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“Social Media Sadness” is the 5th release by Armada Named Sound, and electronica project which is diverse, highly artistic, and entertaining while still having multiple layers in the songs produced, thus one might indulge in the music or go a bit deeper and understand that each song is a story of its own.

“Love me, hold me, dance with me” is the opening track: Fast paced, synthpop track, with lush soundscapes and a fragile, melancholic voice, singing about a girl looking for love on Tinder.

“SMS” is a very particular track, in the sense that it gives a first impression of being just a bouncing electro-pop song, but the main instrument here is Irony. Keeping that in mind, opens a door to a much deeper understanding of the song, a door I highly recommend you should go ahead and open!

“TLDR” is most likely inspired by genres completely different, one can hear distant jazz references, even a slight influence from 60s psychedelia. What a great way to talk about people’s ridiculously short attention span nowadays.

“Too many Words” is an “Out of this world” track, sounds like a bonus track finding its way here. Again, ironically, there are no lyrics, just music. And as a final touch, it is great in its simplicity and beauty.

Check out this brand new EP, well thought of music with great production value, especially if you like surprises and twists in music!

Credits:

Released December 1, 2018

All music, including all instruments, vocal lines and bass lines, written by Spiros Maus

All vocal melodies written by Spiros Maus, except Track 4: Vocal melodies written by Bellabeth

Arranged, recorded, mixed and produced by Spiros Maus

All bass parts recorded by Eli K (Tracks 1,2,3)

Voices:

Lead vocals on Track 1 by Yeva

Lead vocals on Track 2 by Toni Nzilani Francq

Lead vocals on Track 3 by Sofia Woolfe

Lead vocals on Track 4 by Bellabeth

“Batman” vocals by Spiros Maus

All lyrics written by Spiros Maus

Mastered by Andrew Mitchell at audio Bay Mastering, U.S

Cover artwork by The Phantom Wanderer

All rights reserved 2018

A&L is using music to express the need for love and acceptance!

A&L is releasing their 8th single We Are Love. A&L’s new song We Are Love celebrates diversity, acceptance and love! With a Beatles inspired string arrangement, and and upbeat feel, you will get lost in the melody and the message. “We hope to share a positive message that we feel is needed in today’s divided world.” says Anthony Casuccio.

A&L was started by two seasoned industry professionals: Anthony Casuccio and Lana Marie. Anthony is a 20-year music veteran whose production work has been nominated for three Grammy awards, been featured in major music publications and topped the music charts. Anthony’s received RIAA certified gold records for his production work. Lana is an award-winning vocalist who has been a long-time force on the NY music scene and voice to many jingles on radio and television. Although both have worked in the music business, neither has released original music before creating A&L after they worked together on a few jingles Casuccio was producing.

Adding to the success of A&L is Rich Smith who has been behind the drum kit since A&L’s 3rd release, Smith is a hard-hitting rock drummer who always puts song writing and band chemistry first. Smith’s raw energy and powerful technique drives A&L’s live shows and bleeds through the song compositions. And Matt Sunick, whose bass playing has been influenced by progressive roots, gives A&L that groove and feel that they have been striving for.

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The past 4 years have included various live shows, radio interviews and features in leading music publications. Their songs have been in rotation on over 150 radio stations both terrestrial and internet based all over the world. Their videos have been featured on top video sites. They have released eight singles over the past four years and released an EP with an additional song. A&L has received radio play in over 70 countries. Their single Cliché released in the summer of 2016, peaked at #9 on the Euro Indie Music Top 200, was on the countdown for over 3 months and made the Top 100 songs of 2016.

The winter release Singing My Life Away peaked at #3 after 31 weeks on that chart and made the top 50 Indie songs of 2017. A&L’s other songs have also charted on that countdown as well as in other countries. Their videos have topped various popular video platforms. Recently A&L’s Winter 2018 release Tell Me When It’s Over peaked at #16 on the Euro Indie Top 200 and has charted on other world-wide musical charts.

Let’s say you are in possession of the best banjo and have been practicing for years without any meaningful improvement. Since your Banjo Instrument is good quality, then what is preventing you from becoming a better banjo player?

Many instrumentalists are facing this problem today. After practicing for years, they hardly make progress.

If you are not happy with your status as a banjo player, do not worry because help is right here for you. These 8 tips will make you a better player whether you are learning with a cheap banjo or not.

Always Remember to Warm Up Before Practicing

It is common for athletes to warm up first before going into action. They do this for two main reasons, though there could be other reasons; one is to avoid injury and the other is to be in a sporting mode.

The same thing applies to banjo players. You can come up with effective warm-up exercises that will specifically work on your left-hand techniques or right-hand picking patterns besides the banjo music.

The duration of warm-up is different for different players. Some might need just a few minutes to become ready, while others can take up to 40 minutes to be fully properly warmed up.

Learn to always practice within your zone. It is better than wasting your time and energy doing something that is extremely difficult for you.

