Archive for the 'Production' Category
The Bastard Language Tour Bonus 1/3
If you're new here and like what you see, you may want to subscribe to my email alerts or RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
This is an interesting video of D-Styles and Ricci Rucker experimenting by recording the different sounds objects can make to be used as scratch samples for the Bastard Language Tour.
Needle Cutting Culture
In regards to my previous post…
Something sent a little tingle down my spine when I got word of the second installment of Cuts of Culture from Turntable Radio and Eclectic Breaks.
A tingle turned into a shiver when I saw the track listing on Turntable Radio. This album holds a strong list of turntablist talent and is being released by two labels with a strong history of high quality turntablism releases. Cuts of Culture 2 is bound to be a turntablist release of note.
Check out the trailer for the upcoming Cuts of Culture 2:
More info is available at Turntable Radio, Eclectic Breaks as well as Spinscience and DJ 2Tall’s Website.
I will hopefully be posting a review of this album upon its release. I also have a few other turntablism album reviews up my sleeve - so keep an eye out over the next couple of months.
Cuts of Culture II announced
Various Artists: ‘Cuts Of Culture 2′
The Podcasts
Eclectic Breaks and Turntable Radio are proud to announce the much anticipated second edition of ‘Cuts of Culture’, the latest instalment of our forward thinking compilation series aimed at showcasing the musical talents of turntablists worldwide. The highly successful first volume of ‘Cuts of Culture’ was released in 2005. It was the first ever compilation of its kind with a global line-up of musical talent, including A-Trak, C2C and D-Styles amongst many others. The CD is still selling today and has been incredibly well received by the press, DJs and public alike.
‘Cuts of Culture 2’ returns even bigger and better than before, and is packed with extra content such as video footage, scratch beats and bonus tracks. The project was originally planned as a CD/DVD package, however due to unforeseen problems we were forced to switch format and will now be making the majority of the content from this package available, for free, as a series of podcasts starting in July 2007.
These ‘Cuts of Culture ‘2 podcasts will include 6 exclusive videos, bonus tracks, scratch beats, full liner notes and artwork, plus of course the compilation mix from 2tall, featuring more worldwide talent, both known and unknown. This podcast series is the first of its kind and showcases the best of what the turntablist world has to offer in the last few years - from hip hop to glitch, jungle to electronica and house, quality music that just happens to be made using turntables.
The compilation mix features even more worldwide talent than volume 1: from Japan to South Africa, Eastern Europe to the US West Coast. Exclusive tracks come from established and upcoming artists including D-Styles (Third Sight, ex-ISP, ex-Beat Junkies), ieMERG (2xDMC World Champ), Netik (2006 DMC World Champ), DJ Happee, Excess (Styluswars), Dq (Glue) and many more. ‘Cuts of Culture 2’ also highlights the production work of these artists, with established producers including Trash Weston (The Orb), Bichi (Blue Foundation), Exile (Emanon, Mobb Deep), Evil Ed and Bayaka (Japan), all appearing on exclusive collaboration tracks. Finally, following on from volume 1’s ‘Operation Interference’ scratch collaboration project, 2tall delivers ‘Sharpshooters Convention’ featuring Enfoe, Taim, Unkut, Square One, Netik, Captain Cavern and Rafik.
The podcast videos feature DJ Quietstorm (US/Japan), DJ Baku (Japan), Grazzhoppa’s DJ Big Band (Belgium/Holland), 2tall (UK) and Noisy Stylus (Germany). These videos aim to represent the scope of what these artists can do live and in the studio.
Turntable Radio is the world’s only radio show entirely dedicated to the turntablist artform. Since its inception, the show has grown tremendously in popularity, with a worldwide following of some 40,000 listeners tuning in from over 40 countries. Both the radio show and website are focal points for the scene, and have evolved alongside the music and its practitioners. Eclectic Breaks is a multi-faceted music company based in London, specialising in audio productions, club promotions, DJ tuition and street marketing. Eclectic Breaks is widely recognised as the UK’s leading “DJ” company, due to its unwavering commitment to DJ culture. EB also developed the acclaimed Pro X Fade, a high quality, cross-platform, customisable scratch crossfader that has revolutionised the market.
