viernes, 31 de julio de 2015

Dubspot Radio Podcast: PBDY (Brainfeeder, TAR, Low End Theory) + Exclusive Mix and Interview!


For this episode of the Dubspot Radio Rewind, we turn up the volume on one of our favorite guest mixes from Low End Theory favorite, Brainfeeder comrade, and TAR label head, PBDY. We also sat down with PBDY to talk about his label TAR, DJ and production focus, and involvement with Brainfeeder and Low End Theory events.

PBDY

Are you a DJ first or Producer first? What moves you with music? And more specifically, what is it that you love about the mix? 

I’m without a doubt (currently) a DJ first. I’ve been trying to focus more on the production side of things as of recently though. It’s just hard for me to stop wanting to mix tunes. I love the ebb & flow of sounds. That pushes me to create my mixes that way as well. That is the aspect i enjoy most about making a mix. Taking people from point A to point B. Beginning, Middle & End. That creates the story & most (if not all) of my mixes are stories.

Tell us about the vibe of this mix you created for the Dubspot Podcast? Any specific tracks or artists that you’d like to mention? 

I took a little break from making mixes so this was my first one in a while. I wanted to create something reminesecnt of my past mixes. Make it a little far out, weirdo shit basically. Anything from Mac Demarco to DJ Hoodboi. Lots of unreleased cuts in there as well. A perfect blend of madness & heaviness.

I noticed that as a style, you mix fast. How did this happen? An evolution of style? Or something that has always been a part of your momentum?

I’m not sure exactly how that fast sorta frantic style of mixing came to be who I am. I think I’ve always been like that. I call it like ‘Musical ADD’. It’s sorta on that like there is just too much good music out there to hold back. I like to overwhelm the listener with a massive amount of tracks. Tease them a bit, but give them enough so they can vibe off it still & take notes. I also think growing up watching people like Gaslamp Killer, who can play anything he wants whenever he wants sorta inspired me too for sure. It’s all about the freedom to choose.

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Tell us about your involvement with Brainfeeder. How long have you been working with the label / collective and how did it come about? 

I’ve been friends with Flying Lotus since like 2007 or so. He pretty much inspired me to want to make the move and come live in LA and squad up with Brainfeeder. To me when I was living in Phoenix, Brainfeeder & Lotus were the only real things I had to escape to. It was always the dream to be living in Los Angeles working with them. I remember day dreaming about that shit always. Then a little over 3 years ago I got a text message from Lotus saying that Gaslamp Killer needed a roommate and the rest is history. If it wasn’t for Flylo & Brainfeeder I would still be in Arizona. They pushed me to want more.

You are a long time favorite at Low End Theory and Brainfeeder events, did this happen as a natural evolution of DJ style? How did you find your sound in the midst of this pressure cooker of sounds? 

I think we all have our roles in the cosmos. It’s just a matter of how long until you find out what that role is. I’m not even sure how all this came about but i feel so blessed to rock with Low End Theory & Brainfeeder. 2013 Brainfeeder SXSW  Showcase was the i think the true test. Since then i’ve played with them in New York & Japan as well. Japan was too life changing. Best experience of my life. Brainfeeder events are so fun to rock. Feel blessed every time I touch stage.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tell us about TAR 

TAR is my little pet project. It’s just a place where I can put people onto some new tunes that i’ve been vibing on. Premise is all 3 track releases only, all free digital stuff. Anything from punk to footwork. Artists worldwide. I’m just about to release the 16th release. It’s a year old now.

From what we have heard about the TAR label, it’s a very eclectic and varied output that indicates a thoughtful curation process. What are the variables you look for in a release?

My only real goal is to put out music that could be for anyone/everyone. It’s my own personal interests put into the world. I know i’m not the only person who likes Dead Kennedys & Machinedrum you know? It’s for all the people who forgot what they really like to listen to. I don’t just drop music from people who have status already. Half the artists i’ve worked with on TAR are fairly unknown. But should be more known.

The music on TAR free, how do you pull that off? 

Yup, all free. This is just the first phase of it all. The artists get the concept too and understand this isn’t for the money making, this is for the purpose of spreading good sounds. How can I ask people to invest in something I’m doing if I’m not willing to invest into it myself? TAR will continue to be free as long as i’m doing it. Of course I’m making merch & such too that will be out soon. There’s no contracts or anything like that, it’s a mutual understanding of pushing good sounds to the world.

 Can you tell us about how the label came about?

It was suppose to just be a Zine at first but then I started getting some really good demos from people who I had never heard of before. So I was like, why should I be the only one who can enjoy this stuff? So I put the zine on hold & started a website & compiled some artists I thought fit the squad.

