the Art of the Sample

I was going through Apple iTunes picking out songs for my wedding reception when I stumbled upon this Tori Amos track - "Precious Things". To be honest I am not familiar with any Tori Amos music. However, on this track there is this one infectious piano riff that I really love. I enclosed a clip from one of her live performances, listen to the beginning part - Tori Amos - Precious Things.

Shortly after hearing this, I realized that piano bit was used in Rabbit In the Moon "Out of Body Experience" (OBE). This dance track is especially sentimental to me since it was included on one of my favorite mix CD's Northern Exposure, Vol. 1., which is arguably the best dance music composition produced by Sasha & Digweed.

To come, I plan to share with you more music from its original composition that was later remixed. I think you'll really get a kick out of hearing the original of many tracks that you know and love.

If you can answer this question, I'll send you a little audio treat via e-mail. What track did the Notorious B.I.G sample the background from to produce "Juicy"?

Click To Download Abelton Live R&B Mix

Don't get me wrong, I love DJ'ing from my MK12's using vinyl but I have to say recently I've learned Abelton Live and it's pretty awesome. Triggering samples at the press of the keyboard it's so freaking easy to create a flawless mix. While I haven't mastered many of Abelton's features I have become somewhat proficient using the warp feature while mixing tracks.

Warping is essentially speeding up or slowing down the music to match a master tempo or the previous song. It's like placing a record on a turntable platter and being able to mix while rarely needing to touch the pitch adjust. So I've established you don't need to be a brain surgeon to use the software but what does that mean for the listener. Does it actually help to produce a better more dynamic mix and therefore a more exciting party? I think so.

I've done some field testing and I've learned and observed a couple things about using this software.

1. Once you import your music, you can literally cue each track on tempo, using just a keystroke. This can be pretty cool if you want to play just a short segment of a song. Or some DJ's / musicians like Girl Talk for instance, use this functionality to trigger multiple clips which play simultaneously over one another to create a new song (aka the remix or mash-up). Which might I add sound really cool.

2. Is a laptop DJ sexy? Has sitting at the keyboard replaced the treasure hunt in your record bin. I mean, I certainly think it looks cooler to command multiple pieces of hardware to create a cohesive mix. I asked my girlfriend and she seemed to agree. "The DJ should be moving around" she said. Moments later recoiling on her remark, "well I guess as long as the party is hopping does it matter". In my opinion, I think it does. More than ever, the DJ icon or role has become a sex symbol to some degree.

3. Broadcasting and remixing music has never been more accessible to the general public. Take one part laptop, one part mp3 collection, and Ableton Live or a similar sequencing software and bammmmm. You are in business! Speaking of business - more than ever I think the job of a DJ can be a very lucrative gig.

Alright Marc, so if it's that easy why don't you give it a try. Easy there bubkiss, alright I will! Tune in to judge for yourself. This 77minute mix contains a bunch of R&B and Hip-Hop. Can you dig it?

Merry X-mas to all,
Marc

Click To Download the "Material Girl Remix"

Enter... the world of remixed Madonna! After going through a bunch of DJ websites I came across this abundant resource of music. If you are a Madonna fan I'm sure you will enjoy this website. For you dance music lovers, your climax awaits...

To download any of these songs click the link below, type the three letter code into the megaupload screen and click the download button.

• Madonna - Jump (Axwell Club Mix)
  
• Madonna - Isaac (Confessions Tour Dress Rehearsal)
• Madonna - Get Together (Roger Sanchez Edit)

Click to download the DJ Marc Elias mix featuring the 'best of' Madonna remixes into one fluent set.

Regards,

Marcus

Viral Video Helps DJ Secure Record Deal

I found an interesting viral video I wanted to share with you.

While riding the subway to work yesterday I read about a guy by the name of DJ Keltech who was signed to Sony BMG in 2006 after someone saw his viral video. Hailing from the UK, Keltech is producing some really innovative sounds from his turntables.

In addition to being incredibly talented he wears these authentic customs in his videos such as the video I've posted here. The content is funny, entertaining somewhat odd. Either way it worked - his video has received over 50,000 views!

Whatever I Want Mix

Hey there,

Thanks for coming back to the Everlasting DJ's blog. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

The enclosed mix includes a whirlpool of different genres (i.e. dance, 70's, 80's and hip-hop). Notice midway through the mix I use a separate acapella and instrumental to create a remix.

I would like to find out what is your favorite remix? Do you have a favorite artist/producer who remixes music you enjoy?

In terms of dance music, I am particularly fond of Deep Dish and Axwell. Everything they remix and produce I truly enjoy.

What's to come on Everlasting DJ's... You choose the acapella and I'll add the beat. Taking requests NOW!

Cheers,
Marc