Click here to view the embedded video.

For more on Traktor DJ, check out DJ Endo’s Traktor for iPad overview in which he offer a deeper look at some of the key new features.

The new Native Instruments iPad app has now been released as Traktor DJ. It’s compatible with iPad 2 and above (it requires iOS 6), and it brings the full functionality of Traktor Pro to the iPad, minus a few things like external MIDI controller support or the ability to mix on four decks simultaneously (Traktor DJ for iPad only gives you two). NI have now followed up that initial photo of Hawtin with this promo video showing his first day using Traktor DJ for iPad… (more)

Digital DJing w/ Traktor Pro 2 Program

The definition of DJing has changed dramatically in the last decade. Laptops, controllers, and software have emerged alongside more traditional turntables and CDJ’s, smashing the barrier to entry. In today’s digital age, anyone can become a DJ. To reflect this renaissance, Dubspot has created the Digital DJing with Traktor program. In both our physical and online schools, students will learn how to DJ entirely with Traktor’s cutting-edge technology. An emphasis will be placed on the concepts of DJing rather than simply learning how to use the software.

Register today! Online classes start the week of April 7, 2013

What’s Included

• Digital DJing w/ Traktor Pro 2 Level 1: Introduction to DJing
• Digital DJing w/ Traktor Pro 2 Level 2: Phrase Mixing
• Digital DJing w/ Traktor Pro 2 Level 3: Beyond The Beatmatch

Digital DJing w/ Traktor Pro 2 Program

The week of April 7, 2013  ONLINE
The week of June 2, 2013 ONLINE
The week of August 4, 2013 ONLINE

“I love the class, and the content! Shiftee and Endo are very funny, and very clear, so the material is easy and fun to follow! I wish my college teachers were more like these two!” – Leandro Martinez, Chicago IL

More start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

If you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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Click here to view the embedded video.

Brandt Brauer Frick have created a unique sound that embraces elements of classical music composition and house music by way of live instrumentation and technology. Using live strings, horns, piano, drums and synthesizers, Brandt Brauer Frick define a modern sound that bears the influence of minimal house producers like Matthew Herbert and Theo Parrish but stands on its own as a unique take on the genre. After establishing themselves with the You Make Me Real LP, the band embarked on a world tour that landed them in New York City for the Out of Doors festival at Lincoln Center, where Dubspot caught up for a unique look at the trio’s creative process.

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Loco Dice has been tearing up clubs and DJ playlists over the past 7 years with a blend of house and techno that has appeared on labels such as Ovum, Desolat, Coccoon, and M_nus. With a sound that straddles minimal techno and funky house, Yassine Ben Achour has quickly become a star of the DJ circuit. Dubspot’s Alex Burkat caught up with Loco Dice for a chat this past December while he was getting ready to hit the decks at Pacha in NYC.

Alex Burkat edits videos at Dubspot, DJs/produces bass music as Rx, and is part of a Philadelphia based DJ / art collective called DUSK

.

Related Dubspot Courses Starting Online & in New York City:

Digital DJing w/ Traktor Pro 2 Program starts February 5th Online.

DJ Extensive Program

Immerse yourself in the complete art of DJing from beatmatching to stage presence. Whether you’re a beginner in search of the fundamentals or a seasoned pro looking to take your talent to the next level, our curriculum is designed to accommodate all skill levels and styles of music. This comprehensive DJ program covers everything from basic mixing to advanced digital DJing. Learn more about our DJ courses and programs.

What’s Included:

• DJ Level 1: Rookie Sessions | Essentials I
• DJ Level 2: Phrase Mixing | Essentials II
• DJ Level 3: Beyond The Blend | Intermediate Skills
• DJ Level 4: Preparation | DJ Psychology
• DJ Level 5: Classroom to the Club | Advanced Techniques I
• DJ Level 6: Club to the World | Advanced Techniques II

“I love the class, and the content! Shiftee and Endo are very funny, and very clear, so the material is easy and fun to follow! I wish my college   teachers  were more like these two!” – Leandro Martinez, Chicago IL

Start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

Or if you have questions, please call 877.DUBSPOT or send us a message.