What is your philosophy for TAR? 

TAR is what remains when all else crumbles.

brainfeeder

Talk to us about the democratization of music through technology and the simultaneous fall of profitability in the music industry. Is this all a good thing? 

I embrace technology. I think it’s a natural progression & if one doesn’t catch up then they will be left behind. To not utilize this would be unjust. If people can’t figure out how to make money in the music industry they should just quit. There is always a way, people just need to adapt.

Who inspires you musically at the moment? 

People who inspire me lately a lot are like of course Lotus (who is the constant inspiration), Shabaaz Palaces, Jeremiah Jae, Djemba Djemba, these people push limits without even thinking about it.

So what is PBDY? Where did that come from?

PBDY basically is abbreviated from ‘Peabody’. Based off the ‘Mr. Peabody & Sherman’ cartoons. This is way before the movie came out lol.

I heard you played at a Warp Records festival in Chicago a few weeks back.. how did that come about? That must have been a legendary moment! 

The Warp Records party in Chicago was so amazing. Was wayyyy honored to rock that show. King Britt, Total Freedom, Jeremiah Jae, DJ Manny & DJ Spinn, playing with people like that is always a dream. Everyone killed it. I can only hope to join them more!

Tell us about what you are currently involved in – musically, label wise, and DJ wise

Currently I’m touring a bit more on and off for DJing. Hopefully Texas, San Fran & a mini Canada tour soon. I’m also working on a record with Jeremiah Jae, we go by JP Moregun. That will hopefully be out early 2015. I’m really trying to get grinding on production a lot more soon.

What inspires you to keep going in this ever changing world of sound? 

What inspires me is the fact that I know I have something to bring to the table. I’m inspired by wanting to show people more and more sounds. Living in Los Angeles inspires me massively.

Is Los Angeles the Mecca of music right now?

I’m not sure if it’s the ‘Mecca’ but to me right now it’s the mothership.

Keep up with PBDY on Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Website

Open House in NYC: Sundays 11am | Guided Tour of LA

Ask questions. Watch demos. Test drive workstations.

Visit our New York and Los Angeles locations! Ask our Admissions Counselors in-depth questions about our programs, curriculum and philosophy. Watch live music production and DJ demos, and test drive our student workstations. If you are still trying to decide what you are looking for, stop by one of our Open Houses in NYC or schedule a tour in LA to find out more about the learning process at Dubspot. We can also help with scheduling details and payment options.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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The post Dubspot Radio Podcast: PBDY (Brainfeeder, TAR, Low End Theory) + Exclusive Mix and Interview! appeared first on Dubspot Blog.

jueves, 30 de julio de 2015

miércoles, 29 de julio de 2015

martes, 28 de julio de 2015

El vinilo canadiense de Serato

Serato inicia una nueva línea de vinilos de control de su serie performance, decorados con motivos de banderas nacionales, con la versión remasterizada de su señal de control y en edición limitada de 500 parejas. El primero es de Canadá. ¿Habrá una edición con la bandera española?

http://bit.ly/1LVuhK4

Ableton Live Tutorial: 4 Rhythmic Gating Methods w/ Rory PQ + Free Download


In this Ableton Live Tutorial, Dubspot’s Rory PQ takes us through four methods of creating rhythmic gate style effects to add movement and energy to sustained sounds. Also included is an Ableton Live project loaded with racks and examples of the rhythmic gating methods covered in this tutorial.

ableton_live_tutorial_rhythmicgating

One of the most commonly used audio effects utilized in all styles of music is the Noise Gate. Noise Gate effects have many practical applications and are used as either corrective or creative tools. For example, Noise Gate’s can be used as a corrective tool to eliminate background noise that occurs between sounds, or used to clean up a mix by cutting off long reverb or delay tails. In addition, Noise Gate’s work great to shape a sounds decay to either tighten up long notes or control syncopation between sounds to achieve a tighter groove. Noise Gates also excel as a creative tool in the studio for sound design purposes or on the road in live performances as an audio effect to excite the crowd.

In this tutorial, we will look at four rhythmic gating methods and sound design techniques using various Ableton Live devices. In addition, we have included a Creative Gating Ableton Live Project loaded with the Audio Effect Racks and examples of the  four rhythmic gating methods covered in this tutorial.

