Spotlight On...XanderNichting Writer and Tamra Sands

On Friday, 28 August, I visited The Cape at Cupid Lagoon Romantic Resort on Kaiya Islands. Xander started off at 2 pm performing solo. He makes the most beautiful sounds on electric violin. I have been to man Xander shows and always enjoy him immensely. He does big band sounds, jazz, romantic, ballroom dancing tunes and, my favorite, songs from Riverdance. He even had a set of Riverdance dance balls. Those songs are terrific. Imagine though, a Dutchman playing Irish tunes. But, hey, good music is good music and has no ethnic boundaries.

Just before 3 pm, Tamra joined Xander on stage at the mic. This girl has such a beautiful voice and has performed on Broadway in RL. She hit notes that gave me goosebumps.

While Tamra is living in New York and Xander is in Holland, they dual streamed and the sound was truly magnificent. Some of the highlights of their duet included "Amazing Grace," "Route 66," "Eyes of an Angel," Sting's "Fields of Barley" and one of my favorite Streisand songs, "Somewhere." Tamra's manager gave us all her lengthy song list and requests were encouraged. I requested my favorite Tamra song "Eden Will Bloom," and I was not disappointed. She explained that she wrote "Eden Will Bloom" when her nephews were going off to war, which she was against.

This was a dynamic pairing of immense talent and I hope they do it again soon!

By Shellie Sands

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NEW COVER CHARGE SYSTEM BEING TESTED FOR MUSIC VENUES

The controversy over music venues utilizing a cover charge has been
ongoing in Second Life for quite a few years. One Second Life
musician, Mankind Tracer, has come up with a Business Model called
CCS (Cover Charge System) for venues and musicians to begin using as a
mandatory cover charge tool to hear your favorite performers.

In an open letter to residents of Second Life, Mankind Tracer
explained how this type of system could be one answer to the
increasing problems of venue closings in-world due to the club owners
not being able to afford to pay their live performers in addition to
the tier costs of running their club. This Cover Charge System would
pay both the musician and the venue owner by an agreed upon percentage
beforehand, freeing the venue-owner from the burden of paying the
musician at all.

HOW IT WORKS--
The musician determines the cover charge amount and both venue and
musician agree beforehand on the percentage the venue will receive for
the show. (Mankind's letter suggests that a $500L cover charge might
be appropriate for his performances, with a 20% split going to the
venue.) The system would be set up prior to the event and once
activated, continually scans the club area for non-paying residents,
as well as logging paying residents into the system.

As residents enter, the CCS sends them a message asking them to pay
the cover charge. If they do not pay, predetermined security
personnel receive notices of avatar names who have not paid. These
security personnel will send the non-paying resident several warning
messages asking them to pay the fee. If they fail to pay after
numerous warnings, the avatar will be ejected from the venue.

CRASHES --
All paying and non-paying avatar names are kept in the system until
the owner clears the list. If an avatar crashes, they can return
without repaying. Likewise, if the sim crashes, they do not have to
repay when they return.

MONIES --
The performer determines the cover charge amount. And the percentage
that the venue would receive would be entirely up to the musician and
venue owner to predetermine. In this sense, the venue owners no
longer have the burden of paying the musician.

FIRST TEST --
At Thursday's first test of the system, Mankind Tracer set the cover
charge for one linden and performed for two hours at his "Sweet Spot"
venue. A considerable crowd was on hand, with several well-known
musicians and managers also in attendance. The crowd asked questions
in IM and on notecards and Mankind addressed each one in between
songs. While the system seemed to work well for this first 1L test
run, the true test would be to actually charge 500 Lindens and see
what the crowd does or doesn't do.

AVAILABILITY/COST
Once the system is tweaked and more test runs are performed
successfully, the system would then be made available. Whether or not
there will be a cost associated with acquiring the actual system
hasn't been determined yet.

RAISING CONCERNS
Several concerns are evident. New residents do not have lindens to
spend, especially for large cover charges. Residents who normally
would frequent several shows in one evening may only be able to attend
one show depending on the cover charge rate. Residents are
less-likely to tip if they are charged the initial fee to get through
the door. Sim owners would need to "parcel-off" their club/venue in
order that the stream isn't broadcasting throughout the entire sim and
also so that the Cover Charge System scans only the club/venue parcel
area. The obvious issues of performers losing their fan base, not
making enough money if people don't choose to attend, and even the
pinch some residents may feel at losing the control over freely
tipping... is of serious concern.

