Category Archives: Music/Audio

Streaming the Best of 2019!

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Just recently, Spotify announced many awesome things to its users, to notify them about their top artists, their top track of the year, and their artist of the decade for the year of 2019. Spotify also announced users, top 5 songs of the year, top 5 artists of the year, and even made a presentation that was customized to user’s app experience.

 Spotify is a digital music, podcast, and video streaming service that gives its users access to millions of songs and other content from artists all over the world. It was really interesting to see users from all over the world excited to share what their top music choices were. Users were tagging their favorite artists all over social media and some of the artists were even posting their fans online! 

Spotify announcing it’s users their 2019 wrapped

Spotify announced content like this every year for its users, but with new technologies and interfaces, they way it’s presented gets better and better.

Before Buying Your First Guitar

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Finding the right guitar can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there is so much to consider before you purchase your first guitar. Whether you want an electric guitar or an acoustic, it is important to know what sound you want to achieve. Acoustic guitars are soft and mellow in sound. It is the type of guitar you play around a camp fire, for example. Electric guitars are raw and more vibrant in sound. If you want to shred some riffs and rock, an electric is the guitar for you.

In addition to knowing what sound you want to achieve, you will have to consider purchasing oil for the neck of the guitar, picks, extra strings, pedals, and amps, all the things you will need for guitar maintenance to make your guitar last longer. These vary depending on the type of guitar that you purchase, but know that you will be spending quite a bit when you get started.

Something to consider is the cost of the guitar and additional gear that you will need for maintenance. The typical guitar costs as low as $300 and as high as $3000. Something to remember here is the quality of the guitar. You will typically see quality reflected in the price of the guitar. The best thing to do is shop around because you might find a great guitar in a pawn shop or you can find a reasonably priced guitar at a local music store. Definitely don’t be afraid to check out the higher-end guitar sellers, such as Fender and Gibson because they might be able to give you a better idea of what you are looking for. A cool place to check out, especially if you are ever in Chicago, Chicago Music Exchange. They have a great selection of guitars to choose from, in addition to other musical instruments.

If you want an electric guitar, keep in mind that you will be spending more on additional items for your guitar. Electric guitars rely on amps to amplify their sound. You can also change the sounds of your electric by hooking up pedals to your amp, such as the wah-wah pedal or an overdrive pedal. That being said, the acoustic is a great first guitar because it tends to be a little less costly than an electric, nor does it require as many accessories.

Something to also consider in the process of purchasing your guitar is the playability of the guitar. Definitely go for a thin-necked guitar with good flexible strings so that you will have a more comfortable time playing. Go and play around with the different guitars in person to find what feels right to you. Something to consider as well regarding playability is whether you are left-handed or right-handed, but no worries! They make guitars for both lefties and righties.

After you purchase your first guitar, whether acoustic or electric, remember that practice makes perfect. You might not sound like Van Halen or Slash from Guns N Roses right away, but with time you can achieve that level of play. Ultimately, guitar is one of the coolest instruments to learn to play, and is one of the most popular instruments on the market today.

JMBLYA 2019

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The JMBLYA is back for 2019 and ready to invade the city of Dallas (May 3rd) and Austin, Texas (May 4th).

Photo Courtesy JMBLYA 2018.

JMBLYA is a recurring outdoor music festival featuring artist from all over the world.
This year’s lineup includes Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, Kevin Gates, Gunna, Sheck Wes, Youngboy Never Broke Again, Bhad bhabie, Blueface, City girls, Maxo Kream, P-Lo, WhooKilledKenny, and 10K.Caash

JMBLYA is a rain or shine event and will open festival gates open at 12PM on Friday, May 3rd (Dallas) and Saturday, May 4th (Austin).
Children 3 1/2 feet tall and shorter are admitted FREE if accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. There will be no children under the age of 14 allowed in without the supervision of an adult.

General admission ticket pricing begins at $109.00, along with four different selections (Pinky Ring, Gator Boots, Fur Coat, Drop Top) of VIP packets to choose from. JMBLYA has a strict no-pet policy, with exceptions only for service animals as specified by federal and state law.

