Jump to content

Tara Linden

Resident
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    56

  • Joined

 Content Type 

Blog Entries posted by Tara Linden

  1. Tara Linden

    Second Life Inventory Management

    By Tara Linden,


    Tara Linden
    I’m not sure why spring gets all the credit for cleaning when each season deserves a thorough organizing session. Sometimes we let things slide for a little too long, and next thing you know, you’re late to the party and only wearing one shoe. It happens, and when it does, it’s time to talk about inventory management.

    As someone who may or may not lose my keys somewhere in my house, room, or even purse (Why would I put it in that pocket? I never use that pocket. Oh, it’s in that pocket.) almost everyday, I found organizing my virtual closet to be crucial. You can see above that I have broken down clothing into many categories. For the moment I’m including shoes and hair, but might need to make those their own folders as time goes on and I accidentally buy more 11-inch heels. Something casual, y’know?
    Before you begin, I suggest assessing your belongings to determine the major categories you want to start with and working your way down. Inworld hobbies can be important things to consider here. Do you have a truckload of dj gear, or props for photography projects? If you feel your surfboards need to be alphabetized, this is a judgment free zone. Do what works for you.
    Harlow Heslop has a fantastic video tutorial with detailed sections on creating folders, body parts, clothing, home and garden, and more. She actually suggests going somewhere safe where you can take all your belongings out. Visualizing things is a great way to get started.

    If you’d like written directions to follow along with, Lady Ellen T has compiled an in depth instruction guide on organizing your things as well. She stresses the importance of folders and how many items warrant the creation of subfolders, as it’s important to not go overboard if you want to find things easily.
    Don’t forget, if you’re really stumped, you can always look for an item by name in the top search bar.
    For those who want to go a little deeper, we have a tutorial playlist covering a variety of topics for all your SL needs. 
  2. Tara Linden
    A couple weeks ago I wrote about Dancing in Second Life, and I wanted to elaborate on something I had mentioned: animation overrides. This is a scripted attachment that changes the manner in which your avatar’s body moves. Like most things in SL, they are created by Residents and the marketplace has a multitude of styles if you’d like to add a little oomph to the way you walk, jump, stand, etc.

    (Photo by Catloafs)
    You can get a set of animations or even a single gesture if you’re looking for something very specific. There are AOs made for females, males, and some are unisex. Some basic AO sets come with dances as well, which you can try out using the HUD. Swim like a mermaid, strut without a care in the world, or bellydance on a colorful Oriental rug. I even saw an AO that replicated the final dance scene in Dirty Dancing, so there is certainly no shortage of options. The animations category of the Destination Guide has many great shops in which you can demo different styles before purchasing.
    It’s important to note that certain situations, like pose balls or sitting on furniture, will require you to turn off your AO to function properly. This script will make that automatic, if you prefer. Since most Bento heads come with a selection of facial expressions, you can decide if you want an AO for the entire body or from the neck down. If you don’t know where to start, a tutorial should make the variety of animations a little more approachable. Our bodies are such a huge part of how we express ourselves in RL, so why not extend that element to your presence inworld?
    If you have a photo or video of yourself being particularly lively, silly, sleepy, etc., submit it to our Flickr!
  3. Tara Linden
    (Pictured: Isle of Pandasia)
    The news can be a little scary as of late, and when you’re cooped up inside it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of not-so-positive thoughts. In fact, our brains are wired to remember negative experiences more easily than moments of kindness. However, it is absolutely possible to change your mental habits to make your day to day more fulfilling, and not just by watching videos of dog dancing competitions. Although there’s nothing wrong with that.
    An important step in this process is mindfulness. The act of being truly present and appreciating the moment has appeared in many belief systems, both religious and secular. No matter what school of thought guides you, we all have beating hearts that get tired from working overtime due to stress. Meditation has been proven to reduce anxiety and even improve your physical health. 
    It’s important to take care of yourself, not just for your benefit, but also so you can be around the people important to you for as long as possible. 
    If you’d like to take a moment to be still in nature or quietly contemplate, there are many soothing locations in Second Life for a virtual meditation session. We hope these places can help you feel free from worry.
    Chinook Rockies 3SL: A mountainous region dappled with lush patches of trees and waterfalls to help you take some deep breaths. Isle of Pandasia: This surreal cluster of small, mossy islands is a great place to admire birds, lily pads, and glittering rock bridges. You might even see a giant floating fish! Botanical: For the avatars with green thumbs, Botanical is a great place to take a peaceful walk surrounded by a variety of plants or get ideas to cultivate the garden of your virtual world dreams. Star Journey: If you’d like to take your “me time” with a side of cosmic splendor, this stunning collection of sky galleries is truly otherworldly. Saddles Art Gallery & Ballroom: Take a stroll through this enchanting garden adorned with artwork that is complemented by the sound of wind chimes and birdsong.  
  4. Tara Linden
    (photo taken at Astral Dreams)
    One of Second Life’s role-playing communities involves steampunk fandom. For those unfamiliar with the term, steampunk is a genre of science fiction/science fantasy that takes place during the era of steam power (usually the British Victorian era or the American “Wild West”) in which the fashion, technology, and physical settings are influenced by designs from the future. The aesthetic can be anachronistic, containing futuristic elements that are set in the past, or retrofuturistic, where the design is inspired by depictions of the future made in an earlier period.
    Residents can visit a number of steampunk regions to be immersed in a wondrous mixture of time and imagine what might have been. The decor often contains a sense of whimsy and magic, with polished brass, plenty of iron, and wood. Leather clothing is quite common, as are clocks/watches with visible gears and thick goggles to protect your eyes while flying airships or welding.
    The marketplace has tons of incredibly creative steampunk items, from tophats to Victorian furniture. You can also take inspiration from notable steampunk films, such as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and The City of Lost Children.
    For those who just want to see what others are up to before diving in, check out this chat on the forum. Steampunk is an easy style to experiment with, since the accessories are so distinct. You can start out with a monocle and a watch on a gold chain and take it from there!
    (
    (An example of a steampunk setting, photo by Orion)
  5. Tara Linden
    (Photo taken at Puddles)
    One of the things I miss the most right now is spending Saturday morning in a coffee shop. There’s something about sipping an espresso beverage while nibbling on some kind of carb that makes me feel like all my worries have floated away and the day is filled with glorious potential.
    I found this video by Resident Emily Wand that really illustrates that experience.

