Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – She wasn’t born this way. But she’s enjoying it now.

Lady Gaga had a monster of a year. Forbes has ranked the singer as the top earning woman in music for 2011.

Gaga grossed a whopping $90 million from album sales, endorsement deals and blockbuster worldwide tours.

Taylor Swift ranked second with nearly half of Gaga’s take. The country singer made $45 million in 2011.

Trailing close behind and snagging the number three spot is Katy Perry with $44 million. Perry’s success comes on the heals of five consecutive hits off her multi-platinum “Teenage Dream” album.

Beyonce took the No. 4 spot and Rihanna landed in fifth place with $29 million.

Earnings were tabulated from data complied from May 2010 to May 2011.

The complete list is available at Forbes.com.

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Pittsburgh, PA, United States (AHN) – The average adolescent living in the United States is heavily exposed to alcohol brand references in popular music, according to a new study.

These branded references are most common in hip hop and R&B songs that are often associated with a luxury lifestyle characterized by degrading sexual activity, wealth, partying, violence and drug use, University of Pittsburgh researchers said.

The study analyzed 793 of the most popular songs in the youth market between 2005 and 2007. They found that about 25 percent of the songs that mention alcohol also mentioned brand names. This represented about 2.4 alcohol brand appearances per song-hour, the researchers said.

Since the average pre-teen and teenager is exposed to about 2.5 hours of pop music a day, young people’s annual exposure to alcohol brand references in popular music is significant, the researchers said in a statement. Such frequent exposure could constitute a form of advertising and could contribute to an early “initiation and maintenance” of substance use among adolescents.

The researchers said that the high amount of alcohol references may have to do with the strong ties between the booze and music industries. For example, Seagram’s owned Universal and Polygram between 1995 and 2001. Also, many popular hip hop artists have started their own alcohol brands.

Over the years, many alcohol companies have used rap musicians to hawk their products.

The alcohol industry trade group, the Distilled Spirits Council, has guidelines against marketing alcoholic products to audiences below the legal drinking age. But because rap music is popular among high school students, the researchers said that advertising campaigns that focus on hip hop artists may not be consistent with that guideline.

A full report on the study appears in the online edition of the journal Addiction.

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For our English Speaking Readers about Dj Boopsy:

As a big fan of Electronic music, and a big fan of DJ scene. Dj Boopsy is ready to play the music for the fans and play it as a DJ at private parties and clubs …

Para Nuestros Lectores, Presentando DJ Boopsy:

Como un gran fan de la música electrónica, y un gran fan de dj escena. Dj Boopsy toca esta música para los fans y tocar la musica en DJ en fiestas privadas y discotecas …

How to Create a Good Sounding Beat Using a Beat Maker – This is Easier than You Think

The standard feature that your beat maker should include is a 16-track sequencer. With the Sonic Producer, you can truly deliver your Rap or Hip Hop beats to the masses in a short period of time (this was impossible to achieve a few years ago, all accolade to the latest of technologies) with this software. To simplify it, when you have a beat that is stuck in your head and you would want to put it out there for your targeted audience to hear, you should have the proper software to do the job for you. After adding your percussion, you should add a hook, which may include a bass-line, guitar parts, synth-sounds, etc.

How to Make your own Rap Beats?

It is not that hard to create an OKAY sounding music track, but it is very hard to create tracks that ends up sounding like a professional beat. The most important advice that I can give is that if you truly want to produce good music, you must understand what makes good music “good music”.

Simple Steps in Making a Hip Hop Beat

You should never ever distort a track. Start listen to your chosen artist songs and by listening to your rap artist’s song to learn more about their style of music. When formatting your beat, you can also change the order of the intro, the chorus, the verse, the bridge, around in anyway that you like. Making beats is way easier than you think. By turning on your radio, you can hear how your favorite artist formats their songs such as when their instruments comes in and how they drop out. We guarantee that layering will surely make your beat sound better. Never distort the track and do not worry about it if it’s not loud enough.

