Alfred Publishing, a leading provider of music education products since 1922, and IMV LLC, a leading producer of interactive music products, released today a groundbreaking new series of interactive music videos called "IMV: Behind the Player." The innovative DVD series - which features personal music lessons from members of some of the world’s most influential bands like KoRn, Slipkno, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice In Chains, Atreyu, Marilyn Manson and Velvet Revolver - provides musicians with an exciting new method for learning to play their favorite songs: right from the artists that recorded them.
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Videogames like Guitar Hero have sparked a surge of new interest in great rock songs and influential musicians. IMV’s Behind the Player DVDs take it to the next step, allowing music fans to get to know their favorite artists, how they get their sound, learn how to play their hit songs, then jam with them; there are some amazing celebrity special guests too. These DVD’s are completely kick ass and unlike anything else on the market. This is the next generation of instructional music videos, and we couldn’t be more proud to be working with IMV," said
Ron Manus, Executive Vice President, Alfred.
The Interactive Music Video format features eight segments: Behind the Player; Lessons, Jam Sessions, and VideoTab™ for two individual songs; and Special Features.
Behind the Player gives an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the artist’s life as a professional musician covering their background, influences, and gear. Rare photos and video footage trace the artist’s journey from childhood to their current projects. "Artists seem to appreciate the chance to speak directly to other musicians and tend to open up more than your average publicity interview." says IMV LLC co-founder Ken Mayer.
Lesson segments, which are approximately 30 minutes in length for each song, cover special tunings and effects used, then break the songs down part by part. "These IMV DVD’s are a great way to get kids into playing music," said KoRn guitarist Munky, "I wish there was something like it around when I was a kid."
Jam Sessions show the featured artist playing the tracks they just taught with a celebrity special guest. "It was a lot of fun jamming with [The Cult drummer] John Tempsta", says Alice in Chains bassist Mike Inez, "And probably helpful to see how the rhythm section works together when learning to play the songs."
VideoTabTM shows exactly how the artist plays their part in the two tracks. The video-game-style tablature is similar to Guitar Hero® or Rock Band®; however VideoTab™ shows how to play the tracks for real. Motion graphics show which frets and strings to play when, including special technique notations such as bends and vibrato. "The VideoTab is amazing!" said Slipknot bassist Paul Gray, "It’s like a Guitar Hero but actually shows you how to play the tracks!"
"Tablature found in books or online is often incorrect, mainly because the artists that recorded the tracks were not involved in writing it," says IMV LLC co-founder Sean E DeMott, "IMV VideoTab is created in collaboration with the artists themselves, so musicians can count on it being accurate."
Special Features round out the DVD with photo albums and/or rare video clips of the featured artist. For example, the Munky title includes an intimate nine minute clip of him writing a song with KoRn bassist Fieldy in their hotel room.
IMV’s new DVD series is currently available at local and national music retail outlets. The first series features popular artists such as KoRn guitarist Munky; John 5, guitarist for Rob Zombie and formally Marilyn Manson; Tim Skold, former guitarist and bassist for Marilyn Manson and KMFDM; Velvet Revolver bassist Duff McKagan; Mike Inez, bassist for Alice In Chains and formerly Ozzy Osbourne; KoRn bassist Fieldy; Slipknot bassist Paul Gray; Blasko, bassist for Ozzie Osbourne and formally Rob Zombie; Godsmack bassist Robbie Merrill; Tommy Clufetos, drummer for Rob Zombie; Jane’s Addiction and Porno for Pyros drummer Stephen Perkins; and Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin. Two new IMV titles featuring Atreyu guitarist Dan Jacobs and guitar Legend George Lynch are slated for release later this year.
IMV’s new DVD series is available now for $24.95. Pick up your copies at your local music retail store, or buy them today at alfred.com.
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