10 FOR TUESDAYS - MONKS OF MELLONWAH PART TWO

If you were stuck on a desert island, which other artist would you want to be stuck with?

Muse for sure! I think that band would be awesome to be with. I’m guessing we have our guitars and drums so the jamming and ideas would be unreal, but watching videos of them back stage and interviews, they seem like they would be heaps of fun to chill with and most importantly a good laugh.

10 FOR TUESDAYS - MONKS OF MELLONWAH PART ONE

Welcome back to our '10 For Tuesdays' series, this year we have band Monks of Mellonwah to answer our questions. So lets get straight into it!

When did you start making music and what was the main reason behind it?

By the end of our high school days we had all become pretty aware of each other’s skills as musicians. Josh (drums) and I (Joe) were in the same music class and were awesome mates so we had been jamming on and off for 2 years before we really considered the idea of a band. In late 2009 when we heard Will sing for the first time it kinda just clicked for us both and we knew we had an opportunity for something special. Me and our other guitarist back then Vikram turned to my brother John to ask if he was interested in playing the bass for us. He had always been a guitarist and was the reason I picked up the guitar, and he loved the idea. So I guess it just went from there – we all loved our music and we all loved each other so it was such a perfect thing.

THIS WEEKS MUSIC NEWS (30TH MARCH)

Justin Bieber released his highly anticipated new single 'Boyfriend' earlier this week. The song feature production and co-writing credits from Mike Posner.

CREATING A DEMO

Welcome back to our musicians info series. In today’s addition, we will look at the importance of creating a demo for your band. A demo is short for demonstration and that is exactly what it is, a demonstration of your bands songs. When a band is coming up it is important that they create a professional sounding demo as this will probably be the first bit of music that most people hear of them. I am going to break down the most important aspects of bringing a demo CD together.

10 FOR TUESDAYS - FRANCIS BOWIE

Welcome back to our weekly '10 For Tuesdays' features where we ask musicians/producers and also our own staff 10 questions of our choice. This week we have singer-songwriter Francis Bowie in to answer our questions. So lets get straight into it.

When did you start making music and what was the main reason behind it? When I was about eight years old. I apparently just have to do it.

Who are your main influences?

Placebo, David Bowie, The Doors, Roxette, The Cure.

THIS WEEKS MUSIC NEWS (23RD MARCH)

After a turbelent start to the week for N-Dubz and X-Factor star Tulisa with the leak of an old sex tape onto the web, we finally get some positive news with the first play of her new single 'We Are Young' earlier today on the Chris Moyles show.

CELEBRITY PROFILES - LABRINTH

Welcome to the second instalment of the 'Celebrity Profiles' series. In this instalment we will be profiling singer/songwriter/producer Labrinth.

Labrinth first appeared in the public eye when he produced Tinie Tempah's first two singles 'Pass Out' and 'Frisky.' However he had been busy honing his craft way before that having grown up in a very musical family with 9 siblings. His first big production credits came when he produced the majority of Master Shortie's debut album and this led to him being offered a publishing deal with EMI, this then led to him working with the majority of the UK’s finest Urban artists.

10 FOR TUESDAYS WITH MIKE MOSS

This week we have given singer-songwriter Mike Moss the task of completing our '10 For Tuesdays. So lets get straight into it!

When did you start making music and what was the main reason behind it?

I was at school and I remember going out and buying a 4 track recorder.  I put it in my bedroom alongside my mic and my amp, but I didn’t even own a guitar at this stage!  The first song I ever wrote came from a short composition that a friend of mine had left on that 4 track recorder, combined with a poem I’d written to create a very early version of what is now ‘Morning Call’ on the album. 

Who are your main influences?

My musical tastes are quite eclectic and always have been.  There are obvious choices such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, George Harrison, and U2.  On other days you could quite as easily find me listening to Metallica, ACDC, Paul Oakenfold, The Prodigy, or Matt Monro.

THIS WEEKS MUSIC NEWS (16TH MARCH)

This week the line-up for Reading & Leeds festival was announced with The Cure, Foo Fighters and Kasabian set to headline.The festival will take place during the August bank holiday weekend (24-26th.) You can see the full line-up below.

