วันอาทิตย์ที่ 3 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2556


Therapeutic relax spa music

Music for Meditation and yoga

New Age Music is perfect for meditation or yoga. Peaceful and soothing multi layered and atmospheric musical landscapes with some albums featuring gentle and realistic nature sounds that envelop the listener in a calming and serene audio experience.


Spa  Music for Relaxation
Ideal for spa music or as an accompaniment to healing therapies such as reiki massage, reflexology and aromatherapy.


Ethical and Ecological

Here at the New Age Music Garden we make responsibilty towards our environment the highest priority. No expense has been spared in sourcing the best environmentally friendly packaging for all our compact discs, packaging and office materials. The cd cases themselves are made from 100% recycled FSC approved paper with vegetable based inks. We do not use plastic cases.
They are delivered to you in eco friendly packaging. Read more about our Green Policy.



   


FASHION SHOWS

Ten Songs Designers Should Use On 


the Runway This Fashion Week



     Fashion show music is often neglected by reviewers, rarely mentioned to the outside world. But runway music can make or break a show’s success. Most designers choose happy, fun dance music to get the audience’s attention, while others goes for a more subdued, beautiful vibe. Either way, here are ten songs we hope turn up on the runways.
1. Mogwai – Like Herod
If a designer is going for major impact, this is the song. While it starts out understated and quiet, the crescendo is so dramatic that the first time I heard it my heart literally stopped. I only wish there were Rodarte dresses walking during it…. Kate and Laura, think about it.
2. Radiohead – These Are My Twisted Words
Runway music is about having the newest, coolest song, and what’s cooler than Radiohead’s most recent playing behind your collection? “These Are My Twisted Words” is so new, it’s not even on an album yet. Alex Wang, Radiohead’s edgiest tunes are sure to enhance your Wall Street-inspired collection. And even better, you can download the song for free by clicking the above link.
3. Pomegranates – Thunder Meadow
Happy, pop-y, catchy: These are all adjectives that could be used to describe at least 85% of the songs you’ll hear at a fashion show. That’s why “Thunder Meadow” is so perfect for a fun show like Charlotte Ronson or The Blonds. Not to mention it will be incredibly hard to get out of your head.
4. So Percussion – White
Experimental percussion might not be on top of everyone’s play list, but New York quartet So Percussion makes symphonies out of staplers, marimbas, and toy pianos that are captivating and beautiful. “White” evokes the heavenly aura that Marc Jacobs usually goes for with its Brian Eno arranged music.
5. Sonic Youth – Antenna
Speaking of Marc Jacobs, his favorite’s new album “The Eternal” is full of tracks worthy of the runway. From its release, “Antenna” stood out from the rest with its rises and falls; the perfect beat to play alongside Natasha’s stomping stride.
6. Charlotte Gainsbourg – Dandelion
Charlotte Gainsbourg is a fashion darling. Fresh off of her Balenciaga ads, we think her song “Dandelion” is just the tune to play on Balenciaga’s runway. It exudes chic like no other song, and is bound to be immediately loved by editors and models alike.
7. Alphabeat – Boyfriend
Boyfriend is just another song following the happy, popular formula, but we think Alphabeat could be the new MGMT for FW10. Alphabeat has the groove, kitsch, and joy to make it on all the major runways. And it’s fun to sing along to, meaning it’ll have all the models dancing backstage.
Just about everyone will agree that Amelie is an incredible film. There’s no denying that  Yann Tiersen’s soundtrack helped make the movie the enchanting, captivating work of art it is. “Comptine d’un autre été: L’après-midi” is a beautiful piano song that would bring out the best of Dior, John Galliano, or Lanvin. Basically any Parisian label.
9. Animal Collective – Fireworks
There’s always some Animal Collective at the cool kids’ shows in New York, but we’d love to hear more. The sound gets the audience’s attention, but it’s not distracting enough to take away form the clothes. And while Merriweather Post Pavillion is AC’s newest album, “Fireworks” will always be our favorite AC song.
10. The Sword – Freya
This one holds a special place in our hearts. Sure, there are plenty of songs that share a name with a famous model, but no song, nor any model, is quite as intense, headbanging, or truly metal as The Sword’s “Freya” or Freja Beha Erichsen herself. This song made the list because we’re all hoping that some designer catches on and switches to “Freya” right as the other Freja walks the runway. We think she’s deserving of a theme song, no?


Health benefits of music

Music has a special power to move us and stir our emotions. Anyone who has ever wiped tears away from their eyes listening to their favourite sad song will know how powerful simple notes and chords can be.
Now, scientific studies have shown that music really can change our mood and even help us concentrate.
We look at the effects music can have, and we ask the experts what songs are likely to help you run a race, prepare for an exam or relieve stress.