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With Resident Advisor’s presence in the American, UK and German music communities it may come as a surprise to learn that the site was created by three Aussie’s from down under. Paul Clement, Nick Sabine, and David Berkley started Resident Advisor in 2000, and have since amassed a sizeable following of electronic music fans. And make no mistake, Australia is a significant force in today’s electronic music world, many of the world’s best producers and festivals located there; unfortunately, its relative distance from hubs like Berlin, London, and New York can too easily make it appear at the sidelines. With offices in Berlin and London, and music writers stationed around the globe, RA delivers insights on DJs and music communities around the world.  RA also offers a highly consistent DJ mix podcast, a for interviews with influential artists and the active (spirited, some might say) user-forums that RA hosts.

On the Resident Advisor website now is one of Dubspot’s best contests ever.. and to enter all you have to do is answer one question. Three different prizes are offered, each of which include a piece of gear alongside a free related online course.  For those interested in Ableton, one winner will receive a free copy of Live Suite (a nearly $600 value) alongside a producer certificate program in Ableton, a $6500 value! Yes, there is over $7,000 worth of goods for one winner. The other two prizes include a course in sound design and synthesis with a Native Instruments package of Komplete 7 and Maschine, as well as a course in digital DJing with Traktor, coupled with Traktor 2 and the Kontrol X1.

In the coming months stay tuned for some unique integrations of Dubspot’s own community of producers, DJs and tech experts with Resident Advisor. You may find Dubspot instructors popping up in RA forums for official Q&A’s with RA readers, or contests for free online courses in the production software of your choice. Dubspot also has an absolute treasure trove of excerpts from various online courses, some of which may be integrated within relevant forum threads. The possibilities only begin here, as Dubspot has combined a truly unparalleled experience of brick and mortar classrooms alongside a digital learning experience that reflects the future of music as well as those who are making it. Resident Advisor also sets the bar high for their quality, and we at Dubspot share many of the same values as we strive to offer world-class insight and knowledge in an era of exciting and fast-paced musical possibility.

From Resident Advisor website:
Dubspot, the New York-based academy is giving away its expertise and some hefty gear for free.

With its range of online programs, Dubspot is now making it easier than ever to become the producer you’ve always dreamed of. There’s no need to even leave the comfort of your couch: Students typically receive video, audio and text materials at the start of each week, allowing them to progress at their own pace. And, unlike self-teaching, Dubspot’s industry-experienced instructors hold bi-weekly chats with their classes, later offering personal feedback on the music. Still, the best is yet to come. Where other courses offer only certificates at completion, Dubspot goes one better. Their top courses conclude with a multi-track EP, entrance into a remix competition and a scored commercial. Who wouldn’t want a piece of that tasty pie?

Never one to do things by halves, RA has teamed up with Dubspot to offer a choice of three different prize packs, each offering up the software, hardware and know-how to become a master in the field. So: one prize winner will be enrolled in Dubspot’s Ableton Live Producer Certificate Program, and receive a copy of Live Suite. A second name will win enrollment in a Sound Design and Synthesis program, and a new copy of Native Instruments Komplete 7 software, and a Maschine hardware controller. Finally, a further prize winner will receive Traktor 2 software, Kontrol X1 DJ gear and a 12 session Digital DJing course.

Prizes
One winner will receive:
- Ableton Producer Certificate Program + Live Suite

One winner will receive:
- Sound Design & Synthesis Program with Komplete 7 + Komplete 7 + Maschine

One winner will receive:
- Digital DJing with Traktor Course + Traktor 2 & Kontrol X1

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Tomorrow marks the release date of Sandwell District‘s much-anticipated first album entitled Feed-Forward. The 9 track album will be available on CD and also as a (limited) double vinyl package that will also come with a 7” and a printed fanzine from Juan Mendez. The album was originally slated for November release but then got delayed until December 20. At least two shops online (Halcyon and Bleep) are stocking the album. This LP will be the first album project that Sandwell District has created and comes 8 years after the rumored beginnings of the collective – hence the excitement amongst fans to get their hands on a copy. Early reports say that the album retains the same dark, metallic, hypnotic and complex feelings as the previous Sandwell singles but it also has enough depth and variation to work as an album format.  While we wait for our copy to arrive we have a video link from Culture Box that features an interview with producers/DJ’s Regis and Function (who are both part of Sandwell District) discussing the history, sounds and philosophy that influenced this interesting collective of artists.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you haven’t heard of Sandwell District yet, it’s probably not your fault. The series of record releases that started appearing in 2002 had no advertising, no mailing address, no phone number and no website. Just a stamp with the name and sometimes some lo-fi artwork to accompany the dark, steely and hypnotic music. Sandwell District was never meant to to be discovered easily. The mysterious packagings of dark, dubby and metallic techno record were hypnotic rituals that touched people who felt they understood this refined sound and minimalist presentation.

