Riff, record, and replay radical tuneage using these tech music toys.
COOL-ASS CANS
Designed with input from Jigga himself, Skullcandy’s Roc Nation Aviators pair the polished metal and polycarbonate finish of designer shades with loud, bassy 40 mm speaker drivers. And the tangle-free nylon cord comes equipped with sound controls and an inline mike, in case you’re tempted to spit some rhymes.
$150, skullcandy.com
FOR THE RECORD
The Zoom H1 Handy Recorder rocks a studio-quality stereo mike that’ll record both an inspired songwriting sesh and your stoned spoken-word ramblings in better-than-CD quality audio. Your roomie will be thrilled.
$99, www.zoom.co.jp
DOCK ROCKER
The Philips DS8500 Fidelio iPhone sound dock uses space-age digital processing to cut noise and boost the signal of your favorite sound files, so even your Black Eyed Peas bootlegs will sound glorious.
$199, store.apple.com
SMART AX
The sound-shifting Variax guitar magically mimics 25 different vintage electric and acoustic guitars, from the legendary 1968 Fender Telecaster to an old Gibson banjo. Pluckin’ awesome!
From $1,099, line6.com
BAND AID BLACK KEYS DRUMMER PATRICK CARNEY'S CHEAT SHEET FOR ROCK'N'ROLL SUCCESS:
Play the Bass
“It’s the easiest thing to get somewhat proficient with. Join a band with people more talented than you. And get a van—it will make you indespensable.
Write Melodies
“Trying to create original songs will just give you writer’s block. Start by aping simple tunes that really rip. Gary Glitter and T.Rex are great for this!”
Pen Some Lyrics
“Writing personal, heartfelt lyrics can be a very big fuckup. Instead, watch an episode of Gunsmoke and describe what’s happening.”
Play Some Gigs
“If you just make music in your bedroom, only record nerds will adore you. You need to be playing out, so girls—and eventually the girl you like—will be into you.”
Get a Look
“If you want to be a rockin’ rock star, it’s very important to find a jacket that makes you feel cool. This is probably the most important tip. Find your jacket.”