V845 brings classic tone from the creators of the wah-wah pedal

MELVILLE, NY, September 1, 2010 — VOX USA has announced a new rebate promotion for its V845 Wah Wah pedal. From September 1 through December 31, 2010, anyone who purchases a new V845 from an authorized dealer in the USA is eligible to receive a $20 rebate.

Sonically, the affordable VOX V845 Wah Wah pedal preserves the spirit and tone of early VOX wah-wah pedals – a sound still sought after today. Designed to withstand the rigors of the road, the V845 features a solid yet lightweight die-cast aluminum housing, as on authentic 1960s VOX wah pedals. Cosmetically, it creates a vintage mood with period-authentic black crepe finish and black-on-black pedal surface.
VOX developed the world’s first wah-wah effect in the 1960s. From the earliest days of rock music, it met with acclaim from guitarists the world over with its famous “talking” tone. The unmistakable sound has been heard on countless recordings and legendary live performances.

Complete details and a downloadable rebate coupon can be found at www.voxamps.com/us/promo.

The Joe Satriani amPlug is the latest addition to VOX’s popular amPlug series of headphone guitar amplifiers

MELVILLE, NY, September 1, 2010 — VOX Amplification expands its range of amPlug headphone guitar amplifiers with the new Joe Satriani signature model, which borrows sounds from the VOX / Joe Satriani series of signature effect pedals. The amPlug series of palm-sized headphone guitar amps makes it easy to enjoy great guitar/bass sounds at home or on the go.

Featuring a bright red body, the Joe Satriani amPlug delivers the acclaimed sound of Satriani’s custom rig – distortion pedal through a high-gain tube amplifier, followed by a delay – and reproduces the settings created by Satriani himself. Inspired by the distortion circuitry of the VOX / Joe Satriani Satchurator pedal, the amPlug Joe Satriani preserves the player’s “pick attack” to create an articulate, melodic and playable distortion.

Users can activate the delay with the flip of a switch. Inherited from the analog-style “Lo-Fi mode” of the VOX / Joe Satriani Time Machine delay pedal, the delay features Satriani’s distinctive EQ settings, combining both high-pass and low-pass filters.

The AUX input jack allows users to plug their CD/MP3 player right into the amPlug Joe Satriani and jam along with Satriani tunes or any favorite music. The amPlug’s extreme play-anywhere portability is enhanced with up to eleven hours of battery life.

Users simply plug the amPlug Joe Satriani directly into their electric guitar, connect their headphones, and start playing, using Joe Satriani’s expansive tone. The optional amPlug Cabinet (sold separately) can be accommodated to create a miniature amp stack.

The VOX amPlug Joe Satriani will be available November 2010 with a U.S. MSRP of $49.99.

For more information, please visit www.voxamps.com.

MELVILLE, NY, September 1, 2010 — VOX Amplification has added the new NT2 Lil’ Night Train to its Night Train amplifier lineup. Lil’ Night Train is an all-tube lunchbox-style amp that comes complete with a matching 1×10″ Celestion speaker cabinet. Weighing in at less than five pounds, the Lil’ Night Train is truly little, making it excellent for effortless portability.

Sharing many cosmetic elements with the original VOX Night Train, the new Lil’ Night Train features mirror-finish metal exterior, cut with the distinctive VOX diamond pattern. Inside, it features two 12AX7 vacuum tubes in the preamp stage. A single 12AU7 power amp tube delivers two Watts of power into the matching V110NT cabinet.

Unlike most all-tube amplifiers, the Lil’ Night Train can be run without a speaker cabinet. The headphone / line output features an emulated speaker response, making it ideal for practicing silently while enjoying all-tube tone, or for direct recording with no cabinet mic-ing required.

The preamp section features both Gain and Volume controls for adding an overdrive edge at a range of listening levels. With the Bright/Thick switch in the Bright position, the two-band EQ is engaged. In the Thick position, the EQ is bypassed for a thicker sound with increased gain.

The Matching V110NT cabinet houses a ten-inch VX speaker from Celestion. A premium (16 AWG) VOX speaker cable is included for connecting the head and cabinet while preserving superior audio quality. A polishing cloth for the Lil’ Night Train head is also included.

The VOX NT2 head and matching V110NT cabinet are sold together as the Lil’ Night Train set, which will be available in October 2010 with a U.S. MSRP of $650.

MELVILLE, NY, September 1, 2010 — VOX Amplification introduces the AC1 RhythmVOX Mini Guitar Amplifier with 66 user adjustable rhythm patterns. Ultra-small mini amps have gained great popularity for use as practice amps, due to their relatively low price, space-saving size and convenience of battery power. Expanding on the popular VOX AC1, the new AC1 RhythmVOX adds a wealth of features never before seen on a mini amp. The rhythm function provides a total of 66 Rhythm/Song Patterns.

The “Rhythm” section of the AC1 RhythmVOX is both a guide to help keep the beat, and a way to work out original ideas and riffs. It can also be used as a rhythm trainer for practicing and to accompany jam sessions. Ten Rhythm Patterns include standards such as 8 beat, 16 beat and blues, as well as funk, reggae and even complex irregular patterns. One song pattern also contains an extended, multi-measure drum part. The Rhythm Patterns and Song Patterns allow users to play with realistic drum tracks. Each rhythm provides six variations, for a total of 66 rhythms. The tempo and volume of each rhythm pattern can be intuitively controlled, and users can quickly recall the rhythm pattern they want.

The AC1 RhythmVOX is also a fully-functioning guitar amplifier. It includes a full complement of gain, tone and volume controls, letting users dial-in a broad range of sounds to suit their taste. A pair of three-inch speakers delivers a full-bodied sound. The tone in the RhythmVOX is based on the analog circuitry developed for the acclaimed amPlug series of headphone amps. Finally, an OVERDRIVE switch provides more sonic variation. Users can switch it on for a high-gain tone; switch it off for a bright, clean classic VOX chime.

A dedicated E-string tuner is built-in, along with a headphone jack that can be used for private practice and an AUX IN jack that allows users to connect an MP3 player or other external audio source and jam along. Convenient battery power lets users plug in to the AC1 RhythmVOX any time, any place. An optional AC adapter is also available.

