Celebrate Bluegrass Month With Us This Wednesday Night With Dyer Switch Band At Nick-a-Nee’s

by Katie Murray | May 9, 2018 | artist stories, Blog

Celebrate Bluegrass Month with Us This Wednesday Night!

By: Katie Murray

MAY 9th, 2018

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

With Dyer Switch Band At Nick-a-Nee’s

Welcome to bluegrass month! To kick it off, we want to share with you some information on this week’s featured “Bluegrass Throedown” act over at Nick-a-Nee’s.

As lovers of all things acoustic, we at Your Heaven Audio are dedicating the month of May to bluegrass. We’ve chosen the genre as our theme this month because it originated in the south, and we’re super excited to be attending Summer NAMM this year in Nashville. To prepare, we’re on the lookout for some quality live bluegrass anywhere we can find it!

Bill Munroe, often referred to as “The Father of Bluegrass”

Photo by Thomas S. England via Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Bluegrass is an all American form of music, and its creation is credited to Bill Monroe (often known as “The Father of Bluegrass”) and his band The Blue Grass Boys. Traditional bluegrass bands generally involve banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and stand-up bass. Since our CloseUp System is ideal for amplifying, and isolating the natural sounds of acoustic instruments, we’re really interested in the bluegrass genre. Conveniently, one of our favorite spots here in Providence hosts what they call Bluegrass Throedown every Wednesday night. We’re talking about Nick-a-Nee’s, where the music is great, and there’s never a cover. Nick-a-Nee’s is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pooch along for the fun!

Nick-a-Nee’s features both local, and touring artists for their weekly bluegrass night, and this week’s act has been playing live around the Northeast, Midwest, and the South since 1992. They call themselves Dyer Switch Band, and the group seriously exemplifies why we’re so excited about bluegrass. Not only are they a lively bunch bursting with energy, but we love their skillful pairing of acoustics, and embellished vocals.

The Dyer Switch Band

Image via Brantling Bluegrass

Check out our Your Heaven Audio CloseUp System on the Products page.

The band features Nashville recording artist Bob Bates, Bruce Barker (who once played with a band who opened for Joan Jett!), JoAnn Sifo (who composed a song which topped European music charts), and Chris Schultz (formerly the lead banjo player for Flood Road). Dyer Switch Band has performed at festivals across the country including The Central Indiana Festival at Bean Blossom, the Tri-State Bluegrass Festival in Kendallville, Indiana, and the Stringbean Festival in Kentucky. They’ve also played at plenty of fairs, renowned coffee houses, and performed live on a number of radio shows. The group even had the opportunity to open up for Ralph Stanley.

Want a sneak preview to get you excited for Wednesday night? Check out the video below to see the energetic crew sing Sweet Blue Eye Darlin’ at their CD release concert two years back.

If you’re as excited about bluegrass as we are, and as eager to catch this bunch in action, come out next Wednesday night to Nick-a-Nee’s from 8:30 to 11:30. We’ll see you there!

5 Trending Self-Promotion Techniques for Musicians

by Katie Murray | Apr 11, 2018 | audio how to, Blog

5 Trending Self-Promotion Techniques For Musicians

By: Katie Murray

APRIL 11th, 2018

AUDIO HOW-TO

Putting yourself out there

In the competitive music industry, it’s important for new artists to stay current with their promotional tools in order to stand out amongst increasing competition.

Promoting music isn’t what it used to be, and most artists are already well aware of how important their online, and social media presences are for their careers. Everyone has an Instagram, so how can yours stand out from the rest? With such a wide range of true talent these days, self promo is the key for up-and-coming artists to increase their followings.

Image via The Creative Issue

1. Expand Your Content on YouTube
I daresay all new artists are aware of YouTube and the ways that the video sharing website can help promote their music, or simply share their talent with the internet through cover songs. YouTube is a great tool for posting your footage, but it’s necessary to think outside the box. Try creating multiple channels, and sharing your behind the scenes footage through video diaries. These can include what goes on backstage when gigging, or the process of recording music for instance. This is a way to connect with your audience and tell the story of who you are. Your channels might include one “official” channel, one for video diaries, and one for cover songs. The more exposure you or your band get, the better. Check out James TW’s tour diary below for some creative inspiration.