I'm sure everybody would think the highest earning British musician in America last year is Adele, however in actual face singer Sade beat her to the crown. Sade is said to have earned £10.5 million through touring and her CD 'The Ultimate Collection.'

New music releases this week include albums from Marcus Collins, Estelle and Michael Kiwanuka and singles include releases from Jay-Z & Kanye, The Maccabees, Miike Snow & M.I.A. This weeks midweek charts see Gotye hanging onto their top spot in the singles chart for the third week running and Bruce Springsteen topping the album chart.



And finally for this weeks weird and wacky video. This week we have a Skateboarder/Parkourer (is that a word?) Just watch and be amazed!

PROMOTING YOUR MUSIC ONLINE

With the introduction of the social networks it has become a lot easier to promote your band over the internet and if used effectively can even lead to an artist/band being signed (if that’s what you want.) The big advantage to internet promoting is that it can be done at little or no cost. This article has been written to provide you with a few tips to help you with your online promotion.

10 FOR TUESDAYS - BOODDHA

Welcome back to our '10 For Tuesdays' feature, this week we have Dutch producer Booddha going under the spotlight. So lets get straight into it.

When did you start making music and what was it that led you to start?

I think it was about 4 years ago, I was already really deep into electronic music and I wanted to give it a try for myself. I started reading massive amount of tutorials and made full albums to try everything out.

What software do you use to make music?

Well, friends laugh at me for using it but I started using FL Studio and I still use it. I am not ashamed of it haha. Just as long as you don’t call it “Fruity Loops”

STEVIE SB PRESENTS "THE WEEK" EPISODE 3 (PODCAST)

Welcome back to 'The Week' presented by the one and only Stevie SB. 'The Week' is a weekly podcast rounding up the weeks biggest music news and this week we have a special song written and sung by Stevie himself, what more could you ask for?

THIS WEEKS MUSIC NEWS (9TH MARCH)

British Band The Wanted are this week celebrating some chart success stateside. Their first release in America 'Glad You Came' has charted at No.4 in the America singles chart (40 places above other Brit Band One Directions first release.) The band were also part of a recent filming for the next series of Punk'd where one of the band members was arrested in a prank.

10 FOR TUESDAYS - EL. TRAIN

Welcome back to another edition of '10 For Tuesdays.' This week I am going to be putting myself through the vigorous questioning! A little background on myself, I am a producer, I produced both my own stuff as well as production for look bands and also remix work. So lets get into it.


When did you start making music and what was it that led you to start?
My interest in music probably began when I first picket up the guitar aged 14/15. After a while I wanted to be able to record my own stuff so I got myself a copy of FL Studio and began learning about creating beats, playing the keyboard and also using live instrumentation such as my guitar.

THIS WEEKS MUSIC NEWS (2ND MARCH)

The NME Awards took place earlier this week with Florence + The Machine and The Foo Fighters the big winners. Florence picked up the Best solo artist and Best song awards, where as the Foo Fighters took home Best International Artist and Best Film.

CELEBRITY PROFILES - FEARNE COTTON

Here's another new monthly feature for you guys, the 'Celebrity Profile' series. In the first edition we profile Radio/TV personality Fearne Cotton.

I don’t think a day will go by when you won’t see Fearne on your TV or hear her blasting out of your Radio. She is one of the most popular presenters on UK Television and Radio and since bursting onto the scene as one of the host of GMTV’s ‘The Disney Club’ in 1997 at the tender age of 17, she has gone on to appear in such shows as Children In Need, Top Of The Pops and Celebrity Juice to name but a few.

10 FOR TUESDAYS - WHAT IF.....PHARRELL WILLIAMS (PART TWO)

In 2005 Pharrell was voted as Esquire magazines ‘Best Dressed Man In The World.’ He has been seen by many in the world as a major fashion icon and has worked with the likes of Louis Vuitton and other big brands on numerous products.

