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Little Tips for Living with a Major Sports Fan

Sports are near and dear to the hearts of people all around the world. Whether their favorite sport is basketball, football, hockey, or some other activity, the status of ‘fan’ is one that is shared by many. Perhaps you know this better than anyone and actually have a roommate or partner that you live with who is a major sports aficionado. When sharing a roof with a sports fan, there are many ways you can support their devotion or even take part yourself. For example, if the fan in question enjoys betting ahead of the big game, you might like to join in and utilize discounts and deals targeted to new users in order to place a wager on the team you think will come out on top. In addition to this, we’ve outlined a few other ideas below. Don’t miss out on the great connection you could share over sports with your roomie!

Surprise Your Fan with Gifts

What roommate doesn’t like to receive special gifts from their co-habitant? Just a little something to drop in their room or on their desk that says, ‘I’m thinking about you’ can really make their day. If you’re dealing with a sports fan, there are a few tried and true presents that never fail. To start, a brand-new athletic jersey that features the number of their favorite player is sure to be well-loved. You could also get them a customized BBQ set that they can use to grill on with friends and family at game day watch parties (more on that later). If they’re a reader, you might like to purchase a sports coffee table book that highlights a player or franchise they love. Finally, you can’t go wrong with some sports-themed décor for their room or your shared living space. Tickets to a live game aren’t too shabby of a gift, either. Keep these ideas in mind for a birthday, anniversary, or casual surprise token of affection.

Help Organize Watch Parties

If you’re sharing a house with a sports fan, there’s a high likelihood that you’ve witnessed at least a few watch party extravaganzas in your time living together. Sports fans love to gather with others, share yummy finger food, and cheer on their team from the comfort of the living room sofa. The next time your roomie or partner says they are going to host a watch party, why not help them plan the event? Ask them what they need from the grocery store, pick up some themed decorations or help curate the guest list – your help will be more than appreciated! It really does take all hands on deck to throw the perfect gameday bash.

Give Them Space to Enjoy the Sport They Love

Living with a sports fan does require you to be patient and flexible. After all, sometimes it can be hard to catch some ZZZ’s when you have an enthusiastic fan roaring at the television screen in the other room. Or maybe there are times when you’re trying to have a conversation with your roomie, but they are too concentrated on the game at hand to fully give you their full attention. The best advice in situations like these is to give your fan the space they need to enjoy the sport they love without feeling hindered. And if you really don’t like sports at all, pick up a hobby to enjoy while your loved one watches the game so that you won’t be bored. For example, crocheting, reading or blogging are things you can do on your own while sharing a space together on the couch in front of the TV. Try not to get jealous or frustrated that your partner or roommate is so dedicated to the game. After all, it’s a hobby they love and if it makes them happy – that is what’s important!

Affordable Tech to Help You Unleash Your Inner Music Producer

Music production is an art. It’s one of those things that can’t be learned in a day, and it takes a lot of time and dedication to become good at it. But that doesn’t mean you need expensive equipment to produce great music. You can pick up a ukulele and learn easy ukulele songs.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of affordable pieces of technology which will help you get started on your journey to becoming an acclaimed producer. These are all products that won’t break the bank, and some are even free. 

The Importance Of Sound

Sound is one of the most important aspects of music production. It’s a crucial part of mixing, mastering, and creating a professional-sounding song. But what if you don’t have a sound engineering degree? What if you can’t afford expensive studio equipment? The good news is that there are tons of affordable tools out there to help you make your own music from home or in the studio.

Take, for example, an app called iZotope Ozone 8. This powerful software helps us produce high-quality sound and has many different features such as analyzing sounds and making adjustments, setting individual levels, editing vocals, and more. And, it only costs $199, which is affordable for just about anyone.

Or how about this affordable piece of technology called Studio One Artist 3? All it takes is purchasing this software ($99) with a download link on their website, and you’ll be able to create complete projects without having to invest in any gear. All you need is your laptop!

You Don’t Need Expensive Equipment To Produce Great Music

Music production is an art. It’s one of those things that can’t be learned in a day, and it takes a lot of time and dedication to become good at it. But that doesn’t mean you need expensive equipment to produce great music. 

All you really need is your ear, some knowledge, and the right technology tools to get started on your journey towards becoming an acclaimed producer. The best part? Most of these tools are free or very cheap.

Music Production Software

This is one of the most expensive resources on this list, but it’s also one of the most important. There are plenty to choose from, but we recommend Reaper for beginners because it offers the most features for the lowest price. It has an excellent piano roll and drum editor, making it easy to create from scratch. You can use this to record vocals and edit them on your computer. 

Logic Pro X or Ableton Live 9 are excellent choices if you’re just starting out. These are digital music production programs used by some of the most prominent artists in the world. Plus, they’ve both got a ton of features to help you make something extraordinary. Both programs offer trials that you should use as they give you a chance to figure out what works best for you before committing. 

Studio Equipment

Once it’s time to lay down some beats, you’ll want equipment that supports your vision. Again, thanks to modern tech, there are loads of options on the market for you to choose from. For example, you have MPC’s which you can check here. But to get started right, you’ll want at least these 4 pieces of equipment in your arsenal.

Microphone

Before you can produce, you need to record your instruments. To record an instrument at home, all you really need is a microphone and a computer with the right program. If you want to step up your game, there are plenty of microphones available on the market that will make your recordings sound better. However, if you’re looking for something affordable and easy to use, a USB condenser mic will do the trick.

The most important thing about recording is capturing a decent sound quality. You don’t want anything too expensive or too cheap as that could take away from the quality of your music. A budget of $100-$200 should get you started with recording equipment.

Headphones

To make listening to music even better, headphones are a necessary tool, especially for an aspiring producer. You can use them as a mix tool or monitor what’s recorded during tracking sessions. And you don’t have to fork out for good-quality ones. Even the cheaper ones on the market will produce a great sound. 

Audio Interface

An audio interface is an integral part of your digital studio because it converts analog sound signals into digital audio files so they can be processed by your computer software and turned into melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and more! These interfaces start at around $150 and go up to $500 when it comes to price range.

Computer

If you’re looking for an affordable way to produce music, then all you really need is a computer (and maybe some headphones). Many modern laptops come with great sound cards that provide premium sound quality without breaking the bank – perfect for starting out on a tight budget. 

But if you’re not sure whether or not you want to put your trust in your laptop’s built-in speaker system, then spending $200-300 on external speakers should do the trick. The only thing is that computers are one investment that will require regular updates. This means that spending more money initially may actually save you money in the long run.

Virtual Instruments, Plug-Ins, And Effects

One of the most important aspects of music production is the use of virtual instruments, plug-ins, and effects. To create a track, you will need to sample sounds and edit them on the fly. This can be done with a few pieces of software that you might already have, but there are also some affordable options on the market. Popular choices include FL Studio, Logic Pro X, and Garageband.

You can also use a MIDI keyboard to produce a massive variety of sounds. There are tonnes of affordable versions that come with all the bells and whistles. You can even find ones that are portable like the one Akai has. Check out a review of Akai MPK mini MK3 here for more information about everything you can achieve with this bit of tech. 

Audio Editing Software

Audio editing software is an essential part of a music producer’s arsenal. You can use this software to edit and polish your track, making it sound professional and ready for release.

There are many different types of audio editing software out there, but if you’re on a tight budget, Audacity is a great option. It’s free, open-source, and easy to learn how to use.

Florence and the Machine Shares Video for New Song ‘Heaven Is Here’

A few weeks after returning with the new song ‘King’, Florence and the Machine has shared a new track called ‘Heaven Is Here’. The single is out today alongside a video directed by Autumn de Wilde and choreographed by Ryan Heffington. Check it out below.

In a statement about the song and video, Florence Welch wrote on Instagram:

Heaven is Here was the first song I wrote in lockdown after an extended period of not being able to get to the studio.

I wanted to make something monstrous. And this clamour of joy, fury and grief was the first thing that came out.

With dance studios also shut it was my dream to one day create choreography with it. So it’s one of the first pieces of music I have made specifically with contemporary dance in mind.

Sadurn Share Video for New Single ‘golden arm’

Sadurn have unveiled a new single from their forthcoming debut full-length, Radiator, which is out on May 6 via Run For Cover Records. ‘golden arm’ follows lead offering ‘snake’, and it arrives alongside an accompanying music video. Watch and listen below.

“I wrote this song at the same time as ‘snake,’ while doing a work exchange on a homestead in North Carolina,” vocalist/guitarist Genevieve DeGroo explained in a press release. “It kind of all came out at once, which feels like this lucky occasion when you’re writing songs. I didn’t think much of it in its initial form, it felt like more of a poem than a story. But playing it with the band for the first time, and then later adding the synth and the slide guitar and coming up with the harmonies when we made the recordings, all those layers really brought it into a different special realm. The video came about very serendipitously when Amelia and I were on a road trip back in the Fall with another friend. We found this amazing camping spot and decided to shoot a video on Amelia’s camcorder – the landscape there really felt like it fit with the song.”

Maneka Releases New Song ‘Bluest Star’

Ahead of its release this Friday (March 11), Maneka – the project of Brooklyn songwriter Devin McKnight – have previewed their forthcoming album Dark Matters with a video for the new single ‘Bluest Star’. Check out the William Hart-directed visual below.

Dark Matters, the follow-up to 2019’s Devin, was announced in January with the single ‘Winner’s Circle’. The LP features collaborations with longtime drummer Jordyn Blakely, V.V. Lightbody, and NNAMDI.

Maria BC Unveils New Single ‘Good Before’

Maria BC has unveiled a new track from their upcoming debut album, Hyaline. It’s called ‘Good Before’, and it follows lead single ‘The Only Thing’. Give it a listen below.

“I wrote ‘Good Before’ in 2019, before any of the other songs on Hyaline — and before any of the songs on Devil’s Rain, for that matter,” Maria BC explained in a statement. “I put it away for a while because I thought it was too pop-y, but eventually I got over that. Now it holds a special place in my heart. Some of the lyrics came to me on the highway, when the sun was starting to rise, and I was running on no sleep, just Dunkin’. It’s unusual for lyrics to come to me ~in the wild~ like this. I like to block out time to sit in a spot and write. That’s just my style. When inspiration comes to me out of nowhere, I’m immensely grateful.”

Hyaline is set to arrive on May 27 via Father/Daughter (US) and Fear of Missing Out Records (UK).

Kae Tempest and Lianne La Havas Team Up for New Song ‘No Prizes’

Kae Tempest has teamed up with Lianne La Havas for a new song called ‘No Prizes’. The track will appear on Tempest’s forthcoming record alongside previous offerings ‘More Pressure’ and ‘Salt Coast’. Check it out via the Thomas Alexander-directed below.

“Made a song with my good friend and mind-blowing artist Lianne La Havas,” Tempest said in a press release. “So grateful for her voice in the world and on this record. A portrait of three people getting on with getting on. I just got to keep climbing.”

Kae Tempest’s new LP, The Line Is a Curve, is out April 8 via Fiction Records. In addition to La Havas, it features contributions from the likes of BROCKHAMPTON’s Kevin Abstract, Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten, and Confucius MC.

Ibibio Sound Machine Share New Single ’17 18 19′

Ibibio Sound Machine have released ’17 18 19′, the latest single from their upcoming album Electricity. Listen to it below.

“This is more of a traditional style Ibibio Sound Machine track which came out of a studio jam we had,” the band explained in a statement. “Eno’s vocal is based around a Nigerian playground chant that seemed to fit perfectly with the playful sound of the instrumental. The lyrics are rhetorically questioning the seemingly meaningless words that come out of the mouths of people, with reference to certain world events of the day. We reworked the drum track with Hot Chip, taking it down more of a post-punk route with a bit of a nod to Tom Tom Club.”

Electricity, which was produced by Hot Chip, is set for release on March 25 via Merge. It includes the previously shared ‘All That You Want’, ‘Protection From Evil’, and the title track.

 

Superorganism Announce New Album ‘World Wide Pop’, Share Video for New Single ‘Teenager’

Superorganism have returned with news of their second album, World Wide Pop. The follow-up to the group’s self-titled 2018 debut is out on July 15 via Domino. The core lineup of the band is now composed of Orono Noguchi, Harry, Tucan, B, and Soul, and World Wide Pop includes collaborations with Stephen Malkmus, CHAI, Pi Ja Ma, Dylan Cartlidge, and actor Gen Hoshino. CHAI and Pi Ja Ma guest on first single ‘Teenager’, which was produced by Stuart Price and comes with a video featuring actor and comedian Brian Jordan Alvarez. Check out the AEVA-directed clip below, and scroll down for the album’s cover artwork and tracklist.

World Wide Pop Cover Artwork:

World Wide Pop Tracklist:

1. Black Hole Baby
2. World Wide Pop
3. On & On
4. Teenager [feat. CHAI & Pi Ja Ma]
5. It’s Raining [feat. Stephen Malkmus & Dylan Cartlidge]
6. Flying
7. Solar System [feat. CHAI & Boa Constrictors]
8. Into The Sun [feat. Gen Hoshino, Stephen Malkmus & Pi Ja Ma]
9. Put Down Your Phone
10. crushed.zip
11. Oh Come On
12. Don’t Let The Colony Collapse
13. Everything Falls Apart

Jenny Hval Shares Video for New Song ‘Freedom’

Jenny Hval has shared a new song, ‘Freedom’, which will appear on her new album Classic Objects. The LP is out this Friday (March 11), and it includes previous singles ‘Jupiter’ and ‘Year of Love’. ‘Freedom’ arrives with an accompanying video, which you can check out below.

Talking about the song, Hval said in a press release:

I don’t know what freedom is. This song doesn’t either. The lyrics are bombastic and silly, as if written by a political folk song generator. Nonetheless the song was needed on my record – I needed something short and sweet after a series of long, layered reflections.

I imagine it being sung in a courtroom or in parliament when the debate gets too heated and everyone needs a break. In this imagined moment, everyone is singing in unison.

This is the only way I can describe Freedom – as a kind of performative moment that breaks up the structure, language and ambivalence of the rest of the record. On its own, it seems weirdly clear and pure. I can’t really defend it. Or perhaps it is myself I can’t defend. The song is necessary. It just reminds me of the fact that I am not.