NorCal’s Enchanted Forest Gathering 2016 Delivers Big Production Value in an Intimate Setting

Cremerica, Inc. Photography, http://www.cremerica.com

Laytonville, CA - A magical weekend came to a close on the captivating grounds of historic Black Oak Ranch in Mendocino County as the 6th annualEnchanted Forest Gathering wrapped another wondrous festival experience within the lush embrace of the majestic oak forest and refreshing Tenmile Creek. Attracting attendees from all walks of life; millennials, bass heads, yogis, families, dancers and everyone in between, Enchanted Forest Gathering has cemented its spot as Northern California’s premier boutique music, movement, and conscious living camping festival. The event garnered national attention and participant adoration for several of its defining characteristics; being an alcohol-free event, enabling guests a safe container for all forms of expression (including #FreeTheNipple) as well as hosting an on-site medical cannabis dispensary -- all while taking place in an incredibly comfortable family-friendly environment.

Extraordinary and unconventional, Enchanted Forest Gathering radiated sublime vibes that dazzled participants with a weekend chock-full of educational and inspiring workshops, wonky bass and eclectic live music, and an unrivaled offering of flow and movement classes of all forms including hooping, yoga, dance and even juggling. Distancing itself from its contemporaries in numerous ways, Enchanted Forest Gathering first and foremost fostered an alcohol-free environment, where attendees found themselves elevated to a state of higher presence, perfectly in line with the festival’s pillar of “cultivating clear and conscious connection.” Healthier (and tastier!) alternatives to alcohol were provided at each stage’s neighboring elixir bar, serving up an array of beverages from Americanos and hot chocolate to coconut water, Yerba Mate, Kombucha and cacao boosts. For those with a medicinal marijuana recommendation, local medical cannabis dispensary Emerald Pharms hosted a booth on site further displaying the festival’s forward thinking.

Beautifully constructed etched-wood stages, adorned with fresh greenery, flowers, crystals and vibrant colors were the aesthetic of the Mighty Oak main stage and the wet and wild River Stage, while velvet curtains and Greek-style columns dressed up the Live Lounge, all under the rich, green oak trees towering above them. With a focus on attendee comfort, each stage included shade structures to watch the show, foam dance floors, and lounge areas. A mix of incredible live bands and bass heavy artists united at the gathering with stand out sets from Shpongle, Clozee, Thriftworks, PANTYRAID, Love and Light, Nominus, Reid Speed, Soohan, KRNE, The Polish Ambassador, Autograf, Fanna Fi Allah, Ayla Nereo, and more.

Thoughtfully placed among the music stages were magical interactive micro-environments and art installations fit for revelers of all ages. Activities were plentiful for those who wanted to share special moments alone or with the whole tribe which included everything from themeandering Tenmile Creek Swimmin’ Hole that bordered one side of the grounds, the playful Kidslandia children’s area complete with free play and Montessori daycare services, the Namastage Yoga area and Dance Temple for amazing classes in movement with teachers such as Suzanne Sterling, Darin McFayden & Claire Thompson (of Yoga and Bass), and Saqi, the Nectar Temple and Wisdom Share University & Community Center for life-changing educational health & nutritional workshops, and of course the Saucy Spa stage with a one-of-a-kind foam bath party and ecstatic dance area.

The legendary venue became the sacred grounds for workshops covering four main topics: Relationships and Sexuality, Science and Spirituality, Health and Wellness and Nourishment and Nutrition with classes such as Opening Vulnerability, Women in Music Industry, Make Love like a Goddess, Healing Hugs, Rhythm Drum Circle, Clearing Relationship Karma, Next Level Nut Milks, a Cacao Ceremony and much, much more. 

With spellbinding sensations emanating throughout the grounds, festival attendees had a deep appreciation for the historical location they were blessed to encounter and enjoy. The history at Black Oak Ranch dates back to 1987 when Wavy Gravy asked Jerry Garcia to help settle an overdue mortgage by staging a concert at French’s camp in Piercy, CA. Garcia agreed and then enlisted Bill Graham to produce the event and thus “Electric on the Eel” was born. The venue has further played host to the adored Earthdance Global Dance Party for Peace and Kate Wolf Music Festival, making Black Oak Ranch’s deep community history a desired and idyllic home for any modern music festival.

