Problems with my Nprogram Myspace account have led to it's deletion. However, I've replaced it with another profile, at least until the New Myspace is up and running. All interested parties can find me at my new Nprogram Myspace profile.
Also, I've just release a new single called, "Full Court Press," and it's available at iTunes! Click the widget to the right for a full stream preview of it and all of the other songs.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Pono Anyone?
A few weeks ago, Neil Young appeared on Late Night with David Letterman to promote Pono. Pono is Young's project turned reality, for giving music fans and consumer better quality sound from their digital purchases. The word Pono is Hawaiian for righteous, and if it delivers the promise of studio quality sound, that's just about what it will be.
I posted in the past about lossless audio compression schemes such as FLAC, which can play back a WAV file, which is what CD files are made from, with a sound that is exactly like the original. What Young has come up with, is a player that can play back studio files recorded at an uncompressed 192kHz/24 bit resolution. He's already made a deal with Sony, Universal, and Warner to make high resolution versions of some top name artists' music available in a Pono download store. The player will also have the ability to play back any audio file format, plus it will be able to convert those files into high resolution files.
Mp3 files are considered lossy audio files, because a portion of the information in a WAV, file from which they are usually made, is removed in order to compress it so that it is faster to download or stream over the internet. Much talk has been circulated over the past several years about using lossless compression schemes such as FLAC, which is similar to a zip file, where none of the information is removed. While some e-music stores have been making downloads available in several different forms, most are still offering only Mp3's, but with a higher bitrate such as 256kbps, 320kbps or higher.
Personally, I'm in favor of better sounding downloads, and more over, I think that Young is on the right track. The question that hasn't been asked is how much will the higher resolution downloads cost. One reason that the Mp3 has stayed in such high demand is that the cost per track is usually .99 or lower if on sale. Of course, having said that, I can see how some classic tracks and albums would be viewed worthy of a higher price, as a high resolution download, no matter what the cost.
All in all, with the introduction of Pono, it would seem that the digital download business may be in for a little shake up.
I posted in the past about lossless audio compression schemes such as FLAC, which can play back a WAV file, which is what CD files are made from, with a sound that is exactly like the original. What Young has come up with, is a player that can play back studio files recorded at an uncompressed 192kHz/24 bit resolution. He's already made a deal with Sony, Universal, and Warner to make high resolution versions of some top name artists' music available in a Pono download store. The player will also have the ability to play back any audio file format, plus it will be able to convert those files into high resolution files.
Mp3 files are considered lossy audio files, because a portion of the information in a WAV, file from which they are usually made, is removed in order to compress it so that it is faster to download or stream over the internet. Much talk has been circulated over the past several years about using lossless compression schemes such as FLAC, which is similar to a zip file, where none of the information is removed. While some e-music stores have been making downloads available in several different forms, most are still offering only Mp3's, but with a higher bitrate such as 256kbps, 320kbps or higher.
Personally, I'm in favor of better sounding downloads, and more over, I think that Young is on the right track. The question that hasn't been asked is how much will the higher resolution downloads cost. One reason that the Mp3 has stayed in such high demand is that the cost per track is usually .99 or lower if on sale. Of course, having said that, I can see how some classic tracks and albums would be viewed worthy of a higher price, as a high resolution download, no matter what the cost.
All in all, with the introduction of Pono, it would seem that the digital download business may be in for a little shake up.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
New...Again!
Recently, I've been having some issues with my Nprogram Myspace account. After a several week wait, I got an email apologizing for the time it took to get back to me and giving me some suggestions for what I could do until they could fix the problem. But, they also informed me that the reason that they were so behind in their responses was that they were building a brand new Myspace.
Later, I read and article in Billboard were the new owners were currently revamping Myspace, turning it into a site that leans toward artists and their fans through the use of social media. There's no definite date set for the site launch, but the design is great and well worth a look. If you follow the URL new.myspace.com you can get access to a video preview that is also available on Vimeo.
At the end of the video there's a chance for you to request an invite.When you click the link you're sent to a page where you type in your email address and a pop up dialog tells you that an invitation will be sent to you. The process lends an air of class to the new Myspace. From the looks of things, I think it will be well received and well worth the wait.
Later, I read and article in Billboard were the new owners were currently revamping Myspace, turning it into a site that leans toward artists and their fans through the use of social media. There's no definite date set for the site launch, but the design is great and well worth a look. If you follow the URL new.myspace.com you can get access to a video preview that is also available on Vimeo.
At the end of the video there's a chance for you to request an invite.When you click the link you're sent to a page where you type in your email address and a pop up dialog tells you that an invitation will be sent to you. The process lends an air of class to the new Myspace. From the looks of things, I think it will be well received and well worth the wait.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Quiet Times?
Musically speaking, it's been a rather quiet year. At least, as near as I can tell. New music by some of the more familiar major label artists are just starting to be released. New music from Dave Matthews Band, Bob Dylan, David Byrne, Dwight Yoakam, No Doubt, Pink and more are all expected this fall. So why so quiet this year?
I don't know. As near as I can tell, one of the biggest selling albums of 2012 is last year's "21" by Adele. That might tell you something. While it's not odd for an album to have success in multiple years, it makes you wonder about the music that's been released since the beginning of this year by artist such as John Mayer, Chris Brown, and Usher. I have no criticism of their work at this time. I only know that they are major label artists with huge followings.
Of course, if you've read any of my previous posts, then you know that I have a theory about how loss of melody in favor of more rhythm is most likely the reason. And, I know this sounds like a broken record effect, but maybe there's something to it.
Back in the 1990s, Hootie & The Blowfish went against the the Rap and Hip Hop heavy sounds of the time, with the release of their debut album, "Cracked rear View." The album featured slow to mid tempo Pop songs that were not only heavy on melody, but contained lyrics that were easy to remember and not nearly as offensive as some of the other releases of that time. Not only could you sing the words, but so could your parents. The album sold 16 million copies. That may not mean much to some, but if you've ever heard any of the songs from that album, then I think that you might get an idea of why I believe my theory to be true.
We all have a favorite kind of music that we like to listen to. As someone who makes their own music, I have an eclectic sense of taste when it come to what I like about it. But, all in all, I think that when we hear something that not only moves us, but is so memorable that it stays in our minds, it's usually something that most of us can relate to. When a song or a piece of music comes along and no matter what your favorite kind of music is, if that song or piece of music grabs you and not only holds your attention. But, when you hear it, you don't really recognize it as being part of a genre. That particular song or piece of music appeals to so many at one time that it's appeal could be considered, universal.
At that point, it's not about how much money the song or music makes, or how many units sold. In fact, when that happens, I think, and this is just my opinion, that it's about where you were and what you were doing when you first heard it. That we only think about how many people related to the experience of hearing that particular song or music, even though we all may have heard it at different times and in different places.
It's been a while since anyone has done that. But, with music, it can happen again, over and over. And, it may just be that it will happen again some time soon. We'll just have to keep listening.
I don't know. As near as I can tell, one of the biggest selling albums of 2012 is last year's "21" by Adele. That might tell you something. While it's not odd for an album to have success in multiple years, it makes you wonder about the music that's been released since the beginning of this year by artist such as John Mayer, Chris Brown, and Usher. I have no criticism of their work at this time. I only know that they are major label artists with huge followings.
Of course, if you've read any of my previous posts, then you know that I have a theory about how loss of melody in favor of more rhythm is most likely the reason. And, I know this sounds like a broken record effect, but maybe there's something to it.
Back in the 1990s, Hootie & The Blowfish went against the the Rap and Hip Hop heavy sounds of the time, with the release of their debut album, "Cracked rear View." The album featured slow to mid tempo Pop songs that were not only heavy on melody, but contained lyrics that were easy to remember and not nearly as offensive as some of the other releases of that time. Not only could you sing the words, but so could your parents. The album sold 16 million copies. That may not mean much to some, but if you've ever heard any of the songs from that album, then I think that you might get an idea of why I believe my theory to be true.
We all have a favorite kind of music that we like to listen to. As someone who makes their own music, I have an eclectic sense of taste when it come to what I like about it. But, all in all, I think that when we hear something that not only moves us, but is so memorable that it stays in our minds, it's usually something that most of us can relate to. When a song or a piece of music comes along and no matter what your favorite kind of music is, if that song or piece of music grabs you and not only holds your attention. But, when you hear it, you don't really recognize it as being part of a genre. That particular song or piece of music appeals to so many at one time that it's appeal could be considered, universal.
At that point, it's not about how much money the song or music makes, or how many units sold. In fact, when that happens, I think, and this is just my opinion, that it's about where you were and what you were doing when you first heard it. That we only think about how many people related to the experience of hearing that particular song or music, even though we all may have heard it at different times and in different places.
It's been a while since anyone has done that. But, with music, it can happen again, over and over. And, it may just be that it will happen again some time soon. We'll just have to keep listening.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
New Music
Last month I released two new songs. As Nprogram, I released, Everybody Ain't Got Somebody, an R&B ballad. And, under my given name, John Hughley, I released Give It to You, a med tempo R&B/Funk groove. Both songs are available at iTunes, Amazon.com, Rhapsody and more. They can also be streamed on Spotify.
You can also listen to the songs on my Facebook pages, Facebook.com/John Hughley and Facebook.com/Nprogram.
You can also listen to the songs on my Facebook pages, Facebook.com/John Hughley and Facebook.com/Nprogram.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Back To The Mac
Last month Apple released the long awaited Mountain Lion OS for Mac users. While I'm primarily a PC user, I try to keep my eyes open for all things Apple. With this release, Apple is turning it's attention back to the Mac, after it's much heralded success with the iPad.