Photo Courtesy JMBLYA 2018.

JMBLYA will offer multiple free water refilling stations. You are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, however, just be sure to have them empty upon entry. There will also be water and other non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase at the bar.

To ensure the safety of our JMBLYA family, all vehicles, persons and property are always subject to search, failure to consent to a search will result in denial of entry or ejection from the event.

Parking will be available at both festival sites. Stay tuned for more details.

Ticketing questions can be directed to support.frontgatetickets.com
For more on ticket information click here.

For rules of JMBLYA click here.

Majic 93.3 Welcomes DJ Godfather

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Majic 93.3’s radio host, Keeta “King” Hodge poses with soul blues radio host, DJ Godfather. The soulful show will begin Saturday morning 9 a.m.-2 p.m. December 1st. Photo Credit: Dodson & Glover Photography.

Texarkana’s Majic 93.3 welcomes DJ Godfather to their urban R&B station. The well-known radio personality kicked off his new show Saturday, December 1st 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with great music, entertainment, and a special guest for local southern blues soul listeners.

“We will debut the hottest Southern Soul, Blues and Zydeco show in the Ark-la-tex starring the legendary DJ Godfather. The Godfather of Southern Soul, Blues & Zydeco has a new home after 26 years and we are kicking off the party with celebrity guest and Southern Soul Sensation, Jeter Jones”, said Majic 93.3’s radio host, Keeta Hodge King.

DJ Godfather’s new Soul, and Southern Blues show kicks off December 1st. Photo Credit Dodson & Glover Photo Credit/Majic 93.3.

As a youthful, yet throwback R&B station, the local radio station believes this radio veteran will add a new flavor for Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas listeners. “We are an Urban AC [Adult Contemporary] station that plays Today’s R&B and Throwbacks with a few ‘Classic Hip Hop Throwbacks’. The Godfather will bring a fresh soulful edge with the best Southern Soul and Blues”, said King.

DJ Godfather will also have a special weekend position. “He will also be the station’s only live voice on the weekend. He plays music that caters to the bike club world, trail riders, blues lovers, and southern soul fans”, said King.

Before joining the Majic 93.3 radio family, DJ Godfather worked as a competing radio show host. “DJ Godfather has been a household name for many years due to the personal approach he takes to DJing, however he was on the competitor station, KTOY 104.7 FM”, said King.

Majic 93.3’s DJ Godfather and Keeta “King” Hodge. Photo Credit: Dodson & Glover Photography.

Despite working as Majic 93.3’s former competitor, it did not stop Hodge from listening the soulful radio host with the up most respect. “Even then, I listened to him on Saturday mornings as far as I could on my drive home, and I always thought how I awesome it would be if I could bring him to Majic 93.3. As fate would have it, we were able to make that happen officially on Dec. 1st”, said King.

With R&B as her first love, King could not resist the soulful sounds of the blues after a particular working memory. “I started with R&B. However, one night when working at a nightclub call Mr. D’s, the club owner came up and said to me, “DJ Godfather you going to have to start playing some blues or I’m going to replace you with someone else.” To keep my job, I started playing Southern Soul and Blues, and I fell in love”, said King.

Majic 93.3’s Southern Soul and Blues radio host, DJ Godfather. Photo Credit: Dodson & Glover Photography.

Like King, newcomers and Southern Blues and Soul listeners will enjoy the new sounds the passionate radio host will bring to the Ark-Tex-La area. “Nobody does it like DJ Godfather, and everyone in the surrounding areas, near or far knows when the Godfather Southern Soul, Blues and Zydeco Show comes on, it’s time to party and move your feet”, said King.

The soulful blues man looks forward to bringing his talents and his famous saying ” to magical station. “The general public will enjoy seeing & hearing how HE, himself, enjoys what he does. He is very passionate about his audience and his music! He brings excitement to the mic every show and people can look forward to him getting them up and moving on Saturday mornings with the best of the best Southern Soul, Blues and Zydeco”, said King.

