ACS provided in-ear monitors for the X Factor 2009 contestants to use during the X Factor tour earlier this year and we caught up with the talented singers Danyl Johnson and Jamie 'Afro' Archer to find out how they are enjoying their T2s;

Danyl said: "Being a new performer and playing venues such as The O2 London, LG Birmingham and The Echo in Liverpool, I wouldn't want to use any other in ears than ACS T2s. Crystal clear sound, easy and comfortable to put in my ears, plus loads of different colour options to choose from with the added personal touch of having your name on. Good for me as I lose everything, haha!"

 

Jamie 'Afro' Archer also uses a pair of ER15s for performing on-stage when he isn't using in-ear monitoring. He told us: "As someone who is subjected to loud noise on a regular basis it is vital that I have the best protection for the long term. That's why I wouldn't use anyone else but ACS. I have both In ear monitors and ear protectors and they are brilliant. They feel very natural and comfortable and I wouldn't be without them now. The sound is crystal clear and I feel they actually enhance my experience onstage and my performance. Get a pair now. You won't regret it."

Good luck to both guys as they continue their careers in music performing. ACS will be keeping in close contact with them both.

ACS again teamed up with Tech Music Schools (TMS) for its 2010 Graduation Live! event to offer 4 sets of custom ERs to prize winners.

ACS provide TMS students year after year with hearing protection and monitoring solutions so when asked by TMS to provide prizes for its end of year graduation event we happily offered to do so. The lucky prize winners were Sashi Wild, Rasma Fremaine, Claire Milbank and Michael Evans (pictures of prize winners to follow).

If you are interested in finding out more about TMS, visit their website - www.techmusicschools.co.uk/.

See TMS' report on the event below;

Tech Music Schools hit O₂ Shepherds Bush Empire

With A Vengeance!!

23rd June 2010

The O₂ Shepherds Bush Empire was stormed by top performers from Tech Music Schools on Sunday 20^th June, for the show of the year, Graduation Live 2010! Representing Europe’s leading contemporary music school, the selected musicians epitomised exactly what Tech Music Schools (TMS) is all about, talented, abundant, versatile performers.

TMS graduate, Ed Drewett (photo one) who recently featured on Professor Green’s top 3 selling single, I Need You Tonight, joined TMS for the evening as a special guest. Ed hand picked his band for the Empire performance, from students across various courses at the school.

Making his first solo appearance, the singer/songwriter and his band, took to the stage in style with a smooth, crisp sound and energetic performance. Dressed as true England fans, with a red, white and blue/ England kit theme, the band delighted the audience with two of Mr Drewett’s catchy, original pop tracks, If I Ruled the World and soon to be released debut single, Champagne Lemonade.

Students from the One Year Diploma, Higher Diploma, Master Performance Course and Three Year BMus (Hons) Degree, gave it their all, as each and every band member performed their heart out. The adrenaline backstage was high, with O₂ Shepherds Bush Empire being the biggest venue that most of the students have played so far.

The show opened with a jaw dropping performance from Amanda Murphy and band (photo two), who kicked off with The Saturday’s adaptation of Beggin’. Inga Eichler, brought the track to life with her fantastic bass playing and deservedly went on to win the prize of Top Overall Bass player of the Diploma course.

Last year’s International Scholarship winner, Rasma Fremaine, followed with an impressive vocal interpretation of Annie Lennox’s Little Bird. Drummer, Daniele Pitarresi, tied the band together nicely with his brilliant time-keeping and feel. Both Rasma and Daniele were awarded the prize of Top Overall performers of their instruments. Rasma, winning a Peavey PA system and ACS HF17 in ear monitors, and Daniele, a 16’’Zildjian Crash Cymbal, Protection Racket Stick Bag, Evans Custom Drum Head and a pack of Vater Sticks.

The first part of the show culminated in a spine tingling rendition of Joyful, Joyful from the TMS choir, lead by vocal tutor Laura June Barnes (photo three).

The high quality musicianship and energy of the first half was maintained throughout second part of the show. Signed artist (JG Music/ALC Music LTD) and 2^nd year degree student, Leddra Chapman (photo four), won the chance to perform at the epic venue by winning Tech Music Schools Originals Band Night competition.

Sashi Wild’s band cranked up the volume with a fantastic interpretation of the School of Rock medley! Final year degree student, Sashi, then went on to win Top Overall Vocalist of the Degree, joined by fellow Degree musicians Garry Kroll-Top Drummer, Andy Constantiou-Top Guitarist and James Ahwai- Top Bass player.

The evening was bought to a close with a tribute to the Jackson 5 by Shamaine Egal. Shamaine, dolled up a bright orange jump suit, belted out an impressive medley of tunes from Can You Feel It, to ABC. With her incredible band, made up of degree students and added horn section, this line-up is definitely one to watch out for!

As the lights came up and the packed audience left the venue with a massive buzz, the excitement continued at the after show party! Tech Music Schools would like to thank Ed Drewett, the students, tutors, TMS staff, patrons, endorsers and guests for making the evening such a success.

Not sure if you have seen in the news recently but there is a small event called the FIFA World Cup going on over in South Africa at the moment. Football fan or not, South Africa has put on quite a spectacle already and the tournament has only just passed its middle stage. If you have been watching it in front of the television or have even been lucky enough to get out to SA and watch the games in the stadiums there will be one noise that you will be well aware of by now....the vuvuzela!

The vuvuzela was used years ago to summon distant villagers to community gatherings and it has since become an iconic part of South African's footballing image. Fans pack themselves into stadiums and fill the air with the intense sound much like a horn and trumpet mixed into one that comes out of these instruments when blown into.

The vuvuzela has been the subject of controversy at the World Cup this year. Its high sound pressure levels at close range can lead to permanent hearing loss for unprotected ears after extensive exposure, with a sound pressure of 120 dB at one metre from the bell. In response to the controversy, a new model has a modified mouthpiece that reduces the volume by 20 dB - still at 100dB it is damaging to hearing after a short period of time!

ACS attended the AES 2010 convention this weekend (22/23/24 & 25 May) in co-operation with the Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS).

For the last 60 years and more, the AES has been the largest gathering of audio professionals and enthusiasts on the globe, attracting delegates from over 100 countries worldwide. It held its annual convention in London this year and the four days consisted of workshops, tutorials and technical papers along with an exhibition providing attendees with a wealth of learning, networking and business opportunities.

ACS were there as a benefit provider to the APRS and took the mobile hearing screening unit along and offered free hearing tests with a suggested donation to ACS' chosen charity Deafness Research UK. For more information in the AES and the APRS see the following links;

AES - http://www.aes.org/

APRS - http://www.aprs.co.uk/