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Soundcheck / September 28, 2007

Soundcheck

Friday, September 28, 2007
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  • Screen shot from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic on Second Life
    Screen shot from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic on Second Life

    Musicians Get a New Second Life

    Musicians like Duran Duran, Suzanne Vega, and even some major orchestras are playing live concerts in the online virtual world known as Second Life. Today, we look at how musicians are reaching new fans through Second Life and whether it's more than just a clever gimmick. Also: the female ensemble Elegguá performs the rich African percussion music of Venezuela on a variety of instruments, including the tambores drums (which are usually played by men). They perform live in the studio.

Performing in Second Life

Move over MySpace. Pop acts like Suzanne Vega and Duran Duran have staged "concerts" in the online virtual world known as Second Life - in which they are represented by animated figures, known as avatars. Now orchestras like the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic are trying it out as well. New York Times music critic Anne Midgette; singer-songwriter (and one-time avatar) Jonathan Coulton; and Jesse Reiner from Second Life creators Linden Lab join us.

Linden Lab, makers of Second Life
Anne Midgette on Second Life
Regina Spektor's CD release party in Second Life
A video of the making of a virtual concert hall
Jonathan Coulton's Web site

Elegguá

The Afro-Venezuelan women's ensemble Elegguá performs call-and-response vocals and percussion on instruments usually played by men. Since Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez created a quota for traditional music on local TV and radio, the group has become very popular at home. They play live in studio.

Elegguá at Symphony Space

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.