Wednesday, May 23, 2012

CD Mastering Options For Beginners


There are several different methods you can use to master a CD. It's not the cheapest option but many choose to use professional CD mastering engineers. Mastering engineers generally work in their own facilities, which are usually different than recording studios. Everything is designed specifically to get the best possible playback so any errors can be corrected.

If you don't have the funds for this you could try mastering at home using your own computer and some mastering software. For any musicians or artists who are just starting out this would be the most affordable option. The quality of the software and the skill of the operator doing the mastering can make or break the mastering process. The difference in quality between recordings usually comes down to the mastering. When you listen to a tune on the radio it’s the mastering that gives it the high quality sound you hear.

Unless you're really strapped for cash a professional CD mastering engineer is your best option for generating interest in your music.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

They Heard the Message


Just a few weeks ago, I was asked to be featured on an upcoming mix tape called The Last of The Don. I accepted the offer and the recording sessions started immediately.  Before every recording session I have a ritual, I purchase a ROCKSTAR energy drink and a bottle of water.  So while in route to the studio I made a pit stop to the closest store, with only having a few minutes to spare.  A teenage boy and his friend approached me with excitement and blurted out  “I know you.....  I saw you in a video….  Aren’t you a rapper?”  Not sure which video they saw me in since it had been over a year I last appeared in one, I hesitated.  I was now 50 lbs lighter, a year older and completely surprised they recognized me.  “Yes” I replied.   As we all headed for check out, they spoke very highly of the video I was featured in and how frequently it airs on their local cable network. The video they were referring to is called Stop the Violence, a music video I collaborated on with a few local hip-hop artist and Minister Herb Jackson; we all came together after a rash of young violence in our community.  I was happy to hear the music video was still receiving airtime and reaching the masses and leaving a lasting impression with the youth.
Once we walked out of the store and parted ways I can hear one of the boys chanting the chorus while the other rapped the first line of my verse…… 
”Pfeva here for the young listener, cease fire, restore peace, Henry Kissinger”
I couldn’t help but smile on the inside because I knew they heard our message. 
2010 Gospotainment, Stop the Violence, The MotoVat-Jah feat. The Exterminators