ENTERTAINMENT

Cellphones at Concerts: Ruining the Concert Experience

Published

7 years ago

September 27, 2017

Getting a UC Berkeley student to admit that they use their cell phone to record concert is tough work. It is understandable, as we are in Berkeley — home of many music purists who will most likely shame you for admitting to the fact. However, I did manage to coax it out of Lindsay Cook, a current junior majoring in Plant Biology. She reluctantly confessed to the fact that she does sometimes film concerts on her phone, but she wants to stress that she didn’t film the entire time. Rather, just a few moments that she wanted to hold onto firmly in her grasp to remind herself of the night she saw one of her favorite bands, Radiohead, back in 2012. “I need this in my life,” was her rationale for taking a few videos of the band performing her favorite song or the moment when Thom Yorke showed off his hilariously awful dance moves to the crowd. Rewatching this video brings her back to the mindset of that night; for her, it’s simply a pathway to nostalgia.

People recording concerts on their cell phones has become a popular occurrence at live performances as of late. No longer is there a shared glance between the artist and spectator, as many audience members have chosen to, instead, view them from behind a lens. Is recording a concert or any type of live performance disrupting the connection between the performer and the audience? Or is it no harm no foul? While recording any type of live performance is done to keep the memory alive, it has prompted people to under appreciate the value of what makes a live event so unique and special.

During my interview with Greil Marcus, music journalist, scholar, and author of the acclaimed “Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock ‘n’ Roll Music,” he spoke about the joy of truly experiencing an event while watching a live performance. “Some people come to life on stage,” Marcus said. “On stage they don’t know what’s going to happen next…and that sense of uncertainty and unpredictability creates a kind of excitement that just can’t be replicated anywhere else.”

That level of excitement never reaches its full threshold when holding up a phone to record the show, as it creates a wall between yourself and the performer. It generates a sort of shield that protects the audience member from connecting with the artist. “When you’re holding up your cell phone and you’re recording a video of a performance, you are yourself representing it rather than experiencing it directly,” Marcus said. “You’re putting distance between yourself–emotional, physical, technological–and the performance.”

This distance has had such an effect that many performers are now fighting back, writing personal messages to their audience so that they will refrain from taking videos. Prince, Beyonce, She & Him, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Jack White have all led the charge in restricting cellphone use during their live performances. It even led the normally private and reclusive Kate Bush to release a statement to her fans before her return to the stage in 2014 after a 35 year absence. After making a request for fans not to use their cellphones she stated, “I very much want to have contact with you as an audience, not with iPhones, iPads, or cameras. I know it’s a lot to ask but it would allow us all to share in the experience together.”

Don Henley, Eagles’ drummer and co-vocalist, took a much more aggressive stance on the matter. During their “History of the Eagles” tour in 2015, the band implemented a policy to reprimand anyone caught recording. “This could be our last time around,” Henley told news.com.au. “We want people to be in the moment with us and experience the concert through their eyeballs and not a tiny square on a phone.”

Comedians have also joined the fray, and have even paired up with a phone-locking company to battle this issue head-on. During a string of shows in Chicago late last year in 2015, comedian Dave Chappelle made a deal with San Francisco-based company Yondr, which provides smartphone-locking pouches for concert attendees. Theatre attendees place their smartphones inside the Yondr case, and upon entry of the phone-free zone the cases will lock. If anyone wants to use their cellphones, they simply step out of the phone-free zone to unlock the case. The company, founded in January 2014 by Graham Dugoni, has been used by music venues such as Oakland’s Stork Club and San Francisco’s FAME Venue. In an interview with Newsweek, Dugino explains that the idea is to “remind people why they’re at a live event and to give people a reprieve from hyper-connected lifestyle while forcing them to interact with others instead of reflexively pulling out a device.” Stated on Yondr’s website, the vision of the company entails a single purpose: “to show people how powerful a moment can be when we aren’t focused on documenting or broadcasting it.”