Time will tell how this proposed system will or will not become an
active part of the SL music scene. One thing's certain... people are
sure to make their voices heard on the issue. But that's the great
thing about Second Life, we still have a choice, even with a cover
charge system.

by Mystique Sassoon

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“Live ‘n Kickin” - Paisley Beebe Speaks on Her New Music Show in Second Life

On 9 PM Second Life time, Tuesday August 25, a new show opened up in the metaverse: “Live n Kickin.” At “The Pocket.” Pilgrim75 Swashbuckler (Pete Mroz in real life) sang live to the crowd, who danced away to his music. What added to the excitement was that the show was being shown on Treet TV live. Those familiar with SL Media could make out a few familiar names in he audience, in the audience, notably Delinda Dryssen and Paisley Beebe whom with AutumnFoxx Sutherland made the show possible.

“This show was an idea I had from day one when I started in television in Second Life,” Paisley later explained to me, “Being a musician in real-life, it was a no-brainer to do this.” She stated AutumnFoxx Sutherland and Delinda Dyrssen were working with her to get the show up, both “involved in the music scene in SL for years.” But it was Delinda who was producing the show, “I’m paying for it ... which means I have the final say on things, but she is basically doing all the leg work.”

Paisley told me her production role was working with how it would look on Treet, “I’m looking forward to being able to shoot on location, and really get into some great (special) effects and locations.” She went on to say most of Treet’s show’s were “very straight studio-type shoots and events,” not having experimented much with light and filming techniques, “But I want them to go all out, get psychedelic even! To get really funky.”

“The Pocket,” which AutumnFoxx Sutherland and Delinda Dyrssen run, was chosen as their first spot as the place was familiar, “We wanted the first shoot to be easy, cause we didn't know what we would have to really contend with.” But they intend for the show to go to other places besides clubs, “We are not going to be shooting in venues all the time. We are going to be looking for some really way out locations ... underground, in a cave, underwater, in the clouds, in a spaceship, ... I want to do what is not possible in real-life.”

She hoped to involve the audience as well, “we are recording the audience reaction to each song, ... the applause and gestures, and what the musician says to the audience. ... I want our audience to know when they tune into Live n Kickin, they are going to get as near a professional performance as possible, hat it is going to be a really great experience! ... I don't know if you felt it, but the energy and buzz during the filming at Pilgrims show was just fantastic. Just being there in the audience, knowing that it was being filmed. And that Pilgrim was giving his all. He was amazing. I was so exited during the filming, I was dancing around the room. It was such a thrill to showcase such an incredible artist.”

Paisley and Delinda had featured close to a hundred musicians on the “Tonight Live” show on Second Life, “For musicians it’s not just about having a nice vid clip of their work. It’s about doing a gig, for around fifty people in-world. And then getting maximum exposure after that, to probably 3000 people a month in about a month’s time. ... Treet.tv archives are heavily watched over and over. With that sort of exposure, it’s the best way in Second Life for a musician to get to the maximum audience and sell their CD's and Mp3s.”

The show will next appear at Luxor, “We are hoping to bring out all the splendor of the Egyptian theme that Circe Brooms has.” Any musicians interested in getting on the show can contact Delinda Dryssen, “ Delinda is the producer of the show. Poor Del, she has been absolutely inundated, even before our first show was filmed!”

“I want Pilgrim and the other artists we showcase to get to as many avatars as possible, to sell their albums, and to get booked for gigs, both real-life and Second Life, and to get offers and good deals from being exposed on our show. I hope that happens. They deserve it. I can’t stand seeing such amazing talent undiscovered. I just can’t stand it, it breaks my heart. I know how tough it is. I’ve been there, and am still there. I saw it over and over again, and working in radio. Ignored talent. It was so very frustrating. Albums dropped by record companies, buried in basements ... I’m so grateful to help just a little.”

“Live n Kickin” will be weekly, 9 PM SL time every Tuesday, with shows posted on the treet tv website. Eventually, they hope to have videos on iTunes. They have a group for updates, and plan to have a subscribomatic soon.


Bixyl Shuftan

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Music News

One venue owner is piloting a new business model beginning this fall. The owner of Rasta Ventures, TributeTim Kwak, has 3 venues, Red Rock Amphitheater (Pop, Country and other genres), Mama's (Blues), and a brand new Urban Alt Rock venue. Also on the sim is Rasta Beach (reggae DJs and one regular live performer a week).

