Hi you’re at HotHothouse Studio TV…I’m your host Richard Morales and welcome to New Music Monday. We caught up with the emerging rock band As Is while they were being interviewed on the national syndicated internet radio show “Live with Billy Moses.
This is an interview Billy will never forget and is definitely in the top ten. Billy has a national internet radio show that he let us in on. Thanks to Billy, Robin and the band members of As Is: Daniel – vocals, Kirk – bass/vocals, Gravey – guitar/vocals and Richard – drums.
Rehearsal studios are happening places especially at Hothouse Studios. There is always something unsual going on here at the rehearsal studio. As Is rehearses at Hothouse Studios and we are honored to call them our friends. Learn more about As Is here.
Your band has lined up a gig, thankfully with plenty of notice and time to promote. You realize you have plenty of songs to choose from; more songs than you are going to be allotted time for. What do you do?
You should plan on making most of the rehearsals before your show “performance rehearsals”. Think of them like the rehearsals a cast of a play or musical put on. As you close in on your gig date, you should be getting closer and closer to playing like it’s the real deal.
For our example, let’s assume that band ABC has 4 weeks’ notice and typically practices twice a week.
4 weeks before the show:
Believe it or not, this is going to be the toughest week of the four leading up to your gig. Band ABC was writing music thinking they were going to have to play an hour for their show but landed a local music showcase gig that only requires a 30 minute set. Unfortunately, that means they won’t be able to play all of their songs. The tough part of this week is choosing which songs they are going to play.
The first rehearsal should be devoted to getting song durations down. A stopwatch is incredibly handy, as is a white board. Band ABC has their song names already written down on the white board so it’s just a matter of playing them and having someone write down how long each song is. They know that their normal set, start to finish, is almost an hour; now they know how long each song is so they can add up times to hit 30 minutes.
Band ABC is not using any type of click track or metronome for their drummer so they make a point to take the time and write a second time beside it that is roughly 10 percent shorter to account for gig adrenalin and nerves causing everyone to want to push the tempo. (They even lament the fact that they aren’t using a click track for this very reason.)
All the band members then make their own list of songs that makes 30 minutes of music. The fun part begins with the negotiation that it is going to take to pick the right songs that will knock the socks off the crowd as well as keep the musicians happy. This process may extend through to the next rehearsal but by the end of week 4 a set list needs to be figured out.
3 weeks before the show:
During the first rehearsal of week 3, the band runs the new 30 minute set then discusses where breaks need to be placed. The lead guitarist expresses a need to switch guitars so that break is added (and noted on the white board). The set also has a couple songs that seem to feed right into each other so that is also noted. They rehearse the breaks and the transitions from one song to the next.
The second rehearsal, before they start they make sure everyone remembers how they are doing the new transitions and make a point to rehearse them before running the set a couple times. The band members begin walking away feeling confident.
2 weeks before the show:
The second week should be devoted to working on stage presence. The “front man” of the group, typically the singer, needs to pretend there is a crowd and practice getting the crowd pumped up between songs, getting the crowd jamming during songs and making it seem like this is not the band’s first show. The guitarists and bass player need to make sure they are moving around and not standing in one spot playing their lines flawlessly but with little flair or facial expression.
The goal of week 2 is to make sure everyone can play their lines while truly “rocking out” like they intend to on stage. Many a band has sounded horrible during their live show due to extra moving around, whether it’s playing or tripping over cables.
Band ABC practices in a very nice rehearsal facility with great lighting that dims, (like hothouse studios), so during the 2nd practice of the week they dim the lights, more like a night club would have, to make sure everything runs smoothly in a low light situation. If your practice studio doesn’t have dimmers on their lighting, bring in a couple of lamps from your homes, turn off the studio lights and work the set in low light that way.
