mFlive
News
MicroFest Festival
On May 7, 2022, we celebrated the MicroFest in Barcelona, a festival organized by the students of the Microfusa Barcelona School, full of emerging musical proposals made in Microfusa. Espai Jove La Fontana was the venue that hosted this great musical night. It started with Vera Van Eyken, a young artist who amazed us all with just her voice and a guitar, managing to create an intimate and engaging atmosphere with the audience. Next performed Tomás y Ethan, a performance that combined acoustic and digital elements, creating rhythms close to Jazz and Funk, energizing the audience with their stage presence. Then performed the group composed of Toni Cadena, Vicenç Rotger, Joan Giner, Felix Beltran, Alberto Lisinicchia and Jia Qi Zhu. First, Jia Qi and Vicenç opened the performance with their solo projects. Then, the other members joined together to give way to the main show, with Flamenco blended with Spanish Pop that received a great response from the audience. Jaza came on with more aggressive rhythms to change the atmosphere of the night. Her songs take us to a more powerful and urban sound, showing the clear influence of 90s Hip Hop. As the final performances, we had Yung Nady and Che Gabbana. Two artists with musical proposals close to the new wave of Spanish Trap, showing the clear influence of great American artists from the scene, left the audience with very high heart rates. We ended the night with the performances of DJs Oliver Gawin and Dvrk Oktopus, who with Tech-House and Tekno sounds, respectively, were in charge of ending the first edition of MicroFest on a high note. The event was directed by the Music Business students and, on behalf of the entire team, we want to thank the audience for their support and affection, the artists for their great performances, the school and the entire technical team of Espai Jove La Fontana for trusting us. Don't miss the next festivals organized by Microfusa, we enjoyed the Winter Festival this same year, we inform you that we will also organize this festival next year 2023. Thank you to everyone, we hope to see you soon in clubs and on stage! MICROFUSA / BARCELONA SCHOOL Ronda Guinardó, 65. Barcelona / Tel.: 934 353 688 MICROFUSA / MADRID SCHOOL Paseo de Juan Antonio Vallejo – Nájera Botas, 59. Madrid / Tel.: 917 024 592 MICROFUSA / ONLINE TRAINING
Winter Festival 2022 Madrid
We're ready to party! Concerts are back... Sign up on February 21 to watch Winter Festival 2022 on our twitch.tv/microfusa channel. Don't miss this opportunity to discover new talent in music. Support these artists and enter our giveaway for a pair of wireless headphones worth over €200 from the Danish brand AIAIAI. The Microfusa Madrid Festival at Sala Siroco will be streamed on twitch.tv/microfusa All performances will be recorded in high-quality video and audio. Follow us on social media to watch the concerts we broadcast later on our twitch.tv/microfusa and YouTube channels. We will soon publish how to enter the giveaway. PUESTA DE SOL Puesta de Sol is the solo project of musician Martín Erpel, who comes from southern Chile. Under the umbrella of nostalgic melodies and introspective lyrics, Puesta de Sol takes us on an internal journey through sensitive pop songs. Instagram: puestaadesol JULIE BIG DAYS Julie Big Days is a progressive pop band with touches of dream pop and shoegaze. It is composed of four members: Martín Erpel (drums and vocals), Felipe Zepeda (bass and vocals), Elisa Fernandez-Villaverde (guitar), and Laura Quilez (guitar). The band formed in 2021 in the Imperial neighborhood of Madrid, while the members were studying music production at the Microfusa school. Instagram: juliebigdays ALVARO PUIG I am a music geek. I have been playing guitar since I was 13, and I have finally fully immersed myself in Microfusa to acquire knowledge and experience for working life and to work in what I am passionate about. DUSSIAS Dussias is the solo project of Daniel Francis, a Venezuelan guitarist and singer-songwriter. He got his start as a founding member of ClubHouse, a Latin fusion band until its dissolution in 2016, due to the Venezuelan crisis. In 2020, Dussias released Caverna Animarum, an experimental rock EP, and by 2021, Dussias moved to Madrid and prepared the release of Utopia, an electronic rock EP, for late February 2022. Social media: Dussias website Twitter: dussiasofficial Instagram: dussiasofficial TikTok: dussiasofficial Facebook: dussiasofficial NFTs: dussias-utopia Discord HONEY ASH WALKERS BAND Honey Ash Walkers Band combines the Wild West with modern-day modernity, characterized by its raw and moving sounds and a powerful voice that grabs everyone's soul. It is a multinational blues-rock band based in Madrid, Spain. It formed in 2015 in Cali, Colombia, started by Canadian vocalist Aniela Monisia and Colombian guitarist Julián Betancur Rozo. In addition to blues and rock, it also incorporates sounds of folk, funk, jazz, bluegrass, and country. EP: “Lost in the Desert” (2020) “Band of the Year" on Viva Music Colombia 2019/20 Seven times first place in the Viva Music Colombia Top 100 (2020) “Lost in the Desert" at position #750 in Viva Music 1000 Songs of Colombian Rock 1963-2020. “Lost in the Desert” chosen as one of the favorite songs of 2019 by the radio show Lágrimas de Acero and the Cavernet Rock blog. Festival Appearances: Quito International Blues Festival (2021), Colombo Americano Blues & Folk Festival (2018/2019/2020), FIURA Unirock Festival (2020), Universidad de Santiago de Cali Jazz & Blues Festival (2019) Social media: Facebook: honeyashwalkersband Instagram: honeyashwalkersband YouTube Channel Twitter: ashwalkers honeyashwalker website Nicolas Caicedo Prieto Born in Cali, Colombia on September 30, 1997. Since I was very young, I fell in love with music, starting to compose songs at 7 years old and until today (and forever). My father is a professional musician, my mother is a children's teacher who loves to dance, I feel that the passion for music has been in me all my life. During a short period of my life I took guitar lessons that were my foundation for when I resumed at 19 years old. Despite my father being a musician, my maternal family did not approve of me being a musician. And that is because I grew up with them, with my maternal grandparents, since besides my mother was always busy, my parents separated when I was born, leaving me to live with my grandparents who were like my parents and taught me the basics of everything I am in my life. At 24 years old, having finished my first professional career in journalism, I finally have my family's support to study something related to music, thus I arrived at Microfusa. I have been a waiter for over three years now, so I became independent and now I am on my path to develop my professional career also with the help of Microfusa. Social media: Instagram: nickcai77 Facebook: Nicolás Caicedo Prieto The artists mentioned are not the only ones who will parade this 2022 through the Winter Festival 2022, it promises intense hours of music, dancing, and fun: a good formula to raise the temperature in winter. Are you in? MICROFUSA / BARCELONA SCHOOL Ronda Guinardó, 65. Barcelona / Tel.: 934 353 688 MICROFUSA / MADRID SCHOOL Paseo de Juan Antonio Vallejo – Nájera Botas, 59. Madrid / Tel.: 917 024 592 MICROFUSA / ONLINE TRAINING