While it may sound extreme, the policy established by the Augusta National Golf Club during the 2015 Masters Tournament takes the cake. According to officials, any attendee taking a cell phone onto the course at Augusta National will be escorted off the premises and banned from purchasing tickets there for life.

Nick Bielak, a fourth year Classics major, performs guitar and vocals for the local Berkeley band Animal Pants. He was more open-minded about the subject, but said he had mixed feelings. He admits that there are benefits if people choose to share their videos on social media, as more people can be exposed to his band’s music, and they can help him and others remember the show. “I know that I particularly will go through my pictures and videos,” he said. “And every time I do, it brings me back to that day.”

Despite being pleased that fans want to film his show, Bielak explains that it serves as a barrier between the performer and the audience more than anything else. “The point of a show is to let go, dance, and enjoy the moment,” he said. “I don’t see it as not paying attention, but rather [as] not completely immersing yourself in the moment.”

Can these two conflicting sides of wanting to remember a performance while still being present in the moment be reconciled? Founders and supporters of the StereoCast app seem to think so. The app, created in October 2015, gives concert attendees the ability to download a live recording of the concert as soon as the show is over. Its technology is directly linked to the artist’s soundboard, thus providing digitally mixed and mastered recordings of the performance to be directly shared only with the people who attended the concert. If this app became available to all concerts, and not just a few, it would change the music landscape for the better as both sides would win. For fans who want to have that digital souvenir, it would now readily available to them–all while being totally immersed in the concert experience and not having to spend time filming it on their cell phones.

What makes the StereoCast app unique is that it unites the artist and their fans. No one is taking away anyone’s phone here. But at the same time it values the idea of watching a live performance through one’s own eyes. The memory inside your head is an underestimated tool that will bring an even more lively and rich experience than a shaky video filmed on a phone ever can.

When I asked Marcus if he would, given the chance, want to go back in time and film the night he saw Johnny “Rotten” Lydon’s band, Public Image Ltd, on his phone in order to relive it again, he didn’t know. “If there was a DVD of that particular show…I’d probably buy it,” he said. “But I don’t know if I would ever watch it. I would be sort of comforted knowing that I had a record of that night.” He added that it wouldn’t hold the same significance as remembering it from his own point of view, however. “But I was at that show, and I remember it really well. It was distinctive. It was so powerful, I can’t even tell you if someone was holding up a phone. I didn’t notice… I didn’t care.”

I’m not promoting enhanced security or a lifetime ban from a venue or sporting event to police phone usage, because, simply, there is a shared understanding of the desire to physically document a special live performance that you want to cherish for years to come. Wanting the memory to be kept alive is not an evil inclination. Well, except if you’re over six-feet tall and are blocking the view of the Stevie Nicks swaying in a gypsy-like dance while bellowing out “Gold Dust Woman,” because you’ve decided to film for the entire two and a half hour concert. That’s when you officially cross the line, and become the spawn of Satan in my eyes.

The idea is to put yourself in the perspective of your favorite artist, comedian, athlete, or other performer you are dying to go see in person. Imagine setting up this whole live experience in your head: endless preparation and rehearsal of songs, speeches, or jokes, or exhaustive training sessions and practicing for the tournament you’ve been waiting to compete in for your entire life. Now, you look into the audience, anxiously waiting for them to be in this moment with you. But instead of locking eyes with the people who are there to support you and see you perform, you find yourself alone on stage. You are faced not with their eyes, but instead, with the steady white glow of iPhones. Is this the kind of interaction you were hoping for?

ENTERTAINMENT

Seasonal Buying Cycles and Inventory Planning for Bulk Christmas Gifts

Published

2 days ago

February 3, 2025

Oliver James

Effective inventory planning is essential for wholesalers and retailers with bulk Christmas gifts. This article explores managing the Christmas gift-buying timeline, making early-bird wholesale purchases, understanding order lead times, and implementing effective storage solutions for seasonal stock.

