At the recent NAMM show in Anaheim, CA, one of our Namba Gear neighbors were the guys from IMSTA. The International Music Software Trade Association (IMSTA) is a nonprofit association which represents the interests of the music software industry. IMSTA’s primary goal is to change end-user behavior in order to reduce the demand for pirated software. I had some lively discussions with IMSTA’s executive director, Paul Fattahi about why people and especially musicians might feel perfectly warranted about using cracked software.

This got me to thinking about a visit to Buenos Aires with my friend and associate Chris Adams of Studio Sound International. One day we had lunch with a very famous Latin American drummer, whom I was surprised to learn was also on the forefront of technology. I was surprised that he was technology fluent not because he was from Latin America, but because he was a drummer. (OK, I promise, no more drummer jokes.) As we talked about various music software, it seemed that our drummer had just about every piece of music software on the planet. When questioned about this, he boasted that he had cracked versions of everything and had paid little, if anything, for the majority of his software collection.

Now I wouldn’t claim that I was “without software sin” in my past, but his attitude just pushed my buttons. I couldn’t help myself and confronted him by asking if it would be OK if I distributed a pirated copy of his latest CD? Or if I came to one of his shows, took a line out of the main console and recorded the show, then made a CD of their live show and distributed it or posted it on the Internet for anyone to download for free? Now I had pushed his buttons and you would have thought that I was Dr. Evil by his reaction.

You get the point I’m sure. Whether you are a songwriter/performer or a software developer, everyone would like to be reimbursed for their labor (even if it is a labor of love). It’s not right for someone to steal your songs or your performances and it’s not right to steal software.

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NAME: Maskerade (musician / songwriter)

CITY: Santa Ana, CA

WEBSITE: www.mlifesoul.com

NAMBA GEAR: Kava Laptop Studio Bag 

As you sit back and listen to the sultry sounds of this RnB/Hip-Hop crooner you are sure to be filled you with wonderful emotions of the nostalgia of love, inspiration and the liberation to kick off your shoes and dance. If you have been waiting for an artist who can make you reminisce, make you smile, and make you cry, the wait is over. We would like to introduce you to Maskerade?

In life we rarely get a chance to do what we were truly called to do. This is not the case for Maskerade. A California native, born in Orange “Juice” County, Maskerade’s love of music began at a very young age. His influence spans over a variety of artists and genres. Listening to different songwriters over the years allowed him to fine tune his skills into what you witness today. Now a new chapter in the journey begins for this extraordinarily gifted artist.

When asked about his performances, Maskerade explains, “My goal when I perform is simple, I want to win the hearts of all who are watching me.” Well, not only has he won many hearts, but has also captured the listening ears of many fans. This singer/songwriter has performed at many events such as the Black History Fair in his hometown, Santa Ana, California. His large list of venues include the Key Club and The Grind in Los Angeles, the House of Blues in Anaheim and Hollywood, and more recently The Vault 350 in Long Beach just to name a few. Of one of his most memorable performances, Maskerade speaks of an unforgettable performance celebrating the homecoming of our American Troops from Iraq. This special performance was indeed a crowd pleaser, attracting an audience of five thousand Troops and their awaiting families, held on a military base in Twenty-Nine Palms, California. Let there be no doubt, Maskerade is not just a singer but also a songwriter/entertainer who writes straight from his heart to yours.

Maskerade’s debut CD entitled Luv Iz Crazi is not just another RnB album, but offers more than one would expect, from a cool blend of melodic love ballads to up tempo grooves with a hint of hip-hop and rap. Maskerade collaborates with several other talented artists who he has included to enhance your listening pleasure. The smooth melodies and clever lyrics make him a tour de force. “Because love will make you do crazy things,” He says this is the reason behind the choice of the album?s title, “and the way I spell it symbolizes the topic. Love will give you these wild feelings and people react to those feelings in many different ways. In one corner of love you have a man sending a woman a hundred roses. In another you have a woman bashing some poor Cat’s car. I wanted to write from a perspective that all can relate to?that’s love and love is crazy.”

In 2008 Maskerade was a finalist in the Urban Category of the UK Songwriting  Contest for his song “Outta Control”.  He also placed 5th overall in the  Broadjam 6-pack Songwriting contest. Next up is a female group project that he is writing and producing called “EnAmori” and his latest album “The Fire and the Flame.” Both of the projects are set for 2009.

Recent Projects:

Upcoming projects: EnAmori: www.myspace.com/enamori

Upcoming album:  The Fire and the Flame: www.cdbaby.com/maskerade3

What I like best about my Namba Gear: I’m absolutely estatic with my Kava Laptop Studio Bag!  It’s got everything you need to take your gear on the go.  It’s very sturdy with thick straps and stiching. I was pleasantly suprised and I already have a bunch of stuff in it.  Thanks for making such a great product.

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