You need to slice? There’s an app for that. No more hardware needed Serato’s iOS app now gives you the luxury of handling slicing through its Serato remote app. It cant be used with any compatible Serato DJ supported hard ware. Check out the video below for a walk through.
http://serato.com/remote
Jay Electronica has been enjoying the spoils of his relationship with the lovely Kate Rothschild, he hasn’t necessarily been making noise with his music. His once promising rap career seemed top be derailed by his partners wealth, she did after all leave her husband to be with Mr. Electronica.
Well now he’s back and he brought controversy with him, in the form of Jay-Z. A few weeks ago Drake had made a comment on Hova’s reference to owning expensive art that as something that most people cant relate to, and I cant say I disagree. Either way Jay-Z didnt take to his comment and made a comment of his own, even referring to him as Miss. Drizzy. So is this real beef or just a fabricated argument strategically placed for promotion? Only time will tell.
Serato wants you to make more money. They want you to expand your business and become a better DJ by becoming a VJ. No pressure just check out what’s new below.
Rane has been playing second fiddle to Pioneer when it comes to mixers. The Rane 68 did not receive the best reviews so it’s important that the 64 make a positive impact. The 62 was the predecessor to both of these mixers was much more popular and widely used, the 64 seems to capitalize on that success with a few new improvements to make this a very competitive mixer.
The days of mixers priced at $200 and under are over, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Rane 64 boasts integrated Serato DJ software. This makes the 64 a great mixer for a wide variety of DJ’s. Just plug it in sync it up and your ready to mix.
Sometimes it’s the little things that count. Dual usb ports give this particular mixer an added selling point. With today’s technology constantly improving, just about everything electronic can be linked with a usb fitting. These ports also allow separate midi messages to each individual port, allowing DJs to toggle back and forth.
Ultimately the 64 sits right in between the 68 and 62. The integrated software and multi function put it in the high end mixer talk and gives pioneer products a run for their money. Having the availability of these two companies dueling for the best product only leads to better tools for DJ’s themselves. The Rane 64 definitely lives up to that concept.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and fashion is not a luxury, it is a statement. Whether it’s flashy or low key an, fashion can say a lot an individual. Hip hop culture has always been on the fore front of contemporary fashion. Thru the years we have been blessed with ingenious conceptions such as: Hammer pants, cross colors and the always popular rolled up pant leg. When it comes to clothing trends hip hop’s influence has been expansive on the fashion world and that theme still rings true. More and more artists are developing their own clothing lines that encompass everything from shoes to shirt, giving their fans the opportunity to represent from head to toe. Their approach has been fearless, so naturally the next step in this musically inspired culture is skirts for men?
Kanye West has always been fashion forward and bent on establishing himself as an icon in the industry. On many occasions he has voiced his desire to break into the fashion design realm. Nike has given him the task of occasionally developing a sneaker that is always well received. In a recent rant with Sway he attributed himself with the conception of the leather sweat pant, but spoke on his displeasure with the lack of backing in regards to his own clothing line. He did what any other scorned aspiring designer would do, he started to wear a skirt. He debuted this trend with Pusha T and 2 Chainz donning these wraps and sparking this trend and it caught on.
A$AP rocky has been daring with his appearance as well and not shy about his love for the eccentric. Attending many fashion shows for inspiration for his next big outfit. He has been daring with his fur coat collection. His shoe game always has been and always will be on point. The only logical step from here is obvious, a skirt is what will take him over the top. Rocky did not disappoint and became the next one to wear a skirt or in one case a dress.
With gender lines getting blurrier every day and same sex becoming legal, these men can be viewed as trend setters. While Omar Epps defended his skirt with an honorable ode to his African roots the true message is equality. Forget how they look or of they serve a purpose, men wearing skirts breaks down barriers.
5 ways to make your DJ business more effective
1. Get an 800 number
It is cheap and easy to make your business available to everyone. It definitely gives off a professional look to the business. Some companies even have corresponding apps that make managing the number easy. Here are some companies that are priced pretty well.
http://www.tollfreeforwarding.com
2. Blogging
Blogging can be easier than you think. At this point if you are not using every social media outlet than you are behind. Post your soundcloud mixes and tag the artists on the songs. Blogging can consist of upcoming events (EDC, LIB etc..). Just put information that people will read and update during the weekdays.
http://electricdaisycarnival.com/
http://lightninginabottle.org/
3. Send cards that grade performance
Some working DJ’s use this technique now, ask your customer what they thought of your performance. If you are working weddings or events as well as the club scene this is a must. It will improve your overall skill and make it easy to ask for referrals after a good grade.