The unparalleled feel-good vibes that echoed through the the 6th annual Enchanted Forest Gathering were felt by all who attended. While the festival may be intimate in size, it’s big in heart, production value, and opportunities for personal growth. Opening its arms to lovers of music, healthy and holistic living, conscious movement, performance art, nature, multi-generational community and self-actualization, the festival stayed true to its mission and balanced the “sacred, sexy, silly and saucy” elements of life.

To stay on top of news for Enchanted Forest Gathering 2017, be sure to subscribe to the event newsletter via the website and “like” the Facebook page. Hope to see you out there next year!

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Bring Stunning Visuals to Your Ableton Live Performance - Chris VIK - Spectral ONE Pack

Our third release for the World Collection of MaxforLive Visualisers falls into the very capable hands of developer Chris VIK...

Words really can't describe what's going on with his devices, you're better off watching the video at the bottom of this message to see what you can do with them...

If you're putting your own music on Youtube and want some audio reactive synced visuals, or want to add another dimension to your Live Performances and have the visuals react live to your playing then the World Collection is for you!

The Spectral ONE Pack consists of the World Viewer (all visuals output to the one screen so you can mix them together) and then a further four brand new visualisers...

And to get you started, Chris has also included the demo set used to create the video, it's got all the automation and the stems have been provided by Woulg!

World Collection - Chris VIK - Spectral ONE Pack Demonstration from Isotonik Studios on Vimeo.

PROC33D-AR

Proc33d is a procedurally generated shape that evolves in tandem with your music; it literally ripples with every frequency it can get its grubby vertices on. Depending on your needs it can take the form of an amorphous, bouncing blob; or a jittering, highly strung, geometric form. Proc33d is strange and unwieldy; tame it, and you’ll be rewarded.

VERTX8-AR

They say that being heard is close to being loved. Well Vertx8 listens and has unconditional love for any sonic mess you decide to cram in its inlets. It displays your sound as a cluster of frequency-dependent cubes that twitch, tremble and lurch around three dimensions with each and every shift in your spectral soundscape, from the subtle to the dramatic. Vertx8 is one of the most responsive devices in Vik’s series; it works over any sound, from percussive to melodic, or even over your entire mix.

SPECTR3D-AR

Everyone likes spectrographs. Spectr3d will give you everything that a standard 3D spectrograph will give you, but it’s so much more than that. Dial it all the way up let it form an unfolding landscape that sits as a backdrop to your visual composition; or dial it down and position it in the corner as a futuristic 3D HUD that displays the frequencies of your mix in all its techy glory.

WAVEVIZ-AR

If Spectral One was a group of friends, waveViz would be the hot one. At first glimpse, it looks like a simple waveform display, but when you start exploring its wonderful three dimensional glory you’ll struggle to choose which angle you want to it to model your sounds from. From the front, waveViz will show you each shift in frequency as a detailed waveform; throw the taper fader up and watch as it folds over itself in a strangely satisfying contour. Peer over the top or to the side and you’ll see all the peaks and troughs of your music in a beautifully shaded sonic mesh. It turns your sounds into curves so supple your friends will be jealous.

MORE DETAILS - Chris VIK SPECTRAL ONE Pack - £17.99

Native Instruments announces KOMPLETE 11, KOMPLETE 11 ULTIMATE, and KOMPLETE 11 SELECT

Berlin, August 1, 2016 – Native Instruments today announced the 11th generation of its industry-leading KOMPLETE collections. These latest releases add new products to KOMPLETE and KOMPLETE ULTIMATE, and introduce a new member of the portfolio: KOMPLETE 11 SELECT. KOMPLETE 11 incorporates seven new instruments, including the highly innovative and brand-new synthesizer FORM, UNA CORDA, and REAKTOR 6 with the acclaimed REAKTOR Blocks. KOMPLETE 11 ULTIMATE adds 13 new products, such as the all-new orchestral instruments SYMPHONY ESSENTIALS and FLESH, as well as all the new additions in KOMPLETE 11. All suites are available as downloads or on hard disk or flash drive.

