If there is one thing music fans love, aside from music, it’s debating music. Questions related to trivia or taste are often a huge source of conversational ammunition when music fans come together. You can consider these popular musical debate topics to bring up if you have a get-together coming up on the horizon.
Are the Beatles Overrated?
For some people, even asking this question is sacrilegious. The Beatles are, no doubt, one of the greatest and most successful rock bands of all time. But are they worth all the hype? Are they that much better than similar acts, like the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, and the Animals? If you bring up this topic in a crowd of music fans, you will almost certainly begin a conversation that goes well into the night.
Is Rock Better Than Jazz?
If you have friends with a wide variety of music tastes, it can be fun to compare the merits of different genres. Rock and jazz are a great head-to-head comparison because they both revolutionized the music industry. This one can get a little heated among the popular musical debate topics to bring up, as die-hard rock and jazz fans are not eager to give up their position.
Are In-Ear Monitors Better Than Earbuds?
A little more on the technical side, music fans tend to have a lot of opinions about how they consume music. Questions related to audio equipment and headphones can turn a mellow conversation into a scintillating one.
“Which are better, earbuds or in-ear monitors?” Watch the room light up when you ask this question. Adherents to IEMs, listening devices inserted directly into the ear canal, argue that they are better at noise isolation and sound quality. People who support earbuds argue they are more comfortable.
Can Music Influence Bad Behavior?
For decades, we heard that heavy metal is devil worship, and hip-hop music inspires kids to drop out of school. But is this there any weight to these claims? If you present this question to a group of music fans, you will certainly receive an earful.
It is now easier than ever to hop into the music production field. With today’s technology, individuals can enter the market without much experience. Whether you’re a roaring rookie, a somewhat professional, or a tried-and-true guru, one’s creative music workflow ultimately centers around the use of selected digital tools, technological gear, and individual approaches. A quality caliber of music is deftly creatable, but the ease of this accessibility does not automatically generate fruition in the field.
Wondering how to improve your production game? If you desire a fresh perspective, a clearer path to success awaits. Here are a few essential tips for every kind of music producer to keep in mind.
Better Optimize Equipment and Workflow
Regardless of if what type of music studio you’re working from, quality production equipment is integral. Establishing a creative hub is a must on the to-do list. Logically, you differ from other producers by your style, skillset, and technique. Ergo, fully optimize your workflow to suit your own process and individuality. From mixing consoles to studio monitors to cables and everything in between, consider the interacting dynamics of your settings, computer software, and sound gear.
Focus on Foundational Skills Over Fancy Techniques
Out of all the skills required for music production, active listening is undoubtedly of the strongest. A keen ear is necessary to hear what makes great music so good. Attuned ears can adequately notice the natural nuances of different settings—and identifying distinct musical characteristics is no exception.
Music theory is at the root of it all. If you lack true theoretical background, obtaining a basic to mid-level understanding is in your best interest. Working knowledge of musical terms in your brain outweighs the accessibility of fancier techniques at hand. Focus on songwriting, arrangement, and mixing from the inside out.
Seek Out Connections and Feedback
Education and connection are two core actions to take for growth dependability. For this reason, incessantly seeking out feedback is one of the essential tips for every kind of music producer. Collaborating, networking, and reaching out for feedback are paramount to becoming more marketable in the field.
Feedback gives you direct insight into where your strong suits are and where you’re falling a bit short. No matter what genre or style you create, you can’t listen to your own music objectively. Keep this in mind—other producers are not to be seen as fierce competition but rather as positive influences that will help push yourself to the next level. Good music producers bounce ideas around with others, experiment, ask for opinions, and most of all, just enjoy the music.
Pop pianists spent the entire last century molding our music. From Scott Joplin to Jerry Lee Lewis to Elton John, ebony and ivory have been working together in harmony, and they haven’t stopped since Y2K. Since it would take much longer to highlight every incredible pop pianist in history, we’ve narrowed our list to a small selection of the best modern pop piano players of this century (so far)!
