The best gifts for music lovers — starting at $10

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Music lovers are notoriously difficult to buy for. The problem is that there are many different types of music lovers — from quality-audio fans lusting over purist playback through audiophile headphones or speakers, to vinyl collectors, to listeners just looking to stream tunes from a mobile device as conveniently as possible, it can be difficult to know exactly what gift will hit the right note with individuals. 

Rest assured that we’re all music fans on the Tom’s Guide team, and we’re here to help you make the best buying decisions we can. So if you’re struggling for gift ideas for the music fan in your life, you’ve come to the right place. 

In selecting gift ideas for our list below, we’ve scoured the market, our reviews and our own personal experiences to draw up a shortlist of the best audio products for all kinds of budgets. Quality audio doesn’t often come cheap, but we’re sure our picks below will inspire and help you make the perfect gift choices this holiday season.

About Our Expert
About Our Expert

Lee Dunkley

As a former editor of the U.K.’s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom’s Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

Music streaming

(Image credit: Apple Music)

Apple Music subscription

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Whether you’re buying for a music fan who listens at home, or someone who enjoys personal listening on-the-go via the best wireless headphones, a subscription to one of the best music streaming services is quite literally giving them the gift of music. With access to a library of literally 100 million songs at CD-quality or better for the highest quality music streams, Apple Music is the best value streaming service right now.

The Apple Music app is clean and intuitive to use via iOS mobile and macOS, and the music streaming service is being integrated into more third-party components including Sonos, Xbox (Series X, S and One), PS5, and Roku, as well as Android mobile users. The only slight downside is that hi-res output is not supported on Windows desktops.

The only way to gift a subscription to Apple Music is to purchase an Apple Gift Card (opens in new tab). Gift card givers can select any value from $10 up to $2,000, and cards can be personalized with your own gift message and either emailed or delivered by post. Of course, the value of the gift card can be redeemed on all Apple products from any of its stores. An Apple Music individual subscription costs $10.99 / month.

Earbuds

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Another great gift for music lovers favoring Apple’s ecosystem are the AirPods Pro 2, which are designed for iPhone owners looking for a more tailored listening experience. Launched in September at the same price as the original ($249), they can already be found discounted to $239 via some online retailers. They are the pinnacle of Apple technology and take performance to the next level.

Externally, the AirPods Pro 2 look pretty similar to the first generation but battery life has been increased to offer 6 hours on a single charge from the earbuds and a further 30 hours from the wireless charging case. Not only are the earbuds IPX4-rated, but now too is the case itself.

With features like personalized spatial audio sound to listen to some of the best Dolby Atmos sound in any pair of earbuds, and noise cancellation twice as effective as the original AirPods Pro, these are among the best we’ve yet to test, period.

(Image credit: Bose)

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

As the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are the ones to buy for the music lovers who desire the best possible noise cancelation for listening to music without interruption. These are a remarkable follow-up that delivers better sound, great call quality and unrivaled ANC. Proprietary technologies like ActiveSense and CustomTune balance sound and noise neutralization extremely well. 

Bose’s redesign also makes these buds less of an eyesore compared to the original, and only the high price and mediocre battery life count against them. CustomTune automatically calibrates ANC and the sound frequency profile to the unique properties of your ear and optimal performance that’s right for you. The MSRP may be pitched high at $299, but they can already be found discounted for less via online retailers.

Headphones

(Image credit: Sony)

Sony WH-1000XM5

The goal for the majority of music fans right now is to block out the hubbub of their surroundings and luxuriate listening to their favorite music without interruptions. As one of our favorite headphones of the year, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are a great value active noise canceling headphone option. 

The latest flagship headphones improve upon the already great WH-1000XM4 with better active noise cancellation, call quality, sound, comfort and connectivity. They have useful touch controls on the earcups, and playback time runs to 30 hours with ANC on (40 with it off), which is better than most.

Quality audio fans can bask in one of the best-sounding noise-canceling headphone experiences available with LDAC support for the highest-quality Bluetooth streams from compatible playback devices. The excellent Sony Headphones Control app works with both iOS and Android devices and provides useful customization, and the whole Sony XM5 package is one of the most eco-friendly headphone designs we’ve come across. 

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple AirPods Max

If you’re looking for one of the best gifts to give Apple iOS users, the AirPods Max noise-canceling headphones are the company’s only over-ear option. As Apple’s premium headphone design, the list price of $549 may feel a bit extravagant for a pair of headphones, but they can regularly be found discounted for considerably less. 

Apple has also loaded the AirPods Max with some rather advanced features, like Adaptive EQ and spatial audio. There’s only one level of active noise cancellation available, but it works like a charm and does a great job of blocking out ambient sounds, especially at the lower end of the frequency spectrum. They sound excellent, and the design standards and build quality are so high you can bet that any music lover receiving the AirPods Max as a gift will be very impressed indeed. 

The only downside is that they come with a smart case, which only offers basic protection. Alternative and more robust carry case options can be found in our best AirPods Max cases roundup. 