The week of the show:
Band ABC has practiced religiously for the past three weeks. They are confident and secure in their playing. They decide to only practice once this week. They run the set one last time with a couple of trusted friends there for a crowd and also to get feedback. They work out the one little quibble that their friends mention…the guitarist took longer than everyone thought switching instruments, they adjust and run the set again, except with better filler to mask the guitar change. They are happy and incredibly secure in their playing.
They make a point to pack up their gear that night so all they have to do the day of the show is show up at the gig. This lets them have one less thing to do the day of the show and keeps them fresh and ready to blow the crowd away with their set.
Your live set is fined tuned.
Hothouse Studios is more than a top notch rehearsal facility, we are a music career learning center and the Band Toolbox has over a 100 articles on various subjects relating to succeeding in your music career. Enter the Band Toolbox here.
For an First Rate
Audio | Video | Rehearsal Experience
Go to Hothouse Studios
“Where Music Grows”
Hothouse Rehearsal Studios, 11823 Slauson Ave., Unit 41, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, USA 562.945.1300
Kelle Rhoads (Randy Rhoads brother) and Kelly Garni (bassist for Quiet Riot) along with our good friend Ronny North have been rehearsing for their upcoming tour of Japan. They have been rehearsing the songs they’ll be performing for the tribute to the songs of Randy Rhoads.
In this video Kelle Rhoads and Kelly Garni are talking about their experiences here at hothouse rehearsal studios.
This day I shot the video segments of the guys that Japanese TV show Metal Gathering requested for the TV promos of the Tour. There is a big TV show over in Japan called the Metal Gathering and they need video assets for the commercials they are running for the songs of Randy Rhoads tribute shows. We shot openings and closings to the show and 12 segments of interview type material. Very educational.
For an First Rate
Audio | Video | Rehearsal Experience
Go to Hothouse Studios
“Where Music Grows”
Hothouse Rehearsal Studios, 11823 Slauson Ave., Unit 41, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, USA 562.945.1300
Did you know that a part of the band toolbox is a national rehearsal and recording directory? Why we’ve created this local and national listing of rehearsal studios grows from our desire here at Hothouse Studios to be of service to the music community. It’s not about us…It’s about you and we understand that at statement.
There are lots of choices when considering music rehearsal studios, rooms or space. What are your needs? Do you want a monthly lockout or just an hourly rehearsal studio? What is your budget? Is there a studio in your city to rehearse in? We list thousands of rehearsal studios with detailed write ups so you can quickly find the best studio to fit your rehearsal needs.
The directory is completely searchable by category, studio name, city, state, zip code and even area code. Categories include: Recording studios, rehearsal studios, stages, lockouts and much more.
Hothouse Studios is more than a top notch rehearsal facility, we are a music career learning center and the Band Toolbox has over a 100 articles on various subjects relating to your music career. Enter the Band Toolbox here.
Hothouse Rehearsal Studios is always looking out for your welfare with discounts, promotions and just spreading positivity. Find out how here.
For an First Rate
Audio | Video | Rehearsal Experience
Go to Hothouse Studios
“Where Music Grows”
Hothouse Rehearsal Studios, 11823 Slauson Ave., Unit 41, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, USA 562.945.1300
This Presidents’ Weekend we’re giving you Presidential-level savings on thousands of products, including many of our top brands!
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Shop online and use coupon code PREZ in secure checkout for unbelievable savings up to 15% (maximum discount of $500). Prefer to order by phone? Just call us at 800-421-5167 and say PREZ to get the same great savings. Coupon Code is valid online until Monday, Feb. 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT (Call Center Hours: 4 a.m. PT to 11 p.m. PT).
Promotion valid only on in-stock items. Sorry, discounts not combinable with other coupons or special
Since its creation many years ago, the guitar has become quite a popular musical instrument. In fact, it is considered to be the most popular by many. Lots of people take up the guitar, but few acquire the skills that they actually want.
The reasons for why this is are many. Some never reach their full potential because they do not put enough effort into it, or because they do not practice often enough. However, it is entirely possible for anyone to become a great guitarist—provided they put forth the effort and know what to do in order to improve. You’ll learn about the latter in this article.