Previously, Red Rock and Mama's have been operated separately from Rasta Beach and sharing staff. Beginning in September, Tim plans on linking the 3 live venues. with the reopening of Red Rock and Mama's and the opening of the new club. These 3 venues have formed a co-op consisting of quite a few live performers.

The concept is that an admission fee of $L200 will be charged. This admission fee will defray the cost of the venue owner of paying the high fees of the performers, as well as supporting the venues for their financial needs. Very often, venue owners are paying money out of their RL pockets to pay tier fees and performers' fees. It is understood that this is an expensive undertaking when one decides to open a live performance venue. As a result, many quality clubs close their doors because they can no longer afford to pay their tiers. planning 15 shows.

The revenue from the co-op will be equally distributed among the co-op members. The venue owner is responsible for coordinating scheduling, supporting venue builds, and providing "professional, well trained hosts," and streams. The objective is to "put on regularly scheduled, high quality performances 4 or 5 nights each week, with each event involving 3 or 4 musicians" "....lasting 3 or 4 hours." The expectation is a 30 avatar attendance, at $L200 a head, for a total revenue of L$90,000 per week in ticket revenues, split between (currently) 8 people, or L$11,250 each per week. At the current conversion rate, that equates to $43.27USD per week for each co-op member. Tim will use his share to pay hosts and managers, and stream fees, etc., but he noted it would not defray all of his costs.

Performers who would be invited to join this co-op would typically be "popular musicians (who) are interested and able to work well with a group of people." The term "popular" might be defined as "an artist with the demonstrated ability to consistently attract at least 30 people to their performances."

This concept is not entirely new. I, as well as others, including performers, have heard of such a thing through the music community grapevine, etc. I have done a small poll of concert goers and performers alike, and some have even said it's been tried before and been unsuccessful. One source explained that another venue owner/performer is also trying a new pay system at his venue.

According to Tim, an ongoing debate has been taking place on the Rasta blog http://rastaliveco-op.blogspot.com. I have collected comments from friends who have been going to live shows in SL for years, a venue owner, and some well know performers here in SL.

The general consensus is that it will not work. Some will go to fewer shows since music has been free from day one. One venue owner fears that if this does become the way music will go in SL, it will make live music "only available to the elite in SL who can afford to pay." This will "reduce the number of SL music fans" and that "one of the few free pleasures available to a new residents is live music." Another comment along those lines was "It won't work as I see it...most people won't wanna be in the 'Elite' group" and "other than groupies and loyal 'gotta catch every show possible' fan," he forsees "a pretty bleak future there." One very popular performer and his manager said they would want no part of it. Others feel it's just plain greed.

Some feel that SL should be an outlet for exposure, as many performers share the website links where RL CDs can be purchased. One comment was on the fact that the fans are never consulted and this is why it has failed in the past.

A big debate was on the "high quality" factor. Many balked at that since who can define high quality? It is a subjective issue, it is not science. Different people see quality in something/ someone that others will not.

On the positive side, some just accept it as the way of the future for music in SL, acknowledging that when venues can no longer afford to stay open, the musicians will have to create their own if they don't already have one, and they will have to charge for admission to cover their expenses, as well as their music.

An interesting point to note is, as many of you may know, often venue owners and musicians encourage fans to get the word out about live music through their blogs, newspapers, other writing avenues, etc. As a reporter covering live music in SL, the price of admission will exceed what I get paid for these articles. How will it then make sense to continue to write about live music as the musicians would like?

Answers to these and other questions remain to be seen. I anxiously await to see how it all plays out. Look for a follow-up piece here as things get underway and the wheels are set in motion.

Shellie Sands

Editors note: Watch for another bright idea to solve this problem tomorrow with Mystique Sassoon

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Fierce Tibetan Gods Virtual Tour 09

By Nazz Lane

On Sunday, August 9^th at 3 pm PDT/SLT, the band “Fierce Tibetan Gods” will hit the stage for its sixth appearance in second life.

