Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, artist and music composer with over ten years of experience, specializing in the captivating world of music and entertainment.
Manuel is an expert in creating soundtracks for short films, feature films and video games.
Manuel Music Blog is a diverse digital platform where creativity and intellect converge, covering a wide range of topics from 3D Art to Music, and Technology to Philosophy.
It’s a collaborative space that features the insights of both Manuel, contributors and participants, appealing to enthusiasts across various fields.
With dedicated sections for different arts, instruments, and cultural reflections, this blog serves as a rich resource for those seeking inspiration, knowledge, and a deep dive into the myriad aspects of artistic and technological exploration.
As we stand at the crossroads of technological innovation and creative expression, I find myself reflecting on my journey in the music industry—a journey that began in the late ’90s, a pivotal era that marked the beginning of a digital music revolution. It was a time when mp3.com emerged as a groundbreaking platform, offering independent artists, including myself under the pseudonym Vanethian, a chance to distribute our music and earn royalties.
This opportunity propelled me into the global top 100 for New Age music, and in 2000, I was featured in the prestigious “Flashback 2000 – The Digital Music Revolution” compilation by mp3.com. This period was transformative, defining the possibilities for indie artists to self-determine and thrive independently.
The mp3.com era was a testament to the power of digital platforms in democratizing music distribution, allowing many artists, myself included, to invest in our studios and professionalize our craft. However, as mp3.com’s chapter closed due to legal challenges and its subsequent absorption by major labels, my focus shifted towards the realm of soundtracks. Initially, I ventured into video game musicGame Audio: The Underrated Role of Audio in Video Games - When it comes to video game development, visuals often steal …
Having a goal in life is essential for many reasons. It provides a sense of direction, drives motivation, enhances focus, and contributes to personal satisfaction. An aim or target in life helps one to streamline their energy, thoughts, and efforts towards achieving something specific. Without an objective, life can feel aimless and unsatisfying, and individuals may drift without a clear path or purpose.
Among the myriad objectives that a person might select, music stands out as a particularly enriching and fulfilling choice. Here’s why music can be a good goal for many people.
Universal Language: Music is a universal language that transcends cultural, social, and linguistic barriers. It’s a medium that unites people across the globe, bringing joy, comfort, and understanding.
Personal Growth: Learning an instrument or masteringMusic Production - Improve Your Sound - The rise in popularity of work-from-home studios has significantly impacted the music production landscape in recent years, driven by the increasing availability of tools and technology. This growth has led to the emergence of mobile recording rigs, making it possible to record full band performances anywhere. While one might anticipate a wealth of high-quality music,… the art of composition can be a lifelong journey. The pursuit of musical excellence can foster discipline, patience, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
Emotional Resonance: Music has a profound impact on our emotions. It can heal, inspire, and move us in ways few other things can. For many, the pursuit of creating or understanding music is a deeply personal and rewarding experience.
Career Opportunities: Music offers various career paths, from performing and composing …
Lately I’ve had my account upgraded to PRO on MusicGateway.net, the new musicians platform and community by my friend Jon Skinner.
Jon has made a great job, and the platform mainly is used for 2 things:
1- Find Music Pros for your Project
2- Find Project Work
Both these activities are free, but there is a PRO account with added options and interesting features.
Music Gateway is for artists, to get connected, get noticed and find multiple opportunities worldwide; for musicians, to get paid session work; for producers, to acquire project work and develop their career; for record labels and studios.
Let’s not forget you will find also opportunities in the TV, Film, Sync and MasteringMusic Production - Improve Your Sound - The rise in popularity of work-from-home studios has significantly impacted the music production landscape in recent years, driven by the increasing availability of tools and technology. This growth has led to the emergence of mobile recording rigs, making it possible to record full band performances anywhere. While one might anticipate a wealth of high-quality music,… fields. Anyway, the heart of MusicGateway.net is the project creation page, so, let’s begin from there.
Photo by markhillaryManuel Marino: Today we interview Jon Skinner, Jon is a friend and also an impressive talent in the music IndustryMarketing and Music: Any Song Can Become Famous? - Today let's dive into a topic that's been buzzing around a lot: the relationship between marketing and music. We all know that marketing plays a massive role in the music industry, but does it actually hold the power to make any track a hit? Or does talent still stand a chance? First off, let's address… world. Jon is the mind behind MusicGateway.net a new project that will bring opportunities and contacts to musicians and producers all over the world!
1) Dear Jon, first, let’s talk about you. How your career began?
Jon Skinner: How long for you got? I’ll keep it short and sweet. From a very early age about 6 I was bought a drum kit for my birthday & loved music full stop. I recall the hand me down records I received from my dad, it was a mixture of disco, rock & a bit of classical, I loved a bit of the Three Degrees & Thin Lizzy at the age of 10 years old.
Step 10 in improving your chances of succeeding on any vocal talent show is masteringMusic Production - Improve Your Sound - The rise in popularity of work-from-home studios has significantly impacted the music production landscape in recent years, driven by the increasing availability of tools and technology. This growth has led to the emergence of mobile recording rigs, making it possible to record full band performances anywhere. While one might anticipate a wealth of high-quality music,… the skill of creating eye contact and effectively selling both the song and the performance.
One of the most crucial abilities to master is eye contact. If you are uncomfortable making eye contact in general, it’s important to overcome that fear. Otherwise, the judges may perceive your lack of confidence. Great artists know how to connect with their audience.
To help you overcome your fear, a good practice is to lock eyes with the person you are engaging in conversation with. Maintain that eye contact. You can even turn it into a game and see how long it takes for them to feel uncomfortable and look away. Eye contact is the foundation of an artist’s confidence. Consider this: when you attend a concert or meet your favorite artist, don’t you feel more engaged if they see you and look you directly in the eyes? Most likely, you would. When you perform your song, don’t just uncomfortably stare into empty space. Deliver your song to the audience, including the judges. Sell it to them. Convince them that you have lived the song you are singing. Mastering …
It seems like modern music is lacking the magic it once had. We are inundated with a flood of tunes that are technically altered to sound “in”, but the result is often a disappointing mix of sounds, heavy electronic assistance, and less emphasis on vocals. There is a culture of global consumption, and artists seem to lack the skills that allow them to deliver a truly innovative musical masterpiece.
One of the contributing factors to this state of banality is the fact that many artists simply cover already existing songs. They take melodies from past decades, such as the 80s and 90s, and give them a modern twist in terms of sound. Unfortunately, this approach rarely succeeds in captivating listeners and remains nothing more than an unsuccessful attempt to create something new.
Originality is not an infinite resource. However, in the past, music was genuine and had the ability to mesmerize the audience, a quality that much of today’s music lacks. The problem lies in the overwhelming focus on high-tech production, where lyrics and the message they convey often go unnoticed. The so-called “smashing hits” all seem to follow a universal formula, relying on autotune and beats …
Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, 
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