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“The Global Healing Has Begun!™”

Learning To Listen To Real Music Again

7/26/2016

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Commentary and Analysis by Mitch Santell
Producer and Co-Founder

Music plays a major role in my life as I am sure it does in yours. Yes, I grew up in an era of analog recordings real to real tape and vinyl pop's and click's.

Auto-Tune is one of those weird technology's that allow an off key singer to sound like they sing perfectly. Since it was introduced in 1996, this technology has become a standard in he music business and by a majority of major artists.


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What is auto-tune?
Auto tune is a dirty little secret that the music industry incorporated into their album (artist) productions back in 1998.

Basically, it allows a singer who can't hold a note to sound like they are on key. More than any other form of music, I have found that the majority of Reggae Bands and artists do not use auto-tune. The reason I love this so much is that some of the tracks we play here at Big Reggae Mix are off key and all I can say is HOW EXCITING!


According to many people who have studied how the music business used to work and what it has become now, seem very upset.

Here is a little background and some commentary on Auto-Tune:

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Auto-Tune Module

Auto-Tune was invented by an engineer named Andy Hildebrand in 1996. Hildebrand grew up playing the flute and became a professional studio musician, specializing in symphonic music, by the age of 16. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in digital signal processing, a branch of electrical engineering, and worked as a geophysicist for Exxon Mobil for a number of years, using sound waves to search for fossil fuels. Eventually he returned to his passion and began working in signal processing for music.

A few years into his new career, he was having lunch with a singer who asked if he could make a box that would make her voice in tune. Nobody else at his table seemed drawn to the idea—they were embarrassed for the singer because they assumed it couldn't be done—so he let it go. But Hildebrand knew the math wasn't any different from any other application of signal processing. The trick was to adjust a sound’s pitch without changing its playback speed  After mulling over the idea while he worked on a different project, he returned to it a year later and spent a month building a prototype that he could present at a trade show. The response was instantaneous.

“People were ripping it out of my hands,” he recalled. “Producers wanted it badly.”

“It's gotten such a bad name for so long because it's like 'Oh, you use Auto-Tune?' Yeah, of course you use Auto-Tune,” he says. “You're singing into six-, seven-thousand-dollar microphones, they didn't have those in the '60s… If technology comes along that improves a sound, that improves workflow or performance or overall feel, then you use it. It doesn't mean you're not talented. It means you're talented and somebody has the foresight to apply some great technology to your project. That's not a bad thing; that's a good thing.”

​Read the rest here: 
http://bit.ly/2a8wJhF


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The New Music Business

7/22/2016

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Commentary and Analysis by Mitch Santell
Producer and Co-Founder

The New Music Business is here. Are you having fun yet? Now this is just my opinion based on my own experience. The shift from Vinyl to CDs was major with millions of listeners investing in their own collections. Then came the world of digital down loads. Remember a little service called NAPSTER? Now that really shook things up. Napster was followed with the iTunes's music store. It was an attempt by Steve Jobs to create a delivery system that could easily connect the consumer, the artist and the label. Here we are (let us fast forward) in 2016 and streaming (now all the rage) is once again disrupting the music business.

The biggest shift of all is pay to play. What does this really mean? It means that who ever has the deepest pockets is going to get the most action. 

As an internet radio station we have to look at the latest trends in technology, distribution and audience taste. There is a real division between the world of streaming and the world of physical product. While the online streaming services battle it out, there is also a resurgence in vinyl releases!

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There are two companies that are making a real difference in the life of an artist, producer and manager. No, I was not paid for these endorsements and I am simply sharing what I am seeing in the market place.

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The first company is Kobalt Music. This company is really disrupting how the business works and makes a compelling argument for new and established artists to join them.
​


This was something of interest that I found on the Kobalt web site:


Kobalt Music Publishing, Kobalt Label Services and Kobalt Neighbouring Rights divisions each offer a modern alternative to the traditional music business model, empowering creators with flexible contracts, ownership, control, and total transparency.

​We represent over 8,000 artists and songwriters, 600,000 songs and 500 publishing companies, servicing our clients with global licensing management, works and rights distribution, royalty collection and processing, online data and royalty statements, creative services, synch & brand partnerships, record release management and marketing.