    I ended up hopping around to a few different coffee shops in Second Life and without even meaning to, let out the biggest sigh of relief. I could even sense the muscles in my shoulders drop, because something about being in that environment makes me feel so relaxed.
    With all the Cafes & Hangouts available inworld, I encourage you to treat yourself to that feeling of “Ahh, that’s perfect” as soon as you can. There are so many good ones, each with a unique atmosphere, so I wanted to mention a few.
    Puddles Cafe and Lounge really hit the spot for me. This two level hangout has a super tall ceiling and a hip converted industrial loft aesthetic. Plus, prepare yourself for what I am about to say: there is a cat on a roomba. I may or may not have chased it around with a grin on my face for 15 minutes. Add the rainbow flag and Black Lives Matter sign, and I’m officially moving in. A sign says that there are group chats on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6pm SLT, so check it out!
     
    For a more rustic setting, check out Il Nido. As a cafe and wine bar, this is a great option for more of a late afternoon vibe. From my research I also discovered Bellis Blues Cafe, with DJ Stephanie every Monday from 10:00am-12:00pm. Coffee shops like Burrow Coffee & Whisky Co., which is remodeled regularly so there’s always something new, are great places to meet people and experience art, music, and the little things that make us happy.
     

    I wasn't kidding!
  6. Tara Linden
    (Photo by inkie Pixelstyles)
    Does your avatar need a furry friend? From more traditional options like dogs and cats to farm animals and exotic creatures, there is a delightful array of pets available at the Second Life Marketplace. No need to worry about whether your landlord approves or if you have the space.
    You can also pamper your pet with stylish collars, beds, and other accessories. Will your in-world buddy be a couch potato or a ball of energy? It’s up to you! They say pets take on their owners’ traits. Plus, just like people often ask to pet a dog they pass on the street, virtual pets can make great conversation starters. It might just be time for you to open the cat cafe of your dreams. Check out the Animals section of our Destination Guide for some awesome pet-spiration today.

    (Photo by ๖̶̶̶̶ۣۣۜۜζ͜͡ ƝЄƛԼ๑̶̶ۣ.)
  7. Tara Linden
    Pictured: Machu Picchu
    At this point you may have organized your whole house, binged an entire series, or had a moment where you forgot what day it was. It’s no easy feat staring at the same walls everyday, but we’re chugging along. It’s totally natural to feel a little squirrely and bummed out that our 2020 travel plans might not work out the way we had hoped. We curated a list of real life locations that have been replicated in Second Life so you can adapt to a virtual vacation. Overpack all you want, there are no extra baggage fees to worry about!
     
    Machu Picchu: Get your steps in by climbing the labyrinthine Inca citadel in the mountains of Peru. Named one of the new 7 wonders of the world, the view from the top is incredible. You might even see a baby llama! Oahu Vacation Resort: One of the larger islands of Hawaii, Oahu is home to Honolulu, the state capital, numerous beautiful beaches, and Pearl Harbor. Fun shopping, scenic overlooks, and white sand await. Kowloon: Based on a portion of Kowloon Walled City, the intricately developed streets are lit by a characteristic neon glow. The concrete architecture and dark lighting give off a slight cyberpunk vibe.   The Grand Canyon: Grab your visor, it’s gonna be a scorcher. Explore this vast natural marvel carved by the Colorado River millions of years ago. There are also fun activities like horseback riding and games. Stay hydrated. Temasek: Temasek boasts beautiful recreations of the mangroves that serve a pivotal role in the local ecology. This region also has educational posts with fun facts about Singapore’s culture and history.   Eiffel Tower: Located in Paris, France, the Eiffel Tower has come to symbolize French culture and is the most visited paid monument in the world. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is the perfect place for a romantic stroll. Guadalajara, Mexico: Enjoy the colorful atmosphere of one of Mexico’s most famous cities. It also has a region dedicated to the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta for an extra summery feel.
  8. Tara Linden
    Pictured above: fossil found at The Natural History Museum of Vienna
    There’s nothing quite like the serenity of a beautiful building filled with art. I always feel inspired after an afternoon of walking the quiet halls of a place dedicated to creativity. Since most museums are currently closed, here are some places in Second Life where you can take a virtual field trip.
     
