InterView Modesto is loaded with musical talent. If you are reading this and have not been to one of our restaurants or nightclubs to hear our local bands play, then you need to make a plan this very second to check out the MdoestoView event calendar and go see local music. You will be amazing and the variety and the incredible talent we have here.

One of the most accomplished musicians around is Joe Barretta. Joe has been on the burning up the blues, playing your favorites and deliveringpowerful acoustic performances. I had the honor of having Joe play in our band for a gig we did in San Diego and it was great to get to share the stage with him and see is talent in action and get to know him better. Let’s meet Joe Barretta.

ModestoView: When did you start playing guitar? Joe Barretta: I Started playing and signing around 5 years old. I first startedplaying by ear, then taking lessons around 8 years old.

MV: What song inspired you most when you were young? JB: There were many. The usual of course, House of the Rising Sun, Gloria, Wipe Out. Then on to the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin. The list goes on.

MV:You have recorded in Nashville with some very special people, tell us about that? JB: I played in a band around here in the 90s with Bassist Mark Polack. We became really good friends over the years. Mark moved out to Nashville and startedplaying around Nashville. Mark is also a great recording engineer. Mark hasworked with many wellknown artists. So he is always inviting me out to Nashville to record. I recorded my last 2 records out in Nashville. My latest release was recorded at Lamplight studios. The studio is owned and run by Chad Cromwell. Chad is Neil Young’s drummer. He also has played with Dire Straits and many other great acts. He was nice enough to let me come over there andhang out and record the basic tracks for my latest record called Underneath the Sun.

MV: How has your style evolved over the years. JB: I grew up near Detroit Michigan. When I was young the music there was a biginfluence on me. Detroit had great rock stations to great soul music and jazz. I started out playing in my uncle’s club around age 8 playing CCR, Van Morrison, Johnny Cash. Until the police would politely tell my dad and uncle I had to go because of my age. They would take me out the back door and my payment was anything I wanted to eat. It was great training. I then startedplaying anywhere I could, weddings parties etc. My dad was really supportive when it came to my music. Around age 11, I got the chance to play on Detroit’s local telethon hosted by Soupy Sales. That was a big deal back then. Then I got an offer to play with Sonny Freeman, BB King’s drummer. That was a great experience. The Pips from Gladys night and the pips would come over and watch us rehearse.

I moved to California when I was 19. I lived in the East Bay for many years playing and recording with a lot of great artists. Such as Drummer Chester Thompson for Genesis and Frank Zappa. Sax man Pee Wee Ellis, played with James Brown Various players with Santana and Many others. I have also opened for many great acts. Now I am mainly playing and writing my own music. I am really into being a published songwriter. I have had 2 of my songs from the last album on CBS The Young and the Restless. I also have music that gets frequent airplay all over Europe. I am still pursuing more publishing opportunities. More of a singer songwriter style. Hopefully I can get the local stations here to play my music as well.

MV: You have a big reputation for serious blues, but your new CD has really branched out with really catchy songs. What were you trying to say in your new songs? JB: I have always been all over the map as far as music goes. I still try to keep a little blues in what ever I do. These songs are basically about the Human Condition Lyrically, like the Blues. The music is in more of a rock direction. This gives me a little more freedom to go wherever I want to. I love the blues and I love the challenge of writing a 3 and a half minute song. That has a good chorus and a strong melody and a heart felt message. That’s where my head is at now.

MV: Do you like Acoustic or Electric music better? JB: I love both. The Acoustic is like walking in the country and the Electric is like driving a race car with attitude.

MV: Who would you most want to share the stage with? JB: Right now it would be with Ben Harper or backing up Brett Dennen, or SherylCrow.

MV: Where can people buy your music this very second when they put down this interview? JB: My music is available at ITunes or Amazon .com. Please also visit my website for information and Dates. I would personally like to thank everyone who has come out to the shows and supported me as an artist. www.joebarretta.com

ModestoView Music Review By Chris Murphy>

Joe Barretta has been making amazing music for years around here and he has just released a CD that is very well recorded and produced. He recorded it in Nashville with some of the most experienced people in the business. But best of all, there are some really catchy songs. After all, it is really about the songwriting. Cool verses, and really memorable choruses, Joe has really deliveredsomething that is really artistic, but a the same loaded with songs you want to hear over and over again. I really liked the song Down this Road which is a perfect driving song and Find Your Placewill make you hit replay over and over. Download this album today at joebarretta.com today.

> CD cover.

Also May 5th Mistlin Gallery has their kickoff Gala and fundraiser with food, drink and music by one of my favorite singers Gloria Scott of Gloria Scott Band. Gloria formerly of Sly & Family Stone can sing lush Jazz standards to down home R&B and old school hits. $20 tickets include food, wine, and an eyeful of the artful.

After recovering from Cinco De Mayo Festivals get ready for our annual Modesto Jazz Fest on Saturday May 19th with a special tribute to Ernie Bucio, a great musician, music educator and Jazz enthusiast who spearheaded Jazz in the valley for years. The Clarion Inn on Sisk hosts the all day family friendlyevent on five stages. On the bill are great local, regional acts: Shad Harris 7 and the Groovenators, Mario Flores Latin Jazz Ensemble, Natural Gass Jazz Band, Creole Jazz Kings, with some heavy hitters such as Bill Watrous, Josh Pfeiffer, Mike Vax, and Mic Gillette doing performances, music clinics. The festival is organized and supported by Gottschalk’s Music where Ernie Bucio nurtured quality music for years, sorry kids no tab taught here!

Part of Ernie’s legacy was creating an all-age venue for Jazz music at the Barkin’ Dog in downtown Modesto. Ernie is gone but the bands play on at the Barkin’ Dog Grill where the food is good in a casual setting. Some of the highlights are: May 5th the Queens of Doo-wop, the Sensations, May 11th Dave Souza, May12th elderly statesman of R&B Shad Harris & Groovenators, May 25th High Voltage Band, these teens can rock out! and May 26th Big Earl & the Cryin’ Shame. The Barkin’ Dog also has a Jazz Jam with David Dow on Thursdays where musicians can sit in and network.

On thescene: the State Theatre brings in the one and only Johnny Winter Friday May 18th. Johnny’s out promoting his latest CD “Roots” playing all the Blue and R&B gems he grew up playing with some special guests Vince Gill, Derek Trucks, and Susan Tedeschi. If you live the Blues and have not seen Johnny Winter you need to come out, he’s the real deal. Call the State (209) 527-4697, or check out www.thestate.org

More music on the local scene: Deva Café Thursday night Ramble features the house band Big Earl & Poorhouse Millionaires with Eli Lester on guitar. If you get out only one Thursday make sure it’s the Third Thursdays Art Walk in the Downtown there is a lot of events happening that night. The

Boardroom continues an ambitious schedule of live music 4 nights a week. Tim Allen does his piano and vocal thing with some Elton and Joel covers as well as the standards on Tuesdays. Thursdays feature Neil Buettner and Matt Harrington,Friday’s dynamic duo Johnny & Kelly, and Saturdays rotate with: MCW Band, Strange Brew, The Nines, & Public Domain.

And the mighty John Griswold of Samba Arts Group has come out of retirement again. Our demographic, the older crowd bemoans there’s nothing for us to do, well John is teaming up with SOS club and offering a music series first and third Fridays with social interaction, dancing cocktails, some wine tasting featuring Jazz, Swing, Celtic, Gypsy, Tango, Salsa & of course Smooth Jazz. Buffet by Richard with ticket price of 30 dollars includes food and music. For lowdown: call John 491-7185, 247-3288, or Web: www.eArtsNews.com.

And I know I am preaching to the choir but please support our local music stores: Skip’s Music, Barker’s Music, Ingram & Braun, Gottschalk, and Langlois Music so they stay in business. Think globally but shop locally. Any co-conspirators or partners in crime want to get in touch I am on Facebook. I also encourage all of you to send me your info and I will send it out on weekly emails and in the Modesto View. Hit me at: mbenson@fire2wire.com, or give me a holler at (209) 918-7033. All the best, Eric Benson, peace out.

AcousticView By Matty Comer

As we jump into May, I can not help but to get a bit exited inside! The evenings are warming up, and people are ready to be outside enjoying themselves. The avenues that we are taking this summer reflect the idea that people should be able to bring their entire families out to as many local music events as possible…PERIOD.

Starting Friday June 1, and going straight through the end of the summer, The Acoustic Rock Society will have an event three weeks a month in Downtown Modesto. We signed up for twoshows a month through the summer with The 10st Plaza Summer Series and Fuzio’s. We also will be hosting three shows at The Queen Bean at 1126 14th St. through the end of August. All are free, all age, early evening shows at amazing spots within our own community.

We are lucky to have so many talented musicians willing to give a little back to our community each month. Its worth is evident as we look out into the crowd and see our children, friends, and families dancing and carrying on. We all love seeing a small child taking ahold of dads leg while he is on stage performing a little! Simply priceless! I hope you are ready for a summer of music in downtown Modesto.

ARTIST OF THE MONTH: TJ Lake TJ Lake played his first show in 1993 at The Eagle’s Hall in a rock band called Man of Straw. He moved on to play drums and sing in a few metal bands before switching full time to guitar. While living in NYC in 2001, Lake met up with two friends from the Modesto/Turlock area also living in the city. The band Gravey was formed and they played such clubs as CBGB’s, Siberia, and B3.

When Lake moved back to Stanislaus County in 2004 he created Hickory, which played through the area up through 2011. Nowadays TJ performs solo and with Dr. Blue as The Dust Bowl Children. Lake also plays guitar and harmonica in Dr. Blue & Bad Medicine. See TJ Lake on June1 at the 10st Plaza Summer Concert Series…7–9pm

Look for our page on facebook/The Acoustic Rock Society for events Email us at acousticrocksociety@yahoo.com

MAMA View By Jill Ferris

May Playlist

Well fellow music lovers of Modesto, summer time is pretty much here. Got to love our little town, its not even June and we have already felt 90+ degree heat. If I know any remedy that can cool us down it’s definitely some hot boys in board shorts playing SKA, Reggae or Punk and, well, that exactly what I am going to give you.

THE SUPERVILLAINS!! – May 14th Fat Cat (930 11th st Modesto)

Yes you heard right the Florida based Ska/ Punk/ Reggae band is heading out this way and not only around here they are playing at our very own Fat Cat Music House and Lounge.

They are no amateurs in the music scene they have toured frequently with Pepper, Slightly Stoopid, Fishbone, Streetlight Manifesto, The Expendables, Mad Caddies and more. They are signed to the Hawaiian based record label (owned by Pepper) Law Records. They are one of the nation’s top names in the Ska/ Reggae genre. You can expect the sweet sounds of Reggae/ Ska mixed with their unique southern harmonies. There is never a dull moment with these guys. Their songs speak of girls, drinking and other types of good times!

My favorite songs:

Moving Out (Anthony’s Song) The Pit I HateEverything CrispyWeed

Find them here: http://blog.thesupervillains.com/ Like them here: http://www.facebook.com/TheSupervillains RSVP for May 14th here: http://www.facebook.com/events/336236609763060/

Those are just a couple of my favorites but let me know what yours are here: http://www.facebook.com/jillferrisbooking

Now for some LOCAL talent of the same genre.

Braata Definitely one of my favorite local bands and so much fun to watch live! The charming front woman, Amanda Grey, is just mesmerizing to watch jump around on stage and sing her heart out to her bands amazing ska, reggae and just a tad bit of funk music. This band may be young but don’t let that fool you, they have won several competitions over the last couple years and I would put my money on them having a very bright future.

Songs to check out: Know Gnomes Skag Soup

Find them online and take a listen! http://www.facebook.com/Braata6/app_2405167945

This show is just one of three big Ska/ Reggae/ Punk shows to be coming up this summer. Stay up to date on these shows and so much more by finding me on Facebook..http://www.facebook.com/jillferrisbooking

Thank you and enjoy the music!!

By Mike Vanek An Interview with a Loser JOJO RUSH OF NOTHING BUT LOSERS

This month I submit to my readers an interview with a true Modesto Heavy Metal Icon and one of my best friends. Jojo Rush is the frontman for Modesto’s most hated band NOTHING BUT LOSERS. You may see him down town covered in blood wearing his trademark white scrubs covered and or horror movie T-shirt and think toyourself oh my god who is that and will he kill me?? No he won’t… what people don’t know is he is a quiet and very nice guy and a father of 5 kids that he takes care of every day. Jojo and his fellow Losers have made quite the name for themselves and have played hundreds of shows here in the MO and they have sold thousands of dollars worth of tickets for promoters and clubs all overtown and are most likely the hardest working band in town. Here is a closerlook at the frontman for Modesto’s most hated band!!

MV-Congratulations on celebrating 10 years of Nothing But Losers!! How did you guys come up with the name?? JR-Well we had a list of names like Power Bomb ,All Virgin Tw*t etc, but Nothing But Losers seemed to fit the personalities of the band members.

MV-What does being in NBL for 10 years mean to you?? JR-Man it does not even feel like its been ten years. I actually had to be reminded that it had been ten years. but it’s cool to still be around and kicking. There were a lot of great bands that we had out lasted, I mean I never imagined us lasting this long its been a fun ride.

MV-What have been some challenges that NBL have encountered over the last ten years?? JR-Well, line up changes was our biggest issue for a long time. That, and people did not really warm up to us at first, but we got a solid line up and started catching on. Then the worst happened. Chuck got hit by a car and all most lost his leg it was a huge ordeal as not only was our drummer hurt but our brother was hurt really bad. It was hard to come back from and I think it would have broke most bands.

MV-What has been some highlights for you as front man for Nothing But Losers?? JR- Just getting to share my art with people and have them into it is the best. You can’t beat that. Then playing with bands I grew up on and all the cool people I’ve met. It’s a bit surreal at times.

MV-How would you compare the metal scene now compared to 10 years ago when the band started?? JR-. First of all, it’s gotten a lot more tight knit. Bands actually get along and support each other and you never saw that ten years ago, at least I didn’t.

MV-Who are your top 5 favorite local bands to play shows with?? JR- First off, I think this question sucks, so I’m not going to make a list of top five, but I will name drop bands like Levee, Zombie Death Stench, Calimed, Hang the Code, Stag, This Times Brutal, Better Left Unsaid, Warpath Assasins. Hex Pop, Shay and Nate. Well if I could, I would say every band in Modesto. This spot is loaded with talent.

MV-What advice would you give to a young band just starting out?? JR-just do it go out play in front of people put yourself out there. You will learn how to play along the way

MV- How do you come up with the lyrics and imagery for NBL?? JR-Well as most can tell, I have a huge horror influence and it comes out in the imagery, You know the whole band helps come up with ideas for costumes and what not and the lyrics can come from any where anything from a real life experiences or maybe a movie I just watched. We keep it dark because its just really in our nature. I could not see me writing about puppy’s or butterflies.

MV-What do you like doing when not working on NBL?? JR- Honestly for the most part, I take care of my family. I’ve got five kids and a wife and I’m telling you that’s a lot harder job then NBL. Other then that, I have been working on my comic books. Me and my boy Shane should be done real soon. I also do a lot of community service to help out around the town

MV-What’s coming up in the near future for Nothing But Losers?? JR- Just doing our thing, working on a record. We’ve got the ten year show planning out going to go big with this one. Lots of special guests coming on stage with us that and we have a Make A Wish deal we are doing today. We have a sixteen year old autistic kid coming to jam with us tonight he wanted to play with a real band and some one thought we are a real band so yeah we have more stuff like that coming up

That’s it for me this month!! As always keep one foot in the gutter and onefist in the gold!!

RockabillyView: By Jennifer Allsup

BARNYARD FROLIC RADIO SHOW

Have you ever came across a radio show called “Barnyard frolics” ? In the 1950′s, out of Little Rock, Arkansas.this radio show is where Elvis Presleymade his debut at the ripe young age of 19. At the time, no one knew that Elvis would become such a “pelvis thrusting” idol that he once was, and for memories of most, still is. Elvis was there along, with A.C. Lynch and the Drifters, Maddux Brothers and Rose, Dick Hart, Maxine Brown just to name a few.

How I came to learn about the “Barnyard Frolics” and all the amazing Country Rockabilly greats, is Joyce Lester Usiak, grandmother of Shaylin Nichole Usiak. Joyce was a back up singer for the Barnyard Frolics Radio Show in the early 1950′s.

Being part of this radio show, Joyce was able to meet and sing with other talented musicians like Bobby Wayne and Glenn Stepp. Joyce truly wanted to become a “pop star”, though her efforts pop music was to hard to get into so Joyce took up country singer for she always loved the gospel music.

Joyce Lest Usiak, was born in Sacramento, Ca and moved to Arkansas in 1937, then back to California 1957 when she decided she was done with the Barnyard Frolics and was ready to raise a family. Sometime later in the 1970′s, The Test Tubes Radio Club inspired Joyce again and even gaveherself a trucker handle “California Dreamer” (lol). Around the 1990′s Joyce also use to sing at the Eagles hall on Camilia and Yosemite Blvd, Modesto Ca.

Sitting down with Joyce was a most pleasant experience. She shared so much history along with photos and old recorded vinyl. I was in AWWWEEE!! to say the least. If you want to know more about the Barnyard Frolics check out Maxine Brown’s website. www.maxinebrown.com for more past history or country and rockabilly music.

Leaving you with a fond memory of my encounter Joyce Lester Usiak. The GLEAM in Shaylin’s eyes listening to her grandmothers stories of her musical past is differently …..

Smiles Jennifer Allsup 209-214-0317 facebook.com/jenniferallsup

TourView

By Tara Tinsley

Like I mentioned in my article last month when I went over Step 1, (www.modestoview.com to read it) “It’s a lot of work to put on a well planned, successful tour, even if it’s a short one.” You really have to be willing to work hard and put in the extra effort to make your touring dreams happen. Step 1 last month involved research and planning. After you’ve figured out the basic outline of your tour including length, destinations, cost, contacts, etc, you’re ready for Step 2: Finding Sponsors.

If you have a band fund or extra money just lying about waiting to be used then you have this step taken care of for the most part but if you’re like most musicians, you don’t. As musicians, most of our extra money goes right back into our music, gear, getting to shows, you name it. So when it comes to affording a tour, you can forget about it. That’s why approaching people for sponsorships and donations is key. You don’t want to rely solely on what you ‘might’ make on the road when you’re on tour. You want to be prepared and have money in advance and hopefully, if you plan well enough, make more money along the way so you can, at the very least, break even.

Once you figured out the realistic cost of your tour, the best place to start is to create aproject on Kickstarter or create a merchant account on Paypal with a donation button and start pimpin’ your tour online to all your friends, fans, and family. Kickstarter allows you to create incentives for every tier of donation that people may decide to give and it’s a trustworthy secure site. You might even get donations from people you don’t know and who’ve discovered you on Kickstarter and decided to donate cause they dug your video, music, or merely your passion.

Though the internet is a good tool, your efforts shouldn’t stay virtual. Put out a tip jar at shows and mention that you’re trying to raise money to go on the road. Offer free stickers or something small to anyone who donates even $2 (as long as you’re making a profit). Approach local businesses or friends’ that own businesses that might want to support you and get their name out there in the market that you’re touring in. Trade them money for advertising on your tour.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. Get your girlfriends to do a bikini car wash or get the local pizza shop to do a fundraising night where they donate 15% of their profits to your band’s tour. You’ll be surprised in doing this by how much local support you didn’t realize your band already has and how much local support you will gain just by putting it out there that you are going on tour.

You can help Tara on her USA and Japan Tour http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/120095225/tara-tinsleys-usa-and-japan-tour-2012

UrbanView By T.L.

“Urbanos 5 De Mayo Weeknd” and Top Picks

Cinco De mayo Lands for the first time in four years on Sat 5-5-2012. Thanks to the leap year. Across the nation a lot of you will be glued to your TV 5-6-2012 for Seven-time world champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather which has never tasted defeat vs. Miguel Cotto, the Pride of Puerto Rico who wears the Super Welterweight crown. In addition, Mexican phenom and champion, Canelo Alvarez battles the legendary “Sugar” Shane Mosley on pay per view.

In Modesto (Savado/Sat)

Sat 5/5/2012 Morning the annual Crows Landing parade will be held on Crows Landing Rd from 11am to 1pm.

The Fiesta does not stop there. If you’re looking to go all out and dance the night away, than we recommend the CINCO de MAYO Block Party at PALLADIUM Saturday May 5th 2012. Palladium is located at 950 10th St. Modesto, Ca. Blocking off the street with an outdoor stage for everyone to dance & party from 8pm-2am. Don’t worry about the troublemakers, there will be plenty of security & MPD on hand.

DJ 9T9from HOT 104.7 FM will be one of the DJ’s on stage. He was the official DJ for Angelina, Dev, & Baby Bash in their previous Modesto appearances. DJ 9T9 will be doing a special “ANGELINA, DEV, BABY BASH” mix on HOT 104.7 FM, Friday May 4th from 5pm-6pm to promote the event. Performing artists: Angelina (I Don’t Need Your Love, Release Me), Dev (Dancing In The Dark, Naked, G6), Baby Bash (Slide Over, Go Girl, Suga Suga) Banda La Unica & special appearance by Brittanya from VH-1′s “ROCK OF LOVE”.

Sunday May 6th If you’re like most. than you will still have energy left for round 3? The Sunday Flea Market Off Crows Landing offers many Mexican cultural traditions and agood place to enjoy that continue the festivities . The Urbano will be out in full force! Buy local music at Non Stop Beats, or just enjoy Mexican food. Special event planed that Sunday! Floyd “Money” Mayweather vs Coto

Check out the Crows Landing every weekend. Music, food, fun. 3113 Crows Landing Rd Modesto, CA 95358

Sundaynight at Club Circus Cesar Gutierrez will be Performing live @ the Circus Night club along with other bands. Latin music every weekend and house DJs on Friday nights at Prescott and Briggsmore.

Special Birthday wishes to Geraldine Sanchez Happy Birthday Prima! Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by theobstacles which one has overcome.

Special UrbanView Shout Out: This will be Angelina last Performance in Modesto. According to my sources, she is retiring to work in the Educational System. The Urban and the Modesto view would like to Give her the Best of Wishes and luck for her and her family.

Acoustic View By Matty Comer

Singer songwriters are amazing people and we have so many talented folks writing and performing and our community needs to know more about them. I thought that I would start by giving a simple mission statement for what the Acoustic Rock Society represents and what exactly we are trying to accomplish. We are a group of high profile musicians who have banded together to try to give back to our own community. Also, we are striving to put the best FREE SHOWS possible through our music scene each month. This month we are involved with two shows locally, one in Turlock atAl’s Billiards, and the other our first show of the season back at The Queen Bean. You can help by supporting the venues that host live music and by purchasing the music these people make.

Saturday – April 7 – 8 pm – Free Show – All Ages Al’s – 128 Center St. Turlock The Dustbowl Children, Dwayne Henry, Every Atlas, THE JOSH ROSENBLUM BAND, Dr. Blue & Bad Medicine, and We, the Same

Saturday April 28th – 6 pm – All Ages The Queen Bean 1126 14th St. Modesto Joe Barretta, Dave Hanley, Chris Doud, Patty Castillo, Walnut Road Free admission with a simple purchase of a coffee, etc. We encourage you all to bring your family out to this event. If you have not been to the Queen Bean, you will love the great outdoor atmosphere!

April Artist of the Month: Dave Hanley grew up among the open orchards of the Central Valley in California,becoming a self-taught musician at an early age and creating a place for himself in the local music scene. His first solo album, Gift horse, was released in 2005, and in 2009 he won the Modesto Area Music Awards for BestAmericana music.

Hanley has also played with a number of California bands, most notably the Puffin Billies of Oakdale, CA (1999 – 2002), Panhandle of Modesto, CA (2006 – 2007), and the Earl Brothers of San Francisco, CA (2008 – 2009). Currently, Dave Hanley lives in Modesto, CA with his wife and children. He continues to perform and write music for a new album due for release late 2012.

“Record your own music” by Javier Lopez

I have been a recording engineer for over 9 years and have many credits to my name on recorded works. Just like many beginners i started with almost nothing. Still, I made it work with a small budget. My first full production studio was a 12 x 12 Sq ft room at 24-hour Guitar in Ceres and was taught by Ruben Garcia to mix and master! Now, I hand down the torch. Now don’t expect to become an expert off theses small tips but this will help you to stop relying on others and record on your own.

1.Don’t go cheap on microphones! Buy a good condenser microphone that you can record both vocals and acoustic instruments. AKG 3000B. If you can’t afford $300 for the 3000B mic, then go with the Rode NT1 or the AKG C2000B (~$200 each). If you are going to be recording high sound pressure levels (e.g., guitar amplifiers), then you can’t beat the Shure SM-57 dynamic mic for about $80.

2. Recording Software: Choose the right program for your budget. Reason , Ableton Live, Pro Tools LE, Sonar Home Studio, Komplete , Sound Forge, Acid Pro Samplitude Music Studio ,nTrack andAudioMulch

3. Audio Interfaces or Music box. This is what connects your mic inputs and speaker out puts to your computer. Mac isplug n play, with PC you will need to install drivers. Look for FireWire cable boxes not USB.

4. Use multiple monitoring methods Invest in a good set of headphones. You want a pair that is as neutral as possible and that is made for the studio. Headphones made for consumer listening will color the sound, so avoid them. Also, set up a pair of close field monitors. This will allow you to reduce the coloration effects of your studio room. When you mix down or master your songs, listen to the mixes on a wide variety of transducers (your headphones, the close field monitors, your living room stereo, your car stereo, a cheap boombox in mono, etc.). This will allow you to get the best overall mix that works in most situations. Check your mix in mono (not just stereo) to make sure that elements of the mix don’t simply disappear due to cancellation.

5. Don’t skimp on audio cables! If you do, you will forever be chasing phantom noises, crackles, pops and intermittent connections around your studio instead of making and recording music. I have found that the best source of relatively low-cost cables is Gateway Electronics. They are so good you can actually use them for video cables to send composite video from your DVD or VCR to your TV.

6. Should you buy analog recorders or digital recorders? The bottom line is that you can make excellent recordings using either format. Analog recorders have more maintenance headaches and tape hiss, but you can find used analog recorders all over for great prices now and many people prefer the “warmer sound” of analog recordings

7. When initially recording your tracks, always print the hottest (loudest) signal possible to the track, but avoid distorting the signal. This will allow you to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal. You want the signal to beloud enough to mask any noise in the system but you don’t want it to be so loud that the signal distorts or clips.

8. Don’t immediately reach for the EQ knob, and don’t overdo it with the reverb. These are two of the biggest newbie mistakes. Rather than fiddling with EQ, if you don’t like the way something sounds, try changing the source. If you are micing a guitar for example, try moving the mic around to alternate positions relative to the acoustic guitar (or amp, if it is an electric guitar). Small adjustments can make huge differences in the sound. If you have a synthesizer sound that is dull, try opening up the filter a little or change the synth patch in some other manner to get the effect you want.

To add a nice sweetening to your final mix or to add emphasis to a solo instrument without using EQ, try using one of the BBE Sonic Maximizer or Aphex Aural Exciter processors.

These are just a few basics to get you started recording your own music. Have fun and experiment and don’t be afraid to ask for help.