How to Make Hip Hop Beats using Hip Hop Beats Making Software?

You can experiment with your beats by simply mixing it with other sounds and by saving as a audio file. To date, the best, and the easiest to use Hip Hop beat making software is the Sonic Producer.

Tips on how to buy instrumental Beats Software Online

Some scammers even sell stolen beats, and even rip artists off by not even sending you your instrumental Hip Hop beat. Do business with producers who give their contact information to you. We all know, that there’s a lot of hungry scammers out there making instrumental beats.

Make Beats Just Like a Pr.

In making Hip Hop or Rap beats, there’s basically tons of ways to achieve that dream sound that you have been dying to have or make. Even though some beat software options may or may not be the best for what you are trying to produce, just take the time to study and learn all about the software or hardware that you will use. If you are the producing a beat for someone, you are solely responsible for making the music sound good.

What software to use if you want to Learn How to Make your own Rap Beats

There are literally thousand of products out there today that you can use to make good beats. The Korg Triton Extreme is one and the best originators in the Hip Hop world of today.

The Best and Most Popular Software Online

Who knows where you will be a year after you have started making good sounding beats with Sonic Producer, you maybe one of the hottest producers. WHY is Sonic Producer better than Fruity Loops, well it is cheaper than the Fruity Loops starters.

The internet world is flourished up with lots of those websites that could help a lot in getting this sort of music with so much ease. Yes, of course, this is the place where you can find the music from a wind blowing sound to a crowd cheering, and from rhythmic heart beating to birds chirping. Simply put, no matter, whatever the need of music you have, you can find your favorite one at free of cost. Furthermore, you can allow your targeted audience to enjoy these melodious Royalty-free sound effects for a long time.

In general cases, the usage of these effects is quite popular among different corporate websites, videos and blogs. As far as the working process of the looping technique is concerned, it basically allows the music effect play in a continuous manner without a pause or break when the website is opened. Many people use sound for their individual computer systems. Now such people can use a sound effect ranging from a dog barking to the sound of clapping that comes into existence when they receive an email or open a program. There are many videos available over the internet world to amaze those who are crazy about the use of sound effects.

Honestly speaking, the usage of Royalty-free sound effects can be a best deal for you if you want to protect your business from being trapped into a trouble of employing an illegally downloaded sound effect. On a final note, no matter, whether you have a need to make website, video, or blog for your client, this sort of music can serve your different sound effect needs.

Depending on the size and sponsor of the music contest, there are several prizes to be won by the winner. Moreover, it is not that the winner takes it all. Even the top scorers get to attend feedback sessions with the musical maestros. These song contests are judged by music experts, who often offer music record deals to the top scorers. From a holistic point of view, a song contest offers an opportunity to test ones’ capability, talent and how the music world accepts the song of an applicant. Whether you make it to the top or not, it is very important to analyze the feedback of the judges and the reaction of the audience. Accordingly, you can work on your skills for future contests. Through music contests, you will gain exposure, experience and recognition in the music industry.

Since the web world is full of options, it is up to you to choose a contest according to the kind of music you like. If you prefer country music song, choose a contest that is promoting such kind of music. As far as choosing a specific kind of music is concerned, submit your best songs. Read the terms and conditions of the contests carefully and then submit your song. Some contests ask for a nominal entry fee, whereas others are free songwriting contest that can provide equal opportunity as compared to the paid ones. These free song contests often allow the community members to present their opinion about a song. Opinion of the members can help you to present a better song in further contests that you apply for.

Los Angeles, CA, United States (Celebrity News Service) – In celebration of the life and music of Amy Winehouse, MTV is airing a rare concert special that hasn’t been aired on the network since 2007.

Originally part of a music series titled “45th at Night,” Winehouse was on the cusp of stardom when she performed some of her biggest hits in MTV’s studios years ago.

Backed by the Dap-Kings, now performing with Sharon Jones, Winehouse burned through tracks from her award-winning “Back to Black” album, including the title track, “Me & Mr. Jones,” “You Know I’m No Good,” and her hit “Rehab.”

