music news

Trinity’s Indamixx, Fully Mobile Music Studio with EnergyXT and Ardour – Take Note, Developers

2008-08-08T04:17:00.000-07:00

Trinity, the folks who have been pushing the notion of a Linux-based handheld audio studio for some time now, have launched a full product today. It’s called the Indamixx Mobile DAW, and it’s a full software studio running on Samsung’s Q1 Ultra (formerly known as an Ultra Mobile PC). In fact, it might more accurate to say that it’s multiple DAWs, as you have various, full-blown software choices you can use pre-optimized on a handheld computer.

For anyone unimpressed by people tapping on iPhones and such, this is the real thing. Software includes, among other things:

* Just-added special version of EnergyXT, the increasingly-popular music production tool (as pictured here)
* Ardour, the powerful, open-source DAW software
* Hydrogen drum machine, Seq24 sequencer, Ardour audio editor
* Powerful Linux tools: LADSPA and VST effects support, synth and sound tools, and utilities

You also get tools like Skype and Pidgin, plus the usual Linux Internet apps, so I could imagine this would be a really powerful tool to have with you in world travels. Find wifi, call whomever you like.

It’s all about form factor. Some people will, naturally, be perfectly happy with a no-compromises laptop. But for people who prefer a handheld machine that could fit easily atop a keyboard or music stand, this finally gives you some real power – and a full-blown Linux OS. (The addition of EnergyXT to me is really the killer app.)

The hardware features:

* 7”, 1024×600 screen and VGA output
* 802.11g wifi and Ethernet
* 40 GB hard drive (not sure about real-world track count on that; I’ll try to find out)
* 2 USB 2.0 ports, so you could use this with a MIDI or audio interface
* Touch screen and physical keys, plus an 8-way joystick
* 1G RAM expandable to 2GB, reasonably speedy (very much so for a mobile device) Intel processor

Cost: US$999 as a special intro offer through 8/31 or until supplies are gone.

Availability: Now.

Whether or not you’re running out to buy one of these, I think the message to developers is clear. You can no longer assume the traditional computer and mouse is the target platform. With touch capabilities in Windows 7 and likely on Mac OS, with killer apps on everything from the iPhone to the DS, the growth of Linux laptops like the Eee, and touch and mobile interfaces everywhere, the potential diversity of computing is finally being realized. That means UI design will increasingly have to accommodate alternative modes of control (like touch), scale to different screen sizes (including higher resolutions as well as lower ones), and think about mobile. And Linux – already capable of emulating Windows well enough to run many music apps, and ready to host VSTs – could have a new window of opportunity. The change may not happen immediately, but smart developers will be prepared for whatever direction their customers may take.

CASTING CROWNS NAMED ‘FAVORITE ARTIST’

2008-02-19T21:48:00.000-08:00

WINNERS ANNOUNCED BY JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE ON ABC-TV TONIGHT

(San Diego, Ca.) Dec 2007 –Casting Crowns was named “Favorite Artist” at the “2007 American Music Awards” in the Contemporary Inspirational category. It was announced on ABC from the NOKIA Theatre L.A in downtown Los Angeles.

“This is an incredible honor! Wow, an American Music Award; this is voted on by our fans so it’s very special to us. We’re both humbled and honored to represent Christian music, and its fans tonight,” noted Mark Hall lead singer and youth pastor.

The award show was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and for the first time in American Music Awards history, winners were determined by fan online voting at ama.abc.com

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Casting Crowns is the top-selling artist in Christian music with four platinum-selling projects and seven consecutive No.1 songs at radio. Last week, the new album The Altar and The Door was certified Gold by the RIAA after only 10 weeks since its historical debut at No. 2 on The Billboard 200 chart with 130,000 sold first-week, second only to High School Musical 2 (Sept. 2), setting a new record for a Christian artist without crossover promotion in the mainstream market.

The band’s album remains No.1 on SoundScan’s Top Christian Albums chart for a ninth week, and the project’s first radio single “East to West” is spending its 13th week at No. 1 on Christian AC radio.

The “2007 American Music Awards” presentations ceremony is produced by Dick Clark Productions, Inc., Twenty awards were given out representing the best of Pop/Rock, Country, Soul/Rhythm & Blues, Rap/Hip Hop, Latin, Alternative, Adult Contemporary and Contemporary Inspirational music.

During its four-year career, Casting Crowns has been honored with a GRAMMY Award, three American Music Award nods and multiple Gospel Music Dove Awards serving as the industry’s “Group of the Year” for the last three years. Casting Crowns has been the most played artist on all Christian radio formats combined, with seven consecutive No.1 AC radio hits, and the group has sold more than 3 million albums to date. Casting Crowns’ lead singer and songwriter is full-time Youth Pastor Mark Hall, who is serving his 17th year as student pastor at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in Atlanta. All seven band members remain active in student ministry in the Atlanta-area and tour part-time around their local-church duties.

Your Ipod on Tv.... in Hi-Def

2008-02-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

High-definition is coming to the industry-acclaimed DLO HomeDock with the all new HomeDock HD - the ultimate on-TV entertainment dock that connects your iPod to any HDTV. Finally, you can surf and enjoy your favorite video content on the big screen with the highest picture quality available.

