"Practice! Practice! Practice!" I can hear my childhood piano teacher now, as if she gave me a lesson 2 days ago. But for realizes, she was on to something, "Preach sista!"
All musicians have heard it a million times and all musicians know it’s the truth, yet often, it feels like a chore and is pushed further and further down on the to-do list.
Indaba Member J-Tarin found a way to make it fun, and attributes his production growth to the many opportunities he’s entered as his form of practice.
Yeah, that’s all pretty awesome, but Tarin points out some of the things he’s gained that are not in the form of cash. He says, “Indaba does a great thing…they give musicians new opportunities which allow us to improve on skills in production, mixing, remixing and engineering—even writing.”
He explains that the time he’s spent practicing has proved invaluable. You just never know when someone fancy will need quick, high quality work.
"I carried those skills outside of the Indaba Community, and then I received a phone call in late 2011 to work with Tyrese on his album, ‘Open Invitation’. I was ready, and it looks like the hard work paid off because I am now a 2013 Grammy Nominee for my work on that album… we didn’t snag the Grammy, but just to be nominated is COMPLETELY UNREAL to me!”
Tarin jokes that we have received the highest of internet browser honors, “indabamusic.com – one of my top bookmarks on my bookmark bar.” So maybe practicing isn’t so bad after all? At least not when you do it on Indaba Music.
With a killer remix of Zeds Dead's "Demons", the Maniac Agenda took home the grand prize: a flyaway to perform at Camp Bisco.
As one of the most renowned Electronic Music Festivals in the world, Camp Bisco is a three day long show-stopper event. People from all across the country come to the festival to camp out and share their love of music and entertainment. For the Maniac Agenda, it was a return to their roots.
"We first experienced Camp Bisco in 2009, which changed our musical journey forever," said the group. "So to play it this year was like we were coming back home." And indeed, it was quite the homecoming.
The Maniac Agenda made the most of their festival experience, mingling with countless other artists, musicians, and producers. A highlight for them was the opportunity to meet KJ Sawka, the celebrated drummer, who they've been collaborating with online.
They cited KJ's futurist project with Downlink and Excision Destriod as their favorite performance of the festival, and were honored when he came out to see their set as well. The collaboration between the Maniac Agenda and KJ Sawka will be released soon.
While visiting the festival as a fan is one thing, the band's chance to perform took the experience to another level. "This was the perfect opportunity to showcase some of our new tracks and get experimental in our performance, which really paid off," said The Maniac Agenda.
Being able to play at such a historic event and in front of so many people is quite the achievement. Their experience at Camp Bisco was certainly both awesome and unforgettable. Coming off the high of their successful Camp Bisco performance, the Maniac Agenda has some more excellent opportunities to look forward to.
The group's winning remix of "Demons" on indabamusic.com was noticed by Grammy winning producer Robert Fusari, who hired them to remix the track "Any Where but Here" for his upcoming group Cary Nokey.
In addition, the band is hard at work on their debut album, "Through Fire & Flood." To get a free download of a live acoustic version (and a sneak peak of the plugged in version too) of their upcoming single "Flooded", click here.
Singer-songwriter Nesta has quite the connection to Indaba Music. Last year, users had the chance to remix Nesta's song "Stay." "I was completely blown away with the response from the Indaba community, and extremely impressed with the talent and the scope of music that came back from that contest," said Nesta. And while it was indeed difficult to pick a winner, one remix stood out to her above the rest.
"I think the reason that his song was the winner for me was that it really resonated with my vibe," she said of Emmet's remix. "It had some of those European electronic elements, it still had some of that good California drive and beat, and I'm a California girl. It's been an amazing experience because we've continued to work together and now we're in to our seventh song together."
Lucky for fans, they'll now get to experience those songs for themselves. Nesta's new album, Levitate, was just released on September 21st.
The album features "Stay" as well as seven other brand new original tracks. The album also includes an appearance from Soular Order, another Indaba artist. Remix fans can also check out the single for "Stay", which features eight different versions of the popular tune!
Three Indaba users are featured on the single release, including Freddy Emmet, Chryzma, and Andrea Marras. When asked about her experience working with Indaba Music, Nesta had only good things to say.
"I think it's inspiring for all of us because we're all in the trenches every day trying to make this work for ourselves, trying to get our craft and our art out there, and websites like Indaba make it possible not only to collaborate, but to get those remixes, and get those songs, out in the world," she said.
Nesta, whose Northern-California roots have always given her a sense of community, is also a fan of how many EDM artists manage to work together. "I grew up going to a lot of hippy festivals, a lot of reggae festivals, and one of the things that I loved about that was that there's such a community at those events. I think that EDM, the electronic world, has really captured that again for us and for our generation, has brought that back into the concert-going experience."
According to Nesta, Indaba is one of the reasons why the EDM community is able to collaborate so well.
