DJ’s Kon & Amir once again unearthed a number of vinyl gems for their upcoming release Off Track Volume III: Brooklyn. The compilation, which is set for an April 26th release, highlights some in known African disco and soul from the 70’s and 80’s. The eclectic African disco and soul cuts Amir highlights on his … Read more
As evolving producers (all Crate Kings readers are) we’re constantly searching for an edge or tip that can make recordings sound better. Gary Bromham at Propellerhead’s Record U offer a quick nonsense guide for anyone looking to configure or rethink their personal recording space. Topics covered include acoustic treatments, gear placement, dead space, standing waves, and more. … Read more
DiViNCi, producer behind Solillaquists of Sound, takes live MPC musicianship to the next level during his performance at the 2008 Plug Independent Music Awards. While some producers make a show of rocking one sampler, DiViNCi easily handles three Akai MPC’s, a talkbox, and more.
Just Blaze further adds to the legend of Big Pun by telling his story of meeting the MC at his home to shop beats. After picking out a few beats from the producer, Pun offered to give Just Blaze at least 15k work of recording gear in exchange for a promise to help assemble a … Read more
After discussing his training as an audio engineer and decision to relocate to New York, Marco Polo and Torae offer tips for aspiring producers and MC’s along with insight into the recording of their album Double Barrel. As an MC I think it’s difficult because you kinda want to find you own sound. And crafting albums, you’re … Read more
After first dropping Lovers And Friends over the weekend, Soulman was again feeling generous and decided to unleash another classic mix upon the world. Soulman’s Beautiful Pt. 2 certainly delivers the goods that we’ve all come to expect from multi-volume sample mix master. Well, just as with the last Beautiful joint I did, I’m real happy about this … Read more
Fretless Fader creator JohnBeez gives an update and explanation of his diabolical hardware creation. In addition to showing off the major/minor switch, he shows how the Fretless Fader has the unique ability to move both up and down an octave. See more of the Fretless Fader demoed here.
Crate pro Soulman hits off his fellow dusty vinyl appreciators with a Valentine’s day mix entitled Lovers And Friends. For those who don’t know, mixes by Soulman (Phil Stroman, Digga Phelps) never disappoint and are considered an automatic listen. I’d like to say this is perfect since this is Valentines Day, but some of the … Read more
Producer Drumma Boy tells how he became involved music production and beatmaking and learn more about the first beat that he ever sold. I used to just always be amazed at the different ways of putting music together.
Best of Both Offices presents part 2 of Sean C & LV’s interview with Statik Selektah in which the producer/DJ elaborates on his methods of networking with artists, establishing relationships, and keeping an eye on up and coming talent. Statik also touches on having multiple streams of income and sliding rate scales for preferred artists. I don’t know … Read more