Companano Jack here. The brand new writer guy.

On the very first day that I came into the Euphonic Studio to meet with everyone, Emma basically tells me, “So since you’re new and neutral to everything, we’re going to have you interview TroNic.” Someone threw on one of his tracks and I typed up a few quick questions. I had originally just planned on recording my interview with him to save me from trying to make notes, but by the end of it I ended up with some great audio. TroNic’s an awesome guy, and it was really refreshing to sit down and talk hip-hop with someone new. Be sure to check out the audio interview below as well.

Describe what you do/try to do/want to do with your music?
I want to build some form of emotion with people. That it somehow just actually touches them and you actually get some feeling. And if I get a reaction out of it that’d even better. Mainly that, but to also help people. If they’re going through something, they can listen to one of my songs to help them through the day, or if they just want to go out to a party, they can get hype to my music. Or even if they’re at the club, they can have fun and listen to it.

So you have a nice mix of the club banger, and then a nice sensitive…
Exactly, because that’s what I think people are.  You live these different parts of life: you have fun, you’re depressed, you’re happy. So I think that comes out in my music.

How is it working with Euphonic?
Great. I call them La Famillia. They’re my family. They’re my studio family. I call everyone ‘bro’ or ’sister.’ That’s what Euphonic is to me.

Everyone asked me to have you explain what ‘Trizzy’ means.
Trizzy really just came from the whole Drake thing. One of my friends was just messing around like, “Yo! You sould be Trizzy TroNic because he’s Drizzy Drake and you guys are both in Toronto and you’re big!” So Trizzy is nothing really official, just a little play on words that I like to do. And it sounds cool.

So it’s your version of the Slim Shady/Eminem thing.
Exactly, exactly.

What are you working on currently? Album, events…
Right now we’re finishing up – we have like one more song to finish for the EP, the Unfinished Robot – and once that’s done, it’s going to be just heavy promotion. I’m going to try and get out and do a lot more shows, I just did a show the other day at Harlem that went really well. I just really want to get back on stage and spread my music, spread what this project is and then I’m actually already starting to work on the project after this right now.

Another album?
I’m going to release a mixtape. Free music, of just like, 20 songs so its just out there for people to listen to.

Just through the few podcasts that I listen to, I’ve been finding that a lot of guys are releasing free mixtapes and EPs.
That’s what it is, yeah. I think a lot of people are realizing that people want free music nowadays, and in order to sell music you have to prove to them first, that you can actually do what you want to do. So releasing free music is really important. I like  doing it too because if you’re able and you’re built to do this, and you’re able to release a lot of songs, why not do it? And I feel like I’m that type of person. I’ll record a whole leap of songs just for the sake of it, and just because I need to get it out of me. So why not just let them into that?

What do you think about the United in Flow contest?
That was another genius move. It’s really fun, ‘cause now you’re going to see a lot of artists who need this, and its going to bring them in because United in Flow is such a great idea, especially for the hip-hop community, in Toronto especially, because it’s not really that strong. So something like this, seeing people branch out and start something of our own, is something that’d going ot gave a real big effect.

I think there’s going to be some really cool music out of it, as well as some really jokey, fun stuff too.
That’s the other thing. That’d the fun to it too, because you never know. It’s always fun too, to see people mess around with it or whatever. It’s all love.

What are your influences, in general?
I think there’s a tie between Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill and Kanye West. I think those are my biggest influences. And it’s weird to me, something that really inspires me is photography. I like looking at pictures. You know how a picture says a thousand words? I see a thousand stories. I’m a person who loves to tell stories and it’s fun to me to look at a picture and somehow build a story in my mind of what’s going on in it.

What you’re feeling right now?
I’m listening mainly to a lot of underground and independent artists actually. Maybe I do it because of competition. I’ve been listening to this artist right now that I think is going to be insane, J. Cole.