Winter Festival 2022 Barcelona
We're ready to party! Live concerts with audiences are back You can now book tickets for February 24 at SALA LAUT Barcelona for the Winter Festival 2022. Don't miss this opportunity to discover new musical talent. Support these artists and enter our giveaway for a pair of wireless headphones valued at over €200 from the Danish brand AIAIAI. The Microfusa Barcelona Festival at Sala LAUT will be open to the public. In compliance with all COVID-19 health regulations for events, we are required to limit capacity. To attend, you must sign up here: Eventbrite. All performances will be recorded in high-quality video and audio. Follow us on social media to watch the concerts we will release later on our twitch.tv/microfusa channel and YouTube. We will soon publish how to enter the giveaway. Mantra: Indie Pop Band This pop-rock band was formed by Franc and Jaume Prohens in early 2020, between Mallorca and Barcelona. Mantra consists of four young Mallorcan musicians between 20 and 30 years old who already have experience and a track record in professional music: Franc Prohens (21, lead vocals and guitar, songwriter). Jaume Prohens (20, guitar and backing vocals, co-writer of several tracks.) Mateu Del Río (29, bass). Cristian Ibarra (27, drums and backing vocals). Mantra's very contemporary style draws from the very best of international pop and rock of all time (The Beatles, Coldplay, The Killers, Bowie, Oasis...), basing their original repertoire on powerful melodic songs in English. Pay attention to these tracks, as they will form their debut album as a band, which has already been recorded and is currently being edited. It all started in early 2020, when Franc and Jaume Prohens, who were studying in Barcelona, got to work on the band's first tracks. During the pandemic lockdown, while in Mallorca, most of the songs for this first album were created, and the rest of the band joined during the summer. Since then, they haven't stopped, even recording a Live Session presenting "This Is Mantra" at the Municipal Auditorium of Felanitx (YouTube), being interviewed by several media outlets, and performing at various parties and events. They were named semifinalists in the Palma City Council Pop-Rock 2021 competition. Today, they are about to release the first single from the album “All I Need,” mixed at Microfusa Barcelona, which will be released this February. It's no wonder they're so excited! If you want to follow Mantra on social media or learn more about their work: Instagram: @mantra_rnr Mantra YouTube Channel Mantra on Spotify Opus Pain: Punk Band Formed in 2019 in Castelldefels, this band was created with the aim of making simple music for the sole purpose of having a good time. But over time, their commitment to the project grew, and since both the band's music and live shows were well received, they decided to record the LP they are currently working on. As for Opus Pain's influences, each band member has their own, resulting in a very personal sound that sets them apart. To give you an idea of this cocktail of influences, they include Los Demarras, La Polla Records, Melendi, El Canto del Loco, Pignoise, Guns N' Roses, Estopa, Muse, Arctic Monkeys, Avenged Sevenfold, Desakato, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Marea, Extremoduro, and La Raíz. Currently, Opus Pain's main goal is to make people laugh with their lyrics and live shows, satirizing everyday life and making a difference. You'll have to see them! Instagram: @opuspain Opus Pain YouTube Channel Opus Pain on Spotify Acrondancon: Live Performance His name is Acro, although he is also known as Pirata. He was born in San Petersburg, Russia, but his heritage is a cocktail of Cuban and African genes. As a child, he grew up in an environment dominated by music and dance, which led him to train at schools, institutes, and conservatories. This prepared him to create soundtracks combining electronic music, Techno & House, and EDM as the main genres. To do this, he uses pianos, pads, and controllers, creating a show immersed in the pirate era that can be enjoyed at the Microfusa Winter Festival 2022. Instagram: @acrodancon DJ Dkuul DJ Dkuul creates a hypnotic fusion of Tech-House rhythms with a touch of pop to get you dancing. He describes himself as a dreamer, but one of those who turn their dreams into reality. He started in the world of music and dance at the young age of 15, and now at 22, he is already a DJ Producer who has matured and continues to perfect his craft. DJ Dkuul's motto is: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” His freshness and experience, as well as his passion for challenges, also help him. If you don't know DJ Dkuul yet, now is definitely the time. Social media: @dkuul_sousa Corderas Corderas is an artist from Barcelona who has been working on their musical career for three years and growing every day. They have collaborated with artists such as Dirty Porko, El Niño de la Yuinta, Haison, Pirris Sosa, among others. Social media: @corderas_ Corderas YouTube Channel Dy Flow He is a singer and songwriter from the El Besós neighborhood in Barcelona. He started in the music world a few years ago and is currently a member of the group The Spartans Music. His lyrics' strong content is noteworthy. Social media: @dyflow1 Dy Flow YouTube Channel La Izki Mar Izquierdo, known musically as LaIzki, is a 20-year-old singer and producer living in Barcelona. A history student and passionate about the world of sound. She has taught herself to produce her music and arrangements; and has training in music theory, guitar, and piano. Her main language is Spanish, but she fuses it with English, Catalan, and French. Her influences are the Spanish indie world and English hip-hop, as well as post-punk and R&B. Currently, she is working on an indie-pop sound for a project about love in all its perspectives, in songs such as ME MEGA GUSTAS, ESTAFA PIRAMIDAL, and the ones she will release on her next EP. Social media: @laizkii La Iziki YouTube Channel The performances promise intense hours of music, dancing, and fun: a good formula to turn up the heat in winter. Are you in? MICROFUSA / BARCELONA SCHOOL Ronda Guinardó, 65. Barcelona / Tel.: 934 353 688 MICROFUSA / MADRID SCHOOL Paseo de Juan Antonio Vallejo – Nájera Botas, 59. Madrid / Tel.: 917 024 592 MICROFUSA / ONLINE TRAINING
A LOOK BACK AT THE LATEST MICROFUSA FESTIVALS
