Me reliving my favorite movie music moment…

If you’re like me I need music on for everything. You know, just in case… You never know when you’re going to have that dramatic cinematic moment during the course of your day, where, whether planned or unplanned, you’re going to do something absolutely breathtaking. And, when that moment arrives, you want the perfect song playing in the background that makes the scene that much more unforgettable.

We’ve all seen those moments on film. Those moments that make you feel invincible like in the opening sequence in Rocky III where Rocky is winning match after match accompanied by Survivor’s “Eye Of The Tiger”. No inbox, meeting or workout is any match for you when you have that song playing in the background. Look out world! I have a tiger inside and you can tell by the look in my eye. Oh and no printer is a match for you, (Cough) Rich, when you are listening to “Still” by the Ghetto Boys like in the death to printer scene in Office Space.

And c’mon I’m pretty sure we’ve all thrown on some “Old Time Rock And Roll” by Bob Seger and danced around in our underpants while we have the house to ourselves like Tom Cruise does in Risky Business. No, just me and Tom Cruise, huh… I really doubt that.  Oh And I cant forget one of my favorite “I’m about to do something crazy” moments in film, like the moment in Goodfellas where Robert De Niro decides to whack everybody in order to keep all the money to himself and Cream’s “Sunshine Of Your Love” plays in the background. Now now, I’m not condoning it, but that’s a perfect song to get that crazy look to don’t you think?

My favorite movie music moments though are those that send chills up and down your body as if you’re actually living through what’s happening in the scene. Those moments that truly inspire you and make you feel. Like the end seen in Breakfast Club where Simple Mind’s “Don’t You (Forget about Me)” plays in the background. Or the “I’m a fool in love and I’m going to get you back girl” moments like in Cruel Intentions when Ryan Phillippe’s character rushes to Penn Station to make sure he stops her from leaving, as Counting Crow’s “Colorblind” serenades the moment.

But my absolute all time favorite music movie moment, which I wish I could have actually lived through before I saw it in the movies, is in Say Anything where John Cusack is blasting Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” from his raised boombox. What a perfect song for that scene. I wouldn’t have changed anything myself. By the way, it’s impossible to find those nowadays… Believe me, I’ve checked. You can never be too ready for any scene when being the one responsible for the soundtrack to your life.

What are some of your favorite movie music moments? What songs are featured in your life’s soundtrack? I’d love to know.

–Nelson

@nelson_shurear

Whether you agree or not I think the important takeaway here is to do what you love and have fun doing it. Animal might have had too much fun for his own good but and I enjoyed watching him for it. Since then I have always found myself looking through the lead singer of any band trying to see who was behind the drums and asking myself is he having fun or is he just getting in a great arm work out?

I don’t even drum so who am I to say right? I’m sure all drummers love what they do and are too busy focusing on staying on time to care what they look like but, some seem to enjoy it more than others. At least that’s how I see it from the audience.  Some are out there working and some are out there really having fun. Obviously there is a lot of responsibility is bestowed on the drummer. As they say, the drummer is the heartbeat of the band. The tempo of the song the band is playing us up to he or she. One mistimed beat can throw off the entire band.

So Animal set the bar for me. Sure he was typically off on his own beat and out of control but he was a showman and was one of my favorite members of the Muppet Band. Although he was in the back, you knew him by name and you knew he was there. Today there are many other drummers who are great showman. Look at this guy… But what a coincidence that the first human drummer that caught my attention was nicknamed “Animal” after the beast himself.

This animal however is Alex Gonzalez of MANÁ. If you ever go to a MANÁ concert you are typically focused on the voice and showmanship of lead singer, Fher Olvera, but after a few seconds of the show you cant help but notice the guy in the back banging the drums with precisely timed abandon, twirling his drums sticks in his hands while standing on his thrown, then throwing them 20 feet in the air before he jumps down to catch them in perfect time to not miss a beat. Not only does he do all this, he actually is the main backing vocalist for the band and even sings lead on a few of their songs.  His 10 minute drum solo at every show always reminds me of Animal’s solos. They are pretty insane. Check out the behind the back skills at about minute 2:50 of that link and the secret cooler in his kit in minute 5:30.

It’s fitting that one of the songs he is in charge of singing while he plays is what was my teenage revolt song named “Me Vale” which is Spanish slang for (“I Don’t Care”).  A fitting song for any “Animal”. I leave you with its chorus.

Cause I don’t don’t care
I don’t care at all
I don’t care I don’t care
I don’t care at all
If they don’t understand, they don’t get me
Well whatever
Cause I don’t care
I don’t care at all.

