Earlier this year, the company debuted an in-house app, Rhythm Racer, that put AvatarLabs on the “app map.” Rhythm Racer was downloaded by over a quarter-million users who paved the way for a new and improved version, recently released as Rhythm Racer 2. Planet Ill talks about the new release with Avatar Labs Senior Producer Josh Golsen.

Since its inception, LINES Ballet has traveled the world and performed before capacity crowds, speaking the internationally interpreted language of dance and bringing a message of global unity. Alonzo King is the man responsible and Planet Ill sat with him to discuss his vision.

Nashville producer Melvin Lightford discusses the art of production and how advances in technology have changed the way producers work.

By Elianne Halbersberg
Numark, a leader in the DJ product market, recently released their V7 single-platter digital controller. The V7 offers a host of unique features, including precision control, click-knob operation, dual-USB setup for uninterrupted audio …

By Elianne Halbersberg
Ken Scott began producing and engineering records when he was 18 years old, quickly cementing his place in music history by working with the Beatles and recording three of their legendary albums: A …

By Elianne Halbersberg
When thinking about producers and engineers, it’s almost second nature to associate the roles as being unique to, or at least dominated by, men. Fortunately, that stereotype is changing, as women have clearly …

By Elianne Halbersberg
A role in a hit movie is the Holy Grail for any actor; so imagine appearing in two of the country’s top films at the same time. That’s the case for Nicoye Banks, …

By Elianne Halbersberg
You’ve been there: in line at the grocery store, the waiting room in a doctor’s office, an afternoon matinee, Sunday service at church, a cross-country flight. One minute you’re minding your own business, …

By Elianne Halbersberg
Imagine a boombox/MP3 player/recorder and flash drive/thumb drive … around your neck. Does it sound absurd? Futuristic? Impossible? Too good to be true? Sid Richlin, creator of the Rad Blaster and one of …

By Elianne Halbersberg
“Our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price.” — apple.com

“Um … OK … but for $499, which is still a huge amount of money to …

By Elianne Halbersberg
Remember that New Year’s Eve party you attended a few weeks ago? Bad enough that the cheapskate host served stale chips and watered-down drinks, but even the music was lame. Holding your Coke …

By Elianne Halbersberg
During the past year, the Planet Ill team has been keeping readers up to date on new gear—everything from phone apps to electronic drum kits. As 2009 comes to a close, we thought …

By Elianne Halbersberg
The MPD18 is the newest addition to Akai Professional’s pad controllers. As the smallest model in MPD line, the MPD18 is portable, lightweight, easily integrated and remarkably durable.
Don’t be fooled by its dimensions, …

By Elianne Halbersberg
From literature to poetry, music, painting and theater, the period known as the Harlem Renaissance gave America some of its greatest works. Beginning in the mid-1920s and continuing into the mid-1930s, this cultural …

By Elianne Halbersberg    
The advent of the Digital Audio Workstation, or DAW, singularly revolutionized the way musicians and producers create and record music. With an infinite number of sounds, beats, plug-ins and options at their fingertips, …

By Elianne Halbersberg
Whether you need a quality at-home practice kit, a backup kit for jamming with your band, or you are investing in your future as a drummer, the Alesis DM6 is a great choice.
The …

By Elianne Halbersberg
Fashion, style, vogue — that’s the concept behind V-MODA, where sound and sexy come together to create a new world of music, headphones, clothing, and instruments. Calling themselves “the first music lifestyle company,” …

By Elianne Halbersberg
If you have ever tuned in to Survivor—and who hasn’t—then you have heard Russ Landau’s music. However, the reality show is only one example of his remarkable, multi-faceted career. Landau scores an ongoing …

By Elianne Halbersberg
Perhaps the most common phrase in music history comes from frustrated parents, partners and spouses: “Turn that damn thing down!” Whether you’re a musician in the making, a practicing artist, or part of a …