The VOX AC1 RhythmVOX will be available November 2010 for a U.S. MSRP of $59.99

For more information, please visit www.voxamps.com.

MELVILLE, NY, September 1, 2010 — VOX Amplification has enhanced its popular Valvetronix amplifier line with the new Valvetronix VT+ Series. Enhancements include more amp models, more effects, more presets and more power.

Unique to the Valvetronix VT+ Series is a new Power Level control. Lowering the Power Level provides full gain tone at modest listening volumes. Turning the Power Level control up into the shaded area of the knob will summon up reserve power (up to an extra 40 Watts), useful for cutting through the mix.

As with all Valvetronix models, the VT+ Series incorporates the VOX Valve Reactor circuit, which places a 12AX7 vacuum tube in the power stage for true tube-amp tone. The preamp/modeling stage includes 33 musically accurate amplifier models, from coveted VOX classics to popular mainstays and exotic boutique amps. Each of the 33 models features three variations – Basic, with Effects and Song – for a total of 99 ready-to-use presets.

The 25 onboard effects are divided into Pedal, Modulation/Delay and Reverb categories, plus Noise Reduction. Multiple categories can be used at once to create richer complex sounds. The effects can be quickly edited and adjusted directly from the amplifier panel.

The Headphone/Lineout jack features VOX emulated speaker response, allowing for full amp/speaker sound when listening through headphones or recording directly. A stereo line input is also provided for jamming to MP3s, CDs, etc. The optional VFS5 footswitch allows hands-free control of effect and reverb on/off, plus control of tap-tempo timing, etc.

There are four models available in the Valvetronix VT+ Series:
VT20+ 30 Watts max.; Single 8” VOX speaker U.S. MSRP $280.00
VT40+ 60 Watts max.; Single 10” VOX speaker Pricing TBD
VT80+ 120 Watts max.; Single 12” VOX speaker Pricing TBD
VT120+ 150 Watts max.; Dual 12” VOX speakers Pricing TBD

The VOX VT+ Series begins shipping Fall 2010.

All-tube amp line offers classic designs with hand-wired turret board construction

MELVILLE, NY, September 1, 2010 — VOX Amplification has announced an entirely new lineup of hand-wired AC15 and AC30 amplifiers. Created for the amp enthusiast, the Hand-Wired Series includes innovations to satisfy the versatility a modern player needs. Included are four combo models, plus a head and matching extension cabinet.

The ultimate take on the VOX classics, these amplifiers make use of high quality components, an all-tube design, hand-wired turret board construction, and over 50 years of VOX AC15 and AC30 refinements.

Finished in fawn-colored vinyl reminiscent of the 1960s AC amplifiers, the birch-ply cabinets feature solid, tight bracing and a natural high frequency diffuser. Matched Ruby Tubes are used throughout for an extended dynamic range. All models provide three 12AX7/ECC83 preamp tubes. The AC30 models are equipped with an EL84 quartet in the power stage and a GZ34 rectifier. Inside the AC15 models, a duet of EL84 tubes drive the power stage, while an EZ81 is used for the rectifier. The 12-inch speaker choices include the Celestion GM12 Greenback or Celestion AlNiCo Blue.

The models in the VOX Hand-Wired Series utilize the traditional VOX two-channel design, offering a Normal and a Top-Boost channel, with High and Low inputs provided for each. A number of important features have been added to allow modern versatility. The Normal channel is equipped with a BRIGHT switch for added brilliance. The HOT/COOL switch (also accessible via the included VFS1 footswitch) allows the Top-Boost channel to achieve even more gain. In true “old-school” fashion, the MV/BYPASS completely bypasses the Master Volume section. Finally, the Output Power (OP) switch will cut the amp’s output power in half, making it easier to balance the need for gain against a range of listening levels. A custom-fit dust cover is included with every model.

The VOX Hand-Wired Series begins shipping October 2010 and includes:
AC15HW1 Hand-wired combo amp; Celestion G12M Greenback $1600
AC15HW1X Hand-wired combo amp; Celestion Alnico Blue $2000
AC30HW2 Hand-wired combo amp; Celestion G12M Greenback (x2) $2200
AC30HW2X Hand-wired combo amp; Celestion Alnico Blue (x2) $2600
AC30HWH Hand-wired head $1750
V212HWX Hand-wired extension cabinet; Celestion Alnico Blue (x2) $1500

MELVILLE, NY, September 1, 2010 — Korg announces the limited edition SP-170RD, a vibrant red color option for the SP-170 Digital Piano, further expanding the striking visual style of this popular model.

The most portable and affordable piano Korg has ever developed, the SP-170 does not cut corners on delivering a great piano playing experience. Its streamlined design reveals no visible controls, providing an elegant and inviting presentation that focuses on what is most important in a piano – sound and feel.

The SP-170 features a duo of concert grand piano sounds, each recorded with meticulous care. Numerous velocity layers are used to capture nuances of playing dynamics, allowing the instrument to respond expressively to every touch. Eight additional highly-accurate sounds complete the palette of keyboard tones: Electric Piano (x2), Harpsichord, Clav, Vibraphone, Pipe Organ, Electric (Drawbar) Organ and Strings. Selectable Reverb and Chorus effects add warmth and spaciousness to the sound. While the SP-170 never requires tuning, it offers adjustable tuning that can be matched to other instruments, and it can also be transposed into any musical key.

As with every Korg SP digital piano model, the SP-170 features a full 88-note piano-style keyboard; three touch curves match the key response to any playing style. The newly-developed, Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) faithfully reproduces the touch and graduated weight of acoustic piano keys, while keeping the unit’s weight down to a mere 26 pounds.

Completely self-contained, the SP-170 includes a built-in sound system with a pair of full-range oval speakers housed in an internal bass-reflex cabinet, resulting in a well-defined, robust and dynamic sound.

Dual headphone outputs allow for private practice plus parent/child or student/teacher use. These outputs also enable connection to recording equipment or an external amplifier. A matching music rest and sustain pedal are both included, and an optional color-matched stand is available.