I’ve been hearing him on a few tracks here and there lately.
Yeah, one of the Reflection Eternal songs, and on ‘A Star s Born’ on Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3. I remember listening to him when he just dropped ‘The Warm Up,’ his last mixtape. So I caught him as that album dropped and before he blew up. I remember when he was on Twitter and he had like 3,000 fans, and one day I went back on and it was like 15,000. But yeah, I listen to J. Cole a lot, I like this other artist named Wiz Khalifa, Currency…

What you’re hating?
Not really. If I don’t like it, I won’t listen. I avoid the radio, to be honest with you. I really don’t listen to it that much anymore. Everything I get is from blogs. You can just get it so easily nowadays. On the radio though, when I do listen to it, the music doesn’t sound as bad as it was a year or two ago.

It’s sort of starting to make an upswing, with guys like J. Cole hooking up with Jay-Z. I’m really stoaked for the new Reflection Eternal album.
They’re crazy too. Another big project that I’m looking forward to seeing is the Nas and Damien Marley album, Distant Relatives.

What are your thoughts on hip-hop music and culture in 2010?
A few years ago I was really in dismay. I went out and bought a “Hip-Hop is Dead” t-shirt. ‘Cause before, if you don’t know, I did a lot of production and I wasn’t really into rapping, and it wasn’t until a year or two ago I decided to get back on and start rapping again. So that was my phase of where I was like “I’m done with this. I’m just going to produce and whatever,” because I had nothing to feed off of. But now, I’m so happy. Especially with the whole underground thing, you can see that these artists who are on the internet and everything know how to work this game. Because I think nowadays, artists who do actually get signed early and try to build a career don’t make it. But these artists who are releasing mixtape after mixtape after mixtape… They’re getting 500,00 downloads before they even drop an album. Put a few of your songs on iTunes and make your money off shows. I’m like, “Wow, you guys are smart,” and no one really sees how they do it.

And then they get signed.
And they get these big deals too. It’s like, they demand, “No, you’re not giving me a million. You’re giving me six.”

Like Jay Electronica. He blew up off Twitter and MySpace.
And he just took over. That music to me is just great. They make good music. And you hear some of it slipping into the mainstream airwaves too. You’ve heard of this artist, B.O.B.? He was doing the same thing and all these songs just started making their way onto the radio and people were feeling it there because he had such a strong fanbase already.

And the last one, what do you think of the death of Guru?
Aw, man, it’s sad. I wasn’t a big, big Gang Starr fan, I’ll be honest, but every song that I heard from them though was hot. There’s no question about it. And he’s been a big influence and it’s really sad. I remember hearing about him going into cardiac arrest last month, and he was in a coma and he made it out and had surgery… DJ Premier went and said, “Yeah, he’s doing well, he’s doing fine. He should be okay,” and then I woke up the other day and heard that he was dead. It caught me by surprise. And then this whole thing about some letter going on, that he left some death letter beside his bed. There’s some scandal going on about it. So yeah, it’s pretty sad. Rest in peace to Guru.

I then got TroNic to freestyle over a beat I happened to have on my computer (the instrumental version of ‘Streets’ by the Cunninlynguists, for those who are interested). I’m hoping that this turns into a regular thing. I had a blast doing it.

For more information about TroNic, check out his website atroniclife.com.

Technorati Tags: audio, euphonic sound, hip hop, indie, interview, Music Culture, Social Media, tronic, United in Flow

by Duke

As previously reported, we’re in high gear getting this event going. Heather has been in dialogue with a couple of sponsors who could really take this to the next level. It’s exciting and (speaking as a noob in the world of event planning and promotion) nerve-rattling. The experience of positive stress… and I think I like it.

Finding a venue is turning out to be easier than I thought. So far the Toronto Opera House and Berkeley Church have responded favorably, and there are others from whom I expect to hear soon. The former has a capacity of 850 heads & is fully staffed to meet our needs. That’s a lot more than the 300+ fans we’re aiming to draw, but it’s better to have the space & not need it than to need it & not have it.

This week Shawn & I shot a promo video a couple days ago with Emma – Euphonic Sound’s energetic new cadre – behind the camera. That’s to let artists know how to get in on performing at the event & on the mixtape, and it’ll be up real soon. It was fun to be in front of the camera again. Like riding a bike. Been a few years.

So much for the legwork.

