Setting up your kit on a good thick rug or a carpet that the spikes at the end of your bass drum legs can sink their teeth into will generally help keep bass drum creep at bay. (If your bass drum legs don’t have spikes, replace them with ones that do. Any decent drum shop will carry replacement bass drum legs at a reasonable price.)

Make sure your carpet is large enough to fit your whole kit, including your throne. The weight of your body on the throne will help keep the bass drum from sliding away with the whole carpet.
Adjust the bass drum legs so that the front of the drum is an inch or two off the ground and the drum is resting at a slight angle. This shifts more of the drums weight onto the legs themselves and helps the spikes dig in more effectively, which should put an end to most bass drum creep problems.

Sometimes, especially for those of us kicking the drum pretty hard in loud situations, setting up on a carpet is just not enough!

Here is an additional little trick that will END bass drum creep problems.

Take a three foot long 2×4 piece of wood. I have some nice fabric glued around it to make it look pretty, provide some protection to the drums, and prevent splinters. Now mark your carpet where you want the front of your bass drum to sit. Drill three quarter inch diameter holes through the wood one hole in the middle and one near each end.

Using some nice, big, 2 inch washers and 1/4 inch thick bolts actually bolt the wood to your carpet at the front edge of your bass drum. Make sure to put the flattest part of the bolt on the under side of the carpet so that your carpet still lays pretty flat. I also like to put a layer or two of gaffers tape over the end of the bolt so that it does not scratch up any nice wooden floors that happen to be underneath the carpet.

Now when you set up just slide the front of the bass drum right up against the piece of wood you have bolted to the carpet, and it will not slide any further!

It works best if you get the wood wide enough that the legs themselves actually bump up against the wood block although it will work fine with the rim of the drum against the wood block – just be sure to cover the wood with foam or thick fabric to prevent the wood from damaging the rim and lugs of your drum!

Let me know how well it works for you.

Drum Tips – Dealing with Bass Drum “Creep” is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

1) Skill – can you keep up?

I have auditioned many guys thought they could play but couldnt keep proper time or didnt know what chord changes were going on, got lost in every song just couldnt keep up musically.

2) Listening are you paying attention?

I have played with a few really skilled musicians who paid absolutely no attention to what was going on around them. It was like they had spent years practicing by themselves in their bedroom. They could play amazing things but what they played made no sense in the context of the band. The notes you play should complement what everybody else is doing and the song should work as a whole.

3) Personality are you a nice person?

This is a big deal I have played some shows with great players who live their life a sentence or two from a punch in the face. Remember when you were a kid and folks told you if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all. I have met many great musicians who desperately need to revisit that concept. They were so full of negativity that it was really hard to be in the same room with them for very long.

Drum Tips – Why didn’t you get the Gig? is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

Find the Right Houston Wedding DJ

Initially, the thought of having to find the right wedding DJ in Houston can be overwhelming. Take some time to cruise the Internet and locate DJs in Houston who specialize in weddings. Make a list and run the names by your caterer, photographer, and the manager of your reception venue. They should be familiar with Houston DJs and can help you narrow down your list.

Is it the Right Music for You?

Once you have narrowed the field, it’s time to start making calls. If you have a particular type of music you’d like played at your reception, check to see if he has that music available. Keep in mind, though, that your reception is likely to include guests ranging in age and musical preferences. A professional Houston DJ will have an eclectic mix of music that will get everyone to his or her feet. By all means, ensure that the songs you want are on his play list, but also realize that part of his job is to set the cadence for your reception. By starting your reception off with light music, your DJ will help to put everyone at ease. Through music, he’ll help to move the event along, from your first dance with your new husband, to the cutting of the wedding cake, the tossing of your bouquet, and the departure of you and the groom.

A Houston Wedding DJ Provides More than Music

When choosing from among DJs in Houston, remember that you not only want him to provide terrific musical entertainment, but also to act as an emcee. For that reason, you need to check out the DJ’s attitude, personality, promptness, and ability to please the wedding guests. The best way to ensure your wedding reception will be handled in a professional manner is to stop by another wedding reception and watch him in action. By seeing him perform, you will get to know his personality, the quality of his performance, and reaction he receives from the guests.

Important Things to Consider when Hiring a Wedding DJ

Before you sign a contract with a Houston wedding DJ, make sure that he has (or will get) the songs you would like played at your reception. Make sure that he accepts requests, as your guests will enjoy being able to dance to their favorite tunes.

Even if you don’t know much about sound equipment ask about it. A professional DJ in Houston should have top quality equipment and high-end professional lighting, both of which will make your reception more enjoyable for your guests.

