Spotlight on ChicagoBluesman - Movin’ and Groovin’ in Second Life-Lanai Jarrico Reporting

Image was taken by Cathy Kærann

With the holidays out the way, and things settling down both in real life and on the grid I’m glad to be back to exploring and meeting new and interesting people. It is one of the exciting things about Second Life. On any given day you never know what you may come across or who you might spark up a conversation with. While out and about I thought I’d browse the event list and check out a concert. I noticed another performer in the crowd showing his support. I find that to be very respectful and supportive. It shows me that not everyone is focused on their own thing and people do support each other rather than compete. It's a beautiful thing. 

 After the show, I met up with ChicagoBluesman, a professional instrumentalist from Chile that is relatively new to the music scene in SL and we got to talking. I was impressed by what he shared and his passion for Blues.

Interview with ChicagoBluesman

Lanai: Hi Chicago, It’s a pleasure to meet you. You’ve only been in Second Life for only 4 months. How did you discover this virtual world?

ChicagoBluesman: I came to Second life because of one of those things about algorithms, I was studying some courses on the metaverse and NFTs for Marketing at the Linkedin academy, then Instagram showed me John Rocky's profile, he was teaching how to start doing shows in second life, from that point one thing led to another and here I am.

Lanai: Word of mouth and viral advertising with social media is a powerful thing! Where are you from and what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

ChicagoBluesman: I’m currently living on an island in South America. When I used to live in Chile nobody played blues harmonica in my town, we were under a military government where listening to some type of music was kind of forbidden. We didn't have access to get good albums, sometimes a friend got some CDs because his mother used to be a flight attendant in the '80s.

Lanai: That must have been an amazing music experience for you being introduced to new sounds that way. Your name makes it obvious that your genre is Blues. Of all the different music out there, what gravitates you to this particular genre?

ChicagoBluesman:  The first song I listened to was Sweet sixteen from BB king, never forget that. It was an old tape that a friend of mine lent me, that type wasn’t in very good condition to be honest, even like that it got my full attention but I didn’t know the name of that style of music.

Lanai: B.B. King defines the blues! Did you know with its classic rhythm and storytelling, studies showed Blues music eases tension and anxiety and also improves memory, learning, and intellectual development? An instrumentalist is pretty rare in Second Life, You play the rhythm without singing and this makes you unique in the SL music scene.  What type of instruments do you play and what artists inspire what you perform?

 

ChicagoBluesman:  The first instrument I played was the flute when I was at school, then I started playing the accordion and studied Latin rhythms like cuecas and folkloric things from my country. After a while I sold the accordion and bought a tube amp to connect the harmonica and sound more electrified, it was here that the fun began. These days I am being sponsored by a Chinese harmonica brand called Kongsheng, I started to work with them this year.

Lanai: That’s a great opportunity to expand your music! Aside from covering many of your favorite songs, Do you write your own music?

ChicagoBluesman: I have composed some songs but most of my time was spent working as a session musician, I have already recorded music for movies, reality shows, pop singers, jazz musicians, and all types of styles.

Lanai: Very impressive! In 2001 and again in 2011 you opened for Eric Clapton, tell me a little about how that happened and what that experience was like.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRS67-UQAGw)

ChicagoBluesman: There is a somewhat funny anecdote that happened in 2001, we opened the Eric Clapton show on October 4 at the national stadium in Chile, and at that time I was working at the same time for an airline called Copa Airlines, serving passengers traveling to Panama. I remember that a few days before I had to ask my boss for permission to let me open the show for Eric Clapton, at first nobody believed me. I remember that after the show I had to return to the airport because I had to work. My smile that night lasted throughout the shift.

In 2011 we opened again for the Clapton show together with one of the best-known blues bands in Chile "La Rata Bluesera" and Miguel Botafogo from Argentina. Clapton was very receptive to us and we were able to chat briefly.