Nelson

Yup, my mom and dad come from classic Mexican families which are typically huge. Growing up I was told that it was because they needed farm hands and babysitters, but I think what my grandparents needed was a TV… My dad comes from a family of 10 and my dear mom comes from a family of 14. Minus my parents that’s 22 tias and tios (aunts and uncles), then you add their kids… I have first cousins old enough to be my parents and some young enough to be my children. We typically have to rent a hall for our Thanksgiving fiestas. Needless to say, with that amount of family, we pretty much have a reason to party all year long. Of course we always had a lot of greeeaaaat food and drinks, but one thing that always stood out for me was la musica…

The music was always blasting from the time you arrived to the moment you left. Sometimes it came from the instruments my uncles played or the mariachis or trios my family would hire, and sometimes it blasted from a grabadora (boom box). Of course it was mostly traditional Latin styles like Mariachi, Corridos, Quebradita, Cumbia, Merengue and Salsa, but my family was also fans of the American pop, rock and oldies… On any given moment Juan Gabriel would invite us off the dinner table to “Noa Noa”, we’d cha cha to La Sonora Santanera’s  “La Boa”, then Banda Machos would have us stomping “La Culebra (The Snake)”. Selena would make us shake our “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom”. Juan Luis Guerra turned us all into love hypochondriacs with “La Bilirrubina”. La Sonora Dinamita advised us against messing with their “Cucu”. Eddie Santiago would summon the “Lluvia (Rain)” then suddenly, we’d get real weird and “Wooly Bully”, dance “La Bamba”, do “The Twist”, and “Twist and Shout”.  Phewwww! And this was all pre-cake…

We all took turns playing DJ and danced and danced until someone ended up starting a chisme (rumor) or said something to offend someone in the family and a fight would break out. Yeah, that’s right, a fight. If you have ever seen a novela (Spanish soap opera) you’d understand we Latinos can be a bit dramatic sometimes. Ok, very, but it’s only because we’re sooo passionate. Anyways, after a few un-repeatable words and a couple of tears everyone would make up, and la fiesta would continue as if nothing ever happened. As the party progressed there would come a point where the music would be taken over by my older cousins who played American classic 80’s and 90’s hits. Latinos are usually no stranger to a dance floor, but I have to say it was pretty awkward to see our older cousins, aunts, and uncles dance to American music and try to “Walk Like An Egyptian”. It was also very awkward to translate the lyrics to Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” to my tias and tios who didn’t understand what she was saying. Especially when you’re 9…

We partied til the break of dawn until we could no longer dance. That’s when Mexican drinking music kings, Vicente Fernandez and Ramon Ayala, plus their good friend tequila, would join forces, ride into our party via the grabadora, and elevate everyone’s confidence to the level where no matter what happened, we will always be “El Rey (The King)”. Even if after this night we ended up in “Un Rinconcito en el Cielo (A Little Corner in the Sky)”, it didn’t sound half bad.

This relationship with music continued away from home throughout grammar school. I attended a predominately Irish Catholic Grammar school on the Northside of Chicago. Not only did I learn English here, but I also heard the bagpipes for the first time and learned to céilí. Yup that’s right, I river-danced like Billy Elliot every Saint Patrick’s Day. It was a very musical school. We had an amazing music teacher named Bernadette Nastali, who would come in once a week and teach us about music. I also took advantage of the music classes offered and took Saxophone and Piano lessons. I even received a gold medal for one of my piano recitals and was a member of the orchestra. I know right? My sister, who played the flute and cello beautifully, accuses me to this day of taking more than a few bars off here and there, but I will neither admit nor deny that.

High school and College introduced me to even more music, as I began to make friends from all over the country and around the world. It didn’t matter what it was or where it came from. I was already listening to music in more than one language, so why not listen to French or Portuguese music. Heck, why not check out some Arabic tunes. I didn’t understand the words, but it was beautiful and different, and I wanted to hear it and know it. That’s the beauty of growing up in a melting pot city like Chicago. You can meet people from all over the globe and if you’re open to it, you can learn about all kinds of different music and the cultures that created them. For me there is nothing like falling in love with a new melody for the first time. I even got a job at a local pro audio store to be around music freaks like myself. That’s where I blew my paychecks buying turntables and records in order to teach myself how to DJ.

At first I did it just for fun. But as I got better, it became my addiction. I’d spend hours practicing my blends and even more hours crate digging at the great records stores here in Chicago. Shortly after I mustered enough confidence, I  began DJing college parties. Then some of my DJ friends invited me to play a few guest spots at clubs and next thing I know, I was the resident DJ at various clubs around town working 3-4 nights a week. As the resident DJ, I was also responsible for promoting the night, setting the vibe, selecting the music, and booking guest DJs. The booking part was my first dive into artist relations. I had to negotiate my talent’s time, their fee, as well as their drink tickets. After some rough first negotiations, I quickly learned that booking the right talent, being polite, being honest, and professional went a long way. After getting the hang of it, I quickly built a reputation, not only as a pretty decent DJ, but as a respected booker/promoter as well.

When college graduation came, my and my parent’s investment could not go to waste. I found myself my first real gig and put the DJ thing on hold. It was an office job that was very exciting at first, but after a couple years there, I realized that something wasn’t right. I missed being around music. Obviously, I still heard it, but I wasn’t actively involved with it. I quit shortly thereafter and ended up back at the audio store while I figured out my next move. One day when I was in back counting stock, I realized I wanted to work for an audio manufacturer, but not just any company. I wanted to work for Shure. I’ve been dropping Shure’s M44-7 needles on my records and giving shout-outs from an SM58 this whole time as a DJ. And better yet, they are right here in my own backyard.

