Music has long been an important part of the everyday life of both the indigenous people of Canada and the settlers who appeared in Canada at the very beginning of the country's history. At the beginning of the 17th century, the development of music culture was inhibited by a number of factors (national heterogeneity of the population, uneven development of separate areas of the country, etc.). Features of the historical development of Canada led to the closeness of local music to English and French cultures.
In the 18th century, the development of this culture was slowed down by frequent wars between England and France. After the conquest of Canada by the British, the life of the regions inhabited by French and Anglo-Canadians developed separately. The role of garrison orchestras increased. Orchestras, marches, hymns, ballads gained popularity.
At the end of the 18th - in the early 19th century, some musical educational institutions appeared.
Toronto became one of the musical centers of the country, where the choir reached a high level. In other cities, the art of music continued to develop. At the beginning of the 20th century, the art of music began developing rapidly. The number of concerts and performances was increasing, and the first bands appeared. Festivals were an essential element of life.
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, many local artists have won world fame, including the singer E. Albani, singers E. Gauthier, E. Burke, M. Edwina, E. Johnson, violinists K. Parlo and E. Clinch, pianist A. Laliberte, and others. There also was a group of well-known professional composers, most of whom got an education in Europe or moved to Canada from France, England, Belgium, Germany.
After World War II, music in Canada was developing really quickly. Plenty of new artists became famous.
The Canadian Music Hall of Fame was founded in 1976 by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. The Hall of Fame was established to commemorate individuals and groups who have played a prominent role in the international recognition of Canadian musicians and music.
The Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony coincides with the annual Juneau Awards. The Hall of Fame has long been virtual, represented only by photographs on the wall of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. In 2005, it was announced that by 2007 a permanent exhibition of the Hall of Fame would open at the Metropolis shopping and entertainment center. Construction on the complex was later frozen and in 2011 it was announced that by 2014 the Hall of Fame would have a permanent facility in Calgary, Alberta, containing important exhibits that would tell the story of Canada's Hall of Fame and Cultural Heritage members.
There are many talented singers in Canada who are well-known all over the world: from those representing folk to progressive rock. All of them contributed to the popularization of Canadian culture and helped to prove that this country can boast of not only sports. Let's have a look at the popular artists.
Nowadays, the digital DJing market is dominated by a group of big brands such as Native Instruments, Serato, and Ableton. Nevertheless, the programs of these companies are still not the only option for DJs to choose from.
In addition to the big names, there are quite a few lesser-known apps that deserve attention. Many of them have obvious advantages, be it a great price, flexibility, or a unique way of working. Let's have a look at those.
Along with all the standard features, you get from this software package a mixer, effects, equalizers, and more. There are also two Dex features that make it impressively flexible - a built-in switcher and karaoke support.
In terms of simple DJ functions, the app offers four virtual decks with rhythm sync and key match. There is also a sample player and loop tool.
Dex supports a fairly wide range of midi controllers and can also be used with a set of digital vinyl. The trial version is available for download from the PCDJ website.
Digital DJ2 is not the most powerful and feature-rich app on the market, but it does offer everything you need for mixing at a relatively affordable price.
The app is actually a stripped-down version of Image-Line's Deckadance, offering two-deck mixing, X/Y effect pads, a looper, and support for a wide variety of Midi controllers. In general, all the functions that Digital DJ2 offers are implemented quite nicely.
Cross from French developer Mixvibes has undergone numerous updates over the past few years, resulting in an impressive set of features.
The app has a deeply customizable interface containing four decks, an eight-slot sampler, eight assignable cue points, and 14 different effects. There is support for a range of controllers, digital vinyl systems, and the ability to import your music library directly from the Pioneer Rekordbox (which was developed by the Mixvibes themselves).
An interesting remote control app for iOS is also available, which acts as a second screen for viewing tracks or allows you to control virtual decks remotely.
Algoriddim's djay is arguably the best on iOS, but the Mac version of the app is still one of the best desktop DJ software out there.
These days djay for Mac is aimed more at beginners and people for whom it is just a hobby. The key to its good sellability (other than price) is its well-implemented iTunes integration, which allows users to browse their library and playlists directly from within the app.
There are many more flexible options for DJs. For example, a large number of effects, cue points, and a sampler built into the program. Djay, among other things, maintains an impressive list of Midi controllers, and you also can control the program using a connected remote iOS app.
The key advantage of Mixx is that it is free. Thus, the application has a growing community of users who regularly develop new, free-to-use features that improve the application.
The Mixxx comes standard with iTunes integration, four sample decks, loops, cue points, and support for a wide variety of playable track formats. In addition, thanks to its creative community, mappings are available for a very large range of Midi devices.
Deckadance 2 from Image-Line, the developers of FL Studio, introduces powerful grid-based editing, a customizable interface, and an excellent Smart Knob feature that allows you to set macro control over multiple parameters at once.
The app also offers four mixing decks, a 16-slot sample player, and perhaps the most impressive feature, external VST plugins, which means you can use your favorite third-party software effects and instruments.
On the other hand, Image-Line's list of pre-mapped DJ controllers lags behind some of its competitors. A great thing is that it is equipped with an automatic recognition function, so it is relatively easy to implement custom mapping.
VirtualDJ Pro isn't cheap - you'll have to pay $299 for the full version. This is the most expensive of the presented DJ applications. But it offers extremely flexible professional features.
In particular, VirtualDJ Pro can work with 99 virtual decks (obviously, it is not recommended to try to mix 99 tracks at the same time, but, nevertheless, it shows impressive flexibility). It is also ReWire compatible, which means it can work together with a variety of virtual studios, opening up a whole world of productivity possibilities.
The app also has line-level audio inputs and comes with mappings for a fairly wide range of DJ controllers. A more affordable version - Pro Basic - is offered for $99.
As you can see, nowadays there are plenty of tools for DJs. But if you are not a professional and simply want to download a video or song or convert a YouTube video to MP3, YouTube Video Downloader will be enough.
As the generation is moving towards a technically advanced industry, people are finding more ways to make their life comfortable. Reading books is a very good habit. But, listening to a book is an innovative time-saving way of gaining good knowledge. If an author thinks their book may create interest among the masses, they should try audiobooks. Creating audiobooks, allows you to increase your target audience. That’s not all audiobooks are faster, and an advanced option with several MP3 players for audiobooks.
An audiobook is not only a comfortable choice for readers but is evolving to become today's preference. If you are still doubting the necessity of an audiobook, below are some of them that might change your mind:
People want to utilize their time in their best interest. Carrying books everywhere is not possible and even reading an e-book is out of fashion. So, when they are traveling in public transport or driving their way home. They utilize their time by listening to songs or audiobooks. They can avail of such opportunity anytime anywhere all they need are good headphones.
While listening to the audiobook, one can do many tasks such as exercising, cooking, walking, cleaning, etc. Many people prefer to listen to audiobooks because of this advantage.
Reading a book is a good habit but it can also lead to some health issues such as back pain, eye pain, etc. Reading an ebook can affect your eyes as it puts a strain on the eyes and might affect sleeping patterns. Whereas audiobooks are free from any such obstacles. If you are using earphones to listen to the audiobook, make sure those earphones are of good quality.
Every person has a different speed of reading. This affects their schedule. Audiobooks save time as the speaker has a defined moderate speed. Audiobook also provides listeners with a countdown. So, the person knows how much time they need to finish that book.
Audiobooks have become the need of this century. And to be a successful author, you need to publish an audiobook on any website. But the question is how? Well don’t worry below is a step-by-step guide on how to make an Audiobook using ACX.
Many authors think that making an audiobook is difficult, time-consuming, and costly. But if they compare incurring cost with upcoming profit, it is nothing. Though some may back off because of these reasons, knowing the process is very important.
For beginners, if they don’t know, the very first suggestion is preparing an ebook that can be converted into an audiobook recording. While preparing an ebook author needs to cut off some irrelevant words that may distract the recorder while recording. Information such as hyperlinks, captions, addresses needs to be removed. Unnecessary information such as quotes needs to be removed. The E-book should be prepared diligently. Checking the book before finalizing for recording helps in removing any error. The E-book helps in creating a good and smooth audiobook. The narrator can easily zoom in and zoom out the fonts and it removes the issue of the sound of page-turning.
The E-book is ready but who will record the book into audio? For this, the author has three choices
One can easily get an audiobook freelancer at nominal rates by placing a hire request on various freelancing sites. Here, the person can choose according to their requirement and even ask for samples. This helps in selecting the best out of many. Alternatively, you can also choose someone you know who can be a good narrator for your story.
If the author wants to record in their voice, they need to think- how? One option is to record at home but this requires quality equipment such as a good mic, screen, etc. It will also require recording software which you can find online. You will also need a soundproof room with no external disturbance. A good option would be to record at the same voice pitch. This will provide your audiobook with consistency throughout the session. After you have completed your recordings send the audio files for editing.
Alternatively, you can ask for help from an audiobook producer. Initially, this might sound like a better option because they already have all the equipment ready, all you have to do is rent them as per your time and they will do the rest.
You can hire an ACX narrator from their web-site. From there, you will find a glib narrator who provides good quality voice recording. This is also a very good option, to begin with, as ACX rejects any audiobook if the voice is of poor quality. Hiring an ACX narrator is okay, but also note that they may charge royalty fees for their recorded audiobook.
Now you have the final recording in your hand. After that, you will have to create a cover that suits your audiobook. There are chances that you already have an e-book cover ready, but it may not work. As ACX has some pre-decided specifications regarding covers. If your cover meets those requirements then you are good to go. Otherwise, you will have to create a new cover as per their guidelines.
Creating an ACX account is easy. All you have to do is go to their website and sign up. Fill in the right details and bank account number. The correct information is needed because you will get any royalty generated by a customer directly into your account.
Now all that’s required is uploading the audiobook along with its cover. Many times, while uploading an error pops-up stating specification error. This may occur when you did not check the required specification before editing your audiobook or its cover. To avoid this, it is better to check all the prerequisites and then finalize to upload.
That was all about how to make an Audiobook. Making an audiobook may sound difficult but in reality, it is not that difficult. Putting some extra effort can save you money but if you want quality hiring professionals should be a better option.
Technology has surely advanced its roots. Due to this, there are many entertaining ways by which you can learn about the skill, technique, and how the business of DJ works. But nothing can be compared to the learning a book provides. So, if you are an astonishing DJ or someone who wants to be in that field here are some essential books that every DJ should read:
Author: Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton
For beginners, the book gives an initial boost. It gives them a practical picture of the artist alongside scientific aspects of the actuality of a DJ. It gives you a closure look diagram throughout to illustrate phrases, beat timing, and song structure with no reliance on music theory. It also tells you about some history.
Author: Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton
This is one of the earliest written and documented books about disc jockeys. It tells you about the life of DJs in detail along with their life happenings. It also tells how DJs have shaped their way through various struggles and outgrown their venture. Furthermore, it elaborates on the tradition of DJ and how clubs responded to that.
Author: Phil White, Luke Crisell, and Rob Principe
On the record is a technical DJ book. You should read it. It tells you about the technical, cultural along business side of DJing. This tells you how to get gigs and create a name for yourself. Moreover, the scratch academy was the first-ever DJ academy all over the US. It’s a guidebook very well bought by the authors and answers all questions starting with “how”.
Authors: DJ Stretch Armstrong, Evan Auerbach
No Sleep by Evan & Stretch is one of the most inspirational books written about DJs. It’s a coffee time book for some motivation and ideas. In such an artistic field inspiration is always very important. It tells you about how it’s like being a DJ in New York City and the club lives through the ’90s. How it evolved and the response of the people to that.
Author: Russell Simmons
This is the autobiography of Russell Simmons. In this, he elaborates about his popular invented hip hop culture and some other popular cultures like pop. He also informs about how global force changed the way people talk, dress, their taste of music, and the choice of their heroes to hang on walls. The book mainly talks regarding people and the advancement of cultural diversity that happened over time.
Author: Peter Hook
This book is about one of the well-known clubs in England ‘The Hacienda’. It tells you the club’s story of how music, gangsters, drugs, and violence led the most successful club to failures. It also talks about famous people who used to perform their gigs at the nightclub. It also laid the tracks of rave culture and today’s electronic dance music that changed the face and sound of modern music.
Author: Mark Katz
This book is an exclusive masterpiece written by Mark Katz, the award holder historian. It emphasizes how today’s hip-hop culture initiated on the streets of New York and raised from there. It also elaborated on the perspective of people who discovered the genre and the stimuli of the masses to it. You should read this book.
Author: Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton
It is the first-hand journal of the vibrant record of the growth of the DJ culture and includes song lists, discographies, and photos of every DJ as a young firebrand. It also talks about how in the sixties radio tastemakers bought these tracks to the masses. Furthermore, it contains interviews of famous DJs of that time which gives a lot of food for thought and certainly is the most wonderful part.
Author: Rick Snoman
The guidebook informs you about upbeat music production. Whether it's designing sounds, adding effects, or mixing tracks. It is packed with scientific and practical tips to help you achieve your professional results. It also elaborates on aspects like layering kicks, rhythm fundamentals, dubstep production, song structure, etc. This also informs regarding the newest techniques of production.
Author: Eliot Wilder
The book is a collaborative masterpiece between a turn-tablist Josh Davis and a master sampler. It is a very inspiring and motivating book that tells us about the broken dreams and the difficulties faced by him. It also emphasizes his initial days in California and his mentors and friends who helped him along the way. This long conversation also emphasizes the genesis and formation of his widely popular book ‘Endtroducing’.
Author: Phil Morse
Whether beginner or sophomore, everyone should read the previously mentioned book. It will enlighten you on what to do to get packed dance floors each night. It provides you a transparent and real guide to enhance your game. It will increase your understanding of the latest DJ gear. It will teach you to assemble the best music collection to perform like a pro and receive better payment eventually.
Author: Laurent Garnier and David Brun-Lambert
This book is one of the bestsellers written by the world-famous Laurent Garnier, a French DJ who is an award-winning recording artist and owner of a label. It includes a captivating record of a dance scenario and his autobiography. It elaborates on famous clubs, influential festivals, and key memories of the history of dance music. Laurent Garnier's story of rags to riches is also very inspiring. He tells about how he felt and dealt with every situation which came in front of him.
John O'Regan is a Canadian musician and artist known by his pseudonym Diamond Rings. He began his musical career in 2009, playing in various bands, including the post-punk quartet The D'Urbervilles. Later he founded Casio-pop Habitat project, in which he worked with partner Sylvie Smith. Since 2015, he has taken the nickname JG Ballad.
General Info
Name and Nicknames:
The musician worked in several bands before starting his solo career. In 2008, after obtaining a master's degree in art history, he decided to engage in personal creativity. John takes the stage nickname Diamond Rings. Almost immediately the first demos appeared, the release of which was postponed due to a serious illness of the artist. His debut took place only in 2009. Then the single All Yr Songs is released. The distribution was carried out through its own label Hype Lighter.
On the opposite side of the record was located a song of his friends PS I Love You. For the initial release a music video was created, which began to be promoted through local television and YouTube. On the second site, there were problems, because Sony / BMG gave sport about the song, after which it was removed. It was connected for one reason - the author's name was correlated with the song of the same name of a British rapper. After the label figured out the problem, restored the clip and made a formal apology.
In March 2010, the performer continued recording. The latest release was called Wait & See and was published with the Tomlab label. This step helped to promote recognition in continental Europe. On the back side there was a cover version of the song On Fire. Work began on another clip, which was completed a little later. Inspired by Chicago House, John records the dance composition Show Me Your Stuff. The rotation video was perfect, comparing the vocalist of Fucked Up with other musicians: Nirvana, Britney Spirs, Klaus Nomi.
His debut full-length album appeared in North America in October 2010. The album was recorded on Secret City Records in Montreal. The release received good reviews and ended up in the top 50 local charts. Among the most successful songs is Something Else and cover version of The Gentleman Who Fell. Some songs were acoustically arranged. The tour around the USA was conducted with the Swedish star Robyn. He also toured with friends of PS I Love You.
O'Regan began writing Diamond Rings songs in the summer of 2008, earning a degree in Studio Arts from the University of Guelph. The emergence of a new nickname and his earliest songs were written during a long hospital stay when he was diagnosed and treated for Crohn's disease. According to O'Regan, "Diamond Rings" arose out of a desire to challenge people's expectations of a male pop star: "I wanted to do something that would upset not only me, but the audience as well … I wanted to do something that would upset not only me, but also the audience … until the moment the artist playing a relatively unsightly indie rock. But I felt that there is a part of me that really needs to get out. I wanted to express myself in ways that go beyond just music - something that was dramatic and bright, and outside of me in a sense. And it became Diamond Rings.
In May 2011 Diamond Rings will release a series of remixes called Remix Rainbow. It was dedicated to performers who helped to create and became the inspiration for the musician. Among others stands out Beautiful Furs, Theophilus London and some others. After that, she signed a contract with Astralwerks Records, where Special Affections is republished. In May 2012, a series of singles appeared, which foreshadowed the creativity of the fresh publication.
It appeared in October 2012 under the title Free Dimensional. The support group and the artist appear on several TV shows, including the Late Show. Here they performed the song I'm Just Me. In support of the album were touring North America. The project has been supported by many performers, including Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. After that the solo work under the pseudonym of JG Ballad started.