Talk about Pop music - Camury reporting...

Ever heard the song “Pop Muzik” by Robin Scott from way back in 1979?   You’re forgiven if you haven’t, it was a bit cheesy even back then.

Get up, get down

Radio, video, boogie with a suitcase
Your livin' in a disco, forget about the rat race
Let's do the milkshake, sellin' like a hotcake
Try some, buy some fee-fi-fo-fum

Talk about pop musik
Talk about pop musik

Get up, get down

That got me thinking about pop music and how it came to be a genre.  It originated in its modern form in the United States and United Kingdom during the mid 1950's. The terms "popular music" and "pop music" are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many styles. "Pop" and "rock" were synonymous terms until the late 1960's, when they were increasingly used in opposition from each other.

Pop music is eclectic, and often borrows elements from other styles such as urban, dance, rock, Latin and country.

Characteristics of pop music include an aim of appealing to a general audience, rather than to a particular sub-culture or ideology, and an emphasis on craftsmanship rather than formal "artistic" qualities.  Music scholar Timothy Warner said it typically has an emphasis on recording, production, and technology, rather than live performance; a tendency to reflect existing trends rather 

than progressive developments and aims to encourage dancing or uses dance-oriented rhythms.

Music and dancing are the back bone of Second Life’s social scene and there a many dance clubs in SL that welcome you with friendly staff and a great mix of music.  You can be sure that you will find a club that plays your kind of music.

Here are my picks of five great venues in Second Life for you to appreciate pop music, get your boogie on and generally have fun:

Big Daddy's '80s Club

Great music. Good times. Experience the sounds of the '80s at Big Daddy's. In this cozy club, the music of the 80's sways all the time! Join the chat with DJs, employees and other 80's music fans at this fun club filled with dancing, and have fun enjoying the best of pop music.

URL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BIG%20DADDYS%20WORLD/84/131/24

Blackhearts

Blackhearts is a popular club in Second Life founded in 2007. The club has some of the greatest live DJs playing pop music from the 1970s to current hits, and has some of the most energetic hosts around. Come and listen to pop music from the past and experience the energy of today's pop music at this fun club with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

URL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Blackhearts%20Cafe/54/134/12

Muddy's Music Cafe

Muddy's Music Cafe is one of Second Life best known places for those who want to dance and listen to music. Find friends, meet new people and have fun. This club offers music from Djs in several genres of pop. You can also explore the club's surroundings and shop in the local shops.

URL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Muddys/147/132/22

Old Lar’s House*

Old Lar's House is the place for friendly adult fun! A long-standing adult club in Second Life, Old Lar's is famous for its fun conversations, bar dancers and awesome live DJ's. Let loose in this fun, relaxed adult club.

Old Lar's is a club that will bring to you the best music ever. Visit them and spend a delightful time listening to the best of pop music. The atmosphere is pleasant and friendly. The sexy dancers create good energy and take their clothes off in exchange for tips.

*Please be aware that this club has an ADULT rating.

URL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/HarmonyIsland/143/181/21

Club Havoc

Club Havoc plays all genres of music (except country). The Havoc Staff is among the friendliest around and the atmosphere will draw you in while the music fills your senses with delight!  If you are a pop music lover looking for a meeting spot in Second Life, Club Havoc  is the place for you!  You can hear live mixes and hangout at this hot, friendly spot for singles and couples. If you’ve not visited it before it will immediately become one of your favorite places.

 URL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Havoc/119/50/39

So what are you waiting for? “Get up, get down…” Go have some fun!

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INTERVIEW WITH James (acousticenergy.nitely), CeciliaRosalie reporting...

James is one of the most talented artists around the grid. He is passionate, and derives his energy from the crowd. If you accidentally find yourself at one of his live concerts you will be captivated by his voice and his whole stage presence.

CeciliaRosalie: James thank you for agreeing to this interview.

James: Thank you for considering me. It's a pleasure to get familiar with SLE readers :)

CeciliaRosalie:  Tell us a little about yourself so our readers can get a sense of who you are.  Let’s kick off with what brought you to Second Life?

James: I began performing in Second Life during the winter of 2008.   I first joined to chat and to meet people.  But I found it difficult to get my head around the SL viewer and wasn’t able to really connect with other people so I didn't log in again for a few months. A Skype friend suggested that I should try singing in SL.  Now I come to SL to perform and I love it!