I applied for a job at Shure and didn’t hear back right away. Then one day out of the blue, I received a call from Shure’s HR department, and they informed me that they’d like me to come in. I was so excited to finally get my foot in the door. Shortly after, I was offered a job as a Marketing Coordinator and when the Artist Relations position opened up, I jumped on it. I’ve been here at Shure since January 2006 and I am very blessed to be able to spend my work days listening to music, talking about music and sharing it with my music-loving colleagues, identifying artists we should partner with, and building relationships with them for the best microphone company in the world. So how did I get into Artist Relations?

La musica brought me here, and I’m glad to be home.

Nelson

Shure Endorsers Calle 13 performing Song of the Year, “Latinoamérica”              at the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMYs

November 10, 2011

Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV

Every year, in the beginning of November, Latin music’s hottest acts converge on Las Vegas to celebrate the Latin GRAMMY’s. This year Latin GRAMMY week was busier than ever with interviews, rehearsals and pre-Latin GRAMMY parties that had city of sin sizzling with excitement. I arrived on Monday to attend rehearsals all week in support of the show and make sure that our endorsers and any artist using Shure were well supported and had the gear that they needed in order to sound how they want for their performances. I was happy to discover that the majority of the artists performing chose Shure mics and in-ear monitors for their performances.

Tuesday’s rehearsals kicked off with longtime Shure users Los Tigres del Norte featuring Paulina Rubio and continued with Reyli and Pepe Aguilar with his Maricahi. Later that evening, Shure Endorsers Calle 13 took the stage after arriving from a 14 hour flight from Chile and a four hour drive from LAX. After almost 20 hours traveling they finally arrived to Las Vegas right before their rehearsal was scheduled to begin. Once arrived, they were exhausted but excited for their rehearsal with the Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar of Venezuela that was conducted by none other than prodigious Gustavo Dudamel. According to Calle 13’s Tour Manager, they have been on tour non-stop and have not had a chance to rehearse with the orchestra. He said that they had to send the music via email to Dudamel and this was the first time they would be rehearsing together. It was amazing to watch Calle 13 and the orchestra, come together as if they have played a whole tour together after only a few run throughs. Of all the rehearsals I have witnessed to that point, this one was the most powerful, and it would go on to prove to be true of the rest. I could not wait to see it in front of a full house.

Wednesday’s rehearsals were not to be outdone. They kicked off with Marco Antonio Solis and continued throughout the day with Wisin & Yandel featuring Sean Kingston, Shakira, Romeo Santos featuring Usher, Pitbull and Marc Anthony and finished with Shure Endorsers Maná featuring Prince Royce. Needless to say it was an action packed day that was highlighted by entertaining rehearsals by Pitbull and Marc Anthony as well as Maná with Prince Royce. Later that night I attended BMI’s Los Producers Charity Show where some of the industry’s leading producers and engineers formed bands to play covers of popular 80’s jams to raise awareness and hold a silent auction for The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. Many artists came to this event to support their producers and engineers friends who usually reside behind a mixing console.

Thursday was show day and after a full run through of dress rehearsals it was time for the show. While the lights in the arena dimmed and the Orchestra led by the maestro Dudamel played, Rene “Residente” Perez of Calle 13, armed with a SM58 in hand and the PSM1000, opened the show with a simple message, “I’d like to dedicate this song, to all of the Latin Americans that are here tonight, from the deepest part of my heart, and to everyone watching on TV throughout Latin America, I hope it transports to your barrios, to your streets, to your roots, to the pains of your countries and that you feel it here in your chest.” The song Calle 13 performed was “Latinoamérica” which later went on to win the Latin GRAMMY for song of the year. The song begins by saying…

“I am, I am what was left behind, I am the left overs of all that has been stolen, A village hidden in the peak, my skin is made of leather to withstand any climate. I am a factory of smoke, A peasant working hand for your consumption, a cold front in the middle of the summer, Love in the Time of Cholera, my brother… The sun that is born and the day that dies, with the most beautiful dawns…”

After a few more verses the chorus says…

“You cannot buy the wind, you cannot buy the sun, you cannot buy the rain, you cannot buy the warmth, you cannot buy the clouds, you cannot buy the colors, you cannot buy my happiness, you cannot buy my pain…”

These words received a very emotional standing ovation because it was a very fitting and touching way to start the show since it poetically describes the struggles that Latin America has faced and how it has conquered them with its people’s unity and resolve. Looking around the room I saw many tears in the eyes of those around me. It was the most powerful musical moment I have ever witnessed. After the performance, I stood their wondering how this was received on the other side of the TV throughout the millions of homes not only throughout “Latinoamérica” but also throughout the homes of Latinos around the world. Shortly after I started receiving messages from friends and family saying how beautiful that moment was.

Watch Calle 13 perform “Latinoamérica” at the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMY’s here.

