Play for free? Is it just something you have to do or can you refuse? Our resident DJ specialist Marc den Hurk is regularly asked if he can play for free and understands that it’s a bit of a dilemma. If you say no, you risk rejection and if you say yes, you’re essentially going to be paying out of your own pocket to play. If DJ-ing is just a hobby, giving your services for free can get very expensive very quickly. Here, Marc lends any conflicted DJs some friendly advice.

You’re desperate to learn to play the guitar, but what’s the best way to do it? The internet is packed with helpful advice: theory, chords, scales, what seems like millions of different kinds of guitars… but you have no idea where to start. Is getting guitar lessons always the best solution? Here, Guestblogger Bart Hennephof lines up every option available to the complete beginner and also asks the question: how important is it to learn to play with the help of a real guitar teacher?

During the height of gangsta rap in the mid ‘90s, a very real rivalry between east coast and west coast rappers emerged, resulting in the death of two legends: Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG. Here, Guestbloggers Nick and Martin take a brief look at how gangsta rap came about and quickly reached boiling point.

What makes the guitar such an expressive and impressive instrument? Is it the look? Is it the ninja-grade solos? Or is it just the sweet acoustic sound? For me, personally, the answer is simple… it’s the riff, dummy!

As soon as the weather allows it, a lot of birthday parties, weddings and other events are enjoyed outside. And that’s when the right speaker is suddenly a must, because that little Bluetooth speaker on the bookshelf in the living room probably won’t cut it. Thankfully, you’ve got a lot of options when you’re in the market for a speaker that supports a bash in the great wide open.

A podcast is kind of like radio-on-demand. Listening to podcasts is only getting more and more popular, and the number of people that want to start their own podcast is growing every day. In this article, we’ll explain the basics of podcasting and not only show you how you can make your own podcast, but how to become a better podcaster while you’re at it.

An unforgettable wedding party hinges on the right music, which is why it’s not only important for wedding deejays to pick the right tracks, but play them in the right order. Read on and learn how to properly structure your playlists.

“Hello, my name is Michiel and I have G.A.S.” The room replies with the depleted enthusiasm that comes with saying a line for the hundredth time: “Hello Michiel…” Guestblogger Michiel Buisman talks openly about a well-known affliction within the music community: the compulsion to keep buying new gear and musical instruments that you don’t really need. This compulsion has a name: Gear Acquisition Syndrome. So what exactly is it, why does it happen and what kind of forms can it take?

Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Nirvana: is there anyone who doesn’t know them? That they all made incredible music is indisputable, but here, Guestblogger Joris van Dijk reveals that these rock legends did far more than just that. The albums that these artists have dropped over the years represent a sort of overview of the rock family tree and all of the influences that lie at its roots. Joris attempts to show this in the space of just seven classic and influential rock albums – which span every time period, from ‘60s psychedelic rock and ‘70s punk to ‘90s alt-rock.

DJs have become an indispensable part of the world’s nightlife, but where did the ‘disc jockey’ come from? Was it born in the roots of hiphop, or did it all start with the radio DJ? Our resident DJ expert Marc van den Hurk dives into a little slice of DJ history.

Almost every guitarist on Earth started their journey with a six-string guitar, usually sticking to standard E, A, D, G, B, E tuning. But while some guitarists are more than satisfied with just six strings, others prefer to get a bit more extreme by bumping things up to seven. And it’s happening more and more. So, what makes seven-string guitars so great?

Having a certain identity is just as important for solo artists as putting out music. A good photoshoot can help define how people see you and think of you, but as always, there are various things you need to beware of before you start posing. Guest-blogger and wedding song writer Kevin Okkema is here to share his tips.