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.