Be Consistent with Practice

One proven way you can get better with banjo guitar playing is to practice regularly. You need to practice as often as possible even though it is just for a few minutes after work.

Waiting for the right time or spending longer time to practice on some few days will not make you progress faster; remember the saying that “practice makes perfect”.

Unzip the banjo case, remove the instrument and place it on a stand. Seeing the instrument everytime you step into the practice area will lure you to pick it up and practice.

You don’t need to worry about exposing too much of the banjo parts since the instrument is out of the case. Just ensure your practice area is conducive.

Get the right banjo

You will find many types of the banjo for sale but whatever choice you make should be centered on the genre of music you are venturing into.

You’ll find the 4 string banjo, 5 string banjo, and 6 string banjo. You have to decide if you will be interested in rock, country, bluegrass or any other music before buying a banjo.

For instance, the banjolele (4 strings) is a versatile banjo suitable for Irish music, Dixieland, bluegrass and classical.

Also, ensure that you have the right banjo string on that will be more comfortable for your fingers.

And do some light banjo tuning before each practice session to get the right tone.

Be a good listener

Being a good banjo buyer and player entails more than just sourcing for information online. You must also be a good listening in order to become a better player faster.

Take out some time to listen to banjo music on the genre you are interested in. Listening to musicians who are ahead of you performing at concerts or any jam session will make you better.

Have future goals

Your banjo price or worth will not make you become a better player; what will is the commitment you make. You need to set realistic goals; set short term, medium, and long-term goals to help you stay motivated.

Setting goals will also make you accountable and be able to assess your progress. You will be able to determine how much progress you have made.

Lower dependence on Tablature

Tablature is another word for written music. There is no doubt you’ll be exposed to many tunes amounting to hundreds including subtleties of a pro banjo player, but overusing it isn’t a good option.

Though you will learn how something is being done with tablature, having the ability to read as well as play tab should not be confused with being able to play the banjo.

You may do well to internalize the sound you are hearing so that you can pay full attention to what you are playing.

Final Word

Many claim the Fender banjo is one of the best, but whether you are learning with the electric banjo or an acoustic-electric banjo made by Fender will not make much difference.

Though good quality means access to go features on the banjo whether you will get better is up to you.

 

 

Some People think guitar is very confusing instrument and how its can be play and can get better sounds. Here I given below how you must learn before playing guitars.

Understanding How the Guitar Works

It is one of the fascinating questions beginners often ask. In fact, understanding how these instruments (electric and acoustic guitar) will make you appreciate the device the more.

The Electric Guitars

The pickup seated on the body of the electric guitar act as a magnetic field. Anytime you fret the metal strings, it vibrates and produces a current which does which the magic (not magic but science).

The pickup then picks up and transmits the current through a preamp circuit with exceptional tone controls to the instrument’s cable and in turn to the amplifier.

The duty of the amplifier is boosting the signal; it also helps to modify it with distinctive tone controls and effects based on the sound waves.

Things you need to play the guitar (electric & acoustic)

These are vital accessories you have to budget for if the instrument you bought doesn’t have them.

Strings

There are different kinds of strings on the market. But choose your new strings according to your playing style, the frequency of play, the tone you want and music genre.

However, you will find a bunch of strings with coated and uncoated treatment. The coat-treated strings help to prevent the guitar from corrosion more.

Picks

The pick though inexpensive is one of those things you need to play the guitar. Though not everyone likes using a pick to play, the pick can make some difference.

The many pick options available makes selection more difficult. But if you are finding it hard to find a suitable pick for yourself, this tip should help.

Tips

• Choose thinner picks if you are a strummer
• Choose heavier flat-picks if you are a player that likes to traffic more in single note soloing.
• Choose medium picks for playing styles that combine both approaches.

Strap

Straps are also one of the things you need to play the guitar.

The strap helps to keep the instrument stable as you unleash your guitar skills to the world. And if the guitar you have is a bit heavier (like the Gibson Les Paul) Padding the strap will help prevent your shoulder from injury.

So make sure you get a strap to keep your shoulder safe and play with much comfort.

How to Extend the Life of Your Guitar

 

Good maintenance is the best thing you can give to your new guitar if you want it to last longer. Just the way we wash our car, the guitar also needs such attention but in a different way.

The steps we have listed below are pretty simple but effective. They are what any beginner can do without stress.

 

1. Use a case

A friend of mine would always say, “Do not just get a case but use it.” If you are buying a new guitar, remember to get a case. The case is your first line of defense against possible corrosion of the strings.

By keeping the guitar in a case, you are doing it a favor by regulating the environment and preventing atmospheric moisture from corroding the guitar strings.

Tip

Buy a hard case to protect the instrument from bump as well.

2. Buy coated strings

Coated strings are a great option for heavy players. The coating reduces their risk of corrosion. It might also be helpful for beginners who like practicing often.

There is also this zeal always to want to pick up the guitar when you finally buy one for the first time.

