Spring break, from April 9 to April 14, 2012, will be here soon and many students may be wondering what to do during the nine-day long vacation. This may be a time to work extra hours at your job or use the money earned from work to go somewhere fun. Continue Reading

Chabot instructor Michael Rosen was part of the 2002 Grammy winning album “Shaman” by Carlos Santana.

He recorded hit songs for Santana’s album such as: Aye Aye Aye, Foo Foo Foo, and the game of love.

His job consists of recording songs by adding all the technological necessities that come in while the artists are singing composing.

Rosen explained that his passion for music began when he was 16, which later on caused him to launch his career as a recording engineer.

“I started recording bands in 1982, at a studio called: The Automatt in San Francisco.” Discussed Rosen.

He began recording for bands before he got his job, in order to gain experience. Now, he is passing on the advice to students who, like him, want to start a career in recording engineering.

“The one piece of advice would be to get a lot of experience.”Rosen described . “Do live sound for bands, do as many recordings as possible and get has much “hands on” time as you can.”

Although he is very fond of his job, conflicts also arise while recording with bands or artists.

“It is a highly charged, emotional intense environment that brings out everyone’s passion and energy. So naturally there is always going to be battles but it’s usually if you respect the artist and they respect you things work out in the end.” Rosen Explained.

Rosen’s plans for the future have not changed. He wants to, “retire with a record hit album” that would end his great career of 21 years.

He is teaching mixing this semester and will teach recording next semester for students who are interested in gaining as much knowledge as they can.

“My goals at Chabot are to give the kids as much practical experience as possible.” commented Rosen.

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A contestant for the 2008 Battle of the Bands at Chabot College.

Bands will cover the Reed L. Buffington Visual and Performing Arts Center at Chabot College on Saturday the 18. There will be a wide variety of bands at this event. If you like concerts then this is the place to be on Saturday.

The winning band will be determined through a combination of judge’s points (based on performance and originality), as well as audience reaction.
Multiple prizes for new equipment or studio-recording time are awarded to the winners; however, highly valued by participating bands is the prestige of holding the much-coveted title of Battle of the Bands Champion.
Previous title-holders include such notables as members from: Faith No More, Y & T, Deep Purple, Mr. Big, Billy Satellite, and Metallica!

I had a chance to interview Mike, who runs the battle of the bands competition.
2012BattleBandsLineup

Q.How did you get the Idea for Battle of the Bands?
A- This competition, commonly referred to as “The Battle,” began with the vision of former Superintendent of Recreation, Leroy Pegis. With unassuming beginnings in the late 1960′s, no one could have predicted how large and popular the event of the present would become. Today the show continues to be sponsored by H.A.R.D., the largest recreation district in the state of California.
Q. I saw on the website this is the 48th annual event – can you tell me any special memories that you’ve had at “The Battle”?
A-This year marks the 49th Annual Battle of the Bands. This is my third year running it and I’ve worked it for the past ten years. What sticks out most for me is the excitement and satisfaction the bands get by performing in a venue this large and in front of over 800 people.
Q. What types of genre do most of the bands represent? Can you tell me about a specific band that is in this year that you think people and the judges might like?
A – Styles of music range from Indie, Rock, and Alternative to Punk, Funk, Reggae and Metal. Comparing this year to other years what sticks out most would be how wide a variety of age ranges of band members we have in this year’s event. Also this year we had 25 Bands audition for the final 12 spots and it was the closet scores I’ve seen.
Q. From past Battle of the Bands, did the crowds have fun?
A-The Battle of the Bands is one of the longest running musical special events in the Bay Area, with few of its kind in the entire state and country. The live contest takes place at the Chabot College Performing Arts Center in Hayward where bands will have a chance to perform on a professional stage set, with hi-tech lights and sound.

Tickets are on sale now and you can get them at MJCC at 28200 Ruus road in Hayward. The event will start at 10 A.M. and will end at 7 P.M.

Tickets can be purchased for $10.00 in advance or $12.00 at the door at the
Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. Office 9am – 5pm.

By Samuel Stringer

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The Washington D.C rapper Wale’s second album Ambition, finally dropped November 1, 2011 and it proved to be well worth the wait. Selling more than 162 thousand copies and being No.2 on the Billboard charts, only behind Justin Bieber with more than 213 thousand copies sold. The album includes hit singles such as “Lotus Flower Bomb ft. Miguel,” “Ambition ft. Rick Ross and Meek Millz,” “Chain Music” and “Miami Nights”. Another thing that is really neat about his new album is that the majority of all his tracks are strictly his. There are a few tracks where he does put artists on his tracks. Especially since this is only his second album being done, I find it very shocking that an artist can make that big of a turn around in less than a year. Surprisingly for Wale, many things have changed since the rapper icon dropped his first album. He has signed with the May Bach Music Group, which includes music gurus such as Rick Ross, Meek Millz and Big Sean. He even went on a track and even admitted that his old record label limited him creatively, so he wasn’t able to really express his certain view on things.