Inventory

Understanding the Christmas Gift Buying Timeline

The Christmas season presents a significant opportunity for wholesalers and retailers but also introduces challenges. Proper timing ensures the right products are available immediately without overwhelming your inventory with unsold stock.

Early-Bird Wholesale Purchases

Successful Christmas gift sales begin well before the holiday season kicks in. Early-bird wholesale purchases ensure products are available in time for pre-holiday shopping. Retailers and wholesalers who secure their inventory ahead of time are more likely to avoid stockouts during peak demand periods.

Bulk buying should typically take place from July to September. This provides sufficient time for manufacturers to fulfill orders, allowing wholesalers to plan for storage and distribution.

Understanding Lead Times and Delivery Schedules

Lead times—the time it takes to manufacture and ship products—play a crucial role in inventory planning, especially for international orders. A clear understanding of lead times helps prevent delays and stockouts.

Domestic orders usually range from a few weeks to a month. International lead times are typically longer due to shipping and customs processes. Depending on the origin and destination, these can range from one to three months.

Avoiding Stockouts and Overstocks During Peak Season

One of the most significant challenges of holiday inventory planning is balancing the need to meet high demand with the risk of carrying excess stock.

Implementing Effective Storage Solutions

Proper seasonal stock storage is crucial to maintain product quality and accessibility during peak season.

Warehouse Organization: Organizing the warehouse is essential, especially when you have many products. Categorize products by type, size, and demand. Place high-demand items near the front for easy access.
Climate-Controlled Storage: Some products, such as delicate or perishable items, require special storage conditions like temperature or humidity control. Investing in climate-controlled storage ensures that products are preserved in optimal conditions.

Handling Stockouts and Overstocks

Even with careful planning, stockouts and overstocks can still occur. Here’s how to handle them effectively:

Stockouts: If an item runs out of stock, offer alternatives or pre-order options to ensure customers will receive their desired product once it’s available again.
Overstocks: Excess inventory can be cleared through sales, discounts, or product bundling. Consider working with online platforms or offering gift sets to move slow-moving items.

Post-Season Inventory Management

Once the holiday season ends, it’s time to manage leftover inventory. While the goal is to sell as much as possible during the season, some stock will remain, and it’s essential to manage it effectively.

Clearance sales offer a way to move unsold stock quickly. Offering discounts on leftover products can help recover costs and free up storage space for the next cycle.

Key Takeaways

Managing seasonal buying cycles and inventory planning for bulk Christmas gifts requires strategic foresight, accurate demand forecasting, and practical storage solutions. Planning ensures that your business is ready to capitalize on the holiday shopping season while maintaining operational efficiency year-round.

ENTERTAINMENT

Why Are Pipe Organs So Inspiring? Majesty of a Musical Marvel

Published

6 days ago

January 30, 2025

Russels Wood

Introduction

Few musical instruments command the same awe and reverence as the pipe organ. Whether found in grand cathedrals, historic concert halls, or modern performance venues, pipe organs evoke a sense of majesty, spirituality, and artistic mastery. But why are pipe organs so inspiring? In this article, we explore their rich history, incredible craftsmanship, and powerful emotional impact that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The History and Evolution of Pipe Organs

Origins in Ancient Times

The roots of the pipe organ trace back to ancient Greece, where the hydraulis, a water-powered organ, was first developed around 250 BCE. Over centuries, this early invention evolved into the grand, air-powered instruments we recognize today.

Medieval and Renaissance Influence

During the Middle Ages, pipe organs became a fixture in European churches. As craftsmanship improved, organs grew in complexity, incorporating multiple manuals (keyboards), stops, and pipes of varying sizes to create a richer tonal palette.

Baroque Era and the Golden Age

The Baroque period (1600–1750) was the golden age of organ music, with legendary composers like Johann Sebastian Bach pushing the instrument’s capabilities to new heights. The intricate fugues and compositions written for pipe organs during this era remain some of the most revered pieces in classical music history.