Music matters

Listening to a song can have a real effect on various parts of the brain, with studies showing that areas responsible for aspects, such as memory and vision, can 'light up' in response to music.
'There's a very wide range of reactions in the body and mind to music, and brain imaging studies have shown that various parts of the brain may be activated by a piece of music,' says Dr Victoria Williamson, lecturer in psychology at Goldsmith's College, London.
'For example, a recent study in Canada showed that there's a real causal relationship between music and the reward system, a core part of the brain that reacts to stimuli, which are good for us – food, light, sex for example – and reinforces these behaviours meaning that we do them more.'
So what benefits can music bring?

Mood boost

Getty - music
Some people listen to music for a boost on a tough day, while others might use music to keep them awake during a long car journey.
Everyone reacts to music in different ways. One individual may love heavy metal for example, while another is happiest listening to Mozart.
Whatever your preference, a 2011 Canadian study, published in Nature Neuroscience, has shown that plugging in to your favourite music could help melt away a bad mood.
Researchers at McGill University in Montreal showed that listening to pleasurable music of any description induced 'musical chills', which triggered the release of the feel-good chemical dopamine.
'We all know from our own individual experiences that listening to music can affect mood,' says Bridget O'Connell, head of information at the mental health charity Mind.
'Some people listen to music for a boost on a tough day, while others might use music to keep them awake during a long car journey or to purge a negative feeling.
'The brain is very complicated – and there are many elements involved in feelings of pleasure – but it's unsurprising that research suggests dopamine release is linked with feelings of pleasure induced by music.'

Focus

Music may even be able to help you concentrate.
A new 'digital tonic' called Ubrain, which can be downloaded onto smartphones, claims to be able to help people focus, energise, wake up as well as relax.
The process uses two different beats in each ear to create a third 'perceived' beat (a binaural beat), which can stimulate certain activity in the brain.
'By helping the brain cortex to generate specific brain waves, we can induce different states of alertness, depending on what we aim to do,' explains Paris-based clinical psychologist Brigitte Forgeot.
'If we're feeling anxious or stressed, we can encourage our cerebral cortex to produce slow alpha-frequency brain waves, while on the other end of the scale, if we help our cortex to produce faster beta waves, we will be better equipped to concentrate and focus our attention on a fairly lengthy task.'

Pick up the pace

Getty - running
The best choices for exercise are up-beat songs that match the tempo of your running stride.
Listening to certain music could actually help you run faster.
A study at Brunel University in West London has shown that music can help increase endurance by as much as 15 per cent, helping to lower the perception of effort during exercise, as well as increasing energy efficiency by between one and three per cent.
The best choices for exercise are up-beat songs that match the tempo of your running stride and which can have a metronomic effect on the body, enabling you to run for longer.

Better mental health

Music can be an effective and positive treatment for people dealing with mental health conditions.
'There are two distinct ways music therapy is used: either as a means of communication and self-expression or for its inherent restorative or healing qualities,' says Bridget O'Connell.
'Someone who is very withdrawn may find that music can act as an outlet for expressing things that they're unable to put into words. It can also act as a stimulus to awaken buried memories or evoke emotional responses that may take weeks to achieve with talking therapies.'

De-stress

Hearst Magazines UK - music
Nearly a third of people plugged into their music players to give them a mood boost about work.
Music can be a great pick-me-up for when you are feeling stressed.
According to 2011 figures from the mental health charity Mind, nearly a third of people plugged into their music players to give them a mood boost about work, and almost one in four said that they find listening to music on the way to the workplace helps them de-stress.
Paul Farmer, the charity's CEO, backs up the statistics by saying that the therapeutic benefits of listening to music are well-known.
Tuning in to one of your favourite songs can be incredibly soothing and help to reduce anxiety.

Patient care

Music can actually have a significant positive impact on patients with long-term illnesses, such as heart diseasecancer and respiratory conditions.
Numerous trials have shown that music can help lower heart rate, blood pressure and help relieve pain, anxiety and improve patient quality of life.
'Music can be incredibly useful for somebody who is in a situation where they have lost a lot of control from their external environment – say they are in hospital for a long period of time with a serious illness and less able to move around,' says Dr Williamson.
'It can give them a sense of control back, as well as creating a calm personal atmosphere and blocking out some of the disturbances around the patient.'

Which music?