This whole thing is also an exercise in categorical thinking. When you hear the word “success,” what comes to mind? When it comes to United in Flow, there are a few things to consider. Is success going to be judged by how many people show up? By how much money we raise? By the number of units we move? By how many people are wearing a United in Flow T-shirt the next day? By my reckoning it’s a matter of how much we raise for charity; the other categories serve that end.

But afterwards I’ll be looking everywhere to read up on or hear what people have to say about it after the fact. That’s how we’ll know if we’re doing it again next year; that’s how we’ll know it was a success.

Meantime, if you haven’t already gone over to the Euphonic Community and set up your profile, do it now! It’s the surest way to get the info you need to be a part of this thing.

That’s it for now. I’ll be back as soon as I’ve got more to say about it. Peace!

Technorati Tags: charity, hip hop, United in Flow

by Duke

Since the first post on United in Flow we got a lot of ducks lined up. For those just joining us, Euphonic Sound and Studio 2.0 are gearing up to launch “United in Flow: Celebrating the World of Hip-Hop” – a charity fundraiser and showcase for vocalists, dance crews, turntablists and visual artists in the GTA. It’s a massive undertaking, so I’m kind of resorting to crowdsourcing in a way.

Charity & Sponsors

Here’s the thing: We want to launch this event in October – with CDs, t-shirts and a venue – all for $20,000.00 give or take (not counting Euphonic Sound Studio’s contribution of time and resources).

Anybody with suggestions for sponsors or charitable beneficiaries, we want to hear from you yesterday. We have a charity in mind (an outfit dedicated to getting violence out of schools by encouraging youth to channel their energies into artistic expression via the 4 pillars of hip-hop culture), but the decision is a long way from final at this point. We’re still exploring the options.

In terms of sponsorship, we hope to find support with companies that have an understanding of hip-hop culture, and are both free from sweatshop/child labor and environmentally responsible. While corporate money seems to come in big drops when it comes, we want to focus on those sponsors who have found the strength in being small – owner-operated, agile and close to the street. That’s the kind of company we’d be proud to work beside. Know someone who fits that bill? Leave me a comment!

Venue

We’re still looking for a place to hold this event. We want to avoid the pitfalls of holding it in a bar or club; wouldn’t it be better to have a musical event in a place that’s geared less towards shouting over the music & more towards actually being part of the whole experience? Massey Hall and the Berkley Church are great, but pricy; after all, giving a whole bunch of money to the venue would take away from the money going to Unity… and that would defeat the purpose of doing this.

In a nutshell, I’m looking for a place in (or close to) central Toronto that holds 300+ people (liquor license optional). Suggestions? Leave me a comment!

Phase 1 – Planning

This is the first time most of us have done anything like this (or at least on this kind of scale). Consequently we’re glad to have Heather Garand on board; she has loads of experience in marketing and promotion, which has already proven invaluable in these the early stages of planning.

Launching the Contest

Some of the artists on this CD & event will be selected from outside our little circle; we want videos of vocal performances and dance crews in the GTA. We’ll have beats on the Euphonic website for downloading. Drop your flow on that and we’ll have a spot for you to upload it for consideration.

Spots will go fast, so get on it as soon as the beats are available!

We’ll announce the winners on the STM blog & through the Euphonic Community. Membership is essential to getting inside info on United in Flow. Go to the Euphonic Community and sign up now!

…and leave me a comment!

Technorati Tags: charity, dance, hip hop, rap, United in Flow

by Duke

Everyone knows now that Hip-Hop Culture is a global, socially conscious movement. There will always be times when it is highjacked and exploited by maniacal capitalists, or ridden by unscrupulous thugs with no interest in making the world better (often the same people). Those are the times when the music gets boring and the lyrics get vapid; but those times are always limited.

Hip-Hop – like jazz, rock & roll and heavy metal before it – began with the “underprivileged,” and it returns there every time. And when that happens, the music raises your pulse again, the lyricism returns, the culture thrives.

The ancient traditions of hip hop’s roots have re-emerged from the cities and the wilds alike, firing up the diverse artistic elements of Hip-Hop with a new and vibrant sense of purpose.

Toronto has been one of the centers of this revival. I’m not just talking about Kardinal here (although his success is warranted, deserved and something to celebrate). I’m talking about underground artists – still struggling to find their place in the independent music community, still dropping mixtapes for free, still working full-time to pay the bills while chasing this crazy dream of building a life on genuine art.

