Bradley Laird's Grass Talk Radio - Bluegrass

GTR-102 - Audio Jargon

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 102

Audio Jargon - There are a lot of terms that get thrown about when describing audio. The terms have pretty specific meanings. Are you using the word echo when you really mean reverb? Have you heard the term "compression"? Do you know what it means?

If you are a beginner you may think this stuff is not important, but the first time you ever step on a stage – at an open mic, a festival, or to record a demo – you are going to hear these terms. Ride along and I will try to de-mystify some of the basics.

As a little addendum, near the end, I included some demonstration sound samples so you could hear echo, reverb and compression. Have fun twisting those knobs.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-102-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the music where even roadies and sound techs feel the love!

 

GTR-101 - Keith Billik

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 101

Keith Billik of the Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast - This episode is a conversation with a fellow podcaster. We talk about why we do this nutty thing called podcasting, how we got started, and plans for the future. The banjo is an important part of the bluegrass equation and Keith is doing a good job of creating informative and entertaining banjo-centric content.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-101-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the music where even banjo players feel the love!

GTR-100 - Buddy Ashmore Interview

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 100

Buddy Ashmore Interview - The friendships you make in bluegrass are often more important than the music you make. I met Buddy within a few months of starting to play bluegrass and we have knocked around the bluegrass scene for over 40 years. For this 100th episode I decided to call him and just shoot the breeze for a while. Enjoy.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-100-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--one of the more persistent forms of music in the world!

GTR-099 - Counting Off

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 099

Counting Off - If it doesn't bother you that the first 15 seconds of every song your group plays sounds like dog squeeze, don't listen to this episode. However, if you do care, consider the importance of the art of "counting off" songs and listen to this episode.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-99-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--one of the most formidable forms of music in the world!

GTR-098 - Year End Wrap Up

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 098

Year End Wrap Up - A new year is a good time to stop and think about what was accomplished over the last 12 months. It's also a good time to become pensive regarding the future. 

After a bit of that I turn to a listener question about deciding who will sing lead in your band. Like many questions... it all depends!

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-98-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the most misunderstood music in the world!

GTR - Bonus 03 - Tech Tips

GrassTalkRadio.com Bonus Episode 03

Tech Tips - I try not to spend too much time talking about my own site and my own products. My wife has several times listened to a show and said "Brad, that was good but you never mentioned your website address." She's right. Sometimes I do forget.

In this episode I am going to give you a "walking tour" of my site, through the labyrinth of secret passages, hallways, store rooms and even the attic! There are hundreds of pages of free information on my site and perhaps you missed something cool.

Another thing which happens from time to time (probably about half of one percent of my customers) is I get an email from someone saying "I tried to buy your book but it wouldn't let me. Help!"

So, to address and potentially prevent such things, the second thing I am doing in this episode is to explain, for the technically challenged, a bit about how my eBooks and videos actually get from me to you.

I talk about PayPal, credit and debit cards, what information I have about you (not much!), the best way to contact me, zip files, the downloading process, the plethora of "computing" devices, and the file formats I use to provide my books and videos. There is a good chance you will learn a few things that you didn't know.

I hope this bit of extra information makes the experience of using my site and my instructional materials easier for you.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/bonus-episode-03-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the most under-appreciated music in the world!

GTR-097 - The Master Class Story

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 097

The Master Class Story - It is amazing how the entire course of one's life can be altered by one seemingly small event or decision. This is the story of how I was convinced by a student to write my first book. What a can of worms he opened! But, alas. He was right!

In addition to sharing the back story of how I got started producing instructional books and videos, I answer a question sent to me by a listener that may be on the minds of many.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-97-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the coolest music in the world!

GTR-096 - 10 Good Gadgets

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 096

10 Good Gadgets - If you hang around picking bluegrass long enough you will eventually be on stage with a band. You may be giggin' a lot or just once in a while. Either way, you are going to experience being part of a "self-contained entertainment" situation. That's the kind of gig where you carry your own sound and lights. It's kinda like back when Bill was carrying his own tent show.

There are things which can make that kind of show easier. Let me tell you some of what I have learned.

One of the things I talked about was the value of having an easy to set up, compact "store" for your CDs and other merchandise. I made a quick YouTube video showing what I used and you can see it on the show notes page (link below) or just go here: The Pony Express General Store.

There is still time! Christmas times a'coming! Learn some Christmas tunes on that mandolin with Jackson's Christmas Songs For Mandolin eBook.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-96-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the most difficult music to define in the world!

 

GTR-095 - Common Mistakes

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 095

Common Mistakes - This episode is a discussion of things which I've seen students do that I think hinder their progress. How many of these things are you guilty of?

And don't forget--Christmas times a'coming! Learn some Christmas tunes on that mandolin with Jackson's Christmas Songs For Mandolin eBook.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-95-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the coolest music in the world!

GTR-094 - Polishing Vocals

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 094

Polishing Vocals - Roll up your sleeves, put some elbow grease into your singing, and the results will astonish you! This episode continues the thread of the importance of good singing in bluegrass. The basics of finding harmony parts was discussed in Episode #93 and today I dig into ways to polish and hone your vocals.

Correct notes, accurate harmonizing, and matching of tone and rhythms is what makes those bluegrass trios so fine! If you refuse to do it for yourself, please do it for your audience!

And don't forget--Christmas times a'coming! Learn some Christmas tunes on that mandolin with Jackson's Christmas Songs For Mandolin eBook.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-94-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the most awesome music in the world!