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Tara Linden

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  1. 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!
     
  2. Tara Linden
    Photo courtesy of Mavenn Resident
    This week's featured artist is Mavenn Resident, who imbues familiar songs of intimacy and romance with an unrestrained passion that can be both soft and powerful. She pulls from a range of styles, and you'll hear everything from ballads to folk and some blues rock.
    Please check out her music here.
     
    Q: When/how did you hear about Second Life?
    A: I had been on another chat program previously when a musician friend of mine mentioned he was going to start performing in Second Life. He asked if we would be interested in following him into the program and checking it out. There were several of us and within weeks we were running our own venue, and hosting incredible artists.
    Q: What got you into music, and do you play any instruments in addition to singing?
    A: I have always been an avid music listener and just casually sang, school performances, and was in a band for a short period as a teenager. I was always singing along to the radio enough to drive my children mad. I was involved in school orchestra growing up and played the oboe. It wasn’t until I was in Second life for about a year that I began to sing in any kind of regular way. Now singing is so much a part of my life, I wouldn’t want to live without it.
    Q: Who are some of your favorite musicians?
    A: My favorite musical inspirations are David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Nina Simone, and of course, Beth Hart.
    Q: What advice would you give to other musicians who feel frustrated by the restrictions of our current circumstances?
    A: This is a perfect time for both observation of the zeitgeist and self-discovery; keep living in your art, and be thankful weed is more widely available.
    Q: What is your favorite memory of performing in Second Life?
    A: My first show in Second life was at a venue built much like a regular brickhouse pub. Optimus Prime tp’d in and couldn’t fit inside the Pub so he sat outside on the lawn to listen and the chat hilarity ensued with the audience. That’s when I knew I loved the camaraderie and inclusive nature of the platform.
     
    Q: What is the most meaningful aspect of the SL music community to you?
    A: I absolutely love getting to know the other artists by having so much access to them. Having your regular favorites perform so regularly allows you to watch them grow in their art. I adore being an audience member with my audience as well. The scene is a fascinating and thriving community SCENE when you take the time to observe and get to know the people, free your soul and drift away.
     
    Thank you, Mavenn!
    If you or anybody you know would like to be featured in Music Mondays, please fill out this form.
  3. 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!
     
  4. 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. 
  5. 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.
     
  6. 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.
  7. Tara Linden
    This week on “Music Mondays,” we are featuring Novel Popinjay, a Second Life veteran who creates rap and hip hop tracks that encompass a broad range of moods and tones. His music is perfect for a long summer drive, with some songs being smooth and dreamy and others infused with an upbeat tempo and lyrics laced with confident and candid expression. He is adept at sampling snippets of dialogue and speeches that make it easy for listeners to visualize each detailed moment. 
    Definitely check out his SoundCloud and music video to experience it for yourself! 
    Q: When and how did you discover Second Life?
    A: It's been so many years, I don't even remember how I got on here. I’m 14 years on SL.
    Q: You described your music as rap, trap, and hip hop. For those unfamiliar with these genres, rap and hip hop are often seen as interchangeable. In your words, how would you distinguish them as two unique categories?
    A: I feel rappers more so want the fame and money, and hip-hop is more so emcees and they love the craft. I feel like I possess both hats. I love the craft and I also have that flashy trendy vibe with my music.
    Q: How did you first get involved in making music, and what instruments and/or programs do you use?
    A: I record in ProTools. I mix and master my music as well as my artist’s music. I co own a record label with ym hollies called Hoolyville Records. Hoolyville Records consists of 10 artists.
    Q: Tell us about the musicians that have been the most influential to you.
    A: Sade, Tony Tony Tone, Papoose, Eminem, TI, Donell Jones, R. Kelly, 2Pac, Biggie Smalls, and Big L, in no specific order. I love all genres of music actually and have no favorites. I appreciate different styles for different moods.
    Q: What aspects of the SL music community are the most meaningful to you?
    A: Live performances, urban DJs and strip clubs. Also shout out to the brothers Kappa Theta Phi!!!
    Q: What advice would you give to a young musician who is just starting out?
    A: Take your craft seriously, be consistent, humble, hungry, and professional.
     