Lanai: That’s very exciting being that Eric Clapton is among the greatest and most influential guitar players in rock history. Giving you some major bragging rights in the real world!  How often do you perform in Second Life? 

ChicagoBluesman: It depends, sometimes I play from 4 to 5 times during the week, I'm still trying to get more good gigs in some venues but I received a lot of invitations to play for free and I'm not interested in doing that unless is for a charity event.

Lanai: Very Understandable. Not everything should be given away for free.  I can see you performing for weddings and at high-end venues in SL. Your sound is lounge-worthy, we even joked it makes good elevator music the other night. It sets a nice background tone for people to enjoy while engaged in good conversation or just relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere. Since you have experience performing in front of crowds in real life and now in Second Life, Do you feel the same rush of adrenaline? 

ChicagoBluesman: I must confess that it has been very different but I have been getting used to it, a good exercise was having attended several shows of my fellow musicians to see how they perform during the 1-hour show, but yes, there is always a bit of nerves, you never know what's going to happen lol

Lanai:  I think every great artist gets nervous before or during a show. If they didn’t, they are not striving to get better. Do you have a calendar with your performance dates so our readers know how to find you?

ChicagoBluesman: sure, here is a link 

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/1/r/month?cid=Y2hpY2Fnb2JsdWVzbWFuMjJAZ21haWwuY29t

Lanai: Thank you for the link drop. How can venues book you for performances?

ChicagoBluesman: They can contact me directly or contact my manager Carmen Cardone who has done a fantastic job helping me here at Second Life.

Lanai: I love that you gave her some props for a job well done. SL Music managers don’t get enough recognition for what they do. Without them, musicians would be overwhelmed by having to do all the behind-the-scenes communication and marketing stuff they do.  Kudos to Carmen!  It was a pleasure getting to know you Chicago. Thank you for sharing your talent with us in Second Life. and I hope to see you continuing to move and groove across the grid. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

ChicagoBluesman: Thank you Lanai, I appreciate this, this is all new to me so I’m gonna try to spread the blues harmonica everywhere in Second Life. My message to the readers is If you go to my show invite your friends and have fun :)

Additional Information:

SL GROUP: 

Contact Carmen Cardone (carmencardone) for bookings

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/887382882627504

CALENDAR: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=chicagobluesman22@gmail.com&ctz=America/Los_Angeles 

SPOTIFY:  https://open.spotify.com/album/366ngq34sdUniUFRGGwBal?si=nW3PoxQjRWWA3SLorD8BpA

FLICKR

https://www.flickr.com/photos/196715986@N02/

  YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc7F567BnAY&t=337s&ab_channel=DanaEnyo 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSRfYNa03kA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIiKUCuTLYM&ab_channel=Mistysa-Topic

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SMOKEFEST, A SL MUSIC FESTIVAL ALL JANUARY 2023

 

SMOKEFEST is a passion project, set as an immersive music festival in the red rocks of sunny Eagle Caye, California. It features live DJs, singers, and rappers along with vendors who offer festival exclusives and free gifts! Shows occur every Saturday and boast a synched light show. If you can't get in, don't worry! There's an overflow sim and all shows stream live on YouTube. The entire event is free and open to the public now through January 28. Follow #Smokefest2023 on all socials for more info.

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 ➤ SmokeFest 𝗦𝗶𝗺 𝟭 ➤ http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Eagle%20Caye/220/40/26 𝗦𝗶𝗺 𝟮 ➤ http://maps.secondlife.com/.../WorldParadise%20II/84/63/23 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 ➤ https://www.youtube.com/@smokefestsl?sub_confirmation=1 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 ➤ https://bit.ly/SmokeFestIG 𝗧𝘄𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 ➤ https://bit.ly/SmokeFestTwit 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗲 ➤ https://bit.ly/SmokeFestYT Flickr ➤ https://www.flickr.com/groups/smokefestsl/ CAUTION: SMOKEFEST event contains flashing lights that may not be safe for those with epilepsy or light sensitivity.