Tip #1: Chords
Tip #2: The Ear
Tip #3: The A Minor Pentatonic Scale
Tip #4: The e Phrygian Scale
Tip #5: The Circle of Fifths
Tip #6: Listen to the Blues
Tip #7: Play the Blues
Tip #8: Work On Your Pinkie
Tip #9: Learn Rhythm
Tip #10: Metronome 15 Other Tips
Tip #11: Learn to Read Sheet Music
Tip #12: Pick a Song from Every Genre to Learn on Guitar.
Tip #13: Learn Lots of New Scales, Even More Obscure Ones.
Tip #14: Practice Every Day, even if it’s only for a little while.
Tip #15: Get Your Guitar Set Up to Make the Guitar Easier to Play. This will help you to become a better guitarist.
Tip #16: Take Lessons from a Teacher.
Tip #17: Have a Belief in Yourself That You Can Become a Better Guitarist.
Tip #18: Jam With Other Guitarists/Musicians.
Tip #19: Learn the Fingerpicking Technique.
Tip #20: Learn the Tapping Technique.
Tip #21: Create a Rough Plan for Practice, but make sure it allows for creativity during practice.
Tip #22: Study a Guitarist and Find Out What They Did to Get Where They Are. Then, try to do the same as they did.
Tip #23: Keep a Log of Your Practice Time.
Tip #24: Work Vigorously On Your Weaknesses to Turn Them into Strengths.
Tip #25: Never Stop Seeking Ways to Improve.
Hothouse Studios is more than a top notch rehearsal facility, we are a music career learning center and the Band Toolbox has over a 100 articles on various subjects relating to succeeding in your music career. Enter the Band Toolbox here.
For an First Rate
Audio | Video | Rehearsal Experience
Go to Hothouse Studios
“Where Music Grows”
Hothouse Rehearsal Studios, 11823 Slauson Ave., Unit 41, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, USA 562.945.1300
Ringo Starr returned to the iconic Capitol Records Tower and a gathering of several hundred Beatles fans to celebrate the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday night. “I want to thank Capitol Records,” Starr said to cheers, glancing up at the tower. “It’s nice to look at a building that you helped pay for.”
The ceremony began as a column of local high school marching band drummers in red uniforms poured out the tower lobby pounding a festive beat. “OK, drummers!” announced Starr as he stepped to the podium, where the occasion was marked with speeches from Joe Walsh, Ben Harper and Don Was. “It’s also cool to get it at night,” Starr said, dressed in a black suit and shades. “Where I live the stars come out at night.”
The Beatles were awarded a star on the walk in 1998. Starr is the third Beatle to be honored as a solo artist, following stars given posthumously to John Lennon and George Harrison. He pointed at the sidewalk outside Capitol’s Vine Street entrance, where the names of his late band mates were written. “I love them both, and I want to send peace and love to both of them. And let’s not forget the guy’s who’s in England — Paul.
“They looked out for me and I looked out for them, and we all supported each other,” Starr said of the four Beatles. “It was really beautiful to be part of that. And besides that, we made some great records.”
Monday was also the 50th anniversary of the Walk of Fame, which honors filmmakers, musicians, stage, radio and TV performers. Standing nearby was a gathering of friends that included Eric Idle (Monty Python, the Rutles), filmmaker David Lynch, ELO’s Jeff Lynne, Edgar Winter and actress Barbara Bach, Starr’s wife of 30 years.
The first of Starr’s friends to speak was Walsh, who has worked with him as producer and sideman through the decades and then became his brother-in-law after marrying Bach’s sister, Marjorie, in 2008. Walsh said, “He’s not just the greatest drummer in rock history — from the greatest band in rock history — he’s also the greatest guy I know and the most kind and helpful friend you could ever want.”
