IAR News Feed

Summer AFP Awards A Hit

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:15:00 GMT

Students in their 4th quarter at IAR take: Post Production-Audio, which teaches them the techniques of creating an audio soundtrack synchronized to video. Subjects include location sound production, SMPTE time code, dialog, audio bed tracks and sound effects. Students are given the chance to enter the popular Audio for Picture (AFP) Awards Festival, where they use the tools they learn in the class, choose a pre-existing video piece and recreate all aspects of the audio for it.

The AFP awards are an exciting and creative experience for students. “It’s a tremendous collection of art,” says Nell Gywnn from Student Services, who leads the AFP. Students chose from their favorite films, television shows, commercials, and cartoons. One project was a movie trailer and rather than using video from the original, the student re-created the trailer by piecing together different scenes within the film and adding unique voice-overs, music, and sound effects. An audience favorite was a spoof of the Matrix movie with an argument debating the pros and cons of digital recording vs. analog recording using improvised humorous dialog of characters during a fight scene. Thanks to all who submitted. The Summer 2008 AFP Winners are:

1st Place
Mefail Ljumanoski with “Robots”

2nd Place
Rivka Einy and Carlos Berthet with “Team America Redux”

3rd Place
Madli Kent with “Happy Tree Friends”

Student Company: VIP Underground

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:48:00 GMT

After walking the halls of IAR and speaking to students, it does not take long to realize that many are already entrepreneurs pursuing their own music and entertainment business ventures. Vince Austin, a student in his third quarter, has been running VIP Underground, for 2 years with partner Duane May. VIP Underground is their online social network that provides free advertising for all New York City events and hosts photos of those events. Partygoers, concert lovers, and socialites can join the website, become members, create profiles and interact with other members similar to the popular networks Myspace and Facebook.

As the President and Event Coordinator for VIP Underground, Vince is in constant contact with club owners and members of elite street teams, to learn when and where events will be and arrange for VIP Underground’s photographers to be present. Vince also maintains the website.

Vince attends IAR to learn about music production and audio engineering, and about the business of music. Vince says of his IAR experience: “I am developing a broader background of music with real hands-on experience. IAR has helped me understand what perfect sound is and what the world craves to hear. Not only has IAR taught me the fundamentals of audio engineering and production, but the school has its own great community, similar to VIP Underground, and I meet many people with a love for music and make lasting friendships that will help me with my future goals. After IAR, I plan to become an Artist Manager. Then I really want to get into publishing and distribution.” To learn more and join the community, visit vipunderground.com.

Legendary Artist Gary U.S. Bonds at IAR

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:54:00 GMT

On Tuesday, June 3rd, students in IAR’s Recording Workshop (RW) laid down tracks with a special guest artist, Gary U.S. Bonds. The renowned performer and songwriter has a long list of accomplishments in rhythm and blues and rock and roll. He was one of the most influential artists in the 1960’s with hits such as New Orleans, Quarter to Three, School Is Out, Dear Lady Twist, School Is In, and Twist, Twist, Señora. His later work includes collaborations with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and Steven Van Zandt who were fans of Bonds when they were developing their musical grooves. The RW instructor, Dan Grigsby, has brought other renowned artists to record at IAR, including Latin bassist John Benitez and George Clinton’s pianist Axel Tosca. Grigsby notes about Bonds’ recent appearance that “The students were so psyched. Here’s a guy who’s been in the industry forever. He’s a survivor and a celebrity but down to earth and fun, and still does his craft at a high level.”

IAR students recorded Gary, who was accompanied by his wife and daughter, as they tracked background vocals to the song “Rudy”, written by George Thiess. Beyond learning the best techniques for mic placement, using the board and Pro Tools, students witnessed how a major artist with decades of recording experience creates music in the studio and collaborates with a producer and engineer. “The students start thinking ‘I can do this. I can really do this’,” said Grigsby. IAR student Bryan Wilson remarked, “I loved being in the studio and seeing Gary and Dan work and interacting with them. When we got to mix it down, it really came together. It was an awesome experience.” For more information on Gary U.S. Bonds, visit garyusbonds.com.

DIY: Ableton Live 7 Demo

Thu, 29 May 2008 10:24:00 GMT

On Wednesday, May 21st, IAR hosted a demonstration by Ableton of their popular music production and performance software, Live, version 7. Ableton Live has become a full-service production tool for making music with the computer. The affordable package includes a variety of creative elements, such as multi-track recording, MIDI sequencing, many built in instruments and effects, and video capabilities. Ableton first explained the basic setup to run the program and what external gear is needed. Students participated in the demonstration by tracking vocals and guitar into Live, and then were taught to use functions such as warping and automation in real time. They were then shown the seemingly endless options for editing, effects, processing, and producing and Dave Hill, Ableton USA General Manager, said, “You’re collecting bits of audio and arranging it later. This is like pre-production work.”