    1. Chic and modern buildings like The Vordun, where you can also take a relaxing walk around the large outdoor space and courtyard.
    2. The Peale Museum, a recent addition, is a replica of the RL building in Baltimore. Built in 1814, it was the first purpose-built museum in the United States. The virtual Peale has exhibits and events curated by the staff, so there's sure to always be something to pique your interest.
    3. Put on your cocktail attire and spend the evening at an art gallery, like Art Atelier. Their current exhibition, a collaboration with Museo Omar Reina de San Rafael of Argentina, goes until September 15. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss out.
    4. The Natural History Museum of Vienna, which has been designed to replicate the RL building. Currently, you can see exhibitions on both dinosaurs and steampunk. A combination very fitting for 2020.
    5. The Cats Museum is a quaint house dedicated to these furry ninjas and their antics. I always appreciate a splash of humor. We don’t all need to be The Louvre. The Cats Museum is an adorable place to make your quiet walk a little more fun.
    6. The Virtual Black History Museum is spread out over a beautiful piece of land with open grassy space and calming brooks to make a peaceful moment for yourself. There is an indoor text based history exhibit, as well as a stylized outdoor structure with photographs of many notable figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Diane Nash.
  9. Tara Linden

    Announcing Music Mondays

    By Tara Linden,


    Music Mondays
    (Photos by ๖̶̶̶̶ۣۣۜۜζ͜͡ ƝЄƛԼ๑̶̶ۣ., Ryanna •{ The ImageMaker, and Roman Godde)
    We are very excited to announce a brand new initiative that aims to highlight the many talented musicians of Second Life. Our virtual world has a thriving community of artists who span a vibrant range of styles. At any moment in Second Life, you’ll find live music performances occurring across the many clubs and venues that are a key part of the fabric that makes up the Second Life community. We feel that the music scene in Second Life deserves wider recognition and promotion -- and that’s why we’ve created Music Mondays. 
    Beginning next week, we will be spotlighting a different musician in a blog post published each Monday. This is your chance to discover and celebrate the musicians of Second Life as we share insightful background information, interview questions, and links to their music and/or videos. As many of you know, there are hundreds of music oriented regions and venues in SL. We hope to spread awareness of this active scene, as the calendar of live performances is brimming with excitement. In the near future, we’ll start to showcase some artists on our recurring talk show “Lab Gab,” too!
    If you would like to be featured, or have a recommendation, please fill out this form.
     
  10. Tara Linden
    While many localities are now in the process of carefully reopening certain businesses, many of us will likely be telecommuting for a few more months. Some companies are even giving their employees the option of permanently working from home if they prefer. 
     
    Whether you’re itching to get back into your routine or pleased about not having to deal with You-Know-Who leaving dirty dishes in the break room (every workplace has one!), we wanted to present a way to add a little flair to your video chats. With an abundance of gorgeous regions to choose from, why not set a screenshot from Second Life as your Zoom virtual background? The Destination Guide has a photo for each entry, and you of course have the option of snapping a picture inworld. Impromptu video call making you panic about that laundry pile? Place yourself in an immaculate virtual living room.
     
    The category Photogenic Spots is a great place to start out, and the Art section has some immersive and surreal environments that are visually stunning. You could have a Mediterranean cliffside for your meeting at 2:00 and a disco dance floor for a hangout with friends at 5:00! With so many options, it’s impossible to choose just one.
     
    Just don’t turn yourself into a potato!
     

    (Photo by Elenna Dagostino)

  11. Tara Linden
    With countless regions, parties, activities, and ways to modify your appearance, it’s safe to say that there’s always something to do in Second Life. However, it’s understandable that one might feel stuck or overwhelmed by all the choices. I don’t think I’m the only one who gets anxiety from spending 30 minutes on Netflix trying to decide what to watch.
    Luckily, there is a vast selection of topics under discussion in our community forums to help guide you through those moments.

    New Residents might have trouble looking for a specific item in the marketplace, finding the avatar that’s right for them, or understanding SL terminology that feels very natural to long term Residents. I definitely thought they were talking about cupcakes the first time I saw the term Bakes on Mesh.
    The main sections are People, Places and Events, Creation, Technology, Commerce, Land, and International. They cover just about everything you could imagine: machinima, land rentals, relationships, etc. For miscellaneous and support related questions, you can always go to the Answers section. And the best part is this discussion involves other Residents, all of whom were newbies at one point.
    I love that there is a Missed Connections section. SL is such a great place to meet people, but sometimes things get in the way the first time around and this is a great way to get a second chance at reaching out to someone. The forums are like an encyclopedia of Second Life information for those “What in the virtual world is going on?” moments, and I encourage everybody to check them out!
  12. Tara Linden

    Machinima in Second Life

    By Tara Linden,


    Tara Linden
    (still from a video by Burnha Firehawk)
    Machinima, named for its fusion of machine and cinema, is a unique art form in which computer graphics are rendered and choreographed to create a cinematic production, like this recreation of 1920s Berlin by Pepa Cometa. It is shot in real time, differing from other forms of computer animation that are shot frame by frame. This approach to filmmaking has grown and evolved over the last few decades, growing such a large following that there are now machinima festivals, and Second Life is proud to host many Residents who create content in this medium. 
    As some of you may recall, a recent episode of Lab Gab hosted Residents Huckleberry Hax and Caitlin Tobias for a discussion of Stomol, SL’s first feature length cyberpunk machinima. The Second Life Flickr also receives many awesome music video submissions, which are a great way to show off your favorite dance animations. Earlier this year, hit Japanese pop composer Yasushi Watanabe made a music video in SL that is bursting with sugary, summer energy. And this mysterious trailer by Burnha Firehawk has me hooked!
    Another notable SL machinima artist is Bryn Oh, who also does 3D exhibitions. 
    We’re excited to report that the Supernova Digital Animation Festival in Denver has selected the works of Residents Huckleberry Hax, Tizzy Canucci, and Erik Mondrian, and we encourage you to experiment with machinima and the endless possibilities within SL.
    You can get more info from the SL forums and many YouTube tutorials. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
  13. Tara Linden
    Pictured above: Moonlight Teahouse
    Now that we're all obsessed with washing our hands, it's time to get those virtual paws dirty with some gardening! The plants of Second Life are truly one of my favorite parts of coming inworld. I am continually impressed by the botanical creations I see. Some are exact replicas of things from nature, and others are imaginative renderings that look like props from a fantasy movie. While 2021 may not be the fresh start some of us had hoped for, there are plenty of regions waiting for you with space to clear your thoughts and think positively about the future.
    The Gardens & Landscaping regions are a great place to get inspiration to build a greenspace of your own, and also lovely spots for a leisurely stroll. Moonlight Teahouse (above) even has Tai Chi poseballs facing the ocean.
    Nature & Parks offers more options that are a little spread out. Beaches, wilderness, and enchanted forests are all great places to hang out with friends or have a relaxing moment to listen to the stillness around you. Many of these regions are based on real life places or inspired by cultures from all over the world.
    Our Photogenic Spots section is also filled with rolling hills, seaside cliffs covered in moss, and more.
    If you're feeling inspired, check out the gardening section of the marketplace and see what your virtual green thumb comes up with!
  14. Tara Linden