    Thank you so much for sharing, Novel Popinjay! We look forward to hearing your voice continue to evolve and flourish.
  8. 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/
  9. Tara Linden
    (photo courtesy of Mike00 Carnell)
    This week’s featured artist is Mike00 Carnell, bringing us rock music with an infusion of upbeat blues guitar from Hamburg, Germany. For his performances in Second Life, he is usually accompanied by Henrietta the goat, pictured above. (She also has a RL counterpart.)
    Check out his SoundCloud for some fun bops to start your week with!
    Q: How and when did you hear about Second Life?
    A: A friend from Skype told me about SL in 2007 and after a few weeks I decided to create an account. Her name is Amelle Loon.
    Q: What instruments do you play and what brands/models do you prefer?
    A: My main instrument is the guitar. At the SL music jams I also play bass and cachon/drums or percussion. The main brands for guitars I use are Fender, Gibson, Taylor and Martin and for amps Fender, Marshall and Roland (RL use).
    Q: Your SoundCloud says you live in Germany. Can you tell us about some cool German musicians that people in other countries might not know about?
    A: I’ve been to SL music jams or meetups in Germany, Netherlands, England, and USA, and I have met a lot of great musicians at all of them. The ones from Germany are Aminus Writer, Lani Aboma, Wolem Wobbit, Mark Taylor, Edy Rau and more. By now I call them all RL friends.
    Q: I remember hearing "Without You" by Harry Nilsson and how much I loved it, and then my mind was blown even more when I heard "Si no estas tu," the Spanish version. Have you ever had a moment like that? How many languages do you sing in?
    A: I know the feeling of suddenly hearing a song you know in another language. My preferred language for songs is English for some reason. In SL I sing in English and German. Some people are kinda surprised to hear songs in German in SL, which makes me smile.
    Q: Tell us about the most memorable show you've played or seen in SL.
    A: The most memorable shows are always the dual (greetings to KevinMThomas Carpool) or multi-streaming shows when you interact with one (or up to three) other musician(s) to create a full band live sound. It is so much fun and also challenging to all jam together.
    Q: What is the most meaningful part of the SL music community to you?
    A: The most meaningful part of the SL music community is that people from all over the world are connected together, and due to the time zones you can listen to live music almost 24/7. You can listen to all kinds of music, many languages, and accents. 
    Especially these days, it’s very nice to have SL live music, you can still play gigs or listen to other musicians, being around people without risking anything.
     
    Thanks so much, Mike00!
     
    If you or somebody you know would like to be featured in Music Mondays, please fill out this form. Wait times on hearing a response will vary, as we have received an enthusiastic response from many talented musicians (to our delight, of course!).
  10. Tara Linden
    Pictured above: Holly Giles at ~No Strings~
     
    This week's featured artist is Holly Giles (pronounced 'Jiles'), a smooth crooner with an eclectic style hailing from Australia. She likes to sing country, rock, and pop from classic to contemporary and can be found at her venue ~No Strings~ each Tuesday and Saturday at 8pm SLT. (slurl for venue: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Areumdeuli/226/27/80)
    Please check out her music on her website as well as this video.
    Q: When/how did you hear about Second Life?
    A: In 2011 I joined an online chat platform called IMVU due to some personal stuff that forced me to be at home and unable to work. I ended up staying for 5 years. I heard about SL from some people at IMVU who were trying to convert some of us over, haha. I created an SL account in 2015 and kinda used both IMVU and SL for about a year until I decided that SL was more to my liking, with people around my own age. I was in SL for about 2 years before I even KNEW there was a Live Music Community lol, so once i discovered that, I gave away my IMVU account to a friend and I have never looked back.
     
