Happy Christmahannakwanzadon and a Very Merry New Year To You all! From All of us here at
The Disc Jockey Blog.
The Disc Jockey Blog.
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Every time Serato move product off the shelf, a record shop closes and a puppy dies
This article come from our friends at scratchworks:
It is a cold hard FACT that the digital scene is killing the vinyl wielding DJ quite literally to death. Well perhaps not that true exactly, but if it were, Serato would be one of the 4 Horsemen of the Digital Apocalyse. Every time Serato move product off the shelf, a record shop closes and a puppy dies - or at least that's what purists would have you believe. But it turns out that Serato are actually head over heels in love with the past and want to keep the old ways alive. So in a somewhat unexpected move, Serato have started knocking regular vinyl out in a venture called Serato Pressings.
So in a nutshell, Serato have partnered with some record labels who will knock out a limited range of releases with real music on one side and the really annoying undanceable (unless you are truly off your face) control signal on the other. Here's the words:
Serato press forward with a new form of hybrid record
Auckland, New Zealand ( December 1st, 2008 ) - Serato, the name behind the world’s biggest selling Digital Vinyl System for DJs, today announced an initiative to license their control tone to select record labels.
A Serato Pressing is a unique hybrid record that DJs can buy from their favorite record store. The new range of official Serato Pressings feature new release music on Side One of a Serato Control Vinyl.
Serato Audio Research have now pressed more Control Vinyl records than any other 12” vinyl record in the last 14 years according to music industry sources.
Rare colored vinyl and promotional 7 and 10 inch pressings of the Serato Control Tone have fetched over $US400 a pair on eBay this year.
Bootleg vinyl pressings of the control tone have begun to surface in recent times. These illegal copies do not have the benefit of Serato’s extensive testing, resulting in poor performance with Serato’s Scratch Live software. To ensure high quality standards, Serato is now officially licensing the Control Tone under new venture called Serato Pressings. The result is a new form of vinyl record that will be hitting stores in December 2008. The new record is a hybrid of music and the Official Serato Control Tone and bears a catalog number of authenticity.
“Serato is genuinely interested in preserving vinyl culture” reports Product Manager for Serato Pressings, Bill Mitsakos. “Serato Pressings allows us to work with record labels and the few remaining pressing plants to cut a collectible series of records that have original music on Side A and the ability to control our software on Side B”.
Serato Pressings have a solid schedule of releases lined up for 2009 in collaboration with record labels from around the world. Each release promises to be collectible and will be catalogued online for authenticity and quality control. The first official Serato Pressing will be released and distributed by Mad Decent, the label started by revolutionary DJ producer Diplo. The limited edition 12” “Get Off” from Diplo and Blaqstarr will be available for pre-order on December 1st 2008.
Release information and sales locations are available at www.serato.com/pressings
Serato Pressings are distributed by the partner record labels and will be sold in traditional record stores and online vinyl stores.
The motivation behind this move? To me, it's a bit like planting a tree every time a book is bought - Serato are simply doing their bit to keep real vinyl alive. But to be honest, it's more about building the Serato brand and the prestige around it. As they say in the PR, limited edition Serato vinyl fetches silly money so you can be sure that each one of these will be snapped up and almost immediately have some sort of prestige, especially if the limited run is VERY limited.
So everyone's a winner - Serato has a new revenue stream, the artists and record labels get extra sales and the buyers get something that is almost certainly worth more than they paid for it. And in some small way, Serato Ironically help vinyl sales grow.
This does raise a question - if I buy the vinyl, do I still have to download as well or will www.whitelabel.net take care of that?
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Top 5 Emergency DJ Tips By DJ J
Emergency Tip #1
Traffic Congestion
We've heard from numerous brides who have arrived late to their own weddings because of either poor planning or vehicle malfunctions. Be safe map out an alternative route from place to place and arrange for alternative transportation, just in case! Every Professional DJ should have a multi faceted back up plan for transportation and equipment. New York City, New Jersey, Washington D.C. and Baltimore wedding DJ's know how to navigate traffic headaches and leave extraordinarily early in anticipation of tie ups. DJ's in Connecticut, New Hampshire and rural Pennsylvania and Upstate and Central New York have experience with remote locations and rural routes which can be confusing to out of town guests and contractors. Make sure that everyone has a firm action plan to deal in advance with possible traffic congestion. Repeat this mantra, GPS, GPS, G-P-S!
Emergency Tip #2
Double-Booked Ministers, Photographers & DJ's
Sad but true. Ask your officiate to double-check his or her availability when you first make arrangements, and again the week of the wedding. The "Double booked DJ" is another true horror story told by far too many brides. Less than reputable disc jockey companies many with part time "weekend warriors" in their ranks will often make changes at the last minute resulting in a Disc Jockey who has no clue what you have in mind for your reception turning up unannounced. Even worse if your reception ends before 7pm your DJ may have booked a second event in the evening which negates any possibility of extending your event if the party is hopping. It's also a HUGE distraction as the DJ begins focusing on a fast tear down and quick drive to the next event when he should be focused on YOUR party. Dealing with a full time professional Wedding DJ who does only one event per day ensures that the DJ you plan with is the DJ who will perform at your reception.