For the student or hobbyist, the SP-170 can be used as the master keyboard (input device) for computer music software via the MIDI output. The power switch and volume knob are located on the back panel; all other operations are quickly performed using the keyboard itself.

The SP-170 will be available November 2010 with a retail price of $699.00. An optional matching wooden stand will be available with a retail price of $125.00.

MELVILLE, NY, September 1, 2010 Korg’s award-winning Wavedrum Dynamic Percussion Synthesizer has drawn international praise for its organic interface, realism, comprehensive arsenal of percussion sounds spanning the globe, and innovative synth sounds. Now the Wavedrum is available in a limited edition black color with a solid black metallic rim and an exclusive BLACK SUEDE™ Remo drum head – projecting a different vibe than the aura of the original silver.

The Korg Wavedrum Black will be available in November 2010, with U.S. MSRP TBD.

About the Korg Wavedrum
The original Korg Wavedrum was introduced to the music world back in 1994. This legendary musical instrument was instantly famous for its innovative design, performance possibilities and unique sounds. Since its introduction in 2009, Korg has been pleased to see the success of the affordable, next-generation Wavedrum Digital Percussion Synthesizer.

Wavedrum can be used as a stand-alone percussion instrument, or integrated into an existing drum kit or percussion rig. Unlike digital trigger-based systems, Wavedrum uses a real drum head as the playing surface, providing an authentic and familiar feel. This allows the performer to employ sticks, brushes, mallets and/or traditional hand-drum techniques (mute, slap, bend, etc.) to play with comfort and confidence. In addition to drummers/percussionists, vocalists, DJs, and many other entertainers and musicians can take advantage of the versatility and playability of the Korg Wavedrum.

There are actually two playing surfaces on Wavedrum: the head and the rim. Under the head is an audio transducer, similar to a microphone. This transducer drives Wavedrum’s DSP and PCM sound engines, providing a far more expressive and natural playing experience than trigger-based systems that rely on PCM playback alone. The rim is outfitted with different-sized raised patterns on the left and right sides. In addition to using the rim as a traditional playing surface, rubbing a stick or mallet over these raised patterns can create interesting percussion effects, similar to an afro-cuban güiro, for example.

By combining 36 advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) synthesis algorithms with 200 PCM samples (100 for the head; 100 for the rim), Wavedrum provides a wide palette of sounds, ranging from traditional drum and percussion instruments to complex synthetic tones and sound effects. In addition to the ability to create new and unusual sounds, Wavedrum also re-creates a vast array of percussion instruments from around the planet, from familiar cajons, congas, and tablas to the rare and exotic. These include the udo, a clay pod percussion instrument; the jegog, a bamboo gamelan marimba from the island of Bali; a talking drum from Africa; gongs, and many others. Wavedrum can even reproduce stringed instruments such as the sitar, koto, and berimbau. This allows a single Wavedrum to replace what would have been a room full of instruments, sure to be a welcome addition to crowded stages, theatre/show pits, project studios and classrooms.

100 preset programs and 100 user programs are stored in memory, with 12 favorites available for instant access. Reverb and Delay effects add depth and character to the sound.

MELVILLE, NY, September 1, 2010 Korg unveils its new microKEY USB Powered Keyboard and MIDI Controller. For computer-based musicians on a budget seeking portability and power without sacrificing keyboard feel and function, the microKEY is an ideal way to create a compact and customized MIDI command center. Unlike its competitors, the microKEY features a built-in two-port hub to connect other controllers, computer peripherals or Korg nanoSERIES controllers for added flexibility and control of all the users’ software. Free editing software and a number of included software bundle licenses and discount coupons make the microKEY even more cost effective.

The microKEY features 37 velocity-sensing mini keys, using the same Natural Touch keybed found on the Korg microKORG XL and microSTATION. This keybed has been designed with careful attention to the touch and feel: the proportions of the black keys and white “waterfall” keys have been adjusted for optimal playability, and the key touch makes it easy to play chords, glissandos and rapid-fire phrases. The microKEY accurately conveys the dynamics of the user’s performance to any software package.

The Octave Shift buttons extend the range of the microKEY by four octaves in either direction – up or down. The Key Transpose function allows users to play in any key instantly. Used together, these two features provide access to the entire MIDI note range. For adding expression to users’ performance, the microKEY is also equipped with both a Pitch Bend wheel and a Modulation wheel.

The microKEY serves double-duty as a USB hub. The two USB ports (Type A) allow users to expand their custom control center by adding on a Korg nanoPAD or nanoKONTROL – or any other USB device. The microKEY is compatible with Mac™ OSX 10.4 or later, along with Windows XP SP3 (32-bit), Windows Vista SP2 (32-bit, 64-bit) and Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit).

Users can download the free “Korg KONTROL Editor” software, available from the Korg website, and customize the microKEY for their production or performance system. With the editor software, users can set the keyboard to respond to one of eight distinct velocity curves, or set a fixed velocity value. In addition, the range of the modulation wheel can be customized by setting minimum and maximum control change values.

Weighing only 2.21 lbs, measuring (W x D x H): 22.24″ x 5.47″ x 2.13″ and running on USB power, the microKEY is well suited for the on-the-go laptop musician as well.

The microKEY ships with the following software licenses and discount coupons so users can start making music right away:

1. A license to download the “M1 Le,” a limited edition of Korg’s M1 software synthesizer (included in the Korg Legacy Collection – Digital Edition) that brings to users’ computers the sounds of the ground-breaking M1 Music Workstation. Users may also choose to upgrade to the “M1 software synthesizer,” “Wavestation v1.6 software synthesizer,” or “MDE-X v1.2 multi-effect plug-in” bundles.

2. A license to download Toontrack’s software drum sound module “EZdrummer® Lite,” giving users access to numerous high-quality drum sounds. Visit www.toontrack.com for details.

3. A discount coupon for Ableton’s “Live,” “Live Suite,” and “Live LE” DAW software, widely popular for its sophisticated functionality. For details on this software, please refer to www.ableton.com or www.h-resolution.com.

