Author Archives: Rob Sickelco

In fall, Reloop released the Tape 2 portable recorder, a convenient solution for DJs looking to record their mixes. The upgraded version of the original Tape boasts up to six hours of recording time and offers high-quality sound in either WAV or MP3 formats.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Tips and Tricks, Mojaxx takes a closer look to see how the Tape 2 improves on the original.

Related: Review: Reloop Tape (DJ Mix Recorder)

Chart-topping producer Louis Bell sat down for an interview on the music production show Pensado’s Place. Bell co-wrote and co-produced many of the songs on Post Malone‘s album beerbongs & bentleys, including the hits “rockstar” featuring 21 Savage and “Better Now.” The Boston native also worked with Post on “Wow.” and Preme‘s “Jackie Chan.”

In the interview, Bell talks about his studio sessions with Post before discussing his creative process, favorite plug-ins and more.

On creativity:

“I think that’s what creativity is, is taking something so small and being able to manipulate it and bend it and stretch it out, and, without watering it down. That’s the key.”

On what he looks for in his artists’ vocals:

“Feel, energy, vibe, and emotion. There’s no app yet that can fix that stuff, so that’s why I demand that.”

On what makes Post Malone unique:

“He sounds like he has so much soul and pain… and just hearing him sing, I just felt everything he was saying… There’s not one line that he sings, that he’s just singing to sing it.”

Watch the full interview above (it begins at the 7:56 mark).

Related: Chart-Topping Engineer Manny Marroquin Talks Working With Post Malone and More

Source: Ableton

Ableton has released the public beta of Live 10.1, the latest update to their popular music production and performance software. The update will feature workflow improvements, device enhancements, and more.

Upgrades to Live’s workflow include a resizeable arrangement overview window, pinch zooming, and streamlined keyboard shortcuts. The EQ, delay, and wavetable devices have also been enhanced, and the program will feature VST3 plug-in support.

The Live 10.1 release date has not been announced, but the beta is currently available to all Live 10 owners.

Learn more about Live 10.1 on Ableton’s website and watch the introduction video below.

Related: Watch: DJ Step1 Performs Routine Using Ableton Push 2

Swizterland’s DJ JAY-K has flipped Travis Scott’s‘s hit song “SICKO MODE” in a routine for DJcityTV. The track was one of DJcity’s most downloaded songs of 2018.

The turntablist is a four-time DMC Switzerland Champion and a three-time ITF Italy Champion. He is also the tour DJ for Italian artist Gue Pequeno.

Follow DJ JAY-K on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Related: Watch DJ JAY-K Flip Lil Uzi Vert’s ‘444+222’

DJcity’s Arizona representative Chris Villa performs a mini mix using two tracks from DJcity Trends and two throwbacks.

Tracklist:

1. David Banner – Get Like Me
2. 6ix9ine ft. Tory Lanez – KIKA – NXASTY Remix
3. Jay Z – I Just Wanna Love You – Chris Villa Acapella Transition
4. Don Diablo ft. Nate Dogg – I Got Love

Follow Chris Villa on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, and Twitter.

DJcity Trends is a monthly collection of tracks intended to help DJs discover new and buzzing club tracks. The songs are hand-picked by influential DJs from around the world.

Related: Watch Chris Villa’s ‘Trends Mix’ for January 2019

DopeOnigiri performs at Brauclub in Chemnitz, Germany on Feb. 2, 2018. (Credit: Max Patzig)

DJcity Japan member DopeOnigiri, also known as DJ OKI, has dropped a unique mix for the DJcity Podcast. His 52-minute set shines a spotlight on the Japanese hip-hop scene, and includes three exclusive tracks.

DopeOnigiri was the 2015 Red Bull Music 3Style University Japan Champion. He is currently the tour DJ for Japanese American artist MIYACHI.