Emergency Tip #3![]()
Lost Limousines, DJ's & Caterers
Yes, this actually happens. Photographers, Disc Jockeys and even caterers get lost sometimes, too. Before your wedding, have all drivers confirm the directions to your destination to be sure they're exact. Most Full time wedding DJ's have embraced GPS and while systems can have quirks they are generally very accurate. Ask your wedding disc jockey if he uses a GPS system and if not just make sure you confirm his directions.
Emergency Tip #4
Cake Mistake and other Disappointments
Many brides have complained that their cake didn't taste or look as good as was expected. This often happens with less experienced bakers, such as those who don't specialize in wedding cakes. Definitely go in for a tasting before you sign a contract or pay any money, because the vendor just may not be able to provide the quality you're expecting. The same goes for ALL of your vendors. Quality not price should be your driving factor when it comes to the vendors who drive your event. Using a Wedding Professional who deals with the special intricacies and expectations that accompany a wedding day can save you a lot of headaches on the big day. A professional wedding DJ for example will be able to provide you with planning tools that can help you pace the days events and ensure a smooth effortless presentation that you can relax and enjoy with your guests.
![]()
Emergency Tip #5
Rain at an Outdoor Wedding
If you're having an outside ceremony and/or reception, insist on a rain contingency. This works as a backup plan in case it rains. If your ideal ceremony site does not have an ideal backup (an alternate indoor setting), you may need to choose another. Never forget your wedding DJ in your contingency plans. Water and electricity just don't mix. Consult with your professional Wedding DJ to make sure that contingencies for inclement weather are sufficient so the party can continue rain or shine!
Here in Syracuse and Central New York, not many folks plan weddings much before June 1st and there are only a handful who brave late October events. The reason? SNOW. Syracuse DJ's know how to prepare for snow emergencies. Just like New York City and New Jersey wedding DJ's know how to navigate traffic headaches and leave extraordinarily early in anticipation of tie ups. Professional wedding disc jockey s in Connecticut, New Hampshire and rural Pennsylvania have experience with remote locations and rural routes which can be confusing to out of town guests and contractors.
All wedding emergencies can be dealt with by remaining cool and by relying on the members of your bridal party and by involving your wedding professionals in every step of the planning. Your Wedding DJ can offer advice on a pretty broad range of wedding day topics. An experienced DJ has seen many of these emergencies and can offer advice to help get things back on track. That's the difference between a part time weekend DJ and a full time professional with the experience to assist in all facets of your reception.
Visit our Friends at skanteck.com,djgreggiec.com and JHatchDJ.com
Traffic Congestion
We've heard from numerous brides who have arrived late to their own weddings because of either poor planning or vehicle malfunctions. Be safe map out an alternative route from place to place and arrange for alternative transportation, just in case! Every Professional DJ should have a multi faceted back up plan for transportation and equipment. New York City, New Jersey, Washington D.C. and Baltimore wedding DJ's know how to navigate traffic headaches and leave extraordinarily early in anticipation of tie ups. DJ's in Connecticut, New Hampshire and rural Pennsylvania and Upstate and Central New York have experience with remote locations and rural routes which can be confusing to out of town guests and contractors. Make sure that everyone has a firm action plan to deal in advance with possible traffic congestion. Repeat this mantra, GPS, GPS, G-P-S!
Emergency Tip #2
Double-Booked Ministers, Photographers & DJ's
Sad but true. Ask your officiate to double-check his or her availability when you first make arrangements, and again the week of the wedding. The "Double booked DJ" is another true horror story told by far too many brides. Less than reputable disc jockey companies many with part time "weekend warriors" in their ranks will often make changes at the last minute resulting in a Disc Jockey who has no clue what you have in mind for your reception turning up unannounced. Even worse if your reception ends before 7pm your DJ may have booked a second event in the evening which negates any possibility of extending your event if the party is hopping. It's also a HUGE distraction as the DJ begins focusing on a fast tear down and quick drive to the next event when he should be focused on YOUR party. Dealing with a full time professional Wedding DJ who does only one event per day ensures that the DJ you plan with is the DJ who will perform at your reception.
Emergency Tip #3
Lost Limousines, DJ's & Caterers
Yes, this actually happens. Photographers, Disc Jockeys and even caterers get lost sometimes, too. Before your wedding, have all drivers confirm the directions to your destination to be sure they're exact. Most Full time wedding DJ's have embraced GPS and while systems can have quirks they are generally very accurate. Ask your wedding disc jockey if he uses a GPS system and if not just make sure you confirm his directions.