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys began training in classical piano, studying composers like Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart. By twelve, she was composing and by age thirteen she was immersed in the world of the music business. Keys fought for creative freedom, crafting her own sound despite industry pressure to conform to a certain look and style. Now with 15 Grammy wins and 29 nominations and awards from the NAACP, MTV, the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, and Billboard Music, to name a few, there is no doubt this icon helped set the musical tone for the century.
John Legend
When John Legend is brought up, many people think of his 2013 hit, “All of Me.” But Legend has woven his way through music throughout the 2000s. Along with playing and singing on the albums of artists like Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, the Black-Eyed Peas, Fergie, and more, Legend’s Grammy-nominated song “Ordinary People” hit number 4 on Billboard’s charts. In 2005, he also performed in the iconic campaign video, “Yes We Can,” by will.i.am, weaving him into US history as well as music history.
The Piano Guys
Although not known for performing original pieces, this two-man group consisting of cellist Stephen Sharp Nelson and Pianist Jon Schmidt transform pop music like no one else does. What began as a simple marketing technique to promote their piano store by covering pop songs fused with classical pieces has led to a YouTube channel with over 2 billion views and eight records. They are known to push the limits of the genre and the piano itself as they perform in ice caves, on top of mountains, and on top of moving trains. Though unconventional, they’ve certainly earned their place among the best modern pop piano players.
Welcome to GetMojo, we do the research so you don’t have to! In this video, we’re offering our picks for the 5 best wireless bluetooth speakers on the market in 2020.
Whether you’re throwing a party or just looking for portable sound to move around the house with you as you clean, wireless bluetooth speakers are great to have. But with tons of them on the market, which should you buy? Well, to help you decide, we’ve sifted through numerous website and consumer reviews to present our 5 recommended products.
Note: Clicking links in this article may generate affiliate revenue for GetMojo.
The Front Runner: Anker Soundcore Flare
At just $60, the Soundcore Flare is one of the best value wireless speakers on the market, hands down. With a 12-hour battery life, waterproofing, a slick beat-driven LED light and an available app that lets you control equalizer settings, this speaker has it all. It also looks cool, being smart enough to blend in with other in-house tech – and it’s compatible with a ton of accessories too. For $60, this thing offers awesome value for money.
The Poolside One: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
If you want a speaker that can survive the elements, then this is it. The Wonderboom 2 not only offers a round, rugged build, but it has a IP67 waterproof rating and it floats, so it’s ideal for pool parties. Priced at around $70, it offers an eight hour battery life and has been praised for its clean, crisp sound. And for added style, it’s even available in a range of funky colors. Review website wirecutter said it’s as “as euphonious as Ariana Grande but as tough as Lara Croft.”
The Smart Speaker: Amazon Echo (3rd Gen)
If you prefer your wireless speakers to be a little bit smarter, then why not just go for a smart speaker! As well as offering wireless bluetooth speaker capabilities, the Amazon Echo also offers a myriad of smart features with Alexa voice control. This means you can check traffic, the weather, restaurant opening times and sports scores…or you can simply ask Alexa to turn the volume up or down! You can even control functions in your home like lights and thermostats. Priced at $100, it’s ideal for those who like to keep all their tech centralized.
The Party Machine: LG PK5 Xboom Go
If you’re after something with a bit more boomin’ heft, then this LG boombox-esque PK5 model will do the trick. Sitting in the mid-range of the PK series of speakers, this splash-proof bluetooth speaker features forward-facing sound by Meridian Audio. It also has cool beat-driven party lights to add some extra flare. It’s competitively priced too at $90, especially when you consider its huge 18-hour battery life.
Before we reveal our last pick, we wanted to give a shout out to some other great speakers:
Denon DSB-250 Envaya
JBL Clip 2
Tribit MaxSound Plus
The Deluxe Option: Sonos Move
By far the most expensive pick on today’s list, this $400 speaker is for those who are after something more substantial, both sound quality- and size-wise. With a 10-hour battery life, Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, and the availability of Auto TruePlay – a feature that automatically optimises the speaker’s audio for whatever you’re listening to – this is a pretty serious piece of gear. Techradar called it “the best Bluetooth speaker in the world.”
