Isaac Hayes, the pioneering singer, songwriter and musician whose relentless "Theme From Shaft" won Academy and Grammy awards, died Sunday afternoon, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office said. He was 65.
A family member found him unresponsive near a treadmill and he was pronounced dead an hour later at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, according to the sheriff's office. The cause of death was not immediately known.
In the early 1970s, Hayes laid the groundwork for disco, for what became known as urban-contemporary music and for romantic crooners like Barry White. And he was rapping before there was rap.
His career hit another high in 1997 when he became the voice of Chef, the sensible school cook and devoted ladies man on the animated TV show "South Park."
Steve Shular, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, said authorities received a 911 call after Hayes' wife and young son and his wife's cousin returned home from the grocery store and found him collapsed in a downstairs bedroom. A sheriff's deputy administered CPR until paramedics arrived.
"The treadmill was running but he was unresponsive lying on the floor," Shular said.
The album "Hot Buttered Soul" made Hayes a star in 1969. His shaven head, gold chains and sunglasses gave him a compelling visual image.
"Hot Buttered Soul" was groundbreaking in several ways: He sang in a "cool" style unlike the usual histrionics of big-time soul singers. He prefaced the song with "raps," and the numbers ran longer than three minutes with lush arrangements.
"Jocks would play it at night," Hayes recalled in a 1999 Associated Press interview. "They could go to the bathroom, they could get a sandwich, or whatever."
Next came "Theme From Shaft," a No. 1 hit in 1971 from the film "Shaft" starring Richard Roundtree.
"That was like the shot heard round the world," Hayes said in the 1999 interview.
At the Oscar ceremony in 1972, Hayes performed the song wearing an eye-popping amount of gold and received a standing ovation. TV Guide later chose it as No. 18 in its list of television's 25 most memorable moments. He won an Academy Award for the song and was nominated for another one for the score. The song and score also won him two Grammys.
"The rappers have gone in and created a lot of hit music based upon my influence," he said. "And they'll tell you if you ask."
Hayes was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
"I knew nothing about the business, or trends and things like that," he said. "I think it was a matter of timing. I didn't know what was unfolding."
A self-taught musician, he was hired in 1964 by Stax Records of Memphis as a backup pianist, working as a session musician for Otis Redding and others. He also played saxophone.
He began writing songs, establishing a songwriting partnership with David Porter, and in the 1960s they wrote such hits for Sam and Dave as "Hold On, I'm Coming" and "Soul Man."
All this led to his recording contract.
In 1972, he won another Grammy for his album "Black Moses" and earned a nickname he reluctantly embraced. Hayes composed film scores for "Tough Guys" and "Truck Turner" besides "Shaft." He also did the song "Two Cool Guys" on the "Beavis and Butt-Head Do America" movie soundtrack in 1996.
Additionally, he was the voice of Nickelodeon's "Nick at Nite" and had radio shows in New York City (1996 to 2002) and then in Memphis.
He was in several movies, including "It Could Happen to You" with Nicolas Cage, "Ninth Street" with Martin Sheen, "Reindeer Games" starring Ben Affleck and the blaxploitation parody "I'm Gonna Git You, Sucka."
In the 1999 interview, Hayes described the South Park cook as "a person that speaks his mind; he's sensitive enough to care for children; he's wise enough to not be put into the 'whack' category like everybody else in town — and he l-o-o-o-o-ves the ladies."
But Hayes angrily quit the show in 2006 after an episode mocked his Scientology religion. "There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins," he said.
Co-creator creators Matt Stone responded that Hayes "has no problem — and he's cashed plenty of checks — with our show making fun of Christians." A subsequent episode of the show seemingly killed off the Chef character.
Hayes was born in 1942 in a tin shack in Covington, Tenn., about 40 miles north of Memphis. He was raised by his maternal grandparents after his mother died and his father took off when he was 1 1/2. The family moved to Memphis when he was 6.
Hayes wanted to be a doctor, but got redirected when he won a talent contest in ninth grade by singing Nat King Cole's "Looking Back."
He held down various low-paying jobs, including shining shoes on the legendary Beale Street in Memphis. He also played gigs in rural Southern juke joints where at times he had to hit the floor because someone began shooting.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Singer, songwriter Isaac Hayes dies at age 65
Pioneer CDJ-400 CD Digital Turntable with USB Integration
Pioneer CDJ-400 Professional Digital Turntable
USB integration and MP3 playback
DJ software compatibility and MIDI control
World’s first scratch jog effect
USB Integration and MP3 Playback
The CDJ-400’s cosmetic design is simple and compact yet elegant with all of its various controls and features located directly on top of the unit. A USB port found on the face of the player allows DJs to play their MP3 music collection from a wide variety of portable music devices such as thumb drives, MP3 players or external hard drives. With the use of a multi-function selector knob/button and its large, bright, dot-matrix LCD display, locating and accessing of files from these types of music devices as well as MP3 music files on CD and CD-R/RW through the CD slot are done with a turn and press of the knob.
DJ Software Compatibility and MIDI Control
With more of today’s DJs utilizing different DJ software for their performances, the CDJ-400 is also equipped with a PC mode. In this mode, the CDJ-400 is a native controller for software such as Pioneer DJS computer software and SERATO® Scratch LIVE. For example, the movement of the pitch slider on the CDJ-400 can control the pitch slider on the computer software and no timecode CD is required for audio control. The player can also act as a MIDI controller where the user can assign virtually every button on the player to trigger functions of various DJ software programs.
World’s First Scratch Jog Effect
A highlight and an advancement of the CDJ-400 is its scratching capability. In addition to traditional “vinyl” mode scratching, Pioneer implemented the World’s First Scratch Jog Effect. Three highlighted buttons, each assigned to a special effect, Bubble, Trans and Wah, creates unique scratching sound effects that can be enabled by the DJ on the fly. A “hold” button was also added to retain the different effects throughout the session or until its release, which can also be triggered at any point of play.
Other Performance Features:
· Digital Loop functions: A variety of loops can be created for additional audio effects.
· Beat Loop: Automatically creates a four beat loop based on the tempo of the music (BPM) being played.
· Loop Divide: Rhythmically divides the loop to create different patterns.
· Hot Loop: Restarts the loop seamlessly from its entry without interruption of the music.
· Digital Jog Break: In CD mode the CDJ-400 contains three effects, Jet, Roll and Wah, which further enhances the audio by simply rotating the jog dial. The same buttons for the Scratch Jog Effect are assigned to the Digital Jog Break which are accessible at any point of play.
· Tempo Control: Four tempo modes, ±6%, ±10%, ±16% and WIDE, provide additional speed control with a resolution of 0.02% in the 6% range.
· Cue/Loop Points: Up to 10 cue/loop points per disc, for up to 920 discs, can be stored to player’s memory.
· Jog Indicator: A red halo illumination around the jog provides instantaneous visual feedback to the DJ.
· Customizable Jog Wheel: Users can create their own customized image to insert under the removable jog wheel top.
· Digital Output: A digital output is available for a direct connection for clearer sound to a connected mixer.
· Resume Function: The function takes effect if a CD is ejected accidentally. Once the DJ re-inserts the disc, it automatically starts playing from exactly the point where it stopped. 
| Specifications (US) | |
| Disc Type | CD, CD-R/RW, MP3 |
| Compatible Media | USB memory (FAT format, MP3) |
| Output Terminals | Audio Out (RCA), Digital Out (Coaxial) |
| Other Terminals | Control (3.5 mm mini plug) |
| Power Requirements | 120 V (60 Hz) |
| Power Consumption | 17 Watts |
| Weight | 5.95 lbs |
| Dimensions | 8.54 (W) x 11.66 (D) x 4.2 (H) in |
| Frequency Response | 4 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 115 dB or greater (JEITA) |
| Distortion | 0.006% (JEITA) |
Selling for $699.99 USD
Virtual DJ 5.2: The Ultimate DJ Mix Software is Out Now
Virtual DJ : The Ultimate DJ Mix Software
VirtualDJ is the hottest MP3 mixing software, targeting every DJ from bedroom DJs to professional superstars like Carl Cox. With its breakthrough BeatLock engine, your songs will always stay in the beat, and you can work your mixes incredibly faster than any other DJ could.
The automatic seamless loop engine and the brand new synchronised sampler will let you perform astounding remixes live, with no preparation at all. The visual representation and the cues allow you to clearly see the song's structure, and never be surprised by a break anymore. The vinyl controls will let you scratch like on a real turntable, except that with the beatlock engine your scratches will never end out of the beat.
Add to that an infinite number of cue points you can save for each songs, a bunch of wonderful effects automatically beat-synchronised.
Add also several interfaces to suit everybody from the beginner to the professional DJ, the possibility to record your mixes to burn them on CDs, to broadcast on the Internet and have your own radio station, to save your CDs directly in MP3, to use a headphone to preview the songs or an external mixtable to perform in a club.
Lastly, enter the new era of DJs by mixing video clips (DVD, DivX, MPEG...) which you can send on a giant screen.
Virtual DJ brings you all that, in the most easy-to-use way, and at the most affordable price.
Virtual DJ v5.2 software features
Twin independent zero-latency players with:
- Standard controls (play, pause, stop, cue)
- Volume control
- Pitch control (from -34 to +34%)
3 band equalizers with Kill + gain
One-click beat matching and synchronisation (new FAME algorithm)
BeatLock engine: your songs will always stay in time, and you can work your mixes incredibly faster than any other DJ could
Automatic beat-matched crossfading
On-the-fly automatic BPM calculation
Automatic pitch matching
Automatic level matching
Automatic beat matching
Dynamic beat visualizer for easy "drag'n'drop" beat-matching
Real scratch simulation
Virtual scratch: Scratch your mp3 with your bare hand
Automatic beat-aware LOOP function
Synchronised sampler with 12 instant slots
Master Tempo pitch algorithm
Automatic first beat and last beat detection
Automatic 4/4 phase detection
OSC network synchronisation
Infinite number of beatlocked desks (local multi-instance or network)
Infinite number of cue points saved per songs
Beat-aware effect plugins (included: beatgrid, flippin, vocal remover, filter, flanger, backspin, brake, etc...)
VST effects compatibility
Video mix with TV output (mix songs and/or video clips !)
Full karaoke support
Proprietary of FreeFrame video effects
Inifite number of video effect simultaneously
DJ-adapted video transition plugins
Song database engine with easy-to-use search feature
CoverFlow or text-only song browsing
Compatible with iTunes playlists
ID3 compatibility
Automatic "filter" folders
Automatic Hot-Swap of external harddrives
Ready-to-burn file recording to burn your own mixed CDs
Broadcast on the Internet
CD to MP3 encoder
Optional 3D sound card, 2 sound cards or Y-splitter for real-time monitoring or external mixtable use
ASIO soundcard compatibility
Fully customisable (skin engine and shortcut macro enngine)
External MIDI keyboard compatibility for shortcuts
Compatibility with most external controllers (DMC2, DAC3, iCDX, TotalControl, BCD2000, DJConsole, etc...)
Optional automatic mixing: Virtual DJ recognizes the style of the music (techno, hip hop, lounge) and adapt its mix in consequence
Minimum Requirements
The minimum requirement to run Virtual DJ is:
PIII 850 MhZ computer
1024x768 SVGA video
DirectX compatible soundcard
512 MB RAM
20 MB free on the hard-drive
The recommended configuration is:
PIV 3 GhZ computer
1024x768 SVGA video
4.1 DirectX compatible soundcard (with front and rear separate outputs)
1024 MB RAM
200 MB free on the hard-drive
The recommended configuration to mix video is:
Dual Core 2 GhZ CPU
dual output ATI or nVidia video card with 1Gb of on-board memory (no integrated laptop videocard)
2048 MB RAM
You can download a FREE demo version of Virtual DJ.
The demo will work for only 20 days.
MixVibes DVS (Digital Vinyl System) Version 7 is Out Now
In 2007, MixVibes developed with ESI Audio technology a rock solid interface to combine with their DVS (Digital Vinyl System) technology. MixVibes created the DVS PACK MK2, a perfect bundle solution for DJs who wish to get everything included (interface, vinyl, CD and software). This package offers an outstanding sound quality and the best latency performance on the market for scratch and club DJs.
The essential Digital Vinyl System (DVS) to mix your digital files with CD or vinyl decks in professional conditions. All you need is a PC and a 2in/2out audio interface (USB, FireWire, PCI compatible) to spin your digital music with your CD or vinyl decks! 
Thanks to the timecoded control CDs or vinyl records, feel the smooth real time reactivity of scratching digital files. The latency you get depends on your audio interface but can go as low as 1 ms with top notch firewire soundcards. Check out the forum www.mixvibes.dj for recommended and pre-tested sound interfaces.
The CD player or turntables are plugged into the soundcard inputs. No RIAA Pre amp is recommended, the software does the correction automatically. The output of your soundcard will be connected to Channel 1 and 2 of your mixer. Once everything is set up, the Install Wizard in the DVS will help you finalize the setup.
DVS Features
Playback modes:
Spinning records could be done with 2 kinds of modes. The absolute mode plays your media files just like a normal vinyl record. Moving the needle over the vinyl will follow the mp3 songs loaded in your software player. The relative mode allows you to loop your vinyl, and move forward and backward the loops with the needle. The third mode is All Relative and moving the needle over the vinyl will have no effect on the track position. This mode is recommended for fast scratch and to avoid skips.
Control Vinyl record:
MixVibes control vinyl record is designed to be tough and precise. It includes a high frequency timecode allowing a better control of the track position and detecting every movement you will do. This ultra-accurate timecode record weights 124 g and is one-minute split. Switching to DVS software on Master Tempo mode enables you to mix and scratch using the master tempo mode.
Control CD for CD players:
MixVibes’ high definition CD reacts just like a normal CD on a generic CD player. Its timecode was especially developed aside the one of our digital vinyl for better performances (definition of less than 3 ms). This special timecode provides precise hot cues and very short loops.
Extras included:
A connector cable set is included in the pack for an easy setup. Y-RCA is recommended to use to bypass your software and spin your traditional record without unplugging everything. The bypass is also managed through the software. Keyboard stickers are included to make a software control through your laptop keyboard.
New advanced features of the version 7
MIDI learning
As every controller has its own configuration, the DVS 7 is now including a very intuitive MIDI learning. It is really easy to map your favourite controller and control the DJ software. The version 7 includes pre mapped MIDI files for VCI-100, Hercules DJ Console RMX and MK2, Pioneer CDJ-400, M-Audio X-session and more…
16 patterns sampler
Samples in a mix enable you to get more interaction with your audience. Thanks to the integrated 16 pad sampler, you will send samples, loops or full songs live. You can choose among the 500 loops included in the software (FX, R&B, Hip-hop, Scratch,…) or load directly your own samples from the explorer.
14 FX and 7 VST included
Bring more creativity in your mix thanks to the FX included. Flanging, Phasing, Reverb, Echo are some of the 14 FX included. These FX can be adjusted in the HOME player or directly from your MIDI controller. Up to 6 FX can be affected at the same time.
DOWNLOAD MIXVIBES DVS 7 DEMO (for Windows PC)
DOWNLOAD MIXVIBES HOME 7 DEMO (for Windows PC)
Minimum Specs
Windows XP
Pentium III 1Ghz or equivalent
1 GB RAM
Service Pack 2 or higher
Hard disk space for music
One available USB port
Windows Vista
Pentium III 1Ghz or equivalent
1 GB RAM
Service Pack 1 or higher
One available USB Port
Hard disk space for music
Note :
This application is only Windows supported
This is the minimum requirement. We recommend to use an higher spec computer
International DJ Expo 2008 Takes Place This Week
The International DJ Expo is the World’s largest annual gathering of Professional DJs.
The International DJ Expo 2008 is scheduled for August 11th-14th at the Trump Taj Mahal Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2008, DJ Times is proud to commemorate this prestigious occasion with a multiplatform year-long celebration of the magazine and US DJ Culture. After several years at the Atlantic City Convention Center, DJ Times’ annual confab of DJs, gear manufacturers, and other industry movers & shakers, the International DJ Expo heads “Back to the Boardwalk” to the glittering Trump Taj Mahal Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.
The event will feature:
• Learn from over 30 educational seminars & hands-on product and technology workshops presented by our hand-picked selection of industry creatives and knowledgable, successful DJs, Remixers & Producers.
• Over 100 booths from the world’s Top Manufacturers featuring the very hottest & latest cutting-edge technology in audio, lighting, studio and specialty products.
• Establish invaluable contacts by day, networking with the industry’s top professionals & the leaders in music-technology products.
• Unforgettable special nighttime showcases, parties and sponsored events from top industry brands including Pioneer, Promo Only and others (TBA).
• Buy DJ Equipment, Accessories & Supplies at special deals you won’t find anywhere else.
• Exclusive giveaways galore, including the $25,000 Ultimate DJ System.
SEMINARS / PANELS / WORKSHOPS
• Intro, Kickoff & DJ Networking Seminar
• Bridal Show-Off: How to Maximize Your Booth Space & Create Referrals with Bridal Shows
• From First Call to Last Dance (Or Things You Already Thought You Knew About Weddings)
• Remixing 201: The Next Level
• Strategies for Financial Success: Tips for DJs in the New Economy
• The New Technology: The Latest for DJs
• MixMeister Sponsored Seminar: MixMeister — A Radical Departure
• Alternative DJ Markets & Navigating the New Music-Business Paradigm
• The Myths & Methods of Beatmixing
• New Jersey Disc Jockey Network Meeting
• Getting Into the Music: Making a Difference in Your DJ Business.
• Dancing on the Radio: Mixshows & More
• MixMeister Sponsored Seminar: MixMeister — A Radical Departure (A Reprise)
• DJ Recruitment with Mike Walter
• How to Create a Music Video in 20 Minutes
• The Big Switch: From CD to Software — Don’t Be Afraid
• Club DJ Confab: Mixing Tips & Career Solutions
• X-Laser Sponsored Seminar: Everything Lasers!
• DJ Expo Artist Panel: Clubland’s Hitmakers
• Multi-Op Challenges & Solutions
• Denon DJ Sponsored Seminar: The Evolution of DJing with Denon DJ
• Special Keynote Q&A: Grandmaster Flash
• Dmxsoft Sponsored Seminar: Understanding DMX & DMX Software/Introduction to Lumidesk—The World's Newest DJ Lighting Controller
• Dance the Day Away: Dances & Games
• Remixing/Producing: A Path to Success
• Pioneer Pro DJ Sponsored Seminar: Pioneer’s MEP-7000 — New Product Seminar
• Notes from the Mitzvah Maven
• Denon DJ Sponsored Seminar: The Evolution of DJing with Denon DJ
• Pioneer Pro DJ Sponsored Seminar: Taking Video to a Whole Other Level with the SVM-1000
• Ultimate DJ System Giveaway
PARTIES AND EVENTS
Nighttime events will take place at all the hot spots in Atlantic City. Showcases will feature performances from top DJs and dance music artists.
Monday, August 11
Mobile Kick-Off Party
The Casbah @ Trump Taj Mahal
8-10 pm
Hosted by Mike Walter of Elite Entertainment & featuring performances
from past “DJ of the Year” winners, plus a special set from Ultra Records artist Jes.
Free for all Full Expo Badgeholders.
DJ Times/Big Management Party
Club Worship—The Nightclub @ House of Blues
801 Boardwalk
10 pm – 4 am
Hosted by Vic Latino
Live Performances from Chris Willis, Judy Torres, Christian George & Ali Bertash
Plus DJs Mike Rizzo, Anthony Fonseca, Rod Carillo, Peter Presta, Johnny Budz & Camel Rider
Free for all Full Expo Badgeholders
Tuesday, August 12
PROMO ONLY/PIONEER PARTY
House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk
9 pm ’til ? Hosted by Joey Fatone
JUST ADDED: LIVE PERFORMANCE BY CYNDI LAUPER
Featuring Michelle Williams, Chris Willis, George Lamond, Sa-Fire, Tami Chynn, Lady Gaga & Katrina (formerly Katrina & The Waves)
Plus DJ/VJs: Roonie G, DJ 2nd Nature, DJ Kris P & Unique
Free for all Full Expo Badgeholders
Wednesday, August 13
“DJ of the Year Awards”
The Casbah @ Trump Taj Mahal
8-11 pm
Hosted by Mike Walter of Elite Entertainment,
the annual party will bestow awards to the best of the best from America’s Mobile Nation.
Free for all Full Expo Badgeholders
DJ EXPO AFTERPARTY at Ego Lounge
Located in the Middle of the Taj Casino Floor
11 pm ’til ?
Featuring DJ Skribble & “Friends of DJ Times” spinning
guilty pleasures all night.
Free for all Full Expo Badgeholders.
Who Attends?
• The Mobile DJ
The workhorses of the DJ industry, nobody purchases a wider range of audio and lighting products than the Mobile DJ. Their livelihood depends on source components, speakers, amplification, signal processors, lighting controllers and effects, digital playback systems, accessories, specialty items, and more.
• The Club DJ
These trendsetters are the people who rock your world and get the party started! The pulse of clubland, not only are they today’s rockstars and the jocks who break hits and careers, but their deep influence drives equipment purchases in America’s club systems.
• Remixer/Producer
They create the hits that push the trends. From such Platinum-selling producers like Timbaland and Scott Storch to Grammy Award-winning remixers Louie Vega and Deep Dish, America’s DJs have undeniably impacted all facets of popular culture with their music. Remember, clubland’s influence starts in the studio and remixer/producers require PCs, software, hardware, monitor systems, microphones, digital media storage devices and more.
• The Corporate Event DJ
These upper-tier event planners and performers rent and/or purchase a broad range of high-end multimedia products - audio, video, lighting – costumes, backdrops, and staging to deliver the ultimate entertainment experience for their clients.
• The Bedroom DJ
Everyone starts somewhere, right? Whether you’re rocking CDs, MP3s, or going old school with vinyl or you’re making music with vintage gear or a PC and plug-ins, you certainly honed your skills before you took it to the people. Each year, this hungry group of hustlers – the very future of the DJ market and culture – can be found at the International DJ Expo.
EXHIBITS & DEMO ROOMS
Over 100 booths and demo rooms from the world’s top manufacturers showing the very hottest and latest cutting edge technology in audio, lighting, studio, and specialty products.
Past year’s exhibitors include:
| Ableton AClassAct FX.com AKG Allen & Heath American Audio American Commodore Tuxedo American Disc Jockey Association American DJ Arriba Cases Audio Innovate Audio-Technica B-52 Bobby Morgenstein Productions Bose Cerwin-Vega Chauvet Color Kenitics Colorado Sound n Light Community Cortex Pro Creative Imagineering Denon DJ Disc Makers Discjockeys.com DJ Intelligence DJ RAK DJ SCREEN DJ Zone Elation Gator Cases GCG VIDEO Gemini Global Illuminations Island Cases J & M Entertainment JBL Jones TM JPEG Graphics Korg Mackie Majestic Latin CD Pool Makes Parties Martin Professional | M-Audio Mega Seg Mix Revolution Mystical Sounds N.A.M.E Native Instrumetns Nicolaudie America Inc. Numark Odyssey Cases Omnisistem Ortofon PCDJ Perfect Wedding Guide Pinto Novelty Pioneer Pro DJ Pro DJ.com Pro Flight Cases Promo-Only QSC Rane Rhode Island Novelty Road Ready SAE Sherman Specialties Shure Slappa Distribution Soundcraft Stanton Sure Glow Tapco Technics TriceraSoft UDG Ultimate Supports Ultra Select Software Vestax Virtual DJ Voco-pro Wharfedale Pro Windy City Novelty X-Mix Yamaha Yorkville |
If you have not already purchased your passes at the discounted rate, you can still pay full price at the Expo:
FULL DJ EXPO PASS (August 11-14, 2008)
This pass includes;
• 4 days of Seminars, Panels and Workshops
• Access to the Exhibits Hall for all three days.