Cuts of Culture 2 is the last instalment in the series – the final statement from Turntable Radio & Eclectic Breaks about the state of things in today’s turntablist world. This is not about DJ battles or who can scratch better than who… this is about the skills and talents of DJs, turntablists and producers worldwide, who are too often overlooked by the media and mainstream radio, and the music they make. The ultimate aim is to show various styles in production and music making from various countries… what they all have in common is the use of the turntable as just another instrument or production tool.
‘Cuts of Culture 2’ is an unmissable multi-media package that represents the true voice and sound of turntablism today!
‘Cuts of Culture 2 – The Podcasts’ tracklisting:
Cuts of Culture mix by 2tall
2tall – ‘Intro’
Eprom aka Base Bizzard – ‘Action Break’
Netik – ‘Synthesiz’
Dq – ‘Strike Part 1’
DJ Baku – ‘Vandalism’
Real Tablist – ‘6 DJs + 1’
DJ Majestik feat. Rizkay – ‘Harmonia’
K-Delight – ‘Scratch Club’ feat. DJ-JS1, J-Red, Woody, Profound & Ironcyde, Universon, Krash Slaughta, Eddie Scratch, Evil Ed & 2tall
DJ Exile & DJ Day – ‘A Day In Exile’
DJ Happee feat. Dinoh – ‘Get My Point’
Lamont – ‘Senses Overloaded’
A.D.S – ‘Cold Mornings’
ie.MERG – ‘Midnight, NYC, July, 90 degrees’
Taim & Faltmeister – ‘Rendez-Vous’
Excess – ‘Ask And I Shall See’
Noisy Stylus – ‘Kindness’
Manipulate & Thrash – ‘Strontium Sleazewave’
Bayaka feat. D-Styles – ‘Edomachen’
Phonomorphia – ‘Planète Cerveau 44-3’
Bungalow Zen – ‘Frequency’
Bichi – ‘Clouds Are Parcelled Out Across My Vision’
2tall – ‘Sharpshooters Convention’ feat. Enfoe, Taim, Unkut, Square One, Rafik, Captain Cavern and Netik
Videos:
Studio Rarekwai Showcase – DJ Quiestorm video - ‘Be Quiet’ ft Twiggy
DJ Baku – Spin Street (live)
Noisy Stylus – Live Showcase
Grazzhoppa’s DJ Big Band – DJ Big Band video
2tall - Live showcase
2tall - DVD extras
Bonus tracks:
African – Hornlife
Tatsuki – Super Sucker Killer
Grazzhoppa – Rockin’ Raw
Scratch beats:
Rudy W – Nonsmokers Are Unattractive
Monkey Hands – Oh Fuck!
+ full liner notes and artwork
More info is available at Eclectic Breaks and Turntable Radio.
Comments(1)Dedicated Beatheads Unite!
I was over at the old turntable radio site today, and to my pleasure they have posted a new podcast. This month it has been taken over by DJ Scientist & DJ Snatchatec AKA The Dedicated Beatheads. The podcast features a smooth new Turntable Radio intro thanks to DJ Baku, I personally quite like the dark beat with the layered melodic sounds - nice work on that one Baku and TTR.
The rest of the podcast that follows definitely excites, with beats & shards of scratches that encompass a newer sound of turntablism production that grabs you. In some ways it reminds me of a style that is something similar to Ninja Tune thrown into a blender with Q-Berts Wave Twisters. A fair portion of the cast is an excerpt from The Dedicated Beatheads album Sound Convention Volume 1 but also contains tracks from the archives of DJ Scientist & DJ Snatchatec’s combined work.
Make sure you check out The Dedicated Beatheads podcast on Turntable Radio. Check out The Dedicated Beatheads website for more info on and to buy Sound Conventions Vol 1. Also check out the DJ Scientist & DJ Snatchatec individual websites for more of their work.
Enter(tain) the meatmarket
I’m not a huge fan of house music, but Sampleslaya - Enter the meat market from house legend Armand Van Helden is a turntablist / producer / DJs dream. It integrates catchy and funky beats produced amongst classic hip hop samples that can be used by DJ’s / producers spinning hip hop, house or straight up funky turntablism (an album worthy of owning doubles of! Juggle it up!!). Check it out on Amazon to listen to some of the tracks.
It doesn’t seem so easy to find on vinyl but if you look hard enough you will find (I just stumbled across this in a Brooklyn record store after looking for years and almost giving up hope - actually I found it on gemm.com but it was a bit pricey. The copy I picked up was mint with a slightly damaged cover - for only US$5).
2tall presents Dudley & Georgia ‘Beautiful Mindz’ LP
The latest release from the Eclectic Breaks record label is a new long
player produced by 2tall (Jim Coles), featuring Dudley Perkins (aka
Declaime) and Georgia Anne Muldrow on vocal duties. This is a unique
UK/USA collaboration project that combines intelligent lyrics, free
thinking, poetic verse and skilled studio productions, to result in an
incredibly fresh, poignant and positive album.
The album’s title ‘Beautiful Mindz’ is a message to the listeners that
we are capable of much more than we think, and the project itself
reflects that it’s not difficult to put together a unique album of
music with people from other parts of the planet. From their initial
acquaintance to the albums completion, the whole experience was natural
and organic as all great partnerships are.
Originally known for his accolades in the DJ championship world, where
he took home the title of UK DMC Team Champions in 2003 with his crew
the Trusicians, 2tall has been making a name for himself as a producer
over the past few years. His release discography already includes two
albums; ‘Shifting Tides’ on Needlework Records and ‘Loose Ends For
Divination’ on Eclectic Breaks, plus his recent DJ battle tool
‘Peaceful Warrior’, along with several mix CDs, EP’s and 12” releases.
Dudley Perkins is best known for his releases on US label Stones Throw
Records, where he lends his unique voice to many of Madlib’s
productions. Highlights from his releases include the single ‘Flowers’
and album ‘Expressions (2012 A.U.)’, plus the album ‘Illmindmuzik’ as
Declaime on Good Vibe Recordings. Georgia Anne Muldrow is also
associated with Stones Throw, and is their only female signing. Noticed
early on by fellow LA hip hop trendsetters Sa Ra, as well as Detroit’s
Platinum Pied Pipers, the buzz created saw her sound reach the airwaves
of Worldwide with Gilles Peterson on the BBC, and to Peanut Butter
Wolf, who signed her to a two-album deal on Stones Throw, where she
recently released ‘Olesi: Fragments Of An Earth’. ‘Beautiful Mindz’ is
the first ever project from these three combined talents.
From the album’s epic bell chime intro, you know there is a serious
listening experience ahead. Dudley’s striking vocal commands attention
as he speaks about the state of the world, the “fonk”, and the upcoming
year 2012, which many ancient cultures have predicted as a time of
great changes in human evolution. Tracks such as ‘Atall’, ‘Poet Past
The Weak’ and ‘U R’ explore this subject matter further, with 2tall’s
beats providing the perfect carriage for the poignant lyrics. ‘U R’ in
particular offers guidance and positivity to a confused society, that
is often mislead by false idols and the media. There are no lectures or
preaching going on here though, the listener is simply invited to take
what they want from the message conveyed.
Georgia Anne Muldrow’s addictively original vocals take centre stage on
‘Aint That Strange’, whilst elsewhere, tracks such as ‘A Beautiful
Mind’, ‘Newniss’, and ‘Fonkwitme’ balance great songwriting, deep
lyrics and soulful musicality.
Wrapped together with intro’s skits and outro’s, ‘Beautiful Mindz’ is a
stunning album package that will be played again and again for years to
come.
Ableton Live Turntablism by Lamont
Recently there have been two artists - Lamont and 2Tall - that have made me (more) aware of the potential of production software such as Ableton Live. The above video is an excellent example of what can be done (live) with the right combination of hardware, software strong skills and a nice collection of vinyl.
Wouldn’t mind getting my hands on a setup like this. One day gadget, one day.
Numark “Milestones” honours innovators
Numark, Alesis, and Akai Professional, the world’s leading manufacturers of audio equipment, studio electronics and professional DJ equipment, and the driving force behind the high-tech musical revolution, will honor the trailblazers of musical innovation with Milestones, a gala event that will feature an eclectic lineup of musicians, DJs, recording engineers and music producers.
“CUMBERLAND, R.I.–June 8, 2006–Numark, Alesis and Akai Professional, the world’s leading manufacturers of audio equipment, studio electronics and professional DJ equipment, and the driving force behind the high-tech musical revolution, will honor the trailblazers of musical innovation with Milestones, a gala event that will feature an eclectic lineup of musicians, DJs, recording engineers and music producers.
In partnership with Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Numark, Alesis and Akai Professional will stage the event at the Berklee Performance Center at 7:30 PM, Friday, September 22, 2006. Highlights will include A-list musical performers and proceeds will fund the Numark, Alesis and Akai Professional scholarships for the Berklee College of Music City Music Program.
The gala honorees include some of the key innovators in musical production and performance. Most notably the evening will pay tribute to:
Musical Performance & Audio Engineering
• Bruce Swedien, for Recording/Engineering Innovation, for his work with Michael Jackson, Dinah Washington, Mick Jagger, Muddy Waters and Nat King Cole
• Al Kooper, founder of Blood, Sweat & Tears and organist for Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix, for Performance/Production Innovation
• Michael Brecker, probably the most respected and imitated jazz saxophonist of the post-Coltrane era. As of 2005, he has won 11 Grammys as both performer and composer
DJ/Turntablism
• Grand Wizard Theodore, the inventor of scratching and needle dropping, a standard in DJ technique
• GrandMixer DXT, the first to fuse hip-hop and jazz
• Jazzy Jay, the first to bring hip-hop to radio airwaves
Additional honorees will include Run-DMC founder DJ Jam Master J; Hip-hop producer Marley Marl; DJ Premier, producer of Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt; and DJ Jazzy Joyce.
In the spirit of musical innovation, the event also will feature live performances from artists including both the founders of hip-hop itself and the breakthrough new talent of today. The performances will also include a special guest appearance by the Berklee Turntablism Ensemble.
“We are proud to present such an outstanding group of musicians at Berklee, where so many groundbreaking producers and performers launch their careers,” said Gregg Stein, worldwide director of marketing for Numark, Alesis and Akai Professional. “These legends have created a platform by which musical innovation can continue to flourish. We’re honored that our products are behind these artists as well as the next generation of musical innovators.”
Milestones is sponsored in part by American Idol Underground, Berklee College of Music, DJ Times, Electronic Musician, EQ, Future Music, Keyboard, Music and Sound Retailer, Remix, Sam Ash Music, Scratch, Sweetwater and Testa Communications.
Numark, Alesis, and Akai Professional will donate proceeds from the Milestones event to endow scholarships that will be awarded annually to promising students hoping to pursue their studies through the Berklee City Music Program, a five-week tutorial and mentoring program that gives urban teens from Greater Boston access to music education at no cost to their them or their families. Since 1991, the Berklee City Music Program has been a life-changing experience for nearly 500 economically disadvantaged young people.
Tickets will go on sale June 15, 2006 and are available through Ticketmaster at 617-931-2000 or on the web at www.milestones2006.com. “
Make sure your there. Get your tickets here.