So which bluetooth speaker should you choose? Well, aside from sound quality, durability and privacy concerns, battery life is one of the biggest differences with wireless speakers, so be sure to check that spec out and make sure it suits your needs before buying.
Stay tuned to GetMojo for the most complete video product reviews!
Looking to up your game with a new controller? We got you covered!
For this list from WatchMojo, we’re looking at some of the best controllers you can nab for your PlayStation 4!
If you purchase an item through our affiliate links below, WatchMojo may earn a commission.
#10 – HORI Mini Wired Gamepad
As we’ll see throughout the list, controllers can get really expensive, and if you’re raising a family, your kids may find standard controllers a little hard to use for their small hands. Luckily, Sony and HORI have designed a controller to make their gaming experience easier. The Mini Wired Gamepad features a more rounded structure, allowing your kids to reach buttons easier without straining their hands. Heck, you may even want to try it out for easier, less intense games. It may tether you to your console, but if you’re trying to introduce your kids to gaming while looking to save a few bucks, this is a good choice.
#9 – Horipad FPS Plus
When playing intense shooters like Overwatch or Call of Duty, it’s important to keep your thumbs comfortable or you may leave marks from your thumbsticks. If you’re the kind of player that loves playing shooters, you may want to look into the Horipad FPS Plus. While it does look a little more bloated than most PS4 controllers, the FPS Plus boasts great support in its thumbsticks, making it easier and comfortable to use. On top of that, it features a button that allows you to quickly adjust your camera’s sensitivity! Nifty!
#8 – Nacon Revolution Pro Controller 3
If you’re a PS4 owner but would rather be playing first person shooters with an XBox One controller then the Nacon Asymmetric Controller might be exactly what you’re looking for. The major changes from the typical PS4 Dual Shock is the placement of the left analogue stick, which is swapped with the D-Pad, and the trigger buttons, which are larger, deeper and angled off to the sides. The Revolution Pro 3 one of the most comfortable controllers we’re ever held and it comes with a long USB cable that should satisfy most setups.
#7 – Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller
Another Nacon controller, with a similar design to the Revolution in terms of asymmetry and button placement. This wireless option comes at a significant discount Unfortunately connecting the Nacon Asymmetric controller wirelessly isn’t as seamless as you might expect, and it comes with a USB dongle. It has a longer than average battery life, but this comes at the cost of motion controls, so only pick this guy up if you play predominantly shooters.
#6 – Thrustmaster eSwap Pro Controller
Branded as the most versatile controller on the market, the eSwap Pro Controller lets gamers swap out entire modules of the controller for variants, and allowing anyone to easily create a fully customized control system. This controller is definitely heavier than most other PS4 controllers but honestly we like the extra heft. The price point will also set you back more than its competitors, so only pick this one up if you expect to take full advantage of the interchangeable parts.
#5 – Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
Sony hasn’t done much to change the design of their signature DualShock controllers, but when it comes to the DualShock 4, the company has put a bigger emphasis on style than they did in the past. In addition to standard colors and patterns – blue, red, white, camo, etc., Sony has launched more vibrant styles like Rose Gold, Berry Blue, Alpine Green, and Goku Or—I MEAN “Sunset Orange”! BUUUUT, if you got a little extra cash lying around you may be on the hunt for something a little more special like the PlayStation 20th Anniversary controller.
This controller is a fantastic mix of high-end build quality and pro features. You can use the controller both wired and wireless via bluetooth but the real feature here is the easy to use button mapping software. Install the Razer app on your iOS or Android phone and you can easily remap the button and triggers, including their sensitivity and functionality. This can be really useful in games like Fortnite or Destiny 2 where you have multiple abilities or functions and want to give the ones you use just that much more accessible. Overall the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition has that heft we love and is more well suited to adults and adult sized hands.
#3 – Astro C40 TR
Not every game utilizes a decent control scheme, and for some players, that can be a real problem. If you’re one of these players, there’s no need for dismay as the folks at Astro Gaming have developed a controller to make your life easier! The Astro C40 TR offers plenty of options so you may control your games better. Along with mappable back paddles, users can swap out thumbsticks and D-pads, giving you more ways to play with a layout that suits you. And if that isn’t enough to sweeten the deal, it holds a whopping twelve-hour battery life! Just save up a little before you go dropping money for it.