Tracklist:

1. MIYACHI – Wakarimasen
2. MIYACHI – K.M.
3. ACKO ft. Taiyoh & Lazyy – Don’t Talk To Me 
4. SHAKKA BOZU – Mandara Loop
5. DJ CHARI & DJ TATSUKI ft. Yo-Sea & Ry-lax – 22VISION
6. DJ KANJI ft. Yo-Sea & Young Coco – 22VISION Remix
7. Normcore Boyz ft. Young Dalu, Gucci Prince, & Spada – Still Alive
8. Shurkn Pap –  Trap City HIMEJI
9. TACKMA ft. BBY NABE – Right Moves
10. REVi – KINISHINAI
11. AWICH – Kamihikouki
12. Lazyy – Street Lights
13. Shurkn Pap – Zero Gravity Drive
14. DJ Hazime & OZworld a.k.a. R’kuma – She Iz
15. Lazzy – Tokyo Metro
16. Shurkn Pap – Midnight Dancer
17. Jin Dogg ft. 23vrsz – AM 2:00
18. No name’s ft. Shurkn Pap – MOOD
19. DJ CHARI ft. Young Dalu, Ozworld a.k.a R’kuma & Shurkn Pap – CONTROL
20. MINMI ft. JP THE WAVY – Imagaii

Follow DopeOnigiri on Instagram and Twitter.

Related: DJ Floetic Delivers ‘DJcity Podcast’ Mix

Canadian turntablist deejay t-jr. has dropped a routine for DJcityTV. In it, she flips Anderson .Paak‘s “Come Down Remix” and Eric B. & Rakim’s “Know the Ledge.”

The Toronto native is a frequent competitor in the DJ battle circuit, including the DMC and IDA competitions. She was also a Red Bull Music 3Style IX Canada finalist.

Watch deejay t-jr.’s routine above.

Follow deejay t-jr. on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, and Twitter.

Related: Watch: Red Bull Music 3Style IX Canada Finalists

DJ DELightfull, a 25-year-old turntablist from Bulgaria, has delivered a routine for DJcityTV’s Bedroom Sessions. DELightfull cuts and juggles throwback hip-hop along with some jazz classics.

DELightfull has only been DJing for a few years, but he’s already performed throughout Europe and as far away as Scotland and China. In his hometown of Sofia, he runs a monthly event called “Beats and Cuts” with his crew The Innkeepers.

Tracklist:

1. Brooklyn Funk Essentials – Bop Hop
2. DJ Drez & Marty Williams – Jazz Funk
3. Cal Tjader – Cubano Chant
4. De La Soul – Watch Out – Instrumental
5. DJ DELightfull – Scratch Sentence
6. Jeremy Steig – Howlin’ For Judy
7. Starving Artists Crew – Motivate
8. Jurassic 5 – Gotta Understand

Follow DJ DELightfull on Facebook, Instagram, and Mixcloud.

Got what it takes to be featured on the next “Bedroom Sessions” episode? Send a sample video to brs@djcity.com.

Related: Watch DJ ELEOS’ ‘Bedroom Sessions’ Routine

Beatmatching is one of the first and most fundamental skills a DJ can learn. And as a result of music production software, most current songs have a consistent tempo throughout the track.

However, many older songs were recorded with live musicians, and thus have subtle changes in BPM. DJing with those songs adds an extra level of difficulty, requiring a keen ear and a lot of adjustments.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM talks about how mixing with live music can help improve your beatmatching.

Related: How to Organize Your Music Library

Spanish DJ/producer DJ Soak is back with a scratch routine for DJcityTV. The Valencia native showcases his skills over What So Not‘s 2013 trap anthem “Touched.”

Soak is a two-time DMC Spain champion and the 2006 ITF World vice-champion. In his last routine for DJcityTV, the turntablist performed an uptempo flip of Cassie‘s “Love a Loser” featuring G-Eazy.

Watch Soak’s routine above.

Follow DJ Soak on Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, and Twitter.

Related: Watch: ‘Inside Turntablists’ Puts a Spotlight on DJ Soak