Calle 13 would go on to take over the night by winning 9 out of 10 Latin GRAMMY’s they were nominated for giving them a record total of 19 Latin GRAMMY’s which surpassed Juanes’s old record of 17.  After winning the GRAMMY for Song of the Year, their 8^th time up to the stage to claim an award, Rene said to the crowd, “I don’t have words anymore, really this is incredible. I want to dedicate this award to Latin America because it taught me how to write this song, from Tijuana to Calafate. Cheers to a united Latin America.”

Shure’s new AXT200/KSM9 at the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMYs

Other Shure endorsers who won awards on the night included, Zoé of Mexico and Maná who each took two Latin GRAMMYs. Of the awards they won, Maná won the Latin GRAMMY for Best Rock Album, and Zoé won for Best Rock Song. Aline Barros of Brazil won the Latin GRAMMY for Best Christian Album (Portuguese).

Another highlight of the night was that Shure’s newest wireless system Axient hit the stage for performances with Shakira, Wisin and Yandel featuring Sean Kingston, Romeo Santos and Usher as well as Pepe Aguilar and Reyli. The night was full of other great performances and Shure microphones and PSM systems were the choice for most of the performers to hit Latin music’s biggest stage.

Watch Romeo Santos perform live with Axient at the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMYs here.

For a complete list of winners visit http://latingrammy.com

Nelson

Shure Endorsers Calle 13 performing Song of the Year, “Latinoamérica”              at the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMYs

November 10, 2011

Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV

Every year, in the beginning of November, Latin music’s hottest acts converge on Las Vegas to celebrate the Latin GRAMMY’s. This year Latin GRAMMY week was busier than ever with interviews, rehearsals and pre-Latin GRAMMY parties that had city of sin sizzling with excitement. I arrived on Monday to attend rehearsals all week in support of the show and make sure that our endorsers and any artist using Shure were well supported and had the gear that they needed in order to sound how they want for their performances. I was happy to discover that the majority of the artists performing chose Shure mics and in-ear monitors for their performances.

Tuesday’s rehearsals kicked off with longtime Shure users Los Tigres del Norte featuring Paulina Rubio and continued with Reyli and Pepe Aguilar with his Maricahi. Later that evening, Shure Endorsers Calle 13 took the stage after arriving from a 14 hour flight from Chile and a four hour drive from LAX. After almost 20 hours traveling they finally arrived to Las Vegas right before their rehearsal was scheduled to begin. Once arrived, they were exhausted but excited for their rehearsal with the Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar of Venezuela that was conducted by none other than prodigious Gustavo Dudamel. According to Calle 13’s Tour Manager, they have been on tour non-stop and have not had a chance to rehearse with the orchestra. He said that they had to send the music via email to Dudamel and this was the first time they would be rehearsing together. It was amazing to watch Calle 13 and the orchestra, come together as if they have played a whole tour together after only a few run throughs. Of all the rehearsals I have witnessed to that point, this one was the most powerful, and it would go on to prove to be true of the rest. I could not wait to see it in front of a full house.

Wednesday’s rehearsals were not to be outdone. They kicked off with Marco Antonio Solis and continued throughout the day with Wisin & Yandel featuring Sean Kingston, Shakira, Romeo Santos featuring Usher, Pitbull and Marc Anthony and finished with Shure Endorsers Maná featuring Prince Royce. Needless to say it was an action packed day that was highlighted by entertaining rehearsals by Pitbull and Marc Anthony as well as Maná with Prince Royce. Later that night I attended BMI’s Los Producers Charity Show where some of the industry’s leading producers and engineers formed bands to play covers of popular 80’s jams to raise awareness and hold a silent auction for The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. Many artists came to this event to support their producers and engineers friends who usually reside behind a mixing console.

Thursday was show day and after a full run through of dress rehearsals it was time for the show. While the lights in the arena dimmed and the Orchestra led by the maestro Dudamel played, Rene “Residente” Perez of Calle 13, armed with a SM58 in hand and the PSM1000, opened the show with a simple message, “I’d like to dedicate this song, to all of the Latin Americans that are here tonight, from the deepest part of my heart, and to everyone watching on TV throughout Latin America, I hope it transports to your barrios, to your streets, to your roots, to the pains of your countries and that you feel it here in your chest.” The song Calle 13 performed was “Latinoamérica” which later went on to win the Latin GRAMMY for song of the year. The song begins by saying…

“I am, I am what was left behind, I am the left overs of all that has been stolen, A village hidden in the peak, my skin is made of leather to withstand any climate. I am a factory of smoke, A peasant working hand for your consumption, a cold front in the middle of the summer, Love in the Time of Cholera, my brother… The sun that is born and the day that dies, with the most beautiful dawns…”

After a few more verses the chorus says…

“You cannot buy the wind, you cannot buy the sun, you cannot buy the rain, you cannot buy the warmth, you cannot buy the clouds, you cannot buy the colors, you cannot buy my happiness, you cannot buy my pain…”

These words received a very emotional standing ovation because it was a very fitting and touching way to start the show since it poetically describes the struggles that Latin America has faced and how it has conquered them with its people’s unity and resolve. Looking around the room I saw many tears in the eyes of those around me. It was the most powerful musical moment I have ever witnessed. After the performance, I stood their wondering how this was received on the other side of the TV throughout the millions of homes not only throughout “Latinoamérica” but also throughout the homes of Latinos around the world. Shortly after I started receiving messages from friends and family saying how beautiful that moment was.