The Engineering Marvel Behind Pipe Organs

A Symphony of Pipes

A typical pipe organ consists of thousands of pipes, each producing a unique sound. Pipes are made from wood or metal and vary in size, with some reaching over 30 feet in height.

The Role of Stops and Manuals

Stops allow organists to control airflow and select specific groups of pipes, enabling a vast range of tonal variations. Larger organs have multiple manuals, expanding the range of expression and complexity.

Wind System and Bellows

Modern pipe organs use electric blowers to provide a steady air supply, but traditional bellows systems required manual pumping. The precise regulation of air pressure ensures a balanced and dynamic sound output.

Why Do Pipe Organs Inspire Such Profound Emotions?

1. Majestic Soundscapes

The sheer power and depth of sound produced by a pipe organ can fill vast spaces, creating an immersive and emotional experience. The organ’s ability to mimic an orchestra adds to its grandeur.

2. Spiritual and Mystical Associations

For centuries, pipe organs have been central to religious and ceremonial music, instilling a deep sense of reverence and spirituality. The resonance of an organ in a cathedral setting often evokes profound emotional responses.

3. Artistic and Architectural Grandeur

Beyond their musical function, pipe organs are often masterpieces of craftsmanship and design, blending artistry with engineering. The intricate facades, towering pipes, and elaborate woodwork make them visually stunning.

Pipe Organs in Popular Culture and Modern Music

While traditionally associated with classical and sacred music, pipe organs have found their place in modern genres. From rock and progressive music (e.g., Pink Floyd’s use of organ sounds) to film scores (such as in horror and dramatic cinema), their versatility continues to captivate contemporary audiences.

A Comparative Look: Pipe Organs vs. Other Keyboard Instruments

Feature	Pipe Organ	Piano	Synthesizer
Sound Production	Air through pipes	Hammer on strings	Digital/electronic
Dynamic Range	Extremely wide	Wide	Variable
Expression	Controlled by stops and pedals	Weighted keys	Digital modulation
Longevity	Centuries	Decades	Rapid technological changes
Musical Role	Orchestral substitute, sacred & classical music	Solo & ensemble performance	Studio & live electronic music

The Future of Pipe Organs

With advancements in digital technology, some modern organs incorporate MIDI interfaces and digital sampling, making them more accessible while preserving their traditional sound. Efforts to restore historic organs ensure that these magnificent instruments continue to inspire generations to come.

Conclusion: Why Are Pipe Organs So Inspiring?

The pipe organ’s ability to stir emotions, its unparalleled complexity, and its deep cultural significance make it one of the most awe-inspiring musical instruments ever created. Whether in a grand cathedral or a modern concert hall, the sound of a pipe organ is a testament to human ingenuity and artistic expression.

ENTERTAINMENT

88s Tour What String Color: The Secret to Perfect Sound Quality

Published

1 week ago

January 27, 2025

Russels Wood

Introduction

In the world of stringed instruments, every detail contributes to the sound quality—one of the most subtle yet impactful elements being the string color. If you’re part of the 88s Tour or simply someone trying to elevate their musical performance, understanding the influence of string color on tone and resonance is crucial. This article unravels the mystery behind string color choices, offering expert advice and practical insights to help you select the perfect strings for your instrument.

What Is the Significance of String Color?

When we think of musical strings, the first thing that often comes to mind is their material and tension. However, string color plays a pivotal role in the overall sonic experience. Whether you play guitar, bass, or another stringed instrument, the color of your strings can affect:

Tone Quality: The material used and its color often correlate with the tonal quality produced.
Visibility: String color can help improve your visual cues on stage, especially during live performances.
Style and Aesthetic: Many musicians choose strings that complement their unique style or the theme of their performance.

String color may seem like a minor detail, but it’s part of a bigger conversation about sound, aesthetics, and performance.