"Indaba's done a great job with the way they've set up their platform to really encourage artists to collaborate. I've worked with people all over the world, and not met them in person. I really appreciate that Indaba has stayed on the forefront on this trend of working remotely and has given us a really beautiful platform to do so."
For more information on Nesta visit her website, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Be sure to download a copy of Levitate on iTunes now!
Also, Nesta is giving away a $100 gift card to Guitar Center to one lucky musician to say thanks for all of the support from the Indaba community. Click here for details! Check out Nesta's official music video for "Stay":
Alex Wells – Dude, you’re only 18? This mix is brilliant. My only slight criticism is the vox are too dry during verses.
Do1 R – Great job. Its instrumentation reminds me of tracks by Smash Mechanics, Phaze’s other project. The drops are all on point – they make the arrangement interesting. The vocals did slide a bit toward the end. This track was definitely a finalist for me. Can I get a WAV? I will def spin this when I DJ. Reverb on the kick? Ballsy move but it works. Let’s finish working on this together.
Barry Felipe – The only thing missing is a good mixdown. Although the production chops are not there, the track is bangin’. I am def down to help you finish the mixing and mastering. We’ll talk.
Phil Turney – Also a finalist. Yours was Richie Roxx’s pick. Well produced, nice beats. Again, good use of new and old parts. Sick effects too!
Miss G – Love that filtered gtr and the use of our Juno chords.
Especially like the way you cut up the vox. That one synth loop
arpeggio thing threw me off, though. That’s a tough sound to hear over
and over again.
Noah & the Man – Nice big & full sound and great arrangement. Bassline was a little too “in your face” for me, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that you kids know what the hell u r doing in the lab. Very pro.
Coleman Trapp – Good track and slick move to add an MC.
Lars – Interesting use of shuffle and off-beat stuff. Very original. Amazing tape sounds in intro.
L-D – This one shows that you will probably by a millionaire someday by making a huge dance rock hit. However, I think it needed more variation. Too much of the same gtr loops. Listen to some Chemical Brothers and beats made for the Beastie Boys and you’ll hear how they keep the monentum by having sh*t constantly change.
Tomas L – Phaze & I both love the way you re-used our parts. Beat is a little simple for my liking, but you should be proud, this is great work man.
Mike K – Dope production. Def a fan of the 808 rim madness that you have, the vox fx, and the kick is sick too (although slighty too loud). Richie Roxx loved this one as well.
Rick Sankev – Wow this is different. Love the samples and your unique approach. Nice vox processing & switching up the beats and timing of vox. Dope.
Secret Stash – I loved the old school breakers beat and the BDP/JB stab. Vox timing needs some work, though.
Vit – Let me tell you how psyched I was when the contest started and the first mix was awesome! Nasty synths, sickness.
This was an incredible experience all around. We’ll def be doing this again soon. Thanks Indaba and all the participants.
Southern twang, punk, and funk: David Pastorius, the bass player from Elephant Gun, talks about why music collaboration is so important to them. They’re diverse, open-minded, talented, and they could be on their way to the 2011 NAMM conference! Want to here what these Florida boys had to say?
Hi David, Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. I know you and your band have been very busy lately, can you describe your sound for our readers?
As our music is fairly diverse, we consistently hear different opinions on our sound. It really depends on the song the listener is hearing. I’ve always thought of it as a mix of southern, punk, funk but, that’s just my take on it. What would you call it?
Our users are constantly collaborating and giving each other feedback. How has music collaboration played a roll in the music creation process for Elephant Gun?
Most of our songs are written by our guitarist Trevor. But, at the same time all three of us put our own musical spin on it. We are all very open to different musical ideas. Each of the band members listen to a very wide-range of musical styles and collectively, what influences us personally has an overall effect on what our combined sound has become.
We hear that you’re involved with an Ampeg contest. Can you tell us a little about that experience? Is there somewhere that fans can vote?
This is really crazy. I didn’t even know about the contest until I learned we were a top five finalist. Trevor signed us up for it. We were all really surprised. This could be a really good opportunity for us if we win. The winner of this competition wins an all expenses paid trip to Nashville to perform live at the Guitar Players Superstar event at the Summer NAMM 2011 Conference. We can also win an Ampeg bass rig and guitar stack. So, please vote for ElephantGun! CLICK HERE
Before joining (or creating?) Elephant Gun, when and why did you pick up the bass?
When I was fifteen a buddy of mine happened to be a bass player. I was at his house and he was playing the Chili Peppers’ version of “Higher Ground” and I thought it sounded cool. I actually asked him what instrument was he playing. He said “It’s a bass you idiot, your Uncle played one!” Soon after I got my own bass and I have not stopped since. It is a great instrument and I am very happy that I not only keep the low end tight and solid for the band, I am also allowed to stretch and get melodic with my lines. Each member of the band likes to groove so, we do!
Do you have any technique tips or recommendations for our bass players on Indaba?
