Last month we were lucky enough to be invited to the official launch party of Music Radar, Future Publishing's attempt to create a global community of musicians, incorporating knowledge from all their music magazines (Future Music, Rhythm, Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar Techniques, Computer Music, and Guitar Buyer). The party was quite a lavish affair held at Cafe de Paris in London's Leicester Square. We enjoyed the free bar, food, and above all the performance of The Feeling who did the most impeccable show we've seen in years (the picture taken with an old mobile phone serves only to illustrate the intimate vibe of the gig).

What about the Music Radar website then? Well, at the moment it's mostly full of tutorials for guitarists, which is not in itself a bad thing, but we are looking forward to some more content filtering from Computer Music and Future Music. You also find news and forums, and it's definitely worth adding it to your bookmarks, because it's going to grow a lot in the coming months.

http://www.musicradar.com/

We like our videogames as much as anyone else, but you can't help wondering if the hours it takes to master the coloured plastic buttons of the 'guitar' interface wouldn't be better spent in actually learning to play the real thing!

It gets even more ridiculous when we consider the latest Guitar Hero controllers from Peavey. That's right, the master craftsmen of Peavey select only the best woods to shape them in to perfectly built guitars, only to ruin it all at the last stage, where the guitar is permanently destroyed to accommodate the plastic buttons and joystick which will work only for Guitar Hero.

To top it all, the 'guitars' are then decorated with your choice of metal heroes (Kiss, Pantera, Ozzy Osbourne, ...you name it) to look like a fan t-shirt.

Go on, be a genius, sell your Fender Stratocaster and invest in a Peavey Guitar Hero Riffmaster.

Make a track using only sounds coming from a can of Redbull and upload it for everyone to hear. The competition terminates on the 1st of June and the winner gets a day in a professional studio with one of the judges (the names are hidden somewhere on the website) or some good old cash.

Interested? http://www.redbullcanmakemusic.com/home.php

Note: that website is a pin to navigate, all the links are on the bottom of the page and you will have to go back and forth a few times to be able to read all that you need.

In a nutshell, buy a special remix edition of Radiohead's latest single, 'Nude' from iTunes, find the separate tracks for vocals, drums, guitars, bass, etc. and make your own version of the song.

There was a bit of competition attached, the deadline for voting is the 1st of June, but it's too late now to upload new remixes.

Have a listen to a remix from Andrew Wood (currently enrolled in the Audio Engineering Diploma course) and vote for his track if you like it: www.myspace.com/penguinengine

If you don't care about getting the popular vote and just fancy having a go yourself at remixing Radioehead visit www.radioheadremix.com

Raise your hand if you live in the UK and never bought anything from Turnkey or Sound Control. Well, if your hand is up, shame on you. You are responsible for the loss of 164 jobs and the closure of ten shops so far. To be fair, it's not all your fault. The official excuse is the increased competition coming from internet. Sure, yeah, blame it on the internet.

For the rest of us, used to buy the odd bit every now and then, it's shocking to learn that the group which includes Sound Control, Turnkey, Soho Sound House, Media Tools and Carillon Computers is now in administration and looking for potential buyers. As we wait for developments we should remind you that some shops are still open and it's perfectly possible to buy there, but it's unlikely that new stock will arrive soon, so if you had put a deposit for something, you might want to ask for your money back – SOON.

Click here to see the full list (opens in another page)

Mixing Masterclass now full

No more places are available for the the one day Masterclass known as 'the Art & Science of Mixing'. If you wish to be added to the waiting list in case of last minute cancellations, or simply to be kept informed of upcoming similar events, use the info request form and mention the Mix Masterclass.

Summer Courses, two weeks to media mayhem

The new Summer Courses will be officially announced on Sound on Sound and on a number of internet forums in two weeks time. Until then, you have the chance to reserve a place on what promises to be the two most popular courses we have ever done. At the time of writing four places are still available for the Music Production Summer Camp, and only three for the Recording & mixing Workshop (although this might be repeated later in the Summer).

Read more about these courses below.

Music Production Summer Camp

(six weeks full-time)

This is a beginner-to-advanced course based on Reason 4 and Ableton Live 7, with lots of practical time and the option to upgrade to a longer course.

NOTE: this course will not be repeated before June 2009.

Recording and Mixing Workshop

(five days at Miloco Studios)

Learn how to record and mix vocals, guitars and drums, directly from the engineers that work with some of the most successful acts of the moment. The unique opportunity to spend five days in the studios used by Arctic Monkeys, Kate Nash, Chemical Brothers and so many others.

Read more about it on Miloco's website

NOTE: this course could be repeated in August, you can add your name to the waiting list immediately.

Logic Advanced Course, save £130!

Due to a few last minute cancellations, we are going to offer three places on this course at a discounted rate: £499 instead of £630. This offer is valid only for bookings made before Sunday 11/05/08 and applies only to the class scheduled for the 17, 18, 19 of May 2008.

To read more about the course:

Logic 301

For info and to obtain the discount contact admissions@londonschoolofsound.co.uk

Every computer in the Soundwave classroom is now equipped with Absynth, Battery, B4, Elektrik Piano, FM8, Guitar Rig, Kontakt, Pro 53, and Reaktor. These instruments are a big part of the Sound Design module but of course they are available to use to students of every course.

We have a limited number of rather cool LSS-branded USB Memory Sticks.

The capacity is a generous 2Gb and they are perfect to move files between computers, being compatible with both Mac and PCs.

They also come with a keyring attached so it's easier to carry them always with you.

How much? £15,99 plus delivery.

To get yours come to the LSS or email.

LSS students get 20% off CDs from the Loopmasters library. Just go to www.loopmasters.com and add the code LOOPMOB2020 when ordering.

Did you know that you can order a sample CD and download it immediately? And if you don't care for the CD, the sample packs are incredibly cheap! Some come at about £10, and let's face it, wouldn't you say that a tenner for a few thousand inspiring sounds when you are stuck in the middle of a track is a real bargain?