“Music is inherently a collaborative process, and quite often, our heroes work better together.”
In 1986, my friend Jon Small produced the video for Run-DMC and Aerosmith’s version of “Walk this Way.” Small starts the video with Aerosmith loudly jamming in a rehearsal space with an annoyed Run-DMC shouting from the adjacent room, “Turn that noise down, man.” When DMC realizes they can’t get around it, they have to get into it.
They rap the first verse, and then Steven Tyler breaks down the wall between the rooms and joins Run-DMC on the chorus. The metaphor is pretty brilliant, tearing down the wall between hip-hop and rock, tearing down cultural walls and unifying two audiences that seem totally different but are way more similar than anyone suspected.
Tyler, being a drummer at heart, wrote the lyrics with this perfect percussive flow that was essentially rap before rap was rap. Tyler also peppered the lyrics with double entendre, which became a huge part of hip-hop.
“Walk This Way” was 10 years old at the time, and Aerosmith had been through it all. The band's drug use had taken its toll. Joe Perry and Brad Whitford had both quit and rejoined, labels were skeptical, and radio was ignoring them. But this crossover collaboration reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its frequently aired video resurrected Aerosmith’s career by introducing the band’s music to a new generation. It also paved the way for a melding of rock and hip-hop in the hands of acts like Rage Against the Machine, Kid Rock, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and all the others who jumped into these blurred lines created by this collaboration.
Music is inherently a collaboration. In every band, orchestra, duo, etc., players join together to achieve a common goal. Even if you’re a soloist, your arms, legs, and fingers are doing wildly different, complicated tasks separately while working together, hopefully in harmony. The best collaborations happen when the energy/talent/spirit/personality jell in such a way that it brings the best out of everyone, creating work that neither party could have done alone. Beatles, Stones, Aerosmith … none of the members’ solo work is as good as the band collaborations that made their careers.
Collaborations go the other way as well, like those big, epic closing jams at a concert, where 5 to 15 guitarists get on stage and each player tries to kick the ass of the person soloing before them. They usually turn into an unwatchable dweedlely-dweedle wank fest. A three-diva sing off is equally torturous: no melody, all riffs. That’s ego getting in the way of being part of something bigger than you. That’s why most supergroups are usually less than super. But great artists thrive with collaboration.
“Iggy Pop seems like a feral animal compared to elegant Bowie, and yet the two wrote and produced a ton of legendary music together throughout the ’70s and ’80s.”
One of the attributes that made David Bowie such a next-level talent was his love of collaboration, particularly with artists who were so different from himself. Bowie’s hit “Fame” was a collaboration with John Lennon. One of my favorite Christmas songs is Bing Crosby and Bowie’s “The Little Drummer Boy.” In 1981, Bowie and Queen were both recording their own projects at Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland. This led to Queen inviting Bowie to sing on a track, which led to an impromptu writing/recording session, which led to the creation of “Under Pressure.”
Bowie brought in a young and unknown Stevie Ray Vaughan to be the rude, angry counter to Nile Rodgers’ slick and funky rhythm on “Let’s Dance.” Iggy Pop seems like a feral animal compared to elegant Bowie, and yet the two wrote and produced a ton of legendary music together throughout the ’70s and ’80s. Together, they served each other as perfect foils.
Clapton’s guitar weeping over George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” Eddie Van Halen’s rearranging Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” then laying down his iconic solo over the new section, or more recently, Bonamassa’s guitar driving under Glenn Hughes’ soaring vocals and Jason Bonham’s thunder with Black Country Communion’s new single, “Stay Free,” collaboration can take it to places where no one has gone before.
When I moved to Nashville 32 years ago, a writer told me this town was built on collaboration; it’s all co-writing, jamming, working together on life’s never-ending art project. Not only do you get a fresh direction in your work, but your chances of success double when two people are working on promotion rather than doing it all alone. The best part is the relationships you form. As your peer group comes to power, you all help each other along the way.
There are two collaborations I would love to see happen:
Ultimate collab #1:
Jack White and Jack Black. They are already friends. Both have an over-the-top, theatrical delivery. The project name options are numerous and brilliant. Call this unholy union “Jack White and Black” or “Jack Jack White Black.”
Ultimate collab #2:
Marcus King and Kingfish. Both brilliant guitarists deep in the blues/rock world, but with sophisticated jazz leanings. Both sons of the South. Proposed name: Marcus King Fish.
Marcus, Chris, Jack, and Jack, if you are reading this, know that your audience awaits with eager anticipation.
IK Multimedia announces TONEX ONE, a budget-friendly pedal with AI Machine Modeling technology for hyper-realistic amp and effects tones.
Ultra-compact, TONEX ONE plays hyper-realistic modeled amps, cabs, and stomps from a nearly infinite supply. It features 3 playable slots that are easily swapped on the fly with any of the 20 Tone Model presets in its active memory.
To swap any of the 20 preloaded presets, users can connect TONEX ONE to a computer via USB-C and quickly transfer new Tone Models from their local library, ToneNET (IK'stone-sharing platform), or their own gear captured with the included TONEX software. With multiple units on a single pedalboard, the tone possibilities are truly limitless.