Pharrell is a massive Star Trek fan and was inspired to name his record label ‘Star Trak’ after the franchise. You will also notice his use of the Vulcan Salute in many pictures.

10 FOR TUESDAYS - WHAT IF.....PHARRELL WILLIAMS (PART ONE)

Okay for this weeks ’10 For Tuesday’s’ we are going to profile super producer/artist/designer and much more Pharrell Williams. We are going to delve deep into his life and hopefully bring you 10 interesting facts that you did not know about him. So lets get straight into the action.

 

Pharrell is one half of the production duo ‘The Neptunes’ with long time friend Chad Hugo, but I bet you don’t know how the two met. Back when they were at school they both attended a summer camp for musicians. From then on they formed numerous bands, which eventually led to the formation of ‘The Neptunes’, and as they say the rest is history!

THIS WEEKS MUSIC NEWS (24TH FEB)

The Brit Awards took place this week and there was massive controversy when producers cut short Adele's speech half way through due to an over running schedule. Adele was fuming and showed producers the middle finger whilst leaving the stage.

HAS MUSIC GONE DIGITAL - PITCHFORK MEDIA

Hey StudioBookers once a month we are going to take a look at some of the music industries biggest publications in our latest feature 'Has Music Gone Digital?'. For this first edition we are going to take a look at Pitchfork Media.

Pitchfork Media is an Internet publication that was established by Ryan Schreiber in 1995. The aim of Pitchfork is to provide its readers with music criticism, commentary, news and artist interviews. Originally it was set up to provide information on independent music (mainly indie rock) however over time they have extended their coverage to include electronic, pop, hip hop, dance, folk, jazz, metal and experimental music.

10 FOR TUESDAYS - KRUISEMODE

Welcome back to our '10 For Tuesday's' series. This week we have New York based producer Kruisemode. So lets get straight into it.

When did you start making music and what was it that led you to start?

I started making music in high school back in 2006. At the time I was probably the biggest Bloc Party fan on the face of the planet so a lot of my music sounded very influenced by them. I used to use Audacity with a free drum machine that I downloaded and recorded everything live one track after another. What lead me more into the beat production side of things was the ‘Silent Alarm’ remix album. After that, a friend finally introduced me to DAWs and here I am now. Back then I was more of a house music junkie so most of my early productions were of that genre.

THIS WEEKS MUSIC NEWS (17TH FEB)

The Grammy Awards took place last Sunday and the big winner of the night turned out to be Brit Singer Adele. Adele took home 6 Grammy's equalling (held by Beyonce the record of most gong's taken home by a single female artist in one ceremony.

THE WORLDS GREATEST RECORDING STUDIOS - PART ONE

Welcome to StudioBookers 'Worlds Greatest Recording Studios' series. In this feature we will aim to take a look at some of the worlds best studios past and present and attempting to detail what makes them so great. This first edition will see us take a look at Abbey Road Studios, Motown Hitsville USA, Electric Lady Studios and Olympic Studios.

10 FOR TUESDAYS - ED LEIGH PART TWO

How do you think the Internet has helped musicians?
The Internet has made it so much easier for musicians these days. At one point it would have been solely up to getting gigs and finding representation to build a fan base, working your way slowly to the top. Now however, someone can be as well known as The Who were without even leaving his or her bedroom. It allows the freedom to reach out to virtually anyone you want in the world without directly dealing with anyone. Websites like Soundcloud have made it so much easier for any artist (no matter how talented) to be seen by a huge audience, which is great.


What advice would you give to an up and coming producer/artist from your own experiences?
I would say most of all, don’t be afraid of rejection, and speak to as many people as you can. It’s all about getting in contact with the right people. But you don’t want to be coming across the wrong way so I’d say it’s vital to be friendly with people and take any criticism you get in the most positive of ways. Also, you should be as passionate about other peoples music as you are with own (or vice versa).

10 FOR TUESDAYS - ED LEIGH

Welcome back to our '10 For Tuesday's' series. This week we have Preston based producer Ed Leigh. So lets get straight into it.


