I recently got involved in some audiobook work.

Audiobooks have been with us for quite some time now, but they’re one of those content mediums that have slowly been coming into thier own as technology shifts the way we consume our entertainment.

As of 2009, the Audio Publisher’s Association (APA) estimated that audiobooks are a $1 billion industry, with just over 70% of those sales in CD format.  But as more and more distributors are offering digital downloads as a primary format for purchase, those trends are well on their way to shifting, and there’s little doubt that downloads are the way of the future.

The first audiobook I listened to was actually one that I had already read; The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolken, narrated by Rob Inglis.  Inglis’ work was cut out for him in this book, with all the spectacular characters he had to perform.  He even sang the songs that Tolken included in the story.  Suffice to say, I was officially hooked on audiobooks.

Incidentally, I’ve also updated my Projects page to include some of my own voiceover/narration work.  Feel free to take a listen!

The iPhone is without doubt among the coolest portable media devices on the market.  But when it really comes down to it, its essentially a toy, isn’t it?

A plethora of third party software developers have been creating apps since Apple first announced it as an open-source device in June of 2007.  Some of those apps are proving to make the iPhone a legitimate addition to an audio engineer’s tool belt.

This pleases me.

Bias’ iPro Recorder app turns the iPhone into a portable stereo recorder.  That sort of functionality is almost a no-brainer in my mind but what makes it really convenient is the fact that you can email the recordings, meaning you can effectively backup and transfer them without having to dock to a computer.

But the best apps for audio engineers have got to be those by Far Out Labs.  They’ve got a handful that are true working tools, ranging in price from usual few dollars right up to $99 for their highest functioning app, the ProRemote.

ProRemote actually turns the iPhone into a remote controller for Mac-based DAWs!  You can adjust fader levels, set memory markers, and of course operate basic transport functions.

It is a beautiful thing when the lines between toys and tools blur.

www.folabs.com/

www.iprorecorder.com/

An unfortunate reality in the business of making music has been the fact that a certain assurance of return on investment is required when producing a product, which most often results in only the most familiar types of material reaching the general public.

Ironically, if you’re too creative in a creative industry, it’ll hurt your chances of widespread exposure. You’ve got to wonder how many truly great ideas have gone undiscovered because of this?

That’s where YouTube steps in to save the day. Sure, there’s going to be a boat load of garbage but you’ve got to know there’s going to be some really cool ideas too, and nothing at all to stop them from reaching the masses.

So here’s a couple examples of what I mean for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy and be inspired!

The tables are turning. After decades of crying foul in the form of copyright infringement on consumers, Canada’s major record labels find themselves under the same charge.

Its all about compilation albums. Because of a loop-hole in Canadian copyright law, record labels would compile, manufacture and sell recorded music without acquiring the necessary licenses and without paying any royalties. Instead, the labels would simply compile a list stating that permission and payment was ‘pending’ and move ahead as they wished.

The problem of course is why would they pay for something they can have/use for free? Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

And the tension grows…….

Geist: Record industry faces liability over ‘infringement’

Payment pending; Canadian recording industry set for six billion penalties?