Emergency Tip #4
Cake Mistake and other Disappointments
Many brides have complained that their cake didn't taste or look as good as was expected. This often happens with less experienced bakers, such as those who don't specialize in wedding cakes. Definitely go in for a tasting before you sign a contract or pay any money, because the vendor just may not be able to provide the quality you're expecting. The same goes for ALL of your vendors. Quality not price should be your driving factor when it comes to the vendors who drive your event. Using a Wedding Professional who deals with the special intricacies and expectations that accompany a wedding day can save you a lot of headaches on the big day. A professional wedding DJ for example will be able to provide you with planning tools that can help you pace the days events and ensure a smooth effortless presentation that you can relax and enjoy with your guests.
Emergency Tip #5Rain at an Outdoor Wedding
If you're having an outside ceremony and/or reception, insist on a rain contingency. This works as a backup plan in case it rains. If your ideal ceremony site does not have an ideal backup (an alternate indoor setting), you may need to choose another. Never forget your wedding DJ in your contingency plans. Water and electricity just don't mix. Consult with your professional Wedding DJ to make sure that contingencies for inclement weather are sufficient so the party can continue rain or shine!
Here in Syracuse and Central New York, not many folks plan weddings much before June 1st and there are only a handful who brave late October events. The reason? SNOW. Syracuse DJ's know how to prepare for snow emergencies. Just like New York City and New Jersey wedding DJ's know how to navigate traffic headaches and leave extraordinarily early in anticipation of tie ups. Professional wedding disc jockey s in Connecticut, New Hampshire and rural Pennsylvania have experience with remote locations and rural routes which can be confusing to out of town guests and contractors.
All wedding emergencies can be dealt with by remaining cool and by relying on the members of your bridal party and by involving your wedding professionals in every step of the planning. Your Wedding DJ can offer advice on a pretty broad range of wedding day topics. An experienced DJ has seen many of these emergencies and can offer advice to help get things back on track. That's the difference between a part time weekend DJ and a full time professional with the experience to assist in all facets of your reception.
Visit our Friends at skanteck.com,djgreggiec.com and JHatchDJ.com
Top 10 iphone tricks for DJs
Heres an add we found on beatprotal.com:
Now that the cat is out of the bag on the iPhone 3G, it’s almost a foregone conclusion that the new $199 price tag will propel it into the mainstream – perhaps even ubiquity.
It’s going to take a while to assess the full impact of GPS and 3G network speeds, since the truly life-changing apps haven’t even been created.
So for now, let’s take a look at the present possibilities of the platform as they apply to the DJ community at large.
Whether you own a 2G or 3G iPhone, its true power still lies in the creative application of basic tools like email, productivity tools (calendar, notes), browsing and maps.
We’ve assembled a list of ten things you can do right now to enhance your career as a DJ and/or producer.
Before you dive in, there’s one task you should do immediately.
Password protect your iPhone.
Many of these tasks involve personal information, so if you’re not already protecting your identity and privacy, we urge you to give it further consideration before implementing any of these tips.
Let’s begin…
1. Contact info email template
Sometimes opportunity knocks and you’ve got to quickly get your info to a promoter, club owner, producer, DJ or label.
This is where the iPhone’s email app comes in really handy.
First, send yourself an email with your business contact info, as well as your MySpace and other website links.
Second, send yourself another email with the same info, but also include a few paragraphs of bio info and - if you’ve got one - a really good, cheese-free press photo.
Next time someone important asks for more info, choose the applicable email and forward it immediately before you forget.
Sometimes opportunity knocks once and only briefly, so immediate action is key.
2. Gig announcements and flyers.
Another great use for iPhone email is gig flyers.
Keep your current gig calendar and associated show flyers in a third email, ready to forward at a moment’s notice to a new fan or interested buddy.
There are three caveats here… You’ll need to keep that email up to date at all times, the show flyers should be under 200 kb, and never ever spam.
Announcements once a month should be more than sufficient – and only with explicit permission.
There’s a DJ in my town who’s constantly sending out unsolicited SMS gig announcements, sometimes multiple times in a single week!
Uncool.
3. Custom ring tones
Whether you call it vanity, pride or self-promotion, if you’ve got a Mac with the latest version of iLife, you can use your original tracks as custom ringtones.
How?
Absolutely anything you create in GarageBand can be exported as a ringtone.
First, you need to update GarageBand to version 4.1.1 or later.
Start by dragging an audio file (in any supported, unprotected format) to the arrange window.
Then create a “cycle” or loop in GarageBand and edit it down to under 40 seconds.
Once you’ve got a segment you like, select the Share menu pull-down.
There, you’ll see an option called “Send ringtone to iTunes.”
Choose that option, then open up iTunes and check your ringtones library.
Rename the new ringtone as needed and transfer it to your iPhone.
Next time your phone rings in a crowded room, everyone will hear your new track - and if people inquire about it, you’ve got an opening to talk a bit about your work.
