To Izzy

One of the bands that we follow, His Mighty Robot, had just sent out an email with some sad news. Their former guitarist Izzy has been fighting brain cancer, and just recently lost that fight.

This is the email lead singer Soda sent out to all HMR family, friends and fans.


Well...

This past Wednesday I got the sad news that my friend and former bandmate Izzy had finally lost his long battle with brain cancer. Although this wasn't a shock the news was still very sad...Izzy was with me when I first started HMR back in 2003 and he played our very first show with me. We connected right away, he was a great guitar player and a very fast learner...and it's very sad that another very talented young man who was involved with HMR has been taken long before his time.

At Izzy's service this past Friday I had asked his family if I could honor him on our sites and send out an email in tribute to his memory and they were happy to know that I wanted to do this...and I know that some of you have been on this list since day one and were probably at that very first HMR show. And as always, this band has shared every intimate detail with everyone who has ever cared...

Izzy was one of the most harmless people I had ever met in my life. He loved music and toys and always seemed to be in a good mood. I had last seen him in March/April and if you didn't know that he was terminally ill...you'd have thought that he was a happy, healthy, well adjusted guy.

So...to my friend Izzy. I will miss you, and my heart goes out to your family and all of your friends.

Izzy will be honored on all of our websites as well. So stop by and send him some love long distance.

Yours.....always...
-soda.


RIP Izzy. You will be greatly missed.
Stop by these sites to send regards like Soda said, or leave a comment here.
http://www.myspace.com/hismightyrobot
http://www.hismightyrobot.tv

Taking Concert Photography

Part of enjoying music is watching music. So for us, going to shows is a regular thing. We've written articles on the shows we've been to, all indie bands that have played locally at some club or bar. Over the course of these shows, we've been taking pictures of the bands, slowly learning how to take great pictures at these types of venues.

First off, you don't need a sick nasty SLR. I had been using a Canon Powershot SD1100, a point and click for most people. If you understand the connection between aperture, ISO, and shutter speed, you'll take awesome pictures. I'll talk more about these cameras in a minute though.

Don't be shy. Step up to the stage, make your way up there through the crowd. If you can get right next to the talent, you will have great angles and you'll be able to play with light a little more. Take a few pictures with flash on, you'll be able to capture a lot of expression and movement. Just keep in mind, if you want to capture more atmosphere in your photos, flash will kill all the lights in the room.

So take pictures with your flash off. If you are using a SLR with an extended flash on it, turn it away from the stage. This is where your ISOs and aperture matter the most. If you can capture pictures when the light is right, you can keep things pretty normal, ISO 400-800, with only a little extra exposure.

You will need to play with it. Practice at home in low lit areas and just take pictures on different settings. Just remember the exposure triangle.

If you don't have any equipment and you are interested in shopping around, I suggest these four cameras to start with looking. They are all under $600, just take a look at the used prices. These are all excellent cameras.

22 And Beyond!

We had a grand time this week after being away for Downtown Sounds the week before. Lots of old favorites and brand new music in this weeks show, check out the shortest Moment of Zen ever! It will really put you in that mindset to being productive.

STREAM/DOWNLOAD <------------here

Playlist:

Elmoncho the Man From - Living in the Sun
Millionaires - Martinis and Mixed Feelings
Between the Doors - Self
Dlugokecki - Too Many Borders
Roster McCabe - Spark a Light
The Pink Spiders - Seventeen Candles
The Dresden Dolls - Coin Operated Boy

Passenger Action - Night Frisbee (Moment of Zen LISTEN)

MAE - Just Let Go
Alserene - Stay With Me
XELA - Devils and Demons
Code Anchor - Lonely Savior
The Jakes - Cough Syrup
United by Unicorns - Dear November
Dancing After Hours - Dancing After Hours

Tons of new music just came in, tune in with us next Friday and lets rock out!