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First thoughts on turntable.fm
If you want to DJ yourself, you have to click on a free turntable - for busy rooms, you have to be quick on the click and it can take some time. Although the idea of having 5 DJs playing is cool for listeners, it can be time consuming for DJs because each one has their turn to play one song. Having 5 DJs playing and on average 5 minutes per track, that means it takes at least 20 minutes before you can play your track. Of course, if you DJ in rooms that only have 2 DJs, I think it would be more interesting. DJing could be good for testing out some new tracks you or others have produced but you will have to be armed with patience as it is hard to get to a turntable on busy rooms. One thing I really like was the interaction between users. Anyone can chat about what they are listening to.
How the track listing you want to play works is that you add them to your DJ queue. And next time it's your turn to play, the top track on your DJ queue will play. Better have your top track ready! When I played, I found myself wishing that I could create different track lists. I kept changing the tracks queue depending of what the previous DJ was playing, I kind of wanted to keep the same mood or have a musical flow that fitted. Of course, this is my personal opinion. It might be different for other DJs. With your points that you accumulate while DJing, you can change your avatar. More points you get, the bigger and different your avatar can become.
If you want, you can create your own room. You are then the moderator. You can invite DJs to play. Then, people might show up in your room. It might take time. You need to get DJs that have fans and most likely DJs would prefer to play in rooms that have people in - but you can build it up.
The application is simple to use and eye catching. These head bopping characters are really funny. A great app to discover music. It is on a beta phase so only a limited amount of users can be invited. I know a few guys that are disappointed about not being able to try it out. Is it creating a hype? I wonder.
Nonetheless, I will follow closely and I'm quite curious to see what they will do next.
Has anyone tried it and would like to comment? I want to hear you!
You like it? Youtipit!
Ok, guys. I have not been in touch for some time now but for a good reason ;-) Lately I have been working on a project called Youtipit and we just launched the new and improved user interface.
Youtipit is an online community service that enables people to tip others for their online content. It's like when you walk on the street and hear a musician playing and you toss some money. The idea is essentially the same with Youtipit. You like what you, read, see, hear, you give tips.
All you have to do is create a Tipit on Youtipit using links where you work is hosted, and add the Youtipit button on your website and way you go. Share with the world and get rewarded.
Someone's work that you like isn't on Youtipit or you want to give a tip to a friend? Well, you can simply create an Escrow Tipit using their Facebook profile url and tip them. And then, they can claim their tips when logging in to Youtipit using their Facebook profile.
Oh Wait! One other thing, we are using an online currency called Bitcoin. It is new, revolutionary easy to use currency that is ideal for sending small amounts of money as there is no fees attached. Learn more about it here:
To all artists out there, why not share your work and get some tips?
You like it, Youtipit!
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FFF: Japan Relief Music Compilations
FFF: The Karman Line
Here are a few questions I've asked them:
How did The Karman Line started?
We met in college, both of us were doing Computer Science. We seemed to like the same music and started talking about doing some producing together. Jack was in a band at the time and when they split up we decided to give it a go. The band went through many name and style changes over the years, but we finally seem to have a sound we're both comfortable with, so the time is right to release an EP.
What is the story behind the name?
The Karman Line is a scientific term - it's the boarder between the Earth's atmosphere and space. When someone passes this line, they are officially an astronaut. It doesnt really have any significant meaning to us, other than a nerdy interest in astrophysics, although we do joke about it being a drug reference. Just say no kids.
Do you always produce your music together in one studio or you do some work separately?
We work seperately. Technology has made it really easy to collaborate with people without actually physically being in the same place. We send tracks and stuff back and forth over email. There have been a couple of times where we've sat together to write stuff, but it tends to get muddled. Playing live is different though - we do get together before gigs and put it all together. Thats probably what we enjoy the most, especially when we have the visuals up and running.
Who's good at what in the creative process?
I wouldnt say either of us are better at anything. Jack has a better ear for harmony and melody and I prefer to work with the rythym side of things, but its definitely even as to who does what. When gigging, Im using Ableton and Jack is playing parts of tracks live. I also control the visuals and fire them off in time with the music.
Who else would you like to collaborate with?