I’ve come across many talented musicians in SL and I’m humbled to perform on the same stage as many of them. Moreover, I’ve developed deep friendships with people from around the globe and I’m blessed to be surrounded with such love and support. My fan group subscription is currently over 1,400 including my Subscrib-O-Matic.

CeciliaRosalie: I think most of us are rather daunted by the steep learning curve that is necessary when we first join Second Life.   I remember all the cute little buttons frightened me too! (LOL) It certainly seems as if you have connected with people now!  So what is it about singing in SL that has you so enraptured?

James: I'm not a professional musician.  I write songs and perform in order to connect with others and bring them together through music.  There's healing in a song.

I've been singing since I was a child.  I was always the loudest singer while performing in school and church plays and I always felt happier after singing.  I've never sung or performed professionally but I always feel like a Rock Star in Second Life because the venue audiences are extremely supportive.

CeciliaRosalie: A natural talent then. Please tell us about your first time singing in SL, how was it?

James: My first venue performance was at The Drunken Clam.  My Skype friend got me all set up with a stream and helped create my avatar, then he basically pushed me out onto the stage.

Suddenly I was receiving tips, it was a thrilling moment.  I made enough to buy new clothes and eventually enough for a new skin.

CeciliaRosalie:  What qualities do you think someone needs to be a successful singer? Have you ever had voice classes SL/RL)?

James: I’ve never taken singing lessons.  Singing just came naturally for me.  But, the vocal chords are muscles so if you practice regularly then eventually your performance improves.  I’ve noticed that if I take a break from singing then my voice gets weaker.

CeciliaRosalie:  How would you describe yourself?

James: Well, my listeners always have a blast at my shows.  They say that I'm humorous and flirtatious over the mic, haha.  I always try and engage with my audiences and bring them into the performance. I think it's important to create smiles and get the venue chatting and talking amongst each other to help build community.

CeciliaRosalie: What was the funniest thing that ever happened when you where on stage?

James: We laugh a lot at my performances . . . But there was a time while I was playing and another great SL musician, Suzen Juel sent me an enormous penis and I accidentally attached it to myself while playing.  We all got a kick out of it and I just started singing improvisational lyrics and created a fun song about it during the moment.

CeciliaRosalie:  What kind of songs do you perform?

James: Mostly I sing romantic ballads but always mix in my original songs and several upbeat songs. I sing many radio favorites from Guns n Roses, Nora Jones; John Legend to Radiohead. I try to stay up to date with the most recent pop songs too.

CeciliaRosalie: Do you mix sets or is each performance dedicated to a specific genre? And what about taking requests from your fans?

James: At each venue performance I sing a different set of 10 to 12 songs. I enjoy mixing up genres and being creative. Many people make requests and I always love to sing them if I know the songs. I sing over 150 cover songs and I have about 100 originals that I pull from too.

CeciliaRosalie: Where we can find you to enjoy one of your live concerts? How can club owners reach you and book you if they are interested?

James: I'm fortunate to have standing gigs at the following venues:

Seaside Lounge - every Thursday evening at 7:00 PM

Under The Willows - every other Friday at 6:00 PM

Nashville Music Park - the first Friday of each month at 7:00 PM

The Gallery Rouge - the last Sunday of each month at 12:00 PM

Please contact Meredith Aviatik for booking AcousticEnergy Nitely (James Olmos)

Additional info:

Group: https://my.secondlife.com/groups/acb9d357-2014-23fc-5176-82561796707d?username=acousticenergy.nitely

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesolmos

Other: https://www.jamesolmos.com

CeciliaRosalie:  Is there anything in particular that would you like to share with our readers James?

James: My audience are a very diverse group. They are more than a group of listeners, more than fans, more than avatars; they are my friends.  Without these friends my songs are empty. I need their ears and hearts to explode life into my music, and to fill the space between the melodies.

I’ve developed deep relationships with them over this past year. Some have left and some have endured with me. Such is life in both worlds. I've laughed with them, shared tears, listened as they spoke about their break-ups and encouraged them while singing at their weddings. My love for them is deep and I'm in continual awe as each attends my performances over and over again.

I love this group of friends and I try and say 'I love you' to them as often as I can, in and out of performances. As I mentioned, my audience is a very diverse group - diversity with one common ground - a beating heart that animates each avatar. And I get that. So I sing to their hearts.

CeciliaRosalie: Thank you for your time James, I wish you all the best with your promising career.

James: The pleasure was all mine. Thank you very much.

