Cakewalk has announced the release of Sonar 8.5 Producer and Sonar 8.5 Studio. New features and improvements for Sonar 8.5 Producer package include: Matrix View Step Sequencer 2.0 Integrated Arpeggiator Session Drummer AudioSnap 2.0 Media Browser PX-64 Percussion Strip VX-64 Vocal Strip Windows 7 Support “Hotswap” audio and MIDI devices Native REX loop support BitBridge … Read more
Producer Baby Paul (Beatminerz, Nas, Fat Joe, Black Moon, Flipmode Squad, Artifacts) discusses moving beyond hip-hop, exploring musical genres, and the experience of making music using traditional instruments vs. electronic means. [via GG]
French filmmakers Maxime Giffard and Felix Tissier have created a documentary entitled West Coast Theory, which seeks to shed light on the unique sound and style of West Coast hip-hop. In addition to artist interviews, the film features extended studio footage and conversations with producers such as DJ Muggs, Jelly Roll, Fredwreck, Will I. Am, … Read more
Congrats to the all winners of the 2009 DMC World Championships, which took place this past weekend! 2009 DMC World Championship Results: World DJ Championships: DJ Shiftee Battle For World Supremacy: DJ Switch World Team Championships: Kireek (Japan) Visit DMC for complete competition results.
Boka, founder of Philadelphia’s Pittsburgh’s Weapons of Mass Destruction producer battle, discusses how the event came into existence and the benefits of taking part in competitive producer events and battles. Visit Weapons of Mass Destruction for more info about upcoming battles and producer related events.
Producer/university professor 9th Wonder discusses the importance of knowing cultural history, setting goals, commitment, and maintaining a consistent, elevated work ethic. Notable Quotes: “You kinda gotta know the history of something you want to be a part of. Me I learned from Dilla and Madlib, who learned from Pete [Rock], who learned from James Brown, … Read more
Mark of The Unicorn (MOTU) has announced the release of an update to their legendary DAW, Digital Performer 7. Digital Perform 7 delivers a number of new features and options including: Lyrics, QuickScribe notation enhancements, Pro Tools 8 Support, Real-time crossfades, along with Live Room, Guitar pedals, Lead sheets, and channel strip. New users can … Read more
Q-Tip talks about submitting beats to Notorious B.I.G. and hearing a version of “Nasty Boy”, which sampled Prince’s “Kiss” and ultimately succumbed to sample clearance issues.
Zeke The Freak interviews producer Pete Rock as he discusses his role in the completion of J Dilla’s Jay Stay Paid and upcoming projects including a new Petestrumentals and Soul Survivor album.
Respect to Arcee, Kaewonder, and Skratch Bastid for delivering yet another volume of Cratery. Now in its eighth volume, Cratery Eight aka Eightery opens our ears to such artists Jimmy Smith, LeRoy Hutson, Marlena Shaw, 9th Creation, and more. This month, Kaewonder and I were lucky enough secure Montreal DJ and record aficionado Skratch Bastid … Read more