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