The key here is to be succinct, humble and not come off like a vain blowhard.
But you’re a pro, so this shouldn’t be a problem, right?
Right?
4. Google maps = lifesaver.
If you travel for gigs, either regionally or nationally, it’s always a good idea to bookmark destinations like hotel and venue in advance, so you have them available in Google Maps.
This is obviously useful when driving to a gig, but it’s even more valuable when you’re in a strange city and the cab driver doesn’t have a clue.
An ounce of preparation…
5. Address book essentials on the road
Speaking of preparation, you should always have appropriate contact information when you travel.
This includes, but is by no means limited to: promoter, venue, hotel, and an area cab company (you can get this at the airport). Fill out as many fields as possible, including physical address, URL and email, as well as phone number.
It’s also a good idea to temporarily add these to your favorite contacts before you embark on your adventures.
You might also want to add regional buddies and fans, just in case there’s a good post-gig afterhours party. ;)
6. Rescue tracks
This one’s more for laptoppers than CD/vinyl DJs.
For traditional DJs, the solution for a CD or vinyl skipping is to quickly switch to the next deck.
For laptoppers, skipping isn’t a problem but crashes are a possibility, so a lot of laptop DJs bring along a CD of one or two tracks to spin in an emergency.
With an iPhone, there’s an even cooler trick.
Create a mix of two or three cool and classic tracks that aren’t in your current crate, but can maintain audience momentum.
Then, in this mix, add a sound effect for the intro – like a noise sweep or clever sampled dialogue section.
Then export the results and add it to iTunes with a name like “Rescue Mix.”
When you set up for your gig, just run an extra minijack-to-RCA connector into the mixer and if trouble strikes, plug in the iPhone and fire up the rescue MP3.
Note: First generation iPhones may require an adapter like this one.
7. Duly noted
In our opinion, the Notes application is slightly undervalued by many iPhone users.
Here’s a really good reason to start using it: Insurance.
If you already have an iPhone and an insurance policy, copy your gear inventory – including serial numbers and your insurance policy information – into your iPhone.
If you’re at away from your home or studio and tragedy strikes, it’s more likely that you’ll have your phone with you, right?
This will enable you to act immediately to start fixing the situation, which is way better than the frustration that could result otherwise.
Other uses include storing easily forgotten tech tips, like exotic key commands for resetting hardware synths.
Another great use is gear inventories for laptop gigs to ensure you arrive and depart with all your belongings.
Note: If you do this, password protection is mandatory.
8. Stupid calendar tricks
If you’re not already using your iPhone for managing your calendar, you’re really missing out on a great feature.
Obvious uses include keeping track of gigs, meetings and second dates, but here’s one that will help your production in an unusual manner.
Log your studio sessions.
Why is that cool?
Think of it this way… If you add a calendar entry every time you sit down to work on a track – including track name and start/end times – then when you’re done with the track, you can look back and determine the exact time spent on each track.
Now, this isn’t a race with yourself or anyone else, for that matter.
Some tracks take longer than others and rushing an idea is never a good strategy.
But it’s neat to look back on your finished material and say, “this track took a week, whereas this one took a month of fussing.”
If you’re a session programmer working for hourly rates, it can also really help with invoicing.
Most importantly, using the calendar in this manner helps keep you focused, because we all know it’s easy to procrastinate – and procrastination is not the path to success.
9. Uploading gig pics on the fly
One of the treasured pastimes of clubgoers and DJs alike is snapping gig photos of fans, friends and random hotties.
Well you can obviously do that on an iPhone, but did you know you can also instantly upload those images to Flickr or if you’re a subscriber, .Mac (which will soon be called MobileMe).
For Flickr, just set up your Flickr account to automatically post when it receives an appropriate email.
For .Mac a.k.a MobileMe, it’s an integrated iPhone pop-up option in your photo viewer.
As for MySpace and other social networking sites, it’s probably just a matter of time before this option becomes available in one form or another – and it’s a certainty that new iPhone 2.0 apps will take this even further, like the upcoming TypePad tool.
10. Music web sites
Okay, this one’s kind of obvious, but it’s certainly worth repeating.
Since you can add menu buttons that directly link to your favorite websites, why not create a full page of professional links.
If you’re a MySpace or Facebook user, you can even set up your preferences to notify you immediately of new messages and friend requests via email or SMS.
Here’s a brief list of relevant sites to get you started after you add Beatportal.
MySpace
Facebook (Love ‘em or hate ‘em, their iPhone-centric mobile site is incredible.)
Create Digital Music
Music Thing
Harmony Central
KVR Audio
Vintage Synth Explorer
Ebay
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DJ from your I Phone
Oh how we love our Apple iPhones . They’re so pretty and sexy. Sometimes we like to cuddle up to our iPhones and stroke their cute little screens.
It’s amazing how they respond to touch, the warmth of our fingers being the only thing that gets them excited.