Image via Food Advisor

“People who use Instagram to follow artists and bands spend twice as much on music each year, as compared to the general population and music fans who use other social media apps.”
—Paolo de Valle (cuepoint)

2. Clean Up Your Instagram, and Start Interacting!
Most artists have an Instagram account, but there are ones who utilize the app’s potential, and ones who just use it to share pictures and announce gigs. According to a Nielsen music study done by cuepoint.com, “People who use Instagram to follow artists and bands spend twice as much on music each year, as compared to the general population and music fans who use other social media apps.” So, we know it’s an important promotional tool, but how do you separate from the rest? It’s great to inform your followers on what your playing schedule looks like, and when you’ll be posting new music, but being too repetitive gets boring after awhile. You want to keep your content varied, and interesting. Try not to post too often or too little, either one may result in some unfollows. Remember to keep it interesting! Make your posts more personal, and welcome your followers into your life beyond your gigs. You also want to try to interact with users as much as possible. Try sending a direct message thanking new followers, and linking them to your new music. You could try using Instagram’s live video feature, or simply respond to user’s comments on your pictures. It also helps to push followers to comment by saying in your caption things like, “Tag a friend down below who loves acoustic guitar!”

“AWAL enables independent artists and labels to get onto iTunes and its ilk.”
—Simon Trask (Sound on Sound)

Check out our Your Heaven Audio CloseUp System on the Products page.

3. Distribute Your Music Online, and Utilize Top Streaming Services
This is an important one for sharing your music with the world, and there are so many different streaming services today, it may get confusing. Spotify accounts for 36% of music streaming services worldwide, so it’s a good place to start. If you’re signed to a record label, your music is probably already on Spotify. If not, you can find instructions on the Spotify website for how to get your music on Spotify without a label or an aggregator. If this is the case you can use companies like AWAL. Simon Trask from Sound on Sound magazine writes, “One highly evolved organisation whose very name calls the need for record labels into question is AWAL, or Artists Without A Label. Like CD Baby, AWAL enables independent artists and labels to get onto iTunes and its ilk.”

“Stickers, pins, and patches are also a great promotional tool – the low price you can sell them at makes them much more impulse-buy friendly.”
—Carlyn Hill (Threadless)

4. Merch It Up
Who doesn’t love stuff? Make a logo, or find a designer who can make one for you, and use a website like CustomInk to make all sorts of fun merch. Of course it’s profitable to sell T-shirts, but it’s great to give away low cost freebies like stickers to get your name, and logo out there. You can also use your merch for giveaways. For example, create a contest via social media stating that those who follow your Instagram, and subscribe to your YouTube channel may have the opportunity to win a sweatshirt with your logo printed on it. Not only are you increasing your online following, but you’re getting that extra exposure from the person wearing your sweatshirt around! “Stickers, pins, and patches are also a great promotional tool – the low price you can sell them at makes them much more impulse-buy friendly,” Carlyn Hill from Threadless tells us.

5. Reach Out to Bloggers
Email blasts to your followers are great for sharing updates on your music and your schedule, but try reaching out to bloggers, too. Here at Your Heaven Audio, we’re always excited to hear and support new artists! We’re more than happy to check out and review your EP, and we’re probably not the only ones. Plenty of other music blogs will likely want to hear your best work and spread the word. So next time you’re about to send out some emails, write up a quick message with a link to your music, and send it over to your favorite guitar blogs asking for a review. A good review is a fantastic way to get discovered, and increase your following.

Local Music Highlight: Rob Ranney and Allison Rose Live at The Met

by Katie Murray | Mar 24, 2018 | artist stories, Blog

Rob Ranney and Allison Rose at The Met

By: Katie Murray

MARCH 24th, 2018

ARTIST STORIES

Local Music Highlight

A favorite venue and two unbelievably talented artists made for an ideal evening of live music at The Met.