Tune in Saturdays! “I am that humble man who has a love for music, a love for people and entertainment. All my glory goes to God”, said DJ Godfather.

To catch DJ Godfather’s new show or for upcoming events:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majic933

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majic933/

Majic 93.3’s radio logo. Photo Credit: Majic 93.3.

You can also download the radio’s app, Majic 93-3 for music news alerts, weather, and traffic updates.

To catch Keeta Hodge King:
IG: It’s_KeetaKing
FB: Keeta Hodge King

For DJ Godfather:
IG: d_j_godfather
FB: Curtis Muldres (DJ Godfather Ent)

Long Live “The Lion King” (Next Summer)

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Disney released a trailer for a remake of everyone’s animated childhood movie, The Lion King on November 22, 2018. The first trailer began with Simba’s father’s Mufasa’s (James Earl Jones) speech “Everything the light touches is our Kingdom”. The trailer included memorable cinematic scenes previously released in 1994. The live action movie was directed by The Jungle Book‘s remake director Jon Favreau and will be released July 2019.

Disney’s Lion King cast will star in the summer 2019 childhood live remake. Photo Credit: Disney.

Rapper and actor Donald Glover will star as Simba, with Beyonce Carter-Knowles as Nala, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, and James Earl Jones as Mufasa. The movie will also include everyone’s favorite characters such as Pumbaa (Seth Rogen), Zazu (John Oliver), Kamari (Keegan-Michael KEy), and everyone’s favorite lion villian, Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor), so mark your calendars and relive your childhood with your children and families.

Luke at the Possibilities

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Local talent isn’t hard to find if you know where to look, even in a place like Texarkana. Chatter in the halls of Texas A&M – Texarkana suggests that local Millennials and Gen Z groupies aren’t satisfied with the local attractions, mostly because there are few. But, things might be changing, especially for the local music community. Hopkins Ice House downtown hosts a mic night and Scotties Grill offers events promoting local artists.

“Owl Fest,” Compliments of the Owl Crisis Media Website

These events are nothing like Shreveport’s Owl Fest. It’s an hour’s drive, but interactivity and community involvement makes it worthwhile for young adults looking to just hang out and support local talent, a place for people to feel welcome and to embrace their gifts. One story has altered my perception of such small venue events, that of Luke Lindsey.

Compliments of Owl crisis Media, from the Owl Crisis Media Facebook Page

Owl Fest is a collaborative showcase for R&B and Rap artists. Isaiah Polk is its mastermind. Polk runs a multimedia group called Owl Crisis Media which travels throughout the tri-state area to compete in video game events and enhance the lives of talented musicians and poets.

Luke Lindsey met Isaiah at a competitive gaming event and they’ve been working together ever since, bringing a once-shy Luke into the limelight, or at least the dimly lit budget stage where many have cherished closeness with those in the community.

Luke goes by the stage name Sad Boi, but he’s full of cheer and motivational spirit. His friends keep him motivated. “Expressing yourself through music is like the best thing ever,” Luke says. He frequently uses his friends as critics.

Photo by Allison Hall Luke Lindsey Left, Isaiah Polk Right

The importance of local outlets for local talent is paramount. Since Owl Fest, Luke has recorded several tracks and performed for audiences he might not have been able to tackle alone. The goal of events like Owl Fest, he says, is to “help each other grow.” “It’s easier when you have someone there to help.” All participants help each other. They get on stage and hype each other up. For Luke, it’s all about “hyping ya’ boy up.” He says one has to support and encourage for those around you, and that’s Luke motivation in life.

Photo by Allison Hall

Bottom line, such community events bring to light a community’s richness. Luke uses the word “depressing” to describe his feelings toward the lack of similar events in Texarkana, mostly because his main goal isn’t to pursue music as a career. He just wants to promote fun and goodwill for those willing to share their time. And that could be what anyone might want from these events. At TAMUT alone we have so many musical, graphic, and literary artists. Maybe if we all came together like Isaiah’s group and worked hand in hand to make a place for ourselves within Texarkana, we could begin to lift each other up instead of spending our time wishing we had something to do.