While there are certain trends – fast upbeat music for exercising and slower-paced music to relax – choosing songs that have the desired effect is often linked to personal preference.
'The effect of different types of music on mood will largely depend on people's individual preference and experience,' says Bridget O'Connell.
'If you grow up with rock music, you might not find classical music uplifting at all. On the flipside, some people can't bear rock music, so they are more likely to be wound up than uplifted.
'Music can also invoke particular memories for people, including some that could potentially make them upset. On the other hand, it could also bring them out of a severely withdrawn state or act as a form of communication in place of words.'
There are some rules of thumb though, admits Dr Williamson. 'For a general rule, if you want to relax you should choose songs with slower tempo, less key changes and more predictable structure.' 
 


Music for Health & Wellbeing

Relaxation & Therapy Music DownloadsUsing Music Therapeutically - Adobe document (including Mindfulness of Music)Music affects our thoughts, feelings and behaviours.  The rhythm can affect our bodies so that our pulse and respirations are in time with the music's beat or rhythm.  Music can relax or energise, and certain pieces of music can affect us in deeply personal ways.  Whilst most of us listen to music, making music can be a very effective means of expression.  It’s also great for our self-esteem and confidence. Music can be listened to, used as a means of expression, or performed.You don’t have to be a “musician” to enjoy playing an instrument.  We can improvise with any instrument and anything else too!  Hammer handles make great claves, broom handles and dustbins (and lids), saucepans, small branches from a tree, plastic bottle filled with rice, hardboard as a “wobble board” – just a few examples!  Sing! How many of us sing in the bath/shower – wonderfully uninhibited and expressive.  Go for it!There are different kinds of music for all tastes – classical, pop, rock, rap, jazz, folk – each culture, each generation, has its own style.  Music is very personal and affects individuals in different ways.  Different parts of the body resonate to different sounds and pitches, and most significantly, certain kinds of music can powerfully effect the human spirit or soul.  We can listen to music anywhere and everywhere.Those who make music with voice or instrument experience an added dimension to life, but many who might make music do not do so perhaps through lack of confidence.Music is able to cut across boundaries, through language, culture, age and religion.Music is already therapy worldwide, whether through making music or listening.  It is an important part of spiritual life.  Most significant religious traditions use music to help create the mood for prayer, worship, reverence or joyful celebration. Listening to music can change your mood – sometimes dramatically.  If you’re feeling low, it’s tempting to play slow sad music, but this can make you feel worse.  An uplifting tune or cheerful song can improve your energy levels and your emotional well being.  However, music is very personal to each of us, and what affects one person in one way, may affect someone else very differently.  You probably have some idea of what affects you and how, but you can experiment and try out different pieces of music.Music in film and television shows us how music can affect mood.  A romantic drama would have a very different filmscore to a thriller.  The old “silent” films originally had a pianist in the cinema playing along, trying to strike the right mood.  At times, when watching a film or TV programme, you know what’s about to happen because of the music being played – you can anticipate the terror, such as in “Jaws”.Tunes such as “Pomp and Circumstance” (Land of Hope and Glory), will instil great pride and patriotism.It has been shown that “musak” – background music – can affect our shopping habits, encouraging us to spend more money.  A survey by the Psychology Department at Leicester University (website) showed how music can affect the products we buy.  For a set period of time they played French music, and watching with a video camera directed at the wine shelves, showed a significant  increase in the number of bottles of French wine being sold.  They then played a German tune, which showed the same results with German wine.  The buyers seemed unaware of the influence of the music.Scientists have shown how even hens are happier and produce more eggs when played calming music!Playing Mozart when studying is said to increase our IQ.  (Weblink) Another study showed that children who learn a musical instrument are much quicker at developing spatial awareness and problem solving skills.There are times when we might feel like taking our temper out on a set of drums, and it would almost certainly help us to feel better.  Relaxation (or New Age) music has a slow rhythm.  Sounds are often synthesised and there may be added natural sounds, such as whalesong, birdsong, waves or gentle rain to help produce a feeling of calm and relaxation. An article appeared in ‘best’ dated 2 February 1999, with the headline ‘Musical Minds’:  “Adults who had musical training as children have better word recall, a recent study has found.  Researchers say that women who went to music lessons for at least six years before the age of 12 were significantly better at remembering words than those who hadn’t.  Music could also be beneficial in treating memory loss or language difficulties.” McDonalds did their own research, which showed that we eat according to the speed of the music being played. Therefore, when a restaurant is busy, with a queue building up, McDonalds plays fast music, thus ensuring that the customers will eat quickly, and leave the restaurant sooner, freeing up the table for the next customers.UK schools found that classrooms are much calmer with relaxing background music, with even the most “unruly” child being able to work and concentrate better.  They have been (quietly) playing a variety of music that children wouldn’t normally listen to such as classical and traditional music from all over the world.     A teacher in Wales used Mozart's music with similar effect -  Learning with Mozart