Despite the pandemic, at MicroFusa we have done everything possible to keep the music going. These are strange times, but our commitment to our community has forced us to work even harder to keep our promise At MicroFusa schools, we are especially committed to our community. We consider it very important to promote the work of students and alumni through the media at our disposal. And the festivals we have periodically organized over the years offer a unique opportunity. The arrival of the pandemic made the situation quite difficult. Between lockdowns, curfews, and other safety measures so necessary to protect our health, holding events of this type proved quite complicated. But at MicroFusa we have done everything possible, always maintaining the strictest safety measures, to keep going. When it seemed that everything was starting to return to normal, we once again saw the shadow of new restrictions. But at MicroFusa schools, we will adapt to the new conditions. Let the music not stop. But safety first. Today we bring you a brief summary of our recent festivals. In a way, it is a way to see, precisely, how we have been adapting to these new circumstances. But, above all, it is a new opportunity to give a voice to all those emerging artists who, especially at this time, are still finding things even more difficult. Summer Festival 2019 On June 10, 2019, we held our MicroFusa Summer Festival 2019 at Sala Apolo, with sound by students from our center and performances by Senyor Oca, ADALA & The Same Song Band, EQVVS LACRIMA, Rampalion, Carlenee + DJ AUBØR, Petit Ribery and Golfito Lil. A night of trap, reggae, rap, drum’n’bass, and various rhythms that brought together more than 2000 attendees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SP59HAdK7g Winter Festival 2020 The MicroFusa Winter Festival 2020, held on February 21, 2020, at Sala Laut in Barcelona came just before the mandatory lockdown was decreed. We had the opportunity to feature performances by Adrián Gómez, Pablo Belluco, KhashiMusic, AUBØR, Clara Rueda, FEZE and D0X0RB. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITCZspsH83o Winter Festival Online 2021 If the celebration of Winter Festival 2020 came just in time, Winter Festival 2021 caught us right in the middle of the most complicated situation. But at MicroFusa we love challenges and, in collaboration with the Adam Hall showroom in Barcelona, we decided to organize an online edition of the event, which took place on February 26 via the Microfusa channel on twitch.tv. It featured performances by DK DKUUL, Chloé, Acrodacon, Dj AUBØR, Carlenee, Cloe and Vicco. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcAabG8Q5Uk Spring Festival 021 In the midst of the pandemic, we launched our MicroFusa Spring Festival 021. It seemed that the pandemic situation was starting to normalize a little. But we preferred not to take risks and, instead of holding a one-off live event, we decided to record the performances in advance and then broadcast them weekly on our twitch.tv channel between April 29 and June 17. Accompanied by interviews with each artist or band, these were the performances we were able to enjoy: 29.04.2021 – La Prenda Roja 06.05.2021 – Carlos Cuenca 13.05.2021 – Kreddo 20.05.2021 – Fatamorgana 27.05.2021 – MIND 4.06.2021 – Carlos Castelló 11.06.2021 – AB Zipper 06.2021 – Wallace & Ludmila 06.2021 – Gonzalo y Pau 17.06.2021 – Julen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnzvepgtyF0 Summer Festival 021 This summer we presented the mFLive concept, a reimagining of our well-known festivals in partnership with mFRecords and the mFEvents production company. A new project created by and for our community. In this new format, at the end of June, we launched the MicroFusa Summer Festival 021, focused on two dates. June 21 in Barcelona and June 23 in Madrid. The Barcelona Festival would take place between Sala Apolo and La 2 and would be broadcast virtually. The Madrid Festival would be held at Sala Siroco with capacity limited to 72 people and would also be broadcast virtually. Summer Festival Barcelona 021 At Summer Festival Barcelona 021 we featured performances by Laura West, Carla Collado, Carlenne, Histérica, Vicco and Exili a Elba. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEfu9z5nJY4 Summer Festival Madrid 021 At Summer Festival Madrid 021 we featured performances by Kreddo, The Cuquers, Alberto García and MIND. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfc6-q8ppdM As you can see, no matter how many twists and turns life takes, we will continue to support our students and alumni, working hard to give their work visibility. MICROFUSA / BARCELONA SCHOOL Ronda Guinardó, 65. Barcelona / Tel.: 934 353 688 MICROFUSA / MADRID SCHOOL Paseo de Juan Antonio Vallejo – Nájera Botas, 59. Madrid / Tel.: 917 024 592 MICROFUSA / ONLINE TRAINING
SUMMER FESTIVAL 021
Microfusa presents its new proposal: mFLive, a revamp of its well-known festivals, in partnership with the mFRecords record label and mFEvents production company. A project created by and for our community. mFLive features the following festival editions: Winter Festival - Spring Festival - Summer Festival - and Autumn Festival. It will also develop other interesting proposals that will be gradually revealed. We recommend staying tuned to their social media!!! @twitch.tv, @microfusa and @microfusa_alumnxs You can now save the dates June 21 (Barcelona) and 23 (Madrid) so you don't miss our Summer Festival 021, a proposal with a great variety of cultural content and excellent musical quality. This Summer Festival 021 will feature our students: artists, bands, sound technicians, and more. It will also feature guest artists. As we are currently in what appears to be the final phase of the pandemic, the guidelines for live events are still restrictive. This means that the Microfusa Festival in Barcelona at Sala Apolo and La 2 will be streamed virtually. The Microfusa Madrid Festival at Sala Siroco will be an in-person event with a limited capacity of 72 people, complying with all health regulations. It will also be streamed virtually. You can follow the Summer Festival 021 in Madrid and Barcelona live through our Microfusa channel on twitch.tv. All events will be recorded in high-quality video and audio so you can enjoy the re-broadcasts that will be shown later. To attend the event at Sala Siroco in Madrid, registration is essential: Don't miss your spot, sign up now on Eventbrite! Discover the variety of emerging artists who will participate in the Summer Festival 021: Summer Festival 021 in Barcelona Date: June 21, 021 Time: From 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Location: twitch.tv (from Sala Apolo and La 2 - Barcelona ) Artists: Laura West @thisislaurawest Carla Collado @collado_carla Carlenne @carlenne99 Histérica @histerica._ Vicco @vicco.music Exili a Elba @exiliaelba + surprise guest artists. Stay tuned to our social media, ... you'll be surprised! Summer Festival 021 in Madrid Date: June 23, 021 Time: From 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Location: Sala Siroco - Madrid (invitations) / twitch.tv Artists: Kreddo @kreddo_oficial The Cuquers @Thecuquers Alberto Garcia @agh_musicc MIND Giveaway Summer Festival 021 We continue to support music and culture. That's why during this edition of the Summer Festival 021 we will offer interesting prizes worth more than €500. Don't miss the opportunity to win a pair of professional KRK KNS-6400 headphones, a RODE NT-USB MINI mini mic, a pair of professional KANTO YU monitors, or a MAGMA ROLLTOP BACKPACK III. To make it easier to win, you can enter throughout the summer, as well as during our mFLive broadcasts. Everything on our channel at twitch.tv, for your enjoyment. To enter, you must follow the following process: Register here, and you're entered—it's that easy! To increase your chances of winning, follow us on our social media: Instagram - Facebook - twitch.tv The winners will be selected and announced during the broadcast on our Microfusa channel on twitch.tv. Stay tuned for the dates when we announce the winners and exclusive discounts on specific products / brands in Microfusa stores. And you know that if you need more information about this or other events featuring Microfusa, you just have to contact us. LEGAL TERMS OF THE GIVEAWAY GENERAL CONDITIONS 1. The organizer is: Microfusa Formació S.L., with its registered office at Ronda del Guinardó 65, 08024 Barcelona (Spain), and C.I.F. B-63.197.099. 