Archive

Archive for August, 2009

Swift Dixshun – Accidentally on Purpose Promo

August 28th, 2009


The release date is nearing for Swift Dixshun’s “Accidentally on Purpose” LP. The album artwork is in the process of being designed and once that happens it will be turned in for pressing. In the mean time, take a listen to “Accidentally on Purpose” by Swift Dixshun featuring Mando The DJ.

To learn more visit: www.myspace.com/swiftdixshun

The album will have features such as: Decibel, Obsurd1der, Darkside and more… Stay tuned by registering on my blog and you will be constantly updated with what’s going on!

AOP_BANNER1

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Scratch – The Documentary

August 21st, 2009


Scratch is a feature-length documentary film about hip-hop DJing, also known as turntablism. From the South Bronx in the 1970s to San Francisco present day, the world’s best scratch DJs, crate-diggers, party-DJs, hip-hop producers, break beats, DJ battles, and the endless possibilities of vinyl records.

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Scratch is a 2001 documentary which I am sure a majority of real hip-hop heads have seen. I wanted to share this movie with some of those that have not had a chance to watch it. Get educated on the rise of hip-hop DJs from the 1970s to now. Enjoy!

Video Click: Scratch The Documentary

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Mixing Drums

August 18th, 2009


Mike, Dan, and Britton from Gearwire Crosstalk, share some drum mixing techniques with the help of Mike and Britton’s talented ears. They discuss drum gating, EQ, compressor, reverb and a few tips and tricks to make drum pop out in the mix. This video covers a rock song but the techniques can be applied to any genre. A walkthrough of Cakewalk’s Dimension Pro software instrument along with two free expansion packs rounds out the program.

more information at www.gearwire.com

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Creating Depth in Your Mix

August 17th, 2009

Another great read for producers and engineers alike. This article breaks down some of the basics for achieving a great mix. It touches on EQ, Reverb, Panning, Chorus, Depth, Filtering, Delay and Instrument Placement.

mixing-article

read the mixing article

The great thing about this article is that it puts you in a great mind set for how to think about a mix from a listeners perspective. It gives you tips on things not to do, unless that is the effect you are trying to achieve. The article explains how to use EQ to create a sense of distance, Reverb to compliment the distant sounds along with echo, chorus to make a sound less focused, EQ to make vocals upfront in a mix, automated EQ to help instruments stand out in certain parts of a song and ways to listen to your mix to get a better feel for the overall mix. Sound-on-Sound has many great article that I would also suggest you read.

Read more articles: Sound-on-Sounds website

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Interactive Frequency Chart

August 17th, 2009

I stumbled on a great Frequency Chart for your mixes. This is a great tool to use when recording, mixing or simply making music. You can train yourself to know where particular instruments sit in the frequency spectrum and how to EQ them to taste. This Frequency Chart is really useful because it is interactive. If you hold your mouse of a certain part of the chart you will get additional information on the right column about the frequency in question.

frequency_chart see the frequency chart

I think sometimes we can over look the basics of music and clutter up a mix when we just place instruments where they do not belong, unless your going for a particular sound of effect. I printed this chart out and put it on my wall in front of my keyboard for when I make my beats so I have a general idea of where to play an instrument, how octave to play them in, etc… So I can leave room in the mix for vocals. Basically, you can construct your music around the frequencies the instruments belong in. Click the image above or the link below it to go to the chart. Hopefully this will help someone? Enjoy!

Other great resources: Check them out!

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Darkside Productionz Clothing

August 13th, 2009

Get yourself some Darkside Productionz clothing and help support “The Movement” in the process. I am always working on new design ideas for clothing and also open to suggestions as well. Visit the shop on my website to see all the merchandise (T-Shirts, Hats, Sweaters, Posters and more). DARKSIDE PRODUCTIONZ SHOP

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Darkside Productionz constantly strives to better ourselves to gain a position where we can help the youth and guide them. We are always looking to work with new musicians and help provide ways to gain exposure for the artist. If you would like to learn more about Darkside Productionz and everything we do, please visit our home page.