How Do Different String Colors Affect Tone and Performance?

While string color may seem purely cosmetic, it has a surprisingly significant impact on sound. Different colors are associated with different string materials, which each offer their own set of tonal properties.

1. Standard Steel Strings

Color: Typically silver or nickel-plated.
Tone Impact: Bright, crisp, and clear tones with excellent sustain. These strings are ideal for genres that require sharp, cutting sounds such as rock or pop.

2. Coated Strings

Color: These are often black or gold.
Tone Impact: The coating provides additional durability and a slightly warmer tone. They’re perfect for players who need extra string longevity and don’t mind a slightly darker sound.

3. Color-Coated Strings

Color: Strings are available in a wide variety of hues like red, blue, green, and purple.
Tone Impact: The color itself doesn’t directly affect tone, but the underlying material can. These strings often offer a crisp and snappy tone, favored by players who value visual aesthetics during live performances.

Best Practices for Choosing the Right String Color

Choosing the right string color for your instrument isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about finding a sound that suits your style. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

1. Consider Your Genre

Your musical style plays a key role in the type of string you should choose:

Classical and Jazz: Musicians often opt for traditional, muted colors that reflect the subtler tones required in these genres.
Pop and Rock: Bright, colorful strings can help emphasize a bold, sharp sound that stands out in a mix.

2. Stage Visibility

For live performers, string color can help with visibility, making it easier to see finger placement and play with greater confidence. For instance, bright strings stand out more under stage lights, helping you with better finger positioning.

3. Durability

Coated strings or color-coated strings tend to last longer due to their protective layers. If you’re touring or playing regularly, these options could save you time and money on replacements.

Top String Color Options for the 88s Tour

For musicians performing on the 88s Tour, choosing the right string color goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about finding the perfect balance between performance, visibility, and tone.

1. Classic Silver or Nickel-Plated Strings

These strings are the standard for most stringed instruments. Their bright tone is perfect for capturing the audience’s attention in a live setting. They’re great for rock, pop, and experimental music.

2. Black Coated Strings

Many players prefer black-coated strings because they provide durability while maintaining a warmer tone. These are perfect for genres like blues, jazz, and R&B.

3. Color-Coated Strings

Color-coated strings, though not a tonal necessity, bring a vibrant pop to your performance. Available in red, blue, or even purple, they are often used by players who want to make a visual statement on stage.

Expert Recommendations for the 88s Tour

If you’re planning for a tour, string color should align with both practical and aesthetic considerations. Here are some recommendations based on expert advice:

For Durability and Performance: Opt for black or gold-coated strings that can withstand the pressure of constant use.
For Visual Appeal: If you’re looking to make a statement on stage, brightly colored strings like blue or red can complement your style and enhance the audience’s experience.
For Tonal Precision: Nickel-plated steel remains the go-to for precision and clarity in a range of musical genres.

String Color Comparison Chart

String Color	Tonal Impact	Genre Suitability	Visibility	Durability
Silver/Nickel-Plated	Bright, Crisp	Rock, Pop, Experimental	Medium	Medium
Black Coated	Warm, Rich	Blues, Jazz, R&B	High	High
Color-Coated	Crisp, Snappy	Pop, Funk, Experimental	Very High	Medium

SEO and Meta Optimization

Meta Title: “88s Tour What String Color: Find the Best Option for Your Performance”
Meta Description: “Discover how string color impacts sound quality and performance on the 88s Tour. Get expert advice on selecting the perfect string color for your musical style.”

Conclusion: Your Next Step

The right string color for your instrument can make a surprising difference in both performance and appearance. Whether you’re on tour, in the studio, or simply playing for fun, choosing the ideal string color will enhance your playing experience.

Now that you’re equipped with knowledge on string colors, why not experiment with a few options and see which works best for you? Don’t forget to stay updated on the latest string technologies and trends by subscribing to our newsletter or reaching out for personalized advice.