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Billy Gibbons Revives Vinyl with Streamline HiFi’s Custom Stereo Consoles

Streamline HiFi Founder Steve Morris and Billy F Gibbon share a toast.

For more than five decades, Billy F Gibbons, founder, frontman and guitarist for ZZ Top, has maintained a sound so iconic that musicians throughout the world have regularly tried to dissect and emulate it. Gibbons uses custom-made Magnatone amplifiers to lend more fierceness to his onstage sound giving voice to his range of notable guitars that include Pearly Gates, the legendary 1959 Les Paul Standard that’s been with him going back to the recording of ZZ Top’s First Album in 1971.

It’s a given that Billy Gibbons knows the transformative power of quality sound equipment which is why he’s recently been intrigued by and supportive of Streamline HIFi and its founder Steve Morris. He recently visited the Streamline facility in Truckee, CA where he spent time with Morris discussing Streamline’s product line – three console models with blues-themed names — Mojo, Rambler and Crossroads — that underscore the soulful design philosophy behind these units. Wanting something that offered richness, warmth and undeniable fullness in sound, he found Streamline fills the bill in no uncertain terms. Built on a dual-amp system that leverages both a Class A tube amp and a Class D amp, Streamline HiFi stereo consoles deliver the warmth and detail of a classic 1950s stereo along with the power and resonant bass of the modern era. Each console is hand-built in Truckee and outfitted with both turntable and Bluetooth capabilities.

During his stop in Truckee, Billy heard his own records and those of other artists played back on each of the three models and exclaimed, “Mercy! Listen to the detail with that!” He also acknowledged that part of Streamline’s appeal is visual. Each of the three models in built to spec and constructed in an eye-catching mid-century modern style, a reflection of founder Morris being not only an audio expert but also an experienced woodworker who prides himself on the use of quality materials and attention to detail. One of the innovations built into the units that are constructed entirely by hand is a small “peek window” that offers a look at the glowing vacuum tubes within while each is equipped with an automatic sensor that turns off the console’s LED lighting when the lid is closed. Morris uses California-gown English walnut or East Coast-sourced white oak to achieve multigenerational durability and one-of-a-kind looks with figured wood grain. Gibbons noted, “It’s fine furniture-meets-high end-audio. The speakers’ design maximizes the shape of the cabinetry, so nothing is lost in translation, so to speak.”

Steve Morris offers that he wasn’t just looking to create stereo consoles that audiophiles appreciate. He expressed a desire and vision to create pieces powerful enough to foster conversations, cut down on screen time and last for generations. “My goal is for these to be legacy pieces,” he emphatically states.

Gibbons added, “The three model that now presently exist deserve gracing living rooms nationwide. The magnetism of the sound behind these things just can’t be beat.” He’s now the proud owner of two Streamline HiFi consoles, one in his living room and the other in his recording studio and expressed deep satisfaction with the entire Streamline HiFi experience. “These fine rigs the real deal; the grooves are unlocked, and the repeat listening is absolutely deluxe.”

Photo Gallery: Limp Bizkit with Bones, N8NOFACE and Corey Feldman at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage

Limp Bizkit

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.

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Electric Guitar Market Size Is Set To Grow By $1.45 Billion From 2024-2028

The global electric guitar market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.45 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of  10.43%  during the forecast period. Growing demand for music-related leisure activities is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing online retailing. However, increasing adoption of virtual musical instruments and music production software  poses a challenge. Key market players include CorTek Corp., Dean Guitars, Farida, Fender Musical Instruments Corp., Fernandes Co. Ltd., Fujigen Inc., Gibson Brands Inc., Heritage Guitar Inc., HOSHINO GAKKI Co. Ltd., JAM Industries USA LLC, Karl Hofner GmbH and Co. KG, Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Peavey Electronics Corp., Rickenbacker International Corp., Samson Technologies Corp., Schecter Guitar Research Inc., Taylor Listug Inc., The ESP Guitar Co., Tokai Gakki Co.Ltd., and Yamaha Corp..