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AudioHouse is on a roll.....

 

What's AudioHouse, we aren't the regular kind of Club, Loopman and Arisha started the Clubpart together, after Arisha began to help some new Performers. Our team is made of 9 new Brasil Performer ( Ari Oliveira, Cogu Dias, David Rhangel, Germmano, Ivy Fadel, Mr. J, Kai Rush, Loopman Blep, Luma Heyn and Veto Rubas), 1 returning American Performer ( Raven Zenoria), Kono who fills in and goes where needed, Arisha who concentrates on bookings and promotions. ( Also for NeoMaximus Brandenburg) and Dancers/ Hosts Arisha, Kono, and Karen. Luma Heyn joined us Last and she had her first few shows now, reactions on her shows were really good, so check her out if you can! This week's Planning >> Monday, Jan 16 1pm Joshua Vox 2pm Ivy Fadel, first show in SL, don't miss this 3pm Raven Zenoria 4pm David Rhangel 5pm Veto Rubas Thursday, Jan 19 2pm Germmano Vox 3pm Kai Rush 4pm Luma Heyn 5pm Loopman Blep 6pm Mr. J All our performers are diverse and have their own unique styles! They might be new, but definitely worth going and having a listen to them. As we only started 2 months ago, we are happy with what we have achieved so far. We had a meeting with the amazing JimmyT49 Dukes and Katia Portugal and some chats with NeoMaximus, it's awesome to see those known amazing performers be willing to help our new Performers! So a special thanks to them and Lanai for this spot! Of course also thanks to all of you who hired one or more of our performers and who came to visit us during our events..... Looks us up, visit us, or contact ArishaFlame75, inworld for more information! All of you keep us going and we hope to see you soon! Team AudioHouse

FB= https://www.facebook.com/groups/audiohousesl LM= http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Stormy%20Coven/174/22/22

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January 6 - SL Enquirer OPEN AUDITIONS!!

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Attention LIVE performers! Think you have what it takes to be a star? Join us on Friday, January 6 at the SLE Media Center starting at 8pm SLT and take advantage of this rare opportunity to showcase your talents to the SL world!

Open to both well-known performers and new performers alike, expect the unexpected as we bring you this exclusive, highly publicized event! Three songs, then pass the mic...participants will be provided access to additional opportunities based on creativity, raw talent, and audience engagement. You could even score yourself a coveted spotlight feature in the SL Enquirer and much, much more! Venue owners and management welcome!

Also, a special thank you to all who helped make our last SLE Open Auditions held on December 2nd a resounding success: Veronica Weksler, Dr. SamSoundful, Ari Oliveira, Kathleen Spitfire-Anatine, FlorizonaRichD, ŤÃßØØ ℛℇIĞℕ, G亗briella, BeatBuffet, and Amberle  We encourage our readers to stop and give these extremely talented people a listen if you see them performing around the grid...you WON'T be disappointed!

Open Auditions will be held the first Friday of every month from 8 - 10pm SLT (or until)
________________

With over 17 years of experience reporting virtual world news and participating in numerous charities, events, and sponsorships across the grid, the SL Enquirer is the longest-running media source in SL. We love working with our fans!

Contact: Ninja, SLE Events Coordinator (ninjaantwoord resident)

Public Landmark:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Akamai/214/23/22

Website:

http://www.slenquirer.com/

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/TheSLEnquirer/

https://twitter.com/LanaiJarrico/

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POLICE REPORT: BREAKING NEWS! Lanai's Encounter with Karen at Starbucks leads to charges

 

January 5, 2023- Lanai Jarrico was nearly arrested for disorderly conduct, simple assault, and battery with a rolled-up newspaper outside of Starbucks. 

