The Latest Innovations in Music

Where did July go? One minute we were putting together a Foosball table and coming up with a great idea to give it away, and nek minnit it's almost time to find the winner!

Of course we're talking about our Serenade Spot competition, which is now in it's final days. If you haven't voted, jump on facebook.com/TheMusicSpot and/or instagram.com/MusicSpotQLD, search the hashtag #SerenadeSpot and "like" your favourite entries. The video with the most likes as of 10am next Tuesday (31st July), will be the winner - and we can all go round to their place for a game of Foosball ;)

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So, you're a musician, you make great music, but you need to "get it out there" so others can hear it and marvel at how awesome you are. Where do you start? How about some tips on home recording.

Dave says: "The best thing about starting recording is not only capturing sounds but it's also about monitoring your performance. Listening back to something you have performed is the best way to tighten up your playing or singing. You are your own worst critic and that drives you to practice harder and perform better." With that in mind, you're going to need some equipment to enable you to properly capture your sound. So what is available?

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We have some great interfaces and recording equipment to get you going, let's have a look at what's in stock.

For a great total software solution, you can't go past the Steinberg Cubase Pro 8 Digital Audio Workstation. It combines thirty years of research and development into the most advanced DAW available today. It's got all your needs covered for composing, recording, mixing and editing your music. One stop solution! If you  have a small studio setup, the Presonus Studio 6|8 Audio Interface will be a bonus. It has all the right features for recording and performing. If you're a more on-the-go type of artist, the Line 6 Sonic Port Mobile Interface for iOS is a great little tool - record wherever inspiration strikes! If you want something to record some of your action on stage, the Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder is a great option, recording high definition video with high resolution audio. If you want to immortalise your work, we've got your covered!

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And because you deserve it, here's your Friday Funny:

[ducks] Thank you ladies and gentlemen I'll be here all week!

Music Recording

Tax return time!!

Unboxing Ashton Rhythm VX Electronic Kit

Sing your heart out!

With all our sale stock disappearing and new stock taking it's place, the boys thought it was a good time for another rearrangement.

We've made a new Specials Section at the front, streamlined our Guitar Room and completely redone our Drum Department. The photo doesn't do it justice, you'll have to come in and see for yourself!

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Continuing with our theme of singers, how about looking at some things that aspiring vocalists should be trying to avoid.

And as tempted as I am to say man-buns and fingerless gloves top the list, the two main sins here are coffee and cigarettes. Caffeine has a drying effect on the vocal chords and aggravates reflux, and do we really need to go into the problems with cigarettes? Let's just suffice it to say, you wont look cool like James Dean and have a husky voice like Katniss Everdeen, you'll end up more like Marge Simpson's sisters, and smell like the day after burnoff at the tip. Anyway.

Another thing you should be laying off is the dairy. Lactose increases phlegm production, and no one wants to hear gurgling on your high notes. And on the other end of the scale, you don't want the drying effects of alcohol or spicy foods, either.

So it sounds like you can either have a fun life or be a singer. But don't worry, everything in moderation as they say, and when you've got a special gig coming up just be sure to avoid these things for a few days beforehand. And be careful to warm up your voice well before hitting the stage.

You've got this! You'll be great!

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For our stock this week we are looking at our range of Microphones.

And that's a pretty huge range. For vocals, we have the ever popular AKG D5, a dynamic mic perfect for stage use. if you're after a condenser mic, AKG also has the LC, a slender vocal mic delivering an accurate, natural sound. For wireless stage vocals you can't go past the AKG WMS40 Mini Vocal Set, a crystal clear wireless solution. For a cardioid condenser mic that's great for instruments as well as vocals, check out the Aston Origin. There's as many mics as there are applications, so come down and have a chat to our friendly team today, and we will be able to find the perfect mic for your needs.

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And of course our Friday Funny:

Well we know when it's time to exit! See you next week!

This Just In: Positive Grid Bias Mini Guitar Amp

Microphone Week at The Music Spot

Unboxing Ashton 5 Piece Drum Kit

Mixing it up at The Music Spot

The party's over! And there's a few sad and hungover faces around...