Here’s an inside look into the mind of Luke and his take on the life of using talent as a hobby, filmed by Allison Hall.

Texarkana Play Fights Teen Domestic Violence

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Baby Girl 2: My Dad is Dope combats teen domestic violence at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center November 3rd Saturday 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Courtesy of Vanessa Jackson-Fields.

Local play writer and director Vanessa Jackson-Fields brings teen domestic violence awareness through her new play, Baby Girl 2: My Dad is Dope. New young actors and returning cast members demonstrated lesser-known warning signs and dangers of an abusive relationship at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center, 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday.

Newcomer Kiauna Smith portrays smart, outgoing, family-oriented, high-school valedictorian, college-bound Jasmine (Baby Girl) escaping from her former violent boyfriend, Marcus (Kameron Randle) a year after a relationship ended.

“It’s written around a young teenage girl that didn’t know the signs of an unhealthy relationship or a potential abuser, because usually they start off really nice, well-cut people, and you have to know the signs that they can potentially be an abuser. This show points out all the signs, especially this day and time”, said Vanessa Jackson-Fields.

The 15-year Anniversary play began with the early stages of obsession, control, and stalking in teen dating violence via today’s communication media: texting, phone calls, and emailing. “They become obsessed with you. Show up at your door when they’re not wanted, even though you told them not to. They keep you away from your family and friends and want you to be with them all the time”, said Jackson-Fields.

Domestic violence advocate and play writer, Vanessa Jackson-Fields poses in the Perot Theater, where her first play took place in 2003. Photo Credit Tiffany Brown

According to One Love Foundation and Joyful Heart Foundation, isolation is considered a domestic abuse warning sign. The family foundation also mentioned belittling, intensity, manipulation, and jealousy, which Jackson-Fields mentioned in her play. “You might think it’s because ‘Oh they just jealous’, and think it’s cute, but it’s not. Being jealous can be very dangerous. It’s like they have ownership over you. They believe you belong to them,” said Jackson-Fields.

Jackson-Fields included real-life scenarios of physical abuse, potential sexual abuse, and a horrific tragedy. “Shoving, grabbing and getting very angry. The play kind of shows a lot of that. It gets very graphic”, said Jackson-Fields.

Domestic teen violence does not discriminate against social class, race, gender, age, or family background. It can occur among upper and middle-class teenagers. “I always remember April Love. She came from a nice middle-class family. She was so smart and had a bright future. She was killed September 2005 by her boyfriend on a college campus. It was days before they found her. You never would’ve thought, she would be killed in an abusive relationship”, said Jackson-Fields.

According to The Telegraph UK writer Amanda Prowse, abuse can happen in middle-class families. In fact, middle class abuse cases are rarely reported, as seen in the teen domestic violence play. “Abuse is sweeping the country and nobody really pays attention, until someone loses their life”, said Jackson-Fields.

Jackson-Fields cast newcomers Isaiah Germany, Jashaun Wedlong, returning cast members Pastor Lamarcus Franklin, Tammie Harvey, Dr. Mary Phillips, and Connie Thompson as a supportive family, however their favorite baby girl, Jasmine found herself in a violent relationship. “This play is showing when you’re in these relationships, it not only affects you, but everybody around you”, said Jackson-Fields.

Domestic violence survivor turned advocate play writer, Vanessa Jackson-Fields. Photo Credit, Tiffany Brown.

The former abuse victim turned advocate encourages teen boys and girls to speak up before it’s too late. “I hope they learn okay I know he’s doing that, but I need to get away. Run! Get away from him or her! Go to your parents or somebody you know that will support you. Do not try to handle it alone or hold back, because you can’t. If they do it one time, that’s just a warning”, said Jackson-Fields.

If you are experiencing domestic violence or know someone that’s experiencing domestic violence please speak up or link to Texarkana Domestic Violence. Or call (903)-794-4000 or visit 424 Spruce St, Texarkana, TX 75501, 8-5.