Sandwell District mix Resident Advisor Podcast by minimalist86

There is, of course, a method to the magic behind this project. The refined sound of the Sandwell District collective comes from four of the world’s best techno producers: David Sumner (Function), Juan Mendez (Silent Servant) and Karl O’Connor (Regis) and Peter Sutton (Female) create most of what Sandwell District publishes. While it seems that O’Connor had a hand in organizing the first brainstorms he credits Sumner with the refinement of the music and sticking to a very specific sound. Juan Mendez designs all the artwork and runs the Where Next? blog which seems to be an inspiration builder for ideas and images. O’Connor on Juan Mendez’s artwork and design for the label:

“Juan Mendez suggested we should make a record to accompany the Where Next fanzine he was doing and we all found the idea appealing: buy a fanzine get a free comp. I think we’ve been influenced by his artwork so I guess [the music] will have a very heavy, hypnotic theme.

The sounds these producers have released together are similar in form to records on O’Connor’s Downwards label but also give a nod to labels like Basic Channel and Factory Records in style and presentation. Each release has seen different combinations of the these four producers aiming towards a hypnotic combination of dub and techno that have consistently gotten deeper and weirder and cooler. The tracks fall around the 126 bpm range and bring a dub drone of bleepy, groovy techno that remains purist in form but flirts with distant ska rhythms and catchy percussion.

Sandwell District Live @ Planet Rose, Nijmegen – 14-02-2009 by R_co

On a musical level I have enjoyed the records from these four producers and find myself falling into the grooves between basslines and bleeps. I love this sonic space. It’s a little dissonant and not everyone is feeling it but it seems to appeal directly to the body, bypassing critical thought pulling me into the groove. On a philosophical level Sandwell District are showing us (by example) how to make art for the sake of art. In a time where everything that is produced/sold in the world is becoming a product of marketing, it feels refreshing to find a sound that resonates with so many yet is advertised to none.

Sandwell District / Feed-Forward  / Track list

A1. Immolare (First)
A2. Immolare (Second)
A3. Immolare (Third)
B1. Grey Cut Out
B2. Hunting Lodge
C1. Falling The Same Way
C2. Svar
D1. Double Day
D2. Speed + Sound (Endless)

Limited bonus 7″ tracklist:
A1. Readymade – 1
B1. Readymade – 2

Michael Walsh is an audio/visual artist and journalist living in Los Angeles. Read more of his work at soundsdefygravity.com

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Monkeytown Records was spawned as a way for Modeselektor to form a cult like Jim Jones, they joke in their usual custom. “We’re the gurus!”

But for all the fun and games, there’s a darker half to them that reveals itself in their music. “The monkey face of Modeselektor, he’s not a smiling monkey,” one of them says in what can only be truth through humor.

This side of the duo could probably be attributed to their upbringing in East Germany, which saw the Berlin Wall smashed in their early teens, bringing with it the chaos of unbridled and unexpected freedom.

“Everyone was confused. There was anarchy,” they recall. “Even the police didn’t know what was going on. No one was prepared. So when there was an empty house with 500 people raving inside, the police would be standing outside not knowing what to do. Is it forbidden or not? The house is empty, but nobody knows who owns the house. So they disturbed nobody.”

[Image: Modeselektor. Song: Moderat -- "Rusty Nails (Shackelton Remix)" (50 Weapons, July 2010).]

“Sometimes you had the feeling that you could build your own society. Everywhere was a feeling of breakup and a feeling of depression at the same time. Mixed feelings, insecurity and big hopes everywhere.”

And within that account of a historic time and place is also succinct description of their music. Their sound hungrily digests an open-minded array of styles and repurposes them for their own needs. It has become a new, passionate beast, tearing through clubs and headphones with an energetic pace, colored with the shadowy grays of the crumbling landscape of their home.

They were brought up on techno, and those roots continue to form the healthy base of their constantly evolving sound. Bronsert got his start working at the well respected Hard Wax record store. “It was like being at techno university,” he recalls. Szary was an engineer for a youth center. The two worked the local scene there, steadily building a name for themselves until they caught the eye of BPitch Control, who set them on the course for global notoriety.

