Justin Meldal-Johnsen: A zZounds Exclusive Interview
As a master tonesmith both on stage and in the studio, Justin Meldal-Johnsen has worked with a number of acclaimed artists, showcasing his refined sense of sound in a variety of ways. From the hard electronic sound of Nine Inch Nails and the mellow grooves of Beck, to producing pop-punkers Paramore, JMJ’s versatility and vision […]
Why Don’t Guitar Manufacturers Make More Left-Handed Models?
When I was 12 I decided that playing guitar was rad, and I wanted to do it. My parents weren’t too excited to get me something I could make endless amounts of noise with, but eventually they caved and my dad drove me down to the local music store. I grabbed a guitar off the […]
Rockers with a Cause: the Dayna Clay Project
“My music is the spiritual expression of what I am — my faith, my knowledge, my being…When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people, to help humanity free itself from its hangups…” — John Coltrane When it comes to coping with feelings, many people turn […]
Bob Dylan’s “Concert for Bangladesh” Guitar Up for Auction
If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool Bob Dylan fan and you have an extra half a mil laying around, we’ve got something you might want to check out. A vintage ’63 Martin D-28 acoustic that once belonged to the freewheelin’ Robert Zimmerman is being auctioned off. The guitar was most famously used at the concert George Harrison […]
How to Phase-Align Your Studio Monitor Subwoofer
Congratulations — you’ve just added a studio monitor subwoofer to your home recording rig! But where should you place your new sub? And what does the “Phase” switch do? This guide will help you find the right spot for your studio subwoofer, and phase-align it to your main stereo studio monitors. Why Sub Placement Matters […]
Choosing a Pick From the Plectrum Spectrum
The guitar pick – that small unassuming element of music that is often disregarded entirely. What a bummer too, because for what amounts to mere cents, selecting the right pick for the job can drastically alter your tone and playing feel in surprisingly crucial ways. Most guitarists I have known over the years have had […]
zZounds 2017 Holiday Gift Guide
If your shopping list this season includes any musicians, here’s a tip: don’t get them socks, get them a gear gift they’ll really want! We’ve put together this list of gift ideas at an array of price points, all under $200. From stocking stuffers to innovative gifts that are sure to wow, check out our […]
Perfect Pairings: Moog Mother-32 and EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter
Certain situations call for certain combinations of gear. We here at zZounds know that, and we want to share some of our favorite pairings with you. In this edition, we’re pairing up the Moog Mother-32 and the EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter for some seriously spooky synth destruction. Moog Mother-32 The Moog Mother-32 has been a […]
Foundational Beats: Funk Drums
Welcome to Beat Connection, a series dedicated to promoting modern and vintage dance styles the only way we know how…by providing you a musical starting point to help you create that beat. In our previous posts, we took an in-depth look at all the tools available to help you create a beat and we’ve begun […]
