Archive for the 'ie.MERG' Category
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)ieMERG not defending title in ‘06 DMC
With the 2006 World DMC Finals only a month away, two time World DMC champion ieMERG has announced he will not be back to defend his title in 2006.
“After 5 solo world titles and 10 national titles, my personal legacy in this realm feels complete. (and BTW, It’s a nice round number to leave off at. -George Carlin)”
- ieMERG states in his myspace blog.
ieMERG stepping down means that Phel will now be defending the crown at Hammersmith Palais in only a couple of weeks time.
Keep yourself posted with all the latest news via the 2006 World DMC website
Spinoff ‘05 Final - ie.merg V illtrax
In anticipation of the upcoming turntablist extraviganza - SPINOFF ‘06. I thought I would post some video highlights from 2005.
The competition was tight at the finals of last years Guitar Center SPINOFF. Illtrax won the competitors field and went on to battle the two time world DMC champion ie.merg for the spinoff ‘05 title. ie.merg held the title for the third year running winning $5,000 cold hard cash. Check out the footage below:
UPDATE: The above info has been updated as it was previously incorrect - due to someone passing me the wrong info. I apologize.
Guitar Center Spinoff ‘06
GUITAR CENTER’S SPIN OFF GRAND FINALS TO FEATURE STONES THROW FAMILY
(Madlib, J.Rocc, Peanut Butter Wolf, Percee P, Med, A-Trak)
Eighth Annual DJ Competition Brings Nation’s Top Battle DJs to the Forefront
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. (July 31, 2006) - Guitar Center today announced the lineup for the 2006 Spin Off grand finals competition taking place Sept. 1 at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall. The event will feature Stones Throw Records’ roster of MCs and DJs including Madlib, J.Rocc, Peanut Butter Wolf, Percee P, Med, A-Trak and others plus an exclusive J DILLA tribute.
“With the Stones Throw family sharing the stage with the nation’s six best undiscovered battle DJs in San Francisco, this year’s Spin Off grand finals will celebrate hip-hop and showcase its artistic roots,” said Kyle Rogers, marketing manager for Guitar Center. “The opportunity these six DJs have to share the stage with groundbreaking artists and win massive prizing helps them in the pursuit of establishing themselves firmly in the turntablist world.
“Focusing on the artistic and underground aspects of the DJ community, this year’s Spin Off grand finals promises to be the most authentic in the event’s history. Headlining the bill will be Madlib, arguably one of the most creative producers in the industry, bringing his multifaceted, jazz-influenced beats to the hip-hop scene. Also performing will be Peanut Butter Wolf, founder of Stones Throw Records, and A-Trak, Kanye West’s current DJ, who is well known for breaking technical boundaries and winning DJ championships across the world. Finally, J.Rocc, of the Beat Junkies fame, will showcase his innate knowledge of rhythmic transitions to the stage. Getting the night started will be world DJ battle champions ie.Merg_ and Craze performing a special one-time collaboration with the experimental Machine Drum. The six finalists will be judged by a powerhouse panel, including A-Trak, ie.Merge_, Craze, Peanut Butter Wolf, J.Rocc, Dan “the Automator” and Kid Koala.
As a bonus at the grand finals, legendary street artist Shepard Fairey will perform a live art installation on stage during the Stones Throw family performance. The completed artwork will be then be auctioned off to benefit a charity yet to be determined.
Beginning Aug. 1, tickets will be available for purchase for $12 via www.tickets.com, www.virtuous.com and through The Great American Hall Box Office.
The 2006 Spin Off champion will take home a 2006 Scion xB, a trip to the Nike iD studios and a session with a Nike laser designer, a $2,500 Obey shopping spree and a one-of-a-kind “Obey the Champ” Technics SL-1200MK5 turntable.
For this event Guitar Center has partnered with some of the nation’s leading brands, including Toyota Scion, Technics, Rane, Nike, Stones Throw Records, Obey, Napster, B-52 Professional, SOBE and Scratch and XXL magazines.
About Stones Throw Records
Peanut Butter Wolf, founder and president of Stones Throw, became popular as a DJ in the Bay Area in the 1990s. He has since transformed into an artist in his own right and the head of one of the most influential indie hip-hop labels in the country. By remaining true to his musical philosophy, Wolf has introduced musicians such as Madlib into the hip-hop scene and has brought some of the genre’s most respected artists to the label such as the late J. Dilla and MF Doom, creating a varied catalogue that includes new hip-hop, undiscovered gems of soul and inspiring niche and cult projects. His efforts add up to a recording company that transcends a brand and takes on surprising new directions with every release. For more info, visit www.stonesthrow.com.
About Guitar Center
Guitar Center is the leading United States retailer of guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment. Our retail store subsidiary presently operates 185 Guitar Center stores across the United States. In addition, our Music & Arts division operates 91 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students. We are also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician’s Friend, Inc., and its catalog and web site, www.musiciansfriend.com. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company’s web site at www.guitarcenter.com.
If you want to buy tickets click here
For more info check out the Guitar Center / Spinoff website
DMC WORLD DJ Championships 2006
Got the skills to pay the bills….
Who will take out the Technics DMC World DJ championship titles this year? Will ie.MERG manage to hold his world title for another year to go down in the history books next to DJ Craze? Can C2C hold their team title for the third year running? Will Who can take out the Battle for World Supremecy?
Be sure to check out the 2006 World DMC site. While your there - have a look in the archives for photos, audio and video from the previous world championships.
Scratching & Beat Juggling Videos
Yo! The infamous Choppa_HeAvy pointed towards a dope site; Hand Control. They have HEAPS of crazy scratching, beat juggline and battle videos of turntablists such as; ie.MERG, Netik, D-Styles, Mike Bookie, Toadstyle and the Birdy Nam Nam crew. This joint has the most freely available, decent quality Turntablism Videos I’ve seen on the net. Take note of, and bookmark their video section - some crazy dope shit there. ie.MERG shows off his tight beat jugging skills and classy cuts in DJ Craze’s Miami Studios. Netik’s flawless scratching routines never fail to please - gotta love his style. These guys have a NICE collection - check it out. Also worth noting are the Audios and Loops/Players sections. Definately worth checkin out! Two faders up T T.