Bluetooth speakers

(Image credit: Anker)

Anker Soundcore 3 portable speaker 

A great stocking filler, the Anker Soundcore 3 is an amazing little Bluetooth speaker. It costs just over $50 in black, and is also available in blue, red and silver colors for $56. It’s one of the standout portable speakers of the year, and made the list as one of the best cheap Bluetooth speakers around. 

This tiny powerhouse delivers loud, well-balanced sound within an IPX7-rated design that can survive water and dust, while the robust rubberized outer case takes care of protection from everyday knocks. The speaker lasts up to a whopping 24 hours, and delivers powerful sound in any setting. It’s the perfect portable speaker for tossing into a bag on a road trip, and SharePlay allows multiple Soundcore speakers to be synced for an even bigger sound.

(Image credit: Sonos)

Sonos Roam smart speaker

As its most affordable speaker, the Sonos Roam is the perfect introduction to the company’s multiroom ecosystem. It comes in five color options and is one of the most versatile portable speakers around. It’s a connected smart speaker at home, and a powerful Bluetooth beast on the road. Battery lasts around 10 hours, and it juices up quickly via USB-C or wireless charging, its auto Trueplay feature adjusts the sound to suit your surroundings wherever you’re listening, even outdoors. 

When you return back from your latest excursion, say, the Sonos Roam should rejoin your larger Sonos system on its own. It also gives you the option to hand off your current soundtrack to the nearest Sonos speaker. Or you could stick to Roam, bringing your voice assistant and streaming services room-to-room, or as far as your Wi-Fi can reach.

Turntables and vinyl

(Image credit: Audio-Technica)

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB record player

As one of the best affordable all-round turntables, this Audio-Technica deck packs an awful lot in. It looks similar to Technics’ iconic SL-1200 turntable with a direct-drive motor for stable playback, stroboscope and pitch control, making it a great start for any budding DJ as well as vinylistas. A Swiss Army knife of a record player, it has an integrated switchable phono stage (making it easy to slot into systems of any kind), aptX Bluetooth wireless streaming (for uber-convenience) and USB output (for making digital copies of vinyl to a computer). 

Although we’ve not reviewed this particular model on Tom’s Guide, we’ve seen it in action and love the sound it makes. It extracts plenty of detail, has an easy-going way with rhythms and puts some nice emphasis on the midrange (vocalists in particular). It’s the best turntable pick if you want a little bit of everything.

(Image credit: Spin-clean)

Spin-Clean Record Washer MkII

If you’re looking for a great gift for someone who loves to buy music on vinyl but hates the pops and crackles that can often be heard when it’s playing, then the Spin-Clean Record Cleaner is a great choice to clean up their LPs. This manual record cleaner will spruce up any record collection and remove extraneous sounds caused by a combination of surface noise from dirt trapped in the record’s groove and static to deliver crackle-free results.

The Spin-Clean cleans both sides of the record at the same time as you rotate records through a pair of brushes in a reservoir of distilled water (not supplied) mixed with record care solution. As even new records can suffer from unpleasant clicks and crackles as they play, you could include an LP or two to make the music fan in your life feel even more special.

Portable DAC and Headphone amps

(Image credit: Chord Electronics)

Chord Electronics Mojo 2 headphone amp/DAC

If you’re shopping for a music lover that likes to listen on wired headphones, Chord’s Mojo 2 battery-powered headphone amp/DAC is the perfect gift. Aimed at anyone who cares about getting the best sound possible audio quality from their playback device and headphones while on the move, Chord’s Mojo 2 is even better than the original and makes the most of hi-res audio streams as well as improving the sound of compressed music streams, too.

Although we haven’t yet given the DAC a full Tom’s Guide review, we’ve spent some time with it on our travels to and from the office, and is one best iPhone audio upgrades we’ve tried. It delivers a three-dimensional soundstage and far more realism than anything we’ve heard using the same pair of headphones connected wirelessly, the Mojo 2 simply lets whatever music you’re listening to sing.  

Soundbars and subwoofers

(Image credit: Devialet)

Devialet Dione soundbar

If you’re wanting to splash out on the ultimate soundbar for your TV viewing this holiday season, then it doesn’t get much more high-end than the Devialet Dione. Properly expensive and strikingly stylish, it’s a full-on 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos affair, designed to deliver a surround-sound experience from a single unit.

We loved the way it handled full-on, action-packed Dolby Atmos soundtracks, and gave a dynamic, expansive and nuanced listen. For a soundbar that goes without the low-frequency reinforcement of a partnering subwoofer, the amount of bass it’s able to produce really is quite remarkable, and width and height soundstage elements are deeply effective. If you have deep pockets and are looking to gift big this holiday season, the Devialet Dione is top of the list in our best soundbars, and the most elegant Dolby Atmos soundbar solution on the market right now. 

(Image credit: Sonos)

Sonos Sub Mini subwoofer

Adding a subwoofer to a home audio setup is one of the most rewarding audio upgrades we can think of, and the Sub Mini is the perfect Sonos add-on. It has a smaller design form to complement and integrate with Sonos One, Ray soundbar, or Beam soundbar speakers, and is a great choice if you’re looking to make a big impression.