4. A license for “Lounge Lizard Session,” the physical modeling sound module from Applied Acoustics Systems, famed for its richly expressive electric piano sounds. For details on this software, please visit www.minet.jp/aas/lounge-lizard-session.

The Korg microKEY keyboard and MIDI controller will be available November 2010 with U.S. MSRP TBD.

For more information, please visit www.korg.com.

AUGUST 26, 2010 – THE AUTUMN OFFERING’s newest track, “Bloodlust” can be streamed exclusively at AltPress.com. This brutal song is taken from the highly anticipated self-titled album, out this Tuesday, August 31st.

Stream “Bloodlust” here: http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/exclusive_stream_the_autumn_offerings_bloodlust/

THE AUTUMN OFFERING still have pre-order packages of The Autumn Offering, available here. Fans can also receive a pre-order discount code by placing the new video for “Born Dead” on their MySpace or Facebook page. Find out more information on the promotion here, and view the video here.

Make sure to catch THE AUTUMN OFFERING on tour this fall. Tour dates listed below.

w/ Kittie, Silent Civilian
17 Sep 2010 – The Rock – Tuscon , AZ
18 Sep 2010 – Gators – Farmington , NM
19 Sep 2010 – The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
20 Sep 2010 – Club Aftershock – Merriam , KS
21 Sep 2010 – Blue Goat – Salina , KS
22 Sep 2010 – Knickerbockers – Lincoln , NE
23 Sep 2010 – Spicoli’s Rock Garden – Waterloo , IA
24 Sep 2010 – The Roadhouse – Elgin , IL

25 Sep 2010 – Orange County Fair Speedway Arena and Stadium – Middletown , NY

w/ Silent Civilian, Threat Signal, Lazarus AD, Hate Inc
26 Sep 2010 – Cajones – Olean , NY
28 Sep 2010 – The Hayloft – Mt. Clemens , MI
29 Sep 2010 – Peabody ’s – Cleveland , OH
1 Oct 2010 – Station 4 – St. Paul , MN
2 Oct 2010 – The Brass Rail – Peoria , IL
3 Oct 2010 – People’s Court – Des Moines , IA
18 Nov 2010 – The Whiskey A Go Go – Hollywood , CA

SIX-STRING STARS ERIC JOHNSON, ANDY McKEE & PEPPINO D’AGOSTINO
UNITE FOR OCTOBER & JANUARY ACOUSTIC GUITAR MASTERS TOUR

August 26, 2010 – Three of the most popular, talented, innovative and musically rich guitar players and composers in contemporary music will bring their acoustic guitars together to perform and interact on stages across America this October and January 2011 when Eric Johnson, Andy McKee and Peppino D’Agostino meet on the Guitar Masters tour. The 21-date two-leg run of theaters, colleges and clubs will feature individual sets by each capped with a finale where all three interplay and collaborate for the first time together to offer an engaging and enlightening aural feast of acoustic six-string mastery and melodic brilliance.

The trek is sure to be an unforgettable musical experience for concertgoers that unites guitar virtuosos not just known for their awesome skills and technique but a mutual gift for song composition and melody and drawing out the full musicality of the solo acoustic guitar to near-orchestral dimensions. Creative sparks, one-time only stunning improvisations and mutual inspiration are sure to abound as they come together at the end of every show to offer a value-added concert bill that appeals to fans of many musical styles as well as guitar aficionados.

Grammy-winner Johnson is one of the most respected and renowned guitarists playing today, celebrated for his electric six-string playing and songwriting gifts, but also his acoustic talents that have graced his albums and which he has showcased on a number of previous solo tours. He is enshrined in Guitar Player’s Gallery of Greats and was named one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century by Musician magazine, took three instrumental songs from his 1990 platinum album Ah Via Musicom into the pop Top 10, and boasts a total of five Grammy nominations. “He’s an extraordinary guitar player accessible to ordinary music fans,” raves the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Andy McKee is an Internet phenomenon whose solo acoustic six-string performance videos and compositional flair have racked up an astounding 78 million-plus plays on YouTube, where he has also held the three Top-Rated Videos of All Time. His creative and innovative use of altered tunings, syncopated rhythm guitar taps, partial capos, and his textural use of polyphonic tones and drones won him Acoustic Guitar magazine’s worldwide Silver Medal award for fingerstyle playing in 2008. With six strong-selling and critically-lauded independent albums to his credit, McKee is a popular and engaging live music attraction who plays some 200 shows a year internationally. As the Lawrence Journal observes, McKee has “forged a distinctive style that proves eye-opening and ear-opening to many.”

Native Italian Peppino D’Agostino “plays steel-string guitar with virtuosity and complexity… Influences as far-flung as the flamenco work of Paco de Lucia and the pop sensibilities of the Beatles, evident in the songs he’s written, which brim with memorable melodies,” raves the Chicago Tribune. Now residing in the San Francisco Bay area, he was voted Best Acoustic Guitarist in Guitar Player’s 2007 Readers Poll and won Acoustic Guitar’s Players Choice Award the following year for Best Acoustic Album Of All Time. He has nine previous U.S. CD releases, including collaborations with electric rock guitar star Stef Burns and classical guitar expert David Tanenbaum, and also adds his steel string playing to eight nylon-string savants in the United Guitar Ensemble. The San Diego Reader hails D’Agostino as “a giant of the acoustic guitar.”

The tour will be the first time that McKee has met Johnson, whose hit “Cliffs of Dover” inspired him to play guitar. “He’s really musical.” McKee observes. “It’s like hearing a song but rather than having a vocalist he covers the melody and all the bases at once with his guitar. I still listen to his music all the time and even make references to it in my playing.”

D’Agostino has opened shows for Johnson and notes, “When he plays he really puts his special knowledge in it.” He is also an admirer of McKee’s talent. “What he does with techniques like tapping and his compositions is fabulous. He’s an amazing player.”

“Andy is a great player who puts it all these guitar technique into songs he writes and plays that make them quite interesting. But it’s still all about the song,” Johnson observes of McKee. “Peppino is a really emotional and very soulful player. And he comes from a little bit different background than Andy and I do, so it’s really nice combination for all of us to come from our different sources and mix it all together.