Founded by Perry Geyer and Andrew Woolf in 1996, Fierce Tibetan Gods (FTG) recorded its first CD, “Dreams of Earth and Sky” a year later with the help of ex Cars keyboardist Greg Hawkes and recording artist Rie Imai. The group recorded a second CD, “Forbidden Frequencies” in 2001 and they are working on a third, “Monks, Tanks and The Saffron Revolution” which is planned for release later this year. This sixth performance of the Virtual 09 tour will be held at Devils Moon SIM, which is themed after the Sci-Fi Movie 'Bladerunner.' Band members are planning to perform dressed as the principle cast members and are encouraging audience members to wear ‘future noir’ outfits “reminiscent of the denizens of Los Angeles, 2016,” as depicted in the movie.

I’d been introduced to band member Gaius Luminos (aka Andrew Woolf) though a publicist and we made arrangements to meet and chat about the band and the tour. I arrived at the appointed time with a TP request from Gaius and landed on the stage where Gaius was busily preparing for Sunday’s performance. We exchanged pleasantries and then began the interview.

Nazz: This is the stage for Sunday’s show?

Gaius: This is the set for Sunday … Bladerunner show. Our staging is always different; it’s better to have a new set each time that matches the theme of the SIM, even though that's a much bigger challenge.

Nazz: A new stage every time would be a challenge. How long does it take to set up for a performance?

Gaius: It depends on the particular SIM. This one is a more complex example ... it took maybe ten or twelve hours. I’m getting better at it ... this is the 6th show of our virtual worlds tour 09 in SL.

Nazz: The band is named, Fierce Tibetan Gods ... what inspired the name?

Gaius: I'm a Tibetan Buddhist … 25 years. The music partially draws influences from that.

Nazz: Influences from the teachings and practice?

Gaius: Yes, definitely, also from the spirit of the Tibetan people. I think it’s something we can all learn from.

Nazz: Besides the Tibetan influence, how would you characterize the band’s sound?

Gaius: it’s a mixed bag; with some … I suppose more core elements ... which are just things we like. Greg is a big Beatles fan, as are Perry and I ... the rest stems I guess from our mutual interest in world music, especially Indian, Middle Eastern and African...we're not genre specific, but somehow it ends up having a readily identifiable sound. As to how that happens, I have no idea it just does.

Nazz: How was it that you four found each other to form the band?

Gaius: Well, we'd known each other from various studio recording work in the past, here in Boston. It’s a smaller and tighter circle here, so people tend to know each other anyway. Perry and I had been working on and off together for several years. Perry knew Greg because he worked as a producer at the Cars old studio in Boston, Synchro Sound. Greg tended to pop in and out as you’d expect to listen to various sessions, and one night he popped in and heard FTG, which at the time was just Perry and I, and the rest was history. We're very lucky to have Mr. Hawkes, he’s a consummate writer and performer.

Nazz: The band’s performances so far have only been in SL, are there plans for other virtual worlds?

Gaius: In the past we've done a few sporadic live shows in RL ... then personal commitments truncated that. Now we have more time to do RL coming up, so the idea of being in SL is to ramp up exposure faster and more expeditiously here than we could in RL, preparatory to doing RL shows.

Nazz: How many more SL shows are planned?

Gaius: It’s a good question ... we're kind of feeling our way thru to an extent, and that’s good because it allows us to be intuitive ... definitely another twenty I'd say at least.

Nazz: So using the series as tuning and for increasing awareness for the RL performances?

Gaius: Yes exactly ... there are many parallels and congruencies between playing in SL and RL ... and none of the hotel, crew and gas bills at the end of the day!

Nazz: How receptive have the SL audiences been to the band and the sound?

Gaius: We've been fortunate, we've been very well received and I’m making a lot of new friends here ... it’s a great place for us to be it seems.

Nazz: Have you experienced any technical problems?

Gaius: Yes, but only the predictable ones in-world lag and so forth. We had over a hundred people at Dance Island ... things got a bit sticky.

Nazz: That’s a lot for an SL event.

Gaius: It was a surprise ... it was the third show of the tour… a nice surprise

Nazz: Live music is a big part of the SL experience. Most of us can clearly recall our first concert.

Gaius: It is indeed, and the more we explore that landscape, the more richness and diversity we are finding. There are many world class innovators and talents here.

Nazz: How has the reception by the SL musical community been for you and the band?

Gaius: Again, it’s been very warm, very friendly and very encouraging.

Nazz: That’s good to hear and I’m not surprised, you all are accomplished and professional performers.

Gaius: Thank you that’s very kind. We're newbies, but we're focused somewhat from RL, so that helps and yes … we all have industry track records … notably Mr. Hawkes.

Nazz: Since the first performance have you had to make any changes in the technical or musical side of things?

