News

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Fetty Wap’s ‘679 (Remy Boyz)’ Gains Momentum


 
Many DJs slept on Fetty Wap’s track “679 (Remy Boyz)” when it dropped nearly a year ago. However, thanks the New Jersey rapper’s breakout hit “Trap Queen” and a couple follow-ups, “679 (Remy Boyz)” is finally gaining momentum. We don’t know if it’ll come close to the success of “Trap Queen,” but the song is catchy and has received play on notable radio stations this week for the first time. Grab the clean, dirty and intro versions below.
 
Download: Fetty Wap ft. Montana Buckz – 679 (Remy Boyz)
 
Related: DJcity Picks: Notorious B.I.G., Fetty Wap, & More

| Tracks
Fetty Wap, Montana Buckz, Remy Boyz,
Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Watch Laidback Luke’s Workshop on ‘Real DJing’

Laidback Luke
Laidback Luke performing at WinterWonderland in Helsinki, Finland on February 21, 2015.
 
Although the phrase “real DJing” isn’t new, A-Trak and Craze transformed it into a worldwide movement last summer in response to the rise of “button pushing DJs.”
 
One of the “real DJs” that Craze cited in his definition of the term was house veteran Laidback Luke. The Dutchman isn’t a turntablist, but he’s proficient in other aspects of mixing and a leading proponent of “real DJing” within the dance community.
 
Luke does more than represent the movement at clubs and festivals, though. He’s also passionate about educating, and gave a workshop on “real DJing” at the Netherlands’ Dancefair conference back in February.
 
While most of the concepts and techniques covered in the workshop are basic, they’re essential for beginners and can be useful reminders for established DJs. Watch the entire video below.
 

 
We recommend watching the workshop from start to finish, but here’s a breakdown of the topics if you don’t have enough time:
 
– DJs who influenced Luke’s mixing style (3:00)
– Luke’s early days as a DJ (12:25)
– Preparing for sets (14:30)
– Organizing your library and mixing different genres (16:40)
– Knowing your equipment (19:55)
– Practicing at home (22:30)
– Looking for similarities between songs (23:40)
– Being a tastemaker and differentiating yourself (30:30)
– Reading crowds (34:35)
– Creating live mashups with acapellas (37:50)
– Dealing with stage fright (49:55)
– Audience questions (53:50)
 
Related: DJ Craze’s Definition of a ‘Real DJ’

| DJ Culture, Music Tech, Videos
Dancefair, Laidback Luke,
Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Dopey Celebrates Stevie Wonder’s Birthday with ‘Superstition’ Juggle


 
Stevie Wonder turned 65 today and to celebrate his birthday, former DMC World Champion Dopey put together a routine based on the singer’s 1972 hit, “Superstition.” Watch above as the Toronto native juggles through the funk classic, all while getting a haircut in the process.
 

“I’ve been a Stevie Wonder fan since a young age. My parents constantly played his music throughout my childhood, and I eventually rediscovered his music as a teen. His story personifies both courage, and inspiration. This is my little dedication to one of the most prolific artists in the 20th century.”

 
Related: Watch Dean Guest’s ‘Superstitious’ Routine

| Turntablism, Videos
Dopey, Routine,
Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Review: Lexdray Ibiza Pack

Lexdray Ibiza Pack
 
Introduction
 
We were recently on the hunt for a new DJ bag and came across Lexdray’s “Ibiza Pack.” Our intent was to find a high-end bag with a lot of room and style, and the Ibiza Pack’s hefty price tag of $425 caught our attention. Although it looks similar to Mono Case’s “Fly By” bag, the Ibiza is more functional and constructed with higher-quality materials. Here’s what we found.
 
Durability
 
Its outer layer is made of ballistic nylon and waterproof fabric, the interior is lined with high-quality nylon, and the laptop compartment is made with super-soft fleece. We put the zippers through a rugged test-drive and had no issues with them breaking or getting caught on anything. The stitching is also top-notch, and there are more than enough pockets. All the pack’s hardware is military-grade.
 
Ibiza Pack
 
Functionality
 
The best thing about the Ibiza Pack is the amount of space and compartments it has. Thanks to its 15 pockets (seven exterior and eight interior), we were able to store all our DJ-related tools along with extra travel accessories. The bag is divided into three main compartments, each with a specific storage purpose: needle cases, 12” vinyl and audio cables. Additional compartments for accessories like business cards, keys, and an iPad make the bag even more versatile. It also has a Velcro handle (for tote-style carrying) and adjustable shoulder straps for comfort and support.
 
Ibiza Pack (inside)
 
Style
 
Lexdray recognizes the benefit of offering limited edition products, so they only manufacture 300 packs at a time. This means that while the current Ibiza Pack features an olive colorway, each run has a different scheme. The company’s Creative Director Alex Drayer told us that they also switch up other features from time to time, such as the lining and zippers.
 
In terms of size, the Ibiza isn’t a big turtle-shell looking backpack, but it isn’t a slim inconspicuous bag either. Its dimensions are 13 inches wide, 19 inches tall and 7 inches deep.
 
Ibiza Pack
 
Conclusion
 
Although it’s expensive, the Ibiza Pack is a great choice for any DJ that travels with a lot of accessories on a regular basis. It’s TSA compliant, spacious and built for rugged use. The bag’s stylish design adds a cherry on top. However, DJs that perform with minimal setups, such as CDJs, might find the Ibiza Pack to be overkill.
 
Get more information about the Ibiza Pack at Lexdray’s website.

| Music Tech
Lexdray,
Tuesday, May 12, 2015

How to Avoid Redlining During Sets


 
It’s common knowledge to some DJs, but not everyone knows why you should and how to keep your audio levels out of the red. Here are three tips from DJcityTV’s Mojaxx.
 

“It’s your job as a DJ to make sure you’re giving your audience the best sound that’s possible.”

 
Related: Review: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2

| DJcityTV, Videos
Tips and Tricks,
Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Power 106’s Disko Drew Gets Groovy for His DJcity Podcast

Disko Drew
 
Though best known for working at Los Angeles hip-hop station Power 106, Disko Drew has an electric taste in music, and his mix for this week’s DJcity Podcast reflects that. Drew’s half-hour set features 12 groovy tunes, including a remix of Chaka Khan’s classic “Ain’t Nobody” by Felix Jaehn, the remixer of the world’s most Shazamed song. Stream and download Drew’s mix and listen to him on weekdays during Power 106’s “Noon Throwback Mix.”
 

[podcast]

Tracklist:

Candi Staton – You Got The Love – Deep Chills Remix
TLC – Waterfalls – Bixel Boys Remix
Human League – Human – URFRIENDS Remix
Chromatics – Cherry
CHVRCHES – The Mother We Share – Moon Boots Remix
Majid Jordan – All I Do
Post Malone – White Iverson – The Knocks Bootleg
Rhye – Open – Rhode & Brown Edit
Marina & The Diamonds – I Am Not a Robot – Penguin Prison Remix
Felix Jaehn ft. Jasmine Thompson – Ain’t Nobody (Loves Me Better)
Stromae – Papaoutai – KarskY Remix
Skrillex & Diplo ft. Justin Bieber – Where Are U Now

 
Follow Disko Drew: Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud | Twitter
 
The DJcity Podcast features the latest club music mixed by its team and guest DJs. Listen to a new 30-minute set every Tuesday on iTunes and Mixcloud.
 
Related: DJ Javin Drops Bass-Heavy Mix for DJcity Podcast

| DJcity Podcast, Mixes
Disko Drew, Power 106,

Popular