The sign of a beloved Rhode Island music venue

Image via Sully’s Cafe

As most Rhode Island music junkies know, The Met is the ideal spot for local artists of multiple genres to strum guitar, sing a few numbers, and hypnotize an audience in the most intimate, yet comfortable of settings. The cozy interior design, the roomy updated warehouse-like feel, and the walls decorated with witty rocker-themed art make for the most attractive, and inviting environment. There are few venues in the area that live up to this place, but it’s the music of course that keeps us coming back for more.

PeaceLove: an organization dedicated to helping “people create peace of mind through expressive arts and storytelling”

Image via PeaceLove

On March 8th, the organization PeaceLove put together a live performance featuring Rob Ranney, and Allison Rose. The original music and lyrics from both of these insane talents were enough to stir the entire audience, while their sweet, and humorous personalities added vivacity into even the silent moments between songs. By the end of the night, the place was bursting with creative energy.

“Of course it’s always awesome when you can get a room full of adults to sing N’Sync and other 90’s throwbacks.” —Rob Ranney

Rob Ranney playing at the Met

Photo by Katie Murray

Check out our Your Heaven Audio CloseUp System on the Products page.

The unquestionably talented Rob Ranney hopped on stage first for his solo set. His acoustics were rich. His voice was warm, and smooth with a relaxing quality to it which set the mood for the night. At first listen, I found myself captivated by his original numbers such as “Sidewalk Romance”. Both lyrically, and melodically, each song was more heavenly to listen to than the next. He shook up the room with an epic mash-up of covers that had the entire crowd singing along. About the show, Rob had to say: “It was my first listening room show since college, and I was curious how my original songs would go over. The crowd was so warm and supportive, it definitely gave me some encouragement to go finish the other originals in the queue! Of course it’s always awesome when you can get a room full of adults to sing N’Sync and other 90’s throwbacks, so I probably won’t stop doing cover gigs either.” A truly skilled musician, Rob’s authenticity was clearly noted through his passionate nature during his set. Beyond the music Rob is a magnificent photographer, and videographer as well. A man of many hats, and a true treasure of the Rhode Island arts scene, I encourage you check out his instagram for some serious creative genius.

Up next was Allison Rose, and as soon as she took the stage I sensed, and adored her Sara Bareillis vibe. Allison hopped back-and-forth from guitar to keyboard, and also had bandmates join her on stage for a few numbers. Her powerful, silky vocals were awe-worthy from the very first note. Allison’s cover of Julien Baker’s heart-wrenching “Go Home” had the room silent with sentiment, as did her absolutely touching originals such as “Providence”. Her moody, and melodious songs were intensely sweet-sounding, and her emotional messages translated flawlessly through her art.

Allison Rose at the Met

Photo by Katie Murray

At the end of both sets, the pair got up on stage together to perform their rendition of the late Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’”. It quickly became one of those moments during which I found myself smiling without realization; chills ran down my spine as I radiated with appreciation for such a soul touching moment. When the song ended, each audience member was left in a musical trance, with a full heart, and ears that were ringing in the best possible way. Check out Rob’s and Allison’s websites for more info on the talented two, and check out The Met for information on upcoming live events.

Finding an Instrument as Unique as the Artist

by Katie Murray | Mar 9, 2018 | audio how to, Blog

Finding an Instrument as Unique as the Artist

By: Katie Murray

MARCH 9th, 2018

AUDIO HOW-TO

Three High-End Mandolin Makers to Discover

The classic image of a mandolin in action, fingers flying across the frets

Photo by Kate Brady

The mandolin is a vital part of many musical genres, from folk to classical. Recently, it’s become popular among modern performers who are just as fun as the instrument they play.

The lute, a common feature of many classical portraits

Image via William Goldstein

Having derived from the old-fashioned lute, the mandolin is a very old instrument. As enthusiasts know its eight strings are quite small in comparison to the guitar, and they create a beautiful higher pitched sound which set them apart from other stringed instruments. The acoustic loudness of the mandolin also make it a better live performance tool then say, the ukulele. Whether you play for leisure, or for work, innovative manufacturing processes involving CNC machines allow boutique luthiers to offer each musician an original mandolin which musically, and visually encompasses who he or she is as an artist. Having an instrument which chimes exactly how you want it to and looks as stunning as you dream it should offers the absolute best of both worlds.