    Region Evolutions

    By Tara Linden,

    It’s pretty wild to think about how much things have changed in the last 15-20 years. We don’t quite have flying cars yet but I’m still trying to wrap my head around 3D printers. Oh, the early 2000s: Tom Cruise jumping on Oprah’s couch, wifi had just begun to be freely available, and of course, the birth of Second Life.
    I’d like to start sharing some old and recent pictures of regions that have been around for a while to show how far we’ve come and give a shout out to some SL veterans.
     

     
    Blue Galaxy, a sci-fi themed store found in a mysterious forest, has been around for at least 10 years. The design of the building is a welcoming blend of modern and experimental with spunky colors. Who can resist that glittery trail leading to the front door? There are some other cool shops nearby, and the entire region is a gorgeous spot for a casual stroll.
     

     
    Sascha’s Designs was first published in the Destination Guide in 2010. It has grown to be a two-story department store filled with women’s clothing for all occasions. The decor has a simple elegance that does not distract you from the selections, with wide open spaces and tall ceilings adorned with glittering chandeliers.
     
    Many more to come!

     
  15. Tara Linden

    When You Were... A Newb Challenge

    By Tara Linden,


    Tara Linden
    This week I'd like to highlight the Challenge section in the forums. They're a great way to interact with the community and see what other Residents are experiencing. Every once in a while Strawberry Linden puts together a fun survey that dares people to share their input, like this Have You Ever quiz that illustrates the endless possibilities and broad range of interests within Second Life.
    Today I posted my first challenge, and I would love it if you participated!

    I would like to think I'm not a total newbie anymore, although some people thought otherwise when I revealed I only have 5,232 items, LOL. (It's cool, you don't have to twist my arm to make me put shopping on my to do list )
    To participate in the challenge, download the blank template and fill it out using Photoshop, or any imaging and graphic design software. You can also use pixlr.com for free without installing any software. Or, you can just answer in text below the challenge post.
    If you decide to do this challenge and post it on any social networks, don’t forget to use the hashtag #SLNewbChallenge. You can also add your images to the Second Life Challenge Flickr Group.
    Thank you for participating in the challenges, and I can't wait to see your responses! Stay safe, stay home, stay virtual!
     
  16. Tara Linden
    Lean back with a coconut and pet an adorable sloth at Chankanaab
     
    Some of us may have started out the shelter in place phase with regular virtual happy hours and group video chats, but as this period of isolation stretches on, many of those activities faded away. Video call burnout is real, and pandemic or not, most people get a little bummed out by a monotonous routine. Interacting with your environment in Second Life and teleporting to regions with different terrains and weather conditions is a great way to mix things up. This week, I have some suggestions on how to make breaking out of that summer slump even more enticing.
    According to the internet, here are some of the silliest 2020 holidays in the next couple weeks:
    1. Tooth Fairy Day (August 22)
    You're never too old! Throw a fairy party filled with sweet treats at one of these fantastical spots.
    2. Ride The Wind Day (August 23) 
    What does that even mean? It's the anniversary of the first human-powered flight. But in Second Life, we can fly any day of the week. For those who haven't taken to the air in a while, Inspire Space Park and Forest of Mystical Dreams both have beautiful floating islands.
    3. Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day (August 28)
    If you're like me, pets are life. Read the Rainbow Bridge poem if you dare, it's a tearjerker. But you'll always have the memories. Have a tea party and share some of your favorite pet stories with friends.
    4. World Coconut Day (September 2)
    Don't have to tell me twice. Drinking out of a coconut and laying on the beach sounds like absolute bliss.
    5. Beyonce's Birthday (September 4)
    Okay, not technically a holiday but can you imagine the world without her? Get glammed up and remember how powerful you are.
     
    If you'd like to observe one of these unusual holidays inworld, please upload a photo to our Flickr!

