Guitarati ~ No Strings Attached

Tip: ArgumentError when using to_json in Rails.

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:14:00 +0000

ArgumentError (wrong number of arguments (2 for 1)): /usr/lib/ruby/gems/1.8/gems/json-1.1.3/lib/json/pure/generator.rb:251:in `to_json' /usr/lib/ruby/gems/1.8/gems/json-1.1.3/lib/json/pure/generator.rb:251:in `json_transform' /vendor/plugins/juggernaut/lib/juggernaut.rb:105:in `map' /usr/lib/ruby/gems/1.8/gems/json-1.1.3/lib/json/pure/generator.rb:245:in `each' /usr/lib/ruby/gems/1.8/gems/json-1.1.3/lib/json/pure/generator.rb:245:in `map' /usr/lib/ruby/gems/1.8/gems/json-1.1.3/lib/json/pure/generator.rb:245:in `json_transform' /usr/lib/ruby/gems/1.8/gems/json-1.1.3/lib/json/pure/generator.rb:218:in `to_json' /vendor/plugins/juggernaut/lib/juggernaut.rb:114:in `send_data' /vendor/plugins/juggernaut/lib/juggernaut.rb:108:in `each' /vendor/plugins/juggernaut/lib/juggernaut.rb:108:in `send_data' /vendor/plugins/juggernaut/lib/juggernaut.rb:50:in `send_to_client_on_channel'

Adding require "json/add/rails" to vendor/plugins/juggernaut/lib/juggernaut.rb solved the problem. This file has a call to to_json.

Google Accounts Authentication using Ruby on Rails and Secure Authsub (Gmail contacts API)

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:33:00 +0000

I was able to set up the non-secure authentication after reading Tom Hunter's blog post about Google Contacts API authentication. If you use non-secure authentication Google shows a warning to the user about insecure authentication etc. which may not be a good thing. But getting the secure version to work was a pain in the $%&& to say the least. Anyway, after getting some pointers in Google groups, things got rolling.

Register your app with Google. For secure authentication, you also need to provide an X.509 certificate to Google, which can be uploaded from the same link.
To generate this certificate read the instructions given by Google and use the openssl command: # Generate the RSA keys and certificate
openssl req -x509 -nodes -days 365 -newkey rsa:1024 -sha1 -subj \
'/C=US/ST=CA/L=Mountain View/CN=www.example.com' -keyout \
myrsakey.pem -out /tmp/myrsacert.pem
The above command will generate 2 files, one in your current directory (myrsaky.pem, which is the private key) and the other in /tmp (myrsacert.pem) which is the certificate to upload. Remember to input your company or website information in the command instead of example.com's. Also remember to upload the 'certificate' and not the 'private_key' file.
In the code below, callback_url is the link you provide on your Manage Domains form to Google, along with the certificate.
When someone clicks 'Invite contacts', they get directed to the url of the init action. From there, they are shown the Google login page if they are not logged in to their Google account. After that they are shown the page on which they can choose to authorize you to import their gmail contacts.
If you place the private key file in config folder of the app, then you can refer to it as shown in the method sign_data.
Here's the code: (this is my rough draft of the code, so it may not be the most efficient piece of code on earth, but it works for me for now)

class GauthController (greater_than) ApplicationController

require 'uri'
require 'net/http'
require 'net/https'
require 'rexml/document'

def init
callback_url = "http://guitarati.com/gauth/authsub"
next_param = URI.escape(callback_url, Regexp.new("[^#{URI::PATTERN::UNRESERVED}]"))

scope_param = "https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fm8%2Ffeeds%2F"
secure_param = "1"
session_param = "1"
root_url = "https://www.google.com/accounts/AuthSubRequest"
query_string = "?scope=#{scope_param}&session=#{session_param}&secure=#{secure_param}&next=#{next_param}"
redirect_to root_url + query_string
end

def authsub
token = params[:token] # received the single-use authsub token, exchange for authsub session token
url = "https://www.google.com/accounts/AuthSubSessionToken"
headers = set_headers(url, token)

http = Net::HTTP.new('www.google.com', 443)
http.use_ssl = true
path = '/accounts/AuthSubSessionToken'
resp, data = http.get(path, headers)

if resp.code == "200"
token = ''
data.split.each do str
if not (str =~ /Token=/).nil?
token = str.gsub(/Token=/, '')
end
end
redirect_to "http://guitarati.com/gauth/import?token=#{token}"
else
redirect_to "http://guitarati.com/"
end
end

def import
token = params[:token]
#http = Net::HTTP.new('www.google.com', 80)
http = Net::HTTP.new('www.google.com', 443)
http.use_ssl = true
#path = "/m8/feeds/contacts/default/base?max-results=10000"
path = "/m8/feeds/contacts/default/base"
url = "https://www.google.com" + path
headers = set_headers(url, token)
resp, data = http.get(path, headers)

xml = REXML::Document.new(data)
contacts = []
xml.elements.each('//entry') do entry
person = {}
person['name'] = entry.elements['title'].text

gd_email = entry.elements['gd:email']
person['email'] = gd_email.attributes['address'] if gd_email

contacts << text =""> "#{contacts.inspect}"
end

private

require 'base64'
require 'openssl'
include OpenSSL
include PKey
include Digest

def sign_data(data)
private_key = OpenSSL::PKey::RSA.new(File.read("config/myrsaky.pem"))
sig = private_key.sign(OpenSSL::Digest::SHA1.new, data)
return Base64.b64encode(sig).gsub(/\n/, '')
end

def set_headers(url, token)
time = Time.now.to_i.to_s
nonce = OpenSSL::BN.rand_range(2**64)
data = "GET #{url} #{time} #{nonce}"
sig = sign_data(data)
return {'Authorization' => "AuthSub token=\"#{token}\" sigalg=\"rsa-sha1\" data=\"#{data}\" sig=\"#{sig}\""}
end

end

Installing and using Juggernaut on Windows

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:08:00 +0000

NOTE: After I wrote this post, I came across an article which seems pretty useful. Please refer to it for installing Juggernaut on Windows. It is different from the post below mainly in that it tells you to use json_pure instead of json. Here is the link: http://wiki.mintworx.com/index.php/How_to_Setup_juggernaut_on_windows

Juggernaut requires Rails version of 2.0.2. I haven't tried with any lower version, so I've no idea if there might be some problems using it there.
Start out: gem install eventmachine
Then: gem install juggernaut --include-dependencies. Adding include-dependencies will try to install json along with juggernaut. The version of json available for Windows at the time of writing this is 1.1.1. Juggernaut gem has a requirement that the version of json must be >= 1.1.2. So installing the gem along with dependencies does not go through as this requirement puts a spanner in the works. Instead, use this: gem install --ignore-dependencies, which should go through fine. Before/after this, install json on your own.
While installing json (gem install json) it asks you the version you want to install. Select 1.1.1 (ms-win32).
Install plugin: ruby script/plugin install http://juggernaut.rubyforge.org/svn/trunk/juggernaut
So by now, eventmachine, json, juggernaut gem and juggernaut plugin are installed.
Time to configure the gem. Typing juggernaut -g juggernaut.yml to configure the gem fails with the error about your json version not being >= 1.1.2. To get past this, edit this file (thanks Google desktop!) ...\ruby\lib\ruby\gems\1.8\specifications\juggernaut-0.5.4.gemspec and try configuring again.
s.add_dependency(%q eventmachine, [">= 0.10.0"])
s.add_dependency(%q json, [">= 1.1.2"]) # ---- changed this to 1.1.1
s.add_dependency(%q hoe, [">= 1.5.1"]) #--- changed this to 1.3.1
Then start juggernaut. juggernaut -c juggernaut.yml
Look at Juggernaut README and cool RoR chat with Juggernaut for tips and code examples.