2. Employees of microFusa or any other person involved in the administration, development, and execution of this contest and their immediate family members are not eligible to be selected as winners of this contest. Minors under 18 years of age must provide parental or guardian consent if requested. 3. No payment or purchase is required to enter the contest. 4. Only one entry per participant will be accepted, and duplicates will be removed. 5. The complete instructions for participating in this contest are described on this page. 6. Residency in Spain is mandatory to be eligible for the prize. 7. Participation ends on September 14, 2021, at 12:00 a.m. Central European Time. No further entries will be accepted after this time. 8. No responsibility will be accepted for entries not received for any reason. 9. MicroFusa reserves the right to cancel, modify, or replace the contest (including the prizes) at any time if it is not possible to carry out the contest as specified, whether due to catastrophe, war, military unrest, or any other reason beyond microFusa's control. Any changes to the contest will be notified to participants by microFusa as soon as possible. 10. No money will be offered in exchange for the prizes. The prizes are non-transferable and subject to availability; we also reserve the right to replace any prize with one of equivalent value without prior notice. The winners will be selected by the online-stopwatch.com software from all entries received and verified by microFusa's communications staff. 11. The winners will be announced during the broadcast on twitch.tv on the Microfusa channel. If the winner cannot be located or does not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to select another winner. 12. MicroFusa will notify each winner how and when the prize can be collected. If the prize needs to be shipped, the winner will be responsible for the shipping costs. 13. MicroFusa's decision regarding all matters related to the contest will be final and not subject to appeal. 14. The contest and its terms and conditions will be governed by Spanish law, and any dispute will be arbitrated under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Spanish courts (courts of Barcelona). 15. The winner agrees to allow their name to be used for promotional purposes related to the contest and may be mentioned on the organizers' social media or websites. The use of personal data received by the organizer during the giveaway is subject to the privacy policy. 16. Participating in this contest confirms acceptance of these terms and conditions. MICROFUSA / BARCELONA SCHOOL Ronda Guinardó, 65. Barcelona / Tel.: 934 353 688 MICROFUSA / MADRID SCHOOL Paseo de Juan Antonio Vallejo – Nájera Botas, 59. Madrid / Tel.: 917 024 592 MICROFUSA / ONLINE TRAINING
EVOLUTION OF MUSICAL STYLES AND FORMS
In our third talk with Ramir Martínez, producer and sound engineer and teacher of Sound, Electronic Music Production and Live Performance at Microfusa, we have had the opportunity to discover how the different styles of popular music have evolved in recent years More than 25 years of experience on the teaching staff of Microfusa, an intense artistic career at the helm of various electronic pop and rock bands and his work as a producer and sound engineer for groups such as Facto Delafé and Las Flores Azules or Mishima and a remixer of Love Of Lesbian make Ramir the ideal person to analyze how the different aspects of popular music have evolved in recent years. With him we have talked about how the Internet has been the trigger that defined the new forms of distribution or how the laptop or the phenomenon of bedroom producers have revolutionized the means of production. Today, somewhat as a conclusion, Ramir tells us how all these changes have influenced the different styles of popular music, making them evolve. Everything is related, isn't it? That's right. If we look at the differences between 21st-century music and 20th-century music, we realize that they depend on everything we have talked about before: distribution, production… how music is made and how it is distributed. And the keys? Throughout the 20th century, when you wanted to be an artist, there were a series of intermediary agents and specific material technological needs to be able to carry it out. In addition, the musical conception was basically concentrated on the group as a set of musicians and composers. Well, relevant soloists have always existed, but if we analyze popular music from the 50s, we will see that those soloists were usually accompanied by a group or a band to perform the music live. We have a lot of examples: In the 50s Bill Haley and The Comets, Buddy Holly, Little Richard or Elvis who, in short, was just a performer always accompanied by a group; in the 60s the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who stand out, then comes the California era, bands like Creedence, the hippie era; in the 70s hard rock and then blues rock,… always trends based on bands. There were exceptions like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, but 20th-century popular music has always been predominantly communal. During the 80s and 90s the same dynamic continues. In the 80s punk stands out with bands like Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned. Then, with techno-pop things change a little, but we also don't find soloists, only duos. During those years we can remember artists like Bruce Springsteen, but inseparable from his E-Street Band who were the ones who did his arrangements. Or soloists like Madonna or Prince who were always accompanied by bands that made their music. Although it is true that the 80s marked a turning point with a large number of soloists from the previous decade: Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Tina Turner, etc. To then return to the 90s with a handful of artists who rely on the combo. We find many examples ranging from brit-pop (Oasis, Blur) to grunge (Nirvana, Pearl Jam). However, it is in the 90s when the concept of the individualistic artist appears with DJs, solo guys and self-sufficient. Although in reality many of the great electronic releases of the era are created by groups of two, three or more creators (Prodigy, Massive Attack). The same thing happens with pop music or hardcore, maintaining the band trend. How does the change really happen then? It is from the first decade of this century when the authentically solo trend begins to crystallize. Although on one hand indie continues to be based on the band, in electronic and popular music the soloist is increasingly a soloist. And this evolution is due to two reasons: On one hand there is the issue of production, the