Teen in Spain builds his own prosthetic arm out of Lego
David Aguilar was born without a right forearm, but now makes himself prosthetics – out of Lego.
Ben Platt Lays Out North American Headline Tour
Grammy, TONY, and Emmy Award-winning artist Ben Platt today announces details of his highly anticipated North American headline tour, set to kick off May 3rd at Chicago Theatre in Chicago, IL. With stops throughout the US and Canada, the tour will come in support of Platt’s debut solo LP Sing to Me Instead, set to arrive everywhere Friday, March 29th. The run will feature support from Wrabel and Ben Abraham and include a stop at New York’s Beacon Theatre on May 14th, culminating with a show at LA’s iconic Dolby Theatre on May 24th.
Fans pre-ordering the album (pre-order available here) will receive a pre-sale ticket code and exclusive first access to tickets beginning this Friday, February 15th @ 10 AM (local). General on-sale for the dates will begin on Friday, February 22nd @ 10 AM (local). American Express Card Members can purchase tickets in select markets before the general public beginning Thursday, Feb 21 at 10am to 10 PM (local). A limited number of VIP packages will be available, including post show receptions with Ben, meet & greets, photos, Q&A’s and more.
Just over a week ago, Platt released the first two tracks off the eagerly awaited album – “Bad Habit” and “Ease My Mind” – available now via all digital music retailers and streaming services. “Bad Habit” also came accompanied by an incredibly moving official music video, directed by Nick Lieberman and streaming now HERE. The tracks and video were met with acclaim from fans and critics alike, with the Los Angeles Times declaring “‘Bad Habit’ and ‘Ease My Mind’ showcase [Platt’s] signature vibrato and guttural vulnerability.”
The album announcement and track release were heralded by exclusive performances from Platt at New York’s Bowery Hotel and LA’s The Nice Guy, as well as a three-night immersive gallery installation for fans in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, marked by surprise performances each night from Platt himself. Later this month, Platt will stop by “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” for the television debut performance of “Bad Habit” on Thursday, February 21st.
The winner of the 2017 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his performance as Evan Hansen in the smash hit, Dear Evan Hansen, Platt is one of today’s most extraordinary talents – a truly multi-faceted actor, singer, and all-around performer. Sing to Me Instead sees him making a remarkable arrival as recording artist and songwriter, co-writing all of the album’s songs. Tracks like “Bad Habit” and “Ease My Mind” reveal a striking, deeply emotive amalgam of classic popcraft with sweeping vocals and Platt’s own undeniable charm and versatility.
Sing to Me Instead marks Platt’s first recorded output since his stunning duet with Lin-Manuel Miranda in March 2018 on “Found/Tonight.” The track – which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart – was an installment in Miranda’s ‘Hamildrop’ series, and featured vocals from both men in an original medley of “The Story of Tonight” from Hamilton and “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen.
Prior to “Found/Tonight,” Platt appeared as a lead vocalist on Dear Evan Hansen (Original Broadway Cast Recording), Atlantic Records’ Grammy® Award-winning companion to the Tony® Award-winning musical. One of only seven cast albums to reach the top 20 of the Billboard 200 in the last 50 years, the LP made a momentous chart debut upon its initial February 2017 release, entering the Billboard 200 at #8 – the highest debut position for an original cast album since 1961, and second highest digital sales debut ever for a cast album.
Platt received a Grammy Award for his role on the Dear Evan Hansen (Original Broadway Cast Recording), as well as a 2018 Daytime Emmy Award for his part in the cast’s powerful performance of “You Will Be Found” on NBC’s TODAY. His rapidly growing body of work also includes memorable roles in the Tony® Award-winning original Broadway production of The Book of Mormon and the blockbuster films, Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2, amongst many others. Platt will next lead an all-star cast in the much-anticipated new series, The Politician, produced by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan (Glee) and co-starring Jessica Lange, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Zoey Deutch. Co-executive produced by Platt, The Politician will premiere later this year on Netflix. He will also star in the upcoming films “Run This Town” – premiering at this year’s SXSW Film Festival – and “Broken Diamonds.”