The Mozart Effect
Online Resources on Music/Brain Research
The buzzword, "Mozart Effect", has been bandied about by popular print and broadcast media. It is featured in parenting, education, and music oriented publications, and in the mainstream general press. While it has renewed interest in classical music education and focused much deserved attention on the general field of childhood development, the phrase (and the popular notion of its meaning) has been used to sell music lessons, music products of all kinds, including "Mozart Makes You Smarter" product lines, and frankly, some music education snake-oil.
What's behind this popular "concept"? Where did it originate? What does it really mean? Does listening to Mozart really make you smarter? If so, how? In what way? Is this claim real or just a hype? What to make of it all?
Here is a collection of links to promotional pieces and authoritative online resources that can provide some answers. While there is editorializing and there are commentaries found on this page and in the linked material dealing with the research surrounding the "Mozart Effect", ultimately, the reader is responsible for applying critical thinking to sort it all out.
The term "Mozart Effect" arose from the work of University of California at Irvine's formidable team, Dr. Francis Raucher, Dr. Gordon L. Shaw, and their colleagues. Their neuroscience/music studies and their findings have caused quite an impact on related fields and some controversy. After exploring the materials, linked here, whatever conclusions you come to, you will have to admit that this is very intriguing stuff.
Before exploring links to the materials appearing here, gain some valuable perpective on the subject by going to the link to the article, On the Importance of Being Accurate, published in The Music and Science Information Computer Archive, (MuSICA).
MuSICA's editor, N. M. Weinberger, shows insight that is nothing short of brilliant. A comprehensive catalogue of and links to MuSICA, found below in a separate section, contain abstracts that provide an overview of a wide range of neuroscience music/brain research, along with material dealing directly with the "Mozart Effect" and which could have been included in this section.
The purpose for assembling this collection of links to resources is to shine light on this subject and on research that has received much well-deserved attention, but has, too often, been trivialized and misrepresented. Bookmark this page to return for updates.





Ones to Watch: 10 best new music acts in 2013     PART II


Bastille
Bastille
Sound: indie, electronic, guitar
About: If you've downloaded either of the band's mixtapes, you'll know by now that Bastille can put their stamp on virtually any classic hit. However, the band will be proving their worth with their own cuts come March when they release their debut album Bad Blood. Expect soaring vocals over gigantic choruses full of melancholic strings, glitchy electronics and echoed beats.
They said: "This whole thing started as a bedroom project that didn't have any particular sound or direction - I wanted it to be a real mish-mash of sounds and I think it's something we've managed to retain."
Tracks to download: 'Bad Blood', 'Icarus'



MS MR
MS MR
Sound: Alt-pop
About: This New York duo count Jay-Z among their fans, and it's easy to hear why the rapper is all-too-willing to support them. Ghostly harmonies and floaty synths can be heard throughout their songs, resulting in some of music's most exciting up 'n' coming witch-pop. We can expect more of the same from their debut album, which is due out in May.
They said: "Max and I are into collage and mixed-media, and I think we put our personalities into the tracks and they all sound like MS MR. People will be surprised that it's not all one thing, and that we have more pop songs, moody ballads and some country."
Tracks to download: 'Dark Doo-Wop', 'Bones'



Singer-songwriter Daley.
Daley
Sound: Soul/pop
About: Having toured the open mic circuit with fellow pop warbler Jessie J, Daley managed to bag the services of his pal for his major label debut single 'Remember Me'. The star's mix of soulful tones, refreshed with modern quirks is a good indication of what we can expect from him throughout 2013, as he launches on both sides of the Atlantic.
He said: "My album is going to be a mix of American R&B stuff, with real British influences. I've been calling it future throwback soul."
Tracks to download: 'Remember Me', 'Alone Together'



AlunaGeorge
AlunaGeorge
Sound: Alt-soul/garage
About: Consisting of Aluna Francis and George Reid, AlunaGeorge's recent Brit Awards Critics' Choice shortlist mention is a clear sign they're set for big things. The duo's mix of wobbly synths and light garage beats has been described as the latest genre-bending music trend "popstep". They were also the online favourites throughout 2012, having tallied up the most mentions on the blogosphere.
Tracks to download: 'Your Drums, Your Love', 'You Know You Like It'



