Being In Your Elements Being In Your Elements
Transcription
Being In Your Elements Being In Your Elements
FREE U N P L U G D I G I T A L . I S S U E NO 1 2 . F E B - M A R 2 0 1 6 Being In Your Elements COMMUNITY TECHNIQUE URBAN MANILA’S HIDDEN TREASURE THE HAND OF GADD BIG H SKATE CO. YOUR INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY ON MUSIC AND GEAR Contents The Panel CEO Clarence Anthony [email protected] Click here Editor Ria Bautista [email protected] Click here Music Editor Andrew G. Contreras Click here Gear Editor Cholo Isungga Click here Click here DJ Editor May Cedilla-Villacorta This Issue RedRum Rakrakan Festival Itchyworms Community Elemental: The 2015 Elements Music Camp Manila’s Hidden Musical Treasure Technique Touched by the Hand of Gadd Guitar Cables Features BPM Urban Gear Disclaimer: All rights reserved. No part of this publication or content may be reproduced or used without the written permission of the publisher: C.A. Editorial Consultants. All information contained in this magazine is for information only, and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. The views, ideas, comments, and opinions expressed in this publication are solely of the writers, interviewees, press agencies, and manufacturers and do not represent the views of the editors or the publisher. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy and honesty in both editorial and advertising content at press time, the publisher will not be liable for any inaccuracies or losses incurred. Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. If you submit material to us, you automatically grant C.A. Editorial Consultants a license to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine, including licensed editions worldwide and in any physical or digital format throughout the world. Writers: Aimax Macoy Alfie Vera Mella Andrew G. Contreras Bombee Dueme Edelynne Mae Escartin Herb Cabral Isabelle Romualdez Jica Lapena Kat Castro Mark Verzo Wina Puangco Yogi Pajarillo Advertising Sales: For the Philippines contact: [email protected] International enquiries contact: [email protected] Brought to you by unplug redrum.rakrakan 3 MUST GO ON Rakista Radio’s Rakrakan Festival is one of those rock events that started small but suddenly turned into a monster of a show and one of local rock scene’s most anticipated multi-band concerts. This year, the rock festival was met with bad weather conditions but like what they say in showbusiness: the show must go on... or the rock show, in this case. Originally scheduled for December 19 last year, the event date pushed through last January 16, 2016. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug redrum.rakrakan 4 Move stage featured lively sets from 6 Cycle Mind, Jurassic Pards, Now You Make Angry, Tanya Markova, Banda ni Klegg, Moonstar 88, Gracenote, False Apart, Absolute Play, Cables and Space, Barbie Almalbis, Drive Me to Juliet, Maryzark, Typecast, Manila Under Fire, Hoodlum, and newcomer May. Continuing the tradition of multiple stages for different genres, here are some of the bands that performed on each of the festival's 3 stages: Groove Stage had acts like The Chongkeys, Peacepipe, Jeepney Joyride, Coffee Break Island, Paranoid City, BP Valenzuela, The Techy Romantics, Brownman Revival, Calebral, Tricia Garcia, Taken By Cars, Kartel at Lion and the Scouts, Jeck Pilpil and the country's premiere reggae outfit, Tropical Depression. The much crowded of the three, the Mosh Stage, was given life by Galaw Tao, and then came The Morphine Kings, A Message Made by Knife, Runbynine, Oblivion, Subculture, Switch! Kjwan, Valley of Chrome, Slapshock, Queso, Chicosci, Hilera, Sandwich, Philia, and Wilabaliw all got the already pumped up crowd going. Something to take note of is the Razorback jam with Jamir Garcia featuring Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs”. The Youth gave the attendees a good dose of 90's alt-rock. The stage also featured Skychurch, Even, Saydie, Intolerant, and Godzilla Vs Tokyo. ka n ! a r k a R t x e n l il T Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug redrum.itchyworms ITCHYWORMS 5 Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T Man of the night Jugs Jugueta celebrated his birthday by playing with his band Itchyworms at The Brewery. A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug redrum.itchyworms 6 About Itchyworms DIGITAL MAGAZINE 10,000 FREE DOWNLOAD The Itchyworms is a Filipino rock band whose music is primarily guitar-driven rock with pronounced 1960s and 1980s pop sensibilities and embellished with two or three-part vocal harmonies. The group made their name in the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) scene in 2006 with their sophomore effort Noontime Show with songs such as "Akin Ka Na Lang" and "Beer". GET YOUR COPY FROM WWW.AVLTIMES.COM WWW.CAEDITORIAL.COM/AVL-PHILIPPINES unplug community 7 ELEMENTAL THE 2015 ELEMENTS MUSIC CAMP OPM, or what was formerly known as “Original” “Pinoy” Music is dead. It is no longer playing; it has passed on. It is deceased – ceased to de. It has expired and met its maker. It is bereft of life. It rests in peace. It has kicked the bucket. It has shuffled off its mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. By stating so, I’m risking awakening to an angry mob breaking into my house – pitchforks, torches and clubs, in hand, and getting forcefully dragged out of bed, beaten, and burned alive. A great percentage of this mob will be friends and peers from the Philippine music industry. I am part of that scene, too. Let’s face it: the golden years of OPM have been long gone. Once upon a time, you could really follow your favorite band because that band probably had a venue they could call home. Gone are the days when songs like The Dawn’s “Salamat,” the Eraserheads’ “Pare Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T Ko,” were the anthems of every high school kid in the country. We also could hum down to the last note every line of the guitar solo of Rivermaya’s 214. But then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Well, the Fire Nation didn’t actually attack – the greed of record labels did. Thanks in no small part to these bloodsuckers, the scene nowadays is such that it is infested with cover albums by artistas who can’t sing for shit. Only they get the right backing because only their records will eventually be “certified platinum” on an afternoon variety show. A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug community 8 Even the so-called “real musicians” themselves got lazy. It’s become more about the fame and fortune – more about “being cool” than the music. As a result of a lot of fundamentals - dynamics, for example, being neglected, you can expect 90% of bands to be playing at open-air stadium volume at small-scale “prods” staged at tiny bars. Still, if you’re in a band nowadays and you’re not a Parokya ni Edgar, whom, with the absence of a real hit of late thrives mostly on large scale out-of-town gigs, be prepared to go hungry. But they have it good. Bands like Kamikaze and Urbandub recently had to call it quits. It’s gotten so bad that bar owners, events companies and the likes feel that “exposure” is actually a legitimate bargaining tool. Dead. Right? IS OPM REALLY DEAD? Then again, perhaps, OPM is just resting. Enter the Elements Songwriting Camp – a 6-year old endeavor under the 7101 Music Nation formed by “Wannabe Music Honcho”, Julio “Jun” Sy, “Mad Maestro”, Ryan Cayabyab Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T and “One Woman Band” Twinky Lagdameo. Truth be told, apart from that a group of 60 singer-songwriters would be mentored for five days by household names like Jay Durias, Noel Cabangon, Chito Miranda, Ebe Dancel and Raimund Marasigan, I was clueless about Elements. Really, I couldn’t care any less. Every band in the contemporary scene sounds the same, anyway. Albeit sans pitchforks, torches and clubs, it was Up Karma Down in the form of a videographer friend covering Batch 2015, who would rudely awaken me. He needed a substitute. The Camp, which is normally held in Dumaguete was, thanks to the chaos created by the APEC Summit, moved to Hacienda Isabella (owned none other than the timeless Kuh Ledesma) in the part of Cavite that is practically Tagaytay. That being very much drivable, I braced myself for noise, out-of-tune instruments, A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug community 9 monotonous singing, and an abundance of rants by either bitter old musicians or kids with delusions of grandeur, both of whom have yet to come to terms with the fact that the industry today is such that one can no longer live like a rockstar. Okay. While I understand that I’ve probably talked so much smack that you’re thinking happy thoughts involving inflicting grievous bodily harm upon me on social media, I beg your indulgence. Time to choke on my words. ELEMENTARY : Turns out, not everybody can get into the camp. Participants of Elements are not selected on a first come, first serve basis: they are screened thoroughly not just once, but numerous times and by none other than Mr. C (Cayabyab) and his peers who facilitate the camp along with him, namely Jungee Marcelo, Jim Paredes, Ebe Dancel, and so on. Therefore, in order to make the crucial cut you have to be really damn good. Jireh Calo, a camper from batch 2014, for example, is now taking up further studies at the Berkelee College of Music and boasts even being able to sing while playing the keyboard using a slipper. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T While nobody was able to mimic such a feet, er… feat, come dinner, over which each of the participants must eventually perform throughout the camp, I was nevertheless pretty impressed and pleasantly surprised by the talent that this country has to offer. “This country,” by the way, because Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are equally represented. I’d actually seen some of these guys prior to Elements at gigs here and there, but never stripped down to the bare essentials, meaning just an acoustic guitar, piano or both. Again, we go back to my having pointed out earlier that local productions are more often than not just unbearably noisy. I stand by this as, upon having been able to see veterans like Josh Villena (Autotelic), Bea Fabros (The Jeffrey Zulueta Expermiment), and Fairwell Fair Weather’s Mic Manalo perform solo, I could for a change clearly understand their lyrics. The rhythm hand being the core of a melody, I could see as well how technically sound they were as instrumentalists. A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug community 10 Guitar virtuosos LJ Manzano and Yan Abelardo, for their part, were amazing with their uniquely percussive styles that could fool one whose eyes are closed into assuming that a full band was onstage. Prior to having seen the performances of the two, I was clueless that guitarists like youtube staples, John Gomm and Luca Stricagnoli actually existed in this country. While there was an abundance of raw skill, the simplicity and wittiness of songs such as Yoyie Soriano’s “Chubby” were not to be outdone. Lines like “Ako lang talaga ang iibigin mo/ Lumaki ‘man ang timbang at waistline ko/ “Wag mag-aalala,” yun ang pangako mo/ Kung tataba ako gagayahin mo ako’t/ Mag-eexercise tayo,” had the crowd buckling in their seats from too much laughter. (I’ll be the only one you love/ “Don’t worry,” you promised/ If I get fat you’ll get fat, too and we’ll exercise) Music in no small part equally a group effort, campers were assembled into groups/teams by and by and made under the guidance of their mentors to compose and perform various jingles and themed numbers. The performance of Audie Gemora’s group, “Trapped sa Trapik”, for example, had each camper playing/singing the part of different stereotypes from all walks of life who are caught in the every day chaos that is Manila traffic. Despite having been created under very tight time constraints, it was so brilliantly executed that it could’ve passed as a key scene for a stage play. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T EGO HAS LEFT THE BUILDING : Thanks to the performances, it was clear to me that there is apparently no shortage of talent in the local scene. In this day and age, however, having the talent does not mean instant success. That’s where the modules by resource speakers such as Youtube’s James Koo, Billboard’s Jonathan Serbin and Orchard’s Mike Baldo, which gave the campers a basic idea of how the international business works and how to penetrate it, came in. As a voracious music listener and passionate drummer, myself though, it was the stories of rapper, Gloc-9, and Parokya ni Edgar’s Chito Miranda that really stood out. To sum up his career to those of you who are not familiar with “Gloc” (as he is commonly called), let’s just say that, after Francis M., the father of local hip-hop passed away in 2009, it was he who inherited the title. Apparently, even though already more or less having made a name for himself and already having cut two albums early in his career, his drive to succeed was such that he still kept his day job waiting tables at the long departed local fastfood joint, Bunon-the-Run. Despite already having won numerous awards and achieved significant commercial success with hits like “Hari ng Tondo” and “Lando,” such was his desire to provide for his family that he took up nursing in 2009 so as to have a fallback. A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug community 11 Chito Miranda, for his part, could not have been more adamant in stressing to the campers that making music must reign above all. “When Parokya began we never really had any delusions of fame and fortune,” he narrated, “We were just friends whose way of hanging out was to be in a band and jam.” “Truthfully, thinking about the business just stresses me out. All I really want to do is record and gig,” he added. As far as he sees it, rather than count the profit that can be made word for word written in a song, it is more important to build and sustain good working relationships. Forging good relationships. Behind all the modules on music theories, marketing and mixing, exercises on collaboration, and all the bonding shared over a 7/8 tinikling, Kopiko 78 degrees, and so on, this I guess is what Elements is all about. The Elements community now 300 strong though, it is simply much more than a network – it is a family. the morning even to a point of getting sick just to make sure their children received the proper guidance. These children are also fortunate to have uncles like Jay Durias, Gabby Alipe, Joey Ayala, and so on, who, no matter what make sure that their schedules are cleared to accommodate the camp come that time of the year. Moreover, what could be better a start than by planting new seeds – the campers, and