    (Beautiful tribute to the Rainbow Bridge by Meriluu Lumoss)
  17. Tara Linden
    Photo taken at the SL USF Health Campus
    While some of you may have just survived midterms, others might be just about to start the emotional rollercoaster that is trying to remember the year that Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Empire. You read it six weeks ago, remember? Maybe not, because in quarantine years, six weeks ago feels like when flip phones were the coolest thing since car phones.
    For many of us, midterms are a marathon that tests your physical and mental limits, and an experience that is made bearable by a sense of comradery with your classmates and vending machines filled with neon energy drinks. It can feel impossible to get motivated these days, even with important deadlines looming around the corner.
    Why not organize a Second Life study session with your friends? There are many universities, museums, and quiet places where you and your friends can gather inworld while you crack your notes open in the physical world. Library Land would be a great place to start: it has an actual library, and if you click on a book it gives you a link to an ebook like this. Plus, it's currently decorated for Halloween and has lots of space for both studying and hanging out.
    Here are some suggestions:
    -Set a time and place with your friends, and start by sharing your goals for this virtual study session.
    -It’s important to take breaks, so decide when to step away from your work to unwind.
    -If a region’s music is distracting, you can turn it down in the sound preferences, which are also available in the upper right corner.
    -Afterwards, treat yourself to a romp in a more lively region or stop by a club!
    This can apply to people outside of school as well. Knowing that other people are feeling the same way that you do is an important element of our social fabric, and accountability buddies are always helpful. So set up your power snacks and get in here, because adapting to these weird times does not have to be boring or lonely.
  18. Tara Linden
    When there aren’t a lot of positive headlines, sometimes it’s hard to balance being an informed citizen and preserving your sanity. For those of you not familiar with one of the most epic TV friendships of recent herstory, Christina Yang and Meredith Grey had a tradition of doing an impromptu jig together when things got overwhelming.

    (via GIPHY)
    During moments like this, I think we could all benefit by following their lead. Especially now that many of us are more sedentary than usual, it’s easy to forget that dance is such a natural mode of expression; distinct forms of dance have developed in almost all human cultures throughout history.
    Second Life has an array of clubs and lounges, but when the virtual world is your oyster, you can dance wherever you want. Many animation overrides have a fun selection of dance moves to get you started, but don’t hesitate to peruse the Second Life Marketplace if you’d like a particular style. I’ve seen everything from ballet to reggaeton. Beginners, fear not, as some regions have dance balls that automatically put you in party mode when you stand on them. Our forums are also a great place to get the inside scoop from other Residents if you ever feel stuck when trying out something new. Feel free to take some inspiration from videos Residents have submitted to our Flickr.

    (Photo by Belinda Newell)
    An inworld dance party is a safe and relaxing way to have fun and just be in the moment. Everybody deserves to let go of their worries every once in a while, so dance it out!
  19. Tara Linden
    (Photo courtesy of Nina Setner)
    This week’s featured artist is Nina Setner, an incredibly talented singer with a broad range: jazz, cabaret, vintage and current pop/R&B, musical theater, and opera. She is a lifelong lover of music and has studied vocal performance in university, record stores, and beyond.
    Her music can be found on her YouTube channel, as well as SoundCloud.
    Q: When and how did you find out about Second Life?
     
    A: I'm an oldie in SL--I'm coming up on my 13th rez day this October, which seems particularly insane to me. Back in 2007, my life changed radically because I'd had my first child earlier that year. Going out with the girls had been replaced with staying home with the baby, so all of a sudden I found myself without much of a social outlet. One night we happened to be watching a now ancient episode of CSI with a storyline in which SL featured, I was intrigued, and here I am--though to be fair, I would say that in addition to the life-changing relationships I've made along the way, it's the music first and foremost that has kept me here. It has always been my touchstone, in both lives. 
     
    Q: You sing in a wide variety of styles, two of which are jazz and cabaret. For people unfamiliar with these genres, how would you describe the difference? 
     
    A: Oh wow, great question--I'll do my best! In the simplest terms possible, jazz is a musical style, and cabaret is a performance style. Jazz requires a lot of imagination and willingness to experiment and be fluid with rhythm, time signature, melody--but often within a pretty strict framework. In order to excel at it, I think you have to be brave and give into the process. You can't scat sing or improvise 8 bars timidly--you have to go in with your whole heart. Cabaret on the other hand is a more intimate performance setting, as opposed to a larger theater or arena, etc. It can be free form (on the piano bar end) or it can be scripted ahead of time in a more formal cabaret club, but in both settings, singers are enjoying a rapport and a connection with their audience, either by telling them a story through songs they've chosen ahead of time or engaging with them off the cuff. Cabaret singers commit hundreds--thousands, actually--of songs to memory, because in a setting like that, you need to be ready and able to sing requests from multiple genres, jazz certainly being one of them. 
     
    Q: You mentioned that you are a mother. How do you balance your creative outlets with raising kids, and do they like music as well? 
     
    A: I was a regular in the club circuit here in Chicagoland where I reside in the days before I had my kids.  When I stumbled into SL, I had NO clue about the live music community or potential opportunity to continue performing at a high level, but thankfully I found out pretty quickly.  While they were little, I had to keep my schedule incredibly light--one, maybe two shows a week tops.  As they've gotten older and can entertain themselves for an hour (though everyone who follows me regularly has heard my kids in the background *far* more often than I'd like over the years!), I've been able to increase that show load. My kids are young  musicians as well, but neither of them enjoy singing. Apparently they're “too shy.”  I keep hoping that'll magically change one day.  Fingers crossed!
     
    Q: When books are adapted into films, there are always purists who say the source material was better. Has there been a film adaptation of a musical that you feel should only be experienced live in the theater?
     
    A: Another fantastic question. I think musicals that are more on the visual spectacle end--for example, The Lion King--I think that those are best appreciated live and in person. It's difficult to transfer the director's vision to the screen in those circumstances. I'm also a bit of a Sondheim fanatic/purist, so while I've been really happy to see his work getting the wide exposure and recognition it deserves through film adaptations of Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd, nothing takes the place of seeing Sondheim done as Sondheim intended. On the flip side, some musicals transfer brilliantly--the film version of West Side Story is still, for me, the one to beat.  I have yet to see a live performance of it (or any other movie musical) that I liked more. 
     
    Q: Did you study music or are you self-trained?
     