The Eagles guitarist then turned the occasion into a roast of his friend, describing Starr in his earliest days as “a little kid with a very big dream and a pretty big nose.” He noted that the two first met in the mid-1970s during all-night jam sessions at the Record Plant studio in Los Angeles. “Neither of us really remembers that but friends of mine told me we just had a really great time.”
Walsh produced Starr’s little-heard 1983 album Old Wave, and joked Monday, “That album did really good in Switzerland, and it was also number one in Lithuania.”
Producer Was called Starr “my hero,” and described the former Beatle’s drumming style as subtle and filled with personality. “There’s joy and there is jocularity in his playing that is irresistible,” he said. “They are simply manifestations of his great qualities as a man.”
Ben Harper, who has performed with his Relentless7 as Starr’s backup group in recent weeks during a brief promotional tour, said, “The Walk of Fame is receiving a star by which all other stars are measured.” Both Harper and Walsh appear on Starr’s just-released 15th solo album, Y Not.
Standing next to Starr at the podium, Harper said the very first song he learned to sing as a child was the Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends,” the drummer’s beloved vocal from the album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. “Working as tirelessly as a 10-year-old could, so that I could learn every vocal inflection that Ringo sang — and I’ve got to admit, I nailed it.”
Starr laughed. “That’s what you think.”
Harper also read quotes he’d gathered from several major percussionists, including the Police’s Stewart Copeland, who said, “Ringo is the leader in the education for all young drummers of style over flash, always playing the right things rather than a lot of things.”
At the end of the ceremony, Starr expressed thanks to friends and dignitaries, repeating his current mantra of “peace and love, peace and love.” Looking back at Harper, Starr said, “He’s a great human being. I like to spend as much time as I can with great human beings, and the three guys who got up tonight are at the top of my list.”
For an Unrivaled
Audio | Video | Rehearsal Experience
Go to Hothouse Studios
“Where Music Grows”
Hothouse Rehearsal Studios, 11823 Slauson Ave., Unit 41, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, USA 562.945.1300
11823 E. Slauson Ave, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Phone: 562.945.1300
KillingTheSon K.’s ReviewKillingTheSon K.Long Beach, CA
1/28/2010
This rehearsal studio is a go to studio for us. Whenever a garage is unavailable we like to treat ourselves to a practice at hothouse studios. Their inhouse gear is great, Aquarian Super Kicks and Sabian B8s. Quality drum stuff and great bass amps. The service is great with the staff eager to please and the rooms are spacious and clean. One more thing anyone can appreciate is the AC!
Hot House Studios has been my exclusive rehearsal space since its inception in 2003 when there were only a couple of rooms. I refuse to personally book rehearsal anywhere else. The cleanliness, professionalism, and kindness of this staff has made it into what it is today. And always being able to speak to the owner, Richard, as a FRIEND, has always made it a better experience. No other studio compares to this place. And if you are one of those that just thinks that AMP Studios in N. Hollywood is the be-all end-all of rehearsal studios, then you are in for a rude awakening. Once you try Hot House, you’ll say Amp-who?
1/25/2010
I have been to many rehearsal studios and this one is by far the best. All of the equipment works great and the staff always makes sure you have what you need to have a productive rehearsal.
From the first time that my band and I came to practice at Hothouse, we were greeted with excellent customer service that has lasted even to our most recent visit. From Richard to Kirk, it is always a pleasure doing business with these great fellows! Hothouse Studios has QUALITY and SUPERIOR expertise with their equipment and tools that are readily available for any band that decides to practice here. THIS IS THE SPOT! Don’t waste your time looking for better, you’ve found it here at HOTHOUSE!