The tour will coincide with the release of Johnson’s new album, Up Close, on his own Vortexan label via EMI. McKee issued his latest recording, the CD/DVD package Joyland, on Razor & Tie Records in March. And D’Agostino’s latest album, Nine White Kites, comes out on his own label August 24.

Guitar Masters tour itinerary:

Oct 1 Milwaukee, WI Northern Lights Theater
Oct 2 Indianapolis, IN Clowes Memorial Hall
Oct 3 Ann Arbor, MI The Ark
Oct 6 Salina, KS Stiefel Theatre
Oct 7 Iowa City, IA Englert Theatre
Oct 8 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theatre
Oct 9 Rochester, MN Mayo Civic Center
Oct 10 Evanston, IL Space
Oct 13 Phoenixville, PA Colonial Theatre
Oct 14 Lebanon, NH Lebanon Opera House
Oct 15 Bethesda, MD Music Center at Strathmore
Oct 16 Westhampton Beach, NY Performing Arts Center
Oct 17 Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Playhouse
Jan 14 San Luis Obispo, CA Spano Theatre
Jan 15 Mission Viejo, CA Norman P. Murray Center
Jan 16 San Rafael, CA Marin Center
Jan 17 Visalia, CA Fox Theatre
Jan 19 Arcata, CA Van Duzer Theater
Jan 20 Chico, CA Laxson Auditorium
Jan 21 Napa, CA Opera House

FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT:

http://www.ericjohnson.com/media/acoustic/

The ultimate rock drum kit in software from the legendary drummer of Rush!

SUNRISE, Florida, August 2010 – Sonic Reality sound development company is proud to announce the immediate release of “Neil Peart Drums Vol. 1: The Kit”, a music software recreation of the massive DW® drum kit of legendary drummer of Rush, Neil Peart. It comes as a sound library for sample playing software such as BFD2 and Kontakt using Sonic Reality’s expandable Infinite Player library. Neil has collaborated with Sonic Reality and producer/engineer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains) to bring the authentic sound of Neil’s “Snakes and Arrows’ Custom DW® Drum Kit into the digital domain. With advanced features such as deep level dynamics, humanized random alternating hits, discrete multiple mic mixing and more, this deluxe sampled kit is an ultra-realistic recreation of Neil’s actual acoustic set as used live on tour and in the studio.

Now, for the first time, e-drummers, keyboardists and composers can play rock drum samples with the iconic signature sound of drum legend – Neil Peart and have a world-class, hard-hitting drum kit suitable for many styles of music from Progressive Rock to Heavy Metal! Producer Nick Raskulinecz engineered the sample sessions with Neve® mic preamps and deluxe vintage tube mics provided by Ocean Way Recording’s Classic Rentals in LA. Multiple room positions and ambient channels are provided for one of the most elaborate sampled drum kits ever. With the assistance of Don Lombardi and DrumChannel.com, every detail of “The Kit” was captured both in high-resolution audio.

“The Kit” features 8 Toms, a vast array of cymbals including 3 Chinas, 4 Crashes, 3 Splashes, Ride, 2 Snares, Massive Kicks, Percussion – such as Cowbells and more. It comes mapped in GM, iMap™, V-Drum and a Custom Map mode to be controlled by any electronic drum kit. It includes both discrete mic mixing and album-quality presets right out of the box for instant gratification.

Specs of the Custom Neil Peart DW® Drum Kit:

Size: Over 12 Gigabytes

• 23″ x 16″ Kick Drum
• 14″ x 6.5″ Snare Drum
• 14″ x 6.5″ Edge Snare Drum
• 8″ x 7″ Tom
• 10″ x 7″ Tom
• 12″ x 8 Tom
• 13″ 9″ Tom
• 15″ x 12″ Tom
• 15″ x 13″ Tom
• 16″ x 16″ Tom
• 18″ x 18″ Tom
• 22″ Sabian Paragon Ride Cymbal
• 4 Sabian Paragon Crash Cymbals (16″, 16″, 18″, 20″)
• 3 Sabian Paragon China Cymbals (20″, 20″ with rivets, 19″)
• 3 Sabian Paragon (10″, 10″, 8″) Splash Cymbals
• 5 Cowbells

“Neil Peart Drums Vol 1: The Kit” is available now from Sonic Reality dealers world-wide in either FXpansion’s BFD2 format or Native Instruments’ Kontakt format* (*requires Sonic Reality’s Infinite Player library)

Downloadable versions are available from http://www.esoundz.com

For more information please visit http://www.sonicreality.com/products/neil-peart-drums/

Now Shipping! Price: $149. (Estimated Street Price)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, August 26, 2010 – Stëv Skye is, without a doubt, one of the
most talented blues and rock guitarists to have slipped under the radar of
the mainstream media. He is currently recording his future blues classics
with the help of a Daking Mic Pre EQ, to record his fiery guitar leads, and
a matched pair of BOCK 151 tube condensers for drum overheads/room mics,
thus the backbone of the new material. In the mid-1990s, a young Stëv Skye
was spotted by legendary engineer/producer Eddie Kramer (Led Zeppelin, Kiss,
Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, et al.), who encouraged him
to move to Los Angeles to develop his chops. In L.A., Skye worked with a
string of Grammy-winning artists before downshifting to help raise his
newborn daughter in Phoenix. After recently reemerging from that hiatus to
work with celebrity QVC/HSN guitarist Esteban, veteran artist representative
Robert Rozich spotted the two and took a keen interest in Skye’s astounding
back catalog of over four hundred unreleased songs.

Rozich signed Skye to his label, EPS Records, and the two collaborated to
overhaul what had been known as Skye Studios to EPS Skye Studios with an
infusion of several hundred thousand dollars’ worth of high-end gear for the
multi-year project that will transform Skye’s back catalog of demo-quality
recordings into polished material suitable for radio play and background
music in commercials, television and film. The task of recording would be
ably handled by Skye himself, who has over three hundred recordings to his
name. Sony RED will distribute the albums, the first of which is tentatively
titled, The Dawn of Creation.