SING TO ME INSTEAD TOUR – 2019
Friday, May 3 | Chicago, IL | Chicago Theatre
Saturday, May 4 | Detroit, MI | Fisher Theater
Monday, May 6 | Toronto, ON | Sony Centre for the PA
Wednesday, May 8 | Boston, MA | Wang Theatre
Saturday, May 11 | Washington DC | The Anthem
Sunday, May 12 | Philadelphia, PA | The Met Philadelphia
Tuesday, May 14 | New York, NY | Beacon Theatre
Thursday, May 16 | Atlanta, GA | Cobb Energy PAC
Saturday, May 18 | Austin, TX | ACL Live at The Moody Theatre
Sunday, May 19 | Irving, TX | Toyota Music Factory
Wednesday, May 22 | San Francisco, CA | Warfield Theatre
Friday, May 24 | Los Angeles, CA | Dolby Theatre
Weird Al’ Yankovic Shares His…Um…Unmade ‘Accordion Repo Man’ Film
It may come as no surprise that ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic was once an accordion repo man … for real. But what might be a little more shocking is that he created an action-hero movie based on his experience. Now the movie is brought to life for the first time ever: ‘Weird Al’s’ ‘Accordion Repo Man.’
One Of The Last Interviews J Dilla Ever Did, 2003
Well, this one brought back memories. I did PR for Dilla during his time on Stones Throw Records in Canada, and connected this one up and now excuse me, I have to listen to Donuts again.
Watch The Beatles Cartoon From The 1960s: “I Saw Her Standing There”
The Beatles is an American animated television series featuring representations of the popular British rock band of the same name. It was originally broadcast from 1965 to 1969 on ABC in the U.S. (only 1965 to 1967 was first run; later seasons were repeats). The series debuted on September 25, 1965 and new episodes ended on October 21, 1967. A total of 39 episodes were produced. The series was shown on Saturday mornings at 10:30 AM EST until the 1967 third season when it was moved to 12:00 PM EST. For the 1968-69 fourth season, which consisted of repeats, the series was shown at 9:30 AM EST on Sunday mornings. Each episode has a name of a Beatles song, so the story is based on its lyrics and it is also played at some time in the episode. The original series was rebroadcast in syndication by MTV in 1986 and 1987 and on the Disney Channel beginning in 1989 on Fridays at 5 PM. The series was a historical milestone as the first weekly television series to feature animated versions of real, living people.
This is from episode 19: From Me To You / Boys*: In Hawaii, a surfer named Surf Wolf challenges George to a surfing duel; The Beatles participate in a Mr. Hollywood Contest in California, and sees the cartoon group singing Please Mr. Postman and I Saw Her Standing There.
Paul McCartney’s Limited Edition ‘Egypt Station Traveller’s Edition’ Box Set To Be Released May 10
Paul McCartney has confirmed the release of the Egypt Station Traveller’s Edition, out May 10 via Capitol Records.
This strictly limited deluxe edition of the #1 album Egypt Station will be a one-time-only pressing limited to 3000 numbered cases. The Traveller’s Edition arrives in a vintage style suitcase and contains exclusive previously unreleased tracks, hidden rarities and all the essentials needed on your journey to Egypt Station and beyond.
All those who sign up at https://PaulMcCartney.lnk.to/TravellersEditionSignUpPR by 9 PM ET FEB 14 will be emailed a unique link which allows a first chance at purchasing the strictly limited Traveller’s Edition.
Emails with links for first access to pre order will be sent out at 9AM ET FRIDAY FEBRUARY 15.