A Complete Rig in a Mini Pedal
- Hyper-realistic AI Machine Modeled amps, cabs, and stomps
- Compact design with easy access to all major controls on stage
- Customizable LED colors make stacking multiple units or stereo rigs easy to operate
- Studio-grade EQ, compressor, reverb, noise gate, and smart tuner onboard
- Store up to 20 presets with over 200 Premium Tone Models included
- Explore and load any of the 22,000+ FREE Tone Models from ToneNET
- 2 Performance Modes: Stomp (on/off) or Dual presets
- TRS output: Stereo, dual mono, or headphones
- USB-C connection for loading Tone Models and computer recording
- Includes TONEX SE all-in-one player, modeler, and librarian, plus AmpliTube 5SE software
Small Size, Huge Sound
TONEX ONE packs the same incredible responsiveness and dynamics as TONEX Pedal, but in a mini format that saves space and travels anywhere. Presets can be fine-tuned on the fly using the onboard gain/volume and 3-band EQ, then FX like noise gate, compression, and stereo reverb are there to dial in the right sound at any live venue. All changes made are automatically saved without a computer and ready for the next rehearsal or gig.
Infinite Tones on Tap
TONEX ONE keeps users inspired no matter where their musical journey takes them. Store up to 20 presets from the included 200+ premium Tone Models or download any of the over 25,000 and growing user Tone Models from ToneNET directly to the pedal. Add more tones with IK Signature Collections or explore hundreds of ever-expanding TonePartner collections that feature rare, vintage, and modern amps and pedals expertly dialed in.
The Best Gear Forever and Always
It's never been easier to create a virtual version of one's favorite amps and pedals. Capture any rig with the included TONEX SE software for use across the entire TONEXEcosystem including TONEX ONE, TONEX Mac/PC, TONEX Pedal, and TONEX iOS.Imagine always having favorite gear on hand with TONEX ONE to play live or in the studio. Speaking of studio, TONEX ONE doubles as a handy USB-C audio interface for recording electric guitar or bass on a Mac/PC. For low-latency monitoring, users can record with any of the onboard Tone Models and effects, while using the stomp button in real time to switch between presets. The TRS/stereo output works with both headphones or active speakers for monitoring.
Ready for the Road
TONEX ONE delivers not only jaw-dropping tones and essential effects but also the right connectivity and controls for the best performance possible at each venue. Select between Dual A/B or Stomp operating modes for either channel-switching type operation or standard pedal on/off function when using stomp captures.
The 3 micro knobs feature 9 custom LED colors that can be assigned and saved to any preset for visual identification of the selected Tone Model, or for differentiating between multiple TONEX ONE pedals during live performance. TONEX ONE also makes streamlining for travel easy with its onboard smart tuner.
Any Rig, Any Size
Designed to fit all pedalboards and small enough to chain multiple pedals, TONEX ONE gives users the freedom to build the perfect travel rig or enhance their existing pedalboard. Use 2 TONEX ONE pedals to create a killer stereo rig or place multiple units in series for tone stacking and boosting lead and rhythm tones.
TONEX ONE is simple to use and connects to any type of guitar or bass rig including realamps, PA systems, and FRFR (Full Range, Flat Response) cabs. Its "no cab" option is a must when using real guitar cabinets or speaker emulators. Or activate the "cab" for consistent, pristine miked cabinet tones night after night. Even load custom IRs to use with other gear to experience rich, cranked amp tones at any volume level, perfect for in-ear monitors or where controlling stage volume is essential.
Expanding Ecosystem of Tone
TONEX ONE goes beyond the stage with the massive ToneNET community sharing new tones daily (currently offering well over 25,000 Tone Models). Explore, demo, and download, or share gear captures with the community instantly within the included TONEX software. TONEX ONE represents a revolution for guitar and bass players. Throw it in the gig bag and never leave home without the best rigs in the world.
Pricing and Availability
TONEX ONE is available now for pre-order from the IK online store and IK dealers worldwide for $/€179.99* each with units shipping mid-May.
For more information, please visit ikmultimedia.com.
Soulfire Guitarworks introduces three new electric guitar models: SF-1, SR-1, and HB-1. Crafted with sustainable hardwood bodies and hand-wired pickups, these guitars offer a blend of familiarity and originality. Featuring 25” scale length necks, Richlite fretboards, and signature pickups, these instruments are designed to inspire players.
Featuring 100% sustainable hardwood bodies and Soulfire’s own hand-wired pickups, the guitars are crafted with the just the right balance of modern and traditional building techniques.
All three models feature 25” scale length necks with Richlite fretboards, nickel frets, and a classic D neck profile. The carved American cherry bodies are fitted with optional maple tops. In addition to the solid body SR-1, players can choose between two semi-hollow models: the SF-1 brandishes signature “Flame” f-holes, and the HB-1 sports “Broken Heart” f-holes.
In keeping with the company’s lean-and-mean ethos, the instruments are loaded with one of Soulfire’sproprietary pickups: players can choose the “Wicked Mojo” humbuckers or “Angry Dog” P90s.
Features include:
- House-made “Wicked Mojo” Humbuckers - 12 adjustable poles. DC resistance average 7.94k-8.2k. A5 magnets
- “Angry Dog” P90 pickups - DC resistance 8.25k-8.4K. A5 magnets
- Genuine silver plated and antiqued headstock emblem/truss rod cover
- Signature black machined volume knob
- Optional B7 Bigsby
Pricing for Soulfire’s semi-hollow lineup - the SF-1 and HB-1 – starts at $3400. Solid-body models are priced starting at $3000 (for true solid) and $3200 (chambered body). All models are sold exclusively through the website and come with Premium Gig Bags.
For more information, please visit soulfireguitarworks.com.