My Lyrics are Designed to Effect Positive Changes in the Mind Sets of my Listeners. - Keji Hamilton & the Exousia Band

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:43:00 +0000

How and when did you start on your musical journey?
I started my musical career in 1984 with the Egypt 80 band, led by Fela Kuti.

What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
I like to compose and arrange Afrobeat music. It is a fusion of African Rhythm / Percussions, and Western Brass and Horns.

Who is your musical inspiration?
God is my musical inspiration.

How do you distinguish yourself from others?
My lyrics are designed to effect positive changes in the mind sets of my listeners.

Tell us more about your album Keji on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
The ‘Keji’ album is an effective combination of slow tempo groove and fast-paced upbeat tracks. The songs capture a variety of moods and themes; ranging from the political, through social commentary, to the inspirational.

Do you write your own songs?
Yes. I write and arrange my own songs.

Which is your favorite song from your album? What is the story behind it?
‘Innocent blood’ - It talks about how some in authority have been involved in the unjust killing of innocent citizens.

Are you working on a new album?
Yes.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
Say my prayers when I wake up…meditate….get inspiration…some exercise….some relaxation….some reading of motivational and inspirational books…

Any parting shot?
Enjoy my music!

A Penny Too Much?

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:43:00 +0000

We have received a good number of responses about the 1¢ charge for streaming. Some loving it, some hating it. Some calling it a new direction, others calling it a nonsensical nuisance. Here are some typical questions that we receive (as a FAQ, since everyone love FAQs):

This is a shocking idea.
Indeed. It's shocking because it is honestly, plainly laid out, not disguised as monthly subscriptions or hiding-the-money-behind-asterisk approach.
Why should we pay 1¢ when other websites are streaming for free?
Well, if you look carefully, free is only an eyewash. Most other websites have only samples for free. For full length, they are either limited in numbers (only 3 full lengths for example) or there are monthly subscriptions, which you would pay upfront even if you do not listen to as many songs. So either you can not preview the full song before you decide to purchase or you are limited in the number of songs you can preview. Look beneath the hood, you will know.

On most websites, downloading the song is the only way to listen to the full length version of the song. At Guitarati, you can sample it for free or listen to the full track for 1¢. And when you download it, you will pay that many cents less. Download it only when it feels right to you. That way, everyone is happy.
We pay with love, not with money.
And we love free too. We are not against it; after all who does not love Linux and Firefox and Ruby on Rails? We too, as you, look forward to the times when the cost of creating music is next to zero and we can enjoy all the music that the world can produce.
It is a new direction.
Thank you, yes it is. It is a balanced approach. You download only when you decide that it is right for you and at the same time, the artists are not entirely at the losing end.

So the idea behind the penny is to enable you to ensure what you are downloading and at the same time, benefiting the artists. Its a balanced win-win yin-yang approach :-)

We'd love to hear from you. Your thoughts, comments and ideas help us. Press the red button on our website and you reach us.

Sky Gazing Post Rock or Music to the Film in Your Head - Sidewaytown

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:32:00 +0000

How did your band Sidewaytown come into being?
Well, actually Sidewaytown is a solo-project I started with in 2006 after the split of my former band Autumnblaze. I felt that I had to do something different - musically and lyrically – to grow as an artist and person.

You mention that you were in the band Autumnblaze earlier. You then moved on to form Sidewaytown. What was your inspiration behind forming this band?
I guess the biggest inspiration behind Sidewaytown was the challenge to start again from zero after the years I spent with Autumnblaze. It was like a second birth cause I had limited myself in some ways before and Sidewaytown was or is the chance to burn all musical borders to build up something completely fresh and stunning.

Your music is very sublime, intense and has a haunting quality. Who is your music inspiration?
I think nowadays most of my inspiration comes from the musical and personal experiences I’ve done in life. I know how what I really like and I know how the music should sound in the end. A big inspiration source are also books and movies. It’s like diving into other worlds and this is the best you can do to wash away the burdens of the ordinary life. And well, it gives inspiration cause your thoughts are free in those moments when you read a book or watch a movie.

How would you describe your music?
I would describe it as sky gazing post rock or music to the film in your head. Warm guitar melodies and vocal harmonies embrace and welcome you, gently caress soul and senses or unload in emotional eruptions.

How do you distinguish yourself from other bands?
I think we definitely have our individual sound. Perhaps it’s a little bit loudmouthed after just one album is released but at the latest with the release of the second CD we will prove it. The other thing is that I don’t look on other bands.

Tell us more about your album "Years in the Wall" on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
“Years in the wall” contains a conceptional story of disilliúsion and delusion, hope and love, longing and death, a world where words destroy life. Musically I tried to write songs with a similar basic sound to create a very visual, floating kind of musical landscape. It’s like an ocean the listener has to dive in to catch the pearls at the bottom of the ground.

Do you write your own songs?
Yes, I write all songs and lyrics. That’s also quite special cause I work without pressure from a label or a producer who tries to push me in a certain direction. No, it’s simply pure songwriter stuff in here.

Which is your favorite song from your album(s)? Is there a story behind it?
Hard to say. There some fave songs on the album but if you wanna force me I would say “Don’t visit a dying bastard” cause it contains the best chorus I wrote for a very long time. The story of the song is part of the concept, the protagonist meets his grandfather in a nursing home to confront him with his dark past.

Are you working on a new album?
Yes, I do. I’ve written a bunch of new songs. At the moment I’m thinking about the musical frame for each song. Maybe like an architect who first has to create an image in his head.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
Standing up in the morning, taking some drugs, sleeping with different women and listening to the loudest music. What did you think? Ok, JOKE. Honestly it’s what everybody does: Trying to do the best out of life. Sometimes you win , sometimes you loose.

Any parting shot for your listeners and fans?
I would like to thank you so much for supporting Sidewaytown. Keep on with it. And if you have some time, visit our websites www.sidewaytown.com and www.myspace.com/sidewaytown to get more information and to watch our sweet videos.

We Want Our Music to Strike a Common Chord with Others - AngryLaughter

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:53:00 +0000

How and when did you start on your musical journey?
It started at a very young age. Not the performing of music, but listening to music. It started with Elvis. My mom bought me one of his records. I used to listen to his songs over and over and do the air guitar thing. I didn’t start playing guitar until much later near the end of high school. Though I was in the school band. Lisa is a classically trained pianist who refuses to stand up while playing. She also still uses printed sheet music for all of our performances. I keep telling her we’re not playing in church, but she still insists. Mark’s been in bands for a long time. They almost won the big battle of the bands competition in Utah. Sam just joined us. We needed a bass player so we handed him a bass and he jumped up on stage with us. And that was the first time he played the instrument.

What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
We like to make music that says something but also does more. We want our music to strike a common chord with others. It’s a way that we express things that are deep inside us. Music can bring people together on a very emotional level and if we can help others feel they aren’t alone, we’re happy.

Who is your musical inspiration?
We’re influenced most by the classic rock genre – artists like The Who, Beatles, Neil, Elton. But the music we play ranges from that to alternative to acoustic singer/songwriter with a bit of punk thrown in here and there.

How do you distinguish yourselves from others?
We don’t need to. We’re all homely enough that we stick out in a crowd. Except for Lisa, that is. But seriously, we’re different in our approach to music. We don't have a uniform or specific "look" to our band, nor the music we write. The variety inspires us and rouses our creativity. No one, including us, really knows what kind of sound our next song will have!

Do you write your own songs?
We write our own music. Occasionally, we’ll play a cover. It’s probably a fault when we play out that we don’t have as many covers as some people would like. But when we play music, it’s our insides we want to come out. So we choose our covers carefully and we make them our own.

Tell us more about your album 'One Way Street' on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
It’s been in the works for a long time. We had a large collection of songs written over like 10 years. Ironically, only ones written in the last three years made it onto the album. We recorded everything in our home studio on a Mac and Logic. We did all the engineering, production, artwork, and packaging ourselves. The album reflects the journey through life. You learn as you go, and though you can look back, you can’t go back.