The electric guitar market has experienced notable growth due to the expansion of the online musical instrument retail sector. This trend is driven by the enhanced product visibility provided by online platforms, enabling vendors to reach a larger customer base and reduce inventory management costs. Online retailing currently holds a modest share of the global electric guitar market but is projected to expand at a faster rate than traditional retailing. Factors fueling this growth include increasing Internet penetration, the adoption of mobile devices, and consumer awareness of various online retail platforms. The convenience of secure transactions, multiple payment options, easy returns, and efficient customer service, along with round-the-clock shopping convenience and doorstep delivery, further boost online sales. The global availability of electric guitars through online retailers like Amazon.com is increasing demand, especially as consumers can purchase these instruments from home without incurring additional shipping costs.

The electric guitar market is experiencing significant growth, particularly among millennials and the adolescent population. Live concerts and music festivals continue to drive demand for solidbody electric guitars in the music industry. School curricula and music education programs are incorporating digital music tools, such as digital whiteboards, file sharing, and virtual lessons, to teach music instruction. Online retail platforms and internet penetration have made it easier for musicians to access digital sheet music and cloud-based systems from anywhere. Metal and rock music genres remain popular among consumers. Electric guitar manufacturers are focusing on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The market can be segmented into offline and online channels, with the online channel segment growing rapidly due to the convenience it offers. Accessories, such as amplifiers and effects pedals, are also in high demand. Overall, the electric guitar market is thriving, with trends like online performances, virtual lessons, and digital sheet music shaping the future of music education and live music concepts.

The electric guitar market has experienced notable challenges due to the rising adoption of music production software and virtual musical instruments. In developed economies like the US and Germany, music composers increasingly prefer software for its mobility and convenience. Laptop manufacturers, such as Apple Inc., offer music production software like GarageBand, which includes a comprehensive sound library and instrument presets. The proliferation of mobile devices and high-speed internet access broadens the reach of virtual musical instruments, with numerous mobile applications and websites available. The exponential growth in mobile and laptop sales fuels the popularity of music production software, posing a significant challenge for the electric guitar market.

The electric guitar market faces several challenges in today’s business landscape. With the rise of cloud-based systems, solidbody electric guitars are increasingly being sold online through e-commerce platforms. However, the offline channel segment still holds significance, particularly for beginners and those preferring a tactile shopping experience. Accessories, music instruction, and live performances are popular online, with metal and rock music genres leading the way. Adolescents and students are key consumers, making leisure activities like playing the guitar a significant part of their lives. The internet enables virtual lessons, online performances, and videoconferencing, transforming music education and live music concepts. Electric guitar manufacturers must adopt eco-friendly practices, digital features, and direct-to-consumer models to stay competitive. Sustainability and digital marketing strategies are essential for long-term success.

The electric guitar market has experienced consistent growth due to its popularity among musicians and music enthusiasts. Companies manufacture and sell various models, catering to different budgets and preferences. Retailers stock these guitars, offering customers options for purchase. The market’s success is attributed to the versatility and unique sound of electric guitars in various music genres. Additionally, ongoing advancements in technology enhance the guitar’s features, attracting new players.

The global guitar market is thriving with diverse offerings catering to musicians of all levels and genres. Key trends include a growing demand for electric guitars driven by rock and pop music, while acoustic guitars remain popular for folk and indie musicians. Innovation in materials and designs, coupled with rising interest in online music learning, contribute to market growth. Major players focus on sustainability and digital integration, enhancing both traditional craftsmanship and modern connectivity. As global music consumption rises, the guitar market continues to expand, offering a blend of heritage and innovation to meet evolving player preferences.

The electric guitar market is experiencing a surge in demand driven by various factors. Millennials, with their affinity for live concerts and music festivals, are fueling the growth of this industry. School curricula and music education programs are increasingly incorporating electric guitar instruction, catering to the adolescent population’s interest in musical instruments. Online retail platforms have made it easier for students to purchase their first electric guitar and access music instruction through video conferencing, instant messaging, and file sharing. The internet’s widespread penetration enables musicians to connect, collaborate, and perform online, leading to a thriving community of musicians in various genres, such as metal and rock music. The popularity of these genres among adolescents as leisure activities further boosts the market’s growth. The cloud and online performances are revolutionizing the way musicians reach their audiences, providing new opportunities for artists and fans alike.

The electric guitar market is experiencing a surge in demand among the millennial population and adolescents, driven by their active participation in live concerts, music festivals, and musical bands. The internet penetration and digitalization have revolutionized music education, with digital music tools, digital sheet music, and cloud-based systems becoming essential for students and musicians. Solidbody electric guitars continue to dominate the market, with both online and offline channels catering to the demand. Accessories, such as amplifiers, effects pedals, and strings, are also experiencing significant growth. The market is witnessing a shift towards eco-friendly practices and sustainability among electric guitar manufacturers. Digital features, direct-to-consumer models, and e-commerce platforms are becoming key strategies for brands to reach their customers effectively. Music genres like metal and rock continue to be popular leisure activities, driving the demand for electric guitars. Virtual lessons, online performances, and video conferencing are transforming music instruction and live music concepts, offering new opportunities for musicians and music enthusiasts alike.

Japanese Singer-songwriter HIRAIDAI of TV Asahi Music to Start “HIRAIDAI TOUR 2024”: Tour Merchandise Featuring Collaboration with “Free&Easy”

Japanese singer-songwriter HIRAIDAI, who belongs to TV Asahi Music Co., Ltd., will start his nationwide tour in Japan, “HIRAIDAI TOUR 2024,” from September 7. Along with the music he wants to deliver to the audience, the merchandise creates the world of HIRAIDAI. The merchandise of the tour is a product of collaboration with “Free&Easy,” a lifestyle brand from California that combines vintage style with West Coast culture. This marks the first collaboration with a Japanese artist.

Free&Easy, while maintaining the iconic California style, has created special designs for the HIRAIDAI TOUR 2024, which feature bold graphics and exquisite color combinations, capturing the essence of HIRAIDAI’s music and lifestyle. Just like a seasonal collection from a local store in California, the company hopes fans will enjoy picking out their favorite items.

Also, the HIRAIDAI TOUR 2024 will continue to feature collaboration items ranging from live performance merchandise to lifestyle items, including popular designs with “Disney,” “G-SHOCK” and “Hydro Flask.”

Ahead of the nationwide tour’s venue sales, the online shop “HIRAIDAI official merchandise” will start taking pre-orders for some items that will be delivered before the tour starts.

Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown’ Trailer Is Out

Set in the influential New York music scene of the early 60s, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN follows 19-year-old Minnesota musician BOB DYLAN’s (Timothée Chalamet) meteoric rise as a folk singer to concert halls and the top of the charts – his songs and mystique becoming a worldwide sensation – culminating in his groundbreaking electric rock and roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. It hits theatres in December.

Experience AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” Like Never Before with Jamie Dupuis’ Harp Guitar Masterpiece

Experience AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” in a whole new way with Jamie Dupuis’ phenomenal harp guitar performance.

Photo Gallery: Chicago with Earth Wind and Fire at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage

Chicago

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.

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Sigur Rós Vocalist & Composer Jónsi To Release New Score Album First Light Out August 30

Sigur Rós vocalist & composer Jónsi to release new album, First Light on August 30th via leading health & wellbeing music provider Myndstream, in collaboration with Lakeshore Records. Originally conceived as a musical exploration and score to a video game, the music evolved and transcended its initial purpose, blossoming into a profound exploration of peace, hope, and connection. Songs “Flicker” and “Cherry Blossom” are out today, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the immersive and transportative world of First Light.