possibility that you can distribute a file over the Internet, without the need for physical media. On the other hand the versatility of computers as systems to create music. An artist can create their demos at home with very limited equipment. During the second decade of this century, the phenomenon of bedroom producers, the paradigm of individualistic electronic music, spreads to other collectives of popular music. Thus, other styles, such as urban music for example, begin to focus above all on the soloist and we have artists like Maluma, J Balvin, Rosalía; and in the Anglo world Billy Ellish, Ariana Grande and others. In fact, if you think about relevant bands they belong to previous decades that are still active and the bulk of the proposals are shifting towards the individual proposal. Although that does not mean that because an artist presents their image to the public it does not mean they are alone. There is a team behind but the notoriety is not shared. In short, we could say that, over the years we have been seeing that, due to new technologies we have gone from a collective concept of making music to an individualistic concept. And, moreover, it is a self-reinforcing system. You see solo artists on the Internet singing and doing their choreography, that image is reinforced and your identity will seek only that artistic proposal. But are we talking globally? True, this would be a global perspective. Locally things are not exactly like this, For example, here in Catalonia itself we can observe a very powerful band trend with very interesting proposals. And music, in terms of form, how has it evolved? Music is rhythms, they are chords… And in popular music it regularly happens that a new trend appears that uses simpler and easier stylistic resources. This simplicity makes this new trend connect much more easily with younger people and be replicated quickly. The example of these recent years we are living with reggaeton. Its rhythm is simple, it is catchy, easy to dance to and copy. But it is something that already happened in previous decades with rock, techno or punk. They were all styles whose initial themes were very similar. Partly because the rhythms were similar and because they simplified the harmony. If you take a song from between the 60s and the 90s it usually has a well-defined structure: verse and chorus, or chorus and stanza… Any song by the Beatles, for example, always used to have two well-defined parts. In contrast, current productions do something totally innovative by merging the traditional song structure with the chordless structures of electronic music and you find songs that constantly have the same chord progression. The goal is the maximum simplification of harmony, the verse and the chorus, with the same notes and the same chords. But this tendency to simplify has always existed among younger artists. Artists who make everything simpler and want to get straight to the point. Thus punk was born by simplifying, electronic music arrived and simplified or we have indie which has been simplified by urban music. The thing is that, in general, two concepts have converged that have come to stay: On one hand the “democratization” of music. Now many more people have the possibility of creating and distributing their own music than a few years ago. And on the other hand the simplification of musical forms. They are two related concepts that reinforce each other, they have been with us for ten years now and for the moment they have not changed and it seems they are here to stay. That is to say, in summary, that it being so simple is amplified by new means of production and distribution that put musical creation within reach of much more people. In addition, this situation we are currently living, with lockdowns, still encourages more the trend of musical individualism. Yes, we have seen initiatives of remote collaborations, but the real general trend is that of the lone creator… It is a sign of how the 21st century will be musically. MICROFUSA / BARCELONA SCHOOL Ronda Guinardó, 65. Barcelona / Tel.: 934 353 688 MICROFUSA / MADRID SCHOOL Paseo de Juan Antonio Vallejo – Nájera Botas, 59. Madrid / Tel.: 917 024 592 MICROFUSA / ONLINE TRAINING
TECHNOLOGY: THE MEANS OF MUSICAL PRODUCTION
We continue our talks with Ramir Martínez, producer and sound engineer and teacher of Sound, Electronic Music Production and Live Performance at Microfusa. This time to gain perspective on how musical production means have evolved A week ago we spoke with Ramir about how the Internet has transformed popular music. More than 25 years of experience on the teaching staff of Microfusa, an intense artistic career leading various electronic pop and rock bands and his work as a producer and sound engineer for groups such as Facto Delafé and Las Flores Azules or Mishima and remixer of Love Of Lesbian make him the ideal person to analyze how the different aspects of the industry have changed in recent years. In today's interview we have had the opportunity to talk about musical production means, a sector in which the evolution of technology has determined the trend. The evolution of popular music was marked by the Internet, what has changed in musical production means? Picking up the thread of what we were talking about the other day we can summarize it in that distribution means have become virtual. Likewise the same has happened with production means, they have been democratized. Basically, what before was only within reach of a few, is now within reach of many. A few years ago, the only place where you could develop a musical project, record an album, a song, was in a recording studio. And a recording studio involved very high costs: the rental of the space, maintenance, the rental of equipment, the sound technician who was hired by the studio owner. To be able to maintain all this infrastructure, a large investment was necessary. In the 21st century, all this necessary technology has been virtualized and concentrated in the computer. Therefore, the way all those processes, all those tasks were carried out has changed and those roles have also changed. If we compare, before 2000 a recording system, audio processors, a mixing desk, monitors, and ultimately many different devices were needed to make a recording. And what has happened is that, as computers have gained computing power and storage capacity we can have it all in a single “box”. So that a single person with a computer (without the need for it to be a supercomputer) can do what different independent devices did a few years ago. Therefore, the cost of a recording studio, prior to current computers, could represent 10 to 100 times the cost based on a computer. This must have been reflected in musical creation, right? A phenomenon has appeared that is very associated with our days which is electronic music. Any kid can download an app and make a simple creation. They are the bed producers, the bedroom producers. And now we have a whole generation of very young people without much musical knowledge who can make music from their bedroom. Among them we can find examples of this real democratization, artists who do not have many resources but a musical interest, something to explain, and