In this episode of infamous OCDJ-TV Steptone & Slowpitch dive into the the Space Bag of questions and attempt to find the true answers that lie beneath the surface of DJing & Production. Will they emerge successful!? Find out as they duck and dodge their way through the challenges of turntable, DJ, beat making, and all around electronic arts philosophy. [Introduction]
Ableton's Operator is a little intimidating at first, but it's often overlooked for more commercial plugins. It's a versatile instrument and with a little time you can be on your way to making your own patches and basslines. Operator is an FM (Frequency Modulation) Synthesizer with subtractive and additive synthesis. The Operator has 8 individual sections called ‘Shells’ and 1 display section at the centre. Depending on the shell you have selected, the centre display will show you a more detailed set of parameters from which you can modify your sound. For info on Off Centre's Producer Programs: http://www.offcentredj.com/producer-programs.html Oscillators : The noise makers inside the Operator. There are 4 oscillators (ABCD) which have their own parameters that can be tweaked in the centre display. Waveform : Essentially waveforms are a representation of sound and can be complex or simple. In Ableton we can choose from a 22 types of waveforms, design our own or choose from the fundamental waveforms, sine, saw, square and triangle. We’ll choose a sine wave as it has a prominent presence in the lower frequencies. Algorithm : In a nutshell Operator’s Algorithms are different routing options for the oscillators (ABCD). You can see that depending on which one you choose, algorithms can drastically alter your sound. [How to make the Bassline] 1. Generally, the sine wave registers the best in the lower frequencies so, to create our bass sound, we’ll go to our oscillator 'A' and leave the waveform to run a sine wave. 2. We’ll then change the Algorithm to the last configuration so that our oscillators will run independently. 3. Add another oscillator with the same sine wave to boost the fullness of the sound. You could also add a third oscillator and run another waveform on top of the sine waves to add some tones to the sine wave. [Additional Tweaks] Filter : The filter sections controls the Operator’s built-in filters. You can choose from a range of Filter-types (LP,HP,BP,Notch) and then adjust the cutoff with the Frequency knob which sweeps the band with whatever Filter-type you chose. The display will also allow you to change the envelope of the filter and also add curves to your waves with the Shaper Types. Choose from Soft, Hard, Sine or 4Bit to had that little bit of grit or guts to your sound. LFO : By default, The Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) shell will modulate the pitch of your oscillators ABCD, but can also modulate the filter cutoff depending on which ones you have turned on in the LFO centre display. Release: In the Oscillator display you can adjust the Release to extend the tail end of the signal. Doing so will lengthen or shorten the amount of time for the signal to decrease after the key has been released. A proper "release" (aka "drop") is one of the most important fundamental DJ techniques not only for scratching, but also for successfully mixing/transitioning from one track to the next. Since this is a cross fader dependent technique, In this video we take an in depth look at the role of each hand. Think tapping your head and rubbing your stomach! Just like any other instrument, it's all about developing hand and/or limb independence. This comes with time and lots of practice. A proper "release" (aka "drop") is one of the most important fundamental DJ techniques not only for scratching, but also for successfully mixing/transitioning from one track to the next. Since this is a cross fader dependent technique, In this video we take an in depth look at the role of each hand. Think tapping your head and rubbing your stomach! Just like any other instrument, it's all about developing hand and/or limb independence. This comes with time and lots of practice.
Next up - try the "Drop Cut": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGVHYg9340E Circles & Squares: http://www.circlesquaresound.com SUBSCRIBE to receive all the latest updates. The end game is to help you reach your creative potential. DJ Program info can be found at: http://www.offcentredj.com/dj-programs.html At Off Centre your DJ education begins with the original industry standard Technics 1200. Along the way you'll incorporate various skills, technologies, and philosophies to create clean, creative, and original mixes. Share the knowledge! Happy December! Some exciting things coming up for you. Here's a taste from our December newsletter. - Holiday Facebook photo contest: http://on.fb.me/1lPMJZL - Certificate programs: http://www.offcentredj.com/certificat... - Friends with benefits program (see written newsletter) Read the Full newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bHriOD
Superior Method is a Hip Hop and Funk artist that has been making some serious movements around Toronto. We caught up with him to talk about his new 6 song EP titled "BeHold".
OCDJ - How would you describe your style? SM - I truly feel that the Hip Hop genre has lost its roots from way back. I would describe my style as one that personifies the old school vibe. I am also experimenting with Funk, Jazz and Electronic. OCDJ - How Long have you been making music for? SM - I have been creating music for about 9 years, since I first sat down in front a computer and started experimenting with FL Studio. I became enthralled in making music that made me feel good - simple. I started off producing Reggae & Soca, and then proceeded to indulge in the world of Hip Hop, Funk, and Trap Music. OCDJ - Who are some of your early influences? SM - I credit the artists that have truly animated my musical arrangements. My very first song that I loved for a long time throughout my childhood and was a big influence on me was “ It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy. His music always involved good vibes and made you dance. Every track I write, I try to create something that will make you bob your head. The other prevalent artists that have had a lasting impact also range from Q – tip, A Tribe Called Quest, Method Man, Kanye West, Redman, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Dizzy Wright, Drake, Tori Kelly, J Cole, Chiddy Bang, Rihanna, and Immortal Technique. “All the essential tools you need to become successful, you already have, It's a matter of realizing your potential and then lighting up the path” - Superior Method 'Kool-Aid' OCDJ - How do you feel being an artist in this day and age from Toronto? SM - Toronto is home to a lot of varied talent, which is why I strongly believe I have to set myself apart in every possible way. My aim is to create intrigue with my art including a wide range of creative tactics. OCDJ - The delivery on 'Love Hip Hop' is very genuine, What is Hip Hop to you? SM - I sincerely regard music as a cognitive path that is distinctive to every single person in this universe. It goes beyond stimulating melodies you listen to however, the amount of pleasure and feeling an arrangement can cause is genuine. Love Hip Hop stemmed an expression of how I felt about the culture and its pioneers that led the way. Hip Hop nowadays is an entire culture that is getting overrun by the same ideas and tactics. OCDJ - Do you make your own beats and if so what is your approach to making music? SM - I use FL Studio to produce my own music. It’s a program that works for me and I love it. My approach comes from someone that wants to bring back the funk, the poetry and lyricism back. I also love meditating during the week for at least an hour every day to relax and have a clear mind when making music. OCDJ - Is there anything else you like to do in your spare time when you aren't writing? SM - I enjoy everyday like a new adventure and also enjoy meditating. I am currently bumping Chance The Rapper, Kehlani, and Camille Safiya. OCDJ - Any last words or projects coming up you'd like to tell the world? SM - I enjoy working with new artists all the time. I am the CEO of Superior Sound Group, which is my company I started last year. We are a collective of producers that help out vocalists or rappers that need quality instrumentals. Shoot over your music to jaydoodnauth@gmail.com. I’m open to all genres. Z103.5 will be playing out 'Love Hip-Hop' on Friday November 27th at 10pm. https://www.facebook.com/Superior-Method-1056291467725703/ https://soundcloud.com/jay-doodnauth Just one of the many ways to take your hand control, scratching, and turntable performance to the next level. SUBSCRIBE to receive all the latest updates. The end game is to help you reach your creative potential. |