Watch Calle 13 perform “Latinoamérica” at the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMY’s here.

Calle 13 would go on to take over the night by winning 9 out of 10 Latin GRAMMY’s they were nominated for giving them a record total of 19 Latin GRAMMY’s which surpassed Juanes’s old record of 17.  After winning the GRAMMY for Song of the Year, their 8^th time up to the stage to claim an award, Rene said to the crowd, “I don’t have words anymore, really this is incredible. I want to dedicate this award to Latin America because it taught me how to write this song, from Tijuana to Calafate. Cheers to a united Latin America.”

Shure’s new AXT200/KSM9 at the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMYs

Other Shure endorsers who won awards on the night included, Zoé of Mexico and Maná who each took two Latin GRAMMYs. Of the awards they won, Maná won the Latin GRAMMY for Best Rock Album, and Zoé won for Best Rock Song. Aline Barros of Brazil won the Latin GRAMMY for Best Christian Album (Portuguese).

Another highlight of the night was that Shure’s newest wireless system Axient hit the stage for performances with Shakira, Wisin and Yandel featuring Sean Kingston, Romeo Santos and Usher as well as Pepe Aguilar and Reyli. The night was full of other great performances and Shure microphones and PSM systems were the choice for most of the performers to hit Latin music’s biggest stage.

Watch Romeo Santos perform live with Axient at the 12th Annual Latin GRAMMYs here.

For a complete list of winners visit http://latingrammy.com

Nelson

October 14, 2011

Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL

We recently welcomed Neon Indian to our Artist Endorser Family and although I have been a fan of Alan Palomo since his solo project known as Vega, and even more so after listening to Neon Indian’s Psychic Chasms released in 2009, I never had the pleasure of checking out his futuristic show live. As a child of the eighties and a fan of electro synth pop, I was excited to finally get a chance to check it out as well as hear songs off their recently released album Era Extraña, which was recorded in Helsinki, Finland. What?

I drove up to Lincoln Hall early to meet with Dana Wachs, Neon Indian’s sound engineer, and deliver some gear during their sound check. She was super busy getting ready to record a video for blog site For No One which records bands playing an intimate show without a crowd. It’s a pretty neat concept and the band really rocked out as if it was a packed room.  Can’t wait to see the finished result…

After they were finished, I was invited backstage to meet everyone in the band. As expected, they were super cool and down to earth. Then Dana and I had a great conversation about music and audio while the band got their ear impressions made for custom molds for their SE425 earphones that they use with their PSM 900′s. While backstage I was also introduced to opening acts Com Truise and Purity Ring, which went on to have really great sets later in the night. Keep them on your radar if they aren’t already.

It was about midnight when Neon Indian finally hit the stage and their contagious energy spread amongst the sardinesque crowd very quickly. “Polish Girl” set the crowd off and drove the band to pulsate on stage as if the synth driven melodies vibrated through their bodies. Palomo’s airy vocals came through a Beta 57A and flew through the hall like a cool fall wind. The crowd danced and sang all morning until the music stopped and Palomo thanked them and stated how much they “really love Chicago”.

For more info on Neon Indian including videos, photos and tour dates visit http://neonindian.com/

Nelson

October 14, 2011

Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL

We recently welcomed Neon Indian to our Artist Endorser Family and although I have been a fan of Alan Palomo since his solo project known as Vega, and even more so after listening to Neon Indian’s Psychic Chasms released in 2009, I never had the pleasure of checking out his futuristic show live. As a child of the eighties and a fan of electro synth pop, I was excited to finally get a chance to check it out as well as hear songs off their recently released album Era Extraña, which was recorded in Helsinki, Finland. What?

I drove up to Lincoln Hall early to meet with Dana Wachs, Neon Indian’s sound engineer, and deliver some gear during their sound check. She was super busy getting ready to record a video for blog site For No One which records bands playing an intimate show without a crowd. It’s a pretty neat concept and the band really rocked out as if it was a packed room.  Can’t wait to see the finished result…

After they were finished, I was invited backstage to meet everyone in the band. As expected, they were super cool and down to earth. Then Dana and I had a great conversation about music and audio while the band got their ear impressions made for custom molds for their SE425 earphones that they use with their PSM 900′s. While backstage I was also introduced to opening acts Com Truise and Purity Ring, which went on to have really great sets later in the night. Keep them on your radar if they aren’t already.

It was about midnight when Neon Indian finally hit the stage and their contagious energy spread amongst the sardinesque crowd very quickly. “Polish Girl” set the crowd off and drove the band to pulsate on stage as if the synth driven melodies vibrated through their bodies. Palomo’s airy vocals came through a Beta 57A and flew through the hall like a cool fall wind. The crowd danced and sang all morning until the music stopped and Palomo thanked them and stated how much they “really love Chicago”.

