Artist interviews and topical and constantly updated news and reviews form the heartbeat of www.yamahadownload.com according to Yamaha's Felicity Gregory. "All the ingredients and elements that are important to musicians at all levels come together on Download, it will prove invaluable to songwriters, bands, teachers and there's also much in there for beginners too, it's a great place for musicians to get closer to their music and learn from top professionals, the site will change from week to week ensuring it is always fresh and relevant."
Artists involved in the launch include The Editors, Paolo Nutini, Elbow, Dave Weckl, Troy Miller and Jamie Cullum. The site also offers equipment reviews, live footage with advice on live sound from top front of house and monitor engineers and a range of tutorials. This is complimented by advice from music managers and broadcasters.
Download will also feature regular promotions, gear reviews, professional demos, live footage, gig guides and a wide range of useful links and also also acts as home-base for some of Yamaha's most successful programmes.
Coinciding with Download going live on 1 November, Yamaha has announced the details of the grand final of the Band For A Grand scheme. The year-long competition for unsigned band reaches its climax at the Stables in Milton Keynes on 7 December and throughout November people are invited to visit www. yamahadownload.com and vote for their favourite band. As an added bonus all voters will be automatically be entered into a free prize draw with the chance to win £1000 worth of Yamaha gear.
Yamaha's Ricci Hodgson comments, "We have been working on Download for over a year now, our ambition is for the site to develop into one of the most popular places for all musicians- beginners or professional to learn and connect, the mix of highly valuable content will ensure that there is something for everyone."
(Jim Evans)