I’ve been at Euphonic Sound Recording Studio for a little over 6 months now. Between the metal bands, folk singers and even neoclassical composers coming through our doors, I’ve had the privilege of engineering for some first-class emcees. If strength is in numbers, why have we not brought them all together?

Therefore, Euphonic Sound presents “United in Flow: Celebrating the World of Hip-Hop.” This is a beast with many arms. At the center is a charitable fundraising event (TBA) celebrating the power and vibrance of Hip-Hop Culture, and a mixtape by Toronto Hip-Hop Artists to be released on Broken Window Records.

Who are the performers at the event and on the mixtape? In a way, that’s up to you.

Go to the Euphonic Community and create a free profile. Or forward this info on to any emcees you know… Once you become a Euphonic Community Member you will have access to additional information about this event.

Euphonic Community members can audition for United in Flow, as well as have a vote in selecting the performers for the live event & mixtape. United in Flow is for artists and fans alike; after all, they’re often the same people.

If you are selected to perform, you’ll be invited to Euphonic Sound Recording Studio to record a song for the mixtape for free.

In short: We are looking for lyricists, singers, rappers, deejays, dancers, painters, photographers, videographers, filmmakers… anybody who loves and contributes to the culture of Hip Hop to help us make this live event a memorable one. We are also looking for sponsors and unorthodox promotional ideas. If you would like to be involved in any of these aspects, we want to hear from you.

Sign up for your free Euphonic Community profile now, and get all the breaking developments regarding United In Flow: Celebrating the World of Hip Hop

More on this on a NTK (Need-to-Know) basis… That means soon.

Technorati Tags: contest, event, hip hop, Mixtape, United in Flow

Hey subscribers

This month many exciting, dynamic and inspiring things are happening in the Euphonic Sound Community…

First up!…

On Saturday December 19th BWR artist Andrea Gauster’s “Christmas Without You” was premiered on the CBC Radio One “Not Quite Christmas” episode of Bandwidth. Host Amanda Putz remarked “If the only gift I get this Christmas Season is my introduction to Andrea Gauster, I will be a very content women.”

New this week – artist/producer James Pew released a new single called “Dream.” Visit James’ BWR artist page or visit the Broken Window Records site to have a listen.

Written by James Pew & Ian Findlay
Produced by James Pew & Freddy Gabrsek
Mixed & Mastered by Freddy Gabrsek

Note: BWR artists are using the Bizmo embeddable widgets for the sale of music and merchandize. Most BWR music is available on iTunes, however we support the Bizmo’s effort to put the control of pricing and merchandising back into the artist hands. See the Bizmo in action on Broken Window Records – Andrea Gauster, James Pew, Foresight for the Blind are artists embracing alternatives to iTunes. Support their cause by purchasing their music and merchandize from their Bizmo store front. Learn more about the Bizmo.

New Music from Studio 2.0 artist TroNic. Checkout A TroNic Life, the official blog of TroNic, to hear “Make it (to the top)” produced by Shawn Daley and TroNic. Executive producer James Pew. Mixed by Shawn Daley & Freddy Gabrsek. Mastered by Freddy Gabrsek. The next single “I, Me, and Myself” is on it’s way as well!

The Volition Aire CD Release Event was Awesome!

Lonely Vagabond had this to say about the Volition Aire CD Release:

“A lethal jam of classic-rock butting heads with metal energy. This is an explosive sound that will send chills up your spine without being overly aggressive.”

Check of the new Volition Aire Youtube video filmed on location at Euphonic Sound.

The Infamous Roger Tutt has just completed “Uniting Strangers”, his 3rd Studio 2.0 at Euphonic Sound. Clocking in at 20 minutes, “Uniting Strangers” is a rock/metal opera produced by Roger Tutt, James Pew, and Shawn Daley.

James rocked the guitars, Shawn the bass, and none other than Roger Tutt provided the voice. Justin Forfar from punk band 48 Caliber provided the drumming on “Uniting Strangers”. Mixed By James Pew and Shawn Daley, Mastered by Freddy Gabrsek.