As part of Sonos’ reliably stable ecosystem, the Sonos Sun Mini is remarkably straightforward to integrate with other Sonos networked speakers, and achieves a satisfying boost to music listening with a full range of frequencies that everyone will be able appreciate. Movie fans will love the bass depth and boost it brings to TV sound, too.

Music system

(Image credit: Q Acoustics)

Q Acoustics M20 wireless music system

The Q Acoustics M20 is a wireless music system in a pair of powered bookshelf speakers with great sound. Available in black, white, or wood wrap finishes, the M20 is essentially one powered speaker partnered with a passive speaker that can be placed either side of the TV, a desktop computer, on speaker stands, or on a table top. It supports Bluetooth with aptX HD for wireless streaming (there’s no Wi-Fi), and there’s a digital optical input and USB port for wired digital connections. It does have a pair of analog RCA inputs for adding a music streamer or CD player, too. 

We haven’t reviewed this active speaker system at Tom’s Guide, but we’ve had plenty of experience with it at home. The system has room-filling capabilities that belie the dimensions of the compact stereo speakers. You don’t get format handling for the likes of Dolby Atmos soundtracks, but you do get great stereo TV sound and music playback performance that will satisfy audio fans who want to fill the room with their favorite tunes.



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Classical music matters at Duke

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At some point in our life, many of us have been fascinated by the beautiful storytelling in Taylor Swift’s new albums or felt connected to the flashy, upbeat music by BTS blasting from the radio. Today’s singers and songwriters take advantage of modern music technology to capture and convey their sentiments. Every component—the lyrics, the beats, the dynamics and even the music videos—contributes to the essence of that song.

However, we might be unlikely to find a place for a piece like Brahms Symphony No.3 on Spotify’s curated playlist of Today’s Top Hits. 

I’ve tried to keep my ears open when listening to different genres of music for distinctive parameters and forms of musical expression. Just like we are concerned with the standard of living, we might also want to be concerned with the standard of listening. The public’s appreciation for classical music should not be deteriorating. 

Admittedly, I know few who doubt the ability of art—and, in particular, classical music—to influence a moment or even an era. Even though classical music cannot typically be found in the Billboard Top 100, it introduces a unique discussion of historical contexts, proving how its independence from today’s music technology does not detract from its worth. And there’s so much more than that—it offers the emotional, harmonic and rhythmic range that no other music can match, from the sacredness of Bach to the sarcasm of Mahler. It is simply a treasure that deserves support.

Earlier last month, the North Carolina Symphony performed Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony in multiple locations in Raleigh and Cary. This piece was the revolutionary capstone. The underlying melody upon which Beethoven wove his elaborate tapestry of ideas was always discernible underneath the surface. Just listen to it! You can really feel the composer’s manifestation of the Enlightenment spirit, prizing free thought within rational limits. We see an artist’s political pursuit of an ideal society and their assertion of freedom. 

Beethoven’s symphonies are often associated with liberty. During the French Revolution, the third symphony was dedicated to a heroic leader. During the Second World War, the opening notes of the fifth were linked to the short-short-short-long morse code for “V” (as in victory). In 1989, Leonard Bernstein conducted the ninth near the fallen Berlin Wall. Listening to a great work like this allows us to understand the full picture of history instead of the one-dimensional view through historical texts. 

Next month, there is the Duke Symphony Orchestra performing Brahms Symphony No. 3. Being consistent with the satisfaction he finds in multiple pure Platonic pursuits in his life, Brahms has always pursued the essence of music from Beethoven’s pure instrumentality. It’s in stark contrast to his contemporary Wagner, whose music dramas are composed of elements in Shakespeare’s plays, Schopenhauer’s philosophy and Hitler’s ideology.

There are also many opportunities to listen to organ pieces and chamber music at Duke. As a part of Professor Harry Davidson’s music seminar class (Composers of Influence), we are lucky enough to hear the university organist, Dr. Robert Parkins, play a couple of pieces. Some people think the pipe organ is suitable only for playing hymns or “old” music, but in fact, the repertoire spans most music genres—from capricious Bach fugues to Max Reger’s historicist modernism to jazz-inspired pieces. You will be surprised by the HUGE variety of sounds the pipe organ is able to produce! 

Danish String Quartet, which has been widely recognized as one of the world’s greatest quartets, also came to town on the weekend of November 5. It was a full house in Baldwin Auditorium for this astonishing group—and certainly one of the most beautiful live performances of the Mozart quartet in E-flat Major I’ve ever heard! 

The only problem is that over eighty percent of the audience were older people instead of Duke students.

If we continue to receive stereotypical codes of music that are depleted of their richest treasures, we will lose out. I’m not saying everyone has to become a classical music enthusiast. But still, I encourage you to check out Duke Performances, come to Baldwin Auditorium and Duke Chapel and make good use of your student discount (only $10 to listen to guest performers). 

Even though classical music, to some extent, seems to be dying publicly in the modern world, it still pulsates with life and remains capable of changing lives. We shouldn’t be embarrassed to embrace this belief. The way we listen is a reflection of the way we live, regardless of the size of its audience or whether it has a prime-time awards show. With our ears and imagination, classical music gives us the tremendous capacity to understand human conditions’ strengths and limitations.