Gaius: Yes definitely, it’s something we do in RL to … the project itself is structured or de-structured such that things like intuitive thinking and free styling so called are encouraged ... we're open ended as it were, in both a creative and technical sense. It’s a work in progress!

Nazz: Do you have any closing thoughts or comments for my readers you'd like to share?

Gaius: Sure, we'd like to thank the SL community for embracing us as they have, and we'd like to embrace them in return … Tashi Delek.

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The Syncopation Factor and Life Between Two Worlds

One of the great things about Live Music in Second Life is that occasionally you run across a musician that really makes an impact on the music scene. Australian Dexter Ihnen (Dexter Morph) in real life is one such person. I finally got a chance to chat and find more about why hes one of the most popular Musicians in Second Life.

Delinda Dyrssen: Dexter lets start with something Ive been wondering since I first heard of you... “The Funkalicious one!” Where did that come from?

Dexter Ihnen: Ha ha - It's so long ago now I almost find it hard to lock down the moment. But it was in the first couple of months when someone first said it at an event and it got repeated until well, it became a kind of a tag that I happily accepted, being that Soul and Funk have been and are such a big part of my music. So The Funkalicious One is a kind of a parody on Buddha - The Compassionate one - having studied and practiced Eastern philosophy most of my life - the parallel was just too funny to deny ;)

Delinda Dyrssen: You do have a message .. a certain spirit you convey in your music. Can you tell me more about this?

Dexter Ihnen: Of course..... How long do we have .... No seriously, it's important to me as an artist to know what it is you have to say and why. An artist needs to know their intent - in fact that goes for all of us, but before an artist can truly come from their center and reach others I believe that that is vital, so, I endeavor to 'lift' my spirit in order to lift others when I perform. Lifting oneself up is paramount to realizing dreams - rather than be disappointed in what we think we haven't got - be grateful for what we have and dream about the rest. In the making of that dream into the material world there is an alchemic quality that we need to apply to our inner life and that is what I endeavor to convey. The evolution of mankind actually depends on that in my view :)

Delinda Dyrssen: Well must admit.. I know I get an uplifting feeling when I listen to your music.. and thats just here in the virtual world.. I can imagine what it would be like in Real life. You also have an interesting take on the real life Music Industry. What are your thoughts on this?

Dexter Ihnen: Once again - thats a huge subject with me but I can summarize; Until the advent of CD roms and the Internet the Mainstream Music Industry had all the cards and they played them very tight to their chest. I saw and experienced a lot of what I call 'Art Crime' in that period ( the wasting of the talent and financial greed around Elvis Presley is a good example - and that's what really killed him if you ask me) Anyway, now things are vastly different and it is no wonder that the major labels have been and are really scared - kind of karma if you will. Artists don't need them anymore. That said, I have (through my presence and success in SL ) recently signed to a great Publishing company who embody a new approach to music sales and artist relationship. I have a lot of hope for the future being that I can see great evolution along with the freedom that the Internet brings including and especially at this time - programs like Second Life.

Delinda Dyrssen: Yes the Internet seems to have leveled the playing field a bit hasn't it. I know you have done support work with some very well known artists like Dizzy Gillespie to AC DC and Midnight Oil.. Tell me what is the biggest difference between playing out there in the real world and playing here in Second Life? And Why do you do it?

Dexter Ihnen: The Biggest difference? Well, to perform in SL you don't have to risk having a car end up on your hood on the way the gig where you may well have to lug your gear in through the rain, then wrestle with tech difficulties and managers etc., then wait for a month to get paid by them. LOL No really, Performing in SL is simply unique - the interaction between artist and listener is quite remarkable and has made a primo multi-tasker out of this longterm space-case :) The support and feedback in SL is unlike 1st life in that it is clearly visible or graphically visible - however as you play dealing with that can be tricky, if you read while you sing you can get caught in the trap of singing what you are reading. But all in all Second Life is what I call a whole new room in the house of entertainment and I'm happy to be part of the furniture :)

Playing live with artists like AC/DC, Crowded House etc. and the plethora of other Australian greats I've been able to share the bill with is something that always was and always will be the root of what we call Rock & Roll - or showbiz if you like. The smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd - it's the physical experience that is it's own unshakable uniqueness about it.

Delinda Dyrssen: You have a very unique sound.. I think described as a funky plucking of the guitar strings .. a very unusual and great sounding style of it. Tell me more about how this came about and how you would describe it?