For more info on Neon Indian including videos, photos and tour dates visit http://neonindian.com/

Nelson

The SM58 Give It Voice Tour departed Chicago and headed northeast to Toronto, Ontario Canada for the Regional Final at the famous Mod Club. It was a cold winter night but @VanessAlegacy and @MarcCowie warmed up the house as they went head to head with 40 minutes sets each.

Vaness aLegacy hit the stage first and got things started. They had a pretty good crowd on hand and their fans sang along with songs on their set which consisted of Urban inspired Pop-Rock. The highlight of their performance was when they performed “I’d Rather Be Lonely” which is the song that got them voted into the Toronto Regional Finals.

After his 6+ hour driver Marc Cowie made it in halfway through Vaness aLegacy’s performance and had to set up backstage. Despite just getting in and not having a sound check, he sounded pretty good. I would describe his sound as Surfer Rock. Unfortunately for him he didn’t have as big of a crowd but that was to be expected since he wasn’t local. Needles to say he came out and played his heart out.

After both sets the judges voted and the winner of the night’s showdown was Veness aLegacy. Congratulations to them and we wish them the best of luck in the next round.

Vaness aLegacy’s performance, along with the other regional final winners can be watched at the following link:

http://giveitvoice.shure.com/

Last night I got to see Black Dub perform at Lincoln Hall here in Chi-town in support of their self titled debut album which was released earlier this month. Black Dub is Daniel Lenois’ newest project which includes the masterful Brian Blade on drums, Daryl Johnson on Bass, Daniel on guitar and the soulful Janis Joplinesque voice of Trixie Whitley, who jumps on a second drum kit during a couple of songs and also play keys.

I first caught them by accident while reading a music blog a few months back. Later I saw their one camera videos of them recording live with SM58′s and 57′s in Daniel’s home studio and I was sold. This band plays a unique down tempo blend of reggae, funk, jazz, soul and blues that could only be mixed in the head of legendary producer Daniel Lanois. No joke this band has a very special sound that is capped off with the very passionate vocals that Trixie, daughter of Bluesman Chris Whitley, brings to the table. Her voice is absolutely insane…

They kicked off the show with ”Love Lives” which is one of my favorite songs on the album and followed it up with the soothing ”I Believe in You”. If you havent heard these songs check them out in the links below. They will blow your mind.

“Love Lives”

http://vimeo.com/7644480

“I Believe in You”

http://vimeo.com/7644711

The show had a specially haunting mood and was perfectly mixed by Daniels long time engineer Mark Howard whom I chatted with after the show. Of course as usual per my luck,  I was standing right behind the only drunk couple in the room which were enjoying their inebriated state more than they were enjoying the magic before them. Oh well, I can’t afford to have Black Dub all to myself… Anyways, Daniel’s guitar playing madness, Brian’s dub groove and Trixie’s crooning gave me musical Zen. Words can’t describe when Trixie sang “Surely”. Did I mention her voice is insane???

After saying goodnight and disappearing for a moment they came back for their encore. They sang “Silverado” which Chevy should use for one of their truck commercials. I’m just saying… After their encore my guests and I were invited backstage by the bands tour manager Seth, who is a very cool dude.

As soon as the door opened I heard. “We love Shure mics, come on in!” We hung out and chatted a bit with Seth, Mark and Daniel about the tour, Daniel’s studio and Mark’s crazy ideas about torturing our mics, but my favorite quote of the night was when Daniel said, ”Your preaching to the choir, I’ve used Shure mics on stage and in the studio for a very long time. You can’t go wrong with a SM58 and 57 on anything.” He was not joking either, for the first time in my life I saw a SM58 on toms and it sounded great.

Nelson

Showday!!! Woke up and ironed my suit for the Latin Grammys. I ate some breakfast with one of my co-workers and went to the venue to catch some of the dress rehearsals for a bit before the green carpet opened at 1pm. The doors opened to the general public at 3pm and wow was it crowded. There were hundreds of people who were not even going to the show lined up to catch a glimpse of the arriving stars. Aahhhh Human traffic Jam. Scary…

Pre-Telecast Crowd Jam

Once inside I walked backstage to see the hustle and bustle of the pre-show zoo. Artists, presenters, managers, publicists, and crew all running around tying loose ends minutes before the show. This is the most hectic part of the show. You don’t see it but it’s all happening backstage away from the cameras. I didn’t want to be in the way so I went to the front of house to catch the grand opening of the show.

Showtime!!!

Showtime!!! Juan Luis Guerra who had 4 Latin Grammy nominations opened the special night with his hit ‘La Guagua’ on a Shure Beta58. The stage had an underground pool in it where “Le Reves” synchronized swimmers performed to the beat. It was an incredible way to kick off the night. 

For the second straight year the show’s hosts were Eugenio Derbez and the beautiful Lucero which presented on Shure wireless all night long.  After a couple of performances and awards came time for Prince Royce and Ben E. king to share the stage for a very memorable version of “Stand By Me” which they both performed on Beta58’s. Other artists whom performed with Shure were: Wisin y Yandel, Jenny Rivera, Banda el Recodo, La Mala Rodriguez, Rosario, Alejandro Fernandez, Grupo Pesado, Aleks Syntek, Aida Cuevas, Choc Quib Town, Chino y Nacho and Gilberto Santa Rosa and Johnny Ventura.  

Presenter/Performer Key Backstage

I have to say that each year this show keeps getting better and I am happy that it will be in Vegas for the next couple of years. It’s cool that most of the performances included one of the many Vegas acts. But of all the cool things the coolest had to be when Alex Cuba won the Grammy for Best New Artist. After Alejandro Sanz read his name I ran backstage to congratulate him when he came down th ramp. It was a very special moment to be there when one of our endorsers gets awarded. He showed me the card with his name on it and pointed at it and said, “Bro, I just won a Grammy, I’m a Grammy winning artist…”

Backstage with Shure Endorser Alex Cuba minutes after he was awarded Grammy for Best New Artist

It’s easy for me to say this but I knew he eventually would be. Other members of our Shure Endorser Family Members who went home with some hardware were: Gustavo Cerati,  Julieta Venegas and Arturo Sandoval. Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you for doing what you do. Hasta el proximo año!

For more info including a full list of winners visit: http://www.latingrammys.com/ganadores

Nelson

For the second year in a row the 11^th annual Latin Grammy Awards were celebrated on Thursday November 11th at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. When it comes to Latin Award Shows this is it. Many of Latin Americas chart topping stars take over Las Vegas for an entire week.

I flew in on Monday to catch the show rehearsals and got a sneak peek at who was performing. I was very impressed with the arrangements and performances especially all the Vegas acts that would accompany the artists. That’s one thing I love about this show over the regular Grammys. Visually there is a lot more there although I have to say that Pinks performance at last year’s Grammys still takes the cake.

Shure in the House

Once arriving at the venue on Monday I checked in the credential room to get my All Access Pass to the show rehearsals. At the rehearsals I was able to run into many acquaintances and was able to finally meet people I have been talking with on the phone for a while regarding endorsements. As soon as I got backstage I saw my good friend and my Gibson counterpart Juan “Piolly” Lopera. Piolly was there to hand a guitar to Choc Quib Town for their rehearsal. Perfect timing since I was called by their manager a couple weeks before to chat about an endorsement. I watched them rehearse their hit “De Donde Vengo Yo” which was nominated for Best Alternative Song and won. They tore it up as if it was show night. Their energy and their flow is captivating. No wonder Snoop and Pharrel are fans. I couldn’t wait to see them perform on show night. I highly recommend they hit your radar if they haven’t yet. After their rehearsal I chatted with their manager about the possibility of an endorsement. We had a really good talk. More regarding that soon… ;)

With Choc Quib Town from Colombia

After watching a couple of great rehearsals and talking to a few more people I went to the Business Center of the Hotel to pick up 6 boxes full of mics intended for our newest endorsers from Argentina Banda de Turistas. I had shipped them to myself from Niles in order to hand deliver them in Vegas. Talk about service ;). After getting them up to my room it was dinner time and them sleepy time. Big day tomorrow so better get my Z’s.

Fresh gear for our newest Argentine endorsers Banda de Turistas

6AM!!! Why am I awake? One thing I hate about traveling west… My body is programmed for Central time so no matter what time I sleep I always wake up two hours earlier than I am supposed to. Ugh! Emails from Chicago are already coming in. Oh well, might as well get office work done and get some breakfast. 

After breakfast I went to the venue to check out the rehearsals. First up was Spanish songstress Rosario who was rehearsing “Cuentame Lo Que Paso”. I love this song. The set was a 1930’s beach party which was off the chain. If that’s what beach parties were like in the 30’s I’m very upset I missed them although I can’t complain about growing up in the 80’s.

After salseros Gilberto Santa Rosa and Johnny Ventura rehearsed “Hay Que Dejarse de Vaina” Prince Royce rehearsed one of my favorite songs of all times “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King. And guess who is going to perform with him? Yup Ben E King himself… Wow how cool. I love Prince Royce version since he didn’t change it too much except for a little Latin flair with the reggaeton beat. This performance will be special. I also got a chance today to meet with another band we are in talks with from Uruguay named Cuarteto de Nos who are also nominated for an award.

Hanging with Cuarteto de Nos of Uruguay

After a couple more cool rehearsals I got a text from our endorsers Banda de Turistas saying they were at the Mandalay Bay to pick up their mics. I packed it up and met them by the elevators. After our hellos we went upstairs to get their boxes. Their eyes lit up like little kids eyes do when they see presents under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning when they saw their six boxes.

They opted to carry them themselves all the way to the Luxor where they were staying. I offered to help and we walked from the Mandalay Bay to the Luxor with these heavy boxes. We got very strange looks from everyone as we marched across the casino floors at each hotel with these boxes. I’m sure we looked very strange with these ambiguous and heavily taped brown boxes. If you’ve ever been to Vegas you know how far this was and how random this is.

