The Hotone Ampero Mini is one of the smallest guitar multi-effects units on the market. But can it really do it all? Initially, I purchased the Hotone Ampero Mini (a bargain at £150) to integrate it into my existing setup of analogue overdrive pedals into the front end of an amp (in this case, my […]
Hotone Ampero Mini Review — Is This Mini Pedal Worth It? Read Post »
Imagine watching your favorite streamer and hearing the perfect sound effect play just as something exciting happens, a victory fanfare after a big win, or a funny “oops” when they mess up. These moments feel magical because the sound mirrors your emotions as a viewer. It’s not random, it’s a strategy. Sound buttons, or soundboards,
How Streamers Use Sound Buttons to Connect with Their Audiences Read Post »
Looking after a violin isn’t rocket science, but I’ve seen plenty of players—beginners and experienced alike—make some pretty avoidable mistakes that can damage their instruments or affect sound quality. Whether you’re a weekend hobbyist or a serious student, avoiding these common pitfalls will keep your violin sounding great and save you money on repairs down
7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking Care of Your Violin Read Post »
For years, cloud gaming sounded like a tech demo in search of an audience. In 2026 it is starting to look like a viable way to play. Instead of a console humming under the telly, your games run in distant data centres and stream to your phone, TV, laptop or handheld. Britain is a natural
Cloud Gaming In Britain: When Your Broadband Becomes Your Console Read Post »
From TikTok to Streams: Building Funnels that Actually Grow Your Spotify Play The Problem: Viral on TikTok, Quiet on Spotify You post a TikTok, it blows up, comments go crazy… and then you check Spotify and see almost nothing. Maybe a small spike, maybe nothing at all. This gap is normal. TikTok now has well
From TikTok to Spotify: How to Turn Viral Clips Into Real Streams in 2026 Read Post »
I have a 10-year-old Squier Telecaster Custom with P90s (full review here). A fantastic guitar with a fabulous neck, and, sadly, some wear on the first few frets, which has hindered my quest for a super-low action…. until now! I’d always been under the assumption that increasing neck relief (the bow in the neck from
Guitar Action: Lowering with Neck Relief Read Post »
2025 showed us one thing: Spotify algorithms have become smarter, there are more curators, and the competition is fiercer. If previously it was enough to just drop a track and hope for the best, now you need to play by new rules. Submitting music to Spotify playlists in 2026 is no longer a lottery, but
How to Submit Your Music to Spotify Playlists in 2026 Read Post »
Musicians on tour deal with a lot even before they hit the stage. Flights get late, gear gets busted, and setup takes forever. For many artists, especially those flying far away or into the States for festivals, using a backline cuts down on stress big time. It gives them a safe place to play without
Backlining Instruments: A Big Help for Touring Musicians Read Post »
In the modern era of music production, achieving a colossal, mix-ready metal guitar tone doesn’t require a soundproofed room, a wall of amps, or a mic locker worth a small fortune. The digital revolution is here, and Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins have evolved from convenient practice tools into the industry standard for professional metal
The Best VST Plugins for Metal Guitarists Read Post »