Texarkana Takes Pen 2 Paper

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Attendees receive a wrist-band moments before the 7 p.m. Pen 2 Paper strategist conference at the Texarkana Convention Center. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown

Business strategist Bridgette Moody strategized, organized, and maximized the visions of Texarkana conference attendees during her Pen 2 Paper celebration 7 p.m. Friday night November 2. Ambitious entrepreneurs, ministry leaders, and business vendors made connections, ate great food, enjoyed live music, and grabbed their pens and paper for Moody’s instructions at the Texarkana Convention Center.

Pen 2 Paper display graphic design during conference. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown

“Tonight’s event is about vision celebration. It celebrates the vision people who had a vision and walked that path. Some people wrote books, began and completed new projects. We want to celebrate those who had the tenacity and hung in there. Not only that, celebrating those advocates the country who have gotten Pen 2 Paper”, said Moody.

Before hosting Pen 2 Paper over the country, Moody began with herself and others around her. “This conference started as a result of working with ministries and finding out that people really didn’t have a clear vision, understanding their purpose. As a result of my own experience in trying to figure out the next level of my life, I began writing those things out, because there’s more in our hearts than we can see on paper”, said Moody.

Attendees shop around business vendors moment before Pen 2 Paper strategy conference Friday night. Photo Credit Tiffany Brown

In order to have a clear vision, an individual must grab the necessary tools: pen and paper. “Learn to write. Jot before you journal”, said Moody. Your vision should also be clear and detailed oriented. “Know what your vision is. It’s hard to put steps together, if you don’t know what it is. Be clear. Do you know what it is? Are you just doing something that someone else is doing? Do you have a heart for it? Without a heart or a passion, 9 out of 10 ten times, you’re ready to quit if you’re not making money. When it’s your purpose, you persevere the ups and downs, but you will keep going if that’s what you’re called to do.”

According to Moody, you do not have to be a skilled professional writer. “Everybody is not a writer. Write every thought down. If you can write every thought down, it helps you put those things together. You get everything out on the table like putting a puzzle together. You put your edges, colors, and like images until you the full picture”, said Moody.

Although business owners and ministry leaders attended the event, an individual did not need those titles to have a successful, clear vision for themselves. “It’s not just for business owners or ministry leaders, but individuals to find themselves in their life and figure out where they’re supposed to be. It helps them to not just exist, but to live”, said Moody.

Business strategist, Bridgette Moody welcomes attendees during Pen 2 Paper conference. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown

Before vision boards became a successful trend, celebrities such as Harvey, Oprah Winfrey, Jim Carrey, Will Smith, and Arnold Schwarzennegger accomplished their written goals using this one method. “You should always keep the vision before you. Once we put it on paper, it magnify the dream, goal, and vision”, said Moody.

“Keep in mind success is not a quick process. The vision is not something that you write it today and it happens tomorrow. It’s over a period of time. You have to establish goals in the process of moving toward the vision. The vision is an expected end. Once it happens, that’s the end result”, said Moody.

“The Hate U Give” Still a Local Hit

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Photo Credit: My Hot Posters

“The Hate U Give” remains a cinematic hit in theaters. The book turned film drama was directed by George Tillman Jr. and released October 5, 2018 a day after screenplay writer Audrey Wells passed away October 4 2018.

Photo Credit: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

The teen drama depicts the double life of 16-year-old, shoe-collecting, Harry Potter fanatic, the quiet, innocent Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) living a double life as Hood Starr from a low-income African-American neighborhood, Garden Heights, and attending an upscale, predominately white private school, Williamson Prep with her brother, Seven (Lamar Johnson) a cool, intelligent, caring young black teenager.

