Author: mrbaxteria2008

A Compelling Voice: Two Releases from of Allison Crowe

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Warm, present, and charismatic, these are the characteristics of Allison Crowe’s strong contralto voice. Even when her music is not part of your genre collection, you can’t deny the fact that such a voice has a compelling power. She knows how to use her instrument with the same grace as that of an operatic singer. She dips into her notes, light as a butterfly, and plunges at them with an eagles ferocity. You can’t ignore it.

News of a double release in the same month is a joy to her strong fanbase. It’s also refreshing as I listen to them with a different thought in mind. I was surprised that these tracks have her signature but, somehow, took a distinct bend in terms of arrangements and delivery.
Six More Songs is an EP that is heavily influenced by Blue Grass, Folk, Americana, and Celtic. This is not unexpected considering the kind of artists she worked within this album:
Allison Crowe the leading artist (on vocals, piano, cello, guitar, fiddle, Seaboard and more);
Sarah Melanie White (mandolin, bouzouki, vocals+);
Dave Baird (bass); &
Keelan Purchase (accordion, guitar, harmonica, vocals).
These musicians have their fantastic track record. In terms of their releases and also with the bands they collaborated with. So, this is a stable release with excellent arrangements and lush performance, and even cinematic atmosphere.

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Pillars is another album that contains the same lineup of artists. It has the same candor of Six Songs but with a couple of surprises. First of all, I am a Janis Ian fan. Her cover of At Seventeen gave me goosebumps. It is so fitting, considering that she never stayed away from the delivery of the original. She also offered a few surprises on top of her sweet and sonorous voice. Other tracks also stand out with their gifts and appeal. If you like Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and Judy Collins, then take note. These two releases will sate your longing-if, not for the music, then for Allison Crowe’s voice alone.

 

 

Kolar’s Gold by The Rowan Tree is a Quarantine Comfort

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I’ve been listening to Kolar’s Gold by TUnknownhe Rowan Tree before the world broke down. Now we are in such a mess that music is a great comfort. Yes, we need music now more than ever. And now just any type of music. We need something that sounds kinder. We need gentle folk tunes that will lift the spirit in this time of tribulations.

This is the first time I got an exclusive album package from the band. I have to tell you, the packaging is amazing. It’s supported by the British Council for the arts. I am a fan of physical media. The same reason why I am now collecting vinyl records. You get the sense of what’s to come by judging through the packaging. You know that the artists and the people involved in the album gave their hearts and thoughts to creating a su[erb experience.

Yes, listening to Kolar’s Gold is indeed a fantastic experience. I love the album from the start to the finish. There are many elements of Celtic music from the Seven Nations. The arrangements are also at par with any classic albums in this category. Now, if you want something truly academic, then check out the last track called Treasure. It has recorded audio of immigrants. I got goosebumps from this. This is truly what a Celtic music experience is all about. It’s having the heart and soul of an authentic tradition!

8 Amazing Ways Background Music Affects Business Sales

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By Ronal Ross (Guest blogger)

We all know a thing or two about the magic of music, don’t we? It piques our minds and makes everything come to life.

But, how do retailers use it to make a mark and set their place in our hearts, minds and pockets? Let us find out with these small yet astonishing techniques that make us do so.

1. Customers Spend More Time If The Music Is Familiar
Have you ever walked into a store and thought for a second, “Wow, this is my playlist! I can spend some more time here.”

Yes, it is one of the tricks that retailers love to follow. Time flies by when we listen to music, and this is a leverage for them. It is pretty fool proof as more time equals more potential sales.

2. Music Sets The Mood
The type of music you play depends on the type of product or service you sell. For instance, when you enter a restaurant, calm and soothing music that doesn’t take up much headspace is used.

On the other hand, if you step inside an H&M or a Zara, you can very well listen to the songs trending on the charts, like the clothes they sell. It sets the mood and perception for them and can be a dealbreaker if done wrong.

3. Compels To Make Quick Decisions and Spend More Than Planned
Beats make you groove and chill. The sound of gongs or the strumming of the guitar in a variety of ways cause so many responses. They also decide the pace at which we do things.

According to various studies, music with a higher pace makes people move faster around the store. It compels them to make quick decisions. On the other hand, slow music makes you hang around for a while, chill, and thus maybe buy more than planned.

