There’s been a lot of talk about how streams can affect an artist’s income for audio downloads. When an artist puts music up on the internet for paid downloads they usually release a full CD (the “Release”) which customers can download either in full or the individual songs (the “Songs”) at a lower rate.
Continue reading “Audio Download Income: Releases vs Songs vs Streams”
Sunday March 20, 2011 artists and techs from the Cirque Du Soleil shows ZAIA, KOOZA and ZED took a group photo on the ZAIA stage at the Venetian in Macau, China. We (the ZAIA crew) were happy to host them in Macau while they awaited updated reports on current events in Japan following the tsunami.
We think that this is the first time three different performing casts from Cirque shows have all been together and shared the stage. You can click on the image for a larger view.
Email question received:
Dear Conrad –
I enjoy your blog. It’s a great chance for outsiders to get an inside look at what it’s like to be in a Cirque production. I write because I recently posted a video on Cirque’s Facebook Casting page and have two questions with respect to the use of various flutes in ZAIA.
1. How many different flutes are used in your current production?
2. To your knowledge, are there other current Cirque shows that are scored
exclusively for the flute? (either concert flute or other world flutes)
Thanks for your time.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiblYasnzWE
Better than videos of babies giggling – here’s a dog playing a piano and howling. If you want real news go to CNN. If you want silly stuff come here. 🙂
I especially like the last couple seconds where the dog seems to contemplate whether he’s truly finished expressing himself or not. It’s a serious moment.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPueHkXkKkA
On Sunday March 20, 2011 the Cirque Du Soleil show ZAIA celebrated it’s 1,000th performance. The ZAIA cast had a big party at the Venetian casino in Macau along many of the artists and crew from the ZED and KOOZA shows. Here are some videos from Aomen (Macau) TV that I believe were released in December, 2010. It shows behind the scenes talks with a trapeze catcher and artistic director in the ZAIA show.
Hard to believe it’s been over three years since we began training in Montreal for the show. It’s been a very interesting time here in Macau, China!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Egp2NJNSs
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bFwDkh3sW0
For some reason I was thinking back on when I used to play piano at Knott’s Berry Farm in the Calico Saloon (and sometimes subbing at the old Bird Cage Theater melodramas). We did short Old West themed shows and in the summer the Can Can show. The piano style was so much fun. Barrelhouse and Scott Joplin style music. Lots of improvisation ham.
When you play the ragtime style several hours a day on a regular basis it’s a wonderful feeling. Really gets the chops in place. Add to that the camaraderie and competition of the other pianists doing the same thing in different shifts – and you really get in the zone for that style.
I found this article very interesting. A CNN crew is taken away by police while filming in Beijing.
http://business.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/28/getting-harassed-by-the-chinese-police/
As a personal rule I do not post Cirque Du Soleil information that has not already been released to the public. That is not any directive from management. Just a personal guideline. I feel ok to post this since it has already been published publicly at:
http://communities.canada.com/montrealgazette/blogs/stageandpage/
archive/2011/03/15/cirque-du-soleil-japan-update-zed-performers-
evacuated-to-macau.aspx
“Cirque has decided yesterday to transfer all its employees currently in Japan to Macau (China). These preventative measures touch the staff and artists of ZED, presented at Tokyo Disneyland, which is closed for the next 7 days, and artists and staff of Kooza, presented in Fuji Dome in Tokyo, which is also cancelled until further notice. Artists and staff will benefit from the support of the Macau colleagues and will be able to pursue their training at the Macau training centre.”
Continue reading “Cirque Tokyo ZED and KOOZA Employees Evacuated to Macau”
Took me a while to find a good source for live streaming news on Japan. NHK World works well from Macau, China for a live tv news stream.
Email question received:
Hello
I’m just starting to play more shows with patch changes and such. Is there computer software that’s best for setting this up and controlling. Right now I control throughout the keyboard pedal. I’ve seen on broadway they have computers hooked up to the keyboards. Any help is great.
Thanks
Matt