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Free The Robots Live @ Play Havoc

August 13th, 2009

Last night, I finally got a chance to watch “Free The Robots” perform live at the Mission Tobacco Lounge, and was amazed with the set. The music was chest pounding even though the speakers kept blowing out (this was a house issue, not “Free The Robots”). Was it the pounding bass knocking the cables loose? Know one will ever know. All I know is that “Free The Robots” has talent!

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I was amazed how hype the room got last night when “Free The Robots” hit the stage and the music started. Everyone was dancing and enjoying themselves and the energy was crazy. “Free The Robots” performed some older songs and some new songs from the next album to be released shortly. Stay tuned for details. Also, I shot some video last night of part of the set, probably about 15 minutes worth and am currently working on getting it ready to share on the web. Stay tuned for that. I would highly” recommend any and all music lovers, young and old to check out “Free The Robots” and buy some of their music. You wont be disappointed! Check them out on iTunes, just do a search for “Free The Robots.”

“Free The Robots” Video



More “Free The Robots”

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Check out pictures, music, videos and the blog: Click Here

Next performances

Aug 13 2009 9:00PM Computer Jay vs. Free the Robots Los Angeles, CA
Sep 21 2009 8:00PM Will LET you know soon! the Old West, CA

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Sonar Videos

August 13th, 2009

Here are some Cakewalk Sonar videos for you to watch. Get the idea of what Sonar can do and the tools provided with the application when you purchase. I have been using Sonar since version 2.0 and I am impressed with the progress of the application and enjoy my time behind the wheel…

Cakewalk’s SONAR 8


See the rest of the Sonar 8 videos: Click Here

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Swift Dixshun & Mando The DJ @ Play Havoc

August 12th, 2009

Here is some video I shot at Play Havoc on July 28, 2009 during Swift Dixshun and Mando the DJ’s set for the upcoming album, "Accidentally on Purpose." Swift has been hitting the stage promoting his album and the day is rapidly nearing for the release. The album is currently in the hands of producer / song writer SeanOC (from Grownear Productions) for the Mastering process. Stay tuned for the release date. To hear some songs from "Accidentally on Purpose" visit Swift Dixshun on MySpace at: www.myspace.com/swiftdixshun.

Swift Dixshun & Mando The DJ @ Play Havoc 1 of 2 This is part 1 of 2 videos of Swift Dixshun & Mando The DJ @ Play Havoc on July 28, 2009


Swift Dixshun & Mando The DJ @ Play Havoc 2 of 2 This is part 2 of 2 videos of Swift Dixshun & Mando The DJ @ Play Havoc on July 28, 2009


play-havoc-july-28-2009

Swift Dixshun & Mando The DJ’s next performance is on August 16, 2009 @ The Vibe in Riverside, CA

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Rock The Bells 2009

August 4th, 2009

Rock The Bell 2009 is going to be off the hook this year. So many good names going to be in one place. The event will be taking place at the following locations: Chicago, IL, Toronto, Ont, Washington, D.C., Boston, MA, New York, New York, Denver, CO, Los Angeles, CA, San Fransico, CA, Miami, FL and Vancouver, BC.

Who will be there, rocking the stage and showing their face?

  • KRS is hosting the show
  • Tabi Bonney, KRS-One, Pete Rock, Alchemist, Buckshot, Sage Francis, K’Naan, M.O.P., Necro, Evidence, Slaughterhouse, Slum Village
  • Raekwon, Reflection Eternal, Black Star, Common, Big Boi, The Roots, Nas
  • Mickey Factz, House of Pain reunion
  • Fashawn will be on stage w/ Evidence & Alchemist
  • Oh yea, I got footage of Supernat freestyling the acts as well
  • Shake, you are the far superior dopeboy in this duo
    Rock-The-Bells-2009

Sunspot Jones on LuckyIAM

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