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Rhythmic Gating with Dummy Clips

Using Dummy Clips to trigger automation is a great way to build a complex set of rhythmic gate patterns. You may ask, “What are Dummy Clips?” The term Dummy Clip is used to describe an empty Audio Clip that contains automation for modulating a specified parameter of any device in Ableton Live. They are used to trigger automation only and are not intended to playback any audio. Learn more about Dummy Clips and how to create them in the following article:

Ableton Live Tutorial: Building Dummy Clip DJ Effects w/ Rory PQ + FREE Download

Rhythmic gating using Dummy Clips allows you to create unique rhythmic patterns with automation envelopes that can be drawn in or recorded to give you complete control over how the sound is being gated. In addition, you’re not limited to using a Gate device for this method. You have the option to use any device that can dynamically affect levels. For example, you could use volume envelopes or filter frequency envelopes. What’s also nice is that you can build a collection of Gating Dummy Clips that can be easily recalled in future projects.

Rhythmic Gating

For the examples below I created two Dummy Clips to add some creative movement to a sustained pad sound. One Dummy Clip automates Live’s Utility Gain control and the other automates the Auto Filter’s Frequency control. Each Dummy Clip has the same automation envelope but a much different effect.

Rhythmic Gating

Sustained Pad

Rhythmic Gating w/ Utility

Rhythmic Gating w/ Auto Filter

Bonus Tip: You can use a Return Track to feed the gate effect in parallel. To set this up select the track you wish to gate and change the output to ‘Sends Only.’ Next, select the Dummy Clip track and change the input to any empty Return Track. On the track you wish to gate, use the Send knob to control the amount of gate effect being applied in parallel.

Rhythmic Sidechain Gating

The next method of rhythmic gating we will look at involves using Live’s Gate device and its Sidechain feature to trigger the gate effect from another source. This technique is fun and much faster to setup than using Dummy Clips. The source that triggers the Gate’s Sidechain input can either be an audio sample or MIDI sequence. For example, you could set the Gate’s Sidechain source to trigger from a percussion sample so that the effect matches the groove of the project or program a MIDI sequence to create a more complex gate effect.

Rhythmic Gating

Using the same sustained pad sound, we will set up Live’s Gate device to sidechain from both a percussion sample and a programmed MIDI pattern so you can hear the difference. The initial setup is quick and easy. First, drag in Live’s Gate device onto any track you wish to gate. Next, expand the Sidechain controls and choose the source material to trigger the gate effect. Lastly, fine tune the Gate’s Threshold, Attack, and Release settings until you’re happy with the results. Often, a fast Attack and medium Release is a good starting point.

Rhythmic Gating

Rhythmic Gating Triggered by Audio

Rhythmic Gating Triggered by MIDI

Stutter Gating w/ Auto Pan

The third rhythmic gating method we will look at uses Live’s Auto Pan device. This method is by far the simplest form of gating and the easiest to set up. However, it lacks the fine control seen in the previous methods. Auto Pan does a great job adding stereo width and movement to your sounds, but it can also be used to create gate style stutter effects that sync to the project’s tempo. Let’s explore this further. Auto Pan has a Phase control to adjust the amount of offset between the waveforms for the left and right channel. Setting the Phase to ’0.00′ will leave you with a single waveform that modulates amplitude. Essentially it’s an LFO to control volume levels. Once the Phase is set, you can fine-tune the effect by selecting an LFO Waveform and adjusting the Rate, Shape, and Amount to control how much of the effect is being applied.

Bonus Tip: You can drop in multiple instances of Auto Pan with different waveform settings to create a more unique gating effect. You could also adjust the Offset slightly to add some stereo width. Caution, sounds can become very sharp and percussive, so it’s recommended to drop in a Compressor to tame the gate party.

rhythmic gating

Stutter Gating w/ Auto Pan

Sidechained Rate Gate

The final rhythmic gating method we will look at is similar to the rhythmic sidechain gating method we explored earlier, except it allows us to adjust the MIDI notes triggering the gate effect on the fly. This approach uses Live’s Compressor instead of a Gate and a custom Audio Effect Rack (included in the free project download) stacked with Live’s Arpeggiator and Simpler loaded with a sample to trigger the Compressor’s Sidechain input.

Rhythmic Gating

The combination of devices allows you to adjust the rate at which tempo synced notes trigger sidechain compression on the track you wish to apply the effect. Essentially, it’s like traditional sidechaining but with the option to increase and decrease the pumping effect on the fly to create tempo-synced patterns. The setup involves loading a Compressor on the track you wish to effect and setting the Sidechain input to the Audio Effect Rack that is loaded on a separate MIDI track. On the same MIDI track create a clip that has a single sustained note for 1 or more bars. The Arpeggiator will play this note at a rate you can adjust with a turn of a knob. This rack works great for adding additional movement to sounds and creating pumping buildups that increase in rate.Rhythmic Gating

Sidechained Rate Gate

Bonus Tip: Try applying some delay or any of your favorite effects to any of these methods to enhance the sound.