Karen Smithstofferson, 45 of Honeysuckle Tart Estate filed a complaint while holding an ice pack over her eye and crying hysterically late Thursday afternoon claiming Lanai Jarrico attacked her with what she thought was a steel baseball bat for no reason. Karen also claimed she simply stopped by Starbucks after an exhausting shopping trip at Costco.  She asked for her usual nonfat venti Peppermint mocha Frappuccino Blended beverage, with no vanilla, Caramel Macchiato when Karen accused Lanai of shoving her resulting in a one-sided altercation. While Lanai stood there staring at her like she was an idiot.

Karen Immediately requested to speak to the manager while calling the police on speed dial.  The barista witnessed the entire interaction and immediately asked Karen to leave the premises. As she gathered her drink and headed for the door she turned to Lanai and called her a terrible journalist and held up her middle finger until she got outside. 

According to video footage, Lanai was practicing social distancing as she waited patiently for Karen to finish her rant before stepping up to the counter to order a hot chocolate and a vanilla almond biscotti.

Witnesses say Lanai was approached outside by a seething Karen who was seen pacing back and forth mumbling nonsense.  Lanai stood there for a moment just observing until Karen stepped into her personal space causing Lanai to swing a rolled-up newspaper knocking Karen out cold on the sidewalk.  

Within minutes police arrived on the scene to investigate the situation and interviewed  both women while administering first aid to Karen. 

 It was determined that with the rash of Karenism spreading like wildfire at various Starbucks, Walmarts, Costco, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Walgreens, Taco Bells, Hobby Lobby, and numerous Hair and Nails Salons, it was well deserved. Lanai was let go with a warning while Karen was arrested for unlawful use of 911 for a non-emergency and fined 500L for littering when she spilled her drink on her way down to the pavement. Lanai was given a lifetime supply of Starbucks for her bravery and courage as well as her own personal booth complete with fresh flowers.

*This article is for entertainment purposes only. No Karens were hurt in the making of this article, just a slight dent in the rolled-up newspaper.

Share your Karen Stories in the comment box below!

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DIRTY RYTHMS: YA CAN’T KEEP A GOOD SIM DOWN – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

This past week, in my sojourns around the Grid, I ran into a wonderful couple, Richh and Alexxxa Devin, the owner/proprietors of Dirty Rythms.  Many of you will remember DR from years past, as it has always been a mainstay of adult club venues in SL.   After a Decade of service to the SL Community, Richh and Alexxxa decided to close their Fan-Favorites club, while they were still immensely popular, preferring to direct their attention to other pursuits.  But, after two years with constant encouragement from their legion of fans and friends,  they decided to reopen DR in a completely new venue.   On their anniversary, Richh opened a new club, Alexxxa’s Place…and the rest of DR returned around it.

One of the things that have always been a trademark of Dirty Rythms in general, and the proprietors specifically, has been Richh’s phenomenal generosity towards his guests.  Whether it is the gifts he gives out every hour to randomly selected guests at their events or the way he salts the ‘Sploder with extra cash, so “everyone’s a winner”.  Or perhaps it is the monthly photo contest with one lucky winner each month walking away with the 3,000 Linden prize!   Richh and Alexxxa run a First-Class operation, completely free of charge to their many guests. 

I managed to corner Richh and Alexxxa between gigs, and they graciously consented to answer a few questions I posed.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):    Hi Alexxxa and Richh!  Thanks for agreeing to chat with me.  Let me start off by asking how did you come up with the idea for “Dirty Rythms”?

Richh Devin (RD):   Dirty Rythms was always intended for the discriminating adults as an awesome spot for adult playtime as well as the hot spot for some of the best  DJs on the grid.

JB:    What an amazing build here.  Tell me, what is the basic Theme of the Dirty Rythms?

RD: Theme: Music and Entertainment

Dirty Rythms has everything for discriminating adults. Hot playtime spots with the best gear in SL. Awesome beach hangouts, picture-perfect spots for the SL photographers, and party spots for you and your friends, featuring some of SL's hottest DJs. Your fantasies come true! 

