Let's Hear the BEAT!

Its all about beats, techno and MUSIC!

A great way to kill time other than taking photos and most definitely computer games. Its called, Mixing or to some of you all, DJ-ing.

I discovered this time killer when I remembered about the book called DJ-ing for Dummies, and decided that I should give it a try. Searching the web for a DJ software, I stumbled upon this software called Virtual DJ.

As above, that will be my equipment. My songs are all in MP3 format. So, what's provided in the software? It has samplers, funny sounds you can use such as Air Raid Sirens, Saxophones and some cheers. It also gives you effects like backscratch, beatgrid and flanger. This software also counts for you the BPM for the song, and at the press of the sync button, the 2 songs beat are match.

Well, after learning to mix, I have learn how to count beats and beatmatch (BPM). Something most drummers would be similar with. I also know that each section of a song have 8 bars ( how many of you know that?) Also I know to synchronize songs properly, creating a good transition from one song to another without spoiling the mood of the crowd. Adding samplers and effects is another skill altogether. My disc scratching isn't perfect yet though. Still suck at it.

The songs used for mixing are not normal chart songs you hear on the radio. We have specific genre of music of which we can mix. My favourite personally is Electro/House as its slower, catchy and more fun to mix. There are other genres like Hip-Hop, R&B, Trance and Techno.

The bad thing bout this software is that, you control only with your mouse and lack the feel of what a real DJ has. However, it is good practice for people who can't afford turntables, mixers and vinyls ( records, those black ones). Its a good way to learn the basics from here, then move on and invest when we have the money for the real set.

After, several hours of practice, I still am not confident to record a mix yet. But hopefully I will one day.

Tristan!

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach Review

The animation returns

Its Gorillaz 3rd Album. And its hell been long since thei final album, Demon Days. However here is the review of their latest album.

Their music has changed totally since the Demon Day's album. In their previous album, I remember loving the bass of Murdoc going to the song of Feel Good Inc or the song White Light. This new album however, has brought in the synthesizer and samplers. The bass of Murdoc has practically fade to the back. All you here is sample drum beats, which doesn't even sound like Russel's. However, the song of Superfast Jellyfish has good bass and drums. But the others, the bass is at the back and drums are samples.

Not only did the instruments change, the music style did as well. Demon days had some really cool rock type hip hop songs. Some of which you can pop to it. However, this album has changed from hip hop pop to hip hop jazz. Most song sounds jazzy, and there are lots or featured rappers rapping the whole song. It wasn't like Demon Day's where it was 2D who was taking the lead most of the time. The music also sounds a little like 60's music, going back old school. However, thank God for 2D being able to have that blur low voice in certain songs.

Overall, I would say, don't get the album. Its not really worth it as I feel that other artistes album is worth more than this. If you are a Gorillaz fan and want it to be in your collection, then go ahead, or without, NO!

Tristan!