who have achieved success. As an example we can cite C. Tangana and Alizzz. About “El Ídolo”, an album that is now a benchmark of urban music Alizzz explained how they started the project with a precarious equipment based on desktop personal computers. And what is the general opinion of this new computer-based music? Like everything, it has a good side and a bad side. Detractors of computer-based music believe that it is soulless music created by people without musical knowledge. On the other hand, its defenders say that it opens the door to thousands of creators who can explore their artistic abilities and that it gives an opportunity to people who have not gone through formal musical training. The phenomenon of bed producers, for example, is very linked to the new trend of EDM, a trend in which many of its producers are very young and where figures like Avicii, Martin Garrix and many others have stood out. Ultimately, technology is only a tool and you can see it as a threat or as an opportunity. Of course, from the production point of view, having the tools does not mean that you acquire talent. The tools offer you the possibility but talent either comes to you innately or you develop it with work, or more frequently by combining both aspects. The fact that production means are currently democratized is the same thing that is happening to all of us now with the super smartphones we have. The included cameras have incredible optics but that does not mean it turns us into great photographers. Furthermore, the availability of great technology implies having the right knowledge to get the most out of it, to know how to express emotions with it, to know how to direct the production process, etc. Will recording studios disappear? Summarizing concepts we can say that 21st century technology has allowed many more people to join the world of music transforming it into a global production. People from China, Europe, Latin America, Africa can access it, creating a global production phenomenon. And this is good news because it means that there are many more people than ever creating through computer technology. Before the filter was having access to a recording studio. And you only got it if you had income through concerts or with a contract with a record label. But that does not mean that productions can only be made through a computer. It only means that now they can be made in a way that before was not possible. But as far as group music with instruments, with strict technological requirements, with microphones and recording spaces, among others, all this cannot be assumed solely by the computer and recording studios continue to be as necessary as two decades ago. We can make a parallel with the appearance of the first synths in the 60s. Robert Moog was asked what is going to happen now with synthesizers? Do you want to replace instrumentalists with electronic instruments? For many people in the classical music world that meant a threat and they believed that orchestras were going to disappear. And nothing happened, it simply became another form of expression that developed in parallel to existing ones such as popular music. MICROFUSA / BARCELONA SCHOOL Ronda Guinardó, 65. Barcelona / Tel.: 934 353 688 MICROFUSA / MADRID SCHOOL Paseo de Juan Antonio Vallejo – Nájera Botas, 59. Madrid / Tel.: 917 024 592 MICROFUSA / ONLINE TRAINING
INTERVIEW WITH SERGIO MOLINA, MUSIC PRODUCTION PROFESSOR AT MICROFUSA MADRID
One of the aspects of our Sound Technician Diploma is music production. To learn more about this subject, we spoke with Sergio Molina, a teacher at the MicroFusa School in Madrid Committed to practically any genre, Sergio Molina is a producer, sound technician, composer, and musician with training in Solfège, Piano, and Harmony. At the MicroFusa School in Madrid, he teaches Music Production in courses such as the Sound Technician Diploma. He is also the founder of Moba Studios, a recording studio in Alcalá de Henares. It features one of the largest rooms among recording studios in Madrid, a control room that blends the analog world with the digital universe, an amplification booth, a kitchen, a lounge with sofas, a television, and everything needed to feel comfortable and inspired. He was awarded the “Best Alternative Pop Album” at the XIV Edition of the Music Awards, alongside Javier Álvarez. His passion for Anglo-Saxon independent productions, from the most retro to the most modern, is a major influence on his work. In composition, he stands out for his more than 500 hours of soundtracks written and produced with participation in series such as Doctor Mateo, Con el Culo al Aire, Cuestión de Sexo, and Gym Tony. We find Sergio studying. It may be surprising for someone with his resume. But it is just another sign of his tenacity and professionalism, and it highlights the importance of continuous training in this industry. His career illustrates the link between teaching and professional practice that is part of the MicroFusa School approach. He made time for us to have a chat with him about one of the most important aspects of creating a track or an album: music production. How did you get started in the music world? I am an only child and didn't have an older brother to introduce me to music. So I had to discover it through research. Do you remember the Max Mix tapes from the 80s? And do you remember cassette tapes? Well, using the classic method of stopping the tapes, I would see how they made them. My parents were intrigued by my passion for music, so they signed me up for conservatory school to study Solfège and Piano. At that time, there weren't many other options either. It was just that then I discovered rock, drums, and keyboards. In the early 90s, I started playing with small bands in Madrid and later with larger bands such as Jet Lag and Sexy Sadie, and I recorded a few albums with Paco Loco and Javier Álvarez (with whom we won an award). You studied solfège, piano, and harmony. How did you discover your interest in music production? During that time, I started becoming interested in everything related to recording albums, so I studied a module of the Higher Technician in Sound course. Taking advantage of the momentum from the award I had won, I set up a small studio and managed to get into television. It was the early years of this century, and I started with my first soundtracks. That gave me the money to create Moba Studios. And I'm still here, with soundtracks, music production... So, what does music production involve? What role does it play in creating a piece of music? Music production consists of bringing out the best in the song you are given. Beyond arrangements, a song is a succession of chords, harmony, and rhythm. The song is the boss. And, when it comes to producing, you have to pay attention to the band's tastes, their style, the message they want to convey, and how far they want to go. Music production is, ultimately, a combination of creativity and technique. You come across producers who excel more in creativity and others who master technique more. But what really matters is knowing how to combine the two. And for that, you need a global musical vision. You have to help the band with both the artistic and technical