Ugly Things Magazine

Ugly Things

Ugly Things is dedicated to “bringing you wild sounds from past dimensions, from times when rock ‘n ‘roll was young, daring, dangerous and vital,” and few if any fanzines are as informative when it comes to lost, unknown, and overlooked music of the 1960s and beyond. Now in its 30th year, Ugly Things is published twice annually, and each issue features up to 200 pages of in-depth features, exclusive interviews, rare photos, and more. Each issue is so packed that I sometimes forget it’s a magazine (it feels more like a book). If you’re into 1960s-influenced music like I am, be sure to check out the Ugly Things website, where you’ll find information on back issues and how to subscribe.

Akai M-10 Reel-to-Reel Recorder

Akai Reel-to-Reel

My first multitrack recording machine was a used 1969 Akai M-10 reel-to-reel recorder that featured a built-in amplifier and auto-reverse capability. This machine was the only in Akai’s M-series (ca. 1960-1973) to have three motors, and it operated at tape speeds of 1-7/8, 3-¾, and 7-½ inches per second. Before the M-10, I had been using portable General Electric tape recorders to bounce tracks around, so this machine was a nice step up for me.

More Chicago Music Summit

Chicago Music Summit Speaker 1

At “Music Partnerships on the Web: Workshop Hosted by YouTube,” a session at the Chicago Music Summit a few weeks ago, Zofia Bajkowska, Manager of Music Content Partnerships, called YouTube “the world’s biggest stage” and showed attendees how they could create their best content and engage their audience.

Chicago Music Summit Speaker 2

Fred Beteille, Product Manager at YouTube (previously at the Harry Fox Agency), showed the audience a sneak preview of the soon-to-be-launched YouTube Audio Library.

Chicago Music Summit

Chicago Music Summit

I attended the first-ever Chicago Music Summit last week, and I’m busier than ever doing all the things I learned there. Three sessions were more than worthy of mention:

  • Music Partnerships on the Web: Workshop Hosted by YouTube
  • Website Demolition Derby
  • Album Release Strategies for the 21st Century

Great event—and free! I’m glad I took the day off from work to attend, and I look forward to doing the same next year.