We've done a couple of tracks with the lads from New Mind Line which we havent done anything with as yet, even though they're really good tracks. We'd definitely like to do something with them again, their lead singer Jai has one of the best voices in Cork. We're also looking to do a track with Debbie Hayes, who sings with the Electric Foxx. There's a plethora of producers around Cork at the moment who we'd love to work with; Coherx, Laserface, Aodhgan, but everyone is doing their own thing, so it's hard.
Any groups you particularly like?
At the moment we're listening to a lot of more glitchy hip hop stuff like Baths, Jamie XX, Dorian Concept and Hudson Mohawke. We listen to a lot of alt rock bands like Grizzly Bear, TV on the Radio, Real Estate - mostly hipster American stuff that gets frowned upon because of the people associated with it. People like The Chemical brothers were obviously a band we grew up with and continue to influence us, as is Orbital, Leftfield, FSOL, Boards Of Canada. We also both have an unhealthy obsession with Radiohead and the Beatles. Im listening to a guy called Decentfolk from Cork that's playing the next Modulation right now and its quality stuff.
What is next for The Karman Line? Do you have plans to play at music festivals and touring this summer?
We're playing Indiependence again this year - hopefully on a bigger stage late on in the evening. There's also talk of doing something for Kinsale arts week and the Cork Midsummer Festival. Hopefully we should get a few more festivals though, so we'll let you know!
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FFF: Oh Land - Marc Broussard - Joe Purdy
Oh Land - @OhLandMusic
When I first listened, I raised my eyebrow. When I do that, it means: mmm... interesting. It made me want to listen more. It sounds pop but not the usual. The vocals have a bit of singer/songwriter feel but more dynamic. Electronic edge mixed with great instrumental arrangements. She is from Denmark and has now relocated in New York. She has a dynamic website too. This is her latest video.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
Marc Broussard - @marcbroussard
What first attracted my attention was his name. Marc Broussard is a very Québécois name - I am from Québec ;-) But he is from Louisiana. His music is soulful, bluesy, rocky with nice bass line grooves and strong vocals. He just released his self-titled EP. The full length album will be available in June 2011
Joe Purdy - @joepurdy
I discovered him on the website http://www.thesixtyone.com/. Great website to find music. I usually let their player roll in the backgroung while I work. And when it makes me stop what I do to have a look who's playing, it means I like it very much. Joe Purdy is one of them. He sounds like David Gray. He is an American folk singer/songwriter. I like to listen to his stories and the simpleness of his performance - him and his guitar.
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SXSW 2011 - Who's your favorite?
Who's your favorite Irish band showcasing at SXSW this year? Tell us, we want to hear from you.
James Vincent McMorrow Early in the Morning by jamesvmcmorrow
Sweet Jane Sweet Jane 'Blackeyes' by SweetJaneMusic
O Emperor O Emperor - Don Quixote - Electric Picnic 2011 by ElectricPicnic
Sacred Animals Welcome Home EP by sacredanimals
The Minutes Fleetwood by The Minutes
Ram's Pocket Radio My Friend, Peter by RAMS' pocket radio
The Lost Brothers The Lost Brothers: Angry At The Sun by CultureNI
Adebisi Shank Adebisi Shank - This is the album of a band called Adebisi Shank [RIC004] by Richter Collective
The Mighty Stef We Want Blood by THE MIGHTY STEF
Halves 'It Goes, It Goes (Forever & Ever)' - Singles by halves
R.S.A.G R.S.A.G. Organic Sampler by R.S.A.G.
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SXSW 2011 - Kormac's Big Band
This is a very unique band, an 11 piece orchestra - quartet singing harmonies, double bass, trombones and trumpets over hip hop and breakbeats tracks. They are great. I love the mix of 30's-40's feel with the modern sounds.
"An 11-piece orchestra playing Kormac's tracks. A mix of live turntables, samplers, drums, double bass, barbershop quartet, trumpet, clarinet, banjo and live visuals."
What was your reaction when you found out you were going to showcase at SXSW?
We were really pleased. It's not often you get invited to Texas
How did they idea of a Big Band came about?
It developed slowly to be honest. I started off inviting Conor (double bass) and Simon (drums) to help me perform some of my tracks on stage. As the gigs started to get a bit bigger, I started to add in various things I was into. I wanted each show to be bigger and better. I simply kept adding elements/sections that I like. I want the big band to evolve constantly so I'm always making changes.
Being an 11 piece orchestra, getting everyone together to rehearse must be challenging?
You don't know the half of it! Next....
What part, if any, has social media played in the progress of your career?
The nicest part of it is that it allows people who are into the music communicate with me/us directly in a relatively open forum.
Three words to describe yourself?
Tall. Skinny. Tired.
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SXSW 2011 - R.S.A.G.
R.S.A.G. Organic Sampler by R.S.A.G.
What was your reaction when you found out you were going to showcase at SXSW?
I was really happy to hear I was going to showcase at the SXSW. I've know of the SXSW as one of the best showcase festival in the world. Also, Austin is a city I always wanted to visit.
What is the story behind your band name R.S.A.G.?
R.S.A.G. is an acronym for Rarely Seen Above Ground. Back in 1997 with a friend, John Daly, I started my first solo recordings. We both had four track recorders. So, we joined them up for the maximum amount of tracks. We took our time experimenting with sounds and techniques. It was very creative and fun. Of course some friends were involved in the process. DJ Cool C aka Cormac Cullinan and Andy Hart put down some samples. John Daly played some bass and Cello. It really was the beginning of what I know I wanted to do with the rest of life. Anyway, another friend Gareth Swenney who played bass in a band called Gout was also around for some of those sessions and he turned to me one night after hearing the recordings for the first time and said, " Jeremy, your rarely seen above ground, you know that?"
What part, if any, has social media played in the progress of your career?
Social Media has a played a vital part in my career. Bloggers are after really starting to put bands and artists out there. Whether it's labels or punters who are turned on to new music by this developing social media. Of course TV, radio and print are still very effective but bands and artists who can't afford PR and especially the cost of promoting an album. In this age of bad CD sales and a lack of money bands and artists have to get more creative. Not just in music but getting more of a visual presents on this vast social network we have available to us.
What's next for you after SXSW?
After SXSW I will be doing more shows with the summer season approaching in Ireland, Europe and hopefully America. I'm also playing drums with a band from Paris called Bot'ox. I'm working on new tracks for my new album both in Ireland and Paris.
Three words to describe yourself.
Moody, driven, patient.
Showcase:
March 17th - Venue: Friends at 8pm
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SXSW 2011 - Halves
"There is a rare sense of equilibrium to this record; from the blood quickening title track to the bruised heard tenderness of 'Amberscene', all is lovingly thought out and executed. In fact, for all their celestial ambition, you'll be hard pressed to find a single superfluous note." - AU magazine
'It Goes, It Goes (Forever & Ever)' - Singles by halves Darling, You'll Meet Your Maker by halves
It is going to be your second time performing at the SXSW. How does that feel?
Feels great...To be honest last year was a little stressful as Elis from the band landed himself in hostipal days before we were due to fly over so we had to get our good friend James from 3epkano to step in. We had fun but I think our confidence was down a little. This time we will bring some form of noise.
Why did you choose to record your album in Montreal at Hotel2Tango?
We love Canada first and foremost. Also we just felt it would be nice to record outside Ireland in a studio that had amazing equipment and that recorded on tape. Hotel2tango has a lovely ethos and it was just a pleasure to be there for 2 weeks. A very happy time for us and we hope to return.
You seem to have enjoyed recording the album "It Goes, It Goes (Forever & Ever)". What is your most memorable part?
I think once we'd settled in and we got familiar with the staff in there and their dogs. Each night it was nice to open a beer or two while we listened back to that day's work. Walking home we'd be surprised at how good the songs were sounding but maybe that was the beer talking.
You have released your album on CD and vinyl. Why on vinyl?
Things have changed dramatically in the last few years with the whole downloading thing. We admire the format very much...it sounds fantastic and having the artwork blown up looks great but mainly it's a very rewarding thing to own I guess. Personally I find cds very annoying and flimsy. We arranged the record in advance to be divided into three parts to fit on three sides of vinyl. The fourth has the lyrics etched onto it. Fucks cds.
Three words to describe yourselves?
Ambitious, Broke, Halves
Showcase:
March 17th - Venue: Friends
March 18th - Venue: BD Reilly's
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