HomeDock HD upscales iPod video to 1080i or 720p through an HDMI connection. And, with its optical digital audio output users are ensured a completely digital iPod experience. Don't have an HDTV? Don't worry, HomeDock HD still maintains compatibility with analog TVs via its S-Video and RCA connections. Click below to take a closer look...

The enhanced on-TV interface of the HomeDock HD features an icon-based visual flow format, so you can easily breeze through your iPod content – even enjoy your iPod Album Art on your TV screen for the ultimate iPod home-theater experience.

In addition to providing superior audio and video output, HomeDock HD also features an all-new RF remote control, meaning you can control your iPod playback from the comfort of your couch, and even through walls! The remote is simple and intuitive, and puts your entire iPod library at your fingertips Enjoy your iPod in unimaginable quality on your HDTV with the all new HomeDock HD.

Jean Paul Gaultier to design for Kylie's tour

2008-02-14T21:50:00.001-08:00

French designer Jean Paul Gaultier is designing a collection of "sophisticated" outfits for Kylie Minogue's upcoming tour.

The renowned French designer has already met with the singer - who kicks off her European tour 'KylieX2008' in Paris on May 6 - to show her his vision for her stage wardrobe.

Kylie's designer friend William Barker revealed: "We're working with Jean Paul Gaultier on the costumes.

"The outfits are incredibly sophisticated - we are moving on to the next level, which is what she did with her new album X."

Kylie wants Jean Paul - who was behind Madonna's show-stopping outfits for her infamous 'Blonde Ambition Tour' in 1990 - to create her a collection of outfits that reflect a more mature stage in her life as she is turning 40 in May.

William added to Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "Jean Paul creates iconic pop fashion. What he did for Madonna's tour was like a religious experience for me.

"It's difficult for pop to remain young, so what's the point? Kylie's career is a constant evolution."

Kylie - who was given the all-clear from breast cancer in early 2006 - added an extra seven dates to the UK leg of her tour when the initial eight concerts sold out in just 30 minutes last December.

'KylieX2008' also includes dates in Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland and Northern Ireland.

- BANG! SHOWBIZ

DLO Premiers New iPod Nano Action Jacket

2008-02-14T21:40:00.000-08:00

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) has announced new versions of their Action Jacket, the popular workout case for iPod and iPod nano in iPod nano-matching colors. The Action Jacket for iPod nano is now available in nano Green, nano Blue and nano Pink.

The nano-colored Action Jacket is a cushioned case with secure armband that allows easy access to the player’s controls during any activity. It’s ‘workout safe’ and protects the player from sweat or scratches and dings at the gym, during a jog, or even on the street. The comfortable armband adjusts to fit any arm size from toothpick to python.

Features:
• Available in new iPod nano-matching colors: green, blue, and pink
• One-size-fits-all armband
• Protective, cushioned built-in case
• Access to player’s controls while in the case/armband

The DLO Action Jacket for iPod nano costs $29.99 and is available at iPod retailers nationwide and DLO’s online store. More information on the DLO Action Jacket.

John Butler

2008-02-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

JOHN Butler's new album One Small Step isn't exactly new. It's a live studio recording of some classic John Butler Trio songs. The difference - this time it's solo.

It’s hard to tell. John Butler has so many musical tricks up his sleeve. He can make a guitar sound like a drum and the intricate melodies he pulls out of an acoustic are truly astounding.

This eight track album covers Bulter’s most recent work including the radio hits Funky Tonight, Better Than and Zebra. True fans will appreciate the unique concert style of Daniella – complete with beat box intro.

For me, the best part of this CD is Butler’s voice. It’s near flawless. You have to keep reminding yourself that he is actually playing live.

Having said that, one of my favourite songs doesn’t invol ve Bulter singing. The concert classic Ocean evokes all the passion and changing moods of the sea. And as per usual, it is greeted with the largest applause by the audience.

The gig was clearly an intimate one as you can barely hear the crowd through many of the songs. So if you’re looking for the concert in your lounge room feel – you may be disappointed.

Personally, I prefer it because you don’t have to put up with the morons shouting out ridiculous requests for songs from obscure albums and whistling at inappropriate times.

In true John Bulter style one dollar from sale of every copy of this album will go to the Close the Gap – indigenous health campaign.

So there’s really no reason not to buy it.

'CROSS COUNTRY'

2008-02-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

Cross Country is the new solo album released this month from Norman Borland, one half of the popular duo Toe The Line. This fourteen track CD is a refreshing change from all the usual linedance favourites we hear every week. It is a mix of easy listening Country & Irish songs, some I know some I have not heard before. Norrie's Irish roots come through on the Irish tracks reminding me of the many Irish acts I used to listen to. Tracks include: Haggard's Mamma Tried, and a favourite of mine Sing Me Back Home, Glen Campbell's The Hand That Rocked The Cradle, Rita McNeil's Working Man, George Strait I Can Still Make Cheyenne from Ireland Big Tom's Sunset Years of Life. Track six sums up this album it is Kick Asss Country.
Backed by a group of top local musicians, I love the steel guitar by one of Scotland's top steel players Willie Gamble, with Willie's son Fraser on lead guitar and Ian Fleming on drums and Norrie's partner from Toe The Line, Frank Doyle on Bass, this is a most listenable album of pure Country with some Irish country tracks and is one the best I have heard from a local band in years.