Mos Def joined her during the performance for a version of “Love Is a Losing Game.” She also performs her hit cover of the Zutons’ “Valerie,” which appeared on Mark Ronson’s “Version” album.

The special airing, dedicated to the late singer, will air on MTV on Wednesday, July 27th at 6:30 pm ET/PT.

Rumors are already starting to swirl that the network is also planning a tribute for the star during their next MTV Video Music Awards, which airs Sunday, August 28th at 9pm/8 C.

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Grooving to your favorite music or your favorite artist can release all the unwanted thoughts and give you a soothing effect. It can be very engaging; more so, if you listen to independent rappers like Peppaboy. He is known for his vivid music concepts and fresh flavors. His original compositions have a smooth yet spicy mix. His music is an extension of his life experiences. This independent rapper is excellent with fusion. He can create some amazing fusion like classical music with jazz and pop. Peppaboy’s music is unique and innovative. He is extremely creative and gifted with this art. You can expect a rock guitar in the middle of a church organ. You can also be game for surprises like 808 drums with some classical music in the background.

Peppaboy is an independent label artist. Although, he is a new rap artist, he has won hearts world over. He is a crowd puller and makes his presence felt on the stage. Women usually go weak in the knees when he performs live. Apart from his music skills, he has amazing showmanship. If that it not enough, you would be glad to know that he pens down the lyrics of his songs. He seems to have developed a unique slang that he uses in his songs. He can play with words like a true artist.

Like a considerable chunk of the population you might be thinking, what is S.X.S.W.? Some kind of leather and bondage convention? No, no, nothing that kinky (usually). SXSW (South by Southwest) is a series of conferences, concerts and festivals where eclectic music, independent film and new technologies converge over the course of over a week (March 11-20 2011) in sunny Austin, Texas. It is THE place to be on the cutting edge of…everything.

SXSW Music (March 16-20): Hundreds, literally hundreds, of artists in over 80 venues all over and around Austin, Texas. Some past South by Southwest bands include R.E.M., Lou Reed, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The White Stripes, The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, Public Enemy, Ingrid Michaelson, Fleet Foxes, Ghostface, Smokey Robinson, Cheap Trick, MGMT, the Dixie Chicks and Vampire Weekend. There is no way you won’t find something you like. To see this last year’s South by Southwest 2010 lineup. South by Southwest 2010 music featured some of the most unique and up and coming artists around and South by Southwest 2011 will be no exception.

SXSW Film (March 11-19): More than 250 films playing in 6 venues. Comedies, indies, and documentaries by all kinds of filmmakers. Some films from the South by Southwest lineup 2010 (SXSW line 2010) include: Academy Award winner for Best Picture ‘The Hurt Locker’, Seth Rogen’s ‘Observe and Report’, foreign film ‘Sin Nombre’ and, of course, the unforgettable ‘Lesbian Vampire Killers’. And this event is wide open. Independent documentaries, music videos, animated movies and shorts are welcome to submit a film.

SXSW Interactive (March 11-15): An interactive festival with more than 200 sessions with ScreenBurn Arcade, great networking events and SXSW awards. Twitter? Foursquare? WhoLinksToMePro? All debuted at past SXSW festivals and conferences. Whether you are a business or tech enthusiast SXSW has what’s coming next for you.

Most of the action centers around the Austin Convention Center where attendees can get their badges and participate in many of the talks, conferences trade shows and panels. The off-premises events such as music performances and film screenings are almost all within walking distance.

Now, obviously, SXSW is a big event and it is, of course, not easy to find close by places to stay. MetroFlats still has rooms available at it’s vacation rentals in Austin. It’s a super-convenient way to get amazing rooms for big groups at low prices.
Another way to stay under budget is to get your tickets early. The South by South West website has a chart with all the deadlines.

Movies and tech toys by day, great music and one of the biggest cities in Texas by night. Spending a week in the Lone Star State this year is a must.