    Q: I really enjoyed your renditions of classic country songs. What drew you to that genre?
    A: My music is actually very mixed genre, with country music only taking up about one third of my song list. I was raised on classic country music with my mum having her own band in my childhood, so I learnt my love of country from her and I always say that classic country is my soul music lol. But I do love all music so I tend to sing what I love, from classic country, classic rock, 90's pop and country, through to modern pop like Lady Gaga.
     
    Q: As with any artistic style, country music has evolved so much over the last century. Which decade/era is your favourite, and why?
    A: Oh that's easy. I love the old country. The Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn era of country. These country legends are like storytellers. Every song has a story. Every song has a purpose to it. I don't know how else to explain it. I can have my heart broken and find my story in a classic country song. I can feel overjoyed about something and find my happiness echoed in a classic country song. While I love all music and listen to even the most modernist of pop music, I personally just don't get that feeling from it. I get the happiness of an awesome beat, or well-written lyrics but yeah, not that feeling.
     
    Q: If you could open for any musician (alive or deceased), who would it be?
    A:I think a lot of people who follow my music would expect me to say Dolly Parton right now, and I thought I would too, but you know, I think I would LOVE to open for Bette Midler. Wow, what a musician she is. I think if I opened for Bette Midler, I could sing anything I wanted to before she took the stage. I could sing some James Brown, followed by a Dolly Parton song, followed by some Creedence lol. I wouldn’t be restricted to one genre, like I would be if I opened for Dolly, I feel.
     
    Q: Do you ever get stage fright before performing in SL? Describe your preshow ritual.
    A: OMG. I only started singing, I mean really singing in Second Life AND real life 2 years ago. The reason I never sang before is that I suffered MASSIVE stage fright. I would freeze up and my voice would go shaky if I tried to sing in front of anyone. It took a lot of help and compliments from online friends for me to get the courage to sing in Second Life. My very first show I was so nervous that I felt sick. But by halfway through I suddenly forgot that I was nervous and I just sang. I found the talking part a lot harder than the singing part lol. Now, I don't feel any nerves in Second Life, but am working on my nerves in RL lol.
     
    Q: What is the most meaningful aspect of the SL music community to you?
    A: Without a doubt, the part I enjoy the most is singing a song and seeing in local things like “OMG I love this song!” or "Oh wow, I haven't heard this song in years!” I love getting requests, I love sharing my love of music with others. I love talking about how my mum used to sing this song or that song in her band while I slept under tables at the local pub. I love that 2 years ago I couldn't sing this song or that song, but that now with some practice under my belt, I can blast that song out like it's nothing. I love just being able to sing and the fact that people want to hear me sing still blows me away every time I open my mouth.
     
    Thank you, Holly!
     
  11. Tara Linden

    Music Mondays: An Interview With Levi Zuzu

    By Tara Linden,


    Music Mondays
    Levi Zuzu at The Burrow
     
    This week's featured artist is Levi Zuzu, whose modern take on 80s synth pop, rock, and jazz is the perfect soundtrack for some cinematic musing.
    Please check out his SoundCloud and stay tuned for his new album, which is in the works.
     
    Q: When and how did you hear about Second Life?
    A: It has been a minute! I was looking for a new game to play with a more realistic touch, and later on I found Second Life. 
    I bet it doesn't sound very exciting when I say I found it through Google but living in Germany you don't have too many English-speaking people, so I was also happy to be able to connect to other people. This way my English was also going to be kept crispy! 
    Q:  Do you play all the instruments in the recordings, or do you collaborate with anybody? Tell us about the instruments used in the music you shared.
    A: Oh yeah! My starting point is the piano, a Yamaha upright felt piano with a very close mic so, and an absolute classic, the Fender Rhodes Mark 1 stage piano.  When it comes to my synth sounds, it's either me crafting the sound on my computer or my Roland Dx7 Synthesizer. It doesn't get more 80's than that. Oh, and lastly drums, a Gretsch drum kit! 
    Q: I also listened to the Djane Batista remix of "I can feel myself" and really enjoyed it. Is this the first time someone has done a remix of your music? How does it feel hearing someone reinterpret something you created?
    A: That was the first time! I was just so surprised. Never saw this one coming. I have to say it made me proud. 
    Seeing that my music inspires someone, and they even go to the lengths of remixing it, is a huge compliment for me as a musician. 
    Q: Your style seamlessly incorporates elements from diverse styles, from an 80s synth vibe, to a jazzy cover of "Roxane" by The Police, and toned down r&b. How did you acquire such a wide range of tastes?
    A: Good question! I guess my taste in music has to do with how I grew up. It's always been 80's and classics from back in the day from various genres. I've always been incredibly curious when it came to music, and my parents were always very passionate about it as well. So I guess that's how this came about. I  started with music quite young. Got my first drum kit at the age of 3, piano followed shortly, along with singing. And later in life, even career choices were all around music. 
    I have always loved covering songs and giving them my twist. That's also what I do on Second Life. Sometimes I slip in my originals but since my album isn't fully finished I try to mix it up.
    Q:  What are some of your favorite musicians?
    A: There are so many good musicians out there that have inspired me and continue to do so, to this day. But my top list would be: Prince, George Michael, Nat King Cole, D'Angelo, Phil Collins, and lastly, Thomas Newman.
    Q: What is the most meaningful aspect of the SL music scene to you?
    A: I think the connection to people. It's wonderful to be able to touch someone emotionally, give them a smile, or just a good minute of escapism through music. 
     
    Thank you, Levi!
     
    If you or somebody you know would like to submit content to be featured on Music Mondays, please fill out this form.
  12. Tara Linden
    This week's featured artist is Jack Slade, whose moving and relatable songs are inspired by his life. From his humble beginnings to the Army and beyond, his voice highlights the beauty in the seemingly ordinary and is sure to leave an impact.
    For his music and bio, check out his website here.
    Q: When/how did you hear about Second Life?
    A: Someone who heard my music told me that I should sing in Second Life... I don't remember when. Around 2014?

    Q: How did you start playing music and do you play any instruments in addition to singing?
    A: I started playing guitar in the Army in the 80's and began writing songs not long after that.

    Q: What is your favorite genre of music?
    A: . I don't have a favorite genre of music... but I prefer songs that come from the heart or that touch mine.

    Q: Who was the last person you saw perform in SL?
    A: The last person I saw perform in SL was Lexus Melodie or Mimi Carpenter.

    Q: Tell us about your album, Beautiful.
    A: My album , Beautiful, is a not very well produced CD that I created with a few songs that I've written over the last 35 years... not much more to say about it, really lol.

    Q: What is the most meaningful aspect of the SL music community to you?
    A: I would say that the most meaningful aspect of SL music is how far reaching it can be... to sing to people in France, Germany , Russia, Ukraine, Italy, Japan... all at one time, is amazing.
     
    Thank you, Jack!
    If you or anybody you know would like to submit content for Music Mondays, please fill out this form. 
  13. 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.
  14. Tara Linden

    Music Mondays: Community Appreciation

    By Tara Linden,


    Music Mondays
    (Photo by Melony Parker)
    In just a few months, Music Mondays has been an incredible journey of getting to spotlight the part of life where music and SL overlap. A space filled with people of all ages, from all over the world, who play a broad spectrum of genres.
    I hope newcomers have felt inspired to take to the stage, and that maybe even some veterans have dusted off their virtual gear. I also encourage musicians from lesser known styles and every type of avatar aesthetic to feel excited about sharing their creative outlets.
    As always, if you or somebody you know would like to submit content for Music Mondays, please sign up here.

    (Photo taken at the Altitude music venue)
     
     
     
  15. 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!
  16. 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!

     
  17. 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.
  18. 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)
  19. 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)
  20. 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!
  21. 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!
  22. 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!
  23. 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.)
  24. 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.  
  25. 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)

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