When did you start making music and what was it that led you to start?
I officially began producing music in around 2008; this was achieved via my brother’s iMac and messing around in Garageband. I like to think I started trying to make my own music when I began playing the guitar, which was at the end of primary school (around 2006). Once I’d learnt a few chords and scales I just loved trying to come up with my own sound.


What software do you use to make music?
I am now an avid Ableton Live user. I did try Reason for a while, which was good, but it didn’t allow me (personally) to utilize the skills I had as a musician as opposed to a producer.

THIS WEEKS MUSIC NEWS (FEB 10TH)

First up Jay-Z & Kanye West released the long awaited video for their track 'Nigg*s In Paris' yesterday. The video was filmed during the L.A. leg of their 'Watch The Throne' tour.

ADVERTISING YOUR STUDIO

Why is nobody using my studio? Why am I not making any money? Are these questions that you find yourself pondering on a regular occasion? Then hopefully this guide will give you a few tips to help you promote your studio.

10 FOR TUESDAYS - DEEPAK SHUKLA PART TWO

What musicians are you listening to at the moment and who is your tip for future success?

I’m a big fan of Ed Sheeran and Jessie J at the moment. I really like what their introductions to the music scene in the UK has done for the industry. And their acoustic/edgy/raw and personable approach really appeals to up and coming musicians and the average consumer who can identify with their journey alot more.

10 FOR TUESDAYS - DEEPAK SHUKLA

Welcome back to our '10 For Tuesday's' series. This week have a very special guest, StudioBookers company founder Deepak Shukla. Deepak graduated from the University of Warwick in 2008. After leaving as a consultant for Deloitte and also as a graduate employee for Mediaedge. Deepak then decided to follow his love for music and spent two years running his own recording studios beginning from his home in West London. From this he developed a second studio in a commercial unit. From the experience he gained running two studios, he decided to set up StudioBookers to help studios and musicians alike in a very difficult economical climate.


First of all tell me a little bit about who you are and one interesting fact people may not know about you?

My name’s Deepak Shukla - I’m the founder of StudioBookers! I have a background running a recording studio of my own, so have spent my time with alot of musicians looking to lay down vocals on premade production and perfecting their sound.
And an interesting fact...I’m going to be running a marathon in Seville in Spain in a few weeks!

THIS WEEKS BIGGEST MUSIC NEWS

Rapper Drake has broken the record for the most number one singles ever on the Billboard Rap chart with 11 overal number ones (beating P.Diddy's 10.) His tracks; 
Best I Ever Had, Forever, Say Something, Over, Fancy, Aston Martin Music, Moment 4 Life, I'm On One, Headlines and Make Me Proud all reached the top of the chart.

Earlier This week the Grammy Nominations were announced with Kanye West receiving a grand total of seven nominations. Adele, Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars all received six, with Lil Wayne, Skrillex and Radiohead receiving five. The 54th annual awards ceremony will take place on February 12th.

CHOOSING A STUDIO TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS

As a band/artist, when identifying a studio, it is very important to pinpoint exactly what you are looking for as a client.  Your choice of studio will be affected by your recording needs. Are you a singer looking to record vocals or will you need to record a whole band. This guide is designed to help artists recognise what is important for them when choosing and booking a studio for recording.

10 FOR TUESDAYS - ASYLUM PART TWO

What do you think are the most unique challenges faced by an indie artist?

Indie music is so samey these days, it’s a matter of keeping it fresh. I honestly despair at some bands because its the same old song just different people doing it, hence why I have massive love for music in the 70s and 80s...it seemed to mean more then, and as a band we try to get that across...music means something to us. Not just money...we make music because we really do love it.

If you were stuck on a desert island, who would you want to be stuck with, musicians or otherwise?

I would love to be stuck on an island with Jimi Hendrix. I don’t think that needs explaining does it? And John Bonham...the best drummer ever...machine!!!

10 FOR TUESDAYS - ASYLUM PART ONE

Welcome back to our ’10 For Tuesday’s’ series. This week we put our questions to ASYLUM drummer Arun Brar. The band are a three piece punk/rock band out of London with Anlon O’Brien on Guitar/Lead Vocals, Ryan Burnett on Bass/Backing Vocal’s and Arun obviously on drums. So lets get down to business.