The quiet, normal, yet double life of Starr/Starr 2.0 is shaken after witnessing the murder of her childhood friend, Khalil Harris (Algee Smith) by the police. Facing media outlets, police injustices, and battling her two worlds, Starr must find her voice within a chaotic situation for her friend Khalil. With the help of her parents Maverick Carter (Russell Hornsby), Lisa Carter (Regina Hall), two brothers Seven (Lamar Johnson) and Sekani (TJ Wright), and lawyer/activist April Ofrah (Issa Rae), neighbors, and friends, Starr finds comfort with her decision and her activism against police brutality.

Photo Credit: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

Despite its depiction of tragic loss, the PG-13 rated movie includes happy, light-hearted comedy, yet educational moments for all ages. Filmed throughout Atlanta, Georgia, the film earned a total worldwide gross so far at $29,679,543 according to boxofficepro.com.

The movie is also heavily influenced by iconic rapper Tupac Shakur. Author Angie Thomas wrote the book adapted into The Hate U Give inspired by Shakur’s lower-abdomen tattoo acronym definition of THUG LIFE.

Film critics and YouTube movie reviews encourage families of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities to see the film before it leaves theaters. Texarkana Cinemark’s showtime includes a 6:30 p.m. evening show and 11:55 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday shows.

Director: George Tillman Jr.
Cast: Amandla Stenberg, Algee Smith, Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, Common, Issa Rae, KJ Apa, Lamar Johnson, Sabrina Carpenter, Anthony Mackie, Dominique Fishback
Screenwriter: Audrey Wells
Book Author: Angie Thomas

 

Retro Review: Clear as a Bell

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Courtesy: Filmways Pictures

Students interested in film might want to take a look at a classic that focuses on one of the more overlooked aspects of movie making.

The 1981 motion picture Blow Out is a deep dive into the world of sound. It is the story of a B-movie sound technician and his relationships with audio: analyzing, acquiring, following, and implementing.

The viewer is purposely made overtly aware of the process of hearing in the first scene. A masked slasher stalks around a girl’s dorm. He is breathing, stepping into, and sampling the vignettes of sorority life window by window.

As a first time viewer, one is ready to turn this trite trash off, but soon discovers the goings on are being observed by two sound men working on a film: Co-ed Frenzy. Elements of sound engineering are seen in the opening credits as analog level indicators are used as a wipe between names of folks in the film.

Our protagonist, Jack, played by John Travolta, needs to find the perfect scream to complete a project. Now starts the most interesting part of the movie for this viewer: seeing all the tape, the reel-to-reels spinning, cutting/splicing, and just remembering how the world of sound manipulation used to look before the most disappointing offering of sound throughout this film: the dialogue.

This is a good example of a movie resonating with one of its elements of production. The telephone scenes are filmed with care and make use of several Hollywood conventions: A to B cuts with the conversation, dialogue overlaps in a shot/reverse style, and picture by picture sharing both parties’ conversation. One scene uses what is now called autonomous sensory meridian response or ASMR. While Jack is trying to compile evidence he peruses the pages of a magazine. While doing so his hands are touching and turning the pages, making one cringingly aware of the texture. Then in a classic ASMR move, he cuts the pages with scissors slowly and loudly, creating tension through sound.

Another fun point is that Jack’s antagonist is also a sound man of sorts. Burke, played by John Lithgow, can be observed wearing a telephone service man’s uniform. He also uses sound against Jack by erasing all of his tapes and manipulating the sound of phone conversations.

[SPOILER AHEAD] Music is used efficiently to move the action along during car scenes and to transition between scenes. In the final act our hero attaches a “wire” to Sally, only to discover that unbeknownst to her the killer is there. Jack uses the transmitted audio to determine her whereabouts: hearing the turnstile, train whistle, and fireworks. Ultimately Jack does not save the girl. He does, however, save the audio created from her fatal encounter with Burke. He languishes over this sound-bite in a snow-covered cemetery, internalizing every plea for help and each frantic attempt to appeal to her killer. The last scene of the film echos the start: with two sound-guys engineering audio for a movie.

This time Jack got his great scream and is tortured by it, and rightfully so. One can only assume that the ending has something to do with how the film making process requires a creator to use sometimes painful personal elements of their real life to complete a project.