Articles by Joe Blamey

Articles by Joe Blamey

Q. How many drummers does it take to change a lightbulb?
A. Five: One to screw the bulb in, and four to talk about how much better Dave Grohl could've done it.

Ah, so you thought you’d be nosey and try to get the scoop on the author of that blog post you just read…. Well welcome!

There’s not much to know; it’s all writing and music, music and writing (with a smattering of drummer jokes for good measure).

I studied journalism at University, but after a complete misinterpretation of ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ and a brief stint at a local newspaper, I quickly realised that writing about missing plant pots and councillors opening freshly renovated loos was not my literary calling. After a few more roles in press offices and then various marketing departments, I have wound up a happy content writer learning about the vast and extensive products on offer.

Aside from writing, I play the drums for a number of local bands, playing anything from covers to original music, standing in for other drummers or as a full-time member. It’s all great fun and keeps me on my toes, taking me to some cool places and venues around the country. Oh, and I really love drummer jokes (if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, I guess!)

When I’m not drumming I’m out on the water, either in a kayak or a paddleboard, or out and about wild camping. I find getting outside clears the mind and helps to inspire and inform my writing.

Enjoy the blog posts!
Kids Karaoke Microphones & Machines – Fun Singing Gifts for Young Superstars
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Kids Karaoke Microphones & Machines – Fun Singing Gifts for Young Superstars

A good microphone for kids isn’t just a toy – it’s a way for young singers to express themselves, build confidence and enjoy music with friends and family. From birthday parties and Christmas mornings to rainy afternoons at home, a fun kids microphone can quickly become the centre of attention. Before you know it, siblings, parents and grandparents are all joining in for a singalong. In this guide, we’ll explore the two main types available. First, there are kids karaoke microphones – clever all-in-one devices that combine a microphone and speaker in a single unit. Then there are karaoke machines with microphones, which offer a slightly bigger setup with a speaker and one or more mics. Both options are affordable, easy to use, and perfect for helping young superstars take centre stage.
In-Ear Monitoring on a Budget
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In-Ear Monitoring on a Budget

If you've ever finished a gig with your ears ringing, your vocals lost in the stage wash, or your timing thrown off because the drummer couldn't hear the band - you’re not alone. Loud stages, dodgy acoustics, and inconsistent or non-existent monitor wedges are familiar frustrations for countless musicians. And while sound engineers do their best, there’s only so much a floor wedge can do when it's competing with screaming guitars and clattering cymbals. That’s where the in ear monitor system comes in. Once the preserve of arena tours and major label budgets, in ear monitors for musicians are now more accessible, affordable, and gig-ready than ever before. Whether you're playing pubs at the weekend or working the wedding circuit, switching to an in-ear setup can transform your live sound experience - giving you clarity, consistency, and better control over your performance.
Touring Band Lights - What You Need
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Touring Band Lights - What You Need

Lighting’s more than just a way to see the band - it’s part of your identity. It sets the mood, punches through a killer chorus, and gives every venue, big or small, a sense of occasion. And with a lighting engineer who’s probably also loading the van and patching the snake, the rig’s got to be simple, reliable, and DMX-friendly out of the box. Owning your lighting isn’t about making things complicated - it’s about making them smarter and more robust than the static setups you find in most venues.
CHEAP Par Cans For My Gig: Fuzzix Comet M16 LED Par Can Review
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CHEAP Par Cans For My Gig: Fuzzix Comet M16 LED Par Can Review

Frustrated after yet another gig in the dark, I decided to buy some affordable lights to take with me to gigs, for use in case whatever band I’m playing with need some lights. I didn’t want anything too expensive and over-the-top because most times I wouldn’t need them, or they’re just additions to someone else’s set up. After looking through Electromarket’s extensive lighting collection, I settled on the Fuzzix Comet M16 Par Cans.
Essential DJ Accessories That Make Your Gig Better
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Essential DJ Accessories That Make Your Gig Better

Life on the road as a mobile DJ isn’t all flashing lights and thumping basslines. Whether you're spinning tunes at a buzzing pub, a stylish wedding reception, or a birthday blowout in a hired hall, each gig brings its own challenges - unpredictable spaces, time pressures, and the high expectations of clients who want their night to be flawless. You’re not just a DJ; you're part sound engineer, part entertainer, part stage tech. And at the heart of it all, your setup needs to look sharp, sound great, and run smoothly. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at five essential accessories that deserve a spot in every mobile DJ’s arsenal.
7 Successful Habits of Beginner Musicians That Speeds Up Learning Musical Instruments
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7 Successful Habits of Beginner Musicians That Speeds Up Learning Musical Instruments

Starting a new instrument can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re picking up a music keyboard, a beginner electric guitar, or a bass guitar for beginners, success often comes down to the habits you build - not just talent. In this practical, encouraging guide, we walk through 7 habits that keep new musicians motivated, inspired, and enjoying the process. From setting micro-goals and creating a fun practice routine, to recording your progress and connecting with others, each habit is designed to help you keep playing - and keep loving it. We’ll also show you how ElectroMarket’s beginner-friendly instruments can support your journey, with smart features that make learning easier and more enjoyable. If you’re just getting started or thinking of investing in your first instrument, this read is for you. Learn the habits, avoid the burnout, and make music a lasting part of your life.
Best DJ Headphones: Choosing the Right DJ Headset Matters
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Best DJ Headphones: Choosing the Right DJ Headset Matters

The best DJ headphones (or even a trusty pair of DJ earphones or a well-built DJ headset) give you precision, comfort, and durability - three things you’ll thank yourself for when you’re deep in the mix. Whether you're cueing up tracks in your bedroom or smashing out your first party set, the right pair of DJ headphones is a make-or-break tool. We're not talking about your everyday earbuds here - this is your cockpit, your control tower, your secret weapon. Great sound is only half the story...
Best Wireless Lapel Microphone: A Complete Guide
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Best Wireless Lapel Microphone: A Complete Guide

Whether you're presenting to a live audience, filming a vlog, or conducting interviews on the go, having clear, hands-free audio can make or break your production. That’s where the best wireless lapel microphone steps in. Known for their compact design and convenient operation, these nifty little devices have become the go-to solution for professionals and hobbyists alike who need reliable audio without being tied down by cables. From wedding officiants to YouTubers, wireless lapel mics - also called wireless lavalier microphones - are widely used for their ability to deliver crisp vocal clarity while remaining virtually invisible to the viewer. Unlike handheld or boom mics, they clip neatly to clothing and connect to a transmitter, leaving you free to move naturally and engage with your audience or camera.
Fenton FTLED MK2 Portable Speakers - Your Favourite Speaker, But Better
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Fenton FTLED MK2 Portable Speakers - Your Favourite Speaker, But Better

If you’ve been anywhere near a party, a busker setup, or a home karaoke night recently, chances are you’ve heard (and probably seen) the Fenton FTLED range in action. These portable PA speakers have been a favourite for a while now, and with the arrival of the MK2 series - that’s Mark 2, for those not knee-deep in gear speak - they’ve had a proper glow-up.
Fenton RP165 Record Player Review
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Fenton RP165 Record Player Review

Over the past few years, vinyl has made a proper comeback. Whether it’s the warm, analogue sound or just the tactile charm of dropping a needle onto a spinning disc, more people are finding their way back to records. Enter the Fenton RP165 record player range—a family of turntables designed to deliver vinyl playback in style. With multiple finishes, included stereo speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity, these players cater to both aesthetic tastes and everyday convenience. This review dives deep into the RP165 series, covering its features, how it performs, and what real users are saying—so if you’re thinking about getting one, this guide should help you decide if it’s the right fit.