of tens of thousands of people. He has been there, done that.
Von Johin a contract. But when they called him in IM, he was skeptical, and didn’t really rush to answer.
Talent scouts with Reality Entertainment, a real world multimedia company looked around SL for some time and, after seeing many of his shows, offered
The scouts called a few more times and then showed Von the wesite to prove they were serious, also calling his RL/SL wife Harlee. Reality Entertainment plans to release tracks on electronic media available 14
through the usual outlets, I-Tunes, Amazon, Rhapsody etc, under his SL name. Some of his music is also available for free download at: http: //www.thesixtyone.com/vonjohin “Never before has a virtual character been signed to a worldwide recording contract,” stated Warren Croyle, CEO of Reality Entertainment, the company that signed him. “Von Johin is legendary in in the virtual community Second Life for his heart-pounding live shows.” A publicist for Reality Entertainment told Listening World about the company‘s plans for Johin via e-mail. “Von, as an avatar, will play all his shows in Second Life, and they‘ll continue to be free,” he explained. “As for touring,
Von is already playing a fully booked schedule, but Reality is planning a big in-world event in addition to that.” Von Johin plays regularly in SL and is one of the many professional musicians who make a living from doing so, is this the way that recorded, and a lot of live music is going? As Von himself says, playing in SL is a fun way to play to a worldwide audience from the comfort of your own home, no drunks, smoky clubs or traveling. Check him out.
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The Perfect Show By Summer Serra
Venue owners and Event Hosts take upon a variety of promotional tools as they: • Clarify artist’s rate and stream info during the booking. • List event times and details in the SL live music events listings. • Display upcoming-show information in the venue. • Utilize group notices.
He took a step back to admire his surroundings. His successful and reputable venue was a result of hard work, a desire to have the best and the ever present drive for achievement. His hired staff also reflected his work values. The swell of the music and the roar of the crowd was proof that all his event preparations worked exactly the way he had planned.
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• Provide their knowledgeable staff with the ability to change land media available for stream setup. • Greet all attendees sincerely, and welcome them back for future events
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A well prepared artist‘s performance will reflect during the show, if the artist: • Clarifies in detail the agreed terms, date, time and stream information for gigs. • Organizes a calendar to keep booking info and details such as contact person, date, time, and stream, up to date. • Has a set list or keeps all music together within reach and well organized for quick sheet recovery to avoid dead air.
The set was flawless, a fact known long before the final song. The shows rhythm was in perfect harmony with the audience’s vibe. The fan group numbers were sure to soar after this gig. A smile quickly changed to a grin as the artist realized the secret ingredient to performing in this new media medium…
• Tests stream before show for connection, balance, mics and stream rate checks. • Turns down game volumes, phones and any other items that may be heard over the stream. • Arrives early at the venue for any tip jar or other promotional item placement. • Has available a biography note card and promotional poster graphic for interested venues. • Develops a fan group to promote future show notices. • Expresses appreciation of attentive audiences and venues.
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A concert just is not a concert without an audience. Luckily live music events are plentiful and you can: • Find live music performances listed in events listings. Join favorite artists fan groups for advance show notices.
With headset cranked, her slipper adorned feet tapped along to the beat. Pajama cladden and comfortable, she watched as her alter ego performed intricate dance moves without a single stumble in her heels. She and her friends had been waiting for this show impatiently since they had heard about it a few days earlier. The performance was well worth the wait, it was fun, energetic, had met all her expectations… it was the perfect show!
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• Applaud and cheer for the artists if the show is enjoyable. • Tip the artist if you wish. • Tip the venue to help support the cost of live music. • Limit use of auditory gestures and voice chat to keep the performance enjoyable for all. • Invite friends if you find yourself at an amazing show!
The live music scene in SL is the perfect medium for artists to present their creative work and for music lovers to discover new voices and sounds. A few simple steps are all that are necessary for a successful production that promotes music, creativity, camaraderie and healthy entertainment! 24
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Sunshine Daydream Amphitheatre By Jess Oranos
“Great day for a concert” was the last chat I saw before the LM popped up on my screen. And so we were off, to see a live concert venue in SL. 27
Beaming in, the first thing to catch my eye is that the Sunshine Daydream Amphitheater is tastefully adorned with a charming shopping area bordering the venue. I am tempted to shop; my partner eagerly goads me on.
As we glide through the brightly-colored beaded curtains hanging in the doorway, I feel a dimensional shift, something very fuzzy, that I‘m certain is, or was from my memory. I‘m there in a hall that might have been inspired by the good faeries
of all things ethnogeny. The purple/black lighting, and the large fluorescent poters, a speckling of stars on the horizons, it’s edging me on to the surreal. That fuzzy deja vu resurfaces, and I find myself trying to remember...when or even if, 28
“I´m turning in circles now, awed. Sometimes rezzing is a blast.” I visited those stars? The floor rezzes now, morphing in a ballet of shapes and colors, borne of vitamin A. Now there is a balcony overhead. I see more posters, and color explodes everywhere from the predominately black background. I‘m turning in circles now, awed. Sometimes rezzing is a blast. The Sunshine Daydream Amphitheater is a humble, yet magnificent homage to the Grateful Dead. The famous Deadhead Logo, is repeated out and inside along with other images of the band. The patrons about me are enthusiastic deadheads too; with the conversations always meandering back to the Dead. 29
On Thursdays event is an open mic. Open mic sessions are a vital part of the LIVE concert scene in SL. A seasoned and accomplished artist, coming into SL, still has to start at day one, like everyone else. Open mic sessions offer artists the opportunity to tweak up the sound qualities and orient themselves to the medium. A fascinating thing about the Sunshine Daydream Amphitheatre is the formula they use for their weekend Open Mic sessions. Dubbed as, “Pass-TheMic“, a performer steps up and delivers 3 tunes (and there‘s a tradition of taking a drink before your set), before abruptly passing the mic to the next performer. 30
This continues in a circle, with artists joining or leaving as the day progresses. It has become quite lively here now, everyone arriving to a warm welcome from the hosts and friendly guests. The performers are at ease, carrying a jocular banter amongst themselves and the audience. The great vibe seems to be flowing to and through everyone.
Sandi Benelli and Destiny Lehmann, the Sunshine Daydream Amphitheater is a choice landing point for new artists, a delight for deadheads, and a well renowned venue for LIVE music fans.
On Thursdays, The Sunshine Daydream Amphitheater hosts an Artist Showcase where they like to see new artists take the leap to the one-hour performance. Founded by SL performing artist Grateful Stryker, with SL music scene veterans,
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The Soundman, a column dedicated to music production over the internet. If you have any questions or problems setting up equipment to play live music in SL, this is the place to ask for help. The Soundman has been a sound engineer in RL for over 30 years, a guitarist for longer than that, and an electronics engineer for even longer still. Soundman, has helped people in SL to set up their sound for the past several months, styles ranging from rock bands and accoustic players to classical piano and violin. From setting up to broadcast, to optimizing your sound, ask and we will answer.
Send your questions to musicmattersmagazine@gmail.com, Subject The Soundman
6 Quick tips.
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THE SOUNDMAN
• When setting up for broadcasting, always remember that every com ponent in the sound chain will effect the final sound. If there is one thing that spoils the sound, it is usually the mixing desk. Try to ensure that the equipment you use, is the best you can afford. • I would recommend the Yamaha MG range desk, or a small Soundcraft. Some Behringer desks are useable but the smaller ones can have power supply problems. • Microphones are another weak link. Mics dont have to be the most expensive, there are some really good budget mics around, and some real rubbish as well. Always remember that a mic is designed for a specific job. One that is great for singing will not always be a good choice for a piano or guitar. • Outboard – This is the name used for things like compressors, noise gates, de-essers etc. With careful setting up you can get away without using these, however, a good compressor can make a huge difference to the sound quality by eliminating peaks and dips in sound level. • Remember that what you are doing when you set out to broadcast over the internet, is in effect setting up a recording studio. The same rules apply for recording and broadcasting, • The Soundman will be available to answer questions on this page and can be available to help you set up live. Drop your questions and comments here, have a great show, see you next time.
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Gibson Island By Cypress Rosewood
Legendary Gibson Guitar Corporation gives us landmarks for our inventories and sets a new landmark in innovation in SL, catapulting SL Music to a new level. One of the most exciting developments in Second Life‘s live music scene, is the
and electric guitars. The Gibson HUD 1.0 is slated for release this month, adding more features to the guitars and offering dynamic information to avatars. All merchandise is free on Gibson Island. Gibson also hosts concerts 6 days a
decision of legendary guitar maker, Gibson Guitar Corp. to build their first islands on the SL grid. Having a history of incorporating high technology to build community and communication with their clients and fans, Second Life was a natural progression for Gibson. Their choice to build a website in 1995 made Gibson the first major music manufacturer to have internet presence. Now they are the industry 1st in building community and supporting musicians in SL. Gibson builds the finest of SL guitars. They give them away all over the island, free, donating over 26 guitars including acoustic stringed instruments
week, and pay musical talents for their live performances. Gibson Island is a sim for musicians, clients and fans alike.
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Gibson Island brings many new people to Second Life. Upon first visit, you will likely see many noobes who are real world Gibson fans. Contests also draw avatars to visit Gibson Island.
