DJ Record Pools

After my main music source, ThePirateBay, stop carrying Promo Only torrents I had to find another source for my music other than iTunes. For a out a year I used Rhapsody but they were short on clean edits and I got tired of producing my own remixes and editing tracks. So, I turned to a record pool for my music. 

I searched and searched and searched and most sites and forums will refer you to the same record pool sites, mainly DJCity.com. After reviewing all the sites I narrowed my search down to 4 and purchased memberships to 3 and was offered a trial period for another.   

The Record Pools I chose were; DJCity.com, TheMixTools.com, ZipDJ.com, and ClubKillers.com (they introduced themselves to me via Instagram.). 

Here is what I thought of the sites:

1.  DJCity.com - Great site! Easy to use and top downloads sorted and archived each month. They have tons of remixes and clean edits and a rating feature for each track downloaded. This is a pro and con to me. Pro because I can see what others are using, con because I have to give feedback on every download. The biggest con is they only keep tracks for about 6 months. So anything old that is still hot in the club will not be on this site. I do not recommend this for new DJs just starting to get their music together. This site is for someone who already has a great music database. Price $90 for 3 months. Great for all music genres. 

2.  TheMixTools.com - I think this is the worst one I chose out of the 4. You are limited to 60 songs per month for $19.95 and the clean and radio I downloaded 20 of them were dirty. Imagine if I had a track loaded entitled clean edit and it turned out to be the dirty version at a wedding.  I did t delete the tracks because you are only allowed to download each track once. Honestly, I have not one pro for this site, all cons. You could say price wise $19.95 is a pro but another $10 bucks you can get unlimited download elsewhere. My suggestion, stay away. 

3. ZipDJ.com - Take everything I said about DJCity.com and take to the 2nd power. Great user interface, unlimited downloads but its $50 a month. Way too much for me. I recommend this site for house and EDM DJs. You guys will love it. 

4.  ClubKillers.com - What can I say? I site that at 1st glance I only thought they sold DJ gear but after I registered and joined the music pool I am amazed. They remix after remix and edit on top of edits. I love the CK Cuts and Quick Hitters. Great for all genres and for a limited time it's $35 per month for unlimited downloads. I would pick this one over all of them. 

So there you have it. I will cancel my other subscriptions and keep Club Killers. I would like to thank ZipDj for the tour and for you House DJs who are looking at DJCity check out ZipDJ. They have trial offer of $35 per month. 

Pure: All White Boat Party

IAMDJDK ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

PURE: ALL WHITE BOAT PARTY

16209 Dodd St, Leander, TX

MAY 25, 2103 - 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM

$35 for singles, $60 for couples

DJ DJ on the 1s and 2s
Spinning the best in Hip Hop, R&B, and Old School Jams

Get your tickets at http://iamdjdkent.eventbrite.com

Rane 62 or Pioneer DJM-T1

So for the past 4 months I have been using the Rane 62 for my sets and I must say "It's freaking awesome" but the price is ridiculous. I have been noticing a lot a DJs starting to lean towards Traktor but I never gave it any serious thought until now. I really wanted the software just to see if it was a good fit for me. After much debating I went out to look at the Traktor Z2 but my eyes were immediately glued to the Pioneer DJM-T1. It does come with Traktor but after some YouTube videos, I see people midi map it to use Serato. Since I have an old SL2 box I bought the T1 to test it out with Serato. After serious sets with it here are my thoughts on using it with SSL.

Pros: Easy to midi map, cross fader is great, nice layout for any DVS software, great build quality, saves you $1400 if you have a SL box, $100 if you have to purchase a SL box.

Cons: Stiff line faders, takes up an extra USB port, a lot of cables

So as of today, I'm selling my Rane 62 for $1700. Why? I only paid $600 for the T1 and I love it. The cons I mentioned I can deal with. I use FireWire and Thunderbolt. Line fader in don't scratch with. Another reason why? I'm saving $1100. Rane is out of their damn minds with that price. Yes in ought it and for 4 months had buyers remorse. So if you want the same quality as Rane for less money and using SSL, go with the DJM-T1.

Real N*gga In Charge (RNIC)

A few months back I seen a tweet someone sent me and they asked "Say bruh ain't you from Jonesoboro?"  I replied "Yeah" and immediately after that I get another tweet saying "One yo lil niggas just won 10 racks from TIP."  In my head I'm head I'm saying I don't any nigga that know T.I., TIP, or Q-Tip for that matter.  I go to YouTube, searched for Jonesboro, LA and I be damned, Lil Snupe has hit a lick.  At that very moment, before even watching the video, I was proud that somebody from Jonesboro made in the rap biz.  I had the "16 & Runnin Mixtape" but never played it.  Mainly because I get so much damn music I can't listen to it all.  A month after the video I finally played it and was like "alright i see ya."  Since then the lil homie Snupe has been all over the web tearing shit up.  His latest project "RNIC" hit the streets hot,becoming #1 on the LiveMixtapes.com hottest downloads.  Now since I've heard it, lets review it.

Before I begin I'm going to try my best to give an unbiased opinion on this but it's hard to do when you from Jonesboro, a small town were everybody knows you.  The mixtape holds 14 solid tracks and a skit featuring artists such as Trae The Truth, Meek Mill, Curren$y, and Bigg Poppa.  The mixtape also features 2 local Jonesboro artist, Twinn U & Jay Knoxx.  As a DJ this is not a EP full of club bangers but a balanced work of art that walks you, the listener, through the life of Li Snupe.  Not only does it touch on his life but shows the struggle of really starting from the bottom and making it.  You can feel the small town backwoods vibe he is getting you to feel.  The tracks go deep like those of Lil Boosie on his 1st LP, "Youngest of the Camp."  The EP is something you can easily ride, drink, and smoke to and say "I feel you on that Lil Snupe."  For his 1st mainstream mixtape this is a solid pick up.  Part 2 of this "RNIC 2" may feature more tracks with the same vibe.  I would like to hear one or two club bangers from him.  As a DJ I need something I can play to make em shake if you know what I mean.  I think Lil Snupe can make a balanced album and be a balanced artist.  He has the voice that would be a good fit for radio, the club, and for the realist n*gga on the corner.

One,

IAMDJDK

www.iamdjdk.com

Pure: All White Boat Party Weekend Offer

This WEEKEND ONLY! Pure All White Boat Party May 25th. Singles Tickets $35 each, Couples $30 each. Get your tickets at iamdjdkent.eventbrite.com

New DJ Setup: Out with Old, In with the New

For the past 6 - 8 months I have been back and forth on the internet searching for the latest and greatest DJ equipment for my new setup.  Since 2010 I have been using the Numark NS7FX but I am beyond tired of using it.  Plus it weights almost 70 lbs in a case so I didn't feel like carrying that thing in the DJ booth anymore so I sold just recently to a beginner DJ.  Don't get me wrong the NS7 is a great machine and for people who don't know how to DJ or never used vinyl to DJ, it's probably the best midi controller on the market for DJs.  But for me, I had to get to vinyl.  If you check out every club DJ they are pretty much using Technics 1200s.  They are the prototype for all turntables but in my opinion the new Stanton 150s blow them out.  Also you will see them using the always reliable Shure M44-7s as well.  In my opinion again, the new Ortofon S-120s are the best needs for digital djing software but M44s are the best on real vinyl.  After several months of reading reviews, renting equipment, and trips to Guitar Center I made up my mind about what I want and I decided to share it with you all.  Take a look and tell me what you think.

HP Smart Buy Business Backpack.

Has the same durability and functionality of any DJ bag and way cheaper.

Rane 62Z
Best Mixer on the market for Serato DJs.




10 Pair of Serato Vinyl
You can never have enough of these plus you can match your outfit or occasion.




Pioneer HDJ-2000-W Headphones
Best Headphones for DJs.  Better sound quality than Beats but not for the everyday listener.  Purely a professional grade set of headphones.




2 Odyssey Black Label Coffins




1 Odyssey Black Label Mixer Coffin




2 Ortofon CC S-120 Kits
Best Needles for Serato




Novation Dicers




Dr. Suzuki White Slipmats
Since I can't find white Serato Vinyl I will use clear over white slipmats.




Akai RPM3 Monitors
Something to place in front of me to help me mix.




White Odyssey LStandMWHT
The most versatile laptop stand on the market.  It has every feature a DJ needs and wants.




2 Stanton STR8.150 Turntables
The best turntables on the market with the highest torque.  Better than a 1200 and cheaper.

So there you have it.  Check out my gear and tell me what you think and tell what you use.

One Love,

IAMDJDK
www.iamdjdk.com

Pure: All White Boat Party Special

Pure: All White Boat Party May 25th #AustinTX #ATX #Austin #RoundRock #CedarPark get your tickets now at http://t.co/1upZnehFxZ. For the month of March ONLY, Buy 4 Tickets and get the 5th one FREE!

6 Ways To Transition Between DJ Sets

Courtesy of DJ Tech Tools.

Have you ever found yourself trying to switch between two DJs that are sharing the same USB mixer, sound card or DVS interface? It’s a common problem in live scenarios, and having a few handy tools up your sleeve can help make a hairy switch seamless. DJTT comes to the rescue with six of our own creative ways to swap laptops while keeping the music rolling.

Ideally, you should have access to a Pioneer CDJ-1000 and be ready to go with a few longish mix CDs with at least 10-20 minutes of continuous music. Unfortunately, things never seem to go smoothly, so it often pays to be prepared with a solid backup plan. This seems to be especially true with Serato DJs who often rely on the same Serato interface the club has connected. Traktor DJs can also benefit by sharing sound cards and preventing any mid-set cable confusion.

Sometimes promoters will just let the music end between DJs to allow the next guy to plug in his computer and cue up the first song. While this can acknowledge the change over and create a natural break in the night, we generally prefer to keep the energy moving.

BIG TIP: If you are playing before someone it is considered courteous to do one-  if not all – of the following: 

• Remove your headphones and walk away from the mixer at the beginning of your last song (dont stand and twiddle knobs, leaving the next poor guy with less than a minute to mix)
• Pick a final song that is as long as possible
• Bring down the energy a bit with the last tracks and create some space for the next DJ to bring it back up at their own pace.
• Don’t dramatically change the tempo suddenly or put on track that doesn’t fit the mood or genre of the night.

HERE ARE THE 6 TIPS PRESENTED IN THE VIDEO

1. The iPod/iPhone Third Deck 

Use an app like the Red Bull BPM DJ app, which has high-quality beatmatching features so you can mix into your iPhone and then let the other DJ remove their computer from the equation.

2. The Roll Loop 

Many mixers now have a “Roll” effect that grabs a small sample and repeats it like a short loop. Just set the length of the roll to the longest possible (usually 8 or more counts) and you can save a full loop of the playing song into memory on the mixer. One DJ TechTools reader suggested also setting the BPM of the effects at 1/2 the natural value. 61 instead of 122 for example, and then you can get a full 16 counts!

With a “Roll” saved on the mixer, the last DJ can unplug and the sound card is now free!

3. The Magic Scratch! 

We love the new Nexus “Noise” color effect. When combined with the crossfader and an echo, it produces a very believable scratch sound that comes from the mixer and requires no sound input. You can use the noise as a transitionary element to fill the gap between DJs for a dramatic and musical effect.

4. The Improv Echo Freeze

No mixers are equipped with the infamous echo freeze by default, but you can approximate it with some quick effects parameter tweeking.

• Set an echo on the down beat
• Kill the playing song
• Quickly lengthen the echo to its longest value – often 1/1

This should keep the echo rolling for at least 10-20 seconds, which can sometimes be long enough to swap computers.

5. Dual Sound Cards

Check out the mixer installed at the club. Chances are higher than ever these days that it might have a sound card installed that you can use. If you are lucky and there is a Rane Sixty Two or Sixty Eight, those mixers are actually equipped with two discrete sound cards, so both DJs can be plugged in at the same time. This makes switching over a breeze.

6. Double-Sided Control Vinyl 

It always surprises me that many DVS DJs don’t realize there is double-sided control vinyl with an analogue song on one side and control vinyl on the other. This is the way I see most well-prepared Serato Scratch Live DJs switch between computers: by relying on good old fashioned analogue signals!  Stokyo stocks a wide range of Serato pressings with music on one side.

Here are some handy links to some of the gear mentioned in the video:

• Rane Sixty-Two mixer review (dual USB port mixer in the video)
• Pioneer DJM-900 mixer review (white noise scratch)
• Red Bull BPM Pro DJ app (iPhone app in the video)
• Donut Shop vinyl (J. Dilla / Serato timecode vinyl)

Pure: All White Boat Party Tickets, Buy 4 Get 1 Free

For March ONLY!!!!
Buy 4 Boat Party Tickets and get the 5th FREE!!!
Go to http://iamdjdkent.eventbrite.com, purchase 4 tickets and the 5th will be emailed to you.

One Luv,

IAMDJDK
www.iamdjdk.com

First Friday ATX

First Friday ATX Presents Aries Suite with Guest DJ; DJ Hella Yella, April 5th

Also don't forget
Pure: All White Boat Party
May 25th
#AustinTX #ATX #Austin get your tickets now at http://t.co/1upZnehFxZ… http://t.co/dNvRoppqSX

First Friday ATX

First Friday ATX and DoUwannaParty.com Presents... "Seduction" Friday, March 1st at TheUpper Decks 301 Barton Springs Road Austin TX!!!Donte GoDj Dontizl Shepard will be in the MIX!!!!— with Ray Medearis, Andre Artis and Donte GoDj Dontizl Shepard.

The SpareFoot Party

Free Entry with RSVP on Do512!
The SpareFoot Party is an unofficial Interactive party and live hip-hop/DJ showcase hosted bySpareFoot, the online marketplace for self-storage. We’re an Austin tech startup success story with a team that takes partying seriously. Sounds range from throwback hip-hop to electronic to dancehall/reggae and beyond. Think dance party with a side of networking.

Our event is free and open to the public, 21+. We’re kicking off Interactive on Friday, March 8 from 8p to 2a. It’s at The North Door, 5th and Brushy St. Details at SpareFoot.com/party.

Talent lineup:
K.Flay (San Francisco) — Live performance + DJ set
Jayceeoh (LA/NYC)
DJ Expo (LA)
Applied Pressure (ATX)
Table Manners Crew (ATX)

Details at SpareFoot.com/party
#SpareFoot

Pure: All White Boat Party

IAMDJDK ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

PURE:  ALL WHITE BOAT PARTY

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Where:  Aquaholics

16209 Dodd St, Volente, TX  78641

$45 Singles, $80 Couples

FREE FOOD AND FREE DRINKS

Boat Docks @ 6:00 PM, Departs @ 7:00 PM, Returns @ 11:00 PM

All White Attire Required

Ladies:  Classy & Sophisticated

Gentlemen:  Swagger & Smooth

Music By:  IAMDJDK

Spinning the best Hip Hop, R&B, and Old School

Please visit our website at www.iamdjdk.com

or For more information please contact us at (512) 934-4601

Ticket go on sale April 1st at iamdjdkent.eventbrite.com

SXSW: NO BADGE? NO PROBLEM!

IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN AUSTIN, TX OR ALREADY HERE & HITTING UP SXSW (SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST) AND DON'T HAVE A BADGE OR JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO THE BUY THE OVER PRICED THING, DON'T FRET.  HERE ARE SPOTS YOU CAN HIT UP FOR FREE.

NY Night Train Soul Clap & Dance Off 
Festival: Music 
Date: Friday, March 08 
Time: 9 p.m. 
Details: DJ Mr. Jonathan Toubin's Soul Clap and Dance-Off is North America's most popular soul party - by far playing to more people in more places and generating more capital than any of its contemporaries. Founded in New York City the concept is simple-all night dancing to the wild soul 45s of subterranean  
More: Event or RSVP website 
Venue: Springdale Farm 
Address: 755 Springdale Road 
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/ZakJY 
Free Entry: Yes 
Free Food/Drink: No 
Twitter: @brooklynbrewery 
Facebook: thebrooklynbrewery 

Click 3X Poolside Brunch 
Festival: Music 
Date: Sunday, March 10 
Time: 11 a.m. 
Details: Click 3X is hosting an exclusive brunch at the fantastic Digital Brand Architects house. We'll have food, drinks music and fun. Come chat with CollegeHumor directing stars Josh Ruben and Vince Peone. Our capacity is limited at this event, so it must remain by invitation only. RSVP on the eventbrite  
More: Event or RSVP website 
Venue: DBA Space 
Address: 1001 W. 17th St. 
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/sXcSs 
Free Entry: Yes 
Free Food/Drink: Yes 
RSVP required: Yes 
Twitter: @Click3X 
Facebook: Click3X 

ReCREATE ATX Street Art & Silent Disco 
Festival: Music 
Date: Sunday, March 10 
Time: Noon 
Details: Free entry with RSVP via Do512. The largest gathering of live art murals in Texas; the cultivation of one of largest outdoor galleries in the USA. 
More: Event or RSVP website 
Venue: HOPE Outdoor Gallery 
Address: Baylor Street 
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/hFpfJ 
Free Entry: Yes 
Free Food/Drink: No 
RSVP required: Yes 
Twitter: @HopeCampaign 
Facebook: hopecampaign 

Stop, Drop & Funk 
Festival: Music 
Date: Sunday, March 10 
Time: 10 p.m. 
Details: Capacity for this event will be capped at 300 people due to the size of the venue and please RSVP on our Eventbrite link to secure your spot as this will be an event you won’t want to miss this Summer! 
Bands: Big Sam's Funky Nation 
More: Event or RSVP website 
Venue: The Belmont 
Address: 305 W. Sixth St. 
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/xdiZv 
Free Entry: Yes 
Free Food/Drink: Yes 
RSVP required: Yes 
Twitter: @sharethis 
Facebook: sharethis 

The Barbarian Group + Vimeo's No Way Back 
Festival: Music 
Date: Monday, March 11 
Time: 6 p.m. 
Details: For the first time ever, The Barbarian Group & Vimeo are partnering up to bring you the biggest blowout party of SxSW Interactive: ‘No Way Back’. Free entry, no RSVP required. 
Bands: MOHAWK OUTSIDE STAGE:
Divine Fits 11pm
Surfer Blood 10pm
Murder By Death 9pm
Poolside 8pm
Keys n Krates 7pm
+ Ulovei (house DJ)

CLUB DEVILLE STAGE:
Neon Indian DJ set 11pm
The Juan MacLean DJ set 10pm
Rory Phillips DJ set 9pm
RAC DJ set 8pm
Orthy DJ set 7pm

MOHAWK INSIDE STAGE:
Vacationer 12:30am  
More: Event or RSVP website 
Venue: The Mohawk 
Address: 912 Red River St. 
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/I3CZd 
Free Entry: Yes 
Free Food/Drink: No 
Staff Pick: Yes 
Twitter: @barbariangroup 
Facebook: barbarian.group 

Mood Media Day Party 
Festival: Music 
Date: Tuesday, March 12 
Time: 2 p.m. 
Details: We’re back at SXSW with a new brand and a new look – DMX and Muzak are now Mood! Mood is Experience by Design. We help brands connect with their customers in extraordinary ways – onsite, online and on the go! Join us in celebrating our new brand at Clive Bar (in the Rainey Street district) on  
Bands: Body Language, Blondfire, AVAN LAVA, Tomorrow We Move to Hawaii 
More: Event or RSVP website 
Venue: Clive Bar 
Address: 609 Davis St. 
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/EtnZW 
Free Entry: Yes 
Free Food/Drink: Yes 
RSVP required: Yes 
Twitter: @moodmedia 
Facebook: moodmedia 

Body High SX2013 Rooftop Party 
Festival: Music 
Date: Tuesday, March 12 
Time: 9 p.m. 
Details: FREE RSVP - LIMITED CAPACITY (RSVP DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY) 
Bands: DJ DODGER STADIUM
DJ FUNERAL
MYRRYRS
DELIVERY
DJ UNIIQUE
JOAQUIN BARTRA 
More: Event or RSVP website 
Venue: Speakeasy 
Address: 412 Congress Ave. 
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/Sh0hs 
Free Entry: Yes 
Free Food/Drink: No 
RSVP required: Yes 

Free Now! Unofficial Showcase (Day 1) 
Festival: Music 
Date: Wednesday, March 13 
Time: Noon 
Details: Free. Presented by Beautifulbuzzz.com and DeliRadio. 
More: Event or RSVP website 
Venue: The Brew Exchange 
Address: 708 W. Sixth St. 
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/px96O 
Free Entry: Yes 
Free Food/Drink: No 
RSVP required: Yes 
Twitter: @beautifulbuzzz 
Facebook: BeautifulBuzzz 

FOR MORE FREE EVENTS PLESE GO TO http://www.austin360.com/interactive/sxsw/side-parties/

ONE LUV,

IAMDJDK
WWW.IAMDJDK.COM