M.O girlband
M.O
Sound: Urban pop
About: If you like your girl groups more hard-lined than cutesy, look no further. Pop trio M.O debuted earlier this year (yes, that is Frankee from Mini Viva) with their R&B bounce-off 'Wait Your Turn'. It places them somewhere between the musical sensibilities of TLC and the sassiness of Mis-Teeq, and heralds a refreshing and updated stance on the UK's urban pop scene.
They said: "We're all so excited for 2013 and really grateful for the support we've had over the past few months. The reaction to 'Wait Your Turn' has been so much more than we ever imagined at this point. We're still in the studio and will be getting back in after Christmas again. Next year Is hopefully going to be our year - we're ready to work even harder - that's our M.O!"
Tracks to download: 'Wait Your Turn'





Ones to Watch: 10 best new music acts in 2013     PART I



As 2012 draws to a close, it's time to look at the enormous selection of brand new acts who are shaping up for big things next year.

Last year's Digital Spy ones to watch list included the likes of Emeli Sandé, Lana Del Rey, Stooshe, Conor Maynard and Azealia Banks; all of which have gone on to have a hugely successful 12 months.

We've listed our ten favourite up 'n' comers that we predict will find success in 2013 below:

Gabrielle Aplin
Gabrielle Aplin
Sound: Folk-pop singer-songwriter
About: 20-year-old Gabrielle was eventually signed to Parlophone after self-releasing three EPs to considerable fanfare for an unsigned act. She's currently fronting the John Lewis Christmas advert with her cover of 'The Power of Love', which topped the charts earlier this month. Her debut albumEnglish Rain is out early next year, headed up by lead single 'Please Don't Say You Love Me'. In short, she's the female Ed Sheeran.
She told us: "It's been an insane year, but everything's been growing nice and steadily. For people who have discovered me through the advert, I'm excited for them to hear more."
Tracks to download: 'Home', 'The Power of Love', 'Please Don't Say You Love Me'

Listen to 'Please Don't Say You Love Me' below:



Angel Haze at MTV Brand New 2013 launch
Angel Haze
Sound: Rap, hip-hop
About: The Native American has been billed as a rival to Azealia Banks, although their music is in fact very different. She appeared seemingly out of nowhere in mid 2011, but her slick rhymes over minimal production caught the attention of critics on her 'Reservation' EP in July this year.
She told us: "The support I've had so far has been really humbling. I try not to pay too much attention to it, it's what I've worked for so it's nice to reap the benefits. The album should be out in May. I like to write about what I know, which right now is nowhere near anything sexual."
Tracks to download: 'New York', 'Werkin' Girls', 'Love of my Life'

Listen to 'Love of my Life' below:



Kodaline
Kodaline
Sound: Cinematic folk-pop
About: The Dublin-based quartet have seen their star rise faster than they expected over the last few months, after their online buzz track 'All I Want' was picked up by Radio 1 and used during a trailer for Grey's Anatomy. Fortunately, the song's big, folky sound and catchy chorus isn't just a one off, which fans will discover when they release their 'High Hopes EP' and debut album next year.
They told us: "We're Irish, we're not allowed to turn free drinks down."
Tracks to download: 'All I Want', 'All My Friends'

Listen to 'All I Want' below:



A*M*E
A*M*E
Sound: Electropop
About: 18-year-old Sierra Leone-born A*M*E signed to Gary Barlow's Future Records label late last year. Since then, she's put out buzz tracks 'Ride Or Die' and 'Find A Boy' as well as proper single 'Play The Game Boy', all of which fall somewhere within the space of urban-electro-dance-pop. She's also a huge fan of K-pop and '90s dance and calls Barlow 'Uncle G'.
She told us: "I think [the album is] about 90% there, but like every artist I'm going to keep writing until it's done. We've got enough good tracks to make the album but I want them all to be incredible tracks, so I'm going to keep working with producers as much as possible."
Tracks to download: 'Find A Boy', 'Play The Game Boy'

Listen to 'Play The Game Boy' below:



K Koke
K Koke
Sound: Rap, grime
About: Kevin 'K Koke' Georgiou has made little secret of the fact that he was wrongly imprisoned for seven months last year. After releasing a series of mixtapes he was signed to Roc Nation by Jay-Z himself. His current single, the stadium hip-hop blasting 'Turn Back', features Maverick Sabre and his upcoming album includes guest spots from Rita Ora and Emeli Sandé.
He told us: "There's a lot of talk, but I'm more or less ready, so we'll just have to let the music do the talking!"
Tracks to download: 'Turn Back', 'Roc The Life'

Listen to 'Turn Back' below: