Propeller Music Group

03/18/2017

16 Likes, 2 Comments - SugarPill Apothecary () on Instagram: “Or, ART. Or, you know, anything worthwhile. ”

11/18/2015

Only 1,371? I think they're missing a few!

Think you know music? The following list of genres is guaranteed to destroy any musical expertise you thought you had.

07/06/2015

I just signed a petition to Tim Cook, CEO, Apple Inc.: Album credits are the lifeblood of musicians. Musicians need them to be displayed when their music is played. Showing the headline artist and track title only anonymizes and minimizes the contributions of all the others involved and forecloses o…

06/12/2015

James Taylor releasing album of new originals...ready for some new JT?

Teaser for There We Were: The Recording of James Taylor's "Before This World" Before This World, coming June 16, 2015 Pre-order now: http://smar...

02/23/2015

Interesting article on Rick Rubin's music production

Rick Rubin is a music producer that really doesn’t need an introduction; from his pioneering work with Run DMC and the Beastie Boys through to his classic recordings with Johnny Cash, he has cut a unique and inspirational figure in the world of music production.

02/18/2015

I'm honored to be guest lecturing on Music in Commercials this week at University of Rochester. They've got some good stuff going on here, some of it in collaboration with Eastman School of Music.
Watch out for these students, they will be making waves!

02/09/2015

Congratulations to former PROPELLER intern IAN AXEL on his Grammy Award!
Way to go, Ian!!

Pop Performance, Duo or Group

“Say Something,” A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera

12/13/2014

Hey wow, we just found out that Doug's latest music for JG Wentworth (through Karlin+Pimsler) has won 3 Davey Awards!

01/22/2014

We recently created the music for a Radio City Music Hall video promoting a spectacular new show featuring the Rockettes! Written by Doug Hall, the all-percussion piece features the incredible Bashiri Johnson.
www.propellermusic.com/radiocity

01/10/2014

Hey this is cool!
Carlos Santana shares five vital elements of improvisation:

Let Go

“Certain people are very mental. They need to have rules and concepts and directions and scales and theory in order to play. But that’s not what music is about. Music has the same significance as beams of light coming out of the clouds and giving information to plants. Every note should be like a beam of light. You’re giving information to the listener, and you’re reminding them they also have light and significance. That’s improvising to me. The other stuff is just like going ‘da-da-da-da-da.’ It’s nothing.”

Be Open

“Bob Dylan used to say, ‘Don’t criticize what you don’t understand.’ Some musicians criticize because they’re afraid that other people are doing something good. I tell my musicians this: ‘When you say you hate something, I hope you can play the sh*t out of it, because if you can’t play it, you shouldn’t hate it.’ Every style of music is a language that needs to be articulated, respected, and honored.”

Paint Pictures

“When you play music, you must stimulate the imagination of the listener. Flash pots, lasers, and dancers are show business. Great musicians—like Leonard Bernstein or John Lee Ho**er or the Doors—can create incredible visions for you with just their music.”

Celebrate Purity and the Profane

“Two elements make the audience stand up. One is spirituality, and the other is sensuality. When they both meet, it’s hallelujah time. Bill Graham once told me, ‘Stop getting embarrassed that people get really h***y when they hear your music. Own it.’ Of course, you don’t do it consciously so that it’s vulgar or crass. It just happens, and you welcome it, and say, ‘thank you.’”

Have a Road Map

“When you take a solo, you’ve got to know two things: where you’re going, and what you’re saying. Then, you get the hell out of there! B.B. King says, ‘Where are you going? You’re going straight to the heart!’ Now, what are you trying to say? You say to the audience, ‘You are significant. You are meaningful. The light in you can make a difference in the world.’ When you invite people to own and claim their inheritance to music—that’s a solo!”

- See more at: http://www.guitarplayer.com/article/five-tips-for-enlightened-soloing-by-carlos-santana/148513 .gPlDS7KJ.dpuf

GuitarPlayer: Carlos Santana knows how to get an audience on its feet.

11/06/2013

One of Propeller Music's old interns, Ian Axel was just on The Voice performing a song of his with Christina Aguillera!!! Go Ian!

05/23/2013

The Dalai Lama looking upon Dr. John in amazement! We totally understand and feel the same way! :)

The Dalai Lama looking upon Dr. John in amazement! We totally understand and feel the same way! :)