• FREE entrance into Special Events and Parties listed on this site, printed brochure and ads.
On Site Registration is $350
EXHIBITS ONLY PASS (August 12-14, 2008)
This pass only includes;
• Access to the Exhibits Hall for the duration of the show
On Site Registration is $50
SPECIAL EVENTS PASS for $75
Can be added to an Exhibits Only Pass type which will grant you Access to all special Events and Parties listed on this site, printed brochure and ads.
DAILY PASSES
This pass includes;
• Any single day of Sessions and Workshops
• Access to the Exhibits Hall for the duration of the show
• FREE entrance into Special Events and Parties listed on this site, printed brochure and ads.
MONDAY, Day One (August 11th) $125
Sessions, workshops - (There are NO Exhibits on Monday)
TUESDAY, Day Two (August 12th) $150
Exhibits, sessions & workshops
WEDNESDAY, Day Three (August 13th) $150
Exhibits, sessions & workshops
THURSDAY, Day Four (August 14th) $100
Exhibits, sessions & workshop
Are DJ Apps Really What People Want For Their iPhones?
I have to agree with the fine folks over at Skratchworxwhen they question the concept of squeezing our beloved DJ and music apps on a tiny iPhone. I also have never had a desire to rush out and get an iPhone. I personally prefer any new software or electronics when it's reach at least it's 3rd or 4th release (iPhone is now on release 2, with their current 3G version). That's why I am quite happy with my Blackberry 8830.
How practical would it truly be to cram Pro Tools, MPC, Serato Scratch Live, Acid Pro, etc on a pocket-sized instrument? Granted, it will get you killer bragging rites, but nothing beyond that. Your screen is capable of only allowing 2 finger tips to control things. The sensitivity of the touchpad will make the functions extremely limited. Do you think you could actually DJ a gig using your iPhone and SSL apps, or sit on the train making the next #1 remix off your Pro Tools iPhone app? Hardly.
And I also agree with Skratchworx, that if anyone wants to invest in music app R&D, make something that is more of a peripheral, such as a plugin tool or trigger for cue points, trigger for samples, etc. That will be more practical.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Extending Album Art
Extending Album Art. This was an online B3TA forum challenge back in December 2007. The concept was use any tools available - you, your record collection, a camera, photoshop, a scanner, whatever works - show what happens beyond the borders of classic album sleeves, how the artwork continues.
This is a derivative of Sleevefacing.
The first image below is actually my own creation (which was not included in the original online challenge), followed by some selected images from the B3TA website.
Fred & Barney - Possibly The First Ever DJ's
The Flinstones doing a Winston Cigarette commercial showing off their record player.
Tuesday is VINYL RECORD DAY
Vinyl Record Day is August 12; the day Edison invented the phonograph in 1877. In February of 2002 the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors in California adopted a proclamation, conceived and written by Gary Freiberg, declaring August 12th as Vinyl Record Day in San Luis Obispo County.
In September California approved VRD as a Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation, on January 30th, 2003 the IRS deemed Vinyl Record Day the first vinyl related tax-deductible organization.
Vinyl Record Day is dedicated to:
The Preservation of the Cultural Influence, the Recordings and the Cover Art of the Vinyl Record
Celebrating our Fondest Music with Friends and Family
Promoting the Future of Vinyl 
For more information and how to participate, visit VinylRecordDay.org