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Currently, Epiphone has launched a real life giveaway contest and every SL avatar is invited to enter. An Epiphone Masterbuilt acoustic guitar, with a list price of $1498.00, like legendary blues artist, Von Johin‘s, will be given away on October 31st, 2008. An exciting new SLCN.tv network show, Gibson Music TV will launch in September with interviews and live music from legendary RL musical artists. The premiere show features Bluegrass music pioneer 37
Doug Dillard, with more greats to follow every month. In addition to all the services and entertainment that Gibson is offering the SL avatar, they have also pioneered a very simple but effective way to deal with trademark infringement issues. Gibson decided to build scores of the best SL instruments available, and then give these virtual Gibson guitars away free. Why would anyone buy a bootleg Gibson guitar when they can have the best, the 38
official Gibson SL guitar for free? Their action effectively reduces bootleg guitar builders selling any virtual Gibson instru-ments and helps to set a positive precedent for future companies who deal with trademark issues. So whether you are walking through the Gibson Forest, listening to live music at one of the many venue spots, watching countless movies of legendary guitar players, climbing the giant mandolin on a rope, listening to Radio Free Gibson 39
or an audience participant in the Gibson Music TV show, you will find Gibson Island is all about the SL avatar and helping to foster the live music scene of Second Life.
Click Info for mo re on Gibso n Islan Contest d 40
Open Mic Directory Open Mic Venues listed by Day of the week. All times are Second Life Time (SLT). This list is correct at time of printing and will be updated regularly.
SUNDAY Aquastar Ballroom Time: 1- 4 pm SLT Genre: All Run by: Shellie Boucher http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Dozer/85/44/38
Le Cafe Melancolique Contact us for sumissions, corrections, questions and for… Advertising!
Time: 4 pm SLT Genre: Poetry - Every other Sunday Run by: Setsuna http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Saint%20Clara%20Island/144/102/51
Shooting Star Time 9 -11 am SLT Genre: All Run by: Ann Wunderland http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Everything/74/63/28
Starbrook‘s Coffeehouse Merry Prankster Called Pickers Party (Pass th Mic) Run by: Diana Singh Time: 7 - 12 pm SLT Genre: All Run By: Creola Deledda, Zany Xevious http://slurl.com/secondlife/Prankster %20Isle/130/129/56 17 41
Sirens Grotto Run by: Diana Singh Time: 2 - 5 pm SLT Genre: All (30 or 60 minute sets) http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Koala%20Point/172/60/421
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MONDAY
TUESDAY
Starbrook‘s Coffeehouse
The Slow Rezz Cafe
Time 6 -8 pm SLT Genre: All Run by: Jenda Starbrook or Kimala Kohime http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Moxie/112/124/26
Time: 7- 9 pm SLT Genre: All 30 minute slots Run By: MincedMedia Clip, KaityRuth Banks http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Athena%20Isle/217/164/23
San Padre Outdoor Concert Area B
Lonely Yak Texas Roadhouse
Time: 9 am - 4 pm or later Genre: All Run by: Tex Seesaw http://slurl.com/secondlife/ San%20Padre/229/41/23
Time 6 - 8 pm SLT Genre: All Run By: Jane2 McMahon http://slurl.com/secondlife/ BlaksleeWorld/225/225/25
Tantalus (Beach Stage)
Catcher in the Pie Cafe
Time 11 am - 8 pm SLT Genre: All Run by: Shrike Rossini or Bubbles Lurra http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Opportunity/75/127/23
Time: 2 pm SLT Genre: Poetry Run By: Voodoo Shilton http://slurl.com/secondlife/Twist%20 of%20Fate/222/202/25
MJ‘s Blues and Dance Club
Merry Prankster
Time 5-8 pm SLT Genre: All $1000L prize + a Fri Nite Gig Run by: CapnJac Blazer http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Kohr%20Ah/118/43/21
Time: 7:30 - 10 pm SLT Genre: All Run By: Creola Deledda, Zany Xevious http://slurl.com/secondlife/Prankster %20Isle/130/129/56
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WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
The Velvet Manor
Starbrook‘s Coffeehouse
Rhapsody in Blue
Heaven
Time: 5-8 pm Genre: All - 30 min slots Prize included Run By: Davwi Uggla http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Fumb/81/33/611
Time 6 - 8 pm SLT Genre: All Run by: Jenda Starbrook or Kimala Kohime http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Moxie/112/124/26
Time 1 - 3 pm SLT Genre: All - 30 minute slots Run by: Dweedle Coronet Formal Dress http://slurl.com/secondlife/ UNIVERSAL%20ADVERTISIN/ 169/203/22
Time: 2 - 5 pm SLT Genre: All Run by: Malibu Whitfield or Patrick Werribee http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Heaven/208/132/21
The Wild Rose
The Hummingbird cafe
The Goat
Time: 7 am-12 pm Genre: All Run by: Iowa Sideways http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Iowa/131/75/28
Time 4pm SLT Genre: All Run by: DimiVan Ludwig http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Menorca/46/7/24
Time 3 - 5 pm SLT Genre: All - 30 minute slots Run by: Mikki Freschi http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Bowie/65/37/22
Accapulco Mall Time: 7- 9 pm Genre: All Run by: Elphaba Thibedeau http://slurl.com/secondlife/Valle% 20Hermoso/69/210/29
The Slow Rezz Cafe
Helle‘s Angels Music & Art Club
Tantalus
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11- 2: 30 or 3 pm SLT Genre: All Run by FinalSaga Sodwin http://slurl.com/secondlife/Taean/ 61/176/69
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