Roger Tutt has plans to immediately proceed to his next recording… but we can’t say exactly what it will be just yet. More information on that in the Euphonic Community Update for February 2010!

Have a listen to “Uniting Strangers” right now!

Euphonic Sound has a new analog console…introducing the Soundcraft series 800! In addition to the variety of Origin Audio out-board gear providing Euphonic Sound with vintage analog textures, the series 800 is so smooth in its classic British sound, its a beautiful thing… Euphonic artists sleep well tonight! Check out the Soundcraft series 800 right here.

The Euphonic Sound Annual Studio Time Special – This holiday season Euphonic Sound will be offering a big starving artist discount for one week between the beginning of January and the end of February (Dates will be announced shortly… subscribe to our RSS feed to stay tuned). If you are interested in taking advantage of our annual holiday offer send an email saying so to info@euphonicsound.com and we’ll put you on a list of artists who will receive notification of the date of offer, before it goes public.

We recently filmed a new music discussion between the Bob Ezrin founded Nimbus Recording Arts school, program director Terry Kerr, Euphonic Sound Producer James Pew, and Nimbus intern Jen Essiembre. Check out Part one of this insightful discussion on the economics of indie, Direct-to Fan, and new media on Studio Manfiesto.

Hell Yeah’s all around for the new Studio Manifesto authors Duke, Connor, Phil and Skelton – for providing excellent new music coverage while James, Shawn, and Freddy have been a little preoccupied in the studio lately.

On that note, James Pew “the author” is back. James has been secretly writing a book he’s calling Studio Manifesto: Exploring the Possibilities of Indie. In a nutshell the book is one part consideration of Marshall McLuhan’s media theory applied to the culture and dynamics of the new music world, and one part indie musician survival guide. James is posting sections of the book to the Studio Manifesto Blog to the category, STM: Exploring the Possibilities of Indie.

Producer Shawn Daley has posted some great pieces creating buzz in the new music space across the social web. Check out Shawn’s Studio Manifesto authors page to read great posts like the Top Six Essential Actions of Indie Producers.

Technorati Tags: Broken Window Records, community update, euphonic sound, Freddy Gabrsek, James Pew, Origin Audio, Shawn Daley, studio 2.0

It’s been a while since an update was sent to Euphonic Sound newsletter subscribers, lots of interesting musical things happening with the studio, the label Broken Window Records, blog Studio Manifesto, and with the successful Studio 2.0 projects. Fall has been over the top! The Euphonic Sound producers (more on James, Shawn, and Freddy below) have been working with some truly great artists (more on these guys too). There is a lot of catching up to do…

Just launched: the official online Euphonic Sound Community. Go to euphonicsound.ning.com/ to create your own personal profile. Get access to member’s only content, promotional offerings, and interact with the Euphonic Sound team and other members of the Euphonic Sound Community.

The first project underway for the newly established online Euphonic Sound Community is an Open Artist Development advisory group initiative. Studio 2.0 artists, Foresight For The Blind, Tronic, and Volition Aire already have groups that you can join. The artists are looking for advice and critiques on the content uploaded to their group, including music, album & merch artwork, videos, business & marketing plans, etc.

Group members have access to all Band related internal documents and data making it easy for members to fully assess the plans and actions used to grow these music businesses and brands. All members of the Euphonic Sound Community are welcome to join these groups to observe or contribute. Any questions you may have about becoming a member of the Euphonic Community, or contributing to the Open Artist Devopment Groups can be found in our FAQ’s section. Become a member to today!

This past summer Broken Window Records released the first EP from new folk artist Andrea Gauster. The EP, Reverie was produced by James Pew, who also performed back up harmony vocals, and played lead guitar on the title track. The EP was mixed by James Pew and Freddy Gabrsek, and mastered by Freddy Gabrsek in what has become the Studio 2.0 post production standard.

Andrea had an amazing CD release event at the Supermarket in Kensington Market, Toronto. The show was sold out and the CD sales generated blew away the wildest projections. Not surprisingly there was an overwhelmingly positive critical reaction to Reverie. Recording of the next Andrea Gauster project has already begun. Follow this link to hear and/or purchase Reverie.

