Author: Bryan Crosby
Awards in Music Journalism: How Industry Honors Shape Reporting and Careers
Explore how journalism awards shape music reporting standards, careers, and ethics. Learn about key honors like the Pulitzer and IRE prizes, their economic impact, and the challenges of prestige in a changing media landscape.
Stanley Clarke and the Bass Revolution: Jazz Fusion Virtuosos of the 1970s
Explore how Stanley Clarke and other virtuosos transformed the bass guitar in the 1970s jazz fusion era. Discover the techniques, collaborations, and lasting impact of these legendary players.
The Business of Magazines: How Subscriptions, Ads, and Circulation Work
Explore the inner workings of the magazine business, from subscription models and ad revenue to the strategic link between circulation and profitability.
Hidden Tracks and Bonus Cuts: The Secret Audio of 90s Alt-Rock
Explore the secret world of 90s alt-rock hidden tracks and bonus cuts. Learn how CD tech allowed bands like Nirvana and NIN to hide music from the labels and fans.
Mastering Funk Horn Sections: How Brass Instruments Drive the Groove
Learn how funk horn sections use specific instruments, voicings, and timing to drive the groove. A deep dive into brass arrangements for music producers.
Mastering Harmony Vocals in Folk-Pop: Duo and Trio Arrangement Guides
Learn how to arrange duo and trio harmony vocals in folk-pop. Discover techniques for vocal blending and tips to elevate your melodies from simple to ethereal.
Live vs. Studio Recording: Key Differences in Musical Performance
Explore the fundamental differences between live performances and studio recordings, from technical audio engineering to the psychological shift in musician mindset.
How Alternative Press Documented the 1990s Underground Rock Explosion
Explore how Alternative Press documented the 1990s underground rock scene, the tension between DIY authenticity and corporate greed, and the legacy of music journalism.
Studio Mic Techniques for Funk Drums: Mastering Dry Rooms and Close Miking
Learn professional studio mic techniques for funk drums. Master close miking and dry room strategies to achieve a tight, punchy, and focused rhythmic sound.
R.E.M. and the Rise of Jangle Pop: From College Radio to Global Stardom
Explore how R.E.M. took jangle pop from the college radio underground to mainstream alternative success in the 1980s, shaping the future of indie rock.
Sexual Autonomy in Female Lyrics: Breaking Taboos through Song
Explore how female artists use lyrics to claim sexual autonomy, moving from traditional roles to self-determination and the reclamation of pleasure.
Hip-Hop Mixtapes of the 1970s: Dub Plates, DJs, and Underground Distribution
Explore the gritty origins of hip-hop mixtapes in the 1970s. Learn how DJ Kool Herc and others used dub plates and cassettes to build an underground empire.