“Writing this music at a time of manmade global turmoil and unrest for a video game,” Jónsi reflects, “I imagined First Light as a momentary fantastical, over-the-top, utopian world where everyone and everything lives together in everlasting peace and harmony. Choosing beauty over disorder, hope over fear, our universal divine angel guardians watching over us and connecting us all as one through love, melody, and music.

”EA President of Music, Steve Schnur praises Jónsi as “one of the most unique artistic voices of our time. What began as a collaboration on a video game score has evolved into First Light, an exceptional musical exploration of philosophical and spiritual themes that celebrate health, wellness and the beauty of our natural world.”

Known best for his work as lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter for Iceland’s Sigur Rós, Jónsi has recorded acclaimed solo albums, composed scores and contributed music to a range of films – earning a Golden Globe nomination as co-writer of “Revelation” from the film Boy Erased. Throughout his career, Jónsi has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Elizabeth Fraser, Robyn, and Alex Somers. Jónsi’s artistic journey extends beyond music, encompassing collaborations with acclaimed visual artists like Doug Aitken and Olafur Eliasson, filmmakers like Cameron Crowe, and even founding his own perfume business Fischersund perfumery with his three sisters in Reykjavík, Iceland.

First Light is a testament to Jónsi’s artistic versatility and his ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners. The stirring, birdsong-infused “Forest Trill” and atmospheric “Undercurrent” will be released in the coming weeks.

Since the 1990s, world-renowned interdisciplinary artist Jónsi has created ethereal sounds through a unique blend of minimal, classical, and progressive aesthetics. Initially gaining international acclaim as the lead vocalist of the Icelandic experimental rock band Sigur Rós, Jónsi is celebrated for his innovative songwriting, distinctive bowed guitar technique, and falsetto vocals that craft epic soundscapes. As a solo artist, Jónsi has released three albums and worked with musicians such as Elizabeth Fraser, Robyn, and Alex Somers, notably on the ambient album Riceboy Sleeps and the Sigur Rós ‘mixtape,’ Liminal – presented live at ambient sound-bath events held in art spaces worldwide. Jónsi has also composed film scores for Boy Erased, How to Train Your Dragon 2, We Bought a Zoo, and Vanilla Sky, earning critical acclaim and prestigious awards. As a visual artist, Jónsi’s work has been exhibited venues including the Tanya Bonakdar Gallery in Los Angeles and New York City, the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, the National Nordic Museum in Seattle, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Tasmania, and Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús in Iceland. Since 2009, Jónsi has been an avid self-taught perfumer, founding Fischersund perfumery and art collective with his three sisters in Reykjavík, Iceland. His perfumes are integral to his visual art practice and “scented concerts” around the world. Born in Iceland, Jónsi currently works and resides in Los Angeles.

First Light Track Listing
1) Flicker
2) First Light
3) Green Meadow
4) Clearing
5) Cherry Blossom
6) In Plain View
7) Wishful Thinking
8) Forest Trill
9) Undercurrent
10) Willow
11) Stillness
12) Floweret
13) Over the Fence
14) Flutterby

Nick Lowe Reworks “Different Kind of Blue” on First Album in Over a Decade, ‘Indoor Safari’

Nick Lowe has shared “Different Kind of Blue,” the latest preview from his first new album in 11 years, Indoor Safari, out September 13 via Yep Roc Records. Originally written and scratch-recorded during sessions for Lowe’s classic 2001 album The Convincer, the song did not surface in the U.S. until Yep Roc included it in an expanded 20th anniversary reissue of that album in 2021. Newly recorded with a lyrical refresh and the gently swinging support of Los Straitjackets, the track finds Lowe pining“I’m lonely and I miss you grievously / In the night especially, wondering over you.”