#2 – Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller
Some players have a hard time grasping the analog stick, forcing them to use the D-pad, and D-pads aren’t always the most comfortable buttons. But fear not, D-pad users – there’s a controller for you, too! Behold, the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro! Yes, it’s a mouthful and a bit chunky in design, but this controller is perfect for those who can’t get away from the D-pad. Not only is it easy on the thumbs, but it is omnidirectional, too, making it easier for players to make inputs. This might be a good option for those of you who spend a lot of time playing fighting games, but struggle with analog sticks.
#1 – SCUF Vantage 2
We’re not gonna sugarcoat this one boys and girls; if you want the best, you gotta pay for it. The SCUF Vantage 2 has everything you need, high performance grip, customizable trigger buttons, control remapping and the highest quality build on the market. Optional rear paddles give extra access to the main buttons if you feel the need to keep both fingers on the analogue sticks while pulling off additional maneuvers and this is especially good for fighting games with complex combos. You can even open it up and take out the vibration modules to lighten the load if you don’t use the feedback and plan on playing for a longer session. These guys retail for about 150 – 200 bucks US, but if you’ve got the coin, this is our absolute recommendation.
For a more in-depth look at the Top 10 Playstation 4 Controllers, watch the video!
Ever wonder what happens to all the videos we can’t show on our YouTube channel? Well…We’ve put it all in one place for your viewing pleasure! Introducing MojoTV… the new TV and mobile app that brings you all the classic WatchMojo videos that we had to take off YouTube, as well as a ton of other exclusive content! It’s easy to find at all of your favourite app stores:
In depth horror lists, horrible histories, sexy videos and… other stuff! Lists like…
Top 10 Most Violent Celebrity Fights
Top 10 Horrific Movie Scenes You Can Never Unsee
Top 10 Body Horror Movies
Top 10 Crazy Craigslist Horror Stories
Top 10 Shocking HBO Scenes
Top 10 Games BANNED on Twitch
For all this and more check out the new MojoTV app on AppleTVs, Roku Devices, Amazon Fire Sticks, Android TV and all other iOS and Android mobile devices.
We’ll be revealing the first round of each quadrant over the next 4 days!
How do you pick the Person of the Decade?
In honour of the end of the 2010’s, and as part of our BEST OF THE DECADE series, WatchMojo wanted to do something special to select our choice for Person of the Decade. We decided we’d create an NCAA style competition bracket to determine who had the best 10 year period. We weighed a lot of different factors in terms of their consistent success, overall success, versatility, personality and more. We also broke it down into 4 different quadrants: Movies, TV, Sports and Music.
This was not an easy process! Our internal teams argued endlessly over some of the matchups and we had to make some tough decisions. Ultimately, we won’t be able to please everyone, but there is no denying that the winners of each quadrant were at the top of their game for the past 10 years.
Tune in on Monday the 16th!
The full video will be available to watch on Monday, December 16th on our YouTube Channel and in the days leading up we will be revealing the individuals included in the first round by quadrant. So, tomorrow, we will update this post with the first round of the Movies category. Come check it out and let us know who you think should win each match up!
We’re excited about this new format and can’t wait to create more videos in this style. Please leave a comment if you have ideas for what to “bracketify” next! In the meantime, check out our Best of 2019 series for the best and worst of pop culture in 2019!
Mike Flanagan’s adaptation pushes horror boundaries, while paying homage to “The Shining” and Stephen King’s celebrated source material
Just shy of 40 years since Stanley Kubrick’s original, modern horror master Mike Flanagan has taken on the daunting task of following up the iconic 1980 film The Shining while also adapting Stephen King’s ambitious source material. Confused yet?
While the film does have some great ideas when it comes to trying to tackle both these problems, Flanagan trying to pull off this difficult juggling act is where Doctor Sleep becomes the most muddled. Tonally the film ends up a little messy with offering audiences a punch in the face worth of nostalgia for the 1980 film, while also adding in some bizarre fantasy elements featured in the Doctor Sleep novel. On top of this, at a runtime of 152 minutes, the film could have benefitted from a bit of trimming, but by the end, Flanagan offers enough thrills and chills to make the journey worthwhile.