Ableton Live has lessons and tutorials built into the program so a user can learn or refresh on any tool while using the program. Students were also shown how DJs use Ableton Live for their gigs. Dave Hill and Sam Walker of Ableton provided advice for best use with Apple and PC computers and were impressed with the depth of questions IAR students had covering sampling and chopping and comparisons to Reason software. Tekserve was also at the session and offers great deals to IAR students on the ‘latest and greatest’ hardware and software products including Ableton Live, and each student left with a free trial version of Ableton Live to explore.

DIY: DJ Workshop at IAR

Fri, 09 May 2008 10:30:00 GMT

On Tuesday, April 29th IAR hosted one of its ‘Do It Yourself’ events covering DJing. IAR alumnus and accomplished DJ, Nicholas Bivona aka DJ REACT, came back to IAR to provide students with the basics of DJing. Nicholas works at Sirius Satellite Radio as a board operator and has worked as a DJing teacher. He also DJs up and down the east coast at private events and clubs.

DJ REACT started the seminar with a demonstration of his talent spinning and scratching on turntables. He gave a brief history of his DJing career and advised students about working in the music industry. He then brought students up and had them surround him as he showed them different techniques. From the most basic steps to complex patterns and improvisation, students were shown visually and audibly how DJs create their art. Moves such as a baby scratch, tear, chops, hamster, chirps, flares and the crab were demonstrated and then IAR students stepped behind the mixer and turntables to try for themselves. Nick spoke about ‘beat mixing and trick mixing’ and the importance of counting bars to stay on time and tighten up overall technique, “You don’t have to use crazy techniques to sound good. Using the basics melodically will be crazy.” DJ REACT gave his opinion on different equipment and internet resources to use when building their libraries of music, “I have playlists for everything, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, Club Hits, Bad Boy Records. Organize it with iTunes and know everything.” For more information on DJ REACT visit myspace.com/deejayreact.

IAR Students Perform at NYC Club

Thu, 01 May 2008 12:42:00 GMT

On Tuesday, April 15th, IARecords hosted its sixth Next Level competition at Arlene’s Grocery in Manhattan. The Next Level showcase is a two-part event open only to IAR students. First, students submit their original music to be evaluated by IAR staff. Those selected compete live on stage at Arlene’s Grocery in lower Manhattan. The winner is determined by audience votes and receives a $1,000 credit towards either Disc Makers or Guitar Center. The second part of the Next Level brings all of the students who performed at Arlene’s Grocery into the recording studio to record a song for IARecords’ Next Level 5 album, which will be mixed and released later this year.

Arlene’s Grocery was packed with IAR faculty and staff, the artists’ friends and family, and students. Nine competitors took the stage to perform one song, with the genres ranging among rap, R&B, pop, heavy metal, and soul and funk. The variety of performers and high level of professionalism and talent distinguished this event over previous Next Level competitions. IAR student and Next Level participant Jer-Z remarked afterwards, “I just wanted to thank you guys so much for the opportunity to showcase my work in such a positive environment. I thoroughly enjoyed myself up there and the fact that the other acts were so impressive made for a well-rounded show!”

The winner of the Next Level 6 competition was Christina LaRocca and Heavy Weather, who performed her song ‘Fire.’ The Next Level competitors were T-Flame$ and the Funky Fresh Band, Unikson, Young & The Briz, Jer-Z, Christina LaRocca and Heavy Weather, Y.O. & B-Nice, Nameless & MindState Productions, The Crowning, and Karmen Michael. Congratulations to all competitors and thank you to all IAR student-artists who submitted.

Ghosthorse Releases New Album 'Ksa'

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:07:00 GMT

Native American music group Ghosthorse released their new album ‘Ksa’ which in the Indian language Lakota means ‘trouble.’ The album’s theme is ‘An essence of understanding through trouble or difficulty.’ IAR faculty member and engineer and producer Dan Grigsby, who has worked with gold and platinum selling artists including Keith Richards and Joe Cocker, makes up one part of the spiritual Ghosthorse trio with Charley Buckland and Tiokasin Ghosthorse.

Ghosthorse combines influences and instruments from native cultures such as the siyotanka and cancega with contemporary guitar and bass. The group’s sound has been characterized as a fusion of jazz and blues with the spirit of traditional American Indian folk music. The bulk of the album was recorded in Dan’s home studio in Manhattan. The song ‘The Prayer’ was recorded at Kampo Studios with artist Lisa Bodnar, and the song “Sunrising West” was recorded at Blue Ribbon Sound, both established studios in New York City. ‘Ksa’ has been written up in the Village Voice and the ASCAP publication Stepping Out Magazine and received a great response from fans like Patricia Bauduin who said, “This is the first time I am listening to music from Native American heritage. It is relaxing and spiritual and brings a lot of emotions out of me.” Ghosthorse performs at Native American events and festivals and for more information on the group and ‘Ksa’, check out ghosthorse.biz and myspace.com/ghosthorseksa.