http://thethrivingsmallbusiness.com/free-customer-comment-card-template/
4. Make everything professional
Get a legitimate logo if you don’t already have one. You can have a logo designed for a good price by a professional crew. Once you have a logo, marketing yourself at events becomes a little easier. A nice clean business card can go a long way and put your face on as may promos as possible. It’s a new age and seeing your face can make some customers feel a little better. DJing is more popular now than ever and the possibility to work different types of events is real. Aggressive marketing and branding will help get your foot in the door.
http://99designs.com/logo-design
https://ww.deluxe.com/small-business/brand-identity/logo-design
5.Think outside the box
That cliché has been used again and again, but it has merit. As stated above DJing is becoming more flexible and many different types of events are hiring DJ’s to give them a soundtrack. If you haven’t heard of DJ2nd nature then takes the time and do some research. He is still regarded as one of the best DVJ’s in the business and has taken his game to a new level. He has made his craft respectable and charges premium pricing for his work. He is as prevalent in the corporate world as well as the DJ world by setting the tone for many corporate workshops and events.
Will trap music last longer than dubstep did? It would depend on who is asked. Dubstep was the misunderstood offspring of electric dance music. It came onto the scene with gusto, Dj’s were making dubstep remixes of mainstream songs and seeing success, companies like Microsoft and Ovalitine were running commercials with a dubstep theme. Then it just died. Trap music seems to be gaining a familiar steam and potentially setting itself up for a fall like its misunderstood predecessor. The roots of Trap music would lead to believe otherwise.
The trap genre was propelled into recent fame in 2012 with a culmination of Flosstradamus,Major Lazor and Baauer giving this new sound a bright and exciting future. Baauer’s Harlem shake went viral, Flosstradamus made Orignal Don slow down and everyone paid attention. Major Lazor walks hand in hand in harmony with dance, trap and hip hop music. These are all very good signs in regards to the music’s longevity but its greatest strength is the fact that it has been prevalent in some form for a long time.
The sounds produced by the 808 drum machine are the tie that binds two generations together. In the early 90’s and late 2000’s trap music was defined by artists like Three 6 Mafia, Jeezy and the always unpredictable Gucci Man. The term trap referred to the block or part of the neighborhood where drugs were sold. The lyrics in the song reflected that lifestyle T.I. even named one of his albums “Trap Muzic”. Little did we know that base lines were going to keep beating into the next generation?
t.i. TRAP MUZIK 2003
Anything that can inspire a dance style that makes women shake their ass will always last. While Miley is off somewhere twerking, trap music is having the same effect on the dance floors. While dubstep gained notoriety from remixes of mainstream song it didn’t necessarily make them better. It’s a dance floor killer, the majority of the people don’t or should I say can’t dance to dub step. Despite the fact it was spawned from electronic dance music it truly only appealed to the eclectic ear. Sadly the advertising and movie industries also had its hand in dub steps demise, flooding television commercials and block buster movie fight scenes saturating the public with exposure.
Deep roots in both hip hop and now electronic dance, trap music has made the generational leap possible. With its propensity of making women dance provocatively and flexibility between hip hop and dance mainstream success is inevitable. Trap music looks like it’s here to stay and if you need more evidence of how far it’s come, just watch the video below.
Meet DJ Soundninja, originally from Marceline, Missouri is now residing in St. Joseph, Missouri. His interest for DJ’ing started his sophomore year in geometry class while daydreaming of DJ names, as you can see he chose DJ Soundninja and stuck with it since then. In 2007 he was a drummer for his band called “Our Last Run” and on the side he would DJ for small parties, bars, and weddings. After his band broke up he decided to pursue his DJ’ing career. Starting off as a campus DJ at Missouri Western State University and eventually becoming a resident DJ at the Belt Sports Complex. DJ Soundninja also shared with us that his first gig was at his cousins house party while his parents were out of town, he said he a blast and made good tip money, too bad the fun ended when his cousins parents came back.
Being a full time DJ and loving every second of his job, DJ Soundninja also enjoys recording in his home studio, Soundninja Studios working with his artist Tres (@Tres314) and performing with Daniel Cole (@DColeDrums). Being St. Joseph’s top DJ he also had a chance to open for touring acts such as 3OH!3, Sammy Adams, XV, and Timeflies! DJ Soundninja loves Hip-Hop and Dubstep so if this your type of music make sure you check him out at Headquarters Nightclub on Wednesdays and Fridays, Hammerjacks Dance Club on Thursday nights and he will be at a lot of venues around Kansas City this summer. You will find him playing the hottest club bangers, tracks with a lot of bass and anything with Kendrick Lamar. Some of his favorites that never fail are “Wobble” by V.I.C., “Pop That” by French Montana ft. Rick Ross, Drake, & Lil Wayne, and when he really wants to turn up he plays “No Hands” by Waka. Sounds like if you want to have a good time you really need to go party with DJ Soundninja!