Also, check the following article to learn how to use Live’s Beat Repeat to create some fun rhythmic effects.

Ableton Live Tutorial: Rhythmic Stereo Beat Repeat Rack + Free Download w/ Josh Spoon

 

warping multiple clips

Ableton Live Producer Certificate Program

The flagship of our music training, with every Ableton Live course offered at the school. After completing this program, you will leave with a portfolio of original tracks, a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live.

What’s Included:

  • Ableton Live Level 1: Beats, Sketches, and Ideas
  • Ableton Live Level 2: Analyze, Deconstruct, Recompose, and Assemble
  • Ableton Live Level 3: Synthesis and Original Sound Creation
  • Ableton Live Level 4: Advanced Sound Creation
  • Ableton Live Level 5: Advanced Effect Processing
  • Ableton Live Level 6: Going Global with your Music

This program is about learning Ableton Live by going through the entire process of being an artist, by developing your own sound through a series of sketches and experimentation. You will also learn the ins and outs of this powerful software through a series of exercises designed to help you master the steps involved in producing your own music. After a level of getting familiar with the tools that Ableton has to offer, you will then develop your sonic ideas into full-length tracks. You will be exposed to a variety of approaches to arrangement and composition, storytelling techniques, ways of creating tension and drama in your music. At the end of the day, it is the sum total of your choices as an artist that define your sound, and Levels 2 – 6 will give you the experience of actually completing tracks to add to your portfolio.

Click here for detailed information on this program, including start dates and payment plans.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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The post Ableton Live Tutorial: 4 Rhythmic Gating Methods w/ Rory PQ + Free Download appeared first on Dubspot Blog.

lunes, 27 de julio de 2015

Music Tech News Roundup July 2015: Mikme, System-1 VST, Launchpad Pro, Akai MPD2


In this music tech news roundup, we check out the Akai MPD2 Drum Pad Controller, Mikme’s wireless microphone, Novation’s Launchpad Pro, Roland’s System-1 Software Synthesizer, and a short documentary released by Ableton about Warp recording artists Battles.

Akai MPD2 | Drum Pad Controller

Akai_MPD2

Akai have extended their line of MPD MIDI control surfaces with the MPD2 line which feature three different combinations of pad, knob, and slider control with some touches that look like they come from the APC line of controllers.

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Building on the success of the original MPD, the all-new, feature-packed MPD2 Series gives you amazing creative musical ammo with Thick Fat backlit MPC Pads, improved controls and new bundled software. The MPD2 Series is a product of over six years of detailed customer research and user feedback. They asked what you wanted and they listened closely. They’ve took what you told them and turned it into the most capable and user-friendly line of pad controllers Akai Professional has developed to date.” Read more at Gearjunkies.

Mikme | GoPro of Microphones

Click here to view the embedded video.

Create Digital Music’s Peter Kirn investigates the crowd sourced Mikme line of microphones which aims to make sound recording more portable and flexible.

“They’ve drawn on talent from professional audio engineering, with a 1″ true condenser capsule – one they say bests the little capsules in current mobile recording solutions from the likes of Zoom. Those rely on smaller electret condensers.” Read more at Create Digital Music.

Launchpad Pro | Comprehensive Guide

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Create Digital Music’s Peter Kirn gives a thoughtful overview of Novation’s latest Launchpad Pro MIDI clip controller and comes to positive conclusions:

“The Launchpad line of controllers has always been about simplicity. Even when the original Launchpad was introduced, it did less than its nearest rival, the AKAI APC. But it was popular partly thanks to being simple, light, small, and affordable. That fits many users’ needs, and can be nicely combined with other hardware. The Launchpad Pro keeps to that approach, but with more features to round it out as a production tool and performance controller. And it isn’t just for Ableton Live, either – it has a respectable feature set when used with other MIDI software and hardware. I’ve got one of the first units and have been carrying around using it.” Read more at Create Digital Music.

Roland Announces System-1 Software Synthesizer

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“Get all the sonic power and versatility of the acclaimed SYSTEM-1 synthesizer in a VST and AU compatible plugin. Like the SYSTEM-1 hardware, this software version breaks new ground with remarkable flexibility and a vast palette of stunning sounds. It has the bold, unmistakable character associated with Roland synthesizers for over four decades. For SYSTEM-1 hardware owners, the software provides advanced editor/librarian functions and total DAW integration. For in-the-box producers, it delivers the mighty sound of the SYSTEM-1 without the need for hardware.” Read more at Roland’s website.