Dexter Ihnen: Well I call it 'Ricky Tick'. It's a play on 'pick' and also a tribute to 'Steely Dan' ( of which I am a huge fan - Ricky don't loose that number ) From a distance and unamplified that is what it sounds like too - a friend was walking into a gig of mine once and heard me playing unamplified ( and so - no bass ) and he said what he heard was all this kind of snapping and clicking lol . It's a style I formulated on the roads in Europe when I traveled there over a 2 year period. I lived rough on the roads and busked as well as picked grapes in major French vineyards. I wanted to encompass some of the elements of music that I had been listening to for some years rather than just strum the same old way. I used mainly the influences of 4 bass players to achieve the sound. Also, fusion Jazz and Latin rhythms played a big part in the syncopation factor and counter melodies.

Delinda Dyrssen: I love it and yes I do notice a bit of a latin rhythm in some of your tracks. So what is in the works currently for you (Dexter Morph in RL) and Dexter Ihnen here on Second Life?

Dexter Ihnen: Dexter Morph now :) and that's due to my life between the two worlds - also my life-long penchant for change and evolution. Well, the year so far has been really big in that I have been commissioned to produce a CD for a band here ( that is nearly done now ) and I am also in the early stages of doing my first serious single including video. Later in the year a longterm project of a major album production of my own music will also be completed and released as soon as possible after the single has run it's course. Besides that, It's gigs and more gigs. I have also been asked to lecture in a Steiner School and teach Production and Engineering - studio craft. So, there is a LOT going on. Besides all that I get up for a two hour training session most mornings now - just to maintain energy and build focus. I find it hard to function on this level without that.

Delinda Dyrssen: Wow.. I guess the physical aspect is important isn't it. How can one find your music to purchase it? And what group can they join on SL to find out about upcoming virtual performances?

Dexter Ihnen: Ok in SL my group is 'Planet Dex' - so notices come out across that, as well as 8 others usually. Most events will be in the listings also but Planet Dex is the sure fire way to hear. In 1st Life, one can buy my CDs from my website www.dexonyx.com on the audio page. Or email me directly at dexter@dexonyx.com or go to iTunes and look up both Dexter Morph and Dexter Morph. Better still, come down under and I'll give you a freebie ;)

Delinda Dyrssen: Well a trip down under may just be in order!..one last question.. As a successful RL and SL Musician.. What advice can you give to a anyone out there thinking about performing in SL?

Dexter Ihnen: Just do it! It can be tricky to get the hang of it initially but people here are very understanding and I myself am very supportive of anyone who has the gumption to get up and sing or play music - it's good for the soul :)

By Delinda Dyrssen

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Interview with Ichie Kamachi

By Bixyl Shuftan

I first saw Ichie Kamachi at Mystery during one of her live music performances at Mystery. A great singer with a beautiful tone, the audience applauded every song. Later on, I had a chance to meet up with her (accompanied by her close friend Greek Miklos), and ask about how she became a singer in Second Life and other details of her musical career here.

Bixyl Shuftan: So how did you hear about Second Life?

Ichie Kamachi: I was with some other freinds in a forum and we were on There.com. Some of them migrated here and convinced us to check it out. I’ve been here ever since.

Bixyl Shuftan: How was your time as a newcomer here?

Ichie Kamachi: I was very very sheltered for the first few months. Our friends owned a sim. I never left there, except to shop. And only when someone TP'd me there. So the first ... oh 4 months was like that. I finally started to get out more places, but I was basically a newbie for a long time, didn't know how to do much but dance, sit, and chat. (laugh) But it's the people I started to meet that kept me here. Second Life is full of amazing people.

Bixyl Shuftan: What gave you the idea of becoming a singer here?

Ichie Kamachi: I have a friend I met here. His name is Detritus Rau, awesome guitarist. He wanted to perform live here, but he doesn't sing and he found out I could. He planted the bug. First it was he'd send his backing tracks and I'd play my voice over them and he'd use that and play over then in his shows. Then I spoke to some other friends who are in the music business in real life, and they helped me get set up to sing live here.

Bixyl Shuftan: How did your first sessions go?

Ichie Kamachi: Very well. the very first time. Detritus IMed that he was playing and TPed me there. When I got there he said, “Okay, this is your two song warning: I signed you up to sing.”