“I had recorded this one as a demo back during The Convincer sessions and Neil Brockbank sent it off as a b-side to the label to be included as a bonus track on an exclusive version of the album,” says Lowe. “I had forgotten about this song for the most part until recently fans have rediscovered the track and brought it back to my attention. I listened to the original demo, wrote new lyrics and added a full band arrangement to it and think it turned out pretty good.”

To accompany the news, Lowe has announced a seventeen-date fall tour with Los Straitjackets across the East Coast and Midwest, including multiple nights in each of New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC, Toronto and Chicago. Before that, he’ll return to the US later this month for The GRAMMY Museum’s ‘A New York Evening with Nick Lowe,’ taking place at National Sawdust in Williamsburg on July 30. The event will feature Lowe in conversation with current Saturday Night Live cast member James Austin Johnson, with a brief performance to follow. Tickets here: https://www.universe.com/events/a-new-york-evening-with-nick-lowe-tickets-PCZ2NK

“Different Kind of Blue” follows Indoor Safari lead track “Went To A Party,” which Rolling Stone says “[plunges] Lowe back into the kicky, witty pop that first set him apart from the new-wave crowd in the late Seventies.”.

Indoor Safari is twelve songs of brand new originals, signature deep-cut covers and refitted versions of tracks previously released in nascent form as singles, representing a culmination of Lowe’s decade-long working relationship with those mysterious masked men and Yep Roc labelmates Los Straitjackets (Eddie Angel/guitar; Pete Curry/bass; Chris Sprague/drums; Greg Townson/guitar). Indoor Safari was recorded at various locations and mixed by Alex Hall (JD McPherson, Cactus Blossoms) and Lowe at Reliable Recorders in Chicago. The collection “is nothing less than a free-roaming journey through the wilds of recorded sound,” says Emmy-winning writer Eli Attie (The West Wing, Billions, The Diplomat) in the album’s accompanying liner notes. “No matter the style or genre, Nick knows the taxonomy of song like a zoologist knows the hippo’s bones.”

Since releasing his last long-player – 2013’s “characteristically great” (New York Magazine) Quality Street: A Seasonal Selection for all the Family – Nick Lowe has toured three continents with Los Straitjackets, recording a series of rapid fire singles and EPs along the way. In time-honored fashion, the “master songwriter who never takes himself too seriously” (Rolling Stone) kept fine-tuning those songs and coming up with new ones. With help from Alex Hall “they all sound of a piece” now says Lowe, adding that with the old Straitjacket magic “hey, presto, you’ve got the sauce on it all.”

Nick Lowe Indoor Safari tracklist
1. Went To A Party (Lowe, Angel, Curry, Sprague, Townson) 2:57
2. Love Starvation (Lowe) 2:51
3. Crying Inside (Lowe) 2:55
4. A Quiet Place (Bell, Meade) 3:13
5. Blue On Blue (Lowe) 3:38
6. Jet Pac Boomerang (Lowe) 3:14
7. Tokyo Bay (Lowe) 2:24
8. Trombone (Lowe) 4:06
9. Different Kind of Blue (Lowe) 3:34
10. Raincoat In The River (Schroeder, Kaye) 3:00
11. Lay It On Me Baby (Lowe) 2:51
12. Don’t Be Nice To Me (Lowe) 2:55