If you don’t have the opportunity to watch him perform, be sure to ask the DJ what he will be wearing at your reception. Most Houston DJs wear tuxedos to weddings, but there are some who don’t. By discussing this with the DJ in advance, you’ll eliminate any problems or embarrassing moments on your big day.

Having the right Houston DJ will not only guarantee that your special day is well-organized, but will add to wonderful, lifelong memories.

A Perfect Houston Wedding includes a Houston DJ is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

Dj Equipment-What You Need to Know is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

Reggaeton music boasts its own specific rhythm and beat. The rhythm of reggaeton is often referred to as “Dem Bow.” The name Dem Bow references the title of a dancehall song from the 1990s by Shabba Ranks. Though the music genre of reggaeton is mostly associated with Puerto Rico (where this style of music was popularized and became famous), the lyrics are more hip hop type lyrics than dancehall.

The Beat of Reggaeton

It’s the reggaeton beat, or Dem Bow, that drives the music and dances. The beat is described as a drum-machine track that originated with Jamaican dancehall rhythm. Reggaeton combines a syncopated snare and steady kick drum to create an unusual rhythm. There’s a 4/4 beat emphasized by the kick drum, and the snare starts with the “and” of the 3rd 8th note and right on the 4th 8th note. There are about 95 beats per minute, and the result is a magnified “boom-ch-boom-chick” sounding beat.

Reggaeton beat sounds are usually synthesized electronically. There are also simple melodies created with electronic instruments, keyboards, and electric guitars. The beats are versatile, and can be based on bolero, hip-hop, salsa, merengue, bachata, or other similar beats.

The Reggaeton Dance

Sensual (and controversial) dancing can often be seen in reggaeton clubs or on music videos. The perreo type dance is a form of grinding dance derived from Puerto Rico. The dance puts women in control of the dance and is very provocative in its nature. Perreo moves are popular in dancehall, rhythm and blues, and hip-hop music as well. A slightly calmer form of reggaeton dancing is cumbia, which was originally a folk dance and music from Colombia. Like perreo, the cumbia dance is flirtatious in nature with the women luring the men toward them and then pushing them away.

Some of the leading artists in reggaeton include CandyMan, Esko, Fito Blanko, Nicky Jam, La Fabrica, Don Miguelo, Daddy Yankee, De la Ghetto, DJ Blass, Baby Rasta & Gringo, Don Chezina, Lito & Polaco, Eddie Dee, Adassa, El Chombo, and Tony Touch. Some popular producers of reggaeton music are Eliel, Luny Tunes, and Noriega.

With the widespread popularity of reggaeton music, there are now many radio stations specializing in this type of music. There are also online radio venues where fans can download music, listen online, or watch the reggaeton music video of choice. The major benefit of online radio is fans can listen to their favorite music or watch their favorite videos around the clock.

Exploring Reggaeton Music and Dances is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

Lets pretend youre a sports talk radio fan. Just imagine how much better your experience will be when theres no distortion, no annoying hiss, crackle, fade or static. It will be just like listening to your favorite AM station broadcast in FM.

And if music is your thing, youll love HD Radio technology even more because youll be able to hear music on your favorite classic or rock station in the clearest, cleanest, purest form ever available over the airways and, best of all, its free. All you have to do is buy a new radio.

In fact, this technology even makes it possible for your local stations to broadcast in true 5.1 surround sound. Just imagine that. You turn on your favorite music station and you are immediately surrounded by sound — just as if you were sitting in your favorite concert hall.

HD Radio technology also makes possible something called multicasting that allows stations to broadcast two or more different signals simultaneously. So, your favorite oldies stations could be broadcasting music from the 60s, 70s and 80s all at the same time!

More than 500 stations are already broadcasting in HD Radio technology. And HD radios are available for both the home and car.

So far, radio stations have not done much publicity on this exciting, new form of broadcasting but you can bet that will be changing in the near future.

Got HD? It’s the next big thing in radio — pure, crystal-clear sound — and it’s free! is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

Prosecutors, who first asked to present only excerpts from the theatrically released movie, revised their request Friday after Dr. Conrad Murray’s attorneys gained Sony Pictures’ agreement to show them unused footage.

Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said prosecutors want to see the same material. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said both sides may go to Sony studios and view the material.

Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death from an overdose of propofol and other sedatives.

Judge approves viewing of Jackson film outtakes is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

What, never? Well … hardly ever.

