DMb | Dance Music blog & Podcast » Producer

Remix Contest from TrackitDown and Prime Loops

djnth — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:08:00 +0000

Music download store Trackitdown.net team up with sample pack creators Prime Loops for Remix Addict! An exclusive download pack and remix competition that will see a winning track chosen by none other than MJ Cole, D. Ramirez and Crissy Criss.

The free Remix Addict download pack gives you 15 selected loops from the Addict Trilogy series that are completely royalty free, and can be used in all your projects and releases as well as the Remix Addict Competition. Any style of music can be submitted for the contest.

Winner to receive:
1 x Propellerheads Reason 4 & Propellerheads Record Music Software (Mac and Windows)
1 x IK Multimedia T-Racks Deluxe Mastering Bundle (Mac and Windows)
1 x 10 free Sample Packs from Prime Loops
1 x £100 Download Voucher from Trackitdown.net
1 x 12 Month Subscription for Computer Music Magazine
1 x Digital Music Distribution Package for 1 Track by Zimbalam & Believe Digital

Plus a huge range of merchandise from Prime Loops, Trackitdown and your favourite labels and artists.

The judges will be looking out for: no clashing keys and notes, perfect beat syncing, good track structure, the appearance of a hook line (either lead synth, bass or vocals), clean and well balanced mix down, intelligent editing of loops and of course, something that represents your production style – whatever the genre! Additional use of royalty free samples and original sounds are encouraged but submissions featuring uncleared copyrighted material will not be accepted.

Get the Sample Pack

Contest ends June 1, 2010.

DMb Interviews Sander van Doorn

djnth — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:54:38 +0000

Sander van Doorn has been on a tear lately remixing some of the biggest artists out there and playing every massive around the world. He recently took some time to do a quick interview with DanceMusicblog and here it is.

So you’ve been getting a lot of great press lately and you’ve been doing some high-profile remix work for Depeche Mode and The Killers to name a few. How did you feel and what kind of approach do you take when doing a remix for such an influential band as Depeche Mode?

It was an honour to be asked to remix the Depeche Mode track. I’ve been a fan for years and feel privileged to have my name attached to their music. I guess I approach it the same as any other remix but make sure it really works and does the original song justice.

The Killers are one of the biggest bands on the planet with some great melodies. That can make remixing a track easy when you have great parts to work with, especially when it’s a strong vocal.

Did you get to speak with any if the band members of DM, The Killers, or other artists before you started work on a remix?

No I didn’t speak to them. It’s extremely rare to do so when you’re doing a remix.

They must, obviously, like your work to choose you to reinterpret their music. Did they give you any specific instructions or ideas they had for a remix or did you have complete control over it?

No they left me to do as I thought best. I guess I was chosen because they like my style and they thought it would work well with the parts of the tracks. Obviously you work very hard on a remix when it’s for artists like the Killers or Depeche Mode.

Your second remix of the Killers’ track Spaceman has been my favorite track the past month or so. The lead synth string sound has a haunting kinda feel to it. What can you tell us about that sound and how you work in the studio?

That sound is a sample from the Killers track that I treated with some overdrive and other effects. The best way to see how I work in the studio is to watch the Studio Sessions videos on my website which show how I create my projects, some of the equipment I use and some tips and tricks.

Do you primarily use hardware, software, or both?

I use a mixture of both. I have some great hardware synths in my studio including the classic Moog Voyager, the Virus C and also the Dave Smith ‘Evolver’ which I used as the main lead in ‘Riff’. A couple of my favourite soft synths are ‘Omnisphere’ by Spectrasonics and’ Predator’ by Rob Papen.

What are your favorite instruments?

I don’t really play any instruments except the keyboard, I’m more of a technology geek – I love my synths! I’m a big fan of Rob Papen synths and love to play around and make interesting sounds.

Are you using software when Djing?

At the moment I mix just using cds. I used to be a vinyl junkie but nowadays it’s so much easier traveling with a CD wallet! I am very interested in new technology and may incorporate it into my live shows in the future.