Nick Lowe Tour Dates
July 30 – The GRAMMY Museum at National Sawdust – Brooklyn, NY
September 24 – The London Palladium – London, UK (with Los Straitjackets)
September 26 – The Fire Station – Sunderland, UK (with Los Straitjackets)
September 28 – National Concert Hall – Dublin, Ireland
September 29 – O2 Ritz Manchester – Manchester, UK (with Los Straitjackets)
September 30 – O2 Academy Birmingham – Birmingham, UK (with Los Straitjackets)
October 10 – Bowery Ballroom – New York City, NY (with Los Straitjackets)
October 11 – Bowery Ballroom – New York City, NY (with Los Straitjackets)
October 12 – World Cafe Live – Philadelphia, PA (with Los Straitjackets)
October 13 – World Cafe Live – Philadelphia, PA (with Los Straitjackets)
October 16 – Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA (with Los Straitjackets)
October 17 – Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA (with Los Straitjackets)
October 20 – Atlantis – Washington, DC (with Los Straitjackets)
October 21 – Atlantis – Washington, DC (with Los Straitjackets)
October 22 – Thunderbird – Pittsburgh, PA (with Los Straitjackets)
October 24 – TD Music Hall – Toronto, ON (with Los Straitjackets)
October 25 – TD Music Hall – Toronto, ON (with Los Straitjackets)
October 26 – Magic Bag – Ferndale, MI (with Los Straitjackets)
October 29 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL (with Los Straitjackets)
October 30 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL (with Los Straitjackets)
November 1 – Vivarium – Milwaukee, WI (with Los Straitjackets)
November 2 – Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN (with Los Straitjackets)
November 3 – Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN (with Los Straitjackets)

Okayplayer Unveils Official Trailer for “The Almanac of Rap” Podcast Hosted by Donwill

Brooklyn-based rapper and Webby Award winner Donwillis thrilled to announce the release of the official trailer for the third season of his highly anticipated podcast, “The Almanac of Rap,” now presented by Okayplayer. Set to premiere on August 1, the podcast promises to be a deep dive into the rich history and culture of hip-hop, featuring exclusive interviews with influential figures such as A-Trak, Von Pea, Lalah Hathaway, and more. The trailer, which includes music created and rapped by Donwill, offers an exciting preview of what listeners can expect from this groundbreaking series.

Donwill is a rapper, producer, and member of the hip-hop group Tanya Morgan. Known for his innovative approach to music and storytelling, Donwill has received critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase throughout his career. His solo projects and collaborations have solidified his place in the hip-hop community as a versatile and creative artist. With “The Almanac of Rap,” he continues to push creative boundaries, offering listeners an engaging exploration of hip-hop culture.

Donwill expressed his excitement about the podcast’s Okayplayer launch, saying, “Hip-hop has always been more than just music to me – it’s a culture, a movement, and a way of life. With ‘The Almanac of Rap,’ I want to honor the legacy of hip-hop while also exploring its current state and future direction. I’m thrilled to share these stories and conversations with listeners and to celebrate the art form that has given so much to me and many others.”

“The Almanac of Rap” podcast combines educational investigation with entertainment, diving deep into hip-hop culture to uncover its origins, evolution, and societal impact. Each episode features candid conversations with influential artists, producers, and industry insiders who have shaped the genre. The process begins with a spark of curiosity for host Donwill, whether sparked by an overt question or a subtle detail. He dives into extensive research, immersing himself in full discographies, exploring YouTube rabbit holes, and scouring obscure corners of the internet for answers. Once the groundwork is laid, Donwill and his team book interviews with guests who provide insights and anecdotes, recorded at Okayplayer’s studios to infuse each episode with dynamic energy and engagement.

“The Almanac of Rap is the first offering from Okayplayer’s brand new podcast unit and I couldn’t be more proud to share it with the world!” explains Isha Sesay (CEO of Areya Media including Okayplayer and OkayAfrica). “Donwill’s love and near unparalleled knowledge of hip hop make this an exceptional show – one that perfectly captures OKP’s long standing commitment to showcase the very best of Black culture.”

Launched in 1999 by Questlove of The Roots, Okayplayer is the original progressive urban music site and remains the premier digital destination for music culturists worldwide. It delivers a full spectrum of premium music content and entertainment, serving as a gateway to multi-faceted cultures and communities. As the gold standard in music media, Okayplayer defines and creates the cutting edge in sound, art, film, politics, and more. With an influential voice that champions black culture, Okayplayer’s global community is equipped with scholarly knowledge in music and culture. Our loyal audience, passionate and socially aware, engages with impactful cultural moments, innovative sounds, and healthy debates, while staying attuned to current events.

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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