Skye is a multi-instrumentalist and performs most of the parts on the
forthcoming album, but because his claim to fame is guitar, the guitar parts
must stand out as very special. “I love the Daking Mic Pre EQ on electric
guitar and, when I need more bite, on acoustic guitars as well,” said Skye.
“It has a very musical sound and delivers tracks that mix effortlessly.”
Depending on the part, Skye uses a variety of mics and amps with his trusted
Fender Strat.

Because Skye’s style of music is a rockin’ sort of blues, properly capturing
the drums is critical for the overall success of the recordings. “I’ve tried
every large diaphragm condenser in my mic locker for drum room mics – CM7s,
149s, 414s – and nothing comes close to the controlled capture of the BOCK
151s,” said Skye. “They capture the sparkle of the cymbals without making
them ’splashy,’ while at the same time giving depth and body to the drums
themselves, particularly the rack toms. I also love that they have a
‘brite/normal’ switch, which lets me tailor the high end to complement the
mood of a particular song.”

Say hello to your new drummer. Drum backing tracks performed by top studio drummers, recorded in world-class studios, optimized for AmpliTube play-along.

August 26, 2010 – IK Multimedia and Sonic Reality are pleased to introduce DrummerTracks™ – a new series of style-based full-length drum backing tracks performed by top studio drummers. Unlike loops, DrummerTracks are full song drum tracks, recorded in world-class studios by sound powerhouse – Sonic Reality, and designed for use as play-along tracks for the AmpliTube range of software and mobile apps.

DrummerTracks offer guitarists, bassists and other musicians a new way to play along with drum grooves. Unlike other play-along grooves, DrummerTracks™ have been produced to sound exactly like classic albums of yesterday and today, capturing the nuances of the performance and providing the real feel of playing with a live drummer. Each package was produced using the same “state of the art equipment” and sometimes even the original drummer and producer/engineer!

DrummerTracks are like playing along to the drum tracks extracted from your favorite albums. A wide variety of styles ranging from Classic Rock to Progressive Rock to Blues, Jazz, Funk, Soul, Country and more are available. It’s total inspiration wherever you go. Fills and variations for verses, choruses and/or challenging jam sections happen automatically – just like they would with a live drummer.

3 ways to use them: You can import DrummerTracks into the AmpliTube SpeedTrainer section in the standalone versions for Mac/PC; load them into the songs or recorder sections of AmpliTube for iPhone/iPod/iPad; or import them to a track in your preferred DAW sequencer – simply hit play and start rocking! Use them for practicing, playing, jamming, composing or just having fun! They’re an ideal source of instant inspiration for your professional, home or mobile studio.

Registered users of AmpliTube for Mac/PC and AmpliTube Mobile products (currently AmpliTube for iPhone/iPod Touch and AmpliTube for iPad) will receive one Free DrummerTracks audio file in their IK User Area to experience the difference a full- length drum track can make on their playing and composing. More details may be found on the IK Multimedia web site, www.ikmultimedia.com/drummertracks
10 DrummerTrack style-based collections

Each title includes 10 or more drum tracks in 44Khz/16 bit Wave format, and over 500MB of samples:

- 60’s Rock
- 70’s Rock
- Funk Soul
- Progressive Rock
- Pop Country
- Big Band
- Motown
- Led Grooves
- Dan Grooves
- Back Beats

Pricing and availability:

DrummerTracks titles are available for only $29.99/€19.99 each (excluding taxes).

DrummerTracks may be purchased through the IK Online Store or from selected distributors and dealers around the world in the convenient multi-box format. For more information and to listen to audio demos of DrummerTracks, please visit:

http://www.ikmultimedia.com/drummertracks

NEW YORK, NY – Longtime Roadrunner Records recording artist SOULFLY, lead by metal titan Max Cavalera, has announced a string of winter tour dates that will bring the band to eleven cities beginning in November.

This is Soulfly’s first tour since the release of the seventh album, Omen, which features appearances by famed guests like Dillinger Escape Plan’s Greg Puciato and Prong’s Tommy Victor. Alternative Press said “longtime fans of Cavalera’s brand of primitive crunch will love Omen…” while Revolver saidOmen is “harder, angrier and catchier than its predecessors.”

Tickets go on sale this weekend, but Citi Private Pass members have access to purchase them now here.

11/26 @ House of Blues, West Hollywood CA
11/27 @ House of Blues, San Diego CA
11/28 @ Slim’s, San Francisco CA
11/30 @ Gothic Theatre, Englewood CO
12/2 @ House of Blues, Chicago IL
12/4 @ House of Blues, Cleveland OH
12/8 @ The Gramercy Theatre, New York NY
12/9 @ Theater of Living Arts, Philadelphia PA
12/12 @ Revolution, Ft. Lauderdale FL
12/15 @ House of Blues, Dallas TX
12/16 @ House of Blues, Houston TX

NEW YORK, NY, August 26, 2010 – Four-time Grammy nominees Queensryche have signed a multi-album, worldwide deal with Roadrunner/Loud & Proud Records. The band’s label debut –their twelfth studio album overall- is tentatively scheduled for a Spring 2011 release. Singer and founder Geoff Tate remains the creative nucleus of the band, which continues to make relevant, against-the-grain hard rock that entices fans, both new and diehard.

Queensryche have been – and unquestionably remain- one of the most respected and innovative names in forward-thinking hard rock throughout the course of their nearly 30-year history. Since their inception over 25 years ago, Queensryche have sold over 20 million albums worldwide and have performed in over 22 countries.

“We are very happy to be signing with Road Runner/Loud and Proud. This is the rock label and a place where they are as excited about our music as we and our fans are,” Tate said.

“We are excited to welcome Queensryche to the label” stated Loud & Proud President Tom Lipsky. “They have earned global acclaim for their distinctive approach to music and we are confident of a successful partnership with them.”

Queenryche’s 1988-issued album Operation: Mindcrime is universally respected as a classic concept release about rock, revenge and redemption. The album elicited comparisons to The Who’s Tommy and Pink Floyd’s The Wall and is ultimately regarded as one of the most important and essential hard rock records in the genre’s expansive canon. 1990’s follow-up, Empire, yielded a #1 single, the Grammy-nominated ballad “Silent Lucidity,” which the band performed at the 1992 Grammy Awards accompanied by a supporting orchestra.