More here: http://www.kobaltmusic.com/page-about.php

The second company that has peaked my interest was PhonoFile. The company is outside the USA but seems to have a bit of global pull in my opinion.

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From their website:

Phonofile works world wide with delivering music to all important digital music stores like iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Wimp, Google, Beatport, Juno Download, Traxsource and other niche and DJ stores.Outside of the main offices in the Nordic countries, Phonofile also works with music from Serbia/Balkan, Balticum, Ghana, South Africa, the Arabic world and for some selected labels in the US and the UK.

It will be interesting to see how the shake out occurs as more tradition labels either are folded, consolidate with others and/or create new distribution venues.
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Happy BigReggaeMix Friday!

7/22/2016

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Commentary and Analysis by Mitch Santell
Producer & Co-Founder

We love Friday here at Big Reggae Mix! Why do we love Friday? Answer: We think every day is Friday here at K-REG because there is no finer form of music than Reggae, period.

So smile, pour yourself a cold one with plenty of ice and seize the day!


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Big Dub Mix, Yes...I said Yes!

7/16/2016

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Commentary and Analysis by Mitch Santell
Producer and Co-Founder

Each and every Saturday afternoon after Errol Brown's Reggae Legends Show from 12 PM to 12PM, with a new one airs each and every Sunday with a repeat the next Saturday........right now we have Big Dub Mix on the air.

You can hear Big Dub Mix from 1 PM to 7 PM Pacific Standard Time!

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Here is some more info about Dub Reggae if you are new to this Reggae Format:

Dub is a genre of music[1] that grew out of reggae in the 1960s, and is commonly considered a subgenre,[2] though it has developed to extend beyond the scope of reggae. Music in this genre consists predominantly of instrumental remixes of existing recordings[3] and is achieved by significantly manipulating and reshaping the recordings, usually by removing the vocals from an existing music piece, and emphasizing the drum and bass parts (this stripped-down track is sometimes referred to as a 'riddim'). Other techniques include dynamically adding extensive echo, reverb, panoramic delay, and occasionaldubbing of vocal or instrumental snippets from the original version or other works.

Dub was pioneered by Osbourne "King Tubby" Ruddock, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Errol Thompson and others[2] in the late 1960s.Augustus Pablo is credited with bringing the melodica to dub, and is also among the pioneers and creators of the genre. Similar experiments with recordings at the mixing desk outside of the dancehall environment were also done by producers Clive Chinand Herman Chin Loy.[4] These producers, especially Ruddock and Perry, looked upon the mixing console as an instrument, manipulating tracks to come up with something new and different. Dub has influenced many genres of music, including rock(most significantly the subgenre of post-punk and other kinds of punk[5]), pop,[6] hip hop,[5] disco, and later house,[7] techno,[7]ambient,[7] electronic dance music,[8] and trip hop.[7] Dub has become a basis for the genres of jungle/drum and bass[9][10] anddubstep.[11] Traditional dub has survived and some of the originators, such as Lee "Scratch" Perry and Mad Professor, continue to produce new material.

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Dub music is characterized by a "version" or "double"[17] of an existing song, often instrumental, using B-sides of 45 RPM records and typically emphasizing the drums and bass for a sound popular in local sound systems. A "version" is a record with the vocals removed, the alternative cut of a song made for the DJ to toast over. These "versions" were used as the basis of a new songs by rerecording them with new elements.[18] The instrumental tracks are typically drenched in sound effects such as echo,reverberation, with instruments and vocals dropping in and out of the mix. Another hallmark of the dub sound is the prominent use of bass guitar. The music sometimes features other noises, such as birds singing, thunder and lightning, water flowing, and producers shouting instructions at the musicians. It can be further augmented by live DJs. The many-layered sounds with varying echoes and volumes are often said to create soundscapes, or sound sculptures, drawing attention to the shape and depth of the space between sounds as well as to the sounds themselves. There is usually a distinctly organic feel to the music, even though the effects are electronically created.[17][19]
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Often these tracks are used for "toasters" rapping heavily rhymed and alliterative lyrics. These are called "DJ Versions". In forms of sound system based reggae, the performer using a microphone is referred to as the "DJ" or "deejay" (where in other genres, this performer might be termed the "MC", meaning "Master of Ceremonies", or alternately, the later developed slang terms: "Microphone Commander" or "Mic Control"), and the person choosing the music and operating the turntables is called the "selector" (sometimes referred to as the DJ in other genres).
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A major reason for producing multiple versions was economic; a record producer could use a recording he owned to produce numerous versions from a single studio session. A version was also an opportunity for a producer or remix engineer to experiment and express their more creative side. The version was typically the B-side of a single, and used for experimenting and providing something for DJs to talk over, while the A-side was more often dedicated to the original vocal-oriented track. In the 1970s,LP albums of dub tracks were produced, often simply the dub version of an existing vocal LP, but sometimes a selection of original instrumental tracks produced in dub style for which no vocals existed.
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Read more here: http://bit.ly/29XvKms

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We Love Chapter 11 and Play Them Often!

7/14/2016

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Commentary and Analysis by Mitch Santell

This is one cool band that we play often at Big Reggae Mix! From their web site I found this small bio:


Hailing from Long Beach California, Chapter 11 is a live Reggae/Hip Hop group that has been together since 1998. Their album recordings blur the lines between live instrumentation and sampled loops and beats.

Live shows are pure energy and emotion. The sound could be described as a perfect blend of traditional Jamaican Reggae rhythms mixed with Hip Hop street smarts.


Yes, you can find this amazing band that you can find here:

CD Baby
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Chapter11

Reverb Nation:
https://www.reverbnation.com/chaptereleven


My Space:
https://myspace.com/chapter11




You can find their official web site here:

http://www.chapter11music.com/


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This is the Official Chapter 11 Web Site!
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Happy Tuesday Big Reggae Mix Listeners

7/12/2016

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Commentary and Analysis by Mitch Santell
Producer, Co-Founder

It is Tuesday here in San Diego and as usual we see that the majority of our audience is outside the United States.

First, I want to say thank you. Second, I want you all the know that we care deeply about putting the absolute best programming on line each and every day.

We have a challenge right now here at Big Reggae Mix. What is that challenge? We don't want to grow out of business. What do I mean by that? First the good news, each and every week we are getting thousands of new listeners globally. The majority of our listeners are outside of the USA.

Right now we pay legal licensing fees to make sure that we are 100% compliant with each PRO (Performance Rights Organization).

​We are working tirelessly to keep the station commercial free. Our team is taking the next steps to build on the success with you our listener's at Big Reggae Mix.

On November 5, 2016 we will celebrate our second year on the air. We are looking to expand our team. We are also looking for capital so if you have an interest in being an owner in something that is going to be expanding over the next year into a bigger brand and company and you can be a part of it. If you want to know more, simply send me a personal email to Mitch Santell. My email is: mitch.santell@aol.com and/or dothedream@icloud.com Yes, I said yes, let's talk!

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Reggae, Marijuana & Alzheimer's

7/10/2016

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Commentary and Analysis by Mitch Santell
​Co-Founder (draft)

In my last blog posting I openly talked about Reggae and Marijuana. There is something that is even more sacred between music and the herb.

Here where we broadcast Big Reggae Mix in San Diego California, there is a huge movement to legalize Marijuana beyond it's medical use.

For me? I am a big Cannabis promoter because as I did my own research into the herb I realized that it has healing properties beyond just being a "hippie" or "stoner." Those are old terms. If you can't get on the Ganga train now you never will. 

My personal experience? My mother in law and my father in law both had Alzheimer's. This disease is called by many "The Long Goodbye." We watched my wife's Mom fade away for seven years. We moved her 4 times. Scott Brown, our amazing Director of Programming is very aware of what our family went through with these medical challenges. I want to share with all of our Big Reggae Mix listener's the latest findings on Alzheimer's and the green herb.

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​Please check out these recent articles and links:


Marijuana Compound Removes Alzheimer’s-Related Protein From Nerve Cells

With the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease expected to almost triple in the United States by 2050, there is an urgent need to identify effective treatments for the condition. Now, a new study suggests marijuana may hold the key to such a treatment.


Published in the journal Aging and Mechanisms of Disease, the study reveals how a compound present in marijuana triggered the removal of beta-amyloid protein from nerve cells, or neurons.

Beta-amyloid is considered a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease; the protein clumps together in the brain of people with the condition, forming plaques.
Studies have suggested these beta-amyloid plaques disrupt communication between neurons in the brain, which leads to symptoms associated with Alzheimer's, such as impaired memory.

Preventing beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain might seem like an obvious way to tackle Alzheimer's, but because researchers are still unclear of the exact role the protein plays in the disease process, achieving such a feat is easier said than done.
Marijuana compound prevented nerve cell deathTo test their theory, the researchers applied THC to nerve cells with high beta-amyloid production.


They found that the marijuana compound reduced beta-amyloid levels and eradicated the inflammatory response to the protein, which prevented nerve cell death.

While clinical trials are needed to confirm the role THC might play in protecting nerve cells against beta-amyloid, the researchers believe their findings shed more light on the role beta-amyloid plays in Alzheimer's disease, which could pave the way for new treatments.

Here is the link to the original article:
 ​http://bit.ly/29xafbh


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Marijuana and Reggae Go Together Like Love & Freedom

7/7/2016

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Commentary and Analysis by Mitch Santell
Producer, Co-Founder 


Each and every time I think of Reggae Music regardless of what form is played....from Roots to Dub to Reggae Pop it is the sacred green, the Mary Jane that comes to mine.

For those who have attended numerous Reggae concerts and Festivals, the scent is thick in the air as the audience lights up to take a ride with the music in their mind. They dance, they laugh and they have a good time. 

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Jordane Delahaye, Gleaner Writer who is in Jamaica, said the following:


When reggae music comes to mind, for many there are also accompanying thoughts of marijuana and Rastafari. Since its inception, reggae music has notoriously been related to the culture of marijuana smoking but for some, it has developed somewhat of a chicken or egg scenario where it is uncertain whether or not reggae music is a product of the effects of marijuana smoking or the culture of marijuana smoking was bolstered through reggae music.

Read more here: 
http://bit.ly/29SH9Bo


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According to Patricia Meschino at Billboard:

In Colorado and Washington, where sales of marijuana have been legalized for recreational use, thriving cannabis tourism industries generating millions in state tax revenue offer travel package itineraries, featuring visits to marijuana production facilities, classes in plant breeding/growing techniques, sampling/purchasing various herb strains and their byproducts, even cannabis-infused massages.

In Jamaica, where ganja grows on an estimated 37,066 acres across the island, making it the top Caribbean supplier of marijuana to the United States and its Caribbean neighbors (according to the US State Department's 2014 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report), a projected -- legal -- marijuana tourism sector could offer everything Colorado and Washington can, in addition to a native soundtrack of thousands of herb-themed songs, visits to recording studios where smoking is inherent to the creative process, and a two-day marathon-length reggae festival, Rebel Salute, that features many of Jamaica's best acts responsible for some of reggae's greatest ganja anthems.


Read More Here: http://bit.ly/29qGjgA


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Bob Marley Knew That Reggae Was Profound

7/5/2016

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Commentary and Analysis by Mitch Santell
Producer, Co-Founder Big Reggae Mix

The most important thing in the world is love. It does not matter where you come from, how much money you have or do not have or your background. Reggae to me equals love. 

The culture within the Reggae Community is the absolute best within the music business. Reggae, regardless if it's Dub, Roots and Reggae Pop continues to empower, delight and inspire audiences, artists, independent labels and Festivals.

There just seems to be more connection within the Reggae Community vs. other forms of music that I have worked with since I started producing in 1977.

Now that you have read a few lines on my passion for Reggae, I want to share with you something that Bob Marley wrote about love, relationships, the deep connection that some of us have to share and express.. It is with great excitement that I place something I really consider sacred here for you to read.

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The human connection of love as written and shared by Bob Marley himself:

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you." ​

When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. 
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There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. ​

Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. 
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In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. ​

Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.” 

― Bob Marley

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Bob Marley's Message of Love

7/4/2016

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“He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can.

He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break.

Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there.

​Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.”

- Bob Marley (On love and inspiration).

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#bobmarley #errolbrown #bobmarleylove
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