Released on November 8, a brand new Andrea Gauster single called “Christmas Without You,” This time producer James Pew contributes electric guitar, back up harmony vocals, and Hammond Organ. Bass arangement by Shawn Daley, performed by Freddy Gabrsek. You can hear if for free or download it for $0.99 at Andrea’s Bandcamp Artist Page.

Also this past summer Broken Window Records released an EP from hard hitting punk band 48 Caliber. Produced, engineered and mixed by James Pew & Shawn Daley. Mastered by Freddy Gabrsek. These guys know how to Rip It Up! Listen and/or purchase Say It Loud on Broken Window Records.

New Broken Window Records artists, Foresight for the Blind have just wrapped production on their first Studio 2.0 EP called Beware of the Light, Produced & Engineered by James Pew and Shawn Daley. Mixed By James Pew and Freddy Gabrsek. Mastered by Freddy Gabrsek. Listen to and/or purchase Beware of the Light on Broken Window Records.

Also coming soon on Broken Window Records – James Pew’s tribute to Michael Jackson, a cover of the classic Jackson 5 song “Ben.”

Check out Andrea Gauster, 48 Caliber, Foresight for the Blind, solo music by producer James Pew, Remi Stevens, and other BWR artists at brokenwindowrecords.com

For those who follow Studio Manifesto, the official blog of the Euphonic Sound Community, you may have noticed a change in format. Music business and production posts used to be published 3 or 4 times per month… now new posts go live 4 to 10 times per day.

Here’s a quote from Euphonic Sound producer and Studio Manifesto blogger James Pew

“We believe this is the most exciting time in the history of the music industry, as silos are being dismantled, and in their place is an emergent online culture. New Music Innovators are paving the way for direct-to-fan business models allowing artists the freedom and control they have always desired (but rarely ever had). Studio Manifesto aims to help indie artist and producers understand and navigate the new music revolution as it unfolds. “

Viva La Music Revolution! Stay tuned to studiomanifesto.ca

Check out the great coverage by new STM authors Duke Buzzy and Phil Newman.

The studio is buzzing! With an amazing team of 9 talented interns helping deliver on the number one service at Euphonic Sound Recording Studio… Studio 2.0. Check out these two new artists tackling Studio 2.0 projects:

Artist Tronic is new to Toronto’s hip-hop circuit, and looking to take it over one song at a time. He will be releasing singles every month with a promotion or two to go along with each song. Fan collaboration is the name of the game for the promotions, so anyone interested in contributing to Tronic’s music and brand, keep your ears and eyes open!

Also, R&B artist Andrew Bute (a.k.a. “da Bute”) who sings with a contagious calm. Imagine Seal if he could freestyle; that’s da Bute. He will be releasing his first single soon, with one to follow each month, culminating in an EP early next year. Listen for it!

Studio 2.0 still remains the number one focus for Euphonic Sound. For those who don’t know, Studio 2.0 is a turnkey approach to producing, managing, promoting, and monetizing a band or solo artist. As the Studio 2.0 slogan goes…

“Turning band into Brand.”

Studio 2.0 Releases

Metal band Volition Aire is in the middle phase of their Studio 2.0 and has just finished production on their first self-titled EP. Produced by James Pew & Shawn Daley. Mixed by James, Shawn and Freddy Gabrsek. And mastered by you guessed it…Freddy Gabrsek. Listen to new Volition Aire on myspace.

Roger Tutt is completing his third Studio 2.0 project at Euphonic Sound, this time a 20 minute rock / metal concept song, with musical composition and arrangement by James Pew and Shawn Daley. Lyrics and vocal melodies by Roger Tutt. James is performing guitars, and shawn is handling the bass. Fans of progressive rock and heavy metal won’t want to miss this EP, entitled “Uniting Strangers”, due out early December.

For anyone interested in Studio 2.0 take the Studio 2.0 artist assessment survey and receive a free consultation and action plan from the Euphonic Sound Team.

Technorati Tags: Andrea Gauster, Duke Buzzy, Euphonic Sound Community, Freddy Gabrsek, James Pew, Phil Newman, Shawn Daley, studio 2.0