Sophie Ju is a Trinity first-year. Her column typically runs on alternating Mondays.





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T.I.’s Son Messiah Shocks Fans With Country Music Debut  – HotNewHipHop

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The Harris family is chock full of talent. While T.I. and Tiny are known for their professional rapping and singing skills, they aren’t the only ones in the family with musical skills. The duo’s 26-year old daughter, Zonnique, followed in her mom’s footsteps as a songstress, while 21-year old Domani took the rap route like his dad. 

What fans didn’t see coming was Tip’s eldest son, Messiah, embarking on his own journey as a country music star. A video of the 22-year old making his debut performance as an artist at at Vinyl in Center Stage Atlanta made its rounds online.

Domani Harris, Zonnique Pullins, Deyjah Harris, Messiah Harris, T.I., Tameka “Tiny” Harris, King Harris and Major Harris attend T.I. & Tameka “Tiny” Harris Private Baby Shower on March 6, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia

Performing under his stage name of Buddy Red, Messiah wowed the crowd with his Blues inspired record while playing the electric guitar. Messiah took to Instagram to share a clip of himself performing his record, “When I Dream,” sharing, “Can you tell it’s my first live performance? You all made it feel so good being up there, I appreciate it very much. The song I’m playing is out right now: ‘When I Dream’-Buddy Red.”

Tiny also took to Instagram to congratulate the Family Hustle star or his first gig, writing, “Had an amazing time watching our son do his thang at his very first show! I love how he got so interested in the guitar that he taught himself how to play; now that’s talent!”

While Messiah, Domani and Zonnique have put their talents to work, the family’s second to youngest son, King Harris, has been receiving a  different kind of attention. Earlier this year, the 18-year old made headlines following an altercation with a Waffle House employee. Months later, he was arrested for unknown reasons, but posted bail shortly after. Tip publicly addressed King’s antics, admitting that his son could end up in prison if he continues on his reckless path. 

Stream When I Dream by Buddy Red, available on all streaming platforms. 



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Taimane and her quartet show Bing Concert Hall the versatility of the ukulele

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When Taimane and her quartet took the stage at Bing Concert Hall, she spoke only one word before she started to play.

“Hello.”

Born of Polynesian descent and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Taimane is an up-and-coming ukulele player and singer who performed at Bing Concert Hall last Friday, in a concert originally scheduled for February 2021. She studied with renowned Hawaiian pop musician Don Ho since she was 13 years old, and performed at his weekly shows in Waikiki. In an interview with The Daily, she credited this as the source of her “​​first opportunity in the music industry in Honolulu, while also helping [her] develop as an artist.”

Two decades later, Taimane’s Tiny Desk Concert with NPR has racked up 1.3 million views. She described her work to The Daily as “cinematic flamenco with a touch of metal on ukulele.” Indeed, Taimane transcends the expectations of ukulele performance by combining the sweetness of the traditional sound with the intensity of the genre she plays. Her dancing, strumming and plucking strings faster than the speed of light, as well as the unconventional but overall stunningly complementary quartet — completed by Ramiro Marziani Guidone (guitar), Stefie Dominguez (percussion) and Melissa Folzenlogen (violin) — stole my attention for the night.

Norm Munoz dances along to the infectious sound of Taimane and her quartet. According to the singer, it was important to represent Hawaii through an audiovisual experience. (Courtesy of Vanessa Onuoha and Stanford Live)

In an interview, Taimane had revealed that the song she was most excited to perform was “E ala E,” a Hawaiian sunrise chant to which she added chords. She described it as a “very spiritual sound.” The performance included dancer Norm Munoz so that “the audience at Stanford will hear and see Hawaii” — an immersion that can only be described as successful. The song was played in a medley with her original “Jupiter,” which blended dance, vocals, percussion and strings into an intense cacophony that left my heart pounding with every beat. 

I have always admired string players who are quick and precise, showcasing mastery of the instrument by producing beautiful yet complicated sounds. Taimane’s medley of “The Phantom of the Opera” and Bizet’s “Habanera” from “Carmen” proved that and more. Her excited dancing and hopping around the stage during faster bits of the medley — all while also playing the ukulele — made it obvious that she loved what she was performing. The part of the medley that particularly stood out was the transition between “Habanera” and “Phantom,” which slowed down the tempo in a seamless way and added incredible vocals.

This review would not be complete without a quick shoutout to Taimane’s dress, which enhanced her presence on the stage. It was a silver gown that glittered when the lighting hit it just right. She pointed it out during one segment of the concert, earning applause from the audience. Although she said that it was difficult to move around in, it didn’t stop her from doing just that for the entire performance. 

Taimane and her fellow musicians perform on stage at Bing Concert Hall. The ensemble played string and percussion instruments. (Courtesy of Vanessa Onuoha and Stanford Live)

The performance of “Boda Boda Sunset” was also a change in pace in the show. Contrasting the previous rock covers and fast strumming, Taimane slowed it down with this original composition. Before playing, she explained that her artistic process involved “writing to images.” This song in particular was formed by imagining a vacation in Tahiti. The repetition of the lyric “lazy days” captured the essence of this soothing track. 