aspects; with the chords, the arrangements... What are the keys to achieving a good production? What equipment is needed? What should a good producer be like? The key is a good song. It is the foundation of everything. As they say, even if you dress a monkey in silk, it's still a monkey. And, I repeat, from there, analyze it well, see where the band wants to go, understand their message, see their sound, and always work in their favor. Paco Loco used to tell me to imagine The Beatles with a different sound. You can't imagine it, can you? The artistic part and the technical part have to go together to achieve the sound that each band needs. One band needs a cleaner sound, another needs a dirtier sound, another more vintage. Underground bands had a dirtier sound, and it is impossible to imagine The Beatles without their very characteristic sound. It is about achieving the perfect balance between sound and creativity. Because every song has its own sound. And a good producer doesn't need much. They must be clear about what they want to do. Have a good idea and work towards it. You don't need an Abbey Road. Of course, with more equipment, everything turns out much better. But, in reality, if you have a clear idea, it is much more important than the equipment you may have. Tell us about Moba Studios. What is your studio like? Moba Studios is a hybrid between analog and digital. But it makes sense; my generation was trained right between both worlds. For example, I have an MTA-980 mixing console from right around the time Malcolm Toft left Trident, some Echos Premium, some Universal Audio preamps for color, some Betermaker analog compressors that you can control from the computer. Of course, the entire digital computer system, a lot of synthesis machines, drum machines, a room with guitars, amps, and pedals... In short, it is a hybrid studio of technique and creativity. What professional opportunities are there for training as a music producer or sound technician? The video game sector is currently very strong. Music and effects are needed, requiring a hybrid of producer, musician, and programmer. Post-production is still working. Working as a producer for series on the new streaming platforms is also still working. And, of course, the music production of new genres such as hip-hop or trap, but above all, electronic music and urban music. We used to see electronic music as the future, but now it is already the present. Anyone who wants to train as a music producer or sound technician must learn to master electronic devices. Electronics are important. On the other hand, there is something in live performances, but at the moment, things are not exactly booming. And there is also something at the podcasting level on social media. But there isn't much money, and it is a very difficult world. What would you advise those who want to get started in this industry? That they really like it and feel true passion for it. Otherwise, there will be people who pass them by on the left and right. And that they be very professional: with delivery times, capacity, and quality. It is a very beautiful world, but you have to work hard. It is also important to know a little bit of everything: live performances, video games, a little music... The more you can cover, the more options you will have. Sergio Molina has told us a few very interesting things about how to get started in the music world and about music production, an important discipline in courses such as the Sound Technician Diploma, but also in other training options you will find in the different courses available at the MicroFusa Schools in Barcelona, Madrid, and also Online. Be like Sergio, train yourself. MICROFUSA / BARCELONA SCHOOL Ronda Guinardó, 65. Barcelona / Tel.: 934 353 688 MICROFUSA / MADRID SCHOOL Paseo de Juan Antonio Vallejo – Nájera Botas, 59. Madrid / Tel.: 917 024 592 MICROFUSA / ONLINE TRAINING
Talk on Music and Planet Earth
THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN THE EVOLUTION OF COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS Next, on May 14 at 1:00 p.m., we invite you to an online talk about Music and Planet Earth on the Microfusa_alumnxs channel. We will talk about the importance and essence of creation, the role of artists—musicians, writers, producers, and others—in the evolution of collective and global consciousness in relation to the environment and the Planet. The purpose of this initiative is to inform, inspire, and bring together creators from different fields, from music, design, and art to science. Based on this talk, we will invite you to participate in a Microfusa creative project—Music Inspired by the Planet. The talk will be led by Sealskin, a music producer and artist, and Ekaterina Markelova, a professor of sustainable development and ecology. Sealskin (Margo Pozhar), a collaborator, former student, and Microfusa teacher, is a Russian-Armenian linguist, singer, composer, producer, and artist. She has lived in Barcelona since 2015, where she studied music production and launched her first solo project and her own label, "Yquesello Records," alongside colleagues and industry professionals. She began creating in her hometown of Samara, Russia, with her first band, where she explored shamanic and experimental sounds. In her music, spirituality, electronic rhythms, acoustic instruments, and atmospheric textures come together. In her role as a producer, Sealskin works with other emerging artists, especially supporting women-led initiatives. And in her career in sound design, she has worked on notable projects such as "MIA" by Oriol Colomar. Ekaterina has been a professor of sustainability and the environment at Samara University in Russia since 2018. She also works at the scientific company Amphos21 in Barcelona, where she is an expert in biogeochemistry regarding industrial activities and their impact on the environment. She sees herself as a bridge between science and life and, one year ago, became a National Geographic educator. During her studies, she conducted laboratory experiments to highlight the role of microorganisms in the health of the global ecosystem. One of her findings explains nature's mechanisms for purifying contaminated water through the secretion of organic molecules by microorganisms into the environment. She has published 8 scientific articles in international journals, such as Environmental Science & Technology, Environmental Pollution, Applied Geochemistry, etc. Recently, she wrote a chapter in a book about the Circular Economy as a tool for Sustainable Business Development. In addition, she has 25 works published as scientific contributions to conferences, meetings, and local journals. Ekaterina has an interdisciplinary vision of environmental sciences and their application to business and industry. Her solid scientific training is recognized worldwide, and beyond international conferences, she has been invited to give public talks in Japan, Norway, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, and Russia. In her free time, she is a scientific reviewer for 5 international journals. We hope to see you next May 14 at 1:00 p.m. on the Microfusa_alumnxs Instagram channel.
Open Day and Demonstrations at microFusa Barcelona.