Because that’s exactly how Will Crutchfield, director of opera at Caramoor, asked the audience to think about Gilbert and Sullivan’s nautical romp as it opened the 2011 International Music Festival on Saturday night at this outdoor venue an hour north of New York City.

With Crutchfield conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and a cast of operatically trained voices, the evening indeed fit at least the literal translation of “bel canto,” which is Italian for “beautiful singing.”

It was a joy to hear this affectionate satire of the class system aboard a British war ship performed with such high musical values, from soloists to chorus to instrumentalists. And the simple but clever direction by Steven Tharp made the concert performance at the Venetian Theater more engaging than many a fully staged production.

Less persuasive, perhaps, is the case Crutchfield made for regarding “Pinafore” as a direct descendant of the “bel canto” style of Italian opera of the 18th and early 19th century, known for its emphasis on vocal technique, including trills, runs and other elaborate decorations.

True, as he points out in a program note, both collaborators were heavily influenced by these operas. Gilbert’s first comic verse was a rewrite of an aria from one, and the young Sullivan transcribed piano-vocal arrangements of many of the operas for a music publisher.

Several numbers in “Pinafore,” which premiered in 1878 and became the team’s first smash hit, do hearken back to a bygone era. Among these are the two arias for Josephine, the captain’s daughter who loves a common sailor but is wooed by the first lord of the admiralty.

Still, these efforts are not Sullivan’s most inspired, sounding like slightly faded imitations. It’s elsewhere in the score that his inimitable gift for melody comes most to the fore in the captain’s song (”I am the captain of the Pinafore …”); the rollicking trio “Never mind the why or wherefore” or the intricate choral harmonizing of “A British tar.”

In a uniformly strong cast, two singers stood out. Tenor Robert McPherson sang with unforced sweetness and impressive power as Ralph Rackstraw, the “common sailor” who turns out to have been nobly born. Vanessa Cariddi brought a burnished, imposing mezzo-soprano and an alluring physical presence to the role of Little Buttercup.

Caramoor gives ‘Pinafore’ bel canto treatment is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

The Justice Department says Raymone Bain failed to pay income taxes owed from 2006 through 2008. During that period, she was responsible for daily operations of the Michael Jackson Co., including financial, public relations and marketing tasks.

Court documents put the tax loss between $200,000 and $400,000.

Bain pleaded guilty to two counts in federal court Wednesday. She could face up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine for failing to file a federal tax return in 2008, and up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine for failure to file a District of Columbia tax return in 2008.

Michael Jackson’s former GM pleads in tax case is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

De Niro played the dirty-mouthed elder statesman at Saturday night’s Spike TV honors, a sort of brash, puerile younger brother to the MTV Movie Awards, which is airing live on that network Sunday.

Like that show, the Guys Choice stage on the Sony lot was populated by Hollywood types with something to promote mostly summer movies.

Justin Timberlake leered at his “Friends With Benefits” co-star Mila Kunis as she took the “Holy Grail of Hot” trophy, while his “Bad Teacher” co-star Cameron Diaz kicked off the show with a monologue.

“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” star Jim Carrey shared an unprintable story about how he became a funnyman through a painful encounter with an uncle.

“I’m actually kind of a geek that way when I come out to these things,” Carrey said backstage. “It’s half to just be creative and do some crazy, blow-out thing and half because I like seeing people that are in my business. Kind of cool.”

Richards took the night’s final honor, a lifetime achievement trophy previously given to the likes of Clint Eastwood. He hoisted the Brass Balls award, which resembles a giant dumbbell with spheres on two sides.

“I mean, I’ve had a few awards in my time,” the rock legend said backstage. “With the balls it’s like where to put them? It’s easy to pick them up but where are you going to put them? I’ve got to figure that out with the wife.”

Penn led a “Fast Times” reunion onstage, joined by Forest Whitaker, Judge Reinhold and other cast members.

Mark Wahlberg was named “Guy of the Year” and his Oscar-nominated “The Fighter” took “Guy Movie of the Year.”

But backstage, Wahlberg was excited about another project, a still-in-development street basketball story that would star him and Justin Bieber in the teen pop star’s first dramatic role.

“It’s more like Paul Newman and `The Hustler.’ You know, it’s kind of like an older guy mentoring — a reluctant mentor to a young guy,” Wahlberg said. “It’s something that would be very surprising to people, the kind of role that he would play, and what he would be capable of doing as an actor.”

Wahlberg said he hadn’t seen Bieber act yet but “I’ve hung out with him enough and talked to him enough to know that I think we could make it real.”

The Guys Choice Awards will air Friday on Spike TV.

De Niro plays elder statesman at Guys Choice is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion