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Soundcheck / August 31, 2006

Soundcheck

Thursday, August 31, 2006
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  • Oliver Mtukudzi
    Oliver Mtukudzi (www.ritmoartists.com)

    A Band's Best Friend?

    Music publishers are running the show these days when it comes to nurturing new musical talent. Find out how the publisher got ahead of the manager and record executive in launching up-and-coming careers. We also speak with Zimbabwean singer-songwriter Oliver Mtukudzi. One of the giants of southern African pop music, he is credited with pioneering his own genre, known as Tuku. Finally: last week's news that Pluto has been booted off the list of planets disturbed more than just a few astronomy buffs. The British composer Colin Matthews paid homage to the now "dwarf planet" in his 2000 composition "Pluto," and he joins us with his reaction to the news.

Music Publishers Champion New Artists

Susan Butler of Billboard Magazine explains how music publishers help launch new artists.

Downsizing Pluto

British composer Colin Matthews talks about his composition "Pluto," written back in 2000 when Pluto was a regular old planet.

Tuku Music

Zimbabwean singer-songwriter Oliver Mtukudzi discusses his latest release.

cab

Noteworthy New York

Soundcheck

We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.

vote

Your "Democracy Song"

Soundcheck

As we march toward Election Day, Soundcheck wants you to identify a song that captures the spirit of democracy. It might be Woody Guthrie’s populist classic “This Land Is Your Land” or Sly and the Family Stone’s funky hit “Everyday People.” It might even be a current Top 40 hit with mass appeal. Put on your musical thinking cap, get creative, then post your song here.

walmart

Buying Music: A Smackdown Series

Soundcheck

Check out our ongoing series of Soundcheck Smackdown debates on the music marketplace -- and how we shop inside it. Part I: the pros and cons of MySpace. Part II: two documentarians throw down over music at Wal-Mart. Coming up: Part III: iTunes and Part IV: iPod vs. Zune

Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Soundcheck

With minimalist beats and confessional rhymes, the hip-hop duo Atmosphere became the toast of the hip-hop underground after it formed 10 years ago. Now, the group has turned to classic funk and soul, and frontman Slug is still telling captivating stories. They perform in our studio.

Tin Pan Alley

Tin Pan Alley

Soundcheck

A two-block stretch of West 28th Street was once the home of American songwriters and music publishers. But buildings in area are now up for sale, and preservationists fear a major development is in the works. We look at the history and future of Tin Pan Alley.

Michael Azerrad

I Am Azerrad ... No, I Am Azerrad!

Soundcheck

Nirvana biographer and indie-rock historian Michael Azerrad writes about musicians for a living. Now, the British band Tubelord (pictured) has written about him -- and the lyrics are a tad scary.

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Soundcheck

Two major players from the worlds of classical and American roots music have joined forces for an album of new material. They perform in our studio.

Tina Dico

Tina Dico

Soundcheck

Singer-songwriter Tina Dico tops the charts in her native Denmark. She joins us to share songs from her latest full-length album, "Count to Ten," as well as a trilogy of EPs.

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