Tip:

Buy high quality coated string that sounds the way you like

3. Wipe the strings after playing

Your guitar will not sound or perform well once strings start to corrode. In fact, it will become more challenging to play. The fingers release moisture and oil on the string, most especially after heavy fretting.

So if you return the guitar to its case without wiping the strings, corrosion may set in.

Tip:

Use a clean cloth to wipe the entire length of each string.

4. Keep your hands clean

Just the way you wash your hands before eating to get rid of gems, you also need to do the same for the guitar.

You are ignorantly loading the strings of your guitar with not only oil and moisture but germs anytime you pick it up to play without washing your hands.

Just this small hygiene or habit, can extend the life of your investment (guitar).

Tip

Wash your hands before touching the strings. Make it a habit.

5. Consider using cleaners

Cleaners have long been in existence. In fact, they are one the things that can keep your guitar strings in good shape. You can find quality cleaners online too.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS :

1.  Which should I begin with, an electric or acoustic?

Both guitar options are great and selecting any is a matter of personal preference.

However, an electric guitar is much easier to play, but starting with an Best acoustic guitar is an ideal way to build finger strength.

 2. How do I know the right time to change my guitar strings

Once you notice the strings have dull colors, sounds poorly, dead or muted, then its time.

Many beginners don’t know the strings on their guitars are dead until they put new strings that sound different.

3. What is an electronic tuner?

It is an electric device used for tuning the guitar. It is a handy tool for budding players as it makes tuning very easy and accurate tuning is easily achieved.

I use the Sabine brand, but you can find other good options to use.

4. How often should I practice to get better?

If you are the type that plays for only fifteen minutes every week, then your improvement might be slow.

You will notice some great improvements when you practice for at least fifteen minutes or more every day.

In fact, you will see some changes on your fingers after a period of one week.

If you are learning the ukulele and have reached the point where it seems like you are not making any meaningful progress, then this article is a must-read for you.

The thing is that there is a stumbling block preventing you from making progress. It could be a bad habit or incorrect routine. Whatever the case may be, this guide will help to set you on the right path to learning and become a better ukulele player. So read on.

1. Get good quality ukulele that holds tune well

Learning how to play the ukulele is a great experience and you feel very happy as you start practicing and playing new songs.

Most players will tell you they want the best ukulele for beginners because investing in the wrong ukulele can frustrate one’s musical journey.

A ukulele that doesn’t hold tune well will require you to tune almost regularly as you play. You hardly can get the right note while playing and you can’t get the notes of the songs you are listening to right too.

However, buying the best ukulele does not mean you are done with tuning the instrument. You may only require light tuning before you start playing. And even after robust strumming and extended practice, the instrument should be able to maintain its tune.

2. Tune Each String Properly Before You Start Playing

Another reason your ukulele may not be sounding right is poor tuning. We sometimes forget to tune before playing especially when the excitement is so high.

Playing ukulele that is sounding poorly can hinder your passion for playing. The feeling is even worst when you are practicing a new song because no matter what you play, you will never get the notes right.

Before you start playing fully, check to make sure the instrument is properly tuned. You can tune manually or use an electric ukulele tuner.

Most people who don’t have much experience on tuning the ukulele manually prefer the use of the electronic tuner because it is much easier, faster and accurate.

The manual tuning will require more time to practice and master. You have to train those ears to be able to identify how each note sounds.

3. Hold Your Ukulele Correctly And Observe The Right Posture

If you want to learn the ukulele faster and avoid getting stuck, learn how to hold the instrument while playing.

Unfortunately, most beginners don’t know how to properly hold the ukulele. Others don’t attach any importance to it. The ukulele is meant to be enjoyed while playing.

Feeling any form of strain or weakness after playing for a while is not right. Not holding the ukulele properly while playing can result in discomfort and pain that may hinder you from progressing or enjoying yourself.

The right posture we are talking of is not to sit upright. You can sit down while playing but ensure you don’t arch your back. You have to keep your back straight all the time.

The next thing to do is to support the ukulele below your chest. Your forearm should hold the body of the instrument in position. The hand you normally use to hold down chords while playing gives the final support.

4. Learn These 5 popular chords

The 5 popular chords we are talking about are; C, G, F, D, A. These chords are commonly used in most songs you will be learning as a beginner.

There are hundreds of chords you need to still learn as you progress, but these are the most common chords you will encounter more in most of the songs.

To learn these chords, I would suggest you make use of a metronome. Use it at a low pace but progress steadily increasing the speed. You also need to take some breaks as you practice. Do not practice for an extended period without observing any break.

5. Hum Songs While Playing Slowly

Playing and singing at the same thing is challenging for most players, especially beginners who are just starting out on playing the ukulele. But there is great fun when you master how to sing and play at the same thing.

In this section, you can hum while playing and at the same time make use of a metronome to pace yourself. You can start with the down-down strumming pattern. Continue by playing a section of the same song repeatedly while humming.