The Egypt Station Traveller’s Edition audio and video content include:
- Limited Edition Concertina Tri-Fold Deluxe 180G Vinyl Double Black Disc Pressing of Egypt Station
• Exclusive Limited Edition Bonus 180G Vinyl Pressing of Egypt Station II in “Night Scene” blue, featuring three previously unreleased tracks — “Frank Sinatra’s Party,” “Sixty Second Street” and extended cut of Egypt Station single “Who Cares” — as well as four live performances of Egypt Station tracks taken from Abbey Road, The Cavern Club, LIPA, and Paul’s iconic performance at Grand Central Station
• Limited Edition Egypt Station Concertina CD
• Exclusive Limited Edition collector’s Egypt Station Blue Cassette
• HD Audio of all tracks upon shipment
• Additional rare performance footage hidden inside
The special features of the Box Set include:
- Luxury vintage-style embossed Egypt Station artwork suitcase
• An exclusive copy of a handwritten note from Paul
• Fold out, vintage-style Egypt Station illustrated map suitable for framing
• Travel memorabilia including “travel itinerary,” postcards, baggage tickets and first class ticket
• Egypt Station luggage stickers
• Travel journal featuring copies of Paul’s handwritten lyrics
• Two Egypt Station lithographs of Paul’s paintings
• 500+ piece jigsaw puzzle
• Egypt Station playing cards
• And additional hidden surprises and rarities
Egypt Station was released September 7, 2018. The album entered the Billboard 200 at #1, making it the third Non-Beatles/Wings McCartney effort to top the U.S. chart and Paul’s first Stateside #1 since 1982’s Tug Of War—and Paul’s first solo album to enter the chart at #1. E
Paul’s Freshen Up Tour continues to pack stadiums and arenas across the globe, resuming March 20 at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, and running through July 13 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
The rules of good sound: choose a MIDI keyboard
Today, you can record as many songs and demo versions as you like if you have software at your fingertips with an installed program for processing and mixing sounds, and a minimal set of recording equipment. They recommend using top midi packs. They would like to advise you to read audio gear reviews on Has-Sound. This will help you to understand written below.
Modern keyboards differ not only in design but also in their internal components. From the type of mechanics, depends on the sound of the instrument, it can be:
- The most common form, often used in many tools. A good option for the computer, the sound does not change after moving files using USB. Not inferior to other types of mechanics.
- The appearance of the keyboard with such mechanics is very sensitive to pressing. It does not require maximum pressure, makes the sound of the minimum touch to the keys.
- This type of mechanics can be found mainly in digital keyboard products. It creates the impression of playing an acoustic piano, requiring the same pressing force. The full-size model can even transmit sound like a wooden unit.
Which MIDI keyboard to choose?
With regard to the characteristics, first of all, you need to assess the size of the product. The device with the maximum number of octaves is not suitable for working at home. It is rather a studio version. Mechanics, the next criterion that is important for any musician. It depends on how sensitive the keys are when pressed.
Long story short, when you are choosing a suitable MIDI keyboard, the following parameters should be taken into account:
- key mechanics and its type (the most expensive, but also the most effective is the hammer mechanics with a weighted type of keys, closest to the living instrument);
- octave number (priority should be given to full octave models having 7.5 octaves);
- the number of adjustable controllers;
- pedal connectors;
- drivers for specific software (including free);
- industrial presets and the ability to create custom libraries;
- software and its basic parameters;
- controller functionality.
The quality of the tool determines the reliability of assembly and durability of materials. A good MIDI keyboard can work equally efficiently in studios, in open and closed concert venues, and easily carries transportation.
There are several criteria by which you can choose a quality MIDI keyboard that will meet your requirements.
- Feelings from the game. Very often they are underestimated. Just because it is a MIDI controller, it shouldn’t feel like a toy piano.
- The number of features and capabilities. In the end, this is a controller – so you want to have at your disposal an impressive range of possibilities for managing and tuning the sound of your virtual instruments.
- The quality of the tool and its durability. Quality can be called the main criteria when you choosing any product. MIDI keyboard is not an exception. A quality controller can withstand any working conditions in concert tours or studios.
- Trouble-free operation with drivers. MIDI controller can have a good view, but it does not ensure stable operation with software. This is much more important when it comes to living performances!
Lin-Manuel Miranda Answers The Internet’s Most Searched Questions About Him
Lin-Manuel Miranda is the latest guest on Wired magazine’s Autocoplmpete Interview series, in which he answers the most Google-searched questions about himself.
“Paper Planes” Sung By Dozens Of Movies
In the latest from video artist Ross Thompson aka The Unusual Suspect, characters from different movies perform M.I.A.’s Paper Planes.