In 2006, the band released Operation: Mindcrime II, a scorching sequel to their original. The band then hit the road performing both albumsOperation: Mindcrime and Operation: Mindcrime II back-to-back in their entirety in an incredible theatrical presentation throughout the year.The final performance was recorded at The Moore Theatre in Seattle that October and the Mindcrime at the Moore double CD/DVD release debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Music DVD Chart and eventually reached Gold status.

Visit http://www.queensryche.com/ for more information.

August 24, 2010 – Frontiers Records are proud to announce their new worldwide partnership with Swedish Rockers THE POODLES, which will kick off with the world wide release of the group’s long awaited live-DVD, “In the Flesh” and the accompanying live-album “No Quarter” before the end of 2010, followed by The Poodles’ fourth studio album in early 2011.

The band promises that the forthcoming studio album will be something extraordinary; a modern take on a classic rock n’ roll epic. Fans of the band will recognize themselves while the journey will take them to unchartered waters. Non-believers will get an opportunity to reappraise their beliefs and take the music of The Poodles to their hearts. The producer of “Clash of the Elements”, Mats Valentin, is once again the Captain of the new adventure and will take the band further along the road they started on together in 2009.

Since the release of The Poodles’ third studio effort, “Clash of the Elements”, the band has received and discussed several offers from potential collaborators in anticipation of future releases. After long and careful consideration, the band chose to go with Frontiers Records, a powerful independent label with a strong passion for rock music and an equally strong desire to work with The Poodles and to develop the band’s presence in all territories.

The Poodles are excited and eager to see the new business venture unfold and they have high expectations on what the partnership will bring in the near future. Jake Samuel, the lead singer of The Poodles says that “The most important thing in any collaboration is a shared vision of what one wants to accomplish. In our case, that vision must come from a deep love for rock n’ roll, mutual respect and willingness to do whatever it takes to reach your goals. I think we have found those qualities in Frontiers Records”.

Stay up-dated on what’s happening with The Poodles and coming releases on www.poodles.se or www.facebook.com/thepoodles

Meridian, MS, August 24, 2010 – Peavey ® Electronics and Agile Partners today announced that the AmpKit and AmpKit+ Apps are available now on the App Store. The apps are the ultimate iPhone amp and effects studios with extensive recording and re-amping capabilities. AmpKit and AmpKit+, together with AmpKit LiNK, a high fidelity electric guitar interface for iPad, iPhone and second- and third-generation iPod touch, provide guitar and bass players with a powerful and convenient way to jam with high quality tones anytime and anywhere.

The AmpKit Apps are available in two versions:
AmpKit is a free app that includes the Peavey ValveKing amp with clean and very-high gain lead channels, two ValveKing cabinets (4×12 and 1×12), two pedals (Noise Gate, Elevenizer), two mics (Workhorse 57 dynamic mic, Germann 87 condenser mic), and a built-in Noise & Feedback Filter.
AmpKit+ is a paid app that includes three additional amps, four more cabinets and eight additional pedals, at less than half their individual prices. The additional amps include the Peavey 3120 amp with clean, rhythm, and ultra-high-gain lead channels and matching 4×12 cabinet, the Colonel Vintage amp paired with matching 4×10 and 1×12 cabinets, and the Vintage Brit amp with matching 2×12 cabinet. The additional pedals include 10-band EQ, distortion, fuzz, compressor, chorus, phaser, flanger, and reverb effects.
With both apps, AmpKit’s convenient Gear Store enables simple In-App Purchasing of additional amps, pedals, and mics, up to a total of 12 amps with 20 distinct amp channels, 13 cabinets, 16 pedals, and 8 microphones.

AmpKit’s amp, cabinet, and pedal simulations are modeled based on real-world equipment, and reviewers report that tone quality is the best available on the iOS platform. Because the AmpKit LiNK guitar interface includes special features to reduce feedback when listening through headphones, AmpKit can realistically simulate high-gain amps such as the Peavey ValveKing and 6505+.

“AmpKit is the most extraordinary virtual studio of guitar sounds for your iPhone,” said Paul Riario, Gear Editor, Guitar World Magazine. “That alone may be enough for most guitarists, but combine it with the ability to record and save your sessions or just jam along with the bundled backing tracks and AmpKit is the ultimate guitar performance app.”

AmpKit includes extensive recording capabilities, and creates both “dry” (guitar signal before effects are applied) and “wet” (guitar signal with effects applied) recordings. This enables another key AmpKit feature: re-amping, where you can take a recording and re-record it using a completely different amp and pedal setup. Once you’ve made a recording, you can upload it to your computer, email it to a friend, or post it directly to SoundCloud.

AmpKit has been highly optimized for the iOS platform. It operates on any iPhone, including the very first 2G model, as well as both second- and third-generation iPod touch devices. AmpKit can support a dozen or more simultaneous pedals, depending on configuration. Latency is extremely low. AmpKit likewise leverages key iOS 4 and iPhone 4 capabilities, with gear images optimized for the beautiful Retina Display and support for Fast App Switching.

AmpKit’s user experience is just what you would expect from the makers of GuitarToolkit and TabToolkit: elegant, intuitive and responsive. AmpKit includes over 60 predefined amp/pedal setups, and users can create and save an unlimited number of their own setups. AmpKit includes the same high-precision tuner and metronome technology used in GuitarToolkit, and both are visible right from the setup screen, with no need to switch screens. AmpKit provides a friendly web interface for uploading backing tracks to play along with, uploading dry guitar audio for re-amping, and downloading recordings.