This is one of the best rehearsals around, not just because I know the owner, but because everyone is treated with special care. You need something while you are Hothouse Studios, just say the word and one of the managers on duty will jump all over it. If you have never been to hothouse you will want to make a point to check it out. practice your vocals, go crazy with the awesome drum kits, hold a class, do a photo shoot, this place is the leading multipurpose facility for the entertainment industry, and you never know what famous person might be walking the halls. It’s the best kept secret!
yelp: Victor C. 11/24/2009 6 photos First to Review
Richard Morales, owner and founder of Hothouse Rehearsal Studios in Santa Fe Springs, California is the confirmed guest for the next episode of the nationally syndicated radio show Going Live with Billy Moses on Friday, February 5th, 2010. Live at 8pm (PST), 11pm (EST).
We’ll be taking your calls live on-air toll-free at 1-800-520-0499.
Call Richard and ask him questions about his years at Capitol Records, his early years in the music business as a talent booker in Los Angeles, and the history behind Hothouse Studios. We are excited to be interviewing Richard on tonight’s show of Going Live with Billy Moses.
Listen to the broadcast live on the internet at: www.billymoses.com, or on the radio at
KISL 88.7 (Avalon, CA), WIIT 88.9 (Chicago, IL), WHCR 90.3 (New York, NY).
For an First Rate
Audio | Video | Rehearsal Experience
Go to Hothouse Studios
“Where Music Grows”
Hothouse Rehearsal Studios, 11823 Slauson Ave., Unit 41, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, USA 562.945.1300
Today February 4, 2010 Troy High School in Fullerton, Ca will be holding a fund raising Battle of the Bands at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton, 201 E Chapman Ave Fullerton, CA 92832 (714) 626-3890. The show starts at 6:30pm is an all ages event and the ticket cost is $10 at door. Special performance by Dramarama.
All proceeds benefit the Troy Special Ed. Department.
Dramarama will be judging the contest as well as playing a few tunes.
Hothouse Studios is sponsoring the prizes for the event.
What: Troy High School Battle of the Bands
Special performance by Dramarama
When: Thursday February 4, 2010 at 6:00pm
Where:
Plummer Auditorium
201 E Chapman Ave Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 626-3890
Cost : $10 at the door.
First Place Prize: Music video of the band.
First Runner Up: Audio recording.
Second Runner Up: 2 free hours of rehearsal time at Hothouse Studios in Santa Fe Springs, Ca.
Why is Hothouse sponsoring a high school fund raising event? First, Hothouse Rehearsal Studios supports education for our young people and especially the great work being done at Troy. Secondly, Hothouse Studios was established to help our local talent achieve their goals. Thirdly, Hothouse Studios is a community business and supports the community through fund raising activities such as this.
Troy High School is the alma mater of Social Distortion and what great group will emerge from this year’s Battle of the Bands is anyone’s guess. Come on down to the show and take a look for yourself.
Troy High is well known for being one of the top 30 High Schools in the country, as well as having the #1 computer science program in the world, yes, the world. What is less known is that Troy has a stellar, absolutely second-to-none Special Education Department.
The teachers, staff, and administrators not only do what they can to help make high school the rewarding academic experience it should be, but they also give an enormous amount of their hearts and time to help give the students in the Special Ed program many social and recreational opportunities–dances, parties, camping trips, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, trips to San Diego things that typical high school kids take for granted.
In the past, the department was able to raise their own funds to pay for these adventures so that there was zero or minimal cost to students–many of whom are in foster care or group homes and would otherwise be unable to attend–but the rules have changed and they are no longer able to raise these funds themselves. The Troy ASB has graciously agreed to give the proceeds from the Battle of the Bands to the Special ED Dept.
If you are at all able, please come out and give your support.
What: Troy High School Battle of the Bands
Special performance by Dramarama
When: Thursday February 4, 2010 at 6:00pm
Where:
Plummer Auditorium
201 E Chapman Ave Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 626-3890
Cost : $10 at the door.
For an Unrivaled
Audio | Video | Rehearsal Experience
Go to Hothouse Studios
“Where Music Grows”
Hothouse Rehearsal Studios, 11823 Slauson Ave., Unit 41, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, USA 562.945.1300