We sometimes wish there was a hole in our iPhones so we could squeeze our tongue into it to give it the love it deserves.
Ok you get the point. The iPhone is a man’s (or woman’s) best friend. And now some nerds are trying to make it a DJ’s best buddy by developing a fun, but ultimately totally pointless DJ app.
MixMeister Scratch allows you to scratch wika-wika-wild style on the iPhone to impress your friends who don’t have (or can’t afford to own) an iPhone.
So go on. Rub it in their faces. D-D-D-Don’t-you-wish-you-had-an-iPhone.
MixMeister Scratch will be available for the iPhone and iPod Touch soon. More info at: http://www.mixmeister.com/scratch/mmscratch.asp
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Superstar DJ DAD -Get one for the DJ Dad in your Family
Got a Superstar Dad who's also a Superstar DJ? Give him one of these for Father's Day and support the Disc-Jockey's Blog. Only $9.99 + Shipping!
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Vinnies Sails!
These tales of topics from the ocean of experiences from which I've sailed for over fourteen years now, will hopefully guide you all to a more fulfilling and fun way to sail though your adventures in mobile disc jocking. Keep in mind as you travel with me across many a journey, that these tales might not be for you. The one thing I learned as a matey, before becoming the captain of my spaceship was “ steal what you can from others, but it all might not be something your can sail yourself “. We all have our own direction or capabilities, personalities and likenesses, musical tastes and forthrightness ( is that a word ?) whatever. I hope you understand.
I am a bit out there in my way of describing things or my brand of humor so, bare with me and email me if you don't get something. I'll send you the video so you can keep up. ( It's only $19.95 plus S/H ) whenever I get around to filming it ! So batten down the hatches and enjoy the journeys.
I'm coming to your computer !!!!
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2008 DJ EXPO A decade of DJ Decadence
Well I just submitted my registration for the 2008 International DJ Expo in Atlantic City August 11th-14th. This will be the 10th year I have attended and I gotta say it just keeps getting better and better. As we noted earlier here on the Disc-Jockeys blog the convention is returning to the Boardwalk after several years at the AC Convention Center. This year we will once again invade Trump Taj Mahal.
So are you planning on attending?
If yes...then keep coming back here to get updates on the plans we're making.
for 1o years some of the best DJ's I have ever had the pleasure of hanging out with, have gotten together on Wednesday night, gone to dinner, and then proceeded to party our collective @$$ off at Greggie&J's ExpoBash and AC Club Tour. There's been approximately $50,000 worth of cash won, 1,000's of beers drunk, 10,000's of shots consumed, HOURS of dancing, and some of the best moments you'll never forget.
If you're not going.....
WHY NOT?
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Retro Cell Phone Handset - Old Skool for DJ's
I gotta say I love this thing on a bunch of different levels. First and foremost it is absolutely ridiculous looking but in a way that will bring some welcome attention. In the same way that my retro Shure S55 "Elvis" mic sticks in peoples mindsI am a bluetooth Geek and have experienced the disapproving stares of people who feel bluetooth is somehow "rude" technology.
I actually had someone come up and ask me if I thought I was "so important that I had to be on the phone every second!" I took off my stereo headset so that she could hear the music streaming from my pocket and told her to mind her own business. I don't use my stereo bluetooth to mix though its just not efficient enough and the battery wears down long before the gig is done.
I also love this thing because one of the coolest retro DJ headphone set-ups has always been a
They're only $19.99 marked down from $29.99 at WowZzers. Click the picture above to get the full story!
2008 International DJ Expo in Atlantic City, NJ
OK Boys & Girls it is that time of year again. The International DJ Convention hits Atlantic City, NJ August 11th through August 14th. It is being held at Trump Taj Mahal this year instead of the Sheraton/convention center, where it was held in the past. Last Year we went for the entire week and had a Full Expo Pass, but this year we are going down Wednesday evening to Party and Visit The Convention for The Last Day on Thursday The 14th of August.
CLICK HERE to Visit the expos page.
To Register FOR FREE YOU MUST REGISTER BEFORE JUNE 1st after that Use Cupon Code : pf222 This code can also get you a full expo pass for only $199 as well as get you in to the exhibits for FREE AFTER the June 1st regristration deadline.
See You all There!
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OMF(DJ)G!
I don't think I need to say anything.....
Go check em out here
Thanks once again to our friends at Gizmodo for pointing the way!
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Gorgeous new DJ Controller
EKS has introduced a new DJ controller.
Big thumbs up to Everything USB and Synthtopia
from the Synthtopia report
Otus will be available in June.
Visit our Friends at skanteck.com,djgreggiec.com and JHatchDJ.com
Big thumbs up to Everything USB and Synthtopia
from the Synthtopia report
The EKS Otus USB DJ Controller is a professional 2-in-1 DJ controller. Otus is equipped with a big, configurable 7.5” jog wheel and new features for effects control, including touchpad and two motion sensors.