KOMPLETE 11 and KOMPLETE 11 ULTIMATE deliver new instruments that significantly expand the sonic palette for producers, composers, performers and sound designers. Both suites now include FORM – a brand-new synthesizer. Using a sample as the primary oscillator, FORM offers a powerful new paradigm for sound design, to spark a broad array of fresh ideas. KOMPLETE 11 ULTIMATE also includes SYMPHONY ESSENTIALS – five detailed orchestral instruments that place the worlds of brass, woodwinds, and strings directly at users’ fingertips. Based on the SYMPHONY SERIES instruments, SYMPHONY ESSENTIALS deliver the same professional recordings and signature interface with a streamlined set of articulations.

BAE Audio 1073 Delivers Sonic Sauce for Derek Sherinian's 'Wall of Keyboards' as Black Country Communion Reunion is Announced

 BAE 1073s Serve as the Primary Stereo Inputs at Sherinian's Beachwood Manor Studios

North Hollywood, Calif., July 27, 2016 – For a premier keyboardist such as Derek Sherinian, whose accomplishments are truly diverse and far reaching, it is hard to highlight any single moment in his past success. There is the five years where he served as a member of Dream Theater, and the countless touring and recording work he has done with the likes of Kiss, Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Al DiMeola, and many others. Perhaps most exciting for Sherinian, is his work with Black Country Communion — a 'supergroup' comprised of Glen Hughes on bass, Joe Bonamassa on guitar, Jason Bonham on drums and himself on keyboards. Between 2009 and 2013, Black Country Communion recorded three albums and toured internationally to enthusiastic audiences around the world. Recently, as Black Country Communion announced its reunion, Sherinian has been gearing up his Burbank, Calif.—based Beachwood Manor Studios with the inimitable BAE Audio 1073 preamplifier / EQ.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature in Beachwood Manor Studios is 'The Wall' — Sherinian's massive collection of vintage keyboards and synthesizers. His collection features models including Hammond B3, Hohner Clavinet, SCI Prophet V, Fender Rhodes, Minimoog and many others. "My keyboard set up is pretty elaborate and it has been a dream of mine for a long time to have all these keyboards under one roof at my disposal," he says. "Everything I have here runs through either my BAE 1073 or my BAE 1073 MP. I recently picked up two of the BAE 1073s at the recommendation of my friend Simon Philips — now I run my B3 through the 1073 MP and all my other keyboards through the BAE 1073."

His decision to fortify his keyboard arsenal with two BAE 1073s couldn't have come at a better time. Sherinian's band Black Country Communion announced last April that they will be reuniting following a break-up in 2013. Sherinian is looking forward to going 'all-in' as the band looks to start recording a new album in January at East West Studios in Hollywood: "Time heals all wounds, and I think everyone in the band realized that there was something really special that happened when the four of us got together," he observes. "I think in the end, the music supersedes anything else that goes on. We are all in it to make a killer record and maybe play some shows next year, so I am excited about that."

Sherinian plans on bringing his entire keyboard arsenal to the recording sessions, including his BAE 1073 mic pre. "In my studio, the BAE 1073 is now my main mic pre," he says. "I use it if I have a guitar player coming through, or on any one of my 25 keyboards. It adds a warmth and fatness that was not there before. And if you drive it, it responds — you just get a nice, killer sound." For now, Sherinian is using the BAE 1073 in preproduction, working on various riffs and content that he is planning on presenting to the band this winter, prior to the recording session. "I am collecting ideas; then I will go back, evaluate everything and weed out the nuggets," he says.

After getting the BAE recommendation, Sherinian did several A/B tests against competitors to properly evaluate the BAE 1073 and ensure it passed muster. "The BAE units sounded warmer and tighter. The other units sounded thin by comparison and just didn't work out. I think if you are a studio owner, it is very important to have some quality mic pres," he concludes. "For now, I couldn't be happier with my BAE 1073s. They are of the highest quality and are super-versatile."