“Oneowe Xenau” – Ghosthorse

IAR’s Audio For Pictures: Latest Awards

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:17:00 GMT

The Spring Audio for Picture (AFP) Awards Festival was a great success. The festival showcased audio/video projects from four IAR class sections, the most of any festival. Students were required to take a pre-existing video of their choice and recreate all sound effects, dialog, musical scores, and foley. The projects were limited to three categories based on time length: Short Format, Medium Format, and Long Format. The larger number of applicants yielded a very diverse and creative field of projects such as commercials for SAAB, Coke, and Playstation to short films and movies like Billy’s Balloon, Talladega Nights, Final Fantasy, and Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. One submission, Godzilla, amused the crowd with character dialog done by IAR faculty gibing each other. For the first time, students addressed the audience about their projects, answering questions about their creative and technical decisions. Matt Crawford, the creator of the AFP version of Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, remarked, “It took about 30 hours of foley work alone, but the hardest part was doing Pee Wee’s voice. I actually had to pitch shift it to get it close.” This new element of the AFP awards format was extremely informative and exciting. A new award was introduced to the AFP, Judges Choice, which was given to the highest scoring project out of all three formats. Thank you to all students who submitted.

The Spring 2008 AFP Winners are:
Short Format Winner: Brian Finucaine, Wes Conroy
Short Format Runner-up: Kaycee Avwomapka
Medium Format Winner: Majid Afzali, Uygar Yucebas
Medium Format Runner-up: Catherine Morey, Anthony Ungaro, Philip Lazar
Long Format Winner: Matt Crawford
Long Format Runner-up: Carlos Altamarino, Manuel Lugo

Outstanding Achievement Awards:
Sound Editing & Sound Design: Uygar Yucebas, Majid Afzali, Thomas Ryan, John Rucker
Original Score: Ninjin Galsanbat
Music Editing: Ninjin Galsanbat
Script Supervision: Shawn Kuiper, Alice Kallenius
SFX: William Villane, Keith Schwendenmann, Chris Pena
Overall Production: Leah Carrero, Matt Crawford
Judges Choice: Majid Afzali, Uygar Yucebas

DIY: Building Your Own Studio

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:14:00 GMT

The ability to run a functional recording studio in one’s own home is becoming increasingly easy and cost efficient. Many IAR students are interested in having their own studios for personal as well as commercial uses. On Thursday March 27th, faculty member and engineer Mario Salvati (engineer on platinum selling album Electric Youth by Debbie Gibson among other achievements) conducted one of IAR’s DIY (“Do It Yourself”) seminars, “Building Your Own Studio.” Mario has built many studios for professionals and amateurs and each has had its own unique set of characteristics and needs. With the potential for limitless situations, Mario has narrowed the entire build-out planning process to two questions, “How late do you want to work?” and “How loud do you want to get?” The answers will determine everything that comes after: concept, isolation, tuning, monitoring, construction and ultimately cost. Mario provided constant examples throughout the lecture, “I built a studio in a building in a Manhattan business district and the guy was planning on working late. Since no one was around at night, he could get as loud as he wanted and didn’t have to spend as much time and money on sound isolation.” Students were given a thick pamphlet of instructions with extensive drawings and diagrams to help them understand some of the more complex issues. Mario explained how some courses in IAR’s curriculum came directly into play, such as frequency response and monitoring sound. Students used the seminar as a chance to ask a professional about their personal situations and problems, and Mario eagerly responded with ideas about what materials to use, where best to get them, and what issues may arise

Be an Artist and Have Your Own Label

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:25:00 GMT

On Thursday, March 20th IAR hosted a seminar for students with special guest speaker, Universal Music recording artist MYSELF. Akil Omari aka MYSELF, grew up in New Orleans, LA and was immersed in the jazz and blues music scene first from his parents who were active musicians and then as he developed into his own as an artist. Since moving to New York City, he has worked with famous artists such as The Roots, Dead Prez and R. Kelly, and he runs his own record label, fashion and jewelry company, Couture Music Wear.

MYSELF provided students with advice and knowledge about his history as an artist and what it takes to do it yourself. He discussed the steps he took along his career and the big decisions he had to make including relocating to New York City. In New York, he started out playing open mic nights, meeting managers and artists, and building a network of contacts and friends. This effort led to business relationships, albums, his own record label and his current distribution deal with Universal. MYSELF had many vital points he stressed to students and a recurring theme was that he loved what he was doing and the music he was creating and he was not motivated by the glitz and glamour seen on popular television. Being an artist and controlling the business aspect takes hard work and persistence and “You must be hungry for it. Popular artists such as Jay-Z, Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs, and Russell Simmons spent many tireless years building the success they have now.”

MYSELF answered all of the students eager questions covering copyrights, publishing, licensing, and the benefits for an artist in independent labels vs. major labels. Students cheered as MYSELF performed an acoustic set after the seminar and stuck around to chat one-on-one. Check out MYSELF at cdbaby.com/myself3.