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Interview with a DJ - Camury Reporting…

Have you ever thought you wanted to be a master of music, conjurer of sound magic, that is a DJ?  I decided to investigate what it takes to be a DJ in Second Life.

Music makes our virtual world go round.  Listening to music and dancing are two of the most popular pastimes in SL. Most sims stream in music but it’s at the dedicated clubs  and music venues that it all really happens.

A good DJ is therefore essential to keep the crowds entertained and traffic up on the SIM. There are infinite options, rhythms and music styles for all tastes and enjoyment.

Becoming a DJ in Second Life is not easy at all. It’s fairly arduous keeping the vibe of a party going and encouraging people onto the dance floor.  It requires discipline and flexibility with regard to keeping up with schedules.  A DJ needs to own the tools of the trade that would enable them to be professional in what they do. 

During my research I came across the Moonlighter's Club which is a relatively new music club in SL.

The Moonlighters hosts several events per week.  Live DJ's play all kinds of great

genres. It’s a warm and friendly place where you could take someone special with you

or make new friends. Everyone is welcome, regardless of gender or species. So, just come as

you are and bring some Linden $ with you to have fun with the beautiful dancers at the bar.

I interviewed DJ Aston, one of the owners of Moonligther´s Club, to learn more about the difficult task of being a DJ in Second Life.

 Camury: What does it takes to be a good DJ in Second Life?

DJ Aston: Being able to entertain a crowd and keep them interested making all guests happy

Camury: What is the main skill that a DJ should have?

DJ Aston: A good ear for music and knowing what to play for the crowd you have.

Camury: What do you like more about being a DJ in SL?

DJ Aston: I love to entertain and make people happy and i also love music.

Camury: What is the hardest part of being a DJ?

DJ Aston: For me nothing as i love it and comes natural to me

Camury: What are the music genres that you like?

DJ Aston: I like all genres I can’t pick any specific ones.

Camury: Name clubs where you’ve worked for before.

DJ Aston: Old Lar´s naughty twins, Heartlands Club, Escape Club, Moonlighter´s.

Camury: What advice would you give to those who want to be a DJ?

DJ Aston: Learn to enjoy music and listen to as many genres as you can.

Camury: What are your plans for the future?

DJ Aston: I have just opened my own strip club and doing very well love my staff and love music I am living my dream in SL…

Would you like to attend a few concerts? Live DJ’s? Good music? Or maybe you just want a friendly atmosphere with no drama around. So what are you waiting for? Get off that couch and come dancing at Moonlighter´s Club to DJ Aston’s tunes.

Taxi to Moonlighter´s Club:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magritte/196/94/22

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The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains.....

It is with great sorrow that I inform you of the passing of Ictus Belford aka Steve Bedingfield.  He passed away on the 14^th January after a long and painful illness.

The tide recedes but leaves behind
bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle
warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, and yet it echoes
on in sweet refrains.....
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains.

A 'pass the mic memorial is being held in his honour today 19th January'-

@ The Merry Pranksters - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Prankster%20Isle/136/127/55

@ 6pmSLT

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on,
and cherished memories never fade
because a loved one’s gone.
Those we love can never be more than a thought apart,
for as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in the heart.

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The Thunder from D0wnunder - Lacy Muircastle reporting ....

In real life D0wnunder Resident aka Down, lives in Adelaide Australia.  He was introduced to Second Life through some friends from another virtual reality site.  He said “once I saw that you could sing here I loved it straight away.”  That’s because music and singing are woven into the very fabric of his being.

He has been in SL for a year now, and started his SL singing career in a karaoke lounge called o-lounge.  It quickly became a favourite haunt of his and he regularly visited the venue and sang to his heart’s content.

Down said “Music is the key to your soul it changes moods.  I couldn’t believe a world without music, when you’re sad it picks you up.”

In real life he was in an original band and they recorded two original songs which made the top 10 internet list, but that was quite a while ago.    These days he is part of two cover bands two bands, Alien Nation and 2coustic.  He said “I love to mimic singers to improve my vocal range and party covers appeal to me as they get the crowd into the swing of things and they all know the songs and sing along.”

Down was raised by parents who loved music, he recalled “I think Neil Diamond was the first artist I heard, my Dad loves him and played the record continually.”  His own personal musical influences are Pearl Jam, Creed, Rob Thomas, Birds of Tokyo and Inxs.  Rob Thomas in particular resonates with him, he added “He is an amazing song writer and writes from his heart.”