AmpKit LiNK

AmpKit LiNK is a high fidelity interface for plugging an electric guitar, bass or other instrument directly into the headphone jack of an iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. It is the ideal companion to AmpKit: because of special crosstalk reduction circuitry that is applied when using headphones, AmpKit LiNK makes it possible for AmpKit to reproduce the high-gain tone of amplifiers such as the Peavey 6505+ without excessive feedback. AmpKit LiNK specs:
Connects to iPhone, iPod touch and iPad via 1/8-inch cable, automatically detected by iOS when plugged in
1/4-inch mono input jack for electric guitar, bass, and line level signal sources, preserves full signal fidelity
1/8-inch stereo output jack for connecting headphones, powered speaker, or PA system – works with most recording, processing and tuning apps, including GuitarToolkit
Compatible with all iPhone models, both second- and third-generation iPod touch devices and iPad
“AmpKit LiNK offers the same feel and response as plugging into your favorite amplifier,” observed Riario. “The powered cross-talk reduction circuitry eliminates unwanted feedback, making AmpKit LiNK the ideal guitar interface to use with AmpKit.”

“We’re delighted to be working with Peavey to provide AmpKit and AmpKit LiNK to musicians around the world. Peavey’s world-class hardware design and manufacturing capabilities complement Agile Partners’ unmatched expertise in creating guitar-focused apps for the iOS platform,” said Jack Ivers, a principal at Agile Partners. “Peavey’s music industry experience and global dealer network will provide musicians around the world with easy access to the AmpKit LiNK guitar adapter.”

The AmpKit and AmpKit+ Apps are available for free and $19.99, respectively from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

AmpKit LiNK is available for $39.99 from Peavey retailers and distributors worldwide. A list of current AmpKit link retailers is available at http://peavey.com/ampkitlink.

AmpKit is the latest guitar app from Agile Partners, the developers of the highly acclaimed GuitarToolkit and the 2010 Apple Design Award winner, TabToolkit. For more information, visit http://ampkitapp.com.

TUNICA, MISSISSIPPI, August 23, 2010 – Grammy®-nominated, multi-platinum rockers 3 Doors Down will once again return to their home state for a concert benefiting children’s charities. The Better Life Foundation Presents 3 Doors Down & Friends, the seventh annual concert and silent auction for their Mobile, AL-based charity, will take place at Horseshoe Casino/Hotel on Friday, November 12 and culminating with a live performance on Saturday, November 13. The 2-day event has moved location from Biloxi to Tunica and as a bonus for fans, is earlier than in years past. The event is sponsored by the Mississippi Army National Guard and boasts a complete schedule of events including Charity Ride, Clay Shoot, Silent Auction and live performance of 3 Doors Down with special guests gold-certified Canadian rock band Theory Of A Deadman and gold-certified Mississippi rock act Saving Abel.

The Better Life Foundation has donated close to $2,000,000 to various charities nationwide since it’s inception in 2003, though the main focus is on Gulf Coast organizations. Past ‘friends’ who have joined 3 Doors Down for the annual event include Lynryd Skynyrd, Staind, Sara Evans, Shinedown, Hinder, James Otto, Big Kenny of Big and Rich, Aaron Lewis of Staind, Ed Kowalczyk of Live, Alter Bridge, Tracy Lawrence and Switchfoot.

General admission floor ($50) and VIP balcony tickets ($150, includes food and bar) go on sale August 27 at 10:00am CT through Ticketmaster and the Horseshoe Casino/Hotel Tunica box office. Raffle tickets are currently available for an $80,000 “Citizen Soldier III” motorcycle custom-built by Bourget’s Bike Works. Raffle tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the website (buyers do not need to be present at the event to win) and more info on the “Citizen Solder III” can be found at http://www.bourgets.com/citizensoldier.htm. For more information or VIP tickets please visit www.TheBetterLifeFoundation.org. For VIP fanclub package information please visit 3ddfanclub.net.

Schedule of events:
Friday, November 12
9:00am-2:00pm – Charity Ride from Jackson , MS to Roadhouse, Tunica, MS
2:00-4:00pm – Reception at the Roadhouse for Charity Ride participants

Saturday, November 13
9:00am-1:00pm – Clay Shoot – The Willows, Tunica, MS
2:00-4:45pm – Auction
5:30pm – Citizen Solder III Raffle
6:00-11:00pm – Concert

In 2003, the community-minded band chose to begin giving back to their beloved Mississippi by starting their own charity, The Better Life Foundation, a 501(c)(3) federally tax exempt non-profit organization. Named after their first album, they had a goal in mind: To give every child a chance at ‘The Better Life.’ Since its inception TBLF has gone on to support numerous charities nationwide, as well as providing aid and assistance to the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina.

Since forming in 1995, the Mississippi rock quintet 3 Doors Down has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, generated seven #1 hits, and have consistently headlined sold-out tours throughout North America. They have been celebrated within the music community with multiple Grammy nominations and Billboard Awards, numerous American Music Awards, a Blockbuster Award, and multiple BMI Awards including the coveted Songwriter of the Year. The band’s 2005 release, Seventeen Days, was their first to debut #1 on Billboard’s Top Albums chart. The fourth studio album, 3 Doors Down, is their second release to debut at #1 (as well as their fourth album to reach the Top Ten), and includes the #1 Top 40 and #1 Mainstream Rock track “It’s Not My Time.” 3 Doors Down support music programs including being named VH1 Save The Music Foundation’s 2009-2010 Ambassador along with Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, The Fray, and others. In 2009 they were honored by their home state with a Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Award for Musical Composition (Popular) for the album 3 Doors Down. Recently they claimed 3 spots on Billboard Magazine’s ‘End of the Decade’ list incluiding the #1 Mainstream Rock track of the decade with the NASA anthem “Kryptonite,” “When I’m Gone” came in at #3, and “Loser,” from the band’s 6 million selling debut album, The Better Life, is on the chart at #6! 3 Doors Down are currently in the studio recording their fifth album set for release in the fall of 2010.

TEMPE, Arizona, August 19, 2010 – Fender Musical Instruments Corp. proudly inducted the Fender Hall of Fame class of 2010, which included legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix and longtime Fender®employee George Fullerton. The 2010 class was formally inaugurated on Fri., Aug. 13 during the fourth-annual Fender Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at the Tempe Center of the Arts. Noted blues guitarist/singer/songwriter, Kenny Wayne Shepherd (above), performed in honor of Jimi Hendrix using a Fender Custom Shop recreation of the Stratocaster® guitar Jimi sacrificed and immortalized in 1967 during the Monterey International Pop Music Festival.