The last song was a wave of nostalgia from a movie that featured surfing — it was a cover of “Surf Medley” by Junior Brown. Taimane recalled performing the song in Waikiki in front of the Pacific Beach hotel. Overall, it wrapped up the show quite nicely. Members of the quartet took turns delivering impassioned solos, ensuring the audience would remember the magic Taimane and her ensemble created that night.



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K-pop TFN all set to charm Pinoy fans on their first Manila visit – Manila Bulletin

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TFN

Brace yourself for TFN, the breakthrough Oppas in town!

For the first time since their debut in 2021, TFN (formerly known as T1419) which means “Try For New,”
is finally holding its first-ever tour in Manila! In two weeks, Filipino fans will get to know and even meet
the eight members of the group which has been known in Korea for their experimental music and
exceptional stages and performances.

With the goal of shaking the standardized idol industry through their unique takes, passion for growth,
and constant evolution, the all-male group consists of five Korean and four Japanese members.

To say that TFN, which is composed of Zero, On, Gunwoo, Kairi, Noa, Sian, Kevin, Leo, and their maknae,
Kio hasn’t arrived in the country prepared would be a huge understatement. As their Filo supporters
have already been treated with different kinds of music through their three single albums namely
“Before Sunrise Part. 1”, “Before Sunrise Part. 2” and “Before Sunrise Part. 3,” as well as, their four
digital singles namely “Row” (pre-debut) (2020), “Red Light, Green Light” (2021), “Edelweiss” (2022), and “Run Up (Korean Ver.)” (2022).

The all-male group under Korean entertainment agency, MLD Entertainment, which brought Momoland
and Lapillus into the spotlight, is going full throttle in getting their own brand of music through several
local engagements and activities. They are heading towards completing several exclusive multi-platform
interviews, feature photo shoots, TV, radio, and digital appearances on top media agencies, creative
vlog collaborations, and live performances.

Aside from a wide array of music, TFN also prides itself on having a fan base in different portions of the
world. The group has become the first Korean artist to be invited to the Monitor Music Awards 2021
proving their hold in the Latin American region. While just last January, the group solidified their fanbase
in Japan with the launch of their first mini album, “Our Teen: Blue Side.” Then, just last July TFN
surprised their fans anew with their first Spanish digital single “When The Sun Goes Down.”

Indeed, 2022 is proving to be very exciting and filled with firsts for TFN, especially with their fully-
packed schedule during their Manila Visit! Going under this category is the upcoming back-to-back mall
tour with their sister group Lapillus. Catch the two groups and their fiery performances and surprises
this Nov. 12 in Trinoma and Nov. 13 in Glorietta.

Follow TFN’s official social media accounts to get exclusive updates about their latest happenings and
engagements in the country.

 

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B.Miles embraces change on “One Track Pony” – Aipate

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Her first single in two years, New York singer-songwriter B.Miles‘ “One Track Pony” was long overdue. But artists also have personal issues to deal with.

In fact, “One Trick Pony” candidly delves into those low moments when she felt engulfed by a feeling disillusionment. It all had to do with the apparent difficulty in replicating earlier music success.

But she’s learnt to confront such thoughts and embrace change. “I’m working to shed a past version of myself and figure out what truly makes me happy,” B.Miles says.

Musically, this indie-pop track feels warm. The artist’s velvety vocals lay smoothly atop the melody-filled instrumentation. “One Track Pony” is magnificent in deed.

Follow B.Miles on Instagram.





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Fireberg: “There has been deep attention to detail throughout the process, not just with the music”

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Dan Berg, aka Fireberg, is a Brooklyn-based experimental/electronic music producer who combines sound art, synthesis, and sampling to create untraditional grooves and beats. Now, celebrating the launch of his own Mishbaka label, Fireberg returns to the scene with ‘Call of the Phoenix’, his latest EP and first release on the imprint. Featuring three tracks touching on transformation and renewal, each track is reincarnated or remixed into new evolutions.

EG caught up with Fireberg to learn more about the release of ‘Call of the Phoenix’, his newly launched Mishbaka imprint, views on the state of the scene, and more.

EG: Hi Dan! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us, as always. Where are you based right now?

Fireberg: Hi EG! Thanks for having me. And thanks for your continued work in telling artists’ stories! I’m based out of Brooklyn, New York.

EG: Thank you! By the way, congratulations on the release of ‘Call Of The Phoenix’! What has the initial reception been like?

Fireberg: Thank you. Yeah, it has been quite a process and I’m so glad the record is finally out. The reception has been good. I’m not much of an analytics guy, but there have been buckets of handclap and fire emojis, so I guess that means it’s liked :), kidding slightly on that, but I do wonder sometimes what to use as a metric to answer that very question. Sales and streaming numbers are nice, but they’re so fleeting and impersonal. I will say, the DJ and radio support has been exciting on this release, and there’s been a few seemingly diehard fans coming out of the woodwork, which is comforting and motivational.