We had a great Birthday Week and saw a HUGE amount of stock go flying out the door, a pile of awesome Serenade Spot entries (competition is still going on, check our Facebook and Instagram pages and search #SerenadeSpot to vote!), and we are now back to business as usual, in a brand new Financial Year. So there is a heap of new stock, a bunch of rearranging, and as usual a lot of awesome deals to be had. So you'd better come down and say Happy New Year! :)

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Ever thought about becoming a singer? There's a few things you should be aware of before grabbing the nearest mic and letting it rip - we don't want you to damage yourself! So here's 5 things that every singer should know:

1. First of all, it's your whole body that is your instrument - not just your vocal chords. You need to look after your health and fitness so you can put your whole body into projecting your sound, and develop relaxation techniques to give you greater control over your breathing.

2. Second, you may be listening to some amazing singers on Spotify and thinking, man I could never sound like that! But the thing is, learning to sing is just like learning to play any other instrument - it's a skill you can develop. Talent definitely helps the learning process along, but the old saying "anyone can sing" really is true, if you put your heart and your mind to it.

3. Did you know that you sound better the wider open your mouth is? Don't strangle your sound by trying to push it out of a constricted opening. Loosen your jaw, relax the back of your throat (like you are about to yawn), and let it out!

4. Also keep up the water! Hydration is key, both water and lip balm, to ensure a comfortable and smooth delivery of your sound.

5. Finally, YOU CAN DO THIS! Just believe in yourself!

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And just to mix things up, it's Mixer Week!

We have lots of great mixers in stock, for all kinds of applications. From the Behringer Xenyx 502, an ultra-compact mixer with a great sound, to the Yamaha MGP16X, a premium mixing console which covers all applications from portable PA to fixed installation. We also have the Presonus AR8, which is an awesome 8 channel compact hybrid mixer, which has a recording function for rehearsals, live shows and studio recording. Lots more in stock, so come and have a look for yourself!

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And it wouldn't be Friday without a Funny:

Keep practising, and we'll see you next week!

Mixers at The Music Spot

A Quarter of a Century of Music

What a crazy week it's been!

In case you've been hiding under a rock, this week marks our 25th Birthday, and we've been celebrating with a huge sale that began last Saturday with a massive one day Doorbuster event. The festivities come to an end at 4pm tomorrow, so now would be a good time to come down and snap up a bargain!

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Of course, for this week's interest piece, we thought we should have a look back at the last 25 years of The Music Spot.

The Music Spot first opened it’s doors on 1st July 1993 when Andy and Marian followed their dream of owning and operating a Music Store. We started on a small 1st floor room above Toyworld with a focus on instrument sales and some tuition. From humble beginnings and with the support of our local community we moved to a larger ground floor store. Andy moved on at this point and Pete Butler became Marian’s new Business Partner. After 5 years, and steady growth it was decided that a larger floor plan was needed and we pushed all our stock up the car park to a larger store where we are currently located.     

The Larger footprint made room for a more diverse stock range and allowed the inclusion of more iconic brands such as Fender, Ibanez, Maton, Yamaha, Tama, Pearl, Dw, etc. Pete eventually decided to move on and Marian became the sole creative force behind The Music Spot.

Thank you to all our loyal customers, some of whom have been with us from the beginning, The Music spot could never have grown to what it is today without you. Also a  big thanks to all the staff who came have  been a part of the Music Spot family, some with more than 10 years service. None of this would have been possible without you.

The Music Spot looks forward to changing lives through music.

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It's a new month already, so this month we are celebrating all things Pro Audio, beginning with Speaker Week.

We have some great speakers in stock, like these Yamaha DXR models. The DXR12 Class D is a high powered loudspeaker that is great for all live sound applications. The Turbosound IX12 is an ultra lightweight model suitable for both portable and installed applications. The Behringer Eurolive B112D is a great all-rounder for portability and cool running for long sets. We also have the Fender Fighter series 10" two way powered speaker for all applications. All these and much more available in store, so come down and have a look at our speaker range today!

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And we can't forget our Friday Funny:

Not saying a word!! See you next week!

Birthday Sale Week

Speakers Week