If you live in Toronto and you're into Techno then you should know the name Murr. Further more if you are a fan of music that promotes empowerment then another name that should be on your list is Lal, Murr's band of 16 years crafting sophisticated world-inspired music. We've been a fan of Murr since back when he was a part of Toronto based, Juno award winning Hip Hop beat chemists Da Grassroots. Nicholas Murray aka Murr has since then moved on to making some serious electronic music releasing work on labels New Kanada Recordings, Public Transit Recordings, Thoughtless and more. He currently works doing sound design with theatre companies and continues to devote many hours into uplifting his community through workshops and events. Murr and his longtime partner/colaborator Rosina Kazi (pictured above right) celebrate their sweet 16 as Lal November 15th, 2014 at the beautiful Gladstone Hotel {EVENT PAGE}
Our very own beat genius Pursuit Grooves will also be on the bill alongside Moe Clark (from Montreal) and Toronto's Deejay LEllo Mello L'Oqenz. Just for you we caught up with Murr for a few questions. Check them out below. OC - When did you start making music? Do you remember why? Murr - 1995 My brother is also a musician he would buy samplers and keyboards i would use them when he was not at home OC - Who or what are some of your early influences? Murr - Mainly listening to community radio . Grandmaster Flash, Marley Marl would be my biggest OC - Favourite place to get inspired in the city? Murr - I do not really believe in the whole inspiration thing any more. I feel it is more about discipline and repetition .When I was into inspiration High Park best place in the city. OC - What are your favourite musical tools? Murr - The tools that make me whole are my s-700 sampler and computer running pro tools 11 also i am really into my ms-20 right now OC - Any advice to new producers? Murr - Develop a community of like minded artist and feed off each other. Be very intentional with your own sound . Develop your own style. OC - What can Murr fans look forward to? Murr - New single with Lal coming out on DNH, Nick holder's Label. Tiny Mirrors The remixes. Check out past interviews/artist features HERE! Vanese Smith aka Pursuit Grooves a native of Maryland (now based in Toronto), influenced by Soul, R&B, House and Electronic music just dropped a brand new EP called "Lift". On this beautiful piece of work PG not only displays here signature production style but also presents her sultry and very hypnotizing voice. Overall the EP is well rounded and a perfect lift to get your day, afternoon or night started. Preview and download it HERE!
Register today to take part in Pursuit Grooves next Hardware Sampling Program by clicking HERE. Off Centre instructor Cheldon Paterson (SlowPitch) takes the turntable to uncharted territories Sunday October 12th at the Musideum in Toronto. "The highly cinematic journey will consist of organic sounds, uniquely created by using the turntable as an instrument. The music is further brought to life by numerous filters and effects in tandem with Paterson's hypnotic tribal rhythms." Find out more HERE! For a closer look and study of the world of turntablism we cover everything from fundamental "golden era scratches" to more advanced, musical and experimental turntable manipulation. We offer courses that will satisfy your curiosity and help you get your creativity and execution to the next level. Read more about our turntablism programs HERE. It's always nice to find a finished project from a former student waiting in our mailbox. The Shadow Conspiracy Mixtape Vol. 1 by Camp Casual roots itself in a classic hip hop demeanour and never neglects the art of digging and sampling. Thanks for the drop off Dave (aka Dolo Cruz)! We see you've been putting your Maschine to good use. If you are a former or current student at Off Centre and wish to share your project(s), feel free to drop it off in our mailbox/inbox anytime or come to one of our Student Nights, say hello, and give it to us in person! We love watching all our students grow and succeed as great artists, and we'll definitely be there to support you along the way. Make sure to leave us a link where people can find your music online, be sure to tell us about what's been happening with you, and we'll help spread the word. More on Camp Casual: http://eardownrecords.com/ https://soundcloud.com/eardown-records On April 5th, 2014 Splattermonkey joined us for an up close and personal Q&A at Off Centre, breaking down the ins and outs of creating successful and long running DJ nights, the art and joy of digging, and the many things in between that make up a DJs life.
http://www.mixcloud.com/splattermonkey/ https://www.facebook.com/djsplattermonkey https://twitter.com/SplattahMunky As part of our December 2013 Student Night, on the biggest Toronto snow storm in years, special guest Basic Soul Unit blessed a full house of Off Centre students and staff with a thoughtful, modest, and real account of the music industry and his career to date. Reflecting his diverse interest in music, Stuart's house & techno productions can swing from lush and soulful to crunchy and jacking. He has released and remixed music on respected labels such as Nonplus+, Dolly, Philpot, Mathematics, Mule Electronic, Versatile, Ostgut Ton, Créme Organization & New Kanada. The end of 2012 saw the the release of Basic Soul Unit’s first album “Motional Response” on Chicago’s Still Music to great critical acclaim. Hardware Sampling In a stimulating and relaxed class environment you will learn several approaches to sampling and track creation using the iconic Roland SP-505 hardware sampler. The ease of use and inherent limitations of this machine emphasizes the users creativity and maximizes their ideas. All of the methods learned can be applied to multiple platforms. The goal of this 6 session program is to encourage female contribution in a male dominated field and to encourage pure creation and experimentation rather than just technical expertise. Throughout the course you will be exposed to prevalent female producers past and present that have made their mark on the industry. Taught by internationally established music producer Pursuit Grooves who has been making beats for over 15 years. |