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Its sound and warmth are unlike any guitar I’ve ever heard. It immediately makes me want to write a song, tell a story or sit and play it for hours on end. That guitar has inspired and initiated so many songs I’ve released. MI: What instruments are currently in your arsenal? CS: I’ve been playing the same instruments for so many years now that I’m just now starting to bring more into the rotation. I’ve been play- ing an Ebony SG Standard at recent shows and I’ve really loved it. Especially for touring or traveling, the lightweight body has been a game changer for me. For songwriting, I al- ways start on my Hummingbird to help form the idea and the story until we decide on the production direction and which guitars to use. MI: Are there any new or emerging pieces of gear you’ve recently tried that have inspired your creative process? CS: I’ve been really inspired by vocal loop- ing and layering live. Artists like Imogen Heap essentially vocal produce through- out their performances. I love how it lets the voice become both an instrument and a production tool, building harmonies, textures, and rhythms in real time. Every show becomes its own unique experience because nothing is done exactly the same. MI — By Kimberly Kapela
Music Will, Sweetwater Launch National Instrument Fund C e lebrating a decade-long partnership, Music Will and Sweetwater have launched the National Instrument Fund to help under-resourced schools establish music programs. Music Will, the largest nonprofit music program in the U.S. public school system, and Sweetwater have announced the 34 schools chosen as fund recipients. Nearly four million students in the U.S. are without access to music education resources. The National Instrument Fund is an innovative partnership designed to help schools overcome one of the biggest barriers to music education: access to instruments. “With the generosity of Sweetwater, we’re helping teachers across the country set up new music programs in schools where they didn’t exist, and expand existing programs where more students want to participate than teachers currently have the resources to support,” said Mike Wasserman, Music Will CEO. “Talent is universal, but opportunity is not. We are grateful for Sweetwater’s long-standing leadership and ongoing investment to help close gaps in access to classroom instruments and provide more young people the opportunity to become lifelong music-makers.” Over 300 schools applied for the National Instrument Fund, signaling the need for broader, industry-wide collaboration to close the gap. Most of the Fund-awarded schools serve communities facing socioeconomic challenges. According to The National Association for Music Education, schools with music programs see a nearly 18% increase in graduation rates and an almost 10% increase in attendance rates. “At Sweetwater, we know that music education is a powerful way to build students’ confidence, foster inclusion and belonging, and learn how to collaborate with others,” shared Mike Clem, Sweetwater CEO. “These are life skills that every student should have access to develop, and we’re proud to play a role in helping unlock their potential and creativity through the gift of music.” {musicwill.org; sweetwater.com}
Alt-pop’s Charlotte Sands dives into the instruments behind her genre-blurring sound, highlighting her deep connection to the Gibson Hummingbird as a cornerstone of her songwriting. CHARLOTTE SANDS Music Inc.: What was your first instrument? Charlotte Sands: My first instrument was an acoustic guitar that my dad hand-built for me. He’s been making guitars since I can remember which made learning to play feel magical and very personal to me. I feel really lucky to have been surrounded by that kind of creativity and passion. MI: What is your all-time favorite guitar? CS: My favorite guitar is a Gibson Hummingbird.
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