    A: At this point, it feels like I've been studying it my whole  life. I started playing piano as a young kid and added voice lessons to the mix during my early teen years. Those piano lessons really helped shape my ear and broaden my repertoire beyond what I even understood at the time (I was playing Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust" and songs like it back in high school out of random piano collections I'd pick up at the local music store--who knew I'd still be singing those songs 30 years later?) I did study music in college--I went to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and hold degrees in both choral music education and vocal performance, and I'm still studying today--that never stops!
     
    Q: What is the most meaningful aspect of the SL music community to you?
     
    A: So, so many things. What SL and the music community in particular have added to my life and work as a musician is sort of incalculable. But I think reaching out over thousands of miles, making those connections and sharing your art and your passion with people you never would have had the opportunity to meet otherwise? I think that's pretty damn special. I hope we're here for years to come.

     
    Thank you so much, Nina!
     
    Don’t forget to check out her calendar for upcoming performances, and her group in SL.
     
     
    If you or someone you know would like to sign up to be featured in Music Mondays, please fill out this form. For more information, take a look at our official announcement.
  20. Tara Linden
    Photo taken at The Magic Happens Here
    This week's featured artist is Randal Prater, a multi-instrumentalist who plays dreamy and cinematic indie pop in both RL and SL. You may also know him as Linus Radford, his original SL persona, as he's been a Resident for about 14 years! He just released a new album called Solo Seasons, so please check out his music on Spotify and YouTube.
     
    Q: When/how did you hear about Second Life?
    A: This would have been January of 2007. I had just finished being the frontman for The Pagan States, and before that, Creeping Myrtle. I was just starting to record my first solo album, 'Falling to Pisces.' I didn't want to fall into the rut of losing my live chops and get rusty while in the recording studio. So, I was looking for a way to play solo acoustic shows while also making progress on my new album since it would be the first time I'd be playing all the instruments myself instead of relying on bandmates.
    My wife discovered an article about a virtual world where you could be yourself and be seen by only your pixels (an avatar). She saw that musicians were playing shows in there and that I should have a look. So, once I dove in and did my own research, I discovered that there were lots of singer-songwriters out there in the exact boat I was in, or at least in the same proverbial harbor. Juel Resistance (Suzen Juel) was the first artist I discovered and then it snowballed from there. My second album (Second Tuesday of Never) actually features a lot of other Second Life artists, including Suzen. Anyway, I started playing shows in SL and did so until 2010 when it became too painful to play guitar anymore. So, I reinvented myself as a part-time piano player just so I could keep writing and recording songs.
    Q: What instruments do you play, and how did music come into your life?
    A: Back when I had fewer physical limitations, I'd play whatever instrument in the studio that needed playing. I don't think I got proficient at any of them since I'm completely self-taught. But, I did a passable job on most things I tried. That said, it is quite painful to my ears and ego whenever I listen back to myself on drums or harmonica.
    My origin story starts in the womb when my mom played nonstop early Beatles records for nine months. It was a foregone conclusion that I'd end up being some kind of musician or artist. When I was a little kid, I wanted to be George Harrison. Then once I got to high school, I wanted to be John Lennon. Unfortunately for myself and the whole world, that's when he was cruelly taken away from us. But, if there's one singer-songwriter that ever existed that sums up most of what I'm trying to say through my own songs, it's definitely John.
    Q: How do you decide what visuals to go for in music videos, and how does the music inform it?
    A: I love that question and already feel like my answer will fall short. But, here goes... This was the first album where I decided I wanted a video for every song and not just one or two. I did the videos by following the track order. So, track one was done first and the final track was done last. I think I got better at video editing by the end. Anyway, the one thread that tied the videos together was that each one had a cameo by one or more crows. Sometimes, it only lasts for a split second, so the viewer has to pay attention. I remember Alfred Hitchcock always made a similar cameo in his old films, and he had a film called The Birds. So, that's likely where I got my idea to tie it all together that way. Of course, it also helps that the final track is called 'Full Crow Moon.'
    Q: Who are some cool musicians that you've discovered over the last year?
    A: If you'd said the past decade, that would be much easier. I tend to stick with a songwriter for a while. So, if they come out with an album one year that speaks to me, chances are good that I'll also be interested in their fifth album. Since nothing I've discovered in the past twelve months rivals what I've discovered in the past five to ten years, I'll say that my favorite current singer-songwriter is Angus Stone, who mostly records and performs with his sister Julia. My favorite band is Doves. Their album The Universal Want is hands down my favorite from 2020. Since Wolf Alice is finally putting out a new album in 2021, I predict that will be my favorite for this year. Stay tuned. I'd be remiss in leaving out my dear friend, and sometime collaborator, Bruce Lash. He's got albums in both years and they're fab.
     
    Q: Describe the creation of your album Solo Seasons and your creative vision for your music in general.
    A: Thank you for specifically mentioning my latest album. It was my first one in six years, and the first one that I played all the parts myself, since the first solo record. This time everything was played on keys, even the drum parts, so it was easy to just write and record the whole thing by myself in the crypt (my basement studio). As with every solo album, the theme was dictated by the number. This was the fourth record, so ‘four seasons' seemed like a decent theme. That meant two songs for every season, eight in total. I just mapped it out like that. So, the first two songs on the album are about springtime and the final two tracks are about winter. I'm very methodical when it comes to details and making sure everything is in its proper place (even when usually I'm the only one who will notice).
    Q: What is the most meaningful aspect of the SL music community to you?
    A: While it's admittedly been a minute since I was playing shows myself, I'll say from a fan's perspective that it's a great world to be a part of. Especially during this era where most of us are spending even more time in the house than before, it's my current way of providing some semblance of normalcy to my weirdly wired brain. I can just walk around in SL and catch a show and be shoulder to shoulder with other concertgoers without wearing a mask or worrying about anything other than which show I am going to see when there are at least three good ones going during any given hour. So, it's easy to be grateful to the virtual world of Second Life and all the tireless work and creation of the music community, and all artists in general.
     
    Thank you, Randal! If you or somebody you know would like to submit content for Music Mondays, please fill out this form.
  21. Tara Linden

    Winter Photo Challenge

    By Tara Linden,


    Tara Linden
    It's time for another photo challenge! Whether you're going for festive or cozy, share a picture of your escapades in one of your favorite winter regions. It can be a solo or group shot, and let us know the name of the region.
    Strawberry and I took the photo above at Silent Night. It's absolutely gorgeous but I was not prepared for the cold, as you can see from our frosty breath. I'm also probably about to trip over my untied shoelaces. 
    Will your pic be silly or dramatic? Featuring a snowman or an ice skating rink? Scope out the winter attractions soon, we can't wait to see what you get up to!
  22. Tara Linden

    Region Evolutions #2

    By Tara Linden,


    Tara Linden
    It's time for another Region Evolutions post to show everybody the remarkable transformations that take place within Second Life. Kudos to these region owners for putting in the effort to ensure that their creations stand the test of time!

    First up is Snowy River Saloon, a country music club that also offers dancing and a mechanical bull, among other exciting activities. 

    You can see that they've amped up the rustic autumnal charm to make it look it super cozy and inviting. Looks like the perfect place for a romantic walk along the water after a fun-filled evening.

    Next is Olivia's Creepy Diner, a region that will be celebrating its 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY next May! It definitely looks like something is amiss. Do you dare enter?

    Not sure if I'm hungry anymore, this diner got even creepier! Something terrible has happened to this place, and it looks like it's been deserted for years. Is that Bambi's mom back for revenge? But I hear they make a mean key lime pie.
    Huge shoutout to the Residents who have put so much hard work  into maintaining and updating their regions. It is so rewarding to see these before and afters, and I look forward to the next one!
     
  23. Tara Linden
    Last week we announced the beginning of Music Mondays, a new weekly initiative to spotlight the diverse talents of the musicians of Second Life. 
    Our first featured musician is Quartz, whose eclectic style is sure to have something for everyone. Some of you may already know of him, as he has been a Resident and fixture of the SL music scene for quite some time. A talented multi-instrumentalist, his musical style is classic, indie, and progressive rock. As with any devoted artist, his style has evolved over the years, and we encourage you to check it out.

    (Photo courtesy of DupliCat)
    A selection of his music is available on ReverbNation and HearNow, as well as some videos on YouTube.
    Q: What was the first record you ever bought?
    A: Hmmm... that's a toughy. I think it was Quadrophenia by The Who. Might have been Pink Floyd’s Animals. First Queensryche EP? The soundtrack to Heavy Metal? I still have all of these.
    Q: When and how did you discover Second Life?
    A: I saw a show on TV about SL and I thought "That looks cool!" After I signed up, I found out you could actually perform music to an audience. Double cool. And off I went...
    Q: What instruments do you play and how did you first become interested in making music?
    A: Keyboards, electric guitar (lead & bass), acoustic guitar, drums, voice, still working on harmonica. How? I took, I think, three or four guitar lessons when I was young then I stopped. Then out of those, I figured out how to play "Squeeze Box" by The Who. After that, I couldn't stop. Still can't. Once I start working on something, I just go and go. I don't know what I'd do without music.
    Q: Describe your favorite experience as a musician in SL.
    A: It's hard to pick one. Out of recent memory, it's doing the Pink Floyd tribute shows with Skyfire (ParticleTom Nova and Lexi Marshdevil). Tom & Lexi are so talented and creative and their particles look stunning with the music of Floyd. I love that we can combine two arts into one show. Stay tuned... Pink Floyd's "The Wall" show is coming soon My other favourite experience is dualing with Max Kleene. Sadly, I don't have time to dual a lot, but I really enjoy my shows with Max; we're just two crazy Canucks having fun. I highly encourage you to check out dual shows (2 or more musicians). It's a very cool experience.
    Q: If you could open for any musician, who would it be?
    A: Peter Gabriel. I'd actually be happy having a tea with him to say thank you for all he's done. An artist beyond time and scope.
    Q: What aspects of the SL music community are the most meaningful to you?
    A: The support of the fans in SL for live music and the arts. In RL, it's so hard to generate an audience appreciative of performing artists to come to the shows. I have some really great fans that come out consistently and support me & the SLive Music venues. I'm very grateful for all of them. I've been told I have some of the best fans out there by venue owners. That makes me very happy.
    Q: Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, there's been a lot of talk on the internet about how all the extra time at home we have could be put to creative use. That can feel like a lot of pressure, and it's important to acknowledge that it's okay to just focus on taking care of yourself and your loved ones during this uniquely stressful time. What are your thoughts on that, and has your creative output been impacted by these circumstances?
    A: My creative output has remained pretty much the same. I keep the same hours. I do miss being able to play with my RL band for live shows. But for everyone to be safe, those will have to wait. I did finally get my EP finished though. And up on the Spotify/iTunes thingy. So maybe my output has been impacted. I'd rather everyone stay safe and do their best to help others stay safe. This will be over. Might not be next week. But it will pass.
     
    Quartz would also like to give a shoutout to his management team. His manager, DupliCat, has been by his side from the beginning, and he would also like to give a huge thank you to Liz Harley, Laurie Alexis and the entire Keys Management Group (KMG)
    Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with us, Quartz!
    Please check out his calendar for information on his upcoming shows.
  24. Tara Linden
    (Photo by Patch Linden)
    Today is the kickoff for Second Pride, and as we all know, things are going to be a little different this year. In the wake of many canceled celebrations in the physical world, we hope to make this Pride Month extra special, because the dignity in representation is priceless. Pride celebrations have become more and more inclusive over the years, going from gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender representations to a broader spectrum of gender expression and orientations.
    The phrase “Silence is Complicity” has appeared on many banners over the last week, and that sentiment certainly rings true with us. In recognition of intersectionality and the importance of allyship, the organizers have declared that this year’s theme is “together.” We all face different challenges, but standing up for each other provides the strength to keep going. 
    Come help us put the unity in community ❤️
    There are so many awesome events scheduled to celebrate love and equality. In addition to Second Pride, be sure to visit several of the simultaneous Pride celebrations going on across the grid including London Pride, Burrow Pride Fest, Pride Festival SL, and SL Pride at Home. 
    Check out our LGBTQ+ and Pride community pages to see even more featured regions. 

  25. Tara Linden
    This week’s featured musical artist is Komuso Tokugawa, whose work defies easy categorization. His style has evolved over many years of studying music to the molecular level and is also deeply informed by his travels and different cultures.

    (Photo Courtesy of Komuso Tokugawa)
     
    Q: When and how did you discover Second Life?
    A: In 2005 I was in Australia researching game based learning and heard about SL. At the time they didn't allow international signups. Eventually they opened it up and I signed up. I quickly discovered there were a handful of musicians live streaming into SL and that sounded interesting (literally!) so I got to work (with the help of some great SL collaborators) and started jamming too. There are a few of those original musicians still jamming in SL too!
     
    Q: You describe your music as Bitstream Boogie and Bluestronica. For those not familiar with these terms, could you please describe them?
    A: I have a lot of musical interests, and I like doing mashups of different genres to create new hybrid musical genres to go with my experiments into new sounds and instruments. Bitstream Boogie I'd describe as a mix of groove-based Mississippi Hill country blues blended with world music roots rhythms and sonic experimentation around a core of blues tone. Bluestronica is a mix of electronica grooves with electric blues. I've also done a lot of ambient music work.
     
    Q: What drew you to these genres? Any albums you would suggest?
    A: Great question! If I had to describe my style in a short sentence I’d say it’s all about Groove, Tone, and Story. The groove is the heartbeat of the song, the tone is the emotion expressed through instruments/voice, and the story is the composition and arrangement flow that takes the listener on a journey. Any music that has those three elements captures my mind, body, and spirit.
    There are so many great influences but to pick a few: 
    -Ali Farka Toure & Ry Cooder - Talking Timbuktu
    -Morcheeba - Who can you Trust?
    -Younger Brother: A Flock of Bleeps
    -Atomic Skunk & Bluetech - anything by them
    -The Blues Roots: Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Hound Dog Taylor, Etta James, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and so many more.
     
    Q: What instruments do you play, and how did you start playing music?
    I sing and play slide guitar mainly (with a dose of finger style and pick), harmonica (mainly in a rack), Shakuhachi, and electronics of different types via different control interfaces. I developed a dynamically controlled AI rhythm section as backing for playing online in SL.
    My parents had an extensive record collection so I grew up listening to a lot of jazz and big band music. Then one night I was trawling the airwaves on my radio (a device we had back pre-internet days) and out of the static came this sound I'd never heard before - the crying sound of a blues harmonica and it captivated me with the emotion. I'd found the weekly blues show from a university radio station, and I was off on a musical discovery journey.
    I'm mainly self taught but I've since done a music master’s degree. My experience being a self taught musician has also been behind my development of music education apps like https://harpninja.com/. I'm currently in the alpha testing stage of a new web app I'm developing to help musicians practice more efficiently and effectively.
     
    Q: Your music draws from musical styles found all over the world. How did you learn about these?
    A: A big part of it was the uni radio station I mentioned before, they had specialist shows of different genres you never typically heard: African, folk, world music, etc. When I went to uni there I volunteered for graveyard announcer shifts and spent them exploring their eclectic album library. Since then I've lived all over the world (now in Tokyo) and have explored many musical cultures.
     
    Q: What aspects of the SL music community are the most meaningful to you?
    A: SL music has always been the "killer app" of SL to me due to its effectiveness in bringing diverse people together to create long term virtual relationships through the high bandwidth emotional channel of live music. 
    Some examples:
    -Venue owners like Dr. John Kane, owner of Dr. John's Music Park (and also a great musician!), where I've been performing a weekly gig every Friday night since 2013.  There's been a bunch of other great venue owners and promoters over the years (RIP Circe Broom).
    -Real time music jams/collaborations with other musicians, like fellow SL musicians Hathead Rickenbacker, Noma Falta, and others. An example of one real time networked live music event in a custom juke joint set I made, filmed by the late great SL Machinima artist Osprey Therian (RIP).
    -The audience relationships. I'm forever grateful to anyone who's willing to listen to my musical experiments, and happy it can help soothe their soul. It's as much musical therapy for me as it is for the audience. Many of them are long-time SL'ers who I've never met in real life but we come together via SL to have a high touch emotional connection experience via live music. 
    -One of my audience wrote this about me which I think describes my style best: “Komuso Tokugawa’s approach to the blues is unique. The rough-around-the-edges sound is often described as ‘dirty’, ‘grungy’ or ‘alternative.’ Highly experimental, Komuso takes influences from world music and wraps them around the emotionally charged blues core to create his sound.”
     
    Please check out his music below!
     
    Websites
    https://komuso.info/
    https://sonicviz.com/
     
    Audio Links
    SoundCloud
    https://hearthis.at/sonicviz/
     
    Videos
    https://komuso.info/category/videos/
×
×
  • Create New...