Are you working on a new album?
Well, that may differ across band members, but for at least two of us, the favorite is "One Way Street". This song originally was recorded with just an acoustic guitar and vocals, paralleling the theme or premise of the lyrics. However, we decided to record the song with a full instrumental sound and now are torn between which of those two is our favorite! Overall, we love that song because of the simplicity of the lyrics that attempt to convey many complex life challenges. We have a very interesting idea in the works, but it’s so secret, we can’t talk about it yet.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
So little time, so many songs to write…

'Hot Rock’n Your Socks Off Rock’n Roll', that's our Music - The Hot Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:37:00 +0000

When did you guys begin? Tell us about your journey so far.
Chad: I moved to Tennessee from Houston, Texas so that I could attend the recording program at Middle Tennessee State University. I met Eric, who had just moved here from East Africa to attend the same school, at a local recording studio. In between cleaning floors and taking out the trash, we would play each other our demos that we had been working on. We instantly became fans of each other’s work, and decided to start collaborating. We began writing songs together and performing at open mic nights around town.

So how did your band come together? You mentioned that Chad and Eric met while working in a local recording studio. Tell us more about that. How did you meet Topher and Jason?
We met Topher through a flyer we had posted around campus. I think he liked the fact that we had listed Weezer as an influence. I don’t think he said a single word to us at the audition. He was very quiet and reserved. But we later found out that he’s and absolute wild man! It’s always the quiet ones you have to worry about. We met Jason through a friend at the recording studio. He was loud and obnoxious at his audition, yet instantly likable. He was playing with about 10 other bands at the time, no joke. It took some coaxing, but we finally got him to commit to just playing with us. I guess that old joke is true…”What do you call the guy who hangs out with the band?…The Drummer!”

Your philosophy is "We want every song to sound different". "Energy" and "Variety" are your key words and they are obvious from your range of music. How do you create variety? What inspires you?
I think the variety comes from being such big fans of all types of music. Jason listens to classic rock and country, Eric is a big fan of techno and rock, Chad and Topher both love choral music, power pop and rock. I (Chad) grew up singing in classical choirs and variety shows. Eric spent most of his life in East Africa taking in all of the local music around there, and Jason has played in numerous country bands. So I think it was inevitable that the variety in styles would come through when you put us all together in the same room.
I think lots of things inspire us. I would say Eric is the ”spiritual” Hot Rock. I think he gets a lot of inspiration from the books he reads, his travels, and just life in general. I (Chad) usually get my songwriting inspiration from other songs. I’ll focus in on a song I like and draw from the vibe it conveys.

How would you describe your music?
“Hot Rock’n Your Socks Off Rock’nRoll” is how Jason likes to describe it.

How do you distinguish yourselves from other bands?
I don’t think we try to distinguish ourselves from anyone. We are what we are. We’re not trying to be anything other than ourselves. I hate it when bands try to act like they’re “harder”, or “better”, or “hipper” than other bands. There shouldn’t be any competition to being in a band. If people like your music, that should be enough. I hate bands that put on fronts. If you think about it, all of the greatest bands have always just done their thing, and have done it well.

Your greatest influences are "Bezepwho" :-) In what ways?
Bezepwho is a word we made up to describe our greatest influences. It’s a combination of “The Beatles”, “Led Zeppelin”, and “The Who”. We admire all of those bands for their songwriting, their energy, and their contributions to the world of Rock’n’Roll. In our opinion, they might be the three greatest rock bands of all time. Topher might disagree and throw “Queen” in there too. Then it would be “Bezepquwho”.

Who writes the songs you play?
Chad: Eric and I write all of the material. Topher is beginning to make some contributions to the song writing process. He’s been writing some great stuff.

Tell us about your album "The Intrinsic Energy".
That was our first album, and it was a pretty good effort on our part considering we had no idea what we were doing. The latest CD we released, was the “Rock’n’Roll ep”. We actually went into the studio and recorded with a real engineer and producer on this one. On the prior albums, we did everything ourselves at home. We were going for a “retro, power pop” vibe, similar to the “Bezepwho” recordings we all love.

Are you working on a new album right now?
We’ve got some new material we’ve been working on. Right now it’s hard to get together as a group. Eric has gone back to Africa for a time, and I’m (Chad) expecting a baby any day now. So right now, things are warming up on the back burner.

Which is your favorite song from your albums? What is the story behind it?
One of my favorite songs is AOK from “The Hot Rocks” album. “Hey Ya” by Outkast had just come out, and that song really inspired me. The melody of the chorus in “AOK” is heavily influenced by “Hey Ya”. Eric and I had written some crumby words for the verses, and then we heard “Drop it Like It’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg, and decided to rewrite the verses with some “gangster street slang” instead. It was actually supposed to be a joke song, but I just love it.

Any parting shot for your fans?
Thanks for all of the support and encouragement throughout the years. We couldn’t keep doing this without you. See you on the flip side….

It's my goal to create a platform for independent artists to get their stuff heard - Marco @ WM Recordings

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:09:00 +0000

Who is the person(s) behind the label?
That's me, Marco Kalnenek, 38 years old, from Heerlen the Netherlands. I'm a musician, Webby Award nominated webmaster and label owner. I run WM Recordings on my own, but I can rely on a close network of people who alert me to great new music.

Tell us how it all started and the philosophy of the label.
It started in the autumn of 2004, after having been involved with another online label: Comfort Stand Recordings. I decided it would be fun to create a platform for me and a couple of musical friends to release our own material for free. It soon evolved beyond that and, after releasing only free downloads for a while, the label moved into commercial releases as well.

The philosophy of the label has changed over time. At first I did it to amuse myself, but as always things got a bit more serious over time. It's now my goal to create a platform for independent artists to get their stuff heard. And even though I have moved into commercial releases, I think it's still important to make part of the catalog available for free. Great music deserves to be heard, and luckily a lot a artists agree with that philosophy.

How did you get the label off the ground?
It was quite simply really: my decision to start the label coincided with a friends' plan to compile a cd based on the theme of 'water, wind and sails'. We put two and two together and so this compilation became the first release on WM Recordings. The fact that I had participated in another label before helped me to get the first releases together rather quickly. It was all a matter of: why start a label? Why not!

How do you choose the artists to sign?
The artists choose me! There's no need to go scouting for talent these days. There are so many artists who are eager to get their stuff heard; it's almost overwhelming. Ultimately the choice is made according to my own taste: do I like this music? Do I want to hear this again and will other people want to hear this too? Choices are made very intuitively.

How do you promote their music?
The magic word these days is 'micro-marketing'. I use all available possibilities, from newsletters to MySpace bulletins to sending out promo cd's and press releases. I also try to stimulate the artists to do the same, so it's always a combined effort.

Do you like to work with certain genres?
I'm very proud that I can offer a very eclectic range of music. The free downloads section contains anything from free jazz to quirky pop songs. The commercial releases are a bit more focused on some of my favorite styles: jazz, world music, progressive rock and experimental music, but I'm always open to all styles.

Are you open to adding more artists to your label?
Yes, new artists are always welcome. They can have a look at the submissions guidelines at wmrecordings.com if they are interested.

Do you also manage the artists?
No, I don't have the time and expertise to do that, although I don't rule out any future possibilities. Working on the label has taught me that there are still a lot of opportunities as far as management and concert bookings are concerned, so who knows...

Which artists are you working with right now?
Some of the recent commercial releases include Keji Hamilton & the Exousia Band (vintage Afrobeat from Nigeria), Panicphobia (quirky Danish progrock) and RioJafari & the Delicious Allstars (funky hiphop from Germany). I'm also very happy that there is a core of artists who choose WM Recordings as their favourite way to give away their free releases: Zloty Dawai, Happy Elf, Lee Rosevere, Jan Turkenburg, etc.

Some of the upcoming releases will include albums by The Aperion Project, brunk, Happy Elf and some great new work by Panicphobia. I also hope to release a CD of children's music by Dutch composer Jan Turkenburg later this year.