The new OS takes Lion a step further and is inspired by the iOS used on the iPhone and iPad. It makes use of applications management and and a feature called GateKeeper which makes sure that nothing malicious gets installed on your computer. It includes iMessage, Notes, Reminders, Game Center, Notification Center, AirPlay Mirrioring, and Facebook and Twitter integration. Mountain Lion is being offered as a download from the Mac Apps store.
Mountain Lion will only run on iMacs from 2007 or later, MacBooks from 2008 and 2009 or 2007 MacBook Pros. It will also run on 2008 MacBook Airs, 2009 Mac Minis, and Xserves. To run the upgrade you'll need to be running OS X ver 10.6.8 or have OX Lion already installed. You will also need 2GB of memory with an additional 8GB for storage.
The cost for OX Mountain Lion is $19.99. Apple has reduced the price form last years OX Lion by $10 with the belief that the new features and an even more affordable price will help refocus consumer attention back to the Mac.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Once More.... With Feeling
A couple of weeks ago I read a blog post that stated the old music is outselling new music. Last month Soundscan reported that in the first half of 2012, 76.6 million catatog albums were sold as compared to 73.9 million current albums. While this may not seem like a revelation, it may be a sign that the trend toward digital downloads is beginning to take a hold, or not.....
In the 1980s, after the release of the CD as a music delivery system, music buyers rushed out to buy there favorite albums from the past, trying to get the all time great hits in the pristine listening state that was offered by the compact disc. Back catalog surged to the top of the charts then as well. Today however, since not everyone is wired just yet, it may not be as easy to leap to the conclusion that downloads have done the same thing as the CD.
There are many factors at play when it comes to digital music sales. Everything from the "culture of free" to streaming and yes, pirating can be considered a cause for the slow pace of music sales in the digital era. I have another idea about why there has been a continued down turn in overall music sales since the late 1990s, but I'm going to save that for another blog post. Mean while, and this is just my opinion, music sales are up, but not where they once were, because the major labels have a continued fascination with image as the best and surest way to sell more music. Thus, you see the absence of a blockbuster hit here in the first half of 2012.
I'm sure that anyone who is constantly on the lookout for new music, especially on the web, can tell you that they have found a great number of bands or artists who blow away anyone that the majors are offering right now. But, with back catalog doing well once more, and the number of major record companies about to dwindle from four to three, it's really a win win situation for the last three standing, for they will control the rights to all of major releases both old and new.
I'd have to say though, that for the longest time I didn't think that I would ever be someone who would going rummaging through my collection to find something that I hadn't heard in years. That is, until Rap took over for R&B. At the time there essentially was no true R&B, so I didn't really have much choice, if that's what I wanted to hear. While some may disagree with my assertion, I don't believe that anyone can argue that Rap has become the uptempo counterpart to today's slower ballad driven Hip Hop infused R&B.
So it is, that I was not surprised to hear that back catalog is outselling new music. Also, as the major record companies keep pumping out the latest image driven, melody deprived nonsense that continues to pour over the airwaves, more and more music fans will continue to go looking for the genuine article. Even if they have to go looking for it within the music of the past.
In the 1980s, after the release of the CD as a music delivery system, music buyers rushed out to buy there favorite albums from the past, trying to get the all time great hits in the pristine listening state that was offered by the compact disc. Back catalog surged to the top of the charts then as well. Today however, since not everyone is wired just yet, it may not be as easy to leap to the conclusion that downloads have done the same thing as the CD.
There are many factors at play when it comes to digital music sales. Everything from the "culture of free" to streaming and yes, pirating can be considered a cause for the slow pace of music sales in the digital era. I have another idea about why there has been a continued down turn in overall music sales since the late 1990s, but I'm going to save that for another blog post. Mean while, and this is just my opinion, music sales are up, but not where they once were, because the major labels have a continued fascination with image as the best and surest way to sell more music. Thus, you see the absence of a blockbuster hit here in the first half of 2012.
I'm sure that anyone who is constantly on the lookout for new music, especially on the web, can tell you that they have found a great number of bands or artists who blow away anyone that the majors are offering right now. But, with back catalog doing well once more, and the number of major record companies about to dwindle from four to three, it's really a win win situation for the last three standing, for they will control the rights to all of major releases both old and new.
I'd have to say though, that for the longest time I didn't think that I would ever be someone who would going rummaging through my collection to find something that I hadn't heard in years. That is, until Rap took over for R&B. At the time there essentially was no true R&B, so I didn't really have much choice, if that's what I wanted to hear. While some may disagree with my assertion, I don't believe that anyone can argue that Rap has become the uptempo counterpart to today's slower ballad driven Hip Hop infused R&B.
So it is, that I was not surprised to hear that back catalog is outselling new music. Also, as the major record companies keep pumping out the latest image driven, melody deprived nonsense that continues to pour over the airwaves, more and more music fans will continue to go looking for the genuine article. Even if they have to go looking for it within the music of the past.
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