Apart from the slight pacing and tonal issues, Doctor Sleep proves to be one of the better Stephen King adaptations in recent years, due in large part to Flanagan’s knack for blending horror and drama. Backed up by a killer performance by Ewan McGregor and some set pieces that will stick with you long after the film closes, Doctor Sleep ends up having a lot to say about the effects that our parents have on our upbringings.
One other highlight of Doctor Sleep, is it’s willingness to push the boundaries, most notably when it comes to on screen violence. One scene in particular involving a young baseball player is sure to leave audiences a little queasy, while another scene involving a filing cabinet may remind viewers of another Stephen King classic in Gerald’s Game (also adapted by Flanagan).
Surely, Doctor Sleep won’t convince any Shining haters, but for diehard Stephen King fans, and fans of the abstract nightmare that is Stanley Kubrick’s original, Doctor Sleep is a worthy addition to the Overlook universe.
Eco-Friendly Clothing Delivered Straight to Your Door? We Have You Covered!
A new season means it’s time for a wardrobe refresh, but who has time to scroll through the endless options online? We have the ultimate solution: Frank And Oak’s monthly clothing subscription box! We teamed up with Frank And Oak, the Canadian-based environmentally conscious clothing company, and had Phoebe test out the subscription service in the video above, to give MsMojo viewers the low down on what to expect and who might benefit from a customized box of clothes delivered to their door!
Style Plan is a monthly subscription box full of clothing that’s personalized to you! All you have to do is fill out the Style Plan Quiz to tailor the box to your style and then sit back, relax and wait for your clothes to arrive!
Style Plan offers special member pricing, free shipping and free returns, you can customize your box before it ships and best of all, Frank And Oak clothing is eco-friendly (and so is the box)! Frank And Oak produce low impact, sustainable products, with recycled, organic and cruelty free materials and methods. Even their stores are built using minimal waste! Plus, look how cute the pieces are!
To get $25 off your first Style Plan box, click here:
“I Warned Myself” and “Teeth” Are On Repeat for YouTube Users Today
Less than 24 hours ago, Australian pop/punk rock band 5 Seconds of Summer and American singer/songwriter Charlie Puth launched music videos that are now at the top of the trending page on YouTube. Before we dive into the details of each new release, check out the videos below!
“Teeth” feature 5 Seconds of Summer members desperately trying to escape a lab experiment, while Charlie Puth lays back on a red carpet participating in a photoshoot in “I Warned Myself”.
Thank you for the most amazing release day ever. Everything feels amazing. Thanks for listening! Love reading your feedback. #TEETH ❤️
Charlie Puth is finally back with a new look, a new heartfelt single and an accompanying, and sufficiently emotional, music video. He sings about the toxic habit of going back to someone continuously even when you know “deep down that they aren’t any good for you”. Brendan Vaughan, director of the music video, films Puth in different situations with various love interests. The video ends with Puth standing on top of a red sports car as it speeds away into a desert. Hopefully this time he comes back quicker.
We saw 5 Seconds of Summer officially retire their lighthearted 2014 music videos and move towards something more mature and edgy, mixing their pop appeal with a punk/rock aesthetic, in “Youngblood” and “Easier” and it seems they’re at it again. The band’s single “Teeth” stays in-line with their recent use of vibrant filters, flashing lights and experimental visuals, but is accompanied by a dark and eerie plot, directed by Thibaut Duverneix. The video opens with the band in a lab and each member is given a gaseous sedative. They then start hallucinating and try to leave the lab experiment they find themselves trapped in. Don’t worry though, the video’s heaviness isn’t nearly strong enough to outweigh the ability to fangirl over the band.
Lead vocalist Luke Hemmings explains that “It was a tumultuous time in my life and the lyrics in the song definitely reflect that. It speaks lyrically about a trying time in my current relationship. Musically it’s another step forward from ‘Easier’ and really embraces industrial sounds and rhythms.”
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