Steve Sorensen, holding one of his Sprite Two-Point style models

Photo by Hermon Joyner

“Picking up one of Sorensen’s mandolin, you are struck by the fine workmanship, but once you strike your first note, the quality of the sound really hits you.”
– Hermon Joyner

Steve Sorensen of California loves to embrace the fact that he crafts his mandolins differently than the traditional Gibson and Lloyd Loar models. He’s not interested in the cookie-cutter method of building instruments, rather he looks at it the way he looks at making wine, another trade of his. Making wine is a long process, and one that requires patience. To Steve, building mandolins is quite similar. He believes that each mandolin’s sound develops over time, and he feels that his instruments “scream beautifully.”

The custom inlay work on a Sorensen F8 mandolin

Photo by Steve Sorenson

Check out our Your Heaven Audio CloseUp System on the Products page.

Themandolinplayer.net tells us “Picking up one of Sorensen’s mandolins, you are struck by the fine workmanship, but once you strike your first note, the quality of the sound really hits you.” Sorenson also has a background in design, and this is shown through his detail-orientation and his articulate craftsmanship. Overall, Sorenson knows what serious mandolin players are looking for, and he’s making instruments which fit their ideals. For an in-depth review of one of Sorenson’s A-model mandolins called The Sprite, check out this article from JazzMando.com.

Louis Stiver shapes a piece of wood

Photo via The Mandolin Player

“Stiver’s mandolins have earned a reputation for impeccable fit and finish, easy playability, strong volume, and clear tone.”
–Hermon Joyner

The back of a Stover model

Photo via The Mandolin Player

From Pennsylvania Louis Stiver has been making mandolins by hand since 1970, and has been playing them since he was a teenager. Louis began building at a time when one-person mandolin shops were not as popular as they are today. He began by tracing the outline of a standard Gibson F-model, and from there he established his business. Themandolinplayer.net tells us “Over the years, Stiver’s mandolins have earned a reputation for impeccable fit and finish, easy playability, strong volume, and clear tone.” Louis’ methods haven’t changed much over the years, other than his basement workshop having evolved technologically. His mandolins are currently made using red spruce tops, and figured maple. It’s not the money that drives Louis, rather it’s his passion for the mandolin, and the fact that he enjoys being his own boss. As a result of choosing his own hours, Louis says he hasn’t worn a watch since mandolin building became his full-time career in 1978. Have a listen to Louis’ sweet sounding “40th Anniversary” model below.

Pava Knezevic holds one of her instruments

Photo by Tom Ellis

Pava is one in a million. She could not be replaced. There’s no one else like her.”
–Hermon Joyner

Pava Knesevic is originally from Croatia where she had studied carpentry, and woodworking. After moving to America she began working for Collings doing finishing, and sanding. Tom Ellis had discovered Pava when she was working for Collings, and Pava began working for Tom in 2003 when a position with his company opened up. After hiring Pava, Tom began producing mandolins. The more recent line of A-model mandolins are called the Pava models, which there are three versions of ranging in finish, binding, and color. Themandolinplayer.net offers the following quote from Pava: “Two years ago Tom gave me the opportunity with my line, a line with my name. I don’t believe that anybody else would do that; only Tom would do that. Just give someone who worked for him his own line of instruments. It’s because he believes in me. He said I’m doing good and we can do this. And it’s like, well, our instruments have proved themselves.” Pava is extremely dedicated, which likely contributes to her success. When asked about Pava Tom stated, “Not only is she a natural and extremely meticulous and a real problem solver, but she’s the only person that I’ve ever met who, on a regular basis, gives you an honest 60 hours of work in a 40 hour week. Pava is one in a million. She could not be replaced. There’s no one else like her.” Take a look at this listing for one of Pava’s Pro models on Reverb.

