Creative Edge Music

FUSE is Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee FUSE is a popular, UK-based violin duo comprised of virtuoso violinists Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee.  In a word, they are electrifying . When Linzi first got in touch with me, I figured I would write a routine review of some decent tracks.  However, once I started listening I was compelled to listen to the entirety of their material in one sitting, after which I eagerly started perusing their YouTube channel. There is a certain accuracy in their playing, while at the same time each note they play conveys so much passion.  Some parts are edgy, others are playful, and yet others are emotionally heavy and moving.  Altogether, each section of their music feels well-intended and poses a seamless transition into the next. For instance, this electric violin/Dubstep composition called "Ignite The Fuse" is one of the first videos that caught my eye for being so creative.  I really enjoyed how they combine classical ele...

Rupert Neve Designs - 551 Inductor EQ Wimberley, TX - At the 2014 NAMM show, Rupert Neve Designs launched the 551 Inductor EQ: the first and only equalizer for the 500-Series actually designed by Rupert Neve. Featuring 3 bands of EQ inspired by Mr. Neve’s most prized vintage designs, along with custom-wound inductors, transformers and class-A gain blocks, the 551 brings the thick, powerful lows and sweet highs of Rupert’s classics to the 500-Series format. The 551 echoes Rupert’s classic 3-band EQ feature set, with a custom inductor, switched frequencies and a HPF.  Traditional transformer-coupled inputs and outputs designed specifically for the 500 Series are used for both technical performance reasons and optimum musical reproduction.  The 551 will begin shipping in late January 2014 with a US list price of $950. The 3-band, custom-tapped inductor EQ on the 551 was inspired by RND’s favorite portions of Rupert’s vintage EQ designs. The low frequency band is designed...

This year, Grammy winner Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers will hit the main stage during halftime of the Super Bowl.  If the viewership is anything like last year, when Beyoncé rolled in more than 100 million viewers, it could be a tremendous audience to play for.  However, the NFL has no interest in paying these artists for their performances, despite the level of preparation and hard work necessary to pull it off.  In fact, the NFL has never  paid any of its past performers, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, and many others.  The question is, Why? The NFL has stated that the large audience provided during the Super Bowl, along with the big hype about the halftime show, is more than enough compensation to justify playing the gig.  In other words, the marketing value of 100M+ views, a stadium full of fans, and tens of millions more who search for the performance online after the fact are worth more than money. What do you think, Mr. ...