EG: So, what can your fans expect to find on ‘Call Of The Phoenix’? Is there a conceptual or emotional trigger to it?

Fireberg: The album is an exploration of concepts around rebirth and renewal. The phoenix is an ancient mythical symbol depicted as a bird who continually regenerates, burning to ash and then emerging from those ashes, as a new being. As I’ve explored psychedelics and other healing modalities quite deeply over the past few years, this concept resonates deeper and deeper with me. In one way, it’s quite obvious to describe this process as it’s something that shows up everywhere, from the flowers to the moon, to our cells, and the very essence of life and death. But, on another level, we’re taught or “sold” other models all the time that suggest something else. For instance, the apocalyptic or entropy model in which life is kind of just a descent into chaos and disorder. Or, we often can get stuck viewing our life as one singular climb up a mountain, and then we judge whether we’ve reached the top, or whether we’re climbing fast enough. Focusing on the less personal, cyclical, process-oriented paradigm is what I’m both sharing as a practice of my own and suggesting or inviting for the listener. This can be achieved in many ways with the music: through dance, contemplation, somatic experiencing, or social connection.

EG: The EP comes with a remix by Prince Of Queens as well. What do you look for when listening back to a remix of a track of yours for the first time?

Fireberg: My first layer of assessment is whether this track will appeal to a new crowd or region with complimentary tastes to my own fan base. And that process starts with the remix artist selection. I want to know that those I’m working with have a unique identity and set of drivers with their brand and that, ideally, there’s a message or focused intention with their work. Then, after that, I listen to the track in the same critical way I would assess my own ideas or creations. “Does the music take me on a journey? Does it transport me to a new space? Is there a sense that there’s a human emotion or some sense of passion being delivered that came from the artist’s heart?”

Felipe, aka Prince of Queens, floored me when he sent back his remix. It did exactly what I was hoping, diving deeper into the Latin elements of the track while also moving into a more psychedelic, dub space, and somehow also heightening the energy. It’s been great getting to know Felipe during this process, seeing how he works, and learning his philosophy around music. I’m really excited to have him as one of the first artists featured on the label and I’m eager to hear where he goes with his sound.

“The phoenix is an ancient mythical symbol depicted as a bird who continually regenerates, burning to ash and then emerging from those ashes, as a new being. As I’ve explored psychedelics and other healing modalities quite deeply over the past few years, this concept resonates deeper and deeper with me”

EG: As you just said, ‘Call Of The Phoenix’ is out via your own Mishbaka imprint. Can you anticipate anything on that front?

Fireberg: Mishbaka is just a newborn child! This is the first release on the label and we’ve learned so much, already, about the industry and how we wanna show up as a brand. There has been deep attention to detail throughout the process, not just with the music, but also with the packaging, the artwork, and promotional content. Authenticity is really important to me, so I want to continue to explore my intentions with the imprint and what kind of experience and community I’d like to create. I still have a few other collaborations and Fireberg releases in the pipeline and there’s more I want to learn about the business side of things before I dive too deeply into expanding the artist roster, but all in due time…

EG: Let’s dive into your origins. How and when did you come across electronic dance music? Was there a record or show that pushed you down the rabbit hole?

Fireberg: There were a couple of records that I had on rotation in high school that were in the electronic realm. Some titles I remember were: The Prodigy’s ‘The Fat of the Land’, a compilation called ‘Verve: Remixed 3’, ‘Buddha Bar’, and Moby definitely had an impact as well. I didn’t even know that these were “electronic”, so to speak. I wasn’t going to raves, growing up. Mostly I was listening to hip-hop, classic rock, and Motown or soul. I’m still kind of that way. Even now, I’d more likely listen to Billie Eilish or an indie artist like Benny Sings, or perhaps some ambient or ceremonial sounds, than whatever’s hot and new in the EDM world. The interest in electronic music really comes directly from the machines and the studio process. And then, once I moved to New York, I started experiencing the underground club scene and appreciating that then-counterculture expression. Recently, I’ve been taking an interest in drum & bass, so I hope to incorporate that more when I get some time in the studio next.

EG: How do you usually keep entertained when not in the studio? Where does your inspiration come from? Any new books, movies, or series you’d recommend?

Fireberg: I currently have a deep interest in philosophy, psychology, and spirituality. I like reading about these subjects and I have recently been exploring concepts around Judaism and Kaballah, which has always been a more watered-down interest in the past. I like going to the Kava bar these days since alcohol and other substances have become a little less appealing over the past few years. I like getting out into nature or taking a swim when the weather is nice.

One movie I watched recently that really inspired me was a documentary called ‘A Trip to Infinity’, all about infinity and its many forms and functions. It was super inspiring and the animation in it is incredible!

EG: What are your thoughts on the current state of the scene? What would you like to see more and less of?

Fireberg: Honestly, I often have this fear—or perhaps, a founded observation—that the DJs are kind of taking over the music industry. I can’t tell you how many music venues have disappeared in NYC, and it’s only the clubs that survive. There are still, of course, the large, corporate venues, but the medium- or small-size, intimate venues don’t seem to be able to make it. I blame the DJs 🙂 My theory is, much like the trap that many men fall into with pornography, the standards can become very distorted once you get used to something being falsely polished and stripped of human qualities like vulnerability and imperfections. If people continually hear mastered music coming out of the PA speakers—tracks that have been perfected over many months or years in the studio—when they hear the raw musical performance, it doesn’t satisfy the same need. Social media often has the same effect, where people continually reinforce a polished side of themselves and as a user, you tend to forget that and start accepting it as reality.

Clubs are also at fault, though I totally understand their motivation—it’s way cheaper to pay a single DJ and have just a set of CDJs than to hire a live sound engineer, buy and maintain a backline, and deal with the less predictable crowds that come with musicians as opposed to the “partygoers.” So I’d like to see more risk-taking in performances and, perhaps I’m biased, but more instrumentalism. I have my own work to do around that, so no judgment, I totally understand the need to maintain the status quo and conform.

Resentments aside, though, I also truly appreciate the art of DJing and the inherent musicality in that craft. I can see the importance of DJs as curators and as a crucial tentacle of the distribution process. I just think there could be a little more balance in how our channels highlight these different roles. And hats off to artists like Nils Frahm, Bonobo, or LCD Soundsystem, who are keeping the flame of instrumentalism alive.

“My theory is, much like the trap that many men fall into with pornography, the standards can become very distorted once you get used to something being falsely polished and stripped of human qualities like vulnerability and imperfections”

EG: What’s next for Fireberg? What particular milestones are you looking forwards to now?

Fireberg: What’s next is I’ll take some time in retreat to re-assess how I’d like to be impactful and be of service. There was a good degree of burnout that happened over the course of this campaign and with the label launch. I’m excited that a lot of things are set up now and that I can expand off of what we’ve built, but I’m interested in figuring out how I can re-focus on fostering the creative spark and also exploring ways to have an authentic connection, either socially or through music. I’d like to continue to develop the team for the next set of releases as well. I don’t understand these people that are able to do everything themselves…

I’m developing my live rig and workflow which, as much as I had wanted to bang that out simultaneously with the production and label tasks, just didn’t seem possible. I’m hoping to start a regular live stream from my studio with invited guests and perhaps some interviews, as well. It might be either a Twitch thing or maybe a podcast too. Beyond that, I want to make another ambient album and perhaps record some music for meditation or other ceremonial functions. I have another full-length album that I hope to complete in the next year that is much more songwriting-inspired, with my own vocals as well as some featured artists. Lots to do… but again, my main priority is developing strategies and processes for maintaining balance and a slow pace so that I don’t burn out and can apply my full potential to what I’m doing.

EG: Thank you so much for your time, Dan! We wish you all the best for the future.

Fireberg: Thanks EG. I appreciate this opportunity to share! Keep up the good work 🙂

Fireberg’s ‘Call Of The Phoenix’ is out now via Mishbaka. Purchase your copy here.

Follow Fireberg: Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram | Spotify 





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Dallas Symphony composer-in-residence Angélica Negrón creates music on unconventional instruments: houseplants

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Curious how a plant would sound if you could play it like an instrument?

Find out on Tuesday when the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s composer-in-residence, Angélica Negrón, shares an installation harnessing the secret sounds of houseplants.

In conjunction with the Women in Classical Music Symposium, the Meyerson’s lobby will host a chamber concert curated by Negrón, featuring performances by Negrón and DSO musicians. The showcase includes an exciting and diverse collection of work by seven leading contemporary female composers, including—but not limited to—Pulitzer Prize winner Tania León, the iconic Julia Wolfe and Negrón herself.

In addition to her live ensemble work, “Espacios, objetos, sonidos y tiempo (2020)” for flute, percussion, piano, cello and electronics, Negrón will share an installation of her plant music. Past pieces like “Sembrar,” use houseplants to reconnect with the sounds and memories of growing up in Puerto Rico. Hooked up to biofeedback sensors, the plants’ leaves and stems produce frequencies when touched. Those tonal shifts run through a special synthesizer and pair with field recordings of birds, wind and other electronic reminders of the lush, breezy island where she grew up. The result is a composition unlike any other, where Negrón’s natural world is brought to life, creating its own symphony.

The composer will also join Arts Access reporter Elizabeth Myong at the Symposium on Tuesday afternoon for a free discussion called “The Burden of Breaking Through: Power Structures and Paths to Progress.” Vocalist Karen Goforth and conductor Sarah Ioannides will also participate.

DETAILS

  • Join Angélica Negrón and DSO musicians for a performance in the lobby of the Meyerson (2301 Flora St.) on Tuesday, November 8, from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30. Visit Dallassymphony.org.
  • “The Burden of Breaking Through: Power Structures and Paths to Progress” takes place from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Attendance is free and open to the public. Click here to register.





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Arkansas country music star will be present at World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Parade

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The first ever 20th annual world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade announced Monday the grand marshal is an Arkansas country music star.

County music superstar, Jason Moore will be the celebrity grand marshal at the parade on Bridge Street, downtown Hot Springs.

“All of us here in Hot Springs consider Justin almost a hometown boy since his hometown of Poyen is only a couple of miles down the road on Highway 270,” said Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison in announcing Moore’s selection. “He’ll be a great grand marshal as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our huge little parade and while he won’t be performing as part of the celebration, he will be having a great time meeting some of his biggest fans who have come to see him in the parade.”

Moore will be joining actor Chris McDonald who played Shooter McGavin in the iconic movie “Happy Gilmore” and McDonald will fire the starter’s pistol as the official start of the parade.

WORLD’S SHORTEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE TO WELCOME A ‘HAPPY GILMORE’ GUEST NEXT YEAR

The parade has brought forth international attention to Hot Springs since its establishment in 2003.

Moore has built a loyal following over the past decade with his traditional country sound and captivating live shows.

His current single, “With a Woman You Love” has him climbing the country radio charts.

The emotional tune follows in the footsteps of his 10th number-one hit, “We Didn’t Have Much” which is featured on his eight-track collection of tunes, ‘Straight Outta The Country.‘

The Arkansas native’s fanbase helped boost his fifth studio album, ‘Late Nights and Longnecks,’ to the top of the charts.

Lead track “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” and follow-up “Why We Drink,” both hit number one on both Mediabase and Billboard.

His previous project ‘Kinda Don’t Care’, earned him his third consecutive number-one album debut and features his chart-topping singles “You Look Like I Need a Drink” and “Somebody Else Will.”

It served as a follow-up to his second No. 1 album release, the gold-certified Off The Beaten Path.

During his 10-plus-year career, Moore’s No. 1 hits have also included “Point at You,” “Lettin’ the Night Roll” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Small Town USA” and “Till My Last Day” as well as seven Top 10 hits and platinum-certified albums Justin Moore and Outlaws Like Me.

Moore has been busy hosting his Justin Moore Podcast with tour manager JR and interviewing guests such as Matthew McConaughey, Tracy Lawrence, Jon Pardi, Brantley Gilbert, Diamond Dallas Page, and Marty Smith.

He has recently taken on a new role as co-host on 103.7 The Buzz’s morning drive-time sports talk show, Morning Mayhem.

“The 20th-anniversary edition of the parade will be pretty special,” said Arrison. “We’ll want the crowd to enjoy Hot Springs in celebrating our city’s equivalent of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Hard to believe it was 20 years ago when a bunch of us were sharing a beer at Spencer’s Corner and wondering how to take advantage of the fact that Bridge Street — right outside the door — is recognized as the shortest street in the world in everyday use. It dawned on me that we could have a 98-foot parade and bill it as the world’s shortest. That was 20 years ago, and for years now our wacky little parade has brought international attention to Hot Springs as a really great place to have a good time.”

The parade annually attracts crowds of upwards of 30,000 people to watch Irish Elvis impersonators, marching units, floats, dancers, and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders as well as other unique units throughout the 98- foot length parade.

For more information reach out to Steve Arrison at (501) 321-2027.



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Meet Five Renowned Artists Of The Music Industry Signed By E…

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(MENAFN- GetNews)

The company is known for signing famous music artists and songwriters to a worldwide publishing agreement.

Eastar Music Global was established with the goal of signing top-of-the-line and distinguished artists in the music industry. The company has recently announced the hiring of five esteemed and breakthrough singer-songwriters, including Siul, Deathblur, Saidner, RaulD Yave, and Aquiles.

The artists have a phenomenal track record of producing unique and engaging music content using cutting-edge instruments and the latest music techniques. Since the incredible release of Siul’s critically acclaimed 2021 single Vete Sin Chancletas with Deathblur, his career has skyrocketed, enabling him to gain a solid fan following and reputation in the industry.

In addition to garnering the attention of several prestigious music industry professionals, his composition and music have achieved more than thousands of global streams and received praise from leading publications such as Rolling Stone, NME, GQ, The Sunday Times, The Independent, Clash, Wonderland, The Evening Standard, etc.

Eastar Music Global President, Co-Managing Director, and SVP International Angel Suarez quotes,“Not only is Siul music out of this world, but his energy and passion for songwriting is undeniable. He is the best of all and is fluent in Spanish, which is a cherry on top. He is, without a doubt, an icon for the new generation of artists and fans.

The latest single released by Suil is ‘No EresNada (Galactic Mix)’, which has become a massive hit while breaking records and making a global debut on BBC Radio 1. Following his hit song ‘Vete sin chanceltas’, featured in the acclaimed Amazon Prime documentary Personal Beliefs and reached roughly 1 million streams, this is another track well worth listening to. The undeniable creativity and passion he brings to music have enabled him to be featured as Spotify’s Equal Artist Of The Month.

Siul shared,“I’m so excited to be working with Eastar and with a team that truly understands who I am as a person and artist. I know we are going to do amazing things together!”

The other highly competent artists, including Saidner, are aiming for thousands of streams for his new single by December 2022, and Raul D Yave is already making waves in New York clubs with a Spanish rock single. The single will be released worldwide by November 2022. However, A.L. Aquiles’ new EP has already been released and is receiving significant attention.

New Singles by Eastar Music Global









For more information, click on the website,



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