Wonderfruit ‘16 Delivers Visionary Phase 1 Lineup feat. Rudimental, Young Fathers + MORE TBA alongside New Sustainability Initiatives

Pattaya,Thailand - Embarking on its third foray this December 15th - 18th, Thailand’s globally conscious boutique camping festival Wonderfruit has announced its return to the paradiscal grounds of The Fields at Siam Country Club, revealing an eclectic first wave lineup and unveiling a new carbon footprint initiative. Centered on six pillars: music, arts, farm-to-feasts, wellness, workshops and family, Phase 1 features a roster of internationally-acclaimed musicians, speakers, workshops and activities designed to deliver another unforgettable holiday deep in the lush tropics of Thailand.
Musical headliners include live drum-and-bass ensemble Rudimental, along with Scottish hip-hop trio and Mercury Award recipients for Best Album Young Fathers. Rounding out Phase 1 is a genre-bending collection of artists including JUNUN featuring Shye Ben Tzur & The Rajasthan Express, Kate Simko & The London Electronic Orchestra, Guyanese dub music hero Mad Professor, Brooklyn’s revered dance producers Wolf + Lamb, Matador, and Nastia, along with local favorites Rasmee Isan Soul, Zero Hero, Yena, Srirajah Rockers, The Superglasses Ska Ensemble and DJ Dragon - plus many more artists to be announced soon!
Looking forward to December the excitement surrounding the festivities is palpable, as headliners Rudimental explain:

“We've played festivals all over the world but never in Thailand. Wonderfruit sounds like an incredible party and holiday all in one - we can't wait to go... Shout out to the organisers for pledging to be carbon neutral too.”

International catalysts of fostering a more eco-conscious society, festival organizers Scratch First pledge to offset this year’s carbon footprint by investing in the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve, a diverse ecosystem in Indonesia. Every ticket purchased plays an integral role in the preservation of a precious natural resource. With a vision of cultivating creativity and inspiring personal responsibility, Wonderfruit Festival is slated to cement its position as one of the top sustainable festivals in the world.

BASSBOSS Celebrates its 30th Sound Installation in Austin with Moustaches and Beer Enthusiasts, HandleBar

Austin, TX – July 26, 2016: Downtown Austin watering hole HandleBar has a lot to offer anyone who wanders inside, from live DJs five nights a week to friendly bartenders, craft cocktails, and 20 carefully selected beers on tap. But since its 2012 opening many of its patrons were skipping out on the diverse offerings of its main bar for its expansive, but limited service, roof deck. “At first we couldn’t figure out why no one wanted to hang out in the main bar, where we have all of these great drinks and amenities that aren’t available on the roof,” says owner Brett Vance. “But we were realizing that a big part of it had to do with a really bad sound system.” In May, Vance reached out to BASSBOSS president David Lee to help oversee a complete sound overhaul that would endear HandleBar’s main floor bar to patrons and also mark BASSBOSS' 30th major installation on its home turf.

Starting on the Ground Level
HandleBar’s previous aging sound system, which was cobbled together from bits and pieces of various sound equipment that had been taken out of service from other neighborhood bars, was not performing up to par. “Even when it wasn’t that loud it hurt your ears,” Vance recalls. “We’ve got concrete surfaces on all sides, so the natural acoustics certainly weren’t helping either. As a result, on a weeknight we might have 200 people upstairs but only 20 in the main bar, which was a real problem because if you passed by the bar on the street you might look in the window and think there’s nothing doing.”

For Session Guitarist Todd Lombardo, Antelope Audio's Zen Tour and Orion Studio Interfaces are Milestone Products that Inspire

Nashville, July 25, 2016 – Session guitarist and GRAMMY nominated songwriter Todd Lombardo has been on a career high, having just relocated to Nashville and playing on many current, new projects.  In addition to contributing his signature guitar work to the latest Lady Antebellum and David Nail records, he has also played an integral role in the Music Bed licensing site, for which he is a resident composer. As an artist with many concurrent projects, Lombardo's sounds are limited only to his imagination — therefore he needs a vast sonic toolkit. Recently, following a visit to Antelope Audio's booth at Summer NAMM in Nashville, he added the new Zen Tour and Orion Studio to his equipment arsenal.

With its proprietary FPGA effects engine and dozens of authentic sounding FX and amplifier simulations (also present in its bigger siblings Orion Studio and Goliath), Zen Tour — which began shipping last week — sets itself apart as the ultimate portable recording interface for guitarists. Packing (8) analog inputs and (16) analog outputs into a sharp and slender form factor, Zen Tour is a touring musician's dream and the ultimate companion for the entire music production process.