Which one do you call your most successful album/artist/song?
The free compilations, like "Mystic Moods" and "Wakka Chikka Wakka Chikka: Porn Music for the Masses volume 2" always draw a lot of attention, so they are the most succesful as far as the number of downloads is concerned. However, I like to look at the label as a whole, so it's hard to single out one artist or album. They are all very dear to me!

My Music is a Delicious Mix, Always Suprising, Always Reminding - RioJafari

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:53:00 +0000

How and when did you start on your musical journey?
In the beginning there was a flute. After that, there was the voice, singing in school and the drums. When I was 14 (1993) I started playing and singing in my first real band. We got some nice gigs over northern Germany with a bag full of styles - Crossover, Rock, Reggae and of course Alternative stuff in different ways. We changed the instruments after almost every track. Somebody could play the drums in this song...but not on the next track....and so on. Was great!

After that I was involved in different projects, mostly in the Jungle/Drum&Bass scene as MCTwist. Two years ago I started working on my first studio album: RioJafari & the Delicious Allstars - BaNaUsEnBrAuSe which came out in summer 2007.

What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
A delicious mix of music, always suprising-always reminding ;)

Who or what is your musical inspiration?
Everything that I have ever heard or seen.

How do you distinguish yourself from others?
No, I do not have to distinguish me from others, but listeners can do if they want.

Tell us more about your album 'BaNaUsEnBrAuSe' on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
The album reflects my musical career of the last 15 years, discusses personal experiences in love, drugs, politics... The album is full of the funky journeys I made by working with different artists. Although these experiences have been very challenging sometimes, they enriched my personal and musical soul.

Do you write your own songs?
Yes, of course.

Which is your favorite song from your album? What is the story behind it?
I am not able to choose only one, but here are my favorites: "Don't turn around", "Huirz", "Sax-one Kick", "Church"... (I have to stop now, I guess...)
May be "Huirz" is the most personal song. It tells the reflection of past chances and new opportunities. Although I left home at the age of 15 and further four or five years haven't been so easy, I arrived making music and producing this album.
In "Church" we consider some personal problems regarding this fusty institution, but listen...

Are you working on a new album?
Actually we are working on the live performance of "Banausenbrause", which produces already a lot of new stuff we are hot to work on... But yes there are some efforts for a new studio album, too.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
I wake up, turn the album "Banausenbrause" on and... No, I make my day like everybody else - but I try to have funky music around me as much as possible.

Any parting shot?
listen and enjoy. Thank you very much for your support...stay wicked!

The Purpose of My Music is to Help Others Find the Way of their life - Sleepwalker

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:01:00 +0000

How and when did you start on your musical journey?
I have a solid musical background, which comes out from long studying here in Bulgaria. I have a bachelor degree in music – New Bulgarian University, by subject "Computer Systems & Technology in the branch of Music" and I have a master's degree from the same university, majoring as a “Sound-engineer”. In the music scene I am known with the pseudonym Sleepwalker and I am composing generally in the New Age/World genre, but I have a great appetite for film music and symphonic soundtracks. Since 2003 I have officially released 2 solo albums and a Single. Since 2005 I am official member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers). My basic instrument is Native American flute.

What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
I love the use of various sounds, which create ambience and atmosphere. In this way I want to build a more authentic picture for the listener, to take him there and make him part of that reality. Everything has happened in my mind. It’s like a huge orchester support my creativity playing somewhere deep in my brain. My music combines in a fascinating way different genres as New Age, Chill-out, Lounge, World and Ambient, mixed with folklore motives from all over the planet, symphonic parts and Soundtrack themes.

Who is your musical inspiration?
Well there are a lot artists out there that I have been inspired in. We can say Enigma, Claude Challe. Oliver Shanti, Douglas Spotted Eagle, Deep Forest, Atman, Lesiem and etc. I am also truly interested in soundtrack music, which also reflect on my own composing. Here I can mention Hans Zimmer, Klaus Badelt and Howard Shore.

How do you distinguish yourself from others?
The purpose of my music is to help others to find the way of their life, to instill much love and faith in themselves and peace. I took this much as philosophy – way of life. In every my song I left a piece from my heart which can be felt by the listener, depending on how far he wants to go into it. Definetely what I composed is a reflection of my spiritual understanding. Only in this way I can give sense of each composition.

Tell us more about your album 'Amenti' on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
Amenti is my latest official release, which is a 2 year of hard working album. The music inside is a tender blend of low and high acoustic guitar lines with a soaring wordless vocals moving in and out of the background, noble tones of Native American flutes and innovative combo of bongos, djembe, doumbek and timbal fits nicely in the New Age, World & Ethnic genres. The main conception for the album comes out from the story about “Halls of Amenti”, place which exist only in the world of Atlantis. This actually is a continuation of my previous album “Flower Of Life”, because it is said that “Flower Of Life” is decorated in the “Halls of Amenti”. The difference with my past works is huge, as I had 2 years to do my compositions, to find the proper musicians and instruments that I wanted to blend with my music. More than 60% of the music inside was recorded with real instruments, but not samples. I wanted to replace as much as I could with real instruments, which inquired a lot of time and organization. As the height of perfection the album is mastered by the Grammy award-winning engineer Bob Katz, Digital Domain Studio, USA.

Do you write your own songs?
Yes, I am doing this all the time, everything I wrote by now is own music.

Which is your favourite song from your album? What is the story behind it?
My favourite track from the album is “Invisible Cloister”. Perhaps it is no chance that it occupied the #1 place in the World chart of the prestigious website GarageBand.com, earning 5/5 stars over more than 110 reviews.

Are you working on a new album?
Yes, I am working on my 4th release, which is still with unknown release date. It will be more chilling album and with many guest musicians.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
Well, to begin with I am an ordinary man, like all of you. I have own life, enriched with all kind of emotions and doings. The life looks quite simple and complex in the same time, but I think I find myself on the right path – to live and work with music. Most of the time, I am working over my stuff or any client’s ones in my studio – AMA Sound (online studio for mixing and mastering music)(www.ama-sound.com), which I officially opened 1.5 year ago.

Any parting shot?
Thank you for interviewing me. It was nice to share my way of life and I hope get you more close to my music.

My Music is an Amalgam of Celtic, Medieval, Baroque and Modern Influences - Dimo Mitchev

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:39:00 +0000

How and when did you start on your musical journey?
I was in school, when I bought my first guitar, because of a school scholarship. This was the beginning of my musical journey.

What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
I like calm and relaxing music and of course this is the course of my inspiration for my own music. I think, that my music could be described as Celtic New Age Ambient.

Who is your musical inspiration?
I have few favorite musicians like Mike Oldfield, Loreena McKennitt, Enya, Kitaro and Jean Michel Jarre.

How do you distinguish yourself from others?
In my music, there are compositions from different ages – celtic, medieval, baroque and modern. I think that this approach forms a unique mixture of styles, and that makes my music special.

Tell us more about your album 'Bard's Fly' on Guitariti. What is the inspiration behind the album?
This is my debute album and most of the melodies inside correspond to some stories and emotions, some of it – very personal to me. The inspirations behind the album are ancient and mystic impulses, related to the Celtic history.

Do you write your own songs?
Yes, I do. I love to compose songs in many languages, like English, Bulgarian, French, Spanish, German and Irish Gaelic.

Which is your favourite song from your album? What is the story behind it?
One of the songs (Letter) is dedicated to one my ex-girl friend and it turns into my favourites ones. Like every special thing around it left sensitive remark in my heart.

Are you working on a new album?
Yes, I do! It is planed to be named “Dimension”, again focused in traveling over Celtic waves, but with more contemporary approaches and sound techniques.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
I can describe this in a single sentence - there is a Bulgarian proverb, which says: “Who sings, does not do thing bad things”.

Any parting shot?
Best regards to the musician society and all members of Guitarati.com. Thank you for the opportunity to make this interview.