With BPitch, they unleashed a steady roll of sound, beginning with melancholy thoughts that wonder from the dancefloor on In Loving Memory, their first EP from 2002. They would go on to blend breakcore, a glitchy fire, and a stern acid glare with their techy origins. Eventually the two took an interest in hip hop and then dubstep, resulting in the sound they’re now known for.

[Siriusmo "Loosie" (Monkeytown, July 2010).]

Collaborations with other musicians would become a staple of their output, and their Moderat alias – which is Modeselektor and Apparat – became a critical notch in their belt.

“Apparat played with an early powerbook, a futuristic Motormix controller and custom made software. [Bronsert] called it ‘girl-electro’,” they say about the beginning of their relationship. “Plus Modeselektor were really into the technologic side of Apparat’s set. At this time people were like ‘Wow, so much sound with just one laptop’ when they saw a laptop set! Well, we started working on our live setup, Apparat integrated some analog stuff again and Modeselektor switched to his software, which they still use now, eight years later.”

“We created this Moderat thing to go back to our own productions with a new verve. Collaborations like these also help a lot with your own stuff.”

Modeselektor‘s diverse range of interests and desire to work with others was eventually passed on to Monkeytown, the label that saw its first release in 2009. While they clown around about it being the start of their new cult, it really was rooted in family and friends. They wanted to create a support network for those close to them and the artists creating a sound they wanted to support.

Siriusmo, a fellow Berliner, became the label’s initial focus. Its first two releases were his EPs. His style is bright with a strong attention to song structure. The first effort, The Uninvited Guest, was rooted in electro, but The Plasterer Of Love saw the development of a broader array of sounds while keeping with his celebratory nature.

[Thom Yorke - "Skip Divided (Modeselektor Remix)" (Xl Recordings, Aug. 2008).]

The subsequent release, however, saw a more familiar theme, one hard to categorize but using dubstep and techno as a starting point. Modeselektion Vol. 1 ranged from the blip hop of eLan to Cosmin TRG‘s mutant house to the bottomless well of percussive hits by Robag Wruhme.

Monkeytown also saw the mysterious birth of an imprint. Modeselektor dropped a white label under the 50 Weapons alias incorporating 50 Cent’s vocals from “Just A Little Bit”. Eventually it became an open secret that they made it, and the duo decided to continue Weapons as a label until it reaches 50 releases, and then they will dead it. So far, they’ve released a bunch of instrumental remixes of that original tune, called “Untitled”. Recently they unveiled a compilation called 50 Weapons of Choice # 2-9, which only includes some of the the releases within the catalog, and some that weren’t a part of it.

This chaotic imprint, spawned by a legally ambiguous launch, is something of a return to that place of their youth.

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Fast-rising techno producer and DJ Seth Troxler stops by Dubspot NYC earlier this year for an interview in which he talked about his early introduction to electronic music (at the tender age of eight), collaborating and developing a relationship with labels and producers in and outside of his local scene, traveling to Europe and playing random gigs, and building a resume that include releases on some of electronic music’s finest imprints such as Minus, Spectra, BPitch Control, Circus Company, Wagon Repair, and Esperanza, and also playing gigs and festivals around the world from London’s Fabric to Montreal’s MUTEK, not to mention holding multiple residencies in clubs in Berlin and Zurich.

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Seth started listening to house music when he was about eight years old. His mother and stepfather were both involved in Detroit’s house music scene. Seth explained how he and his friends “began listening to records and tapes, a lot of Dance Mania records and old house music, records and cassettes” in their early teens. He received his first turntables at age fifteen, and starting DJing during freshman year in high school. He attended the same school as Matthew Dear.
Seth discussed a lot more in this interview – from his various current projects, recent releases such as Boogybytes Vol.05 mix CD, which came out on Ellen Allien’s BPitch Control label and his ongoing collaboration wth Ryan Crosson and Lee Curtiss as Visionquest, which will materialize as an incredible live audio/visual performance piece (they plan to consult good friend Richie Hawtin on the piece) to revealing the most useful advice he’d ever received as a DJ, and his general philosophy on DJing – “DJing is like bar-tending.  You’re there to make drinks, if they enjoy the drink, everyone is happy. Observe the crowd, and respond to them.”

2010-03-06 – Seth Troxler (Wagon Repair) @ Fabric London by nightclubber.ro

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