“What are you going to do?” I thought to myself, “people are waiting... for you. So you get up and do it.”

But I've been very very blessed, very well received here in Second Life.

Bixyl Shuftan: Do you also sing in real-life?

Ichie Kamachi: Not any more. I grew up mostly in Hawaii, and they have a strong music community there. I used to do some singing with some of the entertainers there. But now, only in my bedroom. :)

Bixyl Shuftan: How many performances do you do a week?

Ichie Kamachi: Anywhere from about 8-14 or so. A lot of them regular shows, like the Queen of Hearts Club on the Mystery Sim. I'm there every other Wednesday at 4 PM SL time. :) We always get an awesome group of people there, one of my favorite places to perform. And Tygeria LOVES the naughty song :) It has been going over really big in Second Life.

Bixyl Shuftan: Besides singing, I notice on your profile you also write.

Ichie Kamachi: (laughs) Yes. I'm what I refer to as a "dabbler." I do a lot of things, passably I would like to think. But until now, nothing ... very well. Writing has gone on hold for a while, though people keep asking. So I need to finish the rewrites and post it somewhere.

Bixyl Shuftan: Going back to music, what would be your favorite kinds of songs to perform?

Ichie Kamachi: Oh anything I love. But, I really love the old stuff: jazz, ballroom, blues ... stuff even before my time. *winks* (laugh)

Bixyl Shuftan: heh ;-)

Ichie Kamachi: I'm starting to like the obscure songs, and lesser known artists.

Ichie crashed at this point in the interview, but soon returned and went back to the subject.

Ichie Kamachi: My favorite song changes all the time. Right now, it's songbird. Which is a good thing since that is my first single I'm bringing out.

Bixyl Shuftan: Oh? Could you give some details?

Ichie Kamachi: Well, my fans have been asking for MP3's and CD's for months now, and it was pretty daunting. But we are working with some great people who have the resources we need. So the custom backing should be done this weekend and hopefully the single will be out for sale within 2 weeks. Then we'll be working on a full CD. Probably romantic jazz and ballroom, but that's not firm yet.

People are waiting, although right now I have about half a dozen Second Life DJ's who play my songs in their sets when they work. I love my fans. They are not only very loyal, but many of them have gone out of their way to help push my "career." And I've gotten many new fans from the DJ's playing my songs at the different clubs.

Bixyl Shuftan: Have there been any particularly memorable performances, such as something unexpected being pulled by the audience or host?

Ichie Kamachi: Hmmm, let's see ... Not really performances, but it's when people are touched by what I do. I had one young girl who was coming to all my shows, and I wondered why since I was doing mostly the jazz back then. She told me one day that her sister was older and a singer and she remembers sitting at her feet listening to her practice the same songs. But all her family is gone now.

Then another lady who loves when I do Bobby McGee. Her late hubby was a producer on Janis' last album. They are both gone, but it brings back good memories for her. That's why I do this. That's where I get the most satisfaction. It still astounds me when people say I make them cry. As long as people enjoy it, it makes me happy to do it. I also do a lot of benefits, my way of giving back.

Bixyl Shuftan: What charities have you performed at?

Ichie Kamachi: Oh so many. Cancer and autism are my two big ones. So are Relay for Life events. Blues for Autism I did last month. That was awesome. People don’t realize I do more than jazz. I've only done some for the Australian bush fires and some smaller charities too, and Make-a-Wish Foundation, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Children of Ireland, American Cancer Society, and another cancer one in Europe. I forget the name. But almost any charity that can show they are legitimate, I try and make room for.

Bixyl Shuftan: Bringing up something that maybe I should have brought up earlier, I notice that Greek has been by your side the whole time. What can you tell of him?

Ichie Kamachi: (laughs) Greek is an amazing man. :) He holds my heart but he has also been my strongest supporter. He does a bit of everything.

Greek Miklos: Thank you Love, but I am nothing more than just a simple poet and wordsmith.

Ichie Kamachi: He helps find me shows, greets my fans, helps me wade through the legal gobbly gook ... I don’t know what I'd do without him. And yes he is an amazing poet.

Greek Miklos: *blushes*

Ichie Kamachi: :) And modest (laughs)

Bixyl Shuftan: *chuckle* Do you have any future plans with your singing career, or anything else?

Ichie Kamachi: I am always looking toward the future, like I mentioned. Right now, trying to get these recordings out. After that who knows. :) I'm always open to offers and suggestions, especially those that are win-win for every one. :)

Greek Miklos: Just not the kind we have made to each other ... the offers I mean.