I asked Down what his all-time favourite piece of music was and why? He replied “I remember lying in bed with a radio station on and this song came on called Smells like teen spirit, I just went wow, and had to have my head as close to the speakers as possible.  The guitar riffs were amazing and Kurt Cobain had such a voice.”

Currently he is listening to a band called the Cat Empire who are an alternative band from Melbourne, who he said record some very catchy songs.

I asked him what value he thought SL offered musicians?  He said “Being in a band here in Adelaide, I do use SL to practice singing new songs, but also to entertain. I do believe it offers musicians new avenues to maybe tour, you never know who could be listening.   I’ve also had people from my country ask where they can see my band.”

Down sincerely believes that the SL venues that promote live music are pivotal to the success of SL musicians.  He said “To be honest without venues there are no musicians.  I take my hat off to venues like the Colour Factory, Kameleonz, Acoustic Cave, Cafe Musique and the Flamingo for offering us musicians a place to show our talents.”

I asked him what’s on the cards for him in the near future.  He concluded “I will continue to sing here on SL for as long as possible and will also be  looking at a few new bands, but I will be sticking around for a while as I love what I do here and until the people get sick of me, lol, I will stay.”

If you want a thoroughly enjoyable music experience you will pop in to one of his regular shows. 

You can pick up his inworld schedule @    http://theush000.wix.com/d0wnunder

Music links can be heard below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_vaIKY2efg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aBaMt5Rqnhk

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alien-Nation-Adelaide-Cover-Band/

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The Liberta Bullring Music Festival - Debby Sharma reporting ....

This weekend “The Liberta Bullring Music Festival” celebrates the love for music and the freedom it bestows on each soul. The rhythm we hear when a string or a drum is played in periodic intervals; the feeling to move and groove when we hear a beat; the peace that is interpreted in every note is the result of music.

Pic by Leela Qissinger

Rejoicing the love for music, we have partied since our noob days in Second Life. A one of a kind festival hits the grid to celebrate the best music ever. A three day event would be taking the grid by storm, the Liberta Music Festival will be held this weekend. The kick off of the pre-opening will begin at 3:45 pm on Friday, 21^st August, 2015 with two DJs mixing live music followed by fireworks and DJ Bully (Bully Trisk) commencing the start of the music festival at 6:00 pm SLT, the same day. I had the opportunity to interview Bully Trisk. Here are a few words from the person who consolidated a good team to host a big event.

Debby Sharma: Please tell us about yourself.

Bully Trisk (Bully67): I’m just a guy who enjoys Second Life and all that it has to offer. I especially love how it’s a remarkable platform to connect with others around the world, who you can share your passions with and learn from.

Debby Sharma: What was your motivation to host a Music festival?

Bully Trisk (Bully67): Music itself has been a very big part of my life since I can remember. I have seen many examples, in first and second lives, how music has the ability to easily connect people who would otherwise have very little in common. It’s always been the goal of my SL family to engage with that process. It was a natural next step in our combined journey to invite all whom may wish to attend, the chance to see, touch, feel and taste the magic we’ve experienced through the appreciation of the diversity music offers.

Debby Sharma: We know “Liberta” has come from the Latin word meaning freedom. What is the significance of this name, “Liberta Bullring Music Festival” to you?

Bully Trisk (Bully67): Freedom is a concept that I believe is either sought after or enjoyed all around the world. Especially lately with everything that is happening, we felt that offering a reminder to all that no matter what our life’s circumstance are, or the myriad of challenges we face in our daily lives, that music and expression through music can connect and free us all from the limitations we sometimes feel shackled by. Even if it’s just a song in our hearts that we silently carry with ourselves, there is sense that we have the power to individually and collectively experience Liberty.

Pic by Leela  Qissinger

Debby Sharma: What are the best things about your team? Are there any special moments with them that you would remember for life?

Bully Trisk (Bully67): The best thing about my team is that I have been blessed to have them on this project. They are very dear to me, and each person is tremendously talented and determined, having strengths in areas that sometimes I do not. Their ability to work as a team for the first time on a major project and do it without ego or for the purposes of self-aggrandizement is humbling and inspirational. Each day honestly has been a whirlwind of excitement and successes, fun and hearty laughs that I will never forget.

The Bullring Family

Debby Sharma: What kind of music would we be expecting during the festival and who are performing?

Bully Trisk (Bully67): With only a few exceptions, the music experienced throughout the festival will be mixed live on stage by some of the best DJ’s from around the globe. We’re focusing on Electronic dance music, but to say that is a genre is almost a misnomer. Because there are hundreds of sub genres in EDM and EBM, it is sure to be an exhibition in diversity, with something for everyone.

Debby Sharma: What would you like to tell your sponsors, supporters and fans?

Bully Trisk (Bully67): To my Sponsors, Lick Sim Design and Something Estates, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for believing in us enough to partner with us and make this happen. They are very wonderful and amazing brands, run by some extremely incredible people. To my supporters within the family and those others around me, I wish to simply say I love you truly, thank you for being there always and adding your light to my life. And finally to my fans…. Thanks Mom!!! (Smiles)

Pic by Leela Qissinger 

Debby Sharma: Do you have any plans to extend this festival to a yearly event? Or do we expect any new kind of festivals in near future?

Bully Trisk (Bully67): I think it’s safe to say there are some projects already on the table for the future, but right now I’m staying wholly focused on today because it’s where the magic happens. Thank you so much for asking such great questions and I hope to see you and your amazing team at SL Enquirer here at this amazing event!

Pic by Leela Qissinger

Since only a few counting hours left before the event starts. Here are few things that are a must see this weekend:

-          The Venue designed by Sera Bellic of Lick Sim Designs who has generously offered to sponsor. The Landmark: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/X/65/114/62

-          The Liberta Bullring Music Festival. The link to the schedule: http://www.bullringfamily.com/#!schedule/o3cvv

-          Designer Vendors with exclusive items like Addiction Jewelry, The Doll House, Beemee, Indescent Exposure, FK Designs, Tanoshi, M&M Incorporated, Latreia Foot Fashions, Loud Mouth, 8-bit Alchemy and Empyrean Forge are available at the Liberta Market celebrating the freedom of music. Landmark: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/X/65/114/62

-          The Photography Contest held till August 22^nd, 2015 for the patrons of Liberta to express their “Liberta Magic”, choosing 3 winners and the top winner receiving 10,000L$. The rules to the challenge and other info are detailed in the following link. http://www.bullringfamily.com/#!photo-challenge-rules/im8ip

-          Promotional Offer given by Something Estates, another generous sponsor, till August 31^st, 2015 of a free rental week for renting a week for a new parcel by new and existing renters which can be availed up to 8 weeks using the Promo Code, “LIBERTA PROMOTION”. Landmark to the Estate Office: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Something/64/64/37

Hope to see you there at the kick-off party of The Liberta Bullring Music Festival. Let us all participate in the grand festival for various genres of music.

Reference Links:

Website: http://www.bullringfamily.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LibertaBMF

Facebook Event Updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/1647934272117103/

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The MONTROSE Club - Lacy Muircastle reporting ....

SL Clubs and music venues come and go, like the ebb and flow of the ocean, without so much as causing the smallest ripple in the hub bub of Second Life.  Then there are those clubs that blossom with a sense of purpose, and whose arrival you just know will make the SL music scene more visible, or should that be more audible?

Just such a music venue threw open its doors this past weekend.  And to put it plainly, it’s simply sensational.

Carla and Capt. Bill

Presenting The MONTROSE Club, owned and run by ᴄᴀʀʟᴀ (CarlanaMegane Resident) and Cαρт. W. Pαтєrѕση (SchoonerBill Resident).  The reason I say that this venue is going to make a significant impression on the music world of SL is down to its owners, Carla and Capt. Bill, two of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.  They are welcoming, and friendly and inclusive, which makes for a place you want to be and want to spend time at.

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A 21st birthday with a difference - Lacy Muircastle reporting

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Look no further....

This year Jeans for Genes turns 21! To date, over $60 million has been raised to help fight childhood diseases.

Not only is the music line up amazing, but it is for a good cause at the same time.

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HIPPIE BEACH PARTY WITH DJ HUEY WALKER AT DADDY-O's - Thursday July 17th 6:00 - 8:00 PM SLT

HIPPIE BEACH PARTY WITH

DJ HUEY WALKER

AT

DADDY-O's

Thursday July 17th 6:00 - 8:00 PM SLT

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Almost%20Paradise/216/230/21

Flashback (Oh you have those too?! lol) to the hippie days with DJ Huey! Put on your best tie dyes, patched jeans, and flower power items for a night of 60' and 70's music. You'll swear you are back in the flower power days of Haight Ashbury! Well maybe not since we are going to be on a beach but you get the drift lol! So come and get groovy at Daddy-O's! Gonna be a blast! Your VW van ride is above!

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