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A heated Facebook debate on A.I. in music led to an unexpected insight into how technology may be reshaping not just songwriting—but music education itself. When The Local Riff recently posted a simple question to Facebook—Is A.I. good or bad for the music industry and artists?—the response was anything but simple. The comments poured in. Fast.Some embraced A.I. as a creative tool. Others rejected it outright. There were purists who argued that any assistance from A.I. disqua

This week, our local spotlight turns to a seismic shake-up in the world of live events. After years of frustration from fans, small venues, and independent promoters, a federal jury in Manhattan just handed down a major verdict against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Found guilty of monopolistic practices, these giants were charged with overcharging customers by $1.72 per ticket at major concert venues — a finding that validated what millions of fans have felt for years. The ca

As the Artemis capsule splashed down into the ocean, the image felt instantly familiar — a lone spacecraft floating in the water, recovery teams closing in, helicopters overhead. For a moment, it could have been 1969 again. But this wasn't a nostalgic callback. NASA chose an Apollo-style splashdown deliberately, because even in a modern space age, it remains one of the safest ways to bring humans home from deep space. At first glance, Artemis appears to borrow heavily from th

Every city—no matter how big or small—has that one band. The name everyone knows. The band that always comes up when someone asks, "Who should I check out from around here?" They become part of the city’s musical identity. But Akron is different. Akron didn't have just one band that stood out—it had many. And that's exactly why, when it comes to music, Akron has a sound entirely its own. For decades, Akron and the greater Northeast Ohio area have produced wave af

Local artist Mark Paskiet has been creating art since he was just eight years old, and his passion has only grown stronger with time. Today, he describes his unique style as “Caricature Realism,” a blend of photographic accuracy and imaginative exaggeration that brings familiar faces and scenes to life in unexpected ways. Mark’s process begins behind the lens. He takes his own photographs, then transforms them digitally using two primary tools: AutoDesk Sketchbook and PicsA

In an age of instant streaming and ultra-clean digital files, vinyl records continue to thrive—and for many listeners, they don’t just survive, they sound better . Walk into any record store or talk to a longtime music fan and you’ll hear the same sentiment: vinyl just feels richer, warmer, and more alive . But why is that? The answer lies in a blend of science, psychology, and the soul of how we experience music. The Warmth of Analog Sound Vinyl is an analog format , meaning

Life has a way of surprising us—sometimes with joy, other times with disappointment. We make plans, set goals, and imagine certain outcomes, only to find that a door we hoped would open instead closes firmly in front of us. In those moments, it’s easy to feel discouraged, stuck, or even defeated. Yet history, experience, and quiet inner wisdom all point to the same truth: when one door closes, another truly does open. The key to seeing it lies in the power of positive thinkin

Microphone Etiquette: Speaking Clearly, Professionally, and Effectively Whether you’re addressing a live audience, recording a podcast, joining a virtual meeting, or performing on stage, microphone etiquette plays a crucial role in how your message is received. Good mic technique ensures clarity, minimizes distractions, and helps you come across as confident and professional. Poor habits, on the other hand, can distort your voice, annoy listeners, and undermine your credibili

Supporting local businesses, restaurants, bands, and the broader community is crucial for several reasons that extend beyond mere economic transactions. When individuals choose to invest their time, money, and energy into local entities, they contribute to a vibrant and sustainable local economy. This support fosters job creation within the community, as local businesses often employ residents, thereby reducing unemployment rates and enhancing the overall quality of life. Mor

To set up your home recording studio, you need essential equipment such as a computer with recording software, an audio interface, quality microphones, headphones, and studio monitors. Proper acoustic treatment and a comfortable workspace are also important to ensure optimal recording conditions. Today let's Talk About choosing the right DAW (Digital Work Station). Picking the right DAW for your home studio is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your music pr