Keep protecting whales!!!

IWC to Meet Behind Closed Doors
On September 15, a secret meeting of the International Whaling Commission will take place in Florida to consider lifting the ban on commercial whaling around the world.

Download IFAW's Briefing on the 33 Items under discussion at this meeting

We Cannot Stand By and Let This Happen
The moratorium on commercial whaling has been in existence since 1986. And there is strong scientific evidence that whale populations are just now starting to recover after decades of merciless hunting and exploitation.

IFAW is vehemently opposed to the lifting of the '86 moratorium and now more than ever, whales need your support.

Take Action Today
Tell Secretary of Commerce, Carlos M. Gutierrez, to keep whale protection a public issue.

Help us spread the word via Facebook, MySpace and through your network of friends.

use this link to take action, it takes 5 seconds...

http://www.stopwhaling.org/site/c.foJNIZOyEnH/b.4488761/k.7017/Take_Action_for_the_Whales.htm

4:58 AM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

"So You Wanna Be a D"j Part 10?"

So now you have a basic grasp on production, DJ skills, how to present yourself, blah blah, what next? Should you get a manager? An agent? How do you climb that ever elusive ladder to success? All I can tell you is my own experience, which doesn't necessarily make me right. You have to follow your own path and listen to your gut, because it's nearly always spot on.

4:50 AM - 2 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Important.

Don't forget to register by oct 4!
In some states the deadline to register is oct 4, that is the deadline ... after that, we, me and you lose our power to vote. So please register and PLEASE vote America.


please watch this .........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vtHwWReGU0&feature=user

4:47 AM - 0 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

get Involved With An Organization

Center for Public Environmental Oversight
www.cpeo.org
NRDC - The Natural Resources Defense Council 
www.nrdc.org
The NRDC is a nonprofit environmental organization with more than 550,000 members nationwide and a staff of scientists, attorneys and environmental experts. Their mission is to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things.

Global Green USA
www.globalgreen.org
Global Green's programs focus on eliminating weapons of mass destruction;
fighting climate change; promoting green building and renewable energy; and
ensuring access to clean water for all of humanity.
Tree People
www.treepeople.org
IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare
www.ifaw.org
Reef Check
www.reefcheck.org
The Student Conservation Association 
www.thesca.org
SCA is a nationwide conservation force of college and high school volunteers who annually commit nearly 2 million combined hours of service to national parks, forests, refuges and urban green spaces throughout all 50 states. Poised to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, SCA's active, hands-on approach to conservation has helped to develop a new generation of conservation leaders, inspire lifelong stewardship, and save our planet.
Childrens Environmental Health Network 
http://www.cehn. org protects children from environmental hazards
The Environmental Justice Foundation empowers people all over the world to protect their own environment. http://www.ejfoundation.org/index.html
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education. http://www.surfrider.org

11:42 PM - 0 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

"So You Wanna Be a D"j Part 9?

Ever heard that saying "where there's a hit there's a writ?"

It's true. So when I say to you "get your paperwork in order" I do not jest. I have lost thousands and thousands in potential revenue because I didn't know how to do this. Granted in 1988 record deals were signed on the front hood of banged up motors (honestly!). At least in the "GOOD 'OLE RAVE DAYS" we were all so new and naive and happy that someone actually wanted to put our music out that we would have sold our siblings for the chance...lol (sorry bro, just kidding)

Point is, I rarely had paperwork, it was never offered, and when it was I was so broke I couldn't afford a lawyer. So I ended up screwed over without lube. Not pleasant. I always tell my artistes to get their contracts looked at. I recently had an artiste who didn't do this and wanted to give his music to someone else though the track was signed to me. Any other label would have said "tough luck" and really there is little he could do about it. The track wasn't so great and because of his attitude I decided to drop him from the label so we all ended up with what we needed. However he now has no record deal so a contract can also prevent you from losing your deal. Because he didn't bother to research, he lost out in many ways. By the way, if you do need a lawyer, make sure its an entertainment lawyer... a personal injury lawyer or your brother's-cousin-the-public-defender is not gonna know the ins and outs to accurately represent you.

When I was signed to Sony my contract also proved invaluable when I got dropped. Hey, happens to the best of us man, I'm telling you. Look at all the greats, Madonna, The Beatles, Lenny Kravitz, The Rolling Stones, Sting, to name a few, and they would tell you the same. Very few of us sign a record deal, have it go perfectly, and live a long happy life in the studio. I wish it worked that way but with the industry in such a state of flux right now. Look at the labels: EMI, Sony, Epic, RCA, Interscope; so many labels, they were gods, but where will they be in five years? Could we be looking at a mass extinction just like the dinosaurs? And if you're signed to them, will you go down too? Your contract will ensure you are protected financially, should the shit hit the fan. No one wants to buy music when you can steal it for free. Sad but true. Until there is a fair solution I don't see a happy ending for the big labels.... but on the brighter side, that's good news for us, the indie pioneers.

