Studying the Secrets of Senjutsu and Eddie The Head at the Onset of Iron Maiden's The Future Past tour
Sinusoidal Weekly Highlights
Welcome to Sinusoidal Music’s weekly newsletter. Every Monday, we shall present you with the latest insights into the music business, production tips for musicians, the hottest new releases, and everything in between!
Music Buzz > What are the paparazzi after?
IRON MAIDEN Performs 'Alexander The Great' Live For First Time At 'The Future Past Tour' Kickoff
On the first date of The Future Past tour in Slovenia yesterday (May 28), Iron Maiden played the Somewhere in Time closer "Alexander the Great" live for the first time ever.
The tour pays special attention to both Senjutsu, Iron Maiden's latest album, as well as their 1986 classic Somewhere in Time. The metal legends opened the show with "Caught Somewhere in Time," marking the first live performance of the aforementioned's album's opener since 1987. "Stranger In a Strange Land" was also played live for the first time since 1999 and "Heaven Can Wait" entered the set for the first time since 2008.
That's just a sampling of the rarities, which were joined by live debuts of four Senjutsu tracks.
Watch fan-filmed footage of the first live performance of "Alexander the Great" below.
Asked in a radio interview a number of years ago why IRON MAIDEN had never played "Alexander The Great" live, singer Bruce Dickinson answered, "Because Adrian [Smith, guitar] can't remember the guitar solo." While Dickinson may have been joking, he did go on to say that, when the song was originally written, they put the solo through a load of then-very-advanced music computer wizardry, and it just couldn't figure out the time signature.
"Senjutsu" came out in September 2021. It marked MAIDEN's second consecutive double album behind 2015's "The Book Of Souls" which is the longest MAIDEN album, with a running time of 92 minutes.
Music Through the Ages > Lesser known facts about how music shaped the world
A definitive history of Iron Maiden's beloved mascot, Eddie the Head
Eddie the Head, often referred to simply as Eddie, is the fictional mascot and symbol of Iron Maiden. He has become one of the most recognizable and enduring figures in rock music history. Created by artist Derek Riggs, Eddie made his debut on the cover of Iron Maiden's self-titled debut album in 1980. Since then, he has appeared on almost all of the band's album covers, merchandise, and stage sets, evolving into various incarnations over the years.
Eddie's origins can be traced back to the art school days of Riggs, who was asked to design a menacing figure for Iron Maiden's album covers. The band's bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris, had a vision of a character that would embody the spirit of their music. The result was Eddie, a macabre and nightmarish figure often depicted as a decayed and undead creature. Eddie's appearance has ranged from a menacing zombie to a cyborg and everything in between, reflecting the themes and imagery of Iron Maiden's music.
Throughout the band's career, Eddie has been an integral part of their live performances, appearing as a gigantic inflatable mascot or being brought to life by an actor on stage. His presence adds a theatrical and visually captivating element to Iron Maiden's concerts, enhancing the band's energetic and powerful performances.
Eddie's popularity and cultural impact extend far beyond Iron Maiden's music. He has become an iconic symbol in the world of heavy metal, inspiring countless fans and artists alike. Eddie has appeared in various forms of media, including comic books, video games, and even his own line of merchandise. He has become a beloved character in popular culture, representing rebellion, darkness, and the spirit of heavy metal.
Over the years, Eddie has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the evolution of Iron Maiden's music and themes. From his early appearances on classic albums like "The Number of the Beast" and "Powerslave" to his more recent iterations on "The Book of Souls" and "Senjutsu," Eddie has remained an integral part of the band's identity and legacy.
In summary, Eddie the Head is the iconic mascot of Iron Maiden, created by Derek Riggs. With his menacing and diverse appearances, Eddie has become a symbol of the band's music and a beloved figure in the world of heavy metal. His history is deeply intertwined with Iron Maiden's own journey, and he continues to captivate audiences with his enduring presence.
Sinusoidal Spotlight > Our pick of the latest indie releases
Dave Belding - Purge And Flourish
Dave Belding, a Long Island native with an unwavering love for writing and performing music, presents us with a haunting and dystopian journey in his latest release, “Purge And Flourish.” This dark, depressive, horror-themed song showcases Belding’s ability to blend and stir genres together, creating a unique and unsettling experience that leaves a lasting impression. The vocal performances in this track are deliberately dissonant, invoking just the right amount of unrest in the listener. Belding’s bleak vocal style, coupled with aggressive adlibs, adds a layer of aggression and anguish that perfectly complements the depressive atmosphere. It is evident that every note, every lyric, has been placed to maximize emotional impact.
Musician’s Toolkit > Secret production tips for pros
Studio Monitor Placement Techniques
The equilateral triangle method: This method involves placing the two studio monitors and the listener in an equilateral triangle formation. The distance between the listener and each speaker should be equal, forming equal angles on each side. This setup helps create a balanced stereo image and provides a focused listening experience.
Symmetrical positioning: Placing the studio monitors symmetrically in relation to the listening position is another common approach. This means aligning the speakers at an equal distance from the listener and ensuring they are at the same height. Symmetrical positioning helps maintain a consistent soundstage and improves stereo imaging.
Angle and tilt adjustments: Proper angling and tilting of studio monitors can significantly impact sound accuracy. The speakers should be angled towards the listener, usually at a 60-degree angle, to create an optimal listening position. Additionally, tilting the monitors slightly upwards can help direct the sound towards the listener's ears, reducing reflections from the mixing console or desk surface.
Height considerations: The height at which the studio monitors are placed can affect the sound quality. Ideally, the tweeters should be positioned at ear level when the listener is seated in the listening position. Adjusting the height using monitor stands or adjustable brackets can help achieve the correct ear-level alignment.
Distance from walls: The proximity of studio monitors to walls can influence low-frequency response. Placing the speakers too close to walls can result in bass buildup and muddiness. Generally, it is recommended to keep a distance of at least 1 to 2 feet from the rear wall, and some space from the side walls to minimize reflections and maintain a more accurate bass reproduction.
Subwoofer placement: If using a separate subwoofer, its placement requires careful consideration. Subwoofers are often best placed away from room corners to avoid excessive bass buildup. Experimenting with different subwoofer positions and using measurements or calibration tools can help achieve a well-integrated and balanced bass response.
Experimentation and fine-tuning: It's important to note that each room is unique, and the optimal monitor placement may vary. Room dimensions, materials, and furniture can all impact sound reflections and room resonances. Experimentation with monitor placement and listening tests can help fine-tune the setup to achieve the best possible sound reproduction.
Playlist of the week > Sinusoidal’s assortment of trending playlists for every mood
Punk Rock Influence
This week, we've got the best rock songs with powerful vocals that will leave you feeling energized and inspired. From classic riffs to modern anthems, this playlist has it all. Get ready to headbang and sing along with the powerful and captivating vocals of some great rock bands. Whether you're a die-hard rock fan or just looking for some new music to add to your playlist, this video is sure to have something for everyone. So turn up the volume, hit play, and get ready to rock your world with these epic rock songs and powerhouse vocals!