“I think Wale’s new album is definitely better than his first one, his beats are a lot more smooth and relaxed, as supposed to other rappers always trying to do too much.” Sophomore Josh Pride told the Spectator. According to This Beat Goes, “Lyrically, Ambition is leagues above his first album, and much closer to the witty and intelligent wordplay that originally set him apart in the crowded mix tape scene. The album is still obviously first and foremost for the mainstream hip-hop audience (as expected with an MMG project), but Wale’s ability to address the usual commercial money and success formula with some impressive mental calisthenics truly set this one apart from a lyrical standpoint.”

With this album you won’t find many “average tracks,” only a guy that can cleverly put words together using only his mind and motivation. Although this album is not a classic, it will force him to continue making music, because his fans will desire more music. This is definitely beneficial to him because he has amazing potential, and this album will help him get to the next level in this industry without a doubt.

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Last Tuesday, Lupe Fiasco gave a show that everyone in the crowd will remember at the Fox Theater in Oakland.

As the last show on his Generation Lasers tour, Fiasco made sure to come with a lot of energy the whole entire show.

The show had an electric atmosphere from the get go with solid performances from the three opening acts.

The first performer was 11-year-old rapper, Young Marqus who did not let his age dictate the energy in his performance. The young rapper made sure to keep his set high paced and left a lasting impression on the crowd.

The next act was Sarah Green, the only other person on Lupe Fiasco’s record label ‘FNF’ (1st and 15th Entertainment). Although her set was short, every song provided a soulful feel that any music fan can appreciate.

The final opening act, Chiddy Bang, did not disappoint. They lived up to the role of opening up for a name as big as Lupe Fiasco. While keeping up the energy of the previous performance, they made sure to have a lot of fun with it also. Chiddy, (the rapper of the hip-hop duo) showed off his freestyle skills by taking words people in the crowd challenged him to use and incorporated them into his performance.

With the opening acts performing as well as they did, Lupe Fiasco rose to the occasion, putting on an amazing show.

Beginning with a high-energy song, Fiasco did not slow down until about mid-way through his performance. Even in the segment that Fiasco did one of his slower songs, the entire crowd maintained the energy that was put off, going along with every word Lupe spit.

Performing almost every song off of his Lasers album, Lupe also played a few of his older songs including: Superstar, Go Go Gadget Flow, and one of his first hits – Kick Push.

Near the end of the show, Fiasco made sure to give his props to the Bay Area as a whole. He gave shout outs to many bay area rappers, including giving big props to Hayward’s very own, Spice 1. Furthermore, he said Spice’s song-187 Proof, was the song that got him into rapping.

When closing, he made sure to give a special announcement about people doing their part in the community. He made sure to tell people to recycle, don’t drink and drive and reminded everyone to go downtown and visit those who are camping out for Occupy Oakland and give them support.

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The Limousines on the Metro Main Stage at Left Coast Live 2011(San Jose, Calif.)

The Limousines is a two member (electropop, indietronic, alternachip, postcore, gayrock) band from the San Francisco Bay Area. They performed at the annual Left Coast Live music festival. The festival is an all age event and showcases local and national bands.

For more information on the music festival you can visit Left Coast Live.

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The Postelles on the 1st St. Stage at Left Coast Live 2011 (San Jose, calif.)

The Postelles is a four member (rock) band from SNew York City. They performed at the annual Left Coast Live music festival. The festival is an all age event and showcases local and national bands.

For more information on the music festival you can visit Left Coast Live.

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Orgone on the Metro Main Stage at Left Coast Live 2011 (San Jose, Calif.)

Orgone is a (funk, soul) band from Los Angeles, Calif. They performed at the annual Left Coast Live music festival. The festival is an all age event and showcases local and national bands.

For more information on the music festival you can visit Left Coast Live.

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Citabria on the Lightson Stage at Left Coast Live 2011 (San Jose, Calif.)

Citabria is a four member (alternative, progressive, experimental) band from San Jose, Calif. They performed at the annual Left Coast Live music festival. The festival is an all age event and showcases local and national bands.

For more information on the music festival you can visit Left Coast Live.

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Mara Hruby on the 1st St. Stage at Left Coast Live 2011 (San Jose, Calif.)

Mara Hruby is a singer (soul, jazz, R&B) from Oakland, Calif. She performed at the annual Left Coast Live music festival. The festival is an all age event and showcases local and national bands.

For more information on the music festival you can visit Left Coast Live.

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