Ichie Kamachi: Yes of course Love :) ... We do get some of those too. (laugh)

Greek Miklos: But we are so happy together.

Ichie Kamachi: Yes we are. :)

Bixyl Shuftan: Anything else that you'd like to add?

Ichie Kamachi: Hmmm ... Anything, Love?

Greek Miklos: I am happy that the Second Life community has been so receptive to Ichie

Ichie Kamachi: I am grateful, yes! To my fans and friends, without them, I wouldn't be where I am. I know it sounds cliche, but it's very true. Your fans can make or break you in Second Life especially. I never forget that, and love to see them return again and again. They all become good friends.

Greek Miklos: And don't forget the great venue owners who have given Ichie a chance to show what she can do.

Ichie Kamachi: Yes, I love my venues.

Greek Miklos: They are some great people.

Ichie Kamachi: Like family. And most of them I'd bend over backward to help, and have. Like the Queen of Hearts Anniversary. I was totally booked for this weekend, but slid them in. I didn't want to miss something so important.

It was then that the interview ended, we wished each other well, and we went our seperate ways.

Ichie Kamiche keeps a schedule of her events in her profile.

“If you are looking for a voice that is sultry, sensuous, and as smooth as butter to set a truely romantic tone to your night, look no further. With a heart as big as her voice, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.”

Bixyl Shuftan

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Mystery’s 3 Year Aniversary

By Bixyl Shuftan

It was three years ago that the Mystery sim was created in Second Life. And to celebrate, the Heart of Mystery Group is holding a three day 3rd Anniversary event-filled weekend from Friday May the 15th to Sunday the 17th to celebrate, filled with dancing and live music from Mystery’s own singers and some talent from outside.

The fun began on Friday May 15th at 11 AM SL time with the “Color’s of Love” party, with people wearing red, white, pink, or a combination. At 1 PM, Lexie Luan sang live on the top of the Queen of Hearts riverboat, followed at 3 PM by Ichie Kamachi with her graceful notes. The audience danced away to the live songs, occasionally getting a few Linden coins dropped onto them from above.

Saturday, the event started at 11:00 with a dance party on top of the Queen of Hearts, with Debi Latte singing on the stage, starting with “All of Me.” Mystery’s leader Tygeria Mirabeau wore a revealing dress that kept with her “Queen of Hearts” theme with all the hearts placed on it. The largest part was an animated cape which had a heart pattern that flowed like water. Tyg joked that Debi looked “delicious,” and the joke led to her starting a raffle with the prize being the winner getting to bite her (the results will be in a later edition of Mystery’s magazine). The party did have a hiccup when several people crashed at once, and rerezzing took a while with some people remaining gray for a noticeably long time on a number of residents' viewers. But the party went on with Debi’s gentle voice singing away.

At 12:00, the party went downstairs to the riverboat’s ballroom. The “Come As You Are” contest with Tygeria herself as DJ offered 500 for the best male and female each. Plus there was the exploder which got into the hundreds at times. It was quite a party, even if SL was acting up at first, though soon things settled down as we danced to “Queen of Hearts” and other songs. The winners were Anny Sweetwater for the women. Danilindo Wulluf was runner up for the men, with a certain reporter ending up with the top prize.

At 3 PM, it was back to the top of the riverboat. Kiaranne Flanagan sang while playing her guitar. This time the lag that hit the party before was largely gone. So everyone was more free to concentrate on Kiaranne’s music, which had Tygeria reaching for tissues at one point. The singing and dancing went on for a few minutes past the planned ending at 4 PM.

Sunday May the 15th will be offering three musicians singing live. At 2 PM SL time will be Mystery’s own Lyn Carlberg. At 3PM, Dallas Horsefly will be singing live. And last but not least will be Kim Seifert at 4 PM to conclude the anniversary party for the Mystery sim and the Queen of Hearts riverboat club.

Mystery is in the sim of the same name, with the “Queen of Hearts” club in the southeast.

Bixyl Shuftan

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The Prof of ROCK!

Introducing ProfAnthony Beck, the Prof of Rock will be bringing us news and reviews of the huge thriving music scene in SL.
Uually Prof will be found in our M.A.C.E. section some may not like his opinions and others will agree wholeheartedly - but one thing he is not is shy!
Read his first column in MACE

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