Otus also brings you an innovative switch key which enables the DJ to flexibly use two layers of controls. To add more show into the mix, the effect controls are placed to make performing more visual.
All this combined with the state of the art design, solid aluminum build and fully configurable controls makes Otus a true next generation DJ controller.
With the advanced MIDI support and MIDI mappers it will be easy to configure Otus with just about any software application imaginable, be it audio, video or something else altogether, leaving the boundaries to be defined only by the artist’s imagination.
Otus will be available in June.
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SanDisk launches Sansa Sessions -- music distribution by microSD, what else?
SanDisk just dipped its toe into the digital content distribution waters with the launch of Sansa Sessions. Of course, this isn't an on-line storefront, it's flash-based naturally in support of SanDisk's core business. As such, the US-based program relies upon microSD cards to distribute DRM-free tracks of unspecified quality from more than 50 "emerging artists" on more than 30 labels. At the moment, the featured artists include All Time Low, Ladytron, Magnet, Nada Surf, Of Montreal and The Coup. SanDisk has tied a free, 55 track microSD "sampler" card (of el cheapo 512MB capacity, presumably) to the purchase of its 8GB Sansa Fuze MP3 player. While the $0 cost and DRM-free aspects of Sansa Sessions are certainly appealing to us, this seems best fitted as a record / artist promotional tool than it does a replacement for web-based or over-the-air music distribution.
File Sharing Being Banned Around the World!
Japan has decided to beat France and the United Kingdom (both who have similar proposals) to become the first country to ban file sharers from the internet.
Oddly the agreement to do so has not come from the Japanese Government, but from Japan’s four internet service provider organizations after pressure (not surprisingly) from the record and movie industries. According to Torrent Freak, the agreement would see copyright holders tracking down file-sharers on the Internet using “special detection software” and then notifying ISPs of alleged infringers. File sharers will initially receive a warning for a first offense, then be disconnected for subsequent offenses, eventually be disconnected from the internet permanently (it wasn’t clear whether the agreement is a three strikes proposal).
The process will formally commence in April and will primarily target users of Winny, the most popular file sharing network in Japan.
DJ Helper - A Mixing Plug-in for Winamp
The DJ Helper is a plugin for WinAmp, the "ultimate high-fidelity music player for Windows".
The DJ Helper gives WinAmp more features than professional DJ-type CD players that cost $500 or more.
Using the DJ Helper and a standard PC with two soundcards, you can master performances like a pro DJ, with unprecedented ease. In fact, the DJ Helper has already resolved many multi-hour gigs in front of hundreds of people and driving several thousand watts of music power.
To get this Plug-in CLICK HERE or just click the picture to the left.
To get Winamp CLICK HERE
Mouth Watering Fun
So, a new blog same ol' Captain, and hopefully you find my post as hand trembling as i do. My friends, get your credit cards ready! Now a day, almost everyone has a jump drive, ipod, or otherwise portable storage device. So many things, so little time. Speaking of time......
I can tell you want one already.......
8GB ( not a typo), count em' 8, on your wrist, everyplace you go!!! 1.5-inch display with OLED technology, and supports video, music, pictures and the classic watch function. store MP4/WMV/AVI videos to watch them on the 160 x 128 pixels display at 25 frames per second, MP3/WMA/WAV audio files at 32~320Kbps, and JPEG pictures.
The watch shows 24 hour style time, date, and comes with built-in microphone for sound recording in WAV file format, and with 2.5/3.5 mm earphone jack, Chinese/German/English/Italian/French/Portuguese/Spanish/Polish languages support, USB 2.0 connectivity, and compatibility with Windows 98/SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista operating system. This is less then $80, basically the cost of a flash drive, and yes, it is a flash drive..... ON STEROIDS!!! buy to and your ready to DJ on the fly, anywhere with over 2000 MP3s at the
touch of your wrist. Dont be ashamed, it gave me half a chubby to..... You can thank me later.Visit our Friends at skanteck.com,djgreggiec.com and JHatchDJ.com
Vince's Virgin Visit
Hey All, I've joined the world of information pertaining to the craft, hobby, profession, passion, here's many words that can be described AS YOU WILL SOON FIND OUT , for this field of DISC JOCKEYING ! Stay tuned, it will be worth it !!
Visit our Friends at skanteck.com,djgreggiec.com and JHatchDJ.com
So you think you're good at naming tunes????
I am one of those people who can win at the game name that tune especially if it is from the 70's thru the 90's. I thought I was really good at naming songs till I found Wat Zat Song. Here is a site that helps others figure out exactly, what is that song? People either play a clip of the song or try to hum it, no sometimes the clips are real bad or they can NOT sign (But that is half the challenge). You can log in and create a profile and start guessing songs. You MUST guess the artist and Title. Heres more about the site:
WatZatSong is a website that allows you to quickly find the artist and the title of a tune that you have in your head. WatZatSong is free and participatory: it relies on the music knowledge of its members, who can, by naming your tunes, show their talent and climb up the WatZatSong ranking!
