Saturday 27 January 2018

Back in the grove and producing a beat

The lack of blog posts is reflective of my distance from music in of the last several years. I've hardly touched my decks or producing music. These days it's definitely a hobby and other things in life have taken my time. Over the last year or two, I've been very slowly getting back into the grove. Getting familiar with the latest sounds, what's cool on the streets. Although, I think it's fair to say there is no longer a true underground/street scene given everything is instantly available on the net.

When it comes to production I've dabbled to amuse myself in the past. Fruityloops was my goto piece of software. Ableton Live seems to be popping up quite a bit. I have been eyeing up finger drumming and the Midi Fighter 3D and Live seems to be the software that pops up. Initially, I downloaded the trial version and had a little play and pretty happy with how it all comes together which includes their website, ability to acquire sounds packs, and the community. So I've shelled out hard cash and bought a copy of Live. It let's you upload directly to SoundCloud, nice touch!

Here's an original loop that I produced, it's not based on somebody else's loop. 



Saturday 25 February 2012

Dumping SoundCloud for MixCloud

I signed up to Soundcloud.com a few years back however until very recently I didn't upload an content. And I discover it's not completely free. Fair enough that it isn't but at the same time their pricing isn't cheap either. 

In search of an alternative I came across Mixcloud.com which it. It's not as advanced as Soundcloud.com and the experience is a little sticky but it does a solid job in it's core functionality and is free. 

Find my mixes there http://www.mixcloud.com/djsl/

Audacity, software to record and edit your mix

Recent post being evidence, I've got back into the occasional mix session. Initially impressed by Soundcloud.com and particularly their mobile app which allows one to record and upload a mix all directly from your mobile. However I came across an issue, when recording via the headphone/mic socket built-in mic doesn't get muted resulting in a really crappy recording.

Therefore back to the good old laptop it was. Now I need some recording software obviously and came across Audacity, a free audio recording and editing application. I was expecting something basic however pleasantly surprised.

Get the job done, check it out.



Monday 20 February 2012

Sunday Mix Session: UK Garage Memories 1

This weekend I felt like pulling out a few of the old UK Garage tunes. End up throwing a few 4x4 beats in between the 2-step. There's a bit of MJ Cole, DEA Crew, Brasstooth, E.S Dubs, and Jaimeson in the mix bring you up to around 2003 I believe.

Hope you enjoy the set and it brings back a few memories for you too!

UK Garage Memories 1 - DJ SL

Sunday 5 February 2012

Sunday Mix Session: Old Skool Jungle Refit

Been off the map for a while, the decks have been gathering dust.

12 years ago I needed the latest PC hardware, editing software, my own web server, and hours to convert and upload a mix. Before broadband we had to use CDs - even before that cassette tapes - imagine that.

Today Soundcloud squares off the hosting and their app on my Galaxy Nexus lets me record and upload in 3 clicks. The mix was up on the web about 5min after I finished mixing! All that just using my mobile phone! Facebook and Twitter take care of the sharing. Amazing!

So here it is and hopefully one of many to come.


Old Skool Jungle Refit - DJ SL



Wednesday 20 February 2008

iTunes for Windows Mobile 6

I want iTunes for my windows mobile! I don't want to buy a iPod because i don't listen to music on the go that often and don't want to/need to carry another device. I don't want a iPhone because it costs money and functionally isn't what I want. I do however want to use iTunes Store to download music because there is a wide range of music available and it makes it very easy to find, preview and buy music. Not every tune is available as a "Plus" download and they cost more, I don't see why I should have to pay more to get DRM free downloads.



Surely I cannot be alone on this! I want to be able to listen to my music, which I have paided for, on the go, on my windows mobile device. 90% of the time people brun to CD and re-rip or use QtFairUse to free their music and get them on to an alternative player. So why not reduce the need for this by releasing iTunes for Windows Mobile? It would probably go a little way to help reduce piracy.



I have found some references back in 2005 of people blogging about iTunes for Windows Mobile 5 like here http://www.downloadsquad.com/2005/09/27/itunes-for-windows-mobile/ . There hasn't been any download info of follow ups so assume this was a hoax.



Come on Apple sort it out!!!!!!

Friday 30 November 2007

Booyaka - Golden Era Jungle

My mate Dave has always been ahead of the game when it comes to all things music. As such he was the one to point me towards this website GoldenEraJungle.com . If you were into your Old Skool Hardcore/Jungle (not D&B) back in the day then like us you too will love this site. It has many a MP3 of live shows and mix tapes from way back back back in time. Check it out.