When did you start playing an instrument and what was the main reason behind it?

I started playing guitar when I was in year 5, so I would have been 10. I finished playing around the age of 13-14. I now play drums and have been since the age of 16. My main reasons for playing a musical instrument was because I wanted to change the face of music and to a certain extent I still do.

Tell me a bit more about your bands music?

We are a punk/rock band who play music loud and try to make it about the content and getting a message across. We, as a band, are very left wing and we take pride in the fact that it helps us express our views on a small public scale. The world is a fuc*ed up place and here in Britain we have a lot of problems and the average person is being taken for a ride by people who are simply out of touch with what the average person needs and wants.

THIS WEEKS BIGGEST MUSIC NEWS

Welcome back to our weekly music round up, bringing you the best of this weeks music news.

Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts and worldwide superstar Rihanna have signed up to take part in a new fashion design reality TV show. The shows overall winner will get the chance to dress Rihanna for her headlining set at this years Wireless Festival. The show is due to air on Sky Living later this year.

Read more after the jump.

10 FOR TUESDAYS - FOND OF RUDY PART TWO

What do you think are the most unique challenges faced by an indie artist?

As the music charts in recent times has contained dance and pop music, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for indie music to make an impact. The challenge is to create music that is original and will get people listening in such a dance orientated climate.

If you were stuck on a desert island, who would you want to be stuck with, musicians or otherwise?

Being stuck on an island with Beyonce wouldn't be too bad!

10 FOR TUESDAYS - FOND OF RUDY

Welcome to the second edition of ’10 For Tuesdays!’ This week we have put ten questions to the front man of Brighton based indie band Fond Of Rudy. So lets get straight into the action.

When did you start playing guitar/singing and what was the main reason behind it?

I first started playing guitar about four or five years ago. Me and fellow band member Paul came to an agreement one day that we would start picking up the basics for guitar and eventually start making music. We both purchased cheap guitars from local guitar stores and got cracking. As we were both at different universities (St Mary's and Portsmouth respectively) we would set each other goals to reach by the end of each month and that was a big driving force behind my learning. 

Tell me a bit more about your music?

If I had to put a genre behind our music, I would probably say that we mix pop, rock, indie and a bit of reggae, quite a big fusion I know but we are still figuring out our sound and enjoy experimenting with different styles of music. We think it is important to be original and catchy. When we write we always strive to put our stamp on our music. We like to make music that audiences can dance to and be entertained by when listening to it, with the possibility of inspiring them to get involved in music/take up an instrument and create their own music.

THIS WEEKS BIGGEST MUSIC NEWS

Welcome to StudioBookers weekly music news round up, delivering you the best in music news every Friday.

First up The Brit Award nominees were announced at the back end of last week with Ed Sheeran, Jessie J and Adele picking up multiple nominations.

Cheryl Cole pipped Simon Cowell in a poll for the best TV judge in a poll ran by Virgin Media.

Single releases this week include songs by Florence & The Machine, Swedish House Mafia vs Knife Party and The Ting Tings. The Big Pink and Enter Shikari have also released their new albums.

10 FOR TUESDAYS PART THREE

“Studio choice is always a difficult process, and StudioBookers are helping that process become easier, and more convenient.”

If you were stuck on a desert island, who would you want to be stuck with, musicians or otherwise?

Haha! I've always imagined being asked this in an interview, yet I've never thought of an answer! I'd say someone like Zooey Deschanel, as she'd be really nice to look at whilst marooned and possibly starving. Also she's a musician as well as an actress (film being another subject I'm obsessed with), so the conversation between us would go on forever!

10 FOR TUESDAYS PART TWO

“Social networking has now become an essential tool for ANY musician, and it's so easy now to keep track of your fan base through mediums like Facebook and Twitter.”

Who would be your favourite artist to collaborate with?

Locally (Isle Of Wight) – Meet The Public, Stu Collins and Blackhouse Crew
 

Internationally – Lady Gaga