Mula Mike performs at The Testing Lab (Photo via @nicolerds)
“The Testing Lab” provides a space for local artists to be heard and critiqued
If you’re an artist/producer, you’re likely in search of better ways to A) get your name out there, and B) receive honest feedback on your music outside of the usual runaround that you get from your friends and family. Well, if you’re in Massachusetts or close to it, you’re in luck.
The Museum TV was one of the first platforms to begin covering Massachusetts hip-hop as we know it today. Led by Noble, who also writes articles for WBUR, The Museum came into existence back in 2014 and has been featured in the Huffington Post, Revolt TV, Dig Boston and more thanks to their work in reporting on and connecting with local artists.
While continuing to give us insightful conversations with some of our region’s most prominent names in music, The Museum took another step forward in 2022 by finding a new, innovative way to contribute to the growth of the Mass scene.
It’s called “The Testing Lab” and it takes place every other Tuesday at The SoundLab Studios in Brockton. Anyone can participate. All you have to do is email TheTestingLabMA@Gmail.com with your stage name, home town, social media, and desire to test music. Ten artists are selected for each session and each artist is allowed to perform (or just play) three tracks. The panel will tell you which tracks (if any) they enjoyed and give their honest opinion on exactly what they liked and didn’t like.
Panelists include Noble along with a revolving door of qualified producers, audio engineers, journalists, DJ’s, and basically anyone who really knows what they’re talking about when it comes to music. Past guests have included producer/host of The Podcvst Dallas Rose, CWTFB Radio host Charlie Masheen, producer DeevoDaGenius, DJ WhySham, and the SoundLab’s lead engineer J. Rose.
The feedback is raw and to-the-point without being wildly disrespectful. Think “American Idol” but not quite as rude as Simon Cowell. Don’t get me wrong, they’ll still let you know if your music isn’t good, but they’ll also provide some insight on ways you could possibly improve your craft. You’ll be alright as long as you’re receptive to constructive criticism, which is a necessary tool if you’re looking to reach your full potential.
Each event is open to the public by simply downloading a free ticket on EventBrite. Attendees are given the opportunity to be involved in the process by scanning one of the many QR codes around the room and voting for their favorite songs by each artist or producer.
Making an appearance at “The Testing Lab” is not only beneficial for those looking to test music. Their tagline is “10 Artists. 1 Panel. One Million Connections.” because you’re almost guaranteed to leave knowing somebody you wish you’d known earlier. It’s the ultimate networking opportunity. The next one, which will be the second of 2023, is on 1/17 at 8 pm. Get your submissions in or just come and enjoy the performances, show your support, and be involved in something that is truly helping to push the scene forward.