JB: What makes the Dirty Rythms compound different from other Adult Sims out there?

Alexxxa Devin (alexxxa.mynx) (AD): Dirty Rythms has been built with much attention to detail.  Upon exploring the sim people will find the perfect spot for photographs, naughty play, or both!  Music on the sim is commercial free and there are screens set up in strategic spots all over the sim for guests to watch the commercial-free video playlist!

JB: Tell me about some of the various areas in Dirty Rythms?

AD: We have various venues for themed parties such as Tiki Cove, the Tiki Bar,  Tiki Country,  the Beachhouse, the Romantic Gazebo, Alexxxa's Place  Lounge & Discotheque, the Photo Studio and of course,  the Swingers Clubhouse!      On exploring the Clubhouse, you will find the best Red Room on the grid, IMHO! Using the Teleporters on the sim you can select the various venues available here. There are also some hidden private spots on the sim, which people will find when exploring.

JB: OK Alexxxa… tell me…and I promise to keep it just between you and me….(and our 70,000 readers each month)….what are some of your personal Favs here at Dirty Rhythms?

 As a DJ of course I love being at the events of some of the best DJs on the grid right here at Dirty Rythms.  And, of course, we have some of the best furniture and gear for naughty play all over the sim, something for everyone, which we have tested thoroughly! 

JB: Do you have accommodations for people who may want to live here?

Currently, there are no rentals at Dirty Rythms. However, we have some  people who have made Dirty Rythms their 'home base' where they log in like home

JB: As you know, there is no shortage of Adult entertainment sims here.  What is the “Dirty Rythms” difference and why should people come here for all their entertainment needs?

 AD: We take pride in Dirty Rythms being the adult sim with class. You will discover that once you visit us.  People are encouraged to come and get naughty and know that they can expect to be respected because NO means NO on our sim.  The BIG difference?  No long list of rules when you land!    Our welcoming notecard mentions RESPECT and if respect is used by all, a list of rules should not be required!

JB: What has been your greatest challenge in operating Dirty Rythms?

RD: With the ever-dwindling numbers of people on SL lately, attendance to events, etc has been an issue but numbers have been increasing lately.  

JB: I understand you host special events here.  How can people find out about those things?

AD: We advertise all events on the SL Events page, the Dirty Rythms groups notices, as well as on our Dirty Rythms Discord page!   DJ Alexxxa's SL  Group is also used for all Dirty Rythms events advertising!  For booking special events such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, etc, please contact   Alexxxa Mynx (Devin).

JB: And how about the future?  Do you have any improvements or changes in mind for the weeks and months ahead?

AD: For the future, in the new year there ARE some plans in the works.  Once ready for unveiling, those will be revealed in the Dirty Rythms Groups notices as well as in Alexxxa's Group notices and of course, Dirty Rythms Discord page.  

JB: Is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer readers?

RD: We encourage all who read about us in the SL Enquirer to come and explore the sim and they will find their perfect spot for hanging out with their friends.   They are also very welcome to join us at the events as advertised on the board, on the events page, or on our Discord page.  Special events will also be advertised there!

So there you have it, folks.  If you are looking for a beautifully built sim, with wonderful events, adult entertainment options, and the most gracious hosts on the Grid, let me encourage you to drop on by and check ‘em out.   You’ll be glad you did.  And if you run into Richh or Alexxxa….Tell ‘em Josh sent ya!

BE there.  Aloha!

Additional Information: 

SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dirty%20Rythms/95/132/22

Discord:  https://discord.gg/8rYSS2jv 

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/357924454650967

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Join us for an Hour of Live Music by Amberle at The SL Enquirer Media Center on Friday, December 16th! 5:30 pm SLT

Amberle performs tonight Friday, December 16th beginning at 5:30pm SLT at The SL Enquirer Media Center. Hosted by Ninja Antwoord. Join us for an hour of music, mixing and mingling with the elite of Second Life. Formal Attire Encouraged.

Amberle is a singer/songwriter/musician from the Philippines, Her family's deep ties to structured church music combined with her mom's pop/power ballad techniques and her dad's more playful rock/jazz approach to performances inspire her unique approach to the same love of music and performing. Every melody sung from her formative years up until now impacts her song choices from the 80s to the present. With her ever-growing enthusiasm for guitar, vocals, and deft arrangements, Amberle will give you a more profound sense of a raw, stripped-down musical experience. Join us for 

Happy Holidays from The SL Enquirer

Your Limo awaits!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Akamai/235/42/23

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2 - SL Enquirer OPEN AUDITIONS!!

 

Attention LIVE performers! Think you have what it takes to be a star? Join us on Friday, December 2 at the SLE Media Center starting at 8pm SLT and take advantage of this rare opportunity to showcase your talents to the SL world!

Open to both well-known performers and new performers alike, expect the unexpected as we bring you this exclusive, highly publicized event! Three songs, then pass the mic...participants will be provided access to additional opportunities based on creativity, raw talent, and audience engagement. You could even score yourself a coveted spotlight feature in the SL Enquirer and much, much more! Venue owners and management welcome!

Also, a special thank you to all who helped make our first SLE Open Auditions held on November 4th a resounding success: Lιαм 'Yoυɴɢвlood' M.Ƙ. Ecliρse, DALLAS WINSLET, Samuel James, LoopMan Blep, Mr. J, Mαє Äηαtίηє, ŤÃßØØ ℛℇIĞℕ, DanTheMan, ℬгɨєℓℓє ℰmiℓia ĄєϮєгηa Ӈєℓℓгαgє, and FlorizonaRichD. 

We encourage our readers to stop and give these talented people a listen if you see them performing around the grid...you WON'T be disappointed!

Open Auditions will be held the first Friday of every month from 8 - 10pm SLT (or until)


With over 17 years of experience reporting virtual world news and participating in numerous charities, events, and sponsorships across the grid, the SL Enquirer is the longest-running media source in SL. We love working with our fans!

Contact: Ninja, SLE Events Coordinator (ninjaantwoord resident)

Public Landmark:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Akamai/214/23/22

Website:

http://www.slenquirer.com/

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/TheSLEnquirer/

https://twitter.com/LanaiJarrico/

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Spotlight on Loopman Blep A New Vocalist Guitarist Keyboardist Mix and Master in Second Life!- Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

LoopMan Blep is from São Paulo, Brazil, and studied at Conservatório Municipal de Guarulhos in Guarulhos. He has been involved in music in real life for more than a decade and performed in many places in Brazil with bands, duo projects, and also solo. He collaborates with several artists from his city recording guitars, and keyboards, mixing, mastering, and even producing songs. Loopman brings his talent into Second Life with the music he sings, such as  Brazilian and International pop, rock, reggae, and popular music, and covers international songs from famous musicians like Seal, Foofigthers, Linkin Park, Kansas, LimpBizkit, Lil Nas X, and many more. Each song is sung from the heart and he delivers at every show. He captivates his newfound fanbase and encourages them to make requests.  SLE met up with him after winning a feature after his participation in Open Auditions at The SL Enquirer Media Center on November 4th.

Interview with Loopman Bleb

SLE: Everyone’s journey to the virtual world is different.  Where are you from and how did you discover Second Life?

 Loop: I am from Brazil, born in 1990 in the city of Guarulhos São Paulo Brazil, I have lived here for exactly 32 years. I just discovered Second life through John Rocky a singer who has been in Secondlife for a little over 5 years. Thanks to John I discovered the platform of things that are in here.

SLE: What a great opportunity to work with someone seasoned in the SL Music scene. We are glad you are here. You have an interesting avatar name, what inspired it?

Loop: I love my name, Loop has a lot to do with the things in life that everything starts and ends and closes a cycle, and moreover it is related to the music of course, in this case, looping pedals which is one of the accessories I use with my guitar in my shows in real life and virtual life, it allows me to record an arrangement and then play something else on top of this layer. My last name in fact is something funny that somehow is connected to music, which is Blep a kind of sound that we hear in the mailbox or when we receive a message.

SLE: That’s a very creative name for sure. You studied at Conservatório Municipal de Guarulhos in Guarulhos. Can you tell us about your educational background and how it helps you today?

Loop: My study, I confess that at the beginning of the classes was very boring, at this time I was around 13 years old and any child would love to be playing several instruments instead of reading and studying the theoretical part. But I realized how important it was when I learned to respect the time of each musical note or person, I realized that over time I learned to listen to each detail and each note, and I also realized how sensitive my hearing is. It also brings along good movement coordination, balance, and discipline and without a doubt, I think it contributes a lot to each person's professional growth and concentration. And last but not least it is the musical evolution.

SLE: That is great that you learned at an early age to have patience and self-discipline when it comes to your schooling. Thinking back to when you were a kid. Who most inspired your love of music? How has it affected the music you perform and write?

Loop:  I remember that when I was a child my father and mother had a disagreement and separated for a while, so I went to live with my mother in my grandparent's house. A few days passed at their house and I began to notice that every Sunday at 4 pm a neighbor would sit on their patio and play his guitar, I became interested in music, so every Sunday I was there waiting for him to play his guitar. One fine day my mother gave me a toy guitar, and I tried to reproduce what I heard the neighbor playing, the Brasileirinho song. A few weeks went by and I managed to play the same song on my toy instrument, then my parents saw me doing it and decided to give me a real guitar, time went by and I dedicated myself to learning, I bought some magazines with chords at newsstands and tried to play everything I heard on radios, CDs and records. Nowadays my compositions are made with so much affection, and lyrics of good things, I love to use references from the first music that I learned in life, I like to write songs with good energy, positive and constructive.  Today the songs that I play and sing and musical creations have small rhythmic and melodic influences of the first music that I learned in life when I was a child and listened to my neighbor play my compositions are with positivity, joy, and things that add to the life of each person.

SLE: I do love hearing that you get the joy from music that many other performers we have interviewed do. Having a closeness to the music as you do truly shows in your performances. You have been involved with music for over 15 years in real life. Can you tell us about your experiences?

Loopman: I started working with music when I was 18 years old in events at social events and in needy communities in the region where I lived, as the years went by I joined my first reggae band as a keyboardist, we played in some places and bars, that was essential for my learning and evolution, as the years passed I followed new musical experiences with different bands playing in private and public cultural venues. In this story many things happened, there were good moments, bad moments, good moments, and others that didn't pay, but in fact, the best moment was when I participated in a band of visually impaired people, the band Tribo de Jah, I spent a little more time together with this band, it was very pleasant to share the stage with these guys, each one of them had an incredible talent, their senses were very sharp and they had a tremendous skill with their instruments, I can say that this experience contributed at least 50% of my musical evolution and as a person. Now a disaster tour was when I accepted to do some shows along the Brazilian coast with a band called Levi Ras, it's funny how many things went wrong hahaha, he hired me to play keyboards, said we would have good fees and at least 2 shows a day because none of that happened, we had to sleep with 6 people inside a small car, he had not closed shows, so where we stopped the car he would get out of the car and go to bars to try to get a show, the worst thing was going 3 days without taking a shower, but it's not over yet, on 1 of the days we had to play in exchange for hamburgers hahaha, but that's okay like everything in life there are good times and bad times.

SLE: You have come a long way from singing for hamburgers. Thank you for sharing your hardships and gains. It is tough to work hard and fail and get back up and keep on moving forward with your passion. In the end, it is all worth it if it makes you happy. Do you write your own music? If so, How would you describe your music style?

Loopman: Talking about composition I can say that this is something new for me, I've been an instrumentalist for a long time so it never crossed my mind to compose music, but when the pandemic arrived in brazil in 2020 and we had lockdown spending days and hours at home I started to write some things, then I was creating and recording some arrangements, and little by little it took shape until my first track came out. Titled Intolerant Dub which was produced and mixed by me. I can say that my musical influence has a very strong root in Jamaican reggae, Brazilian popular music, reggae, rock, pop and etc. But I really like to play different genres and I could say that I'm eclectic.

SLE: Amazing that you were able to use the negativity of the pandemic to make it a positive to further your musical career. What types of instruments do you play?

Loopman: The instrument that I have the most affinity and contact with is acoustic guitar and electric guitar, but I have already ventured into other instruments, I was the bassist in a reggae band called Sons de Bob and I was also a drummer in a rock band called União do Gueto and lastly I was the keyboardist of the band Bamboo_br for 10 years. Currently, I play electric guitar, melodica, harp, and keyboard but the main thing is the guitar.

SLE: You are a well-rounded performer.  As a new musician in Second Life, what do you think about performing virtually compared to real life?

Loopman: Really doing shows in a virtual way has been wonderful, there are so many places and so many people, not to mention the diversity of singers and talents spread across this universe, I never thought I could be inside my house making live music for people all over the world. I see people supporting the singers appreciating, vibrating going to the shows, and making music within second life brought me a lot of learning and many friends too that I will take for life in memory. I have dedicated myself and tried hard to deliver the best for these people and I have seen that people have liked it. With regard to real life, it is really different, besides the Brazilian music market is saturated, our art is not so valued, and it is very difficult to be accepted by people who dedicate themselves and deliver a great job, the fees most of the time we just manage to pay our accounts. But the good thing is that there is an incredible opportunity in the metaverse and I'm willing to do my best and conquer my space along with great singers who are already successful on the platform.

SLE: The Metaverse is an incredible place for all kinds of talent and skills. You are part owner of AudioHouse in Second Life, can you tell our readers a little bit more about that venue and your goals for those that perform there?

Loopman:  AudioHouse is a place that will be open 24 hours for the common users, we will have open chat except during the shows, we have an environment with games and we will have live shows with the team members. AudioHouse was founded in partnership with ArishaFlame and aims to self-promote new musicians giving space and voice during their shows, our idea is to direct everyone who attends our space to live performances and attract owners from other places to give opportunities for new arrivals. We have a team of students that we help until they become a little more independent and are able to move forward with their careers, and when everyone is ready, we can make our team bigger. We are open to partnerships, you can become one of us and help the younger ones, contact us.

SLE: I like the concept of your venue. There needs to be a place where new performers can go and get the help they need to succeed with their peers. How often do you perform in Second Life, do you have a calendar and group that fans can follow? 

Loopman: In Second Life my availability is from 7 am to 7 pm, I have a few shows during the week, and I keep working to get more opportunities. I have a google calendar and a group called "LoopMan Live Sessions" where people can join to receive concert notices.

SLE: Music is a universal language and is an important part of every culture. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Loopman:  I would like to thank you, who got me here, the " SL Enquirer " for this incredible opportunity to tell a little of my story, I would like to thank John Rocky who showed me this universe of SL, and mainly thank all the people who support me and who attend my shows and was always by my side. And if you like LoopMan Blep to do his shows, he's eager to meet you. Also to the places that want to give an opportunity to LoopMan, he is available

 

 

 

Additional Information:

SoundCloud

https://soundcloud.com/user-500278829

 

Calendar : https://bit.ly/3OY0Jj7 

 

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/LoopmanBlep 

 

Latest release : https://onerpm.link/153826294827 

 

LoopMan wears :  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hot%20Atoll/20

 

Flickr :  https://www.flickr.com/photos/195741452@N06/ 

 

Website: https://www.slmusicianscooperative.com/about-8 

 

LM AudioHouse: http://maps.secondlife.com/secon.../Stormy%20Coven/174/22/22

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