CLICK HERE to visit them or go to: http://www.watzatsong.com/EN/
MY DJ Space - Just another Internet Profile Site?
I am a big fan of creating as many Internet Profile sites (Like My Space) as I can. Why? Well first of all, they are FREE advertising and networking, need I say More? Ok it is also a great site to interact with other DJs around the world.
My DJ Space offers a Free Profile space as well as FREE Mix Hosting. They are definitely worth a check out! CLICK HERE or just visit: http://www.mydjspace.net/
Pandora Internet Radio at it's BEST!
I have to tell all of you about a very cool internet Radio site Called PANDORA (I guess you can call it radio) there are NO Commercials and you pick either the song title or group and a computer analyzes your tastes and spits out a playlist. If you use the Opera Internet browser there is a cool widget for pandora there, and Firefox foxytunes also supports Pandora. MSN Internet radio is powered by pandora as well. Heres a little bit ablut their project:
The Music Genome Project®
On January 6, 2000 a group of musicians and music-loving technologists came together with the idea of creating the most comprehensive analysis of music ever.
Together we set out to capture the essence of music at the most fundamental level. We ended up assembling literally hundreds of musical attributes or "genes" into a very large Music Genome. Taken together these genes capture the unique and magical musical identity of a song - everything from melody, harmony and rhythm, to instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics, and of course the rich world of singing and vocal harmony. It's not about what a band looks like, or what genre they supposedly belong to, or about who buys their records - it's about what each individual song sounds like.
Since we started back in 2000, we've carefully listened to the songs of tens of thousands of different artists - ranging from popular to obscure - and analyzed the musical qualities of each song one attribute at a time. This work continues each and every day as we endeavor to include all the great new stuff coming out of studios, clubs and garages around the world.
It has been quite an adventure, you could say a little crazy - but now that we've created this extraordinary collection of music analysis, we think we can help be your guide as you explore your favorite parts of the music universe.
We hope you enjoy the journey.
Tim Westergren
Founder
The Music Genome Project
If you want Pandora just CLICK HERE to get it or visit: http://www.pandora.com/
A Profile Aggregator - Put all of your profiles in one Widget
I am starting to use this program called WINK a lot recently. What it dose for me is, it puts all of my social networking profiles in one place so I know exactly where they are and I can get to them easily as well.
About Wink
Wink is a people search engine that makes it easy to find and connect with people online. Wink.com is the largest online people search with more than 200 million people profiles from across the Web, including social networks and other online communities.
Find People
Our search engine includes people from all walks of life -- from celebrities to that guy who sat next to you in chemistry class. Wink allows you to search for all of them by name, location, school, work or interests.
Be Found
You can also use Wink to enable you to be found on the Wink search engine and other traditional search engines. By creating a profile on Wink, you can manage your web presence. Wink allows you to claim and add various places where you are online, and provides you an interface to manage all of them in one place. This gives you the power to determine what people know about you and where you are on the web.
Stay Connected
Users can contact other users they find on Wink, and can also choose how they like to be contacted. Users can set their preferred method of contact, so that people who are looking for them can get in touch with them.
Get it by CLICKING Here or by visiting: http://www.wink.com
Get free Money at Moola.com Try it!
Here is a nifty little site that starts you out with $.01 and you can play 3 different games (Hi Lo Cards, Rock paper scissors, or Gold Rush) and you double your money every time if you double 30 times in a row you Can reach $1,000,000.00 its that simple. There is also a search feature once you sign up that lets you spin a boost wheel with chances to win $.01 to $9,000 every time you spin (4 times a day)
CLICK HERE for the link or on The Moola Picture above.
Audacity = Free Digital Music Editing
Alrighty gang Heres the Deal. Everyone is always asking me as a DJ, What do you use to edit your music? (For Example if you want to take a section out of a song or loop a certain section to add to the length of the song) Well Audacity is an EXCELLENT Answer. Why? Because First of all it's FREE. It is also very stable and if you search their site there is a portable version you can put on and even run from your Thumb or Flash Drive.
Audacity is a free, easy-to-use audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. You can use Audacity to:
- Record live audio.
- Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs.
- Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files.
- Cut, copy, splice or mix sounds together.
- Change the speed or pitch of a recording.
Visit our Friends at skanteck.com,djgreggiec.com and JHatchDJ.com
DJ Greggie C's Bookmarks and Favorites
Basically this blog and others we have created were a way to not only SHARE our Favorites (in Internet Explorer) or our Bookmarks (Mozilla Firefox) but also a way to share ANY Web page that we found interesting. With this all being said I use Mozilla firefox to surf and use an add-on called foxmarks. This add-on synchronizes ALL of my bookmarks on the Other Different computers that I use that have firefox and the foxmarks add-on as well. Oh Yeah, for The New Comers any text in Grey or Blue and Shadowed & underlined as you hover over it with your mouse. is a link will send you to the website.