Pava Knezevic hard at work in her workshop

Photo by Tom Ellis

The passion for the mandolin is one which is shared across a wide spectrum of musicians. For this reason, it has become easier for enthusiasts to acquire mandolins that fit their specific needs, and preferences. If you’re one of these talented people, and in search of a new high-end mandolin, the manufacturers mentioned above may be a great place to start your search.

Five Brand New High-End Acoustic Guitars from NAMM 2018 That You Have To Check Out

by Katie Murray | Feb 19, 2018 | Blog, Music News

The Next Big Thing

By: Katie Murray

FEBRUARY 19th, 2018

MUSIC NEWS

Five Brand New High-End Acoustic Guitars from NAMM 2018 That You Have To Check Out

Once again, we had a ball at NAMM in Anaheim, California last month, and were in awe at the plethora of new and exciting acoustic guitar lines, and models for 2018. The images of these stunning instruments are still haunting us, and since we can’t get our hands on all of them right now we thought we’d share a few on our wish list.

Martin, John Mayer Signature D-45

“A full thickness neck comes with hexagon inlays, bone nut and saddle, plus gold open-gear tuners, as well as an interior label personally signed by the man himself.”

–MusicRadar

John Mayer Signature D-45 Acoustic Guitar by Martin

Price: $15,000

First up, take a look at the new John Mayer Signature model. This high-end guitar has an Engelmann spruce top, with Guatemalan rosewood backs and sides. If all of that doesn’t sound fancy enough, it was also designed, and signed by Grammy winner John Mayer. Musicradar.com tells that it’s full thickness neck comes with hexagon inlays, bone nut and saddle, plus gold open-gear tuners, as well as an interior label personally signed by the man himself.

Breedlove, Legacy Concertina E

“It’s smaller and more comfortable to hold, but the guitar still has a nice big sound.”

–PremierGuitar

The Concertina from Breedlove: Legacy Concertina E

Price: $2,799

The Concertina is Breedlove’s brand new body shape for 2018 which uses their new sound optimization process. What we really dig about this new build is that it’s smaller and more comfortable to hold, but the guitar still has a nice big sound. The Legacy is made from sitka spruce and cocobolo, and has a glossy finish. It’s comfortable, and the sound delivers, what more could we ask for?

Alvarez Yairi, FYM66HD

“The new and rare material that this line of guitars is crafted from draws us to it like a magnet.”

–PremierGuitar

Check out our Your Heaven Audio CloseUp System on the Products page.

Alvarez Guitars FYM66HD Model

Price $2,500

We were looking for unique, and we found it here. A one of a kind model, The FYM66HD is made out of perfectly conditioned Honduras wood from Japan that’s been aged for nearly 50 years. The FYM66HD is the all mahogany model. The rare material that this line of gorgeous guitars is crafted from draws us to it like a magnet. It’d be a gem in any collection, for sure.

Art & Lutherie, Legacy Denim Blue Q-Discrete

Art & Lutherie Legacy Q-Discrete 2018 Denim Blue

Price: $450

Art and Lutherie is a sister company of one of our favorite guitar manufacturers, Godin. After completely revamping their line last year they revealed a new denim blue finish for a couple of their models. Ok, so it’s not ‘high-end’ price-wise, but this cool vintage looking guitar with on deck volume and tone controls has a sheer finish that gives each individual guitar a different look. They basically took a sweet guitar and made it even sweeter with a faded denim look that we just can’t get enough of.

Art & Lutherie, Legacy Denim Blue Q-Discrete

Lowden S-35W Figured Walnut

Price: $5,980

This new 12 fret neck joint model by Lowden is redesigned with the bridge closer to the middle of the body of the guitar, and the neck slightly shorter. We particularly love this one made entirely of figured walnut, which is beautiful and gives the instrument a warm tone. Lowden makes great guitars, and this one just happens to stand out in not only look, but more importantly in sound. To the ear it’s distinctive and earthy, but is still super clear. Easily one of the most attractive models we saw, this acoustic is a perfect example of combing flawless looks and flawless quality.