A study conducted by Ronald E. Milliman in 1982 gave a general overview regarding the positive effect of the tempo of background music on sales and traffic in stores.

4. Helps Target A Specific Audience
Do you want to know how your customer base’s nature is and to what segment they belong? The best way to do so is by monitoring their reaction to the kind of music your store plays. It helps in segregating the target consumers because if they don’t like the music you play, they most likely won’t be a fan of your brand.

5. It Affects People’s Perceptions
Let us look at a couple of instances where music majorly affects people’s perceptions, thus sales as well.

If you enter into a spa or a mindfulness class, the first thing you feel is the ambience. The tongue drums make the perfect background music for relaxing and taking a break from your busy lives. You can check out a review of tongue drums here if you’re curious to know more about how beautiful they sound.

On the other hand, walking into a luxury store like Gucci or Balenciaga, you will encounter sophisticated jazz or classical music. This is a very subtle cue that speaks volumes about its brand and legacy. We automatically associate these music genres with elegance and luxury.

6. It Enhances Productivity
Now, let us talk about some facts.

According to a concept called “stimulus production” given by a very prominent ex-company Muzak, background music enhances productivity in offices. This concept was then imbibed by retailers over the decades to boost sales.

Music helps in making deeper connections with brands, thus making them a part of our memory. Sometimes we are more likely to drop by a particular store over the others due to this faint memory.

7. Perfect Tool To Boost Engagement
Word-of-mouth marketing is a game-changer for every retail company, and you can make the most of it in your business. Music is a perfect tool for you to up your engagement and sales game.
8. Need Of The Hour
In the era of e-retail being a convenient solution to our demands, brick-and-mortar needs an extra boost that makes people want to make physical efforts. Music can be a big part of it if used wisely.

Not only is it cost-efficient, but it can help to get traction on social media by positive feedback and viral videos.
About the writer:

Ronald is a guy who loves music and understands how the global markets work. He is a freelance writer currently working with loudbeats.org to do his part of helping musicians find amazing and trustworthy resources to enhance their career.

CELTIC WOMAN’s ‘Ancient Land Deluxe’ Now Out!

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Global sensation Celtic Woman has just dropped Ancient Land Deluxe. This is timely, considering that the album proved to be triumphant upon its release, followed by a smashing 2019 tour. This will an amazing surprise for Celtic Woman collectors due to the extra tracks. There are 11 tracks that you’ve never heard before on the digital version of the album. There are 2 from Ancient Land CD, 5 from Ancient Land DVD and 4 four from the current album tour. This digital-only album bolted out of the gates last September 6!

All in all, you will be hearing 27 songs. That’s a total of 1 hour and 39 minutes. This is great for a long train ride or flight. I don’t mind taking this out on a slow bike ride. The songs are all feel-good and divinely orchestrated. I mean think about it. It was recorded in Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in the UK, the summer of 2018. The sonics are superb and this is a splendid album, production-wise(even if you are not into Celtic Music). It was followed by a live concert filmed against the backdrop of the historic Johnstown Castle in County Wexford, Ireland.

My personal favorite is Mná na hÉireann (Women of Ireland). It is a perfect sofa/lounge/chill-out music over a cup of tea and a good book. Don’t miss the jaunty Ballroom of Romance and its accompanying music video. Celtic Woman is both a Celtic music and Pop phenomenon.

We Banjo 3, Hear! Hear! Hear!

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Sometimes it’s better to not categorize any style of music because it puts barriers to it and it also takes out the fun. But yeah execs think it is good to file them under a particular musical umbrella for marketing reasons….

I stumbled upon We Banjo 3 by ‘accident’ and I won’t elaborate on that. I got curious and started watching their YouTube videos. They are amazing studio artists as well as  live performers. Look for their Pressed for Time and you’ll see what I mean.

They already won, Irish Times Trad Album of the Year, Best New Group of the Year (LiveIreland.com) and Concert of the Year (Irish American News). I really love Bluegrass music and they incorporate this style to their brand of Irish music and the result is one that’s irresistible! I will be on a lookout for their future posts from now on as they do add something fresh and delicious to our weary musical scene.