Battles | The Art of Repetition

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ableton have recently released this fascinating short documentary on Warp recording artists Battles and the creative processes that drive their influential / experimental sound.

“Over the course of two albums and multiple EPs, the New York City-based trio Battles have been refining their intricate, propulsive music to a degree of precision few bands ever hope to achieve. Their upcoming album “La Di Da Di” promises to be a continuation of this process and is described as a mushrooming monolith of repetition, an organic techno thrum of nearly infinite loops that refuse to remain consistent.” Read more at Ableton’s website.

DJ Extensive Program

Click here to view the embedded video.

Immerse yourself in the complete art of DJing: from the fundamentals of beatmatching and mixing to using effects and programming extended club sets. Whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn fundamentals or a seasoned pro looking to take your talent to the next level, our curriculum is designed to accommodate all skill levels and styles of music. This comprehensive DJ program covers everything from basic mixing to advanced digital DJing with both Serato and Traktor.

What’s Included

  • DJ Level 1: Rookie Sessions | Essentials I
  • DJ Level 2: Phrase Mixing | Essentials II
  • DJ Level 3: Beyond The Blend | Intermediate Skills
  • DJ Level 4: Preparation | DJ Psychology
  • DJ Level 5: Classroom to the Club | Advanced Techniques I
  • DJ Level 6: Club to the World | Advanced Techniques II

More start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

If you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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The post Music Tech News Roundup July 2015: Mikme, System-1 VST, Launchpad Pro, Akai MPD2 appeared first on Dubspot Blog.

Beatport Pro ya soporta Stems

La última versión del software de gestión musical Beatport Pro ya soporta el nuevo formato multipista para DJs Stems, convirtiéndose en la primera aplicación de terceros en soportarlos. El problema es que no hay Stems que comprar o reproducir.

http://bit.ly/1OKowNC

viernes, 24 de julio de 2015

Celebrate 808 Day w/ Roland and Dubspot + Special Edition TR-8 Giveaway


On August 8th, Dubspot is proud to join Roland and the AIRA crew in celebration of 808 Day to honor the classic TR-808 with a series of interactive workshops taking place at Dubspot LA, NY, and Online. To recognize the music and artists that were inspired by the famous drum machine we are also giving away a special edition TR-8 with vintage 808 skins at each event. Enter for a chance to win below!

808 day

Celebrate 808 Day with Roland and Dubspot
Interactive Workshops + Special Edition TR-8 Giveaway

Saturday, Aug. 8th 2015
1pm – 5pm
Dubspot NY / Dubspot LA
More details coming soon!

Dubspot is proud to join Roland and AIRA crew for a celebration of the TR that started it all – The legendary TR-808! To celebrate 808 Day, we’re giving away a special edition TR-8 Rhythm Performer with vintage 808 skins during a series of interactive events at all three Dubspot campuses – NY, LA, and Online. August 8th has become an annual celebration to recognize the music and artists that were inspired by the famous drum machine. To mark the occasion you’re invited to participate in a set of beat production workshops, hands-on demos with Roland and Dubspot staff, artist performances, special discounts on on Roland TR-8′s, and more!

[contact-form-7]

808 day

About the TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Unleashed upon an unsuspecting world in the 1980s, the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer was one of the first programmable drum machines produced and has become one of the most influential drum sounds in modern music. The 808 has appeared on thousands of dance tracks over the course of three decades and has been used on more hit records than any other drum machine. The TR-808 has become iconic in the music industry because of its famous analog sounds. From rap to house to all styles of electronic music, the TR-808 has left an indelible mark on the art and culture of music.

Open House in NYC: Sundays 11am | Guided Tour of LA

Ask questions. Watch demos. Test drive workstations.

Visit our New York and Los Angeles locations! Ask our Admissions Counselors in-depth questions about our programs, curriculum and philosophy. Watch live music production and DJ demos, and test drive our student workstations. If you are still trying to decide what you are looking for, stop by one of our Open Houses in NYC or schedule a tour in LA to find out more about the learning process at Dubspot. We can also help with scheduling details and payment options.

Click here to view the embedded video.

/files/2015/07/TR8_Thumb.jpg

The post Celebrate 808 Day w/ Roland and Dubspot + Special Edition TR-8 Giveaway appeared first on Dubspot Blog.

jueves, 23 de julio de 2015

Beatport y Spotify se alían

Se trata de la primera vez en que dos importantes servicios de streaming acuerdan una alianza. Consiste, en resumen, en un acuerdo para proporcionar contenidos exclusivos de música de baile.

http://bit.ly/1IolKhY

miércoles, 22 de julio de 2015

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