The first microFusa Open Days of 2019 come with special demonstrations and gifts. Every year, our school in Barcelona opens its doors so that young people interested in taking one of our courses can come to see the studios, teachers, curricula and, in general, our school's facilities. This year is no exception, however, what is new is that we will have demonstrations so that attendees can experience firsthand how the Music Production, Sound Technician, and DJ courses work. In addition, everyone who joins us for these sessions will be able to participate in the contest we are holding on the occasion of the Saló de l'Ensenyament, in which we will give away six courses in Introduction to DJing and Production. To attend these demonstrations, you need to register at this link. The 2019 Open Days will take place from March 27 to 29 at our school in Barcelona. (Ronda Guinardó 65), and the demonstrations will be held as follows: Music Production Demonstration: This first demonstration will take place on Wednesday, March 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.. The session will be led by our experienced teachers Ramir Martínez (Kulyela) and Jordi Goberna, who, in addition to showing how the music production programs we use for our courses work (Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Reason), will also delight us with a live performance. [video:https://youtu.be/aUKiv9Jn2WA align:center] Sound Technician Demonstration: For this second session to be held on Thursday, March 28, from 6 to 8 p.m., we will have our head of studies, David Palatzi, a sound technician specializing in live concert sound systems, to show us the miking and recording process for musical instruments such as drums, guitars, basses, etc., and the ProTools software, which is used not only in our schools but in most professional studios. [video:https://youtu.be/nlJ4jk_Fst0 align:center] DJ Demonstration: The last of our sessions for the 2019 Open Days will take place on Friday, March 29, from 5 to 7 p.m.. For this demo, we will have the members of the True Color label (7th Sense, Orca, Chawer), of which our teacher Bruno Gallardo is a member, and they will show us various techniques for mixing music with vinyl, CDJs, and controllers. Additionally, this session will be streamed through our Facebook and YouTube channels. [video:https://youtu.be/WWZIYCspoMU align:center] In addition to coming to see our facilities, attendees of these sessions will be able to participate in the #microFusaMola contest, in which we will be raffling off six enrollments for the Introduction to DJing and Production course. To learn the rules of this contest, click here. And if you want to join us for any of these sessions, register at this link. If you need more information about this or other products offered by Microfusa, do not hesitate to contact our team; we will be happy to help you. MICROFUSA / BARCELONA STORE Sepúlveda, 134. Barcelona / Tel.: 934 553 695 MICROFUSA / MADRID STORE Ardemans, 9. Madrid / Tel.: 917 242 800 MICROFUSA / ONLINE STORE
Call for Entries: Levi’s® Music Project by Alizz- Microfusa
JOIN THE LEVI’S MUSIC PROJECT AND DISCOVER THE WORLD OF MUSIC PRODUCTION WITH ALIZZZ AND MICROFUSA. The Levi’s® Music Project is an initiative that helps local communities around the world through access to music education. Artists from every country join the project to inspire and boost the careers of the next generation of musicians. After visiting the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany, the Levi’s Music Project arrived in Spain in 2018. Rosalía was the artist who committed to showing the world of music to 10 talented students from the Xamfrá Foundation. This year, the Levi's Music Project will join Alizzz, Microfusa, and Xamfrá to “discover Spain's future music producers”. Alizzz is the leading producer of Spanish urban pop, thanks to his productions for artists such as C Tangana, Rosalía, Becky G, Dellafuente, and Javiera Mena. In addition, he has released 8 solo EPs and played his music around the world. [video:https://youtu.be/IyA9KEuSzV4 align:center] If you need more information about this or other courses offered by Microfusa, do not hesitate to contact our team; we will be happy to help you. MICROFUSA / BARCELONA STORE Sepúlveda, 134. Barcelona / Tel.: 934 553 695 MICROFUSA / MADRID STORE Ardemans, 9. Madrid / Tel.: 917 242 800 MICROFUSA / ONLINE STORE
OPENING PATHS FOR FUTURE MUSIC PROFESSIONALS
Join us for the series of music seminars organized by our colleagues at the Jam Session School in Barcelona. Next Friday, February 8, our friends at the Jam Session Higher School of Music are inviting us to the seminar series entitled “Opening Paths for Future Music Professionals”. A meeting point for students and professionals in the music industry to share knowledge, giving a voice to everyone who is driving the evolution of the music business and the future of the publishing and recording sectors, as well as live performance professionals. Throughout several sessions (from early February to late May), they will introduce the most relevant experts in today's landscape, who will provide tools for future professionals in music performance and production. Below, we present the full program for this first seminar series: • PROGRAM • Seminar I ➙ 6:00 p.m. | Artist Management Presented by Javi Garcia, founder of Music Bus Music Bus is a company dedicated to artist management. Its objectives include organizing and booking concerts and cultural events. It also operates as a record label through its Music Bus Records imprint. Music Bus has more than 20 years of experience, reflected in the careers of the artists who have trusted their work (most notably Love of Lesbian), and also in the recordings that have been released through their labels. Seminar II ➙ 7:00 p.m. | How to Start a Music Festival from Scratch Presented by Carla Martí, founder of Tupa Tupa Fest Due to insufficient funding for research projects aimed at curing Spinal Muscular Atrophy (a rare disease) and a lack of institutional resources, a group of people associated with the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation (FundAME) and the Musical Youth Collective of Vilafranca del Penedès (Col·Mu) launched a project to support the foundation, leading to the organization of a solidarity music festival in Vilafranca del Penedès (Barcelona, Catalonia), where people can enjoy live performances by several bands while contributing to the social cause of supporting FundAME. Tupa Tupa Fest has held three editions, which have featured major names from the Catalan, Spanish, and international hardcore, punk, and metal scenes. It is a festival that has experienced exponential growth and has established itself as a benchmark event in Catalonia and Spain. Closing Concert ➙ 8:00 p.m. | Jordi Batiste & Amadeu Casas Benefit concert presented by Univers Agatha The iconic and historic musician Jordi Batiste, accompanied by the great bluesman Amadeu Casas, will perform in a solidarity concert benefiting causes related to autism: a disorder that is becoming increasingly well known, but for which there is still a long way to go, and which currently affects 1 in 70 people. · When · Friday, February 8 – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. · Where · Jam Session Higher School of Music – Auditorium Carrer Valls s/n, corner with C/ Amposta (Barcelona) – Map · Admission · To attend the scheduled activities, it is essential to register in advance using the following form Free admission for students, teachers and associates of the Jam Session Educational Centers, Microfusa, ACEM, EMIPAC, and Instituto XXV OLimpiada For all other attendees: Seminars + concert ➙ €10 Concert only ➙ €5 at the door or through TICKETEA We look forward to seeing you!