When working with vocalists or writing songs with one or more partners, you also need to protect yourself. Whenever I collaborate there is always a signed piece of paper by both parties splitting the song 50/50 if there were two writers, 33/33/33 for three, and so on. Back in the day we used to mail the track to ourselves and leave it unopened, this was proof of the creation of that track. Old school, but it'll probably stand up in court. There is a great article in this month's Sound On Sound on this matter so read up because you don't know how many hits you have in you, and you never know when someone will cover one of your songs, could be when you're old and gray. How nice to make cash years down the line because you were smart enough to get the legal jargon done today.

As my mum always says...regret can't feed you when your hungry. Ok, I made that up but you get my drift...till the next time.

luv and bass, DJRAP

-- Sign up to my mailing list for free music on the first of every month!

11:31 PM - 3 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Zeitgeist, The Movie

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-594683847743189197

Zeitgeist, TheMovie

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
It's time we woke up to the fact that we are in very real danger of a totalitarian world.

8:12 PM - 9 Comments - 17 Kudos - Add Comment

"So You Wanna Be a D"j Part 8?

I really hope that the info I have shared with you has helped if even a little, it's kinda hard to talk about how to actually DJ as this is a personal thing and different for everybody. A very long time ago (1986) I heard a Jamaican DJ called Marvelous Marvin. This was before I even began my career. What blew me away with this guy was the fact that he was creating art as I watched him blend 2 records effortlessly together creating in fact, a remix before my eyes. Not only that, but all his mixes were in tune with each other! I even remember the tracks; the Soul 2 Soul acapella mixed in Din Da Da. It was simply beautiful.

To this day I never seen another DJ do that...EVER. I made a promise to myself that my mixes would be beautiful... (well I would certainly try) and that is why I simply spend hours and hours putting my sets together. The main reason being that, it really helps to know your tunes, where the breaks occur, where the track goes etc......... for the DJ's like myself who can play 6 hour sets, this is important as there is alot of music to get through and you want your set to flow, to use a cliche, as a journey. This is a different case in drum and bass however, mainly because we play for only one hour and your mission should you choose to accept it, is to destroy the dance floor.

Another reason to practice is because I spend endless hours editing other peoples music. I do this so I have something that is special, that is mine alone. It could also be that I need a simpler ending to a track and the person who made it was not a DJ, so they put a bass line in it all the way to the end... thus making it tricky for me to get the next track mixed in tune.... again this is a personal thing, some DJ's that I know use eq's to fade bottom end out... again, it is up to you, but I like my tracks to start with beats and end only with beats, this makes my job much easier, so it makes sense for me to spend the time doing this to all my music so I never have to worry about anything not flowing or coming in out of tune.

Of course, I am at a point now where the majority of what I play is from my labels and my own production, but practice makes perfect in my case too. Try to stay away from a formatted set list. You are always better when you use your heart and eyes to tell you what track to drop next; the crowd will tell you, you'll just feel it. Sometimes its cool to have your music arranged in a specific way (in your box/bag whatever... personally I love UDG). For example, prog house in one set, minimal in one set and so forth. I arrange my bag according to time; beginning of show, middle, peak time and end. As I said, it's all up to you.

6:02 PM - 3 Comments - 7 Kudos - Add Comment

"So You Wanna Be a D"j Part 7?

We have talked alot about the tecnichal aspect of music, how to present yourself, and how to produce... One thing very few people talk about is the actual business and how it can one minute elavate you till you're floating on cloud nine, then drop you, and crush your soul till you wanna die. Dramatic? Maybe... Still it has been all these things and more for me. It always helps me when I read about other artistes going through the same thing, somehow giving me the strength to go on when things are bad, it shows we are not alone. The truth is, apart from acting, you have chosen the hardest profession in the world where you'll live the life of a starving artiste. The slot is filled for DJ superstars. To join the ranks you'll need to produce 20 hits in a row and sell more tickets than Paul Van Dyk... yes i'm DJ RAP but if you think its all rosy for me, you couldn't be more wrong.

This blog is about mental toughness. I believe that victory is for believers and for those who believe long enough. The question will always be how long can we hold out before we win, before we starve, before we have to get a day job at McDonalds or Burger King, or even better Fry's!!!!
Yep, I make light, however, what else can I do as this is all I have done my whole life?
So, lesson one is have a backup plan. When you learn to produce this will be a valuable skill and you will always find work in the editing/production world of music and film as well as any studio be it RecordPlant, Conway, or the like... When times are tough, and they will be, you'll be glad you have that skill, believe me.

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't question my sanity for choosing this path, as it's so damn stressful. I have given everything up for this and yet, my dream eludes me and remains only half answered... though many think fulfilled. The struggle to make a great living doing what you love is truly only for the hardcore, that's what make the great great. Look at Oprah, Mohammed Ali, Ghandi, the Dali Lama, the father on the street, our mothers and grandmothers. All people who taught us life is hard but also can be glorius.
I will let you know when I get there. lol..........

luv and bass DJ RAP

as always, head over to my website and sign up on the mailing list to receive free tracks in your email every month!

5:54 PM - 8 Comments - 19 Kudos - Add Comment

"So You Wanna Be a D"j Part 6?

Hi there, hope you're all feeling groovy.

Well we have talked about the basics of making music: the arrangement, choosing the right sounds, the equipment (although I am biased to pioneer when it comes to DJ' ing) the mix, studio setup etc... maybe it helped you, maybe it didn't. There are a thousand magazines and websites and places to go to get more info. For example Electronic Musician, Sound On Sound, EQ, Mix Magazine, are greats among a number of publications. Or if you want just want a good laugh I love "geekologie" (nothing to do with music but great for geeks). As far as websites I like: futureproducers.com is a great community for upcoming and crackin producers, acapellas4u if you need vocals to practice with/remix (don't forget you need to obtain a license if your thinking of releasing/selling anything with these vocals), or freesound.org is a great website for license free samples.
So, what's next? well once you feel your music is ready there are a few options available to you, but, before you put yourself "out there" for the world to see and hear lets talk about presentation. I can't tell you enough how sad it is the amount of music that goes unlistened to that I receive simply because it comes with a "smiley face" and no contact info. What are we, five? Presentation is everything and if it's done right, you will be taken seriously.

Make sure you print a label on your CD with all the relevant contact info. Pictures of yourself on the CD are a bad idea (I'm not kidding, I get those too) unless of course you look like Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Ryan Reynolds... ok you get the picture! A note (preferably typed on a letterhead) with a BRIEF explanation of who you are (this is why a small bio is a good idea) and why you think this label is right for your music. That's right, you have to think about where you feel your music fits... no good sending drum and bass to a house label like Subliminal or Impropa Talent, when you know it needs to go to Propa Talent! lol... Don't spend all your time gushing how great you think the label/DJ is, be professional at all times, after all, we are all the same, no one is god here and we are not saving lives, so polite and directly to the point is the way to go.
Lastly if you get no response, do follow up as many DJ's/labels need a gentle "prod" mainly because they are busy. I always try to give feedback whether I like the track or not, some don't bother and I am sorry as I think it would really help out the newblood. If you get no love at all, don't keep at them. Why would you want to be on a label that doesn't give a shit anyway?
Hope some of you find this useful, it certainly helped me. And yes, I have sent a "smiley" cd out when I was a young raver myself, so I can say whatever I damn well like! lol.



luv and bass DJ RAP

-by the way, all the people on my mailing list get free tracks on the first of every month as well as goodies in their inboxes. so head over to my website [djrap.com] and sign up today.

6:25 PM - 0 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

"So You Wanna Be a D"j Part 5?

Well hello there friends, it's a lovely day in the neighborhood and I'm happy to see all the great feedback we've been getting from the blog. I'm glad you're diggin it! Rather than drone on about more mixing mojo and blah blah blah... I thought we'd talk a bit about arrangement today.

While you might not think that arrangement is a big deal, I'll tell you its a well known fact that many Dj's wont play your record if the arrangement sucks. Plenty of DJ's, myself included, will spend hours editing their sets to flow together like butta. But thats another story. Getting your tracks to peak and breathe is going to take a bit of schooling and a lot of listening.

You're probably gonna kill me here but again... the first step to getting arrangement right is.... anyone, anyone... Bueller... Bueller... listen to your favs. The importance to listening to your favorite producers in any genre of music is huge. Simply because there is a formula and it works.

When it comes to electronica, gigantic intros are a pain in the ass to mix, as well as not putting beats at the end of the track, meaning more time in the studio editing so that the sets flow. I mean come on will it kill you to put 4 bars of beats at the end? or fade the sounds out so it ends up just being beats. Sounds like im nagging, but you have no idea how many dj's bitch about this, myself included.

Once you've spent time and you understand the formula, a great way to cheat with this is to import the track into your sequencer and simply copy the arrangement. I personally dont do this but it might help you in the beginning. One of the great things about having experience DJing is knowing how the crowd will react. This is something the bedroom producer never gets to see. For example I know that no matter what people say, big drops go down well. You only have to listen to productions by Paul van Dyk, BT, Tiesto, Deep Dish and Dubfire to know that i speak the truth. Same goes for every genre of electronic music, it simply sells records. However it's important nowadays to stay away from the old fashioned crashes and 'ravey' breakdowns. Deadmou5 is a perfect example of how to do a perfect modern breakdown. It doesn't have to be cheesy, it just needs to be powerful. Of course there are some producers who do not want this kind of impact in their music as it would not suit the productions they are making. So it really is a judgement call on your part dependant on the production style you're going for.

That's really about all i can say concerning arrangement for right now, but keep it here for more in a couple weeks. And as always, head over to the djrap website and sign up to the mailing list to get free music every month.

luv and bass, DJ RAP

7:01 AM - 4 Comments - 9 Kudos - Add Comment