Do you do any live remixing?

Not at the moment

What has been one of your favorite gigs lately?

I had an amazing weekend recently where I closed the Mystery Land Festival in Amsterdam with a huge fireworks show in the middle of my set. It was a real honour to close such a great festival and I recommend everyone to get over there next year!

I kinda think that most good DJs, before they were DJs, used to be those people on the dancefloor really tearing it up and getting down. Were you like that?

I started going out to parties when I was 14. We had parties in Holland called ‘Tunnel Raves’ which are like free parties. It was from going to these that I knew I wanted to be a DJ.

I rarely see any DJs out on the dancefloor and it’s kinda sad that that is something people stop doing when they become a DJ. How cool would it be to be dancing and look next to you and see Sander van Doorn? Do you ever get out there and shake your money maker?

I have a hectic shedule of Djing most weekends so it can be difficult to go out and enjoy myself the way I used to. But I like to get involved and have a good dance when I can! At my ‘Dusk’ Till Doorn’ nights I usually have a bit of time to listen to the other DJ’s between my sets, check out the vibe and meet people!

I would like to say thanks to Sander van Doorn for taking time out of his hectic schedule to answer our questions. Are there any last things or bits of promo you’d like to throw out?

Yes! My new single Bastillon is out at the end of September so keep a look out for it! You can catch me Djing at my Dusk Till Doorn nights. I’ll be in Toronto on 24th October, Los Angeles on 31st October and London on 20th November!

Thanks to Rood Media for arranging the interview and be sure to visit Sander’s website and MySpace page at: SandervanDoorn.com | MySpace

Build a Rotary DJ Controller Out of an Old Hard Drive

djnth — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:46:02 +0000

Another cool instructable for turning an old hard drive into a rotary controller that can then be mapped to MIDI to contol some DJ software or some other bit of virtual gear. If anyone technically gifted enough to build one of these does so please post some photos and let us know how it works out.

Full instructions here.

Work with Speedy J on His Next CD Release

djnth — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 02:26:12 +0000

Jochem Paap aka Speedy J has been making news with the announcement of his forthcoming album which will be a collaborative process with anyone who wishes to contribute some loops. He is doing it all from the Soundcloud website. Checking the SoundCloud site I just noticed they have unreleased tracks from MC Hammer’s new album (hmmmm). The site also acts as a way for sending audio files to fellow collaborators.

Here is the info from Speedy J’s Collab page…

What is Open Collabs?
Building on the concept of his past Collabs Projects, Jochem Paap aka Speedy J invites producers worldwide to submit parts for an album collaboration of epic proportions. In times where the vast majority is reluctant to embrace the changes that digital technology brings, he’s reaching out to prove the value of creative synergy new tools and formats have to offer. The project will be a manifest of these values, re-injecting progress into electronic music. The resulting album will be released on his label Electric Deluxe, profits will be shared with all artists appearing on it 50/50.

What is a Part?
A part can be a loop, sample, bassline, sound effect, or any conceivable combination of the above. Check ot some of Speedy J’s own example parts here.

How Does it Work?
The entire collaboration will take place on Soundcloud. Participants can send their audio to Speedy J via the Open Collabs Dropbox. The creation process can be followed via www.SpeedyJ.com, and participants will be able to comment on the work in progress. Keep and eye on this page for audio-updates and news.

Paul Oakenfold Drunk & Homeless in L.A. Bus Depot

djnth — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:01:02 +0000

Paul Oakenfold, once the #1 DJ in the world, was photographed drunken, unkempt, and apparently homeless in a Los Angeles bus depot. My how he has fallen.

His latest release Greatest Hits & Remixes, out Oct. 23 on Perfecto must not being doing too well. This collection features his remixes of Justin Timberlake, U2, Madonna, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead and others.

(editor’s note: We have reports that this photo might not actually be Paul Oakenfold but rather one of the cast members of ABC’s new sitcoms “Cavemen”. We’ll keep you posted.)