He has traveled all over Missouri and Kansas and will be going to different states this summer. He hopes to be living his dream and playing in other countries; we have no doubt that he will be performing with the big time DJ’s. Surely if follows his advice that he recommends to all DJ’s “Always reach for the next big thing and never settle for less and keep working to move forward” he is sure to make it far! He tells us that a good DJ is someone who can go to a venue and feel the vibe and make create something personal and unique just for them while knowing your mix. Some of the DJ’s he looks up to are; DJ AM with his ruthless mixes, DJ Spinbad and he is a huge Deadmau5 fan!
Infinity and beyond
When the buttons on phones become a nuisance, they were replaced with smart phones. Laptops replaced the immovable desktop computer, and then were replaced by tablets. Technology is making our lives easier but that isn’t always necessarily a good thing. The conversion from books to e-readers was not an easy one, most avid reader’s like the feel of a book in their hand. DJ’s are no different, there have been some futuristic advancements in the equipment that are not welcomed with open arms.
Music went digital then 12 inch record became obsolete and a novelty collection item. Following technological trends it would you lead you to believe that touch screen applications would be next. The Emulator is futuristic and looks like something out of a daft punk video and for all intents and purposes an amazing product. Deadmau5 has developed touch screen software that looks very similar. The idea aggressive and plausible but not popular.
DeadMau5 software
Then there is this thing it looks like to tool used to open the star gate. At first glance there is nothing on this machine that looks musical at all. It actually looks like an overzealous sifi fan was recreating something from their favorite movie. In reality it makes beautiful music and presents itself the same way. Seeing this in a night club would be mind blowing to patrons and present them with a amazing show.
There are a lot of variables to consider for DJ’s to make a switch to tools like these. Cost, training and portability all seem like natural objections to equipment like this. At the very least these technological advances are just a sign of what the future holds.
(props to the first person that chooses the moniker DJ Chief Anderton)
Projectors vs. Flat screens
“A DJ is only as good as it tools”, if that isn’t a quote it should be. Equipment is crucial for any final product. A high performance car needs low profile tires and premium parts, a superior pizza will be made with superior sauce, cheese and dough. A good DJ should look at their equipment choices as a way of improving their business. The quality of the final is all the truly matters and premium equipment is a crucial price.
A working VJ has a caveat to their performance that standard DJ’s don’t, video. Like other DJ’s they have to purchase the best equipment to make their mixes and perform shows, but VJ’s have to take into consideration the video aspect when setting up. There are two types of equipment used to accomplish this projector and flat screen monitors/Tv. Naturally there are low end and high end versions of both of these, the more important question is which one is better.
The advantages with high definition flat screens are obvious, we deal with them as consumer when buying one for the house. They can be slim and light weight offering superior color quality and picture clarity. Smart TV will connect to the internet and sync to a laptop if necessary, in many instances most of these venue will already have these installed. Traveling with these flat screens can be troublesome, setting them up at each venue and the frailty of the screens themselves can make it difficult. Using TV’s provided technology and far superior picture quality make a flat screen TV a great fit.
At first glance projectors do not seem to measure up to the flat screens. They offer no technological advantages and have inferior picture quality. Most venues will not provide projectors, so owning them is basically mandatory. With all that said they are the equipment of choice for most VJ’s. Projectors are light weight and great for traveling. They expand larger than most flat screens and can be placed in strategic sight lines. DJ’s at the core are artist, and each time they spin it is a performance. VJ’s incorporate a visual experience into the performance to take it to that next level. Projectors do not offer the same quality of picture and that is an advantage for a working VJ. These performances are predominantly done inside clubs and bars. The grainy video projected un-centered and out of frame on a wall can give that experience a different feel. Although the mixing of videos is impressive and worth watching, the DJ’s job is to make people dance and they can’t do that if they are mesmerized by what is on a TV screen.
First and foremost the art of mixing needs to be mastered, then the equipment is chosen. Once that is accomplished the equipment needs to be purchased. The quality of the equipment needs to be taken into consideration but the fact that this is a form of art with the intention of people dancing needs to always be the main focus.