There is one more Web Browser that is called Opera. I use it for it's Torrent download capability and the Pandora music widget that it has. BUT we will cover Opera in another post.
We DO NOT Condone The Illegal downloading of copyrighted material!
Visit our Friends at skanteck.com,djgreggiec.com and JHatchDJ.com
New Opportunity for Mobile DJ's
If you're a mobile DJ and you're looking for some great exposure check out WeddingWire.com A new site for brides that is positioning itself as a primary referral source for brides seeking DJ entertainment for their wedding receptions.
Sign-up is easy and the level of customization given to each vendor for their personal "storefront" is unprecedented. I was able to integrate all of my DJ Intelligence tools into my storefront There are lots of creative features built in to Wedding Wire including the ability to email past clients directly from the website to request that they submit reviews, the ability to rate fellow vendors (DJ, photography, videography, etc.) and lead generation directly from Wedding Wires brides and grooms.
Now I know what you're thinking "Yeah yeah another Knot.com, SO WHAT?" Well I'll tell you what. Martha Stewart recently invested a huge amount of money in the company and they are in the process of integrating the Wedding Wire brand into all of Martha Stewart Living/Omnimedia's related sites and product lines. That means that brides will be hearing that Wedding Wires is THE place for wedding information from one of the THE top taste makers in women's publishing.
Visit our Friends at skanteck.com,djgreggiec.com and JHatchDJ.com
Greggie C Invites DJs to Post on The Disc Jockeys Blog
If you came to this blog because you got an invite, you should feel IMPORTANT. Greggie C has started the Disc Jockeys Blog. This Blog can be accessed by copying the following link: http://www.disc-jockeys.blogspot.com Send your friends here and tell other DJs about it. If you accept to be a poster, make sure you Complete ALL fields especially adding TAGS, these are keywords separated by commas (these keywords describe what your post is about), so when you search those keywords in google you will find OUR Blog at the TOP of the List.
If you have any questions about posting or this Blog or you are interested in posting to this Blog, Please contact DJ Greggie C at djgreggiec@djgreggiec.com
Thank You for Stopping by The New Disc Jockeys Blog.
Please Mark us as a Favorite or Bookmark and come Back daily to see all of our New future posts, made by DJs All Around The World!
Visit our Friends at www.skanteck.com or at www.djgreggiec.com
The Pacemaker a Dual Handheld MP3 120 GB mixing Machine.
Heres a dual MP3 Player that has 120 gigabytes of space with pitch control
Oh, so now I have your attention?
Well, sit back and let me blow your mind with thisbad boys SPECS.....
Line Out Cross-Fader
Headphone crossfader
Pitch Controle (with master tempo)
EQ/Gain/Filters/Audio FX
And a USB 2.0 connector
Can you feel your chest bumping like a SUB yet?
Lets Push Onward, Shall We?
120GB Storage
MP3, VBR, AAC, Lossless WMA, OGG, FLAC, and WAV..... ALL SUPPORTED!!!
IPOD HAS BEEN SMOKED!!!
On top of all that, Your mixes can be saved, and shared.
Now for the... still good, but not great news. It's scheduled for shipment in February, right around the corner!!! Now, the bad news. As is to be expected, something this cool comes with a rather hefty $PRICE TAG$
Roughly $800
....but for a piece of equipment that can carry plenty of music for any event, and weighing in at less then a pound, shrinks the price tag.
I know I won't be seeing mine for some time (I'm #4235), I'll be happy when it's time for me to spend a lil dough, ease my aching back, and of course take one small step towards the big FU reserved for Steve Jobs and his "fruity" empire!
ALL HAIL the PACEMAKER!!!!
Oh, so now I have your attention?
Well, sit back and let me blow your mind with thisbad boys SPECS.....
Line Out Cross-Fader
Headphone crossfader
Pitch Controle (with master tempo)
EQ/Gain/Filters/Audio FX
And a USB 2.0 connector
Can you feel your chest bumping like a SUB yet?
Lets Push Onward, Shall We?
120GB Storage
MP3, VBR, AAC, Lossless WMA, OGG, FLAC, and WAV..... ALL SUPPORTED!!!
IPOD HAS BEEN SMOKED!!!
On top of all that, Your mixes can be saved, and shared.
Now for the... still good, but not great news. It's scheduled for shipment in February, right around the corner!!! Now, the bad news. As is to be expected, something this cool comes with a rather hefty $PRICE TAG$
Roughly $800
....but for a piece of equipment that can carry plenty of music for any event, and weighing in at less then a pound, shrinks the price tag.
I know I won't be seeing mine for some time (I'm #4235), I'll be happy when it's time for me to spend a lil dough, ease my aching back, and of course take one small step towards the big FU reserved for Steve Jobs and his "fruity" empire!
ALL HAIL the PACEMAKER!!!!
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