I Like to Experiment with Sounds, Music Styles and Instruments - Amethyste

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:25:00 +0000

How and when did you start on your musical journey?
I think singing has always been a part of my life, but I have been so shy to really let this gift live on until 2 years ago. I have had the chance to meet an extremely nice and amazing music producer from Germany that has really helped me to bring my voice to where it is today. My musical journey has just begun, and I hope that it will take me far into new horizons and self discoveries.

What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
Mostly, I do Ambient but I like to mix also certain vocal styling into it. I love the electronic music coupled with Operatic/classical singing for a different listen and edge. I try to not limit myself to a pre-set of a certain style, as I like to experiment – My collaborators have been more than creative and have offered me an amazing array of sounds and styles for me to toy with :) My music is somewhat reflective. I say my feelings just the way they are. I don’t try to be someone that I am not as I am as translucent as water: I try to stay true to my music as I am to myself and the people around me.

Who is your musical inspiration?
Oh… I have many! I have to admit, Sarah Brightman has been the one vocalist that has influenced me the most. I have all of her records! Since she has lived her life in the public eye, I saw her evolve as an artist, but also as a woman. She really gave me the strength and certitude that it is ok to be fragile, sensitive and emotional when you open up your heart to either yourself or others. I also listened to Vangelis a great deal, his music really brought a sense of peace and quietude. I really admire him, the fact that he let the music speak for himself, I love the cloak of mystery that is surrounding him still after all these years…

How do you distinguish yourself from others?
The music style that we create is unique because of the types of instruments we use when the music is written. I love the whimsical sounds of the Music Box, the ocarina, harp and cello. My producer is very good at judging what I like and also what works with my voice. I am certain that I have given him plenty of nights filled with headaches (laugh), partly because my voice is probably hard to work with – I am a soprano soubrette, I can sing high with a certain ethereal quality and even though I have been blessed with an almost 4 octave range, there isn’t too much power in my vocal cords. But the way that my music producer has been able to make my voice shine through all of his compositions, that is where the true talent is shinning through… If I sound good, it is mostly because of him :)

Tell us more about your album 'Ethereal' on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
Certainly! :) – “ETHEREAL” is the diary of what my life was a couple of years ago. I was overwhelmed by so many feelings. At that time, I was going through a lot of changes, but mostly, I decided to make these changes by myself. “ETHEREAL” speaks loudly of all these feelings, with and without words. Every single song title means something to me. The CD has given me the ability to just “BE”. I let my heart and my soul speak, very sensually and lovingly… For the first time in my life, I fully experienced what it was to be a beautiful and unique woman.

Do you write your own songs?
Although I played the cello and the harp in my early years, singing has been my main focus. I do not write music per se, but I do enjoy sitting next to my producer (Gunnar Spardel) and give my opinion(s) on certain aspect(s) of a song. I enjoy writing lyrics, find adlibs melody lines and to experiment on the vocal part, but I want to give all the credits here to all of my collaborators: You are all geniuses :)

Which is your favourite song from your album? What is the story behind it?
Hmmm … All of the songs on “ETHEREAL” are little masterpieces in all honesty :) To me, they are all treasures to be enjoyed separately since they all have a story to tell. But the one that has touched me the most, in a very real and special way is “HELLO AND GOODBYE”. The song tells the story of a man and a woman deeply in love… But because they live in different countries, they have to be separated for an uncertain period of time. Learning to say goodbye is also opening the way for a hopeful “hello”…

Are you working on a new album?
Oh yes! :) I am really - REALLY - excited about “SHIMMER”. I hope to have it finished by May of 2008, but hey, I want to have it really close to perfection. The CD is deeper, with an amazing sincerity, I really wanted to make sure there was nothing left aside, all living inside the album for the listener to unfold and appreciate.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
Ha-ha … A musician like me? I wish I could live from being a vocalist solely, but I work full time to be able to sing on my free time. I unfortunately work 6 days a week, but I hope that soon, I will be able to do less slave work and more “soul filling” achievements.

Any parting shot?
No way! This is only the beginning! Ask me again in 30 years or so ;)

A Band Playing Music that is Hard to Describe in a Few Words - Panicphobia

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:56:00 +0000

How and when did you start on your musical journey?
It all started in 2004 when four of the band members began studying musicology at Aarhus university. A danish group called Kashmir was going to play on a Friday, but the tickets were sold out. Being eager to play music instead of "just" listening to it 5 guys decided to do a Kashmir coveract at the university Friday bar - thus warming up the crowd who had tickets and comforting the ones who didn't make it. We - as a group - then evolved into an actual live coveract focusing on re-arranging existing songs in funny ways. For this purpouse we had to replace the drummer since he wasn't really into this project. 2 years later it became clear to us that we wanted more, so the individual band members began bringing ideas for songs, then arranging and strucuring them collectively. Since we had a lot of experience with this kind of process, it felt natural and has remained the essence of what panicphobia "is" today.

What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
Everything that comes to mind and strikes us as funny, anti-cliché or disturbing compared to what you would expect comparing it to music written in sort of similar styles or spirit. If anything strikes us as too easy and obvious - we will change it. We would seek to sound like we are actually trying to write and play "new" music - therefore trying our very best not to repeat ourselves. At the same time - as musicians - we hope to sound as if (almost) anything goes (eliminating the easy way of course) - hints labeling the music playful rock, quirky progrock or playcore where this is possible. Maybe like if we are neither rock-, classical- or jazz musicians.

Who is your musical inspiration?
A full listing would be very long but to name a few: David Bowie, King Crimson, Adrian Belew, Radiohead, Talking Heads, Kashmir, Tiger Tunes, Coolsville and Hank. As regarding to the overall sound, the biggest inspiration would probably still be the Danish rock-act Kashmir as they sounded in the 90's. Apart from this, anything from different soundscapes to old arcade and Nintendo games can be used as inspiration for details, cover art or even whole songs.

How do you distinguish yourselves from others?
It's easy - in most cases our music is way better and definitely more interesting and long-lasting! Compared to actual quality music, of course, it varies from artist to artist but in most cases our music could probably be described as more varying in style. We would like to be described as a band playing music that is hard to describe in a few words - so this question is of course hard to answer shortly.

Tell us more about your album on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
Our first official release of "Handle With Care - Might Panic" is to be seen as an opening statement of the musicians' views on the art of creating new music. It is a suite in five very different compositions, each of them based so much on a strict, either metrical or expressive skeleton that it could by all rights be described as a conceptual release. Maybe we are questioning why a band always have to have "a sound". Why not have five sounds when you do in fact have five songs!?

Do you write your own songs?
Yes.

Which is your favorite song from your album? What is the story behind it?
All the songs are good in different ways. There are not really any great tales behind any of our songs and the inspiration varies from personal stuff to just making up crazy scenarios and then writing lyrics about them.

Are you working on a new album?
Yes - again in extended play. We have a new drummer now and therefore we needed to create something that sounded like our live act again. It should be finished in late May but extract demos from the EP can already be found at www.myspace.com/panicphobiadk or www.panicphobia.dk. Hopefully the next time we will have the time and money for a full album. But for now we are very proud of our new material.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
It's not much out of the ordinary. Playing original noncommercial music we all have to work or study and then meet to rehearse in our spare time. But of course we all feel pretty much like geniuses when a new idea emerges - so that's of course something. And trying to be different of course justifies feeling misunderstood when things aren't quite working out for the best - so that's pretty great.

Any parting shot?
No. yes. well , no. That's it for now.

We are Committed to Supporting Artists - Amadea Records

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:44:00 +0000

Who is the person(s) behind the label?
We're musicians ourselves. There are no "suits" here. We're all tried-and-true dedicated musicians and are intimately familiar with the ins and outs of getting the artist’s music to the public. We care about the artists and what they are trying to say. We don't have a group of investors to molly-coddle and that gives us the freedom to follow our conscience and do what is right; not what pays the most.

Tell us how it all started and the philosophy of the label.
The idea for creating such a musical company in Eastern Europe is our old dream. And this moment came. AMAdea Records is already reality! In our opinion in this area - the Balkans - music always has been something very special. For example, check out the top 10 chart of EUROVISION during the last years! The potentiality of our region is exceptional, people are very, very musical talented. That's why we shall put in our whole mastery and hearts to develop this potentiality. It is our goal to provide excellent customer service to our public in order to foster long term relationships of value without compromising our standards of quality or personal ethics.

How did you get the label off the ground?
It took us like a 2 years to get the label off the ground. In fact the AMAdea Records (http://www.amadearecords.com/) is a division of AMAdea Music, Inc. – a music company that manage many resources in that sphere, like website design, handling all business, tracking all sales, providing in depth sale statistic, artist account, marketing functions, digital distribution in over 100 legitimate digital download services, supplying wholesale support to retailers and distributors, providing a variety of purchase options to our worldwide customers. Our basic start is from 2007, but we are proud to be the launching pad for many talented and diverse artists.

How do you choose the artists to sign?
Although we are very selective, we are committed to support artists, who are looking to create a body of musical work intended to be listened to and experienced as an "album" and to find ways for our artists' music to be heard and become popular. We encourage our artists to make music that we can listen to, again and again as a complete work.

How do you promote their music?
Unlike the "other labels", we do a lot of work in background at no cost for the artist. Sometimes this can be also called promotion, which artist often look to other companies around. We save artist time to check in his/her status on the market, where we put his/her music. Our sales programmers spend a lot of time to provide each artist account with detailed information about their music. Here are few examples of what we are doing:- gathering all sales from our physical and digital retailers and providing it in depth statistic into your account.
- pointing direct "urls" of your music, so you will able to know where it has been stored and will not waste your time to search for it in the Net.
- collecting value report information about how progress your music in time, when is send from our warehouse, when is received from the retailers, when is published online from the retailers and so on.In addition we have a marketing team in place with close relationships with magazines, music review sites & e-zines.

Do you like to work with certain genres?
We are not appointed to work with only certain genres. If we find some music around for quality and comprehensive, and the artist behind for talent, we would love to sign him/her and to distribute.

Are you open to adding more artists to your label?
AMAdea Records is always in search of new and upcoming artists from anywhere around the world. We are interested in all genres of music.

Do you also manage the artists?
Yes, we do, but on different level, depending on the artist wish and necessity. Another factor that most artists don't figure in is success. What happens when success starts to kick in? It might be a year before an artist actually sees any money once they start getting respectable radio play, so while the artist achieves success, they won't be able to do anything about it. So even if other distributors will tell an artist to worry about that when the time comes, we think it's better to plan for success. Artists should know that they are still responsible for marketing their act. It is not only the job of a distributor to create demand for their product. They still need to head up that front.

Which artists are you working with right now?
As we are running from 2007, we have not bigger catalogue, but very full of matter instead. Currently we distribute artists like Bryan El (great ambient/chillout music), Amethyste (ethereal vocal chilling music), Sleepwalker (mystic and evoking new age music), Dimo Mitchev (pure celtic music). We are in contract with other artists as well, that will expose in near future.

Which one do you call your most successful album/artist/song?
We can’t specify this. Every musician have the right for his/her own success, but the time for everyone is different. Sometimes it depends not only from the label, but from the artist as well. Is he/her really ready for the success?

I Like to Make Music that has a Heart - Steve Feltham

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:36:00 +0000

How and when did you start on your musical journey?
I was lying in bed one night when I was around 12-13 years old and I heard someone outside my window, walking down the sidewalk playing Neil Young’s “Needle and the Damage Done”. I was totally hooked on the acoustic guitar. I really didn’t start playing piano until much later. Like most musicians, I began recording on analog 4 track and then progressed to doing all my tracking on PC and MAC.

What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
Music that has a heart. I would describe it as Art, Rock, Folk, and Spiritual, coming from God, the source, or whatever you’d like to call it.

Who is your musical inspiration?
I have many inspirations. To mention a few: Neil Young, Van Morrison, John Lennon, Pink Floyd...but I think it was when I heard Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon”, I thought what an amazing guitar player and beautiful songwriter.

How do you distinguish yourself from others?
I’m not the most technical of musicians, but I do play with depth and lots of feeling. I don’t think my songwriting follows traditional ways of writing either.

Tell us more about your album on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
The inspirations are the same for all; Love. Whether it is for your child, your beloved, or the world in which we live. I just play it my own way.

Do you write your own songs?
Yes.

Which is your favorite song from your album? What is the story behind it?
I think ‘In Dreams” is my song celebrating this realm of relativity in which we live and realizing that we are after all, spiritual beings having a Human experience. Nick Drake had an influence there as well with ‘From the Morning” and Neil Young’s ‘It’s a Dream”.

Are you working on a new album?
No, I just work by the song.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
I would like to consider myself a songwriter first and musician second. Ideas come in many ways and different forms. When I receive them, I like to write them down and then find a melody to flow with them. It’s kind of like putting a puzzle together. Although it sounds easy, coming up with the right words can be a daunting task at times. Keeping them simple so that they will be understood by all, regardless of what age they may be, is what I strive for.

Any parting shot?
This is such a great avenue for getting your music out there to be heard by all. I understand that music is a very subjective thing and everyone who has access to this site and others like it will find something they’ll enjoy listening to. There’s so many independent musicians out there that people never hear because there not on the radio. This is a great place to discover that.

Diversity is the Spice of BBNB - Bruised But Not Broken

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:22:00 +0000

How and when did you start on your musical journey?
As a brother and sister team, we started about 3 years ago. However we both have been in the music industry for most of our lives; I, Gab, as a singer (classically trained) and performing mainly Jazz standards in clubs around town for most of my early career and also teaching. My brother Peter, with a lifetime of musical credits to his name, has always performed in bands across the State and has majored in classical guitar - but has a strong love for bass guitar. He is a multi-instrumentalist and is well honored and renowned for his diverse and extraordinary talent.

What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
Our motto is 'Diversity is the Spice of BBNB' Mainly 'retro' in overall style, we produce many varying genres, from pop, to funk to soft rock, power-ballads, psychedelic and even a little softgoth... whatever suits our mood… and as human beings, our moods can change like anyones!!! So we like to cater for each moment and each mood for all who listen to our songs.

Who is your musical inspiration?
Our father was a maestro and very well renowned violinist - he paved the way for both of us and our very earliest memories of music are of Glen Miller, Cole Porter, and Burt Bacharach. Modern influences are wide and vast. From the Beatles (of course) through to LZ, Jacques Brel, Muse, JET... well the list goes on.. I guess I must mention Billy Joel, as he has played a major role in my personal musical journey, as has Barry Manilow and my forever personal inspiration, Ted Neeley.

How do you distinguish yourselves from others?
We enjoy producing retro-style music without the typically expected sound that is marketed today. We like to stay true to our own energy and we have been praised many times for 'bringing real music back'. Our fans/friends enjoy dancing, singing and even crying along with our songs! Our lyrics have been requested by many fans to be posted on their various website or journals, as they feel they can relate very well with our lyrics and songs.

Tell us more about your album on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
All of these particular songs are a reflection of my life and the occurrences in my life at the time of writing, so I guess you can say they are a journal of that period of my life.

Do you write your own songs?
We compose, perform, arrange and produce all our own songs

Which is your favorite song? What is the story behind it?
If I had to choose just one, it would be 'Loser Wins', as it has a fabulous arrangement and moves really well - but also has a positive message to inspire and bring hope to listeners. 'Surprise' is also a favorite, as it is melancholy and has a monumental or everlasting feel, message and sentiment. I personally favor all our songs so it’s a very hard question. 'Prisoner' is also a fabulous mood song - softgoth in style and again the sentiment is widely understood. Its our most popular favorited song amongst our fans.

Are you working on a new album?
This year we are working with a new producer and hope to produce our debut album by the end of the year. We are also focusing heavily on YOUTUBE and have just started our own CHANNEL at www.youtube.com/divagabwhich is doing really well so far.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
A solitary life at times, as one can get caught in the studio, either writing new material or arranging/producing/mastering songs. Also there is much networking and marketing to be done and many people to liase with during the course of the day to keep it all moving.. the key is movement and never stagnating - not for a moment.

Any parting shot?
We have a driving passion to succeed and have come very far the past year or so. We would love to meet new friends who enjoy our music. We would also like to connect with producers and A & R people who may like to consider our songs for use in movies, TV, or for other artists to perform via negotiation. We are open to all invitations and all inquiries regarding our songs and we're very excited about our current and future ventures.

Music is a never ending journey of discovery - Wo Fat

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 22:47:00 +0000

How and when did you start on your musical journey?
As a band, we started jamming together about 5 years ago. Individually, we've all played music for a long time. Michael, our drummer, and myself, Kent, have known each other and played together in various musical incarnations covering a number of different styles (including funk, jazz and heavy rock) for roughly 20 years. Tim , our bass player came from playing in an experimental improvisational noise band. Wo Fat was born from a desire to just Rock.

What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
Wo Fat's music falls into the genre usually referred to as Stoner Rock, which is rock and roll that harkens back to heavy metal's roots: 70's rock, psychedelia, and the blues. It's a music that is heavily riff-based and stems directly from the blues. We think of our music as Roots Metal.

Who is your musical inspiration?
There are many musical inspirations for Wo Fat. Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, Cactus, Zeppelin, Tommy Bolin, Leafhound, Buffalo, Leslie West and Mountain, Budgie, Fu Manchu, Sleep, Nebula, Kyuss, Trouble, ZZ Top, Church of Misery, Miles Davis(especially the 70's stuff), Atomic Bitchwax, Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi and Headhunters bands, John Lee Hooker, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Junior Kimbrough, RL Burnside, Howlin Wolf, Pink Floyd, and many many more. Music is a never ending journey of discovery and we are inspired by listening to as much great music from the past and present as we can get our hands on.

How do you distinguish yourselves from others?
We don't really think about that. We just make the music that we dig.

Tell us more about your album on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
Our only album, which is the one for sale on Guitarati, is "The Gathering Dark." It is a collection of songs that mostly use imagery from horror movies, H.P. Lovecraft, etc. to convey a fairly political message. Take what you want from it. You don't have to agree or even know what the message is. It just so happens that the songs were all written during some dark political times in America and that's what was on our minds. The title track, "The Gathering Dark", was written right after the 2004 elections. All of the songs with the exception of one are original, that being "Dreams of Milk and Honey," which is by the great Leslie West.

Which is your favorite song from your album 'The Gathering Dark'? What is the story behind it?
One of my favorites on the Album is "From Beyond," which actually is one of the first songs that we wrote. It just turned out killer I think. Another favorite of mine is the instrumental song that finishes the album, "Runnin' the Voodoo Down." If you didn't get it from the title, it is inspired by some of the mindblowing stuff Miles Davis was doing in the early 70's.

Are you working on a new album?
Yes. We are currently working on a new album, to be entitled "Psychedelonaut." It will be again packed with riffage, and I think will have a bit more of the psychedelia goin' on in it. We are tracking it on 2" analog tape using killer analog gear, so it will be good and thick. We are hoping to have it completed sometime this summer.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
For me, I spend my days in the recording studio as an engineer recording bands. I am lucky enough to be able to make my living in the music industry. I work with a huge variety of musicians of all styles every day, which provides me with many ideas and much inspiration.

Any parting shot?
Lastly, I would like to mention what a great thing websites like Guitarati are doing for musicians. More than ever before it is possible to get your music heard and to connect with like-minded people without being under the boot of a major label. Down with mindless corporate music and right on for independent artists!

I distinguish myself by the tone of my guitar, and the feeling in my playing - Stratcat

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:37:00 +0000

How and when did you start on your musical journey?
Started playing guitar when I was 12, that was 32 years ago (ouch!). Both my brothers are musicians, you could say it runs in the family.

What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
I like to make music with a lot of feeling, thats why I'm drawn towards blues/jazz.

Who is your musical inspiration?
I'm inspired by guitarists such as Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard, Steve Ray Vaughn, Robin Trower, Frank Marino, to name a few.

How do you distinguish yourselves from others?
I distinguish myself by the tone of my guitar, and the feeling in my playing.

Tell us more about your album(s) on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album(s)?
This album is a collection of material I recorded in my home studio, I spent many late nights laying down these tracks, trying to find my tone and style.

Do you write your own songs?
I write all my own music.

Which is your favorite song from your albums? What is the story behind it?
My favorite song at the moment is Chicago Style, I think it best exemplifies my tone and style, and the direction I'm headed with my guitar playing.

Are you working on a new album?
I'm constantly working on new material.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
I'm not a professional musician, I have a day job. I work in the graphic arts field, photoshop guru.

Any parting shot?
I just hope someone likes my guitar playing, if someone listens to my music and it makes them feel good than thats all anyone can ask.

Guitarati.com Private Beta launches!

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 16:37:00 +0000

So after 5 months of burning the midnight oil, with dreams and sleep in our eyes, we've launched perfectly as scheduled! It seemed like more than a coincidence that our launch date was Feb, the 14th - Valentine's Day as well as World Sound Healing Day. Music is about love and music heals too. What better day than that to unfold a new way to discover and relate to music!

During this Private Beta phase, we're inviting all musicians and record labels to host their music with us as we continue to work on refining the website and the unconventional music discovery method.

Whether you're a musician or not, check out the shiny new Pandora's box : http://www.guitarati.com.

Getting simple_captcha image to show up on Ubuntu Linux

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:22:00 +0000

If you are using a plugin such as simple_captcha that requires RMagick, then you may encounter the following error during the rendering of jpeg catpcha image on Linux: (seen in the logs)

ArgumentError (unknown format: JPG):
/vendor/plugins/simple_captcha/lib/simple_captcha_image.rb:95:in `format='

This mean that we need to install the delegate library for JPEG.
1. do apt-get install libjpeg62 (not sure if this is required or just dev is enough)
2. do apt-get install libjpeg62-dev
3. cd to where you downloaded Imagemagick and do ./configure, make, make install.
The result of ./configure will summarize the status of deletgate libraries in the end.

After this, a blank image should start to show up in place of the simple_catpcha image and the logs may show something like this:

sh: gs: command not found
sh: gs: command not found
RMagick: unable to read font `(null)'.
RMagick: Postscript delegate failed `/tmp/magick-XXfm5AzA': No such file or directory.
sh: gs: command not found
sh: gs: command not found
RMagick: unable to read font `(null)'.
RMagick: Postscript delegate failed `/tmp/magick-XXg7z0RL': No such file or directory.

4. Do apt-get install ghostscript if simple_captcha image shows up as a white blank image, without any letters. Don't forget to do ./configure, make, make install from your Imagemagick source dir after this. Restarting of the server will be required for production environment.

Example result of ./configure status.

Delegate Configuration:
....
JPEG v1 --with-jpeg=yes yes
FreeType --with-freetype=yes yes
...

These 4 delegate libraries got simple_captcha working.
1. libfreetype6-dev (This also seems to be for fonts, but didn't cut it for simple_captcha, but I had installed it already, so I let it be.)
2. libjpeg62-dev
3. libpng12-dev ( installed it just in case...)
4. ghostscript
Running ./configure, make, make install from imagemagick source dir is necessary after installing the above libraries.

If captcha image is not getting recognized, you may need to run the following (for rails > 2.0, there is a separate command for older Rails which can be seen from the simple_captcha website.)
rake simple_captcha:setup

then run
rake db:migrate

Solving ruby script/console "no such file to load -- readline" error

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:42:00 +0000

(These instructions are for Ubuntu for the error given below)
script/console
Loading development environment.
/usr/local/lib/ruby/1.8/irb/completion.rb:10:in `require': no such file to load -- readline (LoadError)
from /usr/local/lib/ruby/1.8/irb/completion.rb:10
from /usr/local/lib/ruby/1.8/irb/init.rb:252:in `require'
from /usr/local/lib/ruby/1.8/irb/init.rb:252:in `load_modules'
from /usr/local/lib/ruby/1.8/irb/init.rb:250:in `each'
from /usr/local/lib/ruby/1.8/irb/init.rb:250:in `load_modules'
from /usr/local/lib/ruby/1.8/irb/init.rb:21:in `setup'
from /usr/local/lib/ruby/1.8/irb.rb:54:in `start'
from /usr/local/bin/irb:13

1. apt-get install libreadline-ruby
2. apt-get install libreadline-dev
3. cd to where your downloaded source for ruby is located. (say ~/installed-software/ruby-1.8.6.tar.gz)
4. cd to ruby-1.8.6
5. run ./configure
6. run make
7. run make install
While running make, while the lines are streaming by, you will be able to notice 'compiling readline'.
8. try ruby script/console from your app dir. It should load it this time.

MySQL 5.1 Partitioning Example for Ruby on Rails Migration

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:10:00 +0000

Creating table on mysql prompt : (separating partitions by 6 months each)

In the migration file 001_create_stats.rb:

After running rake db:migrate. On MySQL prompt, single partition being used in this example

On MySQL prompt, two partitions being used in this example:

On MySQL prompt, the default storage engine type is shown as InnoDB:

Upgrading MySQL 5.0.xx to MySQL 5.1.xx for InstantRails

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 05:46:00 +0000

MySQL 5.1 at this time is in release candidate state, but I thought I'd just check it out for its partitioning feature.

Preparation

Take a mysqldump of the existing databases. You don't want to wipe out anything.
backup_dir> mysqldump --all-databases > backup.sql -u root -p
Enter password: ********
Stop the InstantRails MySQL through the InstantRails Confirguration Interface (where Apache and MySQL server status shows?).
Check using task manager, just in case the MySQL application is still running. No MySQL should be running. If you use any MySQL GUI tools such as MySQL Query Browser, close them too.

Installation of MySQL 5.1

Downloaded mysql 5.1 setup exe (Windows ZIP/Setup.EXE (x86)) for Windows. I downloaded the 5.1.22 distribution.
Cd to mysql-5.1.22-rc-win32 directory and click on setup.exe.
This starts the MySQL setup wizard. Select 'typical' setup type and click Next, Next. This will start the installation in C:\Program Files\.
The installation will additionally show another popup urging you to register, and that's upto you. In our main installation window, the installation has completed. The 'Configure the MySQL Server now' box is checked, and the next step is to click 'finish'. Click it.
In the configuration popup, select Standard Configuration if you're a chicken like me or select Detailed Configuration otherwise. Here we are going with Standard Configuration.
The next step shows two options, 'install as windows service' and 'include bin directory in windows path. I chose mySQL to be installed as a service. And checked the 'include bin dir..' box too. (I had encountered certain problems in starting up MySQL server on my Windows Vista when I did not choose to install it as a service.)
The next step asks you to create a new root password, which you should do. I did not create an anonymous account, but just set the root password and moved on. I did not check the 'allow remote access'.
Click 'execute' in the next screen and voila! Your firewall software may pop up a window asking you to allow the security settings execution to go through.
Open Task Manager -> Services. MySQL is already up and running as a service. You can configure it so that it does not start automatically. (manual start).
Open a brand new command window (not the one using InstantRails 'open a new console window' but using the start menu. There's a reason for it.) Key in mysql --version and it should show 5.1.xx. Key in the same in a Ruby console window got from InstantRails configuration and it should still show the previous verson of MySQL that your InstantRails is using.

Configure InstantRails to use MySQL 5.1

Rename the mysql directory under InstantRails to say, mysql_old. (if you don't want to delete it)
I use a program called junction to create a symlink, a la Windows style.
Key in:
C:\Softwares\Junction>junction "C:\InstantRails\mysql" "C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 5.1"
Junction v1.05 - Windows junction creator and reparse point viewerCopyright (C) 2000-2007 Mark RussinovichSystems Internals - http://www.sysinternals.com
Created: C:\InstantRails\mysqlTargetted at: C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 5.1
C:\Softwares\Junction>
Now InstantRails's mysql path points to your MySQL 5.1 installation. Keying in mysql --version in this window now should show the new version of mysql.
Modify database.yml for the new root password if you chose differently from your previous root password.
In the Ruby console window, just for convenience, cd to directory where your backup.sql. Now start a mysql shell here. We want to recreate the databases from our old copy.
mysql -u root -p
password: ********
mysql> source backup.sql
... this will show tons of row creation info etc... hang on...
mysql> show databases;
... this should show all your old databases...
mysql> quit
Start InstantRails. For me, the InstantRails configuration window shows MySQL as stopped, but we know it is running as a service.
Running rake db:migrate is not necessary since we have already created the databases with all the data brought in from the old tables.

Setting up Mongrel with Apache Proxy on Windows Desktop using Instant Rails

noreply@blogger.com (Sonal) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 20:37:00 +0000

cd C:/InstantRails/www. This is assuming your Instant Rails is installed in C:
rails -d mysql myapp. This will create a new Ruby on Rails application in C:/InstantRails/www with MySQL as the default database server.

On command prompt, key in: ruby script/server --port=3003. Check that you are able to access myapp at http://localhost:3003/ in your browser.

Check that Apache is running by typing http://localhost/. This will display the index file fron C:/InstantRails/www directory.
cd C:/InstantRails/apache/conf.
Open http.conf file. In this file search for 'VirtualHost'. This will lead you to the bunch of virtualhost declations for typo and cookbook applications.
httpd.conf with InstantRails has proxy_module already uncommented for use. LoadModule proxy_module modules/mod_proxy.s.
Add myapp block to httpd.conf:

In the InstantRails configuration tool, select Configure -> Windows Hosts File. Click it open and add an entry to the end: 127.0.0.1 myapp. Save the file and exit notepad.

Restarting Apache server was not needed since I was running this set up for the development environment.

Key in http://myapp/ in the browser to check that your app is indeed showing up the index.html page from myapp/public folder.

As a further adventure, add up on myapp:
C:\InstantRails\www\myapp>ruby script/generate scaffold Blog blog_id:integer title:string body:text

Run rake db:migrate

Now key in http://myapp/blogs and it should show up the 'index' action for blogs correctly. Browse around by clicking on 'new blog' and see that the page is served as http://myapp/blogs/new.

Also look at Apache access logs from InstantRails application and also the mongrel server logs from the command line.
If keying in http://myapp/ takes you to http://www.myapp.com/, then you need to checks Windows Hosts file using InstantRails.
If keying in http://myapp/ takes you to the Index of / directory listing that just shows the files in myapp folder, then you need to make sure you have given the DocumentRoot in the virtualhost declaration in httpd.conf as C:/InstantRails/www/myapp/public/ and NOT C:/InstantRails/www/myapp/ alone.
Alternatives: in httpd.conf file if you
(a) provide ServerName as http://www.myapp.com/,
(b) provide ProxyPass / http://localhost:3003/ instead of ProxyPass /myapp/ http://localhost:3003/, and
(c) include the entry 127.0.0.1 http://www.myapp.com/ in Windows hosts file,
you can access you application at http://www.myapp.com/ from your desktop. If the browser continues to show the real http://www.myapp.com/ then just restart the browser or perhaps just clear the browser cache.
It is not necessary to create your application under InstantRails/www. Having an application as InstantRails/rails_apps/myapp and providing the document root in httpd.conf as C:/InstantRails/rails_apps/myapp/public works just fine.