Keep an open mind when it comes to music. It might be the music that you had stayed away from in the past that lifts your playing to a completely new level. Like all musicians, we continue to learn and accepting new music is key to that growth. Always stay humble. And, don’t forget to vote for ElephantGun!
Well, we wish you the best of luck getting to NAMM! You know, we have several songwriting contests these days. Do you think Elephant Gun is going to step up to the competition on Indaba Music?
Sure! Indaba Music provides outstanding opportunities for musicians around the world. With today’s technology, it is now possible to work with world-class artists of today; and, make money from it! How great is that?! Today you can be a basement musician and actually make a living with it. Music AND money? Now, that sounds like fun.
This month, we announced winners for our first ever guitar contest. There was a showdown of riffs and a heavy dose of super rockin’ solos for everyone involved. It was Kevin Curry, a studio musician and foodie from Vegas, that came out on top. Find out more about his winning entry and upcoming food show below!
And stay tuned for a special interview with Staind later this week…
Hi Kevin! Thanks for chatting with me today. Where are you recording?
I’m out here in Las Vegas, Nevada.
You’ve been on this site for a year and you’ve earned yourself your first Grand Prize Win. How did you initially stumble upon our site?
I actually found out about Indaba through another remix site.
That site was slowing down, and a few people mentioned Indaba Music and the Peter Gabriel contest ” Games Without Frontiers. ”
That was a great contest. I’m glad you found us! Can you talk to me about your experience and success in Staind Opportunity?
I had a lot of fun with this contest. It’s the first guitar contest I’ve seen on Indaba. Also it’s the first guitar contest I’ve entered. I have entered several remix contests here and other sites, and have had a lot of fun with those. I try to play everything I get my hands on, but guitar is my main instrument.
So when I saw, then listened to STAIND’s “Not Again” I thought, “What a cool song to solo over!!!”
At that time there were only 50 entries. When I turned my solo in on the last day, there were around 400 or so. At the end of the contest there wound up being 457 entries, including mine.
I recorded the guitar tracks on a ProTools rig here at my home studio, “Kevinth Heaven.” And for the gear heads; I used a Charvel Model 4 with a Kahler and a Boss GT-8 into a Steve Vai Carvin VL100 Legacy Head. I used a 1978 Marshall 4 x 12 cabinet with Celestion Greenbacks close miked with a new Shure 57 microphone. For the acoustic guitars, I used an old Yamaha EG-150 miked with a AKG C451EB. Also a 1960 Gibson Les Paul Classic re-issue was used for the drop tuned Bass lines.
#1 out of 457 entries AND you’re going to be released on the official iTunes deluxe pack!
I’m ecstatic !!!
That was my main motivation for joining the contest. I originally thought, WOW, I’d like to be on that record. Not to mention own a Mike Mushok Paul Reed Smith Baritone and receive a Guitar Center gift certificate! I’m still waiting for someone to say, “Just kidding, they didn’t pick you.”
Well, I’m here to say you definitely won! Sounds like you put your whole heart into this contest, what did winning mean to you?
I’m proud, honored and blessed that they actually heard my solo and chose it.
It’s pretty exciting. Kind of like “American Idol” for guitar dudes. You should always hope to win, but when you do it’s like, “Really?”
You’ve said a bunch of “thanks you’s” on the wall. With all of the talent on Indaba, you seemed pretty surprised that you won.
Yea, me, and I think a lot of other guys, were real surprised. There were some unbelievable guitar players who entered. I heard solos that were downright amazing! Stuff I would never ever be able to play, even if I practiced for the rest of my life!
I started to approach this contest as probably every guitar player would, or did: ”I’ll pull out all of the stops !!! I’ll play some Wa-Wa, some Slide, some E-bow, I’ll Slice It and Dice It, I’ll double everything !!!”
Then once I started, I realized none of that stuff would really fit the song. So instead, I visualized the band coming to me and saying, “Hey, ya wanna play a solo on this song?” Sure, I’ll come up with something and see if you like it. What do you know…
So, what are you working on now!?
I’m always working in my studio. Audio and Video. I do a lot of outside work, but I have quite a few of my own projects. I do a wide variety of things. House, Hip-Hop, Pop, Blues, Metal and Country, etc… I’m filming a video now for a country project that I’m doing called, ”Kevin Dean Curry and the Nedrecks.” It’s a whacky band of misfits that I created. Look for the video soon!!!
I’m also producing a Pilot for a food show called, ”STEER AND LOAVING IN LAS VEGAS” (everything from steak to bread).
It’s basically me and my friends from the Entertainment business, going to eat and hang out at “Old School” and “New Cool” places Vegas has to offer that are off the beaten path.
Sounds delicious! We wish you all the best.
Thank You! And once again thanks to STAIND, Mantis Evar and the entire staff at Indaba Music and Atlantic records. And of course, THANKS TO ALL Of THE GUITAR PLAYERS WHO JOINED THE CONTEST!!!!! ROCK ON BROTHERS!!!!