nourishing them with life-giving water, solidifying their foundation with pillars of earth, provoking the fire in their bellies and letting them breathe fresh air. True, OPM may be dead for now. With the existence of Elements, however, described as “life changing” by campers and mentors alike, I do not doubt for one second that, like a Phoenix, it will one day rise from the ashes – better, stronger, and to a really awesome soundtrack. OPM may be dead for now. What better way to resurrect it though than through having a basic unit of musicians fathered by Mr. Sy and Mr. C., the household literally lit by a mother with a Twinkle in her name, all who worked tirelessly with no financial remuneration ‘til the wee small hours of Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug community Text and Photos by Andrew G. Contreras 12 Manila’s Hidden Musical Treasure All that is gold does not glitter. Not all who wander are lost. (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings) Unknown to many, mysteriously tucked in the side streets of Quezon City, there exists a humble holein-the-wall called Tago Jazz Café. Translated to English, the word appropriately means, “hidden.” That it is, indeed. Not long ago it was actually just a food stall or what Filipinos know as a carinderia on the premises of owner, Nelson Gonzales, in which he and five other friends would hang out. Thanks to having been able to pool together a small sum of money, after having clocked in intense manual labor, and courtesy of a whole lot of love for jazz, they were able to convert it into one of the most special – meaning spacially challenged bars in which you would ever set foot. This is not an exaggeration as it was literally a hallway that could seat maybe fifteen people – performers included – hence barely accommodating a live band. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug community 13 Back then we would actually have to wait for the band to finish a song or for a break in-between sets in order to get to the comfort room because in fear of accidentally bumping into a bassist or guitarist as we squeezed through the cramped space. While pit-stopping one’s pee was not actually the hapee-est way to hangout, the music made everything worth it. The local scene plagued by bands sorely lacking dynamics, Tago was the much sought after relief for, despite the confined quarters, the volume control of the musicians was such that we could still manage to have a decipherable conversation while they played. Such was their passion that, despite jazz being the “real alternative music” in an industry dominated by image more than imagination, they brought their amazing talents to the stage night in and night out regardless of the tiny talent fee. Moreover, given the intimate setting, the bond forged between the regulars – musicians and audience alike – was unique in that there seemed to be no borders separating them. Nelson himself calls it “an immersion in a friendly atmosphere. Not exclusive and not snobbish.” The hangouts at Tago were gold. Unfortunately, they would be short-lived. Barely six months into operation, an electrical fire would force its’ doors to indefinitely close, thus prematurely ending what was a magical run. The old that is strong does not whither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. (Ibid) While the fire in the kitchen had been doused – along with it electricity, water, and not to mention the support of those who would become former partners, Nelson’s stalwart desire to continue to “bring people together through the rare art form that is Philippine Jazz” burned ever bright. Eight months later, thanks to a little help from his friends and through the bare hands that also dexterously wield drumsticks, spices, skillets and ladles six nights a week, curator/ accountant/ waiter/ bouncer/ cook/ construction worker/ wholesome GRO, and / drummer, Nelson, was able to re-open its’ doors. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug community 14 “The work done there is very important,” the Latin Piano maestro adds, “it advocates the much needed support for live and creative music.” Support certainly is still also abundant coming from hometown heroes like guitar virtuoso, Rey Infante, sexy saxman, Pete Canzon, even pioneer of Filipino fusion, pianist, Boy Katindig (before having migrated permanently to the United States), and Zildjian Ambassador, drummer, Mar Dizon, who were also there when it all started. While the nightly “elation” and “freedom” of bringing jazz to local audiences is a reward in itself, the “100,000,000% stress level” of being the broke ultimate D.I.Y. guy for the much bigger Tago Jazz Café has not gone unnoticed. Barely a year after its’ resurrection an interview with Mika Shino, UNESCO Adviser to Goodwill Ambassador and 14-time Grammy Award Winning pianist and composer, Herbie Hancock, resulted in Tago having become an official partner of the International Jazz Day festivities. Since then, when foreign artists namely drum and percussion guru, Dr. Royal Hartigan, saxophonist, Daniel Guggenheim, pianist, Art Hirahara, and so on are in the Philippines, they make sure to stop over at Tago. None other than Latin Grammy Award Nominee, Edsel Gomez, himself, who has graced its stage numerous times, calls Nelson a “hero” for “keeping the spirit of jazz alive and nurtured.” Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T Seek and You Shall Find Truth be told, Philippine Jazz may as well be a drop in the vast ocean that is the profit-driven and image obsessed local music industry. To say that it may not exactly be the most popular nor the most profitable genre would actually be an understatement. Chances are if you are a local jazzer, it may even be safe to say that you’re no stranger to slavery and starvation. One must remember though, that the ocean is but a multitude of drops. Hence, those who have an equally insatiable hunger and are willing to dig deep for precious and ego-free music need not worry any further. Buried somewhere in the hubbub and chaos of Manila traffic you will find a precious seashell that can magically free you of all your earthly worries. You need just press it against your ear and you will be soothed by the trickling decay of cymbals, tickled by the pitter-pattering piano, enthralled by the warbling of the sax, you name it. Hidden from the commercial scene and scenery it may be; all who seek to get pleasantly swept away in the tide of good vibes are nevertheless free to enter the undiscriminating doors of Tago Jazz Café. Given the amount of heart that has gone and goes into this place, many, myself included, have unearthed a precious treasure – a home away from home. A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug technique 15 Text and Photos by Andrew G. Contreras TOUCHED BY THE HAND OF GADD “We walk in the garden of his turbulence” Geoffrey Chaucer in the film, A Knight’s Tale A “Gaddism.” In the world of music exists a word that you won’t find in your regular dictionary. Simply put, this can be defined as a drum line – a roll or a groove, coined by one Doctor Steve Gadd. Art, as we all know it, is an imitation game. Hence, there are but a few artists, musicians especially, who can be cited as having actually “invented” anything. There is such a thing, too. The Honorary Doctor of Music was bestowed upon him in 2005 for his outstanding contributions to contemporary music. Doctor? Wait a minute? Isn’t this a term reserved for scholars in smart suits and well, err, “real” doctors wearing white coats? Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug technique 16 The reality of having this generation’s most influential and maybe most recorded drummer walking through the door soon and sitting a mere six feet away was slowly donning on me. A drummer, myself and guilty “fanboy,” I couldn’t help but feel a bit scared. In my head, I strategized my camera angles and composition, at the same time rehearsing what I’d ask should I be fortunate to be allowed a question during this “Pre-Show Talk” for The Steve Gadd Band “70 Strong Concert”. When I caught wind that this music god who has worked with greats such as Frank Sinatra, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Chick Corea, Steely Dan, to name a few (his discography is five pages long) would be coming to The Esplanade, I decided pretty much on a whim to fly to Singapore. So there I was fidgeting in my seat, repeatedly checking the settings of my Canon 70D, half expecting that, when or if my chance to meet this him finally came, all intelligence would escape me and I’d probably end up saying something stupid like, “You’re so cool!” A few moments later, I am to find an unassuming and almost frail elderly man clad not in white robes but a plain black t-shirt and jeans trudging through the door and waving shyly to us. I ask the second question of the day, “Given all your achievements, what’s left on Steve Gadd’s bucket list?” In a band, one of the primary tasks of a drummer is to count off, to launch the band into a song. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T “I try to live in the moment,” he states, “I don’t want to be in one place while thinking of being elsewhere. Right now what’s most important is that I’m here sitting with you guys,” he states. We’ve officially begun. Right then and there it becomes apparent that this is not going to be a thorough technical discussion filled with confusing drumming and/or music jargons. When asked about his mindset before playing concerts like this one and having worked with fellow greats and industry pioneers, a slightly embarrassed but matterof-fact “Scary” comes out of his mouth. Being scared – feeling fear – is something you typically wouldn’t expect someone of his stature to openly admit. Apparently, not only is he human, but he actually proudly embraces it. “When you’re sharing the stage with guys who are as talented as my present bandmates or anytime your name gets mentioned along with the likes of Buddy Rich, I don’t think it would be normal not to feel fear,” he assures. By this time, he has put all the drooling disciples in the room such as myself who were initially nervous wrecks totally at ease. Once upon a time, Anthony Jackson, a Grammy Award winning bassist, colleague and friend of Steve’s paid him the ultimate homage. “When Steve plays the drums, you can hear an entire orchestra being played on the kit.” Doctor Gadd is doing his thing now, conducting the tempo and tone of this talk. A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug technique 17 The next question regarding dealing with making mistakes, while not coming from the event’s facilitator and therefore in no way rehearsed, seems to be something that Gadd has set up himself. “If I make a mistake what I do is repeat it a bit later in the song so as to make it appear intentional.” While obviously pleased by the loud laughter his admission has elicited, he immediately shifts the dynamics to a more serious and hushed volume. “There was a time in which I’d be sessioning and I’d feel ‘This guy doesn’t like me.’ Through the years I’ve learned not to take it personally. I just try my best to make it work. When you’re a nice guy people eventually see that.” In describing fear, the acronym F-E-A-R, that is, I imagine this song – this intimate gathering, now going into soloing as Gadd shows off with a bit of quick wit and effortless humor. “Personally, the way that I deal with fear is to Face Everything And Recover. Of course, you can always choose to F**k Everything And Run.” Click, click, click. The trusty Canon system with which I’ve shot some of his peers in the drumming industry, Dennis Chambers, Simon Phillips, and Steve Smith, to name a few, goes off rapidly, as if synchronized with a metronome set to 150 beats per minute. It’s almost showtime and the “Pre-Show Talk” is winding down. Finally, Steve the 70-year strong professional of over 40 years is asked about his success strategy and for the secret in his staying power. “To me, technical prowess has never been a measure of one’s success.” Again, I’m a bit caught off guard that such words would come from one who is famous as well for impeccable technique. “The only thing that matters is that you love what you do, that you do your homework and do your best.” Showtime. The concert proper, as expected, was nothing short of mind-blowing. Contrary to what audiences usually expect of jazz and instrumental shows though, 70 Strong was not filled with ultra technical, mind boggling instrumental exhibitions. Instead, it was abundant in sweet and sticky grooves, Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug technique 18 super smooth transitions, and all that brilliance that can be learned only by staying humble and just constantly listening. More than a conversation between the drums and bass, or between guitar, piano and trumpet drums, and so on, it was almost a nonverbal understanding reached through impeccable taste, through sheer musical wisdom. The show done Steve, along with fellow band members Walt Fowler, Larry Goldings, Jimmy Johnson and Michael Landau did a meet-and-greet for the entire audience. “Rather than shake your hand,” I respectfully asked Steve as I was handing him my copy of their first album, Gattitude, “May you just touch my forehead to spread the magic?” Truth be told I thought he’d think it was silly and maybe refuse. But, he was game. Nevertheless I felt blessed to well, err, be, in a way literally blessed by someone who is not only the quintessential musician, but moreover a great human being. That, I guess, is the best achievement to which one can aspire. With that concluded this once sentient being’s journey down to earth. Rather than falling due to excessive pride and ambition, however, he glided down on the ray of light of humility and hard work, clad in a black shirt and jeans, and swinging to the hip-swaying tune of the “Hustle.” Follow the Leader Shortly after I stayed on to document the event a bit more. I knew my work was done when, for a brief moment amidst the chaos of the autograph signing – for just a single frame, actually, he looked directly my way and smiled. Despite feeling like a giddy high school girl on the train ride heading back to my hotel, as surreal as this whole thing was, I realized that, like the rest of us “normal people”, it turns out even a Steve Gadd makes mistakes – that he, too, achievements aside, is capable of fear. Admittedly, as much as he expressed it being something “amazing” he’d have “liked to learn,” the guy can’t twirl drumsticks while playing. About the artist : Bombee Duerme is an avid Guitarian, CheeseBurgerer, Comicist, and 4ever young Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug technique 19 Guitar Cables By Kamal Mahtani Cables is an extremely dry topic but at the rate guitarists are spending more money to get their desired tone, it is time to learn more about how a guitar cable can make or break your tone. What does a guitar cable do apart from it being a link between your amp and your guitar? Why is it so important? Why are cable manufacturers constantly making improvements? Why do some of them cost so much money? Why do guitar shops sometimes give them away for free? What is the best length to purchase? Being a guitarist, I am sure you’ve asked yourself some of these questions. This article is to help you understand the most important link between your guitar and your amplifier. Think of a cable as an artery connected to a heart. Once the artery is blocked with plague built up, the blood flow to the heart decreases and the heart pumps harder. I am no cardiologist, but once the heart needs to work harder, it becomes less efficient and that alters the natural design of the heart. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug technique 20 Imagine your cable being blocked with similar impurities. THIS is going to make a huge impact on your tone. For one, your amp will need to work harder and secondly, your guitar will sound nothing like how it’s designed to sound. Klotz Cables, a leading brand German cable manufacturer, has been manufacturing high-quality cables for the MI (Musical Instrument) and Pro AV (Audio/Video) Industry for 35 years. WHAT ARE THE IMPURITIES IN A CABLE? Impurities are referred to as other metal elements that shouldn’t be there. Silver is the best conductor for signal, but it is too expensive. Copper is the second best conductor provided it has 99.95% Copper purity. When pick-up manufacturers design pick-ups, they use guitar cables with 99.95% Copper purity in their R&D. To experience what goes on in their R&D, a guitar cable with 99.95% purity would translate the experience immaculately. When a cable is free, or cheap, you can be rest assured It’s Copper content is significantly lower and other metal elements are mixed in to compensate for its low Copper content. This is a TONE KILLER. Don’t buy another pedal or change your pick-ups, simply change your cable. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T Klotz makes it very clear that every model of cable they manufacture has 99.95% Copper purity. Klotz offers nine different guitar cable models and each of them vary in tone due to precise calculated Capacitance. Their cables are designed for every kind of playing style. What tone are you after? What’s your playing style? Here comes the topic of Capacitance. Capacitance in a cable influences the impact on sound quality. Capacitance is a science and it is calculated to work with the resonant frequency of the pick-up. Entry level cables will have a Capacitance of 115pF/m and professional cables would have a Capacitance of 67pF/m. What does this mean? This number is very important to determine the tone you are after. The lower the Capacitance, high frequencies roll off more naturally. The higher the Capacitance, the stronger the attenuation of the signal especially in the higher frequencies. A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug technique An example of how this can be applied: A recording guitarist would prefer a cable with lower Capacitance for clarity in details especially for acoustic guitars. A bass player would prefer a cable with higher Capacitance for more definition on the lower frequencies. A blues guitarist would want a warm tone and would like a cable with a Capacitance of 65-75 pF/m. The longer the cable, the higher the Capacitance too. Keep the cable as short as possible. As a recording engineer, I hardly allow guitarists to use their cables when recording. 21 I want transparency and I only use my own collection of Klotz Cables such as the Titanium, La Grange, FunkMaster, ProArtist or KIK depending on their genre of music. When you purchase an amp and a guitar, the cost of a decent cable is only a small fraction of the total cost. A serious F1 car racer wouldn’t use a free helmet would he? Cables are just as important. Don’t fall prey to fancy packaging, thick cables and technical jargon. Look out for its Copper Content and it’s Capacitance. Be sure to use similar quality patch cables for your pedals, otherwise it will defeat the purpose of using a good quality guitar cable. It defines you, it defines your tone! unplug vibe 22 CHECKPOINT DESIGNED TO ROCK A concert venue like no other, Checkpoint Rock Bar is the South is place for those who thrive on the rock lifestyle. Unlike other bars that have stages for any kind of cast or music, those sleazy ones that are decadently dirty, there is nothing mediocre about Checkpoint, as it is a class place with the perfect stage and hitech sound equipment that is considered as home by the best local and international musicians. If you have been looking for a place that rocks, has the variety that ranges from heavy metal to acoustic nights, great food and drinks, and one that provides that total entertainment experience, for the people who only want the very best, go to Checkpoint that is open from Wednesday to Saturdays, from 5 pm until the nearly the break of dawn. Like Checkpoint Rock Bar on Facebook www.facebook.com/checkpoint?frebar/f=ts Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug vibe 23 World of ILLUMINARI ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE: There is no mediocrity in what they are attempting to do. It is cutting edge sound, no more, no less. The intent is to be as experimental as possible while balancing a core, natural melody that resonates with instinctive good feeling. Progression in art is something that requires a complete abandon of sorts. It is that courageous step forward, right out of the box, in brazenly sure footing. ILLUMINARI represents the feminine principle in a world of duality. Their message is the light of existentialistic exploration and the clarity of inner truth. Their tool is the path of musical expression and artistic movement. Recognising that in this material reality, the masculine principle, the route of reaching outward for truth, is the more active, dominant one, and so the purpose is to illuminate listeners to release themselves from the hold of the overtly physical and discover the deeper, realer life within. If but only one person awakens this light within them, ILLUMINARI would have served its ultimate vision, to ignite the guidance of the heart and soul. This is the picture they are painting in all its audacity and what they believe contributes to the collective. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y Their debut album is a Trip Hop composition, which is a fusion of funk, soul, jazz with an urban drumming style, entitled "ILLUMINARI AT THE THRESHOLD" and it is a compilation of different esoteric information aligned to the twelve archetypal subjects of the astrological signs. O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug vibe 24 The album itself has been mastered by the grammy-nominated Emily Lazar, who was also the engineer for Björk, Paul McCartney, Wu Tang Clan, Prodigy, Foo Fighters, Garbage, Sia Furler amongst others. The mixing was done in Diablito Studios, by Diego Aguirre. Diablito Studios is a company co-owned by one of the members of Molotov, a famous Mexican rap group. DIGITAL ALBUM: Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. ABOUT THE ALBUM: ILLUMINARI AT THE THRESHOLD ...is a title that on one hand describes it as being the debut album (the threshold, the beginning) and on the other, plays upon the guardian of the threshold, an imagery from the theosophical circles. The guardian is a being that guards the path to higher knowledge. It is the metaphorical place where you are checked on whether you have released all layers of judgment within yourself. If you are cleansed of all levels of that karmic impurity, you are then invited into the worlds of greater wisdom and lightness. Therefore the album’s message and purpose is to help the listeners prepare for that moment where one meets the symbolic guardian and be ready to receive the higher worlds. It is also simply a message to just free yourself from the bondage of what you believe life’s expectations should be and take that step to understanding what existence is all about. Released: December 3, 2015 Produced by Celestine Angel Executive Producer: IZ St Music Composition & Arrangement: Marco Fernandez Arrangement, Vocal Composition & Lyrics: Celestine Angel / IZ St Live Guitar Parts: Luis Huichotron De Nuex Live Bass Parts: Cesar Ignute Live Drum Parts: Ana Riv click to play 1. Libra) Bluesphere 04:52 2. Scorpio) A Labyrinth is not a Maze 04:48 3. Sagittarius) Trial by Fire 05:16 4. Capricorn) No Exception 04:18 5. Aquarius) Take a Deep Breath 07:27 6. Pisces) Chalice 04:33 7. Aries) The Seventh King 04:12 8. Taurus) Arc Matrimony 04:27 9. Gemini) Gemini (True Groove) 04:32 10. Cancer) Cero 05:05 11. Leo) Philosophia Perennis 06:02 12. Virgo) Letters on the Battlefield 04:55 Media Kit: www.illuminarimusic.com www.illuminaritunes.bandcamp.com Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y www.facebook.com/areyouilluminari O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug vibe 25 THE PURSUIT OF PERFECT SOUND The WOW Group of Companies, importer and distributor of Entertainment, Energy and Environment as well as Food and Wellness products, recently concluded “The Pursuit of Perfect Sound: A Pro-Audio Seminar” in two key cities in Mindanao, Zamboanga and General Santos Cities. Coming from the success of the first 3-city tour leg held in Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu Cities in October, The WOW Group through its affiliate companies, Audio-Video Solutions Corporation (AVSC) and G2K Corporation, conducted these free pro-audio seminars for Zamboanga and General Santos Cities’ microphone and pro-audio professionals. Attendees were comprised of pastors, company owners/presidents and key decision-makers, audio/sound engineers and technicians from malls, hotels, government offices, houses of worships, schools/ universities, dealers and rental companies and even end-users themselves. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T Aiming to impart the latest and limitless advancement in pro-audio technology, AVSC and G2k Corp. invited audio authorities from two of the world’s premium German brands, Sennheiser and Adam Hall to share their skills and knowledge on pro-microphone and pro-audio techniques. Sennheiser Engineer Kenan Phang presented topics on understanding Radio Frequency, Wireless Systems Manager, intermodulation, product orientation on Sennheiser XSW, evolution G3 and D1 Digital Microphones. Participants showed interest during the presentation on the typical set-up of A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug vibe 26 Adam Hall, manufacturer and distributor of LD Systems that offers a broad range of products from wireless audio transmission through portable sound systems to installation speakers, was represented by Technical Product Specialist Vinod Kumar. Aside from the basic PA techniques, sound theories, Zamboango basic principles on mixers, signal processors, amplifiers and speakers, low impedance vs high impedance, the presentation’s highlight was on the introduction and actual demo of LD Systems CURV500 PS Portable Array Loudspeakers. The seminar attendees were amazed and deceived by its design – sleek and small yet produces a very powerful, high-definition audio quality from low, mid to high. Participants were impressed upon learning that the CURV500 is applicable for home entertainment, bars and restaurants, churches and for office conferences and may be plugged in with audio devices like MP3, iPOD, CDs, laptop, etc. and even musical instruments, perfectly fit for all musicians. General Santos Sennheiser evolution G3 microphones and actual demonstration on the appropriate and suitable microphone set-up and installation. The second part of the seminar was opened by a presentation on the fundamentals of an audio set-up which was conducted by Audio Engineer Marksolo Jamias. Equipped with his ten years extensive experience in audio post production, audio system design and installation, Jamias shared among the audience the essentials of a live sound production, basic room acoustics, sound check procedures, causes and prevention of sound feedbacks, among others, leading to Adam Hall’s presentation. For 2016, AVSC and G2K, through “The Pursuit of Perfect Sound” will visit more areas nationwide, continuing its purpose of connecting more closely with these audio enthusiasts, practitioners and experts not only to impart knowledge about the latest technology and application techniques but to learn from them as well and to have a better understanding of the market. Audio-Video Solutions Corp. www.avscorp.com.ph www.facebook.com/Audio-Video-SolutionsCorporation-124310460919222/ Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug bpm Full Moon Party @Area 51 Boracay Location : Boracay 27 By Herb Cabral Each month Area 51 Secret Party Facility in Lugutan Beach, South of Bolabog (the side of the island opposite of white beach) organizes the Full Moon parties which starts from 11pm until sunrise the next day. Resident DJs there are Erwin Edralin (A DJ Called ER) and Reo Mendoza (DJ Blindside) with Jack Bates as resident musician providing live percussions along Jungle Bar before. I was very fortunate with group of tribal drummers and to have played there as guest DJ on the percussionists. Area 51 was called 87th full moon party. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug bpm 28 It is currently the only underground joint in Boracay, with DJs providing proper house music and techno. Area 51 is also host to the monthly black moon party series which happens between two full moon parties. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug bpm 29 Photo © NBK Group Natural Born Klubbers Revel @The Palace Location : BGC / The Fort Local house music group NBK (Natural Born Klubbers) held their year-end party last December 21, 2015 at Revel in BGC. The DJ roster listed Manolet Dario vs. Marc Naval, Bombi Balquiedra vs. Niju & Jon Naval vs. Antz Santiago. Guest DJs were Abdel Aziz vs John Monreal. Photo © NBK Group Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug bpm 30 Photo © NBK Group Photo © NBK Group Photo © NBK Group Photo © NBK Group Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug bpm 31 Euphoric Euphoria @Intercontinental Manila Location : Makati City Euphoria Disco, one of Manila’s most happening places back in the day, finally closed its doors last December, but not before throwing a big party on Dec. 30 named “Euphoric Euphoria” which featured legends Boyet Sison, Jon Tupaz & John Robinson, with support Juan Miguel Salvador & The Authority. Photo © Angela de Dios Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y Photo © Angela de Dios O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug bpm 32 Hype & Glow @SM Fairview Location : Quezon City Hype & Glow : The Year-End Party was Bands featured were Sponge Cola & Rico held at SM City Fairview open grounds Blanco. The DJ lineup was comprised of last December 30, 2015. It was a grand Deuce, Ron Poe, Everyday People, Callum paint-party that featured the metro’s David, Travis Monsod & Mars Miranda, hottest bands and DJs got together with MC Boo, Jams & Thug on the mics. to close the year with a big bang. Photo © Regi Valenzuela Photo © Regi Valenzuela Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug urban 33 DOUBLE KICK Skateboards x Local Filipino Art Big H Skate Co. recently teamed up with four awesome local artists to create a new breed of Big H boards: The Big H Filter! These hybrid 33” double kick boards are the most versatile board that Big H Skate Co. has ever created. Made just right for cruising, freestyling, freeriding, or even bombing some hills if you’re up for it. But being a good ride doesn’t mean it doesn’t look good. Big H Skate Co. released four models of the Big H Filter, each one’s a piece of art from amazing local artists: Rob Cham, JP Cuison, Pancho Karambola, and HK Niu. One thing though, The Big H Filter is on a limited run so be sure to grab one before stocks run out. THE BIG H FILTER BOARDS L-R: HK Niu Rob Cham JP Cuison Pancho Karambola Click here Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N www.facebook.com/ bigHskate M U S I C A N D G E A R unplug urban 34 BIG H SKATE CO GOES STREET Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T Get them while they’re hot, swing by the Big H Skate Co. flagship store at Market! Market!, Taguig. A U T H O R I T Y Click here Before 2015 ended, Big H Skate Co. released a collection of streetwearinspired shirts under the new Big H Skate Supply line. Perfect for chilling in and skating out, these new threads from Big H Skate Co. were also designed with the local skateboarding and longboarding communities in mind which served as a reference for the designs. O N www.facebook.com/ bigHskate M U S I C A N D G E A R ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear DARKUSCASE Custom Guitar Straps DARKUSCASE is a bag and accessories manufacturing company with proud roots in serving the needs of artists and musicians in the Philippines. Created by Lui Cornelio and Ace Del Mundo, both artists who took their passion for music, design and culture into a young and budding business venture. Darkuscase Bags and Accessories is under Darkus Central, a duly registered company (DTI/BIR) under the laws of the province of Bulacan, Philippines. FLAGSHIP LINE Soft-cases for : Drum equipments sticks/cymbals/hardwares, Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Keyboards ACCESSORIES: Custom Guitar Straps (Canvas/Digital Print Canvas) Button Pins Custom Phone/Tablet cases Custom Guitar Picks All Darkuscase products are MADE-TO-ORDER. Weblink : www.facebook.com/darkuscase Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R DigiTech Obscura Altered Delay ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear New Sonic Twist To Delay Pedals HARMAN’s DigiTech brings a new sonic twist to delay pedals with its Obscura Altered Delay, featuring four delay modes that can be distorted, darkened and degraded to create everything from lo-fi tape emulation to backwards playback, repeat/hold effects and out-and-out sonic mayhem. The DigiTech Obscura Altered Delay features Analog, Tape, Lo-Fi and Reverse modes, to re-create the distinctive sonic signatures of early tape-based echo and delay units and all their aural idiosyncrasies. The Degrade and Tone knobs enable players to control the amount of increasing signal degradation and high-frequency rolloff of successive repeats, and the reverse mode emulates the dizzying psychedelic sound of playing a recording backwards. The Level control adjusts the amount of dry to delayed signal, while the Time knob dials in the duration of the delay from slapback to 2 seconds of delay. The Repeat control adjusts the number of delay repeats, from a single clean repeat to chaotic oscillating runaway. The Obscura Altered Delay’s Tap Tempo mode with beat divisions enables the player to tap the footswitch to match the delay to the tempo of the music. Adding to the sonic hijinks, the pedal’s Repeat/Hold function will lock onto and loop a phrase and its Tails on/off switch controls whether the delay continues after the effect is switched off, or cuts off abruptly. The Obscura Altered Delay features mono and stereo inputs and outputs, true bypass operation, die-cut hook and loop pad, redesigned Stomplock, and a rugged metal chassis. DigiTech Obscura Altered Delay is available at the suggested retail price of USD149.95. Weblink : http://digitech.com/en/products/obscura Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R DW Design Series Acrylic ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear 5-piece Drum Kit Expect big value from this DW Design Series Clear Acrylic five-piece drum kit! This five-piece shell pack gets you well on your way towards crafting your ideal drum kit for stage or studio. You get three toms, a snare, and a kick drum, all made from clear acrylic that's sure to turn some heads. The Design Series Drum Set packs a punchy sound that's perfect for a wide variety of drumming styles. For reliable performance you can count on for years to come, call Sweetwater for this DW Design Series Clear Acrylic acoustic drum set today. Shell Pack Features at a Glance: Shell pack with two rack toms, one floor tom, one snare drum, and one kick drum Snare (Depth x Diameter) 5.5" x 14" Mounted Toms (Depth x Diameter) 8" x 10", 9" x 12" Floor Toms (Depth x Diameter) 14" x 16" Bass Drums (Depth x Diameter) 18" x 22" Seamless clear acrylic shells provide impressive tone and unique looks True Pitch tuning rods let you finetune your kit's sound Full-suspension floor tom legs and suspended tom mounts included Clear acrylic finish Weblink : www.dwdrums.com/drums/design Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear Egnator Tweaker-40 40-Watt Tube Amplifier The Tweaker 40 is a two channel, 40-watt amp, driven by two premium 6L6 power tubes and three hand selected 12AX7 preamp tubes. Packed with the features gigging musicians have been asking for, the Tweaker 40 expands Egnater’s award-winning Tweaker Series. The eleven on board Tweaker switches provide unparalleled flexibility for shaping your tone. TWEAKER SWITCHES VINTAGE/ MODERN: Transforms the feel from classic rock to modern edge USA / AC / BRIT: Choose American, British or AC EQ TIGHT & BRIGHT: Shapes the low and high-end response HOT / CLEAN: Select low or high gain MID CUT: Sculpts the critical midrange A rugged 2-button footswitch is included. Available as a head or 1x12” combo. Weblink : www.egnateramps.com/EgnaterProducts/Tweaker/Tweaker40/Tweaker40.html Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear FiiO GO1 Portable Compact Guitar Amp The G01 Portable Guitar Amp from Fiio allows you to play your guitar any time and any place without disturbing others. Just plug the foldable 1/4" guitar plug into your guitar, and plug your headphones with 3.5mm mini plug into the G01, and you are ready to start jamming. Use the volume control to set your level, and tweak the high/low frequency tone control to customize your sound. There is even an overdrive control for adding crunch. Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T The G01 is equipped with a rechargeable battery that conveniently charges via USB. It also features a lanyard for carrying and is housed in a double sided aluminum alloy shell. Connect an audio device such as an mp3 player to the aux input using a stereo 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable (not included) for jamming along to your favorite music or backing tracks A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear Line 6 XD-V75 Professional 24-bit Digital Wireless System For vocalists, performers and active spoken word presenters, the XD-V75 family sets new standards for versatility, reliability, ease of use and superior audio quality. All XD-V75 systems – both handheld and bodypack – feature patented digital technologies that deliver sound so impressive they inspire confident, great sounding performances. Including a handheld system featuring 10 superb microphone models, a lavalier system with nine EQ filter models, a headset featuring a high-end omnidirectional microphone capsule, and a bodypack unit to fit a favorite headset mic or lavalier of your own, the XD-V75 family is the right choice. The mic modeling delivers great sound, which remains pristine from your lips to your audience’s ears thanks to the 24-bit performance. DCL™ (Digital Channel Lock) technology keeps your signal safe the entire time. Weblink : http://line6.com/xd-v75/ Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R Mapex Armory Tomahawk ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear Snare Drum 14 x 5.5 Made with a 1mm stainless steel shell, the Armory Series Tomahawk Snare from Mapex has penetrating accuracy and long range projection. The focused power of its rimshot is resonant. The steel shell features a rounded 45-degree bearing edge for focused brightness with plenty of volume. The shell is fitted with a piston strainer and vertical throw-off that enable quick, smooth operation and prevent snare wire tension changes during play. The precision tooled solid steel Armory Tube Lugs deliver greater tuning accuracy and shell stability while giving the drum an elegant yet modern appearance. The shell also offers a black chrome finish. Weblink : http://mapexdrums.com/us/products/snares/armory Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear Palmer CAB 112 RGN Guitar Cabinet 1x12” with Eminance Reignmaker 8 Ohms Model name: PCAB112RGN Palmer cabinets are rugged, flexible and affordable guitar cabinets. The main features are: Front-mounted speakers Detachable grill Solid workmanship Speaker mount and quality check carried out in Germany Eminence Reignmaker Tight, more focused with more highs, more abundant in harmonic detail. www.palmer-germany.com/mi/en/CAB-112-RGN-Guitar-Cabinet-1-x-12-with-EminenceReignmaker-8-Ohms-PCAB112RGN.htm Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear Palmer CAB M Passive Cabinet Merger The device is entirely passive and does not affect tone in any way. Model name: PCABM Passive Cabinet Merger The concept behind Palmer's Cab Merger may be very simple, but the unit fills an important gap! Have you ever wanted to connect two guitar cabinets to just one amplifier output? It's quite simple with the PCABM! In addition, you can choose parallel or series wiring. For instance, two 8 ohm cabinets can be connected for a total load of 4 ohms (parallel) or 16 ohms (in series). Weblink : www.palmer-germany.com/mi/en/CAB-M-Passive-Cabinet-Merger-PCABM.htm Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear Palmer TRIAGE Amp Selector Model name: PTRIAGE Amp Selector The Palmer TRIAGE routes the guitar signal for up to three footswitchselectable amps. A fourth switch (SIDEKICK) makes it possible to select two or all three amplifiers simultaneously. In addition, each output has a phase reversal switch to rotate the signal by 180°. This feature is often helpful to prevent frequency cancellation when playing amps that are out of phase with each other. Each output has its own ground lift switch. The outputs are transformer isolated to automatically eliminate ground loop and the dreaded hum. For each path, an adjustable in-volume buffer amplifier is available, which can boost the signal up to 12dB (four-fold enhancement). Weblink : www.palmer-germany.com/mi/en/TRIAGE-Amp-Selector-PTRIAGE.htm Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear Superlux HD-631 Professional DJ Headphones Superlux HD631 Series is a high-quality DJ headphones. HD631 series headphones comes with rotatable ear pad design and lets you easily go to a single ear monitoring. Specifications: dynamic, closed-back, neodymium magnet 101dB SPL, 40 Ohms, 20Hz-20kHz 3000mW, coiled cable, up to 3m cable with stereo mini-jack and 1/4" jack adapter Weight (excluding cable): 260g. Colour: Black High-res 51mm (2") neodymium drivers Dynamic closed-back design High noise attenuation< > Comfortable headband pads Rotating ear pad for single-ear monitoring Detachable, single side cable Weblink : www.superlux.com.tw Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 Thoroughbred Professional Unit with Sweet Analog Tones Sleek, compact, and simply awesome, the gunmetal-finish Fly Rig 5 is a tiny tonal titan, a thoroughbred professional unit armed with sweet analog tones. At under 12” in length, you can rule the road, rehearsal or recording gig. No heavy flight cases, no cable spaghetti, no dead weight. With the Fly Rig 5, no arena is too large and no stage is too small. Just grab your guitar and tap into five must-have pedals in Tech 21's award-winning arsenal: a genuine SansAmp, a reverb, a delay, a powerful boost and the incredible Plexi distortion. All of this in a streamlined, rugged metal housing that will easily fit in your guitar case. There are illuminated mini-controls to show active status, an included power supply and studio-grade, metal footswitches and jacks. It's everything you need and nothing you don't. With the functionality of a full pedalboard, minus the crackling patch cables, dying batteries and ground loops, the Fly Rig 5 is a simple step to the rich, expressive combinations you can use for any session. Even when you want to use the latest digital supercomputer or a vintage tube amp, the Fly Rig 5 covers your ass like yoga pants. It's the perfect instant back-up rig when your boutique gear goes down exactly when you need it most. Weblink : www.tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/flyrig.html Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R ’S OR IT CK ED PI unplug gear Yamaha LNS1455 Live Custom Oak Snare Drum Live Custom Oak snare drums focus on playing in live situations using 1.2mm oak plies which provide a powerful low-end that shakes your soul. Photo© Infinity Blues Q type Release / DC3 type Butt Photography This snare drum sounds more fitted for this series drum sets with its materials and colors used same as toms of its series. Features: Size : 14"x5 1/2" All Oak 6ply Shell Dark Silver Finished Hardware Q type Strainer release Colors / Finishes LNS1455 EWS: Emerald, Shadow, Sunburst MSRP: USD 590 http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/drums/snaredrums/snaredrumwood/live_custom/#tab=product_lineup Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N T A U T H O R I T Y O N M U S I C A N D G E A R GET THE APP UNPLUG IS AVAILABLE FROM THE AVL TIMES APP O R D O W N L O A D O U R F R E E D I G I TA L M A G A Z I N E S AT W W W. AV LT I M E S . C O M W W W. C A E D I T O R I A L . C O M / AT P