Darren Blakeborough
My day job is as an Assistant Professor in Media and Communication Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley. My primary teaching and research interests revolve around popular culture and technology. I am an adequate at best guitar player currently attempting to romanticize my inglorious youth in a Hair Metal cover band called "Glam Chowder”. When not working or watching TV, I am usually listening to music, recording music, playing music, or trying to figure out what gear I need to make all of that music sound even better.
Instant music producer, just add iPad!
Advances in technology have made it easier than ever before for the casual musician to write and record their own music. The iPad is a user friendly and portable addition to this.
Zoom H4n Pro is more than simply an audio recorder
Equally adept as a field recorder or an audio interface, the ZOOM H4n Pro is versatile wherever you might need it.
Zoom H5 Audio Recorder is a videographer’s best friend
Recording decent audio for video production is arguably the most difficult aspect of the video making process. The Zoom H5 with its quality and ease of use just made this process a whole lot friendlier.
The beginner’s guide to guitar types and styles.
I remember when I first picked up a guitar, plucked a few strings, and knew right then and there that this was for me. Simple as that. I also remember the first time I walked into a music store and was absolutely overcome with anxiety because I didn’t really know what was what and felt that awkward and totally...
Review of the innovative Zoom ARQ Aero RhythmTrak
It's fair to say that there aren't a lot of truly innovative and fresh new products for musicians and creative types. Zoom's ARQ Aero Rhythm Trak changes that with its incredibly unique offering to musicians, DJs, and others with this all-in-one performance and production tool.
Gift ideas for the guitarist(s) in your life.
If you have a guitar player in your life and aren't sure exactly what to get them for a gift, this blog entry may be able to give you a few ideas and get you headed in the right direction.
Carlsbro CSD130 electronic drums: All the fun with none of the noise (unless you want it)
If you've ever thought about getting a set of electronic drums, whether to learn drums, practice without annoying those around you, or to augment a home recording setup, it has been a cost prohibitive option for most. Carlsbro's CSD130 is about to change that.
Gift ideas for the aspiring guitar player
Knowing whether the guitar player on your gift list wants an acoustic guitar to strum like his indie rock faves or an electric guitar to shred like her metal gods will determine how you begin to find the perfect gift. Here are some selections that will help.
The Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitar, a great guitar for beginners that isn’t only for beginners.
The FG800 acoustic guitar is a new offering from Yamaha that features a traditional western body style and in perhaps its greatest feature, has a solid spruce top. Best Buy just sent one to me for this review, so read on to find out why I liked this guitar.
Yamaha presents yet another great sounding, easy playing, and affordable acoustic guitar with the FG820.
I received a few different Yamaha guitars from Best Buy including the FG800 and FG820. Read all about the FG820 in this article, and watch my video to see hear how it sounds.