Once we got to their room they wasted no time turning on some “We’re going to rip these boxes open” music and busting out some plastic box cutters. Don’t ask I don’t know where they got them… Once they were able to cut through the tape and open the boxes their eyes lit up… they couldn’t believe it. They were so thankful and instantly started talking about how they were going to go to Guitar Center the next day to buy a rack to put it all in. They couldn’t wait to use their gear at tomorrow’s performance at the Nacional/Heinekin pre-Grammy party they were asked to perform at. After answering some of their questions about the gear we decided to catch some dinner. Not all of the guys went though since they were too excited with their new gear and opted to stay behind to read the manuals. These kids are going to be great endorsers…

Like Christmas with Banda de Turistas

Wednesday was another great day of rehearsals but the real magic to be had would be later at the industry pre-Grammy parties. Many of our endorsers would be playing/hosting many parties around the strip and being the great AR guy that I am it was my duty to make it to as many as I could to show face and spend some time with our endorsers.  It’s not often that they are all in the same 5 mile radius so although I was tired, off to the ball I went.

First stop was the BMI’s “Los Producers Charity Show” at the House of Blues in the Mandalay Bay. The Los Producers Show was a charity event for Education through Music and many of the Grammy nominated artists hit the stage with an all-star house band made up of industry trendsetters. The artist all performed their 80’s favorites.  My favorite was Shure Endorser Alex Cuba singing Grover Washington’s and Bill Withers’s “Just The Two Of Us”.  It was very well done and perfect for his voice and style.

Aleks Syntek rocking it 80's style at BMI's Los Producers Show @ the HOB

Next stop on the crazy nights agenda was the Nacional Records Party at the Palms where Banda de Turistas who were nominated for Best Rock song for “Lo Comandas” and Best Alternative Album for Magical Radiophonic Heart were scheduled to perform. They rocked the party with their “Beetleesque” groove that had all the hipsters – me included – dancing. They rocked the stage with their new mics and in-ears I just delivered the night before.  Gotta love Rock en Español!!!

Ely Guerra's acoustic set @ Beauty Bar singing into her KSM9

After that I made it over to Beauty Bar in old Vegas to catch an acoustic set by our endorser Ely Guerra who was nominated for two Grammys for Best Alternative Album which she won and Best Recording Package for Hombre Invisible. It was freezing cold but she hit the stage with her KSM9 and kept us warm with her beautiful voice. Inside the party raged on with DJ sets from Fonseca and Mexican Institute of Sound, both also Shure Endorsers. It was a lot of fun to party with them all but I was exhausted after all the running around. It was time for bed. I had to be fresh for the show tomorrow.

Nelson

During her visit we sat down with her and asked her a few questions about her performance in Chicago which was a tribute to ranchera music queen Chavela Vargas, what motherhood brings to her as far as inspiration and creativity, her first experience behind a mic and her upcoming projects. Stay tuned for her responses and full interview coming soon.

After the visit I drove them to their hotel in downtown Chicago and after they checked in, Lila, Paul and I grabbed a bite to eat at Chicago’s Weber Grill. I know, super touristy but what can I say we all wanted some burgers and it was near their hotel so don’t judge me. In my time doing this and hanging out with rockstars they are some of the nicest people I have met. Paul and Lila if your reading this, thank you for all the marital and baby tips. I recently got married so they will come in very handy.

The next day I took my wife and my parents to see her performance at Symphony hall. Mark Brunner, Shure’s Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Jose Rivas, Shure’s Director of Sales for the Americas joined us as well. I’ve seen her many times but it was the first time I would see her perform here and it would be the first time my parents and wife would see her perform live so I was very excited to share this experience with them.

Opening for Lila was Concha Buika from Spain. Buika came on stage after her piano player who warmed up the crowd. She walked in barefoot and said hello very shyly. As the piano was being played she told us the story about the invitation to sing in America and open for Lila Downs. She went on to say that her mother didn’t believe her when she called her to tell her she was in America yet there she was. She had a camera on stage with her and took pictures to share with her mom as proof. It seemed like she almost didn’t believe it herself and then she began to sing… People it was incredible. The voice that came out of that quaint shy woman sent shivers down my spine. It’s soft and powerful with an incredible vocal range. Seeing her live was a million times better than watching her on youtube. I recommend you catch her performance next time she is in a theater near you.

Up next was Lila… Due to the size of the stage at Symphony Hall she played with a smaller version of her band which was Lead by Paul Cohen’s clarinet and saxophone playing stage right and ended with Harp Virtuoso Celso Duarte on stage left. With those two amazing talents as bookends to the rest of the band you couldn’t even tell that the band was short a few people. They sounded great and Lila sounded amazing as usual. Something about hearing her beautiful voice in that room… It just carried so pleasantly. At one point Lila held a note for who knows how long and I looked over at my wife and parents and their look of amazement on their face was the reason I wanted them to join me that night. To me she is one of music’s magical fairies who spread and inspire good music wherever she goes.

Later in her show between songs she did something which I was not expecting. She thanked Shure and Mark Brunner and me personally for all the support we have given her and also thanked us for loving and supporting music and musicians. It meant a lot to hear her kind words coming from the Symphony Hall stage especially with my family in attendance. It was a very special moment I will never forget but I really must thank her for the artist and person she is